Dragon Ball Yugure Z
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume IV -- Madness in the Heart
Episode 29 -- We've Gotta Do Something!! Rushing Blindly Into Battle!!
"So, um, you're me?"
"In a way, I suppose."
"From the future, I mean. You're what I'm going to be when I'm older?"
"Ah, not really. It's hard to explain."
"Kaasan once told me about another me from the future that came to help beat up the jinzouningen. But I won't really be him because he changed history and we live different lives now."
"Yeah, it's kind of like that. Everyone thought I was this other guy at first. But my time seems to be far removed from yours. So much so that I can't quite see _why_ they differ."
"What's your time like?"
Yugure Trunks balked at this. His young counterpart definitely seemed very mature for his age, or at least, acted so. Nevertheless, it was still a boy with whom he spoke. How could he accurately describe the oppressive atmosphere of his world without scaring him? The rigorous training, the years of living in constant fear, they all seemed so far away in this world and its seeming perfection. Sitting down on a nearby rock, Yugure Trunks looked around at his companions and contemplated how to answer.
Yugure Goten was similarly entertaining Chibi Goten and they seemed to be getting along quite well. It was obvious that they were even more different than the two Trunks, the older being more subdued and mature while the younger was happy and energetic. However, the natural Son charm brought them together and they got along quite swimmingly. Despite the grave situation that they faced, both Gotens were smiling and laughing. Yugure Trunks wondered how they did it.
Meanwhile, the others in their strange little gathering weren't quite so laid back. Tenshinhan and Yamucha were visibly anxious, standing at attention as if on lookout, while Chaozu tried to be brave even though he was currently cowering between the two tall men. What little dialogue passed between them was low and abrupt. Indeed, an undercurrent of fear ran through the entire assemblage. Kuririn had the look of someone physically ill and squirmed behind Goku. The tall Saiyajin had an uncharacteristic grimace on his face as he knelt by Mr. Satan's unfortunate corpse. Understandably, Videl was plagued by great wracking sobs and clung weakly to Gohan, who looked just as upset as his father, if not more so. Barely suppressed rage caused a small twitch in the younger Son's eyebrow. Bowing his head, he whispered softly to her to which she replied with a nod, apparently too hoarse to speak.
"Tousan," he said aloud. "I'm going to take Videl home."
Goku nodded quickly. "That's a good idea, we'll let you know if something comes up. Watch out for yourself!" he added, watching his son fly off with the young woman still held firmly to his chest. Goku then turned to face Kuririn. The short man was taken aback by the dark look in his best friend's normally cheerful eyes, but responded to the hushed question.
Just a little aways, Juuhachi-gou stood with her hands on her hips, glowering at Mr. Satan. Though normally impassive, the jinzouningen woman was now clearly put off. The recently deceased _still_ hadn't paid the twenty- million zenni he owed her. She muttered something under her breath about "anything to get out of debt."
"Che!" said Vegeta. The smirk of one anticipating a challenge faded from his face.
Yugure Vegeta, perhaps the only one that had maintained his composure, was not terribly surprised by the younger prince's reaction. "If this Buu person was truly as strong as you say, then that is proof enough that Kakarotto should no be taken lightly."
"Buu was no match for Kakarotto," Goku agreed, standing up. "You see, Vegeta? We can't keep thinkin' like we used to. Thinkin' that each new fight is just a chance to prove our strength. How many times we screwed up 'cause we underestimated the other guy?"
"Don't tell me how to think!" Vegeta barked, but the haunted look in his pale face revealed his thoughts. That comment had hit home and for once, he agreed entirely.
The group fell silent again. Yugure Trunks turned to the Chibi Him. "Well...it wasn't what you'd call a happy place. You could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. There was always this sense of weariness that wouldn't go away. It's not so bad anymore, not since Nagareboshi was defeated. But with things still going the way they are... I just hope we don't drag all that here."
Neither of the lavender-haired half-Saiyajin spoke after that.
Off to the side with his other-worldly self, Chibi Goten saw the Yugure Trunks' forlorn expression mirrored in Yugure Goten's features. Feeling their sadness but not understanding why, the boy gave his older self a hug which elicited a tiny smile from Yugure Goten. "You wanna go back there?" the child asked, confused. "Can't you stay with us?"
"It's my home, even if it's not quite as nice as this world," the elder replied with a sigh. "It's because of that world that I am the way I am. It's a part of me, as much as this world is a part of you. I have to go back.... Assuming it's even possible..."
"Um, if you can't...you can always sleep in niisan's room. He's hardly around anyway," Chibi Goten said, making a face. He looked around conspiratorially, then whispered into Yugure Goten's ear. "He's always hangin' out with that girl. I think she brainwashed 'em!"
Suddenly reminded of Paresu, Yugure Goten chuckled. "You'll understand when you meet a girl like that. It's hard to stay away from that special someone," he responded with more wisdom than he felt.
"Nah, who needs girls? I've got Trunks-kun," he grinned. The older Goten snorted, quickly dismissing a very disturbing mental image. "Anyway, you can stay with me an' tousan an' kaasan. Then you can be my other niisan!" Chibi Goten concluded, feeling very proud of decision. "Then we train an' stuff an' it'll be cool!"
Yugure Goten frowned, thinking of how his Vegeta would comment about Goten 'playing with himself.' [I _really_ need to get back to Paresu-chan!] The older Son boy rapped his knuckles against his forehead, then put on a smile. "Well, no promises, but we'll see how it goes."
~~~~~
The journey back to Satan City was quick and windy. Gohan, spurred on by anger and worry, cut through the air like a knife. But he was also very careful of his cargo, the pale Videl feeling even more weak and fragile in his arms. He silently thanked Kami when the first sprawling towers of the metropolis came into view. Flying between the buildings for cover, the eldest half-Saiyajin hurried to the eastern side of the city where the Satan mansion was.
Only moments after touching down in the front yard, a pair of maids rushed out of the building towards them. No questions asked, they led Gohan to Videl's room where he lay her in bed. The maids hurried about making sure she was comfortable. The young man sat at her bedside, holding one shaking hand, and watched silently as her sobs slowed to the heaving breaths of slumber. Although he didn't want to leave, Gohan was practically pulled outside the room by an older woman--probably the head maid--who demanded to know what was going on. Hesitantly, the half- Saiyajin revealed the mournful news. Many of the younger maids broke down in tears, but the head maid held her jaw firm. She thanked him kindly and warned her coworkers to keep this under wraps.
Before she could return to her normal chores, Gohan held her back. "Excuse me, but may I please use your phone?" The head maid nodded curtly, leading him to a private phone down the hall. After she excused herself, Gohan hastily punched up his home number. Not surprised that it was picked up before the first ring passed, the young man was greeted by his mother's strong but worried voice. "Kaasan, it's me--Wait! Onegai, just listen. I need you to get out the house as soon-- ...Kaasan, don't argue with me! This is important, just do it! ...Gomen, kaasan. But this is more important than you know. You have to get out as soon as you can. Just take what you need and go, don't waste time packing bags. You have to hurry! ...I'll explain later, just get to Bulma-san's! Iie, just go! Hayaku!"
Gohan hung up the receiver and his mother's hysterical voice was suddenly cut off. Though the resolve in his face was apparent, one need only look to the half-Saiyajin's hand to see how angry he really was. The machine had crumbled to dust under his immense strength and the phone line fell to the floor, no longer having anything to plug into. Aside from the shaking of his fist, Gohan was still for many minutes. At last he looked up as if suddenly remembering where he was. With a growl, the man suppressed his ki as far as it would go and leapt out a nearby window.
Dashing madly through the streets of downtown Satan City, Gohan ignored the shouts of pedestrians and the honking of cars horns on his journey south.
~~~~~
A crimson sun was slowly falling behind the western mountains as the remaining Z Senshi watched Yamucha's capsule car speed off back towards West Capital, in its back seat the body of Mr. Satan wrapped in a blanket. Feeling useless in a fight, Yamucha volunteered to be the one to reveal the publicity hound's demise--"Being on the Taitans, I've had more media coverage than you guys," he had joked mirthlessly, "They'll probably believe me more than the rest of you that this isn't a stunt."
As the blue hover car disappeared behind a hill, Tenshinhan turned towards his companions with a resigned expression. "I probably should have gone with him, ne? It looks like I won't stand much of a chance against Kakarotto either."
"Don't be too hard on yourself," Goku replied, consoling the three-eyed warrior. "Back then, you stood up to Buu when it counted. If you weren't there to help, even jus' that once, the fight coulda turned even worse for us."
"Alright," Tenshinhan sighed. "You know I value your opinion, Goku-san. I'll stick around just in case." Turning to his small friend, "You should go tell Lunch what's going on, Chaozu. Stay with her, it'll be safer."
"B-but, Ten-san," Chaozu stammered. "What if Kakarotto attacks me?"
Vegeta roared with laughter. "I doubt _you'll_ have to worry about that! He's going after the strongest first, remember? You're no challenge to him!"
"Back off!" Tenshinhan growled.
"Cut it out, both of you!!" Goku said impatiently. Both men recoiled at the ferocity of his tone. "We don't have time for this! Besides...." but he trailed off.
"Goku's right guys," Kuririn said, shrugging. He pounded a fist into his open hand. "We definitely have more important things to do. We gotta bring this Kakarotto fellah down before he strikes again! Oi, Vegeta--anou, Yugure Vegeta. Any idea where he might be now?"
But the older prince didn't respond, instead watching Goku with a shocked expression. "Is he really that strong!?" the younger Vegeta exclaimed.
"Just ignore me, why don't ya!" Kuririn muttered. "What's up!?"
"I know who he's going after next," Goku said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's Gohan! Kakarotto's goin' after Gohan!"
~~~~~
In the Paozu mountains, night had fallen hours before. As if the very stars were aware of the horrors that would befall the area, they had hidden themselves behind a thick grey cloud-cover. As such, the only light for miles around came from a point some twenty feet above the Son house.
"This should bring that brat out of hiding," growled Kakarotto ferally while a harsh red light emanated from his hand. He fired a small ki bolt and grinned as the humble building that housed three of the strongest fighters Chikyuu had ever known was instantly incinerated. "Ha! Die, you bit--" Kakarotto's joy was cut off as something slammed into his shoulders and sent him careening into the newly made crater. He barely avoided the hailstorm of energy blasts that followed. Flying up to his assailant, Kakarotto grinned. "You're a tad late, Gohan."
"Bakemono," the half-Saiyajin spat contemptuously. He sized up his opponent. Even though they shared the same body, Kakarotto couldn't look less like Goku. His brow was heavy and hairless and a wicked scar split the left side of his face. His golden hair hung down his back, but there was even more on his body. It seemed this new level of Super Saiyajin was remarkably close to the Oozaru state, as Kakarotto had blond fur covering his arms and much of his torso. All in all, he looked as evil as Gohan knew him to be. Energy began to crackle around the half-Saiyajin's body as his power rose unbidden. "Guessing your next move was embarrassingly easy. You're not as smart as my tousan. Even with all this power your supposed to have, you're just a coward."
"Coward?" Kakarotto chuckled. "Young foo--"
"Dame da!!!" Gohan barked, a wave of pure energy pounding into Kakarotto's chest. He was almost knocked out of the air and eyed his other self's son dangerously. A vein was beginning to bulge on the younger man's forehead as his power continued to rise, his voice strained between clenched teeth. "You tried to kill my kaasan. For that, I can't forgive you. You _did_ kill Piccolo-san. For that, I _will_ not forgive you. And y-you...you made Videl cry..."
"You self-righteous lit--"
"YURUSANAI!!!"
Gohan's aura erupted in a pillar of white flame that punched a hole in the sky. Below, the ground literally opened up as giant boulders were ripped away. Like some grisly re-telling of the final battle on Namek, jets of lava reached up to the two warriors. Golden lightning filled the sky and blew craters of their own into the hills and mountains. A vortex of wind whirled around with more power than any natural tornado. As if Chikyuu had jumped millions of miles closer to the Sun, the air was super-heat and the few trees that had stood up to the cataclysm thus far quickly wilted away. Giant tracks of land were suspended in midair by the sheer power Gohan was emitting.
Even Kakarotto was hard-pressed to keep his balance as the backwash of ki buffeted him from all sides. "IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT???" the mad Saiyajin roared in response. Accepting the challenge, he focused his own ki.
From space, it would look like the planet was about to explode.
~~~~~
In a flash, Goku had two fingers up and prepared to teleport away. But there was a flash of electricity and the tall man fell back with a cry, clutching his head.
"What happened!?" Kuririn asked, rushing over to his friend.
"T-too much," Goku stammered. "Too much...power....I can't teleport."
Helping the Saiyajin back onto his feet, "C'mon guys! We gotta go help Gohan!"
"Don't bother," interrupted Yugure Vegeta. He shook his head solemnly. "It's too late for him..."
~~~~~
Two years ago, during the fight with Buu, Rou Kaioushin had cast a spell on Gohan. It granted the young man the ability to completely tap into his enormous power reserve without needing to go Super Saiyajin. Now that gift was rendered moot as the half-Saiyajin forced his power beyond its limits. He knew the danger. He knew the consequences. He knew this would be his last fight. But with the determination to protect his loved ones at any cost, Gohan gave one last defiant shout. Showing his insane opponent the power of the true Legendary, he ascended to Super Saiyajin.
The battle was vicious, but for the sake of Chikyuu, mercifully short. Kakarotto immediately went on the offensive with a left hook that did little more than scratch Gohan's jaw. Easily catching the right lunge that followed, the half-Saiyajin countered with a elbow in the stomach. A quick backhand stunned the mad warrior long enough for Gohan to execute a drop kick.
Kakarotto tumbled back through the air but hurried to right himself, smacking away a ki bolt. Both warriors fired their beams of energy and the two collided in a brilliant explosion. They didn't waste a second and each strafed around to fire again, then again. As Gohan prepared to fire another blast, he suddenly realized that his opponent had slipped away. The Legendary instinctively struck backwards with a heel kick and caught Kakarotto in the stomach.
But this wasn't enough to halt the mad man's assault and as he turned around, Gohan received a hammering punch across the face. The older warrior continued with a blow to the chest. Not quite doubling over, the half-Saiyajin retaliated with an overhead smash that sent Kakarotto careening downwards. Catching his footing on one of the floating boulders, Kakarotto sidestepped a punch that shattered the massive stone and counterattacked with a knee to the side.
Gohan rolled with the blow and blocked a punch with his forearm, then reached out to lock hands with his crazy, other worldly father. The Legendary kneed Kakarotto in the gut, but the latter took the blow and struck back with a headbutt. Dazed, Gohan was thrown into another boulder. The half-Saiyajin managed to look up to see his opponent's blast of crimson ki bearing down on him and raised his hands.
"MASENKOU!!!"
Gohan's gold beam split Kakarotto's red effortlessly. It streaked up towards its target like lightning and the insane Saiyajin barely dodged in time, recieving a blistering glaze across his hairless chest. The very heat coming off the energy as it passed was enough to make Kakarotto wince, and he was too slow to defend against Gohan's next attack. Rocketing up like a bat out of hell, the Legendary charged with a punch that struck with a sickening crack. Kakarotto doubled over and tried to back away as pain shot through his chest, but his half-Saiyajin opponent was relentless. A flurry of blows beat on the mad man's quivering body, but even this onslaught would not stop him.
Kakarotto caught a punch at the last second and countered, his leg lancing out so quickly it snapped Gohan's head back with a spray of blood. Having caught his second wind, the older warrior began with a couple punches that knocked the Legendary silly. He then followed up by seizing Gohan's head and repeatedly pounding away with his knees. Pressing a hand to the younger man's back, Kakarotto fired a blast that propelled his opponent into the ground not far from their volcanic battlefield. Gohan, barely conscious, felt the mad Saiyajin touch down above him and a hand clamp firmly down on his throat. The half-Saiyajin struggled to remove the appendage as it cut off his oxygen, but a piercing in his chest alerted him to greater danger. Unable to scream, Son Gohan died quietly as his heart was ripped out of his chest.
The ground rumbled angrily as if in protest and a great blazing wave of lava crashed over them both. But as it receded, all that remained was the Legendary Super Saiyajin's smoldering corpse.
A Dragon Ball Z fanfiction
by Son Goharotto (son_goharotto@hotmail.com)
Welcome to Dragon Ball Yugure Z, my personal pet project. This is what I like to call a "multi-generational alternaverse epic." Expect a complex story spanning several volumes that are littered with cliff-hangers and titanic battles. DBYZ has been revised in its entirety. While some episodes have merely been ridden of typos, others have been rewritten completely. I'll be starting from the beginning at one episode a day so new readers can join in, undaunted by DBYZ's length, and old readers can review past events. All this is leading up to the new Episode 37, from which I'll try to keep a normal updating pace instead of letting this be forgotten as it once was.
DISCLAIMER: As much as I mgiht wish it not to be, DBZ does not belong to me. It's the property of Akira Toriyama-sama and many others who (unfortunately) aren't me. I'm not trying to make any money off of this and it's just a way for me to show my love of all things Dragon Ball. Well, except maybe GT. Bleah. I is teh poor, so don't sue me.
WARNINGS: As a whole, this series contains mature language (usually in Japanese), graphic violence, brutality, mature situations (non-lemon), and a touch of angst.
NOTES: A liberal amount of Japanese vocabulary is sprinkled throughout, though nothing extremely important is ever said in another language that isn't translated. Mostly just basic Otaku Japanese. I've compiled a list of phrases I use on my homepage here: www.enpitsudo-dojo.com/libjapanese.html.
"dialogue"
""layered voice"" (Fusion, for example)
{alien language}
[thoughts, telepathy, memories]
_stressed words_
*sounds*
~scene change~
Volume IV -- Madness in the Heart
Episode 29 -- We've Gotta Do Something!! Rushing Blindly Into Battle!!
"So, um, you're me?"
"In a way, I suppose."
"From the future, I mean. You're what I'm going to be when I'm older?"
"Ah, not really. It's hard to explain."
"Kaasan once told me about another me from the future that came to help beat up the jinzouningen. But I won't really be him because he changed history and we live different lives now."
"Yeah, it's kind of like that. Everyone thought I was this other guy at first. But my time seems to be far removed from yours. So much so that I can't quite see _why_ they differ."
"What's your time like?"
Yugure Trunks balked at this. His young counterpart definitely seemed very mature for his age, or at least, acted so. Nevertheless, it was still a boy with whom he spoke. How could he accurately describe the oppressive atmosphere of his world without scaring him? The rigorous training, the years of living in constant fear, they all seemed so far away in this world and its seeming perfection. Sitting down on a nearby rock, Yugure Trunks looked around at his companions and contemplated how to answer.
Yugure Goten was similarly entertaining Chibi Goten and they seemed to be getting along quite well. It was obvious that they were even more different than the two Trunks, the older being more subdued and mature while the younger was happy and energetic. However, the natural Son charm brought them together and they got along quite swimmingly. Despite the grave situation that they faced, both Gotens were smiling and laughing. Yugure Trunks wondered how they did it.
Meanwhile, the others in their strange little gathering weren't quite so laid back. Tenshinhan and Yamucha were visibly anxious, standing at attention as if on lookout, while Chaozu tried to be brave even though he was currently cowering between the two tall men. What little dialogue passed between them was low and abrupt. Indeed, an undercurrent of fear ran through the entire assemblage. Kuririn had the look of someone physically ill and squirmed behind Goku. The tall Saiyajin had an uncharacteristic grimace on his face as he knelt by Mr. Satan's unfortunate corpse. Understandably, Videl was plagued by great wracking sobs and clung weakly to Gohan, who looked just as upset as his father, if not more so. Barely suppressed rage caused a small twitch in the younger Son's eyebrow. Bowing his head, he whispered softly to her to which she replied with a nod, apparently too hoarse to speak.
"Tousan," he said aloud. "I'm going to take Videl home."
Goku nodded quickly. "That's a good idea, we'll let you know if something comes up. Watch out for yourself!" he added, watching his son fly off with the young woman still held firmly to his chest. Goku then turned to face Kuririn. The short man was taken aback by the dark look in his best friend's normally cheerful eyes, but responded to the hushed question.
Just a little aways, Juuhachi-gou stood with her hands on her hips, glowering at Mr. Satan. Though normally impassive, the jinzouningen woman was now clearly put off. The recently deceased _still_ hadn't paid the twenty- million zenni he owed her. She muttered something under her breath about "anything to get out of debt."
"Che!" said Vegeta. The smirk of one anticipating a challenge faded from his face.
Yugure Vegeta, perhaps the only one that had maintained his composure, was not terribly surprised by the younger prince's reaction. "If this Buu person was truly as strong as you say, then that is proof enough that Kakarotto should no be taken lightly."
"Buu was no match for Kakarotto," Goku agreed, standing up. "You see, Vegeta? We can't keep thinkin' like we used to. Thinkin' that each new fight is just a chance to prove our strength. How many times we screwed up 'cause we underestimated the other guy?"
"Don't tell me how to think!" Vegeta barked, but the haunted look in his pale face revealed his thoughts. That comment had hit home and for once, he agreed entirely.
The group fell silent again. Yugure Trunks turned to the Chibi Him. "Well...it wasn't what you'd call a happy place. You could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. There was always this sense of weariness that wouldn't go away. It's not so bad anymore, not since Nagareboshi was defeated. But with things still going the way they are... I just hope we don't drag all that here."
Neither of the lavender-haired half-Saiyajin spoke after that.
Off to the side with his other-worldly self, Chibi Goten saw the Yugure Trunks' forlorn expression mirrored in Yugure Goten's features. Feeling their sadness but not understanding why, the boy gave his older self a hug which elicited a tiny smile from Yugure Goten. "You wanna go back there?" the child asked, confused. "Can't you stay with us?"
"It's my home, even if it's not quite as nice as this world," the elder replied with a sigh. "It's because of that world that I am the way I am. It's a part of me, as much as this world is a part of you. I have to go back.... Assuming it's even possible..."
"Um, if you can't...you can always sleep in niisan's room. He's hardly around anyway," Chibi Goten said, making a face. He looked around conspiratorially, then whispered into Yugure Goten's ear. "He's always hangin' out with that girl. I think she brainwashed 'em!"
Suddenly reminded of Paresu, Yugure Goten chuckled. "You'll understand when you meet a girl like that. It's hard to stay away from that special someone," he responded with more wisdom than he felt.
"Nah, who needs girls? I've got Trunks-kun," he grinned. The older Goten snorted, quickly dismissing a very disturbing mental image. "Anyway, you can stay with me an' tousan an' kaasan. Then you can be my other niisan!" Chibi Goten concluded, feeling very proud of decision. "Then we train an' stuff an' it'll be cool!"
Yugure Goten frowned, thinking of how his Vegeta would comment about Goten 'playing with himself.' [I _really_ need to get back to Paresu-chan!] The older Son boy rapped his knuckles against his forehead, then put on a smile. "Well, no promises, but we'll see how it goes."
~~~~~
The journey back to Satan City was quick and windy. Gohan, spurred on by anger and worry, cut through the air like a knife. But he was also very careful of his cargo, the pale Videl feeling even more weak and fragile in his arms. He silently thanked Kami when the first sprawling towers of the metropolis came into view. Flying between the buildings for cover, the eldest half-Saiyajin hurried to the eastern side of the city where the Satan mansion was.
Only moments after touching down in the front yard, a pair of maids rushed out of the building towards them. No questions asked, they led Gohan to Videl's room where he lay her in bed. The maids hurried about making sure she was comfortable. The young man sat at her bedside, holding one shaking hand, and watched silently as her sobs slowed to the heaving breaths of slumber. Although he didn't want to leave, Gohan was practically pulled outside the room by an older woman--probably the head maid--who demanded to know what was going on. Hesitantly, the half- Saiyajin revealed the mournful news. Many of the younger maids broke down in tears, but the head maid held her jaw firm. She thanked him kindly and warned her coworkers to keep this under wraps.
Before she could return to her normal chores, Gohan held her back. "Excuse me, but may I please use your phone?" The head maid nodded curtly, leading him to a private phone down the hall. After she excused herself, Gohan hastily punched up his home number. Not surprised that it was picked up before the first ring passed, the young man was greeted by his mother's strong but worried voice. "Kaasan, it's me--Wait! Onegai, just listen. I need you to get out the house as soon-- ...Kaasan, don't argue with me! This is important, just do it! ...Gomen, kaasan. But this is more important than you know. You have to get out as soon as you can. Just take what you need and go, don't waste time packing bags. You have to hurry! ...I'll explain later, just get to Bulma-san's! Iie, just go! Hayaku!"
Gohan hung up the receiver and his mother's hysterical voice was suddenly cut off. Though the resolve in his face was apparent, one need only look to the half-Saiyajin's hand to see how angry he really was. The machine had crumbled to dust under his immense strength and the phone line fell to the floor, no longer having anything to plug into. Aside from the shaking of his fist, Gohan was still for many minutes. At last he looked up as if suddenly remembering where he was. With a growl, the man suppressed his ki as far as it would go and leapt out a nearby window.
Dashing madly through the streets of downtown Satan City, Gohan ignored the shouts of pedestrians and the honking of cars horns on his journey south.
~~~~~
A crimson sun was slowly falling behind the western mountains as the remaining Z Senshi watched Yamucha's capsule car speed off back towards West Capital, in its back seat the body of Mr. Satan wrapped in a blanket. Feeling useless in a fight, Yamucha volunteered to be the one to reveal the publicity hound's demise--"Being on the Taitans, I've had more media coverage than you guys," he had joked mirthlessly, "They'll probably believe me more than the rest of you that this isn't a stunt."
As the blue hover car disappeared behind a hill, Tenshinhan turned towards his companions with a resigned expression. "I probably should have gone with him, ne? It looks like I won't stand much of a chance against Kakarotto either."
"Don't be too hard on yourself," Goku replied, consoling the three-eyed warrior. "Back then, you stood up to Buu when it counted. If you weren't there to help, even jus' that once, the fight coulda turned even worse for us."
"Alright," Tenshinhan sighed. "You know I value your opinion, Goku-san. I'll stick around just in case." Turning to his small friend, "You should go tell Lunch what's going on, Chaozu. Stay with her, it'll be safer."
"B-but, Ten-san," Chaozu stammered. "What if Kakarotto attacks me?"
Vegeta roared with laughter. "I doubt _you'll_ have to worry about that! He's going after the strongest first, remember? You're no challenge to him!"
"Back off!" Tenshinhan growled.
"Cut it out, both of you!!" Goku said impatiently. Both men recoiled at the ferocity of his tone. "We don't have time for this! Besides...." but he trailed off.
"Goku's right guys," Kuririn said, shrugging. He pounded a fist into his open hand. "We definitely have more important things to do. We gotta bring this Kakarotto fellah down before he strikes again! Oi, Vegeta--anou, Yugure Vegeta. Any idea where he might be now?"
But the older prince didn't respond, instead watching Goku with a shocked expression. "Is he really that strong!?" the younger Vegeta exclaimed.
"Just ignore me, why don't ya!" Kuririn muttered. "What's up!?"
"I know who he's going after next," Goku said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's Gohan! Kakarotto's goin' after Gohan!"
~~~~~
In the Paozu mountains, night had fallen hours before. As if the very stars were aware of the horrors that would befall the area, they had hidden themselves behind a thick grey cloud-cover. As such, the only light for miles around came from a point some twenty feet above the Son house.
"This should bring that brat out of hiding," growled Kakarotto ferally while a harsh red light emanated from his hand. He fired a small ki bolt and grinned as the humble building that housed three of the strongest fighters Chikyuu had ever known was instantly incinerated. "Ha! Die, you bit--" Kakarotto's joy was cut off as something slammed into his shoulders and sent him careening into the newly made crater. He barely avoided the hailstorm of energy blasts that followed. Flying up to his assailant, Kakarotto grinned. "You're a tad late, Gohan."
"Bakemono," the half-Saiyajin spat contemptuously. He sized up his opponent. Even though they shared the same body, Kakarotto couldn't look less like Goku. His brow was heavy and hairless and a wicked scar split the left side of his face. His golden hair hung down his back, but there was even more on his body. It seemed this new level of Super Saiyajin was remarkably close to the Oozaru state, as Kakarotto had blond fur covering his arms and much of his torso. All in all, he looked as evil as Gohan knew him to be. Energy began to crackle around the half-Saiyajin's body as his power rose unbidden. "Guessing your next move was embarrassingly easy. You're not as smart as my tousan. Even with all this power your supposed to have, you're just a coward."
"Coward?" Kakarotto chuckled. "Young foo--"
"Dame da!!!" Gohan barked, a wave of pure energy pounding into Kakarotto's chest. He was almost knocked out of the air and eyed his other self's son dangerously. A vein was beginning to bulge on the younger man's forehead as his power continued to rise, his voice strained between clenched teeth. "You tried to kill my kaasan. For that, I can't forgive you. You _did_ kill Piccolo-san. For that, I _will_ not forgive you. And y-you...you made Videl cry..."
"You self-righteous lit--"
"YURUSANAI!!!"
Gohan's aura erupted in a pillar of white flame that punched a hole in the sky. Below, the ground literally opened up as giant boulders were ripped away. Like some grisly re-telling of the final battle on Namek, jets of lava reached up to the two warriors. Golden lightning filled the sky and blew craters of their own into the hills and mountains. A vortex of wind whirled around with more power than any natural tornado. As if Chikyuu had jumped millions of miles closer to the Sun, the air was super-heat and the few trees that had stood up to the cataclysm thus far quickly wilted away. Giant tracks of land were suspended in midair by the sheer power Gohan was emitting.
Even Kakarotto was hard-pressed to keep his balance as the backwash of ki buffeted him from all sides. "IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT???" the mad Saiyajin roared in response. Accepting the challenge, he focused his own ki.
From space, it would look like the planet was about to explode.
~~~~~
In a flash, Goku had two fingers up and prepared to teleport away. But there was a flash of electricity and the tall man fell back with a cry, clutching his head.
"What happened!?" Kuririn asked, rushing over to his friend.
"T-too much," Goku stammered. "Too much...power....I can't teleport."
Helping the Saiyajin back onto his feet, "C'mon guys! We gotta go help Gohan!"
"Don't bother," interrupted Yugure Vegeta. He shook his head solemnly. "It's too late for him..."
~~~~~
Two years ago, during the fight with Buu, Rou Kaioushin had cast a spell on Gohan. It granted the young man the ability to completely tap into his enormous power reserve without needing to go Super Saiyajin. Now that gift was rendered moot as the half-Saiyajin forced his power beyond its limits. He knew the danger. He knew the consequences. He knew this would be his last fight. But with the determination to protect his loved ones at any cost, Gohan gave one last defiant shout. Showing his insane opponent the power of the true Legendary, he ascended to Super Saiyajin.
The battle was vicious, but for the sake of Chikyuu, mercifully short. Kakarotto immediately went on the offensive with a left hook that did little more than scratch Gohan's jaw. Easily catching the right lunge that followed, the half-Saiyajin countered with a elbow in the stomach. A quick backhand stunned the mad warrior long enough for Gohan to execute a drop kick.
Kakarotto tumbled back through the air but hurried to right himself, smacking away a ki bolt. Both warriors fired their beams of energy and the two collided in a brilliant explosion. They didn't waste a second and each strafed around to fire again, then again. As Gohan prepared to fire another blast, he suddenly realized that his opponent had slipped away. The Legendary instinctively struck backwards with a heel kick and caught Kakarotto in the stomach.
But this wasn't enough to halt the mad man's assault and as he turned around, Gohan received a hammering punch across the face. The older warrior continued with a blow to the chest. Not quite doubling over, the half-Saiyajin retaliated with an overhead smash that sent Kakarotto careening downwards. Catching his footing on one of the floating boulders, Kakarotto sidestepped a punch that shattered the massive stone and counterattacked with a knee to the side.
Gohan rolled with the blow and blocked a punch with his forearm, then reached out to lock hands with his crazy, other worldly father. The Legendary kneed Kakarotto in the gut, but the latter took the blow and struck back with a headbutt. Dazed, Gohan was thrown into another boulder. The half-Saiyajin managed to look up to see his opponent's blast of crimson ki bearing down on him and raised his hands.
"MASENKOU!!!"
Gohan's gold beam split Kakarotto's red effortlessly. It streaked up towards its target like lightning and the insane Saiyajin barely dodged in time, recieving a blistering glaze across his hairless chest. The very heat coming off the energy as it passed was enough to make Kakarotto wince, and he was too slow to defend against Gohan's next attack. Rocketing up like a bat out of hell, the Legendary charged with a punch that struck with a sickening crack. Kakarotto doubled over and tried to back away as pain shot through his chest, but his half-Saiyajin opponent was relentless. A flurry of blows beat on the mad man's quivering body, but even this onslaught would not stop him.
Kakarotto caught a punch at the last second and countered, his leg lancing out so quickly it snapped Gohan's head back with a spray of blood. Having caught his second wind, the older warrior began with a couple punches that knocked the Legendary silly. He then followed up by seizing Gohan's head and repeatedly pounding away with his knees. Pressing a hand to the younger man's back, Kakarotto fired a blast that propelled his opponent into the ground not far from their volcanic battlefield. Gohan, barely conscious, felt the mad Saiyajin touch down above him and a hand clamp firmly down on his throat. The half-Saiyajin struggled to remove the appendage as it cut off his oxygen, but a piercing in his chest alerted him to greater danger. Unable to scream, Son Gohan died quietly as his heart was ripped out of his chest.
The ground rumbled angrily as if in protest and a great blazing wave of lava crashed over them both. But as it receded, all that remained was the Legendary Super Saiyajin's smoldering corpse.