Well, the story could take a very different turn. Gohan was a symbol of hope for a new generation of fighters. His death would shatter that hope. The remaining Z - Fighters would have to reevaluate their strategies and training methods. Maybe they would start to focus more on group attacks rather than relying on individual powerhouses like Gohan. And the fanfiction could explore how the other characters grow and change in the face of this great loss. They might also seek new allies or ways to resurrect Gohan, which could lead to all kinds of new adventures and challenges.
In this fanfiction, if Gohan dies in the Cell Games, perhaps the story could focus on how the other characters cope with the loss. For example, Chi - Chi could become a more hardened character, vowing revenge on Cell or any other threats. Piccolo might take on a more fatherly role to Goten, trying to train him to be as strong as Gohan was. And the Earth might be in a state of mourning, which could attract new villains who see it as a time of weakness.
Perhaps Gohan sacrifices himself to save the other Z - fighters. He might choose to take on Cell's full - power attack that was meant for all of them, and in the process, he loses his life. In the fanfiction, it could also be that Cell has some sort of hidden power - up that catches Gohan off - guard and leads to his death.
If Gohan dies in the Cell Games in fanfiction, Goku and Chi - Chi's relationship would be severely strained. Goku might blame himself for not being able to protect their son, and Chi - Chi would be heartbroken and potentially angry at Goku. Vegeta's relationship with Goku could also change. He might respect Goku more for his pain, or he could become more competitive, vowing to never let his own family be in such a position.
The story could progress with a darker tone. There would be a lot of mourning at first. Then, the remaining characters might start to look for ways to prevent future threats more aggressively. For example, Bulma could use her scientific skills to develop new weapons or defenses.
One idea could be to focus on Gohan's internal struggle during the Cell Games. Maybe he's doubting his abilities even more than shown in the original, and it's through his friends' and family's words of encouragement that he finally finds his resolve.
In fanfiction, Gohan could have a secret power that he discovers during the Cell Games. This power could be related to his Saiyan heritage in a new and unexpected way, like being able to tap into an ancient Saiyan ability that no one else knew about. It could completely change the course of the fight against Cell.
In this fanfiction, Gohan and Videl might have an interaction where Videl tries to understand Gohan's Saiyan heritage. Gohan could explain it to her, and this could create a deeper connection between them. They could also have a moment where they work together to find a weakness in Cell. Videl's human perspective might give Gohan an idea that he hadn't thought of before.
In a fanfiction centered around Gohan's field trip to the Cell Games, there are so many possibilities. The other Z - fighters could be involved in different ways. For example, Goku might give Gohan some tips on how to handle the situation without revealing too much to his classmates. Vegeta could be there, grumbling about having to deal with a bunch of kids around during a potential battle. And Gohan himself would be in a tough spot, trying to enjoy the field trip as a kid but also being aware of the danger that could erupt at any moment. He might even use this as an opportunity to teach his classmates some valuable lessons about courage and self - sacrifice.
Another scenario could be that Gohan contracts a deadly and incurable disease in the fanfiction world. Despite the efforts of his family and friends, including the use of any available advanced technology or magic, he succumbs to the illness, leaving everyone in mourning.