DB Multiverse

Part 3, Chapter 13.

Chapter 13

Translated by Virgilio212 & proofread by ZenBuu

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Seconds later, Buu reappeared in front of a huge dojo with traditional architecture — dry wood and carved stone. This was the school of Satan, humanity’s greatest hero, the one who had defeated Cell, the "threat from outer space." Buu knew all of it was a lie and that, deep down, Satan was cowardly and fearful, but what might be seen as flaws and faults actually held hidden riches.

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Overcoming his fear and apprehension, Satan knew how to approach Buu when he was just a giant, playful child and became his friend. Later on, even when Buu's evil nature resurfaced, Satan never left the Djinn’s mind, his memory etched in him like the magic that had created him. To Buu, even today, Satan was a symbol of honesty, courage, and deep friendship. If there were any being in the universe to whom Buu would devote himself body and soul, whom he would respect with pure sincerity, and for whom he would always restrain his bloodthirsty urges — it would be Satan. The one who calmed him and taught him the joys of life in its simplicity, and who brought nuance to the darkness within him.

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It made sense, Buu thought. When he was about to destroy another world, it was Videl, his friend’s daughter, who stopped him and called him out with her words. Buu had lost himself, disoriented in his search, and had become a monster again, ignoring mortal life. And returning to Earth, talking to Dende and Master Roshi — all of it helped bring him back to the aspect of life that Satan had once introduced into his mind. Even though he refused to become a full-blown hero like Goku, he would never again be a genocidal killer. Not for this man.

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Buu took a deep breath and entered the dojo. In a large hall, he saw Satan punching fiercely at a sandbag in front of about fifteen young humans who seemed to have eyes only for him.

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—"Ta ta ta ta!" shouted Satan, punching the bag before ending his martial display with powerful groans of exhaustion.

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Satan turned to his students, unaware of Buu's presence watching from across the room. —"Aah... aah... Alright, rookies, if you train hard... aah... maybe you'll be lucky enough to last as long as I did, hahaha... Aah..." —"Wow!" one of them exclaimed. "What luck to see you in action, master!" —"Let’s honor our hero!" another added. —"You’re so prestigious, Mr. Satan! Look, someone came to your class! But... he looks kinda weird..."

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Intrigued by this last comment, Satan turned his head toward Buu, who gave him a big smile. The Earthling froze, his face melting quickly. Taken by surprise, Buu thought his friend had been overwhelmed by terror and the urge to flee, seeing only the monster that had caused them so much pain. Disappointed and angry, Buu considered leaving without a word — until he vaguely heard: —"B...Bu...Buu? Is that really you? You’re back?"

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Buu fixed his eyes on Satan again, and what he saw shook him. It wasn’t the emotion of fear he’d seen before — or at least it was much less. It was joy.

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—"You all!" Satan shouted to his students, waving broadly. "Go work out in the weight room. When I return, I want to see sweat and equipment broken from effort, understood? Now!" —"Y...yes!" they replied in chorus.

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The novice fighters quickly left, not without casting curious glances at Satan and Buu from afar. Who was this mysterious pink man? A friend of their master? He seemed to provoke a curious reaction from Earth’s hero. And... he reminded them of something.

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As soon as the door closed, Satan sighed as Buu silently walked toward him. The Earthling lifted his head to him, tears streaming down his face. He ran up to the Djinn and wrapped his arms around his waist, barely tall enough to reach his abdomen. Disturbed, Buu didn’t know how to react while Satan broke into sobs mixed with hiccups: —"You’re back! That’s wonderful! A whole year without news — it was impossible to know what was happening to you! And Videl, who went to space to find you, wanted to chase after that naughty boyfriend of hers, and I was so afraid she was in danger! But I was sure you wouldn’t hurt her! If you’re here, then she found you! Or... maybe you came back without knowing, and she’s lost in space! Oh no, I have to go save her right away..." —"Calm down!" Buu panicked, grabbing his shoulders and trying to pull him back. "Videl is fine! I came back home with her, she’s been in West City for several days!" —"Really?" Satan replied with a loud sigh. "That’s great! She hasn’t called to update me... but that's alright, if she’s safe! Oh, Buu, I missed you so much, my friend!"

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Buu didn’t know what to say to such a reaction. He had expected Satan to be a bit scared, maybe even to rekindle some trauma after the massacre Buu committed when he became Super Buu... But no. The Earthling was happy to see the Djinn again, even after what had happened — even with his appearance.

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—"I’m... happy to see you too, Satan..." Buu stammered, trying to regain composure. "You don’t seem to have changed since I left." —"And you too! Look at you, still so tall and pink! You’re exactly the same as the last time I saw you! When..."

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Satan paused, and Buu remembered that the human had witnessed the Djinn’s final victory over the Saiyans by absorbing Son Goku. After asking Dende to resurrect everyone, Buu left without sparing a thought for Satan, and he hadn’t seen him again. The last image his friend must have of him, then, was that of the monster who had won. Which only deepened his perplexity.

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—"When I claimed victory, right?" he finished ironically. "Tell me, Satan, I don’t understand your reaction. You should be afraid of me, right? I killed everyone, turned lots of people into candy, the Earth was a wasteland after I passed through! Why do you seem so happy to see me?" —"But... but... it makes sense!" Satan replied, looking shocked. "You may have exterminated all of humanity, even eaten my daughter, but... I don’t know how you did it, but you resurrected everyone and also left the planet in peace! I remember when you transformed after that criminal shot me... you were different, but you spared me, seemed to recognize me. I knew deep down you were still the same, kind and playful. That you were still my Buu, my friend..."

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Satan looked away, his eyes tearful, ashamed and a little afraid of Buu’s reaction. The latter felt chills of emotion running through his body until his eyes began to moisten.

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Dende, Master Roshi, Goku’s relatives... Even though they got used to him after a while, they had reacted with fear and suspicion. Even hostility. But Satan was genuinely delighted to see him. Even if Buu was no longer the big naive balloon he had once been, Satan believed in him and in their friendship. And that touched the Djinn deeply, who hugged the world champion.

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—"B...Buu...?" —"Thank you... thank you, Satan." Buu whispered, closing his eyes. "Come, let’s take a walk, I have so much to tell you... my friend!"

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During the hours that followed, Buu and Satan walked the city streets in complete freedom. The citizens recognized Satan and applauded him — until they saw him accompanied by Buu. They mostly remembered him as the enormous monster who had harmed them so much. Some didn't connect him with the former Majin Buu. Others, however, saw an uncanny resemblance: the skin color, the crest, and the mischievously glowing eyes. Terrified, they didn’t dare approach or draw the Djinn’s attention, feeling that Satan was handling and negotiating with the creature.

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They couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, Satan and Buu shared a moment of great joy. While Satan recounted how humanity was trying to regain its footing after last year’s battle, Buu told him all about his space journey.

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—And so, I still see people asking me: "Did those horrible things really happen with that wizard and his pink slave?" And I reply: “Yes, but I crushed that ugly louse with a single punch, and as for Majin Buu, I managed to calm him down — you have nothing more to fear from him!” Sorry, Buu, it was the only way to reassure them, because they didn’t know whether your existence was real or just a nightmare... Videl refused to give up on her boyfriend and was causing panic everywhere saying: "I need a spaceship, I’m going to find him!" And I refused to hide your existence. I did my best to calm them down with my version. —"Heh, you did well, Satan!" Buu chuckled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I don’t care whether they fear me or admire me. These are the people you and the others defended with all your strength, with passion and courage. You have my respect, and I promised to leave Earth in peace. I’ll keep my word. You’re their hero, and if you can build a good image with them, I thank you. I really don’t like the idea of being a monster in their heads. If it helps, do what you think is best — I'll keep dancing to the music." —"Haha, at this point, I have no problem saying we’re friends! By the way, you told me that during your journey you helped people? I’m glad to see you’ve moved on from those silly mass-murder games Babidi and his dad put in your head!" —"Yes, but... I also said I killed many people and absorbed a fair number of them. What do you think about that?" —"That no one can lecture you, especially not me." Satan replied, scratching his head. "You were lost and trying to find your identity, right? From what you told me, you regret killing people just for fun and almost fell back into that, right? Then you’re not a monster. Remember those two criminals who attacked us back then. If I hadn’t held back my punches, I would’ve killed them myself. As for you, to save humanity, I did everything I could to get rid of you — with explosives, poison... I only thought about myself and my image. But that was before I saw and understood the good in you. You changed me just like you changed yourself. Now I don’t just think about myself and my reputation. I take Videl’s and others’ wishes more seriously, I try to help the people who admire me for moving forward... It’s all thanks to you, Buu!"

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Embarrassed, Buu looked up at the sky. Even while committing monstrous acts, he had been forgiven — and even understood. That destabilized him even more. Murder was part of his nature. He knew that during his existence, he would continue to absorb talents and take lives. But should he do it for a noble cause? Could he still kill in cold blood, without reason?

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—"I’m not sure I’ve completely changed yet." he said with concern. "But I’m sure of one thing. Even though I still like to fight and inspire fear in others... I also like to see them smile. You’re the one who taught me the value of life, Satan. Like it or not, your friendship changed me, and even though I’m no longer the big bubblegum you once knew, my affection for you is the same. And for Videl too. Rest assured, for you, and in honor of those who bravely fought me, I promise I haven’t strayed from my goal, and I won’t give in too often to cruel urges." —"Hummm..." Satan muttered, turning pale. "What goal, exactly?"

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Satan had hoped to change the subject, but the question burned like hot iron in Buu’s mind, whose face lit up with pure innocent joy.

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—"I want to explore the universe! Discover its wonders, solve its mysteries, get to know even the most insignificant organisms! It’s limitless — every little thing exists for a reason or another, and I want to discover it all! Its comets, its planets, its stars and skies, like an eternal dream where time itself fades to make way for infinite space! And I no longer want to live under the banner of 'Majin Buu', just Buu — the best in the universe! The most talented beings will live through me, they’ll contribute to my glory and to raise our world to its eternal golden age! I will exalt the beauty of the Universe to its climax, hahaha!"

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The more he spoke, the louder Buu raised his voice. Everyone who passed by stared at him in fear and anxiety. But Buu didn’t care. He was rediscovering his original goal: to free himself from the destructive, dualistic creature he had been and reach the top of creation. His relentless struggle between good and evil had gone on for too long.

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—"I don’t want to lose control anymore, Satan. I will kill who I want. I’ll save the weak as I see fit — those who deserve it, who don’t deserve to endure the exuberance of the privileged or nature’s cruelty! I will display the beauty of countless worlds, create one more majestic than the next, and develop the most advanced technology! The universe will no longer see me as a beast thirsting for blood and candy, but as Buu — the one who conquered it! Loved and feared, the explorer who passed through hell to offer paradise to those who are worth it! I will reign over this paradise of knowledge, and you, my friend, are its genesis — and one of its pillars!"

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He grabbed Satan by the shoulder and continued his walk calmly with his Earthling friend, who watched him wide-eyed, having not understood a single word Buu had just said. But one thing was certain: Buu had moved beyond his identity complex and had solidified himself forever. The Buu who spared Earth and was filled with a unique, intoxicating joy for life. And for that, Satan was happy — though still as scared as ever.

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As for the Earthlings who watched and witnessed this surprising display, Buu wouldn’t know for a long time, but after this, Satan was once again glorified as the one who subdued the super-powerful pink alien and pacified him so that he would never again threaten Earth and its inhabitants. However, they also heard all of his stories from space, and many of them sent chills down their spines — and gave them something to worry about, should he ever lose control again...

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At the end of the day, Buu and Satan stood in front of the dojo’s courtyard. Even though it was scary for the human to walk publicly with the great Djinn and his insane laughter, he had gotten his Buu back, even though he had changed form. He was still the same playful and curious demon — though much smarter now, but also more unpredictable and versatile. He felt he had put Buu back on the right path, which reinforced his usefulness and the sincerity of their friendship.

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However, before leaving, Satan timidly challenged Buu with one last question: —"You know, Buu... I don’t have a problem with you, but... I don’t think my daughter will give up so easily. Don’t you want to let go of those orange-gi-wearing guys you absorbed? You’re invincible, the strongest — you’ll win in every circumstance. Isn’t that enough for you? Isn’t it wrong to deprive their families of their—" —"No." Buu interrupted in a tone that brooked no argument. "I’m sorry, Satan, but they are mine for all eternity, like everyone else, and everyone who will complete me. None of them will receive preferential treatment. They are the materials of my evolution, and losing them would be a setback. Especially Son Gohan and his little team. Especially since you underestimate those Saiyans: with training, they’re capable of anything! I won’t take that risk. Tell your daughter to stop chasing me. Her place is on Earth, with you."

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Not wanting to continue the conversation, Buu gave his friend one last affectionate smile and teleported away, leaving Satan speechless at the door of his dojo.

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Thus, for two weeks, Buu mingled with the people of Earth, occasionally visiting those who could be considered "family". He regularly visited Master Roshi and Dende, who enlightened him with their wise advice. As for Chi-Chi, Krillin, Yamcha, and the others, they got to know Buu more deeply, feeling compassion for the tragic story of his life under the rule of the wizards. But they still held out hope that they would see the absorbed ones again one day. They now saw Buu more as a friend who was best left undisturbed. Although filled with sadness, Chi-Chi often picked up on traits she recognized in Buu, belonging to Son Goku and his sons. And she consoled herself by telling herself that, thanks to their sacrifice, the greatest threat to the universe was now a reliable ally. Typical of her beloved husband, whose ability to turn former enemies into friends, was one of his best qualities...

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As for Videl, although she was able to get close to the Djinn at times, whenever she attempted emotional blackmail by mentioning Buu's kindness or his friendship with her father, the demon would automatically roll his eyes to the sky and teleport away without warning, leaving the young girl irritated and determined. The rest of the time, Buu liked to live in a quiet little retreat in the mountains, watching the sky, playing with the four-star Dragon Ball he had found.

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The Dragon Balls...

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The key to the history of Earthlings, the sun around which their short lives revolved.

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Buu didn't care about those balls whose power was insignificant compared to his own. Thanks to his prisoners, he knew very well that Shenron could do nothing against him. He would never have the power to free the prisoners from his body. However, this doomed dragon could find devious ways to reach him, such as teleporting Videl to him every year, or giving her the ability to find him easily. Buu knew that he had more to do than just bring her back every time. He had to find a way to neutralize the Dragon Balls without hurting Dende, because he would never lay a finger on the little Namekian.

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At this point, Buu was still unaware of it, but the most obvious solution was not on his list of ideas. However, it would later take on special importance.

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Instead, Buu let out a weary sigh and simply pulled his arm back, gaining momentum and then sending the four-star ball into the celestial horizon. The Djinn didn't know if that would be enough. Maybe Dende would create a new one. Maybe the god of Earth would call that crystal ball back to him. After all, that's what the Namekian patriarch did, after the genocide committed by Frieza. But Buu didn't want to worry about that. What would happen, would happen.

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Some time later.

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Buu was located in the Western Capital, in the garden outside Capsule Corporation. He was enjoying a final moment with Chi-Chi, Satan, Videl and everyone else before his new departure into space. Only Videl watched the Djinn with an affronted look. Despite Buu's new friendly behavior, she was far from giving up on finding Son Gohan someday. Buu was torn between amusement and annoyance. Obviously, one day he might meet her in space again. And he wasn't sure if he would have as much patience as he did now.

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After sharing a last meal with his Earthling "family", Buu exclaimed, moving a little away from the group: —"Well! We spent several wonderful weeks together! Once again... you saved me. Once again, I reiterate my affection and friendship for you. I hope that one day you will be able to accept me completely as I am and that you will no longer be irresolute with me. Know that I will do my best to visit you from time to time and that I will never forget Earth. You are all important to me. And you can count on me.

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Chi-Chi and everyone else looked in different directions, restless and unsure of what to do next. During these many days, Buu showed himself with rare kindness and infectious joy. He was still very strange to them, but his familiarity and new mental stability helped to integrate him a little more into their lives. Although, and this would never change, he would never truly replace their loved ones, or their children.

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Buu didn't expect an answer from them, however. He smiled as he closed his eyes and prepared to take off. It was then that four figures suddenly appeared around him. Buu barely had time to detect them when an explosion sounded above his head, revealing a fortified vault in the air. Four voices exclaimed simultaneously: —"Mafuba!"

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Buu began to feel himself being grabbed by four powerful greenish whirlwinds that were heading towards the sky, towards the container. At first surprised by the maneuver, he gave a delighted smile and made several quick movements around it. Quickly, he took control of the whirlwind and redirected it into space with maddening power. Chi-Chi, Krillin and the others fell to the ground under the force of the gust of wind produced, while Buu laughed softly, turning to face the author of the malicious ambush.

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In front of him were four breathless Tenshinhans. The Earthling had put all his strength into his multiple Mafubas, attempting a surprise and original attack to make sure he didn't miss his target. Unfortunately for him, Buu reacted immediately upon realizing the nature of the attack. His reaction time was too fast, and he had already sensed the movements of the four clones before they even launched their attack.

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The safe fell heavily to the ground a few meters away. Buu looked at the metal block with amusement and quickly extended his crest to destroy it with a quick attack. He cast a mocking look at the Earthling who returned to being one, out of breath.

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—"Gaah... aaah..." panted Tien. —"Well, well..." — Buu whispered, slowly walking towards him. —"Obviously, you didn’t understand the lesson from last time. You still dare to resist me and try to attack me? And here I thought all the Earthlings had admitted my superiority..."

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As he advanced, narrowing his eyes more menacingly, Tenshinhan leaned forward, ready to fight. Further ahead, Krilin said, his face mortified: —"Tenshinhan... no..." —"Aaah... What are you waiting for to attack me, then?" said the three-eyed Earthling, prepared to defend himself. "Don't think I've forgotten everything you've done! I still remember you making Son Goku's son suffer and massacring humanity! You may have changed in everyone's eyes, but you are too powerful, too dangerous! You must be neutralized!"

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Buu stopped, the crimson irises of his eyes shining with anger. Everyone began to tremble, while Tenshinhan prepared in desperation to attack the Djinn. It was then that Buu gave a laugh full of joy and relief, much to the surprise of the Earthlings.

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—"Ha! Hahaha! Hahahaha! Impressive! Wonderful! If you knew how much your insolence delights me, human!" —"What... what are you saying here?" Tenshinhan replied, shocked. —"No, but do you know what you just did? You gave me goosebumps for a moment! Your inventiveness, your determination, I find it admirable!"

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Some time ago, Buu would have felt threatened by such an attempt, even if it was unsuccessful. But he finally became stable and knew he was untouchable, even more so against techniques like Mafuba, whose counterattack he already knew. But there, Tenshinhan had just put on a beautiful demonstration, and he forgave himself for having negative thoughts against him again. In fact, he was perhaps the best fun he could have had.

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—"I won’t kill you, human." he said with a sneer. —"I won’t absorb you either. Your talent is true, no doubt, but it’s much more interesting when it’s yours. Who knows what you’ll come up with next time? I accept your resentment, Tenshinhan. Exercise yourself, imagine new things, and try to catch me! I’ll wait for you and block all your attempts. I dare you to touch me. Surprise me!"

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He turned around, leaving Tenshinhan completely paralyzed with shock and emotion. As Buu moved away to take flight, he stopped and turned around one last time, to say to the human with a mischievous, yet sadistic expression: —"Just one thing you must keep in mind... With each passing day, the distance between us grows exponentially. Try not to fall into despair!"

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With these words, he hurried forward and waved to the crowd with a friendly gesture of his hand: —"I'll see you again, friends! I'll be back soon!"

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As he disappeared into the celestial horizon, Chi-Chi looked down at the ground, completely confused and unsure of what to think. A tear rolled down her cheek, without her noticing that Videl was silently watching her. As her father stood behind her and looked up at the sky, waving his hand, she internally reaffirmed her determination.

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She would get him back.

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And she would bring them all back.