The weeks following the World Martial Arts Tournament in which Gohan emerged the new Junior Division Champion saw some of the greatest days in the Z-fighters' lives. Thanks to his chance encounter with Paprika in the ring and with his father later that day, the young demi-Saiyan found an even greater sense of motivation to continue training to become even stronger than before. Though the Makyan wasn't an enemy that'd been able to push him to the absolute limits of his abilities, she nevertheless provided him a small glimpse of one of the many other unique creatures living out there in the universe.
This drove home the reality that Gohan needed to stay in shape and to keep pushing the boundaries of his capabilities to become an even greater fighter than he was now. That meant harder training, healthier living, and even more studying.
Funnily enough, his sudden boost in enthusiasm was so great that it'd seemed to filter out to all the other people in his life and spurred them on to do even more with their time. Krillin had started working double shifts at his construction job and was now dating Android 18#. Vegeta, albeit hesitantly and very discreetly, had taken to looking after his son Trunks more frequently and a bigger role in Bulma's life, even if it was only physically. Yamcha was hitting the clubs like there was no tomorrow and despite failing miserably at securing a long-term relationship you had to give the man props for perseverance. Not to mention Tien had begun visiting Kame House on a regular basis, dropping in every now and again with Chiaotzu to say hi to the old team and to check up on everybody.
Surprisingly enough, he'd even brought Launch around on one of his visits, someone whom the gang hadn't seen for years but had suddenly decided to step back into the limelight.
Things were really picking up for the entire group and this wasn't even counting the more personal aspects of Gohan's days.
Between his training, his work and his part-time studies, the demi-Saiyan now had another loved one around the domicile to look after. Goten, born several months after his father passed away, had become a new beacon of light for all those in the Son household and a defining element in Gohan's life; someone he would hold close and protect over the many years to come.
He was also someone that the demi-Saiyan wanted to share with the world. Once Goten became old enough to be taken out of the house, Gohan immediately took the youngster on a round trip of the world to introduce him to all of his friends and relatives.
With Mount Paozu being the starting point of their journey, the first person the demi-Saiyan approached was Icarus the dragon. A really old friend and companion who lived in a cave Goku had found for Gohan not too far from their house, the little horned flyer often stopped by to visit the teen whenever he was at home studying or outside training.
"Hey, Icarus. How's it going?" the spiky haired fighter greeted the little dragon, who stood in front of the two boys wagging his tail like a dog. Reaching up, Gohan petted the reptile on the snout, earning a cute purr and nuzzle to his palm in return. "Aww, I missed you too, buddy." He then held his baby brother up to the creature, making sure the tyke sat comfortably in the groove of his arm. "This here is Icarus, Goten. I met him many years ago on a camping trip with Krillin, Bulma and Oolong. He's a really good friend of mine. Say hi."
Understandably the younger brother was hesitant at first, shying away from the dragon when the mythical pink animal leaned in to smell him. The newborn murmured uneasily and gripped his brother's gi top in a clear sign of nervousness and apprehension, earning a chuckle from the eleven-year-old warrior.
"It's okay. He won't bite." Wanting to show his brother that Icarus meant him no harm, Gohan reached up and petted him once again, coaxing a pleasant shriek from the winged beast. "See. He's a good dragon." Showing his baby brother how he petted the reptile on the nose without being bitten, he slowly but surely encouraged Goten to do the same.
After a few tentative pets and pokes of the dragon's snout, Goten then gave a playful giggle when Icarus returned the child's gesture with an affectionate chirp and purr, ending with the flyer nuzzling the baby half-Saiyan in the cheek.
While Chi-Chi cheerfully watched on from her place by the door of her house, the two young Saiyans were also watched closely by Zangya, who was currently learning against the standalone pole of the family's washing line with her arms folded and a warm smile on her face.
In addition to introducing his baby brother to his neighbors, Lime and Mr. Lao included, Gohan also flew him to Capsule Corp and Kame House to meet the rest of their kin. The Briefs clan and the residents of Master Roshi's place were delighted to receive the newborn into their homes, with Vegeta stating in his usual tone that the eldest son had better raise Goten to be a great warrior. While Gohan had every intention of teaching his sibling many things, he was also going to be mindful of his choices and what the little one wanted to do with his life, rather than force anything upon him. This of course led to the Saiyan Prince scolding him for the hundredth time for being a weak willed Saiyan, which punctually ended in Vegeta getting yelled at by Bulma.
Goten had a really great time at Master Roshi's place after that. Not only did he get a chance to meet Krillin and Oolong, he also got to have a play with Turtle and Puar. The child had a blast crawling and messing around in the sand surrounding the island, while his older brother watched over him from afar and caught up with his teammate of many years. During that hour, Gohan told Krillin about the tournament, Goku's visit and everything else that'd happened in between. He also got a chance to say hi to 18#, who'd dropped by to visit for the day and to hang out with the folks on the tiny isle.
Following that cheerful visit, Gohan then took his younger brother up to meet Dende, Piccolo and Mr. Popo on the Lookout, where the guardian of earth was able to give his blessings and congratulate the youngster and the newest addition to his family in person. The demi-Saiyan's mentor also expressed fond wishes and tactfully smiled as he watched his student hold his baby brother proudly in front of his friend from Namek.
The pair stayed there for quite some time, with Goten finding an immediate interest in the butterflies fluttering about the flower gardens and one of the palm trees growing along the walkway. Eventually though, the raven haired Z-fighter had to leave, and with his sibling in his arms, carried him all the way back home.
From that day onwards, little by little, everybody's lives started to change.
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