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Chapter 9:
GOHAN'S AFTERMATH
Note: It's been a week since I updated :); it's something I've already shared with you. I may be starting a new job some time next week, which means that weekly updates might not exactly be weekly; more like 9-10 day-ish. I'll see how much free time I'll be able to have. I won't stop writing or updating, so don't worry :). This chapter is a bit of an aftermath, like the title says. It's a bit different from what you're used to read but I hope I've managed to make it interesting enough :). Don't be afraid to leave a review ^^.
A few minutes of flying and the strongest Super Saiyan could see Karin-sama's tower and the Lookout. The moment he landed, Dende and Mr. Popo were already expecting him.
"Dende, please hurry, he's barely alive," said Gohan while slowly laying Trunks on the ground.
The little Namekian quickly put his hands on Trunks' body and started healing him. His stomach wound slowly healed and in no time, he was good as new. That's when he regained consciousness and saw Gohan.
"Gohan... what happened.. is he..." confusingly asked Trunks.
"He's gone, Trunks. I made sure this time. It's all over."
Gohan finally reverted back to his normal state, taking a deep breath to calm down and just sit on the ground. It was all over but at what cost? It wasn't long before the other Z-fighters arrived at the Lookout, only Krillin was still missing.
"Now that you're here Piccolo, we need to discuss something," sounded the words from Dende.
"You felt it too, huh?" Piccolo immediately said.
"Yes, not far from where you fought Cell. And there were two."
"Then my senses weren't lying. In the midst of battle I couldn't focus enough, but sensed a unusual Ki."
"What are you guys talking about?" interrupted Tenshinhan.
"There was someone or something watching our fight with Cell," Piccolo explained.
"How do you know?" continued Tenshinhan.
"Me and Dende both felt a strange Ki, just barely. It wasn't native to this world."
"And that's not all everyone. One of them was constantly moving, whereas the other one was pretty much just stationary," Dende offered more insight into the mystery.
"Well, whatever it was, I don't sense it any longer,".
"I'll be on alert if it returns. You'll be the first one to know Piccolo," said Dende.
Piccolo nodded and made his way to Gohan, who was now sitting on the edge of the Lookout.
"How you feeling, kid?" he started the conversation.
"I don't know. Happy that is all over but really sad since... since," the little half-Saiyan answered before his eyes started filling with tears.
"I'm sorry it turned out this way."
As Gohan was thinking what to say back, Yamcha opened his mouth.
"So now we just gather the Dragon Balls and wish everyone back to life, right?"
"I'm afraid not everyone," said Dende looking at the ground.
"What do you mean?" said perplexed Yamcha.
"Shenron can only revive a dead person once, Goku can't be wished back to life with Earth's Dragon Balls.
"Then what do we do?" Tenshinhan joined the conversation.
"Porunga could do it. We need the Namekian Dragon Balls," smiled little Dende.
"Alright, then I guess we travel to Namek so we can wish Goku back," Yamcha jumped in the air, full of spirit.
"Hey, don't I get a word in this?" was a voice everyone could hear.
"Goku? Is that you? B-but where are you?" asked Yamcha surprisingly.
"I'm talking to all of you through Kaio-sama. Listen, after all what happened when I was alive, I think it's best I stay here."
Gohan's eyes widened and his pupils shrunk: "Dad... is that true? Y-you're not coming back?"
"I know it's hard to accept Gohan, but the world will be safer with me gone. Plus, you have surpassed me on every level so I'm letting you protect the Earth from now on."
"B-but I need you. You've been gone too many times... I need you dad, don't leave me, please." Gohan pleaded his dad to change his mind.
"You'll be alright, son. You and mum will get through this. I have faith in you."
Gohan's eyes started pouring tears; he was overwhelmed by what his dad had just said, not wanting to come back.
"Is that really wise, Goku?" Piccolo continued the dialogue.
"This is the best way. And besides, Kaio-sama said there's gonna be a tournament and lots of fighters from different parts of the universe. I'll even get a chance to train with some of them."
"Dad... no... don't do this..." Gohan could hardly get the words out.
"I'm proud of you, Gohan. I'll see you guys when you die. Bye."
Gohan's mind just... shattered, like glass when it hits the ground hard. Tears were pouring from his eyes like waterfalls. He powered up and jumped from the Lookout, and disappeared into the clouds. Everyone was surprised or better yet, flabbergasted.
Yamcha offered to follow him but Piccolo stopped him: "Leave him. No one follows him. He needs to be alone. He has every right to be either mad, angry or sad."
Goku's son was flying with high speed towards his home, his mum; his only parent now. As his feet touched the ground, Chichi came storming from the house.
"GOHAN! GOHAN!" she screamed while running to her son.
She hugged him tightly and Gohan did the same... he didn't want to let her go, no matter what.
"Where's Goku?" she asked.
Gohan's tears started pouring down his face and on Chichi's clothes. He tightened his grip around her neck.
"Is he...?"
Her son couldn't speak a word, he just nodded and cried louder. Chichi's father, the Ox king, also exited the house and rushed to both of them. The sight was heart-breaking: both Chichi and Gohan, still hugging tightly and crying while the Ox-king put his giant hands around both of them. In the evening Gohan managed to explain the situation and he's father's wish not to revive him. The next days were emotionally difficult for everyone. Chichi was sad, but not as nearly as Gohan was. He usually cried himself to sleep despite Chichi constantly comforted him during the day and sometimes even during the night. Whenever Gohan needed a hug, a talk or just her being next to him, she would happily oblige.
It was May 17th, Age 767, exactly one week after Goku sacrificed himself for the good of the Earth (1). They haven't collected the Dragon Balls yet, to at least wish back the people Cell had killed as Chichi organized a farewell ceremony for her husbamd not far from their home, East District 439. Bulma offered to pay for a memorial plate with Goku's name on it. Chichi refused to have a gravestone or anything connected with graves; she just wanted some kind of a memorial plate.
All gathered one day at noon where the memorial plate was put down. No one was wearing black as Chichi had forbidden it because this was NOT a funeral. Goku was still very much alive in their hearts and minds. Gohan didn't want to go at first, but eventually mustered enough mental strength to do so. He was the ONLY one wearing a formal funeral attire: a black tie, black pants. black jacket with a white shirt underneath and black shoes, even though Chichi forbid him not to wear it. But the little demi-Saiyan didn't want to hear it; his mind was made up to properly pay his respects and say goodbye to his dad. Of course everyone was startled by this gesture, but as the same time they also knew Chichi's son was going through very hard times.
The ceremony didn't take long, but was nonetheless a beautiful event for all participants. Gohan didn't say a single word through the whole thing. As guests started leaving, he was seen standing, not far from the memorial plate, bearing the inscription "Son Goku". Anyone who wanted to approach him got cut off by Piccolo shaking his head. He knew the little boy was still in shock and mourning. This ceremony may not have been a funeral for others, but for Gohan, it was just that. Chichi was worried so she walked to Piccolo.
"I need to escort some guests back to the house. Will you remain here with him? He's devastated, Piccolo. I'm worried," she said.
"He's been through too much. And I don't approve of Goku's decision either. Gohan needs him now more than ever. But yeah, don't worry, I'll be happy to keep an eye on him," smiled back Piccolo.
As Chichi was leaving, the Namekian gave Gohan some time alone by retreating behind nearby trees, out of his sight. As the boy was looking at the inscription on the memorial plate, his mind started wandering.
Why? Why you, dad? Why not me? You didn't deserve to die. Mum and I miss you so much. Why won't you let us revive you?
He clenched his fists and started grinding his teeth.
I NEED you, dad.
His charcoal-colored hair started standing upwards, waving like it was windy.
It was MY fault you died... I know I let you down... I'm such a FAILURE.
His black eyes turned green and charcoal-colored hair was replaced by yellow. At the same time a golden aura appeared around him, tossing around leaves and twigs. Piccolo had noticed what's going on, but stayed silent and hidden.
I FAILED with all that power. I should have listened to you; and now you're NO MORE!
His guilt and sadness took over; he started crying again, he couldn't hold his tears anymore. He tensed his whole body like he was trying to push out all that guilt in the form of his Ki. The aura around him flared and started changing its appearance; the ground was shaking more and more as Gohan closed his eyes and kept pushing his emotions out.
Piccolo couldn't just listen or wait anymore, so he jumped from behind the trees: "Gohan! Stop it!"
"DAAAAAAAD! he screamed.
His golden hair stood up even more and it was spikier; the aura was now imbued with white-blue lightning. His tie was blown away by the power up and cracks started appearing on the ground, closer and closer to the memorial plate.
His power is too much. He needs to control it, otherwise he'll destroy this place, was going through Piccolo's mind before he yelled: "You're gonna destroy Goku's memorial plate, Gohan!".
All of a sudden, the little demi-Saiyan opened his eyes and all the tremors stopped; his aura vanished; he powered down from Super Saiyan 2 to regular Super Saiyan and at the end to his normal state, then fell on his knees and arms.
"W-why does it hurt so much, Piccolo? I can't stop crying myself to sleep... I'm a half-Saiyan and can't stop crying at all."
"You've lost your dad, kid... you have every right to cry as much as you want. Your Saiyan nature has given you this almost unreal power while your Human side gave you a gentle and peaceful heart," tried to explain Piccolo.
The boy managed to wipe off his tears with his sleeve and stand up, facing Piccolo.
"It wasn't my heart at all, it was my arrogance and power. I let my Saiyan side consume me at that point, taking away my clear judgment."
"Are you planning on somehow suppressing your Saiyan nature? I'm not sure that's a good idea," Piccolo wanted to know.
"No. I'm going to embrace it even more but at the same time keep my "sane" mind. I need to master this new transformation, or I'll lose my mind whenever using it.
"Just by saying that I think you're proven you're a smart kid," smiled the Namekian.
"That's the only way I can learn to control this... new Super Saiyan form. I also promised mum I'd finish my studies after we defeat Cell. Since I miss dad a lot and feel responsible for... for.. what happened, I'll try to focus my mind on studying, maybe it will help."
"Speaking of this.. new Super Saiyan level, don't ever do that again. It felt like the whole world was shaking. I bet even Goku felt that in the afterlife."
"Once I master this level and do some training, the power will be even more awesome."
"Don't you think you're already strong enough?"
"No. I'm not taking any chances, not anymore. Mum's the only one I have left and you and the others. If something more powerful than even Cell shows up... I want to be more than prepared."
"You got some noble goals, Gohan. Don't ever forget them while training."
" I won't. It's what helps me get out of bed in the morning."
"Glad to hear that. Now let's get you back home. Chichi's worried about you."
"I know... mum's been there for me night and day. When she finally calms me down, it doesn't last; the next day is still the same. I... I miss him so... much, Piccolo."
The Namekian put his hand on Gohan's left shoulder: "We all do, kid. Give yourself time to go through all this. Now let's go, I don't wanna get in a fight with your mother when she's angry."
They both walked back to the house, Gohan now feeling a little better, but far from being a care-free boy. Once they reached the front door, Piccolo smiled and took off.
Gohan looked at the sky and took a deep breath: "Wish you were here, dad."
With those words he opened the door and entered the house. Chichi had already sent the last remaining guests home so they both can have some peace and quiet. As the little boy walked through the living room, he smelled something delicious from the kitchen. His mother was preparing his favorite meal: ramen, sushi, onigiri and teriyaki chicken. It was something Goku also loved, so a little tear formed in his left eye.
Chichi noticed him: "It reminds you of your father, doesn't it?" she asked.
Her son nodded.
"You poor thing. I know it's hard, Gohan, but we'll get used to it. We have each other and that's something worth living for," Chichi tried to lift her son's spirit.
Gohan's eyes were sparkling as more tears were forming in them, but he didn't cry. Those tears were not the result of sadness, but of happiness. Hearing those words from his mum really warmed up his heart for the time being.
As a result he ran to her and hugged her: "I love you, mum," he said.
"Oh sweetie, I love you too. Now, take a seat, your favorite dishes..."
Before she could finish, the little half-Saiyan was already sitting at the table, waiting for all that delicious food. They had a nice dinner, the first one since Goku's heroic sacrifice. Once finished, Chichi did the dishes and little Gohan went upstairs to his room to continue his studies.
"I can't believe his actually going to study despite everything that had happened. Oh Gohan, I'm so proud of you," smiled Chichi and continued washing the dishes.
Only an hour or so passed before Gohan opened his door and yelled: "I'm going to bed, mum. I'm... tired."
"Sure thing sweetie. I'll see you in the morning. Call if you need... you know, anything."
"I will, mum. Good night."
"Good night."
He almost immediately fell asleep as he was exhausted from the whole emotional day, and all other previous days too. One would expect a good night's sleep, but in this case, it still wasn't.
The night was calm and the sky was clear. Since it was almost the end of May, summer was slowly approaching and with it, warm nights. He was sleeping in his light blue shorts and white t-shirt; a rare occasion when he actually didn't wear his gi or Saiyan armor. For the first few hours he had a calm and deep sleep; just what he needed and hoped for. But as his alarm clock was ticking 3:00 (3 AM) (2) he started becoming restless in bed. Shifting his position multiple times and breathing irregularly.
Gohan's narrative (POV):
"text" - mist 1 speaking
"text" - mist 2 speaking
Just one more fish and then it's enough for today. Mum will be so happy I was able to catch 3 huge ones. I'm waiting for the 4th one now. Still nothing after 10 minutes of waiting, but I didn't want to give up. As I waited a few more, finally one took the bait. As I was reeling it in, I noticed strange bubbles around the bobber. What a strange fish, indeed. As I wanted to grab it, a hand appeared from the water and pulled me in. I couldn't break free nor swim back up. I tried powering up and flying but that didn't work either. It was pulling me deeper and deeper and I began thinking I'm going to drown. Just then, I hit rocks solid ground, but no water in sight. It's like it just... disappeared.
I picked myself off the ground and couldn't see anything; it was pitch black. I kept repeating "Hello, is anyone there?" a couple of times, but received no answer in return. Then I remembered that Super Saiyan's aura radiates a bright light, so I transformed. It worked! Well the place wasn't completely lit up, but I could at least see where I was going. I noticed two huge doors on opposite sides. Is this some kind of a room? An arena maybe? I didn't have much choice but to try and open one.
I decided randomly and went to the left one. They really were huge and made of metal, like they're protecting something. I grabbed the handle and something rushed through me. I looked around and couldn't see or feel anyone. I tried again and it happened again, but I didn't let go of the handle. I finally opened it just a little, when they opened wide open by themselves, knocking me on my behind. There was nothing behind them, only pitch black darkness.
I turned around and wanted to go to the other door, when I felt a familiar Ki... it... it was my dad? As I turned around I saw him stepping out of the darkness, but it wasn't him... well not exactly. It was more like a dark purple mist in a shape of my father, with glowing red eyes.
"Welcome, son. Have you come to apologize?"
What do you mean? Who are you? You're not my dad.
"Oh but I am, can't you see or feel? I'm just angry with you."
You do have his Ki... but you can't be him. My dad is in the afterlife now.
"Thanks to you, I'm dead, yes. But my spirit has come from the afterlife to tell you this:. You failed so miserably I had to step in again and finish what you should have from the beginning."
Stop it! He would never say that. He was proud, even though I wasn't of myself, but he always believed in me.
"You're so naive, son. Believing everything I say. You really screwed up big time. You could have killed Cell in an instant, but decided to torture him. Look where that got you; it brought you even more pain; the very same you were trying so hard to stop."
I don't believe you. S-stop it! Or I'll...
"Or what? You'll kill me, again? Hahaha, don't be a fool Gohan. You've brought this on yourself, I just did what had to be done. I'd rather die than live what an excuse for a son."
SHUT UP, I yelled and rushed at that.. thing. I just flew straight through it, like waving your hand through smoke.
"Ahhh, that anger, I can just smell it. It burns so bright within you. But let's not forget that guilt too."
I fired a couple of Ki blasts at ... it, but nothing happened.
"I wouldn't want to have ALL the fun here; so let's open the other door too."
I couldn't do anything, so I just waited what the other door had in store for me. As it opened, the same thing happened, a purple mist with red yes, but it looked like... like.. . ME!
"I'm sure you're surprised by what you're seeing. And yes, I AM you."
This isn't real, it can't be.
" I'm really sorry for letting you die, dad. I was so stupid and arrogant... I don't know how to make it up to mum or you."
"You're so pathetic with that guilt. Always trying to please everyone else, but never yourself. You should have embraced your Saiyan side more, it gives you strength, unlike the Human part which makes you weak."
I-I'm sorry, dad. Please forgive me. This guilt is too much.
"Enough self pity, son. We have the other one to take care of."
I had no idea what was going on, but those copies started circling around me, like a mist. I was trying to tell them to back off, but they continued laughing at me. I couldn't hit them, I couldn't do a damn thing.
"You can't do a thing; we're untouchable, we're you emotions. We can explode anytime, all it takes is a trigger."
As they swirled closer and closer, I couldn't move a muscle; I was completely numb. Their Ki merged into one and starting flowing into me through my mouth and nose. It felt like drinking really hot water or breathing extremely dry and hot air. I closed my eyes as I couldn't keep them open.
S-STOP! I-I CAN'T T-TAKE IT A-ANY M-MORE! I screamed.
"This is who you are; embrace it."
NO, IT'S N-NOT ME1
"These emotions give you power. Behold!"
I don't know what he meant by that, but I felt my body somehow... changing. I transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 which started clouding my sane mind. I couldn't control it, I couldn't even control my body. The power surged through me like electricity. My muscles bulged to their limit, but that was not all; a tail sprung out of my purple gi; it had somehow re-grown.
"This is who you are... a Saiyan! Not a weak Human!"
End of Gohan's POV
Gohan started screaming in his bed, consequently waking himself and his mother up. It wasn't long before Chichi burst into his room, seeing Gohan in an upright position.
"Gohan, what's wrong!?" she asked in panic.
Gohan's forehead was full of sweat, dripping down on his face. He wiped it off and looked at Chichi: "N-nothing, mum. It was just a bad dream."
"Again? That's the 3rd time in the last week," she replied, wiping her son's forehead with a cold damp cloth. "I'm a little worried, Gohan. Shouldn't we go see a doctor?"
"No, mum, no doctors. I'm not sick, I... just need time."
"Gohan, I don't think..." her words were cut off.
"Mum, PLEASE! Just... just let me deal with it in my own way," Gohan was a little harsh.
"I suppose you're right," she sighed and stood up as she didn't want to upset him more. "Try to get some sleep," she wished him before closing the doors behind her.
Gohan got out of bed and leaned on the window sill (3) to gaze at the stars on the black night sky.
"Why is this happening to me?" he asked himself.
"It's not your fault, kid," a voice replied back.
The little demi-Saiyan leaned out of the window and there he was... Piccolo, floating beside his window.
"What are you doing here, Piccolo?"
"I felt your Ki and you seemed... distressed."
" Yeah, I was having a nightmare."
"Care to talk about it?" Piccolo wanted to know.
"No, not really."
"Suit yourself, kid."
"Oh, don't forget to come to Capsule Corp tomorrow," surprisingly said Gohan.
"Why?" Piccolo replied perplexed.
"Trunks is returning to his time, so Bulma invited us all to meet there and say goodbye".
"What's with all the goodbyes? Ok, sure, have it your way," muttered the Namekian.
"Great, and after that we could do some training. Don't worry, I won't go Super Saiyan 2 on you," smiled Gohan.
"Very funny, kid," sarcastically answered Piccolo. "Get some sleep, you'll need it for the training," he added and disappeared into the night.
The little half-Saiyan was feeling excited for the first time in the last 7 days. He jumped into bed, trying to get more sleep. A quarter of an hour flew by before his eyes finally closed for the remainder of the night.
Notes:
(1) In this story, Cell games took place on 10th of May, not on 26th.
(2) I'm used to the 24-h time format and I don't like the 12-h one XD. No offense to the people who prefer the AM/PM, but I'll still be writing that in () so there's no confusion.
(3) A "shelf" under the window on the inside.
About the dream: It was difficult to write as I wanted it to have a certain meaning. If you have figured it out what those doors and two "clones" represented, good job :), if you didn't, read on.
The doors represent (I hope) Gohan's emotion barrier, trying to keep them from exploding or consuming him as he knows he can't control them if they do.
The "Goku" and "Gohan" clone are a manifestation of two emotions, Goku anger and Gohan guilt as can be seen from their dialogues. "Goku" is arrogant and angry whereas "Gohan" is feeling guilty, that's why he keeps apologizing for letting him die and so on. Gohan tried to somehow defeat them, but couldn't as they are a part of him. When locked away, Gohan is in control, but when both are "free" they can consume and empower him (the part where they enter through his nose and mouth). The more he embraces them, the more powerful he can become, obviously, but losing his "sane" mind in the process, especially when turning Super Saiyan 2 (he couldn't control it in his dream, too).
The last part, when his tail re-grew; I was trying to somehow bring forward his Saiyan heritage which is the basis for his power and Super Saiyan transformations, but he's been somehow "neglecting" it for too long, not lusting for battle; until he reached Super Saiyan 2. That's why "Goku" keeps telling him to fully embrace it and leave his Human "part" behind, because it's only holding him back.
Let me know that you think :).