Chapter 2: A training partner for Gohan.
7 years later.
Gohan sank down in the long grass. He was exhausted after a three hour long training session. Yes, Gohan had indeed been training. After 7 years his power level had increased greatly. After the battle with Cell and Goku's death he had made up his mind. He smiled slightly. If his mother found out that he had been training secretly for 7 years, then she would throw a fit. Normally she hated it when his was training. Gohan always needed to be careful. Until now Chi-chi knew nothing of her son's secret training sessions. Gohan let out a tired sigh. It had become a daily routine. Six hours studying, dinner, more studying and then 3 or 4 hours training. Gohan looked at the sun and saw it was getting late. He still had half an hour left before going home. Washing the sweat off in a stream and catching a fish in the process, Gohan headed back to the house. Upon arriving he saw his little brother there to greet him. "Hey, Gohan!" "Hey, Squirt! What's up?"
Gohan was always very glad to have had Goten. The boy looked exactly like a smaller version of his dead father. "Gohan, Goten the food is ready!" "Coming..." Gohan sat down at the table and helped himself to some sausage. While eating Chi-chi suddenly said something that Gohan hoped was not true. "Gohan, I had wonderful news. We found you a school in Satan city." "A school…?" he asked perplexed. Gohan frowned. He did not like the news at all. Going to school was going to cut down on his training.
"But mom, you know I had learned all the stuff I need to know at home. Why in the world do I have to go to school?" "So you can meet people and make friends your own age, Gohan. Now I want you to quickly run to the store and find a few things you are going to need. And no complaining!"
On his way to the store Gohan found himself wondering. School is going to take a lot of his time. But maybe he would still be able to train. Walking into a shop to pick up everything on the list, Gohan accidentally bumped into someone. "Watch it…!" said the woman. "Sorry madam, I just…" then there was silence. Gohan stared at the person he just ran into. After 7 years her appearance had not changed a bit. She looked exactly as she did all those years ago. She had the same blond hair and ice blue eyes. Gohan was not surprised. After all, Androids did not really age. "18…?" "Gohan…?" "Um..." For a moment all Gohan could do was staring. Oh man, but she was gorgeous. Unknown to him she was staring back. Wow! Except for having one arm he was quite handsome. Gohan looked exactly like the kind of person she would like to go out with. Gohan looked for something to say, but 18 spoke first. "Why Gohan, it had been a long time. How are you?" "Oh I'm fine, but 18, what brings you here?" "I had been looking for my brother." "Oh well it was good to see you." Gohan was about to leave when 18 grabbed his arm. "Hey, Gohan, would you like a training partner?" Gohan found himself thinking. "A training partner…?" The idea did not sound too bad. "Sure." "Ok then, Gohan, its settled. I'll be your training partner." "Thanks 18." "No problem." When arriving home, Gohan didn't say a word about his meeting with 18.
Far away on a small island, Master Roshi was lying in a chair with a magazine on his face, fast asleep. Krillin was on the beach, pacing up and down. Turle was watching him with a worried expression. Krillin just couldn't get 18 of his mind. Training and visits to his friends had kept his mind occupied, but now, no matter what he had done, he could stop thinking about her. He had gone to see her and had gotten rejected not once, but three times. "How can I get her to like me? There has to be something I can do to convince her". He let out a defeated sigh. He really liked her, but she did not want him. Letting out another sigh, Krillin continued t pace up and down. Little did he know that there was also someone else who was thinking about the same girl with the same feelings.
Back at the Son House.
Gohan was lying on his bed. Ever since the encounter at the bookstore, Gohan couldn't get 18 of his mind. He found himself smiling. He did know why he was so happy, but he was really glad that he didn't refuse 18 to assit him in training.