Well, I've finished another one. Sorry for the delay. For all of you who read the author's note I posted, you know why this one is pretty late coming out. I'm still in the middle of doing an outline, but I'm at a point where I can write the next chapter. I know where I want to go now! I feel so proud of myself.
Also...um, fair warning, this chapter is slightly citrusy. Not too much compared to certain parts that I wrote in "Love's Trials", but there is mention of sex. Just thought I'd warn you.
Disclaimer: I have no hopes of EVER owning DBZ...unless my upcoming birthday wish comes true. So, until my wish comes true, Toriyama Akira-san and affiliates own DBZ. I'm just a hopeless fan.
------------Judgment of the Heavens-------------
It was late at night when Jasmore finally decided to go down to where Videl was being kept. With only a lantern in hand, he made his way from the apprentice's quarters to the dungeon, navigating perfectly through the castle with the experience of a castle guard. The trip down there was not a short one, giving some time to think of a way to convince the guards to take a couple of hours off so Gohan could sneak down in there. With his empty hand, Jasmore felt the two large pouches tied to his belt, each bag containing 1000 gold pieces, more than twice a guard's annual salary.
I hope it doesn't come down to bribing them. This is an awful lot of money. But, if I have to spend it, it's worth it, Jasmore thought as he descended a dank spiral staircase that led to the basement of the castle, one hand braced against the wall to keep himself from slipping down the stairs. With much precaution, Jasmore finally made his way down the stairs, happy to be on level ground once more. There was little light in the basement and the lantern that he held in his hand provided only enough for him to see several feet in front of him.
He sighed with audible relief as he spotted the torches that framed the door to the dungeon. Underneath the torches and slightly over to each side were two, burly guards, the only two guards that watched over the dungeon at any given time.
The castle dungeon wasn't widely used for measly thieves and pickpockets for there were village and town jails that served as a much better holding place for criminals like those. The only prisoners held in the Royal Prison were prisoners whose lives were forfeit and criminals who had committed crimes of the utmost offence against the throne and high officials living in and outside of the castle.
The strongest fortifications were used on each cell, limiting the chance that those held in them had to escape. If they happened to get outside their cells, then they had to deal with the large guards outside the door.
Of the few attempted breakouts ever to have occurred, none of the escapees had ever gotten passed the guards. The combination of the cell makeup and the two guards watching over the entrance to the dungeon had proved enough for thousands of years. Jasmore considered himself lucky that he only had two guards to convince and not more.
As he approached the dungeon door, the guards rose to attention, prepared to do their duty and intercept intruders. As Jasmore came into view, they seemed to relax a bit as they saw the apprentice robes that Jasmore was wearing. They immediately lowered their weapons and bowed to him.
"You're holiness," the one on the left spoke, "We didn't know it was you! What brings you all the way down here?" Jasmore smiled at the respect he was given. Although he wasn't a High Priest, his position still earned him the honor of how he was addressed.
"You are the guards on shift during the evenings, yes?" Jasmore asked.
"Yes, we are," the other guard said, "Why do you ask?"
"I need you two to abandon your post for a couple of hours tomorrow evening. Do not worry, I will guard it in your place for the time being. You just need to leave here for a couple of hours." The looks on the guards' faces turned apprehensive as they looked at each other.
"We don't think we can do that," the first one said, "If anyone finds out that we've abandoned our posts, it'll be our heads." Jasmore smiled and pulled out a small gold coin from one of the pouches at his waist.
"How would your answer change if I told you how much this meant to me?" Jasmore asked, placing the coin in the hand of the first guard. The other guard looked over at the first one's hand, both of them inspecting the coinage in front of them.
"Is this royal gold?" the second one asked incredulously. Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, that is. There's a thousand of those coins for each of you if you'll grant my request and abandon your post for a couple of hours." The guards' mouths opened with shock. 1000 pieces of Royal Gold was more than a guard of their ranking made in 2 years. After giving the guards enough time to let their minds wrap around the amount of money they were being offered, Jasmore spoke.
"Will you do as I ask?" Jasmore asked. The guards looked at each other before looking at Jasmore.
"Yes, we will," the first one said. Jasmore smiled.
"Excellent. You don't know what this means to me, gentlemen." The second guard looked at Jasmore wonderingly.
"Excuse me, your holiness, if you don't mind me asking…" he trailed off.
"Yes?" Jasmore prompted.
"Why do you want us to leave for a couple of hours tomorrow night?" the guard finished.
"I'm arranging a meeting with one of the prisoners down here," Jasmore said, "It's very important." The first guard, the one of the left, looked perplexed.
"But, your holiness, the only prisoner down here is the Queen's sacrifice. Why would anyone want to see her?"
"Unfortunately," Jasmore said, "That question is not for me to answer. Let me just say that it's someone of great importance who has a few things to speak with the sacrifice about." The guards, though disappointed with the answer, accepted it grudgingly.
"What do you want us to do tomorrow evening?" one of the guards spoke.
"I will come down here with the one who wishes to speak with the sacrifice. When I arrive, you will let us into her cell. I will come out after he is in her cell and you will vacate your post for a couple of hours. When you return, I will get him out of her cell and we will leave. Before we arrive, you will give her a bath; I refuse to let my friend see her a mess," Jasmore explained, "Now, if both of you will excuse me, I have pressing matters I need to attend to."
Jasmore bowed his head slightly as the guards bowed deeply to him, marking the difference in their stations. With that, Jasmore left, leaving the two guards alone to guard the Royal Prison.
***
Inside her cell, Videl heard the whole exchange. Bringing a slightly emaciated arm up to brush her hair away from her face, wondering what was happening.
I wonder who wants to see me and why? I mean, there isn't anybody who would want to see me, is there? I hope it isn't anyone bad. I don't have anything to fight back with, Videl thought, looking down at her body. Sitting on her meager pallet, she was leaning against the wall. Her body had grown thinner, having lived off of little with nutritional value. Three times a day she was fed, normally some type of gruel, a small loaf of bread, and a cup of water. Portions weren't very large and, as a result, Videl lost several pounds.
She also hadn't bathed since she arrived, so her hair was in stringy, greasy clumps, the overall effect of her conditions leaving her looking haggard. She noticed that her conditions were enough to keep her alive, though not in the best of shape. She figured that Queen Milena didn't care what state she was in, as long as she was alive.
Well, at least I get a bath tomorrow, Videl thought with a sigh, for the first time in weeks not able to wait until the next day. The only other thing she looked for was finally someone to talk to. She hadn't had any contact with anything living other than the guards for a long time.
She had stopped hearing Gohan's thoughts a while ago too, blocking them out of her head after deciding that it was too painful for her to hear them. Hearing him, but not being able to be heard by him only bitterly reminded her of her situation, so she put a lot of her concentration into blocking out his thoughts.
Without much to do, Videl just sat around her cell and thought about her life on Earth, letting her memories float through her head. She realized that there were many things that she had taken for granted on Earth. Her fist clenching at her side, Videl's face took on a determined look.
I swear, if I ever get back to Earth, I will appreciate my life and live it to the fullest, Videl thought, a bit of her old spark back. Then, a saddened look spread over her face.
"If I ever get out, that is…" Videl said, her voice cracking slightly from weeks of disuse. Sighing, Videl laid down, trying her best to get her body comfortable on the pallet that served as her bed. With thoughts of the next day wandering through her mind, Videl slowly drifted off to sleep.
***
Gohan couldn't stop his heart from pounding in his chest. He swore that it pounded so loud, it could be heard across the entire library from where he sat. With every minute that passed, Gohan felt that his heart was going to burst.
Where is Jasmore? Gohan wondered, keeping an eye out for the young (for Cresilian standards) apprentice who he had befriended. Jasmore was supposed to accompany him to where Videl would be if he and Ranthyl managed to temporarily negate the boundary spell that kept him from wandering about the castle.
A small smile worked its way to Gohan's face as his thoughts moved over to the prospect of seeing Videl. He had been without her for what felt like forever and he couldn't wait to see her.
That is if Jasmore and Ranthyl manage to reverse the spell for a little while. Oh, I hope they can do it, Gohan thought hopefully, praying and wishing with all of his heart that they could find a way. Apparently, whatever Kami was watching over Gohan that moment decided to answer his prayers, for a few moments later, Jasmore came into view, walking towards Gohan with a small, satisfied smile on his face.
"Well," Jasmore said as he approached Gohan, "Are you ready to go see your mate?" Gohan vigorously nodded and stood up, walking over to Jasmore.
"Yes, I am. I don't know how to thank you enough, Jasmore," Gohan said. Jasmore shook his head.
"Do not worry about it, Gohan. It was nothing, really. The spell turned out to be quite simple. But, we have to make sure to get you back here in two hours. Otherwise Saloman will find out about it. He will be able to feel that you've crossed the boundary and I do not want to get him mad at any costs," Jasmore said, "Now, come on. We need to get going." Gohan nodded and the two young men set off in the direction of the Royal Prison.
To Gohan's impatient mind, it seemed to take forever to get down to the Royal Prison when, in reality, it only took about 10 minutes. As Gohan and Jasmore walked down a long, dark hallway, Gohan could feel that their journey was coming to an end. A couple moments later, Gohan spotted a brightly lit area. As they moved closer, Gohan could make out a door surrounded by two large guards. As they approached, the guards seemed to recognize Jasmore and bowed.
"Good evening, your holiness," one of them said, "I take it this is the visitor this evening?" Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, he is. Did you follow my instructions about her cleanliness?" Jasmore asked. The guards nodded.
"Yes, we did. She put up no fight to the basin we put in her cell earlier today. We made sure she was clean, your holiness," the other guard said.
"Good," Jasmore said, untying the two large pouches tied to his belt, handing one to each of the guards, "Here is your payment. Return here in two hours. Don't let anyone see you." One of the guards smiled.
"Don't worry," he said, "We'll be waiting right down the hall over there in the emergency barracks that we use to rest in. We'll let you two in and then let you out, your holiness. When we come back, we'll let him out and resume our post." Jasmore smiled.
"Very good," Jasmore said, "Now, let us in."
"Yes, your holiness," the guards both said at the same time, one of them pulling the keys off of his belt to unlock the main door into the Royal Prison. Gohan wiped his sweaty palms off on his pants, his hands turning clammy from anticipation, as he followed Jasmore and the guards into the Royal Prison. They moved over to the first cell on the right, the same guard who opened the door moving to open the cell door. While the guard opened the door, Jasmore produced a large candle and, using his magic, lit it, handing it to Gohan.
"Here," Jasmore said after handing the candle to Gohan, "Light source for inside the cell." Gohan nodded and looked forward to where the guard had finished opening the door.
"We will leave now," Jasmore said, walking with the other two guards to the main door, "We'll be back in two hours to bring you out. Be ready." With that, Jasmore and the guard walked out of the prison, closing the main door behind them. Gohan watched the door close and, once it was closed, moved towards the open door and into the room where his mate, the love of his life, was being held.
"Videl?" he called out as he entered the room, setting the candle down on the ground, lighting up the whole room. He heard a gasp, presumably from Videl.
"Gohan?" he heard, his name a light whisper from Videl's mouth. Gohan looked in the direction of one of the corners, his eyes falling on Videl. Although he could tell that she had lost some weight, she never looked more beautiful to him. Tears sprang to Gohan's eyes at the sight of her as he moved towards her.
"Am I imagining things?" Videl asked, her voice husky and slightly raspy, not believing what she was seeing.
"No, you're not," Gohan said. With those words, Videl launched herself in Gohan's direction, letting out a loud sob as she threw herself at Gohan. Gohan welcomed her into his arms, tears running down his cheeks as he held Videl close to him. It had felt like forever since he had last held her in his arms and he never wanted to let go.
"I missed you so much," Videl whispered, her hands clinging to his shirt.
"As did I," Gohan said, pulling away to look down at Videl. "You are so beautiful," he whispered before lowering his lips to hers in a sweet kiss. Both lovers felt their hearts soar at the feel of the other's lips. It had been too long since they had felt the other's lips. The simple act of touching one's lips to the other seemed to break a dam of some sorts and a sudden rush of passion came to the two of them, their passion increasing at a frantic pace.
Their kisses deepened, each containing more passion than the last. With a sudden move, Videl pulled away from Gohan, taking his hand and pulling him to her pallet. Gohan caught the look in her eyes, the hungry, needy look, and was sure that he reflected the same look back. She lowered herself down onto the pallet, pulling him down with her. Gohan followed willingly, settling himself down on top of her.
Once they were settled, their lips met once again, this time at a slower pace. There was an unspoken agreement to take it slow, to savor the moment, knowing it would the only time they would be together for a while. Slowly, they began to remove each other's clothing, each of them reveling in the feel of the other's skin.
As she removed Gohan's tunic, Videl noticed that the clothing seemed very nice. Apparently, Gohan had been treated well. But, all thoughts of the conditions that Gohan currently existed in disappeared from her head as Gohan's fingers brushed over a nipple, causing her to moan in delight.
As Gohan used his mouth and fingers to please Videl, Videl took the opportunity to run her fingers over his skin, feeling his muscles tighten as she touched them. She trailed her fingers up his neck, suddenly feeling the Ring of Hanoi that he wore, not knowing what it was. Absently, she made a note to ask him later. As she wound her fingers in his hair, she let all thought disappear from her mind, allowing herself to concentrate on the pleasure she was receiving.
Foreplay eventually progressed into sex, as it usually does. Their lovemaking was unusually sweet, as would be fitting for lovers who knew they weren't going to see each other for a while. Every breath, every touch, every kiss was euphoric, causing them to sigh and moan at each pleasant touch.
After a while, their lovemaking ended, Gohan and Videl both resting on the pallet, each of them pleased immensely. Videl rested snuggly in Gohan's arms, caressing the skin on his chest. She looked up and saw the Ring of Hanoi around his neck and remembered that she was going to ask him about it.
"Gohan," she said, fingering the collar, "What's this?" Gohan felt her fingering the Ring of Hanoi.
"It's called the Ring of Hanoi. It locks off all of my powers and my strength. It also prevents me from speaking to you telepathically." Videl nodded at the knowledge, but had a point to dispute with Gohan.
"No it doesn't," Videl said firmly.
"It doesn't what?" Gohan asked, confused as to what Videl was referring to.
"I can hear you when you talk to me telepathically, but I guess you can't hear me, can you? When you called out a while ago, I answered, but you didn't seem to hear me. There was something I wanted to tell you," Videl said, her face falling as she remembered what she wanted Gohan to know.
"Oh," Gohan said, knowing how much that must have hurt Videl, "I didn't know that. So you can hear me! I figured that since I couldn't hear you, you couldn't hear me. What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Tears sprung to Videl's eyes as she remembered what happened to her when she first got there.
"Well, after we first got here, you and I were separated. I was taken down here and a group of, what I think were, physicians inspected me, making sure I fit the qualifications of the Sacrifice. Well, when they found something interesting about me," Videl said, taking a pause as she gathered the words, "I was pregnant." Gohan's mouth dropped open.
"You? Pregnant? Videl, that's great!" Gohan exclaimed, not hearing the "was" in Videl's words.
"No, Gohan. I'm not pregnant anymore. They…took our baby away." Gohan's eyes widened at Videl's words.
"They what?" he said quietly, a growl rising out of his throat, "They took our baby away?" Even with his arms around Videl, his fists still clenched.
"I couldn't do anything to stop it. I didn't even know until they found the baby! They took away our baby, Gohan, they took away our son," Videl said softly.
"It was a boy?" Gohan asked, "How do you know that?" Videl let a small smile cross her face.
"I could feel it. When I learned I was pregnant, I reached out to the baby. Gohan, I could just tell. When they took it from me, I felt like they were tearing me apart. It hurt so much. I tried to protect it, but I couldn't," Videl said, letting a few tears run down her cheeks.
"Hey," Gohan said, letting his anger go into the background for a little while, "It's ok. There was nothing you could have done to prevent them from taking it anyway. We'll get them for that, Videl. I'll make them pay for taking our son." Videl hugged Gohan tighter as his words helped soothe her. She knew that he would live up to his word somehow.
"I love you, Gohan." Gohan smiled; he had been waiting for what seemed like forever to hear that.
"I love you too, Videl."
***
It was about an hour later when Jasmore entered the room, relieved that both Gohan and Videl were dressed.
"Gohan, it's time to go," Jasmore said, walking out of the door to let Gohan say his goodbyes.
"Don't forget that I love you," Gohan said after Jasmore left the room, "And I'll do everything in my power to find a way to get out of here. I'm not going to let you die, Videl." Videl smiled up at Gohan.
"I know you won't. I have faith in you," Videl said, standing up on her toes to give Gohan one last, passionate kiss. He kissed her back with equal passion, tears springing to their eyes as they realized this might be that last time they ever see each other (AN: yeah right…). They pulled apart reluctantly, knowing that Gohan had to leave.
"I have to go," Gohan said, "I love you." Videl smiled a bittersweet smile.
"I love you too. Now, go before you get caught." Gohan nodded and walked out of the room. With one last glance at Videl, he mouthed, "I love you" before the door shut, separating the two lovers once more. After the doors shut, Jasmore led Gohan out of the dungeon and back up to his room only minutes before the barrier spell reactivated itself.
As they made their way back up, Gohan was filled with a pained loneliness, knowing that if he couldn't find a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off of his neck, that he might never see Videl again. At the thought, Gohan's face took on a determined look.
I will figure out how to get this stupid ring off of my neck. When I do, Queen Milena will pay for all that she has done. I swear I will. I have no other choice.
-------------------
So, whatddya think? I don't think this part is all that bad. I mean, it does get a little sappy, but I kinda like it. I mean, Gohan and Videl haven't seen each other for about a month now! Of course it would be cute and sappy! So, anyway, for the next part, the story line really picks up. Gohan will discover something amazing and quite important in the next chapter. Don't miss it!
Also...um, fair warning, this chapter is slightly citrusy. Not too much compared to certain parts that I wrote in "Love's Trials", but there is mention of sex. Just thought I'd warn you.
Disclaimer: I have no hopes of EVER owning DBZ...unless my upcoming birthday wish comes true. So, until my wish comes true, Toriyama Akira-san and affiliates own DBZ. I'm just a hopeless fan.
------------Judgment of the Heavens-------------
It was late at night when Jasmore finally decided to go down to where Videl was being kept. With only a lantern in hand, he made his way from the apprentice's quarters to the dungeon, navigating perfectly through the castle with the experience of a castle guard. The trip down there was not a short one, giving some time to think of a way to convince the guards to take a couple of hours off so Gohan could sneak down in there. With his empty hand, Jasmore felt the two large pouches tied to his belt, each bag containing 1000 gold pieces, more than twice a guard's annual salary.
I hope it doesn't come down to bribing them. This is an awful lot of money. But, if I have to spend it, it's worth it, Jasmore thought as he descended a dank spiral staircase that led to the basement of the castle, one hand braced against the wall to keep himself from slipping down the stairs. With much precaution, Jasmore finally made his way down the stairs, happy to be on level ground once more. There was little light in the basement and the lantern that he held in his hand provided only enough for him to see several feet in front of him.
He sighed with audible relief as he spotted the torches that framed the door to the dungeon. Underneath the torches and slightly over to each side were two, burly guards, the only two guards that watched over the dungeon at any given time.
The castle dungeon wasn't widely used for measly thieves and pickpockets for there were village and town jails that served as a much better holding place for criminals like those. The only prisoners held in the Royal Prison were prisoners whose lives were forfeit and criminals who had committed crimes of the utmost offence against the throne and high officials living in and outside of the castle.
The strongest fortifications were used on each cell, limiting the chance that those held in them had to escape. If they happened to get outside their cells, then they had to deal with the large guards outside the door.
Of the few attempted breakouts ever to have occurred, none of the escapees had ever gotten passed the guards. The combination of the cell makeup and the two guards watching over the entrance to the dungeon had proved enough for thousands of years. Jasmore considered himself lucky that he only had two guards to convince and not more.
As he approached the dungeon door, the guards rose to attention, prepared to do their duty and intercept intruders. As Jasmore came into view, they seemed to relax a bit as they saw the apprentice robes that Jasmore was wearing. They immediately lowered their weapons and bowed to him.
"You're holiness," the one on the left spoke, "We didn't know it was you! What brings you all the way down here?" Jasmore smiled at the respect he was given. Although he wasn't a High Priest, his position still earned him the honor of how he was addressed.
"You are the guards on shift during the evenings, yes?" Jasmore asked.
"Yes, we are," the other guard said, "Why do you ask?"
"I need you two to abandon your post for a couple of hours tomorrow evening. Do not worry, I will guard it in your place for the time being. You just need to leave here for a couple of hours." The looks on the guards' faces turned apprehensive as they looked at each other.
"We don't think we can do that," the first one said, "If anyone finds out that we've abandoned our posts, it'll be our heads." Jasmore smiled and pulled out a small gold coin from one of the pouches at his waist.
"How would your answer change if I told you how much this meant to me?" Jasmore asked, placing the coin in the hand of the first guard. The other guard looked over at the first one's hand, both of them inspecting the coinage in front of them.
"Is this royal gold?" the second one asked incredulously. Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, that is. There's a thousand of those coins for each of you if you'll grant my request and abandon your post for a couple of hours." The guards' mouths opened with shock. 1000 pieces of Royal Gold was more than a guard of their ranking made in 2 years. After giving the guards enough time to let their minds wrap around the amount of money they were being offered, Jasmore spoke.
"Will you do as I ask?" Jasmore asked. The guards looked at each other before looking at Jasmore.
"Yes, we will," the first one said. Jasmore smiled.
"Excellent. You don't know what this means to me, gentlemen." The second guard looked at Jasmore wonderingly.
"Excuse me, your holiness, if you don't mind me asking…" he trailed off.
"Yes?" Jasmore prompted.
"Why do you want us to leave for a couple of hours tomorrow night?" the guard finished.
"I'm arranging a meeting with one of the prisoners down here," Jasmore said, "It's very important." The first guard, the one of the left, looked perplexed.
"But, your holiness, the only prisoner down here is the Queen's sacrifice. Why would anyone want to see her?"
"Unfortunately," Jasmore said, "That question is not for me to answer. Let me just say that it's someone of great importance who has a few things to speak with the sacrifice about." The guards, though disappointed with the answer, accepted it grudgingly.
"What do you want us to do tomorrow evening?" one of the guards spoke.
"I will come down here with the one who wishes to speak with the sacrifice. When I arrive, you will let us into her cell. I will come out after he is in her cell and you will vacate your post for a couple of hours. When you return, I will get him out of her cell and we will leave. Before we arrive, you will give her a bath; I refuse to let my friend see her a mess," Jasmore explained, "Now, if both of you will excuse me, I have pressing matters I need to attend to."
Jasmore bowed his head slightly as the guards bowed deeply to him, marking the difference in their stations. With that, Jasmore left, leaving the two guards alone to guard the Royal Prison.
***
Inside her cell, Videl heard the whole exchange. Bringing a slightly emaciated arm up to brush her hair away from her face, wondering what was happening.
I wonder who wants to see me and why? I mean, there isn't anybody who would want to see me, is there? I hope it isn't anyone bad. I don't have anything to fight back with, Videl thought, looking down at her body. Sitting on her meager pallet, she was leaning against the wall. Her body had grown thinner, having lived off of little with nutritional value. Three times a day she was fed, normally some type of gruel, a small loaf of bread, and a cup of water. Portions weren't very large and, as a result, Videl lost several pounds.
She also hadn't bathed since she arrived, so her hair was in stringy, greasy clumps, the overall effect of her conditions leaving her looking haggard. She noticed that her conditions were enough to keep her alive, though not in the best of shape. She figured that Queen Milena didn't care what state she was in, as long as she was alive.
Well, at least I get a bath tomorrow, Videl thought with a sigh, for the first time in weeks not able to wait until the next day. The only other thing she looked for was finally someone to talk to. She hadn't had any contact with anything living other than the guards for a long time.
She had stopped hearing Gohan's thoughts a while ago too, blocking them out of her head after deciding that it was too painful for her to hear them. Hearing him, but not being able to be heard by him only bitterly reminded her of her situation, so she put a lot of her concentration into blocking out his thoughts.
Without much to do, Videl just sat around her cell and thought about her life on Earth, letting her memories float through her head. She realized that there were many things that she had taken for granted on Earth. Her fist clenching at her side, Videl's face took on a determined look.
I swear, if I ever get back to Earth, I will appreciate my life and live it to the fullest, Videl thought, a bit of her old spark back. Then, a saddened look spread over her face.
"If I ever get out, that is…" Videl said, her voice cracking slightly from weeks of disuse. Sighing, Videl laid down, trying her best to get her body comfortable on the pallet that served as her bed. With thoughts of the next day wandering through her mind, Videl slowly drifted off to sleep.
***
Gohan couldn't stop his heart from pounding in his chest. He swore that it pounded so loud, it could be heard across the entire library from where he sat. With every minute that passed, Gohan felt that his heart was going to burst.
Where is Jasmore? Gohan wondered, keeping an eye out for the young (for Cresilian standards) apprentice who he had befriended. Jasmore was supposed to accompany him to where Videl would be if he and Ranthyl managed to temporarily negate the boundary spell that kept him from wandering about the castle.
A small smile worked its way to Gohan's face as his thoughts moved over to the prospect of seeing Videl. He had been without her for what felt like forever and he couldn't wait to see her.
That is if Jasmore and Ranthyl manage to reverse the spell for a little while. Oh, I hope they can do it, Gohan thought hopefully, praying and wishing with all of his heart that they could find a way. Apparently, whatever Kami was watching over Gohan that moment decided to answer his prayers, for a few moments later, Jasmore came into view, walking towards Gohan with a small, satisfied smile on his face.
"Well," Jasmore said as he approached Gohan, "Are you ready to go see your mate?" Gohan vigorously nodded and stood up, walking over to Jasmore.
"Yes, I am. I don't know how to thank you enough, Jasmore," Gohan said. Jasmore shook his head.
"Do not worry about it, Gohan. It was nothing, really. The spell turned out to be quite simple. But, we have to make sure to get you back here in two hours. Otherwise Saloman will find out about it. He will be able to feel that you've crossed the boundary and I do not want to get him mad at any costs," Jasmore said, "Now, come on. We need to get going." Gohan nodded and the two young men set off in the direction of the Royal Prison.
To Gohan's impatient mind, it seemed to take forever to get down to the Royal Prison when, in reality, it only took about 10 minutes. As Gohan and Jasmore walked down a long, dark hallway, Gohan could feel that their journey was coming to an end. A couple moments later, Gohan spotted a brightly lit area. As they moved closer, Gohan could make out a door surrounded by two large guards. As they approached, the guards seemed to recognize Jasmore and bowed.
"Good evening, your holiness," one of them said, "I take it this is the visitor this evening?" Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, he is. Did you follow my instructions about her cleanliness?" Jasmore asked. The guards nodded.
"Yes, we did. She put up no fight to the basin we put in her cell earlier today. We made sure she was clean, your holiness," the other guard said.
"Good," Jasmore said, untying the two large pouches tied to his belt, handing one to each of the guards, "Here is your payment. Return here in two hours. Don't let anyone see you." One of the guards smiled.
"Don't worry," he said, "We'll be waiting right down the hall over there in the emergency barracks that we use to rest in. We'll let you two in and then let you out, your holiness. When we come back, we'll let him out and resume our post." Jasmore smiled.
"Very good," Jasmore said, "Now, let us in."
"Yes, your holiness," the guards both said at the same time, one of them pulling the keys off of his belt to unlock the main door into the Royal Prison. Gohan wiped his sweaty palms off on his pants, his hands turning clammy from anticipation, as he followed Jasmore and the guards into the Royal Prison. They moved over to the first cell on the right, the same guard who opened the door moving to open the cell door. While the guard opened the door, Jasmore produced a large candle and, using his magic, lit it, handing it to Gohan.
"Here," Jasmore said after handing the candle to Gohan, "Light source for inside the cell." Gohan nodded and looked forward to where the guard had finished opening the door.
"We will leave now," Jasmore said, walking with the other two guards to the main door, "We'll be back in two hours to bring you out. Be ready." With that, Jasmore and the guard walked out of the prison, closing the main door behind them. Gohan watched the door close and, once it was closed, moved towards the open door and into the room where his mate, the love of his life, was being held.
"Videl?" he called out as he entered the room, setting the candle down on the ground, lighting up the whole room. He heard a gasp, presumably from Videl.
"Gohan?" he heard, his name a light whisper from Videl's mouth. Gohan looked in the direction of one of the corners, his eyes falling on Videl. Although he could tell that she had lost some weight, she never looked more beautiful to him. Tears sprang to Gohan's eyes at the sight of her as he moved towards her.
"Am I imagining things?" Videl asked, her voice husky and slightly raspy, not believing what she was seeing.
"No, you're not," Gohan said. With those words, Videl launched herself in Gohan's direction, letting out a loud sob as she threw herself at Gohan. Gohan welcomed her into his arms, tears running down his cheeks as he held Videl close to him. It had felt like forever since he had last held her in his arms and he never wanted to let go.
"I missed you so much," Videl whispered, her hands clinging to his shirt.
"As did I," Gohan said, pulling away to look down at Videl. "You are so beautiful," he whispered before lowering his lips to hers in a sweet kiss. Both lovers felt their hearts soar at the feel of the other's lips. It had been too long since they had felt the other's lips. The simple act of touching one's lips to the other seemed to break a dam of some sorts and a sudden rush of passion came to the two of them, their passion increasing at a frantic pace.
Their kisses deepened, each containing more passion than the last. With a sudden move, Videl pulled away from Gohan, taking his hand and pulling him to her pallet. Gohan caught the look in her eyes, the hungry, needy look, and was sure that he reflected the same look back. She lowered herself down onto the pallet, pulling him down with her. Gohan followed willingly, settling himself down on top of her.
Once they were settled, their lips met once again, this time at a slower pace. There was an unspoken agreement to take it slow, to savor the moment, knowing it would the only time they would be together for a while. Slowly, they began to remove each other's clothing, each of them reveling in the feel of the other's skin.
As she removed Gohan's tunic, Videl noticed that the clothing seemed very nice. Apparently, Gohan had been treated well. But, all thoughts of the conditions that Gohan currently existed in disappeared from her head as Gohan's fingers brushed over a nipple, causing her to moan in delight.
As Gohan used his mouth and fingers to please Videl, Videl took the opportunity to run her fingers over his skin, feeling his muscles tighten as she touched them. She trailed her fingers up his neck, suddenly feeling the Ring of Hanoi that he wore, not knowing what it was. Absently, she made a note to ask him later. As she wound her fingers in his hair, she let all thought disappear from her mind, allowing herself to concentrate on the pleasure she was receiving.
Foreplay eventually progressed into sex, as it usually does. Their lovemaking was unusually sweet, as would be fitting for lovers who knew they weren't going to see each other for a while. Every breath, every touch, every kiss was euphoric, causing them to sigh and moan at each pleasant touch.
After a while, their lovemaking ended, Gohan and Videl both resting on the pallet, each of them pleased immensely. Videl rested snuggly in Gohan's arms, caressing the skin on his chest. She looked up and saw the Ring of Hanoi around his neck and remembered that she was going to ask him about it.
"Gohan," she said, fingering the collar, "What's this?" Gohan felt her fingering the Ring of Hanoi.
"It's called the Ring of Hanoi. It locks off all of my powers and my strength. It also prevents me from speaking to you telepathically." Videl nodded at the knowledge, but had a point to dispute with Gohan.
"No it doesn't," Videl said firmly.
"It doesn't what?" Gohan asked, confused as to what Videl was referring to.
"I can hear you when you talk to me telepathically, but I guess you can't hear me, can you? When you called out a while ago, I answered, but you didn't seem to hear me. There was something I wanted to tell you," Videl said, her face falling as she remembered what she wanted Gohan to know.
"Oh," Gohan said, knowing how much that must have hurt Videl, "I didn't know that. So you can hear me! I figured that since I couldn't hear you, you couldn't hear me. What is it that you wanted to tell me?" Tears sprung to Videl's eyes as she remembered what happened to her when she first got there.
"Well, after we first got here, you and I were separated. I was taken down here and a group of, what I think were, physicians inspected me, making sure I fit the qualifications of the Sacrifice. Well, when they found something interesting about me," Videl said, taking a pause as she gathered the words, "I was pregnant." Gohan's mouth dropped open.
"You? Pregnant? Videl, that's great!" Gohan exclaimed, not hearing the "was" in Videl's words.
"No, Gohan. I'm not pregnant anymore. They…took our baby away." Gohan's eyes widened at Videl's words.
"They what?" he said quietly, a growl rising out of his throat, "They took our baby away?" Even with his arms around Videl, his fists still clenched.
"I couldn't do anything to stop it. I didn't even know until they found the baby! They took away our baby, Gohan, they took away our son," Videl said softly.
"It was a boy?" Gohan asked, "How do you know that?" Videl let a small smile cross her face.
"I could feel it. When I learned I was pregnant, I reached out to the baby. Gohan, I could just tell. When they took it from me, I felt like they were tearing me apart. It hurt so much. I tried to protect it, but I couldn't," Videl said, letting a few tears run down her cheeks.
"Hey," Gohan said, letting his anger go into the background for a little while, "It's ok. There was nothing you could have done to prevent them from taking it anyway. We'll get them for that, Videl. I'll make them pay for taking our son." Videl hugged Gohan tighter as his words helped soothe her. She knew that he would live up to his word somehow.
"I love you, Gohan." Gohan smiled; he had been waiting for what seemed like forever to hear that.
"I love you too, Videl."
***
It was about an hour later when Jasmore entered the room, relieved that both Gohan and Videl were dressed.
"Gohan, it's time to go," Jasmore said, walking out of the door to let Gohan say his goodbyes.
"Don't forget that I love you," Gohan said after Jasmore left the room, "And I'll do everything in my power to find a way to get out of here. I'm not going to let you die, Videl." Videl smiled up at Gohan.
"I know you won't. I have faith in you," Videl said, standing up on her toes to give Gohan one last, passionate kiss. He kissed her back with equal passion, tears springing to their eyes as they realized this might be that last time they ever see each other (AN: yeah right…). They pulled apart reluctantly, knowing that Gohan had to leave.
"I have to go," Gohan said, "I love you." Videl smiled a bittersweet smile.
"I love you too. Now, go before you get caught." Gohan nodded and walked out of the room. With one last glance at Videl, he mouthed, "I love you" before the door shut, separating the two lovers once more. After the doors shut, Jasmore led Gohan out of the dungeon and back up to his room only minutes before the barrier spell reactivated itself.
As they made their way back up, Gohan was filled with a pained loneliness, knowing that if he couldn't find a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off of his neck, that he might never see Videl again. At the thought, Gohan's face took on a determined look.
I will figure out how to get this stupid ring off of my neck. When I do, Queen Milena will pay for all that she has done. I swear I will. I have no other choice.
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So, whatddya think? I don't think this part is all that bad. I mean, it does get a little sappy, but I kinda like it. I mean, Gohan and Videl haven't seen each other for about a month now! Of course it would be cute and sappy! So, anyway, for the next part, the story line really picks up. Gohan will discover something amazing and quite important in the next chapter. Don't miss it!