I do not own DB, DBZ, DBGT or DBS all rights to the companies that own them and Akira Toriyama.
Gohan had been at the Palace a few days, Goten was getting restless and if it wasn't for some big meeting she needed to attend with the government later, she probably would of already taken off with him to the lake or something, instead she had I.T'd him to Bulma's to hang with Trunks and I.T'd it back, as much as she would love to fly back the schedule Mrs Pincell had made for her wouldn't allow it. It was one of the many things she thanked her father for teaching her before he left, she tried not to use it often as she preferred to fly but it did come in handy.
The hand maids, assigned to help her while she stayed, had her dressed up in some traditional outfit consisting of a long white skirt with a floral Chinese shirt that went long over the skirt but showed the sides and bottom of the skirt. It felt weird to Gohan because she never wore a skirt it was always pants, even if they were flowy enough to pretend to be a skirt. Once she had put on what was laid out for her the maids tried to tame her hair, they spent over an hour combing the bangs in the front to make them look smoother but what ever secret her mother used to give her a straight fringe as a kid must of died with her. Eventually they gave up and instead tried to make the back sit in a way that looked like it matched the front, adding a some traditional Chinese Tiara like head pieces to match the outfit, one of the maids, she had yet to get their names, said it was all her grandmothers. Gohan had to admit she looked good, she just didn't understand why she had to dress up when even her grandfather barely wore a suit most of the time, how these outfits could of lasted after what Master Roshi did the the origianl castle was a mystery. Though the final straw was when they tried to apply makeup.
"WOAH! Hold up! I'm not putting that gunk on my face,"
"But your highness, it's normal for woman to wear it." One timid maid replied.
"I don't care, I won't wear it."
Mrs. Pincell walked in and over heard the conversation. "It's okay Daphne, why would you want make-up on a complexion as perfect as hers, just a bit of gloss on the lips and she will be ready."
Gohan was still reserved about this gloss stuff for her lips, she had seen Bulma wear it but never had an inkling to wear it herself. But relented none the less.
"Are your kids still visiting?" the maid, Daphne asked.
"Yes, they are out exploring the city today, I think my daughter is trying to scope out any good shopping, I told them about your mothers small boutique, hopefully she doesn't spend all her money in one day." Mrs. Pincell giggled. "Now that you're all ready it's time to meet them, the meeting room is set up and all the government members have arrived, come along." Always the perfect mix of doting Aunt and professional business woman, she could give a girl whiplash with it, like Gohan's mum used to.
The meeting was exactly what she thought it would be, boring, a bunch of old men debating about who's ideas were better and what the country should do to improve. All Gohan was thinking was they needed more younger people and females in Government leadership roles, she would have to talk to the Prime Minister about it before the next election, in case he wasn't Prime Minister anymore, it would probably result in more action and better choices being made. She really felt like an ornament in the room rather than a participant, but her Grandfather was beside her and today was about watching and learning. Afterwards she decided to walk the public gardens, wishing she could just fly away but she had commitments and they had to be done if she wanted to quell any of the rumours of conspiracies. As she walked, it seemed the towns folk knew who she was and would bow and greet her as they passed, there were a few tourists around as well that came up to her asking if she was the princess and for photos, Gohan obliged for the same reason she didn't just fly away to her home in the mountains, 'guess the Tiara things they had me wearing helped.'
Coming upon a small lake with a seat under the spring cherry blossoms Gohan sat, just enjoying the sun, basking in the light of it as if it was the moon, maybe they should think about restoring the moon one day. I'm sure Vegeta would enjoy it as well. Whenever she thought of him it gave her butterflies in her stomach, he did say that she would start looking for a mate, her physiology was nearly 18 thanks to her time in the HbTC even if her birth certificate had her at only almost 17. It made her think about what she would look for in a partner or mate, she would like him to rival her in strength it was one thing to be the strongest but if her partner didn't at least almost match her then she wouldn't be able to take them seriously, she liked the idea of having someone push her and themselves to be better, the more she thought about it, the fewer people she knew would make the cut. If she was honest with herself her male future counterpart would probably be a perfect match for her if she put all those factors together, there was just one factor missing that seemed important to her though, that was attraction. She could see the beauty in the other fighters, but she wasn't attracted to them in a way where she would like to kiss them and sleep with them each night, like what the couple in the few books she read do. When she thought about that, only one person came to her mind…
Before she could finish the thought she was interrupted by people coming towards her talking loudly, they sounded familiar.
"Oh, your Majesty, there you are, your grandfather was looking for you, the young Prince wanted to come home so apparently Ms Bulma is bringing him and they will stay for dinner."
Gohan turned around, "Thanks Mrs. Pincell, I'll…" Standing in front of her was Mrs Pincell along with her only 3 human friends her age, looking as shocked as she was, well except for Videl who looked more happy than surprised.
"Oh I forgot to introduce you these are my twins I told you about Erasa and Sharpner and their long time friend Videl." Mrs Pincell didn't realise the shocked faces wasn't because she had rocked up with 3 visitors it was because they already knew each other.
"Uh, we've met before. At school…" Gohan started, she didn't know what to say, should she apologise or fly away or what. "Um…"
"My theory was correct!" Videl interrupted. Everyone turned to look at her surprised. "You are the Princess Gohan, I knew it, you were also the little girl at the East City attack and at the Cell games, that makes you the Gold Fighter too doesn't it?" Videl rushed out.
"Videl don't be ridiculous the kid at the cell games was blonde, so yeah the Gold fighter could be the Kid grown up, but Gohan isn't blonde there's no way. Though I am a little upset you didn't tell us you were royalty Gohan!" She turned on Gohan and got up close, "I thought you said you trusted us."
"I did, I mean I do, I… uh… It was because I wanted to be normal, my grandfather gave me the chance for a normal life, so I took it, same as why I didn't out and say I'm a mum I didn't want to be treated differently, but… Videl is right, I am all those people. I'm sorry for keeping from you for so long. I swear I was trying to find a way to bring it up without you thinking I was lying."
"Wow we were friends with the Gold Fighter and the mysterious Ox-Princess and didn't even know it, can we tell the school now?"
"What?! Sharpner! No! That's the whole point, it will become public sooner or later when I take the throne I just want to be plain old nerdy Gohan for a bit longer, I'm surprised none of our class mates figured it out as there is only one Son Gohan alive and that's the name of the Ox-Princess."
"You were never plain Gohan, the first day you walked in it was like a bright light came into the school. Even if you were so quiet. The more I think about it the more I realise you would be the perfect Queen with how you present yourself at school." Erasa exclaimed.
"Can you show us?" Videl asked quietly
"Show you what?" Gohan had a good idea what she was asking but wanted her to say it.
"How you transform, also I want a fight by the way. You went up against Cell as a 10 year old kid, that kids form was perfect, I wanted to learn and become the best at Martial arts after watching her and wanting to beat her, now I have my chance." Videl smiled seeming more excited at the prospect.
Gohan took a while to answer, looking around there were a few people among the gardens. "We should go somewhere more private, I don't want it out yet that I am all those people, well I don't want to just confirm it for the world, I'll leave them to make up their own minds. I did say I was okay with you knowing it as long as it didn't go public." The group went inside to Gohan's private chambers.
Mrs. Pincell was quiet the whole time, she suspected her kids were friends with the princess after the way Erasa talked about the new girl and she knew Gohan went to the same school, but to learn the other stuff, well, so much of the Kings actions made more made sense now, His Heir was most likely the strongest in the world, she didn't believe Mr. Satan beat Cell back then.
"Okay so this is it." She powered up slowly trying to contain the energy while making it look good for them and not destroy her room. Being fully dressed up as she was still the look just seemed more majestic than when she was the Gold fighter. When she had transformed Videl walked up to touch it, Gohan was glowing, she could feel the energy and touch it, but it wasn't hot like the fire it looked like.
"Wow…" Gohan quickly dropped out of Super Saiyan.
"Were you hit with a meteor as kid or something?" Sharpner asked.
"No. Born with it. It's a trait all of us born with a tail have the ability to access, well considering I only know of 3 others and they can do the same as me."
"So you were at the Cell games, you can tell us if my dad really beat Cell? Was it really him or one of those fighters the media called Earths Special Forces?"
"Why does it matter who beat him, he's gone, and the Earth is safe, we all did our job, including your father." Gohan's attitude changed quickly when she thought about the Cell games. She didn't want people to know she had beaten Cell, the world needed someone like Hercule Satan if it gave the real warriors their privacy.
Mrs. Pincell cleared her throat, listening to her ear piece so she could keep up with all the security around the palace "Sorry to interrupt but your son and the Briefs are here." All the Palace officials knew Gohan didn't birth Goten but they shared the same blood and were officially 1st and 2nd in line for the Throne so the Ox-king made it clear, Gohan was his mother, anyone whom said different would not have a job at the end of the argument, so they all respected the families wishes.
"Thanks Mrs Pincell, um, I'm going to change into something more comfy, you guys are welcome to hang around and join us for dinner, you as well Mrs. Pincell. I imagine when I'm not there to greet them, Goten will be in the room in like 3 minutes." Smiling Gohan walked into the dressing area, turning around as an after thought. "Actually could someone help me take this stuff off my head, I don't want to break it." Erasa came up and instructed Gohan to sit at the dresser and proceeded to undo her hair and combs.
"Wow, I suspected that you used hairspray or something for those spikes but it's all natural, how?"
"Family trait, no hairspray or gel, but it does what it wants, I just roll with it." Gohan preceded to change out of her dress into her usual Gi and sports top. Sharpner was in the main room at that stage waiting like a gentlemen, though if he was honest with himself he knew he was friend-zoned by the girl but he suspected she had a rocking body and wouldn't mind seeing it, maybe they could go to the beach.
Gohan thought over the event just gone, she knew giving Videl that hint would lead to this eventually she just thought she would have more time, 'I really hope they really are my friends.'
Dinner was a quiet affair the Kitchens knew they would be cooking more than normal now the Prince and Princess were here, but they didn't expect the 3rd person who eats just as much as the Son's.
"Gohan, after dinner could we have that spar?" Videl asked once Gohan had finally finished eating. All she could think was those poor kitchen staff.
"Sure, there's a place around the back in the private gardens I go to train so we can go there." Gohan was apprehensive about fighting Videl, she knew she wouldn't be able to use even a fraction of her strength against her but how much can she use without insulting her was the real question.
They went to the portable Gravity chamber that Gohan brought from her place, Goten and Trunks were having a sleep over and since they had trained all day with Vegeta apparently they just wanted to play video games, that just left the 4 teenagers. When they entered the 3 humans were very amazed, the place didn't look that big on the outside but when you entered it was double the size it looked.
"This is my portable training room. Also known as the Gravity Chamber, I helped design it with Bulma to manipulate the gravity so that I can get more out of my training."
"Why didn't you tell us you were so into training?" Sharpner asked
"It never came up in conversation." Replied Gohan nonchalantly.
"Doesn't matter, let's do this." Videl declared.
Videl got into a stance that Gohan could tell wasn't designed for someone of her build. It left too many openings and was designed for strength over anything else. Gohan sank into her classic combined stance and waited for Videl to make the first move. Gohan knew her stance had no flaws in it, and she could tell Videl was trying to assess the situation.
Not finding any fault she could attack, she leaped at Gohan with a heavy right punch, Gohan easily dodged, barely moving at all. Videl followed up with a kick that Gohan deflected just as easily. The rest of the match went a lot like that, Gohan hadn't thrown a punch and she could tell Videl was getting frustrated at her even resorting to taunts to try and get her to attack back. Gohan was starting to get bored, she knew Videl was good for a human but even Goten starting out gave her more of a challenge. Ending the fight by getting Videl in a lock so she would have to tap out was the easiest and quickest way to end it.
Breathing heavy, "how… how were you able to dodge everything? Those were some of my dads best moves that I mastered."
"It doesn't help you, that those moves are designed for a person much heavier than you, they are not very flexible for adapting your own style. Do you know any other forms? It would help your technique to learn more forms and adapt them to the style you have. I was able to dodge everything because I didn't commit to just one style of fighting I used all the styles I have learnt over the years and made them my own."
Videl wanted to be angry at the way Gohan was talking about her father's fighting style but she could also see the logic behind it. "How old were you when you fought those people at East City?"
"I just turned 5, I had just spent the year in the wild learning my first form of Martial arts from my first teacher Piccolo."
"That's the guy who looks like the evil King Piccolo in our history books isn't it?"
"Yeah, he is the reincarnation of King Piccolo but doesn't have the same ambitions as his 'father' did, we learnt of the attack a year before by my Uncle who kidnapped me trying to recruit my dad to join them. Before dad and Piccolo killed him. I was raised to be the perfect student, Princess and warrior, 3 conflicting sides put on me by the people I cared about most, a part of me wanted to do what all of them wanted, so from the age of 5 I have done my best."
Sharpner and Erasa were sitting off to the side listening in, they felt a wave of sympathy towards Gohan, even Videl couldn't think of what she would of turned out like with that type of pressure from such a young age, and here she was the kindest most humble friend they had ever made, anyone that called Gohan weak had no idea what they were talking about.
Erasa connected the dots to the original conversation first, "if they wanted your father to join them and they were an alien species then that means you aren't fully human either are you?"
"I am half human, otherwise I wouldn't have a human Grandfather who's history has been recorded here on Earth for centuries. But yeah, my father was born on another planet, sent here to destroy it but instead spent his life trying to protect it, along with the friends he made along the way, the people you know as the Earths special forces, we usually just asses the situation with the guardian of the Earth and go from there, normally the fights don't involve being broadcast so most of what we've done is never seen. Cell was just an egomaniac, wanting to boast about his power, we just want to be left alone to live the life we've all fought to protect and be there when we are needed."
"That's why you have tails it's a sign that you are a member of this alien race," Erasa mused. Sharpner was quiet throughout this, it was hard for him to believe but the proof was right in front of him.
"Yeah, among other traits, we are an old warrior race, bred to be fighters, we are superior in strength to most species and absorb fighting styles and techniques like they are nothing, or maybe that's just the half human half Saiyans that do, the planet was destroyed decades ago, the only surviving full blood is Vegeta, he is the Prince of the Saiyans, and was only like 6 at the time."
"Wow that's a heavy thing to carry. The things you do, I'll admit aren't tricks but can humans learn them too?" Videl asked, she was determined to learn to fly, imagine how she could help the police with that, she was coming to terms with the fact she may not be as strong as Gohan, after that spar, to be able to battle a galactic threat, but she could still beat the small-time losers that want to be crime bosses or some rubbish, she could be the strongest full human and fight alongside her.
"Yeah, most of the humans I know can do it, it takes years of training, learning ancient techniques and practice."
"Will you teach me?"
"I suppose I could. It may have to wait though I'm really busy with Palace stuff, now that I know I'm considered a conspiracy I need to show I'm actually not an actor. But I should be able to teach you before school goes back."
"That would be awesome, I'd love to learn before the WMAT, well at least to fly by then, it's going to be held the last few days of school holidays this year. You are entering aren't you?"
Gohan hadn't thought of entering a tournament after the last one she was in ended the way it did but couldn't think of a reason not to, maybe she could convince all the others to join as well this time. "Um, I guess I can join, I never been to that Tournament before, only the intergalactic one held for your dad."
"I remember that one it was a few years ago, there was a huge earth quake and some idiots that killed the original 'intergalactic fighters' and tried to wreak havoc, there was a young girl who went through to the finales before the quake hit, was that you too? Though if it was you, you looked a bit older than 13," Erasa interrupted.
"Yeah that was me, and it wasn't an Earth quake, there was a space Pirate that came wanting to rule the Earth, the usual stuff. The Earthquake and all that, was actually me getting angry at him for hurting my friends." Gohan admitted sheepishly. Her friends just looked at her like she grew a second head.
"My father took the credit for that one too didn't he, but he didn't even fight did he?"
"Well no, but he did save my life."
Videl's confused face turned to a happy one. 'Guess he isn't a complete liar' she thought.
"So, how about tomorrow morning then? As far as I know Mrs. Pincell hasn't scheduled anything until dinner."
Morning rolled around, Gohan checked on the boys, Trunks had slept over and they were up late playing some video game Trunks brought over, so she wasn't going to see them till closer to lunch. Making her way in her Gi to the G.C. she thought she would try and get some training in before Videl showed up. Mrs Pincell didn't live far from the Palace grounds but Gohan didn't know what type of morning person Videl was. Surprisingly Videl was already there waiting.
"Wow your up early" Gohan observed, unlocking the chamber door.
"I couldn't sleep I'm really excited. All my life I was told they were just tricks but to know they are real and that I can actually learn some, man that would show my father up."
"Well… First things first, you need to find your Ki."
"My what?"
"Your Ki, every living thing has it," Gohan brought her hands together sitting in the lotus position slowly she brought out a Ki ball, glowing gold and lighting up the room, she made it look difficult but Gohan was focusing so hard on making it mini and not scare Videl. "This is Ki, essentially it is your energy and life force brought out into a solid form."
Videl was entranced, she had seen on T.V. the use of these but had never seen it's form right in front of her eyes, as she went to touch it Gohan pulled her hand back and it disappeared.
"I wouldn't touch it, Ki is life, but it is also destructive. Even that small amount could result in hurting you. Okay now you try." Videl was dumbfounded but nodded. Gohan instructed her to sit down. "Now close your eyes and focus on your inner self, relax, that is the key."
Videl was focusing really hard, Gohan could tell she was getting frustrated. Not sure how to encourage her, Goten just one day shot a Ki ball at her when they were sparing this was beyond pre-beginner.
"You need to relax Videl, your too tense. Search within and find your centre. From there you can feel a pull, try to move that pull to your hands."
It took over an hour but eventually she managed to get a small ball of light, this one was more white than Gohan's and didn't glow nearly as bright but it was still there.
"Wow, that's it! I'm amazed you got it so soon when you had no clue what it was beforehand. Way to go!"
"Thanks.." Videl said breathless, suddenly losing her focus on the ball and collapsing forward. "Wow it takes it out of you."
"The more you use your Ki the more your body can control it, like a muscle, but it's that energy that is needed to fly. We can have another go after breakfast, I'm starving." To prove her point Gohan's stomach gave a loud growl that vibrated through the chamber.
The rest of the day was spent helping Videl. Erasa and Sharpner came along to check up on them and talk some more. Eventually it came to the time that Gohan had to get ready for this big dinner her grandfather had set up. It was with King Furry and apparently very private, just herself, King Furry and her Grandfather and Goten.
Erasa jumped at the chance to dress Gohan, she had never gotten to take her shopping so this would be the next best thing. While Gohan showered Erasa rummaged through her borrowed wardrobe, Gohan didn't see these clothes as hers, they were the palaces and her mother's or grandmother's over the years, she was simply borrowing them. By the time she came out with wet hair that still stood up like normal, Erasa had a very pretty dress laid out along with the same Tiara like combs she had on the day before. Mrs Pincell was in charge of getting Goten looking respectable in a suit so Erasa sent away the maids and wanted to do it all herself.
"You know," she started when she finally got Gohan sitting so she could do her hair. "I could put on my resume that I was a stylist for the Princess of the Ox-Kingdom, and now that I know her personally I will be your stylist when your Queen too. I hope you know that."
Gohan could only laugh nervously, the thought of this being a regular thing when she was Queen was very unnerving. "I know there's no point in me trying to argue, just please don't make me wear high heels and lots of makeup please." Gohan relented, there really was no arguing with Erasa about fashion, Gohan had learnt that weeks ago.
By the time Erasa was done Gohan's hair was in a simple bun with her combs being used to frame her face and separate her bangs a bit so they were more wispy, the dress looked like a top and skirt, the top half was red with green embroidery in a traditional Chinese cut like most of the clothing in the wardrobe, the skirt was high around her waist coming to her calf in a satin forest green that matched the embroidery on the top half, with some low heeled cream sandals. Gohan could never be fully comfy in dresses but she had to admit the dress was pretty, maybe she could borrow it for her graduation dress.
When she went to collect Goten for dinner she could hear his complaining, laughing to herself as she entered his room. "That's enough Goten, it's just for dinner, please behave for grandpa, this is important for him." Gohan asked as she entered the room.
Goten, Sharpner, whom was helping his mum since he wasn't welcome in Gohan's room while she was getting dressed, and Mrs Pincell just stopped and stared. Gohan realised they were looking at her.
"I look silly don't I?"
"Wow mummy, you look like the painting of Grandma in the big room, that's how I see the princesses in the stories you tell me looking, so pretty!"
"Thanks squirt, but I need you to wear the suit so you can escort me to dinner, I need my little man to give me courage tonight, can you do that for me?"
Goten pouted but relented, "Okay mummy, I'll let Ms. Pincell dress me in the penguin suit."
Gohan just smiled. Sharpner walked up to Gohan, "He is right you do look very pretty, you were always hot at school for a nerd, but this is a different level, never knew being royal would suit you." He said sincerely.
"Thanks Sharpner, it still feels weird. Anyway, time to play the role of Princess. You ready Goten?"
Dinner was different, it was in a smaller room than usual Goten didn't bother with manners while eating stuffing his face, Gohan still ate a lot but held back enough to show she did have manners. By the time of desert, the talking took a more serious tone.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Princess, we met when you were a baby, but you have been out of the spotlight since then, I'm happy to see you having a more active role. Our kingdoms have worked in peace for decades now, and I have a huge favour to ask you."
"Thank you your majesty."
"My Gohan is truly one of a kind wouldn't you say Furry?" Ox-King interjected.
"Yes, she is remarkable indeed, that is why I asked for this meeting tonight. I know you take after your father a lot, he saved my life during King Piccolo's reign, and when I saw you fighting a long side the others that helped assist him back in the day that time on T.V. as a child then again at the Cell games, I knew it was you and him even with the blonde hair, I recognised the orange uniform he wore, only a small handful of people ever wore those colours. I had to find out who you really were and thank you. I'm sorry it took so long but when everyone just accepted Mr Satan's declaration I couldn't go against it, even if I knew he was a liar, we royals, are merely an image these days easily forgotten if the public so wish."
"That's okay, I understand," Gohan interjected, "I never wanted recognition, I was just doing the job asked of me, I had the power to defeat him, it took a few too many sacrifices before I could awaken it and because of that I don't see myself as a hero, though I do my best to protect the world when ever I'm needed, luckily we managed to bring almost everyone back but not all of them."
"You are referring to your father aren't you?" Gohan just nodded. "Well as you probably know, I have no heirs of my own, and we are the only 2 Royal families still sitting on their thrones. And when I die it will be only your family. The rest of the world would be left to corporate greed, it really is the only thing I have power over still compared to old style Monarchy rule, trying to slow them from getting too ingrained in the governments. I'd like us to come to a public arrangement."
Gohan was getting worried, this could go a few different ways, in her head every thought was actually sounding worse and worse, why were these things always on her shoulders, literally the world resting on them, from such a young age, all because of the family she was born into.
Clearing his throat King Furry went on. "Well, as I mentioned the world still needs a face, someone other than just Mr Satan. Someone grounded. You already have your own Kingdom to rule over not that us old fools do that much either anymore, but I would like to announce you as my successor, so when you turn 21 or one of us dies, which ever happens first you would essentially be Queen of the whole world. After decades joining the whole world under one peaceful leader, one I know would fight to protect the whole world, who has done it multiple times already."
TBC...
A/N: When you think on leader and ruler from a Monarchy sense it really is more of an image thing these days, think of Queen Elizabeth of England and you see she doesn't make any new laws, or large decisions, though she is still there for them, she really is just the image of the leader, she can observe and overlook and interject her idea or opinions when needed but the governments still have a say and so do the people. Well that's how I see Monarchy's being these days and how it seemed in DBZ with King Furry's few appearances. That's the kind of ruling I see Gohan being in. So essentially she will be the face of the world leaders. If that makes sense. Thanks for the encouragement and reviews and story plot ideas, they have helped when I get stumped on a particular place. :)