Chapter 4: Gohan's Fatigue

Two Months Later – Sky Near West City

"Gohan!" Krillin exclaimed as he trailed behind Gohan who was moving through the early morning sky at breakneck speed. "Gohan, slow down! Gohan!"

Gohan came to an immediate stop upon Krillin's final exclamation causing Krillin to nearly crash into him.

"I have to find him Krillin." Gohan stated with obvious desperation in his voice. His hair was completely unkempt and there were deep bags under his bloodshot eyes.

"Gohan, We've searched everywhere." Krillin replied. "You need to stop and take a break. I mean when's the last time you got some sleep?"

"I'll sleep once I find my Dad." Gohan replied before taking off again.

"Damn it, Gohan." Krillin stated before continuing to follow behind his young friend.

Capsule Corp – Bulma's Lab

Bulma sat at her work bench working on a gadget doing her best to keep her mind busy so as to not dwell on the abduction of her long time friend.

'Don't think about it...Just don't think about it...Damn it! Where could you be Goku? We've searched high and low and found jack shit!'

Bulma continued to work on her gadget when the door to her lab opened up before Gohan entered the room looking frantic.

"Bulma, I need to use one of your spaceships." Gohan stated.

"Gohan, You reek when's the last time you took a shower?" Bulma inquired

"That doesn't matter." Gohan replied. "Are you going to let me use your ship or not?"

"First of all, You need to watch your tone." Bulma replied "Second of all, No. You're still just a kid. I'm not going to let you blast off into outer space by yourself. Besides, We've already searched over half the galaxy, Vegeta's out there searching the remaining half, and King Kai said he and the other Kais would keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity. You going off by yourself is not going to solve anything."

"But, I..." Gohan replied before suddenly collapsing to the ground.

"Gohan!" Bulma exclaimed as she rushed to his side.

Capsule Corp – Guest Room

Gohan slowly opened his eyes before he quickly sprang up nearly ripping out the IV that was sticking out of his left arm. After a few brief moments of grogginess, Gohan came to his senses. He looked around the rather spacious room and realized he was in one of Capsule Corps many guest rooms. The door to the room opened and in walked Bulma with a fresh bag of saline to replace the nearly depleted one that was hanging near Gohan's bed.

"Oh good, You're awake." Bulma stated as she walked up to Gohan before proceeding to smack him upside the back of his head.

"Ow!" Gohan exclaimed. "What was that for?"

"That's for being stupid." Bulma replied.

"What happened?" Gohan inquired.

"You collapsed from exhaustion and severe dehydration. That's what happened." Bulma replied.

"How long have I..." Gohan began to inquire.

"It's 10 A.M." Bulma replied.

"Two hours?" Gohan replied.

"Try Twenty-six." Bulma replied.

Before Gohan had a chance to reply Chi-Chi rushed into the room exclaiming "You're in a lot of trouble young man! It's been over a week since you've been home! And now I find out you collapsed!"

"Chi-Chi, settle down." Bulma said as she placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't want to induce early labor due you? You're still not due for at least another month."

"You're right." Chi-Chi replied. "Listen Gohan, I know how badly you want your father back. Nobody knows that more than me but I also know that he wouldn't want us to kill ourselves trying to get him back and I can't afford to lose you too."

Gohan listened to his mother's words realizing how foolhardy he'd been.

"...I'm sorry mom."

Kame House

Master Roshi, Krillin, Puar and Oolong sat on Roshi's couch as Yamcha talked on the phone with Bulma.

"Alright, Thanks for letting me know, Bulma." Yamcha said before hanging up the phone.

"So what did she say?" Master Roshi inquired.

"Gohan's awake." Yamcha replied. "He's going to be fine."

"Phew, That's good." Oolong replied. "Kid had me worried there for a moment."

"I told him he shouldn't have pushed himself so hard." Krillin stated.

"Can you really blame him?" Yamcha asked rhetorically. "I mean who's to say how any of us would react to a loved one being taken from you like that. I mean yeah Goku's been a close friend to us all but we'll never have that bond him and Gohan have."

"Wow Yamcha, that was really poignant." Puar stated.

"I have my moments." Yamcha replied.

Orange Star City - City Hall

Thousands of people were in attendance as Mr. Satan stood at a podium wearing a large crown with HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in big bold letters. Next to him was a girl not much younger than Gohan. She had a look of boredom in her eyes as twirled her long black hair. She wore a long floral pattern which she appeared to be uncomfortable in as she fidgeted around.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming out to my big birthday bash!" Mr. Satan exclaimed "Instead of doing some high-class private gala I wanted to celebrate it with you the people! It's been eight months since I defeated Cell and so I'm also considering this an early anniversary celebration as well! I spared no expense! I rented top of the line carnival rides, there're several food stands featuring cuisines from all over the world! And of course, there's plenty of cake for everyone!"

The crowd erupted in a thunderous applause as chants of "Mr. Satan! Mr. Satan! Mr. Satan!"

"Now as much as I would like to hang out with each and every one of you that's just not possible." Mr. Satan continued "So I will be having a secondary party inside my Capsule Mini Mansion" Mr. Satan pointed to an ornate building almost as big as the city hall building itself. "It's 20000 Zeni a piece to get in, But isn't that a small price to pay for hanging with the savior of the world!"

The crowd began cheering and chanting again as Mr. Satan grabbed his daughter's hand and prepared to retreat inside the mansion when a red blast of energy came hurdling towards it blowing it to pieces.

"What the hell!?" Mr. Satan exclaimed as looked up to the sky to see a man wearing a pure deep red version of the Sankakukenkei armor complete with helmet.

A/N

Dun dun dun! Another chapter is in the bag. I really liked the way this one came out but let me know your thoughts. If you're liking the story give maybe give it a follow and perhaps maybe even fav it. Until next time, Have a great day. ~TheUltimateMystic