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 30 – Lime vs. Chichi

Gohan sighed in relief. That's one worry out of the way. Gohan mused. It had been close; Gohan could easily recognize the look of annoyance that passed onto Goten's face several times during his bout with Trunks. He knew that Goten had wanted to remove the Amulet and power up fully, and was glad that Goten had kept his promise. Still, his happiness at that fact was tinged with sadness; Goten had lost because he kept his word.

As he saw Goten walk dejectedly back from the ring, Gohan knew he needed to take steps. Before he could move however, he found he had been circumvented. His parents had just stepped up to Goten.

"Goten?" Chichi said softly. As Goten looked at her, a wary look came over his face. He didn't trust her, a fact that distressed Chichi greatly. It's your own fault a more cynical side of her commented. But she refused to let that stop her; she would fix the current situation. Kneeling down so that she and Goten were at eye level, Chichi added, "You did a great job,"

"Yeah, you're an amazing fighter," Goku supplied. He smiled at Goten, and was given a small smile in return.

"But I lost," Goten pointed out. He was still very annoyed about that fact; if he hadn't kept his promise to Gohan, he'd have won. Stupid promise.

"I know you'll beat him next time," Goku stated confidently, "and you're way stronger than I was at your age. And a Super Saiyan! You must be the youngest one ever. Your mother and I are really proud of you,"

"Really? Then why'd you say I wasn't your son?" Goten asked as a faint look of hope came onto his face.

Chichi winced; that was definitely not one of her proudest moments, "I'm sorry Goten. I should never have said what I did; it was wrong of me. I promise you I will never say it again."

Goten hesitated; it had really hurt when they had said that. But didn't his brother say that his parents weren't perfect and made mistakes? And Goten knew that his big brother always forgave HIM when he made a mistake. Taking a deep breath, Goten asked, "You promise, never again?"

"We promise. NEVER again," Goku promised quickly.

Goten seemed to think about it for several seconds, as Chichi and Goku held their breath. Finally, he nodded and said, "Okay, I forgive you."

Relief surged through Chichi; she could almost feel her heart start back up again. Struggling to hold back her tears of happiness, Chichi replied, "That's good."

Goten looked hesitant suddenly, and both parents noticed. "Goten, what is it?" Goku asked in his gentlest voice. But Goten didn't answer; instead, he ducked his head and scuffed his shoe against the ground. Chichi wanted to scoop Goten up and hug him to death, but she didn't want to jeopardize things. Finally, she decided to take a chance. Holding open her arms, Chichi said, "Goten?"

That was all it took; a second later Goten was in her arms. As she grasped his tightly, Chichi was dimly aware of her husband encircling his arms around them both, adding his presence and strength to the hug. But Chichi barely noticed; all her focus and attention was on the little boy in her arms, and how good he felt there. All the pain from the cancer, the years she'd unknowingly stayed away, all of it faded away from Chichi mind. All that mattered is that she finally, finally, got to hug her youngest son.

As he watched the scene before him, Gohan felt so many emotions roiling within that he could barely recognize them all. On the one hand, he was happy for Goten; Goten deserved to enjoy being with his parents, and they were only here for a day. And Goten didn't have near the number of painful experiences that Gohan carried within him related to them; to Goten, forgiveness would be much simpler. Still, that didn't stop Gohan from feeling a little betrayed.

How could he forgive them so easily! After what they've done! A part of Gohan was screaming in anger and rage within him, the part where Gohan had shoved all his anger and hurt caused by his parents. Sure, Gohan had told Goten to make his own choice with regards to forgiving their parents, but that didn't mean he expected Goten to actually forgive them. And the fact that they could cheer Goten up so quickly after he lost the match hurt Gohan slightly; that used to be his job and specialty. The job he'd had to take over when his mother and father had left abandoned them both without a second thought, content to make them fend for…

None of that matters now. Gohan forced his thoughts to halt. It was true; the only thing that mattered was the Goten seemed to have forgiven their parents, which meant that Gohan had to keep up pretenses. He couldn't let any of his anger and bitterness come out; that would only complicate matters and cause Goten to be in the middle, a position Gohan would never allow. Still, it hurt. Suddenly, Gohan felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, Gohan found himself looking into Lime's concerned gaze.

"Are you okay?" Lime asked softly, the worry plain in both her voice and facial expression.

Gohan thought about lying, but he simply didn't have the energy to. Instead, he sighted and replied softly, "No…but I will be eventually."

Lime squeezed his shoulder in sympathy, as if to convey her understanding of Gohan's situation. Before she could speak however, a voice came over the announcing system, "Would Lime Punch and Chichi Son please report to the arena?"

Gohan forced a smile as he commented, "You'd better get out there."

Lime looked at Gohan for a few moments, and then smiled, "Don't worry. I'll take care of her. After all, I was trained by the best."

Gohan didn't respond verbally, but his smile widened slightly. He watched Lime stride out to the ring, and knew the next match was going to be interesting. Lime was furious at his mother, and Gohan knew that his mother was definitely annoyed with Lime. As he walked over to watch the match, only one thought came to mind.

I hope they don't kill each other.

"Would Lime Punch and Chichi Son please report to the arena?"

As the voice came over the announcement system, Chichi reluctantly loosened her grip of Goten. She had been lost in the feeling of hugging her son, and didn't want it to end. Smiling at Goten, Chichi apologized, "Sorry, but I need to go fight."

Goten didn't look dismayed; instead, he replied, "It's okay. But watch out; Lime is very strong."

Chichi smiled as she stood up; her son's worry was comforting, "Don't worry Goten, I can take care of myself."

Without another word, Chichi strode confidently out to the arena. As she did, she felt a sense of exhilaration. Though it had been over 17 years since she had last entered or competed in a tournament, it felt good to be back here. She had trained hard during her time in Otherworld, and now it was time to prove her strength against some of the greatest fighters in the universe. Starting with this Lime girl.

As Chichi gaze fell on her opponent, she found Lime scowling at her. A scowl Chichi quickly returned. This girl was friends with her son, possibly more. That alone caused her maternal protective instincts to kick in. But add in the fact that she has consistently preventing Chichi from speaking from Gohan, and Chichi was ready to kick the girl's ass.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for round two in the greatest martial arts tournament in the history of the world!" The announcer screamed as the audience erupted in applause. Once it died down, the announcer continued, "Our next bout features two lovely ladies, but don't let their looks fool you. These ladies are hard core martial artists. On this side we have Mrs. Chichi Son, a former competitor who made it quite far in a previous tournament. She is back, ready to try again. Her opponent, Ms. Lime Punch, is a newcomer to the tournaments, but she is more than ready to show her worth. Let's BATTLE!"

As the bell sounded, neither woman moved. Both were locked in their fighting positions, glaring intently at the other. Finally, Lime said, "I was going to wait until a later opponent, someone stronger, to go all out. But I want nothing holding me back when I beat you into the ground. So I'll start this out serious." Slowly, Lime raised her hands and said, "Bracers, Disengage."

"Voice recognized," a voice spoke from the bracers, "Disengaging Gravity."

Chichi felt Lime's ki skyrocket and decided to follow suit, "If we're starting off serious," Chichi added. She then proceeded to remove her wrist bands. Holding them up, Chichi explained, "These bands were designed and enchanted to distribute weight evenly throughout my body. I don't want to fight you with 800 pounds weighing me down." Chichi casually tossed them out of the ring, where they each left small craters in the ground as they landed. She then settled into a fighting stance, and said, "Bring it on little girl,"

Without another word, Lime shot towards Chichi. Her speed is impressive Chichi mused as she prepared herself. Lime launched a series of punches and kicks, all of which Chichi was easily able to block. Lime's attacks were probing, simply to see if Chichi had any obvious flaws in her defenses. Chichi knew what she was doing, but also knew that she would find none. Chichi had been training with the greatest martial artists in history; any flaws in her form were quickly ironed out.

Then it was Chichi turn to test Lime, and Lime easily answered. Like Chichi, Lime's form was pretty much flawless, and also incredibly familiar. Many of the moves were incredibly similar to Chichi's own technique. Her curiosity peaked, Chichi leaped back and asked, "Your pretty good. Who was your master?"

Lime's smile became feral as she said, "I was trained by the greatest martial artist in existence; Gohan son."

"My son trained you?" Chichi questioned in surprise. It explained a lot; only a z-fighter could have trained Lime to be this strong. And Chichi admitted to feeling a flash of maternal pride, that her son could train someone to be this powerful.

Lime shook her head, "No."

"Huh?" Chichi wondered, "But you said…"

"I said Gohan trained me," Lime interrupted, "You lost the right to call him your son when you abandoned him."

"You have no right to judge…" Chichi began hotly as her temper soared.

"I don't care what you say," Lime interjected as a cold look settled on her face, "All I need to know is the pain in Gohan's eyes when he talks about you, the pain he tries so desperately to hide from everyone. Gohan's my best friend, and my teacher. You aren't getting past me; I'm taking you down for what you're done you callous bitch!"

Lime quickly gathered enough ki and shouted, "SOLAR SHOT!" As the blast fired near Chichi, she tensed. She had fought too many spars against cunning opponents to be fooled by this deceptively weak blast. Sure enough, just before it would have hit her Lime shouted, "BURST!" and the ki ball erupted in bright white light. Chichi managed to shut her eyes just as the light began and protect her eyes. When she opened them however, she was met with Lime's right fist. The fist caught her off guard, and Chichi was sent flying.

Lime wasn't going to let Chichi recover; as soon as she was airborne, Lime sped in front of her. Bringing both fists down, Lime tried to slam Chichi into the ground. To her shock, Chichi phased out just before the blow would have hit. Tensing slightly, Lime ducked and spun around, dodging Chichi's counter kick. She wasn't quick enough to miss the follow up punch that caught her in the abdomen. Lime brought her hands up and began to block Chichi's punches, even as her stomach screamed in pain. She sure hits hard Lime admitted ruefully.

As Chichi's offensive continued, Lime found herself hard-pressed to keep up with Chichi's blows. Several punches and kicks were getting through, and Lime could almost feel the bruises. I've got to go on the offensive before I get pummeled Lime thought fiercely. She quickly launched herself forward and began a barrage of punches and kicks. Despite firing her best blows, Chichi managed to block or dodge nearly all of them. She's faster than I am Lime thought as a feeling of anger rose If I don't figure something out soon, Chichi's going to win.

Chichi seemed to realize that fact at the same time; she grinned as she admitted, "You're good girl. But not good enough." Without wasting another second, Chichi blocked Lime's latest punch and began a return attack.

I can't lose! There has to be something I can do Lime thought desperately. She couldn't, wouldn't let this woman win. Not after everything she had done to Gohan. He thought he was fooling everyone, but Lime could see through his mask. She saw the pain in his eyes, the feelings of anger and betrayal he kept locked away deep inside. What this woman did to him hurt him deeply, and Lime refused to let her win.

Actually there was one option, but Lime was slightly afraid to do it. It was the only technique Gohan had shown her that she hadn't mastered; whenever she did it, it left her body thrashed and devastated. She had planned on saving it for a later match, as an ace in the hole. But if she didn't do it now, it looked like there wouldn't be a later. As she dodged Chichi's latest punch, Lime gasped out, "I won't let you win!" She then leapt back. She gathered her ki and prepared herself. For Gohan.

"KAIOKEN ATTACK!"

As red ki energy erupted around Lime, Chichi fell back in shock. She was absolutely stunned; to her knowledge, only a handful of people had ever learned this technique. It was a brutal, draining technique. How had Lime learned it? The only logical explanation was Gohan, but that was impossible. Goku had specifically not taught Gohan this move, because of the danger involved in it. So how had he learned it well enough to teach it to Lime? Her thoughts were interrupted by a fist.

Lime's body screamed in agony, but Lime pushed it down. She knew she couldn't hold this for long, and every second counted. As the added energy ripped through her body, Lime leapt forward. Her left punch caught Chichi completely off gain, and Lime quickly followed up with everything she had. Chichi leapt into the air, trying to give herself some space to recover. But Lime was right behind her. Punches, kicks, elbows, every blow she could manage in the precious seconds she had left. Chichi was unable to block anything; Lime had become simply to fast. Sensing the Kaioken about to end, Lime used the last of her strength to slam both fists down into Chichi's back and send her careening into the floor of the ring. As Chichi hit the ring and a crater formed, Lime sank down and collapsed onto her knees.

"1…2…3…4"

As the count began, Lime just sat there. Her body was screaming at her for this abuse, and Lime could feel tears at the edge of her eyes. Please stay down, please stay down Lime thought desperately. Her body was wasted and her vision was slightly blurry; Lime wasn't sure she could continue to fight if it came to that.

"7…8…"

To Lime's horror, Chichi pulled herself off the ground. Taking a closer look, Lime could see she had given Chichi a great deal of damage. Blood from was flowing down Chichi's face, as a cut on her forehead bled profusely. Her nose and mouth were both bleeding, and Lime saw that one of Chichi's arms was hanging limply. Her legs were wobbly slightly, but Chichi was standing.

God I hurt Chichi thought. Her entire body seemed like one big ball of pain. Her right arm wasn't responding to her attempts to move it and from the pain it emanated Chichi suspected it had broken when Lime had kicked it. She felt incredibly tired and weak; her body was definitely hurting. But she refused to let this hussy win; not after what she had accused Chichi of. She had no right to judge Chichi for her actions, and she wouldn't win. Each word was painful, as one of Lime's blows had hit her throat, but Chichi rasped, "You won't beat me that easily." Taking a quick glance at Lime's condition, Chichi decided that Lime was definitely on her last legs. Smiled slightly despite the pain, Chichi added, "I'm not sure how you learned that move, but you're not the only one who knows it. Two can play that game," summoning her ki, Chichi prepared herself.

"KAIOKEN ATTACK!"

Lime felt horror flow through her. The thought of being on the receiving end of her opponent at double her normal strength filled her with dread. I've got to move Lime thought quickly. Ignoring her body's screamed of protest, Lime leapt back into the air as she attempted to keep her distant.

As Chichi flew towards Lime, she fought down a smile. Goku hadn't wanted to teach her this technique, but Chichi had used every trick she knew to convince him she needed to know it. And it was worth it; though Chichi was in more pain than she could believe, she knew this would end it all. Lime was trying to keep away from her, but she was no match for Chichi at this speed. Chichi slammed her leg into Lime's abdomen, and followed that up with a series of punches and kicks. She had only a few more seconds, but she filled them with every blow she could. As she felt the Kaioken beginning to fade, Chichi summoned every ounce of energy she had remaining from it, and shouted, "KAMEHAMEHA!" The blast hit a barely conscious Lime and sent her hurtling into the ground. Now it was Lime's turn to hit the ring hard. As the count began, Chichi slowly landed. It took everything she had to remain standing, but she couldn't collapse; not until she was sure Lime was down for the count.

Lime hurt; that was all she could really feel. Every blow from Chichi had felt like getting hit by a lightning bolt. Her right eye was swelling shut, and it felt like several of her ribs were cracked. Dimly, Lime could hear someone counting. To her horror, she realized if she didn't get up she was going to lose.

"1…2…3…4…5…6"

Come on body, move! Lime commanded desperately. But her body was wasted; it seemed unresponsive. Lime felt tears sliding down her fact; she couldn't lose. Not to her. By sheer force of will, Lime forced her body to move. Finally, her body began to react when she commanded it.

"7…8…9. And Lime is back on her feet folks!"

Chichi was stunned; she thought Lime would be unconscious. The idea that she would not only be conscious but able to stand after what happened was astonishing. And yet here she was, glaring weakly at Chichi from across the ring.

Lime's vision was blurry, and slightly dark. She knew she was close losing consciousness, but she held it back. She had to end this, somehow. Looking within herself, Lime mentally catalogued her capabilities. It would take everything she had and more, but Lime thought she could manage another Kaioken. It would only last a second or two, but that's all she needed. Chichi had to go down from this. She had to.

As Chichi felt Lime gathering her ki, she realized what she was doing and was a little impressed. That girl has got some serious willpower Chichi admitted ruefully. She wasn't going to let the girl win; Chichi quickly followed Lime's lead. She didn't think she could manage more than a second or two, but that was all she needed. Hopefully. Almost simultaneously, Chichi and Lime were ready.

"KAIOKEN ATTACK!"

"KAIOKEN ATTACK!"

As the power ripped through both of them, they realized something. This was it, it all came down to this blow. They leapt toward each other, putting everything they had left into this one last shot. As their blows connected with each other, their ki collided and a fierce red light erupted from them, blinding the audience. And when it clearly, they could see only one thing.

Both women were lying outside the ring.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we'll be reviewing some of our ground sensors we have placed around the ring. These sensors should tell us which of these two incredible fighters hit the ground first. Sit back, we'll have the results soon."

Even before the announcer had finished speaking, Gohan was moving. Throwing a couple of Sensu beans towards his father, Gohan flew rapidly to Lime. When he landed, he bit back a gasp.

Lime was a mess; one of her legs was at an odd angle from the fall, and Gohan could see a great deal of her body's bones were broken. Each breath was a gasp, as if it were incredibly painful to even more her lungs. Quickly, Gohan knelt down and gently picked Lime's head up. Crushing a Sensu bean in his hand, Gohan sprinkled the Sensu powder into Lime's mouth. Gohan then massaged Lime's throat, forcing her body to swallow the powder.

"Come on Lime, you can do it," Gohan encouraged. Gohan heard Lime's breathing become easier, and slowly her left eye opened.

"Go..goh…" Lime rasped.

"Shhh..." Gohan interrupted gently, "Here, have another Sensu bean. They'll help."

In the end, it took three Sensu beans before Lime's injuries were healed. Gohan saw out of the corner of his eye that his father was helping his mother stand up, so it looked like she was alright also. Gohan grabbed Lime's hand and gently helped her stand up.

"Did I win," Lime demanded.

"We don't know yet, the officials are figuring that out right now," Gohan supplied. "But regardless of the outcome, I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You did a fantastic job."

Before Lime could reply, the announcer came back from the judges. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we've reviewed the readings from the ground sensors. After careful examination and debate, we're determined the winner."

"By a mean .0001 seconds, the winner is…"

TO BE CONTINUED…

Here's another part. Before you guys kill me for leaving you hanging like that, let me explain. The winner is up to you. Cast your vote via review on who you want to win and move to the next round. Now, the voting will only go on obviously until I get the next part out. So hurry up and review, telling me what you thought of this part and who you want to win.

I also want to thank all of you who suggested stories with excellent fight scenes. I read all the suggested works of fanfiction, and they were able to give me a better understanding of how to write a fight scene (I hope). Please let me know what you think of this particular fight scene.

Couple of random points. I hope I adequately explained the issue of the Kaioken. I just felt that given how the technique affected Goku, it wouldn't something he would teach Gohan. If you feel this was incorrect or have proof that he did, then I apologize for the mistake. As to needing more than one Sensu bean for Lime, I was unsure. After all, one Sensu bean was able to heal Goku when he was in that full body cast after he battled Vegeta and Nappa. But that was after he had healed for a few weeks. Whereas later, Krillen needed to use a couple of Sensu beans to help Vegeta recover from the Androids. Any advice you can give me in this area would be greatly appreciated.

As always, please read and review.