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Awakening	By : AnNiE4 Category: Dragon Ball Z > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1878 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ nor am I making any profit from writing this.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
�Awakening�

Chapter 3

�Hey, why do we have to keep
coming back here for?� Gohan grumbled to his friend sitting across the table
from him.

�Stop your complaining. Gee,
you're not much of a party animal are you?� Al growled pushing a glass in front
of Gohan. �Here, drink up and be merry or else!�

�Or
else what?� Gohan asked with a
single brow raised and smirk curled on his lips.

�I don't know, but as soon I
do you'll be the first to know about it.� Al stated with a lopsided grin
raising his glass to his lips.

Gohan chuckled. �Yeeeah right!� Lifting his drink
to his lips just as the bell above the tavern door rang alerting the occupants
that someone had entered. Both Al and Gohan glanced over to see more cadets
spiling in and heading for the bar. �It looks like others have had the same
idea as us tonight.� He said.

�Yeah, great minds think
alike.� Al smirked taking another swig of his drink.

Gohan looked back at his
friend, frowning. �Hey watch it! That's strong stuff there. You don't want to
get too drunk.�

�You can never get too
drunk.� Al chuckled. �Hehehe, I can handle my drink old man.� Gohan shrugged indifferently and
looked back to the group of cadets that were now moving over to a vacant table.
He noticed a couple of them glancing his way and whispering something to their
friends.

Gohan felt a twinge of pain.
He wished they would just get to know him before signing him off as a freak, an
outcast. He turned back to his friend. �So why are we really here again?� He
asked. His eyes locked with his friend's.

Al just shrugged his
shoulders. �Can't two friends just go out for few drinks?� He glanced up to see
Gohan with his head cocked to the side, his eyes slightly narrowed.

�Spill!�

�Okay okay�� Sigh. �I just
thought you might stop talking about your mystery guy,� Al glanced up warily at
Gohan, �if you saw him again. Well that was the plan.� Al chuckled nervously
under Gohan's disproving stare. �Sorry. It's just you keep talking about it and
I thought, well, if you got to see him again and maybe got a name we could all
sleep better.� He said looking down at the table where he was picking at the
timber not sure how his friend would take to the plan.

Gohan's shoulder slumped
with a sigh. His eyes softened. �Look Al, I'm real sorry. I mean I know I've
been harping on about it a bit.� Al eyes snapped up and with slight grin
tugging at his lips. Gohan sighed. �Okay-okay, a LOT,
but our exams start tomorrow and we really should be studying instead of being
here. I mean what are the chances of him showing up anyway? And he's probably
miles away from here by now.� He argued.

�Are you talking to me or
are you trying to convince yourself?� Al giggled. Gohan shook his head with an
amused lopsided grin. What could he say? In the short few weeks they had known
each other, Gohan was quickly warming up to Al as a brother in lots of ways,
even when he opens his mouth and says things like this. �You wanna know what I think?�

�No.�

�I think you're obsessed
with him.�

�Am
NOT!� Gohan growled. Brother for
sure.

�Sure you are. Come on, tell
me the truth. You fantasise about him every night isn't that right?�

�I do NOT! Take that BACK!� Gohan spat.

�Hell I will! You can't think of anything
else.�Al smirked.

�That's not TRUE! I�m not
like THAT!� Gohan frowned glancing around him hoping no one overheard. He
lowered his voice. �Can't we just drop
this whole thing and forget it ever happened? Do you want my signature in blood
before you believe me?� Gohan said as his temper was quickly rising.�

�That would be a good start.�
Al chuckled. Gohan narrowed his eyes dangerously, but couldn't hold back the
smirk quickly curling on his lips.

�You're a bastard, you know
that. Winding me up like that!�

�You deserved it.� Al
laughed.

Gohan rolled his eyes refraining
from continuing the augment any further. He couldn't explain why the stranger
was stuck in his mind. He just wanted to forget it. Really he did, but when a
stranger gives you a soul searching look like that it opens up a lot of
unanswered questions like who in the hell
is he? And why was he looking at him, and in that
way? Something about it was wrong, and disturbing.

�Come on, drink up! Loosen
up� We�re here to have fun, and get drunk! It�s something I sure couldn't do if
my folks were around.� Al said guzzling down the remainder of his drink before
getting up to buy another.

Gohan shook his head amused.
He glanced down at his own glass in his hand partially touched. It was weird.
He thought on how different his life had been since they had moved here. For
one thing he very much doubted he would be sitting at a local bar at sixteen
drinking with a friend. Even if his seventeenth birthday was only a few weeks
away and he highly doubted his mother would approve. He almost felt like a
child once again lowering his ki so that he became invisible and sneaking
around so his folks wouldn't find out. Old habits die hard. But he knew his
father wasn't that naive, and he probably had fair idea as to where he might be
right now. That alone was disturbing.

Just then he heard the bell
ring again above the tavern door. He turned somewhat surprised to see Videl
walk in. His eyes were transfixed unable to look away, too curious. She stood
hesitantly just a few feet inside the entrance. He was pleasantly surprised to
see her out of her uniform for a change. He liked what he saw with her
semi-baggy khakis greens that tapered nicely around her shapely hips showing
off her very feminine body. It was complimented with a sleeveless top that
hugged her with No Angel written
across her full perky chest.

Cool! She could be mistaken
for any teenage girl back home he thought. Gohan quickly realised he had been
staring at her perky breasts and immediately blushed from head to toe.
Swallowing nervously he dragged his eyes away feeling awkward and shifting in
his chair before quickly throwing back a large gulp of his drink. He knew full
well that his mother would've had a few words to say to him about how she never
raised no pervert for a son.

Frowning Gohan snapped from
his mother's words when he noticed how Videl looked like she was in two minds
about staying as her eyes wandered over the rowdy group of cadets at the table
not far from her. Gohan could see the hesitation in her eyes. He quickly stood
up and waved her over.

Back at the table with
another drink in front of him, Al looked up confused blinking until he saw who
it was Gohan was calling over. �Awww� do we have to?� He complained.

�Shut it! Be friendly.�
Gohan warned under his breath, keeping a friendly but forced smile on his face
for Videl.

Al sighed. �You're killing
me here.� He grumbled collapsing back in his chair defeated and taking a swig
of his drink. He could feel himself sinking into a foul mood already.

�Quit your complaining.�
Gohan growled, watching Videl warily approached them. Al shot him a dirty look
only for it to be ignored. Videl stood a safe distance away, her eyes darting
back and forth between the pair of them trying to decide whether it was such a
good idea or not.

Gohan, with his friendliest smile,
moved a chair for her to sit down between them and being the gentleman his
mother had hoped for. �We won't bite.� He laughed nervously trying to reassure
her.

�Well not with you that's
for sure. � Al said sarcastically under his breath, referring to how
Saiyanjin's claim their soul-mate. He yelped, nearly springing completely from
his chair and spilling his drink. Furiously rubbing at his bruised shin under
the table his brows pinched, murderously glaring over at Gohan only to have the
same death glare shot back at him by the half-breed roomy, a warning of things
to come.

Videl ignored the smaller
boy's comment. It was obvious the boy didn't like her and the feeling was
mutual. Gohan could see his effort of keeping her there falling apart at the
seams if he didn't do something, and fast. The uncomfortable silence between
them was starting to become unbearable. He glanced down at their glasses and
quickly thought. �I'll get you a drink.� He offered. �What will you have?�

Videl shrugged her
shoulders. �Whatever you're having will be fine with me.� Gohan smiled at her,
and quickly stood to leave, but not before a warning glare at Al, a silent
warning to behave. Al ignored him and purposely looked elsewhere. Gohan sighed
and headed off towards the bar before things got ugly. He only hoped he would
be back before they went at each other's throats.

While Gohan was away Videl
was questioning her sanity. She had been finding herself more and more drawn to
Gohan and she wasn't sure why. Well she did know but didn't want to admit it to
herself, but Gohan was one very sexy guy. Ever since she had heard how he
knocked Commander Nappa on his butt back at the arena
she couldn't get him off her mind. She couldn't help but glance his way
whenever they were in the same room. Her blue eyes couldn't stop roaming over
his perfect tight handsome physique and the thought of those strong arms around
her. That powerful body up against hers was a very appealing thought in her
mind.

No matter how much she would
chastise herself for even thinking anything sexual about him her eyes would
return to those incredible thighs, and that tight butt of his. The way his body
seemed to have been poured and moulded into that incredibly tight uniform. A
small smile curled on her lips. �Hmm�� she purred.

Al glanced over at her with
a suspicious brow raised. He didn't trust her. In his books she was evil, the
devil. With a sour face he took another swig of his drink glaring holes into
her. He really didn't like her.

The silence continued until
Gohan returned with three very full glasses. He was planning on keeping Videl
at the table as long as he possibly could, hoping that by the end of the night
they would have formed some kind of friendship.

Videl looked up at him
placing a full glass down in front of her. �Thanks.� She said in a small voice.
Gohan was taken back a little with her timidness. It was so unlike her.

He smiled widely. �You're
welcome.�

Al didn't waste any time
gulping down his second drink. He wasn't happy. He couldn't see why they had to
try and be friends with the grump. It was not like she went out of her way to
talk to them before now. What was the deal anyhow? They weren't worthy enough
for her before breakfast. What does she want? There are plenty of other empty
chairs in the tavern. Why can't she just sit in one of them and be her usual
miserable self instead of ruining their night too.

Ignoring Al's unfriendly
attitude towards the girl, Gohan proceeded to make conversation. �Soo�um�is this your first time here?� He asked.

It was then when she turned
and locked eyes with him that he found himself transfixed by the depth of her
blue eyes. He had never seen anything like it before. They looked so different
up close when she wasn't threatening to punch his teeth in.

He found himself being
helplessly drawn in by her deepest bluest orbs. There was something about them
that made him shift nervously in his chair. She seemed to be probing, searching
for something, but what? Just then her eyes lowered to her glass breaking the spell.
�No, it's not my first time here.�

Gohan had been so lost in
her eyes that he had forgotten that he had even asked a question. It took some
time to get his brain cells into gear once more. �Uh�err�yeah that's cool�so do
you hang out here often? It's just I've hadn't seen you here before now.� He
explained.

She shrugged her shoulders
without looking up at him. �I don't come here much. It's only if I need a place
to get away,� Videl glanced up at him. �Whenever my roomy has her boyfriend over, which is
almost every other night. It seems like I'm the only girl that doesn't
have a boyfriend on my floor.� She complained with her eyes buried deep into
Gohan's.

Al's head snapped up from
his glass and frowned. What's her game?

With the way her eyes
burning into his Gohan couldn't help but think it was directed towards him in
some way, but why? It wasn't his fault her roomy had a boyfriend. Clearing his
throat, he went on trying to keep the conversation alive and keep her from
leaving the table. �Well what do you think of it?� Her questioning eyes met his
and she raised a brow. Embarrassed he explained. �Ooh� I meant the academy. Do
you like it so far?� He asked, pushing cautiously so as not to scare her off.

�It's everything I expected
it to be.� Videl said in a small voice, looking over at him and shrugging her
shoulders while her long slender finger circled the lip of her glass. From the
tone of her voice Gohan thought he caught a hint of sadness. He didn't know
whether it was wise to push her further. He thought the only way to see what
was bothering her was to approach the subject with caution.

�Yeah, I think I can relate
to that.� He glanced up noticing her waiting for him to continue.

So far so good he thought. �Since
I got here my grandfather has been telling me stories about the good old days
when he was at the academy.� Gohan's smile broadened thinking about his
grandfather, Bardock, and how he had him in a
powerful hug that first day they met. �My grandfather is a great man, a brave
warrior and well respected.� Videl could hear the pride in Gohan's voice when
he talked about him. �Well he told me how proud he was that I was going and how
much fun I would have. Also how I would form lifelong friendships with the
other cadets.� Gohan chuckled but it was vacant of any real amusement.

His mind drifted to the day
when he wandered around on his own when his parents and he had first arrived on
his father's home world. He strolled through the crowded streets wearing his
Earth clothes, something that gave him a sense of security in this strange and
seemly hostile environment. The cold glares, the hurtful words that were
directed at him. It made him feel lost and alone. He remembered lowering his
head and going straight back home feeling dejected, disheartened of what he had
hoped life would be like on Vegeta-sie.

Still vivid was the day his
father had broken the news to them over tea one night that they were all going
to live on planet Vegeta-sei. Just like that out of the
blue. He knew his father had often thought about his birthplace. He wanted to
be around others like him, a warrior race, others that had the same passion as
he did. He also wanted to see his own father. He knew it was on his mind but
there was never any mention of uprooting the whole family before that night. He
remembered how surprised and speechless he was as his mind tried to grasp this
news. He remembered glancing up at his mother as she abruptly stood and walked
out of the room leaving him and his father in silence. How his father seemed so
determined turning back to him his expression changed, softened smiling. �She will be fine, you'll see. She just needs some
time.� That was over a year ago.

He remembered being in his
room listening to them arguing. He wasn't a child anymore but it still was
unnerving listening to their raised voices and hearing his name over and over
again. He covered his ears with the pillow trying to tune them out, trying to
make them stop.

Weeks followed as his father
organized things with Bulma. The tension was high. He never understood why his
mother never put a stop to it, but in his heart he believed she was afraid if
she didn't go that she would lose her husband forever and possibly him too.
Knowing how close father and son were, but ironically it seemed to be that she
was pushing them both away from her instead.

So, with his father's mind
set and made up and his mother's disapproving glares, they left for Vegeta-sei leaving all their friends behind a sad tearful departure
for all.

Arriving to a small
welcoming committee waiting for them, the atmosphere was definitely warmer than
what it had been for all those weeks in space in their modest spaceship with
his parents fighting.

He stood there surrounded by
complete strangers, except for Raditz whom he
remembered all too well from his childhood. Unconsciously his whole posture
tensed seeing the hefty Saiyan once more. He recalled how he was on his guard
around his uncle for the first few months. It was Raditz
that had brought his dad's memory back, telling him who he was, but not after a
huge battle where Gohan was kidnapped.

He remembered being very
afraid, locked away in the cramped space pod, watching as his father fight to
get him back. The look on everyone's faces when he'd exploded out from the pod
to save his father. Managing to surprise and knock his uncle back a few steps
away from his father. Raditz was so astonished by the
young boy's strength that his anger melted away as he looked at his brother who
was pleading for his son's life. This took Raditz by
surprise. Frowning and confused the anger bleeding away, it was then the pieces
came together, turning from the unconscious child to his brother. �I would never hurt him. He's my nephew� We�re
brothers! I just want to bring you back.�

Goku looked up at him
clutching his broken ribs, furious. �LIAR! You kidnapped my SON!� He spat.

Stunned, tug of amusement Raditz threw back his head in laughter. �You wouldn't listen to ME!� he sounded
slightly offended. �I had to get your
attention somehow,� Another deep rumble erupted from his lips,
laughing again. ��and by the looks of
things, it worked!� amused at Kakarrot's confused and perturbed
expression. �It makes sense now why you were
out for my blood little brother.�

�No! I
don't believe YOU! You want to exterminate everyone on planet! I won't allow
you to DO THAT! This is my home-� The
Earth Saiyan argued until there was some sort of reconciliation and with the
knowledge of Frieza and others of his clan causing
havoc through the universe Goku decided to go with his brother to see for
himself, yet another adventure that captured his mind, another turning point in
Gohan's life where he found himself once more on his own been taken this time
by Piccolo, future friend, sensei, training him for what seemed to be the
inevitable invasion with the lizard.

So from that first day when
he found himself standing on the tarmac at Vegeta-sei
spaceport with his extended family seeing, his uncle Raditz
standing next to a tall impressive man that was his father's image, except for
a deep scar on his right cheek with his expression a little more stern from
years living in a war zone. It was Gohan's grandfather, Bardock.
He watched his father be engulfed by the man's strong arms. It seemed to be a
long time before they tore apart from each other. Bardock
patted Goku on the back with a broad smile and possibly a little misty eyed. �It's good to finally have you back son. Welcome
home!� Gohan turned to see his mother's cold angry glare fixed on
the three males. By the time he had turned back his grandfather was standing
right in front of him.

�This then must be the grandson I've heard so much about!� he
bellowed grinned, looking at the boy approvingly.

Shyly Gohan looked down at
his boots not knowing what to say before finding himself
struggling, feeling his lungs quickly deflate. He was startled and practically
bug eyed finding himself being crushed by the man's powerful arms, engulfed
swallowed up quickly finding his resistance and hesitation slip away. From that
day he quickly warmed to this full blood, his Saiyanjin grandfather who would
go out of his way to make him feel safe and secure when ever he was around.

Gohan returned from his
musing and turned his attention back to Videl. Her blue eyes met his with an
understanding.

�But as much as I love my
grandfather�� He's voice drifted somewhat, smiling sadly. �He was wrong. It's
not at all like that, and �well, it�s different when you're not a full blood
Saiyan.� He said meeting her eyes once again. There was a sense of sorrow they
both shared that only a few could relate to. Videl�s blue's moistened as she
felt a connection with him, a bond, and a kindred spirit. One she hadn't felt
with anyone else.

Their moment of shared
understanding was broken by Al struggling to his feet. Gohan's head snapped up
to him frowning. �Where are you going?� concerned.

�What's it to you?!� Al
growled, before composing his temper. �If you really want to know, I'm off to
the little boy's room. Then I'm off to the bar again!� He spat sounding a tad
peeved and a little more drunk than Gohan remembered him.

�I hope I don't have to
carry you back to our room.� He warned. Al narrowed his sights on him.

�You don't have to carry me
I can walk just fine!� He snarled, turning sharply
only to trip, toppling over and landing hard on his butt. �CRAP!� He swore from
the floor.

Closing his eyes Gohan shook
his head and groaned as everyone's heads turned their way looking down at Al.
It was embarrassing, but more frustrating. On his feet Gohan went to lend a
helping hand only to have Al swat it away. �I don't need your HELP! I'm perfectly capable of get up
MYSELF!� He growled with a slight slur, struggling to his feet once more with
Gohan frowning wanting to help. He watched as his stubborn friend attempted to
stomp away angrily, but failed miserably.

�What a creep!� Videl
growled watching Al push through the crowd. Gohan shook his head
disapprovingly.

�He's cool when you get to
know him.� He sat back down. �He's just a bit high strung at times. He gets it
from his papa from what I can tell.� He explained concerned looking to where
his friend had vanished from view.

�Yeah, I think I've seen his
parents. Weird huh?�

Frowning Gohan turned to
face her. �In what way?� He had met Al's parents
several times since Al and him had become roomies. It
didn't take long before he had grown quite fond of them though he still felt a
little uneasy when they showed any affection toward each other in front of him.

�For starters like two men
having a kid? How's weird is that?� Videl frowned with the look Gohan was
shooting at her. �Come off it!
Don't tell me you don't think so? I heard rumours that you're from Earth like
me right?�

�Yeah I am.� So she is from Earth, he thought.

�Well you can't just sit
there and tell me that it's not kind of, I don't know, odd for two guys to fall
in love, and have a kid?�

�I do agree it's different.�
Gohan said looking at her sternly. �Though, I'm finding there are a lot of
things here that are odd to me. I don't pretend to understand it all but I have
met Al's dads and they are both great guys. They have never made me feel any
less of a person because of my less than pure blood, and besides their life
style isn�t hurting anyone.� Gohan argued. The subject was hitting too close to
home for his liking.

He looked over at Videl
wanting to know what she was thinking. He hoped their feelings on this wouldn't
stop them from becoming friends. Finally she shrugged her shoulders. �I can't
say I agree with you, but who am I to judge others. But you have to admit
Gohan, where we came from two guys having a kid just doesn't happen well not
biologically. That's just too plain weird!�

�Yeah. It does take some getting used to. I�m just glad I'll
never know.� They both laughed.

When they both settled down,
they took another sip of their drinks Videl finally asked what had been on her
lips for awhile now. �So um the two of you�err� Al and you� aren't a couple
then?�

�A
couple, how?�
Gohan raised a brow not quite understanding what she meant by that.

�Yeah, like boyfriends?�

When it slowly registered
what she had said Gohan's eyes nearly shot out of his head. �NO! No-no-no
nothing like that! Girls all the WAY!
Yep! Hehehe, I'm single!� he laughed nervously, rubbing
the back of his neck, sheepishly.

As soon as he realised what
he had said, and how he reacted he regret it, especially after just defending
Al's parents. But then again, what was right for others was totally out of the
question for him and he knew why too. It scared him to death having these
feeling surface their ugly head. He had no control over them. They were just
there lurking, a continuous reminder that if his mother ever found out she
would definitely disown him. And what of his father?

It wasn't a chance he was
willing to take, and something he didn�t want to ponder over. It was confusing
to have these feelings residing inside himself, especially when he didn't want
them or ask for them. He wanted to be like all the other guys he knew. He didn't
need this. It was just another painful reminder that he was in the minority,
different. One thing he had in his favour was that he liked girls, just not as
much. He tended to be submissive around them though, never quiet knowing what
to say or do whenever he knew a girl was interested in him in that way.

He wasn�t willing or wanting
to jeopardise his family relationship so he tried to quash these unwanted
feelings. At the same time he didn't want to lie and just use a girl to stop
the questioning that might come his way. He's goal was simple. To consume himself in what the academy had to offer, to strive and
become a great fighter like his grandfather and father. He knew it could end up
being a lonely life if he didn't watch out.

He looked up to notice that
Videl was looking at him in odd sort of way during the short time that he had
been wrestling with his thoughts. Her eyes were sparkling like she was lost in
her own thoughts, but with what he didn't know.

His words were still echoing
inside of her � I'm single. �I
see.� She said with her lips curling into a small smile while trying to
suppress her excitement with that piece of knowledge. It was the first real
smile he had seen on her since they had met. He thought how pretty she looked.
It seemed to change her whole feature, making her appearance look softer more
approachable.

�Why do you ask?� Gohan
asked curiously.

Clearing her throat, she
hesitated for a moment, averting her eyes. �It's just�well the way you both are
always together, and the way Al seems to look at you sometimes.� Looking up at
him? �It�s like he has a crush on you or something.� Blinking puzzled and
confused, Gohan sat back in his chair thinking. A crush, Al?
With me? No, not possible.

�No. We�re just good friends
that�s all.� He said more to himself than her. �More like brothers.� He hoped.

�Good.� She said unable to
mask her relief and delight.

Gohan looked at her
questioningly. It was then that an alarming thought passed through his mind.
Gee, I hope she's not looking at me as potential boyfriend. The thought
unnerved him in more ways than one. He had never had a girlfriend before, not
even back at home. Why him? And did he like her in that way? He didn't think he
did.

It was then that Al slumped
himself heavily down in his chair with yet another full glass in hand. He gave
Videl a menacing glare before returning back to his goal of getting wasted
before the night was out.

Disapprovingly, Gohan looked
at him and shook his head. Al looked up over the lip of his glass. �wha..?� He slurred angrily.

�Nothing.� He shook his head again in disgust. He knew by the end
of the night he'll be the one mopping up after his friend, something he wasn't
looking forward to.

This time it was Videl who
wanted to try and keep the conversation going.�
With her mind now entertaining the idea of making the
handsome male hers. �So �um I was sure after your little demonstration
that commander Nappa would have you down in the arena
making you rake it.�

Gohan mistakenly took it
that she was trying to ease the tension between Al and him. He returned her
smile. He couldn't help but think how pretty her smile was. �No, that didn't
happen,� He chuckled. �But now I've got the feeling he is going to keep a very
close eye on me.�

�Poor
baby.� Videl cooed.

Gohan grinned and shrugged
his shoulders. �It�s okay. I'll just have to be careful around him. So tell me
about yourself.� He asked changing the subject from him. �I know you're from
Earth what else?

�Well my mother is in the
military here.�

Gohan raised brow,
interested. �Really?�

�Yeah, it's from her that I
get my Saiyan blood from.�

�Yeah? Wow, cool. For me it's from my dad's side. My mother is
human.� Just mentioning his mother he felt a tug at his heart. This didn�t go
unnoticed by Videl. Her eyes looked back down at her half filled glass. Gohan
smiled. �Soo� it's your dad that's human then?� he
asked.

�Yep. My mum left him when I was little but we have only
recently moved here. They never really got on.�
They meet at some party, a one nightstand that resulted in me being
born, mum refused to leave me behind when she decide to return so I live with
her now.� Gohan caught the pain in her words. He could relate to some of it
with his own folks fighting.

�I'm sorry.� He said. I know
all too well what it is like to be separated from one of your parents. His
father had been absent for the best part of his life back on Earth and it was
something he didn't' want a repeat of. Videl's eyes sprung up to meet his.

�There's nothing to be sorry
about.� She cleared her throat from the lump that was forming. �I'm planning on
going back to Earth one day.� She stated. �Maybe we could both go?�� Gohan frowned. It wasn�t out of the question.
He had often thought of retuning to see the friends they left behind. To see
Piccolo once again, just then they all felt a presence standing over them.

�Hey,
half-breed!� The
cadet laughed. �How about you come over and have some fun at our table where
the real Sayain's are.�

They looked up to see two
cadets from the table across from them. Both boys were quite big and were
eyeing Videl, making her feel uncomfortable and angry. They both wore a cocky
expression on their faces glancing back over at their friends amused. Gohan
could smell the alcohol on the pair of them.

Videl turned away and faced
the table. �I don't think so.� She said keeping her feelings under control. She
knew she could deal with creeps like them. She had been doing it ever since she
had arrived on this planet. They all made the same mistake in believing that
she was an easy target.

�Come on!� The guy objected,
winking. When she didn't make a move he frowned. He didn�t appreciate being
turned down in front of all his friends and especially by a half-breed. �What?
Do you think you're too good for us or something?� He spat.

Gohan eyes narrowed
dangerously. �She said no.� Al's eyes flicked back and forth between the two,
frowning while Videl continued to avoid the confrontation brewing around her.
She had no desire to plant her fist in anyone tonight.

�I don't remember asking YOU!� The taller one growled
standing his tail firming around his waist, his eyes darken ready for a fight.
The other boy clasped a firm hand on his friends shoulder.

�Hey Ruin. It's not worth
it. Leave the bitch alone.�

�Yeeeah you're right. Who needs to
get their hands dirty with this type
of FILTH!� He emphasised the last word by roughly
shoving Gohan hard in his shoulder. In a flash, a blink of eye Gohan was on his
feet, his chair falling back, delivering a solid punch to the guy's jaw.

As if in slow motion he
watched the guy called Ruin trip falling back over a neighbouring table,
rolling onto the floor followed by the loud
shuts
of protest from his friends as they all rushed to his side. Gohan
stood with his fists clenched ready for action. He watched as Ruin's friends
turned to him eyes ablaze. How dare he!

In a matter of seconds Al
was on his feet, the adrenaline in his body was pumping at rapid pace quickly
sobering him up enough to be able to be of some kind of assistance. He hoped.
On the other side Videl was up and ready. All three sets of eyes were alert and
fixed on Ruin and his big jock buddies, ready; the aristocracy of the academy,
the kids of the elite and privileged. Ruin's eyes burned into Gohan's only to
have it returned in an equally menacing look of things to come. They hated each
other and always have ever since that first day they came across each other. It
had been building up for sometime now. Ruin seeing only half-breed scum, Gohan
seeing nothing but another prick that pisses him off.

A big burly giant behind the
bar yelled for them to take it outside, but no one moved. Instead others from
the academy stood up from their tables and quickly took sides ready for a
showdown, a challenge.� All were very
capable of inflicting major damage on each other, trained for nothing more. The
troops were divided.

Spooner and his group of
friends moved and stood beside Gohan and the other two, Al and Videl. Ruin's
temper grew Spooner was one of them. His temper exploded. �You're ALL going DOWN!!� In a flash a full-blown war
had been declared. Fists were flying everywhere. Al's small frame jumped on one
of the bigger cadets back pulling wildly at his hair, no mercy there. Videl was
slamming her foot in another guy stomach while whirling around ducking as chair
went flying overhead. With a permanent grin on his lips obviously enjoying
himself, Spooner was dodging and blocking throwing punches as hard and fast as
they were being delivered.

By this time it was a free
for all. Chairs were crashing all over the place forcing others that weren't
involved to move out of harm�s way. Tables were flipped over and teenagers were
wrestling each other to the ground while knuckles were pounding into flesh,
bruising.

Ruin had rushed straight for
Gohan with so little room behind him he was forced back over the table with
Ruin flipping on top of him. They both tumbled and rolled on the floor. Gohan�s
head struck the raised stone hearth of the fireplace hard. Hissing as razor
sharp pain shot through his senses. Spots began to swim in front of his vision
as they continued to wrestle struggling for the upper hand as the table toppled
crashing over the pair as they continued their bloody and powerful fist dance.
Flipping the table aside Ruin got a good hard punch to Gohan�s face jolting his
head to the side narrowly missing a large piece of broken glass with razor
sharp edges staring back at him. Ruin reached over and snatched the broken
bottle while he had Gohan pinned down. Clutching his neck with a powerful
force, trying to strangle him, cutting off his air, face twisting, what a dirty
trick. In the time it took a struggling Gohan to look back at him, Ruin had
slashed across his cheek. It stung like hell. He growled out his frustration.
Gohan could feel the warm blood trickling down his cheek. He was not willing to
raise his ki knowing it would only alert his father. This was his fight.

His eyes snapped back with a
death threat at the other teen dark, angrily blinking trying to focus while he
fought to keep Ruin from doing it again. Both struggling, at what looked liked
a stalemate, strength against strength teeth gritting with their eyes narrowed
fixed with the same hatred and unbending determination to overpower the other.
Gohan�s hands tightened around Ruin's wrist. Seething, he fought to free the
weapon from Ruin's grasp while others fell around and into them not helping his
plight at all. His other hand was desperately trying to pry Ruin�s other hand
from around his neck for much needed air. It was then they heard a loud
whistles being blow somewhere behind them and the stamping of boots. The next
thing he knew was Ruin above him was jerked backwards away from him and onto
his feet at the same time he found the same thing happening to him. Both were
forcibly held preventing each from going for the other.

They were all staring at
commander Nappa, with his face twisting with the rage
swelling inside of him like they never seen before.

�GOTCHA!�

...

A few hours prior back up at
the palace in the massive rectangular grand dining room with its high ceiling,
authoritarian feel. It was majestic and left no room for anything less. Large
rich coloured paintings dominated the walls capturing great moments in the history
of the Saiyanjin's empire. The heavy monstrous table that
took up most if not all of the centre of the room.

A banquet was been held by
the king who was sitting at the head of the table surrounded by all of his
officials, generals, dignitaries. Among them General Bardock
his confidant beside him were his two sons, Raditz
and Kakarrot both proven to be well respected earning
their position in the empire military of elite warriors. Sitting opposite them
was the prince, Vegeta and Carlene with her father Onio
beside her.

The rumours of the couples
pending courtship were travelling thick and fast throughout the palace. The
reluctance of the prince to make it official was wearing on the king nerves.
His stubborn wilful son was the cause of so many heated arguments between them,
but he was just as determined as his headstrong son to get what he wanted for
the empire and Carlene was Vegeta-sei future Queen
whether his son liked it or not.

The evening was alive with
the clatter and noise of everyone finishing their meals. Conversation was loud
spilled with laughter and boisterous tales. Vegeta sat indifferent detached
from his surroundings, his mind elsewhere. He was intrigued, curiously studying
Bardock's youngest son, Kakarrot,
as he conversed with the dignitaries around them. Armed with
the knowledge that he was the one that sired the half breeds that had consumed
his every waking thought. He studied watched carefully. He could see
where the boy got his good looks from and his strength but, for the life of him,
he couldn't fathom where the boy got his elevated intellect and maturity from. Surely not from his parents, the human woman. He doubted the
Earth Saiyan was capable of anything beyond fighting and eating.�

Kakarrot came across too
warm and friendly for his liking, so unlike a Saiyanjin, but he had heard and
knew from personal experiences when it came to power the Saiyan was highly
advanced, something he was keeping a vigilant eye on. Their paths had crossed
back during the war against Frieza and his fleet of
henchmen. It was a past he would prefer to forget, a past where he had been
imprisoned from a young age. It was something of an embarrassment and rage
among the Saiyanjin's to have their young prince taken and held hostage by the
tyrant. It was something the king would never forgive himself for. It was the
start of a very bloody war that they were still recovering from.

The day that the prince was
returned was a joyful and memorable occasion for the king and his subjects, but
things were never the same as they were before he was captured. There was a
darkness that surrounded him. The king�s relationship with his son would never
return to what they had, what he hoped for. There was the constant fighting,
with the prince always assigning himself to every dangerous mission out there.
It was like he was trying to prove something to himself and everyone else.
Always out to get stronger and never letting anyone get too close, trust
no-one. He was very tight lipped about his life with his captives with the lizard
king. It was an unwritten law not to talk of these times not wishing to upset
the king or the prince who was known for his explosive temper.

An inward smile tugged at
the prince's lips with the thought of the half-breed. If things go to plan
he'll be his to do as he pleases within a matter of hours. His plan was simple
enough. He would seek out the boy and corner him if that�s what it took. The
boy won't have a say.

It was that simple.

No one in their right mind would
dare to challenge him over this, not even the boy's family. He was the prince
after all. Just the thought was enough to make him want to get up and leave and
seek the boy out now.

Around him the table was
alive with conversation and laughter. Over the chattering Vegeta had been busy
ignoring Carlene and her many attempts to strike up a conversation with him. It
was very annoying. He was more interested in the conversation across from him.

�So how is he settling in?�
The king asked Goku.

�He seem to be handling
everything well. I haven't heard him complain.� Goku smiled. Something he found
himself doing whenever he talked about his son.

�Good-good can't have my
best friend's grandson, unhappy.� The king laughed.

Bardock smirked and shook his head and said. �You know, the
whole time I've known the boy, I don�t think I have ever heard him complain.�
His eyes shone with pride.

It was the king's turn to
nod. He was pleased. �He sounds like a true warrior.� That put smiles on both Bardock and Goku�s faces. Radtiz had been dismissed for duty sometime ago.

All this time Carlene had
been politely eating and chatting to the others around her, but she kept a
close eye on the prince. She noticed how his ears would pick up every time
someone was mention about the son of the handsome warrior named Kakarrot. She
found him very pleasing to the eye. It was in this break of conversation that
Carlene, in her sweetest of smiles, asked the commander, �Excuse me�eh, Goku
you say your name is now?�

Goku turned to her with a
friendly smile. This was the first time she had said anything to him directly.
�That's right. It's been my name for too long now to change it.� He explained
with a dazzling smile that sent a warm blush to rise on her cheeks.

�I hear your son is here at
the academy?� As she asked this she noticed Vegeta�s eyes snap her way. She
ignored him as it only made her more curious.

�Uh huh, Gohan is in his
first year. He�s worked hard to get a place there. We are very proud of him.�

�I'm sure you are.� Not knowing
anything beyond what had already been said she fished for more information.
�Tell me, was he born here?�

A flash of hesitation
crossed over Goku's dark eyes. �My son was born on Earth.�

�Ah �� Carlene�s smile
faulted with disgust before it resumed spreading across her face with this
knowledge. Goku's face masked hiding his thoughts. He was suddenly picking up
bad vibes from her. Carlene continued with her act. �soo�I'm guessing he hasn't
seen his parent's home world
until now?�

Goku could feel his dislike
for this woman quickly building, so unusual for him. Bardock
glanced between them concerned, cutting off the king in mid sentence. Vegeta
didn't realise he was frowning as he listened. There was something in Carlene's
mannerism that put him on guard.

�No. This is Gohan first
time here.� Goku answered cautiously.

�I see�You and your wife
must be overjoyed to be back home after living in such
a barbaric place?� This got the attention of the king. �Lady Carlene. I'm sure
you didn't mean anything menacing with that remark?� The king wasn't sure what
she was getting at but it obvious to him that she was upsetting his loyal and
trusted friend and his son. He was thinking that maybe it had something to do
with Bardock�s son, Kakarrot,
talking so highly of planet Earth.

�No-no
your highness.� She
smiled sweetly with a slight bow of her head. �Forgive me. I'm just curious.
Kakarrot I don't see your wife here with us tonight. I hope she isn't ill?�

Goku eyes darkened and
narrowed. He knew what she was trying to do. She was trying to out Gohan as a mix-blood at the
king's table in front of all the other officials. This could make matter worse
for his son.� It wasn�t something they
openly talked about only knowing the type of prejudiced remarks and the
hardship Gohan was copping for being of mixed blood. It was nothing Goku was
ashamed of. He loved his son, proud of him but he didn�t want to cause any more
trouble for him as it was.��

Opposite him, Vegeta was
ready to throttle the banshee. He wasn't sure what her game was, but it
couldn't be good. He didn't know or understand why but he had this strong urge
that he should be defending Kakarrot. What the hell was that about?

Bardock was ready to jump up to prevent his youngest son from
attacking her if need be. The king looked on confused with the tension building
around him. It was at that moment a guard came rushing over to Nappa further down the table. All eyes turned to the
commander who abruptly stood, looking beyond furious, turning to their king
bowing. �Excuse me sire. I'm needed elsewhere.�

�What's wrong?� the king
demanded frowning. He could see that his commander was clearly not happy about
something.

�It has come to my attention
that there has been some trouble over at the Golden
Arms� Vegeta eyes narrowed. That's was the same tavern he had
followed the boy to only the night before.

�What kind of trouble?�
Vegeta found the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them.

Nappa's eyes narrowed. Not wanting to divulge the matter in
front of the king. It was just like the wilful prince to embarrass him like
this. �Nothing I can't handle Your Highness. Only that a fight has broken out
among some of the cadets at the tavern.�

�You're excused commander.�
The king said, waving his hand dismissing his commander. With two guards on
either side of him Nappa turned on his heels growling
out orders to his officers as he stormed out of the room. As Nappa left through the massive doors conversation erupted
around the room once again like nothing had happened.

Vegeta's eyes lowered to the
table in thought. Goku was also lost in thought staring at the door. Finally he
turned to his father. His parental instinct was telling him something wasn't
right. Gohan was masking his ki from him. It was a sure sign that he didn't
want his father to find him. Something was up.

Goku turned to his own
father, concerned. �I think Gohan is involved.� He spoke softly for his
father�s ears only.

Bardock turned from the king who was now in conversation with Onio and glanced at the doors that Nappa
had disappeared through and then back to his youngest son with the same
concern. �I think you might be right. Better go and see.� With an encouraging
smile he clapped his son on his shoulder. Goku stood getting the attention of
the king who looked up at him questioningly. Vegeta's eyes snapped up too.

�Kakarrot?� The king asked.

�Please excuse me sire.� The
king frowned slightly. He had an idea about what was concerning him but decided
not to say anything.

�Of
course Commander.� As Goku
bowed and turned to walk out, prince Vegeta stood getting his father attention
and everyone else.

�I'll go with you!� Vegeta
stated. His dark eyes left no room for discussion, his father sighed.

�Fine-fine Go!� They both
bowed and the king turned his attention back to Bardock
as their sons stepped out the door together. �Boy's.� He chuckled. Bardock nodded but couldn't but wonder what his grandson
had got himself into now.

�

Outside doors they both
found themselves in the pouring rain. Side by side they marched without word
though the palace gates without a flinch from the guards. The two men marched
beside each other towards the tavern. Goku, dark eyes and serious expression,
turned to the prince beside him with his own masked expression before turning
back to the path that led them to their destination.

They stepped up to the door
to see a few cadets picking up chairs and restoring upturned tables. They all
looked worse for wear and a little bruised and bloody, and by the look of their
faces they had already had a nasty taste of Nappa's
quick temper. Vegeta went up to one of the guards standing unsympathetically
over the cadets. �What exactly happened and where is Commander Nappa?� Vegeta demanded.

Goku took the few steps to
stand next to Vegeta. After the official shock of seeing his prince standing in
front of him wore off he quickly bowed. �Your Highness a fight broke out and
commander Nappa has taken the two responsible back to
the academy to deal with them there.�

Vegeta sighed and turned to
met Goku's eyes. They both had a gut feeling and it was Goku who ended up asked
the guard. �Do you know their names?�

�The two cadets' were cadet
Ruin and cadet Son Gohan-� Before the man could say anymore both Vegeta and
Goku turned and stormed out of the tavern, the bell ringing after them.

�HURRY!� Vegeta growled with Goku at his side. In the quiet of
the night they both travelled back along the dark streets towards the academy.
The rain kept pouring down causing the gutters to turn into rivers as they overflowed
and washed down the street. Goku found himself wondering why Vegeta was even
here with him. What possible interest did the prince have to leave the palace
over something as common as a pub brawl?

He knew why he was there. He
had a nagging feeling that Gohan could be involved, which had been
confirmed.�� A lot was racing through his
mind. The first being was why Gohan was in a pub brawl? And who started it? He
didn't think it was his son�s fault, but he wouldn't know for sure until he was
able to speak to him, and for that to happen he had better hurry.��

They both quickened their
pace, powerful steps as they continued silently down the street. With a single
thought they both turned to the sky together in unison before shooting into the
dark clouds of the storm. They both hoped for the same thing, to reach the
academy before Commander Nappa's quick
temper has a chance to reach the boy.

TBC�

A/N: A BIG thanks goes to
my editor Vegeta-sire ;)

I really glad you like it so far KatFO!
;) I hope you�ll stick around and see what kind of wild mess Gohan and Vegeta
and the others will find themselves in the later chapters. :)�

Thanks for reading!�
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