Disclaimer, in case it wasn't obvious. I don't own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or really any other property. Thank you.

The Long Road

Chapter 13: Cultural Exchange

The world became a blur for a moment again, for the briefest second of time it seemed like the universe bent around itself and like magic, Gohan was at the Lookout, and standing next to him was Kakarot. Right now his body felt like it'd been crushed, but his spirit had been along with it. Even now the Saiyan just sat with his head half hanging, feeling unable to move.

So this was what it'd all come to. There was no choice anymore. In the past his anger had always saved him. It unleashed something within him, the only one he'd ever crossed who was seemingly able to overcome the powerful surge of energy he developed while angry was Kakarot. The first time they met, Kakarot had tossed away his Cataclysm Cannon, even when it was fuelled by his anger. When they'd had their confrontation, when he transformed into a Super Saiyan, surviving Goku's onslaught, he was still unable to completely overcome his biological father. Just moments ago, despite all the power he'd gained, despite being a Legendary Super Saiyan, and despite his anger fuelling his assault, it just hadn't been enough to break past Kakarot's skill and power.

The realization that he was inferior to this softhearted fool was almost impossible to come to terms with. Not only had he been weaker when he first arrived there, but he was still weaker. Even after training with the Namekian, who bluntly was the most respectable of the fighters in his opinion, he still lagged behind. Every time he'd come close to death, he'd known it was his destiny to be one of the strongest beings in the universe. Now? It all seemed hollow and empty. The fact he'd survived this long on this insidious planet was another thing he couldn't grasp.

Worst of all, he knew right now he couldn't bring himself to complete his mission, even if he had killed Kakarot back there. That was how insidious this planet was, it'd turned him from his goal. The threats towards destroying cities had been hollow even when he spoke of them. The same softness he saw in Kakarot had begun to infect him now as well, and it was terrifying. Even now, he wished more than anything that there was somehow a way to get around it, and turn back its terrible creep into his mind. Unfortunately Gohan was coming to the realization that he was changing despite his best efforts to the contrary.

Looking up towards Kakarot, Gohan saw a reflection of what he could look like in the future, and not only did it scare him, it disgusted him as well.

The man was smiling like an idiot. Now more than ever Gohan realized he wasn't an idiot at all. Kakarot was as insidious as this planet, and everything he did had purpose. It was clear his mind operated differently than any Saiyan, or even any Earthling. The Earthlings he met on this planet didn't act like Kakarot, and the Namek certainly didn't either. In that sense, this man was unique, perhaps that was where he drew his strength from?

It didn't matter at the end of the day. All that mattered was he was going to get dragged into that chamber with Kakarot. Which meant that he would be exposed to this beast for almost a year. There was no real way to resist at this point, and he doubted he could make a functional enough argument to anyone to gain assistance.

"Kakarot, the hero of Earth, terrifies me and I don't want to go into the time chamber with him, by the way I threatened a bunch of people and hurt my mother before all this."

Yea, that would go over very well.

"Alright, we'll get you healed up, then we're going in alright?"

"No," Gohan responded, before almost flopping back. "But I suspect my choice in the matter is non-existent."

There was a nervous laugh from the other side for a moment. It was clear that despite their animosity, Kakarot was excited for some reason. Which as far as Gohan was concerned, was even more reason to be concerned about the real reasoning behind this little trip that Kakarot wanted. Even if it wasn't homicidal intent, there was some purpose behind his actions.

Maybe he just wants to get to know me?

Pft, what a laugh. Like that's the case. There has to be something more to this.

Cynicism guided Gohan's thoughts as he saw Kakarot stand up, turning towards the palace and begin walking away from him. The thoughts chiefly governed by a paranoid view of the Earth, but governed by one prevailing fact he thought he understood.

Everything Kakarot did, no matter how small, always seemed to have an underlying purpose.

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To say Gohan looked enthusiastic would be also to say he had green skin and was covered in red-pink glowing orbs. In other words, Gohan looked utterly crushed and filled with despair, and maybe with a bit of resentment mixed into it. This would be difficult, perhaps the most difficult thing Goku had done in years. It wasn't a test of strength, it was a test of character. Worst though, it was a test he wasn't sure that either he or Gohan could complete.

Certainly the desire to reconcile, to have a functional relationship with his son was there, from his end. It was Gohan's side that was the problem, and he had no idea even now how to bridge the gap. Even while walking away from Gohan, he could almost feel the friction in the air. There was a certainty however in Goku, that the only way to resolve this was for them to go into the Time Chamber together. Whatever their differences, whatever their conflicts, they had to get resolved, and the only place where they couldn't avoid each other, truly, was in the Time Chamber. They would have to learn to rely on one another inside there.

It'd been a learning experience his first time in the Time Chamber, when he went in with Piccolo as they prepared for Cell. Inside the chamber he'd come to rely on Piccolo even more than before, and afterwards he could honestly call him a friend, rather than just an ally. But by the time they'd gone in the chamber, there wasn't any animosity between the two of them anymore, at least not like there had been. Goku also didn't have the want for Piccolo to like him necessarily, his real desire had been to defeat Cell and save the Earth.

Locked in his own thoughts, Goku almost walked past Dende and Piccolo.

"What's he doing back on the Lookout Goku?" Dende questioned bluntly. "Forgive me, but we have been keeping an eye on him, and anyone with any measure of energy sensing abilities would have noticed the fight you two just had."

Well, the odds of him fixing Gohan up before we go into the time chamber is going down pretty quickly.

"I'm guess you and Gohan had a bit of a falling out," Piccolo said, his arms crossed as he looked past Goku towards the beaten up Gohan. "At least he looks better off than in your first encounter."

Smiling, Goku responded to his friend.

"Well it's because you trained him so well, he's a lot better than before Piccolo. He thought out his moves even when he was furious, I was really impressed," the Saiyan said with a grin, before turning to Dende. "But, I know this sounds crazy, I need you to heal Gohan and let us into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

The look Dende gave him wasn't exactly encouraging. In fact Goku would say that shocked, followed by angry, best described Dende at the moment. It was understandable, Dende wanted to protect the Earth, and right now he didn't exactly see Gohan as an asset in that. On the contrary, he probably viewed him as a direct threat to the Earth.

"I took Piccolo at his word before that Gohan wasn't a threat any longer. After what I've seen here today, I am highly sceptical of that. I'm sorry if this may hurt your feelings Goku, but Gohan is a brutish, unfeeling thug, who will only use whatever power he gains within the Time Chamber to further threaten the Earth, and yourself. You are letting your familial connection to him to blind your judgement," Dende carefully worded. "I understand that you are heavily emotionally invested in this Goku, but the answer to both your enquiries is no. I will not heal Gohan, and you cannot go into the Chamber."

The words were a damning, but in Goku's mind untrue, verdict on his son. Gohan wasn't an unfeeling monster. This didn't mean Gohan was any saint, but to call him an unfeeling thug in Goku's book wasn't right. Dende was entitled to think what he wanted, but it was clear they'd have to change his mind.

"Dende, Gohan needs to go into that Chamber with Goku, or he'll never realize his potential as a person. They may destroy one another in there even, but it's the only chance they have," Piccolo informed the Guardian of the Earth. "I understand your reservations Dende, but we need to put those aside for now."

The younger Namekian looked towards the older for a moment, looking as if he was going to accept his advice, before shaking his head.

"I am afraid I cannot allow it this time Piccolo, the risk is too great," Dende responded. "I'm truly sorry, both of you, but the chamber remains closed to him from this point on."

Crushed, that was how Goku felt as Dende said the words. To say this had become discouraging would be a gross understatement. Blinking several times, Goku just stared at Dende in his blunt answer. He didn't trust him and Piccolo? But when had they ever steered him wrong?

"C'mon Dende, please? I promise Gohan'll come out much better than he went in."

The surprisingly stern look he received from Dende in turn made Goku sigh in response, his shoulders slumping for a moment.

"I thought that when he entered the chamber with Piccolo, but clearly I was wrong, so was Piccolo, and now so are you Goku," the Guardian of the Earth proclaimed. "His injuries do not appear life threatening, I would take him somewhere, probably not your home, for him to recuperate, and then I would send him on his way, off this planet, Goku. The longer he is here, the more jeopardy you put the Earth in."

There was a frustrated growl from Piccolo within seconds.

"Go grab Gohan, I'll open the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for the two of you. I'm sure Gohan will be fine within a couple days, there is no need to heal him," Piccolo said bluntly, turning his frame towards the Lookout's Palace. "We'll have to talk for a minute before you go in as well, there are some things you need to know."

Brightening up almost immediately, Goku felt his own hand rubbing the back of his head as he grinned. At least Piccolo understood what was going on. If he could rely on anyone, it was Piccolo.

"Thanks Piccolo!" Goku quickly said.

"Piccolo!" Dende shouted, turning his head. "When I came here to become Guardian of the Earth, I did so with the expectation that I could do what was asked of me. You cannot seriously be undermining my authority! You either trust my judgement, or you do not."

The older Namekian froze in place, and Goku's happy demeanour did as well. Quietly, both looked towards the maker of the Dragon Balls, realizing that he was right. This wasn't their decision, or Mister Popo's decision, it was Dende's decision. If this was what Dende thought, then this was it. It still made Goku's stomach twist with anxiety however. This wasn't a fight he could win with brute force, nor could they just ignore Dende. This was his post, and he shouldn't, and couldn't abandon it just for Piccolo and himself.

"Dende," Piccolo said finally, turning his head towards the smaller Namekian. "I've taken my measure of the boy. Gohan is hardly unfeeling, though thug may be somewhat accurate."

The air around the three men seemed to almost go still after Piccolo's words. Piccolo, embodied the spirit of the previous Guardian of the Earth, and Dende was the new Guardian of the Earth; Goku had never seen the two in serious conflict over any decision.

"People like Gohan slaughtered our people, Piccolo. I was there as they tore us apart, and laughed while they did it. I'll never forget monsters like that, and Gohan is exactly what I would expect from such a monster. How many worlds like the Earth has he destroyed without a second thought? How many billions of lives has he snuffed out of existence without a second thought?" Dende finally said, his voice strained with frustration. "The two of you are so willing to give him another chance, how many chances does this man need? And despite his age, he is a man. There is no child there. He would have destroyed this planet a dozen times by now if it were not for you Goku, and making him stronger is not the answer to 'fixing' him. As I said before, I am sorry that he is your son, but this is no longer up for debate. My decision is final."

It wasn't hard for Goku to imagine Gohan slaughtering innocent people. It'd come close to that the moment they'd met. But he could imagine his son having trouble doing that now, right now. The more time he spent on Earth, the better he became. It was clear Gohan stumbled in his journey, he stumbled on the long road to becoming more than what he was. But everyone stumbled in their lives, and Gohan deserved a life better than what he'd been given.

Gohan deserved a chance at a life without just destruction and death. His son deserved it because it was something he couldn't have provided to him, because of his own failure to protect him. Right now there wouldn't have even been this conflict if he'd been there to save his son from Raditz, if he'd found a way to win.

Crossing his arms, Piccolo turned his head to the side with a gruff noise.

"I still think you are making a mistake Dende. And you are letting your own bad experiences judge an individual you don't really know. Before you decide you would be wise to at least speak with Gohan," Piccolo suggested.

Well, there goes any chance of Gohan getting into the time chamber.

Goku was going to be totally honest, Gohan was very, very bad at first impressions. Given he'd so far had a bad first impression with everyone he came across. Generally, his arrogance and aggression showed through. Or in Vegeta's case, his outright callousness.

With a sigh, Dende nodded however to Piccolo's recommendation.

"I will speak with him Piccolo, if you'd be good enough to accompany me? I would like to make sure my safety isn't at serious risk," the smaller Namekian replied to Piccolo.

Piccolo nodded, and Goku was left almost stuttering, feeling completely bypassed.

"What about me? I'll come along and-"

"No Goku," Dende said firmly. "Just Piccolo and myself, no outside interference, I promise that it'll just take a moment."

Well, that just cemented this as a disaster.

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Something wasn't going according to Kakarot's plan. The first sign was the fact he wasn't already on his way into the Time Chamber. The second sign was the fact Piccolo and that little green midget were walking towards him. Suspicious, yet tired eyes looked at the two of them. His ribs felt bruised, and his face was a complete mess, but a smirk appeared when the two figures stopped in front of him.

"Hey," Gohan said, inclining his head from his sitting position towards Piccolo. "I'd normally be more enthusiastic, but I'm a little half dead right now."

Rolling his eyes, Piccolo crossed his arms. It wasn't hard to tell that his trainer was disappointed with him. So they'd been spying in on his little confrontation with Kakarot then? Well if they heard everything as well, he was sure they had concerns. Great, more bridges burned.

"You really know how to mess things up sometimes," Piccolo responded to him. "I should have remembered that from that time you showed up late to train."

Having rather have fucked with that human girl again rather than getting his face smashed in by Kakarot, Gohan just raised a brow towards Piccolo. It was clear, even without words, that Gohan was giving Piccolo a sceptical look. These two situations were totally not even comparable.

"Excuse me," the shorter green one remarked. "I have would like to ask you a few questions."

Was this idiot for real? The look he was giving him clearly said he was. So he wanted to ask him some questions about what?

"Oh, I'm so shy, I hope these aren't too personal," Gohan responded with a dark smile. "I'd hate to feel embarrassed."

If the little green Namekian didn't look unimpressed before, well, he certainly did now. What the Hell kind of response did he expect? That he'd just want to open up to some creature he barely knew? Gohan's eyes traced to Piccolo, looking for the older Namekian to say something, but he didn't. That was very interesting. Given his introduction, he was guessing this little Q and A, wasn't Piccolo's idea. To say Gohan had an idea now as to what was going on, would be very accurate.

The Little Green asshole wanted to question him, likely because he felt Gohan was a 'threat'. Somehow, this midget had some measurable level of authority, perhaps even over Piccolo. Oh that was too good.

Smirking, the devious Saiyan just stared at the smaller of the two, waiting for him to continue.

"Well, I will have to apologize if the nature of these questions frustrate you," the shorter green one said bluntly. "However, I would like to know a bit more about your background. What was the nature of your time in space, amongst the Planet Trade Organization?"

Oh this was going to be fun.

"That's kind of hard to explain," Gohan started, his words dripping with sarcasm. "But, my job was to provide fluffy pillows and candy to different planets. Oh, I also was tasked with finding the most beautiful women in the entire galaxy, to give them a reward for being a sexy lady."

Little Green looked as though he wasn't very impressed by the response. The short little slug's irritation was almost able to be seen in the air around him. This guy didn't want to be doing this to begin with. What was their agenda in questioning him? Was Kakarot's decision to spare him being scruptinized? That would certainly be unexpected.

"So you have decided to have the maturity of a five year old, rather than answer my questions?" Dende responded. "These are very important, and I would ask you to take this seriously."

An unimpressed laugh escaped Gohan, before he winced at the pain of his ribs expanding against his bruises. Damn it, if only it didn't hurt to laugh that much. Wincing past his pain, Gohan smiled back at the idiot.

"Who could take you seriously? I know house pets more imposing than you. Piccolo, what the Hell is the meaning of this? You already know the answer to that question. Why are you sicking Little Green on me?"

Clearing his throat very angrily, the shorter of the two Namekians began to speak before Piccolo could.

"Piccolo is my adviser, I am Dende, Guardian of the Earth."

The words fell upon Gohan, who was sincerely shocked. This... this was the Guardian of the Earth? This was high comedy in the extreme, how could someone who couldn't even fight, be the Guardian of the Earth? At best this little idiot had a power level of 200, and he'd be surprised if that were the case. Third class training recruits were stronger than this guardian.

"You're the one in charge? You can't be serious. I thought you Namekians were genderless?" Gohan asked, giving a feigned look of confusion.

The two Nameks in front of him appeared as confused as he pretended to be. Dende himself looked even more confused than Piccolo.

"Excuse me? What does our gender have to do with anything?" Dende questioned.

A devilish smile replaced Gohan's fake confusion as he stared up at the supposed Guardian of the Earth.

"Well, in order to listen to you Little Namekian, I'm pretty reasonably sure Piccolo here must be pretty whipped. Why the Hell else would he listen to you otherwise? I mean you're a green dwarf with delusions of importance, and an irrelevant title," Gohan observed. "Sorry big guy, didn't know green midgets were your type."

Piccolo face palmed immediately, looking exasperated more than anything.

"Gohan, you idiot," he sighed.

Dende however, looked completely shocked. The smaller of the two aliens couldn't even find a word to respond with at first.

"There is no way I'm letting this... this... arrogant, pig headed, unrepentant monster, back in the time chamber!" Dende exclaimed, turning and shouted towards Piccolo. "Was this why you wanted me to speak with him? You wanted me to see this foolishness for myself? By the Kais Piccolo, what made you think sending him back in there was a good idea?!"

Revealing his intentions, Dende was so caught up in his moment with Piccolo to notice the satisfied look on Gohan's face.

All I had to do was keep this moron angry, and I get to avoid being sent into the Time Chamber with Kakarot? How perfect is that?

Suddenly, Dende's antenna twitched, and Gohan's eyes narrowed suspiciously on them. Two black eyes turned to make contact with his own, as a confused Dende stared at him, as if trying to comprehend something.

His antenna twitched? Why?

Looking into Dende's eyes, he realized something. No, there was no way he picked up on his stray thought, was there? It was when Dende's eyes changed in their attitude almost completely within a moment, that Gohan realized that was exactly what had happened. That rotten little bastard just read his mind! Within a moment, it was clear that Dende knew, that he knew, that he read his mind.

"You little shit," Gohan sneered, struggling to rise. "Those aren't for your viewing."

Piccolo immediately stepped between the two of them, causing Gohan to almost spit with frustration.

"Piccolo," Dende said. "I think it's time."

What was time? Time for what?

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"You Namekian bastards are going to pay for this!" Gohan screamed into the time chamber as Piccolo held the thrashing, angry Gohan, before tossing him through the open door. Turning around he felt a Senzu bean hit him in the chest, falling between his feet a second later.

"You'll get over it," Piccolo responded, as the door closed behind him.

Damn it!

Just what the Hell was he supposed to do now!? Be stuck in this blasted room for-

"Hey Gohan!" Goku shouted from the kitchen, walking out with sauce around his lips.

Oh no.

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A/N: I've gotten tons of content for TLR finished over the last week, tons. So I have decided to reward everyone by posting up this chapter this week, and early. :)

Also, as a side note, if TLR gets to 105 reviews with this chapter, I will have Chapter 14 up next week, rather than in the next two weeks. I want to have up to chapter 20 done by the end of next week. Also, The Long Road has some pretty large chapters coming up. Chapter's 14, 15, and 16 are all gearing up to be very big chapters. Chapter 16 may end up being the longest single chapter I've yet written for any of my stories if it continues the way I'm writing it.

Reviewers:

aoj95: Videl is going to show up hopefully within the next 10 chapters, and from that point on will play a pretty huge role. I wouldn't expect a traditional love story however given how their first encounter went...

What Do I Put Here: This story is rife with cliffhangers, how else can I compete with crack cocaine for you peoples' attention? XD

I've put a huge amount of effort into TLR and it's coming chapters. Especially chapter's 14, 15, and 16. If this goes how I want it to, well, you'll see :)

GTA65: I'm glad you are enjoying. I hope my updates will be frequent enough for everyone. A lot of the reason why I've officially lowered the number of releases for this story is because it's harder to write, and because I want to increase quality.

Xxxpossessedforlifexxx: Actually, the last chapter, the one you reviewed, is as long as the average Catalyst Chapter :)

Eveline: I can't wait either XD

Guest: Goku was awesome this chapter, it was a real pleasure writing him.

Ky111: This chapter isn't as much about grief and strife clearly. It is a transitional chapter, but I wanted it to be more lighthearted than the last, a break in the angst and tragedy. And Gohan is funny as hell sometimes too, lol

low on inspiration: Gohan's relationships in general can never be simple, he's too... ... damaged to really have completely functional relationships with people. He hurts others, and hurts himself.

Vegito73: We're a long, long way from the ending XD

Peter1398: Goku is a Super Saiyan II. Gohan is a Ultra Super Saiyan (the muscled, less powerful, slower form)

Kaara Ayame: I'll try to keep it up. Lol

dbzfan: I can't wait to finish the next chapters :)