Authors Notes: This is the work of Gue22, Joys Canvas and Mr Blue22! I hope you all enjoy it

Disclaimer: Team Dragons Star, nor those affiliated have ever made any claims of ownership to Dragonball. But we may one day… You just watch!

…

It was getting late. The sun was reduced to nothing but an orange belt in the horizon, where the sky and the earth met, blending together as one. She must have walked for hours after leaving behind that cry baby of a boy, and frankly her feet were starting to throb. She was tired of wondering around aimlessly. Tired of being hungry, and just plain tired of being a helpless eleven year old.

She didn't know this part of the city at all, and the one hotel she had walked into, hoping to check herself in for the night, had not worked out for her. On sight, the doorman had recognized her right away, and in a hurried panic, she had fled as fast and as far as she could. She hated that everyone knew who she was. How was she supposed to run away and hide successfully, when almost everyone recognized her?

She turned into a random street and continued walking, hoping to find an inconspicuous fast-food joint to buy some food. Had she been back home, she would have been called in for dinner by now. She would have walked waltzed in to find the dining room filled with more food than any two people could eat. And if she was really unlucky, she would have found Loli, that irritating red-head, sitting right there by her father's side, ready to suck up to him, just like everyone else. No, hungry or not, she was glad not to be home in that fake environment. She was on her own now, and she was determined to keep it that way.

For all his bark, her father had never crossed the line like he had earlier. Just thinking about it, made her resolve stronger. She would get stronger, no matter what, and the next time she saw him, she was determined to flatten him.

The smell of stale urine made her stop and take pause as she looked around. A chill ran through her as she realized just how deserted this particular street she was aimlessly walking down was. She was a smart girl, she knew there was safety in numbers, and at this time of day, she definitely believed in working street lights. Realizing that this street didn't offer either of the two safety nets, she decided right then and there, that she definitely didn't want to be on this dark, narrow and deserted street all on her own.

Gripping the strap of her backpack, she turned back and started walking as quickly as she could in the direction she had just come in.

But clearly, she didn't walk fast enough.

…

Hours had passed since the intrusion of the girl, and Gohan still sat, grounded to the floor, almost as if waiting for a solution to come to him. He couldn't evade the pain of regret that knocked at the back of his heart, and mercilessly haunted his mind. Even after all the hours of silence and fresh air, he still felt the demon that was inside of him screaming out his failure.

As his sad dark eyes cast themselves towards the horizon, he realized for the first time how late it actually was. He sighed dejectedly knowing that he couldn't stay sitting there forever, he was pretty sure that his mother was worried sick about him.

For the first time in hours he moved. Usually it would have been his father and he, hurrying home for dinner after getting carried away with their daily sparring. However, tonight was only him like the now many days before this, since…He didn't want to go there. Everything reminded him of his father's absence, he couldn't escape it.

He took off into the night sky, racing home. With his impressive speed, it didn't take long before he finally arrived at the dome shaped house . The lights inside still shined brightly and the sweet smell of dinner wafted from the kitchen window. He looked down at his two hands…a quiet shudder passed through him as he remembered all that blood.

He closed his eyes and willed the memory away, and glanced at his clean hands. He turned them over, and back again, but there was no blood, not one drop. He closed them into fists and stared at the change in coloring around his knuckles. No, there was no blood, even though these were the same hands that had played a trick on him earlier, the same hands that had lead him to believe that he would be the savior, he wasn't.

He could now hear his mother humming inside the small house. Sluggishly, he made his way to the door that once had been his entrance to family. He was the cause of all this pain and he didn't know how to begin to fix it. He turned the wooden doorknob and entered the house, awaiting his mother's scolding.

…

Videl snapped her neck when she heard it.

A pile of torn and stinking refuse bags abandoned on the side of the street began to rustle and move.

Unable to help herself, she stopped and turned, squinting her eyes slightly in an effort to get a clearer view. In such poor lighting, it was difficult to see. She was hoping and praying for an alley rat, or cat or other such small animal. A bit more rustling, and the sound of tin hitting the pavement made her hold her breath.

She immediately gulped when she saw them. Two crazed eyes peeked out at her from beneath long and dirty hair. Videl took a few steps back and watched as the figure parted the garbage bags to the side, revealing themselves fully. Without giving them the instruction, her feet began to take quick steps away from the hobo.

"Come'ear lil'girl." The hobo called out to her, in a cracked thorny voice, but Videl had heard enough. Ensuring that the grip on her strap was firm, she began to run up the street as fast as she could. Every few seconds, she would glance behind her, checking to see if the hobo was following her. But as far as she could tell, they weren't . Finally, she reached the top of the street and made a quick decision to turn right. This particular street seemed bigger, and from her position, she could spy what looked like a group of kids just hanging out and playing games.

She sighed in relief, as she pulled herself together and began walking.

Safety in numbers, and in street-lights.

…

Gohan held his breath, waiting for his mom to unleash her fury on him, but stared, stupefied instead, when she greeted him warmly.

"Sweetie, I'm glad your back," ChiChi interjected, a smile upon her full pink lips. Her hair was down, something she did usually when they would have 'family time'. "I cooked all your favorites, and while you were away I thought it might be nice if we looked at some old family photos together."

It felt like a hand had tightened around his heart. Old family photos? He wasn't ready, especially if, they had his dad in them. "I'm kind of tired mom, I think it'd be better if I went to sleep early." He began to make excuses. "Besides, I have to get back to my Algebra tomorrow bright and early," he informed.

ChiChi arched her left brow and placed her hands on her hip. "You," she said doubtfully "The same boy that would sneak out of his bedroom window every day to play with Icarus, just so you could avoid your studies, wants to study?" she quirked. "I thought it would be a good thing for you to get some fresh air and clear your head, but it seems you've returned the same." she sighed loudly, and made her way back into the kitchen.

Chichi began to set the last of the dishes on the dining table. She then removed the apron she had tied tightly around her waist, and looked over to Gohan who stood grounded. "It's time for dinner." She declared. "Go and clean up and come and eat," she commanded, firmly. The soft smile that had graced her lips upon welcoming him home, was now replaced with a scowl. Gohan gulped, the look on her face was unmistakable. She was angry.

Gohan knew better then to go against his mother; she was not one to take disobedience lightly. He quickly made his way to the bathroom and washed his hands. He scrubbed them hard and long with soap, applying more and more, until the foam threatened to spill out of the basin from overflow. Even though he couldn't see any blood, not like earlier, he just wanted to be sure.

Nothing wrong with being sure, he convince himself.

Finally sastisfied with the state of his hands, he was about to leave the small bathroom when he happened to glance up at the mirror, inevitably catching a glimpse of his reflection.

It was true that since the day he was taken by Piccolo to train, he had lost a piece of his youth, but now as he looked in the mirror, he didn't see a child anymore. All traces of youth and innocence had died with his father. He didn't see the boy that wanted to run through the forest, playing for hours on end. He no longer had the blithely looked that any child his age should have. Instead he looked like an old man that had already lost all he ever had.

When did I start to look this way?

"Gohan?" called ChiChi, interjecting his thoughts.

He quickly splashed his face with some water and dried it off with a towel, then he made his way to the dining room. His mother already had a small plate of food placed in front of her and as usual, mounds of plates set at his end. Guilt began to prick at him. How had he forgotten that his mother needed him too?

He took a seat, his eyes taking in the carefully and lovingly prepared dishes from his mother and he felt ashamed. "I'm sorry, mom" he said tenderly.

ChiChi smiled and then reached for his hands, he gladly took hold of hers'. "May the Kais and Kami's bless this food and home." she prayed, wondering if her husband was amongst those deities looking down on them

Gohan nodded in response to his mothers prayer as silence fell into the room. The clanking of dishes as Gohan began to eat one dish after another, was the only sound audible in the room. His mother always made the best meals; it was always something he could count on.

"Gohan?"

Gohan ceased his rampage and looked up at his mother; she looked much paler than usual. He hadn't taken the time since his father's death to think of his mother and what she must be going through. "Yes?"

"I would like to show you those photos now," she informed, amiably. "I think it they'll really help."

He didn't see how a bunch of old photos would help him, but he was done with being selfish and self-obsessed. "Okay," he replied, even though he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it all.

He loved his mother, really he did, but he wasn't ready to speak about him. He wasn't ready to admit it to her, because he knew it was his fault. It was his fault that his mother no longer had a husband and that he didn't have a father. It was his fault that the world was deprived of the greatest hero to ever live.

"Finish up and clean up, and I'll be waiting in the living room."

He washed his hands as slow as he could, dreading what was coming. He was dreading it so much that he didn't even have the mindset to obsess about his hands. After he washed them about ten times, he decided not to stall anymore.

It was time to face the music.

…

Videl was about to walk past the huddled group of teens when they suddenly stopped what they were doing and stared at her.

"Timmy, check it out." A voice from the group said, and something about its tone, made Videl feel uneasy. "Looks like we got ourselves a little trespasser here guys." The same voice declared, as the huddled group of boys broke apart, and began to walk in her direction.

"This here's our street, girl. You wanna pass, you gots to pay the toll." Another voice said, as they moved to circle her.

Videl cast her eyes downwards, and turned right back around. This bunch was obviously hostile, and she didn't feel much like getting into a scuffle with a bunch of snot nosed brats.

"Where'ye going girl? Come'ear and show us what's in that pretty lil'bag'o yours."

Videl picked up her pace, but the boys sprinted after her, and before she knew it, one was pulling rather hard at her back-pack.

"Let go!"

"Aw, come on, we just wanna see, that's all." One of them said, as they tugged harder and harder

"What I got in there is none of your business!" she spat, "now let go, before someone gets hurt"

"Ey Timmy, me thinks we got ourselves a feisty one here." One of them spoke as he moved to stand right in front of her. "Just hand over the toll girl, and ye can pass, nice and easy." He gestured his hand towards the half of the street she was previously heading towards.

"How about I hand you over some toothpaste instead?" Videl retorted angrily, eliciting a burst of laughter from the rest of the group, and a scowl from said toll collector.

"Looks to me like she wants to kiss ye Marv. Take the toothpaste and give us a great show." The one they addressed as Timmy spoke up for the first time, his smile revealing a row of crooked and brown teeth.

"Don't be disgusting, Timmy. I'd sooner lick the stinky corns on ye toes than kiss this here, girl. She's as ugly as ye sister."

"I'mo get ye fer that Marv. I'mo tell Heavy Daisy that ye spoke ill'of her." Timmy warned his friend and swiftly yanked the back-pack right out of Videl's grip, while she was still distracted by their banter.

"Give it back. Give it back! It's MINE!" she seethed at the much taller, much skinnier boy. But Timmy just laughed, as he dangling the bag out of her reach, enjoying the sight of her short self, trying to hop and jump up to reach it.

"What's that fat sister o yours gon do Timms, sit on me?" Marv broke into a toothy grin. "Now let's see what this 'warrior princess' bag's got, shall we?"

"Pooft!" Timmy suddenly doubled over in pain, as Videl's fist embedded itself in his stomach. "I warned you." she said, snatching back her bag, but before she could make another move, the other boys had already grabbed her, pinning her hands behind her back.

"Hah hah hah Timms. Got nailed by a little trout sniffer did ye?" Marv doubled over and laughed as he patted Videl on the head. "Ye know girl. If ye play ye cards right, there mights be a place for ye right'ear in the gang." a slit of angry blue eyes was the only response that he got.

"Fine then, I'll just take our toll and we all can be on our way. Might hav'ta take more though to take Timms here to see the street doc, you know what I'm saying?" he spoke as he went through her stuff. Videl had never been angrier. She struggled with the boys holding her, but she wasn't strong enough, and with the little bit of martial arts she knew, she didn't have a move to counter theirs. Damn you daddy, if you had been a real father and trained your daughter, I'd be able to fight my through these punks.She thought bitterly, as Marv continued to toss out things that were precious to her, but seemingly as good as trash to him.

"Lookie here guys. Bills and bills of glorious Zeni!" Marv finally found her stash of crisp notes from the ATM. "Mnn…" he smelled the notes like they were a delectable meal. "Now this is what I'm talking about." He exhaled sharply, and began to peel the hundred zeni bills off one by one.

"You have no right! That is MINE!" Videl yelled at him, but Marv was practically spellbound by the cash.

"Ah. Nine hundred Zeni should be enough for the toll and medical expenses" Marv pocketed the bills. "The change's for you sweetheart," he said, as he left her with just one hundred zeni that he slipped back into her bag. "Let her go boys, didn't your mothers teach ye how to treat a lady?" Marv chuckled.

As soon as the boys let her go, Videl decked them. Her eyes were blazing in fury. She needed that money, it was all she had! She tried to swing in Marv's direction, determined to get her money back, but the playful boy surprised her by slapping her hard across the face. So hard in fact, that she went down, her body crashing against the pavement.

"Brush up on them fighting skills girl, and once you get better, if ye still sore about your zeni, come find me. I loves me a good challenge." He glared down at her, before summoning the rest of his 'friends' as they made their way back to their little corner.

Videl touched her cheek and blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. Twice in one day she had been sent crashing to the floor. Picking herself up, Videl stared at the group for a few minutes before she picked up her tossed items one by one, stashing them back into her bag. She didn't really know what to do now, so she just took it one step at a time, and began to walk back in the direction she had come.

You better bet I'll still be sore about it Marv. You better bet I'll be coming one day soon to settle this score.

…

ChiChi sat on the couch with a small book in her lap. She smiled up at her son as he took a seat next to her. "I was thinking after you left earlier, about what I could have done to help you. I couldn't think of a thing, but then I remembered my mother." She took in a large breath of air, as she opened the small red album. The pages were tattered and old. The first page had a picture of a woman that looked exactly like ChiChi, with a slight difference in their eyebrows.

Gohan was shocked by the image; his mother had never shared it with him before. In fact his mother was pretty guarded when it came to the subject of her mother. "I was only a few years old when she died," Chichi confessed, "however; sometimes I can still smell her. I don't know how but I feel like it's the sweet scent of spring rain because she always enjoyed it." she smiled nostalgically. "When I was your age I fell in love with a man that to this day has my heart. Although he isn't here, I feel him inside. Every day that he is absent, it's hard to bare, but, I know that he feels me too."

Gohan looked up at his mother at this stage; her eyes were glazed over and her cheeks wore a light shade of pink. He could feel the pain from her voice and he wanted to fix it. How could he take her pain away? He would go to hell and back to take away all the sorrow that she must be undergoing.

She turned the page, taking in a large breath of air as she tried to suppress the inevitable tears. It was a picture of ChiChi holding onto Goku's arm in a purple kimono with slits on the side and pants below. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. "This was when I had the passion to fight," she interjected pensively, "see I didn't always hate fighting nor do I now. I've just seen what it did to your father. I'll never forget the horror of seeing Piccolo put a hole through my fiance's chest. I just never wanted it to happen to you Gohan. You were my precious baby, and I just wanted to see you sage." She said sadly, tracing her finger along the picture of her and her deceased husband. "We looked so good together there, no?"

Gohan smiled at his mother, she was amazing. "Is that the twenty third World's Martial Arts Tournament?"

"Uh-huh," she said, confidently, "I made it to the quarter finals. I was one of the best fighters there, definitely the best woman fighter. I almost thought I would have been the winner had it not been for your father. He knocked me out of the ring without even touching me; it would have been embarrassing, had he not asked me to marry him."

Gohan couldn't help but laugh, his mother was very animated. He took a moment to think of his mother fighting in the ring, but all he could conjure was her running around with a frying pan, and that was a very dangerous thought.

"Look, Gohan. I know that you feel like it's your fault that your father isn't here." She looked him straight in the eye, "it's not," she exclaimed. "See if it's your fault then that also means that it is my fault too, because I always tried to stop you from training." She handed Gohan the small book, as she continued to look him in the eye. "I can't live like this anymore, I can't wake up worried every day anymore. I can't believe what I am about to say, but I need you to train. I need you to go out and train"

Gohan was stunned, had his mother hit her head? He blinked twice, slowly, but still she sat before him, eye to eye with a stern look.

"I don't think you are thinking straight right now."

"Yes," she confirmed, "I am! Gohan your father is gone but you are here. I'm scared; I don't want what happened with Cell to happen to you ever again. I want you to train just as if your father was here so that you can be ready! Of course, don't neglect your studies…but I for one have learned my lesson." Her throat seemed to have tightened as tears began to stream down her face. "I can't live my life blaming myself, and you can't either. We have to keep our family together, you and I."

How could he stop? He gulped back the sadness. Never before did his mother speak to him in this way, never before did he even care to hear what she had to say. The pain in her eyes was enough to make him swallow back the regret; he needed to find a way to stop. He needed to find a way to feel clean again, to wash the guilt and the blood off his hands for good. He needed to find a way to make sure that his mother never had to look the way she had - heartbroken.

"I will," he promised. "We will."

The mother son duo would later climb into their respective beds, both safe and snug, sleeping warmly and comfortably, their dreams devoid of nightmares for the first time in a long time.

…

Videl wiped at her tears with her sleeve as she tried to get comfortable for the millionth time. She had fled the street with the gang of boys looking for some kind of sanctuary. It was only when she had walked past the bustle of people hurriedly filing inside to catch their respective trains that she had realized that she had found it.

She had slipped into the train station and made her way to the female toilets, which is where she sat now. Her bum was on the floor, her head resting against the wall and her resolve hard at play. She was desperately trying not to feel sorry for herself. The door was locked behind her, she had no reason to feel so terribly, terribly afraid.

Things could be worse, she convinced herself. It's warm and safe here. I was even able to wash my face and brush my teeth.

…

Waking up to streaks of light flowing through the space between his blinds; Gohan was presented with the pleasant smell of his mother's gourmet cooking. Taking a glance at the clock adjacent to his bed, which read 7:45 AM, Gohan decided to get up. He slipped into the bathroom with a gi in tow, and took his morning shower.

Not fifteen minutes later Gohan entered the kitchen where his mother was just finishing up setting the table for two. Noticing her son's arrival at the table she smiled. "Good morning sweetie, how did you sleep?"

"Morning mom," he greeted, kissing her cheek as he began to help by moving the food to the table.

"Yeah, I haven't slept this well since my nights at Ka - Dende's lookout." He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he settled in his place on the table.

"I'm glad you had a good rest honey." Chichi smiled as she took hers. "Now, dig in."

Once breakfast and the dishes were done, Gohan decided to start his morning training right away since it was still cool outside. He figured he'd take advantage of the cool air, then venture into the house and do some studying after lunch. As he started towards the front door, he noticed his mother slouched over the sink, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Hey mom?" he called out to her. "Mom, you okay?" He asked with a frown on his face.

"Hmm, oh yes. Before you go out Gohan, I'd like you to accompany me to the city, I need to get a few things." She smiled, relieving Gohan from his worries."Okay mom, I'm ready whenever you are."

…

Videl opened her eyes and groaned, her neck was killing her. She was slightly confused by her surroundings, until she remembered her predicament. Sighing, she got onto her feet and tried to relive the strain in her neck by rotating her head. Clasping her bag tighter around her, she peaked underneath the toilet stall to check if there were any other occupants in the toilet. She was relieved when she didn't come across any feet.

With a click, she unlocked the door and headed towards the sink to refresh herself. All the muscles in her body were stiff and sore from sleeping on the floor. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, suddenly realizing the limits of this run away act. She needed a shower, and there were no showers that she could see.

The image of that creepy and dirty hobo suddenly flashed into her mind, making her shudder. Is that where she was headed? How long would she be able to look clean, if all she could manage everyday was water on her face? She would have to think of something more practical, if she hoped to survive.

It was a Saturday morning, so the streets of the city were bustling with activity, no one noticed the lone girl as she snuck out of the train station, only to be swallowed in the mass of people hurriedly and leisurely alike, going about their business.

…

Upon arriving on the outskirts of Satan City, ChiChi commanded Nimbus to lower her down so they could drive. This was undoubtedly much slower than flying, but it would certainly draw less unwanted or needed attention to them. Once they made it to the nearest hypermarket, ChiChi surprised Gohan once again, "Gohan, why don't you go take a walk, I'll be in here a while and I know you'll get bored. Go on, explore the city." She encouraged, giving him a hug and a bill of a hundred Zeni.

Slightly shocked by his mothers display, considering that she always made him help with the shopping to carry the bags, and almost always never gave him any money, Gohan didn't want to wait around in case she changed her mind. He graciously took the money, kissed his mom on the cheek and bade her farewell.

It was time to explore the city.

…

Videl panted, grabbing the side of the wall to support her as she tried to catch her breath. She had walked into a fast food restaurant and placed a huge order of breakfast. She was starving, not having have eaten since her last meal at her house. Just as the waitress was preparing to bring her order, her stupid photograph suddenly appeared on the big wide screen television. 'Champ's Daughter Missing' was the headline that morning, and to her horror, the waitress had fixated her eyes on her, and Videl could just see by the way her eyes suddenly sparkled, that she was convinced that she was going to get the one million zeni reward on offer.

Videl had wasted no time; she had shot out of her chair and raced away to safety. Satisfied that she wasn't being followed, she decided to avoid all places with big screen televisions as she made her way.

After an hour or so of aimless walking, the sound of genuine laughter pulled her to sit on a bench overlooking a park, where an assortment of young kids seemed to be congregated, playing on swings, some playing sports, others just hanging around talking and laughing.

She longed to call her childhood friends, Sharpener and Erasa, so they could all join in on the fun, but…she was smart enough to know that she couldn't. Her father had most probably looked there first, and would most probably have someone watching the duo, just in case Videl made any contact.

Hungry and tired, she slumped on the bench dejectedly, wondering what she was going to do now.

…

The city was a bit of a disappointment to Gohan, there really wasn't much to see, except tall concrete buildings, vehicle congestion in the streets accompanied by pollution. He found himself wondering towards the only 'green' he could spot in the vicinity, and that just so happened to be a giant park, with tons of trees, green grass and even some flowers.

Coming up to a nearby bench he noticed a slightly familiar head of hair looking towards the ground, and upon closer inspection he realized that he was correct in his judgment. It was the girl from yesterday, it was Videl.

"Hi" he said, sliding into the empty space beside her. The girl didn't respond, she just turned her eyes on him, startling him when he suddenly found himself drowning in a sea of blue. "I, uh noticed you sitting here alone, and decided that maybe you wanted some company?" he said lamely.

She starred at him for a full minute before sighing and shaking her head. "Yeah, sure whatever." Gohan frownd at her less than enthusiastic attitude, "Is there something wrong Videl? Seems like we switched places today." He elaborated. "I mean yesterday you were all…well, not gloomy." Her response to this was a glare that could only be compared to that of his mothers'.

"Look, I don't know what you want from me or why you're even here. I have some things to deal with so-" she clenched her teeth "- if you would be so kind as to leave me the hell alone right now, I would be absolutely elated."

Ignoring her hostility and sarcasm, Gohan decided to be blunt. "You sure are cranky in the morning. You must be hungry. You look a little dirty too." He said plainly, taking in her appearance. She was still in the clothes she had been wearing yesterday, and to his eye they looked creased and dirty.

"You have some nerve, calling me dirty!" Videl snapped defensively. Gohan sighed, the last thing he wanted was to offend the girl, he was merely stating the facts. "You must be a run-away." It suddenly dawned on him. "What you told me about your father yesterday, you've run away from home, haven't you?"

Videl suddenly stiffened, if this boy recognized her, he'd turn her in for the reward. Quickly, she began to rise from the bench, prepared to make a run for it, when a strong grip on her wrist stifled her plans. "I can help you, I know what it's like to be on my own."

"Let me go. I don't need you or anyone's help." She said stubbornly, trying to break away from his hold.

"That red mark on your cheek, and the bruise on your arm from yesterday say otherwise." Gohan said in a tone that slightly startled the girl. "I can help you, just sit down and talk to me."

"Pft." Videl scoffed, "unless you're some kind of martial arts guru, and can teach me how to better handle myself so that…" she swallowed, remembering how Marv had slapped her around, and how her father had pushed her around. "So that I can defend myself better, you and the rest of the kids in this park, are just useless to me." was her bitter retort.

"Well, looks like you're in luck Videl, because I just so happen to be 'some kind of martial arts guru'" he said amusedly, using her words.

"Says the cry-baby that lets his father smack him around." Said Videl, as she once again tried to break free of his hold. "Listen here Videl," Gohan was suddenly in her face, his eyes dark and dangerous. "My father was a great man. He saved the lives of many for nothing. He was the gentlest, purest soul in the universe, always doing things straight from his heart." He breathed deeply as he stared into the slightly startled eyes of the girl in front of him. "Never, ever compare him to your own father who has clearly hurt you enough times to make you run."

Videl just stared, unable to decide what to make of this boy. How did he move so fast? One minute he was sitting on the bench, and the next he was in her face, and she didn't even see him move.

Gohan looked at her almost frightened expression and felt guilty for unloading on her like that. After all, he had let her believe that he was also a victim of a heavy handed parent. "Look Videl, I meant no harm really. All I'm trying to say is that you clearly need help. You need a place to stay, I can give you that. You need a trainer, I can give you that as well."

"And why would you, practically a complete stranger be willing to offer me such an opportunity?" she humoured him. Gohan turned his eyes away from hers. Because there's so much blood Videl, maybe in helping you, I could finally do something decent enough to make it go away,he thought.

"Because that's what my father would do. His life was dedicated to helping people, and I owe it to his memory to keep his legacy going." Was the whispered answer she received.

Videl felt a pang for the boy. "Alright. Beat me in a sparring match. I must have someone who can actually teach me something, I don't want to waste my time."

Gohan immediately perked up at the news."Alright! Let's start. If I win, you come with me correct?"

Nodding in agreement, Videl put on a face of concentration, before stepping back into a fighting stance. She launched herself at Gohan, delivering a punch straight towards his chest. Gohan easily caught the fist before pivoting on his heels, putting a leg behind one of her own, and twisting her arm behind her back. Using the same momentum he gently pushed her straight into the ground.

"Alright, alright, you win, I give." She stood up with the help of Gohan, as she dusted her clothing off.

Smiling victoriously, Gohan took her hand and ran towards the ice-cream truck. Videl only had a split second to grab her bag before she was tugged along. "Come one, I'll buy you that ice-cream now." He said cheerfully, wondering how he was going to break the news of their new lodger to his mom. "I lost, so I guess I'm buying." Videl reminded him. "Nuh, mom would kill me, she says to always act like a gentleman. Don't the rules state that the boy always treats the girl?"

Videl couldn't help the slight heat she felt spreading across her cheeks. "No. Only if they're like, old and dating, Yuck." She grimaced, the image of her father and Loli lip-locking, making her want to puke.

"Oh. Okay then, I guess it'd be okay if you paid then." He said innocently, his sponge of a brain, already absorbing this revelation. "Um…aren't you gonna tell me your name?" It suddenly dawned on the girl, that for all their talking, and all their plans, she had no idea who he was.

"Oh yeah, heh heh heh." He laughed, scratching the back of his head. "The name's Gohan, and don't youforget it." He finished off with a dazzling smirk.

…

Authors Notes: If you couldn't tell, your poster for this chapter was Kakarot Son. See you all next time peeps.

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