Author's Note: Hello, people of Fanfiction. I've been reading fanfics for quite a few years now. Stories from DBZ, Kingdom Hearts, Naruto, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, Mass Effect, Star Fox, Assassin's Creed, and many others. I've read some great stories, and some not so great stories. I even have a story of my own, although it's been a long time since I've done anything with it. This is my attempt at getting back into the swing of writing. I really enjoy doing it, but life just gets in the way sometimes. The Dragon Ball series has always been one of my favorite things. DBZ has always been my all-time favorite anime/manga, and this story is a sort of dedication to Akira Toriyama and his absolute genius in storytelling. So, without further delay, let's get to the story. I give you the first chapter of A Saiyan Legend. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z, or anything relating to it. All rights to the Dragon Ball franchise are reserved to its creator, Akira Toriyama, and its affiliates, FUNimation, Toei Animation, and Fuji TV.
A Saiyan Legend
Chapter 1: The Promise
A cold wind ran across a large, beautiful lake, shifting the water's surface. The leaves of the trees rustled in the cool breeze, autumn making its presence known. Blades of tall grass swayed around, dancing in perfect rhythm with the wildflowers among them. The sounds of birds were mixed with the small chatter of the various animals in the area. The sun peeked out from the clouds, giving a small amount of warmth to the land.
Gohan shivered. 'I should've brought a jacket.' he thought. He sat in the shade of a tree, gazing into the water, as though he were waiting for something. The young Saiyan boy had been here at the lake for some time, trying his best to distract his mind with meditation. So far, he had been unsuccessful.
Two hours ago, this 11-year old demi-Saiyan had defeated the monstrosity known around the world as Cell. His father, the great hero Son Goku, had sacrificed his own life to give Gohan and his friends the peace they all desired. Cell, however, had other plans. Despite his self-destruction, he reformed himself from a single cell, and came back to Earth, twice as powerful. He killed Trunks with a single energy beam, and caused severe harm to Vegeta and Gohan. Gohan, despite being battered and bloodied, took Cell head-on in a vicious duel of the Kamehameha wave. Cell appeared to be winning, the end of the world at their feet. But with a little help from Vegeta and the other Z Fighters, and some encouragement from Goku from Other World, Gohan unleashed his full power upon Cell, and with a mighty blast, vanquished the evil creature.
Gohan awoke a short time later on the Lookout, with all of his friends to greet him and congratulate him. He had saved the world. But it came at a great cost. Though they tried, the great Earth dragon Shenron could not bring Goku back to life. He had already died once before, so he was forced to stay in Other World for good.
He didn't show it, but Gohan was devastated. He would have to live the rest of his life without his father. He was still only 11. How could he grow up without him there to help him? What could he do? How would his Mother cope? These were just a few of the many questions Gohan asked himself as he left the Lookout and flew to his humble abode in the mountains. Chi-Chi took the news of Goku's passing harder than Gohan thought, which made it even tougher on the boy. He stayed with his mother as she cried and cried, eventually calming down enough for Gohan to leave the home without worry.
All that was two hours ago. Son Gohan had since been sitting at his favorite spot, the lake he and his father fished at, trying to meditate and do his best to move past his sadness.
'Why, Father? Why'd you have to sacrifice yourself for all of us?' Gohan thought as he opened his eyes, losing his focus. He sighed sadly. 'I know you think that since you're gone, nobody will cause trouble, but don't you think they'll come after me now? Or Vegeta?'
The young Saiyan looked up into the bright, afternoon sky. A cloud was passing over the sun, casting a shadow over the lake. A sad look passed over him as he spoke, "I miss you so much already. What am I going to do?"
Gohan looked down again and closed his eyes in thought. After a few moments, he opened them, looking at the grass at his feet. 'Maybe Piccolo can help.' he thought in hope. The boy ran a hand through his jet-black hair as he nodded to himself. He quickly stood and began the flight toward the Lookout, glancing back at the lake only once.
Piccolo floated in a sitting position in front of the entrance to the Lookout building, arms crossed and eyes shut. The only sound one could hear was the steady breathing of the meditating Namekian, which itself was rather quiet.
The sound of footsteps broke Piccolo's concentration. Dende walked out from inside the building, stopping just beside the older Namekian. The new guardian glanced up at Piccolo for a moment, then cast his gaze back at the ground in front of him.
"Something on your mind, Dende?" Piccolo asked.
Dende took a moment to respond. "Actually, yes. I... I was wondering if you would give me some advice, sir."
Piccolo looked down at the Namekian child. "It's just Piccolo. What is it you need?"
Dende swallowed forcefully. "I'm sorry, Piccolo. It's just that... Now that the world is saved, what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to be a great guardian?" he asked quietly.
Piccolo sighed through his nose. "Dende, there is nothing I can offer you, other than that you should trust your instincts. Mr. Popo is here to aid you in your job as guardian of Earth, not me." He stopped to place a hand on the boy's head, causing Dende to look up at him. "Besides, you've done a fine job already. Your skills in healing have come in handy, and you brought back the Earth dragon Shenron. You've done much good. I think you'll make a better guardian than I ever did." Piccolo smirked at Dende to reassure him.
Dende beamed at Piccolo's unexpected praise. "Thank you, Piccolo! Hearing you say that means a lot."
Still smiling, Piccolo grunted in response, taking his hand off the young Namekian's head. As he did so, he suddenly felt a familiar energy approaching the Lookout. 'Is that Gohan? What's he doing back so soon?' he thought. He guessed Dende had noticed Gohan's coming as well, judging from the look of confusion crossing the child's face.
Both Namekians looked up to see Gohan finally arrive and land near the edge of the structure. The young Saiyan, however, remained where he was, as if unsure of his actions. A look of concern passed over Piccolo's face for a moment, then his features returned to their normal seriousness. He kept his eyes on Gohan as he spoke to the young guardian. "Dende, why don't you go inside and find Mr. Popo? I think it's best I speak with Gohan alone."
Dende opened his mouth in rebuttal, but thought better of it when he noticed the serious look on Piccolo's face. The guardian of the Earth nodded quickly, giving Gohan a quick wave as he turned and walked inside the building. 'I hope Gohan's okay...' he thought as he turned the corner and out of sight.
Piccolo ceased his floating and walked down the steps, stopping a few feet away from the first step. He had his arms crossed as Gohan made his way over toward the waiting Namekian. He stopped a few feet away from his old mentor, not looking up at him.
Piccolo narrowed his eyes, frowning. 'Something is very wrong with Gohan...' he thought. He cleared his throat before speaking, "You're back sooner than I thought you'd be, Gohan... And you don't seem yourself. What's going on? Did something happen?"
Gohan smiled beside himself. 'Piccolo has never been one to beat around the bush.' he thought pleasantly. Gohan looked up at his old friend. Gohan had no need to dance around the subject with this man. Of all the Z-Fighters, Piccolo was the one Gohan knew best. "Piccolo... There's something I kept thinking about as soon as I left here a few hours ago."
"And what is that?" the Namekian asked.
Gohan took a moment to reply. "It's about what my father said... About the Earth not needing him anymore, because it has me." His brow furrowed in confusion. "Piccolo... Am I really capable of defending the people of this planet like Father says? Am I really that powerful?"
Piccolo looked at Gohan curiously. "Gohan, you defeated Cell when no one else could. You are the strongest among us. Even someone like Vegeta knows that." He moved forward to place a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "Is that really what's bothering you?"
Gohan looked away from him. "Despite what you all might say, and even what Father might say, I failed him. He didn't need to die, Piccolo. I know that better than anybody. I was stupid and selfish and so... So full of myself when I achieved that new form. I let all that power get to my head, and my father died because of it. The pain of it is still so fresh..." The young warrior could feel tears forming in his eyes. Piccolo said nothing as Gohan continued to speak.
"I'm not sure I've got what it takes to be the Earth's greatest hero... That title belongs to Father, and no one else. Especially not me. When it comes down to it, I don't have much confidence in myself. You and the others all have so much experience... How can I even compare to y-"
"Enough." Piccolo interrupted firmly. Gohan looked up in surprise.
Piccolo removed his hand from the boy's shoulder. "Gohan, listen to me. Listen to me not just as your teacher, but also as your friend. You are strong. Stronger than any of us. No one was powerful enough to stand up to Cell and properly win, not even Goku. Only you. After I trained you for a year before Vegeta and Nappa arrived here, I saw great potential in you. And earlier today, I saw first-hand what that potential truly gives you. It manifests itself as an incredible power that only you can hope to control. I know that you hate fighting, and that you're afraid of what your emotions can do, but I believe those strong emotions are what give you that power. And it's just like Android 16 said. There's nothing wrong with fighting to protect the people you care for. And Goku cared deeply not just for his family and friends, but for the people of Earth as well. That's what your father sees in you, Gohan. That's what we all see in you. A hero. Young, yet wise despite his age. Capable of great things. We all believe in you, Gohan. And I know your father does, too." Piccolo stopped to put his hand back on Gohan's shoulder, giving it a squeeze of reassurance. "You're not alone in the fighting, Gohan. You'll always have your friends and family to stand by you. But, in the end, you're the only one who can step up and fill your father's shoes. We can help you, and we will, but it's up to you to do it."
Gohan stared at the ground in silence, contemplating every word Piccolo had said. The Namekian warrior stood in front of him, crossing his arms and looking down at the demi-Saiyan. The Lookout became completely quiet as Piccolo waited for Gohan to say something. Almost a minute had passed, and Gohan continued to stare at the ground at his feet.
Just as Piccolo began to get impatient, Gohan spoke. "I don't know if I'm really capable of being Earth's new protector..." Piccolo closed his eyes in slight annoyance. "But... I'm certainly going to try. If you all truly believe in me, then the only thing holding me back is myself."
Piccolo opened his eyes to see the young hero smiling up at him. Gohan had a look of hard determination. He looked like he could take on anything. Piccolo smirked at the boy as he thought, 'Now that's the Gohan I know.' "Good to see your spirits are back." he stated.
Gohan gave him a toothy smile and a laugh, throwing his hand behind his head. The typical Son grin. "Thanks a lot, Piccolo. You really helped me figure out what I need to do. I never knew you could be so sentimental!"
Piccolo began to look uncomfortable. "I-I was merely pointing you in the right direction... Don't get used to it, kid." the Namekian growled half-heartedly. Gohan just laughed at him, causing Piccolo to give him a hard stare.
"Well, I should probably head back home now. My mother could be getting worried. She didn't take the news about Father very well..." Gohan said to his old mentor. Piccolo nodded in understanding. "Thanks again, Piccolo. I knew coming to you would help." Gohan smiled brightly up at him.
"Don't mention it, kid. I'm glad to help." he replied. 'I'm just a basket-full of advice today...' he thought.
Gohan nodded, then turned and began jogging toward the edge of the Lookout. As he did so, he turned his head and waved back at Piccolo. "See you, Piccolo!" he yelled.
"Gohan!" Piccolo shouted back, grabbing Gohan's attention enough for him to stop. "Keep your head up, kid. And if you're ever in need of a training partner, you know where to find me."
Gohan smirked at him. "You got it!" he cheered, giving him a thumbs-up. "Tell Dende and Mr. Popo I said hello for me! Bye!" The young Saiyan then began his flight back to the Son residence, the wind rushing around him as he took off into the sky.
Piccolo looked on after him. He closed his eyes and smiled, giving a grunt of satisfaction. 'You've got one hell of a son there, Goku. I wish you could see him now. You'd be proud. I know I am.' he thought, still looking at where Gohan was moments before. Piccolo turned and walked inside the building, off to find a more secluded spot to continue his meditation. 'Good luck, Gohan.'
Gohan flew upside down, staring up into the clouds as he smiled. 'Piccolo's right. It's just like Sixteen said. I'll fight to protect those precious to me. The people of Earth included.' he thought. 'As long as they believe in me, there's nothing I can't do. Everyone's counting on me, and I won't let them down.'
Gohan began to think aloud, still looking up into the sky. "I promise you, Father. I'll be the new protector of Earth. If evil rears its ugly head, I'll be there to get the job done and keep the people safe. I'll train hard everyday. I'll become stronger. I won't let you down, Father. I'll make you proud. I promise." The young warrior smiled wide as he finished his declaration to Goku.
Gohan flipped over, chest facing the ground. He laughed and shouted "Yeah!" as he flew faster over the land towards his home. To Gohan, it seemed as though the sun was shining brighter than normal. The birds sang louder and prettier. The clouds seemed whiter. Gohan felt... Happy. Happy knowing that his family and friends would always have faith in him. He flew even faster now, riding the wind, and the promise of a new day awaiting him.
Next time on A Saiyan Legend
Chapter 2: The Gift
Gohan and company meet at Capsule Corp to say their goodbyes to Trunks, as he heads back to his own time. Trunks wishes to leave Gohan with something special, an idea he came up with. However, it may not work out how he thinks...
Author's Note: So, what'd you think? I may be a bit rusty, as this is my first attempt at writing in some time, but I'm going to keep at it and work on doing the best I can. I want you guys to enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it! Feel free to review, if you'd like. Constructive criticism is welcome. I take all sound advice seriously.
Also, a small note regarding my other story, Star Fox: Conquest. That story is NOT dead. I repeat: NOT DEAD. I've got a number of things I want to do with it, but for now, I'm going to focus solely on this story to try to keep the updates somewhat consistent. But Star Fox: Conquest is very much alive in my head. If anybody is still interested after all this time, of course!
TTFN - Slayer
