Childhood Dreams

Note: me back!!!! sorry bout not updating 4 awhile *smiles* been a bit busy...with summa vacation and all. Don't forget to REVIEW! REVIEW!

~*~

The bright luminous blast of energy was coming closer and closer by the second. Gohan clenched his fists with determination. He wouldn't go down without a fight...not now. By the dangerous glint in Vegeta's eye, Gohan was dead sure that nothing good would come out of it. Most likely he would kill...and destroy his friends...his family.

Gohan crossed his arms defensively while he stood his ground. He knew that Bulma might not protect them...after all he couldn't blame her. After all that they've done to her...they didn't deserve her trust or friendship. They weren't worthy of her...

He heard a Bulma's cry of pain and regret. Gohan bowed his head in shame. "Goodbye everyone...I'll miss you all..." he whispered before the light engulfed him. His last words...or so he thought.

The whole battlefield was shrouded by dust and dirt. It would be nearly impossible to see beyond a few feet. Bulma growled furious and threw a punch at Vegeta. "Why did you do that!" she snapped furiously. "You didn't have to kill him!" she wailed shrilly. "He was only a child!"

Vegeta shot Bulma a hesitant look, before cradling her gently in his arms. "I'm sorry," he murmured into her silky blue hair. "Don't be mad at me..." he begged mentally. He knew that he didn't have the energy to survive another row with Bulma. One more argument...even a little verbal sparing might destroy their whole relationship. And he didn't want that to happen...plus...me 2 lazy 2 write another whole damn few emotional chapters XD

Bulma sighed reluctantly while she stared at the stop where Gohan had stood a moment ago. "I forgive you," she muttered placidly. "Oh Gohan...why didn't you just tell us where they were...you were so young...so innocent. You didn't deserve to die...not yet," she thought sadly. She closed her eyes in pain and prayed to Kami that Gohan would find a good place in the Otherworld.

"At least he'd be with people that would love and respect him," she said with false cheerfulness. "Goku will take care of him...I know he will," she murmured softly. "Poor Chichi...she'd be heartbroken..."

Vegeta shot her a questioning look. "Chichi is Goku's wife...which is something like a mate," explained Bulma. "And Gohan is their eldest son."

"Are you saying that...that third class weakling mated with an ALIEN?!" said Vegeta his eyes popping in shock. "Why in the world would he want to do that?!"

Bulma shot him a disgusted glare. "What's wrong with earthlings? They're kind...gentle...and..."

"WEAK," snapped Vegeta, rolling his eyes in an annoyed manner. "How in the hell do you expect them to protect you? They most of them can't even control their own Ki! And the few that could aren't as weak...are ineffective sparing partners. Even Sayian children could defeat them easily."

"That's true," replied Bulma evenly. "But they have something that Sayians don't...."

"And what's that?" challenged Vegeta. "Sayians are superior to every race in the universe...we have no equals whatsoever. We are warriors...the strongest ever."

Bulma bowed her head in agreement. "I'm not saying that they aren't...but earthlings...they aren't afraid to show...their emotions. In the Sayian society...never once have I seen any sort of public affection. Not once..." she finished lamely.

"Do you like one of them?" began Vegeta, studying Bulma's expression carefully. "Are you considering mating with one of those..." he paused for a moment before spiting out the words like a curse, "Weaklings?'

"What if I do? What if I like one of them more then a friend? What are you going to do about it?" snapped Bulma, eyeing Vegeta dangerously.

Vegeta ground his teeth in fury while his vision turned red. What had happened to her? She had changed so much these past few years...well then again so had he. But this just completely crossed the line. He wouldn't allow it...even if she would hate him throughout the rest of her life. He would destroy that bastard...once and for all.

"You aren't going to kill him are you?" she hissed, tilting up his chin so their faces were inches apart. "Don't even think about it Vegeta...since if you do...you'll pay..."

Vegeta remained silent while he waited for Bulma to calm down. He needed to find out more about this mysterious "weakling lover" of hers...and destroy him. But until then...he'll play along...until the moment comes. He didn't serve Frieza for all those years and not pick up a few tricks.

"Fine," he muttered grumpily, keeping his face a blank mask. Hoping against hope that somehow Bulma wouldn't be able to see under his facade. "I won't hurt him for now," he promised.

In response Bulma released a sigh of relief and snuggled closer to Vegeta. After another moment of silence she add, "I still feel guilty about it," she muttered staring at the dusty cloud that probably hid Gohan's body. "It was my fault...and he was only a child...he didn't have a chance to grow up...and follow his dreams..."

Vegeta couldn't help but grumble looking annoyed. Damn her and her conscience...a true Sayian could kill without any hesitation. But then again...she was half-breed. But one of the strongest ones still..."

The cloud of dust began clearing up slowly...and he felt Bulma's eyes darken slightly while her nails buried itself into his skin. And there...in the middle of the ground stood Gohan...without even a scratch on him.

Bulma gapped at him in shock, "How?" she whispered rubbing her eyes in disbelief. "How could he survive that blast?" Then she looked closer and her face twisted in pain.

Beyond her...a few in front of Gohan lay the bodies of Piccolo and Krillin. They had used their bodies as shields to protect Gohan...and it seemed as if they'd succeeded.

don't worry...they'll get wished back...

Gohan stared at them with pain and accusation in his eyes...before he collapsed in fatigue.

Bulma and Vegeta exchanged a look and both went towards him. Although Vegeta would never mention it...he felt his heart go out to the little warrior. In battle Sayians would gladly sacrifice their lives to protect others...but for someone else to do that...it would strike their pride like crazy. The little half breed...he pitied him...almost regretted shooting the blast in the first place.

They both carried Gohan into the spaceship and set him gently into a regeneration tank. When he was fully healed he would find himself far away...to travel among the stars...

And so the space pod/ship prepared for take-off...

~*~

Note: I noe...it's a ary ary short chapter...but me had to go on vacation tomorrow. And it's a bit...well lets just say weird...oh well. Don't forget to REVIEW! REVIEW!

oh yea...check out my stories:

Survival of the Fittest

Pain of Love