Disclaimer:- I don't own Dragon ball and related series or products.
-oooooo-
"What about your skills?" Videl asked, a look of determination dawning on her face. To cover the gap between us, I must know where you stand… Son of Goku.
"... Me!" Gohan surprisingly looked at Videl, mouth staying parted after uttering the word.
The blue-eyed girl nodded sharply. "Yeah, your skills," She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "And remember, only truth."
"Before that," Erasa suddenly cut in. "There's a thing that I want to know but you've been too busy in martial arts, I didn't even get a chance to ask," Gohan awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "So, tell me about the Ox kingdom? I know about its history, and King Ox but not about the heirs."
"Sorry Erasa, but nothing much is there to know about," Gohan paused for a moment. "Mom was supposed to be the next in line but she married to dad, so the responsibility fell on Goten and me, but we haven't decided yet."
The blonde girl's face sunken a bit but she nodded nevertheless. Immediately Videl put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Erasa, you'll definitely get the updates; we can thank the media for that." Her mood slightly improving, the bubbly blonde again nodded.
"Okay, Gohan," Videl looked back at the raven-haired boy. "Now, what I asked you."
The raven-haired boy blinked a couple of times. Can't say it was unexpected. The trio had come to know about his heritage which had led to martial arts which were bound to lead to him and his skills. Sighing, he parted his mouth…
"Isn't it obvious?" Sharpener suddenly exclaimed, halting Gohan while shifting the attention to himself. "Mountain boy is definitely a turtle style master." Erasa nodded in accord.
Videl swayed her eyes between both the blondes before inclining her head, more to herself. I should have seen that one coming. He's…
"No, not a master," Gohan voiced, refuting the claims of the male blonde before pausing and waiting for their reactions.
Videl halted her musings, confusion appearing on her as well as the blonde duo's faces, but after a moment, the blue-eyed girl's eyes slightly widened in recognition. "Of course! you must still be learning. I mean, you're the same age as us." The blondes nodded in unison, understanding also appearing over their visages.
Gohan shook his head, slightly smiling. "Nothing of the sort. In fact, I'll never by a master of turtle style."
"What do you mean?" The blue-eyed girl questioned. Does he speaks in riddles when he's at home? "Considering your heritage, you… wait," Gohan looked curiously when Videl seemed to gain another understanding. "Is it… because your dad..."
"My dad?"
"Oh, I get it!" Gohan, Videl and Sharpener turned towards the tank-tube top clad girl. "You would've wanted to learn from your father, but since he's… " she also trailed off.
"No, that's also not a reason," Gohan calmly raised his hand seeing the muscle ful blonde opening his mouth which he closed after a moment. "Listen to me, first," The trio nodded. "I'll never be a turtle style master because I never had the complete training of the style."
He directed his gaze solely upon the male blonde. "Let me ask you a question," Curious, Sharpner nodded. "If you decide to take a student in future, from where would you begin his training?"
"Hmmm… from the beginning, I guess. Ya know, all that training while wearing a turtle shell."
Gohan nodded in affirmation, having heard of the training methods. "Exactly, but I didn't do any of that, and to be a master, one need to cover every step of the training."
"That doesn't really make any sense," The blonde girl voiced after digesting Gohan's words. "You said yourself that you know all the katas and sequences."
"There's more to be a martial arts master than simply learning katas and sequences. Basic training, learning katas, sequences, meditation and much more; every step is as important as the rest."
Silence descending among the group, Videl and Sharpner took their time to digest the words of the raven-haired boy. Erasa, though still unsure, decided not to pursue the topic due to her limited knowledge.
"Hmmm… " Videl mused audibly after a couple of seconds before looking directly at Gohan. "While I agree with Erasa, I also understand your reasoning. Tien mentioned the same thing; per his words 'To be a master martial artist, you must undergo the same training a master did'."
Gohan nodded in affirmation. It's actually interesting; I was worrying for nothing.
"Still… considering the names you're associated with, one would say you are a born master," Sharpner shrugged giving his reasoning.
What?! A picture of a newborn Goten performing Kamehameha appearing in his mind, Gohan barely suppressed his laughter. Well, they asked for it. "Who said I'm not a master?" A cheeky smile made its way on his face, the looks on the trio's faces the source of his amusement.
"Ugh! Now you're being annoying, you said yourself that you're not a turtle… " Videl halted, her mind having analysed the words of the son of Goku. If he isn't a master of turtle style, then could he be…
She's amazing. Just drop her some hints and she's quick to catch on. Gohan mused to himself seeing the gears beginning to turn on the raven-haired girl's face. Once she becomes proficient in Ki, she will be a force to be reckoned with.
"Could it be… that you have mastered some other style?"
Gohan nodded before opening his mouth…
"Woah! That would make you a master of two styles… and now don't begin on that basic training lecture," Sharpner crossed his arms in defiance.
The blue gi clad boy sighed. "Alright. However, make that three; I know three martial arts styles. This is also the reason I didn't do the basic training later on; I simply didn't have the time."
As soon as the words left Gohan's mouth, Sharpner just froze, a blank look on his visage, directed at the raven-haired boy. Videl too tried to speak but found the ability out of her control. I-impossible… here we are facing difficulties in one style only and he is a master of… three?!
Erasa, meanwhile, displayed mild shock before she glanced at her two companions and then at the raven-haired boy. "How?" She paused for a moment. "I too, know it that even if you would have begun at the age of one, learning three martial arts styles is nigh impossible."
Still unable to form any words, Videl and Sharpner settled for bobbing their heads up and down.
It's more amusing than I thought. Controlling his humour, Gohan shook his head looking at the buxom blonde. "It isn't much difficult; you only need to try harder. It's because the foundation of all these styles is the same - Ki and its careful manipulation."
"Regarding the katas, there isn't much difference either; I mean, for a punch, you'll have to extend your arm, a leg for a kick and so on; what matters in all this is the ki control; how better you can use your Ki while performing a specific kata."
"Show us!" Videl all but demanded, visage similar to that of a kid about to get a new toy. Sharpner slightly recoiled at the outburst, glancing at Videl then at Gohan before nodding.
"Uhh… Ki control?"
The blue-eyed girl shook her head but shifted to nodding after a couple of shakes. "That too, but before that, your stances." Hopefully, I will gather something useful.
"Uhh… okay," Gohan stood up before taking a couple of steps back. Breathing in and out, he slightly turned towards right before parting his legs - placing one behind the other.
Crouching, he brought his left hand near above his left eye, fist loosely closed, while bringing his right hand - fist tightly closed - slightly in front of the right side of the abdomen.
Videl, Sharpner and Erasa immediately closed on him, the blondes halting after taking a single round around him while the blue-eyed girl continued for another one, nodding to herself, face scrunched in contemplation.
"Alright," The muscleful blonde voiced loudly. "Bring up the next stance," For a further emphasis, he crossed his arms to give the impression of a judge.
"There's no next stance," Videl noted, taking her place besides the male blonde who along with Erasa, confusedly looked at the raven-haired girl. Gohan, meanwhile, closed his slightly parted mouth. Let's hear what you found out Videl Satan.
The attention of the others on her, Videl pointed towards the feet of the spiky-haired boy. "Do you notice the position of his legs and feet; the distance between them?' She focused her gaze on the male blonde.
"Yeah. That's similar to turtle style."
Erasa nodded in accord, having seen the stance a lot of times. Videl also nodded. "Correct. Now see his upper body? The position of his hands and fists?"
The muscleful blonde briefly glanced at Gohan before looking at Videl, nodding twice. "They are not in position." Videl and Gohan shared a confused glance before the blue-eyed girl looked at Sharpner. "What do you mean?"
"Huh?" Videl Satan of all… confused? Sharpner mused to himself in disbelief. "... It's obvious from his feet that he's using turtle style but doesn't know how to position his hands," He looked at Gohan. "Mountain boy, you need to learn more than basic train… "
The muscleful blonde halted seeing an amused smile on Gohan's face before glancing warily at Videl only to witness her doing a face-palm. "What?"
"Seriously!" Videl shook her head while sighing. "Do you really expect that he," She pointed at Gohan who was now in a relaxed position. "... will not know the stance which is like his birthright?"
"Uhh.." Sharpner unsurely swayed his eyes between Gohan and Videl before settling on the latter. "Ya know, that's what I was thinking. I mean… "
"Leave it," Videl interrupted, raising her hand for emphasis. "Now, as I said that Gohan's feet were placed in the same position as turtle style but hands were not, yet, in his stance, there were no openings which were bound to follow if his stance were wrong," She looked at the male blonde, shooting him a meaningful look.
Idiot… how could I miss that? While lamenting himself, Sharpner nodded in understanding. Getting the response, the blue-eyed girl continued. "So, either one of his stances is almost based on the turtle style which is highly unlikely, or he has amalgamated two or in my opinion, all three of his styles into one."
She looked at the raven-haired boy for final confirmation, determination apparent on her face.
Gohan could only look at her in amazement. Woah! She deduced all that by taking just two rounds… Breathing out, he nodded. "You're right, but why do you believe it's all three stances and not just two?"
"If you can combine two stances then why not all three? I mean, I would if I were in your place," VIdel shrugged. "If there's a place for improvement, why ignore it?"
… Damn! "Right," Gohan voiced after a couple of moments. "Videl's correct. The stance I use is derived from three styles - Turtle style, Demon style and Oozaru style… "
"Turtle," Sharpner voiced, the word coming out from an instinct.
"Demon," Videl added, trying the foreign word on her tongue.
"...Oozaru..." Erasa finished. Why… did I just say that? She mentally shrugged after a moment.
"Yeah. Demon style is the first stance I learnt before learning turtle stance, and Oozaru stance was the last; I learnt it during the last three years." Even now Gohan found it hard to believe that Vegeta of all had agreed to his request of learning the home style of Saiyans. Guess, he realises we are the last of his race.
"Why demon style took priority?" Videl asked, the raven-haired boy looking at her curiously. "I mean, you should've learnt turtle style before any other. Moreover, how come your dad agreed?"
"He didn't," Gohan replied. "Dad was on a year long trip, and I had to begin my martial arts training, so my mentor who is dad's friend, took up on my training." That's not totally wrong.
"Alright," Videl nodded, satisfied with the response. The raven haired boy could be called as one of the luckiest guys for being born into the group of the only people in the world who were recognizable for their Ki mastery.
"But why learn three? I know, most martial artists only learn one and improvise it."
Gohan contemplated for a moment, before looking at the muscleful blonde. "I guess I just had the interest and chance."
"Figures you'll treat even martial arts as studies," Sharpner rolled his eyes as Gohan just smiled.
"So… is there any difference among these styles or as you said, they are almost the same?" Erasa, having finally found something of her interest, voiced curiously.
"Yeah, I also wanted to ask the same thing," Videl voiced in accord with Erasa. Sharpner also looked ready to hear whatever the raven-haired boy would say.
Gohan contemplated for a couple of seconds. "There is; the difference lies in the mindset…" He scrunched his face for a moment. "... Or a better word would be 'essence' of these styles. Like turtle style has the best defense out of the three styles I know."
"It's essence can be called as patience; the person must not act in haste and try to find a weakness before acting on it,"
The trio nodded after some moments, Videl a couple more times. "Patience, not acting in haste," The others looked at the blue-eyed girl, her audible musings bringing curiosity on their faces. "Just like a turtle, of course!"
"... What?" The tank tube top clad girl shot Videl a weird look.
"Look at this; patience, not acting in haste; all these traits can somehow be related to a turtle; you get what I mean?"
"Absolutely!" Gohan immediately exclaimed, visage morphing into that of sheer astonishment. "Ya know, I always used to think why the style was named on a turtle; I mean, a turtle is slow and all that, but now, I can totally relate." I wonder if anyhow Umigame is related to this…
"But why almost all the old school styles names are based on animals?" Erasa looked at the others. "It's weird."
Videl and Gohan nodded in understanding while Sharpner shrugged before looking at the raven-haired boy. "What about your other stances?"
"Before that," Gohan fixed his gaze on the male blonde. "Make sure to remember in future what I told you about the turtle style. That day in school, you were the one to rush in your spar with Videl; also you panicked when she increased her speed."
"That totally goes against your learning," Gohan added. The male blonde looked ready to protest before he suddenly sighed and nodded.
"Alright, now about the oozaru stance or great ape stance; we can relate it to strength just like Videl pointed," The trio nodded. "This stance has the best offense. Basically, it follows 'Don't wait for a weakness but create one yourself."
As soon as the words left the raven-haired boy's mouth, a look of sheer awe and determination appeared on Videl's face while Sharpner did a fist pump. This is my kinda style; whoever created this style must be the most badass person on the planet.
Erasa, seeing their reactions, rolled her eyes. Fighting fanatics.
Gohan, on the other hand, couldn't help but sweatdrop. Kami forbid if they ever met Vegeta… though I wonder how Vegeta would feel knowing that he might have a fanbase.
The demi-Saiyan cleared his throat, the trio looking at him attentively. "So, about the last stance; it's from the style I mastered - demon style. Now, this stance is a bit different from the others."
"How so?" The blue-eyed girl asked immediately. What could be different? Is this the reason he chose this style?
"While this style also has a really good defense and offence, but it is mostly based on strategies which can be called as its essence."
"Basically my mentor says 'a battle is rarely a battle of strength; more often, it's a battle of wits.
When the opponents are matched in strength, the one to pull better strategy wins. Similarly, for the weaker opponent to tackle the stronger one, he'll have to use brains to compensate for brawns, follow that?"
"Yeah," Erasa voiced, a hand supporting the chin. "That's actually plausible… matching brawn with brains…" She trailed off, face still contemplated.
"True. In fact, I can see why the style is named so," Videl pointed out. "In the folklore and myths, demons are said to be really cunning and witty." Gohan slightly crinkled his eyes for a moment before nodding. "You're right." Piccolo didn't actually name the stance from his father's stories… or did he?
"But... " The muscleful blonde contemplated for some moments. "Don't all the styles… uhh… contain the element of strategies?" The others turned towards the male blonde, surprise written over their faces. "What?" He asked, shooting them a weird look.
"You… actually asked a decent question," Erasa voiced, an expression of mock-disbelief on her face. Videl nodded, adopting a serious visage herself while Gohan tried to imitate her but failed.
"Ha Ha" Sharpner shot them a glare, crossing his arms before tilting his head towards the left.
The others chuckled in amusement seeing the look on the male blonde's face before Videl turned towards the raven-haired boy. "So, what Sharpner asked… " She titled her face in expectation.
"While it's true... that most of the styles contain the element of strategy but only passively, and that too, depends on the person using the style. Further, if a strategy is used, it's mostly to deal with a single situation."
Just like yesterday… When I tried to use that tree branch on Tao. Videl thought to herself while agreeing with the spiky-haired boy.
"However, demon style was created with elements of perception; every action from the beginning is done with a purpose or rather to lead towards a purpose," Gohan gave them a look which clearly read 'That's all'.
Amazing… he's the same age as us yet holds such perception into the martial arts… If it were six months ago, I would've labelled him as a trickster… Videl shook her head. To think I missed this much… still, it's never too late to learn. "Gohan, Let's spar."
"W-what?" The demi-Saiyan blinked a couple of times. Did I hear that right… she really wants to…
"... That's what I would've normally said, but from the discussion we had today, I clearly know you're out of my league so, some other time," She chuckled seeing the clear relief that appeared on his visage.
Don't worry Gohan, I have learnt today that you won't willingly fight with your friends, and I respect that so, maybe some other day when you're ready… "Though, I am sure you can give some pointers to us; that will suffice for now."
"Yeah," Sharpner supported. "I can definitely use some of that in my training."
The three of them turned towards Erasa who only shrugged. "I can always use this for self-defense if not more; It isn't like I don't do martial arts."
"Alright," Gohan nodded. "Give me a moment," Okay. Now, where to start from? Hmmm… either I can… A picture of Videl doing a roundhouse kick flashed in his mind. I got it. "So… I guess I can give you some pointers about basics, and a demonstration of Ki control, that'll suffice, right?"
Videl, Sharpner and Erasa shared a glance before nodding to one another, the blond girl shifting her visage towards the spiky-haired boy. "Fair enough."
"Okay," Gohan began. "Now, the first thing I want you three to avoid is using flashy moves," He halted for a moment. "Basically, moves such as jumping kicks, crescent kicks sure provide the element of strength but they leave you wide open."
He looked towards the male blonde. "In your spar on my second day in school, do you remember what happened when you tried a spinning kick?"
The muscleful blonde narrowed his eyes for a moment before nodding. "I get it; my back was the blind spot." and I paid for that.
"Correct, and in a battle, when even a minor slip up can decide the victory, such moves practically make you hitting target."
That's really a fact. Videl mused to herself. In Crane school, Tien and other junior masters seldom used such moves, she was sure of that. What I wouldn't give to see their fight in slow motion.
"I think I can relate," Sharpner added. "Krillin also said something similar, his words were 'Some moves should only be used when you're sure of the hit or you're faster than your opponent."
Gohan gazed at the male blonde. "True, and don't worry you'll learn as you progress in your training," He took in the visage of Videl and Sharpner and Erasa. "Moving on, the other major things are avoid rushing in a battle; once you learn the use of your other senses, rely on them."
What else? Gohan thought for a second. "And, make sure to train your mind; it's as important as your body… that's all, I guess. So, shall we move on to Ki-control?"
"Sure," Videl voiced, a twinge of excitement apparent in her voice. Finally, he's gonna use Ki. Besides her, the blondes settled for nodding. Immediately, Gohan swayed his eyes around the clearing. What to use… hmmm… His gaze landed on the river, his eyes slightly widening in acknowledgement.
"Come here," Gohan suddenly voiced, stepping closer to the river, the trio following. "Look carefully," The trio nodded once. Not wasting any time, the demi-Saiyan cocked back his hand and punched the air above the river water.
Not a second later, the flowing water churned heavily as if someone had thrown a huge rock into it, cracks also appearing alongside the edges of the river. Erasa, Sharpner and Videl's mouth parted in awe and surprise.
To see it with my own eyes… Videl mused to herself in amazement. Sure Tien and other junior master also used Ki but only when they fought seriously; she couldn't even see them, but this was just otherworldly.
Gohan crouched, the eyes of the trio following his every moment. As soon as the water settled, the demi-Saiyan tapped the surface of the water with his index finger. To the trio's sheer disbelief, the water parted in the form of a cylinder the diameter of at least two basketballs.
Erasa leaned forward for a better view but only got a glimpse of the ground below the river before water refilled the partition. This must be at least 8 feet deep if not more, and…
"What. , mountain boy?"
Having already seen their reactions, Gohan didn't even blink. "You tell me?"
The male blonde glanced at the river for some moments, face scrunched, before looking at the raven-haired boy. "Ki control… " Seeing their deadpan expressions, he shrugged. "You used Ki, I know that, though, how... " His voice faded away.
Gohan sighed before looking at Erasa who voiced after a moment. "I think the amount of Ki varied… your strength too considering the way you punched first and then only tapped, that's all I know."
Gohan shook his head. "The amount of Ki was the same both times," He shifted his vision towards the remaining girl who looked more confident than others. "You used Ki and in same amounts too so… I'll say in the second attack, it was more refined… "
"Collected," Gohan suddenly cut in, the blue-eyed girl halting before looking confusedly. "Collected is the word I will use. In the first attack, I released Ki as a burst, the effect though widespread wasn't powerful; it only affected the surface."
"However, the second time, I released Ki as a controlled attack; the effect being concentrated was more powerful, follow that?" Gohan halted, shooting them an expectant look.
Videl found herself agreeing, understanding the process as explained by the spiky-haired boy. "Yeah, and, all this was Ki-control?"
"Indeed. My intention was to show that Ki attacks can be substituted for strength as well as distance, just as I told you."
Videl again nodded. The first punch had more force yet the result was not as powerful but covered more distance. It'll be handy in knocking down a lot of opponents.
Whereas the second attack was deadly. I wonder… what will happen if…
"Hey, if we join the attacks?" Sharpner suddenly exclaimed, Videl halting her musings looking expectantly towards the raven-haired boy. "If we punch hard while using the Ki like in second attack… " He lifted his eyebrows in expectation.
For me, several miles of area would've caved in. "We can; it'll increase the force and range of the attack." Gohan waited as the trio nodded before he slightly smiled. "Okay, now… "
GOHAAANNN! MOM IS CALLING FOR LUNCH… COME ON! OR I GET TO EAT ALL THE FOOD… YAYYYY!
All of them turned towards the east when a child's voice echoed throughout the skies. Suddenly, the chuckles of Gohan filled the clearing causing the other to look at him. "That's Goten; my younger brother; he gets very excited when it comes to food."
Erasa visage morphed into that of excitement. "Oooh! I can't wait to meet him; he must be a cutie considering he's your brother."
The demi-Saiyan blushed, rubbing the back of his head before clearing his throat nervously. "Anyway, let's go before he eats all the food."
Videl fell in line with Gohan before looking at him out of the corner of her eye. "A kid eating the food of four grown ups… "
"Five considering his mom," The bubbly blonde added.
"Yeah, five; you seriously expect us to believe that," Videl chuckled. "C'mon!"
Oh! You won't know what hit you.
-oooooooo-
They were walking through the forests, trees of varied sizes greeting them all around. Fresh leaves of green to yellowish color to total brown were covering the space between the trees, the sound of rustling was reverberating through the forest area as they walked over.
"So, Gohan," The blue-eyed girl looked at the taller boy beside her. "Why didn't you help me yesterday? You could've defeated Tao in a moment?"
"Ya know, this question is also bothering me," Erasa added, also looking at him. "I know hiding your heritage couldn't be that big of a reason considering you revealed it later on."
"Yeah, my secrets definitely conflicted my thoughts but," Gohan looked at them. "I wanted Videl to gain the experience… "
"Experience? " The muscleful blonde interrupted, scoffing. "Of what? How it feels to get punched in the stomach or… Ow!" Sharpner rubbed his sore arm before gazing at Videl. "What was that… " He halted seeing the glare on her face before pouting.
"Anyway," Gohan continued, shaking his head. "What I meant was that real life battles differ from spars with friends as you often know their fighting styles and all that; sure growth is there but it's limited."
"But in real life battles, it's either a do or die kinda situation, so the experience gained during that is what makes you truly stronger while helping you know your limits."
The blondes and Videl nodded before she glanced at the spiky-haired boy. You're really wise Gohan but… what did you face for… She halted when the said boy looked at them, his face apparently indicating his desire to speak.
"What about you guys? Erasa told me how you got selected in your martial arts schools but how did you approach Tien and Krillin?'
Videl and Sharpner glanced at each other before the blonde gestured the blue-eyed girl to speak who looked back at Gohan. "It all began at the arena six months ago. When Tien and Krillin announced to open their schools in the city, we knew it was our chance."
"Two weeks later, Tien and Krillin organised a sort of entrance test and since we applied together, we were made to spar with each other. Both of them judged us from that only, the rest you know, I guess."
The demi-Saiyan inclined his head. "And what have you learned so far?"
"Hmmm… so far I've done the basic training, learned the different Katas and their execution, a bit of history about the Crane school, still learning meditation; it only looks easy," Gohan chuckled. "And… I spar with the junior masters from time to time."
Taking Videl's silence as an indication, the muscleful blonde cleared his throat. "Same with me but since there are no junior masters, Krillin and his wife become our sparring partner."
"Woah!" Erasa suddenly exclaimed. "His wife's a martial artist too?" Female martial artists were limited and more limited were Ki using female martial artists, so Krilllin's wife was a surprising element.
"Yeah," Gohan replied for Sharpner. "A really strong one."
"A really hot one too."
"Try saying that before Krillin or his wife," Videl smiled in victory while shaking her head once seeing the way the male blonde's face slightly paled. Who am I kidding? Of course he would've said that. "Anyway Gohan, Why can't we both access our Ki? Our masters just asked us to be patient."
"Give me a moment," Gohan extended his senses, scanning the Ki reserves of the duo. "Hmmm… you've got the required Ki levels… I guess, you need something else."
"Something else?" Sharpner muttered
"Yeah. A more suitable word can be 'trigger' - A situation or an experience which stimulates your body to release Ki. More often, martial artists face a block which can only be lifted in a dire situation."
"Can you help?" The blue-eyed girl asked hopefully, Sharpner also nodding.
I'm sure you won't like being thrown at a cliff. Gohan shook his head, giving her an apologetic expression, not speaking any further.
Further conversation was cut off when they reached near the clearing. Immediately, an aroma of multiple flavours invaded their noses. Inhaling, Erasa sighed in relief. "Finally. All that talking about martial arts was driving me nuts."
The blonde girl increased her pace, the first to enter the clearing followed by Gohan, Sharpner and Videl, the blue-eyed girl taking in the surroundings. It's beautiful; no wonder Gohan doesn't have a high opinion of the cities.
There was a large clearing in the center of which, besides a small stream of water, a small but cozy-looking capsule corporation house was situated. In the front, a large wooden table was set up over which a lot of dishes were placed. All of this for us? Videl mused to herself before looking at the sole occupant at the table.
Oh my God! That's a mini… She halted in her musings when she caught sight of someone else… Th-that's Son CHICHI! Ignoring everything, she rushed past the group, not noticing the blonde girl following her.
-oooooo-
Chichi raised an eyebrow noticing the two girls coming to a halt before her, their beaming faces displaying awe and surprise. What are they… Oh, Gohan must have told them about Goku. Guess, being the wife of a famous martial artist makes you famous as well.
"It's really you!" Videl exclaimed in a slightly high pitched voice, her visage akin to that of a fangirl meeting the object of her fantasies. "Hello, Mrs. Son," She gave a small bow. "I can't describe how I'm feeling… just that… I'm a huge fan."
"Me too!" Erasa voiced, still taking small gulps of air. "Could I take a photo with you?" Look at her figure! No one can say she left martial arts nearly two decades ago.
Wait! What? From the tone and mannerisms of both the girls, it didn't seem that they were here due to her being the wife of Goku. Could I really be… "Now, wait for a second," Chichi's commanding voice echoed through the clearing, the four teenagers quickly standing to attention, Goten also sitting straight in his chair.
"Who are you? I mean, I know you are Gohan's friends but besides that, I don't even know your names," The wife of Goku looked at both the girls. "And why do you want to take a photo with me?"
"Are you kidding?!" Erasa blurted out loud before immediately blushing in embarrassment seeing slight irritation flash on the face of the older woman. "Sorry, Sorry, I'm just too excited about seeing you for the first time. But, you're the Son Chichi - the perfect combination of beauty and might."
Videl nodded frantically. "Yeah. Ever since I began seeing the tapes of the old tournament, I've adored you… "
"Hey! Me too!"
"... Erasa and I've no, in fact, every female martial artist looks up to you as an idol. We wanted to meet you for so long. So, yeah," Her smile widened. "It's like a dream come true."
I never thought I would be famous… after all these years too… Guess telling them that I just entered into martial arts to find Goku won't be wise option for now. "Okay. That's new for sure, but thank you," She swayed her eyes between Videl and Erasa.
"So… a photograph?" Chichi looked towards Erasa. "Please?" The bubbly blonde tried to give a convincing smile.
Chichi sighed. "Alright," Immediately both the girls flanked her, the female blonde handing the camera to the muscleful blonde who looked slightly miffed but did the work anyway. As soon as the camera flashed once, the girls left her sides and took their positions before Chichi.
"Alright girls," Chichi looked at Gohan. "Gohan," The raven-haired boy nodded before she directed her gaze towards the male blonde, raising any eye-brow.
The muscleful blonde looked confused for a moment before recognition dawned on his face. "Sharpner." He pointed towards himself with a thumb for further emphasis.
Chichi nodded. "And Sharpner, The four teenagers nodded. "Let's eat before the food gets cold." Or Goten eats it all. She subtly glanced at the mini-Goku before shaking her head once seeing the drool on his lips. Like father like… younger son
Obliging, the teenagers took their seats before offering a small prayer. Immediately, the Son matriarch fixed a glare at her boys, halting them from making any action before looking at the three urban dwellers. "Alright, since you are our guests, you get to choose first." or you won't get anything.
Sharing a glance, the trio picked up their plates before filling up their shares. As soon as they did, Chichi sighed and nodded towards the duo of demi-Saiyans who immediately dug in as if it were the last day of earth, though Gohan kept a mild pace.
A couple seconds later and the Son boys were still going on while the urban trio had their mouths dropped in sheer awe, disbelief and mild disgust.
"It's in their genes," The trio turned towards Chichi before she continued. "Goku also used to eat like this," She chuckled fondly. "Don't worry, you get used to this; In fact, seeing Goten like this makes me happy; he's a spitting image of his father."
The blondes and Videl nodded, the blue-eyed girl directing her gaze towards the mini-Goku. I totally forgot about him. The younger son was just like his father as she remembered from the old articles about him. "Hey Goten," The mini-Goku didn't even spare her a glance.
"Sorry dear, nothing is more tempting for him than food," Chichi gave a small smile when Videl looked at her, the blue-eyed girl nodding while giving a smile in return.
"Amazing!" Erasa loudly exclaimed. "This is the best sushi I've ever had," She turned towards Chichi. "Mrs. Son, you're arguably the best cook I've ever come across."
"Why? Thank you dear," Chichi beamed at the younger girl. It's nice to receive a compliment from someone not of the family.
"Yeah. It's really good."
Hearing the compliments from Erasa and Sharpner, Videl tried the fish in her plate, her mouth immediately morphing into that of sheer delight. It's delicious. She looked at the Son matriarch. "This is really delicious Mrs. Son, not even our chefs could make it this good."
Chefs? Who is… Chichi's eyes widened, recognition dawning over her face. "That's why; I had a feeling that I have seen you somewhere; you're Videl Satan, daughter of Hercule, right?" The blue-eyed girl nodded, a bit unsure. "Hmmm…"
Oh no! This is what I was afraid of. Videl mused to herself worriedly. Her dad had insulted Son Goku for years, even trash talked about the Son family; there was no way the OX princess was going to let it go.
But, it isn't too late. "Mrs. Son," Chichi directed a curious gaze at Videl. "I… " Cut it Videl. She mentally kicked herself for hesitating before taking a breath. "I know my father's actions were wrong and I… I apologise for that… I just didn't want to ruin this moment."
She glanced around at the teenagers looking at her. "That's why I didn't tell my name earlier, I…" She halted when Chichi calmly raised her hand.
"Calm down Videl," The blue-eyed looked unsure causing Chichi to sigh. "You shouldn't apologise for your father's action, and don't worry, I got no issues with you."
Though still feeling bad but not the one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Videl nodded in relief. "Thank you Mrs. Son."
Chichi just smiled. "In fact, I can never hate you; after all, you are perfect for my Gohan."
Splash!
Every eye turned towards Goten whose face got covered with rice, the mini-Goku blinked before smiling cutely and digging into his food once again, eyebrows of everyone raising at the odd display.
"Mom!" Gohan loudly exclaimed, cheeks flaring red from embarrassment. "That was totally uncalled for; Videl's just my friend; there's nothing going on between us," The demi-Saiyan turned towards the blue-eyed girl. "I'm sorry Videl." He gave her an apologetic look.
Oh! This is pure gold. Erasa grinned, sharing a glance with the male blonde who immediately placed his soup on the table before leaning back in his seat, arms crossed.
Mom is really the best but she gets a bit excited when it comes to my marriage.
Gohan's words flashing in her mind, Videl smiled while shaking her head. "It's alright," She shifted her vision towards the Son matriarch. "Regarding your offer Mrs. Son, I'm afraid I would've to decline that, I… " She halted when Chichi frowned.
"What? My Gohan's not good enough for you?
"Mom!"
Chichi simply ignored Gohan's pleas, fixing a glare at the raven-haired girl who only shook her head, not at all minding her words. "Nothing like that. In fact, the girl who'll come in his life would be the luckiest; it's just that I've my eyes on someone else."
Taking Chichi's silence as the indication, Videl continued. "You must've heard of Bardock," She stopped, knowing the golden-haired fighter didn't need any further introduction.
Oh! Bardock is the one… hehe. Chichi's visage immediately calmed down, face becoming serene. Sorry Gohan. Keeping her vision from looking at Gohan, she coughed once. "So… you're one of those girls."
"Excuse me?!"
"Those who like flashy, negligent and delinquent boys, and Bardock definitely tops the chart," Chichi declared, tilting her head high.
"Videl, at least you… " Gohan halted when Videl glared at him, before dropping his head in defeat.
The blue-eyed turned her gaze towards the older woman. "You're wrong Mrs. Son; Bardock is nothing like that. He's brave, strong, in fact the strongest on the planet, yet kind, humble and always willing to help others."
"So what? My Gohan also has the same qualities, no he's better because he isn't a delinquent and flashy."
Videl opened her mouth but halted, realising that the Son woman was just going with her motherly instincts of always supporting her son. She sighed. "I'm sorr,y Mrs. Son but I can't change my decision," Sorry Erasa. "Why don't you ask Erasa, though?"
"Wh-Wh… ?" The blonde girl began coughing, clamping a hand over her mouth. Beside her, Gohan immediately offered her a glass of water which she quickly accepted, before the demi-Saiyan turned towards Chichi, shooting her the most miserable look he could muster.
Looks like I went a bit far; Oops! Chichi sighed. "Alright, no more talk, just lunch."
-oooooo-
"See ya Gohan," Erasa waved her hand before stepping into the copter. After her, the muscleful blonde gave a two-fingered salute before following the suit.
"Wait! Videl," Gohan shouted before striding towards the raven-haired girl who halted before looking at him. "About what Mom said, I apologise for that."
"Don't worry, I'm used to it," The demi-Saiyan blinked in confusion. "Back when dad was here, I was a subject of such offers from princes, business tycoons and all that; you get it?"
"Oh, yeah; that must be difficult."
"It was, but as I said I'm used to it. Anyway thanks for today," Videl extended her hand which the demi-Saiyan took after a moment causing her to chuckle, the raven-haired boy rubbing the back of his head. "Alright, see ya, Gohan."
The blue-eyed girl immediately stepped inside the copter before taking off towards the skies.
-oooooo-
"Keep your heritage from them, especially Videl for now."
Gohan frowned. "But why? They're my friends; they deserve it… I guess," He added weakly when Bulma shook her head.
"You like her, don't you?" Gohan mildly blushed but did not reply. However, Bulma didn't react anyway. "That's why you should not tell her about your Saiyan heritage, at least not as Gohan," The demi-Saiyan blinked. "What I'm saying is that meet her as Bardock, then tell her about your life and gauge her reactions."
"... Why?"
"Tell me Gohan, do you think I and your mom are happy with the way our families are?" Gohan again frowned. "Look at this, Vegeta lives with us and will protect us from any danger, but still he's far from being an actual husband and father."
"And Goku, despite being the kindest soul on the planet, even he isn't there for his family. I'm not saying the Saiyans are bad but they have duties towards the planet which supersede the duties towards the families, and you are also like your father."
Gohan sighed, recalling Bulma's words while walking towards the house. She raised valid points; the blue-haired lady and his mom, despite everything, were really generous in dealing with the Saiyans. With Vegeta's attitude and his dad's tendencies, any other woman would've left the Saiyans long ago but they didn't.
However, at the same time, both the ladies also had families for support but Videl had none. There were high chances that she would want to have a life partner who would stay with her and look after her; not someone who would sacrifice his life at once when needed.
So, revealing to her that he was Bardock would have been counterproductive. I'll meet her as Bardock then tell her what she might have to deal with… then see where it goes from there.
"Gohan, come here and help me with the dishes."
Ending his thoughts, Gohan ambled towards the table before stacking the dishes and walking towards the door where Chichi was standing. Carefully, he walked past her…
"Gohan,"
The demi-Saiyan halted, glancing at her over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
"I was thinking, you should go outside more often as Super Saiyan."
What? Did she really say that? "But… I thought you didn't like that," Gohan's eyes crinkled in confusion. What brought this on?
"True," Chichi nodded sagely. "But anything for… MY GRANDCHILDREN!"
-oooooo-
Please Review and support.
Also, if anyone can help me beta-read the story, it would be really appreciated. I struggle in displaying emotions, structuring sentences.
