Chapter 13: Good News, Everyone

Noca returned home to Gohan, Videl, and the eagerly awaiting Pan on the Sunday after that difficult training session with Vegeta. Noca knew there was an increased tension between him and Vegeta after that day. The Saiyan Prince didn't make any effort to speak to Noca again the entire time, other than to inform him that he no longer wished to train him. Noca was disappointed because for the first time he felt like he was getting a real chance to showcase his abilities and have, what he considered, real training.

It was also surprising that Vegeta didn't seem to ask Noca any questions about his Saiyan heritage or anything else linked to that very important fact. Noca was also very surprised that Vegeta had figured out he was a Saiyan without any hints from the boy himself. Those were the things on Noca's mind for most of the weekend, until that Sunday when he was reunited with Pan.

Sure, they had seen each other a few times while Noca had been at Capsule Corp. but it was also so brief and they never really had the time to have a real catch up and just chill out. It was weird how much they seemed to crave each other's company all of a sudden.

When Noca finally returned he was greeted by Pan, who did her best to stop from giving him a hug in front of her parents, and then realised that maybe she should avoid doing that altogether. It was best for them to remain as just casual friends for the time. That seemed right. Although, Videl certainly noticed how her daughter perked up upon having Noca home with them.

Vegeta may not be involved anymore but Noca's training wasn't about to stop. He knew he still had improvements to make and there was still plenty to learn, especially if he wanted to have a real fighting chance in the tournament. He was getting excited about the chance to really fight against some of the best and not have to worry too much about actually showing off his true power. Sure, Gohan still wasn't aware, but either way Noca had shown he was incredibly capable in the few training sessions they spent together.

In the time leading up to the tournament, Noca continued to train with Gohan, learning more about technique and focus in his fights, rather than the brute force and power side of training that he was experiencing in the sessions with Vegeta. The difference with these sessions with Gohan now was that he had two sparring partners to choose between, because Gohan had continued to train Pan in that time. The girl was getting the chance to really show her capabilities and she was very happy that Gohan was fulfilling her wish.

Even though Gohan did hold back in his spars with both teens, when they came up against each other it was a chance to really show what they were capable of, but within reason. Noca wasn't allowed to go Super Saiyan, not that he had any control over it anyway. He had no idea how he was really supposed to bring it out and anytime he had used it he lost energy far too quickly. It never lasted very long for him. Pan would definitely get the upper hand in their spars because of her experience and ability to bring out more of her energy without drawing suspicion. Noca was still too worried and wanted to be trained like a normal person.

Noca and Pan had really enjoyed training and sparring together, with Gohan giving instruction where needed, and even getting involved from time to time. For almost two months, they followed a routine of training on weekends and sometimes after school during the week. As for school, everything was normal in that part of their lives. No new drama happening there. After nearly two months of that being their lives, Gohan made a suggestion that seemed very smart, but frustrating for both teens. He told them that if all three of them were competing in the tournament they should take some time to train by themselves so that they could have some surprises when they actually feature in the tournament.

This was annoying for both Noca and Pan who enjoyed sparring together but it was understandable for them to progress alone, just in case they came up against each other in the tournament proper so they could truly surprise one another. That didn't affect any of the time they spent together though. They still saw each other every day leading up to the tournament.

As a few more days passed, life had a new normality, but something was bound to change sooner or later…


Saturday 9th June Age 792

Summer was certainly arriving fast. The weather had become increasingly clear and the temperature was increasing. Blue skies, warm days, and the nature in the region was finally coming out to make its presence known. Birds were chirping in the trees and more woodland creatures were making themselves aware. This made for a much more relaxed condition to train in. It was calm and helped concentration levels.

This was very beneficial for Pan and Noca as they sat on the grass outside the house, deep in some sort of meditative training. Due to the instruction Gohan had given them to stop training together the teens understood that they weren't allowed to do that. But there was certainly nothing against them training in the same place, or near each other. And meditation wasn't sparring, so they were safe.

Either way, Gohan wasn't there anyway. He and Videl had travelled into West City around lunchtime for some reason. They didn't tell the teens why, only that they were running errands. That was a perfect excuse and the teens didn't question it. So, there was nothing to be suspicious about. The teens were too focussed and relaxed in their own bodies. They were busy becoming better acquainted with their own power and energy. Finding the source and learning to increase the flow and bring it more under control.

It was odd that this was normally an individual training exercise but Noca and Pan were well aware of each other's presence. They found solace in being close to each other while performing this semi-menial form of training. Noca wasn't great with meditation and found he didn't always have the patience for it, but he was learning to become more focussed and calmer. Pan, on the other hand, had experience with meditation and spent time alone trying to get better, but that didn't mean she wasn't also feeling some form of distraction by being with Noca.

Even though neither of them could explain how it made them feel, or what it was exactly, they were having some form of intimate moment. It was something nice for both of them.

It was, however, eventually disturbed by the return of Gohan and Videl, who greeted the teens upon arrival but quickly went inside the house. Pan was confused a little bit by how they acted, and she could almost sense something different between them. It intrigued her, and by extension, Noca was drawn to it also.

The teens returned to the house. Pan walked in first and poked her head into the living room to see her parents.

"Hey, is everything ok?" Pan asked, feeling a little concerned. Noca stood a little behind Pan, because she was only really peering around into the room. Noca felt it wasn't a moment for him and he inched closer to the stairs a little bit. Videl and Gohan looked at each other, and for a moment, Pan thought it looked like her mother had been crying. "What's wrong?"

Both parents laughed, and Videl still gave off a bit of an emotional vibe. She wiped her eyes and beckoned for her daughter to come in.

"Come sit down, Pan," Gohan said. He was standing up, arms crossed in an almost serious manner, yet he seemed to be happy. Pan sat beside her mother who put her arm around the teenager. Noca thought the family were busy having some sort of moment that he didn't feel right being around, but Videl noticed Noca moving.

"Noca, you come and sit with us too," Videl said, calling out and beckoning for the boy to join them. Noca nervously walked in, feeling like he didn't quite belong in this moment. He realised there was some odd emotional tension in the room, and it didn't seem right. He gingerly sat down in one of the armchairs and looked from both Videl and Gohan, and then to Pan. The girl shrugged and looked to her mother again.

"What is it?" Pan asked. Videl chuckled, a little nervously, but she was definitely happy.

"We didn't tell you why we went to West City today because neither of us were really sure what it was, so we decided to get a check to confirm it," Videl said, being deliberately mysterious. Pan was getting a little frustrated and looked to her father for help.

"Well?" Pan said.

"Pan," Videl said, reclaiming her daughter's attention. Noca was looking their way also. "I'm pregnant."

Pan seemed to freeze for a very brief moment upon hearing the news. Her parents seemed nervous for a moment until Pan fell back into reality.

"Oh my God, that's amazing news. Wow. I'm gonna have a baby brother or sister?!" Pan exclaimed, looking to her father again before hugging her mother tightly. The parents were shocked by the reaction but happy their daughter was excited. They were all sharing a moment, hugging, and just being really happy together.

Noca watched on, a small smile on his face. He didn't know what to say. He didn't have the words or experience to interact with the moment. He just let the family have their time. Gohan eventually spoke again, making the moment feel weirder for Noca.

"You two are the first to find out," The older Saiyan said, glancing over to Noca, who still wore that same smile, but it was definitely read as an awkward one. Noca wasn't sure what to make of it at all. Videl noticed Noca was perhaps a little overwhelmed in the moment and looked to Gohan again. He instantly sensed some sort of signal from his wife and glanced back to her.

"Maybe you kids should go get washed up, we're inviting people over to let them know and celebrate," Videl said, releasing Pan from the hug. Both teens stood up and walked out of the room together, definitely in different moods. Pan practically skipped to the stairs while Noca walked, normally. He didn't seem unhappy, or mad, just… different.

The teens got upstairs and before going to her room she stopped to talk to Noca.

"Can you believe it? They're having a baby!" Pan said, still excited and happy about the news. Noca smiled to her and nodded.

"It's nice," He muttered.

"I'd love to have a baby brother," Pan mentioned, thinking to herself. "What do you think?" She asked Noca.

He looked to her. His brow furrowed. His mind was questioning why it should matter to him and saying that he shouldn't have an opinion. It's not like they would be his sibling. Noca was feeling too at odds with himself over the moment. He was thinking about the family moment they shared, and how he never really had a moment like that. He only had his mother.

"I don't know," Noca muttered, standing there awkwardly. Pan noticed his demeanour and she didn't get it.

"Come on, you must have a preference?" She questioned.

"Honestly, I don't know," Noca mentioned, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm just happy that you're happy," He said. That wasn't a lie. He may not really be showing it, but he was genuinely happy that Pan was so thrilled by the news. He just couldn't gauge his own feelings on the matter.

Pan smiled to him and said she'd speak to him in a little bit and rushed off to her room to get ready. Noca went into his own room to do the same.

Later on, in the afternoon, Videl and Gohan had set up the table outside, ready for their guests. Food had been prepared, even though they knew Chi-Chi was bound to arrive with more stuff and probably take over. It was around 4pm when the guests started to show up, and it was intended to be the closest family and friends that were invited. So, Videl invited her father, as well as Erasa, who brought Kiera along. Gohan invited his mother, and Goten, so Goten's girlfriend Valese also tagged along. Then it only seemed right to invite Bulma and Bra.

They all sat at the table together and it didn't take too long for someone to question why they were all gathered together like that and who had news. Chi-Chi was adamant that something was wrong because she hadn't been asked to cook, but upon tasting some of the food she knew that Gohan and Videl had learned well.

Gohan knew they wouldn't make it all night without saying something, even though he hoped they wouldn't just say it and make it a proper moment. Mr. Satan did make a comment about there being no alcohol. He was hoping to have a beer with his son-in-law, although Erasa did bring a bottle of wine, just to be nice, and that went relatively ignored. Bulma definitely had some wine with Erasa, and Bra did steal a bit when her mother wasn't looking.

Although there was some attention drawn to Videl when she flat out refused it and Gohan even said that she shouldn't have any. Everyone knew something was up and it didn't take a genius to figure it out. Gohan realised his mistake though and knew they had to just go with it.

"I guess I wanted it to be a bigger moment, but this is still pretty great news no matter what," Gohan said, standing up at the head of the table. "Videl and I invited you here to announce that we are expecting another baby."

Surprise and shock went all around. And a very brief moment of silence was disturbed by Chi-Chi.

"What?!" She exclaimed. "How long did you know without telling me?!" She questioned her son. Gohan backed and waved his hands defensively.

"We only found out today, Chi-Chi," Videl said, speaking for her husband, who was defeated by his mother. "We started to wonder a few days ago so I booked an appointment and we went today." Videl confirmed. Chi-Chi definitely relaxed upon hearing that and seemed content with that answer.

"This is wonderful news though. Congrats, you two," Erasa said, giving her best friend a hug.

"Yeah, good job, bro," Goten said, putting his hand on the back of his head and laughing. He was very awkward with those moments. Gohan nodded to his brother and smirked. Valese just shook her head.

"Congratulations," she said to the couple, giving her boyfriend a soft whack on the arm.

"My baby girl is gonna have another baby. I'm gonna have two grandchildren!" Mr. Satan exclaimed, rushing over to give Videl a big hug. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks dad," Videl said, laughing as her dad enveloped her in a huge hug.

Everyone was enjoying the moment together and laughing, there were some tears of joy, especially from Mr. Satan, and a little from Chi-Chi, but she was already on to the next questions.

"So, is it a boy or a girl? How do you plan to raise them? They could be a tremendous scholar like you, Gohan," Chi-Chi asked, acting very serious and stern. Gohan was ready to answer with something but Videl interjected.

"That doesn't matter to us right now, we're just happy with the news. We can't wait to meet them and learn what kind of person they'll turn out to be. We can guide them as best as we can, but it's up to them to figure out who they want to be," Videl said, taking her husband's hand and smiling at him. They shared a quick kiss. Chi-Chi had tears in her eyes and was very much satisfied with that answer.

"You're already such great parents," Bulma said, "I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job with this one as well."

Gohan and Videl thanked the blue-haired scientist and there were more happy moments shared all around, but it took a somewhat sombre turn thanks to the most unlikely of sources at the dinner.

"If only dad were here," Goten mentioned, looking down at his plate. Gohan looked to his brother and then to his mother. Chi-Chi seemed to have all her joy sapped away for a brief moment, but she quickly brought herself back to the moment.

"Your father would only say the wrong thing anyway, like 'oh, when can I train with them?'" Chi-Chi said, putting on a silly Goku impression and standing with her hands on her hips, and trying to make herself look bigger. Videl and Bulma chuckled, knowing that was Goku through and through, and Gohan had a smile but he noticed that Goten wasn't completely happy thinking about it. Valese put a hand on her boyfriend's back and comforted him as best she could. Goten gave her a smile and he tried to get excited again. He was definitely hurt more than anyone about Goku leaving. Well, Pan was probably equal to him.

Gohan looked to his daughter and saw that the mention of Goku didn't have an effect, in fact, she was too engrossed in talking to her friends, specifically she was sitting close to Noca and laughing, occasionally nudging him to bring him more into the conversation. Gohan smiled, realising that Pan had finally found something else in her life, whatever that something was.

The night went on and then teens were hanging out by a nearby lake, just sitting looking out on the water. The sun was still in the sky, although it was getting towards sunset. Still bright though.

"You're going to be a great older sister, you know that, right?" Bra said to her best friend. Pan waved her hands.

"Oh, come on, I don't think I'll be that good, it'll take some getting used to," Pan said, laughing nervously.

"Nah, I know you, you're my best friend, my oldest friend," Bra said. "Once you let that baby into your life," Bra started, looking to the side and noticing Noca, standing by the lake, but a little further away and lost in his own thoughts. She looked back to Pan and finished her sentence. "You'll never be able to let them go."

Pan's brow furrowed and she looked to Noca and back to Bra.

"What are you saying?" Pan asked. Bra shot a look to Kiera, who quickly looked away when Pan turned. "No, come on, what are you both obviously trying to say?" Pan asked again, sitting up and becoming a bit defensive, although Bra was in teasing mode, so she wasn't about to back down.

"Oh, Pan. It's obvious," Bra mentioned.

"What is?" Pan asked, turning back to look at Kiera and then back to Bra. "Enlighten me."

"This is all you, Bra," Kiera said, looking over to Noca all by himself.

"I'm sorry, I just think…" Bra started, but was interrupted by Kiera.

"Is he ok?" The blonde asked. Pan turned immediately to look towards Noca, drawing a knowing smirk from Bra that went completely unnoticed. "He's seemed out of sorts today. Maybe someone should talk to him," Kiera suggested, placing her hands on the ground in preparation to stand up and go speak to Noca, but Pan moved before her and went over to him. Kiera was surprised and looked to Bra. The blue-haired girl just raised her eyebrows suggestively and had a smirk. Kiera shook her head and scoffed.

Pan walked over beside Noca and stood with him in silence. The boy had his hands in his pockets and his mind was lost as he looked over the shimmering and peaceful water.

"It's so nice out here," He said upon Pan's presence. Pan looked at him and then to the lake and further to the trees.

"Yeah. I love it," Pan said, placing her hands behind her back, almost awkwardly. She shifted on her feet and turned to Noca. "Are you alright?" Pan asked.

Noca nodded, but he seemed to stop, and his brow furrowed and for a moment her seemed a little confused. Pan could see that all over his face. He didn't look at her.

"You know, I don't think I am," Noca said, swallowing and looking down. "I've been thinking about my mother all day, I guess. I've been thinking about how I had lost everything that day. Sure, I had my friend, and for a moment I had Android #17, but for what felt like forever, I had nothing. I lost it all." Noca explained, still looking into space. Pan looked down and started to feel awkward and didn't know what she could say to help, but then Noca turned to her and sort of reached for her hand but stopped, remembering they weren't alone.

Pan noticed his hand inch towards her, and she looked up into his eyes and watched as his mouth formed into a smile.

"Now I feel like I have something again. I feel accepted," Noca said. Pan smiled and took the initiative, taking Noca's hand in her own.

"I'm glad you feel that way because you are accepted, here especially. You definitely fit in with us weirdos," Pan joked, laughing. Noca scoffed and smiled. "But if you ever need to talk about anything else, you know I'm here."

Noca nodded. They stood for what seemed like a second too long, holding each other's hand and looking into each other's eyes. They broke the moment and returned to their friends. Bra and Kiera made sure they didn't tease them while they were standing together, but they both knew there was something blossoming there.

The two Saiyan teens would just need to figure that out themselves.


Monday 9th July Age 792

So, the day finally arrived. The day our heroes had all been eagerly awaiting. It was the day they would make their journey to Papaya Island and sign-up to compete in the next World's Martial Arts Tournament. Noca was very anxious for his opportunity to finally fight against the best fighters in the world. He knew that this tournament would be a true test of his skill, his power, and his character. It would be tough, but this was the stage on which he was willing to unleash his Saiyan nature and show what he had in his locker.

The teen was standing in his room, packing the few things he would need while they stayed on the Island. He had just the necessities. Some casual clothes for when he wasn't fighting, something comfortable, and his toiletries. He then turned to the Gi he had been given the day he left his village, nearly ten months ago. With Gohan's help, the green Gi had been adjusted to fit Noca, but done so by way of the magic similar to what Piccolo used, meaning it could always be adjusted again in the future. So, it was a win-win.

Noca did consider wearing the one he trained with, but this Gi just felt like it had to be worn in the tournament. It was only right that he did. The green Gi was accompanied by a black belt, and black wristbands, along with the black headband.

As Noca was just about to pack it, taking one last proper look at it, Pan entered.

"Hey, we're leaving soon," Pan said, before noticing the Gi. "Oh, hey, you got it adjusted, that's cool. Are you going to wear it at the tournament then?" Pan asked, walking over to them.

"Yeah, I think it's the best time to really represent my village," Noca said, as he gently packed it in a bag. Pan then noticed the black shirt left on the bed and she immediately knew what it was.

"Dad making you wear a weighted shirt as well?" Pan asked. Noca looked at it and scoffed.

"Yeah, even though I had that training with Vegeta in the gravity room, he thinks it'll come in handy, I guess," Noca said, shaking his head.

"Weird, he didn't give me one," Pan said, sitting down on Noca's bed. "So, are you looking forward to your first tournament."

"I think so. It'll be tough but… that's normal," Noca said, shrugging. Pan chuckled. "What about you?"

"Well, technically, this is my second time," Pan said, taking on a teasing tone and acting as if that meant she was going to have a much better experience. She winked at him as she walked to the door. "But yeah, I can't wait to show how strong I've gotten!"

"Well, I'll make sure to give it my all if we come up against each other," Noca said, smiling at her.

"I expect nothing less," Pan said, backing out of the room. Noca turned back to his stuff and laughed to himself.

It really was an exciting time.


Meanwhile, somewhere hidden, and far away.

"Goku, are you sure about this costume?" Piccolo asked, shaking his head.

The Saiyan man stood in front of the Namekian wearing something far from what he was regularly seen with. He had on a complete white Gi with a black belt and black wristbands, and on his head, he wore a black mask that looked impossible to see out of. It was made from a material similar to what the Superheroes in movies would wear, and it was apparently strong enough to keep Goku's hair mashed down. Goku could see and breathe through the mask just fine and he was definitely hidden.

"It's fine, Piccolo. Stop being worried," Goku said, laughing it off.

"I'm not worried. It just doesn't feel right. You're being deceitful to your family and they haven't seen you in a long time," Piccolo explained.

"Don't worry, I'll reveal myself at the right time. I just really want to get the most out of anyone I come up against, especially Uub, and that other kid," Goku said, looking ahead, in anticipation.

"Speaking of which, where is Uub?" Piccolo asked.

"Oh, I sent him ahead, can't have him seeing me like this. You should go ahead without me too, so we don't arrive together," Goku suggested. Piccolo rolled his eyes and flew away without another word to the Saiyan. Goku just stood alone and looked over the region he had been training in. A place sacred and hidden. "I'm gonna miss this place. But this tournament, it's gonna be a blast. I can feel it."


Somewhere over on Papaya Island, down a dark alley in the city. A man stood, wearing a grey suit, but hiding enough in the shadows so his face was shadowed. He was giving instructions to a surprisingly larger man, dressed in fighting gear, but also hidden away just enough.

"You know what to do," The smaller man said. "Just follow the rules of the tournament, all the way until the end, but when you get your moment, you take it up a notch and leave no trace."

The larger man nodded and started to walk away.

"Do not fail me."

Who are these unfamiliar people? What threat do they pose to our heroes and the Martial Arts tournament? Find out next time on Dragon Ball AG!


Characters Seen/Mentioned in this Chapter:

Noca (OC)
Son Gohan
Videl
Pan
Vegeta – Mentioned
Chi-Chi
Mr Satan
Erasa
Kiera (OC)
Son Goten
Valese
Bulma
Bra
Holline (OC) – Mentioned
Android #17 – Mentioned
Son Goku
Piccolo
Uub – Mentioned