Why Can't You (Book 2)

Hyperbolic Time Chamber

"We need to hurry!" Tien told Yamcha and sat in the co-pilot seat. "We can't let Cell escape again!"

"We have to find him first." Piccolo said from his spot on the floor. His arms were crossed and his eyes closed concentrating on the task at hand. Krillen paced around his body tense and his mind wandering.

"We could sure use Rikku's help." Speak of the devil Rikku appeared behind him catching everyone, but Krillen off guard. "Yeah, wish she were around." Krillen continued oblivious to the figure behind him grinning ear to ear.

"It's my Mom!" Gohan yelled his face bright and happy. Krillen whirled looking at the figured and quickly turned away again.

"I'm losing it. Yep," just to make sure he turned again and found himself smiling when the illusion didn't disappear but instead greeted him with her goofy grin. "Rikku," he stuttered then broke into a sprint knocking them both down and out of the ship as he hugged her. "Ah whoops there goes our ride."

"Yamcha, swing back and grab those two." Tien said peeking his head out the window laughing.

"So you're completely well again right?"

"Yep, 100% healthy. So when do we eat?"

Tears strolled down Krillen's cheek. "Oh Rikku, you're back to normal alright." He sniffled and wiped his tears. He had been so scared. The Rikku he had left at Kami's house had been a vulnerable weak woman... the one who stood before him was strong, grinning, and ready for action.

Gohan too was having a hard time controlling his tears. Rikku knelt down stroking his face and wiping the tears. "Hey, why the long face kiddo?" She ruffled his hair and kissed his forehead making him laugh and smile.

"I missed you, Mommy." He announced and hugged her fierce. She held onto him breathing him in. She lived for moments like this.

"I missed you, too, Gohan." She eyed Piccolo over Gohan's head and grinned. "Hey, Kamicalo." At his expression she laughed. After a few debates she laid out her plan.

"So, it's back to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber." Piccolo said. He agreed with her reasoning, but doubted the results. "No one's been able to stay in there longer than a year. It may be more than you'll be able to handle."

"Yeah, and that's why I'm taking Trunk and Vegeta with me." She declared and looked back at her son. "Surely one of us will be able to do it."

"Then go."

Vegeta stood over the cliff looking down. His brain was wracked on a way to climb his way to the next level of Super Saiyan power. He needed time, but it was in short supply. He wanted to yell when he felt the boy adjust his position behind him. Trunks had been at his heels for over a day now and it was driving him insane. The boy was nothing but a bad reminder of his mistakes. Even in that future where there had been no warning of the androids he had taken the human. Did that mean that karat would continue to ignore him? Would it mean that it didn't make a bit of difference what he did. No. He refused to believe his work would go to waste.

He sensed Rikku now. In his heart he was relieved to feel she was back to normal, but in his mind he was irritated. She approached him, calm and smiling and he snorted at her. "Leave me alone, Karat."

"Listen Vegeta," She walked up to him her chest to his back and her hands on his shoulders. "I know what you're trying to do. I have a place where you can get a years worth of training in a day." At her words his mind snapped and he twisted his head.

"I could ascend to the next level very quickly." He turned fully into her staring in her eyes. "Take me there."

"Sure, but, there's a few conditions." She smiled and laid her hands on his chest. "We need to go in pairs. I'm taking Gohan with me, and you need to take Trunks with you."