A/N: So, how's it going? Sorry this chapter took a while to get out, but I have been experiencing "technical difficulties." Basically, my computer died, the new one doesn't have internet yet, and I've been uploading from Rin-twin's comp. But here you go, read and enjoy!

Ch. 2: Coming Soon, the Tenkaichi Budokai

"Gohan, I want you to go to your room and study," ChiChi said as she cleared the dishes from the table.

"But why, Mom?" Gohan asked as he set his plate down in the sink. "I was gonna go out and train."

"Train?" ChiChi froze. She turned around, her onyx eyes flashing dangerously. "You thought you were gonna train, huh? Well, think again, kid!" Her voice rose steadily. "I've let you off easy for the past four days. I figured you deserved a break. Well, break's over! It's high time you got back to your studies, young man!!!"

Normally by this point the boy would have been meekly backing away, but in this instance that was not the case. A reckless urge seized control of him, and an unexpected flow of words poured from his mouth. "So I guess now might not be the best time to ask you if I could compete in the Tenkaichi Budokai tomorrow."

The frying pan clattered loudly as it fell to the floor. "You want to WHAT?!?!"

"I wanted to know if I could compete in the Tenkaichi Budokai tomorrow," Gohan said, avoiding his mother's stunned gaze.

"Gohan, what are you—No. Absolutely not. You should be focusing on your studies, not fighting!!!"

Gohan looked up earnestly. "But you said I could choose what I wanted to do for my birthday!"

"Yes, but I thought you'd want to go fishing, or have a picnic or something, not… this!" ChiChi exclaimed.

He took a deep breath. "Dad would have wanted to go…"

ChiChi inhaled sharply, and Gohan knew exactly why – his parents had gotten engaged at the last Tenkaichi Budokai. But her expression remained unrelenting as ever. "No means no, Gohan, and if you can't get that through your head, then too bad for you!"

"But—"

"No buts!"

The young boy sighed. He had to convince his mom to let him compete. He had to. His mind wandered back to the conversation he had had with Kame Sen'nin the previous day.

Gohan took a seat on the couch next to Kame Sen'nin, who had stopped by to check in on things. "Hi, Master Roshi. How are you doing?" the boy greeted him with false cheeriness.

"Huh? Oh, hey there, Gohan. I'm doing alright. Kinda lonely at the Kame House with Krillin gone after all these years, though," the old master replied. He set his cup of tea on the table and sighed. "So, your mom tells me you've been pretty quiet. Says you've withdrawn in yourself." Gohan averted his gaze, not responding.

"Personally, I don't see what's got her so worried," Kame Sen'nin continued. "It's only the fifth day, after all. You're a good kid, Gohan; you've seen death before, and you've always done just fine."

Gohan slumped on the couch, no longer bothering to maintain the façade. "Maybe so," he said despondently, "but this is different. I barely knew Yamcha and Tenshinhan when they died fighting Nappa and Vegeta. And on Namek, yeah, I saw practically the entire Namekian race massacred at the hands of Freeza. But this time they were closer to me. This time it was all of them, not just a few. And Dad wasn't there to save them."

"Son Goku took the title last time. Now, ten years later—"

Gohan's head shot up at the mention of his father's name. "What?!" He and Kame Sen'nin stared intently at the TV as an advertisement flashed across the softly glowing screen.

"That's right, folks! After a long absence, the Tenkaichi Budokai is back and better than ever! The stadium has been completely rebuilt for maximum fighting action, and this year's competition promises to be one to remember. We're even introducing a Junior Division for competitors ages sixteen and under. Who will be crowned Strongest Under the Heavens? Come to Papaya Island May 18th and find out at the 24th Tenkaichi Budokai! Registration opens tomorrow May 17th at sunrise and ends Saturday May 18th at 8:30A.M. Competition begins at 10:00A.M. Saturday. Hope to see you there!"

The boy and the turtle hermit stared at the screen in stunned silence. After a few moments Kame Sen'nin leaned back as though released from a trance and sighed. "So, the Tenkaichi Budokai is back after all these years, eh?" he commented. "It's about time. That tournament sure does hold a lot of memories. Come to think of it, you and Vegeta are the only ones who haven't competed in it at some time or another."

Gohan blinked several times. "Really?" he asked.

"Sure. Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha each entered three times, Tenshinhan and Chaozu entered twice, and Piccolo and your mother entered once. Even I competed in the last three tournaments under the guise of Jackie Chun."

"Wow. I remember how Dad used to tell me stories about it, but still… Were there a lot of strong competitors, Master Roshi?"

"Mm-hmm. Well, there were plenty of weaker fighters, too, but there were always one or two who proved to be a real challenge. Actually, that's how we became friends with Tenshinhan and Chaozu."

Gohan bit his lip thoughtfully. "You know what?" he said after a moment, "I've made a decision. I'm going to enter the Tenkaichi Budokai. Dad would want me to, and I owe it to our friends." And, he added to himself, I might be lucky enough to find someone with the strength to help me take on the androids.

Kame Sen'nin smiled at the boy. "I see. Good for you, Gohan. I'm sure you'll do them all proud." A thought crossed his mind, and his brow furrowed. "But will ChiChi even let you compete?"

The boy rested his chin on his hand thoughtfully. "That's a good question…" His face suddenly perked up, and a small yet mischievous grin crossed his face. "She'll have to let me compete. Saturday is my birthday, and she said I could choose what I want to do."

The turtle hermit nodded. "Ahh. In that case, good luck. I look forward to seeing you fight."

There was no way Gohan was missing this tournament. He had to keep trying. "Dad would have wanted me to compete. He would have gone, and so would our friends," he persisted. "I owe it to them, Mom. I have to do this for them and for myself."

ChiChi opened her mouth to refuse yet again, but had second thoughts when she saw the look in her son's eyes. It was a look of pleading yet also of determination, and it stated clearly that he was not going to back down. ChiChi sighed exasperatedly. "Alright, alright, you can go," she said, defeated.

Gohan's face lit up. "You mean it? You're really letting me compete?" The woman smiled weakly and nodded. "Thank you so much!"

The boy paused for a moment. "You do realize how much prize money is involved, right?" he added thoughtfully, making sure his mother didn't change her mind.

"Oh, yeah, that's right," ChiChi said as it dawned on her. She turned toward her son with a stern smile. "Well, in that case, kid, you'd better win!"

Gohan laughed. "Sure, Mom, whatever you say."

A/N: A bit of a change from last chapter, yes, but there is a reason for everything. Just you wait, folks, just you wait. Next time on Losing the World: the 24th Tenkaichi Budokai!!