Unexpected Fate

Fate of the World

Unexpected Fate

Chapter 32-Fate of the World

Breakfast at Goku's home was a relief of tension for Bardock, his son and Chi-chi. All of them ate in almost absolute silence around the table. Tensions were so thick that the cursed warrior could easily detect it without anyone saying a word. For the first time, he knew that everything wasn't going to be alright at all; that when it is all said and done, there would be sadness amidst the aftermath of what would take place. All Bardock knew though was losing wasn't an option; that somehow, he would ensure that Cell's plans failed before he could execute them entirely.

Soon, they were walking out the door and preparing to leave, but that was when Chi-chi stopped them both.

"Wait, before you go, you have to make sure Gohan doesn't fight," Chi-chi requested. "Promise me you won't Goku."

A rather uncertain expression was on the Earth-raised Saiya-jin's face. Bardock was surprised when moments later; he vanished without saying another word about the matter.

"Damn it Kakarrot!" Bardock cursed; wishing he could have stopped his son from leaving without an explanation. Chi-chi drew closer to her father-in-law and looked up with him with a forlorn look on her face.

"Can you make sure Goku keeps his promise?" Chi-chi questioned. Her fingers twined into the straps of his armor; almost though she was planning to hold him back despite the difference of strength until he gives his word.

"I... I won't sugarcoat this, but Kakarrot will have Gohan fight, that's why he couldn't promise you what you requested," Bardock spoke bluntly to the woman holding him firmly.

"What? You drag him back here right now and..." Chi-chi saw the grief in Bardock's eyes. "Oh... oh no... something bad is going to happen..."

"Chi-chi," Bardock rarely used his daughter-in-law's name unless it was a serious matter. This was one of those times he would address her by name. "Whatever happens today, you need to be strong for Gohan. He will need you after all of this."

"Then..." Chi-chi felt Bardock gently pull away from her grasp; not wanting to hurt her in the slightest. He did not dare turn to speak to her; knowing he would sooner cause more heartache and pain if he told her the rest of the bitter truth. "Bardock! Keep my son safe, you understand? If he comes home with anything missing, I'll never forgive you!"

"I'll do my best to keep Gohan safe. That I can promise," Bardock glanced back at the earthen woman one last time before taking off into the sky. Unlike his impatient son, he would fly to the battlefield.

_______

Flying over the world, Bardock had to admit that the beauty that Earth had to offer was always misinterpreted. A part of him realized why his son was risking his life to protect it now and felt pain where his heart was. He knew by the end of the day, he wouldn't be returning home to celebrate the victory, but then, he paused for a moment when a vision suddenly struck without much warning.

_______

Bardock saw his future variant holding the right side of his body; blood soaking where he had been struck by what he assumed was an energy blast. Cell towered over Bardock with a sadistic grin on his face before he saw the creature kick him in the chin.

"What's the matter? Still think I'm going to spare you after what your son prevented me from doing to this pitiful world?" Cell sneered with disgust.

"Get up grandfather!" Gohan cried out.

"You bas... ungh!" Bardock gritted his teeth when Cell kicked him in the injured side.