Holy shit, its been a good while and when I said I think I'll be too busy to write, I meant it! I'll probably average about 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night, just doing school stuff, house stuff, and everything else that comes with college. I've been sleep deprived and sick 98% of my time here, but I've loved it and wouldn't do it any other way if I had the chance.
That being said, I know, as a fact that I have went through some stuff, both good and bad that have changed me as a person. I've been through some of the greatest times in my life and the worst. I'm not saying that for sympathy or anything, but just as a fact. I've changed as a person, so my writing style may have changed along with me. I've tried to keep it true to the feel of the other chapters, but you guys are the real judges of that, so don't hate me if it feels a bit different!
Also on that note, I am a bit rusty in writing for fun rather than writing essays, so I kept this chapter a bit short and the plot progression marginal. If I see some unsatisfied reviews (with constructive criticism and reasoning) then I'll make edits and improve it. I did read over it a couple times, but its 2:30 in the morning and I really want to publish this, so we'll see how it all goes!
But that's about it for me so far, I'll let you know when I plan to write the next chapter after this one! Now time for-
Replies—
Everyone- Thank you. Seriously. Thank you all so much, you have no idea how much it means to me to have each and every one of you being positive (or negative if you didn't like the story) and not ever yelling at me to update. Everything is focused on the story and I don't feel any pressure, aside from what I put on myself, to update, which is so damn nice (and actually makes me want to write more). So before we get into specifics, thank you, you guys are the best 3
NinjaFang1331- Thanks dude!
Von Remington- Thank you and I'm curious to see what you think :3
nicolezhao16- Thank you man, that means a lot actually, I'm glad I can entertain you and hope to be able to in the future. Also, no problem and I'll try!
- Glad you're enjoying, thank you!
Drama Llama-Sama- How's it been dude? But as for the help thing, I see what you mean. I'm going to try and not make it an anime cliche-fest lol and as for the tips on character interaction, I'll take those to heart and it helps a lot, since that the area of writing that I admittedly do need to improve on the most. I tried to improve in this chapter and, well let me know how I do. Again, I thank you for the well thought out and insightful review, I enjoy the hell out of 'em and hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Lucariomaster1- I will, don't you worry. Life just had a tendency to get in the way of everything lol
biob1- I see what you mean, but I was looking to dive into normally gentle Gohan's psyche and take a creative liberty to see how he'd respond in 'real' life. I feel like in the original story, he was just sorta forgotten and given a happy go lucky attitude for no reason and this story is about how I think a 12 year old would react and be shaped by an event like the Cell games. Glad you're enjoying (sorta?) and hope I cleared some stuff up for you.
Primus2021- Yes you may vote for a Gohan Harem haha, on a side note, I could see that couple working in the anime, both obnoxious and annoying :3
Guest- Glad you're enjoying, I do what I can and hope you enjoy this next chapter!
mineng101- Wow, thank you, that means a lot! Hope I can continue to live up to expectations.
Alright, with reviews done, I think it's time to start the chapter! Hope everyone enjoys, and don't forget to R&R!
"Hey, nice place where do you keep your first aid stuff?"
Gohan let out a nervous laugh, "Oh, that's in the bathroom, I think I'll shower then we can worry about patching all this up"—he pointed to a bloodstained shirt.
"About that Gohan… You sure you're okay? That looked pretty rough and—"
The taller of the two cut her off "Yeah, yeah I'm fine, he didn't even hit me that hard. I'll let you know when I'm done okay? Here's the remote, make yourself at home!"
With that Gohan left a concerned looking Videl to think about the events of the day so far, so she just sat on the couch and turned on the TV, lost in thought.
What the hell was that? He acted more concerned with me than with stopping the bleeding. Why? Usually people are more concerned with loosing blood than keeping someone at a distance… what could he possibly be hiding? Hmm I have a hard time believing its anything too crazy, maybe a birthmark or something? No, I don't think he'd care about that.. What is it then?!
Gohan quickly stripped and showered off all the dried blood and chuckled to himself.
This would look pretty bad to anyone else.. maybe I shouldn't let Videl see, that could raise some unwanted questions. Plus this tail is kinda a red flag too…
So, the demi set to work bandaging the newest additions to his already decorated body. He started off with an ointment that Bulma invented, which cleaned the wound, stopped the bleeding, and worked as a bonding agent for the skin, so it wouldn't open up again.
Bulma really is a genius. Incorporating Saiyan DNA with a salve like this to help speed healing? I should've thought of something like that, no idea what I'd do without her.
After applying that, which stung like a bitch Gohan thought, he started to wrap the soft white gauze around his back and chest. Before getting very far, a slightly concerned voice came through the door "You're taking a while, everything okay in there Gohan?"
Startled, Gohan replied, "Ah- Uh, yeah I'm fine just a se- shit!"—disgruntled, he knocked over the first aid kit, sending its contents scattering across the floor.
"Ah! You sure you're okay? Should I come in?"
"Y-yeah I'm fine, I mean no don't come in, just hold on a sec!"
Panicking slightly, worried that the pair of shorts he had on wouldn't conceal his tail, he set about to gather what he dropped and ended up breaking several glass vials. "Shit, uh its fine I just dropped something!"
Finally becoming impatient and annoyed with not knowing what was happening, Videl reached for the door, "Alright whatever, I'm coming in, make sure you're covered up!"
"No no wai—" the door flew open, revealing a scowling face looking at the ground.
Not good not good not good… I can't let her see behind me!
"Listen Gohan, I don't know how it works where you're from, but I came here to help bandage you up, so let me help! Geez, its like pullin— woah." The smaller of the two's scowl turned into a wide eyed face of disbelief. Before her was not the body of Gohan, the nice, naive book nerd with an interesting past, but rather the body of some unnamed warrior, painted with more scars than she could count and a muscle tone that was.. inhuman.
Just what the hell…
Her eyes traced the contours of his body… eventually coming to his shoulder, where they lingered for a bit, widening even further. His shoulder was more scar tissue than actual skin, but what could've caused that? How? Why? What did this guy go through? Questions raced through Videl's mind, leaving her speechless, unable to say anything. Gohan, on the other hand stared right back at her, white faced and wide eyed with realization.
The scars… the damn scars, I was so worried about my tail I forgot about them! This'll be fun to explain.
For a moment, the two just stared at each other, one with morbid curiosity, the other with dread and fear. Then Videl broke the silence, "You should finish those up, need any help?"
Stunned Gohan began fumbling with the gauze again. There was only a few more wraps before he was completely covered, "No, I'm almost done thank you. I've had to do it myself more times than I can count, so I'm used to it!" About a minute later, Gohan was completely patched up and Videl excused herself out of the bathroom, much to his relief. He then put on the only outfit he had in the bathroom, a fighting gi and long sleeved t-shirt, before walking out to greet the blank faced Videl.
"Uh… hi… Thanks for offering to help and everything, you didn't have to, but it means a lot that you did!" Gohan let out an awkward laugh and forced smile, scratching the back of his head.
Videl just turned and looked at him with disbelief, a mixture of awe and sadness played on her features and she just nodded. Silence permeated the air for a minute or so before she finally gathered her thoughts and began to form a sentence.
Based on his reaction to the Cell Games video.. maybe he was a victim?! Or something like that… But the way he took pain means that a lot of these scars were probably from something else. Either way, I don't think he is too good with people yet and I did probably just see something I shouldn't have… maybe I should be nice to the guy? He looks terrified. But scared of what?! Some secret I still don't know?! I know we're not exactly close, but curiosity and all that. But most of all… how the hell does he look like that?! I hate to say it, but not even dad had that much muscle in the Cell Games… So many questions. Ugh, whatever.
"So… you must work out a little more than you let on, eh?"
Still unsure, Gohan continued, "Uh… well yeah. Most of it is from growing up in the mountains though. We worked and trained pretty much every day, so it just kinda happened.." He let out another nervous laugh. "You train quite a bit too don't you? With your dad and everything. You look like you have a fighters physique too."
Good, if I can ask her some questions, maybe I can turn the conversation around? Plus mom always said to compliment girls, so maybe that'll help too.. Never really worked with Lime though, meh oh well.
With a slight brush, Videl rolled her eyes, "Yeah I get that a lot, but thanks. Yes, I train everyday to be stronger than my father. I really hate people comparing me to him all the time though! I'm my own person damn it. I'll do what I want… Oh sorry, didn't mean to rant there, it just gets old."
Huh… sounds pretty similar to me now that I think about it. I'm compared to Dad all the time.. not that I should be, but as for having something expected of you from a young age? Hah, I was born with that decision made for me.
Almost without meaning to, Gohan gave a knowing nod, "Yeah, I know what you mean, that sort of stuff does get old. Anyways, I didn't know you liked to fight so much, that's awesome! Why'd you choose to start?"
A dark shadow passed Videl's face for a split second before she responded, "Yeah, its the one thing I can really get lost in, ya know?"—Gohan nodded, smiling—"As for why I started… well I started training when I was young, cause I wanted to be like my dad and protect people from 'the bad guys' as cheesy as that sounds. But then we got in an argument and now he doesn't want me to fight anymore and won't let me enter the tournament next year unless I can beat him in a fight, so right now, I guess I'm trying to get stronger than him. Right now, he won't even spar with me, so I think I've got a ways to go… What about you?" She finished with a slightly downtrodden expression.
I wonder if she knows how much stronger she is than her father… Hell, I wonder if she knows what she's capable of at all! If she knew ki control, then she could be scary.
"Why'd I start? Hm…"—He walked over to the kitchen, grabbing a couple glasses—"Well, since we don't have to go back to school, want anything to eat or drink? I'm probably going to brew a cup of coffee, does tea sound good? Water?"
Scowling, Videl nodded, "Yeah, coffee's fine, but then its your turn okay?"
Gohan nodded, hitting the 'go' button on the coffee maker, "Sure, sure. Cream and sugar or anything?"
"No, blacks fine." Videl responded a little too quickly, impatient and ready for an answer.
Finally, the gauze covered man served the coffee, a bitter yet pleasant aroma filling the air. "Here you go"—she nodded her thanks and sat back on the couch while Gohan found a chair—"Alright, so why did I start fighting? Well, I guess you could say I never really had a choice in the matter. I was training and working basically since I could walk, so I never knew anything else. It was kinda nice though, life was simple and we were all really close. But living like that isn't without its drawbacks, I almost died a few times and, well you've seen what I look like."
Videl eyed the demi and nodded, sipping her coffee, subtly urging him to continue.
With a sigh, Gohan continued
Maybe this way I can set everything straight. If I'm convincing enough, maybe it'll keep her from asking any more questions.
"See this?"—Gohan moved his hair back, pointing to the wide scar on his forehead. Videl's eyes widened and quickly nodded, excited to have her question answered—"Well, that's a product of my upbringing. When I was… like 10 I think? Or 11.. I dunno whatever, quite a few years ago, I wanted to bring home eggs for breakfast the next day, so I was looking for a nest to grab some from. Well, looking back, I could've gotten some from the farm, but I wanted to impress my family with dinosaur eggs."—A mixture or awe and disbelief crossed Videl's face and she laughed.
"You… as a 10 year old thought it would be a good idea to steal dinosaur eggs?! No wonder you have all those scars, doing stuff like that."
Gohan laughed a little and nodded before continuing, "Yeah, well maybe you're right.. Anyways, I found a huge nest at the top of a tree. I waited for a bit under it and the momma pterodactyl flew off, so I thought it was my chance. I climbed the tree as fast as I could and grabbed three eggs, the things were so big I couldn't carry anymore. Thinking I was in the clear I started to climb down and… well the mother saw me and flew back. Boy was she pissed and wow was I scared. I think you could probably guess what happened from there, eh?"
Picturing a kid Gohan up in a tree, arms full of dinosaur eggs, was so outrageous that Videl found it hilarious. She couldn't help but fall into a fit of laughter, lighting up her features and softening her face, causing Gohan to stare.
Woah… she's kinda… well hot when she's not glaring at people… But talk about a sadistic sense of humor, for all she knows, I could've died!
Pausing from this laughing fit, "Sorry, sorry, I don't know why I found that funny, you probably could've died from that, but it was just so… out there that I couldn't help myself! But, yeah I think I can guess, but continue anyways, I want to hear it from you."
Raising an eyebrow an shaking his head Gohan let out a snort of dry laughter and continued, "Well, momma dino decided that she didn't really like me, so she dove at me. Terrified, but kinda excited, I jumped up on the branch and avoided her before trying to climb back down. I was doing pretty good until I caught my pants on a branch and stumbled. I remember a huge wing hitting me and throwing the eggs in the air, trying to catch myself, then falling. Next thing I knew, I woke up with a headache and pissed off parents. I guess someone found me after I fell and took care of me, but yeah that's the story of how I got this."—He pointed to his forehead again.
Videl just shook her head, then stared at Gohan in disbelief. "Well… damn. I don't really know how to respond to that. Probably more interesting than any story I could tell. You must've led quite an interesting life so far, Gohan. I don't know if I'm jealous of you or if I feel bad for you!"
"Yeah.. I know what you mean, but don't feel bad, I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything, I loved it. Every day was fun and I learned quite a bit."
"I'd believe that.. But why Orange Star High? I know your mom wanted to get social experience and everything, but why here? We're not that great at anything besides P.E. and the town has the highest crime rate in the world, so enlighten me."
Gohan nodded in thought for a second, realizing this question as a very valid one. He knew why OSH was his first choice, but what should he tell Videl? After a brief pause, he answered, "Well, the physical education program here is why I wanted to come here. My mom homeschooled me, so she was confident enough in my academic performance, so she agreed. We knew that I could handle myself well enough, so the crime rate wasn't a huge issue and because of that, the rent here is waaaay cheaper than anywhere else for something like this. Plus its kinda close to the school and out of the way, so I think it was a good choice overall."
Nodding, Videl stared him straight in the eyes with a curious intensity, "Okay, two more questions, sorry if it feels like I'm interrogating you, I'm just curious and you're really… interesting. But how did you know Mr. Shu?"
"No worries, I'm sure a lot of people would have questions after that. Well, you know how my mom homeschooled me?"—she nodded—"Well, she thought I could use some help after I started slacking a bit. She found the guy for cheap and thought a strict teacher would help me out. We didn't know how bad he was and he tried to whip me once and insulted my family, so I confronted him. Before I could do anything, my mom punched him square in the nose and kicked him out on the spot."
Again, the raven haired beauty laughed, envisioning an enraged female-Gohan punching the cowardly Mr. Shu right in the nose. "Okay now that's funny, I never liked him and after seeing what he did, I think I would've loved to see that happen!"
Chuckling, Gohan agreed, "Yeah, mom would've been proud to see you punch him like that in all honesty. Thanks for that by the way, I know if you wouldn't of been there, I probably would've made a bad name for myself, so thank you. I really owe ya one."
With a mischievous smile, Videl replied, "Oh, no no, don't worry about it! But… if you're offering, I do have one favor I'd like to ask. It just so happens to be my last question too."
Perfect, this could work out really well for me, since he said he owes me and all. Today's just been a great day and maybe I can convince him to help me beat Dad. He looks capable enough, so there's got to be something I can learn from him, or at the very least more of a challenging sparring partner than Sharpner.
Hanging his head, Gohan knew his hands were tied, "Sure… Go ahead."
"Oh, thanks! Well first, I'd just like to know what fighting styles you used, just out of curiosity. I mean you're from so far away and had such a unique upbringing, it has to be something cool, right!? And as for the request, I would like you to come to my gym at my place and train with me. At least once. We can spar and maybe, if you're willing, we can show each other some different forms and techniques. Its a win-win! You get a tough sparring partner, the chance to pick up some new techniques, and get a chance to train! So.. Whaddya say?!"
If only she knew… Well shit. How do I respond to this? Do I keep Lime's plan and say I can't fight or do I just go with it. At this point, it would be better to not refuse… I can make up another reason for not joining a club later and for some odd reason, I feel like she would make a much better ally than enemy… hmm… I think I'll go with it then, I've just gotta be aware of my tail and it should all be good.
"Yeah, sure that'd be fine. But only on one condition. I would like you to keep this conversation private… I'd rather not have people knowing my personal life just yet. I wanna get to know people first and not have a reputation before I even start to do that. Is that fair?"
Videl nodded and winked, "Well, I think you ruined that yourself with Mr. Shu, you're now going to be known as the kid who ran the worst teacher in school out of a job. Its not a bad reputation, but that being said, you'll probably get a lot of attention. As for this? Of course I can keep it a secret."
Relief warmed Gohan's limbs as he smiled, "Ok perfect, thank you so much… When did you want to train then..?"
"No problem. I think tomorrow after school is as good a time as any. We can stop by here so you can change into something like that"—she waved her hand at the gi Gohan was wearing—"then I can drive us to my place."
"Uhh… I don't wanna sound like a wuss or anything, but I think training should wait for a bit. I don't wanna open these cuts up so soon. They aren't that deep, so it should only take about a week to heal. We can go Tuesday of next week if that's okay with you?"
Videl's eyes bulged, horrified with how easily she forgot he was injured and how rude it was of her to be grilling him like this. She felt ashamed and her cheeks flushed, "Oh! I'm so so sorry Gohan, I completely forgot about that. Yes, whenever you're healed is perfectly fine by me and take your time. You probably want to rest after that, huh. Sorry to keep you for so long, I'll go let the school know you're doing well!"
She started to get up and leave, running from the shame, but Gohan stopped her. "Hey, no problem! You're fine, I think its good to have company, its pretty much the whole reason I went to high school in the first place. But don't worry about me, I've been through way worse and I have some stuff I put on cuts from home that's even better than Capsule Corps medication. The bleeding's stopped and it doesn't even hurt anymore. Think it would be a good idea of me to go back with you? Maybe talk to the principal or something, let him know I'm okay in person."
Is he for real? I guess I really don't know this guy at all.. No one should be able to take an injury like that and act like nothing happened. I don't know if he even realizes how abnormal that really is? He seems so experienced with life, but so naive of the way the world works. Gohan Son, you are a truly interesting person.
"Well thank you, but I really think you should stay here. Rest up and come back tomorrow or maybe even skip a day. Most people wouldn't have been able to stand after that, let alone walk to and from school. I think you'd get more attention than anything if you came back now, it'd make you stick out. People would know you're not exactly normal, ya know?"—Gohan studied her for a second, deep in thought, then nodded—"Good! I'll just go and tell them you're fine and just resting now. I'll come by here again tomorrow after school with the homework and you can come back the day after. Sound good?"
"Actually… yeah that makes a lot of sense. Sounds great actually, thank you! That probably did just save a lot of headache.."
Flashing a confident smirk, Videl got up and headed toward the door, "No problem, Gohan. You just rest and get better and let me know if you need anything okay? "—She pulled out a piece of paper and pen from her backpack, writing down a number—"talk to ya tomorrow!"
Without waiting for a reply she shut the door and walked down the steps. "I really should get a phone." He said to no one in particular.
Sighing, Gohan gathered up the cups, washed them and set them out to dry. He then grabbed the torn up shirt and incinerated it in a ball of energy, there was no saving that shirt, and gathered up the rest of his blood stained clothes, putting them into a small backpack, opting to wash them at Capsule Corp, as Bulma made a detergent specially designed to get blood out of nearly any material.
Wow… that actually went a lot better than I expected. Maybe she isn't so bad… I mean she seemed nice enough and genuinely concerned for me. A little rough around the edges and quick to anger, but she's real. Maybe this group really isn't so bad and maybe this whole school thing wasn't such a bad idea either… ah I dunno, I'll figure it out later. First thing's first is this laundry and all I can say is thank you again Bulma, you really are a genius. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be alive right now without you and your inventions. I better head over there and talk to her about getting a phone and cleaning these clothes up. It'd be good to get a bit of training in too. The salve should've closed something like that up by now, so time to get to work. I feel bad lying to as genuine a person as Videl, but its for the best. Doubt she would even believe me if I told her the truth anyway. Okay, in another couple minutes I think she'll be far enough away not to see me and I can head on over to CC. Ready up Vegeta, I'm ready to spar.
-Somewhere in Other World-
"Arrrrrggggghhhh… Ahhhh… Almost there…. Cmon… AAAAHHHHH!" An urgent, almost pained scream pierced the sky with unnatural force. The heavens themselves were shaking and a lone warrior glowed in the night. As his voice grew, so did his aura. It increased so much and shone so brilliantly that it was impossible to look at, lightning cackled in every direction and bits of ground rose into the air, only to be disintegrated into nothing.
A second later the ground began to rumble and the fighter began to change. His body swelled, brow broadened and hair grew, shining with pure golden energy. Then, nothing. The ground stopped shaking and the lightning began to settle down.
The warrior looked forward, glaring with deadly intent, his face twisted into a determined, enraged expression.
"Alright you big pink son of a bitch, you're mine!"
The last word echoed out and the warrior disappeared, followed by another yell and two equally as large explosions of pink and gold. The battle picked up in intensity, each warrior mutilating the other, fighting with the desperation to live. After another exchange, the two flew back, breathing heavily, one bleeding red, the other oozing pink.
"This ends now." KA..ME..HA..MEEEEE….HAAAAAAAAAA
Blinding blue light erupted from the hands of the golden warrior with such intensity that the surroundings simply vanished, but this beam was met by an equally as massive pink blast, coming together in the middle to form a swirling vortex of light purple death. The stalemate ensued and just as the blue beam started to lose ground, a third, orange-yellow energy joined the battle.
The blue and yellow lights converged into one brilliant light, completely overpowering their adversary, wiping it from existence. The lights faded, replaced by the soft glow of the moon and a calm followed. The previously long-haired golden fighter reverted into his normal state, free falling from his suspended state in the air, hitting the ground with a massive thud, sending up clouds of dust.
"Goku! You okay!?" A deep, rough voice yelled out as a green figure flew down to the crater. He was met by the smiling, bloodied face of the late Saiyan, who just nodded before laying back down, slipping into unconsciousness.
Damnit, damnit, damnit! Still not strong enough. WHY?! I'm sorry Gohan, I'm sorry ChiChi.. everyone, I will get stronger. I swear to you… I will…
And cut! That's a wrap. Whose Goku fighting? How will Gohan handle high school? Well, that's for me to know and you all to find out (hopefully in an interesting and exciting way, if I write well enough). That being said, I do know how the story will end and I have the plot all laid out. I feel like its not half bad and an interesting take on the story that's already made. Hopefully at the end of this you'll agree.
As for when the next chapter is out, I really have no idea. If for some reason I have all my homework done and I'm confident in all my finals (finals week is two weeks after we get back from break) and I have time away from all the house stuff, then I could have a short chapter done in the next three weeks. OR I could be really productive and have another shorter chapter done before I have to go back to school. We'll see. I'm really leaning towards trying to get another 4k-ish word chapter done before I head back, but no promises! However, during Christmas break, which is a month, I should have some more time to write. So that's how everything stands as of now.
Thanks again for being so patient and understanding, that helps more than you guys know!
Let me know what you guys thought of the first chapter back, the reviews really do help, they put me in a good mood too :3
Until Next Time!