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Chapter 22:
SHINGO'S REVENGE
Notes: It took a while, but the chapter is finally here XD. Thanks to X3 runner for a review and all you amazing followers and readers... THANK YOU! Ummm, I'm not screaming at you, I'm just thanking you loudly and very kindly XD.
Last time on Consumed by the past:
Gohan started going to a public school and he was loving it. Chichi's pregnancy was reaching its 8 months and Vegeta kept training with Gohan. He managed to partially master the Super Saiyan 2, but the side effects haven't been eliminated yet. Vegeta still hasn't ascended but was determined to do so no matter what. One evening, Gohan feels there's something wrong with Chichi's Ki. When arriving home, she as in pain and concerned about Goten's life. She was rushed to the hospital where doctors had to perform a C-section so save Chichi's and Goten's life. He was put into a incubator and Chichi is going to have to go through a long period of recovery. Bulma invited Gohan to come live with her at the CC - he accepted.
It was a rough night for Goku's son, hardly getting any quality sleep. Plagued by bad dreams and restless mind, he woke up around noon, tired and mentally exhausted. He decided to lay in bed for a few more minutes when someone knocked on the door.
"Gohan... you awake? Breakfast/lunch is on the table. Will be leaving for the hospital in about half an hour." Bulma said from the other side of the door.
"Ok, thanks Bulma. I'll be there in a moment." Gohan responded, trying to sound cheerful and full of energy.
He did come to the kitchen a few minutes afterwards to eat some breakfast. To be honest, he wasn't really that hungry, so he only ate three slices of toast and drank two glasses of cold, refreshing milk. His mind was preoccupied with Chichi and Goten - he was anxious to go and see how they're doing. But before doing that, he needed a cold shower which will, hopefully, wake him fully up. A few minutes later, Gohan stepped out of the shower in his underwear, when Vegeta walked by, returning from the gravity chamber.
"Rough night, eh?" the prince greeted the boy, but remained quiet about his chest scar.
"To say the least. I just need to get dressed and then I'm going to see mum."
"The hospital staff won't let you see her alone because you're under-aged. You need someone to accompany you, that's why me and Bulma are coming along. Wouldn't want you to get angry or upset... not in your condition."
Gohan sighed, "I guess you're right. I'll be waiting outside in the gardens whenever you'll be ready."
"When we return, I suggest we continue training; it will shift your attention to something else besides your mother and brother. And don't forget to hide your tail." Vegeta proposed.
The boy nodded and exited the building while Vegeta continued his walk to Bulma's laboratory.
"He's not doing very well, is he?" his wife said when she saw Vegeta entering the lab.
"His Ki is erratic which means that he's probably struggling in his mind but not showing much of that on the outside."
"You're... you're actually worried about him, aren't you?" Bulma asked him directly.
He looked away and frowned, "I just want him to keep focusing on our training."
"Suuure," she smiled.
"Let's just get going already. He's waiting in the back gardens."
Bulma locked her laboratory and both went to get Gohan. She and Vegeta insisted on all three going together with a hover car. The drive didn't take long, about 10 minutes to reach the hospital. Gohan's heart started pounding like crazy - he became extremely nervous when entering the building. The receptionist sent them to the intensive care department, where a nurse stopped them.
"May I ask whom you're visiting?"
"Chichi. This is her son, Gohan and we are close friends of them." Bulma replied.
"Ah yes, Mrs. Briefs. Chichi and her baby are in room 2. She's still in an induced coma, but doctors are very optimistic about her recovery. I kindly ask you to speak quietly and not disturb the baby."
All 3 proceeded towards room number 2. A big sign on the door said "intensive care - authorized personnel only", and a bit below that one, there was a sign "Chichi Son, Goten Son." Gohan was the first one to enter, followed by Bulma. Vegeta didn't go in as he wanted to wait outside. The room wasn't exactly bright because the lights had been dimmed to a more pleasant level. On the left, there was Chichi in her bed and Goten in an incubator, both sleeping. On the right was a small glass pane, which separated the room from a small stand-by office of two intensive care nurses, who monitored Chichi's room and an adjacent one, which was on the other side of the small office.
Gohan's heart was beating rapidly as he approached Chichi's bed. This wasn't his first visit to a hospital, but he has never seen so many life support machines in a single room. His mother was hooked up to quite a few of them - it looked terrifying for the little boy, seeing his mum in this condition.
"All the power I possess and this happened in my very own home." he said to himself.
It's not your fault, Gohan and you know it. I experienced somehow similar problems with Trunks. These things can happen." Bulma tried comforting him.
"Mum didn't deserve this," Gohan replied and looked at his younger brother in an incubator, "nor Goten for that matter."
"You're too hard on yourself. No child should be carrying such a burden, especially not at your age."
"I'm not an ordinary child, Bulma. I'm half Saiyan... the part of me that I have neglected for too long. In their culture, when a father died, the oldest son inherited his responsibilities."
"How do you know that?" she asked full of surprise.
"Vegeta told me all about their... our customs. I wanted to know everything about the Saiyans."
"Seems to me he told you a bit too much. I'm gonna have a word with him when we get home." she said angrily.
"He didn't want to at first, but I was so persistent, he eventually gave up and told me."
"Gohan... why? I've never seen you like this. I know you're going through some really hard times... but don't you think you're a little obsessed with your Saiyan lineage?"
He looked out the window and took a deep breath, "It's something none of you will ever understand. Have you any idea how powerless I was all those years? So many threats and enemies that could have killed us all in only a few strikes. The first time I really felt powerful was when I turned into a Super Saiyan, but I didn't want to stop there; I wanted more. To get even stronger and be able to protect mum, dad, you and everyone I cared about. I admit, I slowly changed and started embracing my Saiyan heritage more and more. It was something I couldn't stop doing... it just happened... it's like the Saiyan part of me started getting more dominant, lusting for strength and battles. When I ascended to Super Saiyan 2, those emotions intensified even more. At that point I knew I had to fully embrace them if I wanted to protect you all. The tail wasn't planned... it grew when Endou empowered me with that dark energy, but I'm glad it did."
Bulma kept listening to what Gohan had to say and soon noticed tears coming from his eyes.
"But I failed... not just that... I KILLED innocent people on a distant planet while under Endou's control, including children. I swear it, Bulma, I swear I won't let ANYONE else die. Now that Goten has been born... it's my responsibility to keep him safe no matter what."
"I don't know what to say... I had no idea you felt that way during all these years. I'm grateful you want to protect us all, but don't get obsessed with it. Promise me you'll remain a good-hearted person and help Chichi and Goten get through all this. Saiyan legacy or not."
He wiped his tears and walked to Chichi's bed, putting his hand on hers, "I promise."
Bulma was standing besides the incubator, watching Goten, "Hey, I just realized... Goten also has black hair but doesn't have a tail."
"Was it cut off immediately after birth?"said Gohan.
"I don't think so. The doctor would surely have told us. That reminds me, how is yours doing?"
"Pretty good. It's a lot less sensitive now but it's not fully trained yet."
"I remember the day when I first met you... do you remember? On Roshi's island; Goku brought you along but then that evil Raditz came and kidnapped you."
"Ummm not really, although I do have a feeling I've known you as long as I can remember."
"You were so adorable with that little tail. It was a bit shocking when Goku told us you were his son, but I think we all got used to the fact fairly soon. And look how you've grown since then... it was like yesterday you were 4 years old and now you're protecting the Earth. I know I've never said this before, but I'm very proud of you Gohan, proud of the person you have become."
"Thanks, Bulma. And thank you for everything... I'm never going to be able to repay the debt."
"Nonsense, I will have none of that "debt". It's the least I can do to contribute, now more than ever. Besides, I'm glad at least one Saiyan is thinking of his future, unlike the one I married, who only keeps training and doing nothing."
The boy actually smiled, "That's Vegeta."
"Yeah, probably the best way to describe him is... being Vegeta." Bulma smiled back.
They both kept talking about their memories, about Chichi and Goten. Bulma really got to know Gohan better and vice versa. The more they talked, the more they realized how much has happened since Raditz. But before they could continue their conversation any further, one of the nurses approached them and asked them to leave because their visit time had run out. The departure was a bit emotional for Gohan, but he knew he'll be back tomorrow and every single day after that, until his mother is ready to go home. Vegeta was still standing outside and was relieved when the two of them finally emerged from Chichi's room. They didn't take long in there... around 15 minutes, but every minute not training is a minute wasted; a typical thinking of Vegeta. This time, Bulma went home alone because Gohan and Vegeta went to their usual location to continue training. She did, however, tell them to be home in about 3 hours if they wanted to eat lunch.
The training wasn't very productive as Gohan's mind was preoccupied with other things. They did spar and fight but Vegeta felt the boy's mind was elsewhere so their training was cut short. Both returned to CC, Vegeta to the gravity chamber and Gohan to his room for some solitude thinking. When he was nervous or anxious, he'd lay in his bed and stroke his tail which, surprisingly, relaxed him to some degree. He tried relaxing in his room for a good hour or so when Bulma called him for lunch. While Gohan was struggling on Earth, Endou and Shingo didn't have such problems in the "Demon" realm.
In the "Demon" realm
Lord Shingo has completely recovered his strength and power. Endou and Koshi have been making sure his recovery went smoothly. Kyuuri wasn't of much help at all; she's been holding a grudge against Gohan since the first day they met. She wanted revenge; she wanted to beat him no matter what. Of course she didn't just sit and wait for this whole time; she trained to perfect her defense against the demi-Saiyan. Even though she's a soldier and a bodyguard, her mind is extremely well at remembering fighting styles of her opponents. Fighting with Gohan has provided her a lot of information about his fighting style and techniques, giving her the option to exploit any of its weaknesses. Katsu - the Kaioshin who helped Endo free their master - has completely devoted his services to Lord Shingo. He didn't care too much about the Kaioshin Council or anything to do with Kaioshins; he just wanted power; raw power to help overthrow the Council.
One day, Lord Shingo summoned them all to one of his chambers which looked like a throne room. He is a powerful dark magician, in some way like Endou bit much more potent. His fighting abilities are very limited, but since his magic is so powerful, he practically doesn't need them. It was he who created the Staff for Endou, augmenting her psychic and dark powers, so you know how powerful he must be. He always wears a dark red cape with a cowl that covers his head. His face cannot be seen, because he isn't exactly a person, more like a humanoid elemental. Instead of a face, you can only see a dark blue void of swirling energy. It's like he is made of pure energy, held together by some sort of magical barrier, to keep it in the shape of a humanoid. Once Endou, Koshi, Kyuuri and Katsu arrived, he began speaking.
"Now that I have completely recovered, we can carry on with our plans to overthrow the Kaioshin Council and make them pay for what they've done. Despite their numbers and strength, we can defeat them by using the Dragon Balls."
"But master, why can't we just kill them with our own hands?" Kyuuri asked.
"Young Kyuuri, you have much to learn. Even with my great power, I've come to the conclusion that we cannot defeat all of the mightiest Kaioshins. Why do you think I asked Endou to collect one of each?" Shingo replied in a deep voice.
"If I may, my Lord," Endou interrupted, "yes, Kyuuri, we've obtained them for the sake of being able to locate them on so-called Namek and Earth. Koshi was successful in determining their energy composition and creating a simple glowing stone which will point us in their direction. Once we find them, Shingo-sama will make the appropriate wishes."
"But first, Katsu needs to receive his reward for assisting in my rescue. Step forward."
As ordered, Katsu stepped forward and awaited further instructions, but there were none. Shingo extended his arm and a wave of dark purple energy shot right through the former Kaioshin's body, making him scream in pain which seemed to last forever. He collapsed on the ground, twitching because of the energy absorbing into his body. A moment or two later, he was finally able to stand up, weakened yet stronger than ever.
"There, it has been done. Now your body and soul belong to me." Shingo concluded the ritual.
Endou couldn't help but to think, He hardly survived it. It seems the gap between Gohan and him is much wider than I imagined. The boy didn't crumble like him. Once I return to Earth, I should be able to faintly feel the residual dark energy in the boy. Having such a strong fighter under my control has never felt so empowering. With proper guidance and the help of my magic, he could defeat anyone; even HIM.
Katsu's eyes and hair turned purple, clearly making him Shingo's loyal follower. Great power has been bestowed upon him at the cost of his freewill, but Endou's enthusiasm was practically nonexistent. Her mind was focused on the Dragon Balls and Gohan. Lord Shingo is a grandmaster in dark arts and magic, capable of controlling minds and emotions of others, firing deadly piercing energy attacks, protecting himself with psychic barriers, but if there are more fighters like Gohan out there, he'll need her, Kyuuri's, Katsu's and Koshi's help. Perfect.
"Now that you've pledged your allegiance to me, Katsu, the next step is to collect the Dragon Balls and summon the Eternal Dragon. Endou will be the only leading you and Kyuuri to Namek. You'll need a Namekian for the summon ritual, as the Dragon only speaks Namekian and won't grant us any wishes, thanks to the Kaioshins."
"What about any intruders, master? The Kaioshins will surely call their allies for help, especially Gohan and his father. I am not doubting your powers, Shingo-sama, but we cannot engage them all, especially not at once." Endou was curious.
"I understand your concern, Endou, but the Kaioshins are fools. They will only send a handful of them with some apprentices to intercept us. The only concern are those that can seal me away. That boy - Gohan, will surely assist them. Based on your and Kyuuri's information, he'll be their strongest ally.
"Let me handle the boy, master." Katsu offered his help.
"You must be joking, Katsu." laughed Endou.
"With this power, I can..."
"Fail, to say the least. You might have gotten this dark power from my master, but just the fact that you almost passed out upon receiving it, is a very clear indication that you wouldn't last long against him. Kyuuri, on the other hand, has been spending quite a lot of time preparing for her fight with the boy. If anyone, she is the only logical option to take Gohan on head to head."
"Enough arguing," Shingo raised his voice, "as it will get us nowhere. I agree with Endou regarding Kyuuri, but before she can fight him, I need to free all 3 of you from your curse."
Shingo stood up and approached them, "The Kaioshins have stolen this spell from me and modified it so it can suit their righteous needs. But despite that, I'm the master of dark arts so I can easily undo what they've done."
Bright yellow glowing eyes appeared on his "face" which caused an invisible-like shield, that was covering all three, to shatter and disappear into the air.
"There, you are no longer ghosts outside of this dimension. Endou will accompany me to Namek, while Kyuuri and Katsu will go to Earth. Koshi will be the one maintaining the portal to Namek. Katsu can use his teleportation to quickly move to Earth. I want the Kaioshins to come alone to Namek, it's your job Kyuuri to keep the Earthlings occupied until you hear from me and Endou."
"If I may, my lord," Endou interrupted, "it might be best if we lure the remaining Saiyan to Namek and utilize his strength and power to our advantage. The boy will be forced to fight Kyuuri on Earth and the Kaioshins will surely either divide their intervention between both planets or arrive on just Namek, leaving the Earth only to the boy. The Namekian Dragon Balls should be our priority since their Eternal Dragon is more powerful than it's Earth counterpart. This scenario would require Katsu to come to Namek and sending only Kyuuri to Earth."
"I can take care of the boy and any of his friends." Kyuuri reassured her masters.
"Very well, we will proceed according to Endou's plan. Kyuuri will go alone, whereas Endou and Katsu will go with me to Namek. If any of you fail, the Hell is the least of your worries." the dark lord made it clear.
All bowed to Shingo and left his chamber to prepare for the upcoming "invasion". After a few hours, they all gathered in Koshi's laboratory. He had already established a portal to Earth for Kyuuri to travel there. Katsu will use his teleportation technique to bring them to Namek in a matter of moments, so Koshi only had to focus on keeping the portal to Earth open and safe.
"You all know what to do," said Endou and looked at Kyuuri, "don't let your personal vendetta cloud your judgment. You need to keep Gohan on Earth no matter what."
"What if I just kill him?" she smirked.
"None of my concern, as long as you follow the plan."
Shingo, Katsu and Endou teleported to Namek and Kyuuri stepped into the portal leading to Earth.
Back on Earth
It's been several days since Chichi had been admitted to the hospital. Gohan didn't go to school for the whole week after that as he kept visiting Chichi every day for as long as they let him sit beside her and Goten. He had difficulties sleeping because of the nightmares and anxiety, hence his eyes getting dark circles around them. The training with Vegeta, however, did pick up pace and was finally progressing "satisfactory", despite the demi-Saiyan having insomnia problems. It was Friday noon when Gohan was by his mother and brother in the hospital, when a familiar voice spoke in his mind.
Gohan... it's Kaio, can you hear me?
"Is it Endou?" he said with a calm, tiresome voice.
Yes, the Kaioshin Council has found them on Namek and one on Earth. Kaioshin-sama said to meet him at Dende's. He'll provide further instructions there.
"I'll leave as soon as my visiting time expires, Kaio-sama."
But Kaioshin-sama requested your immediate arrival.
"Mum and Goten are more important at the moment. I only have a couple of minutes left anyway."
You're as stubborn as Goku sometimes, you know that? Very well, just don't let them wait for too long.
"I won't Kaio-sama. I have a score to settle with Endou and her "friends"."
When his visiting time expired, he left the hospital and a short flight after that, Gohan was at the Lookout where Dende and Piccolo were already waiting. When they saw Gohan's eyes up close, they were a bit shocked, to say the least.
"You alright, Gohan? You don't look so good." Dende asked politely.
"It's nothing, just a couple of rough nights. It will go away." the boy answered and turned to Piccolo, "I can feel an alien Ki, but I'm not sure whether it's Endou or Kyuuri."
Piccolo nodded, "Same here, but it IS heading this way, either because you're here or because of the 6 Dragon Balls Dende's been keeping in his palace."
Just then, the Eastern Kaioshin and Kibito appeared on the Lookout.
"Greetings, everyone. I am sorry we have to meet under these dire circumstances. We don't have much time, so I'll be quick. Kyuuri is here and heading towards us, while Shingo, Endou and a former Kaioshin named Katsu, have teleported to Namek not so long ago." quickly explained the Eastern Kaioshin.
"Former Kaioshin?" Piccolo's eyes opened wide.
"I'm afraid so. Our investigation has confirmed that one of the Kaioshins helped Endou free her master. It was he, Katsu, who opened the secret entrance and finally freed Shingo." Kibito added.
"I remember him... he was the one with blue skin and white hair." Gohan said.
"Correct, but now he's joined forces with Shingo and we believe they are going after the Dragon Balls, here and on Namek. We must stop them before they can make their wishes." the Kaioshin continued.
"But they are ghosts, they can't pick up objects in other dimensions. Plus, only someone who speaks Namekian can summon Porunga and state the wishes." Piccolo said.
"We're assuming that Shingo had already freed them from their curse, so they can exist normally outside of their dimension. On top of that, Shingo and Endou can both manipulate minds, it's only a matter of time before they bring some Namekians under their control and make them summon the Dragon."
"How could he free them? Is he even more powerful than the Kaioshins?" Piccolo asked.
"This is not a mortal matter, so I cannot provide any details."
"What do you propose we do?" Piccolo wanted to know.
"I'll be going to Namek with some help and Kibito will stay here to make sure Kyuuri is captured and delivered to the Kaioshin Council for punishment."
"I strongly suggest you contact Goku and tell him to come here." the Namekian proposed.
"No!" Gohan interrupted, "I can handle Kyuuri myself. You all should go to Namek and stop them. Kyuuri needs to come here and through me to get the Dragon Balls. We don't have much time."
"I'm afraid this is not your decision to make, Gohan," Eastern Kaioshin replied, "the Council has already come up with a plan to stop Shingo. You are to..."
"She's here!" Piccolo shouted.
Indeed she was, much faster than they've anticipated. Kyuuri was floating above the Lookout, looking down on all of them.
"I knew you'd be here, boy," she smirked, "and the Dragon Balls. It seems Koshi's locator worked perfectly."
"Kyuuri, by the Council's decree, you are to be brought to justice. Surrender now." Eastern Kaioshin warned her.
Just then, Vegeta arrived on the scene, "So, you're finally back. Where's the other one?"
"That is none of your concern Saiyan. My focus is the boy, not you, but if you get in the way, I'll turn you to dust." Kyuuri smiled.
"I'll show you..." the prince got angry.
"VEGETA!" shouted Gohan, "she's MINE! I've been waiting for this moment ever since I got back from their dimension. Don't you dare interfere! "
"Look at you," Vegeta smirked, "so eager for revenge. Very well, I guess I can let this one slip."
"Vegeta, we should go to Namek with Kaioshin-sama as soon as possible. We need all the help we can get." Piccolo expressed his opinion.
"Why would I need you? I can take those magicians by myself."
"Shingo and Endou are powerful mind twisters; a disciplined and trained mind is the only protection against them. The Council was reluctant to ask for any help from mortals, but I'm afraid we don't have much of a choice, since Gohan had already been involved in some extremely unpleasant events." Kaioshin responded with determination.
Vegeta looked at Gohan, who just nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on Kyuuri.
"Let's just go then," the prince shouted, "and let Gohan do his job."
"I'm putting my trust in you, Kibito." the Kaioshin said before teleporting himself, Piccolo and Vegeta to Namek.
"It's only me and you now, Kyuuri." Gohan smirked.
"And Kibito of course. It's two against one." she smirked back.
"Kibito won't interfere, will you, Kibito-sama?"
"I must obey my master and the Council. I'm here to apprehend her." he responded.
"You can when I'm finished with her. Until then, please wait." the demi-Saiyan looked at him.
I do not approve of your personal vendetta young Gohan, nor your arrogance, but I will monitor the progress of your fight and will intervene when necessary."
"Perfect," Kyuuri smiled again, "I'll show you my true strength you little brat."
Gohan assumed his fighting stance and his body was enveloped in bright yellow energy - he had transformed into a Super Saiyan already.
"This won't help you. Not this time." Kyuuri said and vanished.
Their fists clashed high above the Lookout and continued to do so as the battle started. Both were extremely fast and agile; their training had certainly paid off. Kyuuri was able to deflect all of Gohan's physical attacks and vice versa. Even though both wanted to defeat one another, they didn't go full power immediately. Kyuuri soon realized that she can predict most of Gohan's attacks, hence defending against them accordingly. Gohan did remember a bit from their last fight, but nowhere near as Kyuuri did. Luckily, his speed was more than a match for Kyuuri and her assault. Kibito kept his word and remained at a safe distance, observing their battle, ready to intervene at the first sight of problems or distrust. He was, however, a bit surprised by Gohan's speed and strength. Since he and the Eastern Kaioshin didn't attend nor followed the Other World Tournament, none of them were aware of Gohan's and Goku's potential.
Meanwhile, Kyuuri managed to deflect one of Gohan's attacks, giving her the opportunity to swiftly strike back. With a powerful uppercut, her fist met Gohan's jaw, then his stomach and to finish off this combo, her foot slammed right into his chest. The boy did flinch a bit, but recovered his balance almost immediately and charged towards her, but she was ready. She blocked his kick and right cross, but the boy did a back-flip and fired an energy blast right at her. The moment Kyuuri deflected it, Gohan was already beside her and roundhouse kicked her directly in the face. As she flinched for a split second, he slammed his left knee right into her back and finishing with a double axe handle, which sent her flying past the Lookout towards the ground. But he didn't follow her, no, he waited with his arms crossed on his chest and smirking. It didn't take long for Kyuuri to stop in mid air and gaze upon Gohan, realizing that the boy had also improved, but not nearly enough as she had.
"How about we skip the warm up and get serious? We both know we're hiding our true power." Gohan said loudly.
"Such a straight forward attitude will be your downfall. No wonder you were wiped out from existence."
Gohan clenched his fists when hearing Kyuuri and then let out a short scream. His expression changed; it was angrier and more serious. Both Kyuuri and Kibito felt a surge in his power; he had become a Super Saiyan 2. Kibito couldn't help but wonder.
Such power... how can a mortal posses it? How could we have not noticed this? But I also sense a small amount of dark energy in him. Is that Endou's doing? Is the boy really our ally or is it just a deception?
Kyuuri also powered up, but unlike Gohan, she didn't need a transformation to raise her power.
"I still sense some residual energy of my master's gift. How does it feel to have your Ki tainted by dark energy? I doubt you'll ever get rid of it." Kyuuri smiled.
The boy smiled back, "You'll soon find out. But if you really want to know, it just made me stronger. HA!"
He shot a powerful energy blast at her and dashed forwards, shooting even more. Kyuuri prepared herself for the whole barrage of them by firing her own back, trying to nullify as much as she could. The demi-Saiyan's assault was soon repelled by his opponent; she defended against all of his attacks, like she could predict his every move. The boy wanted to smack his fist right into her face, but Kyuuri deflected it to the side, slamming her fist in his stomach instead and... grabbing his yellow tail. The boy shouted and became paralyzed, not being able to do anything, even having difficulties staying airborne.
"Child's play. I could have done this at the very start." she smirked and squeezed it hard.
"It... it hurts... AAHH." Goku's son shouted.
"Yes it does," Kyuuri laughed and tightened her grip, "It seems you have completely forgotten abo..."
She was silenced by an elbow right into her nose, then a kick to the stomach, followed by a large energy blast. After that, the boy charged towards her and hit her so hard, she hit the ground just a few moments later. Smoke and debris engulfed her point of impact, but the boy didn't stop with his onslaught. He charged a Kamehameha, when suddenly a very fast and thin, red energy beam pierced through the debris cloud and brushed against Gohan's left shoulder, leaving a narrow bloody cut, causing him to stop charging his attack. The dust cloud subsided and Kyuuri was seen standing in the small crater... with a bloody nose. The moment Gohan noticed that, he smirked.
"It seems you've underestimated me, Kyuuri. Look at you."
"You were just lucky I had fallen for your little act," she said and wiped the blood from her face, "but you won't get another..."
Gohan's fist interrupted her monologue, hitting Kyuuri in the stomach, or so it seemed. She managed to block his attempt with her palm and in return slamming her other fist into the boy's stomach, followed by a head butt and finally kicking him away into nearby trees. Immediately after, she fired a Ki blast at him, but Gohan used his hands to push himself from the ground and into the air, evading the explosion. Kyuuri anticipated that and was waiting for him in the air, hitting him in the back with her knee, then jumping over Gohan and slamming him into the ground with both hands. Kibito was getting concerned as the battle tipped in Kyuuri's favor. He wanted to get to Gohan, but before he got even remotely close to him, the demi-Saiyan broke through the rubble and attacked his opponent with immense strength. Both engaged in a furious hand-to-hand battle which went on for a quite a while. The surroundings soon looked like a barren wasteland, full of explosion craters, cracks and vaporized trees. Both were cut, bruised, with numerous burn marks all over their body, but Gohan sustained more damage.
They managed to put some distance between them because Gohan needed to focus his thoughts. It was getting harder and harder to concentrate and keep a rational mind; Super Saiyan 2's side effects had kicked in a while ago. Kyuuri noticed that Gohan's fighting style changed a bit, giving her a bit of trouble to predict his attacks. She wasn't sure if that was intentional or not, but she did see a change in the boy's attitude, too. He was more ferocious, bloodthirsty, his attack patterns were more unpredictable and erratic. Gohan, of course, wasn't completely aware of this, but he did know his rational mind was slowly disappearing; something he was actually afraid of. He was clinging to the fact that if he doesn't stop Kyuuri and Endou, he'll be responsible for all the destruction and chaos they will bring to this dimension. That was his only lifeline to preserve his sane mind.
Kibito noticed that the half-Saiyan started struggling with himself, something mortals, according to him, experience all the time due to their lack of wisdom, being very narrow-minded and in the end, lusting for power and domination. For him, Saiyans were probably one of the best examples; they lust for power and battle, have simplistic minds and an enormous deficit of wisdom and intelligence. They excelled at fighting and conquering planets; a perfect army which was ultimately destroyed by its ruler Frieza. He was, however, stunned by Gohan's and Kyuuri's immense power that rivaled even his own, but was still bellow the Eastern Kaioshin's. It made him worried that mortals like Saiyans could posses such unimaginable power at such a young age. The presence of dark energy in the boy is something Kibito was worried about the most. Will he turn against them? One thing was certain; neither he or Eastern Kaioshin never trusted mortals, no matter how righteous or pure they seem to be.
Vegeta letting Gohan fight Kyuuri: This was something Gohan was waiting for ever since Endou left him on planet KB-0807. But that was not the reason why Vegeta immediately agreed. He and Gohan had spent a lot of time training together and in the end, also started living under the same roof. They became more attached, Vegeta sometimes even comforting the boy in his own way. The Saiyan prince respected Gohan and vise versa. He never openly told him, but he was actually proud of the boy, for becoming so strong and wanting to continue the Saiyan legacy, something Goku never would have, if he were still alive.
Notes: Congrats, you've made it through the chapter XD. Don't be shy and leave a review and let me know your thoughts :). Thaaaaaanks ^^.
