Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Step-parent Saiyan Blues ❯ Raditz and Gohan faceoff ( Chapter 14 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the anime or manga Dragon Ball Z. Toriyama created it, and Toei Animation Co. Ltd. Shuisha Bird studios does. This is written out of respect for a wonderful series and I make no money from this. My fan fiction means no harm to either one.

 

A/N: Butterfly V suggested that it would be interesting to see a chapter where Raditz and Gohan resolve their differences. So I did my best to write this. There's a lot of action in it, and not many words. But it's how I picture two fighters trying to deal with conflicting emotions building up over years. I hope it makes sense!

 

Gohan and Raditz Face Off

 

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Again Gohan faced the difficulty with choosing between studying and training with Piccolo. Emotions roiled inside his mind, and he was desperate to put voice to them. While Chichi was distracted showing Stellari how to do laundry, the trio resumed their sparring. Goku was not clueless when it came to his son's quiet distractions while the three of them sparred. Raditz himself had joined their session, and Goku swore the tension could be cut with a knife.

 

"Gohan, you're NOT concentrating!" Piccolo grunted.

 

"I'm sorry Mr. Piccolo I'll try harder!" Gohan said. Like always he wore the miniature version of Piccolo's Mazuko tribe uniform complete with puffy white collar and pointed boots. He felt most confident and comfortable in the ensemble, connecting him with the hard training that Piccolo had subjected him to.

 

"You can't make excuses! This is just like when we trained before! Come at me with everything you have!" said Piccolo angrily. His cape and turban lay in the shade of a tree where he had thrown them earlier. Gracefully the two antenna curled over his wrinkled brow, Piccolo's dark eyes criticizing the weaknesses in his pupil's stance.

 

"RRRAAAGGH!" Gohan shouted as he charged forwards. Piccolo zipped out of his way, and then slammed his elbow on the boy's back.

 

"Sloppy! You know better!" Piccolo barked.

 

"I'm TRYING!" Gohan answered, through clenched teeth. Whenever Gohan tried to toughen himself he had the habit of locking his jaw like that.

 

"Then put that into your attack! You're BETTER THEN this!" Piccolo yelled.

 

"HAAAAAAHH!" Gohan screamed, swooping around and angling his leg. As Piccolo intercepted, he was barraged by a series of rapid fire punches. Gohan flipped over and peppered Piccolo with a powerful kick that knocked him back.

 

"Now that's more like it!" Piccolo laughed, wiping blood from his mouth. "Use that anger!"

 

"You got it, Mr. Piccolo," said Gohan with a nod. Piccolo noticed Gohan's burning stare momentarily turn to where Goku sparred with Raditz. It didn't take a mind reader to guess the source of Gohan's distraction. Somehow he had to face Raditz and unload the years of hatred and hostility. Wearing the brown and black armor that was neatly patched, Raditz had thrown his scouter down near where Goku had tossed his red over shirt. Still Goku had the weighted training shirt he wore underneath covering his hard muscled torso. Sweat dripped from both their brows.

 

"Goku, I need to talk to you," Piccolo said.

 

"Sure," Goku said as Raditz and he stopped, panting. He grabbed up a towel hanging from a nearby tree branch and mopped his face with it.

 

"Come over here," Piccolo said, motioning with one crooked finger. "Alone."

 

"But Mr. Piccolo we need to train! You said so yourself!" Gohan interrupted. He picked up a bottle of water and cracked it open, drinking a huge draught. Chichi had insisted they take a cooler stocked with bottles of drinking water and various juices. Several towels were draped over the branches of a shady tree, and the cooler nestled in its gnarled roots.

 

"You can spar with Raditz," said Goku. "Right? While we talk?"

 

"I think that would be an excellent idea," said Piccolo looking meaningfully at Gohan. "Try testing your powers on a new opponent."

 

"Are you SURE?" Gohan asked, leveling his gaze nervously at his dad. Goku suddenly saw the trepidation on Raditz face. Without the scouter it was easy to see it creased with worry.

 

"I… that's not necessary," Raditz said. Gohan suddenly saw the fear in Raditz eyes as he bit his lip and backed away. The fighting area consisted of a clearing only a mile or so from Goku's mountain home. For the past month Raditz had lived under the same roof as his brother, tensely avoiding any contact with Gohan. They rarely spoke, but when either occupied the same room words were exchanged in short sentences.

 

"Gohan, I think it wouldn't hurt. After all, you're a lot stronger now," said Piccolo. "Right Goku?"

 

"The boy's power level is far greater. Is he certain that he wishes to spar with me, when Piccolo is a better judge of his needs?" Raditz said. He watched Piccolo leaning over to dig a bottle of water out and twist the cap off easily. Those clawed fingers had ended Raditz existence, and Raditz lifted a bracer clad hand to his neck subconsciously.

 

Goku's dark eyes took in every detail. Shadows cast from the sun flickering through the trees danced across his broad chest. He tossed an apple up into the air and caught it. Through a mouthful of fruit he said, "No, I think you both could use a good sparring. This won't take long, will it Piccolo?"

 

"Not too long. But I think we should go over here and talk, Goku. Gohan could use the excercize," said Piccolo.

 

"All right, if you say so, Dad," said Gohan, inhaling deeply.

 

"Go on, it's all right," Goku leveled his gaze at Raditz.

 

"But the boy could slaughter me," Raditz voice echoed in Goku's mind. "You know as well as I do that his power is incomprehensible."

 

"Don't worry. He needs to do this, and so do you, Raditz. I have a sensu bean ready with your name on it. You're stronger also. Gohan won't kill you. He's better then that. Is that what you're scared of?" asked Goku.

 

"He would be within his right to do so," Raditz said.

 

"Then face him like a man. Let Gohan fight you. And give him a good challenge. He needs it and you do too. Or else you'll never move on," Goku whispered. He patted Raditz back. Swallowing hard, Raditz strode up and stood opposite Gohan in the middle of the clearing.

 

"Are you sure you don't want to WAIT to talk, Piccolo?" Goku asked.

 

"This needs to be private. I guarantee it," said Piccolo. "Gohan, go ahead. We'll join you after your father and I have had our chat."

 

"All right Mr. Piccolo, if you say so," Gohan said, striding up.

 

"Gohan, Raditz, this is just a sparring match," said Goku.

 

"Don't hold back," said Piccolo as he looked at Gohan. Nodding, Gohan gave him a grunt and a slight smile. Both of them strode up and stood opposite one another. Raditz saw the burning gaze gleaming in the boy's eyes and felt his knees turn to water. Gohan trembled and felt sick to his stomach to see Raditz taking a defensive stance.

 

"All right, I'll win this no matter what," Gohan said as he bowed.

 

"Fight me, boy. Show me what you have," Raditz said. Gohan heard the quavering in his voice, and felt a strange perverse thrill seeing his hated foe shaking in his boots. Raditz energy surged but Gohan knew the Saiyan didn't have a prayer if he let loose. Yet he knew he had to face his fear.

 

"I have to do this," Gohan whispered. "for Daddy."

 

"I must fight him, but I don't want to. But I can't let the past control me. If he DOES kill me, then at least I'll die knowing he had a chance for revenge. It's the Saiyan way. And I'm a Saiyan warrior. I won't let fear rule me," Raditz mumbled as he stared Gohan in the eyes.

 

"Fight!" Piccolo grunted. He pulled Goku's shoulder and the two of them flew to hover above where they could chat in private. Yet Goku knew it was a ruse so Gohan could let himself go.

 

"I won't let you win!" Gohan gritted his teeth as he stared Raditz down. However both of them were terrified with cold clammy hands, and their bodies beading with sweat. Was it his imagination or did Gohan go two shades paler.

 

"Fight me, Gohan. Come at me with everything you have!" Raditz gritted. "Attack me! Show me your power!"

 

"All RIGHT!" Gohan growled. "RRRAAAAAGHHHH!"

 

Relief filled Raditz when Gohan launched himself forwards. He raised his hands, his fear surging. At the last moment Raditz phased out of the way, and Gohan blasted past. Then Gohan flipped and reversed his course. Raditz moved closer, and then Gohan's fists connected in a flurry. Raditz felt the crack of Gohan's first punch, followed by another. It was all Raditz could do to simply block the boy's frenzied explosion of fists. Then Gohan angled up and slammed him with sharp kicks. Raditz forced himself to stay on the defensive, simply taking Gohan's punishment.

 

"Why isn't he fighting back?" Gohan suddenly realized. Raditz swung out in a wide arc with his punch, and Gohan zipped up to avoid it. Then Raditz spun and kicked, seeing the speed of Gohan's parry and following punch. A sickening crack and Gohan's fist slammed into Raditz gut, throwing him back.

 

"I… I hit him," Gohan suddenly realized as Raditz shot across the field and smashed into a tree. Glancing down at his fist Gohan balked. Raditz slowly halted himself out of the splinter of toothpicks that spilled around him, and shook the splinters from his mane.

 

"You know how to punch, boy. You're quite good at sparring. That Namekian has taught you much," Raditz panted as he leapt back into a pose. But the way he held his side showed Gohan he really felt that connect.

 

"I'm a lot stronger then before! You can't hurt me now," Gohan panted.

 

"Then fight me. You're Kakkarot's son. I know you want to make me pay," Raditz panted.

 

"I'm… I'm not like you!" Gohan shrilled as he charged again. Raditz launched himself forwards, and the two collided with the force of a hurricane. Fists smashed and Raditz next punch landed against Gohan's fist. The other fist was stopped with Gohan's arm blocking it, and they could not break their poses. They pushed, grunting as they were locked in a stalemate. Baring his teeth Gohan narrowed his eyes and glared up at his uncle shoving hard.

 

"You've been ACHING for this moment. To get your revenge. I hurt your father and you're within your rights. Don't you want to see me suffer for what I did?" Raditz taunted. Instinct for self preservation was berating him for this, but Raditz felt release in each punch that Gohan landed.

 

"You… you hurt my father! Gohan exploded as power surged around him.

 

"That's it! Let it out! Show me that anger! Attack me with everything you have! This is your chance for revenge!" Raditz gritted.

 

"I WILL make you pay! Nobody hurts my DADDY!" Gohan howled. Golden energies surged around the boy, and then he shoved forwards with his whole strength. Raditz gasped, the stalemate broken as he reeled back. Then Gohan pounced on him, his face twisted with hatred. Raditz laughed, welcoming the punch to his jaw that snapped his head back, and the following kick that slammed into his solar plexus. Gohan snarled, hitting Raditz repeatedly and sending him reeling.

 

"You've dreamed of this moment! You want me to suffer!" Raditz coughed, blood dribbling down his chin. Gohan wondered why he wasn't defending himself. Feebly Raditz swung a punch, but Gohan blocked it like child's play.

 

"I hate you!" Gohan sobbed. Tears blurred his vision, and he couldn't stop himself as he raised his hands to his head and called his energy.

 

"Yes, that's it don't stop now," Raditz coughed.

 

"Maa seenko… HAH!" Gohan shrilled, gold power wreathing his whole body. It focussed just on the palms of his hands and then shot forward with blinding light. Hunched over, Raditz raised his wrists to block. The golden pillar of light smashed into his gauntlets, pushing him back. Despite digging his feet into the ground, Gohan poured more energy into his beam.

 

"Show me your power!" Raditz shouted over the sizzling force of the beam.

 

"RRRAAAAAAAHHHH!" Gohan cried out, all his anger bursting forth from inside. Raditz felt his own heart pounding in fear, gritting his teeth to stop the force of his power. He was amazed that the boy hadn't hit him full force because he sensed Gohan was still holding back. Fear faded and Raditz felt an odd sense of weight lift from inside. He was giving the boy the chance he'd ached for to balance the scales. One fight couldn't redress the wrong, but at least it was better then running and hiding.

 

"You've got a lot… of power…" Raditz huffed. Then he surged his own power, hair standing on end with golden energies of his own. Twisting his wrist he then turned his palm to face Gohan's beam, and slowly generated a crackling defensive beam to push back. Gohan struggled to maintain the pressure of the beam pressing back on his. The push of war had begun.

 

"I won't… let you beat me!" Gohan mouthed. More energy surged up and channeled through his hands to thicken the diameter of his Masenko. Just how long the energies fought he couldn't tell. Yet Raditz beam faltered, and the column of mental might smashed into his chest, hurling him back.

 

Panting, Gohan stopped his energy beam. Raditz crashed to the ground with a grunt. For a moment Gohan stared dumbly at his hands that fell from his face. Slowly they dropped to his sides and he exhaled the breath he had been holding. His heart almost burst it was pounding so hard against his breastbone. Silence predominated and he felt the flickering of Raditz life force faltering. Someone was laughing and coughing all of a sudden, and Gohan wondered who it was at first. Then as he focussed his hearing he realized it was coming from his fallen uncle laying spread eagle on the grassy forest floor.

 

"Don't you LAUGH at me!" Gohan cried. He flew forwards, fist upraised to finish the job he had started. Raditz pushed himself up on bent elbows, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. Cracks snaked across his armor and he saw the shape of his nephew rocketing towards him.

 

"Well done, boy," Raditz chuckled. He welcomed the blow, knowing in a weird way that it was all right. NO matter what happened next, a voice inside told him this was right. For Gohan's sake this would play out.

 

Gohan's fist flashed forwards and Raditz turned his head to the side. Just as Gohan was about to punch, he froze. His body stalled and he lost his resolve when he felt the red haze of rage lift. Something seemed to stop him from completing the punch when he saw the helpless form of his uncle laying ready to take the blow. A small smile crossed Raditz face, his eyes closed as if anticipating a thunderous crack. Trembling Gohan stopped himself and hovered with his fist inches from Raditz chin. Tense moments passed during which Raditz opened one eye and blinked up into the furious face of the boy frozen in place.

 

Sweat dripped down Gohan's nose. His small chest rose and fell with the pulse of each breath. Those dark eyes gleamed with a warrior's fire, but he would not move. Raditz swiveled his head and looked up at his nephew staring at him. Their gazes met and Raditz blinked in more fear. "Wh… why won't you finish me?" Raditz whispered.

 

"I… I…" Gohan stammered. "I can't do it."

 

"Why not? You've got me where you wanted me boy. Finish the job. My life belongs to you," Raditz said in shock.

 

"You hurt so many people I should… but… I can't," Gohan snorted.

 

"It's your right. For what I have done," said Raditz. Gohan dropped to the ground, his knees hitting as he stopped levitating. His arms fell limp at his sides and he knelt next to his uncle, by the broad armored left hip. Raditz pushed himself up to look at his nephew huddled there. Was it his imagination or was Gohan trembling?

 

"No. I won't do it. It's not right," Gohan murmured.

 

"Why not?" Raditz asked, pushing himself to sit up. "Why won't you kill me? You must hate me still. You have the chance to settle this once and for all? Why don't you take it?"

 

"Because it's too easy, that's why!" Gohan shouted, snapping his head up. "I don't WANT to kill you! That's not the right thing!"

 

"I don't understand," Raditz said plaintively. His whole universe suddenly seemed to fall apart to see his nephew sitting there wiping tears from his eyes.

 

"I can't do it and I won't! Because that would make it too easy for you! You need to be punished for what you did. And my killing you won't solve anything," Gohan said firmly, pulling more tears away with a creased knuckle.

 

"Don't you want to?"

 

"I'm not a Saiyan. Not like you. And I won't EVER be like you. I'm not a heartless murderer. If I killed you I'd be no better then you are," Gohan said. Raditz exhaled, his whole body twitching with fear for the hard glare Gohan pierced him with.

 

"Is this… human justice?" Raditz asked softly. Gohan straightened up, and then let his tears flow.

 

"Yes. I still can't forgive what you did. But my dad can somehow. I don't know if I can trust you, but I won't kill you. That's too easy and letting you off the hook. It's better to let you live with what you've done. Because nothing I do will make you suffer more then you are right now," Gohan panted.

 

"You… I…" Raditz murmured, and drew his legs up and huddled there in shock. "It makes no sense."

 

"It's the right thing to do," Gohan said. "You… I'm stronger then you and I have the power to stop you. That's what's important now. I don't understand why you fought me. You didn't even try to defend yourself."

 

"Because you needed the chance to face me. And so did I," Raditz answered. He looked up at his nephew who hovered over him with a watchful wary eye. Every muscle in the boy's small body twitched and his gaze suddenly sparked familiarity in Raditz that was aching.

 

"I should hate you. But that's not the way I do things," Gohan said. "Vegeta did horrible things too, but he helped Krillen and me fight Freiza. And now that I look at you, you're not so scary anymore. I'm not afraid of you."

 

"Good," Raditz said. "So now what will you do with me?"

 

"Let you live," Gohan said. Then he held out his hand to a flummoxed Raditz.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"Get up," Gohan said. Raditz slowly put his hand in his nephew's with a suspicious glance. With a simple tug Gohan yanked him to stand.

 

Hovering directly overhead Piccolo's caped form blocked the sun. Goku hovered only ten feet distant from him, his own shadow casting across his son. Both had serious frowns on their faces, their ki masked from Raditz limited perceptions. The warrior hadn't even known they were there watching. Still Raditz glanced up at them not sure what to think. Goku landed between Raditz and Gohan, his frown melting away.

 

"Did you have a good fight?" Goku asked.

 

"Dad, I couldn't do it," Gohan said.

 

"You fought well, kid," Piccolo said, still hovering thirty feet overhead.

 

"This makes no sense," Raditz stammered.

 

"I don't think you'd get it even if we explained it," Piccolo snorted in disgust, his arms folded across his chest.

 

"I think he does get it, for the first time, Piccolo," Goku disagreed, resting his hand on his son's shoulder. Gohan fell into his father's embrace, pressing his face into Goku's karate gi and seizing a fold of it. Slowly Goku rubbed his son's shoulder and leaned down to hug him tightly.

 

"I'm very proud of you," Goku whispered.

 

"This is insanity. I don't know whether to be sick, relieved or disgusted," Raditz blinked.

 

"Maybe they all make sense," Piccolo mumbled. "Now are we done with the group hug? Or will I have to get airsick bags?"

 

"Kakkarot, please explain to me what the hell just happened," Raditz blinked, feeling weak in the knees. Gohan raised his head from his father's chest, and turned slightly to look at him warily. Goku gave him a reassuring smile, then kept his arm around his son's shaking shoulders.

 

"I guess Piccolo's right. You probably don't get it now, but you will. Right Gohan?" Goku smiled that infernal grin that drove Raditz insane.

 

"I think I need to sit down," Raditz mumbled.

 

"Gohan, are you ready to train now?" Piccolo interrupted. "I hate to interrupt this little love fest, but we have androids to fight!"

 

"I think you should spar with Raditz a bit more. With Piccolo and me watching. There's a few things you can work on," Goku said.

 

"Are you sure?" Gohan asked.

 

"I… are you…" Raditz stammered, his knees knocking together.

 

"I think he could use the practice. Both of you could," said Goku. Gohan released his father's waist and marched up to a trembling Raditz. Looking him right in the eye he placed both hands together and bowed.

 

"Will you spar with me, Raditz?" he asked.

 

"If… if you wish it," Raditz mumbled, rubbing his neck. His heart pounded in terror to see Gohan so calm and collected. Goku's odd smile freaked him out even more. Especially when Goku wandered over and seized Raditz gently by the shoulders to catch him from falling over.

 

"It's going to take time," Goku whispered. "But I think this is a start."

 

"Kakkarot, are you trying to scare me to death?" Raidtz whispered.

 

"He faced you. And you gave him something today he's needed for a long time. I'd say you did a really good thing today, Raditz. And Gohan will remember it and be grateful for it," said Goku. Promptly Raditz leaned heavily against his brother who had to prop him up to support him. Gohan glanced up at Piccolo landing nearby, arms still folded across his chest.

 

"Nice job, Gohan," Piccolo grunted. "Now let's get back to work."

 

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