Welcome to DBZ Love Garden

I never thought I would be the one to hold you as you passed on. I never knew that your existence would both begin, and end, in my arms.

I never thought.

I never knew.

I didn’t think fate would be quite that cruel.

Mom’s labor went so quickly, too quickly to bring her to a doctor. I helped her as she gave birth to you, helped you into the world. I cleaned you. I cut the cord and helped Mom put you to breast.

I was the first to hold you.

I remember when she got so sick right after having you. I remember finding formula and making you bottles, and carefully feeding your voracious appetite.

I remember how you used to look up at me, like I was important.

Somebody.

I watched you grow up, make a life for yourself. Even as you did so, you always came to me when something was wrong. It was I who was more a parent to you, than our parents themselves.

I was father and brother. You were son and brother.

It was so sudden – I never would have thought something like this could even hurt you.

Could even….

The light has died in your eyes now. I know I’m crying as I hold you. You seem so fragile now – so delicate, like you were when you were born.

You seem so heavy.

The lines of pain on your face, have disappeared – giving you an expressionlessly peaceful look.

“Goten….”

***

How could I have been so foolish, as to believe nothing could touch us? Nothing could hurt us, we’re half saiyajin after all, aren't we?

I remember when you were born – I remember being jealous of all the attention you received, how much care seemed to be taken with you.

You easily received love from the most difficult of people.

Everyone cared about you. You were gorgeous in life, strong of heart and will – and stronger than any human.

I thought you were stronger.

I had the privilege of being the first to hold you… and now I am cursed to be the last. I see pain in your eyes, confusion. You can’t speak but I know you wonder how something like this could have happened.

How something as inconsequential as an explosion at a gas station… could bring down you.

Bring death to you.

And why wasn't I there to stop it?

I’m your big brother, after all… that means I’m invincible.

I hug you close to me as I feel your life extinguish to nothing as my tears fall into your silken hair.

“Bra….”

From the blazing inferno, four figures emerged. One tall, powerfully built, carrying someone just as much so. Another, a bit shorter, carrying someone small, delicate.

Ash stained their bodies – by all rights they should not have been able to walk through that blaze. By all rights, they should be dead.

Incinerated.

Sight of those in their arms, testified to that. Blood and grey matter matted the hair on both of their burdens – the limp, unnatural movement of their limbs testimony to their lifelessness.

But that is not what caused such fear in the hearts of those witnessing this. Not the impossibility of their exit. Not the heart-rending burdens they carried.

But their eyes.

They held promise.

Promise of pain.

Of death.

Of revenge upon the world.

Of promise to make each and every being alive understand their pain.

Live through their pain.

Cause another the same pain.

Insanity burned in their eyes. Took hold, and thrived in their souls.

Insanity… born of love. Born of grief… regret.

Life was the same as death – it could be seen in their eyes.

And death… smiled.