A/N – okay, to answer a few questions...

#1 – vsd2oc – to answer your question of would it be a dishonor if Gohan was supposed to be a chick? If Gohan was a born Pandovan, yes it would and he would be put to trial and death. Since Videl brought Gohan to the planet, his honor is her responsibility, therefore, it is her dishonor more than his. Even more so since it was her idea to pretend him being a woman.

#2 – jetforce – yes, I am a female. And ahh, the freedom of the pen.

#3 – Saturn-hime – to answer your question would give away some of the suspense, but let me see... okay, the next two chapters (this one included) should shed some light on the darkness. And I'll say that Gohan being revealed as a man is not a matter of if, but when.

There, I hope I've answered the questions to your satisfaction without revealed the entire plot. J

Changing Faces

Part 2 – Choices They Make

Chapter 28 – Midnight Reflection

Darkness engulfed the Pandovan capitol and the day life died down for the night. The dusty streets gave an image of an antiquated market, especially with vendors and street bazaar lining the avenues of the main city. Thousands of people lived in the closest city to the monstrous stone fortress that the Royal Family called home.

Videl readjusted the waistline of her fighting uniform. The black bodice needed no turning; its light material conformed to her curves like a second skin. She stood outside the castle and viewed the sliver of moon in the night sky. The glow was orange in tint, due to the materials composing the moon's surface. A warm tingle ran up her spine as the effects of the moonlight mingled with her fresh bond wound.

She sighed. What a predicament.

She started a slow pace, meandering down a path dividing a great expanse of brown grasses called Bituta. Videl neared a fence enclosing stones arranged in rows. A graveyard, of great warriors, and royalty.

Faint moonlight lit her path as she made her way across the place of honor and final resting. Close to the back, was a single white stone, marking the grave of Celessa.

I won't fail you, dear sister. Words echoed across time and into Videl's mind. The words uttered by her elder sister, before leaving to fight the menace plaguing her people.

"You didn't fail, Celessa. You were defeated," Videl said quietly.

One in the same, but no. "To fail is to give up. To be defeated is to die trying. One who dies honorably in battle will never die, in memory," Videl quoted an ancient poet.

"But... Your honor isn't why I'm here. I wanted to be just like you Celessa. Now, I am. I'm the crown princess. I'm a solid leader. I am not perfect, but neither were you. I am a strong fighter, like you."

She knelt by the gravesite. The soil was still loose from the funeral, just as the wounds were still fresh of loosing someone who was loved very much. Videl traced the inlaid name and family symbol on the stone with her finger.

Remember Kode? I do, Videl thought, He was your lover. She giggled gently, But... like all good things must come to an end, so did what you had with him. You never forgave mother, either.

It is in our Saiyan blood, to bond, to mate, to make children... But what comes with that bond? So many new feelings have been awakened.  Just looking at Gohan now sends shivers down my spine. I haven't even completed the bond, and yet I feel so much for him. My body aches for him, but my mind screams of my duties.

Her head fell and a single tear flickered down her face. It slipped from her cheek to the dry ground, shading it darker than the soil surrounding it. The mark faded quickly as the thirsty soil soaked the moisture.

Is that what you were? Just a drop in a flood of sad and lonely people? I... I don't want that. But what of my royal blood? If I were just a peasant, or storekeeper, there would be no question. No, then I never would have met Gohan in the first place. 

The light around her brightened as the sky lit in a glorious opening show. The heavens faded from dark to light in red dazzling colors. Videl faced the rising sun.

It is time. To face my destiny. "My path seems to split down there," she looked toward the mount Laku Nori, Lady Fire, "I will be a princess or a rebel. My decision. My fate."