I'm just on a roll, aren't I?
AN1: Let's go Cavs.
AN2: What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP
AN3: Same as last time: Check out Never Say Never by Witchyprincess, Just a Kiss by Sarah aka Vega. They're good. Also, everyone Email Witchyprincess and tell her to keep writing on Never Say Never! She hasn't written on it in three months!
AN4: Kublai Khan's license plate reads: SLKRD4L.
DISCLAIMER: "Got my whole life ahead, Hell I'm just a kid." – Kenny Chesney, There Goes My LifeGoo Goo Dolls, Iris
Sweet Dreams: Chapter 9 – Comatose
Bra and Britta didn't hear Fender's screams from the roof, unfortunately. He tried desperately to revive the consciousness of his friend, but it was no use. Goten had alcohol poisoning, most definitely, and by the looks of the empty fifth of Bacardi 151 next to him, it was bad.
Fender checked Goten's pulse and breathing. Relieved that they were both there, he picked up his fallen friend and headed towards the door of the attic. After a few failed attempts of opening the knob, Fender finally got the door open and hustled as fast as he could down the stairs. He tripped once, and in rage and frustration, Fender yelled out a roar. He needed to save his friend.
He called Bra's name. He called Britta's name. Nothing. They were downstairs still, unaware of Goten's condition. He needed to get to the hospital and quickly, but he realized that the house was a good fifteen miles from one. When he realized this, his heart dropped, but his hope didn't. He kept pushing.
Bra noticed Fender at the top of the stairs, still holding a lifeless Goten in his arms. She screamed and ran towards him. Britta looked up and her face paled. This couldn't be happening.
Bra reached Fender at the top of the stairs, horrified by the expressionless look on Goten's face.
Oh my god, Bra thought, what have I done?
"I found him on the roof like this," Fender explained, "He drank a whole bottle of 151." Britta finally made her way to the top of the stairs as Fender started explaining.
"We have to get him to a hospital," Fender pleaded, "Or else he's going to die."
No! No he can't die! No! Bra screamed in her mind, I can't cause him to die. I love him too much!
"I don't think an ambulance will reach him in time, Bra," Fender said, "We need your car." Bra closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming herself. Without another word, she took Goten from Fender's arms, much to the amazement of him.
"What the hell?" Fender asked, "He's too heavy for you. How can you be carrying him?" Bra just looked at Fender, a guilty expression on her face.
"I don't really care if I can carry him or not," Bra said, "I love him. And I need to save him." With that said, Bra stepped down the stairs and onto the patio, several students watching suspiciously. Fender and Britta followed closely behind, wondering just what Bra was up to.
On the deck, Fender finally got anxious.
"Bra!" He yelled, "We need to get him to a hospital! He doesn't have time for this!" Britta clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Shut up!" She said, "I have a feeling she knows what she's doing." Fender didn't like it one bit.
"He's my friend!" He retorted, "I want to save him." Bra looked back at the two.
"He will be saved," Bra said, calmly, "Just have faith." Fender just looked at Bra with confusion, then in awe as she started to rise into the air.
"I'll explain later," Bra said, and with a smile and a flash of ki, she blasted into the air, towards the closest hospital.
Britta and Fender looked into the air where Bra and Goten disappeared, confused on what the hell just happened. Several students who were fully trashed just blamed the alcohol.
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Gohan looked up from his newpaper. After a long day of lecturing at the college, he needed a rest, but what he felt wasn't telling him he was going to get one anytime soon. Goten's ki was low. Almost nonexistent. Something was wrong.
Goten! Gohan called to Goten telepathically, Goten! What's wrong?! Goten!
Without another word, Gohan got up from his recliner, calling to Pan and Videl. When both arrived in the room, Gohan was taking his glasses off and switching from his suit and into his battle gi.
"Gohan!" Videl said, "What on Earth are you doing?" Gohan looked at his wife with worry.
"Feel for Goten's ki," He told her, "Just try to feel for it." Videl did, and found little of it.
"Oh no," Videl said, worry appearing in her face, "Is it another battle?" Pan's eyes started to water.
"Uncle Goten…," She whimpered, "What's happened to him?" Gohan patted his daughter on the head.
"I'm sure nothing's wrong with your uncle, Pan," Gohan assured, "But I'm off to find out what's going on." He switched to Videl.
"Honey," Gohan started, "I want you to go to Capsule Corp. Take Pan, and make sure she's safe. You stay safe, too. I'm heading over there to get Vegeta-san and Trunks." Videl nodded, and with a kiss to her husband, he stepped out the door and blasted into the air towards Capsule Corp.
After a few minutes of flying, and an upgrade to Super Saiyajin, Gohan made it there in record time. He landed inside the security perimeter and ran inside, calling out for Vegeta.
Vegeta walked in, looking grumpy as ever, followed by Bulma. They took one look at Gohan and knew something was up.
"Vegeta-san," Gohan said, out of breath, "Check for Goten's ki." Vegeta scowled as he did so.
"It's low…," He stated, "What's happened?" Gohan shook his head unknowingly.
"I'm afraid there might be a new threat," Gohan said, "But I'm not sure." Vegeta shook his head.
"There's no large ki presence," Vegeta said, "I don't think that's the case. But we can never be too sure. Let's head over there anyways. You're third-class brother is supposed to be protecting my Bra, so we need to find out if she's in danger, too." Gohan nodded and started towards the door. Vegeta turned to his wife.
"Call the brat and tell him to meet us in the states," Vegeta said. Bulma nodded and instantly picked up the phone to dial Trunks' number. Gohan spoke to Bulma as she listened to the ringer.
"I told Videl and Pan to come over here," Gohan said, "I hope that's not too much trouble." Bulma shook her head.
"No, it's nothing, Gohan," Bulma replied, "Just make sure they're all right. Goten and Bra." Gohan nodded, and himself and Vegeta walked to the door and took into the air.
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Midway through the flight, Bra lost her calm composure and started crying uncontrollably. But she still somehow managed to make it to the hospital. She landed with a thud outside the emergency room entrance and quickly ran in and yelled for help.
"Help!" She cried out, tears streaming down her face, "Someone please help him! I don't want him to die!" Several nurses and doctors rushed up to Bra, who was still cradling Goten in her arms.
"Young lady, what happened?" one of the doctors asked, taking vitals while placing him onto a gurney.
"He drank a bottle of liquor," Bra said, crying, "He did it because of me. I don't want him to die…." The doctors quickly wheeled him into the back, past the doors that read "No entry beyond this point." Bra walked with the lifeless Goten all the way there, and when those doors slammed home, she collapsed into a heap on the floor. She brought her hands to her face and cried.
She was soon comforted by a pair of hands. Strong, masculine hands. The hands of a fighter.
Bra turned her head to see her father, a stern look on his face.
"Saiyajin don't cry, Bra," Vegeta said, "Be strong. He'll be fine." Bra, amazed that her father was there, jumped quickly into his arms.
"Oh Daddy!" she cried, "I killed him. Oh god I killed him. I don't want him to die, Daddy! I love him so much! I don't want him to die!" Vegeta wrapped one arm around his daughter, comforting her as much as his pride would let him. Gohan stood around the corner, his back against the wall. A few minutes later, he watched Vegeta and Bra walk around the corner and asked for the details.
"Your dumbass brother decided to drink a bottle of strong liquor," Vegeta spat, "But it's not his fault. It seems my daughter was kissing another boy, and that is what caused Goten to do such a stupid act." Gohan brought his hand to his forehead.
"Vegeta-san," Gohan said, "this is no time to scold my brother. I'm sure you've had too much alcohol at one point. Yes, he's stupid for doing that, but he's young." Vegeta looked at Gohan coldly.
"But I never did it because I was jealous," Vegeta replied, "I never did it because I thought the one I loved didn't love me in return." Gohan's eyes grew wide and turned to a still crying Bra. She nodded. Gohan just went over to her and hugged her tightly.
"He'll be all right," Gohan soothed, "Goten's tough."
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Goten floated around in free, black space. It was almost as if he didn't exist. Almost as if he was… dead.
He looked around and saw nothing but darkness, but he could still see himself. His clothing was still the same outfit he was wearing at the party. He was still tangible as he found out by touching his face. The last test proved he was still alive. He looked above his head and saw no glowing golden ring; no halo. Goten was alive, just trapped.
He heard voices all around himself. Some sounded familiar, some didn't. A mixture of English and a mixture of Japanese. He was so confused. All he could remember was drinking his first half of the bottle, Bra kissing that guy, the girl propositioning him, and him rejecting. Then nothing.
Goten attempted to shoot a ki blast to see if he could light his way through this area of cold darkness. Nothing happened though. He had no control over his ki. He could move, but he could not get anywhere. It was like he was stuck in a gravity field with no way of getting out. He hated it.
He thought a lot of Bra. How he missed her and how he shouldn't have started drinking. Somewhere along the line of him being in the blackness, Goten deduced that he was in this state because of that bottle of Bacardi 151. He kept hearing the voices, too. The voices of Bra, his brother, Fender, Britta, and even Vegeta mixed in with those of English ones. He tried to call out to them, but they never returned his cries for help.
He heard crying, too, and that was too much to bear. The crying pushed him closer towards the edge. And it wasn't just anyone crying. It was his love, his one and only, Bra. He could tell by the voice between the sobs. Goten so wanted to reach out and help her. She sounded so helpless.
"God dammit!" Goten cried, "Bra don't cry! God, why can't I reach her?!" But no one answered. He attempted punching the blackness around him. There had to be some way out. But not even his superhuman strength could release him from his colorless prison.
Then a new voice came. A voice he hadn't heard in a long time. The voice of his father.
"Goten," Gokuu said from somewhere, "My son, Goten." Goten stopped his fury of punches and kicks, peering into the blackness.
"Otousan?" Goten called out, "Otousan! Help me! God help me, Otousan!" Goten searched frantically for the source of the voice, but could find none.
"Goten, there's no use trying to find me," Gokuu said, "I am not anywhere in the place where you are." Goten curled up into the fetal position.
"Otousan, I thought you were dead," Goten whimpered, "I need help to get out of here, but you can't help because you're dead. What the hell is wrong with me?!" Gokuu laughed, surprising his youngest son.
"Goten," Gokuu said, "I couldn't help you even if I was alive. The only one that can release you from your cage is you. I know you can do it. All you need is a purpose and not all this rage!" Goten thought for a moment, still curled up.
"But what purpose?" Goten asked, mostly to himself, "What do I have that I can use?" Gokuu took his time before he responded.
"That's easy, Goten," Gokuu said, "Think of the one you love. Channel that love, and you will break free." All of a sudden, it all made sense to Goten.
"Otousan!" Goten yelled, spreading his body out, "I'll try, Otousan!" Gokuu laughed.
"Don't try, son," Gokuu said, "Do it." Goten smiled.
"Yes, Otousan," Goten replied, "I will do it." And with that, Goten started to think of all the past years he'd spent with Bra. While he was doing this, Gokuu continued to mentor him through it.
"That's it Goten!" Gokuu coached, "You're doing it!" Goten thought of the phone calls, the late nights at Bra's, the times they laughed, the times they cried.
"Goten," Gokuu said, "You are strong. You've made me proud." The thoughts of love, graduation, the parties they went to, the help she gave, the hugs she gave, the fun they had.
"Goten, I must go now," Gokuu said, "I love you, son. Make sure you tell that to Bra when you get out of here." The times at the beach, the times in the mountains, the free-flying flights, the long talks, the short talks, the hellos, the goodbyes, the smiles, the frowns.
He thought of the world without her, and the future with her. He thought of the possibilities and the missed chances. He thought of everything. Everything he possibly could have. And through squinted eyes, Goten saw cracks appearing in the blackness.
The cracks lead towards him. They ran right through him. They shattered and splintered the blackness, revealing rays of light. One last thought would push him out.
He thought of how he would be able to hold her in his arms.
The darkness shattered into a million shards, revealing his true sight through his physical squinted eyes. And there she was, holding his hand. Bra was next to him. She didn't notice he had come to, though. She was crying and talking to him, trying to awaken him.
"Goten," Bra pleaded, "Goten please… I need you…" Goten wanted so badly to touch her face to let her know he was there, but he listened for a little bit longer.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, Goten," Bra said, "That guy just kissed me out of no where and you walked in at the wrong time. I'm so sorry. God I'm so sorry. I just want you to wake up…" She started whimpering again.
"You've been in a coma for three days, Goten," Bra said through tears, "Don't you think that's longer than needed? Do you really want to leave me? I never want to leave you. I realized the night you almost died that I couldn't live without you. I realized that you were the most important thing in my life, and you had been for a while. I feel stupid for not realizing it before." Bra wiped a few tears from her eyes.
"I just wish you could wake up," She continued, "I just want you to be here with me. I would give anything to have you back by my side. You're my bestfriend and the only one I love. I love you so much, Goten, and now I feel like I caused you into this. Only because I was stubborn and afraid to take the risk. I love you, Goten, I love you…." She started crying harder.
"I need you… and you have to wake up… for me…" Bra said before glancing resting her head down on Goten's chest.
"I love you, too," Goten croaked, "I love you so much I couldn't bear it. I need you, too." Bra thought she was hearing things until she felt a hand stroke the back of her head. She looked up, eyes wide. He was awake.
"Goten!!" Bra screamed, before pressing her lips to his, "Oh god Goten! I love you! I love you so damn much!" Goten, who was helpless laying in the hospital bed, could only return the kiss fully and wrap his arms around Bra.
A few seconds later, a flurry of doctors ran in, along with Gohan, Britta, and Fender. Gohan decided it was best if he made it to the front of the crowd, slipping a senzu into Goten's hand. He grinned at his brother before stepping back. Goten slipped the bean into his mouth secretely.
His strength was returned quickly, but he let the doctors do the vital checks anyway. He was back, and that's all that mattered.
Later that day, the doctors found nothing wrong with him, and after promising to check out an alcohol abuse seminar just for precaution, he was released from the hospital.
Everyone went back to their normal lives. Goten and Bra ended up explaining their existence and powers to Britta and Fender, which received a lot of "Hoooooly shit!" comments. But Goten was happier than ever, and so was Bra. Things were looking good for the two.
End Chapter 8
Not the last chapter, so don't worry. One more after this.
