Authors Notes:
Ok, I managed to get the second chapter done at work again. Before I post
the one following this, I might release a songfic prequel of sorts. It's an
idea I've been juggling for quite some time. It will focus on Gohan dealing
with Goku's death around the age or 16. I'm just searching for the right
song now.
The second thing I would like to say is that yesterday I received a review that was above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Mira for bringing back some confidence to my work. Because your review made me feel like working on this more, I was able to finish this chapter in no time at all. Thus it will be dedicated to you.
Chapter 2
I love flying, I really do. So much time to think, so much time to wonder about your self. I spent a lot of time flying after father died. I remember the day after. Not even Piccolo could get near me. Of all people, Vegeta was the one to try and calm me down the most.
I'll never forget what he said: "Your father is proud of you. You were a true hero that day, worthy of your Sajin ancestry." That was a lot coming from him. At the time, not even that was consolation. After thinking about what he had said for a few seconds, I had torn into the sky.
I didn't come home for two weeks. When I finally did, everyone was waiting for me. Mother was so worried. I expected to be yelled at, or berated, but nothing came. No words were necessary, no explanations required. That day, in reality, was the worse day of my life. It was the day I found out I would be having a little brother.
I noticed Capsule Corp was approaching in the distance.
You might ask me why that news would make me so sad. Sad is really the wrong word for it. I love Goten with all my heart, but at the same time he is an ever-present reminder of my failure.
I landed on the front lawn.
Mom is right, I do need to get out, shake my self out of this. As much has I love him, having Goten around will make that impossible. Oh I know it's not his fault. In all actuality, when it comes down to it, it's mine.
I knocked on the door, and chipper young Trunks answered it.
"Hey Gohan, what's up?"
"Nothing really, I kind of need to talk to your mom."
"Oh, ok, moms in the lab. You know where it is right?"
"Yeah, I do. Thanks Trunks."
I headed through the halls of CC, it never fails to amaze me how large the place was compared to my own home. I passed the Gravity Training chamber. The display indicated the gravity was set to 450; Vegeta must have been in there.
He had been training non-stop for the last 7 or so years. I think it was his way of dealing with father's death, holding onto the idea that one-day dad would return and he would have his chance at a rematch.
I finally found the lab entrance. Upon entering I noticed Bulma was nowhere to be found. She's always in here, so she will be back shortly I guess. I sat down at the desk, inspecting the room. Various items lay thrown about the place, ranging from parts to books. It had a mad scientist atmosphere to it, though a little more on the contemporary side. One thing in particular that caught my eye, was a picture, or rather one picture holder with two pictures within it.
One picture contained a photograph of Bulma, Vegeta and baby Trunks. I couldn't help but chuckle at it. Bulma had her hand over her mouth, almost as if she was trying not to laugh. This laughter might have been caused from Trunks pulling on Vegeta's hair. All though obviously irritated, the Sajin prince was almost, smiling?
The second picture was of Bulma and the group. The day I had met them all at Master Roshi's. Dad was holding me, I had my head hidden with my hat and buried into his chest, my tail clutching at his arm. I stared at the picture. Eventually a sad smile escaped my lips. A voice broke my trance.
"You know dam well your father would not want you sulking like this."
I hung my head; I felt there was nothing I could say in my defense or anything I could say that could justify.
"I'm sorry Gohan, that was not my place to say."
"No, your right Bulma. He wouldn't, that's actually why I came here today. I need your help."
"What can I do for you?" She seemed a little surprised that I was asking her for help.
"Well, two thing actually. I want to move into a place in Satan City. Mom wants me to fit in, and traveling 500 miles every day isn't exactly easy to cover, know what I mean? On top of that, it will be good for me to get out of the house, well at least I think it would be."
She seemed to debate it a little in her mind.
"I think your right Gohan, it would be great for you to get out of the house, and experience the city like that. What about your mother? She's not going to stand for it."
"That's the other thing Bulma, mom will listen if you tell her. She values your opinion, and she will, at the very least, hear you out."
"I don't know Gohan."
"Bulma, Please?" She rolled her eyes
"Alright Gohan, I will deal with your mom. In fact, I can do one better."
She walked over to the filing cabinet and produced a plain manila folder. She came back over to the desk, and took a seat. After sorting out the contents, she handed me a piece of paper. It was the deed to a house.
"It belongs to Capsule Corp, it was a lab, but we haven't used it in almost two years. If you want, I could turn it into a place for you."
"That would be great! Thank you so much Bulma." I think she noticed the excitement in my voice.
"Don't worry Gohan, I owe you, you and your father so much. You have saved my life more times than I can count. This is the least I can do."
"Thank you Bulma."
"Ok, it's settled, I'll have work started on it. Oh, I'll also stop by tomorrow and see your mom."
"Great!" I noticed the clock on the wall. mom is going to kill me.
"I better get home Bulma, you know how mom is."
"Ok Gohan, stop by tomorrow, and I'll let you know exactly what is going on, ok?"
"Alright Bulma, I will. Thanks again." I was about to head out the door but she said one last thing.
"Let it go Gohan, no one is blaming you except your self. Please Gohan, remember that."
I looked at the floor for a few seconds before giving her a nod, and then I passed through the door. I made my way back through the halls of CC. I exited the house and was about to take off, but Trunks stopped me.
"Hey Gohan, want to spar?"
"Sorry Trunks, I would, but I got to go home."
"Oh, afraid of me are you, ok, I'll let you go this time, but you will have to fight me next time. Oh, and tell Goten I said hi. Bye Gohan."
I shook my head and took off towards home. This apartment idea sounds better every time I think about it. Only one Obstacle left, my mom, though hopefully that will be resolved tomorrow.
My thoughts passed over the day's events; I haven't had so much to do in such a long time. It feels a little weird. First this morning with those thugs, and Videl, then school, and now my own place. My thoughts focused on her.
Videl, daughter of Hercule Satan. Who would have thought that, that oaf could produce a daughter that was both beautiful as well as one of the strongest people on the planet? Beautiful? I hadn't even noticed I had thought that, but it's true, she is. Though maybe she doesn't know it. And wow, what an attitude. Well, at least she showed she wasn't all-bad. She's a fighter, and from what I hear, the town hero. I need a good friend, I can't think of anyone better so far.
Home was approaching. I slowed a bit, not being too anxious to be 'greeted' by my mother. I was supposed to be home quite some time ago. Inevitably, I landed and entered my home.
"Son Gohan, where have you been?!" I cringed at her voice. Timidly I responded.
"Talking with a friend, and then I stopped off at CC. I'm sorry mom, I didn't have a way to let you known would have been late, or else I would have."
She seemed to weigh what I had said, the whole time eying me down.
"Alright Gohan. But please go up stairs and do your homework."
"Ok mom, I will." She didn't need to know I had done the little I had before I had left school.
I ran upstairs, and into my room. I briefly wondered where Goten was before kicking my shoes off and depositing my self on my bed. I had a little while till dinner so I let my mind wonder. You know, letting it think about what it wants to, not stopping what it hits on.
The first thing I usually hit upon was always dad. But today was different; the first thing on my mind was not what I had expected. It was Videl. The girl proposed quite an enigma. Most of that was why is she so interested in me? She obviously could tell I'm hiding things from everyone, but why such interest? (Maybe she likes you?) Where did that come from? Like me? Sure, right, I don't even like my self.
Before I knew it, an hour had gone bye.
"Gohan, dinner is ready!"
I headed downstairs; Goten was at the table already, fork in hand. He really is so much like dad. I felt a fresh swell of guilt. I sat at my place, Unable too look up from the table. Mom said we could start so I served Goten and then my self. He started in on his and I on mine. Dinner was fairly silent, save the sound of silverware and Goten's chewing. Mom spoke out though.
"So how was your day Gohan? Did you enjoy your first day at school?" she asked curiosity and expectedness in her voice.
"Actually, I did. Well, not the actual classes, I'm a little advanced for them, so I was a little bored. But the people were fairly (I paused) interesting."
"Well, please try and pay attention Gohan, though as long as you keep your grades up, I suppose its fine. And which people would these be."
"A few here and there were nice, and I met this Videl girl, she seems pretty cool." Mom cocked any eyebrow at me
"A girl huh?" uh oh, she was getting ready to move in for the kill. Quick change the subject!
"What did you do today squirt?" I directed at Goten
"Nuttin really." He mumbled through a mouth full of food before swallowing
"Mommy and I went looking for berries, and then we went fishing." That explains the large quantity of fish in tonight's dinner
"That's good, have fun?"
"Yup"
Mom gave me a look, then just smiled at us.
Dinner eventually ended. Once again I washed the multitude of dishes that had piled up (Sigh). Eventually I said good night to mom, and made my way to my room. I stripped to my boxers and crawled into bed. It was a little early, but I was fairly exhausted. I lied awake for a little while, thinking. I'm always thinking. Again my thoughts lead to Videl. Why is she on my mind so much?
I hadn't noticed but a smile had crept up on my lips. I wouldn't have made any note about it, but it was the first time in quite some time, that I had, by my self that is, smiled. It wasn't for anyone but me this time. It wasn't to make mom feel better, or show I'm ok; it was just a genuine smile.
I thought of something else. I think tomorrow will be the first time in as long as I can remember, at least in some degree, a day I'm looking forward too.
A/N: And so another chapter comes to conclusion. The next may take a few days, I want to straighten out the story line (that's my problem with all my works, I start them on the fly, write them on the fly, and end up getting lost) so I want to take a day or two, just to draw it out, and see where I want to go. In the interim, I should be able to kick out a songfic. Thanks for reading, please review of you can.
The second thing I would like to say is that yesterday I received a review that was above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Mira for bringing back some confidence to my work. Because your review made me feel like working on this more, I was able to finish this chapter in no time at all. Thus it will be dedicated to you.
Chapter 2
I love flying, I really do. So much time to think, so much time to wonder about your self. I spent a lot of time flying after father died. I remember the day after. Not even Piccolo could get near me. Of all people, Vegeta was the one to try and calm me down the most.
I'll never forget what he said: "Your father is proud of you. You were a true hero that day, worthy of your Sajin ancestry." That was a lot coming from him. At the time, not even that was consolation. After thinking about what he had said for a few seconds, I had torn into the sky.
I didn't come home for two weeks. When I finally did, everyone was waiting for me. Mother was so worried. I expected to be yelled at, or berated, but nothing came. No words were necessary, no explanations required. That day, in reality, was the worse day of my life. It was the day I found out I would be having a little brother.
I noticed Capsule Corp was approaching in the distance.
You might ask me why that news would make me so sad. Sad is really the wrong word for it. I love Goten with all my heart, but at the same time he is an ever-present reminder of my failure.
I landed on the front lawn.
Mom is right, I do need to get out, shake my self out of this. As much has I love him, having Goten around will make that impossible. Oh I know it's not his fault. In all actuality, when it comes down to it, it's mine.
I knocked on the door, and chipper young Trunks answered it.
"Hey Gohan, what's up?"
"Nothing really, I kind of need to talk to your mom."
"Oh, ok, moms in the lab. You know where it is right?"
"Yeah, I do. Thanks Trunks."
I headed through the halls of CC, it never fails to amaze me how large the place was compared to my own home. I passed the Gravity Training chamber. The display indicated the gravity was set to 450; Vegeta must have been in there.
He had been training non-stop for the last 7 or so years. I think it was his way of dealing with father's death, holding onto the idea that one-day dad would return and he would have his chance at a rematch.
I finally found the lab entrance. Upon entering I noticed Bulma was nowhere to be found. She's always in here, so she will be back shortly I guess. I sat down at the desk, inspecting the room. Various items lay thrown about the place, ranging from parts to books. It had a mad scientist atmosphere to it, though a little more on the contemporary side. One thing in particular that caught my eye, was a picture, or rather one picture holder with two pictures within it.
One picture contained a photograph of Bulma, Vegeta and baby Trunks. I couldn't help but chuckle at it. Bulma had her hand over her mouth, almost as if she was trying not to laugh. This laughter might have been caused from Trunks pulling on Vegeta's hair. All though obviously irritated, the Sajin prince was almost, smiling?
The second picture was of Bulma and the group. The day I had met them all at Master Roshi's. Dad was holding me, I had my head hidden with my hat and buried into his chest, my tail clutching at his arm. I stared at the picture. Eventually a sad smile escaped my lips. A voice broke my trance.
"You know dam well your father would not want you sulking like this."
I hung my head; I felt there was nothing I could say in my defense or anything I could say that could justify.
"I'm sorry Gohan, that was not my place to say."
"No, your right Bulma. He wouldn't, that's actually why I came here today. I need your help."
"What can I do for you?" She seemed a little surprised that I was asking her for help.
"Well, two thing actually. I want to move into a place in Satan City. Mom wants me to fit in, and traveling 500 miles every day isn't exactly easy to cover, know what I mean? On top of that, it will be good for me to get out of the house, well at least I think it would be."
She seemed to debate it a little in her mind.
"I think your right Gohan, it would be great for you to get out of the house, and experience the city like that. What about your mother? She's not going to stand for it."
"That's the other thing Bulma, mom will listen if you tell her. She values your opinion, and she will, at the very least, hear you out."
"I don't know Gohan."
"Bulma, Please?" She rolled her eyes
"Alright Gohan, I will deal with your mom. In fact, I can do one better."
She walked over to the filing cabinet and produced a plain manila folder. She came back over to the desk, and took a seat. After sorting out the contents, she handed me a piece of paper. It was the deed to a house.
"It belongs to Capsule Corp, it was a lab, but we haven't used it in almost two years. If you want, I could turn it into a place for you."
"That would be great! Thank you so much Bulma." I think she noticed the excitement in my voice.
"Don't worry Gohan, I owe you, you and your father so much. You have saved my life more times than I can count. This is the least I can do."
"Thank you Bulma."
"Ok, it's settled, I'll have work started on it. Oh, I'll also stop by tomorrow and see your mom."
"Great!" I noticed the clock on the wall. mom is going to kill me.
"I better get home Bulma, you know how mom is."
"Ok Gohan, stop by tomorrow, and I'll let you know exactly what is going on, ok?"
"Alright Bulma, I will. Thanks again." I was about to head out the door but she said one last thing.
"Let it go Gohan, no one is blaming you except your self. Please Gohan, remember that."
I looked at the floor for a few seconds before giving her a nod, and then I passed through the door. I made my way back through the halls of CC. I exited the house and was about to take off, but Trunks stopped me.
"Hey Gohan, want to spar?"
"Sorry Trunks, I would, but I got to go home."
"Oh, afraid of me are you, ok, I'll let you go this time, but you will have to fight me next time. Oh, and tell Goten I said hi. Bye Gohan."
I shook my head and took off towards home. This apartment idea sounds better every time I think about it. Only one Obstacle left, my mom, though hopefully that will be resolved tomorrow.
My thoughts passed over the day's events; I haven't had so much to do in such a long time. It feels a little weird. First this morning with those thugs, and Videl, then school, and now my own place. My thoughts focused on her.
Videl, daughter of Hercule Satan. Who would have thought that, that oaf could produce a daughter that was both beautiful as well as one of the strongest people on the planet? Beautiful? I hadn't even noticed I had thought that, but it's true, she is. Though maybe she doesn't know it. And wow, what an attitude. Well, at least she showed she wasn't all-bad. She's a fighter, and from what I hear, the town hero. I need a good friend, I can't think of anyone better so far.
Home was approaching. I slowed a bit, not being too anxious to be 'greeted' by my mother. I was supposed to be home quite some time ago. Inevitably, I landed and entered my home.
"Son Gohan, where have you been?!" I cringed at her voice. Timidly I responded.
"Talking with a friend, and then I stopped off at CC. I'm sorry mom, I didn't have a way to let you known would have been late, or else I would have."
She seemed to weigh what I had said, the whole time eying me down.
"Alright Gohan. But please go up stairs and do your homework."
"Ok mom, I will." She didn't need to know I had done the little I had before I had left school.
I ran upstairs, and into my room. I briefly wondered where Goten was before kicking my shoes off and depositing my self on my bed. I had a little while till dinner so I let my mind wonder. You know, letting it think about what it wants to, not stopping what it hits on.
The first thing I usually hit upon was always dad. But today was different; the first thing on my mind was not what I had expected. It was Videl. The girl proposed quite an enigma. Most of that was why is she so interested in me? She obviously could tell I'm hiding things from everyone, but why such interest? (Maybe she likes you?) Where did that come from? Like me? Sure, right, I don't even like my self.
Before I knew it, an hour had gone bye.
"Gohan, dinner is ready!"
I headed downstairs; Goten was at the table already, fork in hand. He really is so much like dad. I felt a fresh swell of guilt. I sat at my place, Unable too look up from the table. Mom said we could start so I served Goten and then my self. He started in on his and I on mine. Dinner was fairly silent, save the sound of silverware and Goten's chewing. Mom spoke out though.
"So how was your day Gohan? Did you enjoy your first day at school?" she asked curiosity and expectedness in her voice.
"Actually, I did. Well, not the actual classes, I'm a little advanced for them, so I was a little bored. But the people were fairly (I paused) interesting."
"Well, please try and pay attention Gohan, though as long as you keep your grades up, I suppose its fine. And which people would these be."
"A few here and there were nice, and I met this Videl girl, she seems pretty cool." Mom cocked any eyebrow at me
"A girl huh?" uh oh, she was getting ready to move in for the kill. Quick change the subject!
"What did you do today squirt?" I directed at Goten
"Nuttin really." He mumbled through a mouth full of food before swallowing
"Mommy and I went looking for berries, and then we went fishing." That explains the large quantity of fish in tonight's dinner
"That's good, have fun?"
"Yup"
Mom gave me a look, then just smiled at us.
Dinner eventually ended. Once again I washed the multitude of dishes that had piled up (Sigh). Eventually I said good night to mom, and made my way to my room. I stripped to my boxers and crawled into bed. It was a little early, but I was fairly exhausted. I lied awake for a little while, thinking. I'm always thinking. Again my thoughts lead to Videl. Why is she on my mind so much?
I hadn't noticed but a smile had crept up on my lips. I wouldn't have made any note about it, but it was the first time in quite some time, that I had, by my self that is, smiled. It wasn't for anyone but me this time. It wasn't to make mom feel better, or show I'm ok; it was just a genuine smile.
I thought of something else. I think tomorrow will be the first time in as long as I can remember, at least in some degree, a day I'm looking forward too.
A/N: And so another chapter comes to conclusion. The next may take a few days, I want to straighten out the story line (that's my problem with all my works, I start them on the fly, write them on the fly, and end up getting lost) so I want to take a day or two, just to draw it out, and see where I want to go. In the interim, I should be able to kick out a songfic. Thanks for reading, please review of you can.