A/N: Hey, I'm back! Did you like the last chapter? I hope so. I also hope you will enjoy this one. Okay, no more from me. Enjoy the story!

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Silence before a storm

Rain slammed onto the windows. Lightning struck outside and lightened up the dark sky now and then. The wind pounded furiously at the building trying to get in. The building was quiet. No sound except from beating hearts was heard. It was cold; a bit too cold for the stranger's taste. But then again these humans were low-level creatures. They had lived millions of years in the cold before they could even use their brains. But that was centauries ago. Now they had learned to use their head – some. The stranger chuckled slightly. There were so many things theses pitiful humans did not know. Maybe few knew about the great in the universe, but the rest was just as dumb as a hole in the earth. He moved forward quietly. It was not the first time he had come here at night so he quickly found what he was looking for.

Opening a door and steeping in the stranger smirked. He looked around and spotted a figure in the moonlight. He moved closer, making sure no sound was heard from his boots. When he got close enough, he stopped and looked down. The boy's breathing was quiet and slow. His heart didn't beat as fast as it should, but he was out of danger.

For now, the stranger thought and smiled. It had been five days since the fight with Cell. The stranger had to admit the boy had surprised him. He had shoved him a glint of the power the stranger knew was hidden inside of him. He knew the boy had suffered. He had enjoyed every cry of pain that had slipped the boy's lips. Cell had done a good job. But he had almost killed the boy and he still needed him alive. Gohan moaned in his sleep and turned his head to the other side. The stranger kneeled down and quickly covered the boy's mouth. He knew the brat's father would be near in case something should happen. Gohan weakly tried to jerk his face away, but when he didn't succeed, he opened his eyes in confusing. At first he couldn't make out anything he saw. He blinked a couple of times before the fog left his sight. When he saw who was looming over him, he wished he hadn't opened his eyes.

"Welcome back," Dark taunted. Gohan's eyes widened in fear. He tried to pry Dark's grip on him, but was too weak. He desperately tried to send his father a call through his mind, but found someone preventing him. Dark smirked and hushed. "There will be nothing like that, boy," he said. He bowed down and whispered in Gohan's ear, "I will release you under the promise you will make no sound at all. If you do, I will knock you out and I will do it painfully. Do you understand?" he asked. He removed his hand from Gohan's face and grabbed his wrists instead. He sat down on the bed and forced the boy's arms over his head. Gohan didn't struggle. He knew he was too weak, and it would do no good. Dark smirked.

"Not as dumb as I thought you were," he mocked. Gohan closed his hands, but didn't reply. Dark tightened his grip on the boy. "I hoped you enjoyed your little reunion with Cell. I'm sure he enjoyed it." Painful memorise speed through Gohan's mind. He blinked and looked away. He heard Dark chuckle. Anger slowly made its way through his body and he looked up to meet Dark's eyes. "Why have you come?" he asked in whisper. Dark smiled. "To tell you the ending is very near. Soon you're going to help me destroy this pitiful place." Gohan's eyes widened.

"As I'm sure you have guessed it was me who wished Cell back. He was so clouded by revenge he didn't even fell my power. What a pity. Maybe he would have realised he will never become as strong as I am. Or you for that matter." Gohan bit his lips. If he could only break through the walls surrounding his mind he could warn his father. He tried harder, but ever since the fight with Cell, he had been so weak he could barely breathe. Protecting his mind was something out of reach. Dark tightened his grip. "But I have to prepare and I can't do that if you tell everybody I've been talking to you. Your father will be sure not to let you out of his sight even for a minute." Gohan grew worried when he sensed Dark's emotions. Something was about to happen.

"What will we do about that?" Dark asked in mockery. Gohan swallowed and didn't reply. Dark suddenly broke into a smirk. He released Gohan and stood up straight. Gohan sat up on his elbows and followed Dark's every movement with wide eyes. Dark moved his hand into his cape and pulled out a small bottle from its inner pockets. He tore a part of his cape and held to the bottle. He tilted the bottle around and allowed the liquid to cover the torn piece. After a few seconds he tilted back the bottle and shoved it into his pocket again. He then turned his head and looked down at Gohan. "A very strong drug that will erase your memories from the last two hours. You won't be able to remember anything from our little conversation." Gohan gasped and desperately tried to escape by rolling to the left. Dark merely grabbed his arm and forced him back. Grabbing the young Saiyan around his throat he held him down and covered the boy's nose and mouth with the drugged piece of clothe before Gohan could open his mouth and call for help. He pressed down hard on Gohan and prevented any escape. Gohan desperately tried to hold his breath, but after a while his lungs were burning and screamed for air. He immediately felt the effect from the drug as he inhaled. A dark fog slowly swallowed his mind.

"Before you go to sleep, let me tell you a little story. Throughout the ages there has been one hero standing watch over you all. One hero protecting mankind. And now he will be called upon yet again to save the world. Only this time; the hero will destroy what he is trying to protect."

Gohan tried to stay conscious, but found it harder and harder. He couldn't remember who the person was pinning him down. He couldn't remember what he had told him. Within few seconds Gohan closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles. Dark smirked and removed the torn clothe from Gohan and stood up. He spent and few moments watching the boy. "Such great power for someone so… insignificant," he mumbled evilly. It was time for him to leave so he could get ready. The next steep of his plan would be the hardest. He needed all his strength if he wanted to succeed. But he knew he could not fail. Because how do you defeat demons from within? The boy would be alone this time and he would make sure to take him when the right time came. Reaching down; he gently stroke Gohan's hair away from his forehead. He smirked. What a shame. Such great talent and yet he has to die. Removing his hand from Gohan he disappeared into the dark.

Goku opened his eyes. He could hear the rain outside. He sat up rested his head in his hands. This was the third time he woke up. He couldn't sleep. His dreams were haunted by desperate cries for help; cries from his son. Cell's voice also taunted him in the sleep. He was so angry with himself he had let Cell hurt his son. He was supposed to protect Gohan; to guard him with his life. He got up from bed and walked down the hallway to see Gohan.

He opened the door to his son and found him sleeping peacefully on the bed. Goku walked over to him and sat down. He ran a hand over Gohan's forehead and frowned slightly when he noticed how warm Gohan was. The fever had gotten worse. Even though Dende had healed him the damage on Gohan's body might be too much to heal completely. Bulma had assured she would call the hospital if Gohan should get worse. Piccolo had entered Gohan's mind and found out what Cell had done to him.

Goku had never seen such anger in Piccolo's eyes before. The worst part about Gohan's torture was not the beatings, but the way Cell had stolen his energy. Gohan's life force had been touched too much and that's the reason why he might not be able to heal completely again. For the first time Goku actually understood how Chichi felt whenever he went to battle someone. It was a horrible feeling. He was surprised she had been able to live with it for so long. Looking down Gohan's body Goku suddenly noticed two bruises on Gohan's throat. Gently tilting Gohan's head he was able to see they were new. He was sure they had not been there yesterday. Those bruises came from someone who had held Gohan down against his will.

"Such a feisty son you have," a silky voice said. Goku narrowed his eyes and slowly turned around. He got to his feet and locked his eyes on the person in the other end. A black cape covered his face in shadow. His evil and ruthless aura slammed against Goku. He frowned and brought up his hands, ready to fight and protect his son. The stranger chuckled.

"I have not come to fight you," he said to Goku. Goku could swear the stranger was smirking under the cape. "You're the one, who attacked Gohan in the first place and threatened him, aren't you?" he asked between his teeth. The stranger nodded. "Just like your son you may call me Dark." Goku slowly moved his arms down and waited. He was ready to attack to protect.

"Why have you come? What have my son done to you?" The stranger frowned and stepped forward.

"Your little brat destroyed my future, my destiny! He imprisoned me for many years, making me unable to strike back. Along with Piccolo, Prince Vegeta and that pathetic creature of a human he humiliated me and destroyed what I had dreamt about my entire life!" Goku narrowed his eyes when he sensed the stranger's anger towards his son. "But now I will finally be able to get my revenge. I will kill you too, my friend. The boy will die in the end when he has seen me rise to glory for eternity." A white aura flashed around Goku. He closed his hands and if looks could kill, the stranger would be dead.

"My son was kidnapped, tortured and almost killed because of you. Don't think I will let you anywhere near him. And if you touch him, I won't rest until I have broken your neck!" The stranger laughed. He slowly approached Goku and didn't stop until he was mere feet from the angry father.

"The anger suits you, Goku. You should use it more often. As for your son, I won't have to come. He will come to me, I'm sure. Don't think either of you are safe; nor your wife, other son nor your friends. You can't hide from me, but I must admit, it will be hard to get to the boy without help from the inside." Goku growled and warningly eyed Dark. Dark smirked and backed away from father and son. "Now I must go. If I could, I would tell you when we meet again, but I can't do that as you understand, right?"

Dark stepped back and slowly his evil present disappeared. Goku was left standing, half in shock and half in anger. He turned and looked down at Gohan. Why would anyone do this to him? He couldn't figure out the true source to Dark's anger towards his son. He had a feeling it was something much darker and deeper. He decided to stay with Gohan the night over in case Dark should come back. Ha sat down on a chair, facing Gohan. He slowly formed a shield around his son so that he would be able to feel if anyone was near him.

Goku didn't sleep that night, but stayed at his son's side.

Voices outside disturbed him. He could not make out what they were saying, but it sounded like they were discussing. He rolled to his side and tried to ignore them. When the voices grew louder he opened his eyes. A sharp light hit him and made him narrow his dark eyes closely together. Please stop that yelling! It's giving me a headache! he complained to himself. As the voices continued to rise, he pushed away the blanket and sat up in his bed. Blinking several times to get the sleep put of his eyes he slowly got to his feet.

He had to suppress a yelp when he felt to the floor. Confusing he sat up. What happened? Why can't I walk?

He moved his feet and found them horrible starch. He could suddenly fell other places on his body that hurt. He moved his hand to his side and winched at the sharp pain he felt when touching the spot. Rubbing the wound gently memories came back to him. Memories about Cell, the kidnapping, his torture… the fight…" Gohan closed his eyes. How long have I been out? he wondered. He gently began massaging his feet and ankles to get them warm. Proceeding to his legs and hips Gohan found his body responding to him. After a few minutes he tried to stand again and smiled when he succeeded. His balance was horrible, but at least he was able to move around. He slowly swung his arms and circled with his wrists. He noticed the faint, red mark left from the chains Cell had tied him with. He forced the dark thoughts away. He would not think about now. Gohan decided not to open the door as the voices continued their feisty battle. He walked over to the window and opened it up. A soft, warm breeze of wind caressed his face and pulled back his spiky raven hair. He couldn't suppress a smile from covering his face. He could barely remember the last time he had felt so secure. He slowly climbed out of the window and landed on the ground; the green grass bending under his weight. He hopefully took a few steps forward and grinned as he managed to carry his weight. He walked further into the garden of Capsule Corp. Eyeing a large tree with shadow Gohan made his way towards it. He sat down and pattered slightly for air. He hated being so weak. He couldn't wait to get his old strength back so he could fly and spar with his father again.

He didn't know how long he sat there until he felt someone watching him. Looking up he met 18's cool gaze. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" she asked. Gohan gave her a weak smile. "Yeah, I should, but it's a nice weather today," he said. The female smiled and sat down beside him. "It's nice to see you're finally awake," she stated and formed a small ki blast in her hand. Gohan gave her a confused look.

"How long have I been sleeping?" he asked. The ki in 18's hand snapped away and she looked up at him, anger and sadness in her cool, blue eyes.

"Nearly three weeks," she answered. Gohan dropped to the ground. "So long?" he whispered. 18 nodded. "You almost died kiddo. You weren't breathing for a whole minute after you destroyed Cell. Your father had to use energy from nature before he was able to wake you up. After that he took you, Vegeta and Piccolo to Dende. Piccolo insisted Dende healed you first. It took him over two hours to heal your body, leaving him nearly unconscious. But you still didn't wake up. Your father took you to Capsule where Bulma and your mother waited with equipment from the hospital. We had to give you all sorts of drugs to keep you alive. More then once your heart stopped beating. You father hadn't slept for almost two weeks. He stayed at your side until he could barely hold his eyes open. He didn't eat and didn't drink. First when he fell down from the chair your mother forced him to rest. He really must care for you."

Gohan looked down. He couldn't believe he had been out for so long. No wonder I couldn't walk. He felt her hand on his shoulder. He looked up and found her staring at him intensely. "You have to face it sooner or later. The longer you wait the worse it will become." Gohan looked away and felt the tears pressing hard against his eyes. "It's… hard…" he whispered. 18 smiled sadly.

"I know. Back when Cell absorbed me was the worst moment of my life. I became part of something it didn't want. His body felt like mine. Every breath he took sent poison down my throat. I could see everything through his eyes. His legs were mine, his arms mine. You will probably get surprised if I told you I cried every time he hurt somebody." Gohan looked up, obvious surprise on his young face. 18 smiled bitterly.

"It was my mission to kill your father, but when Cell killed those people I knew how it was to take someone's life. It was horrible. When he then started to fight you, I wanted to scream. How could he fight and hurt a child? You were much too young to face someone like Cell. I swore and cursed every time he punched and kicked you. Then you told Cell about your sleeping powers. I wanted to reach out to you, to scream at you to leave this place. I wanted to warn you about Cell's twisted mind and what he would do once he knew about you. But I couldn't. I was forced to see him tear you apart until he pushed you too far and you transformed. Then he killed your father and Trunks. I could almost feel your pain inside of me. It was something no one should ever feel. Even though I was unconscious I could still feel the fight somehow."

"Then you took me with you and healed me. You didn't destroy me for what I was. You could have ended my life with a flick of your wrist, but you didn't. You gave me a second change. I never forgot that. I promised myself I would never hurt to kill, only to protect." She stroked the hair away from his face.

"Go to your family. Be with them. You need them to get through this." She got up and left him alone. Gohan was left speechless. What could he say? He never knew 18 had felt that way during her union with Cell. The black hole in his chest had disappeared and he felt strong enough to be with his family. He got up and marched back to the house. When he reached the door he could hear voices inside. They were yelling and shouting at each other. He swallowed and pushed it open.

When he entered the voices stopped and eyes turned to him. Goku, Vegeta, Chichi, Bulma, Krillin and 18 were watching him. "Gohan! Where have you been?" Chichi cried and ran to him. She hugged him hard. Gohan gasped for air and struggled weakly. "I-I was outside…" he stamped. Goku came over to him. "You shouldn't go out alone," he said firmly. Gohan looked up.

"I wasn't. I was with a friend," he said and looked over at 18. She nodded and smiled. Goku followed his gaze and received a small nod from 18. He turned back to Gohan. He kneeled down in front of him and looked him deeply into the eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked him. Gohan smiled.

"I'm fine, Dad. I just need some time, that's all," he answered. Goku didn't look convinced, but got to his feet. "Come on, honey, I bet you're hungry," Chichi said and took his arm. She leaded him away from the room along with Bulma, 18 and Krillin. Goku waited until they were gone before he turned to Vegeta.

"This has gone too far, Vegeta," he said and walked back and forth. Vegeta nodded his head in agreement. "There is something we're missing; something right in front of us," the prince said and crossed his arms. "Let's take this from the beginning. A stranger attacks your son, claiming to know him. He also knows me and Piccolo. He wishes Cell back, but not so he can kill Gohan." Goku bit his lip. He just couldn't see any connection to all this. Either Dark was mad or there was one small thing they didn't see.

"I haven't told Gohan, but five days after Cell, I talked with this Dark. He was in the room with Gohan. I don't know if he was waiting for me, but he told me some stuff. He said Gohan would come to him, so I think he might use some of us against Gohan. He said you; Piccolo, Krillin and Gohan destroyed his future. Does that say anything to you?" Vegeta shook head.

Goku sighed deeply. If only he knew what was going on. "I hate this, but we can only wait. We shouldn't go out alone from now on until we know some more."

Over the weeks Gohan slowly healed. He spent most of his time studying and sleeping. Normally he would fall asleep at his desk over his books until his father would find him and put him to bed. He also spent more time with 18 to know more about her. She surprised him a lot with her points and what she believed in. he enjoyed talking with her, but he noticed he was never alone for a long time. If his father or Vegeta were sparring, 18 or Krillin would always be near. He didn't mind, but he sometimes missed being alone. He didn't feel ready to talk about Cell and shifted uncomfortable if the name was mentioned. He could still remember 18's words about facing his fear, but if seemed so… impossible. He couldn't tell what would happen if he walked down the road. There would be no turning back once he took the first step.

Four weeks after the battle with Cell Gohan decided it was time to face and end the nightmare that continued to haunt him in his dreams. But he knew he had to do it alone. There was however a small problem. How was he supposed to leave? He could push down his power, but the others would sense it immediately and go look for him. He finally came to a solution. He would borrow and air speeder from Bulma and leave in the night. It was risky and he knew it, but he felt he would explode if he didn't let out his feelings sooner or later. He told nobody about his plans and shielded his thoughts from them.

He waited patiently all day, but as the darkness slowly covered the sky he felt his heart starting to race. He jumped at every sound and didn't eat much. His parents noticed and asked him if something was wrong. Being the worst lair in the world he quietly told them he was just tired and hoped they would believe him. Able to sense his son's growing discomfort Goku placed a hand on his should and looked him firmly in the eyes. Gohan swallowed, but kept eye contact with his father. Goku could see something was bothering Gohan, but what it was, he didn't know. When Gohan didn't reply he nodded and shoved him back to his room.

"Try to get some sleep," Goku said and closed the door. Gohan went over to his bed a lay down. He didn't close his eyes, but reached out with his senses. He had to be sure all of them were asleep before he could leave. Hours seemed to pas before the house felt silence. Gohan quietly got up from bed and walked over to the door. He pressed his ear to the wood and listened. He couldn't hear or sense anyone out there, so he held his breath and opened the door. He looked from left to right before stepping out. Gohan couldn't help but fell guilty. He was kind of betraying his parents and friends, but he had to do this. He walked down the dark hallway

Slightly running on tip-toes Gohan quickly found Bulma's lab and ran inside. He made his way through the darkness and found her capsules. Knowing where the capsule he needed lay, he quickly grabbed it and tossed it into his pocket. He left the lab and made his way towards the front door. He stopped breathing when he had to pass his parent's room. He bowed down on his knees and crawled past it. More then one time he stopped in his tracks as he heard noises from the room. He could fell his father breathing slowly beside his mother. As soon as he had past he leaped to his feet and ran as fast as he dared the rest of the way. With a hand on the door he looked back down the hallway. Sighing deeply he opened the door and stepped out. A cold wind hit him in the face and made him regret he didn't bring a jacket. He brought out the capsule and threw it to the ground. A loud thud followed with smoke until a large air speeder became visible. Gohan gaped.

What in the world is THAT? The large machine looked like nothing he had ever seen before. It was much larger than a normal air speeder. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed the laser canons on each side of it. What was Bulma thinking when she made it? Is she planning to go to war or something? He crawled onto it and grabbed the gear. Okay, how fast can it go? He pressed down on the speeder and had to suppress a yell as the speeder shot forward in incredible speed. A grin crossed his face. He pressed down once again and felt the wind blow back his air as he shot through the air.

After about half an hour he finally reached his destination. He was freezing and barely able to move his fingers. He looked up and winched at the sight. He had forgotten how it looked like. Painful memories slammed against his brain and made him shiver. Forcing his legs to move, he slowly approached the cave. He stopped at the entrance and waited. Gohan had no desire or whatsoever to enter. Collecting all his courage he stepped in and walked deeper into the darkness. The moonlight shined down from above from a hole and bathed the cave in a strange light. Gohan stopped and looked around. He could almost hear Cell's voice and his own cries. His eyes moved to the small lake inside the cave. The blue water seemed to taunt him and made him look away. Quicker than he liked he spotted chains on the opposite wall. They were covered in blood; his blood. Gohan looked down and tried to block out the sight. Oh, how he wished he could just blow all this to atoms and never think about it again.

But he didn't do it; couldn't. This would remind him that there would always be evil somewhere and he had a responsibility to fight it, so something like this wouldn't happen to anyone else. Giving the chains a last glaze he turned to leave.

He stopped dead and gapped. It couldn't be! Blocking the centre of the path stood a figure in a black cape. Gohan could hear him laughing. He felt his legs moving backwards as the figure made his way towards him. The figure snapped his fingers and an invisible force bound Gohan and made him unable to move. Gohan panicked and struggled against the force pinning him to the spot. The figure walked up to him and stopped directly in front of him. He then lifted a finger up to Gohan's face moved it from side to side in front of him. "You can't break the barrier, my young one," he said in a mocking tone. Gohan recognized the voice: Dark!

His eyes widened in horror. What was about to happen? Dark grinned and closed his raised hand. Seconds past as they simply stared at each other; one in horror, one in pleasure. Then Dark abruptly stopped and lowered his hand.

"This almost seems too easy," he muttered, thinking to himself. "I will get no satisfaction by killing you this way…" he slowly brought up his hand again. The force binding Gohan released him and made him able to move again. He stumbled away from Dark. "Much better," Dark said and leaped forward. Gohan gasped and threw himself to the ground and rolled over. Looking up he found Dark coming at him again. Jumping to his feet Gohan ran towards the exit. He wasn't strong enough to fight Dark and it would be foolish to attempt it. Dark laughed and followed Gohan. He speed past the boy and turned around, blocking his escape. Gohan skidded to a stop.

"You shouldn't have come alone, my young fighter," Dark said and smirked. Gohan didn't dare answer. "If you choose to surrender, I will kill you fast." Gohan narrowed his eyes.

"Never!" he hissed. Dark's face tightened momentarily. "It would be foolish to defy me and it will only make things worse for you in the end," he sneered.

"You'll never take me," Gohan growled and started to struggle again. Dark snorted. "Is that so?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I don't see your father or friends around to stop me!" Fear touched Gohan. Nobody knew where he was. Why hadn't he left a note or something for them? Dark moved his hand forward to grab him. Gohan stepped back and out of reach. Dark growled.

"Your choice is clear to me. Don't say I didn't warn you. Now you will have to suffer the consequences!" With lightning speed Dark darted forward and backhanded Gohan across the face. With a cry Gohan fell to the ground, his hipbone striking the hard stone floor. A gasp of pain slipped his lips. Dark bowed down over him, his aura masked in evil and pleasure.

"How easy it would be to kill you right here and now," he grinned. Gohan pushed himself away, but didn't get far as Dark snatched his ankle and roughly yanked him back. "Denying me has leaded you to yours and everyone else's downfall," he said, madness glowing in his eyes behind the cape. Gohan stared up in astonishment.

"What do you mean?" he asked. Dark smirked.

"I have every advance there is. I know your father's weakness and I know yours. I know things about Prince Vegeta that would cause his downfall. Piccolo is too weak to beat me and the humans are too dumb to know left from right." Dark grabbed his shirt and forced him to his feet. "I will take you back and this time, you will stay there and don't try to run away. I will know if you do it," he threatened. Gohan stared at him perplexed. Although he was scared he was also angry.

"I think it's funny you only attack when I'm alone or when it's dark," he said in a pert voice. Dark frowned angrily and grabbed Gohan's neck. Gohan felt a pervasive stream of pain as Dark tightened his grip on him. "Don't get smart with me, boy, or you might regret it later," the evil sneered to him.

"Unfortunately I can't beat you up, but if you had been in another conditions that little comment of yours would have caused you a beating beyond belief, so don't play with the fire or you might get burned!" Before Gohan could snap, Dark sent his elbow crashing down on the boy's skull. Gohan slumped instantly and fell into Dark's arms. The man lifted him up was about to take off when he noticed the air speeder. He snapped his fingers a single time and the machine exploded. He smirked and took off with Gohan in his arms. It took time to reach Capsule seeing as he couldn't fly fast or the boy's father would sense him.

He easily got inside the building thanks to a hidden entrance his informer had told him about. He carried Gohan back to his room and placed him on the bed. He stared madly down at Gohan for a few seconds. If the damn boy continued to run off like that he would not be able to prepare properly.

"You better believe I will come for you when time is and it will not be pretty. And should anyone stand in my way, they will be crushed!"

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A/N: How was that? I didn't kill Gohan… this time… (Hehehe). I can tell you a great deal of things will be reviled soon and you will find out more about Dark. Well, take care all of you. Farvel og jeg er snart tilbage! (Bye and I will be back soon(Danish))

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