Chapter Fifteen: Dueling by Twilight
Gohan swerved about the corner nearly taking out one of the monks pushing a cart of bed sheets. He did manage to knock their whole cart over though. Very hastily, Gohan helped upright the cart.
"Gomen nasai," Gohan gasped before running off again.
"Wasn't that one of the budoukai fighters?" One of the monks said to the other.
"Yep. He better run. Or he'll get disqualified," The other monk replied setting up the last bed sheet.
Videl suddenly rounded about the corner knocking the cart over as well. Both monks stepped back and sighed despondently as Videl merely cried out over her shoulder her apologizes.
"Gomen nasai!" She exclaimed, "Gohan! Slow down!"
"I'm surprised they haven't destroyed the cart yet," The first monk muttered just as the cart's wheel popped off. "Oh… Never mind."
I can't be late, darn it, Gohan thought angrily in his mind. My first match in my very first Tenkaichi Budoukai… And I'll get disqualified because I was late! Argh!
"Gohan! Slow down!" Videl shouted out behind him.
Gohan gritted his teeth as he made another rather sharp turn towards the right stadium, "I can't, Videl! I only have a minute thirty to get to the stadium ring!"
"Then run faster!" Videl shouted. "I'll meet you there."
Gohan burst through the sliding doors nearly falling right into Shin. Gohan let out a small squeak and flipped over the man stopping his speed by gripping onto the wooden support beam. Gohan let out a small gasp of relief as he saw Kabito just preparing to walk out into the ring. Shin cocked a eyebrow at Gohan as he questioned, "Where were you?"
"You wouldn't believe me," Gohan sputtered. "But I'm here now."
"I hope you are not out of breath, Gohan," Kabito smiled, "We haven't even started."
"Don't worry. I'm saving my energy for you," Gohan smirked back.
"And now! For the second round of the Tenkaichi Budoukai!" The announcer shouted royally into his microphone. "Son Gohan Vs. Kabito!"
"Yes!" Trunks laughed merrily as Goku zapped both of them into the competitor's room with instant transmission. "Look there's Gohan! Finally! We get to see him fight!"
"Hmmm," Goku smiled earnestly as his son walked with Kabito towards the ring. "Too bad Piccolo isn't here to see this."
"I wonder where Dad is?" Trunks muttered glancing about himself. "Doesn't he want to watch the match?"
"He's probably with your mom. Don't worry about it," Goku smiled, glancing over at a tense Supreme Kai.
The rest of the fighters were given the choice to sit in the competitor's box or stands. They were even allowed to just leave if the had no interest in the match at all. Goku knew this. But he didn't realize that they, three, would be the only fighters watching. Goku drew up a spot to beside Shin while Trunks found a comfortable place to sit on the floor near Goku's legs.
"I've got chills," Trunks grinned. "I think this will be a awesome match!"
Gohan found chills running down his spine as he walked across the white stone path to the center ring. He never had to fight before a crowd before. It was slightly unnerving… And even embarrassing. He spotted Eraza and Sharpener in the crowd flashing a big banner with his name written in Japanese, English, Chinese, and even Spanish. He figured that Eraza put the Spanish translation since she was taking it as her second language. Gohan shook his head numbly and glanced over at Kabito.
Kabito was staying awkwardly silent to the screams of the crowd. Gohan figured he must be slightly bothered by it as well. They climbed the steps to the stage and Gohan held out his hand in a friendly notation to him,
"Good fight?"
"Hai," Kabito nodded taking Gohan's forthcoming gesture.
"Well, it looks like our competitors are making friends first. What a generous duo of fighters we have today! Give them a hand!" The announcer shouted as people applauded and cheered
Gohan found his face burning red once again. But as he looked at Kabito he grew confused. Kabito seemed drawn into his own thoughts and they didn't seem very happy. Gohan shrugged it off and took his place on the stage as Kabito walked slowly to his own spot.
"I'm ready when you are, Kabito," Gohan yelled over the shrieking of the crowd.
Kabito flinched again. Gohan cocked a eyebrow looking very bewildered. Why did he seem to be acting so weird?
"Oh. What a bore," Taiyo frowned taking a seat in the front row. "It looks like Kabito's not gonna fight Gohan after all."
Tsuki rested down beside him, munching softly on some popcorn, "Why is that?"
"Apparently he wants Gohan to save his strength for us," Taiyo smirked. "Silly kai."
"So what do you want to do about it?" Tsuki muttered.
"I didn't get in this tournament to allow Gohan easy passage to me. Every round is supposed to be driving him to his last inch of strength," Taiyo grinned sinisterly. "So I am suggesting we make it that way."
"Yes, Taiyo," Tsuki nodded. "When would you want me to tap into Kabito's mind?"
Taiyo wrapped his fingers about Tsuki's and smirked softly at the two opponents, "Wait a minute. I want Gohan to realize something is going wrong."
"And… Begin!" The monk muttered after both competitors bowed.
Gohan slipped his left foot gently behind his right and sunk into his own stance. He watched Kabito tensely as Kabito made no move into a stance. Gohan waited in the bitter silence for Kabito to make a move but instead Kabito let out a small sigh.
"I'm sorry, boy." Kabito muttered, "I will not be giving you a very exciting first match."
"What?" Gohan uttered wondering if this was some sort of trap.
"I wish to withdraw from-" Suddenly Kabito halted his sentence.
Gohan backed up slightly as he began to hyperventilate. He gripped his head and moaned as his eyes rolled back showing only the white membrane. Gohan cringed and walked forward cautiously, worried for his ill opponent.
"Are you alright?" Gohan inquired cocking his head slightly to one side.
I'm fine, Gohan. Kabito grinned his eyes changing into a frightening red, You should be worried about yourself.
"What?" Gohan gasped for the second time as Kabito swung out at him. "What's going on?!"
Gohan ducked under his swing and slipped carefully to Kabito's right. Kabito turned hastily swinging out his right fist. It caught Gohan in the cheek knocking him a few feet towards the center of the ring. Gohan rubbed his cheek indolently as he climbed back to his feet.
"Sheesh. You sure do pack a punch, Kabito."
I'd be a bit more concerned, Kabito hissed in his strange double voice. I'm not aiming for the win. I'm aiming for the kill.
Gohan's eyes widened.
"Come on, Gohan-san!" Trunks cheered. "Get 'em!"
"Something isn't right," Goku muttered darkly. "Kabito wasn't even acting like he wanted to fight and now he's giving… well, much more effort."
"Hai," Shin nodded. "I told Kabito to forfeit this round."
"What?" Goku gulped. "You mean… Then why is he fighting Gohan?"
"I don't know," Shin hissed darkly. "But Kabito would never go against my orders…"
Prepare to die! Kabito bellowed coming down at Gohan with a powerful punch.
Gohan let out a small yelp and dove to the side. Kabito's fall left a large indent on the stage surface. He rose back to his feet easily and grinned in a fairly bizarre way. Gohan backed up, biting hard on his tongue. He didn't know if he should try to fight Kabito as he originally planned or call off the match for interference. This certainly wasn't the Kabito whom he walked on the stage with. But proving that to the judges was… fairly farfetched. A evil spirit possessed a martial artist he just happened to be fighting? Sounded more like he was chickening out.
Gohan sank into his fighter stance watching Kabito with his stern gaze. Kabito lunged outward with his fist and Gohan easily ducked beneath the blow. He caught the large man's wrist and flung him to the outer side of the ring. Kabito caught himself easily in the air and hurled himself back at Gohan,
You think you can rid of me that easily?! Kabito snarled. You disgust me!
Kabito hurled several punches all in which Gohan caught quite simply. Gohan gripped his hands tightly about Kabito and thrust both knees upwards. They caught Kabito sharply in the chin tipping his head back. Gohan flipped himself over pressed his feet hard into Kabito's neck. He released Kabito's hands causing him to be flung backwards.
Kabito's heels dug deep into the ring, kicking up bits of the stage as he skidded back. He gritted his teeth as blood from his tongue oozed down his lips.
Gohan landed cat-like on the stage and rose to his feet with a smile at how he had so easily gotten the upper hand. He abruptly frowned at the still standing kai and gracefully swung out his hands in a defense position.
Kabito growled.
"Aw man," Videl sighed. "Gohan's doing great!"
"Hai, he is," Chichi nodded as Videl sat back down into her spot on the bleachers. "I wish he took as much time on his studies as he does training."
"Hush up, woman," Vegeta growled. "The boy's a sayian, not a robot."
"Oh, Vegeta. I didn't see you there."
"Baka," Vegeta snarled. "Shut your trap."
"Calm down, Veggie," Bulma smiled awkwardly. "Let's just watch Gohan's match."
"That's all I'm trying to do," Vegeta growled.
Videl chuckled softly to herself looking about at the large group of family and friends Gohan had. He sure had a lot to love him. She frowned as she counted off everyone on her fingers,
"Master Roshi, Yamacha, Chichi, Bulma, Vegeta, Oolong, Turtle, Puar, Krillen, 18, Marron, uh… Where's that green guy?" Videl asked softly to Chichi.
"Piccolo?" Chichi muttered darkly. "Who cares? Mr. Kiwi can drown in that baka waterfall he always sit under for all I care."
"Doesn't he want to watch Gohan's fight?" Videl asked in bewilderment. "I mean, I thought he trained Gohan."
"I don't know what goes through his head half the time," Chichi growled taking a large intake of popcorn. "And if he doesn't show up, only Gohan would notice."
It was starting to grow darker as the lanterns were lit. Gohan glared at his foe waiting for an attack. He didn't have to wait long…
Take this! Kabito shrieked flinging a number of flashy kicks and punches.
Gohan dodged them all much too easy for Kabito's liking. Kabito thrust a punch to Gohan's midsection just for Gohan to flip backwards. He caught himself in a handstand at the edge of the ring. Kabito aimed a round house kick just as Gohan pressed off his perch. He launched himself over Kabito's head and behind the man. Before Kabito could turn, Gohan aimed a perfect kick into his back pushing him towards the outer side of ring. Kabito caught himself by hovering once more. Gohan frowned and backed up slightly as Kabito landed in the ring again.
You can not win, brother.
"Brother?" Gohan repeated in mystification.
DIE!!! Kabito screamed releasing a strangely formed ki attack.
"This is futile." Shin frowned holding out his hands.
"Wha-? What are you doing?" Goku gulped as a strange energy radiated from them.
"Ending the match," Shin snarled. "It's for the best.
It ends now! Kabito snapped springing out at Gohan once more.
Gohan smiled ready for his attack when sudden his body froze. Much to his great horror, Gohan couldn't move any inch of his body.
"Crap!" Gohan cried as Kabito thrust his fist into Gohan's stomach.
He groaned and leaned forward helplessly as Kabito wrapped his fingers about Gohan's neck. He pulled Gohan back up and hurled a second punch into Gohan's face. Gohan went flying back on his side. His right arm burned as he slid but Gohan had no way to protect it. He lay still unable to safeguard himself as Kabito drew closer.
"Shin! What are you doing?!" Goku yelled. "You're gonna kill him!"
"Please refrain from interfering," Shin muttered darkly. "The only way to get those two out of Kabito's mind is to let Gohan be defeated."
"Argh! Are you insane?" Trunks snapped joining in with Goku. "That's letting the bad guys win!"
"What's wrong with Gohan?" Chichi cried, "My baby!"
"He's just… laying there," Vegeta garbled to himself. "Like he can't move."
"Is he paralyzed?" Videl questioned in worry.
"I don't know," Vegeta shrugged.
Everyone unconsciously leaned forward as the battle suddenly took a sharp turn towards Kabito. Master Roshi shook his head forlornly, "I am afraid… That our little Gohan is way over his head in this one."
"What do you mean?!" Chichi screamed making punches at the air. "My boy can whoop anyone! Get up, Gohan! Show him Super Sayian 2!"
Videl ducked under Chichi's swings, watching in apprehension as Kabito tossed the limp Gohan around.
Gohan frowned slightly as his body ached from the last kick. He still could not rise. Blood seeped down his right eyes causing him to blink. He felt inwardly torn between confusion and absolute fear. Kabito was never this strong before. It was if his strength had multiplied in ten folds when he walked on the stadium. And now that he was trapped like this, Kabito could have easily kicked Gohan out of the ring… but he didn't. Kabito just continually played with his flaccid body as if he were waiting for Gohan to give in… Gohan bit his lip as he stared upward at the crowd. He could hear the gasps and groans as he was putted about. But now as he stared at them he could really see the look of dismay twisted upon their faces. It had been a whole ten minutes of the torment… Gohan figured he had to look pretty beat up. Blast. If only he had turned super sayian before he froze up… Kabito was standing still as the announcer came to check if Gohan was out or not. Gohan groaned and found he was able to raise himself slightly. He came up to his knees fighting against the strange bond that was gripping him tightly.
"Stay down, Gohan!"
It was Shin. Gohan glanced over that way seeing something that made him furious. Shin was the one who was holding him from fighting. But then, Gohan realized it was because Shin wanted Gohan to throw in the towel. But for what reason?
Gohan stared evenly at Kabito. Hai, there was something defiantly wrong with the kai. Gohan glanced into the stand finally spotting them. Tsuki and Taiyo. He frowned and glanced back to Kabito. They were the ones doing the controlling. Tsuki's eyes met with Gohan briefly and then went back to Kabito. The bonds broke. He could move completely again.
"Gohan? Do you surrender?" The announcer asked holding up the microphone to Gohan.
Gohan's eyes narrowed as he glared at Kabito,
"Not yet," He panted as he rose back to his feet.
"What valor! What determination! Gohan is still fighting despite all his injuries!" The announcer cheered rallying up the crowd.
Gohan winced slightly. Injuries? Gohan glanced downward and to his horror found his arm was horribly managed. His arm… The same arm he hurt during the Cell games. Gohan grew infuriated.
Kabito was powerful… Much more powerful then he thought. But it wasn't Kabito… It was Taiyo and Tsuki. Those two fighters were powerful… much more powerful then Gohan made them out to be.
"What?" Shin gasped as he drew back his hands.
They were slightly smoldering from the breaking of his connection on Gohan. Goku and Trunks grinned,
"Go Gohan!" Both of them shouted in unison. "Turn it up!"
"Come on, brat," Vegeta whispered. "You can't beat him like this. Forget the deal and the people here. Turn Super Sayian."
"I'm tried of playing your game, Taiyo," Gohan hissed. "Just what do you want from me?"
Your death would be nice. Kabito spat.
"You have to catch me first," Gohan snarled as his bangs stirred slightly off his sweaty face in a strange wind.
The pure wind engulfed about Gohan's body lifted his hair into a mass of gold. His eyes fused into a uncanny turquoise color as the wind grew harsher. Kabito became unbalanced in the wind. He stumbled backwards somewhat as the power grew.
"I know a way to get you out of Kabito's head," Gohan smiled eerily as his words echoed about his powerful form.
Bolts of sapphire electricity ran animatedly over his muscular form as he curved his good hand out behind him.
"Could it be…" The announcer trailed off.
"Wha-?! What's going on down there?!" Videl gasped.
"What is that brat doing?" Vegeta snarled.
Krillen hugged Marron close as he gulped, "Super Sayian 2 is… too far! He'll kill Kabito!"
"Yee ha! You go, Gohan!" Chichi cheered going red in the face. "Show him what's what!"
"Aren't you worried!" Videl gulped, "Your son might ("Will" Vegeta injected.) kill that man down there!"
"Aw, who cares! He had it coming!" Chichi grinned falling back into her seat and passing out.
"Oh… I was wondering who was drinking my ummm… soda." Master Roshi muttered juggling his canteen.
"That was sake, wasn't it? Master Roshi!" Krillen snapped.
"Maybe…" Master Roshi flushed.
"Ah! Gohan! Now don't you think that's a bit overdoing it?!" Goku cried recognizing the technique.
'Argh. I have to stop him!" Shin spat trying his freezing method again.
Once again the energy spurt from his hands as he hissed some words under his breath. They shout out strait at Gohan once more.
"Kaaaa meeee haaaa me-meee.." Gohan chanted as the beam formed in his one free hand.
As soon as he gripped the energy, Shin's attack flooded over him again. Gohan inwardly groaned as he found himself frozen once more.
Kabito smirked forming his own attack. Gohan cringed as Kabito charged it up for the kill.
"Kabito!" Goku shouted, "Freeze Kabito too!"
"I can only do one person at a time," Shin snarled. "And Gohan's… very powerful…"
"If you don't do something, Gohan's going to die!" Trunks hollered angrily. "And we are blaming you if that happens! Let Gohan go."
"If he releases that beam… then Kabito and possibly that half the stadium with die with it," Shin spat keeping his eyes firmly on Gohan. "Do you want that?"
"But Kabito…"
"Kabito's won't travel as far…" Shin muttered forlornly. "Trust me. I know."
"Baka!" Goku shouted.
Goodbye, little demi sayian. Kabito chuckled releasing his beam.
"Blast it." Gohan cringed, squeezing the energy that could save him. "If only I could move…"
"I can… just hold him." Shin groaned as sweat beaded down his forehead.
Trunks and Goku stood petrified in terror as Kabito's thin red beam was launched strait at Gohan. Trunks had to look away, wincing all the while. Trunks clenched his fists so hard that blood fell from them. He glared at Shin longing to attack the kai but he couldn't. Suddenly a shadow came up behind the Supreme Kai. Trunks' jaw dropped.
A fist collided against Shin's cheekbone hurling him into the side of the door. Shin collapsed to the floor his concentration broken.
Gohan blinked as he felt his body again. He smirked and thrust his hand before him.
"HAAAA!" Gohan's echoed scream filled the stadium as he released the beam straight at Kabito.
Kabito's red eyes widened as well as Taiyo's… Suddenly those haunting eyes faded back into black. That was Gohan's cue. Gohan's extinguished his grasp on the beam and tapped his forefingers to his brow. In a the twinkling of an eye, Gohan had appeared right before Kabito. He thrust his good hand on the blast and with all the strength he could muster, he pressed the beam upwards into the sky. Gohan then reached up his hand again and let a discharge of energy fly from his palm and make contact with the enormous blast. It exploded like a firework dousing the whole stadium in a field of white. Cheers rumbled like thunder through the night sky as Gohan let out a small smile. He fell backwards on top of the bewildered Kabito. Kabito stumbled back his foot hitting grass.
"And an amazing victory goes to Son Gohan!!!" The announcer screamed just barely able to get his voice over the excited crowd.
"He did it? HE DID IT!" Videl cheered along as the whole group got to their feet in applause.
"Good golly that was close," Krillen smirked. "Wasn't it?"
"I knew he'd be fine," 18 sighed. "He and Goku always are."
"But it was a close one."
"Yes, Krillen."
"Too close if you ask me," Master Roshi frowned.
"What happened?" Chichi asked drunkenly.
"Go back to sleep," Master Roshi urged.
"Oh… Okie day," She chirped keeling over again with a grin on her reddened face.
"Boy is she gonna have a headache tomorrow," Master Roshi muttered. "She drank it like water."
"Thought it was," Krillen muttered. "Who in their right mind would be bringing sake to a Budoukai?"
"She shouldn't be drinking something that isn't hers," Master Roshi retorted.
"Well, she won't now."
"He… made it." Shin muttered in disbelief.
Shin raised up his hand to touch his lips. He pulled back to find blood tainted on his fingertips. He glanced up seeing a rather large emerald namekian staring down at him. The namekian, Shin remembered as Piccolo, held out his hand and Shin took it.
"Gomen nasai, Supreme Kai," Piccolo muttered as he pulled the small kai to his feet. "I had good reason to believe Gohan knew what he was doing."
"Mr. Piccolo!" Trunks laughed with his eyes shinning brightly, "That was cool! You saved Gohan's life!"
"I guess I did," Piccolo shrugged turning to Goku.
Goku gave Piccolo a faint smile that the namekian did not return. Instead Piccolo nodded numbly, "Excuse me."
Piccolo gave one more look of apology to Shin before headed off to see to Gohan.
Gohan rose up to his knees staring awkwardly at Kabito. Kabito was looking about in bewilderment as if trying to figure out where he was. Hai, he was normal again. Gohan let out a small sigh of relief as he tried to climb to his knees. He cringed at the pain and fell back down upon his knees again, "Blast. It hurts…"
"Slow down, kid." A familiar voice muttered. "You're in critical condition."
"Piccolo," Gohan grinned looking up at his best friend. "Hey. I knew you'd stick around to watch my match."
"Of course I would," Piccolo nodded watching as Gohan rose back to his feet.
"Great. I guess I was a bit worried… there."
Gohan's eyelid's lowered as Gohan fell forward. Piccolo caught his former pupil before he hit the ground.
"Good job, kid," Gohan heard before he passed out.
"He's grown much more then I expected," Vegeta smiled softly as everyone rushed down to see Gohan/ "I didn't think I'd say this but… He's surprised me. That wasn't even his full amount of strength."
"Really?" Bulma muttered. "But that was Super Sayian 2…"
"Hai. Gohan was still holding back."
"Why?" Bulma questioned.
"Women like you wouldn't understand," Vegeta snapped walked off to follow the group.
"Oh really?" Bulma hissed testily stomping after him.
To Be Continued…
Please R + R!
Yes! It is finished! Chapter 15. Darn that took a long time!