Chapter Text
Chapter One: A new beginning
Chapter One
Being the god of Earth had its perks, an extended life and an array of useful abilities but like everything else, with the good came the bad. He had assumed his post long ago. Thanks to his former master and predecessor, Earth had been at peace for centuries. His victory over the Demon King had ushered in a new era for Earth. He himself had never fought against anything on the level of the extraterrestrial overlord but he had put down quite a few threats in his time as Kami but none could be compared to the power he felt approaching his planet.
"Popo, do you feel that old friend?"
The black skinned djinn nodded, "I do. The amount of darkness I feel worries me."
"We stand no chance against strength like that. We can only hope they're friendly." There was a familiar spark within the foreign energy that had him worried.
“If it is not?” Popo asked with a voice full of worry.
“Watch over the candidates, one of them will replace me."
Popo only nodded, knowing there was nothing he could do or say to help his master. He had seen many Guardians of Earth do what his current master was about to do and never come back.
“Don’t worry, old friend, I don’t plan on dying.”
With that said the old god jumped off the ledge of his home. He immediately felt the chaos beneath the clouds as he passed into the lower realm to meet the threat head on. As he passed through the clouds his mind wandered back to when earth was in complete chaos. It was right after his master had slain the last of the demon kings, like anytime someone of power fell there was a power vacuum. Earth had fractured and all the kings and whatever man, woman or animal of all the lands who had hopes of leading the world into a new era chose to fight for the throne of Earth. Be it with good or bad intentions, the world was plunged into generations of war. War wasn’t so common anymore but peace was fragile, he would not, could not as the Guardian of Earth let it fall back into such discord.
He could not lie, the closer the alien power got to Earth the more he could feel his old bones shake. There was no malevolence to be found, nor was there benevolence, just raw power. Though it wasn’t the first time a god of earth had stood against insurmountable odds. But the mantle of Earth's god had withstood the test of time and adversity. His thoughts had kept him occupied longer than he realized. A small shadow in the light of the moon blazed across the sky. Quickly he tracked it and flew to the spot it would land. The alien object, which turned out to be a mid-sized spacecraft, crashed with a resounding boom, shaking the surrounding area. Smoke and dust filled the air, obscuring his eyesight but that was not the only way he could see. From the smoke came three figures with spiky hair wearing armor and...tails. Taking in their appearance a creeping realization came to him, though he hoped he was wrong.
The first of the three was a spiky haired male with a gnarly scar on his face. His armor consisted of a strapped black chest plate with dark green lining, a fur crested neck, a black cape, black hip guards and black tights. His eyes spied a crest on his chestplate, it looked to be an empty circle pierced by a double-sided spear. He also noticed five bands of various metals on the man’s tail that was now wrapped around his waist like a belt. All in all, he appeared to be an important individual. Now that he was close to the familiar energy he knew why it felt familiar.
His first companion was shorter and clearly a female, her shaggy hair reached her shoulders. She lacked the armor of the other two, instead wearing a black bodysuit and a knee length pink dress. She held a small bundle in her arms that he quickly realized was a child, also with a tail.
The last of the new arrivals looked quite young but he was almost taller than the woman. He wore a purple bodysuit with black armor and green linings, much like the man. His long, spiky hair hung down his back and a few stray strands hung down in the front. Kami couldn’t place it but there was a distant look in the boy's eyes, it sent chills up his spine.
“Are you the god of this planet?”
The god of earth was shocked by the blunt and unexpected question of the man. Now that he was closer the power he sensed from him was even more overwhelming. It was greater than anything he'd ever felt on Earth but still miniscule to the greater powers in the universe.
"Yes I am. Who might you be?" The minor god asked after regaining his composure.
"My name is Bardock." The man was looking towards the sky as if he expected something to appear, "And this is Gine, Kakarot and Broly."
"Hello, Can I ask why you have come to my planet?"
"Refuge."
“I see, you all wouldn’t happen to be Saiyans would you?” Kami asked, hoping he was wrong.
A look of surprise appeared on the faces of the man and woman before quickly disappearing.
“You must’ve heard about us from the North Kai. You’re right, we are Saiyans. If you know that then you know of our reputation.”
Kami tensed at the man’s words. How could a living mortal know of the workings of the afterlife. He couldn’t read the man but the woman had a gentle look. Her eyes were slightly narrowed at the man he assumed was her husband. It was then that the baby decided to make itself known, releasing an ear piercing cry.
“Now is not the time for your mind games, Bardock. Give the man straight answers.”
The man, Bardock, scowled, “A monster by the name of Frieza and his army are headed to our home planet to wipe it clean and sell it to the highest bidder.”
His blood ran cold as the name of the tyrant was said. Fear and shock took over briefly before he regained control of his mind and body. It was not the craziest thing he had heard before and definitely not impossible. He knew of the self proclaimed overlord Frieza. His was a name often brought up at the annual meeting with King Kai. The tyrant was a menace to the majority of the universe and he knew of the Saiyans, his most effective fighting force, conquering and taking planets with ease. Their kingdom once spanned most of the northern milkyway galaxy. His gut screamed at him that Bardock wasn’t telling the full truth but his heart was telling him to help but he still needed confirmation, he couldn’t gamble earth’s safety on a gut feeling.
“I see, if you truly mean no harm then you wouldn’t mind waiting here while I confirm your story?”
Bardock frowned and Kakarot wined louder. The Saiyan looked like he wanted to say something but one look from his spouse shut him up. He narrowed his eyes at the god of Earth.
“Hurry up, will ya’.”
Gohan nodded and flew back to his divine home. Popo was already waiting for him with a worried look on his face.
“I assume you felt it as well?” He asked the djinn, who nodded.
“This complicates things to the highest degree. I must confer with King Kai. I will be back soon.”
Line Break
Bardock decided to spar with Broly while they waited for Kami to return. He easily avoided all of the boy’s strikes while delivering precise blows to the boy. He could see Broly getting angrier the longer they sparred.
“Stay calm, Broly. Do not let the rage control you.” He said, slapping away a punch and delivering a straight right jab to Broly’s jaw.
His words didn’t seem to be heard as the boy screamed in frustration as he charged forward. Bardock sighed, this is where he needed to end things before Broly tapped into his full power. Easily sidestepping the charge he dropped an elbow to the base of the wild Saiyan’s neck.
“Do you always have to leave him on the ground?” Gine asked as Kakarot suckled at her breast.
Bardock shrugged, “He’s fine, not like he’s going to get sick or anything.”
Gine shook her head, she never understood the carelessness that Saiyans used when it came to raising their children.
Bardock walked over to a nearby stream to wash his face off.
"Why didn’t you tell him the full truth?"
Bardock didn't bother to turn around as he responded.
"When he asked if we were Saiyans I wanted to know what else he knew and how he would react. He knows of Frieza, he tried to hide it but I saw his reaction when I said his name. I assume he went to the Kai to confirm my story. Besides he doesn’t need to know everything, it makes being invisible easier."
Bardock had never met the god that watched over the northern quadrant of the northern sector of the universe. There had been a falling out between a previous god and the North Kai, but he had been told of his existence during his training.
"No one knows about this place, not Frieza, not the other Saiyans, no one. You three will be safe here."
Gine's mood instantly shifted to a darker tone. Her eyes dulled and her shoulders sagged. A wail sounded as Kakarot began to cry, sensing his mother's anguish.
"You still plan on leaving?"
"I have to. I can feel it now. Rising and raging inside me. I never got to finish my training, I can’t control it. Before he left he told me to find the lost. Whatever the hell that means but no one is safe with me around. Not to mention my visions."
Gine stood up with a still crying Kakarot in her arms. She walked over to her chosen mate, who still had his back turned to her.
“Turn around.”
Bardock was never one to take commands but he could hear the emotion his life partner spoke with. He turned and faced her as she held their second son in her arms. Kakarot quieted as he laid eyes on his father. His big dark eyes gleamed as he smiled at his father.
“This is why you fight. Me, Kakarot, Broly, even Raditz. We need you.”
Bardock shook his head, “Exactly, it is for my family that I fight. It would all be for nothing if I snapped and slaughtered every living thing that I caught sight of. I cannot stay here, not right now. Besides, I’m still a captain in the Saiyan Army and war is coming to our people.”
“What if Frie-.” Gine started but a snarl from her husband stopped her.
“Don’t say his name. It’s hard enough as it is, I don’t need to keep thinking of him.”
“What if they find out where we are? We won’t be able to defend ourselves and all these innocent people will die or become slaves to the Planet Trade like our people did.”
“They won’t.”
“What if they do? Despite what you may think, Bardock, you don’t know everything.”
“Have you forgotten that I can see the future.” He stated more than asked.
“No, I haven’t but I also know that what you see isn’t set in stone.”
“Leave it alone, Gine.” Bardock commanded but Gine was showing she could be stubborn as well.
“No, I won’t accept you just running away.” The female Saiyan regretted her words just as soon as she said them.
A flash of gold surrounded Bardock as his eyes turned teal, but both changes were only for a brief second. His mouth formed into an angry snarl as he leered down at Gine. Broly woke up and Kakarot began crying once as his father displayed his enormous power. The Saiyan took a few deep breaths, calming himself and reigning his power back in.
“I’m not running away. I’m going to war. I’m taking the fight directly to that short bastard.” The words came out of his mouth so smooth you wouldn’t think he was going to his certain death.
The Saiyan mother blanched at her mate’s words. She had never gotten the luxury of meeting Frieza personally or feeling his terrifying power but the rumors of him did justice enough. Bardock was going to his death.
“It doesn’t make sense. You know you’re going to die and you’re still going. Let the king-”
An overwhelming force slammed down on the surrounding area. Gine was frozen in place as the power bore down on her. Her eyes looked down in fear for her child but surprisingly the boy didn’t seem to be as distressed as her, only whining. Broly seemed to be faring better than her as well, though still he was frozen in shock as well.
“You see, not even you are safe from my wrath. Ever since that day I’ve been fighting a beast of rage inside of me. It’s better I do something productive with it.”
Gine knew there was nothing she could do to stop him. She nodded in silence, doing her best to silence her infant son. He walked over to Broly, kneeling down to meet his eyes.
“Watch over your mother and brother for me. Remember everything I’ve taught you. I’ll be back when I can, I expect you to be able to beat me.”
Tears shone in the young Saiyan’s eyes before they started falling freely. The silent boy flung himself into Bardock, wrapping his arms around him before stepping back and nodding.
“Atta boy.” He turned to Gine and Kakarot, “Remember I’m doing this because I love my family.”
Gine could only watch as Bardock flew off in the attack pod that was formerly attached to their main ship. As the ship disappeared into the upper atmosphere she fell to her knees as the tears began to fall. Broly quickly made it over to his adoptive mother and enveloped her and his brother in a hug.
“It’s okay, daddy will be back.”
Gine hugged the boy tighter. She never knew how such a sweet soul could have such terrifying power. Nonetheless she loved him like she gave birth to him.
“Can I be of some assistance here?” Mr. Popo appeared on a floating carpet.
Gine looked at the strange being with an inquisitive glance. Popo must’ve recognized the look as his next words established his reason for being there.
“Kami contacted me from the otherworld, he wants me to escort your family to where you’ll be staying for the timebeing.”
Gine didn’t trust the stranger. His appearance wasn’t anything like the earthlings Bardock described to her. In fact he looked more like an alien in Frieza’s empire.
“I assure you I am no servant of your tormentor. I serve Kami, that is the only way I would know your story and your recent meeting with my master, Miss Gine.”
Gine flinched, was he reading her mind? But he was right, no one else on Earth would know about them and their meeting with Kami. She relented and got on the carpet with Broly following her.
The family of three were taken to Korin Tower to stay until things were sorted out. The God of Martial Arts himself was there to greet them. Gine was again surprised with the variety that earth provided in its inhabitants. She and the minor deity even had a conversation about her sons. The cat said that he sensed great power in both of them, if she allowed it then he would train them when they came of age. She didn’t give an answer as her mind was elsewhere and she really didn’t want to think about her children fighting anytime soon. She never liked the Saiyan way of life, maybe she would have them grow up as earthlings.
Popo and the cat treated the Saiyan family to dinner as they waited for the god of Earth to return. Kakarot and Broly were long asleep by the time he returned so it was only Gine there to meet him when he arrived. The aged god looked as if he’d aged a century when he appeared in front of her.
“It seems your husband has his way with words.” His words came out a bit sharper than he’d meant to but he was tired.
Gine tensed, “He only did it-.”
Kami waved a hand, “I understand, this is a difficult situation. It has been decided that your family can stay here. You may venture out into the world and live a normal life if you wish but there is a home for you here on Korin Tower. It is your choice but Earth is now a place you may call home.”
Gine accepted without hesitation. If her boys could have a normal life then they would. She didn’t want them to have a life of death and battle like the typical Saiyan. Kami left and Gine got in the bed and snuggled up with her sons. Sleep came easier that night than it had her entire life.She dreamt of better days, days when her family was safe and reunited.
Page Break
The seemingly infinite expanse of space was one thing he always enjoyed during his time in the Saiyan army. In a line of work where you literally squashed entire civilizations like bugs, space could humble you in an instant. There was always the thought of something bigger, badder than you out in the unknown.
His career of killing had started early. He had only been eight when the last war with the Tuffles started. Although his father had been training him since before he could stand on two feet and he was in fact the youngest of his class and near the top in power, he wasn’t ready for the horrors of war. But like most Saiyans fighting had always been an innate passion but he truly loved it, fighting wasn’t just an activity, it was a skill and it was the only thing that kept him going. He rose through the ranks at an incredible rate and he was a Commander by the time he was eighteen but all his hard work went to hell when his father disgraced his entire family, forever cursing them as low class. That didn’t stop him though. Stripped of rank and bumped down to Captain, he led his squad of low class to become one of the most productive units in the entire Planet Trade Organization.
"What good that did." He muttered bitterly.
He felt his eyelids get heavier as the stasis gas started to take effect. Letting the gas do its job his body fell into a state of unconsciousness.
Page Break
Gine sat with her legs hanging off the edge of Korin Tower. Her divided family had settled into life on Earth fairly well but they had found life on the tower of the cat god to be boring. Both of her sons were getting restless, even she was finding herself to be quite uneasy with nothing to do. Luckily Kami, Mr. Popo and Korin were capable of entertaining her sons, be that sparring or simply playing earth children games with them. Unfortunately she had no taste for martial arts or childrens games. Her restlessness coupled with her nightmares and the absence of her husband and eldest son, it was all driving her crazy.
“I can sense your troubled spirit. Is there anything I can help with?”
Gine nearly fell off the edge as Kami silently appeared behind her. The elderly man had been quite the host, easily the nicest person she had ever met. He even got along well with her boys, not minding their aggressive ways and curtailing them when they got out of hand, though she feared the day Broly lost control again, only Bardock in his great ape form had been able to stop his rampages.
“This new life is refreshing but I guess I’m still having trouble living the life of an earthling.”
“Ah, I understand though I cannot relate. I do not know about life on your homeworld but Earth is a vast place with many diversities. You can be anything you want here. If you want to go out and experience that, I have no problem with watching Kakarot and Broly.”
Gine was thoroughly taken aback. She was not used to such behavior, it was another thing that would take getting used to. Could she really leave her children to go and experience life on earth?
“I cannot tell you what to do but I can relate to a sudden change in lifestyle. When I first stepped into my position I was more than overwhelmed. I was young and unprepared. The world was a peaceful place but it still needed an overseer and my predecessor felt it was time to pass on the mantle. Even with Popo and Korin, I quickly became lonely. Leaving my mortal life behind wasn’t easy, in fact it took years to adjust.”
“I wouldn’t feel right to leave them.”
“You need time to yourself, my dear. All of us, even young Kakarot, can feel your imbalance.”
Thinking back on their short time on the new planet Gine realized that she had spent most of that time lost in her thoughts.
“Maybe you’re right. I’ll go talk to my boys before I leave.”
Kami nodded, “They are on the Lookout with Popo, I shall go and retrieve them for you.”
Less than a minute later the old deity came back with Broly and Kakarot at his side. Looking at them both she could tell they both had grown a little, Broly was just a hair taller than her and Kakarot was already walking on his own, not too rare for a one year old Saiyan child.
“Ma ma.” Kakarot said, reaching his stubby arms out for his mother.
Gine smiled as she picked up her baby. Before she knew it a small fist impacted against her face. She frowned and gave his little tail a squeeze which got a little whimper out of the Saiyan baby.
“I may not be the warrior your father is but you're still not enough to beat me...yet.”
Kakarot only giggled before swinging his little fist again. Once he saw that didn’t work he tried kicking and biting his mother until Broly stepped in.
“Stop it, Kakarot.”
The younger brother stopped immediately at the elder brother’s command.
“Thank you, now I have something to tell you two. I’m going to go down to the surface to scout. Maybe I can find a job and get us a new home.”
Kakarot sputtered baby gibberish and Broly only nodded like the nice boy he was. Gine smiled and gave her sons hugs before Kami escorted her down to the mortal realm.
It didn’t take long for the female alien to be impressed by Earth’s scenery. There was so much color. People and buildings filled the sprawling landscape in front of her. Earth felt so much more alive than Vegeta.
“You see, it is an entirely different world down here. Explore, learn and find your way. I will find you when you are ready.”
Gine didn’t get a word out before the god disappeared. With not much else to do, Gine began her march into the megatropolis. Luckily she had been to other alien cities that were much larger and livelier so she wasn’t too overwhelmed. Her eyes were everywhere, taking in the new scenery. It was this reason that she didn’t see a large black SUV turn the corner as she stepped into the city street. Her only warning was the blaring horn, luckily she was fast enough to sidestep it. The SUV harmlessly passed by her and came to a screeching stop a few feet away.
“Oh dear, I knew I shouldn’t have driven myself.” Gine heard a man’s voice behind her.
She found the owner when a short man with bluish-grey hair in a white lab coat. The ashes of the cigarette hanging in his mouth fell to the ground as he opened his mouth to speak.
“You seem to be fine but we can never be too sure about things. Come with me and you’ll get the best medical treatment on the planet.”
The Saiyan mother was conflicted, on one hand she didn’t want to be examined by earth doctors and be discovered as an alien and on the other she didn’t want to be rude to the first person she met.
“Come with us, pretty lady. Daddy wants to make sure you’re okay.” A little girl with purple hair said from the backseat of the car.
Gine melted at the little girl with pigtails. Her big blue eyes only made it that much easier for Gine to agree.
“I’m sure I’m okay but if it makes you feel better I’ll come with you to get checked out.”
Aaaaaaand cut! That's that guys, the first chapter to Dragonball Absolution. I've put some things out there to get my readers thinking. I plan to have the lore of this story deep, very deep. I feel we as readers get the short straw on things like history and backstory but I don't actually blame the authors as they have time constraints and creative blocks but we as fanfiction writers have quite a bit of freedom and I intend on using it. Until next time.