A Different Future
Chapter 3 – Pop Quiz
Trunks sat there, pale as a ghost, as his classmates threw what they thought they knew about his father.
Bandit.
Criminal.
Danger to society.
Lunatic.
Traitor.
Menace.
Gohan watched him. He felt the boy's Ki slowly yet surely go up.
'Better stop it now. Don't want him exploding in class.'
"Ok, ok. Whoa, calm down, all of you."
The last word sounding before the silence fell was 'bastard'. Marron, who remained silent, rubbed Trunks's back reassuringly.
"Calm down, Trunks, calm down!"
Gohan's thoughts mirrored the girl's words.
'Yeah, Trunks, calm down, we don't want the Androids picking up your energy signal.'
A few deep breathes later, Trunks was relatively calm. It didn't take much; he was fairly used to it after 14 years.
"All right, class. Now that we're over that, let's see what you know about 18."
"Mega-babe!"
The boys in the class acted as boys should, whistling and howling. Marron playfully hit Trunks's arm as a slight blush came to his face.
"Trunks, you man you! And I meant it as an insult!"
Gohan once again regained control of the class.
"Ok, ok! Geez, worse than my poker mates."
Another fit of chuckles.
"A-NY-WAY!"
The class quieted and a brown haired girl with somewhat gothic looks raised her hand. Gohan glanced at Trunks who was violently shaking his head, as well as other students.
"I'll take my chances."
Gohan whispered it, but Trunks heard it, and chuckled. Marron raised an eyebrow.
"What funny?"
"You didn't hear it?"
"Hear what?"
The girl seating behind him asked.
"He said 'I'll take my chances'."
The girls giggled, yet seemed skeptical.
'I'm sure I heard it!'
"Yes, name please?"
"Tax Hurst, sir."
"Please then, Ms. Hurst."
Everyone seemed to go to sleep or occupy themselves as the girl stood to speak.
"Well, she's one heck of a fashion designer, and most of the funds from her fashion shows go to charity."
Sitting back down, she seemed awfully pleased of herself.
"That is correct, Ms. Hurst. Do you happen to know what those charities are for? Yes, Marron?"
Trunks turned to look at his usually quiet friend with slight amusement.
"Freaky how he knows my name."
She whispered and Trunks nodded.
"Ahem. It goes to safe houses, for orphans, sir."
"That is also correct. But what isn't commonly known is that the orphans' parents used to be rebels."
What little murmurs the stating caused quickly died off.
"But that's not the main point. Anything else? Anyone from the boys can contribute anything?"
Trunks looked at his notebook when Gohan glanced towards him.
"Ok then. No one wants to contribute? Fine. I have to warn you, I can be boring. So open your notebooks, and start writing."
A part of Trunks wanted to be fighting with his father against the Androids. ANYTHING but this…
The bell rang, and the students groaned at their aching hands.
"Hurts, doesn't it? Well, I'll see you tomorrow! Oh, and Mr. Briefs. A moment please."
The class quickly emptied, leaving only Trunks and Marron there.
"Hi, Marron."
"Er, hi, sir."
"Trunks, I hope you didn't let the first part of the lesson get to you."
'No, not at all, I just heard all the possible names aimed at my father!'
Gohan raised an eyebrow as he felt Trunks's Ki shot up again, but it quickly faded.
"Listen, your mom wants me to tutor you, so…"
"WHAT?! No way!"
Marron giggled.
"You're screwed!"
He glared at her, and Gohan was taken a back.
'He really glares like his old man.'
"Well, I'll be there soon. Just so you know. Sure you're all right?"
"Yep."
"Good. Get going, then."
When they left, the two teens met a few of their friends.
"Heya, Trunks!"
"Looking good, man!"
"Wanna hang out with us?"
Marron smiled in an 'I-knew-it'll-be-ok' way. Trunks gave half a smile.
'Sure. Be nice now, why don't you.'
"Thanks, but I don't take charity."
No one was surprised. They all knew the boy was extremely proud, and that they were at least a bit wrong on their part.
"Sorry. Take care!"
"Thanks."
Marron stayed with him.
"Tutor you, eh?"
She smirked.
"Get real."
17 sat on his chair in his office, playing with a Hungarian cube. 18 entered and frowned.
"You're so juvenile, 17. Don't you have anything better to do than play with that stupid thing?"
17 turned around from the window, threw the cube at 18 and stood up, again facing the window.
"They're out there. I can feel it."
18 placed the cube on his desk.
"Well, we said we were going to finish them off, but someone felt like playing around!"
He shrugged.
"Whatever."
She stood by him, her arms crossed, his on his hips.
"Look at them. Lost sheep, begging to be saved from themselves."
"And that horrid fashion sense."
17 chuckled.
"Yeah. Like that boy over there."
Her gaze followed his.
"Who on their right minds will go with purple hair?!"
Trunks stopped and looked upwards at the huge building they've been going by. Marron followed.
"Do you feel like you're being watched?"
17's eyes widened as he locked eyes with Trunks. The boy below frowned, but shrugged it off.
"Sometimes. You know what they say…"
"The Androids are always watching over you."
The two kids said, earning them smiles from most passerbys at the show of loyalty. One, with black eyes, glanced at Trunks with interest, before hurrying off.
"Come on, we don't want you to be late to your tutoring!"
"Ooo, I'll get you for that!"
Giggles rose as the two ran off, chasing each other.
17 followed the two with his beyond-human eyes.
"That boy has quite a Ki signature. And here I thought all the strong humans were against us. Guess this one's too young for it. What do you think, 18?"
The blonde Android looked at the two, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"18?"
"Hm?"
"Humph. How rude. Do pay attention."
"Sorry. I just through…"
"Yeah, I felt it too. Think she's one of them?"
After a slight pause, 18 shook her head.
"Even if she is, what does it matter? Not like I can take it back…"
"Anyway…"
The speaker sprung to life, breaking that which could've became an awkward moment.
"Sir, Mr. Satan called, asking about the budget laws. He says he requests your attention as soon as you deem fit."
"Well, not like I have anything better to do."
Casually opening the window, 17 flew off, glancing one last time at the street.
'We shall meet again, purple. You won't escape me.'
18 looked down at the street sadly, before sighing lightly, and going to put her latest designs on paper.
A/N: THERE! Was it any good? Are you confused? Want more? If not, and if so, R&R! @_@ I'll get the next chapter as soon as I can!