Bringer of Death

Heroes Saga, Part 5: Earth, Wind, and Flight

Heroes Saga, Part 5: Earth, Wind, and Flight

"Gohan...breakfast is ready," his mother's voice sounded from the adjoining room. Gohan let out a huge yawn, glancing over at his 6:00 am alarm. He shut his eyes for a mere ten seconds longer, but upon remembering something he shot awake, excited for the day.

"Do me a favor and wake up Goten too, sweetie," Chi Chi added from the other room.

The aroma of eggs and crackling bacon was more than enough to motivate Gohan towards the kitchen, and he quickly rolled over to the cot beside him.

"Hey, Goten. Wake up, kiddo." He rested his hand on the younger brother's shoulder—the very spitting image of his father. The little lad had never met Son Goku, as he hadn't been born until several months after Cell's Perfect Tournament.

There was a gentle sigh from the boy, then his eyes opened slowly.

"Time for breakfast, sport," Gohan added.

But the boy yanked at his covers and immediately rolled away from the light. "No, five more minutes," his tiny voice demanded.

But Gohan knew this drill too well. He grinned, predicting what was about to happen. "Oh, all right, but I guess you'll have to miss training with me this morning then..."

The reaction was instant. Goten threw the covers aside as he leapt out of bed and onto his feet. "No! I'm up, I'm up, I'm up!"

His older brother chuckled as he pulled on a t-shirt and a gi...the younger lad was instantly excitable.

"Come on, Gohan! Let's go, let's go, let's go!"

"Gohan," Chi Chi said, hands on her hips as she walked into their room. "You sure know how to get your brother riled up. I assume that means you'll be out training all weekend? You'd better have already finished your homework."

"Of course I have, mom," the older Saiyan replied with a smile. He didn't want to let on just how easy high school had been compared to his previous homeschooling. None of the work was even remotely challenging, and he breezed through the homework assignments in minutes. "Got a full day of training planned, though," he began, careful to leave out one particular detail. "You never know when the Earth will be in danger again."

"I know, I know," his mother replied. They'd spoken at length on many occasions regarding Gohan's future in martial arts, and while it wasn't his passion as had been the case with his father, he was deeply driven to protect Earth—that meant no slacking. Chi Chi had been hesitant, but seeing how Gohan's grades never slipped below perfection she'd reluctantly made her peace with it. "Have fun, and I'll see you two back at lunch!"

The two half-Saiyans had already wolfed down their breakfast like animals, hurrying out into the dawn.

"Alright, see you later!"

"Bye, mom!" the younger said with an enormous smile.

Gohan turned to his brother, then darted into the woods at blinding speed. The younger chased after, the morning dew on the tall grass causing his boots to squeak. They ran miles in seconds, leaping over both hill and stream along the way. The familiar trees, the smell of the fresh mountain air, and the friendly animals sharpened and woke their senses.

"Big brother, what kind of training are we doing today?" Goten asked, his arms extended at his sides as he chased after.

"Well, I was thinking we would start off with some ki control exercises today, actually," came the reply. "You're getting stronger all the time, but, maybe a little more practice would be for the best."