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)

20. A God's Duty

A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your support as always, and also for your lovely comments regarding my home life at the mo. I'm so glad that you all enjoyed the last chapter! I was so excited that I wanted to step everything up to the next part of the story. There is A LOT going on in this chapter. It's over 30 pages long and nearly 21,000 words... It is safe to say that I got a little carried away. But hopefully the massiveness of it will give you a lot to love, think over and look forward to the upcoming chapters. I think I managed to get this chapter out fairly quickly, though I'm not too sure on the schedule for the next one as I have a busy couple of weeks coming up! Hopefully when everything starts to settle then I can fuel your readers appetite in no time!

Thank you all so much for your continuing love and admiration of this story. I absolutely love it and am so proud of the way it is turning out, and that I actually have fans! Speaking of - I actually came across some FAN ART which was just incredible! Its on deviant art by an artist called KeynoRoyal, I hope they dont mind me plugging them. You couldn't imagine my surprise and excitement when I saw it, go and and check it out! Fave is the one with Gohan and Videl in his little shield above Earth before their first kiss - amazing. If any of you guys have any art or doodles as a few have mentioned then please direct me to it, I would absolutely love to see it!

Anyways, I am super excited for this chapter. It gets a little darker and more eh hem descriptive. You'll find out! As always, enjoy you wonderful readers! ES x

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Chapter Twenty

A God's Duty

xxxx

CLASH!

Goten looked on nervously as the night sky grew even darker around them, the sheer power emanating from the protective shield threatening to change the weather, pitch black clouds chasing away the twinkling stars. An enormous swell of electrifying Ki battered against his senses, creating golden sparks of white hot energy rippling over the atmosphere above them. Tremors rocked the ground beneath his small feet, as his father's and brother's fists connected once more, the sheer force of impact sending vibrations through his chest.

His brother.

It was weird to to even think about, let alone say out loud.

The young boy didn't know quite what to think when his father had returned earlier that afternoon, bloodied and dirt laden from the battle with the enormous mutated dragon, and informed him that his dead, long lost older brother had returned to Earth. His annoyance towards the man for not letting he and Trunks join in the fight had quickly diminished, and was replaced with a great deal of shock and confusion. His mother had been utterly beside herself, firstly almost fainting from the revelation, then sobbing, then screaming her head off before darting out of the door to greet her estranged son. But Goten had stayed put, not really sure just how to react.

All he had heard were stories after all, stories and faded pictures of the boy with intelligent eyes and fire in his heart that lay behind the tired and regretful eyes of his parents.

He had always grown up knowing that he'd had an older brother that had disappeared into unknown realms not long before his birth. His parents had made sure of it, preserving the boys memory even when they had given up searching. But he had only found out what had truly happened to him when he was around five years old. By then, he was old enough to catch on to the hushed whispers that drifted between the adults, and the way his mother would abruptly switch off the television whenever an image of a particular golden haired child flashed onto the screen. He had grown to notice how the adults would become quiet and subdued around the same time every year, and see past the fake smiles and sympathetic glances they would give him, especially when his father would take off into space for months at a time during his early childhood.

Trunks, being a year older and wiser than him, had recognised this too. And after some careful research they had connected the dots, matching the golden haired boy on TV to the one in the photographs that would seem to haunt him when he walked through the darkened hallways of his house.

He remembered the moment that he confronted his parents vividly, his mother struggling to hold back her tears as his father recounted the heartbreaking tale of how his older brother had died, giving his life in order to save the entire world, his soul unable to pass over to The Otherworld for some unknown reason, instead lost to a realm that even magic dragons could not reach. He and Trunks had thought that it was pretty cool at first, but Goten couldn't shake the image of his father's sorrowful look, nor the pain that shone in his eyes as he told him how Gohan was able to bring an end to Cell's mighty reign of terror.

Despite it all though, he wanted to know more. And was unable to restrain himself from confronting the man again later that night after his bedtime story, his mother already having bid him goodnight before putting away the leftovers from dinner - she always made too much.

"Daddy?" Goten had asked, stopping his father as he made to get up from the end of his bed, his obsidian eyes regarding him curiously, "What was my brother like?"

Goku let out a tumbling breath, as if the boy's words had just struck him in the gut, winding him for but a moment. He paused, his strong fingers gripping the book he was holding a little tighter - ironically one of Gohan's old favourites as his mother had informed him earlier. It was a story about a boy who would never grow up, who lived in a magical place with his friends and fought off evil pirates, armed with a sword and his fairy. Goten liked it too.

"He was…," his father started, then paused again, his gaze travelling to his hands before looking up to the ceiling, as though searching for the right words to say.

Goten was on the edge of his seat, his small fists gripping the duvet as he waited for his answer. From what he had heard, his brother had sounded so cool. He was brave and clever, and apparently was stronger than his dad, even saving the whole world - something that his young, awe-filled brain couldn't quite comprehend. Oh how he wished that he could have met him! He sounded like a lot of fun to play with.

"He's like an angel, Goten," said Goku finally, though he still didn't look him in the eye.

The young boy was confused, a little disappointed even, "What's an angel like?"

He chuckled a little at that, his eyes drifting towards the open window, the cool summers night breeze washing over them in a refreshing wave of pine-scented air.

"I don't know really," the saiyan said with a slight shrug, turning towards the boy once more, still smiling sadly, "All I know is that when they're around, you feel all happy inside."

"Oh, okay…" Goten mustered, though he was still a little puzzled.

"You'll understand one day," Goku sighed, rather heavily, ruffling his hair and causing it to spike up even further.

He pouted playfully, as his father let out a small bark of laugher, "Now get to sleep kiddo, your mum will throw a fit if she sees you still up."

Goten frowned, the man's words playing on his mind as the bedroom door closed to behind him, the slight gap in the doorway leaving a faint trail of light emitting from the hall. Just what did he mean by that? Wasn't he happy with him and mummy?

As the years pressed on, there was no doubt in his mind that his mother and father loved him. They had raised him to be the well rounded boy he was today. They had provided him with a loving home, fed him, clothed him, taught him how to read, write and more. They had trained him in the arts that they had loved and grown up with, taught him right from wrong, let him go to school, play outdoors and were forever arranging playdates and trips out with Trunks, Marron and their parents. He had a happy life, close friends and a family who positively doted on him and gave him purpose.

But even still, it always seemed as though there was something missing. Like a hole that couldn't be filled.

Like he wasn't enough.

Goten wasn't as naive as people thought. He could see it in the way his father's eyes would drift to the empty bedroom across from his, a vacant expression upon his features. He saw it in the way his mother would light up in excitement when he opened the front door unexpectedly, only to see her smile falter ever so slightly at the sight of him. As though she had expected his brother to waltz into the kitchen right after him.

BOOM!

Another explosion rocked the garden, and he heard his father cough and splutter as the shield was filled with thick black smoke. Though the earth-raised saiyan didn't have that much time to recover, as Gohan suddenly appeared out of the dust clouds, punching their father straight across the jaw so hard that it caused his head to snap back. Goku growled, his long, golden hair whipping around him as he drove his boot into the teenager's side, only to find him smirking back at him, his foot already caught by his iron grasp.

Goten could see now why people marvelled at the boy so much just by watching him fight - from what he was able to follow anyway. Gohan was like a spring ready to uncoil, his movements intense and focussed, and he could just feel that raw, unyielding power bubbling underneath the surface, ever since he had transformed back into a super saiyan two, the energy threatening and positively straining to be unleashed even further. Though it could have been because he was holding back.

A powerful shockwave erupted from inside the shield, as Gohan's hammer fist clashed sickeningly with his father's skull, sending him tumbling to the ground before he managed to stop himself, barely recovering before the halfling was upon him once more and they phased quickly out of sight in a blur of flurried limbs. He heard Trunks gasp loudly beside him, causing him to tear his eyes away from the fight momentarily. His best friend's mouth was agape much like the rest of the Z-gang, enthralled by the young man who was going toe to toe with no doubt their strongest warrior. Goten frowned, he wasn't a jealous boy by any means, but there was something about Trunks' awe-filled expression as he cheered for his brother that put a horrible taste in his mouth.

His father had told him that he should get to know Gohan, spend time with him even. And Goten had tried, yet he felt as though he had dismissed him earlier like he was just some annoying little kid, brushing him off in favour of speaking to the adults about some old crackpot demigod that was threatening the universe.

What was the point even? The child thought, what was the point of getting to know this random teenager when he was just going to up and leave again?

Granted, he had actually enjoyed the young man's company when he was Beerus as odd as it sounded. He was funny and good to tease, as well as being a great partner to play superheroes with and liked to laugh a lot with Videl. But now he knew the reality of who he truly was, he wasn't so sure. He had lied to him after all, his own brother. Someone who he had been encouraged to look up to for years, strived to be just like even.

He couldn't help but feel a little betrayed.

For a start, he would never have gotten away with lying to his friends and family like that, his mother and father both would have reprimanded him for it. After all, lying was only something that bad people did. It had been ingrained in him since he was young enough to understand, and to him, it was the sheer height of treachery 'Liar lair, pants on fire!' and all that. But his parents had just forgiven Gohan for it, everyone had - like it wasn't even that big of a deal.

Instead, they had welcomed the deceased teen with open arms, laughing and crying tears of happiness. But something just didn't sit right with Goten. Yes, his brother had defeated the greatest threat that the Earth had ever seen before Majin Buu when he was not much older than he was, and paid the ultimate price in doing so. But Gohan had chosen to stay away, chosen to leave his friends and family on Earth and have amazing adventures without them. He had chosen to make their parents so unbearably sad for all those years.

He had been informed by his mother and countless others that the young boy had been incredibly kind, pure of heart and selfless. Which was admirable, given the fact that the world was ending every five minutes. Goten couldn't even imagine having the weight of the world's fate resting on his shoulders, knowing that only his power alone was the only thing that could save the Earth.

So with what everyone had told him about his big brother, the fact that he had actually chosen to disappear just didn't seem to fit.

Goten knew that he could never bring himself to leave the Earth forever, to never see his loved ones again, even if he did have the chance to become a powerful God or whatever. He didn't understand it. Gohan was already strong wasn't he? Surely he could have kept the universe safe without having to leave everyone. He was so strong now that he was so reluctant to let anyone but himself and the Gods get involved in this upcoming fight.

It was rather insulting actually, the Z-Fighters had defeated Majin Buu for goodness sake! He and Trunks had become super saiyans at a younger age than him, and they were friends with The Supreme Kai too. If there was such an evil threat looming then he was certain that the Earth's special forces could step up to the plate. But for some reason, the older halfling still refused their help. Just where was he when they were all dying against Majin Buu anyway? He was certain that the raging pink death machine certainly counted as a universal threat.

He was definitely hiding something, otherwise why would he have been so secretive in the first place? Whatever it was, Goten didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit.

But even he couldn't deny the teenager's strength. At his second level of transformation, Gohan was even faster, stronger than what they had seen of him so far. He was more powerful than his father tenfold at least, and it was more than evident that he was still holding back. It seemed as though his father had noticed this too, as he quickly called for a time-out, skidding to halt in midair, as he was flung away by another one of the teenager's well-aimed strikes to the chest.

Goku panted, as he looked across the garden to his eldest son who was surrounded by a crackling golden aura, his long blue garb flowing in the breeze that he was creating - smirking brightly back at him.

The fresh orange gi that Goku had put on earlier was now tattered and scorched, yet his opponent was barely scathed, much to the elder's chargin, "Hey Vegeta, Piccolo! Mind tagging in?!"

"Tch, idiot," griped Vegeta, standing next to Trunks with his arms folded, before he jested up at the breathless man, "What's the matter Kakarot, can't even defeat a dead brat all by yourself?"

Piccolo scoffed from where he was watching the fight intently, leaning up against the wall of the house, "Really Goku? It's not like you to call for reinforcements."

"Oh it's nothing like that," he replied, a bark of excited laugher escaping him before he directed a wink towards the teenager, "I just want to see how far I can push him."

"Your funeral," Gohan shrugged, though his cheeky smile remained as he knew that it would touch a nerve.

"Is that so?" Vegeta glowered menacingly, taking a threatening step forwards and balling his hands into fists as his arms unravelled, "I'll make you regret that statement boy."

"That does not sound like a good idea," Eris interjected, as she and the rest of The Supreme Guard stared at the mortals in disbelief, "Surely you can't be serious?"

Though despite her remark, she was ignored.

"Just so you know," the halfling teased, still smirking, a crackle of lightening rippling over his exposed torso, "I'm not going to go easy on you all just because you're up for a free bus pass this year."

The three in question whirled around to face him, spluttering and scoffing at his cheek. Why that little -!

Piccolo threw off his cape and turban, his beetle black eyes shining with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Oh it's on now, kid."

"Bring it, old man," he called, giggling at their flabbergasted expressions.

"You're forgetting that I'm only four years older than you," the Namekian growled, as his weighted attire sank into the grass.

"Yeah but let's face it Mister Piccolo," Gohan grinned, "You were past your prime years ago."

"Enough of this!" Vegeta snarled, immediately jumping to the second level of super saiyan, blowing the spectators back as lightening bolts snapped and crackled around his muscular frame. He shoulder barged the green-skinned Z-Fighter before he could opened his mouth in an angry retort, "Out of my way! I'm going to teach this damned brat some manners."

"Careful now," the teen saiyan replied mockingly, "We wouldn't want you putting your back out."

Vegeta and Piccolo growled, as his father turned towards him with a disapproving stare, "Do you have to provoke them like that?"

"No, not really," said Gohan wickedly, "But Vegeta gives me so much material to work with, I wouldn't want to be wasteful."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY BOY?!"

"You know, I think this is my favourite form," Makhai sighed somewhat pridefully, causing Goten and the others to turn towards him, "As his strength and speed improve, so does his trash talk."

"He's rather cocky isn't he?" A blue-haired Launch observed, having not seen the teenager fight before other than the sparse snippets of The Cell Games that were televised.

Yamcha snorted, though didn't seem all too shocked by the young saiyan's display, "I'm just a little disappointed that he didn't face off against Cell as a teenager. The kid wouldn't have had to land a punch, Cell would have just disintegrated on the spot as soon as he opened his mouth."

There was a chuckle, and a murmur of agreement from the other fighters of the group, as the shield flickered slightly, Bulma switching off its protective properties momentarily to allow the new challengers entrance. Though as soon as it reformed, was the teenager in question suddenly ambushed.

In a flash of golden Ki, Gohan zipped effortlessly out of harms way, phasing out and appearing above them before the three could detect his movements. He shot a burning hot blast of yellow energy towards them, barely giving them time to dodge.

Vegeta seethed, kicking off the ground with a furious battle cry, his outstretched fist clashing with the his as Piccolo's boot swung towards his head. Though it appeared that the halfling was too fast, as he managed to avoid the deadly spinning kick altogether, grabbing the prince's arm and throwing him full force into the Namekian warrior, knocking them both off guard before Goku used his instant transmission technique to materialise above him, making to attack the teen from behind before he found himself being tossed over his shoulder and into the heap that was Piccolo and Vegeta.

Gohan laughed at the shocked look on their faces, before they leapt towards him once more. Vicious and determined, a brawl erupted. The tremors became even more intense, the sheer intensity of their combined power causing Goten to sweat from the impregnable heat that escaped the shield. The air was positively burning now, strikes of lightening - purple and red in colour - rippled over the clouds.

The young boy hadn't seen a fight quite like it, other than against Majin Buu, for it was now pushing far beyond the realms of a casual garden spar. Though he would rather not think back to that horrific day, nor relive the trauma of trying to stop his mind-controlled father from slaughtering his best friend, and everyone else he loved and adored. Of course his dad hadn't meant it, it was all that stupid wizards fault. Though despite the words of comfort that his father gave him after the ordeal, along with the reassurance of his mother, it still didn't stop the gripping fear from resurfacing whenever he thought back to the moment when the man had changed.

As the months after the battle had fled by, he couldn't deny that his relationship with his father had flourished, pushing away the damning thoughts that had appeared ever since the negative Majin power had entered his mind, forcing the man to give in to his grief. He remembered how much he had screamed and cried for Gohan as the magic warped his mind, before he turned on Trunks, his fingers wrapped around his throat as he exclaimed madly how the boy was the source for his eldest's death. Spouting the ridiculous notion that if his future self had been able to stop Cell and the androids in his timeline, then Gohan wouldn't have been killed. That had been enough to make Goten transform into the ancient legend of the saiyan race, for Trunks was more of a brother to him than this guy ever was.

Since then, his father had stepped up his training, which the youngster was over the moon with. For his last birthday, he had even gifted him his old power-pole - possibly Goten's proudest moment by far. Thinking about it now, as he watched his estranged brother boot Vegeta across the grass, he couldn't help but feel a little smug. Gohan had never been trusted with the power-pole. He had even heard his mother tutting about how he had even 'borrowed it without permission' a few times.

But would that change now? He couldn't help but wonder. His thoughts drifting to the power-pole that was safely tucked away in his wardrobe as another crippling wave of energy blew back his hair away from his face. Would his father suddenly exclaim that his brother was more in need of the old weapon? More deserving? He had never been able to put up such a spectacular challenge for the man after all.

The thought was certainly concerning.

He had never been compared to Gohan before, whether that was because his parents didn't do favouritism or because there was just no comparison. Even so, it was clear that they were two very different people. Despite his power, he didn't get to fight like Gohan had. His older brother was thrust into battles from when he was barely five years old. Whereas Goten had only had his first one last year by sheer circumstance and against his fathers will, and no matter how much training he did, the man was still rather reluctant to allow him to join in any real battles. He didn't understand, did his dad not have as much faith in him or something?

CRACK!

Goten looked up, as the resounding clash of bone upon bone echoed around him. It appeared that the fight had reached a whole other level, Vegeta was now powered up to super saiyan three, and Piccolo's crackling aura surged with heightened energy. His father winced as the prince coughed, the pair having decided to ambush the teenager as one, but were only met with a foot and fist to the stomach respectively. Though despite the seriousness in their eyes, the foursome appeared to be smirking, his father in particular sporting the biggest grin that Goten had seen in a long time. They were enjoying it, even wryly smiling at the boy who was making a mockery out of them with his words, fists and all.

Though with each hit landed, it was clear that the older warriors were getting increasingly agitated as the fight went on. Gohan yelled suddenly, his influx of power knocking them flying before slamming his knee into Vegeta's ribs and snapping his head forwards, colliding his skull with Piccolo's and shooting a electrifying ball of Ki towards his father.

"Damn it kid, just how hard is your head?!" Piccolo griped, rubbing his reddening forehead and glaring at the young saiyan's dirty move.

"Don't skip head day!" he mocked, a sudden flash of crimson lightening lighting up the garden.

"THAT'S IT!" Vegeta snarled, unimpressed by the halfling's subsequent laughter as he spat out a wad of blood and saliva.

Goten's eyes widened, as the Z-Fighters gasped, the prince outstretching his muscular arms either side of him in an all too familiar finishing pose. Ki gathering hotly, rapidly, as Goku and Piccolo shared a look, the former's arms still smoking from where he had just about managed to block his son's attack.

The earth-raised saiyan shrugged with a grin, "Full power?"

The Namekian warrior glanced back at his ex-student, who had come to rest on the ground below them, his boots apart in a strong stance, quirking an eyebrow teasingly at them. Waiting. "If we must."

Goku's grin widened, as he cupped his hands to his side, a brilliant blue ball of energy building in-between his palms, as Piccolo pressed his fingers to his temple, the air sizzling and popping around them.

"Oh HELL NO!" Bulma cried, as the entire gang realised what they were about to do, "Are you punch jockeys CRAZY?! You're going to destroy the whole city! Never mind my garden! HEY! ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!"

Though her words fell on deaf ears, or ones that didn't seem to care, as the three continued to charge their attacks. The power grew so quickly and intensely around them that the shield began to quake, and Goten was certain that if they didn't stop that the entire thing was going to break.

He looked over to his brother, and his jaw utterly dropped at the sight of him. The teenager was just standing there, having made no effort to even move let alone charge his own attack. He heard Krillin let out a yelp of surprise, as to the gang's horror and disbelief, did the young man actually power down, his golden aura dissipating completely and his hair returning to its usual ebony.

"KA… MEH…"

"FINAAA- !"

"SPECIAL - !

"What in the bloody HELLS is he doing?!" Krillin cried, as an oblivious Marron cheered on for her Uncle Goku happily beside him, "Counter Gohan! For Kami's sake COUNTER!"

But Gohan did not move, the bright, all encompassing light from the building swirl of devastation reflecting in his calm onyx eyes.

"Oh no," Makhai whimpered, clapping his hands over his face, "I can't watch!"

"I KNOW right?!" Yamcha spluttered, as Chi-Chi grasped onto an unsuspecting Oolong tightly beside him, unaware that she was squeezing all the air from his lungs as she looking on frantically, "He's held his own but there's no way he can deflect THAT! He's going to get himself killed! ... Again!"

The ginger-haired Guardian frowned, "Er… I wasn't talking about Gohan."

Goten shared a flabbergasted look with Videl behind him, whose sapphire eyes were shining with a mixture of bewilderment and terror, before their senses were flooded with a whirlwind of electrifying energy.

"HA… MEH…!"

"AAAAAAAL - !"

"BEAM - !"

The young boy snapped his gaze towards his brother once more, whose composed demeanour escaped him. Why wasn't he doing anything?! If he didn't stop the older men's attacks then it wouldn't just be West City that would be in danger! He gritted his teeth, making to cover his face with his arms like the others, before something caught his eye beyond the clouds.

He looked up curiously, as a building glow of blood red light pulsated above them, growing and growing, casting their shadows across the garden as the entire sky was shrouded by a florescent crimson flare.

"What the -?" Tien started, before it hit them.

The devastating cataclysm of raging hot Ki sliced through their senses like a scythe, just as the gigantic point of a blood red spear burst through the dark clouds, lighting up the night sky in a fearsome wave of energy. Because that was exactly what it was - energy. Gohan's energy, shaped like an enormous arrow that towered over the entirety of the Western Province.

Goten gasped. It was colossal.

And all the Z-gang could do was gape at the still stoic teenager as the sizzling crimson bolt shot through the sky, hurtling towards them in a catastrophic display of pure power. The energy was crippling, crushing even, so much so that it caused a sharp pain to ripple over his skull. Dirt and rocks lifted from the ground, as hurricane-like winds picked up all around them, prompting Goten to cover his eyes with his forearm, the harsh light causing him to wince.

The wind practically howled, shredding what was left of the grass apart, uprooting the patio tiles and rushing through the city streets. Goten could hear a chorus of windows shattering and brick breaking apart as car alarms whirred frantically in the distance. The fletching of the arrow looked as though it was on fire, blazing wildly as it continued to scream towards them, closer and closer with death-defying speed.

It was apocalyptic. Towering over entire city, a spiderweb of cracks and crevices crawling over the ground they stood upon. It was as though the entire Earth was about to fracture and start spewing out boiling hot lava from its very core. Several members of the gang screamed and hollered, struggling to stand or even fly against the high wind as they were forcibly knocked off of their feet, dodging the deep holes that were quickly forming around them, Bee barking loudly and aggressively at the rapidly approaching shape of energy.

It felt as though his senses were being assaulted by the fierce influx of razor-like Ki, and it didn't take long before his father, Vegeta and Piccolo noticed just what was happening too, their power wavering slightly out of the shock and panic of the speeding arrow that was headed straight for them. The jagged edge, swirling with crimson particles, suddenly broke through the golden shield that encased them, causing it to shatter thunderously on impact.

They had no choice.

With a mighty, unrestrained roar, the windswept trio re-directed their most deadly attacks towards it, unleashing a barbarous onslaught that was originally meant for the halfling in a raging shockwave of rip-roaring energy. The blasts connected onto the arrows point, and for a moment Goten thought that it might slice right through the colourful beams when -

KA-BOOM!

It detonated. The force resembling that of an earthquake, the sound utterly deafening as his vision went white for a split second. His senses were dulled, his ears ringing as he slowly looked around him, blinking back his sight. Immediately, he looked over to his mother, Videl and Trunks, who he was relieved to find had been protected like everyone else by the silver forcefield that Bia had conjured around them just before the explosion hit.

Though Goten could not see what lay behind it, as dust clouds continued to unfurl before them, the state of the garden and combatants unknown. But just as he worriedly stretched out his senses to search for his father's Ki, did the clouds disperse and he made out his father, Vegeta and Piccolo spread out in an enormous crater in the ground, the saiyans hair back to black and all of their clothes in tatters.

He gasped, as Gohan stood before them, his garb a little grubby but all around unscathed, pointing the sharp edge of the Z-Sword directly in-between his father's eyes. And with what Goten could only describe as a cold, and calculated look upon his features. For a split second, he could have sworn that the young man was going to drive the ancient relic right through his skull.

Goku yelped, suddenly aware of the teenager who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He gulped as his comrades sat up wearily, his obsidian eyes darting between the young man and the sword with a startled and almost terror stricken gaze. Though it appeared to vanish with the moment, as Gohan smiled, pulling away the blade and holding a hand out to his father.

"Good fight Dad," the halfling grinned, hoisting the man up to his feet as soon as he excepted the gesture.

"G-Gohan," he breathed, shock and pride encompassing him all at once, "That was incredible. I can't believe your power, it's amazing! I could barely keep up!"

Though before he could reply, did Bulma's irate screech echo around them, waving her smoking controller in the air, "I'll say! Just how many of my inventions are you going to break, kid?!"

The occupants of the garden couldn't help but laugh, as the teenager lowered his head guiltily.

"Sorry Bulma," he blushed, before a hotheaded and singed Vegeta knocked his fellow saiyan out of the way.

"Are you insane boy?! What the hell was that?!"

He shrugged in response, though his eyes held a playful glint as he casually rested the Z-Sword on his shoulder, "It's a technique that I developed myself. My mentors were always going on about making my power my own, because all I seemed to be using was what I learned from you lot. I wanted an attack that would catch enemies off guard, and what better than one that tricked them into thinking that I was fighting seriously and didn't know that I was charging it the entire time."

Their jaws practically dropped to the floor, as the halfling grinned back, answering the questions that were swirling around in their minds, "It does use up quite a bit of energy as it gathers, a bit like the spirit bomb but using my own Ki, which is why you saw me drop out of super saiyan."

"W-wait," Krillin mustered disbelievingly from the sidelines, the protective forcefield disappearing with a brisk wave of Bia's hand, "That was all of your power in that thing?!"

"Well not all of it," said Gohan, "I didn't want to split the planet apart."

"Wait, what?!" Yamcha positively shrieked, "That move could've destroyed the Earth and you shot it right at us?!"

The teenager shrugged simply, "I knew they'd have it."

"So it's based off the spirit bomb?" Piccolo asked, impressed as he came to stand next to a still raging Vegeta.

"A little," Gohan grinned back at them, "But it cuts a lot of energy if I use it properly, so you could say it's got a lot of intensity like the Tri-Beam too. But I actually based the shape off of the arrows that Alala uses in battle, I just thought it was pretty cool."

The girl in question practically beamed, as the group noticed the bow she had strapped over her shoulders.

"So what's this technique of yours called?" Goku asked, smiling proudly, "It's incredibly powerful."

"Mass extinction."

Master Roshi whistled, as their eyes widened, and Gohan quickly averted his eyes away from them, as though he had said something he shouldn't have.

Odd, Goten thought.

"Mass extinction?" Roshi chortled, "Sounds a bit brutal, don't you think?"

The young man chuckled almost nervously, as Chaiozu mustered, "It doesn't really do that right?"

"Er… no?"

Goku laughed heartily, clapping him on the back, "I'd like to see those evil Gods try and stand up against you with a move like that! Great job son, you've learned a lot!"

"Thanks," he replied, though a little more reserved than before.

"So now we've seen this power of yours, how do you think you'd fair against Perses if he escaped?" asked Piccolo seriously, quirking Vegeta's interest.

Gohan sighed heavily, "Probably not very well, seen as not even the God I'm succeeding could defeat him, and I can barely land a punch on him."

The Z-gang looked rather flabbergasted, though before they could ask any more questions, did Chi-Chi cut across them.

"I think that's enough talk about evil deities for one night," the ox-princess huffed, though directed a playful smile towards her eldest son, "My poor boy hasn't even eaten yet!"

As soon as the words left her lips, did a loud earthquaking growl emit from the young saiyan's stomach, causing the occupants of the garden to roar with laughter.

Goten followed the group back into the house, his mother linking arms with his brother and leading the way to the kitchen. He was silent as the gang spoke around them, listening to Trunks and Marron spout excitedly about how awesome the teen's power was, and wondering if he'd teach them any moves like the one he had just displayed. Bulma was sighing and cursing behind him, exclaiming to Eighteen how she was going to have to come up with an elaborate excuse for the public, in order to explain how a giant red arrow just soared over West City - though the blonde android informed her that the firework testing excuse had always been a good call.

As he entered the crowded kitchen, he stopped short, watching his mother order Gohan into a seat before taking out trays upon trays of tantalising leftovers from the fridge and placing it on the table in front of him. His brother practically salivated at the sight.

"Mum?" Gohan said, turning towards her as she placed another mountainous plate before him.

"Yes sweetheart?"

"I love you."

Chi-Chi laughed, kissing him sweetly on the cheek, a round of chuckles escaping the large group, "I love you too. Now eat up before you waste away!"

Makhai snorted, "There's not much chance in that."

"Do you want me to break your other eight toes?" Gohan threatened dangerously, pulling the largest plate of sandwiches towards him.

The ginger-haired teen scoffed, "Jokes on you, I've only got six."

Goten lingered at the doorway, as the gang gathered around his brother as he ate, laughed and chatted with the others. Regardless of his long absence, he just seemed to fit in. Fluidly, effortlessly, as if he had never been gone in the first place.

He quirked an eyebrow, as Videl sat down in the seat next to Gohan, stealing a sandwich from his plate as she did so. From this angle, he could see the girl's hand caress his knee under the table, prompting the halfling to turn towards her with a sly wink that appeared to go unnoticed by the others. Just what was that all about?Whatever it was, the happiness that radiated from the kitchen was short lived. For when Gohan had completed his mission on Earth and summoned Shenron, would he leave again. Yet the reality of his brother's death would still linger, like a bad smell that refused to go away.

But Goten knew, as he watched his mother lovingly kiss the teenager's cheek again and his father fondly ruffle his hair, that even when he had returned to the realm of Gods, and left the Earth for the final time, that he would still think back to that moment and forever wonder if he had ever made his mother smile that brightly or his father laugh that loud.

---

"I'm telling you, you won't do it."

"Nonsense! It's a damned sword!"

"A sword that you won't lift."

"You just watch me -! "

"Yeah, watch you embarrass yourself."

"Don't test me, brat."

"Look," Gohan sighed, "all I'm saying is that nearly everyone has had a go so far and failed, what makes you think you're any different?"

"Because I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans, the super elite!" he snapped back, "I will not be bested by a stupid dagger!"

"Oi, do you mind? He's sensitive about that."

Vegeta growled, turning away from the half-saiyan lounging in the armchair, and ignoring the snickers that escaped the fighters surrounding them.

"Just so we're clear," the prince suddenly grinned evilly as he stood, "If I lift this then I'll become the new successor to Lord Beerus?"

The teenager took a sip from his bottle of beer, smirking back at him, "That's the gist."

"Oh, you're going to regret this," Vegeta cackled, an air of cockiness surrounding him as he walked over to the ancient relic that Gohan had placed on the coffee table moments earlier, before all the ruckus began.

The young Destroyer's 'welcome home' party was now in full swing, with the kitchen and living room filled with all of his family and friends. He was basking in the warmth that emitted from his loved ones, the impending threat of looming battle falling to the back of his mind for but a moment as he laughed, drank and ate to his hearts content.

With his belly full from his mother and Launch's wonderful cooking, he had all but retired to the living room with Videl and members of The Supreme Guard, when his father had joined them and asked to see his sword up close, absolutely dumbfounded when he couldn't lift it. As were the rest of the Z-Fighters.

Several beers and copious rounds of banter later, it had turned out into an all out competition to see if any one of Earth's warriors could even make the sword move a centimetre in its place. Though so far all had failed, rather stupendously too, walking away with sore backsides and beads of sweat trailing down their brows. One of Gohan's favourite defeats so far had to be when a rather drunk, overly boastful Mister Satan had pulled on the hilt so hard that he had flung himself right across the room and nearly made a 'Hercule-shaped' hole in the wall. It didn't help that Z was cackling madly at the man either.

"Don't be too hard on yourself Vegeta," his father jested from where he was sat next to Krillin, both of them a little merry, "You've had a tough week, we won't hold it against you if you can't get it up."

Vegeta growled menacingly, as Yamcha leaned over the back of the sofa to high-five him, the others snorting with laughter.

"Shut up Kakarot! You couldn't even move the damned thing!"

"Yeah, he's got you there Goku," Makhai observed, loving every second of how the challenge was playing out, "Though I have to say that none of your failures were quite as spectacular as Kratos'."

"What?!" the hulking Guardian spluttered angrily, "You slipped over backwards and landed on your face! Who does that?!"

"Yeah, but at least I didn't cry like a little girl about losing to Gohan."

"I DID NOT - !"

"Hey be quiet you two," Alala scolded, before smiling brightly up at Vegeta, "You've all had your turns, now let Vegeta have his."

The man in question snorted gruffly, the room suddenly becoming silent as the prince roughly grasped the hilt of the Z-Sword and pulled.

"W-what the - ?" he gasped, his muscles straining as he struggled against the great resistance, the ancient relic refusing to budge.

"What was that about you not being bested by a 'stupid dagger'?' Gohan called over to him with a wicked grin, causing the others to erupt again.

Though this only seemed to anger the prince further, and with a snarl he burst into his super saiyan form, prising, twisting and hauling desperately at the sword with all his might, his pulsating aura picking up the air around them = but to no avail.

A vein protruded in his forehead, as his power began to rise, threatening to ascend even further, lightening bolts jolting and snapping around his demanding arms -

"VEGETA!" Bulma cried suddenly, running into the living room in a frenzy, her blue eyes positively wild,"What did I tell you about going super saiyan indoors?! I don't want our house destroyed as well as the garden! We only JUST finished patching the hole you left last week!"

At his wife's exasperated words, he complied. Dropping out of his transformation and letting go of the Z-Sword with a growl of fury, the raging winds ceasing abruptly. Gohan and the rest of the fighters struggled to contain their mirth, as the prince positively glared at the teenager before spinning on his heel and leaving to sulk in the corner.

"Too bad Vegeta," Piccolo smirked from where he was leaning up the wall as he passed.

"Piss off Namekian," he shot back, "At least I didn't rip my arm off trying to lift the damned thing like someone we know."

The taller warrior bared his teeth in anger, "That was a tactical move and you know it!"

"Keep telling yourself that," he snorted, eyeing the stumpy appendage and directing a sneer towards him, causing him to growl in agitation, "How's that new arm coming along by the way?"

"I just don't understand how you do it," Krillin mustered, getting up from his seat and giving the stubborn weapon another great heave, laughing hopelessly when it didn't move just like the last time he tried it, "I mean, it's got to be some sort of trick."

The teenager shrugged whimsically, sipping his beer in response. If he told them that his sword could stalk, then they would most certainly think so. Then again, he wasn't sure that they would believe him seen as only he could hear him.

"Maybe it has a tracker of some kind," Eighteen quipped, swirling a glass of wine in her hand, wringing her wrist that was still a little sore from her try, "Like it can only recognise Gohan's fingerprints or something."

Deimos scoffed at the idea, "Its an ancient prophesied sword that has been trapped within stone in a sacred realm of Gods for billions of years, possibly since the dawn of existence. Who knows how it got there, no Kai in billions of millennia could remember a time when it wasn't there. I highly doubt that whoever sheathed it in stone had Gohan's fingerprints, or had any sort of technology that allowed it to place trackers within the thing."

"I just think the whole thing is weird," said Goku thoughtfully, his own drink in hand and a bowl of popcorn in his lap, "I mean, why would the sword choose Gohan?"

"It remains a mystery - ," Bia started, but was suddenly interrupted by Vegeta.

"It remains a crock of shit," he glowered, "For once in his life, I think baldly is right. It's a trick."

"It's an interesting theory, although I do have a much simpler one," Gohan grinned cheekily, getting to his feet and effortlessly swiping the ancient relic off the table with no resistance at all, spinning it around in his palm much to their annoyance, "You're just not worthy."

Laughter escaped the group, as Vegeta huffed haughtily at his display.

"Aw don't be such a sore loser Vegeta," Videl quirked playfully from where she was perched on the armrest of Gohan's chair, giggling at the agitated look on his face.

"Yeah," Makhai smiled wickedly, "Instead, do what I do and take solace in the fact that it took ages for Gohan to master it. I do believe the first time he swung it, it sent him crashing through a mountain range. Though between you and me, I think his pride was hurt more than his head."

"Oh shut up," the Junior Destroyer scowled, as the warriors were sent into hysterics.

Once Z was safely tucked away in his scabbard where he belonged, did the warriors of the group disperse, gravitating in small groups around the ground floor of the complex, his friends and family mingling with the members of The Supreme Guard as the children were sent to Trunks' room to play. Friendly chatter and jovial laughter washed over his ears in refreshing waves, the moment of peace not lost on Gohan as he pushed through the crowd on his way back from the bathroom, in search of another drink.

He was stopped several times by the gang ruffling his hair or clapping him on the back, every pair of eyes happy to see him, and each person exclaiming how much they had missed him over and over again as they got drunker and merrier. Music that he didn't recognise blasted from the speakers that Bulma had set up in the living room, the bass sending vibrations through his chest. Though he wasn't paying too much attention to it, as he relished in the sounds and shapes of the conversations going on around him.

His grandfather, Puar and Turtle were sat hunched over the coffee table with Chaiozu, muttering to themselves and goading one another as they played a game of cards. His mother was nestled in between Eighteen and Bulma, as they chatted girlishly with Launch, Bia and Alala, a red blush painting their cheeks as his mother and Bulma started to giggle uncontrollably. Though Gohan couldn't tell if it was from the wine they were drinking or the conversation at hand - either way, he surmised that he really didn't want to know.

He spotted Videl over by his father, who was having a heated discussion with Vegeta, Tien and Kratos about fighting techniques.

"Interesting," he heard Kratos muster thoughtfully, speaking directly to Tien, "Multi-form you say?"

"Not great for elevating your power though," said Videl wisely, "If anything it cuts your energy drastically the more forms you create. The best boost in power I've found so far in my training is the Kiao-Ken."

"Kiao-Ken?" Kratos blinked disbelievingly, "Isn't that a Kai's technique?"

"Yeah!" His father chimed in happily, "I learned it from the King Kai of our galaxy when I died the first time, and I taught it to Videl here not too long ago. It's really useful."

"Wait, the first time you died?"

"I came back with the dragonballs," Goku nodded, taking a sip of his drink before continuing, "I learned as much as I could from King Kai before I was wished back, mainly because Vegeta was coming to Earth to destroy it and take the dragonballs for himself - "

"Oh ho, wait a minute Kakarot," Vegeta grinned evilly as Kratos looked rather baffled by the notion that the pair could even stand to be in the same room as each other - let alone engage in a friendly barter, "Let me be the one to tell this story."

"Why?" Videl scoffed, causing her mentor to giggle, "I thought that was the battle where you got your arse handed to you by a five year old."

"Be quiet you damned harpy, that is not how it happened!"

Gohan shook his head in amusement, turning into the kitchen when a roar of laughter assaulted his eardrums. Spotting Makhai, Eris, Deimos with Yamcha, Krillin, Oolong and Master Roshi standing in a huddle. The majority of them were doubled over with mirth, Krillin even pounding his fist on the countertop he was laughing so hard. Uncaring of the dent he made in it.

"Alright, alright," Yamcha puffed, tears in his eyes, "Best pick up lines you've ever heard - go."

Deimos giggled uncharacteristically, his pointed ears burning bright red, a definitive sign that he had drank too much already, "You mean on missions? Uhhhh… Ahh, I can't seem to think of one…"

"OOH OOH! I've got one!" Makhai positively bounced on his heels, grinning giddily, "Alright, see if you can guess who came up with this gem!"

The ginger-haired teen cleared his throat rather aggressively, before bowing in a dramatic fashion in front of a less than impressed Eris, clutching her hand desperately before kissing it rather sloppily, "If it takes a war for us to meet, then it will have been worth it."

"That was Gohan!" Deimos blurted drunkenly, still giggling, as Krillin and Yamcha squawked in disbelief.

"Correct my good sir! You may take another shot!" Makhai chortled as the green-skinned hellion followed suit, the Earthlings looking rather flabbergasted as he began to explain, "It was during a huge war that we had to put an end to over in the Eastern Galaxy a few years back. The King of the defending army had a load of smoking hot daughters who -"

"Oh come off it Makhai," Eris snorted, cutting across him reproachfully, as Roshi's glasses slipped all the way down his nose in anticipation, "I know for a fact that you only dared Gohan to say that because he didn't want to lose some stupid bet you two had."

"Hey, that doesn't matter," the boy jested, "If anything he should be grateful. It did get him a dance with the pretty warrior princess. Not to mention the rousing game of tonsil tennis behind that old tapestry."

Once again, they erupted with laughter, blissfully unaware of the now red-faced halfling standing in the doorway.

"Wow, who knew that Gohan would turn out to be such a big hit with the ladies?" Yamcha guffawed, wiping a stray tear from his eyes.

"Speaking of ladies," The old turtle hermit quirked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "What's the deal with the blonde? She single?"

Deimos was still laughing, as Eris looked rather unimpressed by the man drooling all over her comrade.

Though Makhai took it in good humour, "Well everyone knows that Kratos fancies her, but he's way too much of a stiff to do anything about it, much less make a move."

"Is that so?" Roshi cooed, causing Oolong to snort.

"I wouldn't bother Roshi, she's probably older than you," he said pointedly.

"Not to mention that she'd snap you like a twig if you ever dared to put your hands on her," Eris glowered, causing Makhai to whistle.

"Yeah, she may look all sweet and innocent, but she's as deadly as they come," he observed thoughtfully, "No wonder Kratos has no chance."

For want of not getting caught, Gohan stealthily grabbed another bottle of beer from the kitchen island before making his escape. He certainly didn't want to be subjected to Krillin and Yamcha's relentless teasing, nor the embarrassing questions they were bound to ask him about any other past 'escapades'. Mission complete, he swiftly turned back towards the living room, making a mental note to have a serious word with Makhai later, when he suddenly and quite literally bumped into Mister Satan.

"Whoops, sorry," The young Destroyer apologised, snatching the man by the arm before he hit the ground. Though he was glad to find that the former Champ had sobered up considerably from earlier, as he looked back up at him with a hearty grin, able to steady himself even though the force of Gohan walking into him had nearly sent him flying.

"Oh it's no bother," Hercule replied, his bright blue eyes glinting at him rather fondly, much to his confusion, "Actually, I was looking for you."

"You were?" Gohan quirked, wondering just what the man would want him for. Unless…

Shit. Did he know that he'd been snogging his daughter?!

Not that he was at all threatened by Mister Satan. Not in the slightest. Though if he meant to find Gohan to give him some kind of weird 'Dad talk' about doing right by Videl or whatever, then it would be utterly mortifying. Not to mention that it was a conversation that the young saiyan certainly did not want to have.

He watched with baited breath as Hercule nodded, before he suddenly threw his arms around him in an enormous hug, startling Gohan so much so that he nearly dropped his drink. It was incredibly uncomfortable, as the man continued to hold onto him for dear life, pulling his head downwards so that the teenager's face was buried in the mass of curly chest hair that protruded from his shirt. The halfling scrunched up his eyes tightly, as a sneeze was threatening, one of the thick hairs sticking in his nostril.

Luckily, before he managed to unleash said sneeze and accidentally erase Capsule Corp. and all who resided in it, did the hulking man pull back, his eyes shining with tears as he beheld the young man who breathed a heavy sigh of relief. The danger over as quickly as it had come.

"I just wanted to say thank you," Mister Satan sniffed, "Thank you, for saving my daughter on that day all those years ago. I-I just wanted to say it, because well… I never got the chance. When you -."

He paused, catching himself before he continued, though Gohan could only stare, "What happened to you at The Cell Games, well, it could have easily happened to Videl too. She was all I had. And Cell… he was such a monster that he didn't even think twice about murdering a child. I-I know you must think me a terrible father, for not noticing that the little tike had stowed away in the boot of my limo, but I - "

"I don't think that you're a terrible father," The teenager implored suddenly, causing the man's eyes to widen, "In fact, I think you're a great one. You've raised one amazing daughter Mister Satan, and if I'm being honest, I think that even if you had noticed that she'd snuck out, she wouldn't have gone down without a fight."

He smiled brightly at that, "Thank you. You're a good kid. And please, call me Hercule."

"Alright Hercule," he said with a small chuckle, as the man positively beamed at him.

"And hey," Hercule continued with a sudden booming laugh, "If you want any tips on holding off the paparazzi whilst you're here then you just come straight to me! It must have been a real shocker to find out how famous you are on Earth, but I used to be quite the bigwig when I first won the Championship you know. Just say the word and I'll let you come round to my place and watch some old videos of how I dealt with the swarm of fans. There's hundreds of them, but it shouldn't take that long to get though."

"Oh er, thanks?" Gohan replied uncertainly, "But I'm not really planning on telling anyone else I'm here. Especially not the press…"

"Nonsense my boy, you're a celebrity now!" he chortled, tossing an arm over his shoulder in comradery, "I can give you all the pointers. Now the first thing you need to do is work on building that chest hair of yours, that way you might not look so scrawny - "

"Dad, what are you doing?"

The young saiyan had never been so glad of an interruption in his life. His eyes meeting the incredulous stare of Videl, who had walked out into the hallway, no doubt in search of him.

"Oh hi sweetie!" Mister Satan smiled, "I was just giving Gohan here a few tips on how to handle his fans."

The girl rolled her eyes playfully, "Stop pestering him would you? Your taxi is here."

"Ah right you are," he replied happily, giving her a hug and kissing her atop her raven hair, "Don't want to leave Buu to sleep too long. Honestly, with those long naps of his he could practically sleep for weeks at a time if I let him go into a deep sleep! It's lucky you lot didn't need him during that fight earlier what with Gohan here!"

"Bye Dad, see you soon," Videl chuckled, returning the warm hug as the man turned back and winked at the halfling.

"And remember what I said Gohan, see you."

"See you Hercule, nice talking to you," he smiled back, watching his retreating form until he disappeared back into the living room in order to bid everyone else a goodnight.

"Since when are you on first name terms with my dad?" Videl quirked, eyeing him in amusement.

Gohan shrugged, giving her a disgruntled look, "Since around the same time he starting giving me tips on how to fully grow my body hair."

She let out a snort of laughter, prompting the young saiyan's scowl to deepen.

"Oh don't pout wonder boy," Videl jested, stepping closer to him and smoothing her hands over his exposed torso, her fingertips gently brushing his jagged scars and causing him to shudder at her touch, "From what I've seen so far, I'd say that you're pretty damned perfect as you are."

His eyebrows shot to his hairline, her hot breath tickling his lips as she smirked devilishly at him, her nose inches from his as she stood on her tiptoes to reach him.

"You know," she continued suggestively, her hands finally coming to rest on his strong shoulders, "It's a shame that you've revealed yourself in a way."

"How so?" he asked, confused. Though he held onto her waist as she drew closer to him.

"Because your parents will want to take you back home to their place," she told him, her lips brushing his ever so slightly before she moved around to his neck and whispered into his ear, "And I'd quite like to carry on where we left off earlier in the corridor before you were whisked off to your God meeting."

Oh.

Gohan gulped, the air around them suddenly becoming hot and heavy. Heat rose to his cheeks and to other more sensitive areas, as he failed to stop the sudden rush of adrenaline and excitement from flooding through him.

He grinned cheekily, "Oh really now?"

She grinned back, before entangling her fingers in his hair and pulling him to her lips, his beer bottle dropping to the floor as his other hand moved to trace her curves -

"Hem hem."

They jumped apart faster than lightening, their lips barely making contact before they were so rudely interrupted. The young saiyan whirled around quickly, his eyes clapping sight on non other than Makhai, who was standing at the other end of the hallway, his arms folded and a disapproving stare upon his features.

Gohan was certain that he hadn't seen anything, as he hadn't even felt his Ki approach until a millisecond ago. So it was even more likely that he hadn't heard anything either. As well as that, it had all happened so quickly that he might not have even caught onto the fact that they had nearly kissed...Maybe. Although, he thought grimly, looking back at Videl, it was rather obvious how close they had been to each other.

This did not look good.

"Oh, hi Makhai," greeted Videl, smiling a him innocently as if nothing had happened, and that their flushed cheeks weren't a dead give-away.

The ex-hellion silently regarded her for a few moments, before he turned to the young Destroyer with judging amber eyes, "Gohan, can I have a word?"

"Er, yeah alright," He nodded, giving the girl next to him an apologetic smile, "I'll be right back."

She winked back, before he followed his silent friend down the opposite end of the hallway and out of sight.

Rounding the corner, and even further away from the party, he turned to him, "What is it - ? OI!"

Gohan yelped, as Makhai opened the closet door beside them and barrelled them both inside. The young saiyan tumbled over the pile of coats, shoes and umbrellas, almost knocking his head on a shelf before he finally managed to find the light. He pulled roughly on the string dangling from the ceiling, the naked bulb bathing the pair in a dull yellow glow.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?!" He growled harshly at the boy in question.

"ME?!" Makhai scoffed, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?!"

"What are you on about?" Gohan snarled, the cupboard they were in didn't leave much room to manoeuvre, and as such the teens had their backs pressed against the wall in a most uncomfortable manner.

His best friend scoffed, as though it was completely obvious, "The GIRL?!"

His eyes widened. Uh oh.

"N-nothing is going on -," Gohan started, though Makhai cut across him quickly.

"Bullshit!" He hissed right in his face, their noses almost touching as his eyes narrowed, "I can practically see the little love hearts and cherubs circling above your head!"

"I don't - ! Wait, what?"

"If nothing is 'going on' Gohan, then why were you shoving your tongue down her throat?" He continued to argue, causing the halfling to blush bright red.

"I wasn't!" He fretted, trying to come up with an excuse, "S-she just had something in her eye, and I was trying to help her get it out - !"

Makhai snorted, folding his arms across his chest, "That's as about believable as me being named a patron saint of my home planet. Which if you haven't caught onto by now, was blown to smithereens the best part of forty years ago. And if you want further clarification my naive young friend, all you have to do is look down…"

Gohan frowned, following his gaze to the front of his gi trousers, his face glowing bright crimson as he frantically covered the space below his belt with his hands, which was incredibly difficult to do so, what with such a limited amount of space between them.

"Alright fine!" he positively seethed in both anger and embarrassment, meeting the boy's telling stare, "I like her! Happy?!"

"Happy?!" Makhai's pitch seemed to reach new heights, before he gave him a pointed look, "I think that this is a lot more serious than that little crush you had on Alala."

"I told you never to mention that!" he spouted hotly, causing the Lethien to giggle.

"I know, but it's funny."

"Shut up!" the young Destroyer snapped, before he sighed in despair, resting the back of his head against the wall, "Ugh, what am I going to do?"

Makhai's eyes widened, "What do you mean? You do nothing Sparky. Plain and simple."

Gohan bit his lip hesitantly, prompting the other teen to give him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, "Look, I'm all for you finally getting your rocks off - lets face it, it's just getting sad now - but you're stepping on dangerous territory."

He shot his so-called best friend a most hateful glare, as he continued with a shrug, "I mean there's no particular rules about bedding mortals -"

"Don't say it like that!" he hissed, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

"- but anything developing past the realms of hanky panky is another thing altogether."

"You really have a way with words, don't you?" the halfling drawled, though Makhai stood his ground.

"Gohan, I'm serious," he frowned, "I've seen the way you've been looking at her all night. This is just asking for trouble."

"I have thought about the repercussions you know."

"And that's what concerns me the most," the ginger-haired Guardian replied firmly, "Because it doesn't appear to be sinking into that thick half-saiyan skull of yours."

"I know," he sighed again, trying and failing to find the words, "But Videl… she's just…"

"Just?" Makhai pressed, eyeing him.

"Amazing, beautiful, funny," Gohan blurted,"She's strong, and brave and stubborn with a real mean right hook. She does this little thing with her hair when she laughs, and Gods those eyes Makhai, I've never seen a blue like that before, they just -"

He was cut short, by the boy rolling his eyes at him, "You talk about her as though she puts the stars in the sky or something."

The young saiyan exhaled almost longingly, the words falling from his mouth before he could stop himself, "She's the light behind the whole bloody galaxy."

Makhai's eyes bulged to the size of saucers, so much so, that he could have sworn that they were about to pop out of his head,"Great Zalama among us, it's worse than I thought."

Gohan blinked, "Huh?"

"You're in love with her!" He shouted, pointing an accusatory finger right at him.

"I-I am not!" the halfling yelled, sputtering madly at the accusation.

Makhai gasped, as though he had just figured something out, "You've already kissed her haven't you?! That wasn't the first time!"

"N-No! We haven't - !" His voice faltered as the Guardian gave him a look that said 'yeah, right'. "Alright maybe I have kissed her a few times, but that's besides the point!"

Makhai raised an eyebrow, "How many times?"

Gohan gaped angrily, "Is that really that important to you?!"

"Yes!"

He frowned, giving his the boy a scathing look, "This is because you want details, isn't it?"

"Oh desperately," he practically sang, clapping his hands together with an evil grin on his face.

"Then no! I'm not telling!" he spouted hotly, as Makhai let out a low whistle.

"Wow, too many times to count then eh?"

"SHUT UP!"

As Makhai's subsequent giggles began to dissipate, Gohan attempted to calm down, running a hand through his messy hair out of frustration.

"When I came back to Earth, I never expected anything like this," he admitted, causing his friend's gaze to soften, "I didn't even want to bump into my friends and family, the thought that I would meet someone like Videl never even crossed my mind, or that she could make me feel this way. I didn't even know what it was at first, this feeling. It's only been a week, but everything was just so fast and intense, and then before I knew it I couldn't stand not being around her."

"You're right, that does sound intense," Makhai offered, his amber eyes searching him, as if trying to figure out a way to make it all better.

"Damn it!" The teenager cried suddenly, making the other boy jump as he slammed his fist into the back wall, causing a sizeable crack in the brickwork, "I hate this. It can't just be this way Makhai, it just isn't fair! You can't mean to tell me that no other God as been in love with someone at some point? Look at Lord Beerus, he's billions of years old. He has to have fallen for someone like this before!"

"Lord Beerus is a giant cat Gohan," he snorted, "He loves naps, balls of string, sardines and having his tummy rubbed on occasion. That is it."

Gohan rubbed at his temples, closing his eyes in irritation as the boy continued, "Look, I don't know about those other Gods, but since the whole Perses palaver the rules are even stricter now. The Western Supreme Kai fell in love with a mortal, and she was going to abandon her duty for the kid that came out of it, which could have plunged everything into imbalance. But even though she did return to where she belonged, it still all went tits up anyway. Didn't help that baby Perses ended up turning into a right evil bastard either. Surely you can understand that?"

"Yeah," he breathed finally, after a moments thought, "Yeah I know. I know the rules, I just… Gods I am so going to deck Perses for ruining this for me if he escapes."

"Aaaaand he's back," Makhai joked, though let out a sad sigh at the sight of the halfling's helpless onyx eyes, "Gohan, you're a Destroyer, I literally have no authority over you. But as your friend, your best friend, I have to tell you that if you pursue her then it's going to be trouble. And I mean big trouble. I'm not just talking about how hard it's going to be on you when you have to leave. Please, don't do it to yourself. I don't want to see you beating yourself up over it."

Gohan swallowed thickly, the dull light of the exposed bulb hanging between them as the boy clapped him firmly the shoulder.

Damn it.

---

Slowly but surely, the party wound down and it was after midnight when the Z-gang started to part ways, making Gohan promise to see them all again before he left for the realm of Gods. Though Bulma had informed them that she was sure they would, as she was already making big plans for her birthday party next month. The Supreme Guard took their leave with a wave and a blinding flash of light as Kratos teleported them back to the Kai's sacred realm, but not before the young saiyan had received hugs from Makhai, Alala and Bia and a playful punch to the arm from Eris. Kratos merely grunted his goodbye, with an unconscious Deimos slung over his shoulder.

"Keep out of trouble now!" Makhai winked back at him just before they teleported away, "But if you manage to find some of the good kind, then remember to call me!"

His father had laughed once they had disappeared, smiling brightly at him, "You've made some great friends there kiddo."

The young saiyan nodded, giving him a small smile back, before he bid goodnight to the rest of the gang, Piccolo reminding him to stop by for a spot of training with them tomorrow, as even though the teen still refused their help, it would be good for the rest of the Z-Fighters to be prepared if any other dark creatures showed up on Earth again.

He had barely managed to bid Videl a proper goodbye under the gangs watchful eyes. Instead giving her a short hug and informing her that he would see her soon, failing to hide the blush that marred his cheeks as he thought back to the incident in the hallway. She gave him a disarmingly beautiful smile, which threatened to make him keel over all over again, as his father called out to him that it was time to head home.

It was surreal, making the familiar journey from Capsule Corp. back to his old home at the edge of the forest, though he felt a little more relaxed knowing that he could now be himself. His mother and brother had travelled on Nimbus, as he and his father flew beside them. He breathed in the glorious smell of the countryside as they drew nearer to the Eastern mountains, though it was rather difficult to see the stars due to the storm clouds that had sprawled across the sky, billowing in from the West. It wasn't particularly unusual, he had experienced thunderstorms in the summer before whilst on Earth, though the drastic change in weather may have been due to the amount of power being thrown around earlier. Particularly seen as he had used the Mass Extinction. He winced at the brassy glare that seemed to drain all the colour from the trees, the smell of the impending rain dark and heady in the early June air. He probably shouldn't have tried to show off so much…

Goten was ordered to bed as soon as they landed outside the small thatched cottage, seen as it was now way past his bedtime. Gohan couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, as he hadn't had much chance to speak to the boy. His little brother had spent the majority of the night in Trunks' bedroom, though the purple haired prince had ventured out to ask him about his 'awesome' sword and if he had time to show him some moves. It was a little odd, though he reasoned that Goten was busy playing a video game or something.

Gohan wasn't tired at all, even though it was getting rather late. Still, he hugged both of his parents goodnight, exclaiming how tired he was before taking a hot shower and trotted off to his old bedroom.

He sighed heavily as he lay beneath the sheets in the darkness, his feet almost dangling off the edge of the bed as he quickly discovered that he was far too tall for it. It was almost eerie, attempting to sleep in the room that he hadn't slept in in over eight years. Lying there, it seemed so much smaller now. Though it didn't help the fact that he could barely see in front of his face, the light from the stars eclipsed by a stretch of dark clouds.

A slow, patter of raindrops reached his ears as they hit the windowpane, bristling through the leaves out in the dense forest. The boughs of the trees creaking and swaying in the strengthening gust of wind. Then suddenly, a flash of silver rippled across the sky, lighting up the room in an instant, the silhouette of his ceremonial garb on the back of his chair mocking him almost, as the low roll of building thunder rumbled ominously in the distance several seconds later.

The Western Supreme Kai fell in love with a mortal, and she was going to abandon her duty… which could have plunged everything into imbalance!

The teenager groaned in distain, rolling over and burying his face into his pillow. He just wanted to sleep, but Makhai's words were still echoing in his ears.

Another crackle of lighting lit up the room, I have to tell you that if you pursue her then it's going to be trouble. And I mean big trouble.

Gohan tossed and turned, the old springs squeaking and dipping out of place. Scrunching up his eyelids tightly, a deafening bang of thunder reached his ears, the rain intensifying as though it came from buckets, cascading like a waterfall from the heavens, pounding against the rooftop as though it demanded entrance.

His best friend was right after all. It would not to well for him to get involved any further with Videl than he already was. But now he was stepping on dangerous territory, and he didn't even know just when on earth it had happened. It was as though his heart had been broken open by a sledgehammer, and all these feelings that he didn't know he needed or wanted had just poured into it all at once, knocking him completely unawares.

You're in love with her!

The young Destroyer growled, rolling onto his back and slapping his palm repeatedly into his head out of frustration.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

"And now he's hitting himself," Z drawled in exasperation from where he was perched at the end of his bed, "Have you finally gone loopy?"

"I'm getting there," Gohan sighed in despair, his arm hopelessly dropping to his side.

"Hey, you said it. Not me."

"Oh just stop it, will you?" he mumbled back weakly, unable to muster the energy to scold him properly. His brain running haywire.

"Maybe I will," the relic called, "That is, when you manage to get that pretty girl out of your head."

"Ugh," the teenager mustered, slapping himself again and causing the Z-Sword to chuckle.

"Ah, so I'm right."

"Please don't," he groaned, pulling a pillow over his face, "It's already way too complicated."

"You could say that again," he scoffed, "Though if you had refrained from locking lips with her at every chance you got then maybe you wouldn't be in this mess."

Gohan shot up so fast that he nearly flung himself out of bed, the pillow hitting the opposite wall as he spluttered and gaped in the swords direction. "Hang on, weren't you the one encouraging me to do such things?!"

"Well yes," Z chortled, "But I never thought that you'd actually act on it. If I'm honest, I didn't think you had it in you."

He scowled, as the relic continued to snicker.

This was ridiculous, he thought in annoyance, fisting the sheets beside him. When did he even get like this? So unfocussed and selfish. He should be trying to think up a way to defeat Perses, or better yet design some sort of strategy to expose Zamasu. Yet instead he was lying in his childhood bedroom pining over a girl like a lovesick puppy!

But she isn't just any girl, Gohan thought, his heart catching in his throat as another flash of lightening illuminated the room. The words he had told Makhai only hours ago echoing around his mind, she's the light behind the whole galaxy.

And she doesn't even know what I am.

He swallowed. He had to break it off with her before he managed to tangle both Videl and himself further into this mess.

And it couldn't wait.

He stood suddenly, throwing off his bedsheets and blindly searching for his desk lamp. Light suddenly engulfed the bedroom, the rolling clouds still clashing together in the storm outside.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Z asked sceptically.

"Out," the halfling replied simply, pulling on a pair of jeans, the belt jingling lightly as he fastened them.

"'Out' he says, such a typical teenage answer," the sword tutted, and Gohan could just imagine him rolling his eyes if he had any, "Out where? Ooh! Are we going to beat up Zamasu? Please tell me we're going to beat up Zamasu?"

"We," Gohan paused, jamming a plain black t-shirt roughly over his head, "Aren't going anywhere. And certainly not to the tenth universe just yet."

He scoffed, "And why not sonny boy?"

"Because I said so," he shot back, pulling on his boots and tying them, "I'll be back soon."

"Pfft, honestly, no respect," the Z-Sword grumbled, "Well, if you're going out then do me a favour and stick me in the bathroom."

"The bathroom?" Gohan frowned as he zipped up his hoodie, confused, "Why in there?"

He cackled, "So that I can spy on that good looking mother of yours when she takes a shower in the morning! Ho ho! She's dynamite that one, your father is one lucky son of a Kai - OOF!"

Z yelped, as the teen angrily kicked him to the floor, shoving him forcefully under the bed with his boot.

"Pervert," he snarled, ignoring the old relic's irate shrieks and sweeping his senses across the house, finding with satisfaction that his parents' and brother's Ki hummed along contently, still asleep.

With a final glare in Z's direction, the young saiyan closed his eyes in concentration, disappearing from his bedroom and teleporting across the East, reappearing high above Videl's apartment building in the pouring rain.

He quickly conjured a shield around him to protect him from the storm, silently thanking his lucky stars that his more humble form teleportation wasn't as uncomfortable as the Kai's technique. He looked down, finding that the streets were bare and still in the dead of night, the only sound that of the thunderstorm that waged around him in the sky.

It seemed even more intense over in Orange Star City, almost as though it had followed him there. The drains were overfilling with rainwater as it continued to pour from the thick dark clouds. He could see how rapidly it was meeting the earth, the large droplets swirling in the spectrum of the glowing streetlights, dancing almost, pushed further by the brisk wind. Lighting violently streaked overhead, hitting the spire of one of the tallest skyscrapers, igniting the air in an electrifying wave. The drumming of thunder was getting even louder, as Gohan noticed that light shone from a few of the windows from the building below him - including Videl's living room.

He sighed, talking himself down from teleporting back to the sanctity of his old bedroom. Though he knew that if he returned there without confronting her, then there wasn't a chance in Otherworld that he would be able to sleep.

Floating towards her window, he wrapped his knuckles against the pane, patiently waiting a few seconds for her to answer. He forced a smile, as her frowning face greeted him, her confused expression quickly warping into shock as she rushed to open it.

"What the hell are you doing?!" She yelled over the storm, backing away slightly so she didn't get soaked from the cascade of falling rain. Her hair was in pigtails, blowing back from the sudden force of wind.

"Are you going to let me in or not?" he jested, unable to stop the laugh from escaping him at her reaction, "I'll get wet if I turn my shield off for too long."

Stepping back with a playful roll of her eyes, he dissipated the forcefield before swiftly jumping inside, dodging the storm as she hurriedly shut the window behind him. He chuckled, bending down as Bee bounded up to him without hesitation, barking happily, his tail wagging furiously and allowing the teen to ruffle his ears affectionately.

"Do you always have to make such dramatic entrances?" Videl quirked, causing him to smirk back up at her.

"Something like that," he replied, as Bee scampered off in search of his bed.

She grinned back, folding her arms across her chest, that was covered by another one of those long 'Satan Gym' t-shirts that barely reached her thighs. It hung off of one shoulder, exposing her delicate collarbone in a way that made him want to pull him towards her and kiss the skin there all over again.

"So, did you come here just to gawk at me?"

He was broken out of his thoughts, by the girls knowing smirk.

"N-no! I mean, yes -!" He stammered, damning his stupid mouth straight to HFIL, "I mean, w-we need to talk."

"Talk?" asked Videl, raising an eyebrow in amusement, taking a step towards him, "And here was me thinking that talking was the last thing on your mind."

Ah, the future Detective Satan, she knew him all too well.

Though as he opened his mouth to reply, did he find it occupied by her lips against his. His eyes widened, his hands moving of their own accord and grasping her hips eagerly, pulling her towards him before he could stop himself.

The wind waned outside, battering against the building, the heavy roll of thunder echoing around them. Though the sudden quaking sound was lost on him, as Videl's wicked tongue danced around his, her hands clutching at the fabric of his hoodie, fingertips brushing over his pectorals. He nearly yelped, pulling back from her lips for a split second as she forcibly pushed him back without warning, causing him to topple onto the sofa behind him.

He barely managed to sit up straight, before Videl wasted no time in straddling his hips, her knees either side of him and her fingers now entangled in his long masses of hair, kissing him so passionately that he thought he might just die for the second time. Her shirt was riding slowly up towards her waist, exposing her warm bare skin, prompting the all too enthusiastic halfling to run his hands up her thighs and slip his hands under the soft cotton fabric.

He let out a shuddering breath, as she moaned softly in appreciation, deepening the kiss even more so. Gohan could feel the heat building between them, radiating from her very being, causing his mind to cloud with the most intense of feelings. Goosebumps erupted over his entire body, as her hips rolled on top of his, a low guttural groan of pleasure escaping him before he had a chance to wrap his head around what she was doing to him.

Videl pulled back from his lips with a wicked smile, fingers away from his hair, kissing his neck and collarbone. His head lolled back onto the edge of the sofa cushion, uncaring of how far they were going as he relished in her avid movements delving lower, lower, his belt unraveling, the buttons on his jeans popping open -

He grabbed her hands suddenly, abruptly snapping to his senses. His eyes wide in panic, his chest moving rapidly up and down as he panted, stopping her ministrations in their tracks. She looked up at him with curious sapphire eyes, though he could detect the hint of disappointment within their beauty.

"Gohan?" she asked, tilting her head to the side, her raven hair pooling over his lap, "What's wrong?"

"I-I-," he stuttered, a little breathlessly as he released her, hurriedly doing up his jeans before he completely lost control of himself and gave in.

For Zalama's sake Gohan, he scolded himself, You did not come here for that!

"W-we can't," he said finally, inwardly cringing as he watched the hurt flicker in her eyes.

In true Videl style, she recovered swiftly, straightening herself as well as her t-shirt before she sat back next to him on the sofa. "I'm a little confused, I thought you wanted - "

"I never said I didn't," he said truthfully, her gaze softening a little at his words. A flash of lightening escaped the window, another crackle of thunder following soon after, casting their shadows on the walls.

"Then what - ?"

"I can't do this to you Videl," said Gohan, running a hand through his ebony hair, "I can't get you involved in this mess. It's too dangerous - "

"If you're worried about some evil deity coming after me or something, then you can stop that right now," she cut across him, giving him a fierce stare, "I'm a big girl, I can handle a lot more than what people think I'm capable of."

He couldn't help but allow a smile to tug at his lips at her response. It was true, and it was one of the things he admired most about her.

"It's not just that," he continued, guilt pooling in the very depths of his stomach, smoothing a calloused hand over her wrist before interlacing their fingers together, "It's not just the fact that I'm worried about the enemy harming you. The same goes for all of my friends and family, which is why I don't want any of you on Earth getting involved with Perses or Zamasu. It's not that I don't think that you can't handle yourselves, but I just don't even want to think about what would happened if they somehow threatened or hurt one of you to use against me. You know that I won't be staying, that I can't stay. Even if… e-even if a part of me wants to."

He knew that she could see the struggle in his eyes, and squeezed his hand a little tighter as she spoke with a sad smile, "What happened to living in the moment?"

"I wanted to," He swallowed deeply, "I really did, and I still do. But these… these moments, whatever this is between us… I…" He paused again, sucking in a deep breath, "It's not going to be forever. I mean, I've only got three weeks left here on Earth and I - "

"Nothing lasts forever Gohan," said Videl, her eyes boring into his, before she sighed, the roar of clashing clouds drifting between them, "You're always so focused on what has been and what will be. You never allow yourself to just be, and it always seems to be for the same stupid noble reasons."

Gohan regarded her for a moment, his gaze searching. Should he tell her?

"I have a duty to uphold," he started, but found that he couldn't find the right words to say, "And I can't afford to get distracted, there's too much at stake."

"Distracted?" She raised her eyebrows at him, prompting the young saiyan to wince at the sudden anger that pierced her tone, her grip on his loosening, "What the hell do you mean distracted?!"

"I-I didn't mean it like that," he faltered guiltily, "There are rules. Very strict rules imposed on all deities, including those in training, that state that they can't be romantically involved with mortals -"

Videl scoffed, catching him off guard as she drew back from him completely, "Doesn't seem that way from what Makhai was saying earlier, or did you just forget about a certain alien warrior princess that you were caught snogging behind a tapestry?"

Gohan gaped, he was going to destroy Makhai!

"That was different!" He protested, "It didn't mean anything -!"

"Wow, really Gohan?" she snorted disbelievingly, causing him to cringe at his callous choice of words, "I thought you were supposed to be a gentlemen. Looks like I was wrong."

Shit!

She got to her feet suddenly, her demeanour growing cold towards him. Though the halfling was determined, standing up and grabbing her hands in his once more before she could storm off.

"I didn't mean it like that Videl," he said seriously, spinning her back around giving her no choice but to look into his pleading eyes, "What I mean to say is that I didn't feel that way her, not with anyone, not in the same way that I feel about you."

Her gaze softened slightly, before she shook her head, springing back to her senses with a low growl, and turning away from him once more, "Save it. Go and serve the universe or something. I wouldn't want to be another one of your distractions."

"Damn it Videl!" the young Destroyer tried again, seething at himself more than anything, he didn't mean to upset her, "Will you stop being so stubborn and just listen to me?!"

The girl whirled around, a little taken aback by his sudden commanding tone, though her eyes were still defiant.

Another clap of thunder escaped the storm, and Bee whimpered at the sudden onslaught of sound from his basket in the kitchen.

"Maybe I'm not making it clear," he sighed heavily, his voice lowering, "It's not against The Divine Code to fool around with mortals or whatever, but it is a huge violation to fall for one. And I don't want either of us to suffer the consequences for that."

Her eyes widened, slightly stunned as the reality of his words began to sink in. "W-what?"

Gohan gulped, taking a tentative step towards her, "I-I'm sorry Videl, but I just can't do this any more. I can't risk hurting you, or risk whatever would happen if my superiors found out. Not when the fabrication of the universe is in danger, not when I'm falling -"

He cut himself short, a sudden ache burning behind his throat and eyes, as the beautiful young woman in font of him let out a shaky breath, calming down considerably, her delicate hand cupping his cheek.

"I suppose I can understand," she mustered, her voice all but a whisper, it could barely be heard over the torrential rain that lashed against the windowpane, "Because… because I feel the same way about you too."

His mouth fell open in shock, and she let out a dark chuckle at the aghast look on his face.

"I know, it's crazy right?" said Videl, her eyes a little watery now as she breathed herself steady in an attempt to curb her emotions, "I've only really known you a week, but at the same time I feel like I've known you for most of my life, and not just because of what I've heard from spending time with your family."

Gohan swallowed, leaning into her hand and smoothing his fingers up and down her forearm.

"I know that you don't want to hurt me Gohan, and I get that," she continued wisely, stepping closer into his arms so that he could rest his chin on her head if he wanted, "But I know that it's hurting you even more to try and bring yourself to stay away."

"But I'll have to go eventually, soon even," he replied, closing his eyes and unable to stop himself from wrapping his arms around her, breathing deeply, the glorious smell of her hair wafting into his nostrils.

"Yeah soon," the Satan girl sighed, her tone sounded half playful, half pleading, "And with Perses and Zamasu lurking around the multiverse who knows when you'll have to up and leave again, or if you'll even come back."

"I know," the young saiyan whispered, his lips brushing the top of her head as he relished in the feeling of her arms around his middle, "And in three weeks, I'll be gone for good."

Her breath hitched, reality sinking in again. Even though they both knew that it would come, it was difficult to say and hear out loud.

"I don't want to get you into trouble," said Videl, looking up at him once more, her fingertips framing his shoulder blades. Her tearful eyes, though full of sadness and disappointment, still held a hint of amusement that he loved so much, "I just wish you weren't so bloody noble."

He gazed at her longingly, attempting to give her a charming smile, but failed, his heartache overwhelming him. He could feel the guilt and regret tearing at his heartstrings, threatening to rip open his entire chest cavity.

Why couldn't he tell her?

"I should go," the young Destroyer swallowed, his brimming tears blurring his vision. Though it was a good thing, as if he could see any clearer he might not be able to bring himself to leave.

He kissed her hair softly, hugging her to him one last time, trying desperately to ignore the wetness that spilled onto the girl's cheeks.

"I'm sorry," he said, before letting go.

Gohan span on his heel, walking away from her without turning back. He didn't want to see her cry, he couldn't bring himself to see the broken look that he had left on her beautiful features - all because of his own selfish actions.

He grasped the doorknob, ignoring Bee who whined in protest at his departure, just as another blaze of sliver illuminated the apartment. He could have just gone out the window again, but that would mean walking past Videl, and he knew he wouldn't be able do it. To walk past and ignore the stifled sob that would reach his ears as he opened the window.

He could have just teleported, he thought, as he shut the front door behind him with a snap that sounded harsh to his ears, but he needed a moment to compose himself. He needed to get his head in order before he could perform such a manoeuvre, a lapse in concentration might accidentally send him halfway across the universe. Or even worse, right back to Videl.

Gohan leaned his back heavily against the door, running his hands all over his face in an attempt to curb the tears that continued to build, threatening to spill over.

You're in love with her!

He groaned, smacking the back of his head angrily off the door. Gods he hated this. He clenched his fists despairingly, scrunching up his eyes tightly as Makhai's words of truth refused to leave his mind. He was so stupid. As despite his attempts to not hurt Videl, he had already done so. The thought of her tearful sapphire eyes made him feel even worse. It was like they were goading him, haunting him, making him suffer for all the idiotic things he had done thus far.

The raging thunderstorm outside seemed to reflect the cyclone of regret and anguish inside of him. His stomach knotted almost painfully, as he continued to struggle with himself dismally. And worst of all, as much as his brain screamed at him to do so, he couldn't find the will to make his legs move.

He could still feel Videl's bright, yet troubled Ki hovering inside. He gulped, it felt as though it had moved closer to the door.

"Gohan?"

His chest tightened, his breath catching in his throat like cotton at the sound of her voice drifting through the solid oak. It sounded tight and strained, as though it was taking all of her might to stop herself from speaking.

"Gohan, are you still there?" she asked again, which they both knew was a stupid question. She could sense him after all.

"Y-yeah," he managed to muster after a while, he couldn't seem to catch hold of his breath, "Sorry, I just. I-I just need a minute."

Move Gohan, he thought to himself desperately, Walk away.

The teenager didn't know what was wrong with him, he was a Junior Destroyer for crying out loud. He had taken on tyrants, monsters, and armies, wiped whole planets out of existence. Even when he was alive on Earth, he had faced gruesome battles that no child should see, let alone take an active part in. He had seen his friends and family be brutally murdered in front of his eyes. He had seen tyranny in all its dreadful form, fought alien monsters of legend and killed because it was his very purpose.

He had known fear, embodied it even. He seen it reflected in mortals eyes on numerous occasions, felt it himself when he had stepped into the ring against Cell all those years ago, and when he had taken up the role of a Destroyer. He had felt it when he had faced his friends and family after such a long time of absence, when they didn't know who he was…

And yet, as he stood in the empty corridor of Videl's apartment building, willing himself to leave, the dim lighting flickering as another wave of electrifying lightening rippled over the city, followed by the unrelenting boom of thunder, he realised that he had never felt so scared in his entire life.

"I…" she started again, causing him to close his eyes in a silent struggle, battling with himself.

He let out a shuddering breath, as Videl's voice called out to him again, "I don't want you to go."

Fuck it.

He crumbled. Suddenly, utterly, completely. Letting go of his fears as he grasped the cool steel handle and flung open the door so fast that it nearly flew off its hinges. It banged harshly against the adjacent wall, causing Bee to jump from his basket and growl. But Gohan ignored him, as well as the fact that he had left the door wide open as he practically charged at the bewildered girl in the centre of the room.

He reached Videl in one fowl swoop, not waiting for her to speak before he kissed her.

He kissed her hard, desperately. Holding her face in both of his hands and kissed her as though the Earth would shatter around them if he didn't. It was unrestrained and powerful, as the girl responded to his lips without hesitation, her tongue expertly delving into his insistent mouth and her fingers raking through his hair.

His hands moved swiftly from her jaw, traveling all over her delicate curves and grabbing at her waist, pulling her to him and lifting her off her feet. Gohan clutched her shirt tightly, the long cotton fabric ruffled against his fingertips as her legs suddenly encircled his waist. The searing heat between them building more rapidly than ever before, drying away the tears that had fallen so instantly it was as though they had never been there to begin with.

He kissed her long and passionately, daring to dip under her bra and caress the soft skin underneath. She pulled back for a brief moment, as a moan erupted from her throat, her long raven pigtails brushing against his collarbone. He wasn't entirely sure just when they had got there, but the next thing he knew he had slammed her back against the front door, thankful of her above-average human strength, as it shut so hard that it was nearly as loud as the reverberating echo of thunder outside. Videl was still latched tightly around him, gasping and clawing at his hoodie as his lips moved devilishly against her neck.

The heat was getting unbearable as their bodies moulded together, intensifying so much so that he soon felt his clothes awfully restrictive and unnecessary. He kissed her lips again, before drawing back to allow her to swiftly yank his t-shirt and hoodie over his head. They dropped to the floor in no time, the halfling shuddering out a deep groan as a fresh wave of goosebumps erupted over his skin, the touch from her fingertips electrifying.

He didn't know that anyone or anything could make him feel such a way, or how it was even possible. All he did know was that nothing seemed to satisfy him anymore. He needed more than kisses, more than softly teasing the warm skin underneath her clothes, more of her. Without speaking, it was more than obvious what he wanted, if what was happening below his waistband was anything to go by. There was no way that he could hide or deny it as their hips connected and he pushed further in between her thighs, the glorious toned muscle of her legs tightening against him even more so as another rasping moan tumbled from her lips.

He wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her so fucking badly. He wanted to tell her completely, wholly just how she made him feel, how much his heart and soul yearned for her. How much it hurt, how amazing she felt, admit to her what he truly was. That these hands that were touching her, brushing over her bare skin as they tore urgently at her clothes, had threatened, killed and destroyed. It was barely believable in fact, that the hands that were enticing such pleasure from her had caused whole worlds of devastation and pain, erasing entire civilisations from existence when he had no other choice.

But right now his brain had given in to his heart, and all he could do was follow it blindly. He could no longer catch himself to stop him from falling. Because right then, with her body writhing against his in ecstasy as he held her against the doorway, she was everything. The light behind his galaxy. His whole reason for wanting to overcome the darkness that threatened to eclipse him.

"G-Gohan," she managed to muster through the thick haze of passion, causing his smokey onyx eyes to lock with hers, "We shouldn't - "

She stopped herself short, biting her bottom lip as the halfling let out a staggering breath, his forehead resting on hers, unable to stop the playful smirk that crept across his lips.

"Probably not," he shrugged, before kissing her again, and again, and again. Prompting the girl to laugh in between his short kisses, before they became deeper, wilder and more feverish once more.

Her shirt was soon lost at the same time as his belt hit the cool floorboards, the soft sound barely noticeable over the rain that continued to thump relentlessly against the windowpane. He felt as though his skin was on fire as they continued to explore one another, the sensation of her actions were extraordinary, her fingertips burning through him and palpating his very soul.

He didn't know what he was doing, he felt as though he was flying by the seat of his pants. Though every time he would get a little flustered, Videl would pull his hands back to where she wanted them and kissed him. And very slowly it became instinctual.

He couldn't get enough. Her skin, her curves, her hands, the way she gasped and responded to the way he touched her. Her heavy desperate pants as he literally ripped her underwear clean off. Though she didn't seem to care about the ruined garments, as he quickly found his own pooling at his feet. The young saiyan discarded them hurriedly, letting the girl gently down from his grasp as he kicked off his boxers, leaving them in the middle of the living room in the same manner as the rest of their clothes.

Taking a moment to compose himself - as well as ogle her nakedness in all its stunning beauty - he scooped her up into his arms, lips locking, her legs wrapping around his waist once more as he marched them to her bedroom, still kissing. Their tongues clashed together as he kicked the door closed behind him with his heel, for want of Bee not barging in unannounced.

Her voluptuous chest heaved with anticipation, pushing up against the hard scarred muscle of his torso as his shins reached the edge of the bed and they both tumbled onto the mattress with him on top of her. Gohan's hips arched forwards on impulse, his body spread over hers, drawing another spine-tingling moan from her throat. It felt as though his useless heart was straining against his ribcage, trying desperately to beat as he softly teased her lips, her neck, her breasts, daring to delve lower before he was dragged back to her mouth by a rough tug of his hair.

He stopped for a moment, as she pulled away for an sharp inhale of much needed oxygen. He staggered, as those penetrative sapphire eyes shone vibrantly back at him, brilliantly against the backdrop of the dark bedroom. A quaking shock of thunder rocked right over their heads, as Gohan lost his cool, barely managing to regain his breath. A sudden nervousness gripping at his resolve.

"V-Videl, I've never -," he staggered, cutting himself short, unable to say the words, though he couldn't help but notice the mild surprise that crossed her features.

Then, she smiled back at him. A loving, reassuring smile that seemed to break through the fog.

"It's okay," she whispered, before grasping his jaw and pulling him to her softly, sweetly this time. His insecurities falling to the back of his mind as a new wave of courage surfaced.

If this was the only time, the only chance he would get, then he wanted to burn the memory into his mind, sear it onto his brain. He wanted to remember every part of her, every curve, crease and dimple. He wanted to remember the way she touched him, teased him, caressed him and guided him. The way she moaned his name before crying it out to the ceiling, her cardinal howl intermingling with the roaring winds outside. The way she held him in her embrace, her heel pressing further into his back - keeping him there. Her husky, urgent tones spurring him forwards, faster, harder, making soft, mesmerising noises of encouragement and appreciation.

His head was spinning from the captivating whirlwind of sensations that sent shockwaves of pleasure rushing all over his body, the feeling so intense that it shot through his veins like the hot lightening that flashed beyond the curtains of the bedroom. It was like a blur. A blur of naked skin, sweat and cries of longing. They were a tangle of limbs and tongues, fuelled by the desperation of destiny breathing down their necks. But in that moment, they inhaled everything the other exhaled, living breathing off one another before they were forced to gasp the thick, humid air of reality.

They paid no heed to the furious thunderstorm outside, the rain thrashing against the windowpane finally petering out into a soft patter as they later collapsed around each other, basking in the afterglow. He nuzzled his nose into her dishevelled hair, slowly spiralling back down to Earth, breathing deeply as she let out a heaving, satisfied sigh with him still on top of her.

"So," Videl asked him breathlessly, her half-lidded gaze cast towards the ceiling as the rain subsided, "Are we in trouble?"

"That depends," Gohan panted, attempting to still his own breath as he mumbled his answer into the bare skin on her shoulder, causing her to shudder at the teasing softness of his lips when they moved.

"On what?" she quirked with mild amusement, as the young saiyan lifted his head towards her, propping himself up on his elbows, flashing her a goofy grin.

"On if we get caught."

They giggled stupidly, blissfully, their cheeks flustered and glowing underneath the white cotton sheets as the laughter and happiness filtered between the teenagers, radiating from them. They lay like that for a while, entangled and enraptured with one another, the clouds letting out one last defiant rumble in the distance.

---

Lord Beerus' Planet, A Far Away Dimension, The Living World

The universe was like a symphony. Rhythmic, beating like a drum, humming with life. Occasionally there would be a disturbance that would skip a beat, cut the strings, slow the tempo, change the tune momentarily. It wouldn't be noticeable to most, as in the majority of cases, the mistake could be corrected, the percussion would soon join in, the beat would return and the universe would continue to sing. Though there were moments when the pace could not be righted, when the change in tempo was obvious - deafening almost. Still undetected by most, but all too apparent for the likes of an Angel.

One Angel in particular, in fact.

Whis looked out into the upper atmosphere, his gaze fixed, staring at the deepening purple sky of the Destroyer's world. A breeze grabbed at the garb that hung to his feet, which was odd, as the planet was not usually accustomed to wind unless there was a particular Junior Destroyer upon it. Whether he was sparring or not, that boy was a whirlwind in himself.

Even still, he could not deny that there was a storm coming. He could feel it in the night air. Which was why he had taken to standing guard outside rather than at his usual place in the temple, watching over a still sleeping Lord Beerus.

He could feel it. And he was waiting.

The wind suddenly picked up around him, brushing through the blades of emerald grass and whipping over the meadow he was standing in. It quickly gained momentum, as an icy chill, keen and unfurling, burst through the trees, freezing the leaves as soon as it touched. The long blades of grass soon stopped wavering, frozen solid as a creeping shroud of darkness eclipsed the plane.

The Angel watched with a stoic expression, as a sharp bolt of black lightening cut through the atmosphere, hitting the ground in front of his feet and splitting open the space around him, creating a rip in the very air in front of him. The darkness grew, tearing apart just enough to allow the figure of a young man to step out onto the planet's surface.

Whis' eyes hardened, though he did not seem at all surprised by the appearance of his visitor, whose boots crunched on the frost covered ground.

The brown boots, old and tattered, resembled the rest of his attire, even though there was not much of it left to speak of. His pale grey skin was mainly bare, save for the ragged brown cloth that hung low over his hips, brushing against his strong, hulking thighs as he walked. He was tall, around the same height as the Angel, scars littering his well-built muscles, his strong bare torso covered with strange ancient markings in a darker grey pattern. Scuffed, golden wristbands, that were fixed against his forearms, remained the only evidence of his former status, reflected the purplish hue of the sky above them.

His once, handsome face was further marred by the nasty burn that covered his left eye, the area around the socket so mutated that the grey skin was now a fleshy pink. His straight black hair was slicked back against his skull, tucked behind sharp, pointed ears and reached just below his waist. He stopped short, unable to move forwards any further, as the tension on the chains around his wrists and ankles became taught and locked. They chinked together eerily, the knotted, rusted bonds of Kachi Katchin dragging through hardened earth.

The visitor breathed deeply, nostrils flaring in the freezing air as his eyes - grey and cloudy like a storm - opened, and he greeted his old Master with a slow, uncurling smirk.

"Perses," Whis observed, regarding the young man before him with a calculated stare, "It's been a long time."

"Too long," he spoke chillingly, the dark rift swirling behind him as his fists clenched and unclenched in anticipation, revealing long yellowing fingernails, "Though in some ways, not long enough Master."

"I believe it was you who said that there is no being deserving of such a title," The blue-skinned deity said lowly, unaffected by his sarcasm.

"And I stand by it," Perses grinned evilly, "I'm surprised that your memory hasn't wavered, old man."

Whis chuckled lightly at that, "My memory continues to serve me well. I haven't forgotten just how extraordinary your powers are. I must say that technique of yours is quite remarkable. How are you standing here before me, when you are still bound to The Void?"

He snarled in response, "As if I'd tell you."

"Ah but I already have an idea," the Angel said with a wry smile, "You are draining power from Lord Beerus and using it for your own advantage, collaborating with an apprentice Kai of all things."

Perses looked on darkly, silent as the darkness continued to stiffen the air around them.

"And I have to wonder why," Whis continued, his warm breath creating soft white clouds before him, "Firstly, why you are doing this, why you must see the cosmos suffer for your mindless dreams? And secondly why you have decided to show yourself to me? Lord Beerus is sleeping in the temple, you will not reach him before you are pulled back to your prison. Even if you manage to break out of your chains."

"The cosmos is already suffering you old fool," The demigod snarled, gritting his teeth in anger, two fangs protruding from either side of his lips, "It is you Gods that are mindless, thinking that order and chaos are complete opposites, seeking to control them when they are but either side of the same coin. Grand Zeno is not worthy to rule over the cosmos, he is too flippant and child-like. He does not understand the ways of Creation and Destruction. But I do. My goal has not changed, I will seek to correct the mistakes of Gods and mortals alike, the fabrication of all you know will crack, and you will fail."

A dark look overcame the Angel, as he frowned deeply, "Be careful what you say about The Omni-King, my boy -"

"I am not your boy," Perses snapped viciously, the thick, winding veins in is muscular arms bulging in hatred, "I never was."

Whis stared, the harshness of the young man's voice echoing around the now cold planet.

"I came here to speak with the Oracle," the ex-Destroyer continued in a threatening tone, "Now where is she?"

He pursed his lips in response, "You are well aware of what The Oracle Fish predicted. You chose this path, and if you continue down it, it will not be any different."

"Not all as come to pass just yet Whis," Perses growled, a knowing glint in his stormy grey eyes, "And it will change. I am not the same man as I was before."

"I see no difference," he responded stiffly, "You are still as naive as you once were."

Though the Angel was mildly surprised, as the demigod let out a burst of laughter, cackling madly before he spoke, "Oh but it is you that is naive! Have you not noticed by now what has been right under your nose?!"

Whis frowned, before his inquisitive eyes travelled to the empty space above his skull, and shook his head in disappointment, "I see your halo is gone. You may have always been reckless Perses, but I didn't think that you would do something so rash as to ask the Dragon God for immortally. It looks as though Lord Beerus was correct in his assumptions."

Though his words only seemed to make Perses laugh harder, "Immortality?! Is that what you think?! You're even more gullible than I thought!"

Then, something clicked, causing Whis' eyes to widen in both shock - and horror. A look that hadn't graced his delicate features since he had found out what had truly become of his ex-student.

Two words escaped his lips, "You didn't."

"Oh but I did!" the corrupted being practically sang, though it was eerie, twisted, and Whis could see the ghost of a once boisterous young man spring up from the depths of his soul, before it was once again chased away by madness, "I have been gifted the life of a true God! Oh the years I've waited to see that terrified look on your face!"

Whis closed his eyes despairingly, his manic shrieks of mirth echoing in his ears before he let out a heaving sigh, "You poor, poor boy. You cannot win."

Perses' laughter faltered slightly, scoffing at the deity's statement, "Oh really? And which one of you unworthy imbeciles are going to stop me from exacting my true destiny? Oh don't tell me, that little brat of yours?"

"He's strong," The Angel said boldly, causing him to snort.

"He is but an arrogant child," he sneered, "If he continues to meddle in my affairs then I'll just destroy him like the rest. Then again, I suppose I could use this power you speak of to my advantage. One so prideful with power so furious can be easily manipulated, after all, you control him like a puppet. I know he's been following your orders."

Whis all but smiled whimsically at that, "If you ever had the pleasure to teach him, you would know that Son Gohan isn't a great follower of orders."

Perses glared, a low growl escaping his chest before his entire body jolted, and the high arctic winds picked up again, the entire plane darkening even more so as dozens of black, decaying hands shot out of The Void behind him. The skeletal claws wrapped around his wrists, arms, ankles and legs, whilst others clutched and pulled at his chains, hauling him backwards as the rift suddenly started to close.

"Argh!" he snarled angrily, struggling to break free, one of the skeleton's arms snapping off forcibly from his bicep, though it disintegrated as soon as it touched the sacred ground of Lord Beerus' world, "Not yet! I WILL to speak with the Oracle!"

Whis looked on rather sadly, as Perses dug his heels in the icy grass, straining against the mass of bones that continued to snatch and drag him back into his prison.

"Oracle or not, you know that if you continue down this path then you will meet your end," the Angel called, "You may wield a power you never had before, but you must know that it will not change. Not even if you succeed in wiping The Supreme Kai and Lord Beerus from existence. Not even with Zamasu's help."

"Revenge - isn't - everything!" He struggled, snapping and snarling, gritting his teeth in fury as bony fingers clasped over his throat, "The Gods will fall! I will right the cosmos! I am already one step - argh - closer! I will master - the - Gods - weapon!"

A gasping roar erupted from his lungs, flailing manically, blindingly, as more and more deadly claws were forced to come forth in order to stop him from fighting back. They grappled, covering his torso, hair and the scarred flesh around his face, rotting talons sinking painfully into his skin, the gap closing up even further.

Though Perses did not scream, his tempestuous eyes were crazed, and smirk ever goading, "The ancient relic! It is - my - birthright!"

Whis watched, his expression eerily calm, as the former Junior Destroyer's voice echoed out into the night. Though as a final clutch of decaying fingers bound his mouth, muffling the sound of his struggle, the biting cold leaving with him, did the Angel utter the words that caused Perses' eyes to widen with an unyielding rage just before he was engulfed by the darkness he came from.

"The Z-Sword has already chosen it's master."

---

31st March, 2019.

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A/N: OH. MA. GOD. Okay so if you aren't much of a Gohan and Videl fan then this chapter may not have been the best for you... HOWEVER I would hope by now that if youve got this far then you already are or I have twisted your arm haha. I wanted to do that love scene absolute justice, and if I'm completely honest I am not the type of writer that can write full explicit lemons, as a lot of the time when I have read them they can be a bit cringey and I lose sight of the story or interest. So I decided to do it from the point of view of Gohan's internal struggle, fuelled completely by his emotions.

I have a hunch what some people might say.. but before I get comments such as 'omg why is Gohan so weak he's a destroyer and this girl has him wrapped around his finger'. Well, that is the point my dear readers! Up until know I have shown Gohan to be this absolutely badass (yet sometimes dorky) character who can blow apart whole worlds and is feared by the majority of the universe. So in contrast, we have Videl, who shows his vulnerabilities and draws them out, proving that he isnt just this huge overpowered character, and giving him an internal struggle that could have drastic consequences. Yes, he has completely gone against his mentor and the divine code, but lets face it, even in the original he was a bit of a rebel - defying his mother on more than one occasion yet still having respect for her. Gohan is a complex character, which is why he is so much fun to write. I wanted to get their relationship across as fast and intense, so that the recklessness of what they were doing sprang up out of nowhere - if Gohan had more time to think and ponder his choices, he may not have gotten his rocks off as Makhai so eloquently put it. And that just wouldn't please you Gohan and Videl shippers now would it? I'm looking at you Erin ;)

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, and really tried to go to town on the description, I hope I've done it justice, especially in terms of the GXV action! When I read it to my husband, he said it may be a little dramatic in parts, and maybe that is true. But Gohan is a huge drama queen,(Mass Extinction anybody) especially in this story, lets face it ;) Either way I hope that I got Perses across right for you guys as well, what did you think of him? Of Goten's POV and thoughts of his brother? And also of the... eek... Mass Extinction?

Oh and the free bus pass line from Gohan? I know in the UK that when you reach a certain age you are entitled to a free bus pass. So just incase no one caught onto that or its different anywhere else in the world. Then basically the cheeky git was just calling them old. Its also a further jibe because not of them actually need to use a bus ;)

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Reviews:

Aaron Leach: thank you :)

hawkeyestratos1996: At the mo Im sort of going down the Super route rather than GT, so I don't think ss4 will fit.

ericsofly2: thank you!

ashlovesdbz: thank you so much for your review and kind words! I hope you liked the interactions between Gohan and the supreme guard in this chapter just as much! And I think we would ALL like to know what happened with Gohan and the wine :P

BladeKnightmare: ah I do want to keep Perses and the main villian next to Zamasu, I dont think the demigra towa thing would fit, and its already been used in Xenoverse. Just trying to keep things a bit more original!

romanovascap: thank you so much! yes I think everyone managed to figure out about Zamasu in the end haha. Hmm as you can see Gohan is struggling a lot with his secrets... but will he reveal them? Ah the suspense!

MadmanJrs: I am SO happy you picked up on Lord Moscos 'oh snap' line. I actually laughed at myself when I wrote it lol so happy that people found it as funny as I did otherwise Id just feel like a saddo! haha. glad you liked the world building, and there is lots of potential for upcomming meetings between deites so you may look forward to that. And Im glad you remembered the small hint of GohanxAlala, and I developed that in this chapter too. Though sadly, nothing happened. I did like the thought of them together though I must say!

ark1997: Im trying to stick with the English dub, so ive used Vermoud instead of Belmond there.

hiareportsyou: you have pretty much answered your own question there! Gohan has not gone utilised divine Ki like vegeta did in the show yet, as I want more emphasis on the super saiyan god ritual. there is no evidence to say that they didnt do the ritual for vegeta and then he trained to get blue. I would like to think that you have to perform the ritual before you are able to go even further beyond.

romeroFan: thanks for your review! I really love that idea. I will bare some aspects in mind, however I do have a good idea of what Perses is up to already but cant reveal it just yet. It may have given you some idea at the end of this chapter though... ;) glad you enjoyed the Gods meeting. And I loved infinity war too as you can probs tell from some of the quotes I er... borrowed...

Chosen To Die: Yaaaaay! Your review made me so happy! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too! More everybody! Im glad that my OCs are so well recieved too! Got to love Makhai!

Hek'UnnSkipper: thanks so much for your review! Absolutley, I didnt want to distract away from the seriousness of the chapter with a bit of kissy kissy to 'make it all better'. If anything, in this chapter its actually made it a whole lot worse. oh dear Gohan lol. I hope you are still sticking with it despite not being a huge Videl fan!

Robthekiwi121: yeah as well as when you bring Gohan along lol

Marbbles123: aw thank you! Glad youre enjoying the story. and I hope you enjoyed the rest of the fight between Gohan and the others! also thanks for your kind words, it really helped you guys are so lovely! And nope Gohan can certainly not keep that mouth shut! haha.

777torn777: even more so!

TheHiddenLettuce: yeah sorry as i said above i will be sticking with Super transformations rather than GT. I just feel like it fits better here! And in regards to the Namkeian dragonballs, Gohan suggested them before he came to Earth. However whis and beerus said that they were sacred orbs and would be taboo basically to use them. id like to think of earths dragonballs as cheap knock offs haha. it sounds a bit strange right now, but i promise that it will become clear later on why the namekian dragonballs are so sacred!

Darkmehameha: haha glad you didnt! good to see you!

KagariAsuha: thank you so much! I do have an idea for a hair chop later ;)

Iwik : haha yes I am a girl! I think that may have surprised a few people as ive had a lot of reveiws calling me 'dude' or 'man' lol. thanks for the praise and the kind words! really pleased you are enjoying the story, and Gohans trash talk!

dx-1118 : thanks so much, I hope I didnt disappoint! Great to see you loved the meeting between the Gods. I wish I could reveal more about the whole Perses and Zamasu dynamic! It is killing me haha.

Leafeon12: thank you so much! :)

GuestTDB: aw thank you for your kind words, you guys are ace! Brilliant that you are loving the story. I am so excited for it, and its great to hear that you drop everything just to read it! Wow! Such praise! Thank you I hope you liked this chapter and the suspense!

KeynoRules: Ah thank you! glad I found your review! Did you get any more fanart ideas?! haha

fated1990: thank you very much! I hope I lived up to that excitement again!

FireEmblemMaster101: thanks for your fab review, and that you loved the 'oh snap!' from Lord Mosco! ahhh I really cant reveal too much at all in my reply to you! lol I hope you enjoyed the taste of Gohan's power and the mass extinction technique. I really wanted to scare the crap out of everyone to show just how powerful and terrifying our junior destroyer can be! Ah I would love to do the recruits adventures, it really would be ace!

dspendragon125 : thank you! Glad you liked Gohan Vs Goku!

Magnanimous Architect: thanks so much, keep coming back!

NinjaFang1331: thank you!

Zero Rewind : ah thats fair enough, thanks for sticking with it as far as you did. I understand that its not for everyones tastes! The Namekian dragonballs have already been mentioned, and not used in fact because they are too sacred - more on that later! the whole piccolo not recognising Gohan think wasnt to force the plot a long, more to add to the sadness and drama :)

X3runner: haha thanks for your review! Yeah Gohan is a handsome deity, Videl certainly did get a little jealous of the warrior princess snog in this chapter!

Lawrence HBain: hmm Cell... interesting ;)

phyre1129 : thanks so much! glad youre enjoying it!

Snare646 : thank you!

Thomas-The-TMC : thanks so much! :)

GannicusG13: thank you :) it got a little darker and emotional in this chapter, so I hope you still enjoyed!

HKGlenstid: thank you :)

Erin : aww its okay! Id rather look and see that I didnt do it wrong! thanks so much for your kind words. And please if you get an account I would love to see your doodles! on another note my dear... DID YOU ENJOY THE DESSERT?! :O :O :O

Guest : ah I do have an ending! I cant reveal though. LOL I should put that in my description!

Nyyyyyyeeeeehhh : not until it is finished!

Naite-Laef : wow youre like the third or fourth person to say that! Its amazing! Thank you for your praise! It really does mean alot! Really hope you enjoyed this chapter! xD

noble1000 : haha you did catch hamilton. did you catch a line in this chapter too? Thanks for your support!

DaDragon562 : great reveiw thank you so much! Thats exactly the comparison, I hope ive put some across well in this chapter and that you enjoyed it :)

o- Nyx -o : No worries! and congratulations! Yeah trolls are no fun. constructive critism is fine, but I cant stand keyboard warriors lol especially those who leave unkind comments for no reason!. thanks for the praise, and lol this chapter is my longest my FAR. I just couldnt stop lol. Really hope you enjoyed it and glad to see you back. I mainly have the main scenes for whole the story mapped out and then write in quotes and dialogue around it, building it up before I edit it! It is still a working progress though :)

mubaarik4858: when I read your review I couldnt beleive you guess it! haha hope that the fight between them all panned out well for you and that you enjoyed it!

TeraBaapBSDK: thanks for the fave and follow! no im not greek, I just love greek mythology!

Green Medley: awww thank you so much for your review! Glad you like this story! Yeah I cant help but feel that Whis SHOULD notice that Gohan's potential is incredible, even if he doesnt want to fight in the original. Gohan IS a complete dunderhead, and a drama queen. sigh. Though I hoped you like Goten's take on the situation.