Warning:

This fic is set in an alternate universe. If you are not comfortable with having original characters running around as if they existed in the DBZ/DBGT world, then don't read. Also, this is one of my earliest works, so this might not be as satisfactory as my newest ones. Still, you're the judge.

Crimson Tide
Prologue

Earth, 784 AD

He was dripping wet. The rain was falling hard from the heavens, soaking everything that the droplets came in contact with. The sky was dark and the air was cold, the raindrops falling like needles. His body because of shower from above, and because of the coldness of the air that made him feel stiff and uncomfortable.

But 17-year-old Goten Son felt another kind of pain, other than the one brought about by the rain and the cold. That pain came from deep inside his heart, affecting his very being --- and his very soul.

The moment he arrived at his brother's house, he slammed the door open. Lightning brightened the area for a few moments, making the older Son turn around to see who it was. At that, Gohan Son's raven eyes landed his little brother, who barged in from the rain, cold and wet. Before he could say anything, or go near him, however, Goten immediately popped the question he had so wanted to ask. The question he wanted to know the answer to, even if it meant walking in the midst of the pouring rain.

"Is it true?"

His older brother nodded in confirmation, and told him, "We're leaving."

Goten looked bewildered. His eyes darted around the area, seeing suitcases, bags and luggages all over the place. They were packed, and ready to go. What were they waiting for? Were they waiting for the sun to come out, so they could blast off to space in peace? Or were they waiting for him to barge into their house for a goodbye?

He looked back at his brother, who now had his back turned towards him. Goten could not help but ask him questions. Not only was he confused, confused at the sudden turn of events, he was shocked beyond belief. "What happened? Why so soon? I thought it wouldn't be for another year or two!"

That made Gohan sigh. "Callista's dead. If Videl won't take her place, Sabrea will fall, and the burden will be on Videl's shoulders. I can't bear to see her hurt because of that. And besides, this is her destiny. She was destined to rule, then so be it."

Goten swallowed, but nodded in understanding. However, part of him wanted Gohan to stay, as he did not want to be left behind.

After the older of the two demi-saiyajins managed to fix up the last suitcase, he turned to face his brother again, a look of surprise washing over his solemn face. It was then when he noticed, for the first time, what truly happened to Goten, who was already shivering from the cold. "Where have you been? You're dripping wet!"

"I was at Trunks' place. I came here as soon as I heard that you were leaving," he replied as his soft onyx eyes narrowed considerably, something hitting him hard. "Why didn't you tell me?! Everyone knew, but I didn't! I'm your brother, ain't I? You were planning to leave without a goodbye!"

The older demi-saiyajin shook his head, then he moved forward, hoping to enlighten his brother on what his reason really was. "I don't want to leave, Goten. You know that. Videl knows that. But we don't always get what we want. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you sooner, but I... I was afraid to hurt your feelings. I didn't realize... not telling you would hurt your feelings more. I'm so sorry."

They looked at each other in silence, searching each others' eyes, trying to explain by feelings because words just couldn't do it.

Then, Gohan gave his little brother a hug, and his sibling returned it with much affection. "I'm afraid, Oniichan. I am afraid to let you go. I'm afraid to carry on what you have started, because I know I won't be able to live up to your standards," he admitted before pulling away to look at Gohan --- his hero, his friend, his brother. "Look at you! You're a scholar. A hero. A fighter. A big brother. A father. A husband. A friend. I will never be like you."

"Don't say that!"

"But it's true, and you know that! You're just to humble to admit all that you've accomplished!" he exclaimed, before sadness crossed his pale, handsome features. "Look at me. What do you see? A spoiled little brother who only cares about himself... and women. I've slacked off from training, and look what I've become. That's why I'm afraid, Oniichan."

"Oh, come on. I guess it is even right for me to leave. It'll teach you to be responsible," Gohan told him, patting his shoulder encouragingly. Goten's ears turned pink, and at that, the older Son burst into laughter. "It's not too late, Goten. You still have ample time to be who you want to be. You can go back to training, you can do some studying... it's up to you. You are in control of your life. Don't let what you see fool you. I may not be here anymore, but father is. Mother too, and count in Trunks. There's Vegeta if you need a sparring partner. Keeney is always there for emotional support. Don't feel too bad."

Goten smiled as he wiped a tear off. "Thanks. I needed that pep talk. So, where can I start?"

"You're going to Orange Star next year, right?"

"Yeah, anything you left that you want me to continue?" the younger of the two asked, but as soon as he let those words out, he wished he hadn't. His older brother smirked, giving out a mischievous smile that made his eyes fly wide open in utter horror. He instantly backed off, shaking his head. "Oh, no! No, please, not Saiyaman!"

At that, Gohan broke into uncontrollable laughter. Ten years ago, all Goten would talk about was how great Saiyaman was. Well, things change, he thought with much amusement, when they heard footsteps. The younger Son cocked his head to the side slightly at that to see who it was, and found himself staring at his sister-in-law, Videl --- the Princess of Sabrea --- leading a still sleepy Pan into the living room.

"Why, what's wrong about Saiyaman, Goten?" Videl asked him as her daughter rubbed her eyes. She then flashed the demi-saiyajin a mischievous smile, almost similar to the one her husband sported. "I thought you idolized him more than anyone? Or would you prefer my father, then?"

Goten immediately dropped into a low bow, ignoring the other's comment, and when rose, he had a mock smile on his face, his black eyes gleaming with a great intensity of mischievousness, matching the smile that his sister-in-law held. "A pleasant afternoon to you, Your Majesty. Your presence brings me such honor."

She wanted to smack him for teasing her, but that was when she noticed the streak of sadness just under the smile on his features. She then sighed and turned to Gohan, who handed her a handbag. For a few heartbeats they looked into each other's eyes, and at the conclusion of their little talk, she nodded in understanding, walking past Goten to open the door and head to the vehicle that would take them to Sabrea.

Outside, the rain had slowed down into a slight drizzle, and the sky had begun to clear.

One by one, Gohan lifted their bags until he had his hands full, then he headed out to load their luggage inside the spaceship. He was halfway through what he was doing, when he realized that his brother had not moved from his position. At that, Gohan jumped back down from the ship and went over to where Goten was.

"Goten?"

Goten turned around, his eyes brimming with tears. He lifted his head to look at his older brother, who was also in tears. Then, they hugged each other once again, knowing that it would be a long time before they could do so again. Videl, on the other hand, watched from the starfighter's ramp quietly, unable to stop shedding a few tears herself.

That was when Pan scrambled out of the ship, running towards her uncle gleefully. She then started tugging Goten's pants, trying to get the demi-saiyajin's attention. "Uncle Goten! Uncle Goten!" she called out, and as Goten picked her up, she gave him the biggest smile she could muster. "Buh-bye Uncle Goten! I'll miss you!"

"Be a good... girl, okay?" he told her between sobs, forcing himself to smile --- for her sake. "Don't... forget... Uncle Goten!"

"I won't forget you Uncle Goten!" Pan assured him.

Still in tears, the demi-saiyajin walked back to where Videl was and he placed his niece down. He ruffled her hair, and smiled. He then looked at Videl, who he hugged shortly after. "For being a good friend, a good wife, and a good mother. And a good champion of justice, of course."

"Goten---"

"Leave the ass-kickin to me and Trunks now," he told her with a loopsided grin, forcing his tears away and trying to hide all the pain he felt inside. There was no need for them to get all depressed; it was his problem. "After all, your time has passed. It's our turn to do what we can to help."

"No Saiyaman?"

"No Saiyaman."

"I know," Videl answered before hugging her brother-in-law once more. At that very moment, Gohan climbed up the ramp, stopping in front of his brother, who pulled away from the hug at that time, and handed a couple of keys to the younger demi-saiyajin.

"That's for the house, for the car, and for the vault. All yours." He patted him encouragingly on his back. "You'll do fine. Trust me. Everything's going to be all right. And stop looking like this is the end! We're going to meet again, of course. We'll be coming here for visits. And you can go visit us as well. So don't think of this as a big deal," Gohan assured, trying to cheer up his miserable brother. He didn't want to leave him, but... he must.

"You've been the best brother in the whole universe, and for that, I won't let you down. I promise."

Those were their final words to each other. Goten moved away from the ramp as the family entered the ship. The vessel's door then closed, ready for take off. He continued to stare at the departing ship, and when it disappeared into the sky, he sighed, looking at the keys in his hand.

He clamped his hand into a fist, then stared up at the sky.

"I won't let you down, Oniichan. I won't let you down."