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Bulma nodded her head in understanding and walked away slowly.
"Rest in peace, Kakarotto's mate," he whispered before walking off in the direction his wife went.
As soon as everyone was gone, Gohan sat by a rock with his head buried in his hands. "Why?" he asked through tears.
Since the death of Chichi, it was decided that Gohan and Goten go live with their grandfather, the Ox King.
Chapter 4
Many Condolences
Soon after the funeral of Chichi, Gohan and Goten were immediately shipped off to live with their grandfather, the Ox King. The Ox King was their only known living relative left, so obviously they were to live with him. As the movers set down the last of their luggage, the Ox King immediately had his servants, or what was left of his servants serve his grandchildren food.
Gohan was not pleased with the outcomes of this event. Ever since Goten was born a few days ago, Gohan didn't even dare look upon him. Looking at Goten brought back painful memories, both from his appearance and his origin. Goten looked exactly like Goku, so that only brought on more guilt for the young demi-saiyan. Thinking about the birth of Goten only brought more painful feelings and memories of loosing his mother. Becoming an orphan at the age of 11 or when an infant is something that not every child would want to experience.
"Hey, Gohan! What are you standing around for? The sooner we get you unpacked, the sooner we can have fun!" The Ox King yelled to his grandson across the field.
Gohan nodded slightly and picked up rather huge boxes in front of him. He made his way towards their new home. 'Kami, why me? Why must all this happen?' he asked himself. Then a thought hit him, 'because I almost caused the destruction of the Earth, but succeeded in sacrificing my father's life instead.' Gohan closed his eyes, trying to block out the painful thought.
'Life for the past couple of months had been fine. It was just fine,' Gohan bitterly thought to himself. Things weren't supposed to be this way. Gohan growled and shot another ki blast from his hand, shooting down a row of trees. He clenched his fist tighter and took flight into the air to begin his training. Ever since the birth of Goten, Gohan has stopped training with Piccolo, due to all the pain associated in his life. Whenever Piccolo did come around, Gohan would ask to be alone and train by himself. Gohan has grown distant to all those around him, even to his own grandfather. He felt as if the only way he could ease the pain is to stay away from those around him. At least that way, he knows that he couldn't be hurt by them like he was when his parents died. He was very close to both of them, and now they're dead. If he was able to distant himself from people, maybe he can prevent anymore pain and torment in his life.
Gohan completed a few repetitions of kicks and punches before landing. 'Another lonely day,' he thought to himself. He quickly whipped the sweat off his forehead and walked back to his new 'home.'
"How was you training, Gohan?" The Ox King asked while feeding baby Goten a bottle of milk.
"Just fine," Gohan replied nonchalantly.
"That's great! Sit down and have something to eat." His grandfather gestured toward the dining room.
Gohan seated himself and ate. He finished his meal quickly and swiftly, without any thought. He wasn't even sure how the food tasted or smelled for the matter. All he noticed was the sensation of his hungry stomach being satisfied. He was so into his own despair and depression that he was practically in a trance. If he's not wallowing around crying about how everything is his fault, then he would only talk about training outside to get stronger.
'I'm worried about him,' The Ox King thought to himself. 'He just isn't the same anymore. He doesn't seem to be that happy little kid I used to always hang around with. Now, it's as if he's all grown up and can take care of himself, although it doesn't seem that way. Maybe when Goten's older, Gohan could learn to love his brother and actually take some time off his training to care for his sibling.' He sighed to himself and set Goten down in his highchair. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.
The next day was the exact same as yesterday. It's become a routine now. Everyday, wake up, eat, train, eat, train some more, eat, train some more, shower, and sleep. He did all this without the contact of anyone around him. The only time the Ox King was even capable of seeing his own grandson was when he actually looked for Gohan and tried to talk to him. Otherwise, he was left with Goten and the sympathy that comes with having to care for his parentless grandchildren.
A cry could be heard from the infant. The Ox King looked down at the crying baby and frowned, he was hungry again. "Come on baby Goten, let's get you something to eat!" He entered the kitchen and prepared a bottle of milk.
A few weeks later, in the middle of Gohan's intense training, a rumbling sound could be heard emanating from his house. 'What in the world is going on now?' he thought irritably. He flew all the way back home to find it no longer there, but covered with debris. "Grandpa! Goten!" he screamed as he began to dig around in the debris. It looked as if the place exploded from a bomb.
"That'll take you a long time to search for them. Besides, it'll be no use. The Ox King is dead," came a voice from behind.
Gohan gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. He clenched his fists and turned around to face the voice. "What do you mean the Ox King is dead?" he hissed through his teeth.
The man walked out of the bushes and smirked. He was wearing a big long black trench coat over his black collared shirt and slacks. He wore a pair of leather boots and gloves. His hair was neatly combed back. "Exactly as it sounds. The Ox King is dead."
"W-What? How? Why!" Gohan demanded.
"Easy. We entered the building, killed the old man, robbed the baby, and blew up the place. Simple as that." The man walked closer to the boy. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a mirror. He opened it, checking his hair, before placing it back in his pocket. "Don't ask so many questions, kid."
Gohan clenched his fists tight and was about to strike at the man when he spoke. "Whoa, whoa. Listen kid. I only carry out whatever mission I get. It's not really me who's trying to murder your grandfather."
"Then why are you doing this?" Gohan asked in a dangerously low voice.
"Money, why else? Listen kid, I get $100 thousand zeni to kill the Ox King, the once evil tyrant. Do I really want to pass up this opportunity?" he explained.
"Why are you telling me all this then? Why don't you just scram and collect your cash?" Gohan asked suspiciously.
The man shrugged and ran a hand through his neatly combed hair. "I don't have to worry who I tell, because you're going to end up just like the others." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun. He aimed it directly at Gohan's head. "Dead," he finished.
Gohan glared at the man and stood still. 'What kind of bastard would hire this guy to kill my grandfather?' "Where's my brother?"
The man chuckled. "Oh, he's safe back at the boss's place. If you want to get him back, you'll have to get past me, but I doubt it since one shot and you'll be sent to the next dimension with this baby." He released the safety hatch and tightened his finger on the trigger.
"Just where is your boss?" Gohan asked.
"Where? Hah, don't make me laugh kid. He's in his invincible shelter. It's so strong that even Cell can't destroy it!"
"Where?" Gohan repeated.
The man cocked an eyebrow. "Are you threatening me? Hah, you're funny kid. I don't think so. Now, say your prayers." He pulled the trigger.
The bullet hit Gohan square in the head, but bounced right off as if it never touched him at all. The man was confused as to how it happened and shot Gohan a few more times before his gun was out of bullets. "What?" he asked in confusion. He discarded his gun and pulled out another weapon. "If a bullet can't kill you, I doubt that you'll survive my sword."
Gohan raised an eyebrow. "Your sword? You saw how the bullets bounced right off me, so how do you think your sword will do against me?"
The man smirked. "Just watch!" He pulled it out from its sheath, which was tied to his belt, and charged at Gohan at a menacingly quick pace.
Gohan dodged the attack and looked at the man. "I still don't see how it's going to work against me."
The man attacked again. "This is the sharpest sword ever made. I am also the greatest sword master in the country, so you better prepare to die."
Gohan just stared at the man and waited for the attack. It was just as he thought. The man jumped in the air and prepared to chop him in half. Gohan gazed into the sky and waited for the man to come close enough. Once the man was sure he was victorious when his sword was dangerously close to Gohan's head, he was surprised when a hand shot up and caught it.
"What? How? Surely your hand would've been sliced in half!"
Gohan examined his hand. "Nope, it doesn't hurt at all, not even a scratch."
The man panicked and pulled his sword away from the boy's grasp. He swung again, this time to slice his body in half horizontally, but failed once again as he was hit in stomach by a fist.
"I repeat, that sword will do no harm to me." Gohan smirked and grabbed the man by the throat. "Now I would appreciate it if you told me where your boss is."
The man was choking and was barely able to make out the syllables of the hideout. "S-Satan C-C-Cit-t-t-y Fortress!"
Gohan released the man. Seeing how the man began scrambling to get on his feet, Gohan stepped on the man's back and began to apply force to it. When he heard enough screams and pleading, he released the man. "Go while you have the chance!" he yelled.
The man scrambled to his feet and ran off in the distance while gripping his back in pain.
Gohan looked up in the sky with a death glare. "Satan City Fortress."
"Hahaha! The Ox King is dead! Old fool didn't know what hit him!"
"Yeah!" cried the various men around him. At that moment, a baby's wails could be heard throughout the building.
"Would somebody shut the kid up!" cried the leader.
"Gladly!" came a voice from the outside before the wall was destroyed. When the smoke cleared, a boy with unusual blonde hair was standing, ready to kill. He leapt forward and grabbed Goten in less than a second, which was faster than the human eye could see. None of them had time to blink before they were knocked unconscious.
"I see you're pretty tough kid, but why in the world are you beating up my men for!" screamed the leader.
Gohan rocked his arm to stop the crying from Goten and glared at the man. "Because you killed my grandfather."
The leader smirked. "Oh, you're the Ox King's grandson. I've heard a lot about you. I remember you now." He picked himself off his chair and walked around his desk so that he was now in the light.
"General Tao. I thought that you disappeared right after I destroyed your 'invincible fortress.'"
General Tao laughed. "That's true, but this is my revenge for all the trouble you have cost me. That job I had paid me $100 million zeni and you destroyed it. I could have been filthy rich if not for you!"
"Aren't you now?"
Tao laughed again. "Yes, of course. After robbing 8 banks, who wouldn't be?" Tao looked at the boy. "The death of your grandfather was also for all the trouble your father caused me. Think of it as a little revenge."
"You do realize that I've contacted the police and that they will be here any minute now."
Tao raised an eyebrow. "The police? Why would you want to contact the police?"
Gohan glared at him. "So they can clean up your carcass after I take care of you."
"Don't humor me, boy. I've improved since the last time we've met, and I can assure you that I will not loose again." Tao smirked at the boy. He removed his heavy jacket and dropped into a fighting stance.
Gohan did not change his expression at all. He set down Goten at a safe part of the room and dropped into his own stance. Soon the battle commenced. Gohan was hardly using any of his power. As for Tao, it appears as if he was fighting with all his might.
"P-prepare to d-die!" Tao threatening between pants.
Gohan glared at him and looked the other way. He stood still and waited for the onslaught. Finally it came as Tao threw a ki blast towards Gohan. Gohan raised his arm and shot his own blast. Soon the two blasts rivaled each other, when Tao seemed to be winning over Gohan's, he decided to end the foolish battle.
"It's time to end this," Gohan whispered as he blasted more energy in his blast, overpowering Tao's. Eventually the blast went through Tao and killed him. "Scum," Gohan whispered as he glanced at the remains of the General.
Gohan walked over to Goten and picked up the infant. Goten was crying like crazy and had a slight bruise on his arm. Probably received it when his captors had taken hold of him.
Gohan had traveled to the remnants of his home and picked out whatever he could that was in usable condition. In the middle of his rummaging, he came upon a dead corpse. He picked up the body with one hand while holding Goten in the other. His grandfather as it appears, was shot several times by ki blasts, due to the wholes within his very sturdy body.
"I hope you're rotting in HFIL, Tao."
Gohan closed his eyes and shed a tear for his beloved grandfather. "Everyone I love ends up leaving me eventually. Grandpa would probably be just like mom and dad, wishing for me to have a happy life without them. Argh, why is all this happening?"
Suddenly the sounds of a copter could be heard landing nearby. Gohan laid down the dead corpse of his grandfather on stable ground and said a little prayer. Baby Goten began crying a short moment later. "What is it now Goten?" he asked irritably. Life has been very hard on the boy. So far, he has lost all his family members, excluding his brother, which now lies in his arms.
"Gohan," came a feminine voice.
Gohan turned his attention toward the direction of the voice. It was no surprise to see Bulma there. She had probably heard the news. With her rank, she could obtain any piece of information easily.
"Bulma," he returned. "I assume you've heard what happened."
Bulma nodded slowly. Her eyes were melancholy and it seems as if she was on the brink of tears. "I'm sorry Gohan. You've lost both your parents and now, your grandfather."
"It's alright. I don't need your sympathy. I'll go back to my mother's house and live there with Goten. You don't have to worry about me," Gohan stated in a monotone. It was scary how he's changed so much from the cheerful little boy they've recently seen a few months ago. He was about to walk away when Bulma caught his arm.
"Gohan, don't go there. Come. Come live with me and Trunks back at Capsule Corps. I'm sure you'll be welcomed there," offered the blue haired scientist.
Gohan couldn't really believe his ears. Did Bulma just invite him to live with her? He shook his head. "No, Goten and I'll be a burden on you. I don't want that."
Bulma shook her head at him. "You're not a burden on anyone. You know that I see you as my own son. I enjoy having your company, you that every time your family comes over for a visit."
"I-I don't know about this," admitted Gohan.
Bulma sighed. "My parents love having you around! You can train with Vegeta in the gravity chamber and play with Trunks like you often do when you come for a visit. Goten can grow up with Trunks like brothers."
Gohan relented. "That sounds alright. As long as we're not being a burden on you."
Bulma sighed with relief. "In fact, how do you think about being adopted?"
"Adopted? Goten and me?"
Bulma nodded. "We would want to make you a part of the family. You can always keep your original family name if you desire."
"Gohan Son Briefs? Goten Son Briefs? That sounds a little weird."
Bulma laughed. "Hey, it doesn't matter if it's weird. You are one of the weirdest people I know, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Gohan sighed and reluctantly smiled. "Okay, but could we hold grandpa's funeral tomorrow? I have this feeling that he won't really want to return from the other world now that you've taken both of us in."
Bulma smiled. "Sure. I'll call someone down here to prepare his body for the funeral tomorrow." She could feel the boy relax under her grip. "Let's go to the lawyers first. I want to make you two a part of the family as soon as possible. What do you say?"
A loud rumble echoed through the forest. Bulma looked down at the blushing boy before her. "I assume after we grab something to eat?"
Gohan nodded sheepishly. Goten giggled as a response. Goten reached out his arms at the blue haired lady.
Bulma picked up the signal and reached out to take Goten out of Gohan's arms. "Awww, he's so cute! He's even cuter than I remember!" Another grumble brought her back to her senses. "Come on, I'm sure you two are starved!"
No matter how long or how may saiyans she has known, it still ceases to amaze her how big their appetite is. Bulma giggled. 'Just like his father,' she thought with a smile. She looked down at the baby in her arms. Goten was already drinking his fifth bottle of milk. 'Both of them are just like Goku. If only Goku and Chichi were here to see how their children were.'
She was briefly brought out of her reverie by the sounds of a pair of chopsticks hitting the table beside a very satisfied looking demi-saiyan. Bulma paid for the bill and quickly left for the law office.
Within a matter of minutes and explanations, the Sons were now Briefs.
'Gohan appeared to have gotten better, but will he revert back to the way he was later?' Bulma asked herself.
When they arrived back at Capsule Corp., Bulma called the attention of everyone in the building. Mr. & Mrs. Briefs appeared with baby Trunks, and Vegeta emerged from the gravity chamber. "What do you want woman?"
Bulma glared at Vegeta for the comment. "Earlier today, The Ox King was killed by the vengeful General Tao. Luckily Gohan stepped in and defeated that evil man, but due to what happened, both Gohan and Goten are orphans."
"Aww," came from Mr. & Mrs. Briefs.
"So? What's your point woman?" came from Vegeta.
Bulma sent another glare at Vegeta. "Because of what happened, I've decided to adopt Gohan and Goten!"
"Really? That's wonderful!" shouted Mr. & Mrs. Briefs.
"What? Are you absurd?" yelled Vegeta. "You can not adopt Kakarotto's brats!" protested the Prince.
"I can and did! So there Vegeta! You've just earned yourself two new sons and a month on the couch!" screamed back Bulma.
"I can not believe this!" Vegeta grumbled before marching back into the gravity chamber.
Bulma released an exasperated sigh at her husband's behavior. "Gohan, why don't you get washed up before dinner. I'll have to handle baby Goten here."
"Um, Bulma?"
"You can call me mom now."
Gohan nodded, "Um, mom?" It felt weird to call someone so close 'mom' when she was just plain Bulma to him yesterday.
"Yes Gohan?"
"Where's my room? A-and what do I do about my clothes since they were destroyed?" he asked.
That was true, everything was destroyed. Bulma gave it some thought. "Your room will the one next to Trunks' and Goten will share with Trunks. As for your clothes, I'll see what I can dig up for you."
Gohan nodded and hurried to get his shower out of the way.
As promised, when he finished his shower, there was a fresh pair of clothes on his bed along with a pair of pajamas. He checked in on Trunks' room to find another crib set up right beside Trunks'. Bulma sure works fast!
Gohan quickly changed and went down for supper as instructed. When he entered the kitchen, he wasn't surprised to see a large table with an immense about of food on it. Around the table were Mr. & Mrs. Briefs and Bulma with normal sized plates, while Vegeta had a large plate next to an empty seat with an equally large plate. Goten and Trunks were in high chair with tons of baby food beside them.
"Gohan, sit down," Bulma instructed.
Gohan did as he was told and seated himself next to Vegeta. "We will begin our training promptly after dinner," said Vegeta before he started to eat.
Apparently he reconsidered the event about Gohan and Goten being adopted. Gohan sighed and began to eat also.
Just as he expected, a very large spar occurred after dinner. This way Gohan could train as much as he wants, but the disadvantage being he could only train with Vegeta.
The next day, the funeral for the Ox King took place. The Ox King was buried right next to his daughter. Everyone paid their respects to the Ox King and gave Gohan their condolences.
Shortly afterwards, Bulma decided on an idea. "Gohan, how do you feel about going to school?"
"School?" He thought for a moment before replying. "I haven't done much schooling ever since mom died, so I guess I need to go back to it. Why do you ask?"
Bulma's face brightened at his question. "I've decided to enroll you in West Capital Junior High. I think that it would be a great opportunity for you to make some friends."
Gohan thought it over for a minute before shaking his head. "I would rather be home schooled. Being as I have been since I was 3. Going to a public school with others now would only slow me down in my studies."
He had a point there. Luckily Bulma had another solution. "But I really want you to socialize with people. How about we make a deal."
"A deal? What kind of deal?" he asked his adopted mother.
Bulma smiled. "I will allow you to be home schooled until you are in the age for high school. I'll renew your permit for you."
"Okay, that's great I guess, but going to school will only interfere with my training time," he stated.
Bulma frowned at his statement. "Train as much as possible when you have the chance now, then. When you start high school, you'll have more homework and will only have time to train after you finish your homework, or on the weekends."
"I don't know about this Bulma. Why bother going to school with others when I could remain home schooled and finish with a college degree without even stepping into a classroom."
Bulma sighed. Surely he must have gotten his brains from Chichi for Goku was too naïve to find any solutions to any problem he had. "Gohan, it's to work on your social skills. Just do me this favor and go to high school when you are 15, okay?"
Gohan reluctantly nodded. "Yes, Bulma."
"I'm not asking as a friend. I'm asking as your mother. I'm sure Chichi would want the same thing."
Gohan sighed again. "Yes, mom."
"Good. Now let's go shopping. You don't have any clothes after what happened and I doubt wearing a gi everyday and everywhere will do."
'This is going to be a long day,' he thought to himself as he was being dragged around the city.
The next three years were just as Bulma had planned. Three years being that Gohan was nearly twelve when he moved in with Bulma, so that means that Gohan will approach the age of 15 very shortly. Gohan had stayed home most of the time to work on his studies and to train. She had expected him to actually get along with Trunks and his brother, but he had somehow been able to avoid them for so long. Gohan had mainly focused on getting stronger and training most of the day with Vegeta. Luckily he was very intelligent so he was able to keep up with his studies the pace trained him to do.
Now it was time for Gohan to start high school. What awaits our favorite little demi-sayian?
Gahh, I could've written a lot more and in more chapters, but I didn't want to. I wanted Gohan to grow up as fast as possible so I could start writing the fun. Hehe, finally Gohan is older! Gohan will go to high school and meet all his new friends, I hope.
Next Chapter: Enter Videl, the incredibly stubborn and vicious daughter of Mr. Satan.
You'll enjoy the story more now that Gohan is older! The fluff will come! The fluff will come! The action will come! The action will come! The plot is going somewhere! The plot is going somewhere! Smacks herself in the face to stop ranting. Well, um… enjoy!
