"It's almost been 7 years, time sure has flown by.
I almost can't believe how fast it goes, It felt like yesterday when I was training with my Dad" Gohan mused. "I'm a young man now, yet I feel old.. maybe because I'm wise beyond my years.. atleast that's what my friends say"
Gohan was slightly startled when Goten came from behind him as they were on the nimbus cloud.
Gohan looked over his shoulder smiling and focused in front of him as they flew inches above the Ocean, Goten enjoys viewing the fishes in the clear blue water.
Goten was looking forward to his first day at public school. Goten glanced behind him seeing the last bit of land disappear into the fog, It was kind of hard leaving mount Paozu but he'll probably have a blast and make so many good friends that he won't be miserable about it.
"Goten are you nervous"? Gohan asked when Goten became a bit quiet.
"Yeah, But I wanted this so I can't turn back now" Goten mentioned, "I'm positive I'll make a lot of friends"
"You'll be fine," Gohan smiled, "Besides if It's not what you had hoped for then you can always return to homeschooling"
"But then I'll be far away from you almost everyday, "I want to at least see you during breaks" Goten said chipper.
"Soon you'll go to Orange star College and it's literally next to my school" Goten explained.
Gohan assumed that was the reason Goten chose for public school since he's always been timid, and held him close.
"We are almost there"
They reached the city, Gohan let him have a look around in the city since the schools are still closed it was a nice break from the isolation of the forest and there were many things to see, If only he catch a movie with his brother.
Gohan noticed Goten wandering to a candy store pocky sticks in strawberry flavour was being sold there.
"Goten on my day off we can come back here, but we have to go now" Gohan said. And Goten hurried after him.
Gohan held onto Goten's hand as they walked through the semi empty street, on their way to a quiet area to fly unnoticed.
in the distance Gohan noticed a girl around his age she seems to be pacing around talking on the phone
"It wouldn't be very hard to find if everything wasn't written in Chinese!" The blonde teen shrieks reaching the peak of her frustration...
Gohan overheard her conversation and wanted to help..
"It's not Chinese it's Japanese" her mothers voice was heard from the other line.
"Yes I know!" But"..
"Hi miss" Gohan interrupted her fit.
"Can I help you with something"? Gohan asked polite.
And the girls face bloomed for finally finding an English speaker.
"Hold on mom" She said.
"Yes, uh do you know where Orange star university is"? She asked.
"Yeah, I'm heading over there after bringing my brother to school" Gohan said smiling.
"Oh gosh you are a life saver, my name is Erasa" She introduced herself.
"Gohan, nice to meet you" Gohan said welcoming.
"Mom I'lI talk to you soon"
"Bye" She said chipper.
She came to Gohan side and walked after him.
"How we going to fly with her around?" Goten wondered.
"Shush" Gohan said strict, "Helping someone in need costs you nothing"
Erasa noticed Gohans strict tone eventhough she didn't understand a thing. Hopefully the boy doesn't mind having her around for a bit.
"There we are Goten" Gohan said. "Just in time"
"Have fun and let me know if something is up" Gohan said kneeling in front of Goten.
Goten nodded and embraced Gohan. Erasa watched them from behind and Gohan rubbed Goten's scalp in response.
"Be good okay" Gohan said.
"Yeah" Goten chirped and stood in line entering the building. Gohan looked back towards the School and saw Goten's tiny head sitting down in the class room and the teacher was visible and focused on Erasa's chattering to keep his mind off his Brother a little.
He hopes Goten will do fine, it was hard leaving him behind much to his surprise, Maybe because he's in a new area with people he never met before.
He kind of feels sorry for him because not everyone will be nice to him,
"You're all right?" Erasa asked tapping his shoulder lightly.
"Uh Yeah" Gohan said flinching.
"I understand it's hard" Erasa smiled sympathetic.
"My parents also had a hard time seeing me fly from California all the way to Japan , but they know that it's a good learning experience despite the outcome." Erasa said.
Gohan then realise she's an exchange student, but she's so young and all by herself.
"Thanks, but how did you convinced your parents to let you come all the way here?" Gohan asked.
"I didn't convince them, I just bought my ticket and said I'm accepted to university overseas" Erasa said.
"And they were like Okay Honey make sure you call everyday" Erasa said feeling privileged having such cool laid back parents.
Gohan couldn't imagine doing such a thing without his mothers blessing but maybe there is a reason she did this.
"Oh but your accommodation is in a safe area right?" Gohan asked with his eyes slightly enlarged worriedly.
"Of course," Erasa smiled appreciating the concern.
-/-
Erasa and Gohan crossed the street heading to Orange star college that poked from the trees Erasa explained that she's an exchange student from America and Gohan explain a bit of his own background that he has been homeschooled until now.
Both searched where they needed to be for the introduction and parted away when they had to be in different class room.
"Thank you for everything" Erasa said in Japanese.
Gohan smiled " You're welcome, I'll see you around" he said in Japanese, Erasa didn't understand the last part but still smiled happily.
Gohan felt good inside helping her out, at least he met one nice student. Hopefully University will be a pleasant experience.
-
Hours later slouching feet was heard over the squeaky floor moving away from the principal's office.
Goten's first day at school was a lot worse than he thought,
Goten held in a sob as he walked towards the exit,
On his backpack all kind of degrading things was written on it.
"Freak" "Jackass"
"Bitch"
"Weirdo" "ugly" was clad with black markers that didn't come off.
Goten walked away like his was doused in cement, slowly he went outside.
His first day at school was a huge mess, the kids were mean and when he confronted a bully in self defence he was the one who was written up for detention.
He got taunted but bottled it up inside,
But when they threw his lunch in the trash bin and even set a white flower on his desk, wishing him dead something snapped and pushed one of the bullies so hard that he injured himself against the table that was in the way.
He got send to the principle instead of the bullies, when that happened ppl pretty much left him alone.
But still ignored him and made him feel unwanted.
He's expected to stay for detention after school but he was ready to go home and just stay there.
Nobody did a thing when he got bullied but now all of the sudden he's labelled as the agressor.
The city was busy, ppl were chattering and Goten just want to go home and was losing interest in connecting with the outside world, At home nobody is mean to him and was already longing to run to his elder brother and pour his heart out,
Goten strolled around the city alone and looked for a place to use the nimbus cloud, he traveled to a quiet alley.
He wanted to turn around the corner but saw a couple of older preteens sitting there, they were trying out weed for the first time and lit up the fag.
Goten wanted to leave them but an alley cat jumped on the lid of a trash can close to him. The sound alarmed the juvenile gang members and Goten wanted to run away.
"Get him!" The leader shouted.
And they outrun Goten grabbing him pushing him on the ground.
"No get off" Goten struggled.
"Look what we have here" Ikosa said.
"An Eve dropper"
"I wasn't!" Goten protested.
"Then why did you run away?" Ikosa demanded.
" Because you were chasing me! Get off!" Goten cried out.
"Liar.. push him against the wall and search his pockets" Ikosa ordered and Goten got patted down.
"No stop!" Goten shouted and wanted to get away when one of them reached for his wallet.
"Grab his lunch money" Ikosa said as Goten was slammed against the wall again.
Goten became frightened and closed his eyes shut,
"Hey that's enough" a voice said and a shorter boy stood in front of them, he was slightly taller than Goten but looked at them straight in the eye.
Ikosa and his buddies laughed, "Why would a high class snob like you care about this little runt ? Ikosa asked pulling his hand out of Gotens pocket.
"I don't, but I'm not a fan of 3 against one" Trunks mentioned.
"Piss off unless you want to get beat up too" Ikosa Warned and shoved Goten against the ground and he just whimpered in response.
"Pathetic" Trunks said, and Ikosa's head jerked towards Trunks direction becoming visibly agitated.
" Picking on a weakling to feel all big and tough" way to go champ" Trunks challenged.
Ikosa gatherer his buddies closer and they surrounded Trunks.
Goten watched on wary but the Lavender warrior showed no fear.
"Come on" Trunks smiled cocky, ready to fight Ikosa's buddies hesitated a bit since they just finished community service but Ikosa pushes them forward,
"Move get that clown!" He ordered and all 3 came at him,
Trunks dodged the incoming attack within a split second Ikosa was already on the ground.
When his buddies tried anything they landed on their faces even quicker. One got punched in the gut the other bully who came from behind got knocked out with a swift left hook.
Goten watched on as Trunks lowered his fists and dusted his hands.
A shadow towered over Ikosa who was wiping his bleeding nose,
"If you know what's good for you, you won't mention anything about our encounter to the principle" Trunks Warned.
Ikosa just sneered at him and left them alone.
Carefully Goten came from the corner he was pushed in, shivering he went towards his bag.
"Why didn't you stand up for yourself?" Trunks asked.
Goten ceased in his tracks, still recovering from the shock,
"Well.. I don't know" Goten held his bag shivering and just wanted to leave,
"Hold on, you dropped your stuff" Trunks mentioned.
And returned the dufflebag-like wallet.
"Thanks.. what's your name?. "I'm Son Goten" Goten squeaked.
"Trunks" he said short and turned around before Goten could lift his up hand for him to shake.
"Oh.. umm can we be friends?" Goten asked as he followed Trunks for a short distance, he was never treated this way, and desperately needed a friend to keep him safe from those mean kids
"Sorry.. I only hang out with A-list students, You're not one of those" Trunks glanced over his shoulder and left, Goten hurried after him Incase those bullies come back, Trunks took no further notice of him as he made his way to the location of the private football team.
Goten let everything sink in, his body still stung from the assault, and this Boy Trunks was so strong and he saved him without asking anything in return.
He wants to know more about his saviour despite his cold demeanour, hopefully in the future they can meet up and Goten can give a proper thank you.
Goten called Nimbus and calmed down as he was already above the clouds, he breathed out holding his bag in front of his frame, Happy that he didn't get robbed, but knows this can happen again and the youngster Trunks inspired him, If only he knew what kind of fight style he used, Maybe Gohan knows.
Goten's heart leaped seeing the forest of mount Paozu in sight, Gohan will come home later so he made something for himself in the meantime.
-/-
Goten sat outside having his supper and stared in the clouds. His first day of school wasn't a pleasant one but said nothing to anyone at home, He never felt so weak in his whole life, but dealt with the abuse alone.
And wondered if homeschooling would be better for him,
Goten huffed and almost forgot about his supper, it already got cold but decided to eat it anyway.
Gohan walked outside wondering what took Goten so long with his plate, it's usually empty within seconds and always happily ask for more.
"Goten!" Gohan called him and Goten turned around in the distance, he hurried towards Gohan with his plate, "All gone!" Goten showed him.
"You want more?" Gohan asked.
"No I'm okay" Goten said walking past Gohan.
Gohan followed him with his eyes to the living room,
He could tell something was wrong, and Goten could hear his footsteps coming closer. He sat down next him in front of the tv, He smiled to clear any suspicion and focused on the show he's watching.
"Come" Gohan beckoned and let Goten sit between his legs, Gohan held his brother as they watched tv waiting until Goten wanted to talk but he didn't brought anything up, Which was odd because he always does after a moment.
Gohan felt concern stir in his gut and pressed the tv on pause. "I'm going to pick up mother" Gohan said.
"Oh I'll head back to school" Goten said glancing at the clock.
" when school is over I would like to have a word" Gohan mentioned.
"Uh why?" Goten wondered.
"You've been acting strange.. but we'll talk later" Gohan said.
"Okay.. " Goten nodded And silently went to the door, without looking back Goten left on the nimbus cloud.
Goten could sense that Gohan is aware something is wrong, he tried to keep quiet about being manhandled but maybe when he gets home it will be a good moment to talk about martial arts and maybe Gohan can help him.
-/-
Detention was finally over, he didn't bother befriending anyone and kept his mind focused on his goal, The other kids didn't mess with Goten anymore because when he had enough he's not that whiny anymore.
Trunks and Goten did meet again as they walk past each other and during lunch break Trunks briefly acknowledged him without the other affluent kids noticing.
Goten saw the badge Trunks was wearing on his uniform. it's property of a private school, and realised what Trunks meant with A list students.
Students form a rich family, with other words He doesn't want to hang out with poor people.
It's not meant to be.
Happy to arrive home Goten was greeted by his mother, He seems like he's usual self again and shows his mother what they did and what he learned.
"You're a bit late dear" Chi-Chi mentioned.
"Yeah I was making new friends" Goten said.
"You don't mind right?" Goten asked
"No, as long you are home before dark you can play with your friends" Chi-Chi mentioned.
Goten felt a little ashamed that he had detention, but he will make sure he won't get in trouble again.
Goten noticed Gohan approaching the door from the window and jumped from his seat, "Gohan! Gohan!" Goten beamed jumping up and down.
"Onii-san!" Goten shirped "wanna help me with my homework?" Goten asked.
"Sure" Gohan smiled lifting him up from the ground.
"How was your first day honey?" Chi-Chi asked and smiled when Gohan came to greet her, still with Goten in one arm.
"It hasn't started yet, this was just an introduction to get to know your class" Gohan explained,
"Onii-san" Goten said impatient.
"Right, I'll see you later mother" Gohan said, and instead of heading to Gotens room they went outside.
"Wait where are we going"? Goten wondered.
"I wanna show you something" Gohan said,
They landed and Goten had a look around at the place, There was a huge waterfall and the view over the valley was clear as daylight. Mount Paozu does have it's charm.
" I always come here when I'm troubled, the crisp air puts everything in a new perspective" Gohan said,
Gohan sat down and Goten came next to him,
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong"? Gohan asked becoming serious.
Goten flinched becoming stiff as a board, completely forgetting about having a word later on.
"I didn't had any fun," I got bullied.. they wrote vulgar words on my backpack" Goten said feeling his gut wrench.
I.. I almost got beat up during school break"
"And That's why I was a little quiet, " Goten shrugged.
"I also had detention for shoving a bully" Goten added.
"Beat up?.. why? what happened?" Gohan asked shocked and felt his blood boil.
"They wanted my pocket money but someone helped me".. he was so fast and could hardly follow his moves when he knocked those bullies out" Goten explained.
"He's one of those kids with a rich upbringing so we'll probably never be friends" Goten said.
"What's his name?" Gohan asked.
"Trunks-kun" Goten said,
I knew it. Gohan thought.
" I'm happy Trunks stepped in, Tomorrow I'll deal with the ones who assaulted you" Gohan said calm but Goten could tell he was angry.
"No I have a better idea" Goten said, "Can you teach me Martial arts?"
"I promise I only use it for self defence" Goten said.
"And to defend others" Gohan added smiling.
"Deal" Goten said happy.
Goten sat closer to Gohan, on a hill at the creek of sunset, the stars where already visible,
Looking forward to his first training.