Author's Note: SORRY, SO SORRY for taking so long. I had a major writer's block, and the only thing that helped was writing something else. Don't worry, the other thing is on hold- this is my main concern now. Another thing that helped me kick the block was drawing. Now, I really thought I had no talent in that area, but this wonderful site, www.howtodrawmanga.com, helped me out ton. Learn how to draw basic anime type people and there are even Goku, Vegeta and Trunks tutorials up there. Check it out if you're ever bored.

I don't own DBZ. Sorry to disappoint anyone. (Man . . . I need new episodes . . . I'm dying . . .)

Oh, yeah, I didn't read any of my reviews for the last chapter. I started to . . . but then noticed the flame I got and couldn't go any further. Please ask any questions you had again. Thanks.

II. Dark Passions

*~* Chapter Twenty Eight *~*

Shin's Plan

Videl instinctively struggled against the person's strong grasp, kicking her legs back frantically and clawing at her captor's hands. The person dragged her further back into the alley and hissed in her ear, "Stop fighting me! I'm not going to hurt you! Be quiet if you don't want to be caught!" rasped a deep masculine voice.

Videl stilled, breathing hard as the person who'd been following walked past the alley without a second glance. She recognized the person as one of the two guys from the Tenkaichi Budokai. Why was he following me? What did he want?

Her captor slowly let go of her. Videl stumbled away and whirled around to come face to . . . face with the hooded man. "YOU!! What in the world is going on?! And why are you hiding in an alley like some sort of freak?!"

"Saving your behind," he replied teasingly.

Videl glared at him. "LOOK, I don't know who you are, and I really don't care, but-"

Damn, she has a mouth! "Come on, let's get you back to Gohan." The man took her arm and quickly led her out of the alley, walking in the opposite direction from which she'd ran.

"Wait . . . why are we going this way? The others are back THERE!" Videl sighed heavily as he continued to pull her along. "Hey, are you listening?!"

"Do you want to run into that guy?"

" . . ."

"That's what I thought. Stop yelling, or we'll get caught."

"Sorry . . ."

The continued to walk until they hit a dead end. "Brilliant, just brilliant," Videl muttered. "What now, genius?"

"We go up and over." The man in the robes grasped Videl by the waist and flew over the wall, setting her safely on the grass. They were in the area where Gohan and the others were sitting, enjoying their snack.

"VIDEL!!" shouted Gohan, jumping up off of the grass and running up to her. "We were just about to go looking for you and . . ." He just then noticed one of Shin's friends standing there. He yanked Videl over to his side and glared at the man in the robes. "What were you doing with him?! Videl, you shouldn't have ran off like that!! I-"

"Yes, MOM, I know! Jeez, Gohan, this guy helped me out," Videl said. "I was being followed and he hid me."

Gohan frowned. "What? Who ARE you?!"

"That, I wouldn't worry about. You'd better keep an eye on your girlfriend, Gohan. It's not safe here." With that, the man flew off.

"Oh, no you don't!" Gohan took off after him. Videl, tired of being left behind, followed suit. They sped off after the man, trying to catch up with him. They sped over the tournament area and into the wilderness of the island.

Gohan suddenly dove down, skimmed the ground, then sharply angled his body up, shooting himself directly at the stranger, then formed a ki blast and fired it up at the stranger. He was caught off guard and the blast hit him. He went spiraling out of control and crashed to the ground, taking out a few trees in the process.

Videl grinned as they landed on the grass just a few feet away from the hooded man. "Alright, Gohan! Way to go!"

Shortly after, the others arrived and circled around the man, who was plastered to the ground, his face buried in the brown earth. He pushed himself up and wiped his face with the arm of his robe, grumbling, "Damn . . . forgot how strong he was . . ."

Forgot how strong he was? As in Gohan? He must know Gohan, then! Videl looked confused upon hearing his comment, then leapt forward and yanked back his hood. "Kami . . ." Woah! THREE eyes?!

"TIEN?!" almost everyone exclaimed in surprise.

Gohan's mouth fell open as Tien stared back sheepishly at him. "What the . . . what are YOU . . . how . . . what the hell is going on?!"

Looks like I've been found out . . . "Er . . . nice to see you again, too, Gohan. How long has it been? Seven years or so . . .?"

"I KNOW how long it's been! You were working for the other guy the whole time and you didn't tell us? I'm hurt," Gohan kidded.

Tien smiled slightly. "Well, Shin is into a lot of secrecy crap, so I had to promise not to tell you guys. He made me put on this stupid robe the minute I recognized Krillin walking with Juuhachi."

Videl elbowed Gohan in the ribs sharply. He winced. "What?"

"What in the WORLD is going on?!" Videl wanted to know.

Gohan remembered that she hadn't been there for his theory speech. He quickly filled her in, and had to explain what a 'Kai' was. Then he introduced her to Tien.

"Ah, Videl, this is Tien. Tien, this is Videl."

Videl shook Tien's hand. "Thanks for your help back there. But I could've gotten myself out, you know. I didn't need you to step in."

Vegeta snickered and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right," he grumbled sarcastically under his breath.

"Shut up, Vegetable," sneered Videl.

Tien chuckled as Vegeta turned red and growled. It took guts to talk back to a hot head like the Saiyan Prince, and it looked as if Videl wasn't the least bit afraid to push back when she was pushed. "I like her, Gohan. You keep this one, okay?"

Gohan flushed. " . . .okay."

"Well, Tien," Piccolo began, "it seems that you have a lot of explaining to do. Gohan and I have already figured out most of it, but there are still some things that need to be cleared up."

"I believe I can help with that."

They all turned around to see Shin, Kibito and Pikkon landing on the grass behind them. Shin stepped forward and eyed Gohan carefully. "I'll assume that you already know who I am and I suppose you'd like to know why I had Tien keep his identity a secret."

Gohan nodded.

Shin glanced over at Goku, who looked anxious to reacquaint himself with his old buddy, and said, "Just incase the enemy found out who I was, I didn't want them to know that they were severely outnumbered with me, Kibito, Pikkon and Tien, PLUS all of you. I'm sure they would've fled."

"Seems reasonable enough," Mirai Trunks said, receiving a glare from his father.

"I demand the know what exactly is going on here!" Vegeta shouted. "I'm not taking that half-ass explanation!"

Piccolo sent him a scathing glare for disrespecting the Supreme Kai. "Watch your mouth, Vegeta."

"Go to hell, Namek."

Shin looked slightly amused. The he turned to Goku and said, "I'm sure you all would be interested to know that the two Saiyans at the tournament aren't who you think they are. One is the very man we've been looking for- Prince Rattai."

Everyone looked startled, and Gohan said hesitantly, "You mean, THE prince guy? HERE?"

Shin nodded. "Somehow, he found out that Videl would be at the tournament and came, looking for a chance to take her. I, on the other hand, came to look for strong allies, not expecting him to appear at a human martial arts tournament. But I must say, this has made things a little more convenient, and I'm sure with all of your help, we can successfully defeat the enemy."

"Convenient?" Videl asked suspiciously. "How so?"

Shin did not reply, but glanced over his shoulder at Kibito. He then turned his back to the group and stated, "It is time to return to the tournament area. We cannot have the Saiyans getting suspicious, so we should return in small, separate groups."

Videl frowned. She didn't like the way Shin had ignored her, but there was nothing that she could do about it. She was about to go to Gohan's side so that she could fly back with him when Shin spoke up.

"Videl, if you would fly with me, please?" said the little purple man.

Gohan looked worried. "Why do you want her to fly with you?"

"Just something I'd like to discuss in private, that's all. Do not worry- I will return her safely to the hotel."

Gohan was about to protest when Videl went over to the Supreme Kai's side and gave her boyfriend a supportive and reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it Gohan. I'll go back with him. Besides, I'm sure you'd like to catch up with your friend."

He had no choice but to let her go with the Kai. As they flew off, he watched carefully. What is he planning?

The group stood around, glancing at each other until Juuhachi grabbed her husband's arm and took to the sky, going in a different direction that Shin and Videl. The others paired up and followed suit.

Gohan joined his father. Goku could read the distress written all over Gohan's face as they flew. He was obviously concerned about what Shin wanted with Videl. "Gohan, I'm sure the Supreme Kai wouldn't do anything to endanger Videl," the older man said in an attempt to calm his son down. "She'll be fine."

" . . . but what does he have to say to her that he couldn't say in front of everyone else? That just doesn't seem right, Dad."

*~*

Videl grew a bit nervous as she flew along side of the Supreme Kai in total silence. She was waiting for him to speak, and so far, he hadn't uttered a single word. Well, HE'S the one who wanted to talk to me! Why doesn't he say something?!

"I was just thinking of a way to tell you my idea without getting an overwhelming response," Shin said, grinning a bit.

Videl nearly fell out of the air. "W-what? You can read minds?!"

"Yes, but only when I choose. I didn't mean to pry."

" . . . er, it's okay! What did you want to talk to me about?"

The Kai waited a while, then said, "Kibito, Tien, Pikkon and I have worked very hard, uncovering all information we could about the enemy. There is much we know, but there are things that still remain a mystery . . ." He paused. " . . . like the location of the Saiyan's ship."

Videl looked confused. "Okay . . . what can I do about that?"

"That's where my idea comes into play. You see, I could not speak of it in front of your friends, especially young Gohan, because I knew that he would not allow you to take part in my plan."

Hmm . . . this doesn't sound good . . .

"It may be dangerous, but we're desperate now. Rattai is too close, and having him here among us is already perilous to the Cause. Will you at least hear out my idea?"

"I guess . . ." I wonder just HOW dangerous this will be?

"Good. On the last night of the tournament, after the finals, I want you to let yourself by Rattai and his companion."

"WHAT?! YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!!"

Shin winced. "I knew I'd get this reaction . . ."

"You weren't kidding when you said dangerous! Kami . . . you just want me to go with them? Why?"

"He and his friend will fly off, leaving us to follow. That way, we'll determine the exact location of the space ship. We'll be able to launch an attack."

"What about ME?" Videl moaned. "If I say yes, and agree to this whole thing, what will happen to me?"

"I will make sure that you are rescued and put in a safe place. Look at it this way- we'll be following you closely, so the prince would not have time to do anything with you."

Videl nibbled on her bottom lip. They were nearing the tournament area, and she was anxious to get back to Gohan. Shin was right . . . Gohan wouldn't let me do anything like that! "I don't know . . ."

"You do not have to make your decision now. You may think on it, but I will need to know your answer before the day of the finals."

That didn't leave Videl much time to think. She would have to think long and hard on the issue, and contemplate every possible consequence. "I'll let you know."

They landed just outside of the high walls separating the tournament area from the wilderness of the island. Shin led her around the wall to an entrance guarded by a monk. Once there, he turned to Videl.

"I will go in first. Come in a few minutes after me and proceed directly to the hotel. I will be watching you." Shin turned and left, stepping past the monk.

Videl sighed and stared down at the ground. Shin's plan was crazy, risky, and was bound to send Gohan flying off the edge. But without knowing where the Saiyans were located, how would they ever be able to fight them? They would have to wait for the enemy to come to them, which wasn't always the best way to go. It WOULD be handy knowing where they were . . .

But what if something goes wrong?

Wait a minute, he's the Supreme Kai! Isn't he supposed to be 'all-powerful' or something?

Still . . . something could happen that he hadn't foreseen.

But you'll finally be doing something useful for a change. This information could really help our guys win this thing!

Videl sighed in frustration. She entered the Tenkaichi area and proceeded directly to the hotel, occasionally glancing around for Shin, who'd said he'd be 'watching her'. She almost snorted as she didn't see any sign of him, then thought that he was probably using some of his Supreme Kai special powers or whatever.

When she got to the hotel and went up to her room, she hadn't expected to find Erasa and Sharpner lounging in the fancy room, pigging out on food (from room service, as neither of them would know how to boil water in the room's kitchenette) and watching tv. They looked up when she entered.

"Guys . . . what a surprise! How did you get in here?"

Sharpner shrugged his shoulders and sat up off of the couch they'd pulled in front of the tv. "We just told some guy we were your friends and he let us right up."

Videl winced. Practically anyone could waltz right into her room without her knowing. Ouch. Lax security. Gotta do something about that. "Oh. Um . . ."

Erasa went up to her friend and pulled her into a big hug. "Congratulations! You snagged the hottest guy around, you lucky girl!"

Videl flushed and Sharpner snickered. "I don't see what's so good about that nerd. He obviously cheated with those light thingies and stuff. I bet, since he knows Bulma Briefs, he had her build some crap for him to make him fly and shoot stuff out of his hands and change his hair color. It only makes sense."

It was Videl's turn to snicker. "That's where you're wrong. All of it was real. In fact, I can do it too. Well, not that hair thing, but the rest."

The blond girl's eyes widened. "REALLY?! Show me, show me, show me!!"

Videl sighed and levitated up in the air, touching the high ceiling of the room. "There. Happy?" she muttered once her feet were on the ground.

Sharpner looked as if he was going to pass out at any second. "B-b-but that stuff isn't real!! Your Dad said so!"

"Yeah, well, my Dad says a lot of stuff . . ."

Suddenly the door flew open and Gohan rushed in, looking frantic. Once he spotted Videl, he ran over to her and grabbed her up. "You're okay! I thought he was going to do something to you . . ."

"I'm FINE Gohan! You're killing me- let go!"

He looked sheepish. "Um, sorry." Gohan released her. "What did he want with you? I-"

"AHEM." Videl cleared her throat, shooting a glance at Sharp and Erasa, who were looking on with interest. "Later, okay?"

"Er . . . right. Didn't see you two there."

Erasa, as bubbly as ever, said, "Your match was SO COOL, Gohan! All those lights and stuff! Amazing!"

"Uh, thanks. I guess . . ."

Sharpner still looked as if he didn't believe any of it and didn't comment. Erasa winked at Gohan and Videl, then pulled Sharp roughly off of the bed. "We'll . . . leave you two alone! Bye!" She forced the blond boy out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Videl sighed and flopped down on her bed. "What a tiring day . . ."

"You're telling me! I'm exhausted!" Gohan sat next to her on the bed and began to wind a strand of her dark hair around his finger. "So, what did Shin want with you?"

"Not much. Just told me to keep safe, not to go off alone again, blah, blah, blah . . . You get the idea."

Gohan looked thoughtful. "That's all?"

"Yep."

Gohan knew that Videl's story was a little questionable. Why couldn't Shin just tell her that in front of everyone? What was his reason for pulling her aside? "You're SURE? Absolutely sure?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure!"

"Sorry. Just checking . . ."

Videl giggled a bit and kissed Gohan on his lips. "Calm down. Everything's under control!" Or so I hope.

Gohan smiled a tiny bit, then pulled Videl into his arms, kissing her thoroughly. She sank into him, throwing her arms around his neck while kissing him back. They fell back against the bed and continued to make out.

The door flew open and Bulma, chichi and Goku entered the room. They gapped at the two teens on the bed, who seemed totally oblivious to their entrance, for they were still kissing each other like there was no tomorrow.

Goku ruined the moment by saying loudly, "Don't you two need to come up for air?!"

Gohan let go of Videl in surprise and rolled off of the bed, straightening his clothes. "Er, didn't hear you come in! Sorry . . ."

Chichi grinned in excitement. At this rate, she'd have grandchildren in no time! "It's okay! You two are SOOO cute!!"

Goku glanced at his wife. "Yes, well, that's not why we're here. What did Shin say to you, Videl?" He turned his gaze to the girl sitting on the bed.

She fidgeted underneath his scrutiny. Videl didn't want to lie to Goku- he was such a nice guy- but she had promised the Supreme Kai to keep everything to herself. And now, as she sat there nervously, she could tell that Goku was getting a little suspicious under the long period of hesitation. "Um . . . he just wanted to tell me to keep safe! That's all!" she managed to squeak out.

Goku eyed her strangely, then looked mildly disappointed. "That's all? He didn't say anything else?"

"I'm afraid not. Weird, huh?"

" . . . yeah. Really weird."

Videl averted her gaze, looking down at the floor, but she could tell that Gohan's father was still looking at her. Damn! He knows I'm lying! I bet he does!

Goku decided to drop the subject, but knew that Videl was hiding something. She was acting jittery, unconsciously rubbing one foot with the other. Videl probably gave Gohan the same story because he seems okay with it. I wonder what Shin really said to her . . .

Videl feigned a sigh. "I'm BEAT! Do you think . . . I could take a nap? It's been a long day . . ."

"Of course!" Gohan said quickly. He ushered his mother, Bulma and Goku out of the room, saying, "If you need me, I'll be right next door!" He locked and closed the door behind him softly.

Videl sighed and fell back against the bed, pulling the blankets up to her chin. What was she going to do? She couldn't keep lying to Goku and Gohan the way she did- the older Son was already onto her. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

I don't know what to do . . .

*~*

Goku gathered the Z-Fighters, now with Tien and minus Videl, into the room that he and Chichi shared. No one knew quite what he wanted, but when they all got here, they were certain that it was serious. Goku wore a serious look and was pacing a bit around the room.

Vegeta, who'd been the middle of a rather large snack when his woman had pulled him away from the food, glared at Goku. "All right, Kakkarot! What is this about?!"

"Videl," was all he said.

Gohan looked surprised. "Videl? What about her?"

"It's obvious that she was lying to us, Gohan, about what Shin spoke to her about," Goku said. "I want to know what he really wanted, and why she felt the need to lie the way she did."

"Now, wait a minute, Dad! What makes you think Videl's lying?" Gohan demanded, sticking up for his girlfriend.

"Come on, Gohan! Her story was a little weak, that Shin just told her to keep safe. You and I both know he could've told her that in front of us." Goku turned to Tien. "Did he mention anything to you that had to do with Videl?"

Tien shook his head. "Not a thing."

Bulma spoke up. "Chichi and I could talk to Videl, try to pry some info out of her or something, if you think it's that serious. But honestly, Goku, I don't really see why you're so worried."

Gohan frowned. "Well, you never know what he could've asked of her. He might be willing to put her in danger. I think . . . I think Dad may be right. Something might be up."

Author's Note: Okay, it's short. Sorry. Now was this better than the last one?

ADVERTISEMENT: 'Mala in Se' by Daughter of Chaos. It seems you people pass up the best fics . . . go check it out! And go read C-chan's 'Without You'. Do as I say!!

NEXT CHAPTER: After a long night of rest, the fighters gear up for the second round of the Tenkaichi. Will Videl make her decision? If she does, why will it be? Will the others figure out Shin's plan?