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pleasantspark · 16 days ago

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What if Zarbon Turned Good Ending.

Angst time

Also some fluff:

The full thing below the cut:

Warning: mentions of Dementia and Death

It was a quiet morning in Capsule Corp, and the sun was shining through the windows, casting warm rays across the room. Zarbon stood in front of the bathroom mirror, running his fingers through his perfectly styled hair, as he had done a thousand times before. His sharp features were still as striking as ever, the years not showing too much on his handsome face. But today... there was something different.

As he adjusted his hair, his fingers stopped. He stared at the reflection, blinking once before rubbing his scalp again. It was there, right by his temple, a single strand of grey hair.

Zarbon frowned, touching it gently. “No way,” he muttered to himself. He leaned in closer to the mirror, scrutinizing the strand of grey that seemed to mock his usual impeccable appearance.

The once-proud warrior, who had prided himself on maintaining his youth and beauty, was now confronted with the inevitable sign of aging. He stared at it for a moment longer, trying to comprehend the change. Grey hair. He had seen many of his comrades—his enemies even—grow older, but now, it was his turn.

He stood there for a long moment, contemplating. His thoughts drifted back to the years of fighting and the countless battles he had endured. He had faced down foes stronger than him, watched planets burn, and seen his friends and family endure unimaginable hardships. And now, the physical manifestation of time was beginning to catch up with him.

A soft voice broke through his reverie. “Zarbon?”

Orion’s voice echoed from the doorway. She had noticed his silence, no doubt. As she entered the bathroom, she smiled at him, but then her expression shifted to one of curiosity when she saw his furrowed brow.

“What’s wrong?” she asked gently, her tone full of concern.

Zarbon didn’t answer right away. Instead, he turned to face her, still holding the grey strand in his fingers. “I... I think I’m finally starting to show my age, Orion,” he admitted, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and unease.

Orion took a step closer, her gaze softening as she noticed the strand of grey in his hair. She tilted her head and smiled warmly, walking up to him and placing her hands on his shoulders.

“So what?” she said, her voice full of affection. “I think it suits you.”

Zarbon looked down at her, an eyebrow raised. “Grey hair?”

She nodded, brushing a lock of his hair back with her fingers, admiring the contrast of his usual vibrant color and the grey. “It’s a sign of wisdom. It shows that you’ve been through a lot, and you’ve come out the other side stronger. You’re not just the same beautiful, untouchable Zarbon I met all those years ago... you’re more.”

Zarbon chuckled softly at her words, feeling a warmth in his chest. Orion always knew how to make him feel better about things, even when he was caught up in his own insecurities.

“More, huh?” he murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. “I suppose I have been through a lot. More than I ever thought I would.”

Orion stepped back and gave him a teasing grin. “Of course. And I’m sure there’s plenty more to come. You’ve still got your looks, don’t worry.”

Zarbon smiled and shook his head. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

Orion winked at him. “I try.” She then walked up to him, leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Grey hair or not, you’re still the same to me.”

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. After everything they had gone through, after everything that had changed in the universe and in their lives, this... this small moment felt like everything. The grey hair on his head was just a reminder of how far they had come, together.

Zarbon looked back at the mirror, his fingers still resting on the grey strand. He realized that it didn’t bother him as much as it had at first. In fact, it was a badge of honor, a mark of his survival, and of his growth. Life wasn’t about remaining the same forever—it was about change, about evolving.

He chuckled to himself and turned back to Orion. “Maybe I’ll wear this grey hair with pride. After all, it’s not every day I get to show off a new ‘distinguished’ look.”

Orion laughed, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around him. “You’re always handsome to me, no matter what.”

Zarbon smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “I’m lucky to have you, Orion.”

The sun had long since set, casting a cool, peaceful twilight over the Capsule Corp estate. In the living room, the warmth from the fireplace flickered softly, casting shadows on the walls as the family gathered together. The house had changed a lot over the years, but it still felt like home. Orion sat on the couch, her hand resting gently on Zarbon’s. Beside them, Kael and Trunks, now older and settled into family life, chatted with their children. There was a feeling of calm, of peace, that hung in the air—something they had all fought so hard to protect.

Zarbon, now in his later years, sat in a large armchair, his posture still dignified despite the greying hair and the lines that had deepened on his once-beautiful face. His hands shook slightly, but his eyes still gleamed with the sharpness of a warrior. His mind, though, wasn’t always as steady as it used to be. Sometimes, he found himself forgetting where he was, or who he was talking to. It had become more frequent, but it didn’t matter. He still had the important things—his family, his legacy.

Tonight, however, was different. His grandchildren, Dodoria III and Zarbon II., had gathered around him, eager to hear the tales their grandfather had spun countless times over the years. There was always something fascinating about the stories of the old days—the battles, the enemies, the victories. Zarbon had always been a legend in his own right, and even now, his grandchildren sat with wide eyes, hanging onto every word, even though they'd heard the stories before.

“Grandpa, tell us again about the Frieza Force,” Dodoria III asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. “About the big battles you fought.”

Zarbon smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. His gaze drifted for a moment, as if he was remembering something far away. Then, with a flicker of recognition, he nodded. His voice was still steady, though there was a faint tremor in it. “Ah, the Frieza Force… Those were some days. Some tough ones.”

Orion leaned forward, giving him a reassuring smile. She had seen the way his mind wandered sometimes, but she knew this moment—this story—was one he remembered well. Zarbon always came alive when he spoke of the past, even if his memories weren’t always clear.

The grandkids huddled closer, hanging onto every word.

“I was one of the elite generals under Frieza,” Zarbon began, his eyes distant as he recalled his past life. “Frieza himself—well, that tyrant... He was powerful, ruthless, but he was also smart. He knew how to use people. And me?” He paused for a moment, a rare flash of pride crossing his face. “I was the one he trusted the most. I was the one who did the dirty work. Fighting, conquering, wiping out entire planets. We did it all.”

He seemed lost in the memory for a moment, and then he snapped back to the present, looking at his grandchildren. “But it wasn’t always like that. No, there were good times. I had a team, a squad of soldiers who followed me. Some were loyal, others were just out for power, but that’s how things worked with Frieza. You either fought for him, or you didn’t fight at all.”

Zarbon paused, his brow furrowing as though he was trying to recall something specific. “There was a planet we conquered... no, wait, it wasn’t a planet, it was a whole species... what were they called again? That’s right, the Namekians... They were tough little buggers. But we—Frieza, mostly—was ruthless with them. We did a lot of bad things. I wasn’t proud of it, but that’s what we did. And then... then came the Saiyans.”

His voice grew a little more intense, as he leaned forward, his eyes burning with an old fire. “You’ve heard of the Saiyan Saga, haven’t you?”

Zarbon Jr. nodded eagerly. “Yeah, Dad told us about it! He said you fought against Goku and his friends.”

“That’s right.” Zarbon’s smile was bittersweet. “Goku, Vegeta, Nappa... They were strong fighters, and even though I was one of Frieza’s best, they were no pushovers. I fought Goku... and I lost, but not because I was weak. No. Goku had a power inside him that no one, not even Frieza, could predict. That kid—he was something else. But it wasn’t just him. It was Vegeta too. That Saiyan prince... he was stubborn, proud, but he had heart. And I think I... I learned something from him.”

Zarbon’s voice softened. There was a tinge of regret, but also a trace of admiration for his enemies—his former enemies, that was.

He looked up at his grandchildren, his hands trembling slightly as he held their attention. “The days with Frieza were… difficult. But they shaped me. They made me who I am today. And there are things, things I’ve seen, things I’ve done that I’m not proud of. But I’ve changed. I’m not that man anymore.”

He paused again, his expression becoming more distant, his brow furrowing slightly. Orion watched closely, knowing the signs. His memory had been slipping more in the last few months. He was still strong, still a warrior in his heart, but the details—the little things—were becoming harder to keep track of.

“Grandpa?” Zarbon II. asked softly, his voice a little concerned. “Are you okay?”

Zarbon blinked, his eyes refocusing. He looked at his grandson, his expression softening. “Yes... yes, I’m fine. Just thinking, is all. Sometimes, the past gets a bit muddled. But you... you kids, you keep me grounded. You remind me of what’s important now.”

Orion placed a gentle hand on Zarbon’s, a reassuring touch that calmed him. “It’s okay, Zarbon. You don’t have to remember everything. We’re here with you.”

Zarbon smiled at her, grateful for her patience. “I know... I know. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Not when I have all of you.”

The room fell into a quiet warmth, with his grandchildren watching him with wide eyes, hanging on every word he said. Though his mind sometimes slipped, his legacy—his past—was one of resilience, and they could see that in the way he told his stories.

Zarbon continued to recount his battles, the triumphs and the defeats, the lessons learned, and the people who had changed him. He spoke of the victories that came at great cost, of the friends he had made—and lost—and of the enemies who had become allies in the end.

As he spoke, his voice grew quieter, more reflective. “I fought for so many years, under Frieza’s command, for a cause I thought was right. But what I’ve come to realize is that the real battle... it’s not against an enemy. It’s about choosing who we stand with, and who we protect.”

Zarbon leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting again to the fire as the sound of his grandchildren’s laughter filled the air. Even though time had worn on him, even though he couldn’t remember every detail of his past, one thing was clear: he had found a new family, one that gave him a second chance at life. And that was worth more than any victory he'd ever achieved.

"Grandpa?" Dodoria III spoke up again, her voice soft but curious. "What was the hardest battle you ever fought?"

Zarbon’s gaze softened. "The hardest... battle?" He thought for a moment, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "The hardest battle... was always with myself. But every battle, every fight, every person I met... they've all shaped me. And in the end... it was worth it."

His words hung in the air, his family around him listening in rapt attention, all of them knowing that Zarbon’s legacy was not just in his victories or his past battles, but in the family he had built, the relationships he had forged, and the love that now defined his life.

And that, to him, was the greatest victory of all.

Weeks passed quietly in the Capsule Corp compound, but there was a shift in the air, an undeniable heaviness that hung over the family. Zarbon had grown frailer in those final days, his mind drifting further and further from reality. But even in the midst of his struggles, he had been surrounded by the love of his family, especially Orion, who never left his side.

In the days leading up to his passing, Orion had noticed the subtle changes—the long silences, the forgetfulness, the occasional bouts of confusion. But even in those moments, Zarbon had still smiled at her, still held her hand, and still whispered to her as though nothing had changed. She had never been more grateful for the time they’d had together, even if it was slowly slipping away.

The night Zarbon passed, Orion had stayed awake by his side, her fingers interlaced with his, her head resting gently on his chest. She hadn’t been ready, but she had known it was coming. And when it happened, when his chest finally stopped rising and falling, she had wept—not out of surprise, but out of a sorrow that she couldn’t quite explain. She had lost him—again.

The days that followed were quiet, with the family taking the time to process the loss. It wasn’t just Zarbon’s passing; it was the end of an era. Kael, Trunks, and even Bulla, who had grown to see Zarbon as a second father, were heartbroken. But no one hurt as deeply as Orion.

On the day of the funeral, Capsule Corp had been filled with a somber energy. The house was full of friends, family, and even some familiar faces from the past who had come to pay their respects to the former warrior. There were few words exchanged as people stood in silence, gazing at the urn that held Zarbon’s ashes. His death had left a void in many hearts, but none greater than the one that now sat inside Orion’s chest.

Orion stood alone by the window, her back to the room, staring out at the setting sun. She had always thought that Zarbon would outlive her, that they would grow old together, watching their children and grandchildren grow. But time had been cruel, as it always is, and now she stood on the precipice of a new chapter in her life—one without him.

“Orion…”

She turned to see Kael walking toward her, his expression gentle and understanding. He knew his mother better than anyone, and even though he didn’t know exactly what to say, he could feel the weight of her grief.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “I know how much he meant to you.”

Orion’s eyes welled up with tears, but she quickly wiped them away. She forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I… I just wish there was more time, Kael. We didn’t have enough time.”

Her son stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug. “You had more time than most, Mom. You two were strong together. And I think… I think that’s what matters the most.”

She nodded against him, finding solace in his words, even if she didn’t completely believe them. It was hard to accept that Zarbon was truly gone. Her heart ached, knowing that their future together was never going to happen.

But even in the midst of her sorrow, she couldn’t deny the truth in Kael’s words. They had had time, more than many could have hoped for. They had raised children together, they had shared so many moments of love, and despite all the battles and trials, they had fought through it all side by side.

The ceremony began, and one by one, friends and family came to offer their last respects. Trunks, though strong in his own right, was deeply affected by the loss of his father-in-law. He and Kael had spent many years growing up together, with Zarbon always there as a pillar of support and guidance. He placed his hand on Orion’s shoulder as she stepped forward to say her final goodbyes.

Zarbon’s ashes were placed in the ground, and as the final words of the ceremony were spoken, Orion felt the sting of loss once again. The man who had once been an enemy, the man who had turned into her partner, her lover, and the father of her children—he was gone.

She knelt down by the grave, her hand gently brushing the cool earth as tears slipped down her face. “I love you, Zarbon,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “You always told me that time was fleeting. But I never thought... I never thought this would happen so soon.”

For a moment, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint memory of Zarbon’s voice, his laughter, and the touch of his hand. And in that moment, Orion felt something stir within her—an understanding, a connection that transcended the pain. Zarbon was gone, but he wasn’t truly lost. His legacy would live on in their children, in the family they had built together.

With one final, lingering touch on the earth, Orion stood up and turned to face her family. Kael, Trunks, and their children were waiting for her, their faces solemn but filled with love. They would get through this, together. Zarbon had left them with everything they needed—strength, love, and a legacy of redemption.

Orion didn’t know what the future held, but she knew she wasn’t alone. And that, for now, was enough.

As the days passed and the grief slowly began to settle into a quiet ache, life moved forward. The world kept spinning, and though Zarbon was no longer there to share it with them, Orion carried his memory with her, in every moment and every breath.

And as for Zarbon, though he was gone, his impact was far from forgotten. His children, his grandchildren, and even his enemies would carry the weight of his legacy with them for years to come, a legacy not of destruction, but of redemption, love, and the fight for something better.

Years passed, and the once vibrant world of Capsule Corp slowly grew quieter. Time, as it always did, claimed its toll on everyone, and with each passing year, Orion felt herself growing weaker. Despite the strength she had always exhibited, her body had begun to betray her, and even though her spirit remained unbroken, she knew her time was near.

By this point, her children had grown into strong adults, each carving their own path but still coming together when needed, just as they had when they were children. Kael, now a family man with his husband Trunks and their son Eren, was always at her side. Dodoria The II and Zarbon Jr., now adults with their own families, had also been a constant presence. And though their own children, Dodoria The III. and Zarbon The II, had grown up to be just as strong and determined, they still found time to visit their grandmother.

Orion had become a beacon of wisdom and love for them all, but even the brightest stars must fade. The years had been hard on her, and with the natural aging process, she could feel the weight of time catching up with her. But despite her weakening body, her heart remained full of love for the family she had built—an unlikely family, but one that had been forged through battles, loss, and moments of joy.

It was on a quiet evening, as the sun set behind the distant mountains, that Orion knew her time had come. Surrounded by her family in the peaceful sanctuary of Capsule Corp, she lay in bed, her breath shallow but steady, her eyes closed as she waited for the inevitable. Kael and Trunks, along with their children, sat by her bedside, their faces full of sorrow, but also acceptance.

"Mom..." Kael whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He gently took her hand in his, his touch warm and familiar. "You’ve always been there for us. You fought so hard for this family. It’s okay to rest now."

Orion smiled faintly, her lips curving into a gentle expression of love. She had lived a full life—one filled with both heartache and triumph, but one that had been meaningful in its own way. She was ready. Ready to be reunited with Zarbon, her partner, her love, and the father of her children. Ready to join him in whatever awaited them beyond this life.

"I know... Kael," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve had so much time with you all. I’m proud of the family we’ve become. So proud."

As her final breath slipped away, Kael held her hand tighter, knowing in his heart that she was no longer suffering, that she had found peace. Trunks, ever the rock for their family, squeezed his shoulder gently, offering his silent support.

The loss of Orion was profound, like a deep wound that would take time to heal. But the legacy she left behind—her children, her grandchildren, and the impact she had on those who knew her—would live on.

The day of her funeral arrived, a somber day filled with sadness and memories. It wasn’t just the immediate family who came to pay their respects, but many of those who had once fought alongside her, who had seen the warrior she had become, and who had shared in the victories and losses of her journey. Zarbon Jr., Dodoria The II, and their wives stood beside Kael, Trunks, and the others as the ceremony began.

The entire family—extended and immediate—gathered together to honor Orion. Eren, their son, stood beside his cousins, each of them struggling to hold back tears as they thought of the woman who had been their grandmother. Dodoria The III. and Zarbon The II, though young, were old enough to remember the stories of their grandmother’s strength, her kindness, and the bond she had shared with their parents.

At the ceremony, each person took their turn to say their goodbyes. Trunks, his voice steady but filled with grief, spoke first. "Orion was more than just my mother-in-law. She was a mother to me, a friend, and a guiding light in all our lives. She made us stronger, and she made us better."

Then, Kael stepped forward, his voice shaking slightly, but his words filled with warmth and reverence. "Mom… You taught me everything I know. You showed me how to be strong, how to love, and how to fight for those I care about. I’ll carry you in my heart forever."

Next, Dodoria The III and Zarbon The II spoke, each offering their own words of gratitude and love. "Grandma was always there," Zarbon The II said, his voice thick with emotion. "She made sure we knew where we came from, and she never let us forget the importance of family."

The final farewell was given by Kael’s and Trunks' son, Eren. He had grown up with Orion as a constant, and though young, he spoke from his heart. "Grandma Orion... I’m going to miss you. You were always so strong, so kind. I’ll remember you always, and I’ll make you proud."

As the ceremony concluded, the family gathered together, taking solace in each other’s company. They shared stories of Orion, laughed through their tears, and comforted one another in their shared grief. It was a bittersweet farewell, but they knew that Orion had left them with everything they needed to carry on—strength, love, and the knowledge that she would never truly be gone as long as they remembered her.

And as the sun set on that quiet day, the family stood together, united in their loss, but knowing that Orion’s legacy would live on forever in the hearts of all who loved her.

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