What Lies Beneath the Stardom
By: SaiyanGirl16
Chapter 11
OW! Sunshine. Lots..of...sun. Man, that's hot! Videl thought as she awoke the next morning. It had been a peaceful night, at least after Gohan's nightmare. She opened her eyes and noticed he wasn't next to her, but the water was running in the bathroom. She blinked, and rose from the bed, pulling her clothes from her backpack and setting them on the dresser.
Get a hold of yourself Videl. It's not going anywhere. Sure, it's happened before, but those guys were idiots, right?! They ran away the second they had it. Gohan didn't. He must be stronger then the others.
She shook off her thoughts and pulled out her journal, dawning a dark blue pen from the spirals...
Videl's Journal | Day thirty
Well, he had it. That stupid nightmare. But he didn't run away. There's something about him that I just don't understand. Conan and Jake ran from me when they had that exact nightmare. Someone's either after me, or....I dunno what. It all happens the first night too! Something strange is going on. Maybe he just doesn't get it. Wait a minute....I don't even get it! Kami, this is all so confusing.
In other news, Daddy's still going on his rampage. Thank goodness I got out of there last night. I hope he didn't throw or break anything. He usually does. Or just yells at poor Yekkena. He's changed a lot since Mom died. He even looked a little scared when I told him what happened that night.
Well, thanks for listening, or something like that. I'll write later.
Videl shut the book and shoved it into her bag as Gohan came out of the bathroom, still in pajamas.
"Good Morning. Do you need to use the shower?" He asked, pointing to the door he left open.
She scoured, "Of course I do." She scowled, closing the door behind her.
Gohan blinked. What the heck was that all about?
ChiChi finished putting the three dozen pancakes on a huge plate and setting it in front of a VERY hungry Goten. Gohan came down the stairs and sat in the chair next to his younger brother.
"Is Videl ready yet?! Momma says we can't eat till she does!" Goten bounced eagerly.
"Not yet, she just got done with the shower when I left." He spoke, tying his shoelaces.
ChiChi beamed, "So...what did you end up doing last night?"
"Finished homework and slept. Why?"
"Just wondering since she was with you ALL night."
Gohan face faulted"YOU SPIED ON US?!?!"
She waved her hands defensivly, "NO! I just happened to glance into your room, and saw the two of you...curled up...together."
Gohan slumped in his chair, "She was afraid of the animals cause she was bitten by a snake once, so I offered her protection."
ChiChi's happiness suddenly dissappeared, "Humph."
Gohan suddenly knew what she was thinking, "MOM! DO YOU WANT TO BE A GRANDMA THIS EARLY IN LIFE?!?!"
"Gohan! You know...I've always wanted to be a grandma...but I guess you won't offer me consolation."
"I'm only EIGHTEEN!"
"I HAD YOU WHEN I WAS TWENTY!! Don't you yell at me about age young man!"
It was then that Videl decided to come down, dressed in her infamous white shirt and black shorts. "What's all the yelling about?"
"My mother, the woman peeping tom." Gohan said, picking up his fork.
Videl had to think for a moment, "OH MY KAMI!"
"Oh, Videl-dear, it's quite alright." She said, skipping off into the other room.
Videl's brow furrowed, "Gohan, why is your mother okay with the fact that I was with you last night?"
"Let's just say she wants to become a grandmother WAY to early in life."
Videl sat stiff. That was WAY more than she wanted to know. She swallowed and ate her pancakes, trying not to think of the images in her head.
Carnaja plugged his ears. This guy had TOO BIG a temper. His master was screaming and yelling through the reciever and Ketanz had taken refuge under a desk.
"YOU TWO BETTER SUCCEED THIS TIME OR ELSE I'LL BE FORCED TO REPLACE YOU!" master shouted, slamming his fist on the TV screen.
"We hear you sir! We won't fail you!" Carnaja assured him, shakily.
"You better!!! She is to be DEAD by sundown in one week!! Or there will be hell to pay." He finished, cutting off the communications link.
Ketanz crawled from the desk and sat next to Carnaja, who was obviously deep in thought. "Carnaja? Hello?"
"SHH! I'm going to get that kid to come here. As himself. Not saiyaman. He needs to know what he's dealing with."
Ketanz silently pleaded for the kid's mind to be out of tune so they would'nt have to go throught with it. Well, let's just say his hopes were dashed.....
Gohan tried his hardest to concentrate on the workbook in front of him, but thoughts of that dream engulfed his mind. He looked towards Videl, who seemed as if she was about to fall asleep. Suddenly, that voice came into his head again.
Good day Saiyaman, or should I say Gohan?
WHAT!? How the hell do you know who I am?
It wasn't that difficult to figure out. I have my ways. I just wanted to ask you to meet me in the park as soon as possible. As yourself. I have new orders from my master.
New orders? Are you still out for Videl?
Yes, in fact. Maybe we could strike up some sort of deal, If you want.
How do I know I can trust you?
Come and see. I'll be waiting."
HEY! Hold on!
No one answered. Gohan slammed his pencil down and put his head in his hands. How was he supposed to swing this one? He thought for quite a while. He got up out of his seat.
"Mister Son, Where do you think you're going?" The teacher called to him.
"To the nurse," Gohan repiled, feigning great pain, "I think I'm gonna hurl..." He finished, dashing out of the room, holding his stomach.
The teacher looked stupefied, but disregarded it, turning back to the lesson.
She discreetly pushed a button on her watch that beeped loudly. She held it up to her face so no one could see.
"Yes Chief? Sure I'll be right there." She clicked it off and stormed out the door.
Erasa looked at Sharpner curiously, "I thought him following her was weird." She stated. Sharpner looked a little confused.
Gohan surveyed the city as quicky as possible, deperate to find the park. A dollop of trees, a bench and swings gave him the idea he was there. He quickly glanced around for any sign of the man, and walked deeper into the park. A sudden flash of light behind him and a tap on his shoulder startled him.
"I've been waiting Gohan." Carnaja said, floating above the ground.
"What do you want with Videl?" Gohan drawled, stepping closer.
"I have my orders. I am to kill her. And you stand in my way!"
"Who wants to kill her so badly?!" Gohan erupted, "Who could be so volatile?!"
"I am not at liberty to say, but I think you already know."
Gohan stood dumbfounded. He actually had no idea.
"Now is your time. DIE!!" Carnaja shouted, leaping at Gohan with such incredible force that it knocked him onto the ground.
Carnaja punched heartily at Gohan's chest, making pea sized dents as Gohan pushed him off. They flew at each other and attacked with hatred. Gohan threw a flurry of punches and kicks at him and each one connected, sending him sprawling onto the grass. Gohan towered over him and raised his hand, emitting a ray of light.
"You better keep away from her." He scoured.
Carnaja looked somewhat scared, but his worried look suddenly turned mischevious, "I don't need too. She's already here."
This caught Gohan off guard. He frantically looked around for any sign of Videl, whom he found somewhat hidden behind a large maple tree. She looked horrified, and didn't seem to acknowlede that he saw her. Gohan lowered his hand and ran to her.
"VIDEL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" He stammered, taking her by the shoulders.
She seemed shocked that he had touched her and tried to break free from his grasp, "What am I doing here?! The question is why are you here, and why are you two fighting?!" She shouted, wriggling free of his grasp, walking towards the shrouded figure on the ground."
"Videl stay away from him! He wants to kill you!!" Gohan shouted a little louder that intended.
Videl whirled around, furious, "Who are you trying to kid?! No one wants to kill me." She said, still walking.
Gohan was mad. He reappeared right in front of her and held his arms out, "No. Your'e wrong. You remember the guy at the beach? He's been getting into my head and telling me he has to kill you. Someone's putting him up to it. You're in danger and you don't even realize it!"
Videl was not incensed, "SON GOHAN! You are so thick headed!" She said, brushing past him and taking a long hard look at the man on the ground. She was shocked. It was the guy from the beach.
"I was wondering when I would get to see you again Miss Videl." He smirked.
Videl took a tentative step back and looked completely lost.
The man stood up and smiled. "I think now is the right time." He said as a blast of energy emitted from his hand, heading straight for Videl.
Gohan was just quick enough and deflected it. He hit Carnaja with one of his own and sent him flying into a tree. Carnaja sputtered and stood up, seemingly quite pained.
"I don't think Videl knows does she? About you and your alter ego." He said sardonically.
Gohan faultered as Videl stood next to him, "Alter ego?" She said.
"Saiyaman." He said as he flew off, "I'll get you next time."
Videl was quited confused. She turned to Gohan who was an interesting shade of red. She put her hands on her hips and spoke defiantly, "Are you really?!"
Gohan nodded slightly.
She grabbed him by a fistful of his shirt, "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!?!" She screamed. "Do you not trust me? Am I not a friend to you?!"
Gohan pulled his now wrinkled shirt away from her and stook a good distance from her, "And you're also my worst enemy."
Now Videl was utterly confused. What the hell?
"You hate his guts Videl!! Everytime He..I tried to help you, you acted like I was the scum of the earth. I figured if I told you, you would just start to hate me too."
Videl huffed and plopped on the ground. "I don't hate you." She sighed, "I was just afraid that if this Saiyaman guy was always aroud, why would they need me? It always gives me an excuse to be away from home as long as I possibly can."
Gohan sat down beside her, "What is so wrong with being at home?" He inquired.
"You wouldn't understand." She whispered. "It's just so hectic with the fame and pride my dad has, he's just not the same anymore."
Gohan absentmindedly fiddled with a twig on the ground.
"Now it's my turn, "She said, "Where did you learn all the stuff with the flying light tricks and stuff? Like the people from the cell games?"
Gohan looked at her, her face etched with curiousity, " First of all, they're not tricks. It's actually part of my heritage. My father was like that. he taught me everything I know. But anyone can do it. You just have to know how to control your energy."
"Control my energy?" She asked looking puzzled.
"Yeah, I could show you sometime if you like."
She smiled lightly, "Yeah!"
Gohan stood up and offered a hand to her. She took it and he pulled her to her feet with ease. "We should probably get back to the school. They might start looking for us."
Videl nodded in agreement. "Yeah." She said, starting towards the school.
Gohan waited and called out to her, "Videl!"
She turned around, "Yes?"
"Don't tell anyone about me. I wasn't supposed to tell even you." He said, quite nervous.
She just smiled and turned to walk back to the school, muttering a distinguishable "Sure."
Gohan felt relieved. Now it was just the matter of keeping her safe, and the matter of their music project.
He stopped in his tracks. This is going to be one interesting project He thought before trotting back to the school himself.
A/N: I hope that was a good chapter. I'm going to try and update more often. I'm going to be busy these next few months cause of musical rehearsals and My class is going to Flordia and New York. So I'll try to get them done!! REVIEW PLEASE! I NEED SUPPORT!