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Chapter 24:
A SECOND CHANCE
Notes: I know, I knoooooow, I am late with this update XD. I'll be honest... I've had a lot of problems with this chapter; I'm STILL not happy with it, but I've been re-writting it all the time and this is the version I am "most" satisfied with XD. Either you will like it or hate it, so... enjoy XD.
Previously on Consumed by the past:
Gohan and Kyuuri waged their battle on Earth while the others went to Namek to confront Shingo and his lackeys. Kyuuri found herself outmatched after a long battle against Goku's son. Exhausted and at the brink of collapsing, she managed to blind Gohan with her eye beam, giving her the opportunity to escape in put the boy at a disadvantage. Kibito, who didn't die, chases her through the portal into the "Demon" realm. After he returns, he brings back the stolen Earth Dragon Ball. After that, he and Gohan teleport to Namek, where Shingo was about to summon Porunga. At the last second, the demi-Saiyan interfered, but Goku and Vegeta had already succumbed to Shingo's mind control. Endou wants to take control of Gohan, but her spell fails due to an unknown cause, giving the boy the chance to attack. Shingo sends Goku and Vegeta to fight and stop him. How will Gohan react? Is he going to fight his friends to stop Shingo? Or will Shingo make his wishes and become too powerful for all of them? Read on to find out!
Goku and Vegeta attacked the boy, but he evaded and quickly flew to Piccolo, standing his ground with his mentor.
"Piccolo, quick, describe the landscape around us! Use our link!" Gohan said.
"W-what?"
"Quickly, before they attack us!"
I'm not following. And based on you torn gi I reckon you've dealt with Kyuuri.
She blinded me with one of her attacks and ran away. If I want to fight, I need to at least have a rough sense of what's around us.
Smart thinking, kid. You're lucky, only a few cliffs and small hills surround us. To the right of you are the hills I mentioned, in front and to the right is a small lake. I suggest you stay airborne most of the time. I'll try and...
Katsu interrupted their little chat by attacking Piccolo. Goku and Vegeta were right behind him, both having their eyes fixed on the boy. Their Ki was tainted with dark energy; a feeling Gohan will never forget when it happened to him. His dad was the first to strike from above, whereas Vegeta engaged from the side. Goku's fist missed, but the boy had to block Vegeta's kick with his right arm. The Saiyan prince shifted his body and slammed his elbow into Gohan's stomach, while Goku kicked him in the back. The half-Saiyan retaliated with his own fists and hit Goku directly in the face; while his foot made contact with Vegeta's stomach. They exchanged blows like there was no tomorrow, but Gohan knew he couldn't keep up with both of them, at least not in regular Super Saiyan.
Meanwhile Piccolo was battling Katsu, who turned out to be stronger, but Piccolo still managed to keep up with him. He received some hefty blows to his face and chest, yet he persevered and returned the favor. Eastern Kaioshin was fighting Shingo and Kibito went for Endou. Amidst all the fighting, one Namekian started summoning Porunga again. There was nobody to stop him, since Shingo masterfully occupied everyone with his minions. Kaioshin noticed that but couldn't get close to stop the summoning ritual, and neither could Kibito. Piccolo had his hands full with Katsu's relentless assault, so the only option was Gohan.
"Gohan! Stop the Namekian. Use your strength!" shouted the Eastern Kaioshin.
It was difficult for the boy to locate the Namekian's energy signature during the fight against his dad and Vegeta. Whenever he deflected or dodged their attacks, he didn't have time to fly away, because the two Saiyans kept attacking relentlessly. Gohan didn't have a choice... Porunga was being summoned, so he instantly upgraded to Super Saiyan 2. With lightning-fast punches, Goku and Vegeta were sent flying into the ground and a nearby lake. The boy rushed to the Namekian... but was too late. The Eternal Dragon was released from the Dragon Balls just before he could stop them. The sky was black and the mighty Porunga was now towering above them all, waiting for the first wish to be made.
"Oh no... we're too late." the Kaioshin was shocked.
"Gohan, hurry!" Piccolo shouted.
Goku's son knew he had to stop Shingo from making his wish, but Goku and Vegeta came rushing back to fight him. The Namekian started making the first wish, so Gohan fired a couple of Ki blasts to try and stop him.
"Kaioshin-sama, Kibito... move away!" he shouted upon firing a barrage.
The two rushed away, leaving Shingo and Endou behind. As the blasts started hitting the ground, Shingo protected himself with an energy barrier that withstood the blasts. Endou used the opportunity to shield her and the Namekian from Gohan's aerial assault. She knew the blasts were nowhere near Gohan's peak strength, yet they devastated the surrounding area, leaving only rocks and debris. Just then, the half Saiyan felt a surge in his dad's power... it was his worst fear - the Super Kaioken.
How was he able to use it so quickly?!, was going through the boy's mind.
Just a few seconds later, he could feel Goku's power surpassing his own. There was no time to lose, so he powered up as well and could only fire a few more Ki blasts at the Namekian, Endou and Shingo before Goku attacked him. The dark master had difficulties defending against these powered up Ki blasts, as well as Endou, but this was the moment she was waiting for. While Shingo clearly couldn't drop his barrier and had to focus on keeping Goku and Vegeta under his control, she telepathically contacted the mind controlled Namekian, who then started making a wish. However, it didn't go unnoticed.
What have you done, Endou?! You've locked me out of his mind!
I've taken some burden from your shoulders, master and I've made the wish for you!
You...you betrayed me!
Since Goku used his Super Kaioken, it was even more difficult for Shingo to keep him under his control and impossible for him to retaliate against Endou for her betrayal. Gohan couldn't do anything... he was preoccupied with his dad. Luckily, Kibito and the Kaioshin were able to fly towards Endou, but Vegeta cut Kibito off.
"Go, master, I'll keep the Saiyan occupied!" shouted Kibito.
The Eastern Kaioshin finally reached Endou and disabled her energy barrier with one of his special techniques that he had learned just for this fight. Once it was down, he knocked away the Namekian and engaged Endou. Whilst they were fighting, Porunga spoke in its native language and it's eyes glowed bright red.
"You're too late, Kaioshin." smiled Endou.
"What have you wished for?! Tell me!" shouted the Kaioshin.
"For yours sake, it wasn't immortality nor your destruction." she answered back.
A few seconds later, Endou's and Shingo's body started glowing in bright purple and a stream of that energy flowed from one to another.
"NOOOO!" Shingo screamed.
The intense purple light only lasted for a few seconds until it vanished. Shingo remained motionless on the ground, while Endou was feeling stronger than ever. Shingo's control over Goku and Vegeta was handed to her automatically.
"Yes... finally! It's mine, all mine! The power... the knowledge... ALL MINE!"
She looked at her former master and shot a powerful black energy blast at him, vaporizing him in an instant.
"W-what have you done, Endou?!" Kaioshin reacted.
"Something I should have done a long time ago. Shingo didn't deserve to have all that power and knowledge, his ambitions were set too low. His mind was not what it used to be; he changed while in captivity... you managed to weaken and soften him. I was the true mastermind, I was the one behind every important plan that he always took credit for. It was time I took that power and knowledge for myself... my ambitions are far greater than his."
"You'll never get away with this, Endou!" the Kaioshin made his statement.
"I don't intend on leaving just yet... not without the boy," she said and looked at him fighting against his dad, "He is still carrying a bit of my essence, I can feel it. This time, I'll make sure it will devour him completely, not leaving a single "good" cell in him."
Kibito continued fighting against Vegeta and Piccolo against Katsu. The Namekian purposely fought Katsu in such way, that enabled him to get close to Kibito. When they were close enough, Piccolo shouted.
"Kibito-sama, switch with me... you know Katsu and I know Vegeta, it will be easier to fight against them."
"Finally an intelligent idea from a mortal... fine.. switch in 3... 2... 1..."
Kibito attacked Katsu and Piccolo became Vegeta's opponent. Gohan was still going against Goku's Super Kaioken... but he wasn't wining just yet. He could feel Goku's Ki becoming erratic, which could only mean that his body started to feel the after effects of this combination technique. Since Goku was not in the Other World, his body could take less punishment from the Kaioken, meaning that his son only had to keep up with him until he collapses from burning out his body. At the same time, he could feel his mind slowly slipping away; Super Saiyan 2's effects started accumulating, which slowly devoured the boy's sane mind. His movements again started being less accurate and more direct. Goku managed to surprise his son a couple of times and slam him either into the ground or a nearby lake. And each time Gohan had difficulties determining his surroundings, so he hesitated for a moment, which Goku took advantage of and hit him hard, something Endou had noticed through Goku's eyes while speaking to the Kaioshin.
There's something different about him... but what?, she thought.
A portal opened close to Endou's location and somebody stepped out... it way Kyuuri, still beaten up from her fight with Gohan.
"Kyuuri... you've done your part well, and now you're about to see the finale in this grand master plan of mine.
"E-Endou-sama... what have you done to lord Shingo? Where is he?"
"He's gone, my dear... I took away all of his power and knowledge. As soon as I enslave Gohan, we'll return and build a new order... MY order."
"Y-you killed him?!"
"She did... and without mercy. Now she's enslaved Goku and Vegeta to do her bidding, but she won't stop until Gohan becomes her slave, too!" Eastern Kaioshin explained to Kyuuri.
"We don't need Gohan, my lord... I am more than capable of being your strongest warrior." Kyuuri said to Endou.
"Just look at you... I'm surprised you are able to stand at all. With this power, I won't settle for just you... I WANT him, too. I will be unstoppable!"
Kyuuri wanted to see Gohan get defeated, but not by Endou, not by Goku, but by her own hands. She was of no help in her badly injured state, and since Endou now possessed all that dark power, she couldn't defy her, or she'd be instantly vaporized. Kyuuri swallowed her pride and decided to turn the battle in their favor.
"Master... the boy... he... he can't see, I've blinded him!"
"W-what? So that's it... good Kyuuri, what a wonderful revelation."
Endou waved her Staff, creating a dark, purple cloud, engulfing everyone in it. Everyone continued fighting, but the only who started having difficulties was Gohan. It seems the cloud masked Goku's energy signature, giving Gohan lots of problems just trying to pinpoint his dad's location. Piccolo and Kibito had no problems, because they could still use their eyes and visually locate their opponent, whereas Gohan couldn't. It wasn't long until Goku started having the upper hand; his attacks penetrated most of Gohan's defense, hitting the boy with almost every attack. The Eastern Kaioshin was shocked and wanted to help the boy, but Endou stopped him with a powerful force field.
"A-a-a, you're not going anywhere. And please... do not try to break the barrier... you're not the only one who learned a few tricks during Shingo's imprisonment. And now that I possess all this power, it's a mere child's play to keep the barrier strong enough to prevent you from escaping."
"You'll never defeat the Kaioshins. Even if you beat me, others will come searching for me."
"You're always full of optimism and valor... pathetic. This is the nightmare you'll never wake up from. You're already outmatched... Kibito won't last long against Katsu and neither will that Namekian against the Saiyan. Even Gohan is having a lot of difficulties against his father... just look... he can't even defend himself properly. Once he'll be unconscious, I'll take him to my realm and do whatever it takes to make him my greatest weapon, something Shingo would never dare doing."
"You monster..."
"You don't even know what I'm capable of now, Kaioshin. And the monster you speak of; the only monster you should be afraid of is the boy... you have no idea what he is capable of when pushed too far. Tell you what... I'm going to spare Kibito's life, for now... and maybe yours too." She turned to Katsu and Kibito, "Katsu! Disengage, let Kibito live. Join me here and watch how the Kaioshins AND the Saiyans be defeated.
Katsu was a bit shocked, to say the least, but he obeyed Endou's order. Kibito landed and wanted to save his master, but the Kaioshin ordered him to not do anything. There was nothing he could do, Endou's magic and allies were just too powerful for them.
In the mean time, Piccolo was still fighting Vegeta. The prince managed to punch him in the stomach and send an uppercut right into Piccolo's jaw. He then kicked him in the ribs, breaking them in an instant; then slamming his knee into Piccolo's face, causing him to bleed from his nose. Before the Namekian could regenerate his ribs, his opponent slammed him into the ground and jumped onto his right arm, breaking it as well. Piccolo shouted, but Vegeta lifted him and fired a Ki blast right into Piccolo's torso, blowing him away into a nearby rock wall.
Endou enjoyed all the battles very much, but was looking forward to finally see Gohan defeated by the very one he loved the most - his father. The purple cloud was not needed anymore, so she waved her staff, dispersing it in a matter of seconds. Even with the cloud gone, the boy couldn't keep up anymore... Goku's Super Kaioken was too much, but did start affecting his body already. Sadly, the full-blooded Saiyan lasted enough time to almost completely disarm Gohan. The boy was injured badly, his energy reserves were getting low and had a hard time keeping his Super Saiyan 2 transformation up. Vegeta wanted to join Goku, but Endou wouldn't let him. He was ordered to watch how Goku completely destroyed his son. Punch after punch, Gohan's power grew weaker... even just standing up became a very exhausting task.
"No... I want to fight, too. Tell Kakarot to stop!" shouted Vegeta.
"Your will is strong, Saiyan, but you're not in any position to make demands. Do as you are told and remain there. You can play with Kibito later, but leave Gohan alone."
Gohan was still getting pummeled and everyone watched; even Piccolo regained consciousness and witnessed the absolute horror.
"No... G-Gohan... V-Vegeta, you idiot... HELP HIM! You're mind can't be controlled by that little creep. FIGHT IT!"
"No use, Namekian... Endou's power is too much for those primitive Saiyans. I'm afraid we haven't anticipated she would betray Shingo like that." Kibito said.
"... I'm not letting Gohan die," Piccolo answered.
"Please, any impulsive action would only result in your death. You surely must understand that."
The battle between father and son was still going on. The boy received a fist to his face, causing him to fly into a nearby rocky hill. His Super Saiyan 2 downgraded to the regular Super Saiyan. Goku also cancelled his Kaioken; it was getting too much on his body. He was more than capable of finishing his task without it. Vegeta was getting angry and started clenching his fists.
"Tell him to stop! The boy's energy is almost completely gone!" he shouted to Endou.
"Silence, Saiyan! I'll be the one saying when it's enough," and turned to Goku, "continue my pet, have some more fun. That way the boy will remember what's coming to him if he ever just thinks about disobeying me."
Goku smiled, "Yes, master, I will." and charged towards his son.
Damn you Kakarot... you're... you're beating up your son... your OWN Saiyan blood. Snap out of it! Stop it or you'll deliver him right into Endou's hands.
Well, well... what do we have here? A concerning Saiyan? You seem to have a stronger mind than I expected.
I'm the Prince off all Saiyans... I...I...
You what? Don't make it hard on yourself, Vegeta... don't resist, it's pointless.
You... I'm going to...
That's enough! Since you look worried about Gohan, then come closer and see how he's doing. I'm ORDERING you!
Vegeta couldn't resist... his mind obeyed and his body moved. Endou made him watch the battle up close; clearly seeing Gohan's struggle against Goku. It made Vegeta angry... very angry. Seeing Gohan get beaten up like that is not something he would worry about, but ever since the Cell games concluded, he and Gohan trained a lot together. They've spent months and months as sparring partners, trying to bring out the best from one another. He was proud of the boy; reaching such unimaginable power at his age and at the same time, caring for his mother AND going to school. Gohan would also spend a lot of time at Capsule Corp., which practically made him family. He started caring for the boy. He loved Bulma and Trunks more than anything else in the entire Universe, but Gohan somehow gained his affection, too. As a Saiyan male, he was obligated to protect his family no matter what, something that Gohan wanted to do also despite his young age. But Vegeta's anger was not caused by Endou... it was Goku who was responsible. Purposely forfeiting the match, so his son could fight Cell. The last straw was giving a Senzu bean to Cell, so just the match would be fair. He almost doomed his son and the entire world with that reckless action. He had faith in his son, but his son didn't have faith in himself. A father should never force his children to fight for him... he should be the one fighting FOR them or die trying. He imagined Trunks in Gohan's position... if he was getting pummeled by Goku, it was a sight that he wouldn't endure not even for a second. He was angry at Goku for letting Endou control him and now beating up Gohan, so just Endou could enslave him again. His gritted his teeth, he couldn't watch anymore.
I... I won't stand for this any longer!
You just won't give up, will you? I guess I'll have to annihilate you as well. Shame.
It was one final blow that knocked Gohan out cold; his hair was once again charcoal black and the golden aura around his body vanished. It was the fuse that caused Vegeta to explode in a burst of energy and screams. His aura flared all around him, he closed his eyes and just let out all his energy. He was angry beyond belief and that anger was fuel for his rising energy, rising higher and higher until it accumulated so much, an enormous shockwave emanated from his body. His pupils vanished for a short time, but returned as fast as they had disappeared, with one major difference - they were teal, not purple. His hair also turned back to golden yellow color and was spikier than before. The yellow aura was imbued with lightning, a familiar scene to Piccolo.
"What?! How?! You were completely under my control!" Endou was angry.
"I was playing you all along. If I had obeyed you, Piccolo would have been dead long ago. I did let you get control of me, but I held back... my moves were too predictable and I didn't put my full power into attacks." Vegeta smirked, all powered up.
"Grrrr, you'll pay for that. Katsu, Saiyan, attack and vaporize him!"
"Will you capture him as well, my master?" Katsu wanted to know.
"No, he is not compatible with the energy I possess. You can do whatever you want with him." smirked Endou.
Katsu attacked first and Goku followed him closely. They both missed and Vegeta kicked the former Kaioshin in the stomach and slamming his elbow right into Goku's nose. The evil duo regrouped and attacked again, but Vegeta was already above Katsu, shoving his right elbow into his back, sending him into the small lake beneath them. Goku powered up and used the Super Kaioken, but his body had reached its limit, so he dropped out of it.
"Having troubles, Kakarot?" smiled the prince.
When Vegeta was about to attack Goku, Katsu came flying from the bottom of the lake, but the prince was prepared. A swift punch to Katsu's ribs made him flinch; another punch to his face made him stagger. Vegeta didn't hold back; he roundhouse kicked his opponent so hard in the ribs, a few of them broke. Then grabbed him by the neck and delivered a few more punches to his stomach and ended the combo with a headbutt to Katsu's face, making him bleed from the nose. After that, he pulled him close to his face.
"This is your last interruption, scum." Vegeta smirked.
"No, please... Endou is controlling me..." Katsu pleaded.
The prince sent him flying straight into a small hill, and started charging a powerful blast of blue energy in his right palm. Katsu was lying between the debris, trying to get up but it was too late. Vegeta had unleashed his signature Big Bang Attack straight at him, completely obliterating the hill and Katsu with it. A huge explosion blinded everyone on site, and once is subsided, there was nothing left of the hill or Katsu.
"Vegeta... You've killed a deity. That is unforgivable!" remarked Kibito.
"I don't care. He was annoying me. Now I suggest no one interferes with my battle against Kakarot. If you don't deal with that Endou creep by the time I'm done, I'll be doing the same to her." the prince announced.
Endou was now facing a great shortage of allies; Shingo and Katsu were no more, Vegeta had somehow freed himself from her grasp and Goku was already showing signs of fatigue. Kyuuri was of no help at all since she was still badly injured from her fight with Gohan back on Earth. If that wasn't enough, Piccolo and Kibito flew closer to try and stop her and Endou. The Namekian wanted to engage Kyuuri, but he quickly realized she was in no shape for a prolonged battle even though the demon warrior prepared herself for an imminent attack from him. When he wanted to check on Gohan, she intercepted him.
"I'm not letting you go." Kyuuri said.
"You're in no position to challenge me. Just stay back and let me check on Gohan."
"I said, I'm NOT letting you pass."
She attacked Piccolo with all her remaining strength but was evenly matched against him. They exchanged blows and she actually managed to hit Piccolo a few times, but her injuries were too extensive, so her body started to give in. She lasted a lot longer than Piccolo anticipated, but once the opportunity arose, the Namekian delivered a few powerful yet swift punches to her face and torso. He finished the combo with a powerful kick to her chest, sending her skidding on the ground. She couldn't get up anymore... her cracked ribs and probably internal bleeding had taken a toll on her extremely tough body. Endou was not amused at all, on the contrary, she was very angry, seeing Kyuuri all powerless and defeated like that - one more reason to enslave Gohan and make him her elite warrior.
"Piccolo, take Gohan somewhere safe. I don't want anyone to be a liability." Vegeta shouted.
"You are really going to do it, aren't you?"
"This is the perfect chance to finally settle our differences."
"Just don't let that rivalry of yours go to your head. There's a lot more at stake than your fight." the Namekian responded.
"Enough of these games!" Endou said angrily and lifted her Staff, "You will witness what my new powers are capable of."
Before Piccolo could take Gohan to safety, his body was bound by some sort of energy chains, denying him any movement. The very same happened to Vegeta, Kaioshin and Kibito; all were immobilized.
"What is this? I can't move." Piccolo was surprised.
"It's one of Shingo's techniques," answered the Eastern Kaioshin, "The more you struggle, the weaker you get."
"Hmph, mere shackles won't hold my power." smirked Vegeta and powered up.
"No! Don't waste your power, Vegeta. The shackles will just absorb it and make you weaker." the Kaioshin warned him.
Of course Vegeta didn't listen and put more power into his effort to break free... but it didn't work. The more he tried, the less effective his struggle was. Goku stepped in front of him and smiled.
"You can't break these, Vegeta. My master is far stronger than any of you can imagine."
"You see, Kaioshin? You've underestimated me and my new power," she smiled and looked at Goku, "leave Vegeta and get your son. We will be leaving soon."
Goku obeyed and walked towards Gohan to pick him up as he was still unconscious. His path was blocked when an energy blast hit the ground and halted his movement. It wasn't Vegeta or Piccolo, nor Kibito or the Kaioshin... it was one of their apprentices.
"So... you are back on your feet, huh? Goku, dispose of him." Endou commanded.
The Saiyan complied and went after him, but the apprentice flew away, making Goku chase him. It was soon clear that the apprentice could also fly as fast as Goku and use their teleport ability (Kai Kai), so the Saiyan had difficulties in his pursuit.
"Why don't you just make your wish and go?" Piccolo asked Endou.
"My aspirations are far greater than just a few wishes, Namekian. The Eternal Dragon has limitations and its power doesn't reach every corner of the Galaxy, let alone other dimensions. With Gohan, however, I can search for even greater treasures than your Dragon Balls. Besides, thanks to the Kaioshin Council, the Eternal Dragon cannot grant any wishes to me directly; I'm sure you are very well aware of that."
"I suppose that's why you asked for Shingo's power to be transferred to you? The Council never anticipated you would do something like that to your master, hence Porunga being able to grant the wish. I guess immortality and other classic wishes don't come into play for you."
"Very perceptive for a Namekian. True, the Eternal Dragon could never grant me any of those "classic" wishes you speak of, but that doesn't apply to others."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hehehe, I have two very special wishes for someone here."
"For someone here... it's Gohan, isn't it? What are you intending to do?"
"Me? Nothing, one of your fellow Namekians will do it for me."
Piccolo started smiling.
"What's so funny?" Endou asked.
"Hehehe, for telling us your plan and for wasting your valuable time on me."
"W-what?"
Kibito and Eastern Kaioshin attacked her with full force, taking her by surprise. Two apprentices joined them in the assault.
"While you were chatting with me, the apprentice managed to free them." smiled Piccolo.
"You tricked me! You'll pay for this." was angry Endou.
"Not this time, Endou. Kibito, apprentices, now!" commanded the Eastern Kaioshin.
They formed a square around Endou and extended their arms, creating a white stream of energy that encircled Endou. Her mind controlling powers and the energy shackles were nullified, freeing Goku and the three Namekians. Piccolo and Vegeta were also freed from the bounding shackles.
"H-how did you do that?!" Endou was shocked.
"Shingo knew very well what we are capable of, but your arrogance blinded you. Why do you think he went after my apprentices as soon as possible? It takes four to perform this lockdown spell. There is nothing you can do now and you are outnumbered." the Kaioshin explained.
"Stand aside, I'll blow her out of existence." the Saiyan prince said while approaching them.
"Stand down, Vegeta. This is a matter of the Kaioshin Council. We are taking her and Kyuuri to our planet where their punishment will be declared." the Kaioshin said back with a determined voice.
"No... NO! You will NEVER imprison me AGAIN!" Endou shouted.
Her eyes and Staff started glowing again until a massive energy buildup destroyed the white energy barrier around her. She started firing numerous dark energy blasts at everyone, but Vegeta dodged them with ease and punched Endou, but ended up hitting her energy shield. He continued his assault, yet the barrier didn't crack. The others joined the battle and started firing energy blasts at it, slowly wearing it down. Endou's dark energy reserves started getting low; she still wasn't fully used to all this power and controlling Goku did cost her quite a bit of energy. The explosion that freed her from the lockdown spell also took a toll on her, but keeping the shield up against all these attacks was too much for her.
"Take this! Final Flash!" shouted Vegeta from afar and launched his devastating attack.
Endou was engulfed in a stream of bright yellow energy and her barrier burst almost instantly. She was weakened and Vegeta took advantage of that by slamming his fist into her stomach, making her fall on the ground. She might be a dark lord now, but her physical strength is still nowhere near a Super Saiyan 2. When the Kaioshin wanted to apprehend her again, a wave of energy blasts prevented him from doing so. Everyone looked in the direction the blast came from and saw Kyuuri standing and breathing heavily, but then collapsing on the ground again. Endou used this opportunity to use her short range teleport and teleport herself close to Kyuuri.
"You might have won now, Kaioshin, but I'll have my vengeance." the dark lord warned him.
She opened a portal back to the "Demon" realm and quickly stepped through, then closing it immediately upon arriving to her destination.
"She got away... great. I could have vaporized her in one shot." the Saiyan prince was angry.
"I must say the events turned out in the way we had never anticipated. Shingo is no more, but we at least have Kyuuri. However. Which reminds me... Kibito, go check on Kyuuri. We will need to stabilize her before making the transfer."
"Right away, master." he acknowledged.
He landed next to Kyuuri, who was on the ground, motionless. He used his healing power to try and undo all the damage, but it didn't work. It was too late for her. The injuries were too extensive and sadly, she passed away.
Kibito closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "May you find redemption in the afterlife."
The Kaioshin was looking at him, so Kibito just shook his head, signaling that it is too late for Kyuuri. He then proceeded to unconscious Gohan and started healing him. This time, everything went smoothly and the boy's injuries faded away. Even his sight was restored, thanks to the supreme healing power of a "higher" being. The half Saiyan slowly opened his eyes... everything was blurry and distorted, but he was thrilled that he could at least see something.
"I... I can see." was the first thing he said.
"Indeed. I have healed you, but it will take some time for your sight to return."
"Where's Endou? Where's dad? What happened?!" he panicked.
"Settle down, Gohan," Vegeta tried calming him down, "It's over, we're all fine, including Kakarot, but that Endou got away."
"What about Kyuuri?" the boy wanted to know.
"I'm afraid she didn't make it." Kibito offered an explanation.
The apprentices managed to heal the Namekians that were under Shingo's control. The third one returned along with Goku, both alive and well.
"I'm sorry for everything, son. I was under her control and couldn't do anything. I saw everything... I'm so sorry. You know I'd never hurt you, son." Goku apologized while looking at the ground.
Gohan was a bit reserved at the beginning, but he couldn't hate his dad for what Endou forced him to do. He couldn't help himself but to charge at him and hugging him tightly.
"I missed you, dad. I know Endou forced you... it's... it's okay. I know how you feel."
"Same here, Gohan. It's nice to see you again, despite the circumstances." He then looked at Vegeta with a grin, "I didn't know you could go Super Saiyan 2, too."
Vegeta's eyes shot wide open, "Shut up, Kakarot. You don't know what you're saying."
"Sure I do. You snapped and ascended, just like Gohan."
"Wait, what? Is that true, Vegeta?" Gohan joined the conversation.
The Kaioshin interrupted their little reunion, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Porunga demands the wishes to be made, or it will disappear."
Gohan let go of his dad and both nodded. Everyone gathered under Porunga so the wishes could be made. After a short discussion, the Kaioshin approved the two wishes.
"The second wish will be to revive everyone Gohan killed and the third to take away Endou's newly-acquired powers. When we return to Earth, the first wish will be to bring back everyone killed by Cell and the second to remove the dark energy from Gohan's body." declared the Eastern Kaioshin.
"Why? I don't mind having it... it's a part of me now." Gohan objected.
"My decision has been made. We must undo everything that Endou has caused."
One of the Namekians understood and asked Porunga to fulfill the second wish. Its eyes glowed red for a moment, meaning that the wish had been granted. Gohan was happy to have finally undone his terrible actions on Wanasa. He remembered that Soldier's son and daughter had also been brought back to life; a promise he made to him at the Other World Tournament. The next wish was to take away Endou's newly-found powers but Porunga rejected the wish, explaining that it is beyond its power. When asked for an explanation, the Eternal Dragon said that the wish surpasses the power of its creator, thus it cannot be granted. Even if it could do that, it couldn't store the taken power anywhere; it cannot just be simply taken away.
"Well, that takes care of this wish and the one about Gohan, too. If Porunga can't do it, neither can Shenron." Piccolo stated with a frown.
"Then we will move on to the next wish..." said the Kaioshin before feeling a familiar energy.
Everyone turned their heads to where Kyuuri was lying on the ground, except she wasn't on the ground anymore, she was alive and well.
"I'm... I'm alive. H-How?" she said to herself, examining her body.
"It seemed that Gohan was responsible for the majority of her injuries, hence she died because of him. That's why she was brought back to life." said Kibito.
"Kyuuri! It seems you have Gohan to thank for your second chance at life; a life you will be spending in imprisonment." the Kaioshin's voice sounded very formal.
"What?! I owe my life to no one; the least to that brat!"
She powered up instantly and everyone prepared for the imminent battle, except Gohan. As the Kaioshin, Kibito and apprentices rushed towards her, Gohan looked at Porunga and started shouting.
"Poporunga, takkaropuni pottuna Kyuuri nomatte takka."
The Dragon's eyes again glowed red, indicating the wish had been made. The result was Kyuuri vanishing into thin air. Not a trace of her Ki remained. Porunga said farewell in its native language and disappeared, whereas the Dragon Balls turned to stone.
"What did you do, Gohan?" Piccolo was shocked by the fact he could speak Namekian.
"I sent her away." he replied.
"To where?"
"Where she won't be causing any more trouble."
"Gohan! You have seriously jeopardized the Kaioshin Council's mission to apprehend Kyuuri. This is almost treason. Do you have any idea what consequences you might have to face?" the Kaioshin came storming back.
Gohan didn't say anything, and remained quiet.
"You, Namekian, what was his wish?" the Kaioshin asked the Namekian who made the first wish.
"I am sorry, Kaioshin-sama, but I wasn't paying attention amidst all the confusion. He did ask Porunga to take that person somewhere, but I do not know where."
The Kaioshin was furious, "This is a disaster! If you won't tell us, then I have no choice," he said and turned to the boy, "Gohan, by the powers that grant me the title of Kaioshin, I hereby declare that you will be enlisted in future operations regarding Endou and Kyuuri. The Kaioshin Council will be recruiting you as an asset. You will be taking orders from the Council and me. Any refusal will result in your imprisonment, should the Council find you guilty of treason or collaborating with the enemy. And we both know what their decision would be."
"Is this necessary, Kaioshin-sama?" asked Piccolo.
"You mortals need to be thought a lesson that meddling with our affairs and disobeying us comes with punishment. On top of that, Goku's resurrection will also be postponed for an indefinite time. Kibito, go to Earth and make the wish on behalf of our "friends"".
"Yes master, but what about the second wish? The Dragon won't be able to..."
"Yes, yes, I know. Wish for the Wanasan research complex to be fully restored. They need it for their research and well-being."
"Right away."
"I will be leaving, too. I must say I'm terribly disappointed with you, Gohan." said the Kaioshin and turned to Goku, "I'm granting you a few more minutes among the living, after that, you must teleport back to Kaio. Your place is there until we say otherwise."
After saying that, the Kaioshin and two of his apprentices teleported back to their realm. Everyone that remained on Namek were quiet, nobody said a single word, until Goku stepped to his son and looked at him.
"Why, Gohan?"
"She isn't like Endou; she is different. Endou is just using her like a puppet and she realized that when returning to Namek. I couldn't just let the Kaioshin imprison her and not Endou."
"You shouldn't have done that, Gohan, despite what you've said. You've really angered the Kaioshin." Piccolo added his two cents.
"Piccolo's right, son, but I understand why you've done it. A part of you still wants to find good in people, giving them a second chance."
"I guess you're right, dad." smiled his son.
"I guess that's all the time I had left. You've heard the Kaioshin." Goku said with a sad voice.
"Take care, Goku. Hope we'll be able to bring you back soon." replied Piccolo.
"Thanks, Piccolo. Me too," Gohan's dad said and turned to Vegeta, "Hey, Vegeta, that was some great fighting. I guess I'm the only one left who hasn't ascended yet."
The prince smirked but didn't say anything.
Gohan was sad, too. He hated these farewell moments; he had been through too many.
"I'm sorry, dad... I kinda screwed it up, huh?"
"Hey... don't say that. You did what you thought was right. I would probably have done the same thing. And besides, Earth is in safe hands as long as you and Vegeta are there to protect it. I have quite some catching up to do."
Like always, Gohan's eyes started accumulating tears, knowing that he again won't be able to bring back his dad. Piccolo stepped closer, put a hands on the boy's shoulder and smiled, giving Gohan a clear signal that he's there to support him.
"I guess this means goodbye. Take care guys and Gohan, say "Hi" to your mum."
"Dad... before you go... I need to tell you something..." his son muttered.
"What is it?"
"I... I mean... you... you have a son and I a baby brother."
"W-What?! Really?!"
"His name is Goten and he looks just like you."
"Wow, that's amazing. Now I'll really be looking forward to coming back. Take good care of him and your mother. Bye."
He then used his Shunkanidou and teleported back to the Other World. His son wiped his tears with his hand but was glad he could see his dad again, and fight with him, even though on the opposite side.
Piccolo then asked, "Since when do you speak the Namekian language?"
"Huh... well, I actually only know a few words and sentences thanks to Dende. I hope I said them correctly."
"I guess we will never know. Come on, let's get back to Earth."
The last apprentice teleported everyone back to Earth. Gohan and Vegeta went straight to Capsule Corp., whereas Piccolo wanted to spend some time alone meditating.
Notes: Finally, FINALLY it's done XD. As I've said, I'm still not completely satisfied with this chapter, but I've been writing it long enough. Please leave a review and let me know what you think of it ^^. Also... do you think it was alright for Gohan to tell Goku about Goten? Or it should have been better to keep his mouth shut? If so, why?
Vegeta going SSJ2: I wanted to do this for a while and thought this chapter would be the the ideal one. I'm not a fan of Vegeta getting shafted, that's why I did this :D. For once, Goku was not in the spotlight. But despite that, he still has his Super Kaioken (while he is dead; if he where alive he would die if using it), even though it only lasts for a very short time.