Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z

Earth's Protector

Chapter 1: Who is Ryazan?

Three years. That was how long ago it was that the Cell Games took place and that Goku died during them. Since the Cell Games, the Earth had been relatively peaceful. The only incident since it was with Bojack at the Intergalactic Tournament, but just like Cell, he was taken care of by the son of Goku, Gohan. The eldest half-saiyan had taken over his father's role as the protector of Earth.

And while his mother wanted him to stop fighting after the Cell Games, Gohan still kept up with it. He studied to keep her happy, but he was his father's son and despite not liking fights to the death, he did enjoy martial arts. So he liked being able to keep up with his training in his free time. The part he didn't like about keeping up with his training was that Vegeta. And this led to Vegeta hunting him down for spars. Over the years Vegeta wanting spars led to a very nice routine. It always included refuses, a game of world hide and seek, screaming, trees being uprooted, and then being locked in a GR with the angry prince for at least four hours. It might be faster to just join Vegeta for training willingly, but that would ruin the routine and Gohan could not allow that. He always found it hilarious. He liked being able to test how far he could take things with Vegeta. When he told that to Krillin, he was called suicidal.

Seriously, he was the suicidal one? Krillin was the one dating an android that tried to kill them all. Then again, Bulma married and had a kid with Vegeta, who also tried to kill them. Maybe there was something wrong with the Z fighters if they are dating/marrying the enemy.

The now twelve year old half-saiyan sighed and stared up at the blue sky as he lazily floated through the air with his back facing the ground. He greatly enjoyed the peace that followed since Bojack. Ever since he was four, he has been training and fighting all these different threats. Since he started martial arts, he knew only how to use it to keep himself and his friends alive. Of course, now that peace had returned, he was able to practice it and just enjoy it which is how he liked it.

Though, maybe it was too peaceful. Perhaps it was because of his hectic childhood, that after almost three years of straight peace, he was starting to get bored of it. Life needed a bit of craziness, which was probably why he caused Vegeta so much grief. It livened things up. Peace was great, but so was a bit of chaos in life. It certainly made things more fun, and besides, the only real chaos he was causing was driving Vegeta insane. And he wasn't someone that scared Gohan…anymore. Vegeta certainly frightened him as a child.

And besides it wasn't really dangerous. Okay, it was dangerous, but he could handle Vegeta and Bulma could tame him so no destruction of the Earth was seen in the near future. It was the safest option in his opinion for some controlled chaos. Of course, no one else agreed with him about his game being safe, but not everyone could be satisfied.

Gohan suddenly stopped being so lazy and righted himself in the air and glared in the direction of West City. "Ah, damn, Vegeta is heading right towards me. Can't he ever give it a break?" He powered up and sped off in the opposite direction that took him towards Korin's Tower. He was missing Dende and Piccolo.

*DBZ*

"Hmm, this does not look good, not good at all." King Kai murmured to himself. Behind him, he heard the sounds of warriors fighting with each other, but paid them no mind. Nearby he could hear East, West, and South Kai singing a song mocking his death, but for once he didn't react to it at all. And to be honest, considering he's been dead for three years, one might think they would get bored of that by now!

"Oh, crap! King Kai, look out!"

King Kai didn't listen to the voice as he was concentrating on Earth so when he was hit in the back by a ki blast and sent flying forward into a picnic table, he was very annoyed, even more so when the other kais started laughing. With as much dignity as he could muster up, King Kai removed himself from the rubble of the destroyed table, stood up and turned around to glare at the sheepish looking Goku, who had paused in his spar with Pikkon.

"My bad." Goku said with a grin, rubbing the back of his head. "It got away from me."

"I swear Goku you cause me nothing but grief!" King Kai yelled at him. "Ever since I first trained you…" He trained off and scowled. "We don't have time for this."

Goku blinked in surprise as King Kai usually never stopped his tirade on him once he started. "Is something wrong?"

King Kai turned his back on him and went back to concentrating on Earth. "Yes, Earth is in trouble…again. You know, I thought since you were a trouble magnet that Earth would stop being in so much danger since you're dead, but now maybe I have to consider your son a trouble magnet too. I swear, nothing good comes from associating with you saiyans!"

"Does he mean Gohan?" Pikkon asked as he recalled Goku mentioning his son before.

Goku nodded. "Yeah, but I never considered Gohan a trouble magnet. Maybe a bit reckless and stubborn, but not really one to draw trouble to himself." He scratched the back of his head. "But he is strong so he should be able to handle whatever trouble is coming his way. Right, King Kai?"

When King Kai didn't immediately reply, Goku slowly started to feel horror fill him up. It was never a good sign when King Kai didn't agree right away. Gohan should be able to handle this, so why was King Kai not replying? He prepared Gohan to be strong enough to handle anything that would dare threaten the Earth.

Forgetting all pretenses of being relaxed, Goku adopted a very serious expression as he walked over to the North Kai. "King Kai, what is heading to Earth?" He demanded, surprising his friends, who stopped their own training to look at the serious Goku. The most serious they have ever seen him was when he was in the Otherworld tournament and fighting Pikkon. Since then, he has been relatively calm and relaxed, but still training very seriously.

"Ryazan is heading to your planet."

West Kai stopped laughing at the recent display of King Kai getting hit with a ki blast. "Did you say Ryazan?" He demanded as he walked over to North Kai. "He was just in my part of the galaxy a couple of months ago."

Pikkon looked over at him. "Who is Ryazan?"

"An immortal being and the last of his race." West Kai growled. "A long time ago his race was slaughtered by the Planet Trade Organization. He got blasted into space during the attack, and shortly after that, he landed on Namek."

Goku's eyes narrowed. "He used the dragon balls there to gain immortality? The Namekians never mentioned anyone using them for such a reason."

"Goku, you remember Lord Slug, right? You killed him a few years ago." King Kai said with a frown, still concentrating on Earth. "He was a Namekian, but was banished from the planet along with the other Super Nameks."

Goku nodded his head. "I remember the story, but what does it have to do Ryazan?"

"Ryazan arrived on Namek shortly before the Super Nameks were banished. In fact, he helped hold off the Super Nameks while the other Namekians worked on gathering all the Dragon Balls in one location to summon Porunga to wish them away from Namek. To thank him for his help, they allowed him to use a wish. From my understanding, he originally tried to wish for his race's revival, but as you learned, Porunga cannot bring more than one person back at a time, so he instead used the wish for immortality." King Kai explained. "He wanted to stay alive so he could work on becoming stronger to destroy the Planet Trade Organization for revenge for what they did to his planet."

"That doesn't sound evil. That sounds like a desperate attempt to survive to avenge his race." Goku said with a frown as he crossed his arms. "So why is Earth in danger?"

"Ryazan has been alive for a long time and has been wanting to kill the Cold family and their organization, but you and Trunks took care of them and Vegeta destroyed the organization when he was traveling through space looking for you after your adventure on Namek." King Kai explained. "You guys took Ryazan's revenge from him, but that is not why Earth is in danger. Anyone who lives long enough can find themselves changing. What started as a desire for revenge has turned his heart evil. He has lived for so long seeking revenge that it took over his very being and now he can't see the good in life anymore. He wants nothing more than power at this point and to reign over the galaxy."

"Though he wants to do that, he is not yet strong enough to rule over the entire galaxy so he goes to different parts of the galaxy and chooses a planet that has strong fighters on it. He has the ability to drain life from a planet, from the plants to the animals to the people. He usually starts with draining the planet of all its life to get stronger than goes after the strongest fighters on the planet to challenge them. And as they are fighting, he is draining their power. I don't know how he does it, but he drains them until there is nothing left of them."

"He's going after my son." Goku concluded, eyes narrowed and his anger radiating off of him in waves.

The warriors listened to King Kai's tale in horror, but when Goku started to radiate his anger, they backed away from him. They did not want to feel the wrath of Goku. He always talked with pride about his son who was stronger than him, but the moment he heard someone was going after him, they didn't want to be around him. He got so furious when someone targeted his son, even if his son was strong enough to handle it.

"Yes, and the other Z fighters as well. I'm also worried about what would happen if he learned there were Dragon Balls on Earth." King Kai said darkly. At this point, he was sure Ryazan desired to use them again, though he couldn't claim that as fact. He couldn't find Namek since the Namekians were moved to a new planet, but if he could, he believed he would head there again.

Arms dropping down to his sides, Goku's hands curled into fists. "How long until he gets to Earth?"

"Not very long, I'm afraid. He'll be there soon." King Kai replied.

"If you're that worried, you can always use the crystal ball."

Goku's head snapped up to see Grand Kai sitting on the roof of his mansion. "What?"

"There is a crystal ball you can use to view what is happening on Earth. I only allow warriors to use it in extreme circumstances, and this seems to be one if Ryazan is in–"

"Where is it?" Goku demanded, interrupting the Grand Kai, much to the horror of the Kais and other warriors, but Grand Kai seemed to take it in stride and snapped his fingers. There was a bright blue light that filled up the vicinity and left everyone blind.

When the light died down, there was a giant floating crystal ball in front of them.

"All you have to do is say 'show me…' and say the person's name." Grand Kai explained as he floated down from the roof and to the ground to approach the crystal ball.

"Show me Gohan Son!" Goku said as he jumped closer to the crystal ball. He stared into the crystal ball, unblinking as it shimmered before Gohan, dressed in the same orange and blue gi that Goku was wearing, appeared on it. Goku actually blinked when he saw his son and stepped back in surprise as he watched Gohan land on the Lookout and have to immediately jump forward and he turned around and threw his hand out to block a ki ball.

"That's your son?" Pikkon asked. "He bears a great resemblance to you, Goku."

Goku grinned. "Thank you." He looked at his son to see that he was only a few inches taller than the last time he saw him at the Cell Games.

A moment later a very angry Vegeta appeared on the Lookout.

"Oh look, it's Vegeta." Goku said cheerfully.

"Why does it look like he's ready to murder Gohan?" King Kai asked with a frown.

Goku cocked his head in confusion. "That is a good question."

"Is he a friend?" Olibu asked as he stepped forward to watch in curiosity.

"Yeah, though he is too arrogant at times and has tried to kill us all in the past." Goku replied, still cheerful as he watched his son and friend. He was glad to see that both of them looked well after three years.

"BRAT!" Vegeta screamed as he launched himself forward at Gohan.

"Don't you dare fight on the Lookout!" Piccolo growled as he came out of the temple to glare at Vegeta. "This place has been destroyed too many times already."

"Too many? We only destroyed it once and that was seven years ago!" Gohan retorted. "Or did you guys destroy it before I was born?"

Piccolo shot him a look. "Before you were born, this was sacred ground and it was forbidden for people to come up. It was never meant to be used as a home base type of thing for the Z fighters. And having it destroyed once is too many times, Gohan!"

"Ooooh, is that so?" Gohan asked before turning to look at Vegeta. "I'm actually surprised you stop when Piccolo said to. You never listen to anyone."

Vegeta was looking up at the sky with a frown. "Quiet, brat. Don't you feel that?"

Gohan dropped his grin and adopted a serious expression. He looked towards the sky and spread his senses out towards space. It didn't take him long to find what Vegeta found and his eyes widened in horror a second later. "What in the hell is that?"

"You didn't say Ryazan was so close that they would already be able to sense him!" Goku said, looking over at King Kai.

King Kai frowned. "It may be possible that he is traveling faster than I realized."

"It's why I was looking for you, brat, but once again you flew off." Vegeta growled, glaring at the saiyan hybrid.

"What do you think I am going to do when you are hunting me down?!" Gohan retorted, throwing his arms into the air. "I thought you were after a spar again."

Vegeta glared at him. "I am always up for a spar, so when this is over, we will train."

"I hate training with you." Gohan grumbled to himself as he turned away with a pout.

"Gohan trains with Vegeta now?" Goku said shocked. "I didn't think Vegeta trained with anyone. I always thought he would kill anyone that tried to interfere with it."

"He sounds like a joy to be around." Olibu said sarcastically.

Goku rubbed the back of his head. "He is a bit hard to deal with at first, but after a while you get used to him."

"The woman has detected a ship approaching Earth and it will soon be here." Vegeta said, looking back at the sky. "And it is obviously an enemy. His ki feels very dark and evil."

"Kind of like yours in the beginning." Gohan said.

"Shut it." Vegeta growled.

Gohan shrugged his shoulders and looked over at Piccolo and Dende, who came out of the temple. "It seems trouble has reared its ugly head again."

Dende nodded. "Will you be able to handle it?"

The half-saiyan shrugged and looked up at the sky. "I don't know. Whoever this is feels very strong, and he might be masking his power so he might be even stronger. That could pose a serious problem."

"Should we warn him that Ryazan is immortal?" Sarta asked with a frown. "It could be problematic if they do not know."

King Kai nodded. "It would be best. Goku, you should tell your son. It will be easier for him to have you talk to him since he's never met me."

Goku nodded and moved over to King Kai where he put his hand on his back. "Gohan?"

*DBZ*

Gohan continued looking at the sky with a frown. That power that was approaching Earth felt massive and if he was hiding his power, it would be a horrible experience dealing with him. Even as a super saiyan 2, he wasn't sure if he could handle this. This really might be too much for him.

"Gohan?"

Blinking out of his thoughts, Gohan looked around. Wasn't that his dad's voice? He knew he hadn't heard it in three years, but it wasn't a voice he could forget. "Dad? What's up?"

Vegeta, Piccolo, and Dende looked over at him.

"Kakarot is speaking with you?" Vegeta asked.

"Yep, sorry I didn't tune you guys in at first." Goku's voice echoed over the Lookout. "And what's up, Gohan, is that King Kai just told me of the threat approaching you guys. It's apparently someone named Ryazan and he's going to be tough to beat since he is immortal."

"Immortal? Seriously?" Gohan snapped as glared at the floor. "I hate dealing with immortal beings. They never know when to stay down. Seriously, even just putting a giant hole through their chest won't keep them down."

Vegeta and Dende looked at him like he was crazy.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Vegeta demanded.

Gohan waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Just something from the past. So, Dad, what's up with this Ryazan guy? What's he want?"

"To put it bluntly, he came to Earth looking for you." Goku replied.

Gohan blinked a few times. Ryazan was looking for him? What did he ever do to this guy? His dad was the trouble magnet, not him! "Why?"

Goku sighed and started to explain to Gohan and the others the same story that King Kai just gave the warriors in Otherworld. While he told the story, Gohan kept his attention on the ship that was approaching Earth. The closer it was getting, the more terrifying the power was. It felt stronger and darker the closer it got.

"Tch, the Planet Trade Organization is always causing problems, even when it is destroyed." Vegeta growled as he crossed his arms and looked over the edge of the Lookout.

"Gohan's power must be really amazing for this Ryazan to know about it and be on his way. He must have sensed it from far away." Krillin said with a frown.

Gohan blinked in surprise and looked over the bald fighter. "Krillin? What are you doing here? Actually, when did you even get here?"

"Obviously when you weren't paying attention." Krillin teased at his friend.

Gohan flushed. "I was focusing on Ryazan's ki. It won't be long until he gets here."

Krillin nodded his head as he crossed his arms. "Bulma called me at Kame House and told me about the ship fast approaching. Since I sensed you guys up here, I came here. Thanks for the warning about his immortality, Goku."

"No problem, Krillin." Goku replied, a grin heard in his voice. "I wish I could be there to help, but I'm sure Gohan can handle it."

"Least someone has confidence in me." Gohan mumbled before saying louder. "I'm not sure of what I can do. He is immortal and while I've defeated Garlic Jr. in the past that was only because he opened the Dead Zone and I knocked him into it. I very much doubt Ryazan will do something that stupid."

"He definitely won't." King Kai interjected. "You have to be very careful not to let him drain your power."

"Well, it would be helpful if we knew how he drains power." Vegeta retorted.

"I'm sure you'll found out soon enough." King Kai snapped.

"Sheesh, Vegeta seems very irritated today." Krillin mumbled. "Seeing as how he loves a great battle, you think he would be all up for this challenge."

Gohan shrugged. "Maybe its cause Vegeta was trying to murder me earlier and once again, failed."

"That's hardly new. When isn't he trying to kill you?" Krillin asked amused.

Gohan was quiet for a moment as he thought about that. He looked over at Vegeta, who had his back to him, then back to Krillin. "When he is training."

Vegeta snorted. "Even when I am training, I am planning your death."

"I think you must be obsessed with my demise." Gohan replied amused. "I think you need a hobby."

Vegeta glared at him over his shoulder. "If I was obsessed with it, I would have already ended your life."

"Well," Gohan huffed offended as he turned his back to the prince and crossed his arms.

Krillin leaned in closer to Gohan. "I think when this is over you should stop with your routine of driving him crazy when he comes for a spar."

Gohan looked at him as if he was crazy. "Where is the fun in that?"

"Gohan, stop purposefully agitating Vegeta. That's a dangerous game." Goku scolded. "And I think you need to focus. Ryazan is going to be there soon."

"By soon, I think you mean now!" Dende shouted horrified as he pointed at the sky.

"What?" Piccolo snapped and he looked up at the sky to see a ship entering the atmosphere and approaching the ground below at a very fast speed.

But to their surprise, the door to the ship opened as it was moving down to the ground and the occupant of it jumped out of it. He floated in the air with his back to the Lookout.

"Gohan, I trust you. Protect the Earth." Goku said before he was gone.

"Oh, man, this is going to suck majorly." Krillin moaned.

Gohan stared at the new enemy then looked down at his trembling hands. The protection of the Earth had been entrusted to him by his dad, but against a powerful immortal being, he wasn't sure he could do this.

No.

His hands curled into fists. He couldn't doubt himself, not now. The Earth needed him. His friends and family needed him. His father trusted him to do this and he would do this. There was no room for fear or hesitation here. It was time to do the job entrusted to him by his father. He was the protector of Earth, and he would not fail his home.

A/N: Please Review!