Chapter 25
Well, as I said in my last update - which was a long time ago - I will no longer apologise for lack of updates. However, that doesn't mean that I can just update without giving you a reason!
I have finally reached the end of the first half of my school year. I know that might seem strange to the majority of you, who are still on Summer Vacation. Is that right? I don't know, but anyway, it was a VERY busy term. I'm so glad that the midyear holidays are here - even if they are only for two weeks.
The other reason for my disappearance is my brother. My brother has moved in to my parents' house temporarily, and he sleeps in the same room where this computer that I am currently typing on resides. It's okay, of course, but usually I don't get much time to have the computer to myself without anyone else in the room. I don't know about you, but I just can't write fanfics unless I'm alone I'd become too nervous and distracted!
Anyway, there's my lame excuse! Despite my absence, some of you still do not mind sending me a review. For that I am eternally grateful! I don't really care about the number of reviews I get any more - as long as I get one!
Now here's the 25th chapter, at last!
AND I DON'T OWN DBZ!
Gohan peered over Goten's shoulder at his Kaasan, patiently awaiting her reaction.
In truth, he wasn't really surprised when he noted how cautious she was being in not truly trusting him yet; she looked as though she wasn't sure whether to greet him or consider him an enemy, seeming to step forward and backward at the same time in tentative decision.
He now knew of how Bodu was able to deceive people by making them believe that he was Son Gohan. It did not displease him - his mother's prowess - and he did not disapprove of it.
All of a sudden, he startled. The unbelievable realization that he was truly safe and with his family and friends had finally sunk in. It was like an unsuspected cut that had been inflicted upon a warrior, who did not notice its existence until he felt hot, sticky blood oozing from the tear in his flesh.
Bringing him out of his thoughts, Goten asked worriedly, "What wrong, Niichan?"
Easing out of his Totochan's arms, he replied warmly, "Nothing, Goten."
As soon as he uttered those words, the tense silence that had been surrounding the two brothers was broken by the soft pattering of footsteps. Gohan looked towards his Kaasan again, and stiffened as he saw her advancing a few paces towards him.
Why am I so afraid of her? Do I not want Okaasan's love?
He drew a quick breath as his mother checked herself, wishing for her to continue, yet at the same time, not wanting her to come closer.
Hurt.
It pained him so much that his Kaasan no longer trusted him any more. It was his fault; if he had known of Bodu, he might have been able to stop him before before
Okaasan lost her faith in me.
His heart began to flutter as his Kaasan bowed her head and cast her ebony eyes downwards, wisps of her hair - which were usually neatly tucked into her bun - lightly brushing at her temples. He supposed that she had not been able to tidy her hair ever since being forced to leave their home
I know why I am afraid. I'm afraid that she won't accept me.
Gohan rose slowly as to not startle his Kaasan, silently studying her form. It was then that he noticed a tiny diamond that fell to the ground before her; a tear. He was amazed that he was able to hear it tinkle onto the ground, the quiet sound reverberating in his ears.
He felt that if he murmured one word, his Kaasan would take flight and fly away from him on snowy-white wings - never to be seen again.
However, he could not stop himself as he whispered, "Okaasan?"
Chi-Chi looked up as she heard herself being called. The voice reminded her so of her little Gohan-chan though how could she be so sure that he was here? That it was truly her son, Son Gohan, who stood before her? He had played the same cruel trick on her many times during the past few days.
Her eyes narrowed as she came to a conclusion.
His eyes! His eyes will reveal to me if it is truly him!
She gazed deeply into the boy's obsidian eyes, seeking the unmistakable glimmer of compassion that had always been present in Goku and her two sons.
It was there! There was no misinterpreting that powerful gaze of kindness - not even the greatest artist in the world would be able to capture its distinction in a painting.
Speaking with a soft voice, she questioned the boy before her, desperately longing for him to be the son whom she had held dear for so long. "Gohan?"
Gohan's face beamed, and he nodded solemnly.
Almost instantaneously, Chi-Chi dashed over to her eldest son and encompassed him with her arms in a strong embrace. Gohan remained tense for a moment, though soon relaxed in his mother's comforting hold - the freezing cold ice of dread that had frosted over his heart melted away by relief.
After a seemingly endless moment, Chi-Chi pulled back and spoke, trying not to let her voice quaver as tears streamed down her face, "I have missed you so much, Gohan! It feels as if an eternity has passed between now and the last time I saw you."
Blushing at the unnecessarily sentimental comment, Gohan answered with a smile that carried the most unnoticeable signs of a smirk, "I was here less than two hours ago, Okaasan!"
Chi-Chi's eyebrows furrowed. "You mean that was you who brought back Goten?"
"Hai."
"And who almost killed Vegita"
That last statement cut deeply into Gohan's soul. He could see what she was talking about plainly; it had been when he had lost control of himself. He understood why his Kaasan would not have believed that that had been him - she had never seen his other terrifying self before.
When he did not answer, Chi-Chi began to feel perplexed. What is wrong, Gohan? Please, tell me!
She was about to speak, when the awkwardness was disturbed - and soon to be forgotten - as everyone else began to edge closer and crowd around them. Nothing was said at first. Nevertheless, many began to ask questions.
Gohan tried to answer some of them, but there were too many, and the questioning voices soon became an incomprehensible, muffled blur. The demi Saiya-jin began to feel overwhelmed, and his whole body tensed; he thought that he was in a fighting situation, rather than a social one. Although the people surrounding and questioning him had pure intentions, all of their sheer emotions of joy and curiosity confused him, making him believe that they were all lusting for blood.
Piccolo knew of Gohan's incapability to deal with too many emotions at one time, and could see that his student was losing focus on the current situation, leading himself to believe that he was in danger.
Advancing forward so that he was next to Gohan, he took on a stance of authority and wisely stated, "Gohan has had to deal with many difficult challenges over the past few days. It may be easier for him to answer if you could all limit the amount of questions that you are asking him."
Everyone immediately hushed.
Giving a sigh of relief, Gohan began to calm his anxious body. He truly admired his mentor for his poetic yet direct way of speech - Piccolo was neither too lyric nor abrupt. Everybody would always quieten if he asked them too, even if it wasn't directly.
Turning towards Gohan, Piccolo then began to apologize. "I am sorry, Gohan, for being disillusioned by the cunning tricks of that Cehang-jin. I believe that everyone else who is gathered here feels the same way."
Those who had been against him only hours ago agreed with Piccolo and apologized to Gohan in their own way. Some gave only a mere nod, while others spoke their regrets.
Gohan smiled and replied softly, yet clearly, "It's all right. I'm just glad that you all trust me once more."
Involuntarily, he found his gaze suddenly locked with Vegita's. It was then that he realized that the Saiya-jin had been looking at him the whole time, almost as if he was staring.
He tried to break away. It was one of the strict rules of politeness and reverence - which he had been taught - that one did not make eye contact with their elders. However, he checked himself when he sensed something else being portrayed by Vegita's nonchalant gaze.
Respect.
He did not know where that ideal thought had come from, though Gohan's instincts were telling him that by looking him in the eye, Vegita was showing respect.
Gohan's eyes narrowed - though not with contempt. He was merely acknowledging Vegita's silent declaration.
Finally breaking away from the Prince's gaze, Gohan waited for Piccolo to begin explaining. It was clear to him that his sensei knew something about the Cehang-jin, and he was eager to learn something that might help him to defeat Bodu.
No! Not 'defeat'! KILL!
Shuddering at his Saiya-jin subconscious, Gohan was mortally surprised when he heard his Chikyuusei-jin side's response.
That may have to be the final conclusion.
To be continued
Ooh! Cliffhanger! Gomen nasai, but I just couldn't resist putting one of those in!
Well, you can review now if you wish. You can say you loved it, or say you hated it. You can say it's fine, or that I need improvement. You can even write the word 'blah,' if Fanfiction.net allows it! ^-^
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