-Howdy folks! Sorry it's been a while, but I've had a hectic last couple of weekends to deal with. On top of that, this is going to be a long one. I just want to note on one thing, namely the chapter previews I give at the end of the chapters. Those are just possible run downs of what the next chapter might hold, and things might change once I begin writing. I mention that because this is the first instance where that has happened. Don't worry, Goku and Gohan are still going to duke it out, but I did cut out a couple of the little things I mentioned in the last preview. This chapter ran very long, and I came up with some better ideas. Well, I'll shut up for, and on with the story!

Chapter Sixteen

It was a massacre. No, massacre wasn't a strong enough word for it. Whatever term you want to use, it all summed up the same thing. Videl didn't know what hit her… Well, she knew who hit her, but she never would've expected that he'd come with so much force. This abnormally strong freak of nature named Spopovich couldn't have been human, or at least if he used to be then he wasn't now. The match unfolded like some sick card game where she could only seem to draw jokers or deuces. Videl even looked to be in control during the early stages of the match, literally kicking the stuffing out of the big brute. At least that was the way it seemed at the time. Little did she know that her opponent was merely toying with her. Soon came his offensive, and it was like nothing her body had ever been through before. He wasn't even satisfied with merely beating her… He wanted to torture her. He pounded on her skin until it was black, blue, and red. Crushed down on her bones until they were weathered and broken… She had no way of knowing how many of them he broke, but entire sections of her body felt numb. There came a point in the match when the only conscious thing her body could do was stand up… The stupidest thing she could've done, and the last thing she should do, but she was a Satan… No, scratch that. She was Videl, and she wasn't going to give in to anyone. So, Spopovich continued to pound on her, until the last muscle in her body refused to move. Gohan, who'd been forced to stand back and watch the entire travesty, was seeing red. The other fighters were seeing yellow at the moment, more accurately speaking, Gohan's hair as he began to shift in between his Super Sayian and regular form. The situation grew so tense that Gohan finally lost control of his emotions, and charged out towards the ring. Luckily for Spopovich, Yamu picked that time to talk some sense into the big man, and convinced him to go ahead and end the match. With a simple push of his foot, Spopovich rolled Videl out of the ring and the match was over. Gohan picked up Videl's limp carcass, and told the Tenkaichi officials he'd take care of Videl himself. Before turning back to take Videl to the medical office, he turned towards Spopovich to give him one final warning.

"Spopovich! I can see that you're real proud of yourself! Well don't get too comfortable, because you're going to have to fight me next! I'm going to show you what it really means to be tortured your sick muscle-bound freak!"

Spopovich said nothing in response. He just smiled as if to say he was looking forward to it. Gohan didn't waste any more time with him, and headed back to the waiting room. Ryo wasn't about to wait for Gohan to come to him as he shot out of the waiting room, and met them halfway.


"Holy shit…" Ryo mouthed, as he looked down at Videl. She was limp as a soggy piece of cardboard, and looked in about as good of shape. She wasn't moving an inch except for her chest moving up and down slowly, at least showing signs that she was still breathing. Ryo growled, and glared Yamu and Spopovich's way.

"Calm down Ryo," Gohan said, barely managing to do the same thing himself. "I know what you're thinking. If I can control myself I know you can too. Don't worry about it. You have Yamu later this round, and whether it's me or my father Spopovich is toast. For now let's be patient and wait until then."

Ryo smirked at this. "Yeah, and this coming from someone who just barreled out here like a bat out of hell ready to take somebody's head off!"

Gohan smirked back. "Yeah, but it was a mistake. I have to learn not to charge in without thinking like that. I guess that's just the Sayian side of me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get her to the infirmary."

"Of course, don't let me stop you."

Gohan didn't say anything else as he cut his way through the waiting room, and rushed towards the infirmary. Goku looked wary as his son blurred passed him. Oh no, this isn't good. I hope the girl's okay for her sake, and Gohan's… Not to mention mine. I've seen first hand what he can do when he gets mad!

"Excuse me guys, but I think I'm going to step out a minute and get some senzu beans from Korrin," Goku announced suddenly. "Gohan's going to be mad enough as it is, and I'd hate to climb into that ring with him if something happens to her. Kami knows what Gohan is liable to do in that state."

"Hey, great idea Goku!" Krillen said. "Damn, I wish we would've thought to have brought some with us in the first place! I didn't think we'd need them though, I mean it would be an unfair advantage to use them."

"I hear you Krillen, but the situation has changed. I'll be right back!" Goku put two fingers up to his forehead, and in a flash he was gone.

A few minutes later, Gohan reappeared in the waiting room. Ryo and Krillen immediately rushed him anxious to hear any news as to what might be going on. "Hey Gohan! How is she?"

"I got her to the doctor's office… It's up to them to take care of her now I guess… I wanted to stay, but Hercule ran me out. I have a match I needed to get to anyway."

"Well, that match might have to wait a while, because Goku just left to get some senzu beans for Videl," Krillen informed him.

"Yes, but there is a problem," Piccolo added. "They've called you guys out to the ring twice already, and they're threatening to throw the match out. You might want to get out there before you both wind up forfeiting the match."

"Oh crap! Why does everyone have to be so impatient?! Alright, I'll go talk to him," Gohan whined slightly, before running out of the waiting room and out to the ring. The MC was already in the ring waiting for them, and sighed in relief when he saw Gohan running up to him.

"There you are! I thought you'd guys would never come out! Hey, where's your dad anyway?"

"I'm sorry to do this, but could you postpone the match for just a little while?" Gohan said into his ear so he could hear him over the booing of the crowd. "You see, my dad left to get some medicine for Videl that will help her out, and I really want to make sure she gets it."

The MC didn't have to think about the matter long at all. "If it's for Videl kid, then you take all the time you need."

"Thanks sir, we'll make it as quick as we can. I promise," Gohan said with a smile, before running back towards the waiting area.

"Your attention please crowd! The next match has been postponed indefinitely! Apparently there is a medical emergency in the back that has required the assistance of several of the Tenkaichi participants including the two fighters involved in the next match, and we can't very well disqualify them for that! Please use this brief intermission to use the bathroom, or get yourselves some goodies from the snack back if you so…" The MC paused as a cardboard cup filled with somebody's Coke splattered all over his face. "As I can see, some of you need it…"

"So, are they going to wait?" Piccolo asked Gohan, as he entered the waiting room.

"Yeah, he told me we can take as much time as we need," Gohan replied sadly. "I just hope we don't have to wait long… Hang in there Videl."

"Hey, give her some credit Gohan," Ryo told him. "She's a tough girl, she'll hang on as long as she can."

"I know… But she's human Ryo… And in really bad shape… Hurry back soon dad…"

As if on cue, Goku materialized in the room. Gohan turned to his father excitedly, but immediately noticed the serious look on his father's face. "Dad? Is something wrong?"

"I've got good news, and bad news…" Goku began solemnly. "The bad news is that Korrin was fresh out of senzu beans… The good news is that he has a friend who grows senzu beans regularly too. The rest of the bad news is that Korrin's friend lives in Siberia, and since I don't know anybody who lives in Siberia to transport myself there, I'm going to have to fly all the way there."

"How long do you think that will take?" Gohan asked worriedly.

"I don't know… But I'll get there, and back as fast as I can. I promise."

"Wait a second, what about your match?" Krillen asked. "I know the announcer agreed to postpone the match, but I doubt he's going to wait very long. If you're not careful, you're both going to wind up getting disqualified!"

"I know, but there's more important things to worry about other then fighting right now Krillen," Goku said flatly. There was a life at stake here after all, not to mention she was Gohan's… Something or other. "Anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore time. I'll warp to the closet point to where I'm going that I know of, and fly the rest of the way from there. I'll be back as soon as I can." Goku put two fingers on his forehead, and was gone once again.

"I just hope Videl can last until then…" Gohan stared off into nothing. "I wish I could go see her…"

"Then why don't you?" Piccolo asked him.

"Because there are reporters crawling around everywhere! Even if I manage to get through them, I still have to deal with Hercule once I get inside. I know he's a complete goof, but even he wouldn't leave his daughter's side when she's in that condition. Not without a good reason anyway…"

Ryo placed his hand underneath his chin, looking thoughtful. "I think I might have an idea that might get Hercule and the reporters out of your way Gohan. Leave that to me, and hang tight. Hey Krillen, come with me! I could use your help!"

"Sure thing kid."

"Huh? What do you mean?! What are you going to do Ryo?!" Gohan called after him, but Ryo was already well on his way with Krillen close behind gun. Krillen turned back and waved, leaving Gohan to ponder just what was going on.

Piccolo smirked. "Don't bother Gohan. It's best not to even ask with him."

----------

"Medical emergency? I wonder what's going on down there," Bulma said to anyone who'd listen.

"I don't know, but if it's Videl I hope she's okay!" Chichi said nervously. "This figures! Gohan finally finds a girl that would make a perfect wife for him, and some overgrown lummox has to come along and do that to her! I hope my poor baby's okay. He must be going crazy down there!"

"Hey guys, how you doing?" Krillen asked, as he approached them.

"Hey Krillen," Roshi greeted. "We're glad you came. Maybe you can fill us in on what's going on down there."

"Oh that. Well, Videl got it pretty bad in that last fight, and Goku ran off to try and get her some senzu beans. That's what's holding the next up anyway. Right now, we're trying to find a way to get Gohan in to see Videl. That's why I'm here." Krillen looked down towards the two youngsters who were busing tossing popcorn at each other. "Hey Trunks, Goten! How would you guys like to give me a hand?"

"Sure!" Goten chirped happily.

Trunks looked indifferent just like his old man. "Ah, why not. It's better then sitting here, and staring at an empty ring! Let's go!"

----------

"Ryo, what in the world are we doing?" Krillen asked, looking down at the big blue box he was holding in his hands. It had holes punched in on all sides. He held it tightly to keep it steady, as it shook a tiny bit.

"You'll see," Ryo grinned fiendishly. "How's it coming kids?!"

"We almost have two full boxes!" Trunks announced.

"I've got you!" Goten chirped excitedly, as he leapt at a small fuzzy creature darting across the grass. The little boy groaned dejectedly as the little squirrel squirted out of his hands. "Hey, come back here!"

"Don't let it get away Goten!" Trunks ordered, as he flew off after the tiny woodland creature. Goten went after it on foot. The squirrel gave the two Demi-Sayians quite the runaround before he outwitted the two overanxious boys, as their heads came crashing together. Both boys fell down on their butts, and rubbed their heads. "Hey! Watch where you're going Trunks!"

"No, you watch where you're going Goten!"

"No, you watch where you're going!"

"Shut up Goten, it's getting away!" Trunks yelled out, as he watched their quarry try to escape up a tall tree.

"He's not getting away that easy!"

Krillen raised an eyebrow at the two boys, and then looked back towards Ryo. "I ask you again Ryo, what the hell are we doing?! We're supposed to be figuring out a way to lure Hercule and the reporters away the infirmary so Gohan can see Videl right? So… How in the world is the five of us running around out here chasing down two dozen squirrels going to accomplish that?!"

"You'll see… Trust me Krillen, everything will work out fine."

"If you say so," Krillen guessed.

"We got him, we got him!" Goten cheered triumphantly, as he and Trunks ran over to Ryo with their boxes in hand.

"Great, that's all twenty-four then! Let's get going!"

"So… Where are we headed with these things?" Krillen asked him.

"Hercule's private dressing room," Ryo said in a snooty voice.

"Hercule's dressing room? What in the world are we…" A little bulb flashed in Krillen's head. "Oh, I get it now! Ryo, you have a sick mind. I love it!"

----------

"Damn, I'm never going to get through all of those reporters," Gohan whined as he hid behind the far wall of the infirmary away from the prying eyes of the reporters. "What's keeping Ryo anyway? He said he had a way to lure everyone away from here so I could get inside to see Videl."

No sooner then he said that did he see Ryo frantically pushing his way through the amassed crowd. Ryo finally managed to swim his way through the maze of reporters, and slammed the door behind him before they could sneak inside.

"Hey! What are you doing in here kid?!" Hercule seethed at this apparent invasion of his daughter's privacy. "Get your scrawny butt out of here now before I throw you out!"

"I'm sorry to bother you Hercule sir, but it's an emergency! You need to come quick, your dressing room's been invaded!"

"Invaded?! What the heck are you talking about kid?! Have you been drinking or something?" Hercule finished his statement slyly. "And if so… Do you got any left for the champ by any chance?"

"No, I haven't been drinking!" Ryo scowled. "Look, you have to see it for yourself! Little thieves have just broken into your dressing room! Last time I checked they were trying to break into your underwear drawer!"

"Thieves?! In my dressing room?! Why didn't you say so kid?!…" Hercule leaned over, and kissed his daughter on the forehead. "You hang tight sweat pea. Daddy has to go take care of this minor problem, and I'll be right back I promise."

Somewhere in Ryo's imagination he heard Videl groan. "Oh great, now he's threatening her."

"What was that kid? Oh never mind, now where are we going?"

"Your dressing room remember?"

"Oh yeah, that's right! Now out of my way kid!" Hercule shoved Ryo out of his way, and headed out the door. Before disappearing down the hall, Hercule stepped back into the doorway and took a good long look at Ryo. "Hold on a second… Haven't I seen you somewhere before kid?"

Ryo nearly fell over. He checked his clothes, and he was still wearing the same purple Gi he had been all day. "You don't remember me?! You know, from this morning?! It was less then four hours ago!"

Hercule scratched under his chin thoughtfully. You could almost hear the little hamster running laps in the wheel inside of his head. "Hey! I remember you now! You were the bellboy that brought breakfast this morning weren't you?! This is perfect timing because I need you to send a message to your cook! I ordered my eggs sunny side down, and that bacon was hard as a rock! I like mine soft and chewy, not burnt to a crisp!"

Ryo sweat dropped. "Um… I'll be sure to do that… Remember, your room!"

"Oh right! I better get going!"

"Idiot," Ryo mumbled, after finally getting the goof out of the room.

"Out of the way guys, World Champion coming through!" Hercule roared, as the reporters parted way for him.

"Hercule sir, where are you going?!" one of the reporters asked him as he ran by. "What about your daughters condition?"

"She needs bed rest right now! At the moment, I have a small crisis on my hands! Apparently someone's broken into my dressing room!"

"Did you hear that?!" one of the reporters asked, practically drooling. "Someone's broken into Hercule's dressing room! What a scoop, let's go!"

Like a flock of buzzards smelling the blood of a dying animal, the reporters and cameramen took off after Hercule. Gohan cheered silently, seeing his chance to finally get into Videl's room without being harassed. Gohan didn't waste a breath either, as he was through the door in less then two seconds, closing it behind him with little more then the gust of wind left in his wake.

"What took you so long?" Ryo smirked.

"Shut up. How is she?" Gohan's heart fell into his stomach when he saw her. "Oh yeah… Damn, she doesn't look any better then she did a few minutes ago… She's kind of still now though, at least she was moving around when I brought her in here… She even talked to me a little before Hercule made me leave…"

"She's either sleeping or unconscious at the moment," Ryo deduced, as he got his first good look at her. He'd been a little reluctant to walk right up to her bedside and examine her, but now with Gohan there he felt a tiny bit braver. "Either way, she's out of it right now… That bastard really roughed her up good… But I wouldn't worry, she's a tough girl… I know that fact isn't going to make it any easier for you, but your dad should be back with those senzu beans soon enough."

"Yeah…" Gohan growled, and clenched his fists. "Damn that Spopovich! He's not going to get away with this… If anything happens to her… I don't care what the rules say, he's a dead man!"

"So, I guess that means you plan on beating your father am I right?" Ryo said, as a way to remind Gohan of what he still had standing in front of him.

Gohan frowned shortly as he remembered that tiny little fact, but then smiled. "I guess that slipped my mind. Still, win or lose it doesn't really mater. Either way Spopovich is still a goner."

"You have a point…" Ryo sighed, as he looked back down at Videl. She just didn't look like Videl lying across that bed. Broken, weak, helpless… Three adjectives he never would've used to describe Videl until now… He laughed softly as he thought about Videl tarring into them once she healed up for worrying about her, and not having faith that she'd pull through okay. He'd gladly take another berating from her right now, and he hoped it would be soon. There was a part of him that was deafly worried, much like Gohan was. He'd experienced watching people close to him die before, and it was the absolute worst feeling in the world. One he didn't want to go through again. Sure there where the dragon balls to fall back on, but that doesn't ease the pain of having to watch somebody die on you. Ryo smiled, and touched Videl lightly on the cheek. "Hang in there girl. I know you'll be okay. Hell, if the Grim Reaper gets anywhere near you, you'd probably just kick his teeth in, so I don't know what I'm worrying about."

Gohan giggled softly, as Ryo stood back upright. "Well, I think I'll be headed out now. I want to go check on my handy work. Besides, I'm sure you'd like to have some time with Videl alone Gohan." Ryo looked over towards Videl. "I'll see you soon, hopefully when you're in much better condition then you are now. Hope it's soon. Good-bye guys…"

"Bye Ryo…" Gohan said softly, as Ryo closed the door behind him.

"Okay now, what's going on in here?!" Hercule roared, as he threw open the door to his dressing room. His eyes widened at what he saw… Namely, a small army of squirrels tarring his room upside down. "What the hell?! My room is infested with rodents! What are you squirrels doing in here?! Don't you know this is the World Champ's room?! Get out right now!"

Of course the squirrels ignored the large loud primate, and continued to romp about his room. Hercule's attention shifted to a small fuzzy rodent that was streaking between his legs, dragging one of Hercule's socks in his mouth. "Hey, that's mine! Give it back!"

Hercule looked up, and his eyes widened in horror when he saw one of the squirrels standing on his championship belt that was laid across his bed. More accurately speaking, the little booger was squatting over it. Before Hercule could rush over to it, or even scream, the squirrel promptly relieved himself on the belt with a steady stream of fluid spilling over onto the beds sheets.

"AHH! I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE YOU LITTLE BASTARD!" Hercule leapt onto to the bed promptly shattering the wood frame into splinters, and sending several rodents scattering. "PISS ON MY CHAMPIONSHIP WILL YOU?!"


Meanwhile, on the outside of the champs room Krillen, Goten, and Trunks were all rolling on the ground laughing as they listened to the commotion from outside. Ryo walked up behind them and smiled assuming his little plan must've been in full swing. Before he even had time to ask them what was going on, his eyes shifted towards his left at the mass of the reporters gathered around Hercule's door. One of the female news anchors looked as if she was ready to start broadcasting live.

"This is Saizo Miyako Sanadna Shimazu-Chen reporting to you live from the Tenkaichi Budokai. While the fighting has been temporarily postponed due to a serious injury suffered by the daughter of the World Champion himself, there seems to be some sort of commotion going on in Hercule's private dressing room. It appears that somehow a small pack of squirrels have broken into the champ's room, and are currently wreaking havoc inside. How this is news I don't know, but well it's a lot more interesting then shooting pictures of children picking their noses in the crowd… Just what the hell is going on in there anyway?… Oh shit, I'm still on the air!"

"Not for long apparently," Ryo snickered, sensing a pink slip in her near future.

"Hey kid, what's going on?" Piccolo asked, as he walked up next to Ryo. He noted how Krillen and the kids were laying on the ground while holding their guts.

"Nothing much… Just causing trouble."

"Nothing new huh?" Piccolo huffed.

"What are you doing in here anyway?" Ryo asked. He looked up at his mentor noticing he had once again dawned his usual weighted clothing. "I figured you'd be back in the waiting room meditating, or spying on Shin or Yamu or something."

"I'll get back to that shortly. It kept nagging at me when Gohan informed me that you were going to take care of getting Hercule out of the way, so he could go see Videl. I decided I had to come see this for myself. I always seem to get this nagging burning feeling whenever you have a plan for anything…" Piccolo paused, as he watched a pair of squirrels dart out of Hercule's dressing room. "As I can see, the feeling was founded."

Everyone in the hallway went silent as Hercule came bursting out of his dressing room, screaming his afro off. "Help, help! It's got me! One of them is lose in my pants!"

"Oh no!" the female reporter gasped. "In an interesting turn of events it seems that one of the little critters is running loose in Hercule's shorts, and is currently biting him on the rear end."

"It's not my butt it has me by lady!" Hercule winced, with tears running down his yes, and proceeded to run down the hall trying desperately to jar the little scamp lose. "Why won't it let go?!"

Krillen sat up, and stared down the hallway Hercule took off down. He bit his lip trying everything he could to keep his mouth shut. As a mental image formed in his head he just couldn't hold it back anymore, and fell to the floor in a hysterical fit, his face turning all different shades of red as he rived around on the ground.

Piccolo and Ryo sweat dropped, Ryo's face sporting a slight grin. "Well, what can I say? Squirrels do horde nuts."

"Yeah, and that one just got himself an entire sack full!" Krillen bellowed from the floor.

Piccolo grunted disgustedly. "It's times like this I'm glad I'm not human, and I don't have to worry about things like this."

Gohan took in a deep breath, and somehow forced his feet to take enough steps so that he was standing right by Videl's bedside. He got down on his knees, and took her left hand holding it in both of his. He sat there silently for a while, and just listened to her breath thankful that she still was. He brushed back some of her hair out of her face, and fought back tears every time she'd groan or roll around on the bed in agony. Every time he watched her do this, a little projector in his mind would show a scene of Spopovich rolling around on the ring floor in a similar manner with Gohan standing over him.

"Videl… You had to be such a stubborn girl didn't you? The harder Spopovich knocked you to the ground, the more determined you'd be to get right back up. Can't say that I blame you, hell it's one of the things I love about you… I just wish you had enough sense to know when to quit… Then you wouldn't be where you are right now…"

Gohan chocked on a hollow breath, then continued. "I have something I want to say to you, so I better make it quick before your father or the doctors come back. Speaking of doctors, where the hell is he?! I guess it doesn't matter… I know you can't hear me right now, but I need to say this anyway… I know it tars you up inside in not knowing what's going on around here and all… I really want to tell you, and I promise I will after the Tenkaichi is done and over with… I really wish it was as simple as I make it sound… There are so many things that I have no idea how I'm going to explain them to you…"

Gohan sighed, and steadied his voice. She was out cold after all, so what was he so nervous about to begin with? "Like, for example, how I'm going to tell you I'm part alien… That should go over really well with your father… It's not like he doesn't disapprove of me enough as it is! I certainly don't know how I'm going to tell you about Cell… I know how proud you are to be a Satan, and how much you look up to your father for what you think he accomplished. I hate the thought of taking that away from you, even if it is the truth. I wouldn't want to go through the rest of my life thinking everything I've ever done, or my family built its reputation around was all based on a lie… I don't know why I've never told you any of this, with the exception of the Cell thing…"

Gohan snickered, as his lips curved up slightly. "I guess I was afraid you'd hate me once you found out the truth about me… You became so important to me along the way that the thought of losing you was unbearable. I knew I'd have to tell you one day, but the closer you got the longer I put it off. This might just be the last day of our lives I can call you my friend, so I'm sorry if I've hung around you a little too much for your liking today. I know you well enough to know that in most normal situations you're a big enough person to look past things, but this is by no means a normal situation… Ha! Isn't this funny?! Here I am telling you things I've been wanting to say to your face for months, and the only time I'm brave enough is when you're unconscious…"

Gohan sighed again, and gently rubbed the back of Videl's hand across his face. "There's one thing I want to tell you though that even makes the Cell thing seem tame in my eyes. Remember yesterday on that Ferris wheel when I told you I wasn't sure how I felt yet, and asked you to wait a little longer on a response… Well, I'm sorry, but I lied to you again. I've known exactly what I've been feeling for a long time now, even if I have been reluctant to admit it to even myself. When I said I wasn't ready, I meant I wasn't ready to have you shoot me down if I was picking up the wrong signs from you. Ah hell, here I am again dancing around the subject again… It's plain and simple… I love you Videl, and I hope I'll be able to tell you that to your face while you're awake one of these days. You don't have to love me back, but I only hope that this doesn't ruin our relationship all together. I just want a part of your life to be involved with mine even if we're always nothing more then friends… Well, I better go now. Dad should be getting back with those senzu beans any minute now, and we'll have you back on your feet in no time. Just hang in there until then okay?"

Gohan bent over, and kissed her softly on the cheek. "You are one in a billion girl... And I do love you… Whatever that means for you I don't know, I just hope it's something…"

Gohan let go of her hand, and slowly walked over to the door. He took one last look at Videl before opening the door, and reluctantly exited through it. There were two things Gohan failed to notice at that emotional climax for the boy however. One of those things was how Videl's breath went shallow when he kissed her, and how her eyes slowly fluttered open after he closed the door behind him. "Gohan?…"

"Okay, that was good practice, so what do you want to bet I cave when it comes time to actually tell her," Gohan muttered, as he leaned back against the wall. He was just about to take off down the hall to find Ryo, when a distressed Hercule came thundering his way, nearly knocking the Demi-Sayian down as he flew by.


"Get it off me, get if off me, get it off me!" Hercule whined, as he disappeared down the hallway.

Gohan sweat dropped as he stared after him. "What the hell?"

"Don't mind him, he's just having a slight rodent problem," Ryo giggled, as she walked up behind Gohan.

"Rodent problem?"

"Yeah, I kept him busy by setting some squirrels loose in his dressing room. Let's just say they kind of have him by the balls at the moment."

Gohan gave him a funny look, but before he could inquire as to what he meant, both boy's heads jerked around violently as they sensed a large Ki headed their way. It didn't take long for either to realize who was approaching.

"Hey dad," Gohan said, as his father materialized next to him. Both boy's eyes widened slightly, as they watched Goku shake some snow off of his body.

"Man! Who would've thought Siberia would be that cold, even this time of year?!"

"Siberia?" Gohan asked before remembering more important matters. "Oh right! Did you get the senzu beans?"

"Sure did," Goku said, as he pulled the bag out of his belt. "You'll never guess who I ran into out there either. Tein believe it or not. It turns out that he goes to Korrin's friend Quincy like we go to him if we're ever in need of something like this."

"Alright! Thanks dad," Gohan said cheerfully, as he took the bag from his father's hand. "Let's not waste anymore time then!"

"There's only four so remember that... If anything else happens while we're here, that's all we have for backup right now.

"Hey, what are you three doing!" Hercule growled as he approached them, the Tenkaichi physician following close behind him. "That's my daughters room, you guys get away from there!"

"Sorry, but we've got some business to take care of," Gohan said, as they disobeyed Hercule's orders and went inside.

"Hey, didn't you hear me?! Get out of there!" Hercule roared, as he walked… No, waddled over to the door. "Damn that fuzzy little rat!"

Gohan sprinted inside Videl's room, with his father and Ryo following close behind him. They kept their distance staying close to the far wall so to give Gohan some space. Sensing his approach, Videl forced her eyelids open, and smiled up at him. "Gohan… You came back?…"

"Of course I did," Gohan chuckled. "I'm glad to see you're awake."

"Yeah… Look, I have something to tell you…"

"Don't talk, you still don't have enough strength back yet. Don't worry about that though, because I have something for you that's going to fix you right up!"

"But Gohan it's important…" Gohan placed a finger on her lips to keep her quite, and told her to hush. Videl's eyes widened as much as they could, and she would've frowned if she had the strength to do so. Moving all those muscles was just too much strain at the moment.

"You can tell me later… Right now I want you to take this," Gohan told her, as he held out a small bean in his hand. "This is called a senzu bean, and it'll make you feel better."

"Oh no you don't! You're not giving her any bean!" Hercule growled, as he burst into the room like a wounded gazelle. "Get away from my daughter you skinny brat!"

"Don't talk to him that way dad!" Videl coughed. "Gohan wouldn't do anything to hurt me… And I trust him. If he says it will help me then I believe him…"


"But Videl!…" Hercule looked towards the doctor for support. "Come on, tell her doc! Help me out here!"

"What do you want me to do? You're the World Champion, put him in a wrist lock or something!"

Hercule continued to argue, but it was already to late. Gohan had already plopped the bean into her mouth, and she began to chew. "No Videl! Spit it out!"

"Well, I guess there's nothing left for me to do here," Gohan said, as he walked away from Videl's bedside. "You should be up and about any minute now. Let's go dad. We've got a match to get to."

"Right," Goku nodded his head with a smile. "I think we've kept the people in suspense long enough."

With that father and son left the room. Ryo took one last moment to chuckle at Hercule before following after them. "You might want to check on the champ next doc. He's walking a bit bull-legged there."

"I am not!" Hercule growled, as the boy fled the room. "Smart aleck punk!… I could've sworn I've seen that kid somewhere before… I don't know, I guess it's not important."

Hercule and the doctor stared down at Videl, as she finished chewing the bean and swallowed. Hercule gasped, muttering something about the bean being poisoned. They waited all of about three seconds before Videl's eye's came shooting open. She sat up and looked at her hands and down her body, feeling no traces of any sort of pain, bruises, or broken bones anywhere. Finding this more then satisfying, Videl stood up on her bed, and pumped her fist in excitement while her father and doctor looked on in absolute shock as Videl apparently sprung up from the dead.

"Yeah! I'm all better now!… Oh, that's right! Gohan's match is next, I have to get out there!"

Hercule's jaw dropped unable to produce any words until Videl hopped off of her bed, and headed for the door. "Videl, where are you going?! Get back in bed!"

"Sorry dad, but I have things to do!" Videl gave her father a wave from outside the room. "Don't worry about me, I feel better then I did before I got in the ring. See you later dad!"

"But… But… What the hell?!"

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to announce that the Tenkaichi Budokai is ready to continue!" the MC announced to an overly anxious crowd. "So if you may, would you please now refrain from using the items at the snack bar as ammunition. Okay, without any further delay let's get this thing moving! Our next bout features Gohan vs. Goku!"

The two Son men nodded towards each other to single they were ready, and stepped out onto the walkway to the cheers of the crowd. "For those of you diehard Tenkaichi followers, I doubt I have to tell you who Son Goku is. This man is a former Tenkaichi champion, and even made it all the way to the finals twice before he celebrated his eighteenth birthday! As for Gohan, well this is the first ever tournament appearance for this young man, but there is a catch. Gohan just happens to be Goku's eldest son! That's right fans, for the first time in Tenkaichi history we kick off a first round match featuring father vs. son!"

"Wow! That's Gohan's father?!" Erasa cooed from the stands. "I wonder how it must feel like to have to fight your own dad."

"Yeah, I'm wondering that too," Sharpner agreed. "Especially since he told us his father was dead!"

All the Z-fighters gathered around the entryway to peer outside at the fight. Krillen and Ryo pushed themselves to the forefront, neither one, Krillen in particular, trying to contain their excitement. Ryo with that youthful exuberance you find in most teenagers, and a childlike quality in the older man that went way beyond his years. Piccolo was much more in control as always, but he himself was looking forward to this as much as anyone. Eighteen watched on in a similar manner oddly compelled by this scenario just as everyone else was. Of course, if you asked her she would've told you she was merely watching because whoever won would most likely be facing her in the finals… Even Vegeta smirked slightly as the two entered the ring. A part of him wanted to see his rival and fellow full-blooded Sayian show his brat why he shouldn't of slacked off for seven years, and the other half would've loved nothing more then to see Gohan rub that clown's face into the dirt. Either way, this fight should prove amusing…

But possibly the most interested of all present in this fight may have been Shin and Kabito. They stared out at Goku and Gohan with vivid interest for whatever reason it was only known to them. Piccolo noticed how their eyes were firmly locked on the ring. Maybe they had something to do with why the Supreme Kai was here?

"Miss Videl, what on Earth are you doing?" James asked her, noticing how Videl was frantically patting down on her clothes. She had obviously gotten herself dressed rather quickly. She was wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, and a white T-shirt with the word 'fight' written across it.

"I needed a change of clothes," Videl huffed. "The set I was wearing had gotten torn and ripped during my match with Spopovich."

"Well obviously, but what's the big rush?"

"Gohan's match is going to start any second, and I don't want to miss it!" Videl announced with a cheery smile.

James laughed at this. "My word girl, what has gotten into you?"

"Nothing expect for that bean Gohan gave me. I thought I explained that already. Don't worry I feel fine now."

"No, it's not that Videl! I mean, look at yourself in the mirror! You're practically glowing! I haven't seen you this pleasant in all the years I've known you, and that's basically every single last one of them!"

Videl blushed, but that smile never left her face. "It's nothing… I'm just in a good mood that's all."

"Good mood?" James laughed. "How could you possibly be in a good mood?! You were just beaten within an inch of your life! Why do I have the feeling that something more is going on here? For heaven's sake Videl, I've known you since you were biting your father's ankles! You can trust me, who am I going to tell anyway?"

"I really don't want to discuss it James… I'm afraid I'd sound like a ditzy school girl or something, you know how I hate that!"

"Posh Videl, there's nothing ditzy about you! Why do I suddenly sense I know where this is headed? Don't be afraid to say it Videl, I'm the only one here."

Videl thought it over for a moment. It was true that she was a little embarrassed about letting something like this out in the open, but it would make her feel better if she told somebody. She wanted to tell Gohan, or at least reply to him, but he wouldn't allow her to. James was probably the next best thing. Besides, everyone was going to know about it sooner or later. So, she just straightened out her shirt, smiled, and took one last look at James before running out the door. "He said he loves me."

----------

"You ready son?" Goku asked, as he stared at Gohan from across the ring.

"Ready as I'll ever be dad."

"Good, you better be." Goku smiled confidently. "Don't expect me to take it easy on you just because you're my son. Especially since I know you should be able to take it."

"Don't expect me to take it easy on you either pops," Gohan smirked back. "There's no way I'm losing to a dead guy."

"Dead maybe, but I've been training non stop in Other World for seven years now, when I haven't been eating that is. From what I've heard, you haven't been training nearly as hard as you should've been since I've been gone."

Gohan sweat dropped. "Well, no but…" His head veered off to the right until his eyes feel on Spopovich. "I do have a little extra incentive to win this fight."

"As I can see… I hope you're not looking past me Gohan. I don't think that's a mistake you can afford to make."

"No, I'm not looking past you dad. You're all I'm going to concentrate on right now."

A couple of grins were exchanged, but other then that no words were shared as the fight sprung. Gohan charged towards his much more patient father as he waited, and Goku simply began to move out of the way as Gohan swung at him erratically. Well, maybe not so simply… Goku was surprised by how fast Gohan was as he dodged his attacks. He figured his boy would've slowed down after dogging on his training for all those years, but apparently that wasn't the case. Then again, maybe he had lost a step… He did release tremendous power on that day against Cell…

Gohan on the other hand wasn't surprised at all when his father reversed momentum, and came at him with equal speed. However, Gohan had a much more difficult time dodging his father's punches then Goku had with his. He had lost a step since his fight with Cell, along with some of his fighting sense. He was kind of surprised that his father hadn't managed to land a blow yet, and wondered if Goku was taking it easy on him regardless of what he had said. He got his answer when good old dad popped him the face with a right hook, sending his son sailing across the ring. Gohan fell over in surprise, but managed to rebound as his father bounded after him. He sprung upward, landing his feet in Goku's gut, but doing minimal damage. Goku landed on his feet, and sucked wind briefly before whirling back around. The Son men leapt at each other each launching an attack of their own, while somehow managing to avoid the other's in the process. They both landed gracefully on their feet, and turned to face each other while getting a decent hand from the paying crowd.

"This is absurd!" Vegeta grunted from inside the waiting room. "Are they going to keep playing around, or are they actually going to fight sometime today!"

"They're just warming up Vegeta, just be patient," Piccolo told him.

Before anybody could say another word, they were startled when Shin and Kabito suddenly walked up among the Z-senshi viewing the match. "I have a feeling things are going to pick up any moment. I can already feel Goku's energy swirling up inside him as we speak."

"Shin!" Piccolo stammered. "What brings you over here?…"

"I have a favor to ask of all of you."

"Favor?" Krillen asked. "What kind of favor? Who are you anyway?"

Shin ignored the question about his identity for the time being. "All I want you to do is stand back, and not interfere with this match."

"Why would we do that?" Krillen asked with a confused expression on his face.

"I'm fairly certain that once they transform Yamu and Spopovich will try to attack them. They don't know it yet, but Gohan is the one they're looking for. I want you guys to stand back, and let what happens happen."

"Humph! You obviously don't know what you're talking about Shin!" Vegeta scoffed. "Unless those two are total fools, which from the looks of them is a possibility, then they aren't going to inject themselves in this match! Those two wouldn't last five minutes in that ring with two Super Sayians!"

"Yeah, Vegeta's right," Krillen agreed. "Gohan and Goku can take care of themselves."

"Perhaps," Shin's head lifted slowly. "Still, just in case, I want you to agree to stand back. It is imperative that you obey my request."

"Look, who are you to order me around anyway?!" Vegeta demanded of him. "I take orders from no one! Especially from a coward who won't even stand up in the ring and fight with…"

"That's enough Vegeta!" Piccolo barked suddenly. "Show some more respect! That's no way to speak to the Supreme Kai!"

A wave of shock spread through the faces of the Z-fighters that were left, as they all turned to face who they now knew to be as Krillen would blurt out. "Shin! You're the Supreme Kai?!"

Before the shock even had time to settle in, they received another surprise as Videl came sprinting into the room nearly running into Vegeta in the process.

"Hey, watch it!" he growled, as she hopped up on the big square set up in the middle of the entryway.

Ryo looked up at Videl and snickered. "Whoa girl! Settle down before you collapse a lung or something!"

Goku and Gohan grinned as they stared one another down. "Not bad son. You're not as sharp as you should be, but it's better then I expected."

"Thanks… I've trained a little over the years, especially in the weeks right after you died. I'll admit that my training methods have been almost non-existent since I stared school… My only hope is that I don't completely embarrass myself today…"

"I don't think you have to worry about that… Now that we're warmed up, why don't we take it up a notch and fight for real?"

Gohan looked a bit apprehensive, as he looked out at the crowd. He knew what his father wanted… He just wasn't sure if he liked the idea or not. "Are you sure?… In front of all these people?!"

"Don't be ashamed of what you are Gohan," Goku told him. "This might be the only time we ever get to face off against each other for a long time, and I want to make it memorable. Besides, everyone will say we're just putting on a fancy light show and using cheap tricks anyway, so what does it really matter?"

"I guess you're right about that," Gohan admitted. "Okay then… Ready when you are!"

The two of them did just that. They braced their bodies, and in a stunning array of light ascended to the next level beyond that of a Sayian. The ground shook, the tiles on the ring moved a good ten feet in the air before dropping back down to the surface, and just about every jaw in the crowd dropped before and after the transformation was complete. All of the sudden the two fighters in the ring were surrounded in a golden aurora, and their hair had changed into a bright golden color.

"What the hell?!…" One of the spectators gaped, as he dropped his drink. "How in the world did they do that?!"

"Oh, I see what's going on here," the fan in the seat next to him said. "This is probably just some fancy light show they added this year to make the tournament more interesting. Like they do with pyro-techniques in professional wrasslin'. I bet this whole thing was staged from the get-go. Like Hercule said, it's all just light's and tricks…"

"Yeah, you're probably right… It sure was realistic though…" That was pretty much the general feel around the arena.

Spopovich and Yamu's eyes just about shot out of their heads, as their energy detecting device began to react violently. The little needled spun around about thirty rotations per second, until finally the seashell looking device exploded in Spopovich's hands.

"The energy… It's unbelievable…" Yamu stuttered.

"Should we get them?"

"Are you insane?! Do you expect the other to just stand there and watch?! I doubt they'd kindly stand at ease if we politely ask them if we can steal their energy either! Our best option would be to wait until one of them is alone, and attack them then. I'm pretty sure we can take them if we gang up on one of them… The older one appears a bit stronger according to the readings… Let's just wait and see what happens."

"Wow! Gohan's dad can change into the Gold Fighter too?" Videl gawked in amazement. "Wait a second, didn't I see Goten do it earlier too?…"

"Let's just say it runs in the family kid," Krillen said to her.

"How come you didn't power up to level two?" Goku asked his son.

"Well, that would kind of be an unfair advantage wouldn't it?" Gohan smirked.

"Oh yeah? What makes you think I haven't ascended to level two after all these years?"

Gohan eye's widened slightly, then smiled. "Umm… I guess I didn't think about that… But if you could I'd figure you would've already. Can you?"

"You'll find out eventually… Now enough talk! Here I come!"

Before Gohan could react, he bent over violently as Goku's fist came ramming into his gut. Before he could brace himself, his father was right back on him, throwing several punches that barely missed their target. The next blow didn't and connected dead on against Gohan's face. One more left to the chin, and Gohan went crashing down to the ground. Goku stood above him, and shook his head at his son.

"This isn't going to cut it Gohan. I know you can do better then this."

Gohan sat up, and whipped a trickle of blood from his mouth. "Now that you mention it, I think I can too."

Gohan sprung forward, and Goku's eyes winded when he felt his son's fist connect with his face. He'd curse himself later for letting his guard down, but as for right now he had to worry about blocking as his son's fists came flying at him. Gohan's leg swung around aiming for Goku's gut, but Goku spun out of the way exposing his back to Gohan. This is just what the boy hoped would happen, and quickly compensated with his other leg nailing his father right in the small of the back with his knee. Gohan followed up by socking his father in the face as he turned around, and now it was Goku getting better acquainted with the ring floor. Goku bounced up, balancing himself on one hand, as he stopped to stare back at his son.

"Now that's more like it!"

Goku flipped back to his feet, and the Sayian's charged each other full force. A wave of energy spread through the air, acting as a decent gust of wind as it gushed into the faces of the many onlookers. They weren't fooling around anymore as they went at it , moving so fast it was impossible for the fans in the stands to see them. While this angered some, most were too stunned to do much but stare at a pair of blurs in the ring. After a good five minutes of that Goku finally came into view as he stumbled backward out of the fray holding his jaw, and took to the air. Gohan emerged a second later, and took off after him. The fourth time they'd seen it that day, yet the fans appeared still as shocked as ever.

The battle continued in mid-air, but that didn't slow down the pace one bit. All the people below could see were two blurs streaking across the sky. Goku figured he'd have the advantage if he stayed hovered above Gohan in the air, but instead found his position made it all that much more difficult for him to aim his attacks. A rare miscalculation on his part.

"Get off of me!" Goku snarled, as he tried to kick his son away. Gohan fluttered back a little, then zipped back up climbing his father's back. Gohan locked his father's arms over his head similar to the way he'd watched Trunks do to his brother earlier that day. All Goku could do was smile as he tried to wiggle his hands free. "Sorry Gohan, but this isn't going to work!"

Goku immediately powered out, grabbing Gohan by the arm, and flinging him towards the ground. Gohan took control of his body, and darted out of the way as Goku torpedo himself towards him. Goku turned himself around sharply, but Gohan was right on top of him, sending him towards the ring with a hard drop kick to his chest. Goku caught himself with his hands as he landed, and flipped himself up to his feet.

"Okay then! Let's try this! Ka-me-ha-me-ha!" Goku said quickly, launching the ball of Ki towards his son.

Gohan's face recoiled in shock, as the blast zipped past his face after he turned his body to avoid it. "Damn! He's really not kidding around… OHF!"

Before the boy could even finish that thought, his father was already in his face, or in his stomach with his fist rather. Goku threw several more punches and kicks at Gohan, several that landed and several Gohan managed to avoid, before Goku grabbed Gohan by the arm again and hurled him down towards the ring. This time Gohan crash-landed, leaving a nice dent in the ring canvas. Gohan quickly kicked back up to his feet however, avoiding his father as Goku rained back down on him. The two locked up again, fighting toe to toe too quickly for the normal eye to see.

"Whoa-ho! They're really going at it!" Krillen snickered as he looked on.

"I can't even see them?!" Videl whined, as she looked on in shock. "How the hell are they moving so fast?! I can't tell if Gohan's winning or losing!"

"He's holding his own Videl," Ryo told her.

Videl looked down at him skeptically. "You can see them?!"

Ryo nodded his head. "It's not easy, but I can make out their movements when I concentrate."

Videl looked a bit unsure as she looked back over at the two blurs zipping across the ring. She tried to focus on the images, but she just didn't see anything more then an occasional arm or leg apparently shooting out of nowhere. She looked around and noticed how everybody else seemed to be looking on like they could see everything just fine. "That's impossible! Why can't I see them and they can?!"

Gohan back-flipped away from his father after getting nailed with a hard right to his face. Goku jetted back towards him, and took a swing at Gohan's face that was off target. Gohan maintained his balance, kicked his father in the gut, but by the time he could press his attack Goku had already recovered, and was back to matching Gohan's every move. And word for word… Well…

"So Gohan, how have you liked attending public school these past few months?"

"It's been okay I guess," Gohan said, as he dodged a kick, then a punch towards his face. "Most of the kids think I'm a dork, but I've learned to live with that."

"Why do they think you're a dork?" Goku asked as he dodged a left jab then loaded up one of his own.

"I don't know… Mom thinks it's because they're jealous that I'm smarter and better looking then they are… But that's just mom you know. I'm sure I did something to make them think that way."

"But you've been holding up okay despite that?" Goku grunted, as he aimed a roundhouse for Gohan's head.


"Yeah I've been doing fine," Gohan said, as he ducked under his father's leg. He took a swipe at his father's gut, but he dodged out of the way. Soon they were back to their regular pattern of miss, block, dodge, and miss. "It became annoying sometimes, but meeting Videl and Ryo have really helped me along. They've made things a lot easier for me."

"I see!" Goku said, as he moved his head from side to side, avoiding Gohan's fists. "You guys really do seem close."

"Yeah, they're great. Ryo is kind of out there in a lot of ways. His sense of humor reminds me a lot of Krillen's, but Ryo makes him look tame. He's a really good guy though. It's nice to have someone my own age I can relate to. From everything to the super powers, to having difficulties fitting in with the other kids you know?"

"That's good to hear… So, in other words Ryo is kind of like your Krillen hey?" Goku joked, as he took a swing at his son's head that Gohan dodged. "But to tell you the truth I was kind of talking about Videl…"

Gohan tensed up briefly, but that was one second to many as his father's fist came slamming into his face. He quickly rebounded and matched Goku's pace, but the boy's father laughed at him anyway. "There we go! I know what your weakness is now!"

"She's not a weakness!" Gohan growled, despite deep down knowing that's not the way his father meant it. "I just let my mind wander for a second that's all…"

"That can get you killed in a fight you know Gohan?"

"I know," Gohan acknowledged, as he tried to sweep his father's feet out from under him. Goku jumped over his leg, and the two immediately went back to throwing appendages around. "So, how's life in Other World… Or rather how is the after life in Other World?"

"Ah, it's okay," Goku said, as he and his boy continued to exchange blows. "All I can really do though is train and eat. I guess it's a lot better to keep my body to train other then going where I might've ended up. I got to fight in his tournament at the Grand Kai's place however. I fought this really strong warrior named Pikkon. He nearly got the best of me, but I managed to squeak by him. Other then that, all I did was train my body, and learned how to push my capabilities as a Super Sayian."

"Is that so?" Gohan asked, interpreting what his father meant by that. "So, I guess that means you did make it to level two Super Sayian huh?"

Goku smirked at his son, as Gohan's fist came streaking by his face. "Wouldn't you like to know? I'm still wondering why you didn't ascend to level two however. Is it really because you didn't want an unfair advantage, or is it because you've lost too much power over the years… Or did you just forget how after the first time?"

"Do I really have to answer that?" Gohan sweat dropped. "So, I guess I should take that a yes huh? About you reaching the next level and all."

"Whatever you'd like to believe," Goku smirked. "So, you really like Videl huh?"

"That's not going to work this time dad," Gohan said, as he blocked his father's fist. "I'm not going to let my focus wander again."

"Good for you son. I was just wondering if you've seen her naked yet though."

"What?!" Gohan blushed, and promptly received his father's fist in his face once again. Gohan growled, and leapt out of the way of his next attack.

"Ha, ha! Exactly what body part are you thinking with right now Gohan?"

"Dad, please!" Gohan smirked evilly. "You're making me think of the time Mom told me about that thing she used to do to you in bed."

"She told you about that?!" Goku recoiled in horror, before feeling his son's fist connect with his gut.

"Ha! You mean there really is a thing?! I don't think I even want to know then!"

Goku grinned, and growled at his son as he blocked his offensive. "That's it! You're going down now you little brat!"

"What are they doing?" Kabito asked his mentor, very nearly looking confused.

Shin looked rather confused himself at the thought waves he was picking up from the two combatants. "Well… I know this is going to sound strange, but it appears that they're having a conversation…"

"Conversation? What type of conversation?"

"Well, that's the thing… It appears to be about school, and family life actually…"

Kabito's eyes widened. "What? In the middle for a fight?!"

"I know it sounds strange, but that's what they're talking about…Strange indeed."

"Why am I not surprised?" Piccolo asked himself quietly, overhearing Shin and Kabito's conversation. "Only Goku and Gohan could manage to have a casual conversation in the middle of beating each other's brains in…"

"What the hell does Goku think he's doing?!" Chichi seethed, as she stood up on her seat in the crowd. "What was he thinking shooting his stupid energy attack like that at my baby?! And why do they have to punch each other in the face?! If they don't start playing nice I'm going to march right down there and…"

"And do what Chichi? Get your head blown off?!" Bulma scoffed at her. "You know full well you can't stop a Sayian when they get this way."

"That's no excuse! Why did they have to fight each other in the first round anyway?!" Chichi growled, as she grabbed Yamcha by the collar of his shirt. "They're setting a horrible example for Goten! He may just become traumatized from having to watch this!"

In the meantime Goten was up in his seat jumping up and down excitedly. "Yeah, go dad! Get him Gohan! Bite him in the head! Oh looky daddy's going to blast him again!"

Bulma rolled her eyes. "Yeah, he looks so distraught."

"Goku what do you think you're doing?! Don't kick him there!" Chichi barked, as she squeezed the collar on Yamcha's shirt tight around his neck.

"Chichi…" Yamcha wheezed, as his face turned red. "Please let go…"

"Gohan?! Who taught you how to do that?! It was those hooligans at school wasn't it?! I'm going to have a long talk with that young man when this day is through!" Chichi let out one last growl, before letting Yamcha go, more or less throwing him to the ground.

Yamcha groaned as he looked up at the sky. "Please end this soon guys, before Chichi kills me…"

In the meantime, the situation in the ring was getting more intense, and the hits were getting heavier now as they were finally landing some. Both were beginning to ware twenty minutes into the match, as father and son pounded on each other. Goku doubled over as Gohan drove his knee into his abdomen, only to handspring himself to his feet and striking his son as he charged in with a kick to his face. Goku rushed towards him, and slammed his right hand underneath his son's jaw. Gohan hit the ground and rolled, but quickly picked himself up and went back at it.

"Hah! Yah!" Gohan roared, as he rapidly punched at his father's face. Several landed, the final blow spinning Goku's head around. Gohan loaded up his left leg, and as soon as his old man's head popped up he kicked him right underneath the chin. Goku spun around, and hit the ground with a sickening thud.

Goku picked himself up surprisingly slow, holding his chin in his hand. "Damn… He got me good there… I can't keep letting my guard down just because he's my son."

"I'm waiting dad!" Gohan panted, waiting for his father to get to his feet. "I know you have a lot more in you then that, so let's get on with it."

"If you insist…" Goku smirked, as he fired up his Ki. He raced towards his son who braced himself for the confrontation, but his resourceful father surprised him by not coming on with a head on attack. Instead, Goku tried to sweep Gohan's legs out from under him. Gohan saw this coming, and back flipped out of the way, but that's just what Goku wanted him to do. Before Gohan even landed, the full-blooded Sayian sprung back up and planted his foot right in the center of Gohan's back. Gohan cried out in agony, as his body landed in a very unnatural manner. He picked himself up quickly though, but couldn't quite get his head straight enough to face his father's onslaught. Several blows to the body and face later, Gohan was sent back down on the ring floor with one crushing punch to his jaw.

"Have you had enough yet son?" Goku asked him, noticing how sluggish Gohan look as he got to his feet. For a moment Sayian fighting instincts faded away, replaced by the human parental instincts he'd developed during his time on Earth. "I really don't want to hurt you, so if you've had enough…"

"Not a chance…" Gohan smirked, as he wiped a trickle of blood off his mouth. "You're either going to have to knock me out cold, or out of the ring if you want to win this one…"

Goku smiled back, feeling those Sayian instincts returning. "Then that's just what I'll do then."

"Come on Gohan! Keep your head up! Watch out, he's just baiting you in! Damn!" Videl cursed, as she watched Gohan crash to the ground again. At least they were moving slow enough for her to see them now, even though now she was wishing she couldn't. That was the third time in the last five minutes Gohan had been knocked to the ground.

Ryo gritted his teeth. "If Gohan doesn't think of something quick he's going to lose this thing!"

"Either that or the time limits going to get them," Krillen informed them. "They've only got like two minutes left before they call the fight!" (Or in DBZ time about 3½ weeks)

"Thirty minutes!" Vegeta scowled. "That's not enough time for a Sayian to even warm up! We can fight for days if we wanted to! The only reason Kakarott's brat is tiring so quickly is because he hasn't been training for months! This is what happens when you slack off for seven years!"

Videl's ears tweaked as she heard Vegeta speak, frowning at the end where he insulted him. Sayian huh?… Is that what Gohan is?

"Damn!" Gohan moaned, as his father lunged at him again. Ten blows in rapid succession to the body and face… Finally, one more blow underneath the chin, and Gohan was rolling on the ring again. Only this time he didn't get up right away… Not because he couldn't, but he needed time to regroup. His ears barely picked up on the MC beginning to count him out, as he lie there. Damn it! If I keep this up, I'm going to lose for sure! Dad wasn't kidding when he said he learned to push his limits as a Super Sayian… I just can't keep up with him anymore… This is what I get for being lazy with my training for seven years! Well… There may be one way… It's a long shot, but it just might work.

"Five… Six…. Seven…."

"Save your breath, I'm fine," Gohan said, as he stood upright.

Goku sighed, and braced himself for battle. "Gohan, why don't you just back down and admit defeat? After neglecting your training for all this time, you obviously can't keep up with me. I really don't want to prolong this any further, so why don't you just give up?"

"Because I'm a Sayian, and like I heard Vegeta say once, we'd rather die then give up our pride by doing something like quitting in the middle of a fight!"

Vegeta's face lit up in surprise, as he heard Gohan blurt that out loud enough for him to hear. Vegeta smirked slightly at this. Well, well… Maybe the boy isn't completely hopeless after all.

Goku growled partially in frustration, and powered up. He wanted to end this now, and as quickly as possible. He wanted to fight with his son, not use him as a punching bag. His boy had given him a good twenty-five minutes, but now it was clear that this thing was done and over with. "Fine! If this is the way you want it, then this is the way it's going to be! I'm ending this thing now Gohan for you own good! Here I come!"

Goku came barreling towards his son, and Gohan just stood there and waited. He closed his eyes, and focused as his father's energy came streaking towards him. It was all in a span of time less then a second, but the moment he felt his father right in front him he focused all his Ki towards his head and screamed. "MIND BENDER!"


Ryo and Piccolo's faces exploded with shock, as Gohan blurted out those words. "No way!" Ryo gaped.

Piccolo looked down at Ryo looking equally as surprised. "You taught him how to do that?!"

"Well I tried, but he couldn't seem to get the hang of it…" Ryo explained. "I guess now we just have to wait and see if it worked."

"Yes… This should be interesting," Piccolo said, as he gawked at the ring. A brief mixture of shock, pride, and jealously swept through him all at once. Ryo had been trying to teach Piccolo that technique for months now, and the Namek couldn't even come close to mastering it. If this truly did work the way it was supposed to, that meant Gohan had learned how to use it a matter of a few weeks.

"Ah!" Goku screeched, as he came to halt when he felt some strange wave of energy seemingly fly right into his face. He wasn't wounded by whatever it was, nor did he feel any discomfort. Just a bit dizzy, and surprised as he wondered what his son had just done to him. He shook his head straight, and then opened his eyes… And they widened at what they saw. The arena was rolling around him slowly, as if he was looking at it through the other end of a fish tank, and there appeared to be what looked like eight different Gohan's surrounding him.

"What in the hell?! Hey this is a lot like Master Roshi's shadow technique isn't it?" Goku smiled, thinking he had the entire situation figured out. "Well, I hate to break the news to you Gohan, but this isn't going to work on me!"

Goku focused his energy, and tried to make out which of these images was really his son by picking out his Ki. He picked out the one standing directly in the middle of the ring. "Gotcha!"

Goku swung his fist at Gohan, but to his surprise his momentum took him right through what he thought was his son. He stopped as all the images around him disappeared, and the real world slowly began to reshape itself.

"What in the?… AH!" Goku shouted in pain, as Gohan drove his foot into Goku's back. Goku went lunging to the ground expecting to fall smack dab in the center of the ring. But to his surprise he didn't taste tile, but something much more rough and scratchy. He opened his eyes to see what it was. "Grass… WHAT THE?!"

Goku sat up, and looked around him. He then realized he was sitting outside of the corner of the ring, staring up at his son who had a look of utmost shock on his face. "Gohan?"

"And Goku has landed out of the ring!" the MC announced over his microphone. "That means the winner of this match is Gohan! What an amazing turn around folks!"

"I can't believe it, he won!" Videl cheered. A little overexcited, she lost her balance and flipped over the top of the square, crashing down to her butt on the entryway.

"Watch it Videl!" Ryo laughed. "You aren't just a little happy there for him are you Videl?"

"Shut up Ryo!" Videl barked. She dusted herself off, and ran out towards the ring.

Ryo smiled, and looked over at Gohan who looked just absolutely stunned he actually won the match. "Well, what do you know. That kid is something else isn't he?"

"You can say that again," Piccolo smirked with pride. "He's a resourceful one, I'll tell you that much."

"Goku lost?!" Krillen asked to no one in particular. "Man, I'd never thought I'd see this day…"

Eighteen smirked slightly. "The boy's lucky… But most of us do make our own luck."

Vegeta stared at the ring in shock. He had just seen Kakarott run clear across the ring in the opposite corner from where his son was standing, punch thin air, and all of a sudden get knocked out the ring to lose a match he was in firm control of just moments before. Vegeta couldn't help but laugh at this. "That clown lost! I've got to learn what that boy just did to him… That looks like it might come in handy one of these days…"

"Interesting finish don't you think?" Shin asked Kabito.

Though Kabito looked indifferent, he meant it when he said. "Indeed. Do you really think the boy is stronger then his father, or was it just dumb luck."

"It's hard to say… It is true that Gohan has lost a lot of his fighting instincts over the years, that's easy to tell… Whether or not Goku or Vegeta are still stronger then he is I'm not quite sure. He might still be just as powerful as ever, and possibly has just simply forgotten how to use all of his power… We'll find out which soon enough... Either way, he and the others will all be a great help to us."

"I agree that the Sayians, the Namek, and the psychic should be of great help to us, but what about the others? Can the android, Krillen, and the girl hold their own against what we're about to face."

"The android definitely. From what I've gathered she's very strong, but she doesn't have a Ki and that's why we can't sense how strong she actually is. Krillen can contribute in other areas, and as for the girl… With a little work she could be very useful. Possibly what puts us over the top in this upcoming war… She has an enormous well of power welling up inside of her just waiting to be released. Gohan and Ryo have realized most of theirs, and soon it will be her turn."

"But do we have time to train her before Babadi's plan can come to fruition?"

"That's the question my friend… Because time is the one thing we don't have."

Goku stared at his son in confusion, as they walked towards each other… "Gohan… What… What the heck just happened?!"

Gohan rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, that was a new trick my friend Ryo taught me… I can focus my Ki and manipulate it in unique ways by using my brainwaves, and that allowed me to fire sort of a Ki blast straight into your head. This technique in particular temporarily distorts the targets equilibrium, and makes them see things that aren't really there or distorts images in some way. Kind of like when you spin around and around, and make yourself dizzy or when you're drunk."

"But that's cheap!" Goku smiled slightly.

"Maybe so, but it worked… You're actually the first person I've ever tried it on, so I wasn't sure it would work. I was desperate though, and I'm glad it did… You're not mad at me are you?"

Goku's smile widened, and he put his hands up on his son's shoulders. "No, of course I'm not mad son. You won fair and square. In fact, this just might be the proudest day of my life Gohan. You gave me one hell of a fight! Congratulations son."

"Thanks dad," Gohan said softly, before their bodies locked in a big hug.

Videl almost wanted to cry as she watched Gohan and his father… Well, more Gohan of course. She remembered a time when she and her father were that close. She waited until they parted ways, before lunging at Gohan locking him in a huge hug of her own. "Way to go Gohan! You won!"

"Umm… Yeah…" Gohan blushed, surprised by how cheerful and excited she seemed. "Well, you sure seem to be in a good mood… Don't get too excited though, that was only my first match. I still have three more to go before we can start celebrating."

"I know that, but don't be a spoiled sport Gohan!" Videl teased him. "And why shouldn't I be in a good mood?"

"Well, for one you just nearly did get killed by a madman in the center of that ring…"

"Are you still worried about that? Get over it for now Gohan, I'm fine! Now that I'm here, you know I'm pulling for you to win it all now don't you?"

"You're pulling for me?" Gohan asked. "Even over your father?"

"Did I stutter?" Videl asked sharply. She looped her arm around his, and started to drag him back towards the waiting room. "Now come on! They're going to want to start the next match now!"

"Okay sure…" Gohan said, as Videl helped him along. Man, what's gotten into her?

"Wow folks, was that one heck of a match or what!" the MC asked the cheering crowd. "Talk about going down to the wire! Well, without any further delay let's get on with the next match! Krillen vs. Hail!"

Krillen jumped slightly, as he heard his name called. "I guess it's my turn then. Well, I guess I better get on with it! No reason to worry, I'm going to totally cut loose!"

Krillen and Hail gave each other a brief glance before heading up the entryway. Krillen smirked feeling a lot of his initial uneasiness fading away. That was until he passed Gohan on the way to the ring, as he put a hand on Krillen's shoulder causing him to stop his progress. "Hey Gohan, what's up?"

Gohan looked down at him seriously, with Videl watching on in interest, still clutching on to Gohan's arm. "Watch yourself Krillen. This guy is no pushover. Be careful okay?"

Krillen looked a bit uneasy now, as he eyed his opponent Hail as he walked into the ring. "If you say so Gohan… But he doesn't seem all that strong to me."

"He's right," Goku frowned, as he walked up next to Gohan. "Be careful Krillen… This guy means business."

Piccolo looked on intently as Krillen apprehensively walked into the ring with Hail. Showing tremendous grit, Piccolo approached the now revealed Supreme Kai. Shin smirked and answered his unasked question.

"No need to be afraid of me Piccolo. Ease up, and don't be so tense… As for what you wanted to ask me, no Hail and Rain have nothing to do with Yamu and Spopovich."

Piccolo's face recoiled with nervous tension, but he managed to settle himself down. "Umm… Thank you… But I was wondering if you might know why the Ray Lien are here if they are not associated with those two?…"

Shin frowned, and eyed Piccolo strangely. Piccolo's face recoiled fearing he may have insulted the overseer of the known universe, but eased up as Shin began to speak. "This is going to sound strange, but I have no idea whatsoever… I can't seem to read their thoughts…"

"Why is that?… Are they masking their thoughts from you somehow?"

Shin smiled at the tension still evident in the Namek's voice. "You can say that I guess… The way their masking their thoughts however is by not thinking at all… Their minds are completely clear… The only thing they're concentrating on are their opponents. Besides that, they aren't giving me anything to work with. I can't even tell you who their targets are at this time. I'm also quite surprised that Spopovich and Yamu refrained from interfering with Gohan and Goku's match. I guess they didn't like their chances with both of them in the ring together."

"Wow, that was invigorating!" Goku stretched his arms in the air as he walked back into the waiting area, Gohan and Videl following close after him. He paused and stared noticing Piccolo and Shin conversing with each other. "Hey Piccolo… Shin… What's going on?"


Piccolo tensed up a bit, while Shin simply smirked. "Oh Goku! Gohan… I suppose I should introduce you properly… This is the Supreme Kai…"

Goku nearly fell out of his face. "What?! You're the Supreme Kai Shin?! I've heard stories from King Kai but…"

Videl cocked an eyebrow. "Huh? What's a Kai?"

"It's just another part of a long story," Gohan told her. "Don't worry, you'll hear it all tonight."

Videl frowned at this. "Oh yeah… That!"

Shin snickered and looked out towards the ring. "While this has all been very interesting, your friend's match is about to begin. You may want to consider giving it the attention it deserves."

In the meantime, Krillen examined his opponent as he stood across from him in the ring. He did look menacing with his large arms peaking out of his blue Gi, but Krillen still couldn't see what Gohan and Goku were so worried about. Then again, he'd be foolish to doubt their word. It was just enough to create a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach. It seemed to take forever for the MC to say those words, but when he finally did they seemed to come all to soon.

"Okay fighters! Let the match begin!"

"Okay!" Krillen said, as he drug his foot against the ring floor. "Let's see what you got!"

End.

Whew… This one was a toughie, but fun to write. I got a hold of a couple of the new DBZ tapes yesterday… I won't spoil anything for anybody who hasn't seen the new episodes yet, but it turned out to be a good move for me as I finally got the see the episode where Videl finds out Gohan is dead. The anime actually did a good job all around with the character reactions. I'll have to take back a lot of the nasty things I said about their character development, but not all of it… Still, think it could've been better. I mentioned this because I decided to go back and change my future outline for this story a little after watching some of the new episodes. I got some much better ideas I feel after viewing them. Another good thing was that it really refueled my fire to continue on with this story. Not that it was ever dying or anything, but my interest would flicker on and off to other things from time to time.

Preview of chapter 17 The fight between Krillen and Hail gets well underway, and Krillen may just find out exactly what Gohan and Goku were talking about. Plus Ryo gets a strange request from the Supreme Kai when he steps into the ring for this match with Yamu. Depending on how long all this runs, I might even go ahead and finish the first round. I'll have to wait and see what happens from here.