I do not own DB, DBZ, DBGT or DBS all rights to the companies that own them and Akira Toriyama.
Year 767, May 14th
Trunk's P.O.V
Flying with this young girl was weird for Trunks, when he looked at her it was like staring at a sister of his Master Gohan besides some similarities in looks they were completely different. Though when he closed his eyes and sensed her Ki it was an exact replica of his Master. It was really giving Trunks a headache, how did the timeline change so much that Gohan was born a different gender? They may get some answers if the photo his mother sent them was anything to go by.
"So, you know me in the future right?" Gohan asked Trunks while flying.
"Yeah, in fact you were my teacher. Though in my timeline you were born a boy."
"Wow that's crazy, I wonder how the timelines changed to much. What was I like as a guy?"
"You were the coolest, always first to battle, strong, smart. You saved my life so many times, I never got to thank you for that."
"I'm guessing I end up dying too right?" I feels weird talking about these subjects, but both were curious about the other.
"Yeah, about 10 months ago my time, you could easily take on one android alone, but they tended to double team you a lot and one time they won. I was the one who found you after you stopped me from joining you after training one day, it was how I managed to finally go Super Saiyan. We had been working on the time machine a lot before then but after you dies we tried to speed up the process."
"With no dragon balls in your time there's no way to wish anyone back. Have you thought about looking for new Namek?"
"Mum did bring that up, but the resources are so low we wouldn't of had enough fuel to try and search for it, the time machine took so many lives to get it to work. I mean we were barely able to build one time machine, where this one came from I have no idea, I think you breached the idea with mum one day and both started working on it. And considering I've proven that multi-verse theory is now real, I'm starting to get a little worried."
They flew in silence for a while longer till they came upon the site hidden among the trees and hills. They could clearly see it was a decade old at least, nature had tried to take it back covering it in moss and rust. Bulma arrives so Gohan went to guide her to them. Waiting for them to return trunks befriends some squirrels just happy at so much nature being around, while staring at the machine it's definitely a version of his one. Once they land Trunks de-capsulizes his time machine in a last hope to prove they aren't the same. But with his mothers writing of hope! On both reality sets in. Trunks noticed a hold in the window and both he and Gohan rise up to examine it.
"Looks like what ever was in here blasted from the inside out, why would they do that?" Gohan mused.
"No Idea, here," Trunks pushes a button and the machines lid opens, "I'm going to check the controls, there's a shell-like thing in here as well, can you check the back-fuel tank see if there is any fuel left Gohan?"
As Trunks pulls up the dates it was taken from he learns that whoever it was came from the year 786, three years after Trunks came to the past. "It appears the person whom used the machine didn't know what they were doing when setting the controls and just jumped back 30 years to the year 756."
"Oh that was the year Goku one the World Martial Arts Tournament." Bulma injected.
"That explains how crazy this timeline is from yours, I mean he changed so much coming to the past that Gohan was born a different gender." The two theorized as Gohan continued to clean the back to look at the fuel tank.
"Hey Trunks! It appears to be about half, not sure how far that gets you but.." and before she could continue Gohan noticed something in the distance. Trunks realising, she had stopped her sentence half way walks around the back to see Gohan looking into the bushes.
"What you find?" He asks.
"Not sure, but I notice something." Together they find a giant insect like monster.
"Looks like what ever it was crawled off after it shed its skin." Gohan mused.
"I bet whatever it is, is what came in my time machine" Trunks adds, having a feel around inside the shell he feels it's still wet inside. "Ergh! What ever it is, it didn't malt that long ago. It's probably still around."
With that Bulma left seeming really creeped out and Gohan and Trunks return to Kame house.
Gohan P.O.V.
They returned to Kame house, Piccolo was still off at Kami's lookout, her father was no longer screaming but still unconscious, while they were waiting for what to come next Gohan decided to spend some time with her dad.
By the time Gohan got up the stairs she couldn't understand what she was feeling, running down the stairs to check everyone was still in the house, they were all looking out the windows, Gohan could sense, Goku and Piccolo and Vegeta and Tien and Krillin and herself mixed together off in the distance, along with a stronger Piccolo fighting. Trunks and Krillin rushed off and as Gohan goes to follow is stopped by her mother. She doesn't yell for her to stay but the look of fear in her eyes made Gohan falter and not follow the others, for now.
After what seemed like forever, everyone but Trunks returned the latter having followed after his father to try and train after him and Krillin went about destroying Dr Gero's lab, and basement. Apparently there was a new contender in the mix, stronger than the androids, that likes to drink people and is from the future, it wants to absorb Android 17 and 18 so that he can become 'perfect'. A couple days pass, the monster known as cell continues to drink whole towns at a time, the gang keep trying to corner him before he absorbs too many people but as they need to fly by car with their Ki suppressed in hopes of catching Cell off guard they miss him every time, after multiple attempts Cell continues to escape before they manage to catch him.
On their way back to Kame house after another unsuccessful trip, Goku pops out of no-where using instant transmission fully healed. Krillin starts explaining what he missed but Goku cuts him off stating he already knows what has been happening and needs to take Gohan so he can train with her in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to try and surpass the limits of Super Saiyan. Before any more is said Goku places his hand on Gohans head and together they IT it to where Vegeta and trunks are, telling them both of a place where they can get a years worth of training in a day. Needless to say the 4 of them IT it to the lookout ready to start their training. Vegeta insist that he and Trunks will go in first, Goku doesn't argue and Gohan is to spend the next 24 hours waiting.
"Hey daddy, are you sure your all better?" Figuring they have plenty of time as they will be spending a year just the 2 of them soon enough.
"Yeah princess, I feel almost at 100%, and we have the time in the chamber to make sure we are both ready." Not much more is said as they wait around for their turn in the chamber.
The next 16 hours are spent resting or meditating in Gohan's case. Until they sense Piccolos Ki increase as if battling. Considering they can't sense the other opponent Gohan deduces that he must be fighting one of the Androids. It doesn't take long for their fight to be noticed by Cell as well and Gohan can only sense the fight by keeping track of the Ki's flying around. During his fighting Gohan could barely keep her rage suppressed and was resisting the urge to fly down and jump into the battle especially when she notices that Piccolo's Ki is falling quickly. In her rage she shoots off, her father was quicker and punched her so hard she fell to the ground cracking it.
"You Can't leave yet. It would ruin what we are trying to do." Goku says, she knew it would be a mistake to leave the lookout as it is almost time for them to enter the Chamber. She just couldn't sit here and not do anything trying to get up again after being stunned by her father, this time Goku grabbed her before she took off.
"Let me GO! I have to help him! Piccolo! Dad let me go now!"
"No Gohan, the second you leave the lookout the door will open. The best we can do for Piccolo is wait to use the chamber to get strong enough to beat him, if you leave now all you'll do is add your life to the mix as well. It's better to avenge him! Now calm down!"
Eventually she did, though she was still pissed, her father hadn't held back in his punch and could feel her cheek swelling a bit. That emotion quickly turned to worry as Cells power skyrockets and levels out, Gohan guesses that he got one of the androids. Then she feels Tien enters the fray, that battle doesn't last long and though she can tell he isn't damaging Cell by much Tien is halting him, though his energy is fading quickly with each spike, that she guesses is an energy blast. "Dad! You can't let this go on they're both going to die, you have to get them!"
"Right" Goku responds ITing to them and back in minutes, then ITing it to Korin to get some sensu beans, both Piccolo and Tien are revived leaving only 2 beans.
Not long after, the door to the HbTC opens and out steps a much older looking Trunks with shoulder length hair and a battered outfit, followed by Vegeta looking smug as always.
"Wow Trunks look at you, how'd the training go?" Goku asks excited at their changes.
Before Trunks can respond Vegeta answers for him, "Do not talk about our training boy, they will see soon enough." As Vegeta heads to leave and attack Cell straight on, Bulma arrives on the lookout giving them all Saiyan battle suits she made modeled off Vegeta's original suit he came in. The men seemed really excited by the prospect, even Vegeta and started changing right their in the open, Gohan fairly used to the fact of her fathers' nil modesty but not the rest of them started to blush when she noticed Trunks and Vegeta stripping and turned away, not before noticing all the scars littering Vegeta's body from a life of hardships, she noticed that these were good looking men in front of her, they looked the same as her father yet watching Vegeta made her feel so different, not embarrassed but she felt the need to blush.
Bulma noticed this and came up to her, "Hey Gohan, I made a special outfit for you, it's a bit stretchier so it will grow with you, I even made a special bra to go with it out of the same durable materials. I'm sure Mr. Popo has a place for you to change."
"Thanks Bulma, but I don't need a bra yet, do I? I'm only 9."
"Not yet but a year training with no access to the outside world I imagine your clothes will be tattered, I made a few different ones take them all, a woman must be prepared and you're almost a woman now, your mother developed early in life too."
"Thanks Bulma."
Gohan proceeded to follow Mr. Popo to a somewhat bathroom in the lookout, as she was leaving Goku called out "Where you going Gohan?"
"To change!" she yelled back being much farther away by then not bothering to stop and turn around, for Goku to respond back instead asking Bulma why she left to change.
Everyone gave Goku a look of 'are you serious', including Vegeta. Before Bulma just huffed and told him he'd get it sooner or later.
By the time Gohan came back fully dressed in the navy blue body suit and chest plate matching her fathers', Vegetas' and Trunks', except hers has a small curve over the breast that she didn't yet fill out fully but after putting on the more fitting battle suit she did notice small lumps already forming and was happy Bulma thought ahead as she never really thought about her body developing before, Gohan emerged to her father having a large meal while the rest just stared at him. You'd think after all these years they would be used to it. Vegeta and Trunks had already taken off with Vegeta eager to prove he is better than Goku by defeating Cell.
Eventually her father stopped eating and they were able to enter the HbTC. Once she entered the feel of the room was unlike anything she had ever felt. She registered that the gravity was different she felt heavier.
Walking up beside her gauging her reaction. "It's a lot to take in, but we will have time to get used to it, I don't want you wandering too far from the room while out here on your own. Trust me it's not safe. Now first is getting you Super Saiyan."
"Are you sure I'll be able to do it daddy?" Gohan asked timidly, suddenly feeling nervous about the prospect of a year of training way more intense than anything she had felt to date.
Goku and Gohan were training hard. Well as hard as they were leading up to the androids without Piccolo there, it felt like her father was going easy on her. He was encouraging when trying to get her to power up and in the 2 months so far she had made headway she just couldn't get past the barrier. It wasn't going to stop her she would get it one way or another. It wasn't till her father said they should rest when they hadn't really accomplished anything that Gohan knew he was going easy on her. Gohan had had enough. "No dad we aren't giving up yet! Stop going easy on me. Fight me properly! I will never get strong enough if you don't."
Goku was shocked his daughter thought that way but relented and powered up to Super Saiyan barely holding back any energy by this stage Goku was amazed that his little girl was able to hold her own and started pushing him further and she wasn't even at Super Saiyan yet. From that day he started to truly realised the depth of her power.
Eventually she managed to make Super Saiyan and once she did it got a lot harder for her father to make it look like he was ahead of her in power and each day she was able to hold the Super Saiyan form for longer and longer so their spars went for hours on end. The only thing keeping her behind was his years of skill and apparently her hair, as it now fell to her knees and was wildly all over the place. As much as he liked her long hair it was no time to think about looks. After one vigorous training day he offered to cut it for her. Gohan had never been into her looks but was still a little attached to her hair. Taking the leap, she let her father cut it using a small Ki blade. He didn't want to cut it too short either as he actually liked his daughters hair long but this was for practicality not fashion, so stopping at the nape of her neck, made it look like a shaggy Bob cut with Saiyan style spikes in the front and relatively smooth in the back now that it was all one length. (think the original look but the back is a bit longer)
Goku P.O.V.
The weeks went on their training got more and more intense. Goku was starting to really struggle to keep up. He was thinking maybe he wasn't as 100% as he thought after being so sick, nor did he feel he was getting better either, but he would make it through. It was after a particularly hard training day where he had managed to beat Gohan easily (which he had struggled to do for weeks now) that he noticed she had a fever. How long she had been fighting it he didn't know but the fact she was still pushing on amazed him. They were fighting in Super Saiyan right before she collapsed, when he said they would rest he witnessed something. It was the first time he had seen a true ascension, she had eclipsed him, the power he felt went beyond just a simple power up, it jumped to a limit he could only hope to get, if even for a moment, in some fever induced rage. Carrying her back to the bed he thought about how to advance their training, focusing more on advancing Gohan at this stage, she was the best candidate to protect the future, his time in the chamber and his time with the virus made him realise his mortality and limits he had never felt before.
When he laid her down and got a cloth to wipe over her sweaty body he realised he had lost his little girl. She had grown up before she really got a chance to be a kid, physically and mentally. He debated with himself if he should tell her his plan. That he wants to put all his faith in her to do what he knows he can't. His body has found its limit after his sickness. But if he did she would put so much pressure on herself to be better, that it would probably do the opposite. But if he didn't tell her would they be able to break the marker holding her back.
First things first. He would care for her while she needed it. He feared he wouldn't get another chance in his life. Then they would work on making being Super Saiyan as easy as breathing. Somehow.
While they were lessening their sparring while getting used to staying Super Saiyan Gohan asked to be taught Instant Transmission, it had taken Goku almost a year to get it right, but he didn't see the harm in teaching her the basics of it, they still needed to do some training while in this form, within a month she was able to IT to him no matter how far he ventured away from the room into the void. She really did absorb everything like a sponge and amazed him every time.
Gohan's P.O.V.
The weeks turned into Months the time with her father was amazing, just the 2 of them. She still thought he was going easy on her but they both were getting stronger and they could hold Super Saiyan without any trouble it hadbeen 2 months already, and she had to admit with the hair cut her father gave her Super Saiyan looked pretty cool. She would be happy living with it like that, till it grew a bit at least, but maybe she will try and keep it rather short like this.
The time came for them to leave was approaching. The night before they were due to leave Goku had them sit down to dinner or what they could do with the food given to try and make a traditional dinner, neither knew how to cokk even a fraction as good as Chi-Chi and the conversation was surprisingly light, very little spoken about training and the time ahead of them. Goku spent the time wanting to find out things about Gohan that he didn't know. For the past 6 years she had only known battles and training and studying books and he wasn't even there for a large chunk of that. They talked about her favourite colours and animals she liked best. Things Gohan had never put much thought into before but was pleasantly enjoying this time asking what seemed like mediocre questions back and forth. They had never had the chance. Goku always thought Gohan was smarter than him. She had absorbed and applied the acknowledge of books he saw as gibberish since the time she could walk and talk. But in that moment he realised she was still fundamentally a little kid. Gohan knew she was younger than he was when he went out to discover the world. He might of been alone most of his life, but he always made friends that could relate to him in some way. Gohan never had that.
When she let out a giant yawn Goku went into father mode which had been showing a bit more this past year, than before, with just the 2 of them and told her to go for a hot bath and bed. Gohan was so tired after their 20 hours of sparring she didn't argue. Once they woke up they would have 8 more hours left in the chamber. Gohan seemed eager to use it up. They had gotten used to sparing in Super Saiyan form without wanting to fall out, but Goku decided that once they were rested they would leave, he believed there was no more he could achieve in 8 hours.
Emerging from the chamber had the inhabitants staring at them in shock. Their clothing were in tatters, Goku besides being Super Saiyan looked no different but Gohan did, her hair being shorter also in Super Saiyan she was a few inches taller at 5ft her body had developed a bit as well considering she was only a year older, her body looked like she could of been closer to 13.
Piccolo was the first to speak up. "G-Gohan, look at you, I barely recognised you."
"Thanks Piccolo"
"A lots happened since you were in the chamber Goku," Trunks proceeded to tell them about the Cell Games, Cell had called in 9 days' time. Vegeta had decided to take most of the time in the HbTC to train and giving a few days here and there to Trunks and Gohan and Goku, Goku declined the chance to go back in and Mr Popo informed Vegeta that a person only gets 48 hours in a life time to use it meaning they could only have one more day each.
Goku then asks Mr Popo if he could have a proper meal. Both Gohan and Goku stuff their faces so happy to have a proper cooked meal, this time with the rest of the group watching, Trunks tried asking questions about why and how they were able to withstand super Saiyan so easily as if it wasn't on at all and if this made them strong enough to beat Cell but with their mouths full they merely looked on and continued eating. After what seemed like ages but was really 5 minutes they had finished. Goku changed back into his usual uniform once they were done and still hadn't answered any of the questions instead focusing on getting dressed.
Gohan having full faith in her father but needing new clothing as well walked up to Piccolo. "Excuse me Piccolo?"
"Yeah kid?"
"Um… do you think you could... if it's not too much trouble… make me a Gi like yours? You were my first teacher." Gohan asks shyly.
Piccolo too stoic to show how touched he was at the request, yet had a slight blush showing on his green cheeks, grunts a reply and placing his hand above her head gave a big yell materializing a Gi replica of his own directly on her body. Gohan felt so happy about that hopefully it would fit for a while, but she had something now to wear if she ended up having to fight in a few days at the Games.
Year 767, May 18th
Once home things were strange between her parents, when her father said they wouldn't be training in the lead up to the games she thought that just meant not going into the chamber again but he was adamant about the whole relaxing thing and for once in the past 3 years her parents had been back together her mother seemed to be getting frustrated at the fact her father was inside and always around, Gohan guessed her mother had just gotten used to her father only showing up for meal times and she was able to do what she needed or wanted without an audience.
Today however seemed to be the day she snapped, after both Goku and Gohan were unable to control their power enough and had broken several plates and glasses over breakfast along with the breakfast table, her mother demanded her father leave for the day, however she asked Gohan to do some study, in a much nicer tone than she had spoken to her father. When her father agreed with her mothers statement on studying today so easily, Gohan and Chi-Chi were shocked, Chi-Chi immediately thought the worse like he had a flu or something but Goku just laughed it off and left as per Chi-Chi's request. Krillin soon followed as he had been staying with them for the past day. Gohan was just left in shock at her parents and the way they were acting. It just didn't seem like them.
As Gohan hadn't technically studied for over a year now she was a little rusty but soon got into the swing of things and a few hours went by in the blink of an eye. When her mother came up to give her a snack and a break, she sat down on Gohan's bed silently watching her for so long Gohan thought something must be wrong.
Eventually Chi-Chi spoke, "You've studied so hard today hun, I think you should go see what your father is up to, just be home for dinner, it's your birthday and your grandfather will be coming over as well okay." Smiling sweetly Chi-Chi left a stunned Gohan. Her mother had been a lot more lenient then usual over the years but never had she encouraged Gohan into dropping studies to go have fun. Not wanting to wreck this great atmosphere that the family had going, that Gohan hadn't felt since she was 3, ran down the stairs after giving her mum a huge hug and thanks before flitting out the door and locking onto her father's Ki. She found him resting by the river not far from home with Krillin fishing, as she walked up it looked like her dad was napping with Krillin looking bored. It was then Gohan suggest they go for a walk maybe pick some food for a light snack before having to head home.
The rest of her birthday was great, her mother made a gigantic cake and decorated it like a painting, Gohan tried very carefully to just blow out the candles but even her smallest breath blew the cake all over her family. It wasn't till her mother started laughing not expecting anything different did the night end with everyone feeling good.
The rest of the days leading up to the Games were much the same. 3 days before the Games Goku over heard the radio at home talking about how Cell had destroyed the entire Royal military the only nation that didn't send troops was her grandfathers, no one seemed to mind in the media about that as most people thought the nation was so small the Ox-King himself was the whole nations Military. The truth was her grandfather wasn't stupid enough to think his military could stand up to them if the Z-fighters Earths almost super natural warriors couldn't.
It was then that Goku just up and left, Gohan felt him re-emerge at Kami's lookout, she thought about following but decided against it, she had just spent a year straight with only her dad, she would spend some time with her mum, how, she wasn't sure, she thought about asking to be taught some of the recipes her mum cooks and helping out with dinner. This idea made her mother so happy she was talking/explaining things so quickly Gohan barely kept up but managed to cook 2 of the dishes all by herself. During that time Gohan kept track of her father Ki, she felt her father Ki disappear for a brief moment and then reappear along with a Ki signature that was dwarfed compared to her father's but one she recognised. When her father re-appeared right behind her and her mother he offered to take her to the lookout 'cause there was someone she would like to see there.
But Gohan was proud of her accomplishments and wanted them to be eaten together first and the fact dinner was ready had the small family sit down to eat dinner before Goku IT'd Gohan to the lookout where she saw someone she never thought she would see again, Dende was standing there, looking much the same as he did, while he stared at Gohan not believing it was really her as she had grown so much and was blonde but after a short pause the friends embraced. Dende was going to be the new guardian and re-awaken the Dragon Balls for the Earth. He was just waiting for Gohan and Goku to arrive. Gohan spent the rest of the days up at the lookout hanging out with Dende while Goku went and collected the Dragon Balls and spent the last night before the games at home alone with his wife.
Year 767, May 26th
The day finally arrived, the group didn't know what to make of it, Vegeta had already taken off but Trunks, Piccolo, Krillin and Gohan were waiting for Goku to arrive so they could all go together.
Cell was his usual egotistical self during the whole introductions, as well as some randoms that said they won the same Tenkaichi Budokai tournament that her dad did, only 19 days prior, but were weaker than her mum and had no use of Ki. As well as the giant Android known as 16 that Krillin seemed to be friends with and Bulma had fixed up. It surprised Gohan when her father let the randoms whom were only show fighters first and no one was surprised when they were swatted out of the ring with zero effort. Goku than decided to fight next, even though he had been saying he doesn't have the power Gohan was adamant that he didn't want to risk any of their lives unnecessarily and try to end the battle early.
Their fight was epic, all the z-fighter were struggling to keep up, Gohan however was wondering when they would get serious, a notion she said aloud to the shock of the group. Cell and Goku both got in plenty of shots both were looking battered and exhausted though Gohan could tell Cell had a lot more energy left, he wasn't hiding the fact, her father however she believed he had a lot more energy and wasn't fighting at his full, though the heavy breathing he was exerting was making her question it.
In 2 simple words from her father mouth Gohan's world would turn upside down.
"I'm done."
"What! The fight isn't over yet! If you don't continue there are no more fighters, I'll just blow up with entire world is that what you want!?"
"I can't fight any more Cell but there is another fighter far stronger than me." Que a dramatic pause. "It's your turn Gohan!"
"Gohan!?" Everyone including Cell yelled at once. While Gohan stood there beyond shocked.
Goku flew up to the cliff the fighters were waiting on and stopped in front of his little girl. "Was there any point during my fight that you found it hard to follow Gohan?"
Gohan stuttered out her confusion at her father words. "What? No… But that's because you both weren't fighting at your full."
"Well I don't know about Cell, but I was giving it my all, you didn't have trouble because you were comparing us to your power, correct?"
"Well, yeah, I guess, but that doesn't mean I'm strong enough to fight him." Gohan was trying not to freak out, the look in her fathers eyes was of complete unfailing faith in her, a 10-year-old girl, why wouldn't someone be freaking out.
Piccolo was beyond shocked to hear that revelation as he had had trouble keeping up. "Gohan! Is this true?" Gohan barely nodded in affirmative before her father went on.
"Trust me you have more power than you know. Believe in yourself like I believe in you."
"Kakarot you can't be serious! She's a little kid! She can't really have more power than all of us!" Vegeta knew she had an untapped potential but to say she was already far above himself was something he couldn't believe.
"You got this Gohan, I need you to win. To protect the planet and everyone living on it."
There really wasn't another choice so Gohan relented. She took off the cape from Piccolo and floated down in front of Cell who was thinking the whole thing was a joke and got into stance.
"Very well, this is actually happening, fine, I'll indulge you all. Be prepared brat."
Gohan said nothing and just waited for Cell to attack. While she was waiting she was trying to strategize when her father throws Cell a sensu bean. Cell proceeds to power up, once he was done Gohan also powers up as much as she can.
Gohan manages to dodge and swerve most of Cells attacks but she can tell he is playing with her, this goes on for a while till she slips up, and Cell ends up pummeling her into a cliff with the whole thing falling in on her, 'I don't know if I can do this, why has dad put so much faith in me? Is he hoping I'll snap and go uncontrollable like many have said I've done before, but I never had control of that, I can't just tap into it. Crap, they finally noticed I'm in here okay. Maybe I can talk Cell out of it… Worth a shot.'
She blasted the rock away from her and walked towards the monster. "We don't have to do this; this fight is meaningless."
"Ha, you think I'm just going to stop because you asked? Don't make me laugh. Let me give you a choice either fight me to your death or I will blow up this entire world and every living thing on it."
"I don't want to fight anymore, I have no desire to kill you, we don't have to continue, I…"
"Yes, yes you keep telling me that. Now correct me if I'm wrong but, did you just threaten to kill me?" Cell smirked. "Oh, that's precious. How do you plan to do that, you can barely land a hit as it is." Cell taunted.
"If you push me and I snap, there's no telling how powerful I'll become. And dad knows that, I think he's counting on it."
"Well, you've definitely got me interested. The game just got a bit more exciting." Cell said with a laugh in his voice.
Gohan had tried to reason with the monster in front of her but he wouldn't listen. Cell began to beat on Gohan once more. Not holding back anymore. Trying to break her and see this mystical power that she was talking about. Holding her in a full body hold, he slowly started crushing her bones. She had never felt such pain all at once. She registered yelling on the cliff but the pain and her screams being torn from her lungs, she couldn't hear what was said. Suddenly Cell dropped her and was up the cliff face and back by the time Gohan got her barring's with the Sensu bean bag in hand.
"If I can't break you, I'll break your loved ones and you can watch." Cell declared. Before she could utter a word the newly repaired Android 16 snuck an attack and grabbed Cell from behind saying he was going to blow him up and end this. He counted to zero, but nothing happened, Krillin then explained that Bulma had taken his bomb out. Cell just laughed and Blew 16 to pieces and proceeded to create 7 Mini versions of himself.
Gohan could only watch in horror as her friends and family were attacked by the mini monsters beaten into the ground her father and Krillin being the worst beaten. Nothing she said would work. 'How?! How can I unlock this power I supposedly have?! I remember it briefly once and it scared me, but I need it now, Come on! It's just sitting there...' "Make them stop!" she yelled. Her power rising slightly. By now only Vegeta and Trunks could hold their own though were failing rapidly. She could feel her power bubbling under the surface but had no idea how to unlock it. When she opened her eyes again #16 head was rolling in front of her.
"Gohan, it isn't a sin to fight for what is right. Set your spirit free to your anger. You have the power within. I know how it feels,"
"Tch, what sentimental rubbish" Cell sneered, walking over to them.
#16 ignored him and continued. "Gohan, protect the nature and the animals that I have come to love. I'm counting on you, use the power to protect all life."
Before her eyes #16 head was smashed to pieces with mechanical debris and blood and oil spattering around her. 'Let go… To protect… I can't hold it anymore.' Gohan world went white, she could feel the tears streaming down her face, her voice was raw and a ripping feeling from within her chest surging through her body.
Goku P.O.V.
Standing in front of Cell was a battered Gohan Her hair standing up practically vertically in spikes. A powerful aura surrounding her with electricity surging around her body, Goku watched from the ground as his little girl gave in to the power, swiftly she destroyed all the cell Jr's with one punch or kick each and when she gave the bag of sensu beans to Trunks to distribute, Goku watched on in awe at his daughter moving faster than ever, she seemed to play with Cell. He knew she had the power and the ability to control it he just hadn't thought about her age and her lack of emotional control. He knew she was young, but she was the only one with the power to stop him, though he truly felt horrible for the life she had lived so far, all brought on by people coming after him.
"Oh no! That blast would wipe out the world! He can't be serious" Trunks yelled. Right before it hit the earth Gohan released a Kamehameha wave with what seemed like less effort yet completely eclipsed Cells wave sending it into space effortlessly. The result was barely any of Cell was left. "This is it Gohan. Finish him!" Goku yelled.
"Not yet, I'm not done. He hasn't paid for his crimes enough yet." Gohan responded loudly but with a chilling calm to her voice.
'Oh no', "this is bad," Goku said to the group and tried again to get Gohan to finish Cell before he regenerated, "I know your angry, but you have to finish it now!"
This time Gohan just ignored him. "Hmph, looks like the halfling is more Saiyan than you are Kakarot," Vegeta mused to the group.
Cell buffed himself up in a desperate way to try to get more power, but it just slowed him down. In 2 punches Gohan had Cell looking like he was going to vomit. That's when a blonde woman was regurgitated from him. Krillin mentioned it was Android 18.
Watching Cell revert back to his semi-perfect form Goku tried once more to reason with Gohan. Luckily she agreed, Cell in a panic activated his inner bomb that Gero had seemed to install in all his androids and bloated himself up like a balloon.
Goku feared he would get desperate but not like this. It was then he decided he would fix things the only way he could. All the threats since Gohan was born have been after him. As long as the threat was gone he would stay away give her the chance to have a normal life like Chi-Chi had begged him to let her have. He only hoped, that time coming, that she would continue to train at least for the fun of it, like him. He truly enjoyed training with her. Looking back at his friends one last time he smile placed 2 fingers on his forehead and waved. Vanishing to the yells for him to return.
Gohan P.O.V.
Gohan was in despair how she of could gotten so cocky from this power within her? She isn't like that. The ugly monster in front of her taunting her for failing.
"I'm so proud of you my Monkey Princess." When she heard her father voice so close her eyes snapped up and she saw her father standing in front of Cell with 2 fingers to his forehead and a hand on Cells stomach. It took her a few moments to register what he was going to do. "You made me so proud. I'm sorry for putting so much on your shoulders."
"Da… Daddy?! What?!... Please, don't do this! I'm sorry I failed you just please don't, we can figure something else out."
"It's too late, you didn't fail me, you could never fail me. Take care of your mother. This past year in the Chamber it was the best year of my life. I love you." With that he was gone. The earth stopped shacking and Cells energy just disappeared.
She could feel and hear Krillin trying to comfort her but couldn't focus on it. How could she be so blind.
As the gang started to gather to leave a powerful breeze came and a powerful aura could be felt. An aura of pure evil. In a blast of light, a beam pierced its way past her head straight into the chest of Trunks. As he lay dying all they could hear was an ominous laughter. The monster has returned. Before Gohan can summon the power to attack Vegeta attacked him first in a fit of rage. Not even making a dent in the newly reformed perfect Cell and being knocked to the ground beaten and unable to move. Gohan refusing to let another person die today Super speeds to block the blast getting there a fraction too late all she can do it deflect the blast with her body resulting in her left arm being rendered useless the muscles were torn to shreds as she took too long to put up a proper shield.
Slowly pushing herself to her feet while Cell is explaining how he managed to survive his kamikaze mission was all she could do as she felt her power slipping from her body. Cell having had enough with the whole thing starts powering up a Ki blast big enough to eradicate all life and the planet. Gohan with all her power could only stare into the eyes of the monster her last stand would be dying while trying to show no fear.
"I'm sorry, Gohan." Vegeta wheezed.
It was then that all fight in her left. The proudest man she had ever met has just shown he has given up, how can she continue to go on.
It's over. This is the end. We will all perish, I'll see you soon dad.
That is rubbish, Gohan! Saiyans never despair!
Dad?! Is that you? How?! I'm so sorry I can't fight anymore; my arm is broken, and my power has dropped so much I.. I don't..
Listen to me Gohan, you've got the blood of the warrior Saiyan race flowing through you, Slam him with a Kamehameha as hard as you can! If you do I'm positive you can beat him! I guarantee it! Don't worry about the details, I believe you can do it. You need to believe it too. Have faith in your Power, right now you are the strongest in the universe.
Gohan couldn't believe what she was hearing, it was her father, he didn't sound angry or disappointed in her. "I understand dad, I'll do my best! I'm so sorry dad. Because I got carried away, I got you killed…"
Gohan don't be sad. Even though I'm dead, I'll still be beside you when ever you think of me.
"But…"
No buts, if that's what you think, then avenge me. Let Cell have it!
Dropping into a classic stance and powering up all the power she had left into her right hand she began to chant "KA…ME…HA…ME…"
"Yes! One final stand! You've finally come around! HAHAHA" Cell yells.
"HA!" Gohan yelled drowning out any more of Cells words. With all her power surging behind her she let go as Cell released his blast.
It didn't take long before Cells blast started over powering Gohan and she was struggling to keep the flow of energy and stay standing. She sort of noticed her friends trying to help by distracting Cell with blast of their own, but cell kept knocking them down.
Her father was yelling in her head encouraging her. Gohan don't hold back! Give it everything you have! Remember all the pain he caused you, the people he's hurt, use your anger and fight back!
It wasn't until Vegeta sent a powerful blast from above that Cell took his eyes off their blast for one second.
Now!
Gohan let loose every last bit of energy she had, her blast over powering Cells and watched him disintegrate through the light, she tried to hold the power as long as she could making sure to get every last cell in his being. Once she was sure he was gone her world turned black and she fell to the ground.
Gohan awoke on the lookout with Dende in front of her. A bit disorientated all she could think now that her body was healed was "thanks dende."
Considering the losses, everyone was just relieved the day had finally come to an end. Summoning the dragon, they wished back everyone killed by Cell, Trunks was revived like a zombie raising from the dead. However, Goku wasn't back, they realised it was because the new Shenron was modelled after the original, he continued on with the 'will only revive someone once'. As they were discussing how they were going to get him back with ideas about wishing themselves to Namek and what not, Goku spoke over them from otherworld. Hey, don't I get a say in this?
"Goku?!" Every shouted surprised.
Hey guys, thanks for thinking of me but I don't think it would work, even though you asked to revive everyone killed by Cell, King Kai is still dead along side me.
"What how is that possible?" Dende who hadn't thought about that as an issue asked. "Shenron can you explain why?"
"My powers are limited to the Living plane only, I cannot resurrect someone killed in a different dimension, such as Otherworld, no dragon can."
Oh, well that explains it, sorry guys guess I won't be coming back this time, it's probably better this way anyway. Don't look so down guys, I'll see you all again eventually.
"But dad, we still need you, I still need you!" Gohan argued.
I know that Princess and I'm sorry I'll be staying away, I'll miss you and your mum a lot. The protection of Earth is in your hands now. You have so much more power than me, I'm positive you'll do a great job.
"I promise I won't let you down dad!"
As the group tried to decide on the second wish Gohan spent her time trying to find her father Ki like he showed her in the HbTC , it was a long way away and faint, but she could still sense it and memorized the feeling. Doing this gave her a thought of a way to thank Trunks for giving them the chance to change their fates. She would have to ask Dende if it would work. And did so while the other were distracted by Krillin and #18 whom was brought back to health by Dende after being spit out by Cell.
Trunks invited them all to come for a farewell tomorrow before he leaves it was then that Gohan asked him in private if she could return with him and her plan of what she wanted to do while there as long as he would be able to set the machine to return her a few hours later for his proper farewell as she didn't want the others knowing about her trip to the future and back. Trunks agreed as he had enough fuel with the remains of the reserve tank from the one they found in the woods.
Early morning the next day before anyone noticed, Gohan and Trunks transported to his time a few day later than he had left, to the year 783. He said hi to his mother who quickly jumped to the conclusion Gohan was a girlfriend he brought back with him, but they both quickly objected to, considering she was only 10-years-old, no matter if she did look a few years older.
They thought they would have more time before the Androids of his time would show themselves again, but they heard over the radio that they were attacking close by. Gohan knew this was Trunk's fight so she stood back and would only interfere if he needed it. He managed to destroy them with nil help needed and not even feeling winded. After he cleaned himself up, they went to find the Lookout, before his visit to the past he had heard about the lookout but never knew where to find it as his mother never got to go either, they were both surprised the Androids hadn't found it either, even more surprising was the fact Mr Popo was still alive and looking after the lookout. He was weary of them when they first arrived but after explaining what they were trying to do he was happy to help. Gohan spent time looking for her father's Ki in Otherworld and once she locked onto it Trunks grabbed her shoulder and they IT'd to King Kai's world. It was a very small world considering there were 8 grown men as well as who she assumes was King Kai and a monkey on the world. The feelings of cramped came to mind, especially since most of them have lived here for over 15 years by now.
At first they were treated with hostility as they recognised Gohan's Ki but since the owner of the Ki was standing beside them it couldn't be possible. It wasn't until Adult Male Gohan (M. Gohan for ease now) recognised Trunks all grown up. After a brief reunion and introduction of Trunks to the group and an awkward greeting between Trunks and Vegeta as he knew he had a son but never even held him let alone talked to him before he died, and for Trunks this Vegeta didn't have the history with him as the one in Gohan's timeline. They then noticed the young girl beside him, she was what drew their attention outside in the first place, as she had a matching Ki signature to their Gohan.
"Hi, I'm Son Gohan. From an alternate past." She proceeded to tell them what had happened thanks to the time machine and how they changed history and her plan to find new Namek thanks to her fathers' instant transmission technique that she saw him use. Though she was fearful it may only bring back to life as the rest have been dead for over 13 years here.
The group were having trouble believing a 10-year-old Gohan could be strong enough to defeat a monster that was already stronger than a super Saiyan before absorbing 2 more powerful beings that had killed them all. It was Vegeta whom stepped up refusing to believe a young girl of 10 could of surpassed him or Goku who had both spent the last 13 years training nor M. Gohan who was already almost as strong as him and challenged the young Gohan to "prove it."
"Very well, though it's not a form I enjoy using, you tend to lose yourself with it." She shed her outer shirt which was a fine Chinese style shirt that even recognised as similar to the ones his mother had him wear instead of his Gi and sank into a stance they were all familiar with, Gohan's perfect balance between Piccolos demon style and the Turtle style, with a sweet smile she just said, "try me". The group took a few moments and noticed the bright red scar tissue on her left arm and looked back at whom was missing his whole left arm, that was a big coincident it was almost like no matter what it was destined to happen.
Vegeta falling for her taunt charges her powering to super Saiyan sending a flurry of punches and kicks her way. Without even powering up Gohan is able to dodge every one of them with ease. Noticing Vegeta getting frustrated and giving it his all she finally powers up so effortlessly she doesn't even grunt. To the amazement of the group even Trunks still has to exert some pressure to transform. Vegeta going all out now can barely keep track of her, Gohan started to get bored and wanted to end it swiftly and with a bit of force she managed to ascend once more for the second time in a few days using the turmoil from her first transformation. In 2 blows she had Vegeta knocked out in a crater.
"I knew there was another level, WOW, and to find it at such a young age." Goku exclaimed, "How did you manage that?"
"Well as you know Gohan had the ability to tap into and explode with power when pushed too far, we spent a year getting used to Super Saiyan to the point we were able to live as Super Saiyans and not lose any energy. Since I had mastered Super Saiyan when I next snapped it just pushed me over the barrier and yeah... I think we made it 2 months and in that year you, dad, saw something and whatever it was, was enough to have you push me to fight Cell when you knew you wouldn't be strong enough to win and put all your faith in me. I had no clue you planned to use me to destroy Cell, well not you exactly but your counterpart, I can already see the differences between you two. But after being beaten to a pulp and watching you all be beaten to a pulp while at Super Saiyan level it was the words of a unexpected friend that helped me unleash it and control it, sort of, I guess it was because I was already Super Saiyan I was able to go further through the pain, but I lost all control of myself and in the end it cost you your life." Gohan finished addressing no one but the man who looked and felt like her father but his eyes looking back at her showing her he wasn't her father, they didn't hold the same warmth towards her as her father's did.
"Trunks we should go, it doesn't feel right being here while alive. King Kai do you mind helping me by pointing me in the general direction of New Namek?"
Focusing in the direction he pointed Gohan felt out the familiar Ki of an older Dende and IT'd to his vicinity. As startled as Dende was it was Elder Mori whom spoke up. After their experiences they were naturally weary of strangers popping in. Gohan went on to explain who she was calling herself Gohan younger sister and about the androids of their world. How she was hoping to be able to use the dragon balls to wish Gohan back as well as some of their friends if the dragon didn't have a problem with them being dead for so long. Elder Mori seemed okay with that and together they summoned Porunga, He was able to revive but left him on King Kais planet until they returned. Unfortunately, Porunga was unable to wish anyone back who had been dead for over 5 years, they learnt that when wanted to wish Piccolo back next as he had been dead only 10 years with the hopes of also getting Earths Dragon Balls back. With that they thanked the Namekians and IT'd it back to King Kai's Planet to pick up and explain, stupid laws of magic.
"I'm sorry guys looks like not even Porunga will wish someone back who's been dead for so long." Gohan says feeling a bit depressed, she feared it wouldn't work but still hoped.
"That's okay. You tried." Goku said.
Trunks and took a shoulder each of Gohan and together they IT'd back to capsule Corp. "You have time for one more round trip right. Cause I think I should get home and console mum, before your big farewell with everyone. I did tell her I'd only be gone for the morning." Gohan nervously asked.
A round of farewells and a few capsules her Bulma gave them for rebuilding things and they were ready to go back so that Trunks could say goodbye to everyone properly. M. Gohan wanted to go with them but even with how young and small Gohan was it was too crowded for 3 so he stayed behind. When they returned Trunks didn't stay long practically dropping Gohan off and heading back after a teary farewell from the rest of the gang and Bulma, not wanting to waste the reserve fuel they had considering he was planning on coming back after they kill cell in his timeline.
She could feel her father's energy radiating from otherworld encouraging her to continue in her path. When she returned home her mother was very solemn but that wasn't surprising considering he just died yesterday. And though she saw a version of him in the future looking exactly like he did now, though with less muscle mass he didn't hold the same love in his eyes for her. She blamed herself somewhat but was determined to live up to the legacy her father left.
Piccolo would still come every morning to train with her then she would help her mother around the house followed by some studying. She was still easily working her way through college graduate level works, so her mother was happy. A few weeks after her father died her mother found out she was pregnant. The next few months were very hectic. When she told Bulma the news her and Trunks came to visit more often. Usually bringing things trunks had grown out of. Her mother didn't like the idea of charity but if it saved them money she was okay with it, as most of the stuff was brand new, barely used and top of the range. During that time Gohan became good at cooking nowhere near her mother's level but you wouldn't die from it like Bulma's level threatened.
Year 767, December 24th
The day came and when her mother started yelling for Gohan and immediately acted and called the midwife her grandfather had set up for a home delivery like she was in case the baby was born with a tail like she was. After many hours her mother gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
"Gohan, want to hold your baby brother?"
Reaching her hand out to hold the tiny bundle and looking at an exact replica of her father. "My brother... hey little man."
"What are we going to call him?" Chichi asked her daughter.
"I like… Goten. What do you think baby? Goten," Gohan hadn't felt so happy in a long time after hearing her baby brother giggle at the name she chose.
"Prince Son Goten. 2nd in line to the Ox Kingdom. It's fitting," Ox king stated.
She was lucky her grandfather hung around after the birth. Gohan had no idea how to look after a baby and her mother seemed to be taking a lot longer to recover then what was considered normal according to the midwife, whom also was around everyday for the first month, she lived in the village not far from them. They tried to go on normally and found a rhythm that relied heavily on Gohan doing more work than before while trying to keep up her studies and training.
Year 769, January
When Goten was 8 months old Chi-Chi went to the doctors due to pains in her stomach that should of stopped after she had healed from giving birth. Gohan was at home looking after Goten trying to figure out ways to train and babysit at the same time. One of his favourites was being on his back while Gohan did vertical push-ups over him and gave him kisses or blew butterflies on his stomach on her way down each time. It was late when Chi-Chi came home, the look on her face and her Ki were saying different things. Her mother looked her normal self, kind smile yet stern eyes while her Ki was just plain off. It had been off for a while now but Gohan couldn't understand why. It wasn't until after dinner when Goten had been put down to sleep that Chi-Chi sat down with Gohan and explained what the doctor said. She had Cancer a rare form that attacks the pancreas they couldn't treat it but with radiation therapy they may extend her life. The doctor gave her a generous 3 months but Chi-Chi being Chi-Chi, was determined to live longer.
Needless to say, Gohan was crushed. Over the next few weeks Chichi and Gohan came up with plans for what was to happen to her and Goten. Chi-Chi's greatest wish was for both kids to at least have high school diplomas. Which would mean at least attending the last year of a high school. Knowing that Gohan would take over for the Ox King by the time she was 21 she just wanted her kids to be happy and prepared for a world outside of life and death fighting. Where they would live, and how they would survive, would they move, stuff that was never really spoken of normally was discussed between them. Gohan had told her mother she wanted to stay here in their home for as long as she could.
Chichi also wanted to stay at home until the end as well. If she could.
TBC..