Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z, I am just borrowing its characters
for my fanfic- so don't sue. I am poor with nothing you would like.
A/N: Okay, I read the reviews and thought long and hard, and decided to give it an epilogue since everyone agreed it deserves one. Then I thought longer and decided that I am going to make a sequel to this story. When the first chapter of the sequel comes it will be obvious, cuz it will be named Heaven Forsake Me II. N-Y-Wayz, here it is! Enjoy!
Chapter 9- Epilogue- Memories and Shadows
I skipped down the streets of the city whistling nonchalantly. It was the day after the longest ordeal of my life, and here I am again alive. Stopping in front of Capsule Corp., I hoisted the heavy bag over my shoulders as I began to walk up the driveway to Bulma's house. The bag was full of sugar; it seems Bulma has some important guests to impress, so she is baking a lot of food.
I heard a tweet off to my right, but ignored it as I began lifting my hand to the door, and stopped. Inside, I heard a crash as a breakable flew across the room followed by the echo of voices deep inside.
"Fuck! Why do you have to be so PIGHEADED!!" a shrill voice screamed, recognizable as Bulma's.
"How dare you address me in such a manner! ME! The Prince of Saiyans!" Obviously Vejita's voice.
"I needed those brownies for the banquet! You glutton!"
"Maybe if you kept food around, I wouldn't have eaten it!"
"GLUTTON!!"
"WHORE! If you weren't busy fucking Yamcha, and cooked like a woman-"
"I AM NOT FUCKING YAMCHA!!"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SCREAMED LAST NIGHT IN BED!! WHORE!!"
I heard Bulma shriek as a crash echoed in the house, then heavy footsteps thudded out of the living room followed by silence. I stood behind the close door unsure, uncomfortable; then I finally opened it only to be greeted by a litter of glass. It looked as if a tornado tore through the living room. My mouth dropped slowly, but quickly I closed it as I began to trudge through various smashed objects on the floor.
My discomfort grew, and I spotted a clear spot on the countertop. It was then that a decision entered my mind: put the bag on the counter, turn around, and leave now. I dropped the bag like it was a disease and began to turn, when a sound caught my ear. Bulma was sobbing uncontrollably from her bedroom. I stood, staring into the dark hallway.
"What are you looking at, boy." A gruff voice demanded.
I turned to see Vejita. Innocently I replied, "Me? Nothing."
Vejita glared down at me darkly, with a flicker of hate in his eyes. "Go. Now."
I could almost feel my body shift for the door, but for some reason I didn't move. I just stood there, glued in place, with Bulma's sobs echoing in my brain. She was crying, just like before.
An image popped into my mind. The house was older now, spun with cobwebs. And Bulma was the same age, but wore lines of weariness. She was standing over a crib, crying still- and for who but the man that just made her cry.. It is all the same. She still cries for him. Only now he is alive, and how good of a friend am I still but to still leave her here and kill her again- only now from the inside instead of over a poison for Cell.
I can not leave her here dead inside. With all my strength I looked deep into Vejita's angry eyes and stuttered out, "Y-you didn't have to, ya know,. make her cry."
Vejita's eyes narrowed more as he set his jaw. "This is none of your concern, boy."
I wanted to agree with him, and just leave and be on my way. But I could still see Bulma, distraught and convinced he is alive. I could picture what Videl saw, as Bulma drowned Trunks in the river. I could see her gasping her last breath. because I slaved her to death. Because I was bent on the thirst of revenge.
I set my jaw also and looked Vejita dead in the eyes. "You didn't have to make her cry." I said without stuttering.
Vejita showed his teeth and swung his hand across my face. My head snapped quickly from his hand, but I didn't wince. Not even when I felt the swelling of my eye, or when it pulsed with my heart. I listened as Vejita heatedly spat his rage.
"I SAID THIS IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" Vejita growled. "I am the Prince of ALL Saiyans! Including you! Women wait on me! I am not some commoner who makes his own meals! AND IT WAS JUST TEN DAMN BROWNIES!! SHE CAN BAKE MORE!! SHE'S A WOMAN!! JUST A DAMN WOMAN!!"
I slowly turned my head back, unfazed. When Vejita saw this, his features calmed a bit, and he smirked. "Well, it's about time you quit acting like a foolish child and more of a warrior."
Bitterly, I said back, "Vejita, you have no idea." When he chuckled, I cut in quickly, "She's just a damn woman, who carried your only son for nine months. She is just a damn woman, who pays your rent, buys your clothes, provides your food. She is just a damn woman, who is in that room -crying- over you. She never cries, you know."
I waited a moment to let it sink in, and to take in Vejita's agitated state, before I continued. "I will go now, but only after I say this- you can kill all the people you wish and curse all the graves you spit on, but it seems your greatest difficulty is apologizing. I never knew a man who stuck his tail between his legs and ran -like a coward- from an apology."
Vejita stared in an angry shock as he realized what I just said. "How dare.. you call ME a COWARD!!" Vejita shrieked in rage.
My expression didn't change. "So what? Better to be a coward than to swallow your false pride. After all, she is just a damn woman who shares your son. And don't all true men curse their mates?"
I turned my back slowly, almost expecting a punch, but I received none. I walked out of the door, and shut. afterwards, standing there for a moment finally allowing myself to shake. I just spoke down Vejita, Prince of Saiyans. Only my father and Bulma ever dared to-
I stopped my thoughts as I heard Vejita's whispered voice choke out words I never thought I'd hear. "Bulma- I, uh, I-I m sorry. for hitting you." On the other end I could hear Bulma's sobs stop, and no more shrieks, no crashing, none.
I smiled a bit pleased with myself, and descended down the driveway of Capsule Corp. I heard a tweet to my right and stopped, turning to see a tiny Blue Jay. But I had no time to stare, I began to quickly walk the busy streets, staring all around. The buildings, fully intact, lined the streets full of life and people. It was then that a particular person caught my eye, and I stopped to stare.
There she was- Videl. She wore her hair in pig tails, but she was different. She wasn't skinny and sickly like before, and she didn't seem remote and withdrawn either. Now, she was tone and lean, with muscles, and she held her head with confidence as she crossed the street. I remembered how before she seemed so fake, so. unfitting in her place. But now she seemed fulfilled and complete, like this is how she was meant to be.
I was so busy staring, that I didn't realize, not until a split second- she was crossing a lane right in front of a speeding Chevrolet. I blinked, surprised, then my reflexes took over.
"Videl!" I shouted as I raced across the street.
She glanced at me, perplexed, but there wasn't much time for her to wonder. I shoved her out of the lane, as the metal of the car slammed into my legs, which were knocked out from under me. I rolled over the car helplessly, as the glass smashed into my face, and I landed behind the car on the street.
The car's breaks squeeled, but when the driver realized his predicament he quickly sped off. I layed there startled, but calmed when I saw Videl's concerned face appear over me.
"Omigosh! Are you alright!" She said nearly in tears.
I smiled, as I stood up. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Videl stared in shock. "You don't even have a scratch." She said astonished.
I was puzzled for a moment, but then I remembered; she doesn't know I'm a Saiyan. I laughed rubbing the back of my head while blushing. "Yeah! Guess I'm just lucky like that."
"You sure are. thank you. You saved my life. You are welcome in my home anytime."
Videl bowed, and then began to walk away.
"Hey wait! Don't you want to know how I knew your name?" I asked.
She turned and giggled. "I'm the daughter of Hercule, the man who saved earth from Cell. Everyone knows my name."
I stared for a moment bewildered, then laughed. That's right, I was born now. Earth was saved by Hercule. well, according to the earth.
*-------------------------------------*
I walked slowly along the forest trail feeling his ki. It still hung over me like a shadow, and I had to see him to vanish it. Even now, after I know it was not him but a stranger in his skin, I can still see it in my head from my dream. I can still see him raping my mother, screaming at her those words- "WHY WON'T YOU FUCKING CUM!"
And still then, if that was just a stranger, another version of him, isn't it still a part of him? Would he still- could he- be a murderer?
But even then, another image filled my mind. We were still falling down that pit, beating one another. And he was still at the bottom lying, dead, with his skull split open. His brains still oozed over the dirt ground. He still stared at me, with blank sockets. hollow sockets staring accusingly. Like a ghost. one in my head, I killed my best friend. I stopped at the edge of the trail and looked at my hands. I could still see the crevices of blood in my palm, as I slowly raised my eyes to see Piccolo standing alongside the river.
I began walking towards him and stopped a couple of feet away, knowing he knew my presence.
"Gohan. what are you doing here." He said calmly, a bit annoyed.
I didn't speak for a moment, and this caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder but kept his back to me, aware that my usual childish ways were gone.
"I just had to see you, with my own eyes. I know you will always be here, but I just wanted to see you, that's all, with my own eyes not with a ki."
"What do you want." He said, hiding his emotion from his voice.
I opened my mouth, but then closed it to wet my lips. "You and my dad use to fight. And. you were against him. a while back."
A heaviness hung in the air between us. Neither of us said it, but we knew what I was asking. We knew there was blood on Piccolo's hands.
"That was a long time ago. Things change, people change. What is there one day may not be the next, that is why our decisions are so weighted. I made a decision, and here I am."
I swallowed, ready for my next question. "Why did you decide this."
Piccolo glanced over his shoulder one last time, and looked away. "Because your father's death was noble. He died so Radditz couldn't succeed. Now, I won't deny I didn't enjoy killing your father, but it wasn't what I thought it would be."
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"It wasn't what I thought it would be. It didn't taste the way I thought. Victory was bitter, and it soured my stomach. Your father's death was noble, so what did that leave me. There is nothing more repulsive than killing a willing foe." He paused. "And then I met my first friend. And I realized why your father was so willing to die."
I smiled, it wasn't often Piccolo opened up his emotions, and I basked in the praise.
"But that doesn't mean your training will be any easier kid. Now, either drop into a sparring stance and attack or go home."
I felt a flash in my head as I saw a quick image of the pit, and I realized I couldn't spar with Piccolo so soon. But I did miss the forest days before Vejita came when we trained, and I was eager to spar. I now felt a greater understanding of my best friend. Yes, the victory was bitter, and my stomach was sour.
"Maybe later Piccolo-san, my mother wants me home soon. See ya!" I shouted as I waved by and ran off into the woods.
The sun was descending in the sky and the forest was shadowed deeply. Mother will be furious if I am not home soon. So I cut off and began to follow a stream which was a shortcut. My mouth became dry as I pictured my mother standing at the door impatiently, and I dropped to my knees in front of the stream for a drink.
The water danced before me, reflecting on the trees around me. It looked like the water was dancing on the trees around me. I admired this before I looked into the stream. I saw my face staring back at me, and I quickly bashed it with my cupped hands gathering water to drink. I took a long sip before I looked back down at my reflection.
My eyes stared back at me, hollow and stealthy. I blinked and furrowed my brows, wondering if I was becoming ill. Then I felt uneasy, as I realized. I lifted my hand and watched the reflection lift his. Gaping, I stared at the reflections hand. It was covered in dry blood which clung to every crevice, every print in the hand. And along its wrist he bore a deep inflicted gash. I looked slowly to my own palm. which bore none of these traits. Slowly, I looked back, and all I saw was a deep shadow stretching across the stream where my reflection had been, for the sun had vanished for the sky, and I, along with all, am nothing but a shadow beneath the darkness of this sky.
I lowered my hand and stared into my shadow. The sourness of my stomach had grown, and it now littered my throat. What was this? A mirage? Then a voice popped into my own head, a bitter voice which spoke flared with hate- "The guilt began to bury you as you fell to the ground and dropped your head from the light. How can you climb from here if you can't even stand? You began thinking of Cell and Piccolo, how it felt so good to see them bleed... like you am bleeding inside of your soul. You are too connected to me to slip away now, You are just as stained as they are- hold up your bloody palms to stare at them. Let it burn itself into your mind- a reminder of what you now are. Father,... look at your son now! LOOK at your fucking son RIGHT NOW."
I shook from the voice violently, unsure of how to react. Then the motion flared through me. "I am sorry! I said I was sorry! I am not like them, I swear! I am not a killer!"
"Murderer. you are just a murderer, just like they are." The voice sang tauntingly.
"No, I didn't kill my father. He died an honorably death- he died for the planet earth!" .and I am sorry, father, your son can never be like you. but I now understand at least, I know.
"You know, You know, what you know is the rush of blood in your hand, on your tongue."
"I have no blood on me! It was washed clean! It never happened!"
"Then why did you dream of it last night? What made you say those things to Vejita, to Piccolo, recognize Videl?"
"I said it never happened! God brought me back, so now all has been undone. It is has if none of it happened. I lost no time, all that is left is memories."
"Memories can't be created without time and action. There's images in your head, and they won't go away. You will never be the same, so why bother? Why bother to fight it? C'me on, you know what you want to do."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"He's still there... hurting your friends. Remember? Vejita killed your friends, and now he is killing Bulma from within. Are you not going to protect her? Or are you going to kill her, let her die, like with Cell. You killed her, and now you are doing it again by not helping, Leting her die."
"Vejita changed! He is on our side now! He is one of us! And he apologized to Bulma!"
"Then why does he act like he does? Why does he still claim he will one day rule the universe like he is meant to? He hit her, are you going to let him hurt her?"
"Empty threats. They are all empty threats-"
"Let them die, you are going to let them die, Let them all fall down."
"STOP IT!! STOP IT!!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!"
I shouted as I fell over into a crouching position cupping my ears. I began to rock back and forth, comforted by the motion of my body, as I chanted my demand- get out of my head- filling my head with only my own voice, such a comforting motion, to and fro- to and fro- back and forth- , you can rely on it, knowing the to will always follow the fro, - to and fro, until the moon beamed down on me from high over head, and I was fast asleep on the ground next to the stream, flat on my chest.
And my shadow danced over the water from within the stream, as I slept, wide awake my shadow waited.
A/N: I set the epilogue up the introduce the sequel almost. I hope you guys like it so far. so question for the sequel, what is up with Gohan? Is he going insane, or is he possessed, or both, or what? Is he going end up killing Vejita, or is that cut on the reflections a forshadowing of his own actions? Find out! In the sequel!
A/N: Okay, I read the reviews and thought long and hard, and decided to give it an epilogue since everyone agreed it deserves one. Then I thought longer and decided that I am going to make a sequel to this story. When the first chapter of the sequel comes it will be obvious, cuz it will be named Heaven Forsake Me II. N-Y-Wayz, here it is! Enjoy!
Chapter 9- Epilogue- Memories and Shadows
I skipped down the streets of the city whistling nonchalantly. It was the day after the longest ordeal of my life, and here I am again alive. Stopping in front of Capsule Corp., I hoisted the heavy bag over my shoulders as I began to walk up the driveway to Bulma's house. The bag was full of sugar; it seems Bulma has some important guests to impress, so she is baking a lot of food.
I heard a tweet off to my right, but ignored it as I began lifting my hand to the door, and stopped. Inside, I heard a crash as a breakable flew across the room followed by the echo of voices deep inside.
"Fuck! Why do you have to be so PIGHEADED!!" a shrill voice screamed, recognizable as Bulma's.
"How dare you address me in such a manner! ME! The Prince of Saiyans!" Obviously Vejita's voice.
"I needed those brownies for the banquet! You glutton!"
"Maybe if you kept food around, I wouldn't have eaten it!"
"GLUTTON!!"
"WHORE! If you weren't busy fucking Yamcha, and cooked like a woman-"
"I AM NOT FUCKING YAMCHA!!"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU SCREAMED LAST NIGHT IN BED!! WHORE!!"
I heard Bulma shriek as a crash echoed in the house, then heavy footsteps thudded out of the living room followed by silence. I stood behind the close door unsure, uncomfortable; then I finally opened it only to be greeted by a litter of glass. It looked as if a tornado tore through the living room. My mouth dropped slowly, but quickly I closed it as I began to trudge through various smashed objects on the floor.
My discomfort grew, and I spotted a clear spot on the countertop. It was then that a decision entered my mind: put the bag on the counter, turn around, and leave now. I dropped the bag like it was a disease and began to turn, when a sound caught my ear. Bulma was sobbing uncontrollably from her bedroom. I stood, staring into the dark hallway.
"What are you looking at, boy." A gruff voice demanded.
I turned to see Vejita. Innocently I replied, "Me? Nothing."
Vejita glared down at me darkly, with a flicker of hate in his eyes. "Go. Now."
I could almost feel my body shift for the door, but for some reason I didn't move. I just stood there, glued in place, with Bulma's sobs echoing in my brain. She was crying, just like before.
An image popped into my mind. The house was older now, spun with cobwebs. And Bulma was the same age, but wore lines of weariness. She was standing over a crib, crying still- and for who but the man that just made her cry.. It is all the same. She still cries for him. Only now he is alive, and how good of a friend am I still but to still leave her here and kill her again- only now from the inside instead of over a poison for Cell.
I can not leave her here dead inside. With all my strength I looked deep into Vejita's angry eyes and stuttered out, "Y-you didn't have to, ya know,. make her cry."
Vejita's eyes narrowed more as he set his jaw. "This is none of your concern, boy."
I wanted to agree with him, and just leave and be on my way. But I could still see Bulma, distraught and convinced he is alive. I could picture what Videl saw, as Bulma drowned Trunks in the river. I could see her gasping her last breath. because I slaved her to death. Because I was bent on the thirst of revenge.
I set my jaw also and looked Vejita dead in the eyes. "You didn't have to make her cry." I said without stuttering.
Vejita showed his teeth and swung his hand across my face. My head snapped quickly from his hand, but I didn't wince. Not even when I felt the swelling of my eye, or when it pulsed with my heart. I listened as Vejita heatedly spat his rage.
"I SAID THIS IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" Vejita growled. "I am the Prince of ALL Saiyans! Including you! Women wait on me! I am not some commoner who makes his own meals! AND IT WAS JUST TEN DAMN BROWNIES!! SHE CAN BAKE MORE!! SHE'S A WOMAN!! JUST A DAMN WOMAN!!"
I slowly turned my head back, unfazed. When Vejita saw this, his features calmed a bit, and he smirked. "Well, it's about time you quit acting like a foolish child and more of a warrior."
Bitterly, I said back, "Vejita, you have no idea." When he chuckled, I cut in quickly, "She's just a damn woman, who carried your only son for nine months. She is just a damn woman, who pays your rent, buys your clothes, provides your food. She is just a damn woman, who is in that room -crying- over you. She never cries, you know."
I waited a moment to let it sink in, and to take in Vejita's agitated state, before I continued. "I will go now, but only after I say this- you can kill all the people you wish and curse all the graves you spit on, but it seems your greatest difficulty is apologizing. I never knew a man who stuck his tail between his legs and ran -like a coward- from an apology."
Vejita stared in an angry shock as he realized what I just said. "How dare.. you call ME a COWARD!!" Vejita shrieked in rage.
My expression didn't change. "So what? Better to be a coward than to swallow your false pride. After all, she is just a damn woman who shares your son. And don't all true men curse their mates?"
I turned my back slowly, almost expecting a punch, but I received none. I walked out of the door, and shut. afterwards, standing there for a moment finally allowing myself to shake. I just spoke down Vejita, Prince of Saiyans. Only my father and Bulma ever dared to-
I stopped my thoughts as I heard Vejita's whispered voice choke out words I never thought I'd hear. "Bulma- I, uh, I-I m sorry. for hitting you." On the other end I could hear Bulma's sobs stop, and no more shrieks, no crashing, none.
I smiled a bit pleased with myself, and descended down the driveway of Capsule Corp. I heard a tweet to my right and stopped, turning to see a tiny Blue Jay. But I had no time to stare, I began to quickly walk the busy streets, staring all around. The buildings, fully intact, lined the streets full of life and people. It was then that a particular person caught my eye, and I stopped to stare.
There she was- Videl. She wore her hair in pig tails, but she was different. She wasn't skinny and sickly like before, and she didn't seem remote and withdrawn either. Now, she was tone and lean, with muscles, and she held her head with confidence as she crossed the street. I remembered how before she seemed so fake, so. unfitting in her place. But now she seemed fulfilled and complete, like this is how she was meant to be.
I was so busy staring, that I didn't realize, not until a split second- she was crossing a lane right in front of a speeding Chevrolet. I blinked, surprised, then my reflexes took over.
"Videl!" I shouted as I raced across the street.
She glanced at me, perplexed, but there wasn't much time for her to wonder. I shoved her out of the lane, as the metal of the car slammed into my legs, which were knocked out from under me. I rolled over the car helplessly, as the glass smashed into my face, and I landed behind the car on the street.
The car's breaks squeeled, but when the driver realized his predicament he quickly sped off. I layed there startled, but calmed when I saw Videl's concerned face appear over me.
"Omigosh! Are you alright!" She said nearly in tears.
I smiled, as I stood up. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Videl stared in shock. "You don't even have a scratch." She said astonished.
I was puzzled for a moment, but then I remembered; she doesn't know I'm a Saiyan. I laughed rubbing the back of my head while blushing. "Yeah! Guess I'm just lucky like that."
"You sure are. thank you. You saved my life. You are welcome in my home anytime."
Videl bowed, and then began to walk away.
"Hey wait! Don't you want to know how I knew your name?" I asked.
She turned and giggled. "I'm the daughter of Hercule, the man who saved earth from Cell. Everyone knows my name."
I stared for a moment bewildered, then laughed. That's right, I was born now. Earth was saved by Hercule. well, according to the earth.
*-------------------------------------*
I walked slowly along the forest trail feeling his ki. It still hung over me like a shadow, and I had to see him to vanish it. Even now, after I know it was not him but a stranger in his skin, I can still see it in my head from my dream. I can still see him raping my mother, screaming at her those words- "WHY WON'T YOU FUCKING CUM!"
And still then, if that was just a stranger, another version of him, isn't it still a part of him? Would he still- could he- be a murderer?
But even then, another image filled my mind. We were still falling down that pit, beating one another. And he was still at the bottom lying, dead, with his skull split open. His brains still oozed over the dirt ground. He still stared at me, with blank sockets. hollow sockets staring accusingly. Like a ghost. one in my head, I killed my best friend. I stopped at the edge of the trail and looked at my hands. I could still see the crevices of blood in my palm, as I slowly raised my eyes to see Piccolo standing alongside the river.
I began walking towards him and stopped a couple of feet away, knowing he knew my presence.
"Gohan. what are you doing here." He said calmly, a bit annoyed.
I didn't speak for a moment, and this caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder but kept his back to me, aware that my usual childish ways were gone.
"I just had to see you, with my own eyes. I know you will always be here, but I just wanted to see you, that's all, with my own eyes not with a ki."
"What do you want." He said, hiding his emotion from his voice.
I opened my mouth, but then closed it to wet my lips. "You and my dad use to fight. And. you were against him. a while back."
A heaviness hung in the air between us. Neither of us said it, but we knew what I was asking. We knew there was blood on Piccolo's hands.
"That was a long time ago. Things change, people change. What is there one day may not be the next, that is why our decisions are so weighted. I made a decision, and here I am."
I swallowed, ready for my next question. "Why did you decide this."
Piccolo glanced over his shoulder one last time, and looked away. "Because your father's death was noble. He died so Radditz couldn't succeed. Now, I won't deny I didn't enjoy killing your father, but it wasn't what I thought it would be."
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"It wasn't what I thought it would be. It didn't taste the way I thought. Victory was bitter, and it soured my stomach. Your father's death was noble, so what did that leave me. There is nothing more repulsive than killing a willing foe." He paused. "And then I met my first friend. And I realized why your father was so willing to die."
I smiled, it wasn't often Piccolo opened up his emotions, and I basked in the praise.
"But that doesn't mean your training will be any easier kid. Now, either drop into a sparring stance and attack or go home."
I felt a flash in my head as I saw a quick image of the pit, and I realized I couldn't spar with Piccolo so soon. But I did miss the forest days before Vejita came when we trained, and I was eager to spar. I now felt a greater understanding of my best friend. Yes, the victory was bitter, and my stomach was sour.
"Maybe later Piccolo-san, my mother wants me home soon. See ya!" I shouted as I waved by and ran off into the woods.
The sun was descending in the sky and the forest was shadowed deeply. Mother will be furious if I am not home soon. So I cut off and began to follow a stream which was a shortcut. My mouth became dry as I pictured my mother standing at the door impatiently, and I dropped to my knees in front of the stream for a drink.
The water danced before me, reflecting on the trees around me. It looked like the water was dancing on the trees around me. I admired this before I looked into the stream. I saw my face staring back at me, and I quickly bashed it with my cupped hands gathering water to drink. I took a long sip before I looked back down at my reflection.
My eyes stared back at me, hollow and stealthy. I blinked and furrowed my brows, wondering if I was becoming ill. Then I felt uneasy, as I realized. I lifted my hand and watched the reflection lift his. Gaping, I stared at the reflections hand. It was covered in dry blood which clung to every crevice, every print in the hand. And along its wrist he bore a deep inflicted gash. I looked slowly to my own palm. which bore none of these traits. Slowly, I looked back, and all I saw was a deep shadow stretching across the stream where my reflection had been, for the sun had vanished for the sky, and I, along with all, am nothing but a shadow beneath the darkness of this sky.
I lowered my hand and stared into my shadow. The sourness of my stomach had grown, and it now littered my throat. What was this? A mirage? Then a voice popped into my own head, a bitter voice which spoke flared with hate- "The guilt began to bury you as you fell to the ground and dropped your head from the light. How can you climb from here if you can't even stand? You began thinking of Cell and Piccolo, how it felt so good to see them bleed... like you am bleeding inside of your soul. You are too connected to me to slip away now, You are just as stained as they are- hold up your bloody palms to stare at them. Let it burn itself into your mind- a reminder of what you now are. Father,... look at your son now! LOOK at your fucking son RIGHT NOW."
I shook from the voice violently, unsure of how to react. Then the motion flared through me. "I am sorry! I said I was sorry! I am not like them, I swear! I am not a killer!"
"Murderer. you are just a murderer, just like they are." The voice sang tauntingly.
"No, I didn't kill my father. He died an honorably death- he died for the planet earth!" .and I am sorry, father, your son can never be like you. but I now understand at least, I know.
"You know, You know, what you know is the rush of blood in your hand, on your tongue."
"I have no blood on me! It was washed clean! It never happened!"
"Then why did you dream of it last night? What made you say those things to Vejita, to Piccolo, recognize Videl?"
"I said it never happened! God brought me back, so now all has been undone. It is has if none of it happened. I lost no time, all that is left is memories."
"Memories can't be created without time and action. There's images in your head, and they won't go away. You will never be the same, so why bother? Why bother to fight it? C'me on, you know what you want to do."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"He's still there... hurting your friends. Remember? Vejita killed your friends, and now he is killing Bulma from within. Are you not going to protect her? Or are you going to kill her, let her die, like with Cell. You killed her, and now you are doing it again by not helping, Leting her die."
"Vejita changed! He is on our side now! He is one of us! And he apologized to Bulma!"
"Then why does he act like he does? Why does he still claim he will one day rule the universe like he is meant to? He hit her, are you going to let him hurt her?"
"Empty threats. They are all empty threats-"
"Let them die, you are going to let them die, Let them all fall down."
"STOP IT!! STOP IT!!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!"
I shouted as I fell over into a crouching position cupping my ears. I began to rock back and forth, comforted by the motion of my body, as I chanted my demand- get out of my head- filling my head with only my own voice, such a comforting motion, to and fro- to and fro- back and forth- , you can rely on it, knowing the to will always follow the fro, - to and fro, until the moon beamed down on me from high over head, and I was fast asleep on the ground next to the stream, flat on my chest.
And my shadow danced over the water from within the stream, as I slept, wide awake my shadow waited.
A/N: I set the epilogue up the introduce the sequel almost. I hope you guys like it so far. so question for the sequel, what is up with Gohan? Is he going insane, or is he possessed, or both, or what? Is he going end up killing Vejita, or is that cut on the reflections a forshadowing of his own actions? Find out! In the sequel!