Krillin vs the Saiyans

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball/Dragonball z. All rights go to Akira Toriyama and any affiliates. This applies to my story in its entirety.

Chapter 1

4:30. He always wakes up at 4:30. He blames the training; the training that as a young boy seemed impossible could now be done with little effort at all. Despite the yearning, he felt for more sleep he knew it wouldn't come to him. Once he was up there was no way he would be going back to sleep. Again he blames the training. So just like every morning for as long as he could remember he starts with his morning routine. A brief shower and change of clothes came first followed by brushing his teeth and a quick bite to eat. His options were limited and he soon decided on the take out from two days ago. For this, he blamed his roommates. He would have to go shopping soon, as the guests would most certainly be hungry. Soon he found himself outside as he did every morning. The small island only consisted of two palm trees and a lawn chair but for the majority of his life, it was home. With his body washed and fed the man readies himself to greet the rising sun with the martial arts he had practiced since he was twelve. The man stood 5 ft tall with not a single blade of hair on his head. His well-built body was the result of many hours doing this same routine over and over again. The man's name was Krillin. He was a student of Master Roshi, frequent constant to the Worlds Martial Arts Tournament, best friend of Son Goku, and at the moment the only awake on the small island.

Don't want to push myself too hard today. Just go over the basics.

The basics consisted of 5,000 punches, 5,000 kicks, 15 Kamehameha's, and 2,000 one handed pushups. The punches and kicks weren't connected at all and served no real purpose other to relax his body as he prepared himself for the day. The Kamehameha's were used to strengthen his ki pushing himself to completely use up his energy before finding more through sheer willpower. Krillin had long ago discovered that his roommates Master Roshi and Turtle could sleep through anything. So he had no problem using his master's signature technique despite shaking the small island. Finally, the pushups were just out of habit as before Master Roshi this was how he trained himself at Orin Temple. With the basics completed Krillin looked to the sky. He had been doing his morning routine for so long he had learned how to tell the time simply based on the placement of the sun.

6:00, guess I should get going.

So the bald monk took to the sky. Flying was something that Krillin still has trouble coming to terms with. Always looking for a way to make sense of things that was what he was good at. Taking everything he had ever learned a person flying shouldn't be possible at all. Of course coming back from the dead should also be impossible and he did that too. However, flying was also a great way to leave Krillin alone with his thoughts. It had been five years since the end of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. Five years since Goku defeated Piccolo Jr. and saved the world from total destruction. Thinking about it this was another thing Krillin still couldn't believe. He knew Goku was strong since the day he had met him. But to actually save the entire world was something that still left him speechless. He had even turned down the chance to become a God!

I wonder if I would have done the same. Well, it's not like becoming God would get me a girlfriend or anything.

What's worse is that no one even knows about it. Only his friends and the announcer knew what had actually happened. Apparently one of the spectators of the tournament who had run away when Piccolo reveled himself reported the news. Eventually, the media went to investigate the ruins of the tournament. But with no Demon King to be seen and no one else to provide a statement the story eventually died. After Goku had left with Chichi Kami had asked the remaining warriors to keep the truth hidden. If word had gotten out that Piccolo had returned there would be widespread panic. As long as Goku refused to kill Piccolo then the world would never truly be safe. However, Krillin trusted his friend's decision if he could defeat Piccolo once then he could do it again.

Not that there's been a problem. When he left Piccolo swore revenge but it's been five years and nobody has heard anything.

In fact, the past five years have been the most uneventful of Krillin's entire life. His life had been dedicated to martial arts and he was always trying to get stronger. But with Goku being the only one who could combat Piccolo his drive had weakened considerable. If you asked him he would say he hasn't gotten any weaker since five years ago. But would then add meekly add that he hasn't gotten any stronger either. With no tournament to look forward too, Krillin has gotten used to his morning routine being the only type of training he did all day.

I guess I should try to get a girlfriend or something. I mean if Goku could get married don't I have a shot too?

Married, He still couldn't believe that weird kid with a tail that used to be his height got married. To a smoking hot babe no less!

Well, I guess some girls like their men strong. And you can't get any better than the strongest guy in the entire world.

Though he laughed out loud the thought had stung a little. Wasn't he the one who started martial arts to get girls? How did Goku beat him?

It's because he's Goku, my best friend, and nothing is going to get better by getting jealous.

He sighed but smiled when he saw that his destination was finally in sight. It was the island that he and Goku had trained on before the first Worlds Martial Arts tournament. He often came here doing odd jobs for money so that he and his roommates didn't starve to death. In fact, the odd jobs consisted of the same training he and Goku had done when they were kids. Delivering milk, farming, and helping out with construction, helped pay the bills for the Kame House. Soon he found himself in front of the familiar house he had come across so often during his youth.

"Anyone home?" He asked knocking on the door.

"Oh, Krillin you're here early."

The voice came from the garage and the familiar goat appeared before him.

"Early? It's only 6:15."

"6:15? Krillin it's five in the morning."

"Really? Sorry about that."

The goat smiled. "What's on your mind? You've never been early before."

"Guess I'm just nervous, I'm going to see Goku later today."

"Goku? Oh, that other boy that delivered the milk as well."

"That's him."

"It's good to hear you've remained friends. Anyway, the milk is all set if you want to get a head start."

"Sure thing."

With that Krillin grabbed both boxes of milk and sprinted away. He had memorized the route when he was younger so doing it while running full speed was no problem. He ran pasting the field where he used to skip with Goku, past the trees he used to run through, up the mountain stairs, across the fallen tree, through the desert sand, leaped over the rapids, and jogged away from the dinosaurs. Soon the two boxes were filled up with empty milk bottles and looking at the sun again it wasn't even six.

Might as well do everything else as well.

The day continued with Krillin collecting his pay from the goat plowing the farmer's fields and helping out with construction. By the time he was done he had collected a small fortune.

Hopefully, this will be enough for Goku. The last thing I need is the eating machine devouring all of our savings too.

So for the second time Krillin flew. With his work done all of his thoughts became occupied with seeing everyone again.

Bulma will be there too. Been a while since I've seen her, wonder how she and Yamcha are doing.

The young genius went back to the city with her boyfriend after the tournament and he thought he would be hearing news about their wedding soon. Yet he had heard nothing.

They probably broke up again.

Soon Krillin arrived at Central City. From there it was a simple task to buy the truck load of food that he could only hope would feed his best friend. Before long he was back in the air carrying 20 bags each filled to the brim with delicious food.

The one good thing about having Goku over for dinner is that he isn't picky. The guy will eat anything.

Finally returning home Krillin opened the door carrying ten bags in each arm.

"Food!"

Krillin was surprised to hear the voice of his master. Usually, the old man slept until noon now that he no longer had anyone to train.

"Most of it is for Goku so I don't go crazy old man."

The turtle hermit's eyebrow twitched.

"Calling your master an old man you've got a lot of nerve."

"I only do it out of love." Krillin grinned. "Have you heard from Goku or Bulma?"

"Bulma called and said she was coming over in about an hour."

"Is that why you're up so early?"

"Darn phone wouldn't shut up. We need to get an answering machine."

"If you want to pay for it sure." said Krillin, as he started to unpack the food.

"Good morning."

Master and student turned their heads to see Turtle crawling through the door.

"Morning." Roshi yawned, opening the fridge to pull out a beer.

Roshi turned on the TV and started watching his favorite show Wide-Thigh Aerobics drooling through most of the program. Turtle felt asleep in the corner and Krillin started to make himself a more substantial breakfast than just some leftovers. Eventually, the three roommates heard the familiar sound of a Capsule Corp airplane.

"Hello?"

No mistaking that voice Krillin thought to himself with a grin.

"Hey, you guys!" The blue haired genius said with a salute.

"Bulma!" cheered Krillin, happy to see his old friend.

She had changed her hair again and seemed to have grown a few inches but other than that nothing had really changed. Krillin did note how great she looked in her tube top and shorts.

"Wow it sure has been a long time hasn't it?" said Bulma walking through the door.

"Yep, but look at you! You're as beautiful as ever." Roshi said with a smile.

The old man doesn't waste any time, does he?

"Oh, you men you're impossible."

"I guess you forgot about my dumplings though. Oh well, that's okay I'll forgive you." Roshi sighed before taking a drink of his beer.

He must have asked for it when she called.

Bulma grinned and then pulled out a small box from behind her.

"Surprise!"

Roshi was in fact so surprised he choked on his beer as Turtle began to eye the box lovingly.

"See I didn't forget."

"Goodness you're going to spoil this old man." coughed Roshi, getting the last of the beer out of his throat.

"I'm so happy right now." The turtle hermit said staring and leaning into Bulma's cleavage.

"I could just squeeze ya!"

Bulma wasted no time in smashing the box over the dirty man's head.

"Hey, I was just trying to say thanks."

In the worst way possible. Krillin thought, picking up the box.

"Hey so, what's Yamcha been up to these days Bulma?"

As soon as Krillin asked the question and saw his friend grab her jacket in frustration he knew this was a sore subject.

"Ugh, that idiot! I don't even want to think about him!"

Of all the questions I could ask I just picked the worst one, didn't I?

"He made me so mad I didn't even tell him we were going to be here today! I never want to see him again! We're finished! I mean can you believe it? He…he went out with another girl!"

"Breaking up is hard to do." said Roshi sympathetically.

"I wouldn't know." Krillin quickly added.

Calming down Bulma looked around the Kame House for a quick second.

"So where's Goku at?"

"Well, he said he was going to be here. I guess he's on his way," replied Krillin before walking off and opening the box of dumplings. Just the sight of the snacks made Krillin drool a little.

"Hey Krillin leave me some!" yelled Roshi from across the room.

So the three friends and the turtle started to talk about old times. The tournaments, the hunt for the dragon balls and even the fight against Piccolo had become memories that seemed so long ago. Before long the voice that everyone wanted to hear announced itself just outside the Kame House door.

"Hey is anyone home?"

Goku!

Bulma was the first one at the door and flung it open to see Son Goku wearing his trademark uniform. Krillin was right behind her and was just as happy to see his best friend.

"Goku!" said the blue haired genius with a smile.

"Hi!" He replied looking like he hadn't aged a day.

But something was wrong; it wasn't just Goku who stood before them. Their friend was holding a child. A child who was wearing a hat with a dragon ball attached to it.

"Hey who's the kid?" asked Bulma.

"Trying to earn some extra cash baby sitting or something?" questioned Krillin, a little worried that his friend had stolen the child.

"He's my son." said Goku with a grin.

Krillin could feel himself go weak in the knees and he wasn't the only one.

Goku has a son! Not only did he get married before me he also…he also…he also had…

"Pretty wild huh?" said Goku bringing Krillin back into reality.

"Oh, Goku he's adorable," Bulma exclaimed.

"Gohan say hi."

"Hello." The small child answered while bowing deeply.

The three friends and Turtle bowed in response.

"Gohan? I see, so you named him after your grandfather?" Roshi pointed out.

"Sure did." Goku beamed.

"Well that's wonderful he's a fine looking boy. I'm sure your grandpa would have been very proud."

While Roshi was talking Turtle approached Gohan cautiously only to have the small boy shy away.

"Hey, Gohan how old are you?" asked Bulma said while bringing herself down the small boy's height.

"Ugh um." Gohan quickly counted his friends before proudly showing them to the blue haired girl. "Four and a half."

"Are you going to grow up to be a brave fighter like your dad?"

"Actually Chichi doesn't let him train at all." sighed Goku.

"Oh no martial arts huh?" said Bulma sounding a little disappointed. "So what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"An orthopedist." The small child said quickly.

"Wow," replied Bulma looking at Goku for a second in disbelief. "An orthopedist huh."

Turtle then made his move and inched towards Gohan some more. Only for the small child to grab onto his father's leg even tighter.

"He's just saying hi Gohan." said Goku gently.

Bulma then noticed that Gohan had a small brown furry tail sticking out of his pants.

"Oh, Gohan has a tail."

"Yep, he was born with it. Just like me."

Turtle got really close to Gohan and put his head down invitingly.

"I think he wants you to pet him Gohan."

The small child did just that and finally approached Turtle while stroking his head.

A tail? Uh oh.

As if she could read his mind Bulma approached Goku with a worried look on her face.

"Goku has anything you know strange happened to Gohan at night?"

"What do you mean?" replied Goku

"She means has Gohan ever looked at the moon at night? When it's full?" said Roshi appearing out of nowhere.

"…No, I don't think so. Why?"

If he did then we'd have a giant killer monkey to deal with.

"No reason." laughed Roshi. "No particular reason at all."

"Well uh he sure seems to be a lot different from you when you were a kid Goku." said Krillin watching Gohan meekly play in the water.

"I know Chi-chi can be pretty overprotective when it comes to Gohan. She makes him study all the time and says that martial arts are a waste of energy," Sighed Goku.

"Oh yeah? Well, what does that make us then?"

Waste of energy? Martial arts saved the whole world!

"Now, now settle down boys." Commanded Roshi "You can't expect everyone to agree with what you're doing. It would be all too easy then."

I guess that makes sense. Though it does sound like Chichi has changed a lot. Wasn't it Goku's martial arts the reason she fell in love with him? It certainly wasn't his brains.

Soon Gohan finished playing with Turtle and ran back to his father's side.

"Isn't that a real dragon ball on Gohan's hat Goku?" asked Bulma

"Yep, took me a while to find it but I wanted Gohan to have it since it used to belong to my grandfather. I've been collecting them for fun I've got the three star and the six-star ball back at home."

"Wow, it's crazy to think of all the adventures we used to have trying to find those things," said Bulma looking off into the sky.

"Yeah, really," laughed Krillin as he picked up a stone. "So what are you going to wish for when you get all seven?"

He threw the stone into the water and watched it skip until it was out of sight.

"I don't know Krillin that's a good question." Replied Goku as he picked up a stone as well. "Come to think of it I don't really want anything."

Goku threw the stone as well but instead of skipping against the waves his stone parted the sea as it literally flew over the ocean.

Sheesh, he's still as strong as ever.

Goku smiled at the throw then turned to Roshi and Bulma "Hey do you mind showing Gohan around Kame House for a minute? I need to talk to Krillin."

Just me? What could this be about?

"Sure, no problem," Bulma said, taking Gohan by the hand with Roshi and Turtle following and leading him into the house.

"So how's married life Goku?" Krillin asked as he bent down to pick up another stone.

"Honestly, it's great," Goku answered with a smile.

This wasn't the response Krillin had expected. Based on what he had seen at the World Martial Arts Tournament it looked like Goku had just agreed to marry Chichi because she asked. He didn't even know what a bride was at the time!

"That's good to hear. I was a little worried about you." Said Krillin throwing the stone and watching it skip.

"Yeah, I was a little clueless at first and Chichi can be a little testy sometimes but man oh man is it ever worth it. She makes some really good food and she lets me train as much as I want! I guess I can understand why you and Master Roshi like the ladies so much."

"Well, that's good to hear Goku. I'm glad everything is going so well."

While Krillin was happy for his friend he couldn't help but compare his life to Goku's.

He's got a wife that loves him a son that he cares for and has the strength of a thousand men. If this were a foot race I'd have already lost.

"But listen, Krillin, I didn't just want to talk about Chichi. I have something I want to ask you." Goku said snapping Krillin out of his daydream.

"What is it?"

"Well if something were to ever happen to me. Could you watch over Gohan and Chichi for me?"

Wait, what?

"Wh…what do you mean Goku are you in trouble or something?" asked Krillin fearing the worst.

"No, no I just want to make sure that my family is in good hands. The way I see it I'm not going away for a long, long time. But if the worst happens I need someone to protect my family, which includes Gohan now."

Krillin was stunned.

"Are…are you sure I mean I don't know if I can and you've known Bulma longer. Wouldn't she be the better choice?"

"Bulma doesn't know how to fight. I need someone who can watch over and protect them. No matter what happens."

Krillin didn't know what to say. Goku was his best friend and that would always be true. But he has changed so much in such little time it just didn't seem right.

"You don't have to be so serious. I mean even if you did die we can just wish you back with the dragon balls. You don't need me to…"

"Krillin, please."

The bald monk looked at his friend and saw that he was truly serious about this.

He's thinking about the future and he wants my help...But what if I'm not strong enough? He's the strongest guy in the world if someone kills him then what can I do?

"Goku…I"

"Daddy!"

The two friends spun around to see Gohan running back to his father with Roshi and Bulma following close behind.

"Sorry Goku did you two finish your talk?" said Bulma

Goku looked at Krillin for a second and smiled.

"Yeah we did." replied Goku as he bent down to pick up his son.

But before he could Goku tensed up and looked to the sky as if he were searching for something.

"What is it Goku?" asked the turtle hermit already sensing something was wrong.

"There's something bad heading straight for us."

"Are you sure?" asked Bulma

"Positive. I've never felt a power like this before."

What is he talking about I don't feel anyth…

All at once the power came crashing down on Krillin. He had never felt such evil radiating from one being before. It was as if this one person wished nothing more than the destruction of the entire planet.

It can't be Piccolo, I don't know how but this power is even more twisted and dark then his.

Piccolo was nothing compared to this power. So much so that Krillin almost wished the Demon King could replace whoever was coming this way.

"Yeah, I feel it now too." mumbled Krillin.

"I don't see anything." shrugged Bulma trying to sound hopeful.

Krillin scanned the sky hoping to find the source of the awful energy.

"Look there!" shouted Goku pointing to in a direction Krillin hadn't bothered to look at yet.

"Oh yes I see it Goku!" yelled Master Roshi

The source of the power was indeed a person flying at the small island with incredible speed. As it began its descent Krillin felt a chill run up his spine and his stomach started to turn.

This guy…isn't normal.

Soon the power took the form of a man who stood head and shoulders above the small human. His hair almost touching the ground and his wardrobe consisted of a type of armor that looked almost alien. Over his left eye was some sort of equipment that was already beeping for an unknown reason.

Definitely not normal.

"So we meet again at last." said the man his eyes turned directly at Goku.

Krillin could feel his blood freeze as the man spoke. His voice was dark and unforgiving, but there was something else that caught his attention.

I can smell death in the air. Has he already killed someone?

Master Roshi seemed to sense the same thing as the old master began to tremble slightly. Bulma looked confused and Krillin was thankful she couldn't sense energy like the rest of them. Gohan was clinging to his father's leg like his life depended on it. Turtle had disappeared and Goku was glaring at the man unsure as to what he meant by "again."

"You've grown up. Even so, I still recognize you, Kakarot." continued the man staring Goku down.

"Kakarot?" stuttered Goku unsure if he had even pronounced the word correctly.

"That's right, that's your name."

"His name?" Bulma chimed in.

Krillin wanted to say something he really did. But he felt absolutely helpless in front of the power this man seemed to command. The pressure his energy was exerting seemed infinite and it froze his tongue making him unable to say anything.

"Kakarot!" The man continued "What have you been doing all these years? Your mission was to terminate all life on this planet why haven't you carried it out?"

Silence fell over the small island, as nobody knew the answer to this question. Goku was supposed to terminate all life? The very idea was so laughable Krillin began to feel that this was all just a joke. Slowly the monk began to build up some courage, at least enough to talk.

"Listen I don't know who you are but you obviously have the wrong guy."

The man didn't respond to Krillin and continued to stare down Goku. Feeling even more courageous then usual the monk took a step toward the man.

"We don't know anyone by the name of Kakarot so you should probably fly back to where ever you came from."

Again there was no physical response from the man. But his attention shifted from Goku to the small warrior who had dared threaten him. Krillin noticed this and stopped himself from trembling.

If I can put on a brave face maybe he'll just go.

"I won't say it again. Leave before you get hurt." Krillin said summoning all of his strength as he stood before the man.

"Krillin watch out!" Goku screamed

He saw the attack coming but could do nothing more as he felt his face snap back. The blow was so fast and strong that it knocked Krillin off of his feet and sent him crashing into the Kame House. He could see the living room his face having gone straight through the wall.

Was…that…a tail?

Krillin tried to stay awake but he was fighting a losing battle as he felt himself slip into unconsciousness.