A.N.: Here's another update of Book 3 of my Different Upbringing Series.
No reviews = No updates.
SnailHunter23: I sent you a PM with my response! Hope you understand! :D
James1996: Arata's reaction was different and funny, huh? Anyway, Arata's dark side is shown a little more, kind of in a different way maybe, I'm not sure.
Jedi Master Albus: Natsuki will turn Super Saiyan soon, don't worry. It'll depend on when I write that scene if she'll have issues. I agree with your suggestion though. I don't want to give too much away. :D
kitsunelover300: Hopefully you like Videl a bit more soon. Natsuki will transform soon. Glad you liked the chapter. Arata's dark side is shown some more, in a way I guess. As for Natsuki vs. Vitani, I was planning on writing that. Any specific moves you'd want Vitani to do? Give me scenarios if possible to explain your thinking, please. :D
Anime93: Don't worry, Gohan won't reign Arata in. It'll be explained a bit in this chapter. :D
Heseltine: Arata's dark side last chapter was more of an introduction, you'll see in a way more of it, kind of in a different light. I'm not sure how to explain it. Natsuki will transform, it just depends on how I decide to write it. Thanks for answering the questions, I enjoy reading everyone's answers! :D
C4tloverr: Nat will transform, just depends on how I write it! Natsuki and Vitani will fuse. You'll see, I don't want to give too much away. :D
Anony: Haha, I know the feeling of reading a chapter back to back to back until you reach the end. Glad you found and enjoyed the series so far! Hope you continue to enjoy it! :D
asredwer: Your wondering will be answered in this chapter. Thanks for what you said about Nat's transformation. You're right and I'll keep that in mind while writing, it all depends on the situation I write it in, ya know? As for your question, you'll see. :D
This chapter is really long! I thought you guys deserved this long chapter for putting up with my slow weekly updates.
Enjoy the Chapter.
Different Upbringing (Book 3): Adjusting
Summary: 16 years ago, Son Arata was taken from her home and thrown into a dangerous and unfamiliar world. Now, thanks to Mirai Natsuki, Son Arata is coming back home. However, 2 months after the rescue, the return becomes bittersweet from the emergence of a new enemy. Son Arata isn't exactly the strongest among the Z-Fighters and this new enemy will change just that.
By: Givihe
Chapter Nine
-Blackmailed-
-Arata's POV-
The days flew by without issues. There hadn't been any more problems with Videl trespassing Arata's bounds, to Arata's relief. However, the more Gohan kept acting as "Saiyaman", the more suspicious Videl was becoming. Arata's dark warning to Videl may have halted Videl's direct advances. However, that didn't halt Videl's peaking interesting in the mysteries held by the three new students.
Over the past couple days, Arata had tried every way she could possibly think of to talk her brother out of the ridiculous "Saiyaman" costume, but to no avail. Gohan wasn't budging. In his mind, the costume was cool. Arata, at one point, just gave up trying to talk him out of it. Instead, she'd find another way to stop him from using the "Saiyaman" costume. In the meantime Arata refused to be seen with him while in that get up.
Newest gossip about Saiyaman's recent appearance was being spread through the classroom like wildfire. Arata and Katsu, who sat in the back, paid little attention to the gossip. Katsu kept his arm tight around Arata despite the fact that Sharpner had stopped trying to hit on Arata. No one had tried to hit on Arata, not after the incident with the baseball hitting Katsu. No one wanted to be on Katsu's bad side.
"Hey, Videl, you know, the other day when you left to stop that bus hijacking." Erasa's newest start at conversation with Videl had caught Arata's interest, though she didn't show it. Katsu, on the other hand, was catching up on sleep. At least that's what he told her that is.
"What of it?" Videl asked while resting her head in the palm of her hand.
Erasa scooted closer to Videl. "Gohan left not long after you." She stated. "It was bizarre."
Videl's head popped up in a millisecond and then looked in Erasa's direction. "What?" she demanded with wide eyes.
"Yeah." Erasa confirmed. "He said he had to use the bathroom, but he looked as if he were in a hurry. And not to mention he returned around the same time you did." She sighed.
Videl looked as if she were thinking. She then turned behind her to face Arata and Katsu. "Say, Arata. Is there something your brother is hiding?" she asked carefully. Sure, Videl was strong mentally and emotionally at times, but her confrontation with Arata a couple days ago had frightened her a bit. The way Arata looked, it seemed there was something more behind her words, making Videl curious and scared at the same time.
Arata looked at Videl. "Even if I knew, Videl, what's the big deal?" she asked. "Besides, from what I heard, this Saiyaman person is helping save lives. You act as if it was a bad thing."
"It's not." Videl chimed. "But he should reveal who he is to the public."
"Why?" Arata questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Maybe Saiyaman doesn't want the publicity and wants to have a way to help the public. There could be issues at home that, with publicity, would make those issues grow to a higher degree." Arata shrugged. "Besides, we live in the 439 East District. How would Gohan be Saiyaman when we have a long commute?"
"Speaking of Gohan, where is he?" Erasa questioned.
Arata shrugged again. "How am I supposed to know?" she questioned in return. "I'm not my brother's keeper."
Just as Arata was finishing her sentence, Gohan rushed into the classroom before the bell rang. Said bell lightly jolted Katsu from his nap. Arata and Katsu started chuckling. "Weren't you the one that said not to be late?" Katsu teased.
Gohan glared at the duo. "Gohan, you're on time." Sharpner said, amused. "Little miracles happen every day."
[Where have you been?] Arata questioned, trying to keep the wide smirk off of her face.
Gohan, once again, glared at her. [Why didn't you wake me up for school?]
Arata shrugged. [Usually you're up before me, so I assumed you were either awake or doing that Super Hero crap.] She informed while settling back into Katsu's hold.
Before Gohan could reply, Arata peculiarly watched her brother gasp at the sight of a red headed girl walking into class and sitting down at her designated spot. [What is going on, Gohan? You're acting stranger than usual.]
[That girl, Angela…I think she knows my secret.] Gohan replied nervously. The look on his face betrayed just how he felt.
[What secret?] Arata asked with confusion.
[My Saiyaman secret! Because I was late getting here, I had to book it to school. While I was landing and getting back into normal looking clothes, I didn't see Angela there.] Gohan informed in a panic.
Arata closed her eyes, wanting to roll them, but doing so would give a hint of conversation taking place. [And here I push Videl's curious mind away from your antics only for another girl to discover it by accident.]
[You eased Videl off my track?] Gohan normally would have looked at her and smiled, bud thought better of it.
[It wasn't that hard.] Arata said.
"Are you two paying attention?" The teacher jolted the twins out of their mental conversation.
"Sorry, sir!" Gohan said immediately.
"I expected better from you." The teacher scolded. "What you about you young lady?"
Arata raised an eyebrow. "What do you want me to say?" she questioned. "It's not like what you're talking about it going to be of use later."
The teacher glared at the two, Gohan laughing nervously and glaring at his sister at the same time while Arata looked indifferent. "Both of you can listen to the lecture outside while holding two buckets of water." He informed angrily.
Arata rolled her eyes, standing up. "You call that a punishment?" she asked while heading for the exit with Gohan behind her. A bitter laugh escaped her throat. "I have been through much worse." The last part was muttered under her breath, only Gohan and Katsu hearing her words.
When the twins got outside the classroom, buckets in their hands, Arata quickly put hers down. Gohan, however didn't. "Why'd you put them down?" he questioned.
Arata leaned against the wall and crossed her arms over her chest. "There isn't a point to it." She muttered.
Gohan couldn't reply. The red head Arata had seen Gohan looking at earlier came out into the hall with them. Gohan looked startled at first.
"Hi." Angela greeted.
Gohan blinked his eyes once with a blank face before answering. "Umm, hello." He said. "You too huh?"
"Yeah." She stated shyly while holding her hands behind her back. "Gosh, I was naughty too." While she spoke, Angela kept scooting closer to Gohan.
Arata raised an eyebrow at the act, but didn't say anything otherwise. Angela peaked over at Gohan and smiled shyly, catching his eyes. Gohan looked away, laughing nervously. [This is just great. What am I going to do?]
[Try not and blow it.] Arata offered lamely.
"Gohan." Angela startled the duo out of their mental talk, yet again. She was facing Gohan with wide and bright eyes.
"Uhh, yeah? What?" Gohan asked.
"Nothing, but do you have a steady girlfriend?" Angela asked quickly.
Gohan's eyes stayed wide with caution. "No." he stated.
"Oh good." Angela replied. "How about dating me then?"
"Well…gosh…I…" Gohan stuttered.
Angela's happy face immediately turned to sadness and crying. "You think I'm ugly, don't you!" she accused while collapsing on the floor. Arata immediately knew she was fake crying. Her Saiyan senses didn't smell tears. "Go on, say it. You don't like me. You think I'm ugly!"
Gohan gasped. "No, no. That's not true!" he tried to say.
"Then why won't you go out with me if it's not true?" Angela continued to cry.
Arata shrugged, more to herself. "Maybe because we have no time for that sort of thing?" she said sarcastically.
"But you and that one tough guy are dating! Everyone knows it!" Angela continued.
"Katsu lives with us. There's a difference." Arata huffed, turning away from the situation.
Angela raised her head, proving that she hadn't been truly crying. "If you don't go out with me then I'll tell everyone your secret! Starting with your sister and her boyfriend!" she informed.
Gohan's eyes shot up as he began to panic. "You wouldn't!" he cried.
"I sure would!" Angela said, glaring at Gohan. "Just try me!"
Arata's blood boiled at Angela's words. However, she had a promise to keep to her mother: no hurting anyone, keep your power under wraps. She felt like knocking the girl into her senses. "Please don't!" Gohan pleaded.
"I don't understand." Angela cried again. "Why won't you go out with me? I thought we could start dating and keep out secret between us! But you don't like me."
"That's not true!" Gohan disagreed. "Let's go out."
Gohan's answer only made Arata's anger grow. Her arms were crossed over her chest tightly and her fists were so tightly held, that the knuckles were turning white. Angela, on the other hand, had the opposite mood. She was ecstatic. "You really mean it?" she said smiled widely. "Woohoo! Great, great! Oh, we'll have so much fun! I'll see you tomorrow in front of the train station, alright?"
Arata whipped towards the two. "You think blackmailing is the key to getting what you want?" she growled.
Gohan panicked again, but for a different reason. The look in his sister's eyes was not good, that much Gohan could tell. "Arata, please. It's alright." He said.
Arata pushed Gohan out of the way and looked at Angela, who looked frightened at Arata's stature. "Back off Gohan. You have no clue what I'm talking about." She hissed. "Now answer my question."
"I-I just wanted a date." Angela whimpered, shrinking away from Arata.
"And you couldn't ask him without blackmailing?" Arata questioned rhetorically. "Instead, you twist your words and emotions around to make my brother feel like the bad one in this situation. Did you even think about what blackmailing can truly do?" Arata huffed in annoyance, trying to seethe her anger while Angela was still whimpering. "My brother said he'd go on that date with you, but you blackmail him again and you'll regret it."
Without another word, Arata stalked away from the scene. She didn't care that school was still going on. The buckets that Arata had put down knocked over as she passed them. [Arata, you can't leave!] Gohan pleaded.
[Do not talk to me right now, Gohan. I am warning you now.] Arata growled through the bond before closing it shut. Gohan wouldn't be able to contact her. Arata could feel Katsu trying to communicate with her, feeling her anger and power rise, but Arata cut off their bond as well.
Once on the roof, Arata took off away from the school. It didn't take long for her to reach her destination: Capsule Corporation. That's were Vegeta's power level was and the only way for her to work out this anger was to fight it out. Vegeta seemed to have read her mind because when Arata arrived, Vegeta was waiting for her. Trunks and Vitani were peaking out from the window. Their eager faces, or face in Trunks' case, immediately turned to concern at seeing the anger rolling off of Arata.
"GR, now." Vegeta said simply. "Your power spiked."
Arata scoffed, but didn't say anything as they headed for the GR. "Dad, can we come?" Trunks asked.
"No." Vegeta informed. "Go find your mother or something. Both of you."
Trunks sighed, deflating slightly, but did at his dad said. Vitani, who normally would argue, followed her brother's action. Vitani hadn't ever seen her father angry, but seeing Arata seemed like a good enough comparison. They, after all, had similar pasts. Once inside the GR, Vegeta and Arata got into their stances and began fighting.
-Hours Later-
Gohan and Katsu came around after school had ended, as soon as it ended. Arata eventually passed out from all the fighting, her energy depleted and her anger pretty much gone. Vegeta was the one to greet the two when they arrived.
"Vegeta, where's Arata?" Gohan questioned immediately. He was worried about his sister, more so than angry at how she had lashed out at the girl. Katsu had to remind Gohan that Arata had a different mind frame. Arata had been through much more than Gohan could fathom. After that, Gohan had come to a realization.
Vegeta huffed. "Fighting out the rest of her anger." He informed. "What the hell were you thinking sending her to that human institution?"
Gohan sighed. "I thought it'd be good for her." He said. "I didn't think this would happen. Mirai Natsuki said how Arata still had her morals."
"Arata didn't kill the girl, Gohan." Katsu reminded.
"What did you think was going to happen?" Vegeta demanded angrily. "Just because she's the clown's daughter doesn't mean she'll keep her cool every damn minute of the day! That future girl said she kept her basic morals. You and Kakarot were warned that she'd need time to adjust and that her time in that Cold Empire has changed her!" Vegeta huffed. "And you call yourself smart!"
"That's not what I meant." Gohan tried to argue.
A sigh interrupted the group. "You really are clueless at times." Arata stated, catching attention. "Thank you Vegeta."
Vegeta nodded. "You're fighting has improved. That much I can say." He grumbled. "I want you coming around more often."
Arata simply nodded before Vegeta left. Gohan sighed. "Arata, I-uh-I don't know what to say." He said awkwardly.
"Just-forget that ever happened." Arata mumbled while she walked past Gohan and Katsu. "That whole situation brings up memories I'd rather not remember right now."
"Arata-" Gohan interrupted.
"What did you expect to happen, Gohan?" Arata whipped around. Anger was gone from her eyes. Desperation was more prominent now. "That I'd come home and everything would go on as if I was never gone?" Gohan looked down at his feet. "The only way you'll understand every moment of torcher I've been through is by you experiencing them yourself. Blackmailing is what brought me to this mind frame, Gohan! Don't you understand? Sure, Natsuki came out of it and I don't regret her, but everything else: Daisuke being killed, Natsuki's life being threatened at every moment, so much more! My life was putty in Frig's hands and he used it to his advantage!" Arata ran her hand through her hair in frustration. "Gohan, you're my brother and I love you. But you need to wake up. This is how I am and you'll have to get used to it."
Gohan sighed. "I'm sorry, alright." He said. "It's just, we're finally together and I guess it slipped my mind that you'd have issues. I was just trying to help. I didn't think that'd happen."
Katsu placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Alright." He said slowly. "Let's just put this behind us. We all knew there'd be problems." Gohan nodded with Arata following suit slowly. Katsu looked at Arata. "Arata, you're not alone. Gohan may not understand, but I do. When the two of you are ready, you'll take the next step in the bond you two have worked on." Katsu patted their shoulders. "Until then, you need to relax, even if it means his highness helps you."
-The Next Day-
Needless to say, the conversation between the trio and Vegeta, as well as the events that caused it, never entered ChiChi's ears upon their arrival home. Gohan did, however, have to tell his mother about the blackmailed date. The events following were kept between them. ChiChi, naturally, hadn't like the idea of Gohan dating when he should be studying. Her mind was sidetracked when she began thinking of when she made Goku go on a date with her when they were kids.
Somewhere along the way, Gohan had roped Arata and Katsu into his mess. In Gohan's defense, he was just trying to make his mother relax a bit about the date. Afterwards, Gohan realized what he did and profusely apologized whenever he could. So, the following morning, the trio were outside the train station. Gohan was waiting attentively, making sure that his date wouldn't reveal his secret. Katsu and Arata, as usual, were positioned a distance from Gohan leaning against the wall and Katsu's arm around Arata's shoulders.
Gohan checked his watch for what seemed to be the hundredth time. "Are you sure she'll be here?" Arata demanded, annoyed.
"Well, she was very excited." Gohan shrugged. He noticed Arata's sour expression and sighed. "Arata, I really am sorry. When Mom gets all worried and all, I tend to spit out the first thing that comes to mind."
Arata grumbled. "Here you save the Earth from Cell, and you're scared of our own mother." She huffed.
Gohan blushed a bit while Katsu chuckled. Katsu patted Arata's bicep. "Cheer up. From what I understand, this is some sort of tradition for couples here. It's supposed to be enjoyable." He informed.
Arata looked at her mate. "Where did you hear that?" she questioned confused.
Katsu shrugged. "Bulma." He stated. "Unlike his highness, she's easier and more pleasant to talk to."
Before Arata could reply, a high pitched voice called out. "Hey! What's up?" Angela greeted, giggling lightly. "Thanks for coming. You're so sweet." Angela then noticed Katsu and Arata.
Gohan caught her gaze as well and started laughing nervously. His hand scratched his neck in the famous son fashion. "Hope there aren't any hard feelings, Angela. Mom suggested to take my sister and her boyfriend with us. Said it'd be good for them to get out…they're not very social if you get what I mean."
Angela blinked a couple times before slowly nodding. "O-Of course." She stuttered quietly. Angela then turned her attention back to Gohan, trying to forget yesterday's ordeal. "So, what are we doing today?"
"Well," Gohan said awkwardly. "I've never been on a date before, so is there something you wanted to do?" Angela's glossy eyes kept looking up at Gohan. "Alright, let's see here."
"Hey," Angela started "What about a movie? I love movies!"
"Yeah, sure."
Angela quickly grabbed his arm and tugged him to follow him with Katsu and Arata slowly following behind. "Then it's settled then!" Angela stated. "Let's go, we'll be late for the start!"
The group date went to the Satan City Theater. During the movie, which was discovered to be a romantic flick, Angela was watching with teary eyes. Gohan, however, was slowly falling asleep along with Katsu. Arata was simply looking horrified and almost constantly held the bridge of her nose with her pointer finger and thumb in frustration.
Sometime during the movie, Angela noticed Gohan's lack of attention and stormed out. Arata watched her brother trail after Angela and jolted Katsu awake. "What? What happened?" he questioned.
Arata stood up. "We're getting out of this dump." She stated, taking an easier way out.
Upon exiting the theater, she could hear her brother apologizing. Angela turned around, smiling once again. "What do you say we get a coffee?" she offered.
[This girl is giving even me whiplash.] Arata informed mentally. Katsu grumbled a bit, still waking up from his nap.
"You go by yourself, Gohan." Arata stated, lightly scaring the duo. "After all, we weren't supposed to accompany you."
"Where are you going?" Gohan asked. He was secretly hoping that his sister would put up with Angela through the whole date so he didn't have to be alone.
"Don't worry about it." Arata stated. "Besides, that movie seemed to make Katsu drowsy. Have your fun!"
While Gohan left with Angela to get coffee, Katsu and Arata walked around and tried to distract themselves and pass time until Gohan reappeared. "Do you want to do anything?" Katsu offered.
Arata chuckled. "Like what?" she stated. "Spar? We can't exactly do that. And I can't abandon my brother. I wouldn't hear the end of it from both him and my mother."
Katsu looked at her. "I meant something different. Something normal for humans." He explained further.
"Katsu, what part of us is normal?" Arata asked with amusement in her eyes. "We don't have to do human things to be happy, Katsu. Preferably, I like being secluded and sparing like we usually do."
"This is your home, Arata. I thought you'd want to do things you'd normally do if you hadn't been kidnapped." Katsu frowned.
Arata laughed. "Even if I hadn't been kidnapped, Katsu, I'm sure I wouldn't be doing things like this." She stated. "Come on, Gohan practically grew up fighting for his life, his friends' lives, and the safety of the Earth and he doesn't do this on a normal basis. Heck, he didn't even know where to start for a date." She smirked at him. "Would you rather go back to the movie?"
Katsu's eyes widened in horror. "Please no!" he begged.
Arata's eyes turned to teasing slits. "You said anything I wanted to do." She teased.
"Arata-" Katsu complained.
"I'm kidding!" Arata laughed outright. "Come on, that movie was torcher!"
Before Katsu could say anything, they heard sirens up ahead. Their eyes furrowed at the noise, but couldn't figure out the problem. Arata located her brother's energy heading for the noise as well. Katsu and Arata quickly arrived to where the sirens were located only to find Angela there.
"What's going on?" Arata asked.
Angela, startled at Arata's sneaky arrival, looked around worried. "The building's on fire." She explained. "They're trying to put it out, but it seems to be getting worse. Even Videl is up there trying to help!"
"Where's my brother?" Arata demanded.
Angela shrugged. "I don't know." She mumbled. "He said he had something to do."
[You don't think?] Katsu started.
Arata mumbled under her breath. [You know Gohan, the Super Hero.] She chuckled mentally.
Gohan's energy appeared on the roof. Within seconds, Arata and Katsu could see water running down the building, putting out the fires. The crowd cheer in happiness and the firemen looked relieved.
"Hey, look up there! It's that guy!" A by standard called out.
Gohan, as Saiyaman, could be seen holding up a peace sign. "Saiyaman!"
"You just couldn't help yourself, huh?" Arata smirked at him.
Gohan laughed nervously. "Where you going, Gohan?" Videl demanded.
"Ehh," Gohan gasped. Arata and Katsu raised eyebrows at her.
"What's the rush, huh?" Videl questioned again while looking intently at him.
"Rushing? I wasn't rushing!" Gohan denied.
[It's funny.] Katsu informed. [Whenever she's around, he turns into a limp noodle.]
Arata had to cover up her laughter with coughing, catching Videl's eyes momentarily. "Gohan, you're hiding something aren't you?" Videl leaned in towards Gohan frustrated while Gohan looked nervous.
"What do you mean?" Gohan questioned with wide eyes. "Hiding what?"
"No!" Angela yelled. Katsu and Arata jumped at the sound of her voice.
Gohan looked at Angela. "Oh, hey." He greeted. Videl too looked startled. "I've been looking for you."
"You lied to me!" Angela cried. "You didn't have anything you had to take care of! You wanted to sneak off with Videl and give her a kiss."
Katsu and Arata raised their eyebrows. "What?" Katsu murmured confused. "Gohan and Videl? That's a laugh within itself!"
Angela ignored Katsu comment. "Angela, that's not true!" Gohan argued.
"I really liked you Gohan! I can't believe you'd embarrass me like this!" Angela accused. She then turned towards Videl. "Hey Videl. How'd you like to know a little secret about Gohan that only I know?"
Videl's eyes widened. "Sure. Why not?" she said slowly.
Gohan gasped in fear while Arata and Katsu were trying not to laugh at his reactions. [Didn't I tell you that it'd come out on his own?] Katsu laughed mentally.
"Angela, no!" Gohan cried.
Angela leaned towards Videl. "See what he's wearing. He's wearing something underneath." Gohan kept yelling, trying to distract, between each sentence, but to no avail. "He wears underwear only a 3 year old would wear." Gohan faltered. Katsu and Arata grew confused.
"What?" Arata questioned.
Angela looked at Arata. "You don't know either?" she questioned. "Well, then. Don't you deny it, Gohan! I saw them! The day before yesterday, pal."
"Wait, the day before yesterday?" Gohan questioned slowly.
Angela glared at Gohan. "Yes. I was on my way to gym class, minding my own business when I noticed Gohan was still in the locker room. He was pulling up his pants and I saw it! It was the cutest teddy bear I'd ever seen! Fes up! You wear teddy bear underwear!"
Katsu took a moment before breaking out into laughter. "Y-You mean th-that's why you had me leave before you changed!" he said. Gohan blushed lightly.
Arata stared at her brother. "Really? Gohan, you've got to be kidding me. I don't know whether to laugh or to be horrified by this new development for you." She muttered.
"That's my secret you've been keeping?" Gohan asked with a blank face.
"Until now!" Angela confirmed.
"What about when we were both on the roof yesterday? Before our English class was about to start." Gohan asked again.
"Oh then? I couldn't have seen your underwear then, I was putting my contacts in." Angela informed, surprised. "Were your pants down?"
Gohan gasped again, wide eyed. Videl glared at Gohan. "I thought you were a nice boy." She informed. "Keep your pants on, or else. Got it?"
"No!" Gohan said scratching the back of his neck again. "That's not what I meant. Of course I didn't have my pants down on the roof yesterday. Don't be silly you two!"
"I don't like you anymore, Gohan!" Angela yelled before walking away. "See if I let you take me out again!"
On the way back home, Katsu was still laughing. Gohan was glaring at Katsu for the laughing. Arata was actually cracking a smile at the situation. Arata flew by Gohan side while Katsu was ahead. She bumped his shoulder which caused him to look at her. "At least it wasn't your hero secret, Gohan." She soothed. "That's a good thing, right?"
"Thanks, Arata." Gohan smiled. "You know how to cheer someone up."
Arata shrugged. "Had to do that a lot with Natsuki after Daisuke's death." She murmured.
Gohan furrowed his eyebrows. "Nat must have been close to him." He wondered.
Arata crossed her arms over her chest as she flew. "Daisuke was more the one to show her affection before he died." She informed. "After Frig threatened me, I thought that if I didn't show all that much affection towards her, then she wouldn't get Frig's attention. As I had predicted, it had worked. Don't get me wrong, I didn't ignore her. When Daisuke did die, that's when I was attentive to her. I had to be." Arata smiled despite the hard news. "Enough of that. Let's get home. I'm sure mom with love to hear about your day.
ChiChi had laughed upon hearing of her son's failed date. She claimed him to be as oblivious as his father. The next day brought Videl's more determined curiosity of who Saiyaman was. Katsu and Arata made it a habit that they'd fly separate from Gohan so it'd be easier for him to keep this identity. It always seemed to be brought to Videl's attention of Gohan's arrival being close to her own.
Danger really seemed to unconsciously attract Gohan. After school that day, he confronted two goons who were checking out the city to bring more crime here. He began to dodge their hits before catching Videl's eye, which ended up with Gohan getting nailed in the face, but with not mark what so ever. That caused Videl's wondering if Gohan was Saiyaman to be diminished greatly.
The day following that event, Videl got a call of a situation of the Mayor being held hostage by what was called at the "Red Shark Gang." Gohan, as usual, left the classroom after Videl thinking that she'd need help with the crime. Upon arriving, however, Videl refused his help. He knocked out the goons and untied the mayor. Videl, on the other hand, showed Gohan just how strong in a battle she could really be. It astounded Gohan, showing him that Videl was fine on her own. By the time he left, Videl thanked him while also vowing to unmask him. Erasa's comment on Gohan's disappearance to help fight crime caused Videl's curiosity to reboot.
While Gohan, Arata, and Katsu were at school, Goten and Natsuki had bonded and went on trips around the area. Such trips included visiting Chobi, an animal friend of Gohan and Goten. Natsuki, after visiting the first time, gushed to her mother about how cute he was.
While Goten was complaining about having meatloaf for dinner and getting scolded for doing so, Natsuki kept her eyes on the television. The television was fascinating to Natsuki; she'd never seen anything like it. Her eyes furrowed when an advertisement came on about a circus, introducing a new act.
"Hey, Goten." Natsuki called. "Doesn't that look like Chobi?"
Goten gasped. "Hey! Chobi!" he yelled at the television.
Gohan, Katsu, and Arata looked at the television as well. "Who's Chobi again?" Katsu asked.
"He's one of our animal friends that doesn't live too far from here." Gohan answered.
"Gohan, it is Chobi!" Goten said angrily.
ChiChi, who was holding more food on a tray, was watching as well. "Look at the little guy. He's scared to death." She stated. "You guys know him?"
"Yeah, his nest is a couple miles from here." Gohan answered his mother. "We've known his parents for a couple years now. They aren't going to be happy about this."
"This is really awful Gohan." Goten said.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine squirt." Gohan said while smiling. "I'll see to it personally."
Arata shook her head at the television as Natsuki crawled into her mother's lap. "Guess kidnapping never dies." She murmured as Gohan stood up. "Good luck, Gohan."
Gohan nodded. "Thanks."
Natsuki quickly finished her dinner and excused herself to her room. Once she made sure that they believed her and weren't coming to check on her, Natsuki lowered her power level and snuck out of the room.
"Hey Nat. Whatcha doin?" Goten asked, catching Natsuki by surprised.
Natsuki turned around. "I'm going to make sure Chobi is alright." She informed shamelessly.
Goten's eyes widened. "Can I come?" he questioned.
"Shh!" Natsuki cried.
"Right." Goten said. "We can use Nimbus. That way my sister won't sense us."
Goten and Natsuki, using Nimbus, arrived at the scene just when Gohan was being confronted by Videl. They hopped off of Nimbus and onto the nearest building. Natsuki didn't like the way Videl was talking to her uncle. Gohan was trying to help a baby animal and he was being ridiculed for it. Police cars and by standards were surrounding them.
"What a hero." Videl scoffed as Gohan and Chobi fell to the ground from Videl pulling his cape. "You know, I'm glad you showed your true colors. Because to be honest, I wanted to kick your butt from the moment I met you."
Natsuki had had enough as she jumped down from the building, leaving Goten on his own, and stepped into the situation. "Hey you!" she yelled.
Gohan looked over and gasped. "Ah man." He groaned.
"Stay back kid, I'm handling a criminal." Videl warned. "I don't want you hurt. Your mother wouldn't like it."
"You're the criminal here!" Natsuki yelled, causing people to gasp.
Videl's eyes widened. "He's the one that took the dinosaur." She stated.
Natsuki got between Gohan and Videl and glared. "No." she argued before pointing to the owner. "It was him that stole him in the first place! The baby dinosaur's name is Chobi and he has parents that miss him and when they find out he's gone, they'll get mad! You're a criminal for supporting such a cruel act!"
Gohan stepped forward nervously. "Nat, what are you doing here?" he asked quietly.
Videl ignored Gohan's question, as did Natsuki. "How do you know all this? How do I know you're not making it up?" she demanded.
Natsuki continued to glare. "Because I visit him every day and this morning he was gone from his nest!" she informed angrily. "Do you support kidnapping?"
Videl's eyes widened in shock. "Of course not!" she said.
"Then why are you trying to punish the wrong person?" Natsuki cried.
Before anything else could be said, Chobi cried out upon seeing large shadows of his parents. Goten, who had jumped down as well, ran towards Natsuki. "This isn't good." He murmured.
"Nope." Natsuki said, still angry. She looked at Videl's shocked face. "I told you!"
Police called for the by standards to clear the area while Gohan began getting nervous. "Goten, Nat; go to the side. Actually, go home." He said.
"But Gohan!" Natsuki argued.
Gohan looked at Natsuki and gave a small smile. "I know you were trying to help, and I appreciate it. I just don't want you hurt. Your mother would kill me." He said. "Same to you Goten. Go home. I promise that Chobi will be alright."
"Fine." Natsuki and Goten mumbled before leaving the crowd and going back onto the building. Gohan sighed, but he didn't have time to deal with the two.
The Police started to shoot, quickly told off by Videl. Chobi's father, ToTo, started charging towards Videl, whom was holding Chobi. Gohan pushed Videl to the ground. When ToTo started charging again, Gohan yelled out Toto's name, almost blowing his cover when he almost yelled his own full name. The owner stole an officer's hand gun and ran forward. He wanted "his dinosaur" and shot the gun once, startling Toto. Toto aimed for Videl, however, Gohan phased in front of her, getting scratched on the cheek and knocking out Toto.
"Come on, Nat." Goten said. "We need to get home."
Natsuki watched at Gohan put Toto on his back and flew off. "I know."
-The Next Day-
Katsu was laughing as they entered the school. "I can't believe Natsuki did that." He said. "She's a lot more like you than I thought."
Arata shook her head. "I was hoping she'd be like her father. Calm, cool, and collected." She informed.
"Well, I can't complain too much." Gohan said. He had a bandaid on his cheek from yesterday's events. "Natsuki opened Videl's eyes a bit, startling her and giving a little time before Chobi's parents got there."
When Natsuki and Goten got back home, ChiChi hadn't noticed they were gone surprisingly enough. Arata, however, did. But, Arata agreed to keep it quiet. Natsuki was following her heart, and Arata couldn't quite argue against that. Arata did, however, tell Natsuki that she'd begin training again. If she was going to pull another stunt like that, Arata wanted her to be able to defend herself I need be.
"Good morning, Gohan." Videl said as they passed her on their way to class.
Gohan paused, as did Arata and Katsu. "Oh hey there Videl. You're late too, huh?" he asked.
Videl shut her locker, smiling in triumph. "Gohan, it's over." She said.
"What do you mean, Videl? Class just started." Gohan said.
Katsu shook his head and leaned against the wall. He wasn't complaining that they were late. Those lectures really bored him. Arata hid her chuckle by turning away. Videl shook her head as well. "Forget class. Hold still…there." She said while pulling the bandaid off. "My gosh, isn't that funny? I saw Saiyaman get scratched in the same exact spot. And that's exactly who you are, Mr. Saiyaman."
Katsu and Arata started laughing at his expense. "Busted!" Katsu called.
"Yikes, now the identity of Saiyaman is public knowledge!" Gohan said nervously.
Videl rolled her eyes. "It's not public knowledge, only I know." She said. "However, the public does have a right to know. Maybe I should schedule a press conference."
"Please no." Gohan begged. "You know the only reason I keep my identity a secret is to protect my family's privacy! It's for them. Please!"
Videl walked around him slowly and faced Arata. "Is that true?" she asked.
Arata nodded. "Gohan has a tendency to protect people. He got it from our father." He said. "Our mother, however, wouldn't take well to the reporters, especially since she's raising our little brother Goten."
"Videl, is there any way you could keep my secret between us?" Gohan begged. He was also hoping to avoid conversation about Natsuki and Goten appearing yesterday as well. Gohan wasn't sure how Arata would think about Videl knowing about Natsuki's true parentage.
"Maybe, but you'd have to do something for me in return." Videl thought and then smiled. "Alright, here's the deal. If you and your sister entered the World Martial Arts Tournament, then I'll keep your secret. Winning the Tournament will mean nothing if not all of the strongest fighters are there. My dad was the last champion and he said that a guy named Goku won before that. Strangely enough, I did some research on this fellow and discovered that he had two children named Gohan and Arata. The later, disappeared from reports. I put two and two together and discovered that you're his children. I'm right aren't I? Well?"
Gohan looked about ready to disagree, but Arata rolled her eyes. "You're right." She said calmly. Gohan looked at her gaping. "What's the use hiding it? Lying gets you nowhere in life."
Videl smiled. "This is great! What a terrific match that would be! The former champion's daughter facing the former champion's son or daughter. Does that sound exciting to you? Either of you?"
"Not really." Gohan murmured.
Arata chuckled. "You wouldn't stand a chance, Videl." She smirked.
"We'll just have to see. Won't we?" Videl smirked in return.
Arata shook her head, a smile on her face. "You know, you really pissed me off at first and normally blackmailing really pulls out my bad side." She stated bluntly. "But you're really starting to warm up to me. We'll enter." Videl smiled even wider. "What do you want in return?"
Videl started walking away. "It's no big deal, I just want to fly." She informed. "That shouldn't be too hard to teach me, should it?"
"No, it's a synch." Gohan said slowly.
"Great!" Videl said happily. "We'll start right away! Oh, and I'll want to know about those kids that appeared!"
A.N.: Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Likes? Dislikes? General Opinions?
A lot happened in this chapter! Man, it took a while to write. I meant to have this up earlier, hense the long chapter, but I went to a funeral today and it took most of the day. Anyway, on a happier note:
Did this chapter live up to your expectations? What do you think about Natsuki becoming more sneaky and determined like her mother? Arata had a bit of an episode if that's what you want to call it. I thought she was adjusting way to fast, so I had to show a bit of a hard time for her. Opinions on that? And finally, Arata's taking a liking to Videl. Do you think that's a good or bad thing for Gohan?
Time for the random question. This one is more directed towards Book 4 since I don't think I'll take long on the Buu Saga (hopefully) and I want to know what y'all are thinking. :D
R.Q.: Seeing as Goshan and Laise (Mirai Trunks and Mirai Natsuki's twins in the Mirai Timeline) were only shown as newborns, what do you think their personalities will be like? Will they take after Gohan and Arata, one being mellow and the other being a fighter, or do you think they'll surprise their family and how so?
Can't wait to read your responses on the RQ! I find it fun and interesting to see everyone's answers. Plus, I like keeping my readers involved. :D
Next Chapter: Gohan spreads the news about the WMAT while Arata trains with Vegeta. Natsuki and Vitani meet yet again…hehhehe. Goku announces that he'll be entering the tournament as well. And finally, training resumes in preparation for the WMAT.
Stay tuned!