~Tournament Saga~
Chapter 40 – An Earthlings Pride
Krillin roared out along with his energy, taking everyone by surprise.
"SPIRIT BURST x20!"
Yamcha instantly turned his head to Tien, whom was watching Krillin with wide eyes. "Hey Tien, isn't that your..."
"Ya...but how'd he pull it off?"
Gohan slowly helped Videl over to the others, setting her down. Before sitting down himself however, he turned to face his old partner. Krillin's energy was huge for a pure human. It was near that of a super saiyan! So what did that make him? If Piccolo was a Super Namek, and he was a Super Saiyan...did that make Krillin a Super earthling? Or maybe a super human?
"What is a spirit burst anyway? I've never heard of it before."
Tien turned slightly to face Gohan. "It's a move I made when I was at King Kai's place in Other-World. While we were there he taught us the Kaio Ken and the Spirit bomb just like Goku, but I had idea of maybe trying to combine them. The Spirit Burst uses energy you take in from the world around you, like the spirit bomb, and use it to multiply your own like the kiao ken. Because its not your own energy, you can multiply it much higher than you normally would without so much strain on the body. I was never able to get the balance right though, the spirit energy and my own, so I could never get past times 1..."
"And I was never able to get either of the moves down, so I could never get a feel for the spirit burst either." said Yamcha. The scarred man sighed, but then turned back up to face Krillin. "But when Krillin was wished back, we showed him how to do both moves. We were hoping at least one of us humans would be able to figure it out. That way one of us could fight on par with you guys. It was our best bet of matching a super saiyan."
Gohan blinked, turning back to face Krillin. The ex-monk's black hair was standing straighter up than normal, waving back and forth slightly from the energy. A faint red aura tainted his normal white one, making it indeed look like the Kaio Ken. White lightning would spark around his bulging muscles as well, increasing how impressing it looked.
"You know, he's not only chasing after Goku, he's chasing after you too Gohan."
Gohan turned around to find a slightly battered 18 looking at him straight in the eye. "Even while we were...well, getting to know each other he wouldn't stop training. All except for around our wedding day and when Marron was born, that idiot has been training none stop. He even convinced Bulma to build him a gravatron for him to train in."
Gohan was rendered silenced for a while, turning back to face his friend. Krillin had done this, to try and catch him too? 18 continued on with her explanation, despite Gohan no longer looking at her.
"I snuck up on him one day, not long after the cell games. He hadn't noticed me because he couldn't sense me coming, so I was able to get pretty close. He kept going on about next time he'd be able to help Gohan more. He said he wanted to at least be able to make a difference next time."
Videl winced as she was placed onto the ground. In truth she was just extremely drained, but her muscles were so tired that they hurt to move. But even with all that, her head was pulled up from her resting spot, almost forced to look at Krillin. The short human, around her own height, was powering up to near super saiyan levels. He was breaking the boundary between the two, closing the gap. Slowly, Krillin began to form into Videl's mind as more than another human fighter, but someone she needed to try and pass herself. Her eyes never broke from the ex-monk as she spoke to Tien and Yamcha.
"After this, some time you guys should teach me that technique..."
The light red energy shot up towards the sky, a pillar that pierced the clouds. His roar was just as loud as his energy was high, filling the stadium with his own voice. Piccolo suddenly realized that he would be beat within seconds if he didn't power up himself. He still had a slight edge over Krillin, but the fact that Krillin was near super saiyan powers meant he hadn't been slacking off. Piccolo knew he would need to be ready for anything.
The energy finally died, fading until it was just burning around Krillin like a flame. In an instant, Krillin was upon Piccolo, his fist inches away from smashing his nose in. Piccolo's eyes widened as he moved to protect, both arms moving to catch the punch. The fist stopped, but Piccolo suddenly coughed up saliva. Glancing down, he found out why. Krillin had thrown both fists at him at the same time, one at his face and the other at his stomach. He had been so focused on protecting his face that he never noticed the second fist, meaning that his stomach had never tightened to protect himself from the blow.
In a burst of light red, Krillin had shot around Piccolo and shot his back. The Namekian could only watch as he tried to get his breath back. Krillin flew towards Piccolo, his foot leading the way. The kick smashed into Piccolo's back, sending the Namekian flying forwards. Krillin shot past the flying Piccolo, stopping once he was far beyond him. With a second burst of the light red energy, shot towards the incoming Piccolo, imbedding his knee into the Namekian's stomach. Pulling his elbow back, Krillin then smashed the boney part of his arm into the back of Piccolo's neck. Retracting both his knee and his arm, Krillin balled his hands together and jack-hammered Piccolo into the ground at their feet.
Krillin floated backwards, giving Piccolo space as he tried to pick himself up. The light red aura around Krillin faded, but not completely, the earthling staying on his guard. As Piccolo finally got to his feet, he brushed his fist against his chin to remove the purple blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Both fighters took their fighting stances, a small breeze blowing the small pieces of ruble across the arena. At the same time, the light red aura returned around Krillin while Piccolo's muscles bulged as he powered up to maximum.
Krillin fell into a starting position for track runners, his fingers on the ground just behind an imaginary line along with his back side held up towards the sky. Piccolo pushed off his front foot, charging towards the red fighter, instantly Krillin taking off doing the same. The two met in the middle of the arena, exchanging punches while blocking the others with their free hand. A sonic boom rocked the area, sending the dust in the air flying away from the two.
Fists and feet started flying as the two entered into a blurry battle of speed and power. Krillin grit his teeth together, realizing that he was slowly falling behind. He may have almost been as strong as a super saiyan, but Piccolo was even stronger than that. He was even stronger than 17 and 18 whom were both stronger than the an unmastered first level super saiyan. He had to kick things up a notch somehow, and it needed to be now.
Ducking an incoming punch, Krillin burst backwards, Piccolo keeping the pressure up by following right after him. Krillin kicked his feet off the ground, flipping backwards. As his hands were about to make contact with the tiles, an energy ball formed in his hands. The beam hit the ground, pushing Krillin forward again. Piccolo ran smack into Krillin's feet, stopping him on a dime. The beam continued to push off the ground as it shot, pushing Krillin and thus Piccolo further from the ground.
As he let the energy beam fade Krillin started to spin, drilling his foot further into Piccolo's gut while kicking at his face. Piccolo blocked the kick with his forearm while grabbing onto the foot in his stomach. Krillin's eyes widened as he was thrown towards the ground below the two. Piccolo cried out as he threw the small man, vein's bulging in his arm muscles.
"Ka..."
Krillin began to spin head over heals as he came towards the ground. As he landed on his feet, he turned to face the floating Piccolo, his hands cupped behind him.
"Me...ha...me..."
Piccolo held his hands infront of him, a golden ball of energy forming there. Krillin's red aura burned brightly as ever as the blue orb behind him started to grow. Blue specs of energy started to move from the ground, the crowd, and even the sky. The blue marble sized balls slowly floated down towards Krillin, all of them moving to be absorbed into his own Kamehameha ball. The ground started to shake as the two reach their current max. At the same time, both thrust their hands forward.
"HA!"
"Light Grenade!"
The golden and blue beams crashed into one another, creating a ball as the two tried to force one another back. Krillin dug his feet in, trying not to fly backwards from the force of the two attacks, his feet leaving marks in the ground as he was pushed mack none the less. Piccolo however wasn't budging, pouring all the energy he could spare into this attack.
The ball of energy at the center of the arena slowly started to be pushed down towards Krillin, Piccolo's power still superior thanks to his fusion with Kami all those years ago. Krillin closed his eyes shut, his body burning from the pain.
"N-nooo. I've come to far to lose now. I-I'm not going to lose! … Spirit Burst! … Times! … FORTY!"
Krillin's eyes shot open, the small dots that were his pupils having vanished. The light red aura burst out from him, easily tripling in size. His already bulging muscles once again grew in size. Krillin roared out as his Kamehameha grew in size, the second burst of energy following up his original kamehameha causing it to crash into the nearing ball of energy. The burst shot straight through it, causing it to explode. The Kamehameha shot out from the explosions smoke, aiming right for Piccolo. The Nameless Namekian crossed his arms infront of himself, instantly realizing that he couldn't block or dodge it. The beam closed in and crashed into him in the blink of an eye, consuming Piccolo completely.
The crowd gasped as the fighter vanished into the blue beam of light. The kamehameha arched over the stadium and towards the sky for it to fly harmlessly. As the beam ebbed to a final stop, Krillin feel to his knees, his bulging arms resting motionless on the tiles. The light red aura faded away, his eyes returning to focus. His bulging muscles remained, they taking longer to return to their normal size. Damn, his everything hurt like never before. But he had done it. With the times forty, he had ascended past a super saiyan. Finally, he was catching up.
The crowd turned to the black smoke that seemed to be hovering over the stadium. The Z-fighters as well looked on with interest. Slowly, Piccolo started to descend. First his feet became visible, then his legs. The cloth that had once clothed him had been turned into rags. His pants had turned into shorts, his shirt completely destroyed. Piccolo quietly touched down, earning him an exhausted look from Krillin.
Piccolo was covered in purple marks, his blood slowly seeping down his green body. A smile was on his face none the less. "Looks like...you win this time...Krillin. I'm...impressed."
And with that, Piccolo fell to his knees, and then continued forward to his chest. Krillin blinked, his mouth slowly opening in shock. The announcer quickly got onto the stage, checking over Piccolo. He started the count, but Krillin couldn't really hear it. His head was thumping to loud to really hear anything. Before long, the announcer hit 10 and announced Krillin this year's hero. The crowd went crazy, and a small smile grew on his lips.
He had heard that.
-DBZ-
"I can't believe they placed us in the same blasted room."
"Oh come on Vegeta, it isn't that bad. Besides! They bring all the food we can eat right to us!"
Goku and Vegeta had come too, finding their bodies looking more like mummies than anything else. And since the docs were running low on rooms for their hurt fighters, they had to put these two in the same room. Goku had been happily munching on rice balls as he sensed out the fights going on back at the arena, while Vegeta had just lay there motionless for some time.
"I can't believe that old cue-ball had gotten so strong."
"Maybe it's the hair? We always get stronger when our hair gets longer." Goku took a break from eating, sensing out Krillin's now tired body.
"Tch, yes... I'm SURE that's it, you imbecile. I'm being serious. He was stronger than a super saiyan for a second there."
"Krillin's always been strong." Vegeta turned his head to Goku, a questioning look on his face. Goku just continued to look up at the ceiling. "It's just now that he had a cool new technique that everyone is noticing it. Honestly, I can't wait to fight against him again. Along with you and Gohan, I was hoping I could fighting him today too."
Vegeta just huffed, turning his gaze back up to the ceiling as well. After a few moments of silence, Goku turned towards Vegeta, a more serious look on his face. "Hey Vegeta, about that thing that showed up on your forehead. What was that? And why'd your energy feel so strange?"
"Like I told you, it was Babidi. At first, I noticed that Babidi could use his energy to heal his minions, and I was tired after fighting your first born, so I tricked the idiot into taking me over and healing me. I had planned on then killing the little weakling, but your son's dark side beat me too it. So I figured I'd just expel the energy later on, thinking that I only needed my power and not someone else to be strong. But later that day when I went to do it...I found it had already weaved its way with my own power. Surprisingly, it acted like a string leading me to super saiyan 3. I'll even admit I was having trouble getting that last transformation, but that dark energy had clung to that so hard that when I tried to push it out, I accidentally transformed. It was so amazing, the first time feeling that power. I started training it, trying to get a hold over it. It was frustrating at first, but over the months I got the hang of it. It's still not complete though. You saw the V, right?"
With a nod from Goku, Vegeta continued. "Well, the more I gained control of my powers, the more the M faded away. It just happened by coincidence to look more like a V than an M today."
Goku looked at his rival for a long time before a chuckle escaped his lips as he returned to his food. "I can't wait to fight you when you have full control."
-DBZ-
"That's right! The champ, Hercule himself, will soon take center stage! Our hero Krillin will be fighting Hercule in a half an hour! Don't go anywhere, we'll be resuming soon!"
The announcer turned back to Krillin, the guy looked exhausted. He was sitting just off the stage, and it had been an ordeal just to get him there. The fire in his eyes was undeniable though. He wasn't gonna lose after he got that far.
Gohan ran up to the arena, looking between Piccolo and Krillin. Piccolo had come too, and the poor monk medics were really thrown for a loop when purple blood had started flowing from his wounds. He was being stubborn as usual, saying he was fine and his skin and blood always looked that way. The Namekian looked up to find Gohan sending him a humorous look, enough for Piccolo to give in and let the medic's take him to their center so they could look him over.
Turning his attention to Krillin, Gohan sat down to his friends level. "Hey Krillin, how ya holding up?"
Krillin looked up, his expression painting a good enough picture for Gohan to figure out. "Well, I now know why Goku couldn't move much after using times four against Vegeta."
18 made her way up to Krillin as well, Gohan taking his leave. Krillin an 18 started talking to one another, but Gohan paid little attention to what it was about. Instead, he focused on the rest of the fighters. Over the past seven years, they all had changed in a lot of ways. Now they even had a few new additions. But at the same time, they had remained themselves. It was nice to see everyone fighting again, their own styles reflecting their lives.
It wasn't long until the time had come. Everyone, even the ones that had gone to be treated for their wounds, returned and had taken their places near the waiting area. Everyone had gotten a good spot to watch the final fight. Videl had an especially large smile on her face as she watched her father take the stage. The crowd had gone wild, and he was drinking in every second of it like normal. And yet, there was this look in his eyes that said he had figured out exactly what was going on. Or at least a little bit of it.
Krillin took the the stage next, slightly battered and just as tired as before, but at least now he could move without constant piercing pain. His muscles were also almost down to their normal size, but they still pulsed every now and then, forcing Krillin to nearly whimper in pain. But in reality, this battle had already been one. Even in this state, it's not like the champ could throw him or punch him hard enough for it to hurt enough to make him pass out. Albeit he was already pretty close to taking a nice long name right then and there. This fight was more for his family than himself. With this kinda money, Marron would be set for at least till college. They could even get their own house on an island closer to the mainland. And so, a serious fire was burning in his eyes even though he was just going up against Hercule.
The champ was giving his signature double peace sign to the crowd as he got them into it as much as possible. His eyes were elsewhere however, focused on the small man he would be fighting. For this guy to be stronger than his daughter, he would need to be serious about this fight. Be the light tricks real or not, even though Hercule himself was starting to suspect that his worst nightmares were real, he would need to be fighting with everything he had.
The announcer went to introducing both fighters for the final time that day, the two faced each other. Krillin winced as he straitened up, Hercule gulping as he got himself ready as well.
"Could this finally be the year the hero takes down the champ? The man who defeated Cell vs a veteran of the World Martial Art's Tournament who's come out of hiding. Who will win? Lets get this started so we can find out! The Final Match, START!"
Krillin and Hercule took their stances, both ready to fight it out. Hercule was the first to charge, pulling back a fist before he unleashed it towards Krillin. Krillin easily moved to block, but when the punch hit, a pulse of pure pain shot through his arm. The fighter winced, falling back as Hercule pushed his attack. It was all Krillin could do to block the incoming fists and not cry out in pain. His muscles were still so soar and tender than even Satan's punches hurt like hell.
Finally, Krillin jumped back and charged a small energy ball in his hand. Like a baseball, Krillin threw it at the champ hoping that would be enough to end it. Hercule's eyes widened, instinctively throwing his hands forward to try and protect himself from the ball. The golden ball of energy crashed into his hands, but surprisingly enough the champ was trying to push it back. Krillin's eyes widened, along with the rest of the Z-fighters as Hercule cried out, throwing the ball behind him.
It had been small, but Krillin had figured that would at least put Hercule out of the ring. He could deflect energy? Well, he was pretty good at martial arts for not knowing a thing about energy. Seems as if he could control it at least a little bit. Krillin groaned inwardly. Great, just great.
The champ however couldn't have been happier. How he did it, he hadn't a clue, but never the less he had still done it. With a smile on his face, Hercule once again charged in for the attack.
Krillin had suffered enough of this. Jumping up as the champ closed in, the ex-monk wound up and threw the strongest punch he could muster at the time right for Hercule's face. The champ once again moved instinctively, both his hands moving up and caught his punch … or so he thought. The fist continued on its path, forcing Hercule's own fists to smash into his face. He stumbled back, eyes closed from the sudden infliction of pain. Krillin moved as quickly as he could, landing a series of punches to Hercule's unprotected stomach. The champ's mouth opened, saliva flying from the inside.
Krillin finished things off by holding his palm flat to Hercule's stomach. A golden energy ball started to form, pushing against Satan's clothing. All Hercule could do was watch as the ball exploded, sending him flying up and over the edge of the arena. With a thud, Hercule Satan, the supposed savior of the world, landed onto the grass outside the ring.
Dead silence would be an understatement.
The entire stadium was rendered speechless. The announcer quickly ran over to Krillin, grabbing a hold of his wrist and held it up for all to see.
"And the winner by ring out is our hero and new Champion, Krillin!- whoa!"
With a smile on his face the winner fell forward, passing out as soon as he heard he was the winner, thus taking the poor announcer with him part way.
-DBZ-
Krillin came to a few minutes later, reporters all ready in his face. He found 18 being the one holding him up by his arm wrapped around her shoulders, a small smile of congratulations on her pretty face. Krillin gave a goofy smile in return, unable to really focus enough to form a normal looking one.
"How does it feel to be the champ?"
"What are you going to do next?"
"How does it feel to beat the world savior Hercule?"
Krillin faced the group of announcers, blinking as he tried to make sense of what they were all trying to ask at once. Giving a nod to his wife, he straightened up as he stood on his own. His first thought was where was everyone, but soon he found them standing off to the side, a few of them waving to him. Turning back to the vultures, Krillin cleared his throat silencing the reporters.
"First off, this has been by far the most fun I've ever had at this tournament, and it's not just cause I won. I was able to push myself past my own limits because of the competition, and I hope things stay this hard for years to come. As for being the champ, I never figured in my wildest dreams I'd be walking away today the winner, but it feels great. A lot of my childhood was spent trying to win this very tournament, and it means a lot to me to finally do it. And finally, as for beating the champ..."
Krillin's eyes wavered, noticing the man in question punching the ground at his feet, his daughter standing over him. His eyes shot over to Gohan, whom was glancing over at the two. After a moment of thinking, a rather clever idea popped into his head.
"It was an honor to fight the man who beat Cell, I just wish I could have fought against him before that happened."
Many of the reporters blinked, confused at Krillin's choice of words. "What do you mean, before Cell?"
A rather mischievous grin spread across Krillin's face. "As a few of you may remember, I was there at the Cell games. I've let my hair grow out sense then, but I was the bald short one there. I saw what the champ did for everyone, and I know he probably doesn't want me to tell you, but I feel the world should know. At the very end when the camera's broke and the world lost signal, the champ sprung into action, sacrificing his own life energy so he could defeat Cell and save the Delivery Boy from utter doom. And sense life energy never comes back after use, Hercule became a lot weaker than he was before. He never told you because he didn't want the world to worry about him. And he told everyone that those light attacks were tricks because he didn't want people to figure out how he beat Cell, his life energy."
A complete and udder lie, but the press was eating ever single word of it up. All of them pulled a three sixty and shot towards the now ex-champ.
"Damn it! Damn it … I'm always one damn block short! Why is that?" Hercule was on the verge of breaking down, Videl resisting the urge to smack him so he would return to normal. He was her father after all, and she did love him despite his ego.
Suddenly however, the press turned to him, along with Krillin appearing at his side. Hercule blinked, turning to the people now watching him.
"Is it true that you nearly gave your life to save us?"
"You're a hero champ!"
"You'll always be my hero, Hercule!"
Most of them weren't even asking questions now, causing the man to be completely lost. Videl was also thrown for a loop. Krillin leaned over, whispering to the champ so only his ears could make out what he was saying. "Don't worry and just play along. Oh, and you owe me big for this. You can pay me back by letting Videl date a specific someone."
Krillin's eyes moved to Gohan, Hercule's following. After a second it looked as if Hercule was going to object, but when he turned back to the new champ Krillin was holding his hand out for him to shake it. Even Hercule knew when he was beat, and so the man slightly sulked, shaking Krillin's hand back.
Both slightly winced in pain, but the smiled for the camera's none the less.
-DBZ-
After the Z-fighters finally freed Hercule and Krillin from the press, they all gathered outside the stadium. A few clothes beam's from Piccolo later, everyone was ready to take off. Even though Hercule didn't seem exactly thrilled about it, the group had decided to go pick up everyone at Roshi's and then go get something to eat, and they had invited both Videl and Hercule. Goku called the Nimbus for those who couldn't fly, and soon all of them were in the air. The group had a good laugh at both Hercule, Master Roshi, and Konkichi clinging to dear life to poor Upa, since he was the only one pure of heart enough to actually ride the flying cloud.
It wasn't long until they were nearing the small island with the Kame House. The ones that had stayed there were all outside, waving as they came in for a landing. Marron quickly ran from Chi-Chi and Bulma straight to her father.
"Daddy Daddy! You're the stwongest! Yay! I knew you'd win!"
Krillin quickly picked up his daughter as she reached his feet, a happy, near cocky smile covering his face. "Hey, I told ya I'd win, didn't I?"
Piccolo, rather uncomfortably, walked over to Chi-Chi and held out a capsule, which by no means rather startled the woman.
"It's er...my winning's for getting third. I don't really need money, so give it to Gohan for me."
Chi-Chi's eyes lit up like the forth of July, instantly grabbing at the capsule. "Oh, Mr Piccolo you shouldn't! Thank you! I'll make sure Gohan works extra hard on his school work to make sure he deserves this! Trust me!"
Well, not exactly the effect the Namekian had expected or had been going for, but it was Chi-Chi after all. Silently he apologized in advance to Gohan, whom heard the telepathic message but didn't really know what to make of it.
Soon though, everyone had packed into one of Bulma's new versions of the Capsule Corp. hover-bus. Hercule sat quietly to the side, eying everyone while they conversed about how cool some of the other's moves had been. It wasn't until everyone had sat down to eat that the ex-champ had started to slightly open up to everyone. Bulma had made some calls and got a whole buffet restaurant to themselves, knowing that with all the saiyans at one place, it was going to be hard pickings for the rest of them even if they were the only others there. Happily for the rest of the day, everyone conversed and enjoyed the others company. A lot of people's pasts were told, Goku wanting to be filled in on everyone's past few years. All in all, it was a hell of a way to end a great day.
But eventually, the kids started to finally grow tired, the parents full and everyone ready to go home to their beds. Everyone said their goodbyes, telling Goku they'd be there to see him off tomorrow. And it wasn't to long that Gohan, Goku, Goten, and Chi-Chi had found their way home. Chi-Chi placed the now sleeping Goten in his bed, Gohan plopping down into his own. As Chi-Chi closed the door to the boy's room though, the small boy's head popped up.
He looked around for a second, realizing where he was. As quietly as he could, which wasn't to quiet to Gohan's amusement, Goten slipped out of the room, running down the hall and then into his parents room. A small smile crossed over Gohan's face as he silently was debating going to join his younger brother in his parents bed. Finally he figured he wouldn't, letting Goten get his one turn to sleep with his parents alone. He was a teen now, it would be weird for him to join them anyway, even given the circumstances. And so, the Son family went to sleep, a lot more comfortable than normal.
-DBZ-
The next day passed to quickly for anyone's liking. Everyone had woken up early, to get most of the time they had left together. Chi-Chi quickly prepared a king sized picnic and the whole family made their way to a nearby lake to eat. Eventually everyone, including Chi-Chi, had made their way to the water and had started a saiyan sized water fight. Their mother proved to be quiet resourceful, using her husband as a shield, but in the end everyone was soaked to the bone and were having quite a lot of fun.
The day passed on, and the family made it back just to their house as some of the other Z-fighters started to gather. Tables were set and food was made, a party once again starting as everyone slowly started to trickle towards the Son home. It was no where near as happy as the one the night before though, this being much more somber. Goku's halo was a constant reminder that he would be leaving in a few short hours. Videl even eventually showed up with Sharpner, Erasa, and even her father. The entire crew had shown up to say their goodbyes.
At twenty four hours on the dot though, Fortune-teller Baba appeared on her magic floating ball. With a tad of coxing, they convinced her to stay a while longer and catch up with the others, giving Goku a few more hours on earth.
As the sun started to fade in the distance, it could no longer be put off. Goku himself was even starting to huff and puff, his energy seemingly starting to drop at an alarming rate.
Tears started to form in many of the eyes as Goku waved to the rest of them. The Son family had one last hug, Goten whimpering as he asked his father to stay longer. Goku reluctantly told his son that there was nothing he could do, and he had to go back. Sadly, the family parted as they watched their father and husband walk away towards Baba. Even Baba, usually grumpier than all get out seemed to be wishing she could let Goku stay longer. But rules were rules, and this had been his choice all those years ago. The two started to lift off into the orange sky, slowly growing more and more invisible. At once, everyone cried out their goodbyes, Vegeta giving a simple salute wave to his rival. The normally quiet 439 Mountain Area suddenly was consumed by teary eyed goodbyes as their hero, friend, and rival faded back to the Other-World.
And sadly, finally he was gone. The fighters lingered, helping Chi-Chi clean up while the poor woman held her youngest in a tight hug. Once things were in order, they all said their goodbyes, leaving the distraught family to their memories. Gohan whispered something to his mother, to which she looked up and gave her oldest a sad nod. Quickly, Gohan turned and caught Videl before she could leave with her friends and father, asking her if she would mind take a quick flight to no where exactly with him. Videl took one look into his eyes, and knew she had to. Quickly, she said her see ya later's to Hercule, Erasa, and Sharpner. Hercule looked as if he was going to try and stop her, but then suddenly stopped. How could he? She was growing up, and hell, she had found a way to find someone stronger than him. The father watched as Gohan and Videl took off towards the sky, while Sharpner and Erasa glanced at each other, a happy grin on both of their faces.
-DBZ-
Gohan and Videl slowly flew through the now night sky. Satan City below them was quiet, the streetlights brightening up the area. Videl glanced over at the spiky haired boy. His eyes were slightly closed, his face emotionless. His father returning to Other-World must have been ragging on him even more than he had been letting on. Gohan finally realized he was being watched, turned his head to face Videl.
"Hey Videl, thanks for coming with me."
"No problem..." Videl cursed her people skills now. How was she going to drag Gohan out of this? It really wasn't her forte, making people feel better. She usually had to do the opposite. But seeing Gohan like this, she knew she had to do something.
"Hey, let's land here." Gohan pointed down to the top of a rather large sky scrapper. Videl gave a nod, and the two slowly descended down. After landing, Gohan made his way to the waist high railing, leaning onto it with his forearms as he folded his arms and looked towards the crescent moon. Videl walked behind him, placing her hand on his shoulder. Gohan twitched from the contact, turning around to face her for a split second in surprise, but then smiled and turned back to the moon.
"You miss him?" Videl gave a slight squeeze as she moved to his side, keeping her hand on his shoulder.
"Ya...I miss my dad a lot. But what hurts the most … is seeing everyone's faces when he left, Goten and my mother's especially..."
Silence consumed the roof top. The wind was a tad cold, but neither seemed to notice. Videl glanced at Gohan's eyes. They were they way she usually saw them, happy but holding back a lot of pain behind that. In-fact, they looked more like that tonight than any other time she had seen him.
"I know I shouldn't be like this … I was lucky enough to see my dad after so long … its just … I can't stop blaming myself."
Videl's hand slid down Gohan's arm, now she herself leaning against the railing. Her thoughts wandered to her own mother. "I understand Gohan, really … I do."
Gohan glanced to his side, now looking at Videl as she watched the moon hang in the sky. It dawned on him, she knew everything about him, but he didn't know a thing about her. His mouth started to move before he could even think about what he was asking. "Hey Videl … would you mind telling me about your mom?"
Videl's eyes winced, she looked down to the ground far below as the memories came back to her. "My … my mom died about eight years ago now. She was one of the first to get that Heart Virus your dad got..."
Gohan's eyes went wide, completely taken back by that. Of all things, that was what took her mother from her? Videl clenched her fists together, trying to hold back some tears that were forming in her eyes.
"She was beautiful. She was the only one that could get my dad to not think about fighting. I can't remember ever being happier back then when we were a family..." Videl knew that was a lie. The past few days had been some of the happiest of her life, spending them with Gohan...but he was slowly taking her heart from her mother. She spent less time each day thinking about it and more thinking about him. It scared her.
"Videl...I, I didn't know back when I told you-"
"Don't worry about it. I understand, the world needed your dad so we didn't all die. I'm not mad … or jealous..."
Videl's voice undermined her words. She was nearly shaking now, her fists squeezing each other so tightly her knuckles were turning white. She closed her eyes, a last ditch effort to stop the tears from falling. Gohan wanted to smack himself in the face. Here Videl was trying to help him feel better about his dad leaving and he had made her start to cry. Seriously, way to go. Gohan reached out, now placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Videl..."
Videl turned, taking her shoulder from Gohan's grip. She hated feeling like this. Crying was for weak people, and she was strong. Her mother had told her to be strong, so she had lived her life doing just that. But ever sense she meet Gohan, she had started to become weak again. She had started to depend on him. The protecting her from danger, the training, everything. And now, here she was crying about her mother in front of Gohan. She had to go, she couldn't let anyone see her like this, especially not him.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go."
Videl started to lift off the ground, tears now free falling from her eyes, but she was only able to get a few inches off the ground before two strong muscular arms wrapped themselves around her. Videl blinked for a second, surprised that Gohan was all of a sudden being so direct. Gohan buried his face into the nape of Videl's neck, causing the teary eyed girl to blush a brilliant red.
"Please Videl … stay."
The tears stopped for a moment, but the streaks they left on Videl's face were still prominent. Gohan continued to nuzzle his head into the back of her neck, his words sending his breath against the bare skin. "I know how your feeling. But, I'm asking you to forget or move on from your mother. I won't push you to do anything like that, but … I want know you can always come to me if you need anything. I'll be here for you, ok … ?"
New tears started to roll down Videl's cheeks, ones she wasn't as upset about having. Damn him, he seemed to always know what to say. Wiggling slightly, Videl turned herself around to face Gohan. The two looked at each other in the crescent moonlight. Videl's teary eyed whimpering face and Gohan's understanding smile...
Videl gripped at Gohan's shirt, squeezing them as she moved herself forward. Gohan never let his grip on Videl loosen as he moved towards her. First their foreheads touched, both parties keeping their eyes focused on the others. Then their noses brushed bast one another, sending sparks of electricity running down each other's body.
Finally … finally, their lips touched.
Author's Annotation:
And with that, I end chapter 40. The final saga starts next chapter, I hope you're look forward to it as much as I am.
Ah yes, my last chapter. I knew a few of you wouldn't like it while a few of ya would love it. The reason I went a little overboard was because after this the shit is gonna hit the proverbial fan, so I went a little farther than what I probably should have because it was the last chance to make an attempt at being funny. From here on though its gonna be all serious. Everything's been working towards this final saga.
Takula and the Universal Library. Not many people like libraries, but as a saying goes – If you want a new idea, you should read an old book. I'll be packing a few bombshells to twist thing up. The plot, heh, it seemed to kinda vanish during the tournament. But it's gonna be back next chapter, and its gonna be back with a vengeance. Please continue to read and review, its gonna be fun. I promises.
PS: I've updated the first chapter with the overview of the final saga, so if you want a sneak peek at what's coming, take a gander.