You think this might be the first Videl Torture fic? I like to think so :D Sorry for any grammer and spelling mistakes, I can only re-read such a long chapter so many times ^^;;; Ah and wonder if Toriyama-san had as much fun making up pun names as I did.....
Chapter 4
"Gohan! Goten! Come here for a moment!"
The two Son brothers immediately came to their mother's call. Chi-Chi was sitting at one of the dining table's chairs as she held an envelope in her hand. Gohan's eyes traveled to two pair of tuxedos laid out on the table. One significantly smaller than the other. What the....
"Boys, we're going to a dinner party tonight. I was going to tell you yesterday night but it kind of slipped my mind when Vivi got hurt."
"Dinner party?" Gohan echoed.
"Dinner party! Cool! Will it be fun? Will there be food? Is Trunks going?" Goten asked enthusiastically. After all, he never been to a dinner party before.
"Hmm, I'm sure Bulma got an invitation so yes, Trunks will be there with Vegeta too."
"Vegeta?? You really think he'll show up to one of these things? What is the party about anyway?"
"Something or another held by the world government, Gohan. The King of the world will be there! It's a dinner party for the families of celebrities and I heard there will be an auction to raise money for charity! Former Budokai finalists are invited that's why we got the invitation. Oh, I'm so excited!!"
"Where is it held, mother?" Gohan asked as he picked up the plain black and white tuxedo and fitted it to his frame. Goten mimicked his brother and started inspecting his own miniature version of Gohan's tuxedo.
"Shining Dawn Tower at Central City. We'll be going to Bulma's first and change there, then we'll go with her since I don't want to mess up our outfits while flying or by Nimbus. I'll call you by four, the party starts at seven so be sure to get your studies done, Gohan."
"Yes, mother."
"No, father."
"Honey..."
"No."
"Pumpkin...."
"No."
"Sweetie...."
"No."
"VIDEL SATAN!!"
Videl gulped, her father almost never used that tone with her. "Um... yes, daddy?"
"You're going and that's that! I told you earlier that I'm expected to arrive WITH you!"
"Ugh, daddy, please?? Not many people know you even have a daughter!"
"The King will be there! The press! The other celebrities!!"
"So?? Tell them I'm... I'm sick! You can always find an excuse!!"
"The daughter of the World Savior does not get sick!!"
Videl grumbled and slapped her hand down her face. "Come on daddy.... just this once, please?"
Mr. Satan watched his daughter turn her potent puppy eyes on him but was able to resist. This was his pride at stake. "No, sorry. Why are you so against going anyway? You can meet the important people, enjoy the shows and auctions.... you never turned down going to a dinner party when it really matters before....." he gave her one of his pathetic looks.
"I.... um...." Her excuse? Well, daddy, you see, I've been going behind your back to fraternize with the people you stole credit from. I made up an identity to be with them and I would like very much that they don't know that I'm the daughter of the buffoon. Namely, you. Instead she said, "I'm tired daddy. I'm all banged up and spent. I trained too hard yesterday."
"But honey, all you have to do is show up! You can come half the time then go home when you don't really feel well."
"I'm all bruised and scraped up!!"
"Long dress and gloves, and make up will cover anything else."
"I.... arrghh! I give up!!" Videl threw up her hands and stomped to her room.
"Succuby will come by five to clean you up!!" her father called just before she slammed the living room door shut. "Be ready!"
"I'll be ready all right..." she growled under her breath as she locked her bedroom door. Videl strode briskly to her balcony and threw glass doors open. Stepping out, she gathered her ki to fly. After two minutes she realized she hadn't moved an inch from the tiled floor.
Leave, just like that?
Fly away and worry father?
Force him to lie.... again?
Why not? He never had trouble lying before....
But then this time I made him lie.
........... you're Vivi aren't you?
What do you think, Videl?
I think I'm officially insane.
Good, I think so too.
'The things I do for a ignorant father that lies to his daughter.....' Videl re-entered her room, laid on the queen sized bed, and buried herself in her satin sheets. She'll take a short nap and figure something out later.
Later came too soon when she opened her eyes to see her personal maid of the month, Succuby, a black long-dress in her arms.
"Crap."
Videl Satan stared at her reflection, willing herself not to bang her head against the vanity mirror until her head cracked. She'll admit that Succuby had done a good of making her not look like her. After all, if she did fail to think up a way to avoid going and ended up at the party it's best she didn't resemble 'Vivi'. There's the matter of ki but if she kept hers suppressed when they're near then they might not notice her. Sensing any ki lower than the average needs concentration so she figured that was something she could use to her advantage. They won't be trying to sense ki at the party, that's for sure. As long as she didn't panic and make her ki shoot up any higher than average, she should be safe.
Should be.
'AARRRGGHH!! This is impossible!! Oh man, I hope father won't do something stupid like invite me up to the stage for a speech or something.... they're bound to recognize me if they really looked at me!! And then they'll try to sense my ki to make sure! That'll really bust my cover!!' Videl wanted to lash out at anything in frustration but her body was still stiff from her slight injuries. The black high necked velvet gown covered nearly every inch of her but hugged her figure nicely. Black gloves of silk adorned her hand, loose enough not to disturb the bandages underneath. A pair of high heeled black sandals completed the assemble.
At least she was fittingly dressed for her funeral.
Her hair was out of it's pigtails and was pinned high on her head letting a few curled locks framing her face. White pearls were pinned into her hair, creating a pleasant contrast to her full black outfit. The make up cast her lips and eyes prominent from her pale face. About an inch of the stuff was heaped on her face, practically 'drawing' a new look. She looked pretty, doll like, cute, and fragile. In other words, nothing like herself.
A knock on her door, snapped her out of her stupor. "Honey?" a bush of afro hair poked out before her father's face followed, "It's time to go."
Videl wanted to die. To scream. To fly out the window. "Um... yes daddy...."
She stood up and walked slowly to her father, not used to anything other than her boots and sneakers. Her father's eyes softened as he took a good look at her. "You look just like your mother, Videl. She.... would be proud to see you so beautiful..." her father smiled sadly before going down first. Videl stood rooted to her spot before closing her eyes and allowing a small smile to come out.
"Thank you..... father." He still remembers her, huh? And to think he spends so much time with other women.... But, his compliment felt like twisting a dagger in her gut. Guilt. She was going to most likely ruin his night.... and she couldn't explain to him why. And her mother... if her mother was here? Would she.... still be proud?
Her silk covered hands gripped the her door handle tightly before opening them. Videl took a deep breath and stepped out, determined to focus on more pressing matters. Like how she would get through the night without having it turn into a nightmare.
What would she do? Ki blast a small hole in the fuel tank so the place would run out before it gets there? What was she thinking?! Ki blasting the fuel tanks would make the plane explode. Oh wait... that might work. No, her father had dozens of back-up transport and it'll be too weird to have every one of them go 'boom'. Should she just get there quickly, pay her respects to the King and then find an excuse to leave early? That would have to do if she couldn't think of anything else....
Inspiration struck as she stood on top of the winding stairs, staring down at her father who was giving orders to the butler and maids. Yes, this was perfect! She would avoid going and her father wouldn't need to lie! Brilliant!! Now.... to put the idea into motion...
The motion was to concentrate briefly as she spread her ki around her, casting an invisible barrier about half an inch from her skin. She then stepped down and 'slipped'. The maids gasped and her father stared in shock as she came tumbling down the whole flight of stairs. Videl was careful to tuck her limbs in close to avoid getting them broken or twisted even though the whole fall felt to her like being rolled down a rocky hill wrapped up in a warm, thick futon. Judging from the various gasps, yelps, screams and cries from her audience at the foot of the stairs, she was falling quite violently to the normal eye. For the heck of it, Videl let out a pained "Ugh!" or a anguished "Argh!" every time she 'impacted' with the hard marble.
Soon, she reached the bottom and pretended to be unconscious as the shocked onlookers crowded around her.
"Oh my- Videl!! Nooo!!!" her father wailed as he gently cradled her head. Videl frowned mentally, he really did sound distressed... maybe she should have found another way to- "Now we can't go to the party!!! Aaaa! This is a disaster!!" Videl fought the urge to jump up and throttle the man.
"Someone call a doctor!" a voice barked, must be Mr. Imp, their butler.
"Wait! Wait! Doctor Wewolf is still here!" Ah, Videl totally forgot about the Satan's family doctor. He must have been over to tend to her father's 'stomach pains'. Haha, she must have punched him harder than she thought.
"Make way, let me see her!" Videl kept as still as she could, slowing her breathing and heart rate. When you can control ki, controlling your heart and breathing comes naturally. She felt the doctor finger her head and listen to her heart beat, wondering when he'll just announce her unfit to go to the party.
"Hmm... peculiar, she doesn't seem to be hurt at all, just unconscious.... not even a bruise...." Drat! She should have let her ki down and get whacked a few times!
"So.... that means she's okay?" came her father's hopeful voice. Videl had a sinking feeling her plan wasn't going to work out the way she hoped....
"Yes, why... I think she'll be wake in an hour or so."
"Great! Succuby, you're coming with us, she'll wake up on the way and you can fix her messed up hair! Come on, pick her up into the plane!"
Videl wanted to scream as the maids heaved her up and took her outside to the rocket plane resting on the take off pad in the Satan's vast garden. This was not how she planned it!! Wrong!! WRONG!!! Oh, Dende, if she would ever get the chance to meet the Namek she'll kick him good! Even if she knew he wasn't responsible for any of her rotten luck.
The doors slammed shut and the engines roared. Before she knew it, they took off. Great.
About fifteen minutes into the ride, she got tired of being 'unconscious' so she moaned and got up. Her father immediately smothered her with hugs and caring words. Videl merely grunted in annoyance at his obvious show as Succuby redid her hair. Her maid was a bit curious to how her make up went unblemished through out the whole 72-step fall. Her father asked the same thing to how she went unharmed.
"I can take punches harder than that and I protected my face." Videl replied sully. He father then went on and ranted how his daughter was so strong but then remembered Succuby and the pilot was there, he hastily added that she was still second strongest to him. Videl rolled her eyes and stared out the window at the darkening sky. Now what would she do?
Guess she'll have to go with her plan of staying out of the lime light, quickly pay her respects, and then run like hell. When they neared the city, Videl lowered her ki to that of Succuby. Good, she was at average now, they won't be able to sense her unless they focused. However, Videl couldn't help but squirm in her seat as the bright lights of Central City came into view. Nervous. She was even more nervous than she had been at the Junior Division Budokai. The tournament was a laugh, maybe that's why she didn't really feel any nervousness then. But this....
Hooo, boy. This was going to be the toughest challenge yet.
She wanted to cry.
"Mr. Satan! Mr. Satan please look here!"
"May I have a comment please, Mr. Satan!"
"We from Channel C-34 would like..."
Reporters stormed the plane as soon as they landed. Videl was lucky enough to slip out behind her father's huge bulk and blend into the crowd. Scanning the surrounding landing pads, she was relieved to find no familiar ki. The various planes that parked on top of of Shining Dawn Tower, the largest building in the world, each had a marker designated to identify them. Currently, the one marked 'Capsule Corps.' was still empty.
Thanking her lucky stars, Videl rushed in as fast as her heels could go to avoid any reporters. She noted down the Tower's map and decided to just head down to the ball room and start her search of the King there. It took her almost 15 minutes to get herself to the large room and still there was no sign of the animal-man. She asked some of the guards but they stated that they weren't allowed to give the location of the King. Videl wanted to stomp her foot and demand them to tell her since she's the daughter of the World Savior. But then, she rather go through the night without anyone recognizing her. She looked like a frickin' china doll. Videl would very much want to keep her 'Daughter of Satan' image untarnished even if she preferred her 'Vivi' ego.
Sighing heavily she wandered into one of the more unused elevators in the far hall, planning to just go up to the auditorium where they were serving dinner and wait there. She froze even before turning around to press the buttons.
They were here. Very close. Too close. A few meters behind her. How did she not notice?
The Sons' ki stood out like a beacon, Trunk's ki almost as prominent. Near them was a very strong ki that she wasn't familiar with. Who? That Prince of Saiyans? Vege- something?
She had no time to figure out his name as she reached out with her left arm and pressed the 'Close' button. She didn't dare turn around, knowing just how close they were.
"Wait! Hold the doors!" Came a high-pitched voice. Videl had no idea who it was. Bulma Briefs? Videl started pressing the 'Close' button faster, hoping that it seemed she merely didn't hear them and was in a hurry.
"Hold the doors, Miss! We want to get in!" came another voice. Ah, Chi-Chi. Videl was almost drilling the button through the control. The doors were closing painfully slow, and Videl could feel her heart rise up to her throat with every clack of heels on marble as the Briefs and Sons started to quicken their pace. Then Chi-Chi called out something that made her blood run cold.
"Gohan! Hold that door!"
She nearly screamed when she felt his ki phasing right behind her. Clamping her eyes shut and giving the 'Close' button a final desperate shove and then pressing the level 16 button, Videl prepared for the worst.
Ding.
An instrumental version of the Copa Cabana flooded the compartment. Videl would have died right there from relief. She slumped to the carpeted floor and tried in vain to stop the shaking of her knees.
"My, how rude of that girl!" Bulma Briefs exclaimed, smoothing out invisible wrinkles from her navy blue silk gown. How could that girl not hear them? They were shouting!
"Really! Gohan, you should have been faster!" Chi-Chi scolded her son who scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Sorry, mother." He was busy keeping an eye on both Goten and Trunks when his mother and Bulma started going after the elevator.
"Why would she not want us in the elevator?" Goten asked cutely. Trunks snorted at his friend.
"Probably because she saw what a big dumb-dumb you are."
"Hey!" Goten protested, "She didn't even look at us!"
Vegeta stood at the back as the rest started to bicker among themselves, waiting for the next elevator. He was certain the girl ignored them on purpose, he saw her stiffen when Bulma shouted. Just out of curiosity he focused on the girl's ki to make sure she did know they were coming. Peculiarly, her ki rose slightly over the average when they approached, then jumped even more when Gohan rushed to put his hand between the closing doors. Odd. How did she know Gohan was behind her? Sound? And then the fact that her ki was fairly high for a human girl....
Pondering about the matter a few more seconds Vegeta soon lost interest and put no more thought on it as he entered the elevator doors.
As the elevator slowly made its way to the 16th floor, Videl found herself panicking. What if she pissed them off? What if they're going to follow her to the 16th floor?? Knowing Chi-Chi, that woman would most likely want to give her a piece of her mind (or fist). What if they were there waiting when the doors open? What if they noticed her slight ki spike earlier and locked on to her? What if-
"Aaaaarghhh!!" wailed Videl in frustration. In the end she pressed all the buttons to every floor and decided to get off on the 15th and walk from there. The elevator dinged and stopped at the 15th floor. A few people rushed in as Videl got out, careful to keep a look out for the familiar ki. She couldn't afford to get caught off guard like that again.
Hefting up the hem of her dress, she hiked up the stairs to the 16th floor. By the time she got there, her feet were burning from the straps that rubbed her skin raw. Cursing under her breath, Videl went to a corner and slipped them off. Her dress was long enough that it trailed along the floor; maybe she could just go through the night bare-footed and no one would notice....
"Hey, there. You okay?"
Videl snapped her head up to face a handsome young man. She blushed slightly and quickly answered with an "Yes, thank you" trying to slip her sandals back on so she could leave. Then to her surprise more young men came over from the large crowd scattered in the auditorium where most of the buffets were. She smiled uneasily at them, trying not to show her evident frustration at not being able to slip on her left sandal.
"Hello there, what's you name?"
"Haven't seen you before, who did you come with?"
"Good evening, Miss. Who may I ask are you?"
"You are the most beautiful girl I seen tonight, where are you from?"
As the young men started to crowd in closer, Videl found herself backed up against the wall. She honestly had no idea that she was the most beautiful girl there that night. At least the most appealing in her mysterious black look and perfect doll like features. Smiling nervously she racked her brain for a way to get out of there without causing a scene.
"Um... I.... I'm...." she started intelligently. Oh, great... if they knew she was Mr. Satan's daughter they'll surely not leave her alone. The boys at school and other dinner parties proved this to be true. Hey, what guy wouldn't want a shot with the Savior's daughter? Probably Son Gohan, she silently mused.
"Yes?" The crowd of eager young men chorused together. Hoping to catch the ravishing young lady's name.
"Vi... ctoria. Victoria Lie." Videl finished, pronouncing 'Lie' like what her life was, a lie. Did this mean she got herself another ego? Well, might as well play along with her looks. Victoria Lie would be a weak, timid, and naive. Hah! Videl took up the challenge to see if her acting skills were that good.
Immediately the men started asking about her background, to which Videl wondered just how much of a 'Lie' she could get away with.
"My father is the founder of Lying Industries. A company second best to Capsule Corps' fame. You surely must know him, Chunkof Lie, he's the most famous person in Central other than the King himself." Videl explained sweetly, conscious to fold her hands neatly like those timid girls at school.
The young men gave her blank looks before agreeing totally with her, praising her 'father' for something that Videl didn't even make up yet. They didn't want to look ignorant in front of the daughter of a supposedly famous father. Videl bit the insides of her cheek to keep from laughing at them. "And my mother is Watta Lie, internationally famous fashion designer of Bulshitin Designs."
Needless to say, her crowd ate it all up. Videl plastered a smile on her face to keep from rolling her eyes. The young men started asking her to join each of them for dinner after that, simultaneously reaching out a hand. They then growled at each like dogs after the same bone; Videl sighed and absently decided to do a quick ki scan, ignoring the hormone driven teens. Her eyes bugged out when she found that the Sons and Briefs were in the same room. Goten, Trunks, Chi-Chi and the powerful ki were at the tables in the far corner of the room with a low ki that she guessed was Bulma Briefs. Gohan's ki was much closer, at the buffet table to her far right.
The crowd of men were starting to grow around her and to her horror some of those already there started to insult one another. Soon, they might even start brawling.... over her. However flattered she might feel, it will be overshadowed by the fear that it'll attract the definitely unwanted attention of a chosen few. Videl put her quick thinking to the test and blurted out her first strategy, hoping it'll be enough.
"I'm feeling mighty thirsty, which one of you gentlemen can get me a drink?" She batted her eyelashes and pouted (mentally grossing out at doing such a.... girlie action), "Please?"
The horde immediately dispersed, sprinting off to the refreshment tables to try and be the first to give her the drink. Videl quickly sped out of the room and headed to the bathroom; she'll figure out what to do next there. Gohan was about to select a juice while balancing a plate piled high with food when he was suddenly and roughly pushed out of the way. It took quick reflexes and his agility to keep himself and the plate from tipping over.
"What the-" he started, staring at the pile of young men grabbing for drinks. What was going on? Was the food spicy or something?
"Hurry up, man! She's waiting for me!!" one of the shorter males pushed at Gohan. Of course it took more than a shove to get Gohan to move.
"What this all about?" Gohan asked, clearly confused by all the ruckus.
"Victoria Lie! She's waiting for a drink! And I'M going to be the one to get it for her!!" the youth pointed to the left near the entrance before managing his way pass Gohan and other 'suitors'. Gohan took a quick glance at the entrance where he caught a brief glimpse of the back of a girl all dressed in black. Very familiar.... wasn't she the girl in the elevator? He recognized the pearl beads in her hair.
'So her name is Victoria Lie? I can't believe all these guys are fighting over who gets her a drink. She must be famous or something...' Gohan mused before making his way to the large table where the rest are sitting.
"Hey, Gohan, what was all the fuss about?" Bulma asked as he settled down.
"Remember that girl at the elevator? I think her name is Victoria Lie, the guys were all fighting to get her a drink."
Vegeta snorted. "All that for a girl? Pathetic." The whole table agreed with him privately.
"Victoria Lie...." Chi-Chi mumbled, tapping her chin in thought, "Do you know her or her family Bulma? She must be pretty popular to get so many young men that excited."
"Lie? How is it spelled Gohan?"
Gohan swallowed his food before answering uncertainly, "L-y? L-a-i? L-i-e?"
The blue haired genius racked her brain of the long list of famous people. She came up empty
"Nope, never heard of her family name. Maybe she's a pop star or singer or actress. She sure was rude enough to be one."
Chi-Chi nodded and the whole table focus their attention on satisfying their stomachs when suddenly a loud cheer erupted at the entrance. Annoyed at the disturbance, the group turned their attention to the multiple camera flashes and trailing reporters as the hero, Mr. Satan himself, strode in. Collectively rolling their eyes, they chose to ignore the big fraud and went back to eating.
The King himself came in shortly, coming up to the stage of the auditorium to wish everyone a good evening and to enjoy the dinner. He then went down to the main table at the middle of the room with his family and began eating.
Videl had been sitting in one of the women's stalls for almost half an hour, trying to find a way to get through the night without messing up her life when two women entered, chatting loudly as they washed their hands.
"I can't believe I get to see the King in person! Did you see his daughter? Oh, she's such a cute furry child!"
"Yes! Let's hurry back to the auditorium before they finish their dinner, I want to see if I can get a photo of them."
Videl listened intently; so, the King was in the auditorium!
"Ah, remind me to get Mr. Satan's autograph too! I saw him at the table near the King."
"Come on, let's hurry!" they left and the bathroom was once again empty except for Videl.
Now she was in trouble. The King, her father, the Sons and Briefs were all in the same room.
"Aarghh!" Videl let her fist fly in desperation and gave the stall she was in a nice view of the sinks. "Aarrrggh!!" she yelled out again.
Correction, now she was in trouble. The King, her father, the Sons, and Briefs were all in the same room and she had put her right hand out of commission. Forgetting her hand was injured and that her ki was suppressed, she punched a hole straight through the door. Needless to say, it hurt, a lot.
Throwing all her morals to the wind, Videl cursed long and loud with words that would even make the makers of South Park turn away in disgust. Fortunately the bathroom was empty, or Videl would have had to come out facing fainted ladies on the floor. Still cursing under her breath, she headed back to the auditorium and peaked inside. Her father sat near the King's table, a bunch of models draped over him as reporters hovered nearby. The King sat with his family at the long table in front of the stage, occasionally standing up to greet someone. She couldn't see them, but she could feel the ki of the Sons and Briefs at the far end, near the long table but fairly out of sight.
If she hurried, maybe she could make it past her father and to the King. The angle of the tables and the thick crowd would cover her from the Sons and Briefs. She was about to act on her plan when she was forced to back pedal into the hall. The young men that had been cornering her were still around, two glasses of drinks in their hands.
'NOW what am I supposed to do??' Videl thought frantically. Maybe she should just wait till the auction or something.... Videl was about to wander off when a hand grabbed her arm. Her first instinct was to twist into the person and elbow him firmly in the face. But instead she looked up at the journalist like person who was holding a pad in his hands. On his suit was a name tag with 'Mr. Camera Dakko - Teen Timez' written on it.
"Miss, may I talk to you for a moment?" the man asked.
"Er... yes?"
"I'm from Teen Timez and I would like to ask you for your manager."
"Ma.... manager?" she took a small step back. Could it be this person thought she was a-
"Yes, you're a model right? I would like you to do some shots for us and-"
She blushed right through the inch thick powder. "Ah! No! I'm n-not a model!!"
"Really?? That's great! How about I give you my card and we can discuss matters? What's your name?"
"Victoria Lie, but wait, I can't, er-"
"No! You'll be a hit! A star! We're looking for someone just like you! A new face!"
Videl waved her hands around frantically as Mr. Dakko advanced. Then from behind him a few people came out, they were one of the guys from the horde earlier.
"Hey! That's Miss Lie!" one of them exclaimed. Soon a rush of people came out from the auditorium.
"Why me~~???" Videl whined as she turned sharply on her heels and sped down the hallway, a crowd of people chasing and calling out behind her. Then she nearly screamed when she saw the Sons and Briefs come out from the side doors right in front of her. Almost tripping on her heels she skidded to a stop, but failed and barreled right into, yes, Gohan.
"Hn? OOF!!" Gohan didn't have time to react as a girl being chased by a group of guys ran into him. She knocked him back enough to trip on Trunks and Goten (they were small and yet rooted like trees) and he went down. He couldn't help but feel something familiar about this situation.
It was deja vu all over again as Videl went sprawling all over the downed demi-Saiyan. She kept her head down though and immediately sprang up, sprinting down the hall to turn sharply into another one leading to the stairs. Gohan could only lie there dazed as the herd thundered past, yelling "Miss Lie! Miss Lie! Here's your drink!"
"What was that all about?" Bulma murmured, watching the horde turn around the corner. Gohan stood up and dusted himself off.
"Ugh, it's her, that girl from the elevator. Victoria Lie." he explained. Gohan couldn't shake the feeling that there was something.... familiar about the girl when she ran into him. Something.... there.
Vegeta watched passively, taking notice to the girl's ki. It was above average but nothing special, he thought no more.
"Gee, don't you think we should help her, Trunks?" Goten turned to the lavender hair boy.
"What for? She closed the elevators on us!"
"Bu-but there's a bunch of people after her!"
The two boys then turned on the older demi-Saiyan for his opinion and Gohan started to sputter for an answer. Thankfully a certain ex-monk, a cyborg and their daughter came up. Behind them a famous baseball player waved.
Videl Satan panted heavily, having just lost her pursuers by dodging into the janitor's closet. And so, there she sat, certain her make up was running from all the sweat. It hard getting away from them without raising her ki to give her an extra boost. Her feet hurt from the sandals, the right hand couldn't be moved without wincing (the fall with Gohan made it worse as she used it to break her fall), and her limbs were starting to ache like yesterday from the strain.
Peeling off her sandals she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She took another deep breath and settled into light meditation, careful to keep her ki in check. After a few minutes she felt considerably calmer and decided to just head back home on her own. She would go back up to the roof to the plane and fish out a capsule copter or something. Paying her respects to the King of the world just didn't seem worth it now. That and the fact that she was starving. She still felt guilty with the idea of ditching her father; she'll try an make it up to him another time. Little did she know, Mr. Satan had forgotten all about her the moment he stepped off the plane.
Sighing heavily, Videl got up and peeked outside. Coast clear. She dragged herself to the elevator and pressed the 'R' button to get to the roof. People filed in and out between the floors but none really paid attention to her as she kept low in the corner till she got to her destination. She never felt so relieved to see the white plane with her father's name painted on. Practically running over, she told the pilot and Succuby that she would be leaving early since she didn't feel so well. The pilot offered to send her home but Videl told him that she wanted to go on her own.
Decapsuling a simple helicopter, Videl got in and took the controls with her left hand. Waving good bye to the pilot and Succuby she took off. Half an hour into the flight she jumped out and flew the rest of the way, making it home much faster.
"Hey, Bulma, you wouldn't be making any rocket boots or anything?"
"What are you saying, Krillin?" Bulma questioned back, "Rocket boots? Hah! Sounds like something the afro-man would make up as a explanation for flying!"
"Precisely! You see a few weeks back there was this weird news from this city at East Capital, Satan City."
"Weird news?" Gohan and Chi-Chi asked. It was rare that local news from a city would get as far as the Kame House.
"There apparently was a a robbery at one of the banks and this girl and boy showed up. Now get this, the robbers were disposed by a whizzing ball of light that they said was a grenade. Then the girl and boy flew off!"
"Sounds like ki usage to me," Yamcha mumbled. A girl and boy? A girl that could use ki?
Gohan was silent. Few weeks ago... the carnival. Vivi and Trunks. It must be, who else? What would she be doing fighting bank robbers?? Gohan cast a glance at his brother and Trunks who were exploring the auction room with Marron tagging along. Something was missing from all of this....
"And they said the girl and boy were siblings of some sort. And- hey, did you know that Mr. Satan has a daughter?"
"What?" Chorused the group.
"Yeah, my reaction precisely. I forgot her name but the news said that this ki using girl is a close friend of his daughter."
"Say, Gohan," Chi-Chi turned to her son, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Vivi is the only girl we know that uses ki, right?"
"Vivi?" echoed Krillin, Juuhachigou, Yamcha and Vegeta.
"She's this friend of Goten. A sweet girl really," Chi-Chi explained.
Vegeta scowled, "We don't care about that, woman. We want to know where she learned to use ki."
"Piccolo taught her," answered Chi-Chi easily, earning gasps from the whole group.
"Wh-what?? How do you know? Why didn't you tell me?" a flabbergasted Gohan sputtered. No wonder Piccolo cared so much, she was his student!!
"She told me herself. Piccolo is the one that taught her how to fly and do that ki thing you all do."
"Hmph, what is that Namek doing with a human girl anyway?" Vegeta folded his arms. He would never say it out loud but he was quite curious to why a mere girl could get such a privilege as a human. Piccolo wasn't the type to pick up students, proven as only Gohan ever had the opportunity. And that itself because they were preparing to fight him.
"No idea, but she knows everything about us. The Saiyans, the Dra-"
"She knows about you Saiyans??" whispered Krillin and Yamcha in shock, cutting off Gohan.
"Yes, she knows about Cell too. Vivi.... knows a lot."
"Well, where is she from?" Yamcha glanced between Gohan and Chi-Chi.
"No idea," Bulma answered for them, "The girl is keeping a tight lip on her background. Even Trunks and Goten don't know."
"You think the Namek knows?" piped up Juuhachigou. Everyone turned to Gohan since he knew Piccolo best.
"Um... I think so. That's why I think we can trust her, Piccolo obviously does." Gohan answered.
The group grew silent before turning their attention to the auction that was beginning. Gohan was the most distracted on them all, his thoughts preoccupied with the new information.
Vivi and Trunks went off to Satan City to fight robbers that day at the carnival. The conversation with the watch.... Chief? Police Chief? Was she on the police force or something? Was she undercover??
Mr. Satan has a daughter who Vivi is friends with. That gives her connection to high places.
Who is she really?
Could it be that she was sent by the police force to spy on them? Could it be she even was sent by Mr. Satan himself??? What for??
She knows the truth about them, trained by Piccolo, and it was Goten that found her not the other way around.
No. It seems unlikely that she was sent by anyone.
But still.... the chance is there.... right?
He promised himself he won't go looking for her secrets, but he was able to worry about them right? An image of Vivi lying broken and alone in the canyon, drying tears on her cheeks flashed in his mind. Then when he confronted her later.... sitting there on the bed looking more vulnerable than ever.
He looked up and stared into her wide eyes, "Please don't make us worry like this again. Will you?"
Videl's lip slightly trembled as her eyes watered again at the look in Gohan's eyes. She nodded slowly as a single tear made it's way down. "Y-yes I can. I'm so sorry for all of this...."
Then there were the times he caught the look of loss in her eyes. She would seem so sad, so alone, but then quickly those emotions would disappear behind a smile or laugh. He remember that day when her mother took a picture of them rolling around on the floor with Goten. The picture was now proudly displayed with the other family photos on the shelf and he couldn't help but find it hard to look at after finding her in the canyon. Maybe because it was too far a contrast? Her, smiling, laughing.... hurt, alone....
She had attacked Piccolo that day.
The damage in the canyon... her knuckles.... what was she doing to herself?
What was wrong?
Gohan sighed. Great, now he felt depressed. That girl.... why was he so worried about her anyway? Sure she's a close friend of Goten and Trunks... and Piccolo.... and his mother.... and.... him? Yes, she had wriggled her way into his heart even though they haven't known each other that long. Maybe it was because he didn't need to hide anything from her? He also had seen her in so many emotional states. Happy, sad.... he felt.... comfortable around her.
She knew how it felt to lose a parent.
Yes, they were kindred spirits. And Gohan was determined to make it clear she could trust them like they trusted her.
"Thank you Mr. Ogre, dinner was wonderful," Videl smiled at the old chef. She had gave him Chi-Chi's recipes but somehow it still lacked that mother's touch Chi-Chi's cooking had. Videl once tried to make them on her own but ended up almost removing the kitchen permanently from the mansion.
Making her way up to her room, she opened the balcony doors and stepped out. It was a cool night, the stars clear in the cloudless sky. Videl had finished her homework in advance on Friday so she was stuck with nothing to do. It was almost eight thirty and she really didn't feel like sleeping. Glancing around, Videl shot straight up into the clouds.
A flight would clear her thoughts.
"I think I'll fly home first, mother. I... want to think about a few things."
Chi-Chi gave her eldest son a penetrating stare before sighing. "All right, but be sure to get back before eleven. Got that mister?"
"Yes, mother." Gohan then said good-bye to the rest of the group who were still hanging around. His mother and Goten (and him too actually) had decided to stay over at Capsule Corps. Chi-Chi and Bulma wanted to go out on a shopping spree the next day and figured the Sons could stay over for the night. Gohan reluctantly agreed; he was apprehensive of sleeping in the same house as Vegeta knowing the man would demand a spar. But then... he did itch for a decent spar. It's been almost 5 years since he gone super and really fought.
Making his way out and to a deserted corner, Gohan took to the sky, loosening his tie and shirt. The night was so clear, the wind fresh and cool. He really didn't have anything to think about but just felt like flying for some reason. He flew slowly, making him invisible in the night sky without the blazing of his ki. Then, he felt a familiar shift.
"Vivi..." he whispered before changing the direction of his flight.
Videl floated on the cloud bank on her back, staring up at the stars. Absently she shot a few ki balls up and juggled them with her mind, practicing her control. She soon got bored though and let them disperse, sighing loudly.
"Why the down face?"
Videl gave out a startled yelp and almost dropped from the sky. Spinning around she glared at a laughing Gohan.
"You.. you scared me!! I didn't feel you coming!" Videl folded her arms and frowned. Her heart was beating erratically though, what was Gohan doing here? He didn't recognize her at the party did he? No, from the looks of it no. Videl would just play dumb anyway. "Hey... you're all dressed up."
Gohan fingered his tux, "Oh? This?"
"Yeah, I never see you other than in a gi before...." Videl really took the time to take in what he was wearing. He looked.... great, but his gi showed more muscles. She mentally blushed at the thought..
"I was at a dinner party."
"A dinner party? Wow, with who?" Videl, you brilliant girl you, you're getting good at this.
"Um, this party where my family was invited. We got to meet with the King and other important people."
"I see, that must be exciting! Hey why don't we find somewhere to talk? It beats floating here all night."
"Sure!" Gohan lead her down to an open pasture and the two teens settled down on the grassy plains before continuing.
"What was the party like?" Videl asked, wondering if he would saying anything about Victoria Lie.
"Oh, it was great! I met some old friends of the family, and the food was fantastic too!"
Videl laughed lightly, "I knew you would say something about the food!"
"You know me too well," Gohan chuckled back.
'Yet I don't know you at all, Vivi.'
'Yet you don't know me at all, Gohan.'
"Did you meet any other famous people than the King?"
"Yeah, I actually met Mr. Satan, heheh he's still as goofy as ever." Gohan did one of her father's tough guy poses and Videl laughed right out.
"That's just like him!!" Videl giggled. Gohan smiled at her, happy that he made her laugh.
"Ah, and there was this girl..." Gohan blushed slightly, that did not come out sounding like he intended it to.
Videl perked up and scooted closer. "A girl, my, my, what about her Son Gohan?" Was he talking about Victoria?
Gohan blushed deeper and waved his hands around, "No! It's not like that!! I mean- well, this girl there was just peculiar!!"
"Peculiar?" Videl lifted a thin eyebrow. Gohan nodded.
"I think she's a famous model or singer or something. She sorta kept us from getting into the elevator and caused this big stampede of guys. She even knocked me down and didn't apologize. Weird, huh?"
Videl laughed nervously, "A famous model? What's her name?"
"Victoria Lie, I think. Never heard of her though, have you?"
Videl shook her head, "I'm not into that fashion stuff, never heard of her too."
Gohan was silent a moment before continuing, "There was... something about her though..."
"Eh?" Videl felt her heart skip a beat for no reason at all.
"She... felt familiar.... Ah, you must think I'm crazy or something, huh?"
".... No. Why should I?" Videl answered slowly, turning her gaze up into the sky.
"When I felt you earlier I kind of thought for a crazy second.... that...." Gohan trailed off and Videl turned back to see him staring intently at her. "She kind of felt like you...."
They both stared at each other, not being able to look away. Videl swallowed thickly then sighed. "Well, if it really was me, I wouldn't be here now, eh?"
"Why?"
"Obviously, models and famous teens like her won't be able to go out at night alone."
"How about those that can fly and fight?"
"Are you... trying to say something, Gohan?" Videl asked uneasily.
Gohan sputtered, realizing the he was coming close to pointing fingers at her. "I-I'm sorry.. it's j-just that..."
Videl stopped him with a palm. "No, it's okay.... you're just curious about my background aren't you?"
Gohan didn't answer but just stared pointedly at the ground in front of him. Videl tugged at the grass absently as she went on. "I'll tell you all everything one day... I promise that but now... I don't think I can..."
"Why?" The question came out before Gohan could stop himself.
"......" Videl froze, not knowing how to answer. Gohan turned his head to look at her and she did the same. Again, blue met with black, both trying to figure out what the other was thinking about.
"I... just... can't..." Videl said, barely above a whisper.
"Or you... won't?" Gohan asked back, still keeping his eyes locked with hers. He saw Videl's eyes widen slightly before she smiled wryly at him.
"Most likely both...."
Gohan returned the weak smile. "I trust you though."
Videl closed her eyes in a sad smile. He really didn't know how much the words meant to her. How much they pleased her. How much they hurt. "Thank you." She leaned back and laid down on the grass, listening to the crickets and the wind that blew through the plains. Gohan mimicked her and laid down, putting his hands behind his head, turning slightly to glance at her.
"So.... what were you doing out this night?"
"It's such a beautiful night out, I just wanted to fly I guess...." Videl replied, smiling up at the stars.
"Hmm... " Gohan agreed. They both then settled into silence, enjoying the serene view. It wasn't long before clouds started rolling in and the winds picked up. Gohan pushed himself up and sniffed at the air. It was going to rain. He turned to Videl only to find her asleep.
'She must still be exhausted from yesterday...' he thought before slightly nudging her in the shoulders. She remained dead to the world.
"Vivi... come on, it's going to rain...." he nudged her harder, successfully getting her to open a sleepy blue eye. Too late though, raindrops started to pelt the two. Videl immediately shot up.
"Ah! It's raining!" she stated the obvious. Gohan gave her a look at said 'Oh, so you noticed?'.
"Yeah, come on, I think my house isn't far away!" Gohan shot up with Videl following him. It started to literally pour then, cutting down visibility and soaking them even through their flaring ki. Gohan grabbed Videl's hand to keep her from losing sight of him as he used his Saiyan senses and instincts to get them back to his home. A few minutes later they landed at the steps and dashed in.
"Hey, where's Goten? And Chi-Chi?" Videl asked as she shook the excess water from her hair. Gohan went over and turned on the lights.
"Ah, we were supposed to stay over at Bulma's tonight. I went home early and met you. Wait here, I'll go get some towels." with that Gohan disappeared to the bedrooms as Videl stood idly at the front door mat, not wanting to get anymore water on Chi-Chi's sparkling floor. Gohan soon came down and threw her a towel, a large T-shirt and some shorts.
"Umm, you can change in the bathroom if you want and then we can put your soaked clothes by the heater. They should dry in an hour or two." Videl nodded and made her way to the bathroom while Gohan changed in his room. She then placed her own shirt, biker shorts, socks and boots by the heater as Gohan went into the kitchen. There he called out.
"Hey, want something warm to drink? Hot chocolate maybe?"
"That sounds great!" Videl called back from the living where she toweled her loose hair on the sofa. She turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. She landed on live coverage from Central City and was immediately glued to the screen as the female reporter said a name that made her did a double take.
"... yes, Victoria Lie is the name of this mysterious young lady that caused around 26 young bachelors to brawl after the auction. Reports said that the young lady showed up earlier at the banquet and immediately got the attention of these young men, and a while after even caused what some described as a stampede when they chased Miss Lie for a total range of 3 floors. These young men were apparently heart broken and started pointing fingers at each other after the main event. A brawl that claimed 12 injured and 25,000 zeni worth of property damage happened shortly after. When we interviewed some of these young men, they described this Victoria Lie as a doll-like teen with black hair and blue eyes. Some sources say she is the daughter of a famous CEO and fashion designer, but we have yet to confirm this bit..."
'Oops.' Thought Videl as she quickly switched to another channel before Gohan came out. Finally she settled on what seemed to be waves crashing on rocks.
"What are you watching?" Gohan came in and sat down beside her, handing over a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
"Dunno, let's see...." Videl turned on the volume as she sipped the deliciously rich drink.
"A Rocks and Waves production..... THE CELL GAMES."
Videl and Gohan nearly spat out the chocolate drink all over Chi-Chi's carpet before managing to swallow it down.
"Oh, I can't believe- Vivi! Change the channel!" Gohan reached over to grab the remote but she deftly tucked it down her shirt and stuck her tongue at him. He "Eek!"-ed at her action.
"No way, I'm soooo going to watch this!!"
"Pleeaassee, oh, I really don't want to know what they made it out to be..." Gohan whined, pouting his fullest puppy dog eyes. Videl steadfastly glued her eyes to the opening credits.
"Come on! Aren't you the bit curious?? You were there after all!!"
"........."
"........."
"All right. Geeze."
"Yes!"
They both turned their attention back to the television.
"It was the day the world would forever remember... the 17th of M.... It was the day of.... the CELL GAMES."
The first scene showed Mr. Satan... as himself. He was lounging in his jacuzzi with a few models clinging unto him. A man suddenly rushed in.
"Mr. Satan! There's a evil man by the name of Cell that is threatening the good of the earth!"
Mr. Satan immediately shot up and replied in a heroic voice, "I must go! Even a thousand models in a jacuzzi wouldn't prevent me for doing my duty as the World Champ!! Off to save the world I go!!"
Videl's eyebrow twitched.
The scene soon changed to the stone arena where Cell was. It was obvious they didn't put much effort in anyone else's costume and lines other than her father's. Cell looked like a rabid cross between a grasshopper and a toad. Then the camera showed the announcer and her father arriving.
"Mr. Satan has arrived! Thank goodness!!" the announcer yelled as her father shot his fist up at the camera. People around the world cheered his name. 'Cell' was shown trembling in his oversized boots.
"Oh no. He looks so strong. I'm scared. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all." 'Cell' whispered in a monotone voice. Gohan and Videl just stared, their mouths hanging open. Then 'Vegeta' arrived with his rocket pack and dressed in a leotard.
"Oh my..." Gohan didn't finish his sentence as he burst out into laughter. 'Vegeta's' forehead was inhumanly large and his LARGE and SPIKY wig was sliding off the back, exposing a bald head. His expression was more like Roshi's, looking like the world's horniest man with the squinting eyes and obscene smirk. Then 'Juurokugou' arrived. Gohan stopped his laughter and smiled lightly at the memory of the cyborg. His smiled was soon wiped off though as 'Juuroku' came into view.
There was only one word to describe his outfit. Pimp. "I'm almost afraid to see what the rest look like..." Gohan muttered. Videl didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the mind blowing pimp outfit. It was a crime to have anyone where that. If she looked real hard, she could see the traces of tears on Juuroku's actor.
"Ah, here you guys come!" Videl exclaimed as the rest of the 'Z warriors' arrived. The two teens promptly fell off the couch. Let's just say Goku and Gohan were skinny little blond punks. Piccolo was blue and wore a outfit like Mr. Popo's with the addition of a cape. Tien's third eye was clearly attached with duct tape. Yamcha was a Yakuza boss with his two meter frame and scars too numerous to count. Krillin was a five- year old bald child. Trunks was... a woman.
Everything after that was a mind numbing show of extremely bad acting and cheesiness. It ended 'spectacularly' with the Z warriors bowing at Mr. Satan's feet as they begged him to take them as his students.
"That... was... interesting...." Gohan mumbled. Videl wanted to hide in a hole, her father was such a disgrace.
"I'm so sorry, Gohan." She sighed.
Gohan turned to her, "Whatever for?"
"For forcing you to watch that. It... really butchered the truth eh?" And for letting my father make that crime to humanity movie.
"It's okay! Really! I had a good laugh, can you believe they made Mirai a woman? Man, that was priceless!"
Videl smiled at Gohan's carefree face. Don't people like him take offense to anything?? If it was her, she would be already halfway to the studio to blow it up.
"At least Dad's still alive in the movie!" Gohan then continued. Videl watched him for any trace of sorrow, surprisingly she found none.
"Sorry for asking but... was it hard for you to lose him?" Videl asked quietly. Gohan kept his grin.
"I was blaming myself for causing his death but soon I realized I wasn't helping anyone by moping. Dad chose it himself to stay dead and quite frankly he's enjoying himself there! I'm happy for him, sorta, and I understand that he would want me to live my life to the fullest. Then there's also Goten and mom too cheer me up too! I do wish that dad would come back some day, but I understand his sacrifice."
Videl felt ashamed. She had thought Gohan to be naive and childish despite his background and academic skills. But now she really understood just how mature he was. And her? She would go off and complain to the universe on how sucky her life was when in fact she had it better with her relatively carefree life. She didn't have to face the horrors of Gohan's childhood. She didn't have to suffer the guilt of causing her father's death. She didn't have the the fate of the world resting on her shoulders. How can she say the she had it bad?
Great, now she couldn't even look at him in the eye. She felt like a child; an insignificant insect compared to him.
"So... how did you... lose you mother?" Gohan's soft voice asked her. She smiled sadly before replying.
"Well, she didn't die saving the world for sure. But she did die saving someone," Gohan watched as Videl glowed with pride, "Mom always had this strong sense of justice. She would always be off helping or saving someone. She could fight too you know, she helped in training me. One day seven years ago the police came to our little house..." Videl trailed off, the cheerfulness in her tone dying away.
"... it's okay if you don't want to continue..." Gohan whispered, frowning in worry.
"It's okay. Really. The police came by and gave us her things in this sm-small plastic b-b-bag..." Videl's voice started to crack but she continued, staring down at her hands. "Her jewelry, her wallet.... they said the were s-sorry to inform that...." a tear dropped onto her hand, "...th-that she was dead."
Videl hastily wiped away her tear and took a deep breath. "Sorry about that. To make things short, mom saved a small girl from a reckless driver. She dived in front of the car and pushed the little girl away. I... want to be like her." Videl gave Gohan a smile and he smiled back, patting her reassuringly on the back.
"Your mother was a great person. I would be very proud too."
Afterwards they watched more TV and talked, waiting for Videl's clothes to dry. When ten o' clock came around the two teens said their good-byes and flew off in opposite directions. Gohan to West City and Videl straight on to Satan City. She felt considerably better.
Whatever she would face, she would face it head on.
She wanted to be like Gohan.
No more tears.
No more complaining.
Even if she was Vivi sometimes or even Victoria once... in the end it's Videl's strength that would pull her though.
Like it did when she pulled herself out from depression of her mother's death.
Yes.
She would face it when it comes.
Little did she know, she might not have that chance.
Dodge. Dodge. Kick. Punch. Kick. Kick. Block.
The two combatants wove between each other, trading furious blows and... girl talk. It was a month after the whole Victoria Lie fiasco and soon even the search for Victoria Lie by teen magazines and movie agents were dropped. Videl was relieved for they were coming quite close to finding out that Victoria was her. It was hard enough juggling 'Vivi' in her Videl side of life. This came about when Videl found crime fighting much, much easier if you can show your powers. And so, she decided to have 'Vivi' fill in for her from time to time with the more dangerous jobs. A tiny capsule was always present in her boots ; in it was the sun glasses and baseball cap she wore at the carnival plus a set of clothes she can quickly change into. So now, Satan City had a new resident fighter, a mysterious girl who flew with rocket boots and carried a bunch of grenades.
Videl didn't know how lucky she was; when the initial shock over flying super heroines wore off, the news soon remained local news and none of the Z warriors heard of her escapades anymore. She was also lucky that generally the public were people that swallowed lies like hungry little birds. None of them ever found it strange that Vivi and Videl were never seen together and the simple explanation that one would only come when the other was busy was all it needed. More on that later, right now Videl was having trouble sparring with Chi-Chi while talking about her school life (in other words, complaining... dare say, gasp, gossiping?).
"And can you believe how stupid those jocks from Blue Moon and Red Sun were?! I mean, ARGH!!" Videl complained as she ducked under Chi-Chi's strike and spun around to trip the older woman from behind. Her leg swept empty air as Chi-Chi jumped back to only dart forward again.
"Well, dear, you are a pretty young lady. Of course young men would ogle you when you pass. Not to mention you were the only female on your school team."
"It was all the principal's fault for inviting those other junior high schools from the neighboring cities. Blue Moon Junior High and Red Sun Junior High are known for their bad students! I can't believe how one single Open Sports Day would ruin my life!!"
"Now, it really isn't that bad is it?" Chi-Chi's kick actually caught Videl in her stomach as the girl was too preoccupied scowling. She was sent back but stayed on her feet long enough to intercept the next blow.
"Not that bad? Not that BAD??" Videl's voice raised a pitch. "They kept undressing me with their eyes and snickering behind their hands! And some of them even had the gall to touch me in places that were off limits to anyone!!!"
Chi-Chi scowled too. "Why-why those punks! How could they even lay hands on you dear?"
"It happened every time I was getting ready to do something! Whether I was catching a ball or blocking, and once even when I was about to shoot the ball in the ring at basketball that one of them came up and pulled me down.... by my chest!!! The pervert was smiling the whole time and he kept fondling me even when the ball wasn't in my hands anymore!!!" Videl's movements became more savage and Chi-Chi slightly yelped at the sudden change in speed and strength, struggling to block the blows. "I would have blasted him all the way to West City if it weren't for the 'no fighting' rule in school!! Arrghh!!"
"Calm down, Vivi!" Chi-Chi ordered and the Videl complied, taking a deep breath and settling back into their original rhythm.
"Sorry about that, Chi-Chi...."
"It's all right! Why, you remind me of Saiyans you know."
"Huh?" Videl was so distracted by Chi-Chi's words that yet another blow got through her defenses. Ouch, that would leave a mark.
"You're fighting gets stronger and faster when you're angered even if your ki doesn't rise along with it. Sadly though, unlike them you lose precision and tend to leave huge gaping openings in your defense. If I were a stronger opponent I would have took those advantages."
"Ah, I see, I'll remember that." Videl and Chi-Chi continued their sparring after that but suddenly Chi-Chi dropped out from sight. "Huh-what??"
Videl looked down to see Chi-Chi on the ground, looking up at her. Videl didn't notice it but they were sparring in air just a few seconds ago. She flew down and landed before Chi-Chi, whispering excitedly. "Chi-Chi! You can fly?"
Chi-Chi laughed lightly before shaking her hand at Videl, "No, no. I can hover a few moments in air while trading hits but to the extent of flying like you all? Nope, not at all."
Videl frowned at the older woman, "So why didn't you learn to fly? It's fun!"
"An old woman like me fly? It's all right, I have Nimbus after all. And Nimbus gives me more memories of my sweet Goku." Chi-Chi sighed wistfully. Videl waved a hand in front of the woman but it was futile, Chi-Chi was off in the Land of Wistful Wives.
"It takes a while to snap her out of it."
Videl whirled around to see Gohan with Goten on his right shoulder and Trunks on the other. "Gohan! Goten! Trunks!" she went over to the demi-Saiyans and the two youngest of the group jumped off Gohan's shoulders and into Videl's arms. Since her arms could only fit one, she only managed to catch the quicker one, Goten, while Trunks was forced to generally hug what he could reach.
"So, all ready for today's swim?" Videl asked the boys and was greeted with enthusiastic nods and cries of "Yeah!". And so the group took to the sky, leaving Chi-Chi still smiling happily at a memory only she could see.
"All right....." Videl growled as she scanned the area around her. "Don't think I'll like this!!" She was currently alone, hovering above the vast lake. Goten and Trunks suddenly darted away and hid their ki, leaving her alone while Gohan went off to start a camp fire. She knew from the brief smirk they shared that they were planning something. Something that would end up with her yelling most likely.
Stretching out her senses to the max, she realized too late the Goten was right behind her. With a loud growl, Goten latched on to her back and attempted to push her into the icy water. Keyword 'attempted'. Spinning around and latching back on him, Videl made sure the little Saiyan joined her into the cold depths of the lake fully clothed.
Goten sputtered to the surface, frowning when he spotted Trunks hovering in front of him laughing uncontrollably. "I can't believe you fell in too, Goten!! Ahaha!!"
"Shut up, Trunks!" Goten pouted before looking around the lake. "Where's Vivi-neesan?"
Trunks stopped his laughing immediately and looked around. Silence. The two kids could feel nothing, nothing at all.....
"Do you think she drowne-AAARGH!!!"
Before Trunks could finish his sentence, a big fish rose out of the water and swallowed him up to his waist. Wait. That's no fish. It was Videl who shot up from the water behind him and clamped her arms around his waist. Jerking Trunks down while blasting herself up, Videl successfully dunked Trunks fully into the lake.
"HA!!" with a burst of ki, Videl dried herself off, laughing all the way. "You boys think you're so invincible hah?!" Trunks and Goten both pouted at Videl from the water. "Don't think you can get me wet again! But then I would really like to see you try!!"
"Can I try?"
Before Videl could do anything, a pair of heavy hands came down on her shoulders and deftly pushed her in to the lake. She spat the water out from her mouth and glared up at the laughing Son Gohan.
"Look at you three!!" He clutched his stomach, almost snorting his own nose down his nose. "All soaked! Hahahaha!!"
As Gohan continued to laugh at their predicament, he failed to notice the soaked three glance at each other and smirk. A burst of vapor and ki later, Gohan found himself barreled by three wet creatures. Videl tackled him on the chest, Goten on his right arm, and Trunks on his legs. Even for the strongest being on the planet it was too much to work against gravity, two demi-Saiyans, one most powerful girl, while laughing at the same time. They all went down with a big splash.
Eventually they found the time to dry off their clothes and take them off to reveal the swimsuits underneath. The boys wore simple swimming trunks while Videl wore her modest black one piece swimsuit. First on the agenda? Water skiing of course. Fastening on the water board and tossing the end of the belt to Gohan, Videl gripped the handles tightly. Trunks got on her shoulders shortly after followed by Goten on Trunks. Giving out the word, Gohan swam (trans. : blasted) down the lake, going faster than any modern speedboat. After the thrilling third loop around the lake, Gohan got bored and decided to dive, pulling the unsuspecting three once again into the water.
After that, it was a game of aerial tag. Videl kept
on being 'it' and spent most of her strength yelling at the others to "QUIT
GOING SO FAST!!". Needless to say, the demi-Saiyans listened to none of
her words and kept their infuriating phasing in and out just inches from
her finger tips. In the end, she gave up trying to 'tag' them and concentrated
on 'seriously maiming'. To her credit, she managed to land a few
hits on the younger, more careless demi-Saiyans. And when powered up
to the max, she even managed to once get Gohan by surprise when she guessed
correctly where he would turn up next .
Lunch was after that and Videl stuck at the camp site as she waited for the boys to come back with food. A HUGE fish was brought back and they all had fun cleaning it.... up to the point where Trunks chucked the guts at Goten, missed, smacking Videl in the face. Videl immediately dived into the lake to wash out the smelly guts and then blasted right out to attempt to throttle the lavender haired boy. However, Gohan aka Mr. Peace intervened and Videl was forced to just grumble incoherently under her breath.
Soon the sun was beginning to set and the trio made their merry way back. Upon nearing the small house, Videl felt a few unfamiliar ki, and some familiar ones. They landed smoothly at the door and went in, Videl hanging back the furthest.
"Hey, Gohan! Goten! Trunks!" Krillin and Yamcha waved from the living room. Bulma and Chi-Chi came out from the kitchen carrying trays of dessert and tea. Vegeta hung by the far wall, seemingly uncaring about everything. Piccolo was standing near the entrance door, almost right beside them.
"Oh wow, what brings you guys here?" Gohan cheerfully asked.
"Just visiting, and hey, could that be Vivi?" pointed out Yamcha, leaning off the couch a bit to spot Videl who was trying to hid behind Gohan and Piccolo.
"Um, yes, come on out Vivi," Gohan turned back to see Videl instinctively dart behind Piccolo. Weird.
Videl had been surprised by the sudden appearance of the people she been dying to meet. However one look from Piccolo made it clear they were here on a mission. No wonder Piccolo was there too.... could it be it was there to be on her side if things go awry? A rush of nervousness went through her as she realized just how cornered she was with most of them there.
They were here to find out who she was.
"Hey! She's pretty! Are you sure she isn't your girlfriend, Gohan?" Krillin wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Gohan and Videl blushed and Gohan sputtered his denial furiously. Videl nodded along with Gohan and lightly spoke up from behind Piccolo.
"Hi.... I'm Vivi. Ni-nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Vivi! We heard quite a lot from you!" Krillin replied, getting up from the couch to approach her. Videl instinctively shrunk back and gripped onto Piccolo's cape. She herself was surprised at the irrational fear that shot through her being. She wanted no more than to meet them but currently she wanted more to have them disappear. They were going to ask her things, make her lie, make her lie like her father.
They were going to find out everything.
They were going to hate her.
No. She's not ready.
She's not ready yet.
Krillin stopped in his tracks as he noticed Videl practically cowering behind the tall Namekian, clutching on to his cape as if without him she would wither up and die. Piccolo himself surprisingly wore an expression of worry as he let the girl hide behind him. The rest of the room watched the scene with varying degrees of confusion and worry. Well, in Vegeta's case it was amusement.
Piccolo chose such a cowardly weakling as his student? Well, the girl's ki was extremely high for a human. Hmm.... her ki signature felt familiar somehow.... but he just couldn't place where....
"V-Vivi?" Gohan whispered worriedly. Now what has gotten into her?
Videl seemed to snap out of it when she heard his voice and timidly looked up to meet Krillin and Yamcha's confused eyes. She blushed heavily and stuttered, "I-I'm sorry.... I-I- just... I get nervous around... um.... powerful people...."
The room chuckled whole-heartedly at her reason; but a handful of those that really recognized the emotion in her eyes and voice knew that she was more than just nervous. It was an emotion that they live their lives trying to fight or inflict. Fear. The girl hid it well under the veil of bashfulness and a smile; but for Gohan, Vegeta, and Piccolo it was as clear as the look in their opponent's eye when they know they were going to die. She was afraid.
"Powerful? Nah! Come on! I heard you're quite the fighter yourself, Vivi!" Yamcha cheerfully jibed. Videl felt a foreboding doom approaching with every word that came out from the fighters' mouths.
"And we also heard that Piccolo trained you!" Krillin added.
Every sentence. Every word. One step closer.... countdown.... to a intangible 'boom'.
"And not to mention Chi-Chi here told us you are studying the Kamesennin-ryu under her!"
Videl's fist tightened with every passing second. She was just waiting, expecting the 'boom', the question. They would ask her and she would be forced to either lie or tell the truth. Either way it won't be good on her mentality. She was certain that she had put holes through Piccolo's cape by now.
"So..." Krillin started, clearing his throat, "Where are you from, Vivi?"
Boom.
Surprisingly Videl didn't feel the silent boom that much, she had been expecting it after all. Sighing so lightly that only Piccolo could hear, she released her death grip on his cape and straightened up. Might as well go through this with whatever was left of her dignity, as Videl Satan and not Vivi. You pathetic fool, you.
"Satan City," Videl answered clearly, looking straight into their eyes with respect and dignity. Krillin seemed to be taken aback by the sudden change in her demeanor. It was like she was someone else all together. Whoa, talk about mood swings.
"Satan City.... you know we heard about some news there..." Krillin struggled with his words, trying to make them not sound accusing, "About a flying girl that could use ki. Have you heard?"
Videl would have been panicking by now if it weren't for the sudden calmness that came over her. Resigned. Yeah, she was resigned to her fate; it was like going into shock, everything seemed muted and numb. She didn't even care anymore, maybe it was best to get things over with.
"Yes, and I think I should let you know that the was me."
Gohan blinked, he didn't expect her to answer so truthfully, maybe he should have just asked her long time ago.
"And your brother??" Yamcha added.
"That was me!" All heads turned to the lavender hair demi-Saiyan who piped up from cleaning out the desserts with Goten. "I went with Nee-san and we kicked these bank robbers' butts!! It was so cool!!" and with that said, Trunks went back to scuffling with Goten over who gets the last tart. The rest of the room then settled their questioning gazes back to a blushing Videl.
"I... um, fight crime in the city...." she whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Oh wow, I never knew," Gohan spoke up, "heard you were also friends with Mr. Satan's daughter!"
Piccolo watched Videl's reaction intently. No visible facial reaction, but there was the tiniest jump of ki at the words 'Mr. Satan's daughter'.
"Um... yes.... I know her very well," no lie yet but Videl was losing her calm composure. The wave of nervousness from before suddenly came back and she was certain they would soon notice it. Not good. Not good at all. She made a hurried glance at Piccolo and was relieved that he returned it with a slight nod of support. If everything was to come crashing down, she at least still had Piccolo. That made her felt considerably better, she had grown to love the tall Namekian like a favorite uncle.
"Ah, does she kno-" Yamcha was cut off by a gruff voice. Videl always felt a sense of respectful fear when it came to the Saiyan Prince. Hearing so many stories about him and actually see his intimidating aura in person she couldn't help but be fasinated yet cautious at the same time. A full-blooded Saiyan prince. Who wouldn't be? But his timely interruption of her badly concealed interrogation made her want to jump into his arms and hug him like no tomorrow.
"How strong are you, girl?" Vegeta stepped up from the back of the room. The other occupants were mildly surprised to see that the Saiyan prince would actually talk up in matters like these. The curiosity and amusement in his coal eyes were a clue though. He clearly was bored and was probably looking for a show.
Videl had to will herself not to look away from the hard calculating look. Vegeta noted that she proudly stood her ground and didn't look away... what do you know... the girl had a spine after all. "Um... I'm not really sure how to answer that.... I can't really compare myself to you people."
"She's very strong," Gohan chipped in, "In fact the last time I checked she's pretty close to you, Yamcha."
"Pfft, he's just a weakling," Vegeta snorted, earning glares from the others; he ignored them.
"She's stronger than that now," Piccolo spoke up for the first time, startling Videl and Gohan. "She might even give you a good fight, Krillin."
"Hey, that's great! Are you up for a spar, Vivi?" Krillin asked enthusiastically, he never met a girl that powerful before. And coming from Piccolo it was saying a lot.
Videl was gaping at Piccolo. Did he just...? Piccolo gave her a small smirk and she beamed brightly at him. She told him a long time ago on how she dreamed of sparring with the strongest humans, especially Krillin who she admired. Even with his short stature and constant losses with more powerful opponents he kept coming back and grew stronger. He was only human, yet he could tag along with the Saiyans and help out considerably. And now Piccolo just gave her the wish she had wanted. She almost hugged the green giant but restrained herself and just smiled widely up at him.
Turning back to Krillin she nodded with excitement, "Yes! I would love to! This is such an honor!"
"Aw shucks..." Krillin blushed as the group made it's way outside.
The spectators stood near the house as Videl and Krillin faced each other. The light was quickly dying out with the sun but to both fighters it was nothing to worry about. Giving Piccolo and Chi-Chi a glance, Videl decided not to disappoint her mentors despite her sudden nervousness. And then there's the fact that she was sparring against Krillin with Vegeta and Gohan watching didn't make it any easier. What if she embarrassed herself? What if she disappointed them? Oh great, she was getting all tensed up, not good at all.
Piccolo and Chi-Chi noticed her sudden stiffness but paid no attention to it. They knew when the battle started Videl would be right at home in her element. Vegeta snorted at her nervousness, wondering if what the Namek said was true. Sure Krillin was an insect compared to the Saiyans, but even so the Saiyan prince had respect for the little man. He was a powerful fighter for a human and it was said this child, this girl, could give him a good fight? Oh well, might as well enjoy the show.
"Hey, don't be so nervous! I won't beat you up or anything!" Krillin comforted. "I'll go easy on you how's that?"
"Begin!" Gohan interjected, signaling the start of the bout.
"Thank you but..." Videl slid into a low battle stance and the nervousness was gone in an instant, "I would prefer you help me out in finding out where I stand among your ranks." Krillin followed her suit and sudden felt nervous at the yet another abrupt change in her demeanor. The look in her eyes, the flawless stance, the steady flow of ki, there was no doubt about it; she was a fighter. Just like the rest of them. If anything, Krillin felt he should respect her wishes and see just how much he can dish out against her.
Videl kept her ki in check, making sure that she won't power up to full unless needed. Piccolo taught her that it was best for the enemy to underestimate you than letting them know the extent of your power right before a fight. With this strategy in mind, Videl hoped she could catch Krillin off guard. She had little confidence that she could defeat him, but nevertheless she would try her hardest to. She would test her new training with Chi-Chi, Gohan, and Piccolo today.
Krillin set his ki to match hers and unfortunately made his first mistake; he underestimated her speed and ability. He blinked and that was all the opening Videl needed. In a burst of speed she was gone from sight surprising Krillin. He was an experienced fighter though, and was able to block her blow from behind on instincts alone. Soon, he found himself with more trouble.
"Whoa! She is strong! Look at her go!" The women agreed with Yamcha as they watched the progressing spar. Vegeta watched closely, gauging Videl's strength. Talent was there, and the potential. Yes, the potential. He now had no doubt on why the Namek agreed to take her under his wing. She would be able to surpass the strongest humans one day.
The fight was steadily increasing in intensity as Krillin put even more effort in the battle with every hit Videl dealt. She was definitely pass Yamcha by now and it was clear she had yet tapped into her ki fully. The spar was one without ki blasts and Krillin wondered just how much stronger she was in a ki battle. Then suddenly her stance changed before striking forward in a speed he was unprepared for.
"Oh! She mastered it!" Chi-Chi squealed happily as Videl changed into the older woman's Kamesennin-ryu stance. However, Chi-Chi would admit she never expected Videl to actually do damage with it. Neither did anyone else.
Videl took the chance at the pin-point opening between Krillin's guarded arms and struck. Her mind and body was totally focused on the battle and she only dimly registered that with that one successful hit, she could execute the rest of the combination of kicks and punches. And so she did. Krillin and the others were stunned as each of the blows struck true and hard. Videl was giving out bursts of ki by now, totally immersed in the thrill of hitting her target. The final open palm strike was accompanied with a bright explosion as Krillin was thrown back by the force of the point-blank ki blast.
As Krillin skidded along the dirt stopping meters away from her Videl finally realized what happened. Did she just successfully get him? She would have squealed in triumph if it wasn't for the fact that her mind was still set in battle mode. She stood there in Chi-Chi's stance, waiting for Krillin to get up.
"Woo! Go Vivi nee-san!!" Goten and Trunks cheered as the other adults gaped at the scene. Even Piccolo was mildly surprised that his student actually caught an experienced fighter such as Krillin off guard. And she wasn't even powered up to her max yet.
Krillin jumped back in his feet and winced, fingering his burnt clothes and slightly aching body. "I underestimated you, Vivi. And I won't do that again. Do you really want to know where you stand? Because I certainly do."
Videl nodded. Krillin took up into the sky, "Then let's find somewhere we can really crank things up, follow me." He took off with Videl blasting right after him. There was a brief silence in the yard before the spectators scrambled to follow. They all flew after the two in front, Bulma carried by Vegeta and Chi-Chi by Gohan. They hardly set foot on the ground before the open pasture was lit up like day.
Videl and Krillin were two blazing lights in the darkened sky, darting around to occasionally crash against each other in crackling bursts of energy. Bulma and Chi-Chi already couldn't follow the fight and Yamcha was beginning to have difficulty. It wasn't clear who was winning. Krillin didn't seem to have started giving it all out and neither did Videl. Then, the intensity was raised.
"Destructo Disk!" Krillin called out, whipping two disks whizzing at dizzying speeds at Videl. Gohan, Yamcha, Vegeta, and the women were taken aback that Krillin would use such a deadly attack against the girl. However, Krillin was a sensitive fighter and he had grasped just how much Videl could handle. This was proven as Videl smoothly avoided the attacks and returned one of her own.
"Destructive Wave!" She called out, slightly pulling back her hand as golden energy cackled before she sent it out at Krillin. It was one of Piccolo's attacks to which Krillin was able to avoid; he had learned to expect anything from the remarkable girl. With a shout he powered up more and Videl followed suit, matching his ki. They collided again against each other in a fury of kicks and blows.
"Just how much higher can she go? She's still matching, Krillin..." Gohan whispered in awe. Piccolo snorted almost proudly.
"She still can go higher than that, but she still has a long way to go to Krillin or Tien's maximum level..." Piccolo had no doubt in his mind that if he was given the chance to train her non-stop for a few months, like he did with Gohan, she would have surpassed all the human fighters by now. It was a shame she had this whole school and crime fighting business as the the daughter of Mr. Satan. Videl had the talent, potential, and the will to train, something Gohan had not possessed. She was a very willing student and it made all the difference. Even with her few times a week training she still managed to improve greatly in the pass few months. It wasn't seldom that Piccolo found himself wondering if she was indeed the daughter of that sad fool, Mr. Satan.
A flash of movement, a loud crack, Videl came hurtling down. A crater was immediately formed and Krillin didn't even worry that he hurt her. Her ki was still strong, in fact, it was rising.
The women gasped and started yelling at Krillin for doing such a violent move to the young girl. Vegeta quickly silenced them and fixed his attention back to the sizzling crater like the other males.
It didn't hurt much compared to the blows she would receive when sparring with Piccolo or the boys. In fact, Videl was a bit disappointed. She had a tougher challenge going against Piccolo. Krillin was just taking things a step at a time, obviously fearing he might hurt her. Didn't he say he understood that she wanted to know where she stood? How can they find out if he's not pushing her to her limit? She needed to be pushed to her limit, she needed to find out just how far she was from him.
If it's needed, she would push him first and hope it's returned with a shove.
Videl's primal yell filled the clearing as she powered up, breaking the ground loose under her and blasting away the grass around her. The white flames burst out and she turned her hard eyes on a stunned Krillin. "Please, go all out. I need to be pushed to my limit."
"B-But..." Krillin started. He never was comfortable fighting with girls and she was a young one, even with the enormous ki reading she was giving out. Still no where near his or Tien's max but it was definitely something to be admired.
"Krillin, go all out. Don't be afraid of hurting her, she has been through much, much worse. By my own hands," Piccolo called out. Krillin gave the spectators a worried glance before sighing heavily.
"All right then, just don't kill me if things go wrong."
Krillin powered up and his ki shot up higher than
Videl's. She kept her cool and planned out her moves before shooting towards
him. Krillin met her mid-way and forced himself to go into that state of
mind where he didn't care who his opponent was. She wasn't a girl, she
wasn't friend. She was now just simply an opponent.
Videl started to feel the strain now as Krillin's hits started coming
through. She powered up more and tried in vain to get her own hits in.
Piccolo frowned from the ground. She could do better than this and he knew why she hasn't. The battle lacked emotion. Videl was simply fighting and was not being driven enough by her emotions. Piccolo could always get the best out of her by insulting her. The girl had quite the pride and she would try anything not to disappoint him. Up to now, the was proud to say he was yet to be disappointed. Yet.
A fist came through and hit her squarely in the jaw. She was thrown down to the ground and landed quite close to Piccolo. Pushing herself up with much difficulty she wiped the blood off her lips. Her body ached as bruises formed but still she didn't feel like she was being pushed to her limits.
"Videl. Get up. Is that all you got?" Piccolo's whisper came to her. She snapped her head away from Krillin to look at her mentor. He had a scowl on his face and her insides twisted at the look. "With all the training we been through, is that all you can give? Is that all you want to show as your thanks to your mentor?" Krillin took advantage of her distracted state and landed a solid kick to her side, cracking a few of her ribs in the process before sending her back unto the harsh ground.
"I'm disappointed."
It was but a whisper but Videl caught it clearly between the sharp pain in her side and the loud impact of her body on the ground.
No.
She would not disappoint him.
Another kick was aimed at her and she barely got her defenses up in time. The kick sent her flying and ultimately crashing again.
Was she a disappointment? Her father... her mother.... were they disappointed in her?
Were they all disappointed in her?
She could do better. Do they all know that? Were they expecting too much from her? Could she really do better?
The incoming heat of ki sizzled her skin. It was a blast surely to knock her out.... or kill her.
Yes. She could do better. She would not disappoint them.
She would not disappoint herself.
"HAAAAAA!!!" The loud kiai alerted Krillin just before Videl shot straight through his blast, her aura blazing, incredibly, stronger than before. He hardly registered her fist connecting solidly with his jaw until he felt the pain. The audience watched in awe as Krillin was sent crashing down and then showered with a barrage of ki blasts. Videl paused her attack to suddenly drop from the sky just in time to avoid Krillin's sudden appearance behind her while swinging his fist.
She came after him, the sudden increase in her speed and strength allowing some of her faster hits to come through though not really doing much damage to the hardened warrior. Krillin countered her attacks, impressed that she managed to keep up with his powered state. His jaw actually hurt and the blasts that hit him earlier made their damage. She was one amazing fighter for sure.
But then, he's still better. She lacked the experience and strength he gained from adventures that brought him close enough to feel Death's raspy breath.
He finally took it to his max, blurring from Videl's senses. She felt a hit then another, then sudden she was on the ground, gasping.
She had lost. Yet she felt like she won the Budokai.
"That was incredible, Vivi! I'm impressed! And I sure the other's are too. You sure are one talented fighter!" Krillin said in awe as he landed beside her, reaching out a hand to help her up. Videl reached out a weak hand and grasped his, getting pulled unto her feet. Gohan, Goten and Trunks were by her side immediately after.
"Yeah, that was awesome!!" Goten and Trunks cheered as Gohan simply swept her beaten body into his arms. Videl felt worse than she looked but the bright, wide smile on her face made her look like she won a million zeni.... at the Budokai.
"Oh, wow! That was just-just amazing!! I'm definitely going to be pummeled if I have to fight you!" Yamcha jogged up to them and grinned widely at her.
"Vivi! You were great! Even though I couldn't see much of anything but I sure know what a good fight it was!" Bulma exclaimed.
"You mastered the kata perfectly! I'm so proud of you, Vivi! How are you feeling? Does anything hurt? Are you alright?" Chi-Chi smothered the girl with enough motherly concern to last for a life time. Videl never felt so happy after getting beaten to a pulp. Then Piccolo came by and simply gave her a proud smirk and nod. She would have died at the moment and feel perfectly fine.
To everyone's surprise, even Vegeta grunted a low, "Not bad... for a human girl." It was as close a compliment he could give.
She was still beaming when they took off to return back to the house. Gohan flew further behind from the others, giving him and Videl a moment to themselves. She felt drowsy from her fight earlier and the warmth and security she felt in Gohan's arms didn't nothing to help. His soft voice kept her from nodding off completely.
"That was a superb fight, Vivi. I was really blown away, you really are going to be the strongest human one day!"
"Hmm..." She murmured sleepily, snuggling closer to his chest, "Thank you.... I'm really... grateful...." She didn't notice Gohan blush at her actions before settling his face into a smile. He'll admit he didn't like watching Krillin beat at her and even felt a bit of anger towards the short man when some of the hits seemed harder than necessary. It was something about her that made him wish she couldn't fight at all. If so, she wouldn't get hurt so much with sparring or training. Irrational as it may sound, Gohan wanted no more than for her to be a weak, normal girl.
So he could be the one protecting her.
Now, that thought actually startled him. He knew she could defend herself perfectly yet a side of him demanded that he should be the one protecting her. After all, he's a guy and she a girl. Girls are supposed to be protected. Some male instinct (or Saiyan?) in him felt more comfortable, more satisfied, if she would always look up to him to be protected.
But then Vivi was not that type of girl. It was clear she would sooner die than cry out for help. Stubborn girl. This strong, stubborn girl. But wait, she really wasn't as strong as she seemed. He had seen first-hand the small, lost girl underneath her sturdy exterior. The one that called out to him for help with her blue, almost violet eyes.
Gohan had took it upon himself to gain her trust and now he added yet another promise.
He would protect that little girl in her.
Even from herself.
"I remember now." The sudden appearance of the Saiyan prince startled him out of his thoughts. Videl was blissfully asleep, unaware of the potentially damaging conversation happening.
"Remember what?" Gohan whispered back. Vegeta gave Videl one hard look before replying smoothly.
"She's the girl at the party a month ago. Victoria Lie."
A.N. You might have noticed how the Saiyans
were not able to sense Videl in the same building. Well, I would like to
point out that they really aren't that sensitive to ki as portrayed in
many fics. Like when Gohan arrived at Capsule Corp (in Saiyaman saga),
Vegeta did not notice him until they were face to face. You would think
a ki as strong as Gohan's (even if he's suppressing it) would be noticeable
by someone like Vegeta upon landing at the front door. Yet it is impossible
that they keep their ki hidden completely since they could always find
each other if they tried. So, sensing ki is something done by conscious
thought although an immensely powerful one will be noticable right away.
I would also like to point out just how good Chi-Chi
is in the manga. When she fought Goku, she managed to hover about 20 feet
in the air while throwing hits at him! She's a great fighter but sadly
served no purpose other than giving birth to Gohan and Goten. She needs
to be appreciated more!! She has her faults but hey, who doesn't?
Oh and sorry for the long update but this is the
longest chapter so far! More than _40_ pages!! Argh, do any of you have
trouble downloading the chapter? Does it get cut off in the middle? I'm
so sorry if that happens, let me know and I'll shorten the upcoming chapters
to about 20 pages, how's that? Anyway, the plot is thickening and soon
a new enemy will appear. Don't worry, I can personally guarantee that it'll
be original since so far I've seen no other fanfic author do what I am
about to do.
Thank you all for the tear-bringing reviews. Love
you all, keep reading! ^__^
P.S. Can you tell that I'm a proud owner of Dragonball : Budokai for
PS2? Well, my only comment is that it's one of the best fighting games
I played and that you should all get it. My only disappointment is that
I accidentally bought the US version. I cringe at the clichés and
voice acting and what's with that DREADFUL opening song??!? It's like the
most cheesy opening song EVER. And they took the original anime opening
and turned it 3D!! Argh! Well, as they say, if you heard the original first,
don't hear the dub. I still like the Jap ver of Budokai better, hehehe
I always favor the original (same goes with anime-manga versions.
I would always prefer whichever is the original). I know I may sound bad,
but when watching anime, I only have one motto: Death to all Dubs.
