AN: Thanks as always. I'm really really really sorry that it took sooo long to get this out. School has really picked up and I decided to be lazy all last weekend to rest from it. I was going to make this chapter longer, but I think it ends at a good spot and it would have taken too long to write more.
Hummingbird101- Thank you and I ask you to hear me out on this explanation. Lime RIGHT NOW is stronger than her. The only reason is because Gohan trainly lightly is still far past non Z-fighter abilities. If they had the same training Videl would definitely be better. I'm not sure if it will ever matter or if Videl will end up training with Gohan and the Zs, but if she does she will surpass Lime.
StarlightFilly- Thank you. I have noticed that myself. Practice really does help and I also got a lot of help from reviews on my first few chaps to help my writing improve.
elae-chan- Thanks
Nightshade1712- To be honest, I'm not sure what you are trying to say by that. I know he did, I didn't mention it, but I did mention that they did for the days before the Cell Games. He has great control over it, but saiyan emotions will still be stronger in it and the didn't have perfect control because they broke a lot of stuff in their house.
Sushi133- Thanks. I hate when I do that. It's always when I do it on my itouch that I accidentally send messages. I'm glad that you like how I portrayed their emotions. I was a little worried if it was good or not (mostly Videl).
annvelwis & Guest- Thanks
Buckets Full O' Sunshine- First, thanks, I'm glad there emotions were portrayed well. Second, you're quite perceptive to catch the easy-going romance... do you want a cookie for it :D. It's totally Bulma to do that.
Glad you liked Lime and it would be interesting to see them fight.
Have you ever seen what straight line winds can do? There were some two summers ago near me that took whole trees out of the ground - with their roots AND the ground the roots were holding. So they could easily rip a huge branch that could do that or throw a small one at high-speeds and do it...
HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME... XD lol... but seriously, they can be dangerous.
Yes the ducktape! HA! you fell for my rock trap! CLASSIC :P
Sportsfan64- thanks
SeanHicks- Thanks. lol i hate when I do that. She's going to help push Videl some. (A rival? maybe)
Ky111- Thanks. Glad you like it and Lime. It will definitely help Videl open her eyes. (semi-off topic tangent) that's why I loved Master Roshi in DB. He fought in disguise in the WMAT to show his students that there is always someone stronger to keep them training. I think doing this with Videl will help push her in a good way to become a best fighter and more humble.
Aaron Leach- thanks
WineIXI- thanks and I gotta keep you on your toes! I tried to make it make sense in giving her martial arts skills.
chaos267- thanks. Glad you like her so far. I hope when she becomes more involved she will stay that way.
Disclaimer: For the last time! I do not own DBZ. I think that's enough times to say it for the rest of the fic.
'Who am I?' the question still bouncing around in Videl's mind. All &night she had been fighting to stay asleep. It didn't really matter though, because the question existed in both realms. She tossed and turned for the millionth time now. She had been unable to do anything since she talked with Gohan. It was haunting her; eating away at her very being. It was sickening.
Her dreams weren't helping at all. Each time she drifted off it was a different dream, but the meaning was the same. In one she was her father's shadow; doing exactly what he did. And in another she was a puppet controlled by the hands of the media. She wasn't sure which was better; to sleep or to suffer insomnia.
Taking a peek at the clock, she noted that it was now three in the morning. Would this night even be over? It seemed to drag on for an eternity. It was silent except for the ruffling of the covers whenever she shifted. As she stared out the window, Videl wondered what was ahead for her.
/\/\/\/\/\
Gohan awoke for school and quickly went to shower. After talking with Videl yesterday, he flew home and spent a nice day with his brother. They played, sparred, and visited Icarus. He has been a little worried about Videl. Seeing her emotional gave him a new perspective of her. She had a good heart; after all, she has been risking her life for some time now protecting the city. She could be rude and nosy, but it wasn't entirely her fault. He now understood her paranoia of others with many two-faces out there. He had to admit that him being secretive could give off the wrong idea.
Gohan has thought about letting his friends know the real him, but not yet. He doesn't like having to lie to them, but he needs to be able to trust them. He sounds just like Videl; it was going to be hard to get her trust. He doesn't plan on telling them much about himself until they get to know each other more. He's sure that they will start to have more questions about who he is as they hang out more. He figured he would start slowly with things that were believable and eventually explain the bizarre.
He finished his shower, dried up, got dressed, and headed to the kitchen for breakfast. The moment he entered, he was greeted by Goten, "Hi big brother! Mom's almost done with food! Do you have school today?"
Gohan smiled down at the boy, "Hi sport; yea I have school today."
Hearing that caused Goten to frown, "Awww, but why? It's soooooooo boring without you here!"
"I'm sorry squirt but I have to go. After today I won't have it for a whole two days! We can do whatever we want then, okay?"
"Okay," Goten hugged Gohan hard, "You're the best!"
Gohan just chuckled as he wrapped one arm around Goten and used his other to ruffle the boy's hair.
Chi-Chi couldn't help but to smile at her boys. She considered herself blessed to have two wonderful, loving boys. They were just as innocent as their father; no one had a more pure heart than those three. She walked towards the table to put the last of the food on it. "Boys, breakfast is done!"
Like a flash of lightning, the two appeared at the table and devoured anything that came into contact with their hands. The food started to disappear into their bottomless stomachs. Chi-Chi shook her head at their display, 'Boys will be boys.' She sat up straight and calmly and peacefully ate her food. While the boys always dove into everything on the table, they knew better than to mess with her food. So whatever she placed aside for her they left alone.
After much fighting over the last pancake, Gohan said his goodbyes and flew to school.
/\/\/\/\/\
Videl fought her way out of bed and to school. She wasn't feeling very good with the lack of sleep. Videl fished out the books that she would need for the morning before slamming the locker shut. 'I'm exhausted! I hope I'm not called on today. I don't think I'll be much help in this condition. I definitely don't feel like deal with Era-'
"OH Vi!" Erasa shouted.
'Damn it!' Videl was not in the mood to deal with her loud, talkative best friend. "What!" she snapped.
"Ouch! Looks like somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed!" the ever so perky Erasa responded and stuck out her tongue.
"I just couldn't sleep! I had too much on my mind," Videl commented.
"Oh, really? Was it Gohan?" Erasa winked.
"WHAT! NO! Well… it had something to do with what he said," she pressed a finger to Erasa's lips to prevent her from commenting, "but it has nothing to do with what you're suggesting."
"If that's true, then tell me what it was," Erasa smirked.
"Fine, but later, how about after school you come to my house?"
"Deal!" Erasa chirped.
Videl could never understand how the girl was always so energetic.
"How's it going ladies?" Sharpener came up and put his hands around the girls' shoulders.
Videl brushed his hand off as Erasa answered him. "Well, Videl is really grumpy today. I suggest you watch yourself today."
Sharpener took a quick look at Videl and it was obvious that she didn't want to be mess with today. "So what's got you in a bad mood?"
"I'm tired and let's leave it at that," Videl's voice left no room for argument and Sharpener was smart to let it drop. The bell rang, letting them know it was time to get to class. They went to class as usual and awaited the day to start.
Class had begun and there was no sight of Gohan. "Where's nerd-boy?" Sharpener voiced.
"Why does it matter Sharpener?" Erasa spoke. Both Videl and Sharpener looked at her weird. They weren't sure if they heard her right. They expected her to be the most concerned. Then Erasa continued After all," she impersonated Sharpener, "when a nerd disappears you don't question it; just enjoy it."
"Using my own words against me; are you mocking me?" Sharpener suggested.
"Noooo," she replied sarcastically, "I think it's funny how only a few days ago that's what you were saying and now you're worried about him."
"Who says I'm worried; I just don't think a nerd would miss school."
"Sure Sharpener, whatever you say. It's clear that you consider Gohan a friend so stop the tough guy crap."
Sharpener huffed his reply as she giggled in victory. Sharpener knew that he was starting to enjoy Gohan's company. He figured that they would become good friends as the school year progressed. Seconds later, Gohan clumsily jumped into the classroom.
"Sorry I'm late, I encounter some problems this morning," Gohan sheepishly grinned.
The teacher paused to look at him, thinking about his reply. "It's fine; just don't make it a habit Mr. Son." Gohan nodded and climbed up the stairs to his seat.
"Hey cutie! Why are you late?" Erasa inquired.
"Look who's concerned now!" Sharpener mocked.
She quickly turned to give Sharpener her glare, "Shut it!"
Gohan sat down and thought about what happened to him.
-Flashback-
He had just left his house and was flying towards school. It all seemed like it would be a normal morning flight until… He was attacked from above. Some creature tackled him and they flew down into the trees and landed in the side of a cliff. Then they fell to the bottom and landed in the grass. He was a little disoriented from shock; he wasn't sure how whatever it was snuck up on him.
Afterwards, he felt something moist on the back of his neck. It tickled and he couldn't help but laugh. "HAHAHA… HA… I… HAHA. CARUS!... HAHA. Stop!"
Gohan struggled his way out of the dragon's grip. He pushed the dragon off and petted him, "I'm sorry boy but I got school and I can't be late. We'll play later." Icarus wasn't satisfied with his answer and pounced back onto Gohan. "PLEASE… HAHAHA! STOP IT… HAHA!" Gohan eventually escaped and rushed to school.
-End of Flashback-
Gohan let out a laugh as he rubbed his neck in his usual habit, "Just encountered some trouble on my way to school. Nothing big though." Icarus loved to play and do sneak attacked on him. He was certain that the dragon somehow learned how to hide his energy. He was hard to detect at times.
"Well that's good! Oh and FYI; Videl is grumpy so it would be best to avoid her!" Erasa chirped.
"I swear Erasa! Do you have to tell everyone everything?!" Videl hissed.
"What? I just don't want him angering you and then you do something to that adorable face of his!" she responded.
Videl acting like she was going to gag. 'Why are we friends again? We are NOTHING alike!' Videl really just wanted it to be gym now. She figured that it might help her let some of this out.
/\/\/\/\/\
Videl was stretching at the start of gym. The day went well for the most part for Videl. Her friends actually left her alone after the first class. She was still extremely tired, but at least one thing was going her way. Erasa was, instead of bugging her, being flirty with the clueless Gohan.
It appeared to Videl that Gohan truly seemed like he had no clue that Erasa was coming on to him. It made Videl wonder about the boy. If he was truly this naïve, then she was uncertain that he could be two-faced, or anything else. Everything he said might only mean what he said and has no underlying meanings. Everything he said was genuine. She knew he was still hiding stuff since he even admitted it, but it was personal stuff that she would have to wait to learn. She was still bent on learning about him, but she was now willing to give him his space and allow him to warm up to her. She might still try to push him to answer sooner than later, but she would take her time.
Sharpener and Gohan planned to do something after school Monday. He was busy until then so it was the earliest they could do it. Sharpener figured that if they were going to be hanging out a lot, that it might be nice to get to know him more. Maybe they could find some common interests.
It was the last day that they would be doing solely drills. Tien explained that experience is just as important to becoming a fighter. The experience would help them be more comfortable in a fight. Only doing drills would leave them unprepared for the interesting, unthinkable things that could happen in a fight.
"We will do those drills until there is 15 minutes left. After that we will have some relax time before the weekend. I plan on doing this every week. Now begin the first drill," Tien ordered. Tien had been studying the students and learnt how to encourage them. Each was different: some worked harder when insulted, yelled at; while others needed kind encouragement and others in-between. He wanted to bring out the best in each and he was slowly succeeding. He walked around and observed the students.
He noticed that they all seemed to try even harder after his little fight with Videl. It was the moment of true for the students. Like they wanted to see how good he actually was. They all learned that there's much more to a fight than meets the eye and gained much respect for them. And he was starting to grow on the students. He seemed to be a good balance of strict and disciplined and of understanding and relaxed.
Videl was trying her hands at meditation again. She was definitely going to do these drills he has shown them on her own time, but she needed to meditate here. It was because she still needed Gohan's help; especially with that question still in her mind. She followed Gohan over to the side where they meditated last time.
Gohan was slightly surprised to see that Videl was going to spend another day meditating. Tien must have really gotten through to her when they fought. 'Well he is quiet smart, so I shouldn't be too surprised. Tien knows his stuff very well.'
As they sat down Videl got his attention and he turned to face her. Gohan gave her a puzzled look as she tried to hide her face. She still didn't like asking for help and felt embarrassed. "Can… we talk for a sec?"
Gohan became even more confused, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"
"Well… it's… it's about yesterday. I have been thinking about what you said and it has made me wonder who I am. I'm not sure if I have done what I have because I wanted to, and it's bugging me. It's why I didn't sleep and I don't think I'll be able to meditate until I talk about it."
Gohan put a finger to his chin. He took a few moments to think about it. He wanted to give her the best answer he could. "Umm, well, did you enjoy everything you did?" He questioned.
"Huh?"
"Are you happy with what you have done and where you are now?" he explained further.
Videl opened her mouth but paused to think about it. 'Am I happy with what I've done? Well I have saved a lot of people and I love martial arts. I… I think I am.' After a few moments of thinking about it, she answers him, "Overall, I think so. I've help so many with my time with the police. I have made people smile and I really enjoy martial arts. I think part of it is because I want to be like my father, but I'm glad about where I am."
Gohan gave her that warm smile of his, "Then there is nothing to be worried about."
"Really?" she asked uncertain.
"Yeah, you're happy with yourself so you've done it because you wanted to. Others might have helped push you to do what you did, but sometimes we need a push from others. When I said that, I just wanted you to know that you're you and not what others may think you are. Whether they have the right image of you or not doesn't matter, you just need to know that you are what you want to be. I have heard about all the good you have done and you should be proud and happy with what you've done. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to be like your father; I have always tried to be like mine."
The words sunk into her mind and she digested the meaning. At first martial arts was annoying to her. She couldn't get it, but she persisted. She had to be like her father: it was what others thought, it was what her father thought, and most important it was what she thought. She needed to be like him and help others. She did hate it because it was too much for her. She hated how much work she had to do, how much she had to push. It was challenging, painstaking, and exhausting. But now, now she loved fighting and was grateful she worked so hard. She was proud that she was able to overcome the challenge and didn't give up. It has shaped her into what she is today. Now she understands that it was just a warning he gave her; a warning to avoid illusions and stay true to herself.
Videl also noticed that he mentioned his father. He had never spoken of him or anyone other than his brother. "Really? You look up to your father too?"
It was only then that Gohan realized exactly what he said. The answer came straight from his heart to help and he didn't even notice that he said that. "Yeah, but now's not the time to talk about that. Let's begin meditation. Do you want me to do what I did yesterday?" She softly nodded and they began. Much was off her chest, but there was much she must remember. She now knew who she had been was herself, but she still had the question. Not so much of who she was, but now of whom she wanted to be. Did she still want to be the World Champion like her father, or something else?
Again, I'm really really really sorry for the delay. Unfortunately it may stay that way, but I definitely plan on finishing it. Updates just might be slow at times. I'm try to keep you all informed. I might even put up a temporally update if I have been gone really long to let you all know that I'm alive.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I hope that I continued to portray emotions well. Until next time.
-Keep It True