Disclaimer:- I don't own Dragon ball and related series or products.

Thanks to all who supported. If anybody has any ideas regarding the story, they are welcome to provide.

Note: Due to a glitch in FFN, I was forced to delete and re-upload chapters 5 to 9. I apologize for the inconvenience.

-ooooooooo-

"Bye mom", shouting this, the eighteen-year-old demi Saiyan levitated up to few metres and then blasted away while being careful enough not to cause any harm to the surroundings. His destination – Orange Star High School.

Flying over the edges of Mount Paozu, he couldn't help but think how did he got roped into this situation. Of course, he didn't want to go to school, not when he was already miles ahead of his would be fellow classmates. But the factor influencing most of his decisions - his mom wanted him to.

If it were a few years earlier, she would have just stated her desires followed by tilting her head towards either of her shoulders, with the nose pointed high. Though her body language wouldn't have affected his decisions, the frying pan in her left hand sure had.

However, in the past seven years, after his father died and Goten was born, she had changed. Of course, Piccolo's …ah somewhat heated argument with her, which had happened a few days after the Cell Games, when she had denied Piccolo's notion of training him, was the reason.

He knew his mentor was already fed up with her obsessive ideas and it wasn't surprising when he fired back, stating that if she had allowed them to train him properly when they were preparing for androids, he would have had a better grasp of his power and Goku would have lived.

And, that if she wanted him to follow a different path then why had she married to Goku in the first place, knowing very well that he would not change his mannerisms and obviously, any child born of them would definitely try to follow the footsteps of both the parents.

The words were surely harsh but they had hit on the right spot. He knew Piccolo was right and therefore, hadn't interfered. She mellowed down greatly after that, though the shift happened over a span of a few days.

Goten's upbringing was a definite proof of that if his training with Vegeta of all wasn't. Still, she couldn't be called totally above and beyond influencing his decisions. Him going to school was proof of that.

He wasn't too supportive of the idea despite knowing very well what the outcome would be. He gave his arguments that he already knew what they would be teaching in the school, how he wouldn't get time for training as peace never lasted forever and lastly, that there would always be a risk of people recognizing him as Bardock.

But she proved that she wasn't the Ox princess for nothing, by presenting her points in such a manner that no place remained for any argument. She had stated that not every person was as cunning as King Furry so he could safely use his Super Saiyan form while being careful enough of not allowing people to invade his personal space.

Then, that he was training for the last two years which definitely counted for something and he would always be able to use a couple of hours daily and if that wasn't enough, the newly modified time chamber which allowed the users to train twice every year would surely make up for the shortcomings, if any.

Though he clearly understood where his mom was coming from with these two reasons but it was the last one which sealed his fate. Her admitting that she wasn't sending him to school for education purpose but for making friends of his own age.

She has been asking him to make friends of his age for the last five years. Although, he wasn't all successful in comprehending why friends, only of his age, mattered as he clearly had the entire gang. But after he met Lime and spent some time with her, he started realizing the importance. Generation gap and fun time with peers was something else. The persons of your age understood you better. It was the reason he missed Lime now, who had moved to the south city last year.

Crossing sector thirty-two which was mostly a semi-industrial area, he could see a small canopy of forests at the skyline, which marked the beginning of the territory of the sector seventeen in which his school was located. Still, it was at a fair distance of about 500 miles. This small forest area was one of the few locations used by tourists in sector 17.

As he was flying, he saw a blimp floating below him which immediately caught his interest as the bird's eye view of the landscape had become a daily affair, so he was always looking for something new. Focusing on it he saw that it was an advertising blimp, with the advertisement displayed on both sides, which read - '60th ANNUAL FAIR - ORANGE STAR CITY'. No later, the memories of everything that had happened in the last six months flashed in his mind. The reason was the mention of the newly renamed Orange Star city.

Initially, he along with others had feared that the masses won't stay passive, and there would be a definite rise in social unrest but when nothing major had happened in the entire month, they had relaxed. Some minor protests had happened here and there but they were taken care of, by the officials. Though, the public had made a couple of demands.

He was really surprised when the mayor of the then-called Satan city, had announced on tv to change the name of the city to Bardock city. Of course, he didn't want that. So he had asked Dende's help without realising that the latter could be a bit more exertive. He had realised his blunder only when Dende had informed the mayor and the others by writing the message followed by his name in the clouds, literally. He had a hard time believing that, even now. Though the purpose was served an...

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Quickly he looked down only to realise that he had reached the outskirts of the 14th division of sector 17. He couldn't help but shake his head in slight dismay while descending, as his mullings were seriously getting out of control. This was the reason, he had set an alert in his Cc watch.

Landing in an empty alleyway and after checking around, he dashed towards his school which was a couple of miles away from there. He hadn't landed around his school as he didn't want anybody sighting him. No later, he was standing in front of the school.

Taking a moment, he scanned the front of the peach coloured building, just to sate his sudden curiosity, before entering it. A few seconds of ambling through the corridors described in the guide map published on his lecture schedule, he arrived at the door to his classroom, which was open.

Taking and then releasing a long breath, he entered the room only to become a subject to many stares which slightly stimulated his nervousness. However, immediately he remembered the trick taught to him by Bulma and employing that he lowered his gaze and quickly ascended the stairs and took an empty seat in the last row. Relief, akin to that of defeating a foe, flooded his being and his nerves began relaxing. He became sure that his first day would be spent in peace an…

"Hey, you joined today?"

...or not. He slowly turned his gaze towards his left, from where he had registered the female voice, only to come face to face with a blond, seemingly cheerful and cute looking girl. A quick and discreet glance at her being, so as not to offend her, showed her clothes and nice figure. Mind it though, he wasn't a pervert but a teenager, and nobody could blame him for that. Looking back at her face, he saw the expectant look which made him realise that he had yet to answer.

"Uh...yeah, new student."

He had to blink twice when the girl's face lit up like a candle, apparently on hearing his answer. Though he didn't know why.

"Great. By the way, I am Erasa", she voiced while extending her hand which he shook out of simple courtesy before replying, "Nice to meet you, I am Gohan."

"Your parents must be very fond of rice."

"I am sure they are." The sarcasm in his words wasn't missed by her as evident from the humorous laugh that soon followed.

"Jokes aside, let me introduce you to my friends…", he followed her left hand which she had bent to point over her shoulder, towards the only remaining duo in the last row. Immediate next to her, was a boy, also blond and supporting good muscles. And, next to him was...Videl Satan? Yes, she was sitting in the same row as him and apparently be studying in the same class too. But how did he miss this information? He obviously knew that she lived in Orange star city but not about the same school, "... this is sharpener, and that is Videl."

He registered Erasa's words before uttering a hello to the duo. And, in return he received nods from both of them.

"So, where are you from?"

"439, East District, Mt. Paozu." He replied casually but hadn't expected the consequence.

"WHAT!", Erasa's sudden outburst caught the attention of everyone followed by them looking at her as if she had grown a second head. She quickly uttered a sorry before continuing in a low tone, "But that's like a thousand miles from here, commuting daily isn't possible from that far."

"She is right dude. So, either you are lying or you can fly."

"Both of you got it wrong. I said I am from Mt. Paozu but never said I live there."

"Is there any difference?" The words spoken by Sharpener had a slightly challenging tone.

"There is." He was about to reply when he heard the words of Videl, and out of sheer curiosity to know what she would say, he stopped and focused towards her. His partners in the conversation also followed.

"He said he comes from Mt. Paozu but it doesn't mean he lives there. He can live anywhere in the world but his place of origin would remain the same."

Hearing her simple yet elegant response definitely impressed him. He knew there wasn't any special deduction made by her but the way she explained, really intrigued him. And, the expressions of Erasa and Sharpener, told him that they too had understood the point. However, to prevent any questions in the future, he decided to end the issue there only.

"She is right, for studying purposes I am living in a rented house at the outskirts of the city."

Both of them nodded towards him before Erasa decided to ask another question, but she had barely opened her mouth when the sound of door opening reverberated through the room. Turning towards the door, he saw a middle aged woman enter the room before shutting the door. A few brisk steps later, she was standing at the podium. He followed when the entire class stood up to greet her, and after she returned their greetings while gesturing them to sit down, he once again followed the suit.

"She is Mrs. Bourbon, our English teacher."

He heard Erasa's hushed voice and nodded towards her before deciding to focus on the teacher to see what she would teach them.

"Now students, before we begin, I would like to introduce a new student who has joined today. Mr. Gohan, please stand up" – he obeyed as asked – "Mr. Gohan here secured a total hundred on his entrance test, an unprecedented fact. I am sure you all can learn a lot from him. And, Mr. Gohan, if you need any assistance, you can always ask us."

Thanking her, he sat down and began listening to the teacher but a few seconds later he diverted his attention from her as there was no need to learn the comprehensive once again when he had already done it years ago.

-ooooooooo-

Looking towards the clock, he saw that a quarter of an hour was still there before the lecture will end. He couldn't help but sigh in dismay as this lecture was boring. He was seriously regretting his decision of joining the school but he…

"EARTHQUAKE!"

He barely registered the word before a crashing sound was heard from his right. Quickly, he turned in the direction only to see a strange sight. There was a hole the size of a basketball, in the right wall. The others had also turned towards it but before the unusual sight could be comprehended, someone shouted.

"Hey, the earthquake stopped." The words managed to shift the attention of everyone, including him, and they had only begun to inspect the surroundings when their teacher shouted.

"Students, let's get to cover while the tremors have stopped."

The advising words of the teacher were heard by the entire class followed by them rushing out of the room. He and his new associates also followed the rest.

A few seconds of striding later, they were standing in the ground area adjacent to their classroom. The students had formed small groups of their friends and were conversing among themselves. He was standing to the left of Erasa and flanking her right side were Sharpener and Videl, thus forming their own small group. He didn't know why he had decided to follow the trio of friends when they hadn't even asked him. Though they hadn't denied him either, so he chalked it up to his gut feeling.

"How could an earthquake occur here? It is totally unbelievable."

"Uhh...Erasa, I believe natural events like earthquake can happen anywhere."

"Not here, dude."

"Huh...why?", he couldn't help but voice his confusion.

"Orange Star city is an earthquake free zone and haven't displayed any tendencies of becoming one in the foreseeable future".

Videl's words definitely sated his confusion but also invoked his embarrassment. After all, he was the one who secured a total hundred in the geography section of the entrance test and yet failed to perceive such a simple point. However, before the others could detect his embarrassment, the voice of the teacher once again drew their attention.

"Let's go, students, it is safe to enter the building now".

The students visibly groaned but obliged. He trailed behind the trio, obviously to dilute his discomfort, with his eyes fixated on the ground ahead him. As he was walking, he saw something familiar lying on the ground. Crouching, he picked it up while checking it.

"How did it get here?'' he muttered audibly.

"How did what get there?"

Hearing Erasa's voice, he looked up only to see the three of them standing around him and giving him questioning looks.

Realising that they must have stopped after seeing him like that, he replied, "My pen, and it was lying here". He raised the object to give a better view to the trio.

"It's a Capsule corporation made pen, isn't it?" Sharpener voiced after taking the pen in his hands and rotating it.

"Yeah, a family friend gave it to me as a gift for my eighteenth birthday", he said recalling the day when Bulma had called him to her house and gave the pen as a gift. He had thanked her for the gift but the confusion was apparent from his visage as in the end, it was just a pen. Seeing that Bulma had calmly explained the reason to him. Apparently his mother had called her and asked for some writing instrument which wouldn't break so easily in the hands of a demi-saiyan. And, Bulma had created this pen with a special alloy.

"Now that's something you don't see daily." Sharpener said while returning the pen to him.

"You sure you didn't drop it"?

Taking the pen from Sharpener, he answered Videl's question, "No, I remember having it in the beginning of the lecture".

"Hmmm...it only means one thing, your pen can use KI and flew here".

"Cut it Sharpy, and Gohan, you can look into it later, the next lecture is about to begin".

Taking a last glance at his pen before pocketing it, he nodded towards Erasa while standing up and was about to follow when he caught sight of that strange hole in the wall of their classroom. No later, his eyes snapped open as his mind connected the dots.

'Damn...I did it again' he mused while following the trio as he didn't want to induce their suspicion by stopping again, not when he already knew what had happened.

He remembered having the pen in the beginning of the lecture as he had used it to tick the first lecture in the time table before repeatedly tapping it on his right temple. A few seconds later, he had begun shaking his leg which apparently caused the earthquake leading to somebody shouting about it, which had jolted him out of his daydreaming, and it must be during that time, he would have hurled his pen away and through the wall due to his strength and the material used in it.

He was sure about this, as it had happened before, the only difference being Goten who had shouted his name when his leg shaking had caused tremors in their house. His mom had admonished him for displaying careless tendencies followed by a pan to his head.

"Hurry up Gohan".

Erasa's voice, once again, brought him out of his musings, and after deciding to look into his problem, he hastened after them.

-ooooooooo-

He breathed a sigh of relief when the bell rang indicating the end of the ongoing lecture and the beginning of the lunch period. Dende knew how much suffering he had to endure since morning. These lectures were boring, and him knowing everything that was taught, only made it worse.

Standing from his seat, a bit too excitedly, he joined the trio of friends who were waiting for him at the door. This time they had invited him to lunch, establishing his belief that they had begun to consider him a friend. Soon they were ambling towards the cafeteria and as expected by him, Erasa was the one to spearhead the conversation.

"So Gohan, how's the daily life in Mt. Paozu?"

He didn't have to think about the answer as the words came out of his mouth on their own, "It is wonderful. The entire area is quite beautiful, calm and serene. The first thing that greets you in the morning is vivid greenery. It immediately refreshens you. A dip in the lake nearby, instantly alleviates any stiffness as well as drowsiness. Even after spending the entire day in the area, you just can't get enough of it. The scenery is only highlighted at night when moonlight embraces it, and the cool breeze is only soothing". He finished and looked at them only to blink when he saw the expressions of awe and even amusement.

"... What?"

"Are you a poet, mountain boy?"

"No...where'd that come from?...and mountain boy?"

"The way you said that, seemed like a poet was talking". The words were laced with slight amusement.

"Uhh...I guess I can take that as a compliment, thanks Erasa"

"And, I called you mountain boy, since you come from there".

He was about to reply to this statement but Erasa waved her hands and succeeded in getting his attention, along with the other two.

"You know Gohan, your words have caught my interest, I would definitely visit Mt. Paozu. I hope that's okay with you?"

"Sure, just inform me in advance".

"Done".

Her excited reply made him chuckle and he couldn't help but voice, "You're acting as if it'd be your first time".

"Yeah, tell him E", Sharpener's words were followed by a short laughter, and even Videl cracked a smile at that.

"Huh?", he could only voice his confusion at that.

"Ignore him Gohan, he is an idiot, and yes, It would be my first time visiting Mt. Paozu."

He understood her point but why did she put an emphasis on the word visiting, was beyond his comprehension. Though, he didn't voice it.

"In fact, even Sharpy and V can tag along. I am sure they also haven't visited that area before".

"I have, Erasa, in fact a couple of times. Back when my father was here, we used to fly to the Ox kingdom for the annual ball. However, I have only flown over the area".

He was really surprised on hearing that. He didn't know that Videl used to come to the annual ball organised by his grandpa. Though, it wasn't like that he himself had attended any. He and his brother would spend the day exploring the vastly diverse nature of Mt. Paozu, while his mom would attend the party.

"But that was with your father, and this time it would be us. Both are different V".

"I will think about it".

Any further conversation was halted when they reached the cafeteria. Entering it, they easily found an empty table. Taking the seats, they opened their lunch boxes or a capsule in his case.

"You know, for a mountain boy, you are really loaded".

He understood what Sharpener was implying, first it was his pen and now a capsule tiffin. Arranging his food, he replied, "I believe it's due to living in the mountains only. We are able to get the basic items like meat, vegetables and other crops from our farms only. Gas is not needed as we use firewood. So, all that saving goes in purchasing these items. And, it isn't like that we don't have any friends in towns and cities. They occasionally bring some good gifts."

"Hmm...that seems plausible."

"Hey, this means it's fresh food, right, like straight outta farm type?"

"Indeed Erasa, you can have anything you like."

"Really…", reaching the square plate, she grabbed a grilled fish before trying it and immediately her face morphed into that of a delight and she exclaimed while looking towards him," That was the best fish I have ever had. I can't put words to express my delight. Really Gohan, thanks for sharing that".

"It's alright Erasa, you can have more, you guys too." He slightly shifted his big rectangular plate towards them, as an indication. And, soon he was eating and sharing his food with them.

Ten minutes later the food was finished but not his appetite. He wanted to eat more as he had only brought limited food so that he could mingle with normal humans. He knew it was necessary but it didn't mean he had to like it and…

"So, can you fly yet, Sharpener?"

He blinked at the sudden topic as well as at the fact that Videl had initiated a conversation. She was, after all, silent in most of the conversations while replying sporadically. However, he really wanted to hear this conversation as it was definitely interesting.

"Nah, but I am close, I can feel it. What about you? With Tien as your teacher, you should've been playing all birdie-birdie by now."

So, the rumors of Tien teaching the daughter of Hercule were true. Bulma and later Krillin had told him that Tien began to teach her when she had approached him a month after the showdown.

"The same as you. I can also feel my KI but can't manipulate it to fly, however Tien assured me a soon success."

"And, what about other abilities?"

"Why don't you tell me first what Krillin's teaching you?"

His eyes widened slightly hearing this new piece of information. He knew Krillin was planning to open his own school when the idea of a joint school with Tien, was dropped, but he didn't expect it so soon. After all, Krillin had stated that due to his family, taking out time to train the students was a bit difficult. It was also a reason when the idea of a joint school was dropped out.

"Hmmm...everything that can make me a master of the Turtle style." The words of Sharpener had a slightly cocky tone.

"Well two can play this game, I also know enough to be called a prodigy in the Crane style."

He was really impressed with the foresightedness employed by Tien and Krillin. He remembered when they had rejected the idea of joint school proposed by Master Roshi. Initially, he and others hadn't comprehended the reason behind that, but when Tien had explained that he wanted to reestablish a healthy rivalry between the students learning Crane style that he would teach, and students learning Turtle style that Krillin would teach, they all had understood the point. And, the scenario in front of him, was only substantiating that.

"Please tell me Gohan, at least you are normal unlike these KI fanatics".

"His skinny frame is your answer, Erasa."

He brushed aside Sharpener's words and was about to give a suitable reply to Erasa, when the ongoing breaking news caught his attention.

'...ext week marks the completion of six months since the Great Showdown happened. It was the day when the greatest fraud in history was revealed and…'

"Uhh...should be go somewhere else?"

-ooooooooo-

"Uhh...should be go somewhere else?"

The words raised her intrigue. After all, it was definitely unprecedented, at least for her, that a complete stranger would care for her feelings when even her closest friends, save a few, had left her. Wasn't he affected by her father's schemes or did he simply not care at all? She couldn't understand this point, not since he appeared in their class in the morning. He hadn't displayed any wariness towards her when everyone else, save Sharpener, Erasa and a few teachers, had. He had conversed with her as if they were friends and even shared his food. And, now these words, obviously spoken for her, only supported his well-wishes for her. However, she won't accept him as a friend so easily. He could very well be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Moreover, she had practised the policy of selection even when she had a high status implying total safety, so selecting her friends now was simply natural, when most of the populace distrusted her.

Signalling Sharpener, using a code known only to the three of them, she indicated her desire.

"Why?"

"Huh."

There, he said it again. It wasn't possible for somebody to be so dense that he couldn't comprehend even the basic things. But she decided to reserve her opinions for now, while discreetly signalling to Erasa to keep quiet.

"You said we should go somewhere else, I ask why?"

"Umm…due to the stares."

"They are directed at her, why do they bother you?"

She saw he quieted hearing that, obviously to concoct a lie. A few seconds passed and yet he didn't answer, establishing her belief that her paranoia was well placed. Deciding the course of action, she began to speak…

"They should bother..."

But stopped when she heard his words, and decided to hear what he had to say.

"...not only to me but to everyone. She doesn't deserve it, not when she is completely innocent. We all know this treatment of her is due to her father who I admit was wrong, and he is paying for that in the prison, but she shouldn't be enduring this. Moreover, the royal court declared her as completely innocent in the petition alleging her to be a co-conspirator with her father. Even before that, Bardock as well as King Furry, personally vouched for her. And, even if we ignore that, we can not ignore her deeds. She has been working very hard for the safety and well being of the people of this city. All this points out that her mistreatment is completely unjust and needs to be stopped immediately."

Complete silence followed his words. She couldn't believe that a stranger would think so highly of her, but the words were definitely not lies, as the emotions and feelings could easily be felt. A quick glance to her right revealed that Sharpener and Erasa were the same.

"Gohan…" –getting his attention, she continued– "First of all, I apologise for giving you a sort of cold treatment, and don't deny it, I know that you know it too. But it's bound to happen when almost the entire world distrusts you. There is always a risk of someone taking advantage, and due to this, I have a very limited number of acquaintances and even more limited number of friends. So, you can't blame my surprise as well as suspicion that you, a total stranger, would support me. I couldn't accept that, not before hearing your reason."

Taking a breath, she continued, "But now, I can say that you are completely honest person, one who is very rare in this world, and I would be a fool for not having you as a friend. So, allow me to start it over. Hello Gohan, I am Videl Satan, and I hope we can become good friends." She finished while extending her right hand.

She nearly chuckled when he took a few seconds to process everything while focusing on her extended hand which he slowly grabbed with his left before gently shaking it while rubbing the back of his head with his right hand, an expression she found quite endearing.

"Now Gohan, I really appreciate your concerns, but I am not one of those who would run away from their problems. These stares don't bother me, not when I haven't done anything wrong. However, since this moment marks the beginning of our friendship which I definitely want to cherish, we can go somewhere else."

"There is no need for that."

Hearing a familiar yet unwelcomed voice made her frown. What the hell was she doing here? Turning towards the speaker of the words, she immediately voiced her thoughts, "What do you want Angela?"

"I...I j-just want to say...sorry...for everything that I have done. I admit I was wrong...very wrong and nothing can rectify that nor I have any excuses for my actions. But if you ever find it in your heart, I request you to forgive me and them".

A chorus of apologies was heard behind Angela, and a glance behind her revealed that most of the students were supporting mortified looks.

She was totally surprised at the sudden turn of events. All these students had made her life as difficult as they could, and Angela had spearheaded the campaign. She had become the bane of her existence in the school. And now, they were asking for condonation.

"What's the sudden change, Angela?"

After Sharpener voiced his question, she saw Angela becoming quiet for a second before biting her lip and replying, "His words...they forced me to reflect on my past deeds which I again admit were wrong."

Initially surprised that Gohan was able to shift the paradigm of so many people without realising, she shook her head to clear her thoughts before standing up and coming face to face with Angela, and spoke, "You are right, after everything that you all have done, I can't think of any possible way of forgiving you, but Bardock stated that everyone deserves a second chance, and if I don't follow that, I would be going against his beliefs of honesty and cooperation. So, I believe we all can start it afresh".

-ooooooooo-

"I would be going against his beliefs of honesty and cooperation…"

His smile dimmed a bit on hearing that. Thankfully, nobody noticed his reaction as they were busy with the apologies and ironing out their issues. He knew that by concealing their Saiyan heritage and some other facts, they hadn't been completely honest. He had argued this point before the showdown, but the mothers of their group had declared that they didn't want to see their children as test subjects of someone like Dr Gero. Further, Tien had stated that they had every right to keep their privacy. He had dropped the issue after that, clearly understanding where they were coming from and...He stopped his thought train when Sharpener turned towards him with his face indicating his desire to speak.

"Mountain boy, earlier I called you a poet, I take that back. You, my friend, are a Preacher."

"Huh?" he could only voice his confusion.

There was a chorus of laughter in the cafeteria. What did he say?

"Hey, why are you laughing?"

The laughter only intensified.

"C'mon tell me!"

-ooooooooo-

Please Support and Review.

Sorry for the delay but that happened due to the busy schedule as well as my desire to make it as unique as possible due to most of the school-based stories ending as a cliche.

Forgive the mistakes, and anyone willing to be a BETA READER?