Author's Notes: I forgot about Trunks and Goten, so I've again edited all the chapters to mention a five year time skip instead of three. Gohan was 9 (10 biologically) at the time of defeating Cell

Turbulent winds stormed ahead over the central plains. The sparse drizzle from earlier was now a sideways downpour, and some droplets were half-frozen, cutting into Gohan's aura like bullets. It was nothing to him, but 18 couldn't generate an aura of her own… and yet she was as powerful as a Super Saiyan. Astonishing.

Palm shielding her face, 18 complained, "Can't you also use instant transmission like your dad?"

"I can't, sorry. He never taught me how."

Her scowl grew meaner. Without warning, she extended her arm and unleashed a barrage of energy attacks that he couldn't sense. Each pale yellow ball of light detonated with quarter-mile explosions, clearing the storm, lighting up the night sky. Shockwaves lagged by a second, and by the force of them, Gohan estimated she had fired enough energy to level all of West City. She was no helpless princess.

"Much better," she said, proud of her handiwork.

Gohan drifted closer to her. "That proves it. You were pretending last night."

"I didn't want to ruin my apartment," she said matter-of-factly. "I didn't want to hurt anyone either, including you, you little perv."

The latter reason was a lot more believable. Still, Gohan went with his instinct and intuition. "If you say so, 18. I can't wait to pretend with you again."

She gave him an unreadable glance before speeding ahead.

He caught up effortlessly and let the subject drop for now, studying the radar's map. Three dragon balls were on the move, two of which likely inside a ground vehicle; the other was gradually moving through the Southern Ocean toward the ice continent—inside a whale's stomach. Or on a ship. These three were going to be irksome, and the easiest solution was to steal them. Was that right?

Gohan reasoned, Whoever has them probably wants them for selfish intentions. As long as I don't hurt anyone or destroy too much of their stuff, it's fair game. I'll defend myself if I have to.

18 was also staring at the map. She mused, "I wonder how people find them. How long has it been since the last wish?"

He turned off the radar. "Maybe a couple of years. Dende and Piccolo would know." And they knew about Beerus and Buu. Well, more about Beerus. Inwardly shrugging, Gohan easily swept aside his curiosity on that thread. There were more pressing matters at hand, but on the off chance, he asked 18, "Hey, I'm going to intensively to prepare for Buu. do you want to train with me? After we make our wishes, that is." She didn't seem like the fighting type of person.

She casually answered, "Sure."

"Sure?" There was too much surprise in his voice.

"Hmph. If you haven't noticed, there are less than a handful of individuals on this planet I can train with."

"Why don't you train with 17?"

"We seldom do when we catch up."

"How often do you meet?"

"A few times a year."

He copied her smug expression from before, "Are you going to introduce me to him? It's only proper."

She laughed. The sound of her mirth was like choir music. "Knowing him, he'll challenge you to a fight. He may act all cold and tough, but deep down he cares about his sis."

Honestly, that was good to hear. Wholesome. Gohan smiled. "Then we better not tell him what happened last night."

"Obviously," she chuckled.

Lightning flashed in the far distance, followed by broiling rumbles. In tandem they sped up, and the rest of their flight proceeded without chatter. Gohan squinted at the sped-up sunrise, its warmth shining onto his face. Mountains and rock pillars of East District Spine casted long shadows over the forest valleys. Ponds and rivers sparkled. Birds chirps. Butterflies danced in the meadows. No dinosaurs though, sadly.

The adobe came into view, a tiny dome house and garage among the trees. Gohan pointed. "There it is."

"I see," 18 said as though she had already seen it. The digital implant in her brain, for sure, had files on the place. "I'll give you a minute to prepare them for the surprise."

"Good thinking. Thanks." He flew ahead.

As expected, Goten noticed Gohan's approach. The little guy flew through his bedroom window, his thin aura leaving a weak trail of whitish energy in the air, strong for his age. He was getting pretty fast too. "Gohan!" he exclaimed. "Breakfast is getting cold! Why did you run away?"

"I'll explain in a moment, but first I need you to go get the dragon ball you found for me."

Goten's hands balled into fists. "But I have a wish."

"And what's your wish?"

"I want to be a Super Saiyan like you!"

Gohan placed a hand on his shoulder. "It doesn't quite work like that. Shenron can only grant wishes that are within Dende's power. Believe me, if it were possible, we would've used the dragon balls to grant ourselves the power to defeat Cell. There's only one way you can become a Super Saiyan. There's no shortcut."

Goten's posture wilted. "Awww." But his jubilant five-year-old wonder immediately took over: "Then what are you wishing for?"

The lie was ready, but the guilty knot in Gohan's gut was at his tolerance. He ruffled Goten's hair, saying, "It's a surprise. Just go get the ball for me, Okay? I'll make it up to you. I'll give you some tips on the transformation later."

"Wow, really?"

"Really, I promise, though I'm kind of busy right now with school, Buu, and everything."

"Okay, I'll go get it." Goten dashed off. He didn't seem to care or understand the situation with Buu, lucky him.

The breeze carried a savory aroma, and as Gohan flew down to the adobe, the front door opened. Mother stood with her hands on her hips. "Gohan," she chided, "what do you have to say for yourself? You ran off, while your brother and I were still asleep, all the way across the globe without leaving a note or taking your communicator with you. I was worried sick. I thought you were fighting this Majin Buu. And why would you go out alone at night during a time like this?"

There was no point in stalling. Might as well get it over with. Gohan straightened his back. "I wasn't alone."

"At least you have some sense. But going out in your pajamas? Without shoes? You're not five-years-old, Gohan."

Tingles broke out up and down his body. What was the point of this, again? Right, 18 was blackmailing him, making his life hard for the sake of it. He took a deep breath. "Mom, there's something I need to tell you. Well, there's someone I'd like you to meet. I have a girlfriend."

Her reaction wasn't a surprise: "A girlfriend?! Who?! You've been meeting a girl in your free time?! You're too young for a girlfriend! Maybe, and I mean maybe, if you were a couple years older, but you're still fourteen! You have your studies to focus on! You're not even in high school yet! Where did you even meet a girl?! What's her name?!"

The girlfriend in question answered from behind, "Android 18, but you can call me Lazuli if you want. Nice to meet you."

Recognition widened Mother's eyes. Her trembling hand pointed. "You're the hussy Krillin used to date! And now you're flaunting yourself in all the magazines! You must be in your mid-twenties!" Mother swayed. She supported herself against the door frame.

18 fingers slipped into Gohan's grasp. She said, "We all have to make a living someway, and I'm forever eighteen biologically. Are you aware of what Doctor Gero did to me?"

Mother was paler than snow. "Please tell me this isn't happening." Her legs started to fold. She slumped onto the floor. "My. Poor. Boy. Is holding hands with a— A sexual predator." Anger erupted. She jumped to her feet. "Get your hands off my Gohan! Don't make me call the police!" She grabbed an umbrella, holding it defensively.

18 said, "I doubt the police would be able to stop Gohan from coming to my apartment. In fact, he asked me out at first. Right, Gohan?"

"Yeah, that's right. I've had a bit of a crush on her ever since Cell spat her out. I know the age difference is kind of weird, but this is how I feel." Gohan blushed at the sappiness, his eyes dipping. He noticed Goten off to the side with the two-star ball in his hold. Goten tossed the ball, and 18 snatched it out of the air as Gohan said, "We're going to gather the dragon balls today—"

"Can I come?" Goten asked.

Gohan smiled sadly. "Sorry, but we'd like it to be just us two. You also need to work on your flying skills. I heard you crashed into a tree at Bulma's."

Goten's lips twisted. "That was Trunks's fault."

"No!" Mother shouted. "Gohan, I forbid you going on dates with her let alone traveling the world." Her glare slashed to 18. "And you! You should be ashamed of yourself! If you touched my son in any inappropriate way, you're going to regret ever setting foot on my property. Leave before I call the police!"

Again with the police. As if they could do anything, but 18's modeling career would be endangered. Gohan exhaled frustration. "Mom, please understand. We—"

"No!"

"Look," 18 said, "we need the dragon balls regardless, and Gohan needs someone to keep him safe. It's not only a date; this is an important job we have to do. So calm down. We'll talk later." She wasn't lying.

"How dare you!" Mother's scream made birds fly away. "There isn't going to be a later! You're going to leave my son alone and never talk to him again!" Suddenly she charged forth with the umbrella as a slashing weapon. "Get away from him!"

18 took flight. "If you ever need anything, know I have plenty of money. Gohan, let's go."

"I'm sorry, Mom." He sprang off his toes. "I'll see you later, Okay?"

"Gohan! Get down here! She's going to hurt you! Gohan! Gohan! Gohan!" In tears, she sank to her knees.

They were already far gone, high in the sky, flying south-west, leaving a dispersing trail of golden energy under the clouds.

Gohan blinked away moisture in his eyes. He wasn't going to put the blame on 18 no matter how much he wanted to. This was going to happen sooner or later. He wouldn't be able to keep this secret forever. He wasn't a good liar, and he didn't want to keep betraying everyone's trust. This was for the best. This was his choice. A painful reality.

When they neared the shoreline, 18 said, "Do I look like I'm in my mid-twenties?"

Sniffing, he swallowed a cold, hard lump. "You look like you're eighteen. Maybe younger. You don't have a single wrinkle or blemish. It's kind of… I don't have a word for it. You're not fully Human anymore. It's hard to compare."

"Are you just saying that?"

"No, when I handed in my application at Orange Star High, I saw a group of seniors walking by. You'd easily mix in with them."

"Then I don't know why your mother is so shocked. In a few years you'll be taller than I. It's like she doesn't know how teenage boys are. You won't be her innocent baby forever."

"You don't need to tell me, 18." He sniffed through final tears. "Let's forget about that disaster. We've got a long day ahead of us." He focused energy under his feet. His aura flared, his speed doubling.

She was right at his side.