Disclaimer:- I don't own Dragon ball and related series or products.
Note: Due to a glitch in FFN, I was forced to delete and re-upload chapters 5 to 9. I apologize for the inconvenience.
-oooooo-
"I thought Videl lived in a mansion?" Standing across the street, Gohan had his gaze fixed upon the yellow-coloured, moderate-sized double story house. Videl wanted to pick up some things for her father so the dark-haired girl had made a detour to her house. However, this wasn't what he had expected.
Erasa blinked twice as her mind registered and processed Gohan's words before she turned towards him. "Are you serious?"
"Uh… " What did I say? As far as Gohan knew, his question was totally harmless … Right?
"Seriously Gohan," Erasa groaned. "You really need to stay in the loop with what's goin' on in the world. Other than studies, you're as clueless as a rock."
Though I could've lived without that, but now I totally know what I asked was something not really smart. But what? Gohan raked his mind while repeating his question but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find anything wrong. Finally, he gave up and chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.
Sharpener chuckled seeing the all-too-familiar reaction. "Ya know, If I didn't know any better, I would say that you've been living in caves before joining the school, mountain boy."
Erasa shook her head. "Anyway, to answer your question, Videl no longer lives in her mansion 'coz it was a gift to her dad from the state and was confiscated when the truth came out."
Oh… The demi-Saiyan couldn't stop the embarrassment that flared on his cheeks. How could he miss something like this? Come to think of it, didn't King Furry made it a public knowledge at the arena? Truly, he really needed to update himself. Or as Erasa said 'stay in the loop' - Whatever that means.
Deciding that, Gohan shifted his gaze towards the house as another thought invaded his mind. There was nobody in the house apart from Videl. In fact, the dark-haired girl was the one to unlock the gates. "So, she lives by herself?"
"Yeah. She doesn't have any siblings. Same with her father," Erasa shrugged. "There's nothin' to worry bout that. A lot of people have similar livin' arrangements."
That much was true. A lot of teenagers were living alone for studies and all that. Gohan himself had used the same excuse, but it was different for Videl. Whereas he had a family back home, the blue-eyed girl was totally by herself. "It must get lonely."
"It does," Gohan snapped his head towards Videl who was now walking towards them, her gaze fixed upon him. "Sometimes, I wish my mom were here, or I had a sibling… "
Geez! I actually spoke that one. Gohan felt slightly embarrassed at his blunder, and Videl hearing his thought only added to that.
"... But it's better this way." The demi-Saiyan blinked hearing that, confusion replacing the embarrassment on his face which was not at all missed by Videl. "The mansion was just that – A mansion. But this," Videl pointed towards her house. "is home."
"... Huh?" Aren't they, in a way, one and the same thing?
Well, I can't say that was unexpected. Videl mused to herself, not at all surprised by the reaction. If anything, she was slightly amused. No matter how advanced in studies the spiky haired boy was, when it came to day to day knowledge, he would always be lagging. "What I mean, that this place holds memories which are special to me. I was born and raised here. Back then, I had a real family: I and my parents; those were really good times."
A slight forlorn expression made its way on Videl's face. "Everything went down after Cell Games. All the fame and money changed my dad, and not for good. Mom left due to his augmenting flaws. Even though, I had a whole lot of servants to look after me, it wasn't the same; They weren't family, and Dad… he was rarely home. So, as I said, it's better this way." She summed up with a half-hearted shrug.
A couple of emotions ran through the demi-Saiyan's being – astonishment and admiration at Videl's guts. Despite everything, she was still strong. Living all alone in a city where wariness and distrust towards her were totally palpable, was definitely not an easy task, but the girl's confidence and will were unwavering.
Then there was guilt.
A more rational part of him knew that Mr Satan was his own culprit. The man brought it upon himself. However, a small part of him felt that in a way their group was also responsible for the dark-haired girl's status. This was the part he was sure he inherited from his dad – Son Goku always sought the best in everybody, even his enemies. And I won't trade it for anything.
"We're also here for her," Sharpener added, jerking his head backwards, his hair falling in line due to the motion. "I live in the next street, and Erasa in next block. So it isn't a big deal."
"Yeah. In fact, it's easier to meet her now," Erasa also chimed in with no less joy on her face. "Back when she lived in the mansion, there were a lot of security checks. But now, we're only a call away."
"Thanks, guys," Videl acknowledged their support with a smile before stepping inside her copter. The blond duo grinned and followed. Seeing their interaction, Gohan too, couldn't help a smile on his face. Stepping inside the copter and taking a seat, he summed up his thoughts. "You're very brave, Videl."
The blue-eyed girl blinked before opening her mouth to reply but was cut short when a buff arm latched around her shoulders. Immediately, her face morphed into that of annoyance, the twitching left eye only substantiating it.
"Of course, she is. Who do you take my girl for?" The male blonde punctuated his words by firmly clasping his hand on the said girl's shoulder and bringing her into him.
The action only made Videl's irritation skyrocket, a vein began throbbing on her temple, and she simply raised her hand, and using the index finger and the thumb, pinched hard on his biceps.
A girlish shriek erupted from the blonde's throat, and he immediately rebounded his arm before gently blowing on it while rubbing on it in between, all the while muttering along the lines 'Sorry the meanie hurt you.'
"Serves you right," Videl immediately took off into the skies. Beside her, Erasa openly laughed at Sharpener's plight, and Gohan too drew a good-hearted chuckle at that. It never gets old.
-oooooo-
BEEP… BEEP… 500 metres to the destination.
"That… was quick," Gohan couldn't help but note as the navigation system alerted them of their impending destination. The whole trip had taken barely twenty minutes.
"Well, duh! The jail is specifically for Orange Star city; its proximity is only natural."
Gohan nodded towards Sharpener in understanding before looking out of the window beside his seat.
As their plane was descending, he could easily see a good-sized island, the edges of which were cleared obviously for parking as he could make out a couple of vehicles. Then there were trees – a lot of them – forming a sort of middle layer around a wide clearing in which there was an oval-shaped huge building. To add to it, the entire island was surrounded by sea for as far as he could see.
No later, they landed on the outer clearing and stepped out of the plane before Videl capsulized it. Then she looked over her shoulder. "Gohan," The demi-Saiyan looked at her. "In case you're wondering why we landed here, the area from the forests and beyond is no-fly zone; ya know for security purposes."
Gohan nodded. "Ah… thanks for telling," Besides it's obvious this is the parking area. Though he knew better than to voice that. "But I had something else on my mind. This… " he gestured around. "... place is quite big."
"Well, from what my dad told me, there are around three thousand inmates in this jail; the size is only corresponding."
"Woah! Three thousand!," Gohan was totally floored by the number; finding it hard to believe that so many people were into crime. But Videl knows better due to her father. "Here I used to think with Mr Satan here, it was the safest city in the world."
By now, they were entering the forest line.
If it were anybody else, Videl would've thought the remark was meant to be offensive but she knew the spiky-haired boy was totally genuine. "Dad's status, and then my assistance to the cops definitely helped, but seven years aren't enough to tackle decades worth of crime."
"No way it was that bad," Gohan exclaimed in shock but the expressions on their faces didn't waver. "... Right?" Still no change. "B-but how? Where were the cops? The authorities? It's a developing city."
Sharpener scoffed, crossing his arms behind his head. "That's the deal. Before Cell Games, the city was underdeveloped implying poor emergency services but basic transport facilities like trains were there. These conditions were just too perfect for the crime syndicates."
The blond looked towards Gohan. "After Cell Games, there was massive immigration from all over the world; everyone wanted to live in the same city as the world saviour. It all happened too quickly for the authorities."
"And, then there was no need," Erasa carried over. "At least that's what the authorities believed. With Videl's dad and later Videl herself helping the police, a common belief was that any additional security wasn't needed at all. I think the rest is self-explanatory."
It really must be a dream come true for drug lords and crime bosses. Gohan remembered reading when Dr. Briefs had invented hover cars and later Dyno-caps, West City had become the top place for everything: studies, jobs – just name it.
With the pooling of resources into a single place, the rest of the world was bound to watch from the sidelines. Come to think of it, Red Ribbon Army also flourished during that period.
The next few steps were taken in utter silence. Gohan, in the wake of it, began observing his surroundings.
There were grown trees – impressive in height and width – all around them. All in all, it resembled a dense forest. The only thing that made it different was a man-made pathway on which they were currently traversing.
As they reached near the clearing, Erasa giggled thus breaking the silence and drawing the attention of others. "Videl," The blue-eyed girl glanced at Erasa though the amusement on her visage indicated she already knew whatever the blonde girl wanted to say. "You remember, don't you?"
Videl nodded which only accentuated the huge smile on her face. Beside Gohan, Sharpener started sulking. All this made the demi-Saiyan very curious. "Uh… something I should know?"
"Oh, yes, yes," Erasa exclaimed, again giggling. "Well, as you know, Sharpy is very clingy to Vi," The blonde girl ignored the indignant 'hey'. "What happened was that two weeks ago, we're returning to the parking lot after meeting Vi's dad when, at this place, Sharpy resorted to his antics, and we know he's persistent," She again stifled a laugh.
"But suddenly, out of nowhere, two guards dropped from the trees. Vi and I were totally caught off guard and by the time we realised, they had already cuffed Sharpy and were about to charge him with an offence of assault. It took some explanations and only then we're able to get him free. It's the reason he's keeping to himself now."
Erasa openly laughed after that and Videl too chuckled in amusement. Sharpener's sulking only increased which drew a grin from Gohan. I can totally imagine that. Though, Gohan's thoughts were focused more on the 'guard - dropping' part.
Extending his senses, he realised what the blonde girl was hinting at. He sensed multiple Ki among the trees and what was more surprising that these Ki were thrice as strong as an average human. It's just like that movie – Shinobi something.
The demi-Saiyan was totally impressed by the security measures taken on the island. Outer parking lot, a no-fly zone and using the trees as a cover – It was simply amazing. Further, as they neared towards the red-coloured building, he could also see heavy guns mounted on the top of the building.
Taking some moments to take in the top of the building, Gohan lowered his gaze and immediately stopped. Videl who was left to him, noticed this and also stopped before looking towards him. Seeing his gaze fixated on something, she followed it only to end up with a twitching eye.
Damn your curiosity, Gohan. The spiky-haired boy was looking above the huge blue gates of the building where in blue bold letters was written – THE HERCULE SATAN JAIL.
We could've never thought he'd be the one ending here. When her dad had got this jail constructed as a part of his annual charity programme, alike other things, he got it named after himself. However, when the truth came out, it was the only structure whose name wasn't changed.
Hercule is the luckiest prisoner; he'll have a jail created by himself as well as named after himself.
The idiots in charge of jail had mocked her dad when he was brought here. Per their twisted sense of humour, it was most fitting. But there's no way in hell I'm explaining it to Gohan.
"Uh… Vid–" Gohan wisely shut his mouth when the blue-eyed girl directed one of her many glares at him. This one read 'I know what you want to ask' and 'Don't ask, it'll be dangerous to your health'. Needless to say, survival instincts overrode curiosity.
With Videl taking the lead, they reached the barricade erected from several metres to the gate. A room – more like a ticket counter – was constructed where Videl stepped forward. "Here to meet Mark Hercule Satan."
The guard behind the window nodded. "Alright. State your names, contact numbers and line up for the photograph."
Videl already knowing the task, just did as told. Erasa was next followed by Sharpener, and last was Gohan. The guard entered the data into his computer and after taking the last photo which was of Gohan, voiced. "Two in a group and fifteen minutes per group."
Videl again nodded, and with Erasa in line, again took up the lead. Ambling towards the room marked as 'Waiting Area', they entered, and immediately Videl voiced. "Erasa, Sharpener, you go first, meanwhile I'll give Gohan a briefing."
The blondes nodded before turning and walking towards the other end of the waiting room.
"Now, Gohan," The demi-Saiyan gave full attention. "We'll get limited time once we get there so it's better I brief you here only," Gohan nodded.
"So, we'll enter through that door," Videl pointed to the blue door through which Erasa and Sharpener were entering. "Inside, there's a long hallway. A soundproof glass wall separates the inmates and visitors. For conversations, there are landlines; just pick the receiver and talk."
"Alright," Gohan understood that it wouldn't have been good if Videl had to waste a better part of their already limited time in explaining to him how things worked.
As they began waiting for their turn, Gohan voiced something he wanted to know from the beginning. "So… how's it in there? Jail, I mean."
"Well, it's a jail so there are just necessities – a fan, water and a mattress to sleep on in a small room. There's a gym but martial artists aren't allowed to use that; neither are they allowed to practise the art. For fitness, they can do light workout, ya know, like jogging and all that. Aside that, the only big issue relates to food."
"Food?!" Did he really hear that right? But how could someone even think to mess with food? Gohan didn't even want to fathom the strange thought. Didn't they know food was a divine blessing to them? Not even the Kais were privileged to the honor of such delicacies.
"Yeah," Videl continued, not noticing Gohan's plight. "Not only the lunch is missing," She went on, oblivious to how Gohan's eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "The other two meals are barely cooked and–" A strong breeze flashed in the room causing Videl to halt and start looking around. "Weird. This room is totally closed."
Her comment brought the demi-Saiyan to his senses, and he immediately unclenched his fists while breathing in and out. The winds immediately died down. Geez! I was careless.
However, this was FOOD they were talking about, and any inadequacy related to that was pure and utter BLASPHEMY! A look of pure determination appeared on the demi-Saiyan's face. This can't be excused. I must talk to Bulma.
Any further conversation halted when the door opened and the blond duo stepped out. With a grin on her face, Erasa practically glided to them. "C'mon! Quick! He's waitin' for ya."
Videl simply rolled her eyes, too used to the blonde's antics, and strode towards the open door with Gohan in suit.
As Gohan entered the room which he observed was same as Videl described, his eyes, for the first time in six months, landed on the figure behind the glass wall and slightly widened.
Before him stood Hercule Satan, clad in a total white loose shirt and equally white pants, his body frame thinned considerably and the wisps of white hair in his afro were a dead giveaway that the man had seen better days.
-oooooo-
Any doubts that he had regarding the identity of the boy who had 'appeared out of nowhere and become a great friend' – as put by Videl – totally vanished. Though he isn't blonde now.
Hercule could easily recognise that face anywhere. Even if the boy had short but still spiky hair, the face was the same as he had seen seven years ago. Though, back then, there was a slight difference due to age but now… it was as if Son Goku himself was standing before him – minus the hair.
Now, all I have to do is convince him to help me. Putting the thought aside, Hercule grinned as Videl picked the receiver. Following the suit, he picked his own piece. "Heya, Sweetpea."
"Hey dad," Videl smiled. "You good?"
Immediately adopting the 'Champ mode' – brave face and hands-on-hips – Hercule all but declared. "Do you think something like this can affect the CHAMP?"
Videl smiled but shook her head. "Nope."
"Damn right. The Champ is the… STTTRONGGEST… BWAHHHAHA!" For a final touch, he brought one of his hands and flashed a victory sign.
The smile on her face blossomed into a beautiful laugh, and the sight totally made his day. Nowadays, his bravados were just meant to serve this purpose: to see the smile on his sweetpea's face. Sadly, It took a trip to jail for me to realise how much was I missing.
Back when they lived in their old home, they were a real family, but after Cell Games, all that fame and money took priority in his life. And, I pushed them away. It was only in jail, the reality struck him like a blow to his gut; he wasn't alone for the last six months but… Seven years.
Taking a couple of moments to savour her melodious laugh and happy face, Hercule, still smiling, asked. "So, what's up?"
"Nothing much. Martial Arts and school still take my time."
Hercule nodded. "About school, how's study?"
"It's… alright? I guess," Videl shrugged. "What can I say, maths and science are still boring. History is everything but practical. The only useful thing is martial arts."
Hercule found himself nodding. "I know right. All that asquare is equal to bsquare and H2O makes water always went over my head, and don't even get me started about history; I mean learning about a bunch of dead guys… " He shook his head. "But martial arts… it's in our blood. It comes naturally to us Satans."
Videl nodded fervently before Hercule decided to go with the usual question in their conversation. "Uh… Videl, "The blue-eyed girl looked curiously at him. "Do you need any… money? I can ask…" He halted when Videl calmly raised a hand, her face firm. She just looks like you, Mary.
"Dad," Videl began, her voice firm and commanding. "I've told you many times, I've enough to keep going for years. You're only worried 'coz we don't have the billions like before, but you know very well, I never needed them. For me, the money you earned at 25th tournament is more than enough."
Try as he might, Hercule couldn't fault his daughter's reasoning. He had long known that Videl wasn't like the usual girls of her age who were obsessed with money, fashion and all that. She was simple to the core. Hell, even in the biggest of events, she only wore the same clothes as now – a baggy white shirt and bicycle shorts.
For that, the five million zennies he had won at the tournament and the remnants of the money he had earned from his dojos would totally suffice.
BEEP… BEEP… BEEP...
What?! Ten minutes passed just like that? And, he had yet to talk to the boy. Stopping his thought train, he breathed. "So, he's your new friend."
"Yeah," Videl shifted her gaze towards Gohan who was silent till now. "His name's Gohan." As if reading his thoughts, She handed the receiver to Gohan who hesitantly took it before placing it on his left side with both hands – as if he was nervous.
Well, that's new. Mentally shrugging, Hercule put on a smile. "Hey Kid."
"Umm… Hello Mr. Satan."
Woah! Respect? Hercule would have understood if it were six months ago; hell he would have literally demanded it but now…
We don't have to continue this senseless fighting. There is no need for this violence.
Well that happened, didn't it? Of course the kid would respect him after all it was the same kid who even gave a chance to Cell of all. Seriously, it was unbelievably surprising that such a kid existed in their world – so much power yet humble to the roots. And, I took credit from him.
Overwhelming guilt tried to seize his soul, but he shook it away. This is my chance. "Listen, Kid," Gohan looked attentively. "First of all, I… uh… want to apologise for everything. I… "
"Mr. Satan," Hercule halted allowing Gohan to speak. "You don't have to apologise. Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them," Hercule took note as a smile appeared on Videl's face hearing the kid's words. Interesting. "Besides, this is the first time I am meeting you in person. I… uh… never took interest in your dojos or all that." Gohan finished with an awkward chuckle while rubbing the back of his head.
What? Why is he thinking… Oh! "No, No. It isn't like that…"
"Huh? It isn't?" Gohan's face scrunched in confusion but only for a moment. "Wait. It's about Videl, right?" Hercule and Videl blinked in confusion. "Don't worry Mr. Satan. I won't stop being her friend for anything." Videl again beamed at his words.
Wh-what? Hercule wanted to laugh in joy at the sheer selflessness of this kid, and he would have if not for a shortage of time. I need to get his attention. "Kid, it's about Cell,"
The result was as he expected. Gohan's face morphed into that of utter disbelief, eyes widened. "I… I apologise for taking your credit, for demeaning you and your friends' sacrifices. I… I have no excuses for that."
"And in case you're wondering," Which I know you're. Hercule continued, not giving Gohan a chance to reply. "How I know your identity, well, back then, you guys were totally open with your names and all that. Though, don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Videl will learn it from you if and when you decide."
The relief that appeared on Gohan's face was akin to the weight that lifted from his heart on finally getting the entire thing out of his heart. No. Not the entire thing. But if anybody can do it, it's him.
"Gohan, there's something I need your help with," Hercule spoke after a moment of silence. "It's the main reason I called you, and don't say anything, just nod. I don't want Videl to hear it," Gohan looked uncertain but nodded nonetheless. Hercule sighed. "Videl's... in danger."
-oooooo-
"So, what did dad say in the last?" Videl asked looking at Gohan, as they stepped out of the room.
If she asks, tell her…
"Uh… that he's happy that we're friends but there's no way he will allow you to be with a… uh… a scrawny kid like me."
Videl rolled her eyes. "And let me guess, he'll approve only when someone can beat him, right?"
"Yeah. That too," Gohan chuckled weakly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, kudos to Bardock," Gohan blinked when he heard Erasa's remark before he and Videl looked towards the blonde. "He passes with flying colours."
A reddish hue appeared on Videl's cheeks at the remark. With the truth out, her dad's condition of 'someone stronger than him' didn't hold much weight; there were many guys stronger than him, and Bardock, she was sure, topped the list. So, Erasa was totally right and she was really glad for it. But if only the world were black and white.
Videl was really okay with Bardock as her partner-in-life and all that but, at the same time, she knew it was just that – a wishful thinking on her part. She didn't even know what Bardock wanted; heck she hadn't even met him for once. "It isn't that simple, Erasa."
The blonde frowned. "What are you saying? Of course, it's simple. You both are made for each other."
"Really? And how do you know that?"
Erasa opened her mouth but closed a moment later, pouting slightly. Videl shook her head and walked out of the waiting area.
"Ugh! This girl," Erasa groaned before storming after Videl.
Well, I really don't mind. Gohan mused as both the girls left the waiting area before he felt Sharpener's hand on his shoulder and his intentions to drag him along which the demi-Saiyan allowed.
-oooooo-
They were walking in silence through the forests with Videl and Erasa in lead, the blonde still pouting. Then there was Sharpener, and Gohan himself was to the blonde's right but slightly behind thus forming the tail of the group.
So, how should I do this? Mr. Satan asked not to tell Videl, so… Gohan halted in his musings and suddenly looked to his right when his 'better than human hearing' picked up the tell-tale signs of something in motion towards them, the bifurcating air resulting in an almost inaudible sound.
Eyes narrowed, his hand shot up and intercepted the projectile before he glanced at the trio ahead of him who were still going on. Sighing in relief, he opened his fist and his eyes slightly widened.
There was a bullet, and judging from the motion, it was aimed at Videl. So, it's happening.
"Videl's life is in danger, and the one to blame is… me. Someone is after her due to my actions. The police chief informed me of this; his men are also on the lookout, but they are incompetent," Hercule sighed. "I didn't want to tell Videl because we both know how she is."
Gohan found himself nodding. The blue-eyed girl would try to tackle the problem head-on rather than accepting anybody's help.
"I was at my wit's end; not knowing what to do when Videl suddenly mentioned you. I immediately knew, if anybody can do it, it's you."
Gohan's musings were cut short when his senses slightly tickled…
"Your skills will only make it more interesting."
A figure landed before them, the words having already stopped the group of four. Gohan looked up and his visage turned serious. Standing before them was…
"Tao Pai Pai," Videl muttered, not hiding the surprise, shock and a bit of fear on her face.
"The… mercenary?" Sharpener asked, almost taking a step back.
"Ho! My reputation preceding my profession; that's new," Tao nodded to himself. "Usually it's the other way around."
"W-what are you doing here? And where are the guards?" Videl looked around, asking the question thus summing up the thoughts on everyone's mind.
Gohan once again extended his senses as Videl mentioned the guards. A shocked expression immediately overcame his face as he sensed nothing. Fists forming into balls, the demi-Saiyan realising that Tao had just killed… Wait! Something brushed along the edges of his senses. Pushing his senses further, he felt the Ki of the guards in the vicinity and sighed in relief. They are just unconscious.
"What do you think? I am an assassin and here for my latest target which is," Tao pointed towards Videl."... You."
What?! Videl's whole body seized in for a second. Why the hell he's after… right. Dad. Nevertheless, she knew she didn't stand a chance against Mercenary cyborg looking man was a master martial artist; 'only limited by the amount of Ki' – Tien's words.
Funny, how times have changed. If it were six months ago, She would have just declared Tao a trickster and rushed towards her death sentence. However, now, due to Ki being a public concept, she knew better than that, and, from the info of other Ki users she had gained and shared with her friends, they knew Tao Pai Pai was deadly and stronger than them.
A hand clenched her forearm. A glance to her left showed Erasa shaking, her eyes wide. Behind her, Sharpener was trying but failing to hide the fear on his face. Next to the blonde, Gohan's face was also full of concern.
They are depending on me. The gravity of the situation made itself known. True, she was used to this kind of situations, but without her friends. Protecting civilians was one thing; she cared for them too but it didn't change the fact that they were strangers. However, these three…
"You really did a number on Teddy and his goons; I was impressed and took the contract," Tao voiced, halting Videl in her thoughts.
Videl blinked. "You… were there?"
Tao nodded with a smirk. "Indeed. I wanted to know if you're really worth my time. Actually, I didn't expect much from Teddy but your skill is unquestionable," Tao adopted a genuine expression. "If not for my contract, I would have gladly taken you as a student."
As if. Moreover learning about this 'contract' took priority. "Who?" Videl all but demanded.
"Hmmm," Tao mused to himself, closing his eyes. "I guess there's no harm in letting you know. Consider it your dying wish," Eyes again opened, Tao fixed his gaze on Videl. "Jaguar, and now, we begin."
Guess, there's no way out. Deciding to deal later with her dad's idiot rival if she survived, Videl glanced at her friends. "Sharpener, cover for Erasa and Gohan. I'll deal with him." Or at least try to.
"What?! No way I'm gonna leave…"
"Cut it Sharpener. One of us needs to stay behind. Beside, it's a matter of Crane school."
Sharpener shut his mouth hearing Videl's last words. After mulling for a moment, he sighed but nodded. "Alright, but the moment things go south, I'm stepping in."
Videl accepted that with a nod before breathing in and out, recalling Tien's words in her mind.
When the odds are totally against you, a wise move is to begin as an amateur; your opponent may give you a free hit.
Tien also told that this was a one-in-hundred chance kinda thing, but Videl couldn't think of anything else. It was her best shot rather than waiting for her opponent to move and finish even before she knew.
Not wasting any moment, Videl darted towards the cyborg who was calmly waiting for her, his hands crossed behind his back.
Reaching him, Videl tried to strike the cyborg with an open palm which he very nimbly dodged by taking just a step back – which she was aiming for.
Immediately exploiting the right amount of distance between them, she launched a kick to where all men feared, hoping to blow out his fuses with most likely her best shot.
But to her utter dismay, the assassin simply joined his knees thus halting her kick as soon as launched. Not relenting, Videl crouched, leaning forward, and lobbed a punch to his abdomen.
Her eye twitched when Tao just bent forward such that their faces were only at a hand's length, her punch missing his abdomen by an inch. Gritting her teeth, she brought her other arm as an uppercut only to be blocked by Tao using his… his… TONGUE!
Eww! Jumping back, Videl gained some distance before wiping her fist on her shirt, her glare aimed at her opponent.
Tao smirked. "Is this it? I'm not even trying."
That was true. She had decided to go all out from the very start but the old man… No, mechanically enhanced old man was just playing with her. Damn it. This wasn't good. I need something else.
Taking in the surroundings in a single glance, the blue-eyed girl again rushed forward and launched a flurry of attacks on the still smirking Tao.
-oooooo-
Gohan mentally cringed as yet another one of Videl's attacks was dodged by Tao. The mercenary was rarely blocking an attack; most of the times he was just dodging it with the grace possessed by a master martial artist.
He couldn't even imagine how hard it would be for the blue-eyed girl who took martial arts as a passion. The short girl had the biggest pride next only to Vegeta.
Videl knew, from the way he had seen her body visibly tense, she wasn't even a match for Tao Pai Pai yet she wouldn't take it lightly if somebody interfered in her was one of the reasons he had decided to be a spectator rather than participating.
The demi-Saiyan wasn't worried about the battle, knowing that he could finish it anytime without even getting seen. Even that wasn't needed. The result would be the same as seven years ago even if he just revealed who he was. Though, that's totally gonna happen.
Mainly, it were his secrets that were causing an internal conflict. The trio of friends had shared with him their group as well as secrets, but in return, he had given nothing. The knowledge that he was holding his own secrets and of such proportions would definitely destroy their budding friendship. I can't afford that.
His musings halted as he saw Videl stopping in the mid of sweeping kick before hastily picking a fistful of… wet soil? Yeah, definitely wet soil which she hurled at the mechanical eyes of the cyborg. What's she doing?
As the mercenary began to clear his now obscured vision, Gohan watched curiously as the dark-haired girl darted behind Tao before jumping over a low hanging branch of a tree and grabbing it while mid-flip before landing on the ground while pulling and holding the branch in both of her hands.
Gohan blinked before realization dawned upon his face which morphed into that of total surprise. Amazing!
Videl Satan had just played on the arrogance of Tao Pai Pai, and knowing that the mercenary would only dodge by moving, brought him close to the only area with wet soil and specific tree. Still, it isn't enough.
It only took a second for Tao to clear his vision and as he began to turn, the dark-haired girl released the branch but as Gohan expected, Tao's hand shot up and reduced the branch to splinters.
"That was a dirty move," The smirk on Tao's face was nowhere to be seen. "It's time to end this." Immediately, the mercenary launched towards the still surprised girl, and though he was easily visible to the demi-Saiyan, Gohan knew the mercenary had all but vanished from the other's vision.
Videl gasped as Tao implanted his fist into her gut before the dark-haired girl fell down to her knees, clutching her abdomen. Tao's hand, which he had used as a fist, detached and hung down at his wrist, revealing a mechanical arm with a slit in the middle, from which a blade popped out.
It's now or never. Gohan began to move…
"LEAVE HER ALONE, YA BASTARD!"
… But stopped when a baseball-sized stone was pitched at the mercenary at great speeds. Glancing towards the blonde beside him, he saw him standing still in the pitching motion.
Quickly, Gohan focused back on the mercenary who brought his other arm up, without even looking, hand detached and hanging limp from the wrist revealing the same canon as he had seven years ago, the only modification being four holes around it. Must be from where the bullet was fired.
Whoosh!
Bright yellow energy shot out from the cannon quickly engulfing the rock and shooting towards the blond who froze on the spot.
Shit! Gohan quickly blurred before the approaching blast and swatted it away, which exploded to their left in a loud explosion.
"Who are… wait! You… you are… " Gohan turned towards Tao who was looking at him with a shocked expression. Not wanting to drag it any further, Gohan nodded. "You remember me, don't you, Tao? I am Gohan, Son Gohan, son of…" Here goes nothing. "Son Goku."
Tao immediately recoiled, taking a step back, his visage fearful. The mercenary remained like that for a second before looking towards his left and jumping towards a tree.
Already knowing what was about to happen, Gohan quickly blurred behind Tao who was about to slash a tree. A chop to his neck and the mercenary dropped down cold. There's no way I am allowing you to go. Who knows how many more will fall to your schemes.
-oooooo-
No… just no way… Though deny as much as she, her mind had already replaced those short spiky hair with long palm tree alike hair, and thus giving him the picture of the legend – Son Goku himself.
Moreover, the way he had just swatted that blast and then with the speed, he just blurred behind Tao before disposing of him in a moment, it was a dead giveaway. To believe Son Goku's legacy has been studying in the same school, same class but most of all he's their… friend… friend…
Anger and hurt brutally killed the brief surge of awe and excitement that rushed in her being. Son Gohan – the legacy of Son Goku had been their friend for the past week; they had shared every single detail with him; hell, she had even told about her love interest and he…
"I don't like fighting…"
Lies… total lies. There was no way the son of one of the greatest martial artists… Wait! Son Goku married to ChiChi… that means… Immediately, her brain opened a deeper pit of information: Son Goku, ChiChi – Gyumao ChiChi! The Ox Kingdom… and WAIT! Tien told that Bulma was their acquaintance – which translated to 'FRIEND'... CAPSULE CORPORATION! Of course, there was no apprenticeship…
"Videl!" Erasa crouched beside her, the blonde's concerned and slightly afraid voice diverting her attention. "Are you okay?"
Her eyes still fixated on the spiky-haired boy who was now turning towards them, Videl nodded before motioning to stand up. Erasa, always a caring friend, immediately obliged. Then she felt another arm around her. Glancing towards her right, she saw Sharpener also looking at their so-called friend, the muscleful blonde's face blank.
"... Umm… G-Guys?"
"Erasa, Sharpener," Videl, purposely speaking the names, fixed a glare at the culprit. "We're going."
-oooooo-
"We're going."
W-what? J-just like that? Panic flooded his being but Gohan forcibly shook it away. "Guys, please. I-I can explain."
Videl's glare didn't even waiver, she just motioned to turn away, and Sharpener, whose face was totally blank, quickly helped her. Only Erasa gave him an apologetic look.
This isn't happening. In a moment of frenzy, Gohan rushed towards the trio who immediately took a step back as the demi-Saiyan practically blurred before them. "G-Guys, please let me explain. I-I wanted to tell you from the beginning, I was going to ask you to come to my place over the weekend. Then Tao came out of nowhere and then you were fighting and then I didn't get a chance and then I," Gohan shook his head, composing himself. "I'll explain, just… just please listen to me."
However, to his utter dismay, Videl just motioned and the trio walked around him.
Dammit! This isn't good. She isn't even listening. Gohan raked his hand through his hair, trying to think of anything that could convince the dark-haired girl as it was clear the blonde duo would definitely follow her.
Though, try as he might, Gohan couldn't think of anything. He realised she wouldn't listen to him; to her, he was someone who lied to her, not someone she could trust, not someone she would be willing to listen. To her he was just Gohan - a liar who clashed with her morals of… honesty… That's IT!
Gohan looked towards their retreating backs. "Won't you give me a chance? ... A second chance," Help me Dende. "Bardock would… want you to."
The trio of friends stopped in their tracks. Erasa glanced back at him while Sharpener continued to look at Videl, obviously awaiting her response.
Finally, what seemed like an eternity, Videl looked over her shoulder, and Gohan almost recoiled at the intensity of emotions in those blue pools. "You want a chance? Fine. Tomorrow morning, your house." Her glare intensified. "It better be good."
Gohan could only nod weakly, sighing in relief that he could still salvage the situation. Standing there, he watched them walk away beyond the forestline before a yellow copter took off into the skies.
Sighing heavily, the demi-Saiyan lifted into the air before shooting towards his home, pondering over what the day of tomorrow would have in store for him.
-oooooo-
Please support and KINDLY REVIEW.
Sorry the chapter was a bit rushed.
Thanks to Losthour for suggesting Gohan's place for revealing secrets and all that.
Now there are some things that are widely thrown around in DBZ fandom which I would like to discuss.
Lowering the Ki makes the Saiyans equal to humans
That is utter bullshit. You're forgetting Saiyans have lived on planet Vegeta with 10x gravity of earth; try to imagine living there. Won't it affect the density of your bones, your cells? Evolution is scientifically proved.
Though, this isn't my main argument. Let's talk about when Goku arrived on Earth. He had a PL of 2 – almost equal to a human baby. When he fell down the cliff which Gohan termed as fatal, he would have died, but he didn't. His survival was purely due to his heritage.
Then there is Bulma meeting Goku for the first time. Goku had a PL of 10 – which falls in the range of an average human who have PLs of 5 to 10. So, he must be equal to humans yet bullets didn't kill him. All in all, it was his Saiyan heritage.
Gohan getting hurt by Videl of all in a spar, she can draw his blood.
C'mon it's the same Gohan who has taken planet busting attacks head on, punches from his father, Piccolo, Vegeta and many more. It isn't even feasible.
Next time I will talk about Dragon ball super; why I consider it's potential equalled to DBZ.
