My Life's Stranger Than Yours
(A/N: Nothing much to say here this time, so let's get to it!)
Discussions and Anticipation; The Tale of Son Gohan
Through the skies of Satan City, four friends could be seen flying in a well known yellow aircraft.
"Sweet ride," complimented Ranma.
"Thanks," replied Videl. "I almost wish I used this thing more often though?"
"Well, why don't you?" asked Ranma.
"Cause a plane seems kind of superfluous when you can fly yourself," Videl grinned.
"Heh, if I knew what 'superfloss', meant, I'd probably agree with you," Ranma joked.
"It basically means 'pointless'," Gohan answered. "But on to more important things, why are we meeting at MY place?" Gohan asked Videl.
"We're going to train seriously Gohan, and to do that, there's no better place than the woods by your house," replied Videl. "Fresh air, plenty of space to work, it's perfect."
Ranma and Akane both paused at Videl's last statement. "Wait a second; Woods?" They said in unison.
"Uh Gohan...where exactly do you live?" asked Akane.
"Mt. Paouzu, in the 439 Area," Gohan replied.
"Is...that far?" asked Ranma.
"Far!? That's like, hundreds of miles from this city!" exclaimed Akane. "How the heck do you manage to get to school on time!?"
"Oh I just...fly," Gohan replied.
"By yourself?" Ranma asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah..."
"Dude, how fast can you go? You must be pretty quick if you can fly all the way from the mountains to the city and back again so easily."
Gohan scratched his head in thought. "I don't know exactly. I never measured myself before."
Ranma sat back in his seat and crossed his arms. 'Man, the more I hear about this dude, the more I want him to show what he's really made of.'
"Hmmmm..." Videl paused. "I wanted to go straight to Gohan's house to get started training ASAP, but if you want, I can pick you guys up first thing after school on meeting day."
Ranma and Akane shot each other a glance then nodded at each other.
"Nah, I think we'll get up there the old fashioned way," Ranma declined. "If anything, it'll probably be a pretty good warm up."
"Alright then, it's settled."
As the conversation ended, Videl's jet was just coming across the Tendo Dojo.
"Huh, perfect timing," noted Videl.
Videl took the aircraft down to ground level and hovered right by the dojo's entrance. A few seconds later, Ranma and Akane both hopped out.
"Thanks for the ride...again!" called Akane.
"No problem! We'll see you in a couple of days!" replied Videl.
Pulling the throttle, Videl blasted off full speed back to Satan City. As Akane waved them off, Ranma made his way back into the dojo, today's events still on his mind. As he walked through the door, he instantly came face to face with his mother.
"Oh Ranma, you're back!" Nodoka greeted.
"Hey Mom," Ranma replied.
"Where's Akane?"
"Right here Aunt Nodoka!" said Akane darting inside.
The trio made their way to the living room where everyone else had already assembled Kasumi just walked in from the kitchen, Nabiki was on the couch and Soun and Genma (who was in Panda form for some reason) playing their usual board game.
"Well, look who's back," said Nabiki.
"Welcome back you two," greeted Soun.
"Soo, how'd your match go?" asked Kasumi.
"Well, my rematch with Videl went off without much of a hitch," Akane began. "It's everything afterwards where things got...well..."
"Pretty damn interesting if you ask me," Ranma interjected.
"Interesting how?" Nabiki raised an eyebrow.
"Well for starters, we got to meet Videl's boyfriend." Akane replied.
"She has a boyfriend?!" exclaimed the remaining Tendo sisters.
"Ohh, that is interesting," giggled Nodoka.
"'Interesting's' an understatement. This is even juicier than a well cooked steak!" beamed Nabiki.
"So, tell us about him a little," pleaded Kasumi.
Briefly shrinking at all the eyes that were on her at the moment, Akane let out a sheepish giggle before she responded.
"Well...we got off to...something of a rough start, to put it bluntly," Akane began.
"Rough start how?" asked Kasumi
"Remember when I first revealed my curse?" Ranma interjected.
"Oh!" Kasumi squeaked knowingly.
"Well, that didn't take long did it?" joked Nabiki. "So, how hard did you hit him?"
"Believe it or not, I never actually did...though not from lack of trying mind you," Akane replied.
"Really? How'd that happen?"
"Well, aside from Videl breaking it up, he actually apologized. Despite the rocky start, he's actually a really nice guy, and apparently, he's a martial artist too."
"Is that so?" Soun chimed in, his voice filled with interest.
"Guess it makes sense a fighter chick like Videl would hook up with another fighter...kind of like you Akane," teased Nabiki.
"Ignoring that," Akane deadpanned.
"Well, don't keep us in the dark, what's he like? What's his name?" asked Nodoka.
"Well, his name's Gohan, but we sadly didn't have a chance to really get acquainted."
As soon as the words left Akane's mouth, Soun and Genma both froze and dropped their game pieces onto the table with an audible 'CLACK!'
"Man, first Nabiki mentions steak, and now rice...when's dinner gonna be ready?" groaned Ranma.
"Soon Ranma, but don't whine. It's unmanly," scolded Nodoka.
Sighing, Ranma headed for the dojo while the girls headed into the kitchen to continue their conversation, leaving Soun and Genma alone in the living room.
"Saotome...you heard what Akane said right?" Soun whispered.
"Yes, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you, it could just be a coincidence," Genma replied.
"True, but if that boy has the same name as HIM, then this may be the chance we've been looking for!" Soun countered.
Genma crossed his arms. "Do you really think that boy would know the whereabouts of HIM?"
"I understand your skepticism Saotome, but Akane did say he was a martial artist, so there may be a chance," said Soun stroking his chin. "And any chance we have must be taken!"
"You're right Tendo!" Genma agreed.
The two fiercely shook hands with each other, their plan about to be set into motion. First things first, they needed to talk to Ranma.
[Elsewhere]
Long since abandoning the jet, Gohan and Videl were flying themselves back to Mt Paouzu.
"Uh Gohan, not that I don't enjoy being there, but why am I going to your place now? We're not training with Ranm and Akane for another couple of days," Videl stated.
"Yeah, but I have to tell mom about this, and you know how she feels about me training. Heck, she barely lets me go out as Saiyaman," Gohan replied.
"True, but that doesn't explain why I'm here."
"Cause I think it'll be easier to convince her if she knows you're going to be involved, and I just feel a bit more at ease with you supporting me."
Videl's expression flattened. "You're really terrified of your mom, aren't you?"
"Videl, EVERYONE in our group's terrified of Mom...except maybe 18 and Vegeta," Gohan chuckled.
"Well at least I'll be staying for dinner. It's been a while since I last had Chi-Chi's cooking!" Videl beamed.
Picking up speed, Videl flew ahead with Gohan in hot pursuit.
[A short moment later]
Gohan and Videl finally came across Gohan's house and subsequently landed. Entering, Gohan announced their arrival.
"I'm home!"
The duo stepped into the kitchen to find Chi-Chi, hard at work preparing dinner.
"Gohan, you're back!" she greeted. "Oh! And Videl's here too!"
"Hey Chi-Chi," Videl bowed.
"Where are Dad and Goten?" asked Gohan.
"Oh they went out fishing. They should actually be back pretty soon," Chi-Chi answered.
The three paused at the sound of the front door opening. "Speak of the devil."
"We're home!" called Goku.
Gohan and Videl went back to greet them.
"Hey Dad!"
"Hey, Gohan's back!"
Darting into Videl's arms, Goten exclaimed. "And Sis is here too!"
"Nice to see you too Goten." Videl giggled.
"So, what brings you here this time Videl?" asked Goku. "You two just studying together or something, or are you having Gohan train you again?"
"Goku, please," Chi-Chi called from the kitchen. "Don't try to turn Videl's friendly visit into a training session."
"Well..." Videl started. "I actually do need Gohan to help me train again. I've got a pretty intense battle coming up."
"Intense battle?" asked an intrigued Goku. "With who?"
"Some jackass who trashed my father's dojo!" Videl snapped.
"That's terrible," commented Chi-Chi. "I'm not a fan of your father, but even he doesn't deserve to have his property destroyed by some...degenerate."
"What's a degenerate?" asked Goten.
His question was ignored as Goku followed up with his own question. "So this guy you have to fight, is he strong?"
"Apparently...at least according to a couple of friends of mine." she replied.
"Which reminds me," Gohan interjected, turning to Chi-Chi. "Those friends of ours want to help Videl prepare, so we were kind of wondering if it'd be okay if they came over to our place," he pleaded.
Chi-Chi softly narrowed her eyes, and sighed. "Fine, but don't let this impending match get in the way of your school work...both of you!"
"Yes ma'am!" Gohan and Videl responded.
'Wait a minute why did I respond?' Videl thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted by another question from Goku. "So how strong is this guy?"
Videl shrugged. "Don't know for sure, but Gohan might. After all, he did attack him."
"Wait...who attacked who?" asked Goku.
"That guy attacked me...actually, now that I remember, I'm the one he actually wanted to fight," Gohan recalled.
"Really? Well why didn't you take it Son, and why'd he wanna fight you in the first place?"
Gohan's face lit up a bright shade of red as he recalled walking in on Akane, and Ryoga's declaration to avenge her.
"I'd uhhh...rather not say why..." Gohan stammered. "But to answer your other question...he actually does seem fairly stronger than a normal human."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He attacked me with a weighted umbrella..."
"An umbrella?" inquired Goten.
"Just roll with it...Anyway, the weight of his weapon was actually pretty intense. There's no way a regular person would be able to weild something that heavy."
"Oh, so it was like the sword from the Supreme Kai's planet?"
"No, it wasn't THAT heavy. It was no problem for me, but for a regular person, it may as well have been." Gohan chuckled.
Goku put a hand to his chin in contemplation. "So you think this guy Videl's fighting may have some kind of hidden power?"
Gohan shrugged. "I can't say for sure, but our friends seemed pretty worried for one reason or another."
"And considering they know what I can do, that is admittedly cause for caution," Videl added crossing her arms.
"Hehe, well, this does sound like a pretty intense battle," Goku grinned. "I'll leave you kids to train your own way, but if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks Goku," Videl said with a smile.
"Hey can I help Videl train too!?" Goten exclaimed.
"Why don't we talk about this after dinner," Gohan grinned. "Besides, we won't be starting for another day or two."
"Okay!"
As Goten dashed into the kitchen, followed closely by the others, the family of four and their special guest went on to enjoy thier evening, thoughts of the upcoming days running through the younger couple's heads.
[At the Tendo Dojo]
Ranma was in the center of the dojo doing a hand stand. A lot had happened today and he really needed to clear his mind, at least until dinner was ready. As he stood still on his hands, his concentration was broken by the sound of the dojo door slamming open.
"Ranma my boy, we need to talk!" Genma exclaimed, Soun by his side.
"What's wrong? Is Mom kickin' ya out or something?" Ranma joked.
Genma replied by launching a sweep kick at Ranma's wrist which caused him to fall over, but he somersaulted back onto his feet.
"This is no time for jokes boy!" Genma snapped. "This could be the answer to one of our biggest problems ever!"
Ranma placed his hands on his hips and shot the two a suspicious eyebrow. "What are ya talkin' about now?"
"The end of the Evil Master, son!" Soun replied.
Ranma's instantly paid them his full attention. "Are you serious!?"
"Yes, but first, we need to ask you a couple of questions," Genma replied.
"About what?"
"That boy you met today, Gohan."
"What about him?"
"He wouldn't happen to be Son Gohan, would he?" asked Soun.
"I dunno, he didn't say his full name," Ranma replied. "What does he have to do with all this?"
"We don't expect you to know this, but Son Gohan is the name of once well known and powerful martial artist," Genma began.
"Really?" said an intrigued Ranma.
Genma nodded. "It's been said that Son Gohan was one of two students to have trained under the Legendary Turtle Hermit."
"Turtle Hermit?"
"Yes, the master and practioner of the Turtle Style, an ancient and devastatingly strong battle art," added Soun.
"So...lemme get this straight, you think that Akane's friend's boyfriend is some old Martial Arts Hotshot?" Ranma asked sarcastically.
"Don't be a moron Ranma!" snapped Genma. "Of course that boy himself isn't him, however, the fact that they have the same name, and that he's a martial artist is...telling at the very least."
"I get it now. You think Gohan...well our Gohan has a connection with the old man, and might actually know something about this Turtle Guy?" Ranma guessed.
"Precisely," answered Soun.
"And you want me to ask Gohan if or what he does know?"
"Correct," replied Genma.
"And if he does know and tells me where to find him, you want the old Turtle Man to train me to beat the Old Freak, right!?"
BZZZZZT!
"Wrong sir, but thank you for playing!" Genma exclaimed into a microphone.
"Then what am I even looking for him for!?" Ranma yelled.
"Obviously, it's so HE can defeat the evil master for us," said Soun.
Ranma hit the floor in disbelief. "I don't know why I'm even surprised," he groaned.
"Don't take it the wrong way Ranma. The Turtle Hermit's said to not be accepting students anymore, so you probably couldn't convince him to train you anyway," Soun reassured him.
Ranma crossed his arms and sighed dejectedly. "Fine, whatever. Still, even if Gohan knows about the Turtle Guy and I do find him, how do we know he can even beat the old freak?"
Soun and Genma sat in meditative postures as they both tried to come up with an acceptable response to Ranma's question.
"You have no idea if he can do it or not, do you?" Ranma deadpanned.
"Well, he is called 'The Legendary Hermit' for a reason."
"Gaaaaaah!"
"Still Ranma, you have to admit, that even the slightest of chances to be rid of the Evil Master is a chance worth taking, is it not?" Soun asked.
"Tsk. Yeah, I guess."
"Then it's settled boy!" Genma exclaimed. "Your trip with Akane now serves a second purpose!"
Ranma gave a halfhearted nod as he accepted his...'mission'. He was already looking forward to meeting with Gohan and Videl again, but if what his father and Mr. Tendo said was true, then maybe their next meeting would be even more exciting than he thought. Pushing the thoughts aside for now, the three men rushed out of the dojo at the sound of Nodoka announcing that dinner was ready.
(A/N: Not much to say here either except that I sort of hoped to get this chapter out before March ended. On a more positive note, at least I didn't release it on April Fool's Day (weird how both April Fools and Easter fell on the same day this year). So yeah, nothing major happens this chapter, but I hope everyone enjoys the setup. So yeah, Soun and Genma have heard of Grandpa Gohan and the Turtle School, but only through word of mouth. Little do they know that the legends they heard have more truth to them than they realize. Until next time!)
