Chapter 13
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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.
And, oh yeah, please R&R!
Son Gohan had mixed emotions as the painfully familiar Kami's Palace came into view.
He felt downcast that he would soon have to part with his Totochan; and probably wouldn't be able to see him again for a while. He had become closer to Goten than he had ever been during the past few days, and the thought of not seeing him for a period of time was tearing his heart to shreds.
Goten had been the only person who had actually trusted him, despite the fact that he was very young and should listen to his Kaasan rather than his Niichan. Yet he had ignored everyone else's warnings, and had chosen to save his Niichan rather than watch him die, even if it ran the risk of him losing his life as well. He ignored the pain that he had been suffering because of Vegeta, until his little body could take no more.
He had remained strong while he was the sharing the cave with his Niichan, choosing not to run away when Gohan had been having a terrible nightmare. The sobbing and moans that had been escaping his Niichan's lips were haunting, but he stayed with him. He waited until his Niichan woke up, even though he was trembling with fear.
Even when Gohan told him that he would have to go back to his Kaasan, he had eventually agreed, knowing that his Niichan knew what was best for him.
Gohan smiled as he looked back at Goten, who was still giggling happily. His hair that resembled their Tousan's was whipping back and forward with the wind as they flew.
He sighed as the thought of why he would have to leave Goten came back into his mind. The search. The search for the new creature that had decided to inflict its evil ways upon Chikyuu-sei.
He wasn't looking forward to searching for this creature, whatever it may be. Deep inside, he felt as if the conflict that was gradually creeping closer would catch him by surprise, and that he wouldn't be ready to take on this new being.
Then, he also felt nervous. He was nervous about having to face everyone at Kami's Palace again. The last time he had seen them, they had not welcomed him with opened arms. They had instead wanted to defeat him so that he would no longer be a threat to them, no matter what he tried to say.
And the last emotion that was embedded into his mind at the moment was for some reason, longing. He longed to see his Kaasan's face again, even if it wasn't smiling warmly at him. He missed her caring side so much; it now seemed as if it were a fade memory, being torn up inside of him.
He snapped out of his thoughts as they rose above the brim of the Palace's floors. There was no time now to turn back. He would have to face them, even if they were as unforgiving to him as they had been last time.
Pat.
As Gohan's shoes made contact with the tiles, everyone seemed to cease what they were doing to look at him. Only Piccolo and Vegeta made no sign of realizing he was there, but he knew otherwise.
He lifted Goten from his shoulders and placed him on the ground, keeping a close eye on the rest of the people that were gathered.
As his heart was longing to, his onyx eyes rested their glimpse on his Kaasan. She was surprised, but showed no sign of coldness. She gazed at her two sons, her heart rejoicing at the sight of them. She was so happy to see Goten, alive and well. But for some reason, she couldn't help feeling glad that Gohan was unscathed as well.
Goten looked towards the others, hoping that they would all show the glimmer of forgiveness in their usually compassionate eyes. The glimmer did not make itself visible, however, and he was saddened as he noticed that they were surprised, but not pleased at his Niichan's presence.
The older demi Saiya-jin also saw this, and decided that it was best for him to leave now. He bent down until he was at eye level with his Totochan and said reluctantly, "It's time. I have to go now, Goten."
His Totochan's eyes instantly filled with glittering tears as he sobbed, even though he knew that it wouldn't make a difference, "Please don't go, Niichan! I want stay with you!"
The fiery glow that he saw in Gohan's eyes told him that there was no point in pleading. He would have to stay. Tears still crawling down his cheeks, he threw his arms around his Niichan, sobbing mournfully.
Gohan was also crying, as he whispered in his Totochan's ear, "Remember my promise. I will come back as soon as I can. Just please, stay here. And if you can, try to explain to them about 'the other me'."
Goten nodded as he hesitantly pulled his arms away from his Niichan. He sniffed as Gohan stood, towering above him, and said, "Ja ne, Gohan." Those few words that he spoke caused more tears to roll down his cheeks.