~Chapter 8: A Devil's Desperation!~
The next morning, just as he had promised, Goku began to teach Goten the Instant Transmission technique. The two Saiyans woke up at the crack of dawn, and after a nice breakfast, started the lesson off in a field somewhere on the mountain.
Goten sat on the grass with his legs crossed and hands folded in his lap as his father stood a few paces in front him, smiling.
"Alright Goten, before we begin, I just have to worn you about one thing. Instant Transmission is a very advanced technique that took me almost six months to learn while I was on Yardrat. It may take you a while to learn, so don't get discouraged. Just remember you have incredible potential. Your strength improvement for your age is honestly amazing. And now that you're serious about training again, I can't wait to see how strong you'll become in the future."
"Thanks Dad. I promise I won't let you down!" Goten exclaimed happily. He didn't care how long it took, this was one technique he wanted to learn. If Goten was going to be an accomplished warrior like his father, he needed more special attacks besides the Kamehameha.
"Now that's what I like to hear!" Goku said, grinning proudly. "Okay, let's get started then. For this move, you have to focus hard on a person's energy level. Lock onto them and focus as hard as you can. Then you immediately teleport to wherever they are. It sounds difficult at first, but soon it becomes pretty natural. It's saved me more than a few times in my day."
"Like when?"
Goku regretfully recalled that day fifteen years ago when he died the second time. He sighed. "Well the biggest time was against Cell. He was going to blow up the planet, and so I had no choice but to teleport him off of Earth. I ended up at King Kai's place, but I had no time to teleport back to Earth so I ended up dead. If I had any idea that your mother was pregnant, I would've came back. That's been my biggest regret. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Goten..."
"Don't worry about it, Dad! You're here now, and mom and Gohan told me plenty of stories! I felt you around all the time. That's why when we met it felt familar. Besides, if it wasn't for your training in Other World, Trunks and I would have never learned fusion!" Goten replied with a toothy grin.
Goku smiled. "Yeah, you're right. Anyway, let's begin. I want you try what I just said!"
Goten cheered before staring at his father blankly. "Wait a sec. Can you show it to me again? I think a demonstration would be really helpful."
"You got it!" Goku put two fingers to his forehead as he tried to focus on a familiar Ki. "Hmm... where should I go?" A few seconds went by as Goten carefully watched his father. "...There!" Goku happily said, before phasing out of existence just like that. He returned to the spot in front of his son a moment later, holding a certain disgruntled Namekian by the cape.
"Why did you have to grab me?" Piccolo wasn't too happy to have his early morning meditation by Goku's antics. "You could've warned me before you did that!"
Goku smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Piccolo! I was just teachin' Goten the Instant Transmission, and he wanted a demonstration! I thought about Vegeta but he'd probably be really mad if brought him all the way out here in the middle of his gravity training, so you were my next thought!"
A small grin found its way to the green man's face. "Following in your father's footsteps, I see. I'm proud of you, Goten. Now if only Gohan had the same motivation that you do."
"Yeah! For all we know, this peace might not last for much longer, and I want to be able to help fight if the time comes."
Piccolo smiled proudly. Finally, someone in the new generation that actually had some fighting spirit! "And how do you plan to start?"
Goten shrugged. "I dunno exactly. After I figure Instant Transmission out, Trunks and I are gonna try to achieve Super Saiyan 2 in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber!"
"I see. I've seen your potential firsthand and I know that you boys can do it. That's good news. But I should get going; I need to get back to my own training." And with that Piccolo took off.
"Piccolo's right! I know you'll be able to ascend!" Goku exclaimed excitedly, ruffling his son's hair. Goten smiled eagerly and then clapped his hands. "Alright, let's begin!"
Eight days had passed since Goten started to learn Instant Transmission. He still had a long way to go before he mastered it, but Goten knew he was close. Goku explained that it was only a matter of time until he could teleport anywhere he wanted, including Other World!
Now, Goten was setting part two of his training into motion. The Hyperbolic Time Chamber. The quickest and most efficient way of getting stronger. It was also a quick way to fully master his new technique. Goten planned on calling Trunks and heading into the room together. There, they could spend an entire year in a day, but Goten figured that they didn't need the full year anyway.
Smirking, Goten put his new technique to the test, and focused on Trunks.
In an instant, he was gone. Chi-Chi frowned, wondering how much her baby was going to grow in that 'silly room.' Goku teleported to the Lookout as well, wanting to tell his son one last word of advice before he went in.
Goten arrived on the Lookout and saw Trunks was already waiting for him. "Hey man! What's with the box?"
"My mom made us armor to wear!"
Trunks placed the crate on the white marble tile and opened it up. Inside the teens found two pairs of armor, blue spandex, white gloves, and white boots. The exact same armor that their fathers had worn many years ago.
"Well, let's not waste any time!" Goten said eagerly. He sat down on the ground of the Lookout, and immediately kicked off his boots and started to undress to his underwear, with Trunks right behind him.
After a few minutes, Goten and Trunks were fully suited up. Goten jumped up and down a few feet, as Trunks punched the air a few times.
"It's so light!"
"It's a perfect fit!"
They were ready.
Piccolo smirked. It was like deja vu. Goten was the splitting image of his father in that armor, and Trunks appeared identical to his future timeline self. "Come on. I'll lead you to the Time Chamber." His long white cape flowed in the gentle wind as Goten and Trunks giddily followed him.
"You walk too slow!"
"Yeah come on ya grandpa! Speed it up!"
Piccolo just groaned to himself, knowing that if he replied that'd only be given them what they wanted.
Goku followed the two, wanting to have a word with both of them. He just grinned while the boys teased Piccolo
The boys seemingly walked forever. Was the trail to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber always this long? No. It wasn't. But they were so excited that a minute felt like an hour.
Piccolo eventually stopped in front a large brown door. "Here it is. Dende had the door restored after the battle with Buu, so it's as good as new." He opened the door, revealing the bright white light from within.
The boys sent each other one last smirk before walking together towards the entrance.
"Hold it!"
Goten and Trunks swung around, facing Son Goku curiously. Their eyebrows were raised in confusion as both blinked repeatedly.
"Listen boys. There's something I want to explain to both of you." Goku explained, placing a hand on both of their shoulders. "I don't want you two to rely on fusion anymore."
"What? Why?"
"It's our ultimate technique! You taught it to us!"
"Fusing is certainly a great technique, but it shouldn't be used during every little fight, okay?. Training your bodies to their limits as individuals will increase your power much further. In addition, when the time comes that you guys do need to fuse, the result would be stronger than you'd imagine."
Goten and Trunks looked at each other in wide-eyed silence for a moment, before facing Goku again and smirking. "Yes sir!" They saluted Goku, just like the old days of fusion training.
"That's good to hear, boys. I wish you luck in there. It's not as easy as you think to live in there for long periods of time. So just be careful. That place messes with your head!" Goku spoke the truth.
As a child, he couldn't survive a month in there alone, but he knew the boys would be up to the task. "Oh, before I forget. Take these." The Saiyan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small brown sack containing eight Senzu Beans. "If training gets too intense, take one! Remember, rest is important too!"
Goten took the sack, sending a quick salute to his father before walking into the room with Trunks. Piccolo closed the door behind them.
The two teens took a look at the new surroundings. To their left was a kitchen stocked with food, and to their right was a single bathroom along with two queen-sized beds. Out in front of them was the seemingly endless white void, where they'd be spending the majority of their time over the next few months.
Goten smirked, cracking his knuckles in anticipation as he walked towards the whiteness.
Trunks was checking out their living conditions when he noticed his friend wasn't with him. He peeked out to see Goten already standing out in the main part of the dimension, the heightened gravity not even slightly phasing him. Sweat-dropping, Trunks darted out after his best friend. "Wait for me!"
The younger Saiyan turned around, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, dude. I wasn't gonna start without ya!"
"Let's get started then."
Goten smirked, getting into a fighting pose. "Way ahead of you." He flashed Super Saiyan, motioning for his friend to do the same.
"Ahh, I see how it is." Trunks jumped backwards multiple feet through the air as he too turned Super Saiyan. He fell into a fighting pose of his own, gesturing for Goten to make the first move.
From the outside world, Goku and Piccolo stood over the edge of the Lookout, chatting about the possibilities of the future.
"Do you really think they'll be able to ascend, Goku?"
"Of course. Those two are our successors, Piccolo. Soon it'll be up to them to save the Earth."
"Sometimes I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing." Piccolo said sweat-dropping, remembering how arrogant the boys became when they fused.
Goku chuckled. "You could be right, but they've matured since Buu. I think they're taking fighting seriously now."
"I hope you're right. Who knows what could be waiting for us..." Piccolo said; the tone in his voice sounding slightly anxious. "This peace might not last for much longer..."
"Yeah, I know how you feel... But that's why we have to be ready for whatever comes our way. That goes for all of us."
Piccolo chuckled. "You're right. Now if only we could get Gohan to train again. He's slacked off way too much!"
Goku shook his head, grinning. "I dunno, Piccolo. I've noticed a slight change in Gohan these past few days too."
Back in the Time Chamber, hours turned to days. Days turned to weeks, and eventually, weeks turned to months.
Six months in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber passed by in a flash.
It equaled roughly twelve hours on the outside world.
They had also grown and matured physically, too. Their faces were beginning to look more manly, as well as their voices. Goten grew another three inches, his shoulders becoming much broader. His signature 'Goku haircut was no more. Now it was long and shaggy back of his neck. Trunks also grew a bit, making him still just an inch taller His light purple hair now reached his shoulders, which he tied back with a small band, mirroring his future counterpart.
Goku, Piccolo and Vegeta were on the Lookout when they sensed two huge power levels emerge from the room.
"The boys are done!" Goku exclaimed.
"But they didn't even use the full year!" Piccolo replied. He was eager to see their progress, but just by sensing them, he could tell were much stronger from when they went in.
Vegeta smirked. It seemed Trunks was still a bit stronger!
"Let's go meet them." The usual quiet Dende said.
Piccolo shook his head, smiling softly. "It's fine. They're on their way here anyway."
Goten stretched his arms, taking in the fresh air of the outside world. "Man, I really missed that smell. It's good to be out!"
Trunks smirked teasingly. "Going right to see Rias? I'm sure she's soooo excited to see you! She's been waiting for you for a while!"
"It's been like a week for her, bro. I'm sure she's fine."
"You missed her too. Don't lie." Trunks teased.
Goten looked away, hiding a blush. He really did miss Rias. Seeing her pretty face all the time really brightened his day.
The older Saiyan started snickering. "Goten's got a crush! Goten's got a crush!"
"I do not!"
"You're a shit liar. Your face is red."
Goten rolled his eyes, shoving his friend playfully in shoulder as Trunks snickered louder.
Both boys soon found themselves snickering as they came out the main part of the Lookout.
They were surprised to find both of their fathers along with Piccolo as well. Goten thought his father would see him off and then leave, but he didn't think he would wait around!
It came as a shock to both of them to see Vegeta there more than anybody else. Of course, the Saiyan prince learned of his son's plan from Bulma, and wanted to check out his son's increased power level.
"Hey, everyone! We're done!" Goten said while running up to his father. Trunks eagerly followed, stopping in front of his father.
"Goten! What happened to your hair? It doesn't look like mine anymore!" He said, ruffling Goten's wild black hair. Goten's long spiky bangs covered his eyes, making it somewhat hard to tell it was him. "I can't believe it! You got big, kiddo! Even your voice is slightly deeper!"
Vegeta laughed. "Hmph. Kakarot, you should be ashamed! Your son just comes out that room, and you ask him about his hair?!" He yelled at Dad comically.
"Okay geez, sorry Vegeta. I was gonna ask that next…" Dad said putting his hands up in front of his face. "So yeah, how much stronger did you two get?!"
"Yes, Trunks. Enlighten us." Vegeta added. "I hope you two weren't messing around in there!"
"No, Dad! Goten and I got a lot stronger! I even ascended to Super Saiyan 2!" Trunks said proudly. "And Goten almost did!" Trunks said pointing at his friend with a grin. "You shoulda seen it! He was so close!"
Goten rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed that he couldn't accomplish his goal of ascending. "Yeah, I don't know why, but I just couldn't get it. I can feel that I'm really close though!"
Goku smiled, filled with pride. "That's still incredible, Goten! I know you're almost there. I can sense it! Just remember to use your anger!"
The Saiyan prince laughed again. "While you were off messing around with those girls, you could've been training!"
Goten lightly laughed in response, because in a way, he was right. Goten suddenly felt guilty. He had rejected his training for a while up until recently, and he had been spending a lot of time with Rias and Akeno lately…
"Oh come on, Vegeta!" Goku said standing up for his son. "The boys are just restarting their training! Give them a break!"
Vegeta scowled in return. "Trunks!" The Saiyan prince yelled angrily, focusing on his son.
"Y-Yes?" Trunks asked, sweat-dropping lightly. He had been out of the room for five minutes and Vegeta was already on his case!
"Come with me, son." He said, his patience running thin. "I want to see just how strong you've gotten over the last six months you spent in that room!"
Trunks swallowed hard. "A-Alright. But I need my clothes first."
"Hey, Piccolo? Can you make us some new outfits?" Goten asked.
"Sure kid. What'cha want?" The Namekian replied.
Goten thought about what he wanted for a moment before speaking up. "How bout my Dad's exact outfit, except black instead of blue?"
"Can I get a larger gi of what I wore when I was younger? Ya know the green one?"
"Comin' right up!" Piccolo held his hands over the teens' heads and used his magic to create the colors exactly how they asked. "There ya go! I even threw in weights for extra training."
"Lookin' sharp, buddy!" Goku exclaimed, proudly putting a hand on his shoulder. "Just like his ol' dad." Goten replied with a wide, toothy grin, mirroring his father's.
Vegeta crossed his arms and hovered into the air. "Trunks. We're leaving now." He demanded in his usual stern, gruff tone.
Trunks sighed. He turned around, giving a quick head nod to his friend. "See ya around, man. Good luck fighting that one asshole."
"Thanks, man. Talk to ya soon." Goten replied with the signature two-fingered salute of the Son family.
Immediately after, Vegeta blasted off towards East City, with Trunks lagging behind. The last thing he wanted to do was train with his father in the gravity room after training for six months straight. Though unfortunately for Trunks, Vegeta wasn't as carefree as Goku was. He hoped Bulla or his mother could get Vegeta to lay off, because the Saiyan prince listened to nobody else.
Goku turned back to Goten. "So what's your plan now, son?"
The Saiyan teen shrugged. "I guess I'll go see what Rias is up to. I promised I'd meet up with them after my training was done."
Goku nodded, flashing his son a thumbs up. "Alright, kiddo. But first let me give you a haircut. I gave Gohan one when we trained for Cell too!"
"Okay!"
After Goku cleaned up the mop on his son's head a bit, Goku left. Goten promised he'd stop by before the fight to see his mother and niece. He said goodbye to the three inhabitants of the Lookout and also vanished just like his father.
The entire group of Rias and her peerage were gathered at the Gremory's large cottage in the countryside outside of East City.
Each of the young devils were getting some last bits of training in before the game that began two days from now. Goten had insipired them to team had extensively trained for almost eight days straight, and have considerably improved their skills. Most importantly, Issei had unlocked his Sacred Gear. It was a red gauntlet known as the Boosted Gear, one of the thirteen Longinus.
Currently they were just relaxing in the living room after a long morning hike.
Rias hadn't stopped thinking about the Saiyan and what he said to her the day Riser appeared. He was going to finally free her from Riser. Her heart fluttered every time Goten's face entered her mind. "Where are you, Goten? I miss seeing your cute face..." She didn't realize that she started blushing as she mumbled that while skimming through a magazine.
Akeno sat across from Rias, giggling at Rias' disgruntled and flustered state.
Suddenly, an orange and black blur appeared right in the middle of the room almost on cue. The six devils practically jumped out of their seats from the huge shock they received from the tall muscular boy appearing from out of nowhere! "Hey!"
Rias in particular fell out of her chair and onto her butt from the sudden scare. Wincing, the pretty teen got up, rubbing her sore behind. "What's the big idea!? Who are you?" She didn't recognize who the boy actually was at all.
Kiba however was a little bit more perceptive. "Is that...?"
"Oops! Sorry I scared ya!" Goten exclaimed happily, scratching the back of his head. "Looks like you guys have gotten stronger!"
Rias was still lost. "D-Do I know you?" She had admit, the new kid was cute. Really cute. Familiar too. Little did she know was that she was facing the boy she had been waiting for.
"What's wrong, Rias? Don't ya recognize me?" Goten said with his typical innocence. "Ah, my hair probably makes me look different."
"G-Goten? Is that you?" Issei said, surprised but happy to see his friend. "
Rias' face lit up with pure joy. "Goten~!" She jumped into his arms, hugging him while laughing happily. Breaking the hug seconds later, Rias found herself blushing tremendously at his manly appearance. Akeno's cheeks turned pink with infatuation as well. "Y-You got so much taller! A-And your hair! W-What happened!?"
Goten shrugged. "I spent time in a room where I could live out an entire year in one day! Though Trunks and I only were in there for six months. So I kinda had a growth spurt." The Saiyan replied sheepishly.
"W-Wow..That's amazing! If anybody but you had said that, I would have thought you were nuts." She was in awe of Goten's more mature appearance. He had only be gone a week for them, but he had actually aged six months! Rias ran her hands down his broad shoulders to his chiseled arms, her cheeks turning from a soft pink to a bright red. She had to get on the tips of her toes to reach his face now! "H-He's even cuter now than he was before...!"
"I missed you..." Goten whispered, staring deep into the redhead's eyes. "The entire time I was in that room I couldn't stop thinking about you and the promise I made. I still meant what I said.."
Rias' cheeks flushed while she blinked repeatedly in awe at him. edhead went weak in the knees looking at him as her whole body became hot and filled with loving desire. She leaned up to give him a welcome back kiss, but he was suddenly yanked backwards at the last second before her lips could touch his face. She pouted, glaring at the culprit. "Akeno!"
It was Akeno. The busty senior draped her arms around Goten's back, running her hands around his chest. Akeno's purred silently in pure desire while pressing her huge melons against his back. "Goten~! You've gotten stronger, right~? How about you use that strength on me while naked?" She said whispering into his ear.
"But I might hurt ya if I go full power!" Goten said innocently, not actually realizing the meaning behind Akeno's sexual advances.
Akeno giggled at his naive innocence. "Not that, sweetie. I'll show you what I mean. Just come with me~!"
Rias growled. "Get away from Goten!" She found his comment absolutely adorable, but didn't take too kindly to Akeno's flirting.
"Oh my, Rias. Are you jealous?" Akeno purred, hugging Goten tighter. The senior' smirked at Rias while her perky boobs were squished against Goten's back. "I'm just saying hello to my cute junior~!"
"No I'm not!" Rias formed the Gremory's signature Destruction energy. "You're just trying to piss me off!"
Akeno smirked. "And what if I am?" She was still hugging Goten from behind as she channeled electricity in her hands.
Goten gulped, jumping forward out of Akeno's embrace to get between the two seniors. "Ladies, ladies! Calm down! We're supposed to be on the same team!"
"You're right…" Akeno said as the electricity in her hands disappeared.
"Rias, c'mon." Goten prodded. "You too."
"Fine." Rias said with a light puff of her cheeks as her energy ball disappeared as well. Pouting, the redhead stuck her tongue out at Akeno like a little kid.
Goten sighed with relief. "Phew. Crisis averted."
Rias turned back to Goten, placing her hands on her curvy hips. "Alright, you big goof. Looks like it's time to tell us what you've been up to."
As the devils sat down to chat and caught up with Goten, he decided to do some minor exercise for a bit. To him though, 'minor exercise' consisted of five thousand one fingered push-ups! The devils watched in awe as their jaws dropped to the floor at the amazing display. It was like nothing they had ever seen before. Every time they thought Goten's feats couldn't be topped, he proved them wrong every time.
Time went by as Goten continued doing push-ups when suddenly Rias suddenly got an idea. She got up from the couch, giggling as she went over to him.
"4919, 4920, 4921, 4922, 4923..." Goten said, effortlessly counting off his push-ups. But then, his concentration broke when Rias plopped down on his back. Her perky and plump butt squished against his back, while her long legs draped down each side of his waist. She giggled at his flustered state as he tried to continue. "...4924..?" The Saiyan said as he tried to refocus his attention, but his mind kept picturing Rias' bare ass. The soft squishy feeling of her butt was overwhelming his usual perfect control as Rias giggled at his flustered state.
"No impure thoughts, Goten!" The Gremory heiress slapped Goten on the butt playfully. Rias thought that Goten's butt was so cute. Very squeezable. Just like the rest of him!
The Saiyan lost his balance from the teasing slap, and hit his face directly on the floor. "Owwww..." Goten whined, rubbing his sore face. "Why'd you do that?"
Rias giggled, still on Goten's back. "You were thinking dirty thoughts about me, weren't you~?" Rias actually didn't mind at all that Goten was picturing her nude. In fact, she was delighted by the fact that her favorite boy was thinking about her like that. But still she liked teasing him.
"No I-I wasn't! You just surprised me!" The Saiyan lied.
"Yes you were! Goten you big pervert."
Goten sighed, hiding a blush. "Okay fine. I was."
"Good." She slapped his butt playfully again. "If you wanted to see, you should've just asked!" Rias replied happily. She meant that too. She'd gladly show her body to Goten any time that he wanted.
"C-Can I get up now?"
"Nope~!" Rias chirped. "Your back is so warm. I think I might lie down!"
A playful smirk found it's way to Goten's lips. "Alright. Two can play at that game, Rias!" He forced himself upward, sending the shocked redheaded devil flying backwards. He instantly vanished from sight, and caught Rias gently in his arms before she could hit anything. Next thing she knew Goten was holding her bridal style. "Got ya."
Rias instantly blushed but soon turned into a smirk. "Thanks, stud~" She winked at him and tapped his nose before walked back to the group feeling satisfied.
"That girl is somethin' else..." But despite that, whenever they were together, it just felt so natural. "Is Trunks right? Do I really have a crush on Rias? I mean, I like her a lot, but..."
The next day went by in a flash. It was now only one day before the Rating Game.
Goten dropped back home for a bit to check on his mother, who instantly broke into hysterical tears that her baby had grown up so much. Chi-Chi thought he looked like a delinquent with that long hair. She wanted her baby boy back! Goten consoled his mother and eventually got her to calm down, promising her that he's not even ready to be an adult yet.
He then asked his dad if he was going to watch his fight against Riser. Though Goku already knew the outcome, he wouldn't miss it for the world. Anything to support his family.
Also within that time, a certain Devil King dropped by the Son house to speak with Goku and Chi-Chi in regards to his darling little sister.
Like Goku, he already knew of the outcome of the game, and was in favor of it. So he made a proposition to the two when Goten won.
Sirzechs smirked. "Good. That's great to hear."
"Ooh~! I can't wait! Goten will be so happy!" Chi-Chi said giddily with stars in her eyes.
The stories were just like he had thought. Son Goku was an amazing man, and more. "It's been such a pleasure to finally meet you, Son Goku." Sirzechs said as he went to shake Goten's hand.
Goku smirked. "Likewise."
"You'll be at the fight, correct?"
"You bet."
"Good. Ms. Chi-Chi, would you like to attend?"
"Of course! I want to watch my baby boy save his future wife from that jerk!"
Sirzechs laughed. "I'm glad. Well, it's been a pleasure. Thank you for the food. I'll be looking forward to seeing you two tomorrow." He bowed politely before vanishing in his magic circle.
Much later that same night, back at the Gremory family cottage, Son Goten was woken up by the churning of his empty stomach.
He got up from his bed in the dark empty room. He groggily dragged his feet over the kitchen to get a midnight snack. He grabbed some food from the fridge and devoured it all, instantly feeling fully refreshed. Since he was now wide awake, and didn't want to go back to sleep as it was already past 1:00, he decided to go out front for some quick midnight exercise. He didn't care he was still in his pajamas.
He went out the front door of the cottage, taking in a deep breath of the fresh night air as he went a safe distance away from the house. Smirking, the teen erupted into Super Saiyan and started rapidly punching and kicking the air. Each of the blows created small air ripples from the sheer velocity and power behind each it, only appearing as a blur. His golden aura blazed around him, lighting up the night-fallen forest.
He hoped that he didn't wake any of the others, but his adrenaline was too high for him to sit around and do nothing, especially when his fight was scheduled for only twelve hours from now.
Meanwhile, his solo training caught the attention of a certain redhead who was also awake. "..Huh?" She was sitting against a large pillar in a stone gazebo, silently looking out into the lake while she read a book. The lake glistened in the light of the full moon, illuminating her the area so she was able to read perfectly.
He continued going through his basic training exercises when he caught the sight of familiar red out of the corner of his eye. "What's she doin' up?" Goten dropped down to base and decided to join her.
"Hey." Rias said when he flew up to her. She had a see-through nightgown that reached her ankles, with no bra underneath. It blew softly in the night breeze, her hair gracefully flowing behind her.
"What's up?" Goten casually replied, sitting down beside her on the stone gazebo.
"Just thinking about the battle tomorrow..." Rias said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. Goten picked up on this and scooted a bit closer, making her blush a bit. "You're not worried?" She asked him.
Goten smirked. "Worried? No way." He pounded his fist into his palm. "I'm kickin' that dude's ass."
The redhead's soft face turned slightly serious. "Goten, I don't think you shouldn't take Riser Phenex so lightly. You're strong, but he's an immortal phoenix. He regenerates instantly from any attack."
The Saiyan's brow furrowed in annoyance at the mention of regeneration. He grimaced, remembering the fight with Buu in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Such a stupid, unfair ability, he thought. "Yeah, that may be true, but I fought against a guy who could regenerate before. And trust me, he was millions of times stronger than Riser could ever be."
Rias frowned at Goten's stubbornness. Regardless, she had full confidence that Goten would win against Riser. She had put all her faith into him and trusted him completely. Hope was all that she had left. But she was still concerned for the Saiyan's safety in case Riser got desperate. "Goten, listen. Riser's record in the Rating Game is 8-2. However, those two loses were accepted out of respect for a family he's close to. In other words, he lost on purpose. Think about it. How you supposed to lose if you're immortal?"
Goten stood up confidently, his fists clenched with pure determination. "That may be true, but he's never faced anyone like me before!"
"It's more complicated than that. To devils, it's not all about strength. This whole stupid proposal happened in the first place because we devils are a dying race and my family wants to keep the devil blood pure. "
Goten raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Wait, what? Dying race?" He sat back down to listen. "Whaddya mean by that?"
Rias sighed. "Good question. The answer dates back quite a bit. Some say it was even an eternity ago. Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were at war. It was a massively destructive three sided battle that ended in neither victory nor defeat on all sides. Each and every battle that took place resulted in several of our members being killed or went missing. Since devils have very low birth rate, our life span is near eternal to ensure our population. Yet, our species as a devil is at risk due to the impact of that war. Most of the families consisted of pure-blood, upper class devils that made up what is known as the 72 Pillars."
"There's that many?! Is this gonna be on a quiz or somethin'?"
"No, silly." Giggling a bit, Rias continued. "It was then when devils began recruiting humans to replace the numbers in their houses. After that, the Rating Game was born. This allowed devils who were masters of their household, basically a King like myself, to provide their peerages with combat experience. Nowadays, it still has quite an impact. One's record in the Rating Game has a huge influence on their nobility and status."
Goten scratched his head, still slightly confused. "So why'd you want me for your group? To win the Rating Game?"
Rias frowned while nodding, feeling slightly ashamed for her past actions. "I was selfish." She whispered.
"Huh?"
"I was selfish. I-I wanted you on my team so I could crush everyone in my path. If I had a Super Saiyan in my peerage, there's no way that anyone could defeat me in any Rating Game. When you turned me down, the defiance made that desire even stronger. Looking back, I see how rude I was to you. I probably couldn't have turned you anyway, even with six mutation pieces."
"Mutation Pieces?"
"Basically stronger versions of regular pieces that allow a King to reincarnate stronger individuals."
"Oh, okay. That makes sense."
"I'm sorry for trying to use you, Goten." Rias frowned sadly. She didn't want the Saiyan hating her, not after the pure joy she had spending time with him over the past few weeks. "It's just not fair. My family is so concerned with keeping the Gremory line pure that they didn't consider me at all. They set up this stupid marriage because they knew that there would be no way I could get out of it. Even if I called for a Rating Game on my own, my family was setting me up to lose. Riser is on a completely different level than I am. But then, you came along, Goten. You gave me hope... Hope that I could finally be free."
Goten stayed silent for a second, staring at her, before deciding to speak. "That's really messed up. Don't they even care about you?"
"I'm the heiress to the house of Gremory. That's just what I'm known as in the Underworld. Because of my title, I'm never recognized as just Rias. It's one of the reasons I came to Earth. To get away from all that. Don't get me wrong, I take immense pride in my name and title, but when it comes to things like marriage, all I've ever wanted is for someone to love me for me, not for my title. The idea of love as always been a dream to me, and it's one I'd like to keep regardless of what happens tomorrow."
"You'll get to keep that idea. I'm beating Riser tomorrow. You're an amazing girl Rias, with or without your title! I like you for you. I'll show to your family that you deserve to be happy! If they have any problems about that, then tell them to blame me."
The redhead's heart soared with joy. Goten's honest and heartfelt declaration practically moved her to tears. He had told her the same thing before, but now he meant it more than ever after learning of her past. Rias smiled. This time, there was no doubt. He was her savior. The light in the darkness. Ally to good. Son Goten. Her Goten.
Goten frowned. "Crap. I didn't mean to make you cry again..."
The Gremory princess smiled and approached the Saiyan. "No, I'm okay. I'm just happy, that's all.." She whispered, and brought Goten's head into her exposed cleavage. She held his head there, running her hands softly through his black hair as Goten blinked in confusion. She kissed the top of his head, feeling more alive than she had in years.
"Thank you Goten..." Rias returned the smile, feeling her confidence return to her. Goten gave her strength. She leaned her head against Goten' shoulder, not having another care in the world at that moment. The two teens stared out into glistening lake that reflected the large full moon, eventually falling asleep in their embrace. When Rias laid in Goten's arms, she felt safe.
The following afternoon, it was finally time for the Rating Game. Goten got changed back into his gi, feeling more determined than ever.
Rias lightly held Goten by the hand for support. He gently gripped her hand back, nodding that everything was going to be okay. The redhead's heart fluttered again, blushing at the contact.
The group was about to take off when Sona Sitri arrived. She smiled at the Saiyan, thinking to herself how handsome he had gotten, not knowing he spent time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. "Good to see you again Goten. I'm looking forward to your showdown with Riser."
"It's gonna be one heck of a show."
Rias flicked his cheek for getting a little too confident, but he didn't care.
"Are you guys ready?" Rias said, now that Sona was with them.
With that, Rias and Sona prepared a group magic circle to head to the Underworld. Grayfia gave Goten a card, so he had a free pass to enter for this special occasion. He had alerted Grayfia of his parents possible attendance too, to which she explained that Son Goku or anyone else would be more than welcome.
The magic circle flashed brightly, and in a flash, the group of teens were gone from Rias' cottage.
They reappeared in a room appearing to be a dinner party. Facing them was a large entourage of girls and other multiple high class devils. They were standing below a throne where Riser Phenex sat. He wore a fancy, pure white colored suit, embroidered by solid gold linings down the sides. He devilishly glared daggers into the Saiyan when he noticed that Goten and Rias were holding hands.
"So, my darling Rias and her little pet have finally arrived. Be prepared, boy. You're about to be killed in front of all these people. I suggest you say your prayers before it's too late." Riser said arrogantly, sneering at Goten.
issei flipped Riser off.
His burning glare focused on Issei. "Then I'll kill you next."
Goten let go of Rias' hand and stepped forward. "You won't be hurting anybody, especially not me! Rias is coming home with us! For good. And for your sake, I suggest you give up now to save yourself the time. You have no chance of defeating me."
"We'll just see about that, Saiyan." Riser scoffed. His flaming wings erupted from behind him as he hovered off of the throne and landed on the ground in front of his peerage. Flames burst around his peerage of fifteen girls, but they weren't affected by the fire either. They were all Phenex.
Goten confidently folded his arms, smirking. "Don't underestimate me. Everyone who has underestimated my father payed dearly, and I'm no different."
Then, Son Goku appeared in the Underworld next to his son almost on cue. And to his surprise, Trunks was with him.
"Dad?"
"Did we miss the fight?" Goku grinned sheepishly. Akeno, Sona, and especially Rias found it so cute that Goten had the same mannerisms of his father.
"Nope. It's just about to begin." Goten said, looking up at his father and smirking. "Hey, uh, where's mom? Didn't she want to come?"
"Your mother's at home. She was going to come but something came up. She's preparing for something." Goku smiled, not wanting to give away the surprise to Goten.
Murmurs erupted in the room about the legendary man that had just arrived. Son Goku. Some thought he was just a myth! Some thought he died a long time ago.
Trunks stepped out behind Goku, smirking. "Yo bro. Miss me?" The female devils on Riser's peerage blushed. Now he was handsome. Riser glared at them.
"Trunks?! What the hell are you doin' here?" Goten exclaimed. He was surprised but happy to see his friend.
"Well I remembered today was the day you were saving Rias from that one asshole, right? When I stopped by, your dad said you were already gone. So I asked him if I could tag along and here I am!" Trunks had cut his hair short again, but he was surprised to see that Goten kept his hair long.
"Awesome!" The two best friends bumped fists, smirking.
Rias and the others recognized Trunks, were a little more than confused. But Akeno was the one to finally speak up. "You go to Kuoh Academy too, correct?"
"That's right." Trunks replied.
"If you're here with Goku, does that mean... you're a Saiyan too?"
"Yeah. My Dad is full Saiyan just like Goku. But please, don't tell anybody! He'd kill me if this got out!" He pleaded. Goten snickered beside him as he pictured Vegeta getting pissed until Trunks clonked his best friend on the head,
"You mean there's two badass Super Saiyans at Kuoh!? That's so unfair!" Issei thought while crying inwardly.
"And between the two of us, I'm the stronger one."
"Barely!" Goten added.
The whole room was shocked. Stronger than Goten? Stronger than the mortal who challenged Riser Phenex?
"Is this him?" He asked, pointing at Riser who was glaring at them. Goten nodded in reply. "He doesn't look like much. I bet my little sister could take him." Goten roared with laughter, picturing little Bulla slapping Riser silly.
Sirzechs appeared followed by Grayfia. "Good. It looks like everyone has arrived, so we can begin the match. As per the rules, this will be a one on one fight between Son Goten and Riser Phenex. The rules of this match hold the fate of Rias Gremory. If Son Goten were to win, the marriage contract between Rias and Riser would instantly become null to allow Rias to marry as she pleases. However, if Riser Phenex were to win, she will marry Riser within the next week."
Sirzechs cleared his throat, catching the duo's attention and breaking their stare down. Then, with a snap of his fingers, Goten and Riser appeared in a tournament stadium-like battlefield. It was two hundred yards wide in every direction. Millions of devils were watching at their homes on television. To the Underworld, this event was as big as the World Martial Arts Tournament on Earth.
VIP seats were given to the Gremory and Phenex devils as well as Sona at the base, giving them a front row view of the intense fight. Tensions were blazing between the two groups. Another battle between the peerages could break out at any second. Trunks had to play peace maker, though he wasn't sure if it worked. Goku sat with Sirzechs and Grayfia, leaning forward in his chair excitedly like a small boy. Trunks started with Goku, but hovered down to sit with Rias and her peerage.
[Begin!]
"Let's get this fight going. I'm gettin' hungry."
"You won't need food when you're burnt to a crisp."
"We'll see about that. You still have a chance. Give up now." Goten replied, cracking his knuckles.
"Still trying to chicken out? Pathetic. However, I'm merciful. I'll let you live if you beg forgiveness."
"You won't be able to touch me, let alone damage me. So you can forget about marrying Rias. How 'bout this? I'll give you the first move." The Saiyan stood completely unguarded, his fists clenched at his sides.
Riser roared with anger that Goten was acting so calm. His flaming wings burst from his back, and he rocketed towards Goten leaving a tail of a burning inferno behind him.
As the cheers erupted from the start of the battle, the devils included, Rias nervously held her hands over her fast beating heart. "Do it Goten..."
A/N: Just to give you a picture, Goten's hair in this chapter onward is his End of DBZ hair from the 28th Tournament. Trunks had the same hairstyle of Future Trunks when he came out of the Time Chamber, but he gets it cut short again to his own End of Z haircut.
And yes, instead of a Rating Game, I'm doing a 1v1 challenge because I think that works better plus I want to change from the DxD story more. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
