Bulma walked through the corridors of Capsule Corporation humming a soft tune. She had just put Trunks to sleep after having read a short story to him and singing him a lullaby. She was making her final rounds around her home, making sure all the lights were closed so as to not waste any energy. A dimly lit room was up ahead with its door ajar. Bulma walked in, her finger was already on the light-switch when her eyes landed on a battered and bloodied figure lying prone on the floor.

"Oh my god Vegeta, what happened to you? Are you hurt? Who did this to you?" Bulma screeched. She rushed over to his body and placed a hand over his forehead. "Well, talk to me. Are you even lucid?"

Vegeta slowly opened one eye, then two and blinked several times. He grunted hoarsely and brushed off Bulma's hand. "I'm fine." He stood up and began inspecting his mangled clothing. His clothes were torn, purplish and red goo stained his black tank top. The gloves were an even sicker grotesque purplish shade. However, it was only his clothes that were in a mess; all his injuries were gone.

Vegeta stretched out his arms, fully inspecting them for signs of damage and injury. The fresh scratches and cuts marking his body from the recent battle were gone. He could also feel his energy reserves were restored as well. So it wasn't a dream. But what the hell happened? How did I get back? A glance to an impatient looking Bulma told him she was thinking the same thing.

"Uh hello? Vegeta? Are you going to tell me what happened or not. You come back a bloody mess, and you don't even tell me what happened. Where is Boyle? I thought you were following him. Why are you covered in that strange purple goo and is that blood on you?"

"Relax Bulma, I found a lead. As for Boyle, he's dead."

"Dead! I told you not to hurt…"

"It wasn't me who did it," Vegeta interrupted. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go track down his murderers. I'll be back soon." Without waiting for a response, he walked out of Capsule Corp and flew off towards the Lookout leaving a bewildered Bulma behind. Hopefully the Namekians will know what the hell is going on here.

Vegeta landed on the Lookout a few minutes later. The place was deserted.

"Namek, where are you?" He bellowed, already growing impatient at the delay.

A figure in white and purple garb walked out of the main building followed by a shorter one dressed in brown and white robes.

"What do you want Vegeta?" Piccolo asked.

"I'll keep it simple. I was attacked by some demonic looking thing who then transported me into some weird dimension where there were many more creatures like him. We fought, I killed a bunch of them but was eventually overwhelmed. Somehow after I lost consciousness, I was rescued and brought back to Capsule Corporation. Know anything capable of doing something like this?"

"Let me get this straight, you were randomly attacked by some 'demonic looking thing' and then transported into another dimension?" Piccolo asked incredulously.

"No, it wasn't completely random," Vegeta started tapping his fingers against his bicep. "I was following some pathetic human who might've been selling Saiyan technological secrets and I happen to run into his boss who was the aforementioned demonic thing. We fought, he was a coward and transported me to his home dimension where he thought he would have the advantage."

"Maybe they kicked you out because you were a rude houseguest?" Dende suggested.

"Don't test my patience Namek, god or no god."

Piccolo stepped between the two. "We don't know of anything like the creatures you've described, but we'll look into it. If we find out anything, we'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, just stay out of trouble."

Vegeta growled in frustration. "I knew coming here was a waste of time."

Vegeta opened his eyes, now having fully gone over the recent events. He felt a little rejuvenated now after having rested for a bit. After a few quick inputs, he could already feel the increased weight upon his shoulders. No need to be lackadaisical while waiting to see what happens next. Just when he got into a training pattern, he felt a mental intrusion.

Vegeta? This is Piccolo. Dende spoke to King Kai about the creatures you had described. He indeed have some information about them. Come to the lookout as soon as possible and we'll fill you in there.

Before Vegeta could respond, Piccolo severed the connection. "Fucking Namek, just when I was in the middle of training."

Gohan sat cross-legged before a group of two dozen people. They likewise were sitting in a position similar to him, most of them were easily over twice Gohan's age, but all sat with a differential bow to him. They were his newest students. They wore loose fitting orange gi's bearing the marking of the turtle. Their hands were raised in front making a donut with their fingers. The sparse ovular room they were in was devoid of any decorations. Its plain walls were painted over with a dreary greyish dull paint. The only source of light was from the singular window perched high in the roof above them shining down, barely enough light to move around without tripping over each other.

The relative darkness didn't bother Gohan in the slightest. As he had done countless times before, he expanded his senses and reached out to every source of energy he could detect. Sitting around him were the flickering energies of the two dozen people around him, standing out against the familiar buzz of the background energy radiation. Each individual ki fluctuated randomly up and down, up and down. Each one was slightly different, with different frequencies and different amplitudes. Some were wild, and fluctuated wildly. Others were more controlled and flowed steadily. But compared to the ki's Gohan was used to sensing, they were all faint; faint, but growing nonetheless. Together, they coalesced into a singular larger wave. A wave that now dominated the room, Gohan let it wash over him, let himself be absorbed into it so that he might study the individual ones making it up. He rode its ebbs and flows, watching, sensing, and listening.

Gohan found his thoughts drifting back to when he was in a similar position as his students. His mind often drifted when was meditating. He knew he shouldn't, that he should focus, but his mind was like a piece of jetsam adrift in the ocean. Coursing to wherever the waves may take it. His own first master had been much harsher than he was and much less forgiving. He was prone to reprimand and praises were rarely forthcoming, even for his favorite student, or rather his only student. Gohan remembered back when Piccolo had taught him how to manipulate ki during one of their very first lessons together. It was after a brief spar which Piccolo had easily won.

As a four year old, the concept of ki manipulation had been completely alien. That tingling sensation he felt sometimes was the same as all those cool tricks his dad could do? And he could do the same thing? The only response he got to those two questions was a curt snort from Piccolo and an order to concentrate harder.

He had no idea what he was supposed to do back then. Piccolo's idea of communication consisted of grunts and occasional demands to dodge. What was he supposed to do? Just close his eyes, cross his legs, and furrow his eyebrows really hard and pretend to concentrate? All that had done was to earn a smack from his master.

"You spoiled brat, you're not focusing. Do you want to be a sniveling child forever? Clear your mind of all thoughts. Do not let even one single distraction in. Concentrate on that power that is inside you. Feel it, take control of it, and make it yours" Piccolo's raspy voice commanded, "that is if it's actually is inside of you."

Gohan had rubbed his cheek and closed his eyes and concentrated. He concentrated harder and ignored the pain flowing from his sore cheek. He ignored the agonizing pain screaming all over his body. He ignored the bruises and cuts from his 6 month foray into the wild. He ignored the welts and black eye from his earlier spar with Piccolo. The feelings of utter hopelessness that had begun to wall up ever since the day his mysterious uncle had shown? The loneliness of being separated from his mother, from the shock of watching his father and uncle mercilessly battle and kill each other and he had concentrated? He ignored those fears and distractions and had watched a small glimmering sphere of golden energy form inside his outstretched hands. That initial warmth was the first real one he had felt in months in that cold desolate environment he had been dropped into. It was also his next step into the dangerous world his friends and family inhabited.

"Wow Mr. Piccolo, I can't believe I really did it."

"Don't get cocky kid, we still have much work to do."

Now he was trying to lead the next crop of students into the same world. They weren't naïve 4 year olds, they were fully grown adults, they understood the risks. They weren't forced into this world, they weren't kidnapped multiple times and dropped into the jungle with nothing but the clothes on their back and expected to survive by themselves for half a year. No, they had signed up for it. Eager to tackle first-hand the myriad of dangers the Earth faced. Gohan softly smiled to himself. At least now he would have some more company. I just hope I don't lead them astray.

A small gasp went up from the middle of the room, followed by a small commotion from the people around it. The reason was unmistakable. A new source of light had emerged to accompany the sole ray of sunshine from above. It was only a soft dim glow, barely more than an infant of a beacon and not much stronger than a candle. The generator of the light smiled brightly, her little ball of ki illuminating her proud face.

She like Gohan stood out starkly from the other people. They were similar in age, barely into their teens. Gohan sometimes idly wondered if this place was suitable for her. All the other members of the program, in fact everyone within a 50 kilometer radius was with the military or the government. It was hardly an ideal place to grow up. Gohan was used to such conditions. Still, he was grateful for her company. She was the only person his age in the base he was now temporarily residing in with his brother and mother. Apart from the training, he was also taking a heavy academic course-load, as per the government's agreement with his mother. His brother Goten was likewise staying with him and receiving private tutoring as well, but he was only 3. While Gohan loved his little brother, the tiny tike could be a bit too much sometimes especially when Trunks came to visit with Bulma. Most days, apart from his students and his previous friends, he really only ever had the opportunity to speak to one person.

Gohan happily smiled at his friend's success. "Congratulations Videl, I knew you could do it."

She smiled warmly in return to his praise and turned her head back downwards in concentration, feeding more of her energy into the little warm ball she held in her hands. Moments later, inspired by her success, or maybe embarrassed that a teen could do what they couldn't, several other sources of light gradually crept into existence. Gohan was glad that some of his students were succeeding, but apart from those few successes, no other orbs of ki had come into existence. He could feel the rest of his students' ki's fluctuating more rapidly now, their frustration shining through in his senses. He knew that it was going to take some time, especially for those who had already received their ki implants and were used to generating it artificially. Now they had to relearn everything and do it naturally. Bad habits were hard to break and now they were having the most difficulty in making that first step on their own.

Gohan waited a few more minutes, hoping that someone else might succeed, but when none was forthcoming he spoke up. "Maybe it's time to take a break," Gohan stood up and flicked the light switch on. With the additional light, his eyes confirmed what he had earlier sensed. Everyone in the room was drenched in sweat and panting. For most of them, this was their first time manipulating their own ki in such a manner and the exertion had taken a toll on them. I'll have to make them stronger he thought pensively. Everyone else had stood up as well. Oh yeah, they're waiting for me to dismiss them. I don't think I'll ever get used to this military stuff.

"Let's take a 15 minute break and meet out front afterwards." Everyone filed out of the room. Videl stayed behind and walked over to Gohan.

"Did you see that? I did it! I generated my own ball of ki," she beamed. "I can't believe it either, can you? Hell, I might even be able to fly soon. Wouldn't that be great?"

"Yeah, that was very impressive. I'm sure your dad will be very impressed."

"Him? I don't think so," Videl grimaced and glanced down slightly. "He won't even show me the move he used to finish off Cell, much less a simple ki beam." Gohan chuckled silently to himself. He had agreed with the government to maintain the official story: that Hercules had defeated Cell. They just added a postscript that stated the lights and tricks weren't really tricks but advanced energy techniques pioneered by Hercules school of martial arts. He just didn't want to scare the public by making them think he was some sort of monster but had now changed his mind with some prodding from the government. The other fighters were his true disciples and used to gauge the strength of Cell before Hercules came and delivered the finishing move.

Gohan's official cover story to the personnel at the base and to Videl was that he was indeed the delivery boy that had fought Cell and one of Hercules' top students and why he was teaching them instead of the champ himself. Gohan's golden hair was just a disguise to protect his true identity. Hercules was unavailable due to lingering injuries suffered from the Cell Games and would require time before teaching again.

"Uhh, Gohan? Are you there?" Videl jabbed him in the stomach.

"Yeah, sorry about that, my mind was just wandering. I'm sorry."

"Hmmph," she turned her nose. "Your mind does wander a lot, but I forgive you, but only if you tell me what we're going to do for the rest of the day. That little technique was pretty tiring, I'm exhausted actually. How do you do it so effortlessly? Even the other soldiers here can't do it at all but you just make it seem so easy."

Gohan scratched his head. "I guess I had a good teacher?"

Videl visibly blanched at that. "He might be a teacher, but he can be a really crappy dad. He won't even teach me, and I'm his own daughter. The only thing he's ever done was to pull some strings and get me into this program. And even then, I think it was to get me out of his hair."

Gohan paused, unsure of what to say. This area had always been a sore spot of contention between them, especially when they had first met, but Gohan's naturally jovial and friendly nature had eventually won her over. Her lack of options for friends at the base also helped somewhat. He couldn't blame her initial resentment though. He too would have been jealous if he thought his own father had refused to train him and instead trained some complete stranger. It was probably why she was so driven to succeed, desperate to prove her father wrong, that she could be just as strong as guys. He couldn't help but smile a little at that, the irony was just so intoxicating. When no answer was forthcoming from Gohan, Videl continued.

"That little exercise back there, is that something my dad taught you how to do?"

"Yeah, it's something my master taught me," Gohan answered coyly. Videl rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, a master asshole," she muttered. "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't speak in such a way towards the savior of our planet and to your own master." Gohan winced slightly, he didn't want to upset his friend but he was always unsure of what to say when the subject of Cell and Hercules came up. He didn't want to lie but telling the truth would destroy what last shred of faith Videl had left in her father. Gohan sighed. Dad would know what to do. But he's not here, so I'll just have to make do. Gohan put on his best smile and placed his hand reassuringly on his friend's shoulder.

"Don't worry Videl, I'm sure your dad has his reasons just as I'm sure he loves you more than anything." Videl glanced at him, half dubious, half reassured. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up Gohan, at least you're a good guy."

Gohan chuckled, putting his hand on his head, "Well I do my best."

Videl smiled at his trademark look. "You certainly do, you even tried to fight Cell by yourself. Man you must be dumber than I thought. My dad must've hit you too many times in the head while he was training you."

Gohan nodded, his thoughts drifting to the methods Piccolo and his own mother would employ while teaching him, "Yeah, teachers can be pretty strict sometimes. That reminds me," Gohan looked down at his watch, "the break is almost over. We should hurry out front to catch up with the rest of the class."

"Right, just lead the way."

As soon as they exited the building, a familiar voice greeted them. "Hey you two, hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"Hey Krillin," Gohan said, "I'm sorry, I didn't even notice you were so close. How's your training going along? I'm sure you're making an excellent teacher, I hope 18 and Roshi aren't too big of a trouble."

"18's been a little distant, but I think she's coming around. Being around people who are sort of like her has cheered her up. I think Roshi's a little peeved that we had tricked him." After some pressure and prodding, Krillin had eventually gotten Roshi to reopen his turtle school at the base with some hints that the training would be coed and that some of the female candidates were extremely well fit and toned. He had then made sure that all of Roshi's future students were male to prevent any unfortunate accidents from occurring.

"As for how Super Sa-Gohan might not have noticed me, I'd say that had something to do with you focusing too much on your company. Am I right, or am I right?" Krillin chuckled.

"What? Me? Are you referring to Videl?" Gohan said dumb-folded then looked at Videl who shrugged her shoulders. "No Krillin, it's not like that at all. Videl and I are just friends, and besides I'm her teacher and she's my student. It wouldn't be appropriate. Isn't that right?"

"Yeah, we're just friends," she answered, crossing her arms. "Besides, my dad's forbidden me to date anyone, and even if I could, I wouldn't be interested in Gohan. He's like a little brother to me. Someone's got to keep an eye out on this lug head after all."

"What? I'm older than you are!"

"No you're not , I looked up your birth records, I'm officially 4 months older than you are, so there. See, you need me to watch over you, can't even remember your own birthday."

"Well, I…" Gohan paused, almost mentioning his year-long stay in the Hyperbolic time chamber. He had no idea why he wanted to win this argument.

"See you two are already bickering like an old married couple," Krillin laughed again.

Videl glowered at the monk, "Don't you have a class of your own to get to? Don't want to keep all those cyborg tinheads waiting!"

"Whoa, better watch out Gohan, she's got a mean temper," Krillin mockingly raised his hands in a protective gesture and slowly backing away while facing Videl. "But she's right, I've got a class to get to. Don't want to keep those tinheads waiting, also don't want to keep disrupting your make out session… Oh hey watch it" Krilling ducked, a small ki blast zinging over his head.

Gohan watched wide-eyed at a heavily panting but Videl, a small trail of smoke leaking from her extended palm. She had a triumphant look on her face. "Next time, I won't miss" she growled.

"Sheesh, can't take a joke, alright you two lovebirds take care," Krilling flew off into the distance, grabbing the last word.

"What a jerk," Videl muttered then turned back towards Gohan, "Well, are we going or not?"

"Yeah, yeah, we're going" was his only startled response.

After a minute they came to a large clearing where the rest of Gohan's students were waiting. The base itself was a sprawling encampment so there was room for greenery. Surrounding the clearing was a grove of trees with two openings. One led back to the building where they had originated from. The second led to a long rough trail which would eventually lead to a mountain. Off to the side was a large stack of turtle shells and weights.

Gohan floated into the air a few feet above where the crowd had congregated. The sight of the floating boy instantly drew them into attention, even Videl.

"I hope you guys have had a nice break because this next phase in our training is going to be even harder. In order to properly manipulate a significant level of ki, you need a strong base to draw your energy from. That base comes from yourself," Gohan pointed at his heart, "From your own body. That means we're going to strengthen that base, and we're going to use ki to do it. You all have some degree of knowledge on how to control your energy. Off to the side is a stack of heavy weights, you're going to put them on and join me for a run. These weights are normally too heavy for even a regular person to use, at least not without causing severe damage to his body. To avoid that, you will have to use your inner ki to boost your strength. Each shell and stack of weights will have your name on it. I've personally adjusted their mass to provide the optimal level of challenge, not too heavy, not too light. Please put on your weights and meet me up front in five minutes."

"Yes sir" came the roaring response.

After 5 minutes, the class punctually assembled at the base of the trail behind Gohan who was clothed in his own set of weights and shells, however, his weights were much higher than his students. It wasn't obviously noticeable, but his weights had prototype portable gravitational enhancers designed by Capsule Corporation. Gohan turned around and surveyed the troop. Already many were sweating under the strain of their heavy loads but he had confidence they would succeed.

"Let's go."