.

Chapter 11:

6 DOESN'T MAKE 7

Note: Again thanks to daisukigohan, Cruzerblade, zekbolt55 and Guests guest for a review :). Remember, if you're not a registered member, I cannot reply to your review. I'm sorry I'm a little late with the update; had stuff going on. The next chapter might also be a bit delayed but not sure yet :).

In the previous chapter: Gohan celebrated his 10th birthday with his friends at the Capsule Corporation and Trunks returned to his timeline. Even though the little half-Saiyan was still grieving, it looked like he really enjoyed the party. At the end he and Piccolo were ready to start training when Vegeta interrupted and Gohan invited him too. All 3 flew to a barren area where training commenced. Vegeta and Gohan went first, but the Saiyan prince wanted Gohan to use his full power so he started mocking him and his father, pushing Gohan's fragile emotions over the limit, making him transform into a Super Saiyan 2. But all was not well as his energy changed and Dende informed Piccolo they again had two visitors not far from their location. The half-Saiyan managed to take out Vegeta and was ready to deal the finishing blow to Piccolo.

Piccolo was lying on the ground with a broken arm and Gohan standing on top of him. As he rammed his fist with full force, Piccolo closed his eyes and prepared for the worst. Gohan's fist slammed deep into the... ground, inches away from Piccolo's chest. They were both silent for a short moment, but then Gohan broke that silence.

"I...I... won't do... it. Get... out... of... m-my... head."

What's happening, the Namekian thought.

Gohan made a few steps back, holding his head like he was in pain. Piccolo noticed there was some kind of struggle going on, so he managed to get back on his feet, regenerating his broken arm and cracked ribs.

"G-Gohan, can you hear me?"

The half-breed Saiyan was struggling with something, a voice in his head which was controlling his actions.

Do not resist, you know they're to blame. Finish them off! Your emotions give you strength, do not deny that!

"GET OUT! STOP IT!" started screaming Gohan.

"Fight it, Gohan. Listen to my voice. This isn't you. We're not your enemies!"

Meanwhile, not far from their location.

"The boy is resilient even though his mind is practically shattered."

"How can that be Endou-sama?"

"It is the first time I'm trying to control a Saiyan THIS powerful. Even I have limitations, Kyuuri. Without the crystals, the Staff has become drained and cannot amplify my powers as it once did."

"But you're still able to tap into his mind and emotions?

"So far, Kyuuri. It would also be easier if we got rid of the pests who keep looking after the boy, especially the Namekian. The boy trusts him the most."

"That's where the boy's part comes."

"Indeed it does. And once we get an abundant amount of those crystals, Koshi will be able to keep the Staff replenished, giving me more power than ever before. I could then control hundreds if not thousands of warriors like him. Lord Shingo's "resurrection" would be one step closer. Those Kaioshins will be sorry for ever imprisoning him and putting the curse on us."

"It is annoying being like ghosts in other dimensions besides ours. I could have simply defeated these puny Earthlings and found all of the Dragon Balls and we could have just wished for Lord Shingo's freedom."

"I'm afraid you're not quite correct, Kyuuri. We could have gathered the Dragon Balls, yes, but the mighty Eternal Dragon couldn't grant that wish as it was prohibited by the highest of Kaioshins. Our only option so far is the boy and his power."

"And with a Dragon Ball in our possession, he'll have no choice but to confront us."

"Agreed. Thanks to Koshi for developing a dimension stasis cocoon (1), the Dragon Ball can exist in our dimension. Those Kaioshins never thought we'd accomplish something like that. Fools. But there is still the matter of a Namekian Dragon Ball."

"I shall retrieve it as soon as Koshi establishes a portal to Namek, Endou-sama."

"Good, good."

Back to Gohan and Piccolo

Gohan was desperately trying to regain control of his thoughts and body, but the unknown intruder wasn't going to just let him go. Piccolo stood there, thinking what to do and how to help.

"What can I do? It's all in his head... In his head, that's it!"

He remembered he can contact Gohan by a telepathic link, like he's done on several occasions before.

text - Piccolo

text - Endou

text - Gohan

Gohan? Can you hear me? I know it's hard to concentrate, but try to focus on my voice.

...

Talk to me, kid.

...

...

It's the Namekian. How nice seeing you here. Gohan is currently unavailable.

Who are you? What are you doing to Gohan!?

None of your concern. If I were you, I'd leave. I know how powerful the boy is. He could snap your neck in an instant if I wanted him to.

You're the one who was watching us fighting Cell. You're the alien Ki.

You should actually be grateful.

Oh yeah? And why's that?

I helped Gohan unleash his true power. I was the one who pushed out his anger.

You? Hmmm, that explains why Gohan's eyes were full of anger and pain. Not to mention him toying with Cell.

You're very perceptive, but you're mistaken. In a matter of speaking I only pulled the trigger, the rest was the boy's doing. Although I must say I'm flattered by the fact that you think it was all my doing.

I don't believe you.

Still in denial, are we? His mind is such an extraordinary place to be. Struggling to keep his guilt and anger under control - locking them deep inside himself. I don't think you even know how much he's struggling every day just not to get consumed by guilt.

You're the one who keeps resurfacing these emotions, right? It's because of you he can't move on; his mental wounds cannot heal as you keep re-opening them.

Partially true, Namekian. Let's just say I change the direction in which certain emotions, of my choosing, flow.

You manipulate them. Is that what you mean?

That is such a harsh word. I prefer to call it "diversion".(2)

Call it what you want, just let the kid go. GOHAN, ANSWER ME!

He cannot hear us, try all you want. BUT he can see what's going on.

That means he saw everything, but couldn't do anything about it. What kind of a monster are you, doing this to a little boy?

You people are spoiling him too much. He has almost limitless potential, yet you all keep treating him like a human child. His destiny is...

Get out of my head!

Impossible. How are you...

GEEET OOOUUUT!

On the outside Gohan stopped holding his head and started powering up. It seems he has somehow regained just a bit of control. He flexed his muscles so they bulged beyond their normal size. His aura grew and started emanating more and more power. His Ki kept rising and going higher. The whole area was shaking and cracks started appearing on the ground. Piccolo cut the telepathic connection to get to a safer distance whereas Vegeta was still lying on the ground being unconscious. As the little half-breed was reaching his limit, Endou was losing her control of him, until his power broke the mind controlling connection between them. After that he changed to normal and fell on the ground; but Piccolo was not there anymore.

At Endou's and Kyuuri's location

"Im-Impossible. He's broken free," was shocked Endou.

"B-But how is this possible, Endou-sama?"

"He's too powerful for my current state. I cannot fully take over his mind and power. It's too much."

"Then let us retreat master. We can finish this another time. Save your strength and power for Namek."

"You're right. Quickly..."

"Not so fast!" someone yelled.

"It's you, the Namekian," Endou said surprisingly.

"Yeah it's me. I've finally managed to find you two. HAAA!" and he shot a Ki blast at them.

They remained unscratched; it was like the blast didn't even touch them.

"Fool. You dare to attack Endou-sama? You're lucky we can't hurt you either."

"What the...? Piccolo was stunned.

"Enough, Kyuuri! The portal, quickly!"

Kyuuri waved her arm and created a portal, through which both vanished and the portal with them before Piccolo could get to it.

"Damn it, so close. The blast didn't even scratch 'em. And was that about they can't hurt me either? We need answers but first I gotta see Gohan."

He sped to where he last saw the little boy. As he returned, the little half-Saiyan was still on the ground, so he picked him up and continued his way towards Vegeta. The prince was already awake but injured and with broken ribs.

"Good, you're still alive," began Piccolo.

"I bet you'd be happier seeing me dead, huh?"

"Can it (3) Vegeta, we've got bigger problems. Follow me to the Lookout if you want to get healed," Piccolo shut him up and took off.

"Smartass," smirked Vegeta and followed the Namekian.

On their way to the Lookout Gohan opened his eyes and saw Piccolo carrying him and flying somewhere.

"P-Piccolo?"

"Glad to see you awake, kid."

"Is Vegeta... dead?!"

"You gave him quite a beating but he's alive. He's not far behind us."

"I-I'm sorry. I couldn't control myself. I-I could only watch. It was so horrible."

"I know you couldn't."

"Y-you do?"

"Let's just say I had a little chat with your... visitor."

"How?"

"I'll tell you all about it once we get to Dende in a couple of minutes."

"God, what have I done?! I almost killed Vegeta and was inches away from killing you too."

"Calm down, Gohan. It's not your fault; you were mind-controlled."

"Let go of me. Please let go. I can't breathe."

Piccolo stopped in mid air and released Gohan who started floating next to him, grasping for air as anxiety kicked in. He needed a few minutes for his breathing to return to normal, giving Vegeta a chance to catch up with them. As the little boy was calming down, Vegeta flew by with a smirk on his face, but didn't say anything. His forehead was still bleeding, his armor was cracked and he was holding his ribs, because Gohan had cracked a pair with his hit.

As he disappeared into the clouds, Gohan looked at his hands: "You almost died by my hands, Piccolo."

"I already told you, it was not your fault. Damn it Gohan, I know you're still struggling and grieving, but get your act together."

"How can you say something like that?!"

"... Sorry, these last days were pretty stressful and my "normal" mediation wasn't exactly helpful."

"What do you mean by that? Is that the one you taught me?"

"Yeah, but the other one is a much deeper version. When the regular one fails, I switch to the other one. The only problem is, you are not aware of your surroundings as you enter a deep meditative state."

"I could really use it to keep my emotions in check and balance."

"You sure about that? Those emotions make you who you are, Gohan."

"Piccolo, please, I'm begging you. You have no idea how afraid I am right now. Others are afraid of me, I can feel it. It's like when I arrived at the party, everyone went quiet... it was horrible. Will you help me? I'm a ticking bomb and you know it."

Piccolo took a deep, deep breath: "Ugh, I suppose I can teach you the technique. But promise you won't tell anyone and promise to use it ONLY for meditating and relaxing your mind."

"I promise, Piccolo."

"Well then, I guess we have a deal. We'll start tomorrow, but now we need to get to Dende, and fast."

Having said that, they engaged in a full-speed flight to the Lookout. As they had finally landed on top of it, Dende, Mr. Popo and Vegeta we're already there.

"Piccolo, what happened?" jumped Dende.

"I'll explain everything,..." before he could finish, Gohan interrupted.

"Please heal Vegeta, Dende. It's my fault he's injured."

"I-I saw everything, Gohan. And it wasn't your fault. Vegeta has already been healed. I must say he was pretty... mad."

"I know... I screwed it up... again," replied Gohan looking at the ground.

"Enough Gohan, we've talked about it," Piccolo tried reassuring him.

"You saw them, didn't you, Piccolo?" Dende continued.

"Yes. They were the ones controlling Gohan and because of them Gohan ascended during his fight against Cell. I suspect the short, red "female" was responsible for this as she had a staff of some sort, probably to control Gohan. As I entered Gohan's mind, we had a little "talk". She revealed that she can manipulate emotions, thus making someone bend to her will. In Gohan's case, I guess she made him think me and Vegeta were his enemies; that's why he attacked us."

"But who are they? Why would they do that?" Mr. Popo started asking questions.

"I don't know Mr. Popo, but it's a little too convenient for them to be showing up now, just a few days after Cell's defeat," answered Piccolo.

"What would they want with me?" Gohan asked.

"As far as I could tell, it's something to do with your new power and something about your destiny, but we were cut off when you regained control, so I can't say. At this point it would probably be best to first gather the Dragon Balls and ask for all the people, killed by Cell and the androids, back. We've been postponing this long enough. Then we can continue investigating these off-world visitors."

Just then Krillin and Tenshinhan landed on the lookout.

"We felt Gohan's Ki, is everything alright?" Krillin started asking.

At this time Gohan was starting to get annoyed. The fact that every time there's some fighting going on or god-forbid him transforming into a Super Saiyan 2, people start asking questions if everything is fine, if HE is fine.

"We're all fine, we were just training," Gohan responded, feeling annoyed.

"So you did go Super Saiyan... amm ascended past ascended.."

"TWO. Super Saiyan TWO," the boy corrected Krillin.

"Oh, is that what you call it?" he kept talking.

Gohan had enough, he couldn't stand there any longer. He was annoyed and angry but also afraid of what he could have done to Piccolo and Vegeta. And speaking of the Saiyan prince, he was keeping his distance from the other, like always, when Gohan walked up to him.

"What do you want," arrogantly began Vegeta.

"I'm not here to apologize or anything if that's what you think. It's not the Saiyan way."

Vegeta lifted one eyebrow as he was a bit surprised: "Oh, then why you're here?"

"I just wanted to say thanks for sparring with me. That part about my dad and all, it did hurt, it still does, but you're right... I need to be tougher than him; I need to control my emotions better, otherwise I'll go on a rampage whenever I transform."

"Is this some kind of a request for me to help you train?" smirked Vegeta.

"We all heard that, Vegeta. There are people here, you know," Piccolo said.

"Yeah, Vegeta. And what's up with you, Gohan? Asking him for help?" Krillin wanted to know.

"Would you people stop it? This is something I can't do alone, ok? My dad is not here, he can't help me nor train me. Vegeta is the only one strong enough to spar with me and show me discipline in training," Gohan explained.

"Gohan...," Piccolo said quietly.

"I almost KILLED Piccolo and Vegeta today. There, are you happy now, Krillin?"

"W-what? Is this a joke, 'cause it's not funny, Gohan," Tenshinhan said back.

"No it's not. The Super Saiyan 2 is extremely hard for me to control... I need guidance, to say the least. I want to train with Vegeta but also want to meditate with Piccolo, to get my emotions in control. The whole "Protecting the Earth" thing has fallen on my shoulders and mine alone. It's my responsibility, passed on to me by my dad. But in this state I'm in, I can't do anything, I'm just a liability," Gohan ended his monologue.

"I must say, that was quite a speech, boy..." laughed Vegeta.

"My name is... GOHAN! And you'll address me by my name from now on if you want to spar with me. You do want an insight into the new Super Saiyan, don't you, Vegeta?"

"Humph, watch your tone..." said Vegeta angrily, but after a short pause, continued:" Very well... Gohan, I accept your request," the Saiyan prince accepted Gohan's "offer."

"What? You can't be serious Gohan," was shocked Krillin.

Gohan looked at Krillin: "Don't worry, I'm not training to take over the world or anything."

"What's gotten into him?" Krillin whispered to Piccolo.

"Nothing, he's just doing what needs to be done. It's true, this Super Saiyan 2 is something he can't fully control... yet. I think we should all support Gohan in his decisions, even if we don't all agree with them."

"Well I guess if you say so, then there's nothing to worry about," smiled Krillin.

"Thanks, Piccolo," Gohan thanked his former and future mentor.

"Enough chattering... Krillin and Tenshinhan, go to Bulma tomorrow and get the Dragon radar; we need to wish back a lot of people. I'll stay here with Dende... we have some things do discuss. And as for you Gohan... I'll see you tomorrow in the afternoon by the "usual" place, ok?" Piccolo assigned tasks to everyone.

Krillin and Tenshinhan took off, Piccolo, Dende and Mr. Popo went into the palace, but Gohan and Vegeta were still outside.

"You're really becoming one of us, you know," Vegeta made an observation.

"It's the only way and besides... our last match was "interrupted". I want to finish it."

Vegeta approached the boy and as he was passing him by, he whispered: "You kept your promise and didn't hold back. I respect that."

"But what about..."

"We'll start tomorrow. Stop by at the Capsule Corp. whenever you're ready," answered the Saiyan prince and left the Lookout.

I'll master this new transformation with Piccolo's and Vegeta's help. Just wait and see, dad.

With that thought, Gohan jumped from the Lookout and hurried home since it was getting close to midnight.

The next day...

Krillin and Tenshinhan received the Dragon radar from Bulma and went on hunting Dragon Balls early in the morning. Meanwhile back at the Lookout, Piccolo and Dende were trying to put together all the pieces of information to find out who those two "strangers" were.

A couple of dozen kilometers to the East, Vegeta was already training in his gravity chamber, whereas Bulma was taking care of little baby Trunks. And even more kilometers to the East, Chichi had just begun cooking breakfast and doing the laundry while Gohan was, surprisingly, still sleeping calmly in his room.

It seemed like a day where everyone was busy doing their chores and duties... but a few hours later Krillin and Tenshinhan were already returning with some unusual news. Upon landing on the Lookout with 6 Dragon Balls, Dende and Piccolo exited the palace.

"We've found 6 of them," Krillin spoke first.

"That means just one remains," reacted Piccolo.

"No, that's just it. We can't find the last one; it doesn't show up on the radar," elaborated Tenshinhan.

"What? Are you sure?" Piccolo was startled.

"Yep. No problem finding these 6, but the 7th isn't showing up. It's like it's not there," further explained Krillin.

"Is it possible it's hidden somewhere deep where the Dragon radar can't find it?" was Dende's question.

"It doesn't matter how deep or high it is, the Dragon radar always finds it. It doesn't show the depth or altitude, but it shows the location. Bulma vouches for her invention."

I believe I have an answer...

"Is that you, Kaio-sama?" Krillin said surprisingly.

The one and only.

"Can you speak to all four of us please?"

Kaio-sama established a link with all 4 present.

I agree, it will be quicker.

"Kaio-sama, it's an honor," said Dende.

Thank you, Dende, but let's put formalities aside. I have grave news as a matter of fact.

"What is it Kaio-sama?" asked Tenshinhan.

It's about a Namekian Dragon Ball. It's been stolen by a sinister duo.

"They wouldn't happen to be green and red by any chance, would they?" said Piccolo.

Yes, yes they were. How did you know?

"I've had the chance of meeting them here, on Earth," explained the older Namekian.

Oh really? Hmmm, I was too preoccupied with monitoring other parts of the galaxy and Namek, I must have missed their arrival on Earth.

"What do you know of them, Kaio-sama?" asked little Dende.

Not much, only that they were banished to a certain dimension as a punishment for serving their master. It happened long ago and the highest of Kaioshins imprisoned their master Shingo for an eternity. His 3 closest followers were punished with a so-called "curse", meaning they can only exist in that dimension.

"Only in their dimension, huh? That explains it why my blast didn't even touch 'em and why one of them said they can't hurt me either," Piccolo shed some light on the matter.

That is correct, Piccolo. Outside their dimension they appear as some kind of ghosts. They cannot pick up objects or be touched be others and vice versa.

"But how did they steal the Namekian Dragon Ball then?" was perplexed Tenshinhan.

As far as the Namekians had said, they didn't actually pick it up with their hands, but rather put it in some kind of "container" and carried it through a portal.

"I've seen the portal. It's probably their way of traveling between dimensions and worlds."

That's actually something new. As far as I know they weren't capable of doing that. And what's worse, I cannot find or see into their dimension; apparently none of the Kaioshins can. Something must be blocking our view and I have no idea what it is.

"I have a feeling they're the ones behind that too," continued Piccolo.

The situation is very troublesome, I agree. Which reminds me, how is Gohan doing if I may ask?

"Is Goku with you this moment?"

No, he's training with the other fighters. Why?

"Good. About Gohan... he's been "struggling" to say the least. I don't think Goku's decision was a wise one. The kid was devastated and is still coping with his loss."

I'm sorry to hear that. Well, since we're all honest... I, too, wasn't exactly thrilled with his decision either. But it was his decision, just like the one where he decided to stay here.

"I see. There's something else about those two... they can mind control people... one of them took possession of Gohan's mind, but he was able to break free from the control," elaborated Piccolo.

This is bad, very bad.

"But Gohan broke free, isn't that good?" Krillin said with an uncertain tone.

It is, it's very good, but that's not what worries me. He shouldn't have even be controlled.

"What do you mean, Kaio-sama? Because he's a half-Saiyan?" Tenshinhan wanted to know.

No, not exactly... it's more to do with his newly acquired power. He shouldn't have been controlled in the first place.

Krillin scratched his head: "I'm lost..."

Sigh... Gohan should have been much too powerful for them to control him. Both mental and physical strength matter in this case. I'm only aware of them taking control of people who were weaker than you when you fought the androids. Super Saiyan and above is or was way beyond their mind-controlling abilities. Or if the victim has an extremely disciplined mind, it would be much harder to control him..

"Just one question; do possessed become stronger or in any way different? I remember seeing Gohan's eyes turning purple," Piccolo was curious.

I don't think so, but things could've changed; maybe they've found a way to amplify their power or somehow enhanced they abilities. No one can tell. The only things that DO change, as far as I know, are their emotions and memories. Why you ask?

"Just to make things clear; Gohan didn't ascend on his own; his anger against Cell erupted because of them, and when they took control of his mind today, he said me and Vegeta were to blame for Goku dying. Right after that he yelled he'll kill us both for that. He came close, that's for sure."

They can implant a fake memory and can control emotions, in this case; the cause of Goku's death and anger. I'm glad he was able to break free before doing anything disastrous. I will look into the matter more closely and will let you know when I find something important.

"What about Gohan? Is there something we can do to help him," worried Dende.

Well... I'm not sure. Strengthening his mind would be a place to start.

Krillin added while shaking his head: "What about Goku speaking to him? Wouldn't that help a little?"

"I don't think that's wise. He's just starting to accept the fact that he's gone. He's determined to continue his legacy no matter what. I'm not ready for another of his outbursts," the Namekian answered Krillin.

"But just hearing his voice might help. He's feeling guilty for letting him die... let Goku calm him down and explain it wasn't his fault."

Your intentions are indeed noble and pure, Krillin but Goku said it himself he wants to remain in the afterlife. Perhaps when Gohan's state of mind won't be so fragile, I can make the arrangement for Goku to talk to him.

"I guess you're right, Kaio-sama. I just hate seeing Gohan this way," was Krillin's reaction.

"Don't worry, he still has us," Tenshinhan tried to cheer up Krillin.

Well.. I'll be going now. We will talk again when there's something new.

"Thank you, Kaio-sama and say hello to Goku for us," Krillin thanked him.

Will do. Bye."

Piccolo turned to Tenshinhan and Krillin: "Now that you know all this, I would appreciate you keep it to yourselves. I don't want to upset Gohan more than he already is... or Chichi for that matter."

"No problem, our mouths are shut," both said.

"Good. And also be on a lookout for any weird Ki signals. I have a feeling our "friends" may return sooner rather than later. You too Dende."

"So what do we do about the Dragon Balls?" Tenshinhan asked.

"It's best we keep them here on the Lookout. We're missing one so they can't be used, plus Mr. Popo and I are here all the time," explained the little Namekian.

"Alright, it's settled. I'll be meditating with Gohan this afternoon and since nothing out of the ordinary is happening, I suggest you two continue with your daily routines," Piccolo wrapped things up.

Krillin and Tenshinhan left the Lookout and went to Kame house. Mr. Popo and Dende went back to their daily routine, Piccolo stayed on the Lookout and took the opportunity to do a deep mediation as he needed to calm his mind and just think.

(1) It's something I made up. It's a "container" for a Dragon Ball, so Endou and Kyuuri can take it with them to their dimension. Otherwise the Dragon Ball wouldn't be able to pass through the portal. It also makes possible for them to carry it since they cannot interact with any physical objects in other realms, not even with living things, but can still be felt or physically seen by others.

(2) the action of turning something aside from its course; similar to deviation, divergence

(3) to shut up; be quiet

Note: Finally, it's been finished and uploaded XD. Hope you like it :) as much as I had fun writing it :). Any comments, reviews or anything other for that matter is much appreciated :).