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.

Btw, from now on, when characters speak in Saiyago (the Saiyan language), the dialogue will be shown in Bold.

Part 15 – Teamwork and Promotions

Gohan ducked as Piccolo shot a fist towards his head. He countered with a small ki blast that knocked Piccolo back. Gohan took advantage of this pause to glance around and take stock of the situation. So far, the team spar was going pretty much as he'd thought. Goten and Trunks had ignored the others and were currently battling back and forth across the sky, mindful of nothing but each other. As for his other partner…

Gohan watched as Travis took a shot to the stomach from Tien. He was fighting fairly well, and his form as decent, but it was obvious that he wasn't as strong as Tien. It was only a matter of time before Tien overwhelmed Travis, and that worried Gohan a little. With the constraint he'd willingly placed on himself (no Super Saiyan), Gohan found he was hard pressed to hold his own against Piccolo. His former sensei had become quite proficient in the last few years, and Gohan was getting a real run for his money. If Tien got involved and it became two on one, well…

Gohan's thoughts were interrupted as a blast of energy slammed into his right shoulder. Caught totally unprepared for the ki, Gohan was sent flying hurtling backwards with concussive force. Gohan emitted a little of his own ki behind him and slowed down his flight, until he came to complete stop. Looking up, he found Piccolo glaring at him with a slightly contemptuous look on his face.

"Pay attention," Piccolo snapped. He didn't wait for Gohan to respond; instead, he brought his hand up for his signature move. "SPECIAL BEAM CANNON, FIRE!" Piccolo shouted as his most potent technique shot from his finger. Gohan knew Piccolo expected him to either dodge or try and absorb the blast. However, Gohan had other plans.

Gohan threw both hands out in front of him and screamed, "COUNTER FORCE!!!" A small, paper-thin blue rectangle appeared in front of Gohan. As Piccolo's blast hit it, the rectangle bent, and then began to glow. Gohan waited a second, and then shouted, "FIRE!" At his command, Piccolo's special beam cannon emerged, only this time it went unerringly towards a surprised Piccolo.

Piccolo had only a moment to dodge, and he managed to shift his body enough so the blast didn't go through his chest. Instead, the cannon tore though his left shoulder blade, leaving fiery pain in its wake. Piccolo grimaced, "Impressive…where'd you learn it?"

Gohan smirked, "Made it up…you like it?"

An answering smirk came over Piccolo's face, "It is…interesting." Piccolo then flew forward at a blinding speed, and Gohan found himself on the defensive yet again. Gohan nimbly dodged left, right, up, down; it took everything he had at this level to keep from being pummeled by Piccolo's onslaught.

"GO GOHAN! GO GOTEN! GO TRUNKS!" Bulma yelled. She didn't have a clue what was going on; they were moving way too fast for her to see. All she knew was that her family in it, and she wanted them to win. She wasn't sure if they were winning; all she could do is cross her fingers and hope.

Gohan, Gohan, can you hear me?

Gohan was so startled he almost let down his guard. Someone was speaking inside his mind, and it wasn't a voice Gohan readily recognized. Who is this? Gohan thought back fiercely while he blocked an oncoming kick by Piccolo.

It's Travis…I wasn't sure if you could speak telepathically, but I'm glad. How are you faring?

Gohan was startled; he'd had no idea that Travis was proficient in telepathy. But you didn't survive long on a battlefield without being able to adapt quickly. I'm doing okay. I think I've got a slight advantage, but it could go either way if I don't ascend. How about you?

Not so good. Master Tien is still much better than me; he's going to win soon. But, I've got an idea. You up for a little…

Teamwork Gohan interrupted. Definitely. How does this sound…

Travis grimaced as one of Tien's kicks got past his guard and managed to give him a glancing blow to ribs. He rolled back in the air, and fought not to let Tien take advantage of his lapse. Travis could feel Tien's fists moving towards him, and he caught some motion in his peripheral vision. Acting in a way that was practically second nature, Travis threw out his hands. He caught Tien's hands in his own, and clamped down on them.

Tien grinned as he began to apply forward pressure to the lock Travis had him in, "Not bad, Travis. You're getting quite skilled."

"Thank you master," Travis gasped out. It took everything he had to keep from being pushed through the air; Tien was REALLY strong.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're going to lose," Tien promised, "I'm proud you've lasted this long, but I won't go easy in this match. And you can't match my full power…yet"

Suddenly, Travis grinned, "Maybe I can't, but I don't have to," As he finished speaking, Travis ducked down and pulled forward. Tien felt himself being pulled forward just as Gohan's fist sailed over where Travis's head used to be. Unable to prevent it, Tien's head met Gohan's punch with a violent noise. Stunned, Tien's grip slackened, and Travis was quick to move in with a flurry of punches. Tien felt blows hit him across his mid-section, finishing up with a vicious downward fist that sent Tien spiraling towards the ground.

Gohan felt Piccolo moving in behind him, and reacted. He turned and grabbed Piccolo's outstretch punch. Feeding off the momentum already being used, Gohan threw Piccolo as hard as he could at Travis's back. Piccolo used his ki to stop his movement, and whirled back to face Gohan. "That was an interesting stop, but it served no purpose."

"Wanna bet," Gohan muttered.

"TRI-BEAM…HA!!!"

Piccolo twisted back around just in time to catch the full form of Travis's attack on the chest. The blow sent him rocketing forward, and stunned him somewhat. Before he could correct his movement, Piccolo heard Gohan shouting.

"KA….ME….HA….ME….HA!!!"

Piccolo tried to move, but his body was sluggish from the Tri-beam. All he could do was tense up as the Kamehameha wave hit him and sent him reeling towards the ground. Piccolo had a glimpse of the ground fast approaching, and then felt the ground cave beneath him as he landed.

Travis and Gohan surveyed their opponents. Both of them looked beat up, and were struggling to rise. "Guess the match is over," Gohan mused aloud.

Travis turned and grinned at Gohan, "Guess so. Nice timing, partner."

Gohan smiled back, "Right back at you, partner. You've got some real skill. What do you say to a spar every now and then?" Gohan liked Travis; he was determined, quick, and very friendly. In addition, he was someone that was Gohan's age, and didn't know Gohan back when he was a toddler.

"I'd like that," Travis remarked. He held out his hand, and Gohan gladly shook it.

"Now that you two have finished bonding, we'd better get started back," Chaotzu commented.

"I guess the party is winding down," Bulma confessed. She turned and shouted towards the two streaks still battling it out in the air, "GOTEN, TRUNKS! GET DOWN HERE AND SAW GOOD-BYE!"

"We'll head out to," Dende mentioned as he finished healing Piccolo and Tien. Both of them stood and stretched a little as they floated up to Gohan and Travis.

"Nice fight you two," Tien muttered. "We'll have to do it again sometime. Travis, let's go."

"Right. I'll see you soon for out spar Gohan," Travis called as the three of them shot across the sky.

"Later kid," Piccolo muttered as he and Dende also left for home.

Gohan landed gingerly. He was a little disappointed; it had been an okay fight, but the Saiyan blood in him was still flowing with anticipation. He wished it would have been a little longer, if only to help quench the fire in his veins. Still, it was better than nothing.

"It was nice seeing you, but we'd better head out as well," Krillin advised. Marron was currently asleep in Eighteen's arms. She'd tried desperately to stay awake, but she was simply too tired.

"I understand…we'll have to get together again soon," Gohan promised.

Krillin nodded as he took off. Yamcha merely waved as he left, following in the same general direction as Krillin and his family. Gohan watched them leave until all of them were only specks in the horizon. He then turned to Bulma. "Thanks for the party Bulma. I had a lot of fun."

Bulma smiled, "I'm glad you did. It went all right, all things considered. So, what are you going to do now?'

Gohan shrugged, "I'm not sure…actually, wait. I promised Vegeta a spar when this was over. I doubt he'll wait long now that the others are gone."

Bulma snorted, "That man has the patience of a little kid. I hope you knock some sense into the big lunk-head. Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye on the two devils."

Gohan nodded as he turned and ran towards the Gravity Room. Bulma watched him go, and then turned to Goten and Trunks, who were watching her eagerly, "Give him a few more minutes, then do as he told you. You remember what you're to do?"

They both nodded quickly, "Yes we do." Goten chimed in.

"Good. I'll watch from the security room," Bulma promised.

"Why mom?" Trunks wondered.

Bulma smiled, "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Gohan threw on a training gi as he headed for the Gravity Room, ready and eager to go head to head with Vegeta. He was tempted to just keep on the gi he'd already used, but it was torn in several places, and he figured he might as well start fresh. As Gohan approached the door, he frowned. He still was hurt and angry that Vegeta hadn't participated in any of the birthday events. You'd think he'd at least come out for the spar Gohan thought angrily. But no; Vegeta had not stirred from this room for the entire party, a fact that angered Gohan. However, Gohan also knew that it would be a bad idea to go in to this spar angry. He took several deep breaths, willing himself to be calm. When he reached a level of rage that seemed slightly controllable, Gohan entered the Gravity Room.

"Sorry it took so long Vegeta, I just…" Gohan began, but trailed off as he caught sight of the Saiyan Prince. Vegeta was standing in the center of the room, with his legs at an angle and his hands behind his back. This wasn't what shocked Gohan; no, it was Vegeta's apparel that truly was astonishing. Instead of his normal training gi, Vegeta had on full body armor, the kind Gohan hadn't seen him wear since Cell. However, this armor was different; stylized pictures ran down in, and the symbol of his house was proudly stamped over the right breastplate. In addition, a red cape was attached and tailed down his back. He looked immediately strong, confident, dangerous, commanding…

He looked royal.

"Vegeta, why are you dressed like that?" Gohan asked quietly.

Vegeta locked gazes with Gohan, and then said slowly, "Come forward and be recognized."

The mystery deepened; though he and Vegeta spoke the Saiyan language often, Gohan could never recall a time when Vegeta was this formal in its usage. In fact, the cadence of his speech was different than he normally used. It was slower, more enunciated. It was almost…formal.

Gohan decided to go along with it as his mind worked overtime, trying to figure out what was going on. He strode forward confidently, until he was only a few feet from Vegeta. He then stopped and waited for what was to come next.

Not a flicker of emotion came onto his visage as Vegeta's gaze bored into Gohan. He finally stated, "By what right do you seek this honor?"

Gohan froze; he knew that phrasing. He remembered Vegeta talking about it, during a lecture a long time ago about Saiyan rituals. Gohan's mind searched his memory, trying to link that phrase with the appropriate ceremony. There weren't that many; Saiyans weren't big on such things. Where had he heard it?

It came to Gohan in a flash, and Gohan's eye widened in shock. He knew which ceremony this was, but never in a million years would he imagine it happening to HIM. Gohan looked at Vegeta, as he tried to process what was happening. Gohan knew the words to say; he knew how to respond to the question just asked. And given how Vegeta was staring at him, as if trying to force the words from it, Gohan decided to comply.

Suppressing his trembling with effort, Gohan knelt down and responded, "By blood, by deed, and by skill, I seek this honor. It is my right."

Vegeta nodded as he continued to gaze unerringly at Gohan. Vegeta finally solemnly commanded, "Let him be judged, and prove his worth. What blood flows in your veins, what name does your soul use?"

Gohan took a deep breath, "I am Gohan, out of Chi-chi from the line of Kakkarot, third class Saiyan warrior. I am grandson to Bardock, another third class and a patrol commander. I am a Saiyan; strength flows in me."

Vegeta said nothing as he slowly walked around Gohan. He seemed to be sizing Gohan up, as if he were only meeting Gohan for the first time now. Gohan understood; it was tradition that such a decision was never made in advance, and Vegeta had too much pride in his culture to defy tradition. Finally, Vegeta returned to his pose, as he continued, "I find your blood to be of warriors; you have the right by blood. But what of deed? Who will speak of this warrior's deeds, so I may judge them?"

"I will,"

Gohan looked over, and saw to his shock Piccolo standing solemnly at the entrance to the Gravity Room. He couldn't believe it; Gohan always thought Vegeta and Piccolo were bitter enemies. Yet, they were working together. In addition, Piccolo seemed to understand the Saiyan language!

"Who are you to speak to me?" Vegeta asked.

"Í am Piccolo, son of Piccolo and ally of Gohan," Piccolo responded. His response was so stiff so formal; Gohan realized he didn't actually know what Vegeta was saying. Instead, he was responding in rote, as if he'd memorized what to say.

Vegeta nodded, "Very well; you are worthy to address me. What deeds has Gohan achieved?"

"Gohan, son of Kakkarot, is a veteran of battle," Piccolo explained, "He has fought against the Saiyan Radditz, the Prince Vegeta, the Lord Frieza, and has slain the monster Cell. He has shed the blood of warriors, and with warriors. He reached the level of Super Saiyan, and of Super Saiyan 2. He has trained well, and fought well. He is a fighter."

"I find his deeds are worthy, and mark him as a true warrior. His blood is strong, and his deeds impressive, but does he have the skill? Who shall verify his skill?"

"I will," a new voice announced.

Gohan looked behind him as Trunks entered slowly. Gohan idly wondered how Vegeta had managed to get them to act so…composed. Trunks wore armor identical to Vegeta's, right down to the cape. Trunks came forward until he was before Vegeta, and then he bowed stiffly.

"Who are you to speak to me?" Vegeta demanded.

"I am Trunks, out of Bulma Vegeta, prince of all Saiyans. I am grandson to Vegeta, King of all Saiyans. I am a Saiyan."

"Very well; you are worthy to address me. How has he proven his skill?" Vegeta questioned.

"Gohan is one of my teachers. He has taught me technique, power, and strength. He has fought with grace, in all spars I have observed. He is a skilled warrior." Trunks offered solemnly.

Vegeta's gaze returned to Gohan, and Gohan could feel his blood quicken. Vegeta's voice rose as he continued, "I find you worthy by blood, by deed, and by skill. Bring forward the Knife."

The door to the Gravity Room opened, and Goten entered solemnly. Gohan saw Goten was decked out in full Saiyan armor, of a design similar to the one Vegeta wore when he had first arrived on Earth. Goten walked forward slowly, holding an object out in both hands. It was a knife, one with writing going up and down the blade that Gohan vaguely recognized as Saiyan. Goten came before Vegeta, and then sank to one knee, "Here is the Knife, so you may proceed as you see fit," Goten stated. He stumbled slightly with the words, which given how little Saiyan he'd had wasn't surprising.

With a solemn dignity, Vegeta took the Knife. He turned to Gohan and said, "Extend your hand."

Without hesitation, Gohan held out his right hand, palm up. Vegeta grasped it in his left hand, and brought the blade across Gohan's hand. He cut deep enough to draw blood, and as the blood started to flow, Vegeta turned the hand over. "As the blood leaves your body, so does weakness. You have driven it out of your body through your deeds and skill, and you have the blood of warriors. You are reborn, Gohan son of Kakkarot, and in your rebirth, you are stronger. Now, rise and show your power, so all may feel your strength. Hold nothing back; let all feel it."

Gohan slowly rose to his feet, as his blood continued to sing within him. He'd never felt like this before; every nerve ending seemed hypersensitive, and his entire body was quivering. Finally, Gohan screamed as he began to ascend. Cracks grew beneath him as Gohan passed Super Saiyan 1 and reached Super Saiyan 2. He tried to go farther, but even now, the amulet did its job. Gohan was unable to power up any more, but it was enough. They were satisfied.

"Take notice!" Vegeta shouted, "As he has been reborn, so has the Saiyan bloodline and race been strengthened. We are made better by his presence, so says I, Vegeta Prince of All Saiyans. You have been reborn Gohan; let the universe take notice as you assume your place. All bid welcome to Gohan, Elite Class of the Saiyan Race!!!"

As if that word was some sort of code, the entire room seemed to erupt in shouts. Gohan was vaguely aware it came from the computer's speakers, but he didn't care. His entire body was suffused with warmth. He was an Elite; though the term had little significance now, Gohan understood the underlying message. Given how firmly Vegeta believed in the ranking system, he was saying that Gohan was the best of the best in his eyes. He was a warrior.

Vegeta and Piccolo locked eyes, and something seemed to pass between them. As the noise died down, Piccolo pointed at Gohan and shot forward some ki. It washed over Gohan, and he felt his clothes changing. When the light faded, Gohan found himself wearing Saiyan armor, much like what Vegeta wore against Cell. However, over his right breastplate was his name spelled out in Saiyan, as well as the symbol indicating he was an Elite. Gohan wasn't sure how Piccolo knew what the symbols looked like, but he appreciated the gesture.

Goten and Trunks ran forward and hugged Gohan's legs, "you look SO cool big brother," Goten mentioned.

Trunks nodded, "Yeah. Did you like it? Dad made us practice for days until we could speak it right. How did we do?"

Gohan tried to speak, to say something to them. But he simply couldn't; he was too overwhelmed with what had just happened, and the meaning it implied. Vegeta respected him; Gohan had no doubt of that now. Gohan finally managed to meet Vegeta's eyes as he struggled to put words to what he was feeling, "Vegeta…I…."

Vegeta snorted, "You earned it, there is nothing you need to say. It's a pity that useless party took so long; we don't have enough time for a decent spar before the woman poisons us. Come on, let's head inside."

Goten and Trunks released Gohan as they filed out of the room, Piccolo following close behind them. Gohan's feet started to move, but his mind was still awhirl from the ceremony. He couldn't get over the fact that he was now an Elite, nor could he make the smile on his face leave even if he wanted to. This was AWESOME!

"Gohan…"

Gohan looked up to see Vegeta standing at the entrance of the Gravity Room. As he met Vegeta's gaze, Gohan saw emotions swirling in their obsidian depths. Pride seemed to shine from them, but Gohan also detected a hint of…warmth. "Yes, my Prince?" Gohan asked. He wanted to keep things in the Saiyan language; it just seemed to be more appropriate now.

"Happy Birthday."

TO BE CONTINUED…

Well, another part is now out. I apologize; apparently, Fanfiction didn't actually make the site read only for the 17th and 18th. Anyway, I hope you liked the part. Please review and tell me if you liked the ceremony to make Gohan an Elite. I know in the Bardock movie they mention the test as if it is fairly commonplace and not very significant. But it just seemed to me that a class system like the Saiyans had would have a deeper meaning attached to it than was implied. So, I changed it, which is a right I reserved with the 'AU' warning in the story description. I hope you liked the change.

Please read and review, and I'll get the next part out soon.