So I have taken an extended break away from writing, and it is my triumphant return to fanfiction.
I have recently found the urge to get back into creating more content. I found this unfinished story on my computer and decided to finish where I had left off. I also plan on continuing my other story; 'Eighteen Years a Prodigy' as well as having another story in the works which should be completed sometime this coming week, so keep an eye out for those.
He was the most popular person at Orange Star High, loved by his peers and every teachers dream student. His infectious personality and modest nature made him appear without fault to anyone he came into contact with… Well… Almost anyone.
It went without saying that Videl Satan despised Son Gohan. She was aware it, the whole school was aware of it. The only person that didn't seem to know it was the very boy himself. If Gohan was aware that Videl Satan had such a deep hatred for him then he was very good at hiding it. There did not appear to be a single ounce of malice within the dark haired boy, even when in the presence of the only person capable of disliking him.
Videl glared at the classroom in front of her, students began filing into the room one by one, all the while the daughter of Hercule sat, eyes burning a whole into the whiteboard whilst listening to her friend Erasa drone one for the thousandth time about the same topic that seemed to be on any ones mind these days; Gohan. It was always Gohan, it was the only thing anyone spoke about and it genuinely tested the teens patience. Son Gohan had been attending Orange Star High for around four months now, but anyone who wasn't aware would think he was some sort of legend. Initially believed to be some sort of super nerd with impeccable test scores, the boy seemed to be the perfect target for bullies to pick on and the popular students to talk about behind his back. That all changed within a week; and Videl meanwhile could not figure out why. Gohan certainly didn't look the part of a nerdy country boy, he was tall, well dressed and his features were well defined, the latter making nearly the entire female population at the school swoon. Amongst those people was the aforementioned Girl Videl was listening to.
"And then Gohan..." Erasa started before she was cut off Videl who was seething.
"Enough!" She exclaimed, "Gohan this, Gohan that. Why does everyone even like him?! There are other topics of conversation!" Her voice carried all the way to the outside hall, silencing all those around the frustrated girl. Those in the classroom could do nothing but stare with wide eyes at the girl, what was Videl's problem anyway?
"Geeze Vi, Calm down" Erasa cautioned trying to pull her friend back into her seat. "I just don't understand what you have against Gohan, what did he ever do to you?"
Her other friend, this one a male blonde who sat on the opposite side of Videl nodded in agreement. "Yeah, don't get your panties in a twist Videl" the boy stated calmly leaned back in his chair and a cocky smirk gracing his lips. Unluckily for him he was now the target of the raven haired girls wrath.
"Got something to say Sharpner?!" the girl threatened whilst balling her hand into a fist ready to strike. The boy cocked one eye open at his friend and his smirk widened as he shut it again.
"I'm just trying to figure out what it is you have against brains" The boy shrugged, undeterred by her threat. The blonde boy had become a lot more bold around Videl ever since Gohan came to this school, a lot of people had changed since that day.
"My problem is that Mr Perfect isn't so perfect, everyone is so stuck kissing his ass they don't stop to think that maybe he's not who he appears to be!" The girl rose once more, this time her eyes scanned over the crowd of students glaring at each face her icy stare landed on.
Murmurs of 'She's just jealous' and 'What did Gohan ever do to her' were thrown around, luckily for those souls, Videl could not hear the comments. As if on cue a figure walked through the doorway. The stranger was male, just over six feet tall, sporting a dark blue woollen winter jacket with a black shirt underneath, a pair of tight fitting blue jeans and timber-land boots, he carried a stack of text books in each hand and had a capsule corporation branded messenger bag around his shoulder. All the while he wore a smile that could melt the insides of anyone who crossed it whilst chatting with one of his classmates, a certain red head named Angela.
Videl eyed the boy critically and snorted disapprovingly as the boy placed the books neatly onto the red heads desk for her before walking up to his seat, located on the far end in the back row, sat right next to a desk which was vacated by Sharpner. The desk originally had belonged to Videl, but having to attend the same school as the Son boy was enough for Videl, let alone having to sit next to him day in and day out; luckily for her she forcibly swapped seats with Sharpner to save her the pain. The switch did not go unnoticed by Gohan, who just assumed Videl would rather sit next to Erasa considering the two seemed to be on very good terms with one another.
"Morning ladies, hey Sharpner" Gohan greeted happily, he then busied himself with his desk arrangement.
"Hey Gohan" Erasa responded. Sharpner meanwhile greeted the boy with a nod and the two bumped fists like close mates.
"Humph" Videl huffed, intentionally loud enough so that Gohan would hear. But true to his nature he took no offence to the rude mannerisms, in fact he didn't even appear to notice.
The bubbly blonde gave her friend a brief knowing look before turning her attention back to the tall boy. "How was your evening?" she questioned.
"Just the usual I suppose. Played with Goten and helped mum around the house" the boy shrugged.
"Cute, you know I'd love to meet your brother, considering how highly you talk about him" Erasa cooed. She couldn't help but imagine a small version of Gohan running around the place, the sight would be adorable taken to the extreme in her mind.
"Well gee, I'm sure Goten would like to meet some of my friends one day as well" Gohan claimed rubbing the back of his neck with a chuckle.
The movement only served to annoy Videl even further. That damn neck scratch, that stupid smile. Every day this is what she had to deal with. In the brief months Videl had been around Gohan she could only piece together a few bits of information about this boy.
One: He lived somewhere in the 439 mountain area; Videl had researched the area and found it was a secluded mountain range, completely isolated from any civilisation, the land was under the jurisdiction of the Ox-Kings rule. It was said to be very difficult to own land in such a place unless favour with the Ox-King was gained. Which begged the question of how Gohan and his family lived where they did, surely a country family like that could never afford the tuition of sending Gohan to a private school such as this.
Second: The boy spoke about his brother and mother very often, but never his father. Most chalked it up to him being some kind of mommas boy, others assumed his father had walked out on his family or it was just coincidence he never spoke of him. Videl meanwhile had multiple theories but was never able to support any of them thanks to her limited interactions with the boy.
Lastly: Gohan was invariably, unquestionably hiding something big. As far as Videl could tell, the boy was lying through his teeth every time he spoke. There is no way someone like Gohan could exist, it just wasn't possible. In only a single week he had managed to turn Orange Star High upside down.
The boy was a model student, he passed all his classes with perfect test scores, he never stepped out of line with the teachers and always obeyed the rules. He would boldly correct the teachers mistakes when they gave incorrect information. When this habit of his started, Videl relished at the idea of their physics teacher Mr. Vector to eat him alive on account of his 'Do not speak unless spoken too' rule. To Videls bewilderment the teacher only thanked Gohan for correcting him, and even went as far as to take Gohan's word for everything instead of checking the answer sheets! The ordeal had Videl seething with anger.
But it wasn't just the teachers, oh no. All the students were in on it too. First impressions had Gohan as a loner and a nerd, but everything quickly changed. Son Gohan was kind to everyone he interacted with, his positive attitude was like the plague and it spread to each student one after another. Even those who initially dismissed the idea of pursuing a friendship with the Son boy were now clambering just for a minute of his time. The boy had this uncanny ability to change anyone he met, and Videl found it pathetic, even her best friends had been infected with what she had dubbed the 'Gohan Virus'.
Sharpner was a stereotypical jock, high physical prowess and low mental capacity. He pestered those he deemed to be nerdy and ridiculed anyone who he could just to feel better about himself. That all changed when Gohan showed up, the blonde jock took to calling the new student poorly thought up insults such as 'Brains' and 'Nerd-Boy' hoping to get a rouse out of the Boy from the mountains. However, to his dismay, Gohan took little insult to these names, he accepted them in his stride and was nothing but polite to Sharpner. So much so that the blonde meat head defended Gohan the following week when he was the target of bullying courtesy of several boxing club members.
'Piss off guys. Try to mess with brains again and you mess with me' Videl recalled her friend saying to a group of narcissistic, muscle bound jerks. And it wasn't long before those same jerks started kissing up to Gohan as well, even going as far as too invite the boy to their table for lunch, an act reserved exclusively for those in their little party. In fact Gohan had been invited to spend time with every friendship group at the school.
Angela was well known around the school for her good looks and manipulation of the male population. The girl appeared to have a new boyfriend every other day, citing her reason as wanting an 'upgrade' from her previous boyfriend. That all changed when Gohan showed up, suddenly Angela was incapable of talking to Gohan the same way she did with every other boy, she would get flustered and walk away hiding her face. It even got to the point where Angela eventually gave up her attempts at flirting with Gohan, saying that he was a 'Good friend' and she didn't want to 'Damage the friendship they had by starting a relationship'. Not that Videl cared about Angela or her obsession with boys, not at all, what she couldn't stand was how everything had changed.
Surely someone with perfect test scores couldn't do everything right?
Wrong.
Mr. Perfect proved that theory false. The boy was always picked first for team sports, not because he was well liked but because of his seemingly infinite physical potential. Since starting at the new school Gohan had managed to break every school national record, in every sporting discipline. Track, field even swimming; Most records which had been set by Videl Satan herself the previous year. What managed to piss Videl off even more was the fact that he didn't just break those records, he demolished them, without even appearing the break a sweat.
The boy had broken the 400 meter, 800 meter and 1500 meter district and national running records back to back without break. And he did so with more than enough time to spare, and the worst part was that he wasn't even tired, while his competitors lay on the ground, exhausted from the run, Gohan wandered around as if he had completed a leisurely walk.
And still the Son boy was so freaking humble, he never acted self absorbed or let his ego run wild. He congratulated his competition, never spoke highly of himself and offered his services to anyone who asked. The boy was a walking embodiment of perfection. The only fault the boy had was he was quite shy, he never really initiated conversation and didn't appear adept at social interaction. And yet that made people like him even more! Girls thought it was cute and guys saw him as a trust worthy potential friend.
Chess club captain, regional baseball champion pitcher with 5 consecutive perfect games in the state tournament. Private tutor, Maths tournament champion with zero incorrect responses, mid term awards for every class, including high distinctions in physics, chemistry and biology, even a Principals award of excellence. The credentials were endless for the boy named Son Gohan…
Martial Arts nation wide champion of the boys division. That one got on Videls nerves. Here she was, the daughter of the world champion and saviour, Hercule Satan, revered for her unmatched fighting ability and tenacity, not even a single blemish on her fighting record. And now this boy arrives, and cleaned up his division, zero losses, knocking out his opposition every step of the way, not even a single hit landed on him for the whole tournament. It didn't take long after for the rumours to start, Gohan would be the first person to beat Videl was the popular theory, and that was too much. The girl gritted her teeth at the idea of losing, let alone to a nerd from the mountains. Oh how she wanted badly to wipe that grin off Gohan's face.
"Sorry Videl, but you know the rules" Coach Bones informed "We operate under the school board rules, as well as the athletic commission. Males and Females competing in martial arts against one another at this school is strictly prohibited."
Videl had practically begged her coach to allow her to fight Gohan one on one, but the idea was dismissed thanks to that damned rule. Unsurprisingly Videl was the nation champion of the female division, a feat she had accomplished five years running. Not that it was too difficult, most girls her age didn't relish the idea of competing in combat sports, so it was little challenge for her. But that was the problem, it was too easy, she could easily deck most of the brutes at her dad's gym, but on a professional level outside of the world tournament, genders fighting one another was never allowed. It irked Videl to no end, she was constantly underestimated because she wasn't fighting the same calibre of fighters that the men were. She just needed to find a way to get permission to fight Gohan.
Just then the girls thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Mr. Vector, the classes physics teacher make his appearance. He was an older man, late fifties, he still had a full head of hair unlike other men his age, a thick caterpillar moustache above his upper-lip and his usual unamused resting face gracing his face. He cleared his throat before delivering his opening statement.
"Morning class" he bellowed gaining the attention of all his students. Mr. Vector was very strict and he was notorious around the school for his low tolerance for tomfoolery. "I have finished grading last weeks mid term tests" he then proceeded to hand out each paper one by one to his students. "There had been a lot of improvement since last time. I am impressed" most students gave a sigh of relief as they received their paper. "However, some of you…" he then passed Videl her paper and eyed the girl critically, if there was one thing about Mr. Vector, subtlety did not exist in his vocabulary. "Still need to apply yourself if you intend to pass this course"
Videl tuned out the rest of the teachers comments as she laid eyes on her grade.
23/100, a solid 23%.
Videl gritted her teeth even tighter and clenched her jaw. The worst part was that this was not even the lowest score she had received for this class. At this point the girl was no longer on the brink of flunking, she was without question failing physics. The idea swirled her head, this was a blemish on her permanent record if she couldn't pull it together. Failing a class would no doubt put a wrench in her plans to be accepted to West City University, spots were hard to grab in that institution and even Hercule Satan himself was incapable of pulling strings to get her a place. Apparently the university received funding from the Brief family, the same family who owned and operated Capsule Corporation. Videl had dreamed of studying forensic science to one day work in the police force. Their science facilities were said to be greater than any other university, even more so than Satan City University.
At least the girl had comfort knowing that the rest of the class would have similar test results to her, after all, Mr. Vector was a hard ass.
"Holy shit!" Came a voice to Videls left. The girl turned her head expecting another mark in the lower percentiles etched onto Sharpner's paper. However, what she saw gave her the biggest shock of her life.
'88%!' It couldn't be possible, had she read it wrong? The girl scanned over his paper once more and confirmed her dread, Sharpner had actually managed a high grade in physics. 'He must have cheated!' Videl assured herself, after all, this was Sharpner.
"Eek!" came a squeal from Erasa who flashed her paper to her friends. "I got an 85!" she exclaimed jumping for joy at the highly marked test.
There is no way this was possible. Both Sharpner and Erasa couldn't even manage a grade better than Videls, and now they were testing in the top percentiles?
Gradually Videls hear rate began to pick up, especially when her eyes glanced around the sea of students to a chorus of cheers and excited noises at their results. Choruses of marks in the 80's rung across the classroom and even the occasional 90's. Everyone who was scoring low marks suddenly understood physics?
This had to be a joke, it couldn't be real.
"Seventy!" rang a ear piecing screech, Videl nearly fainted right there. Angela got a seventy?! the girl who didn't even know what acceleration or velocity meant? She got a seventy? Granted it seemed to be the lowest of the majority, but it was far greater than Videls result.
Someone had to be responsible for this.
And then it happened.
All eyes turned around, staring up at one person in the back row, the one person who had perfect 100 out of 100 on his scorecard. They all gave the boy a curt nod or thumbs up, some even mouthed what appeared to be 'Thank you' to the boy. Videls neck slowly forced it's way to get a better view of the boy she despised so much. The boy was again rubbing the back of his head again, this time looking down at his paper and nervously laughing lightly, as if he was embarrassed by all the attention. Videl was now beyond confused, and she needed answers, luckily her wish was granted instantaneously.
"Thanks for the help man, all that tutoring really paid off!" Sharpner thanked whilst giving the Son boy a heavy pat on the back.
'Tutoring?'
Erasa nodded her head in agreement. "You should really be a teacher Gohan, I never thought in a million years I would understand anything Mr. Vector was talking about"
Gohan chuckled without a care in the world. "Gee thanks" his voice somewhat flustered by all the praise. "I guess I never really put much thought into pursuing a career in education. Besides, I really didn't do all that much, you figured it out mostly by yourselves"
"You're kidding right?" Sharpner shot back. "You don't have to try and make us feel better about ourselves brains. Erasa and I wouldn't have been able to understand the questions, let alone answer them correctly if it wasn't for you." The blonde female counterpart nodded her head eagerly, obviously echoing the same thoughts.
"Well I…" Gohan began. However this time he was rudely interrupted.
"Am I missing something here!?" Videl harshly exclaimed, her jaw was clenched tightly and a glare that could intimidate even the most notorious crime lord was etched perfectly onto her hardened features. Gohan quickly shut his mouth and furrowed his brows at the interruption.
"Gohan here started tutoring a couple of weeks ago in the library." Erasa swiftly responded. She was aware Videl knew about the private tutoring the boy did to assist his classmates, after all, Videl seemed to have an obsession with knowing everything about the boy, except she refused to acknowledge his existence when it came to social interaction.
"And… You two actually asked for help?" Videl grounded out, betrayed that her closest friends would stoop so low as to go behind her back and ask Gohan of all people for private tutoring. The Satan girl had caught wind of Gohan's little study group through overhearing a conversation between two girls in the hall, but she scoffed at the thought of ever attending and never anticipated for anyone to actually be there… Or for it to actually work.
Meanwhile tall boy in question merely listened closely to the conversation which he was very clearly being excluded from courtesy of Videl. He didn't quite understand the girl, she had been cold to him since they had met. And whilst Gohan maintained a positive mindset even when around her, he simply did not understand why she was distant and pretentious around him. The boy simply shrugged at the thought, he supposed that was just her way, he was willing to leave her alone if that was her wish, he had no reason to pursue a friendship with someone if they did not reciprocate the gesture.
"Come on Vi" Erasa pleaded at her friends sour attitude. "It's not like we had a choice, Sharpie and I were both flunking physics. Besides Gohan is amazing, he can like, explain anything in a way we understand." Videl merely gagged aloud, clearly indicating she was not interested in hearing her comments or being a part of these activities.
Mr. Vector then began initiating class once he had handed out all the results, to the girls shock, everyone had text books out and pens at the ready. Where were the sleeping jocks? The gossiping girls? Everyone was actually paying attention now. And Videl knew, it was all because of Son Gohan. Everything had changed since he came to Orange Star High.
The girl was left with her thoughts, staring blankly at the test results in front of her, it was demoralizing. She may have not been the best at physics, but she was never the worst, Videl Satan did not lose at anything. But now she did, and it was all thanks to Son Gohan.
"Videl, is your desk more interesting than my class?" Came the booming voice of the teacher stood in from the classroom. Videl quickly snapped her head up from her blank stare to see a impatient Mr. Vector eyeing her expectantly.
"Not at all sir!" Videl quickly responded.
"Well then, why don't you solve the problem I have written on the board since it appears you know already know the answer and do not need to pay attention." He bellowed not accepting the girls response.
Videl nearly shot back a sarcastic remark, however she refrained, less she antagonize her teacher further after scoring the lowest score in the room. Standing at her desk, Videl read the question carefully. There was a diagram of a plane in the centre of the board with the problem written above. 'Use the method of dimensions to obtain the form of the dependence of the lift force per unit wingspan…' Videl trailed off in her mind. 'What is this gibberish?' Videl let out a low growl at the terminology she could not understand.
"I do not know the answer" Videl grounded out with much distaste.
The teacher regarded her critically, and did not break eye contact with her. "Gohan!" he called out, not even bothering to look at the boy, he simply watched Videl.
The boy beside her stood to attention. "Yes sir?" The Saiyan Hybrid responded.
"Would you please tell Videl and the rest of the class what the answer is" Videl trembled with anger, her eyes still in a dead lock with Mr. Vector who simply raised his bushy eyebrows at her as Gohan answered.
"0.45 sir" Gohan quickly deduced without hesitation.
"And why is that?" he asked, still watching Videl, not even regarding the boy for a second.
"Well, most aircraft wings have lift coefficients in the range of 0.2 to 0.6. Depending on the design of the wing and its orientation to the air-crafts motion. The cruising speed would be about 250 metres per second minus 1 for a plane with the wing area and overall mass like the one in the diagram, so the lift coefficient under such conditions would be equal to 0.45." Gohan explained in detail, some students nodded their head as the boy explained, seeming to understand, whilst others quickly jotted down some notes.
"Exactly right my boy!" Mr. Vector praised, before finally meeting the boys gaze with a warm smile. "Now Videl" he said, moving his attention back to the girl "If you aren't going to pay attention, at least have the common sense to know your facts first. Please turn to page 113 in your text book and keep your eyes from wandering."
Videl hung her head, pissed off, angry, frustrated. This was the largest insult she could imagine, being shown up by the nerd of all were few giggles from the students sat in front of her to serve as fuel to the fire.
"I would also like to see you at the end of class Videl" the teacher said with his face to the white board.
A few low 'oohs' chorused through the students which were quickly silenced by Mr. Vectors intense gaze.
50 minutes later the bell rung, indicating the end of the period. Students slowly filed out of the room, wandering off to their next destination as they spoke amongst themselves. Eventually the room was baron with the exception of Videl and her teacher. Erasa mouthed "Good luck" to her friend before disappearing with the remainder of her peers, Videl watched them file out and sent a icy glare to Gohan as the boy glanced over to her on his way out. It was a look of sympathy, like she needed worthless pity from someone who had intentionally made her look bad.
"Now Videl. We need to talk about your recent test results" Mr. Vector began. "It's obvious you are struggling. Your grades have been steadily declining each month, if you continue like this I will have no choice but to fail you."He laid it out, clear as day and Videl nodded slowly in shame. "I understand that some teachers have been lenient with your grades on account of your father, but that won't fly in my class. You have as much obligation as everyone else to apply yourself to this course. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir" Videl responded with a grimace, hoping to leave as soon as possible.
"Good. And there is another matter I wish to discuss" the man told her as she made an approach to the leave the room. "The attitude you are bringing to this class… I don't want to see it any more. I've noticed a lack of respect for your peers in recent weeks Videl, and if I witness any continued offences I will be taking this to the principal. Being thrust into celebrity status at your age may be difficult Videl, but keep it in check, not everyone is as tolerant in the real world." Mr. Vector eyed her up and down, bother eyebrows raised in expectation before returning to the papers on his desk. "Now time for your next class, and if I may. Perhaps you should seek some sort of private tutoring if you intend to rectify the problems you are having in my class. I hear Gohan is accepting students in the library, he's a very switched on boy, you could learn a lot."
Videl swiftly turned heel and exited the room, nearly slamming the door behind her in the process, grumbling all the way to her next class. 'Learn from Gohan? The only thing that self absorbed nerd could teach me is how to be a goody two-shoes, lying jerk' The girl screamed harshly in her head. She could have sworn if she heard his name one more time she was going to explode.
"So what did Mr. Grumbles have to say?" Erasa chirped matching her best friends strides down the hall, ignoring the ever present Satan glare.
"None of your business!" Videl snapped, her tone indicating she had no intentions of carrying on this topic of conversation.
"Harsh" Sharpner butted in catching up to the pair. "Just because you're failing physics doesn't mean you have to drag everyone else down Vi"
Suddenly the girl pinned the boy up against the row of lockers covering the walls, her forearm over his throat and a fist ready to land clean on his stomach. "Butt out Sharpner, otherwise I'll take you down to rock bottom, got it?!" She threatened, her eyes full of fire, the girl was seeing red and was willing to take it out on anyone who dared to tread on the line.
The boy however just smiled, he smiled at the girl, the single most intimidating girl in the known world knew was being smiled at by her friend. "Did I strike a nerve?" he commented smugly. "Sorry Videl, but no dice." The boy stood nonchalantly staring back at his threat.
After a tense few seconds Videl removed her arm from the boy and stormed off, muttering comments about how she would kill that blonde boy. This was the third time Sharpner had shrugged off her threats like it was nothing. Little did Videl know, it was yet another gift Gohan had given her.
'Try that again and I'll rip your arm off Sharpner!' Videl screamed after catching the boy flirting with her once more. She then delivered a swift strike to the boys arm after he ducked his head anticipating the strike after she made the threat. The girl, satisfied with her handiwork, walked off in a huff.
'Damn that hurt' Sharpner commented, rubbing his bruised arm. Videl was certainly someone not to be trifled with. And even though the two were friends, Sharpner had taken more beatings than he could count from the Satan girl, and she always knew how to put the fear into his heart.
'You don't have to be so scared of her, you know' came a deep voice from beside Sharpner. The blonde jock blinked a few times in confusion at his friend Gohan.
'In case you hadn't realised brains, she is Videl SATAN! As in daughter of Hercule Satan' the boy exclaimed. However all Gohan could do was chuckle.
'Well in case you hadn't realised, she relishes in the fact of you being scared' Gohan stated, turning his eyes up from the book he was engrossed in.
'What's your point?'
'You can learn a lot from someone by the way they fight. Videl is an exceptional martial artist, and she gives off an air of invincibility and skill. She fights harder when she is challenged and enjoys it when she is able to strike fear into her opponent'
Sharpner yet again, blinked several times at the statement. Gohan had observed this by watching her fight?
'So how does that help me?' The blonde questioned, now intrigued.
'Simple, don't be scared. Videl will actively seek someone she can terrify to make herself feel better, she fights with the intention of hurting when she is mad or frustrated. When she is in that mindset she isn't going to bother hurting her opponent if they don't fear her or pain. If you don't want her to hurt you, then remain calm, don't fear her or challenge her because that will make it worse. Just make yourself appear like a target who isn't willing to give her satisfaction, if she doesn't get a response or rise out of you then there is nothing to worry about' Gohan concluded before packing his book into his bag. 'Oh, and obviously stop that… Touchy flirty thing you do, I don't think Videl likes it' he then shrugged and wandered off leaving the blonde jock to his own thoughts.
'I guess it's worth a shot'
How right Gohan had been. The boy was spot on the mark, everything he had said turned out the be correct, Videl had no idea how to deal with Sharpner now that he had this new found ability to remain calm in the face of adversity around her. Despite relenting on pummelling the boy, Videl could not shake the fire burning inside her.
"Some friends you are! Going behind my back and being all goody goody with Gohan of all people!" She was now attracting a small audience of people who gave the girl confused glances.
"Why are you so against Gohan?" Erasa asked seriously.
"You know why. He's a liar and a stuck up jerk who thinks he's better than everyone. And everyone kisses his ass for it." She stated.
"Come on Videl, we all know that's a load of bullshit" Sharpner shot back, getting tired of hearing the girl badmouth Gohan like he was a fraud. Before the girl could fire back at the boy, Erasa chimed in.
"Videl, are you jealous?" She wondered.
The mere thought made Videl visibly stiffen. "Jealous?" Videl laughed at the prospect. "You're kidding me right."
"It's just a theory" the blonde girl shrugged. "But ever since Gohan started gaining popularity around here you've been more moody around him. That and he's managed to break all your sport records, I think you are jealous that he's challenged your popularity and abilities."
"More popular?" Videl said before breaking into a fit of laughter. "As if a nerd like him could ever make a Satan jealous over that, I mean, I am Videl Satan after all"
"Wow Videl, I don't think this school is big enough for that ego of yours" Sharpner shot back in a venomous tone. "I think Erasa is right on one thing. You think you're such hot shit that because of your name you're worth more than everyone else. Maybe if you stopped to think about it, you'd see Gohan is the real deal." The boy then stormed off, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Whatever" Videl disregarded, watching Sharpner walk off. "If you're going to be all pissy then fine, at least I know who my real friends are."
Erasa meanwhile stood, unsure of how to approach the situation, on one hand, she believed the comments Sharpner made did hold some weight, on the other Videl wasn't intentionally acting all high and mighty… Right?
The rest of the school day went by too slowly for Videl's liking, there was a grand tension in the air between herself and Sharpner during class. The only one in the vicinity who seemed unaffected by it was Gohan, who happily finished his English paper before assisting Sharpner with certain phrases and spell checked for Erasa at her request.
With the final bell signalling the end of the day, the students began packing their belongings away into their personal lockers for the evening. Videl was just about finished before noting the dreaded physics test which was sat on top of her book pile. She glanced over the sheet once more and sighed, she did not have a chance in hell of passing at this rate. Even if she studied every night until the next test, she had no way of cramming all that knowledge in unless it was explained to her.
Looking to her right she was met with the sight of Gohan, casually stowing away his books. The sight made Videl's skin crawl, she then took one more look at the paper and growled. This was all his fault, she couldn't concentrate in class thanks to him.
Without even realizing what she was doing, the girl marched up to the boy, intending to get some payback. The boy turned around at the last second, as if he sensed her approaching. His eyes were met with a short raven haired teen, scowl plastered on her face and a poorly executed paper in one hand.
"This" she said flashing the paper to his face. "Is your fault!"
Gohan raised his eyebrows at the sudden tone she used and the fact that Videl had actually spoken directly to him, it was common practice for her to actively avoid him. The boy then furrowed his brows in confusion whilst giving the paper a once over. "I'm sorry, I don't understand." The boy shrugged not at all getting where Videl was coming from.
"You're the reason I'm failing physics, if it wasn't for you making a mockery out of me in class then I wouldn't be in this mess."
"I'm really sorry" Gohan apologised sincerely. "I wasn't aware I was interfering with your studies." even though he still didn't understand the situation, he was polite as ever, as was his way.
"You're going to fix this!" Videl claimed, disregarding his apology. "Here's how it is going to work. The next time Mr. Vector gives us a take home assignment for physics, you will submit your work under my name, no questions asked."
Gohan blinked, once, twice, three times before breaking into a grimace. "But that's kind of disingenuous don't you think?" he responded, meanwhile Videl's hand balled into a fist. "Again, I'm sorry if I offended you or made it difficult for you to concentrate. But I'm not agreeing to jeopardise my credibility by breaking school rules. I can offer you a cram session of tutoring in the library after school if you like. Jonathan is out sick with the flu and left an opening for tomorrow."
'That's his game is it?' Videl sternly thought. "Gah, you're such a goody two-shoes! Listen to me nerd-boy, I'm going to get what I asked for, one way or another" With that, Videl stuffed the physics test into her bag and stomped out of the school grounds, leaving a confused Gohan standing alone in an empty hallway.
"Okay well… See you tomorrow then!" the boy called back with a weak smile. He wasn't sure he would ever be able to understand the enigma that was Videl Satan.
The plan was full proof, it was a win-win situation for Videl. She just had to get the wheel in motion. As soon as the girl had arrived home she specifically asked her butler as to the whereabouts of her father. Naturally the world saviour himself was situated in his archive room, a plethora of official Hercule Satan merchandise graced the shelves covering all four walls of the room. The man was strewn casually on a luxurious recliner, an expensive glass of liquor in one hand and eyes glued to the large TV located in front of him. Videl shook her head, she couldn't remember the last time her dad had lifted a single finger since cashing in on his victory at the Cell Games, now he spent most of his days drinking and re-watching his old World Martial Arts Tournament days. The world champ bellowed with laughter as his younger self struck a victory pose on screen after having progressed to the semi-finals.
"Dad?" Videl called to him softly. Said man kept his eyes on the screen but still responded to his daughter.
"Oh Videl, you're home." He swiftly said, placing his glass on the coffee table in front of him.
"I need your help with something" She blurted out with authority. She doubted there was anyone else in the world who was capable of speaking to Hercule Satan in the same manner that she did.
"How much this time?" The man questioned, taking his credit card from the wallet in his back pocket. The act made Videl roll her eyes, the man always assumed any problem could be solved with money.
"Nothing like that dad. I need help with this jerk at school" Her face then set into a grimace as Hercule visibly stiffened.
"This jerk, wouldn't happen to be a boy now would it?" he grounded out through clenched teeth.
"Relax dad" Videl ordered. "I'm not interested in him. I want to fight him"
Hercules eyes grew wide and he scratched his head. "Fight him? Come on Videl, why would you want to bother yourself with the twigs down at that school?" The man recovered.
"You remember Gohan right? The boy who won the nation wide title for martial arts?"
Hercule began jogging his memory, vaguely recalling a couple of articles in the local paper about the results of the 18 and under martial arts tournament. Sure enough Videl was front page news for her record setting fifth title. However there were a few mentions of a new young prospect who had looked unbeatable through the entire tournament, a tall, dark haired boy called Gohan. There had been a picture printed on the front page with both Videl and Gohan stood side by side after having been presented their trophies, Videl had a stern look on her face while Gohan broke into an embarrassed grin. Hercule remembered seeing the picture and believing that the boy looked familiar, though he was unable to figure where from.
"I believe I remember, yes" He nodded in affirmation.
"Well everyone seems to think he's a better fighter than me. Thanks to school rules they won't let me prove everyone wrong, could you maybe help me?" Videl asked with a sparkle in her eyes, once she used that her dad was a goner.
"Bahahahaha" Hercule laughed. "You want to wail on that little twerp? That's my girl. Alright then, I'll call the school about this injustice. I doubt they will refuse Hercule Satan." The man continued to laugh, echoing through the halls, all the while Videl had a smug smirk on her face. This was just too good.
Fourth period couldn't have come sooner. All the students filed into the gym sporting clothes suitable for light sparring and crowded around Mr. Bones, a taller man, dark tanned skin and short cropped haircut. The man was stood in the centre of the gym room. The large space was home to a martial arts facility. The whole room floor had mats used for martial arts fights cut into the ground and various lines marking the area which served as boundaries. Typically students would pair up find a place in the room and practice techniques with one another, this time though, things were different.
"Afternoon all" The teacher called. "Before we begin I have a special treat for all of you. At the request of Hercule Satan himself, Videl Satan will go one on one in an exhibition match against a student of her choosing, boy or girl." The students began muttering to themselves about this new rule. "Videl, who will your opponent be?" The man asked, though he knew what the answer would be.
Looking over to the students Videl smiled, the smile of the devil. "I want to fight Gohan!" she announced which received a sea of gasps, it was finally going to happen.
"Very well" Mr. Bones accepted, not too pleased with the rules being bent the way they were, but he had little influence over the word of Hercule, the school agreed to his terms as soon as the man threatened to cut their funding under his name. "Everyone please move to the edge of the mats!"
Gohan meanwhile was quite during the entire ordeal. He had heard rumours about a Gohan and Videl grudge match but never thought anything of it, even though he loved to fight and train, he wasn't keen on the idea of fighting a girl. It went against everything his mother had taught him. "Videl, I don't want to fight you." He said calmly after approaching her.
Videl however was prepared for such a comment. "Too chicken huh? I knew you wouldn't have the balls to fight me." her response was harsh and intended to hurt the boys ego. Unluckily for her, the boy did not have an ego that could be slandered.
Gohan blushed lightly at the mention of his genitals before responding. "It's not that. My mum told me to never hit women" he then shrugged which earned a growl from Videl.
"Well then lets make this interesting. An incentive to fight me." Videl smirked, her plan was now in action. "If you win, I'll humour you and attend your tutoring sessions. But if I win, you agree to my terms of submitting your work under my name."
Gohan gawked for a second before weighing his options. He wanted to help Videl, he just didn't know how. He wasn't willing to break school rules though, and the girl would learn nothing by having someone else do her dirty work. Besides, maybe this would be good for her in the long run. Breaking into a smile the boy nodded. "Okay, sounds good to me."
Both students took their positions on the mat. Gohan discarded the long sleeve over top he had, leaving him clad in only his gi. It was full white with a light blue waist band, arm bands and boots. He also had a odd looking symbol sewn into the fabric over the left side of his chest. Unbeknownst to everyone attending, this was the symbol for Saiyan, it signified that he was born to their race and his heart was for them. Occupying the part of his back was a large symbol for the Demon school, the first school Gohan had trained under, thanks to Piccolo. The girls of the school hungrily took in the boys unmatched physique. His sculpted arms and hardened chest perfectly befitted a warrior like Gohan.
Videl meanwhile stayed true to her image of simplicity. Bike shorts, a large white shirt, simple and easy.
Both students then removed their shoes, which were illegal in this environment, leaving them barefooted for this fight. They then busied themselves with fitting the customary open fingered fighting gloves designed to protect their knuckles and fingers (Though it mattered little to Gohan whether he had gloves or not), whilst the teacher explained the rules.
"Okay you two. Let's keep it clean. If you do not protect yourselves I will stop the fight. It's tournament rules, meaning you win by way of knock out, submission or ring out. If at the end of 20 minutes there is no winner I will judge the fight to declare one." Mr. Bones stated with authority.
"No" Videl shot back. "No time limit or ring out. We fight until it's over"
"Videl, I'm afraid that's…" The teacher reasoned before being cut off.
"We can ask my father if you want" She fired back, not willing to relent in the slightest.
All Mr. Bones could do was sigh in defeat. "Son, do you agree to these terms?"
Gohan locked eyes with Videl and smiled. He was now allowing his instincts to take hold, this was one of the only times Gohan allowed his pride to reveal itself. "I accept" he agreed.
"Very well" the man shrugged. "If you both understand the rules then wait for my mark!"
Amongst the sea of students, two blondes sat on the edge of their seats in the bleachers watching intently. "Can she win?" Erasa asked bluntly, relying on Sharpner for a running commentary for the fight.
The boy pondered the question before responding. "We have never seen Gohan tested before. Heck, he beat me at the tournament in only a few moves, but Videl rises to everyone she has fought… And yet, there is something about Gohan, something that's hard to figure out."
"And what's that?" Erasa questioned.
"Begin!" The coach called.
"I don't think we've ever seen Gohan go all out"