The Bond

Krillin sat next to 18, the little daughter between them. They were in the plane again, heading toward where the others had gone.

"You're sure this is the way?" asked Chichi, looking over at him. Videl was next to her.

"Yep," said Krillin gravely.

"A monster called Buu," said Yamcha, who was driving, "You would think that they would have thought of something a bit more original!"

"Does it matter what they call him if he's really supposed to be so strong?" asked Chichi, "Ugh, Krillin, I can't believe you didn't stop the boys from following!"

Krillin rubbed the back of his neck, "I tried to tell them no, but they just didn't want to listen! They were flying way too fast for me to catch up, powered up and everything!"

"I wasn't thinking," said Videl, "I should have stopped them."

"Don't worry about it," said Yamcha, "I'm pretty sure trying to stop three pre K super powered kids is a lot more difficult than it sounds, and that sounds tough to begin with!"

Krillin sighed. He felt guilty that he hadn't stopped the boys, but Makoto had been right when he said he could beat him. In a way in a humiliating, being out matched by a five year old!

Bulma sat in the passenger seat. She seemed in too much of an upset mood to drive. Yamcha looked at her, "Hey, Bulma, lighten up! You know that Katima and Vegeta would never do those things back there of their own will. Something must have been done to them."

"I know," she said, "But my husband got turned to stone, Yamcha, forgive me if I seem a little upset!"

"The Supreme Kai said that the curse would be lifted if Dabora was killed," said Krillin, "And the others didn't seem worried about his power. I'm sure he's been returned to normal by now!"

Bulma sighed, hanging her head, "I hope so."

Up ahead, there was a light on the horizon.

"What's that?" Yamcha asked, then looked down, "Ah! It's making all the controls go haywire!"

The entire ship began to shake, and it tilted to the side, making them all tumble. Krillin caught his daughter, holding her to him as she cried. He tried to keep flying to keep her from being jostled.

"What are you doing?" 18 shouted.

"It isn't me!" Yamcha cried, "Engine one is down!"

The plane began to go down. Krillin tried to think of what to do, they were going to crash, and not everyone aboard could survive that impact!

Then he saw his wife open the door and hop out of the plane. With a jolt, they suddenly stopped falling. Krillin sighed and landed, smiling. 18 had caught the plane, clever! Why didn't he think of that?

Slowly, 18 lowered them to the ground.

"Mommy's flying the plane!" Marin cried excitedly.

Krillin laughed and ruffled her hair, "Your mom sure is amazing," he said.

18 set the plane down and they all filed out.

"Thanks, 18!" said Chichi, "You saved our lives!"

18 smiled lightly as Krillin set Marin down, their daughter rushing to her and hugging her leg, "Wow mommy, you're so strong!"

"You will be too, one day, little one," said 18, smiling at her.

"That was no normal turbulence," said Roshi, straightening his sunglasses, "That was one powerful explosion!"

Krillin nodded in agreement, looking toward where the light had been. He cast out his senses, and only felt traces of Piccolo, Rilan, and the three boys. Everyone else… there was no trace of. He stared in horror. Katima, Vegeta, Goku, and Gohan… all of them… There was no sign.

*scene change*

Rilan held his son tight to his chest as the explosion finally waned. Piccolo was beside him, holding Goten and Makoto. He bowed his head, his teeth grit.

"They…" Rilan shook his head, "They're gone," he whispered.

"It seems Buu along with them," said Piccolo.

"We should go check," said Rilan softly.

"It's too dangerous for the boys, in case he is alive," said Piccolo, "Let's set them down somewhere safe."

Rilan nodded. They landed and placed the three boys beneath a lone tree out in a valley, then flew back toward where they had left Katima and Vegeta.

The spot was marked well.

A massive crater the size of a small city had been made. Rilan and Piccolo slowly lowered into it. Landing, Rilan looked around. There wasn't a single trace of Katima or Vegeta left. He sighed heavily in sorrow.

"I don't see Buu," said Piccolo, "I think it worked."

"I see him," said Rilan, pointing down.

Piccolo followed his finger and his face twisted in mild disgust.

There were tiny scraps of pink littered all over the crater.

"They knew no normal attack would work," said Rilan, "So they had to blow him to bits…"

Rilan turned at the sound of a soft whimper. Piccolo looked at well, and they went to a small indent in the ground where the top half and one arm of Bobbity was.

"H-help me!" he cried.

"Huh, still alive," said Rilan, folding his arms, glaring down, "Isn't that cute."

"Don't just stand there!" Bobbity gasped, "Help me!"

"Give me one good reason," growled Piccolo, "Of why we should help you. When was the last time you used your powers to help anyone?"

"Don't lecture me- HELP me!"

"Heh, pretty demanding for someone in your position," snapped Rilan, "It's your fault two of my best friends are dead now. I'm tempted to just leave you here to bleed out, instead of giving you a mercy killing…"

"No!" Bobbity wailed.

"Don't lower yourself to his level, Rilan," said Piccolo, aiming a hand, "We will show him mercy and end it swiftly.

But before he could make a move, the pink scraps around them began to move.

Rilan gasped as one wriggled out from under his boot. They all began to rush toward each other, slowly, but surely, reforming. Horror flooded him. Vegeta and Katima's attack- it didn't work- they died for nothing!

"No-" Piccolo gasped, "It can't be- what kind of monster IS he?"

"Piccolo, we have to get out of here while we still can!" Rilan said, grabbing the Namekian's eyes, "The boys!"

They both ran. There was nothing else to do. They flew, blasting back toward the area they had left the boys. Behind them, Rilan could hear the thing cry out as it was completely revived.

"BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

*scene change*

With the plane fixed, Krillin and the others went searching for the Dragon Balls. It became obvious after feeling that amount of power that there were going to be some people who would need revival, not to mention the people from the tournament. As they made their way toward the last one, Krillin saw Videl looking at the Dragon Balls with a frown on her face.

"I hope these things work," she said.

"Oh they work," said Chichi, glancing back at her, "I've seen it a number of times."

"It's just strange to think that these things can bring people back to life," said Videl, looking forward again.

"Well, Krillin and I were dead," said Yamcha, looking back, "Wished back good as new!"

"Start landing, Yamcha," said Bulma, "The last one has to be on that island, the radar says it's at sea level."

"Right," said Yamcha.

They began shaking as he lowered the plane, and Krillin yelped and hold on to Marin and 18 as they slammed onto the ground. Roshi came flying over, landing right against 18, his face right in her chest. Krillin turned red.

"MASTER ROSHI!" he cried.

The plane settled, and Roshi looked up at 18, who was glaring down at him darkly.

"Oh, thank you, 18, I could have died, and you saved my life! If your soft flotation devices here weren't here, I could have smashed my head-!" Roshi said, staring point blank at her breasts.

"Get your face out of my wife's boobs you old pervert!" Krillin shouted, about to smack him, but 18 beat him to it.

She grabbed his face and twisted him, sending him cartwheeling across the ship and slamming into the far end. Marin giggled, and Krillin sighed, still irritated.

They filed out of the plane and looked around. Krillin sat his daughter down and glanced at 18, Videl, and Yamcha, "Let's fly around and try to find it," he said.

"I'll stay here with Marin," said 18, picking her up, "Three of you should suffice."

Krillin nodded at her and he, Videl, and Yamcha took off, hovering around. Krillin grinned when he spotted a golden glint in a nest atop a small spire. He went toward it, "Found it!" he called.

But before he could reach it, a large tongue came out and wrapped around the nest. Krillin yelped as he watched it sail up and into the maw of a large, plump pink dragon. He wailed, "Ah! No, spit it up, ya great lump! We need that!"

The dragon began to hover away, snorting contently.

"Get him, Krillin!" Bulma cried.

Krillin shot a blast at the creature, which hit its flank. The beast cried and spiraled down, crashing into the water. Krillin sighed and shed his shirt and shoes, tossing them down to his wife. She caught them with a smirk. He turned a little red when he saw her eyes going over his toned upper body. Five years of marriage and he still wasn't used to how she found him attractive.

He dove into the water. Krillin turned when he head another follow him and saw Videl. He grinned and they pushed on, swimming toward where the creature was swimming. Krillin shot another beam at it to catch its attention. It whirled and its snake like tongue came at them through the water. He and Videl dodged it, and Videl rushed forward and punched it in the eye. The monster roared, and rushed for the surface. Krillin and Videl latched themselves on its arms.

As the dragon burst from the water, Krillin saw out of the corner of his eye 18 kick Roshi, most likely intent on making him go into the water, but her kick was too hard and Roshi came soaring toward them. The dragon opened its maw wide to swallow him whole.

"Master Roshi!" Krillin called.

Just before Roshi met the monster's mouth, Krillin heard the tell tale sound of air ripping past cheeks. Oh God. Then, the smell hit him. He nearly gagged, covering his mouth, "Holy shit, Roshi, what do you EAT?" he cried.

The dragon stopped, and began coughing wildly. Then, the Dragon Ball came flying out, smacking Roshi in the face as he fell. Krillin darted forward as the dragon flew away, whimpering, and caught Roshi. Below, Videl caught the Dragon Ball, grimacing and wiping it on her soaked shirt.

"Urgh! It's covered in slime!" she called.

They returned to the others, and Krillin grinned at his wife as she handed him his clothes.

"That was great team work, guys!" said Yamcha.

"Oh, like you helped!" Bulma snapped at him, making him blush and rub the back of his neck.

"Let's get these back to your house, Bulma," said Krillin, "And we can bring everyone back."

*scene change*

Rilan and Piccolo landed on the Lookout. Rilan carefully recradled Trunks, and offered a soft smile as Dende, who was now a teenager, and Mr. Popo came out to meet them.

"Please don't tell me the little ones are hurt!" said Mr. Popo.

"No, just knocked out so they wouldn't interfere," said Piccolo gravely, "They just need rest."

"Then… what I've been sensing is true," said Dende, "Katima and Vegeta are dead."

Piccolo nodded solemnly.

"Is there somewhere we can put the boys?" Rilan asked.

"Yes," said Mr. Popo, taking Makoto and Goten from Piccolo, "Follow me."

Rilan followed Mr. Popo into the structure as he heard Piccolo begin to explain everything that had happened. They set the boys in a large bed in one of the bedrooms. Rilan rubbed Trunks' cheek as he set him down. He couldn't imagine how hard it had been for Katima nd Vegeta to say goodbye to their son. He knew that he would do his best to raise the boy in their absence, just as they asked.

While Mr. Popo went to go cook them something, Rilan stepped back outside. As he made his way toward Piccolo and Dende, Goku suddenly appeared between them.

Rilan blinked.

"Goku?"

Goku looked around, "Hi!"

"Goku!" Piccolo cried, "You're alive!"

"Well, as alive as a dead guy can get, sure!" laughed Goku.

He looked rough. Wounds covered his body, and his clothing was in tatters.

"You're injured," said Dende.

"Thanks of Vegeta," said Goku.

"Let me heal you," said Dende.

He held out his hands, and a wave went over Goku. Slowly, his wounds stitched shut and Rilan felt his power level rise.

"What happened?" Goku asked, "I can't sense Vegeta or Katima. Gohan either!"

Rilan bowed his head, "They're all dead, Goku. Buu killed Gohan, and Katima and Vegeta killed themselves in an attempt to kill Buu. It wasn't enough… He's still alive."

Goku gasped, a look of horror crossing his face, "Gohan… and Katima?" he breathed, bowing his head and clenching his fists, "I should have been there for them!"

"But the Supreme Kai is still alive," said Piccolo, "Dende told me he could feel him."

"I completely forgot about Shin!" Rilan said, "We're going to have to gather everyone we can and bring them here. It will take Buu a longer time to find us up here, and it's safe for our families. I need to find Bulma…"

His heart ached at the thought of Bulma. He hoped she wasn't too worried about him.

Goku sat down on the steps that led into the building, holding his head in his hands, "Damn it!" he hissed, "Why did Vegeta have to get so arrogant? He should have let me help! If he or Gohan were still alive… we could have done a fusion!"

Rilan blinked, "Fusion?" he asked.

Goku looked up, "Yeah, I learned how to do it in Other World. It can only be done between two people of similar size and physical ability, and same gender, of course."

"You mean like what Piccolo did with Neil?" asked Dende.

"No, the Namekian form of it uses one body, usually the stronger, as the host. The fusion I learned isn't permanent either, it lasts for about a half hour, and it creates a new body with characteristics of both people involved," said Goku.

"Well what about Rilan?" asked Piccolo, "You're both pretty close in height."

Rilan looked at Goku, "Would that work? I know that Vegeta and Katima were stronger than me today, but, I'm probably the closest one to your power level left."

Goku brightened, "It's definitely worth a shot- oh… no," he face fell, "It would take about a week to teach you how to do it, and I'm only here until the end of the day!"

Rilan sighed, "Damn it… I want to help, Goku. I was stuck as a statue that entire time, otherwise, maybe I could have made a difference…"

"You're a strong fighter, Rilan," said Goku, "But everything that happened today was unavoidable. I don't think you could have shifted it. Vegeta needed to fight me, and because of that, Buu was hatched… and he killed my son and my sister blew herself up with Vegeta trying to beat him. When Vegeta and I fought, we were completely even, and he and Katima both gave it their all and it wasn't enough! I just don't know what we can do!"

"The little ones back there," said Mr. Popo, "The two older ones, Goten and Trunks, they are almost the same size. Could they perform a fusion?"

Goku and Rilan looked at Mr. Popo.

"That… that just might work!" said Goku, "I could teach them the stance before I go, but they'll still need a lot of practice even after I leave."

"We can make sure they stick to it," said Piccolo.

Rilan looked at Goku, "Our sons… do you think it will be enough? If they fought together, I don't think they'd be a match for Buu."

"But when you fuse like I was taught, it brings your power beyond what their bodies could do on their own," said Goku, "In a way, it's a little like Vegeta and Katima's Bond, but more potent. Think of it, two beings with two ways of thinking and two fighting styles mashed together, they take the strengths from both sides and completely cut out the weaknesses. If our sons fuse, they would be stronger than us, easy! And maybe just strong enough to defeat Buu!"

Rilan ran a hand through his hair, "But… you say it will take a week for them to learn? Can you imagine what Majin Buu could do in that time, Goku?"

Goku nodded grimly, "I know. A lot of people are going to die. But we can use the Dragon Balls to revive them after Buu is defeated. We'll bring our families and friends up here. It would be too hard for the boys to concentrate if they're worried about them."

Rilan looked at Piccolo, "What are we going to tell Makoto?"

Goku's face fell, "Oh, no, Makoto… I completely forgot about the little guy," his face hardened, "You should tell them the truth. If I know one thing about Vegeta and Katima, they taught that kid the meaning of honor. Tell him that his parents gave their lives trying to save him and the rest of the world."

"An honorable death," said Rilan, nodding, "I can't imagine the courage it took them to say goodbye to Makoto and do what they did."

But then, the sky darkened.

"What the-" Piccolo looked up.

Dende yelped, "It's Shenron! Someone's summoned him!"

"No!" said Rilan, "It must be Bulma, only she could gather the Dragon Balls this fast, she must want to revive everyone who died at the tournament today!"

"But she doesn't know everything that's happened!" said Goku, "If she uses the wishes now, we'll have to wait a whole year to bring back everyone after the boys defeat Buu!"

"Use your transmission," said Rilan, grabbing his arm, "Take us to Bulma, we'll stop her."

"Even if she's only used one wish, you can still save the other for later," said Dende, "If only one wish is made, and you tell Shenron you want to save the other, he can be resummoned in four months!"

Goku pushed two fingers to his forehead, "Bulma… where are you? There!"

And the world vanished.

Rilan gasped as they reappeared in front of his home, the Capsule Corp building. A crowd was outside it, including his wife, Bulma, Yamcha, Krillin and his family, Chichi, her father, Master Roshi, Oolong and Puar, and Bulma's parents. Above them, towering in all his glory, was the serpentine dragon, Shenron. Rilan still wasn't used to seeing his massive form.

Bulma turned to face them, her crystalline blue eyes shimmering when she spotted Rilan.

"Bulma…" he breathed.

"Oh Rilan!" Bulma ran to him, throwing her arms around him. He hugged her tightly to him, breathing in her sweet bubble gum like scent.

"I await your second wish, speak!" Shenron barked above them in his deep, trembling voice.

"Shit, you guys used one?" Goku sighed.

"Goku!" Chichi called, "Where have you BEEN? Where's Gohan and Goten?"

"Chichi, I'm sorry, I'll explain everything as soon as we get back to the Lookout," he looked up at Shenron, "Shenron! We'd like to save the other wish for later, please!"

"As you will have it," the dragon growled, and in a great flash of light, his form snaked back into the Dragon Balls. They all rose, and then shot out in seven separate directions to cover the planet. The sky lightened once more.

Rilan finally released Bulma and she looked up at him, tears in her eyes, "I was so scared, Krillin told me you were turn to stone!"

"Dabora was killed by Buu," said Rilan, "So I was returned to normal."

"And Trunks? Where is he?" Bulma asked.

"He's fine, sleeping right now, back at the Lookout… there's a lot to tell, Bulma, but right now, get your things, we're going to hide at the Lookout."

"Goku, Rilan!" Krillin ran over to them, "What happened? Why can't I sense Vegeta or Katima?"

Goku looked at him, "We'll explain everything at the Lookout, Krillin, just get your things. I'm taking all of you back to the Lookout with me, we'll be safe there."

"Safe?" Yamcha looked at him, "Are you saying that that Buu monster got out?"

"I am," said Goku gravely. He looked at Videl, who still seemed to be in shock from the sight of Shenron, "You should come too, Videl, Gohan would want you to be safe."

"Gohan?" Videl blinked, "I- yes, I'll come."

Rilan went with Bulma back into the house. They gathered some clothing, and went to Trunks' room to get him some as well, and some extras for the other boys. They would be a bit too big for them, but it was better than nothing. When Rilan stepped out of his son's room, he saw his wife in the hall, in that beautiful little red dress of hers, bending over to straighten things in her suitcase.

Rilan couldn't help but smack her ass as he went by. Bulma yelped and stood straight up.

"Rilan! Is now really the time?" she demanded, but she was smiling a little, a blush on her cheeks.

"Best time as ever," he said, placing the clothes he had gathered into his suitcase, "World in peril, death around any corner, why not?"

Bulma sighed and laughed, "I suppose getting turned to stone didn't change you a bit."

"I do hope, you're not disappointed," said Rilan, casting her a devilish grin.

Bulma smirked and went to him and kissed him tenderly, "Not in the least," she said softly, then went back to gather her bag, "Come on, I think we have enough clothes in here for everyone."

"Right," said Rilan.

As they came out of the home, Bulma mused, "I wonder if Katima will mind that I packed more skirts then pants? I know how she hates being movement impared, and I don't want her ripping them just to be able to move easier," she chuckled, "That girl, sometimes I swear she's one of the boys."

Rilan bowed his head. He did not look forward breaking the news that Bulma's best friend was dead. But he would wait until they reach the Lookout.

Outside, everyone seemed prepared. Goku held out his arm, "Okay, everyone, as long as you're somehow connected to me, you'll be fine!"

They started a chain, Chichi holding Goku's hand, Ox King grasping her shoulder, Krillin holding his wrist, 18 holding his hand and holding Marin, and so on. Bulma grabbed Yamcha's hand, as he was at the end of the chain.

"Mom, Dad, come on, hold on!" she said.

Her parents glanced at one another and them smiled back at their daughter.

"We've already talked about it, and we've decided to stay," said Mr. Briefs.

"We just can't bear to leave the little ones alone!" said Mrs. Briefs.

"But- Mom- Dad- can't you just leave your stupid pets behind? This is your lives!" Bulma said.

"Darling, even if we die, you can wish us back with the Dragon Balls," said Mrs. Briefs.

"It's their choice, Bulma," said Rilan, and looked at them, "But I do wish you would come."

"Oh don't worry, Rilan, dear, we'll be fine!" said Mrs. Briefs happily, "Just take good care of our daughter and little Trunks!"

"I always do," said Rilan, winking.

He grabbed Bulma's hand, and then looked back at Videl, who was still looking hesitant.

"Are you coming, Videl?" Chichi asked.

"Oh!" Videl nodded wildly, "Yes, I'm coming!"

Rilan offered his hand and she took it, and then, Capsule Corp vanished.

*scene change*

"What I have to say isn't easy."

Goku stood before his friends and family. His heart ached at the news he was about to bring them. As soon as they arrived back at the Lookout, they had demanded answers. Bulma, wanting to know where Vegeta and Katima were, and if they were back to normal, Chichi, asking where her sons were…

Goku took a deep breath. Rilan, who had his arm around Bulma's shoulders nodded at him.

"Goten, Trunks, and Makoto are fine, just sleeping in the other room," he said, "But… Gohan, Vegeta, and Katima… are dead."

He saw the shocked looks cross all their faces. He clenched his fists, "They were all destroyed by Majin Buu."

Chichi stood there for a moment, and then fell backward, in a cold faint. The Ox King yelped and rushed to her. Videl slowly got tears in her eyes. Bulma clenched Rilan's arm, and then screamed, "NO!" to the sky.

"Bulma!" Rilan pulled her into his arms and she sobbed onto his shoulder.

Videl glared at the ground, tears falling, "How can… No… Gohan… he can't be…" her eyes clenched shut, and Goku just barely heard her whisper, "But I love him…" as he rushed to Chichi's side and knelt by her.

He stared at his wife's face, grief wrapping him up. Their firstborn was dead, and he had not been there to protect him.

"Hello…? Is this working?"

Goku jumped to his feet, whirling around at the sound of Bobbity's voice. The others looked around as well, searching for the source.

"If you are looking for me, you might as well stop, I, the great wizard Bobbity, am using my magic to talk to you, the inhabitants of Earth… Now I do apologize if I am interrupting a day that may be otherwise pleasant. I too, know what it is like to be interrupted while having fun. In fact, this happened to me earlier today! In fact, I was nearly KILLED by these five meddlesome individuals, if you close your eyes, I will send you their images right to you!"

Goku closed his eyes, and grit his teeth as images began to play across the back of his eyelids.

"This is me, Bobbity," a picture of the freakish little wizard flashed, "And this is my loyal servant, Majin Buu!" a picture of a plump pink man, pumping his fists into the air, "And thses are the five deviant bastards that ruined my day!" A picture of Piccolo went by, then Rilan, then Makoto, Trunks, and Goten, "Remember their faces well, for they are the reason for any mass destruction that may be heading your way!" The image flashed to the city that was down below Bobbity and Buu.

"This will be the first example of what will happen, if you cowards refuse to come out of hiding!" Bobbity's voice giggled.

Buu raised his hands and with them, several, perhaps all of the people in that city, rose up into the air, hovering there, screaming, and helpless.

"No!" Goku cried.

"What Buu want eat?" Buu asked in a high pitched, child like voice, "Buu already had waaayyy too much cake! Oh! Yes! YES! Buu want CANDY!"

The tentacle flipped forward, and a red light shot from it, and consumed all of the screaming people in its aura. And then, in a flash, they were all turned into candy drops. Goku gasped in horror. How could someone possess the power to turn things into CANDY? He had never in all his adventures and trials, EVER come across something so blatantly bizarre!

Buu opened his maw wide, and all the candy drops went in. He chewed happily, and Goku prayed that once turned into candy, the people wouldn't feel the pain of being eaten alive. Buu swallowed and patted his massive belly contently.

"There, now, you see," said Bobbitly, laughing madly, "If you four continue to remain in hiding, more bodies- or should I say crums? Will be piled on your conscience! If any of you, dear people of Earth, know of the identities of any of these cowards, merely send out your thoughts to me, I promise I will hear you, and you will be greatly rewarded for your assistance. Until the next massacre!"

And the images died.

"How can he do this?" snarled Rilan, still holding a shaking Bulma in his arms, "We can't just sit by and let him-"

"We have to!" said Goku sternly, "We aren't ready to face him, Rilan!"

"Let me go down and face him," said Rilan, pushing Bulma away, "I can at least keep him pacified, maybe he'll stop killing innocent people-"

"Rilan, no!" Bulma cried, grabbing him by the front of his shirt, looking at him, her eyes still shimmering in tears, "I already lost my best friend, please don't let me lose my husband too!"

"Bulma's right, Rilan," said Goku, "How will you son be able to train at his best if his father is being butchered? You need to stay here and help him now, he and Goten may be our only chance!"

Rilan sighed, wrapping Bulma in his arms again, "I just can't stand not being able to stop him…"

"All their lives will be revived with the Dragon Balls," assured Goku, "Mr. Popo, can you go wake the boys so we can get started?"