Hiya!
Woah, I almost forgot today was Friday. Thanksgiving threw me off. Ok, it's 1:00 in the morning, I'm just gonna throw this up ^^; Am I doing something wrong or something? Because my spacing is really random. Sometimes it indents, sometimes it doesn't. Go figure. Evil HTML. It's beyond me.
Disclaimer: I do not own/am not affiliated with DBZ, evil FUNi, or Ray Bradbury. Woot.
Last chapter!
With that, a final shockwave rolled over them both, and they tumbled to the ground below.
((How the hell did we lose?))
An elbow was driven into the demi-Saiyan's neck; as inky black claimed both Sons' vision, Goku was left with the image of his son, charcoal eyes wide in shock, breath coming in short huffs.
Then it was gone.
"Go…ten…" Piccolo muttered softly, before collapsing into a deep sleep.
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Kokuhaku: Chapter 14
Chattel
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"The blowing of a single autumn leaf."
~Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
"Egads… What a headache… Eh?"
Goku glanced around curiously; he stood within a large hall, constructed of tan masonry and surrounded by columned hallways. A clear glass dome glittered overhead; mirrors sparkled here and there along the edges, refracting the sunlight about the large room.
"Where the heck am I now?"
He assumed it was a training room of some sort; compact dirt formed the floor, whilst tile lined the edges and spread to the hallways past. A harried-looking young alien, similar in appearance to Pui Pui, scrubbed a tile area across the arena. Goku winced; he swore that soapy lather had a reddish tint.
Suddenly he had a strange thought. Why did he feel so at home? He should be rejecting this place. This was a dream of a place he had never even been to, and Goku could smell things he had never smelled, see things he had never seen. It made no sense- he should, if anything, feel alienated in this strange world.
Away from it.
But he felt as though this place was a home, of sorts…. Even that didn't quite satisfy his description. This wasn't truly a home. It had a sinister feel to its warm stones. Past the shadows in the hall… dark things occurred. He knew it.
But how?
Gohan. Of course, Gohan! He could still feel that familiar connection in the back of his mind. No wonder he felt like he knew this place- Gohan knew this place, and his mind knew what Gohan's did. It made perfect sense.
Still he felt strange, being so at home in this large arena.
((A fight with Dabura, eh?)) Okiri's voice rebounded through the Saiyan's head.
Alright, Goku decided, now to figure out what this place is. I should know, if I share Gohan's emotions.
He focused.
The main arena.
Of Babidi's compound, the one Gohan had been at for a year. Wow, a year, already…
This arena was only for the high-class warriors' training, that and challenges that took place every once and awhile. The other warriors under Babidi's control would watch the matches that took place, occasionally.
That was all Gohan had to say of it.
((I don't see what you're so excited about. He beat the hell out of us last time.)) Juujen replied morosely to Okiri's comment seconds before. .
Goku could almost imagine Gohan grinning. ((C'mon, Juujen! All we've been fighting are those weaklings. Now we can see how strong we've become- Dabura can't be that hard.))
((We haven't reached SSJ2 yet. Not since the Cell Games, Okiri.))
((It hasn't been necessary. Who needs that stupid level anyways? We almost beat him last time. We were just… surprised.))
((I hate this place.))
((It's a challenge, Juujen. A warrior's challenge. We get food, and a place to sleep, and we get to fight as many as we want…))
Goku grinned, despite himself. He could definitely see where his genes were.
((We're prisoners, Okiri. He's training us for something. I can feel it. I just don't know what yet…))
((Until then, I plan on becoming as strong as I need to be.))
((Stop being so damn arrogant, you stupid Saiyan fool! Are you listening to a word I say!?))
((Look! We're here!))
((Imbecile…))
Goku glanced up curiously as his 11-year-old son strode confidently into the arena.
Rather, he corrected, his 12-year-old son… He had grown, definitely. His hair had changed slightly, still in those stubborn spikes, but cut a little bit shorter than before. He was still garbed in Piccolo's uniform, although his ankles showed a bit more than before. Goku held back a smile. The boy was certainly stubborn when it came to clothing.
A slightly darker thought came to mind. I wonder when he'll start wearing that white gi…
His attention was drawn away as Dabura strode into the arena, cloak flapping in his broad steps. The demon king stopped feet away from the arrogant teenage boy, arms crossed. A flurry of dust was sent up at the demon's entrance.
Smirking, Gohan stared up at his adversary. "It's been awhile."
"Hopefully you've improved, although I highly doubt it." The demon replied with much disdain.
Reverting to his father's trademark grin, the boy threw his arms up, allowing golden flame to burst about him and the familiar blonde to spark through ebony hair. Teal eyes trained upon their opponent. "I'm ready this time."
"If you hope light tricks will save you, you are dreadfully mistaken." Dabura spat in disgust, lashing out with a fist at the demi-Saiyan.
Then the two were in action, working much the same way as the match Goku had witnessed mere minutes before. However, this time, Gohan was making the offense; Dabura blocked, never tossing in a punch.
The Saiyan's eyes narrowed. "He's playing around. He knows Gohan isn't putting enough into the fight to win…"
Dabura ducked beneath a right hook and made the first offensive blow- he brought an elbow up, slamming into the boy's chin and snapping Gohan's head back.
Goku flinched as numbing sparks ran through his jaw.
Eyes narrowed, Gohan wiped a thin trail of blood from the corner of his mouth. "Not bad."
"It is not hard to defeat a mere child who has never stood on a real battlefield."
Gohan scowled, and launched into an offensive again; Goku could both feel and see the boy bringing up everything he had been trained for, and couldn't help but feel slightly proud and yet disappointed at the same time. The boy could recognize an opportunity when the time came; but he didn't attack quickly enough. He hesitated too long. He just wasn't aggressive enough.
It wasn't like the Cell Games fight- it was completely opposite. A hint of his old style was shining through, but it just wasn't as organized and cautious as usual. He was being sloppy.
Goku frowned. What was the hold up? He had trained the boy- hell, Gohan himself had shouted at him for not being aggressive enough in the Spirit and Time Chamber. Yet now, Gohan wasn't using everything to his full advantage. He wasn't placing the right attack with the right opening quickly enough.
Was it aggressiveness? Or was Gohan just not putting his whole heart into the battle?
((Damn, Juujen, help me out here- I can't do this all on my own…))
((There's no purpose here. It's just brute strength.))
((Brute strength requires strategy.))
((You can handle it.))
Okiri gave a grunt in response; Dabura drove a knee into the demi-Saiyan's stomach.
In Goku's own mind, it suddenly clicked.
Of course. That was why there was delay.
A human, even as an advanced fighter, can have one slight disadvantage: it sees the problem, it calculates a response, but sometimes the body simply isn't fast enough. For a Saiyan… A well-trained one, of course, has no problem in battle. But a half-ling, there could be a problem. The body reacts, but not always after thinking it through.
Gohan was not seeing the attacks. He was simply retaliating. There was no strategy, because his human half was not participating.
Of course…
Doubled over, Gohan lingered a minute before quickly driving a right hook into the demon's cheek. Unabashed, the demon king slammed a retaliatory fist into the boy's face; Gohan tumbled back, temporarily stunned. Goku blinked as his nose tingled sharply.
Dabura was not done yet; while the boy was stunned, he nimbly landed a perfect punting kick into the boy's unguarded midriff. The demi-Saiyan fell to the soil below, creating a decent crater in his ungainly landing. There he lay on his back, vulnerable.
The demon king drifted down lazily, not in the least bit perturbed. "You are yet to present a challenge for me, brat." However, he gave a slightly amused grin at some afterthought. "I think we will do this more often. I heard that Saiyans increase their strength after near-death experiences." Still grinning, he planted a foot on the demi-Saiyan's chest. Gohan emitted a low groan as the demon increased the pressure. "Surely you want to get stronger…?"
"Dabura! See you're having fun with our demi-Saiyan."
Goku gave a jerk at Babidi's voice; he hadn't realized what a daze he had been in, caught up in the scent of blood and the lust of the fight.
Dabura was apparently caught up as well, as he seemed slightly surprised upon spotting his master. Gohan did not move, but jerked as his opponent dug his foot further down.
"Yes, master. I plan to make him much stronger."
"Not stronger than yourself, I'm sure." Babidi replied smoothly.
Dabura chose not to respond.
"Well, fine then, I will be off. Don't hit him too hard. I don't want him permanently damaged."
Silence reigned over the arena for a moment as the wizard departed; then Dabura slammed all his force into the boy's chest; Gohan, unable to withstand the pressure any longer, snatched at the demon's ankle in vain and cried out. The demon merely gave a sadistic grin. "You don't deserve Babidi's attention." With a final twist, he was rewarded with a sharp crack. The demi-Saiyan stilled and quieted, eyes wide. Dabura removed his foot, and Gohan gave a short scream of pain.
Goku winced as the sound buffeted his eardrums and shock after shock rang through his chest; he didn't want to think what it felt like to Gohan. Then again, he had been in that position before, and could relate to having a rib crack.
Dabura kneeled, snatching the boy roughly by the hair and pulled him up as he straightened. Pained boy and cold demon stared face to face. Strangely, Gohan was the one to speak, in short gasps. "Why do you… follow Babidi…?"
"Because that is what I desire to do." The demon replied coldly.
Goku's vision went black once more as a punch to the face knocked Gohan out cold.
~*~
"Should we leave?" Videl inquired curiously, staring at the crashing sapphire waves.
They stood upon the edge of Papaya Island; the still-smoking arena, at the center of Papaya, lay miles behind them, but the humans still swore they could smell the rank of flesh burning.
"I don't know… They might come back…" Chichi was as worried as ever.
"Yamcha? Can you sense anyone?"
Suddenly in the hot spot, the ex-bandit grinned sheepishly; of course he had been observing the entire fight mentally, but he wasn't sure if he himself totally understood what had occurred. "Um… It's kinda fuzzy… I'd have to look closer."
The females shot him skeptical looks before turning to their ringleader. Bulma sighed. "I guess we'll stay here. Maybe we should gather the dragonballs, wish back all those people Gohan killed…"
Chichi promptly burst into tears.
"Ah! Sorry, Chichi! Really, though, we should wish them back…"
"I think we should wait." Puar stated in her squeaky voice. "What if more people were killed? And besides, maybe we'll need the wish for something more important."
"Something more important!? Something more important than what!? Hundreds of people just died!" Bulma shouted in return, stepping challengingly towards the blue shape-shifter.
Puar floated back, whispering to Yamcha, "What's with her?"
"I think she's a little bit agitated."
The cat shot her long-time friend a look. "I know that."
"Bulma… Let's just stay here." Videl stated tiredly. "Goku'll tell us what to do."
"What if Goku's dead?" Roshi shot up nervously.
The old master soon shrank under a shower of glares.
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Finis Chapter
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Ok, not *nearly* as long as last chapter, but I don't want to toss out too much of Goku's dream at a time; it could get really confusing. Was the interlude with Videl, etc., annoying? I just thought I should let you all know what was going on with them.
I sorry, I ate food today and now I'm all tired ^^; So I'm just gonna put up previews and review response…
Next chapter!
His eyes narrowed dangerously; their already pale yellow color only served to create a more malicious appearance.
Goku raised an eyebrow. What on earth was up with Babidi?
"Heh, Pui Pui, dare you to get him to talk…"
"20 trilos."
"That's a good fight's salary, you-"
"C'mon, he ain't gonna do it easy, Kiku."
"Fine… Rip-off…"
"Ha. I'll do it. Tonight."
Reviews, reviews, how could I live without you ^^
Silver Warrior- Hehe, yea, not very original of me ^^; But I thought his sacrifice fitted in with this storyline anyways.
DBZ Chick1- Hell will most likely freeze over the day you don't say "update" in a review ^^; Thankies for the review.
Simba-rulz- Geez, it's just a cartoon character o.O;; besides, I couldn't kill my Gohan off in this story ^^
Okiri: *skeptical look* Ri-ight…
Juujen: LIAR! I read the scripts! I know what happens! Liarliarliar!
Okiri: Alright, we get the point, shut up.
Juujen: …Liarliarliarliarliar…
Okiri: LOOK! Turkey!
Juujen: *stops, stares at his counter-part* That only works on you. Look, turkey!
Okiri: WHERE!?
Ok, temporary insanity gone --; Updated, woot!
Aleandra Alyra Sarienna- Dubbie ^^ Poor Dubbie. Trunks? Why would Trunks be a Majin? He's sleeping with Krillin and Piccolo (lazy bums, sleeping on the job ^^) Hehe, I just wrote the outline for part two. I should finish this fic somewhere in 2005 at this rate. Geez.
SSJ5Tigger- That was one long rant. Hey, I'm yet to get a flame! Either my story is good or people are too lazy to flame. Probably the latter. Hehe. Yup, no story is perfect. I've never flamed anyone! Although some, I really, really wish I could. But it would be a waste of time and energy. Goku finding two halves is good, because it's one step to him finding out that his son is *not* evil (or is he? Hmm…) thankies, as always, for the review
Alex Ultra- ^^ I do that sometimes. Authors update quickly, or I forget to review. Go me. Ranma ^^ Never watched/read it. Hehe ^^ Well, thanks for the review.
THE DARK ONE18- Yay! Someone new! Coolness ^^ Haha, wouldn't go so far as hailing…
Juujen: *holding "DOWN WITH SHADOWPHOENIX sign* GOHAN TORTURER!
Okiri: *searching for turkey, still*
Thankies for reading ^^
Adrienne D- Ah ^^ Getting these reviews always makes my day a heck of a lot better. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou… Yea, you get the gist. Anyways. Yep, I saw Matrix Revolutions, twice, actually. The trailer wasn't much. They show it on TV now, anyways.
Actually, Gohan was *not* absorbed. Babidi likes his little servant, why on earth would he let Buu eat him? But yea, at the moment, he's kinda unconscious in the middle of the desert. Babidi left him there to "think things over" (oh, that's really effective for someone who's half-dead --;).
Wow, cool, I love it when stories inspire me to draw! I'm too lazy to draw that scene, though o.O It would take me forever ^^ I'd absolutely love to see it. My first piece of fanart *melts*
Hehe. Food, food, heck, he thought wedding was a food… And cutting scenes is just so *fun.* Can't live without it.
I was afraid the Goten/Trunks conversation would be annoying and pointless, but it seems that was not so. Good! I tried to display Trunks as best I could ^^ Hopefully it worked out as planned. It just seems to me Trunks is really loyal, both to his father, and (although subtly) to Goten. Although the latter is more like a ringleader looking after his lackey at times ^^ Tried to show this later… You'll see what I mean in a few chapters.
Haha! Awesome! Yea, I wrote that little jumble of thoughts in one quick sweep of the fingers, but I tried to stick to it as well as I could, attempting at repetition to get the point across. You hit it right on, however. Too cool. I think elation *would* come into play, as he suddenly realizes the fight is over and everyone's pretty much ok (except Mirai o.o Poor Mirai). This small sequence of Gohan's life, and it's affect on Goku, kinda shows up more later, when Goku has one of many breakdowns. Poor Goku. Things get to him, eventually…
Did I? ^^ Yay! Vegeta scares me. I'm always afraid I'll make him totally out of character. Piccolo, Vegeta, Heero Yuy… the silent types are just so hard to personify, and to justify their actions is like authoress hell to me o.o;
Actually… Yea, when you said Goku wouldn't catch on immediately, I considered *changing* this chapter. But I think he would catch on pretty quick, despite it all. When things start to move fast, usually Goku can keep up with it. Especially in the heat of battle. And they are pretty much in the thick of one big battle after another right now. Am I wrong? *worriedness*
Well, Gohan did reach SSJ2, but he only reached that through a lot of struggling. It's like when Goku went SSJ for the first time. I think Gohan would have to do at least a *little* training to be able to have SSJ2 at his beck and call. So, technically, at this point, he can't transform all that quickly. Although the movies aren't always accurate, in Movie 9, Gohan can't reach SSJ2 until the end of the battle (and after nearly getting killed again). So, although he's *reached* that level before, he really has to get used to it and master it before he can reach it whenever he wants. Like when he's fighting Dabura. Did that clear it up?
Oh god o.O So sorry! I absolutely despise that about my subconscious. As I'm writing, I'll use some word, and by accident, my mind will repeat it as I write, over and over. Once I used the same darn word 3 times in the same sentence. Thank goodness Astrozazel caught it --; It was so embarrassing, too! Geez. I'm so sorry. I just don't catch that, usually. Waaah… I can't believe I did that, I can't believe I did that… *slams head on desk several times*
Babidi is evil ^^ Who knows what he's planning… Besides, how could I leave Goten out? I thought our little demi-Saiyan needed some character development, hehe…
Hehe, reviewing is all important! Homework is petty! ^^ I love responding to your reviews. I get to get into rants and everything! Woot, yayness, you are awarded the uber-cookie award for constant uber-reviewer…
Gohanzgirl- hehe ^^ Two of them. Twice the trouble. Yay. Wow, Canada? It would take awhile to get to Canada from here. I do live in Virginia, after all o.O
Ooshii Kurai- Did I spell your name right!? --;;; I swear, that name, too many double letters and stuff… Haha, recruiting muses, eh? Poor muses. Haha, 1-in-4 odds ^^ Poor Vegeta. He'll probably get lost. And refuse to ask for directions.
Geez, it takes me 45 minutes to write an A/N. That's rather pathetic o.O Ok, well, I'm exhausted from reviewing, Thanksgiving fun, and all that other stuff, so I'll retire ^^ Thankies for reading!
Juujen: Hey, where'd Okiri…
Okiri: Look! I found a cookie!
Buu: Hey! Mine!
Okiri: *eats it in spite* *chewing slows, then he spits it out* Ew! What kind of cookie was that!?
Buu: *grins* Dabu-bu!
Juujen: *pales*
Okiri: *frantically spits out remainder of cookie*