[Author's note: Ten chapters already, and the story is still only just beginning. I want to thank all the people who are following this story, and all the people who left positive reviews. It seems like people appreciate the story, so I'll keep it going. If you've got feedback, don't hesitate to let me know. Enjoy this tenth chapter.]

'Good idea, let's go!' Erasa replied.

They managed to quickly leave the stadium and entered the first restaurant they found, directly outside of the stadium. It was a nice restaurant, and as they entered they were greeted with a very warm smell of freshly-baked bread.

'Isn't this place terribly expensive though?' Erasa wondered while glancing over the menu. 'They're charging big time because they're right next to the stadium.'

'Don't worry about it, it's on me.' Videl said. Videl was glad Erasa was here, she flew all the way here just to cheer her on, the least she could do was pay her lunch.

Erasa and Videl found themselves a cosy table close to the entrance and ordered their food.

'Wow, Videl, you're shaking a bit.' Erasa noted.

'I'm a bit nervous I guess.'

'Well, you should be.' Erasa said. 'I am always nervous whenever we have a show with the band.'

'It's not the big audience or something.' Videl explained. 'It's just, I'm kind of scared I won't be any good, what if they're all way stronger than me?'

'Listen up Videl, nobody is going to hold it against you if you don't win the title today. I mean, your dad is competing, and Gohan's dad is also competing, so there are two people competing that were already champions before. It would be crazy if you weren't nervous at all.' Erasa concluded. 'Just do your best, you'll do fine.'

Videl wasn't really convinced, which Erasa quickly noticed.

'Hey, let's talk about something else. Did you see what Gohan's little brother did during his fight? When he did that weird energy attack thing from his hands his hair turned gold and glowing by the end!'

'I saw something like that yeah!' Videl exclaimed. 'But I couldn't see it very well, his hair went back to black so fast.'

'Hey Videl, I was just thinking, didn't you say that the Goldfighter also had golden glowing hair?'

Wow, I hadn't thought of that yet! But that doesn't match up.

'Oh my god you're right! But Goten can't be the Goldfighter, he's too small and too young.'

'Well, what if whatever Goten did is something that Gohan can do too?' Erasa offered eagerly. 'Think about it, what if Gohan is the Goldfighter?'

Videl considered this. Gohan was the right age, the Goldfighter did have the badge from their school, and he was really strong, so it was definitely possible. But being both the Great Saiyaman and the Goldfighter simultaneously?

'It's definitely a possibility, but I'm not sure it matches his personality.'

Erasa was thinking.

'Didn't you say that Gohan's dad died seven years ago?'

'Umm, yes.' Videl replied, unsure where Erasa was going with this.

'Hey Videl, hey Erasa, nice seeing you here!'

Gohan had just entered, thankfully in his regular clothes, not in his ridiculous Great Saiyaman outfit. Speak of the devil, how did he change so fast? He was followed by his mom and his dad, who still had that creepy halo above his head.

'Hey Videl, nice seeing you again.' Chi-Chi said. 'Why don't you come join us for lunch?'

'Ehmm.' Erasa said.

'Thank you for the offer, but I'm already here with my friend.'

'Oh, that's okay, she can join us too.' Chi-Chi said, and she turned to Erasa. 'I'm Chi-Chi by the way, I'm Gohan's mother. I'm assuming you already know Gohan?'

'Nice to meet you, I'm Erasa, I'm a friend from Gohan's school.' Erasa replied, and she shook Chi-Chi's hand and bowed. 'We'd love to sit with you. I'll be right there, I just have to tell the waiters that we're changing our table.'

'We'll discuss it later I guess.' Erasa whispered to Videl, and with that she quickly went looking for a waiter. Videl looked to Gohan's table and noticed that they had picked a very large table for only the five of them. Maybe the friends from Gohan's dad would also come later? Goten would probably also show up later, Videl noticed he wasn't here yet. Videl joined Gohan and his parents at their table.

'How have you been doing Videl?' Chi-Chi asked.

'I'm alright, how about you?' Videl asked.

'A bit sad Goten didn't manage to win this morning, he was so close.'

'Aww, that's okay Chi-Chi, Goten fought really well, and it looked to me like he had a lot of fun.' Goku said. 'I'm getting pretty excited to get out there and fight myself too.'

A waiter showed up to take their order. After Chi-Chi and Gohan ordered their food, Videl told him that she had already ordered and had moved table, so he turned his attention to Goku.

'Can I have ten of the big meals please?' Goku asked. The waiter had to blink a few times to process that.

'Excuse me?'

'The big meal? It's right here.' Goku pointed on the chart to the largest meal available. 'I want ten of those please.'

'Okay, if you insist, very well.' The waiter replied. He wrote down Goku's order, bowed, and left.

Chi-Chi noticed Videl staring blankly.

'Oh, Goku's just got a big appetite, he's had that since I first met him.' Chi-Chi said.

Videl noticed Goku's halo again, just as Erasa joined them again.

'Do you still have to eat when you're dead?' Videl asked.

'I dunno, I guess I can't really die from hunger if I'm already dead, but I don't wanna run outta energy today.' Goku replied.

Erasa introduced herself to Goku, and Goku introduced himself too.

'So you're actually dead then?' Erasa asked. 'I've never seen anyone else walk around dead before.'

'Yep, how long has it been now?' Goku asked Gohan cheerfully, completely oblivious to the sensitivity of the subject matter of death.

'Almost seven years father.' Gohan replied quietly.

'You look quite good for someone who has been dead for seven years.' Erasa noted, trying to go for a compliment.

'I got to keep my body and use it in the afterlife, so it didn't go bad.' Goku explained. 'Maybe that's why I still want food.'

'You were in the afterlife?' Erasa asked. 'What was it like there?'

'Oh, it's great there.' Goku said. 'There are all these cool people from all over the universe, some from very long ago, and they all look so different and have these unique fighting skills, I've learned a lot from them. Also, you can't really die again, so you don't have to worry too much when fighting each other, it's really fun.'

It was clear Erasa had no idea how to respond to that. Gohan also seemed uncomfortable with the subject. Goku seemed very simple-minded, only really thinking about fighting, while neither Gohan nor Erasa liked fighting much. It was getting kind of awkward.

'Where is Goten actually?' Chi-Chi asked. 'I thought he would find us here after his match, maybe he can't find us? Goku, can you go look for him?'

'But Chi-Chi, what if my food's ready while I'm away? It will get cold!'

'You ordered ten big meals Goku.' Chi-Chi insisted. 'I'm sure it will take them a while to make that much food.'

'Uhmm, okay then Chi-Chi.' Goku said shyly, and he quickly left to find Goten.

'Did he really order ten big meals?' Erasa whispered to Videl.

'My father has a very big appetite.' Gohan said apologetically, obviously having heard Erasa.

'How is it that your dad can walk around, eat, and talk with us while he's dead?' Erasa asked Gohan. 'You guys aren't just pulling some weird prank on us are you?'

'Well, uhmm, I'm not sure how to explain it.' Gohan hesitated.

'Just try to explain it Gohan.' Erasa insisted.

'When my father died, they allowed him to keep his body in the afterlife.' Gohan started. 'And they allowed him to come back to this world for one day. He chose the day of the Tournament because he loves fighting.'

'Who are "they"?' Erasa asked. 'And do they allow everyone to keep their bodies?'

'The people in charge of the afterlife I think.' Gohan replied. 'If I'm not mistaken they're called the Kais. I don't know the details, but my father was allowed to keep his body because he saved the world when he was still alive.'

'You mean when he defeated the Red Ribbon Army?' Videl asked.

'Among others, yes.' Chi-Chi said. 'Goku also saved the world later from King Piccolo.'

'King Piccolo?' Erasa enquired. 'I remember that name, wasn't he the one who tried to take over the world a few decades ago?'

'That's right.' Chi-Chi said. 'I don't think any of you were born back then, I was only fifteen at the time, but King Piccolo had attacked the King's Palace in Central City and taken over, he wanted to rule the world in a very violent manner, but Goku managed to defeat King Piccolo in a fight not soon after he took over.'

'You said among others, were there also other instances where he saved the world?' Videl asked curiously. Chi-Chi seemed much more at ease talking about these things than Gohan was, Videl wasn't about to let this opportunity slip.

'Well, seven years ago Goku fought this monster Cell together with Gohan, they managed to destroy Cell but at the cost of Goku's life.' Chi-Chi said proudly.

Videl looked at Gohan, who was looking down at the floor while sitting a bit curved, his head was very red. At that time, the waiters came to bring Erasa and Videl their food. Erasa thanked them.

'But my dad destroyed Cell, everyone knows that.' Videl objected.

Chi-Chi looked at Videl curiously, as if judging her, and started talking after a few moments.

'Well Videl, I think it is time for you to learn the truth about those events back then.' Chi-Chi said. 'Your father was also there at the Cell Games, but he did not defeat Cell. He merely claimed he did, but Gohan was really the one to destroy Cell. Back then, I chose not to come out into the public with it, Gohan had just witnessed his father die, the last thing he needed was all that attention from reporters and press at a time like that. Gohan was only ten years old at the time.'

Videl was getting angry. This woman was calling her father a liar. Everybody knew that her dad had defeated Cell!

'Are you calling my father a liar?!' Videl replied loudly. 'Gohan, you know my dad defeated Cell! Tell me!'

Gohan was more uncomfortable than ever being forced into this situation, but Videl didn't care. If Gohan's family was trying to steal away her father's credit for defeating Cell she would show them! Gohan did not reply.

'Videl, please calm down.' Erasa said, pulling her shirt. 'Let's go outside for a bit.'

Videl didn't listen. 'Gohan, answer me!'

Gohan didn't dare to look at her, he kept on looking at the floor while fudging with his hands.

'Videl please, let's go and calm down, this isn't working.' Erasa begged, she started to gently pull her out of her seat. Eventually, Videl allowed Erasa to guide her out. Erasa apologised silently to Gohan and his mother while they were leaving, leaving their food behind.

Once outside, Erasa looked around for a quiet spot and went into the stadium with Videl, while Videl was still angry.

'I just can't believe Gohan's mom, the nerve to talk to me like that!'

'You're right, she could've handled that situation a lot better.' Erasa replied. 'I guess Gohan's social awkwardness doesn't come just from his father.'

'Don't tell me you actually believe her!' Videl snapped at Erasa. Erasa was her best friend, she wouldn't choose their side would she?

'Does it matter what I think?' Erasa objected stubbornly.

'Of course it matters, you're my best friend!'

'Sounds to me like you're more interested in finding support than finding the truth, that's not like you Videl.' Erasa said coldly. 'I mean, you know darn well I wasn't there at the Cell Games.'

Videl wanted to respond angrily, but she couldn't find a good retaliation, Erasa's words were true, Erasa saying her dad beat Cell wouldn't prove anything, just like all the media saying it didn't prove anything anymore. After a minute or so, Videl spoke again.

'I'm sorry about that Erasa, it's not your fault.' Videl said apologetically.

'Aww, it's alright Videl, I would be pretty pissed too if someone told me my parents were liars about such a big thing.' Erasa replied and she hugged Videl.

'So what do you think?' Videl asked.

'Well, I was trying to talk with you about this before Gohan showed up at the restaurant, but I thought Gohan might be the Goldfighter.'

'Oh yeah, you mentioned that, but why do you think that?'

'Well, remember how Goten turned his hair gold in his fight?' Erasa asked. Videl nodded. 'I figured, if Gohan's little brother can do it, maybe Gohan can do that too, I mean, it does fit. He has the right age, the badge from our school, and he would be the kind of guy to try and hide his identity, he's not someone who is comfortable with a lot of attention. And if my dad had died in the Cell Games seven years ago, I sure as hell wouldn't like to talk about it, especially not if I'd been there too watching him die.'

Videl thought about it. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed to fit. But how could her father have lied about that for so long, to everyone? To her, his own daughter? Weren't there also reporters there? Wouldn't they have known what was going on?

'I just can't believe that my dad would lie about it to everyone, even to me.' Videl admitted.

'Of course you can't.' Erasa said. 'He's your father after all, it's easier for me as he's not my dad.' Erasa paused for a second. 'I'm just wondering, if Gohan really is the Goldfighter, he must be strong too, and a strong Gohan just feels so, I don't know, weird to me. It just doesn't really feel like such a shy and sweet guy could be so strong.'

Now would be as good a time as any to tell Erasa the truth.

'Gohan is actually really strong.' Videl admitted quietly. 'He is actually the Great Saiyaman, I promised him to keep his identity secret after I found out.'

'Why would you promise that?' Erasa asked sceptically.

'I don't know, it felt like he was really scared about it coming out when I confronted him about it.' Videl said. 'He saved my life back then when I first saw him as the Great Saiyaman, and I guess I felt like I owed him or something. Plus he's been teaching me about ki.'

'Ki?' Erasa asked. 'What's that? I've never heard of that.'

'It's what Goten and Trunks used in their fight to fly and use those energy attacks, ki is energy within your body that you can control with practice.' Videl said. 'I had never heard of it before Gohan told me about it. Here, let me show you.'

Videl concentrated and flew about 20 centimetres into the air, and stayed there hovering. Then she formed a ki ball inside her hands and let it glow for a bit while Erasa watched.

'No way, no way.' Erasa said quietly, she was gazing with her mouth wide open. 'Does your dad know about this stuff?'

'I don't think so, he never told me anything about ki, and I didn't tell him about Gohan teaching me.' Videl admitted as she landed again.

'You know what Videl, let's just see how the fights this afternoon turn out.' Erasa offered. 'Your dad's fighting, you're fighting, Gohan's dad is fighting. We'll think about what's true and stuff after that. Now let's go back inside before our food gets cold, you need to eat.'

Back inside, they found Gohan and his mother there, Goku and Goten hadn't returned yet, but Gohan and his mother had already received their food. Videl bowed to Gohan and his mother.

'I'm sorry for how I responded earlier, it was out of line.' Videl said.

'That's okay Videl.' Chi-Chi said. 'I'm glad with your apology.'

'Goku hasn't returned yet with Goten?' Erasa asked.

'No, he hasn't.' Chi-Chi said. 'I'm starting to get a bit worried about Goten, he's the kind of boy that can get himself into a lot of trouble without realising it.'

'Don't worry about it mother.' Gohan said. He already seemed a lot more comfortable again. 'I'm sure Goten's fine. I think he's just embarrassed and sad that he lost his fight.'

Videl and Erasa started eating, then Videl had an idea.

'There's this place not too far from here where they gather children who lost their parents.' Videl said. 'Maybe someone found Goten and brought him there if Goten didn't know where you were.'

'That's a good idea. Gohan, why don't you go with Videl and see if Goten's there?' Chi-Chi said. 'Even if he's not there, tell them where we are so that if they find Goten they can bring him here.'

'Okay mother.' Gohan said. He and Videl picked up their bowls of food and left again, leaving Erasa and Chi-Chi behind in the restaurant.

Videl led the way to the lost children office.

'Gohan.' Videl started hesitantly. 'Is it true what Erasa is saying? Are you really the Goldfighter?'

Gohan fidgeted with his hands again.

'I guess I can't deny it anymore.' Gohan admitted defeated. 'You and Erasa already linked the Goldfighter to the Cell Games on my first day at school, I couldn't keep that disguise anymore, it was too risky, and so I switched to the Great Saiyaman.'

'Only to be identified as the Great Saiyaman on the first day you used it.' Videl remarked. 'You're terrible at keeping a secret identity Gohan.'

'I guess I am.' Gohan said. Videl wanted to ask about what really happened at the Cell Games, wanting to hear Gohan's story, but she was sure Gohan didn't want to talk about it, so she didn't ask. Why did she care so much about Gohan's feelings?

They arrived at the lost children office. Goten didn't seem to be there, but then Videl heard a woman's voice.

'Hey Gohan, what are you doing here?'

A woman with blue hair showed up and greeted them. She was quite a bit older than Videl was, Videl estimated her around Chi-Chi's age, but was still quite pretty for her age and wore an expensive red dress and expensive jewellery.

'Hey Bulma.' Gohan replied. 'We haven't seen Goten since his fight with Trunks, so we came here to see if someone found him.'

'You too?' Bulma exclaimed. 'I haven't seen Trunks either since their fight.'

'I'm sure they're fine.' Gohan said. 'They're probably playing together somewhere and lost track of time.'

'Who's this lady by the way Gohan?'

'Oh, this is Videl.' Gohan introduced her. 'Videl, this is Bulma, she is a good friend of my family and she is the mother of Trunks, who fought Goten this morning.'

'Nice to finally meet you Videl.' Bulma said and she shook her hand. 'I've heard a lot about you from Gohan.'

'Ehm, really?' Videl hesitated. She was surprised, Gohan didn't seem like the person to gossip.

'Bulma works at Capsule Corporation, she helped me with the Saiyaman costume.' Gohan explained.

'That's right. I made him the watch that stores his costume.' Bulma said proudly. 'It works just like a Hoi-Poi Capsule, only it uncapsules around Gohan when he uses it, so he can immediately take the costume on and off. So you're the one who still figured out who Gohan was behind that costume?'

'It wasn't that hard really.' Videl said, trying not to discredit Bulma's design without sounding arrogant. 'He still sounded and acted the same way.'

Bulma sighed. 'Gohan, you're so ignorant of these things sometimes, you're just like your father. Well, not quite as bad but still.'

Gohan turned red and didn't reply, but chose to focus on his food. An announcement was made over the speakers again, Videl recognised the voice as the voice of the referee.

'Look!' Bulma said, pointing at one of the screens that were hanging around everywhere. The screen had been turned on and the referee was talking on it.

'Ladies and gentlemen, we have tallied up the results of the qualifications for the Adult Division.' The announcing referee exclaimed. 'So without further ado, in no particular order, here are our sixteen contestants!'

The referee disappeared and sixteen pictures appeared on screen, with the accompanying names underneath them. Videl looked and recognised her father, herself, Gohan's dad, and Gohan, and she even recognised some faces that were hanging out with Gohan's dad earlier.

'It looks like we both qualified Videl!' Gohan said.

'That's right.' Videl replied cheerfully.

The announcer appeared again on screen, in front of the pictures of the contestants.

'Let's shuffle these contestants and see who fights who in the first round!'

The pictures were blacked out, shuffled, and formed pairs of two in a bracket system. The faces were then revealed again. Videl looked, where was she? Videl found herself in the very first match, and her opponent was… Mr. Satan, her own father!