A/N: Thank you for all your kind reviews. *curtseys politely*
Disclaimer: No I do not own DBZ. Am still negotiating over the rights and contracts and who-knows-what-else. Or at least wish I were.
Renewal of FaithThe pain subsided for a brief moment, and Goku used that precious opportunity to create distance between himself and his friends. Who knows when he would strike next, or to whom. The thought of killing his closest ones sickened him, so he flew right out the window in a hurry, leaving behind a trail of ki.
After a short while, Goku dropped from the sky like a stone and landed hard on an isolated island below. He lied there convulsing as the agonizing pain returned and continued to eat at him. A long while passed as he tried to clear his mind of all the events that happened so suddenly. Goku never realized before, but figuring out who he is, who he is supposed to be, and who he has became is a difficult task.
Slowly the pain diminished and Goku sat up. What should he do now? If he returns to Master Roshi's, he'll have a whole lot of explaining to do. Also, Krillen might not dare speak to him ever again. Man, it sure sucks to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, all by himself, in a totally confusing situation.
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Everyone stared after the departing figure and the remaining trail of ki. Even those you'll never expect attended this reunion. Vegeta was threatened by Bulma, and Piccolo decided to show after much convincing from Gohan and puppy-dog eyes from Goten. At first it'd seemed like a waste of time, but suddenly things are actually getting interesting. Those two are no longer sorry that they'd joined in the gathering.
There was something very familiar about Kakarot's actions, Vegeta observed. It's almost as if he'd seen others reacted the same way, but whom he can't quite recall. Then it hit him. Of course! He was truly Kakarot when he attacked Krillen back there, not just the Goku he calls Kakarot. Curious as to why the saiyin personality had return, Vegeta followed the trial Kakarot left behind. Afterall, he is one of the good guys now. If Kakarot proceeds with his mission, the sacrifice he'd once made for planet Earth would have been in vain.
Now everyone averted their attention to the remaining full saiyin, who is currently exiting through the wide-open window. Still recovering from the last surprise, nobody made any attempt to stop or question Vegeta. Might as well have it that way and not border the saiyin prince.
Android 18 recovered first. She rushed over to Krillen's side immediately. "Are you okay? I thought Goku is suppose to be your best friend," she stated. Krillen slowly got up, holding his head. Boy, it sure is funny how quickly you can develop a headache.
After the long stunned silence, everyone began talking all at once about what just happened.
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Goku could sense an energy quickly approaching, but was astonished that Vegeta, out of all people, have decided to chase after him. But then again, he is probably the only one who recognized Goku's previous behaviours as a typical saiyin's.
Vegeta landed in front of his fellow saiyin and crossed his arms. "Who are you?" he demanded harshly.
A little taken back by Vegeta's question, Goku realized that this is probably a wonderful time to reveal his knowledge. "Vegeta, Kakarot is trying to take control of my whole being. I got my memory back one day when Radditz showed up." He kept his eyes on the ground, not wanting to see the prince's displeased expression.
"You can explain to everyone at once, Kakarot," Vegeta suggested. When Goku suddenly looked up and shot him an expression of horror, Vegeta became speechless. 'What the heck is up with this idiot today?' Then he smirked. "Don't tell me the legendary Son Goku is afraid to face his friends." This time Goku gave him a helpless look. "Coward," Vegeta hissed tauntingly.
How should Goku react to that? He stood up immediately and said firmly, "No I'm not." Then he flew off in the direction he came from. Vegeta smirked again and followed suit. Kakarot sure possess at least as much pride as he'd assumed.
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The two saiyins arrived and soared through the still opened windows. Krillen swallowed hard and jumped back, far away from the fearsome saiyan warriors, especially Goku. Goten backed up as well and hid behind Gohan and Chi-Chi. His daddy's little act might have agitated everyone else, but it had completely freaked out Goten.
Goku looked at the petrified expressions on his friends' and family's faces. It's pretty much what he'd expected. At least no one is running, which is a good sign. Not yet, Goku reminded himself. But if he keeps this up, they sure will, no doubt. Goku stepped forward, suddenly getting very nervous. "I am very sorry about earlier," he apologized, unsure where this explaination is heading. He looked at Krillen, whose eyes are silently begging him to not take another step forward, and grimaced. This situation is even worse than he originally thought, and will take a lot to repair.
Leaning against the far wall to stay away from Krillen, Goku sighed. He should have known that the day in which he has to reveal the truth would come. It's now or never. He told a deep breath and began.
"As most of you probably heard, Radditz, my saiyan brother, was somehow revived and attacked me and a friend the other day. Unfortunately my friend died, but I was lucky enough to survive…" Goku trailed off there, once again washed over with the urge to shed tears. But of course, he was able to fight them back. He stared at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes, and continued. "I received a blow to my head, and that day the memories of my past commenced its return. Ever since then, Kakarot, the saiyan side of me, have been fighting for control." Finally he gathered the courage to look up, and was extremely relieved to find forgiveness in the others' eyes. Even sympathy in some. Still, fear was very evident, especially in Krillen's eyes.
Goku is awfully tired of telling stories of depressing events that happened. He'd always been the forgive-and-forget type. It's just not his style to let an event linger in his mind for so long. That's when he came to a conclusion. Maybe these disheartening events weren't lingering in his mind, but rather in his emotions. Afterall, Goku is no typical saiyin. In fact, he can even be considered someone with a saiyin mind but a human heart. At least, that is until Kakarot decided to stir up trouble.
"Hey, sorry for ruining everything." Goku finished softly and walked to the door. He should go, and he did just that.
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It was hours later when someone opened the front door to the Son residence. Goku was slouching over on the couch as his eyes stared at the television screen inattentively, watching as images and sounds come and go. His mind was elsewhere, thinking, once again, of what was to become of him. Or who he was destined to be. He doesn't believe in destinies, though, does he? Afterall, he'd experienced a dramatic change in Earth's fate when Trunks visited from the future. But then again, he wasn't so sure anymore. In fact, with the jumble of different yet related thoughts bouncing around in his brain, Goku was sure that he was losing his mind.
Gohan walked up to his father cautiously. He could feel this incredible tension within Goku as he seemed to fight among himself. Yep, he sure is back to normal…or at least what's considered normal since Radditz's attack.
"Hey dad," Gohan greeted. "Don't worry about ruining the reunion. Everyone was glad to help. Afterall, you would do the same for us." Goku merely nodded.
Chi-chi and Goten entered next. "Dad, you're freaky when you're like this. Please try to be happy again." Goten's innocent plea made Goku smile despite all his troubles. Chi-chi, on the other hand, was rather mad.
"Why didn't you tell us as soon as it happened?" she inquired sternly, hands on her hips and glaring down at Goku. He cringed, as everyone else also does when Chi-chi has a temper.
"I didn't want to worry anyone. Besides, all I wanted was just for my past to be forgotten. Saying more would go against that." Chi-chi nodded in understanding.
"Goku, I want you to try your best to control that monster Kakarot. You hear me?"
"I promise to do the best I can." End of conversation. Chi-chi went inside the kitchen to prepare dinner while Goten went outside to catch some fresh air. Gohan, however, remained and sat down opposite of his father.
With everyone out of earshot, Goku flipped the off button on the tv's remote control and looked up at his older son. "Gohan, I have to win this battle single-handedly, don't I?"
Catching the note of desperation in Goku's voice, Gohan tilted his head and stared intently at his father. "I wish I could say no to that, but I can't lie to you. I'm afraid you'll have to keep him contained by yourself."
"And what happens if I can't?"
Gohan was caught off-guard by that question. Since when does Goku stay around in one place all depressed and unsure of his ability? "What exactly did Radditz do to you, Dad? I know he did much more than causing injuries and bringing back your memory." When Goku remained silent, he continued. "Did he mocked you about something and you, for some reason, believed in him?"
"I'm just so distracted with all these questions I want answered," Goku replied. "And yes, Radditz did say a lot of things that got to me. But the thing is, he was telling the truth."
"All he can do is lie and beg for mercy!" cried an enraged Gohan. "I can't believe you'll let him degrade you to this point. And Goten was right. In this mood you are seriously freaky."
"Gohan, why don't you just yell at me for once? You don't have to be so nice all the time. I'm sure you're pretty mad at me," Goku stated.
"Why would I be mad at you? You didn't do anything!"
"That's the point. I am a terrible father and husband. I was never around, if you remembered correctly. You were forced to fight all your life because I'm too weak to fight alone, and I know that you don't enjoy fighting. Other times I take off seeking adventure without ever saying a word, and left your mother all alone just worry everyday. As for Goten, he grew up fatherless since—"
"Wow!" Gohan interrupted. "You're getting ahead of yourself! Those things aren't true. In fact, I still think you're a great guy."
"They are true, Gohan. Just try to remember. I was never around when you or your mom or Goten needed me."
"What are you trying to say, Dad?"
"That I'm an irresponsible idiot who don't deserve yours or anyone else's sympathy."
"You know what?" Gohan said to break the hanging silence after Goku's blunt statement. "Saving the world is a difficult job. It's not meant to be done alone. You've always taught me about teamwork. Besides, you paid the price for any wrong doings with the ultimate sacrifice. I'll say that's about enough revenge."
Goku sat in silence for a while, pondering upon his son's words. Finally, he said, "You're an intelligent boy." He stood up and patted Gohan on the head like he used to seven years ago. "Thank you," he whispered.
"Sure, Dad. Anytime."
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"You're wrong, Goku," Kakarot hissed ominously. "Just wait and see. I'll prove how wrong you are. You can't deny your heritage as a saiyin, and you certainly can't wipe away your memory. You will devote your life to killing and serving your master only. There is no room for emotions. Saiyins live their lives with stone-cold hearts."
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A long time has passed since Kakarot's warning. In that time, Goku had managed to contain the unwanted information to the back of his mind. He did so with ease. Perhaps Gohan's words had boosted his confidence and renewed his strength. Or perhaps Kakarot is too busy creating devious plans that, when he succeeds, will result in a long-term effect. Even permanent.
Earth was quite peaceful. Goku made up with all his friends. Even his relationship with Krillen has returned to the usual. He continued to grow closer to Goten and made up for lost time with his family and friends. Gohan and Videl eventually got married and had a daughter named Pan. Majin Buu was reincarnated as Uub and Goku trained the boy for five years. Afterwards, he was unexpectedly reversed in age and became a boy again. Then he travelled around the universe on a quest to recover the black star dragonballs with Trunks and Pan. He'd reached SSJ 4 and won against Babi.
The only bad thing is that Piccolo died.
It was weird, but Goku and Pan had become such close friends. Everything in the world seemed so perfect that no one could possibly disturb this balance. But is that assumption entirely accurate? Maybe it wasn't even close to the truth. With everyone having let their guards down, no one was prepared for the next event, which is about to happen…
A/N: Phew! That was long! At least to me it is. Sorry it took so long to update, but I was trying to figure out which direction this story should go in. Anyway, as usual, REVIEW!!!!!!
Angelfish369 ^-^
These five chapters are sort of like a prequel…next chapter the story really begins.