Disclaimer: Sorry, don't own dbz, so don't ask me for money

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A/N: Okay, Haven't wrote a chapter in a while so this might seem a little weird, cause I have to get used to writing again. Please Review!

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The New Empire Ch. 15: Come As You Are

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Last time, on The New Empire

Just as Kakkarot got close, both Gohan and Leader rushed forward and yelled out, "ATTACK!"

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Kakkarot watched lazily, if not with disinterest, as Leader came from his left with a ki blast to his side. Looking to his right, Leader saw that Gohan decided not to use an energy attack and was planning to attack with fists alone.

As these combined attacks came at Kakkarot, the lone saiyan sent his own ki blast at Leader to negate his ki blast attempt, then flipped over Gohan and used his leg to land a blow upon the king's head, sending Gohan several feet away.

What Kakkarot did not expect was another blast that came at his abdomen with great speed. Using his maneuverability, Kakkarot twisted his body down and flipped into the air and over the ki blast that could have only came from Demon.

Gggg

For the next several minutes, this went on. Kakkarot testing his opponent, while never being touched, even once. Was the entire fight going to be like this? Such a waste.

Kakkarot stopped his dodging in an instant, making the others freeze as well, wondering what was going on. It was then when Kakkarot had chosen to speak, "Okay, that was fun. However, I am done exercising. How about we get to the real fight?"

Suspicious of his opponent, Gohan hesitantly nodded, indicating that he was okay with getting strait to the real fight, "I suppose that I've had enough of a warm-up. How 'bout you, Leader?"

A few feet from Gohan, stood Leader. The saiyan relaxed, "Well, I guess I've worked all the kinks out. Time to really pull out all the moves now."

Both got back into their own flawless fighting stances, ready for the battle. It was now just Demon who stood frozen as he had been. His eyes were fixed on the entire battlefield, just as he was taught to do in a major battle. However, all his teachings were worthless at the moment. How wrong he was to think that he would not be surprised in a real battle.

"How could this be," Demon whispered under his breath, "Why do I feel so terrified? I've been in battle just as dangerous as this one, so why does this fight feel so…new?"

Though Demon was asking himself that question, he already knew the answer. It was Gohan, his future self. All the battles up until this one were a sure win, because his future self had never died. What now? The outcome of this battle was unknown, putting all of their lives on the line. This battle was real, and there was no sure things.

With that being known, Demon tore his eyes off of the battlefield and looked at the stone that was hanging on his neck. The amber. The same stone that was going to change the way he was completely. The other part of a black marble stone worn around his future self. However, Demon knew that he owned the better of the two stones.

With new confidence, Demon lowered himself onto the ground and crouched on one knee( like when a guy proposes). From there, he focused all of his concentration on his surroundings, and from his position, he could leap to action in an instant. If the old saying was true, then all he had to do wait feel for the right moment to come to activate his stone. Just feel for it.

Gohan looked at Demon with a questionable glare, "Yo, Demon! What's up with you?"

Looking around with cold calculated eyes, he answered, "I'm sitting this one out, Gohan. Waiting for the right moment."

Understanding, Gohan nodded, then returned his attention to Kakkarot. With a determined look in his eyes, he changed his battle stance and was ready to unleash an energy attack.

Leader stayed in the same defense stance that he was in, not having a reason to change it. Looking at Kakkarot, he smirked. He would beat this clown.

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Kakkarot grew tired of watching all of this. Deciding to go on the offensive, he rocketed toward Gohan with his fists on his side. The little saiyan who used to be his son will now be dead in a matter of moments.

Gohan laughed slightly. Bringing his hands together, he used them to form a circle, and focused his energy. When it built up, Gohan aimed and fired, "LION'S PREY!"

A great golden stream of energy escaped his body and sped towards Kakkarot. Waiting though all the tension, Gohan smirked when the blast his and Kakkarot was halted, then thrown back. The blast exploded and enveloped Kakkarot.

Gohan sighed. His new attack worked perfectly. However, he was no fool. Once the dust settled, Kakkarot will be standing. In fact, Gohan could already make out Kakkarot's outline.

Sure enough, as the dist went away, Kakkarot was on his feet and staring at Gohan with a mix of hated and confusion, "How did you use that much energy without any stress?"

Gohan laughed, "Sure, I'll explain. Apart from the new blast I made, there was another new attack in it that you could not see. I have taken the spirit bomb, and formed it within my body so it could not be seen. At the same time, absorbing the energy it had. As you know, a normal spirit bomb would still not be powerful enough, so I'll explain that as well. This entire time, I've been forming it, and not taking the energy from nature. Instead, I've been stealing your energy, as well as energy from all the saiyans in Leader's army. See, that blast I just hit you with was just a taste compared to the rest of the energy I've collected. I'm your equal right now. Just like our last battle on earth."

Kakkarot laughed, "Not quite. If we return to those times, then I must start to make use of my old tricks. Hope you remember it, cause it will be increased since I'm stronger now."

Gohan watched Kakkarot raise his arm into the air, and his hand grab onto a lock of his hair. Gohan's eyes widened. This was the power up that Goku had used, not to mention that Goku almost killed him with it.

As Demon and Leader sat around in confusion, Gohan was praying that they would make it though this next attack.

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Planet Vegeta

Goten's Bedchamber

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With all of his concentration, Goten was keeping up with the battle. He had felt the power surge that Gohan was making to absorb the strange spirit bomb. He had to admit, his brother was a genius in battle. That thought brought a smirk to his face.

Damien and Starra, Goten's twin children, were following the battle as well. However, as saiyans have a sixth sense about fighting, their mother's Peraltan blood, the twin's had a seventh sense. That sense was knowing even the smallest change in something.

Starra looked at her brother with a worried glance, to which Damien nodded and turned towards Gohan, "Father, Kakkarot is doing something. It seems his energy is growing stronger."

Goten's head shot up, "Oh, no…"

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Two Hours Later

Planet Vegeta

Throne Room

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Vegeta had rounded up all the strongest warriors that was on the planet at the time. He had a feeling that Goku was about to make his move. Looking at the room full of mighty saiyans and legendary friends, he nodded.

"First," Vegeta said to get their attention, "The enemy is Goku and whoever else he brings. Remember that Goku is mine alone to fight, with the exception of Goten in he can handle it. Your mission is to defeat the other fighters that are with him. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!" said the entire room at once.

Vegeta smirked, "Then let's go get those weaklings! To the battlefield!"

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Supreme Kai

Supreme Kai's Planet

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( A/N: Okay, this next part might be a little confusing, because you're not supposed to know what I'm talking about yet.)

Elder Kai looked over at Supreme kai and sighed, "Dammit, young one! You made a wise choice by having Gohan go to fight Kakkarot."

Supreme Kai lowered his head, "I fear that it wasn't. If I hadn't of sent Gohan, then Leader would have died and would never be able threaten Gohan and Videl's bond ever again. The armies would have died at Kakkarot's hand as well. I lied to Gohan about what he should do. Truth is, he should have stayed on his planet."

Elder Kai shook his head, "This is better. If he had stayed out of it, then the power in those stones would not have ever came out. Hell, they still might not come out. However, if it doesn't show up this time, then Goku will certainly put them in the situation to activate them. You had to lie to him, and that's the truth. For you know how important those powers will be in the future. Anyway, no harm can come from what you've done. So, stop worrying! As long as Gohan doesn't find out that you lied to him, you'll be fine."

Supreme Kai frowned, "No harm, huh? Anyway, Gohan finding out we lied is the last of my worries. With what I've done, Leader will live. When Gohan came to this time, and at Planet Vegeta, he inadvertently changed the very nature of saiyans. And if Leader repeats what he did to Gohan to any saiyan with an above average power level, well, you know how it will mix with what Gohan changed in saiyan nature."

Elder Kai looked at his feet, "I didn't think about that."

Supreme Kai glared at the old kai, "Exactly."

Elder Kai looked back up, "Well, there is a chance that everything could change during this fight."

The young kai sighed, "I hate it when I have to depend on nothing but hope."

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Planet Vegeta

Planned Battlefield

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Just as Vegeta expected, it wasn't even five minutes after they arrived at the deserted plains, when Goku and his six companions made their entrance out of thin air. Upon seeing each other, face to face, they all stiffened except for Goku, Android 17, Vegeta, and Goten. All they did was glare at each other as if challenging each other to make a move.

Using the age-old rules of a battle, both Vegeta and Goku stepped to the middle of the space between their fighters.

Each circling each other, they gauged their opponent.

After circling twice, Goku stopped, "Where's Gohan? You took him. And the others. Piccolo, Bulma. I want them back."

Vegeta had a confused look on his face as he rubbed his temples in a sarcastic manner, "Well, gee! I know Bulma and Piccolo left your planet. However, Gohan hasn't been in your care for years! Oh, I see now! You must mean Demon! Yeah, that's what he wants us to call him. You better watch out. Last person who called him Gohan was a priest. Now, the guy is just another person who has to eat apple sauce all the time since he has no teeth. Or tongue."

Goku felt a chill run down his spine, but shook it off, "Where is he? I want to see him NOW!"

Vegeta frowned and leaned towards Goku and held up three fingers, "One, never yell at me again if you want to keep your voice box. Two, don't make demands on a planet not of your own. Three, Demon isn't even here. He went with Gohan to kill Kakkarot. They should be back anytime now."

Goku couldn't help the beads of sweat forming on his head. This Vegeta was way more intimidating than the one he knew, "What about Bulma and Piccolo? They're here. They will never be your slaves again."

Vegeta chuckled, "Where do you come up with these ideas? Truly, I couldn't come up with things like that if I tried for a thousand years."

Goku frowned, "Then where are they?"

Vegeta stood strait, "As you know, Bulma is my mate and she chose to live with me. You know as well as I do that the strongest man in the universe couldn't hold her against her will. As for Piccolo, well, he's right over there with my soldiers, ready to fight any one of you who tries to bring us harm on this planet."

Goku stared at the Namek who was smirking at him, "Piccolo, when? Why? Why did you switch sides all of a sudden?"

Piccolo gave his deep, evil laugh, "All of a sudden? I've been on this side since Gohan was still a baby. The stranger who beat the crap out of you that day in the field? That was Gohan."

Though he tried to hide it, shock passed through Goku's expression. This was growing too confusing. It wasn't until Vegeta began to speak again when Goku was able to escape all the questions forming in his mind.

Vegeta could tell that Goku did not hear him, so he repeated the question, "Now that you know the truth, what will you do? There is no cause for you anymore, so why still fight? No reason."

Goku looked pained for a moment, but that quickly passed, "There's still one more reason to fight. The plan that Kakkarot and I came up with. We will destroy this planet and every saiyan on it! This evil shall be eradicated!"

Vegeta laughed, "What do you think we are? Satanists in a Christian church, you dumbass? Not only is that the most idiotic reason to fight, but also it is impossible to destroy us. We've corrected mistakes made last time and we are no longer as fragile as we once were, all thanks to Kakkarot's son, Gohan."

Goku was at a loss of words. He wanted to back up his argument, but there was nothing coming to his mind.

Vegeta sighed, "Damn it all! I can't believe I'm doing this, but leave here now. Go home, find something you can grab onto as a reason to fight, and if you do come back, we'll take you on then. It wouldn't be worth it to fight you right now. You have no motivation, so therefore you'd be easier to defeat. I want you at your best. Now, GO!"

Goku was about to say something back, when he noticed that Vegeta had turned around and was already heading back to his group. With that gesture, Goku noticed his defeat and went back to his group and told them it was time to leave. There was nothing on this planet for them at the moment, but they'll be back soon.

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Kakkarot fighting Leader, Gohan, and Demon

Planet unknown

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Gohan collapsed to the cool ground, making some of his pains ease. Kakkarot was going to win. No doubt about that. Leader was already unconscious about thirty feet away from him, and Demon could never defeat Kakkarot if he couldn't. If only things were like last time.

However, they weren't. Somehow, Kakkarot had managed to perfect the Pasis Sacrifice. There were only two weaknesses to that technique. First, there was the time limit of five minutes. Second, the technique weakened the user's physical strength. Now, even those only weaknesses had been overcome. Kakkarot didn't have a time limit, and he still had all of his strength. There was no hope.

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Demon had not moved at all since he first sat there. Gohan was getting beaten badly, and Leader was down for the count. Kakkarot would glance at him every now and then, but mostly he was just gloating to the army, just as he was now.

Wait!

This was his chance! Leaping up from his spot, Demon raced towards Gohan and his necklace. All he had to do was touch his stone of Amber to Gohan's stone of Black Marble, and say the word to unlock the power!

As Demon was about halfway to Gohan, Kakkarot noticed Demon rocketing toward Gohan. Knowing that the kid was up to something, Kakkarot shot toward Demon. The kid will never make it to his future self.

From the moment Demon left his spot to get to Gohan, and the point where Kakkarot was trying to make it there before Demon, the whole race had taken less than two seconds time with their speed. The outcome of this race was going to be determined by an eyelash.

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Getting to Gohan half a second before Kakkarot, Demon forced the two stones together. As fast as he could he shouted, "DESTINY!"

Right away, a dark silver light enveloped Gohan and Demon. Kakkarot, being so close, was thrown back harshly, making him crash into a pile of broken saiyan pods.

Furious, Kakkarot blasted out of the wreckage that he was buried in. Looking at the sphere of dark silver, he wondered what was happening to them that even the energy from the process threw him that hard and far. Indeed, he was over a mile away from where he was thrown from. Using Instant Transmission, he brought himself seventy yards from the sphere.

"If I wasn't so damned concerned about what will happen to them once this is done, I would find this fascinating," he spat.

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Demon and Gohan

Inside the Sphere

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Demon looked in front of him to see nothing, but to feel energy rush into his body. It wasn't great, the feeling. Actually, it was greatly painful. He had felt pain this bad only twice in his life, though he could not remember where. However, with those other two times, the pain was gone as soon as it had came. This pain felt like it was never going to end.

The only way his mind could explain it to himself was a way that he didn't want to think about. His body was being filled with energy like how a balloon is filled with air. And just like that balloon being filled, Demon felt as if he was about to blow up from too much energy.

Apart from the energy, there were other pains, though not as bad. His skin felt really hot, like he was being branded. Then, the muscles in his arms felt as if they were being scrunched together. Lastly, there was a feeling as if his hair was being pulled back.

In an instant, it was if he never felt that pain. In fact, Demon felt better than he ever had before. Muscles felt so relaxed, like he'd just been give a massage. He knew he had all the energy that was pouring into him. He could feel it with every cell in his body.

Opening his eyes, he blinked. Something was happening to his eyes! He could see so much, more than even saiyan eyesight had given him. Wanting to see with his full vision, he went to wipe the lock of hair that was always in his face, only to find that it was not there. Raising his hand to his head, he pulled down a lock, only to see that it was as white a snow itself. Letting go, he found out that the hair shot strait back to where it was before.

As he was bringing his hand down from his face, he quickly noticed that his skin was tanned a considerable amount more than before. Also, there seemed to be some sort of tribal marks covering his left and right forearms.

Stretching slightly, Demon then noticed the last change he could find without looking in the mirror. It was his build. Before, he had some stock to it, but now, it was shrunken and highly toned. Turning, the build Demon now possessed had a reason. His speed and agility. And his eyesight had increased so highly, that he could see what muscles were about to move by the way they twitched. Using that sight, he could put it to use to know his opponent's move before it was even executed.

Now, after seeing all of the changes, Demon was sure as to where he had felt that pain twice before. It was during his first times he transformed into Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2. Knowing that, he also felt that he could change back into his regular self and then back again at will. Whether he could or not, he didn't want to put it to the test just yet. Not with Kakkarot just outside and ready to kill him and Gohan on sight. This was the only chance they had.

Though all of this, there was one thing that was bothering him. Where had Gohan went to during all of this? After all, he was a major part of this as well.

As if on cue, The wall on the sphere started to crumble, and when it fell Demon found out that he had only taken half of the sphere. On the other side of the now-crumpled wall, was where Gohan had went through his own transformation. In fact, there now stood Gohan in flesh. His injuries before the transformations had all disappeared as if the beating had never taken place.

Looking at each other for a moment, they both quickly realized that their transformations were almost exactly alike. There was one difference that Demon could find was that Gohan's hair was black, and now as short as his.

Demon laughed, "Do you feel the energy?"

Gohan looked at his hands, "Yeah."

Looking at Gohan's eyes, Demon said, "Your eyes are like blue crystals."

Gohan shrugged, still amazed by the new power he had, "Yours are blood red with pupils like cats."

Demon laughed, "This is fantastic! You feel up to a test run? Find out how well we do in a battle that we couldn't win before?"

To that, Gohan smirked evilly, "Now that is a good idea. Let's destroy this bastard!"

As soon as it was decided, the sphere began to disappear. It was time to face Kakkarot.

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It had been about twenty minutes when Kakkarot was about to leave. Just as he turned around, he heard a faint buzzing behind him. Spinning around, he noticed that the sphere was becoming fainter and less solid. After ten seconds, he was face to face with Demon and Gohan, both with a dark smirk plastered on their faces.

Before he could make the decision to run, both of Kakkarot's arms were grabbed by the two powerful beings, and ripped out of their sockets. Dropping the bloody appendages, Demon and Gohan then proceeded with the legs.

In a matter of seconds, the two were staring down at the torso and head of Kakkarot, which was making a mix of screaming and whimpers.

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As soon as they were sure that Kakkarot was dead, Demon began to gather the pieces and burned them with his energy. Gohan grabbed the bag of senzu beans on his belt and walked over to Leader.

Tilting his head up, Gohan placed a senzu in Leader's mouth and helped the bean go down his throat. As soon as Gohan was sure that the bean had been swallowed, he placed Leader's head back on the ground.

In a matter of seconds, Leader was fully conscious and sitting up, looking around. In his confusion, he never looked at Gohan, though he knew that it was Gohan standing next to him, "What happened? Did he leave?"

Gohan laughed, "Demon and I ripped him apart, piece by piece."

It was then that Leader looked up at Gohan, seeing his transformation, "What happened to you?"

Gohan shrugged, "I think Demon was keeping a secret from me. Somehow, he used the stones in our necklaces to release some kind of secret power. It would explain why my necklace never worked."

Demon walked next to them, "Gohan, let's get home."

Gohan looked at Demon, "Sure."

Before Leader could say anything, both Gohan and Demon had already disappeared.

Once they were gone for sure, Leader's best friend, also the General of his mighty saiyan army, came running up, "Lord, are you okay?"

Leader just stood up and dusted himself off, "They saved my life."

His best friend, Lemac, nodded, "That they did. However, don't look into it, Lord. They only did it because killing that powerful saiyan had benefited their own interests. Saving you was just necessary for them to get to the saiyan."

Leader nodded, showing that he understood that, "However, even though it in their best interest, they still saved me. Not just once, but twice. The second time they had nothing to gain."

Lemac gave him a confused look, "Twice? No, Lord. I had been watching the entire time. It was just the once, and that was by showing up and fighting."

Leader shook his head, "Not true. They saved me from themselves. I know myself to be the king's worst enemy. Yet, he healed my injuries instead of killing me? Why is that, my friend?"

"Perhaps they were actually smart, though I doubt it. They knew that if they killed you today, it would have destroyed him because the armies would attack him. That's why he didn't kill you."

Again, Leader shook his head, "That's not true, either. We all know that he tore through this very same army in his time and killed almost everyone. Now, he could do it so much more easily with the new power he has."

Lemac didn't speak for a long moment, "Then, Lord, I have no idea as to why they would do such a thing for their most hated enemy."

Knowing that it would not leave his mind, Leader sighed, "I must go to Planet Vegeta and talk to him. Even though I am banished, I'm sure he'll allow me to talk to him."

"Very well, my Lord," said Lemac, "I shall have you a new set of clothes prepared on your bed while you are taking your bath."

"Thank you, friend."

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Supreme Kai's Planet

Elder Kai and Supreme Kai

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Supreme Kai blinked at his crystal ball, "Well, that is surprising of Gohan. Not only was the power of the stones unlocked in his benefit, but Leader is in debt to him for what he did. Not to mention that Kakkarot will no longer be a threat. All of this ended nicely."

Elder Kai just nodded, "I do have one worry, however."

"What is it, Elder?"

"Well, that form they received made them rather violent, don't you think? Even though they hated Kakkarot, the man was still their father, more or less. What kind of person would rip their father limb from limb?"

Supreme Kai nodded, "Well, they are saiyans, a rather violent species. Also, it was Kakkarot and Goku who caused a lot of pain and hated in both of their lives. Maybe that's just how it's done with saiyans."

Elder Kai nodded, "Hmm. Well, I personally don't want to get on the bad side of a saiyan, that's for sure."

"Well said."

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Planet Vegeta

Throne Room

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Everyone had been talking about the confrontation earlier in the day when Gohan and Demon tried to open the large double doors easily. However, not used to their new bodies and the strength that came with them, the doors burst open loudly, catching the attention of everyone.

Vegeta, who was sitting on the throne as he should during the role of temporary king, stood up and made his way over to Gohan, "Glad you're back. I never realized how dull it was being king. By the way, what in the hell happened to you?"

Dismissing the question with a wave, Gohan frowned, "Another damn transformation."

"Oh, well. I could see what a bitch that could be. It's not like you would want to become stronger," Vegeta said with his voice thick with sarcasm, then speaking normal, "Now, come on! What's so bad about it?"

Gohan sighed, annoyed with how the day was going, "We can't change back. I mean, it looks pretty cool, but I don't want to stay like this for the rest of my immortal life, you know?"

Now Vegeta could understand why Gohan was so pissed off. However, there's always a cheat to everything, "Gohan, is there a strain in that form like Super Saiyan 3?"

"No, it actually is more relaxing than my normal form. I just can't stand the way it looks, you know?"

Vegeta nodded, "That's perfect. Meet me in the garden tomorrow at noon with Demon. I want to give you two something. In the meantime, have fun with the way it looks for now. I promise that you won't be like that after tomorrow."

Gohan sighed, and sat down on the throne, "I guess. I'm just so frustrated with all of today's events."

Vegeta laughed and agreed, "Speaking of which, how did it go with Leader and Kakkarot?"

Gohan raised his eyebrow, "Actually, Leader and I joined up against Kakkarot, started losing, Demon transforms us, ripped Kakkarot literally limb from limb, then gave a senzu to an unconscious Leader. How'd it go with Goku and special ed?"

Vegeta chuckled, "Disproved kidnapping theories, showed Namek and mate slavery was out of fashion this year, told Goku what happened to that priest who called Demon by his old name, and told him to go home and come up with a good reason to attack."

Gohan was surprised, "You let Goku leave? Without a fight?"

Vegeta sighed, "He's just not as fun of an opponent as I remembered. Maybe it's because I'm actually old enough to be his grandfather with all the time traveling."

Gohan laughed, "True. I still can't believe that I'm older than my mother."

Vegeta chuckled, "Well, to end a day on that strange thought, I see everyone else has gone to bed, so I shall as well."

Gohan waved, "Lates. Nighty-night. Don't let your nut crabs bite."

Vegeta threw the middle finger over his shoulder as he walked out of the throne room, "Your mother didn't seem to get them. Oh wait, she shaved! I should have remembered that! Sometimes she put my initials and left the rest smooth!"

Gohan mumbled the insult to himself, then thought about putting him on Janitor duty for the King's toilet. That would teach the smartass!

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End Chapter

Next Chapter: Teaching and Getting Taught

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