.
CHAPTER 25:
KRILLIN'S SECRET
Note: Thanks to X3runner, Guest 22, WiffleDick678, Trunkssan766 and Cruzerblade for their review of chapter 24 :), it means A LOT.
Previously on Consumed by the past:
Everyone was on Namek, where Shingo was about to make his set of wishes, but the Eastern Kaioshin, Vegeta, Goku and Piccolo were determined to stop him. When Gohan and Kibito arrived, Goku and Vegeta had already succumbed to Shingo's dark powers. As the fight went on, Endou wished for Shingo's knowledge and power to be transferred to her. Once the wish was fulfilled, she vaporized her former master. Goku used his Super Kaioken and knocked Gohan unconscious, triggering Vegeta's anger and causing him to ascend to Super Saiyan 2. Katsu was soon obliterated by Vegeta's newly found powers and everyone managed to defeat Endou, thanks to the Kaioshin and his apprentices for nullifying her mind-control spell over Goku. The demon managed to escape, but left deceased Kyuuri on Namek. Once the wish to bring back everyone killed by Gohan was made, Kyuuri was resurrected too, but before the Kaioshin could apprehend her, Gohan asked the mighty Porunga to teleport her somewhere else. Where that is, only he knows. Being furious with Gohan's act, the Kaioshin punishes him by enlisting him as an asset for the Kaioshin Council and prohibiting Goku from being wished back indefinitely.
Shingo was finally defeated, well, by Endou, but defeated none the less. Kibito summoned Shenron and wished back everyone killed by Cell and restoring the research complex on Wanasa. The Dragon Balls dispersed and will remain inert for the next 365 days. Gohan was exhausted when returning to CC, not so much physically, but mentally. On their way to CC, the boy wanted to know more about Vegeta's transformation, but the prince didn't provide much details, except that he had no choice and snapped. Goku's son knew very well that Vegeta cared for him and that was probably the trigger that set everything in motion. During the flight, he couldn't help himself but to wonder what happened to Shingo and where has she gone. Everything changed so suddenly on Namek; probably things that not even the Kaioshin had predicted. He was, however, somewhat glad to have saved Kyuuri from the deity's grasp. Goku's assumption was incorrect; he didn't want to give her a second chance, he wanted to FIGHT her again. The more he thought about it, the less he was convinced that he had done the right thing. His brain was telling him he had made a serious mistake, but his heart was saying the opposite. Has he really changed that much since the Cell games? Instead of eliminating enemies and protecting his loved ones, he purposely let one go so just he could fight her again? His inner struggle was never revealed to Vegeta; the boy already knew the prince wouldn't hesitate to eliminate his opponent - Katsu's case being a prime example. One thing was for sure; he was excited to see his mother and brother again; hoping their recovery will be as fast as possible.
. . . . .
While Gohan and Vegeta were away, Chichi and Goten had already been transferred to the special sterilized room Bulma had prepared prior their arrival. They were now a big happy family under one roof. When both landed, Bulma was happy to see both of them alive and well. She was used to seeing Vegeta beaten up, so she didn't pay much attention to that. She explained the situation about Chichi and Goten, bringing a little smile to the demi Saiyan's face. After a nice refreshing shower, the boy returned to his room and seeing a nice set of new clothes waiting for him on the bed and in the closet.
"Oh, I took the liberty of bringing them to your room." said Bulma while passing by.
"Thank you, Bulma. You really think about everything." he smiled back.
"When you're married to a Saiyan, you need to replace A LOT of clothes." she winked back and stepped into the room, "If you need more variety, please tell me. So far I've just given you your combo gi and some casual clothes."
"Ok, I will. I just need to get dressed and then I'm going to see mum and Goten."
"Sure, she will be very happy to see you."
"She's awake?!"
"I didn't want to spoil it before seeing her in person, but yeah, she is. Now hurry."
The half Saiyan quickly dressed himself in dark blue pants and a white t-shirt. Just seconds later, he was at the door where Chichi and Goten were stationed. He took a deep breath and slowly opened to the door.
"Gohan? Is that you?" Chichi asked with a tired voice.
"Mum... you're... you're awake."
"The doctors woke me up from the coma. I'm not sure what happened and what not; I was dreaming the whole time and am not sure what is true and what not."
Gohan approached her bed and put his hand on hers, "I'm glad you're awake and um... as well as you can be at the moment."
"I missed you, sweetie. I was told you visited me and Goten every day... you even skipped school for that."
"I had to, mum. I couldn't focus on anything else but you two. Goten is doing really well, just like you are."
She turned her head to Goten's incubator, "He'll be up and running in no time," and turned back to Gohan, "Where is Goku?"
The boy lowered his head before answering her question.
"He... he isn't allowed... I mean... we did use the Dragon Balls, but he is not permitted to leave the Other World... so we can't bring him back for a while."
"But he was standing here, looking all happy about Goten being a healthy and strong baby."
"You must have been dreaming, mum."
"I know I saw him... he spoke to me and grabbed my hand. It was some time before you arrived. He said he could only stay for a few minutes, before returning to the Other World."
"Mum, please... he wasn't here."
"Are you sure, because I'm certain..."
"Because... I... well... he isn't allowed to leave the Other World for some time."
"W-why?"
"Tell you what; get some, no, a lot of rest; you need it."
"You're probably right... I'm glad you're all well Gohan and please, go back to school, don't worry about us, we are fine." Chichi smiled.
"Are you sure? I'd rather continue visiting you every day for a few days." the boy said with a surprising voice.
"We will be fine, Bulma has made sure. Besides, now that we are in CC, you can visit us any time."
"As long as both of you get better." he smiled and gave Chichi a kiss on her forehead.
"Now that you are here, I'm already feeling safer and much better."
Gohan walked towards the door and opened them, while turning his head to see Chichi again and smiled. His mother returned the smile and closed her eyes to get some much needed rest. The half Saiyan slowly closed the door and took a deep breath to calm himself down. A part of him was feeling relieved, seeing Chichi and Goten doing well, but he couldn't help himself thinking about Goku and why he couldn't be here. His reckless decision to teleport Kyuuri away had angered the Eastern Kaioshin, who put Goku's revival on hold. He felt guilty and sad, but was focused more on his mother and brother; they needed his protection, everyone needed it. Which reminded him, how strong is Vegeta, now that he can ascend past the Super Saiyan limitations. In their way back to CC, the prince didn't reveal all that much about how he handled that unbelievable surge of power and all those savage emotions, that Gohan kept experiencing when being transformed for a prolonged time.
To satisfy his curiosity, he made his way to the gravity chamber. Upon arriving in front of the chamber's entrance, the warning light, signaling its activity, was not lit.
"That's strange, " he thought to himself, "why isn't he training?".
"Because even I need some regenerating from time to time." replied Vegeta coming from around the corner.
"Does this have anything to do with your new transformation?"
"I'm an elite, Gohan; I get the hang of these kind of things very quickly."
"You're saying that like it is a child's play. I don't like the sound of that." Gohan's eyes narrowed, showing a bit of discomfort.
"I have a feeling you don't believe me."
"It's not that I don't believe you, I'd just rather see it for myself, since I couldn't have back on Namek."
"Very well, I'll grant you your wish. But let's go to our usual training spot, we wouldn't want to disturb your mother and brother."
Both exited CC and took a short flight to their destination away from the West City.
"Before I do it, I want you to go Super Saiyan 2." the prince demanded.
"Why me?" the boy asked with widely open eyes.
"Because I want to make some comparisons. Just do it."
Gohan clenched his fists and tensed his muscles, then immediately transformed into a Super Saiyan and right after that into a Super Saiyan 2. The golden aura imbued with lightning surrounded his body, making his hair and clothes wave like standing in a soft breeze. The transition went pretty smoothly, meaning that the half Saiyan has really got used to this form. He can quickly upgrade from the regular Super Saiyan without any problems or struggle. Vegeta didn't expect anything less from Gohan.
"I've done my part, now let's see you do it." the boy challenged Vegeta.
The prince didn't hesitate and went Super Saiyan instantly. To go beyond, he tensed his muscles and started powering up to reach the threshold needed to ascend. It took him longer than Gohan, but not that much longer, something that actually surprised Goku's son. Upon reaching the threshold, he let out a short shout and upgrading to the next level. His power increased, bringing it closer to Gohan's.
"I'm impressed, Vegeta. It takes you less time to ascend than it took me a few months back. You're also a lot stronger in this form."
"I told you. It's probably also easier because my body can handle such burst of power, whereas you are still growing."
"Heh, but I can sustain it for a longer period, losing less stamina in the process."
"Is that a challenge? 'Cuz if it is, you're on, kid."
The typical rivalry between them never ceases to amaze, but Gohan nodded, meaning that he accepts the challenge. The power and stamina drain is pretty severe at the beginning, but Gohan has had a lot of training already, which minimized the strain on his energy and body, but didn't dampen the side effects all that much really. Vegeta, on the other hand, was an elite warrior, being able to learn techniques and adapt at an impressive rate. Maybe he will have mastered the Super Saiyan 2 a lot faster than Gohan. The two were standing, facing each other and playing the waiting game. It wasn't long before sweat started forming on Vegeta's forehead, it seems he was struggling with the transformation. Gohan didn't say anything, he just kept waiting and watching and Vegeta did the exact same thing. Then, the prince's power started fluctuating in an erratic pattern.
"Vegeta, that's enough, you're power is all over the place. Let's just call it a draw." the boy proposed.
"No... I can still hold... just need to calm my mind down." he responded with an agitated voice.
"It's the side effects, Vegeta, the very same I experience, too. Power down... now!"
"You must be joking... with all this power... I could beat anyone, even Kakarot and EVEN you!"
"You're losing it! Keep your mind focused."
"Oh... it is focused... focused on defeating you once and for all."
With that being said, Vegeta dashed towards the boy and slamming his right fist into him. Gohan managed to block it with his palm, not letting go, so Vegeta used his left arm, but it's fate was the same - being caught by Gohan. Now their hands were locked in a stalemate position, or so it seemed.
"Stop it, Vegeta! You can't control it yet!"
The prince smirked, "I had no idea Super Saiyan 2 gives you this much power."
"Calm down and revert to normal. Otherwise I'll have to force you."
"We're almost equal now, boy! FIGHT me!" Vegeta demanded.
The boy had enough; he couldn't let Vegeta get out of control. It seemed Super Saiyan 2 had a worse effect on Vegeta than him; probably because he is only a half Saiyan. Whatever the reason, he had to put an end to this before Vegeta completely succumbs to the side effects. Gohan knew very well how quickly it is to lose one's sane mind if transformed for too long. In Vegeta's case, it seemed this change was accelerated and amplified due to his pure Saiyan genes. The two Super Saiyans 2 started powering up, one trying to overpower the other. Vegeta's power was immensely high, as was Gohan's, yet they were equal; none could overpower his opponent. However, there was one big difference, invisible to the naked eye - Vegeta's energy fluctuation was off the charts, meaning that he was struggling with the savage, bloodthirsty emotions. The situation had escalated from a single demonstration to a potential life or death battle. Just as Gohan was about to go full power, Vegeta's grip loosened and he reverted back to normal, feeling exhausted.
"Vegeta... are you alright?"
"Of course I am... who to do you take me for?" he replied with an angry voice.
"You know very well what happened," answered Gohan while transforming to normal.
"Tsch, nothing I can't handle."
"You better handle it, otherwise you'll hurt someone and not even know it. It has taken me months to partially control them, you can't just expect to do it from the beginning."
"I'm well aware of the implications," Vegeta said, "just didn't expect they would manifest to such a degree."
"We'll have to work on that. I'll be happy to return the favor." the boy smiled.
"Hmph, you better watch yourself, Gohan, I'll be overtaking you soon."
Goku's son smirked, "Heh, I won't be slacking off either."
Their little demonstration experiment was over, both knowing what training they need to focus on to try and get those unpredictable side effects under at least partial control. It seems the crisis had been averted thanks to Vegeta... or Gohan? The Saiyan prince didn't admit much, but did say that the side effects were a "bit" overwhelming. It was clear that Super Saiyan 2 was somehow more savage and primal than regular Super Saiyan, even if the person transforming is not showing any characteristics of such behavior. One thing is for sure, the ascended Super Saiyan is not to be used lightly and carelessly, otherwise one could lose his sane mind and do something terrible without even realizing it.
. . . . .
Time went on and spring was approaching. The snow had slowly melted and days started getting longer, chill temperatures gradually climbed and nature started waking up from its winter slumber. Gohan, Chichi and Goten were still in CC, the latter two were doing very well. Chichi was finally felling much better and was officially discharged from the West City General Hospital. Goten was out of the incubator, all healthy and well, living his life with his mother and brother. He was a quiet baby who didn't cry much, but laughed a lot. Gohan played with him whenever he had the time. The two were soon almost inseparable and this was very soothing for Gohan's psyche. There was no word from either Kaio or the Kaioshin, meaning that the Kaioshin Council was still searching for Endou, Kyuuri and Koshi; something that kept haunting Gohan in his dreams. Whenever anxiety would kick in, he'd spend his time with Goten or train, alone or with Vegeta. He also went back to school, something he was looking forward to for quite a while. His grades, however, did suffer a little, but the teacher didn't make a big deal out of it, because she knew what had happened to his mother, Gohan was still doing alright in school.
Spring arrived and one the 30th of March, it was a beautiful, sunny and very warm day. Nature has come to life, flowers blooming, birds chirping and singing. Gohan just finished school but instead of returning to CC, he decided to go to East District 439 to check on his former home. After a few minutes of casual flying, he landed right in front of the house. It hasn't changed one bit since Chichi and him moved to CC and luckily, nobody tried breaking in or anything. He unlocked the front door and entered - memories flooded his mind, from the earliest memories to the last painful memory - finding Chichi in pain on the bed. He proceeded to the kitchen and brushed his left hand against the table, remembering his birthday parties and the delicious meals Chichi used to make for him and Goku. Upon leaving the kitchen, he made his way up the stairs to his room, opened the door and entered. It was nice and tidy, just like he had left it. He opened the window and leaned on the shelf, admiring the beautiful scenery outside. He missed this sight, CC was in the middle of the city and didn't offer nowhere near as nice scenery. A soothing breeze was coming through the window, making his hair wave gently. He closed his eyes and enjoyed it the warmth of the sun also shining into the room.
"Hey," someone greeted him from outside.
The boy looked down and saw none other than Krillin, "Oh, hey Krillin. Didn't even know you're here."
"Yeah, I kinda figured your thoughts were somewhere else."
Gohan looked at the distant hills, "I missed this place," and back at Krillin, "and I kinda forgot how beautiful the view from my window is."
The monk also gazed into the distant hills, "I know what you mean, I've also always liked this place. It's so calm and quiet, and that waterfall nearby, a perfect place to relax and think."
"Give me a moment to close the window and lock the house." said Gohan.
A good minute later, he was already standing besides Krillin.
"Look at you, all nicely dressed from school."
"Heh, yeah, I can't wear my gi to school, otherwise my classmates would constantly look at me."
"I can imagine," Krillin smiled, "but what about your tail?"
"I wrap it around my waist and hide it under the shirt and pants. So far so good." Gohan smiled back.
They didn't talk much about Chichi, Goten or the recent events, because Krillin was a frequent visitor to CC, visiting Gohan to keep others up to date. They continued talking and walking to the waterfall Krillin was talking about just moments ago. When they reached it, both sat down on the grass and admired the crystal clear water storming down from the rocky cliff.
"This reminds me of the time before the Cell games, when you, me and Goku were by the river." Krillin said.
"Me too. And everyone was asking if dad will be able to beat Cell and he kept saying that he couldn't tell until they actually fight."
"I bet in your current state, you could beat him with only a few punches. I remember when you ascended... the power coming from you was just out of this world."
Gohan looked at the ground, "It still wasn't enough... I was too arrogant and Cell took advantage of that. Instead of me, dad paid the ultimate price which still bothers me today."
Goku's best friend put a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned Cell at all. I should have known better."
"No, it's alright." answered the half Saiyan.
"It's not, Gohan. Ever since defeating Cell, you're life has been difficult, to say the least. And I know you're strong, both physically and mentally, but a guy can only take it so much. I remember your eyes after the fight with Kyuuri, they looked so tired. Even now I have a feeling your nights can be restless sometimes."
"I'm trying to focus on school, mum and Goten; they keep me going when times get a bit rough. But don't worry Krillin, It will take more than that to defeat me."
"I don't know, Gohan, I mean, yeah, you're the strongest on Earth, probably even in the Universe, but I'm worried about you."
"Don't forget Vegeta, his not far behind me."
"He must be training like crazy in his gravity chamber."
"Ummmm, well... don't tell anyone, but he kind of isn't." Gohan whispered.
"Why? What do you mean?"
"It's the side effects; he's experiencing them a lot more intensely than me. Just minutes after going Super Saiyan 2, he starts losing his focused and disciplined mind; he becomes savage and bloodthirsty, wanting to just fight anyone."
"But you can beat him, can't you?"
"It's not about that, Krillin. I don't want to fight him in that state; I want to train with him, not trying to knock him out cold after a few minutes. It's not even safe fighting like that, who know what he could do."
"I guess you're right. What a bummer; finally attained Super Saiyan 2, but can't use it most of the time." said Krillin and then whispered to Gohan, "Since we're telling each other secrets, ummm. I think I should tell you something, too."
"I won't say a word to anyone." the boy whispered back.
The monk took a deep breath, "Well... ummm, remember 18?"
"Yeah, I made Cell spit her out."
"Well... I kinda saved her and..."
"Saved? H-how?"
"When you all left for the Lookout, I picked her up."
"What? You're kidding? Why?"
"I just couldn't leave her lying there, so I took her to my place. She woke up and actually thanked me. We kept in contact and eventually one thing lead to another, and over time..."
"Over time what? Is she living with you?"
Krillin scratched his head, "Well... yeah and she's ummm, well.. oh, boy... my girlfriend."
Gohan couldn't believe what he was hearing. Krillin and 18? Together in a relationship?
"I... well... " the half-Saiyan was stuttering.
"I know, I know, it's sounds weird and impossible, but she's a really nice person."
"But, but she's an android, a machine..."
"Technically, she's a cyborg; a human upgraded with technology. She has emotions, she can feel pain, just like a normal human being, except that she's a lot stronger."
"Then I guess a congratulations is in order... I think."
"I can't believe I've actually told you, haha." laughed Krillin.
Gohan laughed with him and then said, "What about the others? Does Piccolo know? Or Yamcha or Bulma?"
"Are you kidding, I'm not THAT crazy to just start telling everyone. You're the first and only one, so keep your mouth shut."
"Haha Krillin, but what if I don't," the boy winked and nudged Krillin with his elbow, "are you going to shut me up?"
"Well, um, not me, but 18 could give it a go, hahahaha." he joked.
"I missed these kinds of jokes with you. I haven't laughed to hard for quite some time." Gohan was honest.
"Yeah, things change so quickly. If you ever need to talk or anything, you let me know, okay?" the monk made Gohan a proposal.
"I will, don't worry," Goku's son responded and remembered he should be heading to CC. "It was really nice talking to you, but I have to go back to CC."
"Sheesh, I should be going too, I promised 18 to take her out tonight."
"Byeeeeee." said the young Gohan and took off.
"See 'ya!" shouted Krillin and went the other way.
. . . . .
While Gohan was flying to CC; he couldn't help himself but to think about the bombshell Krillin dropped just moments ago.
Krillin and 18!? I can't believe it... this is so unreal. How did he manage to keep such a thing a secret during all this time? On the other hand, how did she, he... ugh, too complicated. The less I think about it, the better. If it works for Krillin, it works for me.
His thoughts were interrupted by a very familiar voice.
"Gohan, can you hear me?"
"Kaio-sama, it's nice to hear your voice."
"Likewise. I'm here to deliver a message."
"From the Kaioshin Council, I presume."
"Not exactly, it's from someone from the Other World Tournament. His name is..."
"Soldier? The Wanasan Super Soldier?"
"The very same. You've brought back everyone who... umm, vanished with their medical facility."
"I did what I promised to him. On top of that, the medical facility had also been restored."
"He said thank you for honoring your vow. He had his doubts, but was relieved when hearing the news."
"So, how's dad doing?
"... ... ..."
"Kaio-sama, what's wrong?"
"He... he is with the Kaioshin Council."
"Why?"
"I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose that information."
"Why are they picking on him? Why won't they leave him alone?!"
"I'm afraid I cannot tell. Their orders were clear."
"If they are the almighty gods of creation, why didn't they interfere when the Saiyans arrived on Earth? Or against Frieza and even Cell? It wasn't until Endou wanted to free Shingo, using me in the process, unfortunately. Never have they aided us, yet now we must abide by their rules."
"Calm down, Gohan, you're being disrespectful. You should be thankful that Kaioshin-sama didn't punish you in a more severe way."
"Thankful? For always helping defending the Earth alongside my dad and the others? For fighting Frieza and defeating Cell without their help? If they are so powerful, why didn't they do it? The Universe was at stake!"
"They cannot interfere, nor destroy..."
"And yet they've chosen to interfere now that their Council, and their home planet probably, is in danger of being attacked by Endou and Kyuuri."
"I understand your anger, but you must know even the Kaioshins have certain rules to follow."
"I understand, we all do. I'm sorry I got mad." the boy apologized.
"It's alright, Gohan. As soon as I can give you more information, I'll contact you. Until then, bye."
"Bye, Kaio-sama." answered Gohan and continued flying towards CC.
This was unsettling; why was Goku with the Kaioshin Council? Is he being punished or is the Council recruiting him, too? Too many question and not enough answers.
"I can't believe this is happening. After all these years, the Kaioshins decided to start interfering with the events involving us, mortals. If it hadn't been for me, dad or Vegeta, they probably wouldn't have stopped Endou, Shingo and Kyuuri. Ok, it was me who helped free their master, but I've also corrected that grave mistake. I know what they're afraid of... afraid of our power, afraid of Super Saiyan 2. I heard Kibito saying that my power surpassed his own and I've "seen" him fight - his power is nowhere near mine or Vegeta's. No... that's wrong, I shouldn't be thinking like that. I wouldn't be any different than Endou, or anyone else that we've defeated over the years."
With those mixed feelings, he continued his flight to CC until the big spherical house, bearing the large sign "Capsule Corporation", was in his sight. His feet touched the ground at the main gate where he was greeted by one of the security staff. The boy nodded and made his way to the spacious garden in the back where, surprisingly, both Bulma and Chichi were playing with their babies. It was an adorable sight, seeing baby Goten in her mother's arms, whereas Trunks was already doing his tiny steps.
"Is everything alright, Gohan? You're kind of late." said Chichi when noticing him.
"I just stopped by our house to see if everything is in order. Krillin bumped into me there and we had a little chat by the waterfall." he explained while approaching them.
"Goten missed you, dear. You mind looking after him while I get you something to eat?"
"Sure, no problem." Gohan replied, taking Goten into his arms, while Chichi went inside.
"So, I've noticed you two have been spending a lot of time together; even Chichi is amazed." smiled Bulma, sitting close by.
"I like helping mum and Goten seems to be quite attached to me," the half Saiyan said when Goten started grabbing his collar, "... literally." he smiled.
"It's so nice seeing you watch over him whenever you have the time. Unlike Vegeta, he's always busy with training, especially now... constantly upset with the side effects and how is it possible that you're better at that, and so on and so on." the blue-haired genius confessed.
"I'm sure..." Gohan started when lifting Goten into the air, "he'll overcome them sooner or later. I also needed..." he paused as he put Goten back down, "a few months to get where I am now."
"Tell that to mister frownie."
"Frownie?"
"Haha, yeah, when he's upset with some silly things, I usually cal him frownie... he hates it but it makes me laugh. I can't help myself," Bulma smiled, picking Trunks off the ground, "I need to change Trunks' diaper, I'll meet you in the kitchen when I'm done."
Gohan carried Goten into the kitchen, where Chichi was already preparing some food.
"Mum, don't bother too much, you don't have to cook." said her son.
"Don't worry, this was prepared by Bulma's chefs, I'm just warming it up for you." she smiled back and looked at them, "You two look so cute together. You're going to make a great father someday, Gohan."
"Thanks, mum, I'm glad I can help, but I need to do my homework after lunch, so you'll have to take Goten."
"No problem, dear."
When Gohan was finished with lunch, Bulma came back with Trunks to keep Chichi and Goten company. The half Saiyan said goodbye and went to his room to do his homework. When he was done, he made his way to the giant terrace to sit on the sun and relax. It wasn't long when Vegeta walked by with a usual frown on his face which it didn't go unnoticed by Gohan.
"I reckon the progress is ummm... a bit slower?" he asked.
"Hmph, I HAVE made progress, but I'm still not satisfied."
"I need to tell you something, Vegeta..."
"Can it wait?"
"No... Kaio-sama contacted me..."
"And? Are they coming for you?"
"No... he said that my dad was with the Council. I'm really starting to get annoyed by the Kaioshins."
"I know what you mean, I'm not really fond of them either. Why was Kakarot there?" the prince wanted to know when looking into the sky.
"I don't know, he couldn't say. Whatever the case, I don't like how they are treating us."
"They are the gods," Vegeta replied and turned to Gohan, "but if you ask me, they have yet to show their real strength. I wasn't impressed at all on Namek."
"Same here, but if we are to confront Endou again, we need to get those side effects under control. Mind if I we spar a little in the gravity chamber?"
"Suit yourself, but change clothes first. I'll be waiting in the chamber."
Goku's son rushed to his room and changed to his Goku-Piccolo combo outfit and joined Vegeta in the gravity chamber. They trained and sparred until the evening, managing to now blow anything up in the process. When the boy went to bed, he couldn't fall asleep; his mind was preoccupied with the Council and the Eastern Kaioshin, even with Endou. He knew she'll return one day, stronger than ever, probably with Kyuuri by her side, wherever she is at the moment. Finally about an hour later, his eyes closed and he entered the land of dreams.
Notes: Phew, finally done. I'll be honest, I've had some difficulties with this chapter, but in the end, I'm happy with the result. The writing has slowed down a bit, as you've probably noticed; I'm still trying to go for 2 chapters a month, I really am :). The next chapter(s) will probably be a period of peace but I'll be focusing a bit more on Gohan's "problem" with the Kaioshins, Vegeta's training and on Kyuuri ^^. As always, leave a review and let me know your thoughts :). Thanks for reading and following!