Author's note: Nothing new in this chapter and only a few edits in the next. uhh... leave a review anyway? Thanks to those who have already.
Disclaimer: DB/DBZ/DBGT belong to Toriyama and other rich Japanese guys, not me.
A Brief Moment in Time
Chapter 14: Brothers in Conflict
In deep Space…
"Dr. Myuu," said the blue skinned Zangya. "We will be arriving on Chikyuu in a few days time. I have already contacted the fleet with instructions. They will move in one day after we destroy the Saiyans."
"Excellent… I have a little something for you and your cohorts," replied the good Doctor. He had waited a long time to exterminate the Saiyans. The next few days were ones he eagerly awaited. "Here are ki enhancing bracelets. They will make you as powerful as the greatest of the Saiyans."
Zangya nodded and took the bracelets from the Doctor. She knew that they would be needed if she and her two comrades were to defeat Goku, and Gohan. They had studied the fighters of Chikyuu thoroughly, and she felt that they could win with ease. In fact, there should really be no problems at all. None of the fighters were that much stronger than them normally, and with the Ki bracelets, the advantage was wholly theirs. As Zangya turned around and walked away, she didn't see the wicked smile on Myuu's face.
"Yes, soon the universe will be mine," whispered Myuu as an evil light gleamed in his eyes.
Chikyuu…
Goten and Pan were speaking pleasantly with several legislators who were very much in favor of the union with the Imperium. In fact, these particular ones hoped that things would stay this way as they had many ties with the Empire. Overall, the mood had moved from outrage to a mild simmer. Videl had announced the various terms that Goten had outlined and most of the legislators had found them favorable. Some were even downright shocked at how fair, or even great they were. Videl was one of these. Goten had actually included many issues which she had actively lobbied for years. His evenhandedness had won him a grudging respect of the majority of the legislators. They were coming to see why he was so renowned.
"Milord Sirrus, Pan," said Videl as she came up to them. Evening was beginning to set in, and the crowds of reporters and people were beginning to leave. Videl wanted nothing more than to take both brother-in-law and daughter over to the nearest interrogation room and put them to the rack. Luckily, she had learned some patience over the years and was willing to wait until they got home which would be very soon. "Chichi just called. She expects everyone at Mt. Paotzu in thirty minutes. I think we best get going."
Goten and Pan nodded. There was one person who they knew never to cross. The grand matron of the Son clan was not one to be trifled with. Making their goodbyes, the three of then leapt into the air and blasted off for Mt. Paotzu.
They arrived twenty-five minutes later. The flight had been silent, even though Videl wanted to say something to her daughter. But, she could tell that Pan wasn't ready to talk so she bit her tongue and waited. When they landed they saw Goku and Gohan already there waiting for them. Gohan's eyes narrowed when he saw Pan. He recognized the uniform and instinctively knew something wasn't quite right.
"Hey daddy…" greeted Pan, "It's really good to see you." She walked up and gave her father a hard hug. She was glad to see her father, and she did miss him. The only thing was that she was very afraid of what might happen this night. Her father hugged her back but didn't say anything. Instead, he glared at his brother.
"Heh… Hey, Pan," said Goku cheerfully. He grabbed his granddaughter and even though she was 5'7 he tossed her up into the air and caught her.
"Grandpa! Put me down Grandpa," laughed Pan. Goku was always the easiest going of the entire family. He was almost always cheerful, and he was genuinely pleased to see his family together. In fact, it seemed that he had already forgotten about the near incident earlier in the day.
"So… wow Pan you look good in that uniform. You look all grown up," said Goku.
"Grandpa… I'm twenty years old. I've been on my own for four years. I AM grown up," replied Pan good-naturedly. She couldn't fault her grandpa for anything. Her father, on the other hand, probably was thinking the same thing as her Grandpa, but not in a positive light.
"You and I will talk after dinner," Gohan growled at Goten. "I want to know what you did to my daughter. I trusted her with you."
"Dad…" Pan started.
"You boys will not start arguing here and you will certainly NOT argue at dinner. Understand?" came a sharp feminine voice from behind them.
Goten and Gohan immediately turned around. There, before them stood the true power in the Son family. She didn't wield it often, but when she did it was sharp and quick. She was the Authority To Be Obeyed At All Times, In Any Circumstance, For Any Reason She Deemed Fit. "Yes mom," the two of them chorused in unison.
"Good. Now come on in and eat. I didn't slave over this meal for nothing, and if so much as a peep of inconsideration comes out of you two…" Chichi held out her frying pan threateningly. "And that goes for all of you. Now, Pan come give your grandma a hug. I haven't seen you in two years. You've really grown up."
Pan did as she was told. No one disobeyed Chichi when she was worked up. "It's good to see you Grandma. I really missed you."
Ten minutes later they were all seated around the table and chatting about every subject besides politics just as Chichi had ordered. It was a good thing that Grandpa Satan was there, as he was able to bring up topic after topic of trivial matters that kept everyone laughing. Buu, as an adopted member of the Satan family, was also there. His antics were always funny, and they helped to keep the mood light.
"Why Trunks no here? Pan no invite Trunks?" asked Buu out of the blue.
Pan's eyes went wide. With all the days events, and worry about her father finding out about her past, she had forgotten to tell Buu to keep Trunks a secret.
"Trunks? What's going on with you and Trunks Briefs, Pan?" asked Goten with a frown. He did not like Trunks Briefs at all. "I didn't know you even stayed in contact with him. I thought you were over that crush a long time ago."
"I don't and I am," said Pan.
"Not dat Trunks! Purple hair Trunks. He strong ki too. He nice to Buu, and Buu like him. We meet him on Imperia-sei, he come back with us to Chikyuu." clarified Buu.
"Pan? Is that the young man who was sent to the med lab when you got here? You spent all that time with him on that shuttle?" asked Goten.
"Uncle Goten… please!" exclaimed Pan. Now she was blushing.
"She's blushing," said Chichi. "Pan… am I going to be expecting Great grandchildren soon?"
"Oh my god!" exclaimed Videl. "I'm going to be a grandmother? I'm only in my early forties!" She whirled and looked menacingly at Gohan. "This is all your fault." Gohan choked.
"Trunks, Pan's boyfriend," added Buu into the brewing cauldron. Gohan just looked at Pan with a look of sheer bewilderment.
"HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND?" shouted Pan at Buu.
"Pan kiss Trunks long time… Buu see. Buu know only boyfriend kiss girlfriend," elaborated Buu. Pan's eyes grew to the size of saucers. She could NOT believe that Buu just said that, especially in front of her parents and her grandparents. Her face was burning crimson and could easily have guided Santa on a foggy night.
"I…I… Buu…" she sputtered. The adults could hardly contain their laughter. They felt awful for Pan, since it was there presence that was embarrassing her, but it was still too funny.
"Pan…" chortled her father. After a moment of getting himself under control he said with all seriousness, "You know its ok that you date right? You are twenty years old. Your mother and I were already really serious by then. I think your grandparents were also. Now are you serious with this young man?" There was reassurance with a bit of warning there. Also the word serious had a certain other connotation to it. Pan knew what he meant, but she did NOT want to think about that, especially about her parents or worse yet, her grandparents.
"NO… we are not SERIOUS and he is NOT my BOYFRIEND," she shouted. "Can we please talk about something else?"
"Well Pan," said her father, "I'm just saying its ok. Its no big deal… even though Hercule kind of made it difficult for me at first."
"Hmm…," responded Mr. Satan. "You were a skinny little runt then. I just wanted the best for my little girl. That's what a father is for you know."
"Yes… and that's why I'm not going to get upset… at least until I meet him," said Gohan. "You are going to introduce us right?"
"Daddddddddddddddddddddd… ok I'll introduce you. That's it. No more talk about this subject," she said. Her voice was hard.
"Make sure you introduce me too," chimed in Goten. Pan was about to blow her top, but Goku forestalled her.
"Pan… a kiss is no big deal… watch," he said as he leaned over and grabbed Chichi and smacked her a big one right on the lips in front of everyone. Chichi's eyes widened for a second and then a wicked gleam appeared. She kissed right back.
Everyone on at the table turned their heads and politely looked elsewhere. Everyone except for Buu, who, to prove his earlier point said, "See… boyfriend girlfriend… just like Pan and Trunks."
Pan gave up. She just smacked her head down on the table, and then resumed eating. She was NOT listening to anymore of this.
An hour or two later…
The family was in good spirits. The whole little tease Pan thing was all in good humor and even she knew it. It helped lighten things up immensely. When everything was cleaned up, Chichi got everyone a few drinks and had them sit down in the living room comfortably. She then decided it was time for full disclosure.
"Goten, and Pan," she said to them as they were chatting amicably with Goku. "I think its time to tell the rest of your family what has been going on with you two. I will not have this family torn apart by secrets and vendetta."
"I want to know what Goten did to my daughter," said Gohan menacingly. His mood deteriorated rapidly.
"Dad… Uncle Goten did nothing to me."
"Obviously he did, since you are not the same person you were before."
"I only let her pick her own path, Gohan. I only helped her when she needed me."
"I'm twenty years old, Dad…"
"You don't know what you want… you are too young," said Gohan cutting her off.
This was an old argument between her and her father. It boggled her mind how he was open minded about her possible relationship with Trunks. Then again it was probably because he hadn't made a decision about that yet. He already knew what to think about her years in space and so now he was demanding her to do what he wanted. She hated it, and now after being on her own for so long it set her off.
"DAD, you don't know anything about me! You just assume that I'm still a child. I've been through more than you EVER have. And I'm PERFECTLY capable of taking care of myself. I DON'T NEED YOU to tell me what I CAN and CANNOT DO," she shouted.
Not expecting resistance from this quarter, Gohan only got angrier. "What have you SEEN? What do you know of adulthood? Until you can back up your claims don't speak back to me."
Pan exploded. "You have no idea DAD… I've seen more death and destruction than you can imagine. People have tried to kill me and I've killed people. I KNOW what its like to live in fear. I KNOW what its like to experience the Saiyan side."
"You've killed people?" whispered Gohan. Pan frowned. Oops, maybe she shouldn't have admitted that.
"This… this is what you've allowed my daughter to do? Become a cold-blooded ruthless killer? Is that what you are Goten? You're like Vegeta now, aren't you? You don't care about life, except yours," he said quietly but so dangerously that everyone in the room could feel the threat behind the words. They could feel Gohan's Saiyan nature begin to take hold. It was something that rarely ever happened. "I trusted you with her…"
Chichi saw Goku moving to stop Gohan before he completely lost it. She stopped him. Sometimes, the best way to heal a wound is to cauterize it in fire. She decided it was probably best to let this play out completely. Videl took the hint also and shut her mouth.
"Gohan… You have to let Pan pick her own path. She isn't like you. She can't put away her Saiyan nature like you. In fact, you shouldn't either. Dad can only do it because of his head injury. I do care about life Gohan, but sometimes life is about choices."
"You let her make the wrong choices!"
"They ARE MY CHOICES TO MAKE!" yelled Pan at her father.
"So you are going to be like Goten? Vegeta? I won't allow that. I won't allow MY daughter to become a cold blooded, and damn heartless killer."
"Gohan you have no clue what you are talking about," said Goten loudly. He was loosing his cool now. He could tolerate his father's naivety to the world. He had the excuse of being hit in the head when he was a kid. Gohan, on the other hand, not only didn't have this excuse, he lived with Videl. She was one of the shrewdest and ruthless politicians on the planet and he STILL lived in some fairytale world.
He realized something then. This whole argument wasn't really about Pan, it was about Gohan's own beliefs and his relation with him, as brothers. He wanted Pan to be like himself, even though it wasn't possible. Pan had seen the real world, the world beyond Chikyuu. She could never be like her father, never fit back into the mold. He was the same way. Goten couldn't understand why his brother was so angry with him or so scared of him. Something had changed in Gohan's perception today of him, and Goten needed to find out what. "This isn't about Pan is it? This is about you and I. What has set you against me? This damn meeting today?"
"You are a heartless bastard, what ever happened to the Goten I knew? The Goten we all knew up until what? TODAY? You've been lying to us all, your family."
"That's right, Goten. I want to know why you've kept this from all of us," added Videl. They had avoided this question earlier. Now she wanted to know. She was as hurt by this lack of trust as much as anyone. "I think that's the biggest issue here."
"Videl… I don't think any of you can understand why I've done what I've done. Even you. I am afraid. Afraid of losing my family," he said simply. He looked around the room and saw that there was little sympathy for him.
"I find that hard to believe, Are you saying that we haven't supported you? Haven't always been there for you when we needed us?" said Videl very coldly. She knew that she had always supported him, always been loyal to him even through this coup today. She and Gohan had always stood by his side when he needed it. When they fought, they always fought in private… just like now. The differences in opinion stayed in the family.
Goten winced at her words. She was right, he never had any reason to doubt that they would not understand. Videl had backed him up to the hilt today. He could see in her eyes that she was angry at his lack of trust—no furious. Still, he couldn't help this fear—it ran deep into the core of his being.
"He's a tyrant… my brother is a damn tyrant. He's gone against ever ideal we hold in this family. He doesn't give a damn anyone else now, not even his family so why wouldn't he use you as he pleases?" Gohan shot venomously.
"Gohan… I… do you really believe that?" asked Goten.
"Yes… In fact I don't know who you are anymore. I don't think you are my brother anymore."
Goten felt his world shudder. The pain on his face was obvious. Ever since he was a young boy he had looked up to his brother. Even as an adult he had always felt closer to his brother than anyone else. Its one of the reasons why he always kept his eye on Pan, not only for her sake, but he never wanted to let his brother down. Now, he could see the near hatred burning in his brother's eyes. It wounded him more deeply than anything had ever before. It struck him at the one place in his being that he had tried to preserve all the goodness that was left in him, where he drew strength from during the darkest of times. It struck his love for his family.
"You are wrong, Gohan. I care. I do care and I always will care," he said softy as he stood up. "I'm sorry Videl for what I did. Gohan, I'm sorry for everything. Mom, Dad… thank you for everything… and I'm sorry too. But sometimes a man has to do what he believes is right, regardless of the cost."
Goten walked across the room to pick up his cloak and capsules. He had known this might happen, and it hurt him deeply. They would never understand. "Pan take care of yourself."
Gohan remained standing as he watched his brother stand up and prepare to leave. He had been furious before, but as he looked upon his brother his anger drained from him. Gone was the man who had walked in holding himself in a regal posture. Something seemed to have died in the man. The strange aura of confidence that had always seemed to be around him was gone. Gohan could feel the difference in Goten. Across the room he could see his daughter weeping openly as she said something to her uncle. For some reason his victory tasted like ash in his mouth. He already regretted his words.
"How many people have you killed Goten… Tell us the truth," asked his father. Goten stopped in his tracks. The question was like adding salt to his wounds. He turned around and faced the rest of his family. They were all expecting an answer, so he gave them it.
"I've killed billions," Goten answered without even flinching. This was the end he knew. No one in his family would ever forgive him this. He somehow drew strength from deep inside himself and stood firm.
There was silence in the room at the admission. The looks of shock and dismay were written on everyone's faces. "Goten… how could you do such a thing?" asked his mother.
Goten just shrugged, "Sometimes its necessary, mom."
"You…. You're like Freiza," said Gohan with shock in his voice.
"Funny you should mention Freiza, Gohan. Every drop of blood on my hands can be traced back to his death."
"What? Don't you dare try to justify your actions by pinning blame on Dad… Dad cares more about life than anyone!"
"Gohan, I'm not blaming Dad," said Goten in a soft voice. "But, who do you think Freiza was? He wasn't just some insane lizard. He was the Emperor of an empire. A thousand worlds were under his rule, and he wasn't purging them. They were the source of his wealth and he KEPT them under control. When dad killed him, that entire empire fell apart. Aliens, who use to live completely peacefully with each other, started killing each other. Freiza had kept them all in line. Yeah, out of fear, but he kept them in line."
The room was quiet. Gohan couldn't help but hear the sadness in his brother's voice and it calmed him down again. Goten looked across the room at his family. It's now or never he thought to himself. They wouldn't understand, but he had to try. He took a deep breath and began to tell them his story.
"When Freiza died… thirty odd years ago, his empire died with him. At least trillions died. Out of a thousand worlds only five hundred are inhabited now… Half the northern galaxy's population has been exterminated. Can you even imagine how many people that is?"
Goten looked across the room to see the horror written on their faces. His father seemed to be very disturbed and his brother equally so.
"I didn't know any of this when I first went into space. I found about all this later. I think you all remember that I went to find Vegeta because I killed that boy when I couldn't control myself. Well, I found him and he took me as his student. We lived peacefully on an alien world. The aliens didn't really bother him, and he didn't bother them. They just gave him food, and sort of saw him as their god-like protector. When Marron and I became his disciples we were accorded the same privileges. We were there for a year before one of the warlords that took control of some Freiza's planets came to ours. You know… Freiza might have been a tyrant. He may have been a brutal creature, but he didn't kill indiscriminately. This warlord did… he bombarded the planet with nukes for NO REASON. No warning. One minute there were cities thriving, and the next minute they were nothing but melted concrete. I watched… I WATCHED as an entire planet was laid to waste and I could do nothing about it. Not one goddamn thing. You don't have a clue what that's like. The people on the planet begged us to save them… but what could we do? We could save a few, but out of how many? Ten thousand out of four billion people survived that holocaust."
The Son family listened in rapt attentiveness. They were part of the story because Goku had been the one to kill Freiza. His actions were the ones that started, and Goten's were the ones that finished the Union Wars. Chichi was almost in tears as she heard the quiet anger, and bitterness in her sons voice. She couldn't imagine what it was like for him to watch all those people die, but she could see that he was deeply wounded by it. She may not have been able to weep for those people, but she did weep for her son.
"I swore a vow then that I would never let that happen again. I would never let a people die for no reason. You know… I was really naïve then. I've learned that it's a lot more complicated then just right or wrong." Goten paused a second and took a breath as the memories came back to him. He could still remember those horrid days vividly.
"Marron and I killed the invaders. They landed for some reason, and none of them lived afterwards. We convinced Vegeta to come with us, to put an end to the killing. I thought I was going to be this righteous warrior setting things right, kind of like dad. Like you and dad both."
Goten gave his family a weak smile. Pan had gotten up and grabbed him a cup of water and placed it next to him. She made him gently sit, and take a sip. She, too, like the rest of her family was hearing this story for the first time. Goten never had divulged his past to her.
"Thanks, Pan. Being a righteous warrior is pretty tough Gohan… let me tell you that. You and dad are lucky you don't have to deal with thousands of scheming factions. You have an idea who your friends are. I didn't have a clue. I had to learn the hard way. You guys had the Dragon Balls. You can screw up and kill thousands, but you can just wish them back. You've done it before. I didn't have such a luxury. The wars were bloody Gohan… I've waded through rivers of blood. I've killed innocents. I've killed people just to set an example for others. I've been tortured, I've watched people I love be tortured, and I've even tortured people myself. I don't have nightmares, Gohan. I have memories."
He leaned his head back for a second against the head of the chair he sat on. He took a deep breath and then said, "But do you know what? When we finished… when we had conquered the remaining planets, we brought order back. We brought an end to the chaos and the worlds started to recover. People began to prosper again, and live lives without fear. I see it all the time when I walk down the streets of Imperial City, Rouen, or any other major city. I see children playing in parks laughing happily and teenagers flirting with each other. I see street hawkers, who don't fear being shot because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Things like this make it all worth it. Worth every drop of blood I've shed over the last decade and a half. If I had to do it again, I would. I will not let the Union Wars happen again."
"Goten… Why didn't you just ask us for help? Why spring this surprise on us?" asked Videl.
"Videl… I told you. I was afraid… I was afraid of what you would all think of me if you knew the truth." He gave a pointed look at his brother. "Gohan, you probably think that I should try to find another way, a way without bloodshed. I've tried that, and every time it's caused more death and destruction. There are no miracle cures. You know this from fighting Cell. Happy endings don't exist in reality. At best, you can just hope for bittersweet.
Goten strode to the door while his family still sat in contemplation of his words. "I will do what I must. I can't do otherwise. Good night." With that said, Goten's ki wrapped around him and he flew off into the night sky.
Author's notes: Height adjustments. DBZ characters in this fiction will be accorded height in Western Standards. 5'8 may be tall in Japan, but that's barely average—even on the short side. Goku is 6'2, Gohan is 6'3, and Goten is 6'1. Videl is 5'6 and Chichi is 5'5 as well. That's in the English standard, not metric! Pan is 5'7, Trunks is 6'1 and ½, just slightly taller than Goten. Vegeta is 5'6 and Bulma is 5'5. I think Bulma is shorter than Chichi. Be nice and play along with me. . Krillan is 5'2 and Eighteen is 5'6.