This story is based on the plot outline of the same name by Jerribrent. It has been approved by she and 15dragondream, who is also basing a story on the outline. I have not read her story to avoid influencing mine. I do not own DBZ or X-Men: Evolution.
Italics are thoughts.
"Aw, mom! Do I have to?" It was just like her to spring something like this on him, Gohan reflected. It had been the same since he was kid, with every new study technique, and each tutor. Even sending him the 500 miles to Orange Star High School every day had been a surprise, though he had ended up enjoying his time there, making the best of it by playing the Great Saiyaman after classes ended.
"You are going to America to attend Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and that's final, Gohan!" Chi-Chi ignored the wince from her son. "My boy is gifted and he deserves the best education available."
Her tone became decidedly wishy washy and Gohan tuned her out as she went on about her dreams for his future. There was just no arguing with her when she was like this, probably why Goten and his dad had flown the coop. He let her ramble for a few minutes before finally giving in. Neither he nor his dad could really say no to anything that made her happy, after all, call it thanks for putting up with all the training and life threatening battles. He sighed. One of the strongest men on the planet, and he was incapable of saying no to his mom.
"Okay, mom. I'll go."
Chi Chi's rambling ceased immediately, and Gohan found himself pulled into a hug. It was a few minutes before they broke apart.
"When do I leave?"
"Leave? Didn't I mention that? Your plane leaves tomorrow Gohan. You better get packed."
"T-tommorow?" Oh yes, she had definitely planned this well in advance. Even his dad wouldn't be able to help him out of this one.
His suitcase was nearly full when he heard his mom go to bed. Throwing a set of training clothes in, just in case, he pulled the zipper on the thing shut just as he felt Goten and his dads energies enter the house. Sure enough, a few seconds later his dad appeared in his bedroom doorway.
"Hey, Gohan. Sorry I wasn't there earlier." Goku apologized, sitting down on his sons bed. "I tried to argue for you when she told me, but it didn't go well."
"Did she get upset and go on about how I'd become a jobless street thug without a proper education?"
Goku chuckled. "She mentioned something about that, yeah."
Gohan couldn't help but smile at his dad's sheepish grin. "Sounds like we got the same speech then. When did she tell you?"
"Earlier this afternoon. Goten and I decided hearing it once was enough."
"Well, I can't disagree with you there." After all, he had heard at least two dozen variations since he was five. He knew the speech better than anyone but Chi Chi.
"Well son, better get a good nights sleep."
"Right. Night dad."
"Night Gohan."
And that was that.
…..
It was a typical morning in the mansion which housed Xavier's school for gifted youngsters. Some students rushed to eat breakfast after hitting the snooze button one too many times, while others struggled to complete forgotten homework, due in their first class of the day. It was a sort of controlled chaos, mastered by the inhabitants of the school. It was almost artful, the way the students used their mutations to move around each other and occasionally aid a friend, without causing problems for anyone else. Even the teachers joined in, the seemingly well choreographed routine pausing only when a telepathic voice echoed in their heads.
"Good morning, everyone." The familiar thoughts of Professor Charles Xavier announced. "Before you all leave for Bayville High, I would like to remind you that our new student will be arriving tonight. I ask you once again not to use your powers near him, as he is not a mutant, and it would be best to ascertain his opinions of us before we reveal ourselves."
As activities resumed, there was much grumbling from the students about not being able to use their powers freely. Still, they were optimistic about the coming exchange student. Being from Japan, they were aware that his government wasn't having the same arguments over mutant rights. In fact, if the types of things that went on there, such as the legendary Cell Games were as common as they appeared, there was a very good chance the exchange student might find them normal. So it was only with slightly weighted hearts that they left for their classes at Bayville, eager to meet their new classmate when they arrived home.
…..
Gohan found it funny that he could face down the strongest villains in the universe without flinching, but the thought of meeting the other students at his new school turned him into a nervous wreck. He hadn't been able to sleep on the plane, and was once again being forced to hide his super powers. At least the kids at Orange Star High School knew that he was a bit odd, even expecting him to be stronger than usual once he started dating and training with Videl. He had been able to be himself in those halls. At least he would only be at Xavier's school for the remainder of the American school year, September through May.
He found his luggage with ease, before carefully navigating his way though John F. Kennedy International Airport to the pickup area. He spent several minutes looking for a sign with his name on it, before he was approached by a man. Gohan jumped a bit at his gruff tone, direct and to the point.
"You Son Gohan?"
Gohan pushed away the mental image of Vegeta formed by the man's similar stance and apparent attitude and nodded.
"Um, yes."
"Good. Name's Logan. I'm one of the teachers at Xavier's." He motioned the Japanese student to follow him. Gohan pulled his luggage quietly behind the shorter man, musing that if he didn't know his family and Vegeta's where the only Saiyans alive, he'd think this man was one as well. There was something about Logan's no nonsense manner that spoke volumes about his personality, and Gohan was sure the man would never run from a good fight. He was interesting, to say the least.
Logan led him to a mud encrusted Jeep, tossing the luggage in the back.
"Hop in, kid."
Gohan nodded and did as told. The ride passed mostly in silence until Logan asked what type of music he liked, and he admitted that he never listened to much music at all because his mom thought it would interfere with his studying. Logan gave him a look of disbelief.
"Do you ever do anything besides study, kid?'
"Of course I do!"
"Anything fun?"
"Well, yeah… I Fi-play with my little brother Goten out in the woods sometimes." Gohan caught himself before the word 'fight' was completely out of his mouth. He sighed with relief when Logan didn't question the statement.
"Okay, job one for the kids at the mansion. Teach you to have fun." Logan muttered. Gohan winced. Videl was fond of telling him that his idea of fun was not what normal kids considered fun. Maybe this time he could actually succeed at being normal.
After this, Logan turned on the radio flipping stations until he found some heavy rock. Gohan had never heard anything but classics, and found that he enjoyed the fast tempo and riffs. If anything, this type of music would be good to train with. Logan noticed his enjoyment.
"Ask around the institute. I'm sure someone has good rock cds they'd be willing to lend you."
Gohan nodded. "Okay. Thanks!"
The rest of the ride passed with Logan making song and group recommendations. Gohan made mental notes of each, his nerves slowly receding as he found himself warming up to Logan. He was less like Vegeta than he had first assumed, but there was still something about him that reminded Gohan of the Saiyan prince. The two had become quite relaxed, and it was only when they passed through the gates to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters that Gohan felt his nerves return.
They abandoned the jeep and stepped up the stairs. Logan reached the door first, and held it open, taking notice of Gohan's nervous expression.
"Don't worry, kid. They're all harmless. Mostly." The gruff man said with a smirk.
Gohan gulped, again reminded of Vegeta. 'Oh, great. Mom, what have you got me into?'
