The Promises We Keep - Alive
The Sequel to A Disturbed Savior.
For those who have not read A Disturbed Savior, to understand this Story even in the least, you must read A Disturbed Savior first. If not, then w/e, have fun understanding your out of the usual Gohan and Videl
I can't and won't promise anything this time around.
It's DBZ, I obviously don't own shit.
No more games, it won't feel the same. If I hold my anger inside there's no meaning. My soul is bleeding I've had enough of your kind - Disturbed
Hmm. I looked around the room I was in. It didn't look any different from any other day, but something just felt off. Like the fact that I can't remember waking up, getting out of bed, or even walking to the kitchen. But I'm sitting here right now just staring out into no where. And I'm assuming Mark ain't home because Videl has decided to treat me to a damn nice view while she makes some breakfast. I don't think I'm too hungry for food right now though.
She turns around and notices me staring at her ass and mumbles something under her breathe. I'm not paying too much attention to begin with but from the feel of things, and according to her thoughts, which I assume she meant for me to hear this time, I'm a pervert. Go figure. She's the one prancing around in nothing but an apron and I'm the pervert. Whatever, this day just better go by quicker than it is now, she's taking forever with breakfast.
When she did finally finish cooking she brought over the eggs a bit shyly. I looked at the plate in front of me and didn't really know what to think. I knew Videl could cook better than this. It looked like she was trying to go 'Over Easy' and in the middle decided for scrambled. Whatever, food is food and protein is protein.
I stab my fork into whatever she wants to call this creation and just throw it in, not caring what it may taste like, I just know I'm going to get something to eat later at the stadium.
I can't help but notice that she's just watching me eat. She's got a weird smile on her face, so I give her an equally weird look.
"What? Is something wrong with the food? I didn't mess up again did I?" She asked me. I finished chewing and gulped down what was left in my mouth.
"Nothing's wrong with the food. But I can do without the stares that make it seem like I'm some sort of alien. Can't a guy eat in peace anymore?" I dunno why I decided to get bratty with her, but it felt like something I usually do, whatever.
She made that pouty face of hers and stood up. "I'm going to get dressed. Hurry up and eat so you can too. My dad wants to talk to me before the tournament begins." I couldn't care less about the subject so I just rolled my eyes. God only knows I'll end up doing it anyways, what's the point of arguing this early in the morning anyways?
Some minutes pass by like seconds it seems and she's already out and dressed in her purple and white outfit I re-bought for her for Christmas. Somehow she also managed to get her long hair into a tightly knotted ponytail. Smart move on her part, hair can be a pain in the ass in a fight.
So whatever, I finished eating and got dressed in my dark orchid outfit with the red sash. Basically Piccolo's outfit with a red sash. Not too creative but it's not like I care. Videl just won't let me go out and fight in my birthday suit so I have to settle.
Soon as she saw I was dressed she basically dragged me out the door and into her stupid jet copter. Somehow she knew I didn't feel like flying. That or she forgot that it would take use barely 3 minutes to get there if I hurried us up. Guess she wasn't too eager for this talk.
Once we were strapped in she asked me if I needed anything before we left. Dunno why it mattered anyways. Like I just said, it would take 3 minutes to get back here from the the stadium if I forgot anything anyways. So I silently nodded and looked out the window. She fired up the jet and there began what was hopefully going to be a very short day. I just wanted to get through this day. So far it was going pretty fast.
I knew it was going to take a while and wasn't really in the mood to talk. So I reclined in the very comfy and expensive chair this very roomy jet had and shut my eyes.
"K-King Kai? What is all this? What's with the crowd? And why are they cheering?" The sudden seriousness of the situation was thrown out the window like a bad apple.
"I haven't the faintest clue Goku. I haven't got a clue."
"So what do we do now? Isn't this where he was supposed to-"
"AH! GOKU! NORTH KAI! YOU'RE FINALLY HERE!" They both looked up and around, it sounded like the voice came from a sound system but there weren't any speakers. Anywhere.
"Was that?"
"It was."
"So I guess I meet him in the ring?"
"THAT WOULD BE CORRECT GOKU! I'M WAITING FOR YOU!" How the hell was he doing that? Goku turned to look towards the middle of the arena and there stood the culprit, The Grand Kai. Goku walked up towards the large arena and up to within feet of the smaller man.
"I'm here. It's been 30 days. I've waited like you said. And now I'm here to ask you again. I really don't want to have to fight you so will you please-"
"NOPE! Uh, I mean, nope." He was still using his loud microphone voice. Guess that solves that mystery
"Bu-but. But why? You didn't even let me-"
"Finish my sentence. Yes yes I know. Goku I know exactly what you're here for. And I'm sticking with my previous answer." Goku knew it was coming. He was waiting for it. He wanted to hear it. He wanted to explode. He clenched his fists and put on his game face.
"No." It was so unlike Goku to just snap at someone because they denied him something. Hell, he was denied dinner such a long time ago while he was still growing up and he didn't snap then. He'd been denied time and time again the privilege to train his son in the art of self defense, but he didn't snap then.
But something deep in the heart of the cold blooded Super Saiyan snapped like a twig. His golden aura was glowing bright and angry in front of the crowd of thousands and the Grand Kai.
"You don't seem too satisfied with my decision Goku. Problem?" Oh he was just teasing Goku now. If he didn't get a grip now he was bound to lose his body very quickly. So he tightened his grip even more if possible and drew in a single breathe of air and exhaled through his nose.
"Would you please tell me why?" The Earth raised Saiyan grit through his teeth. He was on a very short fuse and leash. He wasn't trying to push anything just yet.
"Of course. You said please. And it's very simple. It wouldn't fix anything." Behind the fury in those teal heat seeking missiles of his was confusion. Because God only knows, well, he was basically speaking to God, so he should know that he was speaking cryptically and confusing everyone.
"It wouldn't FIX anything? And what does that mean?" He took a step closer to the Grand Kai, creating a dent in the floor below them. It wouldn't go unnoticed.
"I know all about your situation Goku. I am God up here. I see and hear anything and everything that goes on around here. So I know all about why you want so badly to go down to your home planet for a day." Goku was always told that he was always being watched, but that closely? It seemed a lot creepier now that it was proven.
"Then you know that it's imperative that I get that day and spend it with my family."
"I do." He replied as non-chalantly as always.
"And you still won't let me?"
"I already told you it won't fix anything. You're family's problem will persist even after your 24 hours are up Goku. So what reason do you have to go down to Earth and re-"
"I NEED TO SEE MY SON!" A wave of pure energy exploded from Goku and filled the entire area. Everyone in the seats was forced to cover their eyes from his rage. Only the brightness of the Sun alone could go toe to toe with Goku now.
The Grand Kai noticed something about Goku during his fit of rage. Not only did his power just sky rocket. Not only was Lightning dancing around his body like he was a metal pole. NOT ONLY was a vein about to pop right out of his forehead. But tears were now falling from his chin.
"Goku." A sense of sincerity had actually come from the deity. "Goku, I needa explain this to you in a way that isn't as personal. Now listen up."
"As you know already, you are surrounded by strong and proud warriors on this little planet of mine. Only the worthiest of the worthy are granted access. There are warriors here who have been dead for over a Milennia and still they come out to the grounds day after day to become stronger and stronger. But what is there to accomplish for them besides becoming stronger? There is, in a literal sense, nothing for them to live for. They're as dead as dead can be." Goku couldn't help but wonder what this guy was getting at?
"So what does this have to do with me? Besides the fact that I'm dead as well?"
"I'm gettin' there man, chill all right?" The old man cleared his throat. "As I was sayin." King Kai chuckled. "Right. Goku, people come here after they die to get stronger and stronger, but in the end, there's no point to it all. They can't use this gained strength. They'll never breathe a true breathe of fresh air to put it to good use." Behind those tinted glasses his eyes became sharp.
"But to my understanding Goku, you've lived two lives. Died before and came back. Is'at true?"
"That's right. My friends wished me back to life so I could help them fight against an evil bunch who threatened my planet. So what?"
"So...Goku. Why didn't they wish you back a second time?" Almost instantly the stadium went dark and a spotlight appeared over Goku. He dropped his head in shame and spoke.
"I-I asked them not too." The crowd gasped as a single unit at the confession.
"And why did you go and do something like that?" The issue needed to be pushed. He never once was properly approached about his decision and it was time it came to light. The real reason why he didn't want to be wished back.
Goku mustered up whatever courage he could find that wasn't already shattered by the smaller figure who stood so stern in front of him.
"I-I. I wanted another adventure. Another challenge." Came the solemn answer.
"A challenge eh. And have you found that challenge?" Goku's eyes went stern and eyed the man in front of him. He found it. He finally found it. This was what he looking for. He loosened his grip and then again tightened his palms around the thumbs. His aura exploded around him once again.
"Yes! I have!"
"And what are you going to do about it?" He asked that? He really just asked that to a just about bloodlust Goku? He better hope he's ready for anything.
Goku cracked a smirk and chuckled. "What am I going to do about it? I'm going to face it head on and conquer it." The Grand Kai lifted an eyebrow above his rounded glasses.
"The do it Goku! Find your adventure and beat it! Beat it senselessly! BUT!-" He just about cut Goku off and stopped him from plunging himself forward at the deity.
"Think before you act Goku. Where will your actions really get you? What will they cause you to lose?" Goku hesitated moving at the questions. Did he just get threatened? By the Grand Kai? He had to take this seriously right?
He didn't want to lose his body, but he needed to do this. This was the only way right? He had to think. Think. Think. Think! And like turning on a light bulb, it hit him.
"Grand Kai? I have a proposition for you."
I have no idea how long it took us to get to the stadium, but again, I can't remember even getting out of the jet copter. I just remember hearing this strange beeping sound coming from the damn thing. I don't think I've ever heard it make that sort of sound before. Not too big a deal though. It was early and I was going to be here all day. God it was going to be a long ass fucking day. And the only way for it to get longer, which happened, was for Videl to slip away from me and run off to wherever.
So now I'm left to wander on my own around this place. I always thought this place was bigger than what it was. It looks like it hasn't changed from the days my dad used to compete. It's weird. I thought they reinvented this place after my dad and Piccolo destroyed it.
Speak of the devil. I couldn't help but sense the signal he was putting out, like he wanted me to see him. I can't believe it. Was he really here? "Mr. Piccolo? Is that really you?" I turned around and there he was. I couldn't believe it. He actually came to this tournament. But why? Did he know I was competing? Did he want to watch me fight? I wonder who else was here? Did the rest of the gang know about the tournament?
"Hey Gohan." Tough and composed as always. I can't believe I'm still the one grinning like a little kid. I swear, only he could do this to me.
"So what are you doing here?" I had to ask. There was always more than one reason he did things. He never told me the truth behind his actions, only what I wanted to hear.
"They can't have a finals with the son of Goku without Majunior." That was a challenge I won't ever let him live down. I hope he knows how hot my blood just got. He's going to get it. But before he got it, I was going to figure out what that weird ass look he was giving me was for.
"Something wrong?" What was he looking at me like that for?
"Your clothes. That's what." I looked down at my chosen attire. It was still the same dark purple Gi I was wearing this morning.
"What? Something wrong if we're matching?" It wasn't like anyone would see anything wrong with it, but I guess he didn't like it or something.
And out of nowhere he extended a hand before my face. What was he doing? I couldn't move. Why was he pointing a glowing hand at me. Suddenly everything became bright.
I soon regained my sight and looked over myself. Nothing was wrong. He didn't attack. Was it just a joke.
"Now you can fight." Piccolo said. I looked myself over once more, this time noticing the difference. When I saw that bright orange over my body and the Turtle over my chest I swear I heard my heart beat. I brought my right hand to my heart and closed my eyes.
"Thank you." I couldn't say anymore. I don't know why but after everything, going back and forth between how I felt about him, I couldn't deny this. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. Piccolo had suggested I wear it, so I was going to. I am the son of Goku. There was no denying it anymore.
"Then out with it Goku. Say what I've been waiting for. Tell this crowd what they want to hear."
This was it. He was going to do the unthinkable. This is what he came here to do right? This was the whole reason for those 30 days of back breaking training. He calmed himself them down and took a breathe of this artificial air that surrounded everything. The next step was the hard one, he tried and he tried hard. He pushed it down. All the anger and everything the Grand Kai had been making him feel. His head had to be clear.
The arena went black with his hair. He was Goku, the calm warrior once more.
"Grand Kai. I challenge you to a fight for a grant worth 24 hours on my home planet, Earth!"
The crowd once again gasped in surprise. Was he serious? This guy wanted to lose his afterlife didn't he?
"Yes! That is correct Goku! That is what this crowd and I have been waiting for. Now show me Goku. Show me that you mean it. Show me that you want this more than anything!" With a flick of his wrist the lights blew up and exploded into fireworks. Goku just had a confused look on his face. Was he really able to do all of this?
"Wh-h. Heh. All right. It's time. Let's do this." The Earth bred Saiyan readied himself for what he assumed would be the hardest fought battle of his life. It was time for this volcano to erupt. A furious red aura had begun to surround him. He shouted to the heavens above, if anything existed higher than where he was. "KAIO-KEN!"
How I ended up where I am right now, I have no idea. At the moment I'm inside of this building waiting to face my first opponent. Apparently me and Piccolo were talking a lot longer than I thought. I'm just waiting for them to call my name. I couldn't hear my opponent's name over all the screaming of the women in the crowd. I have no idea why they'd be cheering for that blond haired punk. Honestly I didn't care though. I was going to finish this quick. I wanted to get to the finals and end this day as quickly as possibly.
"SON GOHAN!" It's all I needed to hear over the loud speakers to know it was my turn to woop some pretty boy's ass. I could tell the announcer was about to go on one of his monologues, and I could guess it was about my namesake. Being a former champion's son could have it's perks, but I didn't want this one. This was a fight not a popularity contest.
"AND FIGHT!" The second I heard those words I attacked. Like I said, I wanted to make this quick. I doubt anyone besides Piccolo even saw it. I'm guessing it looked like the kid just fell to the floor. Because for some reason or not I decided to skip on back to my spot from before the match began. I hope the cameras caught that one.
The crowd cheered my name. And in between the loud jeers I could make out a couple of voices in particular. My mom was sitting with my friends, Erasa and Sharpner. It made me wonder where Goten was. Never-the-less I waved to them. For some reason everyone else in the crowd thought I was waving to them. Freaks.
Well I skipped on off back to the resting area, gave a Piccolo a nod and wished him good luck. Hmph. Like he needed it. So whatever, I went in the back and decided to get a little bit of rest. But I swear on all that is holy before I shut my eyes I heard that same sound Videl's jet made. Strange, she isn't going anywhere is she? I'll worry about it later.
"WOA HOLD UP THERE NOW!" The Grand Kai held out his hand, freezing Goku mid-air, and on fire. "Now before you go and attack me like that. There's something I gotta ask of you."
Goku dropped his arms as all the tension left his body. "What? Are you kidding me? Right now? We're supposed to fight remember? I'm trying to earn a day on Earth over here." Goku whined. He couldn't believe this. Was the Grand Kai serious? A favor? Right now?
"I don't kid around Goku. Now this is really important. I have something that has to go to Enma immediately." He took out two normal looking pieces of paper and held them out towards the taller, dark haired man. It looked like he was saying some sort of incantation into one and just wrote something down on the other. "This one right here is for you Goku." He gave the Saiyan the one he bewitched. "Don't open it now. And this one right here is for the big 'ol red guy himself."
Goku looked at him with a sort of what the hell just happened kind of face. Was this really happening? Was he really being a delivery boy right before this very crucial match?
"Look Goku. You can go and do that instant movement-"
"Instant Transmission." He corrected.
"R-right. Transmission. You can go and do that, give that paper to Enma and be back here in 5 seconds. That paper needs to get to him as soon as possible though. So the faster you give that to him the faster we can get this show on the road, all right?" Goku nodded and took the other piece of paper. As soon as Goku was gone the crowd cheered once more, louder than ever before.
I must have dozed off longer than I thought because it looked like it was past 6 in the afternoon from the color of the sky. There was this amazing hue of orange and yellow. It was beautiful. While I was admiring the sky someone else was trying to get my attention.
"What!" I screamed. The guy looked frightened. He began speaking and I couldn't believe what he had told me. The finals? But I only fought one match. What the hell happened while I was sleeping?
"Yeah. After you fought Jewel everyone pretty much pissed their pants and ran. You and that one green guy are all that are left and your match is right now! So get moving or you're gonna forfeit the match!" Woa what! Seriously? Finals? Forfeit? Uh uh. Not happening.
I hurried my ass off the bench and scurried to the middle of the arena where Piccolo was standing. We exchanged nods and took to our sides of the ring. The bell was rung and neither of us made a move. We both waited for the other to attack. I didn't know how long he planned on standing there, not even acknowledging me at this point, but it was a bit agitating. I knew how he fought and he the same with me.
So I decided to start things off. I jumped at him leading with my right. He dodged it and we immediately went into a frenzy of punches and kicks. He threw in a couple of ki blasts here and there. Nothing too strong. He knew there was a crowd around us and I wasn't really going to protect them if it meant losing focus on the fight.
We picked things up and got faster and faster and faster. Time even seemed to move faster. Everything became a blur. We moved at an impossible pace, even for people like us. I wasn't even a Super Saiyan. It was incredible. And in the middle of everything I could make out this one single noise. Again I heard it. But why? Is it all just in my head? I'm beginning to think it wasn't really a jet copter making that sound.
"But Enma!"
"I said no Goku! You are to stand right there until I say so!"
"Bu-"
"No buts Goku. I'm under strict orders to keep you here for the time being. And you're not to open your paper until the time is right."
"But I don't know when that's supposed to be! Come on Enma! You have to-" The look that the Giant gave him was terrifying. It was an 'I'm going to rip your face off if you don't shut up' sort of look. It sure shut him up.
"Piccolo!" I shouted. But I doubt he heard it. This fight just seemed to go on forever and our movements didn't slow up even in the slightest. Something wasn't right here. I had to end this now.
With all that I could muster, I jumped into Super Saiyan and threw my left at Piccolo's face. My speed caught him off guard. I kept up with the assault quickly jabbing my right fist into his gut. It was time to finish this. I flipped over backwards and swung my legs over my head and quickly thrust them at Piccolo's head.
He hit the ground. The match the finally over. He landed outside the ring. I had my victory. This day was finally over. Everything was finally over. I had finally overcome my fear. I came to the tournament and conquered. And I did it with my mentor by my side. Once my feet hit the ground I looked all over for him. I even called out his name, but I guess he had already left. He never really was one for the public I guess.
And then out of nowhere I heard that sounds from her jet copter again. Where the hell was this sound coming from? That's like the third time I've heard it. Hopefully when I leave this place I won't hear it anymore. I'll just grab my trophy, my prize winnings and my prize. And by prize I mean my woman. Hmph. Tonight was going to be good.
So after what seemed like forever, I finally found Videl. For some reason I felt like I was forgetting someone thought. Oh well.
When we found an open area Videl opened up her Jet Copter, I don't know why though, I wanted to get home as quickly as possible. She was opening the damn thing when I heard it again. Maybe it was an alarm? But why did was I able to hear it before?
I looked over to Videl. I don't think she heard it. Strange? So I decided to concentrate on her thoughts. I sharpened my eyes and concentrated but got nothing. Ok, no problem there I guess. She was able to do that. But it was still odd. I hadn't really seen her all day. Where was she? I must have missed her match right? Damn, I'm a terrible boyfriend. I couldn't even think in silence because I had heard it yet again! WHAT THE HELL!
"GOD DAMMIT! Videl! Do you not hear that?" I yelled towards her. She was already in the Jet copter I think though, cause I didn't see her outside and the door to the copter was open.
Ya know, now that I think about it, Videl's hair wasn't in a braid like it was this morning when we left, was it? No I think she had it down like she usual. This whole day's been weird, I'm just glad it's finally over.
So I opened up the door to her jet and expected to see her glaring daggers at me. Instead there was nothing. She wasn't even inside.
"Ok seriously? What the hell is going on here?" I looked around the small jet and found nothing. Where did Videl go?
Goku was becoming very bored just standing there. But he had to listen. He was under strict orders from both Enma and The Grand Kai, and he had to listen to both of them. He was just having a really bad day.
"Uhh...Hey Enma. Is there anything that I can do? You know, like help out? As long as I'm here I might as well-"
"Just stand right there Goku. Just a little longer, I promise.
"Ok seriously? What the hell is going on around here? Where did Piccolo go? Where did Videl go? And where the hell did this day go! This could not have happened so quickly! I don't even remember half of anything that happened today? It's like I was watching some sort of movie that I was half awake for! I mean seriously. What the-" I was about to be really pissed off because I finally figured out what was going on. Whoever was next to me was going to be really mad as well. Sorry
*BEEP*
"FUCK!" I screamed, but this time everything was different. My clothes, wait, what clothes? The room I was in, wait, I wasn't in a room before, I was in that stupid Jet copter. Oh yeah, I'm definitely fucking pissed off right now. I threw my head back against the pillow and shut my eyes.
"DAMMIT GOHAN! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ALL ABOUT! GO BACK TO SLEEP!" Yeah, Videl was pissed too. This was going to be a very long day.
Goku was getting anxious. This was beginning to bore the crap out of him. He had to have been standing there for hours, or at least that's what it seemed to be. There was no way that doing this was going to help him. He had to get back to the Grand Kai as soon as possible.
"Enma! Please! I have to go! I have a fight with the Grand Kai that I absolutely HAVE to get back to. It's really-"
"WHAT!" His deep voice boomed over the heavens. He didn't sound to please if Goku had to say so himself.
"You are doing what? Did I hear that correct Goku?"
He turned his head in the sort of way a little kid would when they tried to get away with doing something they shouldn't have. For some reason it really suited Goku.
"I uh, sort of, picked a fight, with uh, the Grand Kai." He whimpered even before the giant began screaming. The giant began lecturing Goku on what he was supposed to and what he wasn't supposed to do with the privilege of having a body, challenging the Grand Kai definitely went under things you were not supposed to do.
Goku was getting really anxious and he needed to get out of there, being lectured was just making the situation worse. He couldn't let Enma do what he was probably thinking. He had a deal with the Grand Kai and it needed to be upheld. He had had enough. This wasn't just a game anymore. It was his life.
Goku stood up from his pathetic form on the ground and wiped himself off. He put two fingers to his forehead and looked up towards the big red demon.
"I'm sorry Enma. I really am. But this is something I have to do."
"WAIT NO! GOK-u" But he was already gone. It was then that one of the Demon's subordinates stepped forward.
"Um uh, King Enma sir. Y-you know what thi-this means right?"
He rolled his eyes. God damn, or, Grand Kai damn. He had been beaten.
"Yes I know. Someone go and call that old witch."
A/N: Very very rushed. Very Very sorry. Didn't know how else to do it. Maybe I'm...trollin :p Nah! This is a real chapter. Just a bad one :( WHERE ARE ALL MY READERS AT! lol jk. If I had chosen another name for this chapter it would have been too obvious what was going on :p