Chapter Text
Zucchi was growing so fast. He was already a month old and Gohan couldn’t believe how fast time was going.
His body was feeling more and more like himself and he was itching to get back to training. He had dutifully let Bulma examine him but she couldn’t find any reason to say he shouldn’t.
He’d been training most of his pregnancy. And now, he felt like he had so much pent-up energy.
So he’d started slow. Just some basic exercises and drills.
Goku had come eagerly but had pouted when Gohan started slow.
Goten joined him instead for a bit.
And then Gohan ramped up the training.
Goku kept pressing him for a true fight but Gohan wanted to make sure he was fully back to top shape before they fought. So Goku backed off.
Videl had taken a break in training too while they were watching over Zucchi.
But then they were told to take some time for themselves… and so they left Zucchi with Chi-Chi, who was overjoyed at having him to herself.
And for the first time since he was born… Gohan and Videl had a moment to themselves.
And so now it was just the two of them, running through the forest, laughing.
They had planned on getting some training in and Gohan was sure they would at some point, but right now, they were just enjoying the freedom.
That wasn’t to say they didn’t love Zucchi. But they were due for some time to just let themselves be teenagers.
“Gohan! You’re too fast!” Videl called out, as Gohan bounced between trees to try to slow himself down.
“C’mon Videl, I know you can keep up at this pace,” Gohan said, grinning back at her.
“I don’t know if I can!” she exclaimed. “I’m out of practice.”
“Come on, one month isn’t that out of practice,” Gohan said.
Videl laughed, trying to reach for him but Gohan used his tail to swing around a tree and grab her from behind.
“Gohan!” Videl called out.
Gohan grinned. “Got you.”
“You did,” she said softly.
Gohan grinned at her before he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss.
Videl pulled away with a smile. “It’s been so long since it’s just been us… it feels almost wrong…”
“I know,” Gohan said. “But… Mom’s right. We are allowed to take some time. I mean, technically Zucchi has been here the entire time you’ve known me. We literally met the day I got pregnant.”
“That’s true,” Videl said.
“And we will see him so shortly… we deserve to have time just us.”
Videl grinned at him and kissed him again.
And then Gohan shrugged out of her arms and bounded ahead, leaping forward.
“Gohan!” Videl laughed, chasing after him once more.
They came upon a clearing. Birds flew overhead and a few animals turned their heads to look at them.
“Wow!” Videl said, trailing after Gohan.
“It’s beautiful here,” Gohan said. “The stream… the animals… I just feel so alive!”
Videl smiled, walking up to him. “Everything is so perfect right now.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Gohan asked.
Videl nodded. “I can’t believe how lucky I was to meet you.”
“Aww, you’re being all sappy. I think I’m the lucky one. Anyone else would never have stayed by my side like you have… through everything. I mean, a pregnant guy for one. Aliens. Fighting… dying…”
“Hey,” she said softly. “It’s all worth it. I love you so much.”
“I love you, Videl.”
“You don’t understand how incredible you are. Even though you’re the strongest on the planet and could destroy anyone in an instant… you’re so gentle. You look out for so many people… and nature and…”
“You are incredible, too, Videl,” Gohan said.
“Gohan… not like you…”
“You are so strong. You look out for all the people of Orange Star City. You fight for what’s right… and you care strongly for your friends and family.”
“Stop it,” she said.
“No. Don’t be humble. I love that about you… how strong you are.”
“I mean… not compared to you.”
“Maybe not physically, but mentally, you are. I don’t know if I could have done this without you.”
“Gohan,” Videl said, blushing.
“I love you so much,” he said.
Videl grinned at him, before she wrapped him up in her arms. He let his arms circle her too and they just stood there a moment.
“But Videl…” Gohan said softly.
“Yeah?” she asked.
“You’ve always said you wanted to fight me…”
Videl blinked. “That was before I knew how strong you are!”
“But don’t you want to test your strength?”
“Not the way your dad wants to.”
“True,” Gohan said.
Videl’s eyes narrowed before she smirked. “You’re on!”
Gohan grinned, cracking his neck and taking a few steps back.
Videl got into a fighting stance and Gohan smiled at her.
“Not even going to pretend to brace yourself,” Videl muttered.
“Oops,” Gohan said, lowering into a stance.
Videl shot off at him, aiming a kick at his head, and Gohan chuckled, ducking under it.
Videl righted herself in the air and redirected it to Gohan’s body instead.
He blocked it, smiling, and Videl grinned, going on the offensive.
Gohan continued to block her fists and kicks as she went faster and faster.
“Yes! Keep going,” he said, grinning as she picked up speed.
“That’s about all I can do for speed,” she said, starting to sweat at the speed.
“That’s amazing progress,” Gohan said.
“You are barely even moving,” she said.
“I’m moving!” he said.
“Just to block…”
“Okay,” Gohan said, dodging instead of blocking.
And Videl was now left trying to right herself after Gohan was no longer where she was aiming.
“No wait! This is much harder,” she said.
“Yeah, it is,” Gohan said.
“For me,” she mumbled.
Gohan chuckled. “You’re doing well.”
“Yeah, well,” she said, eyes narrowing as she focused on him.
“What’s that look?” he asked.
Videl shrugged before she grinned. “I might have a secret weapon to win this fight.”
“Oh yeah?” he asked. “And what would that be?”
Videl shrugged, before she did another move that took her closer to Gohan and then reached for his tail, stroking it all the way from base to tip.
Gohan froze and then his whole body went rigid. His eyes went wide as he stared at her.
“Uh Videl…” he said, licking his lips slowly.
“Yeah?” she asked, biting her lip.
Gohan had stopped moving completely.
“Not going to fight me?” she asked, toying with his tail in her hands.
“Stop it,” he mumbled.
“Stop what?” she asked, hand stroking slowly.
Gohan stared at her, eyes dark, before he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
“Gohan…” Videl moaned, in between kisses.
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“What if someone does that to you in a fight?” she asked.
“I don’t know why someone would?” Gohan asked.
“If they don’t know what they’re doing…”
“It wouldn’t be like this. You are doing it on purpose.”
“Yeah, but they could still stroke it.”
“Not the same intention. It’s a different kind of touch. Plus, it affects me more when it’s you,” Gohan groaned.
“Really?”
Gohan nodded. “Goten’s grabbed it before and so has Marron. Actually, so has Zucchi. But it doesn’t feel like how it does when you touch it.”
“Huh,” Videl said. “I wonder if that’s because…”
“Because you’re…” Gohan trailed off, eyes wide and he pulled away slightly.
“I’m what?” she asked.
Gohan bit his lip. “Because I want you to be my mate…” he said softly.
“Oh,” she said, staring at him. “What… what exactly does that entail?”
“I mean… I don’t really know. Vegeta only explained a little. It’s basically uh…” here he blushed fully. “I mean people have brought it up but we’re still young and in school and I’m not saying anything I’m just explaining and…”
“Gohan, calm down. What is it?”
“Vegeta said it’s like Saiyan marriage. But uh… you become much closer to the person.”
Videl blinked. “Oh. And you want that… with me?”
“I mean someday… yeah,” Gohan said.
Videl smiled at him.
“I don’t mean we have to rush or do anything now or….”
“I love you,” she said.
Gohan looked at her, smiling softly.
“I’d love that… some day, “Videl said.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she said.
“Apparently it involves biting,” Gohan said.
“What?” Videl asked, but her eyes kind of betrayed what she actually thought about it.
“You would like that, wouldn’t you,” Gohan said.
“Maybe,” she said, blushing.
Gohan chuckled. “Man, we are bad at training together.”
“Maybe that’s not in the cards for us. At least not without supervision.”
“You want someone supervising us right now?”
“No,” Videl said. “Though, we probably should. Because Zucchi is so cute and I can’t stop thinking about what one from both of us would look like.”
“Videl!”
“I am saying when we are done school. Not now. But…”
Gohan laughed.
“Zucchi needs a sibling at some point. I’m an only child and that can get lonely,”
Gohan smiled. “Okay. At some point. But right now, we have a one-month-old. No more right now!”
“Agreed,” Videl said.
Gohan sighed and plopped down on the ground and Videl moved to join him, leaning against him.
“It is weird you don’t have a giant belly anymore,” Videl said.
“That’s your turn next,” Gohan said.
Videl smiled. “Will you think I’m attractive with it?”
“I’m sure I will. Though that really is your thing, huh? Pregnant bellies?”
“On you,” she said.
“Well, tough. That was all you’re getting.”
“That’s okay. I have you now.”
“You do,” Gohan said.
She sighed happily, and they sat there for a while, watching the birds fly, the rabbits in the forest.
Until Gohan bit his lip. “We should go back.”
“Gohan?” Videl asked.
“I’m… enjoying this immensely but…”
“But you want to check on Zucchi?”
“Yeah,” he said.
“Good,” she said.
“What?” he asked.
“If you weren’t going to mention it soon, I would. I miss him too.”
Gohan smiled. “Let’s go back and see our baby.”
Videl got up, stretching slightly. “Race you?” she asked.
Gohan grinned. “You’re on.”
Gohan sighed happily, watching Zucchi sleep soundly in his bassinet.
Videl was right beside him, watching as well.
“You know, you two don’t have to watch him sleep,” Chi-Chi said, a smile on her face.
“But we missed him for the last couple hours,” Gohan said.
“You two were barely gone. You need to take time just the two of you as well, and I am well equipped to watch a baby,” Chi-Chi said.
“I know, Mom,” Gohan said. “But we missed him. Plus, we weren’t really up to training right now.”
“Really? Why not?” Goku popped in.
Gohan sighed.
Videl just giggled.
Chi-Chi looked between the two then threw her hands up. “I don’t think I want to know.”
Gohan blushed. “Mom no… we were in the forest, come on.”
“What happened?” Goku asked.
“Videl’s getting pretty quick,” Gohan said, backtracking.
“I’m no where near fast enough to actually fight you,” Videl said.
“Yeah, but you held your own.”
“Aww man, I wanted to watch,” Goku said.
“You kicked her butt, huh, Gohan?” Goten piped in.
“Well...” Gohan said.
“I’m sure he was a perfect gentleman and didn’t hurt Videl at all,” Chi-Chi said.
Gohan blushed. What’s with her going between they were doing something naughty to perfect gentleman?
Videl chuckled. “Well, either way, I’d say I won that fight.”
“What?” Gohan asked, laughing.
“I rendered you incapable of fighting. That means I won.”
“Videl,” Gohan said.
“Wait, she did?” Goku asked. “That’s a pretty big weakness.”
Gohan really did blush this time. “It’s fine.”
“What happened? Maybe we should train that aspect more and…” Goku started.
“Videl just plays dirty,” Gohan said.
Videl smirked. “Like I said. I won.”
“Stop touching my tail,” Gohan said.
“Oh,” Goku said. “Yeah, my tail hurt a lot when people touched it too. Actually, that’s how we beat Raditz. Wait, your tail is still painful?” Goku asked.
“It’s fine,” Gohan said, curling it around himself.
“But you should train it then!” Goku said.
“Yeah, I did. It’s fine, I said,” Gohan said.
Videl smirked at him.
Chi-Chi looked between the two. “Interesting,” she said.
Gohan paled. “Mom.”
“I’m staying out of this,” she said.
“I don’t get it,” Goten said. “What’s wrong with your tail?” He reached out for it and touched it and Gohan pulled it out of his grasp.
“Nothing?” Videl asked.
“No. I told you. You touch it differently.”
“Differently how?” Goku asked.
“No, we’re not having this discussion,” Gohan said. “Anyway… fine. You can say you won that fight. But it’s super embarrassing to explain why.”
Videl grinned. “I still won.”
“Not fairly,” Gohan said.
“I don’t get it,” Goten said.
“Goten… we’ll talk when you’re a bit older,” Chi-Chi said.
“I’m older,” Goku said. “I don’t get it either.”
Chi-Chi stared. “We’ll talk later tonight, Goku.”
Gohan blushed, and Videl laughed.
Zucchi just continued slumbering on.
Gohan smiled. This was his life now.
Gohan stood in the middle of a deserted wasteland, rolling his shoulders once.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
He looked across from him where his dad, Goten, Videl, Vegeta, and both Trunks’ were staring at him. Goten, Goku, Videl, and the younger Trunks looked kind of excited. The older Trunks looked a little worried, but Vegeta looked angry. Which wasn’t too different to be fair but...
Maybe he was jealous?
“This is still a horrible idea,” Vegeta said.
“Come on dad,” the younger Trunks said. “We want to see it. Just because you can’t anymore…”
Vegeta growled.
“I want to see it,” Videl said. “Come on, why do you all have such little faith in Gohan?”
“Yeah,” Gohan said. “I can control my anger and rage now. I’ll be fine.”
“I never really remembered it anyway,” Goku said.
“That’s because you had no control, Kakarot! And you were a child, Gohan!”
“Well, Gohan’s not a child anymore,” Goku said.
Vegeta sighed. “Remember. I’ll send the fake moonlight into the sky… off in the distance here. You look at it. If you have no control, I destroy it immediately. The rest of you hold him off if I can’t get to it right away.”
“We know the plan, Vegeta,” Gohan said. “Now come on! I wanna transform!”
“Fine,” Vegeta said. “If this is all of our funeral…”
“Aww come on, Vegeta. We’re all family now. No one’s trying to kill each other anymore,” Goku said.
Vegeta twitched. “What?”
“Family! We’re both grandparents to the same baby, right?”
Vegeta scoffed. “Let’s just get this going.” And then Vegeta flew back a fair bit and threw the ball of moonlight into the sky.
For a moment nothing happened… and then Gohan looked up at it.
Videl stared at him, wanting to see the moment something happened.
“Gohan?” Goten asked. “Is nothing happening?”
“That sucks,” the younger Trunks said.
And then Gohan felt it. Pulsing within him. His eyes turned red again and his body started to pulse with the transformation. His face elongated and his body grew, hair covering his body, until he finally took the form of an Oozaru again, after all these years.
“Woah!” Goten said.
“That’s so cool,” the younger Trunks said. “Why can’t we do this?”
“You don’t have a tail,” the older Trunks said, staring up at Gohan.
“Gohan,” Videl said, eyes wide.
“Quiet,” Vegeta growled. They all looked up at Gohan for a moment.
And Gohan smirked. He did it.
“Watch out!” Vegeta said.
“Gohan? You in there?” Goku called out.
They all tensed as Gohan’s smirk changed to a smile. “I’m so tall!” he called out.
Vegeta huffed a sigh and Goku laughed. “You’re crazy tall, son!”
And then Gohan was looking at his arms and legs. “Wow! I barely remember the last time I did this.”
“I remember when you were almost killing Vegeta!” Goku exclaimed.
“Kakarot!” Vegeta exclaimed, red faced. “You obviously have enough control. I’m leaving. Just destroy the light ball when you’re done.”
“He’s just jealous he doesn’t have a tail anymore,” Goku said.
“Kakarot! If you want a fight...”
“I’ll take you up on that offer,” Goku said, following after Vegeta.
And then Gohan looked at the others.
“I wanna be a giant monkey!” Goten called out.
Vegeta bristled as he was flying away.
“Goten, it’s called Oozaru,” Gohan said.
“You’re so big!” he said, flying up to meet him.
The younger Trunks flew up as well, circling Gohan. “You’re really in control?”
“Yeah, of course,” Gohan said.
The older Trunks watched in amazement but stayed off to the side.
And then Videl flew up as well to Gohan’s eye level.
“Wow!” she said.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“Well… I mean I’ve always known you were part alien but this… this proves it. I could almost forget it most of the time.”
Gohan grinned.
“That’s creepy,” she said.
Gohan laughed.
“Even creepier,” she said.
“So how does it feel to know you’re dating this monkey guy?” the younger Trunks asked.
Gohan sighed. “Seriously if your dad hears you call me that...”
Trunks shrugged. “You’re a giant monkey.”
“Okay,” the older Trunks said, flying up. “Let’s not insult the guy who could kill us all right now if he wanted to.”
“I would never,” Gohan said.
The older Trunks stared. “This is how they used to purge planets, isn’t it?”
Gohan nodded. “Yup. I’ve only seen your dad as an Oozaru before. I never remembered this myself… as a kid I wasn’t really in control when this happened.”
“Wild,” the older Trunks said.
Videl smiled at Gohan but Gohan spoke first. “Videl. If you say something pervy…”
Videl laughed. “Gohan! There are kids here…”
“Uh huh,” Gohan said.
“I have an idea,” the older Trunks said.
They all turned to him.
“How about a sort of… game? Depending on if you want to stay in that form.”
“What kind of game?” Gohan asked.
“Our goal is to tag you without getting caught.”
Gohan blinked.
“Cool,” Goten said.
Gohan looked around. “I mean sure. But I could do a lot of damage to the area… so we stop if its too destructive.”
Trunks nodded.
Goten and the younger Trunks grinned at each other.
“I dunno,” Videl said.
“It’s four against one,” Gohan said. “Or you can join my team.”
“That wouldn’t be as fun,” Videl said.
“Okay then… go!” The older Trunks said, and they were off.
Gohan grinned as he tried his best not to destroy the terrain as he grabbed at them all again and again, letting them go as soon as he had them.
“Man. You lose a bit of speed in that form, Gohan… but you’re still fast,” Goten said, pouting.
“I have an idea,” the little Trunks said.
Goten turned to him. “Fusion?”
Trunks nodded.
Goten grinned. And then suddenly it was Gotenks instead.
“Oh man,” Gohan said.
“We haven’t been properly introduced,” Gotenks said, posing.
The older Trunks blinked. “What… what just happened?”
“They’ve done this a couple times since… this is how they fought Buu. They are obnoxious like this,” Gohan said.
“Obnoxious?” Gotenks asked. “You mean superior. We are amazing!”
Videl stared. “Uh huh… or extremely cocky.”
“That’s just a Saiyan thing,” Gohan said, waving his hand. “Boost of power and all that.”
“Okay,” Videl said.
“Try and grab us now, huh?” Gotenks said, zooming around. They turned Super Saiyan three as well and Gohan watched them in amusement for a bit as they were able to tag him more readily, though he ended up letting them have their fun.
When he looked up, Vegeta and Goku were watching them from the side, obviously feeling Gotenks.
“Trunks, Goten. This is not a plaything for you two. That technique should be used for serious reasons!” Vegeta said.
“You’re just glad we never ended up having to do that,” Goku said.
Vegeta twitched. “Very glad.”
The older Trunks wandered over to Vegeta and Goku. “Well, that’s about it for me. It was a great training session though.”
Gotenks pouted, still going on about themselves.
Gohan stretched. “I think I’m done, too. Time to head back.”
Vegeta nodded, sending a blast to the sky to get rid of his synthetic moonlight.
“No wait, we were fighting!” Gotenks said.
Gohan felt himself returning back to himself and blushed when he realized something he should have thought of before he did this.
He was… naked.
“Gohan!” Videl exclaimed. “What happened to your clothes?”
“I… uh…”
Vegeta rolled his eyes. “That’s why we wore the expanding armor.”
Gotenks was full on laughing and the only one remotely trying to help was Trunks, who offered Gohan his jacket to at least cover up.
“Dad!” Gohan said.
“What?” Goku asked.
“Could you?”
Goku blinked before he nodded, disappearing and reappearing a moment later with some clothes for Gohan.
Videl smiled as she finally approached Gohan once he wasn’t naked anymore.
“That was an experience,” she said.
“Not scared off yet?” he asked.
“Never,” she said.
Gotenks was being berated now by Vegeta while Trunks watched Gohan and Videl.
Gohan caught his eye but Trunks looked away, smiling softly.
“Back to the house?” Gohan asked.
“Back to the house,” Videl agreed.
The older Trunks smiled down at Zucchi in his arms, whispering softly to him.
Gohan watched from across the room, staring at Videl.
“He’s going to leave soon, isn’t he,” Videl said softly.
“I think so,” Gohan said.
“He’s… stayed longer than he’d planned originally.”
Gohan nodded. “His mom really wants to go back home.”
“And Trunks?”
Gohan shrugged. “I mean… this isn’t his home. But if it were me… I don’t know how I’d leave.”
“I know what you mean. How do you say goodbye to Zucchi?”
“I don’t know,” Gohan said.
Trunks walked back over to them, biting his lip. “Gohan, could I talk to you alone for a moment?”
Gohan nodded. “Sure.”
Trunks smiled, before Gohan wandered off with Trunks to his bedroom.
Gohan sat down on his bed and looked up at Trunks while Trunks just held Zucchi close.
Trunks sighed.
“You okay?” Gohan asked.
“How am I supposed to leave him?” Trunks asked.
Gohan smiled softly. “Videl and I were just discussing that.”
“He’s… he’s everything. And I didn’t even know about him or that this was possible but…”
“He is everything. As much as he wasn’t planned… thank you for him,” Gohan said.
Trunk snorted. “Uh huh. I’m sure that’s what you tell all the guys.”
Gohan smiled. “Just you.”
Trunks pressed a few kisses to Zucchi’s head. “I have to go home. As much as everyone here has been so welcoming… it’s not my home. I have to be home to protect the world from anything that comes to attack it. I need to be there for my people. To see Mai… my girlfriend. I… Mom was grateful to come here and meet everyone but she is itching to get back.”
“Okay,” Gohan said softly.
“But… Zucchi is here. And he’s…”
“He’s like your home too?” Gohan asked.
Trunks nodded. “Man…”
“I’m sorry,” Gohan said softly.
Trunks sighed, taking a seat beside Gohan. “It’s not your fault. It’s messy… but that really is on me. I should have never engaged with you the way I did and…”
“Trunks. Seriously. I just thanked you for him.”
“Part of me wants to just take him with me. But I know that’s not fair on you or on him. Or on anyone. This is his home. I mean… I guess he’s part of both worlds but…”
“Maybe when he’s older he could… visit your world?” Gohan offered.
Trunks blinked.
Gohan continued, “With me of course because…”
“Yeah,” Trunks said. “And… of course I’ll visit as often as I can. And call. You have to call us all the time.”
“We will,” Gohan said.
Trunks bit his lip, a tear forming in his eyes. “This is rough.”
As if Zucchi could feel Trunks’ emotions, his lip started to wobble as he started to cry.
“I know, baby,” Trunks said. “I’m going to miss you so much. Do you think… do you think he’ll hate me for not being here?”
Gohan softened. “No. Of course not. I mean he might not understand at first but as he gets older we’ll explain. And like you said we will be calling you so often….”
“But I won’t be here. I’ll miss everything.”
Gohan was quiet for a moment before he said, “Ask Goten then. Dad wasn’t here for most of his life and he still… he still loves him and accepted him back. Or… well… I haven’t been with him for a lot of my life too. But that doesn’t change how much I love him or care about him.”
“It just feels like I’m abandoning him,” Trunks said.
“You are doing what you have to do,” Gohan said.
“Still feels wrong.”
“Then you abandon your world and your people.”
Trunks nodded. “The world or my son.”
“My dad chose the world too… and it might have taken me a while to understand it but… I would give anything for Zucchi. If I knew that I could never see him again but he’d be safe forever… I’d do it. Even if he hated me for it. I understand now.”
“I wish we didn’t have to understand that. To know what it’s like to lose so many people.”
“He’s not losing you and you him. Remember? Visiting a lot, calling all the time.”
Trunks chuckled. “You better talk about me so much…”
“He’ll be so tired of hearing your name,” Gohan said.
Trunks sighed again, before he placed Zucchi in Gohan’s arms.
“Now?” Gohan asked.
Trunks nodded. “Before I lose my nerve. I’m… going to head back to Capsule Corp. Say some goodbyes there. Grab my mom.”
“Okay,” Gohan said, standing up with Zucchi.
Trunks followed, standing beside Gohan.
And then they walked out of Gohan’s room and back to where Videl was.
“Videl,” Trunks said. “It has been great to get to know you. I’m trusting you to watch over Gohan and Zucchi. Make sure they don’t get up to trouble, okay?”
“Okay,” she said. “Are you leaving?
Trunks nodded. “I have to get home. I…”
“Wait,” Videl said.
“What?” Trunks asked.
“Give me your phone,” she said.
“Videl. We can’t message like that. It’s interdimensional and…” Trunks said.
“I know,” she said. “Gohan get in there.”
“Huh?” Gohan asked.
And then Videl snapped a bunch of pictures of them and Zucchi.
“Oh,” Trunks said.
“I know you took a bunch earlier but…”
Gohan passed Zucchi back and they took a bunch more before Trunks let Gohan have Zucchi once more.
“I really do have to go,” Trunks said.
“Bye Trunks. Don’t be a stranger,” Gohan said.
“Bye, Videl. Gohan,” he said. He leaned in. “Bye Zucchi. I love you so much,” he said, pressing another kiss to his head. Zucchi grinned up at him and Trunks had to physically pry himself away.
He stood at the doorway for a moment before he smiled softly with a small wave.
And then he flew off.
Videl leaned against Gohan. “He’ll be okay, right?”
Gohan nodded. “Yeah. He’ll be just fine.”
“Alright Gohan! Oh man, I’m so excited!” Goku exclaimed. He stretched a few times and swung his arms in a circle.
“You are way too excited for this, Dad,” Gohan said.
“You said you’re finally ready to do this! Of course I am! I have to try out your new power against mine!”
“You just went to Super Saiyan 3. That’s what we’re calling it, right?”
“Yeah,” Goku said. “What are you calling yours?”
“I dunno,” Gohan said. “Piccolo said it was kind of… beast mode?”
“I like that,” Goku said.
Gohan chuckled. “So you want to go all out first or…”
“We have to warm up first,” Goku said with a smile.
“I mean I haven’t even done it since Buu…not counting that one time before I gave birth… and I was super pregnant both times. Vegeta says he thinks I might have stolen some strength from Zucchi so I might not be as strong as I was.”
“Let’s test it out,” Goku said. “Either way, I’m so excited!”
“Of course you are,” Gohan said with a smile. “You warned everyone we were doing this, right?”
“Yeah,” Goku said. “You were right. They were happy to know so they didn’t think something bad was happening again.”
Gohan chuckled. He glanced behind him and chuckled. “Just watch out for Trunks and Goten, okay?”
“Yeah, of course. Do they really think they’re hidden?” Goku asked.
Gohan shrugged. “Probably.”
Trunks and Goten were hiding behind one of the mountains in the background, obviously forgetting that Goku and Gohan could sense their ki.
“Okay, let’s start,” Goku said, getting into a fighting stance.
Gohan smiled at his dad before he also slid into a fighting stance. “Just like this?”
“It’s a warmup,” Goku said.
Gohan smiled as his dad leapt at him. They traded blows for a moment before Goku went completely on the offensive, letting out quicker and quicker movements.
They split apart after a moment and Goku smiled. “You’re pretty good in your base form. Though, this is your base form, right? Not that other one the kai unlocked?”
“This is my base form,” Gohan agreed. “I never really fought in the form he unlocked. I mean maybe for a moment but I kind of skipped to the new beast one.”
“Huh,” Goku said. “Okay.”
“What does that mean?” Gohan asked.
“I just know you’re incredibly strong. You surpassed me when you were just a kid… this potential inside of you is insane. I can’t wait to fight it.”
“We could just go to it…” Gohan said.
“Next level,” Goku said, powering up to Super Saiyan.
Gohan chuckled before he powered up to Super Saiyan as well. “You know… that new form the kai’s got me surpasses this.”
“Well, let’s move up in stages,” Goku said. “Last time I truly fought or trained with you we were both mostly in this level.”
“That’s true,” Gohan said.
Goku smiled. “Let’s go.”
And once again they were leaping at each other, blows being matched for blows and almost making a shockwave sound across the land.
Goku got in one punch and Gohan got in another. They were still mostly evenly matched like this, at least strength wise.
“Who did you even train with in otherworld?” Gohan asked.
“Oh! I mean a lot with King Kai. But there were so many other interesting fighters…” Goku started.
Gohan nodded, eyes widening as a punch from his dad got a little too close and he powered up to Super Saiyan 2 for that one.
“Cheating,” Goku said.
“It’s not cheating. You spend so much time testing your opponent, Dad. If you would just fully power up and fight right from the start, maybe things wouldn’t get so bad.”
Goku sighed. “But I want to fight them at their strongest.”
“What did we discuss? That’s okay for friendly fights. Not for people trying to murder us.”
Goku nodded. “But that’s still no fun because we aren’t even fully going all out.”
“Raise your level then, Dad. What? Afraid to fight me?” Gohan asked.
“Never,” Goku said, and then he was Super Saiyan 2 as well. They fought for a while longer until they were both matching each other’s moves.
“Okay,” Goku said. “Here I go.” And he transformed to Super Saiyan 3.
Gohan smiled at him softly.
“Can you do this one?” Goku asked.
“I’ve done it once. I kind of skipped it, though. I’d rather…” he said softly, going into the mystic form the kai’s unlocked. “I feel this is close.”
“Huh,” Goku said.
In these forms… Goku seemed to have a slight advantage, mostly because of his training and methods. He just had a bit more battle experience and it showed.
Goku smiled. “This isn’t all you’ve got though, is it?” he asked Gohan.
“You know it isn’t,” Gohan said.
“Okay. Give me everything you’ve got, Gohan.”
Gohan chuckled. “Are you sure? Are you giving it everything? Because if you aren’t… you won’t stand a chance against me.”
“I hope that’s a promise,” Goku said. “And yes, this is currently my top level.”
Gohan nodded before he let his eyes trail to the side. They had more visitors watching them.
Goku chuckled, waving a hand. “They won’t interfere,” Goku said.
“That’s not what I was wondering.”
“Oh. Then what?” Goku asked.
“Whether they’re here to see the outcome or to stop me… if something goes wrong.”
“They just want to see,” Goku said. “Now come on, this form takes a lot of energy from me.”
Gohan nodded before he closed his eyes, feeling for that power and rage he felt the time Buu told him he’d kill his baby. And he let it out in a mighty yell.
The wind picked up around him and he felt his hair blowing in the giant breeze. He let out an even bigger yelp and Goku’s eyes widened.
“Wow! Gohan! This is incredible…”
And then Gohan felt it. The same feeling he’d felt before but this time he chased it whole heartedly. He let his power seep out and once again… his hair was more grey and his eyes were red.
“Well?” Gohan asked. He blinked as he realized his voice was lower too.
“Wow! Just wow! I can’t believe the power you have right now… but we shall see who wins, power or experience.”
“Sure, come at me,” Gohan said.
Goku nodded and slammed into Gohan, this time giving it his all.
Gohan smirked, catching Goku’s fist immediately. “Is that all you’ve got?”
Goku blinked, pulling away before he grinned. “Nope.”
And they were at it again, though this time, Gohan had a clear advantage.
Goku would move to the side to land a punch and Gohan would already be staring at him.
“Wow!” Goku said. Before he smirked and powered up an energy attack.
“Dad…” Gohan said.
Goku grinned before he jumped out of the way of one of Gohan’s attacks and then reappeared behind him. He started out a punch, but Gohan grinned as the punch seemed to come at him in slow motion.
Gohan gripped onto Goku’s fist, holding it in his hand, and watched as Goku blinked at him dumbly, before Gohan threw him off to the side, Goku zooming into the distance.
When he finally returned, he was staring at Gohan, mouth open.
“This feels different then the last time I did this,” Gohan said.
“Different how?” Goku asked.
“I mean… I was pregnant last time… and Vegeta did say that I would be taking power from the baby and now that he’s born, I may lose some strength.”
“That’s not what that feels like,” Goku said.
“No, not at all. If anything, I feel stronger now,” Gohan said.
Goku grinned. “This is awesome, Gohan.”
And then he came at Gohan again and Gohan let him throw his punches this time, able to deflect or break every single one.
Goku yelled, letting his aura flow around him and came at Gohan, only for Gohan to grab him and slam him back into the ground.
Another shockwave sounded and Goku panted from his place in the ground. A Goku shaped crater. His hair had slid back to his base form and he was laughing.
“Man, I don’t stand a chance against you, do I?” Goku asked.
“Not in those forms, you don’t,” Gohan said. He tilted his head. “I thought that unlimited energy in this form was the baby before. But maybe it’s the opposite. The baby was drawing on my power before and now I have access to all of it. And it’s… something entirely else.”
“That’s... that’s been inside you this whole time,” Goku said.
“Maybe,” Gohan said.
“Man… can’t believe I can barely touch you. It’s barely a fair fight.”
“It’s definitely not,” Gohan said, but he tilted his head. “But maybe you could win if it was two against one.”
Goku chuckled. “You think?”
“I think you have someone who wants to join you.”
They both looked up to see Vegeta floating there.
“Kakarot… are you really weaker than your son?”
“Oh yeah! By a lot. This is incredible.”
Vegeta blinked as Goku spoke and then Gohan motioned for them both to come at him.
Vegeta growled and Goku cheered, powering back up once more.
And now it was two on one… and Gohan was still winning. He grinned, fighting each of them off easily, his power really seeming endless. He threw them both down, watching as they hit the ground.
Vegeta grunted from the ground. “Damn, it, Kakarot. Even together, we can’t take him? This form is ridiculous. Teach me how to obtain it Gohan.”
“Maybe I will, maybe I wont…” Gohan teased.
Vegeta came at him from one angle, Goku the next, and then Gohan was ducking under Piccolo’s arm who joined them.
“Three against one?” Gohan smirked. “Bring it.”
And they did. Gohan could finally feel himself start to tire. So this form wasn’t truly limitless. But even so, he was enjoying how much power he held. And how he was still managing to best Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo together.
And then suddenly they heard from the side. “Fusion… ha!”
And Gotenks was standing there. “Hey all, you can leave. I can beat Gohan. I’m far superior.” And then he laughed.
Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan stared.
“You’re way more something,” Gohan said.
“Fight us!” They argued.
Gohan smirked, before he knocked Gotenks out of the way before he managed to even get in a hit.
They were back in no time, though it seemed like they were getting more in the way for the fight to progress.
In the end, Vegeta knocked them out of the way. “You two need way more training. You keep blocking my attacks instead of aiding them. Which team are you on?”
Gotenks pouted. “We’re trying to help fight Gohan of course.”
Piccolo sighed. “They definitely need more training.”
Gohan smirked, finally getting caught by his dad as he used instant transmission right behind him, though Goku couldn’t hold on long as Gohan let out some ki and Goku was flung back.
A few more moments passed and it took Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo together to get Gohan to finally take a few punches.
“That’s enough,” Piccolo said after a moment, panting.
Vegeta grunted but nodded.
“Aww man. I really need to up my training,” Goku said.
Gohan smirked before he let his transformation drop and blinked as he wavered on his feet again.
“Woah,” Gohan said.
“Gohan. Are you okay?” Piccolo asked.
“I feel okay while I’m transformed but as soon as I drop back… it’s like my energy’s zapped.”
“Something to work on, then,” Vegeta said.
Gohan nodded. “Well, that was fun, but… gotta get back home. Got a baby waiting for me.”
Piccolo nodded, placing a hand on Gohan’s shoulder. “I’ll be stronger next time we fight.”
“Us too!” Gotenks exclaimed.
Vegeta sighed. “Come home when you’re back to normal. And Gohan?”
Gohan looked at him.
Vegeta blushed, looking away. “Bring Zucchi by later.”
Gohan grinned. “Yeah, of course.”
Vegeta nodded and flew away.
“Ready to head home?” Goku asked.
Gohan nodded. “Yeah, I am.”
Goku grabbed onto Gohan and then glanced at Gotenks.
“Uh…” Goku said. “Where do you want to go?”
Gotenks pouted before Piccolo interrupted.
“He’s staying for more training. I’ll send them both home after.”
“Aww man,” Gotenks said.
Gohan winked at them and Goku brought Gohan back home with instant transmission, just in time for Zucchi to be passed into his arms.
“He needs a diaper change!” Videl exclaimed with a grin.
Gohan blinked. And then he laughed.