DRAGONBALL Z

Path of a Warrior

Sins of Darkness

As the months drive by…

Things got off well with everyone, now that Gohan was back. With his presence restored to the group, old bonds renewed and friendships renamed, life could finally carry on as it should have. There was so much missed. The young Saiyan was sure to make his while worth with everyone, distributing his time evenly, especially with his own family. He had a lot to learn, even though the party has given him a huge insight of what really happened. Even though world events were clearly aware in his head already, the experience of physically needing to be there needed to be restored. This was what he meant by tying together loose ends. His life would have to be improvised, helped along by slight adjustments.

For starters, he fixed up his room back at his old place, packing up the necessaries and moving them back to his new place. He left some of the other essentials back at his parents' place, meaning to keep the room prepared as well as vacated when he decided to spend some time over. Anyway, after everything had been fully set up and he was settled in back at Mount Paoz, he could really get down to some real family time.

For the next many weeks, he visited his family and friends, flying from place to place in an effort to catch up with everyone. He first fixed time with his father, both of them planning training sessions with each other, as well as spaces spent to use with Goten and Chi-Chi. Gohan also got along with Goten well, the chibi sometimes inviting Trunks over so that the three of them could play and spar as well. The newly returned, young warrior was impressed by their skills in fighting, and decided to tone them up a bit more in his own way. The kids looked forward to every single training session and get together. And finally, there was Chi-Chi. Feeling that she needed a hand around the old house, Gohan was sure to lend his services, the Son mother appreciating his helping hand. In return, she encouraged her son to study, as well as try on some new clothes. Strangely, the young Saiyan didn't want to change from his latest Blind bandit clothes, the black trousers, boots and uniquely designed trench coat growing attached to him. However, Gohan complied and began dressing into different outfits. He never forgot about his old gi however, and would at some points incorporate his new look with the old one.

Gohan also caught some time with the Briefs. Having suffered that humiliating defeat back at the World Tournament ring Vegeta demanded that the half-Saiyan train with him. This was mostly for a fact so that the Prince could take some fury out on a valued opponent, the half-Saiyan proving to be the closest thing to it. Gohan happily complied, the pair hitting the GR for many hours before emerging, with Vegeta bearing the most scars. Sometimes, whenever Gohan came over, he and his grumpy training partner didn't hit the GR, and got on to talking, getting things straight with each other. It has been a while after all. Then, times later, Gohan would join Bulma in her lab, also to talk and to get some much appreciated helping in. Bulma was very grateful for the young Saiyan's help. Later, Gohan would also get together with Trunks and have some play time, whether Goten was there or not. It was all in good fun…

"Gohan!" Tien exclaimed after realizing who this new guest to the planet was. "Wow kid, welcome back. I never expected it to be you! Man how much you've changed!"

Gohan smiled and nodded back, shaking hands with the tri-clops while exchanging friendly stares. Not too long ago, the young Saiyan decided to take a trip to the Northern Mountains to visit some other old friends. He certainly hasn't forgotten about Tien and Chouzu. Boy, the past years they had were intense, what with battles and everything. It was great to see him again. He managed to track the two fighters near a mountain side village, both of them hard at training.

"Thanks a lot, Tien!" Gohan said, returning the firm handshake with one of his own. "It's great to see you too, and in good fighting shape I might add." The mountain warrior grinned, releasing hands and following through with their greetings.

"Well, unlike some of the others, we'll never let go of the old-days," the bald fighter stated. "You never know when you might run into another Saiyan!" the little mime floating beside him, obviously Chouzu, nodded affirmatively.

"That's right! This way we won't let down our guards!" Gohan chuckled and bowed to the small fighter, receiving one in return.

"Nice to see you, Chouzu, and hey…" the young Saiyan looked up and held his index finger towards him in statement. "Don't jinx it. I want these times to be as peaceful as ever so that I can enjoy it. It's been far too long…" Chouzu nodded affirmatively, still smiling.

"Right!" Gohan smirked and placed his hands on his hips, looking between the two fighters in front of him.

"Well, it still is great to see you two. How long has it been?" he asked. Tien smiled and walked forward, slapping him on the shoulder.

"Way to long…come on," the tri clops said, gesturing over his shoulder. "Why don't we spend some time over a cup of tea. Launch should have the pot up, could use the drinks." Gohan nodded affirmatively.

"Hey, that'll be great!"

Of course, Gohan was sure not to miss out on the rest of the gang. He practically got together with everyone, including Dende, Mr. Popo, Korin and even Yajirobee. The young Saiyan would never forget his friends, especially after all the time he has spent with them and all the adventures they went on. It was just too hard to forget about them. Anyway, after organizing himself with the rest of those Gohan didn't see at the party, the young Saiyan checked it in with Krillin's family. Bringing Goten along with him, the two would spend a lot of time at Kame House, basically chatting and catching up. Not to mention, the small beach frontier was also the perfect place to catch some rays. It was sort of amusing to see the most powerful warrior in the universe pull up a deck chair alongside Master Roshi, 18# and Krillin, and work on his tan.

Then Gohan would spend some time with his old friend Piccolo. The two of them remained best friends, and still respected each other no matter how much they have changed. It was common occurrence to see them both meditating somewhere far out of reach, or perhaps talking up in the hillsides or on the Lookout. They would occasionally break into a short spar, honing in on their skills and seeing what new techniques each other has learnt. There have been a lot of changes in these few years, so it wasn't surprising that the two of them have gotten better. That was proven at this year's World Tournament…

Aside from spending time with his friends and family, Gohan managed to fit in a Super Saiyan's worth of training. Never needing to sleep, he would often retreat to his castle or other two sacred places where he could meditate or think to himself. It also provided him with some more training time, which he did in absolute secrecy. Though Vegeta and the others wanted to see him transform to Ascended Saiyan to see how strong he had really become, he politely declined. No one knew why he didn't want to transform, but maybe it was because it wasn't necessary…

But comes the time when he would use it, he would use it; because darkness always had a way of finding him…


Five Months later…

The World Tournament was way behind everybody now, with the Z-fighters' minds plastered on their day to day activities rather then on the thoughts of their past. This was mostly concerning for them, trying to get through work and play without any problems whatsoever, avoiding blunders etc. Even though the Strongest Under the Heavens Tournament was one of the greatest days in their history and the highlight of Gohan's return, it came of little thought. For the time being, the Z-fighters would just have to concentrate on more important things. Gohan didn't mind at all, since he had also plain forgotten. To make it up for those days he had lost, he continued his daily routine, keeping in touch with his friends while training and studying (like he needed too).

Today, Gohan was spending time over at his parents' place, helping his mother with the washing. He was wearing his new Blind Bandit outfit, his sword slung around him. Though Chi-Chi wondered why he would be carrying his sword now at this time, she didn't pester about it. Instead, she just carried on with her work with her son lending a hand. With the many baskets filled with the wet clothes that needed to be hung, she was grateful for the help.

Tossing a large towel over the line, the Son mother clipped it in place with the clothes pegs, humming to herself. A couple more lines were set up, connected from the tree to the house. It was on one of these other lines Gohan was working on, his own basket of clothes in tow with a large stash already hanging to dry. He did really good, fast work, shaking to spread out the wet stuff and air them before flinging the said article onto the line. Simple tasks really, and the young Saiyan was enjoying himself. Goku was out with Goten at the Briefs place, so it basically left him alone at him with his mother. They were having a great time…

After hanging up one of Goku's spare gi pants, Chi-Chi smiled and glanced over at Gohan, seeing him smiling as well while hanging one of his brother's shirts. "Hey son, are you doing alright over there?" she asked. The clothes waved in the wind when a light gust pulled in, leaves and flower petals fluttering by from nearby trees. This didn't obstruct Gohan's view in the least as he glanced round the piece of clothing he had just hung up and smiled, nodding to his mother.

"I'm fine, mom," he replied. "Do you need any help there?" he asked. Chi-Chi looked into one of the baskets beside her and searched through, pulling up what looked to be a bedspread. Anticipating this, Gohan walked under the line he was working on and headed towards to help. Chi-Chi smiled up at him when he leaned in to offer his hands.

"Thanks son…" she exclaimed, both of them pulling up the large sheet and shaking it. Because of the breeze, it presented a bit of a problem, but afterwards the pair managed to get it up and over the line. Straightening it before applying the clothes pegs, the two stepped back and took a good look at their work. Seeing that it was satisfactory enough, Chi-Chi sighed and wiped her forehead, attracting the attention of her concerned son.

"You alright, mom?" he asked. "You look a bit tired. Maybe you should go inside and get some rest, I can finish up out here…" Chi-Chi smiled at him, hands on her hips.

"That's okay, Gohan. But thanks for asking," her mother said, leaning down to gather up another bundled up shirt or sheet. Flicking it to air it out, she smiled over at her eldest son. "Besides, I don't want to get rusty now do I?" Gohan blinked a couple of times, and then smiled, shaking his head.

"No one does mom…heh," he exclaimed, giving her a grin. Chi-Chi chuckled and flung another piece of clothing over the line, Gohan handing her a couple of clothes pegs before bending down to pick up another piece of clothing from the basket. Already this line was close to becoming full, but there were plenty of others that were free to use.

"Oh, there's that Son sense of humor," Chi-Chi said, shaking her head while putting the clothes pegs on to fasten the shirt she had just hung up. "Just like your father, except much more mature and well-mannered. But, yes, I guess you're right too. No ones wants to get rusty, especially you. What with your hectic training and everything. It's no wonder you're so strong. All that exercise has turned you into a really handsome man!"

Gohan smiled, handing her another small towel before diving back into the basket. As he was digging through another load and pulling up a towel, his senses suddenly caught onto an eerie ki signature before he was struck full on by a telekinesis energy wave. His eyes flew open and he looked up in shock, teeth gritted. Then, his eyes went blank as a vision was played out before him…or more like a telepathic message. For those many seconds, he was out of it, the world seemingly turning dark around him…

"I'm coming back…to settle the score…and take away everything you hold dear to you…Echo…"

"Son, could you hand me another clothes peg…son?" Chi-Chi said, holding onto the towel hanging on the line. As she was adjusting it, the mother realized she wasn't getting a response from her son and glanced down in surprise. "Gohan?" When she looked down at her eldest child, she saw that the young adult was staring ahead of him, looking shocked and fear struck with sweat running down his brow. Concerned, Chi-Chi knelt down beside him and grasped onto his shoulders. She shook him gently. "Son…?"

"I'm watching you…waiting for you!" the voice whispered in his head, sending a biting chill down the young man's spine. Then, it finished off with a simple, blunt line…

"Find me…!"

"Son! Gohan! Are you okay!?" Chi-Chi said louder, now looking a little scared. She shook her son rougher. "GOHAN! Please, talk to me!"

Just then, Gohan's vocal and regular signals finally kicked in, his mind registering to the open world around him as he awoken from his state of psychic connection. He gasped in surprise, closing his eyes and shaking his head. He looked up again, looking nervous. His mother, seeing him return to earth, sighed in relief.

"Oh, thank goodness," she breathed. She then glared at her son and shook him, this tough rough so that he got her message. "Don't ever scare me like that again!" It was then she noticed Gohan was looking pale, his brow wet with sweat. His breathing was also uneven, and for a moment, Chi-Chi thought he had a fever or something. "Gohan, are you okay, son?" she asked, looking worried again. "Are you feeling alright? You don't look too good…"

It was then Gohan's senses opened up to full and extended over the area. When he picked up the signal, he growled, expression becoming serious. With gritted teeth and narrowed eyes, he stood up, along with his mother. Color returned to his face, with his fighting instincts coming out to full. Chi-Chi gasped, looking up at him with complete concern now. She had never seen her son react so suddenly in this manner.

"Gohan…?"

The young Saiyan glared over his shoulder, his sights fixating on something that wasn't even there. Just then, he looked back at his mother and nodded to her. "I'm fine. Mom, could you pardon me for a moment, there's something that just popped up…" Chi-Chi, confused and worried as ever, nodded and stepped back, relinquishing her hold on her son.

"Uhh…sure, Gohan…but, what is it?" she asked.

"I can't explain it," was all she got in return before Gohan ducked under the line and sprinted off towards the valleys outside of the Son residence area. Seconds later, after dashing away to a safe distance, the young Saiyan powered up and took off into the distance, heading in the direction he detected the ki he picked up earlier before. Chi-Chi walked forward a bit, watching as her son flew off into the distance. Still worried at the safety and well-being of her son, she placed a hand over her heart and spoke up, even though he couldn't hear her…

"Be careful, Gohan…"

The young Saiyan flew on at full speed, eyes glaring ahead of him with the wind blocked out by his blue, beating aura. The world flashed past around him in the form of a blur, the beauty of the vast landscapes blocked out in this form. He could only catch brief glimpses of astounding sights before continuing on, in search of something…or someone rather. Breathing heavily, he looked from left to right as he flew on, his senses telling him he was getting close to the source of that telepathic threat. Whoever sent him that message had a lot of guts, because Gohan was sure to find the culprit no matter what. Nobody threatened the lives of his friends and family, and lived to tell about it (look at where Frieza and Cell's careers went).

For a while, Gohan continued to fly around Mount Paoz, looking for the problem. It was only then he finally narrowed down on his target, and wasn't surprised at what he found. Flying directly ahead of him, there was a red speck of light leaving a trail of red sparkly energy behind it. About the size of a golf-ball, this little mass of red light was the source of the dark energy, and Gohan had a hunch he knew it was.

Scowling, Gohan picked up the speed and pursued it, the red sparkly light suddenly changing course, leading the young Saiyan into a chase through the hills and mountains. Moving at speeds only a Super Saiyan can reach both the chased and the chaser shot through the skies, weaving through mountain after mountain. All the while, Gohan reached out to try and grab the thing, growing steadily more frustrated with each failed swipe. Soon enough, the young Saiyan realized that he wouldn't be able to catch the thing like this, so he changed tactics. There was no doubt that the energy ball he was chasing was actually a spirit, and a powerful one at that. With a growl, Gohan reached back and drew his Spirit Blade from its sheath, the weapon shining in the light upon being drawn. With it drawn, he began to close in on the sparkling ball of energy, bringing his sword back while holding it firmly in both hands.

After shooting up into the sky, with Gohan still in pursuit, the red ball of energy then shot straight down, easily avoiding one of the young Saiyan's swings. In response, the warrior shot down after it, meaning to catch it if it was the last thing he did. As the ball neared the ground, it began to crackle with red electricity, its glow increasing in intensity as it plummeted at a faster rate. It was at this sight Gohan increased speed in an effort to catch it, but no matter what he did, the ball kept evading his reach. Within seconds, the two of them were drawn to ground level, a valley somewhere in Mount Paoz that Gohan had explored before sitting inside a cluster of surrounding forests and mountains. The ball of energy stopped and floated here, hovered about two meters above the ground. It was when he saw it stop the young Saiyan used this opportunity to destroy it, holding his sword back and then slicing at it, using his momentum to increase strength and efficiency. He struck!!!

Suddenly, he realized something was wrong. As soon as the sharp blade of his sword swung down at the ball of red light, he and his weapon was stopped dead in their tracks, a shockwave ringing out and punching a crater in the ground beneath him, dust hurling into the air. Just then, as he glared straight down at the ball of energy he had hit, he noticed that it was no longer a ball of energy, but a man standing beneath his blade, both hands held up towards him. But how he managed to stop Gohan's powerful attack was the main question? The answer, a black, long saber suddenly appeared, flashing into view in the form of a green flame. When it disappeared and the large, astonishingly strong sword came into full view, Gohan looked towards the figure he had attacked, looking surprised. The man had his head lowered, so the young Saiyan couldn't see his face. Just then, as the two remained suspended in that position and the dust cloud surrounding them dissipated, Gohan heard the dark figure chuckle and look up at him, yellow eyes meeting charcoal black.

"Good to see you…Echo," the figure exclaimed, smiling slyly up at him while holding him in place with little effort. Gohan saw his face and eyes, and gasped in shock. He couldn't believe who he saw…

Suddenly, the unknown warrior pushed his attacker away, gripping his black saber firmly in his left hand and slashing out at the young Saiyan while he was in mid-fall. Gohan blocked the strike with a quick defensive strike of his own, but was thrown back by the strength in the man's attack. Both swords clanged together loudly, blue sparks flying at the harsh clash of metal. Flying backwards, Gohan landed 30 meters away from the newly formed crater, holding his sword in his right hand and dropping into a firm fighting stance. His eyes locked onto the figure floating in the middle of the damaged ground patch some ways from him, who soon floated back down to the ground, still smiling. Now both warriors were on the ground, exchanging glares.

During these few seconds given, Gohan used them to take in the overall appearance of his opponent. When he looked the man up and down, he saw that his outfit and physical state surely matched the characteristics he was known for. The figure wore black, leathery trousers with a brown, fastened belt and combat boots. He also wore a red vest, layered with silver plated armor. On his left shoulder, he wore a smoothly made pauldron, a cape sewed to it and covering his left side completely. It sort of looked like a wing, the outside of it colored black while the inside was toned blood red. On his right, the man wore a long, brown glove with a red band tied to his upper arm. He looked fairly muscular, yay medium build that suited a fighter's stature. To complete it, the man had long black hair and yellow eyes, a definite appearance for a classic villain. However, it was his strengths and abilities Gohan feared most. Now held in his right hand, the man held the saber, with its blade matching thickness of a Katana but curved like a regular saber and was really strong. The handle guard was styled out, with a sheet of red gauze tied at the base of the blade. It used to be toned white, but is now stained with the blood of thousands so that it looked like red was its original color.

Upon taking in the appearance of his opponent, Gohan looked back at his face. The face resembled that of a cross between Broly and Cell, yet far more sinister. Those eyes, those yellow eyes outlined by red burned with fury and hatred. Just to look upon them sent chills down the young Saiyan's spine.

The dark warrior grinned. "It's been a long time," he exclaimed. His voice may have been calm and deep, but it was hinted with malice like tone. "You're looking well…"

Gohan hardened his glare. "Scythe! What're you doing here!?" The warrior, now identified as Scythe, just grinned and held his position, standing regularly.

"Just paying a visit to an old friend, that's all," the warrior exclaimed, eyes twinkling with evil. "I see you've made a few changes…"

"So have you," Gohan retorted. "But I find it distasteful that you're here! So don't play games with me! Why are you really here? What do you want, Scythe?"

Scythe grinned, eyes flashing as a blast of wind blew by them, ruffling their clothes and hair. "The real reason I came here, is so I can settle the score with you, Echo. To beat you in combat, and claim the Spirit Blade as my own, so that I can unite the darkness and take over the Spirit World!" the warrior said, smirking. Gohan just scowled, eyes flaring with anger.

"There is only one chosen wielder for the Spirit Blade, Scythe!" Gohan stated. "And that wielder is me! The sword only serves the purest soul, one who knows that it can summon its true power, and use it to bring peace to both worlds! You and I both know that, and for a fact that there is two of its kind: one summoned through selflessness and the other through selfishness!" Scythe chuckled, hair blowing about in the wind with his gaze glowing with malice.

"Hm…I see. Well, the Dark Blade itself has to prove that it's the most superior of all," the dark haired warrior replied, his own sword's blade shining in response. "And when I defeat you with it, I will destroy the Spirit Blade, so that no other being can take your place to oppose me. After that, I will take over both worlds on this planet, and sail through the voids of space to conquer the rest of the universe…just as I have planned 100's of years ago! With earth turned to darkness, I will inhabit a new world and establish a shining new society, one superior to this one that is divided by disbelief and doubt."

"Do you seriously think the Legions of Darkness will surface again?!" Gohan shouted. "Not unless I have anything to say about it! I won't let this planet fall to its knees to you, Scythe!"

The warrior smirked, chuckling in amusement to Gohan's strong words. "And what are you going to do about it? This planet is doomed to fall, no matter what you do. You choose not to fight me, I destroy you. You choose to fight, I'll obliterate you. Either way…you have no chance…" Gohan growled, gripping his sword tightly in his grip. Scythe chuckled, bringing his sword's blade up too. "Well…that's not my decision to make. It's up to you…Echo…"

Taking his two-handed saber into his grip, he crouched into a stance before shooting straight at his opponent. Gohan charged at him in kind, both of them pulling their weapons back and slashing out at each other. The cold blades of steel clashed, a shockwave ringing out along with a loud clang. Sparks flew on first impact, both fighters grappling and trying to force the other back. Gritting his teeth while glaring at the smirking Scythe, Gohan pulled back a bit before pushing forward, sending Scythe back. The dark spirit warrior back flipped, taking flight and beginning to float into the air. Gohan changed direction of his blade and sprinted forward, pushing off the ground and leaping at his retreating opponent. Scythe took up his own sword and charged in kind, both of them slashing out at the same time. Blades locked, clanging loudly as they both struck blows at each other, only to meet their opponent's blade. More sparks flew, both of them circling through the air while climbing in altitude. They circled, breaking their engagement and pulling away, Scythe still smirking while Gohan glared with gritted teeth. His opponent was surprisingly powerful, making the young Saiyan nervous.

Powering up, the young Saiyan shot at his opponent, bringing his sword about and slashing out at him, driving back with each and every blow. The black haired warrior blocked his attacks with ease while flying back, still climbing high into the sky. Gohan growled, bringing his sword up and down in an overhead strike, only to meet his blade in an over head block. He then slashed out in an angle, attempting to hit his side and cleanly imprint a nice cut, only for his opponent to bat his blade away like always. Moving his sword, Gohan spun around and tried a pivot thrust, but that too was stopped by his opponent side slipping and parrying the blow. With a grin, Scythe spun on the spot and aimed a slash at his head, sword swiping through the air. Gohan ducked down, powering up and leaping over his opponent, flying off just as the spirit warrior came in with another slash. Smirking, Scythe followed him with his eyes before he too gave chase after him, cape fluttering violently in the high winds as he pursued.

Gohan flew towards the mountains, weaving through the airs in his powered up state. Glancing behind him, he checked to see if Scythe was following him, and was surprised to see that he wasn't. Furrowing his brow, he looked back in front of him, only to see his opponent appear right before his very eyes, sword drawn and coming down at him in an overhead strike. Gohan gasped and forced himself to a stop, holding his sword up to block the attack. He did, blades clanging loudly, Scythe brought his blade up again and repeatedly struck at Gohan's defense three more times before spinning around on the spot and sending a backwards, roundhouse kick at his chest with his right foot. Gohan had the wind knocked out of him from the blow, his aura dissipating as he was sent plummeting from the surprise attack. However, he didn't fall very far but only a few stories as he was able to stop himself using his ki. After that, the young Saiyan brought his sword back up behind him and charged, growling as he flew at his opponent. Scythe charged in kind, lashing out with his blade that met with Gohan's. Both incredibly fast and skilled, their attacks were thereby equalized, the flashes representing their strikes and the clangs being the tell tale signs of their engagement in battle. Pressing home on his assault, Scythe drove Gohan back, the young Saiyan attempting to block all the strikes but was also forced to avoid several as well. Ducking under another head strike, the young Saiyan sent a left side kick at Scythe, the warrior moving his sword down and blocking it with his blade, a shockwave ringing out that sent him flying backwards and up through the air. After which, Gohan powered up and took off into super speed, appearing right behind his opponent with his back turned to him. Following through, the young Saiyan performed a back flip, sending a kick right down at the warrior's shoulder. Faster then expected, Scythe spun around and blocked the blow by raising his right arm, another shockwave ringing out on impact. Gohan flipped back into a proper stance, sword still drawn.

Smirking, Scythe charged at him, slashing out relentlessly with his blade, with Gohan avoiding all the strikes, backing away quickly. The spirit of darkness then brought his sword back, bringing it down on him in an overhead strike. The young Saiyan struck out as well, his blade meeting his in a violent clash. Clanging metal echoed for miles, with Gohan leaping back after blocking that strike. He took a defensive stance in mid-air, drifting backwards with an angered expression on his face. Scythe was persistent. Changing grips with his sword, the caped warrior flung himself at Gohan again and started out with a thrust, aiming for his chest. Gohan spun through the air, shifting to the side in avoidance. In so doing, as Scythe drove forward with that overdone strike, Gohan took up his sword in both hands, blade pointing skywards and then brought it down at his back in an overhead strike. Scythe quickly moved his sword, blade defended over his back and meeting Gohan's sword. Metals clanged together before Scythe parried away the young Saiyan's blade, spinning around and taking a basic stance again, smirking with his opponent glaring at him furiously.

In retaliation to Scythe's block off, the young Saiyan shot at him, spinning around and sending a neck aimed slash at the warrior. Scythe ducked, thrusting forward again and slashing at Gohan's mid-section. Gohan backed off, batting away his opponent's weapon and stabbing out at Scythe. The warrior spun around in a similar fashion to Gohan's avoidance maneuver before spinning around and beginning to lash out at his opponent. The young Saiyan defended himself from the blows, parrying each strike before moving forward and slashing at his opponent with a continuous assault of his own attacks. Scythe blocked those, grinning before batting Gohan's sword away, staggering him before thrusting forward with a stab strike. The spiky haired, young adult leapt over his blade, coming to float behind him with his sword bared in defense. Scythe spun around, still smirking. It was at that moment, their fight had taken them into the mountain areas, high cliffs surrounding them with very little vegetation nestled on them. It was also of some strange phenomenon that skies have gotten cloudier, darkening the landscapes far below.

Gohan growled, holding his sword behind him, blade shining. With a yell, he charged, flying forward at full speed in an effort to engage his opponent. Scythe held his blade up in defense and charged as well, their blades locking in another fierce engagement. The young Saiyan warrior lashed out first, sending at him complex attacks that would have reduced even Perfect Cell to cold cuts. Scythe, smirking wildly, easily blocked all of his attacks, ending his opponent's assault by blocking a overhead strike, holding his sword out with one hand, eyes flickering. Then, in a show of strength, he pushed Gohan away from him with a neck aimed strike that badly staggered the young warrior and sent him falling towards the earth. Gohan managed to slow and stop himself after plummeting 30 stories, sword held firmly in his left hand as he glared up at where his target was.

It was then Scythe smirked down at him, grabbing his cape by the hinge and floating up, he wrapped it around him, just like how Dracula would do before suddenly vanishing into thin air. Gohan gasped eyes, looking from left to right for his opponent. It was then, glancing towards a distant mountain he saw Scythe appear, the dark warrior charging at him with his sword held back, eyes flaring. A split second later, he appeared in front of his target and hammered him with a powerful slash. Gohan held up his sword to block it, and was incidentally sent flying back from the incredible blow. Yelling at the top of his lungs in his flight, the young Saiyan was sent into a mountain. He went straight through it, bursting out of the other side. Furrowing his brow, the young Saiyan kept his opponent locked in his sights, powering up before taking to the skies, hooking around the pillar like mountain he had just shot through. Scythe smirked, seeing his opponent flying in from the right. In preparation, he held up his weapon, taking a defensive stance. Just as Gohan was closing in on him, the young Saiyan flashed into super speed, disappearing from sight. Scythe frowned, smirking a second later and bringing his sword round, slicing at the air behind him. When his sword flashed there, he forced Gohan out of hiding, the warrior flashing into sight about three meters in front of him, leaping back with his Spirit Blade still held firmly in his left hand. Scythe smirked, bringing his free, right hand back and throwing it forward, unleashing a blast at his opponent. A blue blast of fire flew at Gohan, threatening to roast him alive. The young Saiyan retaliated, holding his right hand up and producing a powerful, golden ki blast. He fired it at point blank range, the fire and ki attacks reacting and going up in a megaton explosion, but effectively not harming anyone.

Gohan emerged from the cloud of smoke, teeth gritted and slightly bruised. He growled and glanced to his right, seeing Scythe appear right there and slash at his head. The young Saiyan was quick to act, easily dropping from the skies, and landing on a flat, mountain top with his sword still held defensively. Glaring up, he watched his opponent take a dive, flying through the air and pulling up into a charge. Scythe landed on the flat ground too, sprinting forward for a few meters before leaping at Gohan, lashing out with a sound, quick strike. Gohan leapt back, at the same time blocking the attack and landing in an offensive stance. He growled, leaping forward, and slashing out at Scythe, who blurred out and reappeared at his left. Gohan quickly blocked an overhead strike, and several more slash attacks before lashing out as a counter measure, driving his opponent back. The long, black haired warrior back flipped, landing again and bringing his right hand back and throwing it forward, as if bowling. Just then, after a brief earth tremor, black ore like crystals shot out of the ground, Gohan back flipping to avoid the pillars of dangerous crystals. He recognized it similar to his Shine Strike attack, and new its limitations. Landing against a cliff wall behind him as the mountain continued to progress upwards, the young Saiyan pushed off, leaping over the crystals and landing behind Scythe standing on the other side. Spinning around, he slashed out at the warrior, having his blows countered by Scythe's quick attacks. With the clashes of metal, sparks flew, and Gohan forcing the dark haired spirit back with his quick assault. Hard pressing, he aimed a strike at his mid-section, only for Scythe to leap into the air and float back. Gohan growled and threw his right hand at him, unleashing a golden ki blast. The blast ripped through the air, Scythe avoiding it before flying at Gohan in kind. The young Saiyan charged as well, both of them locking into a grappling match in a loud clang of metal.

Scythe grinned at him, raising an eyebrow as he forced Gohan back. "Oh…where did you find this strength," he asked curiously. The young Saiyan growled and forced him back, starting to gain an upper hand over his opponent.

"I'm not about to tell you!" With a yell, Gohan pushed Scythe off of him and slashed out, the warrior back flipping and coming to float at a safe distance away from his opponent. It was just then the dark haired fighter decided to power up at last, transforming at the same time. Finding that he would never be able to break this dead lock with his opponent, he prompted for a change. In an extraordinary show of power, a red aura surrounded by black electricity exploded around him, his form taking a new turn. Although his outfit remained the same, his muscles increased to the extent of that of a Super Saiyan, and his hair turned white before Gohan's eyes. His once yellow eyes now turned blue, but the red cycles and outlines of his eyes stayed red. Smirking, he raised his saber, the Dark Blade shining in the light of his aura.

"You're not the only one who can transform, young Echo!" he exclaimed, leaping back through the air and bringing his sword around. He then slashed out, unleashing a energy slash through the air. It streaked towards Gohan, the young Saiyan leaping off of the ground to avoid it. The attack cut straight through the mountain, taking off a huge chunk.

Scythe smirked, slashing out three more times, forcing the young Saiyan to avoid all of them as they were too difficult to block. After avoiding them several more times, Gohan powered up and charged. With a yell of anger, he appeared in front of his opponent and slashed at him with his sword in a powerful strike. Scythe, still smirking, held up his sword and blocked it, but was knocked backwards into the mountain at the force displayed, his aura dying out. He went straight through the mountain, emerging on the other side. Gohan pursued him, powering up and charging, going straight through the hole Scythe had made. When he emerged on the other side, he floated there, looking around and out onto the wide open spaces of mountain landscapes. Suddenly, he heard a rumbling sound and looked up, seeing a massive boulder, about the size of a house, coming straight down at him. He assumed Scythe must have taken off the very tip of the mountain as an attack. Growling, Gohan flew out of the way, barely avoiding it. The massive chunk of rock and stone plummeted right past him, heading for the ground hundreds of meters below.

It was then, emerging from the trailing cloud of dust the falling boulder left behind, Scythe appeared. He lashed out at Gohan, the young Saiyan blocking his overhead, opening strike and the other following attacks. Then, batting his sword out of the way, Gohan came at him in an overhead strike, the warrior flashing into super speed and his blade passing through thin air. At the same time, an energy slash shot forth from his sword, striking the mountain in front of him and carving a nice mark in it. Growling he brought his sword back up and spun it in his grip, taking another stance. It was then, without warning, Scythe appeared right above him, sword held back his head. Gohan reacted just in time to block the overhead strike, a shockwave occurring from the clanging swords. Gohan growled, unable to force him off this time. So, taking evasive maneuvers, he leapt back, avoiding his opponent's blade before dropping into a defensive stance. Scythe smirked, bringing his sword up in one hand and changing his grip. With a burst of speed, he shot forward, lashing out at him and driving Gohan back through the air. More clashes of blades occurred accompanied by further shockwaves of explosive force emitted by each attack. The young Saiyan was incapable of countering his opponent's attacks, or holding off his assault for very long due to Scythe's new power increase. It was after a particular strike he leapt back, using a flight retreat to put distance in between the two of them.

Stopping at the very face of a rocky mountain, he took a stance, watching as Scythe charged at him. In a flash, the fighter appeared in front of Gohan and struck out at him, Gohan performing a back flip over his strike before coming down, bringing his sword down in a falling stab. Scythe pulled back quickly, spinning around on the spot and sending his blade at him, Gohan blocked it, sparks flying and a shockwave occurring. The white haired fighter grinned before driving forward with his hand and the side of his blade, knocking Gohan backed into the mountain. The young Saiyan suddenly found himself imprinted in the side, arms sprayed out. It was then Scythe leapt back, bringing his sword around into the correct position. With his stance set, he slashed out, unleashing an energy slash barrage at his target. With Gohan pinned up, it seemed impossible for him to avoid them. But then, the young Saiyan managed to yank himself out at the last moment and, bringing his sword about, it turned into the Angel Blade, lightning shooting out of it upon the blade's transformation. Just as the energy strikes were upon him, Gohan lashed out, striking each energy slash at shattering them, their momentum and strengths useless. Scythe hunched an eyebrow, impressed.

Twirling his sword in his hand, Gohan then sheathed it. Fisting his hands at his sides, Gohan concentrated hard, his expression still angered and serious. Then, all at once, the young Saiyan brought his arms up and powered up to full, letting out a bellowing yell as a golden aura exploded around him, accompanied by golden bolts of lightning and a radioactive, golden glow. His hair spiked up and flashed gold, and his eyes turned teal. The blasts of wind that issued off of him weren't enough to knock Scythe over, but were definitely enough to surprise him. When Gohan brought his arms back down and his aura was reduced to a steady pulse, the young Saiyan drew his sword once more, and from it, he mustered up a new form. To accompany his Super Saiyan powers, his blade increased in size, forming a hook at its base with its point sharpened. The handle guard lengthened, twisting at the ends with the actual handle also increasing in length. Once it was changed, Gohan was holding onto what was known as the Lightning Blade. This exceptionally powerful sword crackled with golden electricity, capable of unleashing incredible aerial strikes with deadly effects and increasing the wielder's strength in them as well.

Scythe smirked, backing away as he watched his opponent drop into a stance, aura still pulsing around him. The look definitely suited the young warrior, but with this new transformation, was he actually capable of beating Scythe now? That was soon to be tested. With a grin, the white haired warrior took his sword up in two hands and charged, striking out at Gohan with powered lashes. His sword blade zipped through the air at incredible speeds, Gohan easily repelling his attacks with a serious, monotone expression in play. It was after blocking off the attacks sent at him the young Saiyan batted at Scythe's final strike and pointed the tip of his sword at him, unleashing a powerful blast of electricity. The blast practically knocked Scythe off of his feet, and sent him flying into the distance, electrocuted. He emitted no yell of agony, but was clearly in pain. Taking a stance, Gohan charged at him, bringing his sword about before striking at hi flying body. The dark warrior, still seeing clearly enough to spot Gohan's approach, raised his sword and began blocking the many strikes sent at him. Now, with both competitors back in the game and flying in a random direction while locked in extreme combat, they engaged blades. Clanging sounds and shockwave rang out, both fighters now standing on what appeared to be even ground. Scythe chuckled, assaulting Gohan's blade with full on fury, only to do no effect as the young Saiyan blocked every strike. The Super Saiyan responded in kind, attacking Scythe but to no avail. Soon enough, the two of them reached a dead end after flying through the sky, nearly running into a mountain side.

Stopping and flipping, Gohan landed on his feet against the mountain, dropping to a stance. Scythe did so the same way, both of them standing at impossible angels to the ground. From here, they began to attack. Gohan honed in on his assault, forcing Scythe back with quick, powerful strikes, his blade clashing with the warrior's saber and emitting a lot of spars, and not just from the electricity his sword produced. As they fought across the mountain's rocky, uneven face, Gohan managed to drive his opponent away, Scythe leaping back and ending up on a higher level of the mountain. With both of them still standing on its side, the white haired warrior smirked down at Gohan, the young Saiyan still looking as serious as ever, while standing in his warping aura.

"On your knees," Scythe exclaimed. "I want you to beg for mercy…"

Bringing his right hand up, the spirit threw it down, an earth shaking rumble following this move. Then, as the tremor ran up the mountain side, a huge section of it suddenly collapsed at the very top, cracking and suddenly tumbling down as a massive of falling rubble and debris. Gohan saw this, and was a bit surprised by this move. It came plummeting down fast, Scythe turning around to face it. Bringing his sword about, he slashed out at a large piece coming for him, before leaping into the plummeting rubble's centre. Gohan followed him, lightning blade still held strong as he jumped into the falling debris, avoiding massive boulders and rocks. Changing tactics from flight to land fall, Gohan began leaping from boulder to boulder, making best use of the avalanche to pursue his opponent. Suddenly appearing out from behind one of the falling rocks, Scythe flew at Gohan with his sword bared. The young Saiyan blocked his following strikes, jumping back and landing on a flat surface rock. After which, he jumped off of the falling boulder, sending a single, slash aimed for his opponent who he charged at. Scythe blocked it, striking back as Gohan flew past. He missed. Gohan landed on another rock behind him, pushing off and flying back. Scythe landed on another boulder, finding this one tumbling out of control the hard way. Redirecting his sights, he leapt out of the way, avoiding a slash attack sent by his opponent. Then, after landing on another rock, he flew at his opponent, cranking his sword arm back and preparing to strike. Gohan leapt at him in kind, both of them striking out at each other, metal clanging on metal for that split second before they both flew on past, landing on separate boulders again. They then pushed off and flew at each other, locking blades in the centre of the avalanche falling around them. Dropping with the falling boulders, they landed on a large, flat faced boulder and began furiously attacking each other. They exchanged strikes and slashes, their swords clanging together and letting off bright sparks as a result. Avoiding the falling rocks and basically ignoring them, they continued attack, trying to put their opponent under pressure at which they could attack and inflict damage on them, permanently.

After blocking an assault from his opponent, Gohan moved to attack, slashing out at Scythe and forcing him back. The white haired warrior found it a lot more difficult to block the young Saiyan's strikes, and backed away along the boulder, before leaping off of it and out of the avalanche. Gohan frowned and followed him, bursting out of the tons of falling rumble and out into clear skies. Here, he followed his opponent, watching him float up and away with his sword held firmly in his right hand and a smirk streaking across his face.

"You're a fine specimen, Echo. I'll give you that," Scythe exclaimed, bringing his sword up into two hands. His eyes flashed and flared, a grin crossing his face. "Too bad you have to die…"

Gohan frowned, expression still serious. It was then after Scythe's comment the young warrior drew his sword back, golden electricity crackling around its blade as he held his left hand forward. After he took that attack stance, his aura, which had died out during the battle in the avalanche, suddenly exploded around him, bursting with a flash of light. As the two warriors continued to climb to a higher altitude amongst the surrounding mountains, already reaching the caps of most, the young Super Saiyan prepared to end this fight once and for all. His teal eyes flickered as his aura burned and flared, energy climbing. Sunlight began to break through the thick, grey cloud cover, creating the perfect scene for these last few minutes of the battle…

"I pity you," Gohan stated. "You have no idea what you're up against…" Scythe raised an eyebrow, smiling as he brought his sword about and pointed the tip of the blade towards his opponent, his attack stance assumed.

It was right there, at that very moment, Gohan acted. With great speed and great aim, Gohan threw his sword forward, the weapon acting as a boomerang and spinning as the young Saiyan threw it at Scythe. The spinning Lightning Blade curved through the air, passing Scythe who was just acting to avoid it. He stared after it, watching as it flew past and above him. Suddenly, too distracted to notice, Scythe saw Gohan appear in front of his flying sword, and catch it with great ease. The white haired warrior was shocked, gasping as a result. Gripping the sword in two hands, Gohan brought it up above his head, letting out a warrior's cry as he flew straight down at his opponent, aura burning brightly. The speed he used, and the surprise he was able to create, gave the young Saiyan the opportunity to attack. In that split second, too long for Scythe to react, Gohan drove his weapon straight down at his target, following threw with it. Golden electricity crackled around his weapon as he sent it through the dark spirit warrior, Scythe letting out a yell of agony upon being hit. He staggered, eyes widened.

It was over for him…

Gohan flew past, landing on top the plateau of a mountain stationed not too far below. With a sigh, the young Saiyan stood up, rays of sunlight landing on his spot on top of the rocky structure, lighting him up. With a breath of air, he powered down to base form, his sword averting back to its original Spirit Blade state as he sheathed the weapon on his back. When he lowered his arms back to his sides, a cool breeze blew past him, his clothes fluttering in the wind and hair ruffling gently. He smirked, glancing over his shoulder and up at his staggered opponent. Forty-five stories above him, Gohan saw Scythe floating there in a standing posture, bathed in the bright light of the sun and glaring back down at him. His sword was still in plain view.

It was after spotting him, Gohan spoke. "Stay the hell away from me…"

Scythe frowned, eyes flashing. "You know you can't keep me away forever," he stated in response. "The darkness in your past will keep calling me back…"

Gohan smirked. "Then better luck next time, Scythe…"

The white haired warrior smiled, his cape wrapping around him and hiding his form. Then, all at once, Scythe transformed into a mist, a mist that slowly dissipated and transformed back into the red ball of energy he once was. The energy ball flickered and flashed where it floated; suspended in mid-air for a few more seconds before suddenly taking off into the distance, like the dragon balls leaving the scene after Shenron had been summoned and all wishes were granted. Seconds later, the red speck of light disappeared onto the horizon.

Gohan didn't bother going after him, knowing that the next time they meet he'll definitely beat him. But all the while, the young Saiyan couldn't help but think that trouble always seemed to find him back here on earth…

Just one of the reasons he decided to leave when he supposedly died at the Cell Games…

To protect his loved ones…

TO BE CONTINUED…


Power levels:

(Battle with Scythe):

Scythe:

Scythe (Base-Full Power): 200,000,000

Scythe (Darkness Stream): 350,000,000

Gohan:

Gohan (Base-Full Power): 180,000,000

Gohan (Super Saiyan): 360,000,000

Gohan (Super Saiyan – Full Power Mystical Dragon Fist Flash): 400,000,000