Dragon Ball is owned by Akira Toriyama
This takes place after the end of the manga.
Son of Sacrifice
----------------
By: Anand Rao
I look up at the stars and repress another sigh. Okasan has finally
finished crying and is asleep, Goten is busy on the phone with his latest
girlfriend, and Pan and Videl are safe at home, just as they should be.
It's not that I mind staying with Okasan in her time of need, but I really
wish Otosan had not left.
He loves fighting and training so much; more than his wife, more than his
home, more than. . . more than his children. I can't help but feel a pang
of jealousy that he's off training with Uub instead of me. It's been so
long since we've trained together. So long. . . .
I suppose that's more my fault than his. I often wonder if he's
disappointed in me for not following in his footsteps, for not forsaking
everything to perfect my skills. Vegita-san, I know, looks at me with
disdain, as if he were not any more domesticated than I. At least he fights
it, I suppose, instead of embracing it as I have.
What is so wrong with being a responsible husband? For providing a stable
environment for one's wife and child? That's not fair to Otosan, though.
He has saved the world time and time again. I suppose I am just tired of it
all. I can't even build up the rage or anger to transform any more. Not
that I need to. I'm not sure if the others understand, but the Miracle
Power is still very much a part of me. I can call it at will and destroy
the very planet at whim. Such power. . . such power belongs in the hands of
no man. Certainly not in the hands of one such as I, who is often more
impulsive than wise. It wouldn't make a difference to Otosan, though. His
will and strength constantly amaze me, and he still retains his innocence.
I envy him that.
My daughter learns the Art, as I once did, so there is continuity in things,
at least. She wants so much to be like her grandfather; not like me, but
him. Surprisingly enough, this causes me no pain, for I can empathize with
her. I want to be like him too, but it is too late for me. Besides, I
cannot imagine leaving her or Videl for months or years at a time to go
train. Is that a mistake? I worry about the future. So many times, we had
been in a time of peace before imminent disaster struck. Yet, we were
always ready to fight it. Is that my responsibility, to be ever vigilant in
guarding against attack? Can I truly live like that? How much do I live to
protect the future and how much do I live to enjoy the present?
I shouldn't worry. Otosan will be there, just as always. Even death could
hold no bar against him. He will return one day, with his courageous heart
and infectious smile, to teach us the simple, innocent joy in fighting.
Those who have never met him cannot believe that such a thing can exist.
They see the Art as mindless and violent, they ignore the purity in spirit
that is required to fight, to defend, to die.
Interesting. . . I guess I am not as domesticated as I thought. My path has
been set for years now, and I have been content. I rarely thought of change
or of 'what-might-have-been'. Otosan -will- return one day, however, and
perhaps he will ask his sons to join him in a glorious fight. Maybe, just
maybe. . . I will confront that innocent heart, return that cocky smile, and
agree.
For, whoever else I am, and whatever else I may be, I am still my father's
son.
------------------
The End
Notes:
The last volume of the manga is the only one I own of DB, (although I did
watch some 30 episodes of the Cell Game in one sitting while drinking a LOT
of Cream Stout, but that's another story,) and I enjoyed it very much.
Gohan has been my favorite character in the series for a while now, and I
just wanted to get inside his head for a bit. Thanks to Firehawke and Tom
Geraci for prereading.
Anyway, thanks for reading. All types of C&C welcome.
Namaste,
Anand
Anand Rao
jouve25@hotmail.com
http://www.gsm.uci.edu/~arao02/
ICQ# 10869014
"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
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