Shadow

Whistling a small tune, Gohan leisurely strolled through the streets of Satan city. The traffic was bearable, not that he had a car. With the pavement pathway a bit crowded he had to stop every few seconds from bumping into someone. It was the lunch hour so many people were rushing here and there filling up the restaurant seats.

He was currently on route to find some spices. He had finished up the last of his spices using it on his morning fish curry as he liked to call it. "More" seemed like a perfect shop to him. It was funny witnessing how unimaginative people were in coming up with shop names. He definitely would not name his shop as 'More' should he start one.

Pepper, Salt, Cinnamon … all the delicacies in equal proportion, he walked out of the shop fifteen minutes later fifty Zenni less. Starting again on the whistling, he did a recap of all the productive work he had done all day. Two Chapters of Thermodynamics, two new Ki-Techniques and mind blowing amount of workout. His body ached quite a bit, but he'd live, he was a Saiyan after all.

He planned to have all of his subjects done by the time he entered College so that he could spend the entire time in some sort of research or better yet he could lay down the foundations of what he wanted to do with his life, maybe build his own research facility. Either that or open up a Martial Arts Studio, but then it would be pointless to study Engineering seeing as he could do it right after school.

Teach at a University? That had points too. He was a very good teacher and he had a ton of patience. The Cons being that he would be stuck repeating the same thing for year's together, generation after generation.

Research was his best bet till now, seeing as opening a Martial Arts studio would lead him to ruin, what with Hercule running the world. Hmmm, he had to do something about that. The man had too much power for his liking. He wasn't exactly what the Z-fighter would deem a threat, but the man was literally withholding the human race from reaching its true potential by spreading his ignorance and foolishness to everyone. Ki, was used and practiced by almost every species he knew. Frieza and the PTO were proof of that.

Gohan sighed shaking his head. Hercule's stupidity was not a topic worthy of getting worked up over.

A huge crane lifting something on the other side of the road drew the Demi-Saiyan's attention. It appeared that a huge advertisement board had fallen over. It was painted in complete yellow, with Hercule's picture from the 24th WMAT.

'Satan City Martial Arts Tornament' Gohan read in disbelief. What nonsense was this? He crossed the road literally scaring the shit out of an old lady who was forced to squash the brake lever under her feet. Her livid yelling fell on deaf ears, as Gohan's attention was completely captured by the newly erected structure. The worker guys were excitedly talking about the SMAT, the guy who had operated the crane now joining them.

"A fine young man such as yourself would be participating in the tournament I presume" a voice came from behind.

Gohan turned around to see a blonde man in a suit walking towards him. The guy was wearing black sunglasses with an easy smile on his face. He had nicely fit body, and judging by the skin quality on his cheeks, the man was easily in his late forties.

"Oh … I don't know sir. I-uh … I'm not that fond of fighting" Gohan said with an equally friendly look, but the guy appeared scandalized.

"What? Why not? My boy, this is a world class Martial Arts tournament. True, it is a given that a student from the Satan dojo is going to win it, but shouldn't you at least give it a try. The winner gets the biggest privilege after all, a private training session with the King himself. Go for it dear boy" the guy in black said in a convincing tone.

Gohan withheld a snort at the mention of Hercule's training. The guy barely had a proper stance. What was it called again, the Satan Death Stance? Ridiculous, in his humble opinion was the apt word to describe the supposedly fabulous prize offered generously by their King. Looking properly at the board again, he could clearly see the hundred thousand prize money. It would boost his plans quite bit and it would surely irk Hercule to see an unknown party win the tournament. A massive blow to the Satan dojo's reputation was a good way to kick off his entry into high school. It would also shake the people's belief in Satan quite a bit.

"I'll do it sir" he said with a determined look, snapping his eyes away from the board.

"That's more like it" the man said clapping Gohan on the back. "I'm Mark Stone by the way" the man said holding out his hand.

"Oh, I'm Gohan, Gohan Son" Gohan replied with a firm shake of the blonde man's hand.

"Great. My son Sharpner will be competing. You better watch out for him lad. He's one of the Kings most prized students" the man said, a bit of his ego showing, but Gohan dismissed it completely as pride for his son's achievement.

"Thanks for the warning Mr. Stone. Judging by your presence here I assume you personally work for the King" Gohan probed for a bit of information.

"I can't say that I don't lad. Well you are right; I'm the King's private advertiser. Any and all mass broadcastings, press conferences, fights and contracts go through me. The King's been planning this event for months. I doubt even the old WMAT rings were as good as this one. You'll see when you compete" It was not hard to observe the amount of trust and faith that the man had on Satan. It was one of the key points of highlight that he been turning over in his head for the past day. The party event thing had been an eye opener for him to realize just how much the people idolized Satan.

"Well then, I'll see you at the tournament lad. Don't forget, the registration starts today at midnight." Shaking the man's hand, Gohan departed his mind a whirlwind of different things.

Videl observed the multitude of things that she had ordered online, scattered on her bed, lipsticks, three differently colored contacts, two types of wigs, etc. She decided to go with the red one, seeing as she wasn't fond of blonde hair. Getting the contacts over her eyes was a huge difficulty; she had spent literally half an hour trying to pry her eyes open. Her eyes were sensitive like that.

The red haired wig, fit perfectly over her head. She had ordered the most expensive one, and it was worth it. The lipstick left an odd taste on her mouth, making her snarl in irritation. She had no idea as to how Erasa wore this crap everyday to school.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Videl was completely sure that not even her dad would be able to identify her. This was her chance, to gain a sense of normalcy. She idly wondered why this idea hadn't struck her before. Sure the wig was a bit uncomfortable and the contacts made her eye twitch but if this was what it took to make her Ms. Anonymous then so be it.

She took the elevator down to the garage and decided on taking the Porsche, seeing as that was the only one that would not give away the fact that it was one of the Kings vehicles. The number plate on it was a normal one.

Opening the door she threw her handbag inside. She hated handbags with passion; they always got in the way. What if she needed to punch someone? Getting shot due to her hands being in a tangled mess courtesy the strands of her Handbag was a silly way to die.

She exited the manor and drove along the busy streets of Satan City. For the first time in her life, Videl was able to keep the window shades down and enjoy the busy streets without fear of some idiot thrusting his hand into the car in hopes of somehow touching the princess. Sometimes, many a times these people tend to forget that she was also a normal eighteen year old teenager.

Huffing in indignation, she looked to her right, Phoenix Market City, the biggest mall of Satan City. Why not? She drove into the car parking and took the elevator.

She could count on one hand the number of times that she had gone to a mall. People tended to easily recognize her and hence it was impractical to do anything let alone shop with hordes of people following you, or rather peeking at you when they thought you aren't looking. As subtle as a train wreck.

She had originally planned to go to that Triana Restaurant, after learning that they were the ones catering last night. Rethinking the idea of going to some low level restaurant made her admit that it was to spy on that boy from last night. She had no idea why she was suddenly interested in that guy. Maybe it was because that the guy had treated her as an ordinary person.

She knew it had been hypocritical of her to demand respect for being the King's daughter while at the same time making it known outwardly that she loathed being the princess. She detested herself for feeling irritated by the fact that guy didn't bend over like everyone else.

He was the one of the very few people she had met who appeared completely apathetic to her title. She would be lying if she said that she hadn't found said person curious for treating her as he would treat anyone for that matter. However simple curiosity did not make her call up the hall's executives and track down the hired caterer for drinks and pin it down on a local restaurant.

It was the special interest that she had developed in the boy courtesy of his vivid conversation she had shared with him. She had faults as much as anyone living in Satan City but people including her father overlooked them constantly enough that she had never bothered much on the small error of her ways. To have them pointed out was a strange break of the routine that she had fallen into since the Cell-Games.

To openly challenge her and to prove that her actions were not fair following it up with completely logical argument which she could not deny and a completely apathetic chuckle that said that he just didn't care what she did or what she thought, whether she took his words seriously or not, dismissing her like the way he did yesterday had certainly put that young man on her watch list. People valued her opinion, whether it concerned them or not.

But, Hell, she was Videl Satan. She never went behind people, especially some unknown fellow who worked in some medium class restaurant. He was just one person and just because he was not a fan didn't mean he was worth driving all the way over. It was not like she was going to meet him again. He was probably one of those jocks trying to act high and mature but actually coming out as rude. Now that she thought about, the boy had been rather rude.

Videl couldn't help but feel silly for tracking down the catering team. Had she really been considering going over, a few minutes ago. Since when did she start tracking down bartenders? Yes, the guy had raised some sound points but no, this was the last time she was met him if she had anything to say about the matter,

Videl happily sauntered off into the crowds in the Lifestyle section. For the first time in a long time, she was going to choose her own dress. She let out an excited giggle so unlike the Princess.

439 Mountain Area

Chi-Chi Son hung up the last of her family's freshly washed clothes as she watched her husband chase her baby all around the house. They looked so much alike that Chi-Chi always had a hard time reprimanding the two of them. Her son was downright adorable, his naivety rivaling that of his father, appearance wise he was a splitting image of a kid-Goku. She giggled seeing her husband tickling the hell out of their baby who was now on the grass kicking and screaming for mercy.

"Let's go fishing dad" Goten yelled jumping up and down, slithering out of Goku's grasp.

Goku gave her his usual grin before walking off with Goten and Krillin by his side, the latter making Chi-Chi frown in annoyance. She had never gotten over her anger over the once bald monk. How could she, what with the man driving her eldest child away. Neither of them had forgotten the scar the monk had inherited from her, covered by his recently grown hair, around seven years ago.

Yamcha had dropped off the radar since then. He rarely ever came to the Z-Gangs meetings which happened every month or so, what with the tension between the two of them. Chi-Chi knew that she was a brash and hot-headed woman who was many times outright rude. But in her heart, she loved each and every one of her friends with passion. But after what they had done to her son, Chi-Chi would never forgive those two men who had taken her baby away from her, however indirectly it may have been. Even Bulma had been unable to quench the gap, and that was saying something.

Gohan, She thought of his name everyday in the morning. He was always her first thought, her little prince who she had one day wished to see as a scholar. Now, she didn't want any of that, she only needed him by her side. Chi-Chi had never given up hope that one day their son would return home. Once he did, she would never let him out of her sight again.

Walking inside the house, she picked up the picture of the two of them from the mantle. It contained just her and her baby, a photo taken by her dad, when Gohan had been four years old. Oh, how cute he looked, his adorable tail wrapped around her arm as she hugged him lovingly to her chest.

Her baby had always worn his heart on his sleeve, valuing other people, his friends above everything else. When she had heard the two men confessing to her that they had been a bit hard on Gohan for Goku's death after he had been missing for a week, she had exploded. Her pregnancy at that time did nothing to decrease the rage and range of emotions form anger to guilt to sadness at what her baby must be going through. Piccolo, Vegeta, Krillin, all shook their heads in a solid 'No' that they could not sense her baby making her throw a tantrum. Looking back, she had been an emotional wreck.

'We were a bit hard on the kid Chi, kind of blamed him for Goku being gone.' Piccolo had punched Krillin right in the face as soon as the monk had explained Gohan's disappearance. The Namekian had been recovering inside the lookout when Shenron had been summoned and the altercation between Goku's supposed best friends and her son had occurred. From what the two idiots had told her, Gohan had just observed them with a critical eye. No anger, No guilt, he had just atken in whatever they had said. They had gone home afterwards, her baby had not. That was the last anyone saw of her son.

The death of a life long best friend would surely leave a mark on you, but to take it out on a 11-year old boy, who had just done something that no one could ever demand from a eleven year old boy was outrageous. Even Vegeta had looked closed to bursting a vein. Piccolo till this day refused to look at the two Z-fighters with nothing but contempt. He took the disappearance of his pupil almost as bad as Goku.

She knew Gohan better than anyone else. She knew that he would have blamed himself for Goku's death, her baby, always putting the weight of many responsibilities on his own shoulders. At that time someone should have stepped forwards and talked to him, from the heart. Instead all that had happened was the solidification of a guilt that should have never been present in he first place. The day her baby came home, was the day he accepted and came in to terms with the Cell Games.

Looking back, she realized just how much Gohan had done to please both her and Goku. Before the Androids, he spent all of his time either fighting and training with his father, or studying for her sake. They had never once allowed him to do what he had wanted.

Goku came back, just in time for Goten's birth after being informed that Gohan had gone missing with the use of the Namekian Dragon Balls. The fact that even the dragon could not locate her son had her crying for weeks in spite of the happy mood she had been courtesy Goku's resurrection. Goku for all of his naïve nature knew this, her husband may be dense but when it came to their son he was all one could ask for a father.

She knew that Gohan's disappearance had left a huge mark in her husband's heart. Admittedly Chi-Chi had never seen Goku get truly angry, save for that night when his two friends confessed their actions towards his son. Two years later they made up and now five years later, the relationship that Goku had shared with Krillin was still not what it was long ago.

Chi-Chi sighed, replacing the photo in the mantle wiping a stray tear from her eye. She had to prepare the kitchen for the monstrously big fish that the father son duo would undoubtedly bring in. She giggled at the mental image of a mouth watering Goten hovering near the kitchen door, just like his father.

Videl tapped her foot impatiently for her father to arrive home. The day had gone splendidly well for her, to walk amongst people normally, free of the stares, whispers, touches, leers. Oh, she was so doing it again. Tomorrow she was going to go to West City, but right now all she wanted was to sleep. Her shopping spree had left her spent.

But, No, he dad had to intervene. He wanted to talk to her, something important he had said and here she was, waiting for him in his office at eleven in the midnight. Wait, wasn't he needed at the SMAT opening registrations. She knew her father would never miss a chance to cause more publicity.

Her thoughts were shattered when the door opened, and her father walked in clad in his WMAT robes. She frowned trying to remember the last time he wore them.

"Videl. How are you?" he asked.

"Fine, dad. Now what was this that you wanted to meet me with? I'm tired, let's get this over quickly" she mumbled hastily.

Hercule frowned. He had expected his daughter to be a bit more enthusiastic about the SMAT.

"It's about the SMAT Videl. Honestly speaking, I expected you to be a bit more excited about this event"

"I am excited dad and as much as it pains me to say this, I would really appreciate it if you get on with what you want" she said.

"Videl, I expect you to be a bit more respectful. This time I'll let it slide, next time you'll get to see why people fear to cross Hercule Satan, and I'm not talking about in the ring" Hercule kept his tone sharp.

"Do your worst dad. But I'll let you know that I'm competing, and no, you can't talk me out of it" Videl said offhandedly

"Videl, if you lose, it will be a big blow to the Satan name" Hercule said angrily.

"Then you have nothing to worry about. I have no intention of losing, and please don't act like you care about the Satan Dojo dad. If I lose, it will be a student from your Dojo who's going to win, so dont worry, your reputation will be intact no matter what" Videl was getting irritated.

"It's not about the Dojo Videl. It's about our family name" Hercule yelled, "For the past seven years, I have not lost a single tournament. If you lose, it indirectly affects the Satan family winning streak."

"Why are you so obsessed with me losing dad? Have you forgotten that it was you who trained me? Don't tell me its because I'm a girl" Videl yelled back.

Hercule tried to quell the anger within him. What would it take for her to just listen to him? Why did she have to so damn stubborn in everything? Didn't she understand that he needed to see the bigger picture?

"Sweat pea, this just isn't about you. It's about how good the competition is this year. The boys at the Dojo far surpass your level of strength. There isn't even a minute chance that you will win. Please Videl, I don't want to see my daughter beat up in front of my eyes" He said, letting go of his anger and throwing in sorrow instead.

"Dad, why didn't you just tell me you were worried. I promise, I'm much stronger than I look and wasn't it you who told me that strength wasn't everything in a fight. I have enough skill and technique to get by" she said with a smile, now that her father's intentions had shone thorough.

"Goodnight dad" Videl kissed him on the cheek and left, hoping for a good night's sleep and more exploring the city the day after.

"Randolf" Hercule called.

"Sir?"

"It appears that I have been unsuccessful in convincing my daughter against competing" Hercule turned to look at his most loyal servant, "It appears that we have to do things a different way then."

The streets were crowded to say the least. Even with Hercule arranging nearly thirty centers for registration all around the city, things were getting ridiculous. People were jamming, chattering, speculating about the SMAT. He was sick of hearing the rumors and assumptions of 'Who will win?'. Hercule himself was not a participant hence most of the people were hopeful for his daughter to win the tournament.

Gohan had not taken a Ki-reading off the girl back at the party, frankly because, he was not interested. He doubted she would even make it to the finals. Just because the girl fought lowlife criminals didn't automatically imply that she could take on trained personnel. Any decently accomplished Martial Artist could take a bunch of criminals and show whose boss, but only a talented one would be able to hold any semblance of a challenge to him.

The money would boost his plans by, at least a year so he had decided to get an in to the tournament. Well that, and also a small part of him wanted to beat that Sharpener Stone, after the guys dad had boasted so loudly about his prodigal son. It took around half an hour for him to reach the official at the front; the queue was almost gone, seeing as he had been at the last.

"Name" the old guy chanted in a bored routine.

"Shadow" the old guy rolled his eyes. Gohan frowned seeing as he had spent a lot of time coming up with the name.

"Where do you kids come up with these names?" the guy mumbled, "Phone number?"

"Um … I don't have one" He got stared at. Gohan nervously scratched his hair.

"Where are you from kid, in the mountains?" The guy chuckled at his own joke.

Here, the man handed him a piece of paper with a number scribbled on top along with a chit containing the participant number with his registered name 'Shadow' printed on top. "Call this number in the next forty eight hours and get your registered name verified, else you're out kid. And don't lose that chit, you got to show that at the tournament, else they won't let you in."

Gohan gratefully took the paper walked in search of a telephone booth ignoring the man's mumbled, "Not that you'd make it past the first round."

Just because he wore baggy clothes alone meant that people underestimated him. Even when walking on the streets he had seen the more bulky guys try to push him out of their way, looking cowed when they knocked themselves out. He tried not to draw attention to himself, but when idiots walked his way, he couldn't resist bursting their ego and bringing them down a few pegs.

Tomorrow his results would be out and hopefully his enrollment in school would be finished by the day after tomorrow. Sighing, he quickly found a telephone booth inserting a coin and dialing the known number. Some annoying squeaky woman answered the phone and two seconds later his 'in' to the tournament was official.

Oh, he was going to make a killing. He couldn't wait to try out the new Gi that he had made. It was one of the most expensive things that he owned. Custom made, it was a masterpiece, without the purple like Piccolo's Gi or orange fancy colors like his dad. Vegeta's blue suit armor would never match up to what he had in store.

His Gi was pure Black secured with a red sash that went around his waist. He had always loved black. But, his affiliation and love to his mentor and father had always persuaded him to follow in their footsteps.

Now though, he was his own man. He doubted that his fighting style that he had improved and adjusted over the span of six years resembled anything of Piccolo's Demon style or his father's Turtle style. In fact, one could say that it was a very thorough mixture of each and every enemy he had fought.

Fighting Frieza had taught him to watch out for reptilian species that may use their tail to their advantage, serving as a third appendage. He needed his stance to be immune to such advantages the enemy may possess.

Cell represented Power, and Gohan knew that one could never always be the strongest player on the field. A quick correction to his base stance could help him in defense, while it bought him precious time to outmaneuver or outsmart his opponent.

In a fight against someone such as his father who relied on speed more than anything else meant that he had to build up endurance. He needed to be able to take hits. Or more like, he needed to the opponent to think that he was handing out hits thanks to the superior speed they possessed, while in reality his body had been trained to take hits at specific points that he had left uncovered in his stance.

This strategy required a swift and strong finisher to ensure that the enemy didn't get back up. A one hit K.O. But that was never possible, so damage as much as possible in that one hit and get back to defending whilst maneuvering your movements to build up another such opportunity. If you were able to get through his defense once, they you sure as hell can do it again.

The tournament was in five days. Gohan couldn't help the excitement and adrenaline coursing through his veins. Not only was he going to be fighting, he was going to be in school in a two weeks time. He needed a break from the isolation he had imposed on himself. The past six years had been spent on improving himself in every field. Now, he was going to reap those efforts and subject himself to a normal life. It was all he had ever wanted.

A/N:

Do review your thoughts on the chapter and the story in general.

Errors in the Chapter- Please PM me or review.

Next Chapter: The Tournament begins