Orion's Perspective
"You seriously need to get a hobby, Orion."
"Bulma, I'm fine, really."
"But for this past year, all you've really been doing is working and training. I don't see you doing anything to just relax, and you never ask for days off. I'm worried that you're burning yourself out."
"Like I said, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about it, really." I tried to reassure Bulma, but she didn't seem to be convinced. I sighed as I leaned back in my chair. It had been a year since Cell was defeated, and I was living a normal life for the most part. I still worked at Capsule Corp and had pretty much become something akin to Bulma's secretary and helper, helping her with major projects to smaller things like babysitting Trunks. While it's true that I haven't really taken any days off, I wouldn't say I'm burning myself out. It actually feels like my old job at...I...kind of forget where I used to work, but that doesn't really matter.
"Look Orion, I'm telling you this, not only as your boss, but as your friend. You need to take some time off." Bulma told me after a sigh. "Take the week off and just enjoy yourself. Pick up a hobby that's not working or training related. You've been a huge help here at Capsule Corp, so please don't overexert yourself."
"But-"
"No buts. Don't worry about work. Take some time off." Bulma told me as she walked off. I sighed as I got up and grabbed my things, not really having much of a choice in the matter anymore. I suppose she is right. I have been working nonstop this past year, even though it never really bothered me. It made me feel...I don't know...useful? It made me feel like I was doing something of importance to help.
But now that I have the week off, what should I do? Maybe I can pick up a hobby like Bulma suggested? What are some things that I liked to do before I came to this world? I pondered about it for a few minutes before coming to a concerning realization. It's been so long since I've done anything for myself that I...can't really come up with anything. I think I used to like the idea of traveling around, but after going around space under Cooler's orders, that dream is sort of dead. If I did that, I would just get flashbacks to my time under Cooler, which wouldn't be very pleasant. I used to like reading...but I can't imagine reading anything now. Taking a walk? No, that would just feel like a waste of time. All of these things feel like they would be a waste of time, actually.
The more I thought about what I might enjoy doing, the more I realized that I didn't really have anything like that anymore. If I tried any of the things I used to enjoy, I just...don't think I would like them as much as I used to, if at all anymore. There was only one thing I could think of that I really enjoyed doing nowadays: helping others. That was the only thing I really liked doing. That's why I liked working, or even training.
I sighed at the thought. Some help I've been. I haven't done a single thing to help, have I? What have I really done since I was reborn in this world? I can't think of a single thing that I've done to justify my being here. It actually feels like I've made things worse. What makes that feeling stronger is the fact that I can't seem to remember what the cannon story was like. Was it better? Was it worse? I don't know, but it's probably worse due to my actions.
I shake my head out of that train of thought. No, I should be enjoying myself. Bulma's worried about me, so I should really try to find something to do. But what? I'm not good at anything, and I can't seem to think of anything I would like to do besides helping others. That's when a thought crossed my mind. Maybe I can just find someone to help out? That would be nice, and it would also be a good use of time instead of just wasting it on some worthless, personal task or hobby, and I have an idea of who might need some help right now. With a task in mind, I flew off to the mountains to give my relatives a visit.
After flying for a bit, I finally made it to my destination. I floated down to the 2 houses that were here in the mountains, being relatively close to one another, but not too close. I landed in front of Raditz's house first. He's probably having the most trouble, not only in dealing with Launch, but also- "Oh, Orion! It's wonderful to see you!" I turn and see Launch walk towards me in her blue-haired form. I found myself smiling at seeing who was in her arms.
"Hey Launch. Sorry to bother you. Were you relaxing?"
"It's fine. I always enjoy it when you come to visit. Besides, Dina really likes you as well." Launch told me. Dina, the baby girl in question, turned to me and motioned with her hands at me, almost in a longing way. Launch chuckled when she saw this. "Dina really likes you. Here, she wants you to hold her." I nodded as I took Dina from Launch.
Dina was an adorable little girl that Launch had a few months after Cell was defeated. Dina had her father's black eyes, but had her mother's hair and cute face. While hair was mostly blue, she had a streak of black on the bangs of her hair. Even though she was just a baby, she was already getting a hairstyle that matched Launch's, but it was wild and messy like Raditz's, sticking out at random. She also took after her mother with her sweet personality. I've never seen a baby who was so well behaved or sweet. She also really liked me, though I don't understand why. Kids just seem to really like me for some reason. Trunks likes me a lot as well, which just makes it easier to babysit him.
"Hey, Dina. Uncle Orion's here." I cooed at her. Dina just smiled and began laughing as I held her.
"So what brings you here, Orion?" Launch asked me.
"Bulma essentially kicked me out. She wants me to take the week off, so I'm trying to find something to do. I came here thinking that you all might need some help with stuff, like taking care of Dina here." I told her as I began to play with Dina.
"There's very thoughtful of you Orion! I would be glad to have someone else helping out with Dina. She might be sweet usually, but sometimes she gets super mischievous. It must be her father's side coming out." Launch chuckled.
"Speaking of her father, where is Raditz?"
"He's over at Chi Chi's. He wanted to spar with Gohan. He and Gohan spar every once in a while to get in some exercise. Raditz also goes over to help out with farming with Chi Chi and to learn more about Earth's history and culture from Gohan."
"Really? I never would have imagined him living a life like this just a few years ago." I laughed. "And Raditz working as a farmer? I'm surprised, but I'm glad that he's helping Chi Chi out after…" I trailed off from my thought process. After Goku died. It still hurts. More so knowing that it could have been me instead. It should have been me instead. But I just stood there and did nothing. I'm-
"Orion…" Launch said as she put a hand on mine, giving me a concerned look. Dina had also noticed my sorrow as she put her tiny hands on my as well, giving me a noise of concern. I put on a smile as I gave them a nod.
"...I'm alright. It's nothing to worry about." I told them. "But yeah, I'm glad Raditz is doing work. He probably would have gone crazy if he had nothing to keep him busy, so farming and learning about Earth are probably the best things for him to do."
"He really enjoys it. He tells me how he thinks it's amazing that something so simple could be so satisfying." Launch smiled. "You should probably go over to see him. You can take Dina with you. I imagine she wants to spend some time with her cousins as well."
"Yeah. Thanks Launch." I moved towards Goku's house with Dina in my hands. As soon as I got close enough, I saw Raditz and Gohan sparring outside the house. It wasn't anything intense. It was just normal sparring, no energy blasts or Super Saiyan involved. I was more shocked to see what Gohan was wearing though. He was wearing a gi that completely matched Goku's. I found myself taken aback as I watched the two of them fight. Gohan...looked a lot like Goku while wearing that. So much so that I found myself smiling because of it. After Raditz and Gohan finished sparring, Raditz turned and saw me, a smile immediately showing up on his face.
"Brother! It's good to see you!" Raditz happily said. "What brings you here?"
"Bulma wanted me to take some time off from work, so I came here to help you guys out with anything you need." I told him.
"I appreciate the offer, but truth be told, I believe me and Launch are doing quite well." Raditz bragged. "Though this little one here can be a handful at times." He said as he brushed his hand through Dina's hair.
"I can imagine." I laughed before turning to Gohan. "Hey Gohan. You look good in that."
"R-Really?" Gohan asked as he scratched his cheek nervously. "It feels...a little weird. Sort of like it isn't meant for me."
"Nonsense. I think you look great. It suits you perfectly." I told him with a smile. "You dad would be so proud." Gohan smiled at that and nodded.
"Oh Orion, you're here. It's great to see you're well." I turn and see Chi Chi standing at the window looking at us, a little Goten in her arms sleeping.
"Afternoon, Chi Chi. How's Goten been?"
"Wonderful. He's been such a joy." Chi Chi beamed as she looked down at her son. Goten was born shortly after Dina was, and already he looked just like Goku. I guess there's always going to be someone in each generation of our family with that hairstyle, for better or worse.
"That's good. I'm glad you all have been doing well."
"I hear you're doing well yourself, brother." Raditz told me. "I saw that they aired that interview that you were a part of. People seem to be very interested in learning ki now thanks to it. It makes me wonder if others here on Earth will become talented fighters like Kakarot's friends."
"Hopefully. I for one would be completely for other people learning to do what we can do. And with Tien and Yamcha opening up their martial arts schools, I'm sure that many people will start to learn how to use their energy."
"And with the technology that you gave to Bulma, Capsule Corps is helping technology become more advanced. We might be on par with the tech that the Saiyans had." Gohan added.
"Maybe, but that's all Bulma. She's the one taking the technology in a whole new direction. She's really something else. I bet she would rival some of the scientists in the Frieza Force and even give them a run for their money." I remarked.
"That's an understatement." Raditz said.
"By the way, I hear that you're trying to learn more about Earth. I can probably help you with that."
"I actually think I'm doing pretty well learning what I can so far. Gohan is very knowledgeable. I knew he was smart, but I didn't know he was this smart." Raditz exclaimed.
"Of course he is. It's because he studies as hard as he trains!" Chi Chi beamed happily. "I wish Goku could have been a bit more interested in learning like you two. He never even learned how to drive, for pete's sake!"
"But Kakarot can fly though. Why would he need to know how to drive? Orion, back me up here." Raditz told me.
"But...I know how to drive." I admitted.
"You got your license!?" Gohan and Raditz shouted.
"Well it wasn't too hard." I told them. I say that, but it was mainly because I already knew how to drive cars from my previous life, so it wasn't hard to pick up here since it's pretty much the same as driving in my old world mixed with a few things that I picked up from flying spaceships.
"But why?" Raditz asked me.
"Because Bulma told me that if I flew everywhere, it might freak people out. Besides, driving doesn't take constant energy to do, even if flying only takes a little." I answered.
"See! Orion has one. You should get one too, Raditz." Chi Chi said. Raditz could only sigh while me and Gohan laughed. "Hey, Orion. Since you have a license and a car, do you think you could help take Gohan to school? I can't take him since we don't have a car, and if he takes Goku's nimbus, it might draw unwanted attention to him. I also need to take care of Goten."
"Gohan's going to school now?" I asked.
"Yep. I think going to a public school would be good for him. That way he can make some friends that are kids his age." Chi Chi answered.
"Well, I'd be happy to help." I replied.
"But isn't the school Gohan is going to down in Satan City? It would take hours to get there by car." Raditz said.
"Don't worry. My car's a special model Bulma made. She made it using the same parts made from our spaceships, so it can go much faster than other cars and it can travel on harsher roads while still handling perfectly. I'm sure it'll be fine." I told him. "So when is his first day?"
"Tomorrow. Do you think you could come back tomorrow and take him?"
"Sure. It's not a problem at all." I told her. "But while I'm here today, do you need my help with anything?"
"If you want to help, then I would really appreciate it if you help take care of Goten as well." Chi Chi told me.
"Sure, I'd be glad to help. I love taking care of Dina and Goten." I told her. And thus, I spent the rest of the day playing with Dina and Goten while helping Chi Chi around the house.
3rd Person
"Now remember to behave yourself." Chi Chi told her son as he got into Orion's car. "Don't get into any fights. Try to make some friends."
"I will Mom. Don't worry about me." Gohan said in an embarrassed voice.
"I'm sure Gohan will be fine. He's a smart kid. He'll get along with everyone." Orion told Chi Chi.
"I know he is, but I can't help but be worried." Chi Chi sighed. "Have a safe trip. Orion will pick you up after your last class."
"Got it." Gohan nodded as he buckled his seat belt.
"You ready Gohan?" Orion asked him.
"Yep!"
"Alright! Then off to school we go!" With that, Orion started driving to Satan City, where Gohan's new school was located. Gohan looked out to the horizon nervously as they went on their way. It was his first time going to a school. He was always home schooled, which made things easier with the whole Saiyan, Namek, and android stuff. Gohan hoped that nothing crazy would happen. He didn't really want to draw attention to himself, which might be hard since the fight with Cell was broadcasted live on TV. Hopefully no one will figure out that he was the one to kill Cell since he was Super Saiyan when that happened. "So what's the school you're going to?" Orion asked Gohan.
"Oh, uh...Orange Star Middle School." Gohan answered.
"Ah...that's why you have that orange star badge on." Orion nodded. "So are you excited for your first day?"
"I...don't really know." Gohan answered. "I guess…"
"Oh c'mon, Gohan. You should be excited! You're going to learn a lot more at school than you would at home. You'll also get to meet some other kids that are your age. It'll help you become more social. You might even make a few friends."
"Maybe…" Gohan said while still gazing out of the car. "Hey, Uncle Orion, did you ever go to something like school?"
"Oh...me?" Orion said nervously while scratching his cheek, a bit of sweat dripping off him. "Well…Planet Vegeta didn't have anything like school. From the moment you could walk, you would either train, work, or get shipped off to a different planet."
"Oh…"
"But I do have experience with schools." Orion said quickly.
"Really? Where did you-"
"That's not important." Orion swiftly cut off Gohan. "What matters is that I can answer any questions you might have about school. I doubt anyone else we know could possibly tell you, so...since I'm here, I can give you some reassurance about all of this." Gohan raised an eyebrow at his uncle. Gohan has always known that his Uncle Orion didn't like talking about himself. Whenever he asked questions back when they were training for the Saiyans, Orion would typically brush off any questions about himself, only answering basic stuff like what he used to do before he came to Earth.
Gohan was always curious about Orion, since he knew the least about him. When it came to his other uncle, Raditz, he knew a lot more about him. It took awhile, but Raditz eventually opened up to Gohan and answered most of his questions about himself and other things. But Orion still seemed distanced. He always did. Sure, he would answer Gohan's questions about Saiyans and planets his been too, but questions about what it was like working for Cooler and about himself were glazed over. It always confused Gohan, and he was sure the others might have noticed this about Orion as well. Why did Orion not like talking about himself?
Gohan sighed, wishing he could find out more about his uncle, especially how he knew stuff about school despite having never been to Earth before the Saiyan invasion. But Gohan supposed it didn't matter, at least right now. He was just happy that his Uncle Orion could answer his questions about school, even if he wanted to know how he knew. "Alright. Then...what's it like?"
"Well...the best way I can describe it's a place where you meet new people and learn. It's different for everyone. Some people don't like school, while others do, and those reasons for liking or disliking school could be different for different people. Some might like school because they like learning, while others like it because they get to see their friends there." Orion told Gohan with a thoughtful look.. "There are going to be many different people that you'll meet at school. I imagine you'll meet some nice people, and maybe some that aren't so nice. That's just how it is. I never cared for school when I was your age, but in hindsight, without getting an education at my school, I probably wouldn't have gotten as far as I did."
"Far as you did? In what?"
"Oh...a...job I had to do, I guess." Orion nervously chuckled. "But my point is, going to school will be a worthwhile experience, whether you end up liking it or not. If anything, you could always change schools if you don't like this one. Just try to enjoy this one. Try to make friends."
"But what if I can't do that?"
"You will. Just be yourself, and people will want to talk to you. Or maybe you'll see someone that you want to talk to. Once you start talking to someone, that's when you can make a bond with them. That's how you make friends. And don't worry about the Cell Games stuff. I doubt that they'll think that you're the one who fought Cell. And if they do, then you can tell them or you could say they're mistaken. You don't have to be anything else other than Son Gohan right now. It'll probably be a breath of fresh air for you after these past few years." Orion chuckled. It was then that they finally made it to Gohan's school. As Gohan got out of the car, Orion turned to his nephew with a kind, reassuring smile. "Have a good day, Gohan. And remember, just be yourself, and I'm sure you'll enjoy school."
Gohan nodded as Orion drove off, leaving him in front of the large school. Gohan took a deep breath and remembered his uncle's words. "Just be yourself. No need to be anything more." Gohan repeated as he walked into the building. When he entered the school, he quickly made his way to the faculty office. He already knew where it was since that was where he took his entrance tests. After moving through the large hallways, he opened the door and saw the teacher he had spoken with during his entrance exams.
"Ah yes. Son Gohan, correct. Right on time. Please come with me." The older man told Gohan as he got up from his seat and guided Gohan to a classroom. The teacher entered the classroom and silenced the teenagers inside so that he could speak. "Good morning, everyone. Let me introduce to you a new student who is transferring in and will be in your class starting today. You can come in now." Gohan nodded and nervously entered the classroom. He saw the other students staring at him with curious glances, which only served to make Gohan more nervous than he already was.
"M-My name is Son Gohan. It's nice to meet you." He said softly. The teacher motioned him to move to the center of the room next to him. Gohan nodded and moved closer to the teacher as the teacher continued his introduction.
"Gohan here made perfect scores on all of his entry exams. Many of you could learn from his example. I hope his motivation for learning rubs off on you all." Many of the students made noises of awe at that news and became even more curious about their new classmate. "Well, Gohan, you may sit in any empty seat that's available." Gohan nodded and quickly sat down in the first empty seat he saw. The teacher then began teaching like it was a normal day. Gohan took out his notebook and started to take notes, but he immediately noticed someone's gaze on him. He looked to his left and saw a blue-eyed girl that had black hair that was in two pigtails. She was staring at him with a suspicious glance. Gohan felt sweat drip from his face as he went back to taking notes, doing his best to ignore the girl's gaze.
"So what do you think about the new kid?" A blonde boy with a hardened expression quietly asked as he leaned over to another blonde girl and the girl who was staring at Gohan.
"He's cute." The blonde girl said. "But it looks like he's really nervous about this. He doesn't look like he's used to being here yet. Maybe we could talk to him and be friends."
"I don't know. He looks like the mayor of nerd city to me. I've never seen a kid who looks more like a bookworm than he does." The boy scoffed. "But who knows. He looks interesting enough. Maybe I could help toughen him up."
"At least try to be nice, Sharpner." The blonde girl shot back. She then turned to the other girl with a raised eyebrow. "What about you, Videl? You've been staring at him for a while now."
"Well, Erasa…" Videl began. "I don't know. That boy...Gohan...looks familiar."
"Have you met him before?" Erasa asked.
"No, but...Don't you guys think he looks like the kid who beat Cell?"
"What? I mean, I guess there is a resemblance, but there's no way." Erase answered quickly.
"Don't you remember? That kid was blonde with spiked up hair and teal eyes. This kid as black hair, black eyes, and his hair ain't as spiked up." Sharpner added. "There's no way he's the kid."
"But don't you remember the interview that my dad had with that Orion guy?" Videl asked. "During the Cell Games, he had blonde hair that was a bit more spiked up, but during the interview, he had black hair with silver tips that wasn't as spiked up. His eyes even changed from teal to silver. What if that boy who beat Cell is the same way."
"Hmm...good point." Erasa muttered thoughtfully.
"I suppose we could always just ask him." Sharpner sighed. "Just don't get your hopes up. He could just look like that kid. I mean, what are the chances that the kid who beat Cell is going to our school."
"But what if he is?" Videl replied.
"Well, that would be pretty cool." Erase said. "I wonder if he could show us that power he has. Ki, I think the guy in the interview said."
"If he is him, I hope he shows off his power. I want to see what it's like in person." Sharpner smirked as he leaned back in his chair. Videl nodded and turned back to Gohan, who was still diligently studying. She was almost positive it was him, and if it was, then she had to get him to show her how to use this ki power, or at least help her find someone to learn it.
Videl had been wanting to learn how to do all of that ki stuff from the moment she saw the Cell Games and the interview her dad had with one of the fighters. She actually asked her dad if she could meet that Orion guy and learn from him, but her dad said that he was busy and lived in West City, so it might be an inconvenience to him. He also said that he wasn't sure if Orion would want to teach anyone, since when he asked Orion to teach him more about ki after the interview, Orion told her dad that he should go to his friend's martial arts schools to learn more since he wasn't the best to be someone's teacher. Unfortunately, Yamcha's school was in West City, and Tien's was somewhere in the mountains, making it difficult to even find. So if Videl couldn't learn from him, then this Gohan kid was her next best shot if he was the one who beat Cell.
Besides, seeing that kid beat Cell, the monster who made a fool of her dad, the World's Martial Arts Champion, was breathtaking. It strengthened her hope that one day, she could be as strong, if not stronger, than her dad, the person she looked up to the most. And he was just a kid! She never imagined someone her age could be that strong, and if it was possible, she wanted to get there. And at the very least, who wouldn't want to meet the boy who saved the world? Videl didn't want to let that chance slip away if it was a real possibility.
After a few hours, the first few classes were already over. Gohan was surprised that time flew by so fast. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be, just like his uncle told him. But now was time for P.E, the class Gohan was most worried about. He still wasn't sure if he should actually try his best in physical activities or just pretend to be bad at it. Orion did say to be himself, but he also said that if Gohan wanted, he didn't have to show off his power. Gohan thought more about it and nodded at that. He still didn't want to be the center of attention because of his power. He'd rather not draw attention to himself and be a normal student. "Hey, new kid! Wait up!" Gohan turned around as he was headed outside and saw three other students approaching him.
"Umm… Did you need something?" Gohan asked.
"We just wanted to make sure you were adjusting to this place, since you're new and all. I'm Erasa. It's nice to meet you." Erasa said.
"Y-Yeah. I'm Gohan." Gohan then turned to the other students there. The blonde boy pointed to himself with a cocky grin.
"The name's Sharpner. Don't forget it." Gohan nodded and turned to the last person.
"Videl." That was all the girl said. Erasa put her hand on Gohan's shoulder and chuckled.
"Sorry. Videl can be a bit cold to others." Erasa told him. "So how's your first day at Orange Star Middle been?"
"P-Pretty good, I guess." Gohan answered.
"C'mon man. Loosen up." Sharpner told him. "You don't gotta be nervous around us. Not like we're gonna bite ya. Well, Videl might, but still." Videl responded by punching Sharpner in the shoulder, causing Sharpner to clutch his now bruised arm in pain. "What was that for!?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Guess I bit the wrong person." Videl replied sharply. Erasa and Gohan laughed a bit at that as Sharpner growled at Videl.
"Alright you guys. We should hurry up to class now." Erasa told them as she led the way. "By the way, Gohan, the teacher said that you were a transfer student. So where did you go to school before this?"
"Oh...well, I was homeschooled. This is my first time at a real school." Gohan admitted.
"No wonder you're so nervous." Sharpner said. "So where do ya live? I don't remember seeing you around town at all."
"Um...439 Eastern Mountain Area." Gohan hesitantly replied.
"What!?" Sharpner exclaimed.
"That's like 1000 kilos away! That's like a 5 hour drive!" Erasa shouted.
"Well...this is the closest school to where I live. And my uncle has a special car since he works at Capsule Corp, so he can drive me here faster than other vehicles. It took us about an hour to get here. It was a nice drive, actually." Gohan told them.
"Your uncle works for Capsule Corp?" Videl questioned.
"Yeah. My mom asked him to drive me to school and pick me up for her since she's busy looking after my baby brother."
"That's very nice of your uncle to help out." Erasa said. Videl thought about what Gohan said. Her dad said that Orion worked at Capsule Corp. Could Gohan be...no, that was unlikely, right?
Gohan continued to walk with them to P.E, chatting a bit with them as they did. They seemed nice enough, but Videl was still making him a bit nervous since she was still giving him a suspicious look. They finally made it outside and joined the other students. The P.E teacher came out with some equipment and put it to the side before addressing the class. "For today's class, we'll continue what we were doing last time by having a baseball game."
"Hey, Gohan. I know you live up in the mountains, but you do know what baseball is, right?" Sharpner asked.
"Y-Yeah. I've never played it, but I do at least know the rules for the most part. One of my dad's friends was a professional player for a while." Gohan told him.
"Really? Who?"
"You've probably heard of him. They called him 'Yamcha the Bandit'."
"Y-Yamcha the Bandit! The famous baseball player!" Sharpner shouted. "He always got home runs! At the end of his career, he managed to get 100 home runs in a row! Your dad knew him?!"
"Yeah. They're close friends." Sharpner was amazed at this. Just who is Gohan's dad if he knew someone like Yamcha the Bandit? It was then the teacher looked at Gohan and remembered he was new.
"Oh right. Gohan, you need to be put on a team. Let's see…" The teacher thought for a bit before turning to Videl. "Videl. Gohan's on your team. Show him the ropes."
"Yes sir…" Videl sighed.
"Oh cheer up Videl." Erasa told her. "Gohan might be really good at this."
"I don't know about that. He is a bookworm, remember." Sharpner added. "But even if he is good, you won't be beating Erasa and me with our team!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Videl mumbled. Videl then turned to Gohan with a stern look and tossed him a glove. "You're in right field. You know where that is, right?"
"Y-Yeah…" Gohan nodded as he moved to his position. And so the game started. Gohan, being in right field, didn't really have to do much, which he was thankful for. The less he had to do, the less he would stand out. The first 2 innings went on like this, with it just being a normal game. Gohan had actually started to enjoy himself, watching everyone play the game and having fun.
At the start of the third inning, Erasa and Sharpner's team had only 1 out, and Sharpner was up to bat. His team cheered him on as he moved to the batter's box. Videl, who was the pitcher, clutched the ball tightly as Sharpner got into his stance. Videl's team had been on a losing streak against Sharpner's and Erasa's, and while they were friends, the sense of rivalry they had during these moments was strong. Videl wasn't going to let them win this time. With all of her strength, Videl threw the ball as hard as she could, however, Sharpner still managed to hit the ball, and it was sent flying. Videl watched as the ball flew high in the air at alarming speeds. A home run. Another home run by Sharpner. Videl couldn't help but get upset as Sharpner starting running to the next base. But just as Erasa and her team were cheering Sharpner on, something unexpected happened.
"I've got it!" Everyone froze in their tracks as Gohan jumped up and easily caught the ball. Everyone stared at Gohan as he seemingly floated high in the air just to catch the ball. Gohan looked down and saw that the other person that was on the field had left third base. Without missing a beat, Gohan threw the ball down to the catcher. "Here!" The third base catcher's eyes widened as he saw the ball hurtling down towards him. He put his glove in front of him and somehow caught the ball, but fell over due to the force of the ball. The ball spun wildly in his glove as it sizzled and finally slowed to a halt. Everyone looked on in amazement as the catcher slowly got up and tapped the runner.
"O-O-Out!" The catcher shouted. Gohan landed and smiled happily.
"Alright!" He shouted while raising his fist happily into the air before noticing everyone's stunned expressions. "Wh-What?"
"Gohan...That was incredible." Erasa said.
"You must have jumped over 25 feet to catch that." The teacher added.
"And that throw you did after… It looked like the ball was sizzling in the catcher's glove after he caught it." Sharpner added. Gohan's eyes widened with fear. He had completely forgotten about holding back his power after seeing everyone just enjoying the game. He quickly moved his hands up defensively and shook his head.
"Th-Th-That's not it at all!" Gohan told them. "You must have just been seeing things. I mean, it's not possible for someone to jump that high or throw that fast, right?"
"I mean, normally, yeah, but-"
"Then it probably wasn't that!" Gohan cut Erasa off as he moved over to the bench and sat down, trying to be as normal as possible as he did.
"Umm, I think it's your turn to bat, Gohan." Another student told him. "You haven't gone yet, right?"
"Oh! Y-Yeah, you're right." Gohan nervously said as he grabbed a bat and moved to the batter's box. Sharpner's team had already moved to the field, and they all were looking at Gohan nervously.
"Y'know, I'm starting to see what Videl's on about." Sharpner said to Erasa as he moved up to the Pitcher's mound.
"I can't believe he was able to do that." Erasa nodded in agreement. "Do you think he's gonna be as good at batting as he is at throwing and jumping?"
"Let's just pray he wasn't lying about us just being mistaken…" Sharpner replied with sweat dripping off his forehead. "If he is the kid who beat Cell, then there's no way we can win." Sharpner got into position as Gohan got to the batter's box and got into a stance.
"Oh, I should have known that you were left handed." The teacher said as Gohan got ready.
"Left handed?" Gohan asked.
"Well, you're in the left handed batter's box." The teacher told him.
"Is that bad?"
"N-No...but...Are you left handed?" The teacher asked him.
"I'm actually ambidextrous."
"I see. If that's the case, just bat on whichever side is the most comfortable for you."
"Ok." Gohan said as he got ready to bat. What should he do? He didn't want to draw any more attention to himself, so should he even swing? After internally debating it for a few seconds, Gohan decided that was the best thing to do. Meanwhile, Sharpner was nervously looking at Gohan as he readied his pitch. If Gohan really is some super strong person, then the only way Sharpner can get him out is by throwing the ball as fast as he is able to and praying Gohan can't hit it. That was the only play Sharpner had. Sharpner readied himself before throwing the ball as hard as he could; however, Sharpner threw the ball slightly off target, and it was now headed straight at Gohan's face. Sharpner immediately saw this and panicked.
"Watch out!" He shouted.
"Gohan move!" Videl shouted. Their shouting was in vain as the ball hit Gohan square in the face. Everyone winced in pain as the ball hit Gohan and bounced off, but the wincing and pained looks soon vanished when they saw that Gohan didn't even flinch at the blow. Gohan just stared at the ball as it rolled to a stop with a curious look before turning to the teacher.
"Excuse me, but this means I get to walk to first base, right?" Gohan asked as if nothing happened.
"Uhh...yeah." The teacher nodded. Gohan's face lit up as he dropped his bat and jogged to first base. He got to first without even having to hit the ball! How lucky was he? Of course, he was oblivious to the fact that what he had done was far more alarming to the other students.
"Ok...What the heck is this kid?" Sharpner managed to ask as he watched Gohan happily jog to the base without a care in the world.
"Yeah, I think that pretty much seals it. He has to be the kid who beat Cell." Videl muttered. "He took that hit like it was nothing! Not even most adults could take a fast ball to the face like that."
"It's still a stretch, but I'm starting to see it." Erasa agreed. "I wonder how he got that strong if he is that kid."
"I don't know, but I do know that even I can get that strong. If I get Gohan to show me how to get as strong as he is, maybe I can learn how to do stuff like flying. I know my dad can use ki, so I should be able to too. I just need someone to teach me, and I think Gohan is my only shot at learning."
"Well, the only thing we have to do now is ask him about it." Erasa said.
"Yeah." Videl nodded. And so, P.E continued, though Gohan did his best to keep his power hidden, causing the game to return to normal for the most part. After P.E was a few more normal classes before the day was finally over. There were a few bumps here and there, but Gohan enjoyed school for the most part. He felt relieved to know that his uncle was right about school. He even met some nice people in the form of Erasa, Sharpner, and Videl, although the latter seemed to be glaring at him a lot. Maybe he could be friends with them after a while Speaking of them, "Hey Gohan!" Gohan was headed to the school's exit when he heard someone call for him. He turned his head and saw the people he was just thinking of joining him on the way out. "You headed home, Gohan, or are you planning on joining some clubs?" Erasa asked.
"If you're planning on joining a club, we could use someone like you in the boxing club." Sharpner said while placing his hand on Gohan's shoulder.
"I don't know if I would be good at something like boxing." Gohan nervously told Sharpner.
"You're kidding, right? You took that fast ball to the face, remember. You can take a hard blow, more so than anyone I know. I think you'd be great, especially if you hit as hard as you can throw or jump." Sharpner responded with a smirk.
"I don't know…" Gohan hesitantly said. "I'm not even sure if I will join a club. If anything, my uncle's waiting to pick me up right now."
"I see. Bummer." Sharpner sighed.
"Speaking of which, you're surprisingly strong. Way stronger than anyone would have thought before." Videl started to say. "I've actually been meaning to ask you something, and after seeing you at P.E, it makes me want to know if I'm right about this even more."
"Umm...right about what?" Gohan nervously asked.
"Are you the boy who beat Cell?" Videl's words caught Gohan by surprise. She already was suspicious of him!? It was only the first day of school! Just how badly did he mess up today?
"What? Of course not! I mean, I don't even look like that person, right?" Gohan tried to deflect.
"Really, because I think you look awfully similar to that kid." Videl shot back.
"But wasn't that boy blonde?" Gohan desperately threw the question out there, praying she would be convinced with it.
"But there was another fighter at the Cell Games, Orion I think, who was seen having blonde and black hair. His eyes changed color too, so it's entirely possible that you can do that same trick." Videl countered. Gohan was running out of defenses. Just what can he say now? "C'mon Gohan. Tell us the truth. Are you that boy or not?"
"I-I...Uhh...Well, Y-You see…" Gohan stuttered, unable to think of a response.
"Well, if you are that kid, I think it would be pretty cool." Sharpner said.
"Huh?"
"Yeah. I mean, it would mean we're classmates with a hero, right? That sounds cool!" Erasa agreed.
"Honestly, I can see why you wouldn't want people to know. But you don't have to worry about it around us, at least." Videl stated.
"Yeah. I mean, Videl is kind of a similar case. She is Mister Satan's daughter." Erasa added.
"She's Mister Satan's daughter!?" Gohan repeated.
"Yep. A real celebrity's daughter right here." Sharpner laughed. "I remember when we first met. Man, was it surprising, but it still doesn't stop us from being friends."
"Yeah, so don't worry about it. It won't change that we want to be your friends." Erasa said. Gohan was a bit confused at that. He thought that other people would be a bit more hesitant around him if they knew. He thought people might be afraid, or start treating him differently because of his power. He didn't want to be seen as something different from others around him. He just wanted to seem normal enough to live a normal life. But if these people didn't really mind, then maybe it was ok to tell them.
"Hey, Gohan! Over here!" Gohan was brought out of his thoughts as he heard his name again. He and the others had someone made it outside already, and he saw his uncle waving him over from his car. Gohan couldn't help but laugh at the sight of his uncle. Orion had become well known after his interview with Mister Satan, so he had made an effort to disguise himself by wearing glasses. The best part about this 'disguise' was that so far, no one seemed to be paying him any mind, meaning it was working as intended.
"Is that you're uncle?" Erasa asked.
"Yeah." Gohan nodded.
"Wait...he's…" Videl began as Gohan walked towards his uncle.
"How was your first day?" Orion asked his nephew.
"It was better than I thought." Gohan answered with a small smile.
"Really?" Orion then looked at the three people behind Gohan and smirked. "And who are they?"
"...Friends." Gohan replied.
"Good. I knew you would make friends." Orion chuckled as he rubbed Gohan's head. "Alright. Are you ready to go?"
"Hang on." Gohan said as he turned to the others. "About your question...I guess you can say...that I am." Gohan admitted softly.
"Wait, really?" Sharpner exclaimed.
"But I don't want it to be a big deal. I just want to enjoy school, so…"
"We understand." Erasa nodded. "But wow, who would have thought."
"Seriously. And here I thought you were just a bookworm." Sharpner sighed. "Well, Videl, I guess you were right." Sharpner turned to Videl, only to see her with a shocked expression. "Uh...Videl? You ok?"
"You're…" Videl began as she looked at Orion before she turned to Gohan. "Your uncle is the guy who had that interview with my dad!?"
"What!?" Sharpner and Erasa shouted as they took another look at Orion.
"Umm…" Gohan turned to his uncle, only to see his uncle was sighing.
"So much for the 'Clark Kent' disguise." Orion sighed
"I knew it!" Videl exclaimed as her eyes lit up. "I can't believe it. I'm meeting the two people I've wanted to meet!"
"Wanted to meet?" Gohan repeated as Videl looked at him and Orion before putting her hands together.
"Please teach me! I want to do what you both can do!"
