A/N: HUNNYS I'M HOME! Hi all I'm back from my honeymoon, its gone so fast. I had a fabulous wedding and honeymoon and all ready to get back to the grind of work and studying and saving for a house. phew! Thank you all for being so so patient as I realise that I haven't published anything since July which is just awful. But hopefully now things are getting back to normal I will have more of a schedule. I've spent the entire day writing out this chapter in it's entirety, and I really hope you enjoy it and it was worth the wait. I cannot believe the story has hit almost 500 followers. You guys are the best thank you so much I'm so glad you are all enjoying it! So enough about me, here is the next chapter in this epic story! I had a blast writing it! :)
So as you may see with your beady eyes, I have written this chapter EIGHT years after the Cell Games. But what about the Buu saga I hear you cry? Well I'm sorry to those that were waiting for it... but I've skipped it. Yep thats right, Majin Buu has been and gone without Gohan getting involved. I know this may disappoint some readers, however my reasoning behind it is that the Buu saga is over done, dry and just not entertaining to write after reading SO MANY different versions of it and writing one myself in my other story. I've decided to go fresh with this one, mix it up a little and do it a bit different. So sorry but not sorry! Some may argue why the Supreme Kai didn't involve Gohan, but as he didn't get Beerus involved in the original, why should he? I hope it makes sense to you all and I haven't broken any hearts here, but don't you worry, Gohan will have many more epic battles in this story ;) ES x
Chapter Eight
The Super Saiyan God
The Sacred Realm of The Kai's, Age 775 - Eight years after The Cell Games
"Kibito, do you feel that?"
The red-skinned assistant deity observed his master, Shin, very carefully as he addressed him. The Supreme Kai had been standing stoic for quite a while now, his dark eyes surveying the violet skies above them. After all his years of dutiful service, Kibito was wise enough to know when something was troubling his superior, and judging by the way his jaw tensed, coupled by the bead of sweat that trickled down his brow, it was certainly something quite disturbing.
Kibito sighed heavily in affirmation, "I'm afraid so master, but is it really what I think it is?"
Confirming his fears, the Kai nodded solemnly, "I believe so my old friend. He is gaining strength."
Kibito gulped down the lump in his throat, "B-but how is that even possible? The Void is an impenetrable force of emptiness, how can someone gain strength surrounded by nothingness? Especially after all this time?"
"I don't know," Shin said wearily, though he attempted to keep his voice as steady as possible, "But if what we are sensing is sound in it's truth, then we must warn the lower Kais."
"Master, forgive me, but do you think that we should worry them about this so soon? The revelation could unnerve them, it wouldn't do well for the Gods to descend into chaos," said Kibito tentatively, his brow etched with worry.
"After Majin Buu I think it would be wise for us not to take any chances," The Kai replied darkly, "If Perses should escape then it could mean the end of this universe, along with countless others."
"And Lord Beerus?" asked Kibito, "Should we trouble him with this too?"
The Creation God shook his head, "I have no doubt that he or Whis have already sensed it. Though I cannot speak for their Junior Destroyer, at this point it is not imperative that he knows. He is extremely powerful yes, but he is not yet within the realms of Perses. There would be not much he or even we could do at this point. Though it is best to be on our guard."
His assistant nodded in agreement, before becoming dreadfully silent. Though his ever observant master was quick to notice the sudden tension that filled the air.
"Kibito," The Supreme Kai started, his beetle black eyes surveying him curiously, "I see that it is not just our predicament that troubles you. Come now, what ails you so?"
Kibito swallowed, "I must admit that I remain conflicted over our decision not to tell Goku and our friends on Earth the truth about the Junior Destroyer, especially after they managed to successfully destroy Majin Buu with only our guidance to aid them."
The deity looked away, prompting Kibito to panic slightly, "Master, I did not mean to cross a line-"
Shin sighed at this, cutting the red-skinned man short, "I stand by my decision, as harsh as it may seem. Son Gohan cannot come back to Earth since he is bound to the Gods. To his family and friends he is as good as dead."
Kibito listened intently, his hands clasped tightly behind his back as his master continued.
"Call it selfish of me, but if Goku had known of his son then he would have been more focussed on trying to find him instead of putting an end to Majin Buu. Granted, I failed to make the connection between Goku's lost son and the new Junior Destroyer until Piccolo approached me at the tournament. Knowing who I was, he was so certain that I knew of Gohan's whereabouts, or certainly of a place where the dragonballs could not reach him."
The red-skinned deity closed his eyes in understanding and nodded firmly.
"It was not easy to lie to them Kibito, especially as they are still very much grieving for the loss of their young friend, but there are some things better left only to the Gods knowledge," said The Supreme Kai, turning back towards the violet sky as a shooting star shot through the distant atmosphere overhead.
"It was the same reason why I was so reluctant to involve the Earthlings in the first place," Shin continued, looking out at the stars, "Though because I had already sent The Supreme Guard into the deepest depths of the known universe looking for the cause of this sudden surge of dark energy I had no other choice but recruit Earth's mightiest warriors."
"A wise decision Master," Kibito replied, bowing his head in respect.
"It did all seem to work out rather swimmingly," he chirped with a wry smile, before casting his gaze afar once more, "I do hope they return safely, they have been gone for quite some time. Though I have had no alert to any danger."
"On the contrary," the assistant said knowingly, "The Supreme Guard have been highly trained by yourself and the Grand Kai personally. They have come a long way in such a short space of time, I am certain that they will return with some sort of clue for us at least."
"Perhaps," said the Creation God, with only the smallest hint of hope in his tone, "Though I think it wise to keep the true purpose of their mission a secret for now. The less that know about Perses, the better - until the time is right of course, although I'm praying that we will never have a need."
"As you wish," said Kibito with a bow.
"Thank you Kibito," The Supreme Kai smiled, though a sadness lingered in his eyes, haunting shadows of a battle long ago seemed to dance within the iris'.
"Come, let us contact the lower Kais."
Lower Kai's World, North Galaxy
This was bad. This was very very bad.
Of course, he had thought that his day couldn't get any worse when Goku of all people had turned up unannounced for a spot of training that morning. He had only just managed to fix the roof of his house from the last time his former student and decided to 'drop in and say hi' as he called it. King Kai knew differently after all, he could see right through that wayward ruffian. The cheeky grin and charming remarks couldn't fool him after all, for the impromptu visits to his small world had become a regular occurrence over the past eight years.
Goku had maybe thought that he wasn't being that obvious, for the loveable lug was not certainly the type for thinking, especially when it came to what people thought about him. Although it had been strange for the North Kai when the saiyan had appeared out of thin air one day about a year after The Cell Games, asking if it would be alright to use his newly revived planet to train on.
King Kai had questioned the man at first, but had obliged him none the less. He had nothing left to teach Goku after all, save for manners whilst eating, but fighting wise Goku had by far surpassed every student he had ever had. The Kai didn't believe the sordid excuse of 'well, your planet has ten times the gravity of Earth! What better way to get in some high intensity training?' After all, he knew that the Earthling Bulma had advanced her technology so much so that he could train at gravity levels far beyond what his planet could offer. Though he couldn't bring himself to question him any further, for behind the charming smile and nervous laughter was there a pleading look, a desperate man who just needed to escape the real world if for just an afternoon.
Although his former student would never admit it, King Kai could see that what had happened at The Cell Games had changed him. He had felt it after all, the very moment that Goku's son's life energy disappeared altogether, his soul completely vanishing off the map. King Kai didn't understand just what had happened at first, but soon it had become all too clear. Souls didn't just disappear for no reason after all, the laws of the cosmos didn't allow it. Oh yes, Son Gohan's soul had been chosen for a higher purpose, one that wasn't surprising seen as he had displayed strengths like none other he had seen before in his long life span, though the purpose wasn't all that obvious back then.
Though King Kai would never forget the look on Goku's face when the dragon Shenron informed them that his young son could not be brought back to life. The fact that his son had even died at all had certainly been a shock, he had felt Cell's life snuff out and had been too busy celebrating with Gregory and Bubbles to notice that his son had also perished. He had dropped them from where he was nearly suffocating them in a bear hug when Piccolo had practically screamed the news at him. His entire demeanour did a complete three-sixty, his voice shook, his eyes welled with tears but the stubborn saiyan refused to let them fall in front of his former master. Though it didn't matter just how strong he was, Goku was a parent that had just lost a child, and never, ever had he seen the man look so distraught.
After he had asked Dende to wish him back with the Namekian dragonballs, Goku fell to his knees, his resolve broken, his angered fists breaking the tiles apart beneath him. It practically took all of King Kai's sanity to get him to stop transforming right there in the check-in station. He screamed in frustration and grief, his hair flashing from black to gold and back again, his emerald eyes alight with pure rage and despair.
"Gohan wasn't supposed to die! My son King Kai! My son is gone! Dead! H-how could I have let this happen?!"
Goku's words seem to echo in his mind long after Porunga had summoned him back to the living world, and the North Kai watched the Earthlings for a while. He didn't know what had possessed him to do so so much, though he supposed he had a duty to watch over them as much as every other planet in the Northern Galaxy. That, and it certainly gave him something to do for a year until he, his planet and companions could be wished back to life by the Earth dragonballs. He was thankful that Goku had remembered to do so, as he had been worried about him ever since he had returned to Earth. The saiyan was certainly not himself, he had fell hard into a deep rooted obsession, hell bent on finding his lost son. He spent more time away from his pregnant wife and more time at The Lookout with Dende and Mister Popo, looking through thousands of ancient scriptures in an attempt to find answers. He had even gone off into space for a time, in a desperate attempt to see if his son just happened to be hiding amongst the stars. All of his training had seemed to have come to complete halt.
That had changed however, at the birth of Goku's second son. The baby boy seemed to have given the saiyan a new lease of life, of which he was in desperate need of. Slowly, but surely, his training resumed and it wasn't long after he had sort out King Kai again did Goku regain the spring in his step, though it was obvious to anyone that he was still struggling to come to terms with the fact that his first born was gone forever.
Even though the rest of the Z-gang had seemingly moved on with their lives, started families, opened dojo's and gotten new jobs, Gohan's short eleven years on the planet had certainly left a lasting impression on his family and friends. Grief made people do funny things, North Kai had already surmised that by the thousands of years he had spent watching over the galaxy, so it was really no surprise when Goku resumed his old obsession and continued getting stronger. Vegeta too, not one for being left in the dust, especially his rival's, trained himself into the ground. The two seemed to have abandoned their old bloodthirsty rivalry and instead formed a new friendly one which involved sparring together regularly, even taking their young sons with them on occasion. It was no wonder that the Z-warriors managed to defeat Majin Buu just over twelve months ago, what with the heights of power they had achieved, especially Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo. King Kai had theorised that they felt as though they owed it to young Gohan, to continue to protect the world that he had once saved yet left behind. It was truly touching to see them all fighting so valiantly together, though he could see that they were disappointed when The Supreme Kai had informed them he had never heard of this 'Son Gohan' they spoke of, nor had any idea how to reach him.
Of course, his benevolent superior had lied through his teeth, he had been doing the same thing ever since he found out the identity of the new junior Destroyer. In truth, he had been hearing whispers for a few years now, that Lord Beerus had been training a very young disciple who was to become his successor. King Kai didn't put two and two together at first, but the presence of the young destroyer quickly became hot gossip among deities, for the boy was incredibly powerful, so powerful that rumour had it he was able to pull the ancient Z-Sword from it's stoney prison. There had been numerous sightings of the destroyer in training with it strapped in a sheath on his back, even West Kai had swore on his life that he had seen him wielding the relic in a conflict in his own galaxy, and that was saying something, the Western guardian wouldn't swear on his living status for just anything. Apparently, according to East Kai, he was endearingly handsome, cheeky, charming and had a mischievous tendency for bending the rules. South Kai had vouched for his mischief, and had even seen the Angel Whis crack him across the back of his head from time to time with his sceptre for stepping out of line.
Still, North Kai had only made the connection when he had heard that he was half-saiyan. Now that was something worth his annual meeting with the rest of his annoying colleagues. He was conflicted however, though decided it would be wise not to let on that he knew the whereabouts of Goku's son, or what he had become. Destroyers were the worst kind of deities in his opinion, even though they had a duty to maintain the balance of the universe, he knew all too well the destructiveness and mercilessness of Beerus' power. His planet wasn't always this small after all.
He wasn't entirely sure just how Goku would react to the news, though he had a hunch that he would be even more devastated to know that his beloved son had spent the last eight years wiping entire planets and races from existence. King Kai had wondered how someone seemingly as pure hearted as Goku could become a destroyer. Then again, if the monstrous power Gohan had displayed at The Cell Games were anything to go by, he shouldn't have been surprised. No wonder Cell had made such a desperate attempt to destroy the Earth, King Kai wouldn't want to have been on the other end of that boy's cold, malicious glare, even before he had tortured Cell within an inch of his life.
And so his former student had spent the last eight years blissfully unaware of what his son had become, and King Kai had intended to keep it that way, he just couldn't bring himself to break the man's heart even more. Though as usual, it wasn't always that simple. The North Kai sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose in despair. He had hoped that The Supreme Kai was contacting him for some other reason but impending doom - didn't anyone call just for a friendly chat nowadays?! But alas, the universe didn't stay peaceful for long, and his galaxy had only just recovered from Majin Buu.
He cast his gaze over to Goku who was busy training some feet away. Donned in a blue and white tracksuit with his symbol on the back, and a hundred ton weighted bands on each limb, the saiyan was quite unaware of his conversation with The Supreme Kai. Which could only be a good thing, for Goku seemed to embrace the concept of something like the universe imploding with an air of childish excitement. He and his friends would be the first to tangle themselves up in this mess.
Though the higher Kai had informed him that no action would be required as yet, certainly not until The Supreme Guard had returned from their venture. He gulped nervously, he really hoped that this increase in dark energy was nothing but a fluke, for if they were correct in their judgement and Lord Perses somehow escaped the void against all odds then it would surely mean the end of everything.
As powerful as Goku was, he wasn't sure that he could go up against a being of divine power. He doubted his son would last long either, for Lord Beerus barely managed to escape with his life after the epic battle that quite literally shook the universe over a thousand years ago.
"Phew, I think that's enough for one day!" came Goku's sudden holler, breaking him out of his thoughts.
The saiyan was smiling widely as he removed his weights, the force of which caused them to sink into the ground, creating huge holes in his garden. Though for once King Kai didn't have the heart to yell at him, unable to ignore the sadness that still lingered in those obsidian eyes.
"Come on lets go inside, I'm starving!" called Goku, rubbing his belly, "What do you say we grab some grub Bubbles?"
The monkey bounced up and down enthusiastically, following him eagerly into the little house. "Hurry up King," he whined from the kitchen, "I've got to eat quick or else Chi-Chi will be mad at me for being late for dinner!"
Gregory rolled his eyes from where he was sat outside, "If you're having food when you get home then why do you need to eat our supplies?!"
"I just want a pre-dinner snack is all!"
"Unbelievable."
Goku ignored him, and the sound of clinking pots and pans could be heard, until the saiyan stuck his head out the window to look at him with a frown upon his features, "King Kai? Aren't you coming?"
He paused, fighting with himself once more. Though he managed to hold his tongue, reminded by the fact that he was bound to his duty once more.
"Why the long face?" Goku laughed, "You look as though the world's about to end or something!"
Then, just like that, his messy head disappeared back into the kitchen, where he continued to argue with Gregory and Bubbles over the mess he was surely making.
"I hope not Goku," King Kai sighed to himself, "I really hope not."
The Table of Kings, Planet Lamorak, Deep South Galaxy
A series of loud raucous bellows filled the room of an ancient castle, situated at the top of the tallest tower with views of blood red planet below. Planet Lamorak was famous in itself, a host to various blood thirsty battles over the years but now had more fame for the tornados and deadly hurricanes that ravaged the planet. The high winds howled as the skies were steadily getting darker, an indication that the occupants of the round wooden table had been arguing from quite some time. The splintered wooden depiction was central to the increasing tensions going on around it. Some chairs had been knocked over, tankards had been thrown and spilled, causing the sticky alcoholic substance to seep onto the stone floor. The rounded chamber was full of guards and warriors who had accompanied the Kings of their respective planets, all of them of different shapes and sizes. Some races were almost humanoid in their statue, others were short and stocky like goblins, whilst others looked like mutated octopuses. Though despite their obvious differences, every single one of them were involved in an all out brawl.
Their war cries and mighty roars rattled the window panes, echoing off of the old stone walls of the chamber that had been the holding point for their meeting. Paintings depicting old Kings had fallen to the floor, broken pieces of wood littered the ground, along with the unconscious bodies of some unfortunate souls. The sound of knuckles on bone and yelps of pain reached their ears, profanities were being screamed at one another in various different languages, one guard was gripping onto the window ledge for dear life for want of not falling to his death, whilst a King was currently strangling another King with a stolen tapestry.
Though there was one present who was not involved in the fight, a teenage boy in fact, who was merely observing the descending chaos with a bored expression. His chin resting on his hand as he remained in place at what was deemed the head of the table, judging by the size of the throne he was seated upon. He was a handsome young man in his late teens, and looked the sheer epitome of a warrior. He was tall, with large but lean muscles that were only exposed further by the deep blue garb he wore. It opened at the torso, which displayed rippling pectorals with several deep scars running over his upper body as though something with very large talons had sliced into the flesh. His arms were in no better condition, that and his calloused hands showed that he had seen his fair share of battle. His ebony hair was long and wild, reaching to his waist like a mane though he had tied it back with a golden clasp in a vain attempt to tame it. His eyes were just as dark as his hair, hardened with experience, though with a hint of mischief that one could not deny the young saiyan. The only oddity of his appearance was that of the shining golden halo above his head, for the teen was quite obviously dead. He tapped his foot in annoyance, his boot inches away from the shining sword that he had rested against the table leg. The ancient relic was just as important to him as his right arm, and went everywhere with him.
Son Gohan stifled a yawn. He was starting to think that this was a bad idea after all. They had been at this for hours, and the young halfling was getting increasingly bored. Not one of them had managed to come to any sort of agreement. He was actually starting to come round to Lord Beerus' reasoning in wanting the lot of them destroyed. The deep south of the universe was a cesspool for the unjust, full of thieves and murderers, slavery was the norm on some planets, along with drug trafficking, and an abundance of brothels and underground mobs. Most of it was ran by corrupted monarchies that were constantly at war with each other, and although not an immediate threat to the balance of the universe, Lord Beerus was tired of them festering up that part of the Southern Galaxy. That, and their food was tasteless and practically inedible.
Though despite this, Gohan wanted to hear them out, give the warring planets a chance to straighten themselves out before he had to wipe them from existence. That, and he wanted to prove to Lord Beerus and Whis that they didn't have to destroy everyone that stepped out of line. His methods may have been questionable yes, but the young saiyan didn't care what they thought. Though sometimes he couldn't help but think that it would be easier if he did destroy them, this whole plan of his had completely backfired. Calling a meeting between the most corrupt Kings in the universe was perhaps not his brightest idea, hours of arguing about money, supplies, warriors, mobs and everything in between had now turned into an all out punching match. He didn't even want to imagine the look on Lord Beerus' face should he find out about his naive attempt at politics.
As a small member of the Gobalien race whizzed across the table in front of him with a dagger in between his teeth, Gohan let out another yawn. This time, a lot less subtle than the first. The sudden noise escaping the junior Destroyer caused the brawl to halt in it's tracks, all five Kings seemed to jump out of their skin, immediately reminded of just who was in their presence. At once, they dropped to their knees, along with their entourage, who practically trembled with fear.
"L-Lord Gohan!" A burley King spouted, his voice panic stricken, "My apologies your destructiveness, we er - we forgot you were here - not that your presence isn't unnerving, oh no far from it my liege! We were just-!"
"Save it," the destroyer in training sighed, running a had through his hair out of frustration, silencing him instantly whilst the others whimpered, "It's fine. Though we're not getting anywhere here, we're just going around in circles, and your little scrap isn't helping any either."
Tentatively they opened their mouths to protest, but Gohan held up a hand to silence them.
"The only reason I called this meeting was so that I could hear you out," he said in annoyance, his onyx eyes narrowing, "You're lucky that I'm not Lord Beerus or else this conversation wouldn't even be happening."
Simultaneously, the occupants of the room gulped.
"Look," the teenager sighed heavily, pointing to each individual King as he spoke, "All I'm saying is stop the fighting, stop trying to enslave other planets, control your armies, mobs and clean up your act. Further more, stop blowing things up. Do all that, and we're cool."
The Kings looked at each other apprehensively, having not understood the earthling terminology, "Cool? Lord Gohan?"
"Yeah cool, meaning I wont have to do this," he nodded, a glowing ball of dark purple energy growing at the tip of his finger before he flicked it into the air, whereby the entire roof and surrounding walls were destroyed dramatically in a shower of purple particles, "To you."
The cold winds erupted around them like a tremendous galeforce as they were no longer shielded by the high rising structure. The Kings and their companions cried out, squeaking and shivering with terror, grasping onto one another so that they didn't get blown from the platform and plunge to their death in the deep valley below them. They eyed the junior destroyer fearfully, as he spoke again. The roar of the tyrant like winds bellowing in their ears.
"So, are we done?"
"Y-yes my Lord!" they chorused, some of them sobbing.
"Great!" The young saiyan smiled happily, encasing the tower in a protective shield so that the roaring winds were no longer a danger. Some warriors toppled to the floor from where they had been grasping onto the table and remaining stone for dear life.
Though Gohan either didn't seem to notice or ignored them altogether as he produced some parchment seemingly from out of thin air, "Now, sign the treaty and shake hands."
The Kings looked at each other hesitantly, neither of them making a move. Sensing their reluctance, the teen saiyan glared, "Or do I have to destroy you?"
To his delight the warring Kings quickly shook hands, practically falling over themselves in a rush to sign the treaty that Gohan had placed on the table.
"See?" he grinned in triumph, his arms folded across his chest, "Isn't that better now that we're all friends?"
Though before they could answer, or grovel to him as was usually customary, a loud beeping sound reached his ears. With a quick flick of his wrist, the young saiyan materialised the now glowing round communicator his mentor had given him some years ago when he had been allowed to go on small ventures alone. Whis had told him that it was so that Gohan could contact him and Lord Beerus should he need assistance, but the young saiyan knew better by now, and given it's use over the years, it was mainly a ploy so that Whis could check up on him.
"Talk to me," Gohan stated cooly, and at once the glowing flash stopped, and in it's place appeared the smiling face of his mentor.
"Ah Gohan, have you destroyed Planet Lamorak and it's surrounding hub of criminal activity yet?" he asked.
"Nah," the teenager shrugged, feeling rather smug, "Didn't have to, they managed to work it out."
"WHAT?!" Came another voice, and soon enough Lord Beerus had pushed his snout into the frame, "'Worked it out'?! What, did you bake them fairy cakes and have a sing song around a camp fire?! You are literally the worst destroyer ever! And he's to be my successor?!"
The Destroyer continued his ranting as he promptly stomped away, causing both Gohan and Whis to chuckle at the display.
"W-was that L-Lord Beerus?" One of the Kings asked out of both awe and fear, looking up from where he was signing the treaty.
"Shh," Gohan scolded him, causing the man to squeak.
"That is excellent news Gohan," Whis praised him, "But how did you manage that? That part of the Southern Galaxy has been having the most vicious wars and who knows what other illegalities waging for decades."
"Ah, don't worry about it," he replied with a smirk, "They just needed a bit of gentle persuasion is all."
The Angel smiled in amusement, "Very well. I daresay you've worked up an appetite, dinner will be waiting for you when you get home my boy. I'll send The Warp right along in due haste. Please try not to jump off early to explore this time, I have something I need to discuss with you."
"Aw come on Master Whis you act like I run off all the time!" He chimed cheekily, causing his mentor to roll his eyes.
"I won't even warrant that with an answer," he sighed, "See you shortly."
"Righto!" said Gohan, switching off his communicator and vanishing it with a wave of his hand before snatching up the signed treaty and banishing it to a safe place also. Satisfied, he turned back to his audience with a hearty wink, but not before grabbing the Z-Sword and hoisting it over his shoulder, "Until the next time chaps. Don't go and step out of line again alright? Or else I'm going to have to destroy you!"
Their eyed widened in terror just as a brilliant white light engulfed the platform, and with that the junior Destroyer was gone, taking the protection from the raging winds with him.
"Did he just-?"
"BRACE YOURSELVES!"
Lord Beerus' Planet, A Far Away Dimension, The Living World
Gohan blinked the light out of his eyes as the The Warp disappeared and he was met by the foot of the enormous ageing tree that held the palace. He breathed in the air of the planet he had long called his home, which was much fresher compared to that of Planet Lamorak. Shaking his messy hair out of his eyes, the teenager couldn't help but allow a smile to grace his lips. He had had yet another successful venture, and couldn't wait to tease Lord Beerus about it. He was still a little scared of his power, obviously, though he had relished in the fact that his predecessor wasn't allowed to destroy him for want of the universe not imploding, so he was able to get away with tickling the sleeping Oozaru as it were, something that Whis was most amused by.
Time had moved forwards and showed no signs of stopping. Every day had seemed to mould themselves into one, as Gohan continued to push his body past it's limits. After his first sparring match with Lord Beerus, which in all honesty just classified as a beating, he came to realise that it was only the beginning, and the majority of his time would be spent with his face in the dirt.
Much to the young saiyan's chargin, other than his duties as a junior Destroyer, the rest of his endeavours included housekeeping and studying. Though occasionally he would be allowed to join The Supreme Guard on missions to keep his battle skills in check. He enjoyed the time he spent with his friends immensely, though they were few and far between. They were especially impressed with how much he had improved, though he was still no where near to even landing a hit on his predecessor, which Lord Beerus was particularly smug about. Occasionally Whis would join in the fray, and the young saiyan would stand no chance at all against the divine duo, winding up in a crater at the end of each session. Still, he enjoyed his sessions with his mentor, Whis was an incredibly good teacher, and seemed to notice things about Gohan that he didn't know himself, quick to stamp out his bad habits of fighting techniques he had become accustomed to when he had been alive. He had quickly come to know the ways of the universe, the order of divinity, the divine code, and various languages, laws and history. He had mastered techniques he had never even dreamed of, every day was like an adventure, and he never wanted it to end.
"Hmph, looks like you're getting better at landing. It's been a while since you fell on your tailbone."
Gohan rolled his eyes before shooting a glare at the Z-Sword in his palm, "Oh har har very funny. What, are you keeping score now or something?"
"Something like that," The voice chuckled to himself, "I have to entertain myself with something around here, watching you fall on your backside is the highlight of my day. Now you're getting better it's quite fun to keep a tally on how long it'll take you to do it again! Ooh I know how we can make it more interesting! Want to bet on it?"
"Certainly not," the teenager griped, still scowling.
"Spoil sport."
Gohan sighed, proceeding to take the long route up the winding staircase imbedded into the ancient tree bark in order to admire the view. He had been right all that time ago, when he had successfully pulled the Z-Sword out of the stone, he had heard a voice. It had took a good while for it to make itself known again, and the young saiyan thought that he was going crazy when he had heard it again. But alas, the voice seemed to get stronger and stronger the more he mastered the Z-Sword, and now it was a pretty much constant in Gohan's life. He had attempted to talk to Whis about the mysterious voice inside the sword at first, though his mentor had always brushed it aside with a 'well how fascinating' or a chuckle before moving swiftly on. The voice, or just Z as Gohan liked to call him was just as cryptic when he had asked just how he could speak to him. All the teen had found out was that Z was a celestial being that had somehow gotten himself fused with the sword, and his entity lived within. That was as much as he would let on until 'the time was right', whatever that was all about. Though it was odd that Gohan was the only person that could hear Z, but he tried not to let it bother him too much, and surmised that it must be something do to with him becoming at one with the ancient relic. Though it wasn't much solace, as Z had become a sarcastic, sometimes rather imposing thorn in his side.
"You always ruin my fun," Z huffed, as Gohan continued up the vertical incline.
"How so?" the teen asked, readying himself for another sarcastic comment.
"Oh I could write a book! But how's about we start with a more recent one, when you practically sprinted out of that all female bath house last week?!"
The young Destroyer cleared his throat awkwardly, a blush marring his cheeks, as he hissed, "I didn't know it was a female bath house! I couldn't read the signs! I only went there because I was all bloody and filthy from the battle with the Hydra!"
"Then maybe you should have brushed up on your Faithe language matey, because it was clearly marked 'females only' above the door. And if that wasn't enough then the women in towels should have been a sure sign."
Gohan's blush grew deeper, "I said I was sorry, and how on earth does me walking in on a load of bathing Faithesia matter to you?"
"I'm just saying you could have finished your bath at least, I was rather enjoying the view around you."
The teenager scoffed, "You're a pervert."
"And? You're a nutter."
"How so?"
"Well you're the one talking to an inanimate object."
"You spoke to me first!" Gohan protested hotly, as Z paused.
"Now tell me Gohan, which one of those sounds more stupid?"
"Oh shut up," the junior Destroyer growled, stuffing him roughly into the seethe on his back.
"Oi!" Z shouted, though his cries of anger were shortly muffled by the thick encasement surrounding him.
No sooner had he manage to stifle Z, did he reach the top of the winding staircase, where Whis was waiting for him at the entrance of the old stone palace.
"Ah there you are Gohan," the Angel smiled, "Took the scenic route I gather?"
"Sorry I'm a bit late," said the teen, "Just needed to clear my head."
"Understandable," he replied, "You've certainly worked hard today. Come, Lord Beerus is growing impatient. But no running in the - !"
With that, the young saiyan raced into to temple, ignoring his mentors calls on the search for food. "Oh why do I even bother?" Whis sighed in distain, before following his rapid footsteps.
When he reached the banquet chamber, Gohan was glad to see that an enormous feast was waiting for him. With a quick greeting to Lord Beerus who was sat at one end of the table, he wasted no time in sitting across from him and inhaling everything in front of him.
"Gohan, what have I told you about running in the palace?" Whis' voice cut through the air, causing the teen to swallow his huge mouthful.
"Whoops sorry, I suppose I forgot," the teenager grinned back, causing Lord Beerus to scoff.
"I haven't forgotten the mess you made when you ran in here the last time," he glowered, casting his gaze over to the grand empty fish tank behind him, before sighing, "All those fish, what a waste."
"What do you mean?" Gohan quirked, "Whis did a do over after I crashed into it and it was all fixed again!"
"Yes until you decided to counter me," the destroyer growled, "That blast of yours fried the lot of them!"
"Well, you did say the day before just how much you liked fried fish," the halfling jested, causing the vein in Beerus' temple to throb.
"And you did clothesline him off his feet quite aggressively my Lord," Whis chimed in, "I have to say, it was a rather good counter by our junior Destroyer."
"WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?!"
"Neither Lord Beerus," said Whis calmly, causing Gohan to snort, "And do mind your temper during dinner. That goes for your manners as well Gohan."
The teen gave him a apologetic smile, "Yes sir."
"Now as you're here Gohan, we have much to discuss with you," the Angel continued from where he was stood by Beerus' side.
"Oh?" he quirked, "Like what?"
Whis sighed heavily, and the young saiyan immediately felt unnerved, both he and Lord Beerus' features had become far too serious for his liking.
"I must say that I am surprised that you hadn't noticed it, though I suppose that you have been too busy with your studies and training."
Gohan frowned, his food abandoned on his plate, "Noticed what?"
"There is something stirring within our universe," said Whis, "something incredibly dark and disturbing. I have been in contact with The Supreme Kai and he has indeed sensed that something is amiss, something that if we are correct, will not only affect the universal balance, but the entire universe as we know it."
His onyx eyes hardened, he certainly didn't like the sound of that, and he was rather annoyed at himself for not recognising this dark energy in the first place. Frustratingly, he still couldn't sense it, though he reasoned that his senses weren't quite up to the Godly standard of deities such as Lord Beerus and The Supreme Kai.
"But what is it?" asked Gohan, "can we stop it?"
"Not what, but who," said Lord Beerus, a spark of anger ignited in his eyes, "We think we know who this dark energy belongs to, but at present we do not understand why or even how he is gaining power, much less still alive."
The teenager blinked, something within his memories called out to him, and it was then he understood why the deities looked so serious.
"It's him," he heard Z whisper fearfully, though his voice was still slightly muffled.
"Perses," Gohan stated, causing Whis and Beerus to look towards him in surprise.
"You know of Perses?" asked Lord Beerus, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"I've read a book or two about him," shrugged the teen, attempting to remain indifferent, "I know he was the junior Destroyer before me, went on a compete rampage and started destroying everything. You trapped him in a dimension called The Void where no one is supposed to live, let alone escape. Am I missing anything?"
The deities exchanged a look, before Whis spoke, "No Gohan I think you've got all of that. Goodness me just how many books have you read in that common room of yours?"
"Pretty much all of them," the young saiyan brushed off causally, "So you think Perses is trying to escape?"
"We can only guess," said Lord Beerus, "We haven't figured out just where or how yet, but he is drawing power from somewhere in order to gain strength."
"But I thought that there was nothing in The Void?" he frowned, "Surely he can't gain any power from inside there?"
"Exactly our point Gohan," said Whis, "You have to understand that Perses was practically dead when we were able to capture him. The Void does awful things to a anything within it, it sucks out what little life there is left, anything that enters turns into an empty shell. For Perses to come back from that would require extraordinary power, something that he will not find in that dimension. My reasoning is that he is somehow drawing energy from the world of the living."
His eyes widened, "But how is that even possible?"
"If we knew don't you think we would have destroyed the source by now?" Lord Beerus scoffed, rolling his eyes at him. "Either way, this is something us more senior deities are dealing with, we're only telling you in order to give you fair warning for what comes next."
"Huh?"
"Well Gohan," said Whis, with a small smile, "We've had somewhat of a revelation that has come at the most convenient time, in my opinion."
"I'm not sure that I like the sound of this," he groaned, as Beerus' lips drew into an ominous smirk.
"Whilst you were busy on Planet Lamorak, Lord Beerus took a short nap in which he happened upon a certain dream," Whis began to explain.
"A dream I had before some years back but had forgotten about," sniffed Beerus, "It wasn't important to me then so why should I remember it? But you see back then I didn't have a half-saiyan as my successor, so the words Super Saiyan God wouldn't have meant anything to me."
Gohan blinked, "Super Saiyan God?"
"I thought that you might not have heard of it, despite your saiyan heritage," said Whis, "But fear not, I believe that this Super Saiyan God form is the key to ensuring that you become a fully fledged God much quicker. What with the balance of the universe at stake, I think it only proper that you attain this form so that you can master it should we need it's power."
The teenager was completely bowled over, "But Lord Beerus said it was just a dream? Are you sure it's some kind of form?"
"I saw it with my own eyes boy," the Destroyer said dangerously, before his brow furrowed, "Though the details are a little hazy."
"Gohan is right my Lord, your dream-state premonitions have a habit of not coming true," offered Whis. "I have checked and double checked, there is no Super Saiyan God currently in existence."
"Oh really now? Then I'll prove to you that what I speak is truth," Beerus sneered, calling out to the skies, "Oh Seer! Seer? Can you hear me?!"
A loud clatter sounded in the distance, followed by an almighty crash as the Oracle Fish whizzed into the chamber, before skidding to a halt right before them.
"You called my Lord?" she bowed respectfully.
"Yes," he replied, getting up from his seat and stalking towards her, "I seem to remember having a dream, a premonition as it were before my last decades long sleep and this nitwit arrived on my planet."
Gohan scowled as the Destroyer continued, "I dreamed that I would meet a powerful warrior who took on a divine form to rival the Gods themselves. I spoke to you directly about it."
"Oh you mean the Super Saiyan God prophecy?" the Seer asked, prompting Beerus to nod his head in affirmation as he addressed Whis and Gohan.
"See? I told you," said Lord Beerus smugly, before turning angrily to the Oracle, "I knew when Whis showed me Gohan's super saiyan form that I had heard the term before, but a certain FISH FACE DECIDED TO KEEP IT QUIET!"
The blue fish scoffed, "Well you should have asked. I prophesies a lot of things. You can't expect me to remember them all!"
"BUT THATS YOUR JOB-! Ugh," the destroyer God cut himself short, inhaling deeply, "Whatever, it doesn't matter. The point is that we need to figure out how to make you this Super Saiyan God."
Gohan gulped, as Lord Beerus jammed a clawed finger in his direction, "But how?"
"The best people to ask are other saiyans, what better way to get answers than straight from the race that the form is attributed to?" said Whis.
The young saiyan frowned, "But the last saiyans alive are on-"
"Earth yes," his master answered for him, "Which is precisely where you are going to go to get answers."
Gohan blinked, and then blinked again, before the reality of what Whis had just inferred really sunk in.
"WHAT?!" He shrieked as a whirlwind of emotions flooded his being all at once, the panic setting in, "Y-you want me to go back to Earth?"
"Only temporarily," said Whis, "Though I agree it isn't the most ideal situation, we will have to make sure that your true identity remains undetectable. We will have to lay down some ground rules. It would be too risky."
"If it's so risky then why can't any of you go?" he asked haughtily, causing Beerus to scoff.
"Are you serious? We're far too busy, and if you haven't noticed, there is the matter of the universe's impending doom."
"Can't I just ask Master Zuno how to transform into a Super Saiyan God?" he continued to argue.
"If you want to kiss him, be my guest."
"Dragonballs?"
"Would take centuries to summon the dragon God Zalama you know that, the dragonballs are spread across universes."
"Namekian dragonballs?"
"A gross misuse of such sacred orbs I must say, do you want us deities to look bad?"
"Time rings?"
"Only Supreme Kai's are permitted to use them, and anyway they only go forward in time, so there is no use in you trying to use them to go to the past to see if there was a Super Saiyan God previously and ask them how to do it."
"What about The Supreme Guard? Can't they go in my place?"
"Do you really want to set Makhai loose on the Earthlings?"
"Alright FINE!" Gohan cried finally, he was now standing and running his hand through his hair out of frustration, "I'll go. But as soon as I find out how to transform into this Saiyan God then I'm coming home."
"Quite right," said Whis with a small smile, "Your best bet for information might be Prince Vegeta, though if you want to avoid bumping into your family and friends as much as possible then it might do well to summon Shenron with Earth's dragonballs if it comes to it."
The teenage Destroyer sighed, his mentor could read him like an open book. A long time ago, he would have given anything to be able to go back to Earth, to see his family and friends, to check in on them and see if they were happy. But now…
He didn't even know how much time had passed since he had died. If he could hazard a guess he would put himself at around sixteen or seventeen if his growth spurts were anything to go by. He had never felt the need to ask Whis, the more he distanced himself from the realms of the living the better. For he would never be able to go back. And what's more if he sees them and they him, it would make it so much harder to go away again. He had thought he had made peace with it. He really didn't want to go through all that again.
"You may choose not to go Gohan," the Angel told him sincerely, "But the universe may fall."
The young saiyan whirled around angrily, "That's not a choice, that's an ultimatum!"
"Ah tomato, tomato," he shrugged indifferently, as the teen sighed in despair, "though I must stress, I advise you not to indulge yourself with your loved ones for longer than needed, you will only make it harder on yourself."
"Well, duh."
"Oh which reminds me," Whis chirped, waving his staff so that his halo disappeared above his head, "Remember to keep that halo of yours concealed like so, or else you're bound to be questioned."
"Yeah, yeah," Gohan griped, "Just promise you'll bring me back as soon as I find out how to become a Super Saiyan God?"
"But of course!" He beamed, and to the teenager's horror, did a bright white light encompass his being.
"Wait! You're sending me now?!" Gohan bellowed in utter disbelief.
"There's no time like the present!" Whis continued to grin, as Lord Beerus and the Oracle Fish roared with laughter behind him, "Toodles!"
And in a blinding flash, he was gone.
3rd September, 2018.
Reviews
Aaron Leach : Thank you!
kidneysrgood: Gohan was able to use the Hakai technique without God Ki because of his mortal qualities, accompanied by how strong he is. He has by no means mastered it, especially on his first time. Granted, in this chapter he is a little further on. it makes sense as in Super Frieza could use the energy of destruction with no God Ki and Goku couldn't ;)
Animefortin95: Time line a little different im afraid, as Whis woke up Beerus early to present Gohan in the second chapter.
HalfbreedSayian: thank you very much, I hope you keep loving it!
phyre1129 : aw thank you! that really means a lot!
Jack906: sooooooooooooon
HungryHungryHippie : thanks! I hope you like this chapter just as much!
victor0606 : thank you!
Lightningblade49: oh you bet!
WiffleDick678 : Explained in a previous chapter, Gohan could have chosen NOT to age, though he did as he didnt want to be called a shortie forever! So yes, he is grown and will continue to do so.
X3runner: wow thanks so much for your review! Its so lovely to hear! I cannot reveal to much at present, although I do agree with your concept of super saiyan God colours, so stay tuned!
Viscides: definitely food for thought! thank you!
speedking535: soooooooon
V 4 Vellian: thank you, i hope that this chapter has answered some of your questions!
keyblademeister88 : sorry no Buu! But i promise itll be action packed!
Naite-Laef: thank you so much!
hawkeyestratos1996 : yay thanks!
memmek10k: Videl? ... **laughs evilly** soooon
Drew86419: fair enough, though I hoped youve continued reading to see how it has developed. for me, its all about creating a wider universe, and making earth feel smaller ;)
Guest: thank you! and thanks for being patient! yes it was a bit brutal having all the recruits drop at once but i think it makes it more dramatic! mwahaha. As for the tree, im so glad you enjoyed that!
Gelid : oh you will see! I have ideas with colours!
Guest: well he has the Z-sword...so you ll see whether he has mystic. we all know the opportunity for it is there! As for gohanxalala I actually really liked them together too ;)
777torn777: a looooong, long way!
x2leoj: wow that means a lot thank you so much!
DragonCrusader : heh heh see what i did there!
johndoe86 : thank you!
Toorafc: thanks!
Guest: (erin) thank you very much! I hope youve enjoyed this chapter!
Back seat fighte : haha! yep, he is goofy!
anonymous : oh trust me, there will be much asskicking
draconianking : more has arrived! hope you like it!
Trougue: soz. ive tried! :)
HeartlessAlpha : thank you! and exactly, screw the cannon, Gohan continues forth ;)
StarGazer2326 : sorry i cant reveal just yet!
Robthekiwi121: sorry no Buu! But reunting is imminent
EleazarTheUnforgotten: you got it!
Guest: thank you so much, Gohans strength will be revealed more as it progresses! :)