Gohan: Development of a Hero

This is a Dragonballz fanfiction.  To my eternal sadness, I do not own or in anyway profit from Dragonballz or any of the characters in this story.  This fic, as you can guess from the title, centers on Gohan, and begins right after the cell games.  It is an AU, and reviews are welcome and appreciated.

Part 7 – Abandoned

            When Chi-chi could see again, she found herself standing in front of a massive palace.  There were small white clouds floating around her, and Chi-chi could see blue-skinned creatures in ties walking among them.  Though she had never been here, Goku had described it often enough that Chi-chi was able to figure out where she was quickly.  This was Other World.  "I guess this means I died," Chi-chi stated sadly.

            "Yes, Chi, it does."

            Chi-chi froze.  Though she hadn't heard the voice in months, she'd never forget it.  The strength, the subtle inflection that betrayed a country accent, and the innocence that seemed to be conveyed by it.  She turned, and found herself staring at someone she'd been missing desperately.  "Go…Goku?" Chi-chi asked softly, as tears formed in her eyes.

            Goku nodded, as he replied, "Yes, Chi, it's me."

            And then Chi-chi was there, hugging Goku for all he was worth.  She felt his arms come around her, and Chi-chi felt an ache in her heart fading.  She'd missed this embrace, this hug that seemed to make her feel safe, like nothing could ever hurt her as long as she was here, with him.  They held this pose for several minutes, before Chi-chi pulled away slightly.  Goku grinned at her, "I'm glad to see you.  Come on, King Yamma is granting me a favor, and is letting you cut to the front of the line.  But he's not very patient; we don't want to put him in a bad mood."

            Goku pulled gently on Chi-chi hand, and she quickly followed behind him.  They quickly walked into the palace, and Chi-chi took a moment to marvel at some of the architecture.  Being a princess herself, she was no stranger to castles.  However, there was an immensity and structure to this one that left Chi-chi gasping, as if all other castles were fashioned in some way to copy this one.  Her musings were cut short as she found herself face-to-face with the biggest person she'd ever seen.  The being was huge, with giant horns and dark red skin.  He stared down at her for several seconds, before finally asking, "You are Chi-chi, wife of Goku?"

            Chi-chi nodded, and King Yamma gave a curt nod in respond, as if this confirmed something to him.  Grabbing a piece of paper, he read, "Chi-chi, wife of Goku and daughter of the Ox King, you have been granted a rare privilege.  You will be allowed to keep your body, and you will be sent to the planet of the Grand Kai, where you will be able to train for all eternity."

            Chi-chi stared in shock.  She was under the impression that only the most noble of warriors would be granted this privilege.  "Um, there must be some kind of mistake…I'm not a warrior," Chi-chi remarked regretfully.

            King Yamma shook his head, "According to our records, you were feared and respected by some of the most powerful warriors in existence.  I've looked at your life, and you've led an exemplary life.  While normally this wouldn't allow you for training, your husband convinced the Grand Kai that with proper training, you could be a formidable warrior."

            "Don't you want to be with me?" Goku asked plaintively.

            "Of course I do," Chi-chi replied quickly.  Inside, she was reeling.  Never in her wildest dreams had she thought this could happen.  For most of her life, a part of Chi-chi ached for fighting.  It had gotten into her blood.  The rush of adrenalin before a battle, the shock as fists met, the alertness brought upon in fights.  There were times when Chi-chi ached to join Goku and the others in their training.  Though Chi-chi had willingly given up fighting for her family, a part of her had always wondered just how strong she could have been if she'd never stopped training, and now it looked like she was going to find out.

            Thoughts of her children brought Chi-chi back from her musing.  She turned to King Yamma, and demanded, "How are my sons?  Please, I need to know."

            King Yamma held her gaze for several seconds before he finally said, "Your eldest Gohan is fine.  Distraught over your demise, but fine."

            Chi-chi wasn't fooled.  She'd spent too many years around Bulma not to pick up her knack for seeing to the truth of the matter, "What about Goten?" Chi-chi asked softly.

            King Yamma's face fell, "I'm sorry, Chi-chi, but according to my records, your youngest son didn't survive."

            The words struck Chi-chi like a blow.  She shook her head fiercely, "No, I held out…it had to be long enough…Bulma's the best in this field…"

            A look of infinite sadness came over King Yamma's features, "I'm sorry, Chi-chi, but my records are never wrong.  Goten was scheduled to die a few moments after you."

            Tears began to slide down Chi-chi's face, but she held them back.  She had to know.  "That would mean he's here, which means I can see him.  Please, let me see him just once before I go with Goku."

            King Yamma shook his head slowly, as his eyes grew more mournful, "Unfortunately, souls of premature babies aren't fully developed.  If the child doesn't survive long enough to develop, the soul matter is reused for a new child.  By now, his soul energy has already been redistributed.  I'm sorry."

            "What kind of being are you," Chi-chi shrieked, "he was innocent.  He deserved heaven if he died, not to be used as SPARE PARTS!!!"

            King Yamma's gaze did not waver, as he said, "I've held this job for longer than you can imagine, and this is always the hardest part.  Even for me, there are some things I cannot change.  It was written in the cosmic order that your youngest son not survive, and not even I can change that."

            Chi-chi sank to her knees as she began to weep.  It had all been for nothing.  All the pain, the torment every second of every day became during the end.  It had become so constant, such a struggle to even exist in the end.  And all that had held her together was the knowledge that Goten would survive by her efforts.  The gradual weakening of her entire body despite her best efforts, all the time she had sacrificed for Goten.  It had been pointless in the end.

            Chi-chi was dimly aware of strong, comforting arms encircling her, as she blindly fell into them.  She recognized the hold, for it was one closest to her heart.  As she felt liquid splash into her hair, she knew that Goku was weeping with her.  For their child, a being that would never experience all that life offered.  It just wasn't fair.

            Time was meaningless to Chi-chi.  It could have been hours, days, weeks, she didn't know.  But finally, Chi-chi rose to her feet, with Goku's arm firmly encircling her shoulders.  She looked at King Yamma, whose expression of pity had never changed.  "Was there anything else?" she asked softly.

            "No, I don't…" King Yamma began, but trailed off.  He stared at the file in his hands for several seconds, as he couldn't believe what he was reading.  Finally, he looked up at Chi-chi with a look of respect.

            "What's going on?" Goku demanded as King Yamma stared down at them in astonishment.

            "According to my records," King Yamma explained, "you can be wished back to life."

            Chi-chi froze.  Her mind heard the words, but she refused to accept them for several seconds.  Finally, she stammered, "but the dragonballs can't wish back someone who died naturally."

            King Yamma nodded, "In most cases, yes."

"Then why can I…"

"Given your family's track record, I'm willing to make an exception for you." King Yamma interjected.  "Beyond that…I have my reasons."

            Chi-chi was torn.  A part of her was ecstatic; she could go back.  But another part was so tired.  She was so drained.  The last few months had taken so much out of her, and Chi-chi wasn't sure she could face life again.  Face the fact that her husband was dead; her baby was dead, and just go on living.  But she couldn't; wouldn't leave Gohan.  For him, she would return.  But it was just so hard.

            "Chi?"

            Chi-chi turned, and found herself becoming lost in Goku's compassionate eyes.  "Yes?"

            "You don't have to go back," Goku said softly, "not right away.  Isn't that right?"

            Goku turned to King Yamma, who nodded in confirmation.  "Yes, this is an open-ended ticket for you Chi-chi."

            "I know what you've been through," Goku commented as he pulled Chi-chi close, "I know how hard the last few months have been, how much you suffered.  I felt it.  Chi-chi, stay up here and train.  Just for a little while.  Just long enough to recover from your ordeal."

            "I can't leave Gohan…" Chi-chi began weakly.  Inwardly, a part of her soul was rejoicing.  To feel no pain, no loss, no sadness, no crushing depression was almost a dream come true.  She could stay here with her soulmate, the love of her life, and spend some quality time with him.  But…

            "He'll understand," Goku reasoned, "he knows what you've been through.  Once he understands the situation, I know he'll be with me on this one."

            "But, how could I tell him I wasn't…" Chi-chi began, and trailed off.  How could she face Gohan, knowing she'd failed to bring his little brother into the world?  Could she look him in the eyes again, knowing all the pain he'd been through as she wasted away was pointless?

            "I'll talk to him.  Trust me, he'll understand," Goku said softly.  "It won't be forever, just long enough for you to get past the last few months."

            Chi-chi stared into her husband's eyes for a long time.  She saw the love in them, the desire for her welfare, and thought of what awaited her.  She could train, and finally spend time with her husband.  Over the past few years, it had been in short supply, as there was always one threat or another for him to face.  But now, they could be together.  But, could she really leave Gohan?  Chi-chi wrestled in her mind, as each side of her soul warred with the other.  Stay, or go?  Finally, she reached the hardest decision of her life.  Looking into her husband's eyes, Chi-chi said softly, "Alright, I'll stay." 

"Gohan?  Gohan, can you hear me?"

Gohan groaned, and slowly opened his eyes.  Everything was blurry for several seconds, before everything coalesced into a scarred face, drawn and haggard, with a pair of piercing onyx eyes that gazed at Gohan in concern.  "Sensei?" Gohan asked.

A faint smile came onto Sensei's face, "Glad to see your memory's still working."

Gohan slowly sat up, and put his right hand to his head, "What happened?  How did I get here?"

Sensei helped Gohan to his feet, and commented, "You tell me.  What exactly did you do?"

Gohan closed his eyes, as painful flashes came to his vision; his mother's pain-wretched face fading away, her grip disappearing as she moved on to the Other World.  Gohan fought back tears as he explained to Sensei what had happened: his mother's death, his brother's birth, and Gohan's intervention.  Sensei was silent for several moments afterwards, and Gohan turned to find Sensei deep in thought.  Finally, Sensei sighed and said, "I have to admit, I'm surprised.  You used a power inside of you, a strength I didn't think you were able to access yet."

"You mean it wasn't something you taught me?" Gohan asked in surprise.

Sensei shook his head, "I may have inadvertently taught you techniques that made it easier to access the power, but it was always within you.  However, accessing it this early in your life caused problems.  You weren't trained for it, and that was bad in this case.  I apologize; I could have provided the training you needed to do it right.  If I'd taken a second to think, I would have planned for this and taken steps to help you through it.  As it is, you're just lucky I was around."

"What do you mean?" Gohan questioned.

"When I felt what had happened," Sensei explained, "I pulled you here, or what was left of you. You were pretty messed up internally.  I was able to put you back together and fix the damage.  If I hadn't done what I did, it would have taken months for your body to internally fix the same damage.  You'd have been in a coma for that time, unable to train and barely functioning.  As is, you've been unconscious for about six hours or so."

"I feel…different." Gohan stated.  It was true, he felt strange.  It was as if someone had reorganized his entire being, and Gohan felt as if this new configuration was not as strong as the original.

A shadowed look came over Sensei's eyes as he remarked, "It's just the healing.  Give it a little bit of time, and I'm sure you'll feel more normal."

Gohan could tell Sensei was hiding something.  His posture, his eyes, all of them subtly betrayed that fact.  However, Gohan had learned from his mother's pregnancy that Sensei could be trusted, and if he kept something from Gohan, there may be a good reason for it.  Therefore, Gohan didn't press the issue.  Instead, he complained, "Ugh, I feel awful." Gohan complained.

Sensei snorted, "Hey, I said I fixed you, not that you weren't going to feel the effects."

Gohan smiled, and replied, "Yeah, yeah.  I'm grateful.  I just wish I didn't feel like I did last week when Vegeta nailed me in the head…" Gohan trailed off as he suddenly realized what he might have inadvertently admitted.

Sensei frowned, "Why would Vegeta attack you?  Gohan, what's going on?"

Sensei gave Gohan a piercing glare, and Gohan realized he wasn't going to be able to lie his way out of it.  Taking a deep breath, Gohan remarked, "I've been sparring with Vegeta, helping him to get stronger.  In exchange, he's been teaching me about the Saiyan culture."

A deafening silence ensued.  As Sensei gazed steadily at Gohan, Gohan met his look.  He wouldn't back down, no matter what.  The silence stretched for several minutes, before Sensei asked quietly, "Does he know about the Destroyer?"

Gohan shook his head, "No, he doesn't have a clue.  I just told him I wanted to learn more about the Saiyan culture."

"…alright then." Sensei finally stated.

"You're not angry," Gohan asked in surprise.

"Of course I am," Sensei snapped, "I'm furious you didn't listen to me, and chose to go against my opinion.  However, if there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's always have a back-up plan.  How can I fault you for following the same principle?  I just hope you understand that no matter what, Vegeta CANNOT help you in this fight."

Gohan was pretty sure he didn't begin training with Vegeta to have a back-up plan, but he wasn't going to argue that fact.  As long as Sensei accepted it, Gohan wasn't going to press his luck.  However, he had to ask one more thing, "I understand that Vegeta could be a liability to me, but I still think he could be a help.  I mean, in the past we've defeated opponents only by working together.  Frieza, Brolly, Cell, all of them were beaten thanks to efforts from everyone.  Can't that be a possibility here?"

Sensei shook his head, "Gohan, it may be true that despite their limited strength, the others could be a use.  However, that wasn't the only reason they couldn't help you.  Do you remember what I told you about Babidi's goal?"

"He wanted to raise some evil bring called Majin Buu, but I don't see what…" Gohan began.

"And I told you that there would be others available to handle him," Sensei interrupted.  Gohan nodded, and Sensei added, "Well, Vegeta is one of those others.  While it is true that the strength of Majin Buu is nowhere near the strength of the Destroyer, Majin Buu is still immensely powerful.  You could beat him when we're done, but it is going to take everything you've got to just stand a chance of beating the Destroyer.  There has to be someone else available to stop him while you stop the Destroyer, and Vegeta is one of those people."

"Who are the others?" Gohan pressed.

"…that's something we can discuss later.  For now, just trust me when I say Vegeta can't know about the Destroyer's power.  If he does, he'll ignore Majin Buu in order to face the greater challenge, and leave Majin Buu free to terrorize.  That can't happen."

Gohan desperately wanted to press Sensei for answers.  He sensed Sensei was hiding something, some big secret he didn't want Gohan to know.  But he also knew Sensei would not tell Gohan until he was ready.  So, Gohan sighed and said, "I guess so."

"Now, I think it's time you got back, before they start to worry," Sensei remarked.  "I'll see you later tonight.  You can get out on your own?"

Gohan nodded.  As Sensei started to walk away, Gohan focused out, seeking his own body.  At first, this had been difficult, but now Gohan had done it so many times it was almost second nature.  Once he found it, Gohan began to pull his consciousness towards it.  Dreamscape faded away, and then there was only blackness.

            When Gohan opened his eyes again, he met a worried pair of blue ones.  "Oh, you're awake," Bulma shouted.  She pulled Gohan into a crushing hug, as Gohan felt the air knocked out of him.  Must be a Saiyan wife thing Gohan mused as he considered the fact that despite her weak strength, Bulma could also knock the air out of him.  Just like his...

            Gohan forcefully shook his head to force the thought out.  "Uh…Bulma," Gohan began, "I can't breathe."

            "Oh, sorry," Bulma apologized as she pulled back.  Looking around, Gohan realized he was in a medical bed.  Bulma was to his right, and leaning against the wall was Vegeta.

            As Gohan met his gaze, Vegeta snorted, "Finally awake brat.  I expect you tomorrow for training."  With that, Vegeta stood up and walked out of the door.

            "Don't mind grumpy," Bulma said, "He's glad you're alright, I can tell."

            "So can I," Gohan remarked.  He then took a deep breath, and asked the question he was desperate to know, "How is Goten?"

            A look of wonder came over Bulma face.  "Healthy as an ox, thanks to you," Bulma remarked.  "Gohan, how did…"

            Gohan ignored the question as he stood up slowly.  He could feel a slight trembling in his legs, but overall, he felt okay.  The odd sensations he'd felt in Dreamscape were gone; apparently, Sensei had been right about him feeling normal after some time.

            Bulma frowned as she offered her hand to him.  "Gohan, Saiyan or not, I don't think…"

            "Gohan?"

            Gohan froze.  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Bulma pale, but he ignored it as he tried to focus on that voice.  It was a voice he hadn't heard in months, but it was one ingrained deeply in his soul.  "D…Dad?" Gohan asked hoarsely.

            "Yes, son, it's me." Goku replied.

            "Dad, it's great to hear you…is Mom there?" Gohan commented.

            Gohan heard a sigh, "Yes son, she's here.  That's what I want to talk to you about."

            "Is something wrong, is she in trouble," Gohan asked.  He couldn't imagine what kind of trouble would exist in Other World, but…

            "No son, she's fine.  But…" Goku began, but trailed off.

            "What dad, what is it?" Gohan demanded.

            "Son, your mother doesn't want you to wish her back with the dragonballs, not yet."  Goku finally said softly.

            A look of confusion came over Gohan's face, "what are you talking about?  The dragonballs can't…" Blinding comprehension hit Gohan, and drove the air from lungs suddenly frozen.  No, it couldn't be… "Dad, can the dragonballs bring mom back to life?" Gohan muttered quietly.

            "Yes son, they could.  King Yamma gave special permission in this case.  However, we discussed it and decided it was best not to exercise that option, not yet.  Instead, your mother is going to be allowed to come with me and train."

            Goku kept talking, but Gohan didn't hear him.  All his mind could handle was that his mother, the one person Gohan thought would be with him always, had chosen to stay dead.  Just like his dad.  It was unfathomable, and so against everything he knew about his mother that he just couldn't accept it.  His mother would never leave her sons.

            That thought brought Gohan back to reality as he tried to accept this situation, "What about Goten?" Gohan demanded hoarsely.

            Goku sighed, "We know son.  It was part of the reason she decided to stay up here."

            This was making less and less sense.  I mean, why would his mother, who had sacrificed so much to bring Goten into the world, not want to come back and see him.  "Dad, I don't understa…" Gohan began.

            "Listen son, I have to go." Goku interrupted.  "I wish we could keep talking, but King Kai is looking impatient.   Just trust me.  If you love your mother and I, don't wish her back.  I love you son, and take care."

            "Wait dad…dad…DAD!!!" Gohan screamed, but it was too late.  His father had cut the connection, leaving Gohan with no answers.  Merely a truth that was too sickening for Gohan to fathom.  Like his father, his mother had intentionally stayed dead.  For all intents and purposes, she'd abandoned him.

            Gohan mind screamed as that thought slammed home.  It was too much; he simply couldn't believe that the mom he loved would do that.  So Gohan did the only thing he could, the thing he always did when faced with a truth too hard for him to handle.

            He ran.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Hey guys.  Sorry about the delay in an update.  I got swamped with relatives, evil aunts and cousins who stole my room and banished me away from my computer to the basement.  But I'm back, and hopefully back on track.  As always, I apologize for any mistakes I made.  I know I made Goku and Chi-chi a little OOC, and for those of you who think Chi-chi was cruel, I apologize.  I wanted to make it seem like she struggled with the decision, and I hope I succeeded.  Regardless, please read and review.  I'll get the next part out soon.