"So that's the way of things huh? Jesus and I thought we had it rough. At least as a part of the Frieza force we got to pick our battles. For the most part." Fasha said with a frown of disdain as she remembered her past life.

"Dealing with Frieza's genocide was bad enough, and that was a one time thing that ended with all but our extinction. I Couldn't imagine having to defend my home from one existential threat after another since the age of four!" She lamented, looking first at the saiyan named Kakarot and then to his father; her former squad leader, Bardock.

Kakarot scratched the back of his head sheepishly before saying, "Honestly it wasn't so bad. I got to fight really strong opponents, and believe it or not most of them even became my close friends, like Vegeta and Piccolo!" He exclaimed with a bright smile.

“I learned alot of amazing techniques and when the saiyans visited, I was able to pass a lot of that knowledge on to then. That's why Turles and the others have grown so strong. They learned the value of hard work and working together.” He explained confidently.

Suddenly Kakarot's smile faltered and he stopped mid-stride. Roughly 15 yards away from their position was a massive cave with an entrance that was at least fifty feet high and just as long. But what unsettled the saiyan the most was the evil, ominous black Ki that spewed from the mouth of the cave like fire from a dragon’s maw. The only thing keeping the dark energy contained seemed to be intricate magical symbols that took the form of brightly glowing, golden chains.

The black and red energy was heavy and powerful. Far beyond anything Kakarot had ever felt. The energy felt alive as it strained and struggled against the spider web of runic chains covering the cave. He frowned and looked at his father. "Is that.. the wizard?"

To the saiyan's surprise it was Vegeta the third who answered almost immediately after. "Actually, no. If my spy network's information is accurate, that's a recent deceased that arrived just an hour or so after you did.” he said to the son of his rival.

When Vegeta stepped down as King and gave the mantle to the Bardock, one of the newly crowned king's first decrees was to make Vegeta the new commander of his army. The defenses and military might of the saiyan empire were left to him. Bardock was a rather lazy king and he knew Vegeta was more than qualified as he had led the saiyan race for a little over four decades.

While honored, Vegeta was at first enraged by the decision, as the peaceful bliss of retirement was now finally within his grasp. Alas, it seemed even in death he could not rest.

But the more time passed and the longer he thought about it, he supposed retirement never really would have suited him anyways. At least not here in HFIL where there was nothing to do anyways but fight and grow stronger.

Bardock chuckled, interrupting the duo from their estranged thoughts. "Here in HFIL they keep the most dangerous and evil beings locked up nice and tight in their own personal endless suffering. At least until they've reformed a little bit and aren't hell bent on escaping. No pun intended." He explained.

"Thank God for that or the incursions would be an absolute massacre. Even more so than they already are. I Couldn't imagine tangling with whatever monster lies within that tomb.” Bardock mused absent-mindedly.

He pointed to a rocky outcropping not far past the ominous cave. "Our destination is just over that ridge there. Then we'll meet the wizard and figure out how you got yourself into this mess."

Kakarot nodded silently before his face morphed in curiosity. "You know, you guys have mentioned spy networks and incursions a few times now…" The saiyan noted. "Is there some kind of war going on in hell?" He inquired.

In response Bardock merely nodded and said, "Indeed. That's all hell is, son. A constant war between its people or even entire factions that have banded together such as we saiyans. We try to gain territory and influence over the rest of hell." The man explained.

"To what end?" His son asked him simply. "You're already dead, can you be killed twice?" Kakarot's question was reasonable enough but still it caught his father off guard.

Bardock blinked in surprise before shrugging and laughing. "What else is there to do in hell? Most of the population are aggressive, violent warrior types by nature. So we saiyans fit right in here. And besides, if you manage to make a name for yourself out here, most of the other factions and ancient monsters will leave you alone. Otherwise they see you as easy prey." He explained.

"It's true you can't be permanently Injured here, since you're already dead. But being blown into atoms hurts like you couldn't imagine. We had no choice but to defend ourselves and grow stronger than we ever thought possible. Besides, youd be suprised how boring eternity can be." The father of Kakarot finished.

Next Fasha piped up in an excited voice. "That's one advantage of being dead, you know! Infinite stamina and indestructible bodies that we can.. train as long as we want with." She said with a sultry wink.

Kakarot sweat dropped and swallowed, looking away nervously as he processed the woman's double meaning. Although he had to admit, being able to train (and by this the saiyan meant actual training) indefinitely without the natural fatigue of a living body did sound rather promising to a saiyan and master martial artist.

A few minutes later the group stood at the top of the rocky terrain, looking down at a large canyon. There were various stone buildings fabricated along the canyon floor, one of which had smoke drifting lazily from the chimney. It was clear this was the home of the wizard they were looking for. Lights of various hues and colors flashed through the open windows of the building that was producing the smoke.

The saiyans flew down and landed softly. Almost immediately the flashing calaidscope of colors ceased and a very short, wrinkled creature stepped out of the stone building's lone door. The creature had green skin that reminded Kakarot of the Namekians somewhat, only this being was no taller than the fortune teller baba. He wore a brown belt and a black turtleneck, with featured a rather nice looking orange hood, if Kakarot did say so himself.

The man had a sort of black helmet covering his head, on top of which was engraved a bright yellow symbol. It looked like a fancy M of some kind to the saiyan. The small being walked forward slightly, crossing his thin, frail looking arms behind his back.

‘Is this wizard really as capable as they claim?’ Kakarot couldn't help but wonder to himself.

"Kue kue kue kue." The creature chuckled in a seductive, snake like voice. It was barely above a whisper, yet Kakarot's skin crawled as it somehow seemed the tiny old man had somehow spoken directly into his ear with hot, humid breath. "I have been waiting for you, saiyan."

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Kakarot blinked in surprise as the others rolled their eyes, already used to the wizard's antics. "You knew I was coming?" The saiyan from Earth asked in confusion. The tiny green man merely hobbled closer and said, "Of course I did. I am the most powerful magical creature in all of HFIL and I have existed here for a million years. There is nothing I do not know." He chuckled evilly.

A part of Kakarot's instincts warned him that this man was dangerous and evil, despite his meager appearance. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but be taken aback and curios at the man's words. "A million years!? Seriously!? Who the heck are you?" He exclaimed in shock.

The old wizard grinned, keeping his arms folded neatly behind his back. "I am the Great wizard, Bibbidi. And you… are not supposed to be here."

At this, the saiyan's as a whole couldn't help but be shaken by the ancient being's words. They had their suspicions at first. Especially Kakarot, but now there was no denying it. There was something unnatural going on with the saiyan raised on Earth after all…

Bibbidi insisted that the group joined him in his quaint little laboratory which had previously been flashing like a rave party. Once inside he urged them not to touch anything, as he had just finished brewing a batch of particularly.. unstable potions…

Not wanting to waste any more time than they already had, it was Bardock who hmphed and spoke first. "So what exactly did you mean by that when you said my son wasn't supposed to be here?" He asked sternly.

Bibbidi ignored the man entirely and looked directly at the relatively young saiyan in question.

"I sensed it the moment you arrived here. A magic far greater and more ancient than even my own. It has somehow created a universe that is.. unbalanced." The wizard explained slowly, drawing out his words.

Kakarot frowned. "But why me? What part do I have to play in all of this?" He questioned impatiently. Bibbidi merely shrugged and walked over to a table littered with brightly colored bottles. He picked up two of the bottles and swirled them around slightly, watching with concentration as the contents formed a whirlpool.

"I suspect you weren't the intended target, at least not specifically. I do not sense any particularly strong magical residue on your soul…" The wizard mused softly. "Your circumstances are more of an indirect side effect or consequence of whatever goal the great evil was trying to accomplish." He surmised.

Kakarot racked his brain, trying to make sense of it all. Meanwhile the other three saiyans in the small room remained respectfully silent, unsure of how to help their young Saiyan comrade.

Suddenly Kakarot gasped. "Wait so then.. Whatever's happening to me, it could affect the others!?" He hollered in desperation.

Bibbidi looked at the man with a serious expression. "I suspect it already has."

Kakarot's breathing quickened and he began to pale. Suddenly little bits and pieces of the last few years were beginning to make a lot more sense. His unnatural aggression with his friends when they just wanted to help him carry some of the weight on his shoulders.

Vegeta and Bulma's strange attraction towards one another. He wasn't foolish, of course he knew about it. But he trusted his wife and saiyan brother. He knew they wouldn't betray him.

And then there was Gohan.. Not only was there some kind of dark mysterious power within the boy, but he had been pulling away recently. And now Kakarot couldn't help but feel as if he should have done more to try and spend time with his family while he was still alive.

Were they even ok right now? Sometimes protecting the ones you love is about more than just the physical threats. How were they coping with everything he had put them through? How were they coping with his death? These thoughts and a thousand others plagued Kakarot's mind.

Once most of the nausea and guilt had passed, the saiyan raised on Earth swallowed hard. He looked up at the wizard and clenched a fist at him with conviction. "Right. I'm going to fix this! Bibbidi, is there anything you can do to help me get out of this situation?" He pleaded.

Unfortunately the wizard shook his head no. "I'm afraid not. The power of life and death are beyond the scope of even my abilities. Even with the help of my son Babidi and my grandson, Boop, I could not revive you."

Kakarot sighed in frustration. "Drats. I guess I'll have to wait for the others to collect all the dragon balls and wish me back."

At this Fasha couldn't help but to contort her face and cut in. "The dragon's what now?" She snorted. Bardock rolled his eyes at her but leaned in closer, as he too was curious about the meaning of his son's words.

Kakarot blinked in surprise before laughing sheepishly. "Oh yeah I suppose you guys probably haven't heard of those yet. The dragon balls are a set of magic wish granting orbs. If you collect all 7 of any set, one of the eternal dragons will come and grant any wish that's within their power." He said with a bright smile.

Vegeta the third snorted upon hearing this. "That's preposterous! Why have we not heard of such objects?" He demanded, cutting a hand through the air.

Bardock nodded in concurrence with his former king turned general. "I have to agree with Vegeta, son. If you and the prince knew about these objects why didn't anyone ever try to wish any of us back?"

A look of guilt crossed the young saiyan's face. "Well about that.. Long story short, by the time the other saiyans learned about the dragon balls and I learned about all of you, it was too late to wish any of you back. You have to have a specific person in mind for one thing, and the longer you wait after a person's death the more energy it takes for the dragon to grant the wish. Usually a few years is the limit." He explained.

After a few seconds of gathering his thoughts he continued, "The dragon's are very particular too. Our dragon, Shenron for example, will bring any number of people back from the dead, but not if they died from natural causes. On the other hand, the Namekian dragon, Porunga, will grant three wishes. He doesn't care how someone died, but he'll only revive one person at a time. And he still has a time limit like Shenron. Sorry you guys."

Reluctantly the others nodded in acceptance. For a moment it was a shining beacon of hope that they may finally save their race from this eternal hell. Most of them were taken far too young, though their death came from a making of their own arrogance. Alas they seemed doomed to this prison of fire.

Bibbidi, having had enough of the awkward, tense atmosphere slammed his potions down and clicked his tongue loudly. He had heard of such objects in his time, but to know they truly existed just beyond his grasp was somewhat of an annoyce to the ancient creature. He walked over to the saiyan from Earth and smiled evilly at him.

"Yes well.. Seems you get a free pass then. Aren't you so lucky? While I may not be able to help you escape this place, at least allow me to study you before your departure from this realm." He suggested with a grin. Kakarot frowned in response.

"Study me? What for and in what way?" He asked incredulously.

The wizard eyed the man up and down like a peice of meat. "Firstly, I would like to study how you fight and the way your body moves. Next I shall require a small sample of your DNA. A drop of your blood will do quite nicely." He suggested.

Kakarot stuck out his tongue and made a sour face at the mention of having to give away some of his blood. To the others, it probably appeared as if Kakarot simply (and wisely) distrusted the small wrinkled man. But truth be told he was dearhly terrified of needles…

The wizard laughed as if sensing everyone's shifting thoughts and continued speaking.

"Perhaps together, we can find answers to questions both of us are seeking. If naught else then maybe I can ascertain the origins of this unbalanced reality, and tell you why this all happened..." He chuckled and folded his arms behind his back once more.

Then, as if to sweeten the pot he added, "...And perhaps you can somehow help your friends and family when you return."

Kakarot grit his teeth and looked at the ground. He sensed the being's evil intentions. His motives were anything but pure. However… It wasn't as if the saiyan had anything to lose.

He was already dead what more could this wizard do? He also couldn't deny that he needed to find a way to help his family and friends in case there were other unnatural phenomena still affecting things back in the world of the living. Even knowing this his gut instincts warned him…

"What's in it for you?" Kakarot asked sternly, looking up and raising a fist with conviction.

Rather than backing down the wizard drew closer to the young man. "Haven't you ever heard the saying, my dear boy?" He chuckled. "Knowledge IS power."

A few minutes later Kakarot and his father had taken battle stances across from one another in the sky. Naturally the two of them would be the guinea pigs for this little experiment, the prospect of which excited both father and son alike. Their saiyan blood boiled at the chance to bond in such a traditional way for the first time in either of the men's lives.

“Ok” Kakarot began. “I'm ready!” He said with a confident grin.

From their vantage point below, Fasha smirked in anticipation, sensing the rising power in both the warriors. Though she knew she was a magintude weaker than the two, she was somewhat dismayed that she wouldnt be a part of this battle to come. They were truly the peak of their warrior species.

Suddenly a monstrous rumbling was heard, causing bibbidi to frown in confusion and concern. For a moment he worried an ancient monster had targeted their group.

Bardock gave his son a knowing smirk as the younger siayan painfully clutched his stomach.

“I'm sorry..” The saiyan raised on Earth said regretfully. “But can we eat first? It's been hours!” He whined.

The former king, Vegeta burst into laughter. “A true saiyan indeed.” he chuckled. Fasha grinned and nodded in concurrence. “Boy's will be boys!” She quipped.

The small wizard shook his head in exasperation and folded his arms behind his back. “tsk. Saiyans. I suppose it can't be helped.” He muttered in annoyance before smiling.

The four siayans were dismissed and allowed to return to their base of operations where Gine had prepared a massive feast for her son and her husband, as well as their guests Fasha and Vegeta. It was a comical sight to behold as the five saiyans gobbled down an impossible quantity of food in a rather barbaric manner. They laughed and enjoyed each other's company, sharing stories and forgetting about their woes during this precious time they had all been given. It seemed some things.. truly never changed.

Without much fanfare the group of saiyans returned to the canyon of the wizard a couple of hours later and once more the father son duo sqaured off as they prepared to spar with one another. “Ready son?” the older saiyan asked. “I womt be holding back now, you hear?”

“Right!” Kakarot responded. “Me neither!” The younger saiyan grinned.

Bardock chuckled. “I wouldn't have it any other way. Hiya!”

And with that the two exploded forth, disappearing in a burst of speed.

End of chapter 66