Woot woot! Another chapter! I'm so happy I finished this. It's not as long as the previous one, though, I'm sorry to say. But, it's as long as it needed to be, so I'm ok with the length.
So, I had my Japanese test today and it I thought it went so well that I was inspired to write today. Bet you're all happy I did, huh? I'm happy I did. But, anyway, the next chapter won't be up for a couple of days. I'm going with my boyfriend tomorrow to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family (he's Vietnamese, but he and his family celebrate it along with every other Asian person I know). I won't be back to somewhere that has easily available internet access until Sunday (i.e. when I come back), but I'll try to have it finished by then 'cause I can just take my laptop with me to work on it. Besides, I'll probably be so busy with celebrating the New Year that I won't have the chapter finished until Sunday, anyway.
Well, anyway, here's the next chapter and Happy New Year!
But, before the chapter, a disclaimer: I, in no way, have anything to do with the ownership of DBZ. Akira Toriyama and co. own it.
----------Chapter 3: After School Activities-----------
Gohan let out a small sigh as the final bell rang, signaling the end of school for the day. He quickly packed up his things and walked out of the classroom, not even waiting for Trunks.
Trunks frowned for a bit, watching as Gohan walked away, not even heeding to his name being called. But, as quickly as the frown appeared, it left his face. Trunks just sighed and shook his head, a small smirk on his face.
Poor guy probably wants to get out and go home, Trunks thought as he, too, gathered up his things and walked out of the room, weaving his way through his classmates as they filed out as well. Trunks easily honed in on Gohan's ki and headed towards it, finding Gohan staring into his open locker. Trunks went over and leaned against his locker, right next to Gohan's.
"Happy school's over, I take it," Trunks commented. Gohan, noticing that Trunks was standing next to him, pulled away from removing his math book and turned towards Trunks with a sigh.
"Yeah," Gohan said, relief evident in his voice, "Those girls were staring at me all day." Trunks shrugged.
"They'll stop eventually," Trunks said, "Once they get used to your new clothes." Gohan only rolled his eyes.
"And only Dende knows when that's going to be," Gohan sighed, "I'm just happy that these clothes don't show off too much." Trunks nodded.
"Yeah, well, that's what you told me you wanted yesterday: clothes that didn't show off too much muscle. Though, I don't profess to understand why you feel the need to hide what you've rightfully earned," Trunks said. Gohan closed his locker and started walking down the hall, Trunks quickly joining him.
"I just don't want everyone staring at me all the time. I came here to have a good time and make some friends, not be under the watchful eyes of my peers at every second, you know?" Gohan explained. Trunks understood.
"Yeah, I do. I can understand why you'd want your privacy," Trunks said as they exited the building. They were silent for a few moments, appreciating the full spring weather, before Trunks looked over at Gohan.
"So, you going home?" Trunks inquired. Gohan shook his head.
"No, actually, I'm heading over to Capsule Corp," Gohan said. Trunks looked a bit taken aback.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Trunks asked. Gohan shrugged.
"Guess I forgot," Gohan explained, "I go over every Tuesday to spar with Vegeta. He's still trying to make it to the second level and he thinks that by sparring with me, the secret will be revealed to him somehow." Trunks just sighed.
"Father tries way too hard," Trunks said as he nodded his head in the direction of the side of the building. Gohan nodded in understanding as they walked along side the building before rounding the corner to find a deserted part of campus. Using the lack of prying eyes to their advantage, Trunks and Gohan jumped into the air, taking flight.
"He's just envious," Gohan said, continuing their conversation, "You remember how upset he was over my dad's power. It really pisses him off that I've surpassed him as well." Trunks chuckled.
"Yeah, well, he's not too happy that I'm stronger than him, as well. I mean, I haven't reached the second level fully yet, but I've gotten far closer than he has, that's for sure," Trunks said. Gohan merely grunted his response, another silence falling over them as they made their way easily through the air.
Soon enough, however, another question popped into Trunks' mind.
"I saw on the schedule tomorrow that we have PE," Trunks said, "What's that like?" Gohan shrugged.
"Don't really know. We only had PE for the first time last week and we didn't do anything. Though, I think I remember something about starting out with a martial arts segment." Trunks raised an eyebrow.
"Martial arts? I didn't think most high schools did that," Trunks remarked. Gohan smirked.
"I don't think so. But, you have to remember, we do have Videl in our class and look at who her father is and the influence he's had over the entire world," Gohan said. Trunks conceded to Gohan's point.
"So, if you get called on to do something, are you going to show your power?" Trunks asked. Gohan shook his head violently.
"No way," Gohan said, "I fully intend to hide my powers as long as I can. I just want to fit in, Trunks. I don't want to look like a freak. Besides, my mom told me that I should keep my powers hidden to prevent people from prying into my life. I have to agree with her. The last thing I need anyone at school to find out is that I'm only half-human."
"Yeah, well, I was given strict orders to hide mine," Trunks said. Gohan looked over at Trunks quizzically.
"By who?" Gohan asked.
"Mom," Trunks said, "See, I don't look too much different than I did during the Cell Games, and that was 7 years ago. Should anyone recognize me because I used my powers and they make the connection, they'll get suspicious and try to find out why I didn't age and someone's bound to figure out that time travel was involved. Mom doesn't want anyone knowing about time travel yet because she feels that this world isn't ready for it." Gohan gave a curt nod.
"Yeah, I can see where Bulma's coming from," Gohan said, "So, it looks like we're resigned to hiding our powers for the rest of high school, eh?" Trunks nodded.
"Yup, sure does. At least we won't be missing much by hiding our powers during PE. It'll just be hard to do so," Trunks said. Gohan sighed.
"Tell me about it," Gohan said, "I have so many accidents related to me losing control of my powers that mom's forbidden me from wielding a hammer or any tool every again or from washing a dish." Trunks laughed.
"I bet you've ruined lots of dishes, huh?" Gohan smiled grimly at the memory.
"Oh, yeah," Gohan said, "I'm just hopeless. But, I know what you're talking about with it being hard. I can't imagine how hard it's going to be to hide my strength while performing in PE." Trunks just sighed.
"Well, we're just going to have to try," Trunks said as Capsule Corp came into view. Gohan smirked.
"Can't wait to see how well that's going to work."
***
The gravity was a constant force threatening to overcome him if he didn't keep up his concentration. Vegeta gritted his teeth against the onslaught of the powerful force. Training at 500 times the Earth's gravity was no picnic, a fact Vegeta was reminded of every time he used the Gravity Room. He knew how strenuous the effects of gravity were on the body, but for Vegeta, what didn't kill him only made him stronger.
Besides, he was determined to push himself beyond the limits of his body; he wanted to breech that threshold of power so much he could taste it. But, it mocked him. Vegeta could feel it, feel the breaking point that would ascend him to the next level, but it was always just out of reach, teasing him with its unattainable nature. Vegeta grunted at the thought and forced his body through another training exercise.
He had just thrust his fist through the thick air when he felt his future son's energy approaching. Vegeta frowned; another thorn in his side. As much pride as he felt in Mirai Trunks, Vegeta couldn't help but envy the strength of his son and how easy he had obtained it. Why couldn't he reach it himself? Vegeta wondered.
A couple of seconds later, Vegeta felt Gohan's ki as well, right next to his son's. Vegeta was suddenly reminded of the day of the week; Kakarotto's first brat was coming over for his usual session. Vegeta smirked slightly as he moved to turn off the gravity. He would go greet them himself.
***
Trunks and Gohan landed easily inside the compound, walking through the complicated maze that was the system of hallways of Capsule Corporation.
"Do you think father would mind if I joined you today?" Trunks asked Gohan. Gohan thought about it for a few seconds before giving a small shrug of the shoulders.
"I don't think so, but we'll have to see. You know how ornery Vegeta can get," Gohan said.
"Ornery, hmm?" a gruff voice called from behind. Gohan and Trunks turned around to see Vegeta standing there in his usual intimidating pose, arms crossed over his chest and an evil smirk on his face.
"Hi, father," Trunks greeted. Vegeta nodded at his son in greeting before looking over at Gohan, an expectant look on his face. Gohan looked a bit confused for a few seconds before he, too, greeted Vegeta in a language that Trunks had never heard before. Vegeta smiled at Gohan's use of the harsh-sounding language and he responded in the same unrecognizable language before turning around.
"Boy, meet me in the Gravity Room in an hour," Vegeta called over his shoulder before disappearing from sight. Once Vegeta was gone, Trunks looked over at Gohan, an eyebrow raised in confusion; there was a light blush of embarrassment on Gohan's face.
"What was that?" Trunks asked, referring to the language.
"That was Saiya-go," Gohan said simply, "Vegeta taught it to me a few years ago after I started asking him about the history of the Saiya-jins. Vegeta said that it was only right that I wanted to know about my heritage and told me the history was best told in the language of the people. So, he taught me. It wasn't that hard to learn, really. Vegeta said something about it being a part of me, something that I instinctually knew." Trunks looked surprised and hopeful.
"I wonder if he'll teach it to me," Trunks wondered.
"Probably," Gohan responded, "You are, after all, his son. Even though you don't have a kingdom to rule anymore, he'll probably want to teach you everything you'd need to know to assume the throne." Trunks nodded.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Trunks said, "So, what did he say to you anyway? And what did you say to him?"
"I greeted him in the proper Saiya-jin fashion and he told me that our training session was canceled for today. Most likely because he wants to see you in the GR later," Gohan said, a thought coming to mind, "Hey, if Vegeta decides he wants to teach you Saiya-go, you can practice speaking with me. Vegeta said that I'm pretty good at it. He helps, though, because he speaks to me in Saiya-go most of the time these days, so I don't have a chance to forget." Trunks smiled at Gohan's offer.
"That would be great. Thanks," Trunks said. Gohan smiled back.
"Glad to help," Gohan responded. Suddenly, Gohan's face twisted into a look of horror.
"Shit!" he exclaimed, the rare expletive leaving his lips. Trunks looked worried.
"What? What's wrong?" Trunks asked. Gohan relaxed and shook his head.
"Nothing, I just forgot my math book at school. I wanted to get that homework done tonight, so I'll have to go back to school and get it," Gohan explained, "I better get going so I can get my book before the building closes. See you tomorrow." Trunks smirked.
"Yeah, see ya."
***
After Gohan left, Trunks navigated his way through the compound and up to his room. Upon his arrival, Bulma gave him one of the suites upstairs in the wing that held the family quarters. Trunks had his own living room and bedroom to do with as he pleased. Trunks plopped down onto the sofa once he reached his room, dropping his school bag on the ground next to the couch.
I wonder what father wants? Trunks thought as he leaned back onto the cushions, allowing himself a few minutes of relaxation before going down to meet with Vegeta. Unable to figure out what Vegeta wanted, Trunks sighed and reached over for the remote control to the television. Trunks had rarely had time for watching TV growing up and marveled at having the free time with which to waste on something like watching TV. Trunks flipped through the channels for a few moments before settling on "Law and Order: SVU", coming on it a quarter of the way into it.
After watching a particularly enthralling episode about a man posing as a cop to get access to his victims so he could rape them, Trunks decided it was time to go see what Vegeta wanted. He turned off the television with a simple press of the button and stood up from the couch. He made his way down to the GR in short time and, noticing that the gravity wasn't on, walked in to find Vegeta sitting down on the floor, seemingly deep in meditation.
Vegeta opened one eye as Trunks walked into the room, the door swishing shut behind him.
"Sit," Vegeta commanded. Trunks did; sitting across from Vegeta about a foot away. Trunks didn't say anything, but merely cocked his head to one side, portraying his wonderment to his father. The gesture was not lost on Vegeta who merely smiled at him.
"Trunks," Vegeta said, using his name rather than one of his more colorful nicknames, "You are my son. And you are also a Saiya-jin prince. It's time I taught you what that means." Remembering Gohan's words from earlier, Trunks simply smiled.
"Well, then, let's get to it."
***
Far away from West Capitol, Gohan landed on the roof of Orange Star High, swiftly making his way down the stairs to the ground level, relieved that the school building was still open. In short time, he reached his locker and opened it, pulling out his math book and checking to see if he needed anything else.
From a few feet away, a curious looking Videl stared at Gohan. She had stayed after school to ask her chemistry teacher questions about the homework assignment and was now getting ready to leave when she spotted Gohan running down the hall to his locker.
"Hey, Gohan," Videl called out. Gohan jumped, not knowing she was there. His head turned sharply to the left, seeing Videl standing at her locker.
"Oh," Gohan said, visibly relaxing, "Hi Videl." Videl gave one of her trademark smirks.
"So, what are you doing on campus this late?" Videl asked. Gohan held out his math book.
"Forgot this," Gohan said simply, unable to believe that he was holding a normal conversation with Satan Videl, the daughter of the man who took credit for what Gohan did 6 years ago. Gohan inwardly smirked.
Dende must be having a field day with this, Gohan thought. Videl nodded in understanding.
"Ah," she said, "Makes sense." It was then Gohan's turn to look at her questioningly.
"What are you doing here?" Gohan asked. Videl mentally shrugged, figuring it couldn't hurt to be friendly to Gohan, especially seeing how as she wanted to get closer to him.
"I stayed to ask Tanaka-sensei questions on our chemistry homework from last night; I just didn't get a good portion of that assignment," Videl said. Gohan was shocked; he had only known Videl for a couple of weeks, but he had surmised that she was no dummy.
"I could help you, if you wanted," Gohan said. Videl shot him a look, her eyes narrowing as she tried to puzzle out his motives for offering her his help.
"What?" she said tersely. Gohan squirmed underneath her piercing gaze.
"Well, I only meant if you needed it. I already studied chemistry a couple of years ago and I know it pretty well," Gohan explained. Oh, Videl didn't doubt that he did.
"What would be in it for you?" Videl asked. Gohan held out his hands defensively.
"Nothing!" Gohan exclaimed, "I was only trying to help." Videl scrutinized Gohan, looking for signs that he was lying and found none. She sighed as she dropped her gaze, her fingers rubbing her forehead.
Good going, girl. What a way to become friends with the guy: accusing him of having an ulterior motive, Videl thought.
"Sorry," Videl finally said, meeting his eyes again, "I'm not used to people wanting to help me without getting something in return. Sometimes it really sucks to be the daughter of a famous celebrity." Gohan smiled sympathetically.
"I bet," Gohan said, "With all those people just being nice to you to get close to your father. That must get annoying real quick." Videl rolled her eyes and nodded.
"You have no idea, Son Gohan. But, thanks for your help. I'll take you up on it sometime if I need it," she stated. Gohan noticed she had relaxed a bit from her defensive pose.
"Wanna walk me out?" Gohan said as he closed his locker. Videl smirked at him again.
"Sure," she said, "Just give me a moment." Videl took a quick survey of the contents of her locker and pulled out a couple of books, shoving them into her bag, before closing her locker.
"Ok," she announced, "Let's go." Together, Gohan and Videl walked down the hallway towards the exit, both silent as they thought of something to say. Nothing came to mind until they got outside.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Videl," Gohan said, turning to walk away.
"Wait," Videl said, "Do you need a ride?" Videl couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth; was she offering a boy a ride? Gohan turned and smiled in thanks.
"Thanks, but I don't need it. It's way out of your way, besides," Gohan said as gently as possible, having quickly found out that Videl was quick to take offense and even quicker to anger. Indeed, Videl felt the rage surge up inside of her at Gohan's rejection of her trying to be nice, but quickly suppressed it.
He's just trying to be nice, too, Videl. Don't get so worked up. But, Kami, it was hard not to. Videl let it slide and nodded.
"Ok," she said, "Then I'll see you tomorrow." With that, Videl reached into her pocket and pulled out her capsulized helicopter. Opening it up, she got in and took off, waving at Gohan.
Gohan waved back and watched her fly away, waiting until she was out of sight before taking off into the air himself. Gohan smiled to himself as he flew home; he had made another friend and, damn, did it feel good.
--------------
Well, whatcha think? Not bad, eh? Stay tuned for the next chapter, however...Trunks and Gohan's adventures with physical education. Boy, the ideas I have lined up for that...hehehe...Well, anyway, better go. Ja!
So, I had my Japanese test today and it I thought it went so well that I was inspired to write today. Bet you're all happy I did, huh? I'm happy I did. But, anyway, the next chapter won't be up for a couple of days. I'm going with my boyfriend tomorrow to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family (he's Vietnamese, but he and his family celebrate it along with every other Asian person I know). I won't be back to somewhere that has easily available internet access until Sunday (i.e. when I come back), but I'll try to have it finished by then 'cause I can just take my laptop with me to work on it. Besides, I'll probably be so busy with celebrating the New Year that I won't have the chapter finished until Sunday, anyway.
Well, anyway, here's the next chapter and Happy New Year!
But, before the chapter, a disclaimer: I, in no way, have anything to do with the ownership of DBZ. Akira Toriyama and co. own it.
----------Chapter 3: After School Activities-----------
Gohan let out a small sigh as the final bell rang, signaling the end of school for the day. He quickly packed up his things and walked out of the classroom, not even waiting for Trunks.
Trunks frowned for a bit, watching as Gohan walked away, not even heeding to his name being called. But, as quickly as the frown appeared, it left his face. Trunks just sighed and shook his head, a small smirk on his face.
Poor guy probably wants to get out and go home, Trunks thought as he, too, gathered up his things and walked out of the room, weaving his way through his classmates as they filed out as well. Trunks easily honed in on Gohan's ki and headed towards it, finding Gohan staring into his open locker. Trunks went over and leaned against his locker, right next to Gohan's.
"Happy school's over, I take it," Trunks commented. Gohan, noticing that Trunks was standing next to him, pulled away from removing his math book and turned towards Trunks with a sigh.
"Yeah," Gohan said, relief evident in his voice, "Those girls were staring at me all day." Trunks shrugged.
"They'll stop eventually," Trunks said, "Once they get used to your new clothes." Gohan only rolled his eyes.
"And only Dende knows when that's going to be," Gohan sighed, "I'm just happy that these clothes don't show off too much." Trunks nodded.
"Yeah, well, that's what you told me you wanted yesterday: clothes that didn't show off too much muscle. Though, I don't profess to understand why you feel the need to hide what you've rightfully earned," Trunks said. Gohan closed his locker and started walking down the hall, Trunks quickly joining him.
"I just don't want everyone staring at me all the time. I came here to have a good time and make some friends, not be under the watchful eyes of my peers at every second, you know?" Gohan explained. Trunks understood.
"Yeah, I do. I can understand why you'd want your privacy," Trunks said as they exited the building. They were silent for a few moments, appreciating the full spring weather, before Trunks looked over at Gohan.
"So, you going home?" Trunks inquired. Gohan shook his head.
"No, actually, I'm heading over to Capsule Corp," Gohan said. Trunks looked a bit taken aback.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Trunks asked. Gohan shrugged.
"Guess I forgot," Gohan explained, "I go over every Tuesday to spar with Vegeta. He's still trying to make it to the second level and he thinks that by sparring with me, the secret will be revealed to him somehow." Trunks just sighed.
"Father tries way too hard," Trunks said as he nodded his head in the direction of the side of the building. Gohan nodded in understanding as they walked along side the building before rounding the corner to find a deserted part of campus. Using the lack of prying eyes to their advantage, Trunks and Gohan jumped into the air, taking flight.
"He's just envious," Gohan said, continuing their conversation, "You remember how upset he was over my dad's power. It really pisses him off that I've surpassed him as well." Trunks chuckled.
"Yeah, well, he's not too happy that I'm stronger than him, as well. I mean, I haven't reached the second level fully yet, but I've gotten far closer than he has, that's for sure," Trunks said. Gohan merely grunted his response, another silence falling over them as they made their way easily through the air.
Soon enough, however, another question popped into Trunks' mind.
"I saw on the schedule tomorrow that we have PE," Trunks said, "What's that like?" Gohan shrugged.
"Don't really know. We only had PE for the first time last week and we didn't do anything. Though, I think I remember something about starting out with a martial arts segment." Trunks raised an eyebrow.
"Martial arts? I didn't think most high schools did that," Trunks remarked. Gohan smirked.
"I don't think so. But, you have to remember, we do have Videl in our class and look at who her father is and the influence he's had over the entire world," Gohan said. Trunks conceded to Gohan's point.
"So, if you get called on to do something, are you going to show your power?" Trunks asked. Gohan shook his head violently.
"No way," Gohan said, "I fully intend to hide my powers as long as I can. I just want to fit in, Trunks. I don't want to look like a freak. Besides, my mom told me that I should keep my powers hidden to prevent people from prying into my life. I have to agree with her. The last thing I need anyone at school to find out is that I'm only half-human."
"Yeah, well, I was given strict orders to hide mine," Trunks said. Gohan looked over at Trunks quizzically.
"By who?" Gohan asked.
"Mom," Trunks said, "See, I don't look too much different than I did during the Cell Games, and that was 7 years ago. Should anyone recognize me because I used my powers and they make the connection, they'll get suspicious and try to find out why I didn't age and someone's bound to figure out that time travel was involved. Mom doesn't want anyone knowing about time travel yet because she feels that this world isn't ready for it." Gohan gave a curt nod.
"Yeah, I can see where Bulma's coming from," Gohan said, "So, it looks like we're resigned to hiding our powers for the rest of high school, eh?" Trunks nodded.
"Yup, sure does. At least we won't be missing much by hiding our powers during PE. It'll just be hard to do so," Trunks said. Gohan sighed.
"Tell me about it," Gohan said, "I have so many accidents related to me losing control of my powers that mom's forbidden me from wielding a hammer or any tool every again or from washing a dish." Trunks laughed.
"I bet you've ruined lots of dishes, huh?" Gohan smiled grimly at the memory.
"Oh, yeah," Gohan said, "I'm just hopeless. But, I know what you're talking about with it being hard. I can't imagine how hard it's going to be to hide my strength while performing in PE." Trunks just sighed.
"Well, we're just going to have to try," Trunks said as Capsule Corp came into view. Gohan smirked.
"Can't wait to see how well that's going to work."
***
The gravity was a constant force threatening to overcome him if he didn't keep up his concentration. Vegeta gritted his teeth against the onslaught of the powerful force. Training at 500 times the Earth's gravity was no picnic, a fact Vegeta was reminded of every time he used the Gravity Room. He knew how strenuous the effects of gravity were on the body, but for Vegeta, what didn't kill him only made him stronger.
Besides, he was determined to push himself beyond the limits of his body; he wanted to breech that threshold of power so much he could taste it. But, it mocked him. Vegeta could feel it, feel the breaking point that would ascend him to the next level, but it was always just out of reach, teasing him with its unattainable nature. Vegeta grunted at the thought and forced his body through another training exercise.
He had just thrust his fist through the thick air when he felt his future son's energy approaching. Vegeta frowned; another thorn in his side. As much pride as he felt in Mirai Trunks, Vegeta couldn't help but envy the strength of his son and how easy he had obtained it. Why couldn't he reach it himself? Vegeta wondered.
A couple of seconds later, Vegeta felt Gohan's ki as well, right next to his son's. Vegeta was suddenly reminded of the day of the week; Kakarotto's first brat was coming over for his usual session. Vegeta smirked slightly as he moved to turn off the gravity. He would go greet them himself.
***
Trunks and Gohan landed easily inside the compound, walking through the complicated maze that was the system of hallways of Capsule Corporation.
"Do you think father would mind if I joined you today?" Trunks asked Gohan. Gohan thought about it for a few seconds before giving a small shrug of the shoulders.
"I don't think so, but we'll have to see. You know how ornery Vegeta can get," Gohan said.
"Ornery, hmm?" a gruff voice called from behind. Gohan and Trunks turned around to see Vegeta standing there in his usual intimidating pose, arms crossed over his chest and an evil smirk on his face.
"Hi, father," Trunks greeted. Vegeta nodded at his son in greeting before looking over at Gohan, an expectant look on his face. Gohan looked a bit confused for a few seconds before he, too, greeted Vegeta in a language that Trunks had never heard before. Vegeta smiled at Gohan's use of the harsh-sounding language and he responded in the same unrecognizable language before turning around.
"Boy, meet me in the Gravity Room in an hour," Vegeta called over his shoulder before disappearing from sight. Once Vegeta was gone, Trunks looked over at Gohan, an eyebrow raised in confusion; there was a light blush of embarrassment on Gohan's face.
"What was that?" Trunks asked, referring to the language.
"That was Saiya-go," Gohan said simply, "Vegeta taught it to me a few years ago after I started asking him about the history of the Saiya-jins. Vegeta said that it was only right that I wanted to know about my heritage and told me the history was best told in the language of the people. So, he taught me. It wasn't that hard to learn, really. Vegeta said something about it being a part of me, something that I instinctually knew." Trunks looked surprised and hopeful.
"I wonder if he'll teach it to me," Trunks wondered.
"Probably," Gohan responded, "You are, after all, his son. Even though you don't have a kingdom to rule anymore, he'll probably want to teach you everything you'd need to know to assume the throne." Trunks nodded.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Trunks said, "So, what did he say to you anyway? And what did you say to him?"
"I greeted him in the proper Saiya-jin fashion and he told me that our training session was canceled for today. Most likely because he wants to see you in the GR later," Gohan said, a thought coming to mind, "Hey, if Vegeta decides he wants to teach you Saiya-go, you can practice speaking with me. Vegeta said that I'm pretty good at it. He helps, though, because he speaks to me in Saiya-go most of the time these days, so I don't have a chance to forget." Trunks smiled at Gohan's offer.
"That would be great. Thanks," Trunks said. Gohan smiled back.
"Glad to help," Gohan responded. Suddenly, Gohan's face twisted into a look of horror.
"Shit!" he exclaimed, the rare expletive leaving his lips. Trunks looked worried.
"What? What's wrong?" Trunks asked. Gohan relaxed and shook his head.
"Nothing, I just forgot my math book at school. I wanted to get that homework done tonight, so I'll have to go back to school and get it," Gohan explained, "I better get going so I can get my book before the building closes. See you tomorrow." Trunks smirked.
"Yeah, see ya."
***
After Gohan left, Trunks navigated his way through the compound and up to his room. Upon his arrival, Bulma gave him one of the suites upstairs in the wing that held the family quarters. Trunks had his own living room and bedroom to do with as he pleased. Trunks plopped down onto the sofa once he reached his room, dropping his school bag on the ground next to the couch.
I wonder what father wants? Trunks thought as he leaned back onto the cushions, allowing himself a few minutes of relaxation before going down to meet with Vegeta. Unable to figure out what Vegeta wanted, Trunks sighed and reached over for the remote control to the television. Trunks had rarely had time for watching TV growing up and marveled at having the free time with which to waste on something like watching TV. Trunks flipped through the channels for a few moments before settling on "Law and Order: SVU", coming on it a quarter of the way into it.
After watching a particularly enthralling episode about a man posing as a cop to get access to his victims so he could rape them, Trunks decided it was time to go see what Vegeta wanted. He turned off the television with a simple press of the button and stood up from the couch. He made his way down to the GR in short time and, noticing that the gravity wasn't on, walked in to find Vegeta sitting down on the floor, seemingly deep in meditation.
Vegeta opened one eye as Trunks walked into the room, the door swishing shut behind him.
"Sit," Vegeta commanded. Trunks did; sitting across from Vegeta about a foot away. Trunks didn't say anything, but merely cocked his head to one side, portraying his wonderment to his father. The gesture was not lost on Vegeta who merely smiled at him.
"Trunks," Vegeta said, using his name rather than one of his more colorful nicknames, "You are my son. And you are also a Saiya-jin prince. It's time I taught you what that means." Remembering Gohan's words from earlier, Trunks simply smiled.
"Well, then, let's get to it."
***
Far away from West Capitol, Gohan landed on the roof of Orange Star High, swiftly making his way down the stairs to the ground level, relieved that the school building was still open. In short time, he reached his locker and opened it, pulling out his math book and checking to see if he needed anything else.
From a few feet away, a curious looking Videl stared at Gohan. She had stayed after school to ask her chemistry teacher questions about the homework assignment and was now getting ready to leave when she spotted Gohan running down the hall to his locker.
"Hey, Gohan," Videl called out. Gohan jumped, not knowing she was there. His head turned sharply to the left, seeing Videl standing at her locker.
"Oh," Gohan said, visibly relaxing, "Hi Videl." Videl gave one of her trademark smirks.
"So, what are you doing on campus this late?" Videl asked. Gohan held out his math book.
"Forgot this," Gohan said simply, unable to believe that he was holding a normal conversation with Satan Videl, the daughter of the man who took credit for what Gohan did 6 years ago. Gohan inwardly smirked.
Dende must be having a field day with this, Gohan thought. Videl nodded in understanding.
"Ah," she said, "Makes sense." It was then Gohan's turn to look at her questioningly.
"What are you doing here?" Gohan asked. Videl mentally shrugged, figuring it couldn't hurt to be friendly to Gohan, especially seeing how as she wanted to get closer to him.
"I stayed to ask Tanaka-sensei questions on our chemistry homework from last night; I just didn't get a good portion of that assignment," Videl said. Gohan was shocked; he had only known Videl for a couple of weeks, but he had surmised that she was no dummy.
"I could help you, if you wanted," Gohan said. Videl shot him a look, her eyes narrowing as she tried to puzzle out his motives for offering her his help.
"What?" she said tersely. Gohan squirmed underneath her piercing gaze.
"Well, I only meant if you needed it. I already studied chemistry a couple of years ago and I know it pretty well," Gohan explained. Oh, Videl didn't doubt that he did.
"What would be in it for you?" Videl asked. Gohan held out his hands defensively.
"Nothing!" Gohan exclaimed, "I was only trying to help." Videl scrutinized Gohan, looking for signs that he was lying and found none. She sighed as she dropped her gaze, her fingers rubbing her forehead.
Good going, girl. What a way to become friends with the guy: accusing him of having an ulterior motive, Videl thought.
"Sorry," Videl finally said, meeting his eyes again, "I'm not used to people wanting to help me without getting something in return. Sometimes it really sucks to be the daughter of a famous celebrity." Gohan smiled sympathetically.
"I bet," Gohan said, "With all those people just being nice to you to get close to your father. That must get annoying real quick." Videl rolled her eyes and nodded.
"You have no idea, Son Gohan. But, thanks for your help. I'll take you up on it sometime if I need it," she stated. Gohan noticed she had relaxed a bit from her defensive pose.
"Wanna walk me out?" Gohan said as he closed his locker. Videl smirked at him again.
"Sure," she said, "Just give me a moment." Videl took a quick survey of the contents of her locker and pulled out a couple of books, shoving them into her bag, before closing her locker.
"Ok," she announced, "Let's go." Together, Gohan and Videl walked down the hallway towards the exit, both silent as they thought of something to say. Nothing came to mind until they got outside.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Videl," Gohan said, turning to walk away.
"Wait," Videl said, "Do you need a ride?" Videl couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth; was she offering a boy a ride? Gohan turned and smiled in thanks.
"Thanks, but I don't need it. It's way out of your way, besides," Gohan said as gently as possible, having quickly found out that Videl was quick to take offense and even quicker to anger. Indeed, Videl felt the rage surge up inside of her at Gohan's rejection of her trying to be nice, but quickly suppressed it.
He's just trying to be nice, too, Videl. Don't get so worked up. But, Kami, it was hard not to. Videl let it slide and nodded.
"Ok," she said, "Then I'll see you tomorrow." With that, Videl reached into her pocket and pulled out her capsulized helicopter. Opening it up, she got in and took off, waving at Gohan.
Gohan waved back and watched her fly away, waiting until she was out of sight before taking off into the air himself. Gohan smiled to himself as he flew home; he had made another friend and, damn, did it feel good.
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Well, whatcha think? Not bad, eh? Stay tuned for the next chapter, however...Trunks and Gohan's adventures with physical education. Boy, the ideas I have lined up for that...hehehe...Well, anyway, better go. Ja!
