To say it's been a rough few weeks for Gohan was an understatement. It started when Bojack arrived with his crew, Gohan and the Z-Fighters bravely fought them off, with help from Cabba and Pan.
Then Gohan became mixed up in the Time Patrol Business, going to the past and meeting with a kid version of his father and mother, a young version of Bulma that he befriended, encountered Universe 6 cybernetically enhanced Tuffles, then to top it all off, ended up on Planet Vegeta where he met his grandparents.
Gohan never realized how great it was seeing his family, he figured that aside from his father, his relaives on Planet Vegeta were evil, if his Uncle Raditz was any indication. Turns out his grandfather was a nice man, strong and intimidating, but also gentle with his wife and child. His grandmother was a nice lady who spent most of her time cooking and preparing meals for the boys in her family. Plus even his grandfather's comrades were nicer than he expected.
Unfortunately that came to an end when Towa showed Gohan a vision of Frieza destroying Planet Vegeta, seeing his grandfather fighting valiantly to the end was both incredible and heartbreaking. Gohan knew that his father's planet was destroyed by Frieza, but now that he knows who died, he felt enraged and determined to avenge his grandparents.
Gohan would get stronger, training hard with Zamasu, the Androids, Videl and his father, who also felt compelled to fight for his own family. Goku may not have cared much for the Saiyans before, but something about seeing his father fighting for them, it was the only time Goku related to his father. They may not be heroes who fight for justice, but they do care about their friends and family.
Goku would get stronger, The Androids would get stronger, Videl would get stronger, but most importantly, Gohan would get stronger. He had to, especially with Frieza still around somewhere in space. Not only that, he still had a feeling that the imposter that was Goku Black was also around and ready for his own act of revenge. Gohan was going to prepare for both, even if he had to achieve new levels of power.
A few weeks had passed since then, Gohan decided to return to the Time Nest, in addition to preparing for Frieza, he also wanted to follow up on the Towa situation, having encountered her a few times during his trip. Thanks to assistance from Trunks, Gohan was able to head to the Time Nest where he began the lookout for Chronoa.
"Supreme Kai of Time!?" Gohan called, searching around. "Are you here somewhere!?"
"Gohan?" Chronoa came out to greet the boy. "Didn't expect to see you."
"Oh hi, Trunks helped me get here, hope you don't mind," Gohan said.
"Not too much," Chronoa said, the answer confusing Gohan a bit. "What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to know if there was an update on Towa, if there was anything I could do to help," Gohan said.
"Sorry, I haven't seen any sign of Towa since your battle against Hearts and his gang," Chronoa said.
"None huh? That's a shame," Gohan said.
"She's very slippery, usually whenever we spot her, it's because she wanted us to try and stop her, just to taunt us," Chronoa said. "Most of my Time Patrollers are out looking for her, including some of my best."
"What is her goal anyway?" Gohan asked.
"Just to create the ultimate fighter, that being Mira," Chronoa said. "Just be careful, she may end up showing up in your timeline."
"If she does, I'll be ready for her," Gohan said.
"Still, I'd rather that not happen," Chronoa said. "If there's any update, you'll be one of the first to know. Pan and Cabba are both hard at work trying to find her as well."
"Right, they're Time Patrollers too," Gohan said. "Say, if you don't mind me asking, why did you recruit Pan and Cabba?"
"They both have incredible potential as fighters, especially Cabba," Chronoa explained. "He's a very powerful warrior who can get stronger each day."
"Just how strong is he? Like compared to my dad and Vegeta of his time?" Gohan asked.
"While he's not quite at their level yet, his power grows stronger each day," Chronoa said. "With proper training, he may reach their level, or even surpass them. Same with Caulifla and Kale, the Saiyans of the Sixth Universe have an incredible amount of potential."
"Even more so than the ones in Universe Seven right?" Gohan asked. "Like is there a reason."
"Yes, see Saiyans who grow up in a Peaceful Enviorment are more likely to get stronger than ones who grew up in stressful environments," Chronoa said. "It's because of something called 'S-Cells', those are the cells that help a Saiyan transform into a Super Saiyan."
"Oh so is that why they're so strong?" Gohan asked.
"Exactly, while the Saiyans in Universe 6 have more times of peace, the ones in Universe 7 lived in a more stressful environment thanks to Frieza," Chronoa said. "Though they've been hostile even before all that but Frieza definitely made it worse."
"So the more peaceful the environment, the more likely the Saiyan can get stronger," Gohan theorized. "Interesting."
"It's because of that peace that Goten and Trunks were able to turn Super Saiyan at such a young age with almost no trouble," Chronoa said.
"Oh, because they lived in a time of Peace," Gohan said.
"Exactly, though your S-Cells are great too, I mean even if you had stressful times, the safety and security you felt from your father and friends did help you achieve your full potential," Chronoa said.
"Well my only stressful times were dealing with the Saiyans, Frieza and the training leading up to The Androids," Gohan said. "Though I did turn Super Saiyan pretty young myself."
"Yes, in the main timeline you didn't turn Super Saiyan until after Cell had arrived," Chronoa said. "Given that it was in the Time Chamber, I say you transformed a several weeks or months before expected, but still around the age of nine so it worked out. Plus you turned Super Saiyan 2 pretty fast as well."
"Well I did spend some time in the Time Chamber myself when I was in the future," Gohan said. "I spent a few weeks with Goten and Trunks, where I learned about the Fusion Technique. Then I spent time with Future Trunks and Mai, where I learned about Super Saiyan Rage. Finally I spent time with dad and Vegeta, where I learned to use the Galick Gun."
"Still surprised Vegeta taught you that technique," Chronoa said.
"Well he seemed to like me and he appreciated that I actually trained," Gohan said. "I think he's sore that the older me gave up fighting because he wanted to be a Scholar and raise a family. I mean, I don't blame him, it's what I would like to do as well."
"You would pick being a Scholar and family man over being a fighter?" Chronoa asked.
"Well yeah, I mean I like training and sparring with dad, Seventeen, Eighteen and Videl, but I like the idea of being a normal working father and husband a little more," Gohan explained. "For the most part, I only fight because I have to, not because I want to. Someone needs to protect my planet, and I should do that if I have the power to."
"Fighting for the defense of others, that's very Hero like of you," Chronoa said. "Being a Scholar is a good thing as well, there's nothing wrong with wanting to build up your education, a smart fighter is just as important as a strong fighter. After all, fighting is also about technique, not just how strong you are, and with your smarts you'll be able to come up with the best battle tactics."
"That's similar to what Zamasu tells me," Gohan said.
"Zamasu, so full of potential, to think he wasted it all in the main timeline over some petty grudge," Chronoa said. "I can understand a God not wanting a mortal to have godly energy but to take it as far as he did really set a bad name for us other deities."
"At least the problem's been rectified, though I do wonder what he's up to in Pan's timeline," Gohan said.
"Far as I know, he hasn't made a peep," Chronoa said.
"Better than him causing trouble," Gohan said. "I hope their timelines are relatively peaceful."
"Pan's is, Cabba's not so much," Chronoa said. "I mean he hasn't encountered them, but given threats such as Moro and Granolah have existed in his timeline means there could be some danger looming. Even Pan can encounter something out of nowhere."
"Well I hope it'll be a while before I encounter either one of those threats," Gohan said. "I'm still worried about Frieza and Goku Black."
"If you ever need extra training, I have a room that could help test your power," Chronoa said. "Pan and Cabba use it quite often, it's a training simulator that allows you to do battle against anyone of your choice. It can be a friend or a foe you've encountered in the past."
"That sounds really neat, I should definitively give that a try soon," Gohan said.
"You can bring friends too, just give me the word," Chronoa said.
"Thanks, I appreciate that," Gohan said. "Well if there's nothing here to do then-"
"Gohan?" Came Cabba's voice. Gohan turned to see there were new visitors.
"Cabba! Pan!" Gohan greeted. "What a nice surprise."
"I'll say, what brings you to the Time Nest?" Cabba asked.
"Is it another mission?" Pan asked.
"Oh no, I just came to see if there was any update on Towa," Gohan explained. "The Supreme Kai of Time told me how hard she was to catch."
"That's an understatement, she's nearly impossible to find," Pan lamented.
"That's an unfortunate situation for us," Cabba said. "She really knows how to keep others off her trail, and when she does pop up it just leads to more trouble for the Time Patrol. It's very shameful that she's gotten away from us as much as she has in the last few months."
"You two are doing your best to help us, and that's all I can ask for," Chronoa said. "Towa will be found and we will put a stop to her madness, it's just a matter of when."
"Considering she can leap through time, 'when' is a huge factor in all of this," Cabba said.
"Not to mention that she can alter time, steal power or even control others," Pan said.
"Be fortunate we never had to fight a God of Destruction," Cabba said. "That is way beyond what either of us are capable of."
"Worse than that would be the Angel that serves them," Chronoa said. "An Angel's power usually far exceeds that of a Destroyer God."
"At least the Angels have a better temper," Cabba said. "My God of Destruction has a bit of a short fuse, probably shorter than the Destroyer God of Universe Seven."
"I remember when I tried fighting Beerus, I was no match for him," Gohan said. "I was lucky he didn't kill me."
"Seems kind of worrying that a God has that much power and can destroy anything in an instant," Pan said. "What's to stop them from turning evil?"
"Again that's why we have the Angels, fortunately a Destroyer God's main duty is to destroy what is essentially garbage, but some Destroyers don't do their job as well as others, and Beerus isn't exactly a high level Destroyer," Chronoa said. "It's the reason that Universe 7 was ranked eleven out of twelve as far as useful Universes go."
"Probably doesn't help that villains like Frieza and Majin Buu hurt our Universe's reputation," Gohan said.
"Precisely, Beerus probably should have dealt with the likes of them, especially Buu, but he'd rather spend most of his time sleeping while Champa barely watches his health," Chronoa said. "Strong as he is, his diet really sets him back."
"Excuse me, but what can you tell me about Lord Rumshi?" Gohan asked. "I actually met him in my timeline, he seemed a bit full of himself but is there more to him than that?"
"Not too much, he's actually a bit of a muscle freak," Chronoa said. "He thinks all problems can be solved with brute strength alone. It really hurt his team when they were picking out fighters for the Tournament of Power. In the end they only hot like one or two good fighters."
"Yeah, I remember Obuni," Gohan said. "He was great."
"You and The Androids had a good fight against him not too long ago," Cabba said.
"When was this?" Pan asked.
"About a year ago, Gohan and The Androids fought against teams from Universe 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and even mine in a tournament of sorts," Cabba said. "Only my team and Universe 2 managed to beat Gohan and his team, but each time he put up a great fight."
"I'm still a bit ashamed of losing to Universe 2 the way I did," Gohan admitted. "Rozie just came out of nowhere."
"The Warriors of Universe 2 are a great team, you have nothing to be ashamed of," Cabba said.
"I really gotta see these other Universes' warriors," Pan said. "Think I'd be able to?"
"Anything is possible here," Chronoa said. "I can take you to the Time Nest, furthermore, you can use the training room to see their power yourself."
"Actually since Gohan's here, maybe the three of us can train together," Cabba said.
"I'd like that, but there is something else I wanted to check on while I was here," Gohan said. "Namely the timeline I went to where I met Bulma, assuming that wasn't erased or anything."
"I left that one be for the moment, but in time when I start cleaning up the timelines to prevent clutter, that may be one of the first to go," Chronoa said.
"Aw, well I better check while I have the chance," Gohan said.
Chronoa led the three to the vault, accessing many points the various timelines, all pivotal moments within the scrolls. Chronoa handed one over to Pan, detailing some fights from the Tournament of Power.
"So, who is who on here?" Pan asked, looking over the scroll.
"Well those three girls there, those are the Universe 2 Warriors, pre transformation," Cabba said.
"Transformation? So they can change forms as well?" Pan asked.
"Lots of creatures in this Tournament was capable of transforming," Cabba said. "I heard there were even more Transformations after my Universe lost."
"Uh...so many fighters here, if I were in a Tournament like this, I'd be so confused," Pan said.
"It was a lot to take in, knowing that you could be attacked at any second," Cabba said. "The smart strategy was to try and stay near your teammates, but my team split for the most part, the only ones who really stayed together were Caulifla and Kale, Saunel and Pirina, as well as Botamo and Magetta."
"Botamo and Magetta..." Pan looked through the scrolls. "Which ones were they again?"
"Botamo looks like a yellow bear with a red shirt, Magetta is a giant robot looking creature, a Metal Man to be precise," Cabba explained.
"Hey I think I remember those two," Gohan said, as he looked through some scrolls himself. "Saw them at the exhibiton fight."
"Speaking of which, Gohan, quick question," Pan said.
"Sure, what is it?" Gohan asked.
"The you of Cabba's timeline, what's he like?" Pan asked, much to Cabba's immediate worry.
"Uh, well he's a Scholar, just like he, I mean, we wanted to be," Gohan began. "A good father to his daughter, that being you, and a good husband to his wife, Videl, which you obviously know."
"What about his skills?" Pan asked. "Is he still strong?"
"Well yeah, I mean you should be able to see him in that Tournament of Power scroll," Gohan said. "You saw his strength for yourself on the Prison Planet when he and Trunks fought Cooler."
"He was really strong," Cabba recalled.
"Yeah, it was so cool seeing Papa fight, even if it wasn't my papa," Pan said. "Last time he fought was against Omega Shenron, barely. That and his brief encounter with Rilldo."
"Omega Shenron? Rilldo?" Gohan asked. "More baddies to worry about?"
"Probably not," Chronoa said. "Of course you never know, keep an eye out."
"Of course," Gohan said, then turned back to Pan. "Well I hope I was able to shed some light on the you from the future."
"One more thing actually," Pan said. "Were you two friends? Or rivals?"
Gohan took a moment to register the question, "Uh, friends or rivals?" He noticed Cabba again looking worried, wondering just how much the boy may have told Pan. Cabba did see the brutality during their exhibition fight, Gohan especially remembers being on the receiving end of a brutal beatdown. "Well, let's just say it took a while for him to get used to me, I mean can you imagine being near a younger version of yourself?"
"Oh I don't have to imagine it, it's happened," Pan said. "During one of my missions I met a younger me."
"Oh you did, wait was it the baby you?" Gohan asked.
"No, I was about four or five years old," Pan said. "But I was so cute, I instantly fell in love with how adorable the little me was."
"Well if she's you then I guess she was adorable, you do take after your mom," Gohan said.
"Aw, that's so sweet of you," Pan said, ruffling his hair. "Say how is my mom? In your timeline at least?"
"She's doing great, ever since her fight on Planet Vegeta, she's started to feel more confident in her technique," Gohan said. "She's pretty much the strongest Earthling in my timeline, or at least up there with Krillin, Tien and Yamcha."
"That sounds like my mom, too bad she's pretty much retired in my timeline," Pan said. "Of course she does put on the Saiyaman suit when she needs to."
"Saiyaman?" Gohan said, remembering that one time his older self showed off the suit. "Oh yeah, that was so awesome. I asked Seventeen and Eighteen if they wanted to try the Saiyaman thing with me once."
"Really? What'd they say?" Cabba asked.
Flashback
"There's no fuckin' way I'm doing something that stupid," Seventeen said.
"Yeah, sorry, but count me out," Eighteen said.
End Flashback
"Wow, sorry to hear," Cabba said. "Must have been awkward then."
"It was, very awkward," Gohan said. "Even my dad thinks it's silly.
"Personally I don't know much about the Saiyaman stuff, but I imagine it's similar to The Pride Troopers," Cabba said.
"If you mean those Universe 11 fighters, then yeah, something along those lines," Gohan said. "Those super cool poses and what not, reminds me of The Ginyu Force. Shame those guys were Frieza's men, I really thought they'd make great Superheroes."
"Have you met any pose loving groups Pan?" Cabba asked.
"Not exactly, unless you count the Para Para Brothers," Pan said. "But they're more dancers than posers, and they really like to sing too."
"Sing?" Gohan asked. "That's...unique. Never encountered a singing foe."
"Consider yourself lucky, I mean they weren't terrible but they were so annoying with it," Pan said. "Plus there's that time they made us do some silly dance."
"Really, I thought you dance was cute," Chronoa said, trying to do the dance. "Spin it left and spin it right." She stopped a moment, "Or is it the other way around?"
"You can't seriously be trying that lame dance," Pan said.
"It's fun," Chronoa said, again imitating the dance moves "Bon Para Para! Bon Para Para!"
"Wow, that does look like fun, let me try," Gohan said, trying his imitation. "Bon Para Para!"
Pan looked away in shame, seeing both the Kai she works with and a version of her father doing such a lame dance move that didn't exactly bring back pleasant memories for her either.
"Looks like they're enjoying themselves," Cabba said. "But was it really that bad?"
"It was..." Pan said. "The worst."
"So I take it you won't be showing me how it's done?" Cabba asked, in an almost teasing tone.
Pan glared a hole through the boy, "Don't be so damn cute."
"Just a genuine question," Cabba said.
Pan just focused back on the Tournament of Power scroll, hoping to take her mind off all this. Once Gohan got his fill of fun, he focused back on why he came to the scroll room.
It wasn't too long before he found what he was looking for, a scroll that would take him back in time to see a good friend. Gohan found himself in front of a familiar building, that being Capsule Corp.
"This is the place," Gohan said. "At least it's a building I've been to a bunch of times, though unlike before, I'm not gonna be easily recognized." Gohan knocked on the door, awaiting an answer.
It wasn't long before the door was answered by the genius inventor, Doctor Brief. "Yes, hello young man, may I help you."
"Oh, hi Doctor Brief, I'm looking for Bulma," Gohan said. It dawned on him a second later that he just casually greeted someone who hasn't met him yet, he hoped it would be alright, Doctor Brief is a well known man after all.
"Oh, here to see my daughter, who are you if I may ask?" Doctor Brief said.
"Um, I don't know if she's mentioned me but, my name is Gohan," the boy said. He would hope that this wouldn't cause trouble but given that this timeline had to be separated, he didn't really care much anymore.
"Gohan...Gohan...sounds familiar," Doctor Brief said, then got on a radio. "Bulma dear, it's your father."
"What is it dad?" Bulma asked, sounding a bit annoyed.
"There's a young man here to see you, a Gohan," Doctor Brief said.
"Gohan!? Let him in!" Bulma said. "Wait, I'll come get him actually!"
"Uh sure thing," Doctor Brief said, then turned back to the boy. "She'll be here momentarily."
"Thank you sir," Gohan said.
Doctor Brief quickly analyzed Gohan, "Say, is that tail real?"
"Huh?" Gohan looked to his tail. "Uh...yeah?"
"Fascinating, is it a result of mixed breeding? Or a random mutation?" Doctor Brief asked.
"Its genetics," Gohan answered, truthfully as he could.
"Hm, fascinating," Doctor Brief said.
Eventually Bulma made her way over, getting Gohan's attention. "Hey kiddo! Over here!"
"Hi Bulma!" Gohan said, walking in to hug his old friend.
"I didn't think I'd see you again, especially after everything that's happened," Bulma said.
"Yeah, I kind of missed you, so I made time to come see you," Gohan said.
"Well let's catch up, I have so many things I want to tell you," Bulma said, gesturing Gohan to follow her. "Let's hurry."
As they walked off, Doctor Brief called out to them, "If you two decide to get intimate, I would prefer if you were protected."
"What the hell dad!?" an angry and embarrassed Bulma shouted, Gohan just as nervous from the implications.
"Oh don't mind me, just some fatherly humor," Doctor Brief said.
"You need to brush up on your idea of humor then!" Bulma said, taking Gohan to her room.
"Ah, to be young again," Doctor Brief said, going back to his own business.
Meanwhile back at the Time Nest, Pan had finished up her review and wanted to do a little training. Using the simulation room, Pan summoned in Monna of Universe 4.
"Time to see if I'm just as strong as you are Cabba," Pan said. "Of course you've gotten stronger since The Tournament, but it should still be a good test of my strength."
"Just be careful, she is a tricky opponent to fight," Cabba warned.
"I think I can handle it," Pan said, powering up into Super Saiyan. "I'll start off easy."
"I wouldn't," Cabba said.
"It'll be fine," Pan said, readying herself. "Alright, bring it lady!"
Monna quickly rushed in to attack, throwing a punch to Pan, which she quickly blocked and kicked the girl in the face. Pan rushed in and threw a quick flurry of punches and ended with with an uppercut.
"Alright, not bad so far," Cabba said.
Monna flew in for another punch but Pan grabbed her arm and flipped her over, slamming her on the ground. She flew up high and sent down some ki blasts. Monna however quickly stood up and deflected them all away, then sent a ki blast up at Pan, one the girl easily dodged.
"I expected more of a challenge!" Pan flew in for a kick but Monna hadd grabbed her leg and tossed her away.
"I'm just warming up!" Monna taunted, then rolled into a ball and dashed right at Pan, the girl quickly blocking and trying to push back. Eventually Pan was able to channel some ki into her hands and used the energy to send a blast to push Monna away for a few brief seconds.
Monna quickly dashed back but angled herself so she would come in from the side. Pan was quick to dodge upwards but Monna bounced up and knocked Pan across the air. Monna then jumped up and attempted to slam down at her opponent.
"Pan! Be careful!" Cabba warned.
Pan quickly caught Monna, but just barely as she parried the girl aside back to the ground. "Alright, so she is really strong. But I can get stronger!" Pan powered into Super Saiyan 2 and flew in with a kick across Monna's face, knocking the warrior down.
Monna attempted to stand back up but Pan rushed in with a few strong blows and knocked the girl back as Pan cupped her hands, "Time to end this! Kamehame-HA!" With a quick blast, Pan hit Monna hard, the girl flying away with the beam.
"I think that should cover this spar," Cabba said, deactivating the training session. "Great work Pan, you really showed some skills."
"It was nothing," Pan said, somewhat bashfully. "She was pretty tough, I imagine it was a really tough fight in the Tournament of Power."
"It was, I nearly got knocked out, but Vegeta saved me at the last second," Cabba said. "But the good thing about that fight is that it helped me unlock the Super Saiyan 2 form. Unfortunately I got attacked and eliminated by Frieza."
"Yeah, that was really sneaky of him to do," Pan said. "I bet he was intimidated by you deep down and wanted you gone so he'd have an easier win."
"It's possible, I don't appreciate the strategy, but I do understand it," Cabba said. "The Tournament is about strategy, and part of that strategy is taking advantage of your opponent's stamina," Cabba said. "And sometimes it involves being sneaky."
"I bet if I were at the Tournament, you and I could have been unstoppable together," Pan said. "We'd take down everyone team like it was nothing."
"Pan, if you were at the Tournament, you'd be on Team Universe 7, and I would be with Universe 6," Cabba pointed out. "We'd be enemies."
"Oh, right forgot about that," Pan said. "I wouldn't want to be against Grandpa and the others, and I wouldn't expect you to go against your own Universe." Pan turned her complete attention to Cabba. "I would hate to fight you knowing that you'd be erased if you lost, it would break my heart to do so."
"It wasn't easy for me either, the only thing that gave me solace was that Vegeta promised to revive us," Cabba said. "But I did feel for the other Universes as well, that's a Tournament you enter only with a hardened heart. This might be cruel to say but a warrior can't afford to be too soft, it could end up being a weakness."
"What a shame too," Pan said. "I mean, I understand the logic, but I just hate that it even has to come to that."
"Well all's well that ends well, everyone was revived at least, that's all that matters," Cabba said.
"Yeah, it is," Pan agreed. "I've said this before, but I'm glad you got revived, because meeting you was one of the best experiences of my life. You've become such a good friend to me, I just can't imagine my life without you now."
"I think I feel the same way," Cabba said. "I really like being around you Pan, you're a strong and determined girl, and I respect your compassion and sense of righteousness."
These compliments earned a blush from Pan, hearing a boy she has a crush on praising her like this was a pleasure to the ears. "Thank you Cabba."
Pan then brought the boy in for a hug, one he slowly but hesitantly returned. In a way he has somewhat gotten used to her affection, and he knows she has feelings for him, he's just not entirely sure if he feels the same way. It does come down to her age, he isn't sure she is ready for a relationship, but at the same time, the two have great chemistry together, and she has improved over the last few months.
"Pan, question," Cabba said. "Do you think two people can be in love, even if they're from completely different worlds?"
"Huh?" Pan pulled away from the hug. "Of course, that's how Grandpa got married to Grandma."
"Alright, not two worlds, rather two timelines," Cabba said. "Can people from two different timelines fall in love?"
It was obvious to Pan that Cabba meant them, all this meant to her is that he might be considering their future together, "I think so. It might be hard to make work but if they really love each other, then I think it could work."
"You sound confident about this," Cabba said. "You really think it's possible?"
"Yes, very much so," Pan said.
"Hm, alright then," Cabba said, giving the room device to Pan before turning away. "Well, I should get back to Sadala, if you want you can come by tomorrow, bring your younger self if you'd like, maybe I can train her up as well."
"Uh, right," Pan said. "Bye Cabba."
"See you later," Cabba flew off, leaving the room.
Pan of course seemed confused and conflicted, she really wanted to make things work with Cabba and soon, but he still seemed rather reluctant. Using the device, she created a copy of the boy she was just with, one with a friendly demeanor and a charming smile.
"I love you Pan, we'll always be together, forever," the copy said.
Despite this being what she thought she wanted, Pan felt disappointed, turning her head away in shame, "It's just not the same." She deactivated the fake and left the room, ready to try again later.
Back with Gohan, the boy was sitting in Bulma's room, analyzing some devices that were on her table, "What are all these?"
"Prototypes for the Dragon Radar," Bulma explained. "Took a while to figure out but I managed to crack it."
"I've always been amazed by how smart you are, especially in my timeline," Gohan said.
"What am I like?" Bulma asked. "I mean, don't go into too many specifics but a general idea."
"Well you're an inventor, and you have a better spot in your dad's company," Gohan said.
"What about my looks?" Bulma asked. "Am I still pretty?"
"Well, yeah, from what I've seen, you don't really age much," Gohan said.
"Wow really!?" Bulma asked. "Guess I have my mom's genes after all. She's the same age as my dad but she looks about twenty years younger."
"Funny, one would think you were Saiyans since they don't age like humans," Gohan said. "After all, they stay young until they're eighty."
"I do envy that, but if I am as young looking as you say I am, then I guess I have nothing to worry about," Bulma said. "Speaking of Saiyans, I've been trying to study their armor, and it's amazing what type of materials they're made of, nothing like it on Earth, which makes sense since they're aliens but still, it just goes to show what possibilities are out there."
"I do wonder how they make them so comfortable yet they're suppose to protect you," Gohan said.
"Well it's a genius concept, imagine replicating it for people on Earth," Bulma said. "Though I'm not sure what they could really use it for since we're not a race of warriors, unless we use it to help protect others from villainous oppression, though we've hardly had that happen. The most dangerous person I met was that so-called Emperor Pilaf, and after that glimpse of that Frieza guy, it really made him look like even more of a joke."
"Keep an eye out, there could be more danger soon, not sure when but it can happen," Gohan said.
"I figured, though I do worry about seeing that Frieza guy come to this planet, I hope messing with the timelines won't let that happen," Bulma said.
"I can't say for sure, when I changed my timeline, things went so downhill that it somehow made things harder to predict, quite a sense of irony if you ask me," Gohan said.
"I guess life is meant to be a mystery, no amount of time travel can change that," Bulma said. "So is there a reason you came here? Or did you just miss me?"
"Well I did miss you, we're friends after all," Gohan said.
"Aw, you're one sweet kid," Bulma said, sitting down next to Gohan. "It's nice having a friend like you, it really made traveling Goku that much more bearable."
"How is he?" Gohan asked.
"Oh he's fine, when I went back I got dumped right next to where he was last," Bulma said. "Confused the heck out of me at first but soon we went right back on the Dragon Ball hunt. Of course I never got my wish but things still turned out alright. Right now Goku is off training with Master Roshi."
"What about Yamcha?" Gohan asked. "Was he around?"
"Oh yeah, quite a bit," Bulma said. "I really can't believe he just wanted to wish away his fear of girls, but he did that on his own."
"Are you two...dating?" Gohan asked.
"Well, I thought about it, I wasn't sure if I really was ready to commit," Bulma said. "Funny, I went to collect the Dragon Balls because I wanted a boyfriend, and now I'm choosing to stay single. Maybe it's because I'm not fully ready, maybe it's because I want to grow more. "She turned to Gohan, "Or maybe it's because you really caught my eye, weird since I didn't expect a kid your age to appeal to me."
"Don't act like I'm a little kid, I'm very close to your age you know," Gohan said.
"Yeah you're right, I'm just teasing," Bulma said. "But you mentioned having a girlfriend."
"Yeah, I mean, like I said, it's complicated," Gohan said. "She wants to be with me but she says I need to grow more. I've been trying really hard to grow but I'm just confused as to how."
"The girl you liked, she's the blonde one that helped fight those bad guys on Planet Vegeta right?" Bulma asked.
"Yeah, that's Eighteen," Gohan said.
"She does seem like the type who wants a man rather than a boy," Bulma said. "I'd say you're close to being a man but you still need to improve in some places, which you said you were doing."
"I tried a lot of things, I tried getting strong, I tried being brave, I tried working, sort of," Gohan said. "I mean I tool a job from The Supreme Kai of Time, that should count."
"We'll count it," Bulma said.
"I even tried getting some, uh, help from a female friend named Videl," Gohan said. "She was at the fight too, going against the lady with the crystal shard attacks."
"The one with the orange bandana?" Bulma asked.
"No, that's Pan, Videl was the one with the white shirt and the pigtails," Gohan said.
"Right, sorry I'm still trying to remember their names and who's who," Bulma said. "So she's been helping you?"
"Yeah, she's been preparing me for dates and stuff," Gohan said. "She gave me some tips, and a little practice."
"Practice huh? Like kissing?" Bulma asked.
Gohan was not sure how to explain this part, it was one of the reasons he thought so many lewd thoughts about Bulma during his time with her. "Well, she just explained things to me, things about the female body, and I just happened to follow through and..."
"Wait, did you two...you know," Bulma asked, creating a ring with her index and pinkie on one hand and using her other hand to place an index finger through it.
"We didn't have sex, but she did let me touch her," Gohan said. "I'm sorry if you think that's weird, but it just happened. She for whatever reason wanted to help me in that manner."
"You sure it's not that she wanted an excuse to do weird things with you, is it?" Bulma asked.
"No, I don't think so, she said she's not attracted to me," Gohan said.
"It's still weird," Bulma said. "So you felt a girl between the legs, what was it like?"
"Sticky, but nice," Gohan said.
"Did you practice any kissing?" Bulma asked.
"I mean I have kissed Eighteen a couple of times, and there was the time I kissed another version of Videl, long story," Gohan said. "I even shared a kiss with that Kamin girl, I liked it more than I should have too."
"She might have been evil, but she was pretty," Bulma said.
"Even we kissed, right before you left," Gohan said.
"Right, we did kiss," Bulma confirmed. "You're a good kisser, but you need a little more practice."
"What are you suggesting?" Gohan asked.
"I think you can figure it out," Bulma said. "We can make out for a bit, get you all nice and ready for Eighteen. If you're willing to touch a girl in her private area, you can handle a little kissing."
"That sounds nice, but it feels weird," Gohan said. "I mean, I know you from my timeline, you're my dad's friend, it just doesn't feel right."
"Think of me as a different person then," Bulma said. "Look I wouldn't do this for any boy, and I could use a little practice too. I'll even let you touch my boobs."
"Your boobs?" Gohan asked.
"A guy needs to know how to caress a girl's boobs, it would definitely make Eighteen happy," Bulma said. "You can even practice with that other girl too, assuming she has boobs."
"She does, but they're kind of small," Gohan said.
"Well you're in luck," Bulma lifted her shirt up to reveal her bra. "Mine are big."
Gohan had to admit, her boobs did look nice, "So you're absolutely ok with this?"
"I am, and listen, if you get uncomfortable, feel free to stop, I won't make you do anything you're not ready to do," Bulma said. "Just please make sure my dad never finds out about this."
"No problem, alright, let's do this," Gohan said.
The two wasted no time and immediately locked into a kiss, Gohan doing his best to imagine Bulma as Eighteen, and how he could kiss the girl in the past. This time it was a longer make out session as opposed to his kisses of passion from before.
This time around, he got in a feel for Bulma's boobs, gently rubbing her breast. Liking the feeling he squeezed a bit harder, accidentally hurting her.
"Ow, easy Gohan," Bulma said. "Be gentle."
"Right, sorry," Gohan said, placing his hand back on, moving around slower.
"Better, just like that," Bulma said, going back for another kiss.
Gohan kept his momentum, trying to keep the kiss going and not get too excited to accidentally be too aggressive in his groping. As he kissed her he started to slip his hand under her bra, wanting to feel more of her skin, something she caught onto.
"Whoa now Gohan, don't move to fast," Bulma teased. "You can feel my boobs but don't slip my bra off."
"Sorry, I keep getting excited," Gohan said. "Maybe we should stop before my curiosity gets the better of me."
"That's fine, I guess I can't blame you for getting excited, I shouldn't have taken off my shirt," Bulma said, putting it back on. "You're good at kissing by the way, we should practice some more."
"I'd like that," Gohan said. "I hope we can see each other more often."
"I'd honestly like to go back to that Time Nest, it looked really great," Bulma said.
"Yeah, super cool," Gohan said. "I can try talking to the Supreme Kai of time about it if you'd like."
"Let's make a point to it then," Bulma said.
"Yeah, I'll ask her later, for now I think I should start heading back," Gohan said. "I just wanted to check on you and now I know you're alright, that's good enough for me."
"You're always welcome over here," Bulma said.
Before Gohan left, he remembered one thing, "I should probably stop off somewhere before I go. There's at least one other person who would want to see me."
"You don't mean..." Bulma had an idea. "Is that a good move? I mean, she's into you, yet she doesn't know you two are technically related."
"I'll take the risk," Gohan said, placing his fingers to his head. "Thank you Bulma, good-bye."
With that he teleported out, leaving Bulma to herself a moment. The girl laid in bed, pulling up her shirt and groping her self on her breast, "That Gohan...he's gonna be amazing in bed. I envy you Eighteen."
Elsewhere near a castle, a young girl was checking a mirror to make sure she didn't have any blemishes. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice," Hi Chi-Chi."
Recognizing the voice immediately, the kid version of Chi-Chi turned to face the boy of her dreams, "Gohan!"
She immediately ran over to hug him, the boy returning the affection, "It's nice seeing you again."
"You too," Chi-Chi said, kissing him on the cheek. "Have you come to marry me?"
"Not quite," Gohan said. "But I did want to see a friend again, if you have time."
"Of course, Chi-Chi said, leading Gohan toward her house. "Let me introduce you to daddy, he should know about the boy who saved me."
Gohan knew what to expect, though he did worry since he heard his grandpa Ox was at one point kind of viscious, he just hopes most of the stories were exaggerations.
Back at her home, Pan was sitting on her couch, channel surfing on the tv while her kid self sat next to her.
"You look sad, is something wrong?" Kid Pan asked.
"No, I'm fine," the older Pan insisted.
"Really? Because if something's bothering you, then you can tell me," Kid Pan said.
"You might be too young to understand," Pan said. "It's a grown up thing."
"But you're not exactly a grown-up," Kid Pan said.
"I am too! Be quiet!" Pan said, ashamed that she was now basically arguing with herself.
"Alright fine, but you'll crack eventually, because I know I would," Kid Pan said. "And we are one in the same."
"Just because you're me doesn't mean we're the same, people change with age," Pan said.
"Can we really be that different? You're me but just a little bit older, how much could you have changed?" Kid Pan asked.
"A lot, alright!" Pan said. "Someone your age isn't worried about what clothes look good with what, or acne problems, or even if a boy likes you or not."
"A boy?" Kid Pan asked, the older Pan feeling a bit duped. "Ooh, is it Cabba? Do you like Cabba?"
"What's it to you?" Pan asked.
"It's alright if you do, I like Cabba too," Kid Pan said.
"I doubt you like him the way you think you do," Pan said.
"Oh I do, I think he's cute and I really want to kiss him," Kid Pan said.
"Hey back off! Get your own Cabba!" Pan said.
Kid Pan stood up in triumph as she pointed. "Aha! You do like him!"
"Don't make me thrash you!" Pan warned, getting in her younger self's face. "Your timeline is separate from mine, so if I hurt you, I won't feel it!"
"I'm just trying to help you realize your feelings," Kid Pan insisted. "Look, you know I care about you, you're like my big sister now, which is weird because we're the same person but I'm still counting it. I bet you want to marry Cabba, have babies with him, be with him forever."
Pan sighed in defeat, "Well yeah."
"Does he know you like him?" Kid Pan asked.
"I think so, but he doesn't seem interested," Pan said.
"Then make him interested," Kid Pan said. "He's perfect for you, I would know because we have the same mind, and like I said, I like him too. I know we can't be together since I'm so little, but if you were with him, then it gives me hope that I probably can get my own Cabba."
"It isn't that likely," Pan said. "This thing between me and Cabba is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity."
"Well then, you have to take it!" Kid Pan said. "Don't give up on him, really let him know you like him and want to be with him. If you want we can get Bulla's help, she'll know what to do!"
"Yeah, you're right I guess," Pan said. "Wow, I was really smart when I was your age."
"Well our papa is Gohan," Kid Pan said.
"But papa isn't smart when it comes to love," Pan said.
"Well, maybe we got it from mama," Kid Pan said.
The older Pan tapped her chin, "Yeah I'll buy that. Alright let's go find Bulla."
Even on Sadala, Cabba seemed kind of conflicted as he sat on the roof of a hut, something Caulifla and Kale noticed, the two wondering if he was alright.
"What do you think is up with Cabba?" Caulifla asked.
"I'm not sure, he looks worried about something," Kale said. "Think it has to do with Pan?"
"I bet it has to do with Pan, she's constantly on his mind, I'm surprised they're not dating," Caulifla said.
"Oh, maybe that's the conflict, maybe he wants to date her but he doesn't know how to go about it," Kale theorized.
"You really think it's that simple?" Caulifla asked.
"It's very possible," Kale said. "Let's ask him."
"Alright," Caulifla shouted to the boy. "Yo Cabba!"
"Huh?" Cabba turned to see his friends, "Oh what is it?"
"Why are you so depressed?" Caulifla asked.
Cabba raised his eyebrow, "I'm not depressed."
"Well you look like you have a lot on your mind, now spill it," Caulifla said.
"Sis!" Kale scolded, then turned to Cabba. "Pardon Caulifla's outburst. We're just worried about you. You seem kind of sad about something and we wanted to make sure you were doing alright."
"It's nothing really," Cabba said. "You don't need to worry."
"If it's nothing then why are you moping around on top of my roof!?" Caulifla asked.
"Please, stop being so assertive!" Kale pleaded, then focused back on Cabba. "Remember, we're your friends, if something's on your mind, we do want to help. We could never abandon a comrade in need."
"It's just...kind of silly so I don't think it's worth talking about," Cabba said.
Caulifla was about to retort but one glare from Kale immediately shut her up, "It won't be silly, now tell us. Does it have to do with Pan?"
Cabba turned to the two, trying to explain it the best he could, "Let me put it like this, if you wanted to be with Caulifla, but she was from a different wor-er, a different timeline, would you let that stop you?"
Kale shook her head, "I wouldn't, is that what you're worried about with Pan?"
"Somewhat," Cabba said. "I don't know if I like her that way, but I do enjoy her company. That's why we go to Conton City a lot, it's a great place to visit, but that's all we can do. Sometimes I wish I could see her more often. I almost wish she lived here so I could be with her a lot, and see if something does grow."
"Aren't you pretty much stuck with your Patroller Job with Sadala's Forces anyway?" Caulifla asked.
Kale was about to scold but she couldn't think of a reason, "That is a fair question."
"The difference is that I can still come home in the evening, and I would get to see her then at least," Cabba said.
"That's actually really sweet," Kale said. "It seems like you really do like Pan, you should tell her that."
"But it's pointless, I'm worried if we try a relationship, it's going to be strained by us being in two separate timelines," Cabba said.
"Come on, you just said you have Conton City!" Caulifla said.
"Not like I can go there on a whim, I usually need assistance from Trunks or The Supreme Kai of Time," Cabba said.
"When has that ever been a problem?" Caulifla asked.
Cabba groaned in annoyance, "I just...I don't feel ready for this, that's all."
"Oh come on Cabba!" Caulifla said. "It's not that hard, just-"
"Caulifla, that's enough," Kale said.
The brash girl looked annoyed, "But-"
"That's...enough!" Kale said. "I really mean it!"
Caulifla turned away in annoyance, "Feh..."
Kale looked up at Cabba, "If that's how you feel then we'll leave you be for now, but if you ever feel the contrary, then let me know. Remember, Caulifla and I care about you Cabba, you're our best friend and we care about you. We really want you to be happy."
"Yeah, you mean a lot to us bud," Caulifla said.
"Thanks, I am fortunate to have friends like you," Cabba said, finally bearing a smile on his face.
Kale turned to Caulifla, "Let's go, he has quite a bit to think about."
The two left Cabba be, the boy trying to contemplate his future, and his relationship with Pan.
That evening in the Z-timeline, Goku again is training with the Androids, trying to test his newfound power. Despite having achieved the Super Saiyan God form, he struggled to maintain it since his battle aganst Hearts.
He hoped the intense speed and agility from The Androids would be enough to help him reignite the transformation, their synchronized fighting keeping him on edge, but he still struggled. In the midst of his spar, Eighteen kicked him in the abdomen and Seventeen elbowed him down, hitting the ground hard.
"Dammit..." Goku said, standing up and dusting himself off. "I can't control that power."
"What do you need it for? You still got a boost of power from the Transformation," Seventeen said.
"Yeah, you don't really need it, and you're letting it distract you from our spar," Eighteen said.
"I had a taste of Super Saiyan God, I can't just ignore that feeling," Goku said. "I have to try and master it, I can achieve so many new heights with that form."
"Like that Blue Hair transformation?" Seventeen asked.
"Exactly, plus there might be more to it than that," Goku said. "I just have to figure this form out."
"You're worrying too much, just focus on your base strength, if that power comes back then it comes back," Eighteen said. "If anything we'll just get five more Saiyans to help."
"I can't ask for their help every time I need that form," Goku said. "Plus who am I gonna ask? Gohan and Goten are the only other pure hearted Saiyans, Vegeta isn't exactly our friend, though last time I saw him, he did look like he softened up a bit, even if he is extremely worried about Frieza, and feels like that fake me is still around."
"Too bad Cabba and Pan aren't in this timeline," Eighteen said. "Not yet at least."
"Exactly, I have to get stronger," Goku said, getting back in stance. "Now try again!"
Goku and The Androids continued their spar, the Saiyan hoping to unlock his Super Saiyan God form again.
Meanwhile in the forest, Gohan is seen passionately kissing Videl, using the same boob massage he tried with Bulma.
Videl pulled away with a blush on her face, "Wow, you're pretty amazing Gohan. if you're not careful, I just might fall in love with you."
"Sorry, but you know Eighteen is the one for me," Gohan said.
"Yeah, I'm aware, and I still want Seventeen," Videl said. "But, I think you're ready for the next part."
"Huh? What's that?" Gohan asked. Videl then pressed him against a tree.
"You'll see," the girl pulled his pants down and exposed him to her. "It looks nice, but I bet Seventeen's is bigger."
"Hey I don't compare your breasts to Eighteen's," Gohan said.
"You're right, I bet I'll enjoy this regardless," Videl said, placing her mouth over his length, the boy resisting the urge to scream.
"Ah...Wow..." Gohan panted a bit as Videl bopped her head back and forth. "This is new, but I like it."
Videl seemed satisfied and continued her treatment, imagining what it would be like to do this for Seventeen while Gohan pretended this was a treatment from Eighteen. Both just wanted the real thing though, and hoped to achieve it soon.
While Pan and Cabba also struggled with love issues, they had to remember one important thing, Towa was still out there, planning her revenge and plot for domination.