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 33 –The Chase in On
Gohan could hear Shin explaining the situation to the others, but he ignored him. After all, he knew everything Shin was going to say. He was going to explain who and what Babidi and Majin Buu are, not realizing that a much greater threat to them was also aboard Babidi's ship. Only Gohan knew about the Destroyer and what he would have to do. But that wasn't what Gohan was thinking about.
Get it together Gohan! Gohan berated himself. Quite frankly, Gohan was disgusted with himself. He had been preparing for this day for close to 6 years, fighting and battling every night in secret just to be ready for what today. And when the day arrives, he begins acting like an amateur and moron. Already he'd made numerous mistakes when any mistakes could cost him victory. He'd allowed Kibito to goad and trick him into powering up to Super Saiyan 2, creating the opportunity for the two idiots they were following to drain him.
Then, once he'd awoken, Gohan had made another mistake. He'd assumed that the Supreme Kai and Kibito were actually Babidi and Dabura! Gohan wanted to blame Sensei for not telling him they would be here and for giving him such vague descriptions. He wanted to blame Kibito and Shin for acting they way they had, feeding into Gohan's belief that they were evil. But the truth was that Gohan knew exactly whose fault it was; his own. He'd leapt to incorrect conclusions and acted rashly, something Gohan could not allow to happen today. And his actions based on his conclusions…
Gohan could practically feel the heat of Kibito's glare on his back as he flew. I definitely didn't make a friend of Kibito by doing what I did Gohan mused. Not that he blamed Kibito for now hating him; Gohan would probably have done the same. What he'd done had been malicious and cruel, something Frieza or Cell would have done. As that thought hit him, Gohan felt slightly sick. He would have thought he was incapable of such actions, toying with a person solely to increase their suffering.
Except this isn't the first time I've done that Gohan realized regretfully. Gohan had also acted this way against Cell, toying with him in order to make Cell suffer for his actions. When it was all over, Gohan had felt shame that he'd allowed his Saiyan desire for vengeance control his actions. He'd sworn never to let his rage and desire for retribution affect him in that way again. A promise he'd broken today, as he casually beat a fellow champion of good thoroughly.
How could I let myself act that way? Gohan questioned. But even as he wondered, he already knew. It was his par…Goku and Chichi's final act of betrayal against him. Their allowing him to be drained by Yamu and Spokowitz had sent Gohan spiraling deeply into rage and anger. He'd needed a target, something to pound all his frustration and rage into to give him back his focus. Unfortunately, that target had been flesh and blood rather than some inanimate object.
Enough of this Gohan declared fiercely. Gohan took a deep breath, willing his mind to clarity and peace. He'd wallowed in misery and guilt for long enough; it was time to focus and prepare for what awaited him. He couldn't afford to be distracted by anything when facing the Destroyer. He could rehash all his wrongs once he got past today; for now, it was time to let it go.
Returning his focus to the conversation happening around him, Gohan caught the tail end of the Supreme Kai's explanation, "…most powerful force the world has ever seen. We cannot allow Majun Buu to arise again; such an action would be catastrophic for the universe."
Bah, as if any monster from so long ago to truly be a threat. Vegeta thought. Ultimate killing machine…I doubt he could stand against the might of a true Saiyan warrior.
Without pause, Shin commented, "Actually Vegeta, Majin Buu could probably lay waste to a 'true Saiyan warrior' as you put it without much effort. Our only hope is to prevent his awakening."
I forgot Shin could read minds Vegeta thought. He felt a flash of embarrassment, which he quickly suppressed. After all, he wasn't responsible for what he thought just because the blasted Kai could take a peak at it. Instead, Vegeta snapped, "How much longer until these two idiots reach their master?"
"I don't know where they're going, so how would I know how long it will take for them to arrive?" Shin pointed out. He then added, "Why, is there something else you need to be doing?"
"Forget it," Vegeta snarled. Inwardly, he was seething. Damn it all to hell! Every second I waste following these two morons is another second detracted from my eventual bout with Kakkarot. Vegeta knew he was on the clock; Kakkarot was only here for 24 hours, allowing Vegeta this one chance to reclaim his honor and defeat the third class idiot in combat. But every minute they used up dealing with this new threat reduced the chance that they would fight. A fight Vegeta had been training and preparing for ever since Kakkarot had reached Super Saiyan ahead of him. I won't miss this opportunity to defeat Kakkarot.
"They're slowing down," Gohan pointed out suddenly. "It looks like they're landing just a few miles ahead."
"We should slow down also and fly closer to the ground," Goku suggested, "That way we can reduce the chance of being detected. Don't you think Gohan?"
Gohan didn't respond verbally; instead, he merely dropped altitude. As the others followed suit, Gohan fought down his anger. He couldn't allow Goku to get to him; despite how furious he was at him for his newest betrayal, Gohan had too much else going on to waste time and effort thinking about him. After all, he would show the same time and effort Goku had shown him; none at all.
"There they are," Shin pointed out as the group crested a small group of mountains. Acting quickly, the group landed among some rocky cover and waited.
The group waited for several minutes, as Yamu and Spokowitz just stood there. Finally, Gohan pointed out, "They're just standing there. What are they waiting for?"
Before Shin could respond, the air in front of Yamu and Spokowitz seemed to fluctuate and shimmer. After a few seconds of that, the distortion ceased and a small dome was now seen where before there was nothing.
"That is what they were waiting for, Babidi to drop his concealment spells" Shin pointed out unnecessarily.
As Gohan watched, the doorway slid open and two figures stepped out. He could hear Shin's small gasp of surprise when he saw them, but he didn't care because Gohan knew instantly who those two were. He'd heard their descriptions and Shin's reaction to them, though surprising, merely finalized Gohan's decision.
Standing below them were Babidi and Dabura.
Yamu and Spokowitz both dropped to one knee as soon as Babidi walked out of the ship. "Master," they spoke in unison.
"Back so soon, "Babidi pointed out. Behind him, Dabura gazed on without speaking.
Without another word, Yamu reached behind him and pulled out the container of energy. Still kneeling, he held it out before him with both hands and said, "The energy you requested my Master."
Babidi strode forward and took the container. Yamu found he was practically eye to eye with his Master. Despite the fact that Yamu easily towered over Babidi in height and was definitely a stronger fighter, it was Yamu who was unable to meet Babidi's gaze. After all, it was Babidi's magic that allowed him to be this strong, and Babidi's power in that area was unparalleled in Yamu's mind.
"Did you collect as much any as possible?" Babidi demanded.
"Yes my lord," Yamu replied quickly.
"You returned rather quickly," Babidi pointed out firmly.
"We gathered the energy as rapidly as possible Master. And we came here as soon as we were finished," Spokowitz interjected. Yamu was frankly a little surprised at the words; his partner wasn't exactly known for his intelligence and way with words.
Babidi smiled slightly, "I suppose you should be commended for your efforts,"
"Serving you is commendation enough Master," Yamu quickly pointed out. Though he would love to get a reward, it was better to appear modest than to ask for it.
Babidi was walked back towards Dabura as he added, "Still, good work should be rewarded. There is just one problem though,"
"What is it my lord?" Yamu asked, as he felt dread begin to rise within him.
Babidi turned back to them with an evil grin, "Well, the only reason I made you my servants was because I needed human slaves to enter the tournament. Most of the other servants that work for me would either stand out or are unsuitable. Therefore, your sole purpose was to go to the tournament and gather energy. And now that you've finished that, I find myself with no need to keep you around."
Yamu was now definitely afraid; speaking quickly, he babbled, "Master, I am sure I could prove my use to you extends beyond what I've done. If you'll just give me the chance…"
Babidi shook his head, "Sorry. I simply don't need you anymore." Without saying another word, Babidi thrust his hands out and pointed at his two kneeling servants. Pain erupted within Yamu, more pain than he'd felt in his entire life. He was vaguely aware of screamed, of his partner screaming. It felt like his insides were being ripped apart on every inch of his body. Yamu collapsed to the ground as the pain increased, unable to do anything other than scream. Yamu could feel his entire body coming apart, and there was nothing he could do about.
Babidi watched his servants as they writhed on the ground with a sadistic grin. When the two finally died, Babidi turned to Dabura and said, "I never get tired of seeing that."
"Yes Master," Dabura replied as he also grinned.
"I guess it's time for us to go put this energy into the chamber, and see how close we are to freeing my father's greatest creation," Babidi pointed out. He walked a few steps before asking, "Are they still up there?"
"Yes master. They've been watching the entire time," Dabura replied.
"The Supreme Kai is with them no doubt," Babidi mused. "Go up there and welcome them properly. Make sure to leave a few of them moving around. And don't damage the Supreme Kai; his death will be slow and painful for killing my father."
Dabura nodded as he replied with an evil grin, "I hear and obey Master Babidi,"
"THEY KNOW WHERE WE ARE!"
Piccolo's shout caught Gohan's attention immediately. He knew it was incredibly likely that Piccolo could hear what they were saying from here, and if he was saying that it had to be true. Gohan powered up to just under and Super Saiyan and prepared himself. Sure enough, a few seconds later Dabura phased in front of the group. Damn he's fast Gohan noticed quickly. Gohan had no doubts he could defeat Dabura without taking off the Amulet, but he would need to ascend to Super Saiyan 2 to do it.
"Welcome to your end," Dabura commented. He then did something totally unexpected. He spit at them. His first spit hit Piccolo, his second hit nailed Kibito, and his last shot was fired unerringly at Gohan. However, Gohan leapt back and dodged it. He wasn't sure what Dabura was doing, but Gohan doubted that his spit was merely a sign of disrespect.
"When you're ready, come and get us," Dabura stated. He then proceeded to fly back down to the ship and enter it, leaving the door open.
"Well, that was strange," Gohan pointed out. He would have added more except he heard a gasp from behind him. Spinning around, Gohan felt shock and horror rise in his gut.
Both Piccolo and Kibito were stone. Where before a living, breathing person existed, there was only a statute. Approaching quickly, Gohan whispered, "Piccolo?"
"Dabura's spit is one of his strongest techniques." Shin pointed out.
"If you knew about this why didn't you warn us?" Gohan growled.
Shin winced, "Because I didn't know Dabura was here. He was supposed to be ruling over a series of hellish planets on the far side of the universe; Babidi's magic shielded his presence from me for the last several years. Nor did I know they had detected us until Piccolo warned us."
"How do we reverse it," Goku demanded.
Shin sighed, "Supposedly, if Dabura is killed than all his victims will revert to normal. Including your friend and…mine," Shin's face twisted into an expression of sadness, and Gohan was then reminded that Piccolo wasn't the only victim.
"Then let's go kill him," Gohan stated firmly.
"It's not that simple," Shin interjected as Gohan prepared to fly down to the ship, "I'm sure that his ship is heavily guarded and this is undoubtedly a trap."
"Then what do you suggest?" Goku questioned.
Vegeta's snort drew everyone's attention, "Amateurs," he stated scornfully. "We've wasted enough time on this nonsense. I'll take care of this. They're all in that ship right now; so I'll simply power up and vaporize it. Problem solved."
Shin's headshake halted Vegeta's movements, "Your attack may kill Babidi and Dabura, but it will also probably destroy the seal on Majin Buu and wake him up. We can't risk that."
"Then what do you suggest," Gohan asked.
"I'm afraid our only option is to enter the ship and spring the trap," Shin pointed out. "I wish there was another way, but our options are limited,"
"Then let's go,"
"They are entering the ship now Master," Dabura stated as he watched their movements in Babidi's crystal ball.
"Just as I planned," Babidi replied. "Now, let us get the energy my two former minions gathered into Majin Buu's chamber and see how much more we need." Babidi turned and quickly strode over to an egg shaped item sitting in the corner of the room. Babidi gently knelt down and inserted the nozzle for the energy container into the chamber. As he watched the gauge rise, Babidi's eyebrows rose. When it finally stopped, he said, "Perhaps I was a bit hasty in my decision to kill those two,"
"Why do you say that," Dabura questioned as he turned to look at his master.
"According to this reading, the energy gauge is almost three-fourths of the way full," Babidi mentioned, "It must have taken hundreds of fighters for those two to get this much energy. Going through that many fighters in that little amount of time is slightly impressive, and probably made them worthy of keeping around. Oh well, spilt milk and all that. On to other matters,"
"Who shall we have them battle first?" Dabura asked.
Babidi's brow furrowed as he replied, "Good question. With the spell I've placed around the ship, any damage done will feed energy into Majin Buu. Are these fighters powerful?"
Dabura looked at the gauges in the ship and replied, "They are strong, but not incredibly so. But the Supreme Kai is with them, and his power may be worthwhile,"
Babidi thought about it for several seconds, "Send in Pui-Pui. He should get the job done. Just make sure he understands that they aren't to die quick. I need them to get really beaten upon to gather as much energy as possible."
"I understand. I'll inform Pui-Pui of his mission," Dabura replied as he left the room
Babidi immediately turned back to the egg in the corner. He caressed it with a sadistic glee as he said, "Soon you'll be free. And the universe will once again see your awesome power and tremble in fear!"
TO BE CONTINUED…
Well, another part is now complete. I hope you all liked it. For those of you who are wondering why there was more energy from draining Gohan here than in the TV show, my reasoning is this. In the show, Gohan did not train much for seven years and so his power level decreased from what it was at when he fought Cell (Vegeta mentioned it when Gohan powers up to fight Dabura). In MY series, Gohan has been training, and though the Amulet seals some of his power, it only caps him at the level he was at after he fought Cell. Given that he almost died, his power would increase after the fight with Cell making him even stronger. Thus, the difference in energy amounts.
To those of you who felt that Gohan was acting a little bit evil, I agree. Unlike in the TV show, the characters in my series are realistic and they have dark sides. Gohan lost his head, much like he did against Cell when his rage and power got to his head and made him cocky and had him toying with Cell. The same thing happened here; Gohan got angry and lost his head. I hope that helps.
As to the shortness of chapters, I apologize. I write as much as I can when I can. Sorry if you feel it is short.
As always, please read and review.