This is the next saga set after 'Normal Friends From Strange Places'. If you want to understand this fic, you better read 'Normal Friends From Strange Places' first. All characters you don't recognize belong to me. The Kai Elect Gohan belongs to Nadia Rose.
The lullaby was 'All Through the Night'. I don't know who wrote that.
Bold New Worlds
Part 1
By Maria Cline
"Thank you for letting us stay here Kaioshin," Bulma said as she and her parents started setting up their equipment. It was been only a couple of hours since the warriors had been exiled from Earth.
"It's the least we can do." Kaioshin said, "This palace is meant to house thousands of entities; it can handle a hand full of mortals, no offense."
"None taken." Bulma said as she finished her setting up the equipment. "I'm going to check on the others."
"Go ahead."
Bulma sighed as she walked out of the room and into a huge hallway. It was one of the many buildings Kaioshin owned to house his many knights. Thankfully it was deserted, giving the now-exiled Z Warriors plenty of room to recover from their losses and plan what to do next.
She came up to the Announcer who was sitting on a bench with his jacket off and his tie loose this was one of the few times she saw him so exhausted. "Hey, Announcer, you okay? I'm sorry we dragged you into this mess."
"Not at all." The Announcer sighed as he leaned back. "I just never thought I would go into Heaven while still alive."
"Yeah, it's a little strange at first but you get used to it." Bulma chuckled as she sat next to him. "This day has been stressful."
"Tell me about it. I actually left in the middle of the Tournament." The man stopped and realized what he was talking about. "Sorry, I..."
"Hey, that's okay. Lazarus is the clear winner. No one is blaming you for wanting you to do your job, Ann-" Bulma stopped and sighed. While it hadn't felt like such a bad thing before, she had just realized something important. "Look, you're part of this situation now and none of us even know your real name! What should we call you?"
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses. He never really had a reason to give his name to the public. The Tournament occurred only once every three years or so and he didn't care about the public image. "Hmmm...well...actually..." he chuckled and said, "My parents are fairly odd and they gave me a strange name. My real name is Agent Kay."
"Agent Kay?" Bulma repeated stunned. "And I thought my parents were demented in naming me after underwear. Well Agent Kay... I better go and check on my family."
"Go ahead."
Bulma shook her head as she got up and went to the first room. It was spacious like all the others. The room had a small crib and a pair of beds with various ornaments unlike any she'd seen on Earth. Chi Chi was sitting in her chair knitting a long scarf while Goten and Trunks were asleep on a bed. Goku was lying next to the crib keeping a careful eye out. Bulma stared at the quaint scene for a long moment. It looked so ordinary, like something out of a picture book, and yet the circumstances were far from normal.
Chi Chi looked up and said, "Bulma, Vegita's still asleep. Goten and Trunks just collapsed after they got here. Poor dears, they were just exhausted."
"What about you and Goku?" Bulma asked as she sat next to her friend.
"Fine." Chi Chi held up her knitting. "I don't know why, but I had the urge to knit. I guess... even as a Saiyan, some things never change." She chuckled and then shook her head. "I can't believe it. Gohan's gone. The idiot sacrificed his own life just to bring back the others." She wiped her face as tears threatened to come. "But what do you expect, he is Goku's son."
"Sorry, Chi Chi, but it was the only way." Goku said as he lifted his head.
Bulma's jaw dropped at the voice. "GOKU?! You... can talk?!"
Goku chuckled as he ducked his head down sheepishly. "Piccolo gave me that translator you invented. He felt it would be easier for me to communicate for a while."
Bulma scowled. "PICCOLO STOLE MY TRANSLATOR?! HOW COULD HE?! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT FOR WEEKS?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Shhh... Vegita." Chi Chi said as she waved her arms.
Bulma stopped and looked at the still sleeping infant. "Okay." She whispered, "Where's your parents?"
"Ox-King and Octavia are patrolling outside. I guess they wanted to catch up. It's incredible. I don't really remember my mother but when she was with me as Firestorm, I just felt comfortable."
"Yeah, I have to say one thing; Vegita was right. Firestorm and Goldheart were more than they appeared." Bulma sighed as she glanced at Goku who was just watching the crib. It was strange for her to see her old friend in a body of a dog. Of course, Goku didn't act different as Goldheart; they were both kind and fun to be with. They both had that aura that made everyone they meet trust them. It was appropriate for him to be a dog since he had always been a puppy at heart and yet when things got serious, he would lay down his life for his friends.
"Yeah... I hope Vegita is okay," Chi Chi confessed as she gazed at the crib. "I know that it must be hard for you."
"I'll manage. I mean, you and Goku manage to be together despite the... circumstances," Bulma said as she stared at the two "How do you guys do it? How can you cope?"
"We just learned to roll with the punches," Goku said. "I learned a long time ago to just deal with what fate dealt me and I'll be fine."
"Yeah. Besides, Vegita looks cute and is still himself at the same time," Chi Chi pointed out.
"Okay, I agree, he's adorable." Bulma chuckled as she went up to the crib and brushed Vegita's bangs.
"Not now... woman." Vegita muttered from the crib.
"Oh boy." Bulma hesitantly picked up the now-infant Vegita. "Vegita? Can you hear me?"
Vegita opened his eyes and glanced around. "I'm alive." He grunted as he lifted his head up to see Bulma holding him in her arms. He glanced down to see his long monkey tail behind him and out of a strange pair of sailor pants and wht felt like a small white diaper underneath. **Diaper?** He looked at her and then at his surroundings. It all made sense and he screamed, "IT'S NOT A DREAM?!"
Chi Chi, the now-awakened Trunks and Goten, Bulma, and Goku stared at the infant. Finally Goku said, "Hey, Vegita, feeling better after your nap?"
"Shut up, Kakarot," Vegita spat. He pouted and crossed his arms, trying to look menacing, only to appear adorable. Chi Chi and Bulma giggled at the futile attempt. Vegita noticed them and scowled. "It's not funny." he snapped in a soft chibi voice. Goten, Trunks, and Goku joined in the laughter. Vegita's tail bristled up and he screamed, "I'M SURROUNDED BY FOOLS!"
Bulma stopped her laughing and held the baby tighter. "No one calls me a fool. For that, you are coming with me to check on the others."
Vegita blinked and screamed, "What?! I'm not going out dressed only in a diaper and this embarrassing outfit! Forget it! No way!" He shook his head as he threatened to cry.
"Oh, Vegita, you're acting like a baby." Bulma said as she walked out of the room with a struggling infant.
"Oh ha ha. Let me go! I'm not going! You can't make me!"
*****
"He's... adorable!" Lunch cooed as she picked up the infant Vegita and snuggled him. "Oh wes you war... such a cutie baby waby..."
The infant growled at the 'baby talk' that the woman was unleashing at him. It was humiliating to be coddled and hugged. He hated being hugged and told how cute he was. Most Saiyans considered 'cute' to be an offensive term unfortunately, most of them are dead. "Stop that nonsense babble or I will blow your head off," he threatened as he held up his infant fist.
"Even his threats are so cute!" Lunch gushed as she hugged him. "Oh, he's so cute! All infants are so adorable... much like..." She paused as tears came to her eyes. "Trey chan and Trigun chan!" She sniffed as she gave Vegita back to Bulma. "Oh... Trey chan... Trigun chan..."
"Don't worry, Lunch. Your son is still alive somewhere," Bulma insisted. "Gohan made sure of that."
"We know," Tien said as he held his wife close to him. "I want you to know that I want to join you in the hunt. Trey, Trigun, and I haven't been that close in the past... I just want to make it up."
Bulma patted the triclops on the arm. She had known him for many years, and in those years and all the fights they contained, Tien gave all he had. "I know. Don't worry, you will be one of the first to know. You just rest and we'll talk about it later."
"Thanks," Lunch said as she smiled slightly. "How's Goten, Goku, and Chi Chi doing? I mean, it must be so hard for them to loose Gohan like that."
"They're dealing with it fine; they're strong people," Bulma said as she smiled slightly, "But, I'm sure they wouldn't mind talking to you. Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Lunch blushed slightly and said, "Well... I have a camera with me and I think I need a picture of Vegita in that adorable outfit!"
Vegita's jaw dropped as he looked up at the two women. "What?"
*****
"I hate being an infant." Vegita growled as he looked down at his outfit. Tien had the power to conjure clothes that were comfortable while durable enough to handle anything. Lunch showed Tien what she wanted in his mind and he conjured it up. If he didn't know any better he could've sworn that Tien was finally unleashing some revenge for what he did when he first came to Earth. Of course, Lunch wanted a picture of him in that silly outfit for all of eternity.
"You look cute," Bulma commented as she adjusted Vegita's hat. Before he was dressed in nothing but a diaper and an adorable sailor suit; now, he was dressed in a blue and white sailor suit with a little sailor hat.
"I feel silly," Vegita insisted, "You know that Saiyan infants are feared throughout the universe right? No decent infant would be caught dead in these clothes!"
Bulma pecked her husband on the nose and whispered, "You still look adorable. Besides, you have your tail back."
Vegita just crossed his chubby arms and looked away. "I wanna be an adult again. Where are we going now?"
"To see Bardock, Puar, and Yamcha. I think they're rooming together." Bulma replied.
Vegita's jaw dropped. Bardock was the only other full-blooded Saiyan alive in this world. He was one of the few that actually treated him with the respect only another Saiyan can give. "YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE BARDOCK SEE ME LIKE THIS?!"
"Come on, he's a reasonable Saiyan. He won't laugh." Bulma promised.
"What about Yamcha and Puar?" Vegita snapped.
Bulma looked away as she thought about her old boyfriend and his sidekick. "Can't make any promises."
*****
Yamcha and Bardock sat together in silence. Ever since they met, there had been some strange attraction between them. At first Yamcha thought it was just friendship like he had with Puar. Then there were insane urges and bizarre dreams of Bardock running around naked. He simply put that off as bad meat and memories of Goku nude. After the dreams came the sparring; he loved those spars more than anything. Even after Bardock became a Super Saiyan, Yamcha loved to fight with him, to touch him, and to be stronger than him. Now everything made sense, there was more relationship than he would ever dream.
"So... Bardock, I understand that you are going to focus on freeing the Saiyans?" Yamcha asked pointing to the ring in Bardock's hands.
"Yes." the Saiyan nodded as he stared at the ring. "I love Earth, the people, the places, and especially the food but, I am still a Saiyan and I have a duty to my race. No matter how evil they may be."
"How will you do that?" Yamcha asked, scared for his friend.
"This ring absorbs Saiyans I believe I can get in and destroy it from the inside out." Bardock explained as he held up the ring in his fingers.
Yamcha's jaw dropped at the idea. "What?! That's insane! You could die or worst! Are you going to go in by yourself?"
"Perhaps. Lord Vegita is an infant, Lady Chi Chi and Goten will want to find Gohan, and I will not bring Trunks along alone." Bardock reasoned. "I'm going in by myself just like when I faced Freeza."
Yamcha frowned and said, "Can you take me with you?"
"What?"
"Take me with you," Yamcha repeated slowly as he grabbed the Saiyan's arm. "I do feel something when I'm around you. I don't know what but I want to find out. You need me. I'm no Super-Saiyan but I can hold my own. Please, take me with you."
Bardock blushed slightly as he gazed at him. He knew how taboo same sex relationships were on Earth, especially if one was the father of the other's best friend. "Are you sure?"
"I... I've always felt uneasy around women," Yamcha explained as he brushed brightly. "I thought I was crazy and I never met anyone that I really want to be with forever. You're different for some reason. Yeah, I'm sure."
The Saiyan smiled slightly and grabbed Yamcha's hand. He held it in his hands and pulled him closer. "Very well. We can start getting ready."
"Awww... that's so adorable," Bulma said as she and Vegita came in. "A little sick but adorable."
Yamcha blushed as he realized that his own ex-girlfriend now knew about his relationship. "Err... I guess you know."
Bulma smirked and gave Vegita to Bardock. "Hey, Bardock, can you watch Vegita for a sec? I need Yamcha for something."
Bardock stared at the tiny infant in his hands and nodded. "Yes, my lady. May I help?"
"Nah, this will just take a second." Bulma grabbed Yamcha by the arm and dragged him away.
Bardock nodded as he watched his lover being pulled away from him and then he remembered Vegita in his arms. The tall Saiyan looked down at the baby, unsure about what to do. He never really handled an infant before. Vegita just looked up at him and said, "If you say how cute I am, I will kill you."
"I won't do such a thing, Lord Vegita," Bardock said respectfully as he glanced around nervously.
"Good."
*****
Yamcha stared at the woman, wide-eyed. He had known Bulma for a very long time; she was the first girl he wasn't scared to death of. Of course, he was still intimidated by the strong-willed woman in front of him. Bulma was dressed in sleek blue armor that covered her entire body with oversized silver gloves and boots. There were various pockets all around her waist like a belt.
"What do you think?" Bulma asked as she gestured to her new outfit. "Like it? I've been working on this for a very long time a pet project of mine for the past seven years. I've based it off of the technology I got from Dr. Gero and the Saiyans."
"Very high-tech looking," Yamcha said as he looked at her. "Wow."
"I know. This suit enhances my strength, my speed, and even detects any type of energy from Ki to radiation. I can even look for Dragon Balls in this outfit. There is also gravity manipulation, energy shields and blasters." Bulma slipped on her face-mask.
"That will be handy when we go off to find the Angels. But... why do you need me?" Yamcha asked, sounding clueless.
"I need someone to test this on. The tests with the droids passed, but well... droids are very weak and I need someone with a great deal of experience and strength. Eighteen and Krillian are busy with their daughter. Piccolo refused to do it. Vegita and Goku are in no condition. Goten and Trunks would not dare to try to hurt me. The others are busy preparing for the trip...." Bulma said as she smirked under her mask.
Yamcha took a deep breath and said, "And so you want to beat me up."
"You make me sound so evil," Bulma insisted as she pouted. "Please, I need to release some stress."
"By beating up your ex-boyfriend? I think you've been around Vegita way too long."
"Over aggressiveness, it's a side effect when one mates with Saiyans. You should get ready for that," Bulma pointed out as she charged up. "Ready?"
"Oh well, I haven't had a good bashing in a long while." Yamcha powered up and the two fought.
*****
"Sleep my child and peace attend thee, All through the night Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping I my loved ones' watch am keeping, All through the night," Eighteen sang softly as she gazed down at her sleeping daughter. She never thought she would sing lullabies for a little girl but she was singing now. She smiled and then continued, "Angels watching, e'er around thee,
All through the night Midnight slumber close surround thee, All through the night Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones' watch am keeping, All through the night."
"That was beautiful," Krillian said as he came in. "You're a way better singer than me."
"She couldn't go to sleep." Eighteen rubbed her eyes. "It's so damn bright out here all the time. Marron's scared."
"Yeah, it's noisy out here but she's safe," Krillian said as he sat beside her. "So do you want to go out and find Gohan and the others?"
"I don't know." Eighteen gazed down at the sleeping girl. "You know that I was created to be evil. In some alternate world, I could've been a monster. I could've been a cold-blooded killer and I don't know if I can handle seeing myself as that."
"Eighteen that's not you, you are a beautiful mother who can't stand the thought of hurting innocent people," Krillian insisted. "Look, we all had our 'dark beginnings'. I mean, when I first met Goku, I tried to kill him too."
"I know," Eighteen crossed her arms. "But, you were just an obnoxious kid with a self esteem problem, I'm a destructive cold blooded android killer."
"You're a cyborg, not an android, and you are not cold blooded." Krillian insisted as he took Eighteen's hands and held them. "If you don't want to come that's fine, but Gohan is one of my best friends and I can't stand the thought of just waiting for him and the others to come back. I gotta go. Sorry."
Eighteen could feel Krillian's anxiousness. She couldn't blame him. According to Kaioshin, there are alternate worlds that would cause any normal person to feel confused. The former monk may face Freeza, Cell, or even herself as major enemies. "Then, I better come too. I can't just wait around for you to come back."
"Are you sure? I mean, you don't sound so sure about this."
"I'm sure." Eighteen said as she stared down at her daughter again.
*****
Piccolo's mind spanned out across the cosmos. When he mediates, everything around him became clear. He could see the various conflicts in the Next Dimension between gods and their messengers. He could also see his fellow Z warriors getting ready for the 'Angel Hunt'.
"Hello, Piccolo."
Piccolo nodded and opened his eyes to see the Kai-Elect Gohan standing before him. He was larger than his Gohan and a great deal wiser. It was strange and yet refreshing for him to see this Gohan with this long life. Of course, it would feel better if this Gohan wouldn't look so much like Radditz. "Hey, Gohan."
The man just stared at him and then asked, "May I sit next to you?"
"Why not? You are the future Lord of Everything."
Gohan shrugged shyly and said, "It's no big deal. I won't become the new Kai for a while. I'm still training."
"I bet your parents are proud of you. After all, how many can honestly say that their kids will become 'God'." Piccolo pointed out.
"Yeah..." Gohan winced as he remembered his father.
"So, how long have you been training here?"
"Oh..." Gohan glanced up and replied, "I'd say about fifteen years."
The Namekian fell onto his back. "Fifteen years?! Didn't you say that you have a family in your world?!" He exclaimed as he got up, slightly embarrassed.
"Well... fifteen years in this world. Time goes by kinda strange around here. In my world, only a couple years passed. Trust me on this, training for godhood isn't easy," Gohan said as he held his head. "I guess I'm kinda like Dad; forced to leave for long periods of time for the sake of the universe."
Piccolo nodded as he sat back down again. "I see. Will you be joining us in finding my Gohan and the others?"
"I wish," The Kai-Elect Gohan said as he shook his head. "But, there's so much to do here and I have to help Kaioshin and the others. I'm sorry."
"That's okay. I was a god myself and I understand how chaotic the Next Dimension can be." Piccolo said as he smirked, "Besides, we have plenty of muscle on our team already."
"True, but there are worlds where your alternate versions are stronger. Hell, there are even worlds where some of us are immortal. You better be careful, Piccolo."
"Thanks."
*****
Kaioshin and the Z warriors stood in the main living room. They were talking about what happened and other things.
"So, Mr. Kay, what's it like to be the Tournament Announcer?" Suno asked the man.
Agent Kay just grinned and said, "Oh, it's a thrill to meet all sorts of people from all over the world and beyond it."
"Yes, I know what you mean. These people are unique. I mean, they are so powerful, I hope Videl and Gohan are okay. They would make a wonderful couple."
Meanwhile, Chi Chi was doing a group demonstration with an unwilling volunteer. "And you just use the baby powder, puff puff, tie it up nicely, and you have one clean and satisfied baby," Chi Chi concluded as she held up a fully changed Vegita.
Vegita glared at her and said, "Did you have to change me... IN FRONT OF ALL THESE PEOPLE?!"
"Now now, Vegita, everyone has to learn about changing a diaper if they want to have kids," Chi Chi chided as she gave Vegita back to Bardock. "Any questions?"
"Yes, where did you get that baby stuff?" Kibito asked, holding up a notebook and pencil.
Chi Chi just frowned and said, "Oh, I'd rather not say."
Krillian leaned next to the bodyguard and whispered, "No offense but why are you learning to change a diaper? I mean you are way older than the rest of us."
"I don't know." Kibito confessed.
"Hey, guys!" Bulma said as she helped a battered Yamcha into the room. "Dende, can you give Yamcha a quick heal up?"
"What happened to you?" Dende asked as he quickly healed the warrior.
Yamcha glanced at Bulma who was still in her cyber suit. "Oh... Bulma just beat me up. Nothing big, she used to beat me up on a daily basis back when we dated."
At once, everyone glanced at Bulma who glared at him. "Hey! I didn't beat you up on a daily basis! I only beat you up when I was mad at you."
Everyone fell over and Oolong said to Yamcha, "How can you handle being with her for so long?"
"I just do."
"*ahem* Let's get started." Bulma got out a blackboard and a pointer. "First of all, we all know the importance of our next mission. We have to go out and get Gohan, Videl, Trey and his alternate personalities, and Kyuushi. That means going off into alternate worlds and finding them one-by-one."
Kaioshin opened up a box and said, "These devices are 'Angel locators'. The Creator bestowed them to me after the Fall of the Angels. That's how we found Gorgandus, Yinyo, and Aphradite." He took out four compasses in four different colors: gold, gray, red, and blue. "Each locator can detect an angel, no matter how far away he or she is."
"What if we meet with an alternate of an angel like that Kai-elect Gohan?" Bulma asked as she pointed toward the Long-Haired Gohan.
"It has no effect." Kaioshin said as he pointed the red locator at Gohan. "It targets only the unique signature of each angel. Even if the locator is next to a group of alternates it wouldn't be affected."
"That's a relief." Chi Chi nodded. "What about going to the alternate worlds?"
"That's where I come in." Bulma said as she held up a remote control. "This device randomly pick out alternate worlds and we go in. It's based off of a time machine I studied a few years ago, but more precise. After you go in and out of that world, the device will record that transition so you won't go back unless you want to. It is also recorded into every other device so that will help the search go faster." She reached into her bag and held out a group of medallions. "These are new communicators. They transmit on a multi-dimensional level; if you need help just click on this button. Do it only in extreme emergencies though, we're really limited on help."
The woman wrote on the chalkboard and said, "Now, we talked about who will go and who will stay. Based on past history and weakness and strengths, here's a list of the teams. We're dividing up into four separate teams to find the lost angels the fastest." She finished writing and said, "Here's the teams. Team 1 is: Chi Chi and Piccolo. They have a history together and compliment each other well. Any objections?"
"Why isn't Goku going with you?" Lunch asked, "I mean, Gohan is his son."
"I can't go with them," Goku spoke up sadly. "I'm still wounded. If I go back I could die. I'm feeling much better but it's only because of this dimension."
"I'm sorry," Lunch said as she looked down and then patted Goku on the head.
"That's okay," Goku said as he felt the fingers on his head. It was relaxing for some strange reason.
"Good. Next group is Tien and Choutsu. They've known each other for a very long time and knowing Trey, he might be confused due to his multiple personalities."
"No complaints," Tien said as he glanced at Choutsu. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
The former emperor nodded. "Yeah, I do. Trey is like a son to me too... I can't let him down."
"Right." Bulma nodded as she gestured to the blackboard. "And of course, there will be me, Trunks, Goten, and Vegita."
"What?!" Chi Chi screamed "I understand why Goku can't come, but why does Vegita get to go? He's a baby and no baby should go around into alternate worlds! It will just be too traumatic for him." Everyone face faulted at the statement. Chi Chi had always been overprotective of Gohan back when he was a child. Eventually, she relaxed her priorities after the Cell Games but now she was showing her overprotective parental side with a vengeance.
"I think I can handle inter-dimensional travel," Vegita grunted as he tried to cross his arms.
"Well Chi Chi, Vegita is still Vegita, just pint sized. He can still fight and think like an adult. Besides, there could be some version of me with a cure for him. It's worth a shot," Bulma reasoned as she held her husband.
"That's true," Chi Chi sighed as Bulma gave her Vegita and she cuddled him. "But, I can't help it. He's so cute and helpless and-"
"If you say adorable, I will kill you," Vegita threatened.
"Don't you dare talk that way, Vegita." Bulma ordered as she glared at him. "Or I won't take you at all."
Vegita just looked away and scowled.
"Last but not least, Krillian, Seventeen, and Eighteen," Bulma said as she showed the last group. "The others will stay here and act as backup if needed. Also, by some chance that you find an angel, alert us so we know what is going on. Any questions?"
"What about Grandpa and Yamcha?" Goten raised his hand. "I mean, don't they want to find Gohan and the others too?"
Bardock smiled sadly as he put his hand on Goten's head. "Yamcha and I are going to the Saiyan Prison to free my people. I'm sorry, but as much as I want to find your brother, I am still a Saiyan and I have to help them."
"We'll help out after we free the Saiyans," Yamcha offered as he came to the kid. "We need to do this."
"Oh..." Oolong smirked at the two, "You want some quality time together?"
Puar bopped the pig on the head. "That's not funny! Yamcha's not gay!"
"It's hard to say." Yamcha said as he glanced at Bardock. "We're still deciding on that."
Goten ran up and hugged his grandfather. "Please be careful! I don't want to lose you!"
"Don't worry; I have endured too much to just lose now. I can predict the future, remember? I know that Yamcha and I will come back," Bardock insisted as he patted his grandson on the back. "You just focus on getting your brother back."
"Okay!" Goten grinned as he let go.
Bulma nodded as she looked around. "Okay, good, we'll start packing up and leave in two hours. Remember, there's no telling what kind of world you'll visit, so be prepared for anything. Oh, and this is from personal experience, make sure you bring spare everything. You never know when you might lose your capsule box."
*****
"No, Mommy, Daddy! Please don't leave!" Marron wailed as she watched her parents packed up different clothes. Kaioshin and his Knights gave them supplies and clothes to choose from. Thankfully, the capsules could hold any amount of clothes needed.
"Now now, sweetpea, we have to go," Krillian soothed as he picked up his daughter.
"Why can't I come with you?" Marron sobbed.
The former monk and android gazed at each other; they both knew that their daughter was fully Human and would only get into trouble if they brought her along. Krillian whispered as he hugged her, "I'm so sorry, but you're just a little girl. What we're going to do is very dangerous. You will be much safer if you stay here."
"But... Goten and Trunks are going. Vegita's going too and he's a baby!" Marron insisted as she wailed again.
"That's different. Goten, Trunks, and Vegita are skilled warriors," Eighteen explained, "They can fight and use Ki. You can't. You will just have to wait here."
"I'm scared." Marron whispered, "I don't wanna lose you!"
Eighteen picked up her daughter and held her close to her chest. A tear trickled down her cheek. "I don't want to lose you either, but I want you to be brave for me and your father. We love you very much and that's why we must go."
"We'll be back," Krillian promised, "I promise."
Marron sniffed and whispered, "So you won't be turned into a doggie like Goten's daddy or a baby like Trunks' daddy?"
Krillian chuckled and shook his head. "Nah... I'm just a normal Human being. All the weird stuff happens to Saiyans."
"That's right." Eighteen supported, "We need you to be brave and do what Master Roshi says. He and Turtle will be taking care of you. Can you do that?"
"I'll be brave." Marron nodded as she wiped her eyes.
"That's my sweetpea," Krillian said as he held her.
*****
Chi Chi sighed as she put in her gun collection in different capsules. "I've never been on a trip like this before. I'm scared." She glanced at Goku, who was watching from a futon on the floor.
"You'll be fine. You're very strong," Goku said as he watched her. Every part of him wanted to go with her, to support her. Unfortunately this time he would have to wait and hope that she would be fine.
Chi Chi went up to him and placed her hand on his head. "Our family is being split apart. Gohan is out there somewhere in some alternate world. Goten and I are going on separate cross dimensional trips. Bardock is going to some Saiyan prison and you and Dad will stay here. Most families cope with being miles apart but we're going to be universes apart."
"I know, but it's only for a while." Goku looked down and his eyes twitched. "Things will work out. I really wish I could go with you."
"I know..." Chi Chi wrapped an arm around Goku's neck. "I just wish... we can be together for this, even with you in this state."
"Well... when Kaioshin tells me when I can go back to the mortal realms, I'll go back as soon as I can." Goku insisted as he leaned closer to his wife's body.
"I don't want you to kill yourself for this. Piccolo will be with me." Chi Chi sighed as she scratched Goku's head.
"Mommy? Daddy?" Goten asked as he carried in some capsules. "I don't know if I brought enough stuff."
"I'll check it out," Chi Chi said as she got up. "Why don't you talk to your father alone?" She knelt down and kissed Goku on the forehead. "I'll see you later."
"Okay."
Chi Chi smiled as she walked out of the room with the capsules in her hand.
Goten stared at the dog he knew as his father for several weeks. Ever since he figured it out as Gotenks, he felt strange and yet excited to know his father so well. "Hi. Are you okay?"
"I'm feeling fine. The properties in the Next Dimension are helping me." Goku said as his tail wagged. "How about you?"
"I'm nervous. I never knew I could go to alternate worlds before." Goten sat down and rubbed his father's head.
"Neither did I," Goku chuckled. "I'm sure you'll be fine. I've known Bulma for a long time, she's smart, and Trunks and Vegita are powerful. Besides, you and Trunks can do that fusion dance."
"I'm still scared." Goten looked down. "I don't want to let Gohan or you down."
"You never did," Goku whispered as he put his head next on Goten's neck, "Goten, you are way stronger than Gohan was at your age and you are very insightful. When we first met, you said it yourself that I was special somehow. Everyone else just thought I was some strange dog but you knew otherwise."
"I do. You were so smart and I could feel it. I'm sorry you can't go back to being a Saiyan soon."
"I'm a patient dog," Goku said as he tilted his head. "I can wait."
Goten sat down next to his father and remained silent for a while. This could be the last time for a long while before he can talk to his father again. "Daddy? What's it like being a dog?"
Goku closed his eyes as he thought back. It was hard for him to remember life before being a dog. He knew he was once a Saiyan but the concepts of eating with hands and actually sitting at the dinner table were vague to him. "It's hard to say. I'm used to being a dog after so long. There are things I miss like having hands and flying, but I can live with that. Sometimes it's fun being a dog, I mean playing with you and Gohan, comforting others when they need comfort, even the food taste good."
"But weren't you sad when Gohan and Mommy talked about how they missed you?" Goten whispered as he scratched Goku's head again.
"Yes, I was very sad. Every time I see someone still mourning for me, I just want to let them know that I'm okay. It hurts to see them so sad because of my decision to stay dead. Do you know what I really wished I could do most of all?"
"What?" Goten asked as his heart pounded.
Goku smiled slightly and answer, "Be your father. You are such a good boy; you deserve a father. I like being your pet and all but, most of the time to be your daddy."
Goten's eyes watered up and he flung both arms around his father's neck. "But you are my daddy! Nothing will change that! I love you, Daddy!"
Goku gasped for air and then licked Goten's cheek. "I love you too, son."
*****
Fighting could be heard in the distance as the Z warriors gathered just outside of the palace. The warriors going to the alternate worlds were dressed in civilian clothes with purses and backpacks, except for Bardock and Yamcha, who were dressed in Saiyan armor. They all took special vaccines to protect them from diseases from alternate universes.
"Now, Bardock, Yamcha, are you sure about this?" Chi Chi asked "I don't want to lose either of you."
"We'll be fine, my lady," Bardock said as he held up a group of cards. "I don't fight like normal Saiyans and Yamcha will be with me. I will be fine."
"Good luck, Grandpa!" Goten waved as he hugged his grandfather. "Just try to hurry back!"
"I will." Bardock patted his grandson on the back. "Say hello to your brother for me."
"This is it," Krillian muttered as he adjusted his favorite baseball cap.
"Totally," Bulma agreed as she shook her head. "I hope this works."
"It has to for Gohan's sake." Chi Chi held her hands.
"For all their sakes," Goku spoke up as he looked around. The warriors stared at the dog. They all wished Goku was with them. He was stable and had power, but he couldn't even live outside of this dimension for a while.
"Yeah."
After a few heartfelt farewells and a bunch of tears and warnings, the warriors decided to leave. "Okay... let's do this," Bardock said as he raised his hand and the ring glowed brightly.
"Don't die on us, Yamcha!" Bulma cried out.
"I won't!" Yamcha promised as he took Bardock's hand and the two vanished.
"Good luck, Yamcha," Puar whispered as he sat down onto the floor.
"We better go too," Chi Chi said as she reached down and put her hand on Goku's head. "Now, don't get into any mischief. I don't want you to get into any trouble while I was out of the universe."
"You know me, Chi Chi," Goku said as he licked her hand. "Be careful, okay?"
"Okay."
"Good luck, Goku," Piccolo said as he nodded toward the dog. "I'll take care of Chi Chi."
"I trust you."
Chi Chi hugged Goten and then Ox-King. "Take care, Dad," Chi Chi advised. "Please, make sure Goku doesn't get into any trouble."
"I'll take care of things here, Chi Chi," The giant promised. "You just get Gohan back."
"Right." Chi Chi turned over to Octavia and hugged her. "Mother, please be careful and thanks for everything."
"I will and you're welcome," Octavia nodded as she fought the tears in her eyes.
"You listen to Master Roshi," Eighteen told her daughter and then glared at the sensei. "Master Roshi, you will not do anything perverted in front of Marron right?"
The old man nodded as he gulped. Eighteen was one of the strongest warriors available; she'd even defeated Vegita. "Don't worry, she's in good hands."
"Bye-bye, sweatpea," Krillian cooed to Marron as he, Seventeen, and Eighteen went to the side.
"Kakarot!" Vegita boomed as he was held by Bulma.
Goku glanced up at his archenemy and asked, "Yeah?"
"We will have that fight when we're normal! I do not wish to have rematch with you like this!" Vegita vowed as he shook his fist.
"Vegita!" Bulma chided. "Can't you think about anything else besides beating Kaka- I mean Goku?!"
"Everyone has to have a hobby," Vegita commented.
Goku smiled at the infant. Despite all that happened, Vegita will always be Vegita. "I'll be waiting for it! Good luck, Vegita!" Goku bowed his head.
Vegita just looked away and muttered, "You too."
Eighteen looked around said, "Goku, I just want to say I'm sorry for trying to kill you when I was first activated."
"That's okay... I was a little shocked about you and Krillian getting married and all but I'm glad you're on our side," Goku commented as he tilted his head.
"I'm just glad you didn't hold a grudge against me. You growled at me the first time we met but after that you were very pleasant."
"I don't hold grudges. If I held a grudge against every bad guy that tried to kill me, I wouldn't have any friends."
Eighteen smiled slightly as she rubbed Goku's head and then pulled it back. "Sorry, I wasn't-"
"That's okay, I like it."
Seventeen nodded toward his sister. He didn't have much to say. Unlike Eighteen, he tried to stay away from the Z Warriors. If he didn't show up at the Tournament, he would've been on Earth.
The warriors were finally done saying their farewells and regrets to each other.
"Remember to expect anything. Good luck!" Gohan warned as he waved his hand.
"We will." Chi Chi nodded as she picked up her remote and clicked on it. One-by-one, the teams clicked on their remotes and four different portals appeared.
"Let's do this," Bulma vowed as she held Vegita to her side.
Determined, the warriors walked through the different portals. The lights vanished and Goku slumped down. "Good luck," He whispered as he hung his head.
"What do we do now?" Agent Kay asked as he crossed his arms.
"Wait for them to come back. They are going into bold new worlds," Kaioshin said as he stared at the emptiness.
To Be Continued...
The lullaby was 'All Through the Night'. I don't know who wrote that.
Bold New Worlds
Part 1
By Maria Cline
"Thank you for letting us stay here Kaioshin," Bulma said as she and her parents started setting up their equipment. It was been only a couple of hours since the warriors had been exiled from Earth.
"It's the least we can do." Kaioshin said, "This palace is meant to house thousands of entities; it can handle a hand full of mortals, no offense."
"None taken." Bulma said as she finished her setting up the equipment. "I'm going to check on the others."
"Go ahead."
Bulma sighed as she walked out of the room and into a huge hallway. It was one of the many buildings Kaioshin owned to house his many knights. Thankfully it was deserted, giving the now-exiled Z Warriors plenty of room to recover from their losses and plan what to do next.
She came up to the Announcer who was sitting on a bench with his jacket off and his tie loose this was one of the few times she saw him so exhausted. "Hey, Announcer, you okay? I'm sorry we dragged you into this mess."
"Not at all." The Announcer sighed as he leaned back. "I just never thought I would go into Heaven while still alive."
"Yeah, it's a little strange at first but you get used to it." Bulma chuckled as she sat next to him. "This day has been stressful."
"Tell me about it. I actually left in the middle of the Tournament." The man stopped and realized what he was talking about. "Sorry, I..."
"Hey, that's okay. Lazarus is the clear winner. No one is blaming you for wanting you to do your job, Ann-" Bulma stopped and sighed. While it hadn't felt like such a bad thing before, she had just realized something important. "Look, you're part of this situation now and none of us even know your real name! What should we call you?"
The Announcer blinked under his sunglasses. He never really had a reason to give his name to the public. The Tournament occurred only once every three years or so and he didn't care about the public image. "Hmmm...well...actually..." he chuckled and said, "My parents are fairly odd and they gave me a strange name. My real name is Agent Kay."
"Agent Kay?" Bulma repeated stunned. "And I thought my parents were demented in naming me after underwear. Well Agent Kay... I better go and check on my family."
"Go ahead."
Bulma shook her head as she got up and went to the first room. It was spacious like all the others. The room had a small crib and a pair of beds with various ornaments unlike any she'd seen on Earth. Chi Chi was sitting in her chair knitting a long scarf while Goten and Trunks were asleep on a bed. Goku was lying next to the crib keeping a careful eye out. Bulma stared at the quaint scene for a long moment. It looked so ordinary, like something out of a picture book, and yet the circumstances were far from normal.
Chi Chi looked up and said, "Bulma, Vegita's still asleep. Goten and Trunks just collapsed after they got here. Poor dears, they were just exhausted."
"What about you and Goku?" Bulma asked as she sat next to her friend.
"Fine." Chi Chi held up her knitting. "I don't know why, but I had the urge to knit. I guess... even as a Saiyan, some things never change." She chuckled and then shook her head. "I can't believe it. Gohan's gone. The idiot sacrificed his own life just to bring back the others." She wiped her face as tears threatened to come. "But what do you expect, he is Goku's son."
"Sorry, Chi Chi, but it was the only way." Goku said as he lifted his head.
Bulma's jaw dropped at the voice. "GOKU?! You... can talk?!"
Goku chuckled as he ducked his head down sheepishly. "Piccolo gave me that translator you invented. He felt it would be easier for me to communicate for a while."
Bulma scowled. "PICCOLO STOLE MY TRANSLATOR?! HOW COULD HE?! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT FOR WEEKS?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Shhh... Vegita." Chi Chi said as she waved her arms.
Bulma stopped and looked at the still sleeping infant. "Okay." She whispered, "Where's your parents?"
"Ox-King and Octavia are patrolling outside. I guess they wanted to catch up. It's incredible. I don't really remember my mother but when she was with me as Firestorm, I just felt comfortable."
"Yeah, I have to say one thing; Vegita was right. Firestorm and Goldheart were more than they appeared." Bulma sighed as she glanced at Goku who was just watching the crib. It was strange for her to see her old friend in a body of a dog. Of course, Goku didn't act different as Goldheart; they were both kind and fun to be with. They both had that aura that made everyone they meet trust them. It was appropriate for him to be a dog since he had always been a puppy at heart and yet when things got serious, he would lay down his life for his friends.
"Yeah... I hope Vegita is okay," Chi Chi confessed as she gazed at the crib. "I know that it must be hard for you."
"I'll manage. I mean, you and Goku manage to be together despite the... circumstances," Bulma said as she stared at the two "How do you guys do it? How can you cope?"
"We just learned to roll with the punches," Goku said. "I learned a long time ago to just deal with what fate dealt me and I'll be fine."
"Yeah. Besides, Vegita looks cute and is still himself at the same time," Chi Chi pointed out.
"Okay, I agree, he's adorable." Bulma chuckled as she went up to the crib and brushed Vegita's bangs.
"Not now... woman." Vegita muttered from the crib.
"Oh boy." Bulma hesitantly picked up the now-infant Vegita. "Vegita? Can you hear me?"
Vegita opened his eyes and glanced around. "I'm alive." He grunted as he lifted his head up to see Bulma holding him in her arms. He glanced down to see his long monkey tail behind him and out of a strange pair of sailor pants and wht felt like a small white diaper underneath. **Diaper?** He looked at her and then at his surroundings. It all made sense and he screamed, "IT'S NOT A DREAM?!"
Chi Chi, the now-awakened Trunks and Goten, Bulma, and Goku stared at the infant. Finally Goku said, "Hey, Vegita, feeling better after your nap?"
"Shut up, Kakarot," Vegita spat. He pouted and crossed his arms, trying to look menacing, only to appear adorable. Chi Chi and Bulma giggled at the futile attempt. Vegita noticed them and scowled. "It's not funny." he snapped in a soft chibi voice. Goten, Trunks, and Goku joined in the laughter. Vegita's tail bristled up and he screamed, "I'M SURROUNDED BY FOOLS!"
Bulma stopped her laughing and held the baby tighter. "No one calls me a fool. For that, you are coming with me to check on the others."
Vegita blinked and screamed, "What?! I'm not going out dressed only in a diaper and this embarrassing outfit! Forget it! No way!" He shook his head as he threatened to cry.
"Oh, Vegita, you're acting like a baby." Bulma said as she walked out of the room with a struggling infant.
"Oh ha ha. Let me go! I'm not going! You can't make me!"
*****
"He's... adorable!" Lunch cooed as she picked up the infant Vegita and snuggled him. "Oh wes you war... such a cutie baby waby..."
The infant growled at the 'baby talk' that the woman was unleashing at him. It was humiliating to be coddled and hugged. He hated being hugged and told how cute he was. Most Saiyans considered 'cute' to be an offensive term unfortunately, most of them are dead. "Stop that nonsense babble or I will blow your head off," he threatened as he held up his infant fist.
"Even his threats are so cute!" Lunch gushed as she hugged him. "Oh, he's so cute! All infants are so adorable... much like..." She paused as tears came to her eyes. "Trey chan and Trigun chan!" She sniffed as she gave Vegita back to Bulma. "Oh... Trey chan... Trigun chan..."
"Don't worry, Lunch. Your son is still alive somewhere," Bulma insisted. "Gohan made sure of that."
"We know," Tien said as he held his wife close to him. "I want you to know that I want to join you in the hunt. Trey, Trigun, and I haven't been that close in the past... I just want to make it up."
Bulma patted the triclops on the arm. She had known him for many years, and in those years and all the fights they contained, Tien gave all he had. "I know. Don't worry, you will be one of the first to know. You just rest and we'll talk about it later."
"Thanks," Lunch said as she smiled slightly. "How's Goten, Goku, and Chi Chi doing? I mean, it must be so hard for them to loose Gohan like that."
"They're dealing with it fine; they're strong people," Bulma said as she smiled slightly, "But, I'm sure they wouldn't mind talking to you. Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Lunch blushed slightly and said, "Well... I have a camera with me and I think I need a picture of Vegita in that adorable outfit!"
Vegita's jaw dropped as he looked up at the two women. "What?"
*****
"I hate being an infant." Vegita growled as he looked down at his outfit. Tien had the power to conjure clothes that were comfortable while durable enough to handle anything. Lunch showed Tien what she wanted in his mind and he conjured it up. If he didn't know any better he could've sworn that Tien was finally unleashing some revenge for what he did when he first came to Earth. Of course, Lunch wanted a picture of him in that silly outfit for all of eternity.
"You look cute," Bulma commented as she adjusted Vegita's hat. Before he was dressed in nothing but a diaper and an adorable sailor suit; now, he was dressed in a blue and white sailor suit with a little sailor hat.
"I feel silly," Vegita insisted, "You know that Saiyan infants are feared throughout the universe right? No decent infant would be caught dead in these clothes!"
Bulma pecked her husband on the nose and whispered, "You still look adorable. Besides, you have your tail back."
Vegita just crossed his chubby arms and looked away. "I wanna be an adult again. Where are we going now?"
"To see Bardock, Puar, and Yamcha. I think they're rooming together." Bulma replied.
Vegita's jaw dropped. Bardock was the only other full-blooded Saiyan alive in this world. He was one of the few that actually treated him with the respect only another Saiyan can give. "YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE BARDOCK SEE ME LIKE THIS?!"
"Come on, he's a reasonable Saiyan. He won't laugh." Bulma promised.
"What about Yamcha and Puar?" Vegita snapped.
Bulma looked away as she thought about her old boyfriend and his sidekick. "Can't make any promises."
*****
Yamcha and Bardock sat together in silence. Ever since they met, there had been some strange attraction between them. At first Yamcha thought it was just friendship like he had with Puar. Then there were insane urges and bizarre dreams of Bardock running around naked. He simply put that off as bad meat and memories of Goku nude. After the dreams came the sparring; he loved those spars more than anything. Even after Bardock became a Super Saiyan, Yamcha loved to fight with him, to touch him, and to be stronger than him. Now everything made sense, there was more relationship than he would ever dream.
"So... Bardock, I understand that you are going to focus on freeing the Saiyans?" Yamcha asked pointing to the ring in Bardock's hands.
"Yes." the Saiyan nodded as he stared at the ring. "I love Earth, the people, the places, and especially the food but, I am still a Saiyan and I have a duty to my race. No matter how evil they may be."
"How will you do that?" Yamcha asked, scared for his friend.
"This ring absorbs Saiyans I believe I can get in and destroy it from the inside out." Bardock explained as he held up the ring in his fingers.
Yamcha's jaw dropped at the idea. "What?! That's insane! You could die or worst! Are you going to go in by yourself?"
"Perhaps. Lord Vegita is an infant, Lady Chi Chi and Goten will want to find Gohan, and I will not bring Trunks along alone." Bardock reasoned. "I'm going in by myself just like when I faced Freeza."
Yamcha frowned and said, "Can you take me with you?"
"What?"
"Take me with you," Yamcha repeated slowly as he grabbed the Saiyan's arm. "I do feel something when I'm around you. I don't know what but I want to find out. You need me. I'm no Super-Saiyan but I can hold my own. Please, take me with you."
Bardock blushed slightly as he gazed at him. He knew how taboo same sex relationships were on Earth, especially if one was the father of the other's best friend. "Are you sure?"
"I... I've always felt uneasy around women," Yamcha explained as he brushed brightly. "I thought I was crazy and I never met anyone that I really want to be with forever. You're different for some reason. Yeah, I'm sure."
The Saiyan smiled slightly and grabbed Yamcha's hand. He held it in his hands and pulled him closer. "Very well. We can start getting ready."
"Awww... that's so adorable," Bulma said as she and Vegita came in. "A little sick but adorable."
Yamcha blushed as he realized that his own ex-girlfriend now knew about his relationship. "Err... I guess you know."
Bulma smirked and gave Vegita to Bardock. "Hey, Bardock, can you watch Vegita for a sec? I need Yamcha for something."
Bardock stared at the tiny infant in his hands and nodded. "Yes, my lady. May I help?"
"Nah, this will just take a second." Bulma grabbed Yamcha by the arm and dragged him away.
Bardock nodded as he watched his lover being pulled away from him and then he remembered Vegita in his arms. The tall Saiyan looked down at the baby, unsure about what to do. He never really handled an infant before. Vegita just looked up at him and said, "If you say how cute I am, I will kill you."
"I won't do such a thing, Lord Vegita," Bardock said respectfully as he glanced around nervously.
"Good."
*****
Yamcha stared at the woman, wide-eyed. He had known Bulma for a very long time; she was the first girl he wasn't scared to death of. Of course, he was still intimidated by the strong-willed woman in front of him. Bulma was dressed in sleek blue armor that covered her entire body with oversized silver gloves and boots. There were various pockets all around her waist like a belt.
"What do you think?" Bulma asked as she gestured to her new outfit. "Like it? I've been working on this for a very long time a pet project of mine for the past seven years. I've based it off of the technology I got from Dr. Gero and the Saiyans."
"Very high-tech looking," Yamcha said as he looked at her. "Wow."
"I know. This suit enhances my strength, my speed, and even detects any type of energy from Ki to radiation. I can even look for Dragon Balls in this outfit. There is also gravity manipulation, energy shields and blasters." Bulma slipped on her face-mask.
"That will be handy when we go off to find the Angels. But... why do you need me?" Yamcha asked, sounding clueless.
"I need someone to test this on. The tests with the droids passed, but well... droids are very weak and I need someone with a great deal of experience and strength. Eighteen and Krillian are busy with their daughter. Piccolo refused to do it. Vegita and Goku are in no condition. Goten and Trunks would not dare to try to hurt me. The others are busy preparing for the trip...." Bulma said as she smirked under her mask.
Yamcha took a deep breath and said, "And so you want to beat me up."
"You make me sound so evil," Bulma insisted as she pouted. "Please, I need to release some stress."
"By beating up your ex-boyfriend? I think you've been around Vegita way too long."
"Over aggressiveness, it's a side effect when one mates with Saiyans. You should get ready for that," Bulma pointed out as she charged up. "Ready?"
"Oh well, I haven't had a good bashing in a long while." Yamcha powered up and the two fought.
*****
"Sleep my child and peace attend thee, All through the night Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping I my loved ones' watch am keeping, All through the night," Eighteen sang softly as she gazed down at her sleeping daughter. She never thought she would sing lullabies for a little girl but she was singing now. She smiled and then continued, "Angels watching, e'er around thee,
All through the night Midnight slumber close surround thee, All through the night Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones' watch am keeping, All through the night."
"That was beautiful," Krillian said as he came in. "You're a way better singer than me."
"She couldn't go to sleep." Eighteen rubbed her eyes. "It's so damn bright out here all the time. Marron's scared."
"Yeah, it's noisy out here but she's safe," Krillian said as he sat beside her. "So do you want to go out and find Gohan and the others?"
"I don't know." Eighteen gazed down at the sleeping girl. "You know that I was created to be evil. In some alternate world, I could've been a monster. I could've been a cold-blooded killer and I don't know if I can handle seeing myself as that."
"Eighteen that's not you, you are a beautiful mother who can't stand the thought of hurting innocent people," Krillian insisted. "Look, we all had our 'dark beginnings'. I mean, when I first met Goku, I tried to kill him too."
"I know," Eighteen crossed her arms. "But, you were just an obnoxious kid with a self esteem problem, I'm a destructive cold blooded android killer."
"You're a cyborg, not an android, and you are not cold blooded." Krillian insisted as he took Eighteen's hands and held them. "If you don't want to come that's fine, but Gohan is one of my best friends and I can't stand the thought of just waiting for him and the others to come back. I gotta go. Sorry."
Eighteen could feel Krillian's anxiousness. She couldn't blame him. According to Kaioshin, there are alternate worlds that would cause any normal person to feel confused. The former monk may face Freeza, Cell, or even herself as major enemies. "Then, I better come too. I can't just wait around for you to come back."
"Are you sure? I mean, you don't sound so sure about this."
"I'm sure." Eighteen said as she stared down at her daughter again.
*****
Piccolo's mind spanned out across the cosmos. When he mediates, everything around him became clear. He could see the various conflicts in the Next Dimension between gods and their messengers. He could also see his fellow Z warriors getting ready for the 'Angel Hunt'.
"Hello, Piccolo."
Piccolo nodded and opened his eyes to see the Kai-Elect Gohan standing before him. He was larger than his Gohan and a great deal wiser. It was strange and yet refreshing for him to see this Gohan with this long life. Of course, it would feel better if this Gohan wouldn't look so much like Radditz. "Hey, Gohan."
The man just stared at him and then asked, "May I sit next to you?"
"Why not? You are the future Lord of Everything."
Gohan shrugged shyly and said, "It's no big deal. I won't become the new Kai for a while. I'm still training."
"I bet your parents are proud of you. After all, how many can honestly say that their kids will become 'God'." Piccolo pointed out.
"Yeah..." Gohan winced as he remembered his father.
"So, how long have you been training here?"
"Oh..." Gohan glanced up and replied, "I'd say about fifteen years."
The Namekian fell onto his back. "Fifteen years?! Didn't you say that you have a family in your world?!" He exclaimed as he got up, slightly embarrassed.
"Well... fifteen years in this world. Time goes by kinda strange around here. In my world, only a couple years passed. Trust me on this, training for godhood isn't easy," Gohan said as he held his head. "I guess I'm kinda like Dad; forced to leave for long periods of time for the sake of the universe."
Piccolo nodded as he sat back down again. "I see. Will you be joining us in finding my Gohan and the others?"
"I wish," The Kai-Elect Gohan said as he shook his head. "But, there's so much to do here and I have to help Kaioshin and the others. I'm sorry."
"That's okay. I was a god myself and I understand how chaotic the Next Dimension can be." Piccolo said as he smirked, "Besides, we have plenty of muscle on our team already."
"True, but there are worlds where your alternate versions are stronger. Hell, there are even worlds where some of us are immortal. You better be careful, Piccolo."
"Thanks."
*****
Kaioshin and the Z warriors stood in the main living room. They were talking about what happened and other things.
"So, Mr. Kay, what's it like to be the Tournament Announcer?" Suno asked the man.
Agent Kay just grinned and said, "Oh, it's a thrill to meet all sorts of people from all over the world and beyond it."
"Yes, I know what you mean. These people are unique. I mean, they are so powerful, I hope Videl and Gohan are okay. They would make a wonderful couple."
Meanwhile, Chi Chi was doing a group demonstration with an unwilling volunteer. "And you just use the baby powder, puff puff, tie it up nicely, and you have one clean and satisfied baby," Chi Chi concluded as she held up a fully changed Vegita.
Vegita glared at her and said, "Did you have to change me... IN FRONT OF ALL THESE PEOPLE?!"
"Now now, Vegita, everyone has to learn about changing a diaper if they want to have kids," Chi Chi chided as she gave Vegita back to Bardock. "Any questions?"
"Yes, where did you get that baby stuff?" Kibito asked, holding up a notebook and pencil.
Chi Chi just frowned and said, "Oh, I'd rather not say."
Krillian leaned next to the bodyguard and whispered, "No offense but why are you learning to change a diaper? I mean you are way older than the rest of us."
"I don't know." Kibito confessed.
"Hey, guys!" Bulma said as she helped a battered Yamcha into the room. "Dende, can you give Yamcha a quick heal up?"
"What happened to you?" Dende asked as he quickly healed the warrior.
Yamcha glanced at Bulma who was still in her cyber suit. "Oh... Bulma just beat me up. Nothing big, she used to beat me up on a daily basis back when we dated."
At once, everyone glanced at Bulma who glared at him. "Hey! I didn't beat you up on a daily basis! I only beat you up when I was mad at you."
Everyone fell over and Oolong said to Yamcha, "How can you handle being with her for so long?"
"I just do."
"*ahem* Let's get started." Bulma got out a blackboard and a pointer. "First of all, we all know the importance of our next mission. We have to go out and get Gohan, Videl, Trey and his alternate personalities, and Kyuushi. That means going off into alternate worlds and finding them one-by-one."
Kaioshin opened up a box and said, "These devices are 'Angel locators'. The Creator bestowed them to me after the Fall of the Angels. That's how we found Gorgandus, Yinyo, and Aphradite." He took out four compasses in four different colors: gold, gray, red, and blue. "Each locator can detect an angel, no matter how far away he or she is."
"What if we meet with an alternate of an angel like that Kai-elect Gohan?" Bulma asked as she pointed toward the Long-Haired Gohan.
"It has no effect." Kaioshin said as he pointed the red locator at Gohan. "It targets only the unique signature of each angel. Even if the locator is next to a group of alternates it wouldn't be affected."
"That's a relief." Chi Chi nodded. "What about going to the alternate worlds?"
"That's where I come in." Bulma said as she held up a remote control. "This device randomly pick out alternate worlds and we go in. It's based off of a time machine I studied a few years ago, but more precise. After you go in and out of that world, the device will record that transition so you won't go back unless you want to. It is also recorded into every other device so that will help the search go faster." She reached into her bag and held out a group of medallions. "These are new communicators. They transmit on a multi-dimensional level; if you need help just click on this button. Do it only in extreme emergencies though, we're really limited on help."
The woman wrote on the chalkboard and said, "Now, we talked about who will go and who will stay. Based on past history and weakness and strengths, here's a list of the teams. We're dividing up into four separate teams to find the lost angels the fastest." She finished writing and said, "Here's the teams. Team 1 is: Chi Chi and Piccolo. They have a history together and compliment each other well. Any objections?"
"Why isn't Goku going with you?" Lunch asked, "I mean, Gohan is his son."
"I can't go with them," Goku spoke up sadly. "I'm still wounded. If I go back I could die. I'm feeling much better but it's only because of this dimension."
"I'm sorry," Lunch said as she looked down and then patted Goku on the head.
"That's okay," Goku said as he felt the fingers on his head. It was relaxing for some strange reason.
"Good. Next group is Tien and Choutsu. They've known each other for a very long time and knowing Trey, he might be confused due to his multiple personalities."
"No complaints," Tien said as he glanced at Choutsu. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
The former emperor nodded. "Yeah, I do. Trey is like a son to me too... I can't let him down."
"Right." Bulma nodded as she gestured to the blackboard. "And of course, there will be me, Trunks, Goten, and Vegita."
"What?!" Chi Chi screamed "I understand why Goku can't come, but why does Vegita get to go? He's a baby and no baby should go around into alternate worlds! It will just be too traumatic for him." Everyone face faulted at the statement. Chi Chi had always been overprotective of Gohan back when he was a child. Eventually, she relaxed her priorities after the Cell Games but now she was showing her overprotective parental side with a vengeance.
"I think I can handle inter-dimensional travel," Vegita grunted as he tried to cross his arms.
"Well Chi Chi, Vegita is still Vegita, just pint sized. He can still fight and think like an adult. Besides, there could be some version of me with a cure for him. It's worth a shot," Bulma reasoned as she held her husband.
"That's true," Chi Chi sighed as Bulma gave her Vegita and she cuddled him. "But, I can't help it. He's so cute and helpless and-"
"If you say adorable, I will kill you," Vegita threatened.
"Don't you dare talk that way, Vegita." Bulma ordered as she glared at him. "Or I won't take you at all."
Vegita just looked away and scowled.
"Last but not least, Krillian, Seventeen, and Eighteen," Bulma said as she showed the last group. "The others will stay here and act as backup if needed. Also, by some chance that you find an angel, alert us so we know what is going on. Any questions?"
"What about Grandpa and Yamcha?" Goten raised his hand. "I mean, don't they want to find Gohan and the others too?"
Bardock smiled sadly as he put his hand on Goten's head. "Yamcha and I are going to the Saiyan Prison to free my people. I'm sorry, but as much as I want to find your brother, I am still a Saiyan and I have to help them."
"We'll help out after we free the Saiyans," Yamcha offered as he came to the kid. "We need to do this."
"Oh..." Oolong smirked at the two, "You want some quality time together?"
Puar bopped the pig on the head. "That's not funny! Yamcha's not gay!"
"It's hard to say." Yamcha said as he glanced at Bardock. "We're still deciding on that."
Goten ran up and hugged his grandfather. "Please be careful! I don't want to lose you!"
"Don't worry; I have endured too much to just lose now. I can predict the future, remember? I know that Yamcha and I will come back," Bardock insisted as he patted his grandson on the back. "You just focus on getting your brother back."
"Okay!" Goten grinned as he let go.
Bulma nodded as she looked around. "Okay, good, we'll start packing up and leave in two hours. Remember, there's no telling what kind of world you'll visit, so be prepared for anything. Oh, and this is from personal experience, make sure you bring spare everything. You never know when you might lose your capsule box."
*****
"No, Mommy, Daddy! Please don't leave!" Marron wailed as she watched her parents packed up different clothes. Kaioshin and his Knights gave them supplies and clothes to choose from. Thankfully, the capsules could hold any amount of clothes needed.
"Now now, sweetpea, we have to go," Krillian soothed as he picked up his daughter.
"Why can't I come with you?" Marron sobbed.
The former monk and android gazed at each other; they both knew that their daughter was fully Human and would only get into trouble if they brought her along. Krillian whispered as he hugged her, "I'm so sorry, but you're just a little girl. What we're going to do is very dangerous. You will be much safer if you stay here."
"But... Goten and Trunks are going. Vegita's going too and he's a baby!" Marron insisted as she wailed again.
"That's different. Goten, Trunks, and Vegita are skilled warriors," Eighteen explained, "They can fight and use Ki. You can't. You will just have to wait here."
"I'm scared." Marron whispered, "I don't wanna lose you!"
Eighteen picked up her daughter and held her close to her chest. A tear trickled down her cheek. "I don't want to lose you either, but I want you to be brave for me and your father. We love you very much and that's why we must go."
"We'll be back," Krillian promised, "I promise."
Marron sniffed and whispered, "So you won't be turned into a doggie like Goten's daddy or a baby like Trunks' daddy?"
Krillian chuckled and shook his head. "Nah... I'm just a normal Human being. All the weird stuff happens to Saiyans."
"That's right." Eighteen supported, "We need you to be brave and do what Master Roshi says. He and Turtle will be taking care of you. Can you do that?"
"I'll be brave." Marron nodded as she wiped her eyes.
"That's my sweetpea," Krillian said as he held her.
*****
Chi Chi sighed as she put in her gun collection in different capsules. "I've never been on a trip like this before. I'm scared." She glanced at Goku, who was watching from a futon on the floor.
"You'll be fine. You're very strong," Goku said as he watched her. Every part of him wanted to go with her, to support her. Unfortunately this time he would have to wait and hope that she would be fine.
Chi Chi went up to him and placed her hand on his head. "Our family is being split apart. Gohan is out there somewhere in some alternate world. Goten and I are going on separate cross dimensional trips. Bardock is going to some Saiyan prison and you and Dad will stay here. Most families cope with being miles apart but we're going to be universes apart."
"I know, but it's only for a while." Goku looked down and his eyes twitched. "Things will work out. I really wish I could go with you."
"I know..." Chi Chi wrapped an arm around Goku's neck. "I just wish... we can be together for this, even with you in this state."
"Well... when Kaioshin tells me when I can go back to the mortal realms, I'll go back as soon as I can." Goku insisted as he leaned closer to his wife's body.
"I don't want you to kill yourself for this. Piccolo will be with me." Chi Chi sighed as she scratched Goku's head.
"Mommy? Daddy?" Goten asked as he carried in some capsules. "I don't know if I brought enough stuff."
"I'll check it out," Chi Chi said as she got up. "Why don't you talk to your father alone?" She knelt down and kissed Goku on the forehead. "I'll see you later."
"Okay."
Chi Chi smiled as she walked out of the room with the capsules in her hand.
Goten stared at the dog he knew as his father for several weeks. Ever since he figured it out as Gotenks, he felt strange and yet excited to know his father so well. "Hi. Are you okay?"
"I'm feeling fine. The properties in the Next Dimension are helping me." Goku said as his tail wagged. "How about you?"
"I'm nervous. I never knew I could go to alternate worlds before." Goten sat down and rubbed his father's head.
"Neither did I," Goku chuckled. "I'm sure you'll be fine. I've known Bulma for a long time, she's smart, and Trunks and Vegita are powerful. Besides, you and Trunks can do that fusion dance."
"I'm still scared." Goten looked down. "I don't want to let Gohan or you down."
"You never did," Goku whispered as he put his head next on Goten's neck, "Goten, you are way stronger than Gohan was at your age and you are very insightful. When we first met, you said it yourself that I was special somehow. Everyone else just thought I was some strange dog but you knew otherwise."
"I do. You were so smart and I could feel it. I'm sorry you can't go back to being a Saiyan soon."
"I'm a patient dog," Goku said as he tilted his head. "I can wait."
Goten sat down next to his father and remained silent for a while. This could be the last time for a long while before he can talk to his father again. "Daddy? What's it like being a dog?"
Goku closed his eyes as he thought back. It was hard for him to remember life before being a dog. He knew he was once a Saiyan but the concepts of eating with hands and actually sitting at the dinner table were vague to him. "It's hard to say. I'm used to being a dog after so long. There are things I miss like having hands and flying, but I can live with that. Sometimes it's fun being a dog, I mean playing with you and Gohan, comforting others when they need comfort, even the food taste good."
"But weren't you sad when Gohan and Mommy talked about how they missed you?" Goten whispered as he scratched Goku's head again.
"Yes, I was very sad. Every time I see someone still mourning for me, I just want to let them know that I'm okay. It hurts to see them so sad because of my decision to stay dead. Do you know what I really wished I could do most of all?"
"What?" Goten asked as his heart pounded.
Goku smiled slightly and answer, "Be your father. You are such a good boy; you deserve a father. I like being your pet and all but, most of the time to be your daddy."
Goten's eyes watered up and he flung both arms around his father's neck. "But you are my daddy! Nothing will change that! I love you, Daddy!"
Goku gasped for air and then licked Goten's cheek. "I love you too, son."
*****
Fighting could be heard in the distance as the Z warriors gathered just outside of the palace. The warriors going to the alternate worlds were dressed in civilian clothes with purses and backpacks, except for Bardock and Yamcha, who were dressed in Saiyan armor. They all took special vaccines to protect them from diseases from alternate universes.
"Now, Bardock, Yamcha, are you sure about this?" Chi Chi asked "I don't want to lose either of you."
"We'll be fine, my lady," Bardock said as he held up a group of cards. "I don't fight like normal Saiyans and Yamcha will be with me. I will be fine."
"Good luck, Grandpa!" Goten waved as he hugged his grandfather. "Just try to hurry back!"
"I will." Bardock patted his grandson on the back. "Say hello to your brother for me."
"This is it," Krillian muttered as he adjusted his favorite baseball cap.
"Totally," Bulma agreed as she shook her head. "I hope this works."
"It has to for Gohan's sake." Chi Chi held her hands.
"For all their sakes," Goku spoke up as he looked around. The warriors stared at the dog. They all wished Goku was with them. He was stable and had power, but he couldn't even live outside of this dimension for a while.
"Yeah."
After a few heartfelt farewells and a bunch of tears and warnings, the warriors decided to leave. "Okay... let's do this," Bardock said as he raised his hand and the ring glowed brightly.
"Don't die on us, Yamcha!" Bulma cried out.
"I won't!" Yamcha promised as he took Bardock's hand and the two vanished.
"Good luck, Yamcha," Puar whispered as he sat down onto the floor.
"We better go too," Chi Chi said as she reached down and put her hand on Goku's head. "Now, don't get into any mischief. I don't want you to get into any trouble while I was out of the universe."
"You know me, Chi Chi," Goku said as he licked her hand. "Be careful, okay?"
"Okay."
"Good luck, Goku," Piccolo said as he nodded toward the dog. "I'll take care of Chi Chi."
"I trust you."
Chi Chi hugged Goten and then Ox-King. "Take care, Dad," Chi Chi advised. "Please, make sure Goku doesn't get into any trouble."
"I'll take care of things here, Chi Chi," The giant promised. "You just get Gohan back."
"Right." Chi Chi turned over to Octavia and hugged her. "Mother, please be careful and thanks for everything."
"I will and you're welcome," Octavia nodded as she fought the tears in her eyes.
"You listen to Master Roshi," Eighteen told her daughter and then glared at the sensei. "Master Roshi, you will not do anything perverted in front of Marron right?"
The old man nodded as he gulped. Eighteen was one of the strongest warriors available; she'd even defeated Vegita. "Don't worry, she's in good hands."
"Bye-bye, sweatpea," Krillian cooed to Marron as he, Seventeen, and Eighteen went to the side.
"Kakarot!" Vegita boomed as he was held by Bulma.
Goku glanced up at his archenemy and asked, "Yeah?"
"We will have that fight when we're normal! I do not wish to have rematch with you like this!" Vegita vowed as he shook his fist.
"Vegita!" Bulma chided. "Can't you think about anything else besides beating Kaka- I mean Goku?!"
"Everyone has to have a hobby," Vegita commented.
Goku smiled at the infant. Despite all that happened, Vegita will always be Vegita. "I'll be waiting for it! Good luck, Vegita!" Goku bowed his head.
Vegita just looked away and muttered, "You too."
Eighteen looked around said, "Goku, I just want to say I'm sorry for trying to kill you when I was first activated."
"That's okay... I was a little shocked about you and Krillian getting married and all but I'm glad you're on our side," Goku commented as he tilted his head.
"I'm just glad you didn't hold a grudge against me. You growled at me the first time we met but after that you were very pleasant."
"I don't hold grudges. If I held a grudge against every bad guy that tried to kill me, I wouldn't have any friends."
Eighteen smiled slightly as she rubbed Goku's head and then pulled it back. "Sorry, I wasn't-"
"That's okay, I like it."
Seventeen nodded toward his sister. He didn't have much to say. Unlike Eighteen, he tried to stay away from the Z Warriors. If he didn't show up at the Tournament, he would've been on Earth.
The warriors were finally done saying their farewells and regrets to each other.
"Remember to expect anything. Good luck!" Gohan warned as he waved his hand.
"We will." Chi Chi nodded as she picked up her remote and clicked on it. One-by-one, the teams clicked on their remotes and four different portals appeared.
"Let's do this," Bulma vowed as she held Vegita to her side.
Determined, the warriors walked through the different portals. The lights vanished and Goku slumped down. "Good luck," He whispered as he hung his head.
"What do we do now?" Agent Kay asked as he crossed his arms.
"Wait for them to come back. They are going into bold new worlds," Kaioshin said as he stared at the emptiness.
To Be Continued...