Gohan stood there in shock for a moment before he wrapped his arms around the trembling girl. "I've missed you too, Lime."

He allowed her to cry into his shirt without saying anything else for several minutes. When it appeared she had regained control, he gently freed himself and guided her over to a bench. "How have you been?" He asked.

"I've been good. Oh, Gohan, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you so much." Lime said, trying to keep from crying again.

"I've missed you, too. How is your grandfather doing?" Gohan asked.

Grandpa is doing good, he's still timing that little market back in Chazke Village. How about your family?"

"They're doing really good. Mom's finally back to get old self and Goten is an absolute ball of energy. I don't see how she'd be able to keep up with him if we didn't live so close to Trunks and Vegeta." Gohan told her, smiling as he thought about his little brother and all the mischief he gets into with his best friend. "So what about you? Anything new?" Lime hesitated and looked away nervously. "Lime, it's me, okay? You can tell me anything, I won't judge you or be upset. I'll always be your friend."

A tear rolled down her cheek. "I guess that's what I was always going to be, huh? Just a friend."

"Lime…."

"No, it's okay. I'm happy to be your friend." Lime assured him. "Not that it would make a difference at this point anyway."

"What do you…."

"I'm engaged." Lime blurted out. "That's the reason my parents came for me back then. They had arranged a marriage to secure a promotion." She explained with a touch of anger. "I'll never forgive them, but Tomoya is actually a very good person."

"I see, I'm sorry that happened to you." Gohan said placing a hand on her shoulder. "Does he make you happy?"

"Yes, he actually reminds me a bit of you…. well other than the super powered, world saving, half-alien part that is." They both laughed at her humor, it was just what was needed to break the tension.

"So why are you here?" Lime asked.

"Mom wants me to socialize with people my own age. She's afraid that I'll never 'meet a nice girl to give her grand babies' with the way my life is going." Gohan answered honestly.

Lime giggled. "Why doesn't that surprise me? But why here?"

"Because it's between West City and the Ox Kingdom, makes it a convenient place. Here, I'm just Gohan, I don't have people hounding me to meet Bulma or trying to get an in on what Capsule Corp is developing, or anything else like that. I want to make sure that people see me as me."

"I've always seen you for you." Lime said quietly.

Gohan sighed. "I know, Lime. I know." He said remorsefully. "Back then, I just wasn't ready. I love you, just…. just not the way you need. I think of you as my sister."

Lime sighed heavily. "I was afraid of that. Well, I guess that's something though, but if you ever develop a sister complex…." She grinned, leaving the thought hanging.

Gohan was about to respond when his stomach interrupted with a loud rumble. Both teens looked at each other before bursting or laughing. "Are you hungry? I know I told my mom to pack a light meal, but I bet she still loaded me up."

Wiping her eyes one last time, Lime nodded. "Sure, that sounds good." Gohan smiled back at her and pulled out his lunch capsule. As he expected, there was a small feast inside. He took one of the pills Bulma gave him and the two teens dug into the food.

"Your mom's cooking is as good I remember." Lime sighed as they finished eating. "So you are still living in West City?"

"Yeah. The pregnancy and birth really took a lot out of mom. It took several years for her to recover fully, and by then we had become accustomed to living near the city. Mom really likes having a friend close by to visit with and someone to help keep Goten occupied."

"I see, I guess that makes pretty good sense." The bell rang then to end lunch. Gohan cleaned up the dishes and sealed them back into their capsule and offered his hand to help Lime up. She gave him another hug before they left the roof to return to class.

Once back inside, Lime excused herself to go to the restroom so she could touch up her makeup while Gohan went to the classroom and back to his seat. He was quickly joined by Erasa who was dragging Videl with her.

"Hey, Gohan!" She called out enthusiastically. She then paused as she looked around. "Where's Lime?"

"Hi Erasa, did you have a good lunch? Lime had to stop by the lady's room. She should be back any moment." Gohan answered.

Erasa leaned down and rested her elbows in the desk in front of Gohan. He quickly averted his eyes and blushed as she gave him a great view of her cleavage. "So what's the story with the two of you? Are you here to sweep her off her feet? That would be so romantic."

Gohan chuckled at her dreamy expression. "No, nothing like that. I didn't even know she went to school here. We were friends when we were younger, but we moved away from each other about six years ago. She's more like a sister to me than anything."

Erasa cheered internally at hearing him liken her to a sister. "So you two lived in the same village?"

"No, my family lived a short distance away. I actually met her just before…." Gohan started.

"He saved me from drowning in a river just before the Cell Games." Lime finished for him. Then she giggled as she told the story about how she called him a pervert for grabbing her chest as he saved her. Erasa giggled a little at that as well. Videl paused as a report came over her com's earpiece. Gohan frowned as he listened in with his enhanced hearing. He could tell Videl wanted to go help, but it was only minor crimes, not serious enough to excuse her from classes.

'Even though Mr Satan lives here and his daughter helps with the police force, the amount of crime here is staggering. There must be something I can do to help, but I really don't want to expose my powers to everyone here. More than my privacy is at stake here.' Gohan pondered what he could do as the teacher came in and started class.

Gohan barely paid attention through the next several classes, but seeing as though he already learned everything in the syllabus years ago, he really didn't need to. Gohan decided to talk to Bulma about an idea he had after school let out. He was snatched back to reality when the bell rang and many of the students started to leave.

"Hey, Gohan" Erasa tapped the boy on the shoulder. "You coming? It's time for PE."

'Well damn. I forgot about PE. Oh well, here goes nothing.' "Right behind you, Erasa." Gohan said with faked enthusiasm. He waited till most of the boys had finished changing before changing into his workout clothes. He opted for a lightweight loose fitting jogging suit in light grey with grey trainers. The top had a Capsule Corp logo on the left part of the chest..

Gohan met up with the rest of the class on the sports field where the instructor was just beginning to gone out the instructions for the day.

"Today we're going to set your baseline performance. Your final grade will be based off your percentage of increase over your baseline you set today. This does not mean you can slack off today, I want to see where you are so we know what needs work. Alright, Videl, would you lead the class in some warm up stretches? After that we'll get started." The coach directed.

"No problem, Coach Balzac. Okay, everyone. You heard the coach, now line up!" Videl shouted. She began a simple warm up plan to account for the less athletic students. Gohan followed along and tried to not look bored.

After the warm ups were complete, the whole class took to the track. After a lap to prepare themselves they were to run a lap to be recorded. Gohan completed his lap just behind Videl and Sharpner, though he had to try and force himself to breathe harder than normal to match the rest of the class. Videl noticed that unlike the rest of the class though, there wasn't a drop of sweat to be seen on his body.

The rest of the tests that day yielded similar results, Gohan always placed near the top of the class looking none the worse for wear. Videl found herself watching the mysterious boy closer and closer throughout the day. She just couldn't figure it out, she had been training most of her life, yet he looked like he was taking a walk in the park while she was wearing exhaustion.

"Good job class. Now we have just one last test to perform." Coach Balzac informed the class. "Thanks to Mr Satan, we have a new piece of equipment to test out." Walking over to a machine covered with a cloth, he removed the cloth to reveal a punching machine. Seeing the incredulous looks on some of the students faces, he chuckled. "Don't worry, we are only testing out the machine for possible inclusion in the curriculum for the future. While you are still required to test on this machine, it will not affect your grade in any way." At this several of the students sighed in relief. "Videl, if you would do the honors."

Videl shook her head in exasperation. She had tried to dissuade her father from doing this, but his stubbornness won out and here she was about to test out his latest folly. She loved her father, even if he was a womanizing blockhead. "Sure Coach." She walked up and assumed her stance. Once she had the clear from the coach that the machine was set up properly, she let loose with her most powerful punch.

"Impressive, a 201. Alright class, form a single line and move this along." Gohan eased his way to the end of the line where Erasa and Lime met up with him. Following Videl was Sharpner who scored a respectable 195 fitting his place as the captain of the boxing team.

"Beat that, Nerd Boy." He smirked as he bumped forcefully into Gohan's shoulder as he was past.

"Hey, Gohan. Try to not break the machine." Lime teased.

"Only if you try to not show off too much." Gohan retorted.

Lime grinned at him challengingly. Erasa could see the almost sibling like play between the two and felt a stab of jealousy at their closeness. Eventually it was her turn and she punched the target with everything she had. "Good job, Erasa. 88. Lime, you're up."

Lime was almost bouncing with excitement. Even though she had lived in the city for the last six years, she had kept up with her training and she hoped to impress Gohan with how strong she was. Even if he didn't return her feelings, she felt the need to receive his approval. Slipping into a stance very reminiscent of her grandfather's, she laid into the target with a resounding thump. "Amazing. Class, looks like we have a new high score. 202!"

Videl glared at the brunette for beating her score. 'How the HFIL did she beat my score? I'll have to ask her about that later along with who taught her that stance.' Videl filed that thought away so she could focus on her other conundrum, Son Gohan. She was still trying to figure him out. Intelligent enough to ace the rather rigorous entrance exams, a feat that had never been done before, skilled enough to defeat her at the junior division at the Intergalactic Tournament, enough stamina to complete all the exercises during class without even breaking a sweat. He was now about to take his turn at the punching machine and she wanted to see where his score fell. She had a feeling that it would rival her's, and loathe to admit it, Lime's, but she wanted to watch it for herself.

Gohan stepped up to the machine and slipped into his familiar stance and closed his eyes to focus on controlling his strength. With a slow breath out, he moved like lightning. He stopped his fist just shy of the target, but the air pressure was enough to score him a third place 200. Letting out a sigh of relief, he smiled and turned to walk away. Little did he know that one person did observe his little stunt. Videl narrowed her eyes in suspicion. She could clearly see his fist stop an instant before making contact, yet he almost matched her score. He was very smart, so did he have some sort of device that could interfere with the machine? If so, how would he have known to bring such a device? It must be some sort of trick. Videl swore to herself that she would get to the bottom of this.

"What! No way the nerd beat me!" Sharpner exclaimed. A few of the other jobs agreed with the blonde. Lime tried to hide her amusement at the jocks' reaction. She knew how strong Gohan really was after all.

"Wow, Gohan, you're really strong." Erasa complimented with a bright smile.

Gohan grinned and scratched the back of his head. "You think so? Guess it comes from when I used to live in the mountains."

"Alright! Good work class. That's it for today, go ahead and go get changed. Tomorrow we will go over what we will do for the rest of the term." Coach Balzac dismissed the class.

In the guy's locker room, a situation was developing. Gohan had already finished changing by the time the rest of the male students arrived in the locker room. He was just putting the last of his gym clothes in his locker when the door slammed shut.

"Hey, Nerdboy. You must think you're hot stuff, huh? How'd you do it? There's no way a nerd like you could be stronger than all of us." Sharpner tried to intimidate Gohan. "And don't think I haven't noticed you getting friendly with my girls. Word to the wise, stay away from Erasa and Videl, otherwise I might just have to show you where you really stand in the scheme of things."

Gohan cocked an eyebrow at the threat. "I think they are fully capable of deciding who they associate with. If they don't want me around, they can tell me themselves."

Sharpner's scowl deepened. "I tried to do this the nice way, guess I'll have to persuade you the hard way." He launched a left jab at Gohan's face that missed when he leaned his head to the side. Sharpner's fist slammed into the lockers with a sickening crunch.

"That looks painful, you may need to put of your lesson until you get that looked at." Gohan tsked with faked concern.

Sharpner glared at him hatefully. "What are you guys waiting for, get him!" Several of the jocks that had accompanied him moved to surround Gohan.

Gohan sized up each of his opponents and formulated a plan to keep from hurting them too badly. Marker Felt and Penn Cap were the next two to rush him while the other football players ensured he wouldn't run away. Gohan dodged and weaved through their attacks until Marker overextended on a haymaker allowing Gohan to maneuver him into the path of Penn's right hook, laying Marker out cold on the locker room floor.

Before anyone else could attack Gohan, a loud voice interrupted them. "What in the bloody HFIL is going on in here?" Coach Balzac hollered. Everyone except Gohan, Sharpner and Marker scrambled out of the room and away from the coach's wrath.

"It was just a bit of rough housing that got out of hand." Gohan explained causing Sharpner to look at him confused.

The coach looked at the unconscious Marker then to Sharpner who was still cradling his injured hand. "That true, Shaver?"

Wincing, Sharpner nodded. "Y-yes, sir. You know, boys will be boys."

The coach looked at Sharpner for a moment then turned on his heel. "Son, pick Felt up and take him and Shaver to the nurse's office."

"Yes, sir." Gohan responded as he helped Marker up who was just coming to.

"This doesn't mean I owe you anything, Nerdboy." Sharpner hissed after the coach left.

"Didn't do it for you." Gohan said as he walked Marker out of the locker room.

After depositing the jock at the nurse's office, Gohan made his way to his locker where he found Erasa and Videl waiting on him. What took you so long? Classes let out over 20 minutes ago." Erasa pouted.

"Where's Sharpner?" Videl asked suspiciously.

Erasa looked around just realizing Videl was right. "Huh, that's strange. Want he just in the locker room with you, Gohan?"

Gohan scratched at the back of his head nervously. "Well, he's kind of in the nurse's office."

"What happened?" "What did he do this time?" Erasa and Videl asked at the same time.

"He took a swing at me and ended up punching the lockers." Gohan admitted.

"Why…" Videl started to ask but was interrupted by her communicator going off.

"All available officers, a group of unknown assailants have just hijacked a bus from Herculopolis Preparatory School. Bus last sighted on Hwy 1 heading southbound. Suspected Red Shark gang. Heavily armed and dangerous. All available officers respond."

Videl shot a torn look at Erasa. "Go ahead, I'll be able to find a ride home. Go save the day." Erasa assured her friend. Videl gave her a thankful smile and a quick hug before decapsulating her jet copter and giving chase.

Gohan watched her leave with concern in his eyes. He knew she could handle herself in most situations, but this seemed a bit out of her league. Erasa noticed his expression and sighed. "You're worried about Videl, aren't you?"

Gohan turned his attention to her. "Who wouldn't be? It's not like she's bullet proof."

"I know, but I've seen her pull off some amazing feats before. She'll be just fine, just like always." Erasa started, but Gohan couldn't tell if she was trying to convince him, or herself. "Hey, I was wondering…. Would you be able to give me a ride home?" Erasa asked hopefully giving him puppy dog eyes.

Gohan chuckled. "Sure, no problem. Just give me a second, I forgot to grab a book from my locker." Gohan ran back into the school and ducked into the bathroom. He crossed his arms over his chest and concentrated on the way that Piccolo had taught him. Suddenly there were two Gohans standing side by side. With a quick nod one of the Gohans opened a window and flew out as soon as he was sure the coast was clear. The other left the bathroom and grabbed a random book from his locker before going back out to Erasa.

"Sorry for the wait."

"It's no problem." She assured him with a smile.

"So do you want to fly out stay on the ground?" He asked as he pulled out his capsule case. She gave him a confused look. "Well, I've got a jet copter and a hovercycle."

Her eyes lit up at hearing he had a hovercycle. "You have a hovercycle? They haven't even been released for sale yet."

"Just one of the perks of having Bulma Briefs as your godmother." He said nonchalantly.

Erasa froze in her tracks. "Y-y-you know The Bulma Briefs? And you didn't tell me earlier?"

"I love my godmother, but people tend to treat my different when they learn my relation to her. I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention my relation to her to anyone else." Gohan requested.

"Of-of course, lips are sealed." She pantomimed twisting a key in a lock and throwing away the key.

Gohan smiled at her and handed her a helmet. She gave him a curious look when she noticed he didn't have another helmet with him. She was just about to question him about that when he put on a pair of predator sunglasses and pushed a hidden button causing a helmet to materialize on his head. "It's the latest in nano-tech." He answered the unasked question. Pulling the appropriate capsule out, he summoned forth the sleek looking machine. Erasa ran her hand along the polished fenders reverently as Gohan straddled the seat. She quickly pulled on her helmet and climbed behind Gohan as he fired up the cycle. Sliding her hands around his torso, Erasa was pleasantly shocked at the feel of Gohan's rock hard abs hidden under his shirt. She blushed as she tried to picture what he would look like without his shirt, or the rest of his clothes for that matter. She mentally scolded herself for her thoughts. She barely even knew him, she didn't even know if he was seeing anyone. Snuggling in closer to him, she just allowed herself to enjoy this moment while it lasted.

On the outskirts of the city, a charter bus was careening dangerously along a mountainous road. The police had fallen back in hopes that the criminals would slow down. Several news helicopters were filming the chase to the best of their ability while being held back by the police copters. The hostage situation was streaming live to televisions across the land. Suddenly a bright yellow jetcopter streaked in under the cover of the rocky terrain. The hostage takers quickly recovered from their shock and immediately opened fire on the small craft. Videl waited till she was directly over the bus before she set the autopilot and leapt the short distance to the roof of the speeding bus. She rolled to the side to avoid a spray of bullets that penetrated the roof where she had just landed. Using the momentum of her slide, she grabbed the rain gutter along the roof edge and swung herself down and through a window.

Luckily the gunmen had not quite recovered from their shock and she was able to disable the man who had been near the middle of the bus. With a shove, she sent that gunman stumbling toward his companion near the rear while using the first as a human shield. As the two gunmen crashed into each other, Videl grabbed a text book off a nearby seat and sent it flying into the face knocking him off his feet. Believing that both men were incapacitated, Videl turned to the driver when one of the kids shouted a warning.

"Look out!" Videl spun around just in time to see one of the gunmen leveling his rifle at her. Time seemed to slow down as she dove into a roll as the muzzle flashed three times before he exhausted his ammo. Videl took advantage of him needing to reload to sprint towards him and landing a knockout blow with her knee to the side of his head. Turning to the from of the bus, Videl's stomach sank as she spotted three round holes in the back of the driver's seat and the driver slumped over the steering wheel. Up ahead she could see that the road curved and saw nothing but sky past the quickly approaching guardrail. Videl knew that there was not near enough time for her to gain control of the bus and closed her eyes in anticipation for the coming disaster. 'I'm sorry, Erasa, Dad. I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough.'

Just feet from the guardrail the bus lurched to a sudden stop throwing everyone forward violently. Videl opened her eyes when she noticed that the bus was not falling off the cliff but was safely stopped still on the road. There, in front of the bus, was a young man that she guessed was about her age with spiky golden hair and teal eyes surrounded by a golden aura. He was easing the bus back from the edge of the cliff with effortless ease. Videl stared at the the young man, she knew he looked familiar, but from where? Then it struck her. Besides the hair and eye color, she was looking at….Gohan! She tried to exit the bus as fast as she could to confirm her suspicions, but before she could make it to the door, the young man lifted off the ground and flew away. Videl was gobsmacked, he actually flew! Before she could think further into the mysterious young hero, she heard the wailing of the approaching police sirens.

As the police cars screeched to a halt around the bus, Videl had only two thoughts: 'I am in some deep shit' and 'Who was that golden boy?'

I am so sorry for the delay on this story. Between school starting back up for my girls and an increase of deliveries at work, I have had very little time for writing. That combined with a bit of writer's block on the bus scene added up to a major delay on getting this out. I'm still not completely happy with how the bus fight turned out, but it is better that a few of the other drafts. Thank you for your continued patience and have a wonderful day.