Disclaimer: I, the author, do not in any way have Dragonball/Z/GT in possession, nor do I have any influence on it. I do not make any profit or money from writing fanfiction. I also do not own the movie "Hollywood Bollywood".
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Silently, Bardock rolled his shoulders back as he watched his grandson straightened his tie. The Saiyan wasn't happy with the fact that his grandchild turned out to be so Human-ish—tainting Gohan's Saiyan attitude. How little Gohan trained also didn't delight Bardock. Who would have known mingling with so many humans would do that to you? Bardock didn't like it but what could he do? He knew one way or another they would change when they lived on this planet.
His son, Kakarott as known as Goku, did become nice. After all, Grandpa Gohan raised Goku a couple of years before Bardock found his son. As mentioned earlier, when Bardock did find his son, he did try to change his son. He did try to make Goku bitter—make him more like a fighter—a warrior. Not just any warrior but a Saiyan warrior.
And as pointed out before, his son did become a great warrior…but he, unlike a Saiyan warrior, had mercy and compassion for others. He… was different… And somewhere down the line Bardock knew that he became softer.
But hey, it was inevitable.
They were in a foreign place, where peace was a must.
They changed… Kakarott changed…
And sometimes it was sickening.
But then at times, it could come in handy…Bardock supposed…
Bardock just stopped pondering, regretting, and stared at his grandson with unyielding love in his eyes. He loved both of his grandchildren, but being Saiyan he didn't show love and affection. No. Not even the way their father would. Fighting with them were enough. Bardock always thought that sparring and fighting was a good way to bond. (Unless they were, of course, your enemies… like Freiza.)
Goku met Chichi by fighting in a tournament. They hit it off because they were both fighters—warriors.
Bardock met his children's mother by…well at that time all females were warriors. Bardock would logically believe that at least his grandson, Gohan, would mate a warrior.
That wasn't the only problem he was faced with. Bardock saw something disturbing in his visions. It was a rare occasion for him to not see something including himself… or Kakarott. It was about Gohan—and er—Gohan's potential mate. And what he also saw was his grandson's face—reaction—and Bardock knew it wouldn't be happy hour. No, it was be quite the contrary.
And Bardock didn't really care about it at first, but then he remembered his grandson's temper, and he knew what happens when Saiyans get angry.
He almost smiled. It would be a perfect chance to spar with Gohan—and there would be no holding back. Just the way the Saiyan liked it.
Bardock frowned inwardly as he watched his grandson leave the house to go to his apartment. Maybe he should have told his grandson in advance. But then maybe Gohan wouldn't believe him. Bardock's grandsons—and even granddaughter—could be very stubborn when they wanted to be.
But hey, it was in their genes.
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
Gohan loosened his solid black tie as he sat back into his chair. Inside his cozy apartment, he turned on the television and left the channel on the local news. Gohan then sighed, rolling his head back and forth with some sort of anxiety. He couldn't quite figure out why his grandfather actually spent time with him during the day. It was as if his grandfather knew something that Gohan didn't. Mentally, Gohan shrugged it off. Maybe Bardock was just bored so he just wanted to have fun and fight his grandson. Or it could be—
"In this special news bulletin, we had just received word that Lime, music's new great sensation, had been struck in an accident."
Gohan's headshot up at the television screen, with all attention directed at it.
"It has been reported that on the way to America, the airplane had trouble in the weather and unfortunately crashed into the ocean. There were no survivors..."
Everything went still. "No," Gohan whispered, disbelieving what was happening. He swallowed hard as he fought to keep hold on his temper. His eyes flickered two distinct colours while rage, grief and sorrow engulfed his body. Rising from his seat, he stared at the television looking carefully at the wreck—and what the police uncovered. His power doubled…tripled… multiplied, rising to a dangerous level for indoors. Comprehending that his girlfriend was gone forever, Gohan made a tight fist and transformed into a Super Saiyan. He was not a very happy man at the moment. The look on his face suggested that he was going to kill someone.
Gohan yelled out in rage, punching television screen. The Saiyan didn't flinch as sparks flew everywhere—and looked as if he wouldn't care if it started a fire. The enraged Saiyan bellowed out from emotional pain, as his rampage would soon commence. Now he knew what his grandfather was hinting about. Immediately, the Saiyan flew out of his apartment, through the balcony (it was forbidden to fly in apartment hall ways), heading to his grandfather's private training area. Conveniently the enraged Gohan knew that Bardock would be there. Hopefully Bardock would be nice enough to listen to Gohan cries after he kicked his grandfather's ass.
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
Gohan sat on the bench at a park, watching little kids, human or alien, play around. He looked around lazily with a depressed face. And to think that he once believed that he would have half-breeds, mini-versions of Gohan and Lime, running around in their dream house. This thought saddened him further, but this place actually gave him some solace and peace. He sighed, breathing heavily so the tears wouldn't shed. Then he shut his eyes wanting too be soothed one way or another. Though every time he did so, her face, her features—Lime would just appear in his visions, and even haunt him in his dreams…
She was gone, and Gohan just didn't feel right. It felt as if something was torn away from him. It was unfair. Now he felt so lonely and incomplete. He hated feeling like this. It was shit…
Kami, this was hard. It was just as difficult as when his father left, maybe worse. Lime was his lover. She was his other half. With his great memory, he still remembered the way she laughed; the way she walked…he remembered it all. She was emblazed into his memory as if she was supposed to remain in his heart forever. Suddenly Gohan was forced out of his thought as he felt something hard smack his face. "Ow, what the hell was that?"
When he opened his eyes, he found a human child hold on a basketball, sporting a terrified look on his face. He was trembling.
"I'm sorry mister," was all the little boy could say.
If Lime was here at this very moment she would first calm Gohan down and make the kid happier in no time. Well, she was gone. Now what was Gohan supposed to do?
His eyebrows moved up and down uncertainly. "Uh… it's okay kid. Just get out of my face…and make sure it never happens again." That wasn't too nice, and he knew that if Lime saw that, he'd be dead. But at least he didn't kill the child.
He nodded. The boy looked like he was going to cry, but he managed to runaway in one piece.
So how exactly would Gohan survive without her??
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
Chichi sat on her bed, under the sheets, with a tear streaming down her polished cheek. Her niece stood by the door with a frown on her face. Goten sat diagonally across his mother with a somber face. Despite the mood, Goten never failed to bring his camera along. With a small calling the camera was set in the corner taping everyone, capturing their soap opera lives that they lead on tape.
Bardock entered the room and narrowed his eyes at everyone. "Why are you guys all here?" He didn't really care; he was just curious.
Goten was the first to speak. "Mother is plotting against Gohan."
Chichi's eyes grew bigger and defensive. "Goten!! Don't say that. I never plot against my son. My son plots against me."
Bardock gave her a look that didn't silence or halt her thoughts.
"Can't you just believe that I care about Gohan!? I understand that he loves that human…and I know how it feels to have your mate ripped out of your grasp!"
It then became stuffy with silence.
"So if you have any objections then leave."
Goten gave his grandfather a wicked look with a grin.
Ah yes, another fight. Bardock sat down on a nearby chair. He knew he'd have to play referee if things get out of hand.
And no one objected. They just sat still and waited.
In five minutes Gohan entered the room and still didn't look any better. He just stood there, staring into nothingness, looking so cold and detached.
Chichi opened her arms out to her son. "Come Gohan."
Silently everyone, including Goten's camera, watched Gohan passively walk to his mother's side and sit down beside her. He let her hold him.
"She was really nice, wasn't she? You really do love her… I'm sorry."
Gohan didn't know whether to believe it or not, but for once in a long time it felt nice to be in his mother's arms. The warmth was comforting; her soft humming was even soothing. Even as he laid his head on her upper chest, listening to her heartbeat helped him calm down. He could feel his mother caress the back of his head, and yes it was consoling. He needed it. And it's not like he enjoyed fighting against his mother. Just when it came to him and his love life, Chichi and Gohan could never agree on a suitable mate or wife. Maybe he shouldn't disregard the idea of being vulnerably healed by his kin.
Silence, again, occupied the room for another ten minutes.
Goten stared at her mother and could tell she was already up to something. Don't get him wrong, she was a great mother. Every person had theirs flaws. Hers was being too persistent and forceful when she thinks that her way was the best way. The way her mother looked at Gohan, Goten could see that she was genuinely concerned for his brother; yet there was something lingering in her mind by the glint in her charcoal-black eyes. He knew she was hesitant to say something, but she was impulsive when she wasn't careful. Oh, Goten would bet on a thousand American dollars that it'd be out soon enough. Maybe too soon.
"Gohan are you okay?"
"If you want an honest answer mother… it's no."
Chichi knew it wasn't time to pester him to find the right mate. Deciding what was best for the heart-broken Gohan, she held onto her son for the rest of the night.
Bardock was out into the hall with Goten and knew exactly what was going through the boy's mind. "Don't worry. Hopefully your mother wouldn't do anything extreme to upset your brother."
Goten gave a short nod to his grandfather before wishing his mother and brother "a good night".
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
One week later Goten sat in his brother's living room in Gohan's apartment, doing a little channel surfing on Gohan's new and cool LCD flat-screen television. Hey, it wasn't like Gohan couldn't afford it. He was a business tycoon. The Saiyan was a genius in the market. That's probably why Goten was a spoiled teen.
Goten looked back at his brother, who was paying the delivery boy for twenty pizzas. As far as Goten was concerned, it looked like Gohan was making progress. He could actually hide his grief and sorrow now. Gohan was able to speak as if nothing bothered him, able to put on a façade for everyone's sake. However Goten knew better, Gohan was still hurt—but he was a Saiyan. It was expected for him to suck it up like a man…a warrior.
"Here squirt. Your snack…" Gohan said with a small, plastered smile as he passed ten large boxes to his younger brother.
"Thanks Gohan." For some reason, Goten didn't care if his brother gave him corny nicknames like 'squirt'. Besides he had no reason to fight. Gohan was a great brother who treated him well whether if it was feeding him or buying him great toys. "So… did mom tell you anything?"
Gohan stopped chewing for a moment and looked at his brother. For a second Gohan's face transformed a bit, suggesting an expression that he wanted to murder someone. But that was only for a second. "Yeah, figures. She wants me to move on…"
"…and find a proper mate?" Goten finished.
Gohan nodded with uncertainty.
Then none of them spoke while the television echoed noises, which made the atmosphere more awkward.
"She already arranged me to meet people."
"Are you going to go?"
"Does it look like I have a choice?" he mumbled.
Goten chuckled, smiling up at his brother, dryly. "Good point."
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
Gohan wore a plain black, buttoned shirt wit matching black pants. Although he defied his normal demeanor by letting his shirt lose, which allowed his chest to be exposed, he looked strikingly handsome. How he was dressed and being in black made him look inhumanly mysterious and…enchanting. Gohan never did this intentionally. He was just tired and lazy to dress up properly.
Chichi sat beside his son and patted her son's knee to make him feel better. Beaming brightly, she was happy and relieved that her son gave in. Maybe…just maybe…they can find a match for him. Now that'll be interesting, especially since Gohan persisted that he wasn't interested in Saiyan woman.
Bardock and Goten sat by the side. Both of them had a frown on their faces, but not for the same reason. Bardock was forced to see this and Goten's camera was not aloud to tape what would go on in the room later. Both of them imitated each other by crossing their arms, and resting back against the couch. They didn't plan to lose that bitter frown.
The first person entered the room and the questioning began.
"So… Meilin, what do you like to do?"
This Saiyan was not as pleasant as her name sounded. She was big, muscular and…intimidating. Her black rough hair was up in a tight ponytail and she didn't not wear any make up or crèmes, which only made Gohan wonder about her facial cleanliness. She wore her class two Saiyan armour with her tail wrapping tightly around her waist. Her face was serious, yet hinted with a bit of humour as she responded. "I like to fight." Her voice was thick and low. This Meilin was no doubt a tomboy. "I also like to train to become stronger." She now had a small smirk on her face as she cracked her knuckles.
Her manly appearance and masculine attitude was a definite turn-off.
Goten looked at her, disgusted, and he made no attempt to hide it. "What girl wears Saiyan armour when they're not training?" he muttered under his breath. "She's like a man…kind of… Not to mention she looks like one…I don't want ugly nieces and nephews."
Bardock heard what his grandson had said. Surprisingly Bardock agreed with Goten. This woman was too masculine for Gohan. If Gohan chose Lime in the first place, who was soft and weak, what were the chances that Gohan would have a liking towards this woman?
Gohan stared, bewildered and numb at the sight before him. Mentally he shrugged at the woman and once he blinked, he wanted to gag. She? She… Gohan's future mate? Was his mother on drugs or something?? Kami, she was an eye sore. She was certainly not what Gohan would call wife material. She was more the warrior, "I'll-beat-the-shit-out-of-you," type of person.
Coming to a quick decision, Gohan coughed out, "Next."
The next wasn't as bad as the first but still; she wasn't as good-looking as the first one. Now that's saying something. Besides she seemed a bit too weird for Gohan.
"So what do you like?"
This female Saiyan wore a crooked smile on her face as she replied. "I'm into Mother Nature and I mostly spend my time doing charitable things. I like to plant and grow trees. I'm also a vegetarian."
So she was one of those Earth people. Bardock narrowed his eyes at that. "So, does that mean you don't eat meat?"
She shook her head.
"No… meat," Bardock repeated in a low, strangled voice. He'd never thought that he would say those two words in one sentence. His face showed that he was scared. "No meat." That was a nightmare for a Saiyan. How can anyone not eat meat?
"It's cruel for the poor animals!! Think about it! They have feelings too! They suffer and we eat them!?! It's so heartless!" she bleated, teary eyed.
Yeah, she was too soft for Gohan's liking. She was too 'in a different world' type of thing. There may be a problem with that. It was kind of sickening how obsessed she could be with nature and all that stuff that comes with it.
"So, you really like animals huh?" Chichi asked politely.
She nodded and beamed. "Bunnies are the best!" she said with a small squealed.
Yeah. With her immature attire, she was like a child. So innocent without appeal. So different. So not for Gohan.
Chichi smiled and patted Gohan's leg. "Remember when I made you a bunny rabbit costume for Halloween when you were just a little kid…"
Gohan turned his head at his mother, giving her a horrified look. Boy, that was not a fond memory of his past. But he had to admit he had fun changing it to an evil—more possessed looking bunny, with help from Bardock of course.
The female squealed at that. "Aww that's so cute!!" She squealed again and then gave Gohan this weird, shy look. It sort of freaked Gohan.
Goten shook his head at her. Damn he hated it when she squealed. It was a mix of a scream and a bull snorting—just hers was high pitched.
Bardock sat there with a bored expression on his handsome face that didn't age. Yes, being a Saiyan does have its advantages. Though being a Saiyan did not give much control over his patience and tolerance level. He wanted to leave this room so desperately…
Gohan exhaled deeply before nudging his mother. When she looked at him, he kept his eyes on the woman being 'examined'. Quickly he coughed out, "Next."
This one looked quite normal and sane, unlike the last one. The way she dressed made it clear that she appreciated fashion, yet didn't take advantage of clothes that showed off curves and revealed things that may disturb younger children. But still, Gohan wasn't satisfied.
"What's some of your interests?"
She folded her hands and rested them on her lap. Slowly, she chose her words carefully, and when responding, she gave eye contact, mainly to Gohan. "I like to sing and dance. Things like painting, sculpturing, and drawing are fun. However, I haven't lost my roots. Occasionally I train with my father."
Chichi nodded her head, approving of this female. However, Gohan didn't seem to like her that much. She just seemed too…ahh…her couldn't find the word. Maybe Gohan just wanted to make excuses, or maybe he wasn't ready to be back on the dating scene.
This female saw Gohan's exhausted face. Quietly she asked, "What's wrong?"
Gohan looked at her, somewhat amazed at her talent to see through people. "Nothing. Really."
"Then why are you doing this?"
Gohan meekly pointed to his mother.
She nodded, understanding quite well. "Are you happy?"
Goten looked at Gohan then back the female. Wasn't Gohan or Chichi supposed to be asking the questions?
"No," Gohan quietly replied ignoring his mother's look.
"Well you shouldn't be doing things that don't make you happy."
Gohan nodded at her and looked around. "Is it just me or is everyone going crazy?"
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
"Mom! I'm not interested in female Saiyans! Can't you understand that?" Gohan yelled at his mother, frustrated from the irritation.
Chichi sat bestowing a hurt look. "All your life I always tried to give you what you wanted. Now I just want a Saiyan daughter-in-law, so I can finally be happy!"
"And how is a Saiyan for a daughter-in-law going to make you happy?" Really, she was selfish!
"The maybe I can die in peace!" she screamed back at her oldest son. On both of their faces a vein bulged.
"And who said you're going to die?!" Gohan responded back, hissing more than yelling.
"No one!"
"Exactly!!"
"But I want you to be happy! I want you to have children…strong children. Don't you understand how I feel?" she asked in a desperate tone.
Gohan's nose flared in anger. "Don't you understand how I feel?"
Chichi stood up so her watery eyes could intimidate her son. "Of course I know how you feel," she said in a harsh whisper. "I let Goku go! I let your father go and do that stupid mission. He left me to raise you and Goten, almost alone! Don't ask me if I understand the feeling of losing a mate. Unlike you, I don't know whether your father is alive or not!" She said that with passion and poise. Chichi did really mean every word she said, plus it was the truth. Two tears made its way down Chichi's pale cheek. They were unwanted so she quickly wiped her tears away.
And Gohan did the smart thing and stayed silent.
"Now listen to me Gohan," Chichi began with a snippy tongue. "I gave you freedom when you were growing up. I let you have a separate home without nagging on you. I even let you date humans."
Gohan snorted at that, crossing his arms.
"When you got your love nest, did I say anything? Didn't I suffer when my child was away from me?" Chichi asked in a yell-whisper.
Gohan swallowed hard but never left his eyes from his mother.
"You have to move on Gohan. For my sake, Goten's sake, everyone's sake. More importantly, it's for you. You're handsome. You're fertile. You're young. Being mate-less isn't going to complete your happiness," Chichi pointed out, knowing what she said was definitely true from experience.
"Or what? What if I just want to live and die alone?" Gohan asked sarcastically.
"Then I'm a very unlucky mother." Kami, how Gohan hated when she used that line. "I have a proposal for you though."
Gohan looked down at her with a frown.
"You have a month to find a Saiyan mate. See? It's your choice. You just have to find her, that's all."
Gohan looked shock. Didn't she get it? He didn't want to see other women. Why was she so persistent? Outraged he spoke up, "And what if I don't want to find a Saiyan female? Or what if I don't find a Saiyan female that I like?"
Chichi frowned, straightening herself to look dead serious. "Then your cousin will not be allowed to marry and go though the mating ceremony with Zargo."
Gohan's eye twitched violently. "Mom that's not a proposal. It's blackmail!"
Chichi crossed her arms over her chest. "I know," and with that she gave her son a threatening glare before she left the room.
Gohan opened his mouth to protest but by the time he knew what to say, she was gone. He staggered to do the door, but was surprised to find his cousin there. He looked down at her and could tell something was wrong. Did she hear everything that he and his mother spoke of?
A tear streaked her face, which caused Gohan to worry. In a quiet voice, Rita confessed something that will change everything. "Gohan, I'm pregnant," she whispered, worried with a mix of sadness.
Gohan opened his mouth in surprise. He was going to yell at her for being to immature, but instead he comforted her, pulling her into his embrace.
"I'm so s-sorry Gohan," she choked.
"Don't ever say that. That's like betraying your child." Gohan took in deep breaths as he said that. It was overwhelming to find out that his cousin was pregnant, but this would only put more pressure on him. "Don't worry. You and Zargo will go through the ceremony. I promise." His hold tightened as she began to cry in his chest. And inside his head one word repeated itself over and over…
Shit
SHIT
Shit
Shit
And some more shit!
Now he'd really have to find a Saiyan girlfriend. If he didn't find one in time, his mother may find out about his cousin's dilemma. There was no way that Gohan would just let his cousin down like that either. No. Not without trying.
•º°´¯¤»-:¦:-«¤¯`°º•
To be continued
Next chapter: The Wild Card