Friday rolled around slower than expected, but Videl pegged it down to her growing excitement. In an environment outside of school, she hoped to gain much more insight into Gohan's life. There was no boring schoolwork or strict teachers to inhibit her, and Gohan's mere reaction to the field trip held plenty of promise. Not to mention, the excursion itself was something to look forward to. Her father had never taken her to the Cell Games site, and she had to wonder what it was like to stand on the soil where an epic showdown had taken place. In a sense, Gohan was right. It was just a mound of dirt in the middle of nowhere, but people often travelled to see far less.
Their class would be travelling to the site via bus and were required to arrive at school earlier than usual to maximise their day. This was no problem for Videl, as Orange Star High was a five-minute jet ride from her house, but when she noticed Gohan had arrived earlier than she had, she couldn't help but clench her fists. "Hi, Gohan." She attempted civilly, nodding in his direction.
Expecting his typical bubbly response, Videl faltered when met with a measly, "Hello."
She hesitated slightly before asking her next question. "Must've been tough getting here so early, huh? Considering you live so far away and all."
Gohan turned his head towards her and nodded. Just nodded. And looked away again.
Videl was going to pull her hair out. What the hell? This was nothing like the Gohan she knew. Her classmate would have been sweating nervously and stuttering his way through a dubious answer on any other day of the week, but now all she got was a nod? It was ridiculous, uncharacteristic and… The crimefighter felt herself smirking slightly as her thoughts caught up with her. As tired and unhappy as Gohan was, this was the perfect opportunity for Videl to break through his guard and find some well-deserved answers.
Finally, she thought. He was off his game.
"Hey, guys!" came a call from the distance, Videl watching with amusement as Erasa awkwardly jogged up to them.
"Hey, Erasa," she greeted, "what's with the huge backpack?"
Dumping the bag onto the ground with a huff, Erasa stretched out her arms. "Well, considering we're going to the middle of nowhere, I thought I should be prepared. I just didn't expect everything to be so heavy."
It was then that Sharpener made himself known, confidently strolling past the group and reaching for the backpack. "Don't worry, 'Rasa. I got it."
Videl watched as the blonde boy secretly struggled to lift it onto his back, a small bead of sweat rolling down his temple. "This is nothing." He grunted out, shooting Erasa a wobbly smile.
"Awh, Sharpie, thanks!" Erasa slapped Sharpener playfully on the shoulder, sending the boy stumbling. The two girls shared a look and giggled silently at the display.
"Alright, class!" came the teacher's voice, "I think we're all here. Make your way onto the bus in an orderly fashion, please."
Her words took no effect whatsoever, and as soon as she had finished speaking, kids began running for the bus. They pushed against each other in an effort to score the back seat and the teacher could only exhale in resignation.
Even Videl found herself excited to board, helping Sharpener lift Erasa's bag up the steps before her attention was caught by something outside. Gohan stood, unmoving, and upon further inspection, she saw his eyes darting towards the school. "Excuse me, Miss. I'm not feeling too well. Could I stay back?" she overheard.
Videl narrowed her gaze, ignoring the complaints from her classmates as she pushed her way back off the bus.
"I'm sorry, Gohan, but your mother already signed the permission slip. You need to come along so we know you're accounted for. I've got some pain relievers and travel sickness medication if you need it?"
The boy simply shook his head, a deep frown leaving harsh lines on his face. "It's fine. Thanks anyway."
As he began slumping his way towards the bus, Videl quickly ran forward to accompany him. "So, Gohan…" she started uncomfortably. "Want to sit together? Erasa is already with Sharpener."
"Sure, Videl." Donning a shaky and unconvincing smile, Gohan climbed onto the bus first and slid into the seats opposite the two blondes. Videl shortly joined him, sighing deeply at the thought of a three-hour bus ride.
As soon as they began moving, an overwhelming awkwardness befell the two classmates. Videl watched from the corner of her eye as Gohan stared out the window, frustrated that she couldn't properly dissect his facial expressions. "You excited?" Videl attempted to break the silence, already well aware that his answer was a firm no.
Gohan turned to her, fidgeting slightly. "Not really, to be honest." His face was bashful, and he refused to make eye contact.
"Because you're feeling unwell?" she probed.
Gohan shrugged. "I guess. I just don't see the point in all this."
Narrowing her gaze, Videl could tell something was off. Although Gohan was attempting to appear nonchalant about the whole affair, there was something bothering him on a deeper level. She tilted her head. "I don't get you. Why can't you see how awesome this actually is? I mean, Cell literally stood on this ground. He was defeated on this ground. It feels like you're being a little ungrateful."
The boy's eyes, if possible, darkened with something sinister. Videl suppressed a gulp but stood her ground and stared firmly back.
If Gohan wanted to say something, he didn't. Eventually, he took a deep breath, turning away to face the window once more. Videl looked to Sharpener and Erasa and shared a confused look with the two. "What the fuck?" she mouthed.
"Look, Videl."
Videl started as Gohan began quietly, so low that only the two of them could hear.
"Cell was defeated on this ground, yes. But people tend to forget that there were others there that day. People who fought, just like Hercule did. You never hear anything about them."
Videl's face twisted into a frown. "What? You mean those tricksters? What have they got to do with anything?"
Gohan simply hummed, prompting a growl from Videl. "Gohan! Answer me."
"Don't worry, Videl. I don't even know what I'm saying."
Rolling her eyes and crossing her arms, Videl conceded that the conversation was over. For now. "Whatever."
She had gotten a little bit closer. Had a glimpse of what secrets Gohan might be hiding. But it wasn't close enough.
Videl needed more information and soon.