A/N) Sorry about the long time since I have updated, lotta stuff happening recently, surgery, getting a job and actually working, and more surgery and other pastimes . That and I haven't felt like writing much, and I only write when I feel like it. This chapter is somewhat along the lines of a filler chapter, however, some important things do take place. Anyway congrats to whom all guessed it right, the spoof was indeed Knights of the Ebon Blade faction from World of Warcraft. I still laugh a little to myself whenever I think about it. Once more, you can check my profile to see how far along the next chapters of my stories are in terms of completion. Again I apologize for the sizable delay.

One last thing, this chapter is dedicated to Revu, without his help I have no doubt that this update would not exist yet, give him your thanks! With pride, i present to you the third and longest chapter yet of To Start Again!

"Speech"

Thoughts

To Start Again

Chapter 3: Finalizations

Gohan and Videl stood in front of their newly purchased home with no small amount of pride in their expressions. Gohan and Videl had bought a small home just outside a small village which consisted of around seventy inhabitants. It was called Lunakka Village. The two youths had contacted a realtor under the lie of having been sent by their very busy parents to purchase this home. Gohan took a near instant dislike to the guy once he saw a gleam appear in his eye at the mere mention of money. The realtor completely overlooked the fact that he was selling a house to two eleven year olds. This greed completely disgusted Gohan but it was, unfortunately, a necessary evil.

The house was relatively small, only slightly larger than his former home far out in the mountains. It consisted of two bedrooms, one full bath, a kitchen and living room.

As they gazed proudly at their new home, Gohan finally realized something, something that should have occurred to him a while ago. I'm finally in charge of my own life, he thought to himself. He could finally live life how he saw fit, and now able to pursue his own desires instead of the desires placed upon him by others. He had already decided to keep training, having deemed that most of the planet's other fighters either incompetent or simply not able to do it themselves(1).

To accomplish his goals, Gohan realized that he was going to need his own Gravity Room. Good thing Bulma showed me the schematics for a GR during those three years, he fully intended to make his own modifications to it as well.

Meanwhile, Videl was also having her own train of thoughts. Finally I can live my life out of the public eye and without worrying about soiling "his" reputation.

"You know, we're going to have to furnish the place now that we own it," she said, bringing Gohan out of his thoughts. "It's still completely empty after all."

"Yeah, I guess you're right, I suppose that means we're headed to the city once more."

Videl nodded in response. "Not much other choice then is there,"

"We should wait until tomorrow though and get it done all in one day." Gohan said. Videl nodded in agreement.


The evening and night passed quickly for the two and they soon found themselves once again on the outskirts of South City. Using Videl's limited knowledge of the city, they managed to find their way to a series of small furniture stores. They had decided that it was best to visit a number of different ones as to avoid too many questions. So they would buy a piece or two in one store, capsulate it and move on to the next. It didn't take long until they had all the furnishings they would need for their new home and decided to go to a mall to buy a few personal affects that they would also require.

Videl was walking alone along the long strings of stores looking for something that would catch her interest. The two had split up to look for things on their own as to save time, as well as to offer each other privacy as to what they wanted to purchase.

An electronics store that had cell phones on display caught Videl's eye. Those could come in handy now that I think about it, she thought to herself as she entered the store.

Gohan was walking along looking for nothing in particular. He had already bought some clothes and personal items, so now he was just browsing around. He happened to notice an artworks store. Gohan had always enjoyed drawing, and would often doodle behind his mother's back since she didn't allow it. Anything that had nothing to do with his academic studies was a waste in her eyes. Gohan decided to take a look around the store.

Looking at the time, Gohan realized he needed to meet back up with Videl. He had agreed to meet back at the entrance in two hours. The time had passed surprisingly quickly while looking at paintings and supplies. Gohan hurried a bit on his way back to the entrance as to not make Videl wait.

"Hey Videl!" He called as he noticed she was indeed already there waiting for him.

"Hey Gohan, got everything you wanted?" she asked.

Gohan nodded, "Everything I can think of, so we headed back home?"

"Almost," Videl smiled sweetly, "but first we need to make one more stop on the way out of the city."

"Huh? Did we forget something?" Gohan asked with a confused expression.

Videl just giggled at the face Gohan made and thought, Leave it to him to forget one of the most important things to him.

"Of course, we need to buy food!" she said, enlightening him.

The mere mention of food immediately excited the saiyan boy, "Well let's go then!"


It had taken another hour and a half for them to finally return to their new home. They stood in front of their house, the sun setting in the background, and another task awaiting their attention; setting up everything they had bought. Fortunately arranging heavy furniture was an easy task with Gohan's immense strength.

"Is that everything?" Gohan asked Videl as she came out of her room.

"Yup, that's the last of it," Videl still thought that the house looked somewhat plain, but that was something that would be solved over time. "We should really introduce ourselves to the townspeople don't you think Gohan?"

"Yeah we should," glancing at the time, Gohan realized it was already late. "But we will have to put it off till tomorrow. What do you say we make some food and call it a night?"

"Sounds great!" Videl responded as she began to make her way to the kitchen.

Both Gohan and Videl had some amount of knowledge and skill when it came to cooking. After a few months in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with his cooking inept father, Gohan had taken it upon himself to learn how to cook, and as a result became somewhat of an adept self taught cook. Videl on the other hand liked cooking and considered it somewhat of a hobby. She never liked the idea of servants cooking for her and often insisted on doing it herself.

Gohan and Videl enjoyed their first meal together in their new home. They cleaned up after the meal and headed to their rooms to get some much needed shuteye.

"Sleep well Videl," Gohan offered politely while going to his room.

"Goodnight Gohan," with that they shut the doors behind them.


Videl's eyes fluttered open to realize that morning had come. She sniffed the air and immediately noticed the aroma of food.

"Gohan must be up already," she said to herself. She got herself dressed and went out to greet her roommate. "Good morning Gohan."

"Morning Videl," Gohan greeted as he flipped the contents of his pan, "Hungry?"

Videl pulled up a chair where she could watch Gohan finish cooking, "Most likely not as much as you, but yeah I could eat."

Gohan grinned as he began to serve large amounts of bacon, eggs, and hash browns; to Videl first of course.

One the two had finished their morning meal they set off to attempt to find the village lder, who could hopefully introduce them to the villagers. The duo made their way into the village and Gohan decided to ask the first person they came across.

"Excuse me sir!" Gohan called, getting the attention of what must have been a senior of the village.

"Yes?" The elderly man resembled Master Roshi in a way; he wore tropical style clothing and had a white mustache. He lacked a beard, sunglasses, and perverted nature; or so Gohan hoped.

"Were looking for the village elder," Videl responded. "Could you point us to him?"

"You're talking to him; Cid Sven's the name, what can this old one do to help?"

Gohan was shocked they had found the elder so quickly but didn't let that stop him from what he needed to do.

With a courteous bow, Gohan proceeded, "We would like to talk to you about something, if you have the time."

The man smiled warmly, "Of course, please join me in my house for tea while we speak."

"Thank you sir," Both Gohan and Videl bowed in thanks.

Cid sat the two in his dining room and poured a few cups of tea, "Now, what would the two of you like to talk about?"

"Well it's a bit of a long story but…" Gohan and Videl took turns in retelling the cases of their lives to the elder. The two did feel it best to leave out non essential bits of information; such as Gohan's alien heritage and the family Videl belonged to.

The two youngsters told their stories with emotion and sincerity. Elder Cid's heart went out to the two; how could adults abandon their own flesh and blood? Cid could tell he was not being told everything; however it was obvious the two had lived very hard lives. He immediately vowed to help these two children anyway he could, "I shall speak with the townsfolk on your behalf. It may take some time, but I have no doubt in my mind that they will accept you into our small community. Meanwhile, the best thing you could do is mingle with the villagers and get to know them, it will help the process along."

"Alright, thank you very much sir." Gohan smiled brightly as he and Videl once more bowed to the Elder, showing their appreciation.

Cid couldn't help but grin as he watched the two leave his house. It is inspiring to see such resilient people in these times, even if they are only children. Those two will do great things; of this I have no doubt.

"Well that went as well as I could have hoped," Gohan said cheerily as they made their way back to their home.

Videl nodded feeling equally as relieved. The two walked home feeling at least that bit of stress lifted from their shoulders.


Two and a half weeks later…

Time continued to speed by Videl and Gohan. Gohan continued to train Videl as well as himself; making do with what he had.

The two were enjoying a bit of a break in their living room. Videl lounged comfortably on the sofa with the remote and flipped absently through channels on TV while Gohan sat upside down with his legs hanging on the couch's headrest. Gohan held a schematic above him and was wracking his mind for a solution to a problem he found in his new schematic for a Gravity Room. An unusual newscast caught Videl's attention; it was a breaking story so she decided to leave it on.

The bulletin notice faded in to the anchor as he began the story, "This just in, we have received word that Videl Satan, only daughter of world savior and destroyer of Cell, Hercule Satan has been kidnapped! We now go live to her grief stricken father."

By this point Gohan had completely lost interest in his problem was now fully focused on the TV screen. On the other side of the couch, Videl watched in complete disbelief. What is that bastard trying to do by saying I was kidnapped? He wouldn't… Is he trying to get the entire world to sympathize with him?

The newscast then switched to her father, "Oh please, to whoever took my daughter, just please don't hurt her! I'll give you anything… Just please…" A tear fell from his eye as he finished his statement and the news went back to the reporter.

Meanwhile, At the Satan Estate…

Ha! That was perfect, maybe I should star in my own movie! Now that the whole world feels sorry for me, I'll make even more money! This was a genius idea. Hercule celebrated in his head while making his way to his den to watch old tapes of himself in old martial arts tournaments while getting drunk off wine.

Back at the house…

Gohan flipped over and stared wide-eyed at the news broadcast. How could that man do that? He lied about… It then clicked in Gohan's head that Videl was right beside him. He turned to look at her just as…

Videl bolted up from her seat and exploded, "HOW COULD THAT BASTARD SAY THAT? IT'S BAD ENOUGH HE LIED TO THE ENTIRE WORLD ABOUT CELL, BUT NOW ME? IS MONEY REALLY THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?(2) Maybe if you had loved mom more than money then maybe she would still be alive!" Gohan's mouth slightly dropped as he watched tears build up in Videl's eyes, "It's YOUR fault she died! You loved your precious money more then you did her or me!" The tears the started to stream down her face, "Is your pride and fame really more important than mother was… than I was?" her voice was wracked with sobs and emotional pain.

Gohan hadn't the slightest clue what to do in this situation. All of his instincts were screaming at him to comfort the emotionally distraught girl next to him, so he did the only thing he could think to do…

Videl suddenly felt strong arms embrace her from behind. She immediately turned and buried her head into Gohan's shoulder and cried.

"It's alright Videl, let it out." Gohan said gently, trying to sooth his friend as best he could.

After a few moments, Videl had calmed down somewhat, "Please don't leave me Gohan, I don't think I could take being alone again." Her voice was weak and cracking.

"Never Videl, I swear on my life, I will never leave you," Gohan craned his neck toward the TV screen, which still had Satan's face plastered on it. Gohan glared at the picture of the man that caused the crying girl in his arms so much pain with fire in his eyes. Pray that our paths never cross Satan.

"Thank you Gohan," Videl spoke softly with a grateful smile once she had managed to calm herself down and steady her breathing.

Gohan finally loosened his hold on the girl, "I am always going to be there for you Videl, never forget that."

"I…" Videl blushed slightly but quickly covered it with a yawn, "…think I am going to go to bed early today."

Gohan nodded, "Sleep well Videl."

Gohan fell back onto the couch and sighed once Videl had left the room. He was worried for his friend, this entire situation was outrageous and it was taking its toll on Videl. He just hoped she would be alright.

Only time will tell I suppose. With that thought he returned to trying to solve the blasted problem with his Gravity Room schematics.


Videl awoke the next morning feeling a little bit guilty having blown up like that in front of Gohan. She quietly exited her room and made her way to the living room to find Gohan asleep on the couch with the blueprints he drew draped over his face. Apparently he had not been able to solve that problem. Videl saw her chance to make it up to him by making the morning meal. She entered the kitchen to start cooking her apology.

Gohan awoke as the pleasant smell of food wafted to his sensitive nose. She must be up already, I wonder if she is feeling better today. He entered the kitchen to see breakfast hot and ready to be consumed.

"You feeling alright now Videl?" he asked.

Videl turned to face him, and then hung her head in self-imposed shame. "Yeah, I… I just wanted to apologize for last night. I don't know what came over me."

She looked up when she felt a hand placed on her shoulders. "There's no need to be sorry Videl, if you had kept your emotions inside they would only end up eating at you. However, I'm not going to turn down food!"

Gohan's cheery attitude served to lift her spirits. She smiled and was grateful that her friend bore no ill feelings for what had happened the previous night.


The meal passed by uneventfully, which was to be expected, until the sound of glass breaking, followed by a high pitched scream was heard from the direction of the village. Gohan and Videl looked at each other; Gohan with a serious look on his face, and Videl a surprised one, before bolting out the front door. Cleaning up after the meal was the last thing on their minds.

Gohan did not like what he saw upon entering the village square. There was what he guessed to be twenty some of what appeared to be gang members surrounding a woman that was on the ground. Many of the villagers had gathered to see what was happening, and now were looking on in fear of the large group of men.

"This Village is now territory of the Triganns Gang! We will do as we please with this place and its people!" the leader of the gang yelled for all to hear.

"That's right, you tell 'em Stamps!" one of the gang members exclaimed, revealing the name of their leader.

Gohan noticed Videl's ki spike. Videl did not like what was she was seeing; she had managed to put her life back into a favorable position and she would NOT tolerate this! Videl's eye was twitching in barely restrained rage.

Despite the situation Lunakka Village faced, Gohan thought this would be a good thing for two reasons; one, it would serve as stress relief for Videl, and two, it would give Videl experience in real battle where the enemy would not hesitate to take her life given the opportunity. Being humans though meant these men were far too slow to get such an opportunity with him on guard.

Videl couldn't stand and watch any longer. "HEY! Why don't you idiots save yourself the trouble and get out of here?"

All of the gang members turned to face whoever it was who had the guts to stand up to them. They all looked at the girl who had just said that before bursting into laughter.

"Mills, teach this girl what happens when you mess with the Triganns!"

"Alright boss!" said a voice that was behind Videl, which was now identified as Mills.

Before Videl could even turn to face her attacker the said person was already flying through the air only to land at Stamps' feet, unconscious, courtesy of a well placed kick from Gohan.

"You should listen to her, you are not welcome here. Stop this now and you can leave unharmed," Gohan said as he stood next to Videl.

Stamps growled. "They're just kids! Kill them both!" The crowd of townsfolk gasped in horror.

With that the entire gang charged.

Gohan lazily backhanded a member that tried to sneak up behind them. Gohan sent the man flying about ten meters backwards and to the land of unconsciousness as well.

Videl on the other hand was taking a more aggressing approach, actively beating the crap out of the gang members. Five of the gang members managed to surround her. They all charged together, forcing Videl into a defensive position. She dodged a punch from one, blocked a kick from another, ducked under another swing. Videl barely noticed that one of them brandished a metal pipe and was in mid swing. Having no time to avoid it, she attempted to block it best she could. Videl braced herself, expecting a world of pain. She was surprised that when it made contact with her arms… she barely felt the impact.

The gang members smirked, thinking they had done some real damage to the girl only to be surprised when she looked up at the man without so much as a flinch. Videl took advantage of their shock and counterattacked; quickly she dispatched three of her five attackers. The remaining two stepped back in fear of the demon of a girl that was easily tearing through them. They did the only thing they could do, turned tail and ran for it.

Gohan was picking through his number of opponents, all the while trying to avoid permanently injuring any of them.

Stamps watched in stark horror as most of his gang was practically annihilated by just two children.

"That's it!" one member yelled as he jumped on his motorbike and gunned it towards Gohan with the murderous intent of running him down.

Gohan held his ground as the bike approached. At the last second, he sidestepped and punched the front end of the bike into the ground, lifting up the back end and sending the rider into the air only to land on the ground with a hard THUD. The remaining conscious members looked on with wide eyes. The crowd of villagers stood silent in a state of shock at what they were seeing.

Gohan turned to the leader with a menacing expression on his face, "Take your friends and leave now! I never want to see you here again…"

Stamps looked as if he were about to soil himself. He nodded vigorously and he ordered his gang to take the unconscious members and get the hell out of there and away from the demon kids.

The crowd watched in awed silence at the spectacle before them, two children had just fought off an entire gang. Clapping and cheers erupted from all the village folk to their heroes.

The elder came forth from the crowd, "On behalf of the entire village, I thank you for defending our town."

Gohan and Videl just smiled as the cheering and applause continued. "There's no need to thank us," Gohan said, "This is, after all, our home too."

From that point on, Gohan and Videl had been labeled as the Lunakka Village guardians.

TBC


Authors Notes and Comments

(1)That being Piccolo

(2)Queue Videl's burning hatred for Hercule


Well it is finally done, I cannot say when the next chapter will be done and released, hopefully it won't be over half a year this time. That being said, I will NOT abandon this story, it may take a obscene amount of time but I will eventually finish it. Reviews are much appreciated!