If Bardock lives, perhaps he would encounter Goku on Earth. He could train Goku in the ways of the Saiyans that he had forgotten. Bardock could also bring a new dynamic to the Z - fighters, with his battle - hardened Saiyan tactics and a deep understanding of the Saiyan race's power. This would be an interesting turn of events in the fanfiction.
One idea could be that Bardock lives and he manages to escape Frieza's planet - destroying attack. He then travels through space, gathering power and knowledge. Eventually, he could return to Planet Vegeta as a much stronger warrior and lead a rebellion against Frieza. This would completely change the course of the Saiyan history in the Dragon Ball universe.
In a fanfiction where Bardock lives, he might discover new Saiyan abilities or transformations. He could pass on these secrets to other Saiyans or even non - Saiyans. His survival could also lead to a different relationship between the Saiyans and other races in the Dragon Ball universe. For example, he could form an alliance with the Namekians much earlier, changing the power balance against Frieza.
Some fanfictions explore Bardock's connection to the Super Saiyan legend in more depth. Maybe he had a premonition or some sort of hidden knowledge about it that he was trying to pass on. This can lead to really complex and engaging storylines that add new layers to the Dragon Ball lore.
One great Bardock in Dragon Ball Z fanfiction is often depicted as a fearless and noble Saiyan. He is shown as a warrior who, despite the cruel nature of the Saiyan race at that time, had a sense of honor. In some fanfictions, he manages to break free from the control of Frieza in more creative ways than in the original story, making his character even more complex and interesting.
Well, one aspect of Dragon Ball Super Bardock fanfiction could be exploring his backstory further. Maybe delving into his early days on Planet Vegeta and his relationships with other Saiyans. It could also show his potential power growth that we didn't see in the original series.
One idea could be exploring their relationship before Bardock was sent on his final mission. Maybe a story about them training together and sharing their dreams for the future of the Saiyan race.
A popular version of Bardock in fanfiction is the one who has a premonition of the destruction of the Saiyans much earlier. This Bardock then tries to take actions to prevent it, like gathering other Saiyans who might be sympathetic to his cause. It makes him a hero figure right from the start, rather than just a victim of Frieza's wrath as in the original story.
In this fanfiction scenario, it could be an extremely emotional encounter. Goku, who has grown so much in Dragon Ball Super, finally meeting his father Bardock. Maybe Bardock gets to see how his son has not only become a powerful Saiyan but also a protector of Earth. It could lead to some interesting exchanges about Saiyan heritage and the future of the Saiyan race.
A fanfiction might explore the idea of Bardock seeing Goku's life through a time - space rift. He witnesses all of Goku's battles and the friends he makes. Bardock is filled with pride but also realizes that Goku has a different path than the traditional Saiyan way. This makes him question the Saiyan culture he once knew. Meanwhile, Goku starts to have strange dreams about his father, which leads him to search for more about his Saiyan heritage.
The 'what - if' scenario of Bardock becoming a main character instead of Goku. This allows for a whole new perspective on the Dragon Ball universe. We could see Bardock's take on dealing with the various villains and his own moral code in handling different situations.
One possible plot for this fanfiction could be that Bardock's return is not a simple one. He might be brought back by some sort of time - travel or resurrection magic. His return could stir up old rivalries among the Saiyans. And as he tries to fit into the current Dragon Ball Z universe, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens not only the Saiyans but the entire universe. So, he has to fight against this conspiracy while also trying to reconnect with his son Goku in a more meaningful way.
One interesting 'Dragon Ball Z Bardock' fanfiction could be about Bardock surviving and coming back to change the course of Saiyan history. It might explore his relationships with other Saiyans in a new light, like how he'd interact with Goku differently.