The sound of a door opening echoed throughout the house. "Mom, I'm home!" A young Gohan, around the age of five, called out as he entered the home. He looked as if he had just returned from Namek, wearing Saiyan armor that was a bit too big for his small frame, with his characteristic bowl cut bobbing with each step. No one answered him, and as he walked through the silent, empty rooms, an uneasy feeling began to gnaw at him. His small body tensed, and his heartbeat quickened. He felt... scared. With a trembling hand, he pushed open the door to his mother's room. The sight that greeted him almost made him pass out. Chi Chi lay in a pool of blood, her lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling. A shadowy figure stood ominously above her body.
Gohan began to shake, not from fear but from a growing, uncontrollable anger. His small fists clenched tightly at his sides, and his eyes filled with a blazing rage. "Do you really think you'd be able to beat me?" The figure took a step closer, their voice dripping with contempt. The light from the hallway revealed otherworldly garments, but only the bottom half of their face was visible. A cruel smirk spread across their lips. "Get stronger, Gohan, or everything you see will become true. I can promise you that." A maniacal laughter erupted from this unknown being that echoed throughout the house.
Gohan's black eyes snapped open as he jolted upright, gasping for air, drenched in a cold sweat. His heart pounded like a drum inside his chest. The nightmare had felt so real. The blonde woman next to him stirred and placed a gentle hand on his back, her touch soothing. "It's okay, Gohan, you're home, everything is fine," Android 18 said softly, rubbing his back in slow, comforting circles.
His breathing slowed as he gradually calmed down. He stood up, only wearing his boxers, and made his way over to his drawer. He pulled out an orange training gi that resembled his father's. "Sweetie, it's 3 AM, where are you going?" Android 18 asked, concern lacing her voice as she watched him dress. Gohan's movements were deliberate and almost robotic, as if he were trying to shut out his emotions. "I just need to clear my head a bit," he replied, his voice low and strained. "Alright, just make sure you take your phone with you so I can call you in case of an emergency." He grabbed his phone, kissed 18 on the forehead, and headed out, feeling her worried eyes on his back.
The early morning sky was synonymous with the late night, a dark blanket riddled with stars and distant planets. The fresh air brushed against his face as he flew through the sky, the cool breeze doing little to soothe his troubled mind. It had been a few weeks since Goku's death, and the Son family, along with their close friends, were struggling to cope with the loss. Gohan, in particular, was going through a mental crisis. This time felt different from when his father died fighting Raditz. The bond they had forged during their years in the hyperbolic time chamber was unbreakable, and now it had been shattered.
After spending years training intensely with his father, Gohan had felt invincible, their bond tightening into something unbreakable. But now, Goku was gone because of Gohan's perceived carelessness. He felt weak, inadequate, and responsible for not doing enough to protect his friends and family. These thoughts plagued him as he flew, his heart heavy with guilt and regret.
Gohan arrived at his destination, a large deserted wasteland under the starry sky. The silence and emptiness of the place seemed to mirror the void in his heart. Clenching his fists as if he was about to unleash his power, tears began to stream down his face. The frustration and anger that had been building up inside him finally reached a breaking point. Blood started to trickle down his fists as his nails dug into his palms, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he let out a primal scream.
"HAAAAAA!" A white aura enveloped his body as his energy surged, obliterating the ground beneath him. The sheer force of his power created a shockwave that echoed across the wasteland. His scream was a cathartic release of all the pain, guilt, and rage he had been holding inside. It was a desperate attempt to rid himself of the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume him. As the ground around him cracked and shattered, Gohan's tears continued to flow, mixing with the blood from his fists, symbolizing the intense inner battle he was fighting.
Each tear that fell was evidence to his suffering, each drop of blood a mark of his determination to become stronger. He stood there, his aura blazing brightly in the dark wasteland, vowing silently to never let his loved ones suffer again. The nightmare, the loss, the guilt – it all fueled his resolve. Gohan knew he had to push beyond his limits, not just for himself but for everyone who believed in him. And as the stars above continued to shine, Gohan's scream slowly subsided, leaving him standing in the midst of the destruction he had wrought, his heart a little lighter, his mind a little clearer, and his resolve stronger than ever.
After calming down, Gohan sat down and crossed his legs, taking a deep breath as he began to meditate. His former teacher, Piccolo, had taught him the importance of clearing his mind and finding inner peace, especially in times of turmoil. Closing his eyes, Gohan focused on his breathing, allowing his thoughts to settle. He needed to determine the best way—no, the most efficient way—to get stronger. What must be done? And why? These questions weighed heavily on his mind as he sifted through the myriad of possibilities.
Gohan's thoughts raced as he considered his options. The hyperbolic time chamber? Training with Vegeta? Seeking out new mentors? Each path had its merits, but he needed something different, something that would push him beyond his current limits. He needed to ensure that he would never be in a position of helplessness again. After what felt like hours, a memory sparked a revelation.
His father had once told him about a planet named Yardrat, a place he ended up after Namek exploded. The Yardratians possessed unique techniques and had helped Goku learn Instant Transmission. If he could train under them, perhaps he could unlock new abilities and enhance his existing skills.
As the idea solidified in his mind, Gohan opened his eyes, feeling a mixture of resolve and apprehension. He knew what needed to be done, but the path ahead was not one he took lightly. Leaving Earth, even for a short time, meant leaving his loved ones behind. It meant leaving Android 18, who had been a pillar of support for him.
Standing up, Gohan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation he needed to have. The end justifies the means, he reminded himself. Sometimes, difficult decisions must be made for the greater good. He had to become stronger, not just for himself but for everyone he cared about.
He flew back home, the cool night air doing little to soothe the knot in his stomach. Arriving at his house, he landed softly and entered quietly, finding Android 18 still awake, waiting for him.
She looked up as he walked in, concern etched on her face. "Gohan, is everything alright?"
Gohan nodded, trying to find the right words. "18, I need to talk to you about something important."
She stood up, walking over to him and taking his hand. "What is it? You can tell me anything."
Taking a deep breath, Gohan began, "I've been thinking a lot about how I can get stronger. After everything that's happened, I can't shake the feeling that I need to do more. I need to be better prepared."
Android 18 squeezed his hand gently. "I understand. What do you have in mind?"
"I remember my dad telling me about a planet called Yardrat," Gohan explained. "The Yardratians have unique techniques, and I believe training with them could help me unlock new abilities and enhance my current skills. But to do that, I'd have to leave Earth for a while."
18's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and concern flashing across her face. "How long are we talking about?"
"I'm not sure," Gohan admitted. "It could be weeks, maybe even months. But I believe it's necessary for me to go if I'm going to protect everyone I care about."
She looked into his eyes, searching for any hesitation. "Gohan, I won't lie and say that I'm not worried. But I also know that you're doing this for the right reasons. If this is what you need to do, then I'll support you."
Relief washed over Gohan as he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, 18. I promise I'll come back stronger and ready to protect everyone."
She hugged him back, her voice soft but firm. "Just promise me you'll stay safe and come back to us."
"I promise," Gohan replied, determination filling his heart. "I'll come back, and I'll be stronger than ever."
The following day, Gohan made his way to Capsule Corp to speak with Bulma about using the same spaceship they had used to travel to Namek. As he entered the laboratory, he found her tinkering with some new device.
"Hey, Bulma," Gohan greeted, a determined look on his face.
Bulma looked up and smiled. "Hey, Gohan. What brings you here?"
"I need to use the spaceship we used to get to Namek," Gohan said, his voice firm. "I plan on leaving earth to go train ."
Bulma raised an eyebrow but nodded thoughtfully. "You're in luck. I did some maintenance on the ship a few months ago. I also upgraded the training room and the rejuvenation chamber inside it. But are you sure about this?"
Gohan nodded. "Yeah, this is the path I know I have to take."
Nearby, Vegeta leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he listened to the conversation. "Don't come back until you've found what you're looking for," he said, his voice gruff. "The trip will be a waste otherwise."
With that, Vegeta uncrossed his arms and headed towards the gravity chamber to train. Gohan smirked slightly, knowing that beneath Vegeta's tough exterior, there was a hint of concern.
"Thanks, Bulma," Gohan said as he prepared the ship. "I really appreciate it."
"Just come back safe," Bulma replied with a smile. "We're all counting on you."
As Gohan continued his preparations, his friends and family gathered to say their goodbyes. Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, Piccolo, and Android 18 were all there, each with their own words of encouragement.
"Guys, I'll be back. Don't worry," Gohan said confidently. "Just make sure you wait for me."
Android 18 walked over and wrapped her arms around him. "I promise I'll be here for you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. A strange sensation built up behind her eyes, and she fought to keep her tears from falling. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek and smiled. "Come back soon, okay?"
Gohan nodded, touched by her words. "I will."
Chi-Chi came to the forefront, holding a sleeping baby Goten in her arms. Her eyes were filled with worry and sadness. "Are you sure you have to go?" she asked softly. "We just lost your father, and now you're leaving too."
Gohan's heart ached at the sight of his mother's distress. He walked over and gently hugged her, careful not to wake Goten. "Mom, I have to do this. I need to get stronger so I can protect all of you. I promise I'll come back."
Chi-Chi sniffled, her grip tightening on him. "Just be safe, Gohan. Come back to us."
"I will, Mom," Gohan said, his voice filled with resolve. "I love you."
With a final wave, Gohan boarded the ship. The engines roared to life, and as the spacecraft lifted off, he looked down at the faces of his loved ones. Each of them carried a mixture of hope and anxiety, but Gohan knew this was the right path. He had to become stronger, for their sake and for his own.
The ship ascended into the sky, and Gohan felt a renewed sense of purpose. Yardrat awaited him, and with it, the promise of new strength and abilities. As the stars began to blur into streaks of light, Gohan steeled himself for the journey ahead. This was his chance to honor his father's legacy and ensure that the sacrifices made were not in vain.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait and the short chapter. This is actually a set up for what's going to happen. We will get more action from the other Z fighter cast next chapter.