My Life's Stranger Than Yours
Training Struggles; Who's The Perfect Partner?
An anxious Akane Tendo could be seen strolling through the streets of Furinkan, Ranma following her on the fence beside her.
"Where ya' goin', the Cat Café?" asked Ranma.
"Yeah. I want to see how Videl's training is coming along and if she needs any help," she answered. "Why are you coming with me?"
"Well I ain't got nothin' better to do, and I still wanna see what the Old Ghoul has in store for her. Plus, I'm kinda hungry," Ranma added.
"Well, you'd probably have an idea of what Cologne and Videl are doing if you hadn't taken off like you did," Akane taunted.
Ranma crossed his arms and pouted. Seriously, how long was she going to hold his loss to Goten over his head like this? Before long, the pair finally arrived at the Cat Café and upon entering, much to their surprise, found it looking notably less busy than it had been all week.
"Is it just me or is the atmosphere kinda dead in here?" noted Ranma.
"Ranma!" exclaimed Shampoo who wasted no time in attaching herself to Ranma's neck and pressing her chest against his.
"Ggh! Shampoo, get offa me!" Ranma exclaimed.
"Not until Ranma agree to go on date with Shampoo!"
Before another word was said, water was splashed over the two and Ranma instantly let out a high-pitched shriek as he and Shampoo transformed. While the now female Ranma darted around the dining hall, hastily trying to pry Cat Shampoo off her collar, Akane was approached by Cologne who had come out from the kitchen.
"If you're looking for your friend Ms. Tendo, she's not here today," she noted.
"What? How come?"
"Guess she decided she wants to train on her own from here on out," answered Cologne. "Can't say I blame her. We've sort of hit the limit for what I can do for her now. The rest is up to her."
"I see…" Akane replied with disappointment in her voice. "Do you think she'll be back?"
"Who can say? She'll certainly be back for the fight no doubt, but before then it's anyone's guess." Cologne replied.
Akane let out a dejected sigh. "Man, I really wanted to help her train again."
"I think the best way you can help is to give her some space for now and let her try to figure things out herself. I invited her to come back again if she so chooses, so I'm sure that if she needs any help in the future, she'll ask for it and come back."
[At Mt. Paouzu]
"Ker-choo!"
"Are you alright?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah, it's nothing," Videl replied rubbing her thumb against her nose. 'Wonder who'd be talking about me at a time like this though.'
After a quick trip to Gohan's house so he could change into his training gear, the pair jetted into the forest so they could train together privately.
"Well then, shall we get started?"
"Of course."
"First things first Videl, the technique Ms. Cologne was trying to teach you, how is it supposed to be performed?" Gohan inquired.
Videl put a hand to her chin in contemplation. "Well, she described it as channeling energy into your arm and holding it and only releasing it at the last possible second," she began. "The thing is, I can't keep my energy in for too long when I try attacking and I wind up just releasing it."
"Hmmm…could you demonstrate?" Gohan requested.
Videl nodded before as she strolled over to a nearby tree. Closing her eyes in concentration, the grass around Videl began to shake as her energy began to rise.
Gohan's eyebrows raised in interest as he sensed Videl's ki increase. 'She really has learned how to raise her power. I wonder what else she learnt from Ms. Cologne.'
Once Videl's power was at its maximum, she took a fighting stance and channeled all the power she could into her arms. With a fierce yell, Videl threw a punch at the tree's trunk and instead of the imprint that Cologne had demonstrated, a small ki blast fired out of her fist and burnt into the tree leaving a scorch mark.
"Videl, did you just…?" exclaimed a surprised Gohan.
"What, did Piccolo not tell you I could do that now?" Videl smugly winked.
"He did…but seeing it in person is just a little astonishing." Gohan lightly awed.
"Thanks, but even so, all I can do is throw pot shots. They're not going to help me against a tank like Ryoga," Videl frustratingly admitted, her fist shaking.
"Whoa, take it easy Videl," said a consoling Gohan. "I know how much this means to you, and I don't want to see you get hurt, so how about this, once we're done figuring out Ms. Cologne's technique, maybe I could…show you a couple of ours?"
Videl's expression immediately perked up with interest. "Do you mean it Gohan!?" she exclaimed getting right into Gohan's personal space.
"S-sure! I want you to win this match too, and I promised to help you however I could."
Retreating from Gohan's body, Videl now had her fist clenched in anticipation. "So, you think I'll be able to use the Kamehameha when this is all over?"
Gohan chuckled. "Slow down Videl. Let's focus on one thing for now and not try to do too much at once…and now that I think about it, that just may be your issue."
"What do you mean by that?" Videl asked raising an eyebrow.
Gohan nodded. "It's simple. When you use Ms. Cologne's technique, you're trying to use too much power all at once."
Videl paused as Gohan's words registered in her mind. "Wait, is that really it?"
"That's what it seems to be. You're attempting to channel more energy into your arm than it can withstand."
"Wait what do you mean 'more than my arm can withstand?" Videl asked.
"Well…" Gohan trailed off. "Answer me this Videl, when you were trying the move out, were you trying to put all of your power into it?"
Videl thought back to her earlier attempts and realized Gohan was right. She did pour all her strength and energy into the technique. She then nodded her confirmation.
"The move is performed by channeling energy into your arm and holding it in until you strike, right? You just may not have enough strength in your arms to hold the energy to perform the technique correctly…at least not yet," Gohan explained.
"So wait, are you saying that I won't be able to use the technique until I build my body more?" asked a now hysterical Videl.
"Not necessarily. If you just use less energy, the technique should come much easier for you."
"But aren't you supposed to put everything into it?" Videl asked.
Gohan shrugged. "I'm not sure about Ms. Cologne's technique specifically, but generally it kind of depends on the move you're trying to use. Sometimes it may be better to use less power instead of going all in for a single blow. You know that old saying, don't put all your eggs into one basket?"
Videl looked down at her hands while going over Gohan's advice in her mind. Letting out a calming breath, she once again closed her eyes to concentrate. After a moment of silent focus, Gohan could feel her energy rise to its apex again.
"Whoa hold it Videl, you're at full power again. Dial it back a bit," Gohan instructed.
Videl nodded before she calmingly exhaled and her energy slowly began to drop. Once Videl was at about half strength, Gohan quickly ordered her to hold it.
"Okay Videl, take a moment to get used to this level, then try the technique again," he instructed.
Videl took a fighting stance and let her energy simmer, the flowing grass beneath her signifying her increased power. At half strength, she channeled all her remaining energy into her arm and held it still for a few seconds before striking the tree once again. Once her hand made contact, the bark on the tree was cracked off as a small indentation could be seen in the remainder.
"I think…I think I just got it!" she softly exclaimed.
"Really?"
"It wasn't exactly like Cologne showed me, but I think I've gotten a better grasp of it now," Videl stated shaking out her hand.
"Well just keep at it and before long, you'll be able to go full blast with that move in no time," Gohan encouraged.
"Who says I can't right now?" Videl challenged, her expression becoming briefly mischievous.
"Huh?"
Videl closed her eyes and raised her energy again until she was at full power. "Videl, what are you doing?" alarmed Gohan.
"You said I was using too much power for my arms to handle…" Videl took a crouched fighting stance before lunging at the tree yet again, this time launching a knee strike. "…but what about my legs!?"
Videl drove her knee into the trunk of the tree and as soon as she impacted with it, the bark was full on blasted away while a deep circular indent could be seen deep within the trunk.
Gohan was taken aback by Videl's zealous surprise attack from her spike in energy to the splinters flying all around. Once the initial shock wore off however, Gohan's surprised face became an expression of awe.
"That was amazing Videl!" Gohan praised. His kind words were paused by the sight of Videl falling to the ground, as her legs seemed to quiver before giving out. "Videl are you alright?" Gohan asked as he dashed over to set her down gently.
"I'm fine…just…I think I might've overdid it a little," she strained as she lightly massaged her thigh.
As Gohan took the moment to examine Videl as she recuperated, the girl in question continued.
"You really weren't kidding when you said I should dial back the power. I used the move just once and my leg already feels like gelatin."
Gohan chuckled. "Think it's time to take a break."
"Agreed."
[Several minutes later]
The two laid down beside each other as a light breeze began to blow throughout the field, reveling in the melancholy calm.
"You know, thinking to try the technique with your legs was actually pretty clever. I was pretty amazed when you managed to pull it off at full power on your first try."
Videl shot Gohan a grateful smile. "Thanks Gohan, but I think I'll take your advice and try using less energy for now. My leg is still tingling from before," she raised her knee up to her chest as if to emphasize her point. "No pain no gain I guess."
"Don't beat yourself up Videl, you are still new to this. The fact that you managed to improve this much in such a short amount of time really says a lot," Gohan said in a consoling tone.
"You're just saying that."
"No I mean it. You learned to fly on your first day, mastered it in a week and a half, and after just some basic training, you're already making considerable progress in utilizing energy offensively. You have a greater knack for this sort of thing than I realized, and I think Ms. Cologne sees it too. I don't think she would've agreed to train you otherwise, no matter what kind of deal you two set."
Videl's face became a light scarlet at Gohan's compliments. "Thanks Gohan, and to spare you the trouble of telling me this, I know I still have a long way to go before I'm actually good at this energy stuff…which is why…!"
Videl stood up and looked down at Gohan with a stern expression on her face. "…I want to have a match with you!" she proclaimed.
"Wait, what?"
"Come on Gohan. It's been forever since we last sparred, and the more I train, the easier it'll be for me to use energy going forward, so let's go!" Videl requested.
"Well…" Gohan was hesitant to response, but then he recalled the promise he made to himself. Getting to his feet, Gohan nodded his affirmation and dropped into a defensive stance. "Alright Videl, show me what you've got."
Videl gave an anticipated grin before closing her eyes and raising her energy. After a few seconds of powering up, Videl's eyes snapped open, and she dashed forward throwing a solid punch towards Gohan who easily avoided it. Videl quickly followed up with a second punch from her opposite hand which Gohan deflected before blocking a follow-up kick attack.
As the two struggled against each other, Gohan flashed her an impressed smile.
"Wow, I think you've gotten a bit faster too," he praised.
"You ain't seen nothing yet!"
Videl brought her leg back and threw a second kick at Gohan who swayed away from it. Videl zipped after Gohan launching a volley of punches that Gohan effortlessly avoided. As Gohan continued to dodge, Videl steadily but surely became more and more frustrated at Gohan's lack of retaliation.
Determined to get him to fight back, Videl flipped over in midair and launched an axe kick at Gohan's head. Prepared to take her strike, Gohan countered by shoving his forearm against Videl's foot, knocking her off balance. As Videl tried to steady herself, Gohan finally went on the offensive and launched a palm strike at Videl, getting her right below the chest and blowing her back, the wind knocked out of her.
Videl began to cough vigorously as she tried to catch her breath and recover from Gohan's attack. "Videl are you alright!?" called a concerned Gohan.
"I'm fine," Videl assured, clearing her throat. "But now it's my turn!"
Videl ascended into the air and divebombed at Gohan, cupping her hands together at her sides. As she approached the now defensive Gohan, she began to channel her energy into both of her hands. Gohan took note of Videl's increase in energy and raised an eyebrow.
'Is she trying to use Ms. Cologne's technique on me? Regardless, I'd better brace myself.'
Gohan crossed his arms in front of his upper body as Videl flew within striking distance. Throwing both of her hands forward, Videl's palms collided with Gohan and the young Saiyan was lightly pushed back by a small, yet still considerable force accompanied by a bright flash of light.
When the light finally died down, Gohan stared shockingly at Videl as the anxious girl hit the ground, her body visibly shaking.
"Videl!"
"Okay…that was a bad idea…" Videl strained out, her body quivering.
"Hey, are you two alright out here?"
Gohan and Videl both turned back to see a flash of bright colored cloth hiding behind the bushes.
"Dad!?"
Sure enough, the elder Saiyan stood before the young couple in his farming outfit with a look of surprise similar to that of his son
"Dad, when did you get here?" asked Gohan.
"Just now. Your mom asked me to come get you two for dinner, but man…it looks like you two went a little overboard. What kind of training were you guys doing anyway?"
"We were just sparring a little and Videl tried to use a special technique. I think she may have done it incorrectly though," Gohan answered.
"What special technique?" asked Goku.
"It's a move where you hold your energy inside and release it at the exact moment you make contact with your opponent." Gohan explained.
"Really?"
Gohan stepped over to Videl and knelt down beside his still straining girlfriend before helping her up to her feet. "Yeah, the problem is, Videl keeps releasing her energy too soon. I told her to try using less energy, but when we started sparring, she went all in. I guess using that much power must've taken its toll."
"I see," Goku stated. He gave Videl a quick once over before placing two fingers on his forehead. "Hang tight you two, I'll be right back." Goku vanished before either of them could get a word in.
As Videl leaned against Gohan in order to maintain her balance, Goku reappeared less than a minute later. "I'm back!" he announced.
"Where'd you go Dad?"
"I just popped back home to grab a Senzu Bean," Goku answered holding out his palm. "I had a couple left back from when we fought that giant bug monster thing. Glad I kept them in an easy to find place."
Videl extended a shaky hand to grab the bean from Goku, and a s fast as her aching body could, heartily shoved it into her mouth. After a few harsh chews, Videl stood up straight and stretched her arms out.
"Phew…that's much better. Thanks Goku." Thanked Videl.
"No problem, but man. I didn't know Gohan was showing you how to use energy attacks now," Goku replied.
Gohan let out a sheepish chuckle. "Well… I'm not exactly the one teaching her per say," he awkwardly admitted. "There's actually a funny story behind that."
"What story?"
Videl went on to remind Goku of her impending battle with Ryoga and proceeded to give a cliff-notes version of her encounters with Cologne as well as her attempts at using the Point of Impact technique. When she finished her tale, Goku placed a contemplative hand on his chin.
"Wow, so this Colon lady's the one who's been teaching you how to use energy?"
"It's 'Cologne' Dad," Gohan corrected.
"Oh, right."
Videl nodded. "Cologne's been helping me build my body up so I'd have the energy to use the move, but now that were past the initial buildup, I've just been having a bit of trouble perfecting it," Videl explained.
"Well, it sounds to me like you need to build yourself up just a little more. Goku suggested.
"So I've heard," Videl sarcastically muttered.
"If you two just keep at it, I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or later," Goku encouraged. "In the meantime, I wanna know more about this Colon lady and what kind of training you did with her Videl."
"Cologne Dad," Gohan corrected again.
Videl shrugged. "Well for the most part, it was just some kind of tricked out weight training. Basically, I was a waitress at her restaurant, but I had to wear this REALLY heavy uniform that would get lighter the more my strength, and by extension my energy increased."
"Really? That sounds just like when Krillin and I trained under Master Roshi," Goku replied with a nostalgic tone in his voice.
"Oh yeah…" Gohan interjected. "I remember you and Krillin both told me that you used to do construction and yard work while wearing heavy turtle shells."
"That's right. I guess sometimes you just can't beat the classics," grinned Goku.
"OH!" Videl suddenly exclaimed. "Speaking of Master Roshi, that reminds me. One of the conditions that Cologne agreed to train me was if I could introduce her to him. Apparently, she knows about the Turtle School, but never met him in person, and she really wants to for some reason."
"Really?"
Videl nodded. "She also knows about you and the others from your Tournament appearances. I guess you could say she's something of a fan."
"Wow…I don't think we've ever had a fan before…" Goku chuckled scratching his head.
"What about the announcer from the tournament?" interjected Gohan.
"Oh yeah. I almost forgot about him." As the trio let out a quick group laugh, a low rumbling sound interrupted it.
"Dad…" Gohan groaned.
"Sorry son but talking about a restaurant just made me even hungrier."
"I'm kind of hungry too actually," added Videl.
"Well then, let's head home. I'm sure Chi-Chi's gotta be done cooking by now."
Goku placed two fingers on his forehead and motioned for the younger couple to come along. After focusing for a few seconds, the trio disappeared and reappeared right outside the Paouzu Mountain home.
Before they could step inside however, Videl's phone began to ring.
"Who is it?" asked Gohan.
Taking one look at the phone, Videl's eyes lit up. "It's Akane!"
"Who?"
"That girl who came to visit us last week?" Gohan reminded his father.
"Oh yeah! She was friends with that girl who turned into a boy right?"
"It's actually the other way around Dad," Gohan corrected.
"Ahem!" Videl loudly cleared her throat, getting the two saiyans to silence themselves.
"Right…we'll wait for you inside." Gohan darted inside the house, pulling Goku along as Videl finally answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Videl?"
"Hey Akane. What's up?"
"Nothing much, just missed you at the Cat Café today."
"Sorry I 'flaked' on you, but I decided to train with Gohan today since I figured he could help me figure this 'Point-of-Impact' move out."
"No worries, I was just curious."
Videl could note a small hint of disappointment in Akane's voice. 'Guess she really wants to be a part of this.' A smile forming on her face, Videl continued.
"You know, if you still want to help, come down to my place later tonight." Videl offered.
"Really?"
"Yeah, just the two of us. Gohan said I needed to build myself up a little more, and I can't think of a better sparring partner."
"Sounds great. Besides, I just remembered that I need to pay you back for beating me before," a smug Akane replied.
"You're welcome to try anytime, but don't get your hopes up."
"We'll see."
"See you tonight?"
"I'll be there."
As soon as Videl beeped off her phone, Chi-Chi poked her head out the door. "Videl, what are you still doing out here? Aren't you staying for dinner?"
"Oh! Sure," she replied entering. "Actually Chi-Chi, could you make a couple of boxes to go? It turns out I'm going to have company tonight," Videl replied.
"Oh? Who?"
"Someone you've met before."
[Meanwhile]
Akane hung up the phone and quickly made her way upstairs to grab her gi.
"And where are you off to little sister?" asked a nosy Nabiki.
"Videl's place. She invited me back to train with her again!" Akane excitedly replied.
"That's great. Should I tell Ran-?"
"NO!" Akane quickly cut off her eldest sister. "Don't tell Ranma! Videl's not bringning Gohan either cause this is supposed to be just the two of us."
"Geeze Akane. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you had a little crush on little Ms. Satan." Nabiki teased.
"Keep talking like that and we'll see who gets crushed," Akane deadpanned.
"You don't have the gall."
Huffing at her sister, Akane quickly darted upstairs and in a few short minutes raced back down with her gi and an extra change of clothes.
"Catch you later!" Akane called slamming the door shut.
"Well, someone's in high spirits," noted Nodoka.
"It's nice that Akane has a friend with so many common interests," added Kasumi.
"More like someone she can complain to about Ranma," Nabiki snarked.
[Back at Mt. Paouzu]
Gohan and Videl were right outside the domed home, the latter with a pair of bento boxes all wrapped up, and her trusty jet un-capsulized. Given how far away Mt. Paouzu was from Satan City, she really needed the speed.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" asked Gohan.
"Thanks for the offer Gohan, but this time it's just going to be me and Akane. No offense, but if I still have to raise my power, I think she's the best sparring partner for me."
"I understand."
"Don't sound so disappointed Gohan. I'll be back soon enough. Akane may be my favorite sparring partner, but you're still the best teacher."
"Gee thanks," Gohan chuckled. "I wish you could've stayed a little longer for dinner at least."
"Well, I'm taking some of your mom's cooking with me, so it's not all bad," Videl said loading the food into her plane.
"Yeah, I guess. When'd you say you were coming back again?"
As she fired up the engines, Videl put a hand to her chin. "Hmmmm…don't know, but whenever I decide, I'll let you know at school."
"Okay then. See you tomorrow." Gohan waved.
"Bye sis!" Goten exclaimed darting out of the door.
"Goten, I told you to wait inside!" Gohan exclaimed narrowing his eyes at his brother.
"But I wanted to say goodbye to Videl…"
The yellow aircraft ascended into the sky and Videl waved back to the brothers below, as well as giving a quick two-finger salute to Goku who was waving from the window. In a fiery burst, Videl sped off for home.
[Later that evening]
The sound of frantic pantic could be heard through the streets of Satan City as one Akane Tendo ran hurriedly to the Satan Manor.
'Should I…really be rushing like this…?' Akane wondered. 'Videl said she was at Gohan's place when I called…and that place is…thousands of miles away…could she really…get back home…so quickly?' she thought between pants.
As if to answer her question, Videl's familiar jet could be seen zooming overhead. "Whooo…what are the odds?" Akane exhaled.
Taking a deep breath, Akane continued up the street until she finally arrived at Satan Manor right as Videl was capsulizing her jet.
"H-hey…Videl…!" Akane panted out.
"Akane?"
Turning to her friend, Videl laid eyes on a girl breathing hard, and drenched with a thin layer of sweat.
"Geeze Akane, did you sprint here or something? Why are you all exhausted!?"
"No I…wait…no wait, I think I did sprint here," Akane replied after finally catching her breath.
"You think?"
"I was planning on taking the bus, but I didn't want to wait so when I ran to try and catch it…I think I just kept going until I got here."
Videl shook her head dismissively and snickered. "I've seen people run to catch a bus before but ignoring the bus altogether for such a long trip is a new one."
Akane put her hands on her hips and stood triumphantly. "You got to work with Gohan earlier, so just consider that my warm-up."
"Fair enough." Videl giggled.
The two girls stalked towards the door, but just as Videl was about to grab the knob, there was the sound of a loud crash followed by loud barking.
"Bee!?"
"What's he barking for?"
Videl frantically opened the door and darted inside. When…
"Gyaaaaaaaaaagh!"
CRASH!
As soon as Videl stepped through the door, she was met with the sight of a tall-ish guy who looked around her age, wearing martial arts robes with a bamboo sword in his hand get launched into a wall.
"What…what the hell was that?"
"K-Kuno!?"
Videl turned to Akane who had a look of restrained irritation on her face.
"You know him?"
Before Akane could answer, the barking resumed as Bee ran up, followed closely by Buu.
"Hmm? Why stick boy no play anymore?" asked Buu.
"Buu?"
The pink blob turned towards the sound of his name being called and shot Videl an inviting smile. "Oh! Satan's daughter is back!"
Akane on the other hand had a look of pure bewilderment on her face. First Kuno appears unannounced, and now…who or what is this pink guy, and how does Videl know him.
"Buu…haaa…wait up…!" came the winded voice of an older man.
All eyes turned to the hallway to see a dark-skinned man with an afro in a brown gi enter the room.
"Dad?"
"Oh…hey honey…when did you…get back…?" Mr. Satan wheezed out before falling face first onto the floor.
"Dad!"
The heir to the champ quickly rushed to her father's side while Akane remained still with the ever-present look of confusion on her face.
"What the hell's going on here?"
(A/N: I really wanted to get this chapter out before the end of August, but DAMN. Writer's block hit me like a truck. In other news, I also started a new job earlier this week, and managed to do my first writing commission. Yup that's right. I'm doing commissions now…sort of? Comms are closed for now, and I don't have anything concrete either but keep an eye on my profile in the near future for more details. So yup, Videl learns more about her progress with the POI technique and next time, Kuno will finally meet the latest object of his affection, Mr. Satan makes his full debut in this story, and Akane will get acquainted with the TRULY weird part of Videl's homelife in the form of Majin Buu. Stay tuned).
PS. I didn't realize this until about halfway through the chapter, but I think I low key turned Videl into Full Cowl Deku.