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Chapter 30:
LOCKED UP
Previously on Consumed by the past:
The Kaioshin, Kibito and Gohan find Kyuuri and engage her in combat, in order to apprehend her. In the end, the outcome is completely the opposite: Gohan actually lets Kyuuri go, in order to fight her again on a more even ground. The Kaioshin is furious with Gohan, and takes him back to the Sacred World of the Kaioshins, in order to determine the proper punishment for him. As he is kept busy in the Kaioshin Council chambers, Kibito provokes Gohan to the extent where he explodes with anger and is ready to attack him. Luckily for the deities, the boy is incapacitated with a single energy beam from an unknown person, who seems to be a Kaioshin as well. Both Kibito and the East Kaioshin decide it would be best for Gohan to spend his punishment on Wanasa.
While Goku is pondering in the Other World, the preparations for Gohan's transfer were already underway. Kibito had brought him to a small cottage in the Forest of tranquility, where the boy will wait his journey to the Wanasan complex. He is still unconscious, or more accurately, in a deep sleep, which had been induced by Kibito when healing the boy. An attendant was also posted near the entrance of the cottage to keep an eye on the sleeping demi-Saiyan and make sure nobody disturbs him.
At the same time, on Wanasa Prime at an undisclosed location, the East Kaioshin was meeting a few of Wanasan high officials.
"Thank you for meeting me in such a short notice," the Kaioshin thanked them.
"It is our honor having you visit us, Kaioshin-sama. I reckon this is about another prisoner transfer to our facility," one of them said.
"Precisely, but this one is unlike anything you have ever seen. His name is Gohan."
"The mass murderer?! This is very unexpected, yet surprising."
"I understand your anger, but is wasn't entirely his fault. He did restore the research complex and brought back everyone that had been, well, lost in that incident."
"For us, that doesn't change the fact that he assaulted our people and slayed them in cold blood. The restoration of the complex and the lost lives was a blessing, of course, but it still doesn't erase the events that had occurred on that day," one of the officials said.
"Of course, I understand. That is why I have come here. We think you are capable of keeping him in check with your advanced technology. We have provided quite a few captured enemies to you, who were also incredibly strong, yet they are still locked safely in your facility. We believe it would be best for him to serve his punishment here in this Wanasan complex, but not only because of that, but because he was responsible for the event you just mentioned a moment ago."
"So the punishment fits the crime. You are in luck Kaioshin-sama. It hasn't been long since we have perfected our inhibitor collars, which prevents the prisoners from concentrating and using their Ki; of course for the ones who know energy manipulation. Energy blasts, flight or any other technique, which requires Ki, is inhibited completely, rendering the prisoner almost powerless."
"These collars, how do they inhibit energy manipulation?" the Kaioshin wanted to know.
"They emit a special inhibitor field which prevents concentrating Ki, thus preventing the prisoner from raising his or her energy, firing energy-based attacks and so on. We are very proud of this invention."
"I am sure you are," the Kaioshin responded, "that is why we have such a fruitful cooperation.
"Indeed we do. When can we expect the boy to be delivered to our custody?"
"How much time do you need to prepare?"
"No more than 4 cycles, if that is acceptable by you, Kaioshin-sama."
"Of course, I have no objections. Then expect me and my attendant coming back in about 4 cycles. The boy will be in deep sleep, so he won't be awake."
"Even better; his relocation will be much quicker and smoother that way. Please make sure to teleport to the usual safe area."
"Understood," the Kaioshin thanked them and teleported back to his planet.
"I can't believe we will receive the mass murderer. Make sure that the implant and a special holding room is ready for him. Regular collar is for mild and medium offenders; I want the special tech for this boy," the leading Wanasan instructed the other two, who smiled and nodded.
As the Wanasan official made their way back to the secret complex, the East Kaioshin was already back on the Sacred World of the Kaioshins.
"All the preparation have been arranged, Kibito. They require 4 cycles to prepare for Gohan's arrival," he said to Kibito.
"Very well, master. It means we still have a little time before the departure. I have posted an attendant at the entrance to keep an eye on the boy. I recommend we spend this 4 cycles in meditation since it has been a very rough day, even for us."
"I couldn't agree more, Kibito. You know where to find me when the time is up," smiled the Kaioshin and flew to his usual meditation spot.
He was able to meditate, but the mentioned 4 cycles were over so quickly, it felt like he barely started with the meditation. He and Kibito went to the cottage where Gohan was still in deep sleep. The attendant was dismissed so they were completely alone with the boy.
"I would never have though he possesses such an incredible power," said the Kaioshin while walking into the cottage.
"As I have mentioned before, it seems that Human and Saiyan genes provide some unbelievable potency and potential," Kibito replied when following.
"Look at him, sleeping almost like a baby. If I had just met him, I would have thought that he is just an ordinary boy."
"Looks are deceiving, master. We have seem this times and times again."
"Well, time is up, Gohan. Your new home, for the time being, awaits."
The Kaioshin put his arm on Gohan's chest and teleported to Wanasa Prime. All 3 re-appeared in a secure area, which is guarded by multiple security personnel with, what is seems, special weapons to deal with even the most dangerous criminals. The whole area was immediately covered in some sort of force field, probably to prevent any possible escape. Two scientist grabbed the boy and put him on mobile bed, where he was put in metallic restrains. Right after that, a collar was put around his neck and one of the scientists activated it. The same 3 official also joined this welcoming committee.
"There, he is secured and prepared for transfer. The collar will render him powerless and the restraints will hold him in place without any problems," one of them said.
"He won't wake up for a few hours. Is all of this really necessary?" the Kaioshin asked.
"Kaioshin-sama, I understand your worries, but please, this is our specialty and we have strict protocols to follow whenever accepting a prisoner."
Kibito joined the conversation: "I agree, master. We can never be too careful with the boy."
"I guess you're right, Kibito," the East Kaioshin answered and turned to one of the officials, "Thank you for the time and effort. Please let me know when we can come and check the boy."
"Thank you as well, Kaioshin-sama. We will keep in touch regarding that. We usually don't allow any visitors, but I am sure an exception can be made… at a proper time, of course."
The Kaioshin nodded and Kibito did the same. They both prepared to teleport back to their planet, when the Kaioshin quickly looked at Gohan. Seeing him like this; restrained, and wearing an inhibitor collar actually brought a very short feeling of concern for his well-being. And with that, both of the deities vanished from this planet.
"They are gone," the lead official said, "get him into the operating theater and prep him for the quick surgical procedure."
The boy was rushed into the complex, which was heavily defended by armed personnel, turrets, high walls and electric fences. On top of that, multiple cloaking devices made sure it was hidden out of sight as well. Everybody entered a spacious elevator and a security guard punched in the floor level; it was 11 – so 11 levels below ground. During the descent, everyone was examining the half-Saiyan.
"Seems like he was shot through his right peck. I can still see a bit of damaged tissue," one said.
"He also has two scars, one on the upper back and one on his left peck, so he must have seen quite a few battles in his young life," answered the other.
"Not only that, look! He's got a tail as well, nicely hidden underneath his clothes and wrapped around his chest. That means he is a Saiyan if I am not mistaken."
"Technically, he is half Human and half Saiyan, according to my conversation with Kibito-sama, which makes him even more dangerous, apparently."
The elevator doors finally opened and they proceeded to the operating room. The inhibitor collar was removed and the boy was prepared for the small procedure. They didn't want to take any chances, so he was put under narcosis. After that, a surgeon or whatever they are called on Wanasa, made a small incision behind his right ear. The blood was wiped dry and the surgeon picked up, what it looked like a small chip, and inserted it in to the incision, positioning if very gently and carefully. The incision was closed and regenerated with a special dermal regenerator, another fine invention of the Wanasan scientists. The boy was stripped of his clothes, washed, dried and outfitted with the standard uniform for a prisoner – long red pants, white t-shirt and a red jacket because the most dangerous inmates have red uniforms, so they are quickly identifiable from afar. For footwear, he was provided by some simple shoes which resemble sneakers/trainers, but no socks. A high tech bracelet was also attached to his right wrist to complete his transformation into a prisoner.
Once all the needed preparation steps have been completed, Gohan was transported to his very own holding cell, equipped with absolutely nothing besides a bed, and something that resembled a toilet but looked more like a high-tech chair. His restraints were unlocked and one of the officials, which was there, injected him with some sort of adrenalin-like substance to awaken him. Two security guards picked him up and basically threw him on the floor. The entrance was sealed with a force field (yup, no old fashion bars), but the Wanasan official remained, along with the security guards.
"Wakey, wakey Gohan. You've been asleep for too long. Time to get up," he said.
The boy did, indeed, started waking up, but not because the official was calling him, of course. His vision was blurry and he felt some pain in his right peck. It took him a few seconds to process all the information, but eventually managed to get up on his feet although feeling a bit dizzy.
"Wha… where am I? What happened?" he asked while holding his head.
Nobody answered his questions – everyone was just observing from the other side of the force field.
"Who are you? Why I am dressed like this? What is this thing on my wrist?" the boy continued asking.
"This is your punishment, mass murderer, for killing all those innocent Wanasans and destroying the research complex," the official finally responded with a smirk.
"Mass murderer? Wanasa? Is this Wanasa then? Answer me!"
Again no response from the official. Goku's son stepped to the force field and touched it – he got nicely zapped, but far from some serious pain.
"Look, I don't want to destroy anything, so just let me go," he continued.
"Destroy? Heh, not anymore. We have prepared very thoroughly for you arrival. Your destructive energy blasts won't help you here," the official smiled, mocking the boy.
"Tsch, fine, have it your way," replied Gohan and extended his arm.
The official's smile just got wider when seeing what the half-Saiyan was about to do. The split second when he gathered a very small amount of energy in his hand, a powerful electric shock engulfed his body, forcing him to the floor in pain. The shock dissipated a few moments later, but Gohan was already getting angry. He stood up again and powered up, but as soon as his raised his energy, the same thing happened – shockwave, pain, falling to the floor.
"As you can see, your power is useless here. Now be a good boy and obey the rules just like everyone else. The bracelet will convey all the information to you, when to get up, when to be somewhere, when to return to your cell and so on. Don't bother trying to break it or take it off, it won't work, we've made sure it stays on your wrist."
"I suppose I am in for a shock if start pulling it off," the boy smirked.
"Already making jokes. We will see once you meet the other inmates. For now, get used to this cell, you will be in it for a long time."
The official left and so did the guards, resuming their usual patrol pattern. Goku's son approached the force field and looked outside. Nothing could be seen except for pitch black darkness. There was a metallic walkway leading up to his cell, but that was everything. No lights, no illumination, no nothing. After seeing, well, nothing, he lay on his bed and started examining the bracelet, as well as scratching behind his right ear.
The last thing I remember is Kibito mocking me, and talking bad about dad. After that, all is blank, but I do remember a bright red light before passing out. Probably why my chest hurts, somebody must have done something to me. Somebody really powerful, but who?
He continued scratching behind his right ear: "What is this itch? I must be really nervous or something."
The bracelet had a small display which could be illuminated by touching it. Currently, nothing was displayed besides some weird symbols. The boy had no idea what they meant, but didn't put too much effort into trying to figure that out. The more important thing on his mind was where exactly he is and how he can escape. The electric shocks earlier were something he didn't want to experience too much since it is was really painful – a type of pain he had never felt before, actually. Just the fact that your whole body collapses without any self-control is scary enough, but adding a high pain level to it, now that is a no-go zone completely. Based on that, the boy will have to keep his power suppressed and look for alternatives to that. Since he had nothing to do and was a bit tired from everything that had happened recently, he decided to go to sleep.
In the middle of his nap the bracelet lit up and started beeping, which forced Goku's son to wake up and check the bracelet's display – the text was again showing some strange symbols which were flashing. If that was not enough, the force field deactivated itself as well, confusing him even more. One of the security guards was already waiting at the entrance with a stun gun and shock baton.
"Move it! It's meal time for everyone! The canteen is that way," he yelled and pushed the boy forward.
"Watch it!" Gohan yelled back.
"Quiet!" replied the guard and shocked the boy with the baton. "No talking, just walking!"
As they made their way to one of the main corridors, they joined the other prisoners, all moving at the same speed and in the same direction, with the guards watching their every move. Gohan's guard made his way to somewhere else, so the boy continued among all other prisoners. Most of them had yellow uniforms, but he and a few other had red ones. While moving to the canteen, one of the inmates pushed him into another one and started mocking him:" Hey boy, did you get lost? Are you looking for your mommy?"
The demi-Saiyan looked back at him or her or it, since he wasn't sure what kind of an alien this person is: "Watch where you're going, ugly!"
"Ugly? You little brat. Do you know who I am?!"
"No and don't care. I just wanna get something to eat," replied the boy and moved forward.
"No one makes fun of Blorgho, not even a reder. Just you wait!" the alien got mad but didn't pursue Gohan, yet.
Once most of the inmates arrived to the canteen, it was time to get in line and receive today's specialties, which mostly looked like porridge or mush (a soft thick mass of mixture). These were dispensed from devices called replicators. You chose a dish and pressed the corresponding button, and the device would fill the bowl with your selection. Usually the only difference between selections was the color of the mush. Gohan didn't know what to order so he just pressed a random button to receive his meal, which had a beige color, much like a porridge. The cutlery is dispensed from a device next to it and it is made of some strange substance that resembles light plastic. He walked around the canteen and, for some reason, most of the prisoners avoided him, but he didn't know why. After he finally found a free spot at a table, he sat down and started eating. The taste wasn't THAT bad, but it was far from the good and tasty food that Chichi makes.
"I see you don't like it that much," someone said sitting rather close to him.
"It's not that bad, I have to admit."
"It has all the needed nutritional value. It might look bland, but you receive everything your organism needs. I am Soropo," the Wanasan said.
"Gohan," the boy replied.
"You're the one that obliterated the military base. Finally somebody stood up to them."
"It was a research complex," Gohan enlightened him, "and it was restored back."
"Research complex? Is that what they told you? And about restoring it back, do you know how or who did it?"
"Look, I don't wanna talk about it."
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to get you upset. I apologize deeply," Soropo started apologizing, since he had just offended a "reder".
"It is alright. I am not gonna hurt you or anything, so relax," the boy responded.
"You won't? I will be honest, I didn't expect this from a reder."
"A reder? What's that?"
"You have a red uniform, meaning you are classified as the highest threat, just like a few others in this wing. You do have a solitary isolated cell, right?"
"Yes," Goku's son replied, and wanted to hear more.
"We call those with the red uniform a reder and they are the most dangerous prisoners."
"I'd never imagine that would classify me like this."
"Everyone is evaluated when entering this complex. As you can see, most of us have a green and yellow uniform, and few, like yourself, have a red one. But how did you…" he wanted to ask but was interrupted.
"Well if it isn't the little baby and one of his new friends. How did you even get classified as a reder? A small brat like you?" the voice said – it was Blorgho and it was also wearing a red uniform.
Gohan didn't pay any attention to the alien and continued eating his meal. Soropo, on the other hand, was completely petrified. He knew very well that Blorgho is one of "main" inmates in this block/wing, kind of like a person who run things and can boss a certain amount of inmates around.
"Hey! Baby! I'm talking to you!" Blorgho raised its voice.
"I didn't ask you to. Just go away and leave us," the half-Saiyan responded.
Blorgho grabbed Soropo's empty bowl and threw it at Gohan, but he caught it with his left hand.
"You're fast," Soropo was surprised but was then pushed away by Blorgho.
"Time to teach you a lesson," the alien said and looked up to one of the guards, who just nodded back to him.
Blorgho swung its arm, trying to hit the boy, but he dodged. The alien tried hitting him again, but couldn't hit the boy. When Gohan had enough, he caught the alien's arm and held it in place.
"I asked you nicely, but you didn't listen," Goku's son said with a cold voice.
After that, he started squeezing its arm, causing pain and discomfort.
"Tsch, I hate people who think they can just push the weaker ones around," he said.
He tightened the grip on Blorgho's arm causing even more pain but then let go.
"I'm not looking for trouble," Gohan told the alien.
Blorgho took a few steps back and threatened him even more: "You will regret this."
After saying that, it escaped and left the canteen.
"Oh wow, you're strong," Soropo was shocked.
"The opposite, I feel very weak and struggled with that guy. When I tried using my Ki in my cell, I got electrocuted. This bracelet prevents me from using or raising my Ki, and is affecting my physical strength as well."
"The bracelet no, but these do," he explained and pointed to his collar. "They do inhibit everything related to energy and Ki, so if your strength comes from that source, it pretty much nullifies it. However, your physical abilities can still be used to some degree."
"But I don't have a collar," Goku's son looked at him surprisingly.
"I noticed that, so I don't know what they did in your case. The bracelet is your, how to put it, notification device. It shows time and information relevant to you. See? It currently shows the time is 13 cycles and 82 periods."
"I don't know what that means. From where I come from, we have hours, minutes and seconds."
"Oh, you must use a different time measurement units then. I can help you understand these symbols and how to tell time as well. You can get in trouble if not following the instructions displayed on the bracelet. Trust me, lots of us have been punished just because of this. I have had a handful or those electric shocks because of that and it is really, really painful."
"I know what you mean. Have been shocked twice in under a minute when I woke up here."
"Since we have a few of your Earth hours of free time now, I can show you around, if you want of course," Soropo offered Gohan, who agreed with the idea.
They both got up and wanted to leave the canteen when a few security guards approached them.
"You," and pointed to Gohan, "the warden wants to see you. Now."
"Is this because of Blorgho? It was my fault, actually. Gohan just defended…" Soropo started explaining but was cut off by a guard's baton in his stomach.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" shouted Goku's son, "He has nothing to do with this."
One of the guards wanted to silence the boy as well, but was interrupted by the warden's voice through a communication device.
"I told you to bring the boy to me, not beat them up! Idiots!"
The guards obeyed and escorted Gohan to the warden's office, while Soropo remained in the canteen, wondering what will happen to his new friend. After a few minutes of walking through corridors and numerous checkpoints, they reached the wardens office, which was located on the highest floor in the most secure part of the prison complex. The guards followed Gohan into the office, but the warden ordered them to leave him and the new prisoner alone. The office was big and very uniquely decorated. The floor was covered with carpets in various colors and patterns. Warden's desk looked like it was made of wood, but resembled stone more. Windows were large and the office was lit up brightly because of that. The warden herself was a Wanasan female; light blue skin tone, tall and slim physique. Her hair is long, reaching down to about half of her back and are also light green in color. Her uniform is not the same as any other's in the complex; she is wearing long white pants, white boots, a white shirt and a white vest on top, and all pieces of clothes have various yellow/golden trim decorating them.
"Welcome, Gohan," she greeted the demi-Saiyan.
"And you are?" he said back.
"My name is Nosirp, I am the warden of this facility. Please excuse the guards, they usually act on impulses instead of reason. I saw the little incident in the canteen and I must say, you are very brave for doing that to Blorgho."
"He was asking for it, to be honest. I don't like being pushed around or threatened."
"I know and that is why you and neither he were electrocuted as a counter measure. I wanted to make sure if the information in your record was accurate."
"My record?" Gohan was surprised.
"You see, whenever we receive a class 3 prisoner, like yourself, we are also provided with a thorough background information and a psychological profile."
"I have a hard time believing that, actually."
"Really? Son Gohan, the first son of Son Goku and Chichi. Possesses incredible strength and is a Human-Saiyan hybrid. Capable of easily destroying a planet, transforming into a Super Saiyan and so-called Super Saiyan 2 and also has a tail, even though you have it hidden under your uniform. Knows extensive Ki manipulation, flight, destructive energy attacks. Has witnessed many battles for his young age, is quick tempered, emotionally unstable and can experience powerful emotional and anger outbursts, making him very unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Assaulted a Kaioshin and collaborated with the enemy of the Kaioshin Council. Destroyed the Wanasan research complex and killed many Wanasans in the process, in cold blood. Shall I go on?" the warden finished her monologue.
The boy was shocked how much information had been collected about him.
"So you see, even though you are the youngest prisoner here, I take my information very seriously and I believe most if it is true."
"I never attacked a Kaioshin nor collaborated with the enemy!"
"But you don't deny killing all those Wanasans? For me, this transgression is the most important, since I lost someone very close to me when you blew up the complex."
"I understand and I am very sorry for this. I know no words will ever make it up, but everyone was wished back to life and the complex was restored as well."
"That is true, but the fact that you destroyed it in the first place cannot be forgotten or erased from history," she replied and started walking around the boy, "so it was decided that you spend your sentence here, in this most secure complex in this part of the galaxy."
"You are very sure of this, warden. May I ask whose idea was to put me here?"
"You may, but an answer to that cannot be provided to you. Confidentiality you see. I'm sure you understand."
"Was it Kyuuri? Endou? Even the Kaioshins, perhaps, since they were the last ones I saw before waking up here?" Gohan continued asking.
"You are stubborn, just like your record states. As I have said, this information is classified. What matters is that you are here, under my jurisdiction and obeying my rules. You have already made Blorgho your enemy, and soon others will follow him."
"I don't care about that. You know I will try to escape, right?"
"I am hoping you will, if I am honest. This will be a test for the facility and myself as well. It is my duty to keep scum and murderers like you locked up. We will be watching your every move, every breath and every blink you make. This establishment has great plans with you and I intend to go through with them no matter the cost. You are, after all, the only Human-Saiyan hybrid we will ever have here and this will not go to waste."
Gohan's expression started getting a lot more serious and angrier: "So get in line since everyone seems to have plans with me. I don't intend to just watch you do, whatever you are planning to do with me."
"I don't believe you will have any other choice. If you will try anything which is not allowed, remember that this will happen."
She pressed a button on a device, attached to her uniform, which activated the chip in Gohan's head, causing painful electric shock, engulfing his body.
"AAAAAHHHHH," he screamed and fell on his arms and legs in pain, but managed to somehow endure it and wanted to get back up, even angrier.
"Oh, that is a surprise. It seems you can endure this level of pain," the warden commended him.
"… … Grrrrrrr!" he grunted and wanted to power up as much as he could.
"Na-ah, we can't have you doing that," she said and increased the intensity of the shock, which was too much for the boy, causing him to collapse on the floor.
"Pick him up and take him to the cell," she ordered the guards, "he is going to ruin my beautiful Sorakian carpet."
The guards picked up the unconscious boy and dragged him out of the warden's office. After a few turns and hallways later, they were near the canteen where Soropo was still hanging out with fellow inmates, when he saw the guards dragging Gohan's body. He wanted to approach them, but another one blocked his way, signaling to turn back. Blorgho was also near and was able to see this.
"Hehehe, serves you right for attacking me. But this is not the end, far from it."
Once Goku's son was back in his cell, the guards erected the force field and left. Like before, there was nobody there except Gohan himself. It really does seem he has an isolated cell due to being a level 3 threat, as the warden pointed out at the beginning of their conversation. Time went by and some prisoners arrived to start cleaning this part of the facility as their daily chores. Because of the talking and noises they made while doing it, Gohan finally woke up, feeling exhausted and drained.
"That was a terrible idea, Gohan," he said to himself, while still feeling a bit dizzy. "How are they doing this if I don't have a collar?!" he was puzzled.
He looked at his bracelet but still didn't understand anything from the strange symbols. Soropo was supposed to teach him this alphabet, or whatever it is, but this went down the drain once he was escorted to the warden's office. He stood up and looked around in his cell – nothing much to see, except grey metallic walls, a bed, a very high-tech toilet and two buttons next to his bed. He pressed one of them them and a drawer popped out from the wall, but its content was empty. He pressed the other one and a warm white light turned on above his bed, illuminating it. Most probably used for reading, if he had a book, that is.
"It's high tech, no doubt about it," he again said and threw himself on the bed, which was, surprisingly, very comfortable.
The thought of him spending a long time in this prison caused a bit of anxiety for the little Gohan, so he unwrapped his tail from around his waist and started stroking it. He had been doing this ever since he got his tail back, because it relaxes him quite a bit.
"I didn't know you have a tail," a voice said from outside the cell.
"Who's there?" the half-Saiyan jumped up, hiding his tail.
"It's me, Soropo. Don't worry. I volunteered for cleaning duty so I can check up on you. How are you feeling?
"I'm better now, but was out-cold for quite a while it seems. The last thing I remember is talking to the warden and getting shocked."
"Do you use it for anything?" the Wanasan asked and pointed at his tail.
"The tail? Well, not exactly. Well, kind of, but not really since I am not supposed to," Gohan started explaining in a very confusing voice.
"Um, confusing, but ok. Do all Saiyan hybrids have tails?"
"I don't know of anyone else besides me. I did have it when I was younger, but was cut off twice and never grew back. But after some circumstances, which are complicated to explain, it somehow re-grew."
In the middle of their conversation, a guard noticed this and yelled at Soropo: "Hey! That's enough chitchatting, get back to cleaning!"
"Sorry, I must go now. We will talk again later when it is time for the 3rd nutrition period," Soropo quietly informed Gohan and made his way down the metallic walkway.
"3rd nutrition period?" the half-Saiyan said to himself, "He probably meant 3rd meal, like time for dinner. Whenever that is since this bracelet doesn't tell me anything useful."
A few hours later, his bracelet started beeping, again, most probably signaling time for dinner. The force field turned itself off and he was able to leave his isolated cell, joining the other prisoners from his sector. Soropo was already waiting at the entrance of the canteen, waving at Gohan to come to him.
"Nice to see you again. Hopefully you have recovered from that visit at the warden's."
"Don't remind me. Seems like everyone wants a taste of me in here. I'm gonna have to be a lot more careful than I am used to."
"Is it true that you can destroy a planet if you wanted to? I heard a lot of gossips before your arrival."
"Does it matter, Soropo?" Gohan raised his eyebrow.
"Well, honestly, we made a bet and I said that you can," the Wanasan lowered his head.
The boy took a deep breath: "Truthfully, yes. Yes I could."
Soropo smiled: "Hah, did you hear that Poroso?" and pointed to a fellow prisoner who was leaving the canteen, "Gohan CAN destroy a planet, so I win the bet. You owe me that book called Dragon Ball Z."
"I could probably blow up my entire Solar system, which means our Sun and 9 other planets," the boy added.
"Wha…. WHAT?!" Soropo's mouth and eyes opened widely.
"Well you asked," Gohan smiled back, "but don't worry, I never did it or tried it."
"They should have classified you as a special rank, not just a reder. There probably isn't anyone else as strong as you."
"There are. I know at least three people who are very close to my strength, two of them being my dad and my, well, close friend to put it simply. There are also of course the Kaioshins as well which possess god-like power."
"Is everyone on your home planet so strong?"
"Very few of us are, actually. There are a handful of Humans who are really strong, but don't possess the ability to transform. But enough about that, let's get something to eat. I am really hungry."
Just like the first time, lots of eyes were set on Gohan and his red uniform. Soropo, on the other hand, was enjoying that attention since a reder was his friend; the first and only one. They got their bowls full of mush and sat down at one of the tables. This time, Gohan was more aware of the surroundings, looking out for Blorgho and his gang. Same as before, the food wasn't bad but no great either. It did provide all the needed nutrients but the taste was far from, what someone would call, delicious. The canteen was full of people, even more then on lunch time. Most of the prisoners were sitting in groups, clearly indicating some kind of hierarchy, especially in cases where 1 or 2 reders would be sitting in the middle. Luckily, nobody started causing any problems, so the two managed to finish their dinner and make their way to were Soropo's cell was.
"Welcome to my home," he said when arriving to his cell.
It was the same as Gohan's, but he shared it with another inmate, whose name was Poroso – the one with whom Soropo made the bet about Gohan.
"You are a reder?!" Poroso said when seeing Gohan up close.
"Is there a problem?" Goku's son immediately answered with a bit serious voice.
"No, no, it's just… you look so young and small. Is he young, Soropo?"
"Yes, he is. According to him, a little over 11 Earth years, which is I don't know how many in our rotations."
"Neither do I, but if you say he is alright, that is good enough for me. It will also help us gain reputation since he is a reder."
"Poroso! You can't just say it like that!"
"What does he mean?" Gohan asked.
"It is the hierarchy system here. The more reders you are friends with, the more protection you have from them. In exchange you usually perform tasks or chores for them and in return they offer you protection, "Soropo explained.
"Tasks? No worries, you will get none from me. I'm not interested in this hierarchy business. I just want to get out of here… somehow."
"Soropo tells me you're a Human-Saiyan hybrid. I've been here quite a few rotations and have never heard of those species."
"Well, that's understandable, since Saiyans were mostly wiped out and Humans only live on planet called Earth. You are a Wanasan as well, I see."
"Yup, all flesh and blood. There are lots of us here, actually," Poroso replied back.
"Could any of you teach me these strange symbols on the bracelet? I really need to know what they mean, if I am to follow the rules around here," Gohan interrupted him.
"Oh yes, sure," Soropo replied and opened the drawer next to his bed, "Take these notes, everything is in here. From individual symbols to whole words. There aren't too many variations luckily, so you probably won't need long to learn."
"I hope so. These shocks seems to be getting worse."
"I don't see a collar on you," Poroso noticed.
"I noticed the same thing," Soropo added, "but now that you mention it, I do remember that some reders also didn't have it."
"Hey, you're right. It seems that reders don't have collars."
"But Blorgho does, and a few others as well."
"Hmmm, then I have no idea, but the warden has to have some kind of mechanism to keep those reders under control."
"Do you guys ever go outside or is everyone stuck in here?" Gohan interrupted.
"Outside? There is no "outside" here, Gohan. We do have these large halls intended for recreational purposes and socializing, but that is all indoor. Supposedly this complex is under the ground, 10, 20 or even 30 levels deep. Nobody knows, actually."
"Just great, so even if I could somehow manage to fly, I couldn't go far unless literally blasting my way out of here."
"You can fly?!" Poroso was shocked.
"Well, yeah. It's not even hard, to be honest. You just need to learn to control your Ki. I learned it when I was around 5, 6 years old," the boy smiled.
"Do we have this "Ki" as well?" Poroso wanted to know more.
"Sure, all living things have it in one form or another. If these damn devices didn't suppress it, I could easily teach you to fly. You wouldn't be able to fly really fast, but you could fly none the less."
"If we ever get out of here, I am taking your word on that," Soropo smiled and nudged Gohan gently with his elbow.
"I should be going back to start learning these symbols," Goku's son informed both of them.
"Yeah, you're probably right. Nutrition period is about to end soon and everyone is expected back in their cells anyway," Poroso nodded back.
With that being said, Gohan made his way back to his isolated cell on the other side of this sector. However, both Wanasans continued to talk.
"Do you really think he is that strong?" Poroso whispered to his cell mate Soropo.
"I don't know, but has to be a reder for a reason. They wouldn't just classify him as a level 3 if he wasn't that dangerous."
"For someone who vaporized the entire research complex and all the people with it, he is very calm and friendly. He might be faking it just to get friends and connections."
"It was a military base with some top-secret experiments, remember?"
"We are not doing this again, my friend. It was a research complex, everyone knows that. There is no evidence of any top-secret organization or whatever you believe it might be."
"No public evidence, but according to my research, and some pretty reliable information, I believe it was some high-tech complex where they performed various experiments with technology and Wanasans."
"Pffff, here we go again with the conspiracy. Can't you just accept the fact that the boy blew it up simply because they confronted him? Didn't you hear that he stole some precious materials that were kept there?"
"He did a very, very bad thing, I agree, but as far as I have heard the gossips, supposedly that is not 100 % true."
"What do you mean? You actually think he is innocent, or what?!"
"Well no, not exactly. Some rumors say he did it against his own will, or something like that."
"You are again overthinking, Soropo, just like in other cases. Against his own will? Oh please. You say it like somebody forced or controlled him. Our people have been immune to mind control ever since that parasite invasion a very long time ago. We haven't seen a single case of mind control since then. Gohan made a mistake, a very big one, and for that he was locked up here. If you ask me, I am glad. He could have killed even more people, our families and friends as well."
"You do know that the complex and all fallen ones just magically re-appeared one day? It was like someone, or something, undid everything. Don't you ever wonder how that happened?"
"I do, but also I am glad whoever did this. Does it matter now? The only thing matters is that all has been restored, and he is paying the price for his crimes. Pretty simple if you ask me. He might look friendly and nice now, but I think his true nature is far darker and sinister."
The conversation might have continued but both their bracelets started beeping, signaling that it will soon be time to return to the cell and prepare for cease of activity for the night period. All of the prisoners that were still outside their dedicated cell, made their way to them; some faster and other slower. The guards were watching very carefully as was standard procedure, making sure everything is running smoothly and that everyone indeed returns to their respective cell. Gohan was also on his way to his cell, going through the notes that Soropo gave him just a few moments ago. He didn't bother too much with anyone else, so he mostly avoided close contact with other prisoners and continued his way to his destination. Everyone passing the boy took a good look at him since he was new and a reder. Eventually he reached his cell, threw himself on the bed and started reading Soropo's notes. Nothing made sense, but the little half-Saiyan was determined to learn all. He was used to studying after all.
. . . . .
Meanwhile in the Other World, Goku lost track of his son's Ki.
"Damn it, I can't feel his energy anymore. He must be somewhere very far away," Goku complained while searching for Gohan's Ki.
"Calm down Goku," Kaio said, "the Kaioshins must have taken him somewhere, most probably to another planet."
"Can't you see where to?"
"No, sorry. I am in the same pickle as you, Goku. We both know he is alive, so don't worry too much."
"I have a bad feeling about this, Kaio-sama."
"You need to trust the Kaioshins, Goku. They are the gods of creation and wisdom. Maybe they have finally found the people who used and mind controlled Gohan. If I remember correctly, they can move through dimensions by using portals."
"I don't know, Kaio-sama. Gohan's explosion of power on the Kaioshins' home world couldn't have happened unprovoked. Something must have happened for him to power up like that. You know Gohan and he would never endanger innocent people or just attack someone for no apparent reason."
"I know, I know, but I can't take any sides here. On one side there is Gohan and on the other, gods of creation. I am bound to follow their rules and guidance, so I trust their wisdom and am sure all of this is a part of some greater plan."
"I hope so, Kaio-sama. I really hope so," Goku nodded and looked at the sky.
. . . . .
At the same time, on an unknown planet, Kyuuri and Koshi have finished setting up their new hideout.
"I can't believe Gohan actually let you escape," Koshi repeated for the third time.
"Would you stop it already? I told you to stop mentioning that brat," Kyuuri answered back angrily.
"It's just that I can't believe it. I remember when he was in the fortress, all eager to fight and defeat you."
"Tsch, just mentioning his name makes my stomach turn. Mark my words Koshi, one day I will defeat him with my bare hands, but his damn Saiyan-Human genes seem to be giving him the upper hand. After every combat he seems to become stronger and the fruits of training also seem to favor him."
"Well, then I think this news will make you happy," Koshi smiled.
"What news, Koshi?"
"Gohan is currently in the elite security prison on Wanasa Prime. My very trustful informant just confirmed it a few moments ago. Seems like the Kaioshins had enough of his disobedience, so he is serving his sentence there."
"Wanasa Prime, you say. I remember that planet, it was where he blew up the complex so we could steal those fragments for Endou. How ironic that he is locked up on the same planet now. I doubt they will be able to keep him locked up. He will just blast his way out with no problems at all."
"Not exactly. This is one of the most, if not the most advanced facilities in that quadrant. Prisoners are outfitted either with specials collars or chips, which prevent them from using Ki properly. That means that Gohan is unable to raise his power or manipulate energy, making him a lot less dangerous."
"How did they manage to get him there in the first place? If I know Gohan, he would put hell of a struggle before going to prison."
"I don't know, Kyuuri, but does it matter now? As long as he is in there, we have a lot less to worry about."
"True, Koshi, but this is still not the time to slack off. I need to close the gap between us. He had gained the upper hand now and this is unacceptable if I ever want to beat him."
"What will you do?" Koshi asked while scratching his head.
"I need to train, hard. Since traveling via portals it not such a difficult task, I know of a place perfect for this. I used to train there a very long time ago, but couldn't withstand the extremities of the gravity and the environment itself. Should be a pretty good training location to hone my skills and increase my power."
"You aren't talking about THAT place, are you?"
"Indeed I am, my friend. If I want to beat Gohan and Endou, I need to push myself over the limit and beyond."
"The last time you were there, you nearly died. I had to drag your ass through the portal, trying to not get sucked into that singularity, or whatever that thing is, which is causing this insane gravitational changes and spewing all sorts of debris left and right."
"And I am still grateful for that, my friend. None the less, you need not worry about me this time," Kyuuri answered him back and creating a portal next to her, "I am off to train, so make sure our new hideout is hidden and secure. I will be back once I am exhausted, need recovery or food."
Koshi nodded and the demon warrior vanished into the portal, which closed almost immediately. As she exited on the other side, the gravity was already quite intense, but nothing she couldn't handle with a bit of effort. The atmosphere was thin and it was quite cold. The planetoid, where she is on, mostly consists of rocks and rock-like material and is in proximity of a singularity, which is creating these powerful gravitational forces. Since she was located on the opposite side of the planetoid, the gravity was not that strong, but the closer she will get to it, the stronger it will become. With no time to spare, Kyuuri started her intense training.
Notes:
Another chapter successfully finished and posted =). Took a while, but was busy with other stuff, not to mention all this Covid nonsense. Hope everyone is doing fine. As always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter =). If you have feedback (good or bad xD), please leave a review, and I will get back to you. Stay safe and healthy everyone!