Here it is, the next chapter. Thank you so much for all the reviews, favorites, and follows. I was surprised by how successful last chapter was since I posted during a holiday and thought most people would be too busy with family and shopping to look at fanfics. Guess I was on that.
Now, onward to the story.
Chapter 7: A Little Laughter
Goku let out a loud sigh as he pulled more panels off the roof. It was in rougher condition than he thought. It would only last one more summer at best. He could understand why Chi-Chi was complaining about it.
The front door closing got his attention and he looked down to see Gohan leaving the house.
"Hey, off to school!?" Goku yelled at his son.
Gohan jumped as he looked up. "Dad, you're awake?"
"Yeah, I'm finally getting used to my body," Goku said as he pounded on his chest. "I was able to get up with the sun again." He deflated slightly. "Although, I may still need to take a nap later."
"What are you doing?" Gohan asked, he looked down and saw the broken roof tiles.
"Oh, I'm repairing the roof," Goku answered, tearing off more panels. "I heard Chi-Chi saying at the tournament that you needed the prize money to replace it and fix the plumbing. I may not get to the plumbing today, but hopefully tomorrow."
Gohan blinked. "Dad...do you even know how to fix a roof?"
"Of course I do. I built this house after all," Goku stated in a matter-of-fact voice.
Gohan gasped. "I didn't know that."
"Yeah, I built it after Chi-Chi and me got married. She didn't like staying at grandpa's house. She said it was too small," Goku said, pulling off my tiles. "So, I built a bigger house. And Ox-King helped, too."
"Granddad and you built everything?" Gohan asked in awe.
"Everything except the kitchen. We had to buy that using Ox-King's money," Goku replied, pointing at the dome. "We also had someone do the electrical and other complicated stuff."
"I didn't know you were so skilled," Gohan said almost meekly.
"I always been really good with my hands and I did constructing work when I trained under Master Roshi," Goku said before his eyes suddenly became downcast. "And...I had to rebuild my grandpa's house after it was destroyed."
"How was it destroyed?" Gohan asked, missing his dad's sudden changed in mood.
There was a very long, uncomfortable silence.
Goku attempted to keep his face impassive, but he knew he let his emotions slipped when he saw the concern expression on his son's face. Gohan always seemed to read him the best, even compared to Chi-Chi.
"You don't..." Gohan started.
"No, it's okay," Goku cut off, shaking his head. "The house was destroyed by me after I transformed under the full moon. ...It was the same night I killed grandpa."
Gohan winced and lowered his head. "I'm sorry for bringing that up," he whispered.
"It was a long time ago and I apologized to grandpa. It's in the past," Goku said, but it was slightly forced.
His grandpa did forgive him. He was actually upset that he found out. As far as he was concern, it was all just a terrible accident and he was utterly blameless.
He didn't quite feel the same way, but knew there was a little point thinking about it now. If he were to be punished, it would have been done years ago. Maybe his years alone and the danger he tended to attract were his punishment.
"Anyway, you better get going. You're going to be late," Goku said, clearing his head. He really needed to stop his mind from wondering.
Gohan gasped as he glanced at his watch. "You're right!"
"I can teleport you if you want," Goku offered. "I can lock on to Videl's energy."
Gohan shook his head. "No thanks. People think I'm weird enough with the whole Saiyaman, Golden Fighter thing. The last thing I need is to suddenly appear before them."
Goku frowned. "I still don't see what the big deal is."
"You would if you ever went to high school," Gohan answered before taking off.
Goku hummed. Maybe Gohan had a point. There was a lot about his son he didn't understand because he never went to school. Perhaps he should pay the school a visit once he was done with the roof.
Repairing the roof didn't take as long as he originally thought. Despite not doing this type of work in years, the task was almost mindless to him. He wondered why Gohan couldn't do this. He was more than smart enough to learned to do this. Maybe he should teach him, just in case something happened. It would help saved Chi-Chi some money.
With the task done, he jumped from the roof and went to wash up. He could tell by the smell coming from the house that Chi-Chi had lunch ready. He wanted to eat right now, but Chi-Chi wouldn't let him near the food unless he was clean. Yeah, that was one part he really missed from being dead.
After a quick wash up, he walked into the kitchen and drooled when he saw that Chi-Chi had made a giant lunch for him. Not only that, but it was made from foods that were especially his favorites.
Chi-Chi smiled at him. "Surprise?"
"Oh, what's the occasion?" he asked.
"None. It's just my way of thanking you for fixing the roof. Saved us a bunch of money," she answered with a huge smile.
Goku tilted his head.
Chi-Chi never rewarded him for doing what he was 'supposed' to do. Fixing anything that broke since he didn't work was one of her many demands. He usually had to do something really unexpected to get a special meal.
"Well, are you just going to stand there?" Chi-Chi asked with a hint of playfulness in her voice.
He didn't have to be told twice before he sat down and dug into the food. Goten joined them a few minutes later. Apparently, he lost track of time watching one of his cartoons.
"Hey, Goten, do you want to drop by Gohan's school?" Goku suddenly asked, making sure to swallow his food before talking.
Goten's face lit up. "Would I!?"
"Goku, you can't go to Gohan's school now. He's in class. Besides, you'll embarrass him," Chi-Chi said.
"Oh, I won't go now. I'll go when school lets out. It ends around three, right?" Goku asked.
Chi-Chi nodded, but she had a frowned on her face. She still disliked the idea.
"Then it's settled. We'll leave around that time. That way, we won't bother any of Gohan's studies," Goku said as he stuffed more food in his mouth.
Goten cheered. "Yay! I get to see Gohan's school!"
"Just don't do anything to embarrass him. Gohan is at that age," Chi-Chi warned, knowing that there was no stopping her husband now.
Despite popular belief, she didn't have complete control of her husband. Once he had an idea or an urge to do something, he usually found a way to do it, with or without her permission.
Goku looked at his wife. "Age?"
"Teenage years," she classified. "He's at that age where everything his parents do embarrasses him. He's also very socially aware."
Goku continued to stare at his wife. He didn't completely get it.
Then again, his teen years were mostly spent trapped at Kami's Lookout. He thought for sure he would die of boredom up there on top of getting sick of Mr. Popo wiping his butt on the floor. He did notice that he got angrier and frustrated more easily during those times. He also took losing much more personally, often sulking after Mr. Popo beat him.
Through all of that, he never became more 'socially aware'. But he also had no parents that could embarrass him. The closest thing he had to that was Master Roshi in his more perverted moments. Even then, he was never embarrassed at his former master. More concern for his health given how many times Bulma smacked him and Launch shoot him. Chi-Chi would break something if he touched her and 18….how was he still alive?
Chi-Chi sighed. "I supposed you wouldn't understand. Just respect Gohan's feelings."
He smiled. He could do that.
Once lunch was done, he spent his time hanging out with Goten, trying to learn more about his youngest son. They watched television, played board games, cards, and played with more of Trunks' toys. Goten was surprising good at checkers, but couldn't keep a straight face while playing go fish.
What Goten really wanted to do was play video games, but Chi-Chi absolutely refused to buy him a console. She found video games to be even more of a waste of time than television, since you could at least learned something from watching TV, in her words. He didn't agree. He had little experience with video games, but he found them good for hand, eye coordination.
From his time with Goten, he could tell that the boy was very smart. It just wasn't obvious like Gohan since he expressed himself differently. Then again, he was certain everyone in the house was smarter than him.
Outside of fighting, he was kinda of a brute. He didn't have any real issue with that. He just had no real desire outside of getting stronger. Gaining power and fighting strong people was his life and he wouldn't have it any other way.
But looking at Gohan and Goten, he wondered how his life would have been different if he was raised more 'normally'. What would his life be like if he went to school, got an education, got a job, and stuff like that.
Personally, stuff like that sounded extremely boring. But it must have some charm since that was the life Gohan wanted and the life all his friends, except Tien and Chiaotzu, lead after they gave up martial arts.
Outside of those two, the only other person who could relate to him on this matter was Vegeta. The thought that the Saiyan prince was the closest thing he had to a kindred spirit left a funny taste in his mouth.
Vegeta and him had a far better relationship than before thanks to their unique experience with Buu. He was fused to the guy for almost thirty minutes, allowing them to share thoughts, feelings, and even memories. In that time, they were the closest that any being could be to each other. He could actually called Vegeta a friend now.
But he still wasn't his favorite person in the world. Vegeta had changed, but this was still the same guy who willingly sold his soul for power, which unleashed a demon that ravage the Earth, murdered their beloved families and friends, and threatened the entire universe.
Yeah, Vegeta paid the ultimate price for his actions and more than made up for his mistake, but one just didn't forget something like that. Not even him.
Perhaps his problem with Vegeta was that he was a constant reminder of what he would be if he lived exclusively for battle and never had a family or formed strong tie with others.
Then again, that was a massive improvement. Years ago, he despised Vegeta not only for his part in murdering his friends and threatening his planet, but for being a persistent reminder of what he truly was, a bloodthirsty, ruthless Saiyan.
After meeting his 'brother' he hated what he was.
He knew for a long time that he wasn't a human, or at least not completely human. After wondering the world for three years and finding no one like himself anywhere, it was the only conclusion he could make. He didn't dwell on it too much and it never really bothered him. He was what he was. As far as his friends were concern, he was human and he was more than happy to let them keep believing that.
Then Raditz came and turned his entire world upside down. Finding out that he was an alien was shocking enough, but learning that he came from a race of monsters who dumped him on some planet and expected him to murder everyone so they could sell the Earth to the highest bidder was just too much. He rejected it and refused to believe it.
After a year, he came to accept it, although very begrudgingly. He still hated being a Saiyan, but he liked the benefits it gave. His strengths and abilities came from being part of that race. It's what gave him the edge over all his opponents. If being a Saiyan was a curse, then he did his best to make it a blessing.
It wasn't until Vegeta's first death and learning what Frieza did to the Saiyans that he started to take real pride in his race. He accepted that his race was a bunch of remorseless, murderous bastards and the universe was probably better off without them, but he still hated Frieza for killing them. The Saiyans worked loyally for him and they were wiped out because he feared them. Good or bad, it wasn't good to betray your allies.
It was also around that time that he started to respect Vegeta as a person, instead of an enemy that he wanted to fight and eventually kill. They still couldn't stand to be in the same room together, but there was a mutual respect for each other's strength.
Until the battle with Buu, he always thought Vegeta and him would remind rivals who tolerated each other existence. To think that he could actually see the proud prince as a real friend was something he never would believe was possible. And, although Vegeta would never say it, he knew he felt the same.
Maybe...it was time he had a real talk with Vegeta that didn't end with them punching each other. Although he accepted years ago being a Saiyan, he actually knew very little about his own race, besides them being space pirates.
He wanted to learn more about them, but the only sources of information he had were Vegeta and King Kai and King Kai wasn't the most honest person when it came to this subject. He told him that lie about the Saiyans dying from a giant meteoroid caused by the planet's guardian. He knew he didn't tell him the truth to protect him, but it still left a sour taste in his mouth. And Vegeta...until recently they weren't exactly on good speaking terms.
Now that their relationship was much friendlier, maybe he could talk to him. It would be nice to know more about himself. Perhaps even his parents.
"You're really fun, dad," Goten suddenly spoke, getting Goku's attention. He seemed to be spacing out a lot lately.
Goku smiled at the compliment. "Thank you."
"You're just like Gohan said you were," Goten continued.
This got his attention. "What did Gohan say about me?"
Goten grinned. "He said that you were the most powerful being the universe and a hero who fought monsters and died protecting us. He also said that you were like an angel and everyone felt good being around you."
"He said that, huh?" he chuckled.
He didn't particularly care for how his friends and family tended to use angelic terms to describe him. He was far too selfish to be an angel.
Goten nodded. "Mom talked about you a lot, too. She said you were gentle and kind to everyone."
Well, it was obvious both Gohan and Chi-Chi gave the whitewash version of him.
Goten's eyes suddenly became downcast. "Dad...I'm sorry I called you a coward and weak."
"Huh? What you mean?" Goku asked.
"When...when you told me that Gohan was killed by Majin Buu, me and Trunks called you many mean things," Goten went on as he played with his fingers. "I was mad that you didn't saved big brother and you were knocked out."
Goku gave a tensed smile. "I don't blame you for being mad. I did let Gohan get badly hurt because I wasn't there." Not to mention he helped revived Buu.
"What were you doing when Gohan fought Buu?" Goten asked. "I mean, how did you get knock out? Did Buu do it?"
Goku became quiet.
He really didn't want to tell Goten that he was fighting Vegeta. That information would eventually find its way to Trunks and Vegeta would have to answer some difficult questions. He also didn't know how much Trunks or Goten's knew about Vegeta's past. If they didn't have that talk yet, it wouldn't be good for him to tell him.
"Me and Vegeta had a disagreement about how to handle Buu," Goku answered carefully. "He ended up knocking me out in the end." It was mostly true.
Goten's eyes widened. "Mr. Vegeta knocked you out? How did it happen?"
Goku rubbed the back of his head, remembering Vegeta slamming his fists into it. He was lucky that he was dead; otherwise he may have had serious brain damaged. Until that moment, he didn't think it was possible knocked a dead man out.
"I drop my guard," he mumbled. When was he going to learn, never turn his back on Vegeta.
"If you and Vegeta worked together like me and Trunks, I bet you would've beat Buu easily," Goten said.
Goku chuckled. "Yes we would. But we don't like working together. We liked to fight on our own."
Goten tilted his head. "Why?"
He shrugged. "I don't know, we just do. I guess it's because we're Saiyans."
"But me and Trunks are Saiyans," Goten pointed out.
"You're half Saiyans. Don't forget, you're also half human," Goku corrected.
"Aren't humans and Saiyans the same?" Goten asked.
Goku folded his arms. "We may look the same, but we're actually quite different. Saiyans are much stronger, tougher, and have better senses than humans. We also have tails."
Goten's eyes widened. "Really!?" He paused in though. "I do remember seeing a tail in Gohan's old pictures. He said he lost it." He frowned. "But why don't I have a tail?"
"Really, you never had one?" Goku questioned.
He shook his head. "I saw my baby pictures and I never had a tail."
Goku hummed. "Maybe you just weren't born with one. I know Trunks wasn't. Something about tails being recessive in half Saiyans."
Goten frowned deeper. "I want a tail."
Goku laughed. "Tails are pretty cool."
"But why don't you and Vegeta have one?" Goten asked. "Did you lose them like Gohan?"
"I had my tail removed when I was a teenager. Vegeta lost his in battle," Goku stated.
"Why did you have your tail removed?" Goten questioned further.
"It was...recommended," Goku said, trying to find the right words.
Kami more or less insisted that his tail be removed. He knew it had something to do with the moon, but never made the connection. He didn't want to lose his tail, but decided to take Kami's advice. He was Guardian of the Earth, after all, and he thought his tail would hinder him in battle, despite long overcoming the weakness of his tail being grabbed.
Learning the truth, he was glad his tail was gone. He did miss the appendage. It was always good to have an extra limb handy. But...learning it was his tail that made him turned into the monster that murdered his grandfather...he didn't think he could ever look at it again.
And if he did still had his tail he could never be on a planet with full moons again. Sure, he could try not to look up, but he would slip eventually and someone could die. He could learned to control his ape form like Vegeta did, but it was more troubled than it's worth. Becoming a giant ape may have been useful a decade ago, but now it was just troublesome. It was too big and the power boast was minimal compared to his Super Saiyan state.
Now that got him wondering. What happened if you merged becoming a Great Ape with becoming a Super Saiyan?
"I wouldn't have gotten rid of it," Goten said. "If I had a tail, I could swing from the trees like a monkey."
This made Goku smile and poked his son on the ribs. "You're already a little monkey."
Goten giggled before he gave his father a serious look. "So, does that mean Saiyans are better than humans?"
Goku shook his head. "No. We maybe stronger than humans, but we aren't better."
"Why not?" Goten asked, his eyes filled with innocents.
Goku thought carefully about how to answered that. "We are born gifted. We have powers and abilities that humans will never have."
"Even Uncle Krillin, Yamcha, and 18?" Goten questioned.
Goku nodded before dwelling for a moment. "Well, 18 is a little different since she's an android who's been enhanced to reach our level. Even still, we aren't better. Just different. Human are kinder, gentler, and compassionate. These are things that Saiyans are not born with. We had to learn to be those things."
"I didn't have to learn those things," Goten countered.
"That's because of your human blood," Goku said. "See, you have the best of both worlds. You have the strengths of a Saiyan, but the heart of a human." He pointed at his son's heart to get his point across. "It's those things that make you powerful."
Goten's eyes widened in awe, touching his chest. "Really?"
Goku smiled and nodded. "Never think less of you human half, Goten. You're just as much a human as you are a Saiyan. Take pride in that."
Goten sat quiet for several seconds. "You're really smart and wise. Just like Gohan said you were." He burst into a wide smile. His eyes were practically sparkling. "Having a dad is so great! No wonder Trunks is so cool."
Goku stared at his youngest child for a moment. "Goten, did you ever wanted a father? I mean, you went your entire life without one."
He nodded. "Yeah. Gohan's great, but I always wanted a daddy like Trunks. Daddies can teach you stuff like fighting, hunting, and taking you to the park. And you've been teaching me about Saiyan stuff."
"You don't need a daddy to do those things," Goku pointed out.
"But it isn't the same," Goten said before staring at his father. "Don't you want to be my daddy?"
"Of course I do!" Goku exclaimed, much louder than he intended. "It's my greatest joy to be your daddy."
Goten giggled. "Then I will be the best son in the world so you don't ever want to leave again. I want you to stay forever!"
Goku felt himself becoming warm. It felt similar to how he felt when Gohan called him daddy that first time.
"Oh Dad, isn't it time to visit Gohan yet?" Goten suddenly asked.
He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was ten past three. "Yeah, it's time." He turned towards Chi-Chi who was doing chores in the kitchen. "We're leaving!"
He walked up to his youngest son and gently touched his shoulder. He put his fingers up to his forehead and focused on finding Gohan's energy. It didn't take him long. Gohan had a very unique energy signature, especially after training with Old Kai.
In less than a second, they vanished from their home in the mountains and appeared by a large yellow building.
Goku knew by the noise in the distance and the somewhat foul smell in the air that they were within a city. It was also a littler warmer. The mountains always had cooler weather.
"Dad!" Gohan exclaimed in surprise.
Goku looked up to see his son in his school uniform standing next to Videl and another girl he didn't recognized. She was about as short as Videl with blond hair and blue eyes.
"Goku, why are you here?" Videl stuttered, getting over her shock.
Goten waved happily. "Hi, Gohan! Dad said we could visit your school!"
The blond girl turned towards Gohan. "That's your dad?"
Gohan rubbed the back of his head and blushed. "Yeah... This is my father, Goku. And that's my little brother, Goten."
The girl looked between the two. "Wow. Your brother looks just like your dad. Like a little clone."
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" Goku asked bluntly.
"Aw, this is Erasa. A school friend of mines," Videl introduced.
Goku smiled. "Oh, well nice to meet you."
Erasa stared at him for a moment. "Funny. I thought Gohan said you were dead."
"Well, I was until a couple days ago," Goku answered, making poor Erasa more confused.
Gohan jumped between them. "He's such a kidder. What I meant was that my parents were separated until recently."
"Oh, I get it, marriage problems. My parents went through the same thing," Erasa said. "Although, saying that he was dead was a bit dramatic."
Goku tilted his head. "Marriage problems?"
"But mom and dad get along fine," Goten said, just as confused as his father.
"Anyway, we better get going. Mom hates when we're late," Gohan said, desperately trying to change the subject.
Goten frowned. "But I didn't get the chance to see your school."
"I'm curious myself," Goku spoke up. He looked over the building. "Sure is big. Nothing like the schools I saw in my travels. The ones I saw were much smaller. Some were even made of wood."
"We can do that later," Gohan said with some heat, surprising Goku.
Gohan almost never raised his voice. The only time recently he's done so was when he suggested Videl to kiss Old Kai. Was this what Chi-Chi meant about Gohan being more 'socially aware'?
"Gohan, it's okay," Videl said. She gave a calming smile. "We can give them a quick tour of the school. I'll just tell the teachers that they're with me."
"You...don't have to do that," Gohan said, still blushing.
Videl shook her head. "It's no big deal." She glanced at Erasa briefly before continuing. "Given everything he's done, it's the least I can do."
Goten jumped in excitement. "Thanks, Videl! You're going to make a wonderful big sister."
Now Gohan was bright red.
Erase looked between her two friends. "Big sister? Are you..."
"We're not!" Gohan quickly interrupted.
Videl grabbed Goku's arm and led him towards the school's grounds. "Come on."
Gohan quickly grabbed Goten's arm and did the same, too embarrass to say goodbye to Erasa.
After things calmed down, Videl gave a brief history of the school and the city, how it was once called Orange City until it was renamed in honor of her father after he beat Cell. Videl got a sour expression as she said that last part.
Once the ground tour was done, they went into the school where Goku and Goten got to checkout the classrooms and the extra school activities like basketball and baseball.
Goten was impressed by everything he saw while Goku silently took in the sights.
It was interesting seeing the normal world, especially the sports. He actually played baseball a little during his travels as a kid. It wasn't too much fun, though. It was too easy for him to hit home runs, catch balls, and strike out players. He couldn't see how Yamcha could do it for a living without dying of boredom. Still, he would love to play with people within his league.
"Are you going to go out for any sports?" Goten asked his big brother.
Gohan shook his head. "Nay, between my other after school activities and homework, I wouldn't have time."
"And given that everyone knows he's Saiyaman, they will be a lot of protest with him joining any team," Videl stated with a chuckle.
Gohan laughed too.
Goku said nothing, but he knew that wasn't the complete truth. Gohan didn't do sports because, like him, it was just too easy. He would have to hold back so much to keep from hurting anyone. And seemed to want to keep a low profile.
"Hey, Goku," Videl suddenly spoke, catching his attention. "I wanted to thank you."
Goku gave her a baffled look.
"I mean. You and Gohan didn't bust my dad for telling that lie about defeating Cell," Videl explained. "I hate that he took credit for Gohan and your hard work. Especially since you sacrificed your life to save us. And he did it again against Majin Buu. If you wanted to, you could ruin him." She sighed. "Although he does deserve it, he's still my father."
Goku smiled. "Think nothing of it. I don't mind him taking credit for Cell and Buu. He saved us by getting the people of Earth to give energy for the Spirit Bomb and saving Vegeta from Buu. He's very much the Earth's hero."
Videl frowned. "But..."
"And I don't want the credit. If Mr. Satan wants the fame, he can have it," Goku said. "I couldn't stand living his life."
"But it must make you a little angry," Videl said. "I mean, you saved this world so many times and when you asked for help, no one would listen to you. They completely blew you and Vegeta off. You were trying to save us and the world turned its nose at you."
Goku bit his lips. "I admit, I was upset." His eyes narrowed. "I watched Vegeta swallow his pride and plead with the people of Earth for energy. I then watched him nearly be beating to death by Buu, unable to help because I was trying to collect energy for the Spirit Bomb. For a moment, I honestly didn't want to save any of you."
Gohan turned towards his father in shock.
"But I accepted and wanted not to be known. So, I guess I can't complain that not many people gave their energy when I asked," Goku said in a lighter tone. "In this world, I'm a nobody. Mr. Satan is this world's champion and only he could move the people of Earth to act."
Videl shook her head. "I hate that it's like that. I want the world to know that Gohan and you are the real heroes." She lowered her eyes. "To know what I know now…it's like my entire life has been a lie."
Gohan walked beside Videl and put an arm around her shoulders. "Don't say that. Dad's right. Mr. Satan helped save the world. He also helped save the world from Cell. He, along with another precious ally, pushed me to unleash my full power. Without them, Cell would have surely killed us all."
Videl gave a soft smile.
Goku walked ahead to give the young couple some space. Although he was far from an expert on love or romance, even he could see the bond rapidly forming between those two. At the rate they were going, he was going to have daughter-in-law by the end of the year.
"So, you really are going to be my new sister!" Goten suddenly exclaimed, shattering the mood.
"Goten!" Gohan exclaimed.
Instead of being embarrassed, Videl giggled.
After about an hour, the tour was done and they were back outside.
"This is a really nice school," Goku said as he turned towards his son. "You must have worked hard to get here, Gohan."
Gohan blushed. "I guess."
"Don't be modest," Videl teased, elbowing Gohan's sides. "He got the highest test scores out of everyone who applied."
Goku smiled in pride. "Really. That's great. Looks like all that hard work paid off."
"That's cause big brother is the smartest guy in the world!" Goten declared, causing Gohan to blush deeper.
Goku turned to Videl. "I heard some kids have been giving you a hard time. Is everything okay?"
Videl winced before lowering her head. "It's fine. I mean...it was hard at first, but I'm getting over it. I shouldn't let them get to me any way."
"You shouldn't be ashamed about what happened. Everyone loses," Goku assured.
She shook her head. "But I'm the daughter of Mr. Satan. I wasn't supposed to lose. At least not in the first round. And..."
Goku waited patiently for her to continue.
"And, it was the moment when I finally prove myself. That I am a worthy fighter in my own right," Videl said barely above a whisper. "I wanted to surpass my dad."
Goku smiled. "I see. Well, if it makes you feel any better, you're already stronger."
Videl's head shot up. "What!?"
Gohan gave her a meek smile. "The truth is Videl, you were stronger than your father when I met you. I didn't want to say anything because I know how much you admire him."
"I'm surprise you haven't noticed," Goku said. "With the training you got from Gohan, you're way ahead of Mr. Satan."
She shook her head. "No...I never... I mean I've never seen my dad train. I also believed that he beat Cell, so there was no way I was stronger than him."
Goku laughed.
"Father," Gohan scolded.
Videl blushed furiously. "It's not funny!"
"That's not why I'm laughing," Goku said before he glanced at Gohan, who was staring curiously at him. "It's just that you and Gohan are so much alike. You both under value yourselves and think your fathers are better than what they are."
Both Gohan and Videl looked at each other, taking in Goku's words.
Goku looked directly at the young woman, becoming serious. "Videl, you are a brilliance, talented fighter. You learned to fly within a few weeks. It took me and the others years to do it. You are only missing some training. With practice, you can become the strongest woman in the world." He thought about his own words. "Well…maybe the second strongest next to Android 18."
Videl frowned. "But I won't be up to you guys' level."
"No. The difference's too great," Goku stated bluntly.
"Dad!" Gohan exclaimed.
Videl held up her hand. "No, it's okay, Gohan. It's painful, but I am happy to know where I stand." She gave a small smile. It wasn't a happy smile, but it wasn't bitter either. "I would rather live with the harsh truth then the comfortable lie I've lived in my entire life."
"Videl..." Gohan whispered.
"Besides, even if I never surpass you. Even if I am just a weakly human compared to you Saiyan, doesn't mean I will give up." Videl smirked at Gohan. "I will work hard and train myself to become the best martial artist I can be. I will surpass any human limits"
"That's the way," Goku cheered.
Gohan sighed, sounding relieved. "I was afraid you would lose your passion for martial artists if you knew about the Saiyans."
"Well, it does sucks knowing that there are aliens who make humans look like cockroaches, but I won't let that discourage me," Videl said. "I've been a martial artist for most of my life. I couldn't give it up even if I wanted to."
"So, do you want to come back with us, Gohan, or are you going to fly?" Goku asked, happy that him and Videl had this conversation.
"I guess I can go home with you guys," Gohan said after a moment of thought. "I'm not quite ready to go back to being Saiyaman, yet."
Goku cringed inward when he heard the name. Why Saiyaman of all things? Couldn't he chosen a cooler super hero name? And where did Gohan get the idea of becoming a super hero, anyway?
He shook head and put his fingers to his forehead. He felt Gohan grabbed his shoulder while Goten held on to his pants' leg.
With a blink of an eye, they were back at the house. Chi-Chi jumped slightly when she saw them.
"Honestly, I hate when you do that," she complained.
"Mom, we saw Gohan's school!" Goten yelled as he ran up to his mother.
She smiled. "How was it?"
"It was so cool and big. We saw Gohan's classrooms, sports, and the giant pool that they have. High school is so awesome!"
Chi-Chi affectingly patted her son's head. "Let's see you keep that attitude when you get to high school. For now, let's get ready for training."
Goten nodded and rushed to get his training gi.
Without being asked, Gohan went to do the same.
"You better get ready yourself," Chi-Chi said with a smile.
"Oh, we're going out together again?" Goku asked in excitement.
She nodded and Goku was off to put his gi on.
For the second time, the young family was off to their training ground. Like yesterday, Chi-Chi and Goten started things.
Goku noticed that Chi-Chi wasn't nearly as aggressive as yesterday. She was giving time for Goten to react to her movements and learned from his mistakes. Looks like she was taking their lessons to heart.
"He's getting really good," Gohan commented.
Goku nodded. "Yeah, he is. I can already see the different from yesterday. If he keeps this up, he'll be able to bridge the gap with Trunks."
Gohan chuckled. "Then Vegeta will put Trunks through the ringer to make him even stronger."
Yes he would. From Vegeta's attitude at the tournament, he saw Trunks and Goten's rivalry as an extension of their own. It was a mark improvement since before he barely acknowledged Trunks' existence. Trunks from that other timeline would be proud.
He wondered how that Trunks was doing. He knew that he was more than strong enough to beat those androids and Cell. He also told Trunks where New Namek was so he could restore the Earth's Dragon Balls and repair some of the damage to his own world.
His eyes became downcast.
Even with the Dragon Balls, however, there was no way to fully restore that world. Those who died within that last year would remain dead. His friends were dead. His son was dead. That world forever shattered because of him.
That easily could have been their world if Trunks hadn't come. That should have been their world...
Trunks saved them. He gave them a fighting chance and they couldn't do anything to really help him. He was alone with Bulma to repair a world that was nearly choked to death. A world he helped create because he failed to kill one man. A man he didn't even know existed.
He thought a lot about his raid on the Red Ribbon Army while he lay sick in bed. About what he could have done to stop Gero.
Really, the only thing he could have done was slaughter everyone within the base. He came closed to it. He showed no mercy to any soldier that crossed his path and he killed the head of the army. He killed countless that day, but it only took the survival of one to destroy the world.
It was irony at its finest.
He wanted to laugh. Look at him. He often got on Gohan for thinking of what ifs and here he was doing just that.
What's done was done.
Although Trunks' future was in shambles, it still stood. It could be rebuild. He should be grateful that he was giving even the small opportunity to help put that world back together. It would never be the same, but as long as people lived, there was hope. There was always hope.
Chi-Chi glimpsed over at Goku and saw that he had that distance expression on his face again, a noticeable sign that his thoughts have gone into dark places. She hated that look and she's been seeing it far too often lately.
She glanced at Gohan who also had an expression of concern. Although Gohan and her made plans for tomorrow, they could start cheering him up now. And she had just the remedy.
She stopped sparring against Goten.
"Why we stop?" Goten asked, but Chi-Chi quickly shushed him, not wanting Goku to hear. He was so out it that he noticed nothing.
"Your daddy is off-guard," Chi-Chi whispered as she pointed at his husband. "Perfect for an attack." She winked.
Goten blinked before smiling. His mom gave similar hints when she wanted to cheer Gohan up. It's been awhile since they played this game and it should be extra fun since dad was here.
Goku was unaware of any of this, still lost in his current musings.
"Gotcha!"
Goku snapped out of his thoughts and saw Goten flying towards him at rapid speeds. He had a huge, mischievous grin on his face.
Before he could raise his guard, Goten latched onto his chest and ran his fingers rapidly over him.
He stared down at his son in disbelief.
Was he trying to tickle him? It certainly felt that way, but Goten's efforts had little effect. It felt more like insects were running over him. Well, if he wanted to play games...
He grinned and grabbed Goten before pinning him to the ground. Within seconds, he had his youngest child squealing in laughter as he gently dug his fingers into his armpits and chest.
Goten was funny. Despite looking like him, he inherited his mother's tickle spots. After only a few seconds, he learned that Goten was especially sensitive on his underarms and upper ribs.
"Stop...stop!" Goten squealed. He tried to kick his father off, but he was helpless before his much stronger dad.
"You started it," Goku countered, tickling a little harder.
"Gohan help!" Goten cried, closed to tears from laughing so hard.
Gohan chuckled. Now he saw what his mom was trying to do. "Well, you did start it." He grinned. "But..."
Goku caught the movement from the side of his eyes and dodged his elder son's tackle almost on instinct.
Gohan was taking by surprise as his dad pinned him and started to squeeze his stomach. Now Goku had both of his sons screaming in laughter.
Goku grinned proudly at himself.
Yeah, he still got it. And too bad for Gohan that he remained as ticklish as he remember. Despite growing bigger, he still knew all his son's weak spots by heart. Well, they were fairly easy to remember since Gohan and him share many of the same vulnerable area.
The fun didn't last long before Goten and Gohan were able to wiggle themselves free. Both of their faces red from laughter.
Gohan stared at his dad in mild disbelief, shocked that he was still able to subdue him so effortlessly.
Goku couldn't help being a little disappointed. He used to be able to restrained Gohan and torture him to his heart's content. When he was young, Gohan didn't really mind. Tickle fights were one of his favorite games, especially as a toddler, since Gohan loved being touched and laughing. Well, it wasn't really a fight since he always won handedly.
Now, Gohan was simply too big and strong for a prolong tickle session and given how Gohan tended to act lately, he doubt he would enjoy such games much anymore. He missed those chances years ago...
Oh well. He still had Goten to play with, who seemed to have enjoyed himself given the smile still planted on his face.
"No...no fair..." Goten huffed. He pointed at his father. "You're not ticklish."
Goku smirked, not willing to correct him.
Chi-Chi walked beside him and chuckled at their sons. She now was the one with the mischievous smile. "Oh, he is. You just need to know where to get him."
Before Goku could move or deny Chi-Chi's statement, she turned towards him and her hands shot up towards his lower stomach. Within seconds, he was giggling frantically as Chi-Chi caressed his sensitive belly and the lower part of his ribs.
He attempted to pull away, but Chi-Chi was ready for it. With a sweep of her leg, he was sent tumbling to the ground. He managed to keep from landing on his head and spine on reflex, but the impact still left him dazed for several seconds. By the time he regained his bearings, Chi-Chi had mounted him and resumed the torture.
"Weren't you the one who said to always watch your feet," Chi-Chis playfully teased.
Goku couldn't answered as he laughed and gigged as he attempted to catch Chi-Chi's hands, but every time he tried she would move to a different spot. Soon she was rapidly dancing her fingers across his stomach and chest.
Well, looked like Chi-Chi remembered his weak spots as well. Not helping was that his body was still adjusting to its newfound sensitivity, which made the tickling seemed much worst. The pure overdosed of sensation was almost overwhelming.
"Aren't you two going to join?" Chi-Chi asked her sons.
Goku's eyes widen in horror. "No fair!"
Chi-Chi smirked at him. "In this game, there's no such thing as unfair."
Goten didn't have to be asked twice as he rushed over to helped his mom torment his ribs and stomach. Although, he became quickly frustrated when his father's laughter didn't increased.
"No, no, that isn't how you do it. Because of your size you have to focus on one spot," Chi-Chi advised, all without stopping her own torture. She moved one of her hands to his lowered stomach and squeezed, causing Goku to jump. "See, he's really sensitive here."
"Don't tell him that!" Goku yelled through his laughter.
Goten eagerly attacked his dad's lower belly and was delighted to see that he was finally getting a reaction out of his father.
Chi-Chi meanwhile moved her hands up to his chest and underarms, although she did dip to feather his sides, causing her husband to squirm.
Gohan walked over and settled on his father's kicking legs, pinning them to the ground before carefully removing one of his father's boots. Once that was done, he restrained the right ankle and gently stroked the surprisingly soft sole.
He focused his efforts on the middle of the sole. This was a particularly bad spot for Goten and him. When he was a boy, his dad always took advantaged of this, leaving him in tears and begging for mercy with no escaped from the torment. From the way his father's laughter went up by several volumes, he also shared this weak spot, causing Gohan to grin. After all these years, he finally gets to pay his dad back.
Between the three of them, Goku was in complete hysteria and his robust laughter echoed across the mountains. Tears were rolling down his face and he could feel his chest beginning to ache.
If it was one weakness he never overcame, it was his ticklishness. It was even more embarrassing that he was the most ticklish out of everyone in his family. He never bothered to train himself out of it since it's never been a real issue in battle or in play. The one fighter who did tried to use this weakness got shot into the air and he used to have the advantage in these types of games.
Despite Gohan's best attempts, his small hands didn't have much of an effect on him; much like how Goten couldn't really tickled him. Chi-Chi fared better, but he was a stronger and able to dislodged her with a fair amount of ease, although he did let her have her fun for a few minutes before retaliating.
Actually, even with this, he could still escaped without too much trouble. Outside of Gohan, none of them had the power to truly restrain him.
Problem was, it's difficult to control ones' power in a fit emotion, especially laughter. He could slip and badly hurt Chi-Chi or even Goten. He sent Caterpy flying a good one-hundred feet and nearly fried the guy because he couldn't concentrate and briefly lost control. Since he's much stronger now, a lapse in control like that could kill someone.
It was one of the drawbacks of being so powerful. Being disciplined and always in control was important when you could destroy a small planet by just implying too much pressure.
And...honestly...he didn't really want to escaped.
Yes it was torture. But he was also having the time of his life. It's been a very long time, too long, since he laughed like this, even if it was forced. After days of uncertainty, unresolved emotions, and feeling distance from his family, it felt good to let go and laughed.
Funny, when he first got married, he hated being touched like this. He never was, and still wasn't to an extent, someone who liked being touched. He especially disliked being tickled in those early days since he didn't like the lost of control and was often annoyed when Chi-Chi tickled him purposely or accidentally during their first year together.
He still wasn't a fan, but he didn't mind if it was his family. He could tell by their laughter and giggling that they were enjoying themselves, which was worth any personal discomfort. They suffered a lot during these last couple of days too and needed a stress reliever.
Nonetheless, this really needed to stop soon. This was becoming somewhat painful.
"St...Stop!" Goku managed to stuttered after finding his breath.
"That isn't how you end the game, dad," Goten said, giggling the entire time.
"Yeah, dad. You have to surrender," Gohan playfully reminded him, although he did eased up on the tickling so his dad could form sentences more easily.
Goku growled under his breath. He forgot that part, mostly because he never lost a tickle fight. He hated to surrender, even in a game.
But...as he told himself...he was surrendering for their benefit since he could escape. He's just playing along.
"I...give... I give up! I give up!" Goku shouted. His voice squeaked as he yelled.
The second he surrender, the torture ceased.
Goku was left panting for air and still giggling as he attempted to recompose himself. He was covered in sweat from laughing so much and tears strained his face. He knew his cheeks were red even if he couldn't see them given how hot they were along with the rest of his body.
Yeah, he got worked over nicely. Yet...he couldn't get rid of the stupid grin that was plastered on his face or the feeling of happiness pulsing through his body.
He slowly cracked his eyes opened and saw his family staring down at him, each grinning with Goten outright chuckling at him.
"You're right, mom. Dad is really ticklish," Goten giggled.
"Told you. You just need to get him in the right place. Once you find his spots, he becomes a big pushover and giggles like a little boy," Chi-Chi said as she patted her husband's stomach, almost like one would do a dog.
Goku glared at her, not caring for the imagery she painted.
She paid him no mind as she turned towards Goten and raising a finger. "But you're not to do this around anyone else. Even Trunks."
Goten frowned. "Why not."
"Your dad doesn't care for other people touching him, especially in this way. He only doesn't mind around family," she explained as she rolled off of Goku.
Goku was grateful for Chi-Chi telling Goten that. It would be annoying if Goten tried to attack him in front of his friends. It would give them ideas.
Chi-Chi glanced down at her husband, seeing his relieved expression. Although she did it so Goten wouldn't do anything to make his father uncomfortable, she also did it so Goku wouldn't feel incline to get rid of this particular weakness. He mostly kept his ticklishness around for their amusement.
She was very grateful that. He was just so cute when he relaxed and laughed. It was also empowering to have such a strong, invincible warrior under her control by something as simple as a gentle touch.
Him having the same tickle spots as a monkey was also amusing, which she supposed made sense since Saiyans appeared to be a type of evolved monkey with their tails and other features. Which she would never say that out loud since she learned from Bulma that calling a Saiyan a monkey was a racist slur. Something Bulma learned the hard way.
And she could tell that he enjoyed it too, although he would never verbally admit it. That huge, happy smile he had earlier wasn't all forced. She also heard the noticeable glee in his voice as he laughed. He really was a big kitten.
Gohan stood up and offered a hand to his father once his breathing returned to a more normal pace.
Goku took the offer and was able to sit up. "Man, Gohan, when did you become so good?" he asked as he reached for his discarded boot. He took the time to rub his foot, which still tingled from earlier.
"I've been practicing on Goten." He smirked at his younger brother, who stuck his tongue at him.
Goku chuckled. "So, you've been tormenting your poor little brother. Didn't know you could be so mean."
"Yeah!" Goten answered for Gohan. "Gohan is an evil tickle monster. He can even make Trunks cry."
Gohan smiled, obviously very proud of himself. "You both deserved it most of the time. Trying to play pranks on me." He turned towards his dad. "But I can't complain. Playing with Goten and Trunks gave me the experience to finally beat you." He started to snicker "You should have seen yourself. I've never heard you laugh that hard."
"Only because you guys ganged up on me," Goku lightly countered.
"Excuses, excuse," Gohan mocked in good nature.
Goku's eyes twinkled in amusement as he put his boot on. "You know, this means payback."
Gohan grinned. "I would like to see you try."
He was tempted to take up his son's challenge now, but that was enough tickling for one day. Besides, tickle torture worked best when the person wasn't expecting it. He would have his son begging for mercy yet.
With the game finished, the family went back to their sparring session. Throughout the rest of the evening, Goku felt a sense of light heartedness and his thoughts stopped wondering into dark places.
Chi-Chi smiled in triumph as she glanced at her elder son as they prepared to return home.
Gohan returned her smile, happy that their little game worked.
Laughter was an extremely effective medicine and his mother often used tickle fights on him when he was especially depressed after the Cell Games. It wasn't a cure all by any means and the effects were temporary, but they would take any small victory.
Hopefully things would get even better tomorrow.
My longest chapter yet for this story. I am surprised by the length, but there was so much to be said and done. I also wanted a little silliness since this story has been getting a little too serious. My favorite part to write was Goku and Videl's conversations. I didn't originally plan to have them talk like this, but I got inspired by the first Dragon Ball Super credits when you see Goku on a hill with his entire family, including Videl. Since she will be Goku's daughter-in-law it only felt right for them to have a heart-to-heart. Kind of like making her officially part of the family.
Now, for my guest reviewers:
Guest, thank you for your review. People do tend to miss those aspects of Goku's personalty. I think it is because most fans never watched the original Dragon Ball which shows how much Goku changed between it and Z, especially when it comes to killing people. I think people tend to overlook Goku is an alien with a different set of rules and ethics since he does mostly have a human mentality about many things. That is why we get all those 'Goku is a bad father' essays because people try to enforce human (and western) standards him. This is partly why I felt compile to write this story. I wanted something that shows all aspects of Goku, the good, the bad, and the alien. Glad to know that I am succeeding in that.
Sunshine, thank you for your review. Happy to hear that you feel for this story. It is always hard to gauge what comes off as emotional or not.
CGG, thank you for your review. Personally, I don't care about adding movie villains, some I find overrated. I don't mind filler or movies as long as they don't contradict something in canon and most of the movie villains couldn't happened or their existence make little sense. Bojack is somewhat possible, but how he got free contradict canon since Beerus blew up King Kai's planet without freeing him, yet somehow Cell self-destruction does it.
As for Goku knowing about Goten, I doubt he knew since in both the dub and the Japanese text, Goku is quite shock to see Goten and even ask if he's his in the sub. Goku tells Gohan to say sorry for Chi-Chi because he's going to die, again, and this time there was no way for him to be brought back. He was also apologizing for all the times he has been selfish.
osumos, thank you for all your reviews. Happy that you have been enjoying the story so much. Gohan and Goku are still close, but as you see in this chapter, Gohan is going through those difficult years. There is also the upbringing different between them. Goku was raised alone in the mountains, where Gohan had a more normal family life. Although, he acts more like his goofy self around his family and the reason why Gohan's interaction works so well with Goku is because he is wise beyond his years. I also enjoy Chi-Chi and Goku physical interactions.
ALI, thank for your very long review. That was quite a read and thanks for sharing so much of yourself. Small correction, Evangelion is a 80s anime and manga like Dragon Ball, and like Dragon Ball it is going through a rebirth stage, so it is technically not part of the new generation. I also have to somewhat disagree with you about modern anime. I love the new stuff like Attack on Titans, Fullmetal Alchemist (both versions), Kill La Kill, and others. They also have a lot of meaning behind it, especially Fullmetal Alchemist and Attack on Titans. The meaning and intent is just different from the older anime. With that said, Dragon Ball, Robotech, and Sailor Moon hold a special place in my heart since those anime are my childhood and got me into Japanese animation. But to each their own, we all like different stuff. Although, I personally find it funny how you said cartoon have no meaning today. My parents said the exact same thing about the stuff I watched growing up, especially anime.
I personally think both Goku and Chi-Chi put up a lot from each other. Goku has to deal with Chi-Chi's controls issues and bossiness, and she has to deal with Goku's love for fighting and running off. But they make it work, which is why they loved each other. They put up with each other flaws. No relationship is perfect or painless, but it is how you deal with those flaws that makes a marriage.
I try not to think too deeply about GT. I don't hate it like other fans do and it did have some good ideas and I liked that it asked if the characters were too depend on the Dragon Balls. But it was highly flawed, poorly executed, and I never considered it canon so the ending never effected me on that level. Not to mention it was downright confusing and weird. Although, my interpretation of GT's ending with Shenron is that the Earth became too depended on the Dragon Balls to fix their problems, which is why Shenron decided to leave. I am not too sure why Goku went with him. I think it is because Goku asked for a final wish to restore everything so things could start anew. That is what I believed happened.
On the story itself, I always tried to dig deeper into stuff. It is a mixed of me over-thinking things and wanting to know how these characters think. To see them as more than what we've seen and fully flush them out as three-dimensional characters.
Well, hope you keep reading and enjoy the finale of the story.
That is it for now. Next chapter, the story will conclude. It seems so short, yet so long given the chapters' length. It's been fun nonetheless. Be sure to be here for the finale.
