Parallel World Arc
Chapter 4: The Aoi Residence Part 1
Earlier in the morning, Yumi and Elize stared at the half-Saiyan sleeping peacefully in Yumi's bed. They looked at him with concern as Elize spoke up.
"Looks like Gohan has finally relaxed now..." Elize commented, "You told me he was muttering earlier, but when you got up to use the bathroom, the child was having a nightmare."
"Yeah..." Yumi nodded as they kept looking at him.
"I gotta say this child has some serious PTSD," Elize stated as she stared at him sternly, "It makes a lot of sense why he would when Gohan told us about what he endured as a four-year-old to Andriods destroying his world."
"Remind me... what is PTSD again?"
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," Elize informed. "It is a mental health problem you may develop after experiencing traumatic events. It has had different names in the past, such as shell shock. At first, it was a severe condition recognized in war veterans, but it was not only diagnosed in soldiers. It can happen to anyone who has undergone horrifying events, especially during childhood."
"For real?"
"Yes. There are symptoms for those who suffer from it." Elize articulated, "Intrusive thoughts they don't want to remember, nightmares, refusal to talk about the event, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in once enjoyed activities, depression, irritation, difficulty with concentration, and even hyperarousal."
"Arousal can be a part of PTSD?" Yumi asked with a confused look, "How does that work?"
"It occurs when a person's body suddenly kicks a high alert by creating a moment of weakness to think about their trauma. Even though real danger may not be present, their body acts as if it is, causing lasting stress after a traumatic event."
"Are you suggesting that people like some of the Pandoras and Limiters want to have sex with each other? As in, they want to create a sense of relief and security from the trauma they went through in their experience with the Nova?"
"It's a hypothesis, but that could be the case," Elize replied.
"Do you... Do you think that's why he keeps looking at me like that..?"
"Who knows? Maybe it is due to Gohan's trauma or his male hormones. I thought it was the latter, but I hope it is nothing deeper than that." Elize replied. "Even if that is the case to help them overcome their problems, then so be it. We may be young, but those around us don't care about our issues because humanity depends on our success. The only reason we, or at least a majority of them, are being considerate of Gohan is because he's still too young and isn't involved with what goes on on this campus."
"That is true... I am glad we were able to calm him down."
Flashback
"I'll get you, Frieza! Do you hear me?! I'll get you for what you have done!" Gohan shouted as he was moving around frantically as the girls tried to wake him up or get him to calm down.
"Frieza?" The girls thought in unison
"Gohan, please settle down!"
"Calm down, Gohan!"
Yumi and Elize heard Gohan's screaming and frantically moving around. He was moving around enough to cause damage to the bed, wall, and especially the girls. The Saiyan youth has been through enough training to control his ki and not use more force on his surroundings. Gohan was moving around with the strength of an ordinary child.
"I'll kill you! I swear I will! You and those androids!"
"Gohan!"
Gohan opened his eyes as he got up in a fighting position, and the youth was sweating like crazy. He saw the girls looking at him with a mix of concern and relief on their faces.
"Yumi? Elize?" Gohan spoke exhausted as he was hyperventilating, "Did I have another nightmare?"
"Is this the first time you reacted like this?" Yumi asked worriedly
Knock knock knock
"Ah, shit..." Yumi thought to herself
They heard a knocking noise coming from their room as Elize sped up and opened it. It revealed a few Pandoras in their pajamas or nighties are looking at Elize with facial expressions wanting answers. Some of the girls appeared concerned, and others seemed annoyed.
"Crap..." Elize thought to herself
"We heard some loud noises coming from here..."
"What's going on?"
"Is everything okay?"
"Do you realize what time it is?"
"Everything is fine, ladies..." Elize reassured them, "Gohan just had a bad dream, that's all..."
"Gohan?" A Pandora asked curiously
"The child we found mortally wounded this afternoon."
"Oh, him. That's his name?"
"That's a weird name to give your child..." A Japanese Pandora remarked
"I recall hearing he was under your care."
"U-Um..."
The Pandoras and even Elize turn to look in the direction of where the voice came from as Gohan appears to be embarrassed by his action. He stood in front of them with a blush and had his head down. The boy tried his best to find the right words and made sure he wouldn't stutter to let them know what the youth was about to say to them.
"I-I'm so sorry for waking you ladies up at this hour of the night!" Gohan spoke as he was bowing his head. "I just had a bad dream! I promise you it won't happen again!"
The females looked at the boy for a moment, then at each other, and made their facial expressions at the whole thing. They let out a defeated sigh, put on a look of forgiveness, and a reassuring smile before leaving. The girls spoke to him before departing.
"It's alright, child. Go back to sleep."
"He is young and probably been through a lot."
"It's rude to ruin a lady's beauty sleep, kid..."
"Just be careful next time, alright..."
"Get some rest, Gohan. No one is going to harm you here."
As the Pandoras walked away from Yumi's and Elize's room, the individuals could not hear their footsteps.
"I still can't believe that's his actual name." The Japanese Pandora commented
"Why? What does it mean?" A British Pandora asked her
"Quiet! Let's get back to bed!" An older Pandora who looked and sounded like the oldest among them ordered. It was enough to shut them up afterward as they walked to their rooms.
While Elize looked to see if they were gone, she quietly closed the door, felt relieved, and turned to see Gohan meekly shaking his body around with Yumi beside him.
"I'm sorry for the trouble I have been causing you..." Gohan mumbled, not making eye contact with the girls
"It's alright, Gohan." Elize said as she patted his head, "We settled the situation."
But..."
"No, "but" let's just get back to sleep," Yumi spoke.
The Present
"Still, I wonder who this "Frieza" person is..." Elize muttered, "Gohan did say there was something before these androids they were preparing for. Could it be this "Frieza" be the threat he was talking about, or was he the creator of those mechanical menaces? Still, it is hard to believe there's a Terminator-type story happening in other universes. "
"Say Elize..." Yumi spoke as she got her attention and stared at Gohan with concern. "Do you think we shouldn't pry into Gohan's childhood?"
"Huh?"
"You said it yourself that people who've experienced PTSD tend to avoid sensitive topics of their past." Yumi commented, "I believe we should let him talk about it when he feels like it."
Elize was grateful for Yumi's thoughtful suggestion and realized they should also inform Shion and Kazuha about their decision.
"Yeah, I guess your right..." Elize replied, "We should probably tell Shion and Kazuha the same thing."
Yumi smiled before turning around and walking away.
"Where are you going?"
"To take a shower, of course. We still have time before class starts."
A few minutes later
As Yumi was in the shower with the hot water covering her seductive body from head to toe, a particular German woman entered the bathroom naked. The busty Korean widened her eyes in shock before she protected herself on instinct.
"H-Hey, what are you doing?!" Yumi shrieked as she covered her body
"I am going to class with you. I figured we should shower together since it would make things faster." Elize reasoned as she closed the door and in front of the sprinkler, "Besides, we are both females, so I don't see the problem here."
"Shower together?! Don't see the problem?!" She asked as Elize got inside with her
"Yeah, you have a problem with that?" She asked with a raised brow in Yumi's direction.
"Of course I do!" Yumi replied, "Since when did you start caring about coming early for class anyway?!"
"Since our little guest is sleeping peacefully, there isn't much for me to do right now," Elize replied calmly before looking away from Yumi and continuing her shower. "Besides, I don't want to wake him up. A good child deserves a good rest."
"I can't believe you are doing this," Yumi muttered as her frustration grew by the second. It didn't escape Elize's notice as she turned to look at her.
"Doing what?"
"Never mind, but seriously, will you get out of here?!" Yumi said, feeling more frustrated by the woman in her presence
"I swear this woman can be so loud and obnoxious..." Elize thought with annoyance yet had a comical vein appearing on her head. She couldn't help but find it a bit funny despite her irritation.
Unbeknownst to the females, Gohan groaned at Yumi's loud voice as he quietly got up and rubbed his eyes.
"Miss Yumi?" Gohan muttered in a half-asleep manner with a bit of drool coming down his mouth
"Seriously, what is your problem?!" Elize asked with annoyance as she turned to look at her, "It's just a shower!"
"I need my space!" Yumi replied hurriedly
Elize was flabbergasted
"Space..?" Elize said as she kept her expression as the German girl ominously walked towards her roommate, who backed away cautiously without taking her eyes off her. "You mean..."
Yumi kept backing away until she turned around and groped Yumi's cleavage from behind.
BOING
"Space for these stupidly huge boobs of yours that take up the whole room?!" Elize asked as she grabbed her chest
"Kyaah!" Yumi screamed
"That was a cute noise... and did I just hear a "boing" noise?" Gohan muttered to himself, in a somewhat daze, "Am I awake or dreaming?"
"Are boobs jokes and gorilla remarks all you can come up with?! Let go of me!"
"Want me to help wash them for you?"
"I can't believe you! Get out!" Yumi shouted as it immediately got Gohan's undivided attention, and he was fully awake at the urgency of it alone.
"Yumi is in trouble!" Gohan thought as he got up and went to the bathroom. "I don't know what's happening, but the questions can come later! I must save her!"
"B-Baka! If you shout any louder-"
"Get away from Yumi-" Gohan shouted before he was dumbstruck when the boy saw a fully naked Yumi and Elize staring at him in the shower.
Yumi's face was red like a tomato, and her eyes were as big as saucers, while Elize was blushing with her face mimicking a deer caught in the headlights. A portion of mist was coming from the hot water, but it wasn't enough to cover their fully exposed female parts in front of the half-Saiyan. He could still see their beautiful bodies as there was silence, and the shower was still running. Gohan's face lit up like a Christmas tree as he let out an awkward chuckle while staring at them with his mind elsewhere.
"AAAAAAAAAHHH!"
Yumi's scream of embarrassment was so booming that it sent birds flying out of the trees and small creatures scurrying away in terror. The sheer intensity of her outburst was evident in the shattering of some of the windows on the campus.
Afterwards
"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"
Gohan humbly apologized while kneeling in front of the girls. He expressed his sincere remorse and asked for their forgiveness.
Yumi and Elize were fully clothed, but their faces were still red in embarrassment from being seen naked. It was even worse knowing it was a little boy who saw them fully exposed and not their future husband; they were saving themselves for their true love. The girls couldn't help but tightly cover their bodies instinctively as they bitterly recalled the bad memory.
"I could only hear Yumi's voice for what was happening in the bathroom!" Gohan said hastily in a comedic manner before he lifted his head in shock when he realized what he said, "N-Not trying to say it was her fault or anything like that! I should've known better, but I'm sorry!"
Upon making a lighthearted remark regarding Yumi's voice emanating from the bathroom, Gohan expeditiously recognized his misstep and promptly extended a heartfelt apology to rectify any offense caused.
The two females blushingly stared at him for a moment before Yumi spoke.
"It's okay, Gohan, don't worry about it," Yumi spoke venomously. She glared at Elize and added, "It's not your fault."
Elize was surprised by the remark and returned Yumi's glare.
"I know you're not blaming me for what happened," she irately responded.
Yumi retorted, "Of course I am! If you had just listened to me and gotten out of the shower, as I told you, this wouldn't have happened!"
"It's because you were so loud that Gohan saw us," Elize argued.
"I told you I needed my space," Yumi reminded her.
"And I told you there was no problem," Elize shot back,
"This is all your fault for not listening to me," Yumi accused.
"No! It's because you're just a loud and obnoxious woman," Elize retorted.
"What did you say?!" Yumi demanded.
"You heard me!" Elize snapped.
The Pandoras glared at each other with white eyes as animosity filled the room.
"Um..." Gohan spoke hesitantly
"Stay out of this, kid/Gohan!" The Pandoras shouted in unison as they both glared at him. With Yumi saying kid and Elize saying Gohan. The boy flinched at their stare and the loudness of their voices as he was sweating bullets.
"Can't we all just get along...?" Gohan thought while crying to himself comically in his mind.
Knock knock
"What?!" Yumi and Elize shouted in unison
"It's Shion." The girl said calmly and loud enough for them to hear
Yumi and Elize locked eye contact with each other again.
"Open the door..." Yumi said to Elize in a commanding tone
"You open it..." She retorted with equal authority
"I'll open it..." Gohan muttered in an annoyed manner before making his way to the door.
"Thank you, Gohan," Shion expressed her gratitude.
"You're welcome, Shion. Good morning!" Gohan responded cheerfully.
"Good morning to you, too!" Shion reminded him with a smile.
"Good morning, Shion!" The Pandoras both cheerfully spoke in unison, which caused Gohan to sweatdrop at how quickly they changed their demeanor.
"Oh, so they will settle down for her..." Gohan thought with annoyance yet a hint of sadness
She then turned her attention to Yumi and Elize. "Good morning, ladies."
"How are you?" Yumi asked.
"Never better. I take it Gohan informed you about our little trip to visit Kazuha?"
"He did, and we believe it or not, a certain female among us has her reasons to meet the girl."
"Why is that?" Shion asked curiously with a raised brow
"Are you going to tell it this time?" Elize asked as she looked at her with a raised brow of her own
"I'll explain later..." Yumi informed
"Still, I find it odd Kazuha got last place in this carnival event for allowing Pandoras to be a part of an elite unit." Gohan thought curiously, "Out of all of them, Kazuha seemed like she was the strongest female student yet got last place. Something isn't adding up."
"Very well." Shion replied, "By the way, why was Yumi screaming so early in the morning?"
Gohan widened his eyes in shock as the girls blushed at this statement, especially the Korean. "How did you know it was Yumi?"
"I can't think of any other woman whose voice is as loud as hers," Shion replied casually.
Gohan sweatdropped with an awkward chuckle.
"I don't want to talk about it..." Yumi muttered with her head down and face red
"More like we don't want to talk about it..." Elize corrected as her face was slightly similar to Yumi's behavior but more reserved.
Shion looked bewildered as she stared at them before the Pandora turned her attention to Gohan. The hybrid shook his head nervously in response. Shion let out a loud sigh before speaking.
"Very well... After school, we're going get Gohan some brand new clothes and then to Kazuha's house..." Shion informed, which surprised Gohan greatly
"Wait, I thought we were going to Kazuha's house first thing in the morning."
"Nope. We are getting you some brand-new clothes when school is over, and then see Kazuha." Shion replied
"Do we have to?" Gohan asked, somewhat annoyed.
"Of course!" Shion replied as Gohan flinched, "Did you honestly think we would go to her house with you looking like that in front of her family?"
Gohan was perplexed until he looked at his battered gi clothing. He instantly recalled learning Piccolo's ability to change and give people clothing with his ki. Gohan also realized he never told them about his ability to use ki or even being a half-Saiyan. He wasn't sure if Pandoras and Limiters could use ki as well, and they were hiding their power levels but didn't know how to use this ability like him or his mentor. Gohan figured now was the best time to tell them he'd use his ki to make new clothing. It would save everyone the trouble.
"That won't be necessary-"
Before he could say anything, Shion had an ominous smile as she looked at him. Her glasses were covering her gaze as well.
"What did you say?"
Gohan's body shook at the tone in her voice. It sounded friendly but also had a sense of firmness to it.
"Nothing..." Gohan muttered but loud enough for them to hear and caused Shion to giggle and smile brightly in response
"I guess Shion is the scariest among them..." Gohan thought ominously
"In the meantime, while we are in class, what will you be doing
Gohan?"
"I'll just be in the cafeteria and walk around campus again," Gohan replied, shocking Shion.
"Even though you almost emptied the cafeteria yesterday, you're still hungry?!" Shion asked incredulously
"He did?!" Elize and Yumi shouted in unison disbelief. They knew he ate a lot, but the girls didn't know how much food he had consumed.
"Yes!" Shion comically shouted. "I know it was late, but they hardly had anything left for our classmates before closing!"
The two females looked at Gohan with the same reaction Shion gave him.
"I know you came from a nearly doomed world, but that is ridiculous!" Yumi replied, "It's a miracle you haven't suffered or died from a heart attack!"
"If you are not careful, you'll lose that impressive physique!" Elize commented, "You don't want to get fat, do you?!"
"If this is how people in this universe react when I eat food, then I wonder how they would react to seeing my dad..." Gohan thought to himself with mild amusement, "He makes me look like a lightweight in comparison..."
"I just want to see what they have for breakfast and then decide on having a light meal afterward..." Gohan replied innocently with some embarrassment in his voice. "After that, I'll go to the library and check out what kinds of books you have around here..."
"How much is a "light meal" to you?" Shion asked with a raised brow
"Oh, you know, just a few thousand calories," Gohan replied with a grin at them.
The faces of the females froze, and their pupils got noticeably smaller as if they were trying to process what he just said.
"If you don't see me near the fountain after school, I will wait for you outside the dorm room! Oh, Elize, your key is still on the table where I left it last night! Bye!" Gohan said as he comically left and closed the door
There was a silence in the room before Yumi spoke.
"We're gonna need to talk to him about his eating habits before we bring him to Kazuha..." Yumi dreaded causing the females to nod their heads, comically agreeing with her
Elsewhere
Margaret stood before a massive and otherworldly being. The creature's immense size was awe-inspiring as its shadow loomed over them in its vicinity. Her two companions promptly enlightened her about the remarkable specimen before them. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent the creature's skin is layered in hues of purple on the outermost part, a bright yellow on the lower section, and an exquisite orchid color at its core.
"As you can see, it's a near-perfect copy of a Type-F Nova." A blonde male informed Margaret, who was silently staring at the "Nova." "Of course, its powerful movements and attack capabilities are equal to the original. It is even programmed to stimulate defending its core from Pandora attacks."
"Are there any downsides I should know about...?" She asked without looking at him.
"There is one downside..." He replied. "We are unfortunately unable to give it the Freezing ability the Nova possesses... but that can make up for using the usual simulation system in tandem with it."
"I see..." She said stoically.
Margaret is a skilled veteran among her fellow Pandoras, regardless of age. Anyone who understands the lore of why they are called Pandora is from the Greek mythos; the name "Pandora" is referenced to Pandora's Box, where all of the world's evil is inside a single box. Opening the box would unleash doom unto the world. By injecting Nova tissues inside them, Pandoras are humanity's greatest asset; they also have the potential of being a corrupted version of the destroyers of the creatures they are trying to defeat.
Not only that, those who are also aware of the Greek lore view Pandoras more like the modern version of an Amazon instead of a lioness. Individuals like herself, Gengo Aoi, Howard L. Bridget, and many others think the same way. To them, modern problems require modern solutions to get the job done, but to Gengo, Pandoras are the upgraded versions of the Amazons.
Despite knowing this, Margaret also has concerns about creating fake Novas equal to the originals. The headmistress understood the importance of making this prototype for the Pandoras of this generation. She was worried that it could cause them to push their Stigmatas past their limits and make them into a Nova, or worst-case scenario, it could result in the prototype going haywire and bringing destruction with it. She knows just how powerful this type of Nova is.
Margaret has faced all kinds of Novas throughout her career during the prime of her youth and lost many friends from her experience along the way. The nun knew it would be a lie if seeing these things again up close didn't remind her of all the horrible things the woman wanted to forget. Not in the sense of PTSD, but feelings of anger, sadness, and regret she held in the past deep within her.
"Ma'am? Are you alright?" The other man asked while getting a closer look at her.
"I'm fine..." She replied with a smile at the man and finally looked at the blond with the same expression. "Is there anything else I should know about this prototype?"
"Not at the moment, Miss Lindman. That will be all." The blonde replied, "If there is any more information on the matter, I shall keep you updated."
"Please do..." Margaret replied
"We still have more to discuss. However, it is for tomorrow."
"Then I bid you farewell. Have a nice day, gentlemen." She said before walking away as the two men stared at her.
"I just hope Gengo Aoi knows what he is doing..." Margaret thought with concern.
Around this same time
Grand Canyon Chevalier Central Headquarters
"Ridiculous!" Someone shouted as he slammed his teacup on the plate. "Seiga Industries?! How could they let a company nobody's ever heard of handle a project that has our future resting on it?"
"They are a start-up that grew quite a bit after several rapid mergers and acquisitions," Gengo informed his colleague as he stood standing while drinking his cup.
"What is that Howard L. Bridget thinking?!" He asked while looking at Gengo. "I can't believe he's letting a start-up we know nothing about develop the new Anti-Nova training system?! Our simulator is cheaper and more effective! He already gave us the funding to work on it!"
"We got funding..."
"What?!"
"The L. Bridget family has prepared to fund our simulator as well," Gengo replied as his friend stared at him for a moment, "Of course, officially, it's just some unrelated funding from the Chevalier."
The man chuckled as he fully understood the situation now.
"I get it! That damn clever weasel! I bet Radox was making a bitter face about it!" He praised, "Radox always saw you as his rival too, even before he became commander. Did Howard give you funding aware of all of that..?"
"He always likes to come prepared..." Gengo replied confidently with a laid-back look
A ringtone went off in the room, and Gengo knew it came from his phone. The man took the phone out of his pocket and saw the name of who it was. His relaxed expression became stern until he changed it to a smile. His friend was quick to see the change in Gengo's demeanor.
"Is something wrong?"
"It's fine," Gengo said with a smile. "If you'll excuse me... I have to take this call..."
"Go ahead."
Gengo walked out of the room at his own pace. He kept checking to find a deserted area for this conversation and found no one around to hear his discussion before answering the phone.
"Report..." Genjo said stoically.
"We kept checking on them as you requested, Doctor Aoi..." A female researcher said on the line. "We haven't seen any septums or abnormal actives from them since yesterday when their energy levels rose higher than usual. The subjects are still stable and active."
"Still nothing...?" Gengo thought grimly, "Something's not adding up..."
"Are you sure Cassandra and the others are fine?" He asked skeptically
"Yes, Doctor..." The woman responded as she was trying her best not to let her frustration be apparent in her tone. "We have been examining them for hours, and nothing is wrong with the Pandoras despite what happened yesterday..."
"Hmm..."
"Sir?"
"Keep checking on them and inform me immediately of anything you discover."
The woman grunted a little before she replied.
"Yes, sir!"
Gengo hung up his phone as he walked down the hallway to his friend while the man maintained a stern expression.
"My daughters would never increase their energy level unless it was a matter of grave importance or something dangerous must've happened..." Gengo thought with concern yet determination. "I must find out what is responsible for this event... Perhaps I should also head to West Genetics and check on Maria to see if she is okay after this is over..."
A few hours later
A brown-haired Korean girl who wore the same outfit as Yumi and the others had a cast on her injured right leg. She had an average build, with light brown hair that framed her face and tied at the nape of her neck. The girl looked like she was the same age as Kazuha.
"Looks like that injury of yours will take longer to heal." A female doctor informed the Korean girl
"It's still a lot better than before, though." The Pandora said with a positive outlook on the matter
"You pushed yourself in that last carnival, didn't you?" She asked the girl with her arms crossed
"I had to." Miryung replied, "Everyone was giving it their all."
"You are so young, yet you've taken up the burden to protect humanity despite your age..." She said with admiration in her voice. "You, girls, are amazing..."
Miryung chuckled in embarrassment as she scratched her head.
"Not just you ladies and your limiters, but that little boy as well." She informed, which got Miryung's attention. "I don't know his story, but I can tell he must've been through a lot for his age. The fact that he can still smile and laugh despite whatever hardships he must've endured from his wounds speaks volumes about his character."
"I heard he was under Yumi-senpai's care. Is that true, Doctor?" Miryung asked curiously as the woman nodded
"Yes, do you plan on seeing her or the youth afterward?"
"Why not? I am not doing anything right now. Besides, it would be a lie if I wasn't a little curious about this child."
"You've still got a ways to go before your strength is back to normal, so take it easy." She advised
"Okay, thank you very much, Doctor," Miryung replied before leaving the room.
A few minutes later
"Now, where could you be..? Some of my classmates told me you were in this area." Miryung muttered as she was outside her school to find Gohan.
As the Pandora kept searching for the young half-Saiyan, Miryung felt a sudden pain in her leg. Miryung's eye twitched before she focused her attention on her lower appendage.
"It's taking longer to heal than I thought..." Miryung thought with concern in her voice. "However, I'm sure it will be alright. I'll be back in action in no time. Luckily, we get to work in teams for the joint exercise."
"It's been a while, Mirying Baek." A female voice spoke behind her, causing the Pandora to find the source.
Miryung's eyes widened when she saw who it was
A Japanese Pandora, the same age as Miryung, appeared with her right hand on her hip. The girl has most of her black hair swept around to the back in a clip save for bangs at the front with a sweeping side fringe. She seems to be of average height for a Pandora but is taller than Mi-Ryung Baek. She is wearing the same Genetics uniform as her.
"Saeko... Kotou." Miryung said with some surprise in her voice
"She is currently the top-ranked junior in East Genetics..." Miryung thought as she remembered her
Saeko snickered before speaking. "I heard you got kicked out of the Numbers over here."
"...?!"
Miryung clenched her fist in anger but didn't say or do anything in response to Saeko's provocation. The Pandora turned around and walked away from her.
"..."
Saeko didn't like her lack of reaction. So, she decided on a different approach to get one out of Miryung.
"I guess the West has fallen from its former glory." Saeko spoke with a condescending tone, which got Miryung to stop walking, "You were all much stronger back when you were like a bunch of rabid dogs, but it appears you've become a group of weaklings with that up-tight Yumi as your Student Council President. It must suck having a terrible leader like her."
"You can make fun of me all you want..." Miryung replied angrily but tried to control herself before she turned around and pointed her finger at Saeko. "But don't you dare mock Yumi-senpai! Especially seeing as you're the one who ran away to the East!"
Saeko seemed pleased by Miryung's reaction to her sneer before replying. "Ran away? I did no such thing."
"I just offered to transfer during the restructure. It's natural for Genetics to send students to a sister school if they are low on recruits, right?"
"..." Miryung didn't seem convinced by her words.
"You can make all the excuses you want..." Miryung replied, "But I know you just ran away because you were scared of the rules here."
"...! Huh?! Who gives a shit about your stupid rules?!" Saeko asked as she got a little closer to Miryung. "The West used to be strong, but we at the East are better now!"
"Gengo Aoi's granddaughter or whatever came here because of how lax you've gotten, too!" Saeko said mockingly, which got Miryung to flinch at her words. "You and the Numbers are nothing special anymore! That's why that little girl got in so easily, isn't it?"
Miryung's whole body shook in anger as she grunted her teeth before speaking to her former classmate. "Then how about I show you..."
"The power of West Genetics' Strongest Junior...!" She replied with a determined look as she locked eye contact with her. Saeko narrowed her eyes at Miryung; however, there was a noticeable drop of sweat on the left side of her face at the idea of fighting her.
"Fine with me," Saeko replied with a conceited smile. "I'd love to see it, too. Show me your oh-so-great "Strongest Junior" power from this academy."
"I'm ready when you are. Hell, why not right here and now?"
"Nah~" Saeko replied almost playfully as she backed away from Miryung, "I'm not really in a hurry or anything."
"...?!"
"I mean, beating somebody who got kicked out of the Numbers by some little girl's connections won't mean much anyway."
"However, I'm willing to change my mind if you want to make a bet..."
"What kind of bet..?"
"It's quite simple." Saeko replied with a devious smile, "If I win..."
"You will have to go in front of everyone and say "The West is a bunch of losers compared to the East"!" Saeko shouted as she pointed at her and shocked Miryung. "You will also say "We are all weak because Yumi Kim is a shitty leader!"
Miryung let out a sigh before replying to her demands. "I can't believe you..."
"Do you still think it is Yumi's fault that you didn't get first rank in our freshmen year?" Miryung asked her with a face of anger and a tone of annoyance
"Of course I do," Saeko replied, "She always favored you. If she didn't, then I would've been in the 1st rank. No question about that."
"..."
Miryung just stared at Saeko for a moment after hearing her bold statement. She didn't have a look of anger or disgust toward Saeko's remarks this time. Miryung just had a casual expression while looking at her former classmate. Saeko couldn't explain it herself, but something about Miryung's facial expression rubbed her the wrong way as her body started to tremble in anger.
"It's true!" Saeko shouted at the girl, whose expression remained visible, "I managed to become the 1st rank of East Genetics with no problem!"
"You truly are a sad little person..."
"What?!"
"Why didn't you put in the same effort you did to get the 1st rank at the East back when you were still here? Well?!" Miryung shouted as she pointed her finger at Saeko.
"The reason why you couldn't be recognized as the best Pandora over here and ran away scared because of your lack of ability!" Miryung shouted as Saeko seemed like the Korean's words damaged her ego. "Yet you are the 1st rank over at The East?! If anything, it shows how weak your school has gotten!"
Saeko grunted before replying to Miryung's words.
"Who are you saying ran away?" Saeko asked her, "I just offered to..."
"No." Miryung cut off as she approached her, "You ran away."
"From me." Miryung boldly declared as she stood in front of her with confidence. Saeko gritted her teeth as yet another drop of sweat appeared, but it was on the right side of her cheek this time. The Japanese girl's growing agitation became more apparent before she turned around and smiled at her.
"Well, whatever," Saeko said with a grin. "As usual, talking smack is the only thing you are good at."
"Please, go ahead and prove how great you are when we fight it out," Saeko said smiling, with her hair covering her face as the Korean stared at the girl.
"..."
"Just don't go running to anyone else for help." Saeko commented as the Japanese girl waved her off as she kept walking, "I'll give you a time and a place later. We'll finish this conversation before the joint training is over."
When Saeko was gone from the Korean's view, Miryung let out a sigh of relief.
"Wow! That was intense," Gohan commented as he appeared beside the girl, which caused Miryung to jump at his unexpected appearance and words.
"Wh-Wha?! Where did you come from?!" Miryung hysterically shouted, which caused Gohan to back away in a comedic fashion. "Don't scare me like that!"
"S-Sorry, miss!" Gohan apologized as he regained his posture and clapped his hands together. "I didn't mean to startle you or anything! I was reading a book from the library but overheard your conversation!"
"Oh, I see..." Miryung replied as she replied more relaxed, but when the girl got a closer look at the young half-breed, she realized who she was talking to.
"Wait, hold on! Aren't you that kid everyone has been talking about?!" Miryung asked him in shock
"Y-Yes! My name is Gohan! Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you, too. My name is Miryung Baek. A second-year Pandora of this school."
"We seriously need to talk about that..." Gohan thought with a sweatdrop, "This whole junior being second years when they should be sophomores is very misleading..."
"I already knew who you were from your earlier conversation," Gohan replied
"R-Right..." Miryung replied with her head down and a sweatdrop
"H-However, I still appreciate you telling me your name, anyway," Gohan replied, trying to make her feel better, "Yumi told me about you and had nothing but good things to say regarding her fellow Korean classmate."
Miryung's face morphed into happiness when she heard this information, "Really?!"
"Of course, when I asked Yumi about you, she was mad you didn't get into the Numbers unit," Gohan replied, glad to see her in a better mood. "Yumi spoke as if she was talking about her precious younger sister,"
Miryung smiled warmly
"By the way..." Gohan asked with genuine concern in his voice. "Do you resent Kazuha for stealing your position in the Numbers by using her grandfather's connections?"
Miryung's warm smile morphed into a blank expression when he asked her this question. This behavior continued for a bit before letting out a sigh and answering him.
"I won't lie... When I first heard about it, I was mad. But I'm over it now..." Miryung replied sincerely. "Connections are part of one's strength, after all. So, I'm not going to blame or harbor any ill will towards her for it."
Gohan smiled when he heard this reply. He didn't think Kazuha was an awful person for what she did, but the half-Saiyan knew she was more than qualified for the position. Not only was he grateful to her because she was one of the people who saved his life, but Kazuha also talked some sense into him about how he needed to bind his time to become stronger if he wanted to defeat 17 and 18. Even if they might not get along depending on the Aoi grandaughter's decision to live with her, Gohan wants a good and healthy relationship with Kazuha.
"That makes me happy..." Gohan thought, "I kinda wonder if she would've reacted worse than Yumi if that was the case..."
"You said you were training near the foundation, right? What do you plan on doing afterward?"
"I plan on taking it back to the library and doing some training here," Gohan replied, "I have to get stronger. I can't afford to become weak no matter what."
"You don't say..." The teenage Pandora said as she stared at the 11-year-old's physique from head to toe this time, "You didn't take any drugs to get this body, did you?"
"You are not the first person to ask me this question..." Gohan replied, exhausted by the question at this point. "No, this is all-natural."
As they kept talking, Miryung noticed the book Gohan mentioned earlier. He placed it near the foundation but made sure it wouldn't get wet in the process.
"If you don't mind, care to tell me what book you were reading?"
"Oh, it's an interesting book called Aesop's Fable," Gohan replied happily, "It's a very entertaining and educational book! It's my kind of book!"
"It's rare to see someone your age be interested in library books."
"My family was the type of people who wasn't interested in electronics. So we had other interests and hobbies as a substitute."
"Are you going back to your family today? You must know we can't let you stay here."
"We talked about that. Yumi and the others said they would take me to Kazuha and see if she'll let me live with her since she commutes here."
"Wait! She commutes here to the school?!"
"Y-Yeah... It was due to her grandpa..." Gohan nervously replied with an awkward chuckle
"Uwa... So it's like that, huh..." Miryung replied, "As I said, connections are our strength, and I hold nothing against her even after hearing this info."
"Glad to know your opinion of her still hasn't changed after hearing about it," Gohan replied.
"Hold on! How come you are staying with her and not your parents?"
"My parents are no longer with me..."
"I-I'm sorry..."
"It's alright."
"Smooth, Miryung..." She thought as she scolded herself, "Real smooth..."
"Now, can I ask you a question of my own?"
"Sure."
"Do you think you can beat her?" Gohan asked Miryung as her body flinched at his words
"Pardon?"
"Do you think you can beat her?" Gohan repeated, "That Saeko girl..."
Miryung narrowed her eyes at him.
"How much did you hear?"
"I pretty much heard everything from the beginning to the end," Gohan replied, "It's hard not to tell from my vicinity from your conversation where the bushes block our view from each other."
"I see..."
"You still didn't answer my question."
Miryung frowned before replying, "I know I can defeat her. Do you think I'll lose or something?"
"I think it will be a close fight, but it won't be easy for you, especially with your leg injury," Gohan answered as he looked at her leg, "If you were in your best condition, your chance at victory would be much higher."
"I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine." Miryung replied, "Also, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone what you heard today."
"Why?" Gohan asked curiously
"Because fights between Pandora for personal reasons are against the rules."
"Then don't fight her if it's that important," Gohan replied, which surprised her.
"If you heard what she said during our conversation, you know I can't back down." Miryung replied, "She insulted Yumi-senpai and The West. I couldn't ignore such disrespect."
"Oh, I heard it, and I'm glad you defended her because Miss Yumi is a nice lady. However, I didn't look like Saeko hates this school, Yumi, or even you, Miss Miryung."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I think Saeko admires you, Miss Miryung, but she either doesn't realize it because of Saeko's jealousy blinding her or doesn't want to admit it because of her pride," Gohan informed, which shocked the Pandora. "I don't know what kind of history you two had before, but I think she might want to be accepted and acknowledged by her peers. Especially by both you and Miss Yumi. Do you think there is a chance you gu-ladies can be friends after this is over?"
Miryung widened her eyes in shock.
She never thought of it until Gohan mentioned it. Saeko harbored jealousy towards her when she became recognized as the strongest Pandora of her year, but Miryung never considered Saeko to admire her. The Korean started to question if even the Japanese Pandora knew it herself. Miryung looked at Gohan like she was impressed by his insight.
"I-I didn't see it that way..." Miryung replied, "How did you come to that conclusion?"
"It's from personal experience of mine..." Gohan answered sincerely, "Only I took a more positive approach to earn the respect of others and a certain friend of mine who was rough around the edges with people, but I wanted him to get along with others..."
The friend Gohan was talking about is Piccolo. The Namekian was still rude toward the others before Frieza appeared on Earth. However, Gohan encouraged the Namekian that he needs to communicate with people correctly. Unlike Gohan, Piccolo didn't care what people thought about him, but the child wanted his mentor to be on better terms with them, especially his mother.
The young half-Saiyan just wanted them all to get along. Of course, Gohan secretly made it his mission that there would be no interaction with her until she was more accepting of his teacher and his social skills improved. It was easy for Krillin and the others to realize he was trying to be friendly to them compared to Vegeta, whose blunt and abrasive nature made it clear he didn't want to be anyone's friend.
"Besides, the West and the East are from the same organization, am I right? If so, shouldn't you be fighting together instead of each other?" Gohan further added, which surprised her further, and even had a sense of shame
"Yeah, you're right..." Miryung replied, "Your words make perfect sense..."
Gohan smiled humbly.
"However, there are things in this world you can't protect with money and rules alone." Miryung retorted, "Besides, this isn't something I can just call off..."
"I don't want you to call it off," Gohan commented, shocking her. "Even if she defeats you, there can always be a rematch when you can fight to the best of your abilities. Besides, it means a lot to Saeko to be able to prove herself against you. I don't know if she's aware of your condition, but it will give her a good lesson on how strong you are to fight her despite a disadvantage."
"This child..." Miryung thought as she stared at him with amazement, "He is wise beyond his years..."
"You're the type who looks for the best out of things and people, huh?"
"I guess I get it from my dad. He was always full of boundless optimism." Gohan replied.
"I'm sure he was a good man and father."
"Yeah..."
"It was nice meeting you, Gohan," Miryung said as she decided to walk away. "I hope to see you again someday. Remember not to tell anyone about our conversation."
"Don't worry; you've got nothing to worry about," Gohan replied, "I feel the same way, Miss Miryung."
The truth is that Gohan was going against her wishes and letting Yumi and the others know about their fight because if this started because of her, it should end with her watching the outcome of their battle. Also, Saeko hearing her explanation on it could get the Pandora to realize this is a misunderstanding.
"I'll follow her and find out when this gonna happen..." Gohan thought, "I'll tell Yumi and the others after we meet Kazuha..."
A few more hours later
After Gohan returned the book to the library, he continued training with various martial arts stances. The school was finally over, but the child kept training for hours without resting. A group of Limiter and Pandora students watched him from a distance, amazed by his precise martial arts poses and consecutive punches and kicks. They were in awe of his focus and concentration.
Despite being much younger than them, Gohan's swift and formidable movements made the students feel the breeze from each strike, like a strong gust of wind. His kind and welcoming demeanor they'd gotten to know for the short time he had been on their campus had now switched to an intimidating expression. It was scary, yet it was surreal to the students.
Everything about Gohan at the moment carried a great sense of dignity and purpose behind his gaze and movements. The hybrid child's commitment to his training was inspirational to some students who witnessed it and felt motivated to push themselves harder in their pursuits.
On the other hand, some students felt jealousy and disdain for the child because his efforts made them look bad despite not being a part of this military school and being older than the child himself. They all couldn't help but wonder what kind of life Gohan lived and what drove him to work so tirelessly. While the students may have found his performance impressive, the child felt the opposite because he was comparing himself to Goku and internally berating himself for not being as good as the original.
"They think this is impressive, but my dad was never this sloppy..." Gohan thought as he kept training, "If he were alive, those two would've been gone! No matter what his enemies throw at him, he took it! No matter how hard they hit him, he always got back up! I must be every bit as powerful and fierce as him!"
Gohan stopped moving for a second. He surveyed his surroundings and found nothing off-putting. The child had felt his way back in his time on Earth, but he couldn't shake off this weird feeling like someone or something was watching him. He thought paranoia was getting the better of him in his universe; however, it has become much stronger and more apparent than ever.
"I have a strange feeling as if someone or something has been watching the entire time I've been here..." Gohan thought, "I thought my body was still on high alert for any dangerous situation, but this confirms it now. I am no longer around Yumi and the others..."
"Is it possible whatever this sensation I've felt is the reason I am here in the first place..? Is it a friend or foe..?" He thought, "Maybe I should try sensing its location with ki too-"
"Oi! Gohan!" Elize shouted behind the young half-breed as he turned to look at her
He spotted the three females walking in his direction without their school uniforms and different clothing. Shion wore a light brown turtle-neck tank top, a long black shirt, but not difficult for her to move around, and dark red heels. She kept her glasses; however, she would still look good regardless. Elize wore a green vest, a slim white long-sleeve shirt underneath, and a red tie. She also had on white pants and shoes. Yumi wore a yellow button-up suit jacket and a black skirt. It appears she has a tank top underneath it and black heels. Shion was in the middle, Elize was on the left, and Yumi was on the right.
Some of the Limiters were amazed and aroused at how beautiful they looked, much to their respective Pandora's ire. Some of the women shot death glares at her Limiter, which gave them the shivers, or slapped him upside his head for looking at them in such a manner out of jealousy.
"Wow..." Gohan uttered while he looked at them. He wondered if this is what most people feel like when they are in the presence of celebrities. The child knew they were not actually celebrities (at least outside of their school), but he couldn't deny they looked like ones to him.
Elize giggled at his response. For some reason, she couldn't help but find this child's reactions amusing.
"Are you blown away by our beauty?" She asked him
"Yeah..." Gohan replied, in a somewhat daze, "I thought you were all pretty before... but now I don't think even that accurately describes all of you..."
"You flatter," Shion replied
"I speak the truth," Gohan said sincerely,
"For a homeschooled child, he sure is good with his words..." They all thought in unison
"So, are you readying to go to the mall now?" Yumi asked curiously
"Yeah..." Gohan blushingly replied as he looked at her. "Are we taking a ride there or something?"
Shion chuckled, "Of course not, silly. We are going to walk there."
"Eh?"
"Were you expecting a fancy limo drive?" Elize asked with a smirk
"N-No, just curious, is all!"
"The mall isn't far from our location," Shion replied, "It will also give Gohan some sightseeing in the process."
"Which mall are we going to?" Yumi asked her
"The nearest to Burger Queen that opened around here. The prices are cheaper and more reasonable." Shion said,
"I think Burger King has a nicer ring to it," Gohan replied
"It used to be called Burger King, but they changed it for female empowerment purposes."
"I see... so how are we gonna pay for it?" He asked
"Don't worry, I will pay for your clothes," Shion told him.
"Well? What are we waiting for?" Gohan asked with a smile, "Let's go! We don't want to keep Kazuha waiting, right?"
Gohan widened his eyes before speaking, "Did you inform her about our arrival, Shion?"
"I found her earlier and told Kazuha we would visit today." Shion replied, "I didn't tell her everything yet."
Yumi sweated a bit until Elize spoke, "Alright, let's get a move on."
Unbeknownst to the group who left, Isuzu was watching them from afar inside the school from the window. She wanted to interact with Gohan from where they left off. However, the Pandora felt fascinated by his movements. She could even feel his focus from her location. Her interest in him increased more than ever.
"I know they are going to visit that "Kazuha" girl talking about letting him live with her..." Isuzu thought, "I guess he is fortunate about this situation."
Isuzu overheard Shion's conversation with Kazuha about him, but they didn't say anything about him being from another universe. She assumes this is why Shion wanted to talk to her, given her and the child's situation.
"Now, what shall I do?" She thought
"Hey! Don't walk away from me! I'm talking to you!" A Pandora shouted from the hallway
"Hm?" Isuzu could say as she turned her head to find the source
"Will you give it a rest already?" Gavin asked his Pandora
"Not until you give me an apology!"
"I have nothing to apologize for!"
"Oh yes, you do!"
Isuzu's expression morphed into an unreadable one as she stared at them.
"..."
As they entered the city, Gohan couldn't help but be amazed at how amazing this city looked and how different it was from West City before being destroyed. There were no hovercars, no anthropomorphic creatures like Oolong and Puar, and, more importantly, no constant feeling of dread when the enemy might return to wreak havoc on them. Gohan started to harbor a sense of respect for Pandoras and Limiters to make them feel at ease at the possible arrival of the Nova Invasion.
"This looks so beautiful..." Gohan muttered in awe behind the women.
The group had some onlookers and people turning their heads sideways at them, mostly Gohan, as they could see a portion of his upper body from his torn clothing. They couldn't believe how muscular he was for his age. There were even some females who were not much older or younger than him blushing at the half-breed Saiyan.
"Even out in the streets, you are the center of attention." Elize teased, making him blush
"Can you please stop teasing me, Elize?"
"Yes, Elize. Stop making fun of Gohan." Shion retorted, making Gohan smile
"Thank you, Shion." Gohan replied, "By the way, how long have you three known each other?"
"I've known Yumi longer than Elize," Shion replied
"Are you two childhood friends?"
"You could say that..." Shion replied cryptically
"Then how long have you known Kazuha?"
"We just met her..." They all answered in unison
"Well, that explains why you sounded close to Yumi and Elize when you said I could view them as older siblings if I wanted to."
"You are quite observant..." Shion replied
"It's a shame, though..."
"What is?" Shion asked curiously
"I wanted to meet your Limiter, Max. I thought he was coming with us."
"Max was busy today."
"Does he "know" about me?"
"No, Even though I love him, I can't just tell him because of feelings alone," Shion replied honestly.
"That reminds me, what happened between Yumi, Elize, and Max?" Gohan asked curiously as Yumi and Elize were sweating bullets with embarrassment evident on their faces.
However, Shion, on the other hand, had an evil smile with a sinister laugh.
Gohan stopped dead in his tracks before speaking, "What happened?"
"Oh, you are going to love hearing this story..." Shion replied, "You see, Max was friendly to them, but these two wanted a romantic relationship with him. They competed with each other for the right to be his partner, and they didn't bother to ask him how he felt about them. It turns out he already had feelings for another girl, which was me."
Gohan's expression was blank before he turned to look at them and pointed at Shion. "Is this true?"
Yumi's and Elize's hair covered their faces as they were almost as red as when Gohan caught them in the shower together. The women couldn't bring themselves to look at him.
"It's true..." Elize replied with shame and embarrassment in her voice while Yumi meekly nodded
A few moments passed before Gohan snorted, and he bursted out laughing loudly at this revelation. "That's hilarious!"
"Right?" Shion replied as she laughed with him because of his laughter
Yumi and Elize's bodies were shaking in anger and embarrassment at the matter. They are close to it, even though it was a year ago.
"I-I need to hear more about this story!" Gohan replied with tears coming out of his eyes at the thought of them behaving this way, "Wha-What kind of challenges did they do to get Max to be their Limiter and lover?!"
"The challenges were swimming, chess, eating contest, limbo, and being in a sauna with an hourglass with them." Shion replied proudly, "All orchestrated by me."
"BAHAHAHA!" Gohan laughed as he pictured the females going through this for nothing; it made sense why they don't pursue Limiters after hearing this story, "No way! Here, I thought no man was good enough for you two! Talk about embarrassing!"
Yumi and Elize glared at Gohan.
"You little brat..." Yumi thought, "Here, I suggested being considerate about your past, and you repay me by laughing at mine?! You're going to regret this!"
"Don't worry, dear Gohan..." Elize thought, "You'll get proper punishment when we get to the mall..."
Gohan's body froze up before Shion encouraged them to keep walking to their location. As they walked towards the mall and went inside the building, Gohan couldn't help but look around and see all kinds of stores and food. As he looked around, Gohan caught the attention of a female Japanese employee in her early 20s.
"Good afternoon, young man!" She said with a smile, "How can I help you?"
"We are here to get me some new clothes," Gohan answered.
"We?"
"He's with us." Shion informed as she approached them, "I'll cover the cost of his clothing."
"Wonderful!" The woman said with a bright smile and clapped her hands, "Please follow me, dear customers! I'm sure you won't be disappointed!"
As they went through the clothes in the male section, Gohan felt like a fashion victim. He went from one variety to another, trying on countless outfits, but none seemed to complement his figure to Shion. However, Yumi and Elize had demonic auras as they forced him to wear demeaning attire his mother would typically get him to dress up when he was five as payback for laughing at them.
Elize, Shion, and even Yumi couldn't stop laughing at Gohan wearing the clothes, and even the female sales clerk struggled to keep a straight face. The two devious females decided to take pictures of him in it for good measure with an evil smile. Gohan felt embarrassed and wanted to teleport to a different dimension.
Finally, after minutes of feeling like hours of trying on clothes, Gohan emerged from the dressing room looking like a completely new person. He wore a short-sleeved purple shirt covering an orange shirt with long sleeves down to the upper section of his pants, black jeans, and red sneakers with white coloring and white shoelaces. The girls gasped in amazement, and Elize snapped a picture to remember this day and sent it to the friends next to her.
"You look marvelous, dear child." The woman praised, "I dare say you look handsome in those clothes."
"Th-Thank you, ma'am." Gohan blushed as he meekly replied
"I will pay for the rest of his clothes." Shion said, "Thank you so much for your help, Suzune."
"Anytime, Miss Shion! I will be waiting for you by the register!" Suzune happily informed as she walked away.
Gohan made a heavy sigh of relief, "Finally, it's over."
"Hmph! Even if shopping isn't your thing, you could express gratitude for me going out of my way to purchase you some new clothes!" Shion replied with her arms crossed, "This is coming out of my pocket, you know!"
"You wouldn't have to pay for anything if you had just listened to me earlier." Gohan thought with comical annoyance but kept his mouth shut as he expressed a sad look
"Your right... I'm sorry, Shion..."
"Apology accepted." She said with a smile
"Once we get out of here, we can go to Kazuha's place and see what she has to eat," Gohan said with a big grin, which caused Shion and the others to be deadly serious with him.
"Gohan..." Shion said with Elize and Yumi next to her, "We need to talk..."
"Eh?"
Gohan felt relieved that the shopping ordeal was over, but little did he know that his eating habits were next on the list.
Before they were about to leave the mall, Gohan felt a strong urge to use the bathroom. He could've used Kazuha's bathroom, but the child didn't want to risk it being too long.
"I-I'm sorry, gu-ladies," Gohan said as he was sweating and put down the bags he was carrying, "I need to use the men's room! I'll be right back!"
When Gohan was gone, Shion decided to get more information from Yumi and Elize on what they learned about him.
"I understand you didn't want us to pry into Gohan's personal life, and I respect that." Shion said as she got their attention, "However, could you at least tell me what information you gathered from the child to make this statement?"
Yumi and Elize looked hesitant to tell her, not at a lack of trust but more like they recalled some of the things Gohan told them about his past.
"Well..." Yumi spoke, "Me and Elize learned he was trained in the wilderness by his mentor Piccolo when he was four years old."
"Well, that explains his physique, but I am sure it wasn't that bad."
"This Piccolo guy left him in the wilderness for months in an area filled with dinosaurs. He made the boy train until Gohan could only rest when it came to eating, drinking, or sleeping. Don't get me started on the part where Gohan went through seeing him die in front of him by sacrificing himself to save the kid." Elize informed
Shion was incredulous at this information; she looked at Yumi with a taken-aback expression for confirmation. The two females have been with each other the longest, and Yumi would always tell Shion if Elize was messing with her.
Yumi sucked her lips before she just closed her eyes and nodded her head.
Shion grimaced at her response, "How cruel..."
"Indeed..." Yumi spoke with her hair covering her face, "The poor kid must've been through a lot before coming here..."
"Indeed..." Shion replied, "I can't believe someone so young had to go through all that. Hearing the existence of dinosaurs on top of killer androids is quite a surprise."
"Yeah, sounds like Gohan's childhood was a real Jurassic Park experience. I bet he's glad he didn't end up as a dinosaur's lunch." Elize joked
"I know, right," Shion chuckled as she laughed with her.
"Yeah..." Shion chuckled humorously, which caused Yumi to sweatdrop
Yumi sweatdropped, "I don't see how that's funny..."
"It's called dark humor, Yumi." Shion replied, "But enough with the jokes. Is there anything else you learned from him?"
"We also heard about how Piccolo was a vengeful person bent on conquering the world, but his father brainwashed him into being a bad person to carry out his selfish desires. Gohan doesn't harbor any ill will toward the man because the child knew he is misguided, and his mentor is always there for him. Gohan also has a strong resentment towards someone called Frieza." Yumi informed
"Frieza?" Shion repeated with intrigue
"Yeah, apparently, this "Frieza" is a complete monster or demon from how Gohan behaved in his sleep about him." Yumi further elaborated
"In his sleep?" Shion asked in a confused manner, "You mean he was sleep-talking?"
"More like going through PTSD..." Elize spoke this time
"?! What?!" Shion shouted at her, but it wasn't loud enough for him to hear, "Are you sure he wasn't having a nightmare?"
"Given his situation and the things he told us about his past... I highly doubt it..." Elize replied bitterly
"I see..." Shion grimaced, "What did you learn about Frieza?"
"We didn't ask him, but the gorilla and I have a theory on who he is," Elize replied
"Do you want to die today?" Yumi asked in a menacing tone as she glared at the German with a demonic aura emitting from the Korean
"Enlighten me..." Shion said in a tone that made it clear she was not in the mood for her jokes or their usual banter right now
"I think Frieza is the madman who created those androids and brought the world to ruins," Elize informed, "It would explain how Frieza relates to the androids in his dreams. This individual probably used them to take over the world, or this individual turned into a cyborg by the real madman while playing a role in destroying his world."
"I see..." Shion replied before turning to Yumi, "What's your theory?"
"There could also be a possibility Frieza is the father of his mentor he mentioned." Yumi replied, "Maybe there was a revolt between father and son that swayed Piccolo to being a good guy before he died. Gohan did mention they were preparing for something before the arrival of those mechanical menaces. So the idea of Frieza being Piccolo's dad isn't hard to believe."
"Interesting..."
"So, Yumi thinks Frieza came before the androids, and he is Piccolo's dad, but Elize thinks this person appeared with them and the creator or cyborg responsible for destroying Gohan's world..." Shion thought, "This is quite the mystery, yet I don't fully agree with either of them..."
"So, what do you think?" Elize asked as she broke out of her thoughts, "Tell us, whose theory do you side with?"
"Me or Elize?" Yumi asked her
"There is a possibility, but I somehow doubt that," Shion replied, confusing them.
"Eh? Which one?" They both asked in unison
"I think both of you are wrong..." She said shocking them
"Eh?! Why?!" They both shouted as Gohan showed up
"I'm back!" Gohan replied as he found the females looking surprised by his arrival, "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing; let's head to Kazuha's house now!" Yumi replied hurriedly, causing the others to agree with her.
Kazuha wore a pink apron over her yellow tank top and blue cuffed shorts with a white belt. She was cooking in the kitchen with Kazuya in his seat, waiting for his food. Kazuya was wearing a light blue polo T-shirt and light brown shorts.
"Here's your three, Kazuya~," Kazuha said affectionately; she gave her brother a plate with three pieces of croquettes on it.
"Eh? You made so much. Why only three?" Kazuya asked confusedly
"The rest is all mine." She replied with a sinister yet amused grin, with the croquettes stacked together like a pyramid
"Uwaah! Meanie!" Kazuya cried, causing Kazuha to sweatdrop at the scene, "Uwaah! I'm going to run away!"
"Sorry, I was kidding, kidding!" Kazuha said to calm him down as she felt some sense of shame. "You can have them all."
Ding Dong
"Finally here, huh?" Kazuha thought seriously, before she went to see who was at her door, "Oh?"
Kazuha saw Gohan and the others waiting outside her door by the Aoi's families' fence to prevent them from entering. People could jump over it, but there was a door to let her know she had guests. Elize smiled at Kazuha; Yumi blushed as she looked away from her. Gohan was blushing as he stared at Yumi's cleavage again since he was the closet to her (it was hard to tell if that's why the Korean was blushing despite not looking at the young male either), and Shion pinching Gohan's cheek with her glasses covering her eyes.
Kazuha's attention immediately turned to Gohan as she noticed his new clothing. She didn't care, but his new look stood out the most. She also noticed they (mostly Gohan) were holding bags of what appeared to be male clothes with them. The girl put on a smile and welcomed them inside. Yumi sat in the closet seat next to Kazuya, Elize sat next to Yumi, Gohan sat next to Elize, and Shion sat at the end of the table in front of Kazuya.
"Here you go," Kazuha said as she placed the hot food on the table, "Eat up; there's plenty to go around."
Gohan swallowed hard at the sight of the food, and his mouth started to water. He had never seen this food, but it looked so delicious. The smell of it alone was enough to make his stomach want to growl.
"You came at just the right time," Kazuha said with a big smile while using the tongs to place the croquettes on their respective plate, "I hardly ever make my famous Kazuha croquettes because they take too long."
"Famous Kazuha Croquettes..." Gohan thought as his heart was constantly skipping beats as he stared at the food, "She hardly ever makes these... Is this a rare opportunity that not many people get to experience? If so, then I must have some..."
"What's inside those things? Beef, chicken, cheese, potato, shrimp, sauteed onions?" Gohan thought as he let his imagination run wild with excitement, "I don't care! I gotta taste it!"
"W-Well, since you said there is plenty to-"
Before Gohan could finish his sentence, he felt a cold shiver run down his spine and could feel six eyes glaring at him.
"Never mind..." Gohan said with a sad and defeated tone before quietly eating his food. His eyes lit at the taste of it.
"So delicious!" He thought in bliss
Yumi turned her attention to Kazuya's direction and saw the child had a displeased expression.
"U-Umm... Hello..." Yumi spoke, "Your Kazuha's little brother, right?"
"I'm Kazuya Aoi."
"W-Well, aren't you cute..." Yumi said as she patted his head, "Nice of you to greet us, too."
"He's ignoring you, Yumi." Elize teased
"..."
"Are you... The one who hit my sister?" Kazuya asked, which caught Yumi by surprise
"I-I hit your sister?! N-No, I.. It's a long story, and..."
"Don't try to deny it," Elize muttered under her breath as she looked at her.
"Really, Yumi..." Shion thought
"Come on, Yumi..." Gohan thought as he looked at her with squinted eyes
"Geez~ Kazuya, I said it was fine," Kazuha answered until her hair covered her face and she had an evil smile, "She just gave me a strict lesson on the rules using her fists..."
Gohan snickered with food in his mouth while Yumi despaired at her response as Kazuya glared at the Korean girl and Elize.
"H-Hey, I never touched her!" Elize replied with a worried look
"You are bad, Kazuha.."
"Come on, eat up everyone!" Kazuha cheerfully said as she brought more croquettes, "I've got some salad and plenty more left!"
"You're too kind!" Gohan said, just as happy as her
"I don't feel like eating right now, though..." Yumi and Elize said gloomily with their heads down as Kazuya kept glaring at them
"It's just Kazuha and her brother...?" Shion curiously thought while she stared at her and surveyed the area, "Where are their parents? Even if they are from the Aoi family, they should be here by now."
"This is quite a wonderful experience..." Gohan happily thought before taking another bite of his food, "Maybe I should stop training and enjoy my time here for a while."
Gohan widened his eyes in shock at his thoughts and actions when the child realized he was getting too comfortable with his situation. He is glad to be around good company like anyone else, but Gohan couldn't allow this peaceful atmosphere to hinder his growth and training in the future for the androids. He felt angry and even disgusted with himself for even having such thoughts.
"What am I thinking?" Gohan thought, "I can't become too relaxed with my situation no matter what! I have family and people suffering in my absence! They need me!"
"I must become stronger and become a Super Saiyan..." Gohan thought with determination, "I will gain the power and skills to defeat them so I can finally end the nightmare they put us through..."
Gohan narrowed his eyes ever so slightly at the thought of 17 and 18.
"I will return to my world someday and settle the score with the both of you..." Gohan thought scornfully, "Do you hear me, androids? Nothing will stop me from having my avenging Piccolo and the others..! You two will be getting what's coming to you!"
As the vengeful half-Saiyan bored, an angry look while in his thoughts, Elize noticed his facial expression. Gohan's face or gaze didn't look anywhere like the one he had when they talked about his world. It looked like a child having a little temper tantrum. She wondered why he acted this way until a light bulb went off in her head.
The German Pandora misunderstood his anger as she put on a mischievous smile.
"Aww! What's wrong, Gohan?" Elize asked with a teasing smile as she leaned closer to him to see his reaction. "Are you jealous that Yumi thinks Kazuha's little brother is cuter than you?"
"Not really..." Gohan said without looking at her as he ate from his plate. Elize and Shion didn't outright say it, but they found his behavior cute.
"Look at what you did, Yumi." Elize teased, "You hurt his feelings."
"You just love making me look like the villain, don't you?" Yumi asked annoyed
"Don't worry, Gohan!" Elize replied with a smile. "Even if Yumi thinks Kazuya is cute, I find you adorable!"
Gohan blushed at her statement.
"Th-Thank you for the complaint, Elize," Gohan commented without looking at her. "You are as beautiful on the outside as just as you are on the inside."
"Oh my! You are such a smooth talker despite being so young!" She praised happily before the German looked at Yumi with an evil smile. "Though I guess we can't say the same for the female beside me, who lacks the inner beauty aspect, unlike myself."
A comical vein appeared on Yumi's head before she made a retort.
"Shut up, shotacon!"
Shion snorted as she almost spat the water out of her mouth.
"What did you call me?!" Elize responded hysterically
"You heard me!"
"What is a shotacon?" Gohan asked with curiosity and confusion before he realized Kazuya was glaring at him now.
"So you're that "Gohan" guy my sister told me about..." Kazuya said in a rather serious voice as he stared intently at Gohan.
"Y-Yeah, I think so...?" Gohan replied confusedly, with a small drop of sweat coming from his face as he stared at the boy.
"You think so? Either you are, or you're not."
"I'm Gohan..." He replied with a somewhat defeated voice and minor embarrassment
Gohan was a little nervous at the younger child, unsure of what he did or what Kazuha said about him to cause the boy to harbor hostility towards him. Even Kazuha herself seemed to find this behavior odd to a certain extent.
"Mmm..."
"Kazuya?" Kazuha asked with curiosity as she looked at him before her brother hugged her, and the boy looked Gohan in the eye.
"You can't have my sister!" Kazuya shouted while he narrowed his eyes even further at Gohan and held Kazuha tighter.
There was silence in the Aoi household to the point you could hear crickets until Yumi decided to speak up.
"I guess Elize isn't the only shotacon here..."
"Seems so..." Shion commented as Gohan still didn't know what the word "shotacon" meant.
"I am not!" Kazuha and Elize shouted blushingly; it was hard to tell if it was out of anger, embarrassment, or both
TO BE CONTINUED...