A Daughter's Difference Chapter 19: Begin Anew, a dragon ball z fanfic

Chapter 19: Begin Anew

The clear night sky reined over West City, with the lonely moon its only occupant. As always, the city showed no stopping with the ambient noise of the metropolitan area roaring on. The workday had ended for most, yet for one brilliant scientist and her assistant, there was still one more experiment to run.

The sparks flew as Bulma placed the final touches on their new hovercraft. She pulled the welding helmet up and drew in a much-needed breath of fresh air. Gohan looked up from the schematics in front of him to see Bulma flashing him a thumbs up.

"I think that about does it!" she exclaimed with glee. After putting down her tools she plopped in the chair right next to Gohan. "I'm honestly surprised that it fit. I kept thinking there is no way this new battery will stay in place."

Gohan chuckled as his eyes returned to the schematics with the occasional glance up to the screen in front of him. He continued to read the numbers that are reporting in from their latest invention.

It had been months since Trunks' farewell. It was difficult at the beginning for both occupants, but as time drew on they fell into a familiar pattern. Gohan for his part had to learn how to operate as a father while at the same time balancing his schedule with the demanding job of being Bulma's assistant. One aspect he can't be thankful enough for is Paunchy; who had taken upon herself to care for Pan during the daytime hours he was working. Intermittently, Gohan would take breaks to spend time throughout the day with the bundle of energy that was Pan.

Work was no piece of cake either; Gohan had little time to adjust to his work life as well as the many aspects and responsibilities that they brought. The biggest hurdle for Gohan to clear wasn't even in the lab but rather the many social functions he had to attend as part of being Bulma's number two. It was overwhelming, to say the least, and as a young man from the country, the many people he had to meet and talk to weekly put him into many uncomfortable situations and leers from those that questioned his position. Bulma, for her part, did her best to calm his fears by explaining that those same tactics were used against her when she first started. 'They'll eventually learn what I already know. They'll praise you when they see what you are made of, but it doesn't stop that, at least for now, those that have nothing better to do will always find reasons to discount you. I know it's hard but for now, don't pay them much attention and focus on what we are doing and the rest will fall into place.' Those were the words that echo in Gohan's mind.

"Alright," Gohan clasped his hands together, "I think we are ready to start it up." He scratched the back of his head as he went through the final checklist. "Tell me Bulma, are you sure this is going to work?"

Bulma's fingers interlocked behind her head after rolling down her jumpsuit to her waist. "Do you want the optimist answer or the realistic one?"

The young Saiyan replied, "Both, I guess."

"Oh! This is one hundred percent going to work. There is not a shadow of doubt about that." Bulma remarked with an overzealous tone making the Saiyan hybrid narrow his eyes at his boss. This action elicited a chuckle from the blue-haired beauty. "Realistically we are looking at maybe sixty percent," she finished with a shrug.

"Yeah…that sounds about right." Gohan nodded as he initiated their trial run.

The hovercraft roared to life and shakily lifted off the ground until it reached its desired height. Besides a few hums, the machine made very little noise. "See!" Bulma stood up and marveled at her creation. "I knew it could work and the best part is that the press conference isn't for a few weeks so we are way ahead of schedule now!"

Gohan shared her enthusiasm. Still, he had a job to do and his eyes quickly darted between the clipboard in his hands, the screen in front of him, and walking over to the machine to collect the last pieces of information required for a full report. "The only thing I don't like is that it makes a small noise in this section."

As the Saiyan walked back to their workbench, Bulma waved his concern. "Small adjustment that needs to be made anyways."

Something nagged in the back of his mind as he looked at the schematics once again. His head tilted as he looked at a number on the screen that began rising erratically. He called over Bulma to see what he was looking at.

The scientist picked up a pair of glasses on the table as she took a closer look at what Gohan was pointing at. Her eyes scanned across the multiple values on the screen until she realized what they were pointing towards. The aircraft began to shake more violently, and she raised her head just in time to hear it roar louder and a bright light emanating. "SHI—"

There was a blur in Bulma's vision before she appeared floating in the night sky in Gohan's arms. The young Saiyan after hearing her yell and having that really bad feeling in the bottom of his stomach took it upon himself to pick Bulma up bridal style and jet out of the hanger they had been working out. A split second after they were out of harm's way, the hanger contained a large explosion. They both looked back and could still feel the heat emanating from the building before the barely standing hanger activated its fire extinguishing protocols. Smoke billowed out of the hanger as the sprinklers began putting out the fire.

Bulma wrapped her arms around the demi-Saiyan's neck to stabilize herself. "Thank you," she barely grunted as she reclaimed the air she desperately needed. "That was a close one."

Gohan slowly descended until they reached the ground once again.

With her heart finally calming, she tried to lighten the situation by joking, "Well I did say there was only a sixty chance of working." Gohan couldn't help but stop and narrow his eyes at her nonchalance. Bulma was walking back to the hanger when she took notice of their surroundings. "When did it get dark? Wait… what time is it?" She glanced down at her watch before her eyes widen. "Wow, I didn't know it was this late."

Gohan shook his head in amusement. That was one of the first lessons he learned on the job: Bulma can't keep track of time if her life depended on it; especially if they were working on a project. "I was going to mention it before we started the experiment but I figured it would be better to just finish it off. I never imagined this would result in an explosion."

"Thankfully most of the files are saved electronically so we won't have to start from scratch," the blue-haired scientist acknowledged as she lit one of her cigarettes and examined the burned remains of the schematic that they had previously been working on.

Gohan dusted off a couple of folders and manila envelopes spread out on the ground outside of the lab. There was one that attracted his attention; it had the logo of Cash-Land. He walked over to Bulma and handed her the stack of papers in his hands.

She took a glance before discarding her cigarette. "Well maybe except for this. I'll have to ask them to send me these documents over again," she muttered to herself, yet Gohan was able to hear her well. The CapsuleCorp heiress yawned before putting the paper down and turning to her companion. "Well, I think we can stop for tonight and pick it up tomorrow."

The young Saiyan sharply inhaled. "I can't. Did you forget about tomorrow?"

"What's tomorrow?" she genuinely asked. Bulma tried to remember any reason the next day had anything significant but came back empty.

"Remember I asked you for permission to take tomorrow off since it's South City's annual fair and I promised Pan to take her," Gohan recalled rubbing the back of his neck.

"That's tomorrow," she whined into the night sky. She turned to plead with the Saiyan. "Come on, we are now behind schedule." She interlocked her fingers to emphasize her need.

Gohan just shook his head, "Unless you want to go tell Pan she is not going to the fair."

Bulma sighed in defeat. "No. You're right… go have fun." She relented that after all, she was the one that emphasized he balance work and his fatherly duties. "Anyways go ahead and get dinner. I'm sure that bottomless pit you call a stomach has been whining for quite a while."

This elicited a chuckle from the demi-Saiyan. "Are you sure you don't need any help picking up?" he offered sincerely.

The Capsule Corp heiress shook her head. "There really isn't much to pick up, tonight at least. I was just going to have a quick look before I turn in myself. I'll leave most to the cleanup for the crew tomorrow."

Gohan began to make his way back to the residential wing however the voice of his mentor recalled him back. "Yes?"

"Monday…," Bulma began as she quickly read the files that were half burnt in her hand. "We will have to hit the ground running. Unfortunately, I will be busy with some meetings so I do expect that you begin the process of rebuilding this prototype without me." She looked around searching for anything else that could be useful while making a mental note of the documents she would need her secretary to track down. "Also, along the way please make special notes of anything in the area where you heard that noise from before. I get the feeling our problem will be located there. Grab any lab tech if you need more eyes or hands."

"Okay. I'll make sure to order the part so they will be ready by Monday morning. Doubt I'll need any of the technicians with a simple reconstruction," Gohan objected since he knew that could be time-consuming to bring someone else up to speed to be helpful.

"Tsk tsk," Bulma disapproved of her protégé dismissal. "There is still a lot for you to learn Gohan." Bulma lifted her eyes for the first time from the paperwork as she continued, "Bringing an outside perspective; for example, a lab tech isn't just about helping you. They bring their expertise not to mention they can also spot a problem that your mind has grown blind to. Sometimes even you and I go over a schematic that the other built and the first thing we go over is to check that the values are correct. We rush through some of our calculations and base our experiment, sometimes, on a faulty value; however, because we are so sure that we are right initially we never recheck any of our groundwork calculations. Never forget that in this laboratory you have access to some of the most brilliant minds of our world that are just waiting to help in any way and learn to lean on that strength; don't treat it as if is a weakness to ask for help."

Gohan shifted in place before scratching the back of his head. "I'm sorry Bulma."

The blue-haired scientist flashed him a smile. "There is nothing to be sorry about." She walked over to ruffle his wild hair. "That was word for word the same lecture I once got from my father when I was young. At the time I couldn't understand why he was lecturing me for simply wanting to do things my way, but over time I have come to recognize and appreciate the simple message."

Bulma looked back at the smoldering heap that once was her latest prototype. She quickly remembered something else she had to check if it had survived the explosion. Bulma was about to let Gohan be on his way when a sly smile graced her feature. "Hey Gohan, is tomorrow going to be a father-daughter bonding time, or is it going to be 'family' time?" She didn't have to fully turn around to hear the young Saiyan choke for a quick second before regaining his composure.

Gohan cleared his throat and banged on his chest before croaking out an answer. "I have no idea what you could be talking about Bulma. I think I hear Pan calling my name." Gohan didn't wait for a response as he began walking away.

"Uh-huh!" Bulma's eyes narrowed at the retreating boy. A short chuckle and a quick shake of her and she was back to looking through the wreckage, the smile not leaving for one second.

Bulma walked into her office with a pile of scrap paperwork, all in varying degrees of burns. Internally she knew that all could be recovered, but the problem is that it could be time-consuming and as a business owner she knew time was a luxury she didn't have to spare. As she set the papers in a corner of her desk she groaned at the even bigger tower of files in front of her chair. 'Great! Just what the doctor ordered: more documents to sign.'

In the background of her desk a large picture proudly displayed of her 'family.' She walked over to the picture as her finger traced the young man in the center. 'The last picture we were able to take,' she internalized as she wiped a tear that threaten to escape. 'I can't believe a whole year has passed since Trunks left,' she looked at the date in the corner of the picture. 'In my mind, I know he will be okay but it doesn't change that my heart hurts knowing that I won't see him again.' She shook her head and slapped both of her cheeks as she went back to her desk.

She picked up her pen as she moved to sit in her chair dragging her feet through the whole process trying to bargain with herself to leave this nightmare for tomorrow and let it be future Bulma's problem. 'Plus I wouldn't want to overlook something in my sleep-deprived state,' she could hear herself argue which made her nod in agreement. With a very enthusiastic smile, she dropped the pen as she slid her chair back. "I'm convinced!" Bulma started putting everything away when she noticed a message left on her answering machine.

Usually, any messages would go through her secretary and she would leave a written note on her desk, but only certain people had the ability to bypass the traditional method and reach her directly. With a sigh, Bulma sat back down and picked up the phone. The scientist listened to the message before scratching her forehead and placing the phone back down. Again she tried to bargain with herself to let this also be future Bulma's problem, but this time she shut that voice down as she picked up the phone and began dialing.

The blue-haired beauty listened as the dial tone proceeded wishing that the other side didn't pick up, but she guesses Dende wasn't listening to her desire as she heard a soft hello from the other side.

"Hey, it's me. I got your message but I was in the hanger all day. Sorry for calling so late." Bulma reached under her desk where she had a mini-fridge installed and pulled out a water bottle. She heard a yawn from the other side of the line. She offered, "I can always call tomorrow if you want?"

"No," the feminine voice opposed. "I'm okay," she said after another yawn. "How are you doing?"

With a sigh, Bulma indulged her companion. "Honestly? I'm stressed. There are a lot of deadlines and a lot of responsibilities I'm juggling and I'm worried that if I stop for even a moment everything is going to crash around me. Still, what's new right? How is Goten doing?"

"Goten is doing really well. He is getting bigger every day and it won't be long before he starts crawling; then we will be having a real problem," Chichi laughed to herself. "Kasa has been of great help and has decided on staying for the foreseeable future, though I get the feeling that my father had something to do with her decision to stay. It is strange I will admit, he looks so much like his father that it brings me so much joy and sorrow. To know what I lost and what I gained makes my head spin at times." Chichi paused before speaking on Bulma's issues, "I'm sure everything will work out. Like you said 'it's nothing new for you' and you always seemed to manage and juggle with the best of them. Plus you do have help as well."

"…Yeah I do," the Capsule Corp heiress murmured.

Her voice on the line sounded uncertain yet Chichi persisted with her question. "Has he asked about me?"

Taking a big gulp from her water bottle, Bulma silently wished it had been something a little harder. Her voice barely registered above a squeak, "No…"

Communication had been tough between Chichi and Bulma. It initially took a month after their blowout before Bulma responded to any of Chichi's calls. Slowly, their connection began to reestablish. While Chichi still wanted to head for West City in her attempts to speak to her son, Bulma and the Ox King reached a deal with Chichi; she would abandon any attempt to force a meeting with her son until Gohan was ready. In exchange, Bulma promised to continue to update her on her son's activities and while she would not pressure Gohan to meet with Chichi, she would facilitate when that meeting occurs.

Bulma didn't see Chichi but she could sense her growing frustration. The silence was not awkward; it was calm and eerie. She could tell this call was about to take a turn for the worst. The small growls registered on Bulma's lines before something shocking happened.

The defeated sigh came. The explosion Bulma was preparing never materialized.

"Bulma… I want to come to West City," Chichi pleaded with her once best friend. "It has been one year and not a day passes where I don't regret my last words. It has taken a lot of time and a lot of tearful nights but you have to believe me; I'm not going to try to force my ideas onto my son, but it is tearing me apart that I can't even apologize. How am I supposed to start working on getting my son back when I can't even speak to him!?"

The blue-haired scientist reached into her lab coat's pocket and pulled out a cigarette. "If you want to come to West City this weekend there is nothing stopping you, but I am going to warn you that Gohan will not be here since he is taking his daughter elsewhere for the weekend." Bulma took a long drag composing what she wanted to say as best as she could. "Honestly Chichi I'm not trying to hold you off from seeing your son for some malicious reason. We arrange that I would answer all your call and keep you up to date at any moment you check-in as well as help in any way when you two meet, but the only thing I asked of you was to let Gohan be the one to reach out. I believe you! Trust me I believe you that you have changed because all of our calls show me that you are not the same person I was talking to a year ago, but I'm not going to force something that was clearly broken beyond repair."

She continued, "I would love to have my best friend come this weekend so we can catch up in person. I would love for my Trunks to spend some time with Goten as the last time your father came the boys seemed to hit it off. If that is okay with you I will gladly open my doors, but only if you agree to abide by the terms we've had thus far. No sneaking one past us and trying to initiate something that isn't ready."

Chichi swallowed the lump that she felt in her throat before answering her friend. "I'll see you this weekend."

The sun rose as the city awaken from its brief slumber. Through the open curtains, the warm rays moved until they landed on a certain demi-Saiyan. He winced and tried to turn so his back faced the window but the heat on his back wasn't going to let him sleep anyways. Gradually Gohan opened his eyes and then repeatedly slammed his head into his pillow cursing himself for forgetting to close the shade the night before. Here he was on his day off and the outside world couldn't even let him sleep in.

Both legs reached the ground as he swung his body to sit at the edge of his bed. He walked over to one side of his room that had yet to be infiltrated by the light. He sat down with crossed legs as he initiated his morning meditation. Piccolo had been true to his word and took him back through all the basics and this time Gohan had rituals he had to abide by one such was the morning meditation. Every morning and every evening meditation was required and occasionally he would face a force trying to break into his psyche. It was his duty to repel this force and continue to build his mental barrier 'one brick at a time' as Piccolo instructed. The force in question was usually Piccolo but that didn't stop others who had a high psychic command like Chiaotzu or even Tien from testing him.

Thankfully today was just a simple meditation. His eyelid fluttered as he blinked to see his floating body still in its cross-legged configuration. Finally touching down he began the rest of his morning rituals: including waking his sleeping daughter.

In the first months of her arrival, Pan would always sneak into Gohan's bed in the middle of the night. Sometimes it was because something scared her, other times it was because of a nightmare, but most of the time it was to feel the warmth and comfort that only her father seemed to provide. Gohan initially objected, after all, he did sometimes move in his sleep and he didn't want to roll over her but eventually he relented. There was no denying that seeing the young girl curled up to his side didn't bring out a smile nor could he deny the comfort he felt knowing she was safe. It wasn't easy to be a father and there was a lot of learning by trial and error but he wouldn't trade a single day he has lived since this young girl arrived in his life.

Over time her extremely frequent visit slowed and she has adjusted to sleeping in her bed for the duration of the night. Today was such a day and Gohan exited his room and walked over next door where he could hear his daughter lightly snoring. Gohan sat in a chair right by her bed and began to formulate what would be the best way to awaken this child. He looked at the closed shade past the other side of the bed. 'If it worked on me, maybe it will work on her,' he mused as he walked around the bed to the window.

"RISE AND SHINE!" Gohan yelled as he opened the shades to let the sun rays burst through the darkroom. So caught off guard, Pan's eyes opened wide as the sun hit her directly and without knowing it she blasted out of her bed and slammed into the ceiling headfirst.

Gohan looked back as his daughter returned from her trip and plopped back onto her bed. She held her head as she glared at her father. "PAPA!"

The young world savior roared with laughter as he made his way back to her side and pulled her into an embrace. He kissed the top of her head but she kept squirming and shouting at her father for pulling such a mean trick. Then he leveled his head so they looked at each other directly, "Well as far as I know you still owe Trunks a lot for all the pranks you pulled," he quipped as Pan stared back like a fish out of water. "He asked me to make sure you're even on his behalf."

Pan's nose wrinkled before she let out a deep breath. "I still think it's mean. Papa's a meanie!" She crossed her arms before pouting and looking away.

"Oh!" Gohan tilted his head so he could be in her line of sight but she turned further to avoid looking at him. "Then I guess you wouldn't want to go to the fair with your meanie of a father right?"

That had the desired effect as Pan instantly turned around and threw both arms around his neck. "The fair! Papa's the best!" she exclaimed completely forgoing and forgetting she was supposed to be mad at her dad right now.

"Okay then, let's get breakfast, and then we can get ready," Gohan announced as he returned her embrace. Pan didn't need to be told twice about food as she jumped out of his arms and began to run for the door before Gohan called her back. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Hmmm? No," Pan said as she flashed her father a smile.

Gohan narrowed his eyes. "Off to the bathroom with you and brush your teeth."

"Oh right," Pan feigned innocence as she rubbed the back of her neck and made her way back to the bathroom.

While there was no set time for breakfast, unconsciously the residents of Capsule Corp showed up around the same time. Some, like Vegeta, walked in to pick a few items up before leaving the kitchen and back to the gravity room. Mostly the rest sat to enjoy the bounty.

Gohan couldn't promise that he'd always be there for lunch or dinner, as sometimes his work with Bulma kept him away, but breakfast was the one meal he'd always share with his favorite girl.

Gohan and Pan were wrapping up their meal when Bulma walked in. "Oh Gohan," Bulma smiled at her apprentice, "I'm glad I saw before you left." The blue-haired genius had only one second to see something flying at her; she stumbled for a quick second before regaining her balance. "Good morning to you too Pan," Bulma laughed as she hugged the young girl and kissed her cheek. The daughter of Gohan always dashed to greet her 'auntie' in the morning, though sometimes Bulma wasn't ready and they would both fall back.

Bulma was used to Pan's hyperactivity and at times babble, especially in the morning, but today she could barely understand what she was saying. Still, with some careful listening, she was able to make out her excitement about visiting South City and the festival.

"Pan." His voice boomed. "We have talked about jumping on people remember." The young girl got really quiet as soon as she heard her father. She began to release the hold she had on her auntie, but Bulma kept her in place.

Bulma walked towards Gohan with Pan in her arms. "It's okay Gohan. She is just excited." She turned to the little munchkin, "How about you go on ahead and start getting ready while I have a quick word with your father?" With Pan back on the ground, she quickly ran out of the room; after all, every moment it took them to get ready was less time she would get to spend at the fair.

"She's getting pretty big; before you know it she'll be coming home with a boyfriend or something like that," jeered Bulma.

Gohan rolled his eyes before passing a cup of coffee to his mentor. "She is still five, so I think I have some time before that happens."

"Well then perhaps you; when will I be meeting the future Ms. Son?" Bulma wiggled her eyebrows as she placed both elbows on the kitchen countertop.

'Kind of walked into that one,' Gohan surmised as his cheeks glowed red. "You wanted to talk about something," he stated trying to change the subject.

A knowing grin didn't dissipate as quickly; Bulma knew what he was doing but she let it slide. "I was going to mention, if you want to, that you can stay in South City and charge the business card. Figured I take you away from your daughter enough, this could be my way of paying her back. Plus that way you guys don't have to travel back here just to go back the next day and she gets to experience the world outside of Capsule Corp. Up to you."

"…thank you. I don't know what to say," the perplexed teenager processed her words. "I'll keep it in mind." Gohan finished up his coffee and made his way back to his room.

The smile Bulma held quickly faded as Gohan left.

Through the cloud, Gohan and Pan traveled far above the ground. Pan continued to make circles around her father's flight path while imitating engine noises. Thanks to her father and Tien she had made leaps in her flight ability. Although it is not on par with the other Ki-users, Pan was thrilled with her speed and control, far exceeding where she was a year ago.

The young girl was bursting with energy especially since she realized where they were about to arrive. After many miles of desolate land and mountain ranges; a few villages were within eyesight, and she was particularly familiar with this remote area.

Gohan began his descent towards a small cabin at the top of a hill. This place looked no different from the other homes in the neighborhood, but it did have an impatient redhead waiting with her arms crossed out in front.

"Lime!" Pan yelled as she rushed past her father and targeted the country girl. Lime's eye bulged for a second before she readied herself. Pan and Lime rolled on the ground a few revolutions before coming to a stop a little further down the hill; both giggling as they greeted each other.

The young world savior touched down where Lime was standing a few seconds ago. He could see Lime holding Pan's hand as they made their trek back up the hill. "~I'll pick you up early in the morning~" the redhead mocked lowering the tone of her voice to imitate Gohan's.

The onyx-haired fighter rubbed the back of his neck as he let out a weak chuckle. "Honestly we would have been here an hour ago but we had to pack a few more things."

"And I'm assuming you forgot this little invention called the phone?" she sarcastically quipped. "Not even a simple, 'Hey Lime! It's your dear old inconsiderate friend calling to let you know that we are running behind. Don't worry take your time this morning because we will be late anyways.' I had to rush all my chores thinking that you would arrive at any moment. Had I known I would have taken my time."

Gohan winces as he put both hands out in front of him to pacify her. "Sorry, Bulma just told me this morning that I should rent a room while we were down in South City, so we had to pack a few items to stay over."

"Really?!" Lime questioned. "That's strange. Didn't you guys have a project due soon? I figured she'd want you close to home as much as possible."

Gohan rubbed his temples as he spoke, "Don't remind me. I have to catch you up on what happened this week, but it ended with the hovercraft exploding."

This visible took Lime aback. "Did anyone get hurt?"

Gohan waved away her concern. "No everyone is safe. Still, it almost seemed like Bulma wanted me out of the house and practically pushing me to stay away at least for the weekend."

The little girl's patience grew weary but she knew better than interrupting her father's conversation, so she separated her hand from Lime's and walked over to a nearby tree. If she was to stay here at least she would get some exploring in.

Both young adults were so engrossed in their conversation that they paid little mind to Pan's departure. Still, both knew she would be okay and Gohan could always keep tabs on her Ki signature. Lime scratched the top of her head for some explanation but couldn't come up with one in the end she said, "Well let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. I'm going to go inside and get a few more items if we are going to stay there. Plus I got to let grandpa know about this."

Gohan snickered, "Just don't take too long."

"Ha Ha coming from the guy that made me wait all morning."

It wasn't long after that all three adventures made the trip deep south. Lime still struggled to stay afloat so flying for her was out of the question. Therefore, the only solution was for her to be carried in Gohan's arms. The young Saiyan flared his Ki around them like a protective barrier. Pan on the other hand pushed to go faster before pulling back and repeating the cycle; this had been a training technique Tien had shown her to improve her speed.

Lime buried her face into Gohan's neck to keep the onslaught to a minimum. She tried speaking to her ride, "Can you please slow down?"

"What was that?!" Gohan yelled with a hint of mischievousness. Lime repeated her request only for Gohan to once again feign not hearing her. "I can't—I can't hear you. Did you say 'Go faster!'?"

Lime pulled her face from his shoulder to level her best glare. Yet Gohan bypassed her look and called over his daughter. "Pan! Lime wants to race!" The redhead violently shook her head to no avail.

The young girl didn't even wait. Shouting a quick countdown she took off at full speed. The trail of her white aura was the only thing that remained. Gohan gave his biggest grin to his friend while she shouted at the top of her lungs, "I HATE YOU GOHAN!"

Everything became a blur as Gohan cut the distance Pan had given herself. Within a few minutes, South City was coming over the horizon. From the occasional firework and floating balloons, it didn't take long for the trio to find their destination. The festivities were in full motion and the cheers and the roar of a city celebrating marked the finish line for the impromptu race.

The trio landed to the shock and amazement of a few patrons nearby. These people began to applaud and cheer assuming that the trio were part of the festivities. Their intensity didn't put Gohan at ease as he set Lime down, but this was nothing compared to Pan, who all but disappeared behind Gohan's leg. He eventually coaxed her with the promise of ice cream and they set to begin exploring their new environment.

With their arrival behind them, the demi-Saiyans and Lime strolled through the endless shops and carnival games. They stopped at many pop-up shops that had many new delicacies Pan was dying to try. "Les try that one," she would shout as her nose directed her to a new shop and a new experience. The young teens chuckled as they followed their unofficial guide.

Pan ran back placing her hand inside of Lime's and dragged her as she saw both teens were walking at a much slower pace. With some of the snacks consumed and her belly partially full, she turned her attention to the multiple attractions. The trio walked between the tents occasionally stopping to play some of the games. Her eyes sparkled with unbridled joy as she tossed the rings hoping one would land. She continued making many pit stops and collecting prizes along the way.

Any place she wanted to go and any game she wanted to play, Gohan was more than happy to oblige. That brought them to a carnival game where they had to toss a ball to knock over the pins sitting on a barrel. The premise was simple enough and Gohan quickly paid so Pan and Lime could have their shot. Pan took her shot and all but one pin fell. The merchant was quick to say, "Oooh so close honey, but better luck next time," as he moved on to another patron. Pan asked for another shot and then another and finally a fourth shot, yet every time the same pin remained. Although she wasn't supposed to be using Ki, she infused a small bit into the ball. Her father would be a little mad but she was frustrated with the refusal of that last pin. The ball sailed yet it gave her the same result. Defeated she turned back to her father ready to move on, but he placed on hand on her head and took a step forward.

Gohan had been watching carefully and while all the other pins quickly fell, this one didn't move a centimeter. He recognized when she infused her Ki and while he would have reprimanded her; he too was curious at the result until he saw the ball hit the pin and the barrel lift the tiniest of margins before settling and the rest of the pins fall. With this tidbit of information, he walked forward and placed his card asking for a chance.

The owner's grin grew as he bellowed, "We have another challenger!" The vendor placed the single ball in front of Gohan as he set up the pins once again. The young Saiyan winded his arm before put enough force into targeting the unmovable pin directly. The ball pushed forward as it met the resistance of the pin before the ball pushed through breaking the pin and leaving the glued bottom portion in place and the other pins flying in every direction.

The dealer's eyes widen in shock before he felt the gaze of a displeased Saiyan on the back of his neck. He slowly turned around the find the young man glaring at him while the two girls cheered in the background. He half-heartily pronounced his victory, "Congratulation!" he stated out of gritted teeth.

Gohan pointed at two overstuffed animals when the owner began to protest, "You won only one prize, sir."

"Yes," Gohan responded, "and usually the pins aren't glued to the frame; cheating people out of their money. I paid for six different attempts on your rigged game; be happy I'm only requesting only two. And may I suggest you close up for the day." He growled the last sentence.

A weak chuckle and the owner quickly brought down both of the oversized animals. Gohan passed each of them to his companions. Pan was giddy as she hugged the large pony and Lime thanked Gohan as she held the large bear tightly. The trio walked away and in the background, the shop's curtain came down signifying its closure.

All around Gohan noticed people were all looking in the same direction and some were pointing and covering their mouths in disbelief. At this moment Gohan began to hear the wails and shrieks of terror coming from the center of the fair. In the middle was a tall structure with a viewing floor at the very top overseeing the entire area. There Gohan could make out someone hanging off the ledge and he could hear the screams of terror of the person on the viewing floor barely holding on. His heart sank as realized it was a child that was about fall and their mother was frantically holding on through the rails.

The young half-Saiyan had a second to turn around and warn Lime to watch over Pan, but when he turned to see her she was already nodding in his direction and waving him to go. Gohan blasted away from their location as the fabric ripped and the child became airborne. The mother yelled in desperation but she was helpless as she watched her child fall and his cries filled the air. Instantly Gohan's eyes turned teal as his body exploded with power and speed. The golden aura surrounded the hero as he dove down to catch up to the child. Gohan matched his speed as his extended arms brought the crying child into his arms slowing their descent. Everything and everyone was quiet as Gohan looked down at the boy; no older than his daughter, he looked well beside the scare. A sigh of relief escaped as he looked up and slowly started floating back up to the top. Finally arriving at the top the people stood in absolute quiet amazement watching the golden flame illuminate their vision. The tear-stained mother closed the gap as her arms outreached the blond-haired savior. Gohan smiled as he handed her child back, and she swiftly embraced her child and pulled as far back to the middle of the room and as far away from any edge. She cried his name out over and over and she checked him for any injuries. She looked back to the still floating Gohan and mouthed out a 'thank you.' Her vocal cords beginning to fail her from her cries for help.

Gohan just tilted his head down a little before he departed. He flew far up in the air as he began scanning for his daughter and Lime. Some clouds roamed passed him and naturally, he released his Super Saiyan form as he didn't want the other Ki-sensing user to think there was a threat. Finally finding where they were and not wanting to attract any attention like when he arrived, Gohan found a place between some tents he could land and there wasn't anyone around. Or so he thought.

The young Saiyan was adjusting his purple gi after landing when a dark-haired girl poked her head between the tents behind him. Seeing the young man, this girl let out a small startled noise which announced her presence to Gohan. He jolted in place before turning around to see a clearly embarrassed teenager. Her rosy cheeks were prominent as she stepped completely into sight.

"Sorry!" she exclaimed chuckling to herself. "I didn't know anyone was back here."

Gohan smiled as he responded, "It's no problem. I was just adjusting something before making my way back. Is there something I can help you with?" His head tilted to one side momentarily.

"Um… no…well…yes, but… It's crazy," she rambled on. "Have you seen anything weird around here?"

Gohan blinked not knowing how to respond. "Uh… no?" He scratched the back of his neck. "I have no idea what would constitute as weird." He chuckled to himself.

"Right…sorry," the young girl released a sigh. "You know what, just ignore what I said."

Gohan nodded but now that this girl came closer to him something in the back of his head nagged at him. His eye narrowed as he scanned her Ki and there was definitely some familiarity, yet he could not place where he had seen her before. "I'm sorry miss but have we met before? You look familiar."

This deflated the girl a bit as her shoulders sagged. "I don't believe we have met before, but I'm sure you have seen me before. Everyone has seen me before," she bit out the last part. Her twin ponytails flew as a bit of gust passed them. "Maybe on TV or a magazine or maybe at one of my father's social functions."

Gohan clicked his tongue in defeat. "I've never been one to get wrapped up in TV or magazines, but if you attend social functions maybe I have seen you in passing in one of my godmother's events. Still," he closed the gap between them before extending his hand, "my name is Gohan."

The girl looked down at the extended hand before a small smile graced her feature. She was so used to everyone knowing her that it overwhelmed her a bit to introduce herself for once. She graciously took his hand, "Hi! My name is Videl S…," she paused for a millisecond before restating her name, "Videl!" Her blue eyes met onyx.

"Nice to meet you Videl," greeted Gohan.

The young celebrity took back her hand as she realized that they had been staring intently for longer than she normally would have. Having met someone that didn't know of her brought her a small warm feeling that she may have just met a new friend; one that wouldn't befriend her for her fame. "Listen…um…do you want to maybe hang out with me and my friends?" she asked unsurely. She didn't know what had overcome; this feeling of nervousness coursed through her body.

His smile beamed but slowly he shook his head. "I'm sorry but I have to be getting back. Kind of promised someone that I would be spending the day with them, but um… maybe we run into each other another time." Gohan rubbed the back of his neck apologetic. He wasn't used to people being so forward and really he knew that today should be about Pan.

After bidding his new friend farewell, Gohan began making his way towards where the Ki of Lime and Pan. Just as he was disappearing between the tents, a familiar pair of blondes poked their head from behind Videl. "Are you sure she's here… I don't see…oh wait VIDEL! We have been looking for you." The young blond girl pouted as she marched towards her friend, just barely seeing the disappearing Gohan on the other side of the tents.

"Sorry Erasa," Videl turned to one of her oldest friends. "I thought I saw something and I came to check it out."

"Something you say, don't you mean someone," she winked as she pointed in the direction that Gohan had left. "You should have told me girl; I would have kept Sharpner busy if I knew you were meeting up with some boy. So tell me who is he?" She rubbed her hand as her eye twinkled with excitement.

The other young blond boy huffed as he spoke, "That's nonsense Erasa. Videl wouldn't be meeting up with some bumkin from this city. After all, why would she settle?" He said this as he pointed at himself.

"GUYS!" a clearly embarrassed Videl exclaimed. "Erasa I was not meeting up with some boy. I just so happen to be talking to someone that happens to be a boy, but that does not mean I was having a rendezvous! Sharpner…shut up!" Videl began to walk away as her two friends quickly followed throwing out questions.

Bulma settled into her favorite couch as she reached forward for the TV controller. Nighttime had overtaken West City and one of her favorite past times, after a particularly long day, was to settle in with a wine bottle and have the TV playing as background noise. Today was a little different though, she took the bottle and poured it out into two flutes. Setting the bottle back into the ice bucket she took one glass and watched as the news anchors continued to drone on.

"—that is at least one silver lining for this family." The male anchor reported. "Following a developing story from South City, today a terrible accident was averted with the appearance of the Golden Angel. A child slipped from the top of the central tower of the annual fair when the Golden Angel appeared and saved the child from certain demise."

His female partner picked up from where he left off, "Reports of the Golden Angel's heroic have always been taken with large skepticism as there is always no record aside from eyewitness statements from those he rescues. However, today's incident is different as a local security camera was able to take the first image of the elusive savior."

Bulma coughed as she leaned forward. At this time a tired Chichi walked into the living room. She was settling into the couch when she recoiled from her friend's sudden reaction.

The first newscaster added, "The owner of this establishment reached out to our network and we here at ZTV have this exclusive video that you won't find on any other network. Given the distance, our techs have worked to clarify the zoomed-in video." They began to play a video that recorded the entirety of the South City fair with the large tower being center stage. "It's hard to tell but this little point that you see here is the child that was dangling from the top before you can see as he begins to fall." The badly pixilated video shows something falling before a shine of gold explodes in all directions for the other side of the festival and reaches the falling boy. "This golden image is what witnesses describe time and time again as a blond young man with piercing blue eyes engulfed in a golden fire."

"…is that…" Chichi's jaw fell as she looked at the Super Saiyan on screen. "… Is that Gohan?" she turned to her longtime friend for an explanation only to see Bulma nod but not verbally respond. "Bulma what the HFIL!? Since when is this a thing?!"

Bulma began chuckling to herself which only further pushed Chichi's buttons. "Bulma this is not funny! They could track him down you know! Did you know about this?"

"Calm down Chichi," Bulma attempted to pacify her increasingly irritated companion. "I'm sorry for laughing, but I was laughing at what they consider the big exclusive video. I honestly thought it was going to be clear as day from their introduction, but that," she pointed at the still image on the screen as the anchors continued talking about South City, "there is no chance that anyone can make out that is Gohan from that video. Over the years, I have at least in passing heard of Gohan's saves making, at times, headlines on the news. However, there was nothing to worry about since there was never any video and many chalked up this 'Golden Angel' as a myth; though now I'm seeing the folly in not addressing this issue sooner with Gohan.

Chichi's anger began to simmer, but her face still retained a certain amount of annoyance at her nonchalance. "Are you sure they won't be able to make out Gohan's identity? You're the one in the tech industry, is there a chance someone won't be able to 'enhance' the image."

"I'm positive," reassured the blue-haired scientist.

The Son matriarch settled once again as she let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, I'm trusting in your word."

This sudden change in her demeanor definitely made Bulma jolt for a second as she was preparing for a long conversation with Chichi. "Wow…," the scientist whispered.

"What?" Chichi wondered

Bulma took one of Chichi's hands as she spoke. "I'm just in shock at how much you have changed even from one year ago. I was expecting a larger confrontation but…"

Chichi smiled as she took her free hand to retrieve the poured wine glass in front of her. "I've had a lot of time to think in this last year. I won't deny saying that originally I blamed you as well for Gohan's behavior, but it wasn't until he was gone and seeing how much better he has gotten under your tutelage that I began to understand and value that you have his best interest in mind. If you say that he is okay and that nothing will come from this video then I trust that you know best, though I can't say I'm pleased that he is out there possible exposing his secret and I can't tell you how scared I am that some mad scientist doesn't get the bright idea to capture him, but I also have to trust that Gohan is smart and strong enough to protect himself."

"Sorry, I'm still so surprised by this change in attitude." Bulma retook her place on the couch while reaching over to refill her now empty glass. "Thank you for your confidence in me."

The widow shrugged, "It doesn't take a genius to see how well he has been doing and why those changes came to be. A year ago I was hurt and I lashed out at everyone in my anger; I blamed Piccolo, you, and even Goku for Gohan, while at the same time trying to absolve myself of any wrongdoings. It took some time and a lot of conversations with my father and Kasa to see the error of my ways, and how I too contributed to Gohan's deterioration. I'm horrified at what I did and what I told him and not a day goes by that my last words to him echo in my head." Chichi wiped a tear that began to form. "Now all I'm trying to do is work on bettering my relationship with my son while raising Goten in a new way; to not repeat my old mistakes."

The blue-haired entrepreneur placed a hand on her knee as a sign of comfort. "Believe me Chichi, I see what you're doing with Goten and he will grow up to be the perfect gentlemen." She turned back to the news as they continued to drone on before resuming a previous conversation. "I'll have a conversation with Gohan about being more careful with who may be watching, but I can't say that I'm surprised as Goku always jumped in to save someone regardless of who might be around. He inherited that from his father."

A sad smile crossed Chichi's expression. "You can say that again." Her mind went through the many memories she held of her late husband's heroic when he was Gohan's age.

Bulma sighed as she debated whether she wanted to say what she was thinking. In the end, she decided that given what Chichi had said it might be time. "You know I think Gohan wants to see you. I think he is almost ready to speak once again."

This perked up the daughter of the Ox King. "You think so?" There was a hitch in her voice as she heard this piece of information.

The scientist nodded, "I see it when Pan comes back from visiting her 'grandmother.' The way that she talks about you and what you guys were up to; I see Gohan perk a bit when he hears about you and sometimes he asks about you to Pan."

The genuine smile spread. Chichi looked down as she thought about what Bulma had revealed. "That little girl," she trailed off with laughter. "It's crazy how energetic she can be and I can see so much of Gohan in her. Though I will admit she is a little bolder than Gohan was at her age, probably she gets that from her mother. I can't thank you and my father enough for making it possible for me to see her."

"She flipped Gohan's world upside down, but I can see what an enormously positive part of his life she has become," Bulma stated as she refilled Chich's flute. "He has matured; however, he has been mature for a good part of his life already."

Chichi's eyes downcast a bit as she felt partially responsible for his rapid development into adulthood. "I wasn't completely on board with Gohan taking a child, but after all these months of seeing her, I can't imagine a world without her. While I don't completely approve that he has taken a role as a father so early in his life; I do agree with you that he has settled into that role quite nicely."

The two ladies spent hours on that couch reminiscing and trading stories about their respective lives. Their friendship which only a year prior showed a great strain had survived and was once again thriving.

AN: I hope everyone is doing well. For a lot of people, these last two years included more time for their personal hobbies, and while I wish that was the case I wasn't so lucky. I won't lie, there was a time that I believed I wasn't going to return to this story and for a while contemplated marking this story with Trunks' departure as complete. Recently I had someone privately message me and helped me get back into the groove to finish this chapter. I'm really trying to put out more chapters and not do what have been doing over the last few years. I want to thank those of you who have stuck it out with me since the beginning and those that keep pushing me by PM me when I become inactive. Your support is invaluable to me. I'll be putting a poll out soon in regards to the future of this story and I would love to have your opinion.

Dear 777torn777,

You're one of the ones I want to personally apologize for you have been reading my story since the beginning, and I'm sure these long hiatus probably don't help. Realistically I don't really plan on having any more future stuff (then again I also said that back in chapter 5 only bring them back one last time during the last chapter) I guess what I'm saying is if the story allows it I might take you up on your explanation because it is quite elegant

Dear Raven0900,

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Dear FelipeCH98,

Sadly I have to agree with you. It's one of the reasons I don't have my story going that far, but we will see as the story progress. (Then again with these update schedules it will be a long time before I have to make a decision)

Dear Force Smuggler,

I kind of agree with what you're saying. For that reason I may just not go into Super

Dear thewittywhy,

Thank you so much for understanding.

Dear Masquer Q,

Thank you for your in-depth review. It's funny because I wrote that scene with Gohan and Trunks assuming people were not going to like it, but boy and am I happy to be wrong. You got exactly what I was trying to convey between the two. To give each other a bit of closure while at the same time setting them up for their future. Sorry my updates are always so long in between.

Dear Iwik,

I'm happy that you enjoyed the last chapter. As you can see from this chapter the time skips will begin. I don't know how many there will be, but I do want to have mini arc until we get to the age where Gohan is 18.

Dear lil dynamic,

Thank you for taking the time to review. All your comments are always appreciated and I enjoyed reading your message.

Dear BraveVesperia & Chaosblaze94,

I understand that you may not agree with how I initially wrote Chichi, but I needed a catalyst and believe me she has been written worse in other stories. Nevertheless thank you for reading those early chapters.

Dear J,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad that I have improved without sacrificing my writing style. I have read stories like the ones you described and you're right; they almost feel like a new story. I'm glad you enjoyed the scene between Gohan and Trunks

Dear Guest,

Not sure if you were pitching a story or giving me an explanation. Still I'm aware that they never met in canon, but I decided to take Trunks' future timeline and added a few new events.

Dear Pancilla,

I get what you mean with a lack of certain Gohan stories. I would love to pick up and finish an old story, but I struggle with my own so I don't see how I could pick up another. I thank you for your confidence in me.

Dear zfj,

Thank you so much. As you can see from this chapter, their frosty relationship is starting to thaw so it is only a matter of time before they meet once again.

Dear necros434,

I hope you got to finish the story, but if you gave up I thank you for giving it a shot.

Dear Ironmchfn,

You can say that again. Thank you for giving it a shot.

Dear Ohma,

I have been reading FF for a long time and one of the first lessons I received is that while the authors aren't trying to actively piss you off some stories will achieve that goal. I'm sorry that you didn't like it and I hope you find a story that fits what you like.

Dear LazySami47,

Thank you so much. I always try to put raw emotion into my stories and while I hope that it translates to the reader; it doesn't always happen. I'm glad that you felt the emotion I was trying to convey.