IT'S FINALLY DONE!
That's right. I finally finished Chapter 3. I went back to it and I realized that after I got pasted the one part, the rest of the chapter just came flowing out. I just want to thank everyone for reviewing and giving their opinions on the Goku/Vegeta idea. I didn't like the idea very much anyway. And that is the last that it will ever be mentioned!
This chapter didn't turn out the way I wanted it. But I'll take what I can get. So I hope everyone likes it. I'm not sure when the next update will be. So much is happening right now, that sometimes I can't work on the story. I really want to continue the story.
/ telepath speaking /
Well, I kept you in the dark for too long about what will happen to Gohan. With further ado, here is Chapter 3: Trouble Begins.
Strength of Family: Chapter 3 Trouble Begins
"GOHAN!"
Goku pushed anyone in his way, trying to get to his son. "Gohan!" Dropping to his knees beside him, he tried to see where the blood was coming from. "Someone call an ambulance!" he yelled.
"They're already been called." a man said as he covered Gohan with his long black coat. "Are you his father?"
"Yes." Goku's voice was shaking. He witnessed Gohan get beat up in training and in battle. But why was he scared now? His brain had stopped functioning.
"You should be proud of your son. He saved his brother." the man said.
"Goten? Where is he?" Goku frantically looked around, searching for his youngest.
"He's right here," a woman said holding Goten, who was still screaming.
"My wife's been trying to calm him down. He has a good set of lungs." the man replied.
"Thank you." Goku told the husband and wife.
"Police coming through."
Two police officers made their way through the crowed. Goku and the man moved so they could check Gohan. The father took his son from the woman and held him. Once in his father's arms, Goten settled down. A few minutes later, the paramedics arrived. They took over treating Gohan. Goku didn't know how bad he was or anything. Neither the police nor the paramedics would tell him anything. That's after asking them.
As the paramedics was putting Gohan into the ambulance, Goku told one of the paramedics that he was his father and wanted to go with his son. He was made to sit in the front and could only watch as they worked on his son.
The ride to the hospital left like it took forever. All Goku wanted to do was to get there so his son could get help. With the sound of the sirens blaring, Goten started screaming. Goku tried to calm the chibi down.
Finally, they arrived at the hospital. Gohan was rushed into the emergency room with doctors and nurses huddled around him. Goku tried to go into the room when a nurse stopped him.
"I'm sorry. You can't go in there," the nurse said gently blocking his way.
"He's my son." Goku pointed out.
"I'm sorry." the nurse exclaimed as she entered the room.
Goku tried to see through the window of the door. All he could see was Gohan's face turned towards him. He wished he were in there with his son.
"Sir, are you the father?"
He turned to see a doctor standing there. Along side him was a nurse and one of the police officers that was at the scene. "Yes, I am."
"Your son is in good hands. I would like to take a look at the baby to make sure he wasn't injured as well," said the doctor.
"Please?" Goku handed Goten to the doctor. The doctor and the nurse walked way. "Is there a phone I can use?" he asked the officer.
"Yeah. It's against the wall."
Goku hurried over to the phones. He quickly dialed a number that was all too familiar to him.
"He better not eat the pastries." Vegeta grumbled from his seat at the table.
"Vegeta, he won't eat them." Bulma exclaimed as she checked on the pork roasts in the oven.
"You don't know his sweet teeth."
"Yes, I do. And I also know your sweet tooth as well." The phone rung, cutting off any smart remark Vegeta was about to make. "Answer that, you pain in the ass." Bulma ordered as she closed the oven door.
"Fine." Storming over to the phone, he picked it up. "What do you want?" Bulma just rolled his eyes and shook her head.
"Vegeta."
"Kakarot, where the…"
"Gohan's been shot!"
Did he just say Gohan was shot? Vegeta thought. His heart stopped. "What? What happened?"
Bulma stopped what she was doing and watched her husband. Something was wrong. Vegeta's tone of voice was filled with concern and fear. Doctor and Mrs. Brief listened as well, wanting to know what was going on.
"He's been shot. I'm not sure what happened. The doctors won't tell me anything." Goku's voice was shaking.
Vegeta knew Goku was upset. Gohan was his lifeline. He depended on him and vise versa. He also knew if anything happened to Gohan, either Goku would explode with grief or worse. His heart was racing.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"Orange Star General Hospital."
"We'll be right there." Vegeta hanged the phone up.
"Vegeta, what's going on?" his wife asked.
"Gohan's been shot."
"Oh Kami." Bulma couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Is he okay?" asked Mrs. Brief.
"The doctors won't tell Kakarot anything. They're at Orange Star General."
"Mom; dad, can you watch Trunks?" Bulma asked.
"Of course, sweetheart." her father replied.
Vegeta picked her up into his arms and flow out of the window.
"I just wish for once Vegeta would use the door." Doctor Brief said.
"Vegeta will be Vegeta." Mrs. Brief said.
"Now, where is that grandson of ours?"
"I don't know, dear."
"Trunks, where are you?" the grandparents left the room, in search of their grandson.
Off to the side, Trunks, stood at the edge of his play pin. Looking in the direction his grandparents went, the chibi shrugged his shoulders and went back playing with his dinosaurs.
He paused back and forth, filled of worry. None of the doctors or nurses would tell him anything about his boys. He already had to deal with the insurance information and the police. He didn't want to be there. He would rather be somewhere else.
"Goku!"
Goku turned to the source of his name. Bulma and Vegeta hurried into the waiting area. The blue hair genius hugged her old friend. Vegeta laid a hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze.
"Any word?" Vegeta asked.
"No. I keep asking and no one will tell me." Goku answered.
"What happened?" Bulma wanted to know.
"We stopped at the bakery. I ran inside and Gohan waited with Goten. Goten was mad for being in his car seat for so long. I told Gohan to take him out while I was inside. There was a bank robbery at Orange Star National. The robbers and the police were shooting at each other. Gohan put himself between Goten and the shooting. One of the bullets him. When I got to him, he was laying in blood. There was so much blood." Goku explained.
"Gohan will be alright. He's a tough kid. If he can survive getting his ass kicked, he can survive this." Vegeta tried to reassure his friend.
"I know. But I can't stop worrying."
"Mr. Son?"
The three turned to the man standing before them. It was the doctor that took Goten to examine him.
"How's my sons?"
"Goten is fine. No scratches, cuts, bruises. I think he just got scared. But getting him back is going to be tough."
"How so?"
"The nurses won't give him up." The four smiled at that. "And some of the doctors, patents and anyone else walking by. He's being held hostage at the nurses' station."
"What about Gohan?" asked Goku.
"I don't know much. All I know is that he was rushed into surgery and he lost a lot of blood."
"Surgery? Why wasn't I told?" the father exclaimed.
"I don't know. There could be a lot of different reason as to why," the doctor said.
The man excused himself. Bulma and Vegeta tried to comfort their friend. The worst scenario was running through Goku's head. He prayed that his son was all right.
I wish Cell was back. That way I can get out of here. Videl thought as she listened to a distant aunt talk.
The relatives were on her mother's side. Her mother hardly ever spoke to them because she never cared for them. And they really don't like Hercule. But because of the money Hercule has, they come around whenever they were in town. They hoped that the World Champ would give them a small amount of money. Whenever they visited, they treated Videl like a child.
"A new gym just opened just down the block from my office." the aunt stated. "It is your gym, Herucle?"
"No. There's been no talk about opening a gym there." Hercule answered.
"Oh."
The doorbell rung, cutting anyone off before they spoke. They could here the butler answering it. A minute later, Erasa ran into the living room.
"Erasa, what are you doing here?" Videl asked.
"Gohan's been shot." the friend blurred it out.
As if one of the Saiyans or Piccolo slammed a fist into stomach, Videl felt pain rip through her. It was hard to believe something as simple of a bullet would bring the strongest warrior down. She was finding it hard to breath. Vegeta had informed the couple that they have already started to bond. They already have begun to speak to each other telepathically.
"How is that possible?" Hercule was shocked as well.
"He was trying to protect his brother. There was a bank robbery and a shoot out with the cops." explained the blond hair girl.
"Is he alright?" the girlfriend was starting to panic.
"I don't know. I just heard it on the news. He's at the hospital."
Videl and Hercule started to leave when one of the relatives stopped them.
"Who is this Gohan person?"
"He's my boyfriend." Videl exclaimed, upset.
The father and daughter hurried out while leaving the relatives there, angry. As they drove to the hospital, Videl prayed that her love was okay. Beside her in the driver's seat, Hercule was also praying as well. Gohan was his future son-in-law. And he treated the boy like a son.
"Krillin, will you please tell Oolong to stop staring?" Eighteen yelled from the living room. Oolong sat beside her, staring at her chest.
When they got married, they moved in with Roshi because Krillin didn't have any money. Roshi and Oolong tried to leave the couple alone. But sometimes they couldn't help but try to peak in on Eighteen as she showered or dressed. Krillin already started looking for a job so they can have their own place.
"Oolong, either you leave Eighteen alone or we're having pork for dinner!" Krillin yelled from the kitchen.
Taking the hint, the pig went outside to see if he could snatch some of Roshi's dirty magazines. The woman turned the television on. The news was just coming on.
"Our top story is the shooting in Satan City. This afternoon, several men robbed the Orange Star National Bank. As they were escaping, a shoot out erupted. While trying to escape, the robbers begun to shoot bystanders to distract the police. No one was hurt except a boy. The boy has been identified as thirteen year old Gohan Son, a seventh grader at Orange Star Junior High School."
When the news posted a picture of Gohan, Eighteen hoped it was a different Gohan. But her heart told her it wasn't. Shock over took her. She had come to think that the Saiyans were indestructible. Nothing could hurt them. Gohan had rescued her from Cell. Because of him, she was given a second chance. If it weren't for him, she would have never fallen in love and married Krillin.
"Krillin! Roshi! Get in here!"
The two men, along with Oolong, ran into the room. Eighteen pointed at the TV. They watched at the news reporter at the hospital reported on Gohan's health.
"This boy is a hero." the reporter stated before they went to commercial brake.
"I can't believe it. Gohan shot." Tention was close to tears. His best friend has been shot and there was nothing he could to help.
"Goku must be flipping out." Tien stated.
"I hope he's alright. If anything happens to Gohan, I don't want to be around." Launch said.
Tien grabbed the phone and dialed Bulma's cell phone. He knew Goku would call Vegeta and Bulma. They could get there quicker and they were the closest.
"Gohan will pull through. He's strong." Piccolo stated as he, Dende and Mr. Popo stood on the edge of the Look Out, watching the scene at Orange Star General.
The tall Namek wanted to go to the hospital to be there for Goku and Gohan. But the caretaker advised him not too. If Piccolo showed at the hospital, someone might put two and two together and figure it was Gohan who defeated Cell.
"I'm not worried about Gohan. I'm worried about Goku." the caretaker said.
"Yes. Goku's trying to keep it together. At least Bulma and Vegeta are there with him." Dende said.
Come on, kid, pull through. Piccolo thought.
He was getting annoyed. Anyone in the waiting area could tell. Goku paused back and forth. Vegeta stood against a wall, arms crossed. He kept an eye on Goten, who was playing with the blocks in a corner and an eye on Goku. Bulma had gone off to see if she could learn something about Gohan.
It's been two hours since Gohan was first brought in. To Goku, it felt like five hours had gone by. He was glade Vegeta and Bulma were there. He would go crazy if they weren't. The husband and wife were worried also. The Saiyan prince was putting on a strong face for his friend. He was worried as well. His heart finally stopped racing. When Goku first said Gohan was shot, his heart started racing. His friend needed someone to lean on for support.
Seeing his wife walking back over, Vegeta pushed away from the wall. Seeing this, Goku stopped his pausing to see what she learned.
"Sorry, Goku. There is still no news," she said.
"Thanks for trying, Bulma." the taller Saiyan said.
"Goku!"
The three saw Hercule and Videl running in. they hurried over. Tears were threatening to escape as Videl ran up to her future father-in-law.
"Is he okay?" she asked.
"There's been no world. He's in surgery now," the father answered.
"Oh Kami. Videl brought her hands to her mouth as she fought not to cry.
"Gohan lost a lot of blood." the prince added.
The girl buried her face into Goku's chest as she started to cry. The man held her.
"There's reporters all over the place outside." Hercule said.
"Reporters?"
"It's all over the news."
Bulma's cell phone started to ring. Quickly, she answered it. "Hello?"
"Bulma, it's Tien. Are you with Goku?"
"Yes, we are."
"Let me talk to him."
"Goku, it's Tien."
"Tien?" Goku asked as he took the phone from his friend.
"How is he?" Tien's voice came over the speaker.
"We don't know yet. No one's telling us anything. The only thing I know is that he was rushed into surgery." Goku explained.
"Do you want us there? We can be there as soon as we can." his friend asked.
"It's okay. You don't have to come." In the background, Goku could hear crying and a loud voice. "Tien, what is going on in the background? Who's crying and yelling?"
"The crying is Tention. He's upset about Gohan. And Launch is yelling about wanting to go after the men who shot him."
"Blonde?"
"Oh yeah. I hate this time of the month." Tien whispered, hoping his wife wouldn't hear.
"I HEARD THAT TIEN SHINHAN! Launch's voice yelled through the phone.
"I'm dead. Now, are you sure you don't want us there?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. There's not much you guys can do. Thanks anyway. I'll let you know as soon I hear something."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
Goku handed the phone back to Bulma after hanging up. They all sat down and waited. Through the windows in the waiting area, they could see the reporters outside. Security was blocking the front entrance, not letting any reporters inside. As they waited, Krillin and Yamcha called, wanting to know what was going on. They, too, asked if they were needed. Goku told them no. The head of the hospital came down to see Goku. He had no word on Gohan. Only that he was still in surgery. He came to take Goku to a private waiting room. As they waited to hear about the demi-Saiyan, they watched the news.
"This is Jack Emerson from Star Global."
"Great. It's the ass from that damn gossip show." Vegeta hissed.
"Isn't he the one who will learn everything about a person and then report on it?" Goku asked.
"That's him. Because of him, several celebrities and political figures were ruined. He never gives up on the person until either he's sued or their lives are ruined." Hercule answered.
"Great. That's all I need." the worried Saiyan father exclaimed.
"I'm standing outside of Orange Star General Hospital were two hours ago, thirteen year old Gohan Son was rushed here with a bullet wound. Young Gohan was holding his baby brother outside of Sweet Heaven Bakery, waiting for his father while he ran inside the bakery. Just down the street, the Orange Star National Bank was being robbed."
"Wonder what lies he's going tell." Vegeta wondered out loud.
"Hush. We're trying to watch this." Bulma hissed at her husband.
"No word as to Gohan's condition. His brother, one year old Goten, is doing fine. Witnesses and the police are saying Gohan is a hero. And being a hero runs in the family. I have learned that Gohan's father is none other than the Legendary Marital Artist, Goku Son. Goku was the youngest ever to make it to the finals. He won the 23rd World Tournament and came in second in the 21st and the 22nd tournaments. And we can't forget his defeat of the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo. Gohan's mother, the late Princess Chichi of the Ox Kingdom. Chichi died last year from cancer. Just five months after the birth of Goten. During the 23rd World Tournament, Goku proposed to Chichi after their fight in the quarterfinals. I have also learned that he is dating the World Champ's daughter, Videl Satan. It seems that fighting and romance do mix."
"What an ass. How did he know all that?" Vegeta exclaimed as he shut the TV off.
"Everyone in school knows about Gohan and I." Videl answered.
"And Chichi's death did make the news because of the Ox King." Goku added.
"What about the army and King Piccolo?" Everyone shrugged. They didn't know how it was learned that it was Goku who defeated them. "At least he doesn't know about Saiyans."
"Better put on extra security on the systems." Bulma stated. "If he fines the files, we're all in trouble."
"It'll be a little hard for him to read them. Don't forget they're in Saiyan. Only myself can read them." Vegeta pointed out.
"If someone did hack into the system, there is that program that'll translate the Saiyan language. Bulma designed that program to help us who doesn't know Saiyan." Goku exclaimed.
"Fuck." The Saiyan price forgot about that program. His wife punched him in the arm for swearing in front of Videl and Goten. "You'll just have to learn it then."
The group settled down. Videl was playing with Goten on the floor. Goku had gone back to pausing and Vegeta took up residence against a wall. Bulma had called her parents to see how Trunks were and to let them know what was going on. She started yelling when her mother mentioned they couldn't fine Trunks. She had to tell her mother the chibi was in his play pin in the kitchen when they left. Then Vegeta got on the phone and threatened the woman if something happened to his son, it won't be pretty.
It was going on three hours. Goku was ready to blow. No one had come and told him any news on his son. Finally, a short, pudgy man wearing surgical uniform walked in.
"Mr. Son? I'm Doctor Billgain. I was working on your son."
"I'm him. How's my son?"
"Gohan will be fine." the doctor said. The group let out a sigh of relief. "Because there was so much blood, it was hard to tell what was going on. We feared the worst. Once we got him into surgery and cleared the wound, it didn't look so bad. Gohan is lucky. An inched in either direction, he would either be dead or would have lost the use of his left arm. I was able to repair the damage. He'll be in a cast for six weeks." the doctor explained.
"Thank, Kami." Goku breathed.
"From what I heard, Mr. Son, Gohan is a hero."
"I go see him?"
"At the moment, no. He's still in recovery. A nurse will be down to show you to his room."
"Thank you," the Saiyan said, shaking the doctor's hand.
Videl jumped into Goku's arms, filled full of joy. Bulma quickly called the rest of the Z fighters to tell them the good news. Less than an hour later, a nurse came to take Goku to see Gohan. At first, they thought only Goku could see him. But because of what happened, all six were allowed in at the same time.
The room was a private one in the surgical wing. As they walked, everyone in the hall stopped and stared. They knew who they were. Word spread quickly that Bulma and Vegeta Brief, Hercule and Videl Satan and Goku Son were there. The room was at the end of the hallway. At every exit was a security guard.
Walking into the room, a smile lit his face. Goku couldn't help but smile. Hearing the door open, Gohan looked over to see who was there. But he already knew. Seeing her boyfriend, Videl quickly went over and gently hugged him. The blue hair genius couldn't help but kiss his forehead.
"How you feeling?" Goku asked, sitting Goten down at the bottom of the bed.
"Sore. Arm hurts a little. Is Goten okay? He wasn't hurt?" the demi-Saiyan asked.
"Naw. He was just scared." his father answered.
"I tried to protect him. I heard the shots and all I cared about was him."
"And you did protect him. Quit apologizing. You did the right thing. I'm not mad. I was just scared. That's all. I'm proud of you," explained Goku.
"And because of what you did, it's all over the news." the human male stated.
"The news?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah. They're calling you a hero. But we already know that." Videl said.
"Great. Now we'll have reporters after us. Something I didn't want. Sorry, dad."
"It's alright. This'll blow over. Two, three weeks and everyone will forget about it."
"I don't think so, Goku." Hercule spoke up.
"What do you mean?" the Saiyan prince hissed.
"Everyone wants to know about you. Your history, family. Because you're a legend and not much is known about you and you've never been in the spot light, reporters will be after you. You're a celebrity if you like it or not. Endorsements, interviews, women will be thrown at you. People will want your advice on fighting or if you want to train them. It'll only get worse from there. Trust me. I was a no body until I won my first tournament." Hercule explained.
"And there's nothing we can do to stop it" Goku asked. He already knew the answer.
"Afraid not."
"Don't worry. If anyone wants to reach you, they'll have to go through Capsule Corp," said Bulma.
"I will not have those. . . people calling my home every five minutes." Vegeta stated, crossing his arms.
"I'll hire someone to handle the calls and a different number will be given out." the wife answered.
"Good."
As he laid there, Gohan slipped into his thoughts. At school, it was bad because of who his patents were and who his friends were and who he was dating. He learned to ignore it. But after this, it was going to be ten times as bad. Something he wasn't looking forward too. "Dad, do I have to go to school?"
"Yes, son."
"Great." Gohan pouted.
Sometime later, Doctor Chew arrived. He wanted to see how one of his favorite patents were doing. He informed them that Gohan would be in the hospital until the following day. He wants to keep an eye on Gohan in case infection sets in. A short time later, Hercule flipped the news on. The news was still reporting about the shooting. The head of the hospital gave a press release on Gohan's condition. Both Goku and Gohan were asked to give a short, brief statement sometime. It was also made public as to when Gohan was going to be released.
It was getting late and visiting hours were over. Goku didn't want to leave. Vegeta and Hercule forced him to leave. Bulma headed home while Vegeta went with Goku and Goten back to the house.
On the ride home, Goten had fallen asleep. Vegeta knew his friend was holding his emotions back. When he called to tell them, Goku was near panic on the phone. And all the waiting with no word, just made things worse.
It was about eleven o'clock by the time Goku pulled into the driveway. Careful not to wake the chibi, the father carried the chibi up to his room. Vegeta stayed back, watching. With every passing step, he could see the strong wall crumbling. And he knew his friend was going to need him.
"You don't have to stay. I'm fine." Goku said as he walked into the living room.
"No, you're not." Vegeta stated. "You don't have to put on a brave face for me."
Knowing he was right, Goku collapsed on the couch. He buried his face in his hands. He was finding it harder to hid anything from Vegeta.
"I almost lost him today." the taller Saiyan said.
"But you didn't."
"An inch. He lived by an inch, Vegeta." He looked up at his friend. "If that bullet hit his heart. . ."
"We would have wished him back with the Dragonballs."
"I almost lost him." Goku buried his face and started to cry.
Sitting beside his friend, Vegeta wrapped an arm around his shoulders. The other Saiyan turned and buried his face in his chest and cried harder. The prince held him. He was learning how to comfort his friend. Before he didn't know how. He learned off of the television and Bulma.
"It's going to be okay." the prince said softly. "Gohan and Goten are fine."
Rubbing his back, Vegeta thought about what happened that day. Yes, they did almost loose Gohan. But the boy survived. That's all Goku needed was to loose his son now. They were still recovering from Chichi's death. Even though the man's shock and depression was over, he was still grieving.
What seemed like hours, only a couple of minutes passed. Sniffling, Goku sat up. He kept his eyes down. For some strange reason, he didn't want to look up at the prince. The tears were still rolling down his cheeks.
Vegeta hated seeing his friend hurting. Goku always appeared to be strong. None have ever seen him weak. The heart virus didn't count. The first time they saw him weak was when he collapsed at Chichi's funeral. Even when Chichi died, he was still strong but hurt. And now this. The Saiyan prince is seeing a different side of Earth's hero.
And his heart aced.
"I better go. You okay now?"
"Y. . .yeah. That helped." Goku answered, wiping his eyes.
"Do you want me stay?" the friend asked.
"No. I'll be fine. Plus I don't want Bulma to get made at me." Goku chuckled.
"She wouldn't" Vegeta smiled.
"You better head home." the taller man said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Okay."
"You should rest. You had an exhausted day." Vegeta stood and head to the front door.
Goku followed the man to the door. "Would it be alright if I dropped Goten off in the morning? I don't want to take him to the hospital."
"Sure. 'Night." The man too off into the night sky.
Closing the door behind him, Goku noticed the answering machine was blinking. Wondering who called, he pressed the play button. There were ten messages. All were from Gohan's school. Except one message was from the Ox King.
"Goku, call me. I just heard about Gohan. I would have called Bulma's cell but I lost the number. I don't care what time. Call me."
"Shit! I forgot!" Realizing he forgot to call his father-in-law, he quickly dialed the number.
"Goku, how's Gohan?" the Ox King's deep voice came over the receiver.
"He's fine. It wasn't series. They said an inch to the one side would have killed him. Or if the bullet went an inch in the other direction, he would have lost the use of his left arm." explained the father.
"I kept watching the news and no word. Then they said he was fine. Sometimes I don't trust those reporters. What really did happen?' the father-in-law asked.
Goku quickly explained what happened. The two talked a little while longer. Yawning, he headed up to bed. Sleep didn't come easy. Goku tossed and turned all night. His mind going over the day's events. He was lucky. Everything turned out for the best and Gohan will be fine.
"Trunks, will you just eat?" Vegeta was trying to get his so to eat.
Trunks was sitting in his highchair, playing with his oatmeal. He had it all over himself and some even landed in Vegeta's hair.
"Yucky." Trunks yelled, throwing a small handful at his father.
Vegeta easily dodged the flying mush. "Eat your oatmeal or you won't get to play with Goten when he gets here."
"Gowen!" the chibi cried.
"Did Goku say what time he'll be here?" Bulma asked, stirring the bacon in the pan.
"No. He didn't want to take him to the hospital."
"Poor Goku. I just wish there was something we can do to help. I don't think he has the money to pay the medical bills."
"I don't think so either. Money's tight right now." the prince said trying to wipe Trunks' face.
"Done." the chibi smiled.
"Not done."
"Done."
"Finish."
"Done."
"Finish it."
"Done!"
"Trunks, finish it or no playing with Goten."
"Play with Gowen!"
"Eat."
"No." Trunks was becoming angry. He crossed his arms just like his father does when he's mad. He wanted to play with his friend.
Vegeta was beginning to loose his patents. His son wouldn't eat. Every time he has oatmeal, he won't eat it. He would always go after the food on his dad's plate.
"Anybody here!"
Goku walked into the kitchen, carrying Goten. Seeing each other, the chibis cried excitably. Seeing Trunks and then seeing Vegeta with oatmeal in his hair, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Let me guess, he won't eat the oatmeal again?" asked Goku.
"No." Vegeta answered.
Goten looked up at his father and pointed at the table. "Food."
"Food? You can't be hungry already. I just fed you."
"Food. Twunks."
"If Trunks sees Goten eating, then maybe he will finally eat." Vegeta suggested.
"It might work." Bulma said.
Goku put Goten in the highchair as Bulma sat a bowl of oatmeal in front of him. As soon as the bowl was played before him, Goten attacked it. Trunks watch as his friend eat. The older chibi looked between Goten and his bowl several time. Shrugging his shoulders, he started to eat.
"It worked." the woman exclaimed.
"Told you. Monkey see. Monkey do." Vegeta smirked.
The three parents watched as the two chibis ate. Ever since Goten started to crawl, he would follow Trunks around all day. Before that, Trunks would drag him on a blanket. The first time he did that, Bulma took a picture. They were becoming close friends. Whenever Gohan, Videl or Tention are over, the son of Vegeta and Bulma would always want to play.
"I better get going." Goku announced. "Thanks for watching Goten."
"No problem, Goku. Just drop him off whenever you need to," said the woman.
"Thanks," Goku went over to his son and kissed his forehead. "Be good, Goten." The chibi glanced up at his father and smiled.
"We'll be over later to see Gohan." Vegeta stated.
"Okay. See ya then."
The taller Saiyan waved good-bye as he walked out of the kitchen. A loud laugh caught the parent's attention. They turned to see the two chibis throwing oatmeal at each other. Rolling their eyes, Vegeta and Bulma each grabbed a chibi and headed to the bathroom to clean them off.
"Crap. Crap. Crap. Nothing's on." Gohan said disgusted as he turned off the TV.
He was finding it hard to get comfortable. He didn't sleep well last night because he couldn't lay on his left side. And every half an hour, a nurse was coming in to check on him. Gohan couldn't wait until he was out of there. The demi-Saiyan never really cared for hospitals. Even after all the times he was in one.
Because of his Saiyan hearing, he could hear some of the nurses out in the hall talking. They ere talking about him and Goku. Some of the nurses were saying how gorgeous Goku was and wondered how good he was in bed. Gohan smirked and shook his head. He's been hearing that a lot now. Between the girls at school, the single women teachers and a few single mothers, he heard it all. Hell, even some males wondered too. He knew his dad wasn't ready to date yet. If ever. His parents loved each other very much and married at a young age. Even though the difficult times, they never gave up. Ever night while Goku was gone after he defeated Freiza, Gohan could hear his mom praying that Goku would return home safe. The only time Goku would date is if he was forced into doing it or he found someone he could love. All Gohan wanted was for his dad to be happy.
"There's my grandson." the Ox King exclaimed as he walked into the room.
Seeing his grandpa, Gohan smiled. He loved his grandpa. Ever since he could remember, the large man was there. The demi-Saiyan knew that he would be left with the kingdom whenever he dies. He had suspicions that's reason the Ox King wanted to speak to his dad that day. The large man left everything to him and he wanted Goku to be the witness of the will.
"Hi, grandpa."
"How you feeling?"
"Tired. Couldn't sleep. I kept wanting to lay on my left side but couldn't. Arm's sore." the thirteen year old said.
"It'll be sore for awhile. Don't worry. I bet as soon as you're out of here, your dad will give you a senzu bean." the man said.
"I wish I have one right now. Or Dende."
The Ox King chuckled. "That's my boy. So how are things going at school?"
"Okay. My teachers are dumb. I know more then they do. The food could be better though."
"And how's Videl?"
A deep blush appeared on his cheeks. Ever since he turned thirteen, he started to go through Saiyan puberty. He's starting to notice Videl's body a lot more. And he's starting to think nasty things too. When this started to happen, Vegeta, Goku and Bulma sat both boyfriend and girlfriend down and explained what was going to happen. Videl thought it was cool that her boyfriend was thinking nasty things about her. Whenever he would think or dream or fantasies, Gohan would write it down. No one knew of the journal.
"You two getting that series?" the grandfather asked.
"Yeah. Things are getting that series. I love her." Gohan exclaimed.
The man smiled. "I'm glade you found someone. So, when does the sex start?" He have an evil grin.
Gohan was shocked to hear his grandpa say something like that. His jaw dropped opened. Eve since Cell, he was finding it easier to talk to the older man about anything. But he never thought they would talk about sex.
"Grandpa! I can't believe you just asked that!"
"What? It was an honest question."
"That's something Master Roshi would say!" Gohan exclaimed.
The large man laughed harder. All their friends were wondering as well. The Z fighters were starting to take bets as to when they start having sex. Goku didn't care as long as Gohan talked to him before hand.
An orderly came into the room, carrying a tray. The demi-Saiyan wrinkled his noise when he saw his breakfast. He told the orderly to take it away. The orderly informed him that he has to eat or the doctor won't be happy. As soon as the orderly left, Gohan pushed the tray away from him. He would rather starve before he ate that stuff. The Ox King was ready to head to the cafeteria to get something to eat when Goku arrived.
When the father arrived, he was out of breath and his clothes were disarranged. The cause: the media outside. He was trying to enter the hospital when all the reporters mobbed him. Sure he could have handled them. But he didn't want to show his true power. The police finally came to rescue him.
"Where's Goten?" Gohan asked when he didn't see his little brother. "Or did you leave him outside as a distraction?" he smiled.
"No. He should be getting into trouble with Trunks. I didn't want to drag him here." Goku answered.
"With nothing to do, he would get very cranky."
"Yeah. How are you feeling?" Goku asked sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"Better. Arm's still sore and I'm tried. Couldn't sleep. Tention called this morning. He wanted to know how I was going. Then Videl stopped by real quick before school. She was her for ten minutes before running out saying she was late." A bid smile crossed his face at the thought of his girlfriend. "That's my girl."
"As soon as you're out of here, we'll see if Korin has any senzu beans left. If not, a trip to the lookout?" the father suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me." the son said.
The smell of food, good food, filtered into the room. The Ox King entered the room carrying five containers. Seeing the containers, Gohan's eyes widen and drool began to drip from his mouth. He knew the food was for him. Sitting the containers in front of his grandson, Gohan started to woof the food down. Several times Goku tried to snatch a piece of toast only to have his hand blasted. His father-in-law joked about never to steal food from a Saiyan. Especially a hungry Saiyan.
Doctor Chew came in a while later. Gohan kept begging to go home. Laughing, the doctor said no even after being told that the boy would fine a senzu bean or go see his guardian friend. Some time later, the Ox King left. Goku stayed with his son. The father didn't want to leave his son. The two watched television and talked. At lunchtime, Bulma, Vegeta, Trunks and Goten came for a visit. The chibis were excited to see Gohan. They kept wanting to crawl all over him. The adults were trying to keep them off of the boy in fear they would hurt Gohan accidentally.
Around three o'clock, the door opened and Videl and Tention bolted in. Videl was smothering her boyfriend with kissed while Tention crushed his friend in a hug. Everyone in school thought Gohan was a hero. And how brave he was to take the bullet for his brother. Gohan didn't like it. They were getting too much attention. Soon someone will start snooping around and discover their secretes.
Goku was forced to leave when visiting hours were over. The Saiyan Instant Transmission to Capsule Corp. He was exhausted. He never left the hospital all day. Ever so often, he called to check on Goten. He knew the chibi was in good hands.
When Goku arrived at Capsule Corp, he found Vegeta in the living room, watching a movie. Seeing the taller Saiyan, the prince motioned for him to be quite and pointed to the floor by the television. Laying on a blanket, surrounded by toys, were Trunks and Goten, sound asleep.
"They exhausted themselves." Vegeta explained quietly.
Goku chuckled as he sat down on the couch beside his friend. "Where's Bulma?"
"Office. She's going through all the phone messages for you and Gohan."
"I wish people would leave us alone." Goku stated as he crossed his arms and leaned back against the couch.
"I know. If someone starts sniffing around and discover our secretes, who knows what will happen. In the meantime, I'll be teaching you, Gohan and Bulma Saiyan. I've already deleted the translator."
"Okay." They sat there for a few minutes, not saying anything. "Thank you."
"For what?" asked the prince.
"For being there for me. You're a great friend, Vegeta. I'm glade you're here." exclaimed the younger man.
"I should be thanking you. You, Gohan and Bulma gave me a second chance. After Cell, I stopped to see what I have and I found I made a home here. I had a friend who wouldn't give up on me, a woman I loved and three wonderful children. With everything that happened, I discovered feelings I never knew I had. I stopped thinking about myself and started thinking about others. I want Trunks to grow up knowing he's loved."
"You've changed so much that sometimes it's hard to picture the old you." said Goku. "Three children?"
"Trunks, Mairi and Gohan. And now Goten. I think of Gohan and Goten as my boys too. So I guess you could figure out what was going through my head when you called. I feared the worst. Not knowing what was going on. No one telling us anything. But I kept telling myself that he's a Saiyan and a fighter. He would pull through. And he did." explained Vegeta.
"Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, a family man."
The two friends smiled at each other. Ever since Chichi died, they became closer. Nothing could break their friendship.
The two talked for a while. Bulma found them holding their sleeping sons. The chibis woke up at one point, saw their dads, claimed up into their laps and fell asleep. Goku left shortly there after. He had a busy day the next day. Gohan was being released plus the media. A day he wasn't looking forward too.
"I say we blow them up."
"Vegeta!"
"What? It's the truth. They're annoying me."
The man glanced over at his wife. Bulma had one of her "I can't believe you, Vegeta" looks. Vegeta shrugged his shoulders. The husband and wife and Goku were being escorted through a side entrance of the hospital so they could avoid the media.
Because Gohan was leaving the hospital, the media wanted him to speak about what happened. When the three arrived, the head of the hospital told Goku this. The Earth raised Saiyan wanted nothing to do with the media. He asked Bulma to talk to media. She agreed to be the Son's spoke person.
The hospital was extra busy. There was more security patrolling the halls. The three arrived at the Gohan's room. They found the boy standing at the window, looking out. His left arm was up in a sling. Hearing the three adults entering, Gohan looked up at them.
"No one can get into the hospital because of them. Because of me." said Gohan.
"You did the right thing by protecting Goten. The media needed something to report on. Something exciting. It's bad timing that's all."
"I know. I just don't like the attention." the boy stated.
"We all don't." Bulma said stepping up to the boy.
"Doctor Chew was in. He said my arm looks fine and I get to leave."
"I say we get the hell out of here then." Vegeta spoke up.
"Let me go see if I can fine someone with the paper work." Bulma said, leaving the room.
"In the meantime, lets get you dressed." Goku exclaimed sitting the duffle bag on the bed.
Vegeta pulled the curtain so they had some privacy. Carefully, the two men removed the sling. Gohan winced a little when they removed the gown. Digging through the bag, Goku pulled out a pair of shorts, a button down shirt and a pair of sneakers. The two men had to help Gohan dress himself. As Goku was tying the shoes, Vegeta helped up the shirt on and button it. Gohan couldn't wait to get out of there and heal his arm. Then he wouldn't feel so helpless.
The boy sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the two adults talking when Bulma, Doctor Chew and the head of the hospital entered the room. The three Saiyans could tell Bulma wasn't happy.
"How are you feeling, Gohan?" the head of the hospital asked.
"I want out of here." Gohan hissed.
"And you are. But…"
"But?" Goku asked.
"The media wants Gohan and you to speak. They are waiting in the press room." the man finished.
"No." declared Gohan.
"It's too late. Don't have a choice." Bulma snapped.
"Fine." Goku's voice growled.
Goku signed the paper work to release Gohan. The nurse disappeared and returned with a wheelchair. The group headed down to the pressroom to face the media. As they walked, Goku took over pushing his son in the wheelchair. The father didn't want to speak. All he wanted to do was to take his son home. He never did care for being in the public eye. He was a private person.
As they got closer to the pressroom, they could hear the media talking. Gohan asked if he has to speak or even go into the room. The head f the hospital told him yes. Goku made it clear that if Gohan tells any of them he was tired or in pain, they were leaving.
Once at the door, the head of the hospital and Doctor Chew stepped into the room. The room quieted down when the man stepped up to the podium. Goku didn't listen to what was being said. He was too busy talking to Vegeta. The two Saiyans were making plans on how they could blow up the room fill with reports. Ever so often, Bulma would tell them to be quite. Then Gohan got into the fun. Before they knew it, they were being motioned into the room.
Once they stepped into the room, camera flashes went off. Questions upon questions were being fired at them. A man put the microphones on the table Gohan was wheeled to. Goku sat on one side while Bulma sat on the other side. Vegeta stood behind them, as if he was guarding Gohan.
"Gohan, Jack Emerson from Star Global." a man said standing up.
"I know who you are. You're that gossip reporter who loves ruining people's lives." Gohan snapped.
"I just report on what people wants to hear." Jack stated, smiling.
"Yeah, lies." Vegeta hissed.
A buzz filled the room. It seemed that none of the other reporters there liked Jack every well. Someone chuckled while others made comments about being told off again. Some of the reporters publicly stated they didn't like him and how he reports on things. They even tried to get him banned from any newspaper or television news program. But a sleazy television network picked him up and gave him his own show. A show that was on any other channel would have been canceled a long time ago.
"Who are you?" asked the reporter.
"None of your business." the prince hissed.
"By the way you're standing there, it seems that you're a bodyguard of some sort." said Jack.
"Yeah I am. Guarding Gohan from assholes like you."
"Vegeta!" Goku growled turning to look at his friend.
He knew Vegeta meant well and was just looking after Gohan. But right now they didn't want anymore unwanted attention. Vegeta saw that in Goku's eyes. And he suddenly felt bad. Not just for Goku but for Gohan. The boy had gone threw a lot in the past two and half days. Vegeta was scared when he learned the boy that had grown to be a son to him, was shot. As they waited for information on Gohan, his mind kept replaying last weekend. He, Gohan and Goku were out training. Vegeta was teaching him a new ki attack and the boy mastered it in record time. Vegeta was very proud of him. Putting a hand on Gohan's shoulder, he smiled proudly down at the boy as the boy smiled brightly up at him.
"Vegeta? Are you a friend of the Sons or someone they hired?" Jack smirked. He was trying to get Vegeta pissed. He wanted some action out of this press conference. He was already smelling a story from the Sons.
"He's a friend." Goku snapped back.
"He's my husband." Bulma spoke.
Everyone in the room was shocked. They had heard the rumors that Bulma Brief was married and had a kid. But never saw the husband or the kid. Now standing before them was the mysterious husband. A husband that had an attitude and was gorgeous on top of that.
"So, you're the rumored husband. A lot of us thought you were just made up. A ploy to keep men away. Darn. Well, I guess I won't be going after Bulma then." Jack chuckled. Now that he learned the truth about the husband, now he would like to know who this Vegeta person really is.
Vegeta growled and started towards Jack when both Bulma and Goku stopped him. They whispered something to him. Before stepping back into his pervious spot, the Saiyan price glared at the reporter. The three knew what the reporter was trying to do. He was trying to get reaction from Vegeta. And the prince almost gave him one. They also knew if they haven't stopped him, then he would have gone over and punched the man.
"If you don't have a question, then I suggest you sit down so someone else could ask one." Goku growled in a harsh tone. He didn't want it to sound harsh but the way he was feeling at the moment, he didn't care.
"Touchy, Goku. I was just making a statement. I'll get to my question in a minute." Jack stated, smirking.
/ That's it// Gohan yelled through the training bond he had with Goku and Vegeta. "You don't have minute. Shut up and sit down. We're through talking to you." Gohan snapped, sending a glare towards the man.
Gohan's outburst shocked everyone. Well, almost everyone. The two full blooded Saiyans and the blue hair woman smirked at each other. Doctor Chew quickly recovered from the shock and smiled. He knew Gohan took his little temper fits from Chichi. Like mother like son. He knew if she were there now, she would be proud of him.
Jack couldn't believe Gohan said that. Just by looking at the boy, he looked a bit shy and quite. But from what he had heard about Gohan Son, he was anything but shy and quite. He had friends, good grade, hell; his teachers were calling him a mini genius. And his fighting skills are rumored to rival that of Goku's. Since no one has ever seen him fight, except Videl Satan and possible some of his friends, it was only hear say. Jack had a feeling that there was something more to Gohan. Hell the whole Brief and Son families. A plan started to form.
Questions after questions were asked. Gohan and Goku answered them as honestly as they could. Some question came too close to their secretes. They had to word their responses just right so nothing would revealed.
"Gohan, how does it feel to have the legendary martial artist as your dad?" Jack asked, standing up. Gohan glared at him. "I heard this question from many people. Especially from kids. Goku's a hero to a lot of young kids who would like to take up fighting. And a hero to a lot of others. Everyone's wondering how it feels."
/ You don't have to answer that./Goku told him son.
/No. I'll answer it./ the teen answered back.
/ Just blast the bastard and get it over with. / Vegeta chimed in.
/ Vegeta! / both father and son exclaimed.
/ What? /
"What can I say? He's my dad. I never knew he was famous until I started school."
"What about your mom, Chichi?" Jack asked.
"What about her?" Gohan wondered where he was going.
"A princess and fighter herself. How do you feel about trying to be a normal thirteen year and being a prince at the same time?" Jack smirked again.
A warning signal was going off in Goku's head. He didn't like how Jack brought up Chichi like that. Sure they were asked they were coping with Chichi's death. But something about that question Goku didn't like. The same warning signal was going off in Gohan, Bulma and Vegeta's heads.
"For you're information, when Chichi and I married, she gave that up. She wanted a normal, quite life with her family. Gohan is NOT a prince." Goku jumped in before Gohan could answered. He voice raised on the word 'Not' to put some emissive on the word.
The room was quite. Gohan leaned over and quietly spoke with Goku. The head of the hospital stepped over to see what was going on. He told him that the interrogation, as the Saiyans called it, was over. Gohan was starting to get tired and his arm was starting to hurt. The head of the hospital announced that the press conference was over. The reporters were shouting last minute questions. Goku, Vegeta, Bulma and Gohan ignored them. As quickly as possible, they hurried out of there.
The Trip to the Son house didn't take long. Gohan's arm started to hurt more and started to itch. After they took off, Goku asked Bulma to hurry them home. Goku was relieved that the interview was over. Just being in that room with all the questions, made him uncomfortable. He never cared or wanted fame. He did what he wanted or got the job done. Then there was that uneasy feeling. It was more like a bad feeling. And it has something to do with Jack Emerson. Even Vegeta had the feeling.
When they arrived, all the Z fighters were gathered together outside. They wanted to see how Gohan was doing. As soon as Gohan got out of the plane, Videl and Tention ran to him and hugged him.
"Nice press conference." Tien said as the adults joined the group.
The three were confused. "It was live on almost every channel." Yamcha explained.
"Live?" the four exclaimed.
"Yup. That ass Jack Emerson dedicated his whole show to it." Hercule added.
"Fuck." Goku hissed.
It shocked the Z fighters, except Gohan, Bulma and Vegeta, of the language Goku was using. They never heard him swore like that. Of course no one was allowed to swear in front of Chichi. Another sign Chichi was gone.
"Um…excuse me!" Gohan shouted. Everyone turned to him. "Did anyone bother to bring a senzu bean with them?"
"Korin said the new batch won't be ready for another three weeks." answered Piccolo.
Gohan's jaw dropped opened when he heard that. He would have to wait three weeks before he could heal his arm. Then he remembered Dende. "Okay. Where's Dende?
"Gohan, I think it be best to let your arm heal naturally." Goku told his son.
The teenager couldn't believe what he was hearing. Usually during training, they use a senzu bean to heal their wounds. He doesn't understand why this time was different. Plus Goku even said about using a senzu bean or asking Dende to heal his arm. "Dad, I don't understand. You said. . ."
"I know what I said. That was before the press conference. I don't want to draw any more attention to us. Especially Jack Emerson. I don't trust that guy." explained Goku.
"Damn." Gohan hissed miserably.
"Gohan." Goku had a hard tone in his voice.
"Sorry." his son said in a low voice.
Goku didn't care if Gohan swore as long as he didn't say it in front of others and the chibis. The father knew his son wouldn't do anything to go against him. That's why Goku lets Gohan do what ever he wanted.
The Z fighters tried to figure out what they could do so anyone snooping around wouldn't discover any of their secretes. None of them trusted Jack Emerson. They knew what the man was capable of doing and would go to the extreme to find a piece of information. They were afraid of what would happen if Jack exposed Gohan for defeating Cell and that would happen if he exposed the Saiyans.
In a dark office on the East Side of Satan City, Jack Emerson stared at the television screen. He was watching the recording of the press conference from earlier that day. Goku and Gohan were anxious to get out of there. The statement Goku made about wanting to be left alone, just the way he said it, Jack knew the Sons were hiding something.
Because Goku was a mystery and no one knew who he really was, Jack decided to get to the bottom and try to learn who Goku Son really was.
Laying beside him on the desk was a folder marked, "Goku Son: The Legendary Martial Artist. But Who is He Really?" Jack found his newest project.
"I will find out who you really are, Goku. And when I do, I will expose you for who you really are."
Five hundred miles away, the Son House sat quietly. Goten was in bed and Gohan was falling asleep on the couch, watching television. Sitting at the kitchen table, Goku was busy making out bills. He was relieved to hear that all of Gohan's medical expensive would be taken care of. The father started to wonder how they would pay for it.
Earlier, after everyone had gone home, Goku was trying to balance the checkbook. As he was doing so, he noticed that money was slowly decreeing. He and Chichi knew money would be tight with the new baby. They shouldn't have a problem. But Goku was noticing they were starting to have trouble. When he saw that, the father asked the son to double-check his math in case he added wrong. He had done it right. Gohan became concerned. Goku told his son they were all right. There were some things they wouldn't be buying. They were just going to buy the necessaries.
Looking over to where his son was sound asleep, Goku started thinking. He's going to have to do something. If not, they won't have any money and no place to live. What Goku didn't know was the rough road that they were heading towards. A road that was filled with bumps and troubles.
The trouble has started and the road before the Sons is dark. What other troubles will show themselves?
Well? What do you think? Don't forget to review!