A/N – I hope this image of Gohan isn't too disturbing. ;)
Changing Faces
Part 2 – The Choices They Make
Chapter 21 – They Call Me Gold Fighter
"Princess, are you sure he will pass as a female?" Videl's attendant asked.
It was obvious to Gohan that the woman was much older than her. Perhaps she had been a governess to a younger Videl. She wore a gray long-sleeved tunic over loose blue pants. They were gathered at the back of her ankles into small black shoes. A brown belt tied at her waist, showing a lithe figure. She may have been older, but she still possessed her younger body.
She had been introduced to Gohan as Malena.
"Of course he will," she said, but kept her doubt inside, "There, finished. Well, what do you think Malena?"
She stepped back and scanned Gohan's tall figure.
He still wore the orange gi, blue belt and shoes, but they had replaced the short-sleeved shirt with a long-sleeved one, a little darker blue. Underneath the shirt was a sleeveless chemise of Videl's, stuffed with water filled sacs. Malena had sewn the sacs to the shirt, taking great care not to puncture the thick synthetic bag.
Gohan's own idea was to add a pair of boxers under the gi, to give the appearance of hips, and even tied the belt just a bit tighter than usual. Malena also added some fake eyelashes to his skimpy male lashes. She claimed the glue would hold for weeks, under wash, wear, and battle.
Or so they hoped.
But altogether, his appearance gave the feminine first impression. It would have to do.
"Well... I guess... He sort of looks like... a woman," she faltered, almost taken with laughter.
He sweatdropped again.
"Alright then, Gohan... or shall I say Gohana?" She smiled.
"Gohana? At least it's similar to my real name," he muttered with a depressed look, "I feel ridiculous."
"Oh don't be so down about it," she pepped, "It will only be for a short time. After you kill the Fire Dragon, you may leave."
Malena cleared her throat, bringing attention to herself, "Princess, I do not mean to question you, but are you sure he will be powerful enough to defeat the Dragon?"
"Of course. I've felt his power. Gohan can raise his power level to heights not one of us has ever seen before. In fact, why don't you show us, Gohan," she encouraged.
"Huh?"
"Yes," Malena agreed, "I would like to see your power."
"Uh... okay," a serious look came over his visage, and he moved to that all too familiar power up stance.
He paused at the brink of Super Saiyan and glanced at Videl. She nodded once.
They want to see my full power? Well... they asked for it.
The clear aura around him turned gold as Gohan raised his power level higher and higher. He kept his teal eyes from the frightened faces of the five other occupants of the ship. The gold hair swept back and forth in the energy that radiated from him.
Finally, the threshold of his power was reached, and he backed off as quickly as he had ascended.
All five had fallen from their feet and stared at him with a new wonder and amazement. Perhaps respect was among the emotions fleeting across their faces. But one sentiment was clearly visible: understanding in Videl's motives.
