Chapter Eight; Teach Me! Teach Me!
Gohan pinched the bridge of his nose as the monotone teacher blabbered on about historical events and the noteworthy details of them. It would have been better if the teacher used a more dynamic and interesting voice worthy of attention, but the inaccuracy of the events were simply unforgiveable. They were currently studying the Ox Kingdom and although the hierarchy and genealogy were correct for the most part, he couldn't stomach the inaccurate documentation of the history. He should know, for he was the grandson of the very Ox-King! Videl glanced over at him and offered a brief smile partly out of pity and partly out of amusement. She felt sorry for him having to listen to the slaughtering of family facts, but his reaction was kind of funny to her.
"And so, that ended the era and the current Ox-King is said to have vanished into obscurity. He took on the life of an old recluse after his castle was burned down and his daughter married the former World Martial Arts Champion. Does anybody have any questions or comments?" He scanned the room and zoomed in on Gohan's pained and uninterested expression. "Mr. Son! What about you?"
"Oh, well sir, all I can add is that whomever wrote that section of the book had slightly inaccurate facts, but I suppose we can all forgive you because you don't select our curriculum." This ruffled the professor noticeable and his face turned a bright shade of pink. The snickers from all Gohan's classmates didn't help the situation.
"Well Mr. Son, if you are so much more accurately informed on the history of the Ox-King and his kingdom, perhaps you should teach our lesson then." The teacher gestured to the board and held out his pointer. Something inside Gohan snapped and he had a sudden desire to follow through and really show up the teacher. Videl looked at him with concern as he stood up and accepted the challenge.
"What are you doing?" It was only a small whisper, but Gohan still heard her. He turned and winked at her, receiving a blush on her face in return. "What was THAT for?"
"Looking at the clock we are a bit pressed for time, but I think I have time to correct a couple errors right now. The Ox-King is not a bloodthirsty man who was power hungry and maniacal. He was an honorable man who received the throne when the current holder passed away of natural circumstances. His fierce persona was simply to keep away media and to provide the desired privacy for him and his family. He did not become a reclusive old man who hoarded the remaining royal wealth and disappeared. He decided that a monarchy wasn't the best way to govern the land anymore and had a democracy formed. He then decided that politics wasn't something he would like to continue pursuing and took all the wealth that was rightfully his. He put it towards investments and due to wise decisions; he and the family are actually wealthier than before. He most certainly is not some hermit living in seclusion. He is a sociable man that is well liked locally and is never heard of anymore because he doesn't care to be." The teacher looked stunned at how well Gohan had provided a rebuttal for the day's lesson.
"Well, how do we know this isn't some load of crap you cooked up to make yourself look good?" The teacher wasn't ready to admit defeat to some young punk who thought he was smart.
"As you all know, my father was the former martial arts champion. Who do you think my grandfather is then?" At this the teacher's eyes widened in realization and the whole class was alive with murmuring. No one had thought to put two and two together until now. At that moment the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. "I'm glad to have rectified this situation. Tomorrow then?" He passed by some grinning classmates as he went to the door.
"Gohan! Way to show up the teacher! I can't believe we didn't put the pieces together until now. That must be cool that your grandpa used to be a king!" Gohan smiled then shrugged.
"I guess I never really thought about it a lot. He just acted like any other grandpa to me."
"Yeah, that must be pretty cool though. See you later dude."
"See you around." Gohan waved to his classmate then headed for lunch. Videl soon caught up with him and they walked to the cafeteria together.
It was Thursday, and it had been five days since that incident at the Satan's residence. Neither Gohan nor Videl had mentioned the brief kiss they had shared, although they had been noticeably closer throughout the whole week. It was almost as if all the walls had been broken since their talk and they had become best friends overnight. Videl linked arms briefly with Gohan just as she caught up with him. She let go moments later, not realizing that Gohan had a nice red tint to his face from the unexpected contact.
"So what was that all about earlier? I thought you liked your privacy Mr. Son?" A teasing smirk was painted on her face.
"Well, that part of my private life was blown apart by some certain meathead martial artists who have started our new martial arts programs. I was just straightening out family facts." He looked at the mirth on her face. "You can wipe that smirk off of your face Ms. Satan." Videl feigned hurt and dramatically placed her hand on her chest.
"Ouch! Can't a girl find humor in anything? Way to hurt my feelings!" Gohan smirked at her dramatic reaction and chuckled slightly.
"I suppose I can forgive you this time."
"Well good. I was afraid for our friendship, good sir." She smiled up at him and suddenly felt a warmth inside of her as she looked at him. It was something she had always fought from feeling towards somebody. There was something about Gohan that broke through her defenses and made her feel different. She didn't have time to dwell on her feelings though. At the moment, they were spotted by they're two blonde friends.
"Videl! Gohan! It took you long enough! Come eat with us!" The bubbly blonde girl excitedly waved at her two friends. Sharpner was at her side and sent a polite and more masculine wave at them.
"Will do!" The four teens soon situated themselves at a table and started unpacking their lunch. "So what have you guys been up to today?"
"Oh nothing much. Just enjoyed our monotone teaching from the 'best' teachers around. It's so boring not having you guys in all our classes."
"Nah babe. It just gives us more reasons to look forward to lunch," piped in Sharpner. "Besides, we have the last class together."
"I suppose you're right Sharpie. So on another note, what's up with all the friendliness between you two?" Her question was directed at Videl and Gohan and a teasing smile graced her lips. The two teens looked at each other then at Erasa.
"I don't know what you mean." Gohan looked puzzled as he responded. It was only a ruse to hide his embarrassment of the topic. He knew exactly what she meant.
"Come on Gohan. You and Videl have been practically inseparable all week. What's the deal with all that?"
"I have to say, you guys have been pretty tight this week." Sharpner's agreement on the subject sent up red flags for both Gohan and Videl. It wasn't something they wanted to talk about at the moment.
"I'm just finding out that there was a good, decent guy behind all of his secrecy. I found another friend and that is the only thing that's going on."
"If you say so girl. I know you and I'll be talking about this with you later."
"Whatever Erasa. Just drop it now." Not another word was said and nobody noticed a slightly disappointed look grace Gohan's features before he continued eating. He knew Videl was just trying to avoid the topic, but her words sounded wrong to him. Something was different this week for sure, but neither of them had really talked about their current status with each other. He would have to bring it up later.
It seemed like an eternity, but it was only a few more hours before school let out. The giant mass of teenage flesh exited the building, eager to claim the hours of freedom that the afternoon would provide. That is, they would claim the freedom tainted with homework and studying. Not that it really mattered that there was homework. The general attitude held among many of the students was 'homework exists to be done at the last minute'. A group of four teens walked together through the ocean of flesh. Once outside, they were free to find more spacious paths to walk.
"I guess we'll see you tomorrow then." Erasa hugged both Videl and Gohan. "Me and Sharpie have some 'studying' to do. Right?" She latched onto the well-built teen's arm.
"Sure thing babe. We've got lots of 'material' to discuss."
"Oh I see. Well you two better get going then. Gotta keep those grades up and all." Videl smirked as she was saying this. She knew perfectly well that there would be more making out than studying going on. Gohan having since been clued on what was most likely taking place after knowing them for a while just smiled and nodded. A subtle hint of mirth could be seen in his eyes.
"Yeah. Bye guys!" Sharpner waved at his two friends as he led Erasa to his car. She was still latched onto him while they drove away. Videl shook her head as the watched the two blondes make their departure.
"Those two are so goofy. You gotta love them though."
"Yeah. They're good friends, just respectively loopy and athletics obsessed." Gohan said this with a grin. Videl simply nodded in agreement while smiling affectionately at the thought of them. Gohan looked around and saw that the thinning crowds were providing a bit more privacy. "I guess now is a good time." He cleared his throat before looking around once more.
"Yes?" Videl looked up at him expectantly.
"So, um, we were having lessons tomorrow?" He inwardly kicked himself. "Great job Mr. Backbone."
"Oh you're getting good. You won't even need me around at this rate."
"Shut up. I'm trying to focus."
"Fine. Don't get your panties in a twist."
"Yeah. Thanks for reminding me! So is right after school good for you?"
"Yeah, that's perfect. Just come follow me after school."
"Alright. It sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow Gohan." She gave him hug and a peck on the cheek before taking out her jetcopter and flying home. Gohan was still processing what had happened.
"Crap. That's the second time I've mentally shut down. What's up with her lately? Well, I can't chicken out tomorrow. I've got to talk about this with her tomorrow." He made his way to an alley then took off for home.
It was a tired Gohan that attended school the next day. After juggling homework, Goten, his mother, and training, he had retired entirely too late. It almost seemed like the sun spitefully rose as soon as he had shut his eyes, but in reality, his body was simply too tired to be appeased with the sleep he had acquired. He had dozed off for a few minutes in class, and was duly reprimanded for his class napping. Somehow, he made it to the end of the day.
"Late night Gohan?" Videl giggled as he rubbed his eyes wearily.
"You have no idea." A slight yawn escaped his mouth as he also stretched. Suddenly, his eyes widened with realization. He searched his school bag. "I don't even know how I forgot about this stuff." Soon he produced a container full of pills. Videl watched in curiosity as he unscrewed the cap and popped two of the mysterious pills.
"What are those Gohan?"
"These are some energy boosters concocted by Bulma. They aren't addictive and they give you a quick boost for a few hours. She developed them when I voiced concern about my training schedule leaving me too tired to go to school." His face already had lifted and there was more life in his eyes. "That should hold me until tonight."
"Wow! That's really nifty. I bet it comes in handy a lot." She marveled at the amazing properties of the unheard of supplement.
"You have no idea how much they do. Okay, so how do you want to do this? You can follow me or I could carry you." Videl lifted an eyebrow as he suggested it.
"Why would you need to carry me? What's wrong with my jetcopter?"
"Oh, well you could follow me, but we would get to my house faster if I just carried you." He fidgeted nervously as he realized how awkward it was for him to make the suggestion. Videl smirked as she thought it over.
"Why not? I'd like to see how fast you can actually fly." Her eyes had a sparkle in them as she anticipated witnessing it. Gohan couldn't help grinning as she agreed to it.
"Okay. Hold on tight then." He blushed as he picked her up bridal style and prepared to take off. A red tint colored her face as she felt herself cradled in his arms. "Here we go. Are you ready?" She gave a nod to affirm her readiness.
For Videl, it was more intense and exhilarating than any method of flight by aircraft. It was almost as if the wild abandon of a rollercoaster ride had been combined with the grace of gliding or a stable aircraft flight. She clung to Gohan tightly not out of fear but out of excitement as he made a show of the ride briefly. She exclaimed in delight as he flew above the clouds and made several twists and loops in the air before making a sharp decent. He plummeted at an extreme vertical angle before stopping shy of the high treetops.
"I thought you might like that. I hope I didn't overdo it." Gohan peered down at her with concern.
"No way! That was amazing." Videl was beaming at him excitedly and was still breathless from the experience. Gohan grinned.
"Someday you'll be able to do that all by yourself."
"Really? Do you think so?" Her eyes were wide in wonderment at such a wonderful prospect.
"I know you'll be able to do it Videl. You're already skilled in martial arts, so you should adapt pretty quickly and learn the abilities required."
"Thanks Gohan." He smiled affectionately at her and she felt herself grow red. Thankfully he didn't notice and said nothing about it.
Soon, the two teens had arrived at the Son residence. Gohan landed softly on the lawn and released his precious cargo. Videl briefly dusted herself off and looked around.
"I hope the ride was satisfactory madam?" Gohan's eyes twinkled as he joked.
"It was a good ride indeed my fine sir. I think I'll keep you." She hit his arm playfully as she countered.
"I'm glad to hear it. I was thinking of charging for my services, but for you I'll keep it on the house." She laughed lightly at his quip.
"Well that was a short trip! No wonder you can make it to school from so far away. Wow, this place is beautiful." She took in all the lush trees in the distance and the green carpet of grass that was their lawn. It seemed to be unspoiled nature as far the eye could see, with the small Son residence being the only sign of civiliazation.
"Yeah. There isn't a town for several miles and the environment is perfect for living a peaceful life. Not much happens, but it's easier to enjoy the simple things in life." Gohan had a wistful and far off look on his face as he trailed off. He had gotten caught up in the tranquility of his surroundings.
"I envy you Gohan. You live in such an unspoiled place, your family sounds wonderful, and you can fly anywhere in the world." She gazed at him fondly and took in his innocent face. "Why does just looking at him make me feel so good? I can't fight it now. I don't care if it makes me seem weak. It's too wonderful to keep locked away."
"I live a blessed life, but it would be empty without friends like you." He gave her a warm smile, to which she smiled back sweetly. "Let's introduce you to my family. They're expecting you, so they should be eager to meet you."
"Sounds like a plan." They strolled casually to the front door.
"Mom! I'm home! My friend is here with me!" His call was answered by the sound of footsteps. Chichi appeared to greet them by the door.
"Welcome home Gohan. This must be your friend that I've heard so much about. I'm Chichi."
"Hi mom. This is Videl." He gestured to his waiting friend.
"It's good to meet you Ms. Son." Videl took Chichi's offered hand and shook it.
"Oh my. She's polite too, Gohan? You should definitely keep her."
"Mom!" Gohan felt like burying himself right then and there.
"Oh hush. I'm only playing around. All joking aside dear, just call me Chichi. My body already gives me enough reminders that I'm getting older. I prefer to avoid any external reminders of that fact."
"Very well Chichi. It's very nice to meet you."
"Likewise dear. Hold on a moment." She turned to the hall leading to the bedrooms. "Goten! We have a visitor! Come say hello!"
"Coming mom!" The bundle of young Saiyan energy bounded from the room to greet said guest. He stopped just short of colliding with the waiting group. Videl actually felt a small gust of wind blow over them as he stopped.
"Wow. He must be a handful, considering what runs in THIS gene pool. If it runs in the family, then I don't want to even think about how strong this little guy is."
"You must be that girl Gohan talks about. I'm Goten." He was giving her the once over with big, curious eyes. Videl smiled at his cuteness.
"It's nice to meet you Goten. I've heard all about what a good little brother you are." She ruffled his hair while she complimented him.
"Aw, if you say so. Wow, Gohan was right." Videl's face contorted in confusion.
"What do you mean? What did Gohan say about me?" She turned to him and received only a puzzled look. Suddenly a look of realization came upon him, but it was too late to shut up his oblivious young brother.
"He was telling me how pretty you are one day. I think I agree." Goten looked somewhat bashfully up at Videl. Videl smirked and her eyes narrowed as she looked at Gohan again.
"Oh really?" Gohan only chuckled weakly and scratched the back of his neck. "Well that's sweet of you." She planted a kiss on Goten's cheek to which Gohan sputtered and tried to hide his red face. The young boy giggled then ran outside, much to the consternation of Chichi.
"I apologize. My youngest one is still learning the finer arts of entertaining guests."
"It's okay. He's an adorable little guy. I think I can forgive him this time."
"Well good. I understand you were here to take flying lessons from Gohan. I know he has already given you all the dos and don'ts, but this is rather delicate information concerning the abilities he is capable of. I trust you will be courteous enough to keep it to yourself among your other friends." A stern look was on her face as she gave in to her motherly duty to lecture Gohan and any friend of his.
"Yes. I promise I won't tell anyone."
"Well good. Now that we have settled that, you make yourself at home. Anyone my Gohan considers a friend is more than welcome here. I'll leave you two alone now." With that, Chichi left to tend to Goten and to begin preparing food for the evening. The two teens watched his mother leave before departing as well.
"She's not THAT bad," said Videl of Chichi.
"Trust me. You won't know what I'm talking about until you see her angry. She's fine now, but if you ever make her mad or see someone make her mad, it would change your life." Gohan shuddered at the memories of tongue-lashings or disciplinary action unleashed upon him and his brother. "She can be overbearing, but she means well. It's only done out of love and concern."
"I'm sure. I wish my father cared that much. He just sets rules and leaves me to fend for myself. His head swells over any small and insignificant things he does for me. I know that he really does love me, but he's so caught up in his fame and himself. I wish he would just take sometime off from all the publicity and business and just spend more time with me. I care more about that than any of the nice things and luxury he's providing for me."
"Yeah, I guess it can be tough when your parents are always busy." Gohan looked around and saw that they had wandered a good ways from the house and that they were alone. He looked down at Videl and noticed how intently she was looking at him. They locked eyes and got lost in one another's eyes, Gohan in the deep blue of Videl's and Videl in the deep black of Gohan's. They stared into each other's eyes and drew closer, before Gohan caught himself. "We should get started."
"Yeah. You're right." Videl shook her head briefly to clear her thoughts. "So where do we start?"
"Right, well, I guess to get started, you'll need a good grasp of how energy works to start flying."
"Energy? You mean like that light you can shoot out of your hands? But I don't have any of that."
"You do. Everyone has a certain amount of ki within himself or herself. It's just that few ever learn to manipulate it and use it."
"So I actually have this energy or ki within me?"
"That's right. Anyone can learn to control it, and seeing as you have a good grasp of martial arts, I'm sure you'll pick up on it quickly. The first step is to learn to control it and bring it out of you, like this." He outstretched his palm and concentrated. Soon a glowing ball no larger than four inches emerged. It generated two inches above his open hand, almost as if it had appeared from nothing. Videl gazed on it in wonder as he held it up for her to see. She timidly reached out to touch it and found that it wasn't hot but soothingly warm to touch.
"It's not hot at all. I was expecting something with the potential to be so destructive to be really hot."
"The energy is well contained right now. When launched, I can choose to let it become volatile upon impact and then it explodes. If it is well controlled, I can keep it just as stable even upon impact. Watch." He threw the glowing light at a nearby rock and rather than erupt into a searing explosion, the ball came to rest on top of it. "I'm going to let go now. See what happens." Gohan lowered his hand and soon looked slightly more at ease. Almost simultaneously, the rock was blown to bits in an explosion the size of a small car. "If it's hot enough to burn, then that may well be about to happen."
"Okay. I get it now." She was still in awe at the spectacle she had witnessed.
"We're getting ahead of ourselves though. If you really want to go that far, I'm willing to teach you. You just need a basic grasp of energy control to start flying though. Let's work on bringing it out of you." He gestured for her to sit cross-legged as he sat down as well. She quickly was seated as well. "Alright. When searching for your ki, you have to search in the center of yourself. You won't be able to bring it out if you are tense and distracted. You need to be completely relaxed, but not limp." He brought his hands together as if cupping something or holding a bowl and concentrated. Moments later, a small glow appeared in his cupped hands.
"Okay. Like this?" Videl had cupped her hands in front of her in the same fashion demonstrated."
"Yeah. That's it. Now concentrate on your center. It's exactly like meditating. We're just meditating to find your ki now."
"Okay." She closed her eyes and began focusing. It took her a few minutes, but she began to feel soothing warmth within herself. It was almost like she could see it even though her eyes were closed. "I'm feeling something now. It's like I can touch it, but I don't know what to do now."
"That means you've found your energy. You need to focus and gently coax it out of you. Don't tense up though. It won't heed you if your muscles are too tense."
"I'm trying. It's not easy." She attempted to relax and concentrated more deeply. It was slipping away. It almost felt like she had a hand on it and was pulling it out, but it had slipped beyond where she could reach, back to where she could only see it.
"Relax Videl. Remember, it needs to be coaxed out. You can't force it out."
"I'm trying Gohan. It's just hard to focus. I've never done something like this before."
"I know, but you're doing great. Just keep at it."
An hour passed and Videl was a sweaty huddled figure by the end of it. She sagged in defeat and weariness as the energy within her slipped out of reach yet again. Gohan watched in concern as she laid flat on her back.
"Are you okay Videl?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. I didn't realize it would be so exhausting."
"It can take a lot out of you, but you're doing great. It's only been the first day and you're so close to bringing it out. Don't be so hard on yourself."
"Thanks Gohan."
"I'm just being honest." He smiled an open warm smile at her. "By the way, I brought something to drink." He tossed her a bottle of water, which she eagerly caught. Upon thanking him, she drained the bottle entirely.
"I think I've rested enough. I'll try this again before we quit." She again assumed a position of meditation. She had her hands cupped to hold the energy she hopefully would bring out. "Coax it out. Let's see. I think I've got it." Instead of grasping for the energy, she mentally beckoned for it to come out. It slowly began to come closer to her beckoning hand. Instead of reaching in for the energy, she waited, as it grew closer to her outstretched hand. After much concentration the energy came to rest in the mental hand. She took a hold of it and grasped it.
"Videl you've got it!" Gohan exclaimed excitedly as a ball of light appeared in her hands. She opened her eyes to see the light was indeed glowing brightly and warmly in her cupped hands.
"Wow, I can't believe I've done it!" She marveled at her own energy before diffusing and relaxing. Suddenly, she toppled over with her head in her lap.
"Videl! Are you okay!?" Gohan rushed over to lend assistance to the tired girl.
"Yeah, I'm fine." The raven-haired girl picked herself and attempted to stand. "I just feel like I've ran fifteen miles AND benched fifty two hundred pound reps." She suddenly collapsed again only to find herself leaning on Gohan's shoulder.
"Careful. Considering all the work you put into bringing out your energy and not having any experience in this, you might as well have done all of that. Just lean on me and I'll walk you to the house." Videl would have protested receiving all this aid, but she really couldn't resist under the circumstances. She nodded her consent and was lead to the house.
"I can't believe I'm reduced this over just some meditation." Videl shook her head.
"You'll be able to stand in a bit. You're body is just getting used to the shock of tapping into your ki. Your reaction shouldn't be so dramatic next time." Gohan looked at his tired companion and saw this disgusted look on her face. "Listen. This doesn't mean you're weak. Not everyone would still have this much strength after exerting so much energy to tap into their ki."
"Thanks Gohan. I'm just not used to feeling so small and needy." She smiled sweetly at him. Gohan didn't immediately acknowledge her as something was on his mind.
"I guess now is better than never." He took a deep breath and collected his thoughts. "Videl...I have a question."
"Okay, shoot then." She patiently waited for him to continue.
"What are we exactly?"
"What do you mean?" A puzzled look was painted on her face.
"I mean, what am I'm to you?"
"Is this about that kiss back at my house?" Gohan hesitated before answering.
"Yes it is." Videl let go of him and stood on her own feet. She had gained enough strength to walk now. She looked at him cautiously and weighed answers in her head, deciding what was the best way to respond.
"What do you want us to be?" Her question had taken Gohan by surprise. He hadn't been expecting a response open to so many possibilities. She was looking at him intently and almost seemed like she was daring him to do something. She drew closer and waited for his response. He agonized over a list of possible cautious answers.
"Screw caution."
"For once...I agree." He leaned in and captured her lips with his own. She was startled for a moment, but she didn't resist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Gohan couldn't believe what was happening. It had worked out better than he could have dreamed. They soon parted for breath but remained in each other's arms. "Does that answer your question?"
"I think so. I don't usually cater to such requests but I think I can handle it this time around."
"That's good to hear." Gohan grinned. This time Videl leaned in for another kiss. Gohan was surprised, but all to willing to oblige. He hungrily took her in and enjoyed her taste and the feeling of being so close. They parted shortly and were both panting as the released each other.
"I'd say that was a good lesson today." Videl smiled mischievously at her new boyfriend.
"I think so too. Say, it's getting late. Would you like to stay for dinner?" The girl didn't even need to think about it.
"I'd love to." The couple walked hand in hand to the Son residence. The sun was starting to set and it cast a golden haze over everything.
"By the way. Let's keep this from my mom for now."
"I concur."
Author's Notes; Sorry that I'm slow. Real life doesn't cater to my time for hobbies. I'm very music prone so writing takes a backseat to that, but I'm by no means quitting. I'll try to get something out ever two or three weeks. Also, if you see any errors about the Ox-King or the kingdom, I apologize. I haven't broken out the Dragonball in a while.