Title: The Invasion Saga
Author: AstroKender
Warnings: Yet more angst. Poor Gohan
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, father and son were reunited after four long years of separation. Initially afraid of his father's reaction, Gohan's fears were assuaged by Goku's caring arms. But as the truth is revealed to an unknowing father, what will his reaction be then? And why didn't he know already? King Kai, I think you're in trouble!
Ch 7- Rebirth
"So Garlic Jr. took over your body?" Goku asked, reconfirming Gohan's tear-soaked story. The Saiyan had dragged his son to a small room off to the side of the main arena, away from the prying eyes of the audience. Kneeling down, Goku stared into his son's sorrowful eyes, dumbfounded. How could all of this happen without me knowing about it, he asked himself.
"Yes," Gohan nodded. "And he was making me hurt everyone. "Krillin, Vegeta, even Goten!"
"Goten? Who is that?"
Gohan smiled slightly. "My little brother. Your other son."
Goku scratched his head in confusion a moment before grinning. "ChiChi named him Goten? Well, I guess it's better than Einstein!" Gohan laughed.
"Trust me dad, the name wouldn't fit. He definitely takes after you."
The dark haired man's smile widened. "I bet he's gotten really big by now. I wish I could see him."
Gohan's face crumpled and he stared down at the floor. "You almost did! I almost killed him!" Gohan hiccuped down another sob. Goku rested his hand on his son's hair.
"That wasn't you-" he began.
"It was my body!" Gohan shouted. "And if it wasn't for Piccolo, they would have all been dead because of me! Garlic targeted my body because of my stupid powers!"
Goku's hand moved to Gohan's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "What did Piccolo do?" The Saiyan looked around, half expecting the green skinned fighter to be hovering watchfully over his only student. Piccolo must have jumped in front of a blast meant for one of the others, Goku thought. He sure has come a long way from wanting to take over the world.
"He killed me." Gohan said calmly, his head rising. Goku's eyes widened in shock.
"He what?" Goku gasped. " Poor Piccolo...." Goku shook his head, knowing full well the torture the softhearted Namek was putting himself through for killing the child he had always protected. Goku knew if he ever had to make that choice, he would rather die himself a thousand times.
"He had no choice, I'm afraid." King Kai said as he walked up behind him. "If he hadn't fired when he did, the others would have been killed, leaving Garlic unstoppable. I've tried to contact him since then, but he has blocked everyone out, so I'm afraid I can't tell you how he is doing." The blue skinned Kai told Gohan, perhaps anticipation the question.
"So you knew of this battle, before Gohan arrived here." Goku stated, facing away from his trainer. Gohan took one look in his father's eyes and quickly stepped backwards. Taking Kai's silence for acknowledgment, Goku grit his teeth. "Then why didn't you tell me!"
King Kai sighed and crossed his arms. "There was nothing you could have done about it anyway, Goku. And your worry for Gohan and the others would have only distracted you from winning this tournament."
Goku whirled around at a blinding speed and grabbed King Kai by the shirtfront, hauling him effortlessly over his head. Kai looked into the green eyes of an ascended Saiyan and gulped. "No tournament is more important then knowing my son's well being." He growled.
"Dad...." Gohan began, stepping forward in an effort to soothe his father's anger. Can't I do anything right? He asked himself. Now they're fighting because of me.
A shadow fell between himself and his father, causing Gohan to look up. The green-skinned warrior, Pikkon, stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowed. "Goku. That is no way to treat your trainer."
The Saiyan lowered King Kai back to the ground. "What do you want, Pikkon?" Goku asked coldly.
"Many people are wondering why you stopped our match, myself included." Pikkon carefully raised one brow ridge. "Would you care to give an explanation and, if not, at least tell me when you plan on continuing?"
Goku stepped away from King Kai and shook his head. Golden hair fell to black once more as he turned away, staring idly at the wall. "I forfeit the match."
"What?" Pikkon, King Kai, and Gohan all gasped.
"You can't be serious!" Kai shouted.
Goku gave them all a half smile. "I'm afraid so. In fact, I'm throwing the whole tournament. I don't feel like fighting any more."
"Dad... No...." Gohan grabbed his father's arm. "You can't quit! This tournament means everything to you! I could see it in your eyes!"
"That's where you're wrong, Gohan." Goku gently covered Gohan's hand with his own. "My family means more to me than any stupid tournament. And if winning this thing meant I would be ignorant to the plight of both my family and my friends, it's no tournament I want to be in."
Pikkon's stare switched to Gohan. "Is this the son you spoke of?" he asked Goku. The Saiyan nodded wordlessly and the green skinned fighter slowly approached them. Bending over, he stared at Gohan eye to eye.
"This child defeated Cell? His fighting spirit is almost non-existent."
Gohan glared at him. "I'm not a fighter. I beat Cell only because I was the only one left who could. Having power is not enough to make someone a true fighter."
Pikkon's eyes narrowed and he raised his hand, palm outward. Straightening, he wordlessly fired a ki blast the size of a child's ball at the half-Saiyan. Gohan's brow lowered and he silently batted the blast away from himself and his father.
Goku was half in front of his son before the blast even detonated. He gazed at Pikkon in amazed fury as bits of plaster rained down on them from the ceiling. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Pikkon ignored him. "You are right, Son Gohan. Being a true fighter also requires heart." He bowed slightly. "I revise my judgment." Turning on his heels, the exotic looking fighter began walking away, leaving Goku and the others scratching their heads. Arriving at the partially damaged doorway, he paused.
"I will ask the Grand Kai to halt the match for two Earth days." He told Goku. "That should give you and your son time to catch up and get you back into the fighting spirit."
Goku stared at him a moment before smiling. "Wait up. I'll go with you." Ruffling Gohan's hair as he walked by, the tall Saiyan winked. "I'll be right back, okay?" Gohan nodded and they were gone.
King Kai slowly rose from his prostrate position. "Why I never!" He huffed, dusting himself off. What was Pikkon trying to do, kill me a second time? And what's this about delaying the match? They didn't even consult me!" Kai took a few steps forward before slipping on some rubble and falling back over.
Gohan helped the old trainer to his feet, frowning at King Kai's halo. " I'm sorry you died, King Kai. If only I would have defeated Cell sooner...."
"Bah!" Kai waved him off, straightening his sunglasses. "That was your bumbling father's fault for not being able to think of any other planet but mine to transmit to."
"So I've been told...." Gohan fidgeted nervously for a moment. "It's my fault that the tournament is being halted. I'm sorry."
"Are you always this apologetic?" King Kai asked, exasperated.
Gohan looked at his shoes. "Yeah. Sorry if I'm annoying you. I'll just go stand over here until my dad gets back." The demi-saiyan began to scoot away.
King Kai laughed and clapped him on the back, nearly sending him to the floor. "It's no wonder why your father and Piccolo went through such lengths to protect you. You're a real gem, kid. I'm sorry for being such a grumpy old Kai."
Gohan smiled. "Don't worry about it."
"I'm serious." Kai frowned. "I was a real jerk and let thoughts of winning this tournament cloud my judgment. You see, I watched the whole battle between you and Garlic and deliberately decided not to tell Goku. It was because not being able to help you would have torn Goku up inside, or so I told myself. In reality, I was just being selfish."
Sighing, the blue-skinned trainer kicked at the rubble that tripped him before. "Then again," he muttered. "I never thought that someone as strong as you would allow yourself to be killed so easily. You could have easily deflected that blast." He whirled on Gohan, his dark glasses flashing.
"You regained control at the last second before being hit by Piccolo's special beam cannon." Kai accused.
Silent, Gohan looked away.
***
"Can you tell where they are, Vegeta?" Bulma asked, straining vainly to see through the walls of Capsule Corp. to find Trunks and Goten.
"Yes, though a lot of good it's going to do us." Vegeta growled darkly, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
At the table, Krillin slowly massaged his head, trying to come up with a plan. "What do you mean?" Man, all of this thinking is going to turn my new hair gray, he whined mentally.
Vegeta flopped into the seat across from him and propped his feet up on the table. "I mean, the brats are a good distance away. They have the Dragon radar. We do not. As soon as we got a lock on their position and flew after them, they would already be heading to the next location, leaving us to play tag along."
Krillin's head fell to the table with a thump. "You're right." He moaned. "By the time we caught up to them, they would have already made their wish."
Vegeta swallowed his coffee in one gulp. "Then you had better prepare yourself for battle. Because the instant Gohan returns, we'll have to kill him."
"There has to be another way!" Bulma cried. "Shenron grants two wishes now, can't we use the second wish for something?"
Krillin's head shot up, his eyes glowing. "Bulma, you're a genius! You just gave me an idea."
"And the world trembled in fear," Vegeta muttered.
Krillin ignored the Saiyan's sarcasm as he quickly explained his plan. Standing, his fists clenched in excitement. "This will work! We can get rid of Garlic Jr. and still allow Gohan to be wished back! All we need to do is fly to a place where we know there is a Dragonball and hope the boys haven't got it yet."
Vegeta smirked, eyes brightening. "I know just the place." He tossed his empty cup to the floor, where it shattered. His smile hardened as he stood. "Let's go, Shorty. Your plan had better work, or I'll let you do the honors of telling the mother about how we killed her son, again."
***
Goku strode into the room, unwittingly breaking the tension between his trainer and his son. "The Grand Kai has agreed to delay the tournament. There was a lot of groans from the fans, but they'll deal with it." The Saiyan smirked.
Gohan smiled faintly. "That's great to hear, Dad." King Kai huffed and turned away.
"Oh! And the Grand Kai wants to see you."
"W-what?" the demi-saiyan's eyes widened. "Me?"
King Kai suddenly grinned. "Yes, you, Gohan! Now come on, you don't keep people like the Grand Kai waiting." He said, giving Gohan a helpful push from behind making the boy stumble forward.
They walked back into the arena in silence. Gohan stared around in awe; the stadium was completely devoid of spectators. All that was left was a few disgruntled cleaners, dejectedly going about their jobs.
"They left pretty quickly once they realized nothing was going to happen." Goku said. "I told them to think of it like an intermission or something."
"An intermission I didn't approve of," King Kai grumbled. "The other fighters probably got so angry that they won't come back by the time two whole days are up."
"Don't worry, they'll be back." Goku assured him. "No matter how much the might be complaining, they are probably enjoying the break."
Goku turned to see his son staring at him, a faraway look on his face. "What is it?" The bewildered Saiyan asked. "Do I have something on my face?" He rubbed frantically across his nose, looking cross-eyed at it to find out what Gohan found so captivating.
"Hmmm? Oh!" Gohan stopped in his tracks, blushing. "It's just really good to be able to see you again, Dad. You don't know how much I've missed you." Gohan smiled up at his father, his eyes shining.
Goku's eyes softened and he gently clasped his son's shoulder. "If it's anything like how much I've missed you, I think I have an idea."
"All right, all right! Enough of the sappy father/son moments, please!" King Kai shouted, shoving past the two. "I'm getting a toothache!"
Goku and Gohan looked at each other and laughed, before continuing the walk towards the large dais at the far end of the arena. Gohan swallowed nervously. The Grand Kai sounded like a pretty important job. What could he possibly want to see me for, the half-Saiyan wondered.
As they came closer, a figure could be seen lounging against the high-backed throne. The man bounced his head slightly, causing his long bristly beard to sway back and forth. Spying them, the man grinned and pulled off his headphones. "Hola dudes! What's happening?"
Bowing, Gohan's eye twitched slightly. This is the Grand Kai, he thought incredulously.
/The one and only,/ the Grand Kai answered in his mind. What, don't I look the part? Gohan fell over in surprise. Recovering quickly, he bowed once more.
"S-sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." He stammered. Goku stared at him in confusion while King Kai only smirked.
"Don't worry about it little man; it's cool. I get that all the time." The Grand Kai imperiously adjusted his sunglasses. "People just can't handle the idea of a Grand Kai with style."
"Uh...right...." Gohan laughed weakly.
"Grand Kai," King Kai spoke up quickly. "Before you tell us what it is you wanted, I have a small request."
"Request, eh?" The Grand Kai scratched his mustache thoughtfully.
The blue skinned trained nodded eagerly. "I know we are right in the middle of the tournament, but if you could think it was at all possible, I'd like to see Gohan entered in the competition, under my team, of course." King Kai rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
Gohan stared at him, frozen. Goku shot forward irately. "Why you greedy little-" he shouted, shaking his fist.
"Nope, can't do it. Sorry North Kai." The Grand Kai spoke, sounding very unapologetic.
"But, why?" King Kai whined. Victory...so close.
The Grand Kai hopped down from his throne and held up two fingers. "Two reasons. One, The kid doesn't even want to fight, and even if he did, the whole tournament would be pointless if he entered."
Goku grinned. "Cause he'd win, right?"
"Bingo."
King Kai's shoulders slumped forward dejectedly. "And reason number two?"
"Reason number two is even simpler. Gohan won't be here when the tournament starts back up."
"What?" Goku jerked in surprise. Gohan's brows drew together and he took a step closer to his father.
"Where am I going?"
"Back to Earth, just as soon as your friends finish collecting the Dragonballs so you can be wished back." The Grand Kai stated matter-of-factly. Sliding on his headphones once more, the eccentric old man waved. "Well, that's what I wanted to tell you. Nice to meet ya, kid. Catch you dudes in two days!" Blasting his radio, the Grand Kai made his grand departure, soon disappearing from view.
Goku scratched the back of his head before turning to his son with a grin. "All right! Did you hear that, Gohan? You're going back!"
Gohan's face had turned completely white. "They...can't...." he whispered, swaying. Goku moved into to catch him but the half-Saiyan pushed him away. Stumbling forward, he fell to his knees in front of King Kai.
"You have to talk to them!" he begged desperately. "You have to tell them to stop!"
But King Kai only stared at him like he was crazy. Gohan rested his head against the cold tile floor; his breath coming in sharp gasps as his heart thundered a thousand miles a minute. This can't be happening, he thought. Surely they can't be that...stupid.... Unnoticed, a single tear dropped from his eye to splash onto the ground.
"Gohan?" Goku knelt down worriedly beside his son, his shadow blanketing the demi-saiyan like a protective shield. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go back?"
Gohan shook his head without raising it. "I-I want to go back. Mom must be really upset. And Goten, he must be really mad that I broke my promise to him. Then there's Piccolo and Krillin and even Vegeta, I miss them all." Gohan finally raised his head. "But I can't go back! If I do, they'll all be killed!" The memories of his last battle flashed through Gohan's mind.
/You see, Gohan? Do you see how helpless you are?/ Garlic Jr. taunted in his mind as he created a giant ki blast to throw at Goten and the others. /There is nothing you can do to stop me/ Garlic laughed. /There is nothing anyone can do to stop me! Even now, your Namek friend is preparing to hit us from behind. What a moron, to think that I would actually allow such a pathetic blast to harm me./
Gohan watched Garlic's energy ball grow bigger as if he was trapped behind a wall of impenetrable glass. Any moment now, Garlic Jr would release the blast and that would be the end of his friends. /I just can't let that happen!/ Gohan thought, exerting all his will to break free. /I just can't watch them die!/
Garlic laughing in triumph. "Say goodbye to your friends, Gohan!" he shouted as he began to throw the energy ball. "Watch how easily they die, all because of-"
/Now!/ Screaming, power erupted from Gohan's mental form, shattering the barrier that held him back. Once more, he was in control of his own body.
"Special Beam Cannon!"
Gohan clenched his eyes shut as Garlic fought back desperately for control. /I wonder if dying hurts/ he though, just before Piccolo's blast spiraled through his body. Garlic regained control, but it was too late, the damage had been done.
/So you think you've won with that little stunt,/ Garlic hissed. /But you won't stay dead forever. You'll be back, and I'll be waiting for you./ Garlic laughed as his voice faded away, retreating to the safety of his own body in the Dead Zone.
"-won't be caught off guard again. You'll beat Garlic Jr. back to the Dead Zone where he belongs."
Catching the last of his father's words, Gohan jerked back to the present. "No! I'm not strong enough to fight him off."
Goku carefully lifted his son to his feet, staring at him incredulously. "You're the most powerful being in the universe, how can you not be strong enough to beat a villain you have defeated twice before?" Smiling, Goku stared down at his oldest son, confidence flowing out from him like smoke. "I know you can do it."
Gohan looked away, feeling unworthy of his father's praise. "You believed in me before and I let you down." He mumbled.
"What? When?" Goku demanded.
"The Cell Games. It's my fault you died, remember?"
Goku crouched down so that he was face to face with his son. "Look at me," he commanded, tilting up Gohan's chin. "Do you want Piccolo to act like this?"
"Huh?" Gohan blinked in confusion.
"Right now he is going through the exact thing you were after the Cell games. Only in his case, there is no doubt that his actions killed you." Goku spoke, his eyes grave. Gohan looked away, troubled. Smiling slightly, Goku pressed on.
"You weren't like this before. In fact you stopped thinking things like this right after you beat Cell. When did you start having them again?"
Gohan thought, hard. The last few weeks had rushed by in a blur of sleepless nights and painful headaches, ever since the night of his first-that's it! "They started again after I had my first nightmare about killing everyone."
Goku's smiled widened. "The nightmare Garlic planted in your mind?" Gohan nodded. "You see? These aren't your thoughts, they are Garlic's sick creations and you need to forget about them. You were at peace with yourself for once, remember? When the Trunks from the future left to go back to his own time?"
Gohan smiled faintly, closing his eyes. "I was waving goodbye to Trunks, and wishing I could take off that stupid tie that Mom made me wear, when I heard you call my name. I felt your hand on my shoulder and when I turned, I saw your face in the sky. You were happy..." Gohan opened his eyes slowly, a new knowledge glowing within them. "And so was I."
Goku nodded. "You told Pikkon that it took more than power to be a true fighter. And Pikkon agreed, saying you also needed heart. But there is one more thing that a fighter needs; control. And you have more of that than any other person I know." The dark haired Saiyan smiled, grabbing Gohan for a quick hug. "Piccolo was right, you may not be a fighter who thirsts for battle, but you are a fighter that fights when he is needed and will defend those around him even to the death. To me that's not just a fighter, that's a hero."
Tears streaming from his eyes, Gohan stared up at his father lovingly. "Thanks, Dad. I'll make you proud, I promise."
"You already have, Son."
"Ahem!" King Kai coughed. His hands on his hips, the blue skinned trainer glared at the two crossly. "So are you wanting me to contact the others or not?" Gohan met his father's eyes and turned back to King Kai, shaking his head.
"Well great! Then I'm out of here! Any more moments like these and I'll be sick! I swear if I wasn't so blue I'd be green." King Kai muttered as he stalked away.
"King Kai!" Goku called after him.
"What is it now?" Kai shouted back.
Goku smiled. "Can you tell me how long it will before the others collect all seven Dragonballs?"
King Kai paused, searching carefully. After a moment he gasped. "My, they certainly don't waste any time!" He turned to face the two Sons. "They already have five Dragonballs. I'd say you have four hours at most before the Eternal Dragon is called."
Gohan stared at his dad, realizing suddenly how little time they had together. Thinking the same thoughts, Goku smiled sadly before perking up. "Come on, Gohan! The Grand Kai has an enormous pond behind his house. Let's go fishing!"
Gohan grinned. "It'll be just like old times!" he laughed.
Goku winked and grabbed his son, lifting him up onto his shoulders, despite Gohan's protests that he was too old for such treatment. "Let's go!" Goku called, placing two fingers to his forehead. In a flash, they had both disappeared, leaving a fuming King Kai alone in the arena.
"They didn't even invite me." He sulked.
***
It seems Gohan is on his way to being brought back to life. But what about Garlic Jr.? Will he be waiting for him back on Earth, ready to steal his body? What part will everyone else have to play? And where is Piccolo? Find out all this and more in the next Chapter of Dragonball Z.
In the next chapter of DBZ, The balls are gathered and the Dragon is summoned. Gohan has returned! But wait! Garlic hasn't given up yet! It's time for Krillin to put his mysterious plan into action. Let's hope it works. Stay tuned for the next chapter. Chapter 8: The Split.
Author: AstroKender
Warnings: Yet more angst. Poor Gohan
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, father and son were reunited after four long years of separation. Initially afraid of his father's reaction, Gohan's fears were assuaged by Goku's caring arms. But as the truth is revealed to an unknowing father, what will his reaction be then? And why didn't he know already? King Kai, I think you're in trouble!
Ch 7- Rebirth
"So Garlic Jr. took over your body?" Goku asked, reconfirming Gohan's tear-soaked story. The Saiyan had dragged his son to a small room off to the side of the main arena, away from the prying eyes of the audience. Kneeling down, Goku stared into his son's sorrowful eyes, dumbfounded. How could all of this happen without me knowing about it, he asked himself.
"Yes," Gohan nodded. "And he was making me hurt everyone. "Krillin, Vegeta, even Goten!"
"Goten? Who is that?"
Gohan smiled slightly. "My little brother. Your other son."
Goku scratched his head in confusion a moment before grinning. "ChiChi named him Goten? Well, I guess it's better than Einstein!" Gohan laughed.
"Trust me dad, the name wouldn't fit. He definitely takes after you."
The dark haired man's smile widened. "I bet he's gotten really big by now. I wish I could see him."
Gohan's face crumpled and he stared down at the floor. "You almost did! I almost killed him!" Gohan hiccuped down another sob. Goku rested his hand on his son's hair.
"That wasn't you-" he began.
"It was my body!" Gohan shouted. "And if it wasn't for Piccolo, they would have all been dead because of me! Garlic targeted my body because of my stupid powers!"
Goku's hand moved to Gohan's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "What did Piccolo do?" The Saiyan looked around, half expecting the green skinned fighter to be hovering watchfully over his only student. Piccolo must have jumped in front of a blast meant for one of the others, Goku thought. He sure has come a long way from wanting to take over the world.
"He killed me." Gohan said calmly, his head rising. Goku's eyes widened in shock.
"He what?" Goku gasped. " Poor Piccolo...." Goku shook his head, knowing full well the torture the softhearted Namek was putting himself through for killing the child he had always protected. Goku knew if he ever had to make that choice, he would rather die himself a thousand times.
"He had no choice, I'm afraid." King Kai said as he walked up behind him. "If he hadn't fired when he did, the others would have been killed, leaving Garlic unstoppable. I've tried to contact him since then, but he has blocked everyone out, so I'm afraid I can't tell you how he is doing." The blue skinned Kai told Gohan, perhaps anticipation the question.
"So you knew of this battle, before Gohan arrived here." Goku stated, facing away from his trainer. Gohan took one look in his father's eyes and quickly stepped backwards. Taking Kai's silence for acknowledgment, Goku grit his teeth. "Then why didn't you tell me!"
King Kai sighed and crossed his arms. "There was nothing you could have done about it anyway, Goku. And your worry for Gohan and the others would have only distracted you from winning this tournament."
Goku whirled around at a blinding speed and grabbed King Kai by the shirtfront, hauling him effortlessly over his head. Kai looked into the green eyes of an ascended Saiyan and gulped. "No tournament is more important then knowing my son's well being." He growled.
"Dad...." Gohan began, stepping forward in an effort to soothe his father's anger. Can't I do anything right? He asked himself. Now they're fighting because of me.
A shadow fell between himself and his father, causing Gohan to look up. The green-skinned warrior, Pikkon, stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowed. "Goku. That is no way to treat your trainer."
The Saiyan lowered King Kai back to the ground. "What do you want, Pikkon?" Goku asked coldly.
"Many people are wondering why you stopped our match, myself included." Pikkon carefully raised one brow ridge. "Would you care to give an explanation and, if not, at least tell me when you plan on continuing?"
Goku stepped away from King Kai and shook his head. Golden hair fell to black once more as he turned away, staring idly at the wall. "I forfeit the match."
"What?" Pikkon, King Kai, and Gohan all gasped.
"You can't be serious!" Kai shouted.
Goku gave them all a half smile. "I'm afraid so. In fact, I'm throwing the whole tournament. I don't feel like fighting any more."
"Dad... No...." Gohan grabbed his father's arm. "You can't quit! This tournament means everything to you! I could see it in your eyes!"
"That's where you're wrong, Gohan." Goku gently covered Gohan's hand with his own. "My family means more to me than any stupid tournament. And if winning this thing meant I would be ignorant to the plight of both my family and my friends, it's no tournament I want to be in."
Pikkon's stare switched to Gohan. "Is this the son you spoke of?" he asked Goku. The Saiyan nodded wordlessly and the green skinned fighter slowly approached them. Bending over, he stared at Gohan eye to eye.
"This child defeated Cell? His fighting spirit is almost non-existent."
Gohan glared at him. "I'm not a fighter. I beat Cell only because I was the only one left who could. Having power is not enough to make someone a true fighter."
Pikkon's eyes narrowed and he raised his hand, palm outward. Straightening, he wordlessly fired a ki blast the size of a child's ball at the half-Saiyan. Gohan's brow lowered and he silently batted the blast away from himself and his father.
Goku was half in front of his son before the blast even detonated. He gazed at Pikkon in amazed fury as bits of plaster rained down on them from the ceiling. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Pikkon ignored him. "You are right, Son Gohan. Being a true fighter also requires heart." He bowed slightly. "I revise my judgment." Turning on his heels, the exotic looking fighter began walking away, leaving Goku and the others scratching their heads. Arriving at the partially damaged doorway, he paused.
"I will ask the Grand Kai to halt the match for two Earth days." He told Goku. "That should give you and your son time to catch up and get you back into the fighting spirit."
Goku stared at him a moment before smiling. "Wait up. I'll go with you." Ruffling Gohan's hair as he walked by, the tall Saiyan winked. "I'll be right back, okay?" Gohan nodded and they were gone.
King Kai slowly rose from his prostrate position. "Why I never!" He huffed, dusting himself off. What was Pikkon trying to do, kill me a second time? And what's this about delaying the match? They didn't even consult me!" Kai took a few steps forward before slipping on some rubble and falling back over.
Gohan helped the old trainer to his feet, frowning at King Kai's halo. " I'm sorry you died, King Kai. If only I would have defeated Cell sooner...."
"Bah!" Kai waved him off, straightening his sunglasses. "That was your bumbling father's fault for not being able to think of any other planet but mine to transmit to."
"So I've been told...." Gohan fidgeted nervously for a moment. "It's my fault that the tournament is being halted. I'm sorry."
"Are you always this apologetic?" King Kai asked, exasperated.
Gohan looked at his shoes. "Yeah. Sorry if I'm annoying you. I'll just go stand over here until my dad gets back." The demi-saiyan began to scoot away.
King Kai laughed and clapped him on the back, nearly sending him to the floor. "It's no wonder why your father and Piccolo went through such lengths to protect you. You're a real gem, kid. I'm sorry for being such a grumpy old Kai."
Gohan smiled. "Don't worry about it."
"I'm serious." Kai frowned. "I was a real jerk and let thoughts of winning this tournament cloud my judgment. You see, I watched the whole battle between you and Garlic and deliberately decided not to tell Goku. It was because not being able to help you would have torn Goku up inside, or so I told myself. In reality, I was just being selfish."
Sighing, the blue-skinned trainer kicked at the rubble that tripped him before. "Then again," he muttered. "I never thought that someone as strong as you would allow yourself to be killed so easily. You could have easily deflected that blast." He whirled on Gohan, his dark glasses flashing.
"You regained control at the last second before being hit by Piccolo's special beam cannon." Kai accused.
Silent, Gohan looked away.
***
"Can you tell where they are, Vegeta?" Bulma asked, straining vainly to see through the walls of Capsule Corp. to find Trunks and Goten.
"Yes, though a lot of good it's going to do us." Vegeta growled darkly, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
At the table, Krillin slowly massaged his head, trying to come up with a plan. "What do you mean?" Man, all of this thinking is going to turn my new hair gray, he whined mentally.
Vegeta flopped into the seat across from him and propped his feet up on the table. "I mean, the brats are a good distance away. They have the Dragon radar. We do not. As soon as we got a lock on their position and flew after them, they would already be heading to the next location, leaving us to play tag along."
Krillin's head fell to the table with a thump. "You're right." He moaned. "By the time we caught up to them, they would have already made their wish."
Vegeta swallowed his coffee in one gulp. "Then you had better prepare yourself for battle. Because the instant Gohan returns, we'll have to kill him."
"There has to be another way!" Bulma cried. "Shenron grants two wishes now, can't we use the second wish for something?"
Krillin's head shot up, his eyes glowing. "Bulma, you're a genius! You just gave me an idea."
"And the world trembled in fear," Vegeta muttered.
Krillin ignored the Saiyan's sarcasm as he quickly explained his plan. Standing, his fists clenched in excitement. "This will work! We can get rid of Garlic Jr. and still allow Gohan to be wished back! All we need to do is fly to a place where we know there is a Dragonball and hope the boys haven't got it yet."
Vegeta smirked, eyes brightening. "I know just the place." He tossed his empty cup to the floor, where it shattered. His smile hardened as he stood. "Let's go, Shorty. Your plan had better work, or I'll let you do the honors of telling the mother about how we killed her son, again."
***
Goku strode into the room, unwittingly breaking the tension between his trainer and his son. "The Grand Kai has agreed to delay the tournament. There was a lot of groans from the fans, but they'll deal with it." The Saiyan smirked.
Gohan smiled faintly. "That's great to hear, Dad." King Kai huffed and turned away.
"Oh! And the Grand Kai wants to see you."
"W-what?" the demi-saiyan's eyes widened. "Me?"
King Kai suddenly grinned. "Yes, you, Gohan! Now come on, you don't keep people like the Grand Kai waiting." He said, giving Gohan a helpful push from behind making the boy stumble forward.
They walked back into the arena in silence. Gohan stared around in awe; the stadium was completely devoid of spectators. All that was left was a few disgruntled cleaners, dejectedly going about their jobs.
"They left pretty quickly once they realized nothing was going to happen." Goku said. "I told them to think of it like an intermission or something."
"An intermission I didn't approve of," King Kai grumbled. "The other fighters probably got so angry that they won't come back by the time two whole days are up."
"Don't worry, they'll be back." Goku assured him. "No matter how much the might be complaining, they are probably enjoying the break."
Goku turned to see his son staring at him, a faraway look on his face. "What is it?" The bewildered Saiyan asked. "Do I have something on my face?" He rubbed frantically across his nose, looking cross-eyed at it to find out what Gohan found so captivating.
"Hmmm? Oh!" Gohan stopped in his tracks, blushing. "It's just really good to be able to see you again, Dad. You don't know how much I've missed you." Gohan smiled up at his father, his eyes shining.
Goku's eyes softened and he gently clasped his son's shoulder. "If it's anything like how much I've missed you, I think I have an idea."
"All right, all right! Enough of the sappy father/son moments, please!" King Kai shouted, shoving past the two. "I'm getting a toothache!"
Goku and Gohan looked at each other and laughed, before continuing the walk towards the large dais at the far end of the arena. Gohan swallowed nervously. The Grand Kai sounded like a pretty important job. What could he possibly want to see me for, the half-Saiyan wondered.
As they came closer, a figure could be seen lounging against the high-backed throne. The man bounced his head slightly, causing his long bristly beard to sway back and forth. Spying them, the man grinned and pulled off his headphones. "Hola dudes! What's happening?"
Bowing, Gohan's eye twitched slightly. This is the Grand Kai, he thought incredulously.
/The one and only,/ the Grand Kai answered in his mind. What, don't I look the part? Gohan fell over in surprise. Recovering quickly, he bowed once more.
"S-sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." He stammered. Goku stared at him in confusion while King Kai only smirked.
"Don't worry about it little man; it's cool. I get that all the time." The Grand Kai imperiously adjusted his sunglasses. "People just can't handle the idea of a Grand Kai with style."
"Uh...right...." Gohan laughed weakly.
"Grand Kai," King Kai spoke up quickly. "Before you tell us what it is you wanted, I have a small request."
"Request, eh?" The Grand Kai scratched his mustache thoughtfully.
The blue skinned trained nodded eagerly. "I know we are right in the middle of the tournament, but if you could think it was at all possible, I'd like to see Gohan entered in the competition, under my team, of course." King Kai rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
Gohan stared at him, frozen. Goku shot forward irately. "Why you greedy little-" he shouted, shaking his fist.
"Nope, can't do it. Sorry North Kai." The Grand Kai spoke, sounding very unapologetic.
"But, why?" King Kai whined. Victory...so close.
The Grand Kai hopped down from his throne and held up two fingers. "Two reasons. One, The kid doesn't even want to fight, and even if he did, the whole tournament would be pointless if he entered."
Goku grinned. "Cause he'd win, right?"
"Bingo."
King Kai's shoulders slumped forward dejectedly. "And reason number two?"
"Reason number two is even simpler. Gohan won't be here when the tournament starts back up."
"What?" Goku jerked in surprise. Gohan's brows drew together and he took a step closer to his father.
"Where am I going?"
"Back to Earth, just as soon as your friends finish collecting the Dragonballs so you can be wished back." The Grand Kai stated matter-of-factly. Sliding on his headphones once more, the eccentric old man waved. "Well, that's what I wanted to tell you. Nice to meet ya, kid. Catch you dudes in two days!" Blasting his radio, the Grand Kai made his grand departure, soon disappearing from view.
Goku scratched the back of his head before turning to his son with a grin. "All right! Did you hear that, Gohan? You're going back!"
Gohan's face had turned completely white. "They...can't...." he whispered, swaying. Goku moved into to catch him but the half-Saiyan pushed him away. Stumbling forward, he fell to his knees in front of King Kai.
"You have to talk to them!" he begged desperately. "You have to tell them to stop!"
But King Kai only stared at him like he was crazy. Gohan rested his head against the cold tile floor; his breath coming in sharp gasps as his heart thundered a thousand miles a minute. This can't be happening, he thought. Surely they can't be that...stupid.... Unnoticed, a single tear dropped from his eye to splash onto the ground.
"Gohan?" Goku knelt down worriedly beside his son, his shadow blanketing the demi-saiyan like a protective shield. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go back?"
Gohan shook his head without raising it. "I-I want to go back. Mom must be really upset. And Goten, he must be really mad that I broke my promise to him. Then there's Piccolo and Krillin and even Vegeta, I miss them all." Gohan finally raised his head. "But I can't go back! If I do, they'll all be killed!" The memories of his last battle flashed through Gohan's mind.
/You see, Gohan? Do you see how helpless you are?/ Garlic Jr. taunted in his mind as he created a giant ki blast to throw at Goten and the others. /There is nothing you can do to stop me/ Garlic laughed. /There is nothing anyone can do to stop me! Even now, your Namek friend is preparing to hit us from behind. What a moron, to think that I would actually allow such a pathetic blast to harm me./
Gohan watched Garlic's energy ball grow bigger as if he was trapped behind a wall of impenetrable glass. Any moment now, Garlic Jr would release the blast and that would be the end of his friends. /I just can't let that happen!/ Gohan thought, exerting all his will to break free. /I just can't watch them die!/
Garlic laughing in triumph. "Say goodbye to your friends, Gohan!" he shouted as he began to throw the energy ball. "Watch how easily they die, all because of-"
/Now!/ Screaming, power erupted from Gohan's mental form, shattering the barrier that held him back. Once more, he was in control of his own body.
"Special Beam Cannon!"
Gohan clenched his eyes shut as Garlic fought back desperately for control. /I wonder if dying hurts/ he though, just before Piccolo's blast spiraled through his body. Garlic regained control, but it was too late, the damage had been done.
/So you think you've won with that little stunt,/ Garlic hissed. /But you won't stay dead forever. You'll be back, and I'll be waiting for you./ Garlic laughed as his voice faded away, retreating to the safety of his own body in the Dead Zone.
"-won't be caught off guard again. You'll beat Garlic Jr. back to the Dead Zone where he belongs."
Catching the last of his father's words, Gohan jerked back to the present. "No! I'm not strong enough to fight him off."
Goku carefully lifted his son to his feet, staring at him incredulously. "You're the most powerful being in the universe, how can you not be strong enough to beat a villain you have defeated twice before?" Smiling, Goku stared down at his oldest son, confidence flowing out from him like smoke. "I know you can do it."
Gohan looked away, feeling unworthy of his father's praise. "You believed in me before and I let you down." He mumbled.
"What? When?" Goku demanded.
"The Cell Games. It's my fault you died, remember?"
Goku crouched down so that he was face to face with his son. "Look at me," he commanded, tilting up Gohan's chin. "Do you want Piccolo to act like this?"
"Huh?" Gohan blinked in confusion.
"Right now he is going through the exact thing you were after the Cell games. Only in his case, there is no doubt that his actions killed you." Goku spoke, his eyes grave. Gohan looked away, troubled. Smiling slightly, Goku pressed on.
"You weren't like this before. In fact you stopped thinking things like this right after you beat Cell. When did you start having them again?"
Gohan thought, hard. The last few weeks had rushed by in a blur of sleepless nights and painful headaches, ever since the night of his first-that's it! "They started again after I had my first nightmare about killing everyone."
Goku's smiled widened. "The nightmare Garlic planted in your mind?" Gohan nodded. "You see? These aren't your thoughts, they are Garlic's sick creations and you need to forget about them. You were at peace with yourself for once, remember? When the Trunks from the future left to go back to his own time?"
Gohan smiled faintly, closing his eyes. "I was waving goodbye to Trunks, and wishing I could take off that stupid tie that Mom made me wear, when I heard you call my name. I felt your hand on my shoulder and when I turned, I saw your face in the sky. You were happy..." Gohan opened his eyes slowly, a new knowledge glowing within them. "And so was I."
Goku nodded. "You told Pikkon that it took more than power to be a true fighter. And Pikkon agreed, saying you also needed heart. But there is one more thing that a fighter needs; control. And you have more of that than any other person I know." The dark haired Saiyan smiled, grabbing Gohan for a quick hug. "Piccolo was right, you may not be a fighter who thirsts for battle, but you are a fighter that fights when he is needed and will defend those around him even to the death. To me that's not just a fighter, that's a hero."
Tears streaming from his eyes, Gohan stared up at his father lovingly. "Thanks, Dad. I'll make you proud, I promise."
"You already have, Son."
"Ahem!" King Kai coughed. His hands on his hips, the blue skinned trainer glared at the two crossly. "So are you wanting me to contact the others or not?" Gohan met his father's eyes and turned back to King Kai, shaking his head.
"Well great! Then I'm out of here! Any more moments like these and I'll be sick! I swear if I wasn't so blue I'd be green." King Kai muttered as he stalked away.
"King Kai!" Goku called after him.
"What is it now?" Kai shouted back.
Goku smiled. "Can you tell me how long it will before the others collect all seven Dragonballs?"
King Kai paused, searching carefully. After a moment he gasped. "My, they certainly don't waste any time!" He turned to face the two Sons. "They already have five Dragonballs. I'd say you have four hours at most before the Eternal Dragon is called."
Gohan stared at his dad, realizing suddenly how little time they had together. Thinking the same thoughts, Goku smiled sadly before perking up. "Come on, Gohan! The Grand Kai has an enormous pond behind his house. Let's go fishing!"
Gohan grinned. "It'll be just like old times!" he laughed.
Goku winked and grabbed his son, lifting him up onto his shoulders, despite Gohan's protests that he was too old for such treatment. "Let's go!" Goku called, placing two fingers to his forehead. In a flash, they had both disappeared, leaving a fuming King Kai alone in the arena.
"They didn't even invite me." He sulked.
***
It seems Gohan is on his way to being brought back to life. But what about Garlic Jr.? Will he be waiting for him back on Earth, ready to steal his body? What part will everyone else have to play? And where is Piccolo? Find out all this and more in the next Chapter of Dragonball Z.
In the next chapter of DBZ, The balls are gathered and the Dragon is summoned. Gohan has returned! But wait! Garlic hasn't given up yet! It's time for Krillin to put his mysterious plan into action. Let's hope it works. Stay tuned for the next chapter. Chapter 8: The Split.