Thank you all so so much for the follows and reviews! I am so excited for this story. I am so glad that you are loving it so far, hopefully you will continue to! xD For those who may be interested, I have written a little background for each of the recruits so it will make it clearer as the story unfolds as to ages etc. Their backgrounds and how they came to be on Beerus' planet will become more clear. And yes, I went overboard with greek mythology, but they are training to be Gods - duh! ;) Stay tuned! ES x

recruits backgrounds and meanings

Alala

Name meaning: (Ancient Greek "battle-cry" or "war-cry"), was the personification of the war cry in Greek mythology.

Age: 15 years.

Years Alive: Age 450 - 463

Years Dead: 304 years in Age 767

Former Residence: Grand Kai's Planet

Home Planet: Polemos, South Galaxy

Occupation: Assassin

Appearance: Lilac skin and dark eyes and hair, small and petite.

Bia

Name meaning: The goddess or personified spirit of force, power, might, bodily strength and compulsion.

Age: 19 years.

Years Alive: Age 502 - 521

Years Dead: 246 in Age 767

Former Residence: Grand Kai's Planet

Home Planet: Themis, East Galaxy

Occupation: Warrior

Appearance: Snow white skin and white blonde hair and yellow eyes. Very beautiful, like a goddess.

Eris

Name meaning: The Greek goddess of strife and discord.

Age: 17 years

Years Alive: Age 599 - 618

Years Dead: 149 Years in 767

Former Residence: HFIL

Home Planet: Enyo, East Galaxy

Occupation: Evil Empress/Warrior

Appearance: Wild, untameable ashy hair, red skin, pointed ears and fangs, like a devil.

Kratos

Name Meaning: Ancient Greek: "Power"

Age: 18 years

Years Alive: Age 412 - 430

Years Dead: 337 years in Age 767

Former Residence: Grand Kai's Planet

Home Planet: Styx, West Galaxy

Occupation: Warrior/Leader of a battalion

Appearance: Built like a warrior god. Tallest of everyone. Brown hair and beard, bright blue eyes, tanned skin. Almost looked human, but he was must taller than the average man back on earth.

Makhai

Name Meaning: the spirits of battle in Greek mythology

Age: 16 years

Years Alive: Age 721 - 737

Years Dead: 30 years in Age 767

Former Residence: HFIL

Home Planet: Lethe, North Galaxy.

Occupation: Outlaw

Appearance: Tall, lean muscled. Ginger hair, pale skin, golden eyes. Pointed ears and fangs with long claws.

Deimos

Name Meaning: Ancient Greek meaning dread - the god of terror in Greek mythology. Deimos served to represent the feelings of dread that befell those in the midst of battle.

Age: 18 years

Years Alive: Age 522 - 540

Years Dead: 227 years in Age 767

Former Residence: HFIL

Home Planet: Formid, South Galaxy

Occupation: War-Lord

Appearance: Skinny, pointed features. Bald. Sickly green skin and eyes as dark as a black hole. Domineering presence, creepy. Tracksuit looked as though it was hanging off him, though he seemed not to care and it classed horribly with his sickly green skin.

Chapter Three

Kratos The Great

xxxx

The rest of the recruits were already waiting for them in the meadow when they arrived, Gohan puffing and panting behind Makhai as he had used his quick speed to race them both out of the sleeping quarters and rush to the other side of the planet. Whis stood in front of the teenagers, who were lined up in a neat row obediently. He surveyed them in amusement as they approached them, the young saiyan's clothes were rather crumpled and his hair dishevelled, though Makhai looked as though he had only taken a leisurely stroll.

"And then there were seven, my what a powerful number," observed Whis as they got into line with the others, who did not look impressed by their tardiness, "Late again Makhai? A God of Destruction must never be late you know. It's a mystery as to how you're not always the first one here with that speed of yours."

"Sorry Master Whis," Makhai said with a charming fanged smile, "Gohan needed to relieve himself and we had to stop on the way, I told him to go before we left, but you know how kids are."

"That's not true!" The halfling yelled hotly, as their peers snorted with laughter.

"Settle down everyone," Whis called firmly, as Gohan silently fumed, "Let's get on with our first lesson of the day."

Everyone stood to complete attention, determination in their eyes.

"The first step to understanding one's power is learning the extent of it," The deity informed them, "Only then will you be able to harness it, control it and use it to carry out your duty to the Gods and to the universe."

The recruits were listening intently, Gohan too, but he was confused when Whis stopped short and focussed his gaze upon him, giving him a knowing smile. "As you are our newest recruit Gohan, I think it's best for you to sit out for a moment and observe."

The pre-teen frowned, as he caught sight of Eris and Deimos smirking at him, whilst Kratos gave him a triumphant look.

"A wise choice Master," said Kratos the warrior, "Our training sessions can get quite brutal, it would be dishonourable of me to allow such a child to get hurt unnecessarily."

Whis' smile seemed to get even wider as he signalled for Gohan to make himself comfortable on a nearby boulder. The young saiyan stomped away haughtily, before doing as he was told and plonking himself down on the smooth rock and folding his arms across his chest in a huff. His onyx eyes remained focussed on his new master, aiming to learn something from the lesson at hand, even if he wasn't allowed to join in. It wasn't as though he wasn't used to this treatment. He had experienced villains and fighters alike making fun of his age all his life, and often he was sat on the sidelines because he was deemed too young or weak to join in. Still, he wasn't about to let those gits get to him. A sudden fierceness ignited within him, making him determined to prove them all wrong and show them that he wasn't some kind of joke that Whis had plucked out of the space sticks just for the recruits amusement.

"Now, I want you all to power up to your maximum, if you please," The deity ordered, and it seemed as though the deceased teens didn't need to be told twice.

Immediately, Gohan's senses were assaulted with mind boggling energy. He had to hold onto the boulder to stop himself from toppling over, as at once did the apprentices aura spring to life, blowing the air away from them with a sonic boom and lighting up the meadow in an array of multicolour. Kratos, he was unsurprised to find, was far higher than the rest of the group. His white aura grew around his muscular frame rapidly, licking at his body like flames. Alala, though the youngest save for Gohan, was the second strongest much to his awe. Violet crackles of light exploded around her, the wind grabbing at her long ebony hair in waves. He could sense a crippling dark presence emitting from both Eris and Deimos, which was a stark contrast to Makhai and Bia's bright energy that seemed to level out the darkness.

They were all incredibly powerful, that was a given. It was truly a sight to behold.

"Like what you see?" Kratos jested, and it was only then did Gohan realise that his mouth was hanging open.

"Aw look at his face," Bia cooed sweetly, a silver glow encompassing her slender body, "Maybe he has not seen power like this before."

"Gohan, you may join the others now," Whis chimed, his eyes glinting in the vast array of light that illuminated the planes, "and the rest of you can power down."

They seemed confused by this, though obliged, their auras dissipating in an instant as soon as Gohan approached. The young saiyan was rather sceptical also, was Whis going to make him fight them all at once as some kind of initiation? Even so, why did he make them power up and back down again? Did he want to show him just what he was up against?

"I want you to power up to your first transformation please," instructed the deity, as all eyes turned towards him.

The halfling frowned at first, but thought it best to just do as he was told. With an abrupt shout, he unleashed his Ki, the energy spreading like wildfire through his veins. His ebony hair turned golden in an instant, wavering in the breeze suddenly created by his shining golden aura. His onyx orbs swirled with colour, before they settled on a vibrant emerald green. Gohan exhaled deeply, before turning towards his mentor with curious eyes.

"W-What is that?!" Eris gaped, as the power washed over her, the others too were similarly dazzled.

"It's a super saiyan," Whis explained, causing Deimos to splutter.

"A saiyan you say?! I thought they were extinct! The text of modern history states - "

"There were a few survivors to their planets destruction, including Gohan's father," the Angel informed them, "Gohan is half-saiyan."

Though Whis didn't give the apprentices any more time to ask questions, as he turned to Gohan and stated, "Your maximum power, if you please."

"Um alright," he replied, before he stance stood wider and a loud guttural roar escaped his chest.

Makhai squeaked, as an enormous wind picked up around them, blowing the group back from the force. Only Whis remained firmly in place, seemingly unaffected by the gail force that suddenly struck the meadow. The ground beneath Gohan's feet began to pick up, and pebbles, dirt and bits of grass swirled around his rapidly growing aura. Storm clouds began to form overhead, emitting a bellowing thunder that intermingled with the young saiyans screams. Lightening bolts struck the ground, seemingly merging with the swell of energy surrounding him, snapping at the air like a cobra. His lean muscles bulged, his golden hair spiking further atop of his head, leaving a stubborn bang wavering over his now hardened emerald eyes. Slowly, the screams stopped and the rocks and debris fell to rest at his feet. The only sound his pulsating aura, that jolted and crackled with electricity as he cast his gaze back over the meadow. He couldn't help but allow a triumphant grin to play on his lips, the enormous gain in power going to his head slightly. The other recruits were staring at him with a mixture of shock and awe, every single one on their backsides, their jaws practically on the floor.

"T-that's insane!" Makhai gaped, his golden eyes blinking rapidly at the eleven year old, "How the bloody hell did he manage to obtain all that power at his age?!"

"It's impossible!" Eris spat.

"Ah Makhai, Eris, I told you that age is just a number in terms of power," said Whis, giggling slightly at the look on their faces, "Now which one of you wants to fight him?"

Gohan looked towards his mentor in surprise, "What, really? You want me to fight?"

"What's the matter kid? Don't want to get your hands dirty so soon?" Kratos spoke suddenly, clambering to his feet and smirking at the young saiyan, "I'll fight him first Master, I want to see just what all that power can do against me."

The blonde haired Bia turned her head in alarm, "Kratos, are you sure that is wise? He is but a boy. Not to mention it's his first day here!"

"Then it will be a perfect test of his strength," The large warrior retorted, standing across the meadow from him, "Unless he's too scared."

"I'm not scared of you," Gohan retorted boldly, even though he could sense a well of energy deep within Kratos' power, which made him realise that the teenager had been holding back when Whis had told them to power up to maximum. But why? Maybe Kratos' power was too great to unleash fully, and he didn't want to destroy the planet in the process of him increasing his energy.

The pre-teen gulped, oh how he wished his brain hadn't had thought that.

"I believe there's your answer Kratos," Whis smiled pleasantly, "We'd better give them some room. Have fun boys."

Gohan caught Makhai give him a sympathetic look before he took off with Whis and the others so that they could watch the fight from a distance. But no sooner had they created some distance, was Kratos upon him.

The young saiyan reacted quickly, his senses heightened from his ascended transformation. Faster than lightening, Gohan caught his opponents deadly fist in his palm creating a sonic boom that echoed over the vast landscape. The blades of grass dispersed around them, forming a small crater around their feet. He saw a glimmer of surprise within Kratos' eyes, before it was replaced with a fierce determination and his shining white aura exploded around him, pushing the youngster back a few feet. Kratos growled, his fists positively glowing with white hot energy as he unleashed rapid fire upon the halfling.

Gohan dodged and ducked out of the way, before parrying his attackers fist and delivering a spinning kick straight to his gut. Kratos coughed up a wad of blood and saliva, and the pre-teen thought he heard Makhai cheer for him when the deceased warrior quickly recovered and sped towards him in a flurry of limbs that the young saiyan narrowly avoided.

He was quick, and his energy seemed to be increasing with every passing moment. Kratos snarled, launching himself at the boy and prompting Gohan to phase out. Though this time, the older recruit was ready for him to reappear, and clocked him straight in the jaw. The sound of knuckles on jaw ricocheted over the meadow, the force of impact causing Gohan's head to spin. But the halfling wasn't going to let the warrior get away with landing a hit so easily, and instead followed up in his own attack, flipping himself over the older boy and delivering a powerful uppercut to his chin. Kratos stumbled, catching himself quickly before kicking off from the ground and careening towards Gohan, who was already waiting for him. The young saiyan unleashed rapid fire, sizzling yellow Ki balls erupting from his palms in a unrelenting barrage. But to his annoyance, his attack all but left smoking craters in the once beautiful meadow below, as Kratos phased in and out, dodging the blasts effortlessly.

"All that power is nothing without experience!" came a sudden shout from behind him.

Gohan whirled around quickly, catching Kratos' outstretched palm as it made to strike his neck. "I've got plenty, thanks," he spat back, causing the older recruit to scoff.

"Been fighting for longer than three-hundred years like me have you, child?" Kratos replied, clearly amused as he easily broke free of the young saiyan's hold, twisting in mid-air.

"No, but that doesn't mean that I can't win!" he growled, blasting his golden aura further around him.

In a flash, the young saiyan was upon him, though their fists collided in mid-air, their knees connected, each blow met with an oncoming blow. They danced around each other, drawn like moths to a flame, before clashing and sending tremors rippling across the entire planet. Boulders crumpled to the ground and the dirt shook apart beneath them as the fight continued, the entire world was trembling. Finally, they sprang apart, panting, bloodied and exhausted. Though Kratos was still smirking.

"You've got spirit little one, but it's not enough to defeat me!"

And then it was as though a volcano had erupted. The young man's aura grew steadily, doubling, no tripling in size. The wind howled as Kratos let out an earth quaking roar, his power increasing to nigh impossible heights. Gohan gasped, as his senses were assaulted by the teenager's power, his white aura suddenly changing colour and glowing an alarming red.

The halfling grit his teeth, steadying himself through the roaring winds when suddenly, the ground burst open below them and sharp jagged rocks erupted from the planet's surface. Jumping high into the air, Gohan avoided the deadly spikes as they careened towards him. But Kratos wasn't finished, as bigger, longer, sharper pieces of rock shot towards him. He couldn't even contemplate just how Kratos was manipulating the world like that, though he guessed it was through some kind of training with Whis. Flipping himself over, the young super saiyan narrowly dodged a spike that whizzed between his legs.

That was way too close for comfort.

A surge of anger swelled within him, he was already at his limit, yet Kratos was somehow getting stronger. He could feel Whis and the other's eyes burning into him, but Gohan was not going to give into their expectations and allow himself to fail. He had already failed enough today.

Another spike hurtled towards him, but this time, the young boy was ready - and charged. With a battle cry, Gohan leapt onto the offending rock and ran along it, using it as momentum to kick off from and launch himself towards oncoming fist barely brushed the older boy's cheek when he was flung backwards by an explosive wave created by his crimson aura. Gohan cried out in both frustration and in pain, as Kratos cracked his knee into his sternum, before following up with a hammer fist to the skull. The halfling's entire body jolted as he crashed to the ground with an enormous shockwave, creating a smouldering crater in the soil. He was seeing stars, as what felt like a hundred tons of solid steel collided with his stomach, and it took him a moment to realise that Kratos had landed upon him, his bulging legs either side of his torso.

"Come on young warrior!" he laughed almost jubilantly, "I thought you were trying to prove your worth!"

Gohan grit his teeth, as Kratos' fists met his face. His knuckles collided relentlessly with his cheekbones, again, again and again. He was pretty certain that his nose was broken.

"Kratos! Stop this!" he heard Bia cry from above, "Stop this at once!"

He clamped his jaw tightly shut to avoid biting his tongue off, as Kratos continued his beating. The sheer weight of the large young man almost too much to pair itself. His red aura was so hot that it was almost burning him, beats of sweat trickled down his face and intermingled with the blood that poured from the gashes in his face. Gohan was angry, frustrated, and if his heart were still beating then he was certain that it would be pounding against his ribcage. His head was spinning, how was he losing so badly? He couldn't help but think what Mister Piccolo would think of him now. It was supposed to be a friendly spar, but there was nothing friendly about it. Not the way Kratos was goading him, taunting him, like he had to prove a point that he was the strongest and Gohan was nothing more than a weakling. What had he ever done to him? It reminded him of -

Gohan, why don't we give your engine a jump start?

Cell.

The pre-teen's eyes snapped open, as if something clicked within his mind and a loathing so intense flooded his veins, along with a blind fury so intense that it ignited his golden aura back around him. Yet this time, it exploded outwards, rising high into the sky like a beacon of brilliant light. Kratos was immediately fired into the air by the sheer force as Gohan screamed with overwhelming power that echoed over the meadow. Bolts of sizzling electricity rippled over his muscles, but they were denser, blue rather than silver and crackled around his aura in bigger waves. The light began to settle, the golden hue of energy returning to his normal pulsating volume, yet Gohan's entire body was engulfed in a blue glow that emitted small particles into the air. His pupils were invisible, his spikey gold hair even wilder, as he cast his gaze over to a rather flabbergasted Kratos.

"How's this for proof?" The halfling snarled through gritted teeth, his emerald green pupils slowly coming back into focus.

Though he did not give Kratos change to answer, as before the older teen knew it, Gohan had kicked off from the ground and fired himself into the air, slamming his almighty fist into his jaw. Kratos was forcibly propelled backwards through the skies, his eyes wide as he crashed through a row of mountains, leaving a destructive path in his wake. Not letting up, the young saiyan sped after him, catching up to him before he reached the dark forest. Gohan's foot embedded itself into his gut with a loud boom, causing his crimson aura to disperse completely.

Kratos roared in anger, as the young super saiyan batted him away with another powerful strike to the chest, flinging him high above him before cupping his hands by his side in a familiar stance.

"Ka…Meh…!"

"No! Not yet!" Kratos bellowed, screeching to a halt and gathering a scarlet blast above his head.

"Ha…Meh…-!"

The bright blue swirl of energy grew in his palms, his hardened gaze set on the figure above him. Yet, just when he was about to unleash the super wave, did a gentle hand touch him on the shoulder.

"I think that's a time out," came Whis' light tone.

Gohan snapped to his senses immediately, his golden and blue aura dispersing in a flash of light as he whirled around to face the deity whose eyes were positively twinkling in delight. Kratos too, had powered down at the appearance of their master. He floated opposite the pre-teen, panting heavily as his arms came to rest by his sides. The young saiyan gulped, his anger dissipating as he looked at the destruction surrounding him. The once magnificent meadow now resembled a battle zone, with several craters embedded into the dirt, the grass and flowers completely burned away by the sheer heat of the fighter's energies. The mountain range in the distance was smoking and pretty much reduced to rubble, and Gohan and Kratos were in no better shape. Their once pristine tracksuits were torn and bloodied, with several scorch marks having ruined the fabric.

The older boy glared at him across the half destroyed meadow, before he promptly spat on the ground and flew back to camp. He winced as he watched him go. Gohan wasn't certain just what had came over him, but a guilty feeling crept it's way into the pit of his stomach as he looked at the mess he had made. He dropped out of his transformation, his hair returning to it's usual ebony and his green eyes back to onyx as Whis spoke.

"It's just as I thought," he said knowingly, "There is still much depth to your power left unexplored."

The halfling blinked, tearing his gaze away from Kratos' retreating form, "R-really?"

"Oh yes," Whis smiled, "At that last moment you ascended past your previous limits. I'm sorry that I had to stop your fight, but I didn't want you to burn yourself out so quickly. It would be best to master your super saiyan two transformation before you try to reach the third."

"You're saying that there's another level?" Gohan gaped.

"Well I wasn't quite sure at first," said Whis, "But your fight with Kratos just now only assured me that you can go much further beyond, there are greater strengths hidden within yet to be untapped young one. Believe me when I say that your little power up was nowhere near the next level of super saiyan strength, but you were certainly more powerful than a super saiyan two as you rightly call it. I doubt that is a saiyan's final form."

"W-wow," the pre-teen mustered. He knew he had hidden strengths, his father and Piccolo had always harped on about it, but he had thought that he had unleashed everything against Cell. He never would have thought that there could be more. Vegeta would have a heart attack if he knew that there was yet another level to the super saiyan transformation as Whis at surmised.

"I'll try my best Master Whis, I want to get stronger," Gohan said determinately, causing the Angel to beam.

"That I have no doubt of," he grinned, before waving his staff over the patches of craters below him. To his delight and relief, the meadow and the surrounding forest and mountains returned to normal, fully repaired as if no battle had taken place.

"Now, how's about that food I promised you?" asked Whis pleasantly, glancing over his shoulder, "Though I can't guarantee a peaceful meal, you've caused quite the stir amongst the other recruits."

Slowly, the young saiyan turned, catching sight of the flabbergasted young warriors on the ground, each of them a little singed.

"GREAT GALAXIES HOW MUCH DO YOU EAT?!"

If he wasn't already dead, Gohan felt as though he had died and gone to heaven. A vast array of glorious smelling foods had awaited him when Whis had dropped him off at the camp, now fully healed thanks to a quick wave of his staff. He silently wondered if there was anything that Whis couldn't do.

The banquet room resembled some kind of mess hall, situated a little further down the tunnel from the common room. The young saiyan practically drooled at the sight of plates and platters of delicacies that were laid out on a long wooden table in the centre of the hall. He didn't even give the others chance to sit when he had raced forwards and pulled up a chair, devouring everything within reach. Gohan was so hungry that all of his manners went completely out of the window, his mother would surely scold him if she saw him, as the halfling hadn't even bothered to pick up a knife and fork.

Still, he hadn't eaten since breakfast before The Cell Games, and even then he had barely eaten a thing, he felt far too sick and nervous. His father on the other hand had eaten his body weight in breakfast items, as not even the fate of the world could stop that man from eating.

Given the desperate circumstances, the halfling allowed himself to go to town on the feast in front of him. He didn't even recognise what he was eating, none of the items were of Earth that was for certain. But he quickly found that he didn't care, as he pulled another alien looking pig towards him and tore one of it's legs off the carcass. He only looked up from his meal when he heard Makhai shriek in horror.

He smiled sheepishly through his mouthful, as he realised the rest of the recruits were staring at him in disbelief. Kratos had not joined them, which had troubled Gohan up until all his brain could think about was food.

He swallowed heavily, before taking a breath, "Sorry, I'm just really really hungry. I haven't eaten since I died."

"I gathered," Eris growled, before sitting furthest away from him with a disgusted look upon her face, "You do realise that snout-beast is for all of us right?"

"Oops," Gohan cringed, looking down at the half eaten pig, or snout-beast as it was called, but his apology was shortly cut off by an enormous belch that escaped his chest, "Hehe, excuse me."

"Revolting," the green-skinned Deimos scoffed, picking up his own plate and distancing himself from the boy's carnage.

"I think Whis underestimated just how much you saiyans can eat!" Makhai laughed, plonking himself next to Gohan and helping himself to the feast, "He certainly didn't underestimate your power though that's for certain."

The pre-teen blushed slightly, as Bia and Alala took a place opposite him.

"Quite right," the glowing blonde smiled warmly, "I must say that I didn't think you would be able to stand up to Kratos, he is an exceptional warrior."

"I gathered," said Gohan honestly, "He's even stronger than Cell. And I could still sense that he was holding back."

"Cell?" Alala quirked, "Was that the warrior who killed you?"

He nodded, his hands balling up into fists, "Except that Cell was no warrior, he was a monster."

Makhai whistled through the tension that had suddenly engulfed the room, "Sounds intense, he must have been powerful to have sent you packing off to Otherworld."

"Yeah," he mustered meekly, the feeling of death was still far too raw. He didn't want to remember the distraught look in Piccolo's eyes as he faded from the Earth forever, so he briskly changed the subject. "Does Kratos hate me or something?"

Bia and Alala chuckled, as Makhai shot him a wicked grin, "Nah, just ignore that big brute. He might be the strongest of us at the moment, but if you want my opinion it was starting to go to his head. You just damaged his pride is all."

"Hate is a strong word," said Alala, "I think a strong dislike is more appropriate. Kratos doesn't trust people easily."

"Why not?" asked Gohan, his food now abandoned on his plate.

Bia sighed, "Kratos was not always the hardened warrior you see before you once upon a time."

"Yeah, legend has it that he once used to smile," Makhai jested, though he was silenced by the young woman's penetrative yellow eyes.

"Many centuries ago," Bia continued, "Long before you were born young one, Kratos was a valiant warrior, a hero. Born on the planet Styx in the Western province of our universe, he rose quickly through the ranks of his people's most elite army. At just eighteen, he commanded an entire fleet of ten thousand soldiers, and led them to victory against man foes. He became known as Kratos The Great throughout the galaxy. He was the strongest of his people, but his second in command, Zelus, grew jealous of his power and glory and betrayed him."

Gohan's eyes widened, as she took a deep breath, a sadness about her.

"He unleashed a great evil upon Styx, an ancient beast that Kratos had defeated and imprisoned some years prior. It slaughtered the entire army, his friends, his family. When Kratos found out who was responsible for such destruction, it nearly broke him. He no choice but to take out his comrade, his best friend, his brother in arms - but it was still too late. The monster was too powerful, and destroyed the planet, taking Kratos with it. Because of his acts of heroism, Kratos was granted his body and an afterlife of training on the Grand Kai's planet. But that betrayal lay heavy on his heart, and it changed him. Kratos channelled his anger into getting stronger, reaching heights that his race had only ever dreamed of, all because he couldn't save them. He had trusted Zelus like he had never trusted anyone before, or since."

"It took him a long time to warm up to us," said Makhai, "Especially Eris, and I still believe he doesn't trust Deimos."

Deimos snorted, "Like I care."

"That's awful," said Gohan, feeling a little bad for taking out so much anger on the young man, "But why did he want to fight me so badly?"

"He could see a power in you to rival his," Bia replied with a small smile, "He is gifted like that, just like how I am with reading a persons innermost feelings. He wanted to test you, to see how much more powerful he would have to get to widen the gap."

"He just didn't bet on the gap being so small," Alala winked, "Let alone you able to match him."

"Yeah you've got a right temper on you haven't you?" Makhai started, nudging him in the ribs, "Especially for someone so short."

"Careful what you say Makhai," Eris spouted darkly across the table, "He might go super on you if you upset him, and I doubt you will come out of it unscathed, as weak as you are."

"Weak am I?" the ginger haired boy guffawed, "I think that knock to the head you suffered in our spar last week damaged your brain oh mighty princess."

Eris snarled, her dark eyes flashing menacingly as Makhai gave the young saiyan a wink, "I do have to agree though, better not tickle the sleeping beast within, eh sparky?"

Gohan pouted at the nickname he had been given, as Alala giggled.

"I mean it though," he continued, "For someone who looked so meek an innocent when he first arrived, you are one pretty tough kid."

"Save your complements for another time," Eris scoffed, "He has yet to embark on any real training."

"Real training?" the young saiyan blinked, wondering what she meant by that. It had certainly felt real enough when Kratos was pounding his face into the dirt.

"Oh yeah," said Makhai with a small burst of laughter, "Just you wait little man, if you think that was tough, you ain't seen nothing yet."

The rest of dinner went by without much more fuss, though Gohan decided to keep his manners more in check for the sake of the other recruits. He actually enjoyed just sitting and listening to their banter, and tell stories of the epic battles from centuries ago. He was grateful for Bia, who diverged the conversation away from him, whether it was due to her strange powers or not, she sensed that he wasn't quite ready to talk about how he came to meet his end just yet.

He had learned that she was the oldest in terms of actual living age, being nineteen years old when she had died. She was certainly the motherly figure of the group, and was well accomplished in telekinesis, enabling her to envelope calmness when there conflict, and empathise with others thoughts and feelings.

Deimos hadn't stayed long, the despondent teen had retreated back to the boys sleeping quarters as soon as he had cleared his plate. Eris had stopped furiously away to her chambers after Makhai had started teasing her about their last sparring match again, but not before calling him an arrogant peasant. One by one they left, until it was just Gohan and Makhai, the latter ushering him up to bed so they could get some much needed rest. Of course, the older boy had offered to tuck him in and read him a bedtime story, in which the young saiyan had promptly told him to stick said story up his backside.

Kratos was already asleep when they had crept into the shared bedroom, and Gohan could make out the silhouette of his hulking stature rising up and down in a gentle motion in the bed across from his. Deimos was still awake just as Makhai had said, if the sound of turning pages was anything to go by.

The halfling quickly stripped himself of his tracksuit, and slipped on the silky gold pyjamas that had been neatly folded on his bed. Slipping in between the sheets, he realised that it was possibly the most comfiest bed he had ever been in. It felt as though he was lying on a fluffy cloud, his whole body sinking into the soft mattress and feather filled pillows, it was as though he was floating on air.

What a weird day.

He let out a contended sigh, his belly now full and his hunger satisfied. Finally, he closed his eyes, willing himself into his dreams. But as much as he tried, as tired and achy as he was, he just couldn't seem to switch his brain off.

It had been a day of firsts after all. The first time he had been away from home, his family, in a very long time. It was the first time he had saved the Earth singlehandedly. It was the first time he hadn't celebrated with the Z-Fighters after the battle dust had settled. It was the first time he had truly let his fury take hold. It was the first time he had completely lost control…

It was first time he had died.

"Will you stop fidgeting!" Deimos hissed angrily from across the room as Gohan rolled over for what felt like the tenth time in an attempt to get to sleep, "I can't hear myself think!"

"S-sorry," the pre-teen mustered meekly, squinting in the darkness, "I can't sleep."

"Well either sleep or get out," the green-skinned recruit spat snidely over his textbook, the other two boys fast asleep, "It's bad enough that we have to put up with Makhai's snoring without your insufferable twitching as well."

Gohan sighed heavily, before clambering out of bed and taking his leave, his bare feet padding on the cold stone steps as he made his way back into the common room, ignoring Deimos' irritated muttering. It looked almost eerie at night, the plush armchairs casting shadows over the hard stone floor. Slowly, he made his way over to the enormous window that stretched from floor to ceiling, and perched himself on the windowsill. Lord Beerus' world looked even more spectacular in the dead of night, and he could see the stars and galaxies that surrounded it, hanging brightly in a deep purple sky.

Had they tried to wish him back by now?

If he knew is family and friends, they would be desperate to wish both him and his father back to life. He closed his eyes, feeling hot tears building suddenly, but he did not allow them to fall. He didn't want to imagine their faces when they had summoned the Eternal Dragon, and his father had appeared but he was nowhere to be found. He doubted Shenron could even reach him here anyway, it was a realm of Gods after all, most likely far beyond the dragon's control.

Goodness, what would his mother say? He hoped she wasn't angry, but he would bet his life that she was distraught - if he wasn't already dead that is. Chi-Chi had ever wanted him to fight in the first place, but even the ever stubborn woman had come to realise that his power was needed to help save the world, else she wouldn't have let him train to fight the androids in the first place, much less The Cell Games.

Goku was resilient of course, he had every faith that his son would win. Just like Whis was so certain that he could get stronger, and become a God.

What do you say you win this one for us son? Then we can all go home.

The young saiyan swallowed thickly, he was far too old to be getting upset. Yet in reality he was incredibly homesick. Gohan drew up his knees, resting his arms and head on top of them and staring out into the stars. Would he be allowed home if he failed? Or did the Gods have other plans for him? Kratos would be an excellent candidate to become the next God of Destruction, any of the others even.

Still, failure was not an option. He had too much to prove, both to himself and his father. Piccolo, and even the prince of pride himself would certainly be slapping some sense into him if they heard his thoughts of self doubt. After all, what good was all the power and potential he had inside if he couldn't prevent the universe from collapsing in on itself?

He felt a pang in his heart as a shooting star sped overhead, lighting up the night sky before falling away.

But had he made the right choice?

"It's crazy how common insomnia is on the first night."

Gohan jumped at the sudden girlish voice, whirling around only to come face to face with Alana. She smiled at him gently, placing down the crossbow she had been polishing on the coffee table and getting up from the sofa. She was wearing the same silk pyjamas as he, her long hair tied into a messy bun atop her head. He cringed, he hadn't even noticed her sitting there when he had walked in, he had been too busy wrapped in his own thoughts.

"The first night of what?" he asked, hoping she wouldn't pry, "Being here?"

"No, the first night of being dead silly," she giggled, sitting beside him, "I distinctly remember not sleeping a wink. Granted, my species don't need much sleep anyway."

"Oh," the halfling mustered, "Yeah I suppose it does feel pretty weird. I just feel so…"

"Restless?" she observed wisely, "Don't worry, it'll pass. It's a normal reaction. Your soul should settle soon."

"I hope so," he sighed, looking out into the night once more.

"So, what's eating you?" Alala mustered after a while, folding her arms across her chest and leaning back on the wall behind her.

"I don't want to talk about it."

The girl gave him a pointed look, "You miss your family huh?"

Gohan nodded glumly, "I just wish I could have told them that I was sorry, to explain somehow."

"We've all made mistakes," she informed him, her dark eyes hardening slightly, "Some a lot more than others."

"What do you mean?" he quirked, as the girl's lips held a playful smirk.

"You seem like an intelligent boy," said Alala, "I'm sure you've realised that we didn't all come from the good side. We may all hail from all across the universe but we come from different parts of Otherworld as well."

"Are you saying that some of you went to hell after you died?!" Gohan gasped in shock.

"Oh yeah," she replied, "But you have to remember that for the majority of us that it was many centuries ago, and we repented. People can change, stranger things have happened."

"Where did you go?" he asked suddenly, "You know, after you…"

"Don't look so worried," the girl laughed, "I went to train on the Grand Kai's planet. Although it was close. King Yemma found it hard to judge me. I was an assassin, trained by the mightiest warriors who shaped me into my planets deadliest weapon."

Gohan's eyes widened, as she continued, inclining her head towards her crossbow on the table.

"After one of my mentors was murdered by a rival tribe, I exacted my revenge. It was just me and my arrows against the world, I was unstoppable, and I enjoyed every single one of my kills," she paused, frowning, "But there was something bigger going on. I found out that the mentors that had trained me since I was abandoned as a child were actually the ones that were evil. I was just a pawn in their little game. They wanted to take over the ruling of my planet, and use my skills to get them there. They wanted me to slaughter thousands. I could have done it easily too, but I refused. I didn't want to be controlled anymore, so I rebelled, started a revolt and liberated the Polemonians, my race, from their regime. Afterwards, when I thought Planet Polemos was finally free, they somehow escaped prison and ambushed me, destroying the very thing that they had created."

"How old…?" the halfling asked, his voice tailing of weakly.

"I was fifteen," she smiled back, brushing off his saddened look with a shrug, "Don't feel sad for me Gohan, I've come to terms with my death after over three-hundred years."

"Three-hundred?!"

"Something like that," Alala said thoughtfully, "three-hundred and three? four? Huh, I suppose you loose track after all this time."

"That's mental," breathed Gohan, "I really am the youngest here aren't I?"

"By miles," she laughed, "But not too far behind Makhai. And don't take anything he says to heart by the way, he likes to joke around."

"Yeah, I've noticed," the halfling drawled, a thought coming to mind, "So, I'll never age then? I'm stuck being eleven forever?"

"Not necessarily," the ex-assassin informed him, "Because you were so young when you died, you can choose to age as you would if you had lived. It's to do with the rules of Otherworld, in order to give children who die a second chance at life, to grow up. It's nice really. And the rules still apply here even if we are technically in the realm of the living because you're still dead."

"So I have a choice of whether I want to grow up or not?" Gohan gaped, hardly believing his ears.

"You don't have to do anything special," Alala smiled, "You'll continue to age unless you tell Whis or King Yemma that you want to stay as you are. I strongly advise that you allow your body to grow, unless you want to be called shortie forever."

The pre-teen chuckled, his chest feeling a little lighter, "Yeah, I think I might. It would be pretty sad never to grow up."

She sighed, "Yeah, sometimes I regret asking King Yemma to stay in this body. But I never wanted to loose sight of myself, of the person I became before I died. The rest of the recruits chose the same."

"That makes sense," said Gohan, a playful smile spreading across his face, "But you lot aren't as short as me. So I think I'm going to grow up and then tease all of you for being half-pints."

They giggled, before the girl gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"You're alright you know Gohan," she said, her eyes searching him before she grinned, "The others might not see it yet, but give them time. Whis chose you for a reason, he tried to humble us when he asked you to show your power."

"Really?" he blinked, "He would do that?"

"It worked I think," she nodded, "He is fond of you, and there is no doubt that you are strong for your age. All of us are."

The young saiyan knitted his eyebrows in thought, as Alala spoke again, "People like us are destined to serve the universe, and there is no higher honour than that."

"Thanks Alala," he smiled.

"No problem," she yawned, jumping down from the windowsill and giving her arms a good stretch, "In the meantime, train hard. I want to be selected over you when you're at your best at the least."

"I'll try," Gohan chuckled, watching her as she picked up her crossbow and put it over her shoulder.

"And who knows," Alala shrugged, "Maybe you'll get to say sorry to your family one day. Things have a way of coming back to us after all, if not always in the way we expect."

Then, faster than his eyes could follow, did the ex-assassin draw her bow and fire an arrow that embedded into the wall just above his head. Gohan yelped as the razor sharp spear narrowly missed his hair, and was about to ask the girl if she was completely of her rocker when he noticed a familiar blue sash hanging from the arrow.

"You must have dropped that outside the camp when you arrived, figured you might want it back," Alala grinned back at him, "Get some rest newbie, you'll be needing it tomorrow."

And with that, she spun on her heel, making her way up the spiral staircase to her sleeping quarters. Gohan stared after her in disbelief, before coming to his senses and grabbed his old sash, running his fingers over the frayed fabric and shaking his head in amusement. He hadn't even realised he had dropped it, and he knew he would have been incredibly sad should he have lost it.

When he had recovered, the young halfling made his way back to his room, where Makhai's thunderous snores had made themselves known. He could see the silhouette of the boy lying spread eagled on his bed, his chest heaving with each snore. It seemed that the other boys were used to it, as the room seemed still otherwise.

Not wanting to anger Deimos again, and cause any more noise, Gohan crept as tentatively as he could to his bed. But as he finally pulled the covers over him, did an abrupt shout sound from across the room.

"Honestly, does no one have any respect for a persons solitude around here?!" Deimos yelled, before the audible sound of a textbook snapping shut reached his ears and it flew across the room, hitting a sleeping Makhai in the head.

To the young saiyan's surprise, the boy didn't stir, and the snoring stopped altogether.

Well, for about five seconds.

SSSSNNNNNOOOOOOOORRRREEEEEEEEE

"Argh! CURSE YOU!" Deimos cried in exasperation, causing Gohan to erupt into giggles.

"And you can shut up as well you insolent child!" the seething teenager shrieked, it was a wonder how Kratos didn't wake up from the sheer volume of the three boys.

He snorted as Makhai's snoring continued and Deimos proceeded to hurl several heavy books in his direction. Gohan bit his lip, burying his face into the pillow to prevent himself from laughing even harder, his blue gi sash wrapped tightly in his palm.

25th April, 2018.

Reviews:

ZaynNaz: Oh I would be giving a lot away if I told you that! :)

arinst2305: You will see, trust me. The reaction is to come! I haven't worked out the kinks yet but I have a very good idea as to their reaction!

Aaron Leach: thank you kind sir!

TheRangerBoy: I think with this story, its expect the unexpected! Glad you like the direction its going in!

noise95: oh that would make it far too easy on Gohan now wouldn't it? In my eyes becoming a God of Destruction is a lot more difficult than just saying oh your'e strong, here it is. And much more entertaining for Gohan to have to work for it!

WiffleDick678: Hopefully this chapter has given you some idea as to how strong the other recruits are! Though we have yet to see what they can really do ;) Thank you so much for the compliment. :)

SeanHicks4: Thanks! Not quite sure what you mean by your question though, do you mean if Goku achieves super saiyan God and keeps up with Gohan?

SonJubbi: Thank you! hopefully this chapter didn't disappoint!

Beepx22: Thank you so much, that really means a lot!

MrChuckMan: Oh my gosh your review made me laugh so hard! Brilliant!