A Daughter's Difference Chapter 8: First Night, a dragon ball z fanfic

Chapter 8: First Night

AN: I wanted to begin this chapter with an apology for the grammar mistake you will see below. Unfortunately I lost communication with Ace for the last few days, but I know he has been fairly busy , and I felt that this chapter was due already. The second thing I wanted to address is my almost infatuation with the 'first 24 hours since Trunks and Pan's arrival.' I know I should move on, and that there will be more time later for a couple of my scene, but in my 'master plan' (which isn't much to be honest) this the ideal location for these scenes. I believe it is important to lay an reliable and strong foundation, since my story is AU in many key aspects. It is important to lay a strong foundation, so you, as the reader, will understand where I'm coming from, and it is not simply because I want it that way. However, like someone mentioned in the last chapter, I'm aware that there is such a thing as overexposure, and I'm aware I have reached it. I just hope you will bare with me this last chapter. This is the last chapter of the first 24 hours. I swear ;)

It was 3:00 in the morning and all around the Capsule Corp compound nothing could be heard. Everyone has settled in after such an exhausting day. The last day had been specifically exhausting for one particular little girl.

A small bundle could be seen in the middle of the bed. Pan still laid in the same place she had been put a few hours prior. She shifted from one side and then turned to the other side, as if looking for the ideal sleeping position. Finally she rested on her back and gripped her covers closer. Slowly her eyes began to flutter until her onyx eyes were wide awake, looking up at the familiar yet not-so-familiar ceiling.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes as she looked all around her room. At first she was confused, and didn't know exactly where she was; after all her current room looked similar to hers, but slightly different. Eventually she figured she was in Capsule Corp, but didn't seem to see her Grandmother anywhere. She could see Teddy resting just to her right. She figured her Grandmother had stepped out, or hadn't come to bed yet. It was not uncommon for her Grandmother to stay up late, and Pan usually went to sleep earlier by her Grandmother's order, so she set those thought to side for now.

Pan began to think of the dream she had been having, or at least she thought it was a dream. She grabbed on to her teddy bear and pulled it closer to her chest. She began to sniffle as she remembered that wonderful dream of meeting her father. A few minutes later she was crying her sorrow at how her dreams could be so cruel to tease with her biggest wish just for her to wake up to this reality. This wasn't the first time she had this type of dream, but this time it felt so real. She cried even harder as she remembered that feeling when she placed her hand on his slightly larger one and his power surged through her.

The electricity, the power, the calmness and serenity that she felt were like nothing she had ever felt before, and yet she berated herself for foolishly believing this time it was real.

'…it was jus another dream' Pan thought as her teddy bear was getting soaked by her tears.

She lay back down and curled up to her side. "It' …not …fair, Daddy…Mommy" she cried between hiccups.

Pan had been burned so many times by the same dream of meeting her parents that now that it actually had happened, she believed it to be nothing more than another dream.

The only thing lighting up the room was a small night light of to the side of her bed. Pan looked at her hand; it was the same one she has placed on her father's. She balled up her small fist and wiped her tears on her pillow.

It was then she noticed a slight discomfort in her pants pocket area. She felt something inside her pocket that was digging into her upper thigh area. With the limited light, for the first time, she looked down and noticed the clothes she was wearing. They were the same she had been wearing in her 'dream.'

Pan gulped, not really believe what she was seeing. She rubbed any lingering tears from her eyes, and stumbled to reach into her pocket for what she thought was in there. Her small hand grips the small cylindrical object and slowly pulled it out.

Pan's mouth gapped in shock as she looked at the capsule in her hand. Her breathing hiked as she began to hyper-ventilate. It was the same capsule her Grandmother had given her with her possessions before she went to the past.

"That means…" Pan quickly pulled the covers and ran to the nearby window. Outside her window she could see the glow of West City powered by the street lights. She heard as helicopter passed over the Capsule Corp compound and kept going flying towards the center of the city, and high above all the nearby buildings were the skyscraper she saw when she landed on this time.

'It real…' Pan began smile, and rubbed her eyes to make sure what she is seeing is right. She looked around her room, but doesn't see her father anywhere. She began to wonder where he could be.

Her Ki-sensing abilities were limited, and she has yet to master that skill, but still she closed her eyes to look for him. Immediately she notices a highly charged and very bright Ki to her left, but the only thing there is a wall. The second thing she noticed was that this Ki seemed to spike almost uncontrollably, and yet there was a sense of familiarity to it. The more she 'looked' at it, the closer she felt to identifying it; it was at the tip of her tongue. Until she remembered where she had felt it before, and why she felt drawn to it. It was her father, but he seemed to be distressed.

Pan walked towards the door and reached up until she managed to open the door and walk out to the dark hallways. She looked down both sides of the corridor, and felt the same eerie feeling she gets, as if something was in that darkness, but she had push forward. She promised her Grandmother that she would be there for her father when he was down, and right now she felt he seemed to be in distress. Fear could not hold her back, and she boldly took one step forward, and then another. With each step she felt it getting easier to take the next.

Farther up ahead, she noticed the bright light emanating from the small space between the door and the floor. She arrived at the door, and didn't bother knocking and immediately checked to see if the door was open; to her luck it was. She walked in and saw her father sitting on his bed with his legs pulled in and him holding his head, while shaking it occasionally.

The power he was unleashing seemed almost unbearable. A yellow aura violently lashed everywhere; a complete contrast to the warm blue aura he was displaying when they met. Pan also noticed as his hair kept changing between gold and onyx, as if it was trying to make up its mind, and trying both colors to see which fitted better.

He kept grunting every few seconds and speaking almost inaudible, or at least it seemed that way for Pan.

She called out to him, "Daddy…" Hoping to get a response from him, but he didn't seems to have heard her, so she tried again only slightly louder.

"Daddy," Pan cried, and this time she saw as he pulled his head out of his hands and looked in her direction.

His wicked laughter filled the room. Gohan sat up and looked around his room. Thanks to his Saiyan half he had a better ability to adapt to the darkness, and had a better view into the dark corners of his room. A whole lot of help that did, after all the laughter was emanating from a creature his mind had created.

Gohan's left nostril furrowed as he bared his slightly larger canines at the darkness. A snarl escaped his lips, and his chest audibly rumbled at the laughter.

"Won't you ever leave me alone?" Gohan sneered.

Cell's cackle only grew in volume. Gohan could hear the distinct sounds of his steps, as his feet came in contact with the floor, and the junction point between Cell's foot and leg kept grind past one another. Out of the shadows came Cell. He now stood at the feet of Gohan's bed, illuminated by the moonlight of the window behind and above Gohan.

"Oh Gohan, tsk tsk tsk if you keep saying that I'm going to start believing that I'm not welcome here. Besides, I'm only here because you want me here. Remember, I'm just your imagination; I guess I never pegged you for being someone who liked, little old me." Cell mocked

"Go screw yourself Cell!" Gohan roared.

Gohan knew that the 'Cell' in front of him was not real, but he couldn't help but respond in his anger-driven state. It had been months since Cell began to 'cross-over' from the dream world to the real world to continue his torture. No one else could see him, but Gohan could see Cell exactly like his real-life counterpart, down to the last detail.

What Gohan failed to notice was that 'Cell' was intentionally riling him up, since his power is directly connected to his emotions, and like his anger, his Ki began to spike. Gohan glared with every bit of malice he could muster at his opponent, and his aura sprung from him.

"Not this again. I think I have made my point many times, that your power is unreliable." Cell shrugged his shoulders as he sat at the end of his bed.

"I'll show you unreliable," Gohan growled as he planted his fist into his bed, and his aura began to turn a slight yellow tint.

"Go ahead show me; level this place." Cell stated with a smirk.

"Huh?" It was then that Gohan remembered exactly where he was, and who was peacefully sleeping next door. He immediately tried to cap his power and bring it down, but he noticed that once again his power had taken a life of itself. He looked down at his open palms momentarily before clenching both fist and his eyes shut, as he dug deep to control his out-of-control power.

"Like I said, unreliable," Cell taunted.

"You're not helping," Gohan grumbled

Cell pulled one leg to his chest and wrapped his arms around it, while watching as the demi-Saiyan struggled. "Hahaha not my job."

Gohan's hair color began to glow golden before returning to its original coal. He pushed his face into his palms.

Then he heard it. It was small over the roar of his aura, but he heard her small voice. "Daddy," he picked up. He looked over and noticed her by the door; his golden aura made it clear for him to see her.

"Pan…" He whispered

Before he could say another word, he saw as she catapulted towards him. The next thing he saw was her gripping on to his torso.

He trembled, as he still was trying to keep his runaway Ki down, but even more so with Pan so close. "You shouldn't be here Pan." He attempted to pull her away, but like before she only gripped tighter.

She shook her head. "I wanna be here daddy."

She pulled back and looked up to him. Gohan could see her eyes were bloodshot, as if she had been crying for quite some time. There were also two trails of tears running down her cheeks. "Please don make me go away," She sniffled. She reburied her face into his torso.

Gohan's eyes finally stopped shifting between turquoise and onyx, and remained in its onyx iris form. He took many deep breaths. Gohan seemed to be panting as if he was hyperventilating, but his aura was growing smaller with each breath.

"What wrong daddy?" Pan questioned as she saw her father panting like he was running out of air.

"Give…me… a sec," Gohan grinded between air intakes.

Finally his aura vanished suddenly, Gohan's eyes rolled back, and he fell back on his bed. He felt weak and powerless. Faintly he could hear the voice of Pan calling out to him.

"Daddy, daddy… daddy!" she kept shaking him, but he didn't seem to respond, and his chest wasn't rising. "Please don leave me."

She laid her head on his chest and began weeping. She didn't even know who or where to contact someone for help, and her Grandmother was not there to help her. She knew her Grandmother would know what to do, but kept looking everywhere for a way to call for help. She was about to scream when she heard her name.

"…P—aannn" Gohan croaked.

"Daddy!" Pan exclaimed when she heard him speak. She quickly wrapped her small arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder.

"I'm okay," he reassured as he patted her back. He sat up once again, and pried Pan's arms so she could see that he was okay.

"Look, I'm okay, so you don't have to cry." Gohan asserted as he wiped both of her cheeks with his thumb.

"You sure?" she quivered.

Gohan smiled as he nodded. "But you should go back to bed missy."

"I wanna stay here."

Gohan shook his head, but Pan seemed insistent to stay, after all with the last close call she wanted to be near him.

"Well I wanna stay here and and and you can't make me go." Pan gripped on to him once again.

Gohan just chuckled, "Well as your father, I think I can, but fine. For tonight you can stay."

Even though Gohan couldn't see her face, he knew she was smiling at her mini-victory. 'I hope this doesn't become a regular thing.'

Gohan laid down once again, and Pan chose to remain in her current position of resting on his torso.

Fifteen minutes later Gohan noticed her even breathing. She had fallen asleep. 'So this is being a father, I guess? Well *sigh* it's time to turn in as well. Let's hope the nightmares don't return.'

… and for the first time in months, the nightmares didn't return. Gohan also failed to notice that since the moment he saw Pan, Cell had disappeared, but for how long?

The Next Morning

*Thuk*

Ah the sound of two freshly toasted slices of bread as it momentarily gains the ability to fly before coming back down and landing inside the toaster, awaiting its soon-to-be consumer to come claim it. Bulma took her eyes away from the frustrating diagram on the breakfast table, and absently walked over to pick up her breakfast.

'Ow! hot' Bulma thought as she blew on her finger, while promising a certain appliance a slow and painful death.

In the background, the early morning news casters could be heard talking about the latest event and updates on the world. From crime to local police affairs, political turmoil to treaties being signed, and even cute animal videos. Today; however, they were following up on a recent story:

"—we turn to Rika Tamiya for the latest update on those crazy events happening Eastern 110 sector. Tell us what have you learned Rika?"

"Good morning to all on this beautiful day. As many of you know for the last two weeks this area has been key witness to some of the most peculiar weather and geological phenomenon. Witness claim to have seen the night sky light up by an intense light source, while others state that random spurt of torrential rain have fallen for a short periods of time followed by seismic events.—"

Bulma made her way back to the table and her schematic of her next car. She put down the plate with toast and picked up her coffee as she looked everywhere for the error.

"— There is still no clear evidence to point to a specific reason for this weird phenomenon, but I spoke with Chief of Police of the local area, off-camera, and she assured me that she and her department are doing everything to investigate this matter to the limit of their power.

"The military have denied any participation or responsibility, and stated that no programmed exercise having taken place here. The scientific community is also baffled by these events, mainly because there are no major fault lines here for earthquakes of these magnitudes to take place.—

Bulma tapped her red pen before leaning over and making a minor change to volt read-out on the schematic.

"—Some meteorologists have gone on records describing weather pattern that seem as if something was attracting clouds, highly charging these cloud to then disperse them in a rather unusual pattern, as if an explosion in the sky had taken place. Most lead scientists have dismissed these theories, since no known man-made object has these capabilities. That is all we have until now. From 110 Sector I wish you all a good day, back to the studios."

Bulma stretched her limbs, taking a break from figuring out what went wrong with her latest invention. She sat down and decided to properly eat her breakfast, maybe even taking the time to watch what the headlines are.

"Thank you Rika and we will be sure to bring you the latest as soon as it's available. Moving on we turn to Satoru Kouda and the Sports Corner."

"Thank you, well it's no surprise that after the last World Martial Arts Tournament, people are still excitedly waiting for the next one, but with it going into its long dormant period, people looking for an alternative in the mean time. Last week, Billionaire X.S. Cash unveiled that in honor of his son's birthday, he has organized an 'Intergalactic World Tournament!' This tournament will be taking place on a remote island south of West City, in the soon be opened 'Cash-Land.' Martial enthusiast will be the first to lay eyes on the nearly completed amusement park. Mr. Cash has stated that the amusement park will be opened later this year—"

"A new tournament, hmm well isn't that interesting. That just may be a nice distraction for everyone." Bulma stated as she interlocked her fingers behind her head and leaned back. "I'll be sure to invite everyone later on."

"The tournament will be taking place in one week's time. When asked why the sudden rush, Mr. Cash stated, 'that it wasn't something planned, and that his boy really wanted to see a World Martial Arts Tournament, so who was he to deny his child's wish.' However sales of tickets are flying of the shelves. It was reported that nearly half of all tickets have already been sold. The number of registered participants has also increased dramatically, and who wouldn't want to participate with the grand prize of 100,000,000 Zeni on the line. Heh even I might join. That is all for the Sports Corner, and join me tonight while we look back at all the games of the week."

"You know that you have to fight right Saturo?—"

Bulma turned from the TV as the news anchor and sports guy began to throw jab at one another. She looked as Gohan dragged his feet into the kitchen.

"Morning Bulma," Gohan grumbled as he went over to the coffee machine.

"Hey Kiddo," she chirpily responded. "It looks like you actually got some sleep." Bulma could see that he wasn't as pale as yesterday, though that could have been from the lighting, but still she saw that some of his natural color had come returned.

"Yeah, a little. Though getting kicked in the head was not the way I envisioned waking up today." He rubbed his eye as he sat down in front of Bulma. He then took a sip of his coffee before turning to his side and spitting it out.

He coughed a couple times before looking at the cup in his hand weirdly. He looked at Bulma, and she was staring right back at him with a smile on her face.

"Forgot the sugar?" Bulma chuckled.

"Forgot the sugar," Gohan nodded. He got up and made his way back to the cabinets. "Seriously who doesn't sweeten their coffee beforehand? Also isn't that a little too much coffee beans grounded up? I swear I felt like I was drinking liquid ground-up coffee beans."

Bulma just doubled over, "Well I like my coffee my way, plus it woke you up right? Mission Accomplished. There is some milk in the refrigerator and crème in the top right cabinet, if it's too strong for you."

"Thanks," Gohan made his way back to the table. He sat back down, and looked down at the schematics in front of him, as he sipped from his cup.

"So, who kicked you?" Bulma asked when she remembered what he had said before.

"Pan. Midway through the night she found me, and decided she wanted to stay with me. Too bad I didn't know she moves around in her sleep, and she gave me a nice knock to the head."

"Aww well aren't you on your way to being 'Father of the Year.' Just a few more of those and it will be practically yours." Bulma mocked.

"I doubt getting kicked in the face nominates me for that award," Gohan rolled his eyes. "But I guess you were right in that she did immediately look for me when she woke up. I wouldn't doubt she does the same when she wakes up in a little while."

"You know you continue to amaze me kiddo. I mean anyone being told 'you are now a father,' and most run for the hills, but not only did you want the responsibility but you are also taking everything so well. Pan is a lucky girl to have you." Bulma put down her empty cup in front of her.

Gohan just snorted, "Like I said yesterday, in my short twelve years I have experienced and done so many outrageous things, that it seems almost fitting that I become a father at twelve. It goes well with all the other weird events of my life. I mean who else can say they were kidnapped three times in one year; half of my biology belongs to a dead alien warrior race, and have participated in many battles that determined the survival of a planets and maybe even the universe. In comparison, being a father isn't that far-fetched." Gohan just gestured with his cup and downed the last bit of coffee.

Bulma had a sad smile on her face as she heard him almost joke about his life, but she knew it was no joke. "You don't know how much it hurts me to know all that has happened to you, and that there isn't a damn thing I could do to shield you."

"I've made my peace with that part of my life, and I'm ready to tackle this new one." Gohan looked down at his cup. "Anyways, these plans seem to be for a car right?" Gohan decided to change the topic.

Bulma snickered at his 'subtle' change of topic, "Yeah, but I'm having a problem with the electrical components. See this area needs at the very least 6 amps running through it, unfortunately I put too many connections in one place, and those are depleting the energy needed. I could do the rewiring from scratch, but this car is near completion, and I really don't want to start all over. If I can help it, I'll try anything to make it work, and go from there. Well I'm just babbling, but don't worry I'll figure something out."

Gohan just looked all over the plans, and kept following all the single connections and cables. "Um why don't you take this cable," Gohan took a nearby pencil and started writing on the schematic, "and connect it here. That should free up some current, and you could increase the volts here to about 13.5. If I'm not wrong, this area will be receiving about 6.5 amps with deviation of about 0.5 amps. That would be within the margin you asked for, and you don't have to start from scratch."

Bulma looked it over with a raised eyebrow. She smiled and then slightly chuckled, "That is true, in theory, but in practice this part over here would overheat, and blow out this whole sections. Steering is in that area and the steering wheel would become useless after it severe the connection."

"Oh, you're right. I guess that is why you're the genius." Gohan spoke a little downcast that he didn't take the effect the extra volts would have on the rest of the cables into account.

Bulma just laughed, "I'm sorry. I swear I'm not laughing at you, but rather at… seriously kid there has to be something you are terrible at."

Gohan just tilted his head to the side. He didn't fully understand what she was talking about.

Looking at his confuse look only made it worse for Bulma. Finally she was able to control herself enough to continue, "Don't sell yourself short kiddo. I only know about this overheat problem because I did exactly what you said myself, and I only came up with this plan after a few days looking at it."

"I'm sorry, I don't follow."

*Sigh* "I thought about the switch of the cable and upping the volts after a few days of looking at this schematic. You were able to see it after a few minutes of looking at it. And I know it fails because when I came up with the solution, I set to rewire it. After having it run for a few hours the car blew up on me. Boy was I surprised when it happened." Bulma concluded. "Don't worry I didn't take into consideration the extra volts either. I thought it was so small, it would be considered negligible. Well you learn something new every day."

Gohan just forced a smile and nodded his head.

"Gohan I'm going to make you an offer. I want you to work for me. This little exercise shows me that you have capabilities of at least understanding the basics, and who knows what else you have been hiding in that brain of yours under all that hair." Bulma stated as she took of their mugs and went to place them in the sink.

"Geez, Bulma that is awfully kind of you, but I'm not sure I'm the most suited for this job. I'm sure there are many others that have worked long and hard to get a chance at working here, and I would feel terrible if I just took their opportunity just because I know you. Also I have a lot to learn to even be considered good enough for the job, and you know I'm always out training for the next threat." Gohan looked like a deer in headlights. It just came out of left field to him.

Bulma walked over to Gohan and laid her hand on his shoulder. "I can't think of a more deserving person for the job. Plus, it's not like I would throw you into your own lab already. I'm just asking if you want to work with me on my projects, and in time when you feel ready, you can move up.

"You're a smart kid, of that I have been sure since the moment I met you. When we were on that trip to Namek, I saw how much you advanced in a relatively short time, and I won't lie when I saw that I kept thinking that one day you might even work for Capsule Corp. So I've kept a close eye on you since that day so I can nab you before any of my competitors get a chance to see you for the asset that you are. I just figured, why wait?

"Also with the fact that Pan will be staying, you'll need some way to support her," she winked. "All in the part of being a father, also you know I'm conscious of your training and the reasons behind them. So you know I'm lenient. All I ask is for you to think about it. You don't have to give me a response right now, but just … think about it."

Gohan just sat back on his chair as he went through the pros and cons in his head. He didn't even notice when Trunks arrived.

"Morning mom, wow is it already 9:00, man I slept in." Trunks sat down next to the contemplating Gohan.

"Good morning honey. Well I thought after yesterday's trip you two would be exhausted. Coffee?" Bulma asked

"I don't drink. Never liked the taste." Trunks replied with shiver. He thought about when he was eight and he tried act like his Master, and he decided he was going to drink coffee as well. The shocked faces of both his Master and his mother did not deter him.

His mother tried to coax him into drinking his regular milk, but Trunks was stubborn and was set to emulate his hero in every way possible. Gohan decided to let Trunks have his shot and handed over his cup, as to not waste a cup of coffee for one sip. Just like Master Gohan predicted, he only took one sip and immediately spit it out.

Master Gohan couldn't stop laughing at the drenched Bulma in front of him. Bulma just tipped Gohan's tilted chair back and he fell back. That still didn't stop him from rolling on the floor. Bulma just kept ranting at Gohan to 'stop laughing' and 'it's not funny.' Trunks thought he never had seen his Master laugh that hard, and he never did see that again.

"I'll go get myself some milk," Trunks announced when he got up and walked over to the kitchen.

"By the way, I think this is the first time I woke up with Pan nearby, and I wasn't prey to one of her elaborate waking schemes. Is she still asleep? I didn't see her in her room." Trunks asked as he sat back down.

"She moved over to Gohan's room over the night. Guess she wanted to be near her 'daddy'," Bulma laughed.

"I'm not surprised, like I said, she often told me what she would do if she ever got the chance to meet her parents. She has Gohan now, so she will be sticking to him like glue. Also why does Gohan have that distant look?" Trunks pointed to his neighbor.

"I think he just realized he is a father and playtime is over. Hahaha and he didn't even get to go through fun part." Bulma hinted.

"Ew mom, I'm eating here, and I'm your son. I don't want to know about that from you." Trunks shivered.

"Oh grow up Trunks. I mean I don't have to give you the 'birds and bees' speech do I? I'm sure you have some lucky lady back home." Bulma wiggled her eyebrows.

"Mom!" Trunks was blushing a bright red.

Bulma snickered, "Just like your father, I swear it always has to be the female that is assertive with you men. I'm sure if I didn't take the first step your father would still be shuffling his feet, waiting."

"Can we please change topics?" Trunks pleaded.

"Alright, alright." Bulma reached into her pocket and produced a small capsule. "Also Trunks put away your toys next time." She handed him back the Time Machine capsule, and rolled up the schematics that were on the table to make way for Trunk's breakfast.

Trunks' eyes widened and he immediately searched all over himself for the capsule that was in front of him. "Wha—? But I …I swear I put it away." He looked at it, and knew it was his Machine, and not the one Cell used.

"Yeah, no you didn't. After you and Pan took off, I went outside and I noticed a couple interns already taking notes and measuring the Time Machine. The good thing is that they don't know what it was, but they thought it was their assignment to document it anyways. Don't know what gave them that idea. Some were already climbing up to the cockpit. Just make sure that stays safe. I don't want to have to explain why some interns vanished, and are beginning to appear in our history books." Bulma chided.

"Sure, sorry mom I'll be more careful next time. Yesterday was a little hectic for me."

"I know you will be honey."

Trunks turned to the doorway to see little Pan slowly walking in with his Grandmother Bunny alongside.

"Bulma dear, look who I found walking aimlessly through the hallways, she said she was looking for Gohan." Mrs. Briefs chirped while holding Pan's hand.

"Mom? Oh thanks, Gohan is right here." Bulma smiled.

Mrs. Briefs bend down and said, "Why don't you go have a seat; I'll bring your breakfast right away."

Pan nodded and ran over to Gohan. She tugged on his pants until he looked her way.

"You were gone daddy."

Gohan just smiled and pulled the chair next to him out. He gestured for her to sit down. "Sorry, I went to get breakfast. I thought for sure I would be able to return before you awoke. Guess I got caught up here. Will you forgive me?"

Pan nodded happily before jumping from her seat to hug the seated Gohan. Gohan patted her back before whispering for her to take a seat.

Bulma exchanged a looks with Trunks as if asking 'if this was what he wanted all along.' Trunks nodded.

A few minutes later Mrs. Briefs walked over to the table with the first plates. She immediately put one in front of each of the people seated. Pan didn't need to be told twice before she dug into her food. Trunks and Bulma began to eat as well, but Gohan hadn't even touched his food. When Pan finished she noticed her father had not touched his breakfast.

"Are not gonna eat daddy?"

Gohan just shook his head, "I'm not that hungry. Here you can have my half." Gohan slid his plate over to her. Pan didn't question further and assaulted the plate in front of her, but Bulma and Trunks noticed his lack of hunger. It was uncommon for a being with Saiyan blood to lack hunger. Both members filed this for later.

"So Pan, how did you sleep?" Bulma asked.

"Good"

"I heard you woke up half way through the night and went out looking for Gohan. Though I understand why you did it, I don't think it's a good idea to be walking around at night when you can get lost, but know that your daddy will always be nearby, right Gohan." Bulma addressed.

"Right…" Gohan answered while resting his head on his hands.

"But Aunt Bulma, I have lived here. I kno here." Pan reasoned.

"She's right. Though there are some differences between Capsule Corp in the future and this one, it is about the same. Pan has been living with us for quite a bit, so I doubt she would get lost in here. But be sure to stay with someone when you go out okay Pan." Trunks clarified. Pan just nodded.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you boys are interested in a little tournament that will be happening next week. They are calling it the 'Intergalactic Tournament,' so it won't be like the old World Martial Arts Tournament, but it's still a tournament. I'm sure it would be a nice way to blow off some steam, and Trunks, it would be a nice thing to do at least once." Bulma suggested.

"Right, I heard about those tournaments. You used to go to those tournaments right mom?" Trunks asked.

"Exactly, I went to three in my life time, and I must say it is one of the most electrifying events I have ever attended. Everyone is so pumped, both in the ring as well as the audience that attends. So are you two in? I'm going to call the others later to see if they want to join in as well, so there is some challenge." Bulma quipped

"I don't see a problem with that. Plus it might be nice to fight for once without the pressure of it being life-or-death or for the protection of the world. I'm in." Trunks shrugged.

"I don't see the point." Gohan looked away. "I mean what's the point of beating some humans with no power, it would be a slaughter unless I fight one from the group, and even now most of them provide little to fight." Though Gohan had said that, in reality he was worried about his out of control power. It would not do well for anyone if they are nearby him, if his power would suddenly spike.

"To be honest I would have expected that kind of respond from Vegeta, but not you Gohan." Bulma frowned.

Pan smiled when she heard her father. She had heard many times the power her father was known for, so she quickly added on, "That's right, my Daddy does not have to fight because is the strongest in the whole wide world! It would be a sla- slu… what my Daddy said." Gohan quickly hid his face as a red hue took over his cheeks. It was nice to be complimented, but to hear that made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Slaughter honey. Like I said, I'll be calling the rest to ask them if they want to join. Plus, you never know when someone might surprise you." Bulma argued.

"If you want a challenge Gohan, then you can just try to keep your power down as low as possible and fight. Plus I'll be there, and I'm sure I can still make you at least sweat." Trunks elbowed.

"There is no way you can win Trunks you are fighting my Daddy and you always said that my Daddy would always beat you in spars." Pan retorted, while standing in her chair and puffing her chest out.

Trunks placed his palms on Gohan's slumped form to stare at the standing Pan, "Yeah that was my Master, Pan, and I never said I was going to win. I just said I can give your old man a run for his money."

Pan also placed her palms on Gohan's back to glare back. Both Trunks and Pan were oblivious to the twitch in Gohan's eye at being used as a podium.

Bulma just smiled at the face Gohan was making. "Well Pan, then you should be on our side. I mean it seems to me that you would like to see your father fight, and this is the perfect opportunity. To show that he is the strongest like you claim. You should help us convince him." Bulma just chuckled when she saw Gohan's eyes narrow.

Pan thought it over before she changed sides. After all she wanted to see him fight as well. "Please Daddy" She looked on with wide eyes.

Gohan straighten out in his chair when he no longer felt any hands on his back. He looked to his left and saw Pan, "… I don't know Pan. It would be boring." Gohan attempted to bring her back to his side.

Pan stepped over and looked at him right in the eye with a puppy-dog eyes expression. "Please."

Gohan averted his eyes, but it was too late. "Pan…uhh…" He scratched the back of his head. "…fine I'll do it."

"Yay!" Pan wrapped her little arms around his neck.

Gohan patted her back, while mouthing to Bulma, 'That was low.'

Bulma's response was a blowing him a kiss. "Well Trunks and I have to go, but I'm sure you two can find something to do for today. You know you are more than welcome to stay as long as you want." She got up and walked towards the exit.

"We do?" Trunks looked perplexed.

"Yes we do, you said there was something wrong with Time Machine, and I need to get back to my projects. I also have to pass by and see what it the progress on my Dad's projects." Bulma explained.

"Right we do. I'll see you guys later." Trunks got up and followed his mother out.

When they were out of the kitchen Bulma turned to Trunks and whispered, "and I really think those two should have some father-daughter time without our interference, don't you think?"

Trunks nodded and both made their way to one of the hangers.

After Bulma and Trunks left Pan went back to her seat, right when Mrs. Briefs came.

"Are those two gone already, and here I made seconds. What am I to do with all this food?" Mrs. Briefs wondered.

"Me, me, me!" Pan waved her hands.

Gohan just shook his head. "I think she'll take extras," Gohan joked.

"Are you sure it's okay for her to eat so much food? I mean I know that she is a growing girl, but it is quite a bit." Mrs. Briefs tilted her head.

Gohan just rolled his eyes, Pan was a demi-Saiyan after all, "I'm sure, plus if she gets a tummy ache then it might teach her some restraint, but if she is anything like the other Saiyans, she'll be asking for more."

Pan pouted momentarily, but when the first plate arrived she quickly forgot everything else and dug in. Gohan just rested his head on his propped arm and watched as his daughter put away all the extras. Taking a couple bites of what she was eating every so often. More times than not, Pan tried to feed her father, but he quickly shook his hand to signal that he was okay. Sometimes, though, he would take what she was offering as to not be completely rude.

When she was nearing done Gohan asked, "So what would you like to do today Pan. What do you do for fun?"

"Well I am learning how to fly so I can fly like the birdies, but I'm not as fast as Trunks." Pan lamented.

Gohan gave an amused snort, "Well how about we go out to fly a little, maybe even practice so you can beat Trunks next time."

"Okay!" Pan jumped from her seat and ran to the door to the patio area.

Gohan turned to see Mrs. Briefs walking in with baby Trunks in hand. "Thank you for breakfast Mrs. Briefs." Gohan bowed before walking after Pan.

"It's no problem honey," Mrs. Briefs replied while seating Trunks in his high chair for his breakfast.

When Gohan reached outside he saw Pan hunched over holding her stomach. He ran over to make she was okay. "What happened Pan, are you alright, who did this to you?" Gohan spitfired while cracking his knuckles looking for the aggressor.

He heard when she softly said, "My tummy hurts."

Gohan sighed while shaking his head. He bent down and picked her up, "Alright let's go see where we can get you some stomach medicine, and then we'll go fly." He walked back to the Family Wing with Pan nestled in his arms complaining about her stomach.

AN: The next chapter will be a small time skip, and hopefully by Chapter 10 the Bojack saga will begin. The one good aspect about this chapter being so late is that the next one is nearing completion. I want to thank all those that have reviewed.

Dear Mafia King,

I have already responded extensively in a private message, so I won't restate what I said there, but I understand your issues with my story. Like I said many times, I'm working as fast as I can, but I'm not posting small chapter, so it takes me a while. I hope to hear from you again someday, and thank you for your review.

Dear WineIXI,

Thank you. It always troubled me that Vegeta always states his title, but he rarely acts like a monarch. Being a monarch isn't always about having people revere, sometimes you have to do your part for your people. Yet Vegeta only ranted and berated the last of his race, rather than be more protective of them; since they are the remnant of a once proud race. I'm glad you liked it.

Dear The King of Ranting,

Some of them are funny, some of them are just ridiculous. I'm trying to come up with a couple on the fly, but if you want to add your two cents; you're more than welcome to pitch me a couple idea, and I'll try to add them. :)

Dear SaintMichael95,

Chichi won't ever listen to reason until either she comes down from her anger high, or everything is in ashes, like Mirai Chichi found out. We will see that sticks and what she ignored.

Dear Squasher,

Oh yeah, Saiyaman Saga Gohan is something worthy of nightmares. To screw with Gohan's character so bad makes my skin crawl, even til this day. That is why I rarely watch that saga, apart from a few scenes. That was one of the reasons that got into fanfiction the first place. To see strong Gohan stories.

I wish with all my heart that Toriyama would have the heart to give us the series he had in mind with Gohan as the lead. I guess I'll just have to wish harder hahaha.

Dear feral creature,

We'll see what happens with Chichi, but I don't think she will always be a hardass. All she needs is for her to come down from her anger high.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Dear The Fantastic Alturist,

I think we have already had a discussion on a PM over your review, but if not, contact me. Gohan, as smart as he is, should see that danger is always around the corner. By your logic, Gohan should always be training because he fears what is coming next. Not because he wants to, but because he needs to protect everyone.

Dear Brii-Chan14,

I try, with all my might, not to bash a character just because I dislike them, in my story. Rather I write a story to explain why I dislike them, and allow you to judge whether or not it's acceptable. Honestly, with the threats both threw out, I don't necessarily see them doing it, but I needed Chichi to demand Gohan's return, and show Bulma won't just kneel over and play fetch. Both are said to be strong willed women, so it only makes sense that they clash.

Bulma and Vegeta are together. They are just going through a rough patch. Vegeta is trying to find himself and his purpose after the Cell Games and Bulma wants to help him, but Vegeta has always like to do things on his own. He feels he needs to be separate himself right now until he finds what he is looking for.

I am considering writing a couple one-shot (of a couple plot bunnies in my head to get them out), but not until this story stabilizes.

Dear MaxPain32,

As you can tell, the last 3 (I think 3 or it could be 4) chapters have been on the first 24 hours, so I won't be doing that. My story will have a couple time skips, but they won't be huge leaps; rather they will be weeks or even months, maybe a year at one point.

Gohan's mental troubles will be explored a little later. For now, just know that he has nightmares every night that are even crossing over to the real world to extend the hours of his torture. However if you noticed when Pan arrived, Cell disappeared.

Dear Kiwi92,

I'm also really happy with how that scene between Ox King and Chichi came out. I wasn't so sure at the beginning, but it really did come out good at the end.

Dear Aaron Leach,

Thanks man

Dear Mustafa123,

I definitely answered your question in a PM. Soon :)

Dear Ssj God Vegito,

Well I'm glad you took the time to come check it out.

Dear Cjjansen95,

Well I hope this chapter made up (at least in part) for the last few chapters. Know that the interactions between Gohan and Pan is my primary concern, but with having a limited time character, in the form of Trunks, and dealing with some of issues that will be affecting Gohan and Pan in the future, I focused my time to explore these issues thinking that Gohan and Pan will dominate the screen time later on. So for now I wanted to focus on the other characters and their interactions. I banked on the fact that I needed a strong base, but I see now that its stable enough to move on, and that is what I have done. I apologize to you and anyone else that might have felt cheated in the lack of Gohan and Pan in this story, but know that I have not forgotten and will be focusing a lot more on them especially when this story enters it's stable period (after Bojack).

I will do everything in my power to include more scene of them, but I do hope you will be patient with me as I unravel this long story.

Dear Mystical Angel of the Night,

Thank you.

Dear Guest,

Ah I see you saw my reference of Hercule.

Dear Guest,

You'll see how I characterize Gohan, after all this story goes through the 7 years rather than skip them.

Dear Zyphrost,

You know what's funny, when I finished writing that chapter I said the same time. 'I think she was put in her place...yeeeaaahhh...*raised eyebrow* *shrugs shoulder* we'll see what everyone thinks.'

Dear LegendOfTomorrow,

Hahah yeah I usually only stay in the Gohan section of DBZ. Rarely do I go out to the other character, unless someone asks me specifically, and even then I'm a little wary because of my bias. I'm glad you took the time to check it out, even if it was not in your taste. I know a thing or two about reading a story, even though you dislike the elements in it. Props to you. I hope you will continue, but if not, at least I'm glad you checked it out and left your opinion.

Oh Pan will have a major role. I mean there has to be a reason I brought her. (Though to be honest I only brought her because of a scene I thought up a while back, which gave birth to this story, and that scene is still a long way before we get to it. If this does not make sense, let me know and I'll try to explain. Sometimes I overcomplicated my words to remain ambiguous.)