A/N: I don't own DBZ. This story is AU…Characters are OOC. Warning: m/m coupling, also swearing the list goes on and on… If you don't like it, don't read. Rated R.
"A Saiyanjin Lullaby"
Chapter 25
"Oh man, I can't wait till we get out of this damn CAR!!" Videl screamed. She was glaring daggers at the person sitting next to her.
"Hey, I thought you liked my jokes?" Sharpener pouted before continuing as if nothing was said. "Here maybe this one will cheer you up?" Videl squeezed her eyes closed ready to scream. Ryan, who was driving, smirked shaking his head as he steadily climbed up the gears. "Ready? Sharpener asked.
"Nooooo…" Videl growled
"Okay... What has four legs and one arm?" No reply "A happy Rottweiler!" Sharpener grinned. A loud mournful groan escaped from Videl's lips. "Why don't blind men go sky diving?" Again no reply. "Because it scares the crap out of their guide dogs…." Sharpener chuckled.
After over an hour; Videl was ready to reach over and throttle her blonde friend. Ryan just shook his head again. He was finding the situation funnier than the actual jokes. Sharpener had no idea what he was doing to Videl.
"Stoooop …" She pleaded.
"Okay here's another one. Where do you find a dog with no legs?.... Right where you left him." Sharpener laughed again, giddy with the excitement about their vacation away from home. He was lost to the fact that he was the only one laughing. "Did you hear the one about the dogs' home that got broken into? …The police have no leads."
"Pleeeeease Stoooop…" Videl growled burring her facing in the palm of her hands looking for an escape.
"Okay don't like the dog joke, I hear ya. Alright how about this one then? Two fish in a tank, one says to the other …How do you drive this thing?... wait, what about? Why did the farmer plough his field with a steamroller? …He wanted mashed potatoes."
"That's it …you're DEAD!!" Videl sprung around, her hands flew to Sharpener's neck.
"ARRRGH!!"
BEEP BEEP!!
"Will you two, QUIT IT!!" Ryan growled getting bumped by the two next to him.
"NO HIS MINEEEE!!" Videl yells.
Trevor frowned looking up ahead in the mid morning traffic. "What the hell?"
Sitting next to him in the front passenger seat, a confused Eraser raised a brow. "It looks like Videl is trying to kill Sharpener?"
Gohan shifted in the back seat of his jeep so he could get a better view. He saw Ryan's truck swerving wide into the next lane across into the oncoming traffic. "Yeah, I'd say your right." He said in a matter of fact tone before returning back to the map in front of him. "Hey guys. They've got some really neat trails not far from where we're going. Some of them go for miles up through the woods."
"Why do you wanna walk all that distance in your condition?" Eraser asked looking over her shoulder and forgetting the saga being played out on the road up ahead. "You should be relaxing."
"I wasn't thinking all the way just a lesser walk on one of the more gentle trails."
"Huh, never thought I'd here you say that. From what I've heard from Sharpener is that you and Videl were always on the lookout for the more rugged trails." Trevor chuckled.
"Yeah well, things have a way of changing on ya." He laughed patting his belly. Eraser smiled.
"That's for sure." She snickered.
"Now what!?!" Trevor growled as glanced in his rear view mirror before pulling off the road, following Ryan's lead. They watched as Sharper leaped out of the truck followed by Videl. By the time they pulled up along side Ryan. He had already jumped out of his truck and was slamming his door looking livid.
"Hey man what's up?" Trevor asked as he climbed out of Gohan's jeep.
Ryan glared up at him and pointed. "THEM!!"
"You're trying to KILL ME!" Sharpener shouted astonished. Eraser watched as Sharpener dodged another punch as she climb out of the jeep.
"Hell yeah!" Videl said with enthusiasm. A devilish grin spread across her face that would unsettle the best of them.
"You're one crazy bitch!" Sharpener growled back, his hands up in front of him trying to wave her off.
"Whose fault is that?" She spat.
"Hey guys, cool down. This isn't how I wanna start my holiday." Gohan said seriously placing himself between them both with raised hands.
"Just let me at him and everything will be just peachy." Videl snarled not taking her eyes off her prey.
Gohan shook his head while Sharpener wasted no time shielding himself behind his smaller friend. Gohan sighed as Videl went to snatch Sharpener. "Videl don't make me…"
"Or what? Whatya going do? 'BIG' boy!!" Trevor's eyes snapped at Gohan.
"Why you little…" That did it. Eyes blazing, Gohan leaped to grab her, but luckily Trevor and Ryan anticipated the next move.
"Bitch!!... I told you she was!" Sharpener said pointing at the crazy girl struggling in her boyfriend's arms snarling and growling while trying to lash out on the two boys in front of her.
"I am NOT! …Take that back!!" She growled.
"What? That you are a b-i-t-c-h" He said in a sing song voice. "…BITCH!!"
….
The last half hour was uncomfortable for Gohan who sat in the back seat with Sharpener now sitting up front. Trevor glanced in the rear vision mirror at his friend. Everyone was still a bit hot under the collar about the little dispute earlier. "Hey, guys I'm real sorry. How the hell was I to know she can't take fucking joke?" Sharpener asked glancing over to the other two.
Trevor glanced over at him before returning his sights back to the road. "I wouldn't worry about it too much it's probably just PMS." He grumbled under his breath.
"Yeah probably." Sharpener sounded remorseful. He turned over to Gohan. "Sorry man, really."
"It's cool. I should have seen her left hook coming." Gohan grumbled nursing a bruised jaw. He was feeling embarrassed. He couldn't even defend himself from Videl. How low is that? Some super Saiyan. Vegeta would have laughed at him or been ashamed he thought to himself. But even with these thoughts swimming around in his head he was determined to have a good time. This would be his last chance before being restricted with a new born to care for, and he was planning on having the best trip ever with his friends. Mind you he was pissed as at Videl, but again more at himself for not seeing her fist coming.
"If anything I feel sorry for Ryan. He's the one with the girls to contend with." Trevor said watching Ryan's beat up truck up head. "Hehe never thought I'd be happy about that. Ever since I've known him we've been chasing the chicks."
Gohan and Sharpener both laughed. "Well speaking as the only single man here. I'm looking out for some real good loving on this camp trip."
"Yeah, and where the hell you going to find that out there? The closest things you'll find is chipmunks?" Trevor laughed.
"Hell no, I'm too good for them I was more thinking something with longer legs maybe a real cute doe…"
"Errr… that's sick man!" Trevor pulled a face.
"Who's sick for thinking it? Hehe, there has to be some babes out there. Yeah, there has to be some cute hillbilly girls who need my hot boi." Sharpener said seductively rubbing his chest. The others laughed.
"I already feel sorry for the girl." Gohan said chuckling.
"The only way you're going to get a date dude, if she is as blind as a bat." Trevor chuckled as Sharpener ignored him.
"Yeah, there should be heap of blind chipmunks out there." Gohan added with a laugh. He couldn't help himself.
"Your lucky dude, that I don't sock you one for that!" Sharpener growled not trying to hide his amusement.
"Hey, no more bruises, or you'll have to answer to my guy." Gohan chuckled at Sharpener's worried expression.
"Hey man, I'm on your side." He said as the others laugh.
….
"Hey watch it!" Videl growled as her head hit the roof of the truck. She glared at her boyfriend as she rubbed her head.
"Sorry babe, the roads are pretty bad around here."
"No shit!" Eraser said getting all eyes on her. "What?"
"Ryan, the road!" Videl snapped pointing back to the road – or more appropriately the goat track they were trying to navigate. They watched as another crater size pothole loomed under the truck.
The girls stretched out their hands grab for any surface around them to secure themselves as they got bumped around in the cramped cab. "Sorry!" Ryan said with his concentration back on the slippery road and not on Eraser.
"Damn this!" Videl winched holding her head again.
"Sorry babe." Ryan yet again apologised as they hit another crater filled with water making the tyres slide slightly to one side as the wheels tried to grip on the slippery surface.
"How much longer?" Eraser asked eyes wide open. She had never been camping before and now she knew why.
"It's only 20 minutes or so up the road." Ryan said with his back wheel sliding to the left spitting up mud.
"Only 20 minutes?!" Videl growled looking at him in disbelief. "20 minutes of this? You gotta be kidding me?" Ryan was about to open his mouth when they all bounced up and landed hard on their seats. They landed hard with an "Ooofff"
"Sorry…"
"Shit!"
…
"Hell!" Trevor said as they hit another crater. Sharpener braced himself with his hands stretched out on the dash in front of him.
"Man, this road is one slippery bugger." Sharpener said with his eyes watching Ryan trying to navigate around a giant hole that took him off the track and onto the slippery grass.
"Road?! This is NO road man, this bloody bike track!!" Trevor growled with full concentration and his hands gripping the steering wheel for life. "Gee, I'm sooo glad I didn't bring my baby here!" He said to himself thinking of his beloved firebird. He quickly glanced in the rear vision mirror at Gohan who was being bumped around in the back. "Hey man, hows it going?" He called.
"Oh sweet, just sweet!" Gohan said sarcastically as he held on to the roll bar to the side and above him. He was too big to wear a seat belt now and it would only do more damage than good. He bounced and bumped in the back seat of his jeep. Not the most comfortable places to be when your only four weeks away from giving birth. He was having second thoughts about being there or at least asking for Trevor to stop the car and let him walk the rest of the way. It must have rained heavy the night before because the road looked half flooded in some parts and slippery as hell in other areas. There was no escaping the terrible conditions. The sky itself had changed from a bright warm sunny morning to an overcast, grey miserable day threatening to rain again at anytime.
Not much was said as the guys just followed slowly and cautiously behind Ryan, tracing his tyre tracks as they eased themselves out of yet another flooded pothole. Gohan was feeling bruised enough without the uncomfortable ride. The extra weight pushing down on his bladder didn't help. "Guys, how long?... coz I really need to pee."
"Ah man, can't you wait?" Trevor grumbled.
"No, I'm dying back here." Gohan growled with a frown.
"Well you just have to wait!" Trevor growled back like a parent would to a whining child.
"That sucks! If I don't go now I going to pee here!" Gohan snapped back.
"Pull over man!" Sharpener growled to Trevor. "He has to go!"
"Shit, you're both a bunch of pussies." Both Gohan and Sharpener threw him a glare. Well Gohan did his best being in the back seat. "Okay Okay, sorry." He said as he looked for good place to pull over. He had his head lights on as the clouds were getting heavy and darker. "Here, and don't take forever man. I don't want to lose Ryan and be stuck out here."
Gohan said nothing as he opened the door letting the cool air in. He tried to get his aching body to shift from his seat that he was attached to. "I need help here guys." He couldn't pull himself up, he was too heavy. His legs were stiff and sore from being cramped up for the last few hours.
"Oh fine!" Trevor growled under his breath as he pushed open his door roughly. A few curses were muffled under his breath as got out of the jeep. He came around in front of Gohan who was frowning straight back at him.
"Hey, it's not like I want to get out there!" He snapped.
"Well if you had gone before we left…" Trevor growled back helping slid out of his sit and easy him down onto the slipper muddy ground.
"I did!" Gohan argued. "I can't help it! This baby weighs a ton!" He said with a hand on his belly.
"Oh please, you should have thought of that before you decided to fall pregnant!"
"I beg your pardon?!"
"You heard!" Trevor snapped as he yanked Gohan upright.
"HEY!" He growled clinging onto his friend for dear life. "I didn't plan on falling…" Gohan was livid. His grip tightened stopping himself from falling. His eyes burned into Trevor's who was doing the same back to him.
"Will you two love birds quit the complaining and hurry UP! Ryan seems to have forgotten we were even behind him." Sharpener pointed to the road where Ryan truck had disappeared around a sharp corner.
"Oh just GREAT!" Trevor growled letting go of Gohan.
"HEEEEY!!" Gohan snapped as he slid in the mud and went to fall back onto his butt when Trevor caught him.
"Hey man, are you alright?" Trevor asked concerned.
"Yeah, sweet!" He growled lifting himself up with the help of his friend. "Now if you'll excuse me…" He growled looking for some dignity. "I need some privacy!" He turned to leave only to nearly go face first into the mud.
"Crikies, you can't even walk without falling. Give me your hand." Trevor went to grab Gohan when the boy shot him a dirty look. "Hey man. I was just trying to help…" Gohan eyes narrowed. "Oh pleeease, come ON!" He said sarcastically as he grabbed Gohan before he could protest. They both manoeuvred around the slimy mud, slowly onto the even more slippery grass with Gohan's free hand grabbing a hold of Trevor's t-shit, stretching it, as he tried to prevent himself from slipping over. "Watch the shirt man."
"Sorry, it's slippery."
The landscape was sloped with a mixture of tall leafy trees, pine trees. The ground was carpeted in thick green ferns and brown/green pine needles and a few pine combs scattered around. It all helped to conveniently hide the mud from each of their steps. They have been steadily heading up hill into what looked like virgin woodland. For Sharpener though none of this was apparent as his smile grew into a full blown grin, all he could hear from his seat were curses as both his friends disappeared into the heavy greenery.
"Don't look!"
"Like, I would!"
"Go over there!"
"Shit man, will you just get on with it."
"I can't with you looking at me."
"I'm not looking at you, dude."
"Well then go over there."
"I'm not going over there. It's worse than over here!"
"I don't care go over there."
"Look, I'm staying put you do what you have to do …"
"Not with you standing there I'm NOT!"
"Fine, I turn around. Happy?!"
"Don't peek."
"Geeze!!"
"No need to be…"
"ARRGH!!"
"What?!"
"Shit, I thought I saw something move!!"
"Where?"
"Hurry up man before it comes back."
"Don't rush me…"
Sharpener couldn't stop laughing. It wasn't long before he saw two fearful looking teenage boys slipping and sliding their way over to the jeep just as the rain started to spit onto the window screen in front of him. Their shoes were coated in think mud as they quickly open the doors and climb in. So thick was their shoes with mud they pulled them off and dumping them on the floor. In no time Trevor got the car moving again. "Man, I wish I had said no to this trip."
"Ah man, come on things will pick up once we get there." Sharpener nudged Trevor in the arm. The footballer glanced at him as if had lost his mind.
Gohan sat quietly in the back seat watching the landscape close around them as they climbed higher. He loved nature. It was home to him. His mind wandered to a time, when he was a child and would play with his pet higher-dragon. He smirked at what his friends would think if they knew that there were creatures out there they never thought possible. Those were good times. He remembered how his pet would soar into the sky, just the two of them exploring the forests together. He loved his pet, his friend, even if his mother never did. Sadly his smile dropped thinking of other, not so happy, memories. Why do they always have to creep in and show their ugly heads into his thoughts? He was determined not to make his own child suffer the same as him, or for that matter, he wasn't going to have it suffer any of the problems his partner had to live with. He wanted this child to feel loved and safe. He wondered what a child, with his and Vegeta's power combined, would be like? What will its personalty be like? Who will it take after? He giggled quietly, thinking of it having Vegeta's hair, but then he thought it would be so cute to have all that thick dark hair nestled over its cute little face. Just thinking about it made him warm inside. He was carrying Vegeta, the prince of Saiyans, child within him, their child. It made him bubble up with pride just thinking about it. Kami, he loved it, even without even seeing the tiny infant yet. He could feel it growing inside him. He could feel how big it had already grown. He could feel the love that swelled up from it. The brush of a hand or foot, a nudge when it moved or when it was hungry for its father's ki. The strong, but gentle and steady flow of ki that flowed to the child as it fed from it, binding it forever into their Saiyan heritage into its parental embrace. It was a key to a strong bond a powerful force that can call a child to its parent many miles away from home. Saiyans are strong defenders of their home, of their people, of their family. Nothing comes between a Saiyan and its loved ones, and Kami help those that do, because no one else will.
Gohan was lost in his thoughts as the jeep still struggled up the hill, groaning. 'I miss him all ready.' He thought. Here he was far from the loving arms of his guy, his safety line, his heart.
…
"Look that must be it!" Sharpener called snapping Gohan from his thoughts. He looked up to see the girls scrambling out of the truck with Ryan hoping up the steps of the huge log cabin - if that was what you could call it. Gohan and the others climbed out of the jeep speechless. They were standing in front of a two story loft style building with a wide veranda that crept along the front of it. Large windows that overlooked the sloping yard before it descending over a rock face. It was breathtaking. The overall picture of the valley down below was worth the slow agonising trip up the hill.
Trevor could sort of understand how an eagle must feel high on it perch. Freedom came to mind. "WOW!!" Sharpener gushed.
"I'll say!" Trevor said shutting his door. "Wow, man this is amazing." Their eyes scanned over the thick grey clouds as they thundered rolling over the horizon.
"Hey babe, what's with the socks?" Eraser asked as she came up for a cuddle and kiss.
Trevor looked down just now feeling the cold wet ground sipping into his socks. "Oh damn!" Gohan scowled as he looked down at his now drenched socks.
"Come on guys, you'll catch a cold like that. That's all we need, to nurse two sick moping guys on our holiday." Eraser said pulling her guy along towards the house.
"Hold on babe, I need to offload the gear first." Eraser reluctantly let him go.
"Fine, but Gohan needs to get inside." Gohan was about to protest when Trevor patted him on the back with laugh.
"Don't argue with the girl." He warned. Gohan nodded knowing exactly what the girls were like when their minds were made up. "Sharp here will help me with the bags."
"Yeah, lucky me." Sharpener said sarcastically.
Gohan smirked at his friends listening to the battering of words as he left them to it. Eraser was already up the four steps that lead to front door. It had a wooden flyscreen that would creak as you opened it. Gohan's jaw dropped in awe. This place was so big. It was what you would expect to see in a log cabin but the whole place was opened up to catch the awesome views. It was the spitting image of what should be found in a country magazine. It made you feel welcome. He looked over to the living room window. It made him wish he could fly again, something he missed a lot. The freedom of flight, souring through the sky as your body batters the forces. The feeling of the wind as it brushed and tossed through your hair, travelling speeds that only a descendant of a Saiyan could do. Something he was very grateful for at times. He heard a thunder of feet and turned to see Eraser and Videl giggling as they tore down the wide wooden steps that took you upstairs.
"This is awesome!" Eraser cheered. Her smile lit up her face.
"I'll say." Videl agreed. They both turned to Gohan as they jumped the last step. "You got to see upstairs. Each room has a view worth dying for."
"Yeah, and they have the biggest bathroom I've ever seen, well maybe not as big as the one I saw at CC that time, but the next closest thing. It even has a Jacuzzi! Can you believe it? I have to go tell Trevor" Eraser was giddy with excitement and it put a smile on Gohan's face.
"Tell me what?" Trevor asked as he struggled through the door with all of Eraser luggage.
"Oh babe, you just have to see our room. It's huge and they have Jacuzzi!!" Trevor grinned with the excitement his girlfriend was showing.
"Hey dude, were do I dump all of this?" Sharpener asked as he struggled in through the door.
"Upstairs.' Videl thumbed over her shoulder. "Here I'll show you." She said as she turned and sprinted back upstairs. Sharpener leaned over to Gohan and whispered.
"Notice how she didn't offer to help carry anything?"
Gohan raised his brow and nodded before turning to his friend with a hand out stretched. "Here I help."
"Don't be stupid man. That's all I need is you getting hurt carrying all this." Sharpener motioned to all the bags handing off his shoulders.
"Don't you guys start treating me like a cripple! I get that enough back at home." Gohan said with a grin even though he meant it.
"He's right you need to take it easy. And before you go off your brain it doesn't mean we can't have fun. So stop being so damn snappy about letting others want to help you. It means they care about you." Eraser said with her natural sweet charm and the force of any women wanting her own way. Before Gohan could say anything else Eraser was pulling him up the stairs with Trevor struggling behind them. Gohan felt uncomfortable letting his friend do all the work, but knew he would just end up suffering a headache if he argued again.
Upstairs Eraser gave them a quick tour that Ryan had shown her until they came to the end of the hall. "This one is yours, and look at this isn't it just awesome? Look, you can see for miles and miles. I can't wait to we start looking around outside. I reckon we must be perched on the highest point up here. Ryan said there is a lake just a short walk down behind the cabin. We just gotta check it out." Eraser said as she buzzed around the room helping him unpack his gear that Trevor had deposited on the queen size bed.
The room was large and comfortable with a plush bed that took up the middle of the room and two matching side tables on either side, an old colonial dresser with oval mirror to match the rest of the furniture. The large bay window overlooked the side of the house and from this angle you could still see the cliff over the tips of trees that fanned before him. It was like green carpet cascading down into the valley below.
"It's beautiful." Gohan said under his breath. Eraser turned to him and smiled.
"Yes it is." Gohan blushed he didn't realise she had heard him.
It wasn't long before Gohan was making his way downstairs leaving his friends kissing upstairs. He followed the sounds of Ryan's voice. Gohan walked into the living room to see Ryan kneeling down stacking firewood near the open fireplace. He glanced over his shoulder at Gohan who approached him. "I thought I'd get this stacked before I forget." He said dusting his hands on his fade jeans as he stood up. He turned to Gohan with a wide grin. "So what do you think?" He motioned to the place.
"I'm speechless man. Your uncle is one luck guy."
"I'll say. He's being good to mum and us." Gohan nodded feeling a kinship with his friend. Ryan, like the rest of his friends, had it bad in someway. It reminding him he wasn't really alone. They understood him to some degree and that's what brought them closer. Even as they bitched among themselves they were there for each other. Always have been he hoped always will be.
"Where's Videl?"
"She went outside to bring in the groceries…" As he said this the front flyscreen door slammed.
"Right where are they?!" Videl stomped into the room with her hands on her hips looking like she wanted to hit someone.
"Where's what?" Both Ryan and Gohan asked.
"The box of food we bought."
"It's in the back of the…"
"Forget it I've already looked there."
"Shit, it must back at home on the kitchen bench."
"Shit, Ryan!"
"It's cool. I'll just nick down the road and get some stuff down in the valley."
"I like that! It took us forever to just get here, and now you gotta go…"
"Look it's cool. It will only take me an hour, tops!"
"I'll go with you Ryan."
"Nah…"
"Uh hu I'm going with you." Gohan said with sideways grin.
…
"You know you didn't have to come?" Ryan said after sometime on the road.
"Nah, it's okay. Plus I didn't wanna have to listen to Videl bitch." Gohan quickly glanced at Ryan. "Sorry I didn't mean…"
"It's cool. I understand totally. She can be a handful at times."
Gohan was relieved Ryan wasn't offended. But he could understand why he put up with her sometimes. "Anyway, I'm staving, and this way I can grab bite to eat sooner." Gohan said with a sideways grin.
"Of course it had to be the food. " Ryan said and then he pouted. "It was too much to think you just wanna hangout with your buddy." Gohan looked up concerned. Ryan chuckled as he drove down the leafy tar road that took you to the one horse town in the valley. "I feel cheated." Ryan added with a laugh.
Gohan laughed then shook his head. "You're one sorry dude." He chuckled.
"Don't I know it." Ryan said with laugh.
Both boys chit chatted about this and that as they admired the landscape that passed them by. "You know my sister has crush on Trunks."
Gohan turned to him with a smile that curled on his lips. "She does?" Ryan laughed and nodded.
"Oh yeah, and one on you too. "Gohan chuckled. "But after yesterday she knows you've got a boyfriend."
Gohan glanced at him. "How did she take that?"
"Not too good, but she's hoping you might leave him for her when she's older." Gohan chuckled.
"Fat chance, I'm afraid. Unless something happens before then, I'll stick with my man."
"Yeah I sorta told her that. So now she's got her eyes on Trunks." Gohan looked up at him unsure.
"Um, she might have a problem there too."
"Hows that? Vegeta you mean?"
"No, well maybe, but I can deal with him. No ...um …I sorta got this feeling that Trunks has got his eyes on someone else. I haven't said anything to Vegeta or the others, though I think mum has idea what going on."
"Tell me already?"
"Well Trunks has been getting awfully possessive over my little brother…"
"No joke? You got be kidding? Gee…Vegeta? "
"Yeah well, I haven't said anything to him just yet. I mean they are still just kids."
"Shit dude you Saiyans really keep it in the family don't you." Ryan chuckled Gohan hit him lightly in the shoulder.
"Hey, it's nothing like that. I think we're just more comfortable around others that can relate to us, and there aren't many of us around anymore. You just have to look at my so called mother and my dad. It never worked out for them. Then Vegeta and Bulma …"
"Hang on a second, isn't your dad and Bulma a couple now? What about them? They look like they are cool together?"
"Yeah, but I'm wondering if they will stick it out."
"Your just paranoid, man, seeing things that aren't even there."
"No I'm not!"
"Yes you are. Who's to say that Bulma and your dad won't make a good team?"
"I don't know…I guess I can't."
"Exactly! You don't. You're looking at just two relationships…"
"Yeah but how many other relationships do you know that live happy ever after…" Before Ryan could answer Gohan added. "…between a Saiyan and a human?"
Ryan rolled his eyes. "Give me break. I didn't even know aliens existed before you came along."
"See you can't"
"There you go again, picking at straws."
"Am not!"
Ryan let out a deep sigh and glanced over at his friend. "Look in any relationship you have the same gamble. My parents for one. You just have to look at any of our friends' family to know nothing is perfect. But that's not to say there aren't good ones out there Saiyan or not. What about Vegeta family? I've heard you talk about his dad a few times but nothing about his mum?"
Gohan looked out the window then looked at belly. "I heard his mother died giving birth to him. That's what he was told."
"Gee, that's got be tough. My mum is everything to me I couldn't imagine what would be like without her."
"He says he's cool with it, but I get the feeling he cut up about not knowing her. I mean he's had hell of past. I couldn't imagine what it been like for him. He doesn't talk about it much and I don't like to ask."
"What about you guys now? Have you patched up everything between you both?" Gohan glanced out the window again.
"Sometime I feel like there's something trying to pull us apart. I can't explain it." Ryan glanced at his friend who had turned away from him and wondered what was really going on inside his head.
"Maybe it's just the pregnancy." Ryan said.
"Maybe…" But Gohan couldn't but feel there was another force trying to break up his relationship with the prince.
Up ahead they both saw a large sign that welcoming you to the town of Hammonton, a small population of just over a thousand.
"Hey, what time is it?"
"Its quarter past twelve." Gohan said looking at his watch.
Ryan slowed as he entered the lazy town passing two small weathered homes. In front of them was a few dozen buildings huddled together along the side the road. "This is old Jim's place. He'll have everything that should satisfy your Saiyan appetite." Ryan said as he slowly lumbered in front of an old weatherboard restaurant.
"I think I surpass even a Saiyan appetite now." Gohan giggled rubbing his belly even the baby couldn't wait.
"Now, that could be a problem." Ryan smirked as killed the engine.
"Owww!" He grumbled with the baby kicking him hard. "Now that's not called for, kicking the hand that feeds you."
"Hand?"
"Well you know what I mean." Gohan smirked.
In front of them the building looked like it was built in the thirties and hasn't been painted since. It had five narrow windows facing the roadside shaded by the wide veranda. Both boys climbed out of the truck and stretched. The trip down hill was slow with the slippery track.
"After you." Ryan said bowing slightly with arm stretched out.
"No, I insist. After you."
"No I insist ladies first." Ryan held back a smirk.
Gohan raised a brow as a warning. Ryan nodded.
"Never argue with hungry Saiyan." he chuckled.
"Demi." Gohan corrected him.
"Sorry demi." Ryan chuckled as he slapped his friend on the shoulder. "Come on in before you waste away." He said they both chuckled as they stepped up together onto the old creaking floorboards that led the way to the front door. The aroma of food hit them straight away. Immediately Gohan's stomach started to respond with the LOUDEST belly grow that would even put his father to shame.
Unfortunately for him it happened just when they had stepped through the door. All eyes flew start to him, speechless. Gohan froze wide eyed he blushed right down to his shoes. He quickly turned to Ryan who was trying desperately to hold back a belly size laugh. His face twisted and pulled. Gohan though he saw the beginnings of tears forming in his friend's eyes as Ryan struggled. Gohan narrowed his sights. Ryan waved his hand in defence, backing up a step with the other covering his mouth trying to prevent the inevitable.
With another belly size demand emanating from Gohan, Ryan burst out laughing. Embarrassed Gohan took what little pride he had and walked over to the counter ignoring everyone. Chin held up high, he ordered what would satisfy his growing appetite and ignored the snickering from the young girl who took his order.
…
"Hey man, I'm sorry but you have to admit that was funny." Ryan said leaning over the table across from his plate, sprinkling salt over his chips. Gohan glanced at him with narrowed eyes as bit violently down on his third burger. "Come on man…truce?"
Gohan chewed with mouthful of food. Not one of his most attractive looks and peered out the window letting his buddy sweat it out for a while longer. He watched the traffic - if you could call it that - as it passed them at a snail's pace. It was as uneventful as watching the flowers grow. When he thought he recognized a car from school. "Isn't that Matt Benson's car?" He asked worriedly as he watched the red mustang rumble passed just as an old farmer pulled out with his truck blocking Gohan view. Ryan glanced out the window to see what Gohan was going on about.
"Sorry man, didn't see it."
Gohan's eyes were fixed to the road but the old farm truck was taking forever to get out of his line of vision. "I'm sure it was…" Feeling a little fearful.
"Hey man, what would any of the Bensons be doing out here? I can't see them as the nature type."
"What about the hunting type?" Gohan looked over at Ryan with a slight panicked look mirroring how he felt inside. The phone call with Matt the day before surfaced.
"Oh man, I don't what's got into you. Do all Saiyan get this paranoid?" Ryan whispered over the table as he glanced around hoping they couldn't be heard.
Ryan and the others all knew how Matt has been after Gohan for most of the year especially now that Matt's brother Kurt was under investigation. But they didn't know about the recent phone call from Matt.
"Yeah." Gohan eyes narrowed. "Especially when they're defenceless…." He hissed. "It's not something we comfortable with. It's unnatural to us."
"Unnatural?"
"Yeah, abnormal. I'm not suppose to be like this." He hissed.
"So because you have lost your powers, as you call them. You're feeling unnatural, abnormal?"
"Hell yeah." Gohan frowned annoyed like it wasn't obvious. "How can I explain it any more simple terms for you?" Gohan growled.
"Look, as I see you have the same abilities as us mortals. That isn't a bad thing." Ryan said trying to calm his friend down.
"It is if you're Saiyan!"
"Demi." Ryan corrected. Gohan glared at him. "Look, fine. I get it your uncomfortable." Gohan nodded glad he finally understood. "But aren't you half human?"
"Yeah, but that isn't the point."
"Okay, so you feeling a little threatened…"
Confused Gohan asked. "From who?"
"Matt?!" It was Ryan turn to snap.
"Well yes, when you put it like that. I guess I know I shouldn't let him worry me, but he does."
"Look, just because you have lost your powers doesn't mean you can't kick butt."
Gohan frowned while raising his swollen belly into view, and pointing. "Yes it does!" He said with hint of fear.
"So Matt's on your tail …"
"Tail?" Gohan gave sideways grin shaking his head.
"You know what I mean man, harassing and shit like that. You're no stranger to that. Living with your mother I would have thought…"
Gohan head shot up. "That was completely different. Ry I feel lost and useless with out my powers. I hate it. It's like losing an arm or leg. It's part of me. It's who I am."
"I guess I don't understand." Ryan sat back looking across at his friend. "Well what would a Saiyan do when someone picks on you?" Gohan eyes sparkled.
"We normally get real pissed right before we kick butt." They both laughed.
Ryan leaned forwarded and asked. "And that's what you would do?"
"Normally yes, if I felt threatened enough. You know that. You've seen me…"
"I've never seen you get this upset over being harassed before. You're normally in control."
"Yeah, but that was before I was pregnant." Gohan and Ryan grinned. Then Gohan's face became serious. "I'm scared Ryan."
"I know you are."
"It's not just Matt that got me all worried. I'm getting closer to the day the baby going to be born and I'm petrified. I can't admit it to Geta or my dad."
"I'm sure if you talk to them…"
"I know I know. I know I should and I do, sorta. Bulma is always going on about it. Hell everyone is. I suppose it's pride. It's sorta of bred into me not to talk about my problems. I mean my mother never really showed any interested in me unless it was my school work. I just learned to bottle them all up inside of me. I'm sorry Ry…"
"Hey it's cool. I totally understand. When dad was living back home I couldn't say one thing without him ripping into me. I quickly learned to shut up. I didn't want to upset mum so I kept quiet about a lot of things." Ryan explained. Gohan nodded. He completely understood.
They sat there for sometime quietly thinking things out in their heads when Gohan spoke up. "You know if I wasn't pregnant I would fight him."
"What are you talking about? Matt?"
"Yeah, he phoned me…"
"What did he want?" Ryan asked surprised.
"Nothing much. Just trying to aggravate me."
"Well it looks like he succeeded." Ryan said dipping his chip into the sauce. "Gohan man, you've got to loosen up. You're blowing this all out of proportion. I'm sure of it." Ryan said trying down play the whole thing. He didn't want Gohan to thinking about it any more. All he was doing was getting himself distressed. He was sure Matt was just trying to upset him.
"Out of proportion?" Gohan hissed back. "You know they think Matt's brother is the one who has been beating up those boys."
"Where the hell did you hear this? And what brought this on? I swear your mind is on a swing. One minute you're talking about one thing then you swing around again talking about something else. Kami if I ever have kids I hope my girl is nothing like this when she pregnant or I swear…"
"Will you shut up! You're starting to sound like Sharpener."
"Kami, your right… Shit."
"All I'm saying is I've got this real bad feeling."
"Like what?"
"Just that something bad going to happen and I wouldn't be surprised if it has to do with the Benson brothers, especially if that was Matt's car out there." Gohan turned back to the window next to him.
"Forget them. I'm sure they are a million miles away."
"Maybe…but something's not right I can feel it." Gohan whispered.
Ryan went to say something when he was interrupted before he could say anything by a familiar voice.
"Young Ryan?" The boys looked up to see an elderly man with a cheery expression on his aged old face. His smile broadened as he approached their table. "Why it is. You look the spitting image of you uncle Micky at that age."
"Jim, wow they let you out?" Ryan chuckled at his aged old joke.
"Same smart mouth too, I see." Jim said turning to Gohan. "And who this?"
"Jim, this is my good friend Son Gohan."
"Nice to meet you sir." Gohan said politely with his hand stretched out in front of him. He noticed the old man had a firm grip.
"I hope the food was to your satisfaction?" Jim asked.
Gohan blushed he couldn't but wonder what it must look like with several empty plates piled up in front of him. "Yes sir." He said shyly.
"Good good. That's what I like to see. A healthy appetite." He chuckled. "Not to mention what it does for business." He joked. Gohan laughed half heartily with them but still felt self-conscious. "So what you doing up these parts?" Jim turned to his late friend's grandson taking the conversation away from embarrassing the boy any further.
"Some friend and I are staying up at the cabin for a few days. You know, check out the place maybe do some fishing and stuff like that, just shooting the hoop."
"You'll have to take them over to big Ted's place. There been a few good catches down there of late." Jims said scratching his chin trying to think of any other good places for kids to catch fish.
"I thought I take the boat down to the lake maybe tomorrow. I can't see us have anytime today. We still have to get a heap of food."
"That's going to cost you a bit in this place."
"Tell me about it, but it's that or we starve."
"Well we can't have that. Not a fine strapping boy like this." Gohan could literally feel himself sinking into the chair. "I'll tell you what." Jim continued. "You get what you need and put it on your uncle's tab." Jim chuckled. He couldn't wait to see Micky's face when he handed the bill. He also knew Micky wouldn't mind, not when it comes to his sister's family. "Just be sure to remind Eve when you're at the store."
"I don't know…" Ryan wasn't too sure. Gohan was just about to suggest he would help pay. It wasn't like it would hurt his pocket plus he was sure he was the one going to eat everyone out of the house.
He reached for his wallet with some difficulty. "I think I should help pay for this…" Jim put up his hand out to stop Gohan from continuing.
"Nonsense! Now, if you are both finished, be gone with you. I have other customers needing this table." Both boys looked around at the half empty restaurant. It wasn't long after that that Jim had them both stumbling out the front door. "Now, don't forget to let Eve know. That woman is blind as bat now days, not to mention deaf."
"Hehe… and I heard she got the hots for you…" Ryan chuckled, ducked the old man's hand.
"Why you little punk…" Both boys hurried over to the truck laughing as Jim mouthed off to them both. "…and you make sure you come back here when you're in town next. I'll make sure I have a big meal waiting for you both."
"We will." Ryan said. They both waved as they hopped into the truck. Ryan fired up the old girl and started to back the truck to go down to the store which was only three building further down the road right next door to the gas station.
…
"Hey Ry?" Gohan turned to his friend while carrying a box of groceries out to the back of Ryan's truck.
"Yeah?" Ryan said without looking up from shifting two other boxes to making more room for the one Gohan was caring.
"How old is that women?" He asked placing the box down.
"I have no idea she always been old." Ryan said in a matter fat tone. He placed the tarp over the food in case it rained. "Why?"
"Oh nothing, it just she kept watching me and it kinda gave me the creeps."
"She was checking you out, man." Ryan chuckled.
"Eewwwww… that's just gross!"
"She does it to all the guys."
"Well remind me not to go in there again." They both laughed.
Ryan patted his friend on the back. "Get in. I'm just going move the truck up little so I can fill her up."
"I'll never understand why you guys insist on calling your cars baby or she?"
"Hehehe….I guess it just habit with me. I never realised I did until you said so. Probably from my uncle, and well Trevor just loves that car of his. It all he's got of his brother. He treats that car better than any of his girls."
"Hehe…yeah I've noticed." He looked up at Ryan as they moved to the front of the truck. "Do you think Trevor and Eraser are tight?"
Ryan frowned and stopped in mid swing of open his door. "I don't know. I mean they seem tight, but I guess anything can happen. Trevor doesn't like commitment, a bit like me." They both hopped into their seats and closed the doors.
"I can understand that. It's kind of scary. I'm always worried Geta going to rack off on me, you know get bored of me or something. "Gohan said a little dejected.
"You two are the tightest." Gohan raised a question brow. Ryan laughed as he started the truck.
"Yeah everyone has fights. But you guys just… I don't know… there's something…you got connection…"
"Yeah this." Gohan patted his belly. "And I don't want this to be the only reason he feels he has to be with me. That not a relationship."
"Gee, here you go again. You and your damn mood swings. You have to have more faith in your's and Vegeta relationship…"
"Yeah but look at my mum and my dad…"
"Stop it willya. That's them not you." Ryan said with a little bit more fire than he would have liked. He quickly regretted it looking at his friend. A long sigh as he looked out the windscreen. "Look Gohan, I'm sorry. I can't even imagine how you're feeling right now." He laughed looking at Gohan belly. "Definitely." That lightened the mood with Gohan laughing as well.
"Sorry, man. I get like this. I don't understand it. It like my emotions have gone haywire or something and my mind won't shut up." He giggled.
"It's cool man, really. I'm here for ya, so are the others. It's better to talk than keep it bottled up inside of ya. Talk away."
"You'll regret saying that." They both laughed as Ryan turned his attention to getting the truck filled up with gas.
…
While Ryan was paying and chatting to the kid behind the counter, Gohan couldn't shrug the feeling he was been watched. His coral eyes scanned for anything that looked out of place to him. He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise and chill fell over him causing goosebumps. When Ryan opened the door Gohan jumped. Eyes were wide with surprise and a hint of fear. "Sorry man, didn't mean to spook ya." Ryan said with goof grin as he tossed a chocolate bar at his friend and climbed in. "Is everything alright?"
Ryan turned the key. "Yeah." Gohan said as he turned to the side window and whispered to know one. "Just, my imagination playing mind games again." The truck jerked forward as Ryan rolled her out onto the road.
Gohan watched as the ever changing landscape passed them by. The rich dense foliage seemed so beautiful in his eyes after the rain had washed away the light dust from their leaves and bark. A fresh clean crisp pine smell loomed in the air as it ruffled his hair.
Gohan breathed in deeply as the cool air buffeted his hair and face. It made him homesick. He loved the open spaces. Thinking how lovely it all was when his eyes fixed on a sudden movement up head, a dark tall figure emerging out from the thickness of the woods just as they passed by. Gohan turned quickly so he could get better glimpse but it was too late. Mysteriously, as the figure appeared it disappeared. Gohan sat back heavy in his seat his eyes shifting as if in thought.
"Gohan man, what up?"
"Nothing… nothing, everything cool." He turned back out the window and frowned shaking the image from his thoughts. "It's impossible."
…
"Took you long enough." Videl chimed with her hands on her hips watching her boyfriend pull the truck to stop just in front of the steps. Her smile broadened as Ryan climbed out and she ran down the steps into his arms.
Ryan grinned. "Miss me babe?"
"You know it stud." She purred before sucking face with him.
"Gee, you two get a room." Gohan chuckled as he climbed out of the truck.
"Hey dude." Sharpener said jogging down the steps with goof grin. "What took you so long?"
"Didn't know you cared?" Gohan purred.
"Oh babe, you have no idea. I miss your hot loving." Sharpener said huskily. Mimicking, Videl while tying to keep a straight face. He embraced his friend dramatically in a show of affection.
"Kiss me… stud." Gohan rasped sensually. His lips puckered up like he was going to give his blonde friend one hell of passionate kiss.
"Oh babe, you know how hot you make me feel." Sharpener chuckled looking down at his friend lovingly. His long arms wrapped around Gohan shoulders playing along and looking all dreamy in his friend's coral eyes without bursting into laughter.
"Would you two, knock it OFF! …I'm allowed to miss my guy." Videl growled at them mocking her, like they were. They both pulled away from each other laughing.
"Yeah sure, as long as we don't have to watch." Sharpener said. "So did you get us food?" He asked clapping his hands together. He quickly went around the back of the truck to see what was under the tarp.
"Where's Trevor and Eraser?" Ryan asked with Sharpener helping him pulled back the tarp.
"Upstairs. Do I need to say more?" Videl said rolling her eyes. "I tell you they've been at it since you left."
"Ahhh… jealous?" Gohan asked getting a glare shot his way.
"Am NOT! Besides Ryan and I will make up for lost time later. " Videl said smugly.
"I didn't know this was a competition?" Ryan said with one of his sideways grins. This could be good he thought. Gohan chuckled knowing his friend well. Sharpener ignored the lot of them as he scooped up one of the boxes and headed back inside to satisfy his hunger.
It wasn't long with all of them in the kitchen grabbing a bite to eat. Gohan helped himself to another snack as everyone stuffed themselves with deli sandwiches. Afterwards they all sat out on the veranda chatting about nothing in particular. Sharpener was sitting with his legs stretched out on the steps. Trevor and his girl were leaning back on the railing looking at the other's sitting comfortably on the wicker chairs in front of them.
"This is cool." Trevor said glancing over his shoulder at the view.
"Yeah it is." Ryan agreed.
"Your family's lucky to have place like this." Eraser said hugging her guy tighter.
"Hey it was my grandfather who built it. Back then no one was interested in living around these parts so land was cheap."
"I wish my dad would buy something like this." Videl said sitting close to her guy. "He always buys in the city. Can't live without his damn fans." Gohan choked back a laugh. Videl glared at him. "Hey, you're just jealous!"
"Am NOT!"
"Yes you are. He got all the fame and fortune and you got zilch."
"Don't you two start again." Sharpener sighed.
"Shut up Sharpener!" Videl snapped, turning her attention back to Gohan.
"Look, I don't care what he got. He can keep it all as far as I'm concerned. I don't need that shit!" Gohan growled. He's frowned deepened. "All the Cell game got me was grief so I don't want to hear about your blasted father!"
"Hey HEY, guys COOL IT! This is supposed to be party time, celebrating? We're finally away from the rents." He turned to Gohan. "And you quit with all the aggravation…" Gohan shot him a murderous glare. "I mean it. Cool it. Go and take some of those damn tablets or something. …will ya. You still got those tablets for the kid feed or whatever?"
Gohan eyes narrowed. "Yeah."
"I swear you get moodier by the minute." Trevor said frowning at his friend sulking.
"I was saying that on the way back here." Ryan stated. Getting a glare from Gohan before the demi Saiyan looked down at his lap fiddling with his shirt.
"I'm trying OKAY!" Gohan defended.
"Like I said man, it cool."
"It will be when he takes his damn tablets." Trevor shot back getting an elbow from Eraser and Ryan glaring at him.
Sharpener bounced up on his feet. "I'll get them. " He turned to Gohan. "They're on your dresser right?"
"Yeah…" Gohan said without look up.
"What do those tablets do anyway?" Eraser asked. Gohan looked up and glanced over at Videl who was ignoring him.
"They sort of a substitute for Geta ki."
"Huh?"
"We need more than just food to keep our unborn cubs strong and growing, especially in the last stages of the pregnancy. The cub grows at an extraordinarily fast rate. I can't keep up with it. It always draining, pulling at my ki keeping it low."
"That's gotta be tiring?" Eraser said.
"It is. That why I get so moody I suppose."
"I thought you said Vegeta ki was better than those tablets?" Ryan asked.
"They are, but I can hardly pack Geta in my bag." Gohan chuckled softly think about it a few minutes later.
"Here you go and I even brought a glass of water complements of the tap." Sharpener grinned. Gohan took them from him and shook his head.
"Goof!"
"And your point being?" They all chuckled at their blonde hair clown.
….
It was decided they would go of exploring down one of the many tracks that would led to the lake Ryan had been talking about. The lake itself was hidden from view with the think foliage of the tress as the land gently sloped down away from the large cabin. It would eventually lead then down to a secluded mountain lake that would be too cold for them to swim in at the moment. Ryan filled them with stories and legends how it was said to bottomless and a creature dwells in it.
"Good enough reason, not go swimming." Sharpener said.
"Man, I don't think you have to worry." Ryan chuckled. Squeezing Videl closer as they all got up.
"Yeah, the creature would just take one look at you and take off." Trevor laughed.
"Ha-ha very funny." Sharpener laughed unimpressed.
"I can't wait till we get to use the Jacuzzi." Eraser said smiling and nuzzling up to her boyfriend. A goofy grin curled onto Trevor face, the same one he had when he came downstairs from their little make out session. The others had ribbed him about it since. Gohan thought it was cute.
Videl snuggled up to Ryan making sure he was aware of her. "Ry and I can't wait either. Isn't that right babe?"
Ryan lowered his head with hint of red broadening across his cheeks. "Yeah." He said meekly with a grin. "Let's go I wannya show you the lake before it gets too dark."
"Cool." Sharpener cheered as stood up putting on his baseball cap and pushing it further over his eyes. "Lead the way." He smiled.
"How about it Gohan, you going?" Eraser asked turning to Gohan as he struggling out of his chair.
"For sure. Just can one of you guys help me?" He asked slightly frustrated and embarrassed. There were plenty of helpers, and in no time he was back on his feet. Most of the clouds had disappeared while they where talking. The afternoon sun was shining through the leafy trail ahead of them as it slowly engulfed them all. Sharpener stayed back alongside Gohan as the two sets of lover birds goofed off up ahead.
"Hey man, what up?" Gohan asked, concerned.
"Them." Sharpener frowned. Gohan raised a single brow for him to continue. "It's just seeing them all lovey-dovey, kinda get on my nerves." Sharpener sighed.
Gohan nodded knowingly. "I know, but you'll find the right girl one day."
"I don't know man. Girls confuse me. I don't get it. One minute they're all fine and happy with you. Then BANG they're bitching at everything you're doing for no reason and before you know it you're in the dog house. I don't think I'll ever find a girl for me." Sharpener said feeling dejected.
"Course you will and when you do it will be that much more special." Gohan said nudging his friend in the arm with a friendly smile. "I mean what girl could resit your charm?" Sharpener looking over at his friend and smirked, it quickly turned into a grateful smile.
"Yeah man, I suppose. You do know how to make me feel better." Sharpener said. "It's shame you're not a girl." He winked.
Gohan grinned shaking his head. "I think Geta happy I'm not."
"No man I mean it…" Gohan raised a curious brow. Sharpener shook his head. "No, not being a girl, but helping me. I always feel a lot better after talking with you."
"Wait till you see my bill." Gohan grinned. Sharpener shook his head.
"Oh man, you'll make a good psychiatrist."
"Hmm… now there is a thought." They both laughed as they followed the others with Ryan yelling at them to hurry up.
The path wound its way through the trees with a canopy of leaves that splayed out overhead. The warm sunlight flickered through giving a shimmy affect as they walked along the otherwise narrow trail that eventually exploded into a wash of glittering blue, looking very much like a inland, sea Gohan thought, but smaller.
"Wow!!" He awed.
"I don't believe it. This is amazing?" Trevor breathed.
Ryan laughed. "You like?" He got them all looking at him as if he was crazy. He laughed. "You should see all your faces. Hehe…I wish I had brought a camera with me."
"I've never seen anything like it." Eraser gushed.
"It takes most peoples' breath away when they see it." Ryan said.
"I bet it does." Videl smiled. "Wow, this is like a lost sea or something. Like the ones you read about."
"It's cool isn't it? I love coming up here on holidays." Ryan said as they slowly took in the sight of the lake as it fanned and engulfed the rich slopes of the hillsides until it merged and sunk into the lapping blue.
"It's freezing!" Sharpener cried stepping back from dipping his hand into the crystal clear water. You could see the different shades of pebbles lying beneath the waters surface.
"It's beautiful." Eraser said looking around her.
"I can't wait till we get the boat into this baby." Trevor said excitedly. They all nodded in silent agreement. Gohan looked around him. He couldn't believe it. Out of all his travels he had been on he could have missed a place like this. He wondered if his father or Vegeta knew about this place. He wouldn't be surprised if they did, but surly they would have told him if they did?
"Hey guys, there is another track further up." Sharpener pointed to his left. "Who's up to checking out? Maybe it leads to some hot babes?"
"Sorry to disappoint you dude, but that leads further down and a round passed Teds place." Ryan said.
"Maybe he got some real cute relatives over?" Sharpener asked hopeful. "Come on let's go."
"Hehe… forever hopeful." Ryan shook his head. "There is a waterfall down that way though."
"Let's check it out." Videl said excitedly grabbing Ryan and yanking him forward.
"Hey, you guys go. I'll catch up with you later." Gohan said. They all stopped dead and turned to him. He waved off there concerned comments. "I'll be fine, I just a little tired. I'll catch up, promise." He smiled as they all disappeared enthusiastically through the trees. He was feeling tired but he didn't want to miss out on all the fun. He gingerly walked over to the track. He smiled taking in the beauty of the place. The silence was interrupted once or twice with his friend's screams of excitement as they raced ahead. Gohan was slowly unwinding relaxing after everything. He was enjoying himself he felt freer in a way, but he couldn't deny missing his partner especially when the others were all lovey-dovey to each other. That was going to be difficult to watch. He understood Sharpener that way.
His mind went back to the little town. He smiled think of the old man Jim. He thought he was a funny individual and Eve at the store. Gohan shivered at that thought. Her eyes glued to his butt. He chuckled to himself. His thoughts were broken with another shiver, but this time it was different. He couldn't help but feel someone was watching him. How strange. He could feel those familiar prickles run along his spine whenever something wasn't right; a warning sign if you like. The narrow path took on a new vibe as it closed in around him. His coral eyes searched for anything.
"Hello?"
Nothing.
The feeling was getting intense the slower he moved a rise of panic threatened to suffocate him. Eyes wide, expecting any moment for a wild deadly animal to leap out and attack him at any moment. His body threatened to freeze up with fear were his mind was the opposite it was screaming for him to run.
He jumped hearing a noise or maybe it was his imagination playing games. "Is anyone out there?... hello?" Trembling slightly he moved slowly.
It was a powerful feeling, one that weighed heavy on him, and soon a Gohan stopped and looked warily about him it was gone, only leaving the fragments of a cool chill in the air. It felt familiar to him, but not. It was an eerie feeling. Dominant and threatening something he remembered feeling as a child, something his senses were screaming out for him to be aware.
"HEY!?"
Gohan jumped to see Sharpener waving over further along the path. "Sharpener?"
"Yeah." Sharpener frowned. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost?"
Gohan shook the after affects of him and forced a smile. "Yeah sure, I'm cool. So where are the others?"
"All waiting for you man at this really cool water hole further along, but no chicks." Sharpener said with goofy smile that forced a laugh from Gohan.
"Only you Sharp, only you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sharpener asked with his another goofy grin.
"Nothing… just commenting on how you think you'll find a girl all the way up here, miles from anywhere."
"You never know man. There could be some horny chick just wait to jump me."
Gohan stopped dead and laughed. Shaking his head he looked up at his friend. "You kill me." He laughed his eyes brimming with tears of amusement.
"Trust me, that isn't going to happen. Not with your guy out there." They both laughed and headed off to find their friends further down the winding trail Oblivious to the set of dark coral eyes watching them from afar, waiting, waiting for the right moment to confront the boy.
"Kyariaa?"
TBC…
A/N: I'm setting up a scene here so I hope it was okay? I can't help but make Videl a bitch. Sorry to her fans out there but as you can tell she's not one of my favourite…Grins
We are two chapters away from something exciting and worrying so if you can bear with me and Gohan's mood swings that will all change with each update. I will have Gohan and Vegeta back to their powerful selves by the end of this story. Please strap yourselves in for yet another rollercoaster ride. It's not finished yet. I'm keen to see some action in the near future and it will come.
Thank you guys for your support…warm hugs to all…Ouch!! Sorceress Fujin and your damn whip…I guess I get back to work then …hehe
Kyariaa Carrier