Tales of Parenthood
Author's Note
Sequel to Coming of Age. Everyone except Goku and Doctor Briefs are alive, but Goku visits. Grand Tour happened and the dragon balls are gone. Ignores Dragon Ball Super.
Pan is 20
Bra is 22/23
Goten is 33
Trunks is 34
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any characters or variations of DBZ. I only own my OCs.
Chapter Twelve: Tournaments and Tests
"Hey Goten," Trunks greeted his best friend.
"Hey," Goten responded as he flopped down on Trunks' office couch.
"How did meeting Rini's family go?" Trunks asked even though he already had an idea from Goten's behavior.
"I didn't know there were so many jobs similar to my job that I could be called but not be," groaned Goten. Trunks raised an eyebrow. "Like I was called a PE teacher, a karate instructor, a physical trainer, a coach, and an athlete," explained Goten.
"So they don't understand that you're a material arts instructor?" asked Trunks with a slight chuckle.
"Oh I think they know, they just don't care. They think it's a fake job, so they like to harass me about it. They think I'm marrying Rini for her money because I am the hottest piece of man candy she has brought home"
"Piece of man candy?" Trunks repeated eyeing his friend questioningly.
"Her granny's words not mine," Goten clarified.
"So they don't like you?"
"They liked that I ate a lot and that I was attractive, but other than that not really… One of her cousins asked if I was an actor hired to play her boyfriend like in the movies"
"They really don't think Rini could get a husband, do they?"
"Apparently not, so they think it's all for show," Goten groaned still sprawled out on Trunks' couch. "Well how's it going being a dad to two kids?" Goten asked moving on to a new subject.
"Not too bad. Henry loves to help. Pan is happy, and Cora is healthy. Bra comes over more," Trunks smirked at the end of his statement.
"Has she forgiven me yet?"
"Not sure, I think she's still a little peeved at you"
"I didn't mean not to call her. I only called two people, Gohan and Mom. Mom called Bulma. It's not my fault no one called her. She was at school anyway!" exclaimed Goten.
"According to her, you should have called her when you found out, so it's your fault she missed Cora being born," snickered Trunks happy it wasn't his fault for once.
Goten grumbled a little more. "Anything else new?" he asked once he finished his grumbling.
"Hercule's been coming by more and more. I think Cora reminds him of Videl which makes him feel young," shrugged Trunks.
"He's been spending less time at the dojo lately," commented Goten.
xxXXxx
"Pan I'm home," Trunks called finding Pan feeding Cora in their living room. It reminded Trunks of when Henry was little. Speaking of Henry, he had attached himself to Trunks' leg as he did nearly everyday. "Hey buddy," Trunks grinned down at the three year old.
"I got a letter from my teacher sent home with me today," Henry grinned running off to play.
"Was it a good or bad letter?" Trunks asked looking at his wife.
"Both. He did a week's worth of lessons in one morning then started bothering her and trying to teach other students. If he continues to do this, she will insist he is moved to a higher class," Pan sighed handing Trunks the letter.
"Mom said that might happen. I thought they had advanced classes," Trunks commented as he read the letter.
"He's in the advanced class for three year olds already," Pan answered rolling her eyes.
"Of course he is," Trunks mumbled as he continued to read the letter.
"What should we do, tell Henry too slow down or have him moved up?" Pan asked burping Cora.
"I don't know. My mom didn't have me moved up, but that was because she wanted me to stay with my friends… I can't believe they already want to move him up. He's hasn't even been in school four months yet," grumbled Trunks setting down the letter.
"I know, but it'll be fine. We just have to figure it out," Pan shrugged handing Trunks Cora, so she could return her attention to cooking dinner. Trunks smiled bouncing his daughter in his arms.
xxXXxx
Hercule had invited Videl, Gohan, Trunks, Pan, and their two children over to his mansion.
"Hi Dad," said Videl giving her father a hug.
"Hey you two, did Pan and Trunks come with you?" asked Hercule checking behind his daughter and son in law to make sure he wasn't missing anyone.
"No, I think they're coming on their own. So what's the big news?" Gohan asked as they followed him in.
"I want to wait for Pan-chan," Hercule told them getting them something to drink. Before the three could even sit down, Henry came running into the room. He pounced on Hercule giving him a big hug. "Hey little man!" grinned Hercule giving his great grandson a tight bear hug.
"Henry! You know you're not supposed to run indoors," Pan scolded the three old. Henry shuffled his feet and apologized to his mother and to Hercule.
"No biggie little man. You were just excited to see your Gramps," Hercule assured patting Henry on the head.
Trunks enter carrying Cora in her infant seat while Henry hugged Gohan and Videl.
"Gramps, what's the news?" Pan asked after checking on Cora.
"I've decided to retire," announced Hercule a broad smile on his face.
"Really I thought you'd be the world champ until the very end," chuckled Trunks.
"Thought about it, but I think it would be best if I passed it on. So I wanted to offer the title to you all first seeing as you're family and saiyans," explained Hercule.
"Dad you can't just name someone the world champ. They need to earn it," Videl rolled her eyes at her father's antics.
"I know that, but I want to have someone with my support win the tournament. Pan, you wanted to be the world champ when you were little. Would you want to go for the title?" Hercule asked giving his granddaughter his world champ smile.
"Gramps, I had Cora barely over a month ago. I haven't been able to train in months, and honestly, I get enough attention being Mrs Briefs. I'll have to pass on that one," Pan told her grandfather pulling Henry to sit in her lap.
"Well Videl you want to throw your hat in the ring?" asked Hercule moving onto his next target.
"Dad, I haven't competed since I was back in high school, and I almost died," Videl reminded her father shaking her head the entire time.
"Gohan? You are the one who defeated cell," Hercule continued.
"I enjoy being a professor, but I appreciate the offer," Gohan sheepishly smiled at his father-in-law.
"Trunks, what about you? From what I hear, you may be stronger than Gohan. What do you say?" Hercule asked looking a little frantic.
"No thanks Hercule. I have enough going on with Capsule Corp and the kids," Trunks smiled wrapping an arm around Pan.
"I guess Henry will just"
"No! Gramps, Henry is three he's too young to be doing this. I don't care if I was four when I first competed. I won't have him entering that young," Pan cut him off.
Hercule looked saddened at the news. "Would you at least let him run Satan Enterprises when he's older?" he asked with a sniffle.
Before anyone could answer, Henry did. "I wanna run Capsule Corp like Daddy and GramGram. Maybe Cora can run yours," suggested Henry.
Hercules eyes lit up at the proposal. "Of course, Cora will be perfect. But the problem is, I need to have a successor in the tournament. Someone that they'll think I taught everything I know to," he put his hand to his chin as he started thinking.
"Why don't you ask Goten? He's already the head instructor at your dojo," suggested Pan.
"That might work, he could win the tournament and take over the dojo," Hercule said more to himself than anyone else.
"Tournament, Dad what tournament are you talking about? The World Tournament was last year," Videl asked giving him a look.
"I'm holding a tournament special to crown my successor," explained Hercule everyone stared at him slightly confused.
"Why don't you wait and let Uub win the next World Tournament?" asked Gohan trying to come up with a more reasonable solution.
"I've beaten Uub twice in the tournament, so it might look suspicious if I was to lose to him. Plus, everyone knows I didn't train Uub. I need a successor that people will believe I trained, and that can take over all the World Champ stuff," rambled Hercule.
"Dad, ask Goten. I doubt he will want to do as much as you did, but I sure he'd be happy to keep you dojos running," assured Videl.
"Can I compete in Gramps' tournament?" asked Henry.
"I think you should wait till your older buddy, but I promise you can compete in the World Tournament one day, okay?" Trunks hoped Henry would accept that answer. He did happily going off to play.
"How's school going for Henry?" asked Gohan watching his grandson play.
Pan immediately made a face lowering her face to her hand. Trunks tucked his arm behind his head in a Goten like manner. "Uh, well," Trunks trailed off without explaining.
"What happened?" asked Videl staring at the two young parents.
"Henry might have to be moved up to the five year old class," sighed Pan.
"What, why?" asked Gohan looking at Henry as he tried to balance a book he had found on his head.
"He was finishing a week's worth of lessons in one morning. They wanted to move him up to the four year old class, but we got them to give him the year four work in the three old class, so he could stay with his friends. But he still was able to blow through it, so they moved him up to the advanced four year old class," elaborated Trunks.
"Let me guess, he's still flying through the work," commented Gohan. Pan and Trunks nodded. "I told you he was smart," Gohan said giving Videl a smirk.
"We are a little worried. We don't want Henry to go through school, so fast that no one is his age, but he loves school. We're worried if we tell him to slow down, he might not like it anymore," Pan said with a slight groan.
"If he stays that interested, once he gets to high school we could enroll him in concurrent classes," commented Gohan.
"I took a few of those when I was in school. It's basically doing a college class instead of a high school one," remember Trunks with a nod.
"Trunks you were one of those kids? Bra and I always found it strange they didn't just graduate early," shrugged Pan.
"Your mom and I did them too, and honestly Pan, I think you would have too if you had stayed in school," Gohan informed his daughter.
"The problem is how to keep Henry from going too fast before high school. He's already basically two years ahead, and he hasn't even started elementary school yet," Trunks reminded everyone of the current issue.
Gohan was about to answer when Henry scampered over to them. "Gramps says dinner's ready. Daddy can I sit with Gohan and Grammie Del?" Henry asked looking up at his father.
"If it's okay with them," Trunks answered. Henry immediately turned to his grandparents.
"Of course you can sit with us!" Videl exclaimed scooping him up as the headed for the dinning room. Pan and Trunks followed behind carrying Cora who was still asleep in her infant seat.
xxXXxx
"You wanted to see me?" Goten asked poking his head into Mr Satan's office.
"Yes! Yes, come in Goten," Hercule ushered him in quickly closing the door. "Goten, I'm planning on retiring, but I want to name a successor. My successor will be taking over all my dojos and would take my spot in the next upcoming world tournament," explained Hercule.
"You're retiring, why?"
"I am getting up there, and it's getting harder and harder to win the tournament even with help. I'm retiring from the tournament and hanging up my title as world champ. I'm going to still have Satan Enterprises that is more than enough to keep me busy. Plus, I want more time to play with the great grandbabies," answered Hercule.
"So who are you naming as your successor?" Goten asked obliviously.
"I offered it to Pan and Videl, but they weren't interested. I was hoping you would be interested," Hercule gave him a hopeful smile.
"I don't think so, I'm pretty happy with just being the head instructor," shrugged Goten.
"Well I was hoping it could be someone in the loop, so there wouldn't risk finding out about my secret or yours. And since you're the head instructor, it makes sense," Hercule went on to explain.
"So if someone else were to be successor, they would not only be my boss but a possible a threat to us as well," clarified Goten.
"Unfortunately yes"
"I guess I should do it then. Are you announcing your successor or planning an event?" asked Goten.
"I'm holding a tournament in March. The winner will receive my dojos and my title," explained Hercule.
"I'll have to win the tournament then"
"Yes, but you will be the competitor with my endorsement," assured Hercule. Goten nodded.
xxXXxx
"You're really doing this?" Rini asked waving her arms dramatically.
"Yes, it's what's best for us all. I can keep the saiyan secret. Mr Satan can retire. I get a promotion. It all works out," Goten reasoned with her.
"What if you don't win?"
"I have three months to train, and I doubt anyone that strong will pop out of the wood work," assured Goten.
"Okay, I'm okay with this but you have to promise not to be pompous if you get the title," growled Rini.
"Deal!" grinned Goten.
xxXXxx
Mr Satan had announced on several news networks that he was holding a tournament with his title and spot in the next world tournament as the prize. The World Tournament commission even agreed to the arrangement seeing as Mr Satan is one of their biggest contributors. He went on to mention that his protégé would be competing, but he felt it was better if the title was earned.
Pan and Bra watched the tv as Hercule posed for the cameras. "I'm surprised you aren't competing," commented Bra.
"I don't want Gramps' title. Besides Uncle Goten is stronger than me if he actual pays attention and tries," sighed Pan.
"But you love competing in tournaments. If I recall correctly, you were grumbling during the last two World Tournaments cause you were pregnant and couldn't participate," reminded Bra.
"True… Maybe I'll participate in the next World Tournament," shrugged Pan.
"Unless you end up pregnant again," snickered Bra.
"I doubt that"
"Why are you two quitting at two?" asked Bra.
"I think so. I just can't see our family being any more perfect than it is right now," admitted Pan looking at her daughter who was asleep in her swing.
"That's really sweet Pan," Bra smiled as the door was thrown open and Trunks walked in holding Henry's hand.
"What happened?" asked Pan eyeing her son who looked at the floor.
"I forgot how to jump," mumbled Henry.
Pan looked at Trunks for a better explanation. "He jumped six feet in the air at school today," explained Trunks looking exasperated.
"I forgot how to jump normal," said Henry still looking at the floor.
"How about you go show Aunt Bra the new kitty stand that we got Shadow while Daddy and I finish talking," suggested Pan leaning down to his level and giving him a tight hug. Henry nodded taking Bra's hand and walking her off to his playroom. "I'm guessing from your expression that someone is making a big deal out of this," Pan sighed pulling Trunks to sit with her at the table.
"His teacher. She talked to the administrator, so now Henry has to take a full round of tests to see what he can do physically and mentally"
"Because he's still blowing through the work in the advanced five year old class," Pan commented putting her head down on the table. "Does he have to take it?" grumbled Pan into the table.
"Yes, or he has to find a new school. According to his teacher, they are tired of all his surprises, so a full evaluation is now mandatory," answered Trunks.
"What's going to be on this test?" asked Pan propping her head up on one hand.
"No idea," now Trunks put his head down.
xxXXxx
Pan grinned as they arrived at Mount Paozu. Outside Gohan and Goten were training. Rini and Videl were watching. Pan held her four month old daughter in her arms as Trunks carried a half asleep Henry.
"Hey you guys," greeted Rini.
"So what brought you four out here?" asked Videl as Gohan threw Goten into a boulder causing it to shatter.
"Boys take a break, we have company!" yelled Chi-Chi as she exited the house. Henry was starting to wake up more. He wiggled in Trunks' grasp until he was released. He darted off flying full of excitement.
"We wanted to visit and get a little help on something," answered Pan. She felt bad needing something, but it was the truth.
"We're happy to help with anything, as long as I get to hold my beautiful great granddaughter!" exclaimed Chi-Chi reaching for Cora. Pan handed her over willingly.
"If she gets fussy, give her to Trunks. She's already a daddy's girl," laughed Pan.
"You were a daddy's girl and so was Bra. So I'm not surprised," commented Videl playing with her little granddaughter.
"I was a daddy's girl?" asked Pan a little surprised.
Gohan smiled landing next to everyone. "Until age three you were. Then you started wanting to spend all your time with dad," chuckled Gohan thinking back to his father and Pan.
"Then after Dad left you started sticking with Trunks," snickered Goten as Rini gave him a look.
"So what were you needing help with?" asked Videl after pulling herself away from Cora.
"Henry is being required to take a complete evaluation, and we were wondering if you knew anything about them," explained Trunks.
"Complete evaluation," repeated Videl making a face.
"It's to test his intelligence and physical ability," elaborated Pan.
"I took one of those when I was little," commented Rini as she moved to sit down.
"Why did you take one? Were you advanced?" asked Chi-Chi looking excited.
"Actually the opposite," Rini said shyly.
"You were slow!" Chi-Chi yelled. Pan immediately stole Cora back from her fuming grandmother.
"Yes, I was behind in reading. I was in special ed for four years" admitted Rini.
"Did you know about this?" demanded Chi-Chi staring angrily at Goten.
"Yes," he answered panicking.
"It's not a big deal Chi-Chi. I tested out due to high comprehension. My point was I took an intelligence evaluation in first grade. All they do is ask you questions in each subject until you can't answer anymore. If there is a large gap, especially if you are advanced in one subject and below in another, they stick you in special education classes. I could do algebra in first grade but could barely read my own name," explained Rini pulling Goten to sit with her.
"I'm guessing you were average in the rest of your subjects," commented Gohan. Rini nodded.
"That's not that bad then," murmured Chi-Chi.
"So it would be a test of how smart Henry is in each subject," clarified Pan.
"Yep," Rini smiled glad Chi-Chi had calmed down.
"That may be a good thing. You can get a true evaluation of Henry instead of him being forced up grade after grade," commented Gohan looking at his grandson as he darted quickly about.
"Our real concern is the physical evaluation. He forgot to tone down his jumping and jumped six feet during recess which is what caused his teacher to convince administration to make these tests mandatory for him to continue school there," explained Trunks taking Cora from Pan since she was getting fussy.
"They say they don't want anymore surprises," sighed Pan pulling a pacifier from the bag for Cora.
"So how are you going to get Henry to score normal on the physical exam?" asked Goten.
"I think that's why they're here. They don't know," replied Rini. Pan nodded making a slight face.
"How can we teach him to be normal when we don't know what normal kids do," grumbled Trunks.
Videl smiled. "I can work with him if you want. I was strong when I was little, but I was human," offered Videl.
"Henry come here please," called Pan. Henry zipped over at an amazingly high speed.
"Yes Mommy?" he asked happily.
"Grammie Del is going to teach you how you need to act at school, okay. We don't want you accidently showing your strength again," explained Pan.
The afternoon continued on with Pan training with Goten and her father while her mother and Rini worked with Henry. Trunks and Chi-Chi were busy taking care of Cora.
Dinnertime had rolled around. Henry was trying his best to only show human strength. "Mommy this is hard to remember," whined Henry looking up at his mother who had just finished her intense training with her father and uncle.
"How about we make a deal. If you pass the evaluation with human level strength, you can have a present. Anything you want," smiled Pan. Trunks stared at Pan wide eyed. Knowing Henry he would want a little brother or another kitten.
"Really, cause I know what I want!" exclaimed Henry jumping with excitement.
"What is it sweetie?" Pan asked ruffling his hair.
"I want a swing set for the back yard! My friend Gabe has one," Henry rambled on a huge grin on his face. Trunks breathed a sigh of relief.
"Lets go get washed up for dinner," said Pan as she scooped Henry up so they could get ready for dinner.
"You look relieved. What did you think he wanted?" asked Rini eyeing Trunks.
"A baby brother or another pet," chuckled Trunks.
Pan and Henry were back as Chi-Chi served dinner. Henry had been abnormally quiet since their return.
"Henry you okay?" asked Videl looking at the sad face of the little boy.
"If I mess up the test, do I never ever get a swing set?" he asked looking at his parents.
"If you mess up, you'll have to wait till your birthday for the swing set," Trunks told him with a smirk. Instantly, Henry was back to his happy self.
xxXXxx
Goten was walking around the stadium holding Rini's hand. They saw Marron and Uub. "Hey!" called Goten, as he and Rini ran to see them.
"Where's Maddox?" Rini asked surprised to not see him.
"My mom and dad have him," answered Marron.
"Did you change your mind about entering Uub?" asked Goten looking excited about the opportunity of a real fight.
"No I'm good, but I will enter the next World Tournament. So be ready for a real fight then," Uub told him with a smile.
"I look forward to it," said Goten giving Uub a Son grin.
Before long it was time for the first match, Goten entered the ring.
"First we have Duke the Deadly. Duke runs a circuit of gyms throughout Western Europe. He has come a long way to see if he can take the world champs title! Next we have Goten Son. Goten is the son of the 23rd World Tournament winner Goku Son. He was the runner-up in the Junior Division of the 25th World Tournament. In the 28th World Tournament Goten lost to Mr Satan's granddaughter Pan. After that he went on to learn all he could from Hercule and is now his protégé," the announcer yelled into the microphone. The crowd cheered with excitement. Goten blushed at all the attention.
"I have a feeling dad wrote that," sighed Videl shaking her head.
"I hope Goten doesn't still get shy," commented Trunks.
Pan came walking up with Cora in a stroller. "Where's Henry?" asked Pan looking around alarmed.
"Dad and your father took him," smiled Videl taking a peek in the stroller at her little granddaughter. Cora stared up at her with her large blue eyes.
"Kkkajabba," gurgled Cora at Videl.
"Hi sweetie girl," Videl talked back to the almost five month old. Videl looked back up only to see the fight was already over. "Well that was fast," she grumbled.
"One hit," grinned Pan as she leaned on the railing. Trunks was now rocking the stroller back and forth. "Is she okay?" Pan asked turning her attention back to Cora.
"Yeah, she's fine. A little fussy," smiled Trunks looking down at his little daughter.
"I found Henry," Videl said pointing to the arena.
"What!" Pan croaked whipping around.
"I hope everyone enjoyed the first match!" yelled Hercule into the mic. Henry was on his shoulder. "Goten is the man to beat here today, but in a few years he'll have to face my great grandson!"
Pan and Trunks both dropped their heads in defeat. "Did Papa really just let Gramps do that," groaned Pan.
"You did promise Henry he could fight in the world tournament one day," snickered Videl.
After the first round concluded, Gohan returned carrying a happy Henry on his shoulders.
"Did you two have fun down there?" asked Videl handing Henry a cookie.
"Yeah, Gohan and Gramps took me around everywhere!" exclaimed Henry
"Why don't you two let Videl and I take the kids for a while? We almost never get to show them off," asked Gohan with a grin.
"You two do deserve a little alone time," commented Videl as she walked the stroller over to Gohan.
"Okay, but if Cora gets hungry, come find me, so I can feed her," ordered Pan.
"Isn't there some milk in her bag?" asked Videl looking at the diaper bag.
"Yeah, there are a couple bottles," replied Pan.
"Then we'll be fine. You two have fun," assured Videl as she and Gohan left the couple.
"Did your parents just volunteer to take our children, so we can be alone?" asked Trunks looking a little bewildered.
"I think so," Pan sighed shaking her head.
Trunks smiled wrapping an arm around Pan. "Go find us a place to sit. I'll grab us some snacks and meet you," he said giving her cheek a kiss before disappearing. The second round was starting Goten was against huge bear man. It didn't take but a few seconds for Goten to flick him from the ring. Pan found a few empty seats for her and Trunks. She looked back down at the arena to seeing Hercule was showing off Henry again.
"It's so sweet Hercule treats Trunks' son as if he we're his real great grandson," a woman two rows in front of Pan commented.
"I know right! I bet Pan adopted him, so he's not even treated like a step kid," another woman replied.
"I just wonder what woman was stupid enough to not want Trunks Briefs. He is so handsome and wealthy," the first wondered.
"Who knows, it's her loss. I bet that's how he and Pan ended up an item. She helped him out when he was a single dad," said the second woman. "You heard they had a kid together right?"
"I heard she had it way early. No one knew the baby was born until Trunks went on paternity leave"
Trunks tapped her on the shoulder pulling her out of the women's gossip. "You okay Panny?" he asked giving her a kiss.
"Yeah, just listening to how we ended up together," laughed Pan. Trunks raised an eyebrow before handing her some snacks.
xxXXxx
"Krillin!" greeted Gohan. Henry was eating popcorn on his shoulders.
"Hey Gohan," Krillin waved. 18 was holding Maddox.
"He's getting so big," smiled Videl looking at Maddox.
"He'll be two in May," grinned Krillin.
Henry tapped Gohan's shoulder. "Yes Henry?"
"Can I get down?" Gohan sat the three year old down. "Thank you!" he chirped. Henry looked at Maddox giving him a big grin.
"Mimi down peez!" asked Maddox. 18 sat him down. The two boys instantly seemed to be friends.
"That's sweet," smiled Videl moving to hold Gohan's hand.
A cry was heard from the stroller. Before Videl could even move Henry was there. "Hi Cora!" Henry waved at his little sister. She gurgled at him.
Maddox peeked in the stroller as well. "Pretty blue," commented Maddox pointing at Cora. Videl made a face Cora wasn't wearing blue.
"She does have pretty eyes!" grinned Henry. Cora gurgled at Maddox reaching for his finger. "She likes you," observed Henry.
"Does Henry always do that?" asked Krillin watching the two boys talk to Cora.
"Pretty much, he thinks Cora is pretty cool," smiled Gohan.
"Goten is the winner! He will be proceeding to the finals!" yelled the announcer.
"The tournament is nearly over. Was this even worth coming out for," 18 off handedly commented. Krillin made a face at his wife's honesty.
"She's not wrong. No one's even been the slightest challenge for Goten," Videl agreed.
Author's Note- There is going to be larger time skips between chapters. If I skip something you would have liked to see, please PM me or mention it in a review, and I will do my best to add a chapter to include it.
Please Review, it means a lot to me.