Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Gohan: Protector of Earth
Chapter 10:
As Gohan stood in the middle of the vast white expanse, he couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. After a few seconds, Gohan turned around and saw him once more. It had been six long years but he could easily recognized the mysterious figure, with his long black hair standing upright and his tail wrapped around his waist. No length of time could make Gohan forget the figure standing before him now.
"Surprised to see me?" said the mysterious figure arrogantly.
"What's going on? I was kissing Videl and then I suddenly appeared here. I thought I had to be sleeping to get a vision?"
"No, you don't have to be sleeping to get one. You can get one at any time, and I thought now was an important time for you to have one. I'm sorry if it is inconvenient for you but there are more important matters at hand."
"Just tell me what you need to tell me," said an irritated and slightly nervous Gohan.
"Do you remember what I told you the last time we spoke those six years ago?"
Gohan reflected back on their last meeting before responding. "Yes, you said that a dangerous new threat would appear in six years time. Are you hear to tell me the threat is about to appear?"
The saiyan warrior turned away from Gohan and placed his hands behind his back, contemplating how to word what he would say. The warrior turned to face Gohan once more but with a serious expression this time.
"The enemy will appear soon, sooner than I had hoped. I can tell your strength has increased greatly since the last time we spoke. As well I can tell you've mastered the third transformation."
"How can you possibly tell that? I am only in my base form."
"I can tell by your ki signal. Even though you are in your base form you have a complete control over your ki that is only possible for those who have mastered the third transformation. It is very subtle and only someone who knows of the transformation could possibly notice it. For all Vegeta and Piccolo know, you have not gone past the second transformation. Tell me, does anybody aside from you know of what I have spoken, about the impending danger?"
Gohan looked down at his feet as sweat dripped down his forehead.
"I haven't told anybody of the danger. I didn't want anyone to have to worry."
"Ha-ha, just like a true saiyan warrior. Your friends would not be able to help you anyway. Even Vegeta, the prince of all saiyans, would not stand for a second against this new danger. He and the rest of your friends would only get in the way if they were to assist you in the upcoming battle."
"So as I am now, how do I fare? Am I strong enough to defeat this threat?" inquired Gohan.
"No, not as you currently are. If you were to fight him now you would be lucky to last a few seconds."
Gohan became visibly angered by the saiyan's callous attitude, clenching his fists at his side. "So why did you bring me here then?! To tell me nobody stands a chance and we are all just going to die! Why did I train every waking second for the last six years if it wasn't going to make a difference in the end?"
The saiyan looked down from the sky of white and towards Gohan once more. Gohan stood tall enough now to nearly look the saiyan dead in the eyes.
"I brought you here to tell you what you need to do. You are no match for him now, but you will be when you face him. The first thing you must do is enter the World's Martial Arts tournament. I believe they are bringing it back after a long hiatus. Since you are the son of a former world champion, I think it is your responsibility to enter."
"What will that accomplish? Shouldn't I be training more so that I stand a chance to defeat this monster? I don't have time to enter a silly tournament."
"No training you could do would make you strong enough to face him in battle. Not even if you went back into the hyperbolic time chamber for another year. I am telling you to enter the tournament because that in turn will set off a chain of events that will benefit you in the end. Do you really think I would care about a stupid human tournament if there was not a more important reason for entering?
"Yea, I suppose you're right," said a more relaxed Gohan.
The tournament is only a couple weeks away; I suggest that you relax until then. Perhaps spend more time with that girlfriend of yours; I think she is starting to worry about you."
"What do you mean?"
"I will speak to you again shortly Gohan. Until then, you should prepare yourself mentally for the events to come."
Suddenly the saiyan disappeared and Gohan was standing alone in the seemingly endless void of white. The world around Gohan then started to spin, slowly at first before finally reaching a crescendo. Gohan eventually became so dizzy he could no longer stand up straight and eventually fell to the ground. When Gohan awoke, he was back in the Mount Paoz region, lying on the ground and looking up at the nervous face of his raven haired beauty.
"Gohan, are you okay?" asked Videl as she started to shake the now conscious Gohan.
"Huh, yea I'm fine, really," said Gohan as he made his way to his feet.
"Gohan what happened? As soon as I got close you started stumbling around before falling to the ground. Were you so nervous about the prospect of a kiss that it caused you to faint?"
Gohan looked at Videl and gave her the trademark Son grin with his hand behind his head. "Well Videl, you are a bit intimidating."
Videl looked back at Gohan irritated by his sudden humor. "You know, sometimes I just don't get you. Anyway it is getting late; I should probably get back home before my dad gets worried. God knows how he would react if he knew I spent the whole day with a boy. Thanks for teaching me how to fly and everything, today was really fun."
Videl then proceeded to lean in and give Gohan a hug, worried that a kiss may make him act "funny" again. Videl then went over to her jet copter and started her return trip to Satan City. Gohan stood and watched in admiration as Videl took off from Mount Paoz.
Wow, and here I thought we had kissed. Man what a bad time to get a vision. Oh well, now to get down to business. The World Martial Arts tournament takes place in only a couple weeks and apparently I have to enter. None of this seems to make sense though. What will be accomplished by me entering a martial arts tournament? If this powerful villain is going to be there, what can I even do about it? Apparently I'm still no match for him.
Gohan takes a break from his thought to look up into the sky.
I wish you were still here Dad. You were always so relaxed, even in the face of danger. You would know what to do in my situation now. God, how could I have been so stupid. I thought that I would be strong enough by myself for this new threat so I didn't warn any of the others. If I had told them, we would have a better chance now in the fight. No matter how strong you were dad, you would always accept the help of others. You knew how important it was to have others on your side in any fight. Well I guess it's not too late, I can still get the others to participate in the tournament with me. I don't have to tell them what's going to happen but at least all of them being there will be helpful. At the very least I could use their help to clear the arena of innocents if I do have to fight Okay so I guess it is decided then. I think I'll visit Vegeta first and see if I can get him to enter. Hmm, I guess there is one good thing about entering the tournament. I will be able to wash that dumb smile off Mr. Satan's face. I can only imagine his expression when he sees everyone from the Cell Games, everyone who knows him for the fraud that he is.
After finally deciding his course of action, Gohan placed two fingers to his forehead and vanished, reappearing next to a startled Goten, who was busy trying to find a frog hiding under a rock.
"Hey Gohan, are you done training Videl for the day?"
"Yea squirt, she left a few minutes ago. Hey, do you want to come with me when I visit some of dad's old friends?"
"Wow, that sounds like fun. Who are we going to see first?"
"I think we will start by paying Vegeta a visit."
"Cool, then I can play with Trunks for a while. Hey isn't mom going to mind, it's nearly time for dinner."
"Don't worry, I'll tell mom it was really important. Okay squirt grab on."
Gohan then grabbed the hand of Goten and used the instant transmission once more to appear inside of Vegeta's gravity chamber. Not surprising to Gohan, Vegeta was inside busy sparring with Trunks. Both of them stopped as they felt the sudden presence Gohan and Goten.
"What the hell are you two doing here? Don't you see I'm training," yelled an angered Vegeta.
"Sorry to interrupt you guys," said Gohan. "Hey Vegeta, do you mind taking a break for a few minutes, we need to talk."
"Hmph, make it quick then. I want to get back to the sparring session."
"Okay great, hey Goten can you and Trunks go play outside for a few minutes while I talk to Vegeta."
"Sure thing Gohan. Cmon Trunks, let's play that new game you bought."
"Ok Goten. Ooh I have some more games to show you that I just got."
Goten and Trunks quickly ran off to play before Gohan began his conversations with Vegeta.
"Vegeta, there's something I need to ask you. Did you feel those ki signals yesterday, the ones I fought against?"
"Of course, they were large but not high enough to pose a threat to me. You were able to take care of them weren't you?"
"Yea, they didn't pose much of a challenge. It just seemed strange though, power levels that high coming to this planet. Anyway, the reason I came was to ask you something. I'm going to be entering the World Martial Arts Tournament in a couple weeks and wanted you to enter as well."
"Why should I enter that joke of a tournament? Nobody on this planet is even worth my time. I'd be better served to just spend the time training and getting stronger."
"Well I'm going to be entering and I'm going to get the others to enter as well. Besides wouldn't you like to test your strength against Piccolo and myself? You don't want Piccolo to think you didn't enter because you were afraid of fighting him do you?"
"Ha, that Namek would have to be crazy to think he could beat me. Fine, I'll enter, but on one condition. You get Goten to enter. I want to see who is stronger between him and Trunks."
"Sure, that sounds great. I must warn you though I have been training Goten personally."
"Yes, and that'll be the reason he gets knocked out cold by Trunks. Now if there is nothing else I would like to get back to my training."
"No that's all. Have a good sparring session Vegeta."
After speaking with Vegeta, Gohan called for Goten in order to go to their next destination.
"Who are we going to see next Gohan?"
"I was thinking of paying Krillen and 18 a visit. It's been a while since I've seen either of them."
"Wow, wasn't Krillen dad's bets friend as a kid."
"Yea he was. You met him a while ago but you probably wouldn't remember. You were only a baby back then. Well, I'm guessing they still live with Master Roshi at Kame House so we should go there first."
Gohan place his hand on Goten's shoulder before using the instant transmission. The two reappeared on Master Roshi's island, to the surprise of Master Roshi. Roshi stumbled out of his chair and fell to the ground due to the twos sudden appearance.
"What the heck is going on?" exclaimed a disoriented Master Roshi. "Oh Gohan is that you? Wow it's been a long time, is that your brother Goten?"
"Hey Master Roshi, long time no see," responded Gohan. "Yea this is Goten. I guess this is the first time you've seen him since he was just a baby."
"Wow, he looks just like Goku did when he was that age. The resemblance is truly remarkable."
"So you're Master Roshi," asked Goten.
"Yep that's me."
"Wow, you're even older than I thought you would be. Are you really a martial arts master?"
Master Roshi fell off his chair once more at the indignant remarks of the young Goten.
"Goten, be respectful. Master Roshi was once one of the strongest people in the world."
"Was one of the strongest? I'll have you know I'm in the best shape of my life now. I'm like a fine wine, only getting better with age."
Before Master Roshi could use any more clichés, Krillen, 18, and Marron made their way outside to see what was going on.
"Gohan, wow is that you? Gosh it's been a long time since I've seen you."
"Krillen, it's good to see you. Wait how do you have hair, I thought you were bald? Oh, is that a wig?"
"No way, I was never bald. I just used to shave my head so I would like Master Roshi. So what brings you out all this way Gohan?"
"Well I came by to see if you and 18 wanted to enter the World Martial Arts tournament?"
"Wow, it's been a long time since I entered one of those things. Who else is entering?"
"Well I'm going to enter, and so is Vegeta. Oh and Goten and Trunks are going to enter as well. I was going to check with Piccolo next and then try to find the rest of the Z-fighters."
"It does sound like fun but I wouldn't have a chance of winning it. I'm not nearly as strong as you guys are."
"Oh cmon Krillen, it'll be really fun. And besides, when was the last time the whole group got together without there being a super powerful villain bent on world domination."
Gohan tried to say that last line as if it were a joke. Unfortunately he knew better.
"Yea you're right. It would be fun to see everyone again. I'll see if Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaozu want to enter as well."
"Great, that'll save me some time. I'll go and see Piccolo then. Bye guys."
18 gave a slight wave to the two disappearing Son's before turning to her husband.
"First prize for that tournament is a lot of money. It's enough money to get off this island and away from that dirty old man."
"Hey, I'm right here you know," said an irritated Master Roshi.
"Until the start of the tournament we should train and better our chances of winning."
"Are you sure dear, I mean I don't think training will make either of us strong enough to win? It's just too difficult to keep up with saiyans."
"Oh great attitude Krillen, teaching our daughter it's just better to not try at all."
Krillen looked down at the ground, knowing his wife had won the argument.
"Ok fine, I'll train with you. Just promise to go easy on…"
Before Krillen could finish his sentence 18 had already knocked him fifty feet with a roundhouse kick.
"We're starting now, and you're not getting dinner until you can beat me."
"Wow, how come mommy is so much stronger than daddy," asked the innocent Marron.
"Hahaha, well that's a long story Marron," responded Master Roshi.
As Krillen and 18 continued their sparring session, Gohan was in the process of speaking with Piccolo.
"So you'll enter the tournament?" asked Gohan.
"Sure, I'd like to have a chance to fight Vegeta. Maybe put him in his place."
"Great then, okay I guess I'll see you at the tournament then."
"Wait a second Gohan. Why are you entering the tournament? I know you don't care about winning the prize money so why are you bothering with it. Does it have anything to do with what happened a couple days ago?"
"No, it's not like that. I just thought it would be a good opportunity to get some sparring sessions in and meet up with some old friends again."
"Hmm, okay. I'll see you there then."
"Great, I'll see you there Piccolo."
With that, Gohan went over to Goten. He then used the instant transmission one last time to return home.
"This seems like it'll be fun," said Dende as he walked towards Piccolo.
"Yes, but I think there's more to it than Gohan is letting on. I think it's more than a coincidence that Gohan decided to enter everyone in a martial arts tournament not even two days after those aliens arrived."
"You're right. That is a bit suspicious. Do you think there is any correlation?"
"I can't say for sure. It would be wise to be prepared though. If living on this planet has taught me anything it's that there's always a new threat waiting to emerge."
Dende and Piccolo then both look out towards the clouds, slightly humbled by the validity of that last statement.
As Gohan and Goten made their way through the front door, they were stopped by a very angry Chichi who was holding her famous frying pan of doom in her left hand.
"And why are you two boys so late. Dinner has been ready for over an hour!"
"Sorry mom, Goten and I just went to visit a few people."
"Who did you go see exactly and why couldn't it wait until the morning."
"We went to see dad's old friends," replied Goten. "We saw Vegeta, Krillen, and Mr. Piccolo."
"Well you see mom, I was telling them about the upcoming World Martial Arts Tournament and how it would be cool if everyone entered. It would be a good opportunity to catch up with all our old friends."
"Money! If you enter you will definitely win and get the prize money. With that much money you could get into any college. Oh and I could finally afford to redecorate the house, or maybe even add another couple rooms."
Gohan and Goten both stared at their mother as she started to daydream about all the possibilities she could spend the prize money on.
"Uh yea, that's another reason I should enter," said Gohan.
"Well it's settled then, you'll take the next couple weeks off to train for the tournament and then we will all go and watch you win that prize money. I think I'll call Bulma later and see if she wants to fly there or just meet up."
After dinner Chichi talked to Bulma on the phone and Goten went into his room to play. Gohan just stood in front of the house, thinking to himself.
The tournament is only two weeks away. There's nothing to do now but wait.
/
I'm sorry it has taken this long, about three months. I had been so busy with school that I just didn't have the time. I do hope to get into the brunt of the story before the end of summer. Unfortunately, I may not get the next chapter up for a little while because I am having minor surgery soon. I hope to get right back into it afterwards though. Please Review the chapter and let me know what you think. Your reviews are very important to me.