AUTHOR'S NOTE: In case you missed it, I replaced the content of Chapter 48. The first time I posted it, half of the chapter got cut off. So I replaced it with the full chapter. If you have not read the full chapter, you should probably go back and do that before reading this chapter.

The Chosen One

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chi-chi walked into Gohan's room. Due to the lack of use, many things in there were collecting dust. With a feather duster in hand, she walked over to his desk and began to dust it. However, she stopped when she got to the bookshelf. Resting on the shelf was a grammar textbook and a dictionary. Chi-chi sighed and hoped that Gohan had not been neglecting his studies during his time away from home. Then, there was a knock on the door.

Chi-chi ran to the front door and opened it. She was surprised to see who was standing at the door. "Krillin?"

"Hey, Chi-chi," Krillin said. "We're back."

Chi-chi ran right past Krillin and began looking around frantically. "Where is he? Where's my baby?"

"Dunno," Krillin commented. "It's been so long I don't think I'd recognize Goten anymore."

"No, my other baby!" Chi-chi replied.

This confused Krillin. "Huh?" Then it dawned on him. "Oh. You mean Gohan. He'll be here a little later. I came on ahead to tell you that Gohan is exhausted, and not to fuss over him or anything until he wakes up on his own."

Upon hearing that, Chi-chi dashed into the house, into Gohan's room, and started setting up the bed. "Gohan's coming home! Oh, I can't wait!"

-49-

In his deep sleep, Gohan began to dream. However, this would prove to be no ordinary dream.

In the dream, Gohan found himself standing outside a small house with white sidings. Something told him to walk up and knock on the door, and he did. The door then opened on its own, and from within, Gohan heard a voice. "Welcome, Gohan. I've been expecting you. Please, come in and have a seat." Gohan looked to his left and saw two empty easy chairs. Gohan sat in the chair with its back facing the window. A minute later, someone walked into the room.

This man was roughly the same height as Gohan, and had a similar build. He also wore the same clothing that Gohan wore. However, that was where the similarities ended. The man's facial features were soft, and his eyes were soft and seemed to lack the intensity that Gohan's did, yet at the same time seemed to command respect. He also had long blond hair that ended midway down his back. The man sat in the chair facing opposite Gohan.

"That voice," Gohan said. "You're the one who told me to channel my energy into Testament."

The man nodded. "And I believe you have an idea who I am."

Gohan hesitated a second. "...Lucius?"

"Indeed," came the reply. "I am the one who stopped the Roxians ten millennia ago, and your ancestor. I am Lucius."

"And I can already see what ten thousand years has done," Gohan said. "Aside from build, we look nothing alike."

This prompted a laugh from Lucius. "Not to mention that you're only half-human. But what does appearance matter? What really matters is much deeper."

"Hmm. Noah was right about you," Gohan remarked.

"Oh? How so?" Lucius asked.

"He said you were very unusual," Gohan answered. "You were enigmatic and no one could ever tell what was going on in your head."

"Yes, that sounds like something he would say," Lucius commented. "What else did he say about me? I'm curious."

"He also said that no one could ask for a better friend. You were kind, remarkably intelligent, looked out for others' interests, and were a natural leader," Gohan said. "And once you entered battle, you became a force to be reckoned with."

"There," Lucius said. "Those are the important traits that were passed down through the generations. Those words describe you as well as they do me. But I can add some more."

"Huh?"

"Gentle. Compassionate. Peaceful. Reluctant to fight, but held true to your convictions." Lucius smiled wistfully. "Those traits belonged to my beloved Serra."

"Can I ask you something?" Gohan asked. "Why did this have to be placed on my shoulders?"

Lucius's eyes clouded over with sadness. "I am so terribly sorry for placing such a burden on you. Believe me, I much rather would have fought Rekhas myself. However, I beg your understanding. No human could possibly live for ten thousand years."

"Concern yourself no more with it, then," Gohan responded. "I'm not resentful at all. In fact, I can already see what this experience has awarded me."

The smile returned to Lucius's face. "I'm very glad to hear that. And proud, too."

"Proud?"

"You destroyed the Makyo Star. You stopped the most powerful foe the universe has ever seen. You have transcended every fighter who has come before you. And most of all, you came out of this experience a better person, with new bonds of friendship, strengthened bonds with the friends you already had, and someone you love and who loves you in return.," Lucius explained. "How could I not be proud? I may not be as proud as I imagine your father to be, but still proud of you nonetheless."

Gohan was embarrassed by the praise. He scratched the back of his head and gave his father's trademark grin. As he shifted in his seat, he noticed the scabbard still attached to his waist. "You did help me substantially, though. If it weren't for you and this sword, I'd be dead now."

"That was more the sword than me," Lucius responded. "At any rate, would you let me take a look at it?" Gohan pulled Testament from its scabbard and handed it to his ancestor. Lucius gripped the hilt and ran his fingers along the edge. "It's been ten thousand years since I last gripped this amazing weapon..."

"Well, that weapon almost ended my life," Gohan commented. "If it weren't for the cells of other fighters in Cell's body, he most likely would have killed me in Vegeta's mind."

"No," Lucius responded. "Even if Cell were capable of wielding Testament, it would not have killed you."

Gohan was confused. "Why not?"

Suddenly, Lucius leaped out of his chair and brought Testament down with all his might. Gohan was caught by surprise and barely managed a block. "Look. I couldn't even make a single cut on you. This sword will never cut anyone it deems worthy of wielding it." He then placed the sword back on Gohan's lap. "My apologies for scaring you."

"That's fine," Gohan replied. "In fact, you did me a favor. I was so angry with myself for letting Cell steal the sword, and you relieved me of that anger. I should be thanking you."

Lucius smiled once more. "Well, it seems the time has come," he said. "I must be going now."

Gohan jumped out of his chair. "What? Why?"

"You've stopped the Roxians permanently," Lucius answered. "My job is done. It is time for my soul to go where it is meant to go. I'll finally get to see Serra again."

"No, please!" Gohan cried out, tears beginning to stream down his face, as Lucius began to walk away. "I know! We'll bring you back with the Namekian Dragon Balls!"

Lucius turned, tears forming in his eyes as well. "I'm sorry, Gohan...but Serra and I both died of natural causes. Don't worry-you'll see me again someday, and when you do, I want to hear all about how you've lived your life." Lucius then took a step outside the house. "Good-bye, Gohan." He then closed the door.

"No!" Gohan ran to the door and opened it, but Lucius was gone. "No! Lucius, come back! Please!" However, his shouts fell on deaf ears. Gohan collapsed to the ground and let the tears flow. After a moment, however, despite his crying, the tears disappeared from his face.

-49-

For the past hour, Gohan had been lying in his own bed at home. Next to the bed, on a wooden chair, sat Sephra. For the entire hour that Gohan lied there, Sephra never moved an inch from the chair.

Much to Sephra's surprise, after a while of peaceful sleep, tears began to trail from Gohan's closed eyes and down the sides of his face. He also muttered in his sleep, "No...Lucius, come back...please..."

Suspecting something, Sephra lifted the covers and saw that the scabbard holding Testament was glowing. However, as she watched, the glow faded away until it was no longer there. Could Lucius have been talking to Gohan in his dream? She then looked back at Gohan's face, and the tears had picked up in intensity. With her gloved hand, Sephra gently wiped away the tears from Gohan's face. "Don't cry, Gohan," she whispered.

A few seconds later, Gohan's eyelids slowly opened. He then sat up and looked around. No sooner had he done so than he felt someone throw herself onto him.

Oh, Gohan, I'm so happy to see you awake," Sephra said.

"Good to see you, too, Sephra," Gohan replied.

Sephra backed away and sat down again. "What's the matter?"

Gohan bowed his head in sadness. "It's my ancestor...Lucius. He came to me in my dreams, and we talked. But he has to go now. His soul is no longer in Testament's blade. I won't get to talk to him again until after I die myself."

"That's too bad," Sephra responded. "But, Gohan, do you really think he wants you wasting time mourning for him? I'm sure he wants you to be happy. You may have several thousand generations between the two of you, but you are family, and families always want what's best for each other."

Gohan raised his head and found himself looking into Sephra's emerald eyes. "Yes. You're right, of course. And speaking of family, I need to go greet the rest of mine." With that, he walked out of his room and into the kitchen.

Upon seeing who walked in, Chi-chi dropped her ladle. "Oh, my god..." She then threw herself on her firstborn son. "Oh, Gohan, you're home! You're back at last!"

"Hi, Mom," Gohan replied. "It's good to see you, too. Hey, what are you cooking? It smells great!"

Chi-chi pulled away from Gohan. "Oh, you! You're just like your father! Dinner won't be done for another half an hour or so..." Chi-chi then reached around behind her and grabbed a pile of textbooks. "So it's time to start studying!"

Gohan was taken aback. "Mom, I just finished what was easily the most difficult experience of my life."

"Exactly why you need to start studying! You need to catch up!" Chi-chi crossed her arms. "Now let's go! Chop chop!" However, Gohan instead walked over to the trash can and dumped the textbooks in.

Chi-chi was shocked. "Gohan, what are you doing? Take those books out, now!"

"No, Mom," Gohan responded. "I've already decided what I'm doing with my life."

"Oh? Well, let's hear it!" Chi-chi exclaimed. "The sooner you decide, the sooner we can start a more specific curr-"

"Mom, I'm going to the planet Gabria," Gohan said. "I'm going to serve on their royal court."

"Wha-?" Chi-chi exclaimed in surprise. "Surely you can't be serious! You're just still sleepy, it'll wear away."

"No, Mom," Gohan said, more forcefully this time. "I'm thinking quite clearly. I've learned a lot on my travels through space, and Gabria is an amazing place. Besides, I'm personally acquainted with the king of Gabria, and that alone makes sure I can get a good living."

"No, Gohan!" Chi-chi snapped. "I forbid you to do that!"

"Why?" came a response. However, the source of this voice came from the stairs. Ox-King walked into the kitchen in the midst of the argument, followed by Goten. "I see no reason to object. What's the problem?"

"Gohan's from Earth, that's the problem!" Chi-chi responded. "He needs to make a living on Earth!"

"Chi-chi, by that logic, nobody would ever leave home!" Ox-King replied.

"Well, the closer he is to home, the better!" Chi-chi stated.

"So that's it, is it?" Gohan asked. "You want me to stick around so you can dictate what goes on in my life."

"No, of course not!" Chi-chi answered. "You're almost an adult and it'll be time to be thinking for yourself!"

"You're right, Mom. I am almost an adult," Gohan said. "So it's time for me to think for myself, and I have. You just don't like the option."

"Because it's ridiculous!" Chi-chi shouted.

"No, it's not!" Gohan shouted back. "You just can't accept the fact that what I want and what you want are completely different! I'm tired of being what you want me to be! I've decided, and if you don't like it, then that's just too bad!"

"Mommy's being mean," Goten interjected.

"Um, hey, I hope this isn't a bad time," Sephra said as she walked up behind Gohan.

Hoping to defuse the situation, Gohan let Sephra by him. "Oh, that's right. I haven't introduced you yet. Sephra, this is my mother and my grandfather, and my little brother, Goten. Mom, Grandpa, Goten, this is my girlfriend, Princess Sephra."

Ox-King smiled, took Sephra's hand, and kissed it. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Goten grinned. "Hi, pretty lady."

Sephra giggled and squatted so she was a little over Goten's head level. "You're a cute little boy," she said as she rubbed his head.

Chi-chi, however, reacted the opposite way. She looked at Sephra with a look of horror on her face. "You! Leave this house at once! I don't want you hanging around my precious baby any more! He's too good for a whore!"

As soon as Chi-chi said that, a deafening silence filled the air. Ox-King and Sephra looked at Chi-chi in shock, and the latter started to cry. She tried to run off, but Gohan grabbed her by the wrist. "Stay here, Sephra." Gohan then turned to Chi-chi, brimming with rage.

"That's it. I've had it. I'm not putting up with you. Sephra and I are leaving for Gabria, and we won't be coming back for an indefinite period of time. Don't call us, we'll call you."

"You can't do that!" Chi-chi yelled. "I'm your mother!"

"From a biological standpoint, yes," Gohan responded. "But I refuse to let anyone hurt the woman I love and get away with it! There's nothing you can do to stop me, either. If I were you, I'd get in touch with reality."

"Reality? YOU'RE the one who needs to get in touch with reality!" Chi-chi yelled.

"Who was the one who said that if I had a choice between saving the world and studying I should study?!" Gohan shot back. "Face it! You lost your touch on reality years ago! Now, I'm leaving, and if you can't learn to accept what I've chosen to do with my life or who I choose to love, then you will never see me again!" Gohan and Sephra walked over to the door, and Gohan opened it. He then turned around. "I'm sorry, Grandpa, Goten. I don't mean to shut you out, too. Just please, take care of my mother, all right?" Ox-King nodded in response. Gohan and Sephra then stepped outside. Gohan turned around to face his mother again, and said, "Good-bye...Mother." He then closed the door.

"NO!!" Chi-chi screamed. "Gohan, come back! Please! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! PLEASE!!" However, Chi-chi could not bring herself to pursue her son, and she collapsed to the floor in tears.

-49-

"Now, Gohan...you're sure about this?" Krillin asked back up at the Lookout.

"I've made up my mind, Krillin," Gohan answered. "While my mother won't see me until she has accepted what I want to do with my life and who I love, I'll still visit you guys from time to time. After all, as much as I love Gabria, Earth is my true home."

"You're still going to come to the wedding, right?" 18 asked.

Gohan smiled. "Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Hey, Gohan?" Trunks stepped forward. "I have a favor to ask of you. As I told you before, my time was already ruined by the Roxians, and I was the only person left on Earth, so there's no point in me going back. I would stay here, but with the other me around, it would turn into a legal mess. So, would it be at all possible for me to go to Gabria with you guys?"

"That's fine by me," Gohan said, "but you'd better ask Sephra."

"It shouldn't be a problem," Sephra replied. "I'm sure Daddy will have no problem with you staying. With your strength, I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to make you a knight captain!"

Trunks smiled. "Thanks, you guys." He then turned around. "Mom? Dad? Take care of yourselves, all right?"

"We will," Bulma said.

"Watch out for yourself, as well," Vegeta replied.

Gohan smiled at the small gathering of his friends. "Good-bye, everyone." He, along with Sephra and Trunks, then vanished.

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's not the end...yet. There's still one last chapter in the works.)