Disclaimer: I do not own DB or any of its characters, be it canon or filler.
MR. SATAN'S MANSION, SATAN CITY
It was evening and Videl has just finished drying her hair. She looks at the mirror and reflects on what had happened today. She died. Yes, she did. And then she was brought back. How strange could that be? It's a life that she never knew existed – extreme fighting, out of this world monsters and magicians, alien turned Earthling fighters, and dragon balls. It's a life that's now a part of her reality.
She heard some knock on the door of her room, followed by her father's voice.
MR. SATAN: Videl! Can I come in?
VIDEL: Yes Dad!
Mr. Satan went inside, clad in his high-end pajamas and slippers. He walked towards Videl who is sitting on her vanity chair.
MR. SATAN: Can we talk?
VIDEL: (nods) Sure.
Mr. Satan sits down on her bed, facing her. He takes her hand and holds them on his lap.
MR. SATAN: When we were in that Sacred World, I thought everything was just a dream. But then reality strikes and I realized, we're really fighting for the fate of the world. Then I remembered you and I thought to myself, when was the last time we really had a moment together? I was told you were dead, but we could still have you back. I promised myself that when that happens, I will make sure that I will make it up to you. I know I messed up as a father, and I'm so sorry, Videl. I hope… I hope you give me another chance.
Videl is surprised to see her father tear up. She had never seen him cry like that. She was amazed and at the same time, touched by her father's sudden display of emotions.
VIDEL: You know what? Back at the tournament, when I was fighting Spopovich, I wanted you to come and save me.
It was her turn to cry.
VIDEL: But you never came out, Dad. You never came to fight the monster.
Mr. Satan is heartbroken. He comes closer and embraced Videl.
VIDEL: I was clinging to that small hope that maybe, just maybe, you really are the world champion. But I was wrong, you're not and you lied to me.
MR. SATAN: I'm so sorry…
VIDEL: Please, don't do that again, Dad. Please don't lie to me. I look up to you so much and I was so disappointed it crushed my heart.
MR. SATAN: I won't do it again. I promise.
Mr. Satan once again embraced Videl, and she hugged her father as well. They stayed like that until they are both calm.
MR. SATAN: I'm sorry if I let you get beaten by Spopovich.
VIDEL: I know you were hurt by that blow from Trunks. I guess it was better that way. People might know that you are a fraud if you went out and tried to stop Spopovich.
MR. SATAN: (embarrassed) Yeah… That kid is really very strong. And he's only eight.
VIDEL: A nine-year-old saved our world, Dad. And he's his friend.
Videl giggled. Mr. Satan smiled as well.
MR. SATAN: Yeah… and I owe that nine-year-old a lot.
Everything, Videl thought. Gohan should have been the one that people praise as the world champion. He could have been the one whom everyone loved. But thinking about it, being the Great Saiyaman, he has gained the love of the whole world. It was late, alright, but at least it still happened. Maybe Gohan is really destined to be loved as the savior of the world.
VIDEL: You know what? I think it's just okay
MR. SATAN: Hmn?
VIDEL: Gohan never wanted people to know that he's the Great Saiyaman. The thing is, when he started, he transformed into the Golden Fighter because he doesn't want anyone to know who he really is. He said he just wanted to be a normal person, but since he has that power, he thinks he has that responsibility to use it in helping other people. So maybe, to him it's better that the world didn't know he was the real hero who beat Cell.
MR. SATAN: Really? So you think, I should not tell anyone the truth?
VIDEL: Yes.
Videl thinks that is the right thing to do. It's not like his father is not acknowledging the truth. He knows and admits he's not the one who beat Cell, but he's just protecting the real hero who does not want his identity to be known.
MR. SATAN: How about his father? We could say that Goku is the one who beat Cell.
VIDEL: I don't know, Dad. I think they're kind of similar, and just him being back from the dead after seven years is already a prize for them. Have you seen how happy they were? Chi-Chi can't even stop crying.
Mr. Satan once again stared at his daughter. Videl looks at him, giving him a questioning look upon noticing him stare.
MR. SATAN: You're really in love with that family, aren't you?
Videl blushed. She looks away.
MR. SATAN: You're really in love with Gohan.
VIDEL: Dad… Don't mention it. You're embarrassing me.
MR. SATAN: Why should you? Gohan seems to be a pretty decent kid.
VIDEL: You just like him because he's strong.
MR. SATAN: What's wrong with that? I want the best for my baby, and the strongest guy is the best for me. Besides… I know you like him, and he's what makes you happy.
Once again, Videl is touched by what his father said.
VIDEL: Oh Daddy!
She moves closer and hugs him.
VIDEL: You know what? Gohan's place is so beautiful! The grass is green, there are a lot of trees and the air is so breezy. It actually makes me wonder… We never had picnic together.
MR. SATAN: Oh, picnic! That sounds wonderful!
VIDEL: Yeah… maybe we can have picnic there.
MR. SATAN: You just want to be with Gohan.
VIDEL: Of course I do!
Videl realized that she had just said something she doesn't mean to say. She looks at her father, wanting to redeem herself.
VIDEL: I mean… it's not… the reason…
She's spacing out. She can't think of an explanation to say.
MR. SATAN: It's okay. You don't have to explain.
Videl just scowled.
MR. SATAN: Tomorrow, I am being asked to do a presscon on what happened.
Videl suddenly thought of something.
VIDEL: Maybe I could help you with that.
The following morning, the media gathered on Mr. Satan's mansion as he does the press briefing about his fight with Majin Buu. Ms. Piiza, his promotional manager, is the one who is guiding the press on the said interview.
MS. PIIZA: Mr. Satan will join us in a few moments. May I repeat that he'll only narrate what happened in the fight and will not take additional question. He's still resting, so I hope we all respect that.
After a few moments, Mr. Satan went out. He's wearing a dark red sweater and cream pants. He went to the sofa intended for him to sit in during that press conference. He looks at the crowd in front of him, seeing the lights and cameras that will capture his message for the people around the world.
MR. SATAN: People of the Earth, I am your World Champion, Mr. Satan.
From a distance, Videl watches on. She's standing by the doorway, her arms folded in front. She's making sure no one can see her, except her father who needs her support for that interview.
MR. SATAN: As you all know, I have recently once again proved my love and dedication to this world by defeating Majin Buu. It wasn't an easy feat, and I am not alone.
The press buzzed upon hearing what Mr. Satan said.
MR. SATAN: I was with other powerful individuals, whose origins are not from here on Earth. Yes, Majin Buu is a threat not only to Earth but to the whole universe.
The interview is being broadcasted around the world. At the Capsule Corporation, Bulma and her family watch as they gather on their lavish living room.
BULMA: Is he going to say the truth?
Vegeta looks on, also curious as to what the goofy martial artist is about to say.
At Mount Paozu, Gohan and his family is also hooked up on the TV.
CHI-CHI: Not from Earth, huh? Well, he's not really wrong about that.
Worry took over Gohan.
GOHAN: (on his mind) Is he gonna say the truth? But, everyone will know who I really am! That's not good.
Mr. Satan continued on his message.
MR. SATAN: At the last minute, we needed everyone's help to defeat him. And I thank everyone for extending their help. We needed the energy to create a bomb that in the end, exterminated Majin Buu. You can all be sure now that he will not come back. He is gone forever.
He looks at the direction where he knows Videl is. She nods at him as he makes his next expose.
MR. SATAN: As you could remember, Majin Buu was controlled by the magician Babidi. That Babidi is also the one responsible for the weird things that happened in the World Martial Arts Tournament. Those people who flies, who glows and suddenly transforms, it was Babidi's doing.
Gohan and the others were surprised at what Mr. Satan said.
CHI-CHI: Did he just conceal you turning into Super Saiyans?
Gohan still could not believe what he just heard. He suddenly realized something.
GOHAN: (on his mind) Videl… were you the one…?
Back at the mansion, Videl smiles as she watches his father's interview.
MR. SATAN: You might remember my daughter doing the same... Yes, unfortunately she was also manipulated by Babidi.
Mr. Satan even looked down, seemingly sad on what happened. Then he continued.
MR. SATAN: But again, I assure you that there's no reason for everyone to be scared of this magician. He's also dead. He was killed by Majin Buu himself.
Back at the Capsule Corporation…
BULMA: Well at least, I don't have to worry about those reporters barging into my front door. He's a clever man after all.
VEGETA: It might be his daughter's plan.
Bulma looks at her husband.
BULMA: Huh?
VEGETA: He's Gohan's girlfriend, and Kakarot's son doesn't want his identity to be known. Maybe she told her father to say that to protect him.
BULMA: Oh yeah. Maybe that is the reason.
Mr. Satan finished his statement.
MR. SATAN: That's all I can tell you. Goodbye and have a nice day.
He bowed down and then stood up and walked out of the door signaling the end of the interview. Obviously, the reporters had a lot of question to the world champion, but Ms. Piiza and the bodyguards all contained them, as instructed by Mr. Satan.
At the adjacent room, Videl meets his father.
MR. SATAN: Did I do well?
VIDEL: You did great, Dad.
The two of them smiled at each other.
MR. SATAN: That made me hungry. Let's find Buu.
VIDEL: I think Buu might have started eating already.
MR. SATAN: Well, it can't be helped.
Videl clings onto her father's arm as they walked towards the mansion's massive dining room.
EAST DISTRICT, MOUNT PAOZU
Chi-Chi turns off the television as soon as Mr. Satan's interview ended.
CHI-CHI: (quite disappointed) I thought he will tell the whole truth.
GOKU: Oh come on! I think he did a better job than the last time.
GOHAN: Dad's right. I also won't like it if he said the truth about me. At least I could go back to school like nothing happened.
CHI-CHI: I guess you're right. It would be hard to explain about Saiyans and fusion and all those stuff. (looks at Goku) I wonder… will you be a celebrity like Mr. Satan if he told them the truth?
GOKU: I think things will be very complicated if he did. I'm just glad I'm back again.
CHI-CHI: Yeah…
Chi-Chi leans on her husband as Goku wraps his arm around her shoulder.
At that moment, the Ox King's airship has landed on Mount Paozu. Goten is the first to acknowledge it. He stood up from the sofa and runs outside.
GOTEN: It's Grandpa!
The three followed the spikey-haired boy. The Ox King has just finished putting back the airship on its capsule.
GOTEN: (excited) Grandpa! Did you bring the camera?
OX KING: It's here!
The Ox King showed him the package he's holding. The young boy jumped in glee.
GOTEN: Alright!
GOHAN: Let me help you, Grandpa.
Gohan and the Ox King set up the camera in front of their house.
OX KING: Are you sure this is where you want to take the picture?
GOKU: This is the perfect spot. I want to include our house to the picture.
OX KING: Okay, then. Let's go take this family picture.
The five of them positioned themselves in front of the house. The Ox King is at the back, of course. In front him is Goku, who is dressed differently for this pictorial. He's wearing a red and black jacket over a white shirt, paired with blue pants and black boots.
On Goku's right is Chi-Chi who really dressed up that day. She's wearing a blue sleeveless cheongsam, much like what she wore during that time she joined the martial arts tournament. She also let her hair down on a ponytail, and though her bangs are not like the way it was, she let some tendrils fall to frame her face.
She noticed Goku looking at her, mesmerized. She frowned, giving him a questioning look.
GOKU: You look… nice…
That made Chi-Chi blush. She smiles sweetly, and Goku wraps his arm around her shoulder.
The two boys are on Goku's left. Gohan is wearing a light blue shirt over a black long-sleeved undershirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. Goten is in front of him, and his wearing a blue changshan over a light purple long-sleeved shirt with matching pants. He is also holding a picture of Grandpa Gohan.
OX KING: Okay guys! I'll count to three then I'll push the button on the remote, okay? Smile, everyone. One, two, three!
A new family picture is captured. The Ox King went to the city to have the picture printed. Goku and his family decided to go on a picnic and wait for the photo.
The three boys went on fishing. And by fishing means using fishing poles, which is something new for Goten. His impatience is taking over him as he looks at the strings attached to the poles.
GOTEN: Do we really have to wait for the fish to take the bait? I could catch the fish if I swim in the lake.
CHI-CHI: But then you'll get all wet and we don't have extra clothes for you.
GOTEN: Then I'll just take off my clothes.
Gohan is amused at his brother trying to convince their mother. That made him smile.
CHI-CHI: Why don't you just go help me here?
The young Saiyan goes to his mother and helps her prepare the food they brought for the picnic.
Gohan then looks at his father who is peacefully lying down on the grass, his eyes closed as his head is resting on his hands.
GOHAN: Dad?
GOKU: Hmn?
Goku opens his eyes.
GOHAN: I thought you're sleeping. Are you meditating?
Gohan lies down on grass as well, copying his father's position.
GOKU: Nah! I'm actually sleepy… You're kind of like Krillin. Remember before the Cell Games? When we went fishing with him, then he thought I was training, so he threw a stone at me?
Gohan laughs at the memory.
GOHAN: I remember how mad you were, especially since you're on your Super Saiyan mode.
GOKU: Yeah… I almost wasn't able to hold back myself and dragged him to the ground.
They both laughed.
GOKU: Your mom said that Krillin always visited you after the Cell Games.
GOHAN: Yeah… and then one day, he came here with Android 18. Mom really freaked out!
GOKU: (laughs) I can only imagine.
GOHAN: But then Krillin explained that they are dating. Mom was more shocked.
Goku laughed again.
GOKU: I myself is still in disbelief.
GOHAN: (smiles) He's happy. That's all that matters.
GOKU: Yeah…
GOHAN: Dad…
GOKU: Hmn?
GOHAN: Are you happy you're back?
GOKU: What do you mean? Of course, I am happy.
GOHAN: But you're back, and for sure Mom will not want you training again.
GOKU: I can rest for a while. Anyway, there are a lot of ways I could train, and still help with the chores. And eventually, I'm pretty sure your mom will allow me to train especially if we need to fight a powerful threat.
GOHAN: But I can't go training with you.
Goku looks at Gohan.
GOKU: You don't have to.
Gohan gazed at his father.
GOKU: You can live however you like, Gohan. It's time you do something you want. I admit, I made you fight back then because I knew there is a great power inside of you. But then again, I realized now what you're different. If I like fighting, then you don't have to like it as well. You can live your life like a normal teenager. But I hope you'll be ready to suit up whenever you need to defend your family, or the world.
GOHAN: (nods) Thanks, Dad.
GOKU: (smiles) I have to. Your mom said you want to study, and you know I can't argue with her.
GOHAN: (chuckles) I know, Dad.
Goku smiles. He then closes his eyes again.
GOHAN: I wanna be a doctor.
Goku opens his eyes again.
GOHAN: I want to get a scholarship and be a doctor. I want to help people, not just as the Great Saiyaman, but also on something that is more practical to them. I thought about this when you had the heart virus. I wanted to help you, but I can't. I don't know what I'll do, aside from the fact that there is still no cure on that virus… I want to make people feel better, and their love ones happy because the people they love are healed.
GOKU: I know you can do that.
GOHAN: (smiles) Thanks Dad, for always believing in me.
GOKU: I know you're great, Gohan. Just believe in yourself.
GOHAN: Thanks, Dad.
A fish suddenly took the bait on one of the fishing poles.
GOHAN: We caught one!
Gohan went to the fishing rod and struggled to keep the fish on the bait. Goten runs into him, excited to see the whole process unfold.
GOTEN: Gohan! Pull harder!
GOHAN: What do you think I'm doing?
GOKU: He has to be careful. If not, then the string will tear, and the fish will go away.
CHI-CHI: That sure is a big fish for him to struggle like that.
Goten watch as Gohan struggles. Impatience caught up with the young kid, and instead of waiting he went to the lake and swam to catch the fish.
CHI-CHI: Goten! I told you not to swim to catch the fish! You have to catch it with the pole!
But it's too late already. Goten has the fish, though ashamed as his mother continuously rant. Goku laughs so hard at his wife and son's skit. Gohan is just staring, dumbstruck at Goten's sudden action and amused by his mother and father's reactions.
A/N: I had a negative review about the format that I used on this fanfiction. The truth is I used this format to be in line with the anime/manga way of telling the story. That is why the dialogues are all on script format. I thought that since we are already familiar with the anime/manga, and because most of the scenes here are adapted from there, then we already know the reactions and emotions the characters showed during those scenes, so I don't need to elaborate them further.
Since last chapter, the story is not included in the anime/manga series anymore, but still I continued with the format to show continuity. Yes, for a while I thought of changing it to pure novel style, but in the end decided to continue with this style. I hope you could still appreciate the story even with this format. Anyway, the story is on its final chapters, so I hope you read it till the end.