Disclaimer:- I don't own Dragon Ball and related series or products.
Note: Due to a glitch in FFN, I was forced to delete and re-upload chapters 5 to 9. I apologize for the inconvenience.
-ooooooo-
The teacher concluded the lecture on thermodynamics, the last forty minutes of hearing her voice as well as word-to-word recitation of the contents of the chapter had left most of the aspiring graduates teetering on the edge of staying conscious or succumb to the wonderful temptation of sleep.
'Well, can't fault them' Gohan mused while placing his book inside the bag. The voice of the teacher was unnaturally flat, the nearly monotonous tone only highlighting it, and coupled with the way she was just reading the chapter without elaborating anything was downright…
"It was booriiing…", Erasa groaned, her torso sprawled over the desk and her folded arms cushioning her head from the hard surface.
"Nope, it was quite good," Came the immediate reply from Sharpener. The muscleful blond had his eyes slightly widened and totally glued towards their teacher who was in late twenties.
Videl shook her head at the dreamy look that was apparent on the visage of Sharpener, "Only for you. She is your favourite teacher after all."
An amused smile made its way on Gohan's face. It wasn't a secret - not even in the slightest - that Sharpener had a huge crush on their physics teacher. However on the other hand, the blond had displayed similar tendencies towards all the good looking females in the school. In fact, being the only person in the school to shamelessly flirt with Videl Satan of all. He's persistent though.
"I bet even Gohan found it boring." Gohan turned his head towards Erasa who was looking at him expectedly.
Gohan shrugged, "It was."
Immediately, the tube top clad girl turned towards the muscleful blond, her nose held high amplifying the triumphant look on her visage, "See, even the genius agrees with me."
"That's because he had most likely read this topic more than a decade ago." Videl noted, a small but playful grin directed at him. Initially, she was a bit surprised when Gohan had told her that the major reason he was attending the school was to make friends, and that he knew the entire syllabus like the back of his hand, having had learnt it years ago.
However, that suddenly started making sense. There was no reason for him to join this school when he could have just graduated by taking the exams.
Erasa's triumphant look was immediately replaced by a slightly confused and surprised look, and whatever Sharpener wanted to say, apparent from his opened mouth, didn't follow; the blond's mouth began closing and opening like a fish before he managed to utter, "R-really?"
There was no harm in telling the truth. Gohan reasoned to himself. It wasn't a big deal if compared to his other secrets. Moreover, his performance in the class in every subject was a dead giveaway.
Gohan simply nodded.
"Un-fuckin-believable…", Sharpener shook his head while raking his hand through his hair, "What were you then, five? six?
"... I was six,'' The surprised as well as awed look that appeared on the faces of both the blondes was even more intense than that on Videl's when he had told her about how he had finished the entire school curriculum more than a decade ago. It was the first time Gohan had seen the blue eyed girl with a slack jawed expression.
However, that was to be expected. These school kids were not used to seeing someone of his calibre. He was a lot more advanced than others of his age. Thanks to mom.
Both the blondes continued to look at Gohan for some seconds with Videl supporting an amused look on her visage.
"H-how?" Finally, Erasa broke the silence, her expression still remaining the same.
"My mom can be a… uh… bit persuasive." Nobody knew that better than him. She had really outdid herself during that one year. Immediately, when he had returned from Namek, the books of all subjects were piled on his desk, and he was given a time-frame to finish them.
You have already slacked off enough by going to that useless space trip.
Seriously nothing mattered to her, at that time, except his study. They had effectively prevented the future genocides, protected countless species and flicked the death on its nose by engaging that monster Frieza but she hadn't even baited an eye to that. To her, the planet's very present could have been in danger and future - nonexistent, but she would have made him learn its history.
"But that doesn't explain… "
"Quiet all of you…" Sharpener was cut off by the monotonous tone of the teacher, "It's time for the current affairs in the world of science."
A couple of students immediately leaned forward on their desks, Gohan himself followed the suit. He had found the current affairs topic really interesting. Despite being already at a very advanced level in all the subjects, the current affairs were totally anew for him.
He got totally into this new topic when the teacher, three days ago, had told about the space program commenced by the government six months ago, the shuttle having had already crossed two times the previous distance on its mission to reach near sun. Needless to say, knowing the daily developments in the field of science was a refreshing experience. Books only gave static knowledge.
The teacher picked a fist sized device, and after inserting a memory chip, pressed the button. Immediately, the white board lit up with a myriad of colors indicating the initialisation.
A blop was heard before what looked like the myriad of colors finally settled onto black with many white dots nearly all over it. The only thing standing out was a totally black area the size of a baseball – simply devoid of any white dot.
"This…", The teacher pointed towards the picture with the photosensitive pen in her hand, "is an extract from the image of our neighbouring Andromeda galaxy. The image was released by SSA two days ago in the science gazette."
The teacher, then, made a circular motion over the black area with her pen, "And, this area – officially termed as void – is what pertains to be the subject matter of today's current affairs. According to the gazette, the scientists detected this void around five years ago. It was highly unusual, as well as unprecedented, that in a cluster of heavenly bodies, an area was simply devoid of them."
She took the class in a panoramic view, making sure that they were listening while giving an 'evil eye' to one of the jocks in the last row, before shifting her gaze towards the board, "As I was saying, the unusual discovery led the scientists collaborate their efforts and after five years of observation from different points on Earth, they were able to put the image together. The subsequent observations revealed that this void is spread over several light years and its size has increased over the years…"
Gohan's eyes slightly widened. She couldn't mean…
"... implying the cessation of existence of the heavenly bodies in its wake. The exact cause is unknown but there have been sporadic sightings of some green light. The scientists are totally convinced that this mysterious green light is somehow involved in this. Any questions?"
Nobody raised any, in fact most of the class was looking towards the clock – a blatant indication that they humbly wanted the teacher to get out of the class.
"Alright. That's all," The teacher picked up her possessions and left the class, most of the boys shamelessly staring at her posterior.
'Pigs' Videl mused, her thoughts totally displayed at her face for all of them to see. Shaking her head, she turned towards her group of friends, "Let's go. I want to grab the seat under the oak tree."
Erasa and Sharpener immediately followed, grabbing their carry bags and a purse too, in case of Erasa.
However, Gohan's eyes were firmly glued on the now white board. The whole void thing hadn't settled all too well with him. Being a part of a space adventure when he was just five years old and then his work in Capsule corporation had aroused and maintained his interest in the cosmos. And, from that experience and his instincts, he knew a growing void in the cosmos wasn't feasible at all. Not to mention those green lights…
"Gohan, you coming?"
The demi-saiyan blinked out of his thoughts hearing Erasa calling his name. Immediately nodding towards them, he picked up his bag and rushed towards them.
-ooooooo-
"So books…" Gohan sighed at his new nickname from the muscle-bound blonde but listened anyway, "... your mom made you learn all the high school stuff as a brat?"
Gohan, with his mouthful of rice, only managed to nod. Why is he talking about studies? It's lunch period for Dende's sake.
"Wow! She must have been a great student," Erasa's chirped excitedly "Did she also top in her college or was it a uni?"
This was becoming difficult day by day. All these secrets were really taking a toll on him. He had thought that the other teenagers would be like him – minding their own business and not asking a lot of questions everytime something new popped up. But that wasn't the case here.
But he could understand Erasa's curiosity. For him to be so advanced from homeschooling only, his mom ought to have a bright academic record. However, he couldn't tell them that his mom was also homeschooled but from the best teachers in the Ox-kingdom.
If this tidbit of information was revealed, it wouldn't be long before he had to spill everything about him here only. Videl's inquisitive nature and Erasa - being the top agent of the school's gossip network - would definitely see to that. Please bear with me. I don't want to hide it but this isn't the right place.
"Uh… yeah. She graduated from the college in Ox kingdom."
"Great!" The blonde girl exclaimed happily before digging into a couple of salad items.
"Come to think of it, Why didn't you join the college there? It would have definitely saved you the commute."
As usual Videl always had a question. Though, this time he had a genuine reason – something that he was really glad of – meaning he wouldn't have to lie.
"I want to join the Orange Star University, and as you know, they have a reservation as well as scholarship for the OSH students. Moreover, I wanted to see the city life for myself," That was at least true, Gohan reasoned to himself. Orange Star University funded Orange Star High, that's why it provided some perks to students joining from the school.
Videl nodded and busied herself in the lunch. Seeing this, Gohan sighed in relief before digging into his own lunch. Ten minutes passed in near silence, the only sounds being the slurping and chewing of the food items.
"Done," The bubbly blonde chirped after finishing her food before the others, only having a light meal to stick to her dieting schedule. Videl and Sharpener finished a couple moments later. Only Gohan continued, totally oblivious to his surroundings.
Videl started watching Gohan as he was busy eating. He lives in the middle of nowhere, have been homeschooled. So how come he tops even in the practical work. She couldn't help but voice, "Gohan… ", The demi-saiyan looked up, some noodles hanging from his mouth before he all but inhaled them, "... You have been homeschooled yet you are the best when it comes to the lab work. You get what I mean?" Out of habit, her eyes narrowed - something which he had termed as Videl Stare.
"Yeah, Mountain boy. The chemicals and equipment are not available for home use. So how? Or do you have a secret lab in the basement?" Sharpener voiced in accord with Videl, a small grin – teetering towards the cocky side – on his face.
But before he could even open his mouth, Erasa squealed, clapping her hands, "Wouldn't it be great!? The best cutie in the school is also a super secret scientist!"
Gohan slightly blushed at being called 'cutie' and was about to laugh at the absurd notion but again caught the Videl Stare directed at him. His hand inadvertently reached the back of his head, and he started chuckling nervously – an instinctive action when put on the spot.
Crap! how do I get out of this? Gohan tried to think of many ways to answer this question, but after a few moments of mulling, he realised he couldn't. He just couldn't fault them there as he too knew very well that the only way to reach his level of efficiency was by working in… a lab. Wait! May be I can… yes that'll be great. It will also help me in the future.
Steeling himself for what he was about to reveal, he motioned the trio with his hands to come closer. The three exchanged a look before leaning on the table, closing the distance between them.
Gohan, looking around once, released a breath. "Uh… what I am going to tell you, you can't reveal it to anybody, " he looked at them expectedly. Videl had her left eyebrow raised, Sharpener had his head tilted towards right and Erasa mouth had formed an 'O'. When he continued to look at them with those pleading eyes, the trio, once more exchanging glances, shrugged and nodded.
Gohan nodded with a sigh, the relief apparent on his face. "Now first of all, I don't have a secret lab in the basement," he began with an awkward chuckle, hoping to calm his frantic nerves, "As for how I know all this… I might've kinda went through an apprenticeship in… Capsule Corporation."
The trio gave him a blank stare for a couple of seconds before Videl's eyes totally widened, Sharpener's jaw parted in surprise, but nothing could have prepared him for the blonde girl's reaction.
Erasa's eyes widened to the point that they would drop out of their sockets, her mouth parting to the point that her skin almost stretched to the point of tearing. Then she visibly shuddered. Immediately, as if launched of a springboard, the girl jumped from her chair.
Time slowed down for the demi-Saiyan. He watched with terrified eyes and pale face as the busty blonde brought her left hand from her side towards him, the index finger directly aimed at him, and the wide open mouth making it totally obvious to see when her tongue recoiled that she was about to squeal LOUD.
Gohan braced himself. Please don't let her shout. Don't let her shout. Don't let her shout… he started repeating the mantra.
Videl, who had her eyes totally glued at Gohan and though surprised but not shocked, noticed his reaction. Shit!
Realising what was going to happen, the blue eyed girl immediately jolted out of her seat and grabbed the elongated arm of her super-excited friend while simultaneously clamping over her shoulder and pulling her down in the seat. Videl's reaction also stimulated Sharpener into action and he followed by clamping his hand over Erasa's mouth.
Gohan held his breath as the blonde girl squirmed in her seat, her wide eyes having a haunted look. Only the combined efforts of Sharpener and Videl were holding her down.
"Mmmph! mmmpphh! mmmphhhh!"
Gohan silently cursed himself and was about to second guess his decision of revealing this information in school of all places, when Erasa, after struggling in her seat for a few minutes, calmed down.
"You okay, Erasa?" A nod was the answer before Videl retreated her hands. Seeing this Sharpener also pulled his hand back and started furiously scrubbing it with tissues. However, the culprit in question didn't even spare a glance at him. Her eyes totally locked on the target, she immediately leaned forward on the table. "You have been to THE capsule corporation? Oh my gosh! Oh my GOSH! OH MY GOSH! You have to tell me all the details. Did you meet THE Bulma Briefs? How does she look in person? Is she married? Does she really have blue hair?"
Gohan glanced around in mild panic but, to his relief, everybody was busy with their own tasks. Glad nobody heard that. Then he shared an uneasy glance with the remaining duo who only gave him an apologetic look.
What'd I gotten myself into? Gohan questioned himself before finally looking towards the bubbly blonde who had an expectant look on her face.
-ooooooo-
Ten minutes of questions and answers later which mostly involved about Bulma's fashion sense – hair, clothes and some other … err… embarrassing things, Erasa was totally satisfied, the dazed look on her face with a smile was a definite giveaway.
Shaking his head, Gohan looked towards his other two friends who were definitely waiting with their own questions. At least she isn't glaring.
Videl definitely wanted to sate her curiosities but after seeing him survive through Erasa's interrogation, she decided to mellow down a bit.
"So, Gohan… ", The demi-Saiyan nodded, "how did you manage to grab an apprenticeship in the most innovative corporation in the world?"
"Yeah. It's totally surprising for someone coming from the middle of nowhere. No offense."
Gohan waved the muscleful blond. "None taken. As for the apprenticeship, two years ago, Cc had invited applications from aspiring scientists around the globe. Innovative ideas, theories, designs; anything was welcome. I sent mine and was selected." That was totally true. What wasn't that the whole affair was just to rope him into the Cc as his mom was too proud to ask for any help from any of his father's friends. It could have been done more simply but that was Bulma for you. That woman did nothing short of grand.
"And what did you send them?" Videl asked with a raised eyebrow. It wasn't daily that you came to know that your new friend managed to come on the top of the list of thousands of aspiring people to become a part of Cc.
"The theoretical designs of some new hovercrafts, reduction of gas emissions among some other things."
"Cool," Sharpener nodded amazed, "So, those designs remained just theories or what?"
"Nope. They were totally worked upon and mass produced. Videl's jet-copter is one of them." Being a part of Cc since he was a kid, he had learnt a lot of things and by the time he was sixteen, he was already helping in some projects.
"Wow! That's simply amazing. My jet-copter is one of the finest there in the market and to know someone of my age was involved in the production…" Videl trailed off with a smile on her face.
"Yeah books. Your future is like totally brighter than the bulb in my room." Gohan chuckled at the absurd comparison but nodded nonetheless.
"So, is it still going? The apprenticeship, I mean."
Gohan was about to reply affirmatively to the dark haired girl but stopped when Erasa immediately snapped his gaze towards him, the gaze of a predator in her eyes setting off the alarms in his head. "Uh… No. It ended a few months before the school."
He felt slightly guilty at the disheartened look on the ever-cheerful girl's face, but he couldn't afford anymore squealing and another barrage of questions from Erasa for the time being. I will definitely take you guys there. Just give me a little more time.
The bell rang indicating the end of the lunch period and the four picked up their belongings and proceeded towards the school building.
"Hey Gohan… ", The demi-Saiyan turned his head towards Videl, "Are you free after school?"
"Apart from the homework, I guess I am."
"Great! So you can spare a trip to Banana Island, right?"
Confusion dawned over Gohan's face immediately. "A trip? You mean for a picnic or something?"
"Well, Duh! so much for the smartest kid in the school." Gohan chuckled nervously, confused though not at all minding the words of the tall blonde. Think Gohan think. What is there on Banana Island? The demi-Saiyan had just begun to think when Videl beat him to it.
"Banana Island holds one of the three jails of Orange Star city. My dad was sentenced there. Every friday we make a trip to visit him. Since you're also our friend, I decided to ask you."
Mr Satan - that man totally trapped himself in the world of lies. Even now Gohan couldn't help but pity him. Sure the man had made a huge blunder but in his eyes everyone deserved a second chance. Though it's only ten years. It could have been worse had we not requested King Furry.
He knew that Mr Satan was in jail but which one; that he hadn't bothered to check. And now, Videl was asking him to accompany them on the trip. Our friendship has definitely improved.
"Ah… Videl, I am really glad that you consider me a good friend but I believe this is a personal matter and I don't want to, you know, impose. I mean, you guys have practically been a family since kids and I…"
Videl stopped Gohan with her hand. "First of all Gohan, we are friends…"
"And we stick through everything," Erasa chimed in with a pleasant grin.
"Totally," Sharpener concluded.
"... Secondly, My dad also kinda wanted to meet you."
Mr. Satan wanted to meet him? That was totally unexpected. He didn't even know Mr Satan. Who am I kidding? Everybody knows Mr. Satan. But he didn't know the man enough to warrant a meeting that too called by the afro-haired man himself.
"Really?" Erasa jumped in with a knowing smile and a glint in her eyes.
"Ugh! Not that Erasa, "The blue eyed girl groaned in annoyance.
Why is Erasa smiling at Videl? Gohan watched their interaction in confusion before chalking it up to another one of the girls' matters and voiced the question in his head. "Your dad wants to meet… me? Sorry I don't understand."
"There is nothing to understand Gohan. It's just that these two… ", Videl gestured towards Sharpener and Erasa, "... are my only friends since childhood. So Dad was a bit surprised on hearing that someone else managed to find his way in the group. Moreover, I think he also wants to meet the person who doesn't judge his daughter from his actions." A slight smile found its way on the dark haired girl's face as she finished.
Oh that's the reason.Though, he could totally understand the man as well as relate to him. His mom was always worried whether he would be able to find some good friends of his age whom he could trust with his secrets. It was definitely worse for Mr Satan whose daughter had to take the brunt of his actions.
"So, will you come?"
Why not? It wasn't like that he would lose anything. Further, if it would assure the man that his daughter was safe and he would always be there for her, there was no reason for him to not agree.
Gohan also felt a bit guilty for not helping the man more. Sure due to their request, Mr Satan's sentence was reduced considerably but he always felt that he could have done more. After all, he could, on some level, also relate to Videl; how it felt to live without your father. The blue eyed girl, though, didn't have her mother also.
"Sure," Gohan nodded with a smile.
-ooooooo-
Ugh! It's been only ten minutes. Gohan groaned looking towards the wall-clock which was clearly mocking them by showing that fifty minutes were still left to the lecture.
His hands behind his head, the demi-Saiyan was totally bored. Glancing to his left, he saw Erasa drawing doodles on her notebook while the male blonde dozing off behind the cover of his book. Then his gaze shifted to the seat beside him which was empty, its occupant having had left to assist the police with some hostage situation.
Gohan hadn't gone because the chief had told Videl that these were some goons who only wanted to have a martial arts match with her, wanting to prove that they were better than her or something like that.
Boy they are in for a surprise. Gohan knew the dark haired girl was easily the strongest human of her generation. And coupled with Ki training that she was receiving from Tien made her totally beyond the level of most of the humans - even with Ki. Moreover, he was keeping tabs on her; if required, he would simply whisk away to her location. Not that she would be happy with him. The girl was definitely proud as well as spirited. He considered himself lucky to get her as a friend.
I view Bardock as a future partner-in-life and all that.
Apparently she viewed him more than a friend. Slight blush appeared on his face. Those words – how many times had they flashed in his mind since the blue eyed girl admitted her feelings to him? The answer… every minute. The girl had taken an interest in his alter-ego but technically it was him. And despite being the son of Goku, he wasn't as clueless as his father regarding opposite sex.
Well, I certainly know marriage isn't a food. Gohan chuckled to himself. Though, not easily able to understand the girls and their mood swings, he knew what dates and marriage entailed to. And, he knew that in a couple of years, he would be of marriageable age, and would have to marry – the only chance being if his mother had a sort of epiphany that marriage would distract her baby boy from his studies.
Maybe that can work. Smiling slightly, he shook his head knowing that it wouldn't be that easy. His mom had already started worrying for the past two years regarding her grandbabies and her worries were also well-placed. His father had met her out of the blue and they had totally gotten along. She loved him very dearly; his father's tendencies as well as constant departures hadn't faded their bond. So, his dad was lucky. So was Vegeta. Though, Bulma always had the knack for extraordinary.
But there had been no girl of his age - apart from Lime who was more like a sister - who could fit in their crazy world; well unless he came to know Videl.
The blue eyed girl was totally something else. She had a will of rock, was proud – something Vegeta would wholeheartedly approve of – She was also kind, caring, honest and always willing to put the safety of others before her. He could imagine his dad, while biting a huge chunk of grilled meat, giving him a thumbs up as in his eyes, these qualities meant total approval.
Regarding his mom, well, she would agree on any girl with a good character and looks – Videl totally checked in both the categories.
But what about me? Gohan questioned to himself as it was his life… His musings halted when he sensed Videl's Ki halting mid-air and began descending.
Videl Satan had reached her destination.
-ooooooo-
Videl could see the barricade erected around the jewellery showroom, the cops and media persons swarming the place. From her position in the sky, She could also make out a horde of civilians flocking the barricade. Any other time, it would have panicked her as these situations had the tendency to teeter into dangerous territories, especially with all the civilians presenting a good leverage over her and the cops but not today.
If anything, she was more thrilled and nobody could blame her. God knew, Videl Satan lived for action, and these situations effectively served for that – not that she wished for them to happen. However, after the entire conspiracy of Cell games came into light, several things had changed in her life.
I am highly disappointed in the police department of this city. The force possess all the tools and means to work against crime; the officials are paid high salaries to compensate for the risk but what I find that Orange Star city police force isn't taking any risks at all, instead resorting to young Videl for even the most frivolous of tasks.
King Furry had practically chewed out the police department when her achievements were brought into light as a defence in the petition against her. The anthropomorphic king was right though. The police force had definitely been slacking and totally dependent on her for the couple past years.
Now, the chief rarely called her; this being the third time in the last two months. The mustached man, having had taken King's words seriously, had asked Yamcha - the martial artist-cum-baseball player to train the cops.
At least they can wash their own laundry now. True, the cops were becoming competent by learning martial arts but she wasn't totally excited about her reduced work. Hence the reason, she made it sure to milk out of it the most every time.
Halting over the top of the ground zero, Videl began lowering her jet-copter. In no time, she landed the aircraft, and after capsulizing it, she walked over to the chief. "Hello Chief."
"Ah, Videl," The white mustached man greeted her with a relieved smile, "I am really glad you made it. God knows, how tiring it was to prevent these idiots from taking any drastic action."
Videl glanced towards the front of the showroom where Teddy and his two goons were standing haughtily. "Are they really asking for a martial arts with me?" Even after all the beatings I have given them in the past.
"Yeah, they have been boasting about it since the moment we arrived; about how they are going to best you with Crane style of martial arts."
And just like that, Videl's demeanor changed, a rather serious expression forming on her visage. "Crane style, huh?"
The chief nodded, weaving his hand on his well-kept mustaches. "We tried to do it ourselves but it seems that my men have a long way ahead; they were easily defeated."
That wasn't unexpected. Videl knew the police force wasn't skilled enough yet to take on the leader of Red Shark Gang by themselves. But this was the least of her concerns. Major being, how did Teddy came to know the Crane Style? Who taught him? Because she certainly knew, Tien didn't. Well only one way to find out.
"Don't worry, Chief. Let me handle it." Nodding, the man stepped aside and taking it as her cue, she strode towards the front of the barricade, the cops parting out of her way. No later, she was standing in front of the showroom, her arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
"Vell, Vell, Vell… ", Teddy stepped forward and started descending the stairs, "If it izn da champion of frauds' daughter."
Videl simply glared at him, not at all rising to the bait.
"Not gonna say anything, girly," Teddy stepped down the last stair and took his place in front of Videl before smirking, "Tho, once am done vid ya, ya won't be able to say anything."
"Last time I checked, you were the one dropped like a sack of potatoes and even before that," A smirk formed on her face, "No, wait. Before that you were begging for mercy, remember?"
The raven haired man narrowed his eyes before chuckling. "I really like yer guts but don't worry, thiz time it'll be totally different."
"Really," Videl cocked an eyebrow, "Because you said the same words five months ago."
"True. But unlike yer fraud of a father, a real martial arts master can do wonders in five months."
Videl again ignored the insult, hoping to make the most out of this conversation. "Oh. And who mightthis real martial arts master be?"
Teddy's smirk widened greatly. "Who else? Master Shin of Crane school of martial arts."
I should have known. Videl berated herself. Who else was it gonna be? Tien had told her of the history of crane school; how it came into origin, and about Master Shin; how that man's unhealthy rivalry with Turtle school had led him to include the ways of assassins and mercenaries in his school. It was definitely a shady part of the school's history but it was related to its origins.
However, if this fool was thinking that by learning martial arts from some old man would assure his victory then he had another thing coming. It wasn't a secret in both the Crane schools – among the veterans – that Tien had long surpassed his own master. So, she was learning from the best.
"Hmm… " Videl let her arms drop to her side, indicating her desire. "Why don't we test how much have you learnt?"
The smirk on his face morphed into an ugly grin. "Very vell," He motioned to his two men, "Get 'er."
Of course it's always the lackeys first. Nevertheless she was ready, though not finding any need to settle into her stance.
The first one – a tall, well built and white skinned guy – rushed at Videl. Clearing the distance, he cocked his arm and with a loud yell swung at her.
Only to stop cold when his face met the hard sole of her shoes, the girl having had lobbed a straight kick at the exact moment. The brute staggered a bit before collapsing on his back.
Videl gracefully bent her leg from the knee joint before placing it nimbly on the ground. As soon as she did though, the next guy – average built, fair skinned and the same height as her – was upon her. However, she was ready.
Sidestepping towards her right, she dodged the crudely thrown punch. A kick to his gut left him doubled over, and an elbow on his head immediately rendered him unconscious.
Turning towards the group boss, she asked smugly, "If that's the result of your training, I already feel sorry for you."
However, Teddy simply chuckled. "C'mon Videl, you of 'ol shoulda know that these guys are fodder. Don worry tho, I'll be da one to beat ya." Teddy immediately settled into his stance.
In your dreams idiot. However Videl's jaw parted in surprise when she saw Teddy settling into Crane style of martial arts…
Literally…
Body erect like a pole, arms stretched in the form of a line with hands hanging limply at the ends and one leg upraised to his waist; Teddy was totally resembling a crane.
I took some liberties and made some changes to the stance. The previous one was a bit… err… different.
Videl couldn't agree more with Tien. In fact, she was really glad that her master had remodeled the stance. There's no way I would have gone with this; legendary stance or not. But it was time, this fool learnt which was the better stance of the two.
Parting her legs and placing one behind another, she slightly crouched. Raising one hand behind her head, she bent her forearm such that her palm was directly over her head. Then she brought her remaining arm in front of her face, her forearm perpendicular from her elbow and palm facing forward, before giving the final touch by curling her fingers in form of claws.
As if on cue, Teddy dashed forward and Videl – as taught by Tien – waited for her opponent to reach her. Teddy, on reaching the dark haired girl, slammed his palm towards her face which Videl immediately parried with her own, the sound of a clap echoing at the point of impact. Immediately, she tried to clasp his hand in hers but the raven haired man hastily slid it down.
So, he isn't all talk. His speed has also improved for his skill level. The blue eyed girl immediately cut her musings and crouched under the kick aimed for her face.
Though, Teddy didn't pull his leg back, instead attempted a couple of kicks at her face, her chest and last one at her throat.
However, Videl was quick and blocked them with her forearm but sidestepped the last one such that it went over her shoulder and immediately she clasped onto it with her arm. Then she smirked.
"I am going with the same attack as last time." Not giving him any time to react, she kicked him hard on his family jewels and he screamed like a girl before dropping out cold.
To think these idiots would learn from last time. Videl shook her head at the sheer stupidity. She also registered some claps and cheers from the public. Though, she couldn't help but savour it all yet at the same time she knew it was a far cry from the status quo ante. However, she wasn't much bothered by these things anymore. Tien had taught her well.
"Thank you Videl," The blue eyed girl turned towards the chief, "We'll take it from here."
"Are you sure? I can help with the hostages."
The chief waved her off. "Hostages were never in danger. They were just tied and locked in a room and only entry to the showroom was blocked by them."
Videl nodded in understanding. "Alright. Later Chief." Bidding him farewell, she de-capsulized her copter and took off towards the school.
-ooooooo-
Gohan shook his head in slight amazement. She is really something else. He had been keeping tabs on the fight. There were three guys who had at least double the amount of Ki than the police officials whom he knew had started training recently. And as usual, she easily disposed them off.
If there were any lingering doubts in his mind about her, they were now clear. She was the best option for him; not that he had anyone else.
Though, he knew that if anything were to happen between them, he would have to come clean with his secrets. Guess I'll invite them over the weekend.
The bell rang indicating the end of the school and he followed the blond duo for the trip to Banana Island.
-ooooooo-
Sorry for the delay. Aside from the reasons I mentioned, I also began reading some dbz fanfics to improve the quality of my writing. However, after reading the quality of work of these stories, I felt demoralised. It took a couple of weeks to find the motivation.
Next chapter features Mercenary Tao Pai Pai - thanks to devilzxknight86 for giving me the right character for the next chapter.
