Title: The Invasion Saga
Author: AstroKender
Warnings: Back to just some angst. ^_^;;
Spoilers: None.
Notes: Takes place between the Cell and Buu sagas. Gohan centric.
Feedback: Welcome. Please review
Disclaimers: DBZ belongs to Akira Toriyama and Funimation. This fic is for entertainment purposes and is not in any way meant for profit. Don't sue me.
In the last chapter of Dragonball Z, Gohan, son of Goku and fellow savior of Earth, had been killed. And the person who had killed him was none other that...Piccolo? The mad rush of events has halted for now as Gohan gets his first peek at the afterlife. But rather than kick back and relax, Gohan seems to get even tenser. Could it be that he doesn't want to see his father? Or is it because he thinks Goku doesn't want to see him?
Ch 6- Interlude
"So you are Goku's son." A loud voice boomed. "I have been eager to meet you, though I regret that it had to be so soon."
Gohan bowed politely before the desk of King Yemma, trying not to seem too in awe of such a large being. "Thank you for allowing me to keep my body, sir."
"You are a very lucky boy." Yemma's aid spoke from beside him. "King Yemma does not give this gift to just anyone."
The giant red god waved his massive arm dismissively. "Not at all. It was the least I could do for someone who has saved your planet as much as you have. Your record is almost as long as your father's. Besides, you are such a polite boy."
Gohan bowed again in thanks, proving Yemma's point. The aid pushed his glasses up higher on his blue nose, 'hmphing' doubtfully. King Yemma laughed.
Looking around silently for a moment, Gohan sighed. He would have been standing before this desk long ago if not for the efforts of Piccolo and the others. They had saved him so many times. And what did he do in return? He almost destroyed them. Gohan clenched his fist in self-loathing.
"Get that thought out of your head boy." King Yemma commanded. "What's past is past, right now you must decide what to do next. For a warrior like you I would normally send you to King Kai, but his planet was destroyed. So it is up to you to decide where we can take you. But if you say you deserve to be in hell I'll bop you one quite soundly, I'm afraid."
King Kai's planet destroyed, Gohan thought, hanging his head. Just another thing that's my fault.
"Actually, that one can be blamed on your father." Yemma once again answered his thoughts, winking as Gohan's head shot up to stare at him.
"M-my dad," Gohan stumbled. "Can I see him?"
Yemma's aid shook his head firmly. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Your father is currently engaged in a tournament on the Grand Kai's planet. You couldn't possibly go there."
Gohan's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Oh," he whispered.
"Nonsense!" Yemma declared. "This boy has every right to see his father. The Grand Kai would not disapprove. Take him to the Otherworld using my own personal helojet." The red god stroked his beard with pride, happy of his decision.
"B-but, King Yemma-" His aid stuttered.
"Silence! Before I assign you a millennia of washing souls!" Yemma boomed. The aid gulped nervously and bowed. "Come with me," he commanded Gohan. "We leave immediately."
Gohan nodded and turned back to King Yemma, bowing deeply. "Thank you so much, Sir! I'll never forget your kindness."
Yemma nodded, his expression serious. "Stop beating yourself up boy, for something you had no control of. Rest assured that if I ever see that rat, Garlic Jr. before my desk, he will get what he has coming to him."
Gohan nodded and bowed again before Yemma's aid dragged him away. Yemma leaned back in his chair and lifted up a cigar. You could definitely tell that boy was Goku's son. But it confused the god as to why it was the father that was happy and carefree while the son was so solemn. King Yemma puffed on his cigar idly.
"I guess stupidity does have its advantages."
***
Gohan stared at the landscape, or lack of it, below him with interest. A rolling blanket of yellow clouds spread out before him, their peaks as tall as mountains. Though they didn't move, at least, not that he could tell, Gohan couldn't shake the feeling that they were somehow alive. Idly, he wondered if Nimbus came from the yellow mass floating below him.
A thin ribbon drew his attention from the clouds and he blinked. That must be Snake Way, he thought, edging off his seat to get a better look. So that was the way everyone went to King Kai's. It looked like it went on forever. Suddenly, Gohan almost didn't feel too bad about King Kai's planet. He wouldn't have enjoyed walking all that way.
"Please sit down back there," Yemma's aid shouted from the front. "All your jumping around is making it hard for me to concentrate. Unless you want to fall down into Hell?" He asked crossly. Gohan shook his head and sat back down.
Resuming his vigil out the window, Gohan sighed. He wished he had asked the others more about what it was like to be dead. Then maybe he wouldn't feel as lost as confused as he did now. It didn't feel any different from being alive, Gohan thought, pinching himself to prove his point.
"Ouch!" Yup, it still hurt.
It wasn't himself that seemed to have changed; it was everything around him. As if he was on some alien planet, like Namek, with no idea how he got there. But even on Namek, he wasn't alone. Not like he was now. He felt naked...unprotected. What was worse, he could no longer sense Piccolo's presence in his mind. It was just like the time Piccolo had died. Where there once was a warm feeling in his head, there was now nothing but a cold emptiness.
He hated that feeling. Hated it more than anything.
"We're here," Yemma's aid called back, waking him from his thoughts.
Gohan looked out the window in curiosity as a planet loomed in the distance. This planet was much smaller than Earth, probably even smaller than the moon, that is, before Piccolo destroyed it. But it was definitely bigger than what his dad described King Kai's planet to be like. The planet seemed to float closer as he watched, and Gohan felt himself begin to get nervous.
Was he really going to see his Dad? It's been years since the Cell games. What if he wasn't as accepting of what Gohan had done as he was before? What if he hated him? What if....
What if his Dad didn't want to see him?
The helojet landed with a jolt onto the planet's surface and King Yemma's aid quickly ushered him out. Dusting an imaginary speck off his uniform, the aid once more adjusted his glasses. "You're on your own from here; I don't have time to baby-sit. Just go up to the front desk in that building there and tell them who you are. If you're lucky they'll let you in."
With that the aid jumped back into the helojet and was off before Gohan could get a word in edgewise. Sighing, the demi-Saiyan trudged with heavy feet towards the building's entrance. Pushing the enormous doors open with a heave, Gohan carefully poked his head in.
"Hello? I don't mean to intrude, but I'm here to see my dad." Gohan looked around the empty room and stepped further inside, craning his neck to see down the deserted hallways. "Hello?"
Biting his lip, Gohan wondered what to do. He spotted a group of chairs off in the corner and sighed. "I guess I'll just have to wait for someone to show up."
Ten minutes passed with agonizing slowness. Twenty, then thirty minutes passed, with nothing but his own worries to occupy him. Forty minutes passed and Gohan was so nervous he thought he'd run even if he did see someone. Raising his feet to rest on his chair, he hid his head in his knees.
"I can't do this...." He whispered. "There is no way Dad would want to have anything to do with me after what I've done. I killed him! Because of me, he was taken away from his friends, and Mom. He hasn't even met Goten! It's all my fault. I shouldn't even be here."
"Then where should you be?"
Gohan raised his head, trying to clear his blurry vision enough to look at the figure before him. A strange looking woman stood before him, with orange skin and what looked like a mushroom top instead of hair. The woman tapped her feather duster against her arm as she looked at Gohan in curiosity.
"Oh...uh...." Gohan cleared his throat. "My...my name is Gohan. I'm looking for my Dad. But I couldn't find anyone so I've been waiting here for someone to show up. Do you work here?"
The woman nodded. "I'm a housekeeper. Does your Dad work here? It's no wonder you couldn't find anyone, everyone has gone to watch the tournament. You poor thing, you must have been waiting here for ages."
Gohan sighed. "That's okay, I wasn't in any real hurry. My Dad doesn't work here, at least, I don't think he does. But he is supposed to be competing in the tournament. That's what I heard, anyway."
"Oh, well in that case, I can take you there. I'm on break anyway."
Gohan stared at her, excitement and dread warring within him. "You'd do that?"
The maid smiled. "Of course! Now come one, it's a bit of a walk." She extended her hand. Gohan hesitated a moment, battling with himself. Finally, not wanting to seem rude, he grabbed her hand and allowed himself to be helped up.
Heading down the nearest hallway, the two walked silently, each immersed in their own thoughts. Gohan's mind was filled with scenarios where his Dad rejected him, wanting nothing to do with the son that had caused him so much pain. The housekeeper...well, who knows what she was thinking.
By the time the two reached the door to the arena, Gohan was shaking so hard he could hardly walk. The housekeeper looked at him with a frown. "You okay, kid?"
Swallowing, Gohan nodded weakly. "I-I just haven't seen my Dad in a long time. I'm kinda nervous." That was definitely an understatement, the dark haired boy thought as he forced his legs forward.
The doors opened silently, revealing the darkness of space beyond. Gohan stared; wide-eyed, totally caught off guard by the sheer proportions of the room they were in. Hearing a faint roaring sound, he looked up, catching sight of a giant floating hunk of land. That must be where the tournament is being held, he thought. He followed the maid quickly, unnerved at the size of the place. The two walked over to stand on a flat panel that glowed softly before starting to rise, taking them up towards the arena.
"Well I bet you are really excited to get to see him again!" the housekeeper gushed as they reached the top. Glancing around idly, she began to shove through the throng of people surrounding them, trying to get a better vantage point of the stadium. "By the way, what's his name, so I know where to take you."
Gohan looked around at the mass of people nervously, trying to catch sight of his Dad. "His name is Son Goku. He's from Earth."
"Goku, huh? Never heard of him, but I think Earth is the North Kai's district."
Gohan looked up at her, eyes wide. "You mean there is more than one of them?" This might be harder than he had thought. Biting his lip, the half Saiyan was about to turn around and run back the way he came when the maid grabbed his arm.
"There he is! The North Kai!" She pointed and began dragging the reluctant Gohan towards him.
Hand in hand, they pushed roughly through the crowd to get to the arena floor. The noise was deafening and Gohan found himself trying to shrink down as small as possible as they tried to edge their way out onto the sidelines where King Kai stood, surrounded by warriors. But before they could step foot on it, two large security guards stopped them.
"Where do you think you're going?" The first guard asked, cracking his knuckles meaningfully. The housekeeper pushed Gohan forward.
"This boy needs to see the North Kai immediately." She glared.
"Oh, really?" The second guard laughed, making no move to step aside.
The maid nodded. "His father is fighting in the tournament. His name is...."
"Goku." Gohan spoke up, glaring at the guards in front of them. He really didn't feel like this right now.
"Yeah!" The maid nodded. "And neither one of them will be happy to know that you didn't let this boy through." She waved her finger threateningly. The first guard shrugged.
"Fine, fine. No need to get pushy. We're just doing our jobs." He waved Gohan over. "Come on, kid. I'll take you to the North Kai. But if he doesn't know you, you'll be kicked out of this arena faster than you can blink."
The maid waved at him happily. "Good luck, kid!" Gohan smiled weakly and waved back, before following the first brawny guard through the thinning mass of people. This is it, he thought with a shiver. The guard stopped in front of a short blue figure and bowed. Gohan watched as they both turned to look at him and the blue figure nodded. Relaxing, the guard waved him forward.
"There ya go, kid. To the North Kai, safe and sound. Next time stick with your father and don't go wandering off."
But Gohan ignored the guard in favor of studying the figure before him. Hair-thin antennae extended from a head that vaguely resembled a catfish. Black spectacles regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before gesturing beside him.
"Ah, so you're here. Well, go on, have a seat. You can talk to your Father after he finishes his match."
"You--you must be King Kai...." Gohan bowed hastily. This was the guy he had heard so much about.... He had even talked to him telepathically at times, but he had never met him face to face.
"Well I sure ain't Bubbles." The old man muttered. "Have a seat boy. Goku's match is just starting."
Gohan swallowed and did as he was told. Hands grasping his knees nervously, the half-Saiyan peered apprehensively through the crowd and onto the platform. Spying a head of black hair, Gohan almost cried out. His father was here.
Goku stood in the center of the ring, muscles tense with eagerness as he faced off against his opponent. Gohan's brow furrowed as he looked at the green skinned fighter. He looks a lot like Piccolo, Gohan thought. The green warrior was circling around his father slowly, looking for an opening.
"Who is he?" The demi-Saiyan asked.
"That is Pikkon, West Kai's the top fighter." King Kai answered, not taking his eyes away from the battle that was about to begin. "He is incredibly powerful and more than a match for your father."
"Really?" Gohan craned his neck for a better look.
"Goku may be one of the strongest people in your quarter of the universe," the old teacher lectured. "But here he is just another fighter among many. That's the reason for this tournament, to find the strongest fighter in the whole Universe. Among the dead, that is." King Kai put his hands behind his back and turned to regard Gohan thoughtfully, calculations running rapidly through his head.
Gohan watched as the two fighters took full judge of each other, waiting to see who would make the first move. A tense minute ticked by, broken only by the gasp of the crowd as the green-skinned warrior disappeared. Goku suddenly turned and caught the fist that seemed to appear from nowhere and then the fight was truly underway. Gohan watched each punch and blast with academic interest until he reminded himself that he had no intentions of ever fighting again. Shaking his head, he forced himself to relax and silently cheer his father on.
Goku grinned, as none of Pikkon's hits seemed to be connecting. Unfortunately, neither was his, but the Saiyan carelessly shrugged that fact away. After all, they both were only warming up. Cracking his knuckles, the Saiyan prepared to start the real battle.
Seeing his opponent's grin, Pikkon scowled. Goku was treating this match like a romp in the park. Well, the green skinned man was determined to show the novice that he would need every bit of his concentration in order to stand against him. The West Kai did not train weak fighters.
Holding his fingers extended before him, Pikkon let loose a series of rapidly moving beams of energy. The fighter's lips twitched. While the attack certainly wouldn't hurt as strong as an opponent as Goku, it should certainly catch him off guard. Tensing, Pikkon prepared to launch a second attack while his rival was still recovering.
But Goku wasn't there.
Pikkon's eyes narrowed and he swiveled around just in time to catch a punch in the jaw that hurled him a number of feet away. Fingering his jaw, Pikkon grunted. Maybe his opponent wasn't as much of a novice as he had thought. An aura of power began to surround the green warrior. He was determined not to be surprised like that again.
Laughing, Goku turned in midair. "How am I doing King-" Goku's gaze moved from the face of his blue-skinned trainer to the figure sitting tensely beside him. The fighter's eyes widened. "Go-gohan? What-"
Knowing he had been seen, his son paled. Goku's eyes traveled unconsciously to a spot above Gohan's black hair, a spot that now held a glowing yellow halo. Goku stared at him; stunned.
Out of the corner of his eye Goku saw Pikkon hurtle towards him, preparing his counter attack. Raising his hand, Goku shouted at the top of his lungs. "Stop the match!" The crowd hushed instantly and his green-skinned opponent skidded to a halt a mere two feet away, surprise etched on his alien features.
His eyes never leaving those of his son's, Goku floated down to the arena floor. Gohan shrunk against the back of his seat as his father stalked towards him, a dark expression on his face. This is it, Gohan thought, shivering. I hope he will still let me call him father.
Gohan lowered his eyes to the ground, holding his breath as two large boots came into view. Goku stood in front of his son for a long moment, unmoving and not speaking. Gohan trembled beneath his gaze, cringing as if expecting to be hit.
Goku's eyes hardened like diamonds briefly, before softening with compassion and sorrow. Reaching out his carefully wrapped his arms around his shaking son and held him close. Tensing, Gohan gazed up at him, before bursting in to tears.
"Daddy...." Gohan shook his head, returning his father's embrace ten-fold.
Goku gently ran his fingers through Gohan's hair, staring at the halo that rested mockingly above it. Tightening his hold, he closed his eyes against the sight.
"How? He whispered.
***
"She's finally asleep." Bulma stretched tiredly, before joining Vegeta and Krillin at the kitchen table. "I've never seen her like this before. Usually when something is wrong she just goes ballistic or faints, now... now it's like she's just numb."
Krillin nodded in sympathy. "Gohan was one of the most important things in her life. It's understandable that she is so shaken up. I mean, we all are." He cast his gaze to the table top, remembering.
Bulma shook her head. "So, any sign of Trunks and Goten?"
"The brats have taken off." Vegeta scowled. "They are not too far away so I wouldn't work yourself up about them. Let them deal with their grief in their own way, like true Saiyans."
"Oh, like you are, Mr. Calm and Detached?" Bulma glared. "I know you and Gohan weren't the closest but you could at least show some regret that he's dea-gone." The blue haired woman swiftly blinked back her tears. Poor kid, she thought. He didn't deserve this.
Vegeta stood, his eyes blazing threateningly. "Don't presume to know what I am feeling or not. Not even a heartless bastard as you so call me, could have watched the scene earlier and not be affected by it. I wish there was some way to bring the runt back but there is no point in dwelling over the matter." Vegeta looked away, arms crossing. "He's dead and that's that," he whispered.
"That's it!" Krillin cried. The other two turned to him in astonishment as he jumped up onto the table, a grin blossoming across his face. "That's what we'll do!"
"What are you babbling about?" Vegeta masked his curiosity with irritation.
If possible, Krillin's smile grew even more. "We'll use the Dragonballs to wish Gohan back!"
Bulma let out a whoop, exhaustion fleeing from her features. "That's a great idea, Krillin! Why didn't I think of that sooner?" She grabbed Krillin's hands and they danced around a bit, before Bulma made him get off her table.
Vegeta watched their antics with growing anger. "Stop your carousing, you fools!" He shouted, stopping Bulma and Krillin in mid laugh.
Vegeta clenched his fists, looking down at them imperiously. "There is no way I will allow Gohan to be revived."
Bulma stared at him, eyes wide. "B-but why?" she whispered.
"Yeah, Vegeta!" Krillin shouted. "You just said you wished there was a way to bring Gohan back!"
"Imbeciles!" Vegeta growled. "Wishing him back would only endanger everyone again. As soon as Gohan returned to Earth, that creature would take his body away from him. It is better that he stay dead, than have to die a second time.
Krillin seemed to wilt under the Saiyan's gaze and Bulma stared at the ground in despair, before walking out of the room. "We don't know that Garlic would attack him again." Krillin protested weakly. "Maybe he only had enough power to do it that once."
"And if you're wrong?" Vegeta pressed. "Would you fight him again? Knowing that you are hurting Gohan as much as you are this Garlic Jr. person?"
Krillin stared at his feet, silent. Shaking his head, Vegeta looked away, clenching his teeth to keep from saying anything further. His eyes narrowed as Bulma came rushing back into the room.
"I don't think we have any choice in whether Gohan will be wished back. The dragon radar is gone!"
It seems Goten's plan has worked. With the dragon radar, the Dragonballs can be quickly gathered, enabling them to wish Gohan back to life. With Trunks along, the two start the search. But will the others help them or hinder them? Will Gohan ever be brought back to life? Find out on the next Chapter of Dragonball Z!
In the next chapter of Dragonball Z, The reunion between father and son go better than Gohan had thought. But why is Goku suddenly angry with King Kai? The events in the Otherworld roll by as Goten and Trunks swiftly collect the Dragonballs. They are working against time. If Vegeta catches them, Gohan will never get wished back. But wait! Krillin has an idea! But will it work? Stay tuned for the next chapter of DBZ, Chapter 7; Rebirth.
Author: AstroKender
Warnings: Back to just some angst. ^_^;;
Spoilers: None.
Notes: Takes place between the Cell and Buu sagas. Gohan centric.
Feedback: Welcome. Please review
Disclaimers: DBZ belongs to Akira Toriyama and Funimation. This fic is for entertainment purposes and is not in any way meant for profit. Don't sue me.
In the last chapter of Dragonball Z, Gohan, son of Goku and fellow savior of Earth, had been killed. And the person who had killed him was none other that...Piccolo? The mad rush of events has halted for now as Gohan gets his first peek at the afterlife. But rather than kick back and relax, Gohan seems to get even tenser. Could it be that he doesn't want to see his father? Or is it because he thinks Goku doesn't want to see him?
Ch 6- Interlude
"So you are Goku's son." A loud voice boomed. "I have been eager to meet you, though I regret that it had to be so soon."
Gohan bowed politely before the desk of King Yemma, trying not to seem too in awe of such a large being. "Thank you for allowing me to keep my body, sir."
"You are a very lucky boy." Yemma's aid spoke from beside him. "King Yemma does not give this gift to just anyone."
The giant red god waved his massive arm dismissively. "Not at all. It was the least I could do for someone who has saved your planet as much as you have. Your record is almost as long as your father's. Besides, you are such a polite boy."
Gohan bowed again in thanks, proving Yemma's point. The aid pushed his glasses up higher on his blue nose, 'hmphing' doubtfully. King Yemma laughed.
Looking around silently for a moment, Gohan sighed. He would have been standing before this desk long ago if not for the efforts of Piccolo and the others. They had saved him so many times. And what did he do in return? He almost destroyed them. Gohan clenched his fist in self-loathing.
"Get that thought out of your head boy." King Yemma commanded. "What's past is past, right now you must decide what to do next. For a warrior like you I would normally send you to King Kai, but his planet was destroyed. So it is up to you to decide where we can take you. But if you say you deserve to be in hell I'll bop you one quite soundly, I'm afraid."
King Kai's planet destroyed, Gohan thought, hanging his head. Just another thing that's my fault.
"Actually, that one can be blamed on your father." Yemma once again answered his thoughts, winking as Gohan's head shot up to stare at him.
"M-my dad," Gohan stumbled. "Can I see him?"
Yemma's aid shook his head firmly. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Your father is currently engaged in a tournament on the Grand Kai's planet. You couldn't possibly go there."
Gohan's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Oh," he whispered.
"Nonsense!" Yemma declared. "This boy has every right to see his father. The Grand Kai would not disapprove. Take him to the Otherworld using my own personal helojet." The red god stroked his beard with pride, happy of his decision.
"B-but, King Yemma-" His aid stuttered.
"Silence! Before I assign you a millennia of washing souls!" Yemma boomed. The aid gulped nervously and bowed. "Come with me," he commanded Gohan. "We leave immediately."
Gohan nodded and turned back to King Yemma, bowing deeply. "Thank you so much, Sir! I'll never forget your kindness."
Yemma nodded, his expression serious. "Stop beating yourself up boy, for something you had no control of. Rest assured that if I ever see that rat, Garlic Jr. before my desk, he will get what he has coming to him."
Gohan nodded and bowed again before Yemma's aid dragged him away. Yemma leaned back in his chair and lifted up a cigar. You could definitely tell that boy was Goku's son. But it confused the god as to why it was the father that was happy and carefree while the son was so solemn. King Yemma puffed on his cigar idly.
"I guess stupidity does have its advantages."
***
Gohan stared at the landscape, or lack of it, below him with interest. A rolling blanket of yellow clouds spread out before him, their peaks as tall as mountains. Though they didn't move, at least, not that he could tell, Gohan couldn't shake the feeling that they were somehow alive. Idly, he wondered if Nimbus came from the yellow mass floating below him.
A thin ribbon drew his attention from the clouds and he blinked. That must be Snake Way, he thought, edging off his seat to get a better look. So that was the way everyone went to King Kai's. It looked like it went on forever. Suddenly, Gohan almost didn't feel too bad about King Kai's planet. He wouldn't have enjoyed walking all that way.
"Please sit down back there," Yemma's aid shouted from the front. "All your jumping around is making it hard for me to concentrate. Unless you want to fall down into Hell?" He asked crossly. Gohan shook his head and sat back down.
Resuming his vigil out the window, Gohan sighed. He wished he had asked the others more about what it was like to be dead. Then maybe he wouldn't feel as lost as confused as he did now. It didn't feel any different from being alive, Gohan thought, pinching himself to prove his point.
"Ouch!" Yup, it still hurt.
It wasn't himself that seemed to have changed; it was everything around him. As if he was on some alien planet, like Namek, with no idea how he got there. But even on Namek, he wasn't alone. Not like he was now. He felt naked...unprotected. What was worse, he could no longer sense Piccolo's presence in his mind. It was just like the time Piccolo had died. Where there once was a warm feeling in his head, there was now nothing but a cold emptiness.
He hated that feeling. Hated it more than anything.
"We're here," Yemma's aid called back, waking him from his thoughts.
Gohan looked out the window in curiosity as a planet loomed in the distance. This planet was much smaller than Earth, probably even smaller than the moon, that is, before Piccolo destroyed it. But it was definitely bigger than what his dad described King Kai's planet to be like. The planet seemed to float closer as he watched, and Gohan felt himself begin to get nervous.
Was he really going to see his Dad? It's been years since the Cell games. What if he wasn't as accepting of what Gohan had done as he was before? What if he hated him? What if....
What if his Dad didn't want to see him?
The helojet landed with a jolt onto the planet's surface and King Yemma's aid quickly ushered him out. Dusting an imaginary speck off his uniform, the aid once more adjusted his glasses. "You're on your own from here; I don't have time to baby-sit. Just go up to the front desk in that building there and tell them who you are. If you're lucky they'll let you in."
With that the aid jumped back into the helojet and was off before Gohan could get a word in edgewise. Sighing, the demi-Saiyan trudged with heavy feet towards the building's entrance. Pushing the enormous doors open with a heave, Gohan carefully poked his head in.
"Hello? I don't mean to intrude, but I'm here to see my dad." Gohan looked around the empty room and stepped further inside, craning his neck to see down the deserted hallways. "Hello?"
Biting his lip, Gohan wondered what to do. He spotted a group of chairs off in the corner and sighed. "I guess I'll just have to wait for someone to show up."
Ten minutes passed with agonizing slowness. Twenty, then thirty minutes passed, with nothing but his own worries to occupy him. Forty minutes passed and Gohan was so nervous he thought he'd run even if he did see someone. Raising his feet to rest on his chair, he hid his head in his knees.
"I can't do this...." He whispered. "There is no way Dad would want to have anything to do with me after what I've done. I killed him! Because of me, he was taken away from his friends, and Mom. He hasn't even met Goten! It's all my fault. I shouldn't even be here."
"Then where should you be?"
Gohan raised his head, trying to clear his blurry vision enough to look at the figure before him. A strange looking woman stood before him, with orange skin and what looked like a mushroom top instead of hair. The woman tapped her feather duster against her arm as she looked at Gohan in curiosity.
"Oh...uh...." Gohan cleared his throat. "My...my name is Gohan. I'm looking for my Dad. But I couldn't find anyone so I've been waiting here for someone to show up. Do you work here?"
The woman nodded. "I'm a housekeeper. Does your Dad work here? It's no wonder you couldn't find anyone, everyone has gone to watch the tournament. You poor thing, you must have been waiting here for ages."
Gohan sighed. "That's okay, I wasn't in any real hurry. My Dad doesn't work here, at least, I don't think he does. But he is supposed to be competing in the tournament. That's what I heard, anyway."
"Oh, well in that case, I can take you there. I'm on break anyway."
Gohan stared at her, excitement and dread warring within him. "You'd do that?"
The maid smiled. "Of course! Now come one, it's a bit of a walk." She extended her hand. Gohan hesitated a moment, battling with himself. Finally, not wanting to seem rude, he grabbed her hand and allowed himself to be helped up.
Heading down the nearest hallway, the two walked silently, each immersed in their own thoughts. Gohan's mind was filled with scenarios where his Dad rejected him, wanting nothing to do with the son that had caused him so much pain. The housekeeper...well, who knows what she was thinking.
By the time the two reached the door to the arena, Gohan was shaking so hard he could hardly walk. The housekeeper looked at him with a frown. "You okay, kid?"
Swallowing, Gohan nodded weakly. "I-I just haven't seen my Dad in a long time. I'm kinda nervous." That was definitely an understatement, the dark haired boy thought as he forced his legs forward.
The doors opened silently, revealing the darkness of space beyond. Gohan stared; wide-eyed, totally caught off guard by the sheer proportions of the room they were in. Hearing a faint roaring sound, he looked up, catching sight of a giant floating hunk of land. That must be where the tournament is being held, he thought. He followed the maid quickly, unnerved at the size of the place. The two walked over to stand on a flat panel that glowed softly before starting to rise, taking them up towards the arena.
"Well I bet you are really excited to get to see him again!" the housekeeper gushed as they reached the top. Glancing around idly, she began to shove through the throng of people surrounding them, trying to get a better vantage point of the stadium. "By the way, what's his name, so I know where to take you."
Gohan looked around at the mass of people nervously, trying to catch sight of his Dad. "His name is Son Goku. He's from Earth."
"Goku, huh? Never heard of him, but I think Earth is the North Kai's district."
Gohan looked up at her, eyes wide. "You mean there is more than one of them?" This might be harder than he had thought. Biting his lip, the half Saiyan was about to turn around and run back the way he came when the maid grabbed his arm.
"There he is! The North Kai!" She pointed and began dragging the reluctant Gohan towards him.
Hand in hand, they pushed roughly through the crowd to get to the arena floor. The noise was deafening and Gohan found himself trying to shrink down as small as possible as they tried to edge their way out onto the sidelines where King Kai stood, surrounded by warriors. But before they could step foot on it, two large security guards stopped them.
"Where do you think you're going?" The first guard asked, cracking his knuckles meaningfully. The housekeeper pushed Gohan forward.
"This boy needs to see the North Kai immediately." She glared.
"Oh, really?" The second guard laughed, making no move to step aside.
The maid nodded. "His father is fighting in the tournament. His name is...."
"Goku." Gohan spoke up, glaring at the guards in front of them. He really didn't feel like this right now.
"Yeah!" The maid nodded. "And neither one of them will be happy to know that you didn't let this boy through." She waved her finger threateningly. The first guard shrugged.
"Fine, fine. No need to get pushy. We're just doing our jobs." He waved Gohan over. "Come on, kid. I'll take you to the North Kai. But if he doesn't know you, you'll be kicked out of this arena faster than you can blink."
The maid waved at him happily. "Good luck, kid!" Gohan smiled weakly and waved back, before following the first brawny guard through the thinning mass of people. This is it, he thought with a shiver. The guard stopped in front of a short blue figure and bowed. Gohan watched as they both turned to look at him and the blue figure nodded. Relaxing, the guard waved him forward.
"There ya go, kid. To the North Kai, safe and sound. Next time stick with your father and don't go wandering off."
But Gohan ignored the guard in favor of studying the figure before him. Hair-thin antennae extended from a head that vaguely resembled a catfish. Black spectacles regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before gesturing beside him.
"Ah, so you're here. Well, go on, have a seat. You can talk to your Father after he finishes his match."
"You--you must be King Kai...." Gohan bowed hastily. This was the guy he had heard so much about.... He had even talked to him telepathically at times, but he had never met him face to face.
"Well I sure ain't Bubbles." The old man muttered. "Have a seat boy. Goku's match is just starting."
Gohan swallowed and did as he was told. Hands grasping his knees nervously, the half-Saiyan peered apprehensively through the crowd and onto the platform. Spying a head of black hair, Gohan almost cried out. His father was here.
Goku stood in the center of the ring, muscles tense with eagerness as he faced off against his opponent. Gohan's brow furrowed as he looked at the green skinned fighter. He looks a lot like Piccolo, Gohan thought. The green warrior was circling around his father slowly, looking for an opening.
"Who is he?" The demi-Saiyan asked.
"That is Pikkon, West Kai's the top fighter." King Kai answered, not taking his eyes away from the battle that was about to begin. "He is incredibly powerful and more than a match for your father."
"Really?" Gohan craned his neck for a better look.
"Goku may be one of the strongest people in your quarter of the universe," the old teacher lectured. "But here he is just another fighter among many. That's the reason for this tournament, to find the strongest fighter in the whole Universe. Among the dead, that is." King Kai put his hands behind his back and turned to regard Gohan thoughtfully, calculations running rapidly through his head.
Gohan watched as the two fighters took full judge of each other, waiting to see who would make the first move. A tense minute ticked by, broken only by the gasp of the crowd as the green-skinned warrior disappeared. Goku suddenly turned and caught the fist that seemed to appear from nowhere and then the fight was truly underway. Gohan watched each punch and blast with academic interest until he reminded himself that he had no intentions of ever fighting again. Shaking his head, he forced himself to relax and silently cheer his father on.
Goku grinned, as none of Pikkon's hits seemed to be connecting. Unfortunately, neither was his, but the Saiyan carelessly shrugged that fact away. After all, they both were only warming up. Cracking his knuckles, the Saiyan prepared to start the real battle.
Seeing his opponent's grin, Pikkon scowled. Goku was treating this match like a romp in the park. Well, the green skinned man was determined to show the novice that he would need every bit of his concentration in order to stand against him. The West Kai did not train weak fighters.
Holding his fingers extended before him, Pikkon let loose a series of rapidly moving beams of energy. The fighter's lips twitched. While the attack certainly wouldn't hurt as strong as an opponent as Goku, it should certainly catch him off guard. Tensing, Pikkon prepared to launch a second attack while his rival was still recovering.
But Goku wasn't there.
Pikkon's eyes narrowed and he swiveled around just in time to catch a punch in the jaw that hurled him a number of feet away. Fingering his jaw, Pikkon grunted. Maybe his opponent wasn't as much of a novice as he had thought. An aura of power began to surround the green warrior. He was determined not to be surprised like that again.
Laughing, Goku turned in midair. "How am I doing King-" Goku's gaze moved from the face of his blue-skinned trainer to the figure sitting tensely beside him. The fighter's eyes widened. "Go-gohan? What-"
Knowing he had been seen, his son paled. Goku's eyes traveled unconsciously to a spot above Gohan's black hair, a spot that now held a glowing yellow halo. Goku stared at him; stunned.
Out of the corner of his eye Goku saw Pikkon hurtle towards him, preparing his counter attack. Raising his hand, Goku shouted at the top of his lungs. "Stop the match!" The crowd hushed instantly and his green-skinned opponent skidded to a halt a mere two feet away, surprise etched on his alien features.
His eyes never leaving those of his son's, Goku floated down to the arena floor. Gohan shrunk against the back of his seat as his father stalked towards him, a dark expression on his face. This is it, Gohan thought, shivering. I hope he will still let me call him father.
Gohan lowered his eyes to the ground, holding his breath as two large boots came into view. Goku stood in front of his son for a long moment, unmoving and not speaking. Gohan trembled beneath his gaze, cringing as if expecting to be hit.
Goku's eyes hardened like diamonds briefly, before softening with compassion and sorrow. Reaching out his carefully wrapped his arms around his shaking son and held him close. Tensing, Gohan gazed up at him, before bursting in to tears.
"Daddy...." Gohan shook his head, returning his father's embrace ten-fold.
Goku gently ran his fingers through Gohan's hair, staring at the halo that rested mockingly above it. Tightening his hold, he closed his eyes against the sight.
"How? He whispered.
***
"She's finally asleep." Bulma stretched tiredly, before joining Vegeta and Krillin at the kitchen table. "I've never seen her like this before. Usually when something is wrong she just goes ballistic or faints, now... now it's like she's just numb."
Krillin nodded in sympathy. "Gohan was one of the most important things in her life. It's understandable that she is so shaken up. I mean, we all are." He cast his gaze to the table top, remembering.
Bulma shook her head. "So, any sign of Trunks and Goten?"
"The brats have taken off." Vegeta scowled. "They are not too far away so I wouldn't work yourself up about them. Let them deal with their grief in their own way, like true Saiyans."
"Oh, like you are, Mr. Calm and Detached?" Bulma glared. "I know you and Gohan weren't the closest but you could at least show some regret that he's dea-gone." The blue haired woman swiftly blinked back her tears. Poor kid, she thought. He didn't deserve this.
Vegeta stood, his eyes blazing threateningly. "Don't presume to know what I am feeling or not. Not even a heartless bastard as you so call me, could have watched the scene earlier and not be affected by it. I wish there was some way to bring the runt back but there is no point in dwelling over the matter." Vegeta looked away, arms crossing. "He's dead and that's that," he whispered.
"That's it!" Krillin cried. The other two turned to him in astonishment as he jumped up onto the table, a grin blossoming across his face. "That's what we'll do!"
"What are you babbling about?" Vegeta masked his curiosity with irritation.
If possible, Krillin's smile grew even more. "We'll use the Dragonballs to wish Gohan back!"
Bulma let out a whoop, exhaustion fleeing from her features. "That's a great idea, Krillin! Why didn't I think of that sooner?" She grabbed Krillin's hands and they danced around a bit, before Bulma made him get off her table.
Vegeta watched their antics with growing anger. "Stop your carousing, you fools!" He shouted, stopping Bulma and Krillin in mid laugh.
Vegeta clenched his fists, looking down at them imperiously. "There is no way I will allow Gohan to be revived."
Bulma stared at him, eyes wide. "B-but why?" she whispered.
"Yeah, Vegeta!" Krillin shouted. "You just said you wished there was a way to bring Gohan back!"
"Imbeciles!" Vegeta growled. "Wishing him back would only endanger everyone again. As soon as Gohan returned to Earth, that creature would take his body away from him. It is better that he stay dead, than have to die a second time.
Krillin seemed to wilt under the Saiyan's gaze and Bulma stared at the ground in despair, before walking out of the room. "We don't know that Garlic would attack him again." Krillin protested weakly. "Maybe he only had enough power to do it that once."
"And if you're wrong?" Vegeta pressed. "Would you fight him again? Knowing that you are hurting Gohan as much as you are this Garlic Jr. person?"
Krillin stared at his feet, silent. Shaking his head, Vegeta looked away, clenching his teeth to keep from saying anything further. His eyes narrowed as Bulma came rushing back into the room.
"I don't think we have any choice in whether Gohan will be wished back. The dragon radar is gone!"
It seems Goten's plan has worked. With the dragon radar, the Dragonballs can be quickly gathered, enabling them to wish Gohan back to life. With Trunks along, the two start the search. But will the others help them or hinder them? Will Gohan ever be brought back to life? Find out on the next Chapter of Dragonball Z!
In the next chapter of Dragonball Z, The reunion between father and son go better than Gohan had thought. But why is Goku suddenly angry with King Kai? The events in the Otherworld roll by as Goten and Trunks swiftly collect the Dragonballs. They are working against time. If Vegeta catches them, Gohan will never get wished back. But wait! Krillin has an idea! But will it work? Stay tuned for the next chapter of DBZ, Chapter 7; Rebirth.