Goku's head emerged from under the covers of his bed, bright-eyed and wide awake. His older brother, Raditz, snored just across from Goku's bed. He tiptoed around the room, not wanting to wake his brother and be subjected to his early morning wrath.

After slipping out of his room and closing the heart-stopping creaky door behind him, he relaxed his quiet manner since he was now out of the danger zone. A quick trip to the bathroom and Goku was dressed and ready to face the day. Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly. Well,almost ready, he thought.

Aroused from his thoughts of his stomach by the sounds of clattering in the kitchen, Goku quickened his pace, almost giddy with his overwhelming hunger, and slid to a stop at the table. He sat down heavily, acknowledging his mother with a nod, before tucking in greedily to the breakfast his mother had prepared. He wrapped his tail around his chair leg, lost in his meal.

"Now wait one minute there, my young saiyan," Goku's mother placed her hand on Goku's shoulder, stopping him from eating more.

"Yes mum?"

"Firstly- put that tail away!"

Goku obediently wrapped his tail around his waist. He was about to shovel another load of food into his mouth when his mother stopped him again. Goku reluctantly turned his gaze to his mother.

"And secondly, you haven't brushed your hair."

Goku frowned with confusion. "But mum-"

"Goku, I know we never brush your hair, but it's a special day today- your first day at your new high school!"

Goku groaned. "Mum, I-"

"No Goku, I don't want to hear another word. Now go brush your teeth and I'll do your hair when you come out."

Goku sighed. He wiped his bowl clean, then dashed off to do his teeth. After whirling the toothbrush round his mouth for roughly two minutes, Goku peered through the keyhole to spy on his mother. She was standing guard, armed with a hairbrush. Goku gulped. He'd have to make a run for it.

Goku jumped out of the bathroom, the door slamming the wall as he raced towards his bag, snatching it into his outstretched hand. He then dashed out of the door and off up the street. His mother sighed and called after him, "Have fun sweetie!"

In the distance he waved a hand, then disappeared round a corner. His mother closed the door. "Right, time to get Mr. Sleepy-head up," she said grimly, heading upstairs.

Goku took in the massive school, his mind whirring as he tried to comprehend the sheer number of students flooding through the gates, and into the gaping entrance leading into the heart of the school.

While surveying the school, he hadn't noticed a familiar face heading towards him. However, he soon felt the familiar ki, small but recognisable. Whipping round, he caught sight of his old friend.

"Bulma!" Goku beamed.

Bulma walked over to him. "Good to see you again, Goku!"she said, happy to see her friend again. "Also, what have you been doing for the last year instead of learning at school like us?" She frowned and leaned closer eyes full of curiosity. "And how on earth didja manage manage to get off school for an entire year?"

"Training,"Goku stated simply.

"Which question are you answering?"

"Both."

"Then how are you going to catch up with school work?"

Goku only smiled in response, then placed a hand on Bulma's head.

"Goku?" Bulma was unsettled. Why was Goku acting so weird? Suddenly, a wave of Bulma's memories flooded to the front of her brain, all clamouring for attention. Then, Goku's hand lifted off Bulma's head. He blinked, then smiled, saying "There. Catching up all done!"

Bulma stared, dumbfounded, at her friend, who was grinning as if he had just eaten a meal fit for ten kings.

"Goku," she finally managed, "what…just…happened…?"

"Read ya mind," Goku replied as if it were obvious.

"Read my – wha – what?!"

"He he! Your face is so funny!" Goku chuckled to himself.

"How'd you read my mind?!"

"Uh, training. With ma dad."

That made sense. Bardock, Goku's father, was very powerful, and was raised of planet Vegeta-sei, so who knew what techniques he could've picked up there!

Bulma sighed. "Cmon, let's go see the others."

A few minutes later, Goku had been reunited with all his best friends – Tien, Launch, Vegeta, Krillin, Yamucha, and #18.

"So where were you the past few months, Kakarott?" Vegeta spoke coldly, obviously jealous that he hadn't been allowed to skip school for a year.

"Training. The usual." Goku shrugged at Vegeta's rapidly reddening face.

"Training?! TRAINING?!" He roared.

"Uh…yeah? Vegeta, wha-" Goku was interrupted by a raging Vegeta.

"I could have been DOING SOMETHING instead of being STUCK in this DITCH!" Vegeta screamed in Goku's face.

The group sighed and turned away, ignoring their over-reactive friend.

"So hey, anything new happen while I was gone?"

"Well, ever since our parents all decided to move schools to here, except you 'cos you were off ta train, Goku, it's all bin' pretty normal 'round here," Launch replied.

"Well, there is one new thing…" Yamucha began, trailing off.

"We're going out!" Bulma squealed."That is, Yamucha and me."

"Cool," Goku stated simply. He already knew this from reading Bulma's mind. Reflecting, he didn't know why he had asked that question in the first place if he already knew the answers.

"Guess you already knew that, huh, Goku?" Bulma asked in a whisper. He nodded.

"I still don't get it…" Bulma huffed frustratedly, turning away while shaking her head.

"Knew it was gonna happen, eh Goku?" Tien asked with a wink.

"Uh. Yeah. Kinda."

"What, are you some kinda physic?" Launch giggled.

"I guess…"

The group laughed, except a still fuming Vegeta, a confused Goku and a knowing Bulma.

Just then, the bell rang, causing any merriments that were going on to be stopped, and everyone headed off to their lessons, waving goodbyes as they walked away. Only Goku was left, with his timetable in his hand.

"Hmm…" Goku stared hard at his timetable, trying to figure out the maze of numbers and letters. A light tap on his arm caused him to look down at a rather petite girl with charcoal hair. She stared up at him with imploring eyes.

"Oh…hi! Th'names Goku! You ok?"

"Um…hi. I'm Chichi. Uh, can you help me?"

"Well, I'm kinda new here, so I dunno if I can help. But I can always try," he said, flashing her a charming smile.

"Cool! I'm new as well."

So whadya need help with?"

"My timetable."

"Heh…I'm havin' trouble with that too," Goku said, chuckling sheepishly.

"I'm sure we can work it out together!" Chichi encouraged, then put on a mock-serious face. "But first, we must enter the school of doom…"

Goku played along. "We are approaching the building, I repeat, we are approaching."

The two fell into fits of laughter, before heading inside.

"Wow!" said Goku. "Well that was the most confusing experience in my life!"

"You said it!" Chichi giggled back. "But this seems to be it…"

"Well, let's find out!" Goku beamed, striding forward with Chichi in tow.

They paused on the threshold, until the teacher noticed them.

"Ah, Mr Son? Miss Mau? It's nice of you to join us," the teacher spoke. "I believe you are the new students?"

Goku spoke up. "Yes sir, that's us," he said, motioning towards him and Chichi.

"Good to have you." The teacher then turned and addressed the class. "Class this is Goku Son and Chichi Mau. Please make them feel welcome."

"Hey Goku! Come sit over here!" Goku located the voice and looked over to see Krillin waving him over. Goku grinned and made his way towards the two empty seats Krillin was next to. Chichi sat next to Goku, reluctant to leave her newfound friend's side. As one or two more latecomers wandered in and gave their excuses, Krillin spoke.

"So, Goku," he said in a whisper, "I see you've made a new friend…"

"Uh-huh!" Goku replied with his usual cheerful manner.

"And...she's a lady," Krillin said with a sly grin.

"Yeah, I noticed," Goku said, starting to become confused.

Krillin's smirk grew wider. "You've been single all your life…"

"So have you, Krillin."

Krillin scowled. "Don't remind me. Look, just-"

"Excuse me, Krillin. You do not come to school to chat, you come to listen, and to learn." The teacher gave Krillin a warning glance. "I expect you to be a little quieter from now on."

"Yes sir," mumbled Krillin, his face flushing with embarrassment. The class giggled and tittered, and Goku chuckled sheepishly beside him. "Sorry man, better luck next time," he said with a grin.

"Just do your work, Goku," Krillin sighed, turning to his book.

"Aye aye, cap'n!" Goku whispered, still chuckling. Krillin rolled his eyes and got back to his work. Ah well, he thought, if I can't make anyone else's love life work, I've always got my own…

Soon Krillin's head was filling up with thoughts of his crush, #18…

Goku and Chichi were chatting happily about how their first day had been so far (despite them spending the majority of it together).

Beside Goku, Krillin had drifted off. Probably tired, thought Goku. Suddenly a thought entered Goku's head.

He turned to Chichi, and casually said, "Wonder what he's dreaming about…"

Chichi giggled, then looked at Goku in confusion as he said, "I'm gonna find out!" He placed his hand on Krillin's shining bald head. Images and thoughts flowed into Goku's awaiting mind. He smirked as he realised what Krillin was dreaming about.

Laughing quietly to himself, Goku turned to a bewildered Chichi. "He's dreaming about his crush. Typical Krillin."

Chichi's wide eyes clouded with disbelief as she tried to make sense of what Goku had just said. Was he physic?

"Umm…what did you just…do?" Chichi asked quietly.

Goku slapped his forehead. He shouldn't have done that. Earthlings weren't supposed to know about his powers! But it would be hard to hide the truth. She seemed like an intelligent girl, and probably would not be satisfied with a lie. "Um, well, you see…I kinda…read…his mind…"

Chichi went stock still. Then her body started to quiver with excitement. "Wow…" she breathed. "What else can you do? Can I do that too? Can anyone do that?" She bombarded a startled Goku with questions.

"Well, I – I dunno…" he said, "I might be the only person who-" He stopped abruptly. Upon seeing Chichi's disappointed face, a strange feeling blossomed in his chest. Seeing her liquid, inky eyes on the verge of tears made him feel as if hid heart was being constricted painfully. It felt as though he would do anything to brighten her face into a radiant smile forever.

"Well, it might not be like that! Um, you might be able to as well!" Goku stopped suddenly, realising he had shouted out.

"You too, Goku?" The teacher sighed heavily. "I'm going to die of old age before I teach this class a thing."

The class burst into laughter, which just fuelled by Goku looking around, searching for the cause of the raucous laughter surrounding him. "Nani?" he asked, blissfully unaware of the performance he was giving his classmates.

Goku decided he didn't really care, and looked at Chichi, feeling elated when he caught sight of her shining smile.

"Really?!" Chichi shouted, barely able to contain her overflowing happiness, but lowered her voice when she saw Goku frantically signalling to her to keep her voice down. "Sorry," she said, "I'm just so excited!"

By now it was almost lunchtime, and Goku had promised Chichi that he would teach her how to control ki every day after school.

"Well, since you want to learn about ki, you might as well come and meet the gang."

"Wait!" Chichi clutched at his jacket. "Do you really mean it?"

"What?"

"Will you…will you really teach me how to control my ki? So that I can do cool tricks like you?"

"Yep! Well, I'll try. I can't promise anything though…" Goku trailed off, seeing her crestfallen face. That strange feeling came back, crushing his heart once more.

"B-but! It worked for me, betcha it'll work for you too!"

This evidently cheered Chichi greatly, for she suddenly perked up, her hopes renewed, and flashed Goku a dazzling smile. The grip on his heart loosened completely, and happiness flowed through him once more.

Vegeta snorted at the sight of his friend striding across the field towards then, until he spotted the woman at his side. He smirked.

"Kakarott! We told you not to bring strays back with you!" he shouted across the field that Goku and Chichi were approaching. Yamucha and Tien chuckled behind him and then full blown laughter erupted from them as Goku started searching frantically for a stray animal.

"Vegeta? What do you mean?" By now, Goku had made absolutely sure that there were no stray animals whatsoever, and was now continuing his progress towards the others.

Vegeta scowled at his dumbass friend. "Ugh, just get over here…"

"Okie dokie!" Goku grabbed Chichi's arm and put two fingers to his forehead. On the other side of the field, Bulma and #18 sighed in frustration. "Poor girl," exclaimed Bulma.

"Uh, Goku? What are you doing?" Chichi asked, feeling slightly worried.

"Just hang on tight to my arm."

"Um…ok? But wh-" Chichi was cut off by a sudden rush of air, and strange pressure closing in on her. However, it was soon over, and she could breathe again. She opened her eyes slowly to find herself surrounded by Goku's friends.

"What? H-how?" Chichi shook her head in confusion, then realised that it must have been another of Goku's ki tricks. "That was amazing," Chichi breathed.

"No, it was a horrible treatment of a poor, defenceless girl!" A sapphire haired girl with shining sea-green eyes stepped forward.

"Goku! Why can you never treat a lady properly?" Chichi was surprised by Bulma's ferocious scowl.

"N-no, I'm fine, reall-" Chichi protested, only to have Bulma slap a hand over her mouth.

"Doesn't know what she's saying," Bulma declared.

"Oh Kami…" Tien groaned.

"Now, let's get you all cleaned up!" Bulma started dragging the dishevelled Chichi with her. Chichi turned to Goku with scared eyes. Help me! she mouthed silently.

Goku shook his head in defeat. #18 sighed and said, "I'll go save the damsel in distress." She trudged off in pursuit of a crazed Bulma.

"That Goku really is such a baka sometimes!" Bulma huffed grumpily. "Treating you like that! Honestly!"

"But I'm-"

"You poor girl!" Bulma stopped and spun round. "Oh! I haven't introduced myself yet! I'm Bulma."

"I'm called Chichi. But seriously, I'm fine!"

"Yeah Bulma! Leave her be." Another voice spoke up behind them. A tall girl, with golden hair cut down to her shoulders, and piercing blue eyes approached the pair.

"Bulma, Goku hardly did anything!" The newcomer coolly pointed out. Moving to Chichi, she introduced herself. "I'm #18. You are…?"

"Chichi."

"Cool. Well, Chichi, do you wanna come back and see the others?"

"Yes! I'd love to!" Chichi said avoiding Bulma's gaze.

"There. What did I tell you? She's fine!" #18 spoke to Bulma with a slight smirk.

"Whatever. But she might regret it after seeing Veggie-Dorito."

Both girls giggled at their silly nickname for the school bully.

"Huh?" Chichi was oblivious to the hi or behind Bulma's words.

"She looks just like a clueless Goku when she does that!" Bulma whispered to #18 as they set off again.

Vegeta growled. "I thought those harpies would be out of my hair for longer! Ugh…"

"It'd be easier to count the things in you hair," Yamucha muttered, staring at Vegeta's mass of hair. Tien and Krillin snickered. Suddenly Vegeta snapped round. "Who… Said… That," he asked, his voice scarily quiet. Tien and Krillin's faces instantly straightened. They both simultaneously pointed at Yamucha.

"Wha-? Guys, I didn't-"

Yamucha stopped as Vegeta's fist connected with his stomach. He staggered back a few paces, then fell onto his back, gasping in pain.

A gasp came from behind Vegeta. He whipped round, coming face to face with Chichi, an angry Bulma at her side.

"Whadya do that for, you jerk!" Bulma spat in Vegeta's face.

"I hate jokes," was all Vegeta said.

Chichi sighed and brushed past Vegeta, making him scowl. "Lemme look at him," she said.

Goku, who had dashed over to Yamucha when he had fallen, looked up when Chichi stepped towards his fallen friend.

"Think he's okay?" Chichi asked him. Goku shrugged, stepping back to let Chichi examine Yamucha. #18 joined her.

"He's fine," Chichi announced after some close scrutiny.

"He's just a dumbass, picking a fight with Vegeta like that," #18 concluded.

"She gets it," Vegeta snorted.

"You get on my nerves so much!" An enraged Bulma soon had everyone's attention. "Jerk! Agh!"

Bulma spun around to face a terrified Goku. "And you," she growled. "Why did you ever become friends with this stupid baka?!"

Goku was saved from answering by Launch entering the scene, shouting, "Shut the hell up! You're giving me a headache!"

Soon Chichi joined in, then #18. Tien and Krillin decided to join the row, and soon after Vegeta stormed into the middle of the group, making the argument scale to tremendous heights. Goku stood on the edge, slowly getting bored. These happened all the time. It was regular whenever Launch, Bulma and Vegeta, with their easily ignitable fiery attitudes, were in the same place. And sadly, that was a little too often for Goku's liking. He sighed and, despite the fight going on in the background continued to daydream.

It was now the end of the day, and Bulma was apologising to Chichi for the argument earlier.

"Sorry for the welcome, Chichi! I can tell it wasn't very…welcoming…" Bulma frowned, annoyed that she had not properly welcomed a fellow girl.

"Well, since I've had my first argument with everyone, I guess I'm like part of the family now!"

This Serb everyone off laughing, except Vegeta, who was nowhere to be seen.

"I like the way she thinks," #18 decided. "She'll be a good addition to our gang."

Chichi beamed at this, and embraced #18. "Thanks so much!"

"So, Chi, tomorrow- don't forget!" Goku called put as he headed off. See you guys!"

He launched himself off the ground and, to Chichi's great surprise, stayed there, hovering, as he waved a last goodbye to his friends. Then he soared up into the clouds, and away.

Chichi looked on in amazement as this spectacle went on. All too soon, it was over.

"What was all that about? Tomorrow?" Bulma had sidled up to Chichi, and was now at her shoulder.

"Huh? Oh, right. He's gonna teach me to control my ki!"

"Cool. But ya might wanna watch out. Son-kun isn't usually much of a teacher!"

She laughed at her statement, and everyone else joined in with her. Chichi felt her heart beating against her chest, and realised she felt truly happy. The first day of school, and she had already found where she belonged.