AN: Thank you all for the reviews. I'm glad to see you're all still
reading, it makes me very happy!
SO ON WITH THE STORY
Chapter 3 Sharpner's Party
"Gohan," Erasa started the morning with her daily squeal as Gohan came into view. Gohan smiled the Son smile at Erasa as she clamped onto his arm, "You left so early yesterday, I was worried."
"I'm sorry Erasa, I... I remembered I had something that I had to do, a friend I had to go see, I am sorry."
"I'll forgive you... on one condition." Erasa looked up at Gohan with a smile and winked, a motion that truly scared Gohan; "You have to come over to Sharpner's house today with me and Videl. His dad just opened his new gym and there's a reception at Sharpner's house. I need a date, so I want you to come, cutie." Erasa giggled and winked again as Gohan sighed in exasperation.
"I guess I can Erasa, when and where?"
"Oh goodie, um... The party starts at seven so meet me at my apartment at six, I'll drive since I know the way. Oh, and wear a nice suit, k?" Erasa winked again and skipped off down the hall *How do I get myself into things like this? I wasn't lying exactly when I said I went to visit a friend, yet I still feel really guilty. Man, I can't believe it's only Tuesday! I'm already stressed out maybe I'll cheat on my way home and get in some extra meditation before the start of this party.*
"GOHAN!" The black haired boy cringed. This voice was sharper and more irritated that Erasa's had been, it could only belong to one person...
"Oh... hi, Videl" Gohan stammered. "How's it going?" *I hope Piccolo erased her memory right or I'm in trouble.*
"Don't 'Hi Videl' me Gohan. You just ran off after that bank robbery yesterday, you didn't even talk to the police about what happened."
"Oh," Gohan said relief evident in his tone, "Is that all Videl? Because I have class, but I promise that if the police need me I'll talk to them just tell me when, ok?" Videl started at his back as he quickly retreated down the hall. *What the hell is his problem? That was too odd.*
The rest of the day went by with out much incident. Videl got a call after lunch but Gohan didn't follow her this time, something that Erasa did not fail to notice. He sensed the criminals' kis and they were miniscule, even for humans, so Gohan let Videl handle it on her own.
"Gohan, are you and Videl having a fight? I mean, you didn't follow her today, what's going on?"
"Nothing's going on Erasa. I'm not fighting with Videl, and I never 'followed' her anywhere. Videl has a job to do..." Erasa looked at Gohan curiously but didn't question her friend any further. After Videl's return the rest of the day went by very fast. He left quickly after school to get home so he could relax and eat before going out that evening.
"Hey mom, I'm home." Gohan yelled into the house after he arrived.
"What are you doing here so early didn't school just get out? What happened?" Chichi started to rant on about what she would do if something happened at his school and that's why he wasn't there.
"Calm down mom," Gohan stated as he dug through the refrigerator looking for a snack, "I just rushed home to get my work done. Sharpner's family is having a party tonight and I was invited, so I rushed home to do my work and relax some before I had to go. Is that ok?"
"Oh my baby's growing up and going to fancy parties. Oh..." Chichi's eyes went from big and dreamy to angry instantly, "but if this new found social life interferes with your studies you won't be going anywhere mister!"
"Ok mom, that's why I hurried home, to make sure I got my work done. I'll be in my room." Gohan called as he walked back to his room, his arms full of the food that he had 'liberated' from the fridge while talking to his mother. *She's really unpredictable. Hmm... I guess I'll never figure her out, oh well now to get down to work.*
Within ten minutes the food was gone and the homework completed. *That schoolwork is so easy. I actually almost appreciate my mom forcing me to study for all those years; I don't have to worry about overworking myself now. But it does give time to go and relax and actually make some friends for once.* Gohan stood up and stretched, he had a few hours still before he had to get ready so he changed into his gi. He called a rushed good bye to his mom as he raced out the door and took to the sky. He leisurely flew to a secluded spot high in the mountains, a waterfall crashed into the river below it and the trees that grew up were tall and dense. This was Gohan's private spot. He had found it as a child while exploring with his dad. Gohan often came here to meditate; it was somewhere no one could find him because no one knew the place existed. He lowered his ki as far as he possibly could, so as not to be found by those who could sense ki, and sat on a rock next to the waterfall, meditating easily in the serenity of his environment.
Gohan remained in this position for many hours. He finally opened his eyes as the sun started to go down. "Oh no, I forgot about the party!" Gohan raced back to his house and got ready for the party. He finished getting ready at quarter until six and once again yelled a rushed good bye to his mother as he raced out the door and took to the air. He flew as fast as he could towards Erasa's apartment and landed in a dark alley a few blocks away. He jogged up to the doorman and told the man he was there to see Erasa. The doorman nodded and called Erasa's apartment, telling her a guest was there to see her. Erasa appeared a minute later dressed in a black spaghetti strap, v-neck dress that went half way down her thigh. She came out the door with a smile and twirled for Gohan before taking up her usual position clamped onto his arm.
"So ya like the dress?"
"You look great Erasa. So... shall we go?" Erasa giggled and nodded yes. She let go of Gohan's arm and opened her purse. She pulled out a case of capsules and opened the one with the air car inside. "Cool, let's go."
The drive to the suburbs of Satan City took a good forty-five minutes so Erasa and Gohan arrived about fifteen minutes early for the party. Right away Erasa caught sight of Sharpner and ran up to him. He stood leaning up against the doorframe of his front door looking annoyed.
"Sharpner! Hey me and Gohan are here so where's Videl?"
"You actually came with that loser?"
"Why? I gave him a ride here; it's to make up for his leaving so abruptly yesterday. AND DON'T CALL HIM A LOSER!!!"
"Whatever." Sharpner muttered. "This party is gonna be so lame. Oh Videl's here. Well, I might as well show you all around since none of you have ever seen it before. Hi Videl," Sharpner said standing up straight and puffing out his chest, "we were just about to start the tour, are you coming?"
"Sure Sharpner, why not? This house actually looks nice, not too big like the place I live."
"Thanks doll, let's go." Videl rolled her eyes at the comment but followed the others into the house nonetheless. They walked around the house starting in the entrance hall, which was relatively plain with its polished wood floors and a small staircase on the left side ascending to the second floor. They walked into the dinning room where a banquet table was set up for the reception. Sharpner explained some of the oddities and trinkets that were sparsely scattered around the house, mainly consisting of family portraits and small bouquets of flowers.
The den was a completely different story though. There was a couch in the center of the room and a large chair on the far side of the room and the walls were lined with shelves. Everything in the room was covered in trophies, plaques, and signed photographs. Videl, Erasa and Gohan began to wander around the room and look at all the awards that littered the room.
"Wow you didn't tell us your dad was a baseball player Sharpner." Erasa said, seemingly impressed by this revelation about Sharpner's family.
"Yeah, he was only a minor leaguer but they had the best team that the city's ever seen, but he didn't even make it to the majors, only one guy from that team ever did." Sharpner waved the comment off like it was a disgraceful fact at worst and an annoyance at best. Gohan walked over to Erasa to see the picture that she had been staring at for the past few minutes. He leaned in over her shoulder to get a closer look and then suddenly burst out laughing. Videl, Erasa, and Sharpner turned to stare at him and noticed he was doubled over, laughing to the point of tears. They were still looking at him with questioning looks as he regained a little of his composure.
"I'm... I'm sorry," he gasped, "but he looks ridiculous," and burst out laughing again.
"Are you talking about my father nerd boy?" Sharpner said, clenching his fist in anger. Gohan dried his eyes and calmed himself before looking over at Sharpner's angry façade.
"No this guy here," Gohan pointed to the man next to Sharpner's father, "He's a friend of a friend and he looks so strange in this picture. I mean he looks so goofy and young. When was this picture taken?" Sharpner looked at the man to whom Gohan was pointing, and his face fell.
"That's the Bandit! He's the guy that DID make it to the major leagues. He's a coach for the team now, a batting coach. How do YOU know him?"
Gohan did the Son smile as he looked at his friend's shocked faces. "Umm.. I never knew he was famous or anything, I haven't seen him in at least seven years. But as I said, he used to date this girl who was my dad's childhood friend, although I think he met my dad first... I'm not clear on the details. So how old is this picture?"
"This one was taken about fourteen years ago. My dad always said the guy was a player but never had a steady girlfriend."
"Well they were still dating then, and had been for many years I think. But that's why they eventually broke up, too many girls in on the relationship."
"I guess, he was one of the greatest players the team's ever seen, but he disappeared the week before he was supposed to start with his new team in the majors, which was about two months after this picture was taken. They say he got involved with that alien stuff that happened back then, but dad says he was probably in a mental asylum or something cause he passed up his chance to make it big. But he reappeared a few years ago and started coaching. He was a martial artist too and even competed in a few of the World Tournaments before Mr. Satan won for the first time."
"Sharpner, you actually sound like you know what you're talking about, for once. What are you an expert on the guy?"
"No, he was one of the best though, they say he was so fast that you couldn't even see him, that's why he was called the Bandit I think, he was the king of stolen bases, stole home more times than most players steal bases period. Dad was always jealous of his talent I think, but one day I hope, not only to make it to the majors, but to be a semifinalist in the World Championships, just like the Bandit." Sharpner sighed and turned away from the group, almost solemnly, "I would kill to know what his secret is, but I can't find his address anywhere and the team practices are secret so I've been able to speak with him..."
"Next time I see him I'll see what he can do. He's a really nice guy once ya get to know him, but like most of them he's kinda secretive about his personal life and his past... too many bad memories... But as long as you don't pry I'm sure you two would get along great." Gohan smiled at his friend in an attempt to make him a little more optimistic about his future.
Sharpner turned and faced Gohan then began laughing, "You probably don't even know him nerd boy, just trying to make yourself sound cool. HA!"
"Yeah Sharpner that's it," Gohan said, slightly sarcastically.
"Well it's past seven, let's go join my old man and eat some food, I don't think I've ever seen you eat Gohan. You always disappear during lunch." Gohan laughed nervously and did the Son smile. The quartet walked out the door of the den and into the dinning room that was now full of people. They sat at the far end of the table away from Sharpner's father, so as to keep a low profile.
Dinner went by without a hitch. As a part of "getting ready" for Gohan was of course eating a large snack he managed to eat civilly and at a human pace, although a rather fast human pace. He did eat a few portions but managed to remain within his friend's view of normal eating habits; after dinner everyone went into the large living room for the slide show.
It turned out to be a relatively normal night (AN: Much to the reader's shock I'm sure.). Gohan almost fell asleep during the slide show but he mostly just listened to his friends' conversations, which mostly centered on Sharpner and his future in baseball, Yamcha was brought up a more few times but Gohan wisely kept his mouth shut. Afterwards they said their good byes to each other and went their separate ways home.
"Hey Gohan, you need a ride? Where are you walking to?" Videl came up behind him; there was more than just concern for his well being in her voice, there was also suspicion.
"Umm.. no that's ok Videl. I'm just tired cause the slide show was so boring. I wanted to wake up a little by taking a walk before I decided to head home." *Well at least it's partially true. I hate this constant lying...* Gohan smiled and Videl shook her head.
"I was wondering, do you really know that baseball player that Sharpner was talking about?"
"Yeah, I know him."
"How come you never mentioned him before then?"
"As I said, I never even knew he played baseball, that picture was taken about a year before I met him for the first time. Besides what does it really matter in the long run if I know someone who just happens to be famous? Just because everyone knows the name doesn't mean they know the person the name belongs too. Besides not everyone who's famous wants to be and not everyone who's famous deserves to be..."
"Why wouldn't you want to be famous, and why would you be famous if you didn't deserve it?" Videl was getting a little annoyed by innuendo.
"Not everyone is like you Videl, some people, like myself, value their privacy and just want to live a normal life. And as for those who don't deserve to be famous, there are people who will take the credit for other's accomplishments so that they can be famous without having to do the work."
"Are you implying that I LIKE being the daughter of the 'Great Mr. Satan' and use his name to be famous? Cause if you are then really know nothing about me and aren't a very good friend," Videl almost yelled, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.
"That's not what I'm saying Videl, but you do seem able to cope with being famous pretty well... maybe that's just because you've been doing it for seven years now... And I never implied that you use your father's name to make yourself famous, although that's probably the only reason they let you fight crime, but by fighting crime you've made a name for yourself doing something worthwhile and becoming famous on your own. I'm sorry if you misunderstood me, I'm really not used to being anyone's friend..."
"You're not a bad guy Gohan, even if you are a little nerdy, I'm sure you have more friends than I can count."
"Most of the people I consider my friends are actually a lot older than me, they were my dad's friends, and even his enemies, oh and their children, I guess, but they're all younger than me."
"So you've ever had friends your own age?"
"Not really, I did befriend this girl about seven years ago but I haven't seen her in years."
"Well, Erasa, Sharpner, and I are your friends now, even if we are a strange group. I have to head home though. I'll see you in class tomorrow I guess. Bye Gohan."
"Good night Videl. And you three aren't strange; you're the most normal people I've ever met." Videl laughed at his comment as she opened her capsule copter. Gohan walked down the street deep in thought. *She suspects something I know she does. I just hope that if she figures out the truth that she can deal with it. She'd be a dangerous enemy with all the power she posses, I can fight physical strength but she has the people on her side and she can turn them against me. I could be branded an outcast by society. I can't fight that. But then again she did say that she was my friend, and friends wouldn't betray each other like that would they? So was she bluffing last night when she said she would tell people unless I agreed with her? I don't think I'll ever figure girls out...* Gohan looked around to make sure that no one was watching him as he walked into a wooded area near Sharpner's neighborhood, then took off into the air. He didn't notice the shadowy figure that was watching him from behind a house down the street, a figure that was very interested in him.
RANDOM FACT: The inhabitants of Penguin Village, the place where General Blue and Goku end up after escaping the pirate's cave in DB, are the characters in the manga Dr. Slump. Dr. Slump was Akira Toriyama's first manga and it starred Arale and her rather vulgar little floating friends.
AN: Oo.. who's the shadowy figure? Well sorry to say I won't tell just yet. Please review even if it's a flame. I just want reviews!!! Now go down and review (I'll give you a cookie if you do) PLEASE!!!
Chapter 3 Sharpner's Party
"Gohan," Erasa started the morning with her daily squeal as Gohan came into view. Gohan smiled the Son smile at Erasa as she clamped onto his arm, "You left so early yesterday, I was worried."
"I'm sorry Erasa, I... I remembered I had something that I had to do, a friend I had to go see, I am sorry."
"I'll forgive you... on one condition." Erasa looked up at Gohan with a smile and winked, a motion that truly scared Gohan; "You have to come over to Sharpner's house today with me and Videl. His dad just opened his new gym and there's a reception at Sharpner's house. I need a date, so I want you to come, cutie." Erasa giggled and winked again as Gohan sighed in exasperation.
"I guess I can Erasa, when and where?"
"Oh goodie, um... The party starts at seven so meet me at my apartment at six, I'll drive since I know the way. Oh, and wear a nice suit, k?" Erasa winked again and skipped off down the hall *How do I get myself into things like this? I wasn't lying exactly when I said I went to visit a friend, yet I still feel really guilty. Man, I can't believe it's only Tuesday! I'm already stressed out maybe I'll cheat on my way home and get in some extra meditation before the start of this party.*
"GOHAN!" The black haired boy cringed. This voice was sharper and more irritated that Erasa's had been, it could only belong to one person...
"Oh... hi, Videl" Gohan stammered. "How's it going?" *I hope Piccolo erased her memory right or I'm in trouble.*
"Don't 'Hi Videl' me Gohan. You just ran off after that bank robbery yesterday, you didn't even talk to the police about what happened."
"Oh," Gohan said relief evident in his tone, "Is that all Videl? Because I have class, but I promise that if the police need me I'll talk to them just tell me when, ok?" Videl started at his back as he quickly retreated down the hall. *What the hell is his problem? That was too odd.*
The rest of the day went by with out much incident. Videl got a call after lunch but Gohan didn't follow her this time, something that Erasa did not fail to notice. He sensed the criminals' kis and they were miniscule, even for humans, so Gohan let Videl handle it on her own.
"Gohan, are you and Videl having a fight? I mean, you didn't follow her today, what's going on?"
"Nothing's going on Erasa. I'm not fighting with Videl, and I never 'followed' her anywhere. Videl has a job to do..." Erasa looked at Gohan curiously but didn't question her friend any further. After Videl's return the rest of the day went by very fast. He left quickly after school to get home so he could relax and eat before going out that evening.
"Hey mom, I'm home." Gohan yelled into the house after he arrived.
"What are you doing here so early didn't school just get out? What happened?" Chichi started to rant on about what she would do if something happened at his school and that's why he wasn't there.
"Calm down mom," Gohan stated as he dug through the refrigerator looking for a snack, "I just rushed home to get my work done. Sharpner's family is having a party tonight and I was invited, so I rushed home to do my work and relax some before I had to go. Is that ok?"
"Oh my baby's growing up and going to fancy parties. Oh..." Chichi's eyes went from big and dreamy to angry instantly, "but if this new found social life interferes with your studies you won't be going anywhere mister!"
"Ok mom, that's why I hurried home, to make sure I got my work done. I'll be in my room." Gohan called as he walked back to his room, his arms full of the food that he had 'liberated' from the fridge while talking to his mother. *She's really unpredictable. Hmm... I guess I'll never figure her out, oh well now to get down to work.*
Within ten minutes the food was gone and the homework completed. *That schoolwork is so easy. I actually almost appreciate my mom forcing me to study for all those years; I don't have to worry about overworking myself now. But it does give time to go and relax and actually make some friends for once.* Gohan stood up and stretched, he had a few hours still before he had to get ready so he changed into his gi. He called a rushed good bye to his mom as he raced out the door and took to the sky. He leisurely flew to a secluded spot high in the mountains, a waterfall crashed into the river below it and the trees that grew up were tall and dense. This was Gohan's private spot. He had found it as a child while exploring with his dad. Gohan often came here to meditate; it was somewhere no one could find him because no one knew the place existed. He lowered his ki as far as he possibly could, so as not to be found by those who could sense ki, and sat on a rock next to the waterfall, meditating easily in the serenity of his environment.
Gohan remained in this position for many hours. He finally opened his eyes as the sun started to go down. "Oh no, I forgot about the party!" Gohan raced back to his house and got ready for the party. He finished getting ready at quarter until six and once again yelled a rushed good bye to his mother as he raced out the door and took to the air. He flew as fast as he could towards Erasa's apartment and landed in a dark alley a few blocks away. He jogged up to the doorman and told the man he was there to see Erasa. The doorman nodded and called Erasa's apartment, telling her a guest was there to see her. Erasa appeared a minute later dressed in a black spaghetti strap, v-neck dress that went half way down her thigh. She came out the door with a smile and twirled for Gohan before taking up her usual position clamped onto his arm.
"So ya like the dress?"
"You look great Erasa. So... shall we go?" Erasa giggled and nodded yes. She let go of Gohan's arm and opened her purse. She pulled out a case of capsules and opened the one with the air car inside. "Cool, let's go."
The drive to the suburbs of Satan City took a good forty-five minutes so Erasa and Gohan arrived about fifteen minutes early for the party. Right away Erasa caught sight of Sharpner and ran up to him. He stood leaning up against the doorframe of his front door looking annoyed.
"Sharpner! Hey me and Gohan are here so where's Videl?"
"You actually came with that loser?"
"Why? I gave him a ride here; it's to make up for his leaving so abruptly yesterday. AND DON'T CALL HIM A LOSER!!!"
"Whatever." Sharpner muttered. "This party is gonna be so lame. Oh Videl's here. Well, I might as well show you all around since none of you have ever seen it before. Hi Videl," Sharpner said standing up straight and puffing out his chest, "we were just about to start the tour, are you coming?"
"Sure Sharpner, why not? This house actually looks nice, not too big like the place I live."
"Thanks doll, let's go." Videl rolled her eyes at the comment but followed the others into the house nonetheless. They walked around the house starting in the entrance hall, which was relatively plain with its polished wood floors and a small staircase on the left side ascending to the second floor. They walked into the dinning room where a banquet table was set up for the reception. Sharpner explained some of the oddities and trinkets that were sparsely scattered around the house, mainly consisting of family portraits and small bouquets of flowers.
The den was a completely different story though. There was a couch in the center of the room and a large chair on the far side of the room and the walls were lined with shelves. Everything in the room was covered in trophies, plaques, and signed photographs. Videl, Erasa and Gohan began to wander around the room and look at all the awards that littered the room.
"Wow you didn't tell us your dad was a baseball player Sharpner." Erasa said, seemingly impressed by this revelation about Sharpner's family.
"Yeah, he was only a minor leaguer but they had the best team that the city's ever seen, but he didn't even make it to the majors, only one guy from that team ever did." Sharpner waved the comment off like it was a disgraceful fact at worst and an annoyance at best. Gohan walked over to Erasa to see the picture that she had been staring at for the past few minutes. He leaned in over her shoulder to get a closer look and then suddenly burst out laughing. Videl, Erasa, and Sharpner turned to stare at him and noticed he was doubled over, laughing to the point of tears. They were still looking at him with questioning looks as he regained a little of his composure.
"I'm... I'm sorry," he gasped, "but he looks ridiculous," and burst out laughing again.
"Are you talking about my father nerd boy?" Sharpner said, clenching his fist in anger. Gohan dried his eyes and calmed himself before looking over at Sharpner's angry façade.
"No this guy here," Gohan pointed to the man next to Sharpner's father, "He's a friend of a friend and he looks so strange in this picture. I mean he looks so goofy and young. When was this picture taken?" Sharpner looked at the man to whom Gohan was pointing, and his face fell.
"That's the Bandit! He's the guy that DID make it to the major leagues. He's a coach for the team now, a batting coach. How do YOU know him?"
Gohan did the Son smile as he looked at his friend's shocked faces. "Umm.. I never knew he was famous or anything, I haven't seen him in at least seven years. But as I said, he used to date this girl who was my dad's childhood friend, although I think he met my dad first... I'm not clear on the details. So how old is this picture?"
"This one was taken about fourteen years ago. My dad always said the guy was a player but never had a steady girlfriend."
"Well they were still dating then, and had been for many years I think. But that's why they eventually broke up, too many girls in on the relationship."
"I guess, he was one of the greatest players the team's ever seen, but he disappeared the week before he was supposed to start with his new team in the majors, which was about two months after this picture was taken. They say he got involved with that alien stuff that happened back then, but dad says he was probably in a mental asylum or something cause he passed up his chance to make it big. But he reappeared a few years ago and started coaching. He was a martial artist too and even competed in a few of the World Tournaments before Mr. Satan won for the first time."
"Sharpner, you actually sound like you know what you're talking about, for once. What are you an expert on the guy?"
"No, he was one of the best though, they say he was so fast that you couldn't even see him, that's why he was called the Bandit I think, he was the king of stolen bases, stole home more times than most players steal bases period. Dad was always jealous of his talent I think, but one day I hope, not only to make it to the majors, but to be a semifinalist in the World Championships, just like the Bandit." Sharpner sighed and turned away from the group, almost solemnly, "I would kill to know what his secret is, but I can't find his address anywhere and the team practices are secret so I've been able to speak with him..."
"Next time I see him I'll see what he can do. He's a really nice guy once ya get to know him, but like most of them he's kinda secretive about his personal life and his past... too many bad memories... But as long as you don't pry I'm sure you two would get along great." Gohan smiled at his friend in an attempt to make him a little more optimistic about his future.
Sharpner turned and faced Gohan then began laughing, "You probably don't even know him nerd boy, just trying to make yourself sound cool. HA!"
"Yeah Sharpner that's it," Gohan said, slightly sarcastically.
"Well it's past seven, let's go join my old man and eat some food, I don't think I've ever seen you eat Gohan. You always disappear during lunch." Gohan laughed nervously and did the Son smile. The quartet walked out the door of the den and into the dinning room that was now full of people. They sat at the far end of the table away from Sharpner's father, so as to keep a low profile.
Dinner went by without a hitch. As a part of "getting ready" for Gohan was of course eating a large snack he managed to eat civilly and at a human pace, although a rather fast human pace. He did eat a few portions but managed to remain within his friend's view of normal eating habits; after dinner everyone went into the large living room for the slide show.
It turned out to be a relatively normal night (AN: Much to the reader's shock I'm sure.). Gohan almost fell asleep during the slide show but he mostly just listened to his friends' conversations, which mostly centered on Sharpner and his future in baseball, Yamcha was brought up a more few times but Gohan wisely kept his mouth shut. Afterwards they said their good byes to each other and went their separate ways home.
"Hey Gohan, you need a ride? Where are you walking to?" Videl came up behind him; there was more than just concern for his well being in her voice, there was also suspicion.
"Umm.. no that's ok Videl. I'm just tired cause the slide show was so boring. I wanted to wake up a little by taking a walk before I decided to head home." *Well at least it's partially true. I hate this constant lying...* Gohan smiled and Videl shook her head.
"I was wondering, do you really know that baseball player that Sharpner was talking about?"
"Yeah, I know him."
"How come you never mentioned him before then?"
"As I said, I never even knew he played baseball, that picture was taken about a year before I met him for the first time. Besides what does it really matter in the long run if I know someone who just happens to be famous? Just because everyone knows the name doesn't mean they know the person the name belongs too. Besides not everyone who's famous wants to be and not everyone who's famous deserves to be..."
"Why wouldn't you want to be famous, and why would you be famous if you didn't deserve it?" Videl was getting a little annoyed by innuendo.
"Not everyone is like you Videl, some people, like myself, value their privacy and just want to live a normal life. And as for those who don't deserve to be famous, there are people who will take the credit for other's accomplishments so that they can be famous without having to do the work."
"Are you implying that I LIKE being the daughter of the 'Great Mr. Satan' and use his name to be famous? Cause if you are then really know nothing about me and aren't a very good friend," Videl almost yelled, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.
"That's not what I'm saying Videl, but you do seem able to cope with being famous pretty well... maybe that's just because you've been doing it for seven years now... And I never implied that you use your father's name to make yourself famous, although that's probably the only reason they let you fight crime, but by fighting crime you've made a name for yourself doing something worthwhile and becoming famous on your own. I'm sorry if you misunderstood me, I'm really not used to being anyone's friend..."
"You're not a bad guy Gohan, even if you are a little nerdy, I'm sure you have more friends than I can count."
"Most of the people I consider my friends are actually a lot older than me, they were my dad's friends, and even his enemies, oh and their children, I guess, but they're all younger than me."
"So you've ever had friends your own age?"
"Not really, I did befriend this girl about seven years ago but I haven't seen her in years."
"Well, Erasa, Sharpner, and I are your friends now, even if we are a strange group. I have to head home though. I'll see you in class tomorrow I guess. Bye Gohan."
"Good night Videl. And you three aren't strange; you're the most normal people I've ever met." Videl laughed at his comment as she opened her capsule copter. Gohan walked down the street deep in thought. *She suspects something I know she does. I just hope that if she figures out the truth that she can deal with it. She'd be a dangerous enemy with all the power she posses, I can fight physical strength but she has the people on her side and she can turn them against me. I could be branded an outcast by society. I can't fight that. But then again she did say that she was my friend, and friends wouldn't betray each other like that would they? So was she bluffing last night when she said she would tell people unless I agreed with her? I don't think I'll ever figure girls out...* Gohan looked around to make sure that no one was watching him as he walked into a wooded area near Sharpner's neighborhood, then took off into the air. He didn't notice the shadowy figure that was watching him from behind a house down the street, a figure that was very interested in him.
RANDOM FACT: The inhabitants of Penguin Village, the place where General Blue and Goku end up after escaping the pirate's cave in DB, are the characters in the manga Dr. Slump. Dr. Slump was Akira Toriyama's first manga and it starred Arale and her rather vulgar little floating friends.
AN: Oo.. who's the shadowy figure? Well sorry to say I won't tell just yet. Please review even if it's a flame. I just want reviews!!! Now go down and review (I'll give you a cookie if you do) PLEASE!!!