Chapter 11: If I Die Before I Wake

It soon became apparent to Gohan, that his human student was a very quick study. Despite her initial confusion to the explanation of 'forcing the ki out,' she'd managed to form her very first little energy ball, and then demanded food in an exhausted, rasping voice, before trying it again. Her desire to learn was as insatiable as his own, as she worked until her body couldn't take it anymore, ate, slept, and got back into the training saddle again. Gohan even begun to worry less and less about straining her too much, as she demanded more and more from him. It were as though she was trying to squeeze as much information as she could, into the two days that passed by.

"How's this?" She would ask, subtly wanting his approval, as she demonstrated her improved techniques.

"Show me again," she would demand, when she hadn't quite caught the exact timing of his limbs.

"Just gimme a sec!" She would exclaim in clear frustration, when he fussed over her mini-breaks.

When they were neither training, sparring, eating or sleeping, they shared words with one another. Days just moulded into continuous hours in the unchanging light of the room. It only became clearer to the Saiyan, that the clever human was hiding her true motives from him. At the end of this particular session though, Videl had thrown a towel around the back of her sweat-coated neck, and collapsed on the floor at the end of the bed. The cold tiles were welcome against her heated skin, and after she quenched her mighty thirst with the first, deep gulp of cold water, she shot her random enquiry at the winding-down Gohan.

"Tell me more about your planet." He tilted his gaze to her, as he stretched the ligaments of his leg muscles, regarding the young woman in his usual, curious assessment. "You said you were like space pirates. Why did you want our resources shipped all the way to your planet?"

He froze a moment, grabbing the last clean towel from the corner of the chair, and ruffled his sweat-soaked hair dry. Videl sat patiently, taking more gulps of her drink while she tried to control the rapid beating of her naturally adrenaline pumped chest. She didn't need Seoxyrium to feel a rush. The Saiyan had already told her about the Tyrant Lord Frieza, who had once reigned control over his race. A 'Changeling Prince' as he called it, who had gifted the Saiyans with the technology they had now improved, in exchange for their enslavement to his rules.

"When the Tyrant fell," Gohan started in a neutral tone. "It wasn't as easy as we thought it would be, to just return to how we were before." The human rested back against the wall of the bed, rolling her head back to regard the Saiyan with lightly, half-closed eyelids.

"Frieza demanded many resources to feed the demands of his power; he needed faster ships, better armour and … well. Let's just say, he had big plans." The Saiyan paused again, to sink down onto the recliner chair that Videl had kept as her bed. She wasn't entirely delighted in the fact that he would leave the stench of his sweat over it, but his story was worth the price.

"My planet was once a haven of such resources. By the time Frieza was destroyed, he had already left his mark. Our planet, was slowly dying. We found that the core was unstable, and though it could take up to a whole century to finally whither away, the future of our kind was put under question."

"So you were trying to stay on your planet for as long as possible, using other resources?"

"Correct." The Saiyan plucked at his upper layers, stripping the confining material to feel the cooling whispers of cold air against over-heated skin. It brought a satisfied sigh from his lips, before he continued with a light frown. "The population split between those who wished to stay, and those who were convinced we could find another planet to name our own. King Vegeta was determined to remain on the mother soil, probably until the last possible moment. He made sure any Saiyans who objected to his rule, were hunted down for insubordination. That alone, not only decreased our numbers, but tested the loyalties of those who feared his wrath."

"He killed them? Just because they wanted to move?"

"Yes."

"That's …. savage." The Saiyan tilted his head at her choice of word, but continued nonetheless without fault.

"Our King believes in the old ways, but…yes. He has many faults." The human grinned.

"That doesn't sound very patriotic of you." Gohan ignored her obvious teasing.

"Aside from the fact that our own planet was failing us, we soon discovered another mark of Frieza. The tyrant may have been disposed of, but his followers remained. Among them, were the many scientists he'd employed in the ultimate search for supreme power. Their research was… savage."

She gulped at his repetition and almost correction of her previous word, fidgeting slightly on the floor, to bring her knees up to her chest in clear intrigue.

"Frieza wasn't satisfied with our slavery alone. Clearly he felt our growing population was a danger to him, but was not quite prepared to destroy us in one fell swoop. We had our uses after all, and without us, he was nothing. So he had his minions develop what we found to be an airborne virus, known as his cunning, Saiyan Genophage project. We breathed the toxins everyday without realising, until the notes of the dead scientists revealed the truth."

"Frieza had begun a slow Genocidic decay, of the entire Saiyan race. It was unclear who the virus targeting specifically, but we knew it affected our ability to breed, ultimately wiping us out by what would seem to be natural causes."

"That's disgusting." He nodded to her reaction, leaning forwards slightly with elbows on his knees. Hands clasped together, as he stared down at the floor in contemplation.

"Our King however, reversed the intentions of the virus, and called it a blessing. He figured that the virus was doing us a favour, believing only the strong would in turn breed new blood. He had his own demented theories about the virus, believing no chemical could harm Saiyan blood. Eventually, the future generation would be immune."

"Was he right?"

"It's far too soon to know. As expected, our own research showed the decrease in newborn generations by the year." He shook his head, and sighed heavily. "It didn't help that the King was still determined to make sure only the strong survived. He of course made new enemies, losing the public favour."

"Is he insane?" The Saiyan's shoulders lightly shook, as he quietly chuckled.

"You asked about my planet. If you wanted more pleasing details, I could tell you about the two moons. Or how about the ravenous wyrms that inhabit the sand dunes? That's always a fun story."

"No wonder you're all deranged."

Videl scrambled up to her feet, moving to the control panel to access the shower cube, and disappeared beneath the floor without another single word. Gohan just smirked to himself as the nozzles switched on, casting his eyes around the room in disapproval. It was littered in empty food jars and water canisters, dirty towels, some of which still damp, and the unrelenting stale and new stench of mixed perspiration. He had also lost track of time, only leaving the safety of his secluded pod, to bring more supplies for the determined human. At least Nappa was no longer devouring twice his fill. But the ship only had enough food and water stocks for the four Saiyans, and now they had a human to feed. Of course, she didn't eat nearly enough as they did, but Gohan let his own rations suffer in order to keep her well fed. Several hours ago, he'd been cornered by none other than Kari, who had questioned him about the progress of the Earthling. Nothing escaped her attention, but she'd been content enough to simply let him return to his pod without a scolding or demand to cease any further activity. Now, the door slid open, and Gohan turned in the chair to immediately stand in dutiful respect, upon recognition of the intruder's identity.

"Here," she'd barely even stepped through the doorway, as she tossed a sack at the surprised teen. He caught it expertly, along with the scent of food. His stomach groaned and twisted uncontrollably, and the female smirked. "As much as I want my pet to be fed, I won't have you starve either. We're family, after all. The baka Nappa can suffer for his over-indulgence."

"Gratitude," he weakly said in a lowered voice, before inspecting the contents of the sack.

"You will share it with the human," she added in a more commanding tone, with the folding of her arms. "Has it improved enough to present a solid case?""I believe so," he admitted quickly. "She shows control over her ki, and learns quickly. I've pushed her harder and harder but… she seems only, content by it."

"It won't be long now Gohan. Vegetasei is but a day and half away. You must prepare yourself to face the King and council, at trial with me." He swallowed hard with the shifting of her temperament. Though there was no clear negative or positive tone in Kari's voice, the jury could sway either way. "But I have promised your father I would do my very best to clear your name. The human is mine, after all."

He lifted his gaze to the woman's strange shift of mood. Since the training room ordeal, she'd considerably distanced herself, and the scent of Raditz on her flesh was still quite clear. Perhaps it explained her calmer mood, Gohan insisted on telling himself, as he merely nodded his head in further gratitude to her words.

"Use your time well." With nothing more to say however, Kari turned, letting the door close her out of any further conversation within the pod. Apparently she had no desire to see the human, which also suited Gohan just fine.

Taking the sack to the bed where they would normally eat, sometimes combined with prolonged conversation, Gohan emptied the contents in a tumble of plastic tubs containing various colours and textures. He missed fresh meat, but the dried, lightly salted and tough wyrm flesh, instantly found the solstice of his gut in vigorous, tearing bites and strained gnawing. He was still chewing on the meat, when Videl emerged from the shower room, re-dressed but smelling fresh. She showed no real signs of having eavesdropped on the conversation, as she stopped at the top of the steps to towel dry her hair.

"Eat," he muttered between chews, and slid a tub of what looked like blue sponge cake across the bed in her direction. Already he'd devoured most of the sack's contents, leaving what he knew would be her usual portions. She straightened and climbed onto the bed, settling down and abandoning the towel for the immediate investigation of this new food. It smelt sweet, and as she tried to break a piece away, she found it to be moist and squishy, almost like a spongy strawberry. It dawned on her then that she'd seen Kari devouring a similar 'fruit', and as she timidly bit a small section away, she found that it held both a spicy and sweet, syrupy flavouring. Only when he was satisfied that the human was content with her portions, did Gohan resume his munching.

"Time is running out."

Only to stop again, and roughly swallow whole the stubborn, lumpy flesh. So, she had overheard, and he quickly decided it was probably best she knew what was coming her way.

"Yes. We have roughly… thirty-six hours left."

Silence followed, as she resumed her feeding procedure. Gohan awkwardly copied, having little else to add, until she finally broke the silence again.

"But that's not enough time."

He knew he would one day regret ever telling her about her fate. She'd accepted that she probably wasn't ever going to see her real home again, but further questions had followed about what the project meant. Gohan had finally explained how humans were forbidden on his home planet, and how she would have to undergo a testing procedure on arrival, just to deem her worthy of the proposed project. But that was after the council voted in the majority of even allowing the testing to take place, and then they would vote again over the results. It didn't matter though. King Vegeta would have the ultimate say, regardless of the majority decision of the Elite council.

"We have a strong case. Besides, Kari could easily sway the vote. She's slightly more popular with the council now, considering Vegeta's past decisions."

Again, there was silence, but Gohan had considerably lost his appetite. He didn't want to think about the pessimistic 'buts' and the 'maybes,' and true enough, he knew that had he still been in ownership of the human, he wouldn't be feeling so optimistic. Infact, he would probably be coming up with a back-up plan by now, of how to hide her in order to continue his dedicated studies. But Kari's persistence was a good sign.

"You know, I think Kari really wants to see this project through," he added more positively. "Her favour isn't easily gained, but when she really wants something, she does see it happen." Pausing, he attempted a more confident smile. "Trust me. I've seen it."

Videl just fixed her gaze on the odd fruit she was eating, and reached for the protein gunk she was more accustomed to. It tasted better mixed together, almost like jam with porridge. Her silence was taken as a sign to move on, as Gohan assumed she was thinking over his words, and trying to boost her own confidence in both him, and her mistress. For once, he could relate to her on a far more personal level. It was hard to be under the scrutiny of those who deemed themselves superior. He'd faced that all his life, and would continue to feel the cold glare even if he ever made it to the Elite ranking.

"But if they decline," her voice rung out again, strained by an emotion he couldn't quite identify. "They'll just…kill me? Right where I stand?" He couldn't answer that, but he didn't need to. She knew already, and had faced it on her own terms. "I never thought I'd die like that." A faint and ironic smile, lightly lifted her pout. "I guess I should be glad if it's over with quickly."

"Videl." It wasn't enough that she hadn't heard him clear the gap between them, or that he'd reached out to hold the sides of her head with the light pressure of his palms. No, it was the way he spoke her name in his foreign tongue, that caught the human by surprise, and gained her undivided attention with a shy gasp. "What did I tell you about feeling?"

"I can't help being human," she shot back instantly. "And for your information, I'm glad I can feel! There's nothing appealing about a cold, mechanic monster, incapable of knowing the free-will of emotion. And I feel sorry for anyone who claims that's a good thing." She almost went cross-eyed as she focused on his closer face, and the intent, piercing stare of his entirely focused eyes. Her own gaze danced in discomfort to the way he surveyed her.

"You think I'm a cold monster?" He heard the way she swallowed, fidgeting under his continued scrutiny. But his grip failed to loosen on her head, showing no desire of wanting to let her scurry away.

"I think you can be, yeah." Despite the way his eyes narrowed, she continued with renewed strength. "I mean, you're only nice to me because you have to be. I haven't forgotten how you treated me before."

"I haven't forgotten what you said either. That you didn't want to die, not before you saw my end first, preferably by your own hands. How you'd enjoy wiping the smirk off my face."

The words sounded almost embarrassing as he replayed them back to her, and Videl revealed her further discomfort as she tried to shift herself away from him. This time, he let her go, watching her turn to hunch her back with her almost ruefully dipped head.

"I say stupid things when I'm angry." Gohan was impressed by the way she humbled herself, but then she tilted her head to face him again. "But you deserved it, even if I can't hold myself to what I said anymore. Except for the smirk part. That I wouldn't mind." Said smirk spread across his lips without him even realising, and he released a little chuckle.

"I didn't know how to control you," he revealed in a humble honesty that now shocked her. "You had such spirit, but I'd always been told humans were weak. You… confused me."

"Hmph." The human ran out of quick replies, leaving only her deep frown as she turned her head away again. It was probably the only attempt at an apology she would get from him, and she supposed that under the circumstances of knowing a little more about his upbringing and culture, it would just have to do. What mattered was that he'd changed, even if the transformation had been thanks to Kari, of all people.

Leaving the human to her contemplating silence, Gohan shrugged any further discussion aside, to focus on the removal of his training boots. He was tired, and no doubt the human would soon retreat to rest away from him, on the sanctuary of her own 'bed.' With a sigh, he kicked off the last shoe, and leaned back. She still hadn't vacated the bed, but he didn't really mind to be honest. She often shivered on the recliner-chair, but she'd instantly shot down his suggestion to just share the damn bed. It was more than big enough for two, and he wouldn't even need to be that close for her to feel his warmth. The silly human refused to see past the likely possibility of her trying to fall asleep literally hanging off the edge of the bed, only to wake up on the other side, where she didn't want to be. Next to him.

"It's crazy but…you're the first boy I've really…"

The way she drifted off confused him, among with the fact that she continued to prolong conversation. It took her a moment to find the right word she was looking for though. "Connected with. I mean, either I scared them off, or they were only interested in dating the Champion's daughter. Then dad scared them off anyway. Not like I was even allowed to date."

Gohan quietly listened, while the human continued to remarkably open up to him in her own, steadily paced and constantly thoughtful manner.

"I was twelve when I found the adoption papers, just after mom died. But dad really did treat me like his own daughter, even though he could be a real pain in the ass sometimes." With a light, angelic chuckle, she sat up straight, and deepened her voice. "Who's the dork outside our house Videl? … Why are you late home from school Videl? … You'll never be like me if you don't try harder, Videl!"

She paused to heave a loud, quick breath, watched by the attentive eyes of the Saiyan.

"It was hard to gain his approval, never mind feel like I ever achieved something that could make him proud."

"I think I know that feeling," he agreed in a softer tone.

"Heh… I guess you do. Pride is really important to you. Isn't it." He nodded at the rhetorical questions, and to his further surprise, she paused to crawl up the length of the bed, and sit herself much closer. "We've a lot more in common than think,… Gohan."

The Saiyan immediately tensed at the way she somehow spoke his name, while she quickly bit her lower lip with the sudden realisation that her memory might have even failed her, or that she'd made some mistake. "That is your name, right?" He slowly sat up, twisting at the waist to face her while leaning against his elbow.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Kari," she dutifully answered. "At your… trial thing. Remember?" He did. But he was more impressed by her ability to remember it, and the sound of it on her tongue was a little… odd. Neither of them were used to addressing each other by name, and it felt far too personal, despite his own slip-ups. Slowly, the Saiyan descended back down onto the bed.

"You shouldn't be talking to me like this, let alone calling me by name. It's not -"

"You started it."

His eyes slid across to regard her under a sharp frown, but she simply managed an almost mischievous smile down at him, while tilting her head lightly to the side in her own observations. Videl liked moments like these, when it felt like she was sharing her time with another human being. His company was actually quite pleasant when he was calm and eager to listen to her every word. Few males on her own planet could live up to that ability, at least not in her experience. Then again, she had been quite famous. But here, she was nothing, and even still, he listened and seemed to remember every crazy thought or stubborn opinion that escaped her lips. There was something quite honouring about it, even if she was supposed to be worth very little.

"Well anyway, back to what I was trying to tell you. I erm… never really had the chance to, you know." His silence confirmed her worst fears, and she found herself blurting out the embarrassing facts. "A boyfriend! I never had one. Ever." The term continued to confuse the frowning Saiyan, so Videl continued with her ramblings.

"Sure I had the odd guy…friend. But never anything even close to serious! Dad would've gone crazy, and I -"

"What exactly are you getting at?" Patience was only a virtue for so long, but Gohan didn't like what he didn't understand, and her bumbling repetition wasn't really helping. He didn't really care about her father; the man sounded like a baka already. So at least, she finally just spat it all out in an agitated voice.

"If I'm going to die then I just want to be held at least once! Is that too much to ask? Ugh!"

Impossible Saiyan. He even had the nerve to blink in further, blank confusion. What was all this about boyfriends and being held, and why was she suddenly exploding at him for just enquiring further? Videl realised she was just going to have bite the bullet and make the first move, so she leaned over him, grabbed his hand, and tugged it around her like she would a blanket, as she turned and settled down. Back facing him, and rear snuggling against his thigh. Gohan was beyond surprised by her strange actions. Was this some human way of initiating their mating rituals? She finally realised her grip on his hand, letting it rest over her waist, as she silently bathed in the warmth he had to offer. Slowly, and still very confused, the Saiyan turned to face her back, and leaned up slightly over his propped elbow. Why had she started something, only to just lay there with her eyes now closed? As pleasing as it was to have her rear now nestled against his lower abdomen and quite precariously close to his crotch, if he dared shuffle south a bit; she was giving him no further sign of her want to continue with this. Looking down at the raised curve of her hip, he decided it would be best to experiment slowly with more physical questioning. The sliding of his hand over her body, was answered by her quickly snatching it back to where she'd placed it before; draped over her waist.

"Just sleep," she mumbled, turning her head more against the pillow, and heaving a loud, exhausted sigh. Gohan could only fret to himself over how she even expected him to sleep like this! Not with her, voluntarily pinned against him, and occasionally nudging her damn arse against his upper pelvis. Meanwhile, her breathing was somehow calm, as though on the contrary, he was having zero effect on her! That was hardly the ego boost he'd hoped for. But what more could he do, when there was something quite pleasing about the way she trusted him to protect her like this. If she hadn't belong to Kari, well, he'd be taking clear advantage right now. Or would he? There would be lesser enjoyment in having her only struggle against him, rather than coming to him of her own free will. Maybe she was right. No, she was right. There was nothing appealing about cold, mechanical actions devoid of purpose and free-will. After all, hadn't he appreciated they way she'd chosen to have him train her, rather than him just forcing the offer on her? Besides, there was something hopeful about the way she'd initiated this closer, more intimate proximity. Something natural in the way she was adjusting to both him, and the idea of possibly being stuck with him for some time yet. It was inevitable, that the more content smile played on Gohan's lips, and with the closing of his eyes at long last, came the eventual shutting out of anymore immediate thoughts.

'Just sleep,' he told himself, nuzzling his nose against the nape of her neck. Though her empowering scent could quite easily reign havoc on his primal instincts, he also found it surprisingly easy to do just as she'd asked…

To be Continued…