[IC] Dragon Ball Super: The Nexus Around Family { Saren & Angel }

[Saren Crimson]

There were a lot of things being said between the heroes of Earth just immediately following Frieza's sudden visit to Earth. It was soon learned that his troops used the Dragonballs in order to bring him back to life and with his renewed vigor tried to get his revenge but was soon stopped by Goku and Vegeta. The following day after that, all of them were within Bulma's home. Well, all except Goku and Gohan. Since Chi-Chi caught wind that Goku was back, immediately put him back to work in the fields. However everyone else had been there and decided to talk amongst themselves about that day's events.

The first one to speak up was Krillin, who had just shown up after a couple of others had arrived. The rest had looked at him as he had flown in.

"Hey guys! I'm here! Sorry it took so long, I had been training a bit before and realized what time it was. 18 had to come and remind me." he said with a chuckle as he landed down softly beside Yamcha.

"Oh it's no problem. A lot of us just got here too. Don't know where Goku is but Vegeta is training as usual. Wouldn't kill him to show at least just a little interest after what happened yesterday." he said huffing a bit.

"You already know how he is and I don't think Goku will be here. Last I heard, Chi-Chi caught him immediately and he's out there working in the field already." Piccolo quietly said, he was leaning against one of the pillars of the small patio out there in the backyard of the Capsule Corp.

"Right, right. So what are we here for? Moreover, who told us to come here? I thought it was agreed we'd be training after what happened." asked Tien who then walked up to the rest.

"I don't know. I got a call from Bulma and she told me to come here yesterday. Said something about the Dragonballs. I'm not really sure since she was shouting so loud. So glad 18's not like that..." Krillin had gave a light sigh.

It was almost noon there in West City. Goten and Trunks were playing outside like usual, the Pilaf Gang were down in the lab along with Bulma' father who had been working on something for the past few days. Soon enough Gohan had came but unlike the tracksuit he was wearing when Frieza first came to Earth but his regular Gi just like his father.

"Gohan." Piccolo said just as he landed on the ground.

"Everybody. I decided to come after all. After what happened yesterday, I thought it'd be a good idea to keep myself in the know what might be going on or will be." the Saiyan said before looking around before raising and eyebrow. "Where's my dad and Vegeta-san?" he questioned.

"Goku's working and Vegeta's training. Apparently neither of them has gone back with Whis this time. I figured at least Vegeta would but he's been acting kinda weird all day long. Bulma knows but she won't say anything about it." says Tien.

Gohan was about to ask what he meant by that when a spaceship was seen overhead, everyone knowing who that belonged to didn't say anything until it touched down. Out of it popped out the Galactic patrolman that they all knew.

"Whew, Bulma has a way with words. I was out on official duty when she called me. Sounded kind of important so I just couldn't ignore." Jaco said as he coughed into his hand.

Everyone knew what he meant by that considering she kinda forced everyone to be here literally the next day but they figure it was important enough in light of what happened yesterday during the assault and considering it had something to do with the Dragonballs, they couldn't ignore it either. Piccolo had a guess to gather them so they couldn't be used again, at least to revive any enemies they may have had but considering they were stone until next year, that would be impossible to find them until they became active again. So they talked among themselves until Goku decided to sneak in and show up or Bulma came out, one of the two.

[AngelBites15]

Kinoko figured that Frieza's assault on Earth would make her push pass her limits of protecting her family. When Gohan, her eldest nephew, got repeatedly and nearly shot-to-death by the Emperor himself, the ex-princess had to step in, and cover him, right up to the point where Piccolo sacrificed himself to save them both...until her two brothers finally showed up: Vegeta, the eldest, and Goku, the younger.

During that whole scenario, Kinoko kept both Gohan and Piccolo in her care, while she took care of the remaining soldiers who'd dare get any closer to them. This battle became one of those she would never forget. Even to this day of celebrating, it continued to haunt her; probably as much as was for Vegeta. She left her older brother alone to his thoughts, just knowing that those said-thoughts would continue to bother them both, as they contained the memories of their servitude for Lord Frieza himself, back in the past.

The female Saiyan did consider going with him, in order to get those traumatizing memories out, including the ones involving the amount of abuse Raditz put on her. But then, she decided to stay behind, and look after her family. The Dragon Balls then came to her mind. If anybody wishes to revive their evil superiors, then the only option would be the retrieve them before it again ends up in the wrong hands. Floating above everyone, still in her battle outfit, and staring towards the sunset, she finally crossed her arms upon her chest, until Jaco arrived. That was when she decided to descend gracefully back down to the ground.

It felt as if they wouldn't go away...the memories. As much as Kinoko wanted to forget them, she feared that the more they continued to bother her, the more she feared of becoming an uncontrollable Super Saiyan. However, the only reason she didn't was because of Goku and Vegeta, who've managed to convince her that she wouldn't. From there, she believed, thanked, and loved them. Whenever times like these began to take their toll, she would go to either go to Chi-Chi, Bulma, or Videl to talk about it. The ex-princess knows that she's really tough like her father, but yet, she was a gentle soul, like her mother.

With much thought, she decided to use Instant Transmission to quickly change into something that was suitable for the occasion: a dark-blue midriff top, a pair of dark skinnies, and high-heeled boots.

[Saren Crimson]

Everyone had looked up when they felt Kinoko's presence, well, mostly Piccolo was the first to notice then the others did as well. All of them were rather fond of the Saiyan princess. After all, she had done much to help them in their long journey. They remember it like it was yesterday when she had came to Earth with Raditz. Some of that were bittersweet memories and even to this day, none of them knew what prompted her to switch sides like that but they couldn't have been more thankful especially Gohan as young as he was.

They had gotten rather used to her fast soon after, considered her one of the gang with much help of Goku of course. Took Piccolo a lot longer to come around but consider she didn't kill him after he had no choice but to kill Goku that day to make sure Raditz had perished, he thought she couldn't have been that bad and he was right after he had mellowed out over the years. The others had various opinions of her, none of them were too out there...I mean, if we're talking about right now at this moment.

"Glad you decided to join us finally, Kinoko. I didn't get a chance to tell you yesterday but thanks for saving us both. I don't think we would've made it without you." Piccolo had walked over to her as he said that.

"I agree. I didn't know that Frieza had gotten so much stronger. I should've been more careful...no matter how many times I go through it in my head. I feel like I could've done better then." Gohan said with a heavy sigh.

"I wouldn't worry about it Gohan. None of us knew that he would get that strong. We're sorry we couldn't do anything to stop him at the time." Krillin had added.

All of them agreed and had a moment of silence after that. Jaco had something he wanted to say, a joke to lighten the mood but he advised against it since he didn't want to get blasted just for making light of a dire situation yesterday. Probably the only time he seen Frieza up close, just thinking about it gave him the shivers something awful. It wasn't just him, however. All of them were more on alert after that. Peace had really gotten them soft and after what happened, it gave them a wakeup call that they should not be slacking off when there's no threat to be had just yet. No one really felt that more than Gohan, the more he thought about it, the more the strain on his face worsened a bit.

His mind fell back on both Videl and his child, Pan. What had happened if Kinoko wasn't there? What if he had died as a result? He'd be leaving them and that thought alone really bothered him. He had asked Piccolo to train him again, from the basics up. He really didn't want to mess up again. Things may have changed but he was still a warrior, he needed to keep up with his father and everyone else. Sure he handled himself well against Frieza's henchmen but Frieza himself was so much stronger than him it wasn't funny. He looked down at his own hand and squeezed it, the only time he was horribly disappointed in himself. He was hoping he'd get over this wall pretty soon, he didn't want to be a burden to everyone like he was when he was a child.

[AngelBites15]

Kinoko had landed a few feet away from Piccolo, and she had heard his every word when she had done so. As much as she knew about the Namekian, there was no surprise about when he knew detect her looming presence. "There's no need to thank me; I had to do what I had to do, and that's to protect my family; every call must be answered", she assured, giving him a friendly smile. It was a vow she was sure to follow, ever since the defeat of Raditz. The abuse had taken its toll, and it finally made her decide to kill him, probably for the first time without honor. That was the reason Kinoko had changed sides in the first place: She had enough of it.

She looked at her nephew when he began to ponder about his own actions during the battle. "Gohan, don’t doubt yourself. You did what you could; by giving it your all", the princess walked to Gohan, stopping next to him, and gently placing a hand on his shoulder. It felt as if he was back as a child again; back when she had rescued him and Goku. This time, as much as she could remember, it was as if it would never get old. Like she said, she had a family to protect; as an aunt, and a sister, she will live up to that expectation. If she had to babysit her nieces, nephews, or her siblings, she would.

It felt as if her sixth sense was her ability to detect the melancholy auras of people. Because she was certainly seeing it in Gohan. "Gohan, there was no chance that Frieza would ever defeat us. Know why? Because we are family. We fought as one; the bond is much stronger than you think", the princess smiled once more, before nodding, hoping to give him hope that they will succeed...and that there's always a way.

In some ways, like how she is with Goku, she had gotten closer to Gohan, ever since the incident. Of course, before the eradication of their homeworld, she had remained really close with Vegeta, considering that they had obviously grew up together in the same status and household. As close as they were, rather emotionally, Kinoko just knew that, even though her older brother would be out training, he wouldn't put it above family-oriented scenarios. Especially when it comes to the wellbeing of his wife, his son, or his sister. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the Saiyan prince will put their wellbeing before his own.

Since there wasn't necessarily a place for her to reside, the princess normally stayed with Goku and his family. At first, she found Chi-Chi to be somewhat strict, but Kinoko could only understand that she just wants what's best for her family. As much as those expectations were overbearing, Kinoko tries to do the best she can, in order to help her younger brother with the amount of stress his wife puts on him. Sometimes, they were rather lucky in getting her to agree with them taking a break or two, but this varied. Especially when it came to Goku and training...

[Saren Crimson]

Gohan's face had soften at Kinoko's words, exactly what he needed to hear at the time. Although that didn't stop his drive from wanting to get better. Sure, he gave up fighting to focus on his family, he was never really much a fighter like his father and younger brother was but he realized in order to have that life he needed to help keep the Earth safe from harm. He nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Kinoko-san. You're absolutely right." he said pushing those doubts to the side now. Gohan never realized just how much of an impact that Kinoko had made on him in the amount of time he had known her. Well, coming from a human standpoint, Vegeta was exactly what Saiyans were like. Not that the way he acted was bad or anything, he thought. Seeing her though was completely different, maybe not all Saiyans were so hard to have a heart to heart with.

Just then, Bulma came out side with a smile on her face and everyone turned to face her. He clapped her hands once to grab everyone's attention. "Everyone! Thank you for coming out here on such short notice." she said as she stood mostly in the middle of them with her hands on her hips.

"Well, to be honest, you yelled for me to come. I was on official business, you know!" Jaco said rather defiantly.

Bulma just rolled her eyes and wagged her finger in front of his face. "You protect this sector of the universe, right? Then this affects you just as much as us. Just be thankful you aren't out there fighting alone, hm?" she said with a bit of a smirk on her face.

Jaco just awkwardly laughed and scratched his cheek, looking away a bit. Tien, however, stepped in. "So Bulma, what is this all about? Sounded pretty serious when you contacted me earlier. Is everything okay?" he softly asked. That's when everyone else had leaned in to find out just what was it that they came here for.

Bulma rustled in her pocket a second then took out a Dragonball. Everyone looked at it a second but Piccolo instantly had noticed. "That Dragonball, it's not stone. It hasn't been too long since Frieza had been revived. It hasn't been a year yet, I mean." he said walking over.

Everyone else's eyebrow raised as they thought about it. "Yeah, you're right. It should be stone yet here it is, not stone. What's that supposed mean? Do you think something happened at the lookout?" Krillin asked as he leaned in for a closer look. Piccolo frowned a bit before turning around and walking away. "Wait here, I'm going to the lookout to talk to Dende." he didn't really wait for anyone to answer, he just flew off at top speed.

Gohan softly took the Dragonball from Bulma's hand then looked at it himself. It seemed normal to him but there was this unshakeable feeling that something was off about it. He frowned a bit and gave it back to her just then Yamcha said something. "Well that's good right? Just means we just find them and get them before anyone else does. If they're wish ready, I don't think that's all that special." he said crossing his arms.

Bulma pursed her lips a bit and shook her head. "That's exactly the problem. You already know how these Dragonballs work. The fact that they're not stone would mean that something should be wrong. I don't like it. When you look at it, just looks normal but the feeling it's giving off..." she said just as Tien cuts in. "Makes it seem like something or someone tampered with them. Do you think it has something to do with wishes that Frieza's henchmen had made?" he asked but no one there knew.

Bulma crossed her arms and thought about it a moment. "We don't know unless we collect them all again and see what Piccolo says when he comes back. I wouldn't be making such a big deal about this but the last time this happened, it wasn't so pretty." she muttered. However she looked back up again and took out a Dragon radar. "So that means you guys are on Dragonball hunting duty! Go find them and bring them back here so we can figure out what the problem is. I don't have a good feeling about this and it may be nothing at all but I rather not leave this up to chance." she says handing it to Krillin.

[AngelBites15]

For Kinoko to possess such traits were considered strange to many. Most Saiyans thought of her as being of non-fighting material, but they thought differently, when they came to discover that her kind and gentle nature was only a facade. On the inside, she does indeed have a fighting spirit, and that she possesses a great form of power that would surpass most of their planet's warriors; she was at least, an inch away from Vegeta's own strength. If not, she would be his equal. They both obviously haven't come close to surpassing Goku, so for Vegeta to continuously call himself by his royal title, Kinoko could only believe that her brother will be training long and hard to do so. And she literally means long and hard.

For herself, as far as training goes, she tries, at least until everything is done around the residence of Goku and Chi-Chi. She had managed to learn about the aspects of finance from Bulma and Videl (considering that they were rich), so the idea of getting a job was an option with considering, if she ever wants to support her family. The princess became a full-time grocery-store clerk. Highly unlike her younger brother, Kinoko grew fond of the task, almost immediately. That also meant that she and Goku are on the same page and business in handling fresh food: he harvests and collects, while she stocks and gives them away. If she wasn't on her shift, she can make Goku's task a lot easier. After all, it's a win-win; the faster it gets done, the more time for training for the both of them!

With the princess' eyes looking up at her nephew (since she was three inches shorter), Kinoko smiled gently and nodded back, with a hum. "Just know that if you want a training session, I'm open. Know that, Gohan", she added, with a friendly wink. And then, that was when Bulma announced for everyone's attention. Kinoko listened, before giving an amused chuckle at the blue-haired woman's interaction with the Galactic Patrolman. As long as she had known her sister-in-law, Kinoko just knew that Vegeta married a strong one, since she heard that became a major factor in how Saiyans find the right mates. Back on her homeworld didn't the princess to be worthy since she held a nature that was totally different to how a true Saiyan should behave. Only Raditz and Vegeta knew that she didn't get those traits from the king at all, who held pride and ruthlessness. It was then particularly guessed that she got them from Bardock and Vegeta's mother, who possessed fiery yet compassionate spirits.

Looking at the Dragonball that Gohan managed to take from Bulma, Kinoko looked back at all of the times they had to hunt these relics down. Especially the time that she had to fight with Vegeta, when he ran off with them. As much as she loved him, as his sister, she had no choice but to face him in combat. The memory was painful, but she had to prevent him from doing anything stupid. Now, the other six were scattered, and they would have to find them once again. As much as the princess would like to go with them, she had to stay, and lend a hand with the others, who may not have the ability to defend themselves. After all, they might need someone powerful enough to protect them. The whole scenario with Frieza has made the circumstances a lot more difficult, and that meant they needed all the help they can get, if it ever happens again.