The Legacy of Son Goku
Sorry for lagging behind for this chapter. I had been having a writer's block and put myself on a long notice Hiatus until I figured out where to take my next arc to and I've thought of it! I know you guys may not like this but this arc will focus on what Goku will go towards in the future and helps him develop more. While I want to focus on the humans and potentially Gohan's growth, I feel like Goku and Caulifla need this more if we're going to go where the story meant for them to go.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super and not Dragon Ball GT. Please enjoy this chapter.
Previously on Dragon Ball Super: The Legacy of Son Goku
The battle with the evil Saiyan known as Cumber was coming to its close. Just as soon as our hero, Goku was going to deliver the final blow, suddenly, Caulifla's older brother, Renso, protected Cumber. Taking advantage of the situation at hand, Cumber used the opportunity to escape from our heroes' grasp with Renso. After the battle, however, Goku suffered fatigue and passed out. What will happen to our hero, now?
Chapter 17: The Sinister Plotting! The War Among The Gokus?!
(Two days after the battle with the good hearted saiyans)
"Lord Cumber, what is the plan now? We obviously can't use Sadala as our base of operations now that Caulifla and the other saiyans know I work for you…"
Cumber, with a black eye patch on his injured eye, was standing next to Renso in their spaceship, flying across the universe in search of a new base of operation. Cumber has his right hand on his chin, plotting something obviously sinister. Such an evil minded saiyan can truly conquer everything he'd dreamt of if he adapted his mind into it!
"I'll put my intention to kill Son Goku on hold for now. I'm in no rush to kill him. First thing first, we would need to find a way to get my right eye healed. I can't fight how I used to without it. Even your best medical treatment isn't advanced enough to completely fix it."
Renso looked at Cumber questionably. Why would he need his right eye healed if he's still just as powerful without it? Surely he can function without it?
"Renso, while I may be still powerful enough to kill them as I am now, the fact they're cunning enough to exploit my blind spot is still threatening. On top of that, while I am healed from the last battle, I'm still a fraction of my original self. Yamoshi took too much out of me when I fought him…"
Renso was looking like he's ready to ask more. As evil as he is, Cumber knew he cannot deny his servant the answer to the question he deserved to hear.
"Why are you in need to kill Son Goku, my lord? He can't be as threatening to you as your brother or the Gods of Destruction are…"
Cumber made his haughtiest laugh. Such is a good question and one he respected, especially when considering that Son Goku is not that much stronger than the princeling. Such is a logical question!
"Hahahahaha! Renso, you may find this ridiculous for me to say this, but that particular saiyan is a greater threat to me than anything other than the Gods of Destruction. He has...potential similar to that of Yamoshi and that's what scares me. If I was fighting him with my original power and on top of that, unlocking Super Saiyan, he'd be nothing but a mere insect ready for me to crush with my bare hands. I really need my original power back but I've been waiting for centuries for it to return yet it hasn't returned!"
Renso looked at his master as he was seething with rage. Yamoshi delivering that fatal blow must've scarred his ego and he wants nothing more than burning that scar away. While this may be the greatest sin Renso'd committed in his life, he knew there's no better way to help the older saiyan and achieve his purpose.
"Lord Cumber, we could go to Universe 6's Planet Namek and use their thing they called a Dragon Ball. Cabba once told me about what it does. Collect all seven and make a wish. If we go there, it could help you achieve absolute power once more."
Cumber has a very evil expression on his face. Make a wish? This "Dragon Ball" may actually help him dominate the multiverse and it makes him glee at the thought!
"Renso, set course for Universe 6's Planet Namek. We're going to grant me a wish unlike the multiverse ever seen!"
(At Planet Sadala, in Caulifla's gang base)
"What is your report?"
Caulifla was looking at the soundly asleep Goku, who had been unconscious for the last two days. What could have caused him to not wake up for several days? Surely, fighting against Cumber with the injuries he had wasn't enough to make him collapse for a while.
"Sis, it seems that while he has a few broken bones, he also overexerted his body with that power boosting ability you claim he has to the extent even his magical beans couldn't fully fix the strain completely. According to the reports, he should be resting for a few more days before he can move around as he normally does. I would try to reoccupy my mind with something like training if I was you, sis. Worrying about him too much is not good for your healt-."
Caulifla didn't take the advice too well and she was scowling at the male medical aide leader of the gang, which frightened him a bit. It doesn't hurt her a bit to show concern about his life. Even if this isn't too serious, it doesn't mean he's not hurt at all.
"Now, wait a minute! He's still a friend of mine! Even if the injuries aren't that bad, he should be looked over!"
The medical aide leader nodded his head as he understood what she meant. This is the same saiyan whose name she mentioned after the Tournament of Power. He perfectly understood where she's coming from.
"Sis, I see how you feel. Although, I think it's best that you try to get your mind off of it for a while. I understand your concerns and I'm sorry about Renso, but we need you to be stronger...This fellow will find you when he wakes up, won't he?"
Caulifla looks at the sleeping Goku with sympathy. He looks so lovely asleep. She just wants to hear his voice and she wants to spar with him to get her mind off of Renso. Oh, Goku. Her thoughts of him were initially a foolish old man who is willing to risk his own universe to fight challenges but after seeing him teach her the proper utilization of Super Saiyan and saving her several times from Cumber, she came to appreciate what he is and everything he does.
"Okay. I'll get my mind off of him. I'll go find Cabba and have a conversation."
As Caulifla was going to walk out of the room, she heard Kale's voice.
"S-Sis, wait!"
Caulifla turns around to see a fully healed Kale. She had made a successful recovery from her rampage against Cabba! It seems as though she still has trouble controlling her saiyan potential. Something Caulifla knows that needs to be fixed later.
"Yeah, Kale?"
Kale gave her a sad smile, knowing what she may have in mind. Her gang's leader is back home and the first thing that happened is her battle against perhaps the evilest saiyan in history. Something that knocked the wind out of her, Cabba, Vegeta and even Son Goku. Then finding out her own brother is in cahoot with said evil saiyan. Not only is she physically worn out but also mentally despite it being 2 days after said things happening.
"Sis, do you really want to leave again as soon as you get back…? The gang misses you…"
Caulifla looked back at Kale and gave her a sad smile. She knew she had to go again, especially knowing Goku needs her help and knowing that Cumber is a new evil approaching among all the universes demanding her aid against whatever he's planning. It also doesn't help that she felt the responsibility of fighting Renso herself.
"Kale, you'll be in charge of the gang again until I get back from what is needed to get done. As its leader, you must guide them and protect them. They're like a family to us. I'd like to take you with me but there's no one else I trust with the ability to watch over our gang than you. Please, do me proud."
Kale slowly nodded as she knew how important this must be to Caulifla. She turns towards the sleeping Goku as he is slowly recovering from the damage he took.
"R-Right, sis. I'll do my best! What'll be of Son Goku?"
Caulifla glance at him worryingly before taking a deep breath.
"Goku will stay here for now and heal. I know it'll be harsh to leave him behind like this but he needs the recovery more than anyone else. Take care of him, Kale."
Kale looked at Caulifla worryingly as she was walking away from her. What made her so worked up over this Son Goku guy? She was never this concerned for anyone.
"Sis...what made you feel like Goku needs so much care…?"
Caulifla looks back for a moment and proceeds to give Kale a questioned look.
"Uh, because he is hurt and I can't afford to lose him. He'll definitely be of use for us later in the year. We definitely need someone of his caliber to fight against a powerful saiyan unlike any other."
(In the Sadala's general training chamber)
Beerus and Champa with their attendants look on as Vegeta and Cabba vigorously sparred against one another. As if they were training against one another.
"Boy, you're lacking in strength. You're not as strong as you were in the Tournament of Power. Where's that spark? Where's that strength you speak of when you fought that Kale girl?"
Cabba was having a hard time catching up with Vegeta's onslaughts. He knew his master was right. He hasn't been doing much training after the Tournament of Power, which starts to make his power diminish. The fact he had kept up with Kale in her destructive state showed he had immense potential as a warrior, so much that even Champa noticed it and decided to make him his next successor.
"Master, forgive me. I have no excuse to abandon my training for I was a general and therefore should have been much stronger. I swear I will defeat you, whatever it takes!"
Beerus looks on the sparring session with a serious expression on his face while Champa looks at his brother questionably. Beerus was never one to look at a battle in such a cold glance that is calculating.
"Brother, what's with the long look on your face? What made you pester in the affair of me training my new successor for these saiyans?"
Beerus turns towards Champa and looks at his brother seriously, expecting him to take this seriously.
"Brother, just two days ago, we perhaps have met the greatest threat in the history of the multiverse. These mortals must be prepared for it. You don't understand this threat."
Champa laughed haughtily at Beerus's claim. They're gods! What do they have to fear? Beerus can easily dispatch Frieza in his Golden form if he so chooses to do so. Compared to the might that is Jiren, Beerus would likely come short but Champa knew his brother in terms of combat is not to be trifled with. Why would Beerus fear anyone?
"You are a fool to be laughing in a time like this, Champa. It took those two plus Goku and Caulifla to even defeat that saiyan and that said saiyan happened to be severely weakened from his fight with the original super saiyan god a thousand years ago. I didn't intervene, knowing that saiyan wouldn't hesitate to kill Goku and Caulifla and we still have a use for them. Hell, that saiyan even threw around Vegeta at his best like a ragdoll. I fear he might be able to fully recover from his battles. If he does, even the both of us combined would probably struggle to defeat him!"
Champa stopped laughing upon hearing that it took the four most powerful saiyans he knew to even weaken Cumber. If they have struggled to defeat him in his WEAKENED state, how much more powerful could the original super saiyan god be than them to fight as his equal?
"How powerful could he have been...No matter how much basic training these saiyans does, if what you said is true, they won't stand a chance against him, not even Vegeta in his new Super Saiyan Blue state nor Son Goku when he uses Ultra Instinct! At least not one on one!"
Vegeta halted his sparring session against Cabba upon hearing Champa claiming they won't stand a chance against Cumber.
"I'll crush him myself. I've got bones to pick with him!"
Beerus and Champa look at Vegeta as if he was insane. Beerus in particular, knowing how severely outmatched Vegeta was when he used his evolved Super Saiyan Blue. Whis facepalmed, believing that Vegeta has not learned about the potential threat his new enemy might become.
"And? You're just a fool readying to throw away his life if you just go in blind!"
Caulifla walks into the training room, noting the God of Destruction brothers with their attendees and Vegeta with Cabba. She can't believe that Vegeta thinks he can defeat him on his own.
"Listen, Vegeta. I'm not here to call you weak, because I know you're very strong for an old man but EVEN Goku had a hard time taking that bastard on with Kaioken times fifty and that only lasts for FIVE seconds! Haven't you noticed how easily he toyed with you?"
Vegeta gritted his teeth as he knew she was right. If even Kakarot couldn't hold his own, what does he have to be equal to that evil bastard? He knew that no amount of mere training will ever close the gap between him and Cumber. He needs to go through another special training to gain more strength!
"Lord Beerus, Whis, I believe there's something that is holding me back from using my God power at its absolute. What do you know about using my Super Saiyan Blue at its absolute?"
Whis was stroking his chin as he was pondering what could perhaps make Vegeta hold back from using Blue at the same progress and level Goku could. True, Vegeta reached a higher level of Super Saiyan Blue and surpassed Goku even if it's brief but Goku has a very deep potential. One Whis has never seen before.
"Vegeta, I believe it has something to do with two things. One, though you are strong in most aspects of being a warrior, you lack one thing Goku has. That is spiritual prowess. Two, this is very critical and I need you to listen CLOSELY."
Vegeta, Caulifla and Cabba were leaning closer as Whis was instructing Vegeta in a very important detail. This may contribute a LOT to the upcoming battle ahead of them against Cumber.
"Putting aside your tendency to think critically before striking, Goku has much more potential overall than you as a warrior. However, your potential is nearly on his level. This means if you could train your soul and perfect the harmony of Body and Soul, you just might be able to reach a new level of strength. You have to also let go of your needs to surpass Goku. I know this may sound hard to hear but deep in the back of your mind, you still desire to surpass him. Instead of getting stronger just to be his equal, you have to focus on a more selfless reason to grow not as a saiyan warrior but as a person."
Vegeta thought to himself very deeply as he heard these words. To let go of the desire to surpass Kakarot? That is something remotely nigh impossible. All his life on Earth, his motive to grow was to best Kakarot. His motive to grow was to make sure he could show Bulma that he is a very reliable family man. He knew that Bulma is one of his main reasons to continue fighting and his reason to live. He looked unnerved on the outside, but deep down, he was downright furious within himself for feeling his wife rely on Kakarot more than relying on him.
"Bulma, I want to grow to ensure nothing will hurt you, Trunks and Bulla. You may not hear me now but I WILL put my life on all my training to make sure Cumber and his unforgivable lackey doesn't harm you!"
Whis turns towards Cabba and also speaks to him with a piece of advice.
"Young Cabba, was it? You are without question an exceptional warrior and you're just about as gifted as your mentor is. Your issue is that you allowed yourself to get held back. You have great promises and I know Lord Champa and Vados will make a fine God of Destruction out of you. If you were to neglect your training, especially in critical times like this, even if it was for managing paperwork and perhaps destroying planets, you wouldn't be able to hold your ground against people like Frost and Cumber. To be a God of Destruction, you have to have some streak of ruthlessness. Train harder and I have no doubt you'll be the strongest of any God of Destruction."
As Cabba bowed to Whis and showed him gratitude for his wisdom, Whis directed his attention towards Caulifla, who crossed her arms.
"You're gonna lecture me too, are you?"
Whis chuckled softly as he was pleased to see her being sharp tongued and straight to the point. Clearly, she's very different from his other three students, which makes him all the more happier to train her.
"I wouldn't quite say the lecture so much as to advise you, hahaha. I admire your enthusiasm and appreciate you learning how to pick up God ki from me, but I have to address some of your issues. First off, though you are a very powerful warrior, perhaps just as strong as Son Gohan at full power, your main issue is your arrogance. You've recently acquired Super Saiyan 3 not too long ago and attain Kaioken from Goku very quickly. But in your talents, you're becoming overconfident and believe you will become unrivalled. No warriors are invincible, not even my father is. No matter how strong you are, there will be someone who has an even higher potential and talent to match yours."
Caulifla's eyes were sharpened and is more stern as he hit her in the pride part, something only Goku managed to do in his Ultra Instinct state.
"Also, your other flaw is that you're too focused on Goku or Cabba that you'd find yourself distracted by them mid-combat. To fight more efficiently and effectively, you need to remove your mind from their presence and fight as though they're not around. Fighting alongside them may be beneficial but for you, it'd hinder you from being fully focused. You're rushing to get to the realm of the Super Saiyan God. I feel it'd heighten your point if you were to master Super Saiyan 3 successfully."
Caulifla sneered at this part of the advice. To her, this means to let go of her attachments of her mentor and friend. Just for what? Become the same savages the saiyans of the old age from Universe 7 were? Emotionless, cold-hearted killing machines? She shook her head, declining the words Whis has stated. Not that she disrespect his wisdom, oh no! In fact, she much appreciate it. But this philosophy means for her to cast aside her attachments for her friends for a level of power that will never fill in that hole. Perhaps he's right about her arrogance but she can't agree with his suggestion in the slightest.
"Whis, with all due respect, I'm afraid that's where our lines of thinking are different. Your way of thinking required me to abandon my bonds with my friends for greater power, but power that will never replace my friendships. I want to achieve further strength but I'm not willing to cast all that is a part of me for such. I don't believe for a minute that Goku would do this exact thing even if it's for power."
She stormed out of the room in a quiet yet raging manner, making it clear to all within the room that she was upset at this revelation.
"Caulifla, wait!"
Cabba was about to take off after her until Vegeta grabs his shoulder and glances at the younger saiyan in a menacing way. Cabba turns his head towards his master who stopped him in his tracks.
"Boy, I wouldn't go after her if I were you. That woman can take care of herself. You'd best focus on your lack of strength. At this point, you're just a cakewalk for me even at half of my minimum level. Instead, focus on acquiring your lost power. We need it more than ever."
Caulifla, in her raging moments, flew above the nearest canyon and landed on the ground softly. She started muttering to herself and thinking out loud, knowing nobody could hear her from miles away.
"I know Goku wouldn't do this and I won't do it either. I refuse to become the same exact saiyans Cumber created through his schemings. Not like Renso had…"
The thoughts of her older brother's betrayal gravely bothered her. What drove him this mad? No way power could be his objective! It is inconvincible! It is very unlike him to pursue power! Why? Why did he betray his own people for such a monster?!
"Renso...Why? Why did you do this?"
She lands on a cliff and ponders all her memories of Renso when she was a child and closes her eyes.
(Flashback: 19 years ago)
Caulifla was sparring with Renso in a desert-like environment. She dodge his left hook and smirk victoriously as she managed to land a kick on him.
"HA!"
He attempted to block the kick but it knocked him backwards a few inches. He smiled as he was pleased to see her growing more and more powerful within the days.
"Nice work, Caulifla! A bit more training and who knows? You could inevitably surpass the King's might!"
She was absolutely happy to hear her brother's praises as she knew she can reach uncharted territories no Saiyans could ever hope to reach!
"Yo, bro. Think I'd surpass you too one day?!"
Renso cups his chin with his right hand and ponders to himself. This is an interesting question she'd ask of him if anything. He KNEW that he can't make it easy on her anymore if this is her goal.
"Potentially, I'd think so. But easily? Ha. As if. You may be my little sister, but I don't take that prospect very kindly. After all, I am the youngest saiyan to ever lead the Sadala Defense Force at the age of 16 and I am only alone speaks for itself how powerful I am as of now. Caulifla, if you wish to surpass me, you must face trials of hardships for without hardships, you won't be able to touch the surface of what you could've been. That being said, if you wish to grow stronger, you must FIGHT!"
(Back to the present)
All this time, she trained hard with Cabba and Kale and she gained a tremendous increase of strength she never dreamed to be possible, but… she never bothered to check on her brother and see if he is okay. Having a broken leg successfully ended his pride of being the strongest soldier of Sadala.
"I train to get to where I am now...I want to surpass big bro and I did just that! I'm stronger than he could ever be...but he isn't proud of me for that. Instead, he'd willingly betray ME for more power because he was jealous?! WHY, BRO?! Why did you betray me for HIM?! DAMN IT!"
She shouted her voice to the Heaven as it was starting to rain above her, matching her anger and sadness of seeing her brother's betrayal. Why? Why would he join that monster? He knew he was the reason Universe 7's saiyans became corrupted! She softly sobs as she didn't want anyone to see her vulnerable side. Not even Goku deserves to see this broken side of her. What he deserves to see is the fierce warrior she is and a rival he deserved. She cried out in anguish as thunder roaring in the sky, threatening to strike its lightning.
(With Goku)
Goku was in a pitch black area, unable to see anything. He has no idea where he is nor what is going on.
"I've been walking in this darkness for what is feeling like hours! I don't think I'm dead...otherwise, I would be in front of King Yenma. But I'm clearly not in Sadala either...where am I?"
Goku suddenly heard a dark, cold voice that seemed to be empty of emotions but it is a voice that is demanding and rough.
"Well, me, You are here in your mind. Come, not be afraid. I am in front of you this whole time."
In front of Goku in an instant, A lookalike of him was in front of him but it didn't just look like him. This imitation of him has silver hair, akin to him in Ultra Instinct but the Irises of his eyes are blood red and the aura surrounding him are as violent as winds. The clothing this lookalike has is the same as Goku currently.
"Who are you?! Why do you look like me?! Why am I what you called in my mind?"
Goku got into his usual fighting stance, assuming this is just an illusion an enemy could have created to fool him and manipulate him.
This lookalike of him shook his head and scoffed at his naive counterpart. A fight this soon? This is very foolish already. He gave his counterpart an intense glare, making Goku nervous and feel a hint of fear down his spines.
"What a fool you are, but then again, you ARE me, so I shouldn't expect much better. I am you but I am what you'd been as a God of your own volition. You could also say I am a side effect of you using so much God Ki as a mortal. No mortals could use too much God Ki for so long without suffering its side effects and seem like you are beginning to transform into a Godlike being…"
This being in front of Goku is what Goku would've been in a divine state? That shouldn't be possible up to now! Why is it possible now?!
"You have the potential to be the most powerful God in all of the universes. This body of yours is going to experience powers you'd never felt possible to have real soon but a mortal's body won't be able to hold that much power as a vessel. Not even a mortal Saiyan could hold that much power. What I'm saying is, why not reject whatever mortality you have left and ascend to the power I am now representing? We could use this God Ki and become God ourselves. We could use it to defeat Cumber and save Caulifla the burden of sufferings. Chi-Chi, Gohan and Goten will be safer if we ascend to Godhood."
The God Goku-look alike extended his hand to his mortal counterpart, offering to him a chance to shed his mortal skin and become something far greater than what he is now. The mortal Goku shook his and turned his back around, clearly rejecting this offer.
"I refuse to give up my current self for divinity, me. Even if I could permanently attain Ultra Instinct in that form, I would end up losing myself to my divinity. Besides, I'm frankly happy as a mortal and I want to enjoy fighting without losing who I am. I won't shed my skin and I will save Caulifla without losing who I am! I am Son Goku! A mortal Saiyan raised on Earth, a father of two young sons, a proud student of Master Roshi, King Kai, and Whis, and Caulifla's friend!"
The God Goku-look alike turns his face from an emotionless, calculating one into that of a disgusted one. Why is this Goku so dumb?! This is the BEST way to protect those he cared for! This is a small price for salvation for all of life on Earth. So why does he refuse?!
"You could use God Ki for a long period of time without your body collapsing within each use! To reject this means you'd be damaging yourself AND weaken your overall power with not only God Ki but with your normal Ki as well! When you have a change of heart, find me back here in this place. I'm shocked to hear you wouldn't do this for Caulifla. Why wouldn't you be smart about this?"
Goku ponders for a minute and wonders the same himself. Why wouldn't he do this for Chi-Chi and Caulifla? They're the most important people in his life.
"Well, I guess I'll sound selfish but I guess I want to be a mortal. To feel in my flesh. Becoming a God means I can do the things I want to do but I want to keep the feeling of my mortality. A god's power is absolute and with it, I could save the Earth…"
The God-Goku Lookalike looks at his counterpart questionably. What is the logical part of what he's saying? He doesn't follow!
"To save the Universe as a God is absolutely no laughing matter but to remain mortal...Aren't Mortals supposed to do all they can before they pass the baton to the next generation? I may regret not becoming a God one day but I will defeat Cumber and save others my own way. If the Gods wish to kill me for not being among them, I will fight with everything I have and to protect Caulifla. I want her to stay true to her goal and to try to surpass me. I am Son Goku, I am the mortal Saiyan who will fight against all odds, even if it will destroy him!"
The God-Goku Lookalike chuckle softly yet also darkly, scaring his real counterpart a bit and ready his fighting stance. He too prepares his fighting stance as he wants to test out his counterpart's resolve. This selfish desire of wanting to keep his mortality may cost him the power he could achieve by becoming a God.
"I see your resolve...You're quite selfish, you know? I want to see how far you'd go. You might be a bit weaker than usual seeing as you just fought Cumber, but please. I'll show you the TRUE POWER OF A GOD!"
In a blink of an eye, Goku felt a stinging sensation of a powerful punch across his face, splatting out blood as he was sent flying across the darkness. What was that? He couldn't see his God counterpart move and couldn't prepare himself to block a simple punch.
"What the? I didn't see him move! How did he do that?"
Suddenly, he felt another punch in the stomach but this time, he saw his God counterpart before him. He starts to quiver a bit as his God counterpart stood emotionlessly, watching him carefully.
"You see, Goku? I have all the God Ki we possess in my disposal. Don't bother trying to use Super Saiyan God nor Blue. You can't access either of them in this domain. After all, I am the you who is born from them."
Goku grimaced as he realized he can't sense God Ki in himself anymore while his counterpart is using it, showing to Goku that he is left to his own mortal strength. God Ki can destroy a mortal, can it? Unless he can fully control the power in front of him, he believes.
"Darn it! It's like I have no control over my power anymore...Guess I will take you on with everything I have without my God Ki. Kaioken!"
Goku's body glows red as he is powered up and he throws his fist at his counterpart, attempting to land a punch. The God Goku casually caught the fist and threw his counterpart across the darkness again, treating him as if he's a ragdoll.
"Goku, I'm sure I do not need to remind you but you're weakened from your battle with Cumber, you don't have access to your God Ki because I'm managing it as we speaks, I know you inside and out, and on top of that, you're all alone with no friends or family to help you escape from the despair I will bring to you. Against me, you're out of advantages. Cease this foolishness or you will seriously get hurt."
The words of God Goku were laced with such coldness that Goku can't help but dislike. There's NO way this guy can be him, even as a God! Goku stood up on his feet and went Super Saiyan, intending to take this guy more seriously.
"I refuse to lose to the likes of you. I have something to protect and I won't lose it to you even if you are me!"
God Goku sighed irritably as he knew his counterpart won't succumb to him no matter what it takes. He admires the stubbornness but at the same time, this is a guy readying to die here!
"You're powerful. But why do you insist on fighting an enemy you know who outmatched you in every regard? Surely you know you're limited against me now that you know how stacked you are?"
Goku dash at him, intending to make him pay for the punches he took earlier. So what if he's weaker than usual? He can still fight!
"Enough talk! I will assure you that I will win!"
Goku then took one powerful, yet swift kick to the chest, a kick that reversed him back to his base state as he coughed out more blood. His body impacted the ground as he was appearing to be defeated.
"If a kick like that is enough to do you in, you're pretty pathetic as a mortal. Now, why not be a good boy and just answer my question before I decide to go on the offensive?"
Goku stood up and looked at his hands. He finally actually feels his strength being different. Is it weaker? Why is it weaker?! He is still determined to prove his worth and powered up to Super Saiyan 2, as it's a perfect balance between energy efficiency and power. A mortal's worth to surpass the Gods...He will surpass himself and this is a wall before he can grow further. Goku closed his eyes and recollected everything he has been through. The battles he went through weren't JUST to strengthen him, he saw now. Through these combats, he has to learn about himself and the people around him. Fighting is a joy, sure but Fighting is a lifestyle to him. It's a way of life for him. The saiyans became some of the strongest mortals because they accepted combat as a way of life to their customs.
"Don't bother. I know what you're thinking about. All these times, you fought to get more powerful, learn about others and to protect others, but never fight to learn about what kind of being you are, Goku. If you think reflections will suddenly make you stronger, I assure you you are incorrect."
Remembering his battle with Piccolo, he recalls the importance of compassion towards one's enemy. Eventually, your enemy will become an important ally to you.
Remembering his first battle with Vegeta, he recalls the importance of his heritage. Being a Saiyan at first didn't mean so much to him but now, knowing his blood meant to him that he can right the wrongs of his race, even though it wasn't his fault they did what they did. They repaid for their crimes in blood after all.
Remembering his first battle with Frieza, he came to accept that certain people don't deserve mercy or sympathy from him. Though he tries to be compassionate whenever he can, mercy towards one's enemy can be a dangerous problem and place people he cares about in danger…
"Something's different about my mortal counterpart...I can sense it but what is it...it can't be God Ki...I have all the God Ki in my disposal…"
Remembering his battle with Cell, he accepts that there might be a day where he's going away and he has to pass down what he knows about fighting to someone else, who can be his heir and the protector of the world. He sees that Gohan isn't suited to this role and he feels guilt for narrowly forcing his own son to be something he has no desire to become. Instead, he wants his sons to do what they want for themselves.
Lastly, he remembered the time when he fought the terrifying Majin Buu. Here, he recalls one very important lesson in his life. What is the full meaning of combat in his life? Fighting is his dream and hobby. Seeing an opponent stronger than him always gets his blood trembling in excitement. Retiring from fighting was a mistake to him. If he had kept training, would he have been able to prevent Raditz from dying and try to find a way to get his brother to abandon his ways to join him? Sure, he tried to kill Gohan and tricked him but even though this is still his brother and he feels slight remorse letting him die though it was the only way to keep Gohan alive.
Suddenly, Goku opened his eyes and his eyes looked sharper. His eyes were filled with warm hope yet they were also filled with determination. The odds ARE against him, he knows that, but he knows one thing. Mortals spent their entire lives fighting against the odd. Those fights have meanings behind them and this fight has a meaning behind it. A deeper meaning than he knows. This is also why he can't lose here. Whether one is a God or a mortal, everything one does has to have a meaning behind it. And he won't spend this time giving up himself to divinity. A mortal can surpass the Gods and march to uncharted powers they had never reached before!
Goku and his God Counterpart clashed their fist together, causing the darkness around them to vibrate with loud sounds, depicting their powers to the seemingly endless darkness.
"I see…This whole time, you're only weaker not because of lack of my powers nor because of Cumber. You were weaker than usual because you didn't realize how strong you can be without God Ki." They both start hitting their fists against each other as their surroundings start to glow brighter and brighter. They were matching fist to fist. Though God Ki does enhance physical strength, defenses and speed, Goku's willpower allows him to be able to keep up with his own Godlike powers that are being used against him.
"Amazing...You are keeping up with me despite the fact I have an even greater source of power than you...Maybe this will be fun after all! Let's dance, Mortal me! Let us see how this mortal wilpower of yours stack up to your God Ki!"
Goku met his God-appearing Counterpart in his mindscape and an epic battle begins to brew! Will Goku conquer his God Ki or will it actually consume him? What is Cumber planning to do? Find Out Next Time on Dragon Ball Super: The Legacy of Son Goku!
AN: I am sorry for the late update, guys. I was suffering intense writer's block. So I wasn't sure how to set up this next plot but I assure you, I will still see this story to the end! As for why Goku has this… "God counterpart", I always feel it's absurd for mortals to control the energy of the Gods without drawbacks and before you ask on why Vegeta doesn't have this problem, it's because Goku managed to tap into Ultra Instinct and his God Ki evolves in a much quicker rate than Vegeta's own. Vegeta might go down this road and face "himself" but for now, I want Goku to face this trial while fighting with his "natural abilities". See you guys next time!