-Howdy! Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, but do to circumstances beyond my control I've had to tangle with a few unavoidable distractions that have been hampering my workflow and delaying this posting… Okay, okay, truthfully I bought a new video game and I've been playing that, but I really did run into some problems! It's not really writers block, luckily I've never had to deal with that and if anything my biggest problem has been having too many ideas, but I do seem to go through a dead period where I go completely brain dead. I'll get burnt out for a week or two, and during that time I can just never seem to get myself into writing. I forced myself to write most of this chapter during one of those periods, so I'm sorry if this installment is a little lacking in quality compared to what your use to from me. Not that I'm writing a masterpiece here mind you, but a few of you really seem to be enjoying this story. I thank all four of you. Well, read on, and enjoy the story!

Chapter Ten


Videl grumbled, as she stared at Gohan from across the lunch table. Gohan smiled at her, trying his best to maintain his usually cheery and friendly disposition. However, Gohan was not the type that faked his emotions very well. This was something Videl had picked up about him as she grew closer to him, and got to know him better. This had been going on for the better part of a week now, and she knew it had something to do with Ryo. Ryo had been acting much the same way as Gohan had, except he didn't try to hide how he felt like Gohan was doing. They apparently had some sort of falling out, or disagreement that neither boy was willing to budge on. Videl had no idea what the problem was considering that neither boy would talk to her about it, and that was beginning to piss her off. Still, she was determined to find out, whether they were willing to cooperate or not.

Whatever the problem was, Ryo was apparently the catalyst when it came to dragging the problem on. Videl had watched Gohan approach Ryo several times to talk things over, but each time he tried Ryo usually just ignored him completely. He'd even begun ignoring her at times, but at least Ryo would talk to Videl when she approached him. Whenever she'd mention Gohan, that's when the conversation would halt, usually ending with Ryo walking away from her without much more then a sigh.

If only getting Gohan and Ryo back on speaking terms was her only problem, then this mess would've been much easier to clean up. That just wasn't the only issue as far as Videl was concerned. Her mind kept cycling back and forth from the boy's problems, and back to her own issue. The issue of what happened, or more accurately what didn't happen, between her and Gohan just a few days before. She felt guilty for it, but she couldn't help herself. She felt something when she was with him… Whatever it was it sure felt good, and she liked it. Her mother had told her when Videl was really young that you'd know when you found someone special because you felt differently around that person then you did with anybody else. For instance that little fluttery feeling you get in your chest whenever he's around you, or his ability to make you do or say things that are so utterly stupid they make you want to bang your head against the wall Repeatedly. If not those, then other things that cater more to that persons personality. One of Videl's other things included getting angry with Gohan over the silliest little things at times, but mostly for his complete ignorance to whenever she tried to lay a hint in to him or hit on him.

Videl wasn't completely sold on her mother's mushy views on the subject, remember Videl wasn't your ordinary young lady by any stretch of the imagination. All she knew was that she liked it when she was around Gohan, started to hate it sometimes when they were separated for a long period of time, and her ability to talk to Gohan about just about anything without a second thought. He would never judge her in any way, and simply was just there to lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. The type of person Videl thought a guy of her generation was incapable of being for the longest time. She loved the way he smiled, and there was just something about him that drew her to him. And that night when she accidentally stumbled into his arms, and they almost… She shivered just thinking about it. She could quite honestly say she would've snapped that asshole Riego's neck for just three or four extra seconds to feel what it might've been like… She wondered if Gohan had been thinking about that to.

But of course she knew he wasn't. He'd been having his own problems, and she was probably the farthest thing from his mind. That's one of the reasons she needed to hurry this up, and get things patched up with those two. Then she could concentrate on Gohan. Hell, there was no use pretending anymore. She was a girl used to getting what she wanted anyway… And now she wanted Gohan, she was sure of it. All that was left now was to find out if he wanted her in the same way…

"Why don't you at least try to talk it out with him Gohan?" Videl asked, after a good long period of silence.

Gohan continued to stare at the table, though he grimaced slightly. "There's no point. I've already tried to talk with him about it a dozen times, and he won't have anything to do with me. When he's ready to talk it out, let him come to me. If he's going to act like a child, I just assume not mess with him until he grows up anyway!"

"From what I've observed he's not the only one acting like a child!" Videl grumbled. "Watching you sitting here pouting like a five year old! What did you guys do anyway? Did someone steal someone's favorite toy?! What the hell happened anyway?! I want to help you guys, but I can't if I don't know what you two are fighting about!"

"I'm sorry Videl, but it's personal. We're not really fighting, we're just not talking right now…"

"What's the difference?!" Videl fumed, growing agitated. "I'm your friend too right, so why won't you guys talk to me?! This doesn't have something to do with me does it? This isn't about the other night is it? I mean, Ryo even setup that little rendezvous and all…"

"No, it has nothing to do with you Videl," Gohan smiled weakly. Then he started to give in… Videl was right. She did have the right to know what was going on. He didn't wish for her to get caught in the middle, but it looked as if she was going to stick herself right in-between them regardless if she knew or not. He figured it wouldn't hurt to tell her… Without revealing any details she didn't need to know that was. "Videl… You're right, you do at least deserve to know the basics… Let's just say that I said something I shouldn't have, though it was true and I won't go back on what I said. It's the way that it came across that I regret… Now that I think about it, I can't blame Ryo for being upset with me. I'd be mad too if one of you guys said something like that to me…"

A sly look developed on Videl's face. "So in other words… It is your fault after all, even though you've been swearing up and down to me it was all Ryo's."

"No, it's both our fault," Gohan admitted. "I was just angry when I tried to pin it all on him. I shouldn't have said what I did, but he shouldn't have been acting the way he was that got me to tell him what I did."

"I see… So what exactly did you say, and what exactly was Ryo doing?"

"I'm sorry Videl, but that's where it starts getting personal," Gohan told her straight out. "I shared with you more then I wanted to, so can we please just leave it at that?"

"Okay, I can live with that for now," Videl sighed. "It's more then I've known for a week now." You know you should really consider talking it out with Ryo though. As a matter of fact, I happen to know he's willing to talk it out with you. He told me so himself just this morning."

Gohan's head perked up. "Really? Why didn't he just talk to me then, instead of telling you…"

"I don't know! You're the one he's pissed off at, so you tell me! He probably wants to meet you in a more secluded spot to talk instead of such a crowded area like the school. Do you remember that special little spot of mine in the park where you gave me back my locket that one day?"

"Yes…"

"He wants you to meet him there after school," Videl lied. This was something she was merely throwing out there at the spur of the moment. "So you boys can talk it out amongst yourselves."

"He really does huh?… Okay, I'll be there then. He better be serious about this though, or I'm through trying!"

"Don't worry about it, he is… He'll be there," Videl said, failing to sound all that sure of herself. Luckily, Gohan didn't pick up on this. That is if I can talk him into… Man, I should've thought this over before I opened my big mouth! Oh well, one down just one more to go then…

Videl caught up with Ryo shortly after lunch. She didn't even care if she wound up late for class, avoiding one little tardy was rather low on her priority list. As Videl suspected, Ryo ignored her at first, and tried to outrun her. Videl was not the type to be ignored or avoided however. Videl eventually ran him down, and Ryo reluctantly stopped to acknowledge her presence. "What is it Videl? If this is about Gohan then just forget it, I don't want to talk about him! Now if you don't mind, we need to get to class before we're late!"

"I'm aware of that, but I only need a minute of your time! I'll make it quick… It is about Gohan but…"

Ryo growled in disgust, and turned away from her. "Ah, give it a rest Videl! I told you that I don't want to talk about this!"

"If you'd just give me a second I'd…" Videl was left with her mouth hanging open, as she realized Ryo was walking away from her. Her head bobbed a bit, before her face started to boil red. With a growl, Videl grabbed Ryo by the side of his arm, and slammed him up against a row of lockers. Ryo looked a bit confused, that was until Videl got right in his face shooting him a heated glare that almost singed his eyebrows. "WAIT JUST A DAMN MINUTE RYO! DON'T YOU EVER WALK AWAY FROM ME AGAIN WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU! I'M SICK AND TIRED OF WATCHING YOU AND GOHAN FIGHT LIKE CHILDREN! YOU'RE GOING TO SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY OR I'LL!…"

Ryo didn't appear shaken in the least by Videl's harsh town. The only part of his face that moved was his eyebrow when it rose upward. "Or you'll what?"

"OR I'LL!…" Videl's face softened in surprise, and that quickly changed into a bit of a frown at Ryo's apparent lack of respect of her. Normally she would've intimidated guys into sweating or cowering in a corner by now, including Gohan, and yet Ryo here look almost bored. "Well I… Okay, I don't know what I'll do but… What's the deal here, you're not scared of me?"

"Well no, not in particular."

"Well you should be!" Videl snorted. "I'm Satan Videl you know! The…"

"The daughter of Hercule, champion of the world and the man who defeated Cell," Ryo mocked, using his best Videl voice. "Whoopee! Forgive me for not cowering in your presence, but I have no reason to be afraid of you. You forget that I know you better then most, and I know you wouldn't really try to hurt me unless I give you a damn good and violent reason."

"I guess you got me there…" Videl half frowned, half smirked. "Still, you are going to listen to me! I don't care if we have to ditch school for the rest of the day if that's what it takes to get you to talk!"

"Fine," Ryo sighed in submission. "If it'll put a stop to all this, then just get it over with!"

"It's simple really. I have a message from Gohan… He wants to meet you in the park after school today to talk out your little problem. He would've asked you himself, but since you're not talking to him he asked me to tell you instead… He wouldn't tell me what you guys were fighting over, but he did give me a little insight. I don't know what he said to you, but whatever it was he regrets that it apparently came out all wrong. The only question I have left is, are you going to mature a little lightning fast and try to work this thing out, or are you going to keep ignoring him and pouting like a five year old about it?!"

Ryo opened his mouth to retort, but face faulted before he could. It took a moment for Videl's words to sink in, and when they did it was almost like they had mapped out an entirely new horizon in that sometimes-stubborn head of his. "Damn… I have been acting… Fine Videl… I'll meet Gohan after school today… On one condition though, that you leave the issue be for the time being, and give me some time to think things through."

"Sounds fair to me, as long as you show up and leave the attitude behind!" Videl's eyes moved to the side, and her voice softened as she gave her next request. "I do have one thing I want to ask you before you go… You don't have to answer me if you don't want to, but I can't help but be curious. What exactly did Gohan say to you anyway?"

Ryo stared off into space, as if he were thinking over whether he should answer her or not. He gave a brief glance towards Videl before flipping his bag over his shoulder, and walking away. That was what she pretty much expected of him, but he did surprise her with one of his actions… He answered her. "He doesn't trust me."

Videl looked more than confused. "He doesn't trust you?! What is that supposed to mean?!" This time Ryo didn't bother to answer, leaving Videl to ponder that question on her own.

********

Gohan sat and waited anxiously under the cover of one of the many trees lining the area. He'd been there over a half hour now, and still no sign of Ryo… He wondered if the boy would even show. Gohan really hoped he would, he wanted to settle this thing here and now. He had gotten an opportunity to think more clearly over this situation over the past several hours. It was as simple as this… Ryo was one of the few friends he had, one of his best truthfully, and he had gone an alienated him. Trust was a very important factor among friends, people who were truly friends anyway and not just there to fill a void so you wouldn't be alone. He wanted to trust Ryo, he really did, and felt guilty that he really couldn't until he found out just where he came from. Still, he shouldn't have come out and told him that to his face like the did… He might've ruined any chance he had of anything like that developing by doing so.

Gohan jumped slightly when he heard some rustling in the brush behind him, cursing himself for not sensing the person's approach sooner. He knew who it was before he even looked up to see Ryo standing over him. Gohan couldn't tell if he looked more disgusted to be there, or if he was just really nervous. Just incase, he tired not to sound to enthusiastic or hostile as he greeted him. "Hey Ryo… What's up?"

"Nothing other then the usual…" Ryo trailed off, blushing slightly.

"So Videl said you wanted to talk to me?"

Ryo gave Gohan a funny look and laughed. "I wanted to talk to you? You are pathetic Gohan."

Gohan frowned. "Well, that's what she said! Did you want to talk, or did you just come to insult me?!"

"That's not the way I meant it Gohan," Ryo snickered again. "Let's put it this way, and maybe you'll pick up on what I'm trying say. Videl told me that *you* wanted to meet me here to talk it out."

"She did?" Gohan said, looking as confused as ever.

"Of course she did. She's the one that set this all up, I can't believe you didn't realize it when she told you! Poor Gohan, you are so naïve sometimes." Ryo sighed, and sat down next to Gohan. "But I still wanted to talk to you though… I've been doing some thinking, and now I realize how childish I've been acting lately… I'm sorry about ignoring you even when you were trying to apologize… I don't get really angry often, but when I do I stay that way for a while and I tend to act rather strangely. I tend to turn my back on the world, and try to walk away from life itself like it doesn't exist. I don't know why I act that way, I guess it developed from being alone for so long in my life. I've never been close to many people in my life. Just my sister, and my umm…" Ryo's face flushed red. "My friend… But I don't see either of them much anymore. I loved my Mom, but we never really bonded all that closely… She had her problems, and she passed away some time ago so that's a moot point anyway. You see, when you told me you didn't trust me that night, it just seemed like the same old story to me. All of the sudden I didn't have anybody to turn to. I was alone again so that's how I wanted to face my problems. That's why I seemed so bitter… For a while there, I really was determined to have nothing else to do with you guys, and go back the quiet dorky loner I was before you and Videl brought me out of my shell so to speak. That's just the way I am… Life's handed me lemons all my life, and eventually I got to the point where I hated lemonade."

Damn it! Gohan cursed to himself, along with several other various naughty words. Apparently, Ryo had very good reasons for not telling Gohan much about his life, and now he felt guilty for trying to pry it out of him. He was intent to listen though. Ryo finally seemed willing to provide a little insight to himself, and Gohan at least wanted to give him the courtesy of hearing him out. He hadn't been a very good friend lately, and now was a good time to start. The trust issue could wait for a moment, right now another topic was preying on his mind. "I can imagine… Hey, I've heard you mention your sister from time to time, but yet I've never met her. Is she close to you in age?"

Ryo laughed at this. "She's my twin!"

"Your twin?!" Gohan gaped. "Wow, and you never mentioned anything about that before?! Shouldn't she be going to school with us if she's the same age as you then? I mean, I haven't seen anyone who looks all that much like you…"

"Oh that. She doesn't live here, she lives in Tokyo with a foster family. And well… Technically she's a year younger then me, but that's where the story gets complicated. I'll have to save that one for another time."

"Fair enough. I'll leave it at that then…" Gohan quickly thought up something else. "Foster family? You mean she doesn't live with your father?"

"Are you kidding?!" Ryo practically growled. "He's a drunken idiot who isn't fit to raise kids! That's why Mom divorced him, and he couldn't get custody of us when she died a few years back…"

"So, you live with a foster family too then?" Gohan assumed.

"Nope, I live on my own. Have for almost three years now."

"Three years?! How do you support yourself?!"

Ryo snickered at Gohan's curiosity. "I know this is a lot to take in, but it's all true believe me. You see. my dad is what you might call loaded. My mother got half of his estate after the divorce, and when she died left her share to me. The money's enough to last me through college hopefully, and by then I should be able to get a job and wing it from there. It's not easy, but I've managed so far."

"I see…" Gohan stayed silent for a moment, trying to think up a decent way to get this conversation back on track to its true purpose. But first there was one little matter to clear up… Ryo smiled at Gohan, sensing the exact same thing he was.

"I can tell by the look on your face that you're wanting to get to the point, but first I think we need to ditch the small audience we seem to have gathered back there."

"I agree," Gohan smiled and turned his head towards some bushes a ways behind him. "Alright Videl, I think you've heard enough! You can go now!"

"He's right kid, we'll tell you all about it when we're through!"

"How did they know I was here?!" Videl barked, assuming she had been well covered. Without saying another word except a few low pitched mumbles, she walked back towards the park a ways hoping the boys would think she was already heading back. She then snuck back over to where the boys were talking, and quickly found what she thought was a better hiding place. The boys remained silent, sensing Videl's Ki returning after faking her exit.

"I'm serious Videl, you better leave now!" Gohan said.

"If you don't then we're not going to continue this conversation, and we'll be right back where we started tomorrow morning!" Ryo added.

"Fine I'm going!" Videl growled in frustration, deciding spying wasn't worth the risk. She wanted this issue settled right that minute. "You guys better be getting along next time I see you though!"

The boys waited until Videl's Ki finally ventured a safe distance away for them before they restarted their conversation. "Okay…" Gohan began. "I meant to say this before, but I didn't really mean that I didn't trust you Ryo… Well I did, but I want to trust you. I really do, but you make it so hard! I've seen too many homicidal monsters bent on universal domination or destruction in my lifetime not to be cautious when someone as inhumanly strong as you just appears out of the blue. Not to mention that you seem to know about most of my encounters and adventures when by all means you shouldn't! I'm sorry, but that creeps me out a bit Ryo. My trip to Namek, and my fight with Cell aren't exactly common knowledge! You know all this information about me, yet I know diddlysquat about you! It's frustrating, and I'm sorry that made me blow my top and offend you. I felt kind of betrayed myself that you don't seem to trust me either, since you refuse to tell me anything about you…"

"That's not the reason I haven't told you about myself Gohan… It's because of reason's I can't control, otherwise I'd love to. I do know a lot about you, and that's how I know I can trust you. I made a promise to someone I respect like a father, and I won't dishonor him by telling those secrets before the appropriate time. I hope you can understand that…" Ryo sighed, and dug his butt into the grass in hopes of making himself more comfortable. Surprisingly, it worked. "I can see where you're coming from though. I put myself in your shoes recently, and saw that I would feel much the same way you do if I were in your shoes… I'll tell you what. I can't tell you everything about me now but… I'll let you ask me two questions, and I'll answer them truthfully. Two questions of any kind. Try to ask me about what you want to know the most. Does that sound fair to you?"

"It's a start," Gohan smiled. "Okay then… You know, I think I can find out most of what I want to know with two questions. Yeah, I can live with that for now. As for my first well… I need to know this before I go crazy! How exactly do you know so much about me? I mean about Cell and Frieza and everything."

"I was worried you were going to as that," Ryo sighed. "Well, a deal's a deal. So tell me Gohan, do you believe in the paranormal?"

"The paranormal? You mean like ghosts, and sprit worlds and stuff?"

"Well yes, but not that exactly. I'm talking more along the lines of a sixth sense… Or the minds eye as some like to call it?"

"You mean like psychic powers? Yeah I believe, I actually know a couple people who have minimal psychic abilities like my friend…" Gohan stopped in mid-sentence when he realized what Ryo was suggesting. "Are you trying to tell me you're psychic?!"

Ryo simply nodded his head. "Have been most of my life. They use to be normal visions, but ever since I was fourteen now it's more like an early detection system. I only seem to have visions anymore when something bad is soon to occur. That's why I just happened to show up in the knick of time when that ninja attacked Videl the other night. I was in the middle of a hamburger when the vision popped into my head. I only had like ten minutes before the attack actually happened. Sometimes I even have visions of things that are happening right at that moment in places far away from me, so my power is a little less reliable then it use to be. I see little things from time to time. Like that day in the gym when you yanked that chin-up bar out of the wall."

"That's right you did warn me about that… And I thought you were only joking!" Gohan laughed. "That would explain how you knew to warn me about Rico, and that illegal gun deal at the warehouse down town! Damn, that really does explain a lot…"

"Yep. I've been having visions about you for years Son Gohan. I knew we'd be destined to meet someday. That's why I studied you rather hard on that first day of school, I wanted to make sure it was you. I hadn't really seen any visions of you since Cell, but I had a feeling it was you the second I felt your Ki walk into that school. The strongest man on Earth does tend to stick out in a crowd when it comes to energy. I had a truckload of visions about Videl before I met her too. You guys are two of three people I got to know like the back of my hand before I even met any of you. It was like I was seeing visions of who my friends would be in the future before I even met them. I'll be honest with you, I've thought of my psychic sense as a curse for the longest time, but things like that are kind of cool."

Gohan wasn't sure whether to be impressed, amazed, or just plain freaked. In the end, he wound up exhibiting parts of all three. "Wow… Truthfully, the sound of that is rather creepy Ryo… Also, I really don't see why you consider your special power a curse, and not a blessing. Then again, I'm not a psychic, so I have no idea what that might be like. At least you won't have to be so secretive whenever you see there's going to be trouble. You can come right out and just tell me now, and that's definitely an advantage. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure if I should take you seriously the first couple of times you warned me Videl might be in trouble. I'm glad I did now though, otherwise she might not be here today…"

"Since you put it that way, I guess seeing the future does have its advantages… Still, sometimes I wish I'd just wake up one morning at it would be gone, but the funny thing is that when I think about it I'd probably just wish I had it back… That's the way things usually seem to work out anyway. You know sometimes I think…" Ryo stopped talking, and smiled at Gohan. Gohan smiled back, sensing the same thing he had yet again. "She just doesn't know when to quit does she?"

Gohan rolled his head over to the side as far as he could without turning around. "What did we tell you Videl?!"

"We're serious! If you don't cease your ease dropping this instant, then we're going to drop everything and go home! This is your last warning!"

"Damn it! Okay, I'm going!" Videl barked, practically fuming as she stormed back towards the park. "How the hell do you keep catching me anyway?! You'd think you were psychic or something!"

Ryo and Gohan looked at each other, and couldn't help but laugh. They waited for Videl's Ki to leave the immediate area before Gohan restarted their conversation. "I guess she didn't sneak up on us in time to hear that part huh?"

"Ah, I prefer it that way. There's a reason I don't broadcast my sixth sense to the world now Gohan. Probably for the same reason you refuse to tell anyone you're half Sayian. You could probably guess what the results of revealing either one of our little secrets would be. People would either think we were freaks, or lunatics who belong inside some rubber walls somewhere wearing straight jackets! We'd be even more distant social outcasts then we already are now!"

"That's kind of hard to imagine…"

"Why is so hard to imagine?" Ryo scoffed. "People are fickle Gohan. Ordinary people are afraid of people who are different from them…"

"Hold on Ryo, that's not what I meant! I meant that I find it hard to believe our social standing could possibly get worse. I think most of our classmates already consider us as dorky as it gets."

"Like I care," Ryo snickered. "Let them think what they want. If they want to judge me without knowing me then they only succeed in proving me right."

"I suppose so… I guess considering the type of life you've lived, it's no wonder you think that way…" Gohan had a million different questions he wanted to ask the boy, but it didn't take him long to decided on one of them. There was one other thing he had to know, no question about it. "Alright then Ryo… I have one more question left right? I want you to tell me just who these Ray Lien are."

Ryo's face suddenly grew serious. His brow creased over his eyes, and he stood up prompting Gohan to do the same. This was a topic he just didn't feel like sitting down to discuss. "The Ray Lien are like nothing you've ever seen before, but then again just about every one is in a way. The Ray Lien are a band of assassins that dress and operate similar to the way ancient Japanese ninjas did back in old Japan, except the Ray Lien make them look like nothing more then babies in desperate need of potty training! Details of their history are sketchy, and it's unknown where and how they originated. Where they operate is also unknown, and they gather the lowliest of life from different planets all across the universe to fill their ranks. Kings and leaders of planets all over this galaxy and others have called on them to take out their enemies, and they rarely fail. Even the one you called Frieza sought out their services on several occasions."

"But why are they here then? Who sent them?"

"Those are two things I'd like to know myself…" Ryo sighed. "My special power isn't perfect, and it has dulled from what it was when I was younger. At this present time I haven't had any visions, or any other clues that might tell me who sent them here. I have theories as to why they're here, but no solid proof to convince me completely however."

"But why would they go after Videl then?" Gohan frowned. "Not to mention why they targeted me, or Vegeta… I don't know if you know who he is or not, but he's kind of sort of a friend of mine I guess…"

"Yeah, I know who Vegeta is," Ryo smiled. "As to why the Ray Lien targeted you two, I'm fairly sure I can answer that one. The Ray Lien have been known to take jobs where they help out a group that's trying to take over another planet. Though they don't participate in the invasion itself, they help out by assassinating the leaders or strongest warriors on that planet. That way the invading force has little if any opposition when they invade. That's why they went after you and Vegeta, since you two are the strongest beings on this planet. However, considering the look on Syro's face when you went Super Sayian, I'd say they sorely underestimated you."

"Now I wouldn't be to sure about that Ryo… That Syro was strong, but like most everyone he wasn't any match for me once I went Super Sayian. If I hadn't, he might've had a shot at defeating me. If the Ray Lien truly weren't aware that Super Sayian's actually existed, then the oversight is understandable."

"You have a point there," Ryo admitted. "Guess I forgot to consider that."

"So are all the Ray Lien that strong, or is there a difference?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," Ryo grinned. "They actually have several different classes of warriors, based on individual strength. You can tell what rank a Ray Lien is by the color of their Gi. They start off wearing pink when they're rookies or level one. Riego was just a level one Ray Lien, which was why I defeated him with relative ease. That's also why they sent him after Videl. Though she's strong for a human, she's otherwise relatively weak in the grand scheme of things so they figured a level one should be enough to handle her. It goes up from there to level two which is yellow, three red, four green, and five blue such as Syro was. Technically, I guess they did send one of their strongest fighters after you."

"If Syro was as strong as they get, then I don't think we'll have much of a problem handling them," Gohan boasted.

"Not so fast Gohan. Remember that you let your guard down back there, and Riego still managed to get the jump on you despite the tremendous difference in your power levels. These guys don't like to fight head on, and they prefer to sneak up on you. Not only that, but it is rumored that there is even a higher class than the blue ninjas. I'm not sure whether it's true or not, but I've also heard that there is an orange class of Ray Lien whose members are incredibly powerful. If the rumor is true, then it is told that only several Ray Lien in their long history have achieved this level, and they may even be as powerful as you."

"I'll keep that in mind… So, you have no real clue to who might have sent these guys here?"

"None whatsoever…" Ryo groaned. "What I do know is that we need to take this situation seriously. Something big is in the works, and I'm wagering it'll all come to surface sooner then later. You might want to tell Vegeta, and any of your other friends that might be able to help about what's going on. And keep your head up too. Just because the Ray Lien fail to hit their target, don't think they're just going to give up and quit because of it. They guarantee results in their contracts, and they'll keep coming after you until the job is done. I know you and Vegeta can take care of yourselves, but we need to keep an eye on Videl to make sure she stays safe."

Gohan's face stiffened at the thought of this. "Understood. You better be careful to... I can imagine they'd be after you to."

"Actually, I rather doubt that. I can't see any reason why I'd be a target."

"Well I can," Gohan argued. "You said they're after the strongest fighters on Earth, and you're one of them. I can only imagine they'd be after you as well."

"You might be right… That is if they knew about me, but I can't imagine how they would. You see, you and Vegeta fought in the Cell Games effectively exposing yourselves, and allowing the Ray Lien a chance to scout you. Well, maybe scout is bad choice of words. If they were doing that they would've known about the Super Sayian thing. Let's just say they'd know who you are, and most of what you could do. To this point I haven't done anything to expose myself to the public eye, so I don't believe that the Ray Lien even know I exist yet. If they did I most certainly would be a target, but…" Ryo paused as a thought crossed his mind.

"Is something wrong Ryo?"

"Oh, it's nothing… It's just that I had a thought, and the Ray Lien might actually know who I am after all…" Ryo knew Gohan would ask him why, but he couldn't answer him right now. That would be revealing more to him then he wanted Gohan to know at that time. It was his Sensei's orders after all. Wait a second… Maybe they're not after Videl because she's Hercule's daughter. She doesn't pose much of a threat to them at her current level, so it really doesn't make any sense that they'd place a mark on her. Unless they knew something else about her they shouldn't know… If that's the case, they must know who I am as well…

"Why do you think they might be after you now?" Gohan asked, tearing Ryo away from his thoughts.

"Hey, hey, I told you two questions now, and I've answered almost half a dozen. Don't push your luck Gohan," Ryo snickered. "I can't tell you that, or I might just give away something my Sensei doesn't want me to reveal just yet."

"So, you have a Sensei now?!" Gohan smirked. "Oh man, Vegeta was right! So, there is someone else running around Earth either as strong or stronger then you eh?"

Ryo didn't answer with words, just a smile. He searched for a good topic to switch to, and found it as his eyes shifted towards the brush at their backs. "Can you believe Videl's nerve spying on us like that. Who does she think she is anyway?" Ryo asked rather loudly.

"I don't know, but she sure can be irritating at times," Gohan said with a smile, following Ryo's lead.

"What are we going to do with her?" Ryo asked, as they headed off towards the park.

"I hate to break it to you Ryo, but we're stuck with her. No one else is going to claim her, that's for sure."

"Now wait just one second you backstabbing traitors!" Videl screeched as she popped up from the row of bushes she was hiding behind. "Talking about me behind my back huh?! I have half a mind to…"

Videl paused and blushed as Ryo and Gohan glared back at her, grinning like idiots. "Well, looky here. And pop goes the weasel!"

Gohan shook his head in disappointment. "Tsk, tsk, tsk Videl. Really now, spying on us? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

Videl's brow creased over her eyes. How the hell did they keep finding her out anyway?! She practically crawled in on her belly this time! "I hate you two!"

The trio headed back towards the bulk of the park with Videl growing frustrated that she couldn't get a straight answer regarding what they had talked about from either boy. Ryo had strayed away purposely, following behind his two friends trying not to chuckle as Videl continued to grill Gohan. Finally the girl seemed to grow tired of her interrogation.

"So, you're not going to tell me anything huh?" Videl grumbled. "Fine, I guess I can live with that as long as you two are cool now. So… Your really not going to tell me what you guys talked about?"

"Nope. That's for us to know, and you to stand there and wonder about."

Videl frowned at first, but eventually broke out into light giggles. Without realizing it, they wandered back into the center of the park, and in the midst of other living people. Two of them were a pair of young teenagers they both knew quite well. Namely, Sharpner and Erasa who took notice of Gohan and Videl walking and laughing, and seeming rather content together.

"Hey, isn't that Gohan and Videl?" Erasa smiled. "They sure seem to spend a lot of time together."

"I noticed…" Sharpner grumbled. "Eck, they disgust me! Friends by butt… She should be spending her time with me, not that scrawny spiky-headed dork!"

"Hey isn't that Erasa?" Videl began cheerfully until she noticed the boy standing next to her and grumbled the rest. "And Sharpner…"

"Gee, don't seem too thrilled now Videl," Gohan chuckled, as he started over to them assuming her answer would be yes. "Should we say hi to them?"

Videl smiled evilly, and pulled Gohan back to her side by his arm. "No… I have a better idea. I still owe Sharpner a little more then a fat lip for that kiss he laid on me the other day. I still have that nasty taste in my mouth! Yuck!"

"What did you have… in mind?" Gohan stammered as Videl's arms wrapped around his waist. "Vi… Videl?"

Videl's smile grew more twisted. "We're just going to piss him off a bit. Just stay cool, and play along okay?"

"Kay…" Gohan murmured, as Videl rested her head on his chest and rolled it across it slowly. He was blushing like an overripe tomato by the time her hands started to wander further up his back.

Meanwhile, Sharpner's jaw was practically in the grass as he looked on. Erasa squeaked something that bordered along the lines of whoa. "Would you look at that. I always thought there was something going on between those two! And to think she lied to me when she said nothing was going on between them! I thought we were friends?!"

"I know what she's doing! She's trying to rub it in my face, that's what they're doing! Well, if she thinks I'm going to stand here and watch this, she's got another thing coming! I don't have to take this, let's get out of here Erasa!" Sharpner grabbed Erasa by the arm, and proceeded to drag her away.

"Sharpner wait! I want to watch this!"

Videl had put on a convincing enough show to trick Erasa and Sharpner, but it may have been too good because now she was confusing Gohan as well. To use the most decent term possible he was getting rather hot as Videl's hands stroked him. Videl herself might have been getting carried away. She'd started innocently enough, but by now each movement of her hands became much slower and more deliberate, almost sensual in a way. She even snuck her hand up his shirt, which somehow had gotten un-tucked, touching his bare skin. Gohan practically had to bite down on his own tongue to keep from hollering out loud. Videl lifted her forehead off his chest only to lean up on her tiptoes, rubbing her cheek against his chin slightly, and brushing one of her ponytails across his face. Gohan barely even noticed it. "Um… Vi… Vi… Videl…"

"Yes…" Videl hummed almost seductively, as she looked up at him. Their eyes locked, and all of the sudden her body forgot how to move. They both blushed and stared the other down for a brief moment, finding their lips dangerously close to one another's for the second time. "What is it?…"

Gohan absently pointed in the direction Sharpner and Erasa had been standing. "They're gone…"

Videl shot her head to her right, and sure enough they were nowhere in sight. Videl quickly let go of Gohan, and they both stood at attention in front of one another, faces glowing shades of red not found in the rainbow. "So, I see… Oh… I'm sorry about that…"

"Sorry about what?" Gohan asked nervously but innocently. Realizing what he'd just said, instead of blushing he smiled halfheartedly.

Videl looked towards the ground, wearing a slight grin of her own. "I guess nothing… Um… Well…. I guess…"

"Look, I think I'm going to take a quick walk, I'll be right back." Gohan hastily scooted away before Videl could answer. He only walked for about a minute cycling through some of his thoughts. Cool down Gohan! Bad boy, just settle down! She was only playing a joke a Sharpner, but… Did she have to touch me like that! If I had hair on my chest it would be standing on in by now! She seemed a little embarrassed about what she did, maybe she got caught up in the moment… Or maybe she meant something else by it… Maybe I should ask her?

What the hell was I doing?! I enjoyed that way too much! Then again, he didn't seem to mind much either… Maybe he liked it to?… Ah, who am I kidding?! I told him it was all a prank on Sharpner! He's too dense to pick up a direct hint, so do I actually believe he'll pick up on that! Get real Videl?! Videl was snapped out of her thoughts by a growling sound coming from behind her.

"Grrrrr! What was that all about?"

"Don't even start with me Ryo?!"

"Too late! You sure seemed to enjoy yourself, did I miss something while I was MIA the last week or so?"

Videl groaned, and rolled her eyes. "No, you didn't miss anything Ryo, that wasn't what it seemed!"

Gohan had decided to approach Videl with his rather odd question, for him anyway, when he noticed her talking with Ryo. His sensitive Sayian hearing picked up on her last comment, and he decided to stand back a moment and listen in on what she was saying.

"It was only a prank to get under Sharpner's skin! There wasn't anything serious about it!"

"You looked pretty serious to me," Gohan heard Ryo tease.

"It was an act Ryo! That's all it was! It meant nothing to me! Gohan and I are just friends Ryo, despite what you want to think! I don't have any feelings for him other then that, now get over it!"

Gohan cringed, and decided he had heard enough. He walked away slowly, hoping Videl and Ryo wouldn't notice him, disappointment clear on his face. Man, how stupid am I?! I knew it was just a prank, so why did I let my mind wander?… Yeah, like she'd really like me… You heard her, that was as enthusiastic of a no as I've ever heard! I think I'll just go home, and let them figure out where I went…

"I don't like him… That idea's so absurd! Him or any other guy for that matter!" Videl stammered, getting less convincing the longer she rambled. She looked rather nervous, uncharacteristic for her, as she peered at Ryo through the corner of her eye. The look he was giving her wasn't helping all that much either. His mouth was stuck in a straight line, neither smiling nor frowning in the least, and he had one eyebrow cocked over his half-shut eyelids. She expected him to come at her with some sort of witty or smart ass remark like she was used to from him, but instead he kept his reply simple.

"Yeah right."

Videl's bottom lip quivered, and she whimpered slightly. She wasn't fooling Ryo, so what was the point in trying anymore? She plopped down on her butt, sitting Native-American style, crossing her arms against her chest as she frowned. "Is it really that obvious?"

"Are you kidding Videl?! The only way you could be more obvious about it is if you hung a sign around your neck with *I love Gohan* scribbled across it!" Ryo joked, now that Videl's guard was down.

"If I'm so obvious then how come Gohan hasn't noticed," Videl mumbled low enough that she assumed Ryo couldn't hear.

"Because Gohan's a naïve idiot who's probably confused as hell for the same reasons you are," Ryo whispered back to her.

Videl jumped slightly, surprised that Ryo had heard her. She then looked all around her to make sure Gohan was nowhere in sight. "Wh… Where did Gohan go? If we have to talk about this, then I rather it not be where he can hear us!"

"At least that's a start. Gohan probably went on home. I heard him say something about his mother wanting him back home at a certain time for dinner." Ryo lied. He had known Gohan was in earshot, and assumed he must've heard everything Videl had said and took off afterwards. He decided to cover for his friend to avoid Videl getting angry or suspicious with him. "You've meet Chi-Chi, so you should know she's not someone you disobey without there being grave consequences."

"I guess I can believe that," Videl smiled then frowned slightly. "He still should've said good-bye though. That's good I guess, I'm always looking for reasons to be mad at him."

Ryo laughed at this. "So… Do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can help you out. You can trust me, I swear whatever you tell me will be in confidence, and it will never leave my lips."

Videl blushed and grimaced at the ground. "What do you want to know?"

"For starters, when did this all start?"

"I don't know!" Videl groaned, and hid her face in her hands. "A few months ago after he brought back my locket… Maybe even a little bit before that. I'll admit that I always thought he was cute, but not until then did I really start to feel anything towards him. I thought it was just strong admiration and friendship at first, but after a while… I started to compare what I felt for him and how I felt towards you for example, no offense Ryo, but they were completely different…"

"None taken," Ryo smiled wide.

"I don't know what happened… He's just so different from anybody else I ever met. He was so nice to me, and not just faking it because of the Satan in front of my name, he really meant it. AGH! What the hell is wrong with me?! I've never been afraid of anything or anyone like this before! I like it all, and I hate it at the same time! I can't stop thinking about him, and whenever I'm around him…" Videl blushed, and continued to ramble. "Well, maybe it's better if I don't go into that part right now… I feel so pathetic! Like some whisy-washy schoolgirl afraid the cute boy she likes doesn't like her! Yuck! I've just never felt this way before, and I just don't seem to know how to handle it…"

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Videl," Ryo said softly, as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Most of us fall in love at one point or another, and we all have are different ways of handling it…"

"Whoa, don't go there!" Videl said, knocking Ryo's hand off her shoulder. "I said I like Gohan, I'm not ready to talk about all that love stuff. I'm not quite that far yet…"

"Don't be too sure about that Videl. Judging from what you've been telling me, you're way past that *like* stage. Trust me, I went through the same thing you are a few years back… I know what the feelings like."

"You do?…" Videl asked quietly.

"Yeah… That constant cramping feeling in your stomach, and the nerves keeping you awake at night leaving you to wonder if she could ever really feel that same way about you or not. That deep-seated feel of emptiness inside your chest when it seems like she doesn't, or that she's just leading you on. The constant nagging thought that maybe if you had done something different, what might things be like now? Or how when you get close to him, oh so close, that you almost lose complete control of your mind and body… Does that about sum it up Videl?"

Videl just nodded her head somewhat timidly. "So maybe you do what you're talking about…"

"Yeah, I do," Ryo sighed. "At least you have the chance to see Gohan everyday, so there's always that opportunity to make something happen. Even if nothing does happen between you, at least he's still around and he's your friend. That's better then nothing… My heart and myself are many miles apart, and have been for what's felt like forever now. That's why you have to be careful when you give your heart away, because it isn't yours to just take back whenever you want to anymore. I myself was choosey, and I don't regret losing it. Maybe it'll work out of me one day, or maybe she'll finally decide to give it back. All I can do for right now is wait and hope."

Videl glared at him, almost looking impressed. "You better be careful Ryo. You almost sound like a romantic."

"That's not something I'm ashamed of," Ryo chuckled proudly. "So, what are you going to do now?"

"I haven't decided yet," Videl muttered. "You're a guy, and you know Gohan pretty well. What could I do to grab his attention if I wanted to…"

"You could do it the old fashion way and tell him!" Ryo snipped at her. "But then again, I could say the same thing to him. You guys seem to enjoy doing things the hard way. To tell you the honest truth you should just be yourself. He seems to like you just fine the way you are."

"That's good because that's all he's going to get! I'm not about to change for anyone!… Now that I think about it, I might just have a good plan to go about this after all…"

Ryo was intrigued by the wicked smile that crossed Videl's lips. "Oh really? You mind letting me in on it?"

"No, this is none of your business!" Videl snorted. "Unless you give me some information in return of course."

"Uh… What did you have in mind?" Ryo gulped, fearing he knew exactly what was coming.

Videl's smile was evil as ever. "What's her name?"

Ryo's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and he fidgeted just a bit. "How is that relevant?… I mean, why do you have to know that?!"

"Because I want to know what her name is?! What's the big deal anyway?! All you have to do is tell me your girlfriends name, and I'll tell you my plan."

"If it's no big deal, they why do you want to know?! And she's not my girlfriend! And I can't tell you because… Well, maybe tomorrow! I need to think this over…"

"Well okay, but I don't see what you need to think over. It's just a name Ryo! It's not like I'm asking you to go propose marriage to her or something! Fine then, you think it over if you must. You give me the name tomorrow, and I'll let you in on my plan. It's a good one too, so you might want to ante up. It's extremely evil, and I'm going to make sure Gohan suffers. I'll teach him to play dumb with me!"

"Really now…" Ryo grinned, his interest already peaked. "I like it already."

End.

-I really struggled with the beginning of this chapter. I just couldn't plot out a decent way to lead up to the scene in the park, so and winged it. Hope it wasn't too painful to read. I'll try to get the next chapter out sooner, but I'm not making any promises. I don't expect my little distraction to soak up too much time. Truthfully I have been working on another story during the weekends that takes away some my time as well. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go take some pictures of dead people. I'm not into video games much, but every once in a while I'll skim across one that interests me. It's called Fatal Frame for PS2, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for something different or like's scary crap. I'd suggest you don't play it alone though. I can usually sit through a scary movie and laugh myself to sleep at how unrealistic and corny they are, but this thing scares the piss out of me! Well, that's all I have to say for now. Bye-bye!

Chapter 11 preview! Videl begins her training for the Tenkaichi Budokai, and it just happens to be her birthday! I've been reading "Secrets" by Enchantress101 just like most everybody else, and I almost considered skipping this chapter after reading the last couple in her story. It's nothing like hers at all, it was just the timing of if all that concerned me. Ah heck, she works a lot faster then me, and she'll probably be way along with her story by the time I get around to my next chapter anyway, so I don't know what I'm worried about! Anyhow, Videl's father has her stuck in a little party he's arranged for her, and of course he two best friends were left off the guest list. While she hunts for a way to escape, Gohan's busy rummaging her up a present that money literally can't buy. I bet you can't guess what it is! Go ahead, give it a shot! I might have to think of some kind of prize if somebody actually does. I'll give you a hint, it's something a guy offers a girl to impress her all the time, but it's something he could never really give her. Well good luck, and so long until next time!