AN: Thank you everyone. I managed to write one this weekend yay! ^-^ Wasn't sure if I could find the time, but I did. HA!
ruby890- Thanks!
shugokage- Your welcome and thank you!
SeanHicks- Thanks! Sorry to confuse you, I have had her planned to join the next week of school so it will be soon. (the next school day actually) I wanted Videl to get to know Gohan a little more before she joined. (I have my reasons!)
Aaron Leach- Thanks!
Ky111- Thanks! It is good for Gohan. And don't worry, I've got it planned out! Gohan can't find forever!
Buckets Full O' Sunshine- Thanks! Well, I was going to give you one... but I realized you would need to come and get it... I was hungry... and it was there... sooo I kinda ate it... Sorry XD. And I'm glad you learned that. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE mother nature *ominous lightning strike*
I know it was a gray turtle, because it was my Squirtle painted gray so it would look like a rock! HA! So of course I'm not jealous, it's mine! :p
Ya you're probably right about that. I share in that belief. I think most of it is unintended but there are a few things I did on purpose. I even did a little with Tien. But I also try to make it sound like it's something they would say through their reasoning and the wording. Thanks!
I know right! I want one too! I thought it would add a like extra to the story. Since it's an easy-going story right now, I thought it would give a nice touch. Something to laugh about and there's always random stuff that happens in our everyday lives. Glad you liked the friendship development. Yeah, I felt the grammar was going to be bad because I was half asleep while proofing... sorry :(.
I'm glad you're gaining a new respect for him. Growing up with Dragon ball, I really gained a lot of respect for Master Roshi, Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and others. I really hate how useless they all became in DBZ. T-T.
Does nothing romantic escapes you keen eye?
Sportsfan64- Thanks! You're wait is almost over.
person345- Thanks! Well, it definitely seems she is. I think she will, at least sometimes. I'm also using how she acted while he taught her how to fly to give me ideas on how she may act.
Which I completely missed like every time I watched the series! I swear it wasn't until someone explained it to me a little and watching over this winter break I saw the signs! (I'm oblivious and hopeless :/)
Gohan helped Videl enter a meditative state before he went into one himself; just like yesterday. He made a note about watching what he said around her. He really wasn't ready to talk about his father now. He planned on waiting until "the day" was behind him for another year.
The saying, "time heals all wounds," wasn't quite accurate in Gohan's opinion. Some wounds were far too deep to truly be healed; instead, they scar and leave a remembrance of the event. The pain never fades, but one grows to live with it; to cope with the pain. He has long accepted his mistake and the fact that he couldn't change the past, well his past (DBZ and its alternate timelines), but it didn't mean the pain went away completely. No, it was rarer, but it was still in him; as if lying dormant until it chose to become active. When it became active, the pain erupted like a fierce volcano, affecting every fiber of his being. The pain came back just as stronger, if not stronger, than then when "it" happened.
It was unpredictable, as it could explode at any time without warning. There was, of course, one time it was a reliable as Old Faithful; the day of his dad's death. It was always the worst day of the year for him.
/\/\/\/\/\
"Alright everyone, gather around me. There's only fifteen minutes left!"
The sound of Tien's voice brought Gohan back to reality. He opened his eyes and looked at Videl. She seemed to have been unaffected by Tien's voice. She looked so relaxed and peaceful. Gohan smiled, 'She sure is a fast learner.' He almost felt bad to have to snap her to, but he had to. He got up and walked besides Videl and gently shook her by her shoulder.
Videl was enjoying the relaxation when a sudden shaking sensation overcame her. She tried to ignore it, but it came back stronger and this time she heard someone say, "Come on Videl, snap out of it." She reluctantly budged her eyelids open to examine what was going on. She tilted her head back to see Gohan towering over her with a grin.
"I'm sorry to bug you… but Tien wants everyone to gather around him," Gohan sheepishly explained.
Her eyes quickly went in search for their instructor. After a few seconds, she found him with most the other students already around him. She then quickly turned to Gohan with a slight smile, "It's fine. We should go then." She proceeded with picking herself up.
Gohan let out a little chuckle before replying, "Alright."
They found Sharpener and Erasa in no time and went to stand next to them. Upon seeing Gohan and Videl, the two nodded a hello before turning back to Tien.
Tien waited until everyone gathered before talking. "Like I said, this is something I plan on doing every Friday. Life can become hectic and busy and it can be overbearing. It's always important to fine some time to relax and leave behind your worries. So during this time, you can sit, lie down, do cool down stretches, or whatever. All I ask is that you remain quiet, relax, and listen to what I have to say."
Many students went to either sit or lie down after hearing this while some started stretching. Gohan sat down cross legged, Videl chose to remaining standing and stretch, Sharpener went to take a seat, and Erasa fell back to lie down.
"I've already told you that we will start sparring Monday. I expect the first few to be like a warm up. I will put you all into groups of which I feel will challenge you all while not being too much. These groups may change if I feel they need to. I will walk around and offer help to further develop your skills. After a few days of sparring, I will decide on what we will do. I need to see what I'm working with.
You can do these drills at home as you please, but I recommend you at least take one day off a week and rest; and at least once this weekend. Especially if you're not use to this, it is possible to injure yourself. Remember: It's better to take one day of rest than to overdo it and take weeks to recover. That's it everyone. If you have questions, you may ask me; if not, then you can relax until the end of class."
Sharpener raised his hand with the question that was on the minds of many. He waited until Tien acknowledged him. Clearing his throat he said, "Well, I went to the last World Martial Arts Tournament and didn't see you anywhere. Why didn't you go? You're definitely an amazing fighter and managed to defeat Videl. The only person I've known to do that is her father, so surely you would have done well if you went." A gentle uproar came from the students, all interested on his reason.
Tien figured that this might be asked, so he already developed an answer to it. "Well, there are a couple of reasons: The tournament used to be every three years, but after the 23rd, the tournament ceased to exist; and it wasn't for 11 years until the next, so I didn't even know it was revived. And even if I heard about it before it happened, I was quite busy at the time." Tien and Gohan thought about the three years of trying for the Androids and chasing Cell around; the tournament really wasn't that important in comparison. They had a mental laugh about that.
Videl realized that the next one was coming around the corner. She got Tien's attention before asking, "Are you going to be participating in the next one? It's only like a month or two away?"
'What?! It's this year! The first 21 were all five years apart, and then the next were all three years apart and now its… seven? Hmm… I need an excuse…' Tien didn't care for the tournament since Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan were most likely not going to it. They are the strongest on the planet and winning didn't mean anything to him if he didn't fight them. Plus, it had become media infested. It was popular back in the day, but now it wasn't even the same.
"No, I don't plan to."
Videl stared at him puzzled, "Why not?"
"Hmm… It's not what it used to be. I think it would bring me too much attention if I did well in it and I don't want that."
Videl understood what he meant. Sure the WMAT was only shortly before the Cell Games; it still gave her and her father a lot of attention. And it got much worse afterwards. She was certain that he could beat her father, at the very least give him a run for his money. Of course she was entering, hoping to win but she wanted to know that she was the best. And from the display she had with him, she knew she had to train hard to try and match him.
"But, you must. I think people should see you fight; besides I'm entering. I don't want to win the tournament unless the best are there. And since I lost to you yesterday, I know you're better. So I need to train and fight you there."
Tien smiled. The girl had a warrior's heart. She didn't seem to be an egomaniac like her father. It reminded him of himself back when he was training for the tournament. He was certain that she could win against her father. And he hoped she would, because he felt that she would better represent a martial artist. She still had much to learn, but she had already proven that she was willing.
"Spoken like a true fighter; I like that. I am sorry to disappoint you though, but I don't think I'll change my mind. But if you wish, we can spar during class. That gives you up to a month to improve," Tien answered. He knew there was no way for her to match him in that little of time; plus, she didn't understand ki at all. But he wanted to see how much she would improve.
If she was going to become the image of a martial artist, she would need to stay committed. Always training knowing that someone somewhere may be stronger than you was the way of the martial artist. Master Roshi made sure to teach his students, and others, that important lesson. It's one reason why all the Z-fighters are as strong as they are now.
Videl felt a huge smirk come across her face. Sure it wasn't exactly what she wanted, but she still had a goal now. She didn't have much time, so it meant that she would have to push herself hard. "Deal! That mean's I've got a lot of work to do. But you better watch out, because I WILL be much stronger by then."
"I hope so."
It wasn't much longer until the bell rang. The gang went to their lockers, got their stuff, and went out the front doors. Gohan was confused as to why he sensed Vegeta's energy, and even more surprised to see him outside waiting with Trunks.
The second Trunks spotted Gohan, he bolted with Vegeta walking behind him. Erasa, Sharpener, and Videl were all surprised to see their classmate tackled by some kid that appeared out of nowhere.
"Hi Gohan!" the boy chirped.
Gohan smiled as he lifted the boy off of him, "Hey there kiddo. Watcha doing here?"
A rough, harsh voiced answered, "We're here because he wants to go to the park. I don't have time to go because I'm going to train, so you're taking him. The woman suggested it. Bring him back in an hour and half; NO SOONER! GOT IT!"
Sharpener and Erasa hid behind Videl when the man spoke. His voice was bone-chilling. Even Videl was slightly taken back by the man. He had the scariest pair of eyes she had ever seen! She needed to learn that glare! His eyes told a story of a war veteran who had seen far too much bloodshed in his time. She was certain that he had killed before. His eyes were artic cold and struck her with paralysis. It was very clear that he was NOT someone to mess with.
Gohan knew better to question Vegeta, and much better then to question Bulma, so he nodded in affirmation and walked away with Trunks. Videl started following, curious about whom that man is. Said man spoke up, "Watch where you tread, GIRL!" Vegeta assumed that she was the one Gohan talked about.
She froze in half step. "Huh?"
"You heard me. Watch. Where. You. Tread. GIRL!" Vegeta warned. He knew she was that buffoon's daughter. She was in over her head; he really wished he could show everyone his "light tricks". But that accursed woman wouldn't let him.
Videl was scared, very unusual for her but she was indeed scared of this man. She took a second to compose herself. "How dare you talk to me like that! Do you even know who I am; who my father is? You need to learn manners!"
"HAHA! That's funny; I could ask you the same. But unlike you, I know who I'm talking to. Your father is that man, 'Oh, I can't fight! Oh, cramp!' HAHAHA! What a joke!" Vegeta walked away, laughing like a maniac.
Videl felt her blood boil as she clenched her hands. 'Who does he think he is! I need to talk to Gohan about that man! How could he stand to be around the guy?!' Erasa grabbed her friend's arm and went to calm her down.
"Time to go to your house; you promised we would talk," the blonde dragged her friend towards her house. This left a very confused Sharpener alone. 'WHAT JUST HAPPENED? They all just left me; and without a goodbye! Some friends!' Sharpener thought as he walked home pouting.
/\/\/\/\/\
Gohan and Trunks flew to the park as soon as they were out of the vision of others. They went to his favorite park in West City. Gohan also powered down from Super Saiyan.
"So why couldn't you're mom take you?" Gohan questioned.
"She said she was busy," he explained, "Why did you stay Super Saiyan at school? Who cares if people think it's weird."
"Well, because people don't understand it. They think everything we can do is a trick. It's easier this way; it might scare them if they knew the truth."
"Is it because earthlings are weak? That's what dad always says."
Gohan laughed at that, 'That's Vegeta alright.' "Sort of, they don't know how our 'tricks' work."
"Hmm… Okay, I guess it makes sense. Let's play!"
"Okay, so what do you want to do first?"…
They played there forever. They went to the swings, they played tag, and everything else; Trunks made sure of it. The boy had way too much energy; him and Goten both. Gohan made sure that he didn't leave even a second before the hour and half was up. He checked his watch one final time, before leaving.
"Alright Trunks, time to go home."
"KAY!" the boy said jumping up and down.
Gohan looked down at the boy in confusion. Usually it was hard to get the boy to leave. He had been dreading the moment the whole time they were playing. For the boy to be compliant, and excited, was weird. He decided not to question it, but hurry and leave before the boy had a change of opinion. They flew back to Capsule Corp.
Trunks made sure he had all of Gohan's attention the whole flight. He poked, screamed, flew in circles, and attacked Gohan the entire time. He wasn't even sure if they were heading the right way. He was wondering what was up with Trunks today; no doubt he was up to something. 'Does this have to do with one of his pranks?' Gohan feared.
Eventually, they arrived at Capsule Corp. Trunks seemed to become more jittery by the second. Trunks insisted that Gohan had to come in because Bulma wanted to talk to him, so he went to open to door. Trunks threw him into the house the second he could and quickly turned on the light.
"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOHAN!" It roared throughout the house and he was pounced by a wild Goten.
"Happy Birthday big brother!"
Gohan hugged his little brother, "Thanks sport." Gohan put his little brother on his shoulders before greeting everyone else. It was a full house: his mom, grandpa, Piccolo, Tien, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Puar, Oolong, Master Roshi, Krillin, 18, Marron, and the Briefs.
Chi-Chi walked up to give her son a hug, "My boy is getting so big! I remember when you were the size of Goten."
Piccolo was next to walked up to Gohan. He put a hand on Gohan's shoulder, "Happy Birthday kid," he wore the smile that only appeared when it involved Gohan, "I'm proud of you."
Gohan smiled back at him, "Thanks Piccolo; it means a lot."
Everyone else slowly came up to say a few words to Gohan. When Tien walked up, he asked Gohan if they could have a spar Sunday. Today was a day of celebration, so he didn't want to today. He hadn't spar with Gohan for a while now and wanted to see how the boy has improved as well as test himself.
Krillin and his family came up when it was their turn. Krillin was first as he shook Gohan's hand. "Boy, we've been through a lot together. To think you were that little boy that went to Namek with me is crazy. You're so tall now!"
Gohan rubbed his back, "I know; it's good to see you again. I need to visit more often."
"Yes, you do. It's just us and that old man on the island," 18 came up and gave him a small hug. She wasn't the affectionate type, but Gohan was an exception. He was the reason she was still alive and that she had a husband and an adorable daughter. She told him it many times, as a thank-you and as a way to help him whenever he thought of his father. She explained to him that his father was proud that he was able to save someone else's life.
"That's not fair! She never does that to me!" Krillin said.
18 glared at him, "Because you need to get a job so we can afford our own home and not have to live with him anymore," she motioned to Master Roshi.
Krillin nervously laughed, "… Eventually…"
Marron ran up to Gohan, "Happy Birthday mister!" she hugged his legs.
He bent over to pat her on the head, "Thank you! Wow! You're getting big! You couldn't walk the last time I saw you."
She smiled, "That's cuz I'ma big gurl now!" She replied.
Everyone was enjoying themselves; they had cake, played games, and socialized. Vegeta walked out and finally made himself known. He recently finished training and took a shower upon Bulma's request. He walked straight towards Gohan; it was time. "Brat! Knee!"
Gohan looked at Vegeta bewildered, but followed his order.
"Good, now bow your head."
Once again Gohan obeyed him. Vegeta placed a hand on Gohan and spoke in a tongue unheard of to Gohan. 'Is he speaking a Saiyan language? I don't recall him ever speaking in it before.' The room went silent as everyone watched in awe. They had no idea what was happening, but it seemed important. Vegeta continued for a few moments before he finished. "Rise."
When Gohan stood back up, Vegeta put his hands on Gohan's shoulders and smirked. "This is a Saiyan tradition performed when a Saiyan is of age. It marks when they are truly accepted as a warrior. It is done to those who have proven themselves worthy. You should feel honored that your Emperor performed it on you."
Everyone turned to Bulma in wonder. Emperor? Bulma just shrugged her shoulders understanding their silent question, "It's a long story."
Vegeta had also performed it to Mirai during their time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. He gave Gohan the world's swiftest hug. "It's… Uh… part of the ritual," he lied. He didn't want anyone to think otherwise.
Gohan took a couple seconds to process it all before speaking, "Thanks Vegeta." Everyone smiled as they witnessed the rare occasion.
As the party settled down, people slowly dispersed throughout the evening. Trunks and Goten fell asleep long time ago, which was okay because they already convinced their mothers to allow Goten to sleep over. Chi-Chi felt it time to leave, so her and Gohan said their goodbyes to the Briefs and headed home to sleep.
I know I didn't add Videl's evening into this chapter. I'll make sure to have it in the next. If anyone is still wondering why Trunks was annoying Gohan, it was to prevent him from sensing everyone at the party. To do that he made Gohan have to focus solely on him... Maybe a little sketchy, but it was the only thing I could think of.
Hope you all enjoyed it! As always, let me know what you thought!
-Keep It True
