Chapter 8: The Big Reveal

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Son household as Chi-Chi, once again, wobbled around with her pregnant belly, tidying up the house. Gohan's clothes lay scattered, prompting Chi-Chi to mutter about her son's lack of cleanliness. As she approached Gohan's room, laundry basket in hand, she expected the usual mess but froze at the sight before her. Gohan was in bed with a certain blonde, and the laundry basket slipped from her grasp with a thump. Stunned, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions paralyzed Chi-Chi, leaving her unsure of how to react.

Gohan's eyes snapped open at the sound, realizing the impending storm that awaited him in the living room. His mother was standing there, her expression a mix of shock and horror. 18, too, had quickly pulled the blanket up to her chest, an attempt to retain some semblance of modesty. Chi-Chi, barely able to speak, managed to summon enough strength to deliver a stern command. "GOHAN! LIVING ROOM NOW!" With that, she stormed off, leaving Gohan and 18 to face the aftermath.

In the room, 18 placed a soft kiss on Gohan's cheek before he rose, promising her he'd be right back. "I'll be here this time," she assured him with a lingering smile. Gohan, grinning nervously and dressed in haste, made his way to the impending confrontation, knowing he had to deal with an irate, pregnant Chi-Chi.

Entering the living room, Gohan was met with a seething Chi-Chi, his father, Goku, observing the unfolding drama from the sofa. Goku, ever the casual observer, cut to the chase. "Is it not what it looks like this time around?" he questioned, prompting a raised eyebrow from Chi-Chi, who was now seething with rage, assuming this had happened before.

"No... it's exactly what it looks like, Dad," Gohan admitted, a nervous chuckle escaping him. Chi-Chi's anger intensified, but Gohan continued, expressing himself sincerely. "I know I should have introduced you properly, but you're not an easy person to talk to, Mom. I'm an adult now, and I do care about her." Chi-Chi's rage softened, replaced by a more understanding look. Gohan's sincerity had its effect, and his father nodded in agreement.

"This is the Son household. I'm sorry if I'm not approachable sometimes, Gohan, but we don't cut corners here. Do things the right way, and we wouldn't be here. I would like to officially meet her if you don't mind," Chi-Chi said with a genuine smile. Gohan, slightly taken aback, nodded and bowed respectfully before heading back to his room.

Goku, ever the jolly one, couldn't help but comment, "Wow, Chi-Chi, you handled that better than I thought." However, his optimism was short-lived as Chi-Chi turned her glare towards him. "Don't think you're getting off easy, Mr. This time around. You should have told me the first time this happened. That's unacceptable, Goku," she scolded, holding him accountable for his lack of parenting awareness.

Minutes later, Gohan emerged with Android 18, dressed in some of his old clothes, a fitting compromise. Chi-Chi, hands on her hips, awaited their appearance. Android 18 looked nervously unsure as Chi-Chi took a few steps forward, examining her from head to toe. Extending her hand, 18 introduced herself, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm 18." Chi-Chi, despite the situation, took 18's hand into both of hers, her gaze piercing through the blonde. "I don't know the details between you two, but my son has gone through a lot. I just want to see my baby happy. Can you make my Gohan happy?" The weight of Chi-Chi's question lingered, and both Gohan and 18 turned slightly red.

"I... want to say yes, Ma'am, but I don't know. Everyone isn't perfect. I do know I'll give him my all," 18 replied with a softness in her eyes that conveyed genuine care for Gohan. Chi-Chi sighed, letting go of her hand, and smiled. "Alright, Goku, come on, we're going shopping." As both parents left to get ready, Gohan couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and gratitude.

Gohan wrapped his arms around 18, kissing her cheek. "I'm glad that went well," he said with a sigh of relief. Android 18, still feeling the warmth of the moment, inquired about their status. "So is this it? Are we... together?" she asked, wanting clarity. "Yes, we're together," Gohan affirmed, laughter escaping him.

Android 18 turned around to face him and smiled. "I have to go to Bulmas for the research we're doing. I don't know if you want to come back or we can go to my place tonight when I'm done." She said with a seductive grin. "I think your place would be optimal." Gohan said also with a grin.

Android 18 had gone and got her clothing together that she was wearing the night prior and left. Gohan, now feeling at peace with himself, chose to retreat to the mountains for some solitary training, a ritual that brought him comfort and clarity.

-Deep Space, Galaxy X06Q-

In the vast emptiness of deep space, an enigmatic space shuttle drifted silently, its exterior adorned with a sleek, obsidian-like metal. The dim glow of distant galaxies cast an ethereal backdrop, enhancing the mystery of its presence. Within the shuttle, a platoon of warriors, clad in imposing black armor, kneeled in unison. At the center of this assemblage, a foreboding figure sat upon an ornate throne, his presence shrouded in shadows.

The murmurs of the kneeling warriors ceased as one, Tynok, an elite in all-encompassing black armor, rose from his deferential position. His gaze, unwavering, met the obscured face of the ruler on the throne. "The dragon balls are located on planet Earth and Planet Namek, my liege," Tynok reported with a salute, the dim lights reflecting off the polished surface of his armor.

A deep, scruffy voice resonated throughout the shuttle, commanding attention. "Since they both have them, which planet has better resources?" The king's inquiry hung in the air, carrying a weight of anticipation.

Tynok, maintaining his respectful stance, responded promptly, "That would be Planet Earth, my liege. It has over triple the amount of resources than Namek."

The king, still obscured in darkness, nodded imperceptibly. "Good, Tynok. Make sure the coordinates are designated for Earth." The name echoed through the chamber, signaling the king's acknowledgment of the elite warrior's report.

Tynok bowed once more, acknowledging the command. "Yes, my liege." His voice carried a mix of loyalty and determination as he turned to fulfill the king's orders, his silhouette moving purposefully amidst the low hum of the ship's systems.

As the shuttle continued its journey through the distant galaxies, the dark aesthetic of the vessel added an air of menace to its silent drift. The king's motives and appearance remained veiled in mystery, leaving the platoon of warriors to await further orders in the cold, metallic confines of their vessel.

A/n: I'm adding an OC villain to the mix. I think you guys will enjoy the next few chapters to come.