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Chapter 16:
CONSEQUENCES?
Last time on Consumed by the past:
Endou successfully rescued Lord Shingo with Gohan's and Katsu's help. Thanks to Koshi's ritual, Gohan was powerful enough to hold off the Guardian until Endou and others managed to set Shingo free. But before they escaped through the portal, Endou wanted to see Gohan one last time. As the boy was struggling against the fused Guardians, she stripped him of his new dark powers and set his mind free. He was defeated and lost consciousness while Endou escaped through the portal and closing it forever. And now, the continuation...
Planet KB-0807 was once again at peace but at what cost? Shingo had been freed and Gohan was the only one left on the planet, besides the Guardians. A few figures teleported to the planet, not far from where Gohan was lying on the ground, motionless. It was the East Kaioshin (1) with his attendant and a few apprentices.
The Kaioshin is short in stature with light purple skin and a white mohawk, dressed in an elegant Kaioshin outfit, whereas his attendant Kibito is tall, red-skinned with long white hair, wearing a red and blue attire.
"Oh no, it cannot be..." the East Kaioshin was shocked.
"How could this have happened? Was it the boy?" Kibito was also shocked.
"I... I don't know, Kibito. But something doesn't feel right. One moment everything was fine and the next this. We certainly would have known if the Guardians had been attacked."
"Then we must assume the boy had something to do with Shingo's escape."
"I agree but I doubt he knew how to get past the energy barrier or find the entrance in the first place. He needed help from someone... and the only person I can think of that would want to free Shingo is Endou and her followers. But still, how did they bypass everything AND free Shingo?"
"An investigation must be conducted and Shingo located. As for the boy... he's just a mortal and couldn't possess that kind of power to rival the Guardians. Still, he must be held responsible."
The East Kaioshin turned to his apprentices: "You know what to do. Scatter and look for clues. One of you should communicate with the Guardians and see what happened."
They all scattered around and did what the East Kaioshin had told them while Kibito and him continued their conversation.
"You've done a lot of research on this Universe, Kibito. Who is the boy?"
"He's a Saiyan judging by their most notable characteristic - the tail. A powerful race of warriors who had been wiped out by Frieza... only a few remained if my memory serves me right. I remember Kaio of the North (2) once trained a Saiyan. Perhaps he could tell us more about the boy."
One of the apprentices apologized for interrupting: "I'm sorry to interrupt Kaioshin-sama but the Guardians could not tell me anything besides the fact that it was the boy who attacked them and the entrance was opened."
"That makes no sense. Surely they've seen someone else. The boy is practically lying besides the entrance." East Kaioshin raised his white eyebrow.
"I am sorry, Kaioshin-sama but it's the truth." the apprentice re-iterated.
"Endou never makes it easy for us. I just know it was her." the East Kaioshin thought.
"I propose we stabilize the boy and take him to Kaio of the North."
"Good idea. Amidst all this confusion I've completely forgotten he's hurt."
Kibito walked to Gohan and put his hand on his chest. Orange-like waves started pulsing from his palm and into Gohan's body; mending his injuries and broken ribs but leaving him in a deep sleep.
"There, that should do it. I've left him in a deep sleep as we don't know how aggressive he might be. I will wake him up when we reach Kaio of the North."
"Agreed." replied the East Kaioshin and turned to his apprentice: "Continue your work here. We will investigate this further."
"Understood, Kaioshin-sama." said the apprentice and joined the others.
"Shall we?" the Kaioshin asked Kibito, who then picked up Gohan and used his Kai Kai (3) to teleport all three to Kaio's location.
. . . . .
At the same time in the "Demon" realm.
Koshi and Kyuuri had already helped Lord Shingo into the fortress while the Kaioshin and Endou appeared from the portal, making their way to Koshi's laboratory where Lord Shingo was being examined by Koshi.
"Everything proceeded according to plan. You can now close the portal, Koshi." said Endou while entering the laboratory.
Koshi finished his quick check-up of Lord Shingo and did as Endou had commanded.
"You have really outdone yourself, Endou." Shingo commended her.
"I couldn't have done it with his help." she replied and pointed towards the Kaioshin.
"I still cannot comprehend that he helped us. Please, tell me your name." he asked.
"Thank you, Shingo-sama. I'm Katsu, a... former Kaioshin now and please, call me by my name." he explained.
"Very well... Katsu, you have my eternal gratitude. How can I repay you?" Shingo continued.
"I believe Endou already has what we've agreed upon." he smiled.
"Indeed and all thanks to Gohan." she said with a sinister smile and opened her left palm, revealing the purple-red substance floating in a shape of a sphere.
Shingo's eyes were widely open when he looked upon the substance but remained quiet.
"It's my essence mixed with Gohan's Ki and the power of the red crystals. It enabled the boy to hold off the Guardians until we could Shingo-sama." Endou said.
"But how were you able to get it out of him?" Katsu wanted to know.
"The substance didn't have time to fully fuse with his body and energy so I was able to extract most of it."
"Most of it?"
"As I have said... it did not fully absorb but a small part did, unfortunately."
"And now this power will be mine at last." added Katsu.
"I'm afraid there's been a change of plan, my friend." Endou revealed.
"What are you talking about?!" was shocked Katsu.
Endou just smiled and made the purple-red substance fly towards Shingo, absorbing into his body.
"You... you tricked me?! You'll pay dearly for this!" shouted Katsu, feeling enraged.
"I didn't say you'll receive your reward as soon as we get back. I'm afraid Lord Shingo's recovery is my top priority now."
"Tsch, you better be right. I've thrown away my position as Kaioshin because of you. It had better be worth it, Endou." Katsu said in anger.
"Enough you two!" Shingo raised his voice and continued: "This energy has probably cut my recovery period in half. Thank you, Endou, but Katsu deserves what you've promised him. Once I'm at my full strength, I will personally bestow that power upon you, Katsu."
"You're most kind, Shingo-sama. Please excuse me for my outburst." was Katsu's apology.
"And you, Endou... you, Kyuuri and Koshi will be freed from your curse and will once again be able to freely roam the Universe." the Lord spoke.
"Thank you, Shingo-sama. I'm just glad you're back with us." she smiled.
"Now leave me... Koshi will remain to monitor my progress."
Both Endou, Katsu and Kyuuri nodded and exited the laboratory. Kyuuri couldn't stay quiet anymore.
"At last, the curse will be broken. I have a score to settle with that little brat."
"Still mad about him? You will only have your retribution if the master will allow it." were Endou's words.
"One way or another I'm going to crush him. We have no use for him now."
Katsu was a bit confused: "Why so obsessed with the boy?"
"She and Gohan didn't get along, not even when under my control. She wants to prove that she can beat him." Endou tried explaining.
"It's not just that, Endou-sama. As your personal bodyguard I need to eliminate threats like him."
"You're just jealous he was as strong as you... maybe even stronger." Endou added more fuel to the fiery conversation.
Kyuuri clearly got angry but remained silent and walked to her chambers.
"My... she's all fired up, I see." Katsu broke the silence in the hallway.
"But she's also arrogant and sometimes too full of herself. She can have her rematch or revenge, I have more important things that require my attention. Come, I'll show you to your knew chambers; you're a new resident after all."
. . . . .
Back in the Other World
West Kaioshin, Kibito and Gohan teleported to the Other World, where Kaio of the North was located since he was killed when Cell exploded on his little planet.
"We're here and Kaio must be nearby." Kibito said while holding Gohan in his arms.
The surroundings were beautiful and lush; green grass, trees, lakes, fountains, almost like a paradise.
"It looks like we're on Dai Kaio's (4) planet." West Kaioshin was a bit surprised.
"His planet was destroyed by Cell. It seems he's travelled here." Kibito explained.
"I don't want to make a commotion. Let's just find him and go somewhere else." the West Kaioshin proposed.
"Agreed." his attendant concurred.
It didn't take long until they could actually hear Kaio shouting something.
"How many times have I told you not to train around my new little house! I'll be repairing it for days... AGAIN!"
"I-I'm sorry Kaio-sama... it was an accident. I got too excited about the upcoming tournament (5) and wanted to train hard."
"It's all you do every day, train and eat, eat and train and sleep."
"Hahaha, Kaio-sama, you crack me up."
"Khm, may we interrupt?" the West Kaioshin spoke silently.
As soon as Kaio turned to them, his skin color changed to white for a brief moment because of the shock. He quickly bowed before them.
"K-Kaioshin-sama... this is... unexpected. W-what duties have brought you here?"
"Kaioshin? Who's that, Kaio-sama?"
"Sh-shut up and greet him with the highest respect you can possible muster." silenced him Kaio.
"Oh... s-sorry, I mean, my apologies Kaioshin-sama. My name is Son Goku. Very pleased to meet you."
"Long time no see, Kaio. But I'm afraid dire circumstances have brought me to you." the West Kaioshin spoke.
"To me? H-how can I be of assistance?"
"Shingo has escaped or more accurately, he was freed."
"But... but that's impossible. How, Kaioshin-sama?"
"I have a feeling it was Endou and her lackeys, but that's not all." he answered and waved Kibito to step closer. "You know who the boy is?"
Goku's and Kaio's jaw dropped almost all the way to the ground when seeing Gohan.
"Oh my.. that's..."
"That's my son! Gohan, Gohan!" shouted Goku.
"His in a deep sleep, so please stop shouting." Kibito tried calming him down.
"What have you done to him?" Goku wanted answers.
"Goku, you idiot! What are you doing?" Kaio shouted back at him.
"Please, please, calm down. The boy is alright but we did find him injured and unconscious on planet KB-0807." the West Kaioshin tried explaining.
"We should continue this elsewhere, master." Kibito interrupted.
"Fine. Take us to a planet not far from here. It's almost uninhabited." agreed the West Kaioshin.
"I'm going too." Goku couldn't help himself.
"I'm afraid this is a Kaioshin matter, no mortals allowed." Kibito rejected him.
"What?" the Saiyan reacted.
"Goku, stop being disrespectful! They are right, unfortunately. I'll explain everything when we get back." Kaio tried reasoning with him.
Goku nodded with a disappointed face. Kibito teleported them from Dai Kaio's planet to another, not far from this one.
"I apologize for Goku's behavior."
"It is alright. He the boy's father it seems."
"Yes and this is Gohan, he's a half-Saiyan, half-Human." Kaio started explaining.
"Half-Saiyans also have tails?" Kibito wondered.
"He had one, yes."
"Had? He still does." answered Kibito and revealed the boy's tail.
"What?! How can this be? It was removed years ago and it never grew back."
"Then it somehow must have re-grown. But putting this aside... he's facing serious charges. He attacked the Guardians and we assume that was a diversion for Endou to somehow free Shingo. There are still a lot of mysteries here, but I wanted to personally hear about Gohan from you." the West Kaioshin stated.
"Oh my... I don't know what to make of this. He was partially mind-controlled by Endou on Earth, but he broke free using his own willpower. After that he went with them to their dimension, wanting to bring back the stolen Dragon Balls. I don't know what happened since then as I can't see into the Other World like you can, Kaioshin-sama."
"We can but Endou's dimension is somehow hidden from our view and we can't travel there; at least not until we locate it. Nevertheless, Gohan was a part of the rescue operation."
"Gohan was a peaceful boy, pure-hearted like his father, always fighting for a noble cause, for his friends and family. I can't imagine he'd do something like this willingly. He must have been controlled, but as far as I'm aware of, Endou shouldn't be able to take over someone as strong as him."
"How about we hear it from him?" proposed Kibito.
"Let's see what the boy has to say for himself. But be on guard, Kibito."
Suddenly Goku appeared. "I'm so sorry, but I felt Kaio-sama's Ki..."
"I thought I told you to stay put!" Kaio jumped in the air.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I couldn't wait." the Saiyan scratched his head, trying to apologize.
"How did you do that?" the West Kaioshin asked him.
"It's called Shunkanidou. I can teleport to anywhere as long as I can lock on to someone's energy." he explained.
"Fascinating, a Saiyan with that kind of technique." He then turned to Kibito: "Proceed."
Kibito put Gohan on the ground and waved his palm near his head, waking him up. He slowly opened his eyes.
"Gohan? It's me... can you hear me?"
"D-dad? I-Is that... really y-you?"
"Yeah, it's me, son. And these two are Kaio-sama's friends."
As soon as his eyes focused on the West Kaioshin and Kibito, he remembered Endou, filling him with anger and hatred: "No... their kind freed Shingo and used me!"
"It's alright, son."
"NO! Dad... you don't understand... they've made me do horrible things. You can't trust them!" he started shouting.
"Gohan, calm down. They've come to help." the older Saiyan tried calming Gohan down.
"Please, listen to you father, Gohan. It is of utmost importance that we speak with you." the West Kaioshin added.
The half-Saiyan was now even more confused and Goku noticed his energy started fluctuating.
"Calm down, Gohan, no one is going to make you do anything. You can trust me." his dad said.
It was true; Gohan has always trusted his father no matter what and always looked up to him . Even though he was mad at first because he didn't want to be brought back to life, it was still his fault for letting him die for nothing in the first place. He missed him very much ever since.
"I...I..." he stuttered and looked at the ground: "... I was used... they made me kill a lot of people. They used me as... as a weapon... I killed them in cold-blood... Shingo is free because of me..." he explained while tears started forming in his eyes.
"It's okay, Gohan."
No, it's NOT! ...I remember their screams... t-they begged me to spare them... but I didn't listen, I didn't care about anything... they turned me into a monster... what have I done!?"
"Hey, it's gonna be alright." Goku put his right hand on Gohan's right shoulder, trying to comfort him but Gohan wrapped his hands around Goku and hugged him. He wanted to feel his warmth... the feeling that only Goku could give him... the feeling of security and calmness.
"I-I missed you... so much, dad." he said while tears poured down his cheeks.
"I missed you too, son, and your mum."
The West Kaioshin and Kibito were surprised by sight and how innocent Gohan was in this moment but that didn't deter them from their duty.
"I'm terribly sorry for breaking up this touching moment, but we need Gohan to explain everything." the West Kaioshin interrupted.
"I-I understand." replied Gohan, letting go of his dad and wiping the tears from his eyes.
It took some time before he explained the whole story from start to finish; it was hard since he remembered everything and couldn't do a single thing about it. He'd still get watery eyes when the explanation revolved around the horrible details, but Goku's closeness made everything a lot more bearable.
"So it was Endou's plan all along - to use you for rescuing Shingo. I should have observed your world more closely but was distracted by other matters. What do you think, Kibito?" the West Kaioshin confessed.
"It seems we have underestimated Endou and Shing. We cannot allow anymore surprises. And it hurts me to say this, but I still think Gohan should be held at least partially responsible for his actions. In the end, he did voluntarily go with Endou to her dimension and that's where she possessed his mind." Kibito cut to the chase.
"Isn't that a bit harsh?" Goku asked.
"It's ok, dad. Kibito-sama is right. I take full responsibilities for my actions. I should have put more thought into it before agreeing to come with her. It's my fault... again." Gohan interrupted him.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Right, Kaio-sama?" his dad wanted to cheer him up.
"Hmmm, this is out of my hands, Goku. Whatever Kaioshin-sama decides, Gohan will have to accept and face it."
"I will have to discuss this with Kibito. If you'll please excuse us."
"No problem, I'll take us back to Dai Kaio's planet." said Goku.
Gohan grabbed his hand and Goku put his on Kaio's shoulder and teleported them to the aforementioned planet.
. . . . .
Upon arriving the full-blooded Saiyan couldn't help himself but to ask a question about the tail.
"By the way, how do you feel with having a tail again? It brings back memories when you were just a little boy."
"I actually like it. It's something I have missed to be honest. And don't worry, I won't be looking at a full moon." his son smiled.
"Yeah, that would be disastrous. Hmmm, I wonder if it turns yellow when you transform?" Goku pondered, scratching his chin and looking closely at it.
"Hehe, it does. And it hurts when I squeeze it."
"You'll need to train it, just like Vegeta and Nappa did otherwise your opponents can take advantage of that weak spot."
"I will, don't worry."
"And those clothes... did you mix mine and Piccolo's outfit?"
"Heh, yeah, I did. Since you're my dad and he was my mentor when you were gone, I figured I'd honor you both by wearing a combination of your outfit and his."
"That's really something. I like it, it suits you." Goku complimented his son.
The boy turned to Kaio: "Kaio-sama... is there a chance I can stay here for a while? I would really like to spend some time with dad or even train with him."
"I'm sorry Gohan, but that's not for me to decide. If Kaioshin-sama will allow it then Dai Kaio will too. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll be able to have TWO Saiyans around me."
"Hahaha, Kaio-sama, you're always telling jokes." laughed Goku and then had a great idea. "Heeeeey, how about you enter the tournament? I'd love to see how strong you've gotten and fight you."
"Are you crazy, Goku? Sheesh, listen to yourself. I doubt Gohan would like that despite everything that had happened." Kaio almost jumped into the air.
"I'd love to. I've also been wondering what kind of training you've done here. Can I join Kaio-sama? Please." was the demi-Saiyan's surprising response.
"As much as I hate to admit it, I have no control over who enters the tournament." Kaio said with a big sigh.
"Then it's settled; we both enter. I'm sure I can talk Kaioshin-sama into it." the older Saiyan said full of confidence.
"You can't just bother a God with things like that. Sometimes I actually wonder if you're just so naive or plain stupid."
"Aw come on, Kaio-sama, don't say that." Goku felt a little offended by that.
Before he could retaliate with another obvious fact about Goku, Kibito and West Kaioshin teleported next to them.
"We've reached an agreement." the latter said.
"Oh my..." sighed Kaio, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
Gohan's tail started wagging left and right; he couldn't hide his nervousness. And Goku was... well Goku; just waiting and feeling excited about the tournament.
"We can't hold Gohan directly responsible for what Endou has done... however... his voluntary departure with her cannot be ignored. So I believe the best way to settle this is to let the boy redeem himself. By that, I mean to help us find Shingo and Endou and bring them to justice." the West Kaioshin slowly announced.
Goku smiled and gently nudged Kaio with his elbow: "I told'ya." and then addressed the Kaioshin. "I'm sure Gohan will be happy to do it. And by the way, can he stay here and fight in the tournament?"
"GOKU!" yelled Kaio.
"Oh, sorry." he said and bowed before the Kaioshin in a formal manner. "With your permission, Kaioshin-sama, may Gohan stay here for a while and participate in the upcoming tournament?"
Kaio just shook his head and thought to himself: "He's never going to change."
"I suppose he can stay here for a while but not for too long. He's place is among the living after all." smiled the Kaioshin.
Gohan was extremely happy to hear that, so he expressed his gratitude: "Thank you very much, Kaioshin-sama. I'll do whatever I can to redeem myself and help you defeat Shingo and especially Endou."
"I'm sure you will, Gohan. Come, Kibito, let us leave. We have a lot of work to do."
"As you please, Kaioshin-sama."
He used his Kai Kai and both teleported away.
"I can't believe you can actually stay here for a few days. The tournament is only 2 days away so we need to register you as a member of Kaio-sama's team. Will you do that, Kaio-sama?" smiled Goku.
"You made a hole in my new roof and now you want me to go all the way to the registration desk to sign-up both of you? Just fly over there, sheesh. Or would you rather grab a hammer and start patching up that giant hole you made in the roof?" Kaio sighed.
"I said I was sorry. And ummmm... I'll let you fix the roof. See 'ya in a couple of minutes." said Goku as he clearly didn't want to fix the roof.
As the older Saiyan was gone, Gohan wanted to ask Kaio for a favor.
"Kaio-sama... can I talk to my mum, Piccolo and Vegeta? I just want to tell them that I'm alright." asked the boy.
"Finally someone who thinks about others. Sure, just put your hand on my back and I'll connect you to them."
. . . . .
At East district 439
Chichi was just doing the laundry when she heard Kaio's voice.
Hello Chichi, it's Kaio. Someone would like to talk to you.
Kaio-sama? The one who trained my husband?
That's right. Ok... you can speak now.
- Hi, mum, it's me.
G-Gohan? OH NO, ARE YOU DEAD!?
- No, I'm alright mum, don't worry. Kaioshin-sama, err Kaio-sama's boss has brought me here from another planet.
I wish you had at least told me you were going to another dimension. Piccolo explained everything. What were you thinking, young man?
- I had no choice mum and I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but there was no time. I'll tell you everything when I get back, I promise.
I really hope so. And don't forget school is about to start soon.
- Don't worry, I'll be back in a few Earth days. You'll also be a little surprised when you see me. I'll keep it a surprise and please, don't freak out.
I wish you hadn't said that; you know I hate these kind of surprises.
- Heh, I sure do. See you in a couple of days, mum. I'm sorry I can't tell you more but my time here is very limited. Love you, bye.
I understand, sweetie. I'll be waiting. Bye.
. . . . .
At the Capsule Corporation
Vegeta was, surprisingly, not training in the gravity chamber, but was sitting outside in the park, relaxing his mind. The tranquility of his mind was soon disturbed by Gohan's voice.
- Hey, Vegeta, it's me. I'm talking to you through Kaio-sama.
Hmph, don't tell me you joined Kakarot?
- I didn't die if that's what you mean. It's a long story, actually.
Spare me the details. Did you get the Dragon Balls and wiped the floor with those demon scum?
- Ummm... not exactly.
What's that supposed to mean?
- I didn't get the Dragon Balls and I didn't defeat them.
Yeah, it's him and he's alive. You want to join our little chat?
- What are you talking about?
Piccolo is also here. Just link him up, will you, Kaio.
Sheesh, no respect at all from these Saiyans, sighed Kaio.
- Piccolo?
Yeah I'm here, kid. What's the situation?
- I failed, I'm sorry. Sigh, I'll tell you all about it when I get back in a few days.
And the Dragon Balls?
He didn't get those, too. What an excuse for the strongest Saiyan alive.
Chill, Vegeta, you haven't even heard what happened.
It doesn't matter. Gohan should have defeated them and returned the Dragon Balls in an instant.
- Vegeta is right and to make it worse, I was the one who freed that Shingo guy.
Not voluntarily, I hope.
- I don't feel like explaining but Kaioshin-sama said I can help them find Endou and Shingo and bring them to justice.
Kaioshin-sama? Isn't he the God amongst Gods?
- He's Kaio-sama's and Dai Kaio-sama's boss to put it in layman's terms. He teleported me to Kaio-sama's new place and guess what, I've met dad.
So you ARE amongst the dead. Tell me, how strong has he become?
- I'll soon find out. There's a tournament in just 2 days and we're both participating.
Don't you dare lose to him just because he's your father.
- Are... are you serious?
Of course I am. You better show him what you're capable of. And the first second you come back, I want to see you!
- Ummm sure, I guess. Why?
It doesn't matter. I'm off to train anyway. Enjoy your vacation among the dead. "Cut me from the conversation, Kaio." Vegeta said and went inside the Capsule Corp.
- What's with him, Piccolo?
The usual, obsessed with surpassing Goku... and you.
- I mean that about not losing to dad.
He did train you when Goku died... I suppose he expects you to fight like a Saiyan and not like a son.
- To be honest, I'm not sure it's even going to be a challenge. I mean, I know dad probably trained hard, but I wasn't slacking off either. Unless he managed to attain Super Saiyan 2, too.
You never know what tricks he may have up his sleeve. Just do what you think is right.
- Yeah, you're right. Well, see 'ya when I get back to Earth. Bye.
Piccolo just smiled and didn't say anything. He was happy Gohan was alright but was curious how he failed to get the Dragon Balls or defeat Endou. Something must have gone terribly wrong for the Kaioshin to intervene.
. . . . .
"Finally, that's all of them. Thank you, Kaio-sama."
"You're most welcome, Gohan. It's nice having someone well-mannered around for a change." smiled Kaio.
"I just wish the circumstances were different. I feel so bad for doing all those things." the boy told him.
"It wasn't your fault and besides, Kaioshin-sama needs your help now. You should focus on that; it's a very, very daunting task if I may add."
Gohan's stomach started making noises just as Kaio finished speaking.
"I need to eat, I'm so hungry. There was no delicious food where Endou lived; just a weird juice that tasted awful."
"You know what... since you're also my guest, how about I cook us some lunch? Goku won't be back for another half an hour at least. He'll do anything to avoid repairing the roof and he'll probably spar with some random fighters that are here for the tournament."
"Really? Aw thank you, Kaio-sama. You're the best." Gohan's expressions changed from terribly hungry to terribly happy.
About an hour has passed when both had eaten their lunch, or more precisely, Gohan ate most of it.
"You Saiyans have endless stomachs. Where do you put all that food?" Kaio was shocked by the amount of food Gohan had eaten.
"I'm sorry I've almost eaten everything, but I was SO hungry. It was delicious if that's any consolation." the demi-Saiyan smiled.
"Sigh, like father like son, hahahaha." laughed Kaio.
"Hahahaha you're right about that." Gohan laughed back.
Just then Goku returned and saw both of them laughing.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"Ummm, khm, khm, nothing, nothing. Did you register yourself and Gohan?" Kaio managed to change the subject.
"Yeah, it's official now, we're both competing. I'm so excited. I hope we both make it to the finals and fight each other." the older Saiyan was full of excitement.
"Me too. I want to know how strong you've become here. Did you reach Super Saiyan 2 like I did?" his son teased him.
"I'm not telling you anything." Goku winked at him. "But I can say that I've improved quite a bit, so it should be an interesting fight." he continued while clenching his fist in from of him.
"So do we train or spar until then?" his son wanted to know.
"You know what, let's just enjoy ourselves and keep our power and techniques a surprise until the tournament."
. . . . .
Gohan was very happy now that he could finally spend some time with his dad. He showed him around the planet, introduced him to some fighters but most of all spent his time with Gohan. Kaio finally managed to get some away time from Goku and repair the roof. Bubbles and Gregory also had the opportunity to get some rest without Goku constantly nagging how hungry he is or how he wanted to train. It seems that Gohan's arrival has brought some tranquility to Kaio's residence and giving Goku an extra challenge in the tournament.
Two "days" went by in a jiffy and everybody was excited about the tournament. Hordes of spectators were coming to the Other World Tournament Arena to witness this sensation. The number of fighters was limited to exactly 64 where each victory assures advancing to the next round and eventually to the finals.
Gohan, Goku and Kaio were preparing to depart, so both Kaio and Gohan put their hand on Goku and they vanished, just to reappear in the Tournament Arena.
"Thanks for the refurbished clothes, Kaio-sama. They look like brand new." Gohan wanted to thank him.
"I couldn't let you compete in those torn and dirty ones; I have an image to protect, you know." Kaio replied.
The arena was already full of spectators and the announcer stepped into the ring. He had a mushroom for a head, his skin was light green and only had a mouth and no nose. He was wearing a blue suit with a white shirt underneath; white pants and brown shoes.
"Welcome to the 7777th Other World Tournament you've all been waiting for. 64 fighters will test their strength, speed and endurance until one is left standing in the end. All the match-ups have been chosen randomly and divided into two groups. The rules are simple: if you fall from the ring or give up, you lose the match. Needless to say you can't kill anybody in this tournament cause they're already dead! Normally Dai Kaio-sama would say a few words but he's unavailable at the moment, so we'll just cut to the chase and see who goes first. And the first matchup iiiiiiiiiis... Kanashi VS Gandor."
. . . . .
Goku was pondering: "I wonder if we'll get paired in the first round? That would be a real let down."
"Well, since there are 64 fighters, that means the chance of us meeting in the first round is 64 times 63 (7)." the boy spoke in a language unknown to Goku.
"Sheesh, what's Chichi been making you study? I didn't understand a word."
"I'd rather not talk about it." Gohan felt embarrassed.
"To be honest, she can be a bit demanding but I think her heart is in the right place. And, who knows, maybe one day you'll give up all this fighting and become a scholar like you always wanted."
Gohan thought to himself: Oh dad, you've always embraced the simple way of life. I kinda admire you for that. But little do you know that the more I train, the more I want to get stronger. I can still be a scholar if I want to, but I'll never give up on fighting... it's the only way I can protect the Earth.
. . . . .
The match was just about to begin and the crowd went wild. All eyes were focused on the ring as Kanashi and Gandor were about to engage in combat. Even Gohan felt the suspense and excitement; something he hasn't felt since the Cell games.
Note: Yaaaay I can't believe I've actually completed this chapter. It took me soooo long to write it the way I was happy about it. I know, I know, you all thought you'd see them fight but that's a story for the next chapter :). I really hope you liked it. Leave comment, review to let me know :).
Clarifications:
(1) Also known as the Supreme Kai in the English dub.
(2) Or North Kaio, King Kai in the English dub.
(3) The Japanese name of this technique; literally Godly/God's transportation (not to be confused with Instant Transmission (jap. Shunkanidou))
(4) Also known as the Grand Kai in the English dub. He oversees the 4 Kaios (North, East, South and West).
(5) It's not the one from the filler in the anime. It's the same concept just other fighters; sorry, no Paikuhan (Pikkon) and others.
(6) Instant Transmission in the English dub; literally Instantaneous Movement
(7) I'm pretty sure I got that correct. If not, feel free to correct my probability calculation XD.
Japanese "names" and techniques: I haven't really touched this subject, but as you have noticed, I prefer the Japanese names for the characters and for the techniques. Why? Because I also prefer DBZ in Japanese. I have nothing against the English dub, I really don't, but the Japanese names have a certain ring to them that just appeals better to me, especially the suffixes "-sama" which emphasizes respect and admiration. Kakarot is the only exception. I will, however, provide any translations in the author's notes at the end when I mention a new technique for the first time.