Chapter XX: All Good Things . . .
The End of The Story of Gohan - Part One
Do I regret what I did? Where am I? Everything is so dark, everything is so cold, I just want to feel. I can't feel anything. Am I even here? Do I . . . do I even exist? I can sense him.
He is here with me. Was he already dead when I took him? Was he any different than I was? If he is here with me, then that must be how it is.
I want to see her. It hurts so much not to hear her voice, the warmth of her touch. I want to see her.
Videl . . .
The Elder Kai sat in the shade of the one remaining tree on the ancient world of the Kais. A mere sliver of his long time home remained, but he remembered this tree quite well. It was where the old witch had stolen his earring and they had fused together. Many good things had come out of it, many bad things, but as he always said; life is never meant to be set in stone. Things come, things go, and everything changes. Much like the band of heroes to his right would have to live with.
Two days had passed since the climactic end of Buu. Kabitokai had finally regained his strength and was now setting about healing and nursing back to health the fallen warriors and Earthlings. To think that this existence owes everything to such a small group of people, the Elder thought.
One by one, they awoke; their first question normally being what had happened, and where is Buu. Kabitokai answered none of these, only saying he will explain everything when all were able to hear. Goku, Vegeta, Chichi, Bulma, Piccolo, Dende, Mr. Popo, Trunks, Goten, Krillin, Eighteen, and their little daughter Marron gathered around in a circle as the Supreme Kai tried to find the words.
"Buu is dead. The battle ended two days past."
A cheer and roar of happy laughter came from everyone. Vegeta gave a smile, but nothing else. Others clung to each other and cried as they knew it was finally over. Goku let go of his wife and said, "Gohan did it! I can't believe how far he's come in life. I should have trusted in him more, but I guess I was still looking on him as my little boy."
"We all were, Goku." Piccolo said. He closed his eyes, "He was right. He was always a little behind us, and now that he has passed our levels to such extents, I suppose it just scared us all a little."
"I agree." Goku turned his bright smile back to the Kai, "So where's he now? Off celebrating with Videl?" He laughed at the implied joke, and earned snickers from the others.
"Videl . . . Buu severed her head from her body, most violently. Her spirit is most likely at one of the check-in stations. It drove Gohan insane, and he fought Buu with everything he had in him. He died in the fight, but with his body still intact Gohan was able to return and finish it."
That silenced the laughter. Sadness crept into the Z Fighters' faces. Krillin waved his hand, "It's all right. We'll just wish them both back with the dragonballs."
The Elder Kai snorted, "For once I would allow the use of the balls, if only for the effort that went into killing that thing. Videl may return to life, but Gohan can not."
Goku let his anger with the Kai's disposition to the dragonballs come back, "And why is that? Why can't my son come back after everything he has done?"
Kabitokai held his hand out, "Please, Goku, it is not as you think. Gohan choose to do whatever he could to stop Buu, and in so doing he sacrificed himself for us all." Were these tears the Supreme Kai felt? Was he crying? "He . . . held onto Buu. He had such overwhelming sorrow in his eyes. His last words were, 'Tell them all I love them very much. Goodbye.'"
The spoken words were damning. Chichi rushed to the Kai and grabbed him. She shook him as tears welled in her eyes, "Where is my boy? Where is Gohan!?"
"He gave up his existence. Gohan let all the power he had consume both him and Buu. There was nothing left . . . he destroyed his spirit to take Buu with him. I am forever sorry, but your son is gone." They were tears. Kabitokai wept for their loss.
"No . . . Gohan." Chichi collapsed to the ground and cried. Goku moved to hold her, rocking her head to his chest. He also felt his eyes sting.
"There has to be a way. The dragonballs must be able to bring him back." He muttered.
"Even the dragonballs must have their limits, even in all their splendor and power." The Elder Kai stood and walked over to the mourning, "He is not coming back."
Goku rose and wiped his eyes with his arm, "I refuse to believe that. I'm going to Namek! I'm going to get my son and everyone else that died in this fight back!" His fingers jabbed into his forehead, and Goku vanished without another word.
Bulma leaned into Vegeta, "I thought you had died. Vegeta . . . never leave me again." She buried her face into his shoulder, "I can't believe he's gone . . ."
Vegeta's arm wrapped around her, and pulled her tight to him, "Gohan was a fine warrior. He represented his race well." His other arm went around his son, and pulled him too into a hug. Vegeta sighed as he held his family, "I shall never leave you ever again."
Goten sat alone and cried. Chichi went to him, and picked him up. She shushed into his ear, "Its ok, my little Goten. Your father will do everything he can to bring our Gohan back. I know he will." She spoke the soothing words, but felt their emptiness.
They all stayed that way, comforting each other with the loss of a friend who had given more in his short life than any of them had ever dared. The Supreme Kai stood with the Elder, and spoke softly, "Venerable Elder, is there a chance for Gohan?"
". . . perhaps. To not exist seems impossibility, and I believe that somewhere Gohan may still be, but I doubt any of us will ever set eyes on him again." The Elder sighed, and went back to his tree. Then he blinked, for he could see the horizon of his planet, and the debris from the battle had gone. He looked around in awe, "What has happened!?"
Everyone turned away from their inner thoughts as they too surveyed the untouched world around them. Not a scar of Gohan's battle could be found, and the richness of the Kais' home filled their vision. Chichi said only one word; "Goku."
Krillin didn't want to think about it any more. He needed to take his mind off his friend's fate. He looked over his shoulder and said, "Guys, what are we going to do with him?" His thumb pointed to a patch of grass where the fat Buu Goku had pulled out lay. Krillin sighed, "I think maybe he deserves a chance . . ."
Videl didn't understand anything. She had been fighting Buu; he had killed her without effort. Then she had felt herself in the halls of some great building, but without a body. And now she found herself lying down on the warm ground of a planet with a sky as black as night. Through her blurred vision, Videl saw a face. She smiled, "Gohan?"
"No Videl, it's me, Goku." Strong hands picked her up and Videl stood under her own strength again. She held onto Goku for support.
Her eyes readjusted, and she looked around, gasping at the brilliant light of a mighty dragon. She whispered, "Is that the eternal dragon?" Goku nodded. She turned her head in an arc, and saw many green skinned people around her. She blinked, "Who are all the Piccolos?"
"They're Namekians. They have a much more powerful set of dragonballs than Earth's. I've used its three wishes to restore all the damage Buu had done, and then revive all the people he had killed. When he said you could not return to the Kai's world I had the dragon bring you here."
Videl let go of Goku, "So Gohan won?" He nodded again, "I need to see him. Let's go!"
"Videl . . . Gohan's gone."
What joy had managed to return to her vanished. Videl felt her lip tremble, "What do you mean gone?"
"Buu had killed him, but Gohan was able to return directly to the Kai's world because his body was still intact. And then . . . he sacrificed that in order to kill Buu. Gohan . . . he . . ." Videl could see the tears as Goku fought for the words; "He destroyed his spirit to kill Buu."
Her breathing quickened. This couldn't be happening to her, "But we can wish him back, can't we? We can wish him back, Goku!"
He found his arms embracing her. Gohan loved her, Goku knew that now. That made her family, "I don't know, Videl. I used these three wishes. One to restore all the damage Buu had done, another to revive everyone he killed, and the third to bring you here. We'll have to collect the dragonballs back on Earth before we try."
She wouldn't cry. She hugged him back and said, "I don't believe he is gone." She wouldn't cry. Videl buried her face into Goku, "I want to go home."
Goku ran his hand through her short hair. He turned to the Elder Namek, "Thank you for your help."
"A wish to restore, a wish to resurrect, and a wish to return one who is dear. You are always most wise in your choices, Son Goku. We hope to see you again one day."
He nodded, and brought his fingers back to his forehead. As Goku closed his eyes, and held onto his son's best friend, he took them back to the world of the Kais. And from there, they all went home.
For the first time in a month, they were all together again. All were gathered on the top of the Lookout, and waited. Videl arrived last, carrying her father with her. She had decided to tell him everything, and how she felt for that one little boy who had saved them all twice over. Hercule had thought a lot about everything that had happened since the days of the Cell Games, and he felt himself close to a decision that he may regret, but it would be the right one.
Goku smiled as Videl walked over, "Glad to see you again Videl. We're all ready." He nodded to Hercule, "Mr. Satan."
"Uh . . . Goku. Look, I'm sorry for everything that has happened. Videl told me what your son did, and I . . ." He straightened himself, "I'd have been very proud to have him marry my daughter. Videl . . . told me everything."
Goku walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Well, I consider her family already. And that goes for you too. Come on, we're going to start."
Goku led the two over to where the seven dragonballs were gathered. He nodded to Dende, who then held out his hands. The balls glowed together, "Now, rise dragon!" Great golden light shot out of the balls, winding and wrapping its way around the Lookout and skies. The familiar green scales came, and the visage of Shenron, the eternal dragon, greeted them. Everyone stood in awe at a sight they had not seen in years.
"You have summoned me. Ask any two wishes and I shall grant them."
Goku was surprised Hercule held his ground. A lot of people became easily frightened by the dragon their first time seeing it. He walked up to the dragon, and spoke in a strong voice, "Shenron! I ask that you restore the spirit of my son, Gohan. Return him to Other World!"
The dragon's eyes glowed, but only for a moment. The booming voice spoke, "The one called Gohan does not exist. I can not restore him, ask another wish."
He would not give up that easily, "Then take me back to before Gohan sacrificed himself! Take me to-"
"That is not within my power. Fate is unalterable, it can not be changed. Ask another wish."
It couldn't be. For everything he had done, for everything his son had done, they were owed by creation itself. Goku's voice was no longer strong, "Please, I wish for you to tell me how to bring him back. I will give you my life if it will bring his back!" Chichi and others gasped in shock, not expecting to have to trade one life for another.
"It is not within my power nor is it within your power to do such a thing. It is not our choice. Ask another wish."
So that was it. What was supposed to be a happy occasion turned to one of cries and tears. It wasn't fair. Goku fell backwards, not able to take his eyes from Shenron. It wasn't fair. He managed to say one last thing, "We . . . we have no wishes for you, Shenron. You may go."
"Very well. Call on me again when you have need." The eyes of the dragon flared, and his body glowed bright. The seven dragonballs lifted into the air, and in a brilliant flash, they shot out from the Lookout and scattered across the planet once more.
No one could speak. One by one, their eyes turned to the young woman who had just recently found her place in their family. Videl stared at the sky, but nothing more. She had done nothing but shed tears for the one person she truly loved. What she hadn't told anyone was how she really saw Gohan. He was her soul mate, her one kindred spirit. And he was never coming back.
Her father placed a hand on her, "Videl? Sweetheart, are you all right?"
"Let's go home, dad. I know you want to make sure Buu's keeping out of trouble." She turned around and walked to the Lookout's edge. Holding onto her father securely, Videl jumped off, and flew away, never giving her friends the chance at a comforting word.
Goku looked after her, and lowered his head. He still had Chichi, his wife. He still had one son, Goten. He still had his life despite all the things he had done to it. Gohan had done just as much as he had for this existence, and in the end it wouldn't do anything for him. Life wasn't fair, and Goku hated it for that.
Four years later . . .
She closed the door behind her. With a simple extension of her power, Videl flicked the light switches on the far wall. She wandered into her bedroom; not bothering to eat or see what was going on with the world. It would always either be about sex, violence, or her father's confession made so many years ago. When he had finally come out into the open about the truth of the Cell Games after what had happened with Buu, the people had forgiven him, and Hercule had gone on to compete in the World Tournament again, winning first place.
The rest of her extended family, as she called it, had once again gone into reclusion and went about their affairs. They got together every month or so and caught up on what was happening in their lives. Bulma was once again pregnant, and Goku and Chichi were wondering if they had wanted another child. They had all buried their memories of what had happened with Buu, and went on with their lives.
All except for her.
Sitting down on the sheets, Videl reached under her pillow and grabbed hold of something. Carefully, she slid out a small picture frame with a photo of her and Gohan together at the Son home. She let out a small smile, "Hi Gohan . . .
"I know it's been a long time since I last talked to you. I guess I've just been busy. There was another martial arts tournament today, and my dad competed. Surprising huh? He did really well, managing first place. I guess everyone's on his side again. He dedicated it in memory of you, but no one really understood.
". . . Gohan, not a day goes by where I don't think about joining you. I can't forget. What did you do to me? Why did you have to be so perfect? It hurts so much not being able to hear your voice, to touch you. I-I miss you so much. I love you, Gohan."
Videl fell back onto her bed, clutching the picture. She didn't bother to remove the police uniform she wore. Her hands moved to the sheets and pulled them over her. Videl once again shut the lights off with a mental effort, and tried to close her eyes. And as she did every night since that day on the Lookout, Videl let her welling tears out, and cried herself to sleep.
The Elder Kai stood on the ends of his home world, and stared up into the yellow skies. Off in the distance, Kabitokai approached him in his natural reverence to his superior. He frowned, "What troubles you honorable elder?"
No emotion made its way through the Kai's gaze, "Something . . . in the distance. The future even, I dare say. I can feel it coming."
"What is it you feel?" Kabitokai asked, now truly puzzled.
"Great and terrible power . . . powers if I am not mistaken. Their strength reaches beyond the limits of my ability to sense, surpassing even Gohan at his peak." A sigh escaped his lips, and the Kai sat down amongst the blue-green grass. He turned to look at his now pupil, "It is beyond my understanding how such a thing could come to pass."
"Should we warn Goku and the others? They nearly defeated Buu on their own; surely they could rise to the challenge of this new threat."
The Elder Kai shook his head, "No. This does not concern the Kais, Other World, or the rest of the universe. Goku and Vegeta will become aware in time." He frowned at the shock spreading on Kabitokai's face, "Remember what I have tried to teach you of the natural order of the universe. This new power I feel will not be some malicious being bent on rending the universe asunder. Of that I am sure. I believe that this will be something most personal for poor Goku. How I know I can not say, for it is only a feeling."
Kabitokai fell back next to his master, "I wish I had your sense of foresight, elder. It is a horrible thing, being in the dark."
"In time, young one. In time you will learn." And with that, the Elder Kai returned to staring off in the distance, and sensing the coming storm.
Author's Note:
That's it all. "The Story of Gohan" is quite over. As many of you know, a sequel is in the works, and one of you very recent reviewers (wink wink) gave me the one suggestion that has finally gotten this thing underway. I had trouble wondering how I'm going to reintroduce the characters and the new ones, but now it's all good and smooth sailing.
IMPORTANT REVIEWER FEEDBACK NEEDED!!! Take a glance back through the many, many pages of text and tell me your favorite part, least favorite part, and where I should have added more. A master copy of the story is still in the works, and it will be up relatively soon. I want you guys to help me make it the "perfect" version of the story. And to do that you actually have to do as I ask!
While "The Story of Gohan - Part Two" may be a long ways out, there are other works of mine soon to his the proverbial shelf. "Star Trek Inception", "Star Wars Darkside Heir", and "Metal Gear Solid Fox Twin" are the premier leaders. Even though I'm working on all of these, expect to see chapters of "Part Two" popping up every now and then.
Expect more: more intensity, more battles, more drama, more angst . . . heh, especially the angst. Until then, take care.