For as long as he could remember, Goten was raised to know he wasn't exactly like other kids because of who his father was. He was often compared to him, the great Son Goku, and truth be told, as he saw the pictures and his face in the mirror, he couldn't really see the resemblance, beyond the hair. It had been a strange experience for the young boy, growing up in the shadow of a man he never knew, but a man who loved and was loved in return.
What was even weirder was when this adult stranger, who knew about his family's circumstances, compared him to his big brother and not to his late father.
And Tora was not lying, as he showed Goten a picture of nine-year-old Gohan. Goten was intrigued, they were so close and yet Tora had barely changed (except for the hair that had grown). This adult saw him as his own person, and not an extension of his father, much like Trunks did, and Goten felt.. seen.
And so when Tora moved in with Trunks and his family, Goten was happy to have an adult he could talk to without seeing his father's reflection in his eyes. It meant the world to him, and Tora was such a nice babysitter to him and Trunks, playing with them, taking them to the bakery in secret…
And yet, there was something deep and hidden that Goten couldn't quite understand, something he felt in Tora as well as in his big brother. Gohan and Tora were close, they brought peace to one another in a way, and Goten saw them find comfort in each other wordlessly. A stolen glance, a squeeze.. Goten saw it. And while that feeling of emptiness and worry vanished from Gohan's heart when he and Tora spent time together, Tora's void remained, albeit subdued, in Gohan's presence. Goten found it odd.
Trunks never noticed and didn't understand what Goten was talking about; he hadn't noticed anything like that in Tora. However, when Goten asked his mom about it, she said that they went through a lot together in the past. She, too, trusted Tora.
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One day, Trunks came to Goten with worry in his heart.
"I overheard some things with mama and Tora, and.. maybe Tora is my real papa, not Papa," he had told him.
Goten just didn't see it. But Trunks was older and smarter, and the truth about the adult's age was intriguing and Trunks explained science, eyes and colors. Perhaps there was some truth in it? This adult stranger felt more like a big brother than an adult, but there was no denying he was already a big brother to his own big brother, before Goten was even born. It didn't matter in the end, Gohan loved and trusted Tora, their mother trusted Tora too, and Goten trusted his big brother and mother blindly.
Trunks could have his doubts, it didn't change anything, so why plague oneself with such worries? Regardless, Goten didn't express his thoughts, he would be there and support his friend regardless of his parentage. It really didn't matter, he wouldn't stop being Trunks after all!
That's why he agreed to help Trunks investigate, to find out the truth. Eventually, proof of Tora's true age came from old photos of Auntie Bulma's, and Trunks decided to eventually confront them. One day.
A few weeks afterwards, after Tapion and Minoshia left, Goten saw how Trunks' heart was calm once more when talking about Tora. He had found his answers, no doubt, and he didn't care to know the truth himself so he didn't pry. What mattered was that Trunks was now back to his normal self and willing to play with him and share his amazing toys.
Now, Trunks was focused on becoming a super Saiyan too, but he refused to tell Goten about his plan on how to get there. As much as Goten trusted his best friend and recognized his wits, he knew when Trunks bluffed and when he was in over his head with a plan. This was the case, for certain.
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At an early age, Goten's mother taught him how to control his power, canalize it and stay calm and in control. Trunks was far more temperamental and his energy overflowed often. That was alright, Goten loved play-fighting with him ever since forever, and they got good at it, too! He knew his friend was a little stronger, only because he was older, but he'd catch up, because he was training hard.
The chance at entering the new Tenkaichi Budokai landed on everyone's lap, and Chichi approved of both her sons entering (the prize money would be useful, she said). Goten was excited, he wanted to improve and beat Trunks and show him that just because he was older didn't mean he was better! The two of them decided to not play-fight until the tournament and truly show their respective growth in a month.
They only saw each other for the birthday party thrown at Capsule Corp for Gohan. Goten was proud to present his gift, a drawing of the Great Saiyaman in one of his signature poses, and got rightfully praised for it. Auntie Tights and Tora gifted him a cool bike. Auntie Bulma had put together a trip to the planetarium during the summer.
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With the whole situation concerning big sister Videl and her 'asking' Gohan to participate in the Tournament, he went out of his way to go and meet older family friends and see whether they'd participate as well, to make it more interesting.
Goten was delighted when he found out Piccolo would participate too. Krillin and Auntie number Eighteen also agreed to participate. The three of them were incredible, Goten knew it and saw it first hand in his first true battle to defend Earth against that big alien monster. Most importantly, it also meant he and Trunks would be able to see Marron!
The other people who helped with the big skeleton alien monster were either not found, or didn't express any interest, and of course Tapion and Minoshia had gone home.
Even Uncle Vegeta was somewhat interested in participating in the tournament according to Trunks, but Tora refused. Gohan tried convincing Tora, but to no avail.
Goten, despite being disappointed, wasn't really surprised, as Tora wasn't a martial artist. Goten could tell as such when he played "obstacle" for Trunks and himself to overcome (it was fun trying!). Tora was incredibly strong and fast, but martial arts were something else entirely.
Goten, like his big brother and Trunks, found joy in fighting and training, but he knew Tora was different.
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When Orange Star High had their school fair, family members were invited to attend and see the projects, extracurriculars and more. This was a very serious ordeal as the fair was a perfect opportunity to prospect future interns, employees or university students.
For Gohan, it was mostly a good stepping stone to practice public speaking in a scientific context, and despite not doing any extracurriculars, he was put in charge of making a little conference presenting some of the things he and his classmates learned. Gohan worked well in a team, and he worked really hard to talk about the benefits of local ecosystems (his favorite part of the curriculum). His teammates also put in their best effort, albeit presenting different aspects in order to make their school record shine even more.
Tora had been asked to join a club or participate, but she refused. She didn't care for school credits, didn't want to make a show of herself, and would have ditched the entire day if possible. She ended up only going because her mother wanted to see Gohan's bright future being written, so she stood by her side and appreciated Gohan's happiness in a path that was more like him. And the food booths were good.
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Goten didn't really understand the entire point of the event, but he was game since he expected to see his big brother doing cool things. He was disappointed Gohan wouldn't present a Great Saiyaman trick, but he accepted the concept of secret identity. Big sis Videl and Uncle Tora, as well as Trunks would be there too, so Goten redirected his attention to those sources of joy and dismissed not being able to see the Great Saiyaman.
Unlike Trunks, who came with his entire class (a 'class excursion', which was strange as they didn't go to the woods…), Goten only came with his mother (on the Nimbus). It was a little strange seeing Trunks with all these city kids and their teachers and some parents. He was an outsider to them, as much as Goten was an outsider from his own (small) class. Seeing that, Goten wondered whether Gohan felt the same way about his own classmates. Could Gohan find understanding only from Uncle Tora, similar to the unique bond Goten and Trunks had? Goten had observed them for a long while ever since Tora's arrival, and while Gohan wasn't great at putting his feelings into words (it was a complicated story...), Tora had spoken earnestly about it; they went through a lot together, before his birth, and for the longest time they had been the only half-Saiyans in existence. Goten did not doubt for an instant the two loved each other, but it paled in comparison to the love the two brothers had towards each other. Because of course. Goten was always going to be Gohan's number one.
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Videl and Sharpner who had been preparing for the upcoming tournament, presented the boxing and martial arts club, and a show of strength was given to the star-struck children. After all, Videl was a Champion and she signed a few autographs.
Of course Trunks and Goten weren't that impressed by the show and soon planned to wander off. Since Gohan was busy answering questions from children, he could not be the target of their shenanigans... They needed someone else to keep them entertained. While Chichi was discussing the prospects for her eldest with the teachers and while the teachers were busy herding a three dozen kids under ten to meet 'Miss Videl', the two rascals slipped out to find Tora, who was at one of the food stands with Auntie Tights, enjoying some of the food made by other students.
"Uncle!" Goten called as he ran over with Trunks.
Tora acknowledged, letting go of Auntie Tights and kneeling down to be at his height and hug the kids hello.
Goten noticed Tora smelled similar to Auntie Bulma and Grandpa Briefs; it had gotten stronger since Tapion and Minoshia left. Gohan had explained to him it was because Tora sometimes smoked (which was something both Briefs did). Goten disliked it, but didn't voice it.
After a shared snack, they quickly requested Tora to lift them up and keep them occupied, and Tora kindly obliged under Auntie Tights' fond gaze. With Tora's arms in extension, each boy grabbed onto a hand, and the teenager stood and lifted them up and down effortlessly. Goten appreciated how Tora carried them to another stall so they could see some experiments and presentations, letting him sit on the shoulders and carrying Trunks in his arms. Trunks was a bit taller than Goten, so this way the two boys could see what was happening without needing to fly.
Tora only had to go when a strange lady in a red suit came begging for help, as someone had been suddenly unavailable. Tora initially refused sternly, but after much insistence and Tights requesting it as well, caved and decided to help out and join the music club as their replacement pianist. Trunks had to rejoin his class when his teacher panicked about his absence, and Goten went to find his mother, taking Auntie Tights with him so she wouldn't stay alone.
The music and choir show in the auditorium was lovely, Trunks was very proud of Tora, and Goten appreciated the melodies. Goten had witnessed Tora play before at Capsule Corp, but Trunks and Gohan had witnessed far more of it; Trunks due to living with Tora, and Gohan due to the time they spent together before his birth.
Goten saw Auntie Tights cry when listening to the songs, and offered her a tissue which she accepted.
And yet, despite how peaceful it all seemed, Goten felt Tora kept guarded… Even more than before.
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Tora disliked school, it was overwhelming, restrictive, frustrating and draining. She ditched it as much as she could, but she had to be a good daughter to her mother, so she tried to endure as much as she could. Music and her smoking on the rooftops were her small breaks, but they were far from enough to truly keep her calm.
Even the few hours she and Gohan spent at Videl's house, the day after the party, to help clean up, had been getting on her nerves. Cleaning wasn't a problem, Tora liked tidying up, and doing so with Gohan kept her heart in check, but there was always an annoyance she could not pinpoint for some reason. And it was not because of Videl. It was just restlessness, and cleaning just didn't itch that scratch enough. And neither did fighting Vegeta. Something just felt wrong.
Even sleeping glued to her mother was slowly becoming not enough, she couldn't make it through the whole night and often slept with two long naps instead. She wanted to go back home, back to her world, but her mother refused, her treatment wasn't over yet, she said. Tora had to comply and endure, because her mother deserved to enjoy the lively world, after everything she went through. Even if Tora's patience was getting tested more and more often.
She almost snapped at Syowa when she requested her help for the choir, but she ended up accepting because Syowa had been such a help in this whole school thing, and playing the piano could redirect her restlessness and focus.
Tora also loathed the idea of public fights for entertainment purposes. She had seen some recordings when she recovered Sixteen's data for her own needs to get better at it, with Piccolo's and Tenshinhan's help, she could appreciate the fights and teachings, but the mere concept of a tournament with spectators really rubbed her the wrong way.
Sparring was hard. She found little joy in it but appreciated how it kept her senses sharp and pleased her father. It played with her desire for blood and destruction, and she fought hard to keep it all under wraps. She liked facing the children, and their own pleasure in trying to strategize around her as an immovable object was something she appreciated to keep her mind off things.
This was why, when asked in orientation what she wanted to do once out of school, should she 'not go back to space', Tora eventually said she wanted to be some sort of school custodian, teacher or nanny. Gohan agreed it would be a perfect fit, as he said,'Tora-san was always so good with children, including me.'
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The day of the Tournament finally came, and to support the children, Gohan and see Eighteen, Tora ended up coming with her mother and the rest of the household. Tights wanted to attend, as the only peaceful Tournament she ever attended was the 21st Tenkaichi, which felt like three life-times ago.
"You see, just after the 22nd, Piccolo Daimao's monsters killed Krillin and all other Martial Artists, and the 23rd had Piccolo try and kill Son-kun. He also destroyed the entire arena. Thankfully Son-kun won and went off to marry Chichi, but it seems like it's always an excuse for something bad to happen, when so many powerful people gather…"
Tights and Bulma both explained their history with the Tournament, the latter holding firmly onto Vegeta's arm. Tora more or less listened, she already knew the stories, and instead glanced at her father. Vegeta was still unlikely to participate, he found the concept ridiculous, but Bulma wanted him to come, so he had obeyed. He only really humored the idea of entering because he was told Gohan and a few others would be there. The gloves were back.
Krillin and Eighteen soon joined them, and Tora held onto her mother closely, the trauma the Cyborg (or at least, another version of her) had inflicted on them both still present. It took them both a moment of calming down and fully realizing this was the Eighteen that helped them with Hirudegarn and who was friends with Syowa, and not the Eighteen she had already destroyed.
Acknowledging it was alright, Krillin invited Tora and Tights to formally meet his daughter. The little girl in her arms helped see Eighteen for who she was and not for who she had become in their world, and Tora approached to properly meet the toddler.
"Hello, Marron. I'm Tora. We saw each other on the camera a few weeks ago."
Marron didn't recognize her, but extended a chubby hand to reach regardless. Tora offered a finger, as she had done with Trunks when he was a baby, and had a brief handshake with the toddler.
Tights met her in a similar way and complimented the pair for their beautiful girl, even if she remained nervous about Eighteen. Had she truly changed? She had to trust everyone's judgment.
The boys quickly requested Eighteen to put Marron down so they walk together and play a little under Chichi's supervision. Soon, other family friends joined the little party; Piccolo was soon spotted by Gohan, Oolong and Roshi arrived to be spectators, and Yamcha, signing a few autographs, also met up with everyone. Finding out who was going to participate, Yamcha decided not to even sign up. Tights kept an eye on everything going on, but had an easier time trusting that everything was fine with this version of Eighteen. After all, she never fought the Cybors. And she knew Krillin in and out.
Tora put on her polite face to apologize for not keeping in touch to those she hadn't seen since her return to this era, especially Yamcha who had been so kind to her all those months (or years) ago. She confirmed with him she had been successful at everything (the Cyborgs, Cell...) and that this was indeed her world's version of Bulma.
Tights hugged Yamcha, happy to see a version of her dear friend happy and thriving. Quickly, word spread through those who didn't know to properly use 'Tora' and 'Tights' and that they had been in outer space for a while, as it was their new identities while they were there.
When Tora asked about Seventeen's attendance, Eighteen and Krillin, while keeping an eye on the boys and Marron, explained that alas, he had work. Tora doubted it was the reason, and imagined perhaps it was because he disliked fighting.. especially for show. Eighteen broke her thought process by teasing Tora about wanting to see the boyfriend so much. Tora denied with a pained groan and promptly cleared her mind.
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"Yo!" A voice they hadn't heard in years caught their attention.
Heads turned, and Uranai Baba's comment about how to make those 24h count wasn't heard by most.
Goku was there, in the flesh, and Vegeta looked with wider eyes.
It took them a moment to realize, to understand, to connect. Gohan inhaled and jumped on Goku, and then so did Krillin, Yamcha and Chichi.
"Dad!"
"Goku-sa!"
"Goku!"
Three hundred questions flew by, and Goku hugged back his loved ones.
"I got a special permission, I'm participating! Hey Bulma-san! And.. Bulma-san? Oh hey Trunks? You ended up stayin'?"
The kids kept away, curious but cautious, and Tora moved to be with them. The Bulmas grabbed Goku to explain in quick hushed whispers.
"You have a sister?!"
Goku never knew about Tights, the real one, but clearly, he misunderstood something, and Bulma decided to drop it until later.
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Goten knew who this man was, he didn't understand how he was here, but he was, and.. he wasn't sure. He hid behind Trunks and Tora, grabbing firmly on his best friend, until Chichi came to pick him up.
"It's alright Goten-chan, here, come meet him."
"Wait— why does he look just like a mini-me?" Goku exclaimed when Chichi approached.
"That's your second son, Goku-sa. Say hi, Goten!"
Goten hid his face against his mother's chest for a moment, but eventually came to his senses, feeling this man whose photos he had seen irradiated joy and kindness.. and confusion. He could trust him. He looked back and let himself relax from Chichi's hold, who took the cue and handed him over to Goku.
By the time the child was in his father's arms, they both had teary eyes and hugged close.
"Dad!"
"Hi Goten! Nice to meetcha! Ohh you're strong! You're entering the Tournament?"
"Yes!"
"You're still an idiot," Eighteen sighed.
"Woah, you're Android 18 right?"
"Cyborg 18, but just call me Eighteen." Eighteen frowned. Goku irritated her by his mere presence, even if he was her husband's best friend. "Actually no, scratch that, better not call me at all."
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After catching up to most of everything, Goku explained he had earned a couple of favors and was allowed to come visit Earth, and what better opportunity than entering the Tenkaichi Budokai (despite it happening at the end of June this time) alongside everyone? He thanked Piccolo for keeping the secret.
Gohan had to thank and scold his mentor for this mischievous surprise, and Piccolo couldn't help a quiet tease at Gohan's expense.
Dende had, of course, refused to participate in the Tenkaichi, but Goku had already thanked him for his secrecy as well when Uranai Baba took him from Otherworld to the Lookout.
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Vegeta didn't wait around to listen to the chitchat, he plain dragged his heir by the arm and marched straight to the registration booth.
"The boy is going to beat Kakarot's spawn, you're going to beat the brat, and I am going to destroy Kakarot. I will accept nothing but complete victory, understood?"