That night, there was little noise in Mount Pouzu; Autumn's speedy emergence had seen to that.

From the few small packs of wolves that traversed the upper parts of the mountain range, to the many songbirds, squirrels, owls, and insects in the valley, all were silent as the cold flowed in waves from beyond the mountain. Unprepared, they retreated to their forest shelters, and each family quietly huddled together for warmth, comfort, and safety as the night's mist slowly crept in.

And as the thick untraversable murk rolled passed them, den by den, they all squeezed even closer to one another. They feared that the whole world had been swallowed by it and that they would never see the sun again. All except a pair of saiyans in one little stone hut, hidden away in the deepest part of the forest.

Yes, the abrasive cold nipped at Goku's fingers and nose all through the night, but unlike the wildlife who prayed for the sun to rise, he didn't need the reassurance of having something to look forward to. Whenever he felt the air chill or the frost in his hair grow thicker, he held Gohan just a little bit closer and that made everything better. Despite his drenched clothes and the soaking wet floor he sat upon, he felt completely at peace with him there. That comforting, loving calmness made it easy to sleep, even in the freezing cold.

When morning finally came, and the sun rose on the distant horizon, the change in temperature was immediately felt and it woke him quickly. After hours of hunching over, he sat up and straightened his back against the wall. The release of all that built-up pressure in his spine made it sound like he had just snapped a branch in half, but the relief it gave him was immeasurable. With a slight grin, he exhaled softly and lifted his head up to look out the hut's window and see the day as it appeared.

His eyes peaking above the sill, he could just barely make out the forest that surrounded him. Most of it was still dark, but light was slowly beginning to trickle in, revealing some of the details. Quickly glossing over the landscape, he noticed that the fog had finally condensed and settled at the base of the trees, and the frost that latched on to everything it touched was gradually melting. He even caught a glimpse of a few birds flying overhead, chirping and singing as they celebrated the sun's arrival.

Satisfied with what he had seen, he relaxed back against the wall. Adjusting his shoulder, he tilted Gohan toward his chest and watched him as he slept. Looking over his handsome features, he shook his head dismissively and smiled. All those years they spent together and he never realized just who he was. The hunt for the dragon balls, the defeat of the red ribbon army, the journey for Upa's father, and the countless hours of time spent together, yet he never knew.

His smile faded, and a sigh soon followed.

He understood why he kept that piece of him secret. He wasn't the smartest man in the world, but he understood that talking about the future was dangerous; all the proof he needed of that was what happened after Krillin died. If he had just taken more time to think and listen, rather than shout and accuse, then maybe he wouldn't have ran. And if he never ran, maybe they wouldn't have said goodbye. Maybe he could have saved him from all the pain he was feeling now.

Taking in a deep breath, Goku shifted his mind away from those thoughts. There was no point in beating himself up for his mistakes; he still had the chance to make things right. Now, more than ever, he had that chance to lead him away from all that sorrow and guilt. How he would do that, he had no idea, but he needed to find a way. Of that he was sure.

Sensing Gohan was about to wake, Goku leaned forward slightly, and turned his attention toward him. Watching his eyes struggle to open in the dawn's light, he placed his hand above his brow, shielding him from it.

"Good morning... Gohan" he said quietly, his smile already resurging from the simple mention of his name.

Slowly coming out of his coma-like slumber, Gohan freed his arms from the blanket and raised them above his head. Extending his muscles as straight as possible, his body was filled with relief. That was the first night of quiet, blissful sleep he had in what felt like an eternity. When he had finally finished stretching and could bear the effect of the light, he glanced around the room confusedly. Taking the blanket in hand he turned toward his father.

"When did we get here?" he asked. "D-did I sleep through the day?"

Concerned, he then saw the oversized orange gi layered overtop his own and pulled it gently away to inspect it. Lowering his eyes, his heart sank as he came to the realization that he was also the only one with a blanket.

Guiltily looking back up toward Goku, he asked: "Did...did you sleep in the cold, Daddy?"

Feeling the shame begin to seep out from his ki, Goku quickly placed his hand back around Gohan's shoulder. He had only just woken up and was already beginning to feel guilty? That wasn't going to fly.

"Of course not!" he replied, shaking his head adamantly. "I had you here to keep me warm."

Still unconvinced, Gohan prodded. "Are you sure?"

He nodded back. "Absolutely."

Feeling his ki brighten up a bit, Goku lifted him momentarily as he crossed his legs. Once he had finished shifting them around, he sat Gohan on his knee and wrapped the green blanket around his shoulders. He didn't want to ruin the fragile mood, but he knew he needed to ask the first of many difficult questions.

Taking hold of one of his hands, Goku lowered his head to his level.

"Gohan?"

"...Yes?" he hesitatingly answered, mirroring his father's worried look.

"Did you get everything out? Do you need more time?"

"N-No..." he stammered. "I've taken up too much already. I'm sure mom needs you back home."

Sliding Gohan closer to his chest, Goku wrapped his arms around him. If he was younger maybe he would have been fooled by that, but he knew him too well. He knew that was just a modest attempt at finding a way out. A way of saying he wasn't worth the effort.

"I'm not leaving you alone, Gohan. I don't care how long it takes, we are staying together until you feel better. Right now isn't about anyone else. Not me, not Chi-Chi, not anyone. Right now is about you. About how you feel."

Caught off guard by his father's perceptive response, Gohan froze. He forgot he wasn't dealing with a child anymore, and simple tricks like that weren't enough to deter him. Looking up at him, he struggled to think of a response.

"I- I kn-"

"You don't know." Goku sharply interjected. "You have always put everyone's needs in front of yours. Always."

Relaxing into his father's gentle embrace, Gohan held onto his blanket firmly.

"Isn't that what I should do?" he muttered. "Isn't that what you do?"

"It is, but I don't do it like you. You put everyone so far ahead of you that they're all you can see. You forget about what you need."

Gohan's voice shook with uncertainty. "What do I need?"

"I don't know." Goku sighed, caressing the back of his son's head. "But if you can tell me what it is, I'll find a way to do it. Anything."

Releasing his hold on the blanket, Gohan threw it off of himself and nestled underneath his father's chin. Weaving his arms around his upper body, he clung to him tightly as he could.

"Anything?" he asked reluctantly.

"Anything."

Unaccustomed to asking for even the smallest of things, Gohan blushed as his mind quickly came up with a request. Even thinking of it felt selfish in his mind, but he was willing to be selfish if his father told him to be.

"C-could you hold me?" he asked, embarrassed. "Just like yesterday."

Smiling, Goku didn't waste a moment in fulfilling his wish. He lifted him up with ease and gave him ample time to grab onto his shoulders before cloaking him in the green blanket once again. After that, he kept him still as he smoothly found his way to his feet.

"You want to go outside, Gohan? We can still watch the sunrise."

Nodding, he answered, "Y-yes please."

Moving his arms underneath Goku's, Gohan rested his head on his shoulder and trusted him to carry his weight completely. He then waited in silent comfort as he was brought out of the house.

As the two stepped into the sunlight, Gohan looked around the forest, at the long shadows cast by the tall stoic trees. He couldn't quite see the sun from where they were, but he was confident that his father knew where to take them. His faith was reaffirmed when Goku took a quick and determined step toward his grandfather's old path.

Eyeing the trees as they passed them, Gohan nuzzled his father's neck and smiled. Being held by him and traveling along the forest path felt straight out of a dream. Everything, from the sound of the leaves crunching beneath his boots to the soft timid breeze, felt perfectly crafted just for him. He wondered if it was real.

Did his father really love him after all the horrible things he had to endure because of him? The loss of his friends, of his family, his own life? Did he really understand the gravity of what he had taken from him?

He needed the answer.

"Daddy?"

Sensing the shift in tone, Goku immediately knew that what he was about to ask was important. Too important to answer while walking.

Taking a step to the side of the trail, Goku looked for the proper place to rest while they talked. Spotting a dry, mossy stone slab elevated a few feet above the wet forest floor, he quickly sat down and crossed his legs. Gently placing Gohan onto his lap, he tightened the blanket around his shoulders and made himself as available as possible.

"Yes, Gohan?"

His heartbeat quickening, Gohan hurried with his burning question.

"Do you really forgive me... after everything I did?" he paused, unsure if he should continue. "Do you really still love me?"

Watching his father purse his lips, his chest filled with discomfort and unease as he waited for his response. He could tell that the question had hurt him, which already made him feel guilty for asking it, but he wasn't sure of the way it hurt him. Was he angry? Did it upset him? Did he find it stupid?

"Of course I still love you." he cooed, furrowing his brow. "And you haven't done anything wrong. There's nothing for me to forgive."

Gohan looked at him somberly. "But you don't know everything I did."

Slowly, different periods of his life came to mind, the first of which was the battle with the saiyans. He could see Piccolo so clearly: Shredded, torn to pieces from blocking Nappa's attack. He died only because of him. Because he was scared stiff, too afraid to move and risk making a mistake.

"I let our friends down." he said, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "I let them get hurt."

Then it was Namek. He could practically hear the terrified, blood-curdling scream that left Krillin's body as Freiza lifted him into the air. He was so small and weak then. Too weak to matter, to have an effect on the situation.

"And I was always too weak to help them. I was always in the way."

His throat tensed as he pictured the Cell Games. He remembered the unpleasant feeling of anticipation that lingered in the air no matter where he was. Even when he saw his father fight and gain the upper hand, he couldn't escape that paralyzing nervousness. The inescapable feeling that something was horribly wrong.

"But worst of all..."

And when he finally had a chance to do something, to have an impact and not just sit idly by on the sidelines like a child, he failed. When he finally had the power to be as strong as his father, the most gifted, incredible fighter he had ever known, he failed.

"Worst of all, I got you killed."

His eyes full of tears, he sat up further to reveal as much of his shame as possible. Refusing to seek his father's comfort, he wanted to lay everything out for him and leave nothing hidden. He would speak the whole truth no matter how bad it made him look because that's what he deserved. He should see his son for who he truly is and make the judgment call himself.

"You told me to beat him quickly, but I didn't listen." he said. "I toyed with him and it killed you."

Taking a slow, painful swallow, Gohan continued looking at Goku, blinking away the mist as it formed repeatedly in his eyes.

"I killed you!" he wailed.

Finally, he had given him the last piece of information he had; this was the truth, in full. Through his bloodlust, selfishness, and anger, he killed him and that was a fact. But even though he had revealed everything, that wasn't enough to justify any sort of relief. He would sit and wait for his father to decide if he deserved forgiveness.

Watching Gohan tremble, Goku was speechless. He looked like he was waiting for execution. Like he was ready to either receive the hateful swing of an axe or the gracious mercy of a pardon. He couldn't imagine the sheer amount of strength it took to say that. Even though he was entirely wrong.

"You made a mistake." he stated, placing a hand to his cheek. "That's all you did. You made a mistake. You didn't kill anyone."

"I did..." he whimpered. "I killed you!"

"No, you didn't." Goku softly replied. "I saw it."

"I saw me next to that big monster." he said, wiping away his son's tears. "And I saw you on the ground. You were covered in cuts and bruises but all you cared about was me. You were reaching out for me."

Gohan trembled as he heard him explain. How did he know that? How could he know that?

"You made a mistake, and I had to protect you. That's all it was." he said. "Everyone makes mistakes."

His eyes wide, full of admiration and guilt, Gohan shook his head.

"You don't."

Placing his temple to his son's, Goku closed his eyes.

"Gohan..." he whispered. "Yes, I do."

Inching away from him, Goku placed both hands to the sides of his face, offering as much comfort as he possibly could.

"One of the biggest I ever made was letting you leave. I knew how badly it hurt you to say goodbye, but I still let you go..."

Picturing the last few minutes they had together at the lookout, he remembered the look in Gohan's eyes. The utterly lost and depressed look that conveyed nothing less than total heartbreak. He didn't know it then, but he knew it now: that look was a cry, a scream for help.

"I was afraid... that if I stopped you, it would only make things worse. That I'd make you feel worse."

Unable to bear the distance between them, he lifted Gohan into his arms and shot to his feet. He couldn't believe how much of a fool he was for allowing him to hurt like that, to experience that kind of guilt and pain, completely alone.

"But I should have! If I did, then maybe I could have fixed things sooner!" he cried. "I should never have let you feel this way for so long."

Shocked by the tears running down his father's cheeks, Gohan quickly returned his warm embrace. Holding onto him tightly, he waited for the overwhelming feeling of guilt to take hold, but instead, he felt something different. The last he'd seen him cry like that was the lookout, where he had broken his heart for the millionth time, but these tears weren't like those. His father wasn't crying because he had hurt him; he was crying because he loved him.

He really loved him.

Despite all his mistakes and all of his failures, he still loved him.

Never in his wildest dreams did he think that was possible. He always thought that if he knew everything, if he had all the insight into what he had done, then he would know he wasn't worth it.

A thought then struck him: what about Gero? He hadn't told him about him yet. Would that change his mind? Would he realize that he's just wasting his time?

"But Daddy, you only made one mistake. A-and it's not even your fault!" he messily assured. "I still make mistakes."

Motionless in the hug he shared, Gohan relished the seconds of silence before he would undoubtedly disappoint him.

"I wanted to be like you, to help people like you. But when I tried to help Gero, I only ended up hurting him." he whined. "He trusted me. He wanted to change."

Gripping tightly onto his father's shirt, Gohan cried, "I just couldn't do it, I couldn't help him! I let him die, just like you!"

Suddenly, Gohan was pushed away, startling him and removing the air from his lungs.

"Stop it!" Goku said commandingly, tears still streaming from his eyes. "You did not let anyone die!"

Instantly, Gohan turned ghostly white, he had almost never heard him yell like that. The only time he had ever heard something even close to that was on Namek, when his father had been pushed to his absolute breaking point.

"You fought hard! As hard as you could!" he said firmly. "And just because he died does not mean it was your fault!"

"But I could have-"

"No, Gohan I won't hear it." Goku stated, pulling him as close to his heart as possible. "You need to learn that, sometimes, things just happen! No matter how strong we get, we can't stop everything."

Ashamed, Gohan closed his eyes and leaned into his father's hold.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered. "Are you disappointed?"

"No, no... Gohan, I'm not disappointed. I could never be."

Wiping his wet eyes with the back of his hand, Goku continued, "I just hate that you feel this way, and I hate it even more that I knew you were hurting. I could have spent these past four years with you, helping you. But I didn't... because I was too scared."

"Don't feel guilty, please." Gohan pleaded, placing his face close to his heart. "I wanted to protect you."

Bringing his arm back down around his son, Goku rested his head on his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, Gohan..." he said tenderly.

"It's okay, Daddy." Gohan replied, running his hand along his back. "I'm sorry too."

With a subtle smile, Gohan held and comforted him. He never knew his father could carry guilt like that, like he could. But knowing that he could, he felt like it closed the smallest remaining distance between them. It was like the connection he felt with him grew even deeper. For the first time since the Cell Games, he didn't just 'feel' like he was loved. He knew that he was loved.

There was not a single doubt in his mind that, despite all of his flaws, despite all of his mistakes and failures, and everything he put him through, nothing could change the love they shared. It was unconditional.

His father never left to punish him, or because he was disappointed in him. He stayed in Otherworld because he truly wanted to protect him. He loved him so much that he was willing to give up everything to keep him safe, even his life on Earth.

"You're amazing," Goku stated. "You know that?"

Letting out a few cathartic giggles, Goku moved his head on top of Gohan's.

"I don't know how you do it, but I always feel better when I'm around you. I feel happier... even more than when I was with grampa." he chuckled again. "Way more."

Hearing him say that, Gohan couldn't help but smile. He could hear the genuineness in his laughter. Its sincerity was so undeniably present that it was almost palpable, like he could feel it in the air. And to his surprise, he didn't feel the need to deny the compliment.

"Thank you, Dad." he said whole-heartedly. "I really needed to hear that."

Lifting his head up, Goku looked around the forest as he composed himself. The long shadows cast by the trees had disappeared, and sunlight peaked through every tree top.

"Oh... we missed it, Gohan."

Out of the corner of his eyes, Gohan peaked into the forest and shrugged. Grabbing the blanket draped over his body, he wrapped it around himself joyfully.

"It's okay... This was better." he happily affirmed. "Maybe we can go back to grandpa's spring?"

"Of course." Goku said, smiling. "That's a great idea."

With one arm underneath him and one arm around him, Goku slowly stood up from the stone slab and carried Gohan back to the trail.

As the two walked along the mossy old path, neither said a word. They shared each other's company in complete silence, both staring out into the beautiful woodlands that surrounded them. Together, they experienced Mount Pouzu spring to life as the rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and all the other animals of the forest floor, crawled out from their dens. They knew that the last of the night's shadows had gone, that day was finally here.

And when the two arrived at the long, rolling fields they wasted no time in heading up the hill, back to the apple tree. There, they sat and looked out over the entirety of the valley, at everything it had to offer.

Still keeping Gohan close to him, Goku asked, "So, is there anything else I can do? Anything else you need?"

Gohan furrowed his brow and thought to himself. He really never thought he'd have the opportunity to talk like this. Maybe he should make the most of it.

"Can I tell you about the future, Dad?" he requested sheepishly.

In response to his question, Goku also furrowed his brow and concentrated.

"That's something I wanted to ask you, Gohan. I already know a lot about you... and the future, so what does that mean? Won't that change things when you go home?"

Gohan lowered his shoulders and looked away from Goku. He had nearly forgotten about that small, irritating piece of information.

"No..." he answered, his voice trailing off. "When I go home... no one remembers anything. It's like all this never happened."

Gohan's words ushered in a quiet discomforting stillness. He knew that what he just said was probably the most difficult thing for his father to hear, especially now that he was beginning to understand exactly who his son was.

Without even sensing his energy, Gohan knew how he was feeling. Taking the green blanket off of his shoulders and placing it around his father's, he then quickly pressed himself to his chest.

"Are you okay, Dad?"

Without bothering to stop the tears welling up in his eyes, Goku held onto Gohan. Nothing could have prepared him to hear that. In fact, he couldn't believe it; he couldn't imagine a world without knowing him.

"No, Gohan..." he whispered. "I didn't know I-."

Pausing, Goku reminded himself that now wasn't about him. As much as he hated hearing that, he imagined it from Gohan's perspective. How difficult was it for him to admit that, knowing how much it would hurt him?

"You won't forget, will you?"

Gohan shook his head. "No, Dad... I'll remember everything."

"Good." he exclaimed with extreme relief. "That's all that matters."

Tears slowly trickling down his cheeks, he ruffled his son's hair gently.

"I want you to remember that you are the greatest person I ever met. And I was lucky to know you." his smile widened as he continued running his fingers through his hair. "So you tell me everything you need to about the future."

"You may not like it." Gohan reluctantly said.

"That's okay, Gohan. Now is about you, remember?"

Looking up at him, Gohan nodded. "I remember."

His father nodded back. "Then go ahead."

"With you gone, life was... different." he frowned. "Mom changed. She kept me in my room and never talked to me. For a long time, I thought it was because she was disappointed. Angry that I couldn't save you. But if you're not disappointed..."

Losing his train of thought, Gohan fell silent. It felt like stringing his words together suddenly became an impossibility.

"She loves you." Goku said. "Maybe she's sad, but I know she loves you."

Gohan watched his father close his eyes as his thoughts consumed him.

"You should have seen her yesterday. She was running all over the kitchen getting everything ready for breakfast, but when she saw that you were looking at us, I could tell all she wanted to do was hold you. And when she did, she was over the moon. Love like that doesn't go away."

"You really think so?" Gohan asked, eager to hear his father's wisdom.

"I know so." he responded assertively. "Because it never went away for me."

Gohan pursed his lips, maybe he was right. Maybe she was just as lost as he was and couldn't find a way to tell him that.

"Maybe she still loves me, but I don't know if that'll be enough."

"What do you mean?" Goku asked, his voice oozing concern.

"I'm gonna have a little brother." Gohan muttered under his breath. "I'm scared that he'll hate me. That he'll blame me... for you being gone."

A brother? A second son? It was like one suckerpunch after another, but hearing the fear in Gohan's voice kept him focused. He could think about himself later, right now his son needed him.

"Don't you worry." he cooed lovingly. "You're gonna do great."

Confused at the unusual amount of confidence in his father's voice, Gohan couldn't help but feel unconvinced.

"H-how do you know"

"What do you mean how do I know?" Goku replied playfully. "I was your brother! I know you're gonna do great because you were great!"

Laughing, Gohan rested his head against his chest once more. His father's wit wasn't something that appeared often, but when it did, it was unforgettable.

He smiled. "I guess you're right."

Together, they then shared in a moment of peace. Everything that Gohan had been wanting to tell him for years was finally said. All of the pains he had been keeping hidden for so long were, at last, out in the open. Even more, he knew that they didn't change anything, his father still loved him regardless. And maybe that didn't make everything better, but it was a good start.

If he could still love him, maybe others could as well.

"Did you get everything out, Gohan? Do you need more time?" Goku asked.

"I got everything out, Dad." he replied. "Thank you."

"If you got everything out, then would it be okay if I asked you something?"

Gohan was surprised that his father even felt like he needed to ask him for permission. He certainly did not.

"Of course."

Goku pressed his face against his son's and held him as tightly as he could. It was difficult to accept that their adventure was close to ending. He couldn't express how much he enjoyed it, even if he tried to put it into words.

"How much more time can I spend with you... before you have to go?"

Gohan's heart melted. He could sense that feeling of nostalgia in his father's energy. He knew he was thinking about all the incredible things they had accomplished together, and all the wonderful places they had gone.

"Mom still needs you, and so does little me." he answered. "But... we can spend today together."

Sniffling, Goku nodded. "Today... today's good."

Loosening his hold on Gohan, Goku lifted him up and sat him next to the tree. It was the first time they had even a foot of distance between them since the day prior.

"Do you think we can have your fish tonight?" Gohan politely asked. "Oh! And invite Korin and Master Roshi?"

Confused, Goku tilted his head slightly to the side. He was happy to make fish and was never opposed to having guests, but he wondered why they would specifically invite them.

He mouthed the words to himself. "Korin and Master Roshi?"

Keenly aware of his father's puzzled expression, Gohan was quick to explain himself.

"They helped me a lot Dad." he said. "They both know who I really am."

"They do?!" Goku replied, bewildered. "Then of course we'll invite them! We can't just let you go without saying goodbye, can we?"

His father's overwhelmingly positive reaction filled him with excitement and anticipation. A chance to have dinner with the people closest to him sounded like the greatest thing in the world.

"I guess not." he said, smiling. "Thank you, Dad"