Chapter 8- Prove Yourself
It had been quite a while since Vegeta had actually sparred with someone other then himself. He rather looked forward to it.Unfortunately, Gohan wasn't dressed properly for a duel.
Vegeta found an old fighter's gi he was planning on making a blanket out of and gave it to Gohan. Gohan quickly swapped clothes but refused to throw the old rags away claiming he could fix them. Vegeta didn't put it past the boy. He was extremely talented in many things last that Vegeta couldn't see a use for.
Gohan rubbed the sleeves of the worn gi absentmindedly as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. He was the same scruffy haired boy he was at Master Roshi's house. Except he was wearing a blue and white ki with the Japanese symbols for strength on the back of his shirt. So much had changed over the last couple of days. His heart had been torn in so many directions he didn't even know if it was still intact anymore.
"Come on, boy," Vegeta snapped from the doorway. "You were so anxious to fight me so hurry up."
Gohan closed his eyes. If managed to impress Vegeta enough maybe he would take him as an apprentice. He couldn't goof up. This was his one and only test. It was his last chance for ever doing something right. He had to defeat Vegeta. He couldn't lose…
Vegeta eyed Gohan uncertainly as the young boy sunk into his own fighter's stance. He was tense and very much alert. This sparring meant a lot to him for some reason. Vegeta could relate, although the taste for battle had long since faded from his mouth. Vegeta wasn't sure of it now and wouldn't be sure of it for many fights to come, but something about Gohan threw him off guard. Something deep inside him that screamed to be released.
"Let's just skip the warm up," Vegeta muttered.
In a flash of blazing gold, Vegeta had turned into a golden warrior much like Gohan had before him. After a few seconds of awe, Gohan did the same. Vegeta was surprised on how the child managed to match his power level to the exact extent of Vegeta's. But he did not let it waver his resolve. Vegeta could tell by the way Gohan held himself it was hard to control himself from lashing out all his energy.
Vegeta made the first move. He lunged out at Gohan with a couple of easy punches and kicks just to see how the child's defense held. Gohan easy ducked or blocked each one. He seemed to be concentrating really hard now. His blue eyes pierced into Vegeta's. He grabbed onto Vegeta's wrist after another attempt and growled, "Please don't hold back against me."
Vegeta frowned. No one told him how to fight. But he let the anger go. Gohan had a request and Vegeta did want to see how strong he was…
"You asked for it," Vegeta frowned.
Vegeta and Gohan went screaming out at each other with perfect timing and accuracy. Vegeta noticed Gohan's hits to become stronger the longer they fought. This struck Vegeta with a uncertainty of Gohan's power level. Was he more powerful than a Super Sayian?
In his moments thought, Vegeta found himself wide open to attacks but Gohan did not take the opportunity. He hesitated, like his foolish father. Vegeta found his irritation mounting. Kakarot's death was caused by his gullible heart. He could not allow Gohan to be the same way…
Vegeta hurled his fist into Gohan's face causing him to falter backwards. Vegeta then spun about in a round house kick sending Gohan out of his golden form and through the snow. Gohan pushed himself upwards just a little to catch a glimpse of Vegeta standing before him frowning. Vegeta turned on his heel and walked back into the house without a backward look.
Gohan let out a small cry and slammed his right fist into the snow in his disappointment.
"I blew it…"
When Gohan had entered the warm cabin finally, Vegeta stood waiting by the fire place. He was gazing into the fire with the flames reflected his eyes. He did not speak to Gohan for quite sometime. Frightened by his defeat, Gohan stood in wait of Vegeta's decision.
"Why is it that a son seem to follow his father's footsteps?" Vegeta said casually causing Gohan to jump.
Gohan didn't know how to answer the strange question so he stayed silent. He was beginning to chill since his clothes were still soaked by the melted snow.
"I will have to teach you," Vegeta frowned. "to not make the mistakes your father has. The reason you could not defeat me is the same reason you could not defeat Xiea. I will crush what holds you back. And release the power that lies deeper than your soul…"
To Be Continued…
