Greetings my slaves, uh I mean minions, uh I mean loyal readers, yes that's it, hey loyal readers! Whazzup? You are lucky, you didn't have to wait as long for the new chapter, since I posted the previous one so late! (Shame on me and my grandkids!)
Hahaha, I am a very strange person… Sometimes I wonder how long it would take for a giraffe to puke.. Hahaha sorry, I just wanted to share that with someone! (and yeah, that is the kind of thoughts that travel through my head… Creepy, isn't it? ;D) Hahaha so glad that I freaked some of you guys out in the previous gory and creepy ending! *high fives myself*
Thanx: Vegetaslave87, SCstaff, 9thZfighter, Ky111, Sirius Potter 2, rawr, unwanted half Saiyan demon, lotty145 and guest (whatever your real name is… You know who you are… I hope! 0_O) for reviewing and for the few new subscribers and favourites I received in this short week. You guys are totally awesome! unwanted half Saiyan demon: Hey there! This story won't be much longer; 4 chapters max that I will post about it.. *sad face* And I have no idea if I will write a sequel! *scatterbrain* I honestly have no clue on what the sequel's plot with be! But if you have any ideas on a plot I would appreciate it!
SCstaff: Thanks dude! I don't think you have mentioned it before, but you did now! So thanks! Oh and thanx for pointing out that flaw; I meant to write Vegeta, but my brain must have clutched and written Trunks (instead Hahaha silly brain); I corrected it, so thank you!
*Happy reading my sweets!
CHAPTER 25: The Innards of Buu
(Gomih's POV)
I appeared alongside Luna and Magnar on Magisterial's realm. I shook my head wildly from left to right, trying to shake off the uncomfortable, dizzy feeling that teleportation over long distances made me feel.
As I brushed the dust off my pants, I looked around me, searching for Trunks. My eyes widened, I forgot that he couldn't use instantaneous movement. I closed my eyes and searched for his unique, strong ki.
I located Trunks and Reynard's ki's still on the Kai's planet where Gohan and Buu were still fighting feverishly.
"Why aren't they here yet?" I yelled out in a panic-stricken voice. "Don't they realize that they could die if they stay there?" I ranted.
Luna shot me a glare and rubber her ears. "Over react much?" She said in an irritated voice. "Rey is not stupid, they will be here."
I was still not put to ease. "Maybe I should..." I started.
Right on cue the two of them flashed in front of us, interrupting my statement.
Reynard landed on his feet, perfectly balanced, while Trunks landed flat on his butt, with his feet dangling in the air.
Reynard gave Trunks a disgusted look before turning toward Magisterial. "Sir I am not responsible for this…" Reynard waved his hands defensively in front of his chest as he spoke to Magisterial, nodding towards Trunks.
Trunks tried to see who Rey was talking to, but the sun was blocking his view, I noticed when I saw his squinted eyes.
A graceful chuckle tickled my ears. "Nonsense, any friend of Gohan's in a friend of mine." Magisterial stated and extended a lean, tanned arm towards my boyfriend. Little grey hairs were glistering on his arms in contact with the sunlight.
Trunks took it without hesitation and he pulled him up. "Thank y…" He started, but froze as his eyes met Magisterial's intriguing eyes, coloured in a strange combination of brown and blue.
Magisterial chuckled. "The pleasure is all mine."
I smiled at Trunks' bewildered expression; everyone seemed to have the same dazzled reaction when they see Magisterial for the first time, I knew I had it too.
"Hey Honeybon." I diverted his attention from the highest of Kai's. I smiled softly as his warm blue eyes met mine, with a lightning spark flashing in his iris; he hated that pet name.
His eyes turned solemn as he took my hands in his. "Sorry about your dad." He whispered almost incoherently.
I smiled softly. "Sorry about your dad." I repeated in the same solemn tone.
"This place is incredible!" He exclaimed, probably trying to get rid of the sad vibe, as he turned around with big excited eyes. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me in for a quick kiss.
"I know!" I agreed enthusiastically. "And this isn't even the most beautiful part in this realm."
Trunks raised his eyebrow at my statement. "Unbelievable..." He breathed in astonishment.
I shifted around in his embrace, making me able to see the others. "What are they doing?" Trunks pointed one of our hands that were intertwined towards the remaining guard of protectors who were currently standing with their eyes closed with frowns on their faces in utter concentration.
"Taking a quick nap?" I suggested jokingly and Trunks chuckled.
Luna growled in annoyance all of a sudden. "Do you mind?" She shot an angered expression our way. "We are trying to watch the fight." She took a deep breath and resumed the position her comrades still resided in.
"How can they watch the fight like that?" Trunks whispered into my right ear in a baffled voice.
"I think it has something to do with ki-manipulation." I speculated. "When Magisterial was training me in that time chamber thingy, he mentioned a few of those techniques, but only taught me instantaneous movement, due to the lack of time." I whispered in a barely audible voice.
He nodded. "They sure are intense..." He exclaimed softly.
"Yeah, but I wish I could knew those techniques." I sighed. "It is kind of boring being left out."
He let out an offended gasp. "Are you bored in my presence?" He asked in shock.
I chuckled softly at his dramatic tone. "Not in the least my sweet, hot, stud," I turned around and planted a peck on his warm lips, "but I want to see how Gohan is doing."
Recognising my more serious tone, he nodded and pointed to Magisterial. "He must know of a way we could spectate the fight too." He suggested.
"Good idea!" I complemented and broke out of his embrace, rushing to Magisterial who also held the same concentrated expression his previous students had.
"I don't mean to interrupt sir, but do you have some way Trunks and I could see the battle occurring on the sacred realm of the Kai's too, we are not as highly trained as your students here?" I asked politely.
Magisterial slowly opened his eyes. "I am so sorry, how rude of me!" He exclaimed in a horrified voice. "I am deeply ashamed for treating my guests in such a despicable manner." He turned his eyes to me. "My deepest apologies."
I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "Uh, yeah, sure, no problem." I replied to his unnecessary apology; these people are too well-bred, I thought in annoyance.
He smiled at me warmly before walking into a shed-like building, not too far from where we were currently standing, without uttering another word. He came out with a shiny ball in his grasp. He placed blew on the ball before placing it on the grass near us, making stray dust fly off its shiny surface frantically.
Magisterial smiled apologetically. "I apologize, this isn't quite the high definition flat screen televisions you earthlings are accustomed to, but this is the best I have." He said while pointing to the crystal ball.
Trunks and I gathered around the ball and sat cross-legged on the grass opposite each other. "You guys want to join us?" Trunks directed to the group of protectors.
Reynard scoffed playfully. "No offence bro, but I think I will stay here." He pointed to his head. "More megapixels in here." Magnar chuckled and gave his comrade a high five through his closed eyes.
Magisterial chuckled. "Don't mind them." He said and aimed his hand towards the ball, making it glow even more brightly. "It will show in a moment." He informed before he walked away, resuming his previous spot in front of his students.
I stared into the ball, until an image started to circle around. It became clear and I could easily recognise the image of my brother. He was sitting on a cliff, his right hand on his chest, while Buu was standing with his hands in his pockets opposite Gohan, mocking him.
I pouted; there was no sound in this thing... This is annoying.
I saw a bitter smile forming on my brother's lips as he yelled something to Buu. My eyes widened and my mouth fell open as I saw him thrusting his hand into his chest. His mouth crew wider as he probably let out an agonised yell and blood seeped out his mouth and nose in streams before he finally collapsed on his back on the cliff.
Magisterial and the others gasped loudly and flashed toward the crystal ball.
"Did we see right?" Reynard exclaimed in shock and stared at the ball, seeing the same image. He placed his hands on his head in distress. "What was he thinking?!" He yelled in despair.
I couldn't tear my eyes from the image and saw with distress that his body disappeared all of a sudden.
"Heroes are allowed to keep their bodies after they die..." Magisterial's voice rang absentminded. "But there was nothing heroic about that move." He stated sternly and teleported away.
"I am going to knock some sense into that little man." Reynard exclaimed and also flashed away.
Furious and confused, I followed and appeared in Otherworld, landing at the brink of Snakeway.
"Guys, Gohan must have a plan." Reynard defended my brother. "He is an extremely good, strategic warrior; he won't do something rash without reason."
I scoffed. "I would like to hear it." I exclaimed exasperated and crossed my arms over my chest. I was upset that he threw his life away so quickly after he got it back.
"As would I..." Luna commented and also crossed her arms over her chest.
I stared impatiently at my watch, basically just for dramatic effect, I am sure the time on my watch doesn't corresponds with the current time here in Otherworld. "What is taking him so long?" I shot out impatiently.
Reynard shot me a confused gaze, complete with raised eyebrows. "It has only been one minute Gomih..."
"One minute to long!" I shot back irritated.
He sighed and turned around, muttering something incoherently; all I could make out was: "Gohan wasn't kidding about her..." Hmpf! How dare that ungrateful brother of mine discuss me with everyone here in the afterlife! Despicable!
After about two minutes I saw Gohan appear like a mirage in front of King Yemma's desk.
"Hey buddy, get in the back of the line!" One of the demon-like helpers of King Yemma glared angrily at Gohan. "That is the kind of action that would give you a one-way ticket to HFIL!" He threatened.
Gohan waved his arms in front of his chest defensively. "No problem dude," He pointed both his fingers to the back. "I'm going."
He sprinted toward the back and his eyes lit up as he saw us. "Guys!" He chirped out happily. We all returned with scowls.
"Bro, what were you..." Reynard started, but Gohan dove under his arms and jumped over Luna an Magnar in two swift ninja-like motions.
"Sis, I need your help!" I was startled when a set of hands suddenly grabbed my shoulders and spun me around; I stared down and found that it was my little brother.
I slapped him through his face. "What were you thinking?!" I yelled loudly, every spirit who was in the queue turned around and stared at the scene. "You just became alive again, and now you screw it up by killing yourself?!" I placed my hands on my hips, waiting for an explanation.
He pulled me to the side on my arm. "We don't have much time; I will explain everything later, you just have to trust me." His brown eyes bore into mine. I nodded slowly, recognising from his tone that he was serious.
"Gohan." Magisterial's voice was stern.
"Yes sir?" Gohan replied politely.
"I would like an explanation for your rash actions." He said in a serious tone; an angry frown embedded on his brow.
Before Gohan could answer, Gailo and Veronica appeared out of nowhere in the middle of our circle. "What happened?" Veronica's panicked voice echoed through the air. "We felt Gohan's life force disperse..."
Gohan waved awkwardly at his other two allies before talking again. "Guys, there is not much time; I am sure Buu is pulling the Kai's planet apart." His voice was full of ernst.
"Buu killed you?" Shock was imprinted in Gailo's voice.
"Of course not." Gohan replied with a tad bit of offence in his voice. "But that is not the point; I have a plan, don't doubt in that." He sighed. "Just promise me that no matter what happens that you will play along, no matter how ridicules my plan may seem in the beginning?" He stared at every one of us.
"I promise I will explain everything afterwards." He compromised when no one acknowledged his previous statement.
"So there will be an afterward?" Reynard eyed my brother. "You are not planning on killing yourself while you are dead?" His voice sounded unsure.
Gohan smiled sincerely. "Of course not." He reassured. "But I really have to go now." He turned to me. "Gomih, are you in?" He asked me with pleading big brown eyes.
"Fine, what do you need me to do?" I mimicked a serious tone; still unsure what his brilliant plan holds, especially for me...
He smiled broadly at my acceptance. "Great!" He exclaimed and tightened his grasp on my arms.
"See you." He greeted with a brilliant smile and salute. I noticed that he and Magisterial shared a nod before Gohan started teleporting.
"Be safe!" Luna's voice was the last thing I heard before we teleported away.
As I opened my eyes I noticed that we were back on the Kai's planet, but it was not as luscious and vibrant as it once was.
The once green pastures were ripped from the ground and replaced with a barren and desolated dull, brown and dead wasteland. All the grand statues of fallen Kai's and other noble warriors that occupied the space next to the pathways were reduced to rubble and barely recognisable.
Craters and holes were embedded on the surface, making the planet look like a piece of cheap Swiss cheese.
The peaceful chirping of birds and the tranquil sound of the rustling of leaves in the light wind completely vanished, and the sound of smoke and decay took their places.
I turned my gaze toward my brother, and saw him stare with squinted eyes into the northern direction. I followed his gaze and found Buu, miniature due to the fact that he was many miles away, blasting everything in his sight into a unrecognisable rubble.
"Gohan, why did you teleport us back here?" I rubbed my hands on my arms furiously as a chilly wind blew through me.
He looked over his shoulder and smiled his famous 'Gohan-smile'. "We are going to save Dad, Piccolo and Vegeta." He claimed with a brilliant smile.
I frowned. "Is that even possible?" I couldn't help but be negative, this whole day put me in a negative 'nothing will go right' mood; me being killed, earth being destroyed, Gohan turning evil, me being given the mission to kill said evil brother, Gohan splitting from his evil persona and finally my father and friends being absorbed into Super Buu! It sounded like all these happenings occurred in a friggin year, not two days!
"Anything is possible sis." He smiled again. "You just got to believe…"
I rolled my eyes at his philosophical nature; so annoying.
He turned his attention to Buu and let out a loud whistle. I had to cover my ears from the harsh screech. "HEY BUU!" My brother yelled to get the attention of the pink monster.
My mouth fell open in horror and I grabbed Gohan by his shoulder, shaking him around a bit. "Are you fudging crazy?" I yelled in a high pitched voice; remembering my anger management class about turning curse words into sweets. "You surely have a better strategy than that?" I sighed sharply. "Haven't you ever heard about the element of surprise?"
He chuckled. "You don't need the element of surprise when you have the element of awesome on your side." He pointed his two thumbs at himself while a cocky smile played on his lips.
"You really cannot be this arrogant!" I exclaimed, but he ignored me; eyeing Buu intently as he neared us like an angered bull that saw red.
"Transform." My brother ordered in a stern voice, his head turned slightly in my direction.
"What?" I countered, momentarily surprised by his sudden request.
"I know you have reached the second Super Saiyan transformation; it is time to use it." He claimed and powered up into his second level as well. He looked at me with big annoyed eyes. "Well?!" He retorted out in ernst. "This is not a game, sis. Everything has to flow flawlessly from here for my plan to succeed."
I clenched my teeth and fists, restraining myself from snapping at him. I shook my head, causing my hair to escape out of its ponytail; I hated the feeling my hair made when it spiked up in a ponytail, and started powering up. It took longer for me to reach my second state than my perfect brother reached it, but as soon I was transformed he looked at me with pride.
"Good…" He breathed.
"This might be a little late to ask, but what is your plan?" I asked hesitantly; completely baffled about what he was planning.
He smiled mysteriously. "Head's up, Buu is going to absorb us." My mouth fell open at his casual tone.
"No, no, no, no, no…" I said quickly. "You have completely lost it! You have had too many punches to the head!" I exclaimed in a panic-stricken voice.
He looked right in my eyes. "Chill! Remember, just trust me." He said soothingly.
Before I could reply to his calm tone, Buu stood before us, making me flinch. "Sorry for taking so long, but I had to use the little boy's room." As he talked he zipped up his fly. I frowned.
Ew.
"You are back I see; big mistake on your part." He taunted; I frowned as I sensed my fallen friends' and Dad's presence in him. He extended his neck, looking past Gohan.
"Oh, and I see you brought a friend." He licked his lips as he saw me.
Again, ew...
Despite the frightened feeling that rushed through every nook and cranny of my body, I managed a cold menacing stare of: "Touch me and die" at the muscular pink blob.
He smiled, to my utter annoyance, at that.
Gohan snapped his fingers, making Buu avert his attention to my brother. "You crave power, don't you Buu?" He asked with an arrogant smile on his lips. "Especially since Vegeta entered you system too, right?"
Buu smiled. "You are not wrong, boy; there is no such thing as too much power." He confirmed.
Gohan snickered; it sounded fake. "Buu, that is music to my ears." I frowned as I detected a hint of evil clinging to my brother's voice.
"Gohan, what are you…" I started, but my brother's abrupt death stare silenced me.
Please shut up; everything will make sense in a short while. His voice rang in my mind.
Who do you think you are for telling me to shut up? I don't have shutters, therefore it is physically impossible for me to 'shut it'. I retorted back annoyed.
I felt how he rolled his eyes in my mind. Really? He asked in annoyance.
"I have a proposal for you…" His voice trailed off as he talked to Buu.
Buu arched an eyebrow. "What kind of proposal?"
"While I was fighting with you earlier on this planet, I had an epiphany…" He stared at Buu with smouldering eyes from under his thick black lashes. "As strong as I might be, I don't possess your power." His voice turned jealous. "I will never be as strong…"
Buu laughed. "I am glad you realised that boy, took you long enough!" He exclaimed cockily. "But where exactly does your preposition come in?"
Gohan smiled. "I figured, that if I aren't the strongest fighter in the entire universe myself, what is the point?" He asked rhetorically. "I would rather not exist, than play second fiddle to anyone, power related of course."
Buu smiled. "I could arrange that for you." He suggested in a mocking tone.
Gohan laughed without a trace of humour in his pre-adolescent voice. "Not so fast tiger; I was hoping that I could be a part of your greatness."
Buu frowned confused. "What are you saying?"
"I am saying that I want you to absorb me, along with my sister here," He pointed at me, making me flinch. "We are twins you see, and I speculated that since we once shared the same uterus when my mother was pregnant with us, that if we reunite in one being again, that our power would triple if not quadruple!" He explained flawlessly.
My eyes widened in terror. Chill, just play along. You have always been good at acting; now prove to those Hollywood washouts that you got it! I couldn't help but smile at my brother's comical encouragement.
Gohan turned his head towards me expectantly, Buu too, probably awaiting an acknowledgement. I smiled smugly, Oh I will give them better than that.
"Yes; if you thought Vegeta was a power junkie, you haven't met me." I joked and put my arm around my brother's shoulder. "Like my brother vividly explained earlier, we are twins; therefore we share the same dreams and ideals as well as biological and physical similarities." I answered.
Gohan smiled at me approvingly. Man you can sell a pot of crap like a pro! Good job sis. He complimented me in my mind. "Yes, so what do you say Buu?" Gohan paused for dramatic effect. "You want to be unbeatable?"
Buu shrugged casually. "Why not?" He asked and laughed in his sleeve. "I thought you had an ulterior motive boy, but even if you do, as soon as you are absorbed into my body, you are part of me, and no matter your strength, you won't be able to escape, ever." The cold words clung heavily in the air.
Gohan smiled, shoving off his perfect alignment of straight teeth; his eyes keeping Buu's gaze. "Perfect."
Whatever you do, don't let go of me. He instructed in my mind. Before I could protest, that I wasn't even holding him, he curled his hand tightly around mine. I gave it a little squeeze, acknowledging that I won't let go.
Whatever your plan is Gohan, if it fails, I will personally kick your butt, mount it and hang it in our living room. I threatened.
His chuckle bounced around in my skull. Noted.
Buu pointed his long forefinger at me. "You, first." He said.
"We are a package deal." Gohan stated. "And besides, then you will only have to mould one of those gooey absorbing mechanisms of yours."
Buu laughed. "You have a point; spares me one trip."
I was surprised to hear Gohan's barely audible relived sigh next to me.
The pink mould jumped towards us, while I was deep in thought, making me shriek. Just before it hit us, Gohan wrapped his arms around me tightly; his concentrated expression giving away that he made a few calculations to time it perfectly.
Darkness ascended and I remember that I was falling…
I plopped down on my butt with Gohan spread on top of me in something squishy. I clutched my head with my left hand, trying to shake off the dizzy feeling that circled around in my skull. I opened my mouth to speak, but Gohan quickly placed his finger on my lips, shushing my unuttered words.
I shot him a confused glare and he returned by putting a finger to his ear.
"What a beautiful place to destroy." Buu's cheerful voice drummed through his body, making the goo we were currently standing on vibrate. "Except I am wondering why I haven't changed." He mused out loud. "Oh well, that guys are stronger than I have thought; they will probably just take a while to digest."
His laugh made us bounce up and down, like we were on a bouncy castle. "But when they do, my power will be unsurpassable. There will be no one left who has the audacity to stop me. Soon I will be the soul proprietor of the entire universe." Another laugh made us bounce around again.
Gohan hurriedly jumped up and did a little happy dance. "It worked!" He exclaimed gleefully at the top of his lungs.
"Shouldn't we be quiet though?" I asked, in a hushed tone. "Won't he hear us?"
Gohan chuckled. "Don't be silly." He taunted. "His ears are located on the outside of his body, we are in the inside! There is no way he will hear us."
"Oh, and what did you mean by: "It worked", was there a chance that it wasn't going to work?" I questioned with alarm in my voice.
He shrugged. "Give or take, 50/50." He said softly, but my ears caught the words.
I jumped up and grabbed his collar. "You little bastard! We could have been killed."
He pried my fingers from his gi. "Don't dwell on what could have happened sis; rejoice in what did in fact happen!" He exclaimed and looked around him.
I shook my head menacingly. "Be glad you are already dead little brother… " I sneered in venom in my voice.
I looked around me, scrutinizing my surroundings. Buu's insides matched his outsides: pink and revolting. As I looked around I noticed that we must be in the chest area as I noticed a set of ribs place firmly in the flesh above us.
I frowned in puzzlement as a sudden thought flashed through my mind. "Shouldn't he have digested us?" I asked my brother who started trotting in a northern direction.
He laughed a whimsical laugh. "Of course he should have, but I prevented it."
"How?" I asked, annoyed at his vague statements.
He ran his open palms over his chest. "I created a protective barrier around us when Buu absorbed us; I theorized that a shield would prevent the digestive process from taking effect on our bodies and make us travel safely inside Buu." He smiled proudly. "Seems that I was correct..."
I rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever Einstein." I retorted curtly.
The scenery did not change the further we walked in his body. After a few minutes I lost my footing and fell after a sudden quake erupted on the surface I walked on.
"Are you all right?" Gohan asked as he extended one of his muscular peach-coloured arms down to me. I took it immediately and he pulled me up.
"Yeah," I reassured his worried expression and rubbed my butt area vigorously. "But I can't say the same for my butt."
He laughed at me. "Your poor behind." He joked. "Walk carefully; we are near the heart; that was what caused that quake." He explained.
I scowled at him. "It would have been much more helpful if I knew that little piece of info earlier." I retorted angrily.
"Sorry sis," He apologized, "I shall be your trusted guide from now on." He laughed at his statement; his laugh originated from his stomach and was very contagious, I couldn't help but join in.
We walked on a small bridge-like piece of flesh, which I presume was a muscle, over the wildly throbbing heart.
"Why don't we just stab him in the heart?" I suggested. "I see you still have the Z-sword by your side; so it would be easy to kill him."
"Not a chance." He stated coolly.
"Isn't this why we are in here in the first place?" I asked confused.
"Of course not." He answered curtly as he examined his surroundings.
"Then may you tell me what we are doing here then?" I asked agitatedly.
He smiled at me over his shoulder. "I suppose I owe you an explanation of some sort." He said while rubbing the back of his head absentmindedly.
"I suppose you do." I mocked him in a terrible impersonation of his voice.
He spun around to look at me; he was now walking backwards. "You see, I could have killed Buu when we were fighting on the Kai's planet, I had an opportunity or two to demolish him, but I chose not to, actually more like I couldn't get it over my heart to do it." He smiled sadly. "Dad, Vegeta and Piccolo were a part of him now after all and if I killed Buu, I would have killed all of them."
I nodded, understanding his point.
"Then I had a thought; everyone who was ever absorbed by this vile creation didn't see it coming, they were completely oblivious to what was happening to them, until it was too late..." He paused momentarily, as if in thought. "So why not control it, rather than be surprised by it?" He asked rhetorically. "I realize it was a long shot, but I was desperate to save Dad and the others..."
"How can you be so sure that they are still alive inside of Buu? You, yourself, said that they were digested." I asked.
He smiled. "Can't you feel their life-forces?" He asked with hope in his voice. "It is very faint, but nevertheless, it is there…"
I kept myself from not shedding a tear at his loyalty for family and friends, I doubt if any other warrior in this world go through this extreme lengths to save their comrades and loved ones. Even we, Trunks and I, whose loved ones and comrade were captured, did nothing; we gave up; none of us tried to find a way to save our friends here in Buu, and yet, my brother who was occupied in a fierce battle, managed to implement a plan, and that made me sick…
"What are we still standing here for?" I asked in an annoyed tone, masking my guilt. "Let's go little bro." I tousled his hair as I passed him.
"But why exactly did you need me to come with you?" I bombarded him with another question. "You could have handled this better if you were on your own rather than having to look after me the whole time."
He turned around, a happy smile on his features. "If you tell this to anyone, I will deny it…" His voice trailed off. "I was scared to come in here alone." He admitted after a while.
My mouth fell agape slightly. "The strongest warrior in the world, scared?" I asked baffled.
"I am still in a kid's body and mind after all." He defended himself. "And your presence makes me feel safe."
I forced back the tears that started to well up in my sockets. He still thought of me as his protector, as his big sister… Even after all I had accused him of and the horrible way I had treated him…
We walked through the whole moist dispersed tunnel in silence, Gohan leading the way, until we hit a dead end. He pouted. "I was sure that it was this way; after all, I do feel their forces pulsing behind this wall." He stated and placed one of his hands on the pink mushy wall.
I studied the area for any sign of a breach we could maybe travel through. I smiled as my eyes fell upon small wormlike hole we would easily be able to crawl through.
"Is it, maybe possible that a tunnel could lead from here to Buu's head?" I asked as I poked the squishy hole.
Gohan didn't avert his gaze from the moist pink restriction. "I suppose."
I pointed to the hollow place at the far corner of the wall. "Something like that?" I asked innocently.
He leaned over me to see better and smiled broadly. "Exactly like that!" He exclaimed and gave me a high five. "Good detective work sis!" He complimented me.
I threw my hair over my shoulder arrogantly. "They don't call me Nancy Drew for nothing." I boasted.
He frowned at me with a slight smile on his lips. "Who calls you that?" He chuckled as he got to his hands and knees, ready to crawl into the dense space. "The only reason why you would maybe find something that was missing, is if you took it and put it there yourself in the first place!"
I snickered at his tone and also got on my hands and knees, ready to follow him. "That may be the case, but my friends at school gave me that nick name." I answered vaguely.
I saw him flinch; a guilty feeling spread through my body, poor thing probably doesn't need to be reminded that he missed out greatly in life.
"How so? I smell a story." He fished with fake sincerity and started to crawl slowly through the moist tunnel.
I smiled at his attempt to act interested, even though I saw through him. "Well, they named me that because every time they searched for someone, I accurately 'guessed' " I made inverted commas with my fingers, "their exact whereabouts."
He chuckled at my explanation. "Oh, it probably has nothing to do with the fact that you can trace any living force due to their ki." He winked at me and I smiled.
"Yeah," I admitted, "but I can't tell them that, they will freak."
He frowned at me with puzzlement in his expression. "You didn't tell them?"
"About what?" I asked.
"About what you can do; your powers."
I laughed. "You really think I should have told them about me being a half human, half alien?" Another chuckle escaped my mouth. "You know it is hard enough to fit into high school when you are a perfectly normal human being…"
He laughed. "I suppose; but doesn't it make you crazy inside that your friends don't know who the real you are?"
I shrugged. "I am myself around them." I hesitated. "My human self though…" I was surprised to hear a sad vibe clinging to my voice.
I felt his hand, smaller and softer than my own, curl around my hand. He gave my hand a light squeeze before letting go, a reassuring smile on his lips. The loving gesture from my brother made me feel warm inside and chased all the sorrow away. That was what I probably missed most about him being alive; his positive presence.
"So what are your plans for the future?" I asked pointing to his halo; this tunnel seems never endingly long, so we might as well chat for a bit. "You threw your life so easily away again, so I presume you won't go back to earth." My accusing tone of voice made him flinch, which made me regret saying it.
He sighed. "I did it for strategic reasons." He defended himself. "Being alive is a strain in battle if you are used to the feeling of death." I frowned at him, not understanding.
"Death softens brutal attacks and masks pain a great deal in battle, while being alive heightens everything; pain, emotion..." He noticeable cringed at the memory but smiled afterwards. "And besides, thanks to my Saiyan genes I receive a huge power boost after death, making me a great deal stronger than Buu now."
"You didn't answer my original question." I observed.
He shrugged. "Who knows what the future holds sis…?" His voice trailed off. "The future now, to me, is a dark never ending abyss or void, spiralling around violently with me in the sides, out of control and scared." He smiled at me again. "Let's just take it one day at a time."
"Why do I get the feeling that you won't spin back to earth?" I used his newly created metaphor as reference in my blunt question.
He didn't meet my gaze. "I don't know."
"Don't lie to me, I can tell when you are lying…" I stated.
"Fine, okay?!" He yelled. "I don't want to go back." He stared grimly at me from over his shoulder. "Happy?"
His sudden hostile outburst silenced me for a few seconds. "Why not?" I asked after a few seconds of hesitation.
He stopped moving, making me halt too, and turned around, looking me straight in the eyes. "Gomih, what do I have on earth?" He asked rhetorically. "I have nothing anymore…" His voice trailed off sadly.
I grabbed him by his shoulders. "That's not true!" I exclaimed as I shook him a bit. "You have me, Dad, Mom, all our friends!" My eyes softened a bit. "Need I go on?"
He smiled; it was not a happy smile. "You all have your own lives now; I can't just jump in after six years and expect to live my life as it used to be. Like you said earlier, it is not fair of me to expect that so soon." He argued. "Krillen is married and has his own kid now, you have Trunks, and will probably leave the house next year, Vegeta and Bulma have two children now, their hands are full; need I go on?"
"But what about Mom and Dad?" I asked.
He scoffed, turned around and started crawling forward again. "Yeah, that will lead in a never ending debate about me needing to study 24/7 so I can become a great scholar like Mom has always dreamed for me." He sighed sadly. "I will just be a burden…"
"But…" I interjected.
"They need me sis…" He interrupted me. "Magisterial and the others are counting; no I am counting on myself for saving innocent people who don't deserve to die… For some people in this forsaken universe, I represent hope, and I cannot just walk away from that." He declared.
"I shouldn't have said anything." I breathed as a sad, uncomfortable feeling settled in the pit of my stomach; he must feel the same.
He smiled at me warmly. "Now you now…" He whispered. "And besides, I think your bluntness is a very admirable trait."
"Whatever bro." I managed a smile as well.
"And yours?" He asked after a short while of trudging through this creepy tunnel. How long was this thing any way?!
"Huh?" I asked confused, not sure what the question was that he was asking.
He chuckled. "Your plans for the future."
I pouted. "The abyss spinning thing." I declared, mentioning his metaphor again.
He chuckled. "No fair, you must have something planned." He fished.
I sighed. "You will think it is stupid…" I admitted.
He laughed. "I don't have to hear something to think that of you." He teased and I shot him a playful death glare.
"If you promise not to laugh." I compromised and he nodded.
"Cross my heart." He declared after making an X over his chest.
"Well…" I hesitated. "I want to become a therapist, specialising in counselling for troubled kids, and maybe do some painting and artist-related stuff part time." It sounded so stupid when it left my mouth.
"Why would I laugh at that?" He asked puzzled. "Those are both noble professions."
I nodded. "I know, but isn't that a bit out of character of me?" I asked insecurely. "I am this tough tomboyish girl who fights and beats people up to get rid of her own frustration and here I am encouraging people to talk their emotions out without violence."
He smiled over his shoulder at me. "That is exactly what makes it perfect for you." He answered what I didn't expect.
"Why?" I asked puzzled.
"You are one of the most creative individuals I know, and I know a lot of people, so the artist thing is a bull's eye for you and you are great with kids. You are strong enough to admit that some of your aggressive methods weren't emotionally right for you psyche, and want people not to go down the same path as you; you can even use the hardships you went through as a kid to inspire others."
"I will miss you…" I breathed softly after he was done speaking. "I forgot how I loved you being around." I admitted. "You understand me; I can just guess that Mom will freak out when she finds out that I don't want to become whatever she wants me to be." Bitterness was apparent in my voice.
The corners of his mouth twitched into a smile. "Me too; and don't worry about Mom, it is you life, sooner or later she will have to face the music and accept that she cannot control it."
Before I could reply something squiggly started to crawl up my leg. I let out a horrified shriek as I spun around and saw a giant white, bloodthirsty leech-like worm starting to gnaw at my clothes. Without thinking I started punching the vulgar creature until there was nothing left of it.
As soon as I was done with the first worm I saw about five more wiggle their way through the tunnel over to me, their teeth were barred, exposing thick green gooey spit that clung in their mouths like veins.
"Scoot over." Gohan asked nicely, probably wanting to join the fight with our unusual opponents.
"I got this." Was all I said before I started pounding the living crap out of those disgusting creatures. The fight didn't last long at all; it was over in a matter of minutes, leaving me victorious and unscathed.
I turned around and flinched as Gohan's fierce eyes met mine. My face was flushed from the sudden exert the fight caused.
"Did you see that?" I asked with an excited smile on my lips. "I was on fire; even in this limited space I was dominating!" I exclaimed proudly. "I haven't had such a good workout in such a long time." I breathed out happily.
"You know, you broke a promise you made to me." He stated out of the blue after we started to crawl slowly forward again; a light was visible and streamed in a small reap into the tunnel.
I frowned, confused. "What promise?"
"Don't you remember the promise you made me a few days before the Cell Games?"
*flashback*
"I wish I could be part of your world." I pursed my lips around a straw and sipped up the orange juice Mother poured me in from the picnic. Mom and Dad left a few minutes ago, claiming to take a peaceful walk through the valley; they left Gohan and me alone at our usual picnic spot. He slight frown tickled my brother's brow; his eyes still closed. "What do you mean?" He asked as he lay peacefully on his back, his arms outstretched over his head as he lay on the bright blanket. "You are part of my world.
"No I am not." I snapped. "I want to be a part of all the fights and stuff too," I declared; always feeling left out when he and Dad went on exciting adventures and exotic planets to defeat evil villains. His eyes snapped open as he looked at me with horror in his eyes. "I am a Saiyan too for Pete's sake! I have potential." I went on a rant as I saw his reserved expression.
As he got up his now, blond hair swayed gently in the current of the slight breeze. His new hair suited him, I thought pleasingly; it gave him a more boyish edge, rather than that other over lengthy mop he usually wore in a ponytail, making him look more like a girl than a boy. "Gomih, listen to me, you do not want to be a part of this. Promise me that you will never be a part of this." He came closer to my face, his eyes were desperate.
"I will promise no such thing." I snapped and gulped down the last drops of my juice. "I am my own person, who makes my own decisions and I decide that I want to be a warrior like you and Dad." I declared with my nose held high in the sky.
"Please, you don't know what you are talking about." He said in a pleading voice. "Gomih, it eats you up inside, all the blood you spilt…" His eyes got a faraway look in them. He shivered. "It is not a place for a kid, not a place for anybody!"
"You are a kid and you are a warrior…" My voice trailed off.
He smiled bitterly and looked me in my eyes with the most mature expression I have ever seen on a person, more mature than any adult I have witnessed. "I wish I wasn't…" He started. "Every gory moment is engraved into your memory and no matter how hard you try, you cannot erase it… It's there, always present… And after a while you get used to it; the gore, the blood, the killing…" He hesitated. "Death…" His eyes met mine again. "My only comfort when I am fighting and a part of this evil world is that I know you are safely at home." He took my hands in his pleadingly. "So promise me this sis, don't even think about becoming a warrior. Don't even think about following in Dad or even my footsteps."
I snorted. "You have some nerve talking to me like that. I am the eldest child so you have to listen to me, not the other way around." I argued stubbornly.
A victorious smile formed on his lips. "By that logic, you should listen to me." He pointed both his thumbs to himself.
I frowned. "And why so?" I asked and crossed my arms over my chest defiantly.
"I was in the hyperbolic time chamber, remember?" He asked rhetorically. "I am a year older than you now."
"Not biologically." I argued curtly.
"Physically and chronically yes, so I win." He retorted with a smug chuckle.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever, but fine, I won't become a warrior." I declared begrudgingly and he smiled gratefully at me.
"Promise?" He asked unsure.
I rolled my eyes. "Promise." I repeated. "I anyway don't want to ruin all my pretty t-shirts and jeans."
He smiled broadly at me. "That's my girl." He mimicked Dad's voice almost perfectly, making me snicker.
"But I would like to be able to defend myself if another villain comes to earth." I solicited.
He chewed absentmindedly on a strand of dried grass. "Reasonable." He said and looked over to the horizon while lying on his side. "I will teach you a little over the basics when Cell is defeated." He declared and I smiled.
"You mean it?" I asked excited, looking at him from under my lashes.
"Of course." He tousled my hair. "Who could be a better teacher than your big bro.?" He extended his hand for a 'deal' shake.
I scowled at him and pulled the elastic hair band out of my hair; my ponytail was ruined now from his mini noogie. I took his hand in my own and gave it a firm shake, but I was suddenly airborne and fell into the nearby river. My head popped up to the surface and I gasped for air.
Gohan rushed over to the riverbed with a 'oh crap' expression on his heart-shaped face. "I am so sorry; I am not used to my strength yet."
I stared him down with venom in my eyes. "You are going to pay for that, big time!" I promised as I got out from the water, refusing to take the hand he held out to me for help. "Ugh, I can't wait until after the Cell Game; then I am going to kick your sorry excuse for an ass!" I threatened.
He smiled. "Why wait?…"
*flashback ends*
"So did you, mister 'I never do anything wrong.'' I snapped back at him.
He looked down for a few seconds. "I did, didn't I?" The light became brighter and in the next instant we crawled into a clearing. Gohan got out first and helped me to my feet when I finally crawled out of that awful hole.
My mouth fell open in shock as Buu's brain came into sight.
"Majin Buu has a brain?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
Gohan chuckled at my joke. "It would seem so; now just to find…" He stopped, making his unfinished sentence hang in the air.
I turned around, facing his direction, and gasped. Dad, Piccolo, Vegeta, Gotchi and another stranger I have never seen before in my life, hung in purple-ish ball-like things across from Buu's brain. All their eyes were closed, as if they were in a deep slumber.
Hope swelled in my stomach. We can really save them. We can really…
A sudden rumble in Buu's head made both Gohan and me fall on our backs, rolling back and forth with the motion of Buu's head.
"I know you pests are in there!" Buu's voice drummed through my tiny ears; making my head throb.
"Prepare to die!" He yelled loudly; a sudden bright light flashed in his head, stunning me and rendering me blind…
Awww Gomih and Gohan bonded a bit in this chapter; I really felt like I owed them some together time after all that has happened! *ain't I a softy?* ;)
Oeh… I guess I have left you in (sorta) suspense for next week… Hope you are looking forward to the next chapter! This tale of mine is almost *sniff sniff* over, so bear with me in the final chapters! Peace out my homedogz! :D