A stranger in the dark

It was night. A soft breeze made the trees sing in the dark. It was also a very clear night. Billions of stars blinked down from above like diamonds. The white moonlight shinned down through the trees, making shadows dance around. It seemed the entire area was asleep. There was, however, someone who was not asleep. A dark figure wandered through the forest. Although he could fly, he decided it was best to walk. He didn't wanted to be sensed either. He wore a dark cape that covered his face in shadow. Not that anybody would be able to recognize him in the dark.

A cruel smile appeared on his face when he spotted a small house not too far away. He recognized the house from the description he had been given. He stopped. He stood still for a few minutes, making sure nobody was near. He had been informed a Namek named Piccolo sometimes stayed near the house; like a guardian.

Tonight, however, Piccolo was not here. When the figure was sure the coast was clear, he walked over to the house. He stopped at the front door, wondering if he should force his way in or not. He decided not to. He walked around the house and stopped at a window. Thanks to the moonlight, he was able to see parts of the room. He scanned the room with his eyes and found what – or rather who – he was looking for.

A young boy appeared to be sleeping peacefully. The figure could sense the boy's calm heartbeat. The moonlight fell upon the child's face and a bit of his chest. The figure smiled. Although it had been years since he had first meet the boy, he recognized his face and his ki. The boy's hair was cut in the same style as it had been at the Cell Games. The figure could tell, the boy would almost reach his shoulders when he stood up. A trustworthy source had told the stranger, it had been two years since the boy had killed Cell. The source had also told, the boy had been training since then with Prince Vegeta.

The figure smiled at the thought, of how easy it would be to kill the boy right here and now. But not yet. There was work to be done; a lot. The figure could sense two more power levels coming from the house. One of them was very strong, but still weaker then the boy's. The last ki was a lot weaker then the other two, but still a bit too high for a human. It had to be the boy's mother and brother. They could be useful to him later.

The figure focused back at the boy and the smile faded away. This boy, this child had destroyed his chance for immortality along with the human Krillin, the Namek Piccolo and Prince Vegeta. He would kill them all, murdering the boy in the end, when he had watched his family and friends die. But he needed one more person before his plan could begin.

The figure slowly lifted his hand and moved it forward. But where a hand of flesh and blood would have been stopped by the window, his hand went right through it. His fingers glowed white in the dark. He smiled. Once the boy found out, what was going on, he would be looking for a ghost. But this ghost was very much alive and out for revenge. The stranger pulled his hand back. He had to leave now, but he would be back.

"Soon, Son Gohan, your life will not be so peaceful. That is a promise." The figure turned around and disappeared into the night. Only seconds after he had left, Gohan opened his eyes. He sat up and looked around, not knowing what had made him make up. He looked out of the window, but didn't see anything. He got out of bed and put on a shirt and his tennis. He walked over to the window and opened it. A soft breeze hit him in the face and made his spiky hair wave. He gave it a second thought then jumped out. He stood up straight and looked around.

He couldn't see anything, but it was also very dark. He reached out with his senses, but still didn't find anything suspicious. He walked further into the dark. Gohan slowly lifted his head and looked at the stars. He smiled.

If his father had still been alive, he too would have been out here, staring up. Thinking about his father, the smile faded away. He still felt, it was his fault Goku had died during the fight against Cell.

Goku had told him not to blame himself, but a part of Gohan still felt guilty. Gohan turned his gaze away from the stars and started to walk back. When he spotted his house, he got a funny feeling. Something was not right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He slowly approached his window and saw a paper strapped onto it. He tore it off and looked at it.

Ѫ

Gohan stared at it. He couldn't make any sense of it. He was sure it had not been there before. At the thought, he turned his head and looked around; nothing. He wondered if he should go to Capsule Corp. and show it to Vegeta.

He would most likely blast me if I wake him up. Piccolo then? No. he would be meditating and Gohan didn't want to bother him with something like this. He could do it tomorrow. He folded the paper and jumped back trough the window. Before he closed it he took a last glance out in the darkness. He placed the paper on his desk and undressed. He went to bed again and closed his eyes, falling asleep within a few minutes.

Not to far away, cold eyes followed him and a smirk appeared on a pair of lips. The figure chuckled slightly. He had enjoyed the look of confusion on Gohan's face. That would give the kid something to think about. He glared one last time towards the house before he disappeared.

When Gohan woke up the next morning he wondered if last night had just been a dream. He sat up and looked towards his desk. The paper was still there. I guess not, he thought and got out of bed. He went out to the bathroom to take a shower. After the shower he put some jeans, a button-up T-shirt and his tennis. He walked down in the kitchen and found his mother and younger brother.

"Morning Mom, Goten," he said and set down. Goten laughed when he saw his brother.

"Hurry up, Gohan. You have a lot of work today," Chichi said and sat down a plate in front of him. Gohan took a deep breath.

"I… I was wondering if its okay, I go to Capsule today", he said. Chichi turned and eyed him. "Why?" she asked.

"Well, Bulma wanted to show me some stuff…" he said and felt very small under his mother's glare. "I guess its okay, as long you're back here at four," said Chichi and turned her back to him. Gohan smiled.

"Sure!" He quickly finished his breakfast, grabbed his back and the paper before running to the door. He flung it open and ran out.

"Gohan! Don't slam the door!" Chichi yelled from inside. Gohan dock his head, fearing the frying pan might come flying. "Sorry!" He looked up at the sky.

"Flying Nimbus!" he called. The yellow cloud flew down and landed in front of him. He jumped on and turned around to his mother, who stood in the doorway, holding Goten. "I'll be back at four then?" Chichi shook her head.

"I think I might just meet you there later. Goten would be happy to play with Trunks for a few hours," she said and smiled down to her son. Goten giggled.

"Okay, I'll see you later," Gohan said and turned away from them. "To Capsule, Nimbus!" The cloud to off and the two of them disappeared. "Bye Gohan!" Goten yelled in his little voice.

As they flew, Gohan's mind wondered to the written paper he had found last night. He still couldn't make any sense of it. But who had written it and why? He was in so deep thought he didn't realize he had arrived.

First after a few minutes, he became aware of the huge house in front of him. He gave a small smile and jumped down.

"Thanks Nimbus," he said. The cloud took off into the air and disappeared. Gohan was about to knock when someone called his name.

"Hey Gohan! Up here!" Gohan steeped back and looked up. Bulma was hanging out of a window about two floors above him. "The door is open. I'll be down in a few minutes," she said and disappeared form the window. Gohan opened the door and steeped in. the room he was in was even bigger then his house. He took off his back and began his way to Bulma's lab. A deep voice made him stop.

"About time you shoved up, boy," the voice boomed somewhere to his left. Gohan looked around and spotted Vegeta. The prince was leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed. He was wearing his armour and Gohan instantly knew what he had in mind.

"I don't have time to train right now, Vegeta," he said, "I came to talk to Bulma." Vegeta slowly walked over to Gohan. When he was right in front of Gohan, he stopped and folded his arms over his chest, starring the younger Saiyan down. Gohan gulped. Vegeta was still about a head higher then him.

Man, he can be creepy when he wants to, Gohan thought and kept eye contact with Vegeta. Vegeta smiled. "There is nothing more important than training," he growled. Gohan raised an eyebrow, feeling annoyed. Somebody needs to tell this guy off and it seems I'm the one.

"Yes, there is! Please move, I need to find Bulma," Gohan said and walked past Vegeta. But the prince of all Saiyans doesn't take no for an answer; especially not from Kakarot's brat! Gohan had only moved a few feet when someone grabbed his arms and forced them to his back. Gohan yelped in surprise. A small click was heard when Vegeta tied his hands with some kind of handcuffs.

"Hey! Put me down!" Gohan almost shouted, when Vegeta flung him over his shoulder and carried him away. A door opened and a woman steeped out.

"Oh, hello there Gohan. I didn't hear you come, dear. Would you like some tea?" Mrs. Brief asked and smiled sweetly when Vegeta walked past her with Gohan on his shoulder. "Good morning, Mrs. Brief. I'll be back in a few minutes," Gohan said before he and Vegeta disappeared around the corner. Gohan's protests could be heard through the hallway. Mrs. Brief shook her head. "That poor boy; he looks so skinny," she said.

Workpeople at Capsule turned their heads, when Bulma's husband walked past them, carrying a child on his shoulder.

"Put me down, Vegeta! I don't have time for this," Gohan said. Vegeta simply snorted and pretended not to hear. Gohan gave up. Trying to tell Vegeta there are things more important then training is just as impossible to try and mix water and oil.

When they finally stopped, Vegeta put Gohan down and removed the handcuffs. He took a strong hold on Gohan's arm, making sure he didn't try to run away. He opened a door and shoved Gohan in. Gohan spun around the second Vegeta released him.

"I told you, Vegeta! I don't…"

"You can talk to my woman after. First we train," Vegeta calmly cut him off. Gohan signed. "And how am I supposed to fight in this?" Gohan asked and looked down himself. Vegeta nodded towards a bed behind him. Gohan turned his head and saw Saiyan armour and boots in his size. Gohan had never told this to anyone, but he thought it looked really stupid.

"I refuse to wear that – that pyjamas!" he declared and crossed his arms. Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "Well, then you can fight me naked if that's how you want it," he said. Gohan closed his mouth and stared at Vegeta. Was he serious? When Gohan didn't answer, Vegeta smiled in victory and walked out. Gohan heard him lock the door from the outside.

Gohan ran over to it and slammed on it.

"Vegeta, let me out!" he shouted.

"You have five minutes," Vegeta answered. Gohan's eyes narrowed. "How do you know I won't blast my way out?" Gohan asked. Vegeta laughed. "You would have my woman to answer to," the reply came. Gohan cursed under his breath. Vegeta was right and Bulma could be almost as scary as Chichi. Gohan chuckled when he remembered an episode just about a year ago.

After Cell, Vegeta had demanded Gohan to train with him each day for at least four hours. He had even gone so far to threaten Gohan he would kidnap him if he didn't show up. That comment had made Chichi lose her patience. She had walked straight up to Vegeta and hit him hard on the head with her frying pan.

"If your so-called training has any bad influence on Gohan's studies, Dende help me…" she had said and stared Vegeta down.

"Let me out!" Gohan yelled again.

"Three minutes," Vegeta laughed. Defeated, Gohan walked back to the bed and began undressing. Next time he would call first to make sure Vegeta was out.

On the other side of the door, Bulma was walking down the hallway when she spotted Vegeta. She walked up to and asked, "What are you doing?" He looked at her with a grin. "Standing guard," he answered. Bulma stared at him in confusion. "Standing guard? Is somebody in there?" He simply smiled.

"Bulma, is that you?" a voice came from the other side.

"Gohan, is that you?" She looked at Vegeta. "Shame on you, Vegeta! Let poor Gohan out right now!" she demanded. Vegeta smirked. "I gave the brat five minutes and that's what he'll get," he said and crossed his arms.

"Five minutes has past!" Gohan yelled. Grinning, Vegeta turned around and unlocked the door. But before he could get in, Bulma shoved him out of the way and walked in. Gohan was standing in the middle of the room.

"Bulma, thank you!" Gohan said. Bulma smiled. "Sure, kiddo. Are you ready?" Before Gohan could answer, Vegeta strode past Bulma and grabbed Gohan by the arm. He dragged him out before Bulma could begin to protest. Gohan turned his head to Bulma.

"Bulma, there is something in my left pocket. Could you check it out for me?" Gohan asked before Vegeta dragged him along.

Bulma went over to his jeans and found the paper. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the written text. "What is it?" she asked.

"I don't know, but could you look it up for me?" before he and Vegeta disappeared out of sight. Bulma looked back at the paper. She had no idea of what it was, but she was going to find out. Vegeta wouldn't let Gohan go for the next four hours, so she had plenty of time. She began her way back to the lab to look up some stuff.

When they reached the Gravity Room, Vegeta opened the door and pushed Gohan in. He followed and locked the door behind him.

"Listen, Vegeta, you can't just…" Gohan never finished. Vegeta had punched him hard in the face and send him crashing to the floor. He took off into the air and stared down at Gohan with a smirk. Gohan slowly sat up and looked at Vegeta.

"What was that for?" he asked angrily. Vegeta smiled. "For talking back to me," he answered. He slowly folded his arms.

"Boy, you have been slacking off. Two years ago, a punch like that wouldn't affect you and now you're crawling around on the floor." Gohan jumped to his feet.

"Shut up, Vegeta! If I want to be insulted, I want someone good at it," he hissed and looked up. Vegeta's cheeks turned slightly red. Gohan saw the faint, red glow and started laughing. "Ha-ha! I never thought I would see Vegeta, the mighty prince of all Saiyans, flush!" Gohan laughed. Vegeta turned redder, only this time because of Gohan's words. "Will you stop laughing!" he shouted down to the boy beneath him. Gohan stopped his laughing and closed his eyes, looking like he was thinking hard for a moment. Then he broke into a smile and looked back at Vegeta.

"No!" he shouted and laughed harder.

"Are you mocking me, boy?" Vegeta yelled and crackled his knuckles. Gohan tried his best to control his laughter. "Yeah, I guess I am," he responded. Vegeta was ready to explode.

"BRAT!" he screamed and fired a powerful blast at Gohan. Gohan immediately stopped laughing.

Holy cow! He transformed to a Super Saiyan and responded with his own blast. Gohan underestimated Vegeta's attack and was forced back until he hit the wall. With a yell he deflected the blast. When the smoke and light disappeared, Gohan saw Vegeta coming at him with great speed.

Gohan quickly side-steeped just as Vegeta slammed his hand into the wall where Gohan's head had been only seconds ago. In addition Gohan kicked Vegeta in the spine. Vegeta spun around and punched Gohan in the chest. Gohan smiled and so did Vegeta. Gohan moved his hands down to his left waist and began powering up.

"Ka-me-ha-me-HA!" Gohan threw his hands forward when Vegeta released his own wave. The two blasts made contact with each other in an explosion of light. Gohan produced more power into the attack and slowly forced the two beams towards Vegeta. Vegeta, however, was not about to lose. He too put more effort in the blast. There was a few seconds where both fighters struggled to overcome the other.

The two blasts suddenly exploded. Both Gohan and Vegeta were thrown backwards. When the smoke vanished, the two fighters eyed each other.

Gohan's armour was torn apart. He was bleeding from a deep cut in the right shoulder, blood oozing out and dripping onto the floor. A smaller bruise was beginning to take from on his wrist.

Vegeta had two cuts across his chest that he didn't seem to notice. He slowly crackled his neck and fixed his eyes in on the younger Saiyan in the other end of the room. A smirk creped onto his lips. "I'd say the warm up is over," he said and dropped down in a fighting stance. Gohan tensed up when he saw the look in Vegeta's eyes.

Maybe I shouldn't have mocked him, Gohan thought and got ready to fight as well.

Vegeta attacked.

Bulma was getting impatience. She had spent five hours, trying to make sense of the paper she had found in Gohan's pocket. She'd looked up every modem and ancient language, but she still couldn't make anything out of it. She started to wonder, if it was some of stupid joke.

Someone knocked gently at the door. "Come in," she called and turned to face the person. The door opened and a bloody Gohan entered. Bulma gasped when she saw him. She jumped up and ran over to him.

"Gohan, what on earth happened to you?" she asked horrified. Gohan let out a small laugh.

"I think, I mocked Vegeta a bit too much," he answered and rubbed the back of his head. Bulma shook her head in disbelief. "You of all people should now better then mocking Vegeta!" she said and slapped him on the shoulder. Gohan let out a yelp.

"Ow! Bulma, that hurt," he said and rubbed his injured shoulder. Bulma then noticed the blood dripping from his fingers.

"Out!" she yelled and pushed him outside. "What?" Gohan asked, feeling hurt. Bulma gave him a look s if he had lost his mind.

"I don't want blood on my stuff," she answered and closed the door behind her. "So, did you find out anything?" Gohan asked. Bulma shook her head.

"Sorry kid, bit it looks like a joke to me," she said and looked at the paper. Gohan signed. He wasn't so sure.

"I don't know, Bulma. If it was a joke, why would the person, who wrote it, bother to get up in the middle of the night to strap it on my window?" he asked. Bulma looked back at the paper.

"You got a point," she said. "I'll ask Vegeta about it later." She folded the paper and put it down in her pocket.

"Oh yeah, your mom called. She and Goten are one their way here," Bulma told him. Gohan stopped in his tracks. "Right now?" he asked in chock. Bulma rolled her eyes. "Of course right now," she said.

"Oho! I better go to the Lookout," he said and ran towards the exit.

"Why are you going there?" Bulma yelled after him. Gohan turned his head. "Could you imagine my mom seeing me like this?" Gohan yelled before he ran out of the door. Bulma chuckled. Chichi would probably faint, if she saw Gohan now.

When Gohan came outside, he jumped to the air and flew towards the Lookout. His mind wandered to the text from last night. He was sure, there was a way to read it, but it didn't put up his hopes. When Bulma, with her IQ, couldn't make sense of it, there wasn't much hope for the rest of them. He finally spotted the Lookout and landed.

"I haven't seen you like this since the Cell Games," a voice growled. Gohan looked around and saw his mentor and friend, Piccolo, coming walking over to him. Gohan smiled.

"Hey, Piccolo. How are you?" he asked. Piccolo smiled down at the young teenager.

"I'm fine, but I can't say the same about you. What happened?" Gohan grinned. "I think, I mocked Vegeta too much," the answer came. Piccolo let out a snort.

"He's gonna destroy the planet one day," he said. Gohan laughed. "Do you know where Dende is? I was hoping he could heal me before my mom sees me." Piccolo nodded. "This way kid," he said and leaded the way. Dende smiled when he saw Gohan.

"Hey Gohan, what happened to you?" he asked.

"He mocked Vegeta," Piccolo answered as Gohan sat down. Dende smiled and joined Gohan on the floor. "I see." He began healing Gohan and after a few minutes, Gohan was as good as new.

"Thanks Dende! You just saved my mom from a heart attack," Gohan said and jumped up. Dende got up too. "No problem," he said. Gohan walked back to the edge of the Lookout, followed by Piccolo and Dende.

"I better get back now. Thanks again. I'll drop by tomorrow. Bye!" With that he jumped to the air and to Capsule. Dende followed him with his eyes. He looked at Piccolo and the smile, that covered his face, disappeared.

"What is it?" he asked, seeing the worried look on Piccolo.

"We need to keep a close eye on Gohan from now on," Piccolo answered. Dende tilted his head. "Why?" he asked.

"I feel something will happen soon; something he can't handle alone."

"Should we tell him?" Dende asked in worry. Piccolo shook his head. "Not yet." Dende looked down. He hoped of all his heart, Piccolo was wrong.

When Gohan landed at Capsule, he could hear his mother inside talking to Bulma. Gohan walked in, hoping he could get away quick.

"Hi, Mom," he said. Chichi looked up and spotted him. "Hi, honey." She raised an eyebrow when she saw the broken armour.

"What happened?" she asked. Gohan gulped. "Well, I was training with Vegeta, but I'm fine," he added when he saw the look in her eyes. He felt very small under her gaze.

"Gohan, why don't you take a shower? Chichi and I will make dinner in the meantime," Bulma interrupted. Gohan nodded and quickly left the room. He thanked Bulma in his mind for saving him from the frying pan. He found the room where he had left hi clothes and began his way to the bathroom. A hot shower would be nice after all.

Fifteen minutes later Gohan stepped out of the shower and dressed. He took a look in the mirror and tried to flat his spiky hair. He suddenly noticed something and stopped in the movement. He slowly turned around and stared at a text written on the opposite wall.

From that angle he could read it, but when he looked at the reflection in the mirror, he couldn't make sense of it. He thought about the paper he had found last night. Could it really be that simple? Gohan forgot all about his hair. He flung the door open and ran down the hallway.

"Bulma!" he yelled. A door to his left slammed open and a very annoyed Saiyan stepped out.

"What on earth are you yelling about, boy!" Vegeta sneered as Gohan ran past him. "I know how to read the text I found last night!" Gohan shouted over his shoulder.

"What are you talking about?" Vegeta shouted back to him. But Gohan had already disappeared around the corner and didn't answer. Vegeta cursed.

"Just like his low-class father," he sneered and followed Gohan. The younger Saiyan located Bulma's ki and ran for it.

In the kitchen, Chichi and Bulma were cocking. Bulma was cutting salad while Chichi found plates.

"You know, Bulma, you don't have to use such a big knife for the salad," Chichi said and eyes the knife in Bulma's hand. Bulma simply smiled and continued. The door suddenly flung open.

"Bulma!" someone shouted. Chichi dropped the plates in shock. Bulma spun around and threw the knife at the voice, fearing it was someone here to kidnap her. Gohan yelped in surprise as the knife came against him and quickly jumped out of the way. The knife slammed into the wall, just as Vegeta entered. It had been inches from hitting him in the head. He looked dazed for a moment; then looked at the weapon and towards Bulma and Chichi.

"What was that!" he shouted. But neither Bulma nor Chichi paid him the slights attention.

"SON GOHAN! HOW DARE YOU YELL LIKE THAT!" both of them yelled at the top of their voice. Gohan took a steep back.

"I-I'm sorry, but I know how to read the text," he said. Bulma forgot her anger. "Really?" Gohan nodded.

"We need a mirror," he said. Bulma left and quickly returned with one in her hand. She unfolded the paper and placed it on the table. Gohan sat down, took the mirror and moved it beside the paper. Looking into the mirror, he could now make sense of it. He began to write it down.

I may be far and yet so near

Cross the world may take years

The secret you see and you find me

Tell me now as you search the land

What would you miss as your second hand

Bulma read it over his shoulder. "It's a poem," she said. "A lousy one too," she added and raised an eyebrow. Gohan read it one more time.

"It's not just a poem," he said, "It's a warning."

"What do you mean, boy?" Vegeta asked. Gohan looked up at him. "The first line tells us, that whoever wrote this is closer then we think; someone we might know? The fifth and sixth line is saying that while we are looking, the person might take something I would miss as my second hand."

"What does it mean?" Bulma asked. Gohan shook his head. "I don't know." Vegeta walked over to them.

"Let me see," he demanded. "No, the other one," he said when Gohan handed him the new written text. Gohan gave him the paper from last night. The second he laid his eyes on it, his expression changed. Gohan couldn't quiet read it. Shock? Disbelief? Vegeta looked back at Gohan.

"Where did you find this?" he asked.

"At my window last night," Gohan answered. Vegeta looked back at the paper. "Do you know what this is?" he asked and pointed to the strange symbol above the text. Gohan shook his head.

"It's a universal symbol for rebirth," he said, "and a symbol Frieza used." Chichi and Bulma gasped and Gohan dropped his mouth.

"But Frieza is dead! Mirai Trunks killed him, we all saw that," Gohan defended.

"Looks like he's back," Vegeta answered and tore the paper apart. He smirked. If Frieza really was back, he would finally get a chance to beat him up.

"Then he must have learned to suppress his ki, because I didn't sense anybody last night," Gohan said and got up. Bulma placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I think all of you shoulder move in here," she suggested. Gohan looked up. "If he really is back, you would be safer here." Gohan nodded in agreement. He turned to his mother.

"Mom, I need to go to the Lookout. I'll be right back." Chichi nodded. "Just be careful," she pleaded. Gohan gave her a smile.

"Then I'll go to your house with Chichi and Vegeta to get your stuff," Bulma said. Vegeta looked up.

"And why would I do that?" he asked. Bulma turned to him.

"If you don't, you'll sleep outside for a week," she said and placed her hands on her hips. Vegeta laughed and crossed his arms. "Don't you think I can get through a door?" he asked in amusement. Bulma's eyes narrowed.

"I meant outside our room," she hissed. Gohan flushed at the words. "W-well, I better go now," he said and ran out of the kitchen. Chichi looked after him. She couldn't believe some monster was after her son again. It wasn't fair! More then ever, she wished Goku was there beside her.

In the Other World, Goku was training. He had finally reached Super Saiyan two. After a while he stopped and sat down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he sat there, a strange feeling suddenly hit him; he felt lonely.

Although he had many friends here, he missed his life on Earth, his wonderful wife and unique son. Thinking about them he felt a pain in his heart. He was missing some of Gohan's best years. He wondered if his choice about staying dead had been the right.

If he got a second chance to go back to them, he would take it without hesitating. He suddenly sensed someone coming towards him and got to his feet.

"King Kai, what's up?" he asked. King Kai looked worried.

"Earth is heading for a dark time," he answered. Goku looked puzzled. "What do you mean?" King Kai looked up.

"I don't know, but something will happen soon. I can feel it."