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Chapter 10:

A NEW BEGINNING

Note: Finally, chapter 10 is here! I wish you all a fun and interesting reading :). Thanks to all who keep reading, following and reviewing the story. You're the BEST!

Last time on Consumed by the past: Goku declines being resurrected which devastates Gohan even further. Chichi arranges a farewell ceremony for her deceased husband while Gohan is still coping with his loss. Feeling angry and guilty he snaps at the end of the ceremony, but Piccolo manages to calm him down. Later that night, Gohan's calm sleep turns into a nightmare, making him doubt himself even more. And now, the continuation...

The alarm clock displayed 10:35 and Gohan finally opened his eyes. Despite having a rough night, he managed to get some shut eye after talking to Piccolo.

"Oh man, it so late already?" he said to himself while getting up.

As he made his way out of his room and to the bathroom, Chichi heard him walking in the upper hallway.

"Morning sleepy head," she greeted him.

"Morning mum, sorry I'm late," embarrassingly replied her son.

"Oh yeah, Bulma called. She said to meet them there around 16:00-16:30 (4-4.30 PM) and not at 13:00 (1 PM)."

"How's that?"

"I don't know, something about the time machine needing... something."

"Oh, ok. That's great, I'll be able to catch up on my studies. And after Trunks leaves, I was thinking of doing some training with Piccolo."

"As long as you study first. Remember your promise," Chichi reminded him.

"Yeah mum, no problem." finished Gohan as he entered the bathroom.

He took a nice, refreshing shower; just what he needed to start the day. After wiping himself dry, he put on his shorts and went to his room to put on his purple gi. As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, Chichi noticed his outfit.

"You really like that outfit, don't you?" she smiled.

"It's my favorite, plus I'll be training with Piccolo in the evening," he smiled back.

"Makes sense. Now eat your breakfast so I can clean up. Bulma is picking me up, we're going shopping before meeting at Capsule Corp."

She didn't have to tell Gohan twice; his breakfast was gone in a matter of minutes.

"That was delicious, mum," smiled her son, being full.

"Now off to study. I'll be staying at Bulma's after we're done shopping, so grab some food from the fridge when you're hungry."

Gohan nodded and went back to his room to study.

Hours passed and Chichi was already long gone. It looked like studying really was helping him focus his mind on something else besides his dad, Cell games or his nightmare. He took a short break around 13:36 (1.36 PM) to grab something to eat and then continued studying. A calendar was hanging above his desk where dates of his exams we written in bold red letters; Chichi's work of course. He only had a little over 3 weeks to pass the exams to be able to advance the grade. It wasn't long before it was time to head for Capsule Corp. He put his books in the drawer and jumped out through the open window, speeding towards Bulma's home.

He was looking forward to do some training with Piccolo; his first after defeating Cell. The only problem was, no one could rival his strength when turning Super Saiyan, let alone when Super Saiyan 2.

I need training; I need to occupy my mind with something else besides studying. Just sparring with Piccolo won't be enough... sadly, he's no match for me, or anyone else for that matter. I guess I should focus on meditation with him, trying to master Super Saiyan 2.

With that thought Capsule Corp was straight ahead. There were lots of people in the backyard where Trunk's time machine was located. Even before his feet touched the ground, the Z-fighters had already felt his Ki from afar, knowing he'll be there soon. When he landed, all of his friends went quiet. It was an awkward moment indeed. Gohan knew they're most probably concerned about him, or concerned he'll snap and blow away the whole Capsule Corp building. As he made his way towards the crowd, Bulma jumped from the building.

"Hey Gohan, I'm glad you could join us," she greeted him.

"Thanks Bulma. It's nice seeing you," the little boy greeted her back.

"Now that you're here, we can begin," Bulma continued.

"Mum said there was something wrong with the time machine," Gohan added.

At the same moment, Trunks appeared from the gathered crowd.

"Actually, the time machine is fine," he smiled.

"I don't get it. Why did you postpone your departure then?" Gohan confusingly asked.

"I didn't, we just needed more time," explained Trunks.

Before Gohan could say anything, Chichi started yelling.

"GOHAN! Finally you're here."

Her son was ready for another lesson from his mum... but it didn't happen, well not this time.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she said out loud.

Then all the crowd said in one voice: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOHAN."

The half-Saiyan was surprised, to say the least.

"You planned all this?" he stated.

Bulma offered her explanation: "Chichi was the one behind it all. She contacted me with this idea; that's why I picked her up for some "shopping" to make all the preparations.

"And since I was getting ready to leave, I thought this could make a great camouflage, especially with the time machine having "problems"," continued Trunks.

"Surely you didn't think we would forget, did you?" smiled Krillin.

"Um, I don't know.. I guess I didn't think at all," stuttered Gohan.

"Enough talk. Bring out the cake," yelled Bulma.

And there it was, a really huge chocolate cake with 10 lit candles on top.

Chichi stepped next to Gohan and hugged him: "Make a wish, and blow out the candles."

Gohan's eyes sparkled... he's never received such a big cake before. He was extremely happy, but at the same time, sad, because Goku couldn't be there to celebrate with him.

I wish... I wish dad would come back, he wished and blew out all the candles.

Everyone cheered and clapped while Gohan started cutting the cake. Chichi finally saw a more relaxed and happier son. Piccolo, who was also there, noticed the same thing. Maybe Gohan was finally starting to get over his guilt and turning over a new leaf in his life. Everyone was having fun, even Vegeta showed up, thanks to Bulma. Of course he wasn't there to enjoy himself with these "weak" Earthlings; he was more interested in Gohan and how he surpassed even Cell. The little half-Saiyan got a lot of presents; from books and a telescope, to a brand new gi from, believe it or not, Piccolo. Time was flying by and it was time for Trunks to leave this timeline.

"Well, it's time for me to leave. Thanks to all of you, I am now able to defeat the androids in my timeline," he spoke to everyone.

Then he looked at Gohan and continued: "The Earth is in your hands now, Gohan. I'm sorry things didn't turn out like we all hoped."

"Thanks Trunks. I'll do my best to carry on my dad's legacy."

Trunks jumped into the time machine and started pressing buttons; the cockpit closed and the machine started hovering in the air. He waved farewell through the cockpit glass before disappearing from this timeline and returning to his. Everyone was a little sad as they got used of having him around, especially Bulma. With his departure, guests also started leaving; the birthday party was coming to an end. And just like Chichi promised, Gohan was allowed to train with Piccolo for the remainder of the day.

"Ready to train?" he asked Piccolo.

"Only if you are, birthday boy," he teased back.

"Now wait just a minute," Vegeta interrupted their conversation.

"What do you want, Vegeta?" Namekian hissed.

"My business is with Kakarot's son, Namekian."

"Anything you want to say to me, you can do it in front of Piccolo," Gohan replied.

"Have it your way. I want to know how the hell did you get so powerful? I felt your Ki yesterday... you transformed into that new Super Saiyan again, didn't you?"

"This is not the time for these kind of questions," Piccolo disappointed Vegeta.

"I want to hear it from him, not you," he pointed his finger at Gohan.

"Why you...," Piccolo tried saying before being cut off by Gohan.

"It's ok Piccolo. I can't tell you anything, Vegeta. You already know what kind of training me and dad went through. And as for yesterday, yes I did but only for a short time. It wasn't exactly... intentional."

"How can you, a half-breed, get so strong? I'm the prince, an elite, I should be the one unlocking the new transformation, not you."

"I was born this way, remember? But I'm glad dad insisted we train in that room. I've neglected my Saiyan heritage for too long... well, not anymore."

"Gohan, it's ok, you don't have to explain yourself," Piccolo tried easing the situation.

"No, I'm done being a defenseless kid. And Vegeta, I have a proposition for you."

Vegeta lifted one eyebrow, being surprised: "What is it?"

"Piccolo and I are gonna train. It would be even more productive if you joined us."

"Join? You? You can't be serious."

"I'm dead serious. I didn't want to say this, but... you're the second most powerful on this planet."

"WHAT?" Vegeta had an outburst.

"Easy Vegeta, the kid is right. No sense in denying what we've seen in his fight against Cell," Namekian offered a good point.

"Humph. I suppose training with a "stronger" opponent would benefit me more than with an inferior one. But hear this, if you hold back, I'm going to kill you."

"I understand; almost too good. I won't go easy on you, but I won't kill you," Gohan reassured the Saiyan prince.

"Well then, it's settled. I know a perfect place to conduct our little training. Follow me," Vegeta ended the conversation.

All three took off and left the Capsule Corp, with Vegeta leading the way. A couple of minutes of high speed flying and they've reached a barren wasteland, full of rock formations, cliffs and jagged mountains.

"This looks familiar," said Gohan, feeling a déjà-vu.

"It's where Kakarot and I fought for the first time," was Vegeta's answer.

"You mean where you lost," Piccolo said with sarcasm.

"I don't remember seeing you here.. oh wait, you were dead!"

"Stop it! I didn't invite you along just to listen to this nonsense. If you're gonna get angry at each other, do it during our training, not now," Gohan raised his voice.

"Well, well, you're beginning to grow a spine. There's hope for you yet. Not unlike Kakarot who was soft and gentle," was Vegeta's remark to Gohan.

Gohan sped up and blocked Vegeta's path, causing him and Piccolo to stop.

"Don't you ever say that again... he was pure and gentle. He always looked for something good in everyone, even his opponents. It made him strong... stronger than you, Vegeta."

Upon finishing, he quickly descended to the ground, not wanting to hear Vegeta's response.

Piccolo looked at the Saiyan prince: "He's not the Gohan we all knew. I'd keep my mouth shut, unless you want him to snap, especially now in his current condition.

"Between you and me, I prefer this Gohan, not the old one."

He knew Gohan really was still "unstable" and any provocation could cause some serious trouble, to say the least. But that only made him excited, eager to see how powerful Gohan really has become; to unlock the secret behind his transformation. When all 3 were finally on the ground, Piccolo started taking off his weighted clothing when Vegeta stopped him.

"What do you think you're doing? I'm going first."

"Fine," Piccolo replied, being a little annoyed.

Gohan assumed his fighting stance: "I'm actually excited. I've never really fought you since Namek."

"Let's see how much of a Saiyan you really are," smirked Vegeta.

Both charged at each other with high speed and both blocked their opponents attack with their hand. Gohan did a back flip, trying to kick Vegeta in the face, but he successfully dodged and tried hitting Gohan with his fist, but the boy deflected it with his hand. They engaged in hand to hand combat, throwing punches and kicks at their opponent with great speed and precision. Soon they went airborne and continued their battle all over the place. Vegeta blocked Gohan's kick with his knee and then gave him a head butt, then a kick in the gut, which sent him flying backwards. As he regained control in mid air, Vegeta was already on top of him, wanting to smash him with both hands. The little Saiyan didn't dodge, so Vegeta slammed him in the back, causing Gohan to hit the ground, making a little crater. Surrounding rock walls collapsed on top of him, covering him completely.

"Get up, kid. I'm only getting started," smiled the Saiyan prince.

The pile of rocks suddenly exploded and Gohan emerged from the crater a little scratched and dusty.

"Me too. What do you say we skip the warm up and just cut to the chase?"

"Fine by me," was Vegeta's answer, before he transformed into a Super Saiyan.

"You know this won't cut it," smiled Gohan.

"You little... "

"I said no holding back! Go one step further," Gohan almost ordered Vegeta.

"It'll be your defeat."

Vegeta started powering up, ascending to the 2nd grade, the same form he used against Cell.

He's more powerful than when he fought Cell. I guess the 2nd time in the ROSAT did make a change. But still, he's still wasting some energy unlike Gohan, who uses almost none to transform, Piccolo thought as he felt Vegeta's Ki rising.

Gohan said nothing, he just watched as his opponent's Ki was getting stronger with every second and started thinking. A match against Vegeta himself. I'll be honest, he's got some impressive power. My heart is racing with excitement right now... something I haven't felt since my training with dad.

When his opponent had finally transformed and reached his maximum power, Gohan transformed into a Super Saiyan in an instant. They both vanished and started fighting like there was no tomorrow. Vegeta was fast, really fast, even a little faster than Gohan anticipated. The little half-breed received a few punches to his face and a few directly to the gut. Vegeta prepared a Ki blast and hurled it towards Gohan, who crossed his arms and took a direct hit. After the explosion subsided, he was seen in his defensive position, a little burnt and scratched. He had a little blood coming from the mouth; nothing serious of course.

"Oh sorry, did that hurt?" Vegeta laughed.

"No, but this will," said Gohan with a smirk on his face.

He vanished and appeared in front of Vegeta, slamming his fist deep into his stomach, then giving him a head butt, so Vegeta's forehead started bleeding. And if that wasn't enough, he kicked him into a near mountain, sending two large energy blasts after him and completely obliterating the mountain. A couple of seconds later, the Saiyan prince blew up the rubble he was under, standing burnt and scratched. He charged at Gohan with full speed and they began exchanging blows. Whenever someone blocked a punch or a kick, it caused a little shockwave, causing pillars of rocks to crumble. Vegeta managed to get behind Gohan, but was too slow as the boy round-house kicked him in the face and blasted him away with a Ki blast. As soon as Vegeta recovered, Gohan was already under him, so he grabbed his legs and slammed him into the mountain.

The Saiyan prince was getting angry and frustrated, so he started firing Ki blasts at Gohan. It was a whole barrage, impossible to dodge. Gohan shielded himself with his arms and took the beating of dozens of Vegeta's energy blasts. They kept pounding and pounding him, causing one explosion after another. The ground was scorched and cracked, but Vegeta didn't stop. For his final attack, he unleashed his Big Bang Attack. The blue orb of energy struck Gohan with full force. A bright flash of light blinded even Piccolo, before a huge cloud of smoke engulfed both Gohan and Vegeta. As the prince was panting, the smoke finally dispersed and Gohan could be seen kneeling on his right foot. Smoke was coming from his gi... what was left of it; his top was completely burnt and torn and his pants had a few holes in them. He was burnt and scratched all over his upper body and face.

"It's nice seeing you on your knees before me. My, my, what a gesture," laughed Vegeta.

Gohan lowered his hands and stood back up, looking at Vegeta: "I must admit, that was a little overwhelming."

"You're resilient and persistent, I'll give you that," Vegeta patronized the little boy, "but you're HOLDING BACK!"

"W-what?" was shocked Gohan.

"Don't play games with me. Where's the transformation from your fight with Cell?"

"It's not as easy as going Super Saiyan... it needs much more energy and physical strain just to transform. And I can't control it completely, yet," tried Gohan explaining.

"I don't care what excuses you make. Clearly you're not using your full potential."

"Vegeta, enough!" yelled Piccolo, "Gohan is right; that transformation is too unstable for him, he's not used to it at all."

"If you ask me, he's just afraid. He wields all that power but is afraid to use it."

"Don't be a fool Vegeta," ranted Piccolo.

"He's gentle, like Kakarot. He doesn't want to embrace his power, just like he didn't when he fought Cell. He should have killed him in an instant, yet he toyed with him which resulted in Kakarot's intervention and death," continued Vegeta.

"STOP IT!" screamed Gohan. "Y-You have no right to say that. You have no idea what it's like to keep losing the ones you love, seeing your friends getting beat up almost to death!"

"I have no emotional attachments, it's what makes me strong. I don't care about my father or my race; they were all just Frieza's puppets and deserved to perish with the planet."

"Just shut up!" yelled Gohan.

"Why should I? You little excuse for a Saiyan; no wonder Kakarot had to sacrifice himself... you couldn't do one simple job. Because of you I can't fight him now, I can't beat him since you already have with your incompetence and gentle heart."

Just as Vegeta wanted, Gohan's anger and guilt began resurfacing... fast. His aura flared around him, more and more; he flexed his muscles like he was preparing his body for a lot of strain. The whole place started shaking as the little half-Saiyan started pushing out his emotions and power... a deadly combination indeed. Piccolo rushed to Vegeta and started screaming at him.

"YOU IDIOT! Have you any idea what you're doing?!"

"As a matter of fact, I am. I'm just helping him," said the prince with a smile.

While they argued, a voice could be heard in Gohan's mind.

Yes, unleash it. This power is only yours and yours alone. Your emotions empower it, they empower you. Set them FREE!

"Just like you "helped" Cell? You're just taking advantage of Gohan's current condition. You know he's vulnerable and unstable, especially in that new transformation," Piccolo ranted on.

"The boy cannot train with me unless I fully understand what's going on."

"W-what? You've planned this all along?!"

"I'm not like Kakarot, I actually think. And if y-..."

At the exact moment Gohan's power exploded, creating a huge shock wave and dust of smoke. Debris and rocks were flying all over the place; Piccolo and Vegeta had to brace themselves, otherwise they'd get knocked on the ground. They both felt an enormous Ki from the little boy, but it was different and Piccolo noticed that, so he quickly telepathically contacted Dende.

Dende, do you feel it?

- Yes Piccolo. It's Gohan, isn't it?

Yeah, but his Ki... something isn't right.

- It's... it's a similar Ki to those two not far from where you are.

What? They're near?

- I detected them a moment ago, just when Gohan transformed. Their energy signature is faint, but it's definitely somewhere in your area.

Well whoever that is, he or she probably has something to do with Gohan's Ki.

The cloud of smoke vanished, making Gohan visible with the naked eye. As he opened his eyes, they were... different. Instead of being green, they were purple with a black pupil (1).

Those two were responsible for your father's death. All this pain and guilt is because of them! You hate them from the bottom of your heart, said a voice in his head.

"Gohan... are you ok?" Piccolo asked.

Goku's son didn't respond at all. He was just standing there while his spiky hair waving in the wind, his golden aura with lightning flaring around him.

"Finally, was it so hard?" Vegeta remarked.

Gohan's eyes turned towards the Saiyan prince. "I'll... I'll KILL YOUUUU!".

In a blink of an eye, Vegeta was gone; Gohan had punched him into a distant mountain.

"GOHAN, CONTROL YOURSELF!" yelled Piccolo. "THIS ISN'T YOU!"

The little boy was silent as he started walking towards Piccolo. Closer, closer, even closer. Suddenly, with shocking speed, he grabbed Piccolo by his throat and flew into the air. As the Namekian struggled, Gohan started talking to him.

"All this pain... feel it! It's what I feel every day, every second since dad died. You're to blame... and Vegeta. You...you killed my dad!"

Piccolo started having problems breathing, but he couldn't do anything about it; Gohan was way more powerful. As the little half-Saiyan started tightening his grip, a huge energy ball was flying towards him. At the last moment he deflected it with his other hand, making it hit the ground behind him, creating a big explosion.

"I'm not... done... yet, you little brat!" screamed Vegeta flying towards Gohan.

He released Piccolo and went after the Saiyan prince, who attacked Gohan without mercy. All those punches and kicks missed; Gohan evaded them with ease. His expression was full of anger; his eyes were burning with hate. He punched Vegeta in the ribs, cracking two of them and his Saiyan armor. Then he started punching his face, making his nose and mouth bleed. The last punch connected with his stomach, which caused the prince to cough out blood. Gohan grabbed him by his armor and head butted him one more time, making his forehead bleed even more.

"How does it feel now, Vegeta? You're powerless... you're NOTHING!"

Piccolo managed to get up and see Vegeta in big trouble.

"To hell with it," he said to himself and charged at Gohan.

The boy tossed Vegeta to the ground and turned his attention to Piccolo.

"I don't know what the hell is going on, but you need to stop this, Gohan," the Namekian tried talking some sense into him.

"It... it hurts... the pain...," Gohan stuttered, but soon regained his sinister look: "Why don't you make me?"

Let me help you. We'll meditate..."

"That won't bring back my dad. You...you killed him!"

Piccolo felt a fist hitting his chest which knocked him to the ground with such force, it created a cave-in. Gohan quickly descended, landing on one of Piccolo's arms. Of course, it was broken in an instant. As the Namekian let out a short screech of pain, Gohan looked at him.

"I'll be swift... unlike against Cell. I won't make the same mistake."

He clenched his left fist and was preparing to pierce Piccolo's chest. He hesitated for a split second but then rammed his fist with full force...

(1) Like SSJ3 Goku's eyes, only purple. Or for you people who want a more accurate description: purple iris (the "color" of your eyes) and black pupil (through which the light actually passes).

Note: Here it is folks, the 10th chapter. I know, I know, another cliff hanger :D, but I really couldn't resist XD. We're finally entering the new arc with original characters. As always be sure to review, comment, favorite or follow :). The next chapter will probably be called "6 doesn't make 7".