Farewell

  Goku, Tien, Krillin, Yamcha, Master Roshi, Khami, and Mr. Popo stood in solemn silence amid the desolate wasteland. Before them, draped in a stark white cloth, lay the lifeless body of Chiaotzu.

  Above, the night sky stretched infinitely, its stars flickering like distant echoes of forgotten battles. A half-moon cast a cold, spectral glow over the mourners. Tien, Krillin, and Yamcha bore fresh wounds from their recent struggles, their bodies wrapped in bandages. Goku, nearly encased in white, stood among them—a testament to sheer resilience. Despite his pain, he refused to miss this final farewell to his fallen friend.

  One by one, they stepped forward, their movements deliberate and heavy with sorrow. Without a word, they began to dig, the rhythmic scrape of shovels against the hardened earth the only sound in the still night. Soon, the grave was ready.

  Tien knelt, his hands trembling as he cradled Chiaotzu's small frame. With a quiet breath, he lowered him into the earth. His expression remained stoic, but his grief bled through in the way his fingers lingered before releasing their grip.

  Together, they covered Chiaotzu with soil, each handful an unspoken goodbye. As the grave filled, they murmured traditional verses, their voices weaving through the night air: "From the earth we created you, and into it we shall return you, and from it we will extract you another time..."

  When the task was done, Master Roshi exhaled a heavy sigh. "To God we belong, and to God we shall return. Rest in peace, Chiaotzu."

  Tien's breath hitched as he fought to contain his sorrow. He turned away slightly, pressing his arm against his face. "Chiaotzu..." The name barely escaped him, raw with emotion. For over two decades, they had been inseparable—training, fighting, surviving. Now, that bond had been severed, leaving an emptiness too vast to comprehend.

  Yamcha placed a steady hand on Tien's shoulder. "Hang in there, man."

  It was rare to see Tien so vulnerable.

  Krillin's thoughts drifted to his own past encounters with Chiaotzu. He recalled their match at the World Martial Arts Tournament, how intense their rivalry had been. Now, those memories seemed so trivial in the face of such loss. The weight of finality pressed down on him, heavier than he had expected.

  Khami spoke softly, his voice carrying wisdom and reverence. "Chiaotzu was a good soul. For years, he served the Almighty with unwavering devotion. May he find peace and honor in the afterlife."

  A quiet murmur of agreement rippled through the group. "Amen."

  Tien nodded, his voice steadier now. "Since the battle with King Piccolo, Chiaotzu dedicated himself to bettering humanity. He always pushed for acts of kindness—digging wells, feeding the hungry—he wanted to atone for the past. He had a good heart."

  Goku studied Tien's grieving face, his own expression pensive. He believed, with every fiber of his being, that Chiaotzu would find peace. Together, they bowed their heads, offering one final prayer.

  Clouds gathered, swallowing the stars and moon in a shroud of darkness. Krillin glanced skyward as a single raindrop landed on his cheek. "Looks like rain's coming. We should go."

  No one argued. They lingered a moment longer, each lost in their own thoughts, before turning away. As they departed, the first gentle patter of rain began to fall, washing over the fresh grave like a whisper of farewell.

  Gohan lay in the hospital bed, the sterile white of the room a stark contrast to the vibrant memories of his recent battles. His mother sat beside him, her fingers deftly moving through the yarn as she knitted a sweater, the rhythmic click of her needles a soothing background.

  Gohan's gaze softened as he looked at her, a smile forming on his lips. "Mom, it feels surreal to see you here like this. For a while, I almost lost hope of ever seeing you and Dad again."

  His mother looked up from her work, her eyes reflecting a blend of warmth and wisdom. "Hopelessness is not born of belief, Gohan. Remember that."

  "Right, Mom," Gohan replied, his voice tinged with gratitude.

  A soft knock interrupted the moment. Chichi rose from her chair and moved to open the door. There, framed by the dim corridor light, stood Goku, leaning heavily on Khami for support.

  Khami stepped inside, carefully guiding Goku toward Chichi. With gentle precision, Chichi helped Goku into the hospital bed, ensuring he was settled comfortably. Goku's weary form sagged with exhaustion as he lay down.

  "It may take months for Goku to fully recover," Khami said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Please take good care of him."

  "We will," Chichi assured, her voice firm but tender.

  As Khami left and the door closed softly behind him, Goku's breathing soon deepened into sleep. Within moments, the familiar sound of his snoring filled the room, loud and reassuring as ever.

  Gohan's smile widened, a sense of relief washing over him. It was a sound he had missed, and now, hearing it again, he knew that everything would be alright.

  Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien were in a small hospital room, each lying in separate beds. The room was dimly lit, and the occasional hum of medical equipment punctuated the stillness as they lay awake, lost in their thoughts.

  Krillin's face was a mix of frustration and regret as he stared at the sterile ceiling. "I can't believe I let Yajirobe get kidnapped like that."

  Yamcha, leaning back against his pillows with a wry smile, responded, "Leave it to you to mess things up."

  "Shut up," Krillin shot back, irritation clear in his voice.

  Tien, lying still with his eyes fixed on the ceiling, offered a calming perspective. "I don't think you need to worry too much about Yajirobe, Krillin."

  Yamcha grinned, his eyes reflecting a hint of amusement. "I'd actually be more concerned about the Saiyan. I can't imagine being stuck with Yajirobe for too long."

  Krillin snickered, the thought of Yajirobe's antics clashing with the Saiyan's temperament giving him a momentary distraction from his worries. Despite Yajirobe's difficult nature, Krillin couldn't shake the fear that the fat man might already be in danger. "Tomorrow, we'll discuss the matter with Khami and the others," he said, determination creeping into his voice.

  Piccolo stood alone in the rain, his clothes heavy and dripping, clinging to his form. The downpour seemed to merge with his deep contemplation as he knelt, absorbed in prayer. He had declined Gohan's offer to stay in the hospital, preferring the solitude where he could rely on his regenerative powers. He reasoned that Gohan would be better off spending time with his parents rather than with him.

  Yet, despite his attempts to find solace in prayer, a sinister thought gnawed at the edges of his mind. Whenever this dark presence emerged, he sought refuge in prayer, but tonight, the feeling was too intense to ignore.

  As Piccolo concluded his prayer, he looked ahead, his focus faltering as his mind remained clouded by foreboding.

  'This is my chance.'

  ...

  Piccolo floated silently outside the hospital window, left ajar by Goku's family. The rain pattered softly on the glass as he peered inside. The room was dimly lit, with Goku's bed situated farthest from where Piccolo hovered, near the door.

  With the grace of a shadow, Piccolo glided into the room, his presence imperceptible. He moved with deliberate stealth, every step measured to avoid detection, until he reached Goku's bedside.

  Piccolo's resolve hardened as he looked down at the injured Saiyan. This was his moment for retribution, his moment ...to avenge his father.

  Just as he prepared to strike, Goku's eyes fluttered open, meeting Piccolo's gaze with a calm, unwavering stare. "What do you want, Piccolo?" Goku's voice was steady, devoid of fear.

  Piccolo's face twisted in a scowl. "So calm and confident, even in the face of death?"

  Goku's smile remained. "Go ahead."

  Piccolo raised his hand, his eyes narrowing on the vulnerable jugular vein exposed on Goku's neck. Yet, his body trembled, caught between anger and hesitation. Goku's serene expression seemed to only deepen Piccolo's internal conflict.

  As Piccolo struggled with his resolve, he felt a small hand tugging at his leg. Looking down, he saw Gohan, confused and looking up at him with innocent eyes. "Mr. Piccolo?"

  Piccolo closed his eyes, battling with himself before abruptly turning away. He moved swiftly to the window, leaping out into the night.

  Gohan watched, puzzled, as his master disappeared into the darkness. "What's wrong with Mr. Piccolo?"

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Goku, with a faint smirk, replied, "Nothing, son. He just wanted to pay a visit." He knew that Piccolo's wouldn't kill him, not with Gohan around.

  ...

  Piccolo's aura blazed fiercely around him as he soared through the rain-soaked sky. Sweat streamed down his face, and his teeth were clenched in a grimace of frustration and rage.

  Khami's place..

  Khami and Mr. Popo stood in quiet prayer, their senses alert to the disturbance on the lookout. As they concluded their rituals, they turned to find Piccolo standing before them, visibly agitated and breathless as though he had just returned from a fierce confrontation.

  Piccolo stormed forward, his fury evident as he seized Khami by the collar. "I want the borrowed water... now."

  Khami met Piccolo's glare with unwavering calm. "Over my dead body."

  Mr. Popo's face reddened with anger. "Put Khami down, Piccolo."

  Piccolo, his patience exhausted, snarled and roughly shoved Khami aside. "I've had enough. If you don't give it to me now, I will destroy this place and both of you."

  Mr. Popo's fists tightened. "I'd like to see you try."

  Khami cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the tension. "I'm sorry, Piccolo, but the borrowed water cannot be used by someone whose mind and heart are at odds. For it to be effective, you must achieve harmony within yourself—mind, heart, and spirit."

  Piccolo's teeth clenched in frustration. "At least tell me where you've hidden your spaceship!"

  Khami turned to Mr. Popo. "Popo..."

  Mr. Popo's eyes widened in shock. "But Khami..."

  "Do as I say, Popo. You will manage this place after my death, but for now, I am in charge."

  Mr. Popo, sweating and visibly uncomfortable, nodded reluctantly. He faced Piccolo. "You should be grateful to Khami, Piccolo."

  Piccolo advanced menacingly toward Mr. Popo. "Make me."

  Mr. Popo swallowed hard, opting for silence as he led Piccolo to the edge of the lookout. They jumped down together, with Piccolo following closely.

  At the base, Piccolo and Mr. Popo arrived in front of a large, oddly shaped object.

  Piccolo scrutinized the spaceship with a narrowed gaze. "So this is it?" The craft seemed oddly familiar.

  Mr. Popo handed Piccolo an instruction manual. "Take this and don't forget to fasten your seatbelt. Otherwise, you might end up as a pickle."

  Piccolo scowled but took the manual. "Don't worry. I won't."

  ...

  Mr. Popo watched as the spaceship ascended, disappearing into the vastness of space. "I wonder where he's headed. Could he be searching for a she-Namekian? I hope he doesn't have better luck than Khami did."

  The bitterness in Mr. Popo's gaze was palpable. Mr Popo hated Piccolo.

  Next morning...

  Khami, Mr. Popo, and Korin had arrived to check on the injured fighters of Earth, having tried unsuccessfully to reach Master Roshi, whose phone was switched off.

  They now stood in the shared room of Tien, Krillin, and Yamcha. Krillin had already recounted the entire ordeal to them earlier.

  Yamcha broke the silence. "The real question is how we're going to track down where the Saiyan has taken Yajirobe."

  Tien's gaze was distant, reflecting the vastness of their predicament. "I don't know, Yamcha. The universe is far from small."

  Khami stroked his chin, deep in thought. "If the Saiyan is indeed after Ragon, then I have a hunch about which planet he might visit…"

  Korin's ears perked up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

  Krillin leaned forward, eager. "Which planet, Mr. Khami?"

  Khami closed his eyes momentarily. "It's Planet Namek."

  Krillin's eyes widened. "Planet Namek?"

  Khami opened his eyes, a note of concern in his voice. "But there's a hitch… Piccolo took my spaceship last night."

  Krillin's expression fell, disappointment and frustration etched on his face.

  Yamcha's voice was laced with anger. "That bastard!"

  Khami continued, trying to offer a glimmer of hope. "However, Mr. Popo and I have been working on another spaceship, similar in design. We began constructing it as a contingency plan if the Saiyans defeated you. It should be ready in a couple of weeks."

  Krillin sighed, the revelation hitting hard. The fact that Khami and his team had already anticipated such a dire scenario made him feel even more isolated.

  Korin, usually composed, showed uncharacteristic distress as he grabbed Krillin's collar. "Please, you have to rescue him. Yajirobe never wanted to fight; it's all my fault. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him…"

  Krillin looked at the cat with a mixture of sympathy and bewilderment. "If you're that worried, maybe you should go instead of me."

  Korin sweatdropped, realizing that his true concern was not Yajirobe's well-being but the daunting task of managing the Senzu plants alone. Naturally, he kept this to himself.

  Krillin sighed deeply. "Alright, I'll go. Now, who's going to accompany me?"

  The room fell silent, each person avoiding eye contact as if faced with the impossible task of finding a volunteer to bell the cat.

  Krillin's frustration was evident. "I can't go alone…"

  After half an hour of intense negotiation, Krillin managed to persuade Yamcha to join him.

  Khami addressed the Turtle School fighters with a note of gravity. "You'll need to exercise extreme caution. Avoid any confrontation with the Saiyan. Hide your ki and seize the chance to rescue Yajirobe when you get it. Understood?"

  Both Krillin and Yamcha nodded in agreement.

  Khami then turned to Mr. Popo. "Popo, I have a message for Guru. Could you deliver it for me?"

  Mr. Popo nodded with a reassuring smile. "Certainly.

  Gohan's eyes lit up with excitement as he overheard the plans for the upcoming adventure. The prospect of his father's friends embarking on such a thrilling journey filled him with eager anticipation.

  "Mom, can I go too?" he asked, his voice brimming with hope.

  Chichi, ever the protective mother, shook her head firmly. "No, Gohan. You have a lot of catching up to do with your studies."

  "But Mom, I've never been to space before," Gohan pleaded, his eyes wide with longing.

  Chichi's resolve didn't waver. "No means no, Gohan."

  Gohan sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping in disappointment. He looked down, the sparkle in his eyes dimming.

  From his hospital bed, Goku watched the exchange with a knowing smile. "Good boy, Gohan," he said warmly, his pride in his son's obedience evident.

  Two weeks later...

  Yamcha and Krillin were devouring everything on the dining table at Kame House, their ravenous appetites leaving Master Roshi staring in shock, his mouth agape. There went his savings...

  "Sorry... Master..." Krillin managed to mumble between bites. "But... don't... bother... with... the sweet-dish. We don't have... much room left!..."

  Yamcha nodded in agreement, too busy shoveling food into his mouth to speak.

  Master Roshi let out a sigh of relief internally. 'Thank God,' he thought. At least he wouldn't have to worry about dessert expenses.

  Outside, the now-ready spaceship gleamed in the sunlight, standing tall and ready for departure. Yamcha and Krillin had planned to leave the following afternoon, embarking on their urgent and perilous mission.

  Frieza Planet 327

  Crab and Brob, technicians in the PTO, stared intently at the monitor in front of them as new information flashed on the screen.

  "Vegeta and Nappa are back," Crab announced, eyes wide with surprise.

  The two immediately rushed outside to greet the arrivals.

  Soon, two space pods made a soft landing on the special circular pads designated for such purposes. As seconds turned into a minute without anyone emerging, Brob dared to approach Vegeta's pod. Peering inside, he exclaimed, "Why! He's using his life support system!"

  Meanwhile, Crab approached Nappa's pod and was even more astonished by what he saw. "No! Nappa! What have you done to yourself!? How many times did I warn you not to use that hair-growing cream but you didn't listen to me!"

  Brob walked over to where Crab was standing and slapped him on the back of his head. "Fool! Can't you see? This isn't Nappa. Look closely."

  Crab scratched his head, puzzled. "So where is Nappa?"

  "Prince Vegeta would know, but we should admit him to the healing chamber first," Brob replied.

  Crab nodded. "Right."

  ...

  Vegeta floated in the greenish-blue liquid of the healing chamber. 'Kakarot...' His brow twitched, even in unconsciousness, the name echoing in his mind.

  ...

  Yajirobe slowly opened his eyes, finding himself in an unfamiliar, sterile white room. Sitting upright, he cautiously looked around, seeing no one else present. Quietly, he tiptoed towards the door.

  "Where do you think you're going?" a voice called out.

  Yajirobe froze. A purple-skinned, well-built man in Saiyan armor sat on a chair nearby, watching him closely.

  "Just wanted to relieve myself. Could you point me to the washroom?" Yajirobe asked, forcing a grin.

  Brob pointed his thumb down the corridor.

  "Thanks... hehe," Yajirobe muttered, nervously making his way down the hallway. As he walked, he encountered various strange-looking individuals, each one staring at him as if he were the oddity.

  Leaving this place wasn't going to be easy.

  Gohan tossed and turned in his bed, unable to fall asleep. His father's friends were leaving tomorrow afternoon, and he couldn't stop wondering what the spaceship looked like. He had to see it before Krillin and Yamcha departed.

  Slowly, the boy tiptoed out of the hospital room.

  His mother mumbled something about ill-mannered kids but fell back asleep almost immediately.

  Gohan let out a sigh of relief, carefully shutting the door behind him.

  ...

  The boy had brought his father's smartphone with him. Luckily for Gohan, Goku never set a password on his phone, which meant anyone could easily access it.

  Gohan searched for the island that belonged to Master Roshi. His dad had the location saved in his phone.

  He jumped out of a window and flew away.

  ...

  Gohan stood in front of the strange-looking spaceship on Master Roshi's island. The lights of Kame House were off, indicating that everyone was fast asleep.

  Gohan recalled some of the instructions from the spaceship manual his mom had once left on the table in their hospital room.

  "Piccolo," said Gohan as the door of the spaceship opened. It was exactly like the spaceship his parents had traveled in.

  He went inside and ignited a small ki blast in his hand to light his surroundings. "Wow..."

  Gohan began to explore the area, soon finding himself in front of a reclining sofa.

  He jumped onto it. "This is fantastic!" he exclaimed, bouncing on the sofa. It felt so comfy.

  The boy lay back, looking around himself. By now, his eyes had adjusted to the dark surroundings.

  Slowly, Gohan's eyes began to close as he dozed off happily.

  The next morning...

  Krillin and Yamcha were yawning on their beds when Master Roshi shouted at them to wake up.

  Grudgingly, they obeyed and stumbled out. After refreshing themselves, they walked down to the dining room.

  Master Roshi had ordered breakfast for them. As the three began to eat, Master Roshi's brow twitched. He watched both his students munch away at an astonishing pace. Their appetites had increased vastly compared to last year. The old man simply couldn't afford to let them stay until lunch. They had to leave now.

  "Ahem." Master Roshi cleared his throat. "I don't find any reason for you to delay your trip until the afternoon. Yajirobe is in urgent need of your help."

  Yamcha looked at his former teacher. "But master..."

  Krillin added, "We thought of making a trip to South Carifa City's pizza restaurant with you. For a nice good-bye meal, you know."

  Master Roshi fumed. These audacious little brats. "YOU WILL LEAVE AFTER BREAKFAST! AND THAT'S FINAL!"

  Yamcha and Krillin were left speechless.

  ...

  Soon it was time for them to leave. Mr. Popo had arrived as well. Krillin had alerted Mr. Popo about the change in schedule, and he had duly arrived. The two Turtle School students bid farewell to their master before getting into the ship along with Mr. Popo.

  Master Roshi heaved a sigh of relief as the ship blasted off and disappeared. Now with his wallet safe, concern began to creep into his mind. 'I hope you stay safe, both of you.'

  ...

  Krillin and Yamcha relaxed as the ship completed its take-off. The two unbuckled their seat belts and began to look around.

  Mr. Popo remained seated, having taken out a newspaper from his pocket to read.

  They were in space now, having escaped Earth's gravitational field. The trip to Namek was going to be a long one.

  Krillin wondered why Khami had not come with them. Surely he would have loved to visit his home planet after such a long time.

  It was then that their eyes fell on someone lying strapped onto the reclining sofa. And boy, were they surprised...

  "Gohan? What are you doing here?"

  Gohan blinked with widened eyes.

  To be continued...