Chapter 5 : A Plan of Action
"Gohan!" Goku called. "Where could he be?" he thought. Just then he saw someone sitting on a park bench in the distance. "Gohan!" he yelled while running towards that direction. As he neared closer he saw that it was indeed Gohan. He sat with his legs spread wide a part, his hands placed in the middle, and his head hung low. Goku sat down beside him. He could tell that Gohan was feeling very uncomfortable and started to say..."Gohan...I, I just want to tell you that..."
"...Just stop. It's ok dad, you don't have to say anything, and I don't expect you to help me out on this one." he interrupted.
"What's that suppose to mean?" answered Goku. "Of course I'm going to help you. Not only is it my job, it's my re..."
"...You're wrong dad, it's not your job, OR responsibility! I'm not a little kid anymore, this is my problem, my fight, and I'm old enough to deal with it on my own."
Goku glared at Gohan in shock.
"I'm sorry dad, it's just that I don't want you getting involved and pay the price for my actions." he finished.
"What actions? Gohan, would you listen to yourself!" started Goku. "Or have you forgotten that you haven't even done ANYTHING! You heard that Saldore guy. I'm just as much involved in this thing as you are. So stop beating yourself up over something you had no control over. Whatever, this thing is we're in it together!" he finished.
"Err…" Gohan sighed. "If I didn't go and trouble that stupid gem, none of this would've happened in the first place!"
"You don't know that," Goku comforted.
"Dad, I understand that you're want to help, but can we be reasonable for a change? I mean normally I'd agree, but this time I don't see much that we can do."
"So what are you saying? that you're just going to give in to these guys!" argued Goku.
"No, but..."
"...but nothing!" he interrupted. Never say never, if you talk like that, then the battles already lost! You know that."
"I...err..." Gohan didn't know what to say. Just then Goku put his hand on Gohan's shoulder.
"...Besides, you should know by now that we don't play by the rules!" said Goku with a wink. Gohan gave a satisfied grin.
"Heh, yeah. I guess you're right dad."
"Of course!" said Goku with a big smile. "Now, let's get down to business," he said with a more serious tone and look.
"Right!" answered Gohan.
"Let's start by getting the others. We'll need as much help as we can get if we're going to search for this Omni character. It would be good if we could stop him before any of it even starts!" explained Goku.
"Maybe it doesn't work that way. Maybe he won't even appear until I'm gone..."
"...we can't afford to think like that!" Goku interrupted. "It's going to work out Gohan...it always does." Gohan stood tall.
"You're right dad! No more feeling sorry for myself! It's time to do something about it!" he proclaimed.
Goku grinned. "Well, that's the Gohan I know!"
"So, uh...what exactly did ya have planned?" he asked.
"...Uh, planned?"
"Daaaaad!" exclaimed Gohan.
"Heh, heh, relax Gohan, I was only kidding!" joked Goku. Then he put his hand on Gohan's shoulder and used the other one for instant transmission. "First stop...Dende's lookout!"
------------------End of chapter 5----------------------