A/N: I am SO SORRY for not getting any chapters out this week but I've been
having a small writer's block. And just so you people know. I AM NOT A
VIDEL HATER! This is supposed to be a longer, moving, informing type of
fanfic. And I'm only making Hercule this way because I HATE HIM and his
behavior will be going somewhere, AND IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS FANFIC!
I think Videl should kick Hercule's ass, personally, but she'll get her
chance later on…and she doesn't fight back because she doesn't think about
it, and she STILL thinks her father is the strongest guy in the world. So,
here's a more emotional part of What Lies Beneath the Stardom.
What Lies Beneath the Stardom
Chapter Six
Gohan awoke the next morning feeling better than he had in a long time. It wasn't just the birds singing, or the smell of fresh summer leaves in the air, but a simple knowledge of something at wasn't there before. Slowly, he rose from his comfortable spot under the covers and walked towards the bathroom. Turning on the shower faucet, he stripped himself of his clothing [A/N: DROOL….] and stepped inside. Letting the water fall softly off his body, he rethought back to what happened the day before. Who were those men? Why did they want Videl? Why did they want to KILL her? And who were they taking orders from? He shuddered slightly as the water began to turn cold. He turned the notch up a bit and lathered his hair with shampoo. Didn't those men say they were from something called the Yesanra? Is that some kind of military group or something? He sighed again and ran the soapy washcloth across himself. He turned off the water and yanked a towel off the rack and proceeded back to his room.
* * * *
" GOTEN! Keep your hands off those flapjacks until Gohan comes to eat!!" Chichi roared at her youngest son.
Goten huffed half-heartedly and slumped back in his chair at the kitchen table. Gohan was never there when he wanted to eat. He jumped off the seat the bounded into the living room, switching on the television and turning on an episode of Pokemon. After about ten minutes, his stomach was grumbling loudly at it's neglect. Goten growled and leaped off the couch, the remote falling on the cushions and stalking towards the stairs. At the same moment, Chichi, with frying pan in grasp, stepped in-between Goten and the stairs to the bedrooms.
" Now you listen here mister," She raved, waving the pan around, emphasizing her words, "Gohan will come down when he's ready. THEN you can have your breakfast."
" But Mooooom, I'm hungry!" He sniffed, holding his stomach, trying to look adorable.
Chichi crumbled at that look, " Oh, alright. I guess I can let you have something. I'm sure Gohan won't mind."
Goten's smiled widened drastically and he shouted, "Thanks Mom!!!"
Three minutes later, Gohan came downstairs, not in his normal school attire. He wore a pair of blue jeans, brown shoes, a tshirt with the capsule corp. logo on it and a blue striped button up shirt over it. (not buttoned of course). Chichi smiled and commented,
" Doesn't your brother look good today, Goten?"
Goten looked up from his plate, his mouth full of food, "bhats wiofh ha fange, brover?" [translates as: What's with the change, brother?]
" I just thought my other outfit was getting kind of old. And Bulma gave me this shirt a while back."
Goten smiled and went back to happily munching on his breakfast. Chichi set her frying pan aside and motioned for him to sit down. She served him with a plate of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. He dove in and five minutes later he was finished and headed off to school.
* * * *
" We've got to think of another plan. This task has to be completed as soon as possible. Damn that Saiyaman. Why does he have to be everywhere Videl is? He got in the way of a very VERY HIGHLY SKILLED OPERATION!!"
" Look, Carnaja, if he showed up once, he's gonna be there again."
" That means that we need to capture him first, then Videl will follow."
" Shouldn't we-"
"Ketanz! I think we should consult with the master!"
" I absolutely agree sir…-"
" Then what are we standing here for? Let's go!"
Ketanz sighed and flipped his head towards the ceiling, 'Why ME?" he muttered before following Carnaja out the door.
* * * *
Hercule paced around his room frantically. Where the hell was she? She's late again.
" Master Hercule, are you in here sir?"
" Yes I am. And do you realize that you're incredibly late?!"
" I'm sorry sir, I was busy finishing all the chores, and I even brought you something to eat…"
Hercule pulled Yekkena inside and locked the door…all ten locks. She sat the tray down on his bedside table and turned towards him, only to be met by a slap to the face.
"I thought I told you to KEEP VIDEL OUT OF THIS ROOM! LOCK THE DOORS WHEN YOU LEAVE AND MAKE SURE THE SECURITY CAMERA IS ON!! I CAUGHT HER IN HERE AFTER I SPECIFICALLY TOLD HER TO STAY OUT. OBV IOUSLY THE LITTLE BRAT DOESN'T LISTEN. SHE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, YEKKENA, DO YOU GET THAT???!!!"
" Yes Master Hercule sir, I get you. Loud and clear." She said as she cowered away.
" Good. Now, if I catch her in here, again, EVER, you're going to be the one to pay." He stammered before walking away to his viewing room.
Yekkena slumped down against the wall, "This is going to be harder that I thought."
* * * *
Ohhh. That stupid sun. Why the hell does it have to be so damn bright? Videl thought as she awoke that morning. Groggily, she opened her eyes and looked at the clock. 8:34?!
" What the hell?!?!" Videl screeched, leaping out of bed, only to shudder in pain and collapse on the floor.
" OWWW! Damn it!!! What the hell?!"
" Don't you remember what happened last night?" Elora said, helping her to the bed.
Videl's mind flashed back to the night before. About how her father had…. "Yeah, now I remember." She sighed.
" I turned off your alarm because I didn't think that you would want to go to school with these kinds of injuries." She explained, rubbing some aneseptic on Videl's neck wound.
" Ugh. You're right. I don't really want to, but, I haven't missed a day of school yet!" She whined, sitting up.
Elora rolled her eyes and made her lay back down. "I don't think they'll miss you for one day. You need to recouperate."
Videl huffed and crossed her arms. " What if the police call? Or someone's in trouble? What am I..-"
" I'll tell them you're sick. It's not like it's an actual job. You do this on your own time. Now get some sleep. You need it." Elora stated as she left the room.
Videl turned on her side and let a tear roll free from her eye. Why did her father have to act like that anyway? What's going on with him?"
* * * *
The bell that signaled class was starting had rung….half an hour ago. And Videl was nowhere in sight. Gohan was getting especially nervous. What if something had happened to her? What if there were some criminals that she couldn't handle? Or..what if those guys from Yesanra came back? Erasa noticed how tense he was ans decided to say something,
" What's wrong Gohan?" She asked, lightly tapping him on the shoulder.
Gohan looked up at her and smiled, "Nothing. I'm just tired."
" Oh, okay." Erasa replied, going back to her magazine.
" Gohan, do you know where Videl is?" Sharpner asked him.
" I have no idea." He replied, not even looking up.
" Humph."
Throughout the rest of the day, Gohan's mind wandered over to Videl a lot. She barely missed school. As the last bell for the day sounded, Gohan made his way to his locker. Doing a very quick sorting of his books, he made a mad dash for the door as soon as he was finished, heading off towards Videl's.
" What's with him?" Erasa inquired, turning her head towards Sharpner.
" When a geek runs off, you DON'T wonder where they go."
* * * *
Gohan kept running from the school until he reached Videl's mansion. Staring at it in amazement, he made his way to the front door. He rang the doorbel and about a minute later, a younger looking woman with a maid's uniform on opened the door slightly.
" Yes? May I help you?"
"Um..yeah..is Videl home?"
" Miss Videl is feeling ill right now. Is there something you need to tell her?"
" Um, She missed school today and I want to tell her what went on in class today."
" I really don't think that she's up to…-"
" Please? It's important."
Elora stood back and opened the door further, "Alright, wait here while I ask Videl."
Gohan stood next to the side table as Elora went to see Videl. She's not the one to get sick. She takes care of herself all too well. And he could vouch for that. He had to admit, she had a good looking body. But aside from that fact, he still couldn't believe that she was sick…
* * * *
Videl heard a soft knocking at her bedroom door. She sat up, slowly.
"Come in."
Elora opened and closed the door quietly, "Videl, are you up for visitors?"
Videl cringed, 'I bet it's Sharpner' she cursed in her mind, "Who is it?"
" Some boy named Gohan, says he wants to talk to you."
Videl's eyes widened. Gohan? What could he possibly want? She looked around the room then down at herself. She was decent enough, and her room was pretty much clean.
" Sure. Bring him up here."
"Are you sure? I mean, I can tell…-"
" No, Elora, I'm sure I can handle Gohan. He isn't one of the smartest people thoughtwise."
Elora chuckled, "Okay, I'll go get him."
She left and shut the door. Videl slid back under the covers and snorted. Wonder what he wants?
* * * *
Gohan marveled at the large size of the foyer he stood within. Damn, she's got a good life. He then heard the sound of footsteps. Looking up the stairs, he saw the maid from before.
" You may come up. Videl will see you."
Gohan nodded and made his way up the stairs. Elora pointed him in the direction of Videl's room. "Third door on the right."
He stepped forward and counted, one…two…three. He just stood there. I just hope she isn't gonna yell at me, he thought. He hesitantly knocked on the door and heard a faint voice call "Come in." He cautiously opened the door and strode over to the side of her bed.
" Hey Videl, how are you feeling?"
" I'm doing okay, I think I just caught a touch of the flu though."
" It's okay, you didn't miss anything good in school anyways. Same old boring stuff."
It was just then Gohan notices a bruise forming on Videl's cheek and a small scar on her semi bared neck.
" Videl, do you want to tell me what's really going on?"
She stared in shock. He can't possibly know that I'm lying can he? Come on Videl, play it off. He doesn't need to know. "I told you already. I caught little bit of the flu. Why are you questioning it?"
" Because there is a bruise on your cheek and a scratch on your neck."
" The bruise is from a sparring match with one of my dad's students and the cut is from Elora's cat. That thing hates me." She said, rather confidently.
" Oh…okay then. Look, you know I'm always here when you need someone to talk to. Just give me a ring. Well, I'm going to head off now, my mother hates when I'm late. I'll see you tomorrow at school?"
" Right. See you tomorrow Gohan!!"
" Bye." He shut the door quietly.
She fell backwards down on the bed and sighed. He has to be able to read me like a book to know I was lying. What's up with that?
* * * *
Gohan walked down the foyer stairs and towards the front door when Elora came up to him.
" Have a nice visit Mister…."
" Gohan . Gohan Son."
" Right, Miser Gohan. It was nice to meet you." She said opening the door.
" Hey, just out of curiousity, do you own a cat?"
" No, Master Hercule won't allow us to keep pets here."
Gohan huffed. So she was lying. " Thanks, I'll see you around."
" Goodbye."
* * * *
Damnit, why is she lying to me? I just can't stand the sight of her being hurt. He's one of my best friends and she won't tell me whats's really going on. I wonder…GGAAHH!! I hate this!! Why the hell does she have to hide it? When I find out what's doing this to her…I'll….ooohhh.
Gohan tried hard not to think of Videl on his way home, but to no avail. Ten minutes later, he arrived at his house with a very annoyed Chichi standin outside.
' You better have a good excuse for being late young man!" She stammered.
" Out fighting crime." He said simply, walking right past her into the kitchen.
Chichi's eyes turned to stars, "Ahh yes, my little boy, a superhero!"
Gohan rolled his eyes and went straight up to his room. He threw his backpack down on the fllor next to his desk and sat on the edge of the bed. He laid back with a FLOOMF and stared at his ceiling. Minutes later, he was fast asleep.
* * * *
" Yes Master, we are going to try and capture Saiyaman first and then Videl will be ours.We wioll not fail you this time. Will we Ketanz?"
" Of course not boss, We will succeed in doing away with that pesky bitch."
The man on the screen grunted, " I still need to maintain my image, so you two better be suttle as to whom you're working for. Keep a low profile, and DON'T SCREW UP!!"
Carnaja jumped at the tone of voice, "We won't master."
* * * *
Gohan sat bolt upright in bed after hearing an announcement in his mind…
{Great Saiyaman, I assume? You must remember me, Carnaja? I want to negotiate with you, so if you'll meet me at the Lockman Forest in thirty minutes, it will be greatly appreciated. See you then}
Gohan wondered what kind of hoax this was. He clicked on his watch, turning into Saiyaman and blasted off out his window to the Lockman Forest Reserve.
A/N: AAAHAHAHA. Cliffhanger!!!! Well, sort of. I am sincerely sorry for not getting this out sooner but I was busy the ENTIRE break and now I've got loads of homework. But it was nice to see a longer chapter, ne? Please Review me!!!! Ja!!
Advertising: Life Anew by SSJ-Mirai-Triunks.l It's a great fic and worth the reading time!!!
Next Chapter. Gohan meets up with Carnaja and Ketanz. What do they have in store for him? AND WHY IS YEKKENA THERE?!
What Lies Beneath the Stardom
Chapter Six
Gohan awoke the next morning feeling better than he had in a long time. It wasn't just the birds singing, or the smell of fresh summer leaves in the air, but a simple knowledge of something at wasn't there before. Slowly, he rose from his comfortable spot under the covers and walked towards the bathroom. Turning on the shower faucet, he stripped himself of his clothing [A/N: DROOL….] and stepped inside. Letting the water fall softly off his body, he rethought back to what happened the day before. Who were those men? Why did they want Videl? Why did they want to KILL her? And who were they taking orders from? He shuddered slightly as the water began to turn cold. He turned the notch up a bit and lathered his hair with shampoo. Didn't those men say they were from something called the Yesanra? Is that some kind of military group or something? He sighed again and ran the soapy washcloth across himself. He turned off the water and yanked a towel off the rack and proceeded back to his room.
* * * *
" GOTEN! Keep your hands off those flapjacks until Gohan comes to eat!!" Chichi roared at her youngest son.
Goten huffed half-heartedly and slumped back in his chair at the kitchen table. Gohan was never there when he wanted to eat. He jumped off the seat the bounded into the living room, switching on the television and turning on an episode of Pokemon. After about ten minutes, his stomach was grumbling loudly at it's neglect. Goten growled and leaped off the couch, the remote falling on the cushions and stalking towards the stairs. At the same moment, Chichi, with frying pan in grasp, stepped in-between Goten and the stairs to the bedrooms.
" Now you listen here mister," She raved, waving the pan around, emphasizing her words, "Gohan will come down when he's ready. THEN you can have your breakfast."
" But Mooooom, I'm hungry!" He sniffed, holding his stomach, trying to look adorable.
Chichi crumbled at that look, " Oh, alright. I guess I can let you have something. I'm sure Gohan won't mind."
Goten's smiled widened drastically and he shouted, "Thanks Mom!!!"
Three minutes later, Gohan came downstairs, not in his normal school attire. He wore a pair of blue jeans, brown shoes, a tshirt with the capsule corp. logo on it and a blue striped button up shirt over it. (not buttoned of course). Chichi smiled and commented,
" Doesn't your brother look good today, Goten?"
Goten looked up from his plate, his mouth full of food, "bhats wiofh ha fange, brover?" [translates as: What's with the change, brother?]
" I just thought my other outfit was getting kind of old. And Bulma gave me this shirt a while back."
Goten smiled and went back to happily munching on his breakfast. Chichi set her frying pan aside and motioned for him to sit down. She served him with a plate of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. He dove in and five minutes later he was finished and headed off to school.
* * * *
" We've got to think of another plan. This task has to be completed as soon as possible. Damn that Saiyaman. Why does he have to be everywhere Videl is? He got in the way of a very VERY HIGHLY SKILLED OPERATION!!"
" Look, Carnaja, if he showed up once, he's gonna be there again."
" That means that we need to capture him first, then Videl will follow."
" Shouldn't we-"
"Ketanz! I think we should consult with the master!"
" I absolutely agree sir…-"
" Then what are we standing here for? Let's go!"
Ketanz sighed and flipped his head towards the ceiling, 'Why ME?" he muttered before following Carnaja out the door.
* * * *
Hercule paced around his room frantically. Where the hell was she? She's late again.
" Master Hercule, are you in here sir?"
" Yes I am. And do you realize that you're incredibly late?!"
" I'm sorry sir, I was busy finishing all the chores, and I even brought you something to eat…"
Hercule pulled Yekkena inside and locked the door…all ten locks. She sat the tray down on his bedside table and turned towards him, only to be met by a slap to the face.
"I thought I told you to KEEP VIDEL OUT OF THIS ROOM! LOCK THE DOORS WHEN YOU LEAVE AND MAKE SURE THE SECURITY CAMERA IS ON!! I CAUGHT HER IN HERE AFTER I SPECIFICALLY TOLD HER TO STAY OUT. OBV IOUSLY THE LITTLE BRAT DOESN'T LISTEN. SHE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, YEKKENA, DO YOU GET THAT???!!!"
" Yes Master Hercule sir, I get you. Loud and clear." She said as she cowered away.
" Good. Now, if I catch her in here, again, EVER, you're going to be the one to pay." He stammered before walking away to his viewing room.
Yekkena slumped down against the wall, "This is going to be harder that I thought."
* * * *
Ohhh. That stupid sun. Why the hell does it have to be so damn bright? Videl thought as she awoke that morning. Groggily, she opened her eyes and looked at the clock. 8:34?!
" What the hell?!?!" Videl screeched, leaping out of bed, only to shudder in pain and collapse on the floor.
" OWWW! Damn it!!! What the hell?!"
" Don't you remember what happened last night?" Elora said, helping her to the bed.
Videl's mind flashed back to the night before. About how her father had…. "Yeah, now I remember." She sighed.
" I turned off your alarm because I didn't think that you would want to go to school with these kinds of injuries." She explained, rubbing some aneseptic on Videl's neck wound.
" Ugh. You're right. I don't really want to, but, I haven't missed a day of school yet!" She whined, sitting up.
Elora rolled her eyes and made her lay back down. "I don't think they'll miss you for one day. You need to recouperate."
Videl huffed and crossed her arms. " What if the police call? Or someone's in trouble? What am I..-"
" I'll tell them you're sick. It's not like it's an actual job. You do this on your own time. Now get some sleep. You need it." Elora stated as she left the room.
Videl turned on her side and let a tear roll free from her eye. Why did her father have to act like that anyway? What's going on with him?"
* * * *
The bell that signaled class was starting had rung….half an hour ago. And Videl was nowhere in sight. Gohan was getting especially nervous. What if something had happened to her? What if there were some criminals that she couldn't handle? Or..what if those guys from Yesanra came back? Erasa noticed how tense he was ans decided to say something,
" What's wrong Gohan?" She asked, lightly tapping him on the shoulder.
Gohan looked up at her and smiled, "Nothing. I'm just tired."
" Oh, okay." Erasa replied, going back to her magazine.
" Gohan, do you know where Videl is?" Sharpner asked him.
" I have no idea." He replied, not even looking up.
" Humph."
Throughout the rest of the day, Gohan's mind wandered over to Videl a lot. She barely missed school. As the last bell for the day sounded, Gohan made his way to his locker. Doing a very quick sorting of his books, he made a mad dash for the door as soon as he was finished, heading off towards Videl's.
" What's with him?" Erasa inquired, turning her head towards Sharpner.
" When a geek runs off, you DON'T wonder where they go."
* * * *
Gohan kept running from the school until he reached Videl's mansion. Staring at it in amazement, he made his way to the front door. He rang the doorbel and about a minute later, a younger looking woman with a maid's uniform on opened the door slightly.
" Yes? May I help you?"
"Um..yeah..is Videl home?"
" Miss Videl is feeling ill right now. Is there something you need to tell her?"
" Um, She missed school today and I want to tell her what went on in class today."
" I really don't think that she's up to…-"
" Please? It's important."
Elora stood back and opened the door further, "Alright, wait here while I ask Videl."
Gohan stood next to the side table as Elora went to see Videl. She's not the one to get sick. She takes care of herself all too well. And he could vouch for that. He had to admit, she had a good looking body. But aside from that fact, he still couldn't believe that she was sick…
* * * *
Videl heard a soft knocking at her bedroom door. She sat up, slowly.
"Come in."
Elora opened and closed the door quietly, "Videl, are you up for visitors?"
Videl cringed, 'I bet it's Sharpner' she cursed in her mind, "Who is it?"
" Some boy named Gohan, says he wants to talk to you."
Videl's eyes widened. Gohan? What could he possibly want? She looked around the room then down at herself. She was decent enough, and her room was pretty much clean.
" Sure. Bring him up here."
"Are you sure? I mean, I can tell…-"
" No, Elora, I'm sure I can handle Gohan. He isn't one of the smartest people thoughtwise."
Elora chuckled, "Okay, I'll go get him."
She left and shut the door. Videl slid back under the covers and snorted. Wonder what he wants?
* * * *
Gohan marveled at the large size of the foyer he stood within. Damn, she's got a good life. He then heard the sound of footsteps. Looking up the stairs, he saw the maid from before.
" You may come up. Videl will see you."
Gohan nodded and made his way up the stairs. Elora pointed him in the direction of Videl's room. "Third door on the right."
He stepped forward and counted, one…two…three. He just stood there. I just hope she isn't gonna yell at me, he thought. He hesitantly knocked on the door and heard a faint voice call "Come in." He cautiously opened the door and strode over to the side of her bed.
" Hey Videl, how are you feeling?"
" I'm doing okay, I think I just caught a touch of the flu though."
" It's okay, you didn't miss anything good in school anyways. Same old boring stuff."
It was just then Gohan notices a bruise forming on Videl's cheek and a small scar on her semi bared neck.
" Videl, do you want to tell me what's really going on?"
She stared in shock. He can't possibly know that I'm lying can he? Come on Videl, play it off. He doesn't need to know. "I told you already. I caught little bit of the flu. Why are you questioning it?"
" Because there is a bruise on your cheek and a scratch on your neck."
" The bruise is from a sparring match with one of my dad's students and the cut is from Elora's cat. That thing hates me." She said, rather confidently.
" Oh…okay then. Look, you know I'm always here when you need someone to talk to. Just give me a ring. Well, I'm going to head off now, my mother hates when I'm late. I'll see you tomorrow at school?"
" Right. See you tomorrow Gohan!!"
" Bye." He shut the door quietly.
She fell backwards down on the bed and sighed. He has to be able to read me like a book to know I was lying. What's up with that?
* * * *
Gohan walked down the foyer stairs and towards the front door when Elora came up to him.
" Have a nice visit Mister…."
" Gohan . Gohan Son."
" Right, Miser Gohan. It was nice to meet you." She said opening the door.
" Hey, just out of curiousity, do you own a cat?"
" No, Master Hercule won't allow us to keep pets here."
Gohan huffed. So she was lying. " Thanks, I'll see you around."
" Goodbye."
* * * *
Damnit, why is she lying to me? I just can't stand the sight of her being hurt. He's one of my best friends and she won't tell me whats's really going on. I wonder…GGAAHH!! I hate this!! Why the hell does she have to hide it? When I find out what's doing this to her…I'll….ooohhh.
Gohan tried hard not to think of Videl on his way home, but to no avail. Ten minutes later, he arrived at his house with a very annoyed Chichi standin outside.
' You better have a good excuse for being late young man!" She stammered.
" Out fighting crime." He said simply, walking right past her into the kitchen.
Chichi's eyes turned to stars, "Ahh yes, my little boy, a superhero!"
Gohan rolled his eyes and went straight up to his room. He threw his backpack down on the fllor next to his desk and sat on the edge of the bed. He laid back with a FLOOMF and stared at his ceiling. Minutes later, he was fast asleep.
* * * *
" Yes Master, we are going to try and capture Saiyaman first and then Videl will be ours.We wioll not fail you this time. Will we Ketanz?"
" Of course not boss, We will succeed in doing away with that pesky bitch."
The man on the screen grunted, " I still need to maintain my image, so you two better be suttle as to whom you're working for. Keep a low profile, and DON'T SCREW UP!!"
Carnaja jumped at the tone of voice, "We won't master."
* * * *
Gohan sat bolt upright in bed after hearing an announcement in his mind…
{Great Saiyaman, I assume? You must remember me, Carnaja? I want to negotiate with you, so if you'll meet me at the Lockman Forest in thirty minutes, it will be greatly appreciated. See you then}
Gohan wondered what kind of hoax this was. He clicked on his watch, turning into Saiyaman and blasted off out his window to the Lockman Forest Reserve.
A/N: AAAHAHAHA. Cliffhanger!!!! Well, sort of. I am sincerely sorry for not getting this out sooner but I was busy the ENTIRE break and now I've got loads of homework. But it was nice to see a longer chapter, ne? Please Review me!!!! Ja!!
Advertising: Life Anew by SSJ-Mirai-Triunks.l It's a great fic and worth the reading time!!!
Next Chapter. Gohan meets up with Carnaja and Ketanz. What do they have in store for him? AND WHY IS YEKKENA THERE?!