A.N.: Here's another update of Book 3 of my Different Upbringing Series.
No reviews = No updates.
Heseltine: The effects of Arata being passed around in the Cold Empire sort of make an appearance in this chapter after she learns of her father's return. As for Laise and Goshan, thanks for your answer. They definitely won't be perfect, so thanks for your input! And no, Arata (as well as Katsu and Natsuki) haven't learned of the dragon balls yet. Hope you like the chapter!
Anime93: Don't know about that, I'll think about it though. I'll do my best not to have Vegeta overshadowed. I write as I go, I don't usually plan things out. And for your other review: your welcome.
Guest: Glad you're liking my story and thanks for the review! Pan will definitely be introduced more in Book 4 seeing as she's older than she was in Book 2, so you have that to look forward to. Nat will go super, the reason you'll just have to read. I don't mind long review, I preferably like them. :D
Anony: Arata is there when Goku speaks to all them…you'll see. Glad you're enjoying!
kitsunelover300: Haha, Gohan's screwed both ways with Arata liking Videl, huh? Lol. I like the idea of Goshan and Laise being a bit shy when meeting strangers as well as Vitani triggering their tempers. Thanks for the input. When it comes to the Buu Saga, it isn't that I'm not spending much time on it, I just don't want to take the rest of the year to finish writing the story, ya know? Anyway, there will be minor changes and scenes will be changing from Arata and Natsuki a lot more frequently when Buu comes into the picture. Also, thanks for telling me Vitani's attacks. I have to start thinking of ones for Natsuki. Hehe. It's funny how I'm in the middle of this series and I haven't thought of that.
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 10
-Goku's Announcement-
-Arata's POV-
"Arata you don't have to do that." ChiChi argued.
Arata adjusted the clothes she was wearing for the third time in the past ten minutes. Even though she had been wearing these clothes for over two or so weeks, Arata still hadn't adjusted to them. She was fonder of the spandex material she'd worn for most of her life. Granted, she preferred a spandex suit that covered her legs, but you take what you can get.
"It's no problem, mom." Arata said. "It's the weekend as you call it. I'm heading over to train with Vegeta anyway. Goten and Natsuki are probably itching to get out of the house." Arata smiled at her mother. "Besides, with you doing work around the house, it's hard enough keeping an eye on two kids while doing that."
ChiChi sighed in defeat. "Alright, fine." She said, shaking her head. "I just don't want you piling a lot of stuff on yourself while you're trying to readjust here."
"Goten, Natsuki; let's go!" Arata called before looking at her mother. "Have you thought that keeping busy is better for me?" ChiChi just nodded, giving a small smile. "Gohan's going out doing his hero work or whatever." ChiChi and Arata both rolled their eyes at Gohan's antics. "Katsu will be here if you need help with heavy lifting. Just call his name, he'll hear you. From what he told me, he's doing some training on his own."
Goten and Natsuki ran into the foyer, Goten skidding behind his younger niece. "We're ready." Natsuki smiled. Goten was wearing his usual gi that resembled their father's. Natsuki had changed out the yellow dress she'd originally been given for a long sleeve yellow shirt, blue jean shorts, and white boots. Her hair, which reached to her mid-back naturally, hung partly over her shoulders and partly down her back.
While on their way out of the house, they bumped into Gohan. "Oh hey, we're leaving at the same time." He smiled.
"I can see that." Arata rolled her eyes as Gohan changed into his Saiyaman costume.
Goten was still impressed by it. Natsuki, however, floated to her mother's level and leaned towards her. "Does Uncle Gohan realize that doesn't look as cool as he thinks it is?" she murmured.
Arata covered her laugh with a couch. "Leave your Uncle be." She said when Gohan smiled at her. The four took to the air with Goten on the flying Nimbus. "I do, however, agree with you completely."
Natsuki giggled. As to keep Goten from feeling left out, Natsuki joined Goten on the flying nimbus, where an animated conversation took place. Arata kept her distance from Gohan. When asked why, Arata reminded Gohan of her not being seen with him when he was wearing that outfit.
"I'll meet you guys at Bulma's." Gohan called. "I'm going to do a once over over Satan City before I join you."
"Bye Gohan!" Goten called.
"See you later Uncle Gohan!" Natsuki called as well, both children waving their hands at his retreating figure.
Goten looked over at his sister. She was flying with her eyes straight ahead with her arms crossed over her chest. "Arata." He called, his head tilted to the side.
Arata looked at him. "What is it Goten?" Arata asked.
"When are you going to teach me to fly?" Goten asked. He pouted at her. "You promised. Remember?"
"Course I remember." Arata stated. "How about tomorrow? Gohan and I will be training for the tournament, which will give me some free time. Besides, Gohan has to teach a girl we met to fly as well. So, while he's teaching her, I can teach you. That sound alright?"
Goten's face brightened immediately. "Really?" he cried happily. "I can't wait! I can finally keep up with Trunks and Vitani."
"What's a tournament, Mamma?" Natsuki asked with furrowed eye brows.
"It's a fighting event, I guess you could call it." Arata explained.
Natsuki's eyes widened, in slight fear. "You mean like the ones on Frig's ship?" she whimpered.
Arata was startled by her daughter's question. "No." she said immediately. "Do you think I'd agree to participate if it was like that?" Natsuki sighed with relief. "It's for fun. The humans compete to see who is the world is the strongest."
Goten and Natsuki's eyes widened in excitement. "Can we join?" they asked in sync.
Arata sighed. Maybe she should have agreed with her mother. Natsuki's personality sure had done a 180 since their arrival. As for Goten, Gohan had given her no warning. According to the others who talked about Goten, he acted just like their father. He was practically an exact duplicate.
"Goten, you'll have to ask our mother after Gohan and I tell her about the tournament." Arata said gently. Goten nodded, slightly deflated.
"What about me?" Natsuki asked eagerly.
Arata nodded, but started talking before Natsuki could celebrate. "Remember, though, Natsuki. Once Vegeta, Trunks, and Vitani get wind of the tournament, they'll join as well." Natsuki nodded seriously at what her mother was talking about as Capsule Corporation came into view. "You have to be ready for serious training."
"I won't let you down, Mamma!" Natsuki smiled.
When Arata landed, Goten and Natsuki hopped off of flying nimbus. Just as they were heading into the house, Gohan landed behind them. "Hey Gohan! Look, we beat you!" Goten said.
Gohan laughed as he ruffled his hair. "Guess you did, kiddo." He said.
"What are you doing here?" Arata asked while putting her hands on her hips. In turn, her tail was twitching lightly. "I thought you were doing that hero thing."
Gohan nodded. "I was-I mean I did. Stopped a plane from crashing into the buildings of Satan City. It wasn't that hard." He said. "Besides, I might as well start spreading the new of the tournament here. I mean I'm here, aren't I? I also have to ask Bulma something."
Arata rolled her eyes as she walked into Capsule Corporation. They were greeted by a blonde woman. "Hello dearies." She greeted in a high voice. "You're just in time for tea and cookies. Come on!"
Arata blinked with a blank face a couple times. "W-Who's that?" she asked her brother.
"She's my grandmother." Vitani's voice informed them as she came into view. Her hands were on her hips. "Don't worry about insulting me with mentioning how weird she is. I agree completely." Vitani shuttered a bit.
Natsuki shrugged. "I think she's nice." She said simply.
"You would." Vitani growled.
Gohan sighed. "Girls, remember what happened last time." He said.
"Every time I almost forget it, you bring it back up again!" Vitani yelled, making Gohan laugh lightly.
Trunks groaned as he came to his sister's side. "Can't you go one day without starting a bickering fight?" He mumbled. "We hear enough from Mom and Dad."
"Bring what back up again?" Bulma questioned before realizing her visitors. "Oh, hey guys." She smiled at Arata. "How's school going?"
Arata grimaced and glared at Gohan. "No comment." She muttered.
Bulma laughed. "That bad, huh? I guessed something happened from your appearance the other day." She said. "Anyway, what brings you all here?"
Gohan scratched the back of his head. "Well, I sort of got myself into a bind." He said.
Arata laughed, her tail curling to her waist. "A bind? Shouldn't you say blackmail?" she teased. "Not to mention by a girl."
"What girl?" Vitani demanded. Her tail started thrashing angrily. The group had moved down to the garage where Bulma was testing out a motorcycle.
Bulma nodded her head in realization. "That's right. I heard the two of you are entering the World Martial Arts Tournament." She informed, referencing Gohan and Arata.
"Yeah." Gohan nodded.
"Wow, Gohan." Bulma said, her attention still on the motorcycle. Vitani had a hard look on her face, still wanting to know who the girl was that blackmailed Gohan was. Trunks was focused on the soda he was drinking. "I must say I'm a little surprised, Gohan. It's not like you have to prove yourself or anything. I mean, for Arata, it makes sense. You're more academic while she's the fighter."
"Does everybody notice that?" Gohan exasperated.
Arata chuckled again. "Do I really need to answer that question?" she asked rhetorically.
"What girl are you talking about?" Vitani demanded again.
"Videl Satan." Gohan answered. "She's discovered my secret and she's blackmailing me with it."
Bulma looked up from her work and at Gohan. "Again?" she questioned. "You're just a blackmailing target, aren't you?" She looked at Arata. "How'd you take it? I mean, you didn't get pissed off again."
Arata shrugged. "Actually, I found it completely hilarious. Katsu and I knew he'd be found out eventually. Gohan isn't exactly the one for secrets." She informed, earning a glare from her brother.
"Well, I guess that's good. Don't need neighbors asking why an adolescent girl is stalking towards my house again." Bulma said, causing Arata to roll her eyes, hiding the light blush on her cheeks. "Videl Satan." Bulma changed the topic. "That sounds familiar. She's not the goon Mr. Satan's daughter. Is she?"
Vitani growled under her breath. "Doesn't matter who she is." She declared to herself. "No one is good enough for him. No less some daughter of a wanna be fighter."
Natsuki, who had heard Vitani's declaration, tilted her head in confusion. She had wondered from her mother side and was closer to Vitani. "What's with your obsession with my Uncle?" she asked quietly.
Vitani startled and looked at Natsuki. "What-I-you-" she stuttered. "You be quite! I have not obsession with him."
Trunks laughed. "Yeah you do." He teased.
Vitani's cheeks blazed with a blush. Bulma, in turn, notice with a raised eye brow. "Vitani, you alright? Your face is a bit red." She questioned. "Maybe you should get something to eat or drink, that'll make you feel better. I'm sure Grandma's still in the kitchen."
Vitani gasped at her mother before trying to hide the blush. She reluctantly did as her mother said, glaring at Trunks and Natsuki as she passed, both of whom were chuckling quietly at her silent retreat.
"That's her alright." Gohan said, nodding, referencing Bulma's question.
Arata crossed her arms. "She's actually pretty funny. Keeps Gohan on his toes for sure." She teased.
"She's a classmate of ours as Orange Star High School." Gohan continued. "She's nice, always fighting crime like I am. She's a good girl. But I've never met anyone as pushy as she is. Except for my mom, of course. And now that she knows who I am, she's determined to show that she's stronger than me by making me fight in the tournament. The only reason Arata was roped into this was because she's my sister. Videl hasn't seen Arata's fighting ability, but it's known at school that Arata's more of a fighter than I am. So, Videl is probably looking at a challenge."
Trunks leaned towards Goten and Natsuki. "He can be such a nerd sometimes." He mumbled so only they could hear. "If it was me, I'd just beat that girl up. I'm surprised Arata hasn't done so."
Natsuki shrugged. "Grandma ChiChi doesn't want them to hurt anyone at school. It wouldn't be fair really seeing as they're stronger than them." She replied.
"So this Videl girl is rude and pushy, huh?" Bulma asked to clarify, picking up a box of cigarette from next to the nearby the computer. "Just to you or to everyone?"
"Just to me." Gohan clarified. "Ever since I showed up as Saiyaman, she's been hounding me and saying that she wouldn't rest until she unmasked me and she's not the type of girl you can keep a secret from." He moved his hand to his chin, thinking to himself. "Now that I think about it, that's the same thing with Arata. You can't keep a secret from Arata either."
"Gohan, it sounds like this girl like you, silly." Bulma said while leaning against the desk. "I know it sounds strange, but that's how girls act sometimes. There's a good chance you could get out of competing in the tournament, Arata too, if you asked her on a date."
"Nope. Tried that." Gohan said, shaking his head.
Arata chuckled. "Turned him down point blank." She informed amused.
"I think what she really wants is to beat me up. I'm afraid I'm going to have to compete." Gohan moved the helmet he was holding under his arm to the front of his torso. "But they don't allow head protection in the tournament, so I need to come up with a new disguise."
"What do you think Arata? I'm sure you could figure something out?" Bulma offered, looking at her.
Natsuki giggled. "No way." Arata stated, catching Bulma's attention. "You and Gohan are on your own. I refuse to be seen with him while he's wearing that costume."
"Ah, what a shame." Bulma sighed, shaking her head lightly. "You don't see superheroes wearing helmets very often. It's a nice touch."
Natsuki leaned towards Trunks and Goten. "That's not why." She mumbled, causing Trunks and Goten to try and cover their laughter.
"Actually it's kind of stupid." Trunks voiced his opinion.
Gohan sighed. "Videl did call it a trashcan." He admitted.
Arata crossed her arms. "It's as bad as the Ginyu Force." She muttered. "Granted, they were a bit more embarrassing than that get up, I'll give you that."
Bulma took another smoke from the cigarette. "Ouchy, that hurts. I guess I don't know what's in now a days. I must be getting old." She said with light laughter. "Let's see. We need to come up with something simple yet sheik and I think I know just the thing."
Arata sighed, leaning against the wall as Bulma tried to figure something out. Natsuki joined her mother, sitting by her feet. "Do you think Bulma's idea will make Uncle Gohan look better?" she whispered.
"No." Arata said dryly. "There is no helping that costume." Trunks nodded his head at Arata's statement in silent agreement. "I swear, one of these days, I'm going to destroy that thing. Or maybe just throw it far into the ocean, then he won't be able to find it."
Natsuki giggled at her mother. "Mamma, you're so funny." She said.
Arata shook her head. "If you say so." She said. "I would go train with Vegeta, but I want to see how this turns out."
A couple more minutes passed before Bulma showed off the "improved change" as she said. "Tada!" Instead of the orange helmet, Gohan wore a long white bandana on his head, covering his hair.
The hands that Trunks was using to keep the soda upright, fell limp in shock at Gohan's changed get up. Goten grinned, agreeing how awesome it looked. Natsuki and Trunks connected eyes, but didn't say anything. Arata face palmed, breathing through her nose.
"What do you guys think?" Bulma asked the others.
"Great! Now this is what I call style!" Gohan exclaimed happily, his fists on his hips. "What do you think, Trunks? Goten?"
"It's awesome!" Goten agreed immediately. "I think it looks even better."
"It looks great." Trunks said with a monotone voice while thinking something completely different in his head.
"Nat?" Gohan asked. "Arata?"
Nat just nodded, not answering. Gohan looked at Arata expectantly. "You really don't want to hear what I have to say." She muttered.
[Awe, come on. I can take it!] Gohan disagreed.
Arata rubbed the bridge of her nose between her forefinger and thumb. [It's worse than before.]
"I think you look really cool." Bulma put her two cents in. "But make sure you like it because your picture will be plastered everywhere after you win."
"Who says he's going to win, huh?" Vegeta entered the room, Vitani not far behind.
The change on Gohan's costume did not go unseen by Vitani. She leaned towards her brother. "Please don't tell me he's thinking of fighting in that?" she whispered, her tail back around her waist.
"It looks like it." Trunks informed. Vitani noticed Arata's shaking head at her brother's appearance and silently chuckled.
"Who could possibly beat him?" Bulma asked curiously.
"You're truly. That's who." Vegeta informed with a smirk on his face.
"Oh, hey Vegeta." Arata greeted.
"You kept me waiting." Vegeta informed.
Arata shrugged. "Had to see how this turned out." She informed.
"If you enter, I'll enter." Vegeta said. He then looked at Arata. "You better be entering as well."
Arata nodded. "Got roped into it as well. Though, I'm more eager for it than Gohan is."
"It's not that." Gohan disagreed. "I don't mind the tournament, I just-"
"It isn't your first choice of things to do." Arata interrupted.
Vegeta grunted in agreement. "You were a lot stronger than me when you fought Cell. But while you were hanging out in the library and going out on dates, I've done nothing but severe training the entire time."
"Gohan did train a bit after Cell." Bulma argued in his case. "After all, he did it in preparation for Arata's rescue, didn't he?"
"He's still weaker than before." Vegeta informed. "I bet even his sister can confirm that."
All eyes turned towards Arata. She held up her hands. "Don't look at me here." She stated. "I don't know Gohan's power level upon Cell's defeat in the first place. There is no way I can compare it to now."
Vegeta scoffed. "If you two were to fight now, I'm sure the girl would win." He said. Gohan gaped at Vegeta's declaration. "Arata's been training all her life."
"But, Vegeta, my power level is higher than hers." Gohan said. "She hasn't reached Super Saiyan 2 yet."
"It's not about that, brat." Vegeta stated. "The girl has more fighting techniques that you do. She'd outsmart you with fighting techniques, giving her the advantage to take you down without having to out beat you in power."
"Never thought of that." Gohan said. He looked at his sister. "Maybe we'll have to try that sometime?"
"This is great!" Trunks exclaimed.
Vitani nodded, smirking eagerly. "Yeah, Dad and Gohan fighting. That'll be a match for sure." She then looked at Arata. "Or even Dad and Arata."
"I think I'll enter too!"
Gohan and Bulma both gasped at hearing the voice, their eyes widening. Vegeta's eye brows raised. Arata, however, froze. The four kids, however, were left confused. They didn't know the owner of the voice and couldn't place it.
"Gohan."
Gohan gasped again. "Is that you Dad? Please tell me that it's you."
Arata looked at her brother confused. What is the world was going on? If that was her father's voice, then where was it coming from?
Natsuki looked at her mother, equally confused as she was. "Who are they talking to Mamma?" she whispered, trying not to let the voice hear. When Natsuki looked at her mother for an answer, all she got was a shrug of the shoulders and a frozen and shocked face and body.
"No way." Bulma gaped. "Wow!"
"Kakarot?" Vegeta questioned, staring up slightly.
Vitani looked around. "What the heck?" she said annoyed. She looked at her father and processed the name he said. "I thought Kakarot was dead!"
"He is." Trunks whispered quickly.
"Then where is the voice coming from?" Vitani growled in his face.
Trunks glared back. "How am I supposed to know?"
"It's really you!" Gohan said happily, halting the sibling dispute.
"Hi, son. It's great to hear your voice again."
"Dad? Unbelievable!" Gohan cried happily. "You're really here?"
"Where is he?" Natsuki questioned her mother again. Another shrug.
"Three of you haven't been telling the truth about Gohan's outfit. Have you?"
Vitani growled at the voice before crossing her arms. Trunks blinked, still confused on where the voice was coming from and who the voice was. Natsuki gasped lightly, huddling behind her mother's legs, looking from side to side with alertness. Arata had moved to stand solely on her feet. Her eye brows were furrowed.
"This is great!" Gohan cried again, gaining Arata's attention. "Dad, are you really coming back to compete in the tournament?"
Arata growled lightly. Is that even possible?
"Yeah! I'm allowed to come back for one day. Baba checked it out for me. It appears I have a little credit. I'm excited! I can't wait to see everyone. Tell your mom I'm coming back for a whole day!"
Gohan began laughing with joy. "Alright! Yeah!" he cried before looking at Arata. "Arata, do you hear this?"
"Wait. Arata? She's there?"
"The rescue mission was successful Dad!" Gohan informed happily. "Vegeta and I got them out no problem. Badly hurt, but still alive."
"Of course she's here you nit wit!" Vitani grumbled. "After all, if the mission had failed, he'd know anyway."
The voice ignored the comment. "Arata."
Gohan nudged her. "Say something." He said.
Arata blinked, a blank look on her face. She glared at her brother. "What am I supposed to say?" she growled. "If you haven't noticed, you are talking to air!"
Goku's voice began laughing. "You're not talking to air. I'll explain it when I'm there." Goku paused. "It's just great to hear your voice, knowing you're really alive and with your mother and brothers. All of you. I'm excited to see you, course it'll be better seeing you with my own eyes. I wish I could have been there to help rescue you, Arata. I love you."
Gohan kept his wide smile towards his sister. Arata, however, wasn't jumping with joy. Many emotions were going through her mind. It didn't catch Gohan's realization of Arata's reaction until their bond closed. He looked over at her, seeing a stoic look on her face while her eyes were closed; Arata was focusing on her breathing.
Trunks looked at his father. "They've flipped, Dad." He murmured.
Vegeta shook his head and smirked. "No, his dad is coming back." He explained while crossing his arms over his chest. "Even I'm excited Kakarot at having another chance to defeat you."
"Mmhmm. We'll see. I guess anything's possible. Miracles do happen."
"Miracles, huh?" Vegeta repeated and chuckled. "Oh, I can't wait."
"Well, I'll see you all at the tournament."
"This is great!" Bulma exclaimed. "Gohan, after you tell your mom, you should go to Master Roshi's. Krillin's going to flip when he hears."
Gohan looked over at Bulma and nodded. "Right." He said. "Definitely."
"Who's he?" Vitani asked her mother, tugging Bulma's pant leg.
Gohan looked over at her. "An old friend, Vitani." He said. Gohan then looked over at Vegeta. "Oh, hey, Vegeta. If you're going to compete, maybe you should wear a disguise. Maybe something like mine?"
Vegeta and Arata both nearly choked at Gohan's suggestion. "No way!" he exclaimed horrified. "I wouldn't be caught dead in that thing!"
Natsuki looked at her mother and climbed into Arata's arms. "Mamma, you alright?" she asked, concerned.
Gohan remembered their blocked bond. "Arata?" he questioned, worried as well.
Arata put Natsuki on the ground. "I don't want to talk about it." She murmured, not meeting anyone's eyes. "When you're ready, Vegeta, I'll be in the GR."
Natsuki blinked as she watched her mother leave while Gohan sighed. "We were getting so close. I don't understand." He thought out loud.
Bulma put out her cigarette. It hadn't taken Vegeta long at all to follow after Arata, interested in a spar. Bulma walked over to Gohan and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Arata will open up when she's ready, Gohan." She offered. "It's probably shocking, taking it all in and all."
Gohan nodded. "I hope so." He said. "I'll see you guys later. I'm going to swing by Master Roshi's and the Lookout then I'll go tell Mom. Tell Arata for me, will you?"
"Sure thing, Gohan." Bulma said. "I'll have Vitani and Trunks monitor where you are, so Arata can meet you home. That way you can tell ChiChi the news together."
"Yeah." Gohan smiled as he took into the air.
Bulma, accompanied by the four kids, waved after Gohan. "Tell everyone I said hi!" Bulma yelled.
"See ya." Trunks and Goten yelled after.
After Gohan's figure disappeared, Bulma dismissed the kids from the garage. Before getting back to her work, Bulma informed Arata of what she and Gohan had arranged. Arata simply nodded before continuing with the spar she was having with Vegeta.
Natsuki was slower at following the other three, worried if her mother was alright. Bulma looked at the young girl and smiled. "It'll be alright." Bulma said, kneeling to Natsuki's level. "I'm sure your mother will be more open later. Her father coming back is a lot for her to take in."
"Alright." Natsuki murmured.
Natsuki left the garage and arrived at the living room, where the other three were gathered. Goten was sitting on the couch and Trunks was sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch. Vitani was standing, her hands in fists and an excited look on her face.
"How can you be so sure that Mom will let us compete?" Trunks asked with a raised eye brow.
"Why wouldn't she?" Vitani questioned her brother. "I mean, Dad will insist. Besides, Dad has been training us since we could walk and Mom didn't say anything about it."
"She tried." Trunks murmured.
Vitani huffed before looking at Natsuki. "What about you?" she asked. "Is Arata letting you compete?"
Natsuki pushed her worry for her mother to the side. She nodded, smiling. "Yeah." She said. "Mamma's going to start seriously training me again."
Vitani smirked. "See, if the little girl is competing, then so will we." She said. Vitani's eyes turned into teasing slits. "Or are you scared that you'll lose to me?"
Trunks jumped onto his feet. "You're going to lose to me." He said. "After all," he smirked. "You're still my little sister."
Vitani growled and tackled her brother to the ground. "What about Nat and I?" Goten asked jumping to the ground.
Natsuki nodded. "We have just as much of a chance as you." She argued.
Vitani stopped attacking her brother and looked at Natsuki. "Goten, maybe, but you're the youngest of us all. You wouldn't stand a chance." She said, smirking and her hands on her hips.
Natsuki and Vitani exchanged glares. Natsuki wasn't falling for the trap Vitani was setting. Her mother had trained her to do otherwise in small increments of time after Arata had returned from school. "You want to bet?" Natsuki challenged. "Just because you older doesn't mean a thing."
The two were now face to face. "We'll see then, won't we?" Vitani smirked. Vitani turned away, waving her hand in the air. "Just don't go crying to your Mamma when I bet you."
Vitani hadn't noticed Trunks get up and was now behind her. Before Vitani had time to react, Trunks tackled his sister to the ground, pinning her down. "Why I outta!" Vitani yelled. "Let go of me!"
"Not until you realize that I'm better than you." Trunks said confidently. He hand Vitani's hand pinned to the ground by her wrist.
"You'd have to kill me." Vitani argued, kicking him away. She stood up before looked at Natsuki. "Train hard, little girl. Our match will be one to remember."
Natsuki smirked at Vitani. "We'll just have to see, won't we? After all, miracles do happen." She said, quoting her grandfather's words. Vitani glowered at Natsuki, realizing what she was doing.
-Time Skip-
The spar with Vegeta ended right on time, according to Bulma that is. From what Trunks and Vitani could sense, Gohan just finished talking to Piccolo and company on the Lookout and was heading home. Arata, still not showing her reaction to her father's announcement, gathered Goten and Natsuki and headed out. This time around, Goten sat on the flying nimbus on his own, while Natsuki, cuddled close to her mother, knowing that often calmed her mother down when she was stressed.
Arata sighed, looking at her daughter, holding her tight. "I'm alright, Natsuki." She soothed. "No need to worry. Just thinking, that's all."
Natsuki looked at her mother. "You're thinking too much then." She said.
Arata chuckled and looked at her, meeting her eyes. "Is that so?" she questioned, earning a nod from Natsuki. "Then I must stop, huh?"
"Yeah." Natsuki agreed, nodding seriously.
Arata chuckled again. "Look, its Gohan!" Goten said. "Hey, Gohan!"
Gohan looked behind him and smiled. "Hey guys." He greeted.
Arata raised an eyebrow. "What's got you all grumpy?" she asked.
"How did you-?" Gohan questioned, but was interrupted.
"Our bond." Arata answered. "Ring a bell?"
Gohan hadn't even noticed that Arata had relaxed the bond quite a bit. There was still a portion that was blocked, but it was more open than before. "Krillin nor Piccolo liked my outfit." He grumbled.
"Shocker." Arata said sarcastically.
"I mean, Piccolo wears a turban for crying out loud and those pointy little booties. And who knows what that is he draps over his shoulders." Gohan ranted.
Arata raised an eye brow. "Isn't that what you wore as a kid?" she questioned confused.
"Oh my gosh, I did." Gohan realized. "Now I know why he said my outfit looked ridiculous. He must be jealous."
Arata groaned in frustration. "That's not it." She muttered.
"You know, we haven't even asked our mom if we could compete." Gohan said, switching topics. "Wouldn't that be great? Gohan, son of Goku, and Arata, daughter of Goku, will not be taking part in the World Championships this year because his mommy won't let him."
Natsuki and Goten began giggling at Gohan while Arata rolled her eyes. "You can be so dramatic." She said. "How is it possible that someone who saved the world still has to take orders from our mother?"
Gohan blushed, but didn't say anything else as they made their way back home. ChiChi was in the kitchen, as per usual, and was setting the table when they all walked in. "Arata," she greeted after also greeting her son. "Hope these two weren't a handful."
"Not at all." Arata said as she sat down. Gohan, who got out of his Saiyaman costume, sat down along with Natsuki and Goten. Katsu, who had already been there, raised an eye brow at Arata. He had felt her close off the bond when Arata blocked both the bonds she had with Gohan and Katsu.
"How was your day?" ChiChi asked as she too sat down with the rest.
Gohan smiled. "Good. You won't believe this, but Dad's coming back." He informed.
"What?" ChiChi gasped with wide eyes, standing up again. "Goku's coming back after all this time? This is unbelievable!" Gohan mumbled in agreement. "Oh my goodness, I don't know what to think. Your father is really coming home." ChiChi then leaned towards Goten, who had his mouth full of food. "Good news, son. You get to meet your daddy. Isn't that great?" Natsuki giggled at Goten being hugged by ChiChi while trying to eat at the same time. Arata kept her eyes to her plate as ChiChi put Goten back down and faced Arata. "And you to, Arata! I bet you're excited to see him too after all these years."
Eyes turned to Arata. "Excited isn't my first choice of wording." She muttered.
ChiChi smiled softly at her daughter. "It's alright to be nervous. I'm sure your father is nervous about meeting you again after so long." She tried to sooth.
Arata stabbed the food on her plate. "Can we please stop talking about this!" she huffed. Gohan and Katsu both looked her way. Katsu placed a hand on her back, rubbing lightly, in an attempt to calm her down.
ChiChi determined her daughter's unwillingness to talking about the subject as nervousness. "This is too good to be true. Though I'm in trouble, aren't I? I look so old and Goku probably hasn't aged a bit! People don't age in otherworld, do they? Maybe I should have a facial, get my hair done, and keep myself from crying so my face doesn't get all puffy."
[You're going to have to tell her, Gohan.] Arata reminded him through their bond.
Gohan kept eating his food, as a distraction. [I know, but I'm nervous on how she's going to react.] Gohan agreed reluctantly.
[Just say it, like ripping a Band-Aid off.] Arata offered simply, not lifted her eyes from her food.
"What do you think?" ChiChi asked.
Gohan looked up from his food slightly. "Yeah, sure mom." He said. "And by the way, since Dad's competing in the World Championships do you think Arata and I could compete as well?" ChiChi was still thinking about the return of her husband after seven years. "Hello, Earth to mom."
"Gohan, what are you saying?" ChiChi asked harshly.
"That I'd like your permission to take part in the World Championships and to miss some school so I could train." Gohan mumbled the last part.
"What?" ChiChi demanded. "I accepted you training your sister before you went to school as well as the training to rescue her, but now your studies take priority!" All accept ChiChi cringed at the loudness of her voice. "You want to take time off? What's wrong with you?"
"But Mom, Dad will only be here for a day!" Gohan argued, more like pleaded. "I'll never get this chance again!"
"You'll never get this chance to prepare for college again!" ChiChi disagreed.
Arata wanted to growl and groan at the same time. "Be quiet!" she yelled, catching the attention of both her mother and twin brother. "Look, I honestly don't care about the schooling thing, but Gohan has embedded himself in it and is ahead of the class as it is." Gohan smiled, encouraging his sister to continue. "Besides, from what I understand, the winner of the tournament received a prize."
"Yeah, 10 million zeni." Gohan smiled nervously at his mother. "It'll be like getting a big scholarship."
Arata cringed again when hearing her mother's scream. "You could get a PhD with that kind of cash! The both of you." ChiChi referenced her twin children. "My son, a PhD. Of course you can compete, Gohan." While ChiChi went back into thinking, Gohan was laughing nervously while having a hand where his heart should be.
[That went better than I thought.] Gohan informed his sister, still smiling.
[That was better?] Arata looked startled at her brother.
After cleaning up, ChiChi headed to bed along with Goten, Natsuki, and Katsu. When Katsu asked if she was going to bed, she claimed she'd follow later. Gohan watched as his sister walked outside and he quickly followed her.
Upon exiting the Son Household, Gohan saw his sister sitting against the outside wall of the home. "May I?" Gohan asked.
Arata didn't look at him. "Nothing's stopping you." She murmured.
They stayed in silence for a bit, enjoying the peacefulness of the woods around their home. Gohan kept his eyes to the sky. "Talk to me, Arata. You're blocking me out a bit." He said quietly. "When Dad said he was coming back, I thought you'd be ecstatic, happy at seeing him again."
"Everyone says that." Arata murmured slightly angry.
Gohan turned to look at her. "What's on your mind?" he asked, concerned.
Arata sighed, facing her brother. "It's not that I'm not happy about it, Gohan." She sighed. "It's just there are so many emotions I felt when Dad announced he'd be coming back that-well-how do I put this?" Arata groaned in frustration and ran her hands over her face. Gohan put an arm around his sister's shoulders. "I don't know how to feel about it, Gohan."
"Talk it out." Gohan said. "That usually seemed to help.
"At one point, I'm happy as you said that I'll be seeing him again. But just as I reveal in my happiness for the first time in my life, reality hits me again and I'm forced to look at what I've done." Arata voiced.
Gohan furrowed his eye brows. "Arata, Dad doesn't care what you've done." He said. "Dad sounded happy, hearing your voice and knowing you were safe. He knows what you've been through and he isn't going to contradict you for it. That just isn't who he is."
"And that's the same thing I thought of our mother." Arata argued angrily before sighing. "Gohan, I just don't want another bad reunion again."
Gohan hugged her to his side. "Dad's like an angel." He murmured. "When you're around him, you feel good inside." Gohan let go of his sister and stood up. "You'll see." When Arata didn't reply, Gohan sighed. "Get to bed soon, Arata. Training starts tomorrow!" Gohan gave Arata one last smile before retiring to bed.
Arata looked up to the stars. "You still don't understand, Gohan." She murmured to herself. "Even if Dad thinks nothing of my past, nothing really changes." Arata looked at her feet again. "I'll just be losing him all over again."
A.N.: Let me know what you think of this chapter.
Likes? Dislikes? General Opinions?
So, Goku's coming back and Arata doesn't know how to take it. How do you think she'll react to seeing Goku in person after reading this chapter?
R.Q.: Anyone remember the "incident" that Mirai Pan mentioned in Book 2 after Mirai Natsuki exited the time chamber? What do you think that "incident" involved? Natsuki and Vitani have declared a challenge. Who, in your opinion, is your favorite for winning?
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, Arata, and Katsu prepare for the tournament with Arata still feeling apprehensive about seeing her father in person. Videl and Goten learn how to fly via Gohan and Arata respectively. And Natsuki asks Katsu for some help with a technique.
Stay tuned!
