Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball or Dragonball Z
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Goku stood on the raised dais at the beginning of the hyperbolic-time-chamber. Vast, empty space stretched out before him. Beside him, Gohan stood in awe.
"I never would have thought of this as a void, but that's all it is; a well-lit void," Gohan said, his voice hushed as though to preserve the silence.
Goku nodded and replied, "Yeah, and the further out you go the tougher it gets. This is it, Gohan. This is why we couldn't help the others. If we're to have any chance at winning, then it relies on this day. If Vegeta, Piccolo, and all the others fail out there today, we're all that's left. Understand?"
Gohan nodded and shifted his armor around to be more comfortable. A gift from his mother in hopes of better training. It didn't fit like his old armor did. The ribs were a bit too stiff, and the belly felt too-thin. Overall, Emperor Cooler would have shoved new recruits in it at best, and destroyed it and its creator at worst. Still, it felt like home.
"We should get started," Gohan said.
Goku nodded and clapped a hand on his son's shoulder as he said, "You know, I was surprised to get these nifty suits. I feel a bit cramped in them, but you look right at home."
Goku grinned and Gohan sighed. The father's grin faltered. Had he said something wrong?
"Nowhere seems like home anymore," Gohan expressed before shrugging off the hand and taking his first step out.
Goku reached out after him, intending to warn him about the gravity increase, but stopped when he saw Gohan walk out without even stumbling. Goku resigned himself once more and followed.
The following days proved as brutal as that first fight with Gohan had been over three years ago. Even though the young boy was just discovering the power of a Super Saiyan, he dealt out almost as much as he received. Most nights saw both of them just make it to the beds before falling asleep.
Time passed and the giant hourglasses became noticeably different as the sand poured from the top to bottom. These were what Goku found himself staring at as he ate on the morning of their last day. He would like to say that the last year has been a bonding experience for the two. A time that made up for the time missed.
Truth be told, the conversations had been limited and the spars had resembled brawls and grudge matches more than training exercises. Gohan sat across from him, his hair hacked off, much like it had been when they were first reunited.
"Today's a big day," he said, at last. He forced a grin.
Gohan pushed his empty plate away and said, "Its been...fun, so far."
Goku perked up and asked, "Really? I felt like we sort of skipped some steps for what you'd call fun; like proper meals."
Gohan laughed, a rare sound to Goku, but it was interrupted by a sudden coughing fit. Goku reached across the table and smacked him on his back and said, "Woah, breathe. Did you get choked on your spit? I hate when that happens,"
Gohan nodded, wiping his mouth, and said, "Yeah, sorry. Emperor Cooler insisted that we be better than Frieza's men at everything, though, but it seems cooking fell through the cracks."
"Maybe we should've had Paunchy train us some the last few years, eh?" Goku chuckled. Gohan smiled and nodded.
"I think it's time we head out, though, Gohan," Goku said, deciding to approach the subject.
"Yeah, we're wasting the day at this rate. Spar in base or super today?" Gohan asked when he stood.
Goku shook his head and explained, "I mean head back out to the world. We've done what we needed to. You've almost mastered the Super Saiyan state. No amount of fighting will finish that. It's all in our heads now. We're just giving Cell more time at this point to destroy everything searching for us."
Goku waited, expecting-well, he didn't know what to expect. He never knew Gohan anymore. Would it be the soldier, the leader, or the child? The latter one made a rare appearance. The former two seemed to be the most prevalent.
"I agree, the others may need the back-up," Gohan agreed. With a final bath, the two dressed down in fresh clothes and headed out the door.
Outside, on the Lookout, the sun was shining and the others stood waiting. Still in Super Saiyan, they made their return to exclamations of surprise by Vegeta and Trunks. Piccolo stood to the wayside, watching the two as always.
"Goku," the Namekian interrupted their return. The father-son duo turned to face him, and Piccolo continued, "Cell got the androids, he's-it's unbelievable, Goku. Even now, I don't think-"
"Hey, relax, Piccolo. I'll go check it out and size him up myself. Who knows, maybe he wants to be friends with me too," Goku joked, he looked at both Piccolo and Vegeta. Before any more could be said, he took flight. A golden streak that ripped the sky in two was the only way to track him for the others; except for Gohan who kept his eyes trained on his father's retreating form.
"Of all the careless moves!" Vegeta snapped.
"Are we really ones' to judge that, father?" Trunks commented. Gohan quirked an eyebrow.
"Shut it, boy!" Vegeta snapped.
They waited in silence, minutes ticking by. It wasn't long until Goku's power came tearing back towards them. He landed with a soft tap and a big smile when he said, "Whoa, he is impressive. We've really got it cut out for us this time, don't we?"
"Goku-" Trunks was cut off by Goku continuing, "I bought us some time, though. We're having a tournament in ten days. Cell said there would be an announcement for it with the location and all. So, I guess we'll see everybody in ten days. Gohan, you ready?"
"Go-" Piccolo was cut by Vegeta. The prince exclaimed, "Now, just a damn minute, Kaka-"
"Listen, guys, there's really nothing more to it. We're fighting in ten days, one way or another, this will be over. Until then, train and get ready. Gohan?" Goku asked again while brushing everyone aside. Gohan nodded and the two left.
They were halfway home before Gohan asked, "What are we going to do?"
"We're going to relax. You should get out some, explore, meet some new faces, take a nap. I'm going to visit with some old friends and spend time with you and your mother, oh, and I'm going fishing," Goku smiled while he answered.
Gohan didn't ask any further questions. While they approached the large dome building that was Capsule Corps. His mother's ki could be felt inside along with his grandparents and the numerous animals and employees. Two new ki's were present as well. Neither seemed like a threat, but they were higher than what a normal human should boast.
"Someone you know?" Gohan asked, looking towards his father. They were approaching the side entrance that only the family used.
"I don't know. The signatures feel familiar, but I don't know from where. They don't feel human, though," Goku replied with a shrug.
They entered to find Bulma sitting on a couch across from two teens, not much older than Gohan. Each bore feline characteristics, one boy and one girl.
"Oh, and here they are. Goku, you remember Tor, and Uni, right?" Bulma asked. She stood and put a hand on her husband's arm. Both Gohan and Goku noticed the tension in Bulma's arm.
Goku nodded and answered, "Namek, right? You were with Frieza."
"We were slaves, but yes," Tor confirmed. Uni continued for him, "We left with the Nameks before you returned when they promised us a ship. We hoped to find our way home, but Frieza, he…"
"Destroyed your home as you knew it and replaced it with one built of his own vision?" Gohan interjected.
The two teenagers took stock of him for the first time, and both visibly tightened. Their own tails curled tightly in the air. Uni spoke, "You're the one everyone is searching for? Cooler's attack dog, the Super Saiyan."
Gohan raised his eyebrows and asked, "So, word hasn't spread yet that I deserted Cooler and my post as vicar?"
"No one believes it, Cooler hasn't made an appearance in years," Tor said, "but that's good to hear."
"So, Gohan's past...reputation aside, what are you two doing here? Why not go back to Namek?" Goku asked, interrupting the conversation. Bulma's fists were already clenching at the mention of Gohan's past.
"The only planets we knew we'd be safe on were there or here, and Namek isn't much of a home for anyone non-Namekian," Uni explained.
Bulma stood and smoothed her clothes. She spoke in a tone of finality, "I told them we have plenty of room if they still want to stay given the current conditions."
"We have faith in you all, and we'd be happy to help, of course. We made quite a team on Namek," Tor said, holding his slender fist up.
Goku shrugged it off and said, "That won't be necessary, we'll be fine. Right now, though, I'm ready for some good food and a long nap!"
"What about Cell?" came Bulma's puzzled response.
Gohan sighed, "I'll explain."
It was day three of the ten-day wait and Goku had just left his family to enjoy their day. Bulma had pulled the two arrivals aside, something about new dragon balls and a ship; he made himself scarce for that one. Gohan had disappeared in the wee hours to do his own thing. Two straight days in a growing household was his limit, it seemed.
The rest of his family being preoccupied was a blessing if he was honest. He had an errand to run, and it wouldn't work if he had passengers on this one. He kept his power low and traveled the old fashion way; on Nimbus.
The golden cloud ferried him through the air across farmland towards the approaching Orange Star City. To Goku, his last attempt to speak with Mark, or Hercule as he was now, was well over a year ago, but he knew that it was only a matter of days in reality. Still, he had a different goal in mind this time.
He thanked the cloud and hoped down in Hercule Satan's front yard. The large golden statue still stood there, as unsightly as before. The routine went the same. The large double doors opened while he approached and the large figure of Hercule stepped out to greet him with a scowl.
"Goku, I think we've had this conversation. I can't be caught up in your messes," He declared.
Goku held up his hands and said, "I know, Mark, I mean, Hercule. I know that, but if you could just answer a question."
The Champ groaned and his shoulders sagged. He nodded, an exaggerated gesture thanks to the large afro, and said, "What is it, Goku?"
"Will you be competing in the Cell Games?" Goku asked. Hercule looked up with a clamped jaw and almost yelled, "What kind of dumbass question is that!"
Goku didn't get a word out before a new figure slipped through the door. A young girl with long black hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. She asked, "Daddy, is everything okay?"
Goku stared at the young girl while her ki screamed its familiarity. He waved a hand to wave and said, "Good morning, Videl, sorry to bother y'all like this. I just wanted to have a quick word with your dad."
Videl gave a half-hearted wave back, squinting at him with familiar blue eyes. She looked to her father for confirmation and received a nod. At last, she said, "Good morning to you too, sir. Please hurry, dad and I still have to eat breakfast. Then we're heading into town to help with the emergency operations."
"Oh! I'll be sure to make it quick then. We can't be missing breakfast!" Goku joked before Videl turned and retreated back inside.
Several tense moments passed before Goku said, "She's really grown up. Very polite. Lilly would be proud."
"Goku-" Hercule started to interrupt.
"You should be too, Hercule. You've done amazing. I mean, look at all this!" Goku gestured all around them.
Hercule gave up and sat on his front steps, his head hanging low, and asked, "Why'd you really come here? You know I can't compete. If I do I'm dead, if I don't I'm a coward. I want to help, Goku, but there's nothing I can do."
"But there is!" Goku jumped to say. Hercule looked up, his expression ached for an answer, any answer.
Goku explained animatedly, "Listen to me, Herc. Cell is tough; tougher than me even. I can't beat him, but someone else can."
"Who?" Hercule asked after a long pause.
"Gohan. Little Gohan. He's so much more powerful than I am now without even realizing it. I'll give it my all, but in the end, I know how it will go. Gohan will be the one to finish this fight for us," Goku said.
Hercule flopped his hands out, and stammered, "That still doesn't tell me anything. What could I possibly do?"
"Be there. I've already worked it out with Cell. He'll let you out of the ring with a ring out. When all of this is over, and the dust settles, step up and take the burden from Gohan. We both know how this goes," Goku paused to take a steadying breath, "It will be broadcasted all over the world, just like the world tournaments, the Saiyan invasions, Piccolo's attacks, and all the stuff from the last few days. They'll want to know who stepped up to save us, and the answer can not be Gohan."
"But there's no way anyone would believe that I did it!" Hercule argued.
"Then make them!" Goku yelled. His sudden outburst quelled any argument and he continued, "No one in my little group could pull it off. We're great fighters but that's it. They either wouldn't make it believable or would be unable to do it. Its like you said, Gohan is barely hanging in there being back home. He can't have all of that dropped on him."
"Well, it isn't fair to drop it on me, either!" Hercule roared, his own temper rising.
"Dammit, Mark, I know that! I've thought about this for days! I've got to watch out for my son, and maybe you can make something of this. Please," Goku was almost begging when finished speaking.
Hercule refused to look him in the eye but said, "I'll think about it, but that's it. Either I'll be there or I won't, but if you show up at my door like this again then it is a no from me, ya hear? And, so help you Kami if you even beg anything from me again, Son Goku!"