A/N: As you can guess, this is a alternate story about some of the main Z gang's adventure with a normal high school setting.

No powers, no magical dragon balls, and they're ALL human, but of course, their personalities are too iconic to get rid of :D

I hope you enjoy!

Goku turned over onto his back and raised his head slightly from the duvet, his body tangled in the sheets. He mumbled as the alarm clock screeched, then sat up groggily and swung his feet over the bed.

"Goku! Are you up yet? You're going to be late!" his grandfather's surprisingly loud voice called up to him.

Ah, sweet grandpa, still looking out for him even now. "I'm up, grandpa!"

Goku's grandfather, Gohan, had adopted Goku when his parents died in a car accident at a very young age. He didn't remember anything about them except what they looked like in the one photograph sitting on their living room mantle. Gohan was all Goku knew, and sometimes he would ask questions but mostly he was happy. Now sixteen years old, Goku was starting his first year of high school, and if he was honest, he was actually a little excited. He had always heard stories that high school was different. It gave you more freedom to choose a path your heart was destined for. It was also an opportunity to make some new friends, and Goku hoped high school would make it easier since he had trouble in the past because of his overcaring personality. His middle school was mostly made up of ignorant students whose only goal in life was to sneak into places, party, and play hooky. Goku still wondered how he ever survived it without getting into trouble himself, so when the opportunity presented itself, Gohan seized it immediately, and they moved to a nice, quiet village just a few miles from Goku's new school.

Goku stood up with a determined smile, eager to ensure that high school would be as thrilling as possible. He turned the radio up, grabbed a towel, and hopped in the shower. "I love this song!" Goku couldn't help himself and began singing and dancing away without a care. "These clouds around you break your fall, as you came crashing to the ground. Did you learn anything at all, you climb back up to come back down…."

There was one thing that Goku loved about his high school already, and that was their non-uniform policy. When hearing this, Goku decided he would create his own image, and he wouldn't be swept in to be like everyone else, and if those people didn't like what he wore, they wouldn't be his friends. Goku checked himself over. He wore a navy blue short-sleeved shirt with loose-fitting black khakis and white sneakers with brown and red laces. Nodding in approval, Goku grabbed his bag and slung it over one shoulder. As he looked in the mirror, he touched his unusual, naturally spikey hair, another reason he hadn't made friends in middle school. Goku shrugged. Even though he hadn't made friends, he wasn't the target of bullying either since he was strong enough that most students never wanted to mess with him, but school without friends was boring.

When Goku reached the bottom steps, his grandfather greeted him, and Gohan clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Such attire would never be allowed in my day."

Goku looked down at himself with a smile, knowing his grandfather wouldn't approve but had always encouraged him to be himself. "Poor Grandpa," Goku teased with a laugh.

Gohan sighed amusedly and pointed at the kitchen. "Now, hussle. There's food already cooked. Don't be late on your first day."

Goku nodded and quickly made his way to the kitchen, and just before he began scoffing the, as always, delicious meal, he looked at Gohan. "I read in the introduction pamphlet that you could sign up for the football team. I think I wanna give that a try this time. My middle school teacher always did say I was good at sports."

Gohan smiled proudly. Hearing Goku talk like that proved how determined he was to get the best out of his last years of school life. "Goku, as I recall, you were almost the only one there good at sports. But I suppose this is high school, so maybe you'll find others just like that."

Goku grinned. "That sounds great!"

Goku looked above the stove at the clock; 8:45. Goku gasped and waffled down his food, quickly gave his grandfather a peck on the cheek, and rushed out the door to hopefully catch the only bus leading out of the village.

…

Chi Chi neatly made her bed, tucking the ends under her mattress. She was feeling nervous. High school was a big deal, wasn't it? Chi Chi wondered if it was as daunting as everyone said it was. She hoped to make some great new friends during her last years; it would certainly make the experience a lot easier.

When her dad realized that she was entering high school, he decided it was time to settle down, so he sold his farming land and bought a house in the village. It meant moving away from the small group of friends she had, but if she was honest, they weren't ever really friends, too busy trying to be popular. At least she wouldn't have the awkwardness of seeing them again in her new high school. Chi Chi's dad, Oxking, was always thinking of her well-being and always wanted the best for his daughter's education, and she was grateful to him.

Chi Chi switched on her mini CD player and began getting ready, letting the nervousness melt away with the lyrics. "I'm looking through you, where did you go? I thought I knew you, what did I know? You don't look different, but you have changed. I'm looking through you, you're not the same."

Chi Chi stood in front of her mirror with a smile. The previous night, she had spent hours trying to pick the right outfit because first impressions came only once. She wore a pink Chinese-style sleeveless shirt with gold lace running through the center and dark blue jeans with a beige knotted belt.

Chi Chi skipped down the steps and was greeted by her father at the head of the table.

"Morning, sweetheart. You look great. Are you looking forward to high school?"

Chi Chi smiled before finishing a mouthful of pancakes. "I'm a little nervous, but I know it'll be great."

"You'll do just fine, and I have something to give you, but it can wait until after your first day."

Chi Chi looked suspiciously at her dad's cheeky grin. What could it possibly be that it had to wait until after school? She nodded and quickly finished her breakfast before grabbing her new one-strapped bag, kissing Oxking's forehead, and waving goodbye.

Chi Chi looked at her watch as she ran for the bus stop, praying she hadn't missed the only damn bus that drove through the village. As she looked up, she almost ran into someone before they stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry!" she said quickly before continuing toward the stop.

Goku blinked and stared after the girl who almost knocked him over. Who was that? Goku found himself staring longer than usual. She was pretty. A small blush crept on his cheeks, and he shook it off as he looked at his watch. "I'm gonna miss the bus!"

As Goku finally made it to the bus stop with just seconds to spare, he noticed the girl from earlier was there as the bus pulled up beside them.

Chi Chi looked at him in surprise, now realizing that he was around the same age as her. I didn't know there was anyone my age who lived around here. I wonder if he's going to my school? It sure would be nice not to walk in alone.

Goku watched the girl board the bus before following, showing his student pass. He looked around and spotted her sitting in the center row. Goku gulped nervously when he realized there was an empty seat next to her. He gingerly stepped beside her and scratched the back of his head with a smile. "Uh, is this seat taken?" Goku groaned inwardly. Of course it isn't, stupid! Goku's heart flipped when Chi Chi smiled up at him and patted the empty seat.

"Feel free."

Goku shuffled into the seat and placed his rucksack between his legs, trying to think of something to say as the bus continued its journey. "So….first day of high school?"

Chi Chi almost giggled at the boy's anxiousness. How cute. "Yes, how about you?"

Goku nodded and looked at her. "Orange county high." Goku's heart thudded when Chi Chi's smile brightened. This is crazy. I never looked and felt like this about any girl before. Goku thought about the girls in his middle school. The way they dressed, the way they spoke and acted. They weren't for him, too forward and too eager to grow up. Something about Chi Chi was – natural.

"Me too. What a relief, huh?"

Goku couldn't believe his luck - and the way she spoke to him – she was speaking to him! Goku laughed. "I guess we won't go in completely alone, at least." Talking to her seemed so easy, and they only just met.

Chi Chi sighed in relief. "I'm glad." They looked at one another with a shy smile and before they knew it, they were introducing themselves, turning the expected awkward, nerve-wracking bus journey into something to look forward to.

….

Bulma Briefs opened the garage door of the annex she had moved into when she turned sixteen last month and smiled at her red convertible before shuffling into the leather driver's seat. She lived in West City with her parents, where her dad was the CEO of a large company called Capsule Corp, famous for their downsized inventions. Bulma glanced in her rearview mirror, tucking her straightened blue hair behind her ear, looking down at her slender frame with a smile before looking ahead as she pulled from the driveway. Despite her wealthy lifestyle, Bulma had never quite fitted in the way she wanted in middle school, always making friends with the wrong people who only wanted her friendship because she was rich. Bulma requested she be taken off her set high school and added to Orange County High where she could start fresh. Bulma knew she couldn't get away from their family's celebrity status, but at least nobody really knew her.

Bulma grinned.

High school would be different; she just knew it.

…..

At the end of West City sat a large property that people knew as a foster home. It was owned by a middle-aged couple known as Lilith and Asaki Quay. The couple couldn't have kids of their own, and with their wealth, they decided to foster children who had an unfair life starting out, kids whose parents refused to care for them, or even children forced to live on the streets. They treated each kid as their own, giving them everything they needed.

It all started when they met three young children eight years ago.

Vegeta, Seventeen, and Eighteen. There had never been a dull moment raising the three rebellious trio, and even though they always misbehaved, Lilith and Asaki always tried to do their best by them.

Vegeta always got into fights, Seventeen somehow ended up being sent home in a police car almost every night, and Eighteen was always pranking the neighbors to the point where they had to move due to threats from the local council.

Even though their new house was twice the size and would give their kids the extra freedom they needed, Lilith and Asaki worried about the rougher neighborhood.

The house was three stories high, and each floor determined the foster children's ages. The first floor was for kids aged one to nine, the second for kids aged nine to fourteen, and the third for kids aged fifteen to eighteen. Lilith and Asaki hoped the move would somehow be a fresh start for everyone, especially their three eldest.

Vegeta slipped into a pair of loose black jeans and a red tank top. He sighed and grabbed his leather jacket before slinging it over one shoulder. Vegeta didn't care about the move, but he knew what was expected of him now. He wasn't a child anymore, and at some point, Vegeta knew he'd have to grow up if he wanted to make something of himself. Vegeta shrugged and reached the stairs before sliding down on the banister.

Asaki huffed at him with his hands on his hips. "They call them stairs for a reason."

Vegeta grinned when he looked up and saw the twins, Seventeen and Eighteen, mimicking his moves.

Eighteen wore black tight jeans and a black shirt with laced sleeves. She also wore dark purple DMs. Her hair was blonde and shoulder-length. Seventeen wore a black shirt brandishing a flaming skull and ripped black jeans with a chain looping down one pant leg, accompanied by red and black sneakers.

The trio had been a close-knit group since childhood and always looked out for one another despite their rebellious nature, something their foster parents could never fault them for.

Asaki shook his head. "Honestly."

Vegeta shoved his hands in his pockets as he stepped into the dining room, where the rest of the kids were already eating, chatting away, and laughing. Vegeta cringed at the younger kids' loud screeches, noped out of breakfast, and headed for the door.

Seventeen and Eighteen grinned and followed.

Lilith chuckled lightly as she and Asaki watched the trio leave, not even able to get a word in. "Don't they grow up fast," she said with amusement.

Vegeta grinned and traced a line with his fingers on his new black and red motorbike before swinging his leg over and sitting comfortably on the leather seat. Eighteen and Seventeen walked passed Vegeta to their black convertible.

"A motorbike isn't half as good as my baby," Seventeen prompted as he opened the door on the driver's side, grinning at Vegeta.

"Our," Eighteen corrected with a huff as she shuffled into the passenger side.

Vegeta rolled his eyes and purposely revved the engine. "I think you're just too scared to ride one."

Seventeen frowned, unamused. "Bite me." His frown disappeared as he sat behind the wheel.

Eighteen folded her arms with a small pout. "I still think it's unfair we have to share a car just because we're twins."

Seventeen clicked his tongue. "Quit complaining. You get to drive it home, and you get to control the music."

Eighteen mumbled 'whatever' under her breath and turned the stereo up. Vegeta gave a one-handed wave to the twins as he pulled up beside them on the driveway. "You could where a helmet at least, not that it would fit over your gravity-defying hair." Eighteen grinned; it was meant to be an insult, but Vegeta brushed it off without a care.

"You're a moron," Seventeen stated calmly, expertly hiding his concern.

Vegeta grinned at him. "Takes one to know one." He sped off after switching on the built-in radio.

Vegeta looked to his left and laughed as he slowed beside his two foster siblings. "Car better than a bike, huh?" Vegeta flipped them off and sped off again.

Seventeen narrowed his eyes. "Show off."

Bulma parked her car in one of the remaining spaces, mumbling something about traffic. As she exited, a black Ford Fiesta pulled up next to her, blaring out a song that had reached number one recently; 'I get all the girls,' or something like that. Bulma's eyes widened when the owner stepped out. "Yamcha?" Hearing his name, Yamcha turned his attention and gave a grin when he noticed her. Bulma and Yamcha had dated in middle school, but they broke it off when she requested a different school. He was considered a bit of a Casanova but was actually one of the few people who never used her for her money.

"Hey, Bulma. You look great."

Bulma smiled. Same old Yamcha, charming his way into her heart. He was wearing a loose blue shirt and grey khakis. His hair was black and slightly gelled. "Not so bad yourself. I see you finally got the car you wanted."

Yamcha tapped the roof proudly. "Yeah, helps that my dad owns a garage."

Bulma couldn't believe her luck that she wouldn't be completely alone on her first day. "I can't believe you're here." She grinned. "But is it really a coincidence, or did you conveniently ask to be added to this list?"

Yamcha smiled and winked at her, holding out his arm for her to take. "Shall we?"

Bulma rolled her eyes good-naturedly and took his arm. Before they headed toward the school, another car pulled up beside them, followed by a motorbike on the other side.

"I guess we're not the only ones pushing for time. Wonder who they are," Yamcha said as he and Bulma watched the exchange between the car's two owners.

"Can't you ever park straight!" The female of the two yelled as she half-slammed the car.

The male shut the door and locked it. "It's not my fault you give lame directions, sis."

Eighteen flipped him off as she and Seventeen turned to Vegeta as he demounted his bike and locked it securely with a bolt around the front wheel. "I wonder where to go from here," Eighteen mused before her eyes fell on the two staring at them.

Vegeta followed her line of sight, and a grin crept on his face.

Bulma gave a short gasp before narrowing her eyes. "That's the jerk who cut me off earlier." Bulma stormed over to him before Yamcha could say a word. "Learn to drive, asshole."

Vegeta shoved his keys into his jacket. "It's not my fault you were in the wrong lane. Did you know that the little lever beside the wheel indicates?"

Bulma frowned. "I indicated, but you came out of nowehere, you maniac."

Vegeta leaned against his siblings' car and folded his arms. "So, forget to get dressed this morning?" Vegeta grinned, and his change of subject caught the angry teen off guard.

Bulma was wearing a baby blue half-cut jacket tied over a slightly longer white shirt, accompanied by denim blue knee-length shorts and black leather boots. Bulma placed her hands on her hips. "I'll have you know it's the latest fashion!"

Vegeta shrugged and walked away with his leather jacket slung over his shoulders. "Whatever you say."

"Jerk." Bulma frowned after him before turning to face the two left behind. They were smiling amusedly, and Bulma wondered if they were new like her. She was about to ask the blonde to show her around but was interrupted.

Eighteen looked at Bulma with a half grin. For some reason, she was drawn to the blue-haired girl's temper and was determined to get her friendship. Lilith and Asaki were right; they needed to grow up. "The name's Eighteen, and this is my twin brother Seventeen." Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know the names are lame, but just go with it. Oh, and the moron who cut you off is Vegeta. Don't let him get to you too much. He's not always a jerk."

Bulma smiled. Maybe this was her chance. Maybe she could finally make some decent friends. "I'm Bulma, and this is Yamcha. We went to the same middle school."

Seventeen hooked his thumbs under his jeans. "Now that we're done with the lame introductions, let's catch up with Vegeta and find our meeting point."

They agreed and headed toward the school.

Krillin sighed down at his attire. He wore a white plaid shirt and brown pants with black shoes. "I need to ask Roshi for new clothes. I am so gonna get picked on. I just had to get into a high school with no uniform. Krillin rubbed the back of his bald head and continued walking, but without looking where he was going, he ended up bumping into someone. Krillin gulped and looked up at the tall, mean-looking boy. "Sorry," he quickly said quietly.

"Why don't you look where you're going, short stuff!" the mean teen growled.

Bulma and her group heard the loud voice and stopped to watch the scene unfold.

"He's definitely the loner type," Seventeen suggested casually.

Eighteen sighed and shoved her hands in her jeans. "And an obvious target for bullying."

Yamcha hunched his shoulders. "Poor little guy. Maybe we should help him."

"I could totally take him," Seventeen replied with a grin, cracking his knuckles.

Eighteen looked at him weirdly. "The short kid?"

Seventeen clicked his tongue. "No, you blonde, the taller guy."

Eighteen frowned. "No, remember your record. We promised."

"We're in a school, Eighteen. The least I'll get is detention."

"And the worst you'll get is expulsion. We just got here."

Goku walked toward the school with Chi Chi beside him. Due to the traveling distance, they knew enough about each other and were happy for each other's company. Goku spotted the commotion from afar, seeing the mean-looking teen towering over the shorter one, and he knew without a doubt what would happen.

"Are you going to say sorry?" the tall kid asked with gritted teeth.

Krillin flinched. "I already said sorry."

"Not good enough, shorty." He picked up Krillin by his shirt, lifting him in the air and raising his fist.

Vegeta watched from the wall while he waited for the twins to catch up with him. This really wasn't his problem, but something always irked him about people picking fights with weaker ones. "I guess it serves him right. Can't anyone take care of themselves these days."

The bully swung his fist back, and Krillin covered his face with his hands, but before his fist could connect, the bully felt a hand wrap around his wrist and turned his attention with a glare. "You best let go before you get hurt."

Goku frowned. "Bullying is just another way of covering up your own short comings."

Goku's appearance caught Vegeta's attention, and he watched with interest at the exchange.

The teen dropped Krillin and swerved to swing a fist at Goku. The boy sidestepped and grabbed the bully's arm, swinging him over his shoulder. By now, everyone left outside the school stood staring in surprise at the scene. Goku cringed. Oh no. My first day here, and I already got in trouble. Everyone's staring at me.

"Goku?"

Goku looked down at the small teen that he had saved. "Do I know you?"

Krillin smiled happily and jumped to his feet. "Yeah, it is you! It's me, Krillin! Man, I haven't seen you since elementary!"

Goku's eyes widened. "No way! Krillin? I can't believe it. We're going to the same high school? This is great!"

The bully growled and stood up, ready to get revenge, approaching Goku while his back was turned, but before he could try, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Hey!"

The bully turned and was punched right in the face and knocked back to the ground.

Goku and Krillin turned in surprise as the bully glared up at the new arrival, wiping the blood from his lip.

Eighteen and Seventeen groaned in unison. "Oh, goddamnit, Vegeta," Eighteen grumbled as she and her brother jogged toward the scene, followed closely by Bulma and Yamcha.

Vegeta glared at the bully, who stood up to try his luck. "If you know what's good for you, get out of my face."

"This – this isn't over."

Vegeta grinned. "Think so?"

A shout from the school building interrupted the oncoming fight, and a male dressed in a brown suit stormed over. "You're expelled, Gara! You know that. Now, get off the grounds immediately!"

The bully, now known as Gara, clicked his tongue, glared once more at Vegeta, and left.

Vegeta turned his attention to Goku. "Nice moves. I guess you can fight, but you'd be wise to learn not to turn your back."

Goku laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that. Thanks for the assist."

"Goku!" Goku turned to see Chi Chi running toward him. "Are you okay?"

Goku smiled. Pretty and caring. "Don't worry, I'm alright."

Vegeta turned to see the twins staring at him, although Seventeen was grinning, and Eighteen looked less than amused. "You just couldn't help yourself, could you?"

Vegeta grinned. "An excuse is an excuse. It's in my nature."

The suited man regarded the growing group of students with a stern frown and pointed at the school building. "The hall is the first door on the right. Hop to it now.."

The group watched him walk away. Seventeen clasped his fingers behind his head. "Touchy."

Goku tilted his head and looked at the others. "Should we go in together?" The group of students gave him vibes that he hadn't felt before, and he had a good feeling about them. Something drew them together, and Goku just knew they would be friends in no time.

The newly acquainted group agreed and made their way into the school, introducing themselves along the way. The school was bigger than any of them expected, and this section wasn't even the full extent of the design.

They stepped into the hall, where several other students were standing in groups, waiting for more instructions. "Now what?" Eighteen asked with a hand on her hip.

Soon, the teacher who had directed them outside stepped to the podium on the stage in front. "Quiet please!" Everyone fell silent and waited. "Welcome, new students, to Orange County High School. I hope to get to know you all better in the upcoming terms, and I hope the school's curriculum provides everything you need to excel in your studies and move forward to a bright future. We pride ourselves on helping each student reach their goals and follow their dreams, whatever it maybe. I'm sure you're eager to make new friends, but please, try and focus, because this is high school now, not a hang out to goof off."

Yamcha leaned in to whisper close to Bulma. "Not exactly aiming for motivation of the year, is he?"

Bulma chuckled quietly.

"Okay, good. I'm your principal, Mr. Yuraski. I'll keep this as brief as possible so that we can move forward and get you to classes. I trust you all received your introductory handbook, along with your assigned schedule. There will also be a chance for school activities by the end of the week should you want to further your education. Those of you interested in football tryouts, those will be on Friday at four on the field with Coach Hundai. Your school's councelor is Mr. Tanaka, should you seek any advice or someone to talk to, and your nurse is Miss. Keira should you feel sick or receive injuries at any time. You'll get to know your homeroom and any other teachers you have in time. With that said, I'll give you thirty minutes to familiarize yourself with your schedule. Thank you."

For the next thirty minutes, the group discussed one another's schedules to determine which classes they had together.

"Looks like we all got pretty lucky," Bulma announced gladly.

Maybe high school wouldn't be so bad after all.