Chapter 10
Aw, it took me a whole week to update again! Gomen! I have holidays in a week's time however, so I should be able to update more often! At least, I think so Anyway, thank you to everyone who reviewed! I truly wouldn't be able to update if you peeps didn't review! Thank you! *Hugs reviewers* I know I usually say that every time I update, but I really do mean it!
As I always say, I don't own DBZ and I'm not making any money from writing this fic. I do own Bodu, however, and any new characters, places, etc.
As Goten finished yawning, glittering tears forming on his eyes that had been born from his weariness, he looked back at his Niichan with a confused frown on his face, his pitch black eyes shimmering with uncertainty. He did not know how he had come to be in complete safety with Gohan, who did not seem as injured and defenceless as the young half Saiya-jin had bethought.
The older of the two's spirits were exhilarated as he looked upon his young Totochan's puzzled face. He smiled happily as a warm feeling spread through his body from the middle of his heart, as he thought of how fortunate he was to have such an innocent child with him, who had never had to face such violent and terrible scenes as he had.
Except for the day before Gohan frowned sadly as guilt began to take the place of joy. How could he have let youthful Goten be a witness to such horrible doings? When he had turned into! He closed his eyes shut tightly, quavering with rage and disbelief at himself. Why did I have to lose control in front of my own Totochan? I am supposed to be his Niichan, the sole person who is sworn to always be there for him, and protect him from evil, no matter what! How could I have done such a thing?
He was forced to cease his mental anguish when a soft voice asked, "Gohan? How I get here? How you safe now?" Reluctantly for some reason, he slowly opened his dark eyes, that seemed to be so full of hate. Not detestation towards others, not even towards Vegeta. But detest towards himself, for letting Goten down.
The younger brother unfortunately saw those loathe-filled eyes, and began to tremble in fear. Was this the other Gohan, the one who was only an imitator, and hated all whom the true Gohan would always love? The sinful one, who had caused so many to lose their kind feelings towards the true Gohan?
The older half Saiya-jin started as he saw his Totochan tremble, who seemed so afraid of him. He made an effort to speak, to console young Goten, but no words came out. Yet again, it seemed that someone had lost their confidence in him. When would this horrible nightmare end? What was causing all of this to happen?!
He startled again as he heard his Totochan speak so softly that even his keen sense of hearing could barely hear him, "Is that you, Gohan?" The words were so full of bewilderment and terror, that he wondered why Goten had not already fled away from the cave, and from him.
Almost as softly as his kin, he replied nervously, "Hai, Goten, my Totochan. It really is me." He could not help himself as a warm feeling began to fill his eyes, and he also began to tremble. He was so afraid of someone losing their trust in him again, that he would not know what he would do if Goten did run away.
Suddenly, any trace of dread on the younger boy's features vanished completely, and his trembling halted. Fresh tears began to fill his eyes also, as a relieved and merry smile spread across his face. Before either of them could blink, they were both hugging each other in a tight embrace, half crying and half laughing into the other's shoulder.
Sniffing, Gohan sobbed happily, "I thought that you no longer trusted me any more, Goten! Just like everyone else, that you had deserted me!" He could not help himself as his body shook from his own sobs, he was so relieved that he still had his Totochan.
Goten laughed as he cried, "And I thought that it was the other you!" The younger brother did not notice as his Niichan let go of the embrace, as he was too overwhelmed with happiness to care about anything else. He felt very rejected however, as his Niichan pulled away from him completely.
The older half Saiya-jin stared at the ground, that was so cold and grey, so uninviting. His deep eyes were quivering as he was lost in thought, remembering what his Totochan had told him the day before. But but, what does he mean? What does he mean by the, 'other you?'
Almost lacking all emotion, his mind still too devoted to his thoughts, Gohan asked, "What do you mean by that, Goten?" His eyes remained fixed on the ground, staring at nothing in particular. His hands were fisted and shuddering slightly, as he tried to think of a possible explanation to what his Totochan meant.
The younger half Saiya-jin gasped as he looked into his Niichan's quivering eyes, which were so focused on the ground, their gaze not rising from the brownish-grey floor. They were so hard and emotionless, that for a moment he thought that Gohan had lost control of himself again, just as he had during the battle with Vegeta. Almost afraid to speak, Goten asked hesitantly, "You mean you don't know?"
Gohan's eyes darted to his Totochan, as anxiety began to take its toll on his body. He stared at Goten, not making any move at all except for the signs of his breathing. He did not want to cause his Totochan to panic, and thought that he would do so if he spoke a word. So he slightly shook his head, still eyeing Goten with close regard.
Goten looked away from his Niichan's foreboding eyes and stared at his hands, which were shaking upon his lap. Slowly, his voice a bare whisper, he began to explain, "For past week, you didn't seem to be you. You was mean and rude, and weren't kind to anybody. You said that you no longer need us, that you can live on your own and rule universe. I thinked you were gone, but one day, you told me that you wasn't you. There is another you that is cruel, that hurt everyone. I dunno where he came from, but he's bad."
Mixed emotions began to fill Gohan's mind- terror, curiosity and anger. He began to tremble again as a horrible thought dawned on him; Chikyuu-sei was in danger again. Evil had cast its heavy cloak upon Chikyuu once again, and he would have to be the one to defeat it. He did not enjoy having to be forced to carry the hopes of the entire planet and everyone on it on his shoulders. Ever since he had killed Cell, he had been frightened that someone would come and disturb the peace once again, as evil always appeared to do.
Then his curious mind began to ask questions to an invisible person. But, who is it? How can he, or she, or it, look like me? Why did it choose this planet? What does it want? His eyes turned to the ground again, as he tried to make sense of his speculations.
His eyes then settled on his Totochan again, who was shivering violently. A hot wave of anger washed over his body, and he began to shake furiously. He was clenching his fists so tightly, that he began to draw blood. Blood that was a bright crimson, even in the dark shadows of the cave. Blood that was sticky and warm. He hissed to himself as he thought wrathfully about the new enemy, the enemy who had caused so much pain and suffering to his friends and most of all, his family. Whispering harshly, he asked Goten, "What did it do to you, Totochan? And what did it do to Okaasan?"
The younger demi Saiya-jin began to whimper as he remembered all the terrible things that the 'evil Gohan' had done. Sniffling, he replied, "He did many things. He shout at Okaasan, and even hit her. He also hit me, and told me not to tell Okaasan" By this point, tears were beginning to stream down Goten's face, as he continued, "He hurt everyone! He hurt all people who are your friends! He caused them to hate you! He said that he no longer need us!"
Tears began to flow down Gohan's face, but he was still trembling irately. No wonder everyone hates me now! He clenched his fists tighter, ignoring the pain that was flowing down his wrists. Standing up, he began to think ferociously. It will pay! I will kill it for doing this to everyone! His human side began to slip away once again, as his ki began to increase. His eyes turned a vicious blue, as a ghostly gust of wind began to blow his ebony locks.
Goten did not know what to do, as he saw his Niichan losing control of himself once again. Before he could stop himself, he stammered, "Go Gohan! Don't be mad!" He gasped after he had said this, and closed his eyes shut, covering his face with his hands.
As the angry half Saiya-jin heard these words, his anger began to subside slowly. He dropped to his knees and whispered, "Gomen nasai, Goten! I did not mean to lose control again." I did it again! Poor Goten should not have to see such terrifying things!
Reluctantly, Goten pulled his hands away from his face, as if expecting to be hit. But as he looked up into his Niichan's eyes, he saw nothing but compassion. He smiled happily, as Gohan smiled back.
The older brother looked down at his hands, and saw the scarlet red that stained his hands. He slowly stood up and said to his Totochan, "Wait here, I will be back." He waited until Goten gave a slight nod, and began to walk out of the cave. As soon as he stepped out into the light, he felt as if all of his ki had returned. It was a beautiful spring morning. The sun was shining brightly, and a slight wind was blowing the branches of the tall, silent trees. The air was warm and refreshing, as the scent of pines drifted along with the wind.
As Gohan looked to his left, he saw a small stream flowing by harmlessly, its waters a glittering blue. He ran over to the stream and washed his hands, ridding himself of the blood that had stained his hands. As soon as the bleeding had stopped, he began to wash his face with the cool water. It felt so revitalising, that he felt that he could take on ten Cells and beat them without any trouble. Hm, I think that would be a bit too farfetched! He smiled at his silly thought, and stood up, leaning back with his arms pointed to the heavens, stretching his tired body. He winced as a sharp pain stabbed his ribs, lowering his arms as he clutched his stomach.
He sighed, as he realised that he had a cracked rib. I think I will have to wait at least a day longer before I can do anything about the new evil. His face glowed happily as he silently thanked his ancestors, the Saiya-jins. If he was a full-blooded Chikyuusei-jin, there would be no way that he could recover from a cracked rib so quickly and easily. It seemed that Saiya-jins were some of the fasted recoverers from injuries in the whole universe.
Remembering that he had left Goten alone, Gohan began to walk back to the cave with a new sense of hope. I will wait a day longer so that I can allow my body to heal, and also Goten's. No doubt that he should have at least a few minor injuries, but I should check him to make sure that it is nothing serious. As he thought of his Totochan, he smiled happily. I will never turn on you, Goten. Never.
Please R&R! And again I will add, I don't mind advice or even criticism! If it will help my writing skills, it would be wonderful!