-Howdy! This chapter ran a little longer then most, so it took me a little extra time. I will warn you that there are a couple of really bad jokes waiting in the wings of this chapter, I just couldn't help myself.
There is one thing I wanted to elaborate on before we get started. I received a couple of complaints about Roshi's island no longer being under water. I didn't think it was necessary to elaborate on this, but I guess I was wrong. As I'm sure you all know, the tide rolls in and rolls back out every day. So when Roshi's island was flooded when the tide rolled in, the tide naturally had to roll back out eventually. I even had Gohan mentioned that in his phone conversation with Roshi. Chapter twelve took place a couple days after eleven, so by then the waters had calmed down and the tide naturally would've rolled back out thus returning Roshi's island back above sea level. I'm sorry if that confused anybody, I guess I should've explained it. I actually had a little scene planned where Gohan travels to Roshi's island while they're cleaning out Roshi's now waterlogged homestead. The scene didn't really to anything to move along the story and I couldn't get into it, so I decided to cut it out of the chapter completely rather then do a half assed job of it. Well, now that I've explained things, enough with that and on with the story!
Chapter Thirteen
Gohan shook his head, as he watched Videl stumble around. She'd at least managed to keep her knees steady to that point. She tried her best to keep her body still and adjust to her surroundings. They weren't foreign, just the forest around Gohan's home, a place she had frequented over the past seven months and even more so the past several weeks. The only difference was that this time she was twelve feet in the air, just sort of floating around as she tried in vain to keep her body steady.
"Whoa!" Videl gritted her teeth, as she dropped a little, drawing a laugh from her instructor. "It's not funny Gohan!"
"It is from down here. We've been at this for over two weeks now, so normally I would figure you would've gotten the hang of flying to some degree," Gohan teased her. "So far, all you've pretty much been able to accomplish is hover, and you can't even seem to stay steady doing that."
"I'm trying my best Gohan!" Videl frowned at him. "You know you're supposed to be encouraging me not… Whoa!"
Breaking her concentration to yell at Gohan, Videl promptly lost her grip on her Ki and dropped out of the air. Gohan instinctively reached out his arms to catch her, like he seemingly had to do at least once every day since he began to teach her how to fly. He just shook his head as he looked down at the young girl cradled in his arms. "What have I told you about keeping your concentration Videl? You know, I'm starting to think you're doing this on purpose."
Videl blushed slightly, and connected the tips of her index fingers together. "You think so? What makes you say that?"
Gohan blushed as he realized what she was doing, then set her back down to her feet. Videl giggled as he did this. "What's the matter Gohan? You can't stand touching a girl or something? You really need to grow up."
"It's not that… I just thought it would be best if I put you down before you punched me in the face."
"What kind of girl do you take me for Gohan?!" Videl said cheerfully, as she scratched at his left cheek with her index finger softly. "I'm a little rough, but why would I want to mess up a cute face like that?"
Gohan backed up nervously, and quickly changed the subject. "As far as your progress for flying goes, I don't think you have much to worry about. You're just now learning how to use your Ki properly, and it takes time to learn to control it without any trouble. You'll get the hang of it eventually."
"I'm sure I will," Videl smiled flirtatiously. "I've got a great teacher after all. Maybe all I need is a little personal instruction. Why don't you come up with me, and show me a thing or two. I might surprise you with how fast I can catch on."
Videl took Gohan by the hand, and lifted herself up in the air a few feet, trying to goad Gohan into taking flight with her. Instead, Gohan just blushed a bit, and pulled her back towards the ground a couple feet, surprising the girl somewhat. "You know, I might just consider that next time, but we are running short on time for this lesson. I'm going to check with mom, and see if she has dinner ready yet. You know we're having that big get together with all our old friends before we head off for the carnival, and mom will pound me into the ground if I'm late."
"Oh, I understand," Videl pouted slightly as her feet touched the ground. "Let's get going then."
"No, better yet, why don't you stay here and get a little more practice in before dinner. It might be a while before you get to practice again, so the extra time might do you some good."
"You mean alone?" Videl asked, not liking the sound of that one bit. That was going against the entire reason she was still here. "Okay I guess…"
"I'll come get you once dinner's ready," Gohan said, as he took to the air. "And be careful Videl."
"I will…" Videl sighed, as Gohan disappeared in the distance. Her expression, however, quickly lightened up. "Oh well, at least now I won't have to hold anything back."
Videl took to the air again, but this time she didn't show the slightest sign of struggle. Just the opposite in fact. She did a mid-air triple axel before zipping off, darting around the forest like someone who'd been flying for years. At rather impressive speeds for a rookie too.
"I love this!" Videl cheered, as she slowed her body down and floated upside down for a moment. "I feel kind of free moving through the air like this… I really have to come up with a way to thank Gohan for this later…"
"BIRD! SHOOT IT, IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US!"
Videl did a double take in the air as she recognized the voice, and the young man staring up at her from the ground. Videl lowered herself towards the ground nervously, bringing herself face-to-face with Ryo's grinning mug. "This wasn't what it looks like, I swear it!"
"It isn't? I'm pretty sure I just saw you flying a second ago. Why are you acting so panicky for anyway? What's the big deal?"
"You mean that doesn't surprise you at all?" Videl asked, looking a bit surprised herself. "I mean, human's don't normally fly you know?!"
"You do have a point, but now that you mention it, no it doesn't bother me at all," Ryo told her. "I've been watching Gohan struggling to teach you to fly most of the afternoon now actually…What does interest me though is how you could've looked so pathetic while Gohan was trying to train you, and then as soon as he's gone you're zipping around the forest like Mighty Mouse."
"Mighty Mouse?!" Videl frowned. She was offended by that out of all the super hero analogies he could've used, and he referred to her by a rodent on steroids. "As for your question, there's really no reason I just…"
"I know what you're doing," Ryo smirked. "You're just pretending to struggle for an excuse to spend more time with Gohan aren't you?"
"What, no! I mean not exactly…"
"You're pathetic Videl… You know there are other ways to grab his attention. I sincerely doubt he's going to object to spending more time with you."
Videl grunted, and plopped down on her butt. "What else am I supposed to do?! I've tried everything with him, but I can't get the point to break through that thick skull of his! I've even reduced myself to flittering with him! Disgusting!"
"Yeah, you really seemed disgusted to me," Ryo said sarcastically, referring to the way she had flirted with Gohan just minutes before.
Videl smirked slightly. "Okay, so I did enjoy it a little… But that's just Gohan… He still doesn't seem to notice though."
"Oh, he notices trust me. You know, you have pulled some evil tricks on him, such as with the Gold Fighter incident. Maybe this is just his way of getting back at you."
"For two weeks!" Videl huffed. "I still think he's just brushing me off because he's not interested. I wish he'd just come out and tell me though! I'm a big girl, I can take it! What are you doing here anyway Ryo?"
"I was invited," Ryo told her. "I'm going to the carnival with you guys tonight."
"Why are you going?" Videl snickered. "The thing was pretty much set up for kids to create more of a family atmosphere for the Tenkaichi."
"Well, I kind of have to go if I want to sign up for the tournament now won't I?"
"You're signing up for the Tenkaichi?!" This time Videl laughed out loud.
Ryo looked offended. "Hey, what's so funny about that?"
"I'm sorry Ryo, but you don't exactly strike me as the fighting type," Videl snickered, trying to stop herself from doubling over with laughter. "What do you know about martial arts anyway Ryo?!"
"More then you think!" Ryo smirked. "I'd expect that from anybody else, but you surprise me Videl. You should know as well as anybody not to judge a person's fighting ability by their appearance. If it wasn't for the Satan on the front of your name, then I sincerely doubt the bad guys would be quivering with fear when a little girl wearing pony tails got in their face."
Videl smirked at this. "I guess you have a point. It should be interesting to see how you handle yourself in the ring… If you can manage to get past the qualifying round that is."
"I don't think that'll be much of a problem. You know, Mrs. Son should be finishing up dinner any time now. Why don't we save Gohan a trip, and meet them there. I'll race you."
"You race me?! Fine then, but you don't stand a chance," Videl jeered as she moved into a sprinting position.
"What are you doing? A foot race isn't quite what I had in mind. I meant up here," Ryo said, as he took to the air.
Videl's eyes widened in shock. "You know how to fly?!"
"Quite well I might add. I know you're just a rookie, but I'll take it easy on you. You up for it? Ready, set, go!"
Ryo blasted off leaving Videl in his dust, and surprising the hell out of her with how fast he actually was. "Hey, wait for me!" Videl shouted, as she flew off after him.
By the time Gohan arrived home, his mother and Bulma were already setting the pair of long picnic tables in front of the Son house with Yamcha politely assisting the ladies. Krillen, Eighteen, Marren, and Roshi were all huddled together at the table chatting about something while Vegeta was sitting off towards the end looking cranky as usual. Trunks and Goten were busy chasing around some poor misfortunate rabbits that wandered into the area, and Gohan assumed Piccolo was off mediating somewhere. After a brief conversation with his mother, he learned that dinner would be completed any minute now and that he should go get Videl. He was prepared to go off and do just that when he felt a strong Ki streaking quickly towards his location. Sensing whom it was, Gohan's only question was what was the big hurry. Gohan wandered away from his house a little ways, then stood still and waited. A few seconds later, a huge ball of light thundered into the area, creating a rather strong gust of wind in its wake. Everyone turned their heads to see what all the commotion was about, except for Vegeta who already knew and found it rather amusing how easily these humans were fascinated by a relatively small burst of energy like that.
"Hey Ryo, glad you could make it," Gohan greeted his friend, as Ryo straightened out his clothes. "Just in time for dinner even, but would you mind filling me in on what the big hurry is?"
"Oh, just a little pre-meal competition." Ryo and Gohan waited a few moments, until finally Videl came into view flying in behind him.
"That was no fair Ryo, you cheated!" Videl complained as she landed next to him. "You took a head start!"
"Yeah, but I let you catch up to me twice," Ryo grinned, as he put his hands behind his head. "It's not my fault you couldn't keep up. Don't be a sore loser now Videl.
"Well, I wasn't prepared for that! How was I supposed to know you could fly too?!"
"Excuses, excuses…"
"Umm Videl…"
"Huh? Oh, hey Gohan," Videl smiled at him, but her expression dipped a bit when she saw the way he was looking at her. "Is something wrong?"
"Well yeah…" Gohan looked a bit confused as he spoke. "Just a few minutes ago you could barely float in the air, and now you just flew over here like a natural. I know you couldn't have picked up on it that fast, so what's up?"
Videl sweat dropped, and stammered a little as she realized just what she'd done. Ryo just started laughing at her, so Videl turned her focus back on him. "This is your fault! You landed here in front of Gohan on purpose didn't you?!"
"Could have…" Ryo smiled wickedly, as he started to backpedal.
"Where do you think you're going! Get back here you rat!" Videl shouted, and took off after him.
Gohan watched in confusion, as Videl started chasing Ryo around the Son's front yard. Somewhere during that time, Piccolo had appeared out of nowhere, and walked up beside Gohan without the boy even noticing at first. "Oh hey, Piccolo."
"What did he do now?" Piccolo asked Gohan, with something that resembled the Namek's version of a sigh.
Gohan just shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno."
The second that Chi-Chi called out dinner, everything seemed to settle down all at once. Soon enough, everyone was gathered around the table, making their plates. Videl sat down next to Gohan, and Ryo across from them. Videl chose wisely to take the seat in between Gohan and Yamcha rather then the empty seat next to Vegeta. Something about that guy just rubbed her the wrong way. His wife Bulma and young son took their seats across from him. Goten flopped down rather enthusiastically next to Trunks assumingly to sit next to him, and across from his older brother. However, the youngest Son child also seemed quite intrigued by Ryo, and unseen by Videl he was even showing both youngsters a couple of his psychic tricks underneath the table. The majority of the meal passed without much incident, with just casual conversation striking up between various parties. Videl found herself more intrigued with watching some of these people eat… She was used to seeing Gohan tare through his food like a starving Tazmanian Devil, but to her surprise Vegeta, Trunks, and Goten were eating in almost the same manner Gohan was. Ryo wasn't engulfing his food nearly as fast as Gohan and company, or eating as sloppily. However, he was consuming a ridiculously absorbent amount of food. She wondered where they put it all.
"So Yamcha…" Gohan spoke up, finally coming up from his meal to breath. "Do you know why Tien decided not to compete with us this year? I know he keeps in touch with you more then us."
"Well, he's kind of embarrassed that a weakling like Hercule can win the Tenkaichi Budokai," Yamcha whispered quietly to Gohan, so Videl wouldn't hear. "We all are, but he's particularly bitter about him taking all the credit for defeating Cell when he did nothing, and Goku died while fighting that thing. He said he wants nothing to do with the Tenkaichi as long as Hercule's the champion."
"Well, he doesn't have much to worry about after this year," Krillen snickered. "There's no way he's going to make it to the finals. He's going to have to face one of us eventually."
"Excuse me? Who are you talking about?" Videl asked him.
Krillen sweat dropped. "Uh… Nobody in particular… Forget I said anything."
Ryo tried to concentrate on his meal, but that was getting increasingly difficult by the second. Vegeta had been gawking at him for quite some time now, and he was getting much harder to ignore. "Your eating habits are interesting boy. I haven't seen many *human's* who could pack away that much food."
"What can I say, I love to eat!" Ryo laughed nervously. That's really all he could say with Videl present, even though he could tell Vegeta could care less if she knew anything or not.
Vegeta grunted, and returned to his meal. "Don't think you're fooling me boy. I know something's up with you. My hunches on these things are never wrong."
"Well, there is a first time for everything. I'm afraid this is one case where you're wrong. I'm sorry but you just might have to accept that for once."
Vegeta growled as he stood up. He reached across the table, seizing Ryo by the collar of his shirt, and pulling him up to his feet. "How dare you speak to me like that! Do you know who I am boy?!"
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?! Let him go you jerk!" Videl snapped at him, but Vegeta just ignored her.
"Vegeta behave yourself!" Bulma barked. "Put the boy down this instant."
Ryo frowned slightly, but other then that appeared as emotionless as he could be. "Look, I know exactly who you are Vegeta. I respect you, but I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm afraid of you! I've spent my entire life being pushed around by people like you, and I don't allow myself to be frightened or intimated by the likes of you anymore! I really don't care if you can break me in half or not!"
Vegeta stared the boy down a moment before smirking, and letting go of him. "You've got balls boy," was all he said before sitting back down and returning to his meal. The rest of the table just sort of sighed with relief, except for the boys who looked disappointed. They were used to seeing the grownups fighting all the time, but those were usually always harmless spars where nobody got hurt.
Bulma stood up, walked around to the other side of the table, and whacked her husband on the back of the head before walking over to where Gohan and company were sitting. "What was that for woman?! I was only testing the boy, where was the need for that?!"
"I'm sorry about him, I don't know what gets into him sometimes," Bulma apologized for Vegeta to Ryo from across the table.
"Umm… It's nothing really…" Ryo blushed, and returned his attention back to his food.
"Doesn't talk much does he?" Bulma whispered to Gohan, as she lowered her head between him and Videl.
"Nah, he's just a little shy at first around people he doesn't know well," Gohan told her. "Trust me, once you get to know him you won't be able to shut him up."
Videl laughed at his, prompting Bulma to turn her attention from Gohan to her. "So, this is Videl huh Gohan? Way to go…"
"Bulma stop!" Gohan blushed feverously as he turned back to his food. Videl just smiled at the table, and the rest of dinner past with no further incident.
********
A collective groan of disgust swept through the ranks of the Z-senshi, including Videl, as they walked up to the entrance of the first annual The Great Satan Hercule Pre-Tenkaichi Extravaganza Spectacular Carnival. (Yes, Hercule came up with the name himself) A huge plastic bust of Hercule's smiling head stood atop of the Carnival gate.
"Eck… There'll probably be pictures of that goober's smiling mug plastered all over the place," Krillen mumbled under his breath.
"This is humiliating," Vegeta complained, as he seriously flirted with the thought of blowing Hercule's head right off the gate. "Why must we have to subject ourselves to this ridiculous carnival just to sign up for some pathetic human fighting tournament!"
"To save time for one," Videl answered him, wondering why Vegeta kept referring to everything as human this, and human that. "It's becoming a bit of a hassle to sign up, get through the qualifying round, the Jr. Tournament, and the actual Tenkaichi all in one night. They figured having everybody sign up at the carnival would save a little time. Plus, they wanted to encourage parents to bring their kids along. Anyone who buys a ticket to the Tenkaichi gets a half price ticket to the carnival."
"Still, do we have to look at that?" Chi-chi growled, still staring up at Hercule's head.
"I don't see why everyone's so surprised," Ryo smirked. "It doesn't surprise me none at all to see Hercule's name synonymous with the circus."
This drew a laugh from just about everyone who knew the truth about Hercule. Even Vegeta and Eighteen snickered softly to themselves at the boys comment. Videl was the only one who didn't find the humor in it whatsoever, for obvious reason. "I don't see what's so funny about that! What was that supposed to mean anyway?"
"Ah, don't worry about it Videl," Gohan said, as he placed a hand on her back. "Like I told you before, we're not the biggest fans of your father. It's nothing against you now."
"I still don't have to like it!" Videl huffed.
Suddenly, Gohan stopped in his tracks, and gasped softly. Concerned, Videl stopped along side him, and looked up at the boy. "Is something wrong Gohan?"
"I felt something…" A wide smile attacked the boy's lips. "He's here! He's early…"
"Who's here?" Videl frowned. Now everyone was gawking at Gohan since he had practically screamed it. "How is he early?!"
Vegeta snickered slightly, and said softly. "Kakarott…"
Though the others couldn't feel him, they could definitely see the light in the shape of a human outline forming by a tree nearby. A few seconds later, Goku materialized in front of them, stumbling a bit and holding his head in his hands. "Whoa man! She wasn't kidding when she said it would feel like my body was being ripped apart!"
Goku turned around, and his jaw dropped as his eyes landed on the faces of his old family and friends. He'd annoyed the hell out of King Kai over the past couple of days with all his ramblings of how excited he was over going home after all these years. Goku thought he had prepared himself enough, but now he realized composure was completely out the window. Everyone just sort of gawked at him for a while, and something had to give eventually. Finally it did as Gohan, Chi-Chi, and Krillen stormed in from one direction and Goku from the other. All of the sudden, Goku found himself swarmed, as he and his family and friends exchanged greetings that had been waiting for seven long years. His wife was the first one to reach him, wrapping her arms around him. Goku returned her embrace and swung her around full circle, giggling the entire time, making sure he gave her a soft peck on the lips before he placed her back down on her feet.
"It's good to see you again Goku," Chi-Chi sniffed with tears in her eyes.
"It's good to see you too. You have no idea how much I've missed you!" Goku said happily, as he gave his wife another hard squeeze. "It gets really lonely in other world, especially after seven long years…"
Goku's eyes then shifted towards a young man standing towards his right, one that looked a dangerously good cross between his father and mother. Chi-Chi stepped back, giving her husband room to greet his son.
"Hey dad…" Gohan said, managing to keep himself calm. "It's been a long time huh?"
"Gohan? You're huge!" Goku laughed, as he embraced his son. "Oh man, you're all grown up on me now! I'm sorry I mist it…"
"Hey, you couldn't help being dead now dad," Gohan said, as he reluctantly pulled away from his father. He left out any part of him thinking it was his own fault, so not to upset Goku. "But you're here right now, and that's all that matters. Even if it is only for a day… At least we have a day…"
After greeting his family, Goku went around the circle that had formed around him including Piccolo, Krillen, Bulma, and Yamcha. Eighteen had chosen to stand back with Marren, wearing a slight grin across her lips. Vegeta stood back a few feet looking indifferent as always with Trunks standing by one leg, and a nervous looking Goten standing in front of them.
"What are you waiting for boy?" Vegeta asked Goten, without looking down at him. "That's your father over there. Go greet him, you might not get another chance after tonight."
"But I ah…"
"Don't be a dork Goten, go on!" Trunks smiled, as he shoved his apprehensive friend forward.
"Okay I'm going…" Goten looked back at Trunks blushing, before slowly moving towards the crowd that had gathered around his alleged father.
"Who in the world is that, and why is he kissing on Gohan's mom?!" Videl asked Ryo, not sure whether she should be confused or appalled. The pair had chosen to stand back, not wanting to get in the way of the reunion with whomever it was they were all huddled around.
"Well, I know this is going to sound strange, but I'm rather positive that's Gohan's father," Ryo answered her, and of course Videl thought he was nuts.
"What?! But that's impossible! Gohan said his father was dead!"
"I know he is, so don't ask me. In fact, why don't you ask Goku, I'm sure he could tell you."
"It sure is good to see all you guys again," Goku said after all the hellos were finished.
"Hold on a second Goku, there's still one more person you have to greet," Chi-Chi told him, as she scanned her eyes amongst the crowd. Goten, where are you sweetie?!"
"Goten?" Goku laughed. "Isn't that the name we talked about picking out if we ever had another chi… Uh…"
Goku froze, as he laid eyes on the blushing little form of who he assumed was Goten. "I'm here mom…"
"Mom?…"
Chi-Chi took Goten's hand, after he walked over to her side. "Goku… This is Goten. Your youngest son."
"My youngest…" Goku trailed off, still gawking at the little boy latched on to Chi-Chi's side.
"Um… Hi," Goten said shakily.
"Hey Goten…" Goku smiled thoughtfully, and bent down to get a closer look at his son. "Wow, I really wasn't expecting to find I had another kid on this trip. You look just like me, you know that? Now, are you going to come over here and give me a hug, or am I going to have to come down there and get you?"
Goten thought about it for all of five seconds before letting go of his mother, and jumping into his father's arms. "Daddy!"
"Whoa, easy there Goten!" Goku laughed, as his son was squeezing his neck with surprising force for a seven year old. "I may be dead, but I still need to breath or I'll pass out!"
After another minute or two of catching up, Goku and the small crowd he'd drawn started to move towards the carnival entrance. On his way to the gate, Goku noticed the two teens watching them rather intently. Gohan noticed this, and realized he'd forgotten to introduce them. Poor Videl was probably wondering what in the hell was going on. "Oh dad, hold up for a second. I almost forgot, but I'd like you to meet a couple friends of mine. This is Videl and Ryo, they'll be competing in the tournament with us."
"Oh is that so?" Goku said cheerfully, as he offered his hand to Videl, which she accepted. Of course, like most anyone, Goku jumped to conclusions when his son introduced him to a girl. "It's nice to meet you Videl. Hey, she's a cute one Gohan!"
Videl frowned slightly. "Excuse me?"
"We all agree," Krillen grinned mischievously, and elbowed Goku in his side. A very high upward motion of course. "I bet you didn't know your son was playing the field while you were in other world did you?"
"Is that so?" Goku snickered, assuming his hunch was right.
"I am not playing the field dad, I assure you!" Gohan seethed, his face glowing like lava lamp. "We're only friends despite what everyone, including Vegeta, tells you! Krillen here just doesn't know when to keep his big yap shut!"
"Oh really?" Goku said somewhat disappointedly, before an evil grin attacked his lips. "But if it isn't true, then why are you blushing like that Gohan?! Red wasn't your natural skin color when I left!"
"Dad stop!" Gohan grabbed his father by the collar of his Gi, and pulled him off to the side. He leaned upward to whisper into his ear. Videl, Ryo, and Krillen all tried to lean in close to hear what Gohan was saying. "Look, she's not my girlfriend… But I do like her, and I'm working on it… Just please keep that to yourself… Especially from mom, she already has me marrying the girl!"
"Don't worry, I won't tell a soul!" Goku assured him. "Even I can keep a secret for twenty-four hours!"
"Um… excuse me Goku sir…" Videl said as she approached him. Videl blushed slightly as the older man turned around and smiled at her. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure go ahead."
"Umm… Thanks… I apologize if this sounds rude, or insensitive or anything but I was just wondering…" Videl started slowly, but asked the actual question itself rather quickly to get it out of the way. "Aren't you supposed to be dead?!"
Goku looked a bit unnerved at first, before he started to laugh. "Oh that! Yeah, I'm still dead. That's what this is for!" Goku said cheerfully, as he pointed to his halo. "I built up some credit in other world, so I was able to come back to the living world for a day! I decided to use it to compete in the Tenkaichi this year!"
"I guess that makes sense…" Videl trailed off, unsure of whether she believed what she heard or not. Come on Videl, that shouldn't be big or a surprise. You never thought a human being could fly before, or that someone could wish back the moon with magic balls, or that Gohan's sensei would be a green guy with pointy ears and a turban! So Gohan's dead father comes back to life for a day, what's the big shock?!
"And you are Ryo as I recall?" Goku said unsurely, as he extended his hand to the boy. Ryo merely nodded, and blushed slightly as he accepted Goku's jester. Goku's brow immediately furrowed as they shook hands, and that bothered Ryo to a small degree. "Is something wrong sir?"
"No, I guess not," Goku smirked as he let go of Ryo's hand. "You're a strong one aren't you? Very strong... Tell me, are you fully human?"
Ryo sweat dropped. "Yes, I assure you that I am fully human." Both Ryo and Goku's heads turned to the side, as they heard Vegeta humph from behind them. Ryo groaned, and furrowed his eyebrows. "Despite what some people want to think."
"Hold on a second, what do you mean by asking if he's fully human?" Videl asked wondering what the hell Goku was talking about. "What else would he be?"
"Well, he could be any number of things like…" Goku began before Gohan cut him off.
"Whoa, whoa, dad! Hold on!" Gohan once again grabbed Goku by his Gi, and pulled him off to the side. "Dad, try to be careful with what you say around Videl tonight okay? She doesn't quite know all about the Sayian thing yet. Another thing you have to consider is that she's Hercule's daughter, so try not to mention anything about us and Cell okay?"
"HERCULE'S DAUGHTER!" Goku shouted, and he nearly lost his balance.
Videl cocked and eyebrow as she watched Gohan and his father converse secretly about something. "Okay, something weird is going on here."
"Okay, okay, I'll watch what I say, but I still think you should tell her the truth," Goku told his son. "If you're really serious about her, then the longer you keep it from her and the closer you two get, the more it's going to hurt when she finds out. If you keep it from her too long, she might start to feel like she can't trust you, so be careful."
"I will dad, I promise. In fact, I'm thinking about telling her everything after the Tenkaichi is over with. Including Cell…"
"Oh yeah, why then?" Goku inquired.
"Well, I figure that Hercule's going to end up having to fight one of us eventually, and whoever does is most likely going to literally knock the snot out of him. Of course Videl is going to wonder how her father was defeated so easily, and then it might be easier to tell her since she will already have been let down a little…"
"That's a good idea son," Goku smiled proudly. "Just make sure you go through with it, and don't let things linger on… Including making your move if you know what I mean."
"Dad, cut it out!" Gohan cried, as his father elbowed him. "I do want to ask you one thing though. You are here kind of early… You do know there's a good chance your time might run out before the tournament concludes tomorrow."
"I know… But think about it. If I didn't come back tonight then I couldn't sign up for the Tenkaichi at all! Besides, I can fight anytime I want to in other world. Let's just say I have my priorities straight. Hey Goten!" Goku called as his youngest son came bounding up to him. He picked little Goten up and placed him on his shoulder, while he wrapped his other arm around his wife as she walked up to him. "There you guys are! I've only got a day, but I'm going to make the most of it. I'm not letting you guys leave my side until I absolutely have to!"
Gohan smiled as he walked through the carnival entrance right behind his father, mother, and brother. It was really nice to have his father back, even if it was only for a day. Finally, for the first time the entire family was all together.
********
"Man, this is good!" Goku yelled, right before inhaling another hotdog. He at one time had an entire arm full of various food items resting across his chest that quickly disappeared.
"I see your father eats like the rest of you," Videl observed.
"Part of our heritage I guess you could say," Gohan replied truthfully, and with a smile. He just couldn't stop smiling for some reason.
"So, where are we supposed to sign up for the Tenkaichi anyway?" Ryo inquired of her.
"I'm not sure…" Videl grumbled, as she scanned the area. "The registration desk should be close to the main entrance… Ah, there it is!" Videl pointed over to an area setup with several long desks, where several big burley men were talking with the monks filling out the paperwork.
"Fine, then let's get this ridiculous charade over with so we can go home!" Vegeta huffed, as the group headed towards the registration desk. Bulma, Chi-Chi, Marren, and Roshi stayed behind while the Tenkaichi participant hopeful's waited in the short line to sign up, including a reluctant Yamcha.
"I don't know if I should be doing this guys," Yamcha doubted himself. "I kind of gave up fighting a while back. If I signed up I'd probably just embarrass myself."
"Come on Yamcha, that still leaves you way ahead of most normal humans," Goku said, trying to persuade him to change his mind. "It's just not going to be the same without you. It's bad enough Tien isn't going to be here."
"For once I agree with Kakarott. If you compete at the very least that will make one less human weakling we have to suffer though watching fight!" Vegeta said, then gave Yamcha a look. "*Weak-er* anyway."
Yamcha sweat dropped. "Gee, thanks for the semi-vote of confidence Vegeta… Okay, why not. I still think it kind of makes me look like I'm trying to relive my past glory days, but maybe I still have a good fight or two left in me."
"That's the spirit!" Goku cheered.
By the time they finished convincing Yamcha to sign up, they had already reached the front of the line. The adults allowed the two over-excited children to go first. The monk who'd been scribbling down the fighter's names on his parchment smiled down at the adorable look plastered on young Goten's face. "Names please little ones."
"Goten!" the little Demi-Sayian chirped happily.
"Trunks," Goten's friend named himself in a much more serious manner.
"I see… Two more entries for the Jr. Tournament…"
The boy's eyes lit up in horror. "JR. TOURNAMENT!"
"There's a Jr. Tournament now?" Goku asked, sounding a bit surprised.
"Yes indeed sir. For any entry under the age of sixteen," the monk verified for him.
"Man, I'm glad that wasn't around when I first started competing." Goku snickered, and rubbed at the back of his neck. "It would've almost been a complete waste of time to even compete!"
"Man, did you hear that Goten? They're going to stick us with a bunch of snot nosed brats!" Trunks complained.
"Well, yeah but… At least we do get to fight. That's all that really matters isn't it?"
"What?! Who am I going to fight?! You?! I can fight you anytime I want!" Trunks paused, and his eyes widened thoughtfully. "Then again… When I beat you this time, I will be the World Champion won't I?"
"Hey, who says you're going to beat me again?!" Goten fired back.
"Says me."
"You will not!"
"Will too!"
"Will not!"
"Will too!"
"Will not!"
Vegeta smirked slightly, before showing the side of his personality that everyone was used to. "That's enough out of you two! You can settle this little dispute in the ring tomorrow! As for right now, get your butts out of the way so the adults can get their business over with!"
"Yes sir!" both boys chimed, nether one of them ever once daring to defy Vegeta before, and not about to anytime soon. The boy's ran off towards their mothers, with only the sounds of their on going argument lingering in the ears of everyone nearby.
"Will not."
"Will too!"
"Will not!"
"Ah, just shut up Goten!"
"Name please," the monk asked the short spiky-haired man at the front of the line. "Or at least whatever you'd like to be referred as during the tournament."
"Vegeta."
"Vegeta hey?" the monk asked thoughtfully. "That's a strange name. Is that some kind of alias of some sort?"
"No, it's my name!" Vegeta growled in disgust. "Do you have a problem with that little man?"
The monk sweat dropped. "No, not at all sir. You'll be number 86."
"Fine," Vegeta snorted, and walked away.
"Goku," he said with a smile, as he walked up to the table.
The old monk nearly fell out of his chair. "Did you say Goku?! You're not the same Goku who won the Tenkaichi all those years ago by any chance are you?"
"What? Yeah, that's me. You mean people still remember that?" Goku laughed modestly, as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Are you kidding?! While you might not be world famous like Mr. Hercule, you're still a legend with the insiders here at the Tenkaichi Budokai. Nobody else has a track record like yours! You made it all the way to the finals when you were still a young child. The last time you were here you almost totaled the arena while you fought with that green fellow. It sure is an honor to meet you sir, and it's a pleasure to have you back with us after all this time."
"Thank you. It's great to be back. The green guy you mentioned is back for this go around as well. We promise we'll try not to make as big of a mess this time."
Yamcha stepped up next, and gave his name somewhat reluctantly. Second thoughts were abundant in his head, but he went through with it anyway. "Yamcha hey? Another famous name amongst our ranks. It's been quite a while since you last competed as I recall."
"Well, yeah… I still haven't decided if this is part of my comeback trial, or a one time only deal…"
"I bet you remember who I am too," Krillen boasted, as he walked up to the table. "The name's Krillen."
"Krillen hey?" the old monk searched his memory. "No sorry, that name doesn't ring a bell…"
Krillen face faulted. "Oh come on! I even made it farther then Yamcha the first time!… No offense buddy," Krillen begged off, as Yamcha gave him a dirty look. "I was the same age as Goku when he made it to the finals, and I even made it to the semi's myself!"
"Oh, that's right! I remember you now. You were that short little bald fellow."
"Short little bald fellow?!" Krillen fumed, and then ran his hand through his hair. "As you can see, I'm not bald anymore! I swear I get no respect!"
The next entry clearly needed no introduction, and the monk nearly bowed down in homage when she strolled up to his table. "Miss Videl! We were wondering when you were going to make your appearance! It's an honor to have the daughter of Mr. Hercule amongst the ranks of this year's Tenkaichi. You know you're expected to make a fine showing."
"I plan on it," Videl smirked. "Hey, do you happen to know what my father's up to? He isn't here is he?"
"No, he decided to skip the carnival. He mentioned something about having some important work to do back at home."
"Knowing my dad, I'm sure he's probably locked away in that secret room of his doing some intense training before defending his title at the Tenkaichi tomorrow."
Meanwhile, back in Hercule's secret room at the Satan residence
A TV the size of a small apartment was blaring away, showing some old Jackie Chang movie on the screen. An empty pizza box, several empty cans of beer, and a half full bag of cheese puffs were scattered all over the floor. Wearing nothing but his undies, Hercule was strung upside down over his couch, a small bubble of snot poking out his nose as his chest moved up and down. "ZZZZZZZZZZZ… Ra aw wa wa, wa, whh… Take that Cell! ZZZZ Ra wa a wa ha whah… I'm am Hercule… HUCCKK ZZZZZ Whew, calm down ladies there's enough of me to go around…" Hercule snored, as that little bubble of snot popped splattering all over his sleeping face.
Back at the Carnival
"And you'll be number 91. Good luck to you Mr. Gohan."
"Thank you sir," Gohan said politely, and stepped out of line.
"Okay, next please," The monk requested without looking up. He almost jumped out of his skin, when he looked up and saw the green face staring down at him.
"The name's Majunior."
"Majunior?" Ryo asked him with one eyebrow cocked, and a smirk of amusement.
"Yeah. I'd thought I'd go undercover. Protect my identity a bit."
"I hate to break this to you Piccolo, but how many other fighters do you see here with green skin, pointy ears, and a turban?! Just what exactly do you think you'd be hiding?!"
Piccolo's face lit up with realization. "Good point… Okay you win. The name's Piccolo."
Ryo stepped up, after the monk assigned Piccolo number 92. "Ryo," the boy introduced himself drawing a strange look from the bookkeeper. Ryo frowned at this. "Is something wrong, why are you staring at me like that?"
"Oh, no reason…" The monk trailed off, examining the rather scrawny looking boy more thoroughly. Man, he's even skinnier then that Gohan kid that was with Videl. These boys wouldn't last more then thirty seconds with someone like Hercule. This tournament may be in trouble if this is the kind of field we're going to be presented with.
Assuming the monk was done with Ryo, the last member of the group, Eighteen walked up beside Ryo. "My name is Eighteen. Yes, I said Eighteen as in the number so don't ask me any stupid questions about it."
The monks eyes widened in surprise at this new entry. This was just becoming too much for him to handle. "Um, excuse me a minute you two but… Young lady… Eighteen, and Ryo was it? Are you two in the right place? I mean, you do know this is the registration desk for the Tenkaichi don't you?"
Both of them frowned, Eighteen even deeper then usual. "Of course we know, why the hell else would be here?!" Ryo barked.
"I was afraid of that… I don't think you two know quite exactly what you're getting into. This is a very serious competition, where the combatants face serious injury and even death. I don't think this is the type of field for a young lady, and a young man who is drastically… Underdeveloped as yourself."
Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Oh spare me…"
"Are you calling me a runt?!"
"No, not at all young man… I'm just looking out for your safety that's all…"
"Thanks pops, but I think I'll be just fine!" Ryo muffed. "Besides, the Tenkaichi is set up so that anyone who wants to sign up can compete! You can't turn us away just because we don't meet your visual qualification standards!"
"Of course, you're right but I had to try… Oh well, it's not like you two would have a chance to make it past the qualifying round anyway. You'll be 93, and you're 94 young lady."
"If the qualifying round includes hurling your pointy head like a javelin across Southeast Asia, then I think I'll do just fine!"
"Can it kid," Eighteen said as she grabbed Ryo by the cloth on his shoulder, and drug him away from the table. After she let go, Ryo dusted his shoulder off, and gave her a questioning look. "Let it go kid. What do you care what he thinks away? You know you can fight, so what does it matter what he thinks of you? That's what makes humans like him weak. They judge souly on outer appearance. You put someone like that up against someone like us, and they're drilled into the ground before they know what hit them."
"Yeah you're right," Ryo admitted, still a bit ticked however. "I get that a lot, and I usually don't let it bother me… I guess I just don't like the thought of having my strength insulted by a Pillsbury Doughboy look-a-like in a bathrobe!"
"Hey daddy, want to go on one of the rides with me?" Goten chirped happily, perched up on one of his father's broad shoulders.
Goku thought about it for a second. "Hmm… Hey, why not? I'm only back for a day, and I might not get another chance to spend a lot of time with my son. How about you Chi-Chi?"
"Well I suppose so… Like you said, we only have one day," Chi-Chi reiterated, as she looped her arms around Goku's free arm.
"Are you coming to Gohan?" Goten asked his older brother. "Then it will be like the whole family!"
Gohan thought about saying yes, when he remembered Videl was still with them. Videl smiled slightly, and backed away feeling a bit left out. "You go ahead Gohan. I don't mind, I'll wait for you."
"Why don't you come too Videl?" Chi-Chi asked her. "You're practically part of the family now."
"Yeah!" Goten seconded his mother's motion. "Come on, it'll be fun!"
"I don't want to intrude… I'd feel kind of out of place, so you guys go ahead…"
"Wait, hold up a second!" Ryo shouted, as he ran up in between Gohan and Videl, then walked up to the Son family. "Sorry, but they can't. They've already got plans for this evening."
"No we don't," Gohan said looking a bit confused.
"That's what you think," Ryo muttered under his breath, as he turned to Gohan's parents. "You'll have to excuse them. I guess they were a little embarrassed to tell you, but they kind of already have a little something going on this evening…"
Ryo leaned in close, and whispered something to Goku and Chi-Chi hoping that neither Videl nor Gohan could hear him. Both members of the Son family looked confused at first, until Ryo finished his explanation. Both their faces lit up, both smiling in a rather strange way, at least that's the way it looked to Gohan and Videl anyway.
"What the hell is he doing?" Videl asked Gohan. Gohan just shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, is that all?!" Goku laughed, wearing his trademark smile. "In that case, you guys go right ahead! We'll catch up with you later!"
"But we weren't planning on going anywhere…" Gohan muttered but apparently no one was listening.
"Keep a close on them for me Ryo," Chi-Chi smirked mischievously. "Make sure they don't have *too much* fun."
"I will Mrs. Son. I'll see you guys later tonight."
"Awe, they're not coming! Why not?!" Goten pouted. The little guy just couldn't understand what his parents seemed so tickled about.
"The thing is Goten, your brother is well…" Goku whispered something into his son's ear that made the boy grin in a fashion almost identical to his father. "Oh, okay! I get it now! Bye Gohan! Bye Videl! Have fun!"
"Oh wonderful, now your bother's in on it," Videl groaned, as she watched the rest of the Son family head off on their way. In the meantime, Ryo was walking back over to them grinning like an idiot.
"What did you tell my parents Ryo?!" Gohan demanded, drawing nothing by a giggle from his alleged friend.
"Oh nothing…"
"Don't give us nothing!" Videl jumped in. "I know that look! You're up to something!"
"Oh come on, what makes you think I'm up to something?" Ryo asked innocently.
"Because you're always up to something!"
"Hmm, good point. I guess you're just going to have to wait and find out then," Ryo teased, putting a hand on each of their backs as they started walking.
"So, what did you want to ride Goten?" Goku asked his son.
"How about that one?!" Goten sang, as he pointed at a ride with several assortments of three bubble shaped cars attached to a steel circle.
"What? The Tilt-o-Whirl? If that's what you want. Now, why don't you go stand in line for us? I have something I want to discuss with your mother privately okay?"
"Yes sir!" Goten leapt out of his father's arms, and charged straight for the rather short line.
Chi-Chi looked at her husband thoughtfully. He was still staring at Goten as he scooted on his way, appearing almost disheartened as he did so. That just wasn't normal for Goku. "Is something wrong honey? You said you wanted to talk to me?…"
Goku didn't say anything for a moment. Once he finally did, he answered with a most unexpected question. "Why didn't you guys wish me back Chi-Chi?"
Chi-Chi's face lit up with confusion. "That's… That's the way you wanted it wasn't it? You were worried you'd endanger the Earth with your presence, so you decided to stay in other world. You told us not to wish you back, don't you remember?"
"Well yeah, but now it's different!" Goku cried, having difficultly finding the words to express what he was feeling. "I mean Goten! If I had known I had another son on the way I would've come back! It totally changes things… You had to raise him all by yourself without…"
"Goku, don't beat yourself up about that," Chi-Chi smiled sweetly, as she took her husbands hands in hers. "We got along without you… It wasn't easy, but we managed. Gohan did his best to fill the void you left behind with your noble sacrifice. I might want to smack you upside the head sometimes for leaving me alone like that, but I understand why you did what you did. It was for the good of the world…"
"I know, but I just… I feel like a rotten father! I have a seven-year-old son who's lived his entire life without knowing his father… I completely missed Gohan growing up! Everything's just so different now. I find out I have another son, Krillen has hair and is married to a former android that once tried to destroy the planet, Vegeta's actually halfway tolerable to be around now, and Gohan even has a girlfriend! I come back here after seven years, and it's like I don't know anybody anymore… It's amazing how life's changed without me. Coming back kind of makes me realize everything I've been missing… Especially with you, Gohan, and Goten…"
"So, are you starting to regret your decision to stay in Other World?"
"I've regretted it every single day since the moment I made that decision!" Goku stated bluntly. "I just never realized how much until now. I suppose I made the right decision. Earth has been peaceful since I've been gone."
"That's true, but if you want my honest opinion Goku, I think most of us thought Earth was a much safer place to live with you in it."
Goku replied only with a delayed smile before they realized that they'd walked all the way over to the very line Goku had sent Goten to stand in moments earlier. The little boy jumped up and down, yapping excitedly to get his parents attention. To their surprise, they found Trunks standing along side him along with Bulma, and yes even Vegeta.
"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Goku asked curiously.
Vegeta grunted, knowing the question was directed towards him for the most part. "What do you think Kakarott? The boy wanted us to go on this confounded human contraption with him for some reason. Let's just get this thing over with, and go home! We've got a lot to do tomorrow!"
Ryo never did tell Videl or Gohan what he had told Gohan's parents, but they forgot about that for the time being. The trio was a little busy, rather guilty, having a good time at what they had thought would be a rather corny and childish amusement event. They soon found themselves in front of one of those famous fun houses, (You know, the ones you see in movies and on TV at all the amusement parks, but never actually find one in any of the actual local fairs and entertainment venues) and decided to take a peak inside. They happened to run into Erasa and Sharpner somewhere along the way.
"Hey there guys! What's up?!" Erasa waved to them.
"Hey, Erasa…" Videl frowned, and snorted. "Sharpner…"
"Hey babe, good to see you to," Sharpner spoke only for himself despite his opinion to the contrary. He then shot a dirty look over to the boys she was with and grunted. "Oh, and you two…"
"Hey Sharpner, was that a dirty look, or is your face usually that ugly?" Ryo jeered, causing Gohan to cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.
"You think you're funny huh smart ass! And what are you laughing at hillbilly boy?!" Sharpner seethed, only adding to Ryo and Gohan's amusement. "You don't know who you're messing with, I could break both of you in half like a pretzel!"
"Yes, I assure you Sharpner that the fruit in our looms are shaking," Ryo said with disinterest, as he and Gohan walked off behind Videl and Erasa's lead.
"Hey, where do you two think you're going?! Don't walk away from me while I'm threatening you, get back here!"
As it seems to be unavoidable in these funhouse type attractions, the young group of teens eventually stumbled into that room with all the trick mirrors lining the walls. Videl found herself amused by how easily Erasa was amused by playing with her reflection in many of the different panes of glass that consisted of everything from the one that made her look tall, and even the one that made her look rather short and fat. In the meantime, Sharpner began to laugh hysterically at one mirror that showed a particularly amusing image of himself.
"Look at this one guys! It makes my forehead look big and pointy, and my face kind of looks all funny and distorted…"
Ryo walked up next to Sharpner, and cocked an eyebrow when he saw only his usual reflection staring back at him. "Sharpner, this is just a regular mirror."
Sharpner stopped laughing, and face faulted. "WHAT?!"
Gohan snickered again, as he watched Sharpner feel up his forehead. His attention quickly fell to Ryo as he walked up next to him, finally seeing an opportunity to talk to him alone.
"Hey Ryo… I don't know what you're up to, but whatever it is please call it off. I told you that I wanted to handle this thing with Videl on my own."
"What makes you and Videl think I'm up to something all the time?! What exactly have I ever done to you two to make you guys think I'm…" Ryo sweat dropped at the look Gohan was giving him. "Okay, don't answer that. Look, I wanted to respect that, but at the rate you're going I'll be reading my grandkids bedtime stories by the time you work up the nerve to make a move! Look, you admitted to me that you had feelings for her that day on Dende's lookout, so what's the big problem anyway?! I don't blame you at all for wanting to even the score with her by playing dumb a little longer, but don't you think you've dragged it on long enough?"
"I know, I meant it when I said that… I swear I was only planning on playing with her for a couple days, it's just…" Gohan sighed, and lowered his shoulders dejectedly. "It's a lot harder then I thought I would be… I look her in the eyes, or I hear her talk and I just… I completely break down. I can't talk without stuttering, the words I want to say never come out of my mouth the way I want them too, I start sweating, and I can't seem to think straight…"
"Damn, you have it worse then I thought," Ryo scratched his chin thoughtfully. "You seem to be going through all the normal stages. First denial, and now spine numbing fear. I know exactly what you're feeling Gohan. I've gone through the exact same thing, and I'll warn you now that it doesn't get any better. Especially if you don't come out in the open with your feelings…"
Now Gohan looked truly mortified. "You mean it gets worse then this?!"
Ryo nodded his head in confirmation. "This is nothing compared to what you might face in the future. You however, are not going to have to worry about that, because we're going to get you two together one way or the other."
"It's not that simple Ryo… I'm happy with just being friends, and I don't want to screw that up… Besides, I just don't see why someone like her would want anything to do with the likes of me…"
"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer… Okay, I'll give you one anyway, get a life Gohan! You saw the way she was flirting with you during your little flying session, or how she was pretending to have problems with it just to spend time with you! She obviously has a thing for you, why can't you still not see that!" Gohan failed to reply and stared off into nothing. Ryo just sighed and shook his head. "Gohan, do yourself a favor. Don't make the same mistake I did. I use to think holding in my feelings was for the best, because I didn't want to ruin my friendship with someone I cared about. I found out later that that was the worst thing I could've done. It eats away inside of you, and sometimes even takes control over the way you act and think. The longer you hold your feelings inside, the worse the effect might be when you finally do let it all out… Don't fall into the same trap I'm stuck in right now Gohan… Let's say it doesn't work out , it's going to hurt a lot for a while, but the pain will fade with time… You hold it all inside then it's going to hurt you for days, weeks, months, or in my case even years... Doesn't make a lot of sense once you think about it does it?"
"Guess not…" Gohan said absently. He didn't comment on the subject any further, but he was clearly thinking about it despite the fact that he soon changed the subject. "I wonder if my dad's having fun during his time back on Earth?"
"Wee!" Goten laughed as his egg-shaped ride spun around and around at a moderately fast pace. He was wedged between his mother, who looked reluctant but otherwise fine, and his father whose head was bobbing up and down groggily.
"Is something wrong Goku?" Chi-Chi asked him, noticing he was looking rather flushed.
"Whoa, I don't feel so good…" Goku groaned, as he grabbed his stomach. "I don't think it was such a good idea to eat as much as I did before getting on this ride… Oh gulck…"
Goku covered his mouth, but that couldn't stop it from releasing a gush of undigested food spewing outside of the car. Chi-Chi cringed, as she heard a sickening splat and the disgusted cries of a young family. "Sorry about that!…" Goku grunted. "Man, I wonder who I hit?"
"ACK! KAKAROTT, DISGUSTING!"
Goku face faulted. "Oops…"
Goten laughed. "Ha, ha! You barfed on Trunks!"
----------
"Are you okay Gohan?" Videl asked worriedly, noticing her friend seemed a bit distant.
Gohan blinked in surprise. "Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine Videl…"
"You don't look fine to me," Videl frowned at his unconvincing reply. "Nothing's bothering you is it? You're not upset because you're stuck spending the evening with me are you?"
"No, not at all!" Gohan snickered slightly. "In fact, the exact opposite… I'm just thinking about some things?"
"About what?" Videl inquired curiously.
About you mostly… That's what Gohan wanted to say, but of course that would most likely be the last thing to come out of his mouth once he opened it. "Well Videl I was… Ah, it's nothing… Never mind. Just forget I said anything."
Gohan got quiet again, and slowed down purposely so he'd fall a bit behind Videl. She noticed this, and it irritated her somewhat but mostly just heightened her concern. Still, staying true to her character, Videl just grunted in disgust and walked a little faster until she had pulled away considerably from her lagging friend. If he wasn't willing to talk to her, then to hell with him, she didn't care what his problem was.
Ryo groaned, as he watched Gohan stray away from Videl. Things weren't going the way they were supposed to at all. Ryo walked up to Gohan, and soon noticed a possible answer to this dilemma. The old Ferris Wheel, a staple in any type of local fair or carnival that was worth it's salt. A broad smile crossed Ryo's face as he looked up at it. "Man that brings back memories."
"What does?" Gohan asked, assuming Ryo was addressing him.
"The old Ferris Wheel. A lot of sentimental value I guess you could say. I had some of the most memorable moments of my life on one of those old things. I think they're kind of majestic and special in a way. A carnival, fair, or circus, or whatever you want to call it would just seem kind of naked without one."
"I'm glad you like them so much…" Gohan mumbled. "Just looks like a big wheel to me."
Ryo frowned slightly, but quickly got over it. "Hey, why don't you ask Videl to take a ride? It would be a great opportunity for you to get her alone, and maybe work up the nerve to talk with her."
"I can't do that!" Gohan cried with a look of pure horror. "Wouldn't that be kind of forward?…"
Ryo's face flattened into straight lines in typical anime fashion. "Did a big chunk of the moon hit you on the head after Piccolo blew it up?! Just go ask her, the worse she could do is tell you no! You don't even really want to do it anyway, so what are you worried about?!"
Ryo shoved Gohan forward. Gohan looked back at Ryo nervously, and then proceeded towards Videl. She'd slowed down purposely, now that her anger had faded, hoping he'd catch up to her. She was just too worried about him to be mad at him long. "Hey Videl…"
Videl nearly jumped out of her skin. "Oh, hey Gohan… What's up?"
"You know I was just wondering… I'm getting kind of tired of all the walking and the crowds, so I wanted to ask if maybe you wanted to take a spin around the Ferris Wheel?…"
Videl snickered slightly at this. "The Ferris Wheel? That's more of a kids ride isn't it? You don't think two practically grown teenagers would look rather childish on that thing?"
Gohan smirked. "So what's your point?"
Videl returned a grin of her own. Her first inkling was to say hell no, but the more she thought about it the more she realized spending a few minutes in a small enclosed space with Gohan wouldn't be that bad of a deal after all. "Okay Gohan… It's not like I've got anything better to do."
The line wasn't relatively long, and it wasn't long before they were boarding one of the cars. Ryo waved to them before they disappeared inside. "You two have fun, and make sure you behave yourselves! Maybe you'll even get lucky and get stuck at the top!"
Videl crossed her arms. "That never actually happens Ryo! What in the world would you expect us to do up there anyway?!"
Ryo grinned evilly. "You don't want anything to do with what's swimming around in my head right now Videl."
"I'll take your word for it! I'm sure I don't!" Videl said, as she and Gohan disappeared inside the car.
It wasn't a traditional Ferris Wheel as you'd normally picture in your head. It was the enclosed car type with two seats, and four walls with two windows on each side of the passengers so they could look out. A few minutes past silently and awkwardly. Both Videl and Gohan stayed quiet, both blushing and slightly unsure of what they should say or do. Gohan for one was putting the silence to good use, thinking over if and how he should take Ryo's advice and voice what he was feeling…
What am I so afraid of! She obviously cares about me… I'm not sure why, but I can't pretend I don't see it anymore. I know I want to tell her, but am I really so concerned over what might happen? She could shoot me down, laugh at me, or even worse… I certainly don't want Videl angry with me when we're stuck together in a small space like this… I might as well be locked in a cage with a rabid hyena! I'd walk out with less bruises and scrapes. But Ryo's right, I can't hold this in forever… I don't want what happened to him to happen to me… I see how depressed he gets sometimes, and that look he gets in his eyes whenever someone talks about her… I don't want to look back on my life ten years from now, and wish I could go back and do all this differently. I might as well do it right, while I'm here right now! I suppose there's no better time then the present…
"Um Videl…"
"Yes Gohan," Videl said anxiously, thankful for the break in the silence.
That's when Gohan made his first mistake. He looked into those soft blue eyes of hers, and it was over. His body turned to jelly, and everything Ryo had told him sounded like it was in Swahili at the moment. "Oh… It's nothing Videl. Never mind…"
Videl frowned at this. "No, you were about to say something, now what was it?!"
"It was nothing Videl really… I…"
"Don't give me that crap! I know it isn't nothing! You've been acting strange all night! Why won't you talk to me?!"
"I… I… I'm trying! I'm just not…"
"Hey kid, what's up?" Krillen asked Ryo, wondering why in the world the boy was staring up at the Ferris Wheel with such interest.
"Gohan and Videl are up there," Ryo told him.
"Oh really now?" Krillen snickered assumingly. "And I thought he said they were just friends. So, tell me Ryo, what's really up with those two now huh?"
"Well, as for right now nothing, just like Gohan's been claiming," Ryo replied to Krillen's disappointment. "It's a work in progress though. They've got a thing for each other, but they're having problems dealing with it I guess you could say. Hey, I think that's them just about at the top there."
"Ah, I see. Maybe Gohan will get lucky, and they'll get stuck up there."
"You know… That's not a bad idea," Ryo smiled wickedly, as he formed a weak ball of Ki in his hand. His eyes shifted towards the ride attendant who conveniently had his back turned to the controls that ran the ride. Presented with this golden opportunity, Ryo fired the small quick blast into the controls. The slight popping sound alerted the carnival worker, who turned around and his face grew wide with horror to see the ride's controls sparkling slightly before another small pop set fire to the panel. All the lights on the Ferris Wheel went out, as the gears made a high pitched whining sound before coming to a complete stop.
"What the hell happened?!" Videl cried, as the car went dark, and came to a sudden and shaky halt. At least the lights from outside illuminated the small car somewhat.
"We stopped!"
"Well duh!" Videl huffed, still a little irritated with Gohan from before. "What I want to know is how?! This is too weird, it's just what Ryo said was going to happen!"
"Funny, I don't think it's that weird," Gohan grumbled, as he looked out the window. Sure enough, his sensitive Sayian eyes eventually found Ryo and Krillen waving at him, both grinning like idiots. Gohan turned a bit red, as he gritted his teeth. "Ryo!… I'm going to kill him… Man, this is ridiculous! Now we're stuck up here for who knows how long!"
Videl made a low growling sound in her throat. "Oh yeah, I can imagine how horrible being stuck up here with me might seem! Look, if you find it that distressing, why don't you just jump out of the side of the car! You know how to fly!"
"And have a few hundred people see me do it?! My ability to fly isn't something I'd like to be common knowledge you know Videl!"
"Then stop your whining and sit there! We might be stuck up here a while, so live with it!"
"Whoa, that was evil Ryo," Krillen said after a whistle of admiration. "I wish I'd thought of it. You know, I like you kid. You're all right."
"Hey, I'm not evil, just persistent," Ryo smirked. "Well maybe a little… Hey, they'll thank me for pushing them so hard eventually."
"Well, they're probably going to be up there a while, before they get that thing fixed." Krillen turned towards Ryo. "You want to go grab a hotdog or something? It's on me."
"Sure, why not?"
Gohan eyed Videl cautiously. She hadn't spoken to him for a few minutes, and she didn't exactly look all that happy. Gohan took a deep breath, and decided this would be as good of a time as any. "I'm sorry Videl…"
Videl sighed herself, and continued to stare out the window. "Don't worry about it Gohan… I know nobody wants to get stuck in a situation like this, so I shouldn't have gotten mad…"
"It's not that," Gohan admitted. "You were already mad anyway…"
Videl's brow furrowed deeper, as she turned to look at him. "Then what are you apologizing for?!"
"For ignoring you… For not talking to you about this sooner… I have noticed you've been flirting with me a little, and well…"
"I have not!…" Videl started to argue, but stopped. Instead, she dipped her head a bit, and laughed rather weakly. "I was wondering if you even noticed… You sure don't act like it…"
"I know, and that's what I'm sorry for. I didn't really want to ignore you… It's just that I'm…"
"Not interested, I know…" Videl answered for him. "I can take a hint. Still, I wish you would've just told me! I'm big girl, I could've handled it!"
"No, it's not that Videl… In fact, it's almost the exact opposite," Gohan said with a smile, as Videl's eyes widened slightly. "I was just kind of frightened by this entire thing… The way I was feeling I mean…"
"The way you were feeling?" Videl asked shakily, feeling her hands twitching a bit. "What exactly do you mean?…"
"I'm not sure myself… I've never gone through something like this before, and I'm just not sure how to handle it. Whenever I've been faced with a life-altering situation before, I always had my dad or Piccolo to turn to for guidance and advice. This is something that really nobody can help me with… Ryo's helped me a lot, but he nor anybody else can help break these chains that seem to be shackling me down… Only I can do that, and I'm just not ready yet. It's going to take time… I'm sorry Videl, but I need a little more time to figure this thing out, so if you could wait just a little longer…"
Videl thought about it a moment, and smiled. "Okay… I can't wait forever for you Gohan, but I'll wait a little longer… You should know by now that I'm not the patient type."
"Don't I know it," Gohan giggled, but it didn't help to break the tension. "Thanks Videl, but I needed to get that off my chest… I'm glad somebody finally drilled some sense into my head about that… I do feel a lot better…"
"Good… It's a load off my shoulders too," Videl said softly, as she laid her head down of Gohan's shoulder. He blushed a bit in surprise, but didn't argue in the least. "You know, I really hate you for doing this to me…"
"Doing what to you?"
"You'll find out when you're ready… You know, with all you've put me through, you better be damn worth the wait…"
"I'll try to be…" Gohan said, and left it at that. They stayed silent for a while with Videl practically nodding off as she rested against him. Gohan had to admit that Ryo was right about one thing… Maybe there was something about Ferris Wheel's after all.
End
Preview of Chapter Fourteen! The Tenkaichi Budokai begins, including the preliminaries, drawing, and a brief mention of the Jr. Tournament. I don't really know why most authors skip the drawing, I always thought that was one of the most interesting parts of the stories. I for one am going to try to something with it that may be a little untraditional. I don't really have any type of tournament format planned out yet, though I have a general idea as to how I want things to work out. I think I'm actually going to do a drawing of my own as I write, and work with whatever pairings I come up with. Unless they're completely crappy, then I might do a little tinkering. I don't know yet, I'll have to see what happens first.
