Chapter 36: Where's daddy?
Daddy's dead? That's impossible. Daddy can't die. Wait. If what he say is true, then daddy saved me from that meanie man. But now I'm stuck with the meanie Piccolo monster. Well, until he threw me at a mountain. So, mean. He then made me take off my coat, and left me. I'm all alone. No! I'm scared. I WANT MOMMY! I WANT DADDY! Daddy? Daddy is dead. Nobody is coming this time. Mommy can't do what daddy does, when I get lost. Mommy always sends daddy to find me.
Today is just awful. A meanie uncle hurt my daddy, and is the reason daddy is gone. A meanie Piccolo won't let me go home, and is the one who killed daddy. He didn't say it, but how else is he alive and not daddy too. I don't want to admit it, but uncle meanie was nicer. He didn't hit me, until I hit him first; from what Piccolo said. Uncle meanie didn't throw me at a mountain. He tossed me into that round thing, and it didn't really hurt. Also, uncle meanie didn't scream at me, unless I was crying. But overall, uncle did talk to me nicer. He was annoyed, but he did speak nicer. If I didn't run, he wouldn't have put me in the thingy. Could it be possible that all uncles are just big meanie butts. Uncle meanie probably didn't have a mommy to tell him he was being mean. If he had a mommy, maybe he would have been nicer and I would be ok that he was my uncle. Uncle Raditz just needs to get a good spanking from his mommy. So, wait, what is my grandma would be like? Well, can't worry about that now.
This place is super scary, but I have to be brave. I have to do what I can for 6 months, then that meanie Piccolo will be back. Meanie Piccolo? Does he have a mommy?
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Boy is this thing long. I wonder how Chichi and Gohan are doing. I hope my little man is keeping mommy happy for me. Don't worry you two. When daddy comes back, and take care of these bad guys, daddy is going to be home more. Daddy promise will stop fighting, and just spend everyday with you. Then again, I can't think like that. What if someone strong than these guys comes along? NO! I have to keep training to protect you and mommy!
I can't let anyone hurt my family ever, ever again! My family safety is my top priority! Chichi would understand. Chichi. My heart aches for you. I hope you're ok. I wish I could have had enough strength to tell you what was happening. I wonder how my friends told you of my death. Did you get angry? Cried? NO! My Chichi shouldn't have to go through this! Chichi should only be happy. Gohan should only be happy. My family should only be happy!
I finally broke down. I couldn't hold back anymore. I finally let the tears fall. DAMN IT! I WASN'T STRONG ENOUGH! I punch damn snake way. I failed them! I failed again! NO! I keep punching. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't strong to protect them! I wasn't strong enough to protect grandpa. I wasn't strong enough to keep my Gohan safe! I just keep punching. Why do the people I love so much have to suffer! WHY? Why can't I ever keep them safe? I'm a failure!
I slapped myself. Look at me. If Chichi was here, she would be mad at me for talking all this nonsense. "You're so strong, Goku. There's no fight too big for you. Now get your butt up, and prove me right!" I swear I could hear her. But yeah. I gotta get off my butt, and get through this. Gohan and Chichi are counting on me. My friends are counting on me. Earth, my home is counting on me. Most importantly. My family needs me!
…
It only been a month and I still haven't found my Gohan. I do hope he's ok. It's been a while still I used ki. Maybe I should train again, and practice in that too. If I train, I could have a better chance to get Gohan back. I hope he isn't hurt. Now let me finish the laundry.
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That meanie robot was nice after all. Daddy was right. People can change. Even though I get chase by this dinosaur, and that funny tiger, it's kind of fun. It keeps me busy. Plus, it's like they kind of my pets. If daddy saw me now, he would be laughing. Probably telling me something encouraging to keep going. Heck, dinosaur tail makes good breakfast. Way better than fish. Looks like I finally found my favorite; daddy would probably be super happy. He always wanted me to try dinosaur, but mommy would say no.
Oh look, it's Mr. Tiger. Guess it's time to play. Actually, Mr. Tiger looks tired today. So, I guess I could practice those things daddy does. How does it go again? Oh yeah! Start with right leg back. This feel weird. I hope I'm doing it right. If daddy was here, he would tell me. Oh, what daddy does look just like those pictures in that book, mommy gave me. Punch, punch, kick, kick, and repeat. I'm going to repeat till I get it right. I'm going to make daddy and mommy proud of me! That I promise.
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I'm so hungry. Wish I had Chichi's homecooked meals. Like her hot pot, with wolf shish kebab, and maybe a side grill deer. Just thinking of her cooking is making me even more hungry. I wonder how long I been laying here. Once the fighting is done, I'm going to ask Chichi to make all my favorites. That includes her famous apple pie. Gohan loves her apple pie, too. I bet they're eating one right now, and sharing my piece. Hope you're making mommy smile, while waiting for me.
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101, 102, 103… 200! Looks like lunch still got time, so one more set.
…
What is Mr. Piccolo doing? WHOA! Where that wind come from? Hold on Mr. Tiger! I wonder how Mr. Piccolo did that. That was cool! Can my daddy do that too? Ok, Mr. Tiger let's let Mr. Piccolo alone.
Wait! I was on an island this whole time? How is that even possible? How am I going to get off? Maybe I could finally see mommy! Mommy would be so happy to see me. And I can have her hot baths, and yummy food, and warm hugs. But… But it won't be the same without daddy. Maybe I can at least see mommy. Just check up on her. Just let mommy know I'm ok. I hope Mr. Piccolo doesn't notice.
Mommy was right about making friends with other kids. This is so much fun! But if mommy and daddy knew I was stealing they be mad. But I have to, how else am I gonna eat. I can't believe he left the other kids. "We have to go—" He punched me. But I thought… I thought… He's right. Gotta do what's right, even if it hurts. Is that how daddy feels when he goes off training? Does it hurt daddy to leave me and mommy? I want to cry. Does daddy hurt? How much does daddy hurt? How much does mommy hurt? Mommy? Mommy! I'm coming home, mommy!
I see her, she right there. Just a few more steps. Just turn around mommy. Mommy! I'm right here! I miss you mommy! I can't… I can't yet. Mommy, please wait a little longer. Please wait a little longer. When this over, me and daddy aren't going anywhere. Me and daddy will protect you. Me and daddy will keep you safe! You're important to us mommy. I love you mommy.
Mr. Piccolo. I'm ready. Train me!
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Gohan? I thought I felt him near. Maybe it was him. Maybe he did try to come home, but the monster stopped him. Don't worry baby, I believe in you. Mommy will wait for you, forever and ever.
Now to get back to making this welcome home blanket, for Gohan. Then I could work on Goku's.
…
I finally made it! Whoa! I feel like I'm being crushed. So, this monkey is King Kai? Oh no, it's this blue guy. He wants me to tell a joke. Why? What's the point of that?
Wow, this is hard, but I can do it! Got to remember my goal. They need me to get stronger. They need me, and I'm not failing a second time. "You keep saying they. Who's they?" Wait! He can read minds? "Yes." Crap! "Why you say that."
"No reason King Kai. And they are my family. My son and wife." He gave me a funny look, and then got back to clearing his car. Now to get that damn monkey!
Two months on this planet and I'm really starting to get used to it. I finally caught Bubbles, and I hit Gregory. Now King Kai is going to train me at other techniques. No time for rest, got to get back into training.
A year has been up? Wow, that was… quick. OH NO! CRAP! I BETTER HURRY OR I'LL BE LATE! Please hold on for me. Guys keep everyone ok till I get there.
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I can't do this. These guys are so much stronger than us. I'm only a kid. I shouldn't be here. Daddy, where are you? I'm scared. I panicked and I failed Mr. Piccolo. Now he's angry at me. Mr. Krillin is trying to cheer me up, but it's not working. I gotta pee. Oh no, that guy almost hit me. "You big smelly idiot!" That Vegeta guy laughed at that. But he's the one I'm scared the most of.
Oh no! It's my fault. It's all my fault! Mr. Piccolo!
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What is Gohan doing here? He looks stronger. Oh no! I'm not going to make it. NO! HE NOT HURTING GOHAN! NOT THIS TIME! OR EVER AGAIN!
"Daddy!" I so badly want to give my little boy a hug, but I can't right now. First, got to take care of these guys, then I can finally hold my son.
"Leave. Go to mommy."
"But daddy."
"Gohan." I really don't like speaking harshly to him, but he needs to go. He gives my leg a quick hug, and I watch him go off with Krillin. Now to deal with Vegeta.
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Why is daddy telling me to look up? Oh, that's a pretty ball. It looks just like a—