This is an idea that popped into my mind and I just had to write it down! It takes place during the anniversary of the Cell Games and Gohan's emotions during that time. I hope you like it. It's short, only a couple of chapters, and I had a lot of fun writing it.
Disclaimer: Dragonball Z isn't mine. I don't own it. Toriyama Akira-sama owns it. I'm just a fan.
-------Misery Loves Company----------
Gohan muttered a curse underneath his breath. He could never appreciate the warm weather at the end of May. He hated the fact that nature mocked him when all he wanted to do was mourn his father. And this year was no different. The skies were clear and sunny with no hope of changing throughout the week.
Couldn't I just have a little bit of gloomy weather on Friday? Gohan silently asked, knowing that it wouldn't happen. The weather would continue to mock him all the way through the anniversary of his father's death. Even in class, it mocked him. Early on Monday morning, Gohan could see the sunny day ahead. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it didn't look like one would appear any time soon. Sitting next to him, Eraser heard the curse and looked sympathetically at Gohan.
"What's the matter, Gohan, have a bad weekend?" she asked. Gohan didn't answer and Eraser kept talking.
"I don't know why you look so down, Gohan. This is the greatest week of the year! This week we celebrate how Mr. Satan defeated Cell!" Eraser explained. Gohan's frown only deepened as she spoke those words.
It was ME who defeated Cell, not that clown, Gohan screamed inside his mind, but knew better than to say out loud. A couple of seats down from Eraser, Sharpener scoffed.
"Don't bother with a geek like him, Eraser. He wouldn't know a grand celebration like this from a hillbilly square dance," Sharpener said with a malicious smirk on his face. Gohan gritted his teeth in order to keep himself from punching Sharpener right in that smug face of his.
"He probably didn't even watch Mr. Satan's victory at the Cell Games on TV because he was too busy studying like his mommy wanted him too," Sharpener mocked. I didn't need to watch it on TV, you retard. I was there, trying to live against Cell's evil power, Gohan thought to Sharpener, clenching his fists as his anger built up inside of him.
"His family probably doesn't even have a TV seeing how as they live out in the wild. Do you even have a TV, geek-boy? Or did you get your entertainment from chasing squirrels around all day?" Sharpener asked, laughing as those around him laughed as his cruel words. Even Videl chuckled at Sharpener's words.
Gohan felt his anger slipping, his rage building as his emotions caused him to begin the transformation to Super Saiya-jin. Looking over at Sharpener, he gave him a rage-filled, turquoise glare, causing Sharpener to jump at the pupil-less turquoise eyes that were glaring daggers at him.
"Sharpener," Eraser cut in, causing Gohan's transformation to stop short, his eyes going back to normal, "That's not nice to say about Gohan. You don't have to be so cruel to him." Gohan sighed, thankful for Eraser's intervention.
Kami, if she hadn't spoken, I would have gone Super Saiya-jin right in the middle of class! Gohan thought, unclenching his fists.
"Did you guys see that?" Sharpener asked, his voice a little panicked sounding. Videl looked over at Sharpener with curious eyes.
"Did we see what?" she asked.
"Geek-boy's eyes! They were turquoise!" Videl sighed and looked over at Gohan, noting that they were not turquoise and were their normal, deep black color.
"Sharpener, I think you're going crazy," Videl said.
"I am not going crazy! They really were!" Sharpener insisted, but couldn't press his point further as their history teacher walked into the room, signaling the beginning of the first class of the day. Gohan effortlessly paid attention throughout the duration of the class, waiting for the history teacher to give them their daily assignment.
"Ok," the female teacher said, "In honor of what this Friday is, you all are going to write a researched paper on the greatest man in the world and what he did to ensure our existence today." Gohan frowned, knowing that she meant Mr. Satan.
Well, fuck me if I'm going to write about that buffoon, Gohan thought, the rare expletive filtering through his mind. Hanging out with Vegeta for a good length of time had educated Gohan in many things, cuss words included. Gohan could hear Videl sigh as the teacher finished announcing their assignment.
"Aw man, not again," Videl muttered, Gohan's Saiya-jin ears picking up her words.
I take it they write a paper on this every year. That must suck, Gohan thought, listening as the bell signaled and the teacher left the room to make way for their English teacher.
For the next three hours Gohan suffered through English, math, and physics, waiting not so impatiently for the beginning of lunch so he could be alone for a while. Gohan watched in agony as the last five minutes of physics ticked by on the clock, as if watching it could make it go faster.
You know what they say: a watched pot never boils, Gohan thought, reminding himself of his foolishness. Gohan felt ready to shoot something as the last few seconds ticked on the clock. He nearly jumped for joy when the bell rung, alerting the entire student body that lunch had begun.
Gohan slowly put his things into his bag, waiting for his classmates to file out of the classroom. Still a little uncomfortable with large crowds, Gohan generally waited for everyone to leave until he left himself. It allowed him to relax after class.
He walked down the hallway, enjoying the silence that echoed around him. With the exception of a few stragglers, Gohan was essentially by himself, a feeling he learned to savor since entering high school. Gohan approached his locker and opened the door with sigh, placing his school bag on a hook inside his locker, pulling his lunch off the top shelf.
Sometimes I wish mom never sent me to this school. I have no friends here, with the exception of the times that Eraser sticks up for me. But, sometimes I think that's only because I sit next to her in class and she pities me. Kami, I'm the strongest being in the universe and I have a ditzy blonde pitying me. How pathetic is that? Gohan thought sadly as he closed his locker door and shouldered the bag that carried his entire lunch. Since entering high school, Gohan had to eat much more for breakfast everyday in order to make up for the decreased size of his lunch, never mind the fact that he ate a lunch big enough for 10 people.
Gohan made his way outside to where the majority of the school population ate their lunch. Gohan normally ate behind a large oak tree, a part of campus that was never occupied by any other students. The only bad part about his spot is that it required passing by the entire student body. To Gohan's somewhat fragile self-esteem, having to listen to all of snide comments about him that his classmates thought he couldn't hear was like a never-ending series of punches to his gut. His heart clenched at each comment and each one only hurt more.
Gohan paused before exiting the school building to walk across the courtyard, trying to brave himself for the emotional abuse headed his way. What made Gohan angry about the whole situation was that all of his peers were judging him without even knowing what he was like. But his anger at his peers' immaturity was greatly dwarfed by his hurt at his peers' insensitivity, an insensitivity he never had to experience until he entered high school. Gulping, Gohan began his walk through the large courtyard, trying to ignore the stares, giggles, and remarks coming his way.
"He's such a dork," he heard someone whisper.
"I know. I mean, look at his clothes. You can tell he doesn't have a clue about what's cool."
"Like he could be cool if he tried."
"He's nothing but a geek."
"He looks so wild. I bet that comes from living in the mountains. What a hillbilly." Tears pricked Gohan's eyes as he heard the comments about everything from his hair to his parents, which angered him greatly. Finally, he found his normal spot and took comfort and solace behind the large tree that hid him from view. Wiping away the budding tears, Gohan opened his bag and began eating his lunch. There was no doubt he was a Saiya-jin seeing how food always made him feel better.
After quickly devouring his lunch, Gohan leaned back against the tree, relaxing against its solidity. From the other side of the tree, Gohan could hear the voices of the students of Orange Star High School going about their conversations, with their friends. Gohan chuckled at the thought of the word.
Hmph, friends. I really wouldn't know what that was like, would I? The only friend I have who is remotely my age is the Kami of this planet. Most of my other friends are my parents' friends. I have no human, normal friends my age. Kami, I feel so alone. If only my dad were here. He could help me out, Gohan thought, a smile widening on his face at the thought of his father.
That's who I'll write about. The man who really is responsible for the existence of the world today: Son Goku, Gohan thought, content with his decision. It wasn't much longer until lunch ended, the bell ringing to alert everyone that class was about to start. Gohan once again shouldered his now empty bag and walked back to the main building to brave it through the rest of the school day.
***
Gohan sighed in relief as he flew away from the school building, thankful that the day was finally over. Lifting his wrist, Gohan checked the time.
Kami, if I don't hurry, I'm going to be late for work, Gohan thought. For the past couple of years, Gohan had joined his genius with Bulma's and, together, the two of them continuously pumped out designs for new capsules. Their most recent design was a new hovercar that had an almost self-propelled engine.
If only we could find a way to not lose any power due to heat. But, as it is, we've eliminated almost all of the heat loss. I suppose that's good enough for the moment. Bulma and I have to finish this design soon, though. It's due for testing in a week! Gohan thought, slightly panicked. But, he mainly knew not to worry. When he and Bulma worked together, things were completed at an astounding rate.
I'm quite thankful for the job, though. It's really helped us get by since the money dad won at the Tenkaichi Budoukai has started to run low. Since Bulma pays generously, money isn't an issue anymore, Gohan thought as he landed on the yard in front of the Capsule Corp. estate. Gohan walked up to the door and punched in several keys on the keypad, the password that allowed him to get into the Capsule Corp. building without having to knock. He worked his way through Capsule Corp. to where Bulma's labs were located. On his way, Gohan was lucky enough to have a run-in with Vegeta.
"Well, well," Vegeta called out as he exited the gravity room, "If it isn't Kakarotto's oldest brat. What brings you down to my home today? Up for a spar?" Gohan shook his head.
"Nope, I'm here for work. Remember? I work with Bulma on designs for her latest products," Gohan explained.
"Hmph. Well, after you're finished with my mate, gaki," Vegeta said, using the Saiya-jin word for "brat", "Come down and we'll spar." (AN: I know that gaki is the Japanese word for brat, but since I need to make a distinction between Japanese and Saiya-go, the Japanese is going to be written in English, since it's my primary language, and the Saiya-go is going to be written in Japanese. I don't have time to make up a new language when I can get by with using Japanese for Saiya-go.) Gohan smirked.
"Fine, I'll be there in about 4 hours," Gohan said. Vegeta chuckled.
"I'll be waiting to kick your ass," Vegeta said. Gohan laughed out loud.
"You wish, Veggie-head," Gohan teased, loving the way that the vein in Vegeta's forehead throbbed at his insult.
"You'll pay for that, gaki," Vegeta warned before storming back into the gravity room. Gohan sighed and continued on his way through Capsule Corp., a smile on his face. Though the Saiya-jin prince had a tendency to be always on the testy side, Gohan had found a closer friend in the older Saiya-jin than he had in anybody at school. Vegeta had almost become something of a mentor to Gohan, teaching Gohan all about the Saiya-jin ways, including the language, that Vegeta had learned about before he had been taken by Frieza. Gohan made it to the lab in only a few minutes, immediately spotting Bulma sitting at her computer.
"Hey, kid," she called out, not looking up from her monitor, "How's it going?" Gohan shrugged, walking over to sit at the lab table that sat next to the computer station.
"It's going ok. How about you?" Bulma looked up at him and gave him a smile.
"Oh, everything's going all right. Hey, could you check over the formulae for the hovercar's engine? I'm running the diagnostics on the designs for the rest of the hovercar on the computer right now. If you could check over the formulae for the engine, I could run some tests on them right after and we could draw up a definite set of plans to hand over to the Research and Testing division. They've been waiting for this for a while; I don't want to disappoint them," Bulma said. Gohan gave her a small nod before turning to look at the plans for the engine, formulae surrounding the computer-generated design. Gohan emitted a small sigh before getting to work, his genius brain recalculating the calculations with minimal effort.
As he performed his task, Bulma snuck a look over at the young man who had become like a son to her over the past 5 years he had been working with her. With a genius mind to rival her own, Gohan could do anything that he wanted. She wanted him to work with her after he got out of college, maybe even take over her job as president and CEO one day since Trunks didn't quite display the same genius that Gohan and herself possessed.
But, that's up for him to decide. He seems to like working here well enough, though. I'll put the idea past him one day, Bulma thought, smiling to herself. That smile faded, however, when she noticed the depressed look on Gohan's face, a look she hadn't seen before.
"Gohan," she interrupted, "Is something wrong?" Gohan looked up in surprise at Bulma's question.
"What are you talking about?" Gohan said, his eyes shifty, like he didn't want to talk about it. Bulma sighed.
"Don't think you're going to fool me, Son Gohan. I saw the depressed look on your face. What is it? Is it home life? Is it something Vegeta said? Because if it is, I'll-"
"It's not Vegeta," Gohan said, cutting off Bulma, "You're right, though. Something is wrong." A look of worry made its way onto Bulma's face.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice softening. Gohan sighed.
"It's school. I hate it there, Bulma. I have no friends and everybody makes fun of me. I don't want to go back to school; everybody hates me. To them, I'm just a big dork. The only person who's nice to me takes pity on me!" Bulma looked sadly at Gohan, recalling her own experiences in high school.
"They just do it because they're afraid of you. I remember when I was in high school. I received much the same treatment you did because they were intimidated by how smart I was," Bulma said. Gohan scoffed.
"Well, they just think I'm a great big hillbilly," Gohan said. Bulma placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, don't let them get to you, Gohan. You'll amount to more than any of them will. You're smart, funny, and considerate. You've helped saved this planet several times from evil threats; that's something that most people never do. You've accomplished so much more than they have. Just remember that," Bulma said. Gohan gave her a small smile.
"Thanks, Bulma. That helps a little. I just wish they wouldn't be so quick to judge me. They didn't even know me for 10 minutes before they branded me a geek. But, knowing that there are people out there that think differently makes me feel better." Bulma smiled triumphantly.
"Just doing my job as your friend and surrogate mother," Bulma said. Both of them turned back to their work, a long silence hanging between the two of them. About a half an hour later, Gohan had finished checking over the calculations and handed them over to Bulma.
"Hey Bulma," Gohan said as he handed her the design sheet, "What was my dad like when he was younger? What type of adventures did he get into?" Bulma looked up at Gohan with a curious look in her eyes.
"Why do you ask?" Gohan smiled a little sheepishly.
"Well," Gohan said, "Nobody's ever really told me and I thought since you and my dad were so close when you were younger that you'd be able to tell me." Bulma smiled.
"Sure kid," Bulma said and began indulging him in tales of Goku's past as she absent-mindedly ran the diagnostics on the design for the engine. A couple hours later, Bulma had finished telling what she knew of Goku's adventures and battles from when he was younger, giving Gohan most, if not all, of the details. Gohan smiled as Bulma finished telling her story.
"Hey, thanks Bulma. Are we finished for today?" Gohan asked. Bulma nodded.
"Yeah, well, since we finished the designs for the hovercar, there's not much else to do today. Why do you ask?" Gohan gave a small smirk.
"Because Vegeta wants me to have a good, old-fashioned spar with him and I wanted to indulge him." Bulma sighed.
"Didn't the two of you spar yesterday?" Bulma asked. Gohan nodded.
"Yes, and the day before that, too. Bulma, we practically spar everyday. We are both Saiya-jins, you know." Bulma shot him a look.
"Well, buddy, you're only half, remember?" Bulma reminded. Gohan nodded once again.
"Yeah, I remember. But, I have Saiya-jin blood running through my veins and that's enough to warrant me being a Saiya-jin, even though Vegeta sometimes calls me half-breed," Gohan explained. Bulma sighed.
"Get out of here, kid," she said good-naturedly, "Go have your spar with Vegeta. And try not to break the gravity machine again, please?" Gohan gave Bulma a smile.
"I'll make an effort and though I'm not too sure about Vegeta, I'll tell him, too."
"Good, because otherwise there will be one Saiya-jin prince who will be sleeping on the couch for a week," Bulma grumbled. Gohan laughed as he left the lab, waving good-bye to Bulma. Stopping by the small locker room by the gravity chamber to change into his gi, Gohan entered the gravity room, effectively shutting off the 550 Gs that Vegeta had been training at. Vegeta turned and smirked at Gohan.
"I felt you approaching. I take it you're up for a spar?" Vegeta asked as the door closed behind Gohan. Gohan smiled.
"You bet!" Gohan exclaimed, his blood flowing just from the thought of a good fight, "Bring it on, Vegeta." Vegeta smiled as he floated down to the control center, turning the gravity up to 500 Gs, the level they normally sparred at these days.
"You'll get the fight of your life, gaki."
"I highly doubt that, Vegeta."
--------------
The next chapter of this is when everything goes down...kinda. Just read it an find out!
Disclaimer: Dragonball Z isn't mine. I don't own it. Toriyama Akira-sama owns it. I'm just a fan.
-------Misery Loves Company----------
Gohan muttered a curse underneath his breath. He could never appreciate the warm weather at the end of May. He hated the fact that nature mocked him when all he wanted to do was mourn his father. And this year was no different. The skies were clear and sunny with no hope of changing throughout the week.
Couldn't I just have a little bit of gloomy weather on Friday? Gohan silently asked, knowing that it wouldn't happen. The weather would continue to mock him all the way through the anniversary of his father's death. Even in class, it mocked him. Early on Monday morning, Gohan could see the sunny day ahead. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it didn't look like one would appear any time soon. Sitting next to him, Eraser heard the curse and looked sympathetically at Gohan.
"What's the matter, Gohan, have a bad weekend?" she asked. Gohan didn't answer and Eraser kept talking.
"I don't know why you look so down, Gohan. This is the greatest week of the year! This week we celebrate how Mr. Satan defeated Cell!" Eraser explained. Gohan's frown only deepened as she spoke those words.
It was ME who defeated Cell, not that clown, Gohan screamed inside his mind, but knew better than to say out loud. A couple of seats down from Eraser, Sharpener scoffed.
"Don't bother with a geek like him, Eraser. He wouldn't know a grand celebration like this from a hillbilly square dance," Sharpener said with a malicious smirk on his face. Gohan gritted his teeth in order to keep himself from punching Sharpener right in that smug face of his.
"He probably didn't even watch Mr. Satan's victory at the Cell Games on TV because he was too busy studying like his mommy wanted him too," Sharpener mocked. I didn't need to watch it on TV, you retard. I was there, trying to live against Cell's evil power, Gohan thought to Sharpener, clenching his fists as his anger built up inside of him.
"His family probably doesn't even have a TV seeing how as they live out in the wild. Do you even have a TV, geek-boy? Or did you get your entertainment from chasing squirrels around all day?" Sharpener asked, laughing as those around him laughed as his cruel words. Even Videl chuckled at Sharpener's words.
Gohan felt his anger slipping, his rage building as his emotions caused him to begin the transformation to Super Saiya-jin. Looking over at Sharpener, he gave him a rage-filled, turquoise glare, causing Sharpener to jump at the pupil-less turquoise eyes that were glaring daggers at him.
"Sharpener," Eraser cut in, causing Gohan's transformation to stop short, his eyes going back to normal, "That's not nice to say about Gohan. You don't have to be so cruel to him." Gohan sighed, thankful for Eraser's intervention.
Kami, if she hadn't spoken, I would have gone Super Saiya-jin right in the middle of class! Gohan thought, unclenching his fists.
"Did you guys see that?" Sharpener asked, his voice a little panicked sounding. Videl looked over at Sharpener with curious eyes.
"Did we see what?" she asked.
"Geek-boy's eyes! They were turquoise!" Videl sighed and looked over at Gohan, noting that they were not turquoise and were their normal, deep black color.
"Sharpener, I think you're going crazy," Videl said.
"I am not going crazy! They really were!" Sharpener insisted, but couldn't press his point further as their history teacher walked into the room, signaling the beginning of the first class of the day. Gohan effortlessly paid attention throughout the duration of the class, waiting for the history teacher to give them their daily assignment.
"Ok," the female teacher said, "In honor of what this Friday is, you all are going to write a researched paper on the greatest man in the world and what he did to ensure our existence today." Gohan frowned, knowing that she meant Mr. Satan.
Well, fuck me if I'm going to write about that buffoon, Gohan thought, the rare expletive filtering through his mind. Hanging out with Vegeta for a good length of time had educated Gohan in many things, cuss words included. Gohan could hear Videl sigh as the teacher finished announcing their assignment.
"Aw man, not again," Videl muttered, Gohan's Saiya-jin ears picking up her words.
I take it they write a paper on this every year. That must suck, Gohan thought, listening as the bell signaled and the teacher left the room to make way for their English teacher.
For the next three hours Gohan suffered through English, math, and physics, waiting not so impatiently for the beginning of lunch so he could be alone for a while. Gohan watched in agony as the last five minutes of physics ticked by on the clock, as if watching it could make it go faster.
You know what they say: a watched pot never boils, Gohan thought, reminding himself of his foolishness. Gohan felt ready to shoot something as the last few seconds ticked on the clock. He nearly jumped for joy when the bell rung, alerting the entire student body that lunch had begun.
Gohan slowly put his things into his bag, waiting for his classmates to file out of the classroom. Still a little uncomfortable with large crowds, Gohan generally waited for everyone to leave until he left himself. It allowed him to relax after class.
He walked down the hallway, enjoying the silence that echoed around him. With the exception of a few stragglers, Gohan was essentially by himself, a feeling he learned to savor since entering high school. Gohan approached his locker and opened the door with sigh, placing his school bag on a hook inside his locker, pulling his lunch off the top shelf.
Sometimes I wish mom never sent me to this school. I have no friends here, with the exception of the times that Eraser sticks up for me. But, sometimes I think that's only because I sit next to her in class and she pities me. Kami, I'm the strongest being in the universe and I have a ditzy blonde pitying me. How pathetic is that? Gohan thought sadly as he closed his locker door and shouldered the bag that carried his entire lunch. Since entering high school, Gohan had to eat much more for breakfast everyday in order to make up for the decreased size of his lunch, never mind the fact that he ate a lunch big enough for 10 people.
Gohan made his way outside to where the majority of the school population ate their lunch. Gohan normally ate behind a large oak tree, a part of campus that was never occupied by any other students. The only bad part about his spot is that it required passing by the entire student body. To Gohan's somewhat fragile self-esteem, having to listen to all of snide comments about him that his classmates thought he couldn't hear was like a never-ending series of punches to his gut. His heart clenched at each comment and each one only hurt more.
Gohan paused before exiting the school building to walk across the courtyard, trying to brave himself for the emotional abuse headed his way. What made Gohan angry about the whole situation was that all of his peers were judging him without even knowing what he was like. But his anger at his peers' immaturity was greatly dwarfed by his hurt at his peers' insensitivity, an insensitivity he never had to experience until he entered high school. Gulping, Gohan began his walk through the large courtyard, trying to ignore the stares, giggles, and remarks coming his way.
"He's such a dork," he heard someone whisper.
"I know. I mean, look at his clothes. You can tell he doesn't have a clue about what's cool."
"Like he could be cool if he tried."
"He's nothing but a geek."
"He looks so wild. I bet that comes from living in the mountains. What a hillbilly." Tears pricked Gohan's eyes as he heard the comments about everything from his hair to his parents, which angered him greatly. Finally, he found his normal spot and took comfort and solace behind the large tree that hid him from view. Wiping away the budding tears, Gohan opened his bag and began eating his lunch. There was no doubt he was a Saiya-jin seeing how food always made him feel better.
After quickly devouring his lunch, Gohan leaned back against the tree, relaxing against its solidity. From the other side of the tree, Gohan could hear the voices of the students of Orange Star High School going about their conversations, with their friends. Gohan chuckled at the thought of the word.
Hmph, friends. I really wouldn't know what that was like, would I? The only friend I have who is remotely my age is the Kami of this planet. Most of my other friends are my parents' friends. I have no human, normal friends my age. Kami, I feel so alone. If only my dad were here. He could help me out, Gohan thought, a smile widening on his face at the thought of his father.
That's who I'll write about. The man who really is responsible for the existence of the world today: Son Goku, Gohan thought, content with his decision. It wasn't much longer until lunch ended, the bell ringing to alert everyone that class was about to start. Gohan once again shouldered his now empty bag and walked back to the main building to brave it through the rest of the school day.
***
Gohan sighed in relief as he flew away from the school building, thankful that the day was finally over. Lifting his wrist, Gohan checked the time.
Kami, if I don't hurry, I'm going to be late for work, Gohan thought. For the past couple of years, Gohan had joined his genius with Bulma's and, together, the two of them continuously pumped out designs for new capsules. Their most recent design was a new hovercar that had an almost self-propelled engine.
If only we could find a way to not lose any power due to heat. But, as it is, we've eliminated almost all of the heat loss. I suppose that's good enough for the moment. Bulma and I have to finish this design soon, though. It's due for testing in a week! Gohan thought, slightly panicked. But, he mainly knew not to worry. When he and Bulma worked together, things were completed at an astounding rate.
I'm quite thankful for the job, though. It's really helped us get by since the money dad won at the Tenkaichi Budoukai has started to run low. Since Bulma pays generously, money isn't an issue anymore, Gohan thought as he landed on the yard in front of the Capsule Corp. estate. Gohan walked up to the door and punched in several keys on the keypad, the password that allowed him to get into the Capsule Corp. building without having to knock. He worked his way through Capsule Corp. to where Bulma's labs were located. On his way, Gohan was lucky enough to have a run-in with Vegeta.
"Well, well," Vegeta called out as he exited the gravity room, "If it isn't Kakarotto's oldest brat. What brings you down to my home today? Up for a spar?" Gohan shook his head.
"Nope, I'm here for work. Remember? I work with Bulma on designs for her latest products," Gohan explained.
"Hmph. Well, after you're finished with my mate, gaki," Vegeta said, using the Saiya-jin word for "brat", "Come down and we'll spar." (AN: I know that gaki is the Japanese word for brat, but since I need to make a distinction between Japanese and Saiya-go, the Japanese is going to be written in English, since it's my primary language, and the Saiya-go is going to be written in Japanese. I don't have time to make up a new language when I can get by with using Japanese for Saiya-go.) Gohan smirked.
"Fine, I'll be there in about 4 hours," Gohan said. Vegeta chuckled.
"I'll be waiting to kick your ass," Vegeta said. Gohan laughed out loud.
"You wish, Veggie-head," Gohan teased, loving the way that the vein in Vegeta's forehead throbbed at his insult.
"You'll pay for that, gaki," Vegeta warned before storming back into the gravity room. Gohan sighed and continued on his way through Capsule Corp., a smile on his face. Though the Saiya-jin prince had a tendency to be always on the testy side, Gohan had found a closer friend in the older Saiya-jin than he had in anybody at school. Vegeta had almost become something of a mentor to Gohan, teaching Gohan all about the Saiya-jin ways, including the language, that Vegeta had learned about before he had been taken by Frieza. Gohan made it to the lab in only a few minutes, immediately spotting Bulma sitting at her computer.
"Hey, kid," she called out, not looking up from her monitor, "How's it going?" Gohan shrugged, walking over to sit at the lab table that sat next to the computer station.
"It's going ok. How about you?" Bulma looked up at him and gave him a smile.
"Oh, everything's going all right. Hey, could you check over the formulae for the hovercar's engine? I'm running the diagnostics on the designs for the rest of the hovercar on the computer right now. If you could check over the formulae for the engine, I could run some tests on them right after and we could draw up a definite set of plans to hand over to the Research and Testing division. They've been waiting for this for a while; I don't want to disappoint them," Bulma said. Gohan gave her a small nod before turning to look at the plans for the engine, formulae surrounding the computer-generated design. Gohan emitted a small sigh before getting to work, his genius brain recalculating the calculations with minimal effort.
As he performed his task, Bulma snuck a look over at the young man who had become like a son to her over the past 5 years he had been working with her. With a genius mind to rival her own, Gohan could do anything that he wanted. She wanted him to work with her after he got out of college, maybe even take over her job as president and CEO one day since Trunks didn't quite display the same genius that Gohan and herself possessed.
But, that's up for him to decide. He seems to like working here well enough, though. I'll put the idea past him one day, Bulma thought, smiling to herself. That smile faded, however, when she noticed the depressed look on Gohan's face, a look she hadn't seen before.
"Gohan," she interrupted, "Is something wrong?" Gohan looked up in surprise at Bulma's question.
"What are you talking about?" Gohan said, his eyes shifty, like he didn't want to talk about it. Bulma sighed.
"Don't think you're going to fool me, Son Gohan. I saw the depressed look on your face. What is it? Is it home life? Is it something Vegeta said? Because if it is, I'll-"
"It's not Vegeta," Gohan said, cutting off Bulma, "You're right, though. Something is wrong." A look of worry made its way onto Bulma's face.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice softening. Gohan sighed.
"It's school. I hate it there, Bulma. I have no friends and everybody makes fun of me. I don't want to go back to school; everybody hates me. To them, I'm just a big dork. The only person who's nice to me takes pity on me!" Bulma looked sadly at Gohan, recalling her own experiences in high school.
"They just do it because they're afraid of you. I remember when I was in high school. I received much the same treatment you did because they were intimidated by how smart I was," Bulma said. Gohan scoffed.
"Well, they just think I'm a great big hillbilly," Gohan said. Bulma placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, don't let them get to you, Gohan. You'll amount to more than any of them will. You're smart, funny, and considerate. You've helped saved this planet several times from evil threats; that's something that most people never do. You've accomplished so much more than they have. Just remember that," Bulma said. Gohan gave her a small smile.
"Thanks, Bulma. That helps a little. I just wish they wouldn't be so quick to judge me. They didn't even know me for 10 minutes before they branded me a geek. But, knowing that there are people out there that think differently makes me feel better." Bulma smiled triumphantly.
"Just doing my job as your friend and surrogate mother," Bulma said. Both of them turned back to their work, a long silence hanging between the two of them. About a half an hour later, Gohan had finished checking over the calculations and handed them over to Bulma.
"Hey Bulma," Gohan said as he handed her the design sheet, "What was my dad like when he was younger? What type of adventures did he get into?" Bulma looked up at Gohan with a curious look in her eyes.
"Why do you ask?" Gohan smiled a little sheepishly.
"Well," Gohan said, "Nobody's ever really told me and I thought since you and my dad were so close when you were younger that you'd be able to tell me." Bulma smiled.
"Sure kid," Bulma said and began indulging him in tales of Goku's past as she absent-mindedly ran the diagnostics on the design for the engine. A couple hours later, Bulma had finished telling what she knew of Goku's adventures and battles from when he was younger, giving Gohan most, if not all, of the details. Gohan smiled as Bulma finished telling her story.
"Hey, thanks Bulma. Are we finished for today?" Gohan asked. Bulma nodded.
"Yeah, well, since we finished the designs for the hovercar, there's not much else to do today. Why do you ask?" Gohan gave a small smirk.
"Because Vegeta wants me to have a good, old-fashioned spar with him and I wanted to indulge him." Bulma sighed.
"Didn't the two of you spar yesterday?" Bulma asked. Gohan nodded.
"Yes, and the day before that, too. Bulma, we practically spar everyday. We are both Saiya-jins, you know." Bulma shot him a look.
"Well, buddy, you're only half, remember?" Bulma reminded. Gohan nodded once again.
"Yeah, I remember. But, I have Saiya-jin blood running through my veins and that's enough to warrant me being a Saiya-jin, even though Vegeta sometimes calls me half-breed," Gohan explained. Bulma sighed.
"Get out of here, kid," she said good-naturedly, "Go have your spar with Vegeta. And try not to break the gravity machine again, please?" Gohan gave Bulma a smile.
"I'll make an effort and though I'm not too sure about Vegeta, I'll tell him, too."
"Good, because otherwise there will be one Saiya-jin prince who will be sleeping on the couch for a week," Bulma grumbled. Gohan laughed as he left the lab, waving good-bye to Bulma. Stopping by the small locker room by the gravity chamber to change into his gi, Gohan entered the gravity room, effectively shutting off the 550 Gs that Vegeta had been training at. Vegeta turned and smirked at Gohan.
"I felt you approaching. I take it you're up for a spar?" Vegeta asked as the door closed behind Gohan. Gohan smiled.
"You bet!" Gohan exclaimed, his blood flowing just from the thought of a good fight, "Bring it on, Vegeta." Vegeta smiled as he floated down to the control center, turning the gravity up to 500 Gs, the level they normally sparred at these days.
"You'll get the fight of your life, gaki."
"I highly doubt that, Vegeta."
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The next chapter of this is when everything goes down...kinda. Just read it an find out!