Dragonball Z

Dragonball Z

Gohan: Protector of Earth

Chapter 17:

It may have seemed like a long time to the fans. Four matches and a plethora of action had occurred since that time, but Gohan was not one to forget. The last time Tasids stood in the ring Gohan was on the edge of the walkway, loosing control of his power and his emotions. The only thought that was going through his head was saving Videl, and making Tasids pay for his transgression. Gohan was the first born son of Goku and was similar to him in many ways, but there were still differences between the two. Goku had an ability to forgive evil that no person in the universe could match. Gohan was not as forgiving in that regard. Whether that made him better or worse than his father remained to be seen. All that could be said was Goku would handle the situation differently from what Gohan was planning to do. In Gohan's mind, some people simply could not be forgiven.

Tasids stood in the ring confidently, the same way he stood when he was facing off against Videl. His posture was relaxed and his sadistic smile was still etched on his face, as if it were a permanent feature. The tension between the two fighters could be felt throughout the entire arena. Personally intrigued by the matchup, the tournament announcer was anxious to get the match underway. With knowledge of Gohan's heritange, the announcer was anxious to see him punish Tasids and gain retribution for Videl's plight.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last match of the quarterfinal round and boy is it a good one. Both fighters had dominating performances in their first round matches meaning this one should be fun to watch. So fighters, on my word, begin!"

Both fighters stood in a standoff, measuring up their opponent and in the process building the tension in the arena.

"Aren't you going to power up like your friend, or do I have to beat you to a bloody pulp first?"

"I don't need to power up to defeat you. You are nothing more than a bully, who preys on the weak. I will not give you the satisfaction of seeing my full power. I will beat you as I am now."

"Pity I guess, the same thing will happen to you as happened to your pretty little friend. She sure was a feisty one. I could smell the blood dripping down her face as I punched her continually in the stomach." Tasids then made a swirling motion with his tongue to emphasize his taste for blood.

"Stop it!" screamed Gohan perturbed by Tasids' gesture.

Not wanting to relieve the details of Videl's match, Gohan ended their pre-match conversation and charged head on towards Tasids. Tasids was able to get his arms up to block the strike, but the force of the attack pushed him back several feet towards the grass. Gohan flew high into the air, baiting Tasids to charge after him. Tasids decided to stay on the ground and started to gather up energy. One after another, Tasids threw energy attacks at Gohan, a la Vegeta, each of which was swatted away with just one hand. After the last energy ball was swatted away by Gohan, Tasids flew straight below Gohan's position and curved around trying to attack Gohan from behind. Gohan turned around in time and blocked Tasids series of punches. In an attempt to counter, Gohan aimed a kick at Tasids side, which Tasids was able to block with his elbow. The exchange of punches and kicks continued on for a while, with no fighter taking a clear advantage over their opponent. The exchange ended after Gohan released a close range energy attack, stunning Tasids, and giving him time to retreat to the ground and regroup. Although they seemed to be evenly matched, Tasids was showing no sign of tiring, which Gohan knew did not bode well if the match continued for an extended period of time.

"I can't tell who is winning," said Goten.

"It is a draw up to this point, but unless Gohan transforms into a super saiyan he will lose the match," said Piccolo sternly.

"I don't know why he hasn't done it already. He is tiring out more than that imbecile he is fighting," said Vegeta smugly. "If I had to transform, what makes him think he won't have to as well."

Tasids descended to the ground and walked slowly over to Gohan.

"Tell me, are you going to continue fighting in this form. If so, why don't we just do away with the formalities and allow me to beat you to a bloody pulp right here and now. It will make the match more entertaining for that girlfriend of yours." Without turning around, Tasids pointed his finger directly at Videl, as if he had an extra eye in the back of his head. Videl was shaken by Tasids' gesture but did not waver in her attentiveness of the match.

"I don't need to transform. I can beat you as I am now."

"Isn't that what your friend said as well? He gave in eventually and so will you. I will even help you out, give you some motivation. In a few moments I will fight you at full strength, and I will beat you to a bloody pulp. After I beat you to within an inch of your life I will lie you on the floor and make sure your eyes are open wide. I want you to see as I walk over to her and finish what I started." Tasids took a deep breath before continuing his speech. "I am still hungry for blood and only hers will satisfy my thirst."

Gohan could not stand to hear another word uttered from Tasids' mouth. Gohan flew at Tasids at full speed and with full force. Tasids ducked low to the ground and brought his arm straight up into Gohan's midsection. The young saiyan fell swiftly to the ground, in pain from the crippling blow. Tasids ignored Gohan for a second and turned his attention to Videl. He started to laugh as the young crime fighter looked on. Her eyes were fixed on Gohan, who lay on the ground.

"Don't worry, you will be next," maniacally declared Tasids looking at Videl. "I can't wait to feel the chill from your limp body."

With those words a gleam of light went through Gohan's eyes. His anger over took him as he jumped to his feet causing Tasids to face him once more. Gohan's pupils disappeared as his hair stood on end and his power level increased dramatically. A huge wind gathered around the fighter, easily trumping the one caused by Vegeta. Gohan's hair quickly changed to a shade of yellow and once again to a shade of gold, signifying the second transformation. The notorious single lock of hair hung down his forehead, reminiscent of the Cell Games. This transformation eliminated any doubts in people's minds over whom this teenager standing in the ring really was. Gohan did not even have this thought in his mind however. His only concern was destroying Tasids, inflicting onto him what he had done to Videl.

There was a striking difference about Gohan's appearance that was easily perceived by the z-fighters: his eyes. They were the same color as usual but there was a menacing difference from how they usually appeared. His pupils were minute, making it appear from far away that his eyes were completely white. There was something unsettling about it. Tasids backed away from Gohan, unable to stand close to the intense power radiating off of him.

"Gohan, you are amazing," whispered Videl, awestruck by Gohan's transformation. The others perceived this development differently from her however. She looked on completely amorous of Gohan while the others looked on with a sense of worry.

"His power level, it is unbelievable. He is so much stronger than he was when he fought Cell," said Krillen stuttering through his words.

"Wow Goten, your brother's power level is incredible," commented Trunks.

"Yea, big brother is amazing. He is the strongest person in the whole universe. That guy doesn't stand a chance. Gohan's going to make him pay for hurting Videl."

Vegeta started to sweat slightly as he stared out at Gohan. Piccolo was reacting in similar fashion to Gohan's transformation, sweating more now than when he faced off against the supreme kai.

"How is he so much stronger than me? We are both ascended super saiyans but his power level dwarfs mine. How is he able to do it!? Has he reached another level that I am not familiar with? How can he be so much stronger than me!" yelled Vegeta in his mind, clenching his fists and sweating profusely. His mind spun as he tried to figure out yet another enigma relating to saiyan power.

Piccolo was the only one to notice Gohan's eyes right away. The others were awestruck first and foremost by Gohan's power while Piccolo concentrated his attention onto Gohan's eyes, unsure of what other changes went along with this.

Gohan walked slowly towards Tasids, one short step at a time. Tasids, nearing the edge of the ring, jumped to his feet and prepared for an attack. Gohan continued to advance slowly, intending to strike fear in his opponent. Deciding to test out Gohan's new power, Tasids charged straight at Gohan and punched him square in the mouth at full force. Gohan's head did not budge from its position while Tasids was forced to draw back his now swollen fist.

"Not so confident now are you. What happened to all of those funny jokes you were making just a few minutes ago," said Gohan sarcastically. He spoke calmly and in a lower pitch of voice. This change, while menacing, made Gohan sound many years older than he actually was.

Tasids looked at Gohan angrily and charged once more. He launched a massive assault on Gohan, landing every punch and kick he attempted. Gohan did not even try to move out of the way, instead opting to absorb the force of the blows. Tasids retreated back a few inches and gathered up the remaining amount of his energy. He then assumed a semi - crouched position and placed his hands behind him and to his right side. With all his strength, Tasids unleashed a kamehameha like wave at Gohan, who was standing only a few feet away and did not attempt to interrupt his opponent's preparations. At the last second before the beam made contact, Gohan flipped his wrist casually at the blast, redirecting it straight up into the air. Eventually the blast exploded in the sky, changing the color of the sky to a shade of bright red. Gohan looked at Tasids, who was now on his knees gasping for air. He had put everything he had into that blast. Now weakened, he was at the mercy of Gohan. Gohan walked up to Tasids, who was forced to stare up at the now looming figure above him. Slowly, Gohan reached down and grabbed Tasids by the neck. He lifted him off the ground and held him in the air. Gohan's grip around his neck started to tighten, forcing him to gasp for breath.

The crowd looked on in shock at Gohan.

As Tasid's face started to change colors from lack of air, he started to laugh. Every second that he went without air, the loudness of his laugh increased until it was audible to everyone in the stands.

"What is so funny?" asked Gohan coldly.

"It is nice, isn't it? It is nice to have complete control over your opponent, feeling the pain radiating off of them. Knowing that you are superior to them and at your slightest whim you could end their pathetic life."

Gohan continued to stare at Tasids with disgust until his attention was diverted by a voice not too far away. Gohan looked over to Videl, who was trying to get his attention.

"Gohan, you have to stop this. You are better than him, don't stoop to his level. Just end the match."

Gohan looked at Videl and back to Tasids once more. Suddenly, Gohan realized looking at Tasids was like looking into a mirror, a mirror reflecting his worst attribute. Gohan was doing the same thing to Tasids that Tasids had done to Videl. Gohan had let his emotions get the better of him; it was like the Cell Games all over again. Gohan released his hold on Tasids and threw him against the wall. With Tasids landing clear out of bounds, the match was over. Gohan reverted back to his base form with his hair turning back to black and his pupils appearing normal once more. Gohan walked over to Videl who was standing near the edge of the ring.

"I am sorry Videl. I am sorry you had to see me like that."

"Gohan, it is fine," said Videl placing her hand on Gohan's cheek and reverting his gaze back to her. "You showed him mercy; you were the better man in that ring."

"Hearing him talk about you like that, it made me lose control. I just couldn't take it anymore. The thought of you at his mercy once again made me lose control."

Videl placed her left hand on Gohan's other cheek and stared into his eyes. She moved her head in and pressed her lips up against Gohan's. This was no dream, no vision, no illusion. Gohan could tell the second Videl made her move. Gohan reciprocated the kiss fully, not aware or bothered at all by the fact that the whole arena was captivated by the moment. Even Vegeta was happy for Gohan, happy to see that he had found his mate. For the moment it even made Vegeta forget about Gohan's incredible power. The feeling Gohan received from the kiss was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Gohan had felt the pain of fighting and the loss of life starting from his childhood, but rarely did he feel pleasure. It was the first kiss for both Gohan and Videl, and it was on the grandest of stages. After what seemed like an eternity to the young couple, Videl finally released her pose and drew back. She walked back to the waiting area, hand in hand with Gohan, who even now had to admit the two were more than just friends.

Chichi looked on, teary eyed from the moment. Her friends shared in her moment of joy and congratulated her for Gohan and Videl. The events of the tournament had confused her and the others but this was something they could all understand. Chichi was now eager for the prize money but for another reason entirely: a wedding grand enough for her son and future daughter – in – law.

As the young couple walked off, the announcer, teary eyed from the moment, returned to the center of the ring.

"You know folks this tournament is more than just a display of martial arts. We have not even started the semi final rounds and all ready we have seen more than just fighting. We have seen pain, we have seen anger, we have seen mercy, and best of all we have seen young love. There are certain moments that just transcend the sport itself, and I have to say that this is one of those moments. I think it is fitting that we are taking a twenty minute break until the start of the next round."

The announcer walked off and passed by an angry Tasids, who was still sitting on the outside of the ring seething from his loss. Liev walked over to Tasids and tried to gain the attention of his companion.

"What are you doing, stand up!"

"I can't believe I lost like that. Either I or he should be dead. This is not how a fight should end. He… he showed me mercy!"

"We came here to do more than win a stupid tournament. We have a mission to accomplish so I suggest you stop sulking and get up. We are to leave and sit in the corner of the bleachers, blending in with the humans. From there, we can enact the plan."

"Well it looks like I still have one thing to enjoy today," laughed Tasids. "I will have my retribution kid; that I guarantee."

Tasids and Liev walked quickly out of the arena, out of sight, and for the moment out the minds of everyone.

"Great match out there Gohan. You really have improved a lot over the years," said Krillen.

"Thanks. I haven't improved as much as I had hoped though. I still needed to transform to defeat him."

"That does bring up a good point. How can anyone on this planet be that powerful?" said Krillen. "He was strong enough to force you to transform to beat him."

"Who says they are from this planet," said 18. "No human possesses that kind of strength. Just like those two funny looking guys who came up to us earlier, they are all from other planets."

"Then what are they doing here?" asked Krillen.

"Who cares?" said Trunks. "Between my dad and Gohan, those two guys never stood a chance. We have nothing to worry about from those two losers."

"Yea, and I bet if we transformed we could beat them too Trunks."

"You're probably right Goten. We could have taken those guys out too," said Trunks confidently.

"I don't think so," said the usually silent 18. "Their power levels were close to that of Cell's in his perfect form. Even Goku would have had difficulty defeating them."

"Gohan is that true?" asked Goten.

"Dad might not have been as strong as them. But he would have won if they fought, without a doubt."

The group continued to talk, brainstorming the events that had occurred thus far. Elsewhere Hercule had returned from his conversation with Shin and Kibito and was now waiting on the edge of the ring, reclining against the brick wall. What he had been told in their conversation stunned him more than anything he had ever heard. At first he was skeptical when Shin claimed to be the supreme kai, or as he explained the god of all the other gods and overseer of the universe. To prove his point, Shin transported Hercule back and forth from planets and gave a few other demonstrations that were beyond anything Hercule had ever seen in his life. That was only the beginning of the news however. Shin had explained the entirety of the situation, and the entirety of his plan, to the unknowing Hercule. He did this even before he informed the z-fighters of the situation. Shin had a masterfully thought out plan, and at the center of it was the world champion Hercule.

One might be wondering now what the crowd reaction to Gohan's last fight was. When Gohan transformed into a super saiyan, everyone was able to figure out almost instantly that he was the child who fought Cell those many years ago. The audience did not have time to focus on this point however in light of the matches ending and the kiss so eloquently described earlier. As the brackets were now lined up, the finals would likely feature Hercule and the boy who fought Cell. The audience in the stands and the people watching from around the world were now eagerly awaiting this matchup. In the eyes of many, this would finally settle the dispute once and for all over who really was Earth's hero. The world would finally know, with one hundred percent certainty, who killed Cell.

Hercule sat in complete silence, through the introductions and the cheering of the crowd, until right before the match was about to start. Hercule rose from his position and took two steps to the corner of the ring. On the other side, looking back at him was a young blonde haired woman. 18 figured that Hercule was oblivious to how outmatched he was and planned on ending the match quickly. 18 was already looking ahead to the finals and the prize money she would use for her family. Hercule however, now knew who or what she was and was ready for the match. He was ready to begin the plan constructed by the Supreme Kai. He had to do it, for the millions of people he lied to and more importantly, for his beloved daughter.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

There are a few things I wanted to mention at this point in my story. The story started off slow and I would like to think the writing has gotten better as the story has progressed. I have thought of redoing the first few chapters but have decided against it at the moment. I guess it is a reward for the people that read up to this point and through some "boring" chapters. The story has not even really started yet, it has all been leading up to the end of the tournament. After the tournament ends, the story will be completely my own with no similarities at all to the Buu saga. THERE WILL BE NO BUU. A few things I wanted to mention about my story and how it differs from the show. Gohan is different, partly because of his vision after the Cell Games and partly because the teenage Gohan from the show was very lame. He is more serious and more cynical, as anyone would be after having his life experiences. Most of the other characters are the same, except Vegeta who is basically the same but has more respect for Gohan than he had on the show. This will develop more later but he respects Gohan for his training and his interest in being a saiyan. I have left that for a while but will return to it. If there are any questions about my story, please ask and please continue to review. Thank you everyone for reading this far into my story.