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 8 – A New Student and a Place to Live
Gohan flew blindly, oblivious to his surroundings. He could have flown through a mountain for all he knew. His entire being was focused on the events that had just happened. His mother, the one person Gohan thought would always be with him, had willingly stayed away from him. Like his father, Chi-chi had left him, had abandoned him. And Gohan couldn't believe it.
Is there something wrong with me? Gohan wondered as he landed. There had to be, for both of his parents to want to stay away from him. There must be some quality in Gohan that drove his parents away, made them desire desperately to keep their distance from him. After all, what parent chooses to leave their son?
Tears began to slide down Gohan's face as he sank to his knees. He'd tried so hard to be what everyone wanted, to be a person his mother and father could love. He'd done what he was told, ignored any personal feelings and desires in most cases, and tried to mold himself into the visage his parents chose for him. And he'd failed; his own mother, a woman whose willpower and desire for life had always astounded Gohan, wanted to be away from him so much she had chosen the Other World over this one.
"I'm pathetic," Gohan commented aloud bitterly. What was the point in going on? He was obviously deficient in some way, and there was nothing he could do to change that. Could he really stand living, knowing he had a knack for driving away and chance of someone loving him? No, that would not be a life worth living. Besides, there was nothing here for him. It would be so easy. All it would take was a blast of ki while he was powered down, and he'd be dead. No more pain, no more loss. He'd be free.
Gohan glanced down, and saw he'd already formed a ball of energy in his hands. It wasn't much; it wouldn't even make a crater. But it would be enough. All he had to do was throw it and use his will to bring it back. If he aimed right, he'd blow his head off, and wouldn't even feel any pain as he died. He'd be in Other World, with his parents and without suffering. Then he could finally find some peace.
For others to live, you're going to have to fight.
That thought slammed into Gohan with the force of a hurricane. His ki ball fluctuated violently as he remembered what Sensei had told him the very first time they met. It pulled Gohan out of his depression so fast it left him gasping. What was he thinking? He couldn't give up; the entire planet was depending on him. Bulma, Vegeta, Trunks; they were all dead if he didn't stop the Destroyer. And Goten…
Gohan gazed down in horror at his hands, and the energy ball still resting idly within them. "How could I even consider…" Gohan whispered. He shook his head violently. Goten, his newborn baby brother. How could he even think of doing to Goten what his parents had done to Gohan, abandon him to life without an explanation. Make him bereft in this cold, cruel world.
With a scream, Gohan fired the energy ball. It exploded against a nearby rock, singeing it but leaving it relatively unharmed. "I will never, EVER do that," Gohan vowed solemnly, "I'm stronger than that, stronger than them."
"DO YOU HEAR ME?" Gohan screamed at the sky, "I WON'T BE LIKE YOU, EITHER OF YOU! I AM STRONGER THAN THAT!"
If either of his parents heard them, they remained silent. Gohan angrily wiped tears off of his face. Never again will I cry for them Gohan stated fiercely. He took a deep breath, and slowly lifted off.
Gohan was about to head back to Capsule Corps when he felt it. It was small, barely worth Gohan's notice, but someone close by had a decent ki. Only in the hundreds, but that was impressive for a human, especially one outside of the Z-fighters. Curiosity grew within Gohan, and he found himself flying in the direction of the ki.
It took very little time, and soon Gohan was floating over a clearing. Below him, Gohan saw a girl, no more than 10 years old, doing a kata. She had brown hair, and a fierce look of concentration adorned her brow. Her moves were jerky, sloppy; it was obvious to Gohan that she had just learned them. But she kept at it, and slowly her movements became more fluid.
As Gohan watched, something stirred in his memory. There was something about this girl…he knew her. He'd seen her somewhere, but he just couldn't place where or when. Gohan's mind raced as he mentally ran though a list of all the people he'd ever met. It wasn't that long of a list; he'd lived in isolation for his entire life, and half the people he knew were aliens. It shouldn't be that hard to remember…
"KIYA!" the girl screamed as she delivered a particularly hard punch, and it was then that Gohan recognized her. It all came back to him, who this person was and how Gohan knew her. He remembered that voice, for he'd heard it laugh at him, laugh with him, and even call him a 'pervert'
"Lime?" Gohan said in surprise.
Lime stopped her practice and immediately fell into a fighting stance, "Who's there?" she demanded sharply.
Gohan landed softly in front of her. "Hey, it's been a long time."
Lime's stance didn't change, but curiosity came into her eyes, "Who are you?" she asked.
"It's me…Gohan." Gohan supplied.
Lime smiled, "Gohan? GOHAN? Wow, why'd you change your hair?" Lime asked.
Gohan hid a smile. It figured that was the first thing she'd ask. Gohan really didn't feel like explaining to her the whole Saiyan thing. Instead, he said, "It's a long story…so, you're training now?"
Lime smiled, "My grandfather took me on as his student," she declared proudly. "He's says I'm the best student he's ever had, and I'm learning a lot,"
"I can see that," Gohan complimented, "but I'm curious. You didn't strike me as someone into martial arts. What changed?"
Lime's face darkened. "Cell…" she stated shortly.
Gohan bit back a grimace. He should have known. It seemed that even in death, Cell was influencing lives, "Cell's dead, Lime," Gohan reminded her gently.
"I don't care," Lime remarked. "I remember how everyone quivered in terror, and I remembered what I felt…I never want to feel that helpless again. Thanks to my grandfather, I never will. We spar all the time, and I'm learning his techniques. He says I'm getting really good…hey, you fought against Cell, right?"
Gohan nodded, "Yes, I did."
Lime smirked challengingly, "Up for a spar?"
An answering smirk came over Gohan's face. He really should get back to Capsule Corps, before Bulma started to worry. But when had a Saiyan ever turned down a fight? "Sure," Gohan replied.
"Great," Lime chimed, before she shot forward and fired off a rapid succession of punches. They battled back and forth for several minutes. Well, Lime battled and Gohan pushed her. It was almost second nature to him, to drive his opponent to their limit in a spar. And while Lime went all out, Gohan analyzed. Her moves were sloppy, and she had obvious gaps in her defenses. If Gohan had really tried, she'd be a goner, even without his superior speed, strength, and ki. But that wasn't important. What mattered to Gohan was what he saw, in the way she moved and reacted. She was a natural martial artist; she had potential. With the proper sensei, she could become a formidable warrior.
Finally, Lime collapsed onto her knees, panting heavily and sweating profusely. Gohan let her catch her breath for a few moments before he remarked, "Not bad. You need to watch your right side; you tend to drop your guard when you punch. You overextend yourself when you kick with your left leg. And your blocks are a little too forceful. You need to have better control. You just need to deflect your opponent's blows, not try and knock their limbs off with your blocks. Save your strength; it will give you more stamina. But overall, not bad."
Lime glared at him as she gasped, "I'll…keep…that…in…mind."
"I'm just trying to help," Gohan said defensively.
"I know…thanks," Lime managed. She slowly stood up, and stretched.
Gohan glanced at the sky. He really had to get back. Any longer and Bulma would send out Vegeta to find him. Knowing Vegeta, that confrontation would not be pleasant. "Thanks for the spar, but I really need to go."
Gohan moved to leave, but stopped as Lime grabbed his arm, "Gohan, wait!!!"
Gohan turned around, "What?" he asked curiously.
Lime took a deep breath, and whispered softly, "Will you train me?"
"Huh?" Gohan stammered, utterly stunned.
"I saw how you moved," Lime explained. "Your moves are more fluid than any I've ever seen, even from my grandfather. You are incredible…and the kind of warrior I want to be. I'd be honored if you'd take me on as a student."
Gohan blinked several times, trying to process what he was just told. Never in a million years would he expect for someone to want to be his student. For his entire life, Gohan had always been the student, the one learning from someone with more experience. To have someone call him incredible was…well, incredible. But Gohan couldn't. He had to prepare for the Destroyer, and as flattering at it was, Gohan couldn't train a new student.
"Lime, I'm sorry. I just don't have time to train a student." Gohan apologized.
A look of hot disappointment came over Lime's face. "I…understand," she whispered. She bowed her head, and started to walk away.
Gohan felt wretched. He knew how upsetting something like this could be, but he just couldn't…
If there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's always have a back-up plan.
Sensei's words reverberated around in Gohan's head. He gazed at Lime, and thought. Yes, she may not be incredibly strong compared to the Saiyans, but that didn't mean she couldn't contribute. After all, sooner or later the Saiyans will have to pass the reins to the humans, give them the ability to defend themselves. And there was a chance that she could help.
"I will come by and train you as often as I can," Gohan said loudly. Lime stopped moving away, and seemed frozen, "You have potential, and with my help, we can bring it out. But I can't train you everyday, so I want you to keep training with your grandfather. Also, understand that I won't go easy on you. I'm going to push you to your limits, and then past them. Can you live with that?"
Lime turned, and a smile came over her face, "Yes sensei, I can."
Gohan snorted, "Call me Gohan. Sensei is…not appropriate. I have to go now, but I'll return soon."
Gohan didn't wait for a reply. Instead, he blasted off full speed back to Capsule Corps.
It looks like I've got myself at student.
Gohan walked into Capsule Corps gingerly. He had been gone for several hours, and he was a little afraid of how they would react. As he entered the main living room, he found everyone waiting for him. Bulma was holding Trunks over a crib, as Trunks gazed down into it with a look of interest. Meanwhile, Vegeta was leaning idly against the wall, watching the scene but not participating.
"Hi guys," Gohan said.
Bulma's gaze flew to him, and Gohan saw a look of happiness cross her features. She slowly put Trunks down, and as he gave a small cry of displeasure, walked over to Gohan. "I'm glad your back…are you okay?" Bulma asked softly as she stared into Gohan's eyes.
Gohan took a deep breath, and fought down tears. His mother's abandonment still hurt, but he wasn't going to cry. Not now, not ever. They weren't worth it. "No…but I will be," Gohan responded.
A solemn look came over Bulma. "Gohan, there's something we need to talk about."
Gohan turned, and saw Vegeta approaching. Now he was worried. Vegeta neverinteracted in talking unless he had to, which meant this was very important. Gohan swallowed, "What's wrong?"
Bulma led Gohan to a chair, and sat down across from him, "While you were gone, Social Services stopped by" Bulma explained. "As you can guess, they found out that your mother…died during birth, and wanted to discuss living arrangements for you and Goten."
A look of confusion came over Gohan, "I don't understand. I mean, we'll just move back to the house in the woods,"
Bulma shook his head, "Unfortunately, that's not going to work. Both of your guardians are registered as deceased. I know you can take of yourself, but to Social Services, you're only twelve. That's too young for you to live on your own, and so they were here to discuss where you and Goten would be going."
Gohan felt fear rise in his soul. He'd faced monsters, aliens, and insane dictators, but this was entirely outside his realm of knowledge. He remembered those kids he'd met, and their utter fear of those men from Social Services. He vividly remembered their description of foster care, and their intense desire not to live there. "What did they say?" Gohan whispered.
"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," Bulma said solemnly. She took a deep breath, and finished, "Gohan, I offered to become the legal guardian of you and Goten."
"What?" Gohan asked.
"I've been considering it for several months," Bulma continued, "Ever since your mom…I talked it over with the Ox King, and he agrees that given his age and the fact that the only surviving Saiyan lives here, you'd be better off with me…with us."
At the last word, Gohan turned to Vegeta, "You're okay with this?" he asked in disbelief. Despite the lessons, Gohan never felt Vegeta really warmed to him. He had always been aloof, treating Gohan with the barest of respect. And now, to consent to him living here…
Vegeta snorted, "Don't read too much into this brat. I just wanted you close by, since you're the only half decent sparring partner on this mud-ball. Besides, you are the last of my people; it is my duty to watch over you."
Gohan nodded. He'd been around Vegeta enough to read between the lines of what he said, and understood the Vegeta actually was okay with him being here. It was a phenomenal concept, but even so, Gohan knew what he had to do, "I appreciate the offer…but I don't…" Gohan began.
"What else is out there for you?" Bulma interjected, "Living in the woods, eating burned, dead animals or raw meat every day. Gohan, I know I'll never be Ch…her, but that doesn't mean you can't be happy here. Besides, Social Services would never let you take Goten with you."
"What do you mean," Gohan demanded, "Goten is my little brother, he is MY responsibility, no one else's," Gohan's voice rose quickly. He couldn't let them take his brother; he was the only family Gohan really had left.
"You are only twelve years old," Bulma countered, "And Social Services will not let you raise him. If you take him, they will try and catch you, and you'll be forced to either always run, or fight them off. Could you honestly hurt them in such a case?"
Gohan said nothing, and Bulma continued, "How about a compromise? I will take custody of you and Goten, but only until you're eighteen. Then, you're legally an adult, and I'll make sure the adoption agreement gives you full custody of Goten at that point. You've lived here for months now Gohan. Would it really be so bad to stay here?"
Gohan paused. "I become Goten's legal guardian when I turn eighteen, no strings attached," he asked in confirmation.
"The very second you turn eighteen, you will be Goten's full and only Guardian," Bulma agreed.
Gohan thought about it. Despite the part of him that wanted to live where he'd grown up, Gohan was tempted. Bulma was great, and he had a feeling he could be happy here. Besides, living in the mountains would bring back too many memories. Finally, Gohan sighed, and said, "I guess I'll live here, except…"
"Except what?" Bulma asked worriedly.
"Will I have to eat your cooking," Gohan questioned with a smirk.
To Gohan's shock, Vegeta laughed. Admittedly, it was just a sharp exclamation, but it was still a laugh, "well said brat. You'd be better off with raw meat than the woman's cooking."
"Why you loud-mouthed…" Bulma began hotly, then trailed off as an evil look came over her, "Why Vegeta, I had no idea you felt that way about my cooking. I'd never deprive you of it. In fact, I think I'll make every meal for the next week."
A slightly pained look came over Vegeta, as he glared at Gohan, "This is your fault brat,"
Gohan simply smiled.
Gohan entered the room quickly as the sound of crying reached his sensitive ears. He ran over and reached into the crib, pulling out his little brother. Almost immediately, the crying stopped, and Gohan found himself staring into a pair of coal black eyes. Eyes the seemed to emanate trust and love. Gohan smiled, "I see Goten, you just wanted to see me."
Goten giggled, and his tail reached up and firmly grabbed Gohan's wrist. Gohan laughed. Goten's got a great grip he mused as he softly disengaged the tail from his wrist. He rocked Goten back and forth awkwardly. He'd never tried to put a baby to sleep, but he'd read about it. Despite how strange the rocking felt, Gohan obviously figured it out. Goten soon closed his eyes, and fell back to sleep.
Knowing the slightest jarring could wake him, Gohan gently put Goten back in his crib. He then stopped, and gazed at his little brother. Already, Gohan could see the striking resemblance to their father. From the eyes to the hair to the innocent smile, Goten looked exactly Goku. However, Gohan could also see signs of their mother's genetics in some of his mannerisms. And his voice was definitely their mothers. Too bad he'd never meet her.
Gohan face saddened at that thought, "Heck of a way for you to be here, eh Goten?" Gohan mused. "Dad left, Mom left, and you never met either of them. Kind of upsetting, isn't it?' Slowly, Gohan reached down and stroked his brother's cheek, "Don't worry, Goten," Gohan promised softly, "I swear, I will never abandon you."
Outside the door, Gohan's Saiyan hearing could hear some kind of fight brewing between Bulma and Vegeta. It wasn't that big of a deal; more of a way for two proud people to show their affection. Still, those two had risen arguing to an art form, and Gohan could faintly hear Trunk's crying joining the mix.
Gohan snorted softly. He'd been here for months, and he'd learned that life at Capsule Corps was never dull. And now it looked like he'd be living here for a long time. As that fact circled in Gohan's mind, only one thought came to mind.
Life is definitely going to be interesting from now on.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Hey guys. To make up for the long wait, I got this part out quickly. Couple of things.
CW – I apologize for almost giving you a heart attack. I did not even think that the title of my last chapter could be misconstrued. Rest assured, I have no intention of stopping before this story is done.
Syn Shenron – thank you for telling me about the section breaks. I was not aware they were not translating though, and I apologize to all my readers. I will start switching them around, and may repost my previous parts when I find a break that works. Sorry.
To those Gohan/Videl fans reading this story, rest assured I am one too. I will now state in no uncertain terms I will NOT do a Gohan/Lime pairing. She has a part to play in the life of Gohan, but there will be no…well, lime. I am getting closer to the Gohan/Videl. Please be patient.
Again, please read and review. I look forward to any comments from my readers, about anything. Tell me if I make a mistake, of it you feel a character is acting OOC. Thanks.