Sorry it took so long I had a really long... umm... yeah, and school was
really... umm... Alright let's be honest here, although school was busy and
I have been watching terrifyingly humongous amounts of anime, the times
that I DID have available were spent on learning Kanji with Furigana and
making music (a little Cyrillic as well, but it is so like Greek (which I
already know) that it was not much of a challenge), so writing sorta
dropped to a low priority levels, but you people are reviewing so fondly
that I could not leave you alone. Some even put my lil' ol' story on their
fav's list! *jumps with joy*
Anyway, this thing was written (yes I write pro and epilogues AFTER writing the chapter, at least you know what you're talking about then and can anticipate some things) when I had just made music, generally putting me in a state of higher emotional and rational existence (that is not a joke!), therefor the first part of this is really introspective and not very shallow at all, even though it is chaotic (another consequence of making music :). Speaking of which, I will be making a demo sometime soon, and will shamelessly advertise for it here when I put it up. For those interested, our music is a little punky/powerpop/poprock/altrock. Gah, I hate giving a style for my music, it's so hard! Often I can pick out influences of bands like Eels and Grandaddy in my own writings and Blur in that of our drummer (we co-write), but give a single style, not really!
Anyway, that immediately brings me to the second part of this as we wander back to on-topicness, I will be keeping a combination of the two. For the moment, the plot will be to support general torture and comical situations, much like the original Dragonball (which I think far outdid the 'look at this new three hour fight scene' manga/anime of the later dragonball). Though I had not intended to do torture, I'm a torturous cynic and like to torture myself and other people around me (NO! I do not cut myself or practice SM, just verbally torturing them... oh my friends love me). Needless to say, torture elements found their way here, and will probably continue to find their way here in the future.
One last point, err... no, there's one after this. Anyway, I'd like to find out what it's like to have a beta-reader who picks out mistakes and gives comments on style, plot etc. Anyone interested, either mail or review me.
Last, a potential part of this fanfic, which I talked about, will be upped for a short time, I intended to put it in here in the end, but it is a major spoiler for the few plans I DO have with this fic, and is a very violent sex scene. So violent even that I doubt it would be allowed. Still, it's the only lemon I ever wrote and intend on writing. So if you are 'into' that stuff and do not mind to see the full g(l)ory of a Saiyan mating, go read TEST (it's how I will name it)
Now for answer to reviewers, there are quite a lot I believe.
GirlieGyarados: But beating myself up is what makes me feel good! Will you be so cruel as to steal my last comfort in this world? Heh. Anyway, the movie Goten was referring to I do not know since I made it up. Though my anime contact tells me that that there is some pretty scary hentai out there. I wouldn't know because I don't watch it, but Megatokyo also helps in this respect. *shrugs* as for the guys and breasts thing... though I do enjoy breasts yes, I think it is silly to be enthralled by them like Gohan was at that instance. Well, at such times anyway. Err, I'm rambling. As for liquor, it's just too hard to make a good statement really...
H20pologal: Have you read Tomber Amoureux? His usage of words and such has me caught up in stupified bafflement, I am ashamed of actually putting another chapter of this up. *whispers* Though he does overdo it at times. Wordings must be functional and he seems to forget that. About the nosebleeds, I just don't understand where they got THAT from I NEVER had a nosebleed over anything like that and can't remember any of my friends to have it either. On 3, couldn't agree more :) And yes, writer's block IS in the head, the very definition of writer's block is something along that lines. Unless of course you break both arms and can not find anyone to type for you :)
Goku's Daughter: I'm fine, just fine :) Heh, glad you liked it. I read forgotten some time ago. Though I admit I am not fond of self-inserts (at all) it was quite alright!
Dansama: Not anymore no, I'll change the summary accordingly :)
Tabi-chan: I'm focussing on other people now, but a little something with Goten and Trunks would be quite nice... perhaps next chapter :)
Last words, this chapter is a bit of a denouement and does not use much of the options put out in the last chapter... why? Because I hated how it was turning out and I am wasting no more time in that direction, partially to finally break writer's block. Some questions will remain some ends untied, I hope they will be thoroughly tied next chapter.
*********
Chapter 5: Supervillains enjoy torture
Videl looked at herself in the mirror. What she saw didn't please her too much. Her hair was a mess, her clothes were stained and underneath her eyes huge black stripes could be seen, usually associated with lack of sleep. The reflection of the room she was standing in, was in many ways a reflection of her soul at this moment, chaotic and messy, things straying here and there, remnants of last night party creating a haunting feeling. For the room, this was nothing that couldn't be fixed, the workers had already been busy making sure everything looked perfectly fine for when Hercule would wake up, images of him being beaten up by a couple of kids stepped into the vision her mind's eye, which were followed by a teenager fainting -he seemed familiar somehow- and then by a sharp pain in the back of her neck, she saw a bald man with his arms stretched as if he had hit her before the trail of 'memories' ended in blackness.
For her mind however, the chaos was terrible, no servant or worksman could clear her soul up, only she herself could sort out the mess which had formed itself in her soul yesterday at night... if she could only find out what had actually happened and what had not. Some of the things happening were so ludicrous they would need to be discarded, the image of her father being pummeled, his strength ridiculed by a pair of children with golden hair sprang to mind again. Noone could beat her father, especially not some children. Other images were harder to label 'impossible' or 'dream sequence'. Most notably two images of Gohan. In one he was shyly evading her advances... the sequence she remembered was very vague and many parts in it were blurred out by the shortcomings of human memory. She did remember some short bald guy talking and Gohan talking about some balls and wishes... it seemed rather important somehow, just like all the other parts of this 'dream' she remembered, as if the less notable parts had been left out. But she discarded it, because she did not know a short bald guy and she would never really force herself onto Gohan like this, especially not that kiss. Videl blushed as her train of thought now steamed itself into the direction of the other, more perverted dream sequence. She tried to block it out, but images of near naked Gohan mere inches away from her, caressing and gently stroking with his soft hands, whispering sensually into her ear and then... for the seventh time this evening, Videl derailed her train of thought so that no perverted thoughts would soil her mind again. Besides, THAT couldn't have happened, because she knew for a fact that they were flying, and flying was impossible, not to mention the queasily romantic green-pinkish background.
'Noone flies without the aid of machinery... that Saiyadork's flying MUST be a trick.'
But doubt was nibbling on some far away corner of her mind. Dreams weren't supposed to be as realistic as they had seemed, and a normal party would not have left such a mess. Furthermore, though she could now admit she loved Gohan, madly love him even, she thought having two sexually flavoured dreams about the same person was a bit too much [1], even though she was madly in love with him. She actually smiled at the thought of it... but her smile soon fell, into a depressed look.
'No'
She COULDN'T love Gohan, because he didn't love her back. The visions last night's memories that DID make sense showed her, proved her that. He had been indifferent about a relationship with her, he cared for her as no more than a friend. It hurt Videl, especially since after that she fell asleep in Gohan's arms... at least that's what she reasoned had happened, there was nowhere else she could have blacked out like that. A flash of memory revealed itself in that instance, it was something about a slim brown rope... no a tail, attached to... Gohan? That was impossible. She shook her head and concentrated on the mirror once more, trying to forget all the dreams. Her reflection was the same, but more awake now. She smiled at herself sadly as she saw she had unconsciously been crying...
"Crying... fool... Satan Videl does not cry, not for anyone."
Yes, crying was no good, especially about someone who was unreachable anyway... no, she should no longer think of HIM that way, he wasn't all that good as he said he was. He COULD not be weak, she had seen him in PE. He COULD not be innocent and honest, he had obviously lied to her about himself. He COULD not be as friendly as he showed himself then either, could he? Videl nodded to herself, putting on a determined scowl, forcefully driving out any remnants of love that were left, trying desperately to soothe the pain by replacing it with mistrust and feelings of superiority, the way she felt about all other people.
Yes, Gohan had been dishonest to her... noone lies to a Satan, he had tricked her, deceived her. Noone had ever gotten away with such a burden on his conscience. Videl then promissed to herself that she would stop sulking over the fool who was not worthy of her, no, anybody's attention, and find out what really drove him, what his motives were and then unmask him as the liar and fiend he could only be.
Videl sighed again. No, she couldn't do that. It would be dishonest to Gohan, even though he had lied to her, he was still kind, and though that kindness could be a farce, an attractive façade to fool the outside world, it was no reason to treat him like she would treat a villain. She was still his friend... she thought.
Videl lowered her head. This would be harder than she thought. But her mother would want her to give this boy a chance... she had always said she had been quick to judge and too superior to make a good social partner. It had been nagging her some time, but she knew that her mother was right. And this seemingly kind new student would be a good place to start, immediately giving her the training she should have in being nice to someone she would rather just beat into a bloody pulp. Videl smiled, as she thought how her mother would be proud of her if she found out.
But then she put up her determined scowl and raised her head.
"But it does not mean I am letting you off the hook Gohan. I will find out everything about you, all of the secrets, things you do not wish to be known. I will be curious and inquisitive, until death, so curious you can not even hope to hide your sorry ass."
Videl's confidence soared once more, and the high walls she had put around her emotions which had crumbled last night, were erected again, to an even higher and thicker state.
"I am a Satan. Noone hurts a Satan, not even a powerful alien set to destroy the world."
***
"You sure you altered everyone's mind correctly Piccolo? I wouldn't want them to remember anything at all about that fiasco last night, that horrendous catastrophy, that humongously terrifying debacle, that excruciatingly ---"
"YES. I am sure." Piccolo's brow was covered with several sweatdrops. Erasing the teenagers' minds had been incredulously easy, teenagers were apparently easy to manipulate... though they would probably not like to know that. But Gohan had been ranting all morning saying the same thing with different wordings... it must really have hit him hard for him to go in such a terrifying 'nerd mode'. Piccolo's left eye twitched a little as he remembered Chichi forcibly teaching Gohan all these, doubtlessly the cause to all the nonsense this 'new' Gohan spouted. Somebody would have to tell that horrible screeching woman that intelligence lay not in books and fancy wordings, but in experience. Intelligence wasted on physics would do noone any good in the real world. Piccolo never did quite understand what all these earthlings saw in the notions of 'professor' and such, to him they were labels equal to 'village idiot'. Intelligence was only of use when used in real life, using it on research was a waste.
"Though that 'Videl' of yours proved well nigh impossible to do. I don't think I made her forget anything." Piccolo growled at Gohan. He had been telling him the same for three hours now, and admitting that his mental abilities, even as thrice fused person, were not enough to erase the memory of a simple kid bothered him. If it weren't Gohan asking all this, he was sure he would not have repeated it again and again. At that piccolo's right mouth corner twitched, as if attempting to go into a patronising smile. Needless to say, it failed to make the Namek's mouth lose its reputation of scowls. But it did strike Piccolo how this kid, this crazy, emotionally unstable kid had gotten to him in such a way. And from what he had seen in that Videl's mind, ehe was not the only one affected. He blushed as he remembered what she had been dreaming at the time... human mating rituals were so vulgar and utterly disgusting. But he'd better not tell Gohan, his mind might overload.
Piccolo suddenly noticed that Gohan hadn't spoken for some time. He looked at Gohan from the corner of his eyes, and saw that he had now come to stand beside him, watching over the green Earth with him. Yes, the Lookout provided a view both calming and enticing and those who had not had a job as former God to this planet, would no doubt wish to stand here just staring for hours.
"That was close Piccolo, and in my first week even." Gohan started, audibly calmed.
"Yes kid, it was. You should try some control and perhaps isolate yourself a bit more from this student community." Gohan swung his head to face Piccolo, a scowl unlike him draped over his normally kind face.
"Yes, why wouldn't I. They already think of me as the nerd who's got no sort of physical abilities. A weakling, Piccolo, they think of me as a weakling, while I could pulverise them with just blinking, no, withOUT even blinking." Gohan spoke with fury and hurt pride, his voice defiant and harsh. Piccolo now genuinely smiled. Chichi, through all her labours, had not yet managed to beat all the 'qualities' of Saiyan existence out of Gohan, though she had managed to hide them very deeply. Another year, and he might not have cared what everyone thought about him [2]. But Piccolo had to admit, it had to be hard to not be recognised as a saviour. Gohan might not have cared if it were just that, but people had suffered because of him, died even. He had been hrt and now there was no recognition OR respect for him who had saved all THEIR weak behinds. Piccolo could understand, but did not sympathise. Gohan should be above such petty teasings and name calling, he should know that for himself and the Z fighters, he was a hero, and nothing anyone said could change it. Piccolo knew Gohan longer than today, and knew he would probably need to beat this wisdom into him, like he had done 12 years ago in training, but he did not feel like beating now, so he settled for the next best thing.
"Well then what do you suggest? Kill some of them to teach them a lesson? Wear black clothing and take three piercings? Yell at them and beat them up for teasing you? Stop acting as a weakling?" to Piccolo's surprise Gohan nodded fanatically. He must have been more hurt than at first thought. But there would be enough time to beat some wisdom into him later, Piccolo was on a role now anyway. Besides, what difference did it make to postpone this for a week or so?
"And what would your mother say of any such things?" Piccolo replied with no hint of amusement, mocking or even any tone in his voice. Gohan paled.
"Ehm... well, err..."
"I though so kid. Now you better take some rest, if I understand correctly there is something at your school today, every single one of your classmates was looking forward to it. Even that Videl of yours." He saw Gohan getting ready to protest against the 'Videl' part, but then realisation dawned on him.
"Something at school? On Saturday?" Piccolo's brow got a little sweaty again. This was Gohan, who would stop at nothing to do his studies?
"Ehh... yeah. They thought something about 'activity week' or such. I think they thought it was around noon on Saturday in the school auditorium."
"WHAT?!?! It's nearly noon now!" Piccolo concentrated deeply.
"11:36 to be precise."
"NOO! Why me? I haven't had any sleep yet! I am totally exhausted!"
"Err... well, what about the Room of Spirit and Time?"
"Oh! Of course! Piccolo you're a genius! See you in approximately... 1 minute 39 seconds, rounded up![3]" with that, Gohan ran off, leaving a heavily sweating Piccolo behind. He rubbed his temples in irritation, when suddenly he felt something. It was not much, a reflection of a reflection of something gravely evil, but it was definitely there. When Piccolo concentrated on the source of it, it was long gone.
***
"Lord Hita."
The room was dark and empty, the only thing visible was a screen on the far side of the room, but the man who had entered had definitely done so through a door. The speaker had a low booming voice, and was obviously afraid of what was trapped in the screen.
"Lord Hita, I am requesting an audience, we have most joyous news."
The screen remained blank however. Until letters appeared on it. The aura of fear, darkness and general evilness in the room intensified. Disturbing lord Hita was known to cause great pain and even death if the disturbance was very grave. The man who was most obviously a lackey was trembling in fear as the letters spelled out his death sentence. Yes, the disturbance was grave, graver than most others. Hita was known to be lenient to his servants and lackeys, but to disturb him at a time like this meant certain death. The lackey took one last look at the screen, taking in the full meaning of the words. Yes, he was doomed.
-DON'T DISTURB ME WHILE I'M POLISHING MY TOENAILS-
***
"So, then I found Gohan being attacked by this REALLY hot girl, she was topless and incredibly horny."
Oolong and master Roshi were listening intently, drool dabbling on the sides of their mouths. It was fortunate that 18 had decided to take Marron out and go shopping with her. She had torn apart her other baby clothes. She was definitely shaping up to be a strong young lady, at such a young age too! But now Krillin could brag about his experiences without his wife having him on the leash.
"AND THEN? WHAT HAPPENED THEN?"
"Well... hehe... then the girl noticed me and I acted really smooth, then she immediately dropped Gohan and moved up to me and began to sensuously rub herself against me. But, as a married man, I had to decline of course. Man, the trouble I have to put up with for being so damned sexy."
Crickets chirped when Krillin had finished his boast. He saw that Roshi and Oolong had large sweatdrops on their foreheads. He then noticed they were in the middle of the ocean, and crickets generally did not appear there. Had it been that bad?
"As if we'd believe that Krillin." Oolong finally said, Roshi nodding his head in consent.
"Hey! It's true! Every time I go shopping I need to beat women off me with a stick!" Krillin said indignantly.
"Probably because they are trying to put a sack over your head." Oolong retorted. Krillin's forehead had ever more veins throbbing on it.
"Besides, you couldn't act smooth if your life depended on it Krillin." Roshi added.
"HEY! What do you think about me getting 18 huh? Isn't she the biggest babe around?"
"Krillin, sorry to burst your bubble, you didn't get her, she got YOU. You're her running boy, her slave, you even let your hair grow because she asked you to. I don't think love's involved." Oolong continued calmly.
"Then what about our kid, hm?" Krillin had a look of triumph on his face. Oolong looked down, not knowing what to say. Roshi however, readjusted his glasses, making them reflect the light in a way that usually preceded one of Roshi's few wise moments. And indeed, he spoke.
"Yes, I wondered about that, especially since you keep separate beds. Ever bother to do a DNA test on the kid?" Roshi had spoken calmly and articulately, making Krillin all the more furious, both his eyes twitched, all the veins in his body were throbbing vehemently and his body was shaking and reddening.
"That's IT!! YOU ARE DEAD!"
And there we leave the Kame House, to cover the following scene up with the curtain of love and peace as pieces of furniture make new entrances and exits in the pink mansion and screams of pain and agony fill the air, rivalling the best reprimanding screams Chichi ever managed to out.
***
"Yes lord Hita [pronounce: Heetah], I do think yellow and pink suit your figure."
"Ah... thank you Paya [pronounce: Pie-ah]. Your judgment is the only I can trust on these days. Did you know there were three of your colleagues who actually thought yellow and pink did not suit me? Some even had a comment on the new lace pantyhose I programmed yesterday. I hope their loss was not too grievous on you."
The man opposite the screen was obviously fighting the completely rational uge to run away disgusted at the sight of a burly red man with two horns on the sides of his hands and long yellow ears like a lion's situated on the top of his head and large orange manes combined with a slightly deeper orange beard and malicious coalblack eyes with red pupils wearing a frilly pink and yellow dress with a lace pantyhose. He managed to control his natural response and shake his head in a cautious no. The burly man on the screen smiled warmly at him, winking at him with long black obviously made up eyelashes
"So Paya, what was this news of yours?"
"Errr... well, sir we found the perfect candidate for your release. We believe this boy can deliver enough irritation to free you from the bonds which restrain you. He is easy to manipulate and torture and his pride makes him responsive to it. His surroundings are perfect, he is part of a secret society of crazy people of some strength, though of course not as strong as you my lord, last time we measured they had a strength of some 13- 150 kilis your lordship has twice as much as their most powerful warriors."
"I see... download the data into my computer."
The man identified moved towards the computer screen and pushed something resembling a floppy disk into a slot underneath the screen. The burly red man purred.
"Ahh... yes, this person... he is perfect for our plan. I will be free and show Frieza there is no insulting me, not even in an official contest."
"Excuse me for asking my lord, but what exactly was this contest that got you in here?"
"You mean to tell me you know not of our darkest hour? Oh, very well, you are my most loyal servant, I will tell you.
"You see, a long time ago, I believe it was some hundred years, Frieza and I were envelopped in a bitter struggle for supremacy over the Intergalactical Terrorisation Rights to the galaxy. Needless to say, those rights are coveted by any and all bandits in the galaxy. The planetary terrorisation business is not only big and profiting, but also very fun and inter-planetary estimates have shown that even the next 3000 years, planetary pillage will be an important part of any empire's income, far outweighing such things as inter-planetary trade, though the trade in panties was picking up when I was sealed.
"But we are straying from the story here. At the time, there were three big empires, the do-goody wussys of the Tuffles, their technology and trade was at a level far beyond our own, but they were /shudder/ pacifists. Needless to say, when the United Planets decided to make a bill of rights for pillagers everywhere, at which, I must add, I also had a lasting victory by legalising the wearing of non-parliamentary clothes in in Council. Do you know how constricting those United Planets skirts were?
"But, once again I am straying. After that bill of rights had been ratified, my and lord Cold's empires took up on the planetary pillaging business, taking great territories for ourselves, and eventually even disbanding the United Planets. The Tuffles, with their wussy economy, also fell back to their one home planet, but I am told they guarded it fiercely. It was not in our territory anyway, so I know not what happened to it in the end. By then Cold and my father, Hiito had gotten into conflict. They decided they would decide the fate of their empires in a duel, which never happened because I killed my fath... I mean, my father had an accident, and Cold was also mysteriously struck down with some exotic virus or something. Therefor, his so Frieza and I decided to watch over the empires. But soon we too got into a fight, in fact Frieza insulted my manliness. I of course would not let such an insult stand. We then took a man called Bifu Keiko [pronounce: Beef-u Cake-o ;P ] to judge our contest as he was widely known to be the manliest of men. I objected of course, the man did not know the difference between silk and satin! But, I eventually yielded.
"I thought the win would be easy since I knew for a fact that Frieza did not know manliness if it hit him in the face. He had never even worn a good dress! In fact, I have never even seen him wear anything other than that stupid effeminate armour of his. Pfeh, that makes you look so girly. Anyway, still wanting to show off with my studly manliness, I decided to travel through my empire, taking what fashion and make up I though was required. I ended up with a nice pink dress, not unlike this one, but it had white underneath, made from a nice, really soft fabric that appealed directly to my fashion sense. Oh, of course I can bore you now with many tales and adventures as I travelled through the empire, but I doubt it would interest you.
"Eventually though, the day of the contest arrived, and I met Frieza in the dressing room. I laughed at him. He had made a new version of that effeminate armour of his, and hoped to win with that... the fool, I thought. But then I saw our judge, I had read articles about this Bifu, but meeting him in the flesh was horrible. He had no fashon sense whatsoever! He wore trousers for God's sake! And what sensible man of some social stature, no offense meant my dear Paya, would wear TROUSERS in those days? I knew then that I was lost, but he did not have to laugh at me and Frieza like that. It satisfies me that Frieza indeed blasted him, but I was forced to be chained in this depth of cyberspace, with a seal so strong no opportunity has yet arisen to free me.
"But now, after a hundred years of silent suffering and only virtual make- up, I can be freed! Yes, this Gohan kid will deliver me! Oh yes, more on that line of thought, use any means necessary to irritate and torture this Gohan, I believe this 'activity week' in his school wil be the perfect opportunity."
The end of the speech by the red lion-like figure in a dress was spoken proudly and surely, he was pretty sure of himselfm, so anyone could see. The other figure, the servant, had his lower jaw stuck to the ground and his eyes bulged. He was covered in minute sweatdrops, and his left eye was twitching. When the story had finished, he picked up his jaw, nodded a 'thank you lord' and was off, visibly shaken to the bone.
***
Gohan took a seat next to Videl, trying to forget what she had done yesterday. He could feel she was somewhat sad, but she seemed also to radiate a determination and anger he had not seen before, not even on her. In fact, he wondered why he could feel her sadness, since none of her features showed any of it. Gohan shrugged it off and tapped her on the shoulder. Before he did so however, she turned around. Gohan raised an eyebrow, how did she know he was there?
"Hey Gohan."
"Hey Videl."
"Care to sit next to me?"
"Uh... sure why not /Son grin (TM)/"
Gohan could feel Videl melt as he smiled at her, though her face still didn't show it. Why could he feel she was getting giddy?
"So umm... Videl, what's this activity week about?"
"Well, we usually get invited by several celebrities to look around what they do."
"Oh... right."
***
The principal walked in, a small piece of paper in his hands. On it was the schedule of the activity week, in which the would visit the Jenko resid... hey... Son residence on the first day? WHAT?!? Satan residence on the second day? Kame House... the house of the legendary martial arts master, third day. BRIEFS RESIDENCE? 2 DAYS!? Then something about a lookout... what lookout were they talking about? And why were they going to spend three days there? This had not been in the staff meeting! They were supposed to be having a nice quiet trip again, not too much celebrities could be contacted this year, and now the two greatest were on the list... how was that possible? Well, it was on the list, so there was no use not announcing it.
In the darkness far below the ground, a figure trapped in a computer screen cackled evilly.
***
Videl looked at Gohan and eyed him curiously. He looked entirely happy like he normally did, but now she could feel some hidden surprise and wonderment as well as some nervosity. Odd, it was not on his face...
'must be my years of long training in psychology by dealing with all sorts of surprised and nervous criminals.'
She could feel his presence beside her as the prinicpal began his opening speech, and though she hated to admit it, it made her feel terribly giddy, a bodily reaction, because as much as she wanted to, she could not control it with anger. She growled and deepened her scowl, but saw Gohan look at her with pity. He smiled at her warmly, making her heart crumble even more, but she would not allow it.
"Why do you try to hide your happiness?" he asked softly.
The question took Videl completely by surprise, and her scowl fell to reveal a perplexed face. She quickly regained her composure and readjusted her face into the position it was familiar with. She crossed her arms, mocking anger, because she could only feel hurt and rejection inside.
"I am NOT happy, why would I gbe happy if I just had the worst night of my life?"
Videl could hear Gohan gulp and feel him growing even more nervous... and was that hurt she felt? She shrugged it off, letting her anger with Gohan still making her feel so good and seeing right through her overtake her giddyness, but it remained like a solid rock in a torrent of angry waves attempting to speed up the long process of erosion. She focussed her attention back onto the principal who was now about to announce the name.
"...will be spending a good deal of your time in the care of great celebrities. First off, the family of an old World Champion, the Son residence." Videl was overjoyed and dropped her angry façade to start clapping with the rest of the student body. She noticed Gohan beside her had visibly paled and was feeling very uncomfortable. He looked about ready to vomit.
"Then you will spend your next day in the home of the present World Champion and hero of all of Earth: SATAN HERCULE!"
The student body roared with approval and was now standing on its chairs, except for two teens, Videl, who had grown the same pale colour that Gohan had assumed and the aforementioned, growing even more pale.
"Then, if that's not enough, you will be visiting the Kame house, home to the legendary martial artist and multiple Bodoukai winner, Kamesennin!"
The roar got even more deafening, and Videl was now taking an interest in the ever pale Gohan, this week would most probably deliver her some answerd to sate her curiousity.
"Then, as if that were not enough, you will be going to the BRIEFS RESIDENCE! Where the technology that drives mankind has its origin!"
The roof was virtually blown off now. Videl found it interesting to watch as Gohan nearly became transparent.
"Then, you will have time to rest with someone who calls himself God, I believe he possesses some flute [4], probably some fakir or something, and you will be staying at Earth lookout!"
Just because of its enthusiasm, the student body kept roaring, though some among it could already be seen asking themselves what the hell this 'God with a flute' was. Videl was also temporarily distracted, wondering what was going on. When she focussed her attention back on the poor boy named Gohan, she noticed before seeing him that his feelings were blank. When she turned around she noticed he had fainted.
Yes, this would definitely be an interesting week.
****************
This actually didn't suck that badly! I am quite proud of this really, because it features some character building, half decent writing even at times. Though I am most proud of my effeminate super villain about to make Gohan's life hell, it was supposed to be a Frieza + henchmen spoof, but I think I overdid it a little, but I enjoyed making all this stuff up :) Down side is: less basal humour and crud like that, but I still managed to squease some in :) Hope you'll enjoy this, but read and review anyway!
Now as to the notes to this story:
[1] This is me speaking from experience. I hardly ever remember multiple dreams, let alone multiple (different) dreams about the same person. But dreams are funny things, and though I believe their foreboding capability is quite small, they will remain funny things.
[2] *nudges readers to remember this is an AU in which Gohan went to school a year earlier* This is another of those things that's changed, but only slightly, it does not yet have great consequences for the plot... I think *looks embarassed* alright so I make this stuff up while I'm writing, there's really no plan, so sue me! Actually, preferably not, finally got some 600 euros in the bank and plan to use it on other things than paying off debts and claims. Then again, there is SOMETHING of a plan going on now. Some rough outlines have been made... but, you'll need to see where it ends.
[3] Rough calculation by me... As my maths teacher once said, calculation is not for a mathematician, and he is right. What you need to do is find the correct formula to... aww, never mind, it's not like anyone cares out here anyway :)
Anyway: One day is 365 days in Room of Spirit and Time (litteral translation out of Japanese, sounds a heck of a lot better than Hyperbolic Time Chamber), happily discarding the extra day in february every other four years except in turnings of centuries dividable by some number I forgot (Anyone willing to tell me the exact rules in the Gregorian calender, review is the key... I'm too lazy to do a Google search). Then, assuming 10 hours of sleep is the wished amount (I like 10 hours, not too much, not too little, perfect), one multiplies it by 60 squared (minutes*seconds) to get the number of seconds that is, that makes 36000. Divide it by 365 to get the number of outside seconds elapsed (1 day:365 days=1 minute:365 minutes) then round up or down. If it doesn't sound too hard, try dividing 36000 over 365 without a calculator, estimation is possible, in fact if anything one could see that it is nearly 100, but not so. Nevertheles 1 minute 40 secs is very close to the real thing and calculable even if you do not have a mind to rival a computer's. Really, I am overclassing Gohan here.
[4] For those who did not get it yet, a piccolo is a small flute, Dende is God, do the math :P
Anyway, this thing was written (yes I write pro and epilogues AFTER writing the chapter, at least you know what you're talking about then and can anticipate some things) when I had just made music, generally putting me in a state of higher emotional and rational existence (that is not a joke!), therefor the first part of this is really introspective and not very shallow at all, even though it is chaotic (another consequence of making music :). Speaking of which, I will be making a demo sometime soon, and will shamelessly advertise for it here when I put it up. For those interested, our music is a little punky/powerpop/poprock/altrock. Gah, I hate giving a style for my music, it's so hard! Often I can pick out influences of bands like Eels and Grandaddy in my own writings and Blur in that of our drummer (we co-write), but give a single style, not really!
Anyway, that immediately brings me to the second part of this as we wander back to on-topicness, I will be keeping a combination of the two. For the moment, the plot will be to support general torture and comical situations, much like the original Dragonball (which I think far outdid the 'look at this new three hour fight scene' manga/anime of the later dragonball). Though I had not intended to do torture, I'm a torturous cynic and like to torture myself and other people around me (NO! I do not cut myself or practice SM, just verbally torturing them... oh my friends love me). Needless to say, torture elements found their way here, and will probably continue to find their way here in the future.
One last point, err... no, there's one after this. Anyway, I'd like to find out what it's like to have a beta-reader who picks out mistakes and gives comments on style, plot etc. Anyone interested, either mail or review me.
Last, a potential part of this fanfic, which I talked about, will be upped for a short time, I intended to put it in here in the end, but it is a major spoiler for the few plans I DO have with this fic, and is a very violent sex scene. So violent even that I doubt it would be allowed. Still, it's the only lemon I ever wrote and intend on writing. So if you are 'into' that stuff and do not mind to see the full g(l)ory of a Saiyan mating, go read TEST (it's how I will name it)
Now for answer to reviewers, there are quite a lot I believe.
GirlieGyarados: But beating myself up is what makes me feel good! Will you be so cruel as to steal my last comfort in this world? Heh. Anyway, the movie Goten was referring to I do not know since I made it up. Though my anime contact tells me that that there is some pretty scary hentai out there. I wouldn't know because I don't watch it, but Megatokyo also helps in this respect. *shrugs* as for the guys and breasts thing... though I do enjoy breasts yes, I think it is silly to be enthralled by them like Gohan was at that instance. Well, at such times anyway. Err, I'm rambling. As for liquor, it's just too hard to make a good statement really...
H20pologal: Have you read Tomber Amoureux? His usage of words and such has me caught up in stupified bafflement, I am ashamed of actually putting another chapter of this up. *whispers* Though he does overdo it at times. Wordings must be functional and he seems to forget that. About the nosebleeds, I just don't understand where they got THAT from I NEVER had a nosebleed over anything like that and can't remember any of my friends to have it either. On 3, couldn't agree more :) And yes, writer's block IS in the head, the very definition of writer's block is something along that lines. Unless of course you break both arms and can not find anyone to type for you :)
Goku's Daughter: I'm fine, just fine :) Heh, glad you liked it. I read forgotten some time ago. Though I admit I am not fond of self-inserts (at all) it was quite alright!
Dansama: Not anymore no, I'll change the summary accordingly :)
Tabi-chan: I'm focussing on other people now, but a little something with Goten and Trunks would be quite nice... perhaps next chapter :)
Last words, this chapter is a bit of a denouement and does not use much of the options put out in the last chapter... why? Because I hated how it was turning out and I am wasting no more time in that direction, partially to finally break writer's block. Some questions will remain some ends untied, I hope they will be thoroughly tied next chapter.
*********
Chapter 5: Supervillains enjoy torture
Videl looked at herself in the mirror. What she saw didn't please her too much. Her hair was a mess, her clothes were stained and underneath her eyes huge black stripes could be seen, usually associated with lack of sleep. The reflection of the room she was standing in, was in many ways a reflection of her soul at this moment, chaotic and messy, things straying here and there, remnants of last night party creating a haunting feeling. For the room, this was nothing that couldn't be fixed, the workers had already been busy making sure everything looked perfectly fine for when Hercule would wake up, images of him being beaten up by a couple of kids stepped into the vision her mind's eye, which were followed by a teenager fainting -he seemed familiar somehow- and then by a sharp pain in the back of her neck, she saw a bald man with his arms stretched as if he had hit her before the trail of 'memories' ended in blackness.
For her mind however, the chaos was terrible, no servant or worksman could clear her soul up, only she herself could sort out the mess which had formed itself in her soul yesterday at night... if she could only find out what had actually happened and what had not. Some of the things happening were so ludicrous they would need to be discarded, the image of her father being pummeled, his strength ridiculed by a pair of children with golden hair sprang to mind again. Noone could beat her father, especially not some children. Other images were harder to label 'impossible' or 'dream sequence'. Most notably two images of Gohan. In one he was shyly evading her advances... the sequence she remembered was very vague and many parts in it were blurred out by the shortcomings of human memory. She did remember some short bald guy talking and Gohan talking about some balls and wishes... it seemed rather important somehow, just like all the other parts of this 'dream' she remembered, as if the less notable parts had been left out. But she discarded it, because she did not know a short bald guy and she would never really force herself onto Gohan like this, especially not that kiss. Videl blushed as her train of thought now steamed itself into the direction of the other, more perverted dream sequence. She tried to block it out, but images of near naked Gohan mere inches away from her, caressing and gently stroking with his soft hands, whispering sensually into her ear and then... for the seventh time this evening, Videl derailed her train of thought so that no perverted thoughts would soil her mind again. Besides, THAT couldn't have happened, because she knew for a fact that they were flying, and flying was impossible, not to mention the queasily romantic green-pinkish background.
'Noone flies without the aid of machinery... that Saiyadork's flying MUST be a trick.'
But doubt was nibbling on some far away corner of her mind. Dreams weren't supposed to be as realistic as they had seemed, and a normal party would not have left such a mess. Furthermore, though she could now admit she loved Gohan, madly love him even, she thought having two sexually flavoured dreams about the same person was a bit too much [1], even though she was madly in love with him. She actually smiled at the thought of it... but her smile soon fell, into a depressed look.
'No'
She COULDN'T love Gohan, because he didn't love her back. The visions last night's memories that DID make sense showed her, proved her that. He had been indifferent about a relationship with her, he cared for her as no more than a friend. It hurt Videl, especially since after that she fell asleep in Gohan's arms... at least that's what she reasoned had happened, there was nowhere else she could have blacked out like that. A flash of memory revealed itself in that instance, it was something about a slim brown rope... no a tail, attached to... Gohan? That was impossible. She shook her head and concentrated on the mirror once more, trying to forget all the dreams. Her reflection was the same, but more awake now. She smiled at herself sadly as she saw she had unconsciously been crying...
"Crying... fool... Satan Videl does not cry, not for anyone."
Yes, crying was no good, especially about someone who was unreachable anyway... no, she should no longer think of HIM that way, he wasn't all that good as he said he was. He COULD not be weak, she had seen him in PE. He COULD not be innocent and honest, he had obviously lied to her about himself. He COULD not be as friendly as he showed himself then either, could he? Videl nodded to herself, putting on a determined scowl, forcefully driving out any remnants of love that were left, trying desperately to soothe the pain by replacing it with mistrust and feelings of superiority, the way she felt about all other people.
Yes, Gohan had been dishonest to her... noone lies to a Satan, he had tricked her, deceived her. Noone had ever gotten away with such a burden on his conscience. Videl then promissed to herself that she would stop sulking over the fool who was not worthy of her, no, anybody's attention, and find out what really drove him, what his motives were and then unmask him as the liar and fiend he could only be.
Videl sighed again. No, she couldn't do that. It would be dishonest to Gohan, even though he had lied to her, he was still kind, and though that kindness could be a farce, an attractive façade to fool the outside world, it was no reason to treat him like she would treat a villain. She was still his friend... she thought.
Videl lowered her head. This would be harder than she thought. But her mother would want her to give this boy a chance... she had always said she had been quick to judge and too superior to make a good social partner. It had been nagging her some time, but she knew that her mother was right. And this seemingly kind new student would be a good place to start, immediately giving her the training she should have in being nice to someone she would rather just beat into a bloody pulp. Videl smiled, as she thought how her mother would be proud of her if she found out.
But then she put up her determined scowl and raised her head.
"But it does not mean I am letting you off the hook Gohan. I will find out everything about you, all of the secrets, things you do not wish to be known. I will be curious and inquisitive, until death, so curious you can not even hope to hide your sorry ass."
Videl's confidence soared once more, and the high walls she had put around her emotions which had crumbled last night, were erected again, to an even higher and thicker state.
"I am a Satan. Noone hurts a Satan, not even a powerful alien set to destroy the world."
***
"You sure you altered everyone's mind correctly Piccolo? I wouldn't want them to remember anything at all about that fiasco last night, that horrendous catastrophy, that humongously terrifying debacle, that excruciatingly ---"
"YES. I am sure." Piccolo's brow was covered with several sweatdrops. Erasing the teenagers' minds had been incredulously easy, teenagers were apparently easy to manipulate... though they would probably not like to know that. But Gohan had been ranting all morning saying the same thing with different wordings... it must really have hit him hard for him to go in such a terrifying 'nerd mode'. Piccolo's left eye twitched a little as he remembered Chichi forcibly teaching Gohan all these, doubtlessly the cause to all the nonsense this 'new' Gohan spouted. Somebody would have to tell that horrible screeching woman that intelligence lay not in books and fancy wordings, but in experience. Intelligence wasted on physics would do noone any good in the real world. Piccolo never did quite understand what all these earthlings saw in the notions of 'professor' and such, to him they were labels equal to 'village idiot'. Intelligence was only of use when used in real life, using it on research was a waste.
"Though that 'Videl' of yours proved well nigh impossible to do. I don't think I made her forget anything." Piccolo growled at Gohan. He had been telling him the same for three hours now, and admitting that his mental abilities, even as thrice fused person, were not enough to erase the memory of a simple kid bothered him. If it weren't Gohan asking all this, he was sure he would not have repeated it again and again. At that piccolo's right mouth corner twitched, as if attempting to go into a patronising smile. Needless to say, it failed to make the Namek's mouth lose its reputation of scowls. But it did strike Piccolo how this kid, this crazy, emotionally unstable kid had gotten to him in such a way. And from what he had seen in that Videl's mind, ehe was not the only one affected. He blushed as he remembered what she had been dreaming at the time... human mating rituals were so vulgar and utterly disgusting. But he'd better not tell Gohan, his mind might overload.
Piccolo suddenly noticed that Gohan hadn't spoken for some time. He looked at Gohan from the corner of his eyes, and saw that he had now come to stand beside him, watching over the green Earth with him. Yes, the Lookout provided a view both calming and enticing and those who had not had a job as former God to this planet, would no doubt wish to stand here just staring for hours.
"That was close Piccolo, and in my first week even." Gohan started, audibly calmed.
"Yes kid, it was. You should try some control and perhaps isolate yourself a bit more from this student community." Gohan swung his head to face Piccolo, a scowl unlike him draped over his normally kind face.
"Yes, why wouldn't I. They already think of me as the nerd who's got no sort of physical abilities. A weakling, Piccolo, they think of me as a weakling, while I could pulverise them with just blinking, no, withOUT even blinking." Gohan spoke with fury and hurt pride, his voice defiant and harsh. Piccolo now genuinely smiled. Chichi, through all her labours, had not yet managed to beat all the 'qualities' of Saiyan existence out of Gohan, though she had managed to hide them very deeply. Another year, and he might not have cared what everyone thought about him [2]. But Piccolo had to admit, it had to be hard to not be recognised as a saviour. Gohan might not have cared if it were just that, but people had suffered because of him, died even. He had been hrt and now there was no recognition OR respect for him who had saved all THEIR weak behinds. Piccolo could understand, but did not sympathise. Gohan should be above such petty teasings and name calling, he should know that for himself and the Z fighters, he was a hero, and nothing anyone said could change it. Piccolo knew Gohan longer than today, and knew he would probably need to beat this wisdom into him, like he had done 12 years ago in training, but he did not feel like beating now, so he settled for the next best thing.
"Well then what do you suggest? Kill some of them to teach them a lesson? Wear black clothing and take three piercings? Yell at them and beat them up for teasing you? Stop acting as a weakling?" to Piccolo's surprise Gohan nodded fanatically. He must have been more hurt than at first thought. But there would be enough time to beat some wisdom into him later, Piccolo was on a role now anyway. Besides, what difference did it make to postpone this for a week or so?
"And what would your mother say of any such things?" Piccolo replied with no hint of amusement, mocking or even any tone in his voice. Gohan paled.
"Ehm... well, err..."
"I though so kid. Now you better take some rest, if I understand correctly there is something at your school today, every single one of your classmates was looking forward to it. Even that Videl of yours." He saw Gohan getting ready to protest against the 'Videl' part, but then realisation dawned on him.
"Something at school? On Saturday?" Piccolo's brow got a little sweaty again. This was Gohan, who would stop at nothing to do his studies?
"Ehh... yeah. They thought something about 'activity week' or such. I think they thought it was around noon on Saturday in the school auditorium."
"WHAT?!?! It's nearly noon now!" Piccolo concentrated deeply.
"11:36 to be precise."
"NOO! Why me? I haven't had any sleep yet! I am totally exhausted!"
"Err... well, what about the Room of Spirit and Time?"
"Oh! Of course! Piccolo you're a genius! See you in approximately... 1 minute 39 seconds, rounded up![3]" with that, Gohan ran off, leaving a heavily sweating Piccolo behind. He rubbed his temples in irritation, when suddenly he felt something. It was not much, a reflection of a reflection of something gravely evil, but it was definitely there. When Piccolo concentrated on the source of it, it was long gone.
***
"Lord Hita."
The room was dark and empty, the only thing visible was a screen on the far side of the room, but the man who had entered had definitely done so through a door. The speaker had a low booming voice, and was obviously afraid of what was trapped in the screen.
"Lord Hita, I am requesting an audience, we have most joyous news."
The screen remained blank however. Until letters appeared on it. The aura of fear, darkness and general evilness in the room intensified. Disturbing lord Hita was known to cause great pain and even death if the disturbance was very grave. The man who was most obviously a lackey was trembling in fear as the letters spelled out his death sentence. Yes, the disturbance was grave, graver than most others. Hita was known to be lenient to his servants and lackeys, but to disturb him at a time like this meant certain death. The lackey took one last look at the screen, taking in the full meaning of the words. Yes, he was doomed.
-DON'T DISTURB ME WHILE I'M POLISHING MY TOENAILS-
***
"So, then I found Gohan being attacked by this REALLY hot girl, she was topless and incredibly horny."
Oolong and master Roshi were listening intently, drool dabbling on the sides of their mouths. It was fortunate that 18 had decided to take Marron out and go shopping with her. She had torn apart her other baby clothes. She was definitely shaping up to be a strong young lady, at such a young age too! But now Krillin could brag about his experiences without his wife having him on the leash.
"AND THEN? WHAT HAPPENED THEN?"
"Well... hehe... then the girl noticed me and I acted really smooth, then she immediately dropped Gohan and moved up to me and began to sensuously rub herself against me. But, as a married man, I had to decline of course. Man, the trouble I have to put up with for being so damned sexy."
Crickets chirped when Krillin had finished his boast. He saw that Roshi and Oolong had large sweatdrops on their foreheads. He then noticed they were in the middle of the ocean, and crickets generally did not appear there. Had it been that bad?
"As if we'd believe that Krillin." Oolong finally said, Roshi nodding his head in consent.
"Hey! It's true! Every time I go shopping I need to beat women off me with a stick!" Krillin said indignantly.
"Probably because they are trying to put a sack over your head." Oolong retorted. Krillin's forehead had ever more veins throbbing on it.
"Besides, you couldn't act smooth if your life depended on it Krillin." Roshi added.
"HEY! What do you think about me getting 18 huh? Isn't she the biggest babe around?"
"Krillin, sorry to burst your bubble, you didn't get her, she got YOU. You're her running boy, her slave, you even let your hair grow because she asked you to. I don't think love's involved." Oolong continued calmly.
"Then what about our kid, hm?" Krillin had a look of triumph on his face. Oolong looked down, not knowing what to say. Roshi however, readjusted his glasses, making them reflect the light in a way that usually preceded one of Roshi's few wise moments. And indeed, he spoke.
"Yes, I wondered about that, especially since you keep separate beds. Ever bother to do a DNA test on the kid?" Roshi had spoken calmly and articulately, making Krillin all the more furious, both his eyes twitched, all the veins in his body were throbbing vehemently and his body was shaking and reddening.
"That's IT!! YOU ARE DEAD!"
And there we leave the Kame House, to cover the following scene up with the curtain of love and peace as pieces of furniture make new entrances and exits in the pink mansion and screams of pain and agony fill the air, rivalling the best reprimanding screams Chichi ever managed to out.
***
"Yes lord Hita [pronounce: Heetah], I do think yellow and pink suit your figure."
"Ah... thank you Paya [pronounce: Pie-ah]. Your judgment is the only I can trust on these days. Did you know there were three of your colleagues who actually thought yellow and pink did not suit me? Some even had a comment on the new lace pantyhose I programmed yesterday. I hope their loss was not too grievous on you."
The man opposite the screen was obviously fighting the completely rational uge to run away disgusted at the sight of a burly red man with two horns on the sides of his hands and long yellow ears like a lion's situated on the top of his head and large orange manes combined with a slightly deeper orange beard and malicious coalblack eyes with red pupils wearing a frilly pink and yellow dress with a lace pantyhose. He managed to control his natural response and shake his head in a cautious no. The burly man on the screen smiled warmly at him, winking at him with long black obviously made up eyelashes
"So Paya, what was this news of yours?"
"Errr... well, sir we found the perfect candidate for your release. We believe this boy can deliver enough irritation to free you from the bonds which restrain you. He is easy to manipulate and torture and his pride makes him responsive to it. His surroundings are perfect, he is part of a secret society of crazy people of some strength, though of course not as strong as you my lord, last time we measured they had a strength of some 13- 150 kilis your lordship has twice as much as their most powerful warriors."
"I see... download the data into my computer."
The man identified moved towards the computer screen and pushed something resembling a floppy disk into a slot underneath the screen. The burly red man purred.
"Ahh... yes, this person... he is perfect for our plan. I will be free and show Frieza there is no insulting me, not even in an official contest."
"Excuse me for asking my lord, but what exactly was this contest that got you in here?"
"You mean to tell me you know not of our darkest hour? Oh, very well, you are my most loyal servant, I will tell you.
"You see, a long time ago, I believe it was some hundred years, Frieza and I were envelopped in a bitter struggle for supremacy over the Intergalactical Terrorisation Rights to the galaxy. Needless to say, those rights are coveted by any and all bandits in the galaxy. The planetary terrorisation business is not only big and profiting, but also very fun and inter-planetary estimates have shown that even the next 3000 years, planetary pillage will be an important part of any empire's income, far outweighing such things as inter-planetary trade, though the trade in panties was picking up when I was sealed.
"But we are straying from the story here. At the time, there were three big empires, the do-goody wussys of the Tuffles, their technology and trade was at a level far beyond our own, but they were /shudder/ pacifists. Needless to say, when the United Planets decided to make a bill of rights for pillagers everywhere, at which, I must add, I also had a lasting victory by legalising the wearing of non-parliamentary clothes in in Council. Do you know how constricting those United Planets skirts were?
"But, once again I am straying. After that bill of rights had been ratified, my and lord Cold's empires took up on the planetary pillaging business, taking great territories for ourselves, and eventually even disbanding the United Planets. The Tuffles, with their wussy economy, also fell back to their one home planet, but I am told they guarded it fiercely. It was not in our territory anyway, so I know not what happened to it in the end. By then Cold and my father, Hiito had gotten into conflict. They decided they would decide the fate of their empires in a duel, which never happened because I killed my fath... I mean, my father had an accident, and Cold was also mysteriously struck down with some exotic virus or something. Therefor, his so Frieza and I decided to watch over the empires. But soon we too got into a fight, in fact Frieza insulted my manliness. I of course would not let such an insult stand. We then took a man called Bifu Keiko [pronounce: Beef-u Cake-o ;P ] to judge our contest as he was widely known to be the manliest of men. I objected of course, the man did not know the difference between silk and satin! But, I eventually yielded.
"I thought the win would be easy since I knew for a fact that Frieza did not know manliness if it hit him in the face. He had never even worn a good dress! In fact, I have never even seen him wear anything other than that stupid effeminate armour of his. Pfeh, that makes you look so girly. Anyway, still wanting to show off with my studly manliness, I decided to travel through my empire, taking what fashion and make up I though was required. I ended up with a nice pink dress, not unlike this one, but it had white underneath, made from a nice, really soft fabric that appealed directly to my fashion sense. Oh, of course I can bore you now with many tales and adventures as I travelled through the empire, but I doubt it would interest you.
"Eventually though, the day of the contest arrived, and I met Frieza in the dressing room. I laughed at him. He had made a new version of that effeminate armour of his, and hoped to win with that... the fool, I thought. But then I saw our judge, I had read articles about this Bifu, but meeting him in the flesh was horrible. He had no fashon sense whatsoever! He wore trousers for God's sake! And what sensible man of some social stature, no offense meant my dear Paya, would wear TROUSERS in those days? I knew then that I was lost, but he did not have to laugh at me and Frieza like that. It satisfies me that Frieza indeed blasted him, but I was forced to be chained in this depth of cyberspace, with a seal so strong no opportunity has yet arisen to free me.
"But now, after a hundred years of silent suffering and only virtual make- up, I can be freed! Yes, this Gohan kid will deliver me! Oh yes, more on that line of thought, use any means necessary to irritate and torture this Gohan, I believe this 'activity week' in his school wil be the perfect opportunity."
The end of the speech by the red lion-like figure in a dress was spoken proudly and surely, he was pretty sure of himselfm, so anyone could see. The other figure, the servant, had his lower jaw stuck to the ground and his eyes bulged. He was covered in minute sweatdrops, and his left eye was twitching. When the story had finished, he picked up his jaw, nodded a 'thank you lord' and was off, visibly shaken to the bone.
***
Gohan took a seat next to Videl, trying to forget what she had done yesterday. He could feel she was somewhat sad, but she seemed also to radiate a determination and anger he had not seen before, not even on her. In fact, he wondered why he could feel her sadness, since none of her features showed any of it. Gohan shrugged it off and tapped her on the shoulder. Before he did so however, she turned around. Gohan raised an eyebrow, how did she know he was there?
"Hey Gohan."
"Hey Videl."
"Care to sit next to me?"
"Uh... sure why not /Son grin (TM)/"
Gohan could feel Videl melt as he smiled at her, though her face still didn't show it. Why could he feel she was getting giddy?
"So umm... Videl, what's this activity week about?"
"Well, we usually get invited by several celebrities to look around what they do."
"Oh... right."
***
The principal walked in, a small piece of paper in his hands. On it was the schedule of the activity week, in which the would visit the Jenko resid... hey... Son residence on the first day? WHAT?!? Satan residence on the second day? Kame House... the house of the legendary martial arts master, third day. BRIEFS RESIDENCE? 2 DAYS!? Then something about a lookout... what lookout were they talking about? And why were they going to spend three days there? This had not been in the staff meeting! They were supposed to be having a nice quiet trip again, not too much celebrities could be contacted this year, and now the two greatest were on the list... how was that possible? Well, it was on the list, so there was no use not announcing it.
In the darkness far below the ground, a figure trapped in a computer screen cackled evilly.
***
Videl looked at Gohan and eyed him curiously. He looked entirely happy like he normally did, but now she could feel some hidden surprise and wonderment as well as some nervosity. Odd, it was not on his face...
'must be my years of long training in psychology by dealing with all sorts of surprised and nervous criminals.'
She could feel his presence beside her as the prinicpal began his opening speech, and though she hated to admit it, it made her feel terribly giddy, a bodily reaction, because as much as she wanted to, she could not control it with anger. She growled and deepened her scowl, but saw Gohan look at her with pity. He smiled at her warmly, making her heart crumble even more, but she would not allow it.
"Why do you try to hide your happiness?" he asked softly.
The question took Videl completely by surprise, and her scowl fell to reveal a perplexed face. She quickly regained her composure and readjusted her face into the position it was familiar with. She crossed her arms, mocking anger, because she could only feel hurt and rejection inside.
"I am NOT happy, why would I gbe happy if I just had the worst night of my life?"
Videl could hear Gohan gulp and feel him growing even more nervous... and was that hurt she felt? She shrugged it off, letting her anger with Gohan still making her feel so good and seeing right through her overtake her giddyness, but it remained like a solid rock in a torrent of angry waves attempting to speed up the long process of erosion. She focussed her attention back onto the principal who was now about to announce the name.
"...will be spending a good deal of your time in the care of great celebrities. First off, the family of an old World Champion, the Son residence." Videl was overjoyed and dropped her angry façade to start clapping with the rest of the student body. She noticed Gohan beside her had visibly paled and was feeling very uncomfortable. He looked about ready to vomit.
"Then you will spend your next day in the home of the present World Champion and hero of all of Earth: SATAN HERCULE!"
The student body roared with approval and was now standing on its chairs, except for two teens, Videl, who had grown the same pale colour that Gohan had assumed and the aforementioned, growing even more pale.
"Then, if that's not enough, you will be visiting the Kame house, home to the legendary martial artist and multiple Bodoukai winner, Kamesennin!"
The roar got even more deafening, and Videl was now taking an interest in the ever pale Gohan, this week would most probably deliver her some answerd to sate her curiousity.
"Then, as if that were not enough, you will be going to the BRIEFS RESIDENCE! Where the technology that drives mankind has its origin!"
The roof was virtually blown off now. Videl found it interesting to watch as Gohan nearly became transparent.
"Then, you will have time to rest with someone who calls himself God, I believe he possesses some flute [4], probably some fakir or something, and you will be staying at Earth lookout!"
Just because of its enthusiasm, the student body kept roaring, though some among it could already be seen asking themselves what the hell this 'God with a flute' was. Videl was also temporarily distracted, wondering what was going on. When she focussed her attention back on the poor boy named Gohan, she noticed before seeing him that his feelings were blank. When she turned around she noticed he had fainted.
Yes, this would definitely be an interesting week.
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This actually didn't suck that badly! I am quite proud of this really, because it features some character building, half decent writing even at times. Though I am most proud of my effeminate super villain about to make Gohan's life hell, it was supposed to be a Frieza + henchmen spoof, but I think I overdid it a little, but I enjoyed making all this stuff up :) Down side is: less basal humour and crud like that, but I still managed to squease some in :) Hope you'll enjoy this, but read and review anyway!
Now as to the notes to this story:
[1] This is me speaking from experience. I hardly ever remember multiple dreams, let alone multiple (different) dreams about the same person. But dreams are funny things, and though I believe their foreboding capability is quite small, they will remain funny things.
[2] *nudges readers to remember this is an AU in which Gohan went to school a year earlier* This is another of those things that's changed, but only slightly, it does not yet have great consequences for the plot... I think *looks embarassed* alright so I make this stuff up while I'm writing, there's really no plan, so sue me! Actually, preferably not, finally got some 600 euros in the bank and plan to use it on other things than paying off debts and claims. Then again, there is SOMETHING of a plan going on now. Some rough outlines have been made... but, you'll need to see where it ends.
[3] Rough calculation by me... As my maths teacher once said, calculation is not for a mathematician, and he is right. What you need to do is find the correct formula to... aww, never mind, it's not like anyone cares out here anyway :)
Anyway: One day is 365 days in Room of Spirit and Time (litteral translation out of Japanese, sounds a heck of a lot better than Hyperbolic Time Chamber), happily discarding the extra day in february every other four years except in turnings of centuries dividable by some number I forgot (Anyone willing to tell me the exact rules in the Gregorian calender, review is the key... I'm too lazy to do a Google search). Then, assuming 10 hours of sleep is the wished amount (I like 10 hours, not too much, not too little, perfect), one multiplies it by 60 squared (minutes*seconds) to get the number of seconds that is, that makes 36000. Divide it by 365 to get the number of outside seconds elapsed (1 day:365 days=1 minute:365 minutes) then round up or down. If it doesn't sound too hard, try dividing 36000 over 365 without a calculator, estimation is possible, in fact if anything one could see that it is nearly 100, but not so. Nevertheles 1 minute 40 secs is very close to the real thing and calculable even if you do not have a mind to rival a computer's. Really, I am overclassing Gohan here.
[4] For those who did not get it yet, a piccolo is a small flute, Dende is God, do the math :P