The Light From Within

The Light From Within

“It’s a girl!” Gohan shouted, pushing the waiting room door open.

The silence in the room shattered at the announcement. Chi-chi rushed forward congratulating her eldest son, even as she peppered him with questions. Goku smiled proudly at his son as he answered his mother’s rapid-fired questions.

Silence descended as the imposing Sayjin Prince stood and strode forward.

“Be proud.” Vegita commanded rather formally. “Protect and raise her well. Sayjin females have always been rare treasures.”

His piece said, the Sayjin Prince departed, leaving the stunned crowd behind. He would see the latest brat soon enough, Bulma was already planning a welcome home party to be held the day Videl and the brat were let out of the earthling excuse for a medical facility.

A smirk found it’s way to Gohan’s face as he registered what Vegita had said. ‘Females are rare treasures.’ And now he and Videl had created one. Gesturing for the others to follow, he led them to the nursery where the nurses were tending the newest demi-Sayjin.

“She’s so cute!” Bulma squealed as Gohan pointed out his daughter.

“Her name is Pan.” he beamed with pride. “And she’s perfect.”

The group broke out in excited murmurs. After a while they began to depart, with promises to see him at the party. Gohan left to check on Videl.

When they pulled up at Capsule Corp., Bulma and Chi-chi rushed out to meet them.

“Everyone’s here.” Bulma beamed. “Let me carry your things.”

“We're all so happy for you.” Chi-chi gushed.

After everyone had said their hellos and peeked at the baby, Videl was settled on a couch with the little bundle.

“She seems like a good baby.” Bulma sighed, remembering Trunks as a baby. “Even with all of us passing her around, she hasn't cried once. Trunks cried a lot.”

“Gohan and Goten did, too.” Chi-chi nodded. “At least for the first few months.”

“The nurses seemed worried about it.” Gohan frowned. “The other babies would be bawling and Pan wouldn't make a sound. They told us to keep an eye on it.”

“Fat lot they know.” Videl sniffed. “They didn't think she could already hold her head up.”

“Hmmm.” Bulma mused. “Maybe you should use our resident doctor. Between Vegita and myself we've educated him on Sayjins. So he would know better than others what baby Sayjins can and cannot do.”

“That’s probably best.” Gohan agreed. “You brought him on staff after Trunks was born, right?”

“Yeah.” Bulma laughed. “Trunks and Goten see him. I pay him well, since he complained that those two keep him busier than a whole hospital.”

Videl quickly agreed. “She needs a two week check up. Can you arrange it?”

“Sure.” Bulma said. “He doesn't have a very busy schedule now that we've built the regen tanks.”

“You must be Gohan and Videl.” the gentleman shook their hands.

“Dr. Yisho?” Videl inquired uncertainly.

“Yes.” the cheerful man bobbed his head. “And this must be Pan. So nice to have another little one around.” Turning, he led the way to an exam room.

“Now let’s see how well our little one is doing.” Gently he freed Pan from her blanket and sat her up.

After a few minutes of poking and prodding, he straightened. “She seems to be doing very well over all, but there are some tests that I might need to run in the next few weeks.”

“What kind of tests?” Videl asked worriedly.

“Well, I don't like the looks of her eyes.” Dr. Yisho explained. “And to tell the truth, she’s just too quiet for a Sayjin her age. I need to take a closer look at her eyes, and maybe run a few hearing tests.”

“So you think she’s deaf?” Videl wailed.

Gohan winced at the piercing sound, even Dr. Yisho’s ears twitched. Pan’s brow wrinkled up.

Closing his eyes in sadness, the doctor shook his head. “I don't think so. Sayjins normally have very good hearing, but Pan has not reacted as much as I think she should to any of our voices. But I don't think that is what the problem is. Like I said earlier, I don't like what I saw when I examined her eyes. I'm thinking that Pan may have some vision problems. But I need to run some tests before I can say for

“How soon should we do the tests?” Gohan asked, putting his arm around his wife for comfort.

“Would next Thursday be convenient?” the doctor asked kindly.

The week went by quickly. The newest demi-Sayjin kept her parents busy with feedings, changings and trying to keep her from hurting herself during her exploring of the house and yard. Gohan and Videl had yet to tell anyone that Pan might have vision and hearing problems. They wanted to wait until Dr. Yisho had performed the tests and got the results back.

“Hello, Sons.” Dr. Yisho greeted as the couple entered his office. “Are we all set for these tests today?”

“Yes.” Videl said, her nervousness evident. “Let’s get this over with. I want to know what’s wrong with my baby.”

"If you'll please wait here?” Dr. Yisho suggested kindly. “The tests won't take too long. I'll have Pan back to you in about an hour or less.”

Gohan put his arm around Videl to comfort her as Dr. Yisho walked into the lab with their daughter.

“We're done.” Dr. Yisho announced as he returned to his office with Pan in his arms. “And since I performed the tests myself, I already have the results.”

“Wonderful.” Videl sighed, reaching for her child.

“The good news is that there is nothing wrong with Pan’s hearing.” the doctor smiled, trying to soften the blow he was about to deliver. “However, there is a problem with Pan’s sight.”

“What is it?” Gohan asked hesitantly. It was obvious that he was preparing himself for the worst.

“Your daughter is blind.” Dr. Yisho said, his voice gentle as if to cushion the blow. “It is irreversible. I'm sorry. I wish I had better news.”

“No!” Videl sobbed, looking down at the child in her arms. “Why?”

“There doesn't seem to be an answer to that question.” Dr. Yisho sighed wearily. “We don't know what caused her eyes to not develop properly. Believe me when I tell you that there was no way to predict this or to keep it from happening. This is not your fault.”

“What do we do now?” Gohan asked, clearly at a loss. “How do we help her?”

“Well, in Pan’s case I don't think that there is much that you need to do differently.” Dr. Yisho assured them. “Blindness usually is accompanied by sharper hearing. When I tested her hearing, I noticed that her hearing is even better than the average Sayjin. This will help her to identify where people are and who they are. Pan will most likely be able to tell where she is as well. The only thing that you need to

keep in mind is that she cannot see your reaction to things. Remember to talk to her, don't nod your head. A few simple, common sense things like that and you should all do fine. The biggest thing will be her schooling. Pan will not be able to attend public school. You will need to start thinking about that now so that you will be prepared when she is ready to begin her education.”

“So Pan will have to go to a private school that specializes in teaching the blind?” Videl frowned in worry. “That will cost a lot no matter which one we choose. Gohan is a public school teacher, he doesn't get paid enough for us to be able to afford that.”

“Maybe you should talk to Bulma.” the doctor suggested. “She is due to have her baby very soon. I'm sure that you can work out a deal for Pan to attend a private school that teaches the blind and regular students. Then Pan and Bulma’s child could attend school together.”

“It’s a thought.” Gohan mused. “But we'll start worrying about that in a few months. Right now we need to let everyone know. Thank you for your help Dr. Yisho. We'll see you in six weeks for Pan’s next check-up.”

“Why does everyone have to come here?” Vegita demanded, striding into the living room.

“Relax Vegita.” Goku laughed. “Gohan and Videl wanted to talk with everyone. Something to do with Pan.”

“This had better not be a waste of my time.” the Sayjin Prince growled.

Five minutes later, Bulma announced, “They're here!”

“Thank you all for being here.” Gohan began after making sure that Pan and Videl were comfortably seated. “We wanted to tell you all at the same time instead of repeating ourselves.”

“Spit it out already.” Vegita snarled, impatiently. “You're wasting my time.”

“When Dr. Yisho examined Pan last week he had some concerns.” Videl explained quietly, her demeanor alerting the others that this was not good news. “He ran some tests this morning and told us that Pan is blind.”

“Oh my Dende.” Chi-chi gasped, glancing at her only grandchild. “The poor thing.”

“Poor thing my ass.” snapped Vegita.

“Vegita!” Bulma shrieked, her face red with anger and embarrassment. “How could you say such a thing. This is a big deal. Pan is going to miss out on a lot of things.”

“Yeah right.” he smirked before snatching the young demi-Sayjin from Videl, startling everyone. “You all change places while the brat is out of the room.”

“What are you doing, Vegita?” Gohan asked worriedly, reaching for his daughter.

“I'm going to show you one more way Sayjins are superior to the pathetic beings on this mud-ball.”

Vegita snorted, ignoring Pan as she gnawed on his finger.

“It’s okay, Gohan.” Goku assured him. “Vegita wouldn't hurt Pan. Remember? She’s a … what was it he said?” Goku scratched his head his brow wrinkled in thought. “Oh! She’s a rare treasure.”

Nodding an okay, Gohan backed off.

Once Vegita and Pan were out of sight, everyone one moved around the room.

“I just want to know what the hell Vegita is up to.” Bulma frowned. “He knows something about this. I just know it.”

“Well, he’s the only Sayjin that was raised by Sayjins.” Trunks reasoned. “He would know better than anyone else.”

Silence descended as the group waited for “The Almighty Sayjin Prince”.

They didn't have to wait long. Vegita motioned for them to stay quiet as he walked in the room with Pan.

After sitting the blind demi-Sayjin in the doorway of the room, Vegita stepped back. “Brat, go to the annoying woman.” he muttered, glaring at the group at large.

The group watched with a mixture of shock and amazement as Pan scooted forward, paused and then maneuvered around a chair and end-table before stopping right in front of Bulma. The group was speechless.

Then Vegita spoke again. “Brat, find Kakarot.”

Once again Pan made her way around the furniture. She went straight to Goku and lifted her arms in a signal for him to pick her up.

“How did she do that?” Videl gasped, as Goku lifted his granddaughter and settled her on his hip.

Vegita rolled his eyes. “All of her Sayjin abilities are more advanced than the average Sayjin. Meaning she can sense chi and she can do it better than most of the people in this room.”

“She sure can.” Goku smiled proudly. “No offense Bulma, but your chi is so much like other humans that it’s hard to single you out.”

“But how did she know who you were talking about?” Chi-chi interrupted. “You called Bulma ‘the annoying woman‘. How did she know that was Bulma?”

“Yeah.” Videl chimed in. “How did she know that ‘Kakarot’ meant Goku?”

“How do you know who turns Super-Sayjin here when you're at home?” Vegita countered snidely.

“I know what everyone’s chi feels like.” she answered, not making the connection.

“When the annoying woman threw that party for the brat, everyone was here.” Vegita growled, hating having to spell this out for the dense group. “The brat is blind not deaf. She connected the way everyone’s ki felt with what name they answered to. I always call Kakarot by his Sayjin name. And the annoying woman…”

“Yeah, we know.” Goku laughed. “It’s what you always call Bulma.”

“That doesn't explain how she knew where the furniture was and how to get around it.” Gohan looked in awe at his young child who was now on the floor playing with her tail.

“Maybe she can use her ki like sonar.” Goten suggested, shrugging his shoulders.

“Just when I thought you were stupider than your father.” Vegita smirked. “That’s exactly what she’s doing. Passive chi surges. Not a lot of Sayjins could use their chi passively. It’s an ability that has no connection to her blindness. If you have any more questions…shove them up your ass.”

Turning, he began to leave. He stopped suddenly, “Someone feed the brat.” he growled, glaring at Videl.

Everyone turned to look at Pan. The small girl was scowling at Videl and banging her fists on the floor.

“How do you know she’s hungry?” Videl asked, not seeing any visual signs that Pan wanted food. She looked like she was upset.

“I already told you her Sayjin abilities are more advanced.” tired of the group ignoring the brat Vegita snatched her up and thrust her at her mother. “That includes telepathy.”

“Oh.” Videl frowned when Pan refused to release Vegita. “If she’s hungry, why doesn't she come to me so I can feed her?”

“She’s mad at you.” Goku broke in, tilting his head and watching the child clutching Vegita’s arms. The Sayjin Prince was obviously not pleased by what was happening. Not wanting to prolong the older Sayjin’s discomfort, he plucked his granddaughter from him and settled her on his hip. Sometimes Goku wondered why Gohan even thought about having a child. He no longer fought. He tried to deny

and suppress his Sayjin nature. With all that, Goku wondered why his son would want to raise a Sayjin child. Bouncing Pan, he smiled as she giggled. “I'll just take her into the kitchen with me. I'm hungry, too.”

Vegita snorted in disgust as he left to train. ‘What a waste of potential.’ he thought. ‘Kakarot’s brat will

never even think about training her.’

“How did he know that she was mad at me?” Videl muttered, pouting.

“When you reached for her, her chi level rose.” Gohan answered, taking her into his arms for comfort. “It’s actually impressively high for one her age.” he mused. “Too bad she can't train.”

As Pan grew, it was easy to forget she was blind. Until you looked into cloudy eyes, you saw a happy, healthy and very active little girl. There wasn't much that Pan couldn't do. Then, shortly after she turned five, the problems came. Since Gohan and Videl both worked near Capsule Corp., they had been leaving her with Bulma so that she could play with Bra, Bulma’s daughter, who was only a few months younger. Bra and Pan got along well. Bra acted as Pan’s eyes as the occasion demanded, and the two of them were often found with Vegita. But now Chi-chi was beginning to argue that Pan needed to stay with her so that she could teach her, as she had taught Gohan. Videl was adamantly refusing. Bulma had suggested a specialized private school in the city, the same one she was trying to get Vegita to agree to send Bra to. Gohan said no.

“Pan is too special.” he argued. “She’s blind, but she can do so much more than others with her problem.”

“Exactly why she should be home-schooled.” Chi-chi pointed out smugly.

“No.” Videl shook her head vigorously. “She needs to be around other children.”

None of the adults noticed when Pan slipped into the room.

“Well I, for one, am tired of all these arguments.” Bulma sighed wearily. “Vegita won't let me send Bra to public or private school. But I don't have time to home-school her.”

“I could home-school both of them.” Chi-chi offered reluctantly. It would mean making the long trip to Capsule Corp. on a daily basis, and she wasn't getting any younger.

“Sorry.” Bulma winced. “Vegita already said no, though not so politely.”

“Why don't you pay someone to teach us here?”

The adults whirled around to face the dark haired girl.

“I'm sorry Pan.” Videl blinked, wondering how long Pan had been listening. “We didn't hear you come in.”

“I didn't want you to.” Pan tilted her head and scowled. “You don't talk about this when you know I can hear.”

The adults shifted uncomfortably.

“Your idea is a good one.” Bulma said quickly, ignoring the admonishment from the young girl. “But Vegita doesn't want a stranger teaching Bra either.”

“Give him a choice.” Pan told her, showing remarkable insight. “Since he’s vetoed public and private schools, she must be home-schooled. Which is a plus since I must be home-schooled as well.” she smirked, looking oddly like the Sayjin Prince. “As I see it, he has three choices: Grandma Chi-chi, someone on payroll or himself.”

Gohan was the first to laugh. “I just can't picture Vegita teaching anyone.”

“I'm sorry.” Videl disagreed. “But I've seen Chi-chi’s teaching style with Goten. I just don't agree with it.”

“So we're down to paying a private teacher or letting Vegita do it?” Chi-chi frowned. “I'd rather a private teacher. I just don't like the idea of Vegita having such an influence over such impressionable children.”

Hearing that the adults were arguing again, Pan left, smiling to herself. Now to work on Vegita. Pan really didn’t like the idea of going to a school or having some idiot try to teach her things she already knew. Sayjin children tended to learn quickly, often picking up on concepts without having to be taught them at all. That combined with her extensive vocabulary from being around Bra’s family and her own made her seem much older than her short five years. Pan had decided that she would far rather continue learning the way she was when the argument of her education was first brought up. But if the adults insisted on her and Bra having a teacher, then Pan would simply make sure that she got the one she wanted.

“Wandering off again?” Vegita smirked as Pan approached. “Brat of mine, that’s enough for today.” he addressed his own daughter.

“The adults are arguing about who’s going to teach us again.” Pan said off-handedly. “I wanted to know what was going on.”

“And what would that be?” Vegita growled, he could tell it wouldn’t be something he’d like.

“A plan to get you to agree to a paid teacher.” Pan hedged, hoping that her little plan would work. She knew she had planted the idea in their heads. “Something about you agreeing to that or teaching us yourself.”

“An ultimatum?” Vegita hissed. “We’ll just see about that! Go play.”

‘They think I wouldn’t even consider teaching the brats myself.’ he thought angrily. ‘But I know more about what they need to learn than some puny human.’

“It doesn’t really matter.” Gohan was saying. “He’ll never agree to teach them himself. So if we’ve agreed to hired someone to teach the girls, and it certainly sounds like we have, than just leave the choice to him. We all know he’ll agree to hiring someone then.”

“Then we’re agreed?” Bulma asked, glancing around. “I’ll tell Vegita tomorrow morning?”

“Tell me what?” the object of their discussion entered the room.

“Um…” Bulma blinked, now what?

“Well, spit it out already.” Vegita demanded.

‘Guess I do this now.’ Bulma thought, taking a deep breath. “Either you let me get a private teacher for the girls, or you teach them yourself.”

“Fine.” Vegita smirked as the group sighed in relief. “I’ll send them back for dinner, we begin immediately.”

Mouths gaped as the eldest Sayjin turned on his heel and left.

“Wh-what!” Gohan stuttered, not quite believing what had just happened.

“I think our plan blew up in our faces.” Videl buried her face in her hands. “What do we do now?”

“Hope Vegita gives up quickly.” Chi-chi threw up her hands. “Dende knows he doesn’t like anything that interrupts his training.”

“That may be.” Bulma looked in the direction Vegita had gone. “But I’ve never known him to give up on anything. He’s still trying to defeat Goku.”

“Brats!” Vegita called out, impatient to begin his new way to annoy Bulma and the others. If they thought for a moment that he’d be teaching their brats about stupid human things, they were sadly mistaken. Now he could do what he wanted to do with Trunks, teach a Sayjin about Sayjins.

Rising a brow, Bra pulled her friend over to stand in front of the Sayjin Prince. “Yes, daddy?”

“What’s going on?” Pan asked innocently, though she had a pretty good idea.

“You’re about to get an education.” Vegita smirked. “My way.”

“You’re our new teacher?” Bra asked skeptically, as Pan turned to hide her triumphant smile. “You’re kidding!”

“I wouldn’t joke about this.” Vegita snapped. “We begin now. I suppose I’ll be forced to carry you today.”

“Why would you have to do that?” Pan swung around to face him.

“You can’t fly.” Vegita snorted disdainfully. “And I won’t have those fools gawking at me.”

Grumbling under his breath, Vegita allowed Bra to climb on his back. Grasping Pan under the arms, he took off.

They landed in the middle of nowhere.

“Your first lesson will be flying.” Vegita informed them. “I will not be babying you again.”

“Oh that will please my father.” Pan said sarcastically. “I’m sure that’s one of the first things he planned on me learning.”

“Even better.” Vegita smirked. “He should have thought about such things before he agreed to lay down that ultimatum.”

It didn’t take long for the girls to catch on and begin to race each other.

“Enough!” Vegita barked, pleased when his students quickly complied. “I expect you to meet me in front of the gravity room at 8 am each morning.”

“So how did it go?” Gohan asked cautiously as Pan sat down at the table.

“Fine.” she shrugged, trying to concentrate on figuring out what was for dinner.

“Here’s the potatoes.” Bra whispered, as she began to help Pan fill her plate.

“Just ‘fine’?” Bulma asked, concerned that something had upset the dark-haired girls, namely Vegita.

The Sayjin Prince snorted, then proceeded to ignore everyone as he set to eating.

“It was fun.” Bra smirked, knowing that it would irk her mother that things were starting out well. Both girls knew their parents didn’t really want Vegita teaching them.

“Fun?” Videl’s fork clattered against her plate. “Having Vegita as a teacher is fun?”

“Did he teach you anything?” Chi-chi scoffed. “Or did he just let you play while he trained?”

Pan turned in Chi-chi’s direction. “Yes, he taught us. Isn’t he supposed to?” she asked putting up a mask of innocence.

“So what did he teach you?” Bulma glared at Vegita. She didn’t like how this was going. Neither girl seemed willing to give them a straight answer. She was sure that was all Vegita’s fault.

“Stuff.” Bra replied shrugging her shoulders. “Pass the beans.”

“I guess I’ll just have to give you tests periodically to see how much you’ve learned.” Bulma sighed, trying to get the girls to talk.

It didn’t work.

“Okay.” Bra shrugged absently, passing the beans that Gohan handed her to Pan.

“Damn it!” Bulma cursed, slapping her hands on the table. “What is it with you Sayjins?” she demanded, glancing around the table. “Why can’t you give a straight answer? Why do you act like teenagers already? I shouldn’t have this much trouble talking to you until you’re teenagers.”

“Only to you their behavior is a surprise.” Vegita smirked. “A Sayjin parent would expect it.”

Having had his say, he left them to their squabbling.

The two girls left shortly after to get ready for bed.

“We brought this on ourselves.” Videl sighed miserably.

“How?” Chi-chi blinked, not seeing a connection.

“By screwing with Sayjins.” Bulma drawled.

“But my boys weren’t like that.” Chi-chi insisted. “I think it’s Vegita’s bad influence.”

“Well, it’s getting late.” Videl announced loudly, trying to forestall another debate. “We should be going.”

“We’ll come by tomorrow night to pick Pan up.” Gohan reminded Bulma.

“No problem.” Bulma smiled, glad to avoid another argument. “You’re more than welcome to come for dinner again.”

“Thanks.” Videl turned to leave. “We’ll be here around 7 pm then?”

“That’ll be great.” Bulma agreed. “I was thinking of getting the girls some school uniforms. Is that alright?”

“Sounds good.” Gohan nodded, moving to escort his mother to the car.

By 8 am when the two Sayjin girls showed up in front of the gravity room, Vegita had figured out the few details of their schedule.

“What the hell are you wearing?” he scowled at his students’ attire.

“Bulma said that these were our school uniforms.” Pan wrinkled her nose in distaste. She couldn’t see it, but it was very uncomfortable and she didn’t like skirts.

“Stupid, woman.” Vegita snarled. “At least you have the good sense to dislike them. Be thankful you can’t see it.”

“If you’d like, we can go change.” Bra offered eagerly. Though she liked skirts and dresses, her mother was fashion-blind. Not to mention that skirts were highly inappropriate for flying.

“You have five minutes.” Vegita decided.

The girls shot off to their bedrooms to change. In just under five minutes, they returned. Ripped jeans and T-shirts would have to do for now.

“You’ll need appropriate uniforms.” Vegita frowned at the thought. “I suppose I will take care of it so I know it’s done right. Let’s go.”

They followed him past the gravity room and took off.

“First we’ll work on strength training.” Vegita informed them when they touched down in the same area they had used the night before.

The training went smoothly. Vegita called a break two hours later.

“We will not waste time, breaks will be used to learn things not related to fighting.” Vegita informed the girls as they sat down with water bottles. “Now you will learn to speak in the Sayjin tongue. After you have sufficiently mastered it, all lessons will be conducted in Sayjin.”

This lesson was not as short as the girls had feared it would be. In fact, it lasted an entire hour. They started simply, learning their alphabet and numbers. Though Vegita was annoyed that they’d forgotten paper and pencil, thus forcing him to postpone their written lessons, he was uncharacteristically patient with them. Perhaps it was because in passing on his knowledge, he was ensuring that his race and

culture did not fade into obscurity.

By the time their hour of language was up, the girls’ quick minds had grasped the alphabet, numbers, days, months and a few simple words.

“You’re going to learn to use your ki to for more than flying.” Vegita informed them.

“You’re going to train us?” Pan asked excitedly. This was why she wanted to have Vegita as a teacher. He didn’t think that she was useless. He saw in her the potential of a strong warrior. She had heard his thoughts of her whenever her parents talked about her blindness.

“Yes.” Vegita grunted. “If I am the one seeing to your education, you will be learning everything a Saiyan your age would learn. Lucky you, that means that you will learn to be a warrior, like it or not.”

Pan just grinned and waited for him to continue.

“You’re just doing this because Gohan and Videl went with Mom on the ultimatum and you know they won’t train Pan to fight.” Bra smirked, looking just like her father.