Son Gohan The Destroyer

by EmeraldSaiyan

Death greets Gohan at the end of the Cell Games, yet instead of passing on to the Otherworld, Whis takes an interest in the young half-saiyan's incredible power and decides to train him as Lord Beerus' successor. With the balance of the universe at stake, Gohan accepts the deity's offer. (AU)

18. The Supreme Guard

A/N: Hello there! You're not seeing things, there is another chapter of SGTD! yay! Sorry it's took me so long to right there is a lot going on in my life right now, family drama, work etc that has taken up a lot of my time. This chapter has taken me a good while to write too as I wanted to capture the characterisation and feelings just right, maintain that balance of sadness/humour and action! I really hope I've gotten it right and shown you some more plot development here. I am already working on the next chapter so I'm anticipating that it wont be as much of a long wait as this chapter.

I just wanted to thank you all so much for your continuing support. This story would not happen without you, as your reviews encourage me to write more and I'm so glad that I get to share my imagination with you. Thanks as always for stopping by and reading my story 3 I hope the wait for this chapter was worth it. I know how much that cliffhanger hurt. When I decided to end it there I decided that it really was the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers, and it hurt me too to end it there, I didn't know I was capable of such evil! :O. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last - I EXPECT TEARS PEOPLE. :P ;)

Also if you want to be mega depressed and in the zone, I recommend listening to : It's Quiet Uptown - Hamilton, Stoic's Ship - How To Train Your Dragon 2 Soundtrack and Oogway Ascends-Kung Fu Panda Soundtrack. I drew inspiration from all three of these songs in order to write the opening chapter xD And for later (you'll know when) You Say Run - My Hero Academia.

ES x

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I am LOVING these narrations it gives me life.

Scarlet WebSlinger:

As an evil monster of chaos and destruction ravages through the city, Goku and the gang find themselves helpless and outmatched. This beast seemingly unbeatable has them all on the brink of death. But as quickly as this evil being appeared, so does a new challenger. Before Goku's eyes is the son he once thought lost forever. How will this new revelation effect the rest of the Z fighters!? Will Gohan be able to fend off this new menace? Will Perses break free of his dark prison? Find out next time on DragonBall Z!

RedDragonforce 1:

Narrator's voice: Last Time, Gohan and Videl return home to the Son Family, with an unexpected Guest in Vegeta (Vegeta's voice: So, Beerus, how did that amnesia appointment of yours go?). Tired from the night before, the Junior Destroyer attempted to get some sleep, only for his guilt and regret to get the better of him. (Gohan's voice: S-sorry, I think I must have had a nightmare or something.) The days continued, as did Gohan's search for the Dragonballs, with only three weeks remaining until Shenron can be called upon again, (Piccolo's voice: Well you seem to be integrating back into Earth culture very well.) when suddenly Gohan receives an emergency call back on Lord Beerus's planet. Perses is growing ever stronger, sending out new creations to help weaken the barriers around the void. (Whis's voice: That it is only a matter of time before the seal is broken and Perses is released.) Meanwhile, back on Earth, a new, more dangerous, creation of Perses' is on a rampage, and even the Z-Fighters can't stop him. (Piccolo's voice: Goku, we have to hold off this thing, no matter what.) Just as it looked to be the end for the Z-Fighters, Gohan appears, in full Junior Destroyer Glory, ready to turn the tide. (Gohan's voice: Hi Dad.) Can Gohan defeat this monster, or will his efforts be futile? Find out next, on Son Gohan the Destroyer!

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Chapter Eighteen

The Supreme Guard

xxxx

Planet Earth. June 30th, Age 767

Within an eye of a hurricane, there is quiet.

But it was loud. Obvious. The only thing that he could attribute the deathly silence to was the aftermath of planet Namek's explosion. A brilliant spectical of light and falling debris, the sound of the planet shattering apart, deafening, and then - nothing.

The news of Gohan's death was just like that. A great big boom to his chest, his heart breaking apart just like the tectonic plates of the Namekian home world and then, emptiness. And just like the giant empty void in space left over from Frieza's final attempt to destroy him, it now resembled the gaping hole in his heart where his son used to be.

He had never known a silence like it. It was unbearable. It filled his home and the surrounding forest, it filtered between him and his friends when they couldn't find the words to say. For Goku, it was as though everything had stood still, even though time continued to move forward, swirling and encircling him as it ushered on like a devastating twister of grief around him.

Just where had the past month gone anyway?

Had he really not seen his son for that long? Of course, he had gone much longer than that without physically seeing the boy, though that was either due to him being dead or by his own choice, in order to control his newly obtained super saiyan state for want of not putting both his family and the Earth in danger. But Goku would never choose this.

Gohan was dead.

And according to the Eternal Dragon, he could not come back.

Time, it seemed, had stood still for the boy also. To Goku, he would always be eleven years old, and he would never get to see him grow, see him live, be in awe of the man he knew he was destined to become.

That year he had spent alone with Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber only solidified his belief that his son would have gone on to achieve great things. He had a brilliant mind, and an insane power to boot. Maybe that was the reason why he had sent his son to fight Cell so readily? Unable to see past the fact that behind the tough-guy bravado he had continued to exhibit in front of him and his friends in the lead up to the battle, that he was still that same scared little boy who used to cling onto the fabric of his gi trousers for dear life.

Piccolo, of course, had pointed it out to him readily. But he had only listened when it was all too late.

He had a lot to learn, that was for certain. And when it came to grief, he was at a similar loss of what to do. He was so young when his grandfather had died, too young to remember the agony he had felt, though all he knew was that he had missed him. He had reconciled with the man of course, way back when, not long before he had married Chi-Chi. And Goku had accepted that his soul was happy, content to live in Otherworld for eternity.

Similarly, they had dragonballs. Though it was a great loss if one of their own died in battle, they always had the dragonballs to fall back on, like a failsafe, a do over. But when it came to Gohan, he was just… gone. He had never experienced such a thing before, he nor his friends and family. It was a tremendous blow to them all.

Today had been the funeral.

Goku had never been through anything so difficult in his entire life. He would fight a million villains, face both Frieza and Cell all over again than experience the sheer agony of burying his own child. Not that they could properly, what with no body to speak of. He wasn't sure what was worse.

Bulma had organised everything in the end. She had wisely stated that the grief-stricken parents needed some sort of closure, even though Goku had insisted that he was still adamant on finding out what had happened to Gohan's soul. He had only relented when his oldest friend had pointed out the fact that the young saviour of Earth needed to be commemorated in some way, and that they needed to close one door before opening another.

In other words, accepting the fact that Gohan had died before attempting search for him amongst the stars.

Though the reality of Gohan's death hadn't hit him all at once. He didn't feel as though the boy had just disappeared from the Earth altogether, rather he was lost in pieces over time. Like the way the textbooks with his name on stopped coming through the letterbox, or the way his scent slowly faded from the pillows in his bedroom and even from the clothes in his wardrobe and draws. Gohan was indeed fading from existence gradually, and all that was going to be left were photographs and memories.

Walking past Gohan's bedroom every morning was tough. It was the first door at the top of the stairs, so there was no avoiding it. He would stare at the wooden sign nailed into the oak door which read 'Gohan' in bright colourful lettering, something that had he had proudly nailed to the door when he and Chi-Chi had decided to name their sweet newborn in honour of his beloved grandpa. He missed walking past the door and hearing the familiar scratch of pencil on paper, or the soft giggle that escaped the young boy as Icarus would stick his head through the window.

But now the only thing that escaped the bedroom was the same unbearable silence that seemed to penetrate through the solid brick walls.

Gohan's room had remained untouched. The only thing that had been moved were the pyjamas that the boy had tossed carelessly onto the floor in his rush to put on his gi on the morning of The Cell Games, after Goku had coaxed him down from the rooftop where he was watching the sunrise alone. His wife hadn't washed them even still a month later, and it was the same garments that she had howled and screamed into when he informed her that their little boy wouldn't be coming home. She had taken them to bed with her every night since, brushing the cotton shirt over her cheeks in an attempt to subdue the tears that would come forth.

He hated the nights.

The nights where he would be forced to remain strong when all he wanted to do was crumble, and hold his wife as she cried, her shoulders shaking with every heart-wrenching sob.

She gave him next to nothing during the daytime, hardly any emotion, not after the first day without Gohan and she had refused to even leave their bed. He was worried, as Chi-Chi would instead throw herself into cooking and cleaning like she always did whenever she was anxious or stressed, even though there was not as much to do in light of the absence of the half-saiyan preteen.

There wasn't as much mess as usual. No mud trailing in through Gohan's bedroom window from when he used to sneak back in after playing with Icarus or visiting Piccolo. No homework left out on the kitchen table. Less washing, less ironing, no more need for cooking such large amounts of food at meal times.

No more laughter.

His mountain princess had continued regardless, ploughing through the days and weeks with no signs of letting up, making no effort to talk to him about what had happened, as if their son was going to just run down the stairs at any minute whining about homework and asking if it was time for a snack yet. Goku had made no effort to confront her, and a part of him could not summon the energy to do so, it was as though Gohan's death had drained every ounce of life from him. He was frightened too. Frightened that if his wife would stop then she would break completely.

It was clear that Chi-Chi was struggling to even look him in the eye. Speaking to him in short, closed sentences when she did, only searching comfort when night would fall. Goku couldn't blame her. What could he say even? He didn't know what to say. Nothing would make it better. Ever. He had told her all those years ago that he never went back on his promises, even married her based on a promise that he didn't really understand at the time. But he had been so glad that he had kept it.

Though now he had broken his promise, and her trust in him. He had promised his wife that Gohan wouldn't get hurt. And he had, he had been killed and even worse his soul had disappeared into a realm where the Eternal Dragon had no domain over. He couldn't even bring himself to imagine the horrors his son's soul might be facing. That is, if he still even existed after all.

He found himself just going through the motions as the days went on. It took him about a week after Gohan's death to be able to venture out of the house, and Chi-Chi had insisted on it. Though he wasn't sure whether or not it was because she could barely stand the sight of him.

From thereon after it had been the same, and they had fallen into an almost robotic routine. He and his wife would wake up, they would have breakfast and then Goku would go out to train - well he told his wife that, really he had no incentive to do so.

More often than not he found himself staring into space, into the dark gaps in between the forest trees, expecting Gohan to come bounding out of them with a sheepish smile on his face, apologising for being late. If he ventured out to the village for food or other necessities, he would forever be searching the crowds for his face, even though he knew that it was impossible. Goku would come back after a couple of hours, and they would have lunch. Chi-Chi would continue to complete her chores and he would try to help out where he could, pleased when she finally allowed him to do a little more for her as she got tired easily due to her pregnancy.

Her growing baby bump had started to become a lot more visible in the past month. She had told him of the pregnancy on the morning of The Cell Games, giving him even more incentive to come back home in one piece. She was already four months gone, and Goku felt silly for not having noticed sooner, though he reasoned that in between contracting a deadly heart virus, and training to fight Cell that he hadn't been very perceptive.

Chi-Chi too, had informed him that she was going to wait until the world was safe again, as he didn't need the extra worry. However, she wanted to tell him about the baby just incase something bad happened. Though they both agreed to tell Gohan the news that he was going to be a big brother after The Cell Games were over. The young boy was very much like his mother, loving fiercely and a worry-wart to his last nerve. It would have only put more pressure on the poor kid.

But alas, they never got to tell Gohan the exciting news. And they never would.

Goku thought that maybe it was due to some cruel twist of fate. How were they going to put their hearts into raising another child when they had just lost one? Was it right even? Were the Gods giving them a second chance seen as he had messed up so much with the first?

If he was honest, the excitement of becoming a father again wasn't quite the same as the first time around. He had been young and inexperienced - only twenty years old, though the happiness had spread through his veins like wildfire, threatening his heart to spontaneously combust with sheer love and admiration for his wife. She was actually growing a little being inside of her. One that was half him and half her. The thought was surreal. Though nothing compared to the happiness that he had felt when Gohan was born.

He wanted to feel that again, for this second child deserved it. But his once vibrant, beating heart had a gaping Gohan-sized hole in it, his happiness overshadowed by a hurricane of misery.

The funeral had been and gone that morning, followed by a wake at Capsule Corporation. He had been rather surprised when Bulma had picked them up in her jet and taken them to The Cell Games Arena, where he was informed the funeral was being held. His heart had caught in his throat. He didn't necessarily want to be there, the memories were too haunting. He could feel Chi-Chi's trepidation too, as she clutched tightly onto his hand in the back seat.

But his anxiety had soon wavered, as they landed and their friends greeted them, dressed in the colour of mourning, standing in front of a glorious bronze statue of their little boy, depicting his cheeky grin perfectly over the very spot where he had died.

Chi-Chi broke down immediately at the sight, exclaiming her gratitude towards Bulma and clutching onto her tightly, causing tears to spill from the woman's own blue eyes. They were rather shocked however, when they had learned that it had been Vegeta's idea to erect a statue to commemorate the preteen rather than bury an empty casket in a cemetery. Apparently, according to Bulma, the prince had told her that only the greatest Saiyan warriors were given an honour such as this, and that he would 'blast her into oblivion' if she even thought about giving 'the brat a weakling human burial'. He had confronted a disgruntled Vegeta later that day about it, thanking him for such a thoughtful idea.

"I only did it so that you could stop wallowing in your own self pity. I won't let either of us get left in the dust by a child's power. So you'd better dust off your training gear when you get home," Vegeta paused in his speech, turning back to him, his hard obsidian gaze softening ever so slightly, "You can't dwell on what could have been, Kakarot. The brat wouldn't want you to mourn like this. You should be proud of your son, just as much as I am."

The bright blue skies and scorching summer sun that beat down on them was a stark contrast to the raging storm within him. Few words were spoken between the group, and he was grateful that his best friend had managed to stand in front of them all and speak some words about Gohan where he couldn't. Goku couldn't even remember what Krillin had said, too busy trying to wrap his head around the fact that this was all actually happening and that they were at Gohan's funeral. Come to think of it, he had never been to a funeral in his life, he never would have imagined that the first one he would go to would be that of his son's.

He, Chi-Chi and Ox-King were stood at the front nearest to the monument, the dust clouds brushing over the desolate wasteland. The craters and scorch marks embedded into the dirt reminding them all too well of the impact of the epic battle that had waged between two great powerhouses. He could sense Piccolo hovering behind them, though he didn't speak to him, neither did he come to the wake. In fact, the Namekian warrior hadn't spoken a word to him since he had screamed at him that his son was dead whilst he was still with King Kai in The Otherworld.

Even so, he was glad that he had accepted Bulma's invitation and come to the funeral at least. Piccolo and Gohan had always had a special relationship, one that he had grown a little jealous of at times - though he couldn't blame his son for being so close with his old nemesis, and was thankful to Piccolo for being there for Gohan when he couldn't be.

But this wasn't right.

It wasn't the natural order of things, for a parent to outlive their child. Gohan was supposed to grow old and become the hero of Earth, or a great scholar, or both even - he had the smarts and determination after all. He was supposed to carry on the legacy of the Z-Fighters long after they had passed, do great things, maybe get married and have children of his own even. Though it was with great revelation and regret did he realise that neither he or his wife had actually asked the boy what he had wanted. Both of them too clouded by their own ideals that such a magnificent child could achieve.

Bulma had spoken next, though when she had expressed how smart and dutiful the boy had been it had moved Chi-Chi to pieces. She had utterly crumbled, though barrelled her face into her father's embrace rather than his. The equally devastated Ox-King stroked her hair soothingly, tears rolling down his own cheeks as the usually strong woman continued to bawl, her desperate cries echoing over the wasteland.

He couldn't remember what had really happened after that, it had all been a blur. All he knew was that when someone had said 'final goodbye' that he had broken. He vaguely remembered having to be held up by both Yamcha and Tien just to get through the rest of the ceremony. His knees collapsing under themselves as he could no longer find the strength to even stand.

For the first time in his life, Goku was at a loss. He was always the one that the gang would look to for answers, for hope, as their unofficial leader. He had given almost every one of them a second chance at leading a good life and brought them together. He had been their saviour on numerous occasions, the person that they looked to when everything went wrong. But now, as his and Chi-Chi's entire world was collapsing around them, he had no idea what to do to make it all better.

His friends had thought he had been crazy when he had sent his own son to fight Cell. How could Gohan, an eleven year old kid possibly take down the most powerful, terrifying enemy that they had ever faced? They agreed that his super saiyan son was strong, had kept up with them since he was a meek little four year old even, but they still had their reservations. But they hadn't seen what he had in that Time Chamber, the awesome power that had quite literally stunned him to silence.

Of course, he had been right all along. Gohan, with the right buttons pushed, had unleashed the furious inner strength that the Z-Fighters had all seen snippets of since he was a young boy. And with it he brought the once seemingly invincible Cell to his knees in no less than two mighty blows. Goku couldn't have been prouder, but he was quickly just as astounded by the unforgiving nature that his son had developed on the battlefield, the immense power flooding through him flying to his head.

He thought that he had rectified his mistake. Though his sacrifice had been in vain in the end. The last time he had seen his son he had been a bloodied and broken super saiyan two, caked in mud and a mixture of Cell's and his own blood. His purple gi was in tatters, and hot tears coursed down his cheeks as he looked towards him in horror, his haunted emerald eyes wide in the realisation of what his father was about to do.

It was not how he wanted to remember his son. Yet the memory of Gohan's agonising screams and look of all encompassing guilt was a frequent picture in his mind. It haunted his dreams and filled his heart with regret and anguish.

The whole world knew of course. They knew all about Gohan's noble sacrifice. Mister Satan, the gloating, pompous world champion had told the media the truth about the winner of The Cell Games, much to the Z-Fighters surprise. They had half expected the big-headed oaf to take the credit. Though Goku could tell that the Champ was a good man at heart, and not even he would swipe the victory underneath the eleven year olds feet after watching him die horrifically right before his eyes.

In a way, he had been glad that his son had gotten the recognition for saving the world like he deserved, though he wasn't too pleased by the relentless media. It quickly became apparent that journalists had done some digging, and after hearing Gohan's name being shouted out by Cell before the cameras cut out, they had successfully tracked his family and even found them in the mountains. Of course, they were met with a grieving, pregnant ex-martial artist who chased them off the property with a broomstick and a rolling pin, and they hadn't come back since.

However, it still didn't stop the TV reports that would flash across the screen, spouting about the valiant world saviour and depicting him as a martyr and a celebrity. He couldn't help but think just how embarrassed the preteen would be by all the attention. Though despite the hysteria of the Earthlings, who had struggled to accept the fact that they had all been saved by a mere child, did Goku find that not all of them were after a scoop on the parents of the boy or trying to get them to endorse a city being named after him. Letters and cards had practically poured through the front door, as people from all over the world offered their sympathy and also their thanks to the parents of the young boy. He had even heard from people who he had met on his adventures as a child, and was rather humbled by the fact that they had taken the time to write to him and his wife.

He had no doubt that peoples kindness would soon stretch as far as the Northern Wastelands, and Gohan's grave would soon be a popular place for people all over the world to come and pay their respects.

The ceremony had lasted for an agonising amount of time, and he was almost glad to escape the shadow of his son's statue and move on to Capsule Corporation. Goku hadn't eaten much at the wake, much to everyones worry, though the full-bloodied saiyan was past caring. He mostly sat alone, though Krillin kept stopping by his seat on the sofa to offer him a drink and make a bit of small talk. There were a few comments about the new baby, such as 'when is Chi-Chi due?' 'do you know if it's a boy or a girl?' But Goku didn't have the energy to give them so much as a shrug in reply, instead finding his whiskey glass much more interesting. He had never really drank before, though the amber liquid that Yamcha had kindly handed him 'for his nerves' had worked somewhat. It managed to stop his hands from shaking, and the burning warmth chased away the icy coldness of his insides - albeit momentarily.

Later that night, when the sky was dark and the stars were the only light around for miles, did he and Chi-Chi retire to their empty little cottage at the edge of the forest. They entered the master bedroom with barely a word spoken between them, and as he watched her, draped in her black dress that stretched over her growing stomach, taking off her earrings and placing them on the dresser, did he practically feel the ache emitting from her very being. Her beautiful eyes were red and swollen from crying, and he doubted that he was in any better condition.

He sighed from where he was perched on the bed, the stuffy black suit he was wearing becoming all too restrictive all of a sudden. Which was why he asked his wife to come for a walk with him, and was even more surprised when she accepted with only a moments hesitation.

Still dressed in black, they escaped the confines of their home which was threatening to suffocate them with grief. They walked in silence, the starlight paving their way through the dark forest, casting shadows before them as they made their way into a familiar clearing, stopping as they realised all too late where they had automatically come to. They stared at the hole in the huge apple tree, nostalgia and a fresh wave of sadness and longing hitting them altogether.

Goku said nothing, as his wife tentatively interlaced her fingers with his.

"I made him study too much you know."

He snapped his head towards her, his eyes widening. It was the first time she had openly spoken about Gohan since he had died.

"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning, as the ox-princess sighed heavily, tears welling in her eyes and a hand coming to rest on her small baby bump.

Those eyes, they were so much like Gohan's. So full of knowledge and emotion. Holding so much, like storybooks that he wished to read over and over, stories that he could so easily loose himself in. Though Gohan's eyes seemed to hold a different kind of intelligence. Intelligence that had frustrated Goku at times, as for a parent, knowing that your son was smarter than you was a difficult thing to swallow. He had been brought up rather simply after all. Being his father, he wanted to be the one that gave his son all the answers to life that he needed. But even despite his reservations, his pride for the young boy's smarts had overshadowed those feelings.

Now he wanted Chi-Chi to give him some answers, answers as to how he could make it right again. But at that moment, all he could do was listen to hear speak, for it was the most she had done so in the last month.

"I made him study so that he would have a choice," she said, her eyes never leaving the hole that their baby boy had made in the tree all those years ago when he had accidentally let go of his pushchair, "He didn't have to fight if he didn't want to. He wouldn't need to have a dangerous childhood like ours. He wouldn't get hurt if he was a scholar or a doctor. But even after all that, I still couldn't protect him. And I have to wonder whether all that time spent studying instead of training or playing like he should have done was worth it."

Goku's mouth ran dry all of a sudden, as he turned to her, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders as his eyes searched her features, "Chi-Chi, please don't. You didn't have any part to play in this. It was my fault. I-I was so certain that he would win and -."

"But he did," she sniffed, the smallest hint of a prideful smile upon her lips, "He did win, our little boy saved the world Goku."

"But he died," he choked, the burning ache resurfacing against his will. He didn't want to break down in front of her again like at the funeral, "He died and I couldn't stop it…I was supposed to protect him."

His wife closed her eyes solemnly, they both knew the horrific truth of his words. And it was hard to swallow.

"I'm so sorry Chi-Chi."

"Don't Goku," she said breathing in rather sharply, "I can't - "

"Look, I know I don't deserve it, but just hear me out Chi, please," he begged desperately, his fingertips grasping onto the sleeves of her midnight dress, "I would do anything, anything to bring Gohan back to us. I-If I could go back, if I could spare his life, if I could trade his life for mine then I -."

"Don't say that!" she snapped, tears spilling from her eyes and running freely down her cheeks.

Goku stared, as his wife gritted her teeth in anger. He didn't understand why she was so angry all of a sudden.

"Don't you see?" she sobbed, her voice thick and heavy with emotion, "I don't want one or the other. I don't want you to die for him! I want both of you, all of you! I just want us to be a family again, just like we used to be! Before any of this h-happened!"

He swallowed thickly, his gaze searching hers. He realised now how much pain he had caused his wife, he knew exactly what she was referring to. She wanted to go back, turn back the clock, back to the time when Gohan was little and it was just their little family of three in their warm happy cottage by the forest. No aliens, no fighting, no battles - no death. And yet it seemed as though those days were so far away now, for as soon as he had taken Gohan to visit Kame House on that fateful day did everything feel as though it had spiralled out of control.

Chi-Chi had lost so much on that day, her husband had died and her four year old son had been kidnapped. From watching their battles on TV to hospital recoveries, Namek, super saiyans and then the whole mess with the androids she had remained strong and stubborn. She had been there for him and Gohan and the rest of the gang, even though she had always made her point heard - in true Chi-Chi fashion. He understood why his wife was opposed to their son fighting. He was just a kid. He realised that now.

A ghost of childish laughter echoed in his ears. He sighed, he could see him now, walking alongside them before running ahead, up the path where the dancing fireflies would reflect the spark in his deep onyx eyes. His face would light up with wonder, calling back to the parents whom he loved so much, but were the ones that had ultimately failed him.

Chi-Chi followed his gaze, watching the fireflies buzz around them. She sighed longingly, as though she could see Gohan waving back at them too.

"I don't pretend to know how we're going to get through this Chi," said Goku, drawing her attention back to him, "I don't know what challenges were going to face. But if you just let me stay by your side then -."

"I'm not going anywhere Goku," she told him, reaching up and cupping his jaw with her palm, her thumb brushing a stray tear from his cheek. He didn't even realise that he was crying. "I just need time."

He closed his eyes, leaning into her hand as she spoke again, softly this time.

"I know who I married," she said, "And even though I hated it, I accepted that you might not come home. But not our son, Goku. Not Gohan."

"I'm sorry," he mustered, his voice barely a whisper as a pang of guilt and regret stabbed at his heart.

"I'm sorry too," she whispered back, causing him to open his eyes once more.

Chi-Chi was right in a way. She had accepted that she had married a fighter, a warrior, and knew that as a Z-Fighter he would always be one of the first to answer a call to battle. Battles that he might not return from. Warriors, heroes were like candles, burning twice as bright and thus burning for half as long. Though despite what his wife said, he couldn't help but think that Gohan's candle had always burned brighter than his. It showed in the way he fought, sometimes reckless but with the nerve and the passion of someone three times his age.

And it was watching him live with such passion that had struck him so profoundly. It was watching him cry in frustration underneath the blood and sweat of training, it was watching him laugh underneath the starlight, it was kissing his forehead and ruffling his messy hair, tucking the blankets around his small frame when the daylight surrendered to the clutches of night. It was watching him breathe, and hope and dare to dream. It was loving his existence in this world so much so that it completely took his breath away, it was watching him live and knowing that he was so privileged to watch him grow every single day.

It was the realisation that he would never get to see him again that hurt so much.

"I miss him," he croaked suddenly, "I miss him so much Chi-Chi."

"Me too," she mustered, allowing him to rest his forehead on hers in search of comfort, "I wish he could have met his little brother or sister."

"We wouldn't have gotten a look in," he chuckled ever so slightly, "He would have been the best big brother ever."

"There's no doubt in that," Chi-Chi smiled sadly up at him, and hesitated, "Do you think that Shenron is right Goku? Can he really not be brought back?"

"I don't know Chi," he said, letting out a shaky breath, "He's… he's got to be out there somewhere. I just know it. I - I don't want to give up on him."

"Then don't," she stated firmly, causing him to blink back at her, "Gohan, he wouldn't give up on any of us. And I know it seems impossible, but we have to try."

"You're right," Goku smiled back, cupping both of her hands with his and holding them close to his heart, her eyes were still full of tears, "I won't give up on him that easily. I'll try and find him Chi-Chi, but I just don't know how long it'll take. I don't want to get our hopes up just incase we don't…"

He couldn't finish the end of his sentence. Then again, he didn't have to, as the ox-princess nodded in understanding.

"We can try Goku," she said, "That would be enough."

He owed it her, to them. To his family.

"Okay," he stated firmly, a new found determination in his eyes, "I'll start searching tomorrow."

He was surprised, yet elated as his wife suddenly wrapped her arms around his middle, burying her head into his chest and allowing his strong arms to encompass her. He sighed, kissing her hair softly before resting his chin on her head, his obsidian eyes cast out to the glistening blanket of stars above them.

He would find Gohan. No matter what it took. He would give anything to see that little boy of his with fly away hair and big twinkling eyes looking up at him with such wonder and awe once more. Even if it was just for a moment.

But in all honesty, he thought, as a shooting star shot across the night sky, he didn't really know where to start.

---

West City, Planet Earth. Age 775

Goku's eyes widened to the size of saucers, as he heard the rest of the Z-Fighters gasp around him at the young man's reply.

He was a man in every sense of the word. From his tall, muscular stature, to his deep voice, to the way his dark eyes held such wisdom and experience. Though he couldn't help but notice the lingering spark of boyhood that he had missed so much.

But he was him, and he was here. After all these years.

"Gohan," Goku spoke again, the word sounding so alien on his tongue. It was certainly strange, addressing the son that had been gone for eight long agonising years, "Gohan, what is - ?"

"I'd love to explain and catch up," the teenager told him, his smile growing a little wider, his eyes drinking in every inch of them, "But it seems as though we've got a bit of a situation on our hands."

"I-I'm dreaming," Krillin croaked from a ways behind him, half laughing as tears streamed freely down his bruised and bloodied cheeks, "Tell me I'm not dreaming! I-Is that really Gohan? Our Gohan?!"

"Looks that way Krillin," said Tien, shaking his head in both amusement and disbelief, "Well I'll be damned."

"He's gotten a lot taller," Yamcha observed wearily, a bark of laughter escaping him, "B-But h-how is this even possible?!"

The others were in a similar state of shock, Videl in particular had her mouth hanging open from where she was leaning heavily up a broken slab of concrete. The pain from her twisted and bleeding ankle long forgotten about since the appearance of the young halfling.

Vegeta all but snarled in annoyance next to him, "Leaving it until the last second I ask you! Stupid boy, he's nothing but a damned drama queen."

"Gohan," Goku mustered again, unable to stop himself from saying his name. He wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time. He wanted to tell him how sorry he was, how much he had missed him - to explain. Yet his tongue felt heavy and twisted, and he couldn't seem to get his words out properly, "We tried to - the dragon - I couldn't -."

"Relax Dad, I know everything. But we'll talk later, you need to rest and save your strength." his son replied calmly, before a cheeky grin spread across his lips, "So why don't you all let me handle this one?"

Vegeta scoffed, though a rather amused smirk tugged at his features "Great, now I'm being given orders by a dead brat."

Gohan laughed, shaking his head at the prince's words. Goku didn't think that there was any greater sound in the world. He had really missed that laugh, though its tone was so much deeper now.

"Don't worry V," he quirked, giving them a wink, "You can still be useful and hand out those senzu beans that Krillin has in his pocket."

"Why that little - !"

"How did he know?" Krillin blinked, fishing the small string bag out of his gi trousers.

"Just a hunch," he shrugged with a small smirk, before a loud, rumbling growl echoed around them.

The beast was getting impatient it seemed, having recovered from the shock of being dazzled by the teenager's entrance. It snarled at the halfling at its feet, as large globules of saliva dripped from his sharp fangs and onto the dusty ground below.

"Now," said Gohan, turning towards the mutated dragon with a thoughtful glare, "Just what am I going to do with you?"

The Z-Fighters watched apprehensively, as the monster let out another menacing growl, towering over the hybrid with venom in its eyes. Yet Gohan appeared unfazed, standing tall with his feet grounded, his cloak billowing in the breeze.

"You obviously don't know who I am," he continued, though he seemed rather amused by the fact, "Otherwise you'd be treating me with a lot more respect, let alone my home planet. I suppose I'm going to have to teach you a valuable lesson."

An earthquaking roar escaped the beasts mouth, its jaws hovering over the teenager, blowing his hair back from his face and causing a tremor to shake the ground around them.

Gohan coughed, turning slightly green and waving his hand in front of his nose, "And how to use a toothbrush apparently. Seriously, have you never heard of a breath mint?!"

"What in the hell is he doing?!" Piccolo scoffed from Goku's side, his gi tattered but his body fully healed thanks to a senzu bean.

"Is he trying to antagonise on purpose?!" Tien guffawed, wincing as Eighteen helped him up from the crater that he was previously embedded in.

"I'm sure he's got a plan," Videl breathed wearily, still limping slightly as the senzu bean began to take effect. Her sapphire eyes were fixated on the boy in front of them, "I mean it would be stupid of him not to have one… Right?"

"Whatever it is, I hope he knows what he's doing," coughed Yamcha gruffly, steadying Goku to his feet as the others looked warily on. "You alright mate?"

The earth-raised saiyan nodded, accepting his own senzu from the ex-bandit. Though his gaze was firmly set ahead, his stomach churning with fear and anticipation, "Be careful Gohan."

Though he needn't have worried, as at once the young warrior kicked off from the ground, aiming a powerful kick straight towards the beasts jaw. It was so fast that they had nearly missed it, though the sheer sound of his boot connecting with bone was almost deafening, creating a sonic boom over West City and the surrounding area, as the creature roared in agony.

There was no time to even process just what was happening, as the halfling followed up in his attack, not waiting a moment for the monster to recover as he imbedded his fist deep within its gut. To their surprise and utter amazement, the mutated dragon was lifted off its feet by the sheer force of the punch alone, before the young saiyan appeared above it in an instant, delivering a crippling hammer fist to its skull and sending it crashing back down to the ground.

The Z-Fighters gaped, their jaws hitting the floor simultaneously. In awe of the spectacle of power that the teenager had just displayed.

Here was a monster, a rampaging beast that was so corrupted by evil intentions that it had nearly destroyed everything without a second thought. A vile being so powerful that not even Goku and Vegeta could best it in their strongest forms, not to mention the way it had so easily batted away the Z-Fighter's most deadly attacks as if it were childs play.

And here was Gohan, not even a super saiyan and he had PICKED. IT. APART.

In seconds no doubt.

A flurry of questions assaulted the stunned fighters minds. Where had this kid of theirs been? How did he get so powerful? Was this even real?

Though there was no time for questions, as the vile creature landed in a pitiful heap, the impact of its body hitting the decimated streets sending a powerful shockwave throughout the entire city. Clouds of dust and battle filth exploded into the air, wiping out the majority of the flames and giving the protectors of Earth a better view of the fight.

"Still managing to get up are you?" Gohan's voice rang out around them, his commanding tone sending vibrations through their chests.

The smoke cleared, allowing them to find him hovering in front of the beast with his arms folded, his calculated gaze watching almost indifferently as it clambered warily to its clawed feet. The creature snarled, green blood dripping from its gaping mouth as it snapped its jaws towards its opponent.

Dodging swiftly out of the way of its razor sharp teeth, the teenager sighed, "Look, its up to you. We can either do this the easy way, or the hard way. Your choice really, it makes no odds to me."

The monster retorted with a enormous growl, unleashing a deadly ball of crimson Ki from its mouth and aiming for the halfling.

Gohan sighed with mild annoyance, easily batting away the blast with his palm where it exploded high above the city. "Right then, hard way it is."

The fighters on the ground were baffled, as the half-saiyan smirked almost devilishly, throwing out his right hand in a dramatic fashion, his whole arm stretched out to his side, "Prepare yourself for defeat, ugly."

They were even more confused, as several seconds passed - and nothing happened.

"Damn it!" Gohan growled under his breath, "I can never time that right."

Before Goku and the others could even ponder just what in the HFIL the deceased teen was talking about, was the monstrous villain upon him again, more intent on killing him than ever before. Its enormous fists swinging towards him ferociously, its long tail whipping through the air and destroying more buildings below, prompting the halfling to phase quickly out of its murderous path.

"Yikes! Can't you have a bit of patience?!" He yelped, ducking under another white hot blast that nearly took his head clean off.

Then, as the beasts jaws aimed for him again, did a faint whistling sound reach their ears, getting louder and louder with each passing second.

"Er, does any one else hear that?" Krillin asked weakly, before a sudden shout caught their attention.

"THERE!" The garbed teenager shouted, expertly grasping the hilt of the sword that had come speeding his way out of nowhere.

Gohan whipped around quickly, the momentum of the shining sword spinning him in place before he appeared before the monsters snout in a flash, grinning up at it wickedly.

"Here, hold this for a second would you?"

The dragon made a disgruntled noise of confusion, before it was followed up by a devastating howl of agony, as the halfling sunk the sharp blade straight into its awaiting mouth. The bloodied point bursting out of the underside of its jaw before Gohan let go of the hilt, sickly green blood splattering onto the pavement below.

Goku wasn't entirely certain just what happened next, though he presumed that the sword must have been ridiculously heavy, for as soon as his son let go, did the monster swiftly drop to the floor like a puppet whose strings had been cut. It crashed to the floor with an almighty thud, guided by the staggering deadweight in its snout. It cried out, wigging its tailed backside furiously in a desperate attempt to free itself. Though it was completely futile, as the sword was impaled into the pavement, green blood seeping over the cracked and scorched ground.

Gohan landed swiftly before it, his onyx eyes positively glaring at the wicked fiend at his feet before he cast his gaze towards the heavens, a bellowing shout erupting from his throat.

"Right, so who's the git behind releasing this even bigger git from the realm of The Void?!" Gohan yelled upwards, causing the Z-Fighters to share a confused and awe filled glance.

Silence rained down upon them, causing the teenager to let out a growl of frustration, a dark ball of purple energy materialising within his palm as he directed it towards the defeated beast, "I've got a pretty good idea of who, though I'd better get some answers as to how you did it fast, or else your little pet gets it!"

Then suddenly, there was laughter.

Cold, cruel laughter that cut through the air like a knife. Goku and the others looked around them frantically in order to depict just where the source of such spine chilling laughter was coming from. Though Gohan's eyes were fixed firmly upwards, his jaw clenching tightly at the sound.

"So, it's you. The warrior I've been waiting for," the voice started, it sounded male, youthful, almost adolescent in nature. Though it was laced with venom, sending an icy chill up their spines, "Son Gohan, I presume?"

"That depends on whose asking," the halfling snapped back, the ball of violet Ki still swirling menacingly in his palm. It didn't look that impressive, but the power within it was positively devastating - dark almost.

"Oh I think you already know, if your so called superiors were wise enough to warn you about me," the mysterious voice echoed around them ominously.

"Perses," Gohan spat, his teeth gritting in anger, "So the rumours were true, you really are alive."

"I cannot die," said Perses, though it was still unclear as to just where his voice was coming from, "Not until I lay waste to you and your pitiful Gods. Though I have to say, you certainly weren't what I was expecting."

"I get that a lot," the teenager shrugged, though his eyes remained fierce, "But then again, I've always loved the element of surprise."

"Is that so?" the voiced dubbed Perses positively cooed, "And are you surprised by my presence?"

"If I'm honest, I'm more surprised that you've been too busy chatting me up instead of attacking," said Gohan, his lips drawing into a smirk, "That is, unless you haven't actually managed to escape The Void yet."

It seemed as though the young saiyan was correct in his assumption, as they heard Perses scoff in annoyance.

"Not as strong as you think you are, are you?" the young saiyan jested, "I don't care just how you're managing to reach me from your prison, but just know that I'm not scared of someone that makes threats from the safety of the shadows."

Perses growled with anger, "Your arrogance will be your undoing."

"Save it for the battle field," he barked back, "That is, if you actually manage to escape. Though if your little creations are anything to go by, you're probably not even worth my time."

"You insolent-!" he started, though quickly managed to curb his anger, his voice echoing around them in a much calmer tone, "You have no idea of the power I wield. I am the ultimate divine being, and I will achieve my destiny."

"And just what destiny is that?" Gohan demanded hotly, his famous temper getting the better of him, "What do you hope to achieve if you do escape? Do you want everything to just turn to ruin? For the universe to die?!"

"Oh how naive you are," said Perses with a small chuckle, "It seems as though Whis has you right where he wants you. Your loyalty is certainly misplaced, young one."

"What the hell are you talking about?" the halfling snapped, as more laughter reached his ears.

"Stupid boy, you have much to learn in regards to the ways of the universe," he observed, "Though I cannot blame you for your gullibility. I learned all too late the atrocities of the Gods. I am merely trying to rectify that. I only wish to start afresh, begin a new universe, eradicate the divine hierarchy that has plagued me for too long. And when I finally rule over the cosmos, I can exact my final plan, unworthy mortals and Gods alike will be purged."

"You have no right, you have no right to make that call!" yelled Gohan, his eyes glinting in anger.

"Oh really?" Perses' voice hollered in amusement, "But you make that call all the time don't you Lord Gohan?"

The teenager snapped his mouth shut at his mocking words, paling slightly as the Z-Fighters looked on confused.

"Don't you see that it is for the greater good of the universe?" the mysterious being continued, "For it cannot sustain the hardships that the majority of mortals bring. The universes resources are finite, its capacity finite. Your Gods talk of 'balance' but they fail to realise the error of mortals. War, disease, famine. And yet time and time again they do not correct their mistakes. Believing that mortals are nothing but thieves and murderers and that the Gods are valiant and just, is toxic. And those who believe in such sentiments cannot be maintained, they need to be purged and controlled. And that is where I come in."

"And then what?" Gohan snarled, "Even with the Gods gone and the mortals controlled, what will that achieve? Where's the benefit?"

"The sun will rise on a grateful universe," said Perses, "And I, as the only benevolent and merciful God will have achieved my destiny."

"It'll never happen," the young saiyan glowered, "Not as long as I'm still standing."

"You may be on the path towards divinity but you are still nothing but a foolish mortal," he spat harshly, "Soon you will know what its like to loose, to feel so desperately that you're right, but fail all the same. You may dread it, you may run from it, but destiny still arrives. I am getting stronger with each passing day, and neither you nor the Gods will be able to stop me."

"That reminds me, how are you managing to regain your power?" he asked, "I know that you're stealing it from Lord Beerus. Rather cowardly of you if you ask me."

The evil being snarled back, "It is all apart of my plan to exact my revenge. Though I wouldn't want to bore you with an explanation, I doubt that you will exist long enough to find out the answer."

"Well sorry to disappoint you, but Earth is closed today," said Gohan, getting tired of his musings and blowing a stray bang away from his eyes, "As is the rest of the universe that you've unleashed your little pets upon. So why don't you crawl back into the shadows and waste away for all eternity like you were supposed to, you can keep your dreams of ruling over the cosmos to yourself."

Perses laughed evilly, "But how can I rest when there is so much work to be done? Mistakes need to be corrected after all. And I'll start with you."

The halfling scowled as the laughter faded away into the distance, unleashing his anger along with the spherical blast within his palm. It careened towards the monstrous beast lying defeated upon the ground. There was a wave of pulsating light, and to the Z-Fighters astonishment, the dragon-like creature disintegrated in a swirl of purple particles as if it had never even existed to begin with.

Though there was no time to celebrate, as a blood curdling screech reached their ears, and out from the shadows of the decimated buildings did hundreds of small dark gremlins hurtle towards the young saiyan in frenzied waves, clawing and clambering over each other in a desperate attempt to reach him first. They sort of looked like mutated goblins, with small grey bodies and pointed ears and fangs, sharp talons dragging on the cracked pavement as they screeched and hollered in a strange high-pitched language.

Gohan sighed almost begrudgingly, "Why are there always minions?!"

"GOHAN!" The Z-Fighters cried out in desperation, as the gremlins attacked him all at once, completely overwhelming the halfling as he disappeared from view.

After a few seconds of shrieking and snarling, in which the warriors of Earth prepared themselves to intervene, did a blinding golden light begin to shine out from the gaps in the gaggle of minions, shooting outwards in rays before it exploded - sending the devilish fiends flying high into the air, some of them even disintegrating from the influx of pure power.

They stared, wide eyed at the glowing super saiyan before them, Gohan's heightened energy assaulting their senses as it towered high above anything else on the planet, it was crippling, like a great beacon of light within the darkness. His long golden hair whipped about him in the violent winds he had just created with his fiery aura, his emerald eyes hardened with intent and a small smirk gracing his lips as he reached behind him and yanked his sword out of the ground.

Perses' minions squeaked, quite rightly taking a step backwards as the teenager spoke, spinning the sword around effortlessly in his palm, "You don't mind if I fight back, do you?"

A howl of screeching agony escaped the creatures, as Gohan was upon them in an instant, his fists connecting with their bodies that all but exploded on impact. His sword it seemed, was all but an extension of himself, as it moved just as fluidly through the air as if it was another arm, swiping and slicing through the enemy with deadly precision and finesse.

When another crowd of minions shot towards him, he was more than prepared, letting go of the hilt of his sword and allowing it to careen towards them. It span widely in a circle, slicing the surrounding creatures apart in a jaw-dropping display. Then, as the ancient relic was about to fly away, Gohan threw out his palm, summoning the sword back to him and snatching it out of the air with impressive ease.

"Yeah go Gohan!" Videl hollered suddenly, her bright sapphire eyes alight with awe, "Let 'em have it!"

The young saiyan visibly blushed, his free hand flying to his hair as he stopped to flash her a charming grin. Though his sudden lapse in concentration was just enough for one of the mutated goblins to land a hit straight to the teen's gut, causing him to double over in pain and drop the sword to the ground with an audible clang.

Beside Goku, Piccolo and Vegeta face-palmed.

Though luckily, Gohan swiftly recovered, glaring daggers at the minion that had punched him and retaliating by blasting the tiny fiend straight in the face, its smouldering body collapsing in a heap of smoke and ash. Not wasting another second, the young saiyan gritted his teeth, picked up his sword and jumped high into the air, causing the shell-shocked goblins to squawk in confusion. He gripped the sword in both of his palms, lifting the relic high above his head where it glinted in the sunlight that had slowly started to peak through the clouds.

Then, in a split second, it was all over. The young super saiyan let himself drop out of the sky, his boots and the sharp point of the ancient sword hitting the ground with an enormous BOOM. A rip-roaring shock of energy decimated the surrounding buildings, wiping out the remaining minions and forming a small crater beneath his feet.

A stunned, harrowing silence followed, as Gohan stood up fully, blowing his hair out of his eyes and letting his transformation leave him completely, his hair and eyes returning to their usual colour. The Z-Fighters could neither move, nor speak, as the halfling brushed off some dirt that had landed on the front of his garb, looking as though the fight hadn't worn him out in the slightest.

Goku was just as flabbergasted as the rest of them as he watched his son, and a sudden loud beeping reached their ears. To their surprise, the teenager sighed in annoyance, waving his hand before catching a rounded device that had seemingly appeared out of thin air. It looked like some sort of communicator, as he pressed the large button and spoke into it.

The young man listened as an angered voice protruded from the speaker, though Goku couldn't quite make out what was being said as he was too far away.

Wincing slightly, Gohan pulled the device away from his ear before calling back to it, "Yeah yeah, alright! There's no need to yell!"

He seemed to be having an argument with someone, as the teen spouted again, shouting over the furious nattering echoing from the communicator, "So what if I threatened him? He totally deserved it! ….Well I - If you would just let me - Oh calm down will you? - Well I beat them didn't I?!"

"NEXT TIME, DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN JUST FOR A PAIR OF BIG GOO GOO EYES!"

The voice was so loud all of a sudden that it was difficult not to hear that particular sentence.

Gohan flushed angrily, "I DID NOT - ! Oh they've gone…"

The young saiyan sighed, banishing the device back to whence it came, before turning to the stunned and slightly amused group of warriors before him. His eyes were wide, as he swore under his breath.

"Um, hi everyone," He mustered weakly, giving them a small wave as he placed the sword into the sheathe on his back.

"Gohan?" Krillin whispered, the only one brave enough to speak, "Is that really you?"

The young saiyan nodded, giving him a sad smile, "Yeah, its me."

"B-but you said you were - Beerus - why did -?" Goku managed to muster, watching as his son turned to him, guilt evident in his eyes.

"I know, I'm really sorry I lied Dad, I -," though Gohan suddenly found that the words had evaporated from his tongue as his father suddenly charged towards him in long urgent strides and engulfed him in a strong, near bone-breaking embrace.

At first, the teenager thought that his father was going to attack him, what with the way his eyes shone with such determination and unyielding emotion. So he was more than relieved when he had hugged him instead, allowing him to return the embrace with gusto as the man's fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck, his hulking stature still able to encompass him, even though he was practically the same height and build as he now. A well of emotion filled Gohan's chest, as his father held onto him so tightly as if he was afraid of what would happen if he were to let go.

"Oh Gohan," Goku croaked, his voice thick and heavy as his head rested on his shoulder, "Gohan I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry."

Gohan drew back quickly, his features marred with confusion as he stared at the man's blood shot eyes. He had never ever seen his father cry, it was incredibly unnerving to see the legendary Son Goku reduced to tears.

"Woah, woah Dad!" the young halfling pressed, his eyes searching him worriedly, "What in the world do you have to be sorry about?"

"I-I got you killed," Goku choked, struggling to stop the tears from falling, wiping the back of his hand hurriedly upon his cheeks, "Gohan, you died and you were never supposed to. I should have never sent you up against Cell, and I -."

"Dad, you did the right thing," said Gohan firmly, cutting across him and causing the man to blink in shock, "No one else could have defeated Cell at that point except for me. If you hadn't stuck to your guns then I doubt that the Earth would still be standing. Hell, if you hadn't of believed in me, then my power would have never been unleashed fully, and I wouldn't have been able to save the Earth and given everyone a better chance at living life the way they wanted to. You should never be sorry for that."

His wise words seemed to do the trick, as no more tears fell from his father's watery eyes, and the man allowed a small smile to grace his features, "I just can't believe you're here."

"Me neither to be quite honest with you," he replied meekly, "But I'm glad I am, and that I got to speak to you. I-I didn't mean it to be this way, to hide who I was and everything, but as I'm sure you've gathered, there's some pretty wild shit going down in the universe right now."

His father raised an eyebrow at his use of language, causing Gohan to wince almost automatically, "Whoops sorry, I mean er, pretty wild crap?"

Goku chuckled, shaking his head before smoothing his hands onto his broad shoulders and looking at him up and down, "That doesn't matter right now. Here, let me look you."

The young saiyan smiled bashfully, feeling rather awkward as the man's obsidian eyes drank in his appearance before he gave him a sad smile back, "You're… you're all grown up without me."

A sharp pang of guilt rippled across his chest, though before he could muster a reply were the rest of the Z-Fighters upon him. His father stepped aside, as they cheered and embraced him, thumping him so hard on the back that it took his breath away. Fingers ruffled his hair as laughter escaped their hearts, euphoria streaming from their lips, and Gohan couldn't help but laugh along with them. Piccolo nodded at him proudly, and even Vegeta gave him a prideful smirk. He caught Videl's eye over Yamcha's head, and felt heat rise to his cheeks as she gave him a cheeky wink.

He had missed this, them, his family. Even though he knew that he would have a lot of explaining to do now that he had revealed himself.

"Who told you that you could get taller than me kiddo?" Krillin chortled, happy tears coursing down his cheeks as he hugged him tightly.

"That was insane!" Yamcha spouted, throwing an arm over his shoulder, "The way you took down those monsters without breaking a sweat! How did you get so strong?!"

"I think we'd all like to know that," said Tien, smiling at him, "Care to tell us just where you've been these last eight years, kid?"

"It's a long story," said Gohan with a small chuckle, though he felt as though a stone had dropped into his stomach like a deadweight as they all looked towards him expectantly. They wanted an explanation.

He gulped. He wasn't entirely certain how to handle the situation, he couldn't steer too far away from the truth after all. They had already overheard his conversation with Perses, and would be more than curious to know what all that was about, even though he wanted to protect them from getting involved. Either way, he was still apprehensive to tell them that he was a Destroyer, he had already avoided telling Videl the truth of what he was, and similarly expose he reality of what he was meant to become.

"Well, I'll give you the short version," he started, clearing his throat, "When I died, I didn't end up going to The Otherworld. Instead I was drafted by the Gods to maintain balance in the universe. I ended up going up against other candidates for the position of one of these Gods successors. It was only after I reached a power far beyond what I achieved against Cell and pulling an ancient prophesied sword out of an old stone did they pick me. That was a few years ago now, and I've been training to become this God's replacement ever since."

He watched their reactions carefully, as they looked completely floored by the revelation.

"A G-God?" his father spluttered, his eyes widening, "They want you to become a God?!"

"Y-Yeah," he mustered sheepishly, "I'm really sorry I disappeared. I know that the dragon couldn't find me, and it was because the realm I train and live in is controlled by Gods far beyond Shenron's power. I wasn't allowed to contact you. And I'm sorry if I've disappointed you Dad, but I felt as though it was something that I had to do. Whis, who is an Angel who trains the Gods, said that if I didn't use my power to the best of my ability, achieve this as my destiny, then the universe could collapse in on itself. There would be nothing left, and I care about you all too much to let that happen."

To his surprise, his father pulled him into another hug, which he gladly returned, "I could never be disappointed in you son. I've missed you so much, but I'm so proud of you. I just can't believe it, my son, a God!"

Gohan smiled back, glad of his fathers acceptance, though it was with a heavy heart did he realise he just couldn't bring himself to tell him the entire truth. What he had divulged was true in a way, he had just managed to avoid the part where he destroyed countless civilisations in order to maintain said balance. He couldn't bring himself to to break his heart.

"Gohan isn't just here for a social visit," Piccolo cut across them suddenly, a serious expression upon his features, and for a split second the teenager thought that his old mentor was about to expose him, "If you hadn't noticed Goku, but there is something bigger going on here. That voice, it belonged to Perses didn't it?"

The young saiyan nodded glumly as the Namekian directed his gaze towards him in a questioning manner.

"Wait, who is Perses? Am I missing something here?" asked his father, a deep frown upon his features.

"Someone who used to have my job before he turned into a rampaging psychopath and decided to wipe out half of the universe," Gohan began to explain, "He was captured and imprisoned about a thousand years ago, but now he's gaining back his power, draining it from the Gods. Its my job to fulfil a prophecy about a Super Saiyan God and take him down if needs be. It's the reason why I'm on Earth, I've gathered the dragonballs to ask Shenron about how to achieve this prophesied form, as my mentor believes that the power may be needed to overcome Perses if he does escape, because if that happens, then the entire universe is in danger."

"This is… this is too much," Krillin mustered, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, much resembling the rest of the Z-Fighters.

"So what you're saying is that there's another enemy on the horizon that's after universal domination?" Eighteen scoffed, folding her arms across her chest, "Figures."

"Well yeah," the halfling continued, "But there's no need for you lot to get involved. This is my responsibility."

"I've already told you Gohan, that should the universe be in danger then it involves us too," said Piccolo firmly, "No matter how strong you've become, I won't let you face this threat your own."

The teenager opened his mouth to protest, when his father suddenly cut across them.

"Hold on, you knew?" Gohan blinked, as his father gritted his teeth in anger, positively glaring at the Namekian warrior before him, "You knew Gohan was here and you didn't tell me?!"

A sudden tension filled the air, as he looked back and forth between the two. Piccolo, however, snorted at the man's accusation.

"He's been here over a week, and I confronted him straight away," he told him curtly, his dark eyes narrowing, "It's not my problem that you are so wrapped up in your own problems that you couldn't even recognise your own son."

A sharp intake of breath was heard from the group, as Goku growled back, "I can't believe you. After everything, I can't believe that you would keep this from me Piccolo!"

"He didn't want to be found out," the Namekian shot back, "I simply honoured his request."

"Dad please -," Gohan started, but was surprised when it was Videl who boldly stepped between them, though she kept her voice calm.

"Goku, I knew too," she said, causing the man's eyes to widen in shock, "Vegeta and I both -"

"Tch, don't bring me into this, girl!" Vegeta spat, though the young woman ignored him.

"Gohan didn't mean for any of us to figure it out, but he didn't tell you and made us keep it a secret because he didn't want to hurt you or Chi-Chi. Please don't be mad at Piccolo, he was only trying to help him."

"It's true Dad," said Gohan, stepping next to Videl and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I made them promise. I just didn't want to tell you because… because I knew that if I did then it would make it so much harder to go away again."

Goku paused, looking between them before his eyes finally settled on him, "You're not staying?"

The teenager shook his head sadly, "Once I've summoned the dragon and fulfilled the prophecy of a Super Saiyan God then I'll have to leave. I don't belong here now. Surely you can understand that more than anyone, and that my power is needed for much greater things, I'm only doing this to keep those I love safe."

His father beheld him for a moment, "But you know that you'll always have a place here son."

"Thanks Dad," he forced a smile back, "It's nice to know that you'll still have me." He wasn't so certain that it would be the case if they knew the truth.

"Of course we would!" Yamcha exclaimed, confounded, "Now what do you say we head on back to Capsule Corp. and you can tell us some more about what you've been up to since you've been dead!"

"Now that's a good idea! Come to think of it, I'm starving!" Goku laughed heartily, the sound causing Gohan's chest to feel a little lighter, the sudden tension between the Z-Fighters dissipating. "What do you say son?"

He nodded gladly, allowing a smiling Videl to pull him by the arm as they lifted into the air, "Yeah, we can argue about letting us get involved in this fight of yours over a post battle feast."

He shot her a playful glare, as Krillin smiled, "We'd best get a move on before the clean up crews arrive, or the press. I don't even want to begin to imagine how we'd explain this one."

"The kids will probably be worried," said Goku, kicking off from the ground along with them, "Not to mention Bulma and Chi-Chi."

"Oh crap! Chi-Chi!" Krillin squeaked, as the other fighters visibly paled, "Goku, I can already sense her at Capsule Corp. with Bulma. You'd better speak to her before she catches sight of Gohan!"

His father giggled, shooting him a sympathetic glance as they flew over the city, "Yeah, I don't want her having a heart attack. Hmm I can sense Ox-King, Roshi and the others there too. They must have dropped by to check on everyone."

"I'll go on up ahead and explain," Goku winked back at him, pressing two fingers to his temple and vanishing out of sight.

Gohan gulped, fan-frigging-tastic.

Videl reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze that luckily went unnoticed by the others as they flew. He forced another smile back, though his stomach was performing somersaults at the thought of confronting his mother.

All too soon, they arrived at the large domed structure of Capsule Corporation, which to the teenager's surprise and relief found that it had only been partially damaged by the battle that had quite literally shook West City, a few cracks marring the brickwork and a deep crevice cutting the stone-flagged path in half, that led up to the house.

The group of warriors landed swiftly, and no sooner had his boots touched the slightly singed grass did an irate shriek reach his ears.

"WHAT?!"

The Z-Fighters winced, that was Chi-Chi alright.

"Chi-Chi calm down for a sec, just let me explain - !" his father's voice tried desperately, echoing over the garden from the open window, though his attempts to subdue the woman were in vain.

"Calm down?! Calm down?!" his mother positively screeched, "You're telling me to calm down when my baby boy is on the other side of that door?!"

"Oh boy," Gohan mustered, as the Z-Fighters shot him knowing grins, and no sooner did he utter the words did the front door almost fly off his hinges and the woman in question barrelled out of the door like a rampaging lioness in search of her lost cub.

Her eyes were wild and feral, her hair falling from her neat bun as she looked around her frantically, before her gaze came to rest on the garbed teenager in the centre of the garden. Videl let go of his hand abruptly, standing off to the side as mother and son knowingly stared at each other for the first time in the best part of a decade.

"B-Beerus what -?" Chi-Chi gasped, her eyes darting to the halo hovering above his head before locking with his gaze once more, "Oh my… you… y-you're Gohan!"

"I-I'm sorry I lied to you Mum," he mustered weakly, as the petite but strong woman thundered towards him, her hands placed angrily on her hips.

"Son Gohan!" she glowered, though a smile tugged at her lips, "I did not bring you up to lie to your mother like that, now did I?!"

"Um, no…" he blinked, a little taken a back.

"And what kind of mother am I? Not to even recognise my own son!" Chi-Chi asked to the heavens, grasping his cheeks in her soft hands and looking lovingly into his eyes, a waterfall of tears escaping her, "Oh my baby boy. Just look at you Gohan! You're so handsome! I-I can't believe it! You're here! You're here!"

She let her hands fall, before grasping him tightly around the neck in a fierce hug, drawing him to her. Gohan sighed, as letting out a breath that he had been holding for years on end, allowing his head to rest on her shoulder, burying his nose in her neck in comfort. She smelled of fabric softener and the cold earth that she'd been digging in the garden that morning, causing his heart to swell and a wave nostalgia to wash over his senses, clutching desperately at his heartstrings. He felt it gnaw at his insides and burn behind his eyes.

And then, for the first time in eight years, did Gohan finally allow his tears to fall.

They were tears that he had held onto for years, subdued and buried deep within himself since the beginning of his Destroyer training. He had always been a sensitive boy, but he had thought that his years of relentless mentors and teachings had finally stamped it out of him. But there was something about being held by his mother, the woman who had given him life holding him just like she had done when he was a little boy that made him feel as though he could finally let go. Even if it was for just a moment. He let go of his worries and fears, allowing them to fall into his mother's embrace so that she could chase away the darkness that clutched him in his most vulnerable moments.

He knew that he probably looked stupid. He was practically a grown man and he was crying into his mothers arms whilst the rest of his family and friends looked on. He felt the raw ache burning at the back of his throat and eyes, as he tried to subdue the tears and snot that were rapidly forming a wet patch on Chi-Chi's sleeve. Though the woman didn't seem to mind, instead she stroked his hair, whispering comforting words into his ear, even though she had to now stand on her tiptoes to do so.

"Shh, it's alright baby," she cooed lovingly, her own voice thick with emotion, "I'm here Gohan. I'm here."

He could have sworn he heard Z blow his nose from where he was nestled in the sheathe on his back.

After a minute or so, the teenager pulled back, wiping the wetness from his eyes and face, flushing in embarrassment as he looked around him. There was barely a dry eye in the garden, and he even spotted his grandfather, Bulma and the rest of the non-fighters of the gang smiling brightly at him from the porch. He had wondered for a moment why the abomination that was Buu hadn't been at the battle, though he could feel his sleeping Ki all the way over in Orange Star City. It was just as well, he didn't want even more people seeing him in such a vulnerable state.

"I missed you Mum," said Gohan gently, "All of you."

"I missed you too, sweetheart," she told him, her onyx eyes still full of tears as she placed a soft hand over the scars on his chest, "My goodness, just what have you been through?"

"Oh you know," he shrugged, giving her a dazzling smile, "Saving the universe."

"You've been fighting?" she asked worriedly.

"Not all fighting," he grinned, "I've studied a lot too. I'm fluent in over a hundred languages, I've learned ancient history, philosophy, astronomy, all sorts really …"

"What really?!" Chi-Chi gaped, her eyes wide with pride and delight.

"Just trying to make you proud," Gohan smiled.

"You'll always make me proud Gohan," she replied lovingly, placing a hand on his cheek, "No matter what you do."

"Thanks Mum," he said as he made to hug her again.

"So you're my big brother?"

Gohan blinked, looking down at the curious looking boy who had approached them. Trunks stood a ways behind Goten with Marron, protectively shielding her as he eyed him sceptically.

"That's right Goten," said Chi-Chi, nodding proudly. "This is your brother, Gohan."

"But aren't you supposed to be dead?" he asked pointedly, "You don't look like a zombie."

"Goten!"

"It's alright Mum," Gohan chuckled, before bending down to the little boys height, "Hi bro, this is a little weird, but it's nice to finally meet you properly."

Goten stared back at him with a frown, "Dad said that you've come back to become a God or something and fight a bad guy that wants to take over the universe."

"That's right," he smiled back, trying to get the kid to warm up to him, though it felt a little strained, "I'm sorry I lied to you and pretended I was someone else for a while. But I can tell that you've been doing an awesome job holding down the fort and looking after Mum and Dad whilst I've been gone."

Around him, the gang let out a small chuckle.

"I just wanted to say thanks," said Gohan, holding out a closed fist to the boy, who still appeared to have his reservations about the teen. "You're doing a better job than I could have done."

He was relieved to see Goten smile at that, bumping his fist against his and letting out a small giggle, "Do you want to play superheroes with me, Trunks and Marron, Gohan?"

He grinned, ruffling his spikey hair playfully, "Maybe later squirt, but I've got to talk to the grown ups about something really important first."

His brother's smile faded a little, though he appeared to accept is answer, "Oh, okay…"

"I'll give you something important!" Bulma's voice suddenly assaulted his ears as she approached him, slapping him upside the head, "Do you even realise the damage that you've caused to my security system, young man?!"

The young saiyan winced, as she made to hit him again, "H-how did you know?"

"Goku told us you'd gathered the dragonballs you numpty!" She snarled, gritting her teeth in anger, "I wonder who else could have stolen the dragon radar and fried my circuits! Do you know how long that's going to take me to fix?!"

"I'm sorry Bulma! But it was an emergency!" he cried, cowering behind his mother who was laughing just as hard as the rest of the Z-gang. He had almost forgotten just how scary Bulma could be.

The blue-haired heiress rolled her eyes, "I could never stay mad at you, kid. Now get your sorry behind over here and give me a hug! We've missed you!"

He complied sheepishly, setting off another round of laughter and embracing. He could have sworn that the rather enthusiastic one from his enormous grandfather had cracked a rib or two. He was glad to escape to the confines of the building, where his mother and Launch had set about putting on a magnificent feast in honour of his return. He was certain that his father had informed the rest of the gang that he wouldn't be staying, and that his visit was only temporary, but no one seemed to be paying that fact much attention, and instead continued to celebrate regardless.

After being hounded by the group for a while about his adventures for the last eight years and putting off explaining too much, Gohan made the excuse of needing the bathroom. He slipped away from the group and into the deserted hallway easily, feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of his family knowing who he really was. . He leaned up against the wall in the dimly lit hallway, closing his eyes and resting his head against the wall, he couldn't help but worriedly think that they would find out the truth about him eventually if Perses managed to escape. Though he was determined not to get them involved, he wouldn't allow them to get hurt, physically or emotionally. No matter how bad he felt about still lying to them. He had a duty to uphold after all, and only he would bare the burden of his actions.

A sudden presence alerted his senses, and the young saiyan opened his eyes to see Videl slip out into the hallway with him, now changed into a fresh pair of jeans and t-shirt instead of her tattered police uniform.

"Hey," he smiled, genuinely happy to see her, "You okay?"

"I should be asking you that," she replied teasingly, leaning up the wall beside him, "How're you holding up?"

"Alright," he shrugged, prompting the girl to roll her eyes at him.

"What have I told you about bottling things up?" Videl asked, causing him to chuckle.

"It's just… strange, you know? I never thought I'd see them again, and yet -"

"Yet you just saved our backsides by defeating a monster that nearly destroyed us, exposing yourself in the process," she grinned, giving him a pointed look, "Did you have to leave it until the last second by the way? I thought that we were goners."

"Some would call that dramatic flair Ms Satan," Gohan scoffed lightly, folding his arms across his chest.

"It's certainly something alright…"

"Hey!"

"Oh shut up, I'm only teasing," she smirked, before her features suddenly became serious, "You know, you can't avoid talking to them about Perses. Your Dad and the others aren't going to let you get away with not letting them fight that easily."

"Even if it does come to that, it's not their fight," he stated, causing her to frown.

"And Cell was?"

Well, she had him there.

He sighed heavily, his eyes locking with hers, "I may have put on a brave front, but I was actually bricking it. I thought that Perses was going to pop up out of nowhere and start slaughtering everyone. From what I can gather, Perses is on a whole other level to what any of us has faced before."

"So you decided to piss him off even more by teasing him?" Videl quirked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Alright, maybe that was my bad," he admitted, causing her to roll her eyes.

"Not that you just signed your death warrant or anything, or does that still count?"

"Ah it'll be fine," Gohan implored, giving her a cheeky smile.

"Doesn't sound like it from what you've been saying," she sighed, "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I'm durable enough," he shrugged offhandedly.

Videl scoffed, "You're dead!"

"You know, it's not very nice to point out a persons insecurities Videl," the halfling pouted mockingly, prompting her to snort.

"Oh I'm sorry," she said lowly, her voice becoming huskier all of a sudden as she leaned into him, her warm breath tickling his lips and causing him to shudder, "Should I be pointing out how hunky you look in that uniform of yours instead?"

His eyebrows shot to his hairline, though he was relishing in the closeness of her petite body, "I believe that you said that my clothes were weird the first time we met."

"Maybe I changed my mind," she shrugged indifferently, her nose inches from his, "Or lied the first time."

"I'm betting on the latter- ," he smirked, before quickly finding that the rest of his sentence was kissed away by Videl's lips colliding with his and causing him to loose his train of thought.

A sudden fire ignited within him, as he pushed her against the opposite wall, his lips moving feverishly against hers and his tongue invading her mouth. She sighed longingly, her leg moving upwards and pulling his hips against hers, drawing him in between her strong thighs. The exhilarating feeling of her soft body moulding with his enticing a low guttural moan from his throat.

He was quickly loosing himself within her embrace once more. Though he was surprised to find that it felt more fiery and passionate than ever before, and he was certain that it was due to the fact that his emotions were currently all over the place. Videl seemed to be enjoying the reaction she was getting from him, kissing down his neck towards his collarbone and allowing her fingers to tug at the sash that held up his gi trousers.

He shivered at her touch, the laughter and music coming from the living room fading away into the distance. His insistent mouth found her lips again, pushing her even further up the wall and smoothing his calloused hands over her curves before swiftly ducking under her shirt. His gi becoming looser by the second as she gasped in delight. The girl's ministrations was causing his head to cloud with lust, and he was even more willing than ever to let Videl's hands have her way with him when an abrupt scream sounded from the living room, breaking the young halfling out of his trance as several powerful Ki signatures assaulted his senses.

He jolted upright, his face heating up substantially as the reality of what he was about to let Videl do to him in the corridor of Bulma's house hit him like a ton of bricks, especially when all of his estranged friends and family were the other side of the wall. He cleared his throat awkwardly, realising they had got completely carried away as Videl panted, her lips parted and her chest heaving with anticipation. Though she too looked startled by the sudden influx of power coming from the living room. Tightening his sash back up again, he flashed her a guilty grin before taking off back down the corridor, where he could depict a bright silver light glowing from underneath the doorway.

Gohan swore under his breath, Videl hot on his heels as he kicked down the door with a loud clatter, ready to fight when the sight of the six figures standing in the middle of the Briefs' living room caused him to let out an exasperated groan.

"What in Zalama's name are you lot doing here?!" He spouted in distain, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

His father and the rest of the Z-Fighters looked towards him in confusion from where they had gotten into their fighting stances. They must have had quite the shock, as the garbed teenagers had seemingly appeared out of thin air in a brilliant flash of light.

"Aw come off it Sparky! Haven't you missed us?" Makhai grinned, his fanged teeth glinting at him as he threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Like a hole in the head," Gohan scoffed in annoyance, shoving the boy off of him.

"Yeah well we weren't exactly thrilled about coming to this backwater planet either," said Deimos, his beady eyes surveying the Earthlings reproachfully.

"Well thanks for stopping by. No seriously you all must have been wondering why I didn't invite you all around sooner," he growled sarcastically, rather miffed that they had interrupted his incredibly passionate snogging session with Videl. His mood effectively killed. This was all he needed.

"Oh that's enough out of you! Come here!" laughed Alala, the violet-skinned girl embracing him tightly, before allowing a glowing Bia to do the same.

Eris merely punched him lightly in the shoulder with a small smirk, before Gohan frowned, "Why are you all here anyway?"

"Because you are a magnet for trouble!" Kratos spouted hotly, his great hulking stature towering over him, "and as such we are left to pick up the pieces!"

"Oi! That's not fair! I obliterated that gigantic dragon didn't I? Along with hundreds of Perses' minions!" He argued, causing the elder teen to scoff.

"And you caused a complete mess in the process!"

Gohan, along with the Z-gang and the rest of The Supreme Guard followed the tall warrior's gaze out of the window, where he was looking pointedly at the half destroyed city.

"Alright, like less than half of that was me."

"It's completely reckless of you!" Kratos snarled, a vein protruding from his forehead, "We went to planets with more monsters and left the cities intact I'll have you know -."

"And I'll have you know that the city was half destroyed before I got here! Not to mention that I had to deal with Perses," he spat back, causing the group to gasp in horror, "Though not in person mind you, he did speak to me though."

Alala looked towards him anxiously, "But how?"

"By my reckoning he's an excellent telepath," said Gohan, as Deimos nodded beside him.

"He would have to be to be able to reach you from The Void," the green-skinned hellion agreed, "So did you manage to find out how he was managing to drain power from Lord Beerus?"

The halflings eyes widened, "Um…"

"Wait, you spoke to Perses, possibly the most dangerous of all the Gods who is hell bent on unraveling the fabrication of the cosmos and didn't ask him about the one piece of information that could save us?!" Kratos positively seethed.

Gohan winced, "Well, I mean…sort of?"

"SORT OF?!"

"It was a lot to deal with! I was a bit busy calling out the git for decimating an entire city and attacking the rest of the universe!" he snapped back hotly, as the teen cried out in frustration.

"You need to learn to think clearly and control that damned temper of yours!" Kratos yelled, "That piece of information could have been the key to saving the universe from certain annihilation!"

"Oh keep your thong on and stop being so overdramatic Kratos," Makhai drawled, nudging him in the ribs and giving Gohan a wink, "Besides, is that any way to speak to the next Destro- YOWCH!"

The ginger-haired teen grabbed his throbbing foot, hopping on one leg and glaring daggers at his best friend who had just stomped on his toes, before noticing that the entire room was staring at him.

Catching on to Gohan's frantic gaze, Makhai's eyes widened at the sight of the flabbergasted gang in front of them, "Ohhhhhhhh, but I thought that Whis said that you didn't plan on running into your family?"

The young Destroyer snorted, "Well obviously that plan backfired, now didn't it?"

"Um, Gohan?" his father asked wearily, "Who are all these people?"

"Oh sorry," the halfling smiled sheepishly, "These are my friends. Makhai, Alala, Bia, Eris, Deimos and Kratos."

Each member bowed respectfully as he introduced them, the young Alala waving at them enthusiastically.

"Eh hem, best friend I'll have you know," Makhai interjected, puffing out his chest proudly and causing the dark-haired Eris to roll her eyes.

"No one cares Makhai."

"You're just jealous that I almost spend as much time dreaming about him than I do you my dark princess," he replied, wriggling his eyebrows at her.

"Oh shut up, you peasant," Eris scoffed, though failed to hide her amusement as she shook her head at him.

"Anyway," Gohan drawled, cutting across them, "They are members of The Supreme Guard. The Supreme Kai's special forces if you like, they are drafted by the Gods to help protect the universe from chaos, evil and imbalance."

The Earthlings eyes widened as they stared at the Guard in awe and Goten, Trunks and Marron gasped in childish wonder at their gold and navy blue robes that weren't all too dissimilar to Gohan's. However, their garbs bore the Kai's symbol on the breast rather than Whis' and was closed by golden buttons at the front. The cloak was long and paired with white gi trousers, though was absent of the black sash that Gohan wore between his legs.

"Wow, my son, a protector of the universe," Goku grinned proudly, shaking his head in disbelief and causing the Guard to frown - though they seemed to catch on, "But why is your uniform so different to everyone else's kiddo?"

Gohan sweated, though was thankfully saved by Makhai.

"Oh that's because Gohan here is our leader," the teen smiled brightly, causing Kratos to scoff, "He's the most powerful out of all of us, so he has the pleasure of training with higher beings like our universe's Angel. Unlike us he'll be a proper deity one day, and we his lowly minions!"

"Stop it! You're not my minions!" the young saiyan growled in annoyance.

"Yes your mightiness! Please don't smite me!" Makhai yelped, covering his face and collapsing to the ground dramatically, causing Gohan to roll his eyes and the others to laugh around him.

"He's just teasing you," said Alala, explaining further, "Despite divine hierarchy, Gohan is still one of us, and has been protecting the universe for years. He's saved my life and everyone else's here countless times."

"It's not like that," The teenager blushed, as the gang grinned back at him. "I'm just doing whatever you would do for me."

"Oh please, we're not here to fawn over you." Deimos drawled, turning to him and ignoring Makhai's outburst of 'I am!', "We came to tell you that Whis requests your presence quite urgently, and that we are to stand guard over Earth whilst you do so, lest Perses or any of his creatures try to destroy it whilst you're gone."

"Oh right," Gohan blinked, thinking for but a moment that Whis and Lord Beerus actually cared about what happened to his loved ones. Though the reality most likely was that they didn't want the dragonballs to get destroyed before they had a chance to use them, "I suppose I'll be off then. Is Whis sending The Warp along?"

"No actually," Kratos interjected said rather smugly, "I've mastered my own teleportation technique, whereby I can actually teleport anyone and anything across the cosmos without accompanying them."

"Whatever Kratos, your own technique?" Makhai scoffed, "You totally nicked it off of The Supreme Kai!"

"You're just jealous because you couldn't do it!"

"Oh please, must we argue?" tutted Bia, a sudden calmness encompassing them as Eris, Alala and Deimos snorted behind them, "Now Kratos, don't you think you should teleport Gohan before Whis or Zalama forbid Lord Beerus get fed up of waiting?"

A tinge of pink marred Kratos' cheeks, before he grunted, hovering a hand over the young saiyan's chest.

"Don't worry, I'll just be reporting back to my mentors about what's transpired here on Earth no doubt," the teenager quirked, turning to his his friends and family who looked rather worried. "I'll be back before you know it!"

They smiled back, though an ominous feeling suddenly encompassed him as he stared at Kratos' hand that begun to glow silver, "Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?"

"Prepare yourself," he smirked back, causing the halfling to frown.

"For what - ? AHHHHHH!" He cried, as a bright light suddenly engulfed him and he felt as though his entire body was being squeezed through a very narrow tube.

The Briefs' brightly lit living room, along with his friends shocked faces warped and disappeared from view, and his vision went completely black. His ribs ached and he felt as though he couldn't breathe. Though as soon as he thought that he was about to pass out did it stop, and the young saiyan found himself crashing onto the ground in a heap, looking up at a familiar amber sky and two smirking deities.

"The next time I see Kratos, I'm going to destroy him!" Gohan spouted angrily, picking himself up from the ground and scowling at his crumpled garb.

"What have I told you about threatening the Kais Guard?" Whis sighed, "It's not proper to terrorise other entities of divine nature you know."

"Well maybe someone should have told Kratos that before he decided to fling me half way across the universe!" he spat, folding his arms across his chest in a huff, though he felt rather sick, "Ugh, I feel as though I was just squeezed out of a toothpaste tube."

"Ah yes, the Kai's teleportation technique is rather uncomfortable," his mentor nodded, giving him a sympathetic look, "Do you need a fresh pair of underwear?"

"What?! No!" Gohan growled in embarrassment, causing the Angel to chuckle.

"Well I'm just saying that Lord Beerus needed a pair when he used that mode of transportation for the first time, you're doing a right side better than him."

The teenager pulled a disgusted face, "Gross."

"SHUT UP!" Lord Beerus fumed, his face red with anger, "Can we just hurry up and leave already? I'd like to get this over with."

"Leave?" the young saiyan blinked in confusion, "Are we going somewhere?"

"I'll explain on the way," said Whis, readying his staff, "We will need to pick up The Supreme Kai and Kibito first."

"Does this have to do with Perses?" he asked worriedly, prompting Lord Beerus to scoff, he seemed rather flustered for some reason.

"Of course it does, now get a move on this is an urgent matter," he griped, standing beside Whis, grinding his teeth together in agitation. "We don't want to keep The Grand Minister waiting."

"W-what?!" Gohan gaped, "What are we going to see The Grand Minister for?"

"I told you that I'd explain," Whis sighed somewhat haughtily, "Now please don't dawdle Gohan, the Gods from the other universes are already gathering at the palace."

He swallowed the lump that had appeared in his throat. His superiors looked incredibly serious, and the teenager could only reason as to why. The Grand Minister, or Grand Priest or father of Angels as he was known, was the almighty Grand Zeno's right hand. He watched over the affairs of the entire multiverse, and from Gohan's textbooks, he was depicted as one of the top five most powerful entities in the cosmos.

Whis seemed to read his thoughts, his violet eyes surveying him, "I don't think that I need to tell you that you need to watch that temper of yours and behave yourself during this meeting. Though we will discuss your little discrepancy with Perses on the way."

He winced at his mentor's words. Though he couldn't help but think that the whole thing was incredibly unusual. It was rare for the Kais and Destroyers from separate universes to hold meetings after all, save for a co-ordination meeting that was held every millennia. One that he was certain wasn't due for a few centuries or so.

Realisation hit him like a freight train, his eyes widening in horror.

Were they going to discuss Perses at the meeting?! Was the ex-Junior-Destroyer really so powerful that they had to get The Grand Minister involved? If that really was the case, then it only solidified the belief that the corrupt divine being was more of a bigger threat to the entire multiverse than he had originally thought.

And he, a Junior Destroyer only eight years in the making - one that had taken his old job no less, had just threatened him.

Shit.

---

6th February, 2019.

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Reviews:

MadmanJrs: Thank you so much for your review! Haha Gohan is so cheeky! I really wanted to capture that in his reveal. Like do this HUGE DRAMATIC entrance and down play it. Because Gohan is showy, but he doesnt realise it. Which is even cooler. Gah! I wish I could give you more info about where I'm taking Gohan and Videl's relationship, but alas I'm just going to be mean and keep you in suspense. I am so excited to see it develop. As you can see, Gohan is finding it harder and harder to resist her and its getting a little but more serious now ;) Really glad you like Vegeta and Goku's characterisation. Its EXACTLY what I was aiming for. I thought that their rivalry wouldnt be as great what with Goku remaining alive in my story, as they would get to fight all the time. and Vegeta would certainly pull Goku out of his slump.

Knightwing20042 : I don't have an update schedule unfortunately as Im sure you've gathered by now! Mainly because I work 13 hour shifts that change all the time and I have an ageing family that need a lot of TLC. so I try to update when I can. sometimes when I have more time they will be days in between other times like this chapter its a few weeks.

romanovascap: :O :O :O

Dan2018 : thanks for your review. As for Zamasu helping Perses, a few people have pointed this out! Though I aint sayin nothin xD

TheRangerBoy: haha love your review! thanks! sorry for tourturing you! hope this chapter made up for it!

Readallday1243 : its sort of my version, as the DB timeline has changed drastically with Gohan's absence. Though I am and still intend on drawing heavily from super!

hawkeyestratos1996: Not necessarily, as in my version of the story they still dont know what a SSG is yet or how to achieve it. I like keeping the ritual in the process of the transformation, also, sorry dont hate me but I never really liked the SS4 transformation, and Im not even going there with SS5 haha

keyblademeister88: haha thank you so much for your review! glad you enjoyed the last chapter!

BloodySS2God : thanks so much! yeah I tried to make the nightmare as less cringey as possible whilst still getting the point across, though Im glad you loved the rest!

dspendragon125 : I totally blue balled you im sorry! haha

Leafeon12 : thank you!

Zeromaru Chaos Mode: I listened to it, it totally fits!

Iwik: ahh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! and happy you got the saiyaman reference in there!

Crodog12 : Excellent observation on the dream! haha! Glad you enjoyed it and got it! As for Beerus life cycle ending and Gohan not becoming the next Destroyer so soon... well... they still would be searching for someone to take over. remember Perses was chosen for role long before Gohan and THEN went crazy? food for thought!

Beepx22: thank you glad youre enjoying the journey!

x2leoj : thanks! glad you liked to reveal and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter and bad ass Gohan!

victor0606 : thank you!

Shirai Ryu dog: i have been asked this before, I am not going to give Videl a role of a God so that she can be with Gohan. Gohan has been chosen to be the next destoryer, thats all the Gods care about, thems the rules unfortunately! And Videl, although strong, does not have the same potential as Gohan.

SierraLarson: yes! I DID picture the monster as Hirudegarn! great minds!

R.E.O19 : i know im so mean!

nightsrevelation : wow thank you so much for this review! it really means the world XD!

EleazarTheUnforgotten: im so glad you liked the suspense! I also think I did break several laws with that cliffhanger haha

FireEmblemMaster101: absolutley spot on with Vegeta's Majin, and also I wanted to make a more substantial effect on Gohan with just Goku being effected. thanks for much for your review!

NinjaFang1331: thank you!

Aaron Leach: thanks!

Scarlet WebSlinger: ooo I have two now! haha i am loving these intros! thank you!

RayQ Cina : hmmm now what do you think? Super Saiyan Rose according to Goku Black is super saiyan God mixed with divine Ki right? ;)

Chosen To Die: haha thank you so much! hope you enjoyed badass Gohan in this chapter! I LOVE HIM SO *sobs*

Thomas-The-TMC: laughs manically

RedDragonforce 1 : haha thanks ALOT of SSG's if I do that, but hey at this point for huge fight scenes im not ruling anything out. as for how SSG is achieved welllllll youre just gonna have to wait to find out! and thanks once again for the narration! xD

Lawrence HBain : teeeechically he still does in a way, as remember Perses had Gohans job before!

Reacted: YAY!

Marbbles123: thank you! xD

Animelover XD: sorry for the long update, I hope I didnt disappoint!

DragonCrusader : they may, eventually learn what type of God gohan is to become, but for now he will keep THAT a secret ;)

dolguldur: thank you!

Viscides : haha sorry!

RabbitMelody : oops!

FeathersofMemory: thank you so much! im glad you enjoyed it and liked all the different POV, i was worried that it would be jarring for some but I am very happy with how it turned out!

Domhnall : haha thank you so much! I love dishing out the feels!

Gelid : VEGETA YES!

dark princess: thank you :)

Guest: I will 100% complete this fanfiction, when however and how many chapters there will be is still up in the air at present. As for SSG and ultra instinct, I have already mentioned both so far in this story so you will have to wait and see ;)

antipodean: yay good to hear! thankyou!

Guest: thank you!

ChilledSparksurfer: wow thank you so much for this and your compliments, you have no idea how much it means!

Dragonreader1234: thank you! Gohan will not disappoint!

Marbbles123: I hoped you liked Krillin's reaction, I did in fact want to get an emotional reaction from him. He has been there for Gohan through so much and Krillin really truly cares about him, not just because he is his best friends son but because he truly loves and respects him xD

thepurplebear: thanks so much! haha a few people have picked up on this but more will be revealed!

Erin: haha thanks for both of your chapter reviews! Im glad you enjoyed the kissing scenes and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. 1) as for the dragonballs being inhert and stone, I actually researched this and couldnt find any evidence to suggest that they turned to stone before they could be used again - ONLY when Piccolo or Kami - or now I suppose Dende dies. Same with Guru on Namek. so I thought screw it I'll have them be orange and shiny! 2) Namekian Dragonballs were mentioned by Gohan before he was sent to Earth, though Beerus and Whis scoffed at this and thought that the orbs were too sacred and it would be a grievous misuse of them. They obviously hold the Namekian dragonballs in higher regard, I like to think because Kami created the Earth ones as a 'copy' so to speak. I have thought about this alot, and promise that further lore about the dragonballs will be explored in later chapters so once all is said and done itll make a bit more sense!

reeseisthatbeast: totes Hakai'd that big git. and as for Gohan and Videl's relationship, I think everyone is holding out for it at this point! xD

aSleepyPenguin: there is a pairing in the description, and romance will be dotted throughout this story!

blazestarre: :O :O your review is INSANE. the fact that you have been discussing it with a co-worker and got them hooked on it to absolutely blows my mind! thank you so much, it makes me so happy and similarly puts more pressure on me to get this story right! haha! seriously, thank you from the bottom of my geeky heart. keep coming back! xD

FF-loverHP1: xD

MrChuckMan: thank you so much, there will be more exploration into Gohan and Perses characteristics as the story continues ;)

Justanotheridiot: promise!

andreaswf : glad you enjoyed it!

Just another fan : thank you!

Bmehok03: there will be much more development to Gohan's power in this story, dont worry about that! as for Broly, at this point im not entirely sure he will fit in, but im not ruling things out just yet :)

Guest: thank you :)

romeroFan: wow thank you so much for your review! really glad youre enjoying it! xD it makes me so happy when my writing is so well received! yay for badass Gohan! I completely agree that what Toriyama did to him was so unfair. In my mind they still could have made him a scholar and still a massive badass when he needed to be. Glad he got some action in the ToP but not as much as I wanted to see. er transformation anyone? sigh... still thanks so much! xD

Memelover : thank you! :)

Nyeh : I wont be stopping until the end dont worry, I am so excited for this story! xD

Guest : that means so much, thanks! :)

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A/N: I really hope you guys enjoyed this Chapter, holy hell that took me AGES to get through those reviews! Loved them, keep them coming! :) ES x