A/N – Now, I could do something like I did at the end of Part 2... But I won't. I think this will be the end for a while, until I really decide on Part 4. As I was rereading the last few Chaps, I realized how much this was turning into a soap opera. Ick! Thank you to all the wonderful people who reviewed and gave their opinions, they mean a lot.
Changing Faces
Part 3 – Of Ladies and Dragons
Chapter 10 – Her Name is Pan
The time following Gohan's failed wish blurred together for the young half-Saiyan. Days blended to weeks and weeks to months. He moped around and, as Bulma deemed it, went through the motions. He finished his first degree and started on the second, all to Chi Chi's gentle encouragement.
It seemed to be the only thing he would concentrate on.
Goten trained alone or with Trunks, but his brother's depression did not pass by the youngster.
"Gohan, why won't you come spar? It's been months since we have," he prodded.
After a long pause Gohan answered, "I'm studying."
"Gohan.." he pleaded.
A sharp stare turned the younger boy away, but he still managed a heartbroken look to his brother. If Gohan had seen it, he gave no indication.
It was on a rainy day, after nearly a year of misery for Gohan, that he felt a faintest chi approaching the planet. After a few minutes, the feeling grew stronger. And familiar.
No way...
He ran outside into the pouring rain and searched the sky.
It is! It is!!
"Videl!" He screamed in elation.
His love had come back.
The small ship landed gracefully in a grassy plain, similar to the sparring ground Videl and Gohan had shared years earlier. Gohan arrived soon after it touched down. He waited eagerly but patiently.
So long... It's been so long...
Painstakingly slow, the ramp lowered, revealing the long black hair, blue eyes (so blue!), and pale face he remembered so. She wore blue pants with a red tunic, and carried a pouch on her chest.
Gohan... I missed you...
I missed you too.
"I love you," she said.
He materialized in front of her and gathered her into an embrace. She pushed him back gently.
"I love you too," he said and noticed the contents of the pouch, "Huh?"
Videl smiled, "Her name is Pan. Son Pan."
Wonder dawned on his face as he took in the delicate features of their daughter. A dark mop of hair topped her round head, and a cute button nose and cubby cheeks completed the adorable infant.
"She has blue eyes, and her chi is very strong," she said quietly.
"Beautiful," he whispered, "She's really mine?"
"Yes."
"I just want to know one thing. Where have you been?"
Videl had prepared herself for this question. Two weeks worth of working the speech, but his pained look scratched her practiced excuse.
Her head dropped, "I... I..."
"Tell me when you're ready. But remember that you came back to me with our daughter, and I won't be angry with you. I'm just so happy you're back. Thank you."
Again they embraced.
In her heart, Videl knew this was where she truly belonged: safe in the arms of her beloved. Her life mate.
Gohan wasn't angry, he was betrayed by the one to whom he had remained true. As Videl finished her story, he didn't know what to think. On one hand, he wanted to turn away from her.
But on the other hand, his daughter, snoozing comfortably in his arms, made him want to embrace her dear mother.
Chi Chi and Goten had left to do some grocery shopping and Gohan and Videl were left alone. Chi Chi had been ecstatic about a new baby in the house, and any waking moment was spent cooking, cleaning, or knitting. Goten was confused about the whole situation, therefore he remained aloof but otherwise happy with Pan.
The infant stretched and yawned, opening her deep blue eyes. She cooed.
"I understand if you don't want to be with me, Gohan," Videl said quietly.
"I don't know what to think."
She looked at him, "In my heart, I always loved you even when I was with Sill. I realize now that the love for him was simply a true friendship. The love I have for you was never ending. I'm sorry Gohan, I'm sorry that I didn't have faith in you."
"I did collect the Dragonballs. I did wish for you. When I sent the dragon away, I just felt that you would return to me. They say when you love someone, let them go. If they return, the love is true, but if they don't, than it was never meant to be."
He looked at her, "We were meant to be."
"You truly believe that," she asked as tears formed in her eyes.
"You came back, right? You aren't going to leave me again, are you?"
"Never," she smiled.
They embraced.