Sorry for the long update yet short chapter. Sorry for the grammer and spelling mistakes. Sorry for the extremely evil cliffhanger at the end.

Disclaimer : Ragonball-day does ot-nay elong-bay to e-may.



Veritas
chapter 5











"... What?"

"Don't make me repeat myself again; I said she's Victoria Lie."


Mr. Satan burst into his daughter's room, smiling brightly. "Videl! Honeeyyyy!!" A quick look at her empty bed sent his good mood plummeting. Once again he found her room unoccupied. She's been doing that lately; going off training on the weekends and sometimes even during the weekdays. He never really thought about it till recently when he started noticing her absences. The realization had hit him hard.

Sure, Mr. Satan himself was rarely at home and even more rarely talked with his daughter. Even if they both were in the mansion. However, it's still better than not having her there at all.

The large mansion would seem considerably emptier without the knowledge that Videl would be just a few doors down from him. But now.... It almost seemed she's out of the mansion on more occasions than ever. Mr. Satan sighed loudly, glancing down at the two tickets in his hand. He had missed his daughter; the daughter that frequently went out with him to have fun. It wasn't easy clearing out a chunk in his schedule and getting VIP tickets to a ball game. He was going to surprise his daughter that evening.

Guess the tickets would have to be refunded. Again. Like the previous attempts to surprise Videl.

Giving one last glance in the empty room, Mr. Satan quietly closed the door.


"How can you be so sure?"

"While the rest of you failed to pay attention, I took a note of her slightly elevated ki. I never forget a ki signature."

"I.... see."

Vegeta then flew ahead, not caring what Gohan would do with the information. Gohan himself was still a bit shocked. So, his feelings a month ago were true. Vivi was Victoria Lie. Why would she lie to him? Was she afraid her fame would effect their behavior towards her? Or was there an underlying reason underneath it all? It does explain Victoria's peculiar behavior at the party; she was trying to avoid them! And now.... how was he going to confront 'Vivi' with this?

Soon they were all landing at the Son house. The Briefs left immediately followed by Krillin and Yamcha. Piccolo stayed awhile to make sure Videl was alright before heading back to the Lookout. Videl awoke soon after on the sofa, her body aching quite painfully. Ugh, her ribs hurt the most, did it crack again? Chi-Chi was the first to notice her.

"Well, well, dear, seems like you're staying over again. Good thing it's saturday, eh?" the older woman cheerfully said as she gently wiped some dirt and blood off Videl's face with a wet cloth. Videl scrunched her nose as Chi-Chi's ministrations tickled her.

"I guess, sorry for intruding yet again..."

"Nonsense! You know very well you're more than welcome to stay over! Come on, let's get you cleaned up before dinner. And I'll make a herbal tea to make you sleep better as well to speed up your recovery. Also I'll get those ribs securely wrapped too," Chi-Chi said as she helped Videl onto her feet. "I believe you left some clothes here last time, right?"

Videl nodded as she limped out with Chi-Chi to the bathing house. She had stayed over a few times in the past month due to circumstances and now even considered the Son's guest room to be her temporary bedroom. She had a few set of clothes there and even brought along some of her favorite pillows. Videl stood by as Chi-Chi swiftly prepared the bath and left to get Videl's clothes. She came back soon after with a pair of pajamas, undergarments and a towel. Knocking on the wooden door, she waited for Videl to call her in. The girl was already submerged in the warm water and Chi-Chi quickly placed the items on a rack before leaving Videl to her privacy.

Closing her eyes once more, Videl felt herself drift off. The day was like a dream, she never imagined she would get to spar with Krillin! And before that she was sure she was going to be found out. Ugh, it was not good. They suspected her definitely... she would have to hurry and find the time to confess. It was so difficult though; she couldn't help but get cold-feet at the last possible moments. Who would expect it so difficult to say a few words?

I'm sorry, my real name is Videl Satan, daughter of Mr. Satan.

Ugh.

Would they still see her as their 'Vivi'? Or would they hate her for lying to them? Maybe they would forgive her but then... the damage would still be done. There'll be a rift between them. Anything else that she would say.... would they be wondering if she was lying or not?

In her musings, Videl didn't notice the time fly until the water started to cool. She got out of the tub then, sure to drain it, before getting dressed. Gingerly walking back to the main house she stopped. Turning her head and squinting into the darkness, she located Gohan's relaxed ki leaning against a tree.

"Hey, Gohan!" She held up a hand and waved him over. "What are you...?" she trailed off when Gohan stepped into the light from the open front door. He had on an expression that she never seen on him before. It was a mix of apprehension? Anger? And was that.... betrayal? Gohan must have notice her brows furrow up in worry since the look was gone to be replaced with his usual smile.

"Mom sent me out here to check on you. She's worried you might trip and get dirty again I suppose," he laughed, a hand behind his head.

Videl laughed along with him, shaking her worries away mentally. Maybe she was imagining things. "Yeah, that's Chi-Chi alright! She's probably worried I might bring dirty tracks into her home!"

The two teens cheerfully made their way in, pushing quite different thoughts away for the time being.


Videl had returned to wherever she lived in Satan city the next afternoon. Gohan waited till her ki was far away before blasting off towards West City. Sure, he could just follow Videl and see for himself where she lived but that would be wrecking havoc on his conscience. Going to CC was a more passive way of doing things. He had chickened out last night. Seeing her looking so content and happy.... he just couldn't bring himself to confront her about the matter.

Pfft. He was contradicting himself again and again. How many times had he promised he would just lay back and wait till she tells them on her own? And how many more times after that he found himself asking and looking for the truth himself? Guess he'll have to count in this time too.

Gohan landed smoothly at the front door of the world-wide famous Capsule Corps. After quick chit-chat with Bulma and Trunks, Gohan found himself in front of CC's super computer. Well, one of them anyway. Bulma had taken in his request to 'research' some topic or another, that his mother had given him in his studies, with one of the computers there. Now, as Gohan readied his fingers over the keyboard in the deserted lab, he couldn't help but notice his conscience loudly protesting him.

For Dende's sake! It felt like he was secretly surfing for porn with his mother in the next room! Not that he would know how that felt like, of course.

Just a simple search, that's all. He would just... find out if she's really Victoria Lie! Yeah, just a picture to the name!

Bringing up the database search engine, Gohan swiftly entered 'Victoria Lai' into the form. 28 results came up. Curious, he entered 'Victoria Lie' next. 9 results. 'Victoria Ly'? 4 results. Okay, that wasn't too difficult, he'll just browse them all.

After half an hour, Gohan found out a few things.

1. Victoria Lai/Lie/Ly was definitely the girl at the dinner party.
2. Nobody knows who she is.
3. Victoria Lai/Lie/Ly apparently does not exist.

He even found a composite sketch of this 'Victoria Lie' and it did confirm she was the girl with the beads in her hair and the black gown. But the face.... well, this Victoria Lie was way too soft looking to be Vivi. The composite sketch did show a strikingly beautiful young lady but just too different from Vivi. Sure Vivi was pretty (he mentally blushed at the thought) but not that kind of pretty.

Gohan sighed. He was at a dead-end. He would keep Vegeta's word in mind though; he would never doubt the Saiyan Prince's ki sensing skills. So, all he found out was that there was a 99% probability Vivi was at the party and took up the alias 'Victoria Lie'. In which the alias itself did not exist. Why was this girl going around with fake names?? Gohan also had no doubt that Vivi must had ties with the upper class; she was at the celebrity party, right? Oh yes, she was friends with Mr. Satan's daughter, wasn't she?

Turning off the computer, Gohan stood up and left. It seemed like he would just have to wait till Vivi explained it all herself. Again. Argh, stupid curiosity!! This time, Gohan vehemently swore to himself that he would not go around snooping about her background again. Upon his father's honor.

Blasting back home, Gohan pushed his curiosity far, far away. It was a good thing that he left when he did. At one of the results he found was a gossip magazine's public poll. The archive was experiencing difficulties and need to be refreshed once or twice to come out. Gohan didn't find the need to. Thus, he missed the month long poll's result. A poll on "Which Celebrity Could Most Likely Be Victoria Lai". Right there on the first page was the winner's photograph which was voted by readers from around the world. Black hair and blue eyes; who else but the lovely Videl Satan would win?


Months went by, bringing Videl closer to the Z warrior's group. There were a few close calls in which Videl managed to escape from, but she has yet took up her promise to reveal her secret. Gohan was faring better in the 'promise' department; he never attempted to snoop behind her back again or ask questions about her background. There were a few strained moments between the two but in the end it just made them closer-- in a curious way. Videl suspected he knew something about her. Gohan suspected she suspected that he knew something about her. And yet they felt they could talk about anything. Well, besides anything that concerned the revealing of hidden identities.

Before they knew it, the anniversary of the Cell Games came along. Gohan and Videl's moods considerably darkened; but for different reasons. Videl's reason was sitting before her now, gloating loudly at the wide screen TV that showed the various parades in different cities. A particularly colorful float of Mr. Satan came into view.

"Would you look at that, Videl?! Your daddy looks so handsome there!!" The 'savior' burst out into arrogant laughter. Videl rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. This was her first Mr. Satan Day to which she knew the truth. The previous anniversaries were lonely and tiring but at least she never had felt so humiliated to bear the Satan name. Speaking of Satan, it was not usual for her father to be home so early.

"So, why are you home so early, daddy? It's only nine." Her father usually hung out with women to 'celebrate' until the wee hours of dawn. Not that Videl suspected him of doing anything really; it's common knowledge that her father would drink himself silly before something that might happen.

Mr. Satan lowered the volume of the TV before giving his little girl a hug. Videl blinked. "Why, I came home early to celebrate with you, honey!! We never get to celebrate my day together!!" In a flash, he deposited Videl on the sofa and went away to some back holding a tray. On the tray were some chips and dip, crackers, popcorn, and non-alcoholic sparkling juice (Videl was too young to drink alcoholic beverages). The bewildered Videl found the items trusted into her hands as her father jumped besides her, cheering loudly at the screen.

"Ooh! Ooh! Look at THAT float!!" Mr. Satan joyfully pointed out. Videl lightly sighed before getting induced with her father's good mood. Taking a sip from her sparkling juice, she joined her father in watching the parade. Soon, she found herself laughing excitedly with him as they found themselves influenced by the festivities on screen.

Almost 2 hours later the food and drinks were finished, as with all the reruns on TV. Father and daughter sat in comfortable silence, just after a bout of laughter. Videl missed laughing with her father and the night was one she would always remember. But now, she would probably mess it all up.

"Hey... daddy?"

Mr. Satan turned his eyes to his daughter. It was rare that she addressed him in such a soft voice, almost hesitant. Like how she addressed him that afternoon before going to the party. He might not be the most observant or most caring father, but still, Mr. Satan had noticed the way Videl looked at him lately. There was always something off lingering right under those blue depths that mirrored his own. She had always looked up to him in pride, more so after he won the Budokai. After Cell, she still looked up to him.... at least he thought so. He would admit that he had been neglecting his daughter and didn't really pay attention till recently.

Then that day in the dojo. The look in her eyes. Anger. Vengeance.

He wouldn't admit it to anyone but it had reminded him of his reasons why he stopped training her.

"Yes, honey?" He replied, plastering a goofy grin on his face. Videl looked down at her hands before looking up again, smiling.

"Tell me about the Cell Games, daddy. I never really heard it directly from you. Please?"


Son Gohan stared out at the darkness that expanded as far as he could see. It was a fairly cloudy night so any light that could have came from the stars was gone, giving the landscape a darker hue than usual. It didn't matter. He wasn't out here for the scenery in the first place.

His mother and brother had gone to sleep already. As usual, the day of Son Goku's death was spent with stories and going over photo albums. His mother cried, like she did every year, even when Goten did his best to make her happy. Gohan knew that his little brother felt awkward on these anniversaries; after all, he never knew his father to be able to mourn like Gohan or Chi-Chi.

Gohan had went out after tucking Goten into bed and saying good-night to his mother. Chi-Chi would always give him a good-night kiss and a quick 'be careful' since she knew he wouldn't be back until morning. Yep, it took a full night to get Gohan over a whole year's worth of guilt.

"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."

Sure, all 354 days of the year was spent with him carefree and unburdened by the Cell Games. Yet.... why was it that every time the actual day comes around, he couldn't help but relive the most horrible hours of his life since Frieza. His mind would seemingly playback step by step the occurrences, letting him review every choice he was given. Every mistake he made.

He could pause, rewind, forward and play every scene, going through the whole ordeal in such clarity he himself wondered if it was natural. He would even be able to feel the sensations; taste the blood, sweat and tears, flinch at the pain. If he closed his eyes, he could now almost hear the crunch of gravel beneath his boots as he walked forward. To his first mistake.

He had hesitated.

Every fighter knows how going into a battle without full mind and heart in it would be disastrous. Yet, he had wished he could finish it as peacefully as possible, fighting without giving it his all. He had doubted himself. If his father couldn't defeat Cell.... how could he? Even when his father pointed out the evidence that he was stronger... he didn't felt like it. Despite his 'adventurous' childhood and the thrill of battle; Son Gohan didn't like to fight. The Saiyan blood that flowed through his veins gave him the potential, the talent, the strength to be the most powerful... yet... he wanted no more than to live a peaceful life and become scholar. He didn't understand why the violence was needed. Why anyone needed to die.

Then his second mistake. He opened his mouth.

Gohan clenched his eyes shut and cursed out loud to himself. What in the world was he thinking? Was he really that naive, that blind to think he could actually talk Cell into giving up? To intimidate Cell by telling the android of his uncontrollable rage? Yes. He was really that naive and blind. It was because of his bad judgment that caused the pain of his friends. That caused the death of Juurokugou.

Juurokugou.

His breath had stopped when he look up from the rubble to find Cell in Juuroku's grasp. Then felt his heart drop with Juuroku's failure to self-destruct. Then he really couldn't do anything other than watch Cell blast the android to pieces, kicking the decapitated head away. After dealing with the android, Cell had his attention turned to the far hill, where the others were.

The Cell Juniors.

Even from far away, he could feel the mini versions of Cell's power. He knew instantly that his friends and family had no chance. And then the realization that everyone had died once, save for Trunks, came to him. His father. Was he going to lose his father because he couldn't find his rage? His power? Frustrated tears had leaked out, knowing everyone would die just because he couldn't find the strength. Stop it, he had begged. Stop it.

"Son Gohan, fighting for righteousness isn't a sin. There are opponents you can't talk to. You can release your anger, you don't have to hold back."

The peaceful android's grating voice had called to him through it all. Gohan didn't know how Juuroku's head got there but at the moment he didn't have time to ponder it.

"Protect the nature and animals that I love..."

Then he was crushed under a yellow heel, the eyes bulging out as metal, circuits and wiring gave in under the force.

He snapped.

Even now, as Gohan sat on the edge of the cliff, he could still remember the feel of the thin line that held back his anger snap. He could hear it snap. He had screamed, yelled, shouted, he wasn't sure. He didn't even register his own voice as the ki engulfed him in a golden blaze. The power, Kami, the power. He knew beyond a doubt that no one could go against him then. The thought gave another heady rush through him, mixing dangerously with his anger. He was going to make Cell suffer.

But first, he was going to get the little bastards. He had effortlessly swiped the Senzu pouch out of Cell's hand before blasting over to the first Cell Junior. He stood there, watching the blue thing sneer at him. A single ruthless slice of his arm ended the first Cell Junior's miserable existence, ripping its head clean off in a burst of tissue matter. The others came in a frenzy with him just coolly watching them come into range. Then with a shout he tore through them literally. Immense satisfaction bubbled up while watching his feet plow through the blue creatures without resistance; to watch their blood and flesh rain around him.

Die die die, he chanted in his mind, die for hurting my friends.

Ah, one of the little fuckers was going to run. Did he really think I would let him go?

A vicious backhand.

That felt good. But not enough. Cell. He was going to make Cell suffer the same fate.


More than a thousand miles away, Videl Satan snapped her head up. That was Gohan... why was he giving out such a high ki reading? Or was it that she just got better in sensing it?

"What is it, honey?" Mr. Satan asked. He was about to tell his daughter about his glorious fight with Cell when his daughter suddenly snapped her head away from him, as if she heard something that he didn't. The world champion strained his ears but heard nothing save for the TV and air conditioner.

She never sensed such a high ki before. Something was wrong with him! "Daddy, I just remembered that I got to pick up something. I'll be back later!! Don't worry about me!" She said in a rush before dashing out of the mansion before her father could form a single syllable. Taking into the air, she blasted towards the ridiculously large ki.


He had buried his fist into Cell's gut, loving the sound of his choking gasps. Then after dodging a feeble swipe he deftly sent an upper cut, spilling blood. The look of horrific disbelief in the android's eyes was almost bordering on pitiful. Was Cell only this strong? It was almost laughable, downright pathetic to how Cell's power compared to him then.

Who's laughing now, Cell?

Cell was panicking, trembling visibly, as Gohan walked forward. He merely watched without emotion as Cell took to the air and fired a Kame Hame blast at him. He had almost smirked, almost, as he returned the gesture. Afterwards, Gohan did smirk. Cell had lost a few of his limbs; floating there dripping his blood as he struggled with the pain, unable to comprehend the impossibility of what just occurred. Gohan waited patiently for the android to regenerate, he wasn't done with him yet.

His final mistake.

His biggest fucking mistake.


Videl couldn't help the gasp that escaped from her mouth. She was still a good few miles away from the golden blaze but she could already feel the intensity of ki overloading her mind. She tried her best to shut off her senses but alas, for a ki of this magnitude even one who never had ki training before would feel its effects. She did manage to make it more bearable; but still, it felt like flying into the open mouth of an erupting volcano.

Raising her ki and squinting, she could hardly make out the form in the middle of the blaze. As she got closer, her eyes went wide.


He dropped to his knees and out of Super Saiyan 2 as waves of grief threatened to drown him. He should have listened! He should he just finished Cell off! Krillin whispered reassuring words to him but what was the use? Words won't bring his father back. Words won't change the fact that it was his fault the greatest warrior in the universe died. His fault. His mistake.

Then a sudden blast of wind. Trunks falling to his death.

His father died for nothing.

Cell stood there in his perfect form, his ki blazing in Super Saiyan 2 fashion. Gohan didn't find the time to be baffled before cold fury wrapped up his mind and heart. A simple shout and the blue bolts flickered around his body once more. He smiled; this was his chance to redeem himself. Cell would die by his hands after all.


Videl had seen Goten and Trunks go Super, but this, she never felt nor seen anything like this. The color of Gohan's gi was almost indistinguishable among the golden hue that blazed around him. He was floating above a destroyed cliff, his eyes clenched shut as if in pain. Blue sparks danced around his rigid frame and from the stories she heard Videl immediately knew he was in his ascended form. The power was radiating off him in torrents; even in her wildest dreams she could never imagine such power to exist. If there had been any shadow of a doubt that this boy defeated Cell when he was 9, it would have all been wiped out by now.

He suddenly yelled, forcing Videl to brace herself against the power surge. To her horror, he kept on yelling, his power climbing even higher.


His arm was useless; broken, bleeding, he couldn't even lift a finger. All hope seemed lost but his father's voice came out of nowhere. His father, yes, it was his father after all that saved them all. But still.... it was Gohan's fault he was gone in the first place. His fault. HIS FAULT!!


Goten squirmed fitfully in his sleep as did Trunks; Gohan's powerful ki surge from so far away still able to penetrate into their deep slumber. Vegeta scowled up into the sky as he kept a close watch on Gohan's ki, aware that a few others were doing the same. Every year Gohan would vent his frustrations far from civilization. The first time he tried it sent the Z warriors scrambling to his vicinity, thinking something was horribly wrong. Later on, they left him to carry on the ritual. Piccolo had said it was a form of 'cleansing'. No body tried to stop the boy, some of them too scared or simply didn't care. Never less, they stayed up, monitoring his ki and mourning along with him. They could only wonder how long Gohan was going to continue on with the venting until he truly could let go of his guilt.

That year, the Z warriors had not counted a new member amongst them. And dwarfed by Gohan's ki, they missed the much smaller reading who was dangerously close.


Videl didn't understand what was happening. Why wasn't anyone coming? Then it sudden hit her. Yes, today was the Cell Games! How could she had forgot!? Why is he punishing himself like this? She thought he was over it....

Everyone has a secret.

She forced her eyes open against the pressure as Gohan seemed to pause in his outburst. Even from a distance, she could make out the tears that evaporated even before they could reach his cheeks. He was crying. Like her when she was in the canyon. She had felt so alone, trying to vent out her emotions. Was he feeling the same?

Then his eyes opened slightly and she could see the pain in their turquoise depths. No one should hold so much pain and guilt inside them like that. No one deserved to. Especially him.


Gohan consciously flew up higher before balling up his fists and scream to the heavens. All the grief, the guilt, the anger... he would expel them all. Every year, reliving the horror and defeating it. It was like taking out the trash, throwing away the unwanted feelings inside before they overload, too late to dispose. But he knew, every year, some of it would still be left behind to accumulate in his heart. He couldn't reach so deep, never could. They would eventually pile up against him. But until then, he would keep throwing out what he could... alone.

Dimly he registered a shift in his space, a disturbance in the flow of his ki. Before he could open his eyes, a pair of arms wrapped around his neck in a gentle embrace.

"I'm here, Gohan," Videl whispered, straining against the intensity, "I'm here with you. You're not alone."

Gohan almost immediately dropped out of his Super Saiyan state, suddenly exhausted and worried he might hurt her. He blinked slowly, the tears still flowing freely down his cheeks. She was real. She was there. There with him. He raised his arms slowly before crushing her body to his in a desperate hug. They floated there in peace as Gohan quietly sobbed into her shoulder while Videl also spilled tears.

"You're not alone."


The Z warriors were surprised at the sudden drop of his ki. Frantically searching out, almost everyone rose their eyebrows. Either smiling, smirking, or chuckling to themselves, they closed their senses, giving the two teens privacy. It seemed they won't need to look out after Gohan anymore. He wasn't alone any longer.


Gohan and Videl floated down, still in each other's embrace, before slowly releasing each other once they reached the dusty earth. Gohan hastily wiped his tears away, somewhat embarrassed to be caught so vulnerable. Videl also wiped her eyes, laughing quietly at their meaningless show of pride. Soon, he also started laughing, leaning his back to the rocky wall under an out-cropping. She watched him slide down into a sloppy sitting position and followed right next to him. They just sat there, watching the dust settle after Gohan's venting, in silence. Not before long, they both nodded off to sleep, their heads leaning against each other.

Morning came and they woke up stiff yet content. Stretching and dusting themselves off in silence, they watched the sun rise.

"It's a new day." Gohan's voice nearly startled her; it was the first words he uttered since last night. She turned to him and smiled.

"Yes, there will always be a new day."

He smiled back at her and held out a hand. She placed her smaller hand in his, really feeling for the first time how calloused it was from training. Still keeping their smiles on, the two took off into the sky, hand in hand. That's how Chi-Chi greeted them a short while after.

The wife of Son Goku was more than mildly surprised to see her son tow the girl along when he returned. She was dressed in a pair of pajamas too! How did Vivi end up there in her night wear anyway? All her questions were answered later at breakfast as the two sheepishly explained. Chi-Chi was practically itching to tell Bulma everything about the simply adorable situation. They were going to make a such a wonderful couple! And the girl came for her son when he needed it! Oh, it was all just too sweet!!

After breakfast, Chi-Chi ordered her sons to get cleaned up, leaving her and Videl alone in the kitchen. "So... Chi-Chi?" Videl prompted as she absently dried the dishes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, dear, anything at all!" Chi-Chi replied, keeping her eyes on the pile of dishes that needed to be washed.

Videl bit her lip before continuing. "Are.... you okay, Chi-Chi? I-I don't want to intrude or anything but... after seeing Gohan, well, I'm... I'm worried... I guess..." she stuttered out. Videl blushed when she sensed Chi-Chi halt her movements, afraid that she offended the older woman.

"You know, I recall asking you the same thing some time ago..." Videl timidly looked up to see Chi-Chi smiling at her. Chi-Chi then closed her eyes in a sad smile before carrying on with the dishes, talking softly as she did. "You know you're the first friend I have, Vivi?"

"Wh-wha-?"

"All of them. Bulma, Krillin, Yamcha.. and yes, even Piccolo, Roshi and the others... they are Goku's friends. They wouldn't even put up with me if I wasn't married to Goku. I... I didn't have any friends of my own."

Videl caught the sad tone in her voice and wanted to protest but Chi-Chi turned her black eyes back to her and the intention was lost. "I grew up as the daughter of a demon king," Chi-Chi chuckled slightly at the memory of her jolly father, "Naturally that already cut down any chance of having a normal childhood. Then after meeting Goku... I spent my teenage years training to find him. Practically ignoring all else. Just because of that one crush.... I sacrificed everything; friendship, new love, just so I could be with Goku."

Chi-Chi caught the silent question in Videl's eyes. "The crush turned into love though. I love him more than anything... and only when he's gone I realized this. I.... I wasn't a good wife." She paused her speech, handing over a new stack of wet dishes for Videl to dry. Videl picked them up and dried them, a thousand questions in her head yet she found herself in no position to ask them. Chi-Chi answered them soon enough.

"After Gohan was born... I don't know what changed. I was terrified suddenly for his future. I didn't want him to grow up into a fighter because I've seen what Goku had been through. What he had become. Goku is a sweet, compassionate man... yet he had no financial security or even a proper education! I wanted the best for my son.... not allowing his father to train him. Keeping Gohan to his books. Drilling him to become a scholar. So he had something stable to fall on besides fighting.

"I had been so angry when Goku died but more so that Gohan was kidnapped. I don't know what happened in those years but I was more worried about my son than my husband! Even afterwards... the last fight with Vegeta...." Chi-Chi trailed off, resting her palms on the sink a moment before turning her head to Videl. Videl was taken aback by the guilt in Chi-Chi's eyes; reminiscent of Gohan's. "Did you know that Goku laid there on the dusty ground, broken and bleeding.... yet he still managed a smile and call out my name when he saw me? Well he did. He look relieved... happy to see his wife coming.... but I.... I...."

Videl placed a hand on Chi-Chi's shaking shoulders, not knowing what else to do. "I just.... jumped over him without a second thought, going for Gohan who really wasn't injured at the moment. I was so angry with Goku for taking away Gohan, I actually didn't care if he suffered.... didn't care if he was hurt by my actions.... Krillin was there and he even asked me why I didn't tend Goku at all. I just gave him my reason and shrugged it off.... even Yajirobe commented on what kind of wife would ignore their husband like that.... only after Goku's gone have I realized just how much I hurt him. Even to this day... I can sense the others' slight apprehension when I'm around..... since they know... just how horrible I treated their good friend....

"I always yelled at him. Blamed him for everything. I put Gohan's future above everything else.... the world.... Goku's life.... I was selfish. I wanted what I thought was best for Gohan... in the end never thinking on what was best for him. Sometimes... I can't help but have this tiny fear in me, this tiny voice that says... Goku never came back because of me. Because of all the horrible things I did and said to him finally pushed him away...."

"Oh Chi-Chi..." Videl managed to squeak out, her eyes watering.

"Sorry about that, Vivi..." Chi-Chi turning her tear streaked face to Videl, smiling as best as she could through the tears. Upon Chi-Chi's grief stricken face, Videl's own tears spilled for the woman. "I just can't help but look back on all those times we had together and find that the memories that stick out more were the ones where I made mistakes I couldn't take back.... I can just hope and wish Goku forgives me.... and his friends forgive me too...."

Videl couldn't take it anymore and flung herself at Chi-Chi not unlike what she did to Gohan the night before. It was ironic however that Videl was the one being comforted as she sobbed into Chi-Chi's scarf. Chi-Chi was crying too, true, but most of it was tears of gratitude for Videl's concern.

"There, there, why are you crying, Vivi? Stop it already, you're making me cry also!!"

"But-b-but you.. all the... him... they wouldn't..." and she broke into a fresh batch of tears.

This was how Gohan and Goten found them, bewildered by the two crying females. "Mommy, nee-san, what's wrong, why are you crying?" Goten asked in worry, tugging on his mother's pants. Chi-Chi wiped her tears and smiled down at her youngest son who was also starting to sniffle.

"Nothing, it's all right now. We were just talking girl talk, right Vivi?" Chi-Chi smiled back at Videl who nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her sleeve.

"Yeah, nothing to worry about, Goten!" Videl ruffled the youngest Son's hair, relieved to see the worry melt off his face. Gohan however, wasn't going to be convinced as easily. He kept on looking back between her and his mother, his face scrunched up in worry. Both Chi-Chi and Videl noticed this and they smiled secretly at each other.

"Do you see how upset my son is?" Chi-Chi asked Videl dramatically.

"Yes, what do you think we should do?" Videl asked back, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. Gohan took a nervous step towards the exit.

"Hmm..." Chi-Chi tapped her chin in mock thought before turning to her youngest, "I don't know, what do you think, Goten?"

The color drained from Gohan's face when his brother jumped up into the air and loudly shouted, "TICKLE HIM!!"

"Aaack!!" the eldest demi-Saiyan cried as his family and friend tackled him to the floor to end up laughing when they all went sprawling. Once again, the small white house in the mountains was filled with precious laughter, chasing away any darkness left by the previous day's anniversary.


Videl landed silently on her balcony and entered her room. She made it a habit to keep the furthest door on the right unlocked at all times; it was convenient for her to sneak in without alerting her father. Taking a quick bath she ventured out to find him and apologize for leaving the whole night, making up an excuse along the way. She went through almost all the rooms before considering to check the video room they were in the night before. Sure enough, her father was curled up on the sofa; their drinks and leftovers still scattered on the table with the TV still droning on in the background.

Videl's features softened. He must have fallen asleep waiting for her to come back. Quietly making her way to his snoring figure, she shook him awake. "Daddy, wake up. Come on, it's almost noon, you'll get sick if you sleep here too long," she gave him another shake before he groggily opened his eyes and yawned at her. Videl scrunched up her nose. Ugh, morning breath.

"Vi...del? You're home? What time is it?" Mr. Satan stretched out and yawned once more.

"I came home last night and I thought you already went to your room, sorry for not checking here first. Anyway, it's ten forty so-"

"TEN FORTY!? I'M GONNA BE LATE FOR MY ELEVEN O' CLOCK PHOTO SHOOT!!!"

Faster than her trained eyes could track, her father jumped up and dashed out to his room in a second. Staring back at the swinging door, Videl could only blink. Wow, he was fast when he wanted to be. Shaking her head slowly, Videl made her way to her room for a nice nap.


"I'm SO sorry! I really didn't mean to!! I'm really, really didn't mean to- I mean- I'm so sorry!!!"

"It's okay! Really, I'm fine!"

"But it's my fault! I shouldn't have! Argh! I'm sorry!!"

"Please, Mr. Krillin. I'm really fine with it!! Don't worry!!"

"But-But..."

"Mr. Krillin!! Really, it's no one's fault but my own!! These things happen! And I should have took care of it a long time ago!!"

"B-But Vivi! Your h-hair!!"

Videl landed smoothly on the white sand with a flustered Krillin right after. It was rare that Videl went anywhere without a Son family member with her. However, after gathering up the courage to ask Krillin for guidance she'd been visiting the Kame House by herself once in a while ever since. She sparred with the ex-monk and - sadly - lost every single time. She could always hold up nicely until the very end. It was frustrating how she would just get downed by a hit or two once Krillin takes it to a max. Was there somewhere in between, a notch right before his max, that he was skipping?!

However, that was not the highest priority on Videl Satan's mind at the moment. In fact, her attention was focused on the item clasped in her hand. Videl fingered the golden band before tucking it away in her gi. Krillin was still sporting a guilty look; it seemed he understood the importance of a female's hair - no doubt from his wife. And now after slicing off one of her pony tails it was natural for him to be panicky.

"What happened here?"

Videl looked up to find the blond cyborg with her hands on her hips, a thin eyebrow raised. "Your hair," was all Juuhachigou stated before swiveling her ice blue eyes to her husband. Krillin gulped loudly, seemingly shrinking a few extra inches.

"Um, it got sliced off by a Destructo Disk. I dodged it a bit too late so I couldn't get out of the way enough. I was really careless. I should have reacted more quickly." Videl couldn't emphasize the 'I' enough without making an outright plea of mercy for Krillin. Juuhachigou was sending a disapproving glare to him, appearing about to start scolding any second. To both Videl and Krillin's surprise however, the cyborg merely huffed and addressed Videl in her monotone voice.

"Come, I'll get your hair fixed." With that she turned and entered the house without waiting for Videl to follow. The salty sea winds blew, the coconut tree leaves rustled, the sea gulls cried out in the afternoon skies, and two bewildered people stood silently on a sandy beach. Slowly Videl made eye contact with Krillin before they both made their way in, clearly surprised at Juuhachigou's unexpected interest in the matter. It was more like the cyborg to just scold Krillin then leave it as it was.

Videl entered the door cautiously, not really knowing what to expect. Looking around, she spotted Juuhachigou leaning against the bathroom door with a pair of scissors and a comb in hand. She nodded curtly and entered the bathroom. Videl quickly followed, not wanting to make the intimidating woman wait. Once inside, Videl was seated on a chair in front of the bathroom mirror and given a plastic 'cape' to cover her clothes. Once the preparations were made, Juuhachigou wetted down Videl's hair with a spray bottle and started to cut in a swift and efficient manner.

"Um, thank you very much Mrs. Juuhachigou, I'm sorry for causing the trouble..." Videl timidly said.

"It's alright."

They lapsed into silence, only the snip-snap of the scissors and an occasional spray of the bottle were heard. Videl kept her head tilted a bit down so she wouldn't be able to spot the older woman in the mirror. Kami, it felt so uncomfortable, like she was alone in the small space. Juuhachigou's lack of ki and near silent breathing was unnerving. Videl silently wondered how Krillin could sleep next to someone that didn't give out ki unlike something alive. And the knowledge that she was part killing machine (although Videl knew the cyborg hadn't killed) wasn't helping either.

"There."

Videl jumped at Juuhachigou's sudden announcement. Looking up she stared at her reflection. Her hair was now short and her bangs were also trimmed and wetted to erase the parting that had been there. She somehow reminded herself of Gohan's hairdo when they first met. Good thing his hair had been getting long so his mother shaved it down a few months ago or they would have likely been mistaken for siblings. Not that it was a bad thing, of course.

"Wow, thank you!" Videl turned her head from side to side, feeling the coolness of her exposed neck and the considerable light-headedness that came from the decrease in weight. "I like it alot!! It feels so much lighter! And now it won't get in the way anymore!" she beamed up at the cyborg, smiling in gratitude.

Juuhachigou surprisingly graced her with a slight upward tug of the corner of her lips before telling Videl to go back outside while she cleaned up the mess. Videl once again thanked the older woman and bowed before making her way out. In the living room, Muten Roshi looked up from his aerobic videos and gawked.

"Hey pretty girl! Who might you be? One of Vivi's friends?"

Videl was about to inform him of his mistake before Krillin came down from upstairs with Marron in his arms. "Where's Vi- huh? Who are you?"

Videl stared at him incredulously, did she really look that different? Even so, shouldn't Krillin recognize her clothes, ki, face, and - dammit - she was the only black haired girl in a 100 mile radius!! Marron giggled.

"Viiiii-nee san!"

"Glad to see she's got her mother's logical skills," Videl muttered under her breath as Krillin and Roshi both "Ohhhh!"-ed and grinned sheepishly, embarrassed that they didn't recognize her. They immediately started complimenting her new hairstyle just as Juuhachigou exited the bathroom with a plastic bag full of hair. Juuhachigou eyed the men a moment before heading to the kitchen to dispose of the trash.

Afterwards, Videl said her good-byes and blasted off to the Sons, wanting to show them her new look. She chuckled inwardly, wondering what their reactions will be.


"...... Vivi? Is that you?"

"Of course, Chi-Chi! Who else?"

Chi-Chi then swiftly pulled Videl in and started to question all about what happened. Attracted by Videl's ki and the commotion from their mother, Gohan and Goten came bounding down the hall only to screech to a halt in the living room.

"Vivi??" they both chorused, their eyes wide. Videl smirked and rested her knuckles against her hips in a haughty manner.

"What? Don't you recognize me?"

"You're just... d-different that's all!" Gohan stuttered, a slight tint of pink in his cheeks. He didn't understand why he became so flustered all of a sudden.

"Nee-san! You kind look like how nii-chan used to!" Goten cheerfully pointed out before skipping over to get a closer look.

"Yeah," Videl laughed, "I thought so too."

"So, how did this happen?" Chi-Chi cut in, guiding them all to sit around the dinner table.

Videl smiled. "Well, I was over at the Kame House earlier this afternoon and was sparring with Mr. Krillin! As usual I keep on losing when he goes all out. Anyway, to get to the point, Krillin attacked me with his Destructo Disk move. I didn't expect the single disk to sudden split in smaller disks and didn't react fast enough. So I barely dodged one of them and got my pig tail sliced off. Hehe, I guess it's my fault that I keep it so long," Videl ended with a small blush as she laughed sheepishly.

"Yeah, I was going to tell you that myself," Gohan pointed out innocently. "Your pigtails does get in the way sometimes."

"That's right! Sometimes it even smacks me in the face when we're sparring up close!" piped up Goten, causing Videl to blush even redder. More in anger than embarrassment really.

"You should have told me then, I would have cut it sooner and wouldn't have to had troubled Mrs. Juuhachigou," Videl huffed.

"Juuhachigou cut your hair?" Chi-Chi asked in disbelief. It was hard to imagine the cyborg doing anything mundane like cutting hair. It just doesn't compliment the woman who once beat the crap out of the arrogant Saiyan prince -- while he's Super. Videl nodded.

"She's actually very nice and offered to cut it."

"Wow... I never expected something like that from her..." Gohan murmured.

"Well, the new haircut looks great on you, Vivi. Only I'm afraid it makes you more of a tomboy than before!" Chi-Chi laughed as she stood up and walked over to the refrigerator, pulling out vegetables and meat. "Stay for dinner would you, Vivi? I could use some help."

"Sure!" She stood up and was about to help Chi-Chi when she suddenly spun around and eyed the boys. "Well, aren't you two going to help too?"

Gohan and Goten gulped as Chi-Chi also turned around and eyed them. Two pair of scary glares was two pair too many; the boys quickly complied and shot up ready to help out in making dinner. It actually turned out quite fun as the four crowded the kitchen and ended up goofing around more than intended. After a few burnt dishes, dropped eggs, badly chopped carrots, spilt soup, and other varieties of culinary disasters (courtesy of Gohan, Goten and Videl's young and inexperienced knowledge of cooking), they finally managed to cook up a decent feast before wasting too much ingredients.

Chi-Chi was a bit stressed out from the mess but hadn't the heart to reprimand the happy youngsters. Besides, she hadn't had this much fun in the kitchen since Goku was still alive. Cleaning up the dishes was also 'fun'. Hours afterwards, Chi-Chi would eventually find the missing sponge stuck to the ceiling. For now, Chi-Chi was getting some quick shut eye while the rest chatted in the living room before Videl was to go home.

"Can I see? Can I see??" Goten jumped up and down, making both Gohan's and Videl's head hurt. "Can I see your hair bands?!"

"Alright! Hold on a sec, Goten," Videl laughed as she fished out the golden thick rings. "I'll even let you keep one! I think I'm going to leave my hair short from now on."

"Cool!!" Goten squealed as Videl plopped the rings into his tiny (yet extremely powerful) hands. Goten ooh-ed and ahh-ed at them, turning them around in every conceivable angle as Gohan and Videl talked about other things. Then, something caught the attention of the youngest demi-Saiyan.

"Hey, nii-chan! What does this say?" Goten then reached over to hand the bands for his brother to read. He was still too young to easily understand what was engraved on the inner side of the bands. Besides, why bother when you got people there to read it for you?

"Hm?" Gohan reached over to pluck the bands but suddenly found them back in Videl's hands. Her eyes were wide and from her ki he could tell she had quite the shock. Oh, so she was hiding again, wasn't she? His black eyes narrowed ever so slightly in question. Goten just looked between the two, a large smile still on his face.

"What does it say? What does it say??" Goten jumped up and down in anticipation.

"Yeah, Vivi..." Gohan slowly added, "What does it say?"

Videl knew she was caught. Even if she thought up a great saying to it, Gohan would still know she's lying. He seemed to detect her inner struggle as he turned to his brother and said in a cheerful voice. "Goten, me and Vivi have something to talk about. You should go help mom, okay?"

Both Goten and Videl wanted to protest--for different reasons--but the underlying tone Gohan used made it clear that he would not relent. Gohan guided Videl outside as she said her good-byes to Goten. Ugh, it felt so final. Once outside, Videl couldn't bring herself to look at Gohan. She stared at the clouds, just wishing she could out fly Gohan.

"So..." Gohan started uncomfortably. "Can I see the band?"

"No," she swallowed thickly and turned to face him. "No, you can't." Especially when it's got 'Videl Satan' engraved on it.

"I can't or you won't let me?"

Videl said nothing, just standing there and clutching the bands to her chest. Gohan sighed loudly and sat down on the front door steps. "You know this is getting tiring, right? I really can't understand why you're keeping this from us... You know that we won't think any different of you..."

Videl actually snorted. "Yeah, right.... easy to say now...."

Frowning, Gohan decided to continue. "Try us. At least, try me. I won't tell anyone else. I just want to know who you really are."

"Hi, I'm Videl."

"Who?"

"Videl Satan."

"Oh, the daughter of the World Champion!! Wow, it's an honor to meet Mr. Satan's daughter!!"

Nobody would respect her if it wasn't for her last name. Nobody would know her. Acknowledge her. Do they care that she won the Junior Budokai when she was ten? No, of course not. They didn't care if it was her who won. Only that the daughter of Mr. Satan did.

Just who is the blue-eyed girl in the corner?

Just who is she if she could only exist in her father's shadow?

Everything she accomplished... why can't it be just because she worked hard and succeeded on her own... not just because she was his daughter.

Would she exist beyond his shadow?

"I am who I am!" Videl suddenly raised her voice, catching Gohan off guard. "It doesn't matter what my name is!"

"Then why are you so secretive about it?!" Gohan snapped back, not able to suppress his anger any longer. "Don't you know it hurts me, us, that you don't trust us enough?! You know almost everything about me, yet I don't even know your real name! Is that fair?! Is that fair to you?!"

"Y-you don't understand! It's not that simple!"

"Why?? I don't understand why! Who the hell are you that you can't even let me know who you are!?" He was on his feet by now, angrily staring her down in a manner that was out of character for the peaceful teen. Videl was glaring back; caught up in the atmosphere and just plain frustrated yet at the same time terrified. Fear was always a step away from anger for her.

"Who are you, Victoria? Is that your name, Victoria Lie?" Videl's eyes went wide at the name and took an involuntary step back. Gohan narrowed his eyes and continued. "Yes, I know you're the girl at the party. And I also know Victoria is yet another one of your aliases. Do tell, Vivi, just how many of these names do you have?!" He half shouted the last part out, making Videl flinch.

"I don't need to tell you anything!! At least not right now! It's my right when I decide to tell you, so I guess you'll just have to bear it!!" She shouted back, her temper flaring.

"I have every right to know!! With you acting all secretive like this, for all I know you could be a serious threat!! It's my friends and family that are at stake!"

"I'm not a threat to them!!"

"How am I supposed to be sure of that if you won't even let me know who you are?!" Gohan roared, his fists shaking at his sides.

"I thought you are my friend! I thought you trusted me!!" Videl replied, angry tears leaking out, "Why can't you just let me be!?!"

"I thought you were my friend too. I gave you my trust but you returned none of it. Just tell me, how do you expect me not to be worried?!" Videl stood there shaking in anger. She could feel both hers and Gohan's ki rising steadily along with their tempers. She had considered telling him the truth before things got out of hand but the anger brought along her pride. She would not be ordered around.

"Were, huh? So I guess that's the extent of your so called loyalty, huh? Well, I'm GLAD that I didn't tell you anything!! I'm better off without your friendship anyway!!"

Gohan growled at her arrogant tone and took a intimidating step forward. "You do realize how easy it is for me to take those bands from you, don't you?"

Videl narrowed her eyes and crushed the bands in her hands before toasting them with her ki. She then threw the crumpled metals at Gohan with all her might. He dodged one by tilting his head and swatted the other one absently. She was breathing heavily, her eyes ablaze.

"I hate you, Son Gohan. I wish I never met you!! And what now, huh? Are you going to track me down!? Beat me up until I confess!?" Her voice was shrill by now, gaining the attention of Chi-Chi and Goten who rushed outside. "Stay away from me!! I never want to see you again!!! EVER!!" Her eyes then locked on to Chi-Chi's and Goten's bewildered expressions. Videl gave them an apologetic smile, "Sorry for all the trouble. I'll visit you two soon and explain things."

She then shot a hateful glare towards a still fuming Gohan. "But not to him." With that said, Videl shot up into the sky only to be stopped by a wail.

"Nee-san!! You will come to my birthday on Friday, right??" Goten's hopeful and worried tone was near heartbreaking. It was clear he was afraid she wouldn't be coming back. Videl gave him a large grin.

"I promise, Goten. You have my word on it!" She waved then blasted off to her home. She cut off her ki halfway there, worried that Gohan might really take up the challenge to track her down. Huh, not likely if she had anything to do with it. Upon landing she immediately headed towards the gym, taking her anger out on five sandbags and all the weights before eventually retiring to her room.


"Gohan! What happened between you two!?" Chi-Chi turned on her eldest son as soon as Videl went out of sight. To her utter surprise, Gohan kept the angry look on his face.

"Nothing. Nothing at all," Gohan grounded through clenched teeth. He noticed Videl's ki disappear, it was obvious she was hiding it. He then turned sharply on his heels and stomped back into the house.

"Gohan, wait! GOHAN!! Don't you DARE ignore me!! I'm your MOTHER!!" Gohan paid no attention and slammed the door shut behind him, cracking it slightly. Chi-Chi's jaw dropped and started feeling faint; her son was never so disrespectful! The only time he'd openly disrespected her was when they went to Namek. She slumped to the earth, not understanding what happened.

"Mommy, you alright? What's going on? Why did nii-chan and nee-san yell at each other? Mommy? Mommy?" Goten tugged helplessly at her dress. Chi-Chi wished that she could answer the young child's questions. Her eldest son was growing up to be a juvenile!! He and Vivi had a fight and now he's being so disrespectful!!! Despite all her teachings and discipline....

Chi-Chi started to bawl as Goten looked on in more confusion and worry than before.


"Sorry I'm late! Got held up!"

The teacher turned a understanding eye to the panting Videl. "That's perfectly alright. Now, go to your seat."

"Thank you," Videl murmured as she made her way to Erasa. Sitting down, she immediately let out a tired sigh. An incessant prodding of her ribs made her turn to regard the blond wearily. "Yes, Erasa?"

"Are... you, alright? You have these huge bags under your eyes since Monday... and you always seem to be so tired... and you keep spacing out... and-"

"I get your point Erasa." Videl sighed. "I'm just a bit tired from training, okay? And I need to get this birthday present for a friend... I can't think up what to give him though..."

"A friend? Who?"

"Um.... a young boy. A... distant relative. His birthday is this Friday." Great Videl, just keep lying to everyone you care about. Stop it. This isn't the time. So when is it? When I'm at home. Alone. In my room.

crying

"Ooh! How about we go out today can get him something? I'm good at this!!" Erasa squealed, careful to keep her voice below the teacher's hearing range. Videl stop a moment to ponder this before slowly shaking her head.

"Nah, thanks anyway. I want to get him something myself...."

Erasa caught the sad tone and her worry increased ten-fold. It's Wednesday, ever since Monday Videl had been acting strange. She kept spacing out and visibly lost weight. Surely 'training' couldn't be the cause, right? Erasa tried getting Videl to talk but the raven hair girl would just give her a haunted look and change the topic. Just what was wrong??

The blond sighed and tried to figure out the puzzle that was her best friend. It was the least she could do.

After school, Videl headed out to find a gift. It wasn't helping that she hardly got even 8 hours of sleep for the last few days. And hardly ate too... just looking at food made her think about him. Gohan.

She shouldn't have said the things she said. And he was right.... he did deserve to know.

She just--panicked.

Like when someone suddenly runs at you, your instinct would be to run.

And run she did.

Videl sighed and wandered into the Satan Mall. She blinked at the sudden burst of color and sound upon entering--a bit overwhelmed and confused due to her lack of sleep and nourishment. Shaking the her thoughts clear, she slowly started her trek from the first floor. What would she give Goten? The boy liked food, martial arts, and toys. A new gi? A big cake? A toy train?? Videl felt a wave of vertigo wash over and leaned on a nearby pillar for support.

Damn. She really needed sleep. But how could she? Every time she closed her eyes... all she could see was Gohan's angry face. And Goten's worried one.

She closed her eyes for a few moments, ignoring the looks she got from other people. A quick breathing exercise got her feeling better and she continued her search. Passing by a toy store, her eyes landed on a box behind the display window. She stared for what seemed like an eternity, debating with herself whether she had the time or skill. Finally, she entered the store and purchased the item.

Keeping the box secure under her arms, she headed straight for home, bent on finished her 'project' before Goten's birthday. But first... she remember she had to ask something. Back in her room, Videl picked up the phone and dialed.

Ring. Ring. Ring. "Hello, Son's resi-" Gohan.

Videl slammed the receiver down. Now, what? She sure won't go over there and ask on her own! Biting her lip, she picked up the phone once again and dialed another different number. After a few rings, a cheerful voice answered. "Hello? Kame House here!"

"Mr. Krillin!" Videl sighed in relief. "This is Vivi."

"Vivi? Well, this is unlike you. What's the matter?"

"I... um, I was wondering you would know what time Goten's birthday is."

"Eh? Sure! I'm taking Marron over. It starts at five. Chi-Chi wants us to stay for dinner too. Are you coming, Vivi?"

"Of course! Just checking the time, thank you!"

"No prob."

"Good-bye!"

"Take care, Vivi!"

Videl hung up the phone with a smile, she would still have sometime after school to finish it. Far away at the Kame House, Krillin held the phone in his hands, wondering why she didn't ask the Sons directly.


Videl Satan cursed. She couldn't believe the one time she gotten herself in detention was the one time she was really in a hurry. Erasa sat next to her, a guilty expression on her face. It had been their last period with a well known teacher who delighted in punishing students. Videl had been doing her 'project' under her desk since morning and Erasa had only been able to get a glimpse at it. When the final few minutes came around, Videl succeeded in finishing whatever she was doing and stuffed it under her shirt in her jean's pocket.

Erasa was just curious. She reached over and attempted to sneak the item from Videl but was caught. Videl glared at the blond and shrugged it off. Erasa was a bit miffed why her friend was so secretive nowadays. She never told Videl but she felt like their friendship was growing apart. Videl never hung out with her anymore. Never chatted for hours over the telephone anymore. Never... being there anymore.

Videl was always off somewhere 'training'. Everyone believed her since she seemed to appear more toned and sometimes even came in with bruises or a broken bone. Erasa wouldn't get in her friend's way; knowing how important being strong was to Videl. But still, Erasa just couldn't take being ignored any longer.

And so, she lost her composure.

Erasa had stood up just minutes before the bell and shouted.

"What is wrong with you, Videl?!"

Naturally, that got them both detention. Till five. Videl hadn't spoken to her since and just stared out the window and cursing from time to time. Erasa felt the cursing wasn't directed to her though.

"I'm sorry, Videl."

"It's alright, really."

Erasa looked over to her friend, surprised that she would answer. Videl was still looking out the window, her head turned away from the blond. A few moments later Videl shifted to face Erasa. The sun was setting in the horizon, casting a red hue on everything. It was almost as if the empty classroom they were in was on fire. However, the blue of Videl's eyes were cold and sad... as if she had no warmth to call her own.

"I'm the one that should be sorry," Videl started, her voice heavy and tired. "I.... I guess I haven't been myself lately."

"Videl..." Erasa whispered, unable to think of anything else to say.

"I... I guess I owe you an explanation, huh?" Videl placed a hand on her face before sliding it through her short hair. She kept her hand in her black tresses as a pained expression made its way unto her face. "I guess I owe everyone an explanation."

Erasa then watched with immense sorrow as tears gathered in the unbreakable Videl Satan's eyes. "Videl... what... why...?"

Videl was afraid of losing Vivi.

Once they all know that she's Videl Satan.... would Vivi cease to exist?

Why do they have to know that she's his daughter? Does it really matter?

She was selfish. Deep down she didn't do it for her father--only for herself.

She wanted to know the truth. So that she could escape from a lie. Escape from her life.

Run to some place where no one knows she's his daughter. Where it doesn't matter where she came from.

Where only she mattered.

Videl fisted her hand in her hair, breathing heavily as tears rolled down her cheeks. Erasa immediately came over and hugged her, whispered soothing words. Videl hugged back, thankful for the warmth of a friend that she missed so much.

"I promise, Erasa.... I tell you everything once I get back tonight. I'll tell you everything..."

Erasa nodded. "I'll be there."


Videl jumped out of her copter and capsulized it once she was out of the city limits. Keeping the gift secure under her arms, she blasted toward Mt. Paozu. It seemed she got into so many obstacles that day. First, she was forced to finish her gift in class because she fell asleep last night and her lunch time was taken by crime fighting. Then she got into detention. Then she had to respond to a couple more crimes. What else?! She was running late already!

The sound of tires screeching in the countryside caught her attention. Glancing down, Videl nearly screamed out in horror. A child was holding a ball in the middle of the road, a large truck heading straight towards the petrified boy. Without thinking, Videl shot down from the sky, pushing herself to her limits hoping that she would make it in time.

The truck's wheels skidded on the dirt road, unable to brake as it hurdled full speed, closing the remaining couple of feet. No! She wasn't going to make it! Videl could imagine the child impacting the front rail--but she won't let it happen. A final desperate burst of ki and a hard shove.

Videl smiled as the boy fell off the road but then she froze.

She didn't make it. She was looking from above. A woman shoved the child out of the way. A woman. Woman. Woman. Her mother.

Her mother shoved the kid away. Her mother saved the child. The child. It was her. No it was a boy.

Videl fell as her mother shoved her out of the way. But the one who shoved her wasn't her mother. It was herself.

Herself.

Shoving a child.

Like her mother.

she dived in front of the car and pushed the little girl away

I... want to be like her

like mommy

Videl didn't even register the pain as the truck rammed full speed into her.

Sky.

Dirt.

Sky.

Dirt.

Oh Kami, she wasn't supposed to see this.

Her arm. Wrong wrong, not at this angle she shouldn't see. Oh, Kami.

Her backbone against her chest, no. Wrong. She shouldn't feel.

Sky.

Everyone watched. Standing there.

Dirt.

Piccolo. Chi-Chi. Goten. Gohan. Trunks. Erasa. Father.

Sky. The bleeding sky.

Mother. Mother is standing there. Watching.

Dirt. The bleeding dirt.

I'm so sorry. Not like this

not like this notlikethisnotlikethisnononononono

Mommy... why are you smiling?

please not like this i can't go like this no please no notyetpleaseican'tnotnownotlikethis

Daddy... why are you crying?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Chi-Chi. Mr. Piccolo. Gohan. Goten. Trunks. Chi-ChiMr.PiccoloGohanGotenTrunksChi-ChiMr.PiccoloGohanGotenTrunks

daddy

erasa

daddy

i'm sorry

daddy

i love you

Sky.
Dirt.
Sky.

Sky.

Sky.

Sky.

i love you daddy

The bleeding sky.


A single tear dropped off the smooth chin and fell on the cake.

"...Goten?? What's wrong??" Chi-Chi's voice was the first to speak up in the sudden hush of the room. Goten turned two tear filled eyes to his mother and blinked.

"I... I don't know..." came his bewildered answer as more tears cascaded down. No one said anything for a while after that; unable to shake the sudden feeling of loss. Bulma, Krillin and Marron didn't know what to do when Goten had suddenly started crying. They still couldn't do anything when Chi-Chi, Trunks and Gohan suddenly spaced out too.

Then for some reason, Krillin suddenly asked, "Vivi isn't coming is she?"

Vivi.

"No," Gohan answered, his voice tight. "I don't think she is."

This time, everyone felt how final it sounded.


Mr. Satan let the wine glass shatter against the table, having slipped from his hands.

i love you daddy

i'm sorry

daddy

daddy


".... Videl?"


Even as the guest filed out, Goten still stood outside, scanning the skies. Gohan and Chi-Chi stood with him, hoping that Videl kept her promise. In the shadows, Piccolo stood by too. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, but he believed Videl would come eventually. She would keep her promise to the boy even if it killed her. Their wait reached on into the late hours before finally making their way in. Sleep was not easy for the Sons that night.

Thousands of miles away, a lone voice spoke amongst the sound of a continuous beep.

"Videl Satan, age 15. Time of death 11:48 p.m."





i'm sorry








The End















of this chapter.



A.N. Come on. You really think I'll stop it there? Well, I'll be expecting some complaints, so in the word of FUNimation dubbed Goku : "Show me what you got."

I was going for detail here, heheh I had the manga a click away as I wrote down Gohan's flashback. Let me remind you again that I'm going with the manga version. And I also like to point out that the manga version is much more violent and gory than the anime for obvious reasons. Toriyama didn't spare any details, let me tell you.

And here's my reason *coughexcusecough* for making Videl so strong. This is actually a copy-paste from one of my e-mails with ShaggyDiz. Hahaha, Fred, I TOLD you I would keep the e-mail so I wouldn't have to write it all over again!

Videl is no where as strong physically even when compared to Goku or Krillin when they were kids. She'll never get THAT strong physically. But then there's the matter of ki. Like Chaotzu for instance; the little guy can do nothing physically but sure packs a punch with his ki.

I try to point this out when Videl had a hard time fighting _Chi-Chi_ without ki. Her physical strength stays just as it is in the manga/anime (well, okay, improved a bit with her 'special' training by PIccolo). She might seem powerful now when going against Krillin, but that's just because Krillin was slacking off too for the past years and he was mostly caught off guard. Too which why it took Krillin only two serious hits to get her down in the end. She's still far from him ki-wise. Without ki? He probably could defeat her with both legs and one hand tied behind his back.... blindfolded.

Also remember that it took years for Krillin and Goku to learn how to fly; and Videl? One day and she's already hovering (she's got TALENT I tell you!!). It really depends on the master. If Videl studied under Roshi (who wasn't really proficient in ki manipulation) it might take months to get her strong enough to _put on_ the turtle shell. However with ki, it should be no problem.

Piccolo is also much much stronger than when he trained Gohan and so must have come up with more effective and efficient ways to exercise ki. He taught this to Videl knowing she would never get far physically. All those months of training was on her KI and strategy alone. Piccolo knows what he's doing.

I try to make this fanfic as accurate as possible but sometimes I do slip up. Even Gohan venting and getting angry at Videl... I honestly can't see that happening in the manga. Guess that's why this is called fanFICTION in the first place >_;;

Anyway, I apologize for the shorter than usual chapter and evil cliffhanger but hey, you guys want me to update P&P quickly, right? XD

And again, look out for ShaggyDiz's new G/V romance fic!! Also with the acronyms P&P!! Cool, eh?