An eleven year old boy laid in bed, screaming in agony, his hands fisted in his blankets. His mother knelt beside him with tears in her eyes.
"Oh, Gohan..." she wailed. "Oh my precious baby..."
The boy screamed out again, desperately clutching his shirt. His hair flashed gold for a couple seconds, then returned to its inky black color.
"I can't believe how much his condition was worsened in the past three weeks..." said a blue haired woman.
"Poor kid..." mumbled a bald headed man. "I wish there was something we could do for him..."
"I know..." said Bulma. "We all do Krillin..."
Gohan let out a pained groan. Chi-Chi began to sob, and Bulma put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Chi-Chi looked up at the woman for a second before burying her face in Bulma's shoulder.
"Chi-Chi..." Bulma whispered. She wrapped her arms around the other woman and sighed.
Four people stood outside the house. Three of them were together by the woods while the last one remained alone, leaning on the side of the house.
A red cheeked dwarf sat on the shoulders of a three eyed man. A man with a scarred face stood with them.
"Is Gohan going to be alright, Tien?" asked Chioutzu, looking down at the man.
"I don't know..." Tien replied.
"I hope so." said Yamcha.
A scream sounded from within the house and rang in the four men's ears.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed.
"The brat isn't going to last much longer..." he muttered, pushing himself off the wall. "Kakarrot, where are you?"
5 months prior…
Gohan sat up in bed and stretched his arms with a yawn. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing. The half saiyan stretched once more before walking over to the window, looking outside.
Gohan smiled. This was the day he agreed to meet with Piccolo and Dende at the Lookout. His mentor insisted he visit, and Gohan was more than happy to oblige. He had some exciting news for them, anyway.
The boy eyed the landscape, taking in the warmth of the sun.
It had been two months since the Cell Games and since he'd last seen anyone, with the exception of Piccolo and Dende, who he'd seen a couple weeks later. Piccolo had told him to come to the Lookout through their mind link, and being the sneaky kid he was, Gohan slipped out of the house while his mom was cooking. He didn't stay at the Lookout for long, fearing his mother's wrath if she found he'd left without permission. Piccolo was blunt, saying he wanted the demi saiyan to come to the Lookout in two weeks, no exceptions. The Namekian's voice was firm, but Gohan knew that Piccolo really just missed him. He did, too, after all.
Gohan's smile widened at the memory. He turned and grabbed his clothes, racing to the bathroom. The boy was out in a flash, dressed in the clothes Piccolo had made for him before the Games, save the cape.
He ran down the hall and out the door, completely overlooking the breakfast spread, and his mother, at the table.
Chi Chi sighed and walked out the door.
"Gohan!"
The commanding voice that belonged to his mother pierced through the air. Gohan froze, just about to take off.
He'd completely forgotten to ask for permission to go.
"Where do you think you're going?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
Gohan shifted nervously. "I, uh… I'm… going to… the Lookout?" he said quietly.
Chi Chi's eyes narrowed. "And when were you planning on telling me?"
Gohan gulped and looked down. "Sorry, mom… I kind of forgot to tell you…" he murmured.
Chi Chi glared at him, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.
'I think I'll play a little trick on him…' she thought.
"You're not going."
Gohan's head snapped up.
"What?" he asked, wide eyed.
"You heard me. You're not going, Gohan." She repeated firmly.
The look of shock and confusion on the boy's face was almost enough to make Chi Chi immediately take back what she said, but she pressed on, knowing Gohan would appreciate her next move.
"But… I…" Gohan mumbled.
"No buts. You're not going…"
Gohan stared at her, disappointment written all over his face, before lowering his gaze to the ground. Chi Chi smirked.
"You're not going until you have breakfast."
Gohan shot his gaze at her again and saw the smirk on her face melt into a warm smile. He laughed.
"Okay, mom." He said, walking back inside.
Chi Chi chuckled and went inside as well. She sat across from Gohan and smiled, watching him gorge down the food at light speed.
'He looks just like his father…' she internally mused, blissfully closing her eyes.
A small phrase escaped her lips. One she'd regret ever saying out loud.
"I wish Goku was here…"
The woman was blissfully unaware of the sight before her. Gohan had clenched his fist, snapping his chopsticks in half. Slowly, painfully, he swallowed the food in his mouth. His eyes were shielded from view by his bangs.
The boy abruptly stood, and it was only then that Chi Chi realized what was happening before her. She immediately felt a pang of worry for the boy.
That's when she realized her mistake.
"Gohan, wait, I-" she started.
"I'll be going now."
The boy's words were merely a whisper, but the intensity in them were as clear as day. Chi Chi reached out to her son, calling his name, but he had already taken off. Her arm fell to her side as she gazed at his retreating form, worry etched in her features.
"Gohan…"
Gohan flew towards the Lookout at high speed. He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes burning with unshed tears.
"I really am nothing without you, dad…" he muttered.
The boy shook his head. No, Goku said he didn't want them to be upset over his death. He closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts on Piccolo and Dende. A small smile replaced the frown on his face.
"Yeah… I have too much happening today to be upset over this." He told himself.
The boy's smile grew as he remember the news he had for the two Namekians. He increased his speed to its max in his base form, eager to talk with them.
"They're gonna flip when they find out."
Dende was excited.
Dende was delighted.
Dende was impatient.
"Calm down, he'll be here." Piccolo said, crossing his arms.
The young guardian turned around and smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Piccolo. I'm just really excited to see Gohan again." He replied.
Said warrior smirked. "I know what you mean, Dende. Trust me, I'm looking forward to this as much as you are, if not, more."
Dende eyed him. Piccolo recognized the expectant look in his eyes. It was the same look Gohan would give him during their training that said, "It's almost time for lunch, he'll have to give me a break soon."
The Namekian chuckled at Dende's resemblance to Gohan.
"He'll be here soon, Dende." He reassured him.
"Yeah, and how soon is soon, anyway?"
Both Namekians turned to see Gohan standing at the edge of the Lookout, an innocent grin on his face. The boy saluted.
"Hiya." He said.
Dende smiled and ran up to him. "Gohan!"
"Hey, Dende." Said half saiyan replied. "Ya miss me?"
"Of course I did!" the young guardian exclaimed. "It's been so long since we've last seen each other."
Gohan nodded. He looked at Piccolo and walked up to him.
"You asked, I came." He said. "What's my prize?"
The Namekian warrior chuckled. "You know full and well I don't reward people for completing favors."
The boy grinned. "Right. And remember the time you gave me those apples when you first left me in the desert?"
"I wasn't asking you for anything, and you didn't even earn a reward."
Gohan crossed his arms. "You were gonna use me to take over the world. That was part of the debt you owe me."
Piccolo smirked. "But I never did. So you really owe me."
Gohan narrowed his eyes at him. "I brought you back to life and got you away from Freeza when you were down. Pretty sure that compensates."
Piccolo shook his head with a chuckle. 'You've done a lot more than that, kid.' He thought.
Gohan flinched as something came to mind. Suddenly a large grin appeared on his face.
"I just remembered, I've got some really big news." He said.
The other two eyed him.
"What is it?" asked Dende.
"So, my mom's been getting sick lately so she asked Bulma to see if there was anything wrong with her. And…" Gohan trailed off, barely able to contain his excitement.
"And?" asked Piccolo.
Gohan's grin cracked even wider. "And it turns out… I might be getting another roommate." He said.
The two Namekians didn't get what the boy was hinting at, and Gohan was counting on it. Piccolo and Dende simply eyed him in extreme confusion, something that Gohan found hilarious. The half saiyan was going to push for a better reaction, but he just couldn't hold it in.
"My mom's been getting sick because she's gonna have another baby!" he blurted out.
The others' eyes widened. Dende ran up to Gohan.
"Awesome, Gohan! Congrats!" he exclaimed.
Gohan smiled. "Thanks, Dende." He said. "I can't wait! Bulma said she should be due in seven months, but I know that'll fly by in no time!"
The two boys started conversing. Piccolo cracked a small smile, but not at the prospect of another kid from Goku. It was at seeing Gohan so happy.
Ever since the Cell Games had ended, Gohan's spirits had been a bit down. Piccolo could sense it, even when they hadn't seen or even talked to each other. He could feel Gohan was in pain, and every time they conversed, whether it be through the mind link or in person, Piccolo could tell his happy tone of voice was just a front. This day, however, the boy seemed genuinely happy, and for that Piccolo was grateful.
'You've already suffered a lot, kid. You don't need to bear anymore.'
"So, Gohan. What have you been doing the past two months?" asked Piccolo.
Gohan turned to him and shrugged. "Nothing much, except study."
Piccolo raised a nonexistent eyebrow. "So you haven't been training?"
Gohan shook his head. "No, I don't really want to train anymore… And even if I did, Mom would never let me no matter how bad I wanted to."
Piccolo kept his gaze on the boy for a few seconds before grabbing his turban and cape and throwing them off to the side. Gohan eyed him confusedly.
"I'm not going to try and change your mind about training, kid, but a friendly spar isn't going to hurt you." He said, smirking. "I wanna see how much your fighting has worsened over these past two months."
Gohan grinned. "I don't mind that." He said. "And did you just say my fighting has worsened, Piccolo? You don't know..."
Both got into their own stances. Dende quickly made for the sanctuary, deciding to watch from the safety of the building.
Piccolo eyed his opponent carefully. 'Even though he doesn't fight anymore, he's choosing to go on the offensive… He's only ever made the first move once, during the Cell Games. Rather, it's the only time I remember him doing so…' He smirked. 'I guess his new transformation's made him grow a backbone.'
Gohan launched at him. He aimed a punch to Piccolo's ribs but the latter blocked his fist. The namekian's smirk faded. Gohan spun around and kicked him in the side. Piccolo stumbled a bit but managed to regain his balance. His small frown increased. The half saiyan jumped up and threw a roundhouse kick to the head, but his opponent caught his foot, flinging him away. Gohan flipped in midair and landed softly on his feet. Piccolo crossed his arms.
"You're holding back." He said.
Gohan smiled shyly. "Well… I don't wanna… You know, accidentally… um…" he trailed off awkwardly.
Piccolo sighed, shaking his head. "Gohan, you can't hurt me. Not in your base form."
Gohan rubbed the back of his head. "R-Right…" he said. The boy got into a stance. "Start again?"
Piccolo smirked and got into his own stance. Gohan came at him again, this time with a barrage of attacks. Piccolo was able to dodge all but one, where he stumbled. Gohan used to opportunity to faze behind him and kick him in the back. Piccolo flew forward but spun around, firing a blast at the half saiyan. Gohan deflected it, sending it flying high. Piccolo shot at him this time. Both threw a flurry of punches and kicks at each other, every blow blocked or dodged.
Gohan nailed Piccolo right in the jaw, sending him flying backwards. The boy created a blast in his palm. Piccolo flipped in midair and eyed Gohan, who sent the energy blast flying at him. Piccolo smirked and caught it.
"You'll have to do better than that, kid." He said. "Turn into a Super Saiyan."
"What?" asked Gohan. "Why?"
"This is way too easy." Piccolo replied.
Gohan eyed him uneasily but exhaled with a nod. He drew in a sharp breath and released his power, a golden aura exploding around his form. His hair turned gold and his eyes became teal.
Suddenly the boy froze, his eyes widening. His aura vanished, and Piccolo flinched.
"Gohan? What's wr-"
He was cut off by a scream. Gohan fell to his knees, fisting his hand in his shirt. Piccolo rushed to his side, his stomach churning.
"Gohan? Gohan! What is it?" he urged.
The boy could only gasp for breath as he completely collapsed on the floor, letting out strangled shouts of pain.
Dende quickly rushed out from the tower and made his way to both fighters. He knelt before him. Piccolo turned to the guardian.
"Dende, what's happening?" asked Piccolo.
The young namekian closed his eyes and extended his hands. A minute passed before Dende sighed and shook his head.
"I don't know… There's no sign of injury or illness… All I can get is that his power is fluctuating… It's releasing a little bit at a time, like it's being restrained and it's trying to break free. But I can't tell why." He said.
Piccolo turned back to Gohan. Suddenly, his hair faded back to black and he relaxed, falling unconscious.
"Gohan? Gohan!" he yelled.
Dende laid a small hand on the boy's forehead. "He's fine, just unconscious." Said Dende. "But what was that?"
Piccolo's brows furrowed.
"I don't know…"
Ooh, what's wrong with Gohan? Is he sick? Or maybe he's injured… Or maybe…
Next chapter:
"He just collapsed and started screaming, right after he powered up to Super Saiyan." Said Piccolo.
"There has to be some reason why he just broke down like that…" said Dende.
Piccolo exhaled. "I've only seen something vaguely similar to this once before… When Goku fought Android 19…" he muttered.
"Why did that happen?" asked Dende. "Why did Goku break down?"
"Goku had a severe virus that…"
Piccolo trailed off, his eyes widening.
"No… It can't be…" he murmured.
"Piccolo, what is it?" asked Dende, growing increasingly more nervous.
Piccolo looked to the floor in denial.
"It was when Goku was attacked by the heart virus… The one that killed him in Trunks' timeline…"
Just a little preview of what's to come in the next installment. I must admit, I'm not particularly pleased with the length of Gohan's spar with Piccolo, but I didn't want to drag this chapter out too much before I introduced the conflict. Other than that, I'm fairly satisfied with how chapter one turned out. I still feel like the prologue was a bit… lacking.
I'm unbelievably excited for this new series. Like I said before, this series shouldn't affect the installment dates of my other series, The Hidden Powers in the slightest. Emphasis on "shouldn't." I really can't make any promises. But I've practically finished this series for DBZ, Elusion of the Despondent. I just need to upload everything, and possibly edit some stuff. Okay, certainly edit some stuff… But, as I've said, it shouldn't affect the release dates of the chapters for my other series, if not slightly.
That's pretty much all I've got for you guys. Next chapter, "Aftershock," should be up in a week or so. And I'd like to say one thing to all my viewers regarding the next chapter,
Not everything is as it seems…
Until next time,
Sayonara~!