A/N – to answer some questions, part one is *almost* finished. Eventually everything will tie together and make one big happy story. J
Changing Faces
Part 1 – Searching For Her Past
Chapter 11 – Home Again
"We're entering the atmosphere Videl," the pilot confirmed.
"Good, send a message to my mother, tell her of my arrival and that I wish to speak with her," she commanded.
The co-pilot nodded in comprehension. The message went out and the return was received just before they landed.
"Her Highness agrees to see you. She is on her way to the landing port as we speak," the co-pilot confirmed.
Wonderful. This could mean one of two things, she thought with reservation, Either I'm in trouble, or she's here with open arms... And since I didn't exactly leave with permission, it's probably the first option.
Videl rearranged the fit of the cropped jacket, pushing her conservative bosom just a notch higher. The week of training with Gohan and the practice she had continued on the long trip home had worked Videl's young body over. The muscles of her stomach were defined, and the jacket sleeves were just a little too tight. Only the loose pants were as comfortable as when she had left.
She shrugged nonchalantly. Her mother had to notice the changes, and she would have to forgive her, especially with all the new things she had learned.
"Wait till she sees me," she muttered.
The ship shuddered as the landing gear touched the ground. The hatch opened with a hiss and Videl marched off the ship with fervor. There, standing on the edge of the platform overlooking the mountainous city, was her mother.
Tall and compact, the older woman sported the same raven hair and regal balance of a queen that Videl possessed, but their similarities often ended there. She wore loose blue pants that bloused into black knee-high boots. Sheer yellow suns were etched into the pants. A fitted black sleeveless vest held yellow embroidered suns stitched at the neckline and hem. Her hair was pulled into a loose braid, just as Videl's, but the elder version's was streaked with gray.
"Mother," she bowed low, kneeling and extending her right arm.
"Rise Videl," Queen Matiko said.
Videl stood to 3/4ths her mother's height, and the queen approached her.
"I will not defer this meeting for a more appropriate setting, since it will not be long. I know where you went, Videl, but I imagine you had no luck in finding the one you searched for. I don't understand why you are so interested in seeing your father. He has nothing to do with your life."
"He has a lot to do with my life, Mother. I'm so different from everyone here; I just wanted to see where I came from, from both sides." She did not move from her position, despite the fact that her mother had stepped farther away.
"My daughter, you are a princess of this planet. People look to you for guidance. If young girls see you searching for your father, finding out what he looked like, what he was like, they would probably be interested in answering their own questions. And then what would happen? A few sympathizers emerge, and the quiet hierarchy we have kept for so long would fall into disarray."
Maybe that wouldn't be so bad... she thought, picturing Gohan, I think men can be competent, they don't have to be subdued; am I the only one?
"Promise me, Videl, that you will not search for your father anymore," she said, with a silent pleading in her eyes.
The young woman bowed her head, "As you wish, Mother."
"Good," she smiled, "Welcome back, darling. Your sisters have missed you; they are waiting in the dining room for dinner. Let's go eat."
After a happy reunion with her sisters and dinner, Videl spoke to her mother about training privately in space. She found her parent sitting quietly in her study, meditating over the past week's endeavors.
"Space? You mean on a ship, right?" She asked, disbelieving.
"Of course, Mother. I learned quite a few new fighting techniques on Earth, but I had little time to perfect them. I just need some more time without distractions," she explained, keeping to herself exactly who she had learned the moves from.
"Well," Matiko rubbed her hand thoughtfully on her chin, "Your power level has increased somewhat... With your younger sisters helping now, I shouldn't need you. As long as you promise to stay in the system, you have my permission."
"I promise," she said, jumping for joy inside, "I shall leave tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow afternoon," her mother corrected, "I want you to meet our new trade contract partner."
She sighed dejectedly, "Yes Mother."
"Good."
She turned to leave the small room when her mother's voice rang out again.
"Videl," she called.
"Mother," the younger answered.
"It's good to have you back, even if you are leaving tomorrow."
The look of subdued annoyance faded to a soft smile, "Yes Mother, it's good to be home."
I'll make you proud yet, she thought pensively, You wait and see.
