Chapter 21 – Finale

A stubby blue creature runs across a field of warriors. Warriors of many races and species. There were no telling how many there were, but they all had something in common. A golden ring floated above their heads. This was after world and the blue creature was on a mission.

"Goku! Goku!" The creature yelled.

Stopping his barrage on a gigantic bag, Goku looks over to his caller, "Oh hey King Kai! What's up?"

"You won't believe the commotion on Vegeta! Your son-" King Kaie began explaining.

Goku looked concerned, "What happened! Is he alright?"

King Kai looked like he was ready to burst, but calmed himself down with a deep breath, "He's fine. Better than fine actually."

"What do you mean?" Goku asked with a confused tilt of his head.

"Let's just say the apple, doesn't fall far from the tree. Your son's a hero. He saved Vegeta and he has even reached your level of power if not close to it." King Kai said happily.

Goku grinned widely, "Well he is my son! I'm just glad he's not dead, though it would be nice to have a bit more competition from someone who can keep up with me."

"No! No no no no! One Saiyan is enough! Two would be too much! Even in the after life!" King Kai pleaded.

Goku laughed, "OK ok. Can I talk to him?"

"Fine. But make it quick. I'm not a phone you know!" King Kai yelled.

Goku puts his hand on King Kai's shoulder, "I know."

After a moment of silence King Kai twitches, "There. He's in a tank again."

Goku chuckles, "He'll be alright. Gohan. Gohan can you hear me?"

Gohan was asleep in the tank. His body recovering from the strain and anguish it just underwent. His sleep was dreamless. Just a black nothing when Goku's voice appeared to him, "Gohan. Gohan can you hear me?"

Very lightly Goku's image took form. Gohan looked upon him, "Father?"

"Hey there! Good, you can hear me!" Goku said with a smile.

"And I can see you… Am I dead?" Gohan asked.

Goku chuckled, "No son. You're not dead, and I doubt you actually see me. It might be a subconscious image, but I'm all the way in the after world. Anyways, so I heard you saved the planet huh?"

Gohan chuckled nervously, "Yeah. It wasn't easy. A Saiyan named Broly seemed to have it out for you and the planet, and since you had died, tried taking it out on me."

"Broly huh? Never heard of him." Goku replied to Gohans surprise.

"Really? He seemed to know you. But with the help of your father, Piccolo and Vegeta we got it done." Gohan continued.

"That's good. So what's next for you?" Goku asked to King Kai's annoyance.

"I will go to Earth for awhile. Maybe start my family with Videl, then start training for the Intergalactic games." Gohan replied.

"Sounds like a plan! And I tell you what, train harder than you ever have, because you might encounter a special guest at that tournament. I have to go son. I'm sorry I was never around for you growing up. But I'm proud of the man you have become." Goku said with a smile.

From under his breathing tube, Gohan smiled as well. Then the beeping of the machine woke him up as the green liquid began its release. A moment later Gohan stepped out, regaining his balance. He put his hand out as a smaller one took hold of it.

He looked at the hand attached to find it was Videls. She had a towel in her other hand as she handed it to Gohan.

"Thank you." He said drying his face off first.

"Are you feeling ok?" She asked looking concerned.

Gohan smiled at her, "I've never been better." She smiled back, "What about you? Are you OK?"

She nodded and yawned, "I'm a little worn out, but I'm fine."

Gohan finished drying off and grabbed some robes off a shelf. "Come on. Let's go to bed." He held out his hand.

She took it as he pulled her closer and picked her up. He carried her all the way to their room. The guard outside the door moved aside as he took her inside and placed her on the bed. He laid down beside her and pulled her closer to him.

Videl grabbed his hand and kissed it. "You were amazing out there Gohan. Even when it seemed like things were against you… You pushed through and won." She turned over to look at him, "What went through your mind?" Gohan smiled at her, "There's that smile I like."

Gohan leaned forward to kiss her, "You were. The thing that went through my mind, was the thought of losing you. It drove me insane and I knew what I had to do but…" He placed his hand on her cheek, "I couldn't have done it without your help."

Videl kissed the palm of his hand and returned the smile. She yawned extremely wide as her eyes got droopy. Gohan kissed her forehead as she fell into a deep sleep. Gohan rolled on his back and followed suit. In his exhaustion he exhaled a sigh of relief.

The next morning came and Gohan was summoned to the throne room. He was joined by Luka and Chro. They stood at attention as they waited for Vegeta to arrive. Bulma showed up ahead of time and walked over to Gohan. "Well look at you. The apple does not fall far from the tree. I'm sorry I missed the commotion. Me and Trunks needed a little mother/son time."

Gohan bowed his head, "I'm glad you didn't. Videl was lucky to get out alive. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something happened to you."

Bulma waved his comment away, "I've been through worse, but thank you for your concern."

Just then Vegeta walks in. Armored up and cape flowing as he walked to his throne. Taking his seat he looked at the three Saiyans. "Luka, Chro, and Gohan. You three are the last of my team of gladiators. You fought with honor and courage. And you saved our people. This doesn't happen very often, but I offer you my thanks and gratitude. Because of you three I still have a throne." Vegeta stands up, "Thank you." And bows.

The three Saiyans bow back. They all stand up as Vegeta walks towards them. He stops a few feet back, "I offer you a gift in return. Freedom."

They all looked stunned, "Come again?" Luka replies.

"Your freedom. From this life. And a position in my ranks as generals." Vegeta continued. "Do you accept?" Luka and Chro both nod their head frantically. Gohan looks down as he thinks. Vegeta looks at him, "Well half breed?"

"No." Gohan answered.

"What?" Vegeta asked.

"As much as I would like my freedom for once, I would like to participate in the Intergalactic games. And I can't do that as a general." Gohan explained.

The room was silent a mere moment before Luka spoke up, "You know what? I think I'll join up with Gohan. The fuckers been through hell and back, and I'll be damned if I can't join him. So thank you, your highness, but I'm afraid I'll also have to decline. Besides… I like fighting in the nude." He joked.

Vegeta looked at Chro, "Well?"

"Well what?" Chro asked.

"Are you of the same mind?" Vegeta asked.

"No. I lost my brother to the games. As much as I love the thrill of victory in the arena, it's different with the loss of him. So I will take up your offer." Chro accepted.

"Very well." He looks at Gohan and Luka, "I will allow your training to continue… but as soldiers." Gohan and Luka looked confused, "As much as I hate to admit it, your help keeping our planet safe is worth a lot more than just keeping you around as gladiators. When the time comes I will allow you to join the games, but you both are now soldiers." Vegeta offered.

Gohan smirked, "That I can accept."

Vegeta smirked back, "It is done. Now go. Relax. You've earned it."

Lukas eyes lit up, "Yes! Whores and drink! Thank you sire!" He said as he ran out of the room.

Chro bowed as some of Vegetas guard guided him away. Gohan turned to Vegeta, "I do have a request."

"Oh?" Vegeta replied.

"I would like a few months on Earth with Videl. If I may?" Gohan asked.

Vegeta nodded. Gohan looked excited, "But I have a request of my own." Gohan tilted his head, "You reached a new level of power. I yearn to as well. Upon your return, you and I will train together until this is so. Is that clear?"

Gohan nodded, "Yes sir."

"Good." Vegeta said, "I will have a ship prepared for you in a few hours."

Gohan bowed as he left. In a few minutes he was back in Videls room. Videl had just woke up, "Hey babe. Where were you?"

"I was upgrading my position. I have now joined Vegetas army, but am still a gladiator." Gohan summed up.

Videl got up and hugged him, "That's great! I think."

Gohan laughed, "It's not bad. I still get to fight in the big games. But after this last one… Well, I don't think it'll be too hard."

Videl let him go as she walked away to her dresser, "Well if anything we can finally relax with each other. After all…" She turns and looks at him, "We haven't had much time together." She starts undressing.

Gohan smirks as he walks over to her half naked form, and puts his hands on her shoulders and pulls her into a kiss. They break away, "There will be plenty of time for that when we get to Earth."

Videl looked surprised as Gohan walked away, "What do you mean Earth?"

"I mean Earth. I thought that I didn't need the Earth, but when it came down to it… I think Earth is the perfect place for me. Even if it's for a couple of months. I've had enough excitement for a while. Besides, we had fun on Earth last time. And I think it's time we used our wish." Gohan explained as he prepared his things, "So get ready. We leave within the hour."

Videl looked extremely confused, but did as asked. Very soon she and Gohan were on their way back to Earth. As they set up in a bunk Videl snatched Gohan and flung him on the bed. "Now!" She got closer to him, "I can finally have my way with you." She bit his lip initiating deep rooted urges to take over as she roughly had her way with Gohan.

Within the few hours they arrived on Earth, Their 'alone' time keeping them busy during the flight. As they emerged, both seemed like new people. Any frustrations they had, were now worked through.

Gohan took in a deep breath. Letting the cool air of the Earth fill his lungs. He looked at Videl with a genuine smile. She smiled back as Gohan took her hand and took to the sky.

"Hey!" She yelled out.

"I wanna get this out of the way." Gohan replied as he pulled Videl closer to him. Transforming into a Super Saiyan as he flew faster.

In less than a blink of an eye Gohan and Videl once more were on the balcony of the watch tower. Videl had to catch her balance.

"We literally just got off a space ship! Couldn't have given me any warning?" She said regaining herself.

Gohan laughed as they were greeted by Mr. Popo, "Gohan. Videl. It is a pleasure to see you again. And so soon."

"It's good to see you. Do you still have the Dragon Balls? I have a wish I'd like to make." Gohan told Popo.

"We do. Shall we summon him?" Popo asked.

Gohan nodded, "If that's possible."

Popo turned and lead the way, "This way please. Kami will be meeting us at the summon."

"But how does-" Videl began to ask.

"Kami has not left the balls alone since you gathered them. He has been waiting on your return." Popo explained as they came across the old Namek.

He turned to greet them, "Hello again. I knew you'd be back sooner rather than later." Gohan and Videl smiled at him. "So? Let's move this party forward." He turned to the Dragon Balls, "Shenron! Come forth and grant me your wish!" Kami summoned.

The sky became dark. Thunder rumbled in the distance as Lightning sprang forward and shot to the ground. The low roar of a large creature came from beneath the tower as Videl and Gohan became a little uneasy.

Kami laughed, "Be calm. It's only Shenron making his entrance."

As that sentenced finished the enormous head of Shenron appeared, followed by his long, snake-like figure. Gohan was amazed as Shenron came back around stopping as he stared down the group on the platform.

"SPEAK YOUR WISH!" Shenron commanded.

Kami looked at Gohan and signaled him over. Gohan stepped forward.

He looked up at the dragon, "Any wish I want?"

"SPEAK YOUR GREATEST DESIRES AND SEE IT FULFILLED!" Shenron informed.

Gohan nodded, "I wish for the lives of the soldiers and gladiators killed by the Saiyan Broly as well as the life of the gladiator Caro!"

There was a silence, "IT SHALL BE DONE!" Shenron informed as his eyes glowed brightly. Then in an instant it was over, "YOUR WISH IS GRANTED! FAREWELL!"

Then with a flash of light Shenron disappeared into the clouds. The Dragon Balls followed close behind him. The sky relit itself and Gohan and Videl were left in awe.

"There. It's done." Kami replied.

Gohan smiled when he got smacked across the back of his head, "I seem to recall you saying I could have the wish." Videl said playfully.

"I know, but… I felt that I needed to make it." Gohan explained, "You? How come you never asked me about my wish? Last time you were pretty adamant about finding out what it was for."

Kami chuckled, "Remember that I and Piccolo are one. I knew about the events that happened as they happened. In fact I was scared I would be gone. But you pulled through, and I knew you had the right mind to make the right decision."

Gohan smiled and looked at Videl, "I'm sorry. I had to."

She smirked and shook her head, "Alright. Come on you big jerk. Let's go. Thank you Kami." Videl said as she lifted into the sky.

Gohan bowed as he followed her off the tower.

They flew towards the sunset, starting a new adventure. On Vegeta loved ones were reunited. Brothers could share drink again, and friends could celebrate victories. In the end everyone got what they wanted. Videl and Gohan could be together with no consequence. Chro was reunited with his younger brother. And Luka could brag about his victory with other gladiators.

The future will hold much for everyone, but for now everyone gets a breather. There's life to live and love to share.

And with that I'm out. I'm done with Gladiator. I already have an idea for the sequel, but that won't be for awhile. In fact it'll be after my next story. So until then, I hope you enjoyed this. I found itself pretty interesting.