Dragon Ball Prometheus
Disclaimer: I own nothing (unfortunately). All rights and characters in this fic belong to Akira Toriyama, and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this. It's purely for fun. I only own my OC's.
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Chapter 2
Gohan wiped away the beads of sweat flowing down his brow as he placed the last book on the shelf. He initially feared spending the whole day organising everything would be daunting, however, he found the activity quite relaxing. Feeling fulfilled at completing his personal task, he turned around and marched into the kitchen. Immediately, his mouth watered as a delightful smell engulfed his senses.
Standing by the stove, Videl was frying up a delectable meal. Impressively, she was cooking while staring at one of her business manuals, flicking through the pages. Her hands were a blur to normal eyes. As for Gohan, he watched on with slight amusement and a little bit of concern. ''Are you still trying to catch up with your work?''
Never taking her eyes away from the book, Videl nodded. ''I've fallen so far behind, and I have a pitch that needs to be ready by the end of the week.''
Gohan stepped forward. ''Then why don't you let me take care of the cooking for now?''
''You have your own little leisure project to…''
''I've done.''
Videl turned sharply in shock, staring through the open door behind her husband and marvelling at the fantastic job he had accomplished. Their new bookshelf reached the ceiling and stretched across the open wall, stacked with books lined up neatly and alphabetically.
In that moment she was no longer concentrating on the cooking, the flames on top of the stove ignited and threatened to burst mightily. Gohan zipped across the room and turned the knob in the nick of time, causing the fire to die down before things got out of hand. He breathed a sigh of relief, while Videl smirked at him. ''Well, we can't all be Super Saiyans like you, can we?''
Gohan bashfully giggled and brushed his hand through his short, spiked-up hair. ''Oh, come on, it's not that. I just like being organised. Plus, my mother always used to say don't put off what can be done today because then tomorrow will have an excuse.''
''Is that your way of apologising for showing off?'' She probed.
''Me? Show off?'' Gohan questioned playfully.
Videl rolled her eyes. ''Don't act innocent, Gohan. You get those moments too.''
Though the comment was innocent and filled with her usual sarcastic wit, something pricked inside of Gohan. He liked to think of himself as a humble man, however, he knew that he had those moments where he would let his confidence and ego show. His Saiyan side wasn't something he was ashamed of, but it did tend to show itself at the worst of times. Shrugging her comment off, not wanting to put a damper on this light moment, he took her hand and guided it away from the sizzling meal being cooked. ''I mean it. You can make a start on your work while I finish dinner.''
She released a tired sigh. ''Maybe your right.''
He could tell she was trying not to yawn, holding it back until her eyes almost turned watery. Giving her a sympathetic look, he placed his hands on her shoulders tenderly and twisted her until she was facing the living room area. ''On second thought, get some rest. I'll give a call when dinner is ready. You can make a start afterwards.''
''But…''
''I won't hear it,'' He said firmly. ''You've been falling asleep on the couch these past few days, and I've been carrying you back to bed. You deserve some rest.''
Although Videl wanted to argue, she knew that this was one fight Gohan refused to back down from. If her health were of any concern, he would do his utmost to look out for her, even if it was her he was arguing with. She grumbled. ''This is what I get for going with my father on his worldwide tour and pushing all my projects back.''
''But you had a nice trip, right?''
''Yeah,'' She admitted with a nod. ''But I'm not even looking to have a career in fighting anymore. I miss it, but it's not what I want to do. I think my dad is still having a hard time accepting that.''
Gohan's brow rose slightly. ''I thought he was fine with your career choice?''
''Don't get me wrong, he's not mad or anything like that. But…'' She paused, trying to figure out how to properly express her feelings. ''Sometimes, I feel like I've disappointed him by not becoming a fighter like him.''
Once again, Gohan felt something tug at him from the pit of his stomach. He knew for certain that his mother was proud of the respectable man he was now. But, what did his own father think? Did Goku want him to follow in his own footsteps? So many times, Gohan was close to reaching a potential that exceeded even his powerful father, and then fate would seem to steer him down another path.
Meanwhile, Videl dragged herself out of her daze and turned to her husband. ''Speaking of fighting, how is the training with Piccolo…'' She stopped when she saw the troubled expression plastered over his face. Taken back, she locked eyes with him, causing him to flinch when he realised she was staring. ''Gohan, are you okay?''
Forcing a smile, he nodded. ''Yeah…just, lost in my thoughts there. Sorry.''
She considered inquiring further. However, she decided against it, not wanting to mood to become dour at the end of an exhausting day. Grinning, she leant forward and kissed his cheek. ''I'll go wake Pan.''
''Okay, I'll shout when dinner's ready.''
''Please don't, we don't need the house falling down on top of us.'' She remarked before turning around and heading into the living room.
''You know what I meant,'' Gohan called out.
The smell of dinner cooking behind comforted Gohan and enticed him to fix his focus on the stove. Before he continued where his wife left off, he glanced over at her business manual, gawking at the size of the book and the seemingly endless text that flowed from page to page. If his guess was correct, Videl had barely reached halfway through the whole thing. And she was expected to finish this all by the end of the week? He thought about offering his help but dreaded coming across as overbearing.
''Gohan!'' Videl suddenly yelled. ''I need help.''
Without a second thought, Gohan leapt out of the kitchen and into the living room, fearing what had transpired. Videl's tone didn't sound fearful, but he didn't want to take the chance.
His heart stopped when he saw the cot where their daughter, Pan, slept was turned over and the blanket and pillow lay discarded on the floor. He opened his mouth to call out their names when he felt a small and sudden burst of energy coming from the next room. The panic riding his body dropped when he heard Pan's laughter through the walls, followed by a frustrated grunt coming from Videl. Just then, Pan came soaring through an open door, following with energy and looking like the happiest toddler in the world.
Not long afterwards, Videl floated back into sight, panting heavily with her hair a mess. Too tired to chase after the energetic baby anymore, glared at her husband. ''Don't just stand there. Help me catch her.''
Gohan sighed heavily with relief. ''For a second, I thought something terrible happened.''
Once his heart was back to beating at regular speed, he couldn't stop himself from grinning at the cute pout Videl threw his way.
Pan showed no signs of slowing down as she raced in all directions, crying out happily in her own little baby language. Gohan opened his arms out in a welcoming manner. ''Come on, Pan. Dinner time.''
Instantly, Pan circled around and directed herself towards her father. Gohan beamed and held his arms out, ready to hug her when she was close enough. At the last second, Pan diverted her course, soaring upwards as Gohan missed his catch and was left dumbfounded. Videl laughed at his expense, taking a mental picture of his gawked face and storing it away so that she could treasure the memory forever.
Getting over his bewilderment, Gohan decided to play along and took off after Pan, chasing her while calling out in a friendly tone. ''Come here, you little scamp.''
Having the time of her life, Pan did everything in her power to avoid the frantic clutches of her parents. She didn't stop laughing as minutes passed by, and Gohan and Videl stared at each other. ''Gohan, is it just me, or is she getting faster?''
''I agree,'' Gohan said quietly, gaping at Pan's speed.
Pan blitzed towards an open doorway, installing concern in her parents that they might not be able to catch her until she tired herself out…which could be a very long time.
A sharp screech-like sound was heard, and Goku appeared in front of the doorway, floating in the air with his legs crossed beneath. ''Yo, Goh-!'' He yelped when he saw Pan hurtling towards him.
She was going too fast to stop herself. Although, when she recognised the figure as her grandfather, she increased her speed. Somehow, Goku reacting quickly enough to extend his arms and grab Pan before she crashed into him, potentially hurting herself. Pan's momentum caused Goku to roll backwards in mid-air a few times. Luckily, he came to a stop before they crashed into anything.
Pan squealed with delight and reached forward to try and grab Goku's face. ''Gwanpa! Gwanpa!''
''Hi Pan, long time no see!'' Goku greeted with a bright smile.
Gohan and Videl rushed over, planting their feet back on the floor and walked towards their visitor. ''Dad? What's up?'' Gohan grinned.
Holding Pan in one arm, Goku waved towards his son with the other. He floated gently down and walked forward. ''Hey, Gohan, I've got some exciting news. Chi-Chi was going to phone you about it, but we thought this would be quicker.''
''Well, don't keep us in suspense.''
''I guess you could say Goten and Trunks have found a new job together.''
''Really?'' Gohan responded with a mixture of puzzlement and intrigue. ''I didn't even know they were looking for jobs yet.''
Videl clapped her hands together excitedly. ''Well, I think that's wonderful. It's never too early to start. And the sooner they get experience, the more prosperous their futures will be.''
Gohan turned to her. ''Wow, you sounded like mum there for a second.''
Videl winked. ''Your not the only one who takes her advice.''
Returning his attention to Goku, Gohan was eager to hear more. ''So, tell us. What jobs did they get?''
''They're going to become Galactic Patrolmen, like Jaco!''
Gohan and Videl stared at him with wide eyes. ''Wh-what?''
Blissfully unaware of their shock, Goku continued enthusiastically. ''Yeah, and we're all invited to their initiation ceremony. Isn't this exciting?'' Before they could respond, Goku caught the scent of a peculiar smell. ''Hey, is something burning?''
It took Gohan a few seconds to realise what he was hinting at. He was still in shock at what his father had just told him. Finally, he could smell burning coming from behind. He screamed and cupped his head with his hands in fright. ''Ah, dinner!''
He and Videl rushed back into the kitchen before a raging fire could start. Goku, using his free hand, rubbed his growling stomach while Pan giggled and waved her arms around. ''Oh, you guys are cooking dinner? Great, cause I'm starving.''
Bulma set her phone down on the desk. ''Okay, I've just called Eighteen. Her and Krillin will be coming,'' She glanced over at Goten and Trunks. The boys were patiently waiting on the desk chairs, entertaining themselves by spinning around on them. ''And they'll be bringing Marron along too.''
Giddily, Goten and Trunks bumped fists. ''This is going to be awesome. Everyone's going to see how cool we are!'' Trunks proclaimed.
''Yeah,'' Goten turned towards Jaco who was standing in the middle of Bulma's office with his arms folded, remaining poised and professional. ''Hey, do we get to wear uniforms like you do.''
''Well, not exactly like mine. But yes, you will be given our standard attire for new recruits. We have an image to uphold.''
Their eyes lit up and their imaginations ran wild. It was a miracle that the office didn't explode from the excitement that the two boys were emitting. Bulma watched on in amusement before sharing a quick glance with her husband. Vegeta was standing by the doorframe, leaning against it and appearing stoic. She rolled her eyes at him. Chi-Chi was close to throwing a comment at the Prince of Saiyans for his withdrawn reaction to hearing the great news about his son. However, Bulma stopped her friend, knowing that Vegeta was proud, but showing it in his usual manner. On occasion, she would see his lip curl slightly upwards.
Next to her desk, Chi-Chi paced back and forth. ''What's taking Goku so long? He should have told Gohan and been back by now.''
''Would Gohan be cooking dinner around this time?'' Bulma asked.
Chi-Chi huffed, already knowing where this conversation was going. ''Yes.''
Trunks sprang off his chair and hurried towards Jaco. ''Hey, so are we the youngest people to ever join the Galactic Patrol?''
''In terms of Earth years, no. However, you are both the first Saiyans to ever join our ranks.''
''That's neat.'' Goten chirped.
He felt his mother fixing her eyes on him. ''I wouldn't consider that neat.''
Bulma pondered for a moment. ''That's weird. I would have thought with how strong Saiyans are, they would have made great candidates to join the patrol.''
Jaco was in two minds whether to laugh or scold her. Instead, he opted for neither as he knew that her short-fused husband was standing only a few feet away and could blast him to smithereens in an instant if he said the wrong thing. ''The offer had been made to numerous Saiyans throughout the galaxy's history. Unfortunately, due to the Saiyans…aggressive nature, it wasn't considered wise to recruit them. Not to mention, their partnership with the Freezer force made things complicated.''
He peered over his shoulder, afraid that Vegeta might bark at him for mentioning the deceased tyrant. To his, and everyone's surprise, Vegeta smirked. ''What's passed has passed. While I could never imagine myself ever wanting to become a Patrolman, my son will fill those shoes quite nicely. Soon, the whole galaxy will respect him for the true Saiyan warrior he is.''
Trunks was left stunned by his father's words. He clenched his fists and pumped them excitedly, shining brighter than ever. ''Thanks, dad! I won't let you down.''
Jaco gulped nervously. ''Why did that rousing speech sound more like a totalitarian threat to me?''
''It's his way of encouraging him,'' Bulma stated.
Behind Bulma's desk was a window that watched over the ground where Jaco's ship rested. As sunlight poured inside, Pilaf and his crew stared outwards at the vessel admiring it. Pilaf rubbed his hands together gleefully and licked his lips. ''That's something that we could really use.''
''An office with a window?'' Shu inquired.
''No, you dolt!'' Pilaf smacked the fox-ninja across the head. ''That ship. I've always wanted one for myself. Remind me to put that on my bucket list, Mai.''
There was no response from the young girl. Her interest was solely on the ship and its size. ''Bulma? How many people are coming along?''
Bulma tapped her finger against her chin and thought hard for a moment. ''Let's see…we have the boys, obviously. Vegeta and I. Chi-Chi's family, which might now include Gohan and Videl. Krillin, Eighteen and Marron are joining us. I'm still waiting for calls back from Yamcha and Tien. A few, why?''
Mai pointed out of the window. ''I don't think you're all going to fit in Jaco's ship.''
She waved her hand dismissively. ''Don't worry. Jaco wouldn't have come all this way with his ship knowing it couldn't carry all of us. Isn't that right?''
Jaco remained expressionless, refusing to meet Bulma's gaze. He twisted his body to the side a little. Even though he didn't utter a single word, his manner told Bulma everything she needed to know.
''Are you kidding?'' She roared at her old friend. ''How did you expect us to leave when your ship can't fit all of us?''
''Patrolmen ships are not galactic taxis. It's standard procedure for all our ships to be equipped with two seats for a pilot and co-pilot, or an arrested suspect. To be honest, I realised my mistake when I set a course for Earth. I was debating with myself on what I should do, but by the time I had an answer, I was only a few minutes away from landing.''
Goten and Trunk's shoulders dropped. ''So, what do we do now?''
Bulma slammed her hand on the desk, earning everyone's attention. Jaco flinched, not ready to face her wrath. Once again, he was caught off guard to find that she was wearing a smirk on her face. ''Jaco might not have a ship big enough for everyone…but I do!''
''Bubbles, for the last time, I have cleaned every inch of this car. There is no spot!'' King Kai bellowed, looming over Bubbles. The Monkey continued to point at a particular area on the front of his car while hooting and hollering.
King Kai grunted. ''What do you mean I need new glasses?''
Gregory the cricket zoomed around the vehicle, inspecting it from top to bottom. He snickered as he hovered around the blue Kai. ''Now that you mention it, he hasn't cleaned it as well as he usually does. Maybe he's becoming senile in his old age.''
''What is this? Pick on a Kai and win a prize day?'' He scolded before pointing to the golden halo that glowed and rested above his head. ''And old age isn't really a concept for any of us to worry about since we're all already dead!''
''Does it really make a difference to what we were before?''
''Yes!'' King Kai bellowed. ''It makes a world of difference. And Goku still hasn't kept his promise about wishing us back with the Dragonballs. I swear, that boy is going to be the death of me.''
He remained silent for a few seconds, staring at the ground with his arms wrapped around his back. His face then went flustered and he sealed his lips, trying to suppress a laugh that threatened to explode from him. Eventually, he burst into a fit of laughter.
Gregory narrowed his eyes, remaining annoyed with King Kai, who rolled on the ground and held his sides. ''Couldn't resist that one, could you?''
King Kai gradually got back up, rubbing his teary eyes as his chuckle finally ceased. ''Oh, sometimes I'm so funny, I kill myself…''
''Actually, that was Goku.'' Gregory snidely remarked.
His frustration returned as King Kai turned to the cricket. ''You can't let me have one thing, can you?''
The Kai was then almost overwhelmed completely as a tremendous surge erupted from his antenna, not of his own accord. He froze and stared off into the distance. Gregory and Bubbles watched on in confusion. The monkey questioned him, curious about why King Kai was trembling and sweating like he had seen an unholy monster.
''I don't know, Bubbles,'' King Kai shuddered, using his incredible vision to spy on the vast distance of space. Towards the edge of the universe, he could feel something. ''It's not a person. But…there's…something.''
''What do you mean?'' Gregory asked.
''It's pulsing. Like a heartbeat.'' King Kai said as he listened. He couldn't see what it was precisely, but he could hear it and feel it. It felt…alien, even to the Kai. The sensation was devoid of any familiarity or warmth. His body felt ice cold as he found it difficult to explain properly in words. ''Something's coming. Something powerful. I don't know what it is, but it can't be good.''
To Be Continued…
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