Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry...!!!!!!!!! Sorry I know it's been ages, well a week so I suppose that's not too long BUT I do have a reason...or two... Well first reason answers Marshmellow13Dragon's question about how I updated so fast. Well I updated by not doing my homework and now I have 'insert strong word' loads. Loads of deadlines to meet and I'm afraid to say that yes, they are more important.

Also, I think I mentioned in earlier chapters that my pony was lame, and if I didn't then I'm telling you now. She is. I found out last Thursday though that's the 30th September 2004 that she probably won't ever be sound again. I can only take her on very light walking hacks occasionally (sniffles). But my parents say they'll buy me a horse so yay I get two. I know I'm lucky spoilt etc. No insults please. But anyway, I've been spending a lot of time looking for a new horse and doing my homework, which was once again neglected de to horse searching. That incidentally meant that I didn't revise for the maths test I had today but my parents don't know about it so they'll never know if I fail (giggles nervously) I hope.

Anyway you don't want to listen to my excuses though I think you'll agree that they're acceptable and now you'll understand if I don't update all too soon. Sorry again. But anyway, on with the show. And Peace Lover please don't hate me. I'm sorry I was mean but it's how the story was going and all... ho hum not sure what's going to happen in this chapter myself yet so I think I'll just write and see what appears. Like magic (waves magic wand). Oh well nothing happened guess I'll have to do it myself.

Oh and as for you um what was your name oh yeah Samurai Demon-God Sekikage you're going to have to put up with Gohan's character right now because I think you'll agree that it would be stupid to change it now. But if I ever get inspired I'll write about a Gohan like you want ok? I'll tell you when I do. Read Low Mans Lyrics by CrazyGohanGirl for badass Gohan. It's in my favourites list. Phew that was a lot of notes. Sorry.

Disclaimer: Grr...I already told you I don't own it. Soon to own two ponies though which will be fun. I'll keep you posted. But still that means twice as much poo...hmm!

Chapter Eight

No one moved or spoke as Gohan's sobs faded to a silence broken only by a few uncontrollable sniffs. The young boys eyes were rimmed red and bloodshot and Dende had to bite his lip with shame. There was nothing he could do. These things happened. So why did he feel so...guilty?

Eventually Gohan dragged himself off the ground and to his feet. It was a pitiful sight to see the strongest crushed that easily. Dende winced at the wretched sight of one of his best friends looking so beaten and not being able to help. He was a healer and could aid where wounds of the flesh were concerned, but Gohan didn't need that kind of healing. The trouble farther down than the surface.

Tears still seeped from beneath Gohan's closed lids. He should have known that there was nothing Dende could do. The anguished boy had to stop himself from damning the smaller Namekian. It wasn't Dende's fault after all. Just logic and universal law. Still he had hoped so much... If only he had though with his brain rather than his heart he could have saved himself this embarrassment. Vegeta would never let the demi saiyan live it down. Feelings...that would be...unsaiyanlike

The poor boy ran a hand through hair that was damp with sweat and tears, biting his lip to hold in the despair. Under control to a degree at least Gohan turned to leave. There was no need to stay longer. He had tried his best but that had turned out to not be good enough.

The young boy kept his eyes on his feet as he approached the door unwilling to meet the gaze of Vegeta and Piccolo. Nevertheless he could feel three pairs of eyes boring into him, two into the top of his head and one, the one that hurt most, into his back. Why did Dende have to pity him? Did the small Namekian not think Gohan was strong enough to cope? He'd already lost his father, twice! What was a little more pain?

Piccolo and the Saiyan Prince stood apart to let Gohan pass, Vegeta a little surprised at himself for doing so. Why was he giving way to a low class hybrid brat? Did he care...? Absurd!

Gohan paused between the pair and Vegeta scowled down at the shower of black spikes.

"Thanks anyway Dende", the desolate boy murmured quietly, head still bowed, "It's not your fault. I understand. Should've known better..."

The boy shrugged but the dry laugh that escaped his throat held no mirth. With that said Gohan ran frantically to the edge of the lookout, unable to stop the last few tears from seeping down his cheeks, and threw himself off the edge. He couldn't force himself to stay any longer.

The rushing air-dried his damp face but Gohan still let himself fall, giving in to the pull of gravity. Eventually though he released a sigh that was quickly snatched from his lips by the gales of wind surrounding him in a cold and comforting shield, and, powering up, sped off back to Videl's side. She would be waiting; he knew that without having to sense her. Shock could do that to a person.

Using a sleeve Gohan wiped away salty trailed evidence. He had to be strong now. For Videl's sake if for nothing else.

And with that last thought Gohan sped off back towards the wreckage of the train; back towards the rising ocean of despair and confusion.

- ! -

"Come on sweetheart. Come with us now we'll look after you", smiled the green eyed policewoman with the kindly, lilting accent. Poor mite. The little girl had been sitting there in the dirt for a couple of hours now and everyone passing had been paying her no mind, "We'll get something warm inside you and you'll feel much better."

Videl didn't even hear the woman's sympathetic prattle. Rocking herself back and forth on the ground the sole thought running through her head was Gohan. He would come back! He'd said he would come back!

"Honey, are you alright?" asked the policewoman with concern. Maybe she should call someone to carry the girl. Such a scrawny little thing, she was...!

The policewoman took a step backwards as Videl's head suddenly sprang up from her knee. Frowning the worried woman was about to speak again but Videl beat her to it.

"Gohan", she sighed with relief and smiled with for the first time since the dark haired boy had left. Oh he had kept his word, though she'd never doubted that. Life seemed to spark once more in her eyes counteracting the effect of the limp pigtails straggling like rat-tails down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry darling are you talking to me-?" the poor policewoman asked confused but before she could finish she was cut off.

"I said I'd be back soon Videl. It'll be ok."

The policewoman looked up to see a black haired boy approaching. She blinked in surprise unable to withhold astonishment. The boy had appeared so suddenly that it was as though he had fallen from the sky. Why was everyone staring at the kid? Other than the sudden appearance there was nothing particularly astonishing to see. Nice looking but still!

Completely ignoring the bemused policewoman Gohan squatted comfortingly at Videl's side and she looked into his eyes the ends of her lips still unable to stop themselves from twitching up.

"Gohan..." she whispered again. Then, all of a sudden, her eyelids fluttered closed and she fell unconscious into Gohan's waiting arms. From the strain round her eyes she'd been ready to drop for a while, but she had stubborly waited for Gohan's return. Standing straight, the young demi saiyan lifted the lightweight girl cradling her to his chest. She would be ok. It was only the shock. Rocking Videl gently he stood contentedly, watching her rest. Peaceful at last. But the reverie was short lived as all the best times are.

"Hey kid!"

"How about a few words?"

"What do you know about the Cell games?"

"How about a picture with your girlfriend?"

It was time to go. The media was on its relentless way, preying on any who stumbled across their path. But Gohan didn't want to be between those tight clutching jaws when they closed.

Taking a running leap, Gohan launched himself into the darkening sky with Videl still in his arms. The clatter of many camera shutters was the only farewells he received though they were the least welcome.

Time to take Videl home, thought Gohan after leaving the hyenas behind to paw over the carnage. As they flew through the sunset the first star appeared overhead, twinkling bright with promise.

-!-

Aah so nice. So, so nice... And not a chance in Hell of Videl walking in. She did get so upset when he had lady friends. Scared them off. Ah well the price of a daughter.

Hercule Satan, saviour of the world groaned liberally as his over muscled body was skilfully and, not to mention, expensively, massaged.

"That's the way. Oh...ah...", he groaned, as the oaf let his body melt into the table.

He couldn't resist, "Come here you", grunted Hercule, making a grab for the attractive massagist who giggled at the attention.

"No, we mustn't", she simpered, batting at him with an ineffective hand. Nevertheless she allowed the strong man to wrap his arms around her waist. Hercule chuckled into the back of the heavily made up blonde. He lowered his lips to the bare skin.

"He he. I'm going to-"

There wasn't time to finish as the door was slammed open and in strode one of Hercule's many employees his face buried in sheets of paper.

"Uh sir I think you should see this", he stated matter of factly, a muffled voice somewhat ruining the effect.

Scanning the sheets again the mousy haired altogether ordinary looking man, wouldn't have stood out in a crowd, lowered them so that he could see eye to eye with his employer.

Silence.

"Oh."

All of a sudden the world seemed to spin very quickly as though someone had pressed fast forward. Hercule sprang to his feet and the pretty blonde that had been of such importance to him a short time ago was flung across the room where she proceeded to spin lazily out the door.

"Yes", squeaked Hercule, his bulging afro quivering nervously. The brown haired young man decided it was best to ignore the incident. Even though he'd only been employed by Satan Incorporations for a short time he knew how much Hercule liked the ladies.

"Um, well these just came through Mr Satan sir and well, I though...just look", and, cheeks still slightly flushed, he thrust the sheaf of paper abruptly into Hercule's face slapping the end of the martial artists podgy nose.

Raising an absent hand to rub his face Hercule stared at what he'd been handed. The beet red face rapidly darkened like a sunset turning to storm.

"GET ME A TICKET HOME NOW", the man bellowed, eyes bulging devilishly. The cry had held none of the usual goofy artificiality. The employee was quick to scarper from the room and had he had a tail it would have been well between his legs. He sure was glad he wasn't Hercule Satan's daughter.

Ok there you go and sorry again. I know it wasn't an especially long chapter but I do have the next one in mind and will write it as soon as possible. It's half term soon, though I have to go to Ireland for some of it to my Uncle's wedding and I also have work experience. Not to mention I'm doing some work experience and am looking for a pony.

I just thought though, compared to a lot of people it's not been that long since I last updated. I mean no one on my favourites list has updated for AGES!!! So no one can get angry with me. Can you believe I have thirty-five reviews! Not bad huh considering the amount of time I've been working on it and that it's my first work. I notice that its mostly the humour fics that get absolutely tons of reviews. I love HP/DBZ crossovers at the moment so tell me if you know of any good ones. Just check in my favourites that I don't already know about it first though.

Toodles for now (and hopefully see you all soon)

Honey Nut Loop