DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters or plot of DBZ. This is strictly fan-love.

Ch. 25: Daddy Issues

Goku popped into existence some 30 miles outside the city. He and Piccolo still had a firm hold on the struggling teenage saiyan.

"Calm DOWN Gohan!" Piccolo shouted. Even though he sent waves of calming energy to him, he was largely ignored by the furiously squirming demi-saiyan. Somehow, Gohan tore out of their grip and turned on his father, eyes blazing.

"YOU! You just show up whenever you DAMN WELL PLEASE!"

To say that Goku was shocked would be an understatement. "What are you talking about?"

Gohan's voice deepened. He growled out the words in increasing volume. "First you don't come back, giving us some SHITTY reason to stay dead! THEN you come back here for KICKS and then WHAT DO WE GET!? You decide to leave AGAIN!"

Goku stared at Gohan in astonishment. "But… I thought that…"

"NO! No you DON'T THINK! YOU NEVER THINK!"

Indignation bubbled up in Goku's chest. "Gohan, I was only trying to-"

"JUST SHUT UP!" Gohan transformed. He wasted no time and launched himself straight at Goku.

Goku, who had just been sparring with Vegeta, was thrown for a loop as his super saiyan son decked him hard enough to send him flying. He was sent a good 15 yards away before he righted himself. Goku sucked in a breath. Gohan had kept pace with him.

He brought his guard up just in time to receive a bone shaking blow to the forearm. Goku threw out a kick to knock Gohan off balance and danced back out of his reach. Something was off about all this. "Gohan! What's wrong with you!?"

"Tych blázne otcept!" He shouted and charged full tilt at Goku.
(Fool of a Father!)

Goku's face went blank. "What?"

"Goku!" Piccolo came out of nowhere and barreled into Gohan, knocking him away. Goku watched in horror as his son allowed himself to skid to a stop. As Gohan lowered his guard, his face creased with pain. He clutched the sides of his head and groaned.

"Piccolo! What's going on?!" Goku asked, completely bewildered by the change in his son's behavior. This was completely new to him. And what was he going on about him showing up? Goku started to say something else, but was interrupted as Vegeta appeared at Gohan's side.

"Let it go! Give in to it you fool!" Vegeta shouted angrily. "You'll kill yourself if you don't-"

Gohan's sucker punch sent Vegeta flying. Vegeta cussed loudly and lengthily before transforming and diving back at Gohan.

"Gohan's lost it." Piccolo grimaced at the beating Vegeta was receiving. "He told you about his power problems?" Goku nodded and Piccolo continued. "This is what he was talking about."

"I… I didn't think it was this bad." Goku frowned at the fighting pair. "He's like a completely different person! How do we knock him out of it?"

"Depends." Piccolo studied the two fighters. "If he's stuck in a memory, we just have to wake him up. Usually the person he was connected with most at the time of the memory has the best chance."

"I see." Goku rolled his shoulders. He was satisfied with the new course of action. "I promised Chichi that we wouldn't fight till later, but I think she won't mind. Plus if we do this now, I still get to eat dinner before I have to leave."

Piccolo smiled and shook his head. "Only you would be worried about that."

Meanwhile, the prince of all saiyans was having trouble. Vegeta was a little worn out from sparring with Goku. How could he not be? The guy was undead! (you try fighting an undead guy sometime) As he battled for the upper hand, the prince knew he was pushing Gohan further away from sanity. His opponent increased his level of power almost too quickly for Vegeta to compensate. Twice he felt ribs break as he took blows that he could've dodged before. He grimaced, but attacked with his own combinations.

Then he took a nasty kick to the nards.

"*****!" Vegeta lost cognitive thought. A hard kick to the family jewels will do that to a guy, be he a saiyan or not. He was thrown backwards and was passed by a chipper Goku.

"Tag out!" He said, swiftly tapping the prince on the shoulder as he flew by. He powering up to super saiyan and dashed in to intercept Gohan.

His son was ready for him. A flurry of punches and kicks greeted Goku. The saiyan father smiled confidently as he countered, blocked, and dodged them all. He started into his own combinations, but was amazed to see them pushed aside as if they were nothing. Goku frowned and redoubled his attacks. He felt satisfied to feel them hit their marks.

But this just made Gohan angrier.

The saiyan teen's ki spiked higher and suddenly, Goku found himself looking into red eyes. His eyebrows shot up. Isn't he supposed to have blue eyes? How'd he- Gohan knocked the thought out of his head. Goku jumped into the air and shot a few ki blasts down as a response. Gohan flew up to meet him, dodging all the blasts neatly.

Goku grinned at his son. He's been training. He thought proudly. A brief image of a young Gohan filled Goku's mind. His heart swelled with pride as he saw him train, little fists beating the air with vigor, face focused, but happy. Little Gohan turned to him and smiled.

Then Gohan, the real Gohan, broke through his memory. The red eyes and … are those fangs?!... fangs startled Goku so much that he immediately went on guard. Gohan attacked him viciously, a golden fire surrounding him. Goku was surprised when some of Gohan's attacks actually broke through his defenses.

This isn't right. Goku rose to the ascended saiyan and finally got the upper hand over his son. He deflected a kick and sent Gohan plummeting to earth with a vicious kick of his own. His stare hardened as Gohan rebounded off the ground to come back for more. Goku frowned, but obliged.

All the while, Gohan's ki rose steadily.

Goku hit Gohan with a particularly hard punch to the face. He heard something snap and winced. The force of the blow sent Gohan drifting away from him, nose pouring blood. Shock and dismay obscured Goku's fighting spirit. I just broke my son's nose. He thought, horrified. This is wrong!

"Gohan! Gohan stop!" Goku shouted at his son. "You aren't yourself!"

"SHUT UP CELL!" Gohan shouted back, blood streaming unchecked from his nose. "You are nothing but a LIAR and a MURDERER!"

Goku reeled back. "You think I'm cell!?" Words can hurt just as bad as punches.

"SHUUUUUT UUUUUUUP!" Gohan screamed. Lightning arced over his skin, burning his clothes and tearing them more than they were before. He reached the ascended form and blasted towards Goku.

Down on the ground, Piccolo gaped up at Gohan and Goku. "Oh shit."

Videl wandered through the crowds aimlessly. She didn't know what to do with herself. She'd just witnessed… whatever that was… after fighting with someone she thought she cared about… again. She pulled at her pigtails. Why does this have to happen to me? She thought she'd done a pretty good job avoiding drama up till now.

Then Go-… then that guy goes and throws a tantrum. Videl scowled. She still couldn't speak his name, even in her head. I can't believe I liked him. Videl Satan doesn't do relationships. She sighed bitterly. Yeah. Right. The crime fighter stared at her shoes, lost in her swirling emotions.

Oh crap! She froze. Erasa and Sharpner! She'd forgotten about them since the Ferris wheel. They were gonna be so pissed with her. Better find them quick! She paused. They believed Go-… they believed that jerk when he claimed to be the gold fighter. Videl scowled. Maybe she'd find them later.

The blue eyes scanned the carnival. After the 'sudden windstorm', as people were calling it, the masses had calmed down somewhat. They were slowly regaining their levity as rides and games re-opened. Videl lifted her head as an announcement came over the loudspeakers.

"Attention. The savior of the world, Hercule Satan, will be speaking at the grandstand in five minutes."

Great. As if today couldn't get any worse. Videl groaned inwardly. That was all she needed. More publicity mongering from her father. She turned to walk out of the park when masses of people rushed around her. She tried to wade her way through the crowd, but was inevitably swept along to the main grandstand. She found herself standing in front of the stage.

She scowled. She had to get away from here. Any more stress on her already vexed emotions would only make things worse. Trying to push her way through gently, Videl looked around at the people surrounding her. No sign of Erasa or Sharpner anywhere. She worked her way toward the edge of the crowd when a loud cheer erupted from everyone. She rolled her eyes.

Dad.

She looked to the stage and sure enough, proudly making his way towards the podium was Hercule himself. He laughed loudly and threw up his trademark peace signs. The crowd went wild. Videl was buffeted about roughly. She was able to get out of the thick of it by heading toward an elm tree, but tripped over somebody's foot and fell headlong into the ground.

"Woah!" A hand reached out and caught her wrist. It pulled her upright and its partner steadied her. "Careful Videl, you trip in this crowd and you'll never get up!"

Videl looked up, surprised. "Yamucha?!"

"In the flesh." Yamucha grinned. "I tried getting out of here once already. More people just push you back in." He sighed. "This is the safest place I've found."

"Thanks." She said hesitantly. She pulled away from him and stood against the tree.

"No sweat." Yamucha looked out over the crowd. "Kinda scary isn't it? Everyone going wild for the champ."

"Yeah." Videl muttered. "Over the top. That's my dad."

Yamucha chuckled. "Gotta admit the guy's got style."

"Ahuh." If style is being a media hound. Yet, as she looked at her dad her expression softened. "But you know, he deserves it."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I mean," Videl gestured to the crowd, "we're all alive because he beat cell."

Yamucha raised an eyebrow. "You really believe that?"

Her expression darkened. "Why shouldn't I?"

"Oh. Well I thought since you knew Gohan…" He trailed off.

"What?" What did that jerk have to do with anything?

"Nothing." Yamucha turned his gaze back to the stage. Hercule was chopping a stack of bricks with this hand. He got all but the last one. Making a big show of it, he lifted it up and broke it on his forehead. The crowd ate it up.

Videl didn't pay any attention. "Not nothing. Tell me."

"Not my story to tell."

Videl clenched her fists. "Listen you! I've been dragged all over this crummy fair looking for the truth, but when that… that… jerk decides to go completely berserk, I get no answers! I haven't the patience for 'nothing'!"

Yamucha glanced over at her briefly. "So that's what that was." He looked back at the stage. "Lovers spat?"

Her jaw dropped. The hurt inside her head finally made its way out her mouth. "Are you kidding me?! I HATE that guy!" She turned and threw a punch at the tree. It shivered, but held its ground. "He's nothing but a dirty liar and I hate him!" Tears pricked her eyes afresh. It wasn't bad enough that she knew he was lying, but she wanted to believe him. She wanted so hard to believe that he'd finally come clean to her. That he finally trusted her.

"Liar? Gohan?" Yamucha frowned. "Gohan's a terrible liar."

"Of course he is!" Videl growled sarcastically, scrubbing at her eyes. Her voice choked with unshed tears. "Why am I even talking to you about it?! You're on his side!"

Yamucha leveled a stare at her. "Listen Videl, you're a nice girl, but I've known Gohan since he was a baby. Heck, I've known his parents since they were kids. So yeah, from your perspective I'm on their side. But I'm not going to lie to you about them. That's not what any of them want."

Videl scoffed, getting control of herself. "Right. Sure. I totally believe you."

"Ooh. More sarcasm. Well little Satan," he said, "it's ultimately your choice to believe me. I can't persuade you one way or the other. I just tell it like it is."

"Fine then." She scowled at him. "So tell me like it is."

Yamucha paused before chuckling wryly. "Walked right into that one. Alrighty then. I'll tell you, but first, what'd Gohan say to piss you off?"

"He told me he was the Gold Fighter from the cell games." She tried to sound confident and condescending, but couldn't muster the feeling. It came out bitter and broken, reflecting how she really felt.

The scar faced man's eyebrows shot up. "He told you that?"

"Yeah, but it was all a lie."

"A lie?" Yamucha frowned. "And you know for a fact it couldn't be him."

"Of course I do! The two of them are like night and day!" She continued scowling at Yamucha. "Don't tell me you believe him."

Yamucha sighed deeply and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "He's been using three identities? That kid is nuts." He muttered under his breath. He dropped his hand and looked at her. "Let's switch topics for a second." He gestured to Hercule who was grandstanding like normal. "You know your dad better than anyone. Is he strong?"

"Of course he is." Videl eyed him suspiciously. What was he doing? Her dad had nothing to do with this.

"And you know Cell caused enormous amounts of damage. Not even missiles could kill him."

"Right." She folded her arms. "What's your point?"

He held up his hands in a calming manner. "All I'm saying is that unless your dad can catch missiles, when you compare the two fighter's abilities…" He shrugged and left the thought hanging.

"Hey." Her scowl deepened. "That's not fair. Cell wasn't really all that powerful. He was just using light…" She trailed off as what she was saying hit her.

"Light tricks?" Yamucha smirked. "You mean these?" He held up his hand and there floated a small ki ball. It shone with a red light.

"You… you can make those too?"

"I see Gohan's already shown you." He let the ki fade. "If you know they weren't tricks, what does that tell you?"

Videl's eyes went wide. Her detective brain supplied the answer. There's no way he could've won. She shook her head as protests filled her. "But… but that's not true! He told me how he beat Cell! Dad couldn't have… I mean he wouldn't have…"

"Did he tell you exactly how he beat Cell? What was the killing blow?"

She put a hand to her mouth and leaned against the tree. Her brow furrowed as she searched her memory. He'd always glazed over that part or said something more impressive each time he talked about it. The story kept changing. She'd always thought it was because of how fierce battle was. He didn't want to relive the memories.

The more she thought about it, the more it didn't match up. His skills, his words, his stories, his grandstanding… Cell would've snuffed Dad. The story fell apart under new information. Her vision blurred. The tears that were just below the surface spilled out as the ramifications hit her. He's been lying.

My dad's been lying to me.

Videl shook with quiet sobs. She didn't want to believe it. If this were true, everything she knew… everything she'd been raised to know… Was it all a lie? Flashbacks filled her mind. Her father drinking booze and who knows what else, ranting at the television screen. Was it guilt that made him act that way? All the awards, all the fame, all the posturing… She cried a little harder. Her world was crumbling. The police force, the mansion, the fancy gadgets… all of it came from a lie. Her father built his empire on falsehood.

What did that make her?

Yamucha watched her as she gave vent to her feelings. A few people noticed and gave the two a little more space, though the general amount of people were too into the speech to pay attention to one crying girl.

Videl calmed down after a while. "Small wonder Gohan didn't want to tell you." Yamucha said softly. He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "He doesn't like lying, that kid. But he'll keep the truth hidden if it means protecting someone. He's done it before."

She took the handkerchief. "He… He knew?" She said between sobs. "That jerk knew and didn't tell me?" Her voice became angry. "And you! You were there! You didn't tell anyone?!You let all of us praise a lie? We were living on the spoils of a freaking lie and you didn't say anything?!"

"Geez! Calm down!" Yamucha frowned. "Gohan didn't tell you because he didn't want to hurt you! By the sound of it, you probably wouldn't believe him if he had!" Videl flinched as he hit the nail on the head. The scar faced man continued a little more gently, "And your dad isn't a bad guy Videl. He was there to fight and protect the world just like we were." He leaned back against the tree beside her. "He wasn't powerful enough to beat Cell, but he was there just the same. That took guts."

"But he lied!" Videl sniffled. "He lied and took credit for Cell's destruction!"

"Yeah well, in retrospect, that's a jerk move." He shrugged. "But it was kind of a good thing."

"What?" Videl laughed bitterly through her tears. "How could that possibly have been a good thing?!"

"Well the warriors involved didn't want any press. Heck, we didn't care if Hercule took the credit for it. Cell was destroyed. We were just happy the world was safe." He smiled. "Plus I think we might've gone insane with any extra publicity." He chuckled. "It's kind of opposite of most people, I know."

The crowd cheered loudly, making speech impossible. Videl's tears subsided slowly. She took a few shaky breaths and got herself mostly under control. The noise died down somewhat and she said, "I… I need to think this over. It's been a rough day."

Yamucha nodded. "It's a lot to take in."

She wiped her nose on her shirt sleeve, struggling to get a hold on her emotions. Part of her didn't accept it. It couldn't be true. I have to talk to Dad. She looked at Yamucha. "Thanks for telling me. I can understand the logic behind it, but I just…I need to…"

"You gotta go find out for yourself." He moved a ways from the tree and turned back to Videl. He looked uncomfortable. "Look, I'm sorry I caused you pain, but I wanted to make a point." He pointed to Hercule. "You know your dad so well that it's hard to see the truth about him. Your feelings get in the way. I know because I've had the same problems." He smiled in a 'don't ask' kind of way. "I know you know Gohan. I know that there are still things you don't know about him. If you can, try to take your personal feelings out of it. See what answers you find."

Videl looked back at the stage. Hercule was making his closing statements. She closed her eyes and sighed tiredly. She didn't even want to think about he-who-must-not-be-named. She'd deal with that later. There were more urgent matters to attend to, like confronting her father. She turned back to Yamucha, frowning. "Wait a second. Yamucha, if my dad didn't beat Cell… who did?"

Yamucha opened his mouth to answer her, but was interrupted by a tremor underneath their feet. People in the crowd screamed and most fell to the ground. Videl watched as the earthquake made the stage shake and shift.

Yamucha's stiffened and turned his eyes to the sky. "You gotta be kidding me!" He shot an apologetic look at Videl. "Sorry, but I've got to go. Nice talking to you!" He waved goodbye before lifting into the air and speeding off into the distance.

Videl watched him go. She placed a hand to her head and slid down against the tree. Tears that she'd previously banished came back to her eyes. She buried her face in her folded arms and waited for the earth to stop shaking.

What do I do now?

When'd Gohan get so strong?! Goku marveled. Gohan's ki rose to levels that continuously surprised his father. Goku matched them pretty easily, but he was still surprised by it.

The duel continued. Neither fighter gained any ground over the other. Their clothing was reduced to torn scraps. Blood could be seen oozing from various cuts and burns. Goku was sure that they both broke some bones at some point during the fight. Gohan's rage was so complete that he didn't stop to regroup or assess his injuries. He fought like a man possessed. Goku was forced to match his son's energy or risk receiving harsher wounds. Gohan was out for blood and while Goku was dead, he was not invincible.

Shockwaves concussed from blow hitting block. Eventually they were going so fast that they were all but invisible except to the eyes of the veteran fighters on the ground. Piccolo and Vegeta were tense, waiting for the moment that they could help Goku and in turn, help Gohan. However, they were worried even if they didn't voice it to each other. Goku was probably the one Gohan was most attached to during the cell games. If Goku couldn't break through to him, who could?

There was a bright flash of golden light and father and son flew apart. They dropped to the earth and met again in a clash. They stood braced on the ground, stances wide, hands locked together. The two saiyans strained against each other, neither moving an inch.

"Gohan!" Goku tried again, voice tight with strain. "Gohan! Listen to me! Cell is dead! You beat him, remember?!" Gohan didn't respond. "Please snap out of it son! I'm your father!"

Gohan's eyes snapped up to stare at Goku. "You're no father of mine." His voice was cold. "You may have his DNA, but you're no father to me!"

Now Goku knew he was talking to cell, but those words stung him nonetheless. "No Gohan! I'm Goku! I'm your dad! I came back!"

Gohan's grip tightened and his ki rose higher. Goku's boots slid back ever so slightly. "He didn't come back." The deep bitterness in his voice tore at Goku. "He didn't want to come back." Gohan took a step forward and Goku slid back further. "He's dead." The ground around their feet crumbled. Goku was too distraught to keep his footing and Gohan continuously pushed him back. Trying to get a handle on the situation, Goku started to say something. But the words died on his lips as he stared at his son.

Gohan's hair was growing longer.

No way! Goku's eyes went wide. That's impossible! He brought his power up to Gohan's level and forced them back to a standstill. I was only able to reach that level after training in otherworld! He couldn't possibly…

The ground started shaking.

Oh crap! Goku pushed back with all his strength. The earth is gonna get destroyed again if we keep this up! I don't think it can withstand two super saiyan th-

Gohan surprised his father by bringing his head forward. The headbutt broke the skin on Goku's forehead and blood streamed into his eyes. Goku clenched his teeth against the pain and brought a knee up and into Gohan's solar plexus, winding him. Gohan turned as the knee hit him and threw Goku off balance. They tumbled to the ground in opposite directions.

Goku was the first to rise. He started towards his son, but found himself slowing as a great wall of pressure surrounded the demi-saiyan. The ki shield gave Gohan enough time to get to his feet and give his father one of the most bone chilling death glares Goku had ever received. In that moment, right before he threw a punch, Goku felt an enormous sadness well up inside him.

Gohan, what happened to you?

Time slowed as Gohan brought his own punch to bear. They hit each other simultaneously. Gohan with a right straight to Goku's chin, Goku with a right cross to Gohan's cheek. The ki shield vanished as they went at it again, hammer and tongs. Goku grunted as a well placed fist hit him hard in the side. Gohan hissed through his teeth as a ki blast burned his arm. Still Gohan's energy grew higher. Goku finally hit Gohan with enough force to send him a few yards away. He pulled his hands together in his most famous attack.

"KA - ME - HA - ME - "

Goku paused with the energy wave still in his hands. His son was flying directly at him like he didn't care about his impending doom. He knew he had to fire his attach, but Goku's conscience stopped him. Memories of a little boy, eyes full of adoration and love flashed in his mind. Even with his eyes red, teeth bared in a feral snarl, he was still Gohan. Still his son.

"I can't." He muttered. The energy faded from his hands.

"NO!" Vegeta shouted. "Don't do it Kakkarot!"

Goku dropped his defenses. I won't fight him. Gohan barreled into Goku and forced him against the ground, brutally beating him. Blood flew into the air in spurts. The warrior held on to consciousness doggedly, keeping his energy level steady in the face of Gohan's rising ki. Silently, painfully, he bore the abuse. Caught in the furious typhoon that was his son.

"GOHAN!"

The punches stopped. Goku opened his eyes in amazement. Gohan was poised over him, fist raised for the next blow. Pain creased his familiar features.

"GOHAN PLEASE!"

Chichi? Goku turned his head. He could barely make out a small figure dashing out of a group of people. His friends. They caught up to her and tried to hold her back.

"GOHAN!" She screamed. The man above him flinched. Goku was surprised to see tears work their way through the blood down his face. He dropped his fists to his sides and trembled, crying.

"I'm sorry." Gohan spoke. "I'm so sorry." His voice was so soft that Goku had to strain to hear it. It was filled with such remorse and guilt.

"GOHAN!" Chichi's voice cried again. Gohan shuddered and brought his hands to his face.

"I'm sorry!" He said a little louder, weeping openly now. "I'm sorry! I…"

Goku's heart wrenched in his chest. What's going on? Gohan was obviously in pain. Taking a chance, he tried speaking to his son once more. "Why are you sorry?" he said gently.

Gohan tensed up. He dropped his hands and backed away, scrambling over the broken ground. His red eyes were cloudy and confused. "Dad…" His voice broke. "You're…"

"I'm here Gohan." Goku got up, wincing a little at his own pain and at the pain in his son's voice. "Why are you sorry?"

"You died! You're dead!" The tears didn't stop the disbelief that filled Gohan's voice. "I let you die!"

Goku recoiled in surprise. That was unexpected. "What?"

"I was… I have to tell mom that you…" Gohan sank to his knees, eyes squeezed shut tight. "I'm… I'm sorry! I got cocky and Cell killed him! I let him die!" He got quiet again. "I didn't mean… I'm sorry…" He broke down, sobbing helplessly.

Guilt hit Goku hard in the chest. He moved towards his son. "Gohan…"

"Mom… He's not coming back."

Goku froze.

"No… no he's not coming back." Gohan voice shook with despair. "He's not coming back and it's my fault. I… I'm sorry."

Chichi. He's talking to Chichi. Goku's heart broke. Kami, what have I done?

Gohan sat there, weeping and shaking, power rolling off him in waves. Even in the midst of his grief, his energy continued to rise. Vegeta and Piccolo stayed where they were, waiting. Afraid to move for fear of setting Gohan off again.

After a few moments of tension, the teen saiyan calmed. His power level slowed in growth though it did not stop completely. Gohan opened his eyes. They were completely blue. The teen looked around in bewilderment. His eyes settled on Goku and he gasped.

"Dad?"

Goku shot towards his son. Gohan didn't have the presence of mind to react as Goku enveloped him in a tight hug. He held him as if he was the only thing in the world that mattered.

"Gohan… Don't apologize. Don't ever apologize for what happened. You did nothing wrong." Gohan stiffened. "You beat cell and I was proud of you. I am still so damn proud of you! You are my son and I could never be ashamed of you." Gohan trembled in his father's arms, tears coursing down his face. "When I took Cell away it was because I didn't want you to die! I was… I just did what I thought was best! I swear I didn't know… I thought that if I stayed dead, then bad guys would stop attacking earth! I never wanted… I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry Gohan!" Goku cried softly against his son's shoulder, but didn't care. "I didn't leave because of you! Don't blame yourself for any of that! I swear that if I had known … Why didn't I think!? Kami, you… you were too young and I… I am so sorry son!"

Goku held his son and let his sorrow wash over him. His regrets were many, but he was sure that they held little weight against Gohan's own guilt. Maybe Gohan wouldn't forgive him. It had been seven years since they last spoke. What else had he missed? The saiyan father began to despair until he felt arms wrap around his back and pull him tighter. He was surprised when Gohan slowly reverted to his base form.

"I…" Gohan hiccupped through his tears. "I never g-got to *hic* say goodbye."

"Shhh…" Goku soothed, dropping his power level back to normal. "I'm here now. You don't need to say goodbye."

"I'm *hic* sorry daddy… please forgive me."

"Don't apologize son." Goku sniffled. "If anything I'm the one who needs forgiveness."

Gohan let Goku go and pushed away slightly. His teary eyes were incredulous. "You? What are you *hic* talking about? You're the savior of the earth!" He was still crying. "I'm the one who needs to *hic* ask for forgiveness. You don't need to…"

"Gohan." Goku shook his head. "I let you down. I let you feel like you were responsible for Cell's evil. In saving you, I made you feel like the worst person in the world. Yeah I'm dead, but I chose it. I don't regret saving you, but I regret never telling you that it wasn't your fault." He placed his hands on Gohan's shoulders. "I'm sorry Gohan. Please forgive me?"

Gohan looked at his father in awe. He crumpled to his knees and wept. "Dad… I *hic* I forgive you. Will you forgive me?"

Relief flooded Goku. "Sure, but there's nothing to forgive." He knelt in front of Gohan. "I forgive you son."

Like how ice vanishes in warm sunshine, the guilt and shame surrounding Gohan's heart melted away. He threw his arms around Goku and cried his lungs out. Goku held his son and let his own tears flow freely. He heard cheering from the small group headed their way and smiled.

Forgiveness is a powerful thing.

Videl stared out the window of the sleek black limo. After the earthquake stopped, her father insisted that she take a ride home with him. Normally she would've walked home herself, she didn't like showy displays of wealth, but her father insisted. She was sure that he sensed that something was wrong. He'd even told his 'escorts', the bimbos that sometimes followed him around at big events like this, to give them some time alone. Normally that would've said a lot for how much he cared.

But Videl could only think about the Cell games.

About the lie.

Hercule sat across from her, nervously fiddling with his championship belt. Even her father was careful around Videl when she was in a bad mood. He cleared his throat and said, "Crazy weather we've been having. That's the fourth time we've had an earthquake this month."

Videl made a noncommittal noise.

He gave her a stern look. "I hope that you'll take more care. I don't want the daughter of the champion done in by something like an earthquake!" He laughed. Videl shot him a downright frosty glare and his laugh turned into a quiet cough.

She turned her gaze back to the passing city and he sighed. "Sweet pea, what's the matter?" He asked softly.

Videl clenched her jaw. "Nothing." She ground out.

Hercule sighed. "Not just nothing then." He shifted so he was sitting on the edge of his seat, his elbows resting on his knees. "Was it that boy?"

Videl curled her fingers into fists and tried not to think about he-who-must-not-be-named.

"Thought so." Hercule pounded his fist into the palm of his other hand. "Is he spreading rumors again? Why that little punk! I'll twist him into so many knots that not even the boy scouts will be able to untie him!"

Even in quite the agitated state of mind, Videl snickered at the imagery. Hercule grinned and continued. "Don't worry Videl, that blonde kid won't get away with it!"

He's talking about Sharpner. Videl sighed. "Dad," she looked at him gravely, "we need to talk."

Hercule frowned. "About what?"

Videl gathered her nerve. Hope Yamucha's wrong. "About the Cell games."

Hercule didn't say anything for a moment. Then he laughed. "Well that's a relief! Here I thought you wanted to talk about boys!"

"Dad."

"Videl, you know all about the Cell games!" Hercule gave her a stage grin. "Your old man is the greatest there is!"

"Dad."

Hercule put his hands up. "Alright alright. What do you want to know?" he asked with a confident air.

"How did you defeat Cell?"

"With my supreme martial arts skills and strength of course!"

"But how?" Videl pressed, hopeful. "What was the move that did him in?"

"Uh." Hercule looked a little uncomfortable. "It was my… uh… megaton punch. Yeah! My Megaton Punch!" He held up his fists. "No one can stand in the way of my Megaton Punch! Not even that freak show Cell!"

"Oh…" Videl's heart sank. "Last time I asked you, you said it was your flaming roundhouse kick."

Hercule's discomfort grew. "Oh." He started to sweat. "That must've been it then. It was such an intense battle that my memory must've fogged a little."

"Dad… Every time I ask you, you change your story." Videl deadpanned.

"I do not!" Hercule protested. "I just happen to remember a different aspect of the fight each time!"

"Give it up Dad." Videl's voice turned bitter. "I know the truth."

"The truth?"

She scoffed at his blank look, deciding to change tactics. "I met with the gold fighter."

Hercule's eyes widened. "You met with who?" He blustered. "Videl, what have I told you about meeting strange-"

"Dad." Videl interrupted. "He was the delivery boy from the cell games." That got his attention.

"The delivery…" He visibly paled. "You met with him? He's still alive?"

"Yeah."

"I see." He cleared his throat. "What'd he say?"

"He didn't." Videl scowled. "But those light tricks? Those things you said Cell used to scare people into thinking he was tough?"

"Y-yeah?"

"They aren't tricks are they?"

"Now Videl…"

"AREN'T THEY!?"

Hercule didn't answer. Videl shook her head in disgust. "Didn't think so." She looked out the window.

"Sweet pea, those things those guys did, you weren't there to see it. They were…" Hercule groped for the right words, "monsters. No one has that kind of power. I thought it was impossible to do the things they did so I wrote it off as a trick."

"You didn't kill Cell."

Hercule fell into a shocked silence. Videl stared out the window, ignoring him.

…

"Videl I…"

"You lied to me dad." Videl cut him off angrily. "You lied to everyone." She glared at him in disgust. "How could you?"

Hercule gave a heavy sigh and tugged at his receding afro. "It's hard to explain."

"Then tell me."

"You wouldn't understand."

"Oh really!?" Videl laughed bitterly. "The only thing I can't understand is how a father could lie to his daughter for seven years and not bat an eye!" Hercule wilted under her scorn, but she kept going, unable to stop. "You've built a life on your lie! I've built a life on your lie! What does that make me?! Huh?! Tell me where I fit in to this mess!" Angry tears pricked her eyes. "I looked up to you! I wanted to be as strong as you are! And then this! Was I just chasing a dream!? Is all that I am just a lie too?!"

"Videl, please." Hercule bowed his head. "Let me explain."

"Please do!" Videl folded her arms across her chest. "I'll have the truth this time if you please!"

Hercule winced. "I admit that I haven't been straight with you." Videl shot him a withering look and he sighed. "Yes, I've been lying to you. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lied to you. There were times I wanted to tell you, but you would look at me with such adoration that I…" Hercule hung his head. "I couldn't tell you. I didn't want you to despise me. I couldn't break your dreams like that."

"It would've been better if you did!"

"Really?" Hercule gave her a look that closely resembled her own. "Would you have joined the police force and done a world of good in this city if you knew the truth?"

Videl scowled. She didn't want to give him any credit. "Get on with it."

Hercule brow creased in pain. "It's true I went to the Cell games. You've seen the footage that we have. That's all true."

"So you did get creamed by Cell."

Her father flinched. "I'd rather not discuss that part. It was a hard battle and I fought to save the world, but I did not defeat Cell."

"But you thought it was okay to tell everyone that you did?!"

"What did you expect me to do?" He spread his hands in supplication. "Those other guys flew away before we could go talk to them! The media guy was looking to me for answers and I couldn't just tell him nothing!"

"You could've told him the truth!"

"What? The fact that the little kid who beat cell might've been dead?!" Hercule's voice broke slightly. He cleared his throat and continued, ignorant of Videl's shock. "Three fighters had already died at the hands of that monster. The big blonde guy, the purple haired guy, that guy with the crazy Mohawk… It wasn't right!"

Videl's voice was quiet with shock. "The… the delivery boy beat cell?"

"Yes." Hercule suddenly looked tired. "He beat him, but he collapsed. I didn't know if he survived." He put his head in his hands. "I had the hopes of the world on my shoulders. That little boy did what I couldn't do. I figured I owed him one. Because they left so quick, I figured they didn't want the media looking for them. If that little kid died…" He looked back up at Videl and shrugged. "You know how the media is."

Videl allowed him a small nod, still reeling from the information he just let slip. They'd been on the receiving end of some ruthless reporters before.

"So I gave them a story. Things escalated from there." He sighed wearily. "Before I knew it, everybody was giving me things, having me do speeches, kiss babies… I wanted to tell the true story, but if I did, I'd be letting everyone down."

Videl shook her head. "But you keep telling lies about those fighters. They didn't use tricks! They-"

"Videl, would you really want to live in a world where people can catch bullets and shoot lasers from their hands?" Hercule interrupted. "If people thought that was anything but a trick, everyone would be living in fear!"

Videl frowned and turned back to the window. He has a point, but what does that matter!? I'm his daughter! He lied to me! She thought angrily. She pushed aside the tears of hurt that welled in her eyes and focused on her anger. He doesn't deserve forgiveness. Abruptly, Yamucha's words popped into her head.

Try to take your personal feelings out of it. See what answers you find.

Videl took a slow, deep breath. As she did, her father continued speaking.

"I just did what I thought was right."

He's not a bad guy Videl.

Oh shut UP Yamucha! Videl pushed those thoughts aside. "What about now? All that grandstanding you do… the girls, the money, the business deals… how do you justify that?"

Hercule had the audacity to look sheepish. "That was… uh… keeping my cover story…"

Videl scoffed. "Cover story nothing! You got used to the fame and the luxury. You keep dissing the real fighters to keep your lousy title!"

Her father winced. "When you put it that way…"

"Leave off Dad."

There was silence.

"…"

"…"

"What do you want me to do?" Hercule asked.

The question caught Videl off guard. What did she want him to do about it? Should she demand that he come clean to all his followers? Should they give up everything they had? Yamucha's comments kept worming their way back into her mind.

She bit her lip. "I need some time to think."

"Videl, please believe that I'm sorry I lied to you." Hercule pleaded. "I did what I thought was right. Please forgive me." He hung his head. "I already lost your mother. I don't want to lose you too."

Videl blinked back her tears. "I just… need some time to think." She repeated.

He nodded, hopeful. "Take all the time you need."

A/N: Yamucha doesn't get enough love.
Srsly, that guy gets thrown under the bus more than Sharpner does. Granted, he deserves some of it, but he's one of the world's strongest humans! Doesn't that account for anything?
Eh… not really. :P

Too many… FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELS!
Nerrr durr duurrrr. Hopefully Gohan's done being a crybaby, (shut up you know you love it) so hopefully we can get back to more fighty fighty time.
Also, TAKE THAT VIDEL! MMMMMMMMMMM! THAT'S WHATCHA GET! THE TRUTH HUUUUUURRRTSSZZ!

On a side note, this chapter was inspired by the Imagine Dragons song: I'm So Sorry.
Look it up. IS GOOD.
Thanks for reading! Review if you feel like telling me HOW IT BE!