Once again I apologize for being so long in updating. I'm working on two other stories right now so this one isn't on the top of my list but if a good idea does hit me, I'll be sure to share it. Anyway, I really enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you guys enjoy reading.

Gohan

The vast void of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber rang with the crashing of blows as father and son trained for the eventual clash with Cell. Goku was trying his best to give his son a good workout without accidentally killing him. The boy was currently no where near his father's level but he just wanted more.

"Come on Dad! Give me all you've got."

And so Goku cranked it up and Gohan took the blows amazingly well. But the nine year old boy began to weaken and slow up. Goku knew Gohan was in pain and suggested that they take a break.

"No Dad, I've got to get as strong as I possibly can! I promise I'll rest soon but let's go just a little bit longer."

Goku nodded and the sparring continued. At one point Gohan managed to duck his father's blow and punch him right in the face. It hurt and that pain made Goku smile because it meant his son was improving. He returned with a knee to Gohan's stomach which made the boy double up and gasp in agony. Goku hesitated but his child took the opportunity to strike back.

Finally, Gohan collapsed to the ground gasping from exhaustion and pain.

"I'd say you're finally done for the day" Goku said as he lifted the boy up and carried him back to the living quarters. On the way Gohan kept groaning and Goku smiled sympathetically. "You pushed your body pretty hard today; I bet your muscles are screaming."

"Well I certainly don't feel 100%."

They arrived at Gohan's bed where Goku said "I know what will help. Let's get those clothes off of you."

Gohan was bewildered but he, with his father's help, stripped to his underwear and laid face down on the bed.

"Dad what are you…" he paused and then groaned with delight as Goku began to gently but firmly massage Gohan's aching mussels. "You're a genius Dad; that feels wonderful!"

"Pay attention because I may need you to do this for me if we stay at this pace."

Gohan said "I know you'd be progressing faster without me here. I know you keep telling me not to think that way but I can't help it."

"Well help it because nothing could give me greater pleasure right now than having you right here with me. You're a great sparring partner and an even better companion in this maddening place."

Gohan, who was already half asleep, whispered "Thanks Daddy."

Goku grinned at his son's choice of words; he loved it when his son called him Daddy but it was becoming less and less frequent as the boy got older. He continued the massage even after he heard the heavy breathing that indicated Gohan was fast asleep.

Gohan shifted slightly and a piece of folded paper became visible sticking out from under the pillow. The curious Goku gently dislodged it and unfolded it. It was titled "What I'm Fighting For" followed by the names of his family and friends. Their was also a list containing his house, flowers and tree's, lazy afternoon's in woods, mealtimes with his family, animals, and so on.

After completely reading the list Goku gazed at his sleeping child with damp eyes. This boy was training so hard for purely selfless reasons with nary a thought to his own safety. This sweet little boy had a heart bursting with love and was desperate to protect the things it was connected to.

Goku found himself thinking back to a wonderful afternoon almost a decade past. In his mind's eye he was sitting against a tree by a gorgeous mountain lake with his baby in his arms. He gazed at the cute bundle of perfection and wondered what he had done to deserve this precious child. He certainly didn't feel worth and, truth be told, the thought of being a parent still scared him to death. But he swore he would do his best.

He mentally fast forwarded to a night not long before the fateful day Raditz appeared. It was a very stormy night and he had been jolted awake by a clap of thunder. He made sure that Chi Chi was still sleeping soundly before settling back under the covers. He heard another noise and bolted upright again, certain that it hadn't been the thunder that had roused him. He slid out of bed and hurried to Gohan's room where he found the boy curled up under his blankets crying his eyes out.

He sat on the bed and comforted "There, there Gohan it's alright, Daddy's here."

The frightened four-year-old extracted himself from the covers and curled up in Goku's lap. "Tell Daddy what's wrong."

"I'm afraid of the storm."

"What! You don't need to be afraid when I'm here to protect you."

"But there's wind and lightening and stuff. You can't fight those."

"I don't have to. You're Daddy is so strong and tough that even nature knows not to mess with him. Now let's dry those tears."

Goku held him tight and after a moment he managed to stop crying. A blast of wind shook the house and he shivered a bit. Goku pulled back the blankets and settled into bed alongside his son; "Tell you what, I'm gonna stay here all night and make sure that nothing hurts you."

He glanced up at the door and saw a smiling Chi Chi standing there. She gave him a thumbs up and went back to bed. Goku settled in closer and kissed Gohan good night. In no time they were sleeping peacefully.

Goku's mind made on more stop on memory lane before returning to the present. He and Gohan were resting in the woods after a long day of training for the androids. Much like today, the boy had pushed himself to his limits and was exhausted.

"You're doing incredibly well Gohan. I have to admit, you're advancing faster than I expected you to"

"Thanks Daddy, that means a lot to me."

"I love how strong you're getting but I hate the fact that you have to fight such serious battles at your age."

"I want to fight! I've been protected my whole life and now it's my turn to be the protector. I want to get really strong so I can protect those I love, especially you Dad."

Goku had been speechless after that.

Now fully back in the current moment, Goku read the list one more time before carefully folding it up and placing it back under the pillow. He was so full of love and pride that he felt he was going to explode. He leaned in close and whispered "I love you so much Gohan. I know you can find the strength you need and I'm going to help you get there."

Gohan didn't wake up but his subconscious must have heard because he smiled. Goku had to wipe away a few tears as he prepared to return to his own training.