When I'm Gone

Chapter 1

Status time limit approaching... Status time limit approaching... Landing sequence initiated...

Deep in the wood, Goku sighs unhappily until the screaming of something heavy crossing the sky makes him look up. He's supposed to be collecting wood for Chi Chi but he hears the pod crash land nearby and he has to see, he has to go and look.

Taking to the sky, he follows the black smoke to find it in a small clearing on the edge of the wood, close to the river. He frowns as he watches, waiting for any movement until with a soft woosh of air, the pod door opens out.

Goku tenses, excitement in his veins but upon getting closer all he finds are two... Saiyans? He knows the armour worn by the female, the male in plain grey clothing, but they both have the tails. They don't make any move to get out, they seem to still be unconscious.

"Hello?" Goku calls and when they don't answer he lands on the ground, approaching the pod cautiously. He looks at them, waiting for something... Unless they're dead. Goku reaches forward touching the female's face. She feels warm at least. Maybe they're hurt? Goku slips his arms under her, lifting her out and laying her on the ground while he has a look at the male.

Kyuri can feel the soft tickle of grass. The rustle of the breeze in the trees. Birds in their song. Like lifting weights from her eyes, she blinks them open only to be met with the palest blue skies. It's so quiet, so peaceful that tears flood her eyes, blurring her vision.

No screams.

No destruction.

Just perfect serene silence.

Goku turns to the sound of sniffling and watches as the female lays there, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly as tears slide silently down her temples and into that mane of bitter brown hair. His brow furrows, concerned she's hurt when he steps into her field of view.

"Hey are you ok?" Goku asks, his eyes wide with worry as he takes her in, her cheeks flushed, her bright green eyes glossy with tears.

A spikey haired figure, shadowed by the sun, steps into her vision and she lifts her hand to shield her eyes as she tries to focus. She forces a nod, still dazed and confused, wincing as she sits up. He's smiling at her, wearing a bright orange gi with blue base clothes, muscles bulging as he offers her his hand. Kyuri looks at him with apprehension before placing her hand in his and allowing him to help her to her feet.

"I'm Son Goku!" He grins as he shakes her hand and she finally smiles, gripping his hand back.

"Kyuri," She says softly as he takes his hand away, the calluses on his palm rough on her skin.

"How did you get here? Where did you come from?" He gestures to the pod and she turns to look at her pod, brow furrowed, her tail moving side to side.

"Hey you have a tail! I had one just like it! Are you a Saiyan?!" He asks excitedly, catching her off guard and she takes a small step back.

"No! Don't worry! I'm a Saiyan too," Goku grins proudly and she raises a brow. He is not like any Saiyan she had ever met, and she was a native.

"I was brought up on earth," He adds to answer the look on her face and she nods.

"So did you come from there? Planet Vegeta?" He asks and she nods.

"Yes. I was sent away before..." She frowns deeply and he pats her shoulder.

"It got destroyed right? Where have you been this whole time?" He asks and she looks at the pod thoughtfully.

"I've been asleep. How long has it been?"