Author's Note: It's been a while since I wrote a Dragonball Z fan fiction…about 5 years to be exact. I recently JUST got back into it so please excuse the story if it gets out winded. The story takes place after the Cell Saga.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z, however if Toriyama wants to do a trade, I'll be more than happy to accept!

Prologue: Body Electric

It's been two years. Two years and three months since Gohan had defeated Cell with the help of his father, Goku. It had also been two years and three months since Goku failed to return, leaving the Son to strive in his absence.

Gohan seemed to cope with his father's absence pretty well. During the day, he attended school where he made friends and tried to fit in while he continued with his training, sometimes with Piccolo. He had also acquired a job for the sake of his mother. He worked as an attendant at Hercule's gym, selling energy products as well as attire. At night however, Gohan broke down as soon as he entered his room. The stress of caring for his family; tending for his mother, making sure she knew Gohan loved her, training his younger brother Goten, and keeping his title of "Man of the House."

Goten seemed unharmed by Goku's death because he was too young to even meet his father. Goten was born a month after Goku's death, a month too late to even met his father. Instead, Goten was homeschooled with Trunks by a private tutor. He trained during breaks with his best friend and tried to keep himself occupied when he chose to stay home. His personality was quite like the absent Saiyajin. From Goku's embarrassed gestures to the tone of his voice, Goten was seemly a carbon copy of Goku.

However, Chi Chi was only one who openly expressed her emotions of Goku's departure. She wept most of the day, usually in the den where a family photo of the Sons hung freely. There stood Goku and Chi Chi standing closely together while both held their hand on each of Gohan's shoulders, a year before the Cell Saga. Below the frame stood the Four Star Dragonball upon a pillow. Their wedding picture sat to its right as another family photo sat to its left. Chi Chi could feel Goku's aura in the room, being it was his favorite place to be in the house, besides the kitchen. Chi Chi wept in front of the boys, whether or not Goku's name was mentioned. Eventually, Chi Chi stopped taking care of herself. Her once shinning ebony hair stood dull, sparkling eyes laid dimmed, and pale skin seemed drained.

It wasn't soon after that Ox King was called in to take care of the boys, moving in with his daughter. Not even a month after, Chi Chi was found dead in her bed, holding Goku's pillow beside her.

Because of this event, Gohan shut himself off in his classes, not able to handle the death of another parent. At least with Goku, he had experienced once before and knew how to handle himself with his absence. Though with the absence of Chi Chi, it felt like his support, the sheer foundation of what made him whole shattered. It was only when he met Videl, the daughter of the so-called hero of the World, befriended him that he felt his world become whole again.

The two grew close quickly, both sharing the death of a loved one. Videl slowly became the only thing that kept Gohan from turning to a life of crime. However, between school, work, and training, Gohan stuck out to Videl's house. There he spent many a nights just holding her and weeping silently to himself. Within a mere year, the young couple's love transcendent into a new high.

And yet, Gohan felt that this unadulterated love had met with a bitter fate…

But that was four years ago…

Gohan was cloaked in a long black gown with a matching cap. There hanging from the side was an orange and green tassel. He walked slowly from the side entrance of Orange Star High School, metal fences blocked off specific areas of the property. The fences where decorated in arrays of oranges and greens with the a huge banner of "CONGRATULATIONS SENIOR CLASS! SATAN CITY'S STARS OF TOMORROW!" Gohan stood there as though he was stuck in a trance before he was tapped on the shoulder.

Gohan raised his hand up, fist balled before seeing it was his love, Videl.

"Whoa, easy there cowboy." She said, smiling, "I didn't mean to startle you, I just wanted to make sure you're alright. You've been standing there for a while. You look like you want to rip that banner in half." She stated, rubbing the base of his hind neck lovely.

He chuckled lightly, "Oh no, I just got lost in thought is all. I was thinking how proud my parents would've been to see me graduate from high school." He admitted, looking away, "But now isn't the time."

Videl simply nodded as she tugged on the back of his collar. "Not to put a time on our conversation, but we gotta get to the stage. They're going to hand out our diplomas soon."

Gohan nodded, walking arm in arm with Videl as he offered her a loving smile. Gohan's mind wandered back to his parents absent for his big day. Chi Chi, who was a large influence on his education, would've left a trail of tears. As for Goku, he would've just smile that Son smile and express his happiness for Gohan's accomplishment. Unfortunately, the two people who made him excel in life weren't there when he needed them the most.

Gohan was secretly terrified. He was a natural when it came to fighting. He didn't care if it was thousands of people watching him, but when it came to "normal" events, such as this, he was as scared as a twig. Though, he would never allowed his posture telegraph such emotions. Instead, he looked over to his lover whom seemed excited to say the least. Yes, her smile told it all. She was happy to even make it this far in her life and just having her in his life, Gohan felt whole.

As they approached the large line of graduates, Gohan cleared his throat before seeing Sharpener wave his arms at the two, "Hey lovebirds! Get your asses in the line before we start!"

Erasa nodded and smiled, "Yeah! The principal doesn't want any shenanigans! Especially from you two."

Gohan and Videl turned to each other and smiled. Videl leaned up and peaked his lips gently, "I'll see you after the ceremony, alright? Remember, directly after this is done, meet me at the parking lot."

Gohan nodded before he winked, "See you then, beautiful."

The ceremony went smoothly. The crowd went crazy for each student equally with the exception of Videl. They could went wild for her, people holding banners for her reading all different statements, thanking her for protecting their city for so long. Even the marching band stirred up from the point Videl's name was called until she stepped off the stage. Gohan found this to be humorous. Humans called Saiyajins to be monkeys and yet the crowd was worse than an overcrowded cage of primates. Gohan couldn't help, but laugh at their silly gestures.

Not long after, the graduates shouted brought up their own banter of excitement, "ORANGE STAR SENIORS!! WOOO!!" They shouted as they tossed their caps and began to jump around. The only two who did not express such emotion was Videl and Gohan. Instead, Gohan moved the two to the back of the crowd, lifting her off her feet and twirled her around before kissing her passionately.

Afterwards..

Gohan leaned against a light pole, hair laying untamed, very similar to his alternate self's haircut. Hybrid stood in now in a neat white dress shirt, red tie with black slacks accompanied with black shoes. Foot planted against the concrete base of the pole while his head tilted to the sky, watching the clear blue sky. It was very rare to see such a clear day in Satan City. The sky usually littered with large masses of white fluff and yet today, on one of the most important days of his life, there stood not a speck. He couldn't help, but smirk, wondering if his father had anything to do with this.

Just as his mind drifted on Goku, the air was filled with a large mass of friendly ki, all of them he knew well. He cocked his head to the side, smiling as he saw all of his father's friends, dressed in their finest for Gohan's special day. Even the Prince of Saiyajins graced Gohan with his presences. He couldn't help, but smile.

"Congratulations, Gohan!" Krillin said, face filled with pride as he walked over to his taller friend and patted his back.

Yamcha, Tien, and Bulma crowded around him, "Yes, congrats, Gohan! You've come along way!" Yamcha added. "If only Chi Chi and Goku were here to see you. They'd be so proud." Tien backed up.

Everyone nodded with a solemn smile, "Yeah, they would be. For their sake, we're all proud of you!" Bulma offered a genuine smile, "Even Vegeta, right hun?"

Vegeta snorted, endless depths locked unto the lesser Saiyajin. "He's no brat of mine, I could careless." He stated before walking off. Bulma sighed before shaking her head, "Way to show your support, Jackass. Next time actually say something nice!"

"That was nice, get off my ass, woman before I send you to see your weak friend!" Vegeta retorted.

Suddenly the sound of a man clearing his throat came into the air, causing everyone, but Vegeta, to turn. The man was tall and bulky. His hear was brown with spots of gray sprouting. He wore black trimmed glasses with a horned hat. He couldn't help, but laugh, "Come on guys, no fighting on Gohan's graduation day. For his and our sake!"

"Grandpa Ox King's right! No fighting unless it's sparring!" A younger voice added. He was wearing a similar getup as Gohan, except he wore a bow tie. Gohan automatically knew this was his younger brother, Goten.

Gohan opened his mouth to speak when he heard, "DADDDY!" being bellowed. Everyone turned to see a small girl wearing a red dress with matching shoes and short black hair. Her appearance was similar to Gohan, though her face was rounder. She looked no older than four. She had a large smile as she ran towards Gohan, arms opened. Gohan couldn't help, but smile as he opened his arms to hug the young girl. Everyone stared in shock, but Gohan ignored their surprise.

"Hey Pa-chan, how's daddy's baby girl doing?" He greeted as he kissed her head gently. "Did you enjoy mommy's and daddy's graduation?" He asked.

Pan made a face at his question, "It was too long! I could've gave you one of my coloring papers! All you got was paper!" She whined.

Everyone laughed at her outcry. Videl walked over to Gohan, kissing him on his cheek before taking Pan from him. "Well, it's very important mommy and daddy get that piece of paper. It's like…" she trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"It's like the okay for battling. You cannot take part in a tournament without being accepted first." Trunk said suddenly, smirking. "Only difference is this is the tournament of life, where getting as many pieces of paper that you can will give you access to many battles." He explained.

Pan giggled and nodded, "I understand now!" She looked at her parents and smiled, "Congraduwations mommy and daddy!"

Vegeta walked back up to the crowd, scowled face accompanied his crossed arms. He looked away from the group, "Not that this isn't touching and all, but I would like to get back to my training if we're done here." He stated, snorting afterwards.

"But there's still the after party at our place, dad." Trunks stated. "I mean, what's the point if we all break off from here." He added.

Right before Vegeta could retort, Videl interjected. "Well actually, I don't think we'll be able to make it to the party anyway." She began, looking at Gohan. He nodded, clearing his throat softly. "I have to stop by Videl's and get her stuff. She's moving in with me at Mount Paozu.." He trailed off.

Everyone stood there in shock and silence, though they understood the reason without question. The young couple had a child and it was only fair for the two to live in the same house, who where they to object? They all nodded in agreement before saying their goodbyes to the young couple.

It seemed like the paradise for Gohan and Videl. They graduated from high school, both had stable jobs, had a child, and was about to venture into the great unknown with the two of them living under one roof.

A/N: Alright so Gohan's 13 when Chi Chi dies. For those who don't understand how Chi Chi died, she suffered from what I call, "Love Bird Syndrome" which is when a person loses their lover, they fall disinterested in life and soon dies afterwards. Take the elderly for example, when a lover loses their mate, they die soon afterwards, give it a month or even a few years apart. The stress of losing a lover is too much for them and so they die naturally (most of the time). Chi Chi died because of this and for the fact she couldn't cope with his death properly. Pan was born when Gohan was 14.

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