Chapter 10: There's no place like home

Eight years after the Cell games…

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Today was the day. Today was the first day in years that the thought of going home went through my mind. Today that simple thought is becoming a reality. But this was not a social visit. No. Like Shin told me before, Buu takes president above all things else. Even my family. I am not to be distracted. I am to be the perfect warrior, like the Supreme Kai trained me to be.

I walked out my cabin and followed the pathway toward the designated meeting place we agreed on yesterday. I met up with Shin and Kibito a few minutes later, they were dressed in their usual attire, but I knew they wore delicate, yet unbreakable, armour underneath.

"Gohan!" Shin called as soon as he laid eyes on me. A bright smile decorated his lips. "Are you ready for today?"

I returned the smile. "Sure am." I replied enthusiastically. "I can't believe all this time have gone by so quickly."

"But you are ready. You worked really hard Gohan." Kibito surprisingly muttered.

I smiled up at the giant man. "Would you say you are proud of me, Kibito?" I asked teasingly.

His slight smile turned into a scowl. "Don't push it, Saiyan."

I chuckled and playfully punched him in the stomach. "There is the Kibito we all know and kind of love."

He growled as a response.

"Well, that settles it." Shin chipped in. "Do you have everything you need, Gohan?"

I nodded. "Yup, but I feel empty without the Z-sword." I admitted. "I trained so long with it, it feels wrong to go into an actual battle without it."

Shin nodded. "I understand, the sword and its master does become one after all, according to the legends."

"So does that mean I am now one with the Old Kai?" I asked, mortified.

Shin laughed and Kibito actually managed a chuckle. "I don't believe so. He was just trapped in the weapon after all, not the weapon itself."

"That's a relieving thought."

"Indeed, but I think it's time for us to get going."

We got in position, standing next to each other, each with a hand on the other's shoulder. Unfortunately, I was standing next to Kibito, so I had to reach for the heavens.

"Stop!" Just before we teleported to the gem of the Northern Quadrant, a screeching old voice interrupted us.

Kibito sighed loudly, not at all trying to hide his irritation. "What does the relic want now?"

"He must just want to wish us good luck on our endeavors." Shin noted out loud.

"Hmpf."

"Great, you haven't left yet!" Old Kai said relieved after reaching us, panting severely.

"We were just about to." Kibito retorted.

"I'm glad you didn't, I wanted to give the young warrior a gift." He looked at me.

"Me?" I asked unsurely, pointing to myself.

"Well, you are surrounded by beings over a thousand years old, so yes young one, you."

"What did you want to give me?"

He held his arms out toward me. A sheath in his grasp, with the hilt of a sword sticking out at the end. A hilt I knew all too well.

"No way!" I exclaimed and grabbed the item out of his palms. I pulled the sword out and yes, it was the Z-sword. I made a few graceful slices with it through the air, enjoying the feel of it again. "How did you fix it?"

He smiled. "With some very strong glue." He winked. "Now go out there and kick Majin Buu's butt!"

I returned the smile. "Will do! Thank you so much sir!" I slung the sheath over my one shoulder and slid the sword into it. I made sure the weapon was concealed beneath my cape, so it would be out the sight of nosy Earthlings.

"Now I am really ready." I directed to Shin.

He smiled. "I think you should do the honors of teleporting us to Earth." He said. "You do have the strongest attachment to it of course."

"It will be a pleasure."

I concentrated on Earth's coordinates. I was pretty good with Instantaneous movement by now, and since I knew my home planet so well, the journey was not bumpy at all. As soon as we arrived my first instinct was to locate the energy signals of my family. I was surprised to find that they all were together. Mom, Dad, Piccolo, Bulma, Vegeta, Krillin, Yamcha... The whole gang was in a really close proximity of each other. I frowned; that didn't happen often. They must know Earth is in trouble, or maybe they are just holding a reunion.

Kibito looked around him. "Where are we anyway?" He asked. "Everybody always talks about what a gem Earth is, but this place is not pleasant for the eye at all."

I looked around me and noticed for the first time that we were in the desert where I had fought Cell. These landscapes were engraved in my memory, and hadn't changed much in the eight years since I have been supposedly deceased. The giant crater, created by my suicide attempt, was still apparent between the canyons. I sighed as I witnessed the place I lived my final moments again after all those years. If only…

"It's where I fought Cell." I answered Kibito's question. "This is where I died."

Shin's eyes filled with pity and he rested his hand on my shoulder, a firm yet gentle grasp. "It makes sense; this is where you lived your last moments on Earth. This is probably the strongest tie you have to the planet."

I nodded. "Yeah, that must be it."

"Looks like your friends left you a present." My eyes shot toward Kibito's voice. He was kneeling next to a rectangular-shaped piece of concrete. A little grave stood out like a sore thumb in the barren wasteland. I walked to the sight, curious to see who was buried here alone in the desert. I gasped as I read my name.

Son Gohan. A great son; friend and loyal comrade. A hero. Rest in peace…

A memorial of me; I thought they would forget about me, but as I saw the fresh flowers I realised that that wasn't the case at all. I felt so touched; emotions stirred inside me, but I didn't cry. I have long forgotten how to do it.

My fingers ran down the marble stone of the grave and I smiled at the photographs of random moments of my life. I forced myself away from the sight, knowing that I could stay here all day, remembering…

As I turned away, I was greeted by a tall statue of an oddly familiar-looking man. Layers of concrete were placed around the statue and a sign that read: Please don't blow up this landmark, stood scribbled at the front of the man. Oh, the humans probably think that this goofball defeated Cell. I laughed as I thought back at his failed attempt in defeating Cell.

But if you actually think about it, he is the true hero. If it weren't for him throwing Sixteen's head to me, I wouldn't have transformed into my SS2 state and obliterated Cell. I smiled sincerely up at the giant man as I put my hand on his concrete leg. "You really are a champ."

"So, where do you guys want to start looking for Babidi first?" Shin interrupted my thoughts and I was reminded of our initial mission: Majin Buu.

"Gohan knows the planet best, I suggest he says." Kibito said.

I pouted, thinking. "I don't know. There are a lot of places he could be, and Earth is not tiny, it will take time to locate it when blind."

Shin nodded. "Indeed. But we have to start somewhere."

"You said that Babidi needs quite a large amount of pure energy to set off the release of Buu?" I directed to Shin.

He nodded. "That is correct yes, but what are you getting at, Gohan?"

"There are few candidates that suite that requirement of energy here on Earth; it is basically just my dad, so..." My voice trailed off.

"He'll locate him to drain him of his energy..." Shin finished for me.

"Exactly."

"Do you know where we could find him?" Kibito asked.

"Yes. I sense my dad along with the entire Z-gang together. It is not that far from here."

"Let's go then." Kibito was already in the air as he started his sentence. Shin and I followed suite.

After flying for a couple of minutes, I noticed a trouble expression residing on Shin's face. "Everything all right Shin?" I asked worriedly.

He nodded, reassuring me. "I'm just worried about you."

I frowned. "Me? Why?"

"I'm worried about the effect your family will have on you after not seeing them for so long. It might affect your performance while fighting Buu."

"I'll give nothing but my best, no matter what." I replied, slightly annoyed.

"I know you will, I'm just concerned, that's all."

"So what, you don't want me to talk to them?"

He sighed. "I am not prohibiting you to talk to them Gohan, I know that you will, but I advise you not to. I don't want you to get to emotionally attached before the big battle. I leave the choice entirely up to you."

I shook my head slowly. "You are basically prohibiting me, Shin." I accused.

"It's all up to you." He repeated and I rolled my eyes.

"Sure."

I was so excited to see Dad and the others again, even though they weren't supposed to know about me…

"I'll need a disguise then." I informed. "Or else they'll recognize me. I've gotten a lot taller, but I am still the spitting image of my father."

Shin nodded. "I brought sunglasses and a bandana with, for just in case." He stated.

"Gold star for thinking ahead."

He shot me a look before handing the disguise over to me. I put the glasses on, and tied the white bandana over my signature Saiyan hair. They won't recognize me now at all, I thought grimly.

"Gohan, I sense hundreds of Kis gathered together along with your family, why is that?" Kibito asked.

"To be honest, I'm not sure big guy. Maybe a festival or something?"

He nodded at my explanation, but when we reached our destination, it was not a festival that was occurring under our feet. It was not a festival at all.

"A martial arts tournament." I breathed, surprised that they held one after all this time.

"Like the ones they hold in Otherworld?" Kibito asked.

I nodded.

Shin seemed surprised. "I didn't know such an activity would be popular on Earth."

I smiled. "It sure is."

"Perfect timing for Babidi too." Shin commented. "A lot of pure energies gathered at one spot."

"He must have planned it." Kibito stated. "He is going to revive Buu soon."

We flew down to the entrance without attracting any attention and walked together to the sign-in booth. They both scribbled their names down on the admissions sheet and were let through. However when I walked up, the manager pushed the children's applicant towards me.

"Excuse me but I would like to enter in the adult division." I said promptly and pulled the other admissions sheet closer to me, but he yanked it away.

"That is not how it works now mister; children sixteen years and younger must compete in the children's division. No exceptions."

I pouted. "That stinks; since when?"

"The last time a youngling got killed by an adult." He shook his head slowly in despair. "Now do you want to fill this form in or what?"

"How old do I look to you?" I asked curiously.

"Sixteen."

I flashed a brilliant smile. "But I am seventeen."

"Then you'll have ID." He extended his hand out toward me, expecting some form of identification.

"I don't have any on me, but you can see that I look older than sixteen, right?" I tried.

"Nice try bud. Next!" He yelled and an oversized bodybuilder pushed me to the side.

Gohan where are you? Shin asked me telepathically.

I have a little problem, they think I am a kid, and they don't let kids fight in the high leagues anymore. I replied.

He sighed in my mind. I'm coming, just get into the queue again.

Okay.

I stood at the back of the queue for admissions and hummed a little tune out of boredom while I waited for my turn. Sheesh, I go away for five minutes and the whole world decides to enter! Shin joined me soon, without Kibito.

"What are you going to do?" I asked curiously.

"Convince him." He replied smoothly.

"So is your dad coming?" A young man started talking behind me.

"Of course, he is Goku for crying out loud!" I cringed at the young boy's voice.

I turned around to look into familiar eyes. My dad's eyes. My eyes. Then my eyes fell onto his hair. A style identical to that of my father. In fact, everything about his appearance were identical to my dad. He was just much, much smaller. There was no doubt about it; that must be his child. I have a brother? I was frozen with shock for a few seconds. Shin elbowed me in the side, bringing me back to reality.

"Is something wrong mister?" The Goku-lookalike asked me innocently.

"Yeah, can we help you with something?" Another voice added, I followed it to a young lavender-haired boy. Trunks.

I blinked, not knowing what to say, but then I remembered how to function my mouth again. "Uh no, sorry. I was just thinking that you boys look strong."

Both of them smiled arrogantly. "We sure are!" They said in unison and I smiled at them before turning around again.

"What was that about?" Shin whispered.

"I think that is my brother."

Shin frowned. "I didn't know you had a brother."

"That's because I didn't."

"Oh." Shin said uncomfortably, but sounding as if he understood the situation.

"I wonder if there is going to be any worthy fighters here today. I have a feeling that there will be." I recognised my dad's cheerful voice clearly. Oh this was hard. Every fibre in my being wanted me to run up to him and hug him, telling him how sorry I was for how the Cell Games turned out, but I couldn't. I considered it momentarily to change out of my disguise, back to myself, and greet them, but I knew that that would be a bad move. I don't want them to get involved into this mess.

"That's my Goku." I recognised my mother's loving voice as she planted a kiss on Dad's cheek.

"You guys are gross when you get all kissy-kissy!" Goku Jr. exclaimed in disgust and everyone laughed.

"Wait 'till you're older, Goten." Dad replied with a laugh. "You won't mind it at all then."

So Goten is his name...

"Yuck!" He said as he made gagging sounds.

"I think we must head out to our seats guys," Bulma's voice chirped. "We will let you muscle heads get on your way." She taunted and winked at Vegeta who looked like he couldn't be bothered.

"This is going to be boring." Vegeta complained. "The only reason I entered was to fight Kakarot."

"You never know Vegeta, maybe you won't even make it to the second round." I recognised Krillin's voice, mocking Vegeta.

"Maybe you won't even make it to the blasted entries desk if you continue." Vegeta threatened.

"Vegeta, sweetie, remember when I explained the term 'jokes' to you…" Bulma's voice trailed off and Vegeta grunted in response. She chuckled at her spouse and gathered everybody who wasn't going to fight and walked in the direction of the pavilion.

I froze as I recognised my mother's figure pass by me. The fact that she aged was noticeable; I could see a few wrinkles peek out at her forehead and eyes and her hair was held together in a tight bun above her head, rather than her loose hairstyle when she was younger. She must be in her late thirties by now.

She was talking with Bulma as she walked by, not knowing that her eldest child was mere inches away from her.

I recognised Bulma's figure instantly; nobody had that shade of blue hair but her. It was cropped short in a new hairstyle. Her bright red skimpy dress, which was way too young for her, caught the attention of many a man, who I saw staring wide-eyed at the blue-haired beauty. She has probably already broken the forty-barrier. It didn't look like it though. Her skin was glowing, and her now short hair was full of volume.

Right on cue, Master Roshi appeared behind her with a camera, snatching shots of her bum. I snickered at the old pervert; he didn't change at all.

I noticed a little girl holding Bulma's hand. She looked about four years old and exactly like Bulma. Good for them; they had another child. Her short, high-ponytail bounced on top of her head as she skipped next to her mother to their seats.

Yamcha and Chautzu also accompanied the women to the pavilion. I wasn't surprised that they didn't compete; the fight has left their veins a long time ago. Yamcha also changed his hair; it was much shorter than it was before, but Chautzu's appearance didn't alter; he still resembled an evil little demon clown…

I rubbed my eyes to make sure that I wasn't imagining things. Eighteen was heading towards the little group of fighters after giving the little blonde girl on her hip to my mother. You are just imagining it Gohan, I reassured myself. Eighteen was killed by Cell, probably just a look-alike.

"Next!" I heard an impatient yell rang through my eardrums. "Oh, uh, you guys can go first; I am waiting for someone." I waved for my friends to go past me. Goten and Trunks went by me without making eye contact but Dad stopped in front of me. It has been such a long time since I have seen those kind eyes stare back at me.

"Thank you sir, are you going to compete too?" He asked friendly. It didn't look like he has aged a day since the last time I saw him, he looked exactly the same.

I couldn't find the function of my mouth and simply nodded.

He smiled at me. "Great, I hope to see you there." He said and moved past me and picked Goten up, carrying him on his shoulder. Vegeta also passed me with his hands across his chest; he didn't notice my presence.

"Goku, wait up!" A midget ran past me. My mouth fell open. Krillin?! He had a mop of brown hair on his head. I thought his baldness was chronic? Oh my goodness…

I froze when Piccolo went to stand behind me. I can't do this anymore! I stepped away from the queue, letting Piccolo pass me and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and forced myself not to go over to them and tell them the truth, compromising our plan.

After what seemed like an eternity, they were gone and into the next room. I walked over to the admissions desk.

"Name and registration please," The man at the desk asked, it was a different one than before. "My name is Go…" Idiot you can't use your real name! I scolded myself.

"I am sorry sir, but I didn't quite catch that." He said politely.

"My name is, uh, Saiyaman." I stuttered and he wrote it down on the list. "Okay Saiyaman, can I see some identification?" I sighed. Of course he still wants to see identification.

Shin rested his elbows on the desk and looked the manager directly in the eyes. "You will let this gentleman pass through without wanting his identification." He said in a seductive hypnotizing voice. He smiled up at me and gestured me to go through.

"Wow, you should teach me how to do that." I praised.

He chuckled. "No way." He said. "If I do, you'll probably torture Kibito into doing stuff for you."

I smiled. "That does sound like something that I would do."

"Precisely."

We located our other ally's ki and met up with him. "What took you so long?" Kibito asked irritated. "I already found Babidi's minions." He subtly pointed to two big bald men dressed in only white gi-pants with a purple belt. But what caught my attention was the italic 'M' carved on their foreheads.

"So that 'M' mark means they are property of the Majin?" I asked curiously.

Shin nodded approvingly. "Good job, now we must just follow them to Babidi's location when they gathered their dose of pure energy. Your father will do quite nicely."

I frowned. "So we are going through with them stealing my dad's energy?"

"We'll talk about it later." He dismissed, and leaned against a wall, leaving me alone.

My eyes instantly fell on my group of old friends. I gawked at them, finding it hard not to spy on what they have become.

A weird sad feeling settled in my stomach as I saw them laughing and having a good time. I could have been a part of that, I thought depressed. They could have been laughing with me now too.

What did you think, Gohan? That they were going to put off their lives just because you died? I was a bit disappointed that they were happy and not sad. But I can't blame them; life goes on…

After about half an hour, one of the tournament officials arrived with a chart. "Everybody report to the preliminary ring for the qualifications." He yelled a few times in an unbearable loud voice. I got up and walked with the other fighters like sheep to the new room. We all got into a queue and waited for our turn to punch some machine thing to moderate our power levels to see who qualifies.

Hey, so how is this pure energy thing going to work? I asked Shin as we claimed our places in the queue; we were last in line, hoping that he devised another plan that would keep my friends out of it.

I am sorry Gohan but there is no other way; your Dad will most likely be the victim. He is the only one with a pure energy high enough for Babidi to take interest in.

Shin, we already went through this. I don't want my friends to be involved. I know them, they are nosy! They will fish for more information and join us to kill Buu as soon as they know.

Shin shrugged. Maybe their presences will aide us.

I sighed. That was not the deal Shin.

I apologise, but I don't see another way to this. Otherwise we will never find Buu's whereabouts. Babidi will unleash him into the world to kill everybody. Do you want more blood on your hands? He asked.

I flinched. That was uncalled for.

You started it. So are you going to go ahead with this plan or am I going to have to restrict you?

I scoffed arrogantly. You can't restrain me even if you tried.

My body fell suddenly paralysed and I sighed. I hate that technique! I yelled at him but he simply smiled. He released his grip and I slumped back to normal.

My eyes lit up as I thought of a brilliant idea. But what if I have a counter proposal? I asked suspenseful.

Shin and Kibito both raised their eyebrows. Go on… They said simultaneously.

I smiled, happy that I had their attention. What if I was the one those minions saw interest in? I asked, hoping they would bite.

And how are you going to do that without revealing your identity? Kibito snarled negatively.

My power is still as pure as it can be, you guys, and I have more than enough power to fill that jar thing of theirs'. And my Ki is unrecognizable from what it was eight years ago, so much that my friends won't even be able to tell that it is me.I was proud of my great idea.

He bit his lip, thinking it over. Okay. He finally said. But you'll have to make sure that your identity is kept hidden.

I smiled broadly. Of course.

I sighed as the great Hercule was first to punch the thing. "Good golly! Hercule has a power of 354! That is the highest recorded power in history!" If only they knew… I hope the others will at least try to conceal their real powers.

"He qualifies automatically, being the previous champ and saving the world and all, but you others must have a power level of at least 250 to qualify." He yelled and some people punched the air in frustration, thinking that the bar was set to high for them.

Other people went on the stage with poor attempts. Only about three of the masses qualified.

The line began moving and I saw that Dad and the others were up. It looked like Dad was concentrating severely when he punched the machine; but all the judges' mouths fell open when they saw '560' flash before them.

The staff thought the punch machine was defective so they used about ten minutes to tweak it. They made Dad punch again. '570'flashed on the screen this time. They were stumped again but allowed him to pass; otherwise the tournament would never happen.

Every one of my friends got over 500 and a black-haired girl people stated was Hercule's daughter got a 320; then Vegeta came up. Sigh, I knew he was going to show off, but I didn't expect him to break the machine! And just before my turn! I saw that everybody scowled at him but he shrugged it off and moved on to the fighters chambers.

I waited about another half an hour for them to bring in the back-up machine.

Shin and Kibito advanced next with a respectable 504 and 489.

I let out a relieved sigh as my turn finally came up. I concentrated, trying to give a punch of as little power as I could. It resulted in a 440. I smiled proudly at myself and did a little happy dance while entering into the fighters chambers. I saw an open seat at the back and sat there, minding my own business. I closed my eyes and talked to Shin.

"Good, now that the formalities are over. You can head to the next room where the numbers of the contestant will be drawn." The chubby official with the chart yelled. Everybody rushed through the small door to the next room.

"Hercule, you are up first." The announcer called; I recognised that it was the same commentator that I knew my whole life. He walked to the box and finally pulled a coloured ball out of the box after doing some weird theatrical poses. He was number 12; in one of the final matches against someone called Mighty Mask.

"Sir, excuse me but what is your name?" The commentator directed to me.

I cleared my throat. "I am Saiyaman."

Nearly everybody laughed at me; as I suspected, but I couldn't care less. "Saiyaman?" The commentator asked unsure and I nodded with a smile on my features, confirming it.

"Alrighty then, I have heard worse." He stated and directed me to the box.

Everybody gawked at me but I ignored them. I put my hand in the box and scurried around the balls; I randomly picked one and pulled it out slowly. I looked at it first before showing it to officials.

"He is number seven!" One of them yelled to the person scribbling names on the chart. Good, I am up in one of the first matches.

How do you want this to work?Kibito asked in my mind; he probably wanted to change the balls telepathically. I didn't hesitate with an answer. I want one of the minions in my fight; let's get this over with quickly.

He nodded. It shall be done. Nice job with your disguise by the way; you should have done this from the first place.

I smiled. Who knew the mighty Kibito could utter a compliment? I teased.

He growled. Don't make me take it back.

I laughed. Don't worry big guy, your secret is safe with me.

We turned our attention back to the draw. I want to fight with your friend Piccolo. Shin said out of the blue.

Why?I questioned with a frown.

He seems like a very interesting opponent; I sense the presence of a Kami in is body. He noted with fascination.

Yup, I retorted. Have fun. He smiled at me.

Shin was indeed paired up with Piccolo in the second match. I sneaked a glimpse at Piccolo. For some reason he was frowning at Shin.

I think Piccolo is on to us! I yelled at Shin.

No need to be so abrupt Gohan, he scolded, and yes I know that already and I am not surprised. He has a Kami in him after all.

My mouth fell open at his cool attitude. Aren't you worried?

He shook his head. Why should I be? Even if he does figure it out, he won't tell anyone.

How could you be so sure that he won't? I asked.

He smiled. He won't. I am sure that if he realizes that I am the Supreme Kai, he would back off. I have higher authority than any Kami would dream of having.

I realised the draw was over and we were all asked to go to the fighters room next to the arena to get ready for our fights. Before I went to the arena I studied the chart. I saw that Krillin was up against Pintar in the first match, followed by Shin and Ma Junior, really Piccolo? I thought you gave that name up a long time ago.

Videl vs. Yamu, who's that? Was up in the third match followed by is me and Spopovich. Dang, no wonder he is evil! I let out an exasperated laugh when I saw that Dad and Vegeta were up against each other in the seventh match. I wonder how that was going to turn out, I thought sarcastically.

I turned around and walked into the fighters chambers. The others were already there and talking excitedly about something. "... let's go see the boys." I overheard the last part of my dad's sentence.

He was probably referring to my brother...