-Howdy! I'm proud to say that my heads back into this thing! I do think this is my best chapter yet so far… I know that's not really saying much, but I was really into it while I was writing most of it. I am going to try my best to update every weekend from this point on, but I'm not making any promises. I can't control life, or the little bumps that pop up along the way. Well, read on, and I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 11
"HA! YAH!" Videl grunted as she kicked at her training bag, showing the inanimate object no mercy. Gohan watched her with fascination. Something about watching her fight, or even just training did something to him. Let's just say it had the same effect on him that Master Roshi got reading a playboy. The way her arms and legs flowed as she attacked the bag, her technique was almost flawless. He couldn't believe her father actually taught her most everything she knew! Maybe the old fool knew a thing or two after all, that or Videl was sneaking lessons from somewhere else on the side. Gohan was leaning towards the later. Oh yeah, and her butt looked rather nice in the tight sweaty shorts she was wearing. He'd noticed that too of course. Ryo on the other hand, wasn't nearly as into it as Gohan, and in fact looked almost bored. His eyes were half shut, as he failed to stifle a yawn.
"How long have we been here Gohan?"
"I don't know… About twenty minutes or so…"
"Well, she must be pretty in to that bag then, because she hasn't even noticed we're here yet!" Ryo grumbled. "Are you going to tell her what you came here to say, or are you just going to stand there and drool all afternoon?!"
Gohan covered his mouth quickly. "I'm not drooling!"
"Yeah right…Or maybe you didn't notice since you seem to be hypnotized by her ass, or is there some other reason you've been staring at it since we got here!"
"You don't know what you're talking about?!" Gohan yelped, as his face turned fifteen different shades of red.
"Oh really, because that's not what your face just said," Ryo jeered. "I'm fairly sure that red isn't your natural skin pigment. Now are you going to tell her, or am I going to have to ask her to turn around so she'll stop distracting you?!"
"Okay, okay, I'll do it!"
"HI-YAH!" Videl growled, as she kicked at the bag again. She readied her leg for another kick when she felt the presence of two large shadows surround her. She relaxed her muscles, and smiled as her friends appeared in front of her. "Hey guys. What are you two doing here?"
"We were looking for you Videl," Gohan smiled. "You've been locked up in the gym everyday for almost a week now! You must be working pretty hard huh?"
"I have to," Videl sighed, as she rubbed at a sore spot on her right arm. "The Tenkaichi Budokai is only a few weeks away, and I want to make sure I'm at my best! You know a female has never won this tournament as far as I know, and I'd love to be the first. Now did you have some particular reason for wanting to find me?…"
"Well, for one we wanted to wish you a happy birthday!" Ryo answered for Gohan. "That, and Gohan here has something he wants to ask you."
Gohan stammered slightly, and blushed as he looked at the ground. Ryo had to poke him in the side with his elbow before Gohan got the point to get a move on with it. "Well, we were just thinking since it's your birthday and all, we'd like to do something special for you if you have time tonight…"
"Oh jeez, I forget!" Videl grumbled dejectedly. "I'm sorry guys, but my dad's set up some sort of ridiculous birthday party for me tonight… This is one of those four or five times a year my dad decides he needs to be a father…"
Ryo and Gohan looked at each other each wearing a slight frown. "Birthday party?"
"Funny, I don't remember being invited," Ryo snickered slightly.
"I know, that's why I never told you guys," Videl lowered her head, a bit ashamed of what she had to say next. "Remember, this is my dad's idea, and he doesn't want any guys at my party. Except he invited Sharpner… I don't even want to get started on that! At least Erasa will be coming… Aside from her I'd just assume lock the rest of them in the basement, and fill it with water!"
Gohan laughed at this, while Ryo just smiled. "Poor Videl… I guess we won't be seeing you tonight after all then."
"No, you guys stand by…" Videl told them, as a plan developed in her head. "I plan to blow that party before the night's over, and I'll meet you guys later tonight. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good to me!" Gohan said. "It's a good thing too, I have a special present for you tonight too. I'd really hate for you to miss out on it."
"Oh really…" A hint of curiosity twinkled in Videl's eyes. "You know, if you're really worried about it, you can give it to me right now."
"Sorry, but I can't do that. I don't quite have it on me right now, I'm afraid it would be too much of a load on me. I still have one or two more things I need to take care of, but I promise I'll have it ready by tonight."
"Okay… You've got me curious Gohan. This better be good though, if I'm going to the trouble of sneaking out of the house."
"Oh trust me, it's good," Gohan boasted. "I think you'll like it. I'll give you a hint. It's something a lot of guys offer a girl, but can never really give them. Well, I think we'll go now, and leave you to your training. Hopefully, I'll see you later tonight. So long for now Videl!"
"Bye guys," Videl wished, as she returned her focus to the training bag.
"Don't work yourself too hard," Ryo said, as he watched her attack the bag. "I guess your training habits aren't my concern, as long as you're not picturing my face on that bag that is."
Videl paused a moment before grinning evilly. "You know that's a good idea." Videl started to kick at the bag harder.
Ryo face faulted in jest, while Gohan simply laughed. "Come on Gohan, let's get out of here before she turns on us!"
Long after Gohan and Ryo had made their exit, Videl was still flushed as she continued to train. She couldn't help but wonder just what Gohan had in mind for her birthday. Something a guy offers a girl all the time, but can never really give them… I wonder what he's talking about? Videl grinned slightly. Maybe he's going to offer you his heart Videl? Nah, of course not, but it's cute to imagine. I wonder what he really has in mind though? Damn you Gohan, you're going to have me thinking about this all day!"
********
"So, are you going to tell me what you're going to give Videl for her birthday or not?!" Ryo shouted through the howling wind slapping him in the face.
"I promise I'll tell you a little later, right now I have something else in mind!" Gohan sped up a little, anxious to arrive at the undisclosed location he picked out a couple days earlier. It was nice and quiet there, and besides a few small woodland creatures they should have the place relatively to themselves. Gohan looked down at Ryo, and frowned when he saw the boy flying up next to him grinning at him like he knew Gohan was trying to out fly him. Gohan only grinned himself in reply though. This day was all about competition after all.
"So, where are we going?!"
"You'll see when we get there!"
With an ear-shattering burst of speed, Gohan blasted off into the distance sky. He faintly heard Ryo calling out to him to wait up, as he quickly sped up to catch up with him. They touched down in a small clearing not very long afterwards. Ryo looked around, admiring the rather eye pleasing scenery around him. It was a rather deserted clearing with no trees, or much plant life at all, aside from the grass, anywhere within 100 feet of them. Besides a few mountains at their back, a few wildflowers, and the two of them were it. Ryo had an idea to what Gohan was up to, but he wasn't completely sure. Now he had enough info to put two and two together, and he was sure of what the Demi-Sayian was up to.
"So, do you have a particular reason for dragging me out to the middle of nowhere Gohan?"
Gohan grinned at him. "You're the psychic, you tell me."
Ryo crossed his arms, and half frowned. "I can't see my own future Gohan. That's not the way it works."
Gohan face faulted. "You can't?!… I guess you don't know why I brought you here then hey?"
"I have an idea," Ryo smirked. "Unless there's another reason you're raising your Ki right now."
Gohan returned a smirk of his own. "Now you've got the idea. I'm interested in seeing just how strong you really are."
"So you're looking for a spar then?" Ryo assumed, as he began to power up himself. "I guess I'm game for that. This was bound to happen sooner or later anyway."
"Is that all you've got?" Gohan asked, unimpressed with Ryo's initial power surge. "I know you're stronger then that Ryo, stop playing around! I want a decent fight here, so don't hold back anything understand?"
"If you insist."
Ryo closed his eyes, and concentrated all of his energy. Gohan watched with interest as Ryo's body began to spark slightly, but then suddenly exploded in a stunning purple array. Gohan backed up a little, not from the enormous exertion of energy, but more out of surprise at how much he released. He had originally compared Ryo's energy to that of Vegeta's upon his arrival on Earth all those years ago, but now it was clear that he was much stronger then that. It was ironic when he thought about it really. How strong Vegeta seemed to be at that time, and how hopeless their prospects of defeating him seemed. It was funny to think that if Vegeta had shown up on Earth now at the same Ki level, that now Krillen or Tien probably would've been strong enough to defeat him. Gohan or Goku could literally have squashed him underneath their little fingers. It was amazing to think how far they all had come over the years.
"That's more like it." Gohan grinned, and took a fighting stance. Ryo did the same, and a moment or two later something somewhere exploded.
They engaged each other, releasing a massive wave of energy as they collided, strong enough to cause the ground below their feet to shake slightly. If anyone had been there to watch them all they would've seen were two blurs going at each other. In reality those blurs were punching and kicking at each other like there was no tomorrow, holding nothing back as they both agreed to do. The surge of Gohan's Sayian blood caused him to smile. Though he hated to admit it, that part of his heritage still loved a good fight, and it was nice to know that for once that good fight didn't involve the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Just two people testing each other's strength. Neither boy landed much of anything as for several minutes numerous swings of legs and fists were met with blocks, or avoided all together. Something had to give sooner or later, and finally it did. An arrant punch by Ryo caught Gohan in the face. Agitated that Ryo actually had the nerve to land a punch, Gohan stepped up his offensive and managed to catch Ryo in the gut with his knee. Ryo recovered quickly and moved his head to the side just centimeters away, and a split second before Gohan's fist slammed into it. Determined to capitalize, Gohan aimed a kick for Ryo's torso but the boy surprised him by phasing out. Gohan was stunned at first thinking that there was no way Ryo could be faster then him, but quickly shook that off as he felt Ryo reappear in the air above him. Gohan avoided Ryo's fist, and that left Ryo wide open for Gohan to drive his fist right into Ryo's gut. Gohan threw another kick, but once again Ryo avoided it, this time by twirling out of the way and back flipping into the air. Gohan quickly followed after him, but Ryo was more then prepared to greet him. Ryo met Gohan with his own punch to Gohan's abdomen, and followed up with a kick to the back of Gohan's head. The next sensation Gohan experienced was the feeling of his body plummeting towards the ground, and the taste of fresh grass and dirt in his mouth.
Gohan spit some dirt out of his mouth, and quickly kicked himself up to his feet. "So that's the way it's going to be huh?!"
Gohan smiled, and charged towards Ryo. Ryo's eyes widened at how fast Gohan was flying towards him, and barely had time to put his arms up to block, as Gohan's fist came flying towards his face. He kept it up for a while as Gohan pressed on his relentless attack, but eventually Gohan's aggression caught up with Ryo. Gohan caught Ryo in the face with a punch, then the gut, and another to his face knocking him backward, but he managed to keep his body hovering in the air. Realizing he'd need to step it up, Ryo charged towards Gohan this time taking him by surprise. Gohan managed to block everything Ryo threw at him in his latest flurry, but it was by no means getting any easier. Finally, both boys just reared back, and put almost everything they had into one punch. They both connected at almost the exact second, and they both were sent flying. Gohan managed to stop his fall before he hit the ground, and Ryo caught himself with his hands, and flipped back up into the air. Ryo mumbled something along the lines of *oh shit* when he saw Gohan was already streaking towards him. Ryo could do nothing but take Gohan's punch with his face, and the boy was driven backwards at least fifty feet. Ryo hit the ground with his back once before he gained control of his body, and pushed himself back up into the air. Gohan was already moving on him again so Ryo met him head on, and another wave of energy ripped through the air as they collided.
Before they knew it twenty minutes had passed. Gohan for one could care less as he was enjoying every second of this. He couldn't tell if Ryo was enjoying the fight as much as he was, but the boy didn't seem winded in the least nor did he back down one inch. The battle went back and forth several times, and to say Gohan was impressed with Ryo's fighting abilities would've been a severe understatement. He couldn't imagine how in the world a human could reach this sort of strength, but Gohan had his theories. There was also something very familiar about his fighting style that Gohan just couldn't quite put his finger on. Frighteningly similar, but Ryo was allowing Gohan little time to ponder the issue. He purposely avoided going Super Sayian fearing that Ryo wouldn't be able to handle the power increase. They were almost dead even now, and it became important to the Demi-Sayian, or more accurately the half-human side of him, to defeat Ryo without rising to that next level.
The fight had gotten much rougher from the original blocking display it had begun as. Apparently, both boys had gotten either impatient or wore down, but now they were landing more blows then they were blocking. Each blow was getting harder and more intense then the last, and little cuts were beginning to develop on their faces.
Ryo growled as he doubled over in the air after Gohan had nailed him with a hard kick to his backside. Ryo quickly composed himself, and put a little surge into his ascent and delivering a punch into Gohan's gut. Gohan tried to straighten up, but Ryo was all over him in a heartbeat not allowing him a second to even catch his breath. Gohan's head spun around violently as Ryo's fist came in contact with Gohan's chin. Ryo then quickly phased out, and reappeared above him driving his foot into the middle of Gohan's back. Gohan cried out in pain, as he plummeted towards the ground. He gained control of his body about half way down, but pretended to continue freefalling as he summoned up his energy. Right before he hit the ground he quickly turned himself around, and as he expected Ryo was already chasing after him.
"Ka…me…ha…me…ha!"
Ryo screeched to halt, and brought his arms up just in time to block Gohan's energy blast. To Ryo's surprise it was rather weak, barely succeeding in singing his elbows. Ryo relaxed his guard just in time to discover what Gohan had planned when his fist crashed into his face. Ryo soared upward doing barrel rolls in the air while he tried to steady himself. He finally managed to do just that, and watched as Gohan streaked towards him.
"So that's the way you want to play it huh?!" Ryo grinned, as he powered up an energy attack of his own. "Kayohata!"
"Oh no!" Gohan shouted, as the purple blast of Ki shot towards him. He tried to avoid it, but all he succeeded in doing was leaning into it, blasting him out of the sky. Gohan groaned in pain as he descended towards the ground, the after effects of Ryo's Ki blast still tingling throughout his body. The ground shook as he landed, creating a nice three-foot deep imprint of himself after he hit. Gohan picked himself out of the ground somewhat shaken, and he might've been better off staying down. As he stood upright, Ryo came swooping down nailing him in the face. Gohan was sent flying backwards, rolling over several times before painfully crashing to a stop.
Feeding off of yet another surge of adrenaline, Gohan quickly scrambled back up to his feet and Ryo was quickly back on him. Gohan braced himself to block, but found it almost impossible. Ryo had worn him down enough that Gohan could no longer keep up with him. The first kick landed to his side, then one to his face, then a punch to his torso, and finally several more to his face. Gohan took to the air in hopes of escaping the assault, but Ryo wouldn't allow him to back up an inch. Gohan managed to block a few of Ryo's blows from his new vantage point, but most landed… He was getting dizzy, and the world around him was starting to spin out of control. He was fading out slowly, and slowing down to a crawl. He knew what was happening… If he didn't think of something quick he was going to lose this fight.
I'm losing… But I can't lose! I'm one of the last of the great Sayian race! I can't lose! I won't lose! Not to him or anybody else!
Gohan shoved Ryo out of his face, and in a blinding display of light powered up into a Super Sayian. Ryo seemed slightly intimidated by Gohan's new look, but he refused to let that slow him down. He'd wondered why Gohan hadn't gone super already… He was definitely in trouble, but he wasn't about to quit now. His best chance would be to continue his assault and not allow Gohan to get his bearings straight. Easier said then done with a Super Sayian however. Gohan was now blocking everything Ryo threw at him with relative ease, and eventually gained the upper hand. However, Gohan grew frustrated that Ryo was still keeping up with him, and Ryo was shocked beyond belief himself that he was actually managing to keep up with Gohan in his Super Sayian form. Maybe he had improved more than he had thought over recent months. Then again, maybe his thoughts were too premature.
Ryo held his own for several minutes, but Gohan's new Super Sayian abilities proved way too much for him. Already weakened from an intense battle with Gohan in normal form, it wasn't long before Ryo began to ware down. He finally missed a block, and that was pretty much it. Gohan's fist connected with his face, and it hurt ten times worse then anything else Gohan had thrown at him to that point. Several more followed to the body and the face, as Ryo just couldn't ward them off anymore. Finally, Gohan reared back his fist, and sent Ryo flying and the boy didn't stop until he crashed into the base of a mountain some distance behind them. Gohan rushed over the rubble quickly, and readied himself to continue fighting once Ryo emerged. But a good twenty seconds passed, and he still hadn't come out. Realizing what he might've just done, Gohan's Sayian blood fizzled back into that of a human and he started to panic. "Oh Kami, what the hell did I do?!"
"Ryo, can you hear me?!" Gohan shouted out to him, as he landed at the base of the mountain. To his relief the ruble began to move, and Ryo came stumbling out. He groaned groggily, and dropped to his knees before noticing Gohan was only a few feet away from him.
"Whoa, I yield, I yield!… I know when I'm licked! You win, I've had all I can take… I knew I wouldn't be able to stand up to you in Super Sayian form, but I had to try at least… I think I'll try to hit myself over the head with a sledgehammer for my next act. Same difference."
"Don't feel too bad Ryo," Gohan said, offering Ryo a hand to help him to his feet. "You know, if I didn't go Super Sayian at the last second you would've beaten me. I had to do it, it was almost out of desperation."
"Hey, that is right isn't it?" Ryo asked in astonishment, before an evil grin plastered across his face. "I should've won, but you cheated!"
"I didn't cheat!" Gohan laughed. "This is all part of my natural ability."
"Next time, I'd still like to try you one on one when you're a Super Sayian from the start though. I'd like to see how far I could go at full strength instead of being worn down like I was…"
"Now that I know I'd have too to beat you it's almost a given. Maybe I should even go SSJ2, and see how you handle yourself then?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Ryo begged off with his hands. "Level one's enough for me, I'm not even about to try you at two! I don't have a death wish now!"
Gohan laughed at this. "Well, do you think you're okay to fly home? I did just knock you halfway through a mountain…"
"No, I think I'll be okay…" Ryo tried to take a step, but immediately started to stumble around in a daze. He put his hands on the side of his head, and sat down on a large rock that his body had pried lose from the mountain base. "Maybe it would do me some good to sit down for a minute… At least until everything stops spinning!"
"I think I have something that might help," Gohan said, as he powered down to his normal self. He pulled a small satchel out of his belt, and took out a small bean and handed it to Ryo. "This is a senzu bean. It will help bring your strength back."
"Hey, I've heard about these!" Ryo chirped, as he examined the foodstuff. That Corn guy grows these at his tower doesn't he?"
"That's Korrin Ryo!" Gohan chuckled, as Ryo plopped the bean in his mouth and started to chew. Gohan then grunted as a sharp pain shot through his back. "Now that I think about it, I should probably eat one too… My entire body hurts!"
Gohan sat down next to Ryo, and took out a bean for himself. Ryo had just finished swallowing his, and was already feeling the effects. He leapt to his feet at the sudden surge of newly replenished energy, and scanned his eyes all across his body like he had just sprouted leaves or something. "Whoa! Those things really work don't they?!"
"Sure do," Gohan grinned, as he felt the effects of his bean already kicking in.
"Ouch, I think I chipped a tooth though," Ryo complained, as he grabbed his jaw.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Gohan apologized.
"I didn't mean by you, I meant the bean. That damn thing was hard as a rock!"
Gohan laughed at this, but soon that cheery smile turned into a distant glare into nothing. "Ryo… I'm sorry…"
"Sorry for what?" Ryo chuckled. "For kicking my butt? You won fair and square, there's nothing for you to be sorry about."
"Yes there is… I over did it, and I'm sorry." Gohan buried his face in his hands. "I promised myself I'd keep it under control!"
"Keep what under control?" Ryo asked, concern evident in his voice. "Is something wrong Gohan?"
"My… My Sayian instincts! I promised myself I'd never let them get out of control again… I become more Sayian then human…The last time I let that happen was when I fought Cell, and it cost my dad his life! I could've killed you, and all because my damn Sayian blood wouldn't let me lose a damn fight!"
Ryo placed a reassuring hand on Gohan's shoulder. "First of all, it's going to take a lot more then that to kill me Gohan. Second, you stopped yourself when you realized what you were doing. You could've easily attacked me again after I pulled myself out of that ruble, but instead you checked on my condition first. Most importantly, these Sayian instincts are a part of what you are Gohan. Yes, you need to keep them under control, but you shouldn't be ashamed of them by any means."
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't," Gohan said softly. "I'm worried I'm going to hurt somebody else I care about one of these days…"
"Don't say things like that Gohan! It's more likely to happen if you think that way all the time… Now, on to more cheerful matters!" Ryo switched the subject with a smile. "So, would you mind telling me now what you're getting Videl for her birthday?"
Gohan immediately perked up. This was her special day after all. He'd have plenty of time to mope, and hate himself later. "I guess I can actually… We need to get something first. Tell me Ryo, have you ever heard of the Dragon Balls?"
"Seven balls that hold the power of a dragon, and grant you any wish your heart desires," Ryo recited. "Yeah, I know exactly what they are, but what on Earth could you possibly be thinking of using them for?"
"You'll see when we get them," Gohan smiled. "That is if you don't mind helping me out. I already have four of them, so that only leaves three more to find. With a little help I should be able to track them down, and make my wish in time to see Videl tonight."
"Hmm… Sounds fun actually. Alright, let's go!"
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Gohan said, as he pulled a large round object from his belt.
"Man, do you have a sofa and a freezer tucked away in there too?" Ryo asked, commenting on all the interesting items Gohan seemed to be hiding in his belt that afternoon. "What is that thing anyway?"
"It's a Dragon Ball radar," Gohan told him, as he pressed down on the button at the top. "Cool, it looks like one of the balls isn't far from this location. Let's get a move on, we don't have all day."
"Wait a second! If you're in such a hurry to find these things, then what in the world made you think you had time to spar with me?!"
"Don't ask stupid questions, and let's just go!"
"Hold up one second Gohan!" Ryo said before Gohan could take to the air. "There is one more thing I should mention… I think we should compete in the Tenkaichi Budokai next month…"
Gohan frowned slightly. "Huh? What for? There's not going to be anybody there worth fighting, it would almost be like a waste of our time."
"If you consider protecting Videl's livelihood a waste of time I guess you're right," Ryo stated simply but convincingly. Convincingly enough that Gohan's express did a complete 360.
"Then that's a different story… You really think she's in danger?"
Ryo nodded his head. "I've had a vision for the past three nights now… I can usually distinguish a vision from an actual dream, because when I have a vision it usually reoccurs several times. Not to mention how warped my normal dreams are. It looks like the Ray Lien are going to send a couple of their assassins to represent them at the tournament, only the championship belt isn't their top priority. At least one of them is after Videl, and if somebody doesn't prevent it then they're going to get the job done this time. I don't know who else they might be after, but I'm hoping that it will come to me in time."
"Let's hope so," Gohan agreed. "I guess it's settled then. I trust you're going to enter too. At least that'll make one person worth fighting… I do have one question for you though. You don't have to answer if you don't want to but… Are you human?"
Ryo snickered slightly. "Yes Gohan. I am human, trust me."
"Humph! Human my ass," Vegeta snickered, as he watched the boys take flight. They were so caught up in their little sparing match, they failed to notice the Prince of the Sayians had been there to witness more then half of it. He'd felt two enormous Ki's fire up, and then followed with what almost felt like a total Ki explosion. Of course, this interested Vegeta enough to prompt him to go out looking for the source of that huge energy build up. He wasn't all that surprised to find Gohan sparing with his friend. "I knew Gohan had been slacking off in these times of peace, but I can't believe he had to go Super to defeat a human! But then again, I'll admit his technique wasn't that bad… For a human, as he claims he is. I'm not too sure he's giving the boy the entire story… I've never met a human before who could reach that level of strength. Humph, if Gohan won't do it then I'll find out who that boy really is. Now that I know who he actually is, then that should make things a lot easier."
********
As she expected the party Hercule had arranged for his little girl was a total farce. She didn't even know half the guests there. The guests mostly consisted of the teenaged daughters of some of the local bigwigs Hercule wanted to stay in good standing with, and naturally most of them were air headed snobs who could only seem to talk about their hair, makeup, or what type of car they all drove. Videl wanted to puke. Erasa and Sharpner were the only two people present she even knew… And quite honestly she would've welcomed every single stranger in that house to stay the night as her personal guests, if her father would kick Sharpner the hell out. But there was no chance of that happening. Hercule really liked the boy for some reason. They'd been talking and laughing with each other like old school chums through most of the night, and the sight was making Videl's stomach churn. At least Erasa seemed to be fitting in with the rest of the crowd… That was a problem all in it's own, Videl only had patience for one Erasa. At least Erasa had some resemblance of a personality unlike the rest of these bimbos…
Videl grabbed Erasa's arm, and pulled her close so she could whisper into her ear. "I can't take it anymore! Erasa, you said you and Ryo had a plan to get me out of her, so I think it's about high time you get on with it! I'm about to go crazy from all the hairspray fumes…"
"Oh lighten up Videl! The party's not that bad! It's your birthday, live it up a little Videl!"
"I'll live it up alright… As soon as I'm out the door! Now do it!"
"Okay, okay! Party pooper…" Erasa rose to her feet, and coughed into her hand. "May I have your attention please? I have a special treat for all of you. I brought a tape a friend of mine lent me, featuring an exciting reenactment of Hercule's classic historic battle with Cell!"
A wave of ooh's and ah's came from the crowd, and a particularly excited Hercule bounced up from his seat. "Now we're talking! This party could use a little more entertainment! We can plop it in the VCR in the living room, and watch it on the big screen! Let's go everyone!"
"Whoa, that was impressive Earsa!" Videl said softly into Erasa's ear, as her father and the bimb… Girls filed into the living room. She faintly overheard her father yelling something to one of their servants about popcorn. "What you just said sounded very intelligent!"
"You think so?!" Erasa beamed. "I hoped it would. That's what Ryo told me to say after all…"
Videl sweat dropped. "I should've guessed… Well, I'm impressed you remembered anyway. This was a great idea! Dad will be so caught up in that stupid tape of himself he wouldn't notice an elephant sneaking through the front door, let alone notice I'm gone! I owe you one for this Erasa…"
"Don't thank me, it was mostly Ryo's idea," Erasa smiled, surprisingly not being one to take credit she didn't feel she deserved. "I just played along."
"You still were a big help. Now, you better hurry up and get that tape started, so I can get the hell out of here!"
"Videl!" Hercule growled from the living room. "And uh… Blonde girl! Hurry up, and let's get this show on the road!"
"You'd think he'd know my name by now!" Erasa pouted.
"Don't worry about it," Videl snickered. "Be glad he remembered you were even here."
Videl sat down on the floor, as close to the exit as she could possibly get, jerking around anxiously as she waited for Erasa to start the VCR. She growled as the girl continued to flirt with her father, but a few moments later finally hit the play button. The movie itself looked like it cost about five bucks to make, and four-fifty of it probably went to pay the horribly overpaid and desperate actors. Videl had owned cutout paper coloring books in her childhood that had better special effects. Of course her father and all the other airheads present were completely transfixed by it, hooting and hollering as Hercule pounded on Cell.
"Look at the fear in his eyes! Just like the actual fight, man this movie is realistic!" Hercule boasted, and patted on the empty seat next to him. "Hey Videl honey, why don't you sit down next to daddy and enjoy the show?!"
"Sure dad," Videl said, and promptly stood up and exited the living room. Of course Hercule was too transfixed on the TV to notice, as was everybody else.
"Look at me go!" Hercule growled, as he punched the air mimicking his movements on the TV. "Poor Cell. Now that I think about it he never did have a chance. This movie is so lifelike, I almost feel like I'm living it all over again!"
Hercule's mouth moved again, but closed back up slightly as the picture became slightly fuzzy and suddenly switched to an entirely different scene. Now the mountains in the background seemed real, considering that they weren't just some cheesy cardboard cutouts, and Cell suddenly appeared much more menacing and lifelike. The next thing everyone saw was Hercule running towards Cell, and then Cell just flicking his wrist and swatting Hercule away towards the distant mountains at his back.
"What the Hell?!" Hercule gaped.
"That's not the way it really happened did it?" Sharpner asked him, staring in shock at the screen.
"Umm… Of course not!" Hercule said after a brief pause, looking for a decent lie to explain this. "The director must've added that to make the fight scene more dramatic… Yeah, that's it! They don't want people to think I defeated Cell too easily… Wouldn't make for as good of a movie! Ah-ha!… Hah…"
The next shot switched to Hercule as he staggered around after bouncing off the mountain, little stars twirling above his head. "I don't want to go to school today mommy… I fell off the donkey, the hamster bit me, and the tractor ran over my head…" Hercule stammered, before falling face first into the dirt.
Hercule stared at the screen having what resembled a small nervous breakdown, while most the girls started to giggle. Hercule was not prepared for what they were about to view on that tape next… It cut to a bathroom scene with Hercule in the shower… Wearing a shower cap, holding a scrub brush, and showing way too much of his hind end for his and Sharpner's liking at least. And worst of all… He was singing. "You know I'm a ladies man, it's time to talk…Staying alive, staying alive. Ah, ah, ah ah staying alive… OWEEEEE!"
Hercule hit that last note with a girlish shriek, and everyone in the room aside from the man himself was rolling in the floor. "TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF NOW!"
Noticing the serious and somewhat threatening look on his face, Erasa stopped laughing and complied. That was easier said than done however. Erasa couldn't stop herself from giggling, and had to make several swipes with her finger before finally hitting the eject button. Hercule aggressively yanked the tape out of the VCR, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it until it was nothing but little plastic pieces scattered all over the floor. Erasa considered complaining when she remembered it wasn't her tape and how funny Hercule looked in the shower, and started to laugh again.
"THAT IS NOT FUNNY KIDS!" Hercule growled, and everyone present immediately shut up. "This was obviously some kind of forgery. Some kind of novelty prank some brat cooked up to try to make me look like a fool! Where did you get this anyway blonde girl?!"
"It's Erasa, and I got it from a friend of mine… I don't know where he got it from though…"
"Well, I want to know who, and how many of these tapes he has! I want them all destroyed before he tarnishes my good name! Who would even believe this tape was legit anyway?! That body double didn't even look like me!"
"Right, and I bet you don't sing like a woman like that either, huh sir?" Sharpner added.
"No, of course not!" Hercule shot down, before even really taking in what the boy had said. He got kind of quiet and fought off a light blush when he did. "And I don't have that much hair on my butt either! Umm… Excuse me kids I gotta… Check on something real quick." Hercule shot off towards the bathroom to examine his rear end.
"Finally, I thought I was never going to get out of there!" Videl sighed with relief as she escaped from the confines of her home. She immediately started to search for Ryo who was supposed to meet her once she was outside of the house. She waited a couple of minutes with still no sign of him until the sound of hysterical laughter caught her ear. She followed the sound around the house and towards one of the living room windows where she found her friend rolling around in the dirt, laughing hysterically as he held his gut. "Ryo, have you gone insane?"
"No, I'm fine," Ryo hummed, as he sat up and laughed. That look on Hercule's face when he saw himself in the shower was priceless.
"What's so funny anyway?"
"Let's just say I played a bit of a joke on your father," Ryo giggled, beginning to control himself a bit more efficiently. "Let's just say I edited that tape I gave Erasa just a bit…"
"I don't think I want to know," Videl muttered honestly.
"No, you're probably right…" Ryo giggled again. "Remind me to thank your butler James for lending me that priceless extra footage. You know, he's a pretty cool guy."
"That I'll agree with you on," Videl smiled. "Now, let's get the heck out of here, before my dad comes out here and finds us!"
Ryo complied with Videl's wishes, and they quickly moved away from the Satan household. Somewhere along the way Ryo handed Videl a mid-sized rectangular object, which was obviously a book of some sort, wrapped up in blue wrapping paper. Videl smirked, and shook it. "Gee, I wonder what this could be?"
Ryo grinned. "Yeah, I know I could've done a better job concealing it, but I didn't see the point. It's not much, but I'm kind of on a tight budget."
"Hey, that's no problem, I'm just happy when someone actually thinks of me," Videl said honestly, as she removed the wrapping paper. Her eyes widened a bit at the cover, then she smiled. "The history of the Tenkaichi Budokai?!"
"Yep, detailed excerpts on every tournament from the 1st to the twenty-fourth. It even has a small section towards the back dedicated to you winning the first junior tournament."
"Cool…" Videl frowned slightly. "But you'd think they would've had to get my permission to use my name in a book… Oh well, my father probably gave them the go ahead without telling me. Thanks Ryo, I appreciate it."
"No problem…" Ryo smirked wildly. "But I'm afraid it will pale in comparison to what Gohan has planned for you."
"Really…" Videl's eyes gleamed with curiosity and excitement. "So you know what's he planning huh?"
"Yeah, I even helped him out a little. I had to warn him though that if he goes through with this now, it's going to be very hard to ever top himself after tonight."
"Hmm… It's that big huh?"
"About as big as it gets," Ryo said. "So, are you going to fill me in on what you have planned to catch Gohan's attention?"
"That depends." Videl smiled evilly. "Are you going to tell me her name?"
Ryo blushed, and turned his head. "I don't want to! But if you tell me… I guess I'll tell you her name… You have to go first though."
"Good, it's a deal then! My plan is going to sound rather simple at first, but it's more complicated then you might think. I'm going to try to make him jealous by telling him that I'm in love with somebody else."
"You're right, it does sound simple." Ryo face faulted after saying that. "Wait a second, you're not going to use me are you?!"
"Of course not! I have something much more evil in mind. I'm afraid I can't tell you who I'm going to use though… I'm sorry but you probably wouldn't know who I'm talking about, nor should I probably tell you."
"Oh, I think I'm catching on now." Ryo leaned over and whispered something into Videl's ear.
Videl's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?… I mean you know he's… How?!"
"Probably the same way you do," Ryo stated with a smile.
Videl smiled back at him, and accepted that explanation. "Fine then, I'll leave it at that for now… Because I have something else I want to hear right now. Now, give me her name Ryo!"
Ryo's face lit up like a Christmas tree, but he managed to stay somewhat composed. He took a deep breath, and finally gave the girl the information she so desired. It was her birthday after all… "Fine! It's… It's Amy Okay! Are you happy?!"
"Yeah I'm happy! Amy huh?" Videl teased in a singsong like voice, very uncharacteristic for her. Then again, she wasn't used to having friends she could tease like this. "I don't know any Amy's… So there goes that idea. Still, I think I need to look into this a little further… But I don't know where to start! Where did you say you used to live again?"
"That's all I'm going to say Videl!" Ryo growled, his face somehow developing two more shades of red. "Now, get your nose out of my Kool-Aid!"
"Your Kool-Aid?!" Videl giggled. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
"I don't know, it's something my sister used to tell me when I was trying to meddle in her business. I didn't bother asking questions."
"I see… So, what does she look like?"
"Drop it Videl! I've told you all you're going to know!"
********
"Ryo, where did you go?!" Videl shouted into the forest for apparently only the woodland creatures to hear. Ryo had led her into the woods supposedly to meet Gohan somewhere, but know her so-called friend was inconspicuous by his absence. "I can't believe he'd just ditch me like that! I don't know my way around this forest! When I find him I'm going to kick his dorky little ass!"
Videl heard some rustling in the brush behind her, and assuming it was Ryo, quickly turned around to bite his head off. She blushed as she noticed it was actually Gohan looking down at her, with a rather smug grin on his face. "Man, if looks could kill!"
"You were in on this weren't you?!" Videl barked at him. "I could've gotten lost out here you know! Wandering around aimlessly in the woods is not the way I wanted to spend my birthday!… Then again, it still would've been better than being stuck in my father's crappy party.
"Then what are you complaining about?! Besides, this little spot isn't very far from where I live. If you keep walking down the path Ryo left you on, it ends right at my house! However, ditching you wasn't part of the original plan. He was supposed to show you the way here, but I guess he has to be himself…"
"I suppose." A broad smirk crossed her lips. "Now, what's this gift you've been bragging about that's supposed to be so special? You've had me thinking about this all day, so it better be good!"
"What? You mean you haven't guessed already?!" Gohan laughed.
Videl frowned in agitation. "What are you talking about Gohan?!"
"You'll see, come on!" Gohan took Videl by the hand without so much as a second thought, and proceeded to drag her behind him. Videl blushed slightly, but didn't protest in the least. She wondered if Gohan realized what he was doing. They didn't have to travel far, as Gohan stopped in front of a small lake. Gohan let go of her hand, and pointed towards the ground telling her to sit down. Videl complied, a slightly confused look still plastered on her face.
'So, what is it Gohan?" she asked, as he sat down next to her.
"I still can't believe you haven't noticed already," Gohan chuckled.
"What's so funny?!" Videl snapped. "I don't have any idea what you wanted me to notice! What's up anyway?!"
"Why don't you look, and see for your self?" Gohan grinned, and pointed up at the sky.
Videl complied, and her jaw dropped at what she saw. Though she hadn't seen the thing since she was in kindergarten, she knew what it looked like from old movies and documentaries. Those old pictures couldn't compare to seeing the actual thing however. There hanging up in the sky was a bright orange nearly full moon, only a slight corner on the edge missing from view. "What the… The moon?! How the hell!… I thought it disappeared all those years ago…"
"It did," Gohan said cheerfully. "Happy birthday Videl. You said you wanted to see it one more time didn't you? Bright orange, and almost full like you wanted. It's kind of like it knows it's your birthday. Well, now you can see it every night if you want to!"
"What?…" Videl's eyes shifted from the moon to Gohan, starting at him in disbelief. "You can't possibly tell me you're responsible for that!"
"Actually, yeah I am," Gohan stated proudly. "What's the problem? You sound like you don't believe me."
"Of course I don't believe you! Are you trying to say you hung the moon Gohan?!"
"Well sort of…" Gohan rubbed at the back of his neck, a nervous habit inherited from his father. "I had a little help. Remember that day we talked about the Dragon Balls?"
"You mean that old fairytale?" Videl recalled. "Those things that summon a magical dragon that grants you a wish. Yeah, I remember you talking about it."
"Exactly, but it's not a fairytale Videl. They're real, and my family has used them several times when we've had to. That's what I did. I collected all the balls, and wished for the dragon to restore the moon. I'll have to admit, the sky's looked rather lonely without it."
Videl looked at him as if he was crazy. "Do you really expect me to believe that?"
Gohan's face looked a bit disappointed. "I'm being honest with you Videl. I know it's hard to believe, but I'm kind of hurt you don't believe me. Besides, think of it this way. Do you have a better idea to explain how it's back all of the sudden."
"You've got me there," Videl snickered, and looked back up at the moon. "Okay Gohan… Dragon Balls huh? I guess I believe you then…"
"So I'm taking it you like your present?" Gohan smiled, assuming that by the way she was gawking at it. "You know, I think I'm the first guy that's ever promised a girl the moon, and actually given it to her."
"Actually, I love it Gohan, but I don't think I can claim it as my own. It's for everybody to enjoy again now. Thank you anyway." Videl leaned over, and gave Gohan an enthusiastic hug that caused him to blush slightly. Videl separated from him, and lay down across the grass giggling like a lovesick schoolgirl.
"Man, you sure seem cheery this evening," Gohan observed happily. "I don't think it's just from my present either. What's got you so giddy?"
"Well…" Videl turned her away, and blushed pretending to be apprehensive and shy. "It has been a rather memorable day. You see I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but… I think I'm in love Gohan…"
Gohan felt a lump lodge itself in his throat. "In love?… Oh really… With who prey tell?"
"I don't know if I should tell you but… Okay, I guess I can trust you not to say anything. He's a guy I met a few months ago… I used to think he was annoying at first, but lately I've been looking at him in a whole new way… He's so amazing… He can seem kind of naïve at times, but he has the sweetest personality once you get to know him, and not to mention good looking to boot. He seems to be a pretty tough fighter as well…"
"Oh really?" Gohan stammered, trying not to let his mind wander. Get your head out of the toilet Gohan! She's not talking about you… Somebody that sounds an awful lot like you maybe, but don't let yourself think like that! You're just going to disappoint yourself!
"Yeah…" Videl sighed dreamily. "I tried not to fall for him, I really did, but he just does something to me. I tried to ignore it for the longest time, but now I realize that a chance like this might not come along a second time, so I should go for it before it's to late."
"Makes sense to me… If you really think he's worth it, then you should probably go for it… You're a smart girl, and I think deep down you know what you really want. If you do, then you should go for it…"
"Oh, he is, or I wouldn't even be bothering to waste my time trying… It's just that he's…" Gohan eyed Videl with vested interest, as she got a far off look in her eyes. "I think you'd probably agree with me… Isn't the Gold Fighter great Gohan?"
"Gold Fighter?!" Gohan face faulted, and splattered face first into the dirt. He quickly pushed himself back up to plead his case. "The Gold Fighter?! Are you out of your mind?! You don't even know who the guy is, or where he comes from! You don't even know his real name for Kami's sake! That's why you call him the Gold Fighter!"
Videl blushed slightly. "I know, but that doesn't mean I can't learn! I'm a resourceful girl, and I have my ways of finding out what I want to know."
"But… But…"
"Hey, don't worry yourself Gohan!" Videl smiled cheerfully, and put her hands on his shoulders. "I'll be fine, and thanks for the advice. I should go for this since I know that I really want it… Thanks again Gohan, and good-bye! I got work to do, and thanks for the present, I'll make sure to admire it on my flight home!"
Videl walked away, leaving Gohan with his mouth hanging open. "But… But… Did I say that?…" Gohan groaned , and bellied over to the lake, and started banging his face into the cool blue water repeatedly. "How do I get myself into these things?"
Videl was about to climb into her chopper when something drew her back outside. Maybe it was the pull of the moon, as she looked up at it and smiled. "Gave me the moon huh… I can't believe he came up with this… I do love it Gohan, but there's something I want much more right now… (smiles wickedly) And I'm not going to stop until I have it."
********
Gohan sulked through the front door of his home, thinking over what Videl had said to him. The Gold Fighter! She's only seen him like four times! I thought she had more sense then that!… So she's in love with my alter ego… How the hell am I going to handle this?!
Without really realizing it he found himself sitting on the couch with the television remote in his hand. He heard the shower running down the hall, and assumed his mother was using it at the moment, and figured Goten must've been in his room playing or doing whatever it was seven year olds did. He turned on the TV, which was already set to a channel, which just happened to be showing the local news. Gohan's eyes widened, and he blushed nervously at the story being aired at the moment.
"To go along with today's top story, the sudden reappearance of the moon has appeared to have sent costal tides in erratic disarray, slightly flooding costal cities all over the world including Japan, the US, Australia, and all over Europe. Reports say that no serious damage has been inflicted by the rather light but rampant flooding, but sources say it is very annoying. In other news, just how in the world did the moon reappear so suddenly? Scientists are baffled at…"
"Blah, blah, blah," Gohan groaned, as he shut off the TV with his remote. "They're baffled now, but I'm sure they'll have some corny explanation why by tomorrow morning." Gohan jumped slightly, as the telephone rang surprising him. He walked into the kitchen, picked up the phone, and answered. "Son residence? Since not many people have our number, we most likely know you so hello!"
"Hey Gohan, it's Roshi."
"Hey Master Roshi! You hardly ever call here, in fact I think this is the first time. What's up?"
"Well I was just wondering…" The old man looked up into the sky. "Did you happen to use the Dragon Balls to wish back the moon by any chance Gohan?"
"Actually, yeah I did," Gohan replied.
"Well, you do know that the moon is directly linked to the ocean tides now aren't you?" Roshi inquired of him.
Gohan sweat dropped. "Well yes I do, but I kind of forget to consider that when I made the wish…"
"I see… Are you aware that because of your little lapse in judgment… MY ENTIRE HOUSE HAS FLOODED!" Roshi yelled into the phone. Krillen, Eighteen, Marren, and the Turtle were all huddled around each other on the roof of the Kami house. The only section of their home still above sea level. "MY ENTIRE ISLAND IS UNDER WATER BECAUSE OF YOU!"
"Gee, I'm sorry!" Gohan cringed. "Don't worry about it though, it'll clear up once the tide rolls out. Once the water gets used to the moon's gravitational pull again, things will get back to normal."
"It had better! Until then we're going to need somewhere to stay, and I'd suggest it be at your place since you're the reason my home's a giant swimming pool right now!"
"Okay, okay! I guess we can do that… I'll have to take the mater up with my mother, but I'm sure she'll understand."
"In the meantime you better send a dingy out here to pick us up, and bring us back to land!" the old man huffed. "I'm not about to swim all the way there!"
"Umm… Okay, but why don't you just ask Krillen or Eighteen to fly you back to land? They're still there aren't they?"
Roshi sweat dropped, and turned to look at the grinning faces of his roommates. Krillen spoke up in his usual wise cracking nature. "We had a bet on how long it was going to take you to realize that."
Gohan laughed as heard Roshi begin to go off on Krillen and Eighteen, and decided to hang up the phone. He sighed, and leaned up against the wall. "So, it looks like we'll have house guests for a while. I guess I have more then Videl and the Gold Fighter to worry about."
End.
-Hmm, it looks like Gohan's stiffest competition is himself. I have a feeling Ryo's going to have a field day with this in the next chapter. I guess my hint was a little to good because a couple people actually got it… Oh well. I thought I was going to have this chapter finished earlier in the day, but when I finished editing I forgot that last section of the chapter with Roshi's island. I'm sorry if it's a little choppy, I've been at this all afternoon. By the way, I wasn't exactly sure how to spell Korrin's name, and I don't time to do much research. If somebody could please let me know if I got wrong, and how it's accurately spelled it would be greatly appreciated.
Preview of Chapter twelve! I'm not completely sure how I'm going to develop parts of the next chapter yet. I might switch around a thing or two if the chapter winds up too short. Anyway, Gohan tries to recruit some of the other Z-Senshi, so the Tenkaichi Budokai won't be a total cakewalk, while Videl plans a way to approach the Gold Fighter with her apparent crush… It's all driving Gohan up the wall and back down again, and not to mention that Piccolo has a huge surprise for him.
