Chapter Thirty-Three
The Z-Sword
xxxx
King Yemma had seen better days.
Oh yes, he had seen the true destruction of Majin Buu when he had been conjured out of his so called 'eternal' prison thousands of years ago. The desolation that had occurred had almost forced the King of Ogres into early retirement. His only hope was that the Gods could find another solution in Goku's boy, but what an awful child he was! Certainly no where near the enthusiastic young saiyan that had brought Buu down to his knees all that time ago.
Oh he had heard the rumours yes.
The rumours that none other than Lord Whis himself had stowed the super saiyan's soul away before it could reach purgatory. Though why would such a celestial being such as a destroyer God do such a thing? It's not like Lord Beerus was in need of a training partner at the time, he thought as he repressed a shudder. Some say that Whis had a higher purpose intended for the super saiyan, but for what Yemma couldn't fathom.
Of course, it was all just Ogre talk, Goz and Mez had always been the type to gossip. It seemed that guarding the prisoners of HFIL had gotten a bit boring for them over the years, that is until Cell came crashing into HFIL, streaming out of nowhere seven years ago. Oh ho! Now that was an achievement he couldn't deny Goku's boy! The young boy had sent the bio-android to HFIL with so much power that he careened straight past the check in station and into the depths of the hell faster than you could say super saiyan.
King Yemma and his team hadn't seen that much action in centuries, and they had never had a villain sent straight to HFIL from the world of the living before. Yemma even had to bring Cell back up to the check-in desk to admit him officially - it was safe to say that Cell did not like being made a laughing stock by an eleven year old boy, especially in the afterlife.
Though, he doubted he wouldn't see anything like that again for quite some time, even if the rumours of the super saiyan were true. How could a physical body even hold that kind of power? Saiyan blood tainted with evil magic? Majin magic at that! No, it would need some sort of an extraordinary combination to see a child born of that souling.
Alas, it would probably take until the end of this mountain of paperwork to see something of such magnitude again. What a shame.
"Oh, millions of souls," he sighed, resting his heavy chin on his enormous hand, "What a catastrophe."
POP
"Hiya King!"
King Yemma blinked rapidly, shaken out of his thoughts as he caught sight of a familiar mass of spikey black hair, "Oh it's you Goku! Back already I see!"
"Yeah, my time's up on Earth," Goku replied, smiling, "Oh by the way, do you know if my son Gohan passed through here?"
The vein in Yemma's temple began to throb, "What does it look like?"
Goku cringed as he looked around the half destroyed temple.
"He has quite the temper that boy of yours Goku," said Yemma.
"Whoops, sorry about that," the saiyan chuckled nervously.
The King scoffed, before catching sight of the large group that had accompanied him, "And just who are all these people?"
"Oh! Er, friends of mine."
"What?!" Yemma bellowed, his eyes bulging "They're living?!"
Goku waved cheerily, "Alright Yemma thanks! Off to find Gohan!"
"Goku wait-!" Yemma cried, but the deceased warrior had already disappeared right in front of his eyes.
The King of Ogres sighed, rubbing his temples with his fingertips before pressing the button for his secretary.
"Denise? Be a love would you and fetch the aspirin."
xxxx
"Stop your trembling boy," Kibito growled his gruff tone echoing over the vast valleys.
Gohan was getting increasingly annoyed as he swung the Z-sword back and forth with all his might. It was feeling lighter, he had noticed, but it wasn't getting any easier to manoeuvre.
"Tch, at this rate you will never harness the power of the mighty Z-sword."
"I'm trying alright?" Gohan shot back, his messy black hair laden with sweat.
He had made a lot of progress so far, and could now lift the sword without transforming… or destroying any more buildings.
Kibito and The Supreme Kai still hadn't quite forgiven him for obliterating their ancient temple that had been around since the dawn of time. Kibito had been beyond livid, and had even attempted to pick up the sword from the debris himself in order to throw it at the halfling in anger, only to put his back out in the process.
"Pfft, what a hypocrite," the teenager muttered, giving the air another slice, "He couldn't even lift it."
"What was that?!"
"Nothing, nothing…don't get your knickers in a twist big guy," Gohan couldn't help but smirk, as he heard Kibito utter another noise of frustration.
The halfling frowned in concentration, his tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth as he lifted the ancient relic and gave it another almighty swing-
"ARGH!" Gohan yelped, as suddenly, his father appeared out of nowhere, the blade narrowly missing his head.
"Dad?! What the hell?!" the teenager shouted as Goku writhed nervously on the floor.
"Whoops, sorry Gohan," he chuckled, blinking rapidly as a few hairs fell from his head.
The teenager was about to roll his eyes, when he noticed the majority of the Z-gang were standing behind his father.
Gohan gasped in horror, "What the bloody hell are you all doing here?! Did Buu-?!"
"No son," his father interjected, clambering up from the floor and dusting off his gi.
"We're fine, although a lot has happened down on Earth. You look like you've got a few things to fill us in on too," he added, glancing at the young saiyan's outfit.
"That doesn't matter right now," his mother sobbed, racing towards him and engulfing him in a bone crushing hug. "Oh sweetheart, I can't believe what that horrible monster did to you."
Gohan winced, "You saw?"
"We all did," sniffed Bulma, giving him a watery smile.
"Yes," said Dende solemnly, "I'm so glad to see your alright Gohan."
"Well, I'm not that great, I'm still most defiantly dead," he teased, earning him a playful slap on the chest from his mother.
As the gang greeted him happily, clapping him on the back and ruffling his hair, the young saiyan noticed that there were a few members missing, most notably -
"Where's Gokuto?" asked Gohan, expecting the boy to have already pounced on him.
Goku blinked, before looking wildly around him.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed, "Where has he got to this time?"
Gohan's face was like thunder, "Hang on, you lost him?!"
His father gulped, raising his hands up in defence, "I'm sure he's fine Gohan! He's a fast little guy, I didn't realise he hadn't grabbed on! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to loose him again!"
"What do you mean AGAIN?!" The teenager roared, causing even the Supreme Kai to wince.
"Gohan, please calm down," said Goku warily, he had never seen the young saiyan look so much like his mother, "I'm sure he'll turn up!"
"Turn up?!" he cried, "He's a baby! Not a missing sock!"
"Hem, hem," the interruption caused both father and son to stop in their tracks, and look over at the Supreme Kai.
"Forgive me, Goku, but I can't help but wonder why you've brought your friends to my planet," he said carefully, "For that matter, I can't quite understand how you found us so easily."
"Oh," Goku smiled, scratching the back of his head, "Well my time on Earth ran out, so I just turned up at Yemma's place and followed Gohan's energy using my instant transmission technique - King Yemma said you weren't very nice to him Gohan."
"Like I care," the teenager snorted, causing his father to frown.
"Ah of course," the Kai smiled knowingly, "that's very impressive Goku."
"Thanks," The saiyan giggled sheepishly, "You don't mind that I brought my friends do you? Sorry Supreme Kai, I guess I sort of panicked-"
"Its preposterous!" Kibito exclaimed, finally able to speak, "Not only do you have as much disregard for our sanctuary as your son, but you bring live mortals to walk upon these sacred grounds-?!"
"I said I was sorry…" mumbled Goku.
"It's alright Kibito," said the Supreme Kai, "For what its worth, I think its a fantastic idea to have the Z-fighters here."
"Master-?!" the bodyguard exclaimed, dumbstruck.
"Indeed," he smiled, "I believe Goku and his friends here can help young Gohan to train in his efforts with the Z-sword, but first I think it will be advantageous to know what has been going on down on Earth."
As Goku opened his mouth to offer an explanation, a tentative voice cut through the air.
"Gohan?"
The young saiyan started, pulling his gaze away from the small group that had gathered as a familiar voice reached his ears.
He blinked, as his eyes fell upon the form of his best friend. Lime was stood with Mister Lao, who was positively beaming, despite the tragedy that had befallen Earth.
Gohan wasn't sure why or how they had come to be here, but he couldn't think straight at that moment, as Lime's gaze bore into his, the spark reignited in her dazzling turquoise eyes. He heard his mother gasp beside him, along with several others. They had seen the girl, knew of her condition, and Gohan too, was told by Dende how it was virtually impossible for her to regain any sort of memory or speech, the damage to her brain far to great. But here she was, opening the lips that had kissed him so many times, and speaking to him, recognising him, pushing past her grandfather and taking a step towards him.
"Gohan, is it really you?" she asked, her voice but a whisper as silence encompassed the group.
The halfling nodded, gripping the Z-sword tighter in his palms.
His mouth ran dry, now it was he who was unable to speak. The last time they had seen each other, it was full of hurt and anger. She had tore his heart in two, and even when Gohan had tried to reconcile, she couldn't bare to see him again. And then, the next time he had seen her… she was… she was…
"If it's alright with everyone, I think we should give these two some time alone," Mister Lao said wisely, breaking the silence, "Yes, I think a spot of tea will do, if you have any Supreme Kai?"
xxxx
Five minutes later, and deciding they had walked far enough without anyone being able to listen in, Gohan and Lime found themselves sitting on the bank of a glistening lake. It was surreal, just hearing her speak again. He had gotten over his initial shock when The Supreme Kai had informed them that Lime's injured mind had been healed temporarily by the sacred energies of the planet. That was all the explanation he had listened to before they had slipped away from the flabbergasted group.
Gohan offered her a cigarette before taking his own and lighting them both with a spark of Ki from his finger. They sat in silence for a long while, the Z-Sword lying abandoned in the soil as they smoked and watched the ripples of fish sweep across the water.
It was as if nothing had ever happened, were in not for the thick tension in the air.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked finally, having had pondered the same question for the last two years.
"I'm sorry," Lime whispered, looking down at her hands, "When I found out, I didn't know what to do. I wasn't sure how you'd react. I didn't even tell Grandpa until I got too big to hide it from him. I was scared Gohan."
"Well how do you think I felt when I turned up at the hospital and saw him?" he spat back before sighing and casting his head up to the sky, "I can't believe that you kept something like that from me."
"Look, we've both made mistakes alright?" she shot back sternly, causing the halfling to snort.
Silence engulfed them once more.
"Whats he like?" she asked.
Gohan turned towards her, to find that she had tears shining in her turquoise eyes, "You mean, you really don't know?"
The girl shook her head, allowing a tear to escape and roll down her cheek.
He caught it instinctively, wiping it away with his thumb before offering her a small smile and pulling away, "He's… he's something else. He's hilarious, adventurous, gets himself into everything - I think he gets that from you."
She chuckled, urging him to continue.
"He's ridiculously strong too," he said fondly, "You should see the temper tantrums he throws when you can't find his noo noo."
"His noo noo?" she quirked curiously.
"His dummy."
"Oh."
Silence.
"Lime?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm so sorry," he mustered sadly.
The red head sighed, "It's not your fault. I know it was Borbonne. That night, I woke up when I smelled the smoke. I managed to wake up Gramps, but the baby… he.."
Lime stopped short, her lip trembling before she managed to bring herself to continues, "He wouldn't wake up, I thought he had inhaled too much smoke. I wasn't thinking straight, I passed him out of the window to Grandpa, even though I thought he was dead. The roof caved in, and after that, I don't remember what happened."
"Lime…" Gohan whispered sadly, he had no idea.
"Who knows," she sniffed, "maybe if I had told you about the baby sooner, then you would have been there with us and beat the crap out of Borbonne's goons before anything happened."
"Please don't blame yourself," he offered sincerely, breaking out into a small smile, "and besides, I'd like to think that I beat them within an inch of their lives after I found out what happened."
Lime winced slightly, "Ouch."
"Yeah," he mustered darkly.
"Nice to know that you still cared about me," she said.
Gohan blinked, "Of course I did, I still do Lime."
"Me too," she said sadly, taking his hand in hers.
"What's it like?" Gohan asked suddenly, though he was afraid of the answer.
"Empty," she replied, looking out into the violet sky.
The young saiyan squeezed her hand tighter, not quite ready to let go just yet.
"You've gotten taller you know," Lime suddenly grinned, "Not to mention those tattoos! Hot. Ness."
He blushed, "thanks, I knew you'd like them."
"Did your Mum nearly castrate you?"
"Shockingly, she had a worse reaction to the tattoos than me becoming a teenage father."
Laughter escaped her, and at that moment, the teen saiyan couldn't think of a more greater sound in the world.
"I can't believe you've raised him for two years and I don't even know what he looks like, everything just feels like mush when I try to think," she said with a sigh, rubbing her temple.
"Don't worry, you'll meet Gokuto soon," he smiled, his brow contorting into a frown, "that is, if my dad doesn't keep 'misplacing' him."
"Oh yeah I've got a bone to pick with your dad about that one," she teased, "so what's it like having him around?"
"Awkward," he answered honestly.
Lime snorted, "Don't worry, if I can make amends with my scumbag of a father for a couple of weeks then I'm sure you can do the same with yours eh?"
"I suppose," Gohan sighed, suddenly becoming interested in the blades of grass between his legs.
"Do you think you can do it?" she asked after a beat of silence, "You know, defeat this Buu monster like everyone was talking about?"
"I don't know," he shrugged hopelessly, "The Supreme Kai seems to think I can."
"Hey," said Lime, grasping his jaw with her hand and turning him to look at her, "Where's that cocky superhero that I once knew and loved? Don't tell me you're going to give up when the fight hasn't even started."
He couldn't help but grin at her, the warmth of her fingertips radiating over his skin, "I'm not saying I'm giving up, I just think that maybe The Supreme Kai has got a screw loose."
She snorted, her hand leaving him, "That's what I thought about your friends when they sent an eleven year old to fight Cell, but that worked out just fine now didn't it? You don't give yourself enough credit blondie, plus you've got an awesome sword that'll help you, not to mention it makes you look like a total badass!"
Gohan couldn't help but laugh, "It's not all about the look Lime, I might look powerful, but I certainly don't feel it."
"You once told me that your greatest power comes from the love you have for your family and friends," she quirked almost triumphantly, "Tell me, just how much love do you have for our son?"
"I'd die for him, a million times over," he stated boldly.
Lime smiled, "Well, there's your answer. I don't know much about freaky half-alien superpowers, but I know a lot about love. And you have all the love in the world Gohan, I'm certain that the power will follow."
Gohan felt a ripple of warmth in his chest, his fingers still intertwined with his best friends. Even though he may not have believed her, he still appreciated her faith in him, "Thanks Lime."
She grinned back, before rolling her eyes, "Right, now all the mushy stuff is over with, you have got to fill me in with what's been going on with you and Gokuto for the past two years!"
He smirked, his muscles no longer aching from the weight of the Z-Sword, "Want to hear the story of the time Gokuto pissed in Vegeta's face when Bulma made him change his nappy?"
"Do I!"
They talked for what felt like minutes, but it was well over an hour when Gohan had finally filled her in on the last two years of his life. It was as if nothing had changed between them, and Gohan slowly felt old wounds beginning to heal. Although, he had been particularly irked when Lime had laughed hysterically about his single mothers club, but he was rather satisfied that he managed to shut her up when he let her in on his ongoing love affair with Videl Satan.
Lime was happy for him, which was a relief, though she embarrassingly insisted on being the 'best woman' at the wedding.
Upon their return to the training grounds, they found the entire gang enjoying a picnic and numerous pots of sweet tea. Lime immediately made a beeline for his father to scold him for loosing Gokuto. The young saiyan smiled, making a grab for a chicken sandwich before it was forcibly knocked out of his hand by a rather miffed Kibito.
"Oi!" Gohan protested, as he was lifted into the air and away from the food by the scruff of his robes.
"You can eat after you've finished your training!" the red skinned deity growled, "You've wasted enough time already!"
The teenager offered him a rather rude hand gesture, causing Kibito to growl menacingly.
"Kibito is right Gohan," The Supreme Kai coughed, clearing his throat in an attempt to diffuse the situation, "Why don't you show your father and your friends what the Z-sword is capable of after I've finished filling you in on what is happening on Earth? I've already informed them of your task."
"Well alright," said the young saiyan, shoving Kibito off him.
xxxx
Gohan span wildly in the air, throwing the Z-sword up above his head and catching it in one swift movement. He was improving, rapidly so, and the young saiyan couldn't help but thank Piccolo's early sword training for that.
He swung the relic around with one hand, his boots tapping lightly on the ground before he propelled himself into the sky like a speeding bullet. Sweat rolled down the side of his brow as he pushed himself harder, his muscles burning from the strain.
The teenager stopped midair, pausing as he felt all eyes upon him. The Z-gang were sat on the soft blades of grass below, chatting happily as they watched him. His mother had raided the Kai's kitchen and was busy passing around glasses of iced lemonade.
It was a surreal sight to behold. If he couldn't feel the evil presence of Buu niggling at the back of his senses, he would of thought that his friends and family were just enjoying a picnic on a warm summers day, and not hiding from an ancient monster that had wiped out nearly almost everyone on Earth.
His stomach churned uncomfortably at the thought of Gokuto, Goten, Trunks, Piccolo, and Vegeta still on Earth. He could feel Gotenks holding his own, his power was certainly incredible for them to sense it from so far away, but he wasn't sure just how much longer the fused warrior could last against such a fiend.
Gritting his teeth, the halfling gripped the hilt of the sword more tightly, and continued in his onslaught upon the air. The sound of the blade whipping through the air caught even more attention, a wind picking up by the sheer force. Gohan growled, drawing the sword back and firing it outwards in rapid concession.
"HA! HA! HA!" the young saiyan cried, shooting through the sky and spinning the relic around in his palm. He heard a small gasp as he caught it again, and directed his gaze towards the ground.
He couldn't help but show off a little, when he caught everyone staring at him in awe. With a look of concentration crossing his features, he swiped and thrashed the sword as fast as he could, which to the untrained eye, was so quick they would have surely missed it.
"Hey Gohan, get down here!" he heard his father call from below, causing him to stop suddenly in midair.
Frowning a little, the teenager lowered himself to the ground, the Z-sword resting lightly now on his shoulder as the gang clapped and cheered. Even little Bulla and Marron were squealing in delight.
"Looking good," Goku winked, "But what do you say we test that baby out a little? See how sharp it is?"
Gohan grinned at his father, surprisingly not too deterred from spending time with him, "Yeah, yeah alright."
"Great! I'll throw and you slice! Now lets see…" said the older saiyan, getting up and looking around him, "Ah this should do, let's start out with this small one."
"That's a small one?" Gohan heard Supreme Kai mutter behind him, as his father picked up a reasonably sized boulder from the ground.
"Ready?" Goku smiled, hoisting the rock above his head with one hand.
Gohan smirked, "I'm always ready."
In one fluid movement, the boulder came hurtling towards him. The young saiyan flashed the gang a wicked smile, before bringing down the sword effortlessly. The blade cut clean through the rock, separating in two before flying past the halfling and into the distance.
A loud cheer and applause came from the Z-gang, along with a "Yeah! Alright Gohan!" from Lime.
The young saiyan gave a comical bow, causing his father to chuckle.
"I think your ready for a big one now son!"
The Supreme Kai gasped suddenly, "Katchin!"
"Bless you," said Gohan.
"No no Gohan," he said with an amused smile, "Katchin is the hardest known metal in the universe. A perfect test for such a mighty blade, don't you think?"
Gohan raised a quizzical eyebrow at the Kai as he raised a palm in the air. Immediately, a dark cube materialised out of nowhere, before descending upon his father. Goku caught it swiftly with both hands, but seemed he was struggling slightly with the weight.
"Oooh.." Goku mused, tapping the block curiously, "Let's do it Gohan."
The teenager smirked, feeling cocky as he bent his knees low in preparation. He could feel everyone's eyes upon him, "Let her fly Dad!"
Goku yelled in delight, as he released the metal. It careened towards the halfling at surprising speed. The teen saiyan lifted the blade, bringing it down as hard as he could.
But something was wrong.
As soon as the sword tapped its surface, it stopped. Gohan's eyes widened as he felt the blade quiver beneath his palms, and with a horrifying SNAP, it cracked completely in two.
The halfling yelped, the cube of katchin narrowly missing his head as he ducked out of its path. The heavy mass flew over his head before falling rapidly to the ground, picking up a generous mound of dirt as it dug it's way through the planets surface.
The cries of horror and desperation were lost on him, as all he could do was stare at the broken blade in his hands.
Slowly, he let the hilt drop to the floor, turning his focus to the devastated Kai.
"NO!" the purple skinned deity gaped, "KIBITO! TELL ME ITS NOT TRUE!"
"T-THE Z-SWORD, IT SNAPPED IN TWO! WE'RE ALL DOOMED!" Kibito cried.
"Well, uh, now I s'pose it's the Z-dagger," Gohan joked, attempting to make light of the situation.
"HOW DARE YOU MAKE JOKES!" Kibito roared, stomping towards the halfling, "YOU STUPID, RECKLESS BOY!"
"Oi! Don't blame me! Whose idea was it to throw the hardest metal in the frigging universe at my HEAD?!" Gohan retorted hotly.
"WELL, IT MIGHT HAVE KNOCKED SOME SENSE INTO THAT THICK SKULL OF YOURS YOU INCOMPETENT BRAT!"
"N-no…" the Supreme Kai muttered, sinking to his knees, "I-its legend, master the Z-sword and you cannot be rivalled. It's said the person who wields the sword has the greatest power in the universe… bringing down… mightiest of foes… Buu… how is this possible?"
"Well this is great," grumbled Krillin, "How are we supposed to beat Buu now?!"
The group was in uproar, and Gohan couldn't help but allow a sickly feeling to pool at the bottom of his stomach. Gotenks, as strong as he was, was just merely holding Buu off before the teen could deliver the blow that would surely kill him. Sure, all the training he had done with the sword had caused him to become a little stronger, but was he anywhere near within the realms of power as the destructive Majin? Gohan highly doubted it.
It seems his father did too, as he gave him a solemn look. The young saiyan sighed, how was he supposed to get to Gokuto now? Even if he transformed into his ascended super saiyan state, it wasn't going to be enough.
With his mind reeling, he didn't notice the slight breeze that picked up behind him, nor the faint wheezing cough that was drowned out by the Z-Fighter's distraught chatter.
That is, until an abrupt shout caused him to nearly jump out of his skin.
"QUIIIIEEEET!"
They all ceased suddenly, staring wide eyed at the being whose purple skin was lined with wrinkles. He had a floppy white mohawk and beard, and was dressed in similar a garb as The Supreme Kai himself.
"Er, excuse me sir," Goku mustered politely, "But we're in the middle of training over here…"
"Ha! You call that training?!" the old man scoffed, his beady eyes trailing over the group, "My goodness I've never seen this place look so crowded, what is this? Some kind of party?"
"E-excuse me," Supreme Kai stuttered, "But who are you? How did you get here?"
The old man smirked, "Take a look at the hairstyle young one, I'm you. Fifteen generations ago to be precise!"
"You're a Kai?!" he exclaimed in shock.
"F-Fifteen generations?!" Kibito gasped.
"Thats right," said the Old Kai, "and I've been trapped in that damned sword for almost as long."
"Y-you were trapped in the Z-sword?" Supreme Kai asked, flabbergasted.
"Correct," he hummed, "Many years ago, a fearsome enemy sealed me away in the ancient sword of the Gods, too weary of my awesome powers. They imprisoned the sword within that stone until the time when a warrior worthy of taking on the greatest threat in the universe would appear. I've been waiting a long time for someone to set me free, now I've got a cramp." He paused, eyeing his descendent, "Hmmm, I take it that from the evil energy I'm sensing that Buu is out of hibernation, such a shame indeed…"
As the Supreme Kai filled the newest member of their group in on the day's events, Gohan was nudged in the ribs by his father.
"Psst, Gohan," Goku whispered, leaning into him, "What do you think? I don't think this bloke's as strong as he says he is."
The young saiyan raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what to make of the situation. "I dunno Dad, I don't see why he's got any reason to lie."
Goku grinned, "I think we should test him, he doesn't look all that strong, but I think it'll be fun to see what he can do! He did say a fearsome enemy trapped him in the Z-sword because of his powers! Maybe he's got some tricks up his sleeve that can help us to defeat Majin Buu!"
"Dad, I don't know…"
"Shh," he whispered, "Watch!"
The Old Kai was completely oblivious, as Goku gathered a small ball of Ki in his palm behind them. With a small shout, he fired, the blast hitting the Kai square in the face.
Gohan doubled over with laughter, as the deity hit the ground with a heavy thud. Supreme Kai and Kibito raced over, dusting him off whilst muttering a thousand and one apologies.
Goku winced, as the smouldering Kai sat up, positively seething.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Old Kai roared, shaking a fist at them, "YOU UNLEASH AN ATTACK ON A FEARSOME MAN LIKE ME! YOU DARE TO SINGE THE FACE OF A GOD?! ARE YOU CRACKED?!"
"B-but Sir," Goku mustered weakly, "that attack was just child's play…"
"My toddler could of handled that!" Gohan howled, clutching his aching sides.
"It was not my strength that struck fear into the hearts of my enemies you insolent brats!" the ancient deity growled, allowing Kibito to help him to his feet, "It was my menacing capacities!"
"Menacing capacities?" queried Yamcha, "what do you mean by that?"
"Silence Earthling!" he warned, before he turned away from them, "Why should I tell you anyway, hmm? Give me one good reason!"
Nervous glances were exchanged, before it was Gohan's father that surprisingly spoke up.
"I know!" Goku beamed, causing all eyes to avert to him, "My old master likes girly magazines, how about I see if he has some on him? He's only sitting right over there!"
"Dad really?" Gohan face-palmed, as an awkward silence hung in the air.
"What's the matter Gohan?" blinked Goku, "Do you have some more up to date ones he could have?"
The teenager blushed to the roots of his hair. Of course he did, but he didn't want anyone else to know that, least of all his mother.
"NO!" he defended, purposely avoiding their cryptic gaze.
"I have no need for such things," Old Kai sniffed professionally, before a smirk crossed his lips, "With my omniscient vision I can watch girl's sunbathe all day on the beach!"
Gohan scoffed, as his father let out a burst of nervous laughter. Some Kai, what a pervert.
"Hey Old Kai," his father tried again, "How about we set you up with a real live earth woman?"
The teenager rolled his eyes, why wouldn't he just give up for goodness sake? It wasn't going to work.
"Is she a good kisser?" Old Kai asked, intrigued.
Gohan nearly fell over.
"Of course she is!" exclaimed Goku.
The young saiyan raised an eyebrow, what women did his father know were good kissers? Oh Kami. He hoped he didn't mean his mother.
"Gohan," his fathers voice broke him out of his stupor, "I might need you to do me a little bit of a favour…"
"What?" the young saiyan asked carefully, immediately not liking where this was going.
"Well," he pressed, lowering his voice to a whisper, "Do you think Videl would do it?"
"WHAT?!" Gohan yelled, astounded he would ask such a thing, "I'm not going to ask Videl of all people to snog this wrinkly old codger!"
"Alright, alright," Goku cowered, thinking for a moment, "What about Lime?"
He was immediately silenced with a stern glare from the halfling.
"O-kay…" the older saiyan whistled, looking over to the large group beside the boulders, "Hey Bulm-"
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!" came the blue haired woman's angry retort.
"Well I guess that's out," Goku sighed, scratching his head in defeat.
"Well, looks like it's your loss lad," quirked the Old Kai, "If you can't find me a good looking girl then I'm not telling."
"Aw man," said Goku, his pleading eyes surveying the Z-gang.
"Venerable ancestor," Supreme Kai mustered, "Is there any other way we can persuade you?"
At his words, the old man huffed, folding his arms across his chest and turning his head away from them.
Gohan sighed, this was getting ridiculous.
"This blows," said Tien, "anyone know any single girls?"
The Z-Fighters shrugged around him.
"Well, I have a few on speed dial, but they've probably all been destroyed by Buu by now," Yamcha said glumly, causing the others to sigh in defeat.
They sat in silence for a while, until Lime abruptly got to her feet.
"Well then, looks like someone's got to take one for the team."
Gohan blinked, as everyone looked towards her in shock, "You can't be serious?!"
"What?" the red haired quirked, "Everyone else is either married or dead. Woah, what a depressing world we live in…"
"Lime, you don't have to do this…" the teenager pressed, as the gang looked between them in awe.
"Oi Kai!" Lime shouted, drawing the attention of the old man, "How do you fancy snogging a MILF? Would that persuade you?"
Gohan looks up to the skies helplessly, "Great Kami, Lime…"
"That depends," the Old Kai sniffed, "What does she look like?"
"You're looking at her hot stuff," she winked.
The old deity's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets once he finally acknowledged the girl, "Wow-wee! And you don't look saggy at all! Ooh yes, very perky!"
"Oi! You'd better watch it!" growled Gohan.
"Oh chill out Gohan," said Lime with a roll of her eyes as she sauntered towards the Old Kai, "It is a kiss to save the universe after all!"
The teenager grimaced, along with the rest of the group, as Lime grasped the Old Kai by either side of his cheeks and pressed her lips forcibly against his.
Thankfully, after a few seconds it was over, and the old Kai was left gasping for breath.
"Phew! She's a wild one that one!" he panted, ogling the young woman as she triumphantly took her place next to Chi-Chi, who patted her sympathetically on the knee.
"Yeah yeah, can you just tell us about your stupid powers already?" fumed Gohan.
Old Kai's goofish grin slipped of his face, his brow contorting into a serious frown. "Hmmm, very well, I think you've earned it."
All eyes were fixated on the elder as he slowly turned, a smile playing on his lips, "How shall I put this… if I use my powers on a kitty cat that goes 'meow', he'll unleash a mighty 'ROAR'. So you see… the cat becomes a lion. Get it? Therein lies my power. I awaken people's sleeping powers!"
There was a long, drawn out pause. Gohan felt like strangling him.
"Oh, so you're not all that strong yourself?" said Goku, sweating nervously.
"YOU FOOL!" Old Kai roared, spitting in the saiyan's face, "I can take a person far beyond their limits! Idiot! The cat becomes a lion! THE BIRD BECOMES AN EAGLE!"
"Well," Goku gulped, "It's just a bit hard to believe thats all…"
Old Kai growled furiously, before his beady eyes found Gohan.
"You," he said in annoyance, "How would you like your sleeping powers awakened?"
"Me?" said Gohan as everyone turned to face him.
"Yes, you," he tutted, "You may be a little rough around the edges, but I can see the potential that lies within…"
"Hmm," the Old Kai pondered, looking him up and down, "A guy like you with the power to break the Z-sword… oh yes, I could do something with you."
Gohan glanced at his friends, who merely shrugged.
"Well come on then lad, stand up! And get over there!" the elder ordered.
With a roll of his eyes Gohan did as he was told, and joined him in the middle of the field.
"Without the attitude would be nice," Old Kai grumbled, "Teenagers, no respect."
The young saiyan ignored him, standing in the centre of the long plane of grass. His father looked towards him apprehensively, and Gohan couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"Hmm," said Old Kai, eyeing him, "Let's get started right away shall we?"
Gohan nodded, bracing himself.
"Keep your chin up lad! Keep your chin up!" he ordered, "There now, stay perfectly still."
He obeyed, feeling everyone's eyes on him. He was worried, what if he couldn't control the power that was to be unleashed? He had barely mastered the power he had brought forth against Cell! Similarly, what if there wasn't any? It was obvious from the fight with Dabura that the other Z-Fighter's thought that he had become unbearably weak.
Still, with his father out of the picture, it was the only way that Gohan could think of to help Vegeta, Piccolo and the other's back on Earth. If the teen was back up to scratch, then maybe their combined efforts would be enough to take down Majin Buu, or at least get him back into his prison.
Maybe.
Hopefully the Old Kai would be willing to help bring out the rest of the Z-Fighter's hidden potentials, giving them an even bigger boost in power.
"Now relax, clear your mind," said Old Kai, slowly stretching out his palms as Gohan closed his eyes, waiting.
It was silent, everyone was watching, everything was perfectly still.
"WAKE UP!"
Gohan nearly fell over backwards as Old Kai's voice penetrated the air.
"WAKE UP YOU NO GOOD SLEEPING POWERS! SLEEPING ALL THIS TIME?! HOW DARE YOU!"
The young saiyan opened his eyes, as the deity started to chant, pacing around him in a circle, raising his arms up and down in some sort of strange, one manned conga line.
"Waaake up… sleepy powers! Waaaake up now! Woo woo!"
"What the-?" Gohan started, but was shortly cut off by his father.
"Um, sir? What are you doing?" asked Goku.
Gohan looked over at them, it seemed Supreme Kai and Kibito were just as dumbfounded.
"Be quiet! This is what sets the mood!" snapped Old Kai, still performing his dance around the young saiyan.
The teenager snorted, "I think you have a pretty skewed idea of what sets a 'mood' old man."
"SILENCE! Filthy boy!" the elder yelled, as Lime howled with laughter, "Now stand still, this is just the opening ceremony!"
"Good grief, what next," he heard his father sigh, "Excuse me? But how long is this going to take?"
"Ooh ha! Five more hours! oh uh! Power raising! Ha! Twenty more after that!"
"WHAT?!" Gohan yelled, rounding on the Kai, "We don't have twenty-five hours!"
"Well that's how long it takes my boy! Ha!" Old Kai sang, continuing onwards in his ceremony.
The young saiyan growled, he was getting fed up of arseing around. "Forget it! We've wasted enough time as it is! I'm going to get my son back!"
He made to kick off from the ground when Old Kai stopped him, "Oh? and what do you propose you do once you eventually manage to find your way back to Earth huh?"
"I don't care!" Gohan yelled, "My son and little brother are trapped with that monster! I'll risk my life if I have to!"
"Well good luck with that, you're already dead," snorted the elder, "Or have you forgotten about that halo bouncing above your noggin?"
The young saiyan gritted his teeth. The old man was right, and Gohan knew himself that he was in no condition to face Majin Buu, no matter how much he wanted to help Piccolo and the others.
"Gohan, if I may," said Supreme Kai, gaining the halfling's attention, "Time works differently in this plane. Much like the Hyperbolic Time Chamber in your world, twenty-five hours here is but a few minutes on Earth."
Gohan sighed, biting lip in thought as the elder Kai patiently waited.
"Is there any way we can watch the battle on Earth whilst we wait? I think it'll be good to know what's going on," said Launch, who was sat with her husband, looking worriedly at Gohan.
"Of course," said Supreme Kai with a smile, materialising a crystal orb out of thin air. "This way Gohan, we will know when is best to act, and if we need to save your son, we will."
The young saiyan found Lime's gaze, who looked a little relieved by this.
"Are you ready lad?" Old Kai spoke, giving him a serious look.
Slowly, Gohan nodded, regaining his composure as the elder took off chanting once more.
