Field Trip To Camp Hercule
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Previous chapter...
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"It's perfect. Surprise Night, we have Surprise activities," he began, speaking lowly to himself. "Of course, I pick it. And it's a two-person individual hike. Perfect. Especially since the team's of two won't work, since there is an odd number of students. The solution to solving that problem is obvious." A white-toothed grin shining behind white foam, Rob nodded once. "Me and Videl. Alone. Her little friends will have to pair up with some other brats."
Turning, he wiped the shaving cream off his face, then glanced back at the mirror, shooting a dazzling smile at his reflection. "Perfect. Absolutely perfect."
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Too Close for Comfort
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Gohan slowly flew behind Videl, not wanting to know what she would do if he accidentally kicked dirt into her shoe. Glancing once to the girl in front of him, he frowned, scratching his head. She sure changed her mind about the whole escourtment thing darn quick. For a second, he thought he was in for it.
Maybe she just wants some company for the walk back...
Mentally shrugging, he sighed, speeding up his flight to catch up with Videl, who'd managed to get a short distance ahead of him.
I wonder what she's thinkin' right now.
Videl watched the teenage superhero flying beside her out of the corner of her eye, and flashed a self-satisfied smirk. He was so oblivious, she almost felt bad for taking advantage of it. Key word, 'almost'. She was finally going to know the truth about Son Gohan, whether he was the hero himself or was just another ditcher, who just conveniently decided to leave class right when she got called to help stop a crime. If it wasn't him, that'd be another suspect off her check-list on possible alter-egos for Saiyaman; anything that brought her closer to the truth was a good thing. A damn good thing.
Since he's here, might as well make conversation.
"So, how much training did it take for you to be able to fight like you do?" she spoke in a slightly mocking tone.
"Well, it took years of practice, and thanks to my dad, I learned the easier stuff when I was really young..." Gohan began, unaware to Videl's amused look.
Did I mention he's also gullible?
"--if I didn't have my dad around, chances are my flying skills would be pretty cruddy, and I wouldn't be able to go Supe--Uhm, 'Gold'."
"Heh, okaaay, buddy," Videl chuckled, shaking her head. She had to admit; his gullible-ness was pretty cute sometimes. Reminded her a lot of a certain spiky-haired guy she knew.
Grinning, Gohan quickly landed on the ground beside Videl, deciding to walk the rest of the way. After all, it was only a few minutes away. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he strolled casually next to her, a goofy smile on his face.
Videl arched an eyebrow, a slight smirk crossing over her features as she sighed, placing her hands behind her head as she wandered in the direction of the cabin. Man, was this guy in for it or what! Even if he wasn't Gohan, she could completely corner him and whack the truth out of him. After all, when he was in nice-mode, he was pretty easy to manipulate. Shouldn't be too much harder to get some truth out of him.
Within seconds, they were at the cabin door. Turning, Videl leaned against the door, a coy smile on her face as she glanced up at Saiyaman, whose hands remained loosely in his pockets. The hero was still oblivious as he whistled, looking around before his gaze settled back on the girl before him.
"Alright, Miss Videl, it was a pleasure to esco--"
"Wait, wait." Holding up a hand to silence the teen, she leaned back against the door as she twisted her other hand around the door knob. "I insist that you come inside. Really."
What...? Blinking, the hero nodded dumbly and took several steps inside before pausing. Why does she want me to come inside?
Before he could protest, the door closed silently behind him, the lock clicking to signify he was trapped. Shooting a look around the room nervously, Saiyaman took a cautious step back again, away from the triumphantly-smiling Videl. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he pulled away, the girl advancing on him, when she stopped, a supposedly confused look spreading over her innocent face.
"What? I just wanted you to meet my roommates!"
"Oh, alrighty then." Relaxing, Gohan followed Videl into the kitchen, then towards the family room, where he could already hear Sharpener and Erasa arguing.
"--No, Sharpener, that's enough television!...No, no! Who CARES if it's free porn, you perverted man whore!"
"But Erasaaaaa--"
SLAP
"Oh, Dende! My nose!"
Gohan suppressed a chuckle as Videl hesitated before the room, turning to force an apologetic smile at him.
"Excuse me," she muttered through gritted teeth as she stomped into the room.
A rapid sound of thwacks issued from the room adjacent to the one Gohan was standing in, along with several muffled curses. Running a nervous hand over his hair before letting it rest behind his neck, the teen let out a soft breath of air.
Videl doesn't think I'm Gohan, thank Kami. She just wants me to meet her roommates, and that's just Sharpener, Erasa and...
His mind froze as a wave of panic rippled over his body. Videl had three, not two, roommates--and his alter ego was one of them! That sneaky Satan was trying to pull one on him, he just knew it, he knew it; he didn't know how he knew it, but he did. Snapping his fingers as he growled deeply in his throat, he resisted the urge to punch the wall in his frustrations.
"Saiyaman? It's... safe, to come in now."
How am I gonna get out of this one? Gulping nervously, the hero slowly stumbled into the room, greeted by the surprised faces of Erasa and Sharpener.
"Sh-she actually brought him home?" the blonde teen stuttered as he gaped in surprise at the figure before him, who was attempting to blend in with the carpet.
"Wow! I didn't know he looked so--" Erasa was cut short when Sharpener shot a glare at her, making it apparent that he didn't want jealousy to become an issue. "Uh, so, so--so hero-y!"
Gulping, Saiyaman managed a weak laugh as he waved. "Hey, guys, nice to meet you..."
A wide grin spread over Videl's face as she believed she was closer to having her suspicions confirmed. "Erasa, Sharpener, do you know where Gohan is? I know he would just hate to miss a chance of meeting," she spun, locking eyes with Saiyaman, "the Great Saiyaman himself."
Oh, no, panic! ... Yes, okay, currently panicking! He had to think of something, and he had to think of it fast.
Saiyaman placed the palm of his hand over his mouth as he pretended to yawn, instead making a ringing sound. "Oh no, Videl!"
Confusion spread over Videl's expression. "What?"
Snabbing up her cell phone with a hand, Gohan seemingly flipped it open. "What? A robbery? I'll be right there! Videl needs time off, anyways." Dropping the phone, Gohan waved his arms frantically. "Oh man, what bad luck! I gotta go; I guess I can't meet this Gohan friend of yours!"
"But I--"
"See ya, Miss Videl, and don't hold up!" Sprinting from the room, Gohan grabbed a window and yanked it open, leaping from its confines to jet out into the air.
Running to the window, Videl peered out of it then cursed. He had gotten away from her again, and she was sure that it was no coincidence!
Her face curled into a scowl as she plopped down on the couch, pouting, oblivious to Erasa and Sharpener's bewildered stares.
Saiyaman... I will find out who you are, I promise! You can't run forever!
Drawing to a cautious stop, Gohan turned in midair, looking back towards the small Cabin; Cabin #7 to be exact. Raising a hand, he wiped a bead of sweat away from his face as he forced his pounding heart to slow, a relieved gasp issuing from his throat.
"My…. My gosh…" He fell silent, shaking his head slowly. That was too close… Too close for comfort.
Letting his eyelids drop, he breathed in a deep gulp of air once more, relishing in the fact that he was still alive and kicking. He thought for sure that Videl was going to pursue after him; when she didn't, his relief and surprise was enough to make him scream.
"Videl, please, don't ever do that again! My heart can't take the stress."
Too bad I can't say that to her in real life. Too bad she's gonna keep trying either way.
Snapping his fingers irritably, he shot one last glance to the Cabin packed in between several other buildings before rolling his eyes and spinning neatly, making a dive for a clump of trees. Time to go play Gohan again, and show up and act innocent.
Rob tossed his leopard-print towel to the side, revealing a very high-class, incredibly flashy version of the Camp shirt. Or, at least that's what he considered his addition to the piece of clothing to be – in reality, he had only added several scribbles of stars to circle his name, along with a smiley face in the 'o' in 'Rob'.
Turning his head to the left, he looked in the mirror. My God, I'm beautiful.
Raising a hand, he blew out some hot air onto his knuckle and polished it against his shirt before turning on the heel of his booted shoe to walk out of the Cabin. A confident stride replaced his rapid steps as he headed for the Main Hall, ready to make another heart-warming speech in preparation for first, lunch, then the activities of Surprise Night, which would be followed by a late dinner. Pausing momentarily, he gazed once again at his reflection in a window.
Yes… I'm the King of the Camp.
"What do you mean you were out checking out the Camp, Gohan?"
Videl grabbed the nearest object available, which was a lamp, and flung it furiously at the poor Saiyan's head. Letting loose a terrified yelp he ducked under the projectile, his head snapping back up after avoiding what was sure to be a painful collision.
"Videl! Stop i--Frickin' ow!"
Stumbling back after getting hit over the head with one of the several huge text books he had brought to Camp, he gasped, seeing spots for several seconds before his vision cleared; his first sight was that of Videl making a dive at him.
"No!!"
Gohan held up his hands to protect his face as he tried to run backwards – and ended up tripping over a footrest to crash onto the floor, Videl soon following to land on top of him, Gohan grunting as she knocked the air out of his chest.
Sitting up as she lightly shook her head to shake the hair away from her eyes, Videl grabbed onto the front of Gohan's shirt to yank him forward, leaning down to level her eyes with his. A deep growl emitted from her throat as Gohan whimpered helplessly, arms flailing behind him as he tried to draw away from her.
"Look, Son Gohan…" she began, eyes narrowing dangerously. "I don't believe you. You did say that you were out checking the Camp out, didn't you, Gohan?"
He blinked once, fearfully, and then nodded.
"Now, is that true, Gohan? Is it?"
Gulping, he hesitated, before closing his partly open mouth as he nodded again.
A scowl made itself apparent on Videl's face.
"Wrong answer!"
Raising a fist, she was about to punch him – hard – in the chest, but paused as he looked up at her, eyes wide. Blinking, she quirked an eyebrow at him skeptically.
If he's trying to pull the sad puppy-dog look…
Gohan, instead, was having other thoughts.
Oh, crap… What's up with this? Saiyan side, back off! You're only supposed to come around when I'm Super…
Growling lowly, he squeezed his eyes shut as his fists slowly clenched together, entire body tense as he muttered under his breath.
"Not good…"
Letting her hand drop to rest against Gohan's chest, Videl leaned forward, now confused. "What'd you say?"
First one eyelid rose, then the other, as Gohan gazed up at the girl with an aqua-marine eye. Videl drew in a cautious breath, trying to hide any signs of surprise.
Aqua eyes? B-but… He has black eyes… Colored contacts?
"Gohan? What's goin—"
A hand snapped forward to slip under Videl's legs as the other raised to wrap around her waist as Gohan drew up smoothly, easily lifting Videl off his chest and holding her to him at the same time. Videl gasped as she automatically reached forward to place both arms around Gohan's neck, staring wide-eyed at the teen.
What in the heck?
"Gohan!"
Tilting his head slightly, Gohan looked to Videl, an amused look flitting across his face before his expression returned to that of a smirk, his eyes making it obvious that he wasn't planning on listening to a thing she said.
"You said something?"
"Well… now I am… Put me down now!"
"Why should I?"
Videl snorted, narrowing her eyes as she raised a hand to punch Gohan roughly in the shoulder, even though she was inwardly shocked. Since when had Gohan refused to do something she'd commanded? And… why did the whole situation seem so familiar?
Pausing, the spiky-haired teen blinked once, before frowning, a crease appearing on his brow. Shaking his head rapidly from side to side he slowly released Videl, letting her slide out of his grip to land steadily on the ground as he reached up, knuckles rubbing his closed eyes, coughing once.
Stopping, Gohan let both eyes pop open, fortunately restored to their natural onyx-black color.
"Um… Sorry, Videl. I think I was out of it…"
Videl looked up to Gohan from her place on the floor, barely contained surprise written all over her face. Cocking her head to the side, she examined her fellow roommate for several seconds before pulling herself to her feet, raising a hand to lightly rest it against Gohan's chest before it clenched into a fist.
Out of it? Out of it my ass. He just went psycho on me.
"Yeah, sure, Gohan. Next time, snap out of it before even saying anything, alright?" she growled, pressing her fist more forcefully against his body for effect, all the while thinking; Stupid head.
Managing a weak smile which was accompanied by an uneasy laugh, Gohan nodded. "Yeah, okay. It won't happen again…. It really won't."
After the scuffle between Gohan and Videl had ended, the pair had headed out to the Main Hall to be served another dish of Surprise Dinner (it was a purple meatloaf) that was meant to follow the theme of Surprise Night. Most of the students skipped the meal, save Gohan, who braved the possible dangers of catching a fatal disease due to food poisoning.
Erasa and Sharpener stared wide-eyed at Gohan, who was in the process of shoving the meat into his mouth with a fork while the other held the plate to his mouth. Videl, deciding that it was too disgusting of a spectacle to watch, was looking the other way as she blatantly rolled her eyes.
"Oh, my gosh… Is he really eating that crap?"
"Yeah, babe, he is. Don't hafta watch, ya know. Maybe it's too, like, intense for your girl eyes, right?" Sharpener blinked as Erasa scowled at him, then shook his head once in panic, stuttering. "U-uh, that's not what I meant, hon! I meant, uhm… You see, it could be too… uh…" He stopped, scratching his head as his brow furrowed in thought.
Heaving a sigh of forced patience, Erasa lightly patted her boyfriend on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Sharpy. You're little boy-brain can't handle all the 'thinking stress'," she finished as she smirked mischievously.
"Oh, thanks!"
Gohan paused only momentarily in his attack of the meatloaf to look up at Erasa, grinning goofily, before resuming.
Within several minutes, the food was gone. Gohan was prepared to go back for more, but the horrified looks of his companions stopped him. Letting his plate drop before him, the Saiyan warily scratched the back of his neck as he laughed uneasily, settling back down in his seat.
"Um, oops… Hey, isn't it scary what hunger can do to a guy?"
Videl rolled her eyes once more. "Sure, Gohan, sure. Whatever you say."
Oh, rats… I forgot! She's already suspicious about my get-up of Saiyaman, isn't she?
Gohan looked once to Videl, both eyebrows quirked in confusion. She snapped her head back to glare at him, eyes narrowing evilly as the demi-Saiyan gulped, then looked away.
Yep. She's suspicious, alright.
It was then that Rob took his place on the podium, cleared his throat as he tapped on the microphone, and then spoke.
"Hello, kids!—" he stopped as the microphone squealed ear-piercingly. The classes all yelled irritably in response, several students hitting the floor as they squirmed, covering their ears with both hands. "Um, wait…" Several thumps were heard from the stage as the podium was shifted around, the microphone-stand following suit. Within minutes, the problem was supposedly fixed. "Okay, now ho--" The mix squealed again, and, just as before, another screech of complaint was heard from the student-body. "Okay, fine! I won't use the mic! Jeeeesuh'!"
Stepping away from the stand to stand on the edge of the stage, the Camp Counselor cleared his throat once more, and yelled loudly, his voice echoing about the room. "Students from Orange Star High! I know you've just been waiting for this moment, just to have some real fun! Now, I know you think this might sound silly, but, Surprise Night is one of the best elements of this camp, Camp Hercule!"
Erasa sniggered into her hand as she nudged Gohan with an elbow. "He says and every year, and every year he pauses and waits for our cheers in appreciation--hey, watch, he's doing the signature move!"
Rob raised both hands in the air, peace signs formed on his fingers as he twisted his upper body so he could scan the entire room. Grinning wildly, he waved both hands in the air frantically, his smile slowly fading as he realized no one was clapping.
"Uh, hm. You kids aren't too lively, are you?" He lowered his voice and added, crossly; "Damn lil' brats."
Slapping both hands over her mouth to keep from breaking out into pure laughter, Erasa kicked Gohan in the foot. "I told you! He stole that move from Richard Nixon, can't ya tell? He's destined to go down!"
Sighing as he dusted his hands off in front of him, Rob let his head droop. "Okay, well, maybe you don't think it's so great now, but…" He raised a finger in the air, then shook is accusingly. "You will like it, dang it! You will, you will, you will, you hear me?! You have to!"
The auditorium fell silent. Rob slowly brought his shaking finger to a stop, looking to the rows of students before him. Laughing nervously as several coughs were heard, he brought his hand back and shoved both deep into his pockets, taking on what he hoped to be a casual appearance.
"Uh… h-hey, you guys, loosen up! I was just joking, you know?"
A few smirks were exchanged among students as the counselors looked to each other then slowly began to laugh, seemingly taking on an air of complete amusement. After the short and piteous laughter came to a quiet, uncomfortable ending, Rob continued.
"Yes, well. As is custom, the true activities for the night won't be revealed until we get outside and are all set up. Okay? So let's get on out there, kids. Hey, don't get out of line! You two… stop that!"
The high-school adolescents were all bustled out of the building before being gathered once more in front of a roaring camp fire, the heat of the flames illuminating Rob's face; in Videl's eyes, he looked even more sinister than normal.
Pretty freaky… She thought once to herself, right as the Head Counselor began talking once more.
"Alright, I'm sure all of you are excited to know what we're doing tonight! Well, here goes, brace yourself kids; Night Hike!"
Completely out of character, all the boys whooped as the girls turned a considerable shade of white. Rob, taken aback by this reaction, laughed once as a round of claps issued around the circle from the males in the group.
Sharpener smirked as he looked to Erasa, loping an arm loosely around her shoulders. For once, old Rob thought of somethin' good for once; nothin' better than a Night Hike with your fave gal.
"Yes, good! I see you do like it! Anyways. Everyone is going to pair up with one partner, and is going to stick with that person until the Night Hike session is over. Everyone will be allowed to take any trails as long as they stay within at least a mile radius. Ready? Partner up!"
Oh Dende… why are you so cruel? Gohan groaned into the palms of his hands as some… girl, whoever she was, hung excitedly onto his arm with an insanely strong grip. How in the world did this happen? Gohan slowly lifted his head from the confines of his hands, raising a finger. One, Sharpener had paired up with Erasa; obviously. That left Videl, and, naturally, he assumed she'd pair up with him. After all, she seemed to despise all the other guys and tolerated him and Sharpener alone. But, no; the fan-girl had gotten him first and dragged him painfully in the other direction as Rob walked to Videl. Why did he go to her? The answer was simple enough. Thanks to his Saiyan-hearing abilities, Gohan heard every word exchanged between them.
Flashback to… A few seconds ago!
"Hey, Videl."
Videl quirked an eyebrow in mock curiosity as she turned slightly, acknowledging Rob's presence with a brief nod. Why in the heck was he bugging her?
"I checked the numbers of the students and it seems that there's going to be an odd one out. I figured you wouldn't want to hike alone, so I'll probably hike with you. You know, for safety reasons, and so that you still can participate."
"Well, I…" Videl fell short as she shot a panicked look about her. Where in the heck was that doofus, Gohan? After all, she was planning to pair up with him since he was the only guy whose presence didn't push her to the brink of annoyance.
After several seconds of searching the site, she spotted him. Eyes widened briefly, before narrowing as she growled lowly in her throat. That traitor. He had paired up with one of those preppy girls who would do anything and everything to get a view of him without his shirt on!
And I thought you weren't shallow enough to take advantage of that, Gohan, she thought darkly as she turned back to Rob, a false smile spread across her face. "I guess so. My first partner ended up taking someone else," she paused, her expression turning to that of ferocity for several seconds before she recovered, "and I could use a replacement, it seems."
Rob began to flash his usual cocky grin before he stopped himself, almost slapping his forehead in the process. Wait, wait! Let's try going for the sensitive, shy guy for now. We can bring out the big guns when we're alone. An artificially relieved smile crossing over his features, Rob nodded once. "O-oh, okay! That's great, Videl…" He ended his brief comment with what he hoped was a shy smile, and he even bowed his head a little. As he recalled, it was exactly what Gohan would do. Wasn't it? Of course it was. He wasn't only the most sexy, eligible bachelor out there, but he was also what he considered the greatest actor to grace Camp Hercule with his presence. "I guess we should get a-hikin', then!"
Videl nodded curtly, before looking to the trails beyond. "Right."
End of Flashback
Made 'nuff sense, he supposed. Even though everything seemingly worked out, Gohan felt pretty bad. What if that first partner that Videl was talking about was him? I hope that she knows I didn't mean to get picked by someone else…
And, currently, Gohan was wandering in the pitch black darkness with a girl hanging off his side, who shrieked at every single, tiny, barely audible sound.
"Oh my God! Gohan! There's a bear in the woods… Would you save me from it if it was a bear?"
The Saiyan mumbled in reply.
"Oh, Gohan, you're so sweet! You'd risk your life just for me!"
Once again, Gohan grumbled in response.
"We're going to be such a cute couple!"
Aw, geez. I've had enough. Grabbing at his shirt collar, Gohan slowly pried himself loose from the girl's hold. "Um, um… um… Hey, you know that Josh Hartnett guy?"
"Like, oh my gosh! Where is he!"
"There!" Gohan pointed in the direction back to the camp fire as the girl ran with incredible speed away from him, the sounds of bushes being knocked aside as her footsteps slowly disappeared into the distance being music to the Saiyan's ears. Letting out a sigh of relief, Gohan dropped to his knees and hugged a nearby shrub. "Freeeee…" he muttered, before getting back to his feet and wandering off in another direction. Maybe he could find Videl and could take Rob's place.
Meanwhile, Videl was having what she considered being the most boring time in her life. And that's including all the times I had to wait for my dad to get his freakin' hair done, which, let me remind myself, took about five hours each, she added irritably. Instead of waiting and watching her dad as he got his hair put up in an afro, she was stuck listening to Rob's supposedly fascinating and captivating stories of his bravery and valor.
"…that's how I saved the Camp for the… what is it? Fifteenth time? Hey, I know, let's count how many times I was a hero together! Ready? Okay! One, the flood, two, the earthquake--hey, you're not counting with me! Come on, don't be shy!"
Videl swore then and there that never again would she allow Rob to accompany her on anything, alone. Never, ever again. Not unless she wanted to die from extreme boredom.
Suddenly she paused, blinking. He had stopped talking! Her first thought was that it was a relief, but then a second came to her; Why? Last time she checked, the idiot wouldn't shut up unless he was forced to, or… He had something else on her mind.
It was right at this moment when Rob decided to bust out with a witty, sexy and appealing remark; "Baby got back!"
Gohan was having the 'time of his life'; he was debating with himself on whether he should go look for either Sharpener, Erasa or Videl.
"I don't think Sharpener and Erasa would want to be disturbed…" he muttered under his scuffled the ground with his feet. "Videl might jump all over me if I go bug her now, too. She might be having fun with that guy…"
Without warning, a pang of regret and jealousy shot through Gohan's mind. He narrowed his eyes briefly as they glowed a light aqua, before shaking his head to clear his thoughts again. What was that from? Since when would he ever be jealous of Rob?
Just then, he felt a ki spike in the distance, before wavering as it plunged down once more. Pausing as a confused expression ran over his face, Gohan tilted his head to the side as if to 'hear' the energy more easily. Now, it had stopped its downward descent and was erratically bouncing off the charts.
"Guess there is something to do out here," Gohan mumbled as he tapped the red button on his wrist-watch, his Saiyaman outfit immediately appearing over his body. He was about to rush head-long to where the ki was and what it was doing, when he hesitated. "Wait… I recognize that ki from somewhere…" Sudden realization hit him. "Videl!"
All past-thoughts forgotten, Gohan sprinted to a clearing before leaping into the sky, where he continued his frantic flight.
Once he came to the destination of the source of ki, he dropped from the air, landing silently on the dirt ground. Raising his head slightly as he scanned the clearing before him, he gasped, then paused, eyes wide.
What in the name of Dende…?
Videl was in the process of practically broiling, almost to the point that Gohan thought steam would pour out of her ears. Rob was nonchalantly leaning against a tree with an elbow as he babbled on, a confident, while somehow sinister smile gracing his features.
Gohan's ears perked a bit as he caught some of the conversation.
"…And do you know why you got back, baby?! Because you're one seeexxxxxay ladaaay! Ooh, I like big butts and I cannot lie…"
Gohan nearly toppled over. For one, Videl did not have a big butt last time he checked – not that he was checking to begin with… cough… - and, Rob was oblivious to the evil glares that Videl was shooting in his direction. Her patience was obviously beginning to wear as she raised a fist, rolling back a sleeve as she prepared to punch out his lights while Rob was lost in the sound of music.
Okay, well, maybe he deserves it, but still! Gohan took the winding up of Videl's punch as his cue to enter, and he sprinted into the clearing, grabbing Videl gently by the waist as he drew her back, right as her punch went sailing towards Rob's nose.
"H-hey, what, hey!!" Videl squirmed in Gohan's grasp, infuriated, as Rob shook out of his trance.
The Camp Counselor, staring at the Great Saiyaman (who was in the process of restraining who he believed was his fiancée-to-be) with a bewildered expression, slowly understanding that his territory was being trampled on. Raising a hand, he shook a finger accusingly in Gohan's direction.
"Hey, you! Get your hands off my woman!"
"I'm not your woman!" Videl screamed in response, arms flailing as she attempted to leap from Gohan's arms, intent being to pummel Rob mercilessly.
"Yeah, punk, that's what I thought! Get your dirty, icky, cotton-pickin' hands offa' her, y'hear!"
Gohan nearly gagged with disgust, and barely disguised amusement. Problem was, if he laughed, Videl would kill him. That wouldn't help things a bit, considering she already was out to get him.
Videl was about to respond when the Great Saiyaman made what was probably the best decision at the time-being; without a word, he leapt into the air and jetted off, still holding Videl securely in his arms.
Rob blinked as he flew from sight, then ran a few feet as he flung up his hands, shaking his fists. "You may have won this battle, but you have yet to win the war, you punk!"
Gohan, meanwhile, had to deal with the rants and raves of Videl.
"Oh, Kami! Why'd you freakin' do that? I could've kicked his stupid ass! Okay, let me down this instant, Mr. Superhero, or I'll kick your ass!"
The Saiyan attempted to surpress a smile, and failed miserably. The corner of her mouth twitching dangerously, Videl gazed up at Gohan, infuriation clearly visible in her glare.
Oh okay, he thinks this is funny, does he? Well, does he think this is funny?!
Grabbing hold of Gohan's head, Videl suddenly yanked it to the side, nearly sliding the teen's helmet from his face. Gasping, Gohan grabbed for the helmet and, while distracted, plummeted to the ground as he held Videl with one arm. Eyes wide in shock at the response, the girl let out a small squeak as the ground seemed all-too near, when Gohan realized what the heck was going on.
"Ack – Oops!" Screeching to a stop mid-flight, Gohan slowly drifted the remaining two feet down from the air to land carefully on the ground. Videl's eyes were squeezed shut – she'd decided that she'd rather not see her death if it came anytime soon. Scratching the back of his head in mild confusion, Gohan poked her shoulder with a finger as she continued to clutch his neck with breath-taking strength.
"Um… Videl, we're okay now."
Slowly, letting first one eye pop open, then the other, Videl blinked. She wasn't dead! For that matter, Saiyaman wasn't either. She remained relieved of the narrow escape of death's clutches, before returning to her very pissed off mood. Sliding out of Gohan's grip, she turned and shoved him roughly in the chest.
"You jerk! I can't believe you did that!"
Gohan was now incredibly confused. He just saved her life, didn't he? But, wait, if he never flew off with her, then he would've never had to save her life… "W-what? What'd I do?"
"You stopped me from beating down that idiot, stupid! Geez, what is it with guys these days?!" Videl began to punch Gohan repeatedly in the chest, while still yelling her complaints. "First, you stop me from punching him, then, you almost kill me! What," One punch; "is," another punch; "wrong," a kick in the shin for good measurement; "with," a punch and kick combination; "you!" At this, she renewed her attack so vigorously that she managed to tackle him to the ground.
"Eep!" Toppling over, the teenage Saiyan struggled to regain his balance but soon found it useless; Videl was too intent on punching the crud out of him. "Videl, come on! Get off – Hey!"
Leaning down so that she was eye-to-eye with Saiyaman, Videl's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"How is it possible that you can torture me not only when I'm trying to do my job, but also when I'm at Camp, huh?!"
Uh, oh. This is not good. Gohan let out a nervous laugh, falling silent afterwards.
The corner of Videl's mouth twitched slightly.
"Spit it out, Superman."
"B-but, I'm not Superman, I'm Saiya--"
"You know what I mean!" she snapped in response.
Gulping, the teenage adolescent slowly ran over his possible demise. She could try to choke me… Okay, wait, that won't work, I don't think she has a high enough power level. I guess she could end up stealing my food sources or somethin' if she keeps me from going anywhere… That thought was enough to frighten Gohan out of his wits.
"Y-you're not gonna take away my food, are you?!" he stammered, eyes wide in horror.
"Well, why would I do…" Videl's voice slowly faded off as she saw a blatantly obvious opportunity, waiting right in front of her nose for her to take it. An evil smirk slowly formed on Videl's lips as she smirked, and chuckled lowly under her breath. "Why would I take away your food, when I could just starve you to death?"
"Dende!" Gohan gasped, repeatedly gulping as he tried to clear his senses. Starve him? That was cruel! "V-Videl, you don't mean that, do you?!" he managed to choke out, before falling into shock at her response;
"Naturally."
Videl flashed an evil grin as she saw the teen before her keel over, landing flat on his back as he gasped frantically for air. Apparently, she'd hit a weak spot. Come on, kiddo. Make an offer I can't refuse, make some suggestion for why I shouldn't starve you--
"Uh… V--Miss Videl? What do I have to do to keep you from…" Gohan gulped once more, "starving me?"
Oh, so he wants me to make the offer, huh? Even better.
"Take off that stupid helmet of yours."
"N-no!"
"Fine then. No deal it is. You may now say goodbye to the food, forever---"
"Videl!" A drop of sweat ran down Gohan's forehead. He still hadn't registered that she couldn't keep him from food even if she wanted to. "You can't do that! It's just not right!"
"How's it not right, buddy? What is it with guys and food--" Videl paused. There was only one other guy she knew that took food that seriously; that other guy just happened to be Gohan… Videl's smirk deepened as she added the new raw-evidence to her 'files' of information.
Gohan began to panic even more than before as he saw the evil grin appear on Videl's face. Oh, Dende! What is she thinking now?!
"Well, Saiyaman. This is going to be my only offer. You have to take off that helmet and tell me who you are if you ever want to see food again, much less eat it."
"But I said…" Gohan paused as an idea popped into his head.He had to admit, it was cheap, but then again it wasn't like Videl wasn't being cheap either. Besides, it was his only non-violent way out. "…Okay. Okay, deal."
Videl's eyes widened as she flashed a wide grin. "Really?! Awesome!" She sat up and crossed her arms over her chest, while still straddling Gohan's waist. "So? Go 'head and take off the helmet."
Gohan's evil Saiyan-side that came complete with sarcastic and smart-ass remarks suddenly made itself apparent as he reached forward, gently plucking Videl off of him as he stood to his full-height. "Hey, you never said when I had to take it off!" Saluting, he jumped into the air and flew full-throttle back in the direction of the Camp as Videl remained frozen in shock, staring after his rapidly disappearing form.
Shaking out of her momentary confusion, Videl let out a scream in frustration. "That wasn't fair!!"
Gohan couldn't help but smile as Videl's complaint reached his ears, even though he had reached Cabin #7 already. Slowly dropping from his flight to gently slide through the window, he tapped the button on his wrist-watch before heading for the separate rooms. He let out a soft laugh as he closed the bedroom door behind him, hopping into bed without even changing.
"I'm sorry I had to do that, Videl. But you'd understand why I can't tell you if you knew…"
Letting out a sigh, the son of the third-class Saiyan Goku reached over and flicked off the lamp by his bed, before falling into a deep sleep.
Erasa and Sharpener were actually not doing anything that required a rating above PG-14, but instead, were talking about their new 'project'.
"I betcha' Videl and Gohan are going to get together tonight. After all, they did partner up, didn't they?"
Sharpener smirked slightly as he casually examined his nails. "Yeah, babe. Who else would they pair up with? Videl can't stand everyone else, and Gohan doesn't go for his groupies. It all makes sense."
Erasa giggled into the palm of her hand. "Hey, you're right! But how do we know for sure that they did anything besides walk around in silence?"
"Hon." Sharpener rolled his eyes. "What do you think they're going to do? You saw the way Gohan looked at her when she had a wet shirt; which, of course, was accidental…" He faded off as he laughed.
The blonde-haired teen at his side blinked once, then nodded. "Oh, right! I forgot." She couldn't help but grin after the statement. Videl and Gohan together? That'd be so adorable! She immediately began making plans for what she'd be wearing to their wedding.
Sharpener, on the other hand, was thinking about the possibilities with two couples in a cabin for several more days. Well, if they do go out, out goes the rule of one all-boys room and another all-girls room! Erasa, baby, you're gonna be seeing me every night. Smirking in content, he continued strolling down the trail.
Suddenly, a loud ringing sounded in the distance. Raising his head, Sharpener muttered crossly under his breath. The Night Hike was already over, and they didn't get to do anything fun! After all, Erasa had wanted to talk about Gohan and Videl the entire time, and Sharpener couldn't begrudge his favorite girl of the pleasure of hooking up her two friends.
Erasa raised her head at the noise and turned, heading back down the path towards the Camp. "Hey, Sharpy! C'mon, the Hike's over!"
Still grumbling irritably, Sharpener nodded in response. "Okay, Erasa. I'll be right there." Pausing to glare up into the sky, he hmphed. Gohan, you better pull some moves soon!
Rob trudged into his personal Cabin, slamming the door behind him. After dismissing the students to their Cabins, and giving a brief lecture on how most superhero's were fake adolescent punks that had no intention of protecting the city, while he, on the other hand, fully believed in the education of Satan City's 'future adults', he had stomped off to his room to pout. And he had every reason to do so, in his opinion.
Videl was taken from his very arms by that idiotic son of a gun Saiyaman! She was on the verge of kissing him, he knew it – he had her wrapped around his finger like a piece of duct tape! So tightly, in fact, that his finger was losing its blood circulation! How was it possible that he could let that stupid jealous fool take away his future bride?
He grabbed hold of a book and started to repeatedly hit his bed-post with it.
"Arrrgh! My plans, foiled! Foiled!"
He continued to attempt to mutilate the book before he dropped it, panting at the exertion of energy. "That's what I'm gonna do to that Super-freak once I get my hands at him!" he declared.
Dropping to sit on the ground, he cradled his head in his hands. He'd have to think up another plan to get the girl. Really, he would, and it was really working his brain cells. What was coming up next anyways? Didn't he have some other project that proved he had almost unlimited opportunities to make Videl his? Good Kami, he must've had something he could do.
Wait, wasn't the decision for the Baking Contest coming up, along with the swimming? Rob's eyes lit up. Videl wouldn't be able to resist seeing him in a swimming suit!
Stumbling to his feet, he grinned and posed in front of the mirror, flexing his barely visible biceps. "I'mma make her mine, this time!"
Videl found herself storming into the Cabin. Growling lowly under her breath she took a seat at the table and snabbed up a package of crackers, neatly opening it to swipe out a cracker. She looked at it, then tossed it back into the package with a mumble of distaste. Right now, any reminder of food was enough to piss her off even more.
That stupid sneaky superhero had tricked her! Somehow, he had managed to do so and had gotten himself out of the tight spot. Sure, he'd have to tell her who he was eventually, but she doubted he'd been notifying her anytime soon.
I can't believe I let him get away with that. So close!
It was then that Erasa and Sharpener entered the room, still devising other possible ways to get the reluctant pair together.
"I think it'd be a good idea if…" Erasa paused mid-sentence, looking at Videl. Flashing a wide grin, she took a seat beside her long-time friend. "Hey! How did the hike with Gohan go?"
Videl, who now had her head resting on her arms on the table, mumbled quietly in response.
Sharpener pulled another chair up from the side, as Erasa's expression changed to that of confusion. "What? Couldn't hear you."
Once again, the daughter of Hercule grumbled inaudibly.
"Okay, Videl, you have to speak up--"
"Fine!" Videl grabbed Erasa's arm and dragged her off to the girl's room, leaving a bewildered Sharpener. Blinking, he slowly registered what had happened.
"H-hey… Girls?! I don't wanna be left out!"
The sound of a door slamming was his only response.
Running a hand over his hair, he shook his head. "Fine, maybe I will be left out. At least I have Gohan to talk to."
Meanwhile, Erasa was forced to take a seat as Videl grabbed hold of a pillow, nearly ripping it in two. "Gohan was with his groupie-girl. Didn't you know that?"
Erasa gasped before rolling her eyes. "What? That dumbass! I didn't know he was that shallow."
Videl nodded once in agreement. "Yeah."
"So, who were you stuck with? It couldn't have been that bad. Mark? Or maybe, Josh?"
Groaning, the girl smacked herself upside the head with the pillow. "Worse."
"It couldn't have been that bad…"
"Rob."
Erasa paled several shades of white, nearly gagging. Rob?! That… that… grr! He's messing up all our plans! "Videl, you can't be serious."
Videl slowly raised her head, before collapsing back to lie on her bed. "You think I don't wish I was joking? That idiot pretty much screwed up the night for me, and to make it worse, I couldn't even kick his ass in payback."
"You couldn't? That guy can actually fight?!"
She shook her head. "'Course not. Saiyaman just chose that moment to show up out of nowhere and kept me from doing anything to him."
"Oh, so what'd you do then?"
Drawing out a sigh, Videl sat up, facing Erasa. Quirking an eyebrow, she crossed her arms over her chest. "This is gonna take awhile to explain…"
"W…wha?"
Gohan slowly blinked his sleep-clouded eyes, trying to clear his vision. Suddenly, he found himself blinded by the light from the window and he grumbled, sliding off his bed to shuffle to the drapes, drawing them closed. He sighed, rubbing his knuckles against his eyes before looking around the room.
Last night had been a version of a nightmare gone wrong. At first, it looked like he was neck-deep in trouble, but he somehow managed to turn things the other way. Tricking Videl had been a cheap shot, he had to admit, but that was also what Saiyans were known for. He had an excuse, didn't he? Sure he did.
From the looks of it, Sharpener had had a rough night. The teen was sprawled out across the bed, snoring loudly as his hair stuck out at odd angles. Chuckling, Gohan trudged towards the kitchen. Once the blonde-haired jock woke up, he'd be horrified at the look of his morning-hair.
I wonder how Videl's holding up… He didn't have long to think as he entered the small kitchenette. Already, Videl and Erasa were up. Yawning, he took a seat at the table before glancing to them.
"Good morning. What's for breakfast?"
Both girls glared at him before Erasa snapped out a spatula from behind her back. "You can make your own breakfast, you ass!" She then flung the utensil in his direction.
Yelping, Gohan ducked under the projectile before raising his head, staring at the pair. "W-what'd I do?"
"You were a shallow jerk, that's what!" Videl retorted, before looking back to her newspaper.
"That's right, Gohan. Don't expect any food around this house until you shapen up!" Erasa added, smirking at the look of horror on Gohan's face.
"B-but… I can't cook!"
The two girls then decided he knew enough, and began to ignore him completely. The Saiyan sat helplessly at the table, stomach growling every few seconds to remind him of his dilemma. Letting out a sigh of defeat, Gohan soon found himself walking to the fridge. Tugging it open, he gaped at the sight – no already made food, just stuff you'd have to cook with! Oh, wait, there was also the entries for the Baking Contest. But if he ate them, oh, Dende – he didn't even want to think about the consequences.
Gohan slowly let the fridge slide shut. Glancing to Erasa and Videl sadly, he shook his head and shuffled out of the Cabin, softly closing the door behind him. Times like this, he'd have to resort to flying out to the city just to get any decent food.
Slowly jogging out of the clearing of Cabins to the underbrush, Gohan gazed back to scan the area for anyone who might possibly spot him. Seeing none, he tapped the red button on his wristwatch, allowing the light to briefly envelop him as his disguise appeared over his form. As he drew back to prepare taking flight, his stomach rumbled once more. Glancing down at it, he rubbed it warily.
"Just wait a little longer, I'm gonna get food now!"
Leaping into the air, he jetted off full-throttle towards the city.
"So, where's Gohan?"
Sharpener scratched the back of his head, staring suspiciously in Videl and Erasa's direction as he warily took on a look of mild confusion.
"He's probably off looking for food," Erasa snickered, as Sharpener raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think I want to know…"
His thoughts were interrupted as Rob began speaking. Already, all the classes had crowded into the Main Hall just to prepare for the swimming that would soon be coming up. Waving for silence, the Head Counselor slowly took his place at the podium.
"As you all know, today will be the day that we decide the winning of the contest which has made itself famous on Camp grounds. The Baking Contest!"
A small round of clapping issued, coming only from the parents and other counselors.
"Also, there will be swimming earlier in the day before the spectacular event that displays the cooking talents of our students takes place. I'm sure all of you remember last year, when things got a little out of hand…"
Laughing could be heard among the student body, as the crowd began to whisper and exchange comments. Rob glared at the students, silence eventually covering the crew.
"Yes, well. Let's not let it happen again this year, shall we? We don't need to get anymore calls from any parents, and we also don't need to see any more exposure than what we saw last year. That clear enough for you?"
Sharpener smirked and looked to Erasa. "Crystal clear," he muttered, his girlfriend remaining oblivious to his look.
"I'm sure you all understand. With that over with, you are dismissed to your Cabins to change! Meet back at the docks in thirty minutes!"
The students piled out of the Main Hall, heading for the Cabins, each knowing that chances are things would definitely be different than they were last year – in the exact opposite way that Rob had planned.
"Oh, come on, they have to have some type of fast-Japanese-food joint around here…" Gohan dropped from the air to land in the middle of the streets, narrowly missing a collusion with a car. Stumbling to the side, he dusted off his cape and rapidly scanned the streets for any sign of food.
"Come on, come on, come on… Hey! Cool!"
A sign loomed above him; Japanese Food "We serve it the way you like it – Fast!"
"Perfect."
A wide grin on his face, Gohan trotted to a nearby alley-way, quickly changing from his Saiyan outfit to his normal clothing, before running back into the restaurant. Who would've known that a Japanese Buffet would've been so close nearby?
His last thoughts before paying at the register and practically sprinting towards the food were quick; I hope I can finish up before we do anything at Camp!
To be continued...