Chapter 13: Chapter 15: The First Wish
The Dragon Balls glowed brightly as they lay arranged in a circle on the grassy field. The trio stood around them, a mixture of excitement and nervousness filling the air. Bulma held the Dragon Radar, its screen showing all seven Dragon Balls in one place.
"We finally did it!" Bulma exclaimed, clutching the radar to her chest. "All seven Dragon Balls!"
Goku's eyes sparkled as he looked at the glowing orbs. "So, what happens now? Do they just grant a wish?"
Bulma turned to Kaidan, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression calm but curious. "You've been around the galaxy. Have you ever seen anything like this?"
"I've done this before," Kaidan admitted, stepping closer to the Dragon Balls. His emerald eyes flickered with a mixture of nostalgia and caution. "But these Earth Dragon Balls are smaller. I wonder how they compare to the ones on Namek."
"Namek?" Bulma asked, tilting her head.
"A distant planet," Kaidan explained briefly. "Their Dragon Balls can grant three wishes. Earth's might be limited to one, but they should still work similarly."
"Well, there's only one way to find out," Bulma said, stepping forward. She cleared her throat and raised her voice. "Eternal Dragon, Shenron, by your name, I summon you!"
The skies darkened almost immediately, thunder rumbling as if the heavens themselves acknowledged the summoning. The Dragon Balls shone brighter, emitting a golden light that coalesced into a massive, serpentine form.
Shenron, the Eternal Dragon, loomed over them, his glowing red eyes surveying the trio. His voice boomed like an earthquake.
"Who has summoned me? State your wish, and I shall grant it."
Goku's mouth hung open as he stared up at Shenron. "Wow! He's huge!"
Bulma grinned, though her knees wobbled slightly from the sheer presence of the dragon. "It worked!"
Kaidan, however, maintained his composure. "Identical to Porunga," he muttered, referring to the Namekian dragon. "Though less… imposing."
Shenron's red eyes turned to him momentarily. "Your knowledge is impressive, Saiyan. Do not waste my time. State your wish."
Bulma turned to Goku. "You should make the wish, Goku."
"Me?" Goku asked, pointing to himself. "But I don't know what to wish for."
Bulma knelt down, her expression soft. "Why don't you wish for something that really matters to you? Like… bringing back your grandpa, Gohan."
Goku's eyes widened. "I can do that?"
"Of course!" Bulma said with a smile. "It's your chance to see him again."
Goku hesitated, looking at the Dragon Balls and then at Kaidan. "Do you think it's okay?"
Kaidan nodded. "It's a noble wish. And the Eternal Dragon's power is absolute. Do it."
Goku turned back to Shenron, his hands clenched into fists. "Okay! I wish for my Grandpa Gohan to come back to life!"
Shenron's eyes glowed even brighter. "Your wish is granted."
The Dragon Balls shone one last time before shooting up into the sky, scattering in all directions. The dark clouds dispersed, and the sky returned to its normal hue.
A moment of silence followed before a figure appeared on the horizon. It was an elderly man with a gentle smile and a staff in hand.
"Grandpa?" Goku whispered, his voice trembling.
Gohan approached, his eyes filled with warmth as he took in the sight of his grandson. "Goku, my boy… is it really you?"
"Grandpa!" Goku cried, running to embrace him. Tears streamed down his face as he held onto his grandfather tightly.
Bulma watched the scene with misty eyes, a smile on her lips. "It worked…"
Kaidan stood slightly apart, his expression softer than usual as he watched the reunion. His thoughts, however, lingered on Shenron's power.
As the sun set, the group set up camp to celebrate their success. Grandpa Gohan joined them, telling stories of his time in the Other World and expressing his gratitude for being brought back.
Bulma approached Kaidan as he sat near the fire, staring into the flames.
"You didn't make a wish," she said, sitting next to him.
"I didn't need to," Kaidan replied, his tone calm. "I've already had my share of wishes."
Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Really? What did you wish for?"
"Immortality," Kaidan admitted without hesitation.
Her jaw dropped. "Wait, you're immortal?"
"Not completely," he clarified. "I'm immune to aging and most mortal weaknesses, but I can still be killed. It just takes… a lot more effort."
Bulma blinked, processing his words. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
Kaidan smirked. "You have no idea."
As the group prepared to part ways, Kaidan stood with Goku and Gohan, the three Saiyans sharing a rare moment of camaraderie.
"You're strong, Goku," Kaidan said. "Stronger than I expected."
"Thanks!" Goku said with a grin. "But I still have a lot to learn."
"You'll get there," Kaidan said. "And when you do, we'll spar again."
"Deal!" Goku said, his eyes shining with excitement.
As the group said their goodbyes, Kaidan glanced at Bulma. "You coming?"
Bulma smiled, her eyes meeting his. "Of course. Someone has to keep you out of trouble."
With their bond stronger than ever, Kaidan and Bulma set off together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.