Chapter 0: Finally at Home! On the Cusp of a New Adventure…?

* * *

Age 794. Some unknown location.

Piccolo is meditating in the midst of darkness. It is not clear whether he is truly in complete isolation or has just closed himself off in the stillness of his mind.

PICCOLO

opens his eyes, irritation visible on his face

Damn it! You pulled it off before, Kami... Haven't we been one long enough?!

takes a breath and closes his eyes again

Let's try one more time... Hmmph!

Again, nothing happens.

PICCOLO

opens his eyes again

Argh! I can't stand this any longer! I just...

Meanwhile, the darkness shrouding Piccolo is being slowly illuminated by a yellow light slowly creeping upwards like smoke.

PICCOLO

noticing the glow

Huh? What's that?

The light becomes blindingly bright and starts to spread much faster.

PICCOLO

in shock; greatly surprised

Ah!

The glow envelops Piccolo. The Namekian becomes completely invisible.

Only an all-encompassing whiteness can be seen.

* * *

Evening. Outside a shopping mall.

Vegeta and Bra exit through the sliding doors. Vegeta is holding many shopping bags in his hands — his face shows a stoic calm. Bra is clearly pleased.

VEGETA

whistles

From a row of parked cars, a Capsule Corporation sports convertible drives out by itself.

BRA

smiling

Have you gotten used to the car yet, Dad?

VEGETA

with a forced smile, voice rather resigned

You wanted to blend in, so I'm not standing in your way. I never had anything against driving... Except for the fact that I can fly much faster than any car can drive.

BRA

Just a week ago, you didn't seem so keen. Are you certain?

VEGETA

ignores the question, throws the bags into the trunk, and gets behind the wheel

BRA

Dad?

VEGETA

staring into the distance through the car window

Are you going or not?

BRA

awkwardly gets into the car and sits next to a driver’s seat, i.e. next to Vegeta

* * *

The Capsule Corp. convertible pulls onto the road. The city streets are dimly lit, slightly bleak in the evening. The hair of Vegeta and his daughter gently sways in the wind.

BRA

turns on the radio

VEGETA

unmoved, stares ahead

BRA

Thank you for taking me shopping again, even though you don't like it so much. I really appreciate it…

leans back in her seat, takes off her shoes, stretches her legs onto the shelf right in front of the window, and closes her eyes

VEGETA

firmly

Put your feet down.

BRA

genuinely puzzled

But why? I won't break anything. And even if I did, we can afford to fix it...

VEGETA

It's precisely because you have plenty that you should appreciate it. Ask Trunks or your mother. They'll explain it better.

* * *

The automobile enters the Capsule Corporation grounds, where Vegeta and Bulma's house is located. Bra hops out of the car without opening the door, while Vegeta apathetically opens his door and calmly steps out of the convertible, which then drives itself into the garage. Bulma steps out onto the house terrace.

BULMA

Vegeta, Bra — welcome home! You two spent quite some time at the mall again... Oh well, never mind. It’d be worse if you didn't show up until tomorrow!

smiles, proud of her not-so-dazzling joke

BRA

And what's happening tomorrow, Mom?

BULMA

What do you mean? Have you forgotten already? Goku and Uub are visiting. It's been two months since they were last here, so I'm throwing a big party for all our friends!

VEGETA

initially smiles, but then his expression turns grim again.

BULMA

notices Vegeta's somber mood

Emm... Bra, why don't you go on up to your room? If you're hungry, just call the kitchen robot. It'll make you something.

BRA

Okay, Mom. Good night.

* * *

Vegeta and Bulma walk into a room of sorts, which is unlikely to be residential, as it has metal walls. Instead, however, it certainly is secluded.

BULMA

with evident concern

What's troubling you?

VEGETA

looks away

Hmph... It's nothing. Don't worry about it.

BULMA

Don’t lie to me. I can see something's not quite right. You're constantly all gloomy. Although you did, admittedly, smile at the mention of Goku…

VEGETA
turns back towards Bulma, somewhat displeased

BULMA

Do you miss the old times? Is the routine getting to you?

VEGETA

sighs; responds reluctantly

Yeah, you're not wrong. Sometimes I really feel like taking someone down…

BULMA
Are you taking it easy on Trunks during training?

VEGETA
perplexed
Of course not! I mean... Ah! It's not the same as sparring with an equal. Besides, why would I want to hurt my own son? It makes no sense...

BULMA
slightly reproachful
It's a shame you didn't think that way when Trunks was a little boy...

VEGETA
smiles sincerely

BULMA
Perhaps you should suggest Goku that you train together? He surely misses it too, always training Uub, who's probably still weaker than him...

VEGETA
I'd rather not right now... Besides, that's not my biggest concern....

BULMA
Let me guess... Bra? Vegeta, I've told you so many times — let at least one of our children have a normal childhood. We've had peace for so many years now. Thankfully, ever since the days of Buu, nothing threatens the Earth anymore. She doesn't need to train. Let her be human.

VEGETA
irritated
Ah, that's not the point! It's her vanity and immaturity that worries me! Constant shopping and other whims! Trunks in his childhood may have had to fight for life, but at least he turned out well. Whereas she...

BULMA
Bra is only 14 years old. She'll outgrow it, just like Trunks outgrew his overconfidence...

VEGETA
I wouldn't be so sure! If I were you, I'd start working on it right away...

BULMA
If you were me? Can't you do something about it?

VEGETA
with a mocking smile
You surely know more about Earthling upbringing than I do...
once again seriously
Anyway, do what you want with all of that. I trust you'll choose well. Rather, tell me about your machine...

BULMA
Ah, you must mean the Blutz Waves Generator! It really overheated after your last training session. Unfortunately, that's on me...
laughs
But I've found the problem, replaced a few parts, and tomorrow you'll be able to try your hand again...

VEGETA
Tomorrow? Alright then...
smirks
By the way... Have you reported this to any scientific agency? Earthlings don't seem to know much about Blutz Waves yet. Maybe you'd get some kind of award?

BULMA
Oh, Vegeta. It was you who told me everything about them.

VEGETA
But you built the machine...

BULMA
But it doesn't do anything special!

VEGETA
in astonishment
How so? Thanks to it, I might uncover the true power that lies dormant in a Saiyan...

BULMA
But for the world of science, it's nothing particular! At least on Earth... Besides, do you really believe you'll succeed?

VEGETA
Of course! And you don't? Otherwise, you probably wouldn't have built this contraption for so many million Zeni?!

BULMA
smiles subtly with a hint of irony
Well... Of course, I believe...

VEGETA
walks further into the room and proudly gazes at the Blutz Waves Generator Chamber through the armored window on one of the walls
Yes, after all these years, I'm finally going my own way. I feel that by not walking the path paved by Kakarot, I can improve like never before.

quietly

Perhaps... I'll finally be the number one?

BULMA
thinks, looking at Vegeta
On the outside you may have mellowed, but inside, you still harbor that unquenchable, restless flame...

* * *

View of the entrance to one of Mr. Satan's dojos.
Pan is practicing martial arts, sparring with an unknown blonde woman. Both are dressed in traditional white gis with red belts. They are supervised by the owner himself — Mister Satan, sitting in an elegant chair, with his head resting on his hand.

PAN

gracefully jumps up and delivers a kick to her rival, knocking her down

Hiiii-yah!

GIRL

falls onto the mat with a muffled groan

MR SATAN

delighted

Bravo, Pan! Your technique is flawless!

PAN

turns towards her grandfather, smiling, then goes over to the fallen girl to help her up

GIRL

pushes away Pan's hand and, weeping, runs off to the locker room

PAN

surprised

Hold on! Wait!

MR SATAN

comes up to his granddaughter

Leave her be. It's not your fault... Although, now that I think about it, you could stand to hold back a bit. Your strength is starting to get out of control!

laughs sincerely

PAN

embarrassed

Okay, Grandpa. I'm really sorry. I'll try to fix this, maybe even right away!

MR SATAN

Well, maybe not right away. Look, the sun has already set. Your parents surely won't be happy. You better go now.

PAN

But why?! Can't you just call them? You know how much I love training here with you. Plus, tomorrow is Saturday. No school! There's nothing stopping me from...

MR SATAN

Well, you see... The thing is, there actually is something in the way. Tomorrow is a party for your other granddad, Son Goku, your dad's father.

PAN

sombers

Oh... That. Totally slipped my mind...

MR SATAN

Now that I've reminded you, please go now.

PAN

Alright...

takes a few steps towards the changing room, but after a while turns around and says angrily

Ugh! He doesn't do anything for us! It's always about that bumpkin he's training! He's already forgotten about his granddaughter. He wouldn't even convince my dad to let me pursue martial arts, even if he wanted to, because he hardly ever talks to him! And of course, despite all that, he can come here once a month or every few weeks to stuff his face, and no one dares to say anything to him! Argh!

clenches her fist and furrows her brow

MR SATAN

seriously concerned

Pan, listen... I know Goku's decision might not have been the best, but apparently Uub is making significant progress. Surely your grandpa will be back with us permanently soon...

PAN

on the verge of tears

I've been hearing that for years, and yet he's still not satisfied...

MR SATAN

embraces Pan

Oh, Pan. You and your constant rebellion. You're just like your mother when she was your age... Don't worry, we'll all be there — me included. I promise I'll say something to Goku.

PAN

smiles

Thanks, Grandpa. You're irreplaceable...! See you tomorrow!

runs into the changing room

Pan rushes into the locker room, changes out of her gi into regular clothes, puts on socks and shoes, adjusts her hair, looks around, then opens the window and flies out through it.

* * *

Piccolo in the middle of the wasteland. Before him lies an object or objects emitting an immense glow, making their identification impossible from a third-person perspective. Piccolo, however, knows exactly what they are.

PICCOLO

still in shock

U-Unbelievable! Their energy... Their energy is so enormous, I can sense it even now. I'm scared to think what they might be capable of... I have to let Son know... I have to!

takes off his cloak, wraps the source of the light in it, and then flies off

* * *

Next day. Noon. Outside Vegeta's and Bulma's house.
Bulma is preparing for Goku and Uub's arrival. Gathered in front of her mansion are: Son Gohan, Son Goten, Chi-Chi, Ox-King, Muten Roshi, Mister Satan, Pan, Videl, Android 18, Krillin, Marron, Tienshinhan, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Puar, Bulma's family — Vegeta, Trunks, and Bra — as well as Dende, staff members, and a few other people.

BULMA

impatiently

Why aren't they here yet?! It's already past twelve! They were supposed to be here by eleven...

GOTEN

cheerfully; to Trunks

Hey, Trunks! It's been a while since we last saw each other...

TRUNKS

turns around; replies with a smile, but not without a slight indulgence

Oh... Hey, Goten. Yeah, it's been quite some time since our last meeting. How long has it been, two months?

GOTEN

uncertainly

Yeah, two months. At my dad's last party, remember?

TRUNKS

Oh, right. Sorry, I completely forgot amidst everything...

GOTEN

scratching his head Goku-style

Amidst what?

TRUNKS

Ouch, I didn't tell you about that...! Since I finished college, Mom's been prepping me for my future role as CEO of Capsule Corporation. You know... bills, revenues, paperwork...

GOTEN

Sounds exhausting...

TRUNKS

And it is! I think I'd go nuts if it weren't for daily training sessions with Dad in the Gravity Chamber…

GOTEN

Oh, with your dad...

reminds himself of the fact that he himself cannot train with his own father, since he spends most of his time away from home; he briefly feels down, but quickly perks up and says

I try to train with Gohan... At least when he's free. He's busy teaching at the university...

TRUNKS

catching the sadness in Goten's voice

I'm free tomorrow morning. How about dropping by to try out our upgraded gravity chamber?

GOTEN

Seriously?! Thanks, Trunks!

TRUNKS

No problem. For old times' sake, I could do a lot more for you!

smiles, having remembered something

And how's your new girlfriend? The one you told me about last time...

GOTEN

embarrassed

Um... Unfortunately, we weren’t meant for each other... But recently, this other girl caught my eye... Her name is... Minerva? Mi... Mirinda? No! Mi... randa?

visibly exerting his memory

Ah, yes! Melissa!

TRUNKS

patting Goten on the back

Good luck then... Maybe I'll meet her as the first of your legendary girlfriends...!

GOTEN

slightly outraged

Legendary? Hey, they're my age, sometimes even younger!

TRUNKS

taken aback

Umm... Goten... It's just an expression. I never thought you were dating ancient women!

GOTEN

heavily embarrassed, slaps his forehead

Oh!

Transition to Gohan's family group.

Pan, Videl, Mister Satan, and Gohan himself stand together. Pan has her arms folded, looking displeased. Videl watches her with slight concern. Mister Satan surveys the area which has been prepared for the party, while Son Gohan eagerly scans the sky, looking for his father.

VIDEL

Pan, are you okay?

PAN

with a forced smile

Of course, I'm fine. Just bored because Grandpa Goku is really late...

GOHAN

cheerfully

Well, I've got good news for you – I think he's flying in now!

We see Krillin, Android 18, Tien, Roshi, Yamcha, and Puar.

KRILLIN

jolly

Yep, that's Goku!

Son Goku and Uub arrive. The former smiles broadly and waves to those gathered, while the latter shyly follows.

UUB

Good afternoon!

GOKU

Hi, Bulma! Hi everyone! I've been away for a while, but hope y'all ain't holdin' it against me.

BULMA

as the hostess, slightly stressed

Of course not, dear Goku! Please come in, don't be shy...! I believe all your friends are here!

Goku greets everyone.

GOKU

casually shaking hands, bowing, or high-fiving

Hey, Krillin! - Tien, Yamcha, Chiaotzu - how y'all doin'? - Oh, sorry! How about you, Puar? - Turtle Hermit! Ya still look great...

CHI-CHI

irritated

Goku! Ain't it only polite to greet your family first, or at least your own wife?!

GOKU

slightly frightened

OH! Chi-Chi, of course! Missed you a ton!

Goku hugs his wife, and then lifts her up, which she isn't particularly happy about, but quickly stops showing anger and starts to enjoy seeing her husband.

GOKU

Gohan, Goten! Great to see ya! Gohan, how've you been?

GOHAN

I've been good, Dad — both at work and at home.

Goku tries to move on to Goten, but is stopped by Pan.

PAN

with pretentiousness in her voice

Hi, Grandpa.

GOKU

cheerfully, oblivious

Hi there, Pan! How's the martial arts training going?

PAN

smiles sincerely

Thanks for asking, Grandpa. It's going well, but...

GOKU

patting Pan lightly on the shoulder

That's great, keep it up!

walks away

PAN

her face twists back into a grimace

GOKU

Hey, Videl! How's Gohan doin’?

laughs

Hello, Mister Satan! What's new with ya?

MR SATAN

Oh, Goku... Everything's fine! Although Pan is so skilled that she's intimidated my other students...

laughs

...but I'm not complaining. We'll manage somehow.

GOKU

Great! And where's Buu?

MR SATAN

He's sleeping so deeply I couldn't wake him up! I left him at home.

GOKU

No problem! Maybe I'll catch up with him later. See ya!

leaves

PAN

with displeasure; to Mister Satan

Grandpa! You were supposed to tell him something...

MR SATAN

I haven't forgotten. I just need to wait for a more appropriate moment, like at the table.

PAN

Alright, I'll hold you to that...

Goku continues to ask similar questions of Goten, who shares with his father the information about yet another girlfriend of his, after which they both laugh.
He also sees Trunks, their conversation too goes without surprise.
He then approaches the table area, where he sees Vegeta leaning against the wall, with his trademark crossed arms.

GOKU

very cheerfully

Oh, Vegeta! Hey! How’ve ya been?

VEGETA

smirks and turns towards Goku

More or less the same, Kakarot. Tell me, how is Uub doing?

GOKU

It's really great! I've never seen such potential in an Earthlin' before. Ya can really feel he's the next incarnation of Majin Buu...

VEGETA

Bringing back the old days, huh?

GOKU

You bet, Vegeta! How ‘bout a little sparring match?

VEGETA

closes his eyes and smiles again

I don't rule out such a possibility...

BULMA

from a distance

Goku! Sit down at the table! The food is getting cold! You've waited plenty enough. The robots and service are at your disposal!

VEGETA

You better go, there's an abundance of food waiting for you. We'll get back to this later.

GOKU

You're right. But ya come too! I can't eat it all by myself!

* * *

The feast in front of the house is in full swing. It's late afternoon, almost evening. Goku sits at the table, eagerly trying various dishes. To his right sits Uub, to his left Mr. Satan, and opposite him are Vegeta, Bulma, and Bra. The arrangement of the other guests is secondary to this scene.

GOKU

with a full mouth

Hey, robot! Pour me another serving of crab soup!

ROBOT

comes over with a tank and pours soup into Goku's bowl

UUB

wearing an expression of awe towards Bulma's technology; to Goku

Master, I still can't get over how different the world is just a stone's throw from my village!

GOKU

still with his mouth full

Oh yeah! Bulma’s super smart!

TIENSHINHAN

rises from the table with Yamcha, Krillin, and Roshi; to Uub

Hey, Uub! Show us what new things Goku has taught you!

UUB

slightly embarrassed

Well... alright! We've been working on our...

he glances sneakily at Goku, vainly hoping for his reaction

...own technique recently. It's not ready yet, but... maybe I can show you what we have!

he smiles, then walks away with Tien, Krillin, Yamcha, and Roshi away from the table

PAN

looks knowingly at Mister Satan

MR SATAN

after receiving Pan's signal, nudges Goku and whispers to him

Ahem... Goku, can I speak to you privately for a moment? I have something important to tell you.

GOKU

after swallowing his food

Sure, we can go now...

Suddenly, Piccolo flies in. He no longer has the mysterious source of light with him, which suggests he has left it in a safe place. Most of the guests — except for Vegeta, Trunks, and Goku — are very surprised, even shocked.

GOKU

Hey, Piccolo!

BULMA

Piccolo! I thought you wouldn't come. Sit down at the table!

PICCOLO

seriously

Sorry, but I'm only here in passing. Son, could you spare me a moment? This is a serious matter.

GOKU

Sure!

teleports to Piccolo using Instant Transmission

PAN

sighs with disappointment

* * *

Goku and Piccolo — behind the building. In the distance, a service worker can be seen bustling about.

GOKU

What's up, Piccolo?

PICCOLO

Are you sure no one can hear us?

GOKU

turns around

Looks like so...

PICCOLO

Good, Son... I didn't tell you this before, but I've been secretly working on something very important...

GOKU

in a curious tone

What is it?

PICCOLO

sighs heavily

Alright, I'll get straight to the point... I created new Dragon Balls!

GOKU

in shock

What?! Ya can do that?!

PICCOLO

evasively

If Kami could, why not me...

GOKU

excited

That's amazing! Can I see ‘em?

PICCOLO

Sure. Come to Dende's Palace tomorrow with Uub. I left them under Popo's care. For now, you should get back to the table. Bulma put in a lot of effort...

GOKU

Come with me, Piccolo!

PICCOLO

I can't. I still need to thoroughly examine my creations. I sense something in them that I've never encountered before...

GOKU

That's too bad. See ya tomorrow then, Piccolo.

PICCOLO

smiles

Take care, Son!

flies away

Goku returns to the table, apologizing to everyone for his brief absence.

* * *

The same service worker from the previous scene. She is far from the table, unnoticed. From what we can gather the woman is by no means young.

WOMAN

quietly, into a headset

...Yes, Pilaf. I'm absolutely sure. The complete set of Dragon Balls is situated at the Lookout... I heard it loud and clear! Your plan will finally be carried out.

smirks wickedly

You were right, Bulma is where we would learn everything... You truly are a great genius!

The WOMAN is actually MAI.

* * *

The cover of Chapter 0: Piccolo creates Black Star Dragon Balls

* * *

Highly recommended!