Even to Son Gohan, the future is unforeseen. Some things can never stay as they are, no matter how hard you try to keep them the same.
Chapter one: Before
The dust cleared from around the battlefield. It had been a brutal fight, but the young half-saiyan had come out victorious. Gohan panted heavily, his body collapsing under him. Exhaustion was the next enemy the boy had to fight. He spoke no words as one of his father's friends picked him up and carried him to the lookout. Darkness had filled his vision shortly after they took off.
All around him was a foggy lake, the surface of the water smooth as ice. Dark, masked faces surrounded the boy. Their hands were reaching for him, icy fingers trailing down his arms. He could not run away, his legs were frozen. The hands pulled him under icy water, and he could not escape. His head was pulled under. The air was stolen from his lungs. A warmth spread through his body from his chest.
Gohan awoke with a startled gasp. His dark eyes searched for anyone, and were comforted with the sight of Dende. A weak smile spread across his lips, before he lay back down.
"Gohan! I'm so glad you're awake. We were worried for a moment that you might've.." The green being did not finish his sentence, instead opting to hug the young half breed. Gohan tried to hug back, but his arms would not lift off the ground.
"Thank you," He whispered, closing his eyes. This time, however, he was not met with the same dream. This darkness was pure, and welcomed the half saiyan with open arms.
This time when Gohan awoke, he found himself in his bedroom. One of the Z fighters must have brought him home. Maybe it was Bulma. He slowly peeled himself out of bed, cringing from the soreness that spread throughout his whole body. However, the young boy was strong and pushed on into the kitchen. When he entered, his mother hadn't noticed. He shuffled forward, grasping onto her sleeve to alert her he was awake. Immediately she turned, took in the sight of him, and brought the boy into a bone crushing hug. Gohan flinched, before hugging Chi-Chi back. The entire time she had buried her face into his hair, muffling sobs.
"Mom.. Can't breatheā¦" He choked out, before gasping a little when she let go of him. Her hands were placed firmly on his shoulders, like if she let go he'd disappear forever from her side.
"My sweet, precious Gohan! Promise me you'll never put yourself through something like that again!" Tears were rolling down Chi-Chi's cheeks, before she guided him to the table and sat him down. Composing herself, she took a few deep breaths.
"Gohan, what was it that you wanted? I'm sure you're awfully hungry from the fight with that monster." Venom seeped from the word monster, but she held a pleasant smile for the sake of her son. Gohan nodded, his stomach quietly growling in agreement.
"I uh, just wanted a glass of water. and to say good morning. Is it morning? I didn't check." From where he was seated, Gohan could barely see his mother shake her head. She took a deep breath, turned around with his glass of water, and handed it to him.
"Oh Gohan, you've been out for a long time, sweetie. It's midday, about three days since you were completely awake last."
To this, Gohan laughed a bit. He clutched his ribs, it hurt to laugh.
"I'm sorry I slept so long, mom!"
Chi-chi responded with a pat to his head and a sweet hum. She smiled, before turning around to start making the half-saiyan his meal.
The rest of Gohan's day was spent helping his mother with small tasks around the house. A short call was made to Bulma to alert her the young Son was awake, who in turn would alert the rest of the Z fighters. Once he was left alone, however, Gohan would get flashes of the brief dream he had between getting healed and the death of Cell. The young boy could almost feel the icy cool touch of hands running down his arms when he thought of it. Later that night, Gohan had found it almost impossible to sleep. The guilt of the death of his father and the fear of the dream had kept him awake. The half saiyan dressed in simple clothes, before heading out into the front yard. When he opened the door, he was greeted with the dim light from the stars above, and a calm breeze. Walking out, he parked himself under a large tree that wasn't too far from the house. The half saiyan's thoughts always seemed to gravitate back towards how his father's death was his fault. Earlier in the day, Chi-Chi had told him that Goku did not wish to be brought back by the dragon. She also said that what happened wasn't his fault, even though he knew better Still, the guilt of his actions crushed him.
Your fault.
If you hadn't been so cocky, he would still be here.
They all blame you, even if they don't outright say it.
He didn't come back because he doesn't love you.
Gohan wiped his eyes. He knew that none of those things were true, but they still got to him. He huffed, before looking up from his chest. In front of him stood a rather small hooded figure.
"Stop your weeping, child. You are indeed Son Gohan?" The figure asked, getting a bit closer to the young boy. Gohan fought the urge to shout for his mom, as he knew he could handle this situation.
"Y-yes? How do you know my name?" Gohan asked, although he had the feeling the figure wouldn't respond.
"You must come with me. If you do not, our universe could be destroyed."
"I think I've had enough deadly battles for one lifetime, sorry. Besides, my mom will freak out if she's left alone again." Gohan glanced back at the house. Inside, his mother was sleeping peacefully.
"Your mother will perish if you do not come with me. Your mother, and every person and plant on this earth and every other life bearing planet." The hooded one's voice was not threatening, but a soft urgent tone seeped through the calm demeanour of it.
Gohan still refused, shaking his head.
"Well, I guess I have no other choice." In a flash, the figure touched Gohan's shoulder and they appeared in a completely new surrounding.
"What did you just do?! I have to go back!" Gohan cried, looking at the hooded figure.
Slowly, the cloak fell to reveal a short, teal skinned being with blue eyes.
"I can only return you when the time is right. I'm sorry, but it has to be this way. Come with me, and I can show you to where we will be staying." The being turned, before speaking again.
"And call me.. Japetus."
/Gonna end it off there! Hopefully you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing.
