A/N: Okay, here comes the next chapter. After this, I can finally get to the actual story, but I felt it was important to get all of this out of the way first. I'm aiming to keep chapters coming about every week or so, perhaps quicker than that, we'll have to see. Once again, thank you so much for all the amazing reviews. You all are way too nice. That being said, please continue to review, thanks!!!

Disclaimer: I checked my bank account today and its still empty. I guess that means I still don't own DBZ

*********

Videl lay on her back, her head resting on Gohan's chest as she looked up at the stars that shone above them. The night air was warm, yet she still tried to snuggle as close to Gohan as she could. She knew he was still awake since every so often, he would run a hand through her hair and tighten his grip around her waist. Just little motions, yet they somehow just reaffirmed their closeness, their love for one another. She'd heard that people grew closer when they dealt with adversity together. Now she finally had proof of that statement. The whole saga with Buu had been an emotional roller coaster, and yet here she was, wrapped in the arms of the man of her dreams. She knew that if she and Gohan could survive what had happened and only emerged closer together, then there was nothing that could come between them.

"Gohan?"

"Yes Videl?"

"Do you ever get scared?"

Although she couldn't see his face, Gohan's brow furled in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the whole warrior thing, you know. I don't want you to think that I'm trying to dissuade you from your decision, but I'm just curious."

She heard a small laugh break the silence on the island.

"Sometimes I guess. I've never really had a chance to stop and think about it really. I've pretty much been fighting for my life constantly ever since I was four years old. Death doesn't scare me, I've been there done that." They both let out a little laugh. "Pain doesn't scare me, I've been dealing with that my whole life. I think the only thing I'm scared of is losing you."

Videl slowly turned over so she could look into Gohan's eyes.

"You won't ever lose me Gohan. I promise."

Gently, she rose and sealed the promise with a kiss.

"Are you scared Videl?" Gohan's voice was small and timid, as if he was scared of what her answer might be.

Videl's head slowly lifted off of his chest and her sapphire eyes burned deep into his own.

"No." she said accompanied with a shake of the head. "I trust you with my life Gohan and I know that if this is what you think is best, then I'm behind you 110 percent."

Gohan could actually feel the conviction behind her voice and immediately his fears subsided.

"Videl, are you going to love me forever?"

Videl looked shocked. This was not a question she had anticipated Gohan asking yet she knew the answer all the same.

"Of course Gohan. Why would you even have to ask?"

Gohan's gaze shifted from Videl's face and focused on the distant stars.

"I just had to hear it. What I'm about to suggest is very permanent. Are you ready to know everything that's ever happened to me?"

"Sure. I don't quite see how that's very permanent though."

"Well, it's a little hard to explain. Saiyans don't just marry, we take mates, and being mated is a permanent deal. Once its done there's no going back so I have to be sure that you are feeling the same way I do."

Videl nodded with no hesitation. She had no doubt that she and Gohan were destined to be together, and if that meant they were mates, then so be it.

"I have no problem with that. I just have one request. Before we do whatever is required to become mates," Videl could feel a faint blush spread across her face as she imagined the various activities that could result in her and Gohan becoming mated, "I would like to know exactly what being mated entails."

"Fair enough. To be completely honest with you, I'm not exactly sure about everything that happens. Vegeta is the only Saiyan alive with actual knowledge about our race. He did try to explain it to me a couple of years ago since my dad was dead at the time. From what I understand, when we mate, the most significant thing that happens is that the bond is completed between us."

When Gohan paused for a few seconds, Videl piped up with a question.

"What exactly do you mean by a 'bond'?"

"Again, I'm not exactly sure. All Vegeta said is that when I mated with someone, we would be able to feel what the other was feeling and a very strong telepathy would form between us."

"Oh!! So that's how I was able to sense you. The bond is already starting to form isn't it?"

"Yes it is. But whereas now we can only feel each other every so often, when we are mated, we will each have, and I quote, 'a constant presence in the other's mind' so we will always know where the other is and what they are feeling."

"Wow, that's pretty intense."

Gohan nodded in agreement.

"Vegeta mentioned one other thing that happens as a result of the bond. We will each experience the other's memories, all the way from our first memories until the present moment. Does that answer your questions?"

"Well, I have one more. What exactly has to happen in order for us to become mates?"

Gohan didn't answer her question directly and instead asked another question of his own.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes."

"Then just follow my lead."

Gohan stared deeply into her eyes, seeking reassurance. A smile spread across Videl's lips as she nodded once, giving her consent for whatever was about to happen. Instantly, their lips became locked in a heated kiss. Videl felt Gohan's strong arms wrap around her as he shifted her body until she was lying directly on top of him. Slowly, his hands began to roam around her back, eventually finding their way under her shirt. She felt as if her senses were on fire as his gentle touch swept over her skin. A contented sigh escaped from her lips as she focused on the sensations emanating from deep within her being.

This sigh was all Gohan needed to continue moving forward. His tongue darted into her mouth and found hers and together they engaged in an intricate dance. By now, Videl could hear an audible purr coming from Gohan and was intrigued to say the least. She filed that info away with a reminder to ask him about it later. For Videl, it had seemed as if all time had come to a stop and she could only focus on Gohan and herself. She vaguely registered that Gohan had stopped kissing her lips and instead had started placing small, light kisses along her face and neck. Shivers shot through her body as Gohan nibbled on her earlobe and gently sucked on the skin behind her ear. Eventually, Gohan made his way back down to the base on the left side of her neck and began to forcefully suck on the skin. Videl tilted her head to the side to allow Gohan better access and as she did, she felt his teeth bite into her skin, drawing blood which he then proceeded to lap up with his tongue.

Immediately after Gohan stopped lapping up the blood that was oozing from the fresh wound, Videl felt herself being taken over by instincts she didn't know she had as she proceeded to bite the exposed flesh on Gohan's neck and taste the blood that flowed forth. Videl managed to open her eyes for a second and saw Gohan mouth the words 'I love you.' That was the last thing she registered before her whole world went black as she lost consciousness.

**********

When Videl opened her eyes, she watched in amazement as she watched Gohan's life flash in front of her. Scenes of his early childhood flew by until he was kidnapped by a giant man with a tail, who she learned was his uncle Radditz. It was then that she first got a glimpse of Gohan's explosive power as he tried to protect his father, lying beaten and bloody on the ground. Not long after that, she watched, astounded as Gohan was left to survive by himself for 6 months in the wilderness at the tender age of four. At that age, all she had been worried about was what television show she wanted to watch next, or where she wanted to go with her parents. Never had she been worried about being eaten alive by dinosaurs.

She desperately wanted to reach out and hold the young Gohan in her arms and offer her comfort as she witnessed him running from countless dinosaurs, simply trying to ensure his own survival. She could feel his fear as if it were her own with each new attack as he quickly learned how to survive on his own. Before she knew it, the 6 months had passed and now Gohan was training with Piccolo. She could feel his strength growing and a new bond forming between the two people. Even though, Piccolo was the person who had killed his father, Gohan considered him to be a good friend.

Eventually the day came when it was time to the Saiyans who were headed to earth. Videl watched as the young Gohan had to watch his friends die one by one in the battle, too scared to move and participate himself. She felt his shame when Piccolo was disappointed in him and his joy when his father finally appeared on the scene. Videl looked on in awe as Gohan returned to the battle field and fought with Vegeta, eventually transforming into a giant ape and almost destroying the older Saiyan.

She watched as Gohan, Krillin and Bulma traveled to Namek and had to battle with Vegeta, Frieza's henchmen, the Ginyu Force, Captian Ginyu in Goku's body and finally with Frieza himself. After each battle, Videl could sense that Gohan's power increased dramatically and watched as he single handedly battled with the most powerful tyrant in the universe and almost won. She could feel Gohan's shock when his father transformed into a Super Saiyan for the first time and his power overwhelmed Gohan's senses. Finally, she sighed in relief as the battle finished and everyone was back on Earth. However, she felt Gohan's despair as the dragon said that Goku could not be wished back because he was still in space and thus he had to wait for his father to return home.

Videl followed Gohan as he reformed with the Z Fighters when Frieza approached earth and watched as a strange young boy transformed into a Super Saiyan and defeated the evil tyrant and his father. After Goku arrived back onto Earth, through Gohan, she learned that the boy was from the future and had come back to warn them about two killer androids that were scheduled to attack the Earth in 3 years time.

Videl once again felt compassion for the young boy as he began to train with his father and Piccolo in preparation for the androids. It seemed like he never got a break and instead was always having to fight for his life. Three years passed by quickly and she watched as Gohan, Goku and the rest of the Z Fighters took on the androids. She could feel Gohan's fear as he realized that his father was coming down the heart virus that the boy from the future had warned them about. With his father out of commission, Gohan watched as Vegeta ascended to a Super Saiyan and destroyed Android 19. However, Android 20 was able to escape and release two more androids. The boy from the future finally caught up with them and informed them that these new androids were the ones he'd fought in the future.

Thus, set off a chain of events, culminating in the Cell Games. Something Videl had thought she'd known all about. Watching history through Gohan's perspective had changed her whole outlook. She watched every move Gohan made in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber as he attempted to become a Super Saiyan. The intense feelings of despair that finally caused him to transform brought tears to her eyes. Yet the amazing power that she could feel flowing through Gohan's veins was incredible. From that day forth, she felt his strength continue to grow far beyond anything she could ever hope to achieve.

Eventually, their training came to a close and when they exited the Time Chamber and Gohan heard his father's prediction that Cell would beat him to the ground, Videl was as shocked as Gohan. How could Goku act so calm? Didn't he know the world would end if he lost?

Finally the day of reckoning came, the day of the Cell Games. Videl took special care to note exactly what happened. This was her one opportunity to learn the complete and total truth,

Despite, Goku's predictions, Videl could sense Gohan's complete faith in his father. When they arrived at the ring, she sensed Gohan's amusement at Hercule's actions and now armed with her new knowledge, she laughed along with them. Her father's students and his own fight were over rather quickly as Cell rapidly dispensed of them. That much she had been able to see on television. However, the next fight had not been captured on camera. At the time she'd believed her father's explanation of tricks and mirrors, but now as she watched through Gohan's eyes, she could actually see Goku and Cell as they fought.

Videl could feel Gohan's confusions at his dad's actions. He thought that his father was stronger than the energy his was putting out. Why wasn't he trying his hardest? Then came total shock and despair as Goku quit and named Gohan as his successor. If his father couldn't beat Cell, then how could he?! Eventually, after a quick pep talk from his father, Gohan became determined and powered up to fight Cell. Again, Videl was amazed at the amount of energy radiating from Gohan. He was already stronger than his father and he was only 11 years old!

However, Videl's hopes for a quick victory rapidly diminished as Cell began to beat on Gohan mercilessly, despite Gohan's best efforts to evade the incoming attacks. She watched terrified as Gohan buried under tons of rocks and began to feel his rage rising. Here the fighting stopped, and she remembered watching on TV as the two fighters stood and talked, too quietly for the microphones to hear. Gohan's stories about his hidden powers only served to interest Cell and resulted in him trying to provoke Gohan into showing his hidden powers.

Gohan watched in anguish as Android 16 was blasted to pieces as he attempted to sacrifice his life for the earth and then as the Cell Juniors battled with his friends up on the cliff. His inability to help was tearing him apart and he admonished his father for trusting him so much in such an important situation. However, the turning point of the battle came when 16's head rolled onto the battlefield and pleaded with Gohan to drop his restraints and unleash his full power. After, Cell stepped on the head, effectively killing 16, Videl could feel Gohan snap. However, unlike before, he was now able to control this newfound power, and he was determined to make Cell pay for what he'd done.

The increase in Gohan's power sent Videl's senses on overload. It was apparent to her that this new level of Super Saiyan came with a power level that was radically higher than that of a regular Super Saiyan. Unfortunately, she could also feel Gohan overcome by rage, and having listened to what Gohan had previously told her about his battle with Cell, she correctly deduced that this would lead to his father's death.

Using his new strength, Gohan made quick work of the Cell Juniors and then focused his attention on Cell himself. In his ascended state, Cell proved to be no match for the improved Gohan. It became obvious to Videl that Gohan was toying with Cell, enjoying the androids pain. After Gohan destroyed half of Cell with a giant Kamehameha, he refused to listen to Goku's pleas to finish Cell off. Gohan wanted Cell to suffer.

When Gohan delivered the blow that caused Cell to regurgitate Android 18 and revert to his second form, Gohan knew that the fight was over. Cell was no match for him now. Yet he continued to toy with him. His biggest mistake.

Videl watched in a panic as Cell bloated himself up and announced he was going to destroy the whole earth by self destructing. Videl could hear Gohan yelling at himself for not having listened to his father's and Piccolo's advice to finish Cell off when he'd had the chance.

The next thing, Videl knew, Goku had appeared in front of Gohan and told him how proud of him he was and to take care of Chi-Chi. Gohan could barely comprehend what was happening as his father vanished with Cell, having used his instant transmission to take Cell off the planet.

However, Goku's noble act was for not, as Cell came back stronger than ever and killed who Videl had learned was Trunks from a future timeline with one blast. Gohan began to power up again to fight with Cell, when Vegeta beat him to it. Unfortunately, Vegeta was unable to do any real damage on Cell in his new improved state and was knocked to the ground with one blow after an impressive display of power. As Cell charged up a massive attack designed to end Vegeta's life, Gohan blasted over and shielded Vegeta with his own body.

Videl immediately felt an intense wave of pain shooting from her shoulder and was easily able to see why. Gohan's left arm hung limply at his side with blood flowing down from a massive wound on his shoulder.

'So that's where he got that scar from.' Videl had seen the massive scar on Gohan's shoulder but had never asked where it had come from.

Cell finally began to power up once more in an attempt to end the whole fight with one Kamehameha wave. Gohan, feeling that the situation looked hopeless could only stand there and watch in fear as Cell's energy kept rising. Only his father's voice from the heavens increased his resolve. Finally Gohan was ready to fight.

Despite the agonizing pain coming from his left shoulder, Gohan managed to increase his power to match Cell's as they each launched humongous Kamehameha's at each other. Videl could hear Goku coaching his son from the Otherworld as Gohan struggled to save the universe in his wounded state. Each time he was able to increase his attack, Cell came right back and overwhelmed him again. It seemed hopeless when his friends entered the fray in an attempt to help Gohan.

Eventually, Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha and Krillin were overwhelmed and sent away from the battle field in a burst of Cell's energy. However, when a ball of energy appeared from the sky, sent by an unlikely savior, Vegeta, Gohan saw his chance.

In an anguishing cry, he pushed every last ounce of his power into his attack. Stumbling forward, Gohan quickly managed to overwhelm Cell with his amazing power. Videl watched as Cell disintegrated into millions of tiny pieces, never able to regenerate again.

Exhausted and overwhelmed by pain, Videl could feel all the power leave Gohan as he dropped out of his Super Saiyan state and fell to the hard ground below, struggling to stay conscious. Finally it was all over.

Videl watched as the Z Fighters fixed the damage left in Cell's wake and set off on their own, each enjoying the new found peace. For a while Gohan remained the cheerful, young boy he had been before the whole conflict began. However, when Gohan's mom announced she was pregnant again, Videl could literally see Gohan age 15 years in an instant. She felt the weight of guilt fall on his shoulders as he realized that his young sibling would have to grow up with out their father because of his mistake. Videl wanted nothing more than to be able to give the young boy a hug of reassurance, to let him know that everything would be okay.

The seven years between Cell and Buu had passed quickly and Videl was pleasantly surprised to sense Gohan's growing feelings for her as they attended school together and as he gave her flying lessons. However, he was right, he had neglected his training and it had cost him.

Videl watched the whole ordeal with Buu as it played out exactly like Gohan had said. Once again, Gohan blamed himself for things that weren't his fault and Videl became determined to never let him do that to himself again. She watched as she found Gohan as he sat on his private island, and felt his pleasure at her desire to become mates. His last memory was looking up at her and mouthing the words 'I love you' before he too passed out.

*********

Videl awoke staring into a pair of dark obsidian eyes and could feel herself wrapped in Gohan's strong arms. Immediately, she gave him a deep passionate kiss.

"Gohan, I'm so sorry."

Gohan seemed genuinely confused as he responded.

"About what?"

"For everything you've had to go through. A person at the age of 18 should never have had to experience such tragedy in their lives."

Gohan let out a small, knowing laugh.

"Perhaps that's true, but there's nothing you or I can do about it, so don't worry about it okay?"

Videl felt a smile form across her face. "Okay. I love you Gohan. I hope you know that."

"I know. I love you too Videl. More than I ever thought possible."

They rested in silence for a while, each happy to be in the others presence. Finally Gohan spoke up.

"You know, I think we'd probably better head back. My mother's probably already ranting and raving about grandchildren."

"I guess I'd better get used to it huh?"

"Unfortunately yes. By Saiyan customs, we're technically married now. I'm sorry, its not quite as romantic I would have liked, but I still want to go through the actual ceremony with you."

"It's alright Gohan. I wouldn't have had it happen any other way. So does this mean we're engaged?"

"Only if you'll take me." Gohan said with a laugh.

"I think you already know the answer to that." Videl replied with a laugh of her own.

"Well, may I escort the future Mrs. Son Videl back to the crazy world that awaits us?"

"Of course." Videl was quickly swept off her feet and into Gohan's strong arms as he shot off back towards the rest of his family. Quite content, she snuggled into Gohan's chest and watched the ground fly by underneath them.

*** Please Be Kind And Review!! Thanks!!! ***