Authors note: Next chapter is up, thank you for the reviews hope to get more! On with the chapter! Warning evil hair pulling baby! CoughcoughGotencoughcough!
Life and Death by Lourdes-Sunrise-Princess
The morning of the Martial Arts tournament was finally here. The sound of birds could be heard as the sun's radiant colors painted the sky. However, to one teenage individual, the sound of birds was soon forgotten as a certain someone's baby talk was trying to get his attention- and was apparently succeeding.
Raising his chubby arms Goten silently demanded to be carried. Gohan gave into his brother's wish and picked him up. Laughing when Goten showed his gratitude by flashing him a toothless grin. Goten soon grew quiet as he looked up at the young warrior who held him. Somehow, sensing his older brother's nervousness, Goten decided –in some strange childish sense -to cheer his brother up. But what? What could possibly- wait, that was it. Pulling on people's hair always made him laugh, maybe he could do it now! That short guy with the flame styled hair made funny faces and shouted a lot when he did it to him. (If you don't already know that was Vegeta) Ha, and they say babies can't understand anything- what do they know.
Before Gohan had a chance to register what was happening, one strong, chubby hand had just grabbed a few locks of his silky hair. "Ooowww, Goten! Okay, Goten let go of big brother's hair it's not funny" Said Gohan calmly. Although as soon as small giggles escaped Goten's lips he too could no longer contain himself from laughing out loud, the pain of his aching head, soon forgotten. Finally releasing Gohan's hair from his grasp, Goten soon found himself under attack as his brother decided to give him a huge Eskimo kiss- though more out of affection than revenge.
Even though Vegeta would probably call him a sissy, unworthy of the name 'saiyan', if he ever heard him say that Goten was now the light in his life. ' Who ever knew that a baby could bring so much happiness to a persons life' although Gohan, knew parents were meant to feel this, he couldn't help but considered himself not only Goten's brother but also his parent. Staring at his baby brother's wide brown eyes and soft tanned skin he whispered "I will always love and protect you, just like mom and dad would've….."
** ** ** ** **
Walking through the fighter's preliminary arena, Gohan could easily tell that his presence seemed to be drawing a lot of unwanted attention – attention he was hoping to avoid. Apparently, many fighters found it fitting to laugh at the bundle nestled in his defined arms, along with the obvious age gape. Irony was a funny thing, seeing as they were laughing at one of the strongest fighter's in the universe.
Fortunately, with enough persuasion and some of Bulma's money the guards and Tournament officials had allowed Goten into the arena with him. Plus one of the Tournament doctors had volunteered to watch Goten in between matches- apparently the doctor had kids of his own and said that he understood completely. But for now, Gohan would hold onto his brother, until the very last minute.
Noticing a familiar set of people staring him, Gohan decided to sit down and avoid eye to eye contact.
"Hey Goku, you think that kid is competing too" Asked Krillen. "Don't know, he seems weak but he could be hiding his true power" Replied Goku. "You don't think he's involved with that junior guy do you? Asked Krillen as he took his friends slight hesitation as a chance to observe the teenager who was seated across the room, he certainly was unique that was for sure.
His dark silky locks of hair were spiked up strangely similar to his best friend's unchangeable hair style. His skin was a fair pale; however it did not look unhealthy at all, quite the opposite actually. His outfit was a typical gi , much like his own, however, in place of orange and blue there was blue and white. His deep brown eyes were a color so clear it was easily identified even from the distance that stood between them. But, what caught the monk's attention was what those wide brown eyes were so intensely focused on. The bundle of blankets held to the teenager's muscled chest. A baby? No, it couldn't be, not here! Must be some kind of religious artifact or something for luck " No I don't think that guy's with Junior" Goku's voice cut into his thoughts.
Tien decided to join the conversation as he too had spotted and questioned the stranger's true power. " Hey Goku, did you see the thing he's holdi" – " Yeah, I did, wonder what it is?" Goku mumbled to no one in particular. This is where Yamcha decided to butt in " Hey! You think it's some sort of weapon?"
Both Goku and Tien shook their heads in disagreement, but Goku spoke in his usual cheerful voice " Nah, weapons aren't allowed, remember" Yamcha only blushed in embarrassment for his mistake " Heh heh oh yeah".
There discussion was interrupted by the announcer's voice " Will numbers 14 and 15 please come up to the stage".
Krillen nearly jumped out his skin with excitement 'finally my turn to shine' he though a little anxious to fight as he approached the fighting stage.
Unknown to the group another was also preparing to fight but without as much enthusiasm. He carefully handed Goten to Dr. White and headed towards the fighting area.
Krillen was not the only one shocked when the mystery boy he had been studying earlier was decided by sheer dumb luck to be his opponent. Noticing the young teen was bowing in respect, he decided he should at least get to know a few things first before whipping the floor with the punk. Or so he thought. " Hey, what's your name kid" Krillen questioned. 'Oh darn. I hadn't thought about that, the name 'Gohan' would draw in to much unwanted attention and suspicions from dad and the others' He thought.
"You can call me Kohaku" He smirked as he lowered himself into a fighting stance.
" Well Kohaku, I'm Krillen and I'm really sorry in advance if I accidentally hurt you" was Krillen's only overly confident response as he too readied himself for some action. Using super speed to quickly surprise his opponent Krillen put all his energy into one powerful punch that would even send a super saiyan flinching in pain. However, no one could match Gohan or should I say Kohaku when it came down to speed. Using a simple after image, Gohan dogged the attack, as he swiftly delivered a silent kick towards Krillen's unsuspecting back. As his foot connected, Krillen barely had a chance to blink as he was effectively sent flying across the room and out of the ring. To the normal eye, the whole fight had been a bunch of blue and orange blurs. The fight only lasted only 10 seconds. Gohan panicked when Krillen did not rise form his spot through the wall. Although Gohan, had not held back, he still hated seeing his close friends injured, especially by his hands. Rushing over he quickly gave him a hand.
" Are you okay, Krillen. I didn't hurt you did I" Gohan asked as he inspected the damage caused. Sighing in relief when nothing was of mager concern. "I'm fine kid. The only thing hurt is my pride. Should learn to keep my trap shut before getting overconfident".
"Don't worry about it, many people overlook me because of my age." Krillen's thoughts wondered off as Kohaku helped him walk without straining himself 'this kid is really something else, he might even give Goku a run for his money. Wait now that I think about it those two look a lot alike. Nah probably a coincidence'.
"KRILLEN" Came the shout of three blended voices. " Are you alright buddy?" Asked Yamcha.
"Yeah I'm fine, Kohaku helped me up… well after he bet me that is" he laughed. " Yeah, we saw" replied Goku in an apologetic tone. However his persona completely changed as he turned to face Gohan. " So your Kohaku huh, you fought well" The full blooded saiyan stated as he held out his hand.
"Hi I'm Goku"
Frozen stiff Gohan could only stare at his young father's hand. He wanted to jump into his father's arms and cry like the scared little boy that he used to be. He wanted to tell him how he had truly felt all those months without his father to fish with him, eat with him, let him tuck him in, love and care for him......
Snapping out of his wondering mind, 'Kohaku' quickly grasp Goku's hand in order to cover up his slight hesitant mistake. Shaking hands, one thought ran through the mind of one twelve year old and saddened half-saiyan.
' I missed you daddy, so much. If only you knew…..'
A/N: I was going to stop writing for a while but I had some free time and so here it is ! Hope you all liked it. Many things will be revealed in the up coming chapters, so stay tuned.
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