Disclaimer:I don't own DBZ,nor do I make any money off this(Sniff,Sniff)

'...' means thoughts

"..."means conversation

...means telepathy

A Cold Place by:Sweettooth

Chapter 2:Attractions and Distractions

Years passed and Gohan got older.The first few months were hard for him.He had to stay hidden,so he couldn't train.During that time,he studied.Not because his mother still had an influence on him,but because he knew with an intellect like Bulma's,he could think of a way to build a device to conceal his energy from the Z Warrior's senses.He had to have a shelter,so he worked in the farms to gain easy money.He saved the money.Gohan built a little cabin next to a small stream to keep himself from the cold.The stream provided electricty,and the and the deer and plants provided food.A portion of the money,he used to buy clothes.By the sixth month,he had finished the layout to the device that would conceal his energy,but he still needed the parts.Most of them were easy to get,but the more complicated parts,he stole from cars in the city.By the eigth month,it was complete.The device was fitted like an armband,going from his upper arm to his wrist.It was quite small.From a glance,it looked like a watch stiched to his sleeve.No wires or metal poked out.Now he could train.And he did.He continued saving up money for the next few years,which gradually turned into a small fortune.When he was 16,he moved into a house in the city and changed his name to Shawn.No longer in the woods,he had to go to school.He enrolled into Orange Star High School after getting a perfect score on his high school entrance exams.He was 16,so he became a sophmore.He had enough money to live off of for about four years.So he had the job part completely out of his mind.His house had six bedrooms,three bathrooms,garage,indoor pool,workout gym,dining room,living room,and a double sized kitchen.Over the next year and a half,Gohan,now Shawn,passed through class easily because all the stuff going on he learned at the age of seven.He had a few friends,none of which could be called model students.He had to wear the school uniform,but always found a way to make himself look different.Usually he had an earring or peirced eyebrow.Because he was different,he earned the nickname,shadow.But he was pretty much liked by everyone.

First day of Senior high school

Kids were screaming.Papers were flying.Most of the guys were checking to see how much the girls had grown.But Gohan seemed to find a way through the crowd.Sitting in his seat,he rested his head on the desk and closed his eyes.

"Hey,arn't you that shadow guy?"A girl asked him.She was a blond,pretty,and "well equipped"

Gohan opened his eyes and looked at her.'Damn.Not my type!'he thought to himself,"Yeah,that's me.Why do you ask?"

The girl put out her hand,"Hi,I'm Erasa."Gohan took her hand and shook it,"Would you like to come sit with us?I mean,I sure as hell wouldn't mind.You could ignore Sharpner,and Videl should be here soon."

Gohan looked at her funny,"Videl?I know that name.Where from?"

Erasa was dumbfounded,"You...don't know her?"

"Nope,sorry."

Erasa smacked herself,"She's only the great Hurcule's daughter!You didn't know that?"

Gohan blinked,then put his head back on his desk,"Oh."After that he didn't say anything.She could only blink.She nudged him,but he didn't move.Se looked at his face.He was asleep.

Later that day at lunch Erasa,Sharpner,and Videl sat at their table.Erasa told the story of what happened that morning as Videl just stared.When the story was finished,Videl looked to her right and stared at the guy named shadow leaning against the wall,obviously asleep.

Videl leaned back and whispered to Erasa while still staring at Shadow,"Are you serious?He's been her for almost two years and he still doesn't know?He may be cute,but he must be pretty dense if he doesn't know who I am."

Erasa giggled,"You're right,he is cute.But he's not dumb.Actually,he finished his semester and final exams before anyone and got a perfect score on all of them last year.Every class"

"What!That's impossible!Can that actually be done?"Videl asked

"Can and did."

Sharpner coughed,"So,he's a nerd and a weakling?"

Videl and Erasa shot him an evil glance,but Videl beat her to the punch line,"I bet he could kick your ass!And I'd rather be just smart like him than a smartass like you!"

Sharpner closed his eyes,"Whatever,Videl."

Erasa giggled and leaned towards Videl and whispered,"Man,I think he still likes you!"

Videl smirked and mouthed "I know" to her.Then both of them just burst out laughing.

After school,Gohan walked home.Today wasn't any different.Even though his house was across town,he didn't mind walking.It was a damp day,and the sun was behind the clouds,and he was almost sure that it was going to rain on his way home.He was walking down the road about twenty-five percent of the way there,when he heard a voice behind him.

"Shadow!"The girl yelled.He turned around.His eyes lit up with joy.He tried to say something,but his mind would't shut up'Dude!She is frickin' hot!Get her Gohan!And you!The other brain down there!Hide yourself man.She can see you!'his mind screamed'.He blinked a couple of times,"Um,yeah?"

The girl ran to catch up,"Hold on."

Gohan stopped and waited.When she got there,he let her catch her breath,"Hello."

Holding her knees,Videl finally caught her breath,"I ran two miles to catch up."

Gohan laughed,"Dedicated little thing,arn't you?"

All Videl could do was laugh,"Yeah,I guess you could say that.So why are you walking two miles.Where's your house at?"

Gohan,er,Shawn,er,Shadow rubbed the back of his head and smiled,"About seven more miles away.Why do you ask?"

"Because that's a long ways to walk.I thought I was the only one that walked the nine miles to school.Where's your car?Is it not running?"

Gohan laughed,"Actually,I love these long walks,so I decided not to buy a car.I'm kinda weird like that,huh?"

Videl smirked,"Yeah,we are.I think we're the only ones that do that.Well,there's seven more miles to your house,mind if I tag along?"

"On one condition.You still haven't told me your name."

Videl put out her hand,"My name's Videl.I should warn you.I'm not always this nice.It just happens to be a good day for me."

Gohan took the hand and shook it,"I'm Shadow.And this happens to be a good day for me too."

The two walked towards the other end of town.Most of the time they talked.They stopped by a Cafe' shop and had a cup of coffee.Each having a great time.They continued walking and talked even more about everything.

Videl and Gohan turned the corner,then went by a giant mansion.Videl pointed,"That house is mine,but I'll walk you to yours."

Gohan smiled,"You live there?But there's no need for you too keep walking.Really."

Videl shot him an angry glance,"I'm walking you.I want to see your house."

Gohan rubbed the back of his head,"Well,alright.If you insist.Here,lets go to the other side of the street."Videl watched him carefully as the crossed the street.He stopped when he walked to the other side,"Well,thank you for walking me.I had a good time."

The stupor that Videl was in seemed to fade away when he waved his goodbye and walked through the door.She just stared at the door for a few more moments before turning around and heading up her driveway with a slight smill on her face.

"Moshi-moshi?"Videl heard after the fifth ring of the telephone.

"Hi Erasa.How are you?"

Erasa yawned,"Oh,hi Videl.I'm good but..."

"I THINK I'M IN LOVE!"Videl interrupted.

Erasa's yawn turned into a choke,"Love?With who?"

"Shadow."

"SHADOW?Why?"Erasa yelled into the other line,making Videl wince.

"He is just so romantic.We walked seven miles around town.We had coffee and talked a lot.He understood me,and he actually listens to me.Not like the other guys,who don't exactly stare at my face.Shadow is just so caring and guess what?"

"What?"Erasa asked.

"He lives right across the street from me."

Erasa stayed silent for a minute,"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Have you gone over to his house yet?"Erasa asked.

"Not yet.But I probaly will tomorrow.He's going to walk me to school.I can't wait."

Erasa stayed silent longer,"That's great,but next time,don't call at two in the the morning."

"Oh,sorry,I kinda lost track of time.I'll let you go."

Erasa yawned again,"Bye."

"Bye."And with that the two hung up the phone,but Videl couldn't sleep.She was just too excited.This was the first guy that she has liked in a very long time.The knots in her stomach came back and the dizziness semmed to linger at her thoughts of him.How she loved that feeling.But Shadow just seemed so familar to her even though she has just known him for the day.Then the thought hit her.She didn't even know his real name.'Oh,well,'she thought,'I will just ask him tomorrow.'

The next morning Videl woke up a few minutes before she usually does,and for her,it was a miricle.The brand new alarm clock would see another day.That was very uncommon.Usually,the alarm clock would start to go off and Videl would slam her fist down and break it into tiny peices,but the thought of Shadow seemed to seem to get her up happily enough,and in the process,save all alarm clocks everywhere.

Videl hurridly got dressed and got her school things downstairs,she bumpped into Crystal,the maid for Tuesdays.

"Oh,pardon me,miss Videl.Shall I get you a new alarm clock ready?"The pretty maid asked.

"No,that won't be needed today,but do you know where my father is?"

Crystal thought for a second,"I think he's downstairs,no wait,he went to his autograph signing in Nickytown."

"Oh,ok,"Videl said trying to hide her disappointment.She ran downstairs and grabbed a frappuccino from the fridge.As she sat down,her mind began to wander.How could she like him so much after she had just met him?It didn't make sense.True,he was very polite and handsome.Immediatly,she blushed as she saw his handsome image run through her mind.Just as she was calming down,the door bell rang.She got up and walked into the dining hall noticing that Crystal had already let the guest in.

Videl's heartbeat quickened,"Hi Shadow!How is your morning?"

Shadow quit looking around the room and turned towards Videl,"Uh,I'm good.How about you?"

"Good."Videl took the time to look him over.He was wearing a black short-sleeve shirt,black pants with straps and chains attached all over them.He had on black boots that looked a little too gothic,and his black leather jacket.That jacket looked really good on him.There was no metal on it.It was unbuttoned and she could see his muscles.Two chokers was around his neck.One was a band of metal balls.And the other choker was a chain with a golden dragon on it,"You do know there's a dress code right?"

Gohan didn't seem to hear.He was too busy looking over Videl.She had on black hip huggers,a white tank top,black sneakers,and a necklace that went down to her cleavage.The cross that hung from the necklace was silver and looked as if it was trying to get into her bra at any cost.Last night she cut her hair and it it looked really good with her.It was short and it went every which way as if she had just got out of bed.

"Shadow..."

Gohan jumped back into reality,"Huh,what was that?"

Videl giggled,knowing what was keeping his mind occupied,"I said,since I'm a crime fighter,we can skip school.I can just say there was a crime and I needed your help.What do you think?"

Gohan's mouth dropped,"I think that the best little advantage of being related to Hurcule that I can think of."

Videl's face dropped to the ground so that he could't look her in the eyes,"Are you a fan of my father?Please tell me,I really have to know."

Gohan didn't know what to say,"Do you want the truth or a fabracation?"

"The truth."

As much as he wanted to say that he was obsessed with Hurcule,he just couldn't lie to her,"I'm so sorry Videl,but I despise that man.He did something very awful to me and I can't forgive him.I don't like him.You probaly want me to leave now,right?"

Before he could turn to leave,Videl pulled him close to her,kissed his cheek,and whispered into his ear,"I am so glad you feel that way.Now let's get the hell out of here."

Gohan's heart leapt with joy,either from her not caring about his thoughts about her father,or from the kiss she gave him,he couldn't tell.There wasn't much time to think when Videl grabbed his hand and dragged him outside the door.

The day went by pretty smooth.The whole day was spent at an amusement park.They played bumper cars and ate cotton candy.They rode the rollar coaster and talked like crazy.At the end of the night,both were whining about having to leave.As they walked out of the park,Shadow bumped into a man's shoulder.The man was knocked right onto his ass.This sent the guy's anger out of orbit.

"Why you!"The man looked up at the guy who dared touch him.The guy's face immediatly sent a chill down his spine,"YOU!I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!"

Gohan never would have given the guy a second glance,but that voice sounded familar.He turned around,looked the guy in the face,and groaned.Videl looked from Shadow to the man.They knew each other,and from the looks of it,there was going to be a fight.

Shadow grabbed Videl's hand and started walking back towards their houses,but stopped and spoke without turning to face the man,"Go away.Before I get mad.You do remember what happens when I'm pissed,right Vegeta?"

Vegeta got back to his feet and glared at the man in front of him,"How dare you speak to me in such a manner!You are no longer the strongest out of us and we are no longer the strongest in the universe."

Videl turned to Shadow,"What does this man mean?"

"Nothing."

Gohan looked at Vegeta and snarled,Do not bring this woman into this.Watch what you say.And who,may I ask,is stronger than me?

Vegeta smirked,Why are we going to such trouble as to use telepathy in front of this woman?Who is she?And to answer your question,I for one am a great deal stronger than you.As is your father.Not to mention some time back we felt the legendary super saiyan's energy shoot up for a minute.I'm sure you felt it.It greatly surpasses us.It dissappeared before we could get there.

Gohan laughed,not just a small chuckle,but a care-free laugh,If that is who is stronger than me then you are wasting my time.I took care of the so-called legendary super saiyan.He was pathetic.What was his name?Oh yeah,it was Broly.He seemed really pissed towards you and my father.You should be glad that I took care of him.He wasn't a pushover,after all.

"LIAR!"Vegeta yelled out loud.He instantly recognized his mistake and looked at the girl next to Gohan.She had the most confused look on her face.Gohan noticed it to.The thought enraged Gohan.Vegeta was becoming such a nuisance already.Gohan glared at the saiyan prince.

"I told you to leave her out of this.She's not like us and if you say one more thing about it in front of her,I swear you will get the same fate I gave Cell!That is not a hollow threat Vegeta."

Vegeta wanted to run by the way Gohan looked and talked,but he was definatly no coward,"Brat,You got rid of one enemy.That's all.I have gotten rid of millions.Why lie to yourself?I am your superior,and there is absolutly nothing you can do about it."

Blind fury covered Gohan like a blanket.He turned to Videl,"Can you wait here for just a minute?I will be back.I swear."All Videl could do was nod her head.

In an instant,a hand appeared around Vegeta's throat.Gohan used one of his father's techniques to teleport them to a deserted forest.Gohan drew back his fist and slammed it into Vegeta's stomach.This act sent the prince gasping for air.While he was doing that,Gohan brought a knee to Vegta's face.Blood appeared on his knee as he broke Vegeta's nose.He used his speed to get behind Vegeta and drove his elbow into Vegeta's back.The yells of agony coming from the full-blooded saiyan was halted as blood reached his mouth.Vegeta despretly threw a punch at Gohan,who in turn caught it and squeeze,cracking the bones.This sent Vegeta into screams of agony.With one last punch,Gohan sent Vegeta into a crater.

Gohan floated down to the crater and walked to Vegeta,"I told you Vegeta,don't make me mad.I wasn't protecting myself,I was trying to keep you from getting this beating I just gave to you.Don't you ever come near me again,you understand?"

Vegeta slowly brought his head up to look Gohan in the eyes,"What kind of d-demon are you?You're n-not even tranformed."

Goha crossed his arm and laughed,"That's what I thought.I guess I left an impression."In an instant,Gohan was behind Videl once again.She seemed to be scared.Gohan got closer to hear what she was saying to herself.

"Shadow..."Videl mumbled,"Where are you?What are you?...Who are you?Oh Shadow,please be okay."

Gohan smiled,"I am okay."

Videl instantly knew who it was and flung her arms around him,"I'm so glad that you're alright.I was so worried.But what happened back there?"

Gohan put his arm around her and laid his head on her shoulder,"You can come to my place and we'll talk about.I'll tell you everything."

They started walking,and Videl looked him in the eyes questionly,"Everything?"

The half-saiyan looked back at her and smiled,"Everything."

At Capsule Corp.

Tears shone in her eyes as she looked at him.He seemed to just look like a worn-out punching bag.Vegeta's state had gotten consierably worse since Goku found him unconsious in the woods.He had some internal bleeding,a few broken ribs,a broken nose,and his hand was completely crushed.Bulma's tears soon became a flood as she watched Vegeta whimper in agony.Who could do this to such a powerful being such as her husband?Did she even want to know?Her question were soon interrupted by a knock on the door.

Knock,knock,knock."Bulma!"Yelled Goku.She rushed over to the door and let him in.Goku gave her the bag,"Here I brought him these senzu beans.It will take more than one.Try three and we'll go from there."

Bulma forced a smile,"Thanks Goku...for everything."Goku nodded.She walked over to Vegeta and put a senzu bean in his mouth and forced him to chew it,then put the rest down his throat to make him heal.The disfiguration of his body soon worked its way back to its place.His ribs healed as did his hand and nose.Vegeta gave a groan before opening his eyes.Immediatly,he jumped up and punched Goku in the stomach.The third class warrior had the air he had just taken in forced out.

Vegeta punched him in the face,forcing Goku back several steps,"Damn you,Kakkarot!I didn't need your help.I can take care of myself just fine.It was because of your fucking brat that I ended up that way in the first place!"

Goku rubbed his loosened jaw tenderly,"Goten was with me all day,he couldn't have."

"Not that boy,your first brat,you baka!"Vegeta roared.Both Goku and Bulma looked up immediatly.Gohan hasn't been seen or heard from since he left Goku that message.Goku's eyes brightened with joy at knowing his son was alive.

Goku looked up at Vegeta,"You mean you saw him?Tell me,where is he?"

"Forget him,Kakkarot.He doesn't like us anymore.He did this to me just for walking by him.Plus,"Vegeta grew quiet,"he's too strong.He's already killed the Legendary Super Saiyan."

The whole room grew quiet.Krillen,who was just walking inside the room,heard the conversation.He went to Goku and rested his hand upon his friend's shoulder,"It will be alright.He'll come back."

Goku sighed,"I guess.Well,I better go tell Chichi.She'd want to know."

They all nodded and waved bye to him nervously.He left right after and the rest of the group slowly dispersed.The realization that Gohan didn't want any part of the old group hit them pretty hard.But out of the whole bunch,Goku was determined to help his son.

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Next Chapter:Alone