Chapter 26: Lightspeed

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ

A/N: I actually finished early this week!

I've done some research on Faster Than Light movement in DBZ. Turns out spaceships can move FTL, so I have removed Gohan's mention of 'Nothing moving faster than light' in the last chapter.

Also, I've changed any mention of Trunks' hair being 'gray' to 'lavender'. I've been meaning to change it for a while, but I kept forgetting. I'm fairly certain it was only mentioned twice, but if you notice any times I missed, please inform me.

Gohan's eyes fluttered open, taking in the blurry sky. No, the sky wasn't blurry, his vision was. Two spherical 'somethings' intruded upon his view of the sky. He raised a hand to his face and rubbed his eyes, then blinked a few times. His vision slowly came into focus.

"Oh! It's Krillin and Dende. What are they doing here?" he wondered. They were hovering over him, only their heads visible. He turned his head, noting the white tiles and the gold-roofed building of the Lookout, "How did I get here?"

Somebody shook his shoulder, saying something he couldn't really make out. He looked at the perpetrator, realizing it was Krillin. He shook his head to get rid of the fog blanketing his mind. He pushed himself up.

"What happened?" he asked Krillin.

Krillin raised a brow, "I'm the one who should be asking you that! All of a sudden I see a meteor in the middle of the day. Then I realized it had a ki signature and kinda freaked out," he admitted sheepishly, "I thought we were under attack or something."

Dende snickered.

"Hey! It's not funny! I genuinely feared for my life! The last time something with a ki that was larger than mine fell from the sky, I nearly died!"

Dende covered his face with a hand, waving the other apologetically, "I'm sorry, it's just; I can picture the face you made. I'm really sorry," he said, trying to quiet his laughter.

Krillin sighed, then addressed Gohan, "So what exactly happened? How did you end up falling from the sky?"

Gohan tilted his head in thought. He snapped his fingers, "I remember now! I was trying to learn instant transmission and I ended up in space. I suppose I was relatively close to earth, but it was still quite a distance."

"You can do that teleportation thing now?!" Krillin shouted.

Dende snorted, "Obviously not, unless he meant to end up in an inhospitable vacuum."

Gohan chuckled, somewhat embarrassed, "Well, I got the moving part down, just not the destination. I was trying to appear near Grandpa Ox, but something must've gone wrong."

"Damn, that's scary!" Krillin exclaimed, "If that'd happened to me, I'd probably be dead!" he thought. He sighed, "It's a good thing I was nearby. The water was starting to fill up that crater you made. Any later and you might have drowned."

Gohan's eyes widened, "You saved me?" he asked. Krillin nodded. Gohan grinned and pulled him in for a sudden hug, "You're the best, Krillin!"

Krillin grinned bashfully, "I try!"

Dende cleared his throat, "I'd like to point out that I healed you of the injuries from your crash."

Gohan grinned and gave Dende a big hug, "You're the best, too!"

Dende coughed, "Stating the obvious."

Gohan released him and walked towards the edge, looking out over the landscape. Mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, lakes, and the ocean. He breathed in deeply, "Good ol' Earth! You wouldn't believe how much I missed you!" he shouted, laughing delightedly.

He turned suddenly, "Krillin, Dende! I just went to space without a ship or a spacesuit! And I'm still alive! Isn't that incredible!?"

Krillin and Dende looked at each other in confusion, then at him. They nodded hesitantly. That seemed to make Gohan happy and he returned to his study of Mother Earth.

Krillin leaned over, "Hey, Dende? Is he alright?"

Dende shrugged, "I think he's high on life."

Gohan faced Krillin and Dende, standing on the desert floor of The Room of Life and Desolation. Or, as most called it, the training room. Dende had suggested he try the technique here, in a separate dimension that lacked an airless vacuum. Gohan had expressed concern about teleporting too far away and not being able to find the exit. Dende had laughed at his concerns, and they found themselves here.

"Alright, Gohan! Let's see it!" Krillin said excitedly. He cleared his throat, "And after you figure out how to do it properly," he paused before clasping his hands in front of him, "Can you teach me? Please?" he entreated.

Gohan laughed and nodded. Krillin took some distance then waited, breath held in anticipation.

Dende watched curiously as Gohan placed two fingers on his forehead. Suddenly, light shrouded him and he disappeared. Dende quirked a brow, "Is that what it was supposed to look like?" he wondered. He glanced over at Krillin, "I think you can stop holding your breath, now!"

Krillin exhaled disappointedly.

Gohan found himself somewhere dark. Even darker than the last time he had tried this technique, "I can't be in space again, can I?" he thought. He shook his head; Dende had assured him that wasn't possible. He held out a hand, palm up, a sphere of light forming above it, "Oh!" he said, voice echoing, "It's a cave!"

He frowned, brow furrowed, "How did I get in here?"

He searched around, finding no obvious entrance to the cave, "Now that doesn't make sense. Light can't just phase through solid objects, right?"

He let the ki in his hand fade, prepared to just blast his way out. Strangely, he could see another faint light now. It was slightly above him. He approached, feeling his way through the dark, "A crack that leads outside? It has to; where else would the light come from?"

He lit up another ki orb and took a seat on a raised section of the floor, "So, since the technique turns me into light, I can squeeze through openings that I wouldn't be able to pass through normally?" he mused. He snapped his fingers, "That's how dad pops into closed spaces! He can enter as light through a window, even if it's closed! I always wondered about that!" he shouted, echoing noisily off the walls.

His discovery kept him happy for a few moments. Then he frowned, "I'm not anywhere near Krillin, am I?"

Cell, having found three dragonballs, was moving happily on to the fourth. Well, not happily. More like impatiently. He wanted to come back to life immediately so he could stop skulking around like this. It did a number on his pride, "Perfect beings should not have to skulk!" he thought.

His travels took him into one of the many wastelands that probably resulted from fights the Z-fighters had. Enormous boulders and pillars of rock littered the landscape. Cell jumped and ducked and dodged between them with little problem. However, as he traveled he felt something familiar.

He stopped immediately and hid in the shadowy overhang of a boulder. His eyes narrowed, teeth gritting, "Perfect beings should not have to cower!"

He peeked around the corner, searching for whatever had caused that feeling. Unfortunately, he had little success. There was nothing in sight. He pulled out his radar, first checking that the three balls he had found were still where he had stashed them. Then he checked the distance to the closest ball. He found that it was not far straight ahead. Cautiously, he moved forward; much slower than before. He weaved between the rocks, keeping low and alert.

The feeling became stronger. He once again hid, hoping it would simply go away. From this new spot, he finally saw what it was. It was far away, just a green spec on the horizon, but it was there, "That's… Piccolo!" he realized. Piccolo was perched atop one of the taller rock spires in the distance. He checked the radar again, "Of course! He's sitting right on top of it! Damn him! I can't afford to waste any energy fighting him," he thought, chewing on a nail. After a second he stopped and berated himself for doing something so unsightly.

He took deep breaths to calm himself, "I can't take it by force, so I must think of another method. In the meantime, I'll collect the rest of the dragonballs," he thought. Course decided he headed off in the direction of another ball.

Gohan placed two fingers on his forehead, locating Krillin's ki. After a couple seconds he found it and locked on, "Huh, he's pretty far away. Must be a dozen miles or so."

He took a breath nervously before activating the technique once more. This time he found himself tremendously high in the air. He shook his head, "Nope. Not even close."

He tried once more, nearly falling into a volcano, "How can a floating island even have volcanoes, anyway?" he griped, breathing heavily. He wiped some sweat from his brow before placing his fingers on his forehead once more, "Oh man, they're really far away!" he thought, "Maybe I should just fly back? I kinda doubt I'll get it down today. Plus, this is actually pretty draining."

He took off, following Krillin's ki signature.

Eighteen bit her lip pensively. She sat in a swivel chair in a changing room for a news program, waiting for her interview to begin. In front of her was a wide table attached to the wall with a large mirror above it. Atop the mirror were six bright lights, evenly spaced, that provided sufficient light for applying makeup. An array of makeup products sat on the table, as well as a circular mirror that made things appear closer than they were.

She wasn't really concerned with the interview; one is very much like the next and she'd had quite a few. What was important is what Mascara said yesterday. Had Krillin really let on that she was an Android? ...he must have, considering there's no other way for Mascara to have known.

She sighed and leaned forward on the table staring absently into the mirror, which displayed the back of the room; filled with racks of myriad outfits. She lay her head on her crossed arms, "What am I going to do about Mascara?" she asked quietly.

Honestly, she should have just told her awhile ago. It would have made things so much simpler. Unfortunately, back when they first became friends Eighteen hadn't been sure she could trust Mascara to keep her secret. Those concerns had eventually been allayed, but she had grown so used to keeping the secret that she simply continued to do so. It was easier that way.

There was a knock on the door, "You have five minutes! Please make your way to the set!" a man's voice came through. Eighteen sighed and stood,

"I do know one thing, though," she said, smiling faintly, "I'll be having words with Krillin."

Gohan finally arrived just below the floating platform where Krillin and Dende waited for him. They both waved as he descended, "Hey, Gohan! What took ya?" Krillin asked cheerily.

Gohan scratched his cheek in embarrassment as he approached the pair, "I tried the technique a few more times… and kinda ended up even further away," he admitted.

Krillin chuckled lightly, "Yeah, I figured it was something like that."

Krillin looked over at Dende questioningly. Dende nodded. Krillin looked back at Gohan. He grimaced slightly, "Hey, Gohan?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't think that technique is actually Instant Transmission," he said.

Gohan raised a brow, "Are you sure? How can you tell?"

Krillin explained the differences between Gohan's technique and Instant Transmission. Instead of blurring and disappearing with a sharp whirring noise, the new technique caused him to disappear in a flash of light that was totally silent.

Gohan's face changed from shock to disbelief and finally understanding. He smiled wryly, "Honestly, I should have expected that to happen. Dad's explanation was really vague. I don't think he actually understands the mechanics of it anymore; it's just a reflex for him."

He frowned, "Actually, maybe he never did? The Yardrats might just be extremely proficient teachers."

Krillin lowered his head in dejection, "I guess that means I'll never get to learn it."

Gohan grinned cheerily, "Don't look so down, Krillin! Once I figure out this new technique I stumbled upon, I'll be happy to teach you!"

"Me, too!" Dende spoke up, hand raised. Gohan nodded with a grin.

Later that day, Gohan dropped in on the Castle of the Ox-King; landing in the well-maintained garden. The base of Fire Mountain was still intact, so it remained above the village. Although, it might be more accurate to call it a good-sized town, now.

The garden was spacious, with white brick paths and bushes shaped into various people important to the kingdom. A number of them looked suspiciously like Gohan and his family. Of course, there were plenty that featured the Ox-King himself. The steps leading into the castle curved around a large bronze statue of a baying Ox. There were two long fountains following either side of the main path.

"Looks like Grandpa's kingdom is doing well," Gohan thought. He looked up at the castle itself, hand shielding his eyes from the sunlight. He was searching for a certain window. He didn't want to use the actual entrance because many government officials worked there and insisted on calling him 'Prince Gohan'. It was rather embarrassing.

He poured over the white painted exterior of the main building, trying to remember where his Grandfather's office was. Three towers rose from the castle, a fourth separate with a covered path leading to it.

"There it is!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly. He took to the air, heading towards a large open window on the third floor. Landing on the ledge, he hopped through, much to the surprise of the current inhabitant.

Ox jumped out of his seat with a shout, arms flailing. Gohan chuckled at him. Ox froze, then adjusted his glasses, "Oh! It's Gohan! What a surprise!" he bellowed with a wide grin. He wore a white button-up shirt with brown pants held up by suspenders. A hat with two curved horns decorated his head.

He moved out from behind his desk towards Gohan, arms spread wide before hugging his grandson. Gohan attempted to hug back but it was hard when he couldn't even wrap his arms around the large man, "It's nice to see you, grandpa!" he greeted.

Gohan approached his desk, sitting in the red cushioned chair across from it. The Ox-king sat as well. Ox cleared his throat, "So, what brings you here, Gohan?"

Gohan scratched his cheek, "I... need to get a job; mom suggested I ask you about it."

Ox leaned back, scratching his beard in thought. His face lit up, "I know!" he exclaimed. Gohan looked at him expectantly. Ox leaned forward, putting both arms on his desk and causing it to creak dangerously, "One of our farmers retired a few months ago. He produced about thirty percent of our annual crop and I've been having trouble finding someone to take over the farm! How would you like to do it? I'm sure with your abilities it'll be easy!"

Gohan crossed his arms, eyes closed. He had some knowledge of agriculture from his studies, but he hadn't thought about how he could adapt farming practices to better make use of his abilities. After a few minutes -in which Ox had begun shuffling through papers while waiting for Gohan's answer- he raised his head, "Alright, Grandpa, I'll do it!"

Ox grinned, "Attaboy! Hold on just a second and I'll get you an overview of the operation," he opened a drawer and flipped through a number of folders until finding the right one. He pulled it out and handed it to Gohan, "If you have any questions just find Pepper, my agricultural advisor. He should be able to help you."

Gohan smiled, "Alright, Grandpa! I guess I'll see you later then?"

"Of course, of course! Drop by anytime! Hey, maybe next time you can bring Goten?"

"Sure thing, Grandpa!" Gohan agreed.

Gohan -a thick folder and a few books under his arm from the agricultural advisor that insisted on calling him 'Prince Gohan'- observed his new farm, a large expanse of open land surrounded on all sides by dense trees. Probably planted to keep heavy winds from blowing away the loose soil. There was a nice two-story house to one side of the plot with a shed filled with tools and a tractor hitched to a plow next to it. Of course, Gohan wouldn't be using those things. He planned to farm Turtle style! Because that was the only type he had actual experience with.

Entering the house, he found it was rather lacking in furniture excepting the counter in the kitchen that was probably bolted to the wall. Setting his burden down, he walked back outside.

He smiled wryly and rubbed his chin, looking at his plot of land, "This'll be… interesting."

Later, when he returned home, Chichi spotted him covered in dirt the minute he walked through the door and immediately wrangled him into the bathroom; instructing him to wash thoroughly. Goten, watching in amusement, had remarked that work must be fun if it involved so much dirt.

A few days later -having decided to tell Mascara- Eighteen finally had a break from promotions and interviews about the new movie, giving her a chance to talk to her friend. They met up at a clothing outlet; because why not take the chance to get a few new outfits? It didn't take very long for Eighteen to work up the nerve before she took Mascara to the side, telling her they needed to talk about something.

"What's up, Eighteen?" Mascara asked curiously.

"You remember the other day? When you asked if there was a secret I was keeping from you?"

Mascara nodded uncertainly.

Eighteen took a breath, "Well, there is, and I'm going to tell you now."

Mascara's eyes widened before she took Eighteen's hand, clasping it between hers. She nodded.

Eighteen, giving their clasped hands a glance then rolling her eyes slightly, went ahead, "I'm an android," she admitted. She searched Mascara's face for any sign of disbelief or fear but found it unreadable. Deciding to trudge on, "My amnesia is caused by the modifications made to me by a man named Dr. Gero. My brother is an android, too."

Mascara's mouth opened and closed a few times. She closed her eyes and frowned, shaking her head. Calming down and giving a small smile, "I almost don't believe you, but I can't imagine you ever lying to me like this," she was quiet for a moment, "Can you show me proof?"

Eighteen pulled her into one of the stalls in the dressing room, shutting and locking the door. Raising her hand, palm up, a faint orb of light appeared above it. Mascara slapped both hands over her mouth, eyes wide in astonishment.

She looked at it from a few different angles, making sure it wasn't just a trick her eyes were playing on her. Once she was satisfied, she gave Eighteen a wide-eyed look, "C- can I touch it?"

Eighteen shrugged, making the orb fainter, more translucent, "Alright, it should be fine now."

Mascara tapped it hesitantly, noticing it felt warm and solid, "Woah," she breathed. She wrapped both hands around it, trying to crush it, but found it was too strong, "What is this?"

"The result of my modifications. I can produce and control immense amounts of energy. This is just a minuscule amount focused into a sphere."

Mascara was suitably impressed and Eighteen began to explain about her past, the Cell games, Gohan and the rest of the Z-fighters and how they related to her. She went back and forth on whether to tell Mascara about Cell absorbing her and her brother, but the calm and understanding way Mascara had taken everything else convinced her to tell.

Mascara teared up and jumped at Eighteen, wrapping her arms around her neck, "Oh, you poor thing! That must have been so awful! I can't even imagine it!" she cried. Eighteen gave a rare warm smile, slowly wrapping her arms around the other girl, having never received this kind of sympathy. Gohan might give the same sympathy, but he didn't like to think of the Cell games -or anything that happened during them- so she didn't bring it up.

After the waterworks were over they left the store -with a few bags of clothes, of course- and Mascara bugged Eighteen until she agreed to demonstrate more of her abilities. They spent the rest of the day in a remote location; Mascara watching in awe as Eighteen blew stuff up.

Cell came to a stop after cresting a craggy mountain, looking down at a compound in the valley below. This entire region was barren and dusty, the compound being no exception. He pulled out his radar, clicking one of the buttons to change the tracking mode. The blinking dots changed, becoming three, and they were now labeled. Two were labeled with numbers and the third with a name.

He was here to acquire the services of the named one. Quickly hopping down, he arrived at the compound. Not bothering to knock, he smashed the heavy-duty door in. A loud siren played, and a few dozen men filtered to his location; filling the hall he had entered. Red lights flashed as he stared them down.

Some of them seemed to lose their spirit at the creature's unnerving stare, but one of them charged forward and the others were reassured enough to follow. Cell defeated them handily. Surprisingly, he didn't kill them. Stalking through hall after hall, he finally came upon the room that must hold his target.

Tearing through the door, he was immediately struck by a beam of concentrated energy, "How cute," Cell remarked, unfazed. The room was quite dark, allowing its occupant to hide in the shadows. Suddenly, Cell whirled and caught a sharp blade between two fingers. He flared his golden aura to provide light.

"Tao, I presume," he drawled. Tao, the mercenary, struggled to remove his bladed arm from Cell's grip. Cell smirked, "I have a proposition for you…"

Over the next two weeks, Gohan spent his time working on the farm and practicing his new technique (as well as training and working on old techniques, of course). His suit fully tailored showed up at Capsule Corporation -where he had asked it be delivered- so he was ready for the premiere. He finally told his mother about it, dreading her reaction but determined not to lie again, and was quite surprised with her reaction. He wasn't entirely sure what she 'approved' of, but he wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Eighteen spent much of her time with Mascara, going into further detail about the incident with Cell or about Krillin (Mascara was amazed that Krillin had powers similar to Eighteen's). Eighteen ended up forgetting about Gohan's new form, and her desire to see it, due to all of Mascara's questions.

Finally, it was the day of the premiere.

A/N: Turns out Gohan stumbled on another technique. Goku gave him a really vague explanation on Instant Transmission that didn't really tell him how to do it. I'm still debating what to call it, but I'm leaning towards 'light displacement'. What do you guys think?