Hello, and welcome once again to my little story. I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long, but for the entire month of March I have been without a computer to use. Anyway, I would also like to remind you that this, being the final round, is also the final chapter. No begging for continuations, because there is no more. This is where the story ends. If you can't get enough however, check out my upcoming story entitled "The Prodigal Son." It is a much longer, more involved story that this one, and from a writer's standpoint, I'd say it's better written. Just wait and see!
Chapter Four-The Final Round
"So, Gohan," Krillin jeered as they sat in the locker room before the last bout, "Do you think you're ready to take on your dad?" Gohan gulped nervously.
"I'm not sure," he said. Videl gave him a playful punch in the arm.
"Don't talk like that!" she said. "You can beat anybody! There's no way for even your dad to beat you!" It helped a lot to hear her say this, and it helped him even more to know that she truly believed it as well, and wasn't just saying it to encourage him.
"Well, from what I saw the last time they were together, I'd have to put my money on Gohan, too," came a voice from the entrance to the room.
"Yamcha!" greeted Goku. Apparently their friend had successfully snuck back one more time.
"You're forgetting that the brat hasn't trained for seven years," came another voice.
"Vegeta! You came back to watch the finals?" Despite the prince's obvious foul mood, he managed a smirk.
"You think I'd miss the opportunity to see one of you idiots pound the other into oblivion?" This comment irked Videl somewhat.
"Now wait just a minute!" she started to get up, but was pulled back down when Gohan placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him quizzically, and he just shook his head with a serious expression on his face. She dropped the topic.
"Do you think you've improved enough to be a match for your son?" asked Piccolo, who had also returned and true to his fashion had entered through the window. Goku shrugged.
"There's no way to know until we meet in the ring," he said.
"Well that's going to happen pretty quick," Yamcha said. "There goes the bell. I guess I didn't really get a chance to talk to you this time, did I?"
"It's just as well," Goku said. "I'd like for them to finish the tournament as soon as possible so that I can spend some time with everybody. I only have all day." Krillin and Yamcha laughed, and then the latter headed back to the bleachers.
"Shall we?" asked Krillin, gesturing to the fighters' waiting area. Vegeta snorted and went ahead, and the others soon followed. Now they merely had to wait for the announcer to call them.
* * *
Mr. Satan meanwhile, was surrounded by reporters asking him questions about the fight. Without cameras, they had to resort to the old fashioned form of interviewing: notepads. They had finished grilling him about his own fight, and were now asking his opinion of the finalists. He tried to be as derisive as he could be without giving away his true distaste for both fighters.
"So, Mr. Satan, who do you think will win this match?" one reporter asked.
"Well, it's hard to say. Having a former champion in the ring is always a sign of something, but the 23rd tournament had lousy competition, so that doesn't count for too much."
"And what about the Great Saiyaman?"
"That runt?" the burly man laughed. "I'm surprised he even made it this far!"
"But Mr. Satan, the Great Saiyaman has proven himself to be a superb fighter and exceptionally strong," the reporter pointed out.
"It's all a bunch of simple tricks and nonsense. Even against a faker like Goku, he doesn't stand a chance!"
"So you're saying that Goku will win?"
Mr. Satan was uncomfortable about showing any scrap of confidence in either one of them, but he'd backed himself into it.
"Yes, I think he will," he stated simply. The reporters all rushed to write it down and move on to further questions.
* * *
"Okay! Are you all ready for the final round of this tournament?" Cheers erupted from all corners of the stadium. The ousting of their hero and champion was all but forgotten, and the crowd was totally wrapped up in the excitement of everything that had happened so far.
"Then let's bring out our finalists!" Goku and the Great Saiyaman started their walk to the ring. "Goku is the second Son to make it to the finals today, his son Goten having come in second in the junior division. Will he reclaim his former title today, or will the mysterious Great Saiyaman prove to be the mightiest in the world? We're about to find out!"
The two fighters took their positions opposite each other in the ring, and signaled to the announcer that they were ready.
* * *
"This is it," the Supreme Kai said to Kibito. "The outcome of this match will determine everything." The taller being simply nodded.
* * *
"Are you ready, Gohan?" Goku asked his son.
"As ready as I'll ever be, dad," he replied. The announcer declared the beginning of the match, and they flew at each other.
* * *
"Look at them go!" Krillin exclaimed. "I'll tell you, I've been waiting for this match for a long time." 18 hmmed, and Vegeta snorted again.
"So you guys don't know who's going to win?" Videl asked.
"It's a toss-up," Krillin admitted. Videl got a confident look on her face.
"Gohan's going to win." She stated it as a fact. Krillin chuckled to himself.
* * *
"Are you gonna turn it up now?" Goku asked.
"Whatever you say," came the reply. The two of them kicked it up a notch and took their fight higher into the sky.
'I can't sense any difference in his power yet,' Goku noted to himself, 'But his technique is definitely sloppier. He's out of practice, all right.'
They dove back down towards the ring, each slowly increasing his with every attack. It wouldn't be long before one of the reached his limit.
* * *
"Be ready as soon as they declare the winner," Yamu said to his counterpart. "We've got to take it and get out of here in a hurry." The larger man nodded.
"Right."
* * *
Gohan was approaching his maximum, and he wasn't winning by any sense of the word. He knew he would have to transform very shortly. His father, on the other hand, seemed to be holding out just fine. This was not good.
"You're doing well, Gohan," Goku said. "I could use more sparring partners like you in other world." Gohan grinned.
"Well, you'll have to wait," was all he said. Goku chuckled, and the two of them flew apart and landed in opposite ends of the ring.
"I'm ready to go to the next step, are you?" Gohan asked.
"Anytime." The two of them gathered their respective energy for a moment, and then transformed simultaneously. It was quite a sight for those who weren't used to seeing it. Indeed, it was a sight even for those who were.
* * *
"This will make the fight much more interesting," Piccolo said.
"You've got that right! How lucky are we to get to see two super saiyan power brawls in one day?" He promptly received a smack in the back of his head, and turned around to see his wife standing there, gesturing to Videl with her eyes. Krillin realized what he'd done and clamped his hands over his mouth. Fortunately, the young girl was so engrossed in watching Gohan fight that she hadn't heard his comment.
* * *
"My money's on Gohan," Sharpener said.
"I don't know," Erasa said. "That's his dad, isn't it? How many guys do you know that can beat up their dads?"
"How many guys do you know that can lift planes and buses?" Sharpener countered. Erasa didn't say anything, but conceded with a nod.
* * *
In the ring, the fight was going as it had before, only on a much larger scale. Each warrior was slowly bringing out more and more of his super saiyan power. It was clear to Gohan that his father had more power in reserve than he, and that it was only a matter of time before he lost the match. He decided to go for one last ride. In a quick break in the fighting, Gohan let out a mighty yell and powered up to his full SSJ strength. During the power up, it occurred to Gohan to attempt another SSJ2 transformation, even though he figured it wouldn't work. He hadn't been able to do it in years. The one earlier against Kibito seemed almost a fluke, though it had seemed quite natural at the time.
Goku watched his son reach his full potential, and wondered if he was going to go to the next level. He knew that he could do this as well, but he wasn't sure if doing it in front of an already humbled Vegeta was such a good idea. Goku came to the decision that were Gohan to jump to the next level, he would win the fight.
It didn't look like that was the case however, for Gohan had lost whatever he'd found earlier, and could not transform a second time. That was it, he was going to finish this fight as a super saiyan. He would probably lose, but as far as he was concerned, losing to his father was nothing at all to be ashamed of. Now finished with his power up, he faced his father once more.
"Let's finish it, dad," he said. Goku grinned.
'It looks like he's not going to transform after all,' the older Son thought. 'Then this is where it ends. It's a shame to have to beat him in front of Videl, but…' his thoughts were cut short as his progeny leaped at him with another attack.
* * *
"I think they're at full power now, you guys," Krillin said. "This might just be the end."
"Gohan didn't transform," came a voice from behind them. "Why is that?" They turned around to see the supreme kai standing there.
"You got me,"
Krillin shrugged. "Maybe he just didn't want to."
The Kai let out a pensive "Hmm." He
then turned to face his companion. "This may change our plans somewhat,
Kibito." The taller one nodded.
* * *
Gohan was on his last legs, and he knew it. This was as strong as he could get in his SSJ form, and his father was still stronger. As he took a hit that sent him careening to the floor of the ring, he reflected on what Videl had told him earlier.
"You can beat anybody! There's no way for even your dad to beat you!" That belief had been further encouraged when he'd wiped the floor with Spopovich.
'Sorry, Videl,' he thought. Just then, the aforementioned thug caught the corner of his eye. He and his companion, Yamu, were standing off to the side of the ring, just a little closer than they should be. A monk came to tell them so, and Spopovich smacked him aside with his enormous hand. Gohan's eye twitched as he witnessed the act. Then he noticed a wicked grin plastered onto the lummox's face, directed at him! Images from Videl's fight came pouring back into his mind, and he was filled with a renewed revulsion toward the man. He didn't know what the two of them were planning, and why that nasty grin was there, but he wasn't about to let them get away with it. He looked up to see his father rushing down toward him, and realized he couldn't do anything until the fight was over. That left one logical course of action: end the fight.
Gohan stood up, and as soon as he did the stadium started shaking. Goku halted in midair when he saw what was happening. A hush ran through the crowd, and all the fighters looked on with wide eyes, while Kibito and the Supreme Kai grinned. Gohan's hair flashed even brighter than it already was, and streaks of blue electricity sparked around him. Spopovich and Yamu watched the events in the ring as well as a device in their hands with increasing glee. Goku gasped when he realized what was happening. He wasn't going to win.
Gohan gave one final, colossal yell and his hair grew up a little longer, his muscles powered up, and the blue electricity came in more steady spurts. A brilliant flash of light emanated from him so that many of the spectators had to shield their eyes. He'd reached super saiyan level 2.
* * *
Videl watched her friend in awe. This was the second time she'd seen him do this today, and somehow it seemed even more amazing that the first. Moreover, she hadn't the faintest idea of what it was he'd just done. She heard Krillin say something.
"Well, looks like the fight's over," he said. "Unless Goku can do that, too."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he could," said Piccolo. "But I don't think he would anyway. Not with Vegeta here." He made sure the saiyan prince was out of earshot when he said that.
* * *
The dust cleared, and Gohan looked up at his father. "Sorry, dad," he said. Goku gave him a knowing look and powered up to his maximum. He wasn't going down without a fight.
All of a sudden, Gohan charged from the ground at his father, and the final showdown began. They were moving so fast that only Vegeta could follow all of their movements, and he didn't say anything. After about a minute, Goku came crashing down and landed outside the ring with a thud. When Gohan floated down and landed in the center of the ring, Spopovich and Yamu were nowhere to be seen, but somehow he didn't care as much. The back of his mind was telling him something, and he was listening.
"You've just won the Tenkaichi Budokai! You are the world champion!" He looked around and saw the whole audience cheering, and then over at the waiting area, where Videl was jumping up and down. He smiled. He'd done it. He'd actually won.
::Celebrate, son:: he heard his father's voice in his head. ::You don't get a moment like this very many times in your life. Make the best of it. Give them a victory stance they'll never forget:: Gohan smiled, and then decided to do just that. All the adrenaline and excitement was pushing him to, anyway.
He shot his arms up over his head, and when he did, two streaks of blue lightning shot down from the sky into his fists. Kids who were there would later compare the sight to a thunder god in a popular video game. He cheered and laughed at the same time, and the crowd cheered with him. He was their hero officially now.
* * *
"And that clinches it, folks! The champion of the 25th Tenkaichi Budokai is the one and only GREAT SAIYAMAN!" A new wave of cheers and applause came, and Chi Chi was almost hysterical. Goku was going back to join his friends and let his son have his moment of glory. There were no cameras in the stadium, so they had nothing to worry about.
All of a sudden, the mood changed. As the announcer was walking into the ring to congratulate Gohan, two figures leaped from the bushes beside the ring and lunged for Gohan. He was about to raise a defense when the Supreme Kai cast a spell to restrict his movements. He was frozen in place, stiff as a board. Goku took a step out to help his son, but the Kai called for him to stop.
"This is what I was expecting to happen earlier," he explained. "We must not help him." Goku looked unsure, but obeyed.
Videl and Krillin on the other hand, weren't so ready to leave their friend helpless. They watched as Spopovich "held Gohan in place" while Yamu stabbed with a strange looking urn of some sort. Videl shrieked, but Krillin was the first to react.
"Gohan!" He yelled as he made a dash for the ring. He didn't make it very far, however, as Piccolo grabbed the back of his shirt.
"What's the deal, Piccolo?" the short man demanded.
"The Supreme Kai said to stay back, so we stay back. Gohan will be fine."
Krillin didn't like the idea, but he gave in. Videl, on the other hand, had seen all she could stand.
"I'm coming, Gohan!" She yelled as she too attempted to make a dash for the ring. It was Goku who held her back.
"Stay back, Videl," he said.
"But Gohan needs help!" she pleaded with him, and tears began to well up in her eyes. "Please! Let me help him!"
"Gohan will be just fine," Shin said. Videl didn't know who he was or how he knew Gohan, but a reassuring nod from Goku told her not to question the strange little man. She was still worried, and watching Gohan in such obvious pain hurt her very much.
* * *
"What are they doing to my baby?" Chi Chi screamed. The people in front of her, or rather under her now, were wishing they'd chosen different seats.
"And why isn't anybody helping him?" Bulma wondered.
"Yamcha!" Chi Chi wailed, turning to face him. "Go help him, please." Yamcha nodded affirmative and stood up to fly down and assist. Goku must have felt the flare in his ki because he looked up at the former bandit and shook his head. Thoroughly confused, Yamcha sat back down.
* * *
Gohan's hair and eyes had reverted to their normal colors.
"It's almost over," said the Supreme Kai. Just as he said that, the blinding light stopped, and Spopovich and Yamu dropped the demi saiyan and flew off.
"I must follow them, and see where they are taking Gohan's power," said the kai. "You are welcome to come along, but I understand if you feel you must remain here."
"But what about Gohan?" Krillin asked.
"Kibito will take care of him. I must go now." He took off and flew after the two thugs. Kibito flew out to Gohan in the ring, and Videl went with him.
* * *
"Gohan!" Videl yelled and landed right next to him on her knees. "Are you all right?" He was breathing, but he didn't appear able to answer her.
"He will be fine," came the voice of Kibito from behind her. He knelt down on the other side of Gohan and placed his large ands over the youth's chest.
* * *
"So you're going?" Krillin asked Goku.
"I don't really have much of a choice. The Supreme Kai gave me his word that Gohan would be all right. That's good enough for me. Following him is the only way I can find out what's going on around here."
"Then I'm coming, too," said Krillin. Goku smiled at his friend.
"Thanks, Krillin," he said. Then he turned to the other three. "I know you're coming, Piccolo. What about you two?"
"I have to stay behind and look after Marron," 18 said simply.
"Vegeta? I'm sure there's a possibility for a good fight."
Vegeta growled. "Fine! I'll come! But only because I want to find out what's got that Kai all worried."
"Great! Let's go, then!" Goku said. He took off and Vegeta flew after him.
"I'm right behind you, Kakarot!" he called, although he didn't sound happy about it. Piccolo took off next, and Krillin was last.
"So long, Juu-chan! Take care of Marron, I'll be back!"
"Krillin, don't go getting killed or anything!" She called after him. He paused long enough to turn and flash her a huge grin before continuing on his way.
* * *
Kibito was all ready to begin the procedure when two monks with a stretcher came up to them.
"We'll take it from here," one of them said.
"No you will not," replied Kibito in a very matter-of-fact way.
"B-but he's been stabbed, sir!"
Kibito made a gruff noise and gave the two a stern look. They backed off. Kibito then saw Goku and the others fly out of the stadium. He turned his attention back to Gohan.
"I do not know how long it will take for you to regain your full strength," he said to the boy. Then he began the revitalizing process while Videl looked on in amazement. After a minute or so, Gohan stood up, and Videl beamed.
"How do you feel, Gohan?" asked Kibito. Gohan clenched his fists a few times.
"I feel great!" he stated. "I feel even stronger than I was before!" Videl laughed and hugged him, but Kibito interrupted their moment.
"Gohan. I must go with the Supreme Kai and your friends. If you come, I promise everything will be explained to you." He took off, leaving Gohan to make up his mind.
"You're going, aren't you?" Videl asked.
"Mm-hmm."
"I want to come with you."
Gohan looked doubtful. "I don't know. It might be dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt."
Videl wasn't hearing it. "Oh, please let me come! I could help you guys out!" Gohan still looked hesitant. She decided to use her trump card and use her famed stubbornness. "If you don't let me come, I'll just follow you anyway."
Gohan thought it over once more before finally giving in. "Okay. But if things get too rough, will you promise me that you'll get out of there?" She nodded enthusiastically. "All right, let's go then."
And so the pair took off, from which point the story of Bibidi, Babidi and Buu as we know it came to pass. The spectators remained behind with their mouths open, exactly as they had been since Gohan rose from the floor of the ring. They hadn't any idea what was going on, and they probably never would.
THE END
I'm finished! Finally! I hope this chapter was satisfactory to most everyone, and I again apologize for the wait. Remember: "The Prodigal Son." My best work ever! Look for it!