The Horse with No Name


Chapter Twenty-Four:

Cracks in our Obligations


If there is one thing Gohan hadn't expected today, it's that he'd be sitting here in his childhood bedroom with Videl Satan perched opposite. He's taken the bed and she's taken his desk chair, where she awkwardly drums her fingertips atop the frame, eyes peering around the bedroom in morbid fascination.

Gohan wonders if she's been in here since his death. From what he can see, she looks to be suffering a dizzying slap of nostalgia. She'd been an open book when they'd been younger and that's still true now.

She barely looks any different; older; yes, but still as vibrant as he knew her. There's still that spark of energy in how she moves; how her gaze runs hungry and intelligent. Videl Satan had been a force to be reckoned with. Gohan doesn't doubt that that's still the case.

God. He'd be lying to say that he's not attracted to her.

Immediately, he'd felt that rarely felt flutter of butterflies in his stomach; and whilst Gohan would like to put it down to the folly of teenage love, he acknowledges that Videl Satan is every bit as beautiful as he remembers her to be.

Some things about her have changed however. She's wearing makeup now, light and suited to her pale pallor. It's modest but he'd noticed right away. Gohan would never have guessed her to be the type but he thinks it looks good on her. She looks womanly and mature, especially in her work clothes, and… and, well, he likes how the pencil skirt she's wearing leaves little to the imagination. Gohan doesn't mean to have lewd thoughts but…

His cheeks warm much like a seventeen year old virgin's would.

Good god, get it together.

She actually pulls at her skirt to save it from riding up, and like the gentlemen he is, Gohan averts his gaze. It'd been an awkward affair manoeuvring her into his room. For some weird reason, Goten hadn't seemed pleased about her being here; complaining after he'd collected her from the ground, saying that it'd been a bad time for her show up.

But Gohan hadn't thought so.

He'd made his way over to her once his shock had subsided, barely able to contain his daring delight that she'd finally come to him. The relief had almost been too much.

"Videl," he'd said, more emotional than anticipated. The grin had hurt.

Perhaps her original intention might have been to slap him because she'd moved fast; that's what he'd thought at first. That disbelief had winded him when she'd ended up in his arms.

"Gohan," she'd mumbled into his shirt. "You're home."

The hug had been returned and he'd held her for a long time. It hadn't been until his dad had suggested they move inside that Gohan offered to catch up in his room.

"Is that a good idea?" Goten had asked.

"Yes, it is," she'd said and followed him upstairs, leaving the nosy menace in the kitchen.

But now that they're up in his bedroom, Gohan finds that he doesn't really know what he can say to her. They'd been together for only a few months, really. It'd been some of the best months of his life, and he still recalls several of the enjoyable events he'd had with her, from the stolen kisses at picnics to the stargazing to the homework sessions.

God, they really had been innocent.

"So you're engaged," Gohan opens with because he'd apparently left all his common sense downstairs.

Videl bristles. "Y-Yes."

Use your brain, Gohan.

"I'm glad," he says, trying to put her at ease, "I bet he's a great guy."

She fiddles with one of Gohan's notebooks, flicking the pages anxiously. "I, um. Yeah. He's… fine." Her burning face tells more than she does.

"That's good."

"Yeah."

God, she's not giving him much, is she? She'd been so much more forward outside. It's like pulling teeth. It's making him uncomfortable.

"And your dad likes him? I can't imagine him being okay with anyone stealing you away, heh."

The red subsides. The anxiety sizzles. "Stealing meaway?"

"Huh? What? No. I didn't mean it like that! I mean… I'm just… you know what I'm trying to say, with your dad."

Videl's face crumples in on itself and Gohan's words go to die.

"He's… protective?"

By the Almighty, suck it up.

He scratches at the back of his head, groaning, and just as he's about to call her out on being defensive, Videl herself seems to realise.

"I'm sorry," she says, "It's me. I'm being weird. I… I don't know what to say. You're just sat there like – like you would have done when we were teenagers, I mean, you are a teenager. I just…"

"Videl…"

She wetly coughs, words wobbly. "Sorry, and now I'm this. Shit, ah, I mean – sorry. It's just all hitting me at once."

Gohan breathes out a nervous laugh. "It's weird, right?"

She laughs too, dabbing at her eyes with a newly emerged tissue. She's careful of the mascara. "Yeah..."

There's then a stretch of uncomfortable silence between them, and Gohan's left puzzled. It hadn't been this difficult with any of the others, even with Goten, but then again, Videl Satan has never been able to be described as an 'easy person'. The fire he'd loved about her stings on impact – it always has – and so he knows that he must deal with occasional burns.

As she sits there, mesmerized by the zipper on her giant handbag, Gohan can't help but become amused by what he sees. It's all a bit of a contrast. Here she is, in his room once more, but this time made up in her pretty clothes, make-up, and chic, girly jewellery. A giant handbag three times the size of a usual one anchors her down. The image is everything she'd vowed not to become.

"You're in high-heels," he notices.

"Not by choice. I work in an office."

"Is lipstick a part of the dress code too?"

He hadn't meant to say it. His natural reflex is to tease, like how he does with Myra.

Shit.

Videl allows herself a moment of surprise. "It's… I… Sometimes, I wear it for client meetings."

He's relieved at first, but then realises that she'd probably just put his slip up down to the expectation of him being a socially defected summer child.

I'm an idiot.

The conversation desperately drags onward. "So, Goten says you're a lawyer."

It's the right thing to say. She finally shows that smug, toothy smile of hers. "Didn't expect that one either, huh? I bet you didn't think my grades were good enough."

The truth is what it is. He shrugs, hesitant.

"Well, Gohan, just so you know, after you died, I took your words to heart about studying and actually buckled down. I spent the entire final year studying and at graduation, I scored amongst the top ten."

"Ehhh. No, you didn't."

"I did, in Maths too."

Videl could barely disclose the first three digits of pi when he'd left. "No way."

"I also graduated with honours from university. I had Haruto fooled when I met him. He'd thought me a total bookworm."

"That's your fiancé, right?"

"Ah, uh, yes. That's… yeah, my fiancé. He's just as much a swot as you were – are – we'd met in the library back when I'd been struggling on an essay about Nature verses Nurture and, uh, well…"

Gohan smiles encouragingly.

"—And he asked me out for coffee. I hadn't realised it'd been a date until we went on our third one."

"Sounds like something I would have done."

"Funny you say that, I thought the same thing."

"You know, I thi—"

But Gohan doesn't get it out, there's hammering at his door before it bursts open, revealing an irritable looking Goten in his doorway. Both Gohan and Videl can only stare, bewildered at the sudden intrusion.

The little punk coughs with the intention of it interrupting. "Mum said that we shouldn't have girls in our rooms."

Gohan blinks. "Pffttt, what?"

He doesn't mean to but he laughs, really laughs; it's long and unending as his little brother grows ever sourer.

Videl is less amused. "What the hell, Goten?! Get out of here!"

"But my mum said—"

"I am not just some girl! Get lost!"

Gohan is close to tears when Videl finally moves to shift the teenager from the bedroom. The kid is contesting his eviction as she shoves him hard, slamming the door behind. Videl is pissed, but eventually does join him in his merriment; giggling when Goten calls out that he'll be back in twenty minutes otherwise he's calling their mother.

To be threatened by your kid brother is part of the parcel of having one, right?

Videl had looked like she was having none of it, however. If she'd had the strength, Gohan's sure she would have kicked Goten down the stairs.

They must be close, he thinks with affection.

"Don't you go spoiling him," she advises, "He's an absolute horror."

"Like he wasn't always."

"Oh, you don't know the half of it. I've seen his real report card."

Gohan dares not ask.

Videl returns closer, but instead of taking the chair, she takes the empty space on the bed next to him. There's confusion when he smells the scent of Palma violets coming from her. He then realises that it must be her perfume. It's nice. Sweet.

Another beat of silence follows, this time it's bearable at least.

Gohan tries to savour the moment. Videl Satan, for all intents and purposes, seems fine. She's happy, in love and as fiery as ever.

My death didn't mess her up.

It's such a relieving thought.

Thank the Almighty.

The mattress then pushes back when she shifts to face him. She hesitates at first and Gohan panics when she leans in close. Surely she isn't going to do anything weird – he's seventeen as far as she knows!

But it's more innocent than that. Gohan's hand is taken as a surprise hostage; her fingers curl around his, feeling softer than he remembers; so delicate and feminine.

Her fingernails are still chipped.

Remnants of blue polish twinkle up at him from the grasp, and he's left captivated by it.

"Hey, look…" She deliberates her words. "I'm… sorry I didn't come sooner."

"Oh. Um, it's fine."

"No, it's not. I should have visited you way earlier. You've been back for a while now and I was just being selfish."

"Really, Videl, it's—"

"It's not fine," she snaps. "It's not. I should have come by before now. Sure, we'd been dating when you died but more importantly, we'd been friends. Look, it's not much of an excuse but I… for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to face you right away after I'd heard you'd come back. I didn't think you ever would, be back I mean. Gohan, The way the others spoke about it…" She steadies herself when her words become tarry. "I really had to work myself up to even bring myself to talk to you, which is stupid because you were – are – the easiest person I've ever spoken to in my life—"

"Videl—"

"No, shut up." He grins at her brash inability to stop motor-mouthing. "When Bulma'd told me that you were still you, like, you you, the seventeen you, I'd freaked a bit, I'm not going to lie. To you, even now, our relationship mustn't feel like that long ago. And I'd realized that and just… panicked, I guess. I'd suddenly felt like I'd betrayed you. Heh, I thought that you were going to hate me—"

"Videl—"

"Which has always been this horrible nightmare to me —"

"That's stupid, you're—"

"But I knew—"

"Vid—"

There's a click of the tongue. "Gohan Son, be quiet."

He does laugh this time.

"But I knew I was being a moron because you're stupidly nice. I understood how much of an asshole I was being by not coming to see you. Haruto said as much at dinner tonight after work. We kind of had a fight about it." Her palm is completely sweaty in his, marking the point that he realizes that this is a confession to her. She's offloading. "And so I went out for a drive and just started thinking about everything. Haruto is about as stubborn as me and about as good as you and I know he only pushes things when he thinks he's right.

What really annoyed me was his suggestion that I was a coward. I mean, sure, in hindsight, I agree. But when I got thinking about it as I was driving, it just pissed me off. How the hell would he know what I was feeling? How would he know what I was thinking? He wouldn't understand. He'd never experienced someone close to him die.

And then it… clicked. I realized that I was thinking 'I' and 'me' an awful lot. I… wasn't thinking about you. How would you feel? What would you think?

Before I knew it I felt even more of a jerk, and then I just suddenly felt desperate to visit you, like to atone or something, to just, I don't know, talk. So I filled up my copter's tank, inputted the coordinates, turned the thing around and…"

"Ended up out here?"

"Yeah." Her chest expands and expels, relieving her of the world's longest sigh.

"Very impulsive."

"Yeah."

"Very you."

There's a titter. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Gohan squeezes her fingers. She returns it, weaker, tired from a calmed conscience. Behind the guise of the well-presented young woman, Gohan sees, this time crystal clear, the memory of the obstinate girl he'd felt so much for growing up, the one he finds himself still pulled towards to this day.

"Videl," he says, soft, "I'm happy you came today."

Finally, her eyes relax and change under the ease of a smile.

"Me too."

They talk a little longer, mostly about the house and what small things Gohan's been busying himself with since being back. She knows about the Zealite situation, informing him that she'd been one of the participants at the tournament. Gohan is thankful she hadn't been around when Beerus had been. If the pompous thug had touched her then Gohan really wouldn't have been able to hold back.

She tells him about her job as a lawyer and her ambition to help underprivileged children. It's a worthy goal and very her. Whilst she's still practicing martial arts, he's happy to hear that she's no longer helping the police; not physically at least.

"I work with them when dealing with social workers and some troubled kids."

"Is that why you're good with Goten?"

She finds it funny, funny enough to relay some of the incidents she's had to put up with when dealing with the squirt. Trunks is mentioned, too, and Gohan listens with appreciation as she tells her stories. She's been the sibling to them that he hasn't been able to.

Then, out of her mammoth handbag, she offers him an unanticipated gift.

"Goten says that you don't have one."

Gohan stares at the device, churning it experimentally.

"A phone, right?"

"It's an older model. I'd found it in my jetcopter on my way over here and thought it'd be perfect for you. When you learn how to use this then I'll buy you better one. It's a good starter phone, I think. It's perfect because you've always sucked with technology, I mean, except for that stupid Saiyaman watch."

His expression turns serious. "Saiyaman is cool."

She spares him a look, exasperated.

After she shows him how to use the phone, her name and number is added, leaving Gohan with the strangest sense of déjà vu. He's going to be messaging Videl Satan again, just like he would as a teenager.

Videl feels much the same. "It's weird to see your name in my phonebook again."

Soon enough, Goten returns, acting as a strange, angry little warden who deems it acceptable to vacate two individuals older than he is. But they comply, taking their easy chatter downstairs. Shin is long gone but Dad is still about. He's managed to make a mess of the kitchen in even less time than usual.

"Fish, anyone?"

Videl stays for a late supper. She doesn't eat much because Dad's cooking could do with refining. Gohan understands the troubles of heightened standards. Eating this sort of food is just depressing after the privilege he's used to back at the estate.

After the meal, she persuades herself that she's going home, but then Goten puts on Slippery Stairs on the TV. The strange show lays it trap soon enough, all four sit and watch, laughing and joking about its absurdity late into the night.


Naturally, all good things do come to an end and Gohan's soon reminded of the reality of the situation. A few days pass and as per Shin's request, Goku does allow Gohan to attend the meeting, much to Goten's infuriation. He'd ranted at both their parents but neither relented. Goten can be a bit bratty, Gohan's come to notice. It's probably just because he's at that awkward age and he's had a lot on his plate, but it's not nice to witness. The worst of it only rears its head when Gohan seems to be involved, oddly enough.

The kid is really taking "being the same age" thing to heart.

Gohan kind of understands his frustrations. Since his death, it seems that both of his parents have grown more protective over what Goten can and can't do. It's good in his opinion. Whilst Mum was strict on Gohan's studying, she could have put her foot down firmer on Dad's insistence on his involvement in the big fights. The battlefield is no place for kids.

But old habits apparently die hard. Dad has been nagging him to train every other day now. The guy isn't much for being told 'no' but Gohan's remained firm; he has no intention to train with him. The moment he does is the moment they'll realize that Gohan's been doing more than just floating about as a lost soul.

Actually, Dad's been pestering more than just about training. As much as Gohan loves the man, the constant need for him to check up on Gohan is beginning to become a bit of a nuisance.

For example, Gohan likes jogging in the morning. Gohan likes jogging alone. He would go out with Rixas and that'd been fine because Rixas actually enjoys jogging. It's something Rixas had introduced into his routine and something that's come to help Gohan process his thoughts. On Earth, he uses it in much the same way. But all Dad likes to do is force his presence and complain about how boring it is.

"Why have you started doing this? It's dull. Would you rather not fly?"

"It's not about that."

"We should train instead."

It's the same when Gohan's doing anything that Dad finds uninteresting. Reading is a personal favourite for his dad to interrupt.

"How do you stare at those pages all day, Gohan?"

Gohan liking books is not new! Why is he asking? Why is Dad suddenly so much needier?

Or maybe, I'm just more independent.

Before they go to Capsule Corporation to meet with Shin and the champions, Goten corners Gohan and reminds him of his promise.

To quell him, Gohan had sworn to tell him and Trunks what comes from this secret meeting, but really, Gohan doesn't think he should have to. Both of them are too young. At "seventeen", Gohan shouldn't be allowed to participate either, but he's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He's just as curious.

He wants to see these kai champions.

That evening, Gohan isn't left impressed.

So these are the guard dogs selected to watch over Dad…

Brutil and Eyrelle; the two chosen kai champions stand to attention with two remarkably different demeanours.

Brutil is a tall man, thickly-built with tree trunk wide muscles that tell Gohan that he probably pushes himself a little too hard on arm day. He can be characterized as cocky, and not in the endearing way Rixas exhibitions as, but in the same unappealing manner Gohan has come to witness in other recognized warriors. Hardened eyes have already trailed over each of the Earth fighters in a hungry bid to size them up, and if that tort smirk of his is anything to go by, they don't amount to much.

Eyrelle on the other hand is willowy and disinterested. She wears the expected expression of neutrality and keeps her gaze professional. That's not to say that she's no less artificially intimidating than Brutil, as, if one knows where to look, it's obvious that she's a practiced fighter. There's a discreet intelligence to her. Gohan notices her alertness, her perfectly reined ki; her positioning.

Yes, if there's one that Gohan should be wary of, it's this one.

They both wear ceremonial kai robes and harness swords at their sides, but that's where the similarities end as the two contrast even in appearance. Unlike Brutil's burnt and intense umber colouring, Eyrelle's skin is a muted lilac. His hair is cropped and clinical, hers flows long. Where he is harsh, she is soft. Where he is silently aggressive, she is stoically defensive.

And where she says little, Brutil says too much.

"This is the guy who took on Lord Beerus? You're kidding."

Dad is a good sport about it at least. "I guess I don't look the part, huh?"

"Tell me you are joking, Supreme Kai."

"Brutil," Shin levies with non-threatening reprimand, "If Goku Son has managed to earn the respect of Lord Beerus then I am sure you will be able to see past your own surface-level evaluations."

Vegeta finds it all especially amusing, already having laughed earlier when Brutil had thought the super saiyan god to be him.

One muscle head recognizes another so it seems...

It's been uncomfortable since arriving at Capsule Corp this evening; he's not had the warmest reception from either Vegeta or Piccolo, especially the former who has made it obvious that Gohan's mere presence is but an offensive symptom of the situation. For whatever reason, Vegeta harbours a mean grudge against him and is not shy about it either. There'd been a derisive noise from him as soon as Gohan had arrived today, and then another when Shin had turned to greet him. Piccolo, at least, had been silent in his disapproval of Gohan's existence. Whilst upsetting, it's not completely unbearable. Gohan is used to worse silent treatments, because really, existing under the same roof as Quell is enough to thicken anyone's skin.

However, whilst Piccolo is easier to ignore, Vegeta's hostility runs the path of becoming annoying.

"What are you staring at?" he hisses when he catches Gohan looking a moment too long.

The only petty revenge Gohan can opportune is killing Vegeta's ire with kindness. Gohan smiles and turns away, tense.

"That's right. Eyes front."

If Gohan has to bite his tongue any longer, he'll end up cleaving it in two.

Three weeks of being on Earth have not… been as easy as imagined. The meat sack is tiring; he himself is feeling the fatigue of swallowing his own emotions. And to top it off, Gohan's now recognizing the subtle (and less subtle) ways he's being treated as a result of the suicide, or… apparent suicide; if his dad is the one to go by.

Gohan contains a sigh. There's only so long until his dad corners him about it. Gohan's honeymoon period is coming to an end; soon he'll be expected to give up any and all memories he has about the night he died. Dad is going to want to solve this. When it all comes to light, what will Gohan say then – to all of the Earth fighters, including Vegeta and Piccolo? Will they be any more understanding then?

Gohan turns to his ex-mentor to see him staring so fiercely forward that Gohan might as well not exist.

Disappointing…

"So this is what I have to work with?" Brutil asks, arms folded over a burly, plated chest. "Three saiyans and a namekian?"

Vegeta is quick to distance himself ever further. "The boy's half."

"And what's the other half, twig?"

Gohan gives him a smile, too. Oh look at that, we have a comedian.

The god has, until this day, never met a kai champion, and is finding the experience especially lacklustre. Fat egos have always rubbed him the wrong way; if he wanted to see someone pleased with themselves all he'd have to do is watch Quell be ensnared by a mirror.

"How old are you anyway?" Brutil demands of him, but Gohan isn't even trusted to answer. "Isn't he a bit young for all this? Are you sure he's supposed to be here, Supreme Kai?"

"Gohan is as welcome here today as any of the others."

"But the other kids are outside."

"I want to help if I'm able to," Gohan finally tells, diplomatic and polite, "Even if I'm not as honed as the kai champions or the other Earth warriors, I want to assist Earth if it's in trouble."

Brutil is not to be swayed. "Weren't you the pipsqueak idiot to fly at Lord Beerus?"

His cheeks burning red are not a part of the act. Gohan remembers his own stupidity. By the point he'd become involved, Beerus had finished his playing; the Earth had no longer been in danger. "I was worried about my father."

"And so you were reckless."

That's indisputable. "I guess…"

"I'm surprised he didn't kill you then. Lord Beerus doesn't suffer impertinence, and on the subject, neither do I."

Oh, this guy definitely doesn't like me.

"Do not worry about such things. Lord Beerus had not been offended," Shin defends on his behalf. "I think he appreciated the honour and respect Gohan had shown when coming to his father's aid. If given the chance, I'm sure you will also come to find Gohan an agreeable young man, one you can rely on during such trying times."

"Gohan deserves to be here," Dad also cements.

"But—"

"Goku Son has made his decision on the matter so let's not be rude, Brutil," Eyrelle, the second, quieter kai champion, finally admonishes in a voice barely above a whisper. "We are guests here, after all."

"Can we get to it then?" Vegeta asks, "Whether or not the boy's here is irrelevant. I just want to know what you want us to do about the Zealites. That's what this is all about, right?"

"With all due respect, I also want us to focus on the matter at hand," Piccolo finally speaks. The sound of it makes Gohan irrationally frustrated.

"Most agreeable. We are all here with corresponding aims so let us remain cordial," Shin says to the small cluster in the Capsule Corp boardroom.

The corporate space looks small as a result of their gathering. Brutil alone looks like he could have a chair for each thigh. One generous wheelie chair is just about enough but he squirms uncomfortably as the Supreme Kai continues to go over the tournament incident once more, water cooler bubbling in the background. Gohan has heard several renditions of the situation now and is bored of it. Still, it's more than what Quell has ever told him about the Zealites and so he mentally notes what he can about them. Their abilities seem intriguing; seeing the fight in action would have been most useful to determine their threat level. What Quell would have given to see it…

As Shin talks, half of the group grows restless; particularly Dad who has found a fascinating selection of staples atop the table to flick about. Vegeta and Brutil look hungry with the need to punch something, whilst Gohan feigns interest. Only Piccolo and Eyrelle listen raptly.

This must be one of the least lavish places a kai meeting has ever been conducted, Gohan acknowledges in his boredom. How the champions must be suffering as a result.

Brutil certainly is. His face is pinched as he wobbles about his chair. Eyrelle, alternatively, is focused however, but not on Shin. Gohan catches her avert her gaze as he looks towards her.

Oh? Gohan is only forced to look away when one of Dad's staples flicks him dead centre in the forehead.

Time draws on as Shin next relays Gohan's mighty resurrection, ignoring Brutil's clicking tongue, as he then mentions the Super Saiyan God ceremony. Vegeta finds this the appropriate time to interrupt.

"I'm next," he tells Dad. "We are going to repeat the ritual and I'll be the next one to attain Super Saiyan God."

"Uh, sure."

Absolutely not, Gohan thinks. If there'd been any other way around it, his dad wouldn't even have the form; it should be Gohan who has it. That'd been his plan months ago, even before Earth. The only reason he'd decided against it was to avoid the heartache with his return, that and Quell's wrath. Now that he's here, perhaps it would be worth performing the ceremony once more, for him.

"—And once Lord Beerus had left, Kibito and I returned to the Scared World of the Kais in order to converse properly with the right authority to re – Oh my, Gohan, your nose is bleeding."

Again? Gohan groans and dabs. It's red. "Oh, I'm sorry. Please continue."

Dad hands him a tissue box from behind. "That's the fourth one this week, right?"

Seventh.

Shin hums sympathetically as Gohan wrenches at the tissues. "Do you want me to speak to with Whis about—?"

"No, no. Really, carry on. I'm fine. Seriously."

"It'd be no harm done."

Vegeta isn't impressed with the interval. "The boy is fine. He already said as much. Instead of your life story, how about you tell us about these Zealites? I'm not here for my good health so get to it."

"Oh, r-right."

Shin continues regardless, likely painfully unaware he needn't deal with the formalities expected at a usual kai meeting. He elaborates on how he managed to persuade the Council of Kais about the dangers of the Zealites now that Beerus had officially come to witness them. As he goes on and on and on (Vegeta's soul seems to have left him), Gohan wipes at his nose, every bit aware of Eyrelle's trained eyes upon him.


From Shin's layered explanation of the events, Gohan has come to understand that the kais know about as much as he does about the Zealites, of which to say amounts to very little. Gohan learns that the idea of a benefactor is a popular one amongst the council and, according to Shin, is currently the force behind in an elimination game of who it could be. Dad had fought the matter that it was the guy he'd met on the battle field but Gohan remains unsure.

Whoever the leader is, had Famis killed, that's all Gohan truly knows.

Should Gohan want to avenge him? He'd been his brother, too. It's hard to feel something for someone he'd never met. All Gohan knows about Famis is that he'd been an intellect; a person who'd worked with magic with an almost scientific-like approach. He'd been the one to create Majin magic, and the Tree of Might, along with a slew of other horrid additions to the universe.

Where Gohan wants to eliminate, Famis had wanted to create. Would they have gotten along at all? Even now, Gohan can understand the Zealites' desire to purge the universe of the relics. The fact that this had been a historically God of Revelation desire isn't lost on him. It riles him with curiosity. If they'd murdered Famis whilst operating with such an objective, Gohan would be lying to say that he doesn't understand. Famis' ravenous need to create had been a threat. The threat had needed to be eliminated, and so it was.

God, what would Quell think of him for such opinions?

But would I be so understanding if it'd been someone I loved who'd been killed? What would I say if someone murdered Dad? A mortal with too much power is a threat is as valid reason as any for one to be destroyed. I understood why we needed to do what we did on Yardrat. But if something similar was ordered upon someone I love? I'd never be able to overlook it. I… I would never be able to do it.

Gohan eats his words as he remembers Quell growing frustrated with Gohan's niceties once upon a time ago. But had it been more than that? Quell is a selfish person and he knows it. He owns it in a way Gohan would never.

"You are too nice. You are sickly sweet and wholly good. How do you think that will serve you?" Quell had once said to him. "Do not think that I don't know you. I see you."

Does he think Gohan the same? Is Quell sick of Gohan's hypocrisy? Does he think that Gohan would forfeit his beliefs for selfish reasons like vengeance or love; that these niceties are just an act to cover something more? It's hard to disagree with him when Gohan's natural instinct is to agree.

After Yardrat, Quell had said for Gohan to stop letting his sense of morals hold him back from doing what's right. It's about protecting the collective.

But, on the other hand, Dad has always told Gohan to be a good person and to do what's right. The weak should be protected.

What even is 'right'?

If killing Famis had been right for the universe then is it wrong for Quell to want revenge? Or is Quell right? The blood that binds is the only blood that matters.

What's more important; the greater good or personal loyalties?

Gohan sighs, leaning his head back against the outer wall of Capsule Corporation. What he would do for a hard drink... Instead, he has to settle for dislodging a couple of ankle bitters.

"I've told you," he repeats to his audience of two, "They really didn't say anything of interest. It's stuff you both already know."

Trunks doesn't deem that answer as acceptable. "You were in there for thirty minutes. You're telling me that the Supreme Kai just likes the sound of his own voice?"

"You're not lying are you, Gohan?" Goten asks, equally displeased, "'Cause it's not fair that you got to go and we didn't. You're like two years older than Trunks, that's it, so you should tell us."

"Yeah, man. Just say."

"We deserve to know."

Gohan scratches at the back of his head, back pressed against the wall. How annoying. "Really, guys, it was kind of boring. We just went over the facts of what we already know about the Zealites. We met the two kai champions stationed here, and we were told to stay alert. They're trying to track the Zealites but they're having a bad time of it so they're trying to get help of some other higher deities. That's the scope of it, I swear."

It's the truth. The meeting had been a front anyway. The champions were likely just sizing them up.

Goten groans. "Then why couldn't we go?"

"I don't make the rules, Squirt."

"My mum said it's because you're 'experienced', whatever that means," Trunks complains airily. He then proceeds to enjoy the taste of his own foot in his mouth, "Does dying count as experience?"

Gohan buckles at the comment, finding it entirely too funny. "Don't let anyone else hear you say that," he warns, covering a smile with advice, "Your mum would kill you for a start. Heh. Maybe your dad would appreciate it, though."

The humour drains from Trunks' face. "Ugh. That involves talking to him. I'm good. Him channelling his asshole-ness at you is fine by me."

"So they really didn't say anything else?"

"I promise you, Goten—"

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Trunks gawps when Gohan pulls out the offending noise maker. "You have a phone? What? You never said." His own is presented. "Number, please."

"Videl got it for him."

"She did? I could have gotten you one of the Capsule Corps' models! We just released the Z8. You should have said 'cause that thing looks like a brick." Trunks examines it, horrified. "God. It's a relic."

"That's the point," Gohan says as he types in his number to Trunks' much newer model, "I don't think I'd cope very well with a new one. I just need it to message, right?"

"Are you hearing this, Goten?"

"I know. I've already had this conversation with him. He just wants his old people technology."

Trunks takes his phone back, smirking. "I bet you text like you're writing a letter, right?"

Goten laughs because it's a conversation they'd had just yesterday. "He does."

Gohan accepts their jibing as an expression of love. There's no point in learning popular colloquialisms and slang when he'll likely be gone in a month, or less depending on how long the body can hold out. Not only that, but Earth technology is confusing. Why is everything touchscreen? When did this happen?

"So what did Videl say? She's the only one to text you, right?"

Gohan cocks his head. Trunks has grown into such a menace. It's admirable. "Aren't you nosy?"

"Don't be such a—"

There's a rough cough as the sound of marching boots approaches. "Oh, look, a litter of saiyans," Brutil announces, strutting his way over, "Look at that, Eyrelle. I have never seen a fair-haired one before."

Eyrelle is not observing Trunks.

"Wow. Are you really a kai?" Goten asks, "You're the first one I've seen one that's so big."

Brutil couldn't be more pleased. "We come in many shapes and sizes, though few are so physically endowed as I. Met many kais, boy?"

"A couple when uh…" He spares a look at Gohan. The rest is easy to figure out. Dad must have enlisted every person under the sun to try and revive Gohan. Of course it would have failed, however. Only someone as powerful as Whis would have the power to bring a god back.

Gohan steps forward. "He met a few kais when my father reached out to them. They'd been searching for me at the time."

"Oh, that's right. You were dead before, right? Not often I meet invigorated souls." His head tilts. "So, how'd you die then?"

The god smiles as bright as the evening sun. "How indeed."

Brutil leans back onto his hip, caressing his sword. It's as sharp as his tongue. "See, I heard you killed yourself."

Both Trunks and Goten audibly take in air. Gohan doesn't so much as blink, instead scratching at the back of his head, smile still pointed as his own weapon. "Does that mean you've been asking about me? Are you worried about something?" Do I worry you?

The effect is immediate. Brutil burns up. "No, you punk! What makes you ask that?"

Oh, it's true. You are worried. What have you heard? It's not that I'm a god otherwise you'd be licking my boot.

"Woah, dude, Gohan's just asking."

Ignorance is contrived and Gohan tries his best to sound wounded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause offense. I just have the impression that you're anxious about something…"

"No kid is making me anxious."

Trunks makes his words barbed. "I don't know. Seems like you're anxious to me. What do you think, Goten?"

"Kinda'. How lame."

"I know, right? Imagine being spooked by a seventeen year old."

"I thought kais were supposed to be cool."

"Ugh, maybe this one is defective."

Brutil looks about ready to pop. "This is why—" The language shifts and Gohan recognizes every expletive that follows suit. "You know," he says in Common, "You should show some respect to us champions. We're here to assist you so this back water planet doesn't become a thing of the past, the Zealites playground to—"

"Brutil," Eyrelle murmurs, "That's enough. Do not take your frustrations out on the children."

"Yeah, Brutil," Trunks further goads. "Won't you think of the children?"

"Please do not encourage his rage further," Eyrelle levelly asks of Trunks, "The irrationality of his anger will not be put out with more fire."

It's Goten who sulks first. "He started it by being a jerk to my brother."

"We shouldn't fight," Gohan intervenes, light. "Everybody wants the same thing, right? We have to beat the Zealites together so let's not press buttons. Trunks, I'm looking at you. And you, Goten, don't worry about standing up for me. I'm just fine. I'm sure Brutil meant nothing by it. In fact, I think we should respect Brutil's position as someone who has been sent here to help Earth."

I'm not getting caught up in a mess.

"I see you have a semblance of sense, then," Brutil says unkindly before turning to leave, "I'd been unsure considering your complete disregard for life."

Gohan smiles again, powerless to do much else.


After the meeting, Dad leads them back to the Son house and tries to encourage Gohan and Goten to train with him. Brutil is a bug that needs to be swatted and Eyrelle has his brain in overdrive, so Gohan isn't in the best of moods. In fact, he's positively grouchy and whereas, back at the estate he would retire to his chambers to be alone, here he doesn't have such a privilege. Dad manhandles him out into the evening humidity with success. Where Rixas would have just been given a fat lip for the same crime, Gohan can only laugh it off as he once would have back when he'd been a kid.

Goten is similarly dragged and is successfully roped into practicing his katas. Gohan would have joined him if not for another "ill-timed" nose bleed (Though he would have found another excuse not to participate).

So, he watches, bored, cranky and overall unimpressed. Goten has gotten lazier. There'd been vibrancy to his moves when he'd been little but now the kid is lethargic in his motion; no move is completely attained, no hand is fully flexed.

Dad compliments him anyway. He's softer with Goten then he'd been with Gohan.

Except, apparently, that hadn't been the case up until recently.

"It was bad," Goten whispers that night as they lay together, stargazing out back. Patches of clouds block most of the brightest ones and the grass is damp but neither turns to move inside. "Piccolo had to get involved. I think he… Or, well, I thought… No, I'm being stupid."

"Say it."

"I… At the time, I thought that Dad was gonna' killed me."

It makes Gohan freeze, something ugly bubbling within.

"Gohan?"

"Dad has a one track mind," Gohan says slowly, each syllable precisely measured so he doesn't say something he'd regret. "He doesn't understand that you might not want to train like a madman, or that you don't care about getting stronger. It'd been the same for me. But that doesn't excuse him for what he did to you."

Goten's eyes are shiny under vague moonlight, "Was it the same for you? Was he also too… rough?"

Gohan hums. The physicality of training has never bothered him in all honestly. In fact, he remembers asking his dad to go harder on him, as that's what he'd best respond to with Piccolo. If anything, Dad had felt soft in comparison, even to this day he doesn't rank him as one of his roughest mentors. Gohan thinks training with Rixas to be worse; way worse, but that's not to take away from Goten's experience. The kid has obviously been affected.

His hand reaches out for Goten's and squeezes. "We're different people," he says, tender, "If it's too much for you then he should recognize that. I'm sorry you experienced this. I'll talk to him if you want?"

"No, no. Um, it's fine. He's… doing better now, I think."

"If you're sure."

Gohan watches them as they train the next day just to be positive. Goten's word holds up as Dad does nothing Gohan deems to be dangerous, except for showing them both shoddy footwork but that's just a matter of opinion.

"If you do this, you'll be able to bring your arm all the way back for the leverage."

When Dad leans back on his left ankle too much, Gohan remembers how he used to do that, and how Rixas would take enormous pleasure in breaking the fibula.

If the two were to ever meet, it would be a dangerous combination. One obsessive meeting another would either mean world destruction… or a shit ton of unwanted training sessions for Gohan. Both sound equally tiring.

The thought of Rixas has him broody. He wonders how he's doing. Gohan's been away from him longer but he'd never felt this far away before. He admittedly misses the lug.

Quell can still fuck himself.

Later, Mum comes up to the house and submerges into tears at the sight of it. There are hugs, tea and memories shared. Dad even shows an dug up area in the garden where he plans to start growing radishes. It's surprising that she stays for as long as she does (and actually cooks!). For an odd moment, Gohan actually feels seventeen again, eating absolutely delicious food courteously of the best cook around as he nestles into the comfort of nostalgia. The four of them sit around the table, talking and joking, and when Gohan offers to clean up, it's Goten who shoos him away from the dishes.

"You're a good influence on him," Mum says as he helps her atop Nimbus.

The cloud puffs proudly as Gohan pets it. "Goten's just growing up."

"I've been worried about him for a long time but since you've been back, he's improving. You should be proud, Gohan. I've not heard from his school all week."

"He's just finding himself."

"You were never a miscreant."

"Maybe I was and you just never knew."

She giggles. "Oh, really, Gohan."

He kisses her cheek and promises to meet her back at Fire Mountain. As she takes off into the dark blue, Gohan remains cheerful but something unsettles in his chest. A pattern is emerging.

It's only the next day when Gohan finds a pamphlet to West City High School sitting on his desk. Mum talks the good game all morning, promoting the school as if she works there herself. If Gohan completes his final year there then he's apparently set for life, with the next step for him to attend the university next door. Unexpectedly, Goten doesn't complain about the idea of different schools. If anything, he looks pleased about it, breathing with heavy relief when he thinks no one is watching, but Gohan sees.

He sees even more when Videl starts a casual conversation over text, finally having him make good use of the phone she got him. Throughout the back and forth, Goten sours, and just as the topic of returning to school comes up over messaging, the kid has long since disappeared into his bedroom.

There's something not right here.

He knocks on Goten's bedroom door but it goes ignored, and when he brings up Goten's odd behaviour to him the next morning, the kid pretends not to know what Gohan's talking about. Pushing the matter just results in Goten leaving again, this time not to his room, but to the sanctuary of Capsule Corporation instead.

Gohan is tempted to ask someone about Goten and deliberates on who to reach out to. His first instinct is to ask Dad but he doesn't think it's a good idea. He's never been good at complexities. Mum, as much as he loves her, runs the similar risk of being too straight cut on the issue.

There's Trunks but that's probably too close to home for Goten.

When a text comes through on his phone, his question is answered as soon as Videl's name takes it natural place on his home screen. Yes, he'll ask her when he next sees her in person.


"So I was thinking," Dad announces as they walk through the village, encumbered with groceries. "We should do the Super Saiyan God ritual again this weekend. Goten and Trunks don't have school so it'd give us plenty of time to get it right. The only thing is whether or not you're up for it. Don't think I didn't notice your dizzy spell this morning."

Gohan rebalances his own mountain of bags. The two pass an elderly woman and her gawking grandchild as they make their way upstream and in the direction of the car. "Is this about Vegeta?"

"I mean, Vegeta could do it too, but I was thinking more about you, Gohan."

He stops, a loaf of bread tumbling free. "Becoming a super saiyan god?"

"Why not?

He tries not to sound too into the idea but it is appealing. This is what he'd wanted ever since Zamasu had mentioned it. But in doing so, Gohan knows this meat sack won't stand the test. It'll rip apart not even half way into the ritual, especially when Gohan's own ki intermingles with additional devout energy. It would mean the end of his time here. "I don't know. I'll have to think about it."

"You don't have to be nervous about it. I believe you'd do great. You're stronger than you know, always have been."

Oh, I know.

He shrugs, modest, and then tentatively asks, "How about Goten?"

"Goten? What about him? You mean for the ritual?"

"Why not?" he parodies, obvious.

"Oh. Ehhh, I don't know, Goten is giving me signs that he doesn't like all the fighting stuff. We kinda' had a fight about it a while back. We're good now, I think, but as much as I push him, he's not interested in it. Bulma keeps telling me that he's at that age where he's pushing back against your mum and me but you never did, right? Act out, I mean."

"Goten and I are pretty different people, Dad."

"Don't I know it?" There's an awkward laugh as he reorganizes his load. "Sometimes, I don't even know how to talk to him. Goten and me, well, we don't always get on as well as we" – he gestures between himself and Gohan, almost dropping the milk, – "do."

I think that's because Goten doesn't put up with as much as I did, he thinks, more bitter than anticipated, enough so that it shocks him. Do I really feel that way?

Gohan had grown up comfortably. He'd had two parents who loved him.

They could… be overbearing. I kind of understand Goten's feelings. Have they been pressuring him?

Goten's words from the other night return; "Was it the same for you? Was he also too… rough?"

Not in that way, perhaps in others.

Gohan had his own burdens, now that he thinks about it. They'd not bothered him at the time because that's all he'd known, but it hadn't always been easy. It's not easy now. More burdens have mounted themselves on his plate, and that was before being dragged to Earth.

He's been contending with a lot for a while. There's the daunting weight of his position, the guilt that comes with that and how little revelations are being made. Millions die, corruption is strife. Zamasu watches him, the Zealites are nipping at godly heels, Beerus is seconds away from Gohan mounting his head, and now he has to contend with the kai and their champions sticking their nose in. Eyrelle alone is enough to have him on edge.

And that's without considering everything he needs to fix on Earth.

"That's a big sigh," Dad comments. "Maybe you and your brother are more alike than I thought, heh."

Ah. That's yet another comparison. The more he listens, the more he hears, but instead of bringing it up, Gohan remains positive. "You could try finding something else to do together," he mentions, smiling. "Y'know, like bond."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Oh, I don't know. Fishing? You've always liked that, right? Hiking is also fun. You could do the gardening stuff together. Or maybe, how about trying something he likes?"

Dad is perplexed at the very thought. Just as they arrive at the car, he juggles the key and the bags. "Like what?"

"You probably know Goten better than I do at this stage. You tell me."

"Uh."

"Name one hobby."

There's a long silent stretch when Gohan isn't met with an answer.

Really, does his dad know so little? Goten is his kid. Growing up, Goten had a thousand hobbies and Gohan knew all of them.

Dad doesn't even bother to hide his shame, burning red as he fiddles about with the keys before starting the engine. As they drive home, Gohan mulls, leaning against the window and staring over the mountain road.

It's appropriate when thick slaps of rain drum atop them.

Am I the favourite here, too?

His fingers trail through the condensation.

Poor Goten.


Gohan starts vomiting around the end of the first month. Mum notices first and has him speak to the physician at the castle, the same one who helped Grandpa beat cancer a couple years back. There's nothing he can do but Gohan nods and appears to take the advice to heart, even drinking all the hot water his mother serves him with religious devotion. Annoyingly, it creates the need to pee every hour. His skin has never looked better, however.

The school idea is still being thrown around much to Gohan's irritation. Mum isn't the most sympathetic person and would still have him study even on his deathbed, which might actually happen if she gets her way. Gohan gets one of his infamous nosebleeds when she gives him a practice entry test for the school to go over.

With tissues stuffed up his nose, he reads the paper to realize that he's forgotten everything he's ever learned about Postmodernism.

"Water, Gohan," she says. It's not an option. The steaming cup is placed beside him.

He sips at it and his nose tissues take a dip.

I'm… a god, he reminds himself as he plucks the soggy tissue free. I'm a big scary god who slayed thousands of war criminals literally a few months ago.

"Gohan, drink."

He does.

It's hard to stay focused on his goals. Being on Earth seems like an unending intermission far away from the realities of his life, as though he's on vacation from work; albeit, the vacation isn't always the most fun. And with the Zealite stuff being dangled over him, there's that reminder that Quell could become involved at any time – and that would be messy to say the least.

It must be this train of thought that has the dreams continue. He hasn't had one since the Quell memory the other week. Yet, tonight's has him wake up in a cold sweat.

He coddles his head as he recalls it.

It too had been a of memory; or a sick, bloody parody, rather

Gohan wants to help the girl but he can't. His legs are cemented and his arms are stitched down.

Blue, bulging eyes suddenly churn upwards. The man grins.

"You look a bit old for me."

He stands and the child falls into obscurity. Death takes her quietly, panning for its next victim. This has all happened before, Gohan knows. There's no escape.

"Oh, I might make an exception for you."

When he's sick this time, it's not because of the shitty meat sack body.

Gohan is rubbish the next morning. He doesn't bring himself to smile and everyone rushes around to try and cheer him up as though he's in need of a factory reset. Non-jolly Gohan is not an option. Even the maids try their best to engage him in their needless morning chatter. Goten happens to see as he busies himself getting ready for school, his face tightly drawn as a result. Only when he realizes that Gohan is equally as grumpy as he is today does he try to make an effort.

"Um… are you okay?" he asks, trailing his bag off of the dining room table.

Gohan, sitting opposite with untouched juice, smiles blandly. "Yeah. Long night."

"Were you sick again?"

"Don't worry about it."

"I'll see you later at Capsule Corp, though, right?"

Today, another gathering has been called, this time with the extended group of Earth's fighters at Dad's insistence that they need to be involved. Shin had agreed only on the condition that they're not discussing in-detail Zealite activities with them.

His dad hadn't stayed at Fire Mountain last night and comes to retrieve him sometime around four. God forbid he allows Gohan to make the journey alone.

"You okay, bud?" he asks as Gohan puts on his shoes.

"Just tired," he mumbles. "I'm fine."

"If you say so…"

Capsule Corporation is busier than usual. Bulma tells them it's due to another product launch this week. With how pointed she's saying it; it's obvious that she's not exactly pleased with Dad's timing of the meeting. Servicemen and women brush past them as they walk, colliding with Gohan when his body decides that motor functions are no longer important.

Dad jokes about Gohan's clumsiness as they enter a larger meeting room than last time.

As expected, Vegeta and Piccolo are here; they show the impressive ability of appearing both impassive and full of contempt at the required attendance. Krillin is also here, along with Eighteen. Seventeen is here, too, which is unexpected. They're talking to Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu, the latter of which Gohan is most surprised to see. But not as surprised as he is at seeing Mister Satan and the chewing-gum pink blob that is Buu. They haven't noticed him yet as they're too busy helping themselves to the spread Bulma's put out. With amusement, Gohan can't help but notice that Mister Satan has an ever-growing bald patch now; it shines under the fluorescent lighting as though he wants attention called to it. With seeing the man, Gohan half expects to spot Videl, and scans the room for her, finding himself terribly disappointed when it comes up without tribute.

Goten and Trunks are here, however; they wave over for Gohan to join them, but he doesn't because he cannot be bothered dealing with kids right now.

"Stylishly late as usual, Goku," Shin greets, Kibito obediently as his heel. "Greetings to you both. I'm happy you finally made it."

"Gohan didn't feel too well on the way over here."

"Oh, you're still unwell. That can't be good, Gohan." The Supreme Kai's consideration goes far beyond flat politeness, but Gohan is in a bad enough mood not to be touched by it. "You are looking rather peaky. I will talk to Whis about it when I return to Geo."

"It's fine," Gohan says.

But Dad isn't having any of it. "It's not. That'd be great, Shin. Thanks."

Soon enough, Mister Satan comically chokes on a bread roll when he sees him. Only when Buu helps dislodge it does he make a mad dash in Gohan's direction. His sweaty palm snatches Gohan's up and shakes it wildly.

"Videl had said, but seeing it with my own eyes is another!" he tells excitedly, voice bushier with emotion than Gohan expected, "How great it is that you're home. I know it means a whole bunch to a lot'a people, but especially to my little Videl. It broke her heart, it did, when you died."

What can Gohan say to that?

"But, unfortunately for you, she's marrying a good man so I don't want no funny business," Mister Satan warns, braver than he ought to be, "Videl can't afford to have her career ruined by the papers because a raunchy teenager couldn't keep his hands to himself."

For the first time today, Gohan is amused. The grin isn't forced. "I'll do my best, sir."

He smiles back, jubilant. "Adda' boy. You're a good lad. Hyuh-hyuh, and don't you worry; I'm sure we'll be able to set you up with a fine girl, what with all my connections. It's a benefit of knowing the "champ" after all!"

Mercifully, the meeting is called soon after. Piccolo ignores him as his usual routine, taking his position at the back and away from the crowd. Some of the other fighters pick up on it but no one says anything; another mercy. However, Gohan's luck draws to an end when Brutil and Eyrelle move to the front. Shin introduces them and explains why their presence is needed here on Earth. Of course, he leaves out the fact that the kais are most definitely just monitoring not only the Zealites, but also Dad, and most likely Vegeta too considering his vocalizations about attaining the god form.

Dad next talks, speaking about the importance of staying in contact with one another, something Gohan takes to heart when he whips out his phone and messages Videl. Her absence really has bummed him out and he lets her know as much.

[ : ( Work] is what she replies.

He swallows a sigh before managing to hear something remotely interesting.

"It won't just be Earth fighters you'll be working alongside," Shin adds when Dad finishes his monologue. "I'm hoping that Lord Beerus will return and assist on the issue, perhaps offer his guidance and aid us in reinstating the dragon balls and the other relics."

"Return… to Earth?" Goten exhausts, paler at the thought.

"Yes. In fact, I should probably mention now that several higher beings are invested in these on goings, including other gods and high-ranking kais operating in the council."

Piccolo would turn greener if he could. "More gods?"

"Do you have any names for us, Supreme Kai?" Brutil asks, lounging against his wheelie chair and looking as if he owns the place. "God of… the Heavens? Revelation? Skies…? Perhaps more Destroyers?"

"No concrete support yet, not that I would discuss details here." Shin looks weary and Gohan worries that he isn't going to continue but he does. "You know the Destroyers support us, otherwise Lord Beerus wouldn't be leading the charge. I have most recently reached out to Lord Haed but as of today I am still awaiting his answer."

Brutil's voice grows faint. "Lord…Haed?"

"Who?" Dad asks.

The God of the Underworld.

"Nobody you want to cross, saiyan," Brutil returns, "He's the God of the Underworld."

"Like Hell?"

Gohan's eyes drift lazily between Brutil and Shin. Why would Shin reach out to Haed?

Brutil enjoys his moment in the spotlight. "That's not what it used to be called when Lord Haed ruled. It used to be a darker place, a sanctorum where even his fellow gods dared not tread and souls would never see the light of day once entombed. Hell today is playground in comparison. Before it became rehabilitation centre, only a select few really knew what happened in the crypts and the dungeons deep under the—"

Shin coughs, bringing the off-topic to a standstill. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Like I said, I have no such alliance formed as of yet. So there is little need to fill their heads with such morbid fantasies, thank you, Brutil."

But the damage is done and as a result, the fighters are mumbling amongst themselves in anxious clusters. Mister Satan has turned white.

Yamcha laughs through his nerves. "Just what have you roped us into this time, Goku?"

"Gods. Gods?" Krillin emphasizes, incredulous. "I don't think there's a step above this. Gods?"

"This has been a weird couple of months," Trunks agrees, "Would you believe that I got a 'B' on my History assignment last week?"

"Shut up, boy."

Gohan would have laughed if he wasn't so preoccupied.

What does Haed have to do with this? Is… the Supreme Kai…? No, surely not.

When he turns his attention back to the centre of the room, he sees her staring at him again. This time, Eyrelle doesn't turn away.

"Settle down. There is no reason to worry about divine intervention. The gods are—"

"Supreme Kai," Brutil interrupts in a language definitely not Common. It's likely Celestianese. "Did you contact Lord Haed over concerns with the God of Revelation? I know he has been involved in the Zealite search long before this. Has he troubled you?"

Shin pauses, looking put out. "No. This is a precaution; in lest things do become sour, but it's doubtful they will so do not worry over it. The Gods of Revelation are allies."

Gohan knew it.

It's a bid to hold leverage over Quell, him and Rixas.

Why involve Haed? Are you trying to piss Quell off? Idiot kai!

"Um, sorry for our discourtesy," Shin apologizes, "Let us continue, then."

The possibility of Haed's influence is enough to unsettle Gohan, and for the rest of the meeting he finds it even harder to remain focused. Gohan met Haed a couple years back and the occasion left him feeling… dirty. The incident could not be summarized as pleasant, though it'd probably went a thousand times better than any meeting between Quell and Haed would have.

Gohan drums his fingers along the table, staring at the one kai he thought he could call a friend.

Apparently not, not as Mori of Revelation at least.

With the meeting resumed, Brutil is the next on the stand, basically listing his reasons on why he thinks the Earth is not equipped to fight the Zealites and how they all should be better. Gohan wonders whether the guy is going to swing his dick about first or his sword.

Not much else is added that Gohan doesn't already know. Shin does mention that there has been Zealite activity back on the Sacred World of the Kais, and that they're expecting an attack any day now, which begs the question why the kais are putting so much attention on Earth. Nobody asks this though because they're all too trusting and Gohan is left to stew in the bitterness of reality.

The meeting nears its close after Brutil finishes up. Eyrelle doesn't address the group to Gohan's lack of surprise. Instead, she watches over the group, still fixated a moment longer than necessary when her attention drifts to Gohan.

What does she want?

Unpredictably, the question is answered when, after the meeting, Gohan is approached by the champion. By this point, Goten and Trunks had tracked him down outside and are exchanging their own thoughts on the gathering. Gohan stays quiet for the most part, still contemplative, but finding himself enjoying the shit talk about Brutil.

It's at this moment, Eyrelle finally speaks to him. "May I talk with you alone?"

"Alone?" Trunks questions.

"Yes."

"Anything you can say to Gohan, you can say in front of—"

Gohan coughs, interrupting Goten's quick defence of him. "Honestly, guys, it's fine. You two should go ahead. We'll catch up later."

There's a stand-off and at first, Gohan doesn't think they'll move. Eventually, Trunks inches forward with Goten on his heels. "Just so you know, lady, Gohan'll tell us what you say anyway."

"Yes. Thank-you, Trunks."

After the two go, neither talks for a beat. Perhaps she feels the apprehension too. Crickets and other dusk-dwelling creatures can be heard, but little else sounds. Eyrelle, poised with concentration, is obviously listening to see if anyone is still around, hiding, and so Gohan decides to put her at ease by offering to walk around the grounds. Whatever she has to say clearly requires privacy.

By the time they reach the far corner of the furthest quadrant, Eyrelle looks more at ease, although it's hard to tell with how well she self-censors; the dispassionate expression looks so natural on her.

She stops, suddenly. Gohan stops with her. "Is this far enough?"

"Yes," she whispers.

"Okay, then."

Gohan doesn't push her. He watches the last of the sun meet the horizon, the night chasing it, and the birds in pursuit. Absently, he feels his phone beep from his pocket but never retrieves it; the moment is stolen with four simple words.

"Are you Lord Mori?"

His body turns to stone. It's not that he hadn't seen this as a possibility, but it still has him surprised, so shocked that he's unsure of how to respond.

"Lord Mori?" Gohan parrots as though it sounds foreign.

"It is you, isn't it?" She switches to Lanit-Tongue; fluent in its delivery and accent. "My suspicions were confirmed with Brutil and the Supreme Kai just now. You understood them when a mortal boy would have no place to. I saw. I could tell. From the first meeting, I hadn't been as positive, but now I am, even despite your young disguise."

He doesn't react at all.

"They think you mortal, don't they? I would have had I not lived at the estate and been amongst you for as long as I had."

She'd lived at the estate?

Realization floods her and her hands fly up. "My lord, I will not jeopardise your cover. This is entirely between us. I assure you, I am still loyal to your brother regardless of what happened. I… I even tried to reach out many a time. Lord Quell, he never responded to me, or perhaps, he never received my messages. I'm not unaware to the political situation, after all."

The jig is up. Curiousity wins. "And what messages would those be?" Gohan asks of her.

Immediately, she looks gratified. Impassive eyes are no longer just that, and now are wide and full of energy. "My lord," she says, "Thank-you for trusting me. Whatever you are doing here I understand must be of great importance. Have no fear that I will not betray that."

"The messages?"

"Apologies," she replies. When Gohan looks confused, she elaborates. "No, I mean, my apologies. I wanted to… to apologize about Lord Famis. I… his death… I know I held a level of responsibility for it."

"And what makes you believe that?"

"It's the truth. As his assistant, I should have done more, I should have been stronger. He was never the fighter. That was my role and… I let him down."

This was Famis' assistant? Gohan would laugh if the topic wasn't so serious. Out of all the champions that could have been sent, Shin manages to recruit one of the Almighty's alumni.

"I know that you were never close but I want to express my sympathies as well as my utmost and most sincere apology. I… I could have done more. I know that now. I would bow if it would not blow your cover." Her gaze trails over to where two pin-prick dots can be seen non-discreetly waiting for Gohan "I wish to be able to speak with Lord Quell most of all, if I am to be honest, though I would understand why he should not want to meet with me. He'd been close with Lord Famis and I feel like I owe him my words most of all."

How strange for Famis to be on the mind so recently and for this to happen. Gohan is tempted to consider it fate.

"I'm not exactly in contact with him at the moment," Gohan admits, "I'm undercover, after all."

"That's… disappointing."

Gohan looks out over the stretch to where Trunks and Goten stand, gesturing an "okay?" sign. "Eyrelle, I am confused by your positioning."

"My lord?"

"You are with the kais and are a kai yourself, yet you… with the Almighty…"

"I am forever loyal to the Almighty," she says with surprising fierceness, "The Kai are my people but Lord Famis had been my life. What he stood for, I stood for, but when he died, a part of me went with him. In the end, I had to leave and serve my time in the council as agreed but I, well, I… here, look… I still carry it, my lord." Gohan watches with mild interest as she reaches past the first layer of her clothing. A small golden pin emerges, one Gohan knows very well. "The Almighty Crest," she says, proud, showcasing the horse. "I am never without it."

"May I?"

She looks unsure at first, as though parting with a great treasure. But she does pass it along. He examines it fondly, seeing that it is indeed real before giving it back, to where it's sealed away, safe. It's all enough to make her smile; an image rich in melancholy. "I miss those times. They had been some my happiest."

"But now you are on the side of the council, and the kais."

"Yes."

"Where they have gone behind Quell's back in order to recruit Haed."

"Y-Yes."

"Because they fear Quell?"

"I am not allowed contact with Lord Quell as per my contract with the council."

"Nor with me, I imagine but here we are."

"My lord…?"

He's just being a dick now. Gohan pinches at his temples, tired with it all. "You will not rat me out?"

The suggestion horrifies her. "Never."

How unexpected. The tide of today's luck has changed in his favour, finally. Gohan might have an ally here. If he can trust her to be frank with him, she's sure to prove useful.

And so he gets right to it. After telling her to not relay anything that should give him away, he poses a question to her, if only because he grew tired of Brutil's attitude quickly.

"Why does your colleague have strife with me?" Gohan asks, returning to Common. "Or is that just a part of his charm?"

Eyrelle sinks back into her neutral disposition, albeit her tone is exasperated. "The Supreme Kai briefed us on each of the fighters we were to meet before arrival," she explains, tenderizing the space between her eyes, "When Brutil heard that one of the fighters here was responsible for freeing the Z Sword he became difficult, and when he heard it had been a child, he became inconsolable. It'd been a personal offense against the legend he'd believed so much in. How could a child be the one to free the mighty Z Sword when he, a champion, had been unable to?"

Ah, ego then. "He's that much of a kai loyalist?"

"Yes. Do not expect him to favour you should he learn of your identity. He would rather die in a blaze of glory than pledge loyalty to a god, despite what song and dance he performs when talking about Lord Beerus."

"I don't want loyalty," Gohan says, amused, "I want him to stop being an asshole."

Eyrelle considers him for a time, but says nothing on it.

"Though, I can understand his anger about the Z Sword. It'd been a fine sword before I broke it, even with that kai's soul ensnared within. I don't think I'll ever come across a blade like that again…"

"Oh, you don't know? It was repaired, my lord." It's enough to revitalize him. "The sword sits back in the Sacred Realm of the Kais where the Supreme Kai had it mounted and placed in the Ostentatious Chamber of Relics. Nobody is to touch it."

That's my sword, Gohan thinks.

He has to remind himself that it'd never been his sword. Mori had simply stolen in.

But then I pulled it free, as Gohan. It's mine.

"I doubt the kais are willing to give it up," he off-hands.

"It's one of the most sacred pieces and made even more revered by its ties to the war against Majin Buu. Mortal, immortal, god or anything of the like regardless, I doubt you will get your hands on such a staple piece of kai culture once again."

"Don't make it sound like a challenge," Gohan laughs, a bit brighter. She doesn't, which only dares him to test his cheek further. "If you are still so loyal, could you tell me anything more about the Zealites? I know the first meeting was a demonstration, if that. If I were a betting man, I would say that you were positioned here to check on my father."

"Goku Son? That is who you are referring to, right? We are but…" She appears confused, and Gohan realizes why. Mori does not have a father or mother (if one does not count the Almighty, which Gohan does not) so this must come off as a little strange to her.

"It's a long story," he tells her. "But he is my father."

"He is?"

"Yes."

Finally, her face contorts, and not one readable emotion passes over it. A soft wheeze emits from her and he supposes it could be considered a laugh. "As complicated as ever, I see."


Trunks had joked that she'd confessed to him. At dinner, he'd told the table that the two are getting ready to move to the Otherworld together before the big wedding. Bulma had been too preoccupied with Bulla's distaste with anything non-breast related to scold, her and Bulla's dinner long-since gone cold. Vegeta had been absent because Gohan is apparently enough to put him off his dinner, but Dad makes up for it by gorging himself silly, messy as Goten pesters Gohan about what Eyrelle had spoken to him about.

The lie had come easy. Pizza cheese between his fingers, Gohan informs that she'd simply taken Gohan aside to apologize about Brutil and express her awe over the freeing of the Z Sword.

Goten's face becomes expectedly pinched.

Trunks wolf-whistles, Bulma slaps him and Gohan gets away with it.

On the way home (to Fire Mountain tonight), Gohan suffers a headache that has him paralyzed. He has to stop in a stretch of farm land, crouching by a perturbed sheep as he waits for the pain to subside. Dad and Goten are both anxious, he can tell, but neither says anything, only breaking the silence when a lamb decides Gohan's t-shirt an excellent milk substitute.

"She's kissing you!" Dad jokes, "Wow, you really are a lady-killer."

Gohan finds himself missing Rixas in the moment only because he'd say something as equally stupid.

Mum gives him some painkillers when he arrives home, babying far more than she should and likely loving every minute of it. She strokes at his hair as she waits for the thermometer to record his body temperate, complaining when Gohan doesn't instantly finish his cup of hot water.

"It cures everything," she tells him sagaciously.

He drinks it like the good boy he is, and remains unsurprised when his temperature doesn't amount to anything strange. This is not the first time they've tried to figure out why Gohan faces the nosebleeds and headaches, but he knows it'll only get worse. His muscles are starting to ache.

He catches his parents talking about it that night, furiously whispering as they sit together in a private nest of sofa cushions. Mum is crying. Dad looks lost but tries his best. He tells her not to worry in that convincing way of his, promising to talk to Shin, Whis or Beerus or anyone else he needs to. Gohan will not leave again, he won't let it happen.

When Dad kisses her, Gohan vacates.

His bedroom here is modest but in no way no less humble than the one at the family house. He at least likes it there, which is more than what he can say about Fire Mountain. The room is gaudy with dark, threatening colours marring everywhere he looks. Thick curtains inhibit his view as to make it feel more like a prison than ever – Which is odd, he thinks. When did he come to think of a place with his family as a prison?

His phone beeps again and Gohan is reminded that he never replied to Videl earlier.

[Want to meet Haruto?]

Wow, what a message to ignore. He feels like an asshole, especially after reading the latest one.

[I understand if not. No pressure. We could grab a milkshake if you don't want to]

The next comes through as he's still reading.

[Seriously, no pressure. : - )]

Gohan immediately starts his reply.

[Hello, Videl. Sorry, I was at an important meeting with Dad and the others. Of course I would like to meet him. When are you free?]

Sending it has him feel relieved somehow as seeing Videl should be a nice break of pace. With how heavy things are starting to get around here, maybe she'll be exactly what he needs.

Gohan had previously seen this escape as a time to fix things with his family. He had no idea the burden of the Zealties and kais would follow; it was not supposed to be this difficult. The human elements are not without blame either; everything is a mess. Why did it all go to shit when he died? Why couldn't Dad hold it together a bit better?

The guy couldn't even list one thing his son likes.

When he'd died, Gohan had helped raise Goten, he'd been there, he'd been that kid's everything and now? Well…

He resents me and I get it. I'd resent me, too.

He sighs, mourning what could have been. His time here should have been a period of healing.

But no.

A strip of moonlight catches his attention and he stalks over to the window. It's dark out.

"When did the estate become the easier place to be?" he asks his unfamiliar reflection.

Angry obsidian returns with no answer.

You know what to do, says that little voice in his head, and Gohan agrees. He does know; he just doesn't want to. In chorus, Quell's guidance returns:

"Always smile. Don't let them read your thoughts. Don't let them know what you're against and what you're for."

As angry as he remains at Quell, he knows the advice to be sound, and this would be the ideal opportunity to put practice into play. Gohan will use his position here and see exactly what else Shin and the other kais are trying to pull. He hadn't planned on prying but if the kais want to go after Gohan's brother then they'll have to deal with him too.

He sighs, head cool against the window.

The upcoming choice between two families is already making itself apparent.

In his frustration, the glass cracks beneath.


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A week; this thing is out only a week later than the last. RIP my sore, wee fingers. And RIP, Kags. Editing anything by my dyslexic ass can never be fun. Thanks once more~

I think a lot went down this chapter. There's a lot of meat to chew through and a few new characters. The storm is brewing in the distance. Ladies and gents, we are turbulence bound.

There's no promise on when the next chapter is because I have a job and a life (debatable). Writing chunkers like these takes a shit ton of time. In a fandom full of junk food fics, I longingly look, trailing my fingers down the screen. I could write a self-insert, I think, I could do it. But no, instead, this masochist went the route of lore and decided to drown in a sea of headaches and shitty OC anxieties. If self-inserts are your flavour then by all means, feast. I just... can't. If I wanted that then I'd move on over to the My Hero fandom. Ho-ho snap.

Anyway, don't let me stop you living your best life. Thanks for all the feedback so far. Amazing stuff. A review to share your thoughts is always valued by Bonsim, even if it's a shitty flame. I hate those but, I'll be honest, I've been left a little lost recently. See, I've introduced a few subject matters that I thought would get me flamed by now, but alas, my reviewers are lovely, normal people and the feedback has been mostly good. Critic is always welcome. Flames are anticipated because it's 2021 and fanfiction is what it is. Still, my space remains safe.

Alright, I'm out. Cheers again!