I've been mulling over doing a school/college fic for a while and decided to give it a go. Don't go too hard on me, it's my first try at one! The first chapter is a little slow getting into it, but I'm wanting it to develop. Hope you enjoy & stay tuned, I already have templates figured out for the next few chapters so a quick succession of updates should be coming up tomorrow (since it's night time right now over here). As you might figure out, everyone is human. There is no saiyans and all-a' that.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Dragon Ball Z nor any of its characters. Yada Yada.
Chapter 1
A knock on the door alerted the snoozing Master Roshi who rose from the couch, flailing his arms around and drastically trying to hide the porn stash he had been "examining" before he fell into a deep slumber, "I'm coming, I'm coming! Calm down!"
After shoving the last of the magazines beneath the couch, Master Roshi made his way to the door and opened it to a man whose demeanour clearly screamed: "I hate my job...kill me now" – Master Roshi wasn't too sure why the young man looked so down, he was only a postman for crying out loud. Life could be worse.
"Chin up kid! You look like you're about ready to walk on into the water over there!" The older man chuckled, pointing past the hover car to the sea that enshrouded them. He was surprised the postman was even able to find this tiny island with the amount of sea, from a distance it looked like it was covered – cut off from the rest of the world. But it was paradise.
"Hey uh...yeah, guess you could say that. I have a delivery for a Krillin and uh...Goku? I'm sorry, their surnames are strangely not specified."
Master Roshi nodded, "It's a err...common mistakes that the damn government make. It's Roshi, for future reference," mentioned the martial art expert whilst taking the separate letters and looking briefly at the writing, noticing the franking signature had beneath it the words: West City Prefectural College.
"West City Prefec—they got in? WOOHOO! My boys got in!"
"Yeah...congratulations. Your boys get to go to one of the top colleges in the country...whilst I'm just a postman, get the sadness now?"
"I'd apologize for my outburst but—boy, I just can't! I'm too happy! WOOHOO! IF YOU WERE A WOMAN I'D KISS YA BOY!"
The young postman's eyes almost fell out of the socket and he took the awkward remark as his cue to leave, with a simple wave he walked – no, ran – to his hover car and got as far away from the island as possible. Master Roshi didn't dwell on it, his two pupils – nowadays, they seemed and were treated more like his own sons – had just realised their dream. He couldn't wait to spread the news.
Krillin and Goku had just yesterday graduated from Red Star Academy and were celebrating with friends at their local "hang-out spot" the Dragon's Ball. Goku was onto his third plate of fries whilst Krillin was conversing with the group, "Yeah, me and Goku here aren't sure if we even got in college. We were late entries because—well, Goku is a bit slo—" Krillin paused to look at his dim-witted best friend/sort-of adopted brother who in return met his gaze with a sheepish smile, completely unaware of the conversation and the fact he was about to be insulted. Krilin always had a soft spot for that smile and felt a twang of guilt, he sighed. No matter how obtuse Goku was, he was still like a brother to Krillin...infact he probably was, although nothing was ever wrote on paper – Master Roshi never formally adopted the two young adolescents, he merely by chance "stumbled" across the two and took them in – his main aim being to mentor the two, both in martial arts and life. Hence why he enrolled them in school, the martial arts side partly for protection – though Krillin would object "that's not what it's used for!" his Master scoffed and would tell him to respect his elders...and to get him another graphic magazine from the store. At first, Master Roshi's main aim was to train the two young boys so they would be eligible to enter junior tournaments for generous cash prizes, he never actually expected to start feeling affection and protective over the boys, as such Master Roshi's motives changed over the years – he never pressured them into Martial Arts anymore, it became more of a hobby after time. And so, as he sat in the diner with his closest friends, Krillin back-tracked as usual and defended his closest one, changing his words to something more appropriate in defence of the trivial Goku, "—actually, we just sent off the applications late. That's all; we got confirmation that they were received though. Just literally waiting on a yes or no."
Tien narrowed his eyes, he along with Goku, Krilin, Chiaotzu, Oolong and Puar was the core group of friends, they'd known each other throughout High School and the thought of college coming meant most of them separating. Although they would be away from their friends, Krillin and Goku decided to brave their college years as a cohesive unit – together. That's the way they worked best – whether it was on projects in classes, their basketball team or helping each other "score" chicks. It would be tough without the "sexy six" as Oolong had labelled them once, but aslong as they had each other's backs – they'd do just fine.
"Yeah, sure...that's the only reason, Krillin," Tien said suspiciously, sizing up Goku who was still occupied with his fries before maintaining his focus on Krillin.
"Yeah, it is. Anyways where'd you apply to? We're discussing our ventures with you, yet you've failed to mention yours as of yet," Krillin countered.
Tien grunted before responding, "Chiaotzu and I will be attending the Satan Polytechnic Academy. I believe Oolong and Puar are following suit by sticking together and—where are you guys heading off to again?"
"South Coast," both Oolong and Puar responded in collaboration.
Goku chimed in, "Hey! The group won't really be splitting up then guys you know? We've all got someone with us. It'll be just like high school, nothing to worry about. Only difference is we won't have a killer basketball team."
"I'll make any team good," Tien smirked.
"Hey! Don't forget about the brilliance of the teams point guard. Y'know people say the guy at the point is the true leader of the team," Krillin cleared his throat and stood up on his chair, taking a half-bow in blissful arrogance. Being a "short" 5'5 man had its advantages – especially in the sport he loved. Playing basketball is half of the reason Goku and Krillin even got into college...it's not like Goku could get in on grades alone. And West City excelled in sports in particular – it was fate.
Oolong dragged his friend off the table and the group shared a moment, exchanging stories of what they thought their college years will bring, to agreeing to meet up on the holidays, before moving onto old times and fond memories. The reminiscing was brought to an abrupt end by the ringing of Krillin's cell-phone. Goku was never allowed to bring his out, not after the incident which involved him dropping the phone in some pudding and trying to eat it, claiming it was a part of the "texture" of the cake.
"Hello?"
"Krillin?"
"Hey Master Roshi, what's up?"
"Goddamnit boy, I told ya' there's no need for that "Master" shenanigans! I trained you both to the fullest and can do no more, which no longer makes me your master!"
"No need to be so blunt about it, but why did you call? Is everything alright?"
"Never better! I need you and Goku home ASAP though boy got some important news. Don't keep me waiting, an old mans gotta' sleep!"
"Master...it's only three thirty PM, don't you think that's too early?"
"Nonsense! Don't back-chat your master—"
"But you said you weren't my mast—"
"JUST GET HOME BOY!"
The line went dead and Krillin gave off a bemused look to the group, explaining the situation.
"Maybe he's having another stroke?" Chiaotzu joked.
"No, no. But it sounded important so we better go Goku. We'll catch you guys at the weekend, okay?"
"No biggie, until then guys," the four responded to the departing duo.
"See ya!"
And with that, Krillin and Goku hailed down a taxi and headed back to the Kame House.
The boys were unsurprised to find their master...or former master, whichever – passed out on the couch with a porn magazine covering his face. Every now and then the magazine would rise and fall as the elder man lightly snored. The boys exchanged looks before Goku pressed his fingers against Roshi's nose beneath the magazine to halt his breathing. For a few minutes Roshi was unresponsive to the joking gesture which worried the two younger men.
"Uh...Goku, I think he's stopped breathing."
"No, don't worry. I know what I'm doing! He's perfectly fi—"
Suddenly, Master Roshi pounced up, his deep black-bag ridden eyes rising upon the person whom had his nostrils blocked. Roshi slowly took a hold of one of the fingers and tweaked it to the side.
"OUCH! LET GO!"
"Boy that will teach you to sneak up on some old man. Playing tricks huh? How's about I show you a trick, it's called let's break Goku's finger because he thinks trying to kill his mentor is fun."
"Ow! No, I wasn't tryi—don't squeeze please, I'm sorry!"
With that, Roshi released the tight grip and patted on the couch for his two students to have a seat.
"So what's going on, why'd you call us here?" Krillin enquired.
"Well, for these. I may have already taken a peak but...screw it, I'm your guardian and I'm allowed!" Master Roshi passed the two letters to the duo, edging a few spaces back on the couch in fear the two would become so enveloped in excitement they'd crush him on the couch. He'd trained them well; maybe too well...they were becoming too strong for their own good. It made him feel all the more older knowing they would soon be on his level in terms of strength and strategy...maybe the latter would take Goku a little longer to learn.
Goku and Krillin read the letters in unison, praying for good news.
Though your application arrived later than expected, we at West City Prefectural College are pleased to announce your acceptance to our college; enrollment will begin in the fall. Further details will be posted to you at a later date. We thank you for your application & hope your time with us is as productive as it is enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you.
To say Krillin kept his cool was an understatement, right now he looked the epiphany of a mad man possessed. But it was only half of the deal – he still needed his best friend, his brother to be accepted. It was more-or-less inevitable Krillin would make it in, like Goku he excelled in basketball which was appealing to the college's basketball program, but his grades were also pretty good. He averaged straight B's and the occasional A's and C's here and there in high school...but Goku was another story. He only just passed several subjects on grades of a C- and such, thanks to intense studying sessions with Krillin and the gang. They would tease him with food in order to take him pay attention – heck, it worked in the end so why not? But West City was no ordinary college, it excelled in just about anything and there was no doubt anyone who was somebody would be in attendance. Heck, rumours were even spreading that the science heiress Bulma Briefs herself was attending – that rumor made Krillin chuckle.
Krillin said nothing; he instead looked at Goku and waited on him to make the first move. Just to be on the safe side incase his less-able friend was not selected. No biggie, they had applied to other colleges together but this was the one. The one they vowed to attend together.
Goku rubbed the back of his neck and let out an exasperated laugh, "I got in...I can't believe it, I actually got in!"
"THAT'S GREAT! I mean, yeah...me too! But that's so amazing, now we can attend together!"
"My boys are well and truly growing up. Leaving home will be tough at first but you two will get the hang of it."
"Will you be alright Master Roshi?" If there was one thing that pained them about leaving, it was leaving behind their Master. But West City was not too far away and they would be sure to visit every other weekend and the holidays – besides, they still had the whole summer to go yet.
"My boy, your old man will be just fine. I've always wanted this for you two, a real future. Heck, I found you both in such a state I'm surprised I did so well," Roshi left out a half-hearted chuckle to lighten the mood, his signature.
"You never failed us and never turned your back on us like others have in the past. For that, we thank you mas—Roshi. Who knew an old bum like you could raise two wild cats like us huh?!" Krillin sniggered, high-fiving Goku in the process.
"Hey college boy, don't go labelling you no wildcat just yet! I distinctly remember sharing a few of my explicit magazines with yourself, son."
Goku hissed an ouch whilst Krillin stood dumbfounded, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. Silence engulfed the trio until Roshi stepped up, bringing the two into an awkward yet meaningful group-hug.
"The next step boys, are you ready?"
Adios for now.