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Previously on Slave Soldier:
"Wherever Vegeta is, you are usually right there with him." Comora stated. "So when Tobney decides to make an attempt on Vegeta's life what will you do? Will you do your job and protect your master or will you help out your friend." The man leaned in closer. "In other words, who is more important, your best friend or your mother?"
Gohan lowered his gaze. "I…. I don't know."
"Well you'd better figure that out soon, kiddo, because I have a feeling that you'll need to make that decision sooner or later."
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"Right." Vegeta said slowly. "You need a push. Something has to trigger your power. What triggered it before…? A friend got hurt…" Vegeta's gaze wandered off to Tobney momentarily. "Or you got in a situation beyond your control… A situation where you're backed into a corner." The man's expression changed and a smirk appeared on his face. "For example, when six of the strongest elite warriors are beating you nearly to death."
Gohan widened his eyes. He slowly shook his head. "Vegeta… No…"
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The other warriors froze and they watched in awe as Gohan transformed back to the super saiyan level, but he did not stop there. The half-saiyan clenched his fists tightly and he pushed through that invisible barrier.
Tobney looked down when he realized that the room was shaking. The ship was shaking. This room was supposed to be able to withstand anything. Comora moved his arms up to shield his eyes from the light Gohan was emitting.
Vegeta's mouth was open slightly as he watched something change in Gohan. For just a moment, his hair stood up even more straight. For just a moment, the half-saiyan opened his eyes and the two warriors stood face to face. Their gazes crossed paths and Vegeta realized that his hands were shaking.
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"You felt it, didn't you?" Vegeta asked. "There is a level beyond the super saiyan level and today you reached it, didn't you? But you couldn't handle it. The strain was too much for your body. I can help you control it. I can help you train."
"You would do that?" Gohan asked, frowning a little.
"I would." Vegeta said, nodding. "But I want something in return."
"Surprise Surprise." Gohan muttered drily.
"Once you've reached the second level, I want you to help me reach it. And you're not allowed to challenge me to a fight to the death until I've reached the second level too." Vegeta said.
Gohan nodded. "Okay. That sounds fair." He said.
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Comora pulled Gohan closer, forcing the half-saiyan to take a step forward. "Look at me." He ordered when Gohan was still looking away.
The half-saiyan slowly lifted his gaze to meet the man's eyes. "What is going on with you?" Comora asked. "You have no reason to behave this way." The boy stayed silent but continued to look at the man. "Come on, Gohan. Tell me. You can trust me."
This triggered a reaction. "Trust you?" Gohan snarled back. "You nearly killed me and I'm supposed to trust you?" He ripped his arm free from Comora's grip. "Go to hell!"
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****"Lord Vegeta?" Comora started. "Permission to ask you a question."
Vegeta stretched out his legs and leaned forwards to touch his toes. "Permission granted."
"Have you noticed anything different about Gohan's behaviour, lately?" Comora asked, looking up at his boss.
**** DBZ ****
"What about Gohan, sir?" Comora continued.
Vegeta took a deep breath. "We're leaving for the Yuna mission tomorrow. I'll talk to him when we're there."
"You will, sir?" Comora raised both his eyebrows. He seemed so surprised that it annoyed Vegeta a little. Just a little.
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On Planet Yuna.
"This is a waste of our time." Vegeta turned to Gohan. "You know the drill. The first three days are full game. We only have half an hour of rest after sundown. The fourth day we can rest for an hour after sundown and after sunrise. On the fifth day we can rest for two hours after sundown only. The sixth night we rest the entire night."
"I understand." Gohan said, nodding. The boy's teal eyes scanned their surroundings once more. No enemies in sight yet.
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Gohan suddenly jerked awake. The cave was almost completely dark. The fire was close to dying. Did he fall asleep? Gohan sat up. How long had he been sleeping?
The cracking of a wooden branch made Gohan realize why he woke up. His instincts warned him of danger. Heavy footsteps. Many of them.
A group of big creatures was approaching their cave and, unbeknown to them, their new prey.
Final Chapter. A Breakthrough and a Pleasant Surprise.
Vegeta eyed his surroundings. He just had a light meal. It would keep him energized for a while so he decided to use this time to gain ground on his opponent. The man could smell the scents of different camp fires. The scent of food roasting above the many fires of the primitive species of this planet was delicious.
Gohan could have easily lit a fire somewhere without his knowledge. Vegeta would not know the difference. A fire created by the half-saiyan did not smell any different from the fires created by the native inhabitants. The penetrant scent of the fires in general made it more difficult for Vegeta to make out Gohan's scent. He caught a whiff of it earlier. A blood spatter on the ground that was accompanied by a very faint half-saiyan-ish scent. The young warrior definitely had dinner already.
Gohan had the tendency to do that. The boy would leave behind traces of his movements. A make-shift wooden arrow, a used fire pit, small indications of his presence. The boy would make Vegeta come to him, make the man believe that he would be surprising the half-saiyan, while Gohan was the one who would be able to catch Vegeta off-guard. The boy would suddenly appear, attacking Vegeta head-on.
Vegeta fell for that tactic last time they were on this planet. No. He would not be fooled this time. He was going to be the one to catch Gohan when the boy was least expecting it. Definitely.
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Gohan could hearthem approaching the cave. Their heavy footsteps sounded like thunder in his ears. They were not even trying to be quiet. They weren't expecting him here. A prey that walked into their cave willingly.
Gohan slowly got up. These creatures could hear very well. He had to be as quiet as he could possibly be. Gohan used his energy to put out the fire. He realized he would have to make a run for it. He did not care if Vegeta would sense his power level. He did not under any circumstances want to get trapped in a cave with these creatures.
The half-saiyan took a deep breath… And he ran for it. The boy ran to the opening of the cave. He could hear shouts of recognition. They saw him. He saw a flash of their white eyes. A glimpse of their bony entirely black skin. He instantly was reminded of the feeling of their strong leathery claws on his flesh.
Gohan did not stop. He pushed his body off and flew up into the air. Make-shift weapons flew around his body, missing him by only an inch every time. They could not fly but they could jump up very high. That's why Gohan made sure he flew upwards rather than away from them. He needed to fly high. Once he was out of their reach, he could decide which way he had to go.
Luckily, he did not have to go far. A massive blow to his cheek slammed Gohan backwards. The half-saiyan nearly fell out of the air but he managed to focus his power. The young warrior placed a hand on his cheek.
"Fuck!" He cursed as he felt the immense pain in his cheek, quickly moving to the rest of his head.
Vegeta laughed in response. "I don't think I ever heard you curse… It's very satisfying."
Gohan silently cursed himself for showing his emotions like that. The young warrior clenched his fists and glared at the other warrior.
"Well. I caught you off guard, and even within five hours. That's a bonus point for me." Vegeta said cheerfully. The man cracked his knuckles. "I'd say we try to throw each other down there." He motioned to the cave beneath them. The many aliens were still crawling around there, staring up at them. "It will be fun to watch you tear yourself away from those monsters."
"I'd say it will be amusing to watch how you're getting beaten up by them." Gohan responded, calmly once more.
Vegeta returned his smirk. "We'll see about that."
The two warriors eyed each other, silent, still, ready for battle. Gohan was the first one to attack. He sped towards his enemy, bringing back his fist. However, as his enemy brought up his hand to block Gohan's punch, the half-saiyan seemed to change his mind and the boy opened his other hand, sending a blast right at Vegeta's stomach.
Vegeta jumped up in the air, summersaulted over the young warrior and landed behind the boy. Vegeta pulled up his leg, trying to kick Gohan, but Gohan disappeared from his sight. Vegeta looked around, wondering where his subordinate went.
Gohan appeared high up in the air. He realized Vegeta was not aware of his position yet, so Gohan powered up an attack. The half-saiyan felt excited at the prospect of throwing his energy blast at his master. It would take the man completely by surprise and it would throw the man down into that hellhole filled with those horrid aliens.
He had to be fast. The energy had to be collected quickly before Vegeta could sense his presence and create a counterattack. Gohan put his hands together in front of him, creating a blast powerful enough to defeat Vegeta.
The saiyan prince slowly let his eyes scan his surroundings. Where was that boy? The man widened his eyes when a strange sensation made him aware of a power… Above him? Vegeta looked up right into a massive energy orb. The energy came falling towards him. Vegeta realized he did not have any time to dodge so he put his hands in front of him just a second before the blast hit his flesh. The man could feel the heat burning at his fingers.
Gohan powered up even more. He did not have to be cautious anymore. Vegeta knew exactly where he was, and the man was going to regret angering the half-saiyan. Gohan licked his lips as he put more energy into the attack.
Vegeta growled when he realized he was being pushed back. This was ridiculous. How could that boy be so strong? Where was the kid getting all his power from? The man powered up but he was already pushing his limit. This surprised him. He was not used to being tired out so quickly. He usually fought warriors weaker than him. He never had to meet his limit so fast.
The saiyan prince growled when his body was pushed back, downwards, closer to the aliens. Gohan showed a grin. He knew he was winning this match. Vegeta might have the upper hand when it came to tactical fighting, but when raw power was considered, Gohan was definitely stronger.
Vegeta gasped when a rock hit him in his back. The man glanced backwards. The aliens were throwing ropes and stones up to him. Vegeta gasped when a rope curled around his lower leg. The man used his energy to burn the rope. Another rope wrapped around his leg and a third rope crawled around his arm. The man could feel how the aliens tried to pull him down while Gohan was pushing from above.
It was over before they knew it. Vegeta's hands slipped and the energy pushed through his arms, through his fingers, pushing against his body. Gohan gave his orb one last push and he watched as the blast overtook his master.
Gohan did not shield his eyes from the light of the blast. He had to make sure Vegeta was hit and he could not do that if he kept his eyes closed.
Once the dust was settled, Gohan could see Vegeta's form, fighting off the aliens who tried to crawl onto his body. The half-saiyan laughed loudly.
"Have fun down there?" Gohan called.
"You won't be so smug once I get my hands on you!" Vegeta yelled back, shaking his fist at the young warrior. The man had to turn his attention back to the aliens.
Gohan watched as Vegeta threw another alien off. An alien managed to throw Vegeta to the ground and the man crashed down, screaming in annoyance when the aliens jumped on top of him. For a moment, Gohan lost sight of Vegeta, trapped in the dark forms of the aliens. That was until Vegeta powered up, letting out a scream, and throwing all the aliens aside with his energy.
Gohan put his hands behind his head and leaned back. He had to stay here to make sure the aliens would not kill his master. They were strong and could be unpredictable. However, that did not mean he could not enjoy it.
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Five days later
Gohan and Vegeta were tied up in yet another fight. They'd been fighting for hours and hours and they were both showing signs of fatigue. Was that a reason to give up? No way. This was when the fights got interesting. The moment when the opponents were so tired that they would have to resort to different tactics in order to survive, dirty or not.
Gohan caught a punch from Vegeta with his hand. The boy pushed the man back. "You've got to do better than that!" Gohan yelled, panting somewhat. His teal eyes were focused on his master.
Vegeta smirked as he powered up. "Don't be so sure of yourself, brat. I've got some tricks up my sleeve."
"Show me. I'm excited at the prospect of actually being challenged." Gohan taunted, returning Vegeta's smirk.
The saiyan prince laughed in response. This boy had been hanging out with his master too much. The man shrugged. "Alright." He moved up his hands and created several white energy orbs, sending them in the air all around them.
Gohan frowned as he studied the small blasts. They seemed harmless enough. If Vegeta intended to throw these at him he could easily avoid or deflect them.
Vegeta moved his hands up. The white lights hanging in the air crawled closer to the young warrior. The blasts wrapped themselves around Gohan's torso, latching onto his lower arms and pressing them tightly against his sides.
Gohan looked up. "What the…?" His eyes lowered to the white lights around his torso. The young warrior studied the energy bonds. "Wha-?" He muttered, before looking up. "I don't know this technique."
"You don't?" Vegeta asked, smirking.
"No…" Gohan gasped for air. "You kept this technique from me on purpose!" He said in an accusatory tone.
The half-saiyan narrowed his eyes when he saw the gleam of amusement in Vegeta's dark orbs. The man floated closer to the young warrior. "You can't expect me to stay idle while you're off on a mission with the Suta Team."
"Besides," Vegeta opened his hand and slowly started to close his fist. Gohan let out a groan when the bonds around his arms tightened. "I'd say it's time for me to show you who is the better fighter." The man was close enough to touch the young warrior, and he reached out. "You might have had your little power boost," Vegeta smacked against Gohan's cheek in an almost playful manner, "but you're not as experienced a fighter as I am. You're still a child."
Gohan took a deep breath to calm his temper. "For now," Vegeta cracked his knuckles, "I'll have some fun." The man pulled back a fist and punched the young warrior. Gohan gasped in pain. Vegeta did not give him any time to recover as he punched the young warrior again, and again.
After one particular punch, Gohan let his head hang forwards, letting out a miserable breath. Vegeta tilted Gohan's face upwards. "Chin up, kid. Take the beating like a man." Vegeta teased, smirking.
The saiyan prince started punching and kicking the young warrior at high speed. Gohan hardly had time to register the pain as it came from all directions, bruising his skin and breaking his flesh. Small wounds appeared all over his body.
Vegeta pushed his knee deep into Gohan's stomach. The half-saiyan let out a strangled groan and he lost his transformation, his black hair falling down his face. Vegeta realized Gohan was about to fall out of the sky so he reached out and grabbed the band of Gohan's armour.
"Where are you going? I'm not done with you yet." Vegeta snarled as he hoisted Gohan's body up in the air.
The boy spit out some blood, right into Vegeta's face. The saiyan prince gave a startled gasp. The man wiped his gloved hand over his own face. "That's disgusting." He snarled. The man looked down at the river they were floating above. "You're going to regret that."
Vegeta grabbed the other band of Gohan's armour and he started to turn in circles, whirling Gohan around in the air. "Why don't you cool off!" Vegeta yelled as he threw Gohan down towards the water.
The man watched with some satisfaction as the young half-saiyan was swallowed by the water instantly. Waves were created by the impact of Gohan's body.
Ten minutes later, Vegeta was sitting near a recently awaked fire. The man was roasting a fish. His head turned when a complaining and cursing half-saiyan crawled onto shore.
"Took you long enough." Vegeta stated before he took a bite from the fish he pushed onto the small stick.
"You're such a jerk." Gohan snarled as he got up. The boy stepped closer to the fire and sat down near it, extending his hands towards it. Vegeta nodded to a long stick that was stuck in the dirt. It was hanging near the fire, not close enough to catch fire, but close enough to roast the fish that was penetrated by it.
Gohan nodded in response to show that he understood. They were at a seize fire. They could rest for a while and get their strengths back up before they continued their fight.
Vegeta glanced up at the half-saiyan. The young warrior was covered in wounds, big and small. The boy's hair was sticking up even more than usual.
The man studied the young warrior. That kid was unbelievable. He was so young and already stronger than Vegeta, who was at least twenty-five years older. How did that boy get so strong in such short time?
Vegeta could still remember how he first transformed himself. At the time, he assumed that is strength was immediately out of Gohan's reach. That it would take Gohan years and years to catch up to him….
**** Flashback ****
Two years ago, the two saiyan warriors were caught in a high-intensity spar. Vegeta obviously had the upper hand. The man landed more punches on his assistant and avoided getting hurt. Gohan finally managed to block one of the man's punches. The twelve-year-old moved back to avoid being punched again. The young warrior whirled around in the air and kicked Vegeta's cheek.
Vegeta was forced to stumble back. He narrowed his eyes and retaliated by punching Gohan again. The half-saiyan fell to the ground. Gohan breathed heavily as he leaned on his hands.
"You're too weak." Vegeta snarled at the young warrior as he kicked Gohan's face. Gohan fell back, landing on his back. Vegeta growled as he turned away from the young warrior.
The man clenched his fists. "Why…" He snarled. "Why have I not yet reached the super saiyan level?" He complained. "I am strong enough. I must have overpowered Kakarot by now."
The man turned back to Gohan. Vegeta grabbed the half-saiyan by his front collar and pulled him up. "What is the secret?" He snarled in Gohan's face. "What did your father do to reach that level?"
"How am I supposed to know?" Gohan responded. The half-saiyan frowned up at his boss. "If I knew how he reached it I would have transformed years ago!"
Vegeta released the half-saiyan, pushing him back, before he stepped away. The half-saiyan got up but he didn't attack Vegeta again. The young warrior never attacked Vegeta unless Vegeta attacked him. It was Gohan's little stubborn tendency to show that he wasn't there because he wanted to be.
The saiyan prince growled as he clenched his fists. Why…. Why could he not reach it?
"What does it matter anyway?"
Vegeta turned around and noticed Gohan had gotten up. "What are you saying, boy?"
Gohan was glaring at him. "You're the strongest warrior in the universe. Freeza is dead. My father is dead too. You don't need to transform."
Vegeta turned to Gohan fully. "You're still alive."
The half-saiyan shrugged. "That was your decision."
"Exactly." Vegeta stepped closer to the half-saiyan. "Whether you live or die is my decision because I am stronger than you. That's why I need the transformation. Once I transform I will be out of everyone's reach, including yours."
"Or I'll just transform along with you."
Vegeta laughed. "You're a hybrid. You don't have enough saiyan blood in you to complete the transformation."
"I doubt it works that way."
"I don't care what you think."
"Then why are you still talking to me?"
Vegeta turned away from the half-saiyan. The man growled in annoyance as he thought about all the things that he'd been through. All the fights he had. All the training he'd done. Why…. Why could he not reach the transformation?
The saiyan prince gasped when a force pressed against his back. He felt a heat unlike he'd ever felt before, pushing through his body, burning his flesh, tearing at his meat. The man fell forwards, face down.
"What the hell…" Vegeta muttered.
Gohan clenched his fists. "What if you die right here, huh?" The young warrior powered down again. "If you die here nobody will know how hard you worked. Nobody will know that you almost reached the super saiyan level or became the strongest warrior alive. They'll only remember you as their suppressor, the man who brought down entire civilizations for his own gain." Gohan stepped closer. "They will only speak of you as that jerk they loved to see dead. Nobody will care about your strength."
"You blasted me…" Vegeta groaned out. He could feel blood dripping from his body. The pain almost made him pass out but he held onto his consciousness. "You attacked me… From behind…"
"And I almost killed you. It doesn't matter that you're stronger than I am. I certainly could care less. Why should anyone else care?"
Vegeta clenched his fists as he got up. "I do." He responded. The man's limbs were shaking as he pushed his body up. "I care. All my life I knew I was meant to become the strongest warrior in the universe. I was supposed to be the one who reached the legendary super Saiyan level, but someone else did it before I could do it."
Gohan watched as Vegeta shakily got up. Blood was dripping down the man's legs, creating puddles on the ground. "I am the prince of all saiyans. It doesn't matter what other people think of me. This is something I want to do for myself! I am a saiyan and I will be the strongest man in the entire universe!" Vegeta clenched his fists and powered up. "And there is nothing you or Kakarot can do about it!"
"You can't do it!" Gohan screamed at the man. "Only saiyans with a pure heart can transform."
Vegeta was beyond reason. He widened his eyes in anger. His power-level shot up and he clenched his fists so tightly that the fabric of his gloves ripped and his fingernails penetrated his skin, creating small trails of blood. Gohan stepped back when he was pushed back by the sheer power of the man.
"I am the last full-blooded saiyan." Vegeta screamed. "And I will reach that level! It's a matter of principle… A matter of pride. I will succeed!" The man screamed once more, powering up so much that the lights in the room flickered.
Gohan's mouth was wide open as he watched something that he'd seen once before. The man's muscles tightened and grew. Vegeta's whole body grew in size if only a few inches and his hair flickered to a golden colour.
"You did it." Gohan whispered.
Vegeta opened his teal eyes. The man realized it too. He felt different. Stronger. The man laughed loudly, despite the pain in his body.
"You see, boy. I am the strongest warrior alive." Vegeta stated as he eyed the young warrior. "And all that matters," He pointed to Gohan, "is that people like you know that."
**** Present Time ****
Back in the present, Vegeta lowered his gaze to the fire. At the time he thought himself invincible, but Gohan's earlier attack damaged him to such an extent that he almost fainted afterwards.
At the time, he wondered whether Gohan would attack him again. The half-saiyan could have finished him off right then and there, but Gohan didn't do it. The young warrior offered to help Vegeta to a rejuvenation tank and he did so. When Comora asked why Gohan decided to help Vegeta, the young warrior only shrugged and said that they made a deal. And Gohan was not one to break his word.
After eating and freshening up, the two warriors were at it again. Gohan moved back to avoid Vegeta's punches. The half-saiyan tried to find a gap in Vegeta's defence but the man was a very difficult opponent.
Vegeta was obviously still enjoying his recent victory while Gohan desperately wanted to have his revenge. The two warriors kept their eyes on each other, making sure they could predict each other's movements by keeping track of each other's eyes.
Gohan used his energy to push Vegeta back. The young warrior put his hands together and created a circled by pushing his two palms against each other and touching his fingers. An opening was seen between his hands.
Vegeta frowned as he looked at Gohan's hands. What the hell? Gohan's hands lit up until a beam emerged from his hands. Vegeta was too surprised to react. The beam seemed to be made up of circles, following each other as they rushed towards their opponent.
Vegeta was hit by the beam and he felt as if his body was paralyzed. The man tried to move his limbs but with every hit from one of those blue circles he could feel his body tightening up more and more. The man looked up and he realized that Gohan was gone, but the circles were still coming from the place where Gohan used to be.
Before he knew what happened, the point of Gohan's boot was buried in his spine. Vegeta let out a scream as he was pushed forwards. The man could feel how a blast was sent into his back. This kid needed to learn how to not overdo his attacks.
Vegeta slammed into the harsh surface. He growled as he pushed his tired body up. Gohan was floating up in the air, smirking at his handiwork. The young warrior watched as Vegeta stood up.
The man growled. "That's a new technique!" He screamed at the young warrior. "You learned a new technique without telling me!"
Gohan put up his hands. "Hey, you can't expect me to stay idle when I'm on a mission." He stated sweetly.
"That's it!" Vegeta snarled. "You're dead!" The man flew up until he was floating in front of Gohan.
"Come and get me." Gohan taunted in response.
The two warriors attacked each other head on, ready for yet another few hours of constant battle.
The following day, Gohan and Vegeta were sitting near a recently awakened fire.
After one particular harsh battle, the two saiyans decided to take the night off so they could recover. The two warriors were covered in many different wounds, all open and bleeding.
"Did you know the boy was developing a new technique?" Vegeta glared at the projection of Comora. They took a small communication device so Vegeta could check up on the ship's proceedings once a week.
"I was aware of that, sir." Comora nodded slowly. He studied the solo sessions of every soldier in his squad so he could give them tips later on.
"And you didn't think this would be something I would want to know?" Vegeta growled. Gohan glanced sideways to the projection. He was stitching a large gash in Vegeta's upper arm. Gohan's wounds were already stitched and treated. Vegeta was the kind of leader who insisted on giving his subordinates medical treatment first. It was one of the reasons why Gohan respected Vegeta.
"I only discuss the solo sessions with the soldier in question, lord Vegeta." Comora responded. Gohan sent the man a grateful smile.
Vegeta let out an annoyed sound. "Fine." He snarled. "Tell me, did the solar-energy swap go well?"
Comora nodded and he proceeded to report how the swap went. The entire outer side of the ship was made of solar-equipment. It absorbed the sunrays of the closest sun and turned it into energy. There were also several batteries floating around pretty much every sun in Vegeta's part of the universe. Every time Vegeta's ship passed one of the suns, they would haul in the full batteries from the solar-equipment that were floating around the sun and replace them with empty batteries.
Gohan listened to the conversation while he patched up his master. He gently dabbed an in cleaning alcohol soaked swab against Vegeta's wound. After this he moved on to a cut on Vegeta's shoulder. He was used to quietly working while Vegeta conversed with someone else.
After a brief run-through of all the affairs going on on the ship, Vegeta said goodbye to Comora and the communication device was switched off. Vegeta was silent for a moment while Gohan moved to his other side and knelt down there.
There was a large cut right below Vegeta's shoulder blade. Gohan briefly wondered how it got there. Was he responsible for it? He could not remember doing it at all. The young warrior shrugged before he went to clean it.
Vegeta felt Gohan's rough fingers on his back. The sting of the needle as it penetrated the already sensitive skin around his wound. The smell of the cleaning alcohol was thick around them. Gohan always made sure to disinfect everything every step of the way. It was a good quality in a healer and Vegeta knew he could trust Gohan's skills.
The saiyan prince thought back to the conversation he had with Comora on the ship. He promised his second-in-command that he would speak to his assistant. Vegeta considered emotions annoying and a waste of time, but Gohan seemed to be controlled by them.
Then again, the boy was still young, wasn't he? Vegeta frowned as he stared at the fire. How old was the boy? Early teens? Vegeta tried hard to remember Gohan's age. He did not know Gohan's birthday. That's because the young warrior wanted to keep it a secret. He did know that and he could understand it. Gohan didn't own much. Therefore, the simple joy of knowing something that others did not know was important to the young warrior.
Early teens. Vegeta concluded. It did not really matter anyway. Vegeta knew more about the boy. The man considered this for a moment. He knew Gohan was good friends with most slaves on the ship. The boy was good friends with Tobney. Those two idiots deserved each other…
Gohan and that particular female slave… What was her name?… He could not remember. He would have to keep an eye on her. Gohan might deny it or even not be aware of it yet, but Vegeta knew that there was something going on there.
"Boy." Vegeta started. He was pleased to realize that Gohan's hands did not stop or even hesitate in response to his voice. The boy kept working at the same pace.
"Sir?"
"What age are you?"
"Thirteen, sir."
Early teens. He knew he was right about that. Vegeta allowed himself a small smug smirk.
"Why do you ask, sir?"
"No reason." Vegeta was silent for a moment while Gohan cut off the wire and disinfected Vegeta's wound once more. "Comora addressed something while we were training the other day. He said that your behaviour changed."
"My behaviour, sir?" Gohan pulled back and gathered the equipment.
"Do you remember your breakthrough?"
"Of course." Gohan got up and put the small box in his armour pocket.
"We might have made some extreme decisions at the time." Vegeta said slowly. Gohan stepped over the branch and sat down next to Vegeta. The boy extended his hands to the fire. "Did that fight alter your opinion about the members of the Suta Team?"
Gohan hesitated. "I'm not really sure I understand your question, sir."
Vegeta frowned. He wasn't good at this talking thing. "The Suta Team fears that our actions might have damaged your trust in them."
The half-saiyan was silent for a moment before looking up. "The fire is dying. I'll get some more wood." The boy was about to get up but Vegeta placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down.
"Don't avoid my question." Vegeta responded, sounding so annoyed that Gohan decided obedience would be the best tactic right now.
The young warrior shifted on the branch uncomfortably. "I will admit that I was shocked by your behaviour." Gohan admitted slowly. "I didn't think you would take it that far."
Vegeta stared at the fire. "We didn't plan to go that far, boy. I didn't mean to shock you." The man hesitated but decided to continue. "I don't want to lose a soldier who is so fruitful to my army."
"A soldier like me?" Gohan asked, glancing sideways.
Vegeta took a deep breath. "A soldier like you." He relented. "I won't kill you." The man shrugged. "Without a valid reason that is."
Gohan showed a small smile. "That's good to know."
"So, you can now stop overreacting." Vegeta growled as he tossed a stick in the fire. "Go back to your normal annoying, disobedient and bad-mannered self."
The half-saiyan nodded as he tossed his stick in the fire too. "I'll try." He said, an amused glint in his eyes.
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
Gohan raced closer to Vegeta and kicked the man's head. Vegeta put up his arm to block the punch. He felt his arm winch against Gohan's power. The super half-saiyan moved down and punched into Vegeta's stomach. The Saiyan prince was temporarily stunned, taking punch after punch as he gasped in pain. Gohan directed his last punch upwards, upper cutting the saiyan prince.
Vegeta glanced down and brought up his knee. Gohan did not see this coming and the man's knee bounced against his chin, forcing Gohan to fall back. The two fell apart for a moment. Gohan created blasts in his hands. He sent them, one after the other, attacking his master viciously.
Vegeta blocked one, deflected the next one, but he could not avoid the third one. Gohan saw a sign of weakness and he kept going, pushing one blast after the other against Vegeta's body. The man finally jumped up in the air, out of the line of fire. Gohan narrowed his eyes as he looked up, following Vegeta with his eyes.
Vegeta put his hands together above his head and threw a blast down towards the young warrior. Gohan deflected the blast. He was momentarily distracted by the attack and before he knew it a punch threw him down.
Gohan managed to block the following punch. The two warriors exchanged punches and kicks on high speed.
"Power up!" Vegeta screamed at the young warrior. "Show me your true power!"
Gohan dodged a punch and blocked the next one. He returned a few punches but none of them managed to hit Vegeta. The man caught two of Gohan's punches and held the boy's fists. Gohan looked up at him. "Or are you just another push over? A one-time wonder?" Vegeta taunted while Gohan tried to pull his fists free from his grasp.
"No!" Gohan screamed back. He powered up and managed to free his limbs from Vegeta's grip.
"Show me what you're made of!" Vegeta snarled in response as he gave Gohan a push. The half-saiyan stumbled backwards. "Show me that you're worthy of the saiyan name!" He pushed Gohan once more. "Show me that you're more than just another pathetic weak brat!" The last push forced Gohan back.
Gohan clenched his fists and powered up. He would show Vegeta. He would show the man just how weak and pathetic he was. Gohan powered up so high that he could feel his body starting to protest. His entire form heat up as he felt his energy flow through his body. The young warrior's eyes widened to such an extent that Vegeta momentarily wondered if they would pop out of his head.
"Yes…" Vegeta muttered softly. "Power up, weakling!" He screamed, hoping it would add to Gohan's anger. "Or are you just another failure? A waste of space? Useless!"
"No!" Gohan screamed back. "I'm…. not… useless." He gritted his teeth. "I'm not weak!" The young warrior was aware of everything around him. The electricity in the air. The blood rushing through his veins. His already golden hair started to spike up even more. His muscles bulged and grew.
"Really?" Vegeta taunted, a laugh in his voice. "Cause you're looking pretty weak to me!" He never realized that being called weak pushed Gohan's buttons, but he was happy to accept it as a trigger.
Gohan let out a scream as the power in his body became too much for him. He had to control it. It could not slip away from him this time. Gohan tried to concentrate on containing the power inside his body instead of letting it slip out. He groaned and grunted, focusing on his energy, until it stayed.
Gohan let out a final gasp and he stood up straight. The boy looked at his hands. Electricity was crackling around him. The boy's hair was standing up straight, pushed up by his energy. His teal eyes focused on his master.
"I did it." Gohan whispered. The boy grinned widely and jumped up and down in the air. "I did it!" He yelled cheerfully.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "Yes, you did." He responded. "Now let me fight a super saiyan two." He grinned as he studied the young warrior. This was going to be a fight to remember.
Gohan returned his grin. "Sure!" Gohan responded. Who was he to refuse a man his beating, right?
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
The Yuna Trial had been difficult but rewarding, Gohan reflected as he pulled on a clean white boot. He was happy to be able to wash his body properly again. The young warrior had an amazing shower. Being clean was such a wonderful reward.
The young warrior managed to transform and he was able to maintain the transformation as he fought his master. Two hours was his max and he lost consciousness afterwards. However, Vegeta seemed satisfied.
Gohan met Vegeta in the man's office. The room was relatively dark, only lit up by a small lamp on the man's desk. Vegeta was just pouring some wine into a glass.
The man handed one glass to Gohan. As he was turned away from the half-saiyan, he did not notice how Gohan smiled at the glass. He felt similar to when the Suta Team offered him a beer after the completion of his first mission. It was their way of saying that he now really belonged to the team. Gohan looked up and wondered if this was the moment that Vegeta really accepted Gohan as a saiyan and as his equal.
"To a successful trial." Vegeta said as he tapped his glass against Gohan's glass.
"To a successful trial." The half-saiyan agreed and took a sip from his glass.
Vegeta placed his glass on the windowsill. "I usually give my soldiers some sort of reward after a particular triumph." He stated. Gohan glanced sideways at him. "I don't see why this should be any different." The man was silent for a moment. Gohan sipped from his wine. "Therefore, I will allow you to make one wish."
"A wish?" Gohan repeated.
"I will grant the wish if I can." Vegeta responded, nodding.
Gohan crossed his arms over each other and made a thoughtful face. Vegeta turned to the large window and picked up his glass again, sipping from it as he studied the darkness of the universe.
"I know."
"Already?"
Gohan nodded so Vegeta turned to the young warrior. "Go ahead."
"Freedom."
Vegeta's mouth tightened for a moment. "Whose?"
"Can I get freedom for two people?"
"Don't push it."
Gohan lowered his gaze. There were several people whom he wanted to grant freedom. Tobney, Kishi, Sianna, Stirania, Dende, the list went on and on. He could only choose one person. As he thought about it, the decision became clear to him. There was only one person who could still build a live after slavery. There was only one person who still had a planet and a family to go to.
"Dende." Gohan responded, looking up.
Vegeta considered this name for a moment. "The Namekian?" Vegeta asked. Gohan nodded in response. "Okay. Namekian's are difficult to sell anyway. He's free to go and he can never be enslaved again. Not by my army that is."
"Thank you." Gohan grinned as he thought that Dende could now finally go back to planet Namek.
Vegeta turned to the window. He placed his hands on the windowsill and looked down at it. "Why didn't you wish for your own freedom?"
"It crossed my mind." Gohan responded, lowering his gaze. "But… what is to stop you from purging planet earth if I return there? Besides, Dende is here because of me."
"So?"
"I built a life on this ship. I have friends. People who count on me." Gohan responded as he looked up. "If I went to planet earth now I would only be training all day because I knew we could be attacked someday. Now I know planet earth is safe."
Gohan nodded slowly. "I belong here now." The half-saiyan showed a grin. "Besides, what would you do without me?"
Vegeta laughed. "I would be bored to death."
The End
I hope you enjoyed the story. Please review and let me know what you think!
An Author's Note will be posted on this story once the first chapter of Slave Soldier 2 is updated.
Until then!