Lone Survivor:
A.N. 22/10/03- Big big apology to everyone! I know this update took like, years, but I've had college & loads of crap goin on, so that's why. Sorry it's a lil short, bt I'll try to get the next chapter out asap.
WARNING: This chapter contains references to drug abuse. If you're too young or don't like reading about that kinda thing, then just don't read! Sheesh! Sorry for ruining the plot but I don't want ff.net on my back just cos sum kids read sumthin they shouldn't have. Neways, I'm dun nagging, on with the story.
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Chapter 9: 'The wrong crowd':
Gohan walked straight into his room, his head hung low as his door shut behind him and he sat down on his dark blue bed. The dark blue colour scheme of his room definitely reflected his mood right now; depression, regret, and remorse. He suddenly punched the wall, attempting to let out some of his pent up rage. Several cracks snaked up the plaster as he moved his fist away from the large fist-sized dent that he'd created. He was so angry with himself, and he tightly shut his eyes as he tried to fight his many contrasting emotions; his anger in particular.
'Why'd I have to choose today to go all out on Videl? Sure, she pissed me off, but she didn't deserve that!'
Her tears sill haunted him; each one had slid slowly down her face, marking its perfection, and all because of HIM. Gohan hated to see anyone cry, especially if he was the cause of their tears, which was very rare, but still. Sure, he'd made Goten cry more than once or twice, but that was different. It was a known fact that siblings argued, it was natural! Plus, though Goten was 5, he still acted like a baby sometimes. But seeing and causing Videl's tears, now that hurt! He hated himself even more as each new tear fell from her distressed eyes.
'Her eyes were so cold, more so than usual. That stare; it was pure hate! I know it. But who could blame her for hating an idiot like me? I made one of the toughest people I know just breakdown right infront of me! But, I didn't even realise what I was saying until, it was too late. The words just poured out my mouth, and I just let them out without even thinking! Dammit!'
He punched the wall again, and then slumped his shoulders as he cradled his now sore knuckles in his other hand, holding it close to his chest.
'And Kame, that hug! One minute, she accepts it, but then, she just pushes me away!'
He'd so badly wanted to march back in their once she'd turned him down, but he knew that that would only make matters worse. She needed time alone, they both did.
'Videl, I only wish you could understand how sorry I am. But if only you'd listened to me at school instead of marching around like you owned the place with that attitude of yours. Why can't you see that you just can't do that here? You can't treat people like that!'
Gohan took a deep breath, trying not to worry himself about it. He knew he'd probably be repeating his thoughts to her, IF, she even let him speak to her again. He wished he could just go back in time and make amends that way. He could've stopped everything from happening now he knew how one thing would lead to another.
'Kame, we've only known each other for like, 5 days, and so much has happened! She's just turned my life completely upside down.'
He stared at the hand that he'd used to punch the wall and outstretched his arm so that his hand was infront of him. It was shaking like crazy, and he clasped it together with his other hand, trying to calm his nerves. He had to calm down his emotions before they made him crazy and took over his judgement. That was something he couldn't allow to happen; the results would be devastating. The last time he'd let go, and I mean completely let go, was against Cell 7 years ago, and he didn't want to repeat that fiasco again. The true Saiyan within him had been revealed, and he didn't like it one bit.
'Is that why I've been acting so strange lately? Is that just my Saiyan ulterior personality trying to break through? I hope not. Maybe that's my curse for being the result of a human and a Saiyan? Vegeta is always mentioning how my creation shouldn't even have been possible. Bad blood or something like that. Heh, hypocrite. If he truly believed that, then Trunks wouldn't be here! Kame, I need to calm down a little. A shower should help; maybe then I'll be able to think straight and act like the good old Gohan. The proper me.'
He got up from his bed and walked over to the bathroom, passing Videl's silent room as he did so. Though he kept telling himself not to, he couldn't resist any longer, and so Gohan pressed his ear against the door. As he did so however, he leaned in a little too much and the door suddenly swung open. Gohan landed flat on his face on the floor with a thud, and the first thing that hit him was the coldness of the room. The cold breeze chilled him to the bone, and he slowly got up, thankful that he'd instinctively shot his arms out to save him from literally landing on his face. That wouldn't have been pretty at all. He waited for the laughter of mockery to pierce the silent room, but it didn't come. It all became clear; Videl wasn't there. Her bed was a mess, her clothes were still randomly placed around the room, and the breeze from the wide-open window gently lifted the curtains. The shock of the situation suddenly hit Gohan, and he ran over to the open window.
"VIDEEEEEEL!!!"
ChiChi could've probably heard him from the loudness of his yell, but he didn't care, it was a gut instinct to call her. Maybe she was still nearby? Or maybe she was just sitting outside, or on the roof? Gohan climbed out the window and flew up to the roof, only to find red bricks and 2 pigeons pecking at the scraps of food left outside Goten's attic window. Gohan ran a trembling hand through his black hair, trying to figure out what to do.
'Should I tell my mom? Noooo way, she'd go crazy! It is all my fault after all. No, I've gotta find her myself. But she could be anywhere! Argh! What do I do what do I do!!? THINK!! Where would Videl go?'
He sat down on the roof for awhile, crossing his legs and leaning his chin on his palm. 'Now, if I were Videl, where the hell would I go?'
Videl shielded her eyes as she flew through the orange clouds. The sun was setting, and her t-shirt and jeans hardly kept her warm from the chilling breeze. She didn't have a clue where she was going, but hopefully, she would eventually end up in a city. Maybe she could get directions to Capsule Corp from there. She's had enough of the godforsaken Earth, and couldn't wait to be as far away from it as possible. As far away as him! She scowled, telling herself not even to think about his name.
'I thought my father was just an ass, not every single Saiyan male!' She laughed to herself, not a full-blown 'Hahahah' laugh, just a quiet, single, 'hmph' rather. It was a comforting sound, since all she could do was laugh at the whole messed up situation.
Videl squinted as a city suddenly came into view on the horizon, and picked up her speed. 'The sooner I leave all this behind, the better. I came here to find out about people like me, but it looks like I've found out more than I bargained for or wanted. Maybe I shouldn't even of bothered in the first place. This was all a complete waste of my time.'
Capsule Corp was relatively quiet that evening. Trunks locked himself away in his room and played video games. Vegeta trained in his gravity chamber, no surprise there. And Bulma relaxed in the lounge, curled up on the sofa with the newest issue of the 'Cosmopolitan' magazine. She giggled to herself as she flipped past the 'how to have the best orgasms!' pages, remembering the time she'd caught Vegeta reading similar articles. He denied it of course, but it hadn't been the first time she'd caught him. She sighed as the phone suddenly rang, interrupting happy and amusing memories, and stood up, taking the magazine with her. It was probably ChiChi, and the two wives would often gossip and chatter for a good hour or two.
"Hello?"
"Hi Bulma."
Bulma frowned at the sound of the voice, which definitely wasn't ChiChi's.
"Gohan! What's up?"
He hardly ever called her, unless it was an emergency of course. She was like a second mom to him, and although he'd never admitted to it, Bulma figured that Gohan could talk to her better than he could ChiChi.
"Erm..well..heheh.Is Videl there?"
"No. Isn't she at your house?"
"Well, no, erm, well, kinda.."
"Gohan..tell me what's going on!"
"N-nothing! Gotta go, thanks Bulma!"
He slammed the phone down before Bulma had chance to reply, and her frown deepened as she put the receiver down.
"I wonder what all that was about?"
Meanwhile, a certain female Saiyan walked through the streets Orange Star City alone. Several people passed, and the city was a little less busy than it was in the daytime. The large city clock struck 10pm, emitting a loud tune throughout the area as it did so. Videl quickened her pace, wanting to be off the planet by midnight at least.
'Why the hell did I let Bulma take my spaceship? She better not have broken the damn thing.'
Videl sighed with a frown, and suddenly felt something metal hit her on the head as a car passed, followed by youthful laughter. She growled deeply in her throat and cocked her head to the side so see a small gang of youths hanging out by the alleyway.
"Nice move moron! You're meant to hit the car not the babe!"
"She got in the way!"
"Nu uh Kenny, you've just got bad aim. Now, watch and learn." The final speaker was a girl, who threw an empty bottle at a trashcan across the street, hitting it dead on.
"Ya see?" Kenny rolled his eyes and turned to talk to someone else.
"Yeah, yeah, miss I can do everything, phft."
She ignored him, but then realised that the girl Kenny had accidentally hit was still standing there, her icy blue eyes watching them intently. "Hey, you ok gal?" The others stopped their own private conversation to look at the stranger, who stared them all in the eye.
"I said, are you ok!?"
Still no response, but picked up a can off the floor and aimed it at the guy who hit her.
"You want good aim? Try this!"
She threw the can at lightning speed, holding back most of her strength. Before Kenny had time to react, the can hit the centre of his forehead, knocking him backwards onto bags of trash. Silence followed as everyone stared in shock, but it was soon followed by mocking bursts of loud laughter. The guy who had called Videl a 'babe' stood up, holding his sides as he fought to control his laughter. Videl eyes him suspiciously as he approached her, stopping within an arm's distance.
"Nice move kid. Whatta they call ya?"
"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow, and he chuckled smugly.
"Your name kid, what's your name?"
"Oh. Videl Satan." He raised an eyebrow, followed by a cheeky grin.
"A name like that suits ya! Me? I'm known as Nate." She glared at him, meeting his green eyes. His hair was a mixture of warm chestnut browns, and cut so that the front was long, but the back short. His clothes matched his sly appearance; a short army jacket, ripped and tattered denim jeans, a khaki vest top, and black army boots. He seemed to like the soldier look, since a dog tag completed the look.
"I didn't ask your name." He chuckled again, casually putting his arm round her shoulders as he led her over to the others.
"Cute AND smart. So, whataya doin all alone at this time of night, huh?"
"Trying to get to Capsule Corp. You wouldn't happen to-"
"Capsule corp!? Dang, that's miles away! You're gonna need a car or sumthin." Videl shrugged her way out of his loose hold, not liking his disrespect for personal boundaries.
"I'll manage. Look, do you know where it is or not?" He backed off a step, raising his hands in defeat.
"Whoah, came down there hun, I was just tryin to help. Here, lemmie introduce ya to my lil group." She hesitated, then followed him over to the others, who were straining their ears to hear the conversation.
"Ok Videl, that there's Ruby." The girl who had hit the trashcan smiled at Videl, putting up a peace sign. She was wearing ripped and customised clothes, and had several silver studs on her ears, and even her nose. Videl wasn't sure if she liked the look, but it seemed to suit Ruby, who also had long hair that was dyed an aubergine red.
"Aaaand over here, we have Stan, Danny-boy, Kenny on the floor and Wil. Say hi to Videl guys!" They all chorused in an un-enthusiastic 'hi' to Videl, apart from Kenny, who was knocked out cold.
"Look, it's nice to meet you all and stuff, but I'm in a hurry." Videl turned to leave, but Nate lightly caught her arm, halting her. She frowned at him for stopping her, but he stood firm.
"Whoah there! Why don't you join us for a lil drink first? C'mon, one beer ain't gonna hurt, is it?" He grinned cheekily, and Videl was slightly curious as to what this thing called 'beer' was.
"Fine, I guess one..beer, won't do any harm."
"That's the spirit! Hey Danny, give our guest a can will ya!" The youngest looking member opened a new box of eight, and passed a can to Videl, who looked at it curiously. She sat down in-between Ruby and Nate, watching as Stan opened his can and began to gulp the liquid down rather quickly. Ruby seemed to be pre-occupied with another task however. She was putting some kind of herb or plant onto a thin piece of paper, and began to roll it into a weird tube shape. Videl frowned, and Ruby caught her watching her every move.
"I didn't have you down as a stoner, but don't worry, you'll get a blast. I always pass at least two round the circle. You gonna drink your beer?" Ruby raised an eyebrow, and Videl smiled, lifting the can tag. Nate copied, and smacked his can against Videls.
"Bottoms up!"
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Gohan flew north towards Orange Star City, the place he thought Videl might go be since she slightly knew her way there. As came closer to the city's proximity, he picked up her unique scent and realised that his assumptions had been correct.
'She has to be in the city somewhere, but where? Concentrate Gohan, concentrate!'
He frowned as he focused his mind, searching for Videl's power level. It wasn't exactly too difficult to find amongst the weak power levels of the citizens, and he suddenly caught a glimpse of it. His eyes snapped open and he flew at a much faster speed, leaving a trail in the dark blue night clouds.
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"You get used to the taste after awhile," Stan grinned at Videl, who had started to cough after her first taste of the beer. She watched as he began a competition with Wil to see who could drink the fastest, cheered on by Nate, Ruby, and Danny. It resulted in beer running down their chins, followed by coughing, jeering and laughing.
Videl, feeling like a gimp, once again tried the beer, drinking more than she had before. She wasn't sure if she even liked the taste, but she drank it anyway, emptying the can within a minute or so. No sooner then had however, Danny passed her a bottle from his rucksack that was just over half full.
"Time to move onto the stronger stuff, made by myself." The liquid was a watered down red-black, and Videl raised an eyebrow at Danny.
"What is it?"
"Whiskey and coke of course, where the hell have you been? On a different planet?"
She smirked and brought the bottle to her lips, 'heheh, you could say that.' She preferred the sweeter taste of this new drink to the bitter beer, and drank more after her first sip. She especially approved of the way it burned her throat and warmed her stomach on it's hot course down.
"I take it you like it?" Danny asking her in a knowing voice as he passed a bottle to Wil, who had a constant grin on his face.
"Hell yeah!" She hiccupped, giggling as she did so and feeling slightly light-headed. She practically downed the drink, which was a pretty bad move. The group exchanged glances, and Nate shrugged. "Got anything else?"
"I thought you said one drink?" Nate raised an eyebrow and grinned, but Videl nudged him with her elbow, not realising that she was leaning practically on his shoulder. "Give her another Danny-boy! This girl's on a roll!"
"Speaking of rolls," Ruby cut in, lighting her roll-up and taking a blast. "I think our new friend needs to try some of this." She passed the drug to Videl who mimicked Ruby's way of holding it between two fingers. "You just kinda, breathe it in, then let it out. Trust me, this stuff is dynamite!"
Videl swayed a little, curious as to what the paper thing would do to her. She put it to her lips and breathed in. Bad idea. She began to have a fit of coughs, and Nate immediately whacked her back to help her breath. She gasped for air and passed the drug back to Ruby, who shrugged and took another blast. The strange taste remained in Videl's mouth, and she washed it down with the nearest bottle, a mixture of vodka and coke belonging to Ruby.
"HEY! Gimme back my drink bitch!" Ruby snatched the bottle from Videl's lips, an action that resulted in the liquid pouring down her chin and onto her t-shirt.
"Hey, chill Ruby! She just needed to wash the spliff down, ok?"
"So give her your damn drink! Limited supplies, remember? This shit don't just grow on trees ya know!."
"Hey! Put a cock in it Ruby and pass me the shit dammit! All you two do is argue, just take a chill pill." She frowned at Stan's vulgar language but passed him the spliff after taking another blast herself, still glaring at Nate with her dagger eyes. Videl however, was practically oblivious to it all, and her head swayed to land on Nate's shoulder. The guys cheered like they were at a football match, watching as Nate shrugged with his face and put his arm casually around her shoulders.
"What can I say guys? Chics dig me."
Before the scene could continue however, sirens in the distance could be heard, and the gang quickly sprung to their feet.
"COPS!" They all chorused, and began to gather their things. The cop car could be heard approaching, and the red and blue lights reflected onto the walls of surrounding buildings.
"Some asshole must've snitched on us!" Ruby snuffed out her spliff and picked up her bottle and rucksack, helping Nate get Videl onto her feet. Wil and Danny attempted to lift Kenny, but gave up when he wouldn't budge.
"Damn, I hate this neighbourhood!" Stan spat on the floor, lifting his rucksack onto his shoulder. The cop car lights can closer, and Wil fled, followed by Danny, his rucksack clanging with the bottles inside. The cop car pulled up, lighting Nate, Ruby, and Stan with it's headlights.
"WE GOTTA SCRAM, LIKE, NOW!" Stan led the way, followed by Ruby, and Nate brought up the rear, holding Videl in his arms. The cop siren cut off as 2 of the cops got out the car and pursued the fleeing teens through the winding back alleys. The teens picked up their speed, but Nate slacked behind from the weight of carrying Videl.
"JUST LEAVE THE BITCH NATE!" Ruby called backed to him, wondering why he didn't just leave the girl like they'd left Kenny, but then sighed and sped up to match Stan's fast sprint. Nate continued to run as he contemplated on the thought, knowing that he didn't have much time to make his decision with the cops on his tail. A shadow suddenly passed above him, making Nate look up, only to see the night sky. However, as he looked ahead again, he collided with a muscular stranger, making him stumble backwards.
"What the hell do you think you're-"
"I suggest you hand her over if you don't wanna get caught." The stranger interrupted in a deep and stern voice, but it had a certain kindness about it though.
"Who the heck are you?" Nate took a step back, turning round to see a cop approaching in the not so far distance. His voice was shaky, and he knew he couldn't take on the big dude infront of him.
"A friend. Now, leave Videl with me, and scram while you still can."
The fact that he knew the girl's name clarified everything, and after slight hesitation, Nate carefully passed her into the caring arms of the stranger, who nodded with a grateful smile. "Wise choice. Don't let me see you drugging or influencing her again, you hear?"
Before Nate had chance to reply however, the stranger took to the air, flying upwards and in a western direction. He rubbed his eyes, stumbling backwards with shock and drunkenness.
"What the hell was that!?"
A.N. 22/10/03- Big big apology to everyone! I know this update took like, years, but I've had college & loads of crap goin on, so that's why. Sorry it's a lil short, bt I'll try to get the next chapter out asap.
WARNING: This chapter contains references to drug abuse. If you're too young or don't like reading about that kinda thing, then just don't read! Sheesh! Sorry for ruining the plot but I don't want ff.net on my back just cos sum kids read sumthin they shouldn't have. Neways, I'm dun nagging, on with the story.
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Chapter 9: 'The wrong crowd':
Gohan walked straight into his room, his head hung low as his door shut behind him and he sat down on his dark blue bed. The dark blue colour scheme of his room definitely reflected his mood right now; depression, regret, and remorse. He suddenly punched the wall, attempting to let out some of his pent up rage. Several cracks snaked up the plaster as he moved his fist away from the large fist-sized dent that he'd created. He was so angry with himself, and he tightly shut his eyes as he tried to fight his many contrasting emotions; his anger in particular.
'Why'd I have to choose today to go all out on Videl? Sure, she pissed me off, but she didn't deserve that!'
Her tears sill haunted him; each one had slid slowly down her face, marking its perfection, and all because of HIM. Gohan hated to see anyone cry, especially if he was the cause of their tears, which was very rare, but still. Sure, he'd made Goten cry more than once or twice, but that was different. It was a known fact that siblings argued, it was natural! Plus, though Goten was 5, he still acted like a baby sometimes. But seeing and causing Videl's tears, now that hurt! He hated himself even more as each new tear fell from her distressed eyes.
'Her eyes were so cold, more so than usual. That stare; it was pure hate! I know it. But who could blame her for hating an idiot like me? I made one of the toughest people I know just breakdown right infront of me! But, I didn't even realise what I was saying until, it was too late. The words just poured out my mouth, and I just let them out without even thinking! Dammit!'
He punched the wall again, and then slumped his shoulders as he cradled his now sore knuckles in his other hand, holding it close to his chest.
'And Kame, that hug! One minute, she accepts it, but then, she just pushes me away!'
He'd so badly wanted to march back in their once she'd turned him down, but he knew that that would only make matters worse. She needed time alone, they both did.
'Videl, I only wish you could understand how sorry I am. But if only you'd listened to me at school instead of marching around like you owned the place with that attitude of yours. Why can't you see that you just can't do that here? You can't treat people like that!'
Gohan took a deep breath, trying not to worry himself about it. He knew he'd probably be repeating his thoughts to her, IF, she even let him speak to her again. He wished he could just go back in time and make amends that way. He could've stopped everything from happening now he knew how one thing would lead to another.
'Kame, we've only known each other for like, 5 days, and so much has happened! She's just turned my life completely upside down.'
He stared at the hand that he'd used to punch the wall and outstretched his arm so that his hand was infront of him. It was shaking like crazy, and he clasped it together with his other hand, trying to calm his nerves. He had to calm down his emotions before they made him crazy and took over his judgement. That was something he couldn't allow to happen; the results would be devastating. The last time he'd let go, and I mean completely let go, was against Cell 7 years ago, and he didn't want to repeat that fiasco again. The true Saiyan within him had been revealed, and he didn't like it one bit.
'Is that why I've been acting so strange lately? Is that just my Saiyan ulterior personality trying to break through? I hope not. Maybe that's my curse for being the result of a human and a Saiyan? Vegeta is always mentioning how my creation shouldn't even have been possible. Bad blood or something like that. Heh, hypocrite. If he truly believed that, then Trunks wouldn't be here! Kame, I need to calm down a little. A shower should help; maybe then I'll be able to think straight and act like the good old Gohan. The proper me.'
He got up from his bed and walked over to the bathroom, passing Videl's silent room as he did so. Though he kept telling himself not to, he couldn't resist any longer, and so Gohan pressed his ear against the door. As he did so however, he leaned in a little too much and the door suddenly swung open. Gohan landed flat on his face on the floor with a thud, and the first thing that hit him was the coldness of the room. The cold breeze chilled him to the bone, and he slowly got up, thankful that he'd instinctively shot his arms out to save him from literally landing on his face. That wouldn't have been pretty at all. He waited for the laughter of mockery to pierce the silent room, but it didn't come. It all became clear; Videl wasn't there. Her bed was a mess, her clothes were still randomly placed around the room, and the breeze from the wide-open window gently lifted the curtains. The shock of the situation suddenly hit Gohan, and he ran over to the open window.
"VIDEEEEEEL!!!"
ChiChi could've probably heard him from the loudness of his yell, but he didn't care, it was a gut instinct to call her. Maybe she was still nearby? Or maybe she was just sitting outside, or on the roof? Gohan climbed out the window and flew up to the roof, only to find red bricks and 2 pigeons pecking at the scraps of food left outside Goten's attic window. Gohan ran a trembling hand through his black hair, trying to figure out what to do.
'Should I tell my mom? Noooo way, she'd go crazy! It is all my fault after all. No, I've gotta find her myself. But she could be anywhere! Argh! What do I do what do I do!!? THINK!! Where would Videl go?'
He sat down on the roof for awhile, crossing his legs and leaning his chin on his palm. 'Now, if I were Videl, where the hell would I go?'
Videl shielded her eyes as she flew through the orange clouds. The sun was setting, and her t-shirt and jeans hardly kept her warm from the chilling breeze. She didn't have a clue where she was going, but hopefully, she would eventually end up in a city. Maybe she could get directions to Capsule Corp from there. She's had enough of the godforsaken Earth, and couldn't wait to be as far away from it as possible. As far away as him! She scowled, telling herself not even to think about his name.
'I thought my father was just an ass, not every single Saiyan male!' She laughed to herself, not a full-blown 'Hahahah' laugh, just a quiet, single, 'hmph' rather. It was a comforting sound, since all she could do was laugh at the whole messed up situation.
Videl squinted as a city suddenly came into view on the horizon, and picked up her speed. 'The sooner I leave all this behind, the better. I came here to find out about people like me, but it looks like I've found out more than I bargained for or wanted. Maybe I shouldn't even of bothered in the first place. This was all a complete waste of my time.'
Capsule Corp was relatively quiet that evening. Trunks locked himself away in his room and played video games. Vegeta trained in his gravity chamber, no surprise there. And Bulma relaxed in the lounge, curled up on the sofa with the newest issue of the 'Cosmopolitan' magazine. She giggled to herself as she flipped past the 'how to have the best orgasms!' pages, remembering the time she'd caught Vegeta reading similar articles. He denied it of course, but it hadn't been the first time she'd caught him. She sighed as the phone suddenly rang, interrupting happy and amusing memories, and stood up, taking the magazine with her. It was probably ChiChi, and the two wives would often gossip and chatter for a good hour or two.
"Hello?"
"Hi Bulma."
Bulma frowned at the sound of the voice, which definitely wasn't ChiChi's.
"Gohan! What's up?"
He hardly ever called her, unless it was an emergency of course. She was like a second mom to him, and although he'd never admitted to it, Bulma figured that Gohan could talk to her better than he could ChiChi.
"Erm..well..heheh.Is Videl there?"
"No. Isn't she at your house?"
"Well, no, erm, well, kinda.."
"Gohan..tell me what's going on!"
"N-nothing! Gotta go, thanks Bulma!"
He slammed the phone down before Bulma had chance to reply, and her frown deepened as she put the receiver down.
"I wonder what all that was about?"
Meanwhile, a certain female Saiyan walked through the streets Orange Star City alone. Several people passed, and the city was a little less busy than it was in the daytime. The large city clock struck 10pm, emitting a loud tune throughout the area as it did so. Videl quickened her pace, wanting to be off the planet by midnight at least.
'Why the hell did I let Bulma take my spaceship? She better not have broken the damn thing.'
Videl sighed with a frown, and suddenly felt something metal hit her on the head as a car passed, followed by youthful laughter. She growled deeply in her throat and cocked her head to the side so see a small gang of youths hanging out by the alleyway.
"Nice move moron! You're meant to hit the car not the babe!"
"She got in the way!"
"Nu uh Kenny, you've just got bad aim. Now, watch and learn." The final speaker was a girl, who threw an empty bottle at a trashcan across the street, hitting it dead on.
"Ya see?" Kenny rolled his eyes and turned to talk to someone else.
"Yeah, yeah, miss I can do everything, phft."
She ignored him, but then realised that the girl Kenny had accidentally hit was still standing there, her icy blue eyes watching them intently. "Hey, you ok gal?" The others stopped their own private conversation to look at the stranger, who stared them all in the eye.
"I said, are you ok!?"
Still no response, but picked up a can off the floor and aimed it at the guy who hit her.
"You want good aim? Try this!"
She threw the can at lightning speed, holding back most of her strength. Before Kenny had time to react, the can hit the centre of his forehead, knocking him backwards onto bags of trash. Silence followed as everyone stared in shock, but it was soon followed by mocking bursts of loud laughter. The guy who had called Videl a 'babe' stood up, holding his sides as he fought to control his laughter. Videl eyes him suspiciously as he approached her, stopping within an arm's distance.
"Nice move kid. Whatta they call ya?"
"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow, and he chuckled smugly.
"Your name kid, what's your name?"
"Oh. Videl Satan." He raised an eyebrow, followed by a cheeky grin.
"A name like that suits ya! Me? I'm known as Nate." She glared at him, meeting his green eyes. His hair was a mixture of warm chestnut browns, and cut so that the front was long, but the back short. His clothes matched his sly appearance; a short army jacket, ripped and tattered denim jeans, a khaki vest top, and black army boots. He seemed to like the soldier look, since a dog tag completed the look.
"I didn't ask your name." He chuckled again, casually putting his arm round her shoulders as he led her over to the others.
"Cute AND smart. So, whataya doin all alone at this time of night, huh?"
"Trying to get to Capsule Corp. You wouldn't happen to-"
"Capsule corp!? Dang, that's miles away! You're gonna need a car or sumthin." Videl shrugged her way out of his loose hold, not liking his disrespect for personal boundaries.
"I'll manage. Look, do you know where it is or not?" He backed off a step, raising his hands in defeat.
"Whoah, came down there hun, I was just tryin to help. Here, lemmie introduce ya to my lil group." She hesitated, then followed him over to the others, who were straining their ears to hear the conversation.
"Ok Videl, that there's Ruby." The girl who had hit the trashcan smiled at Videl, putting up a peace sign. She was wearing ripped and customised clothes, and had several silver studs on her ears, and even her nose. Videl wasn't sure if she liked the look, but it seemed to suit Ruby, who also had long hair that was dyed an aubergine red.
"Aaaand over here, we have Stan, Danny-boy, Kenny on the floor and Wil. Say hi to Videl guys!" They all chorused in an un-enthusiastic 'hi' to Videl, apart from Kenny, who was knocked out cold.
"Look, it's nice to meet you all and stuff, but I'm in a hurry." Videl turned to leave, but Nate lightly caught her arm, halting her. She frowned at him for stopping her, but he stood firm.
"Whoah there! Why don't you join us for a lil drink first? C'mon, one beer ain't gonna hurt, is it?" He grinned cheekily, and Videl was slightly curious as to what this thing called 'beer' was.
"Fine, I guess one..beer, won't do any harm."
"That's the spirit! Hey Danny, give our guest a can will ya!" The youngest looking member opened a new box of eight, and passed a can to Videl, who looked at it curiously. She sat down in-between Ruby and Nate, watching as Stan opened his can and began to gulp the liquid down rather quickly. Ruby seemed to be pre-occupied with another task however. She was putting some kind of herb or plant onto a thin piece of paper, and began to roll it into a weird tube shape. Videl frowned, and Ruby caught her watching her every move.
"I didn't have you down as a stoner, but don't worry, you'll get a blast. I always pass at least two round the circle. You gonna drink your beer?" Ruby raised an eyebrow, and Videl smiled, lifting the can tag. Nate copied, and smacked his can against Videls.
"Bottoms up!"
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Gohan flew north towards Orange Star City, the place he thought Videl might go be since she slightly knew her way there. As came closer to the city's proximity, he picked up her unique scent and realised that his assumptions had been correct.
'She has to be in the city somewhere, but where? Concentrate Gohan, concentrate!'
He frowned as he focused his mind, searching for Videl's power level. It wasn't exactly too difficult to find amongst the weak power levels of the citizens, and he suddenly caught a glimpse of it. His eyes snapped open and he flew at a much faster speed, leaving a trail in the dark blue night clouds.
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"You get used to the taste after awhile," Stan grinned at Videl, who had started to cough after her first taste of the beer. She watched as he began a competition with Wil to see who could drink the fastest, cheered on by Nate, Ruby, and Danny. It resulted in beer running down their chins, followed by coughing, jeering and laughing.
Videl, feeling like a gimp, once again tried the beer, drinking more than she had before. She wasn't sure if she even liked the taste, but she drank it anyway, emptying the can within a minute or so. No sooner then had however, Danny passed her a bottle from his rucksack that was just over half full.
"Time to move onto the stronger stuff, made by myself." The liquid was a watered down red-black, and Videl raised an eyebrow at Danny.
"What is it?"
"Whiskey and coke of course, where the hell have you been? On a different planet?"
She smirked and brought the bottle to her lips, 'heheh, you could say that.' She preferred the sweeter taste of this new drink to the bitter beer, and drank more after her first sip. She especially approved of the way it burned her throat and warmed her stomach on it's hot course down.
"I take it you like it?" Danny asking her in a knowing voice as he passed a bottle to Wil, who had a constant grin on his face.
"Hell yeah!" She hiccupped, giggling as she did so and feeling slightly light-headed. She practically downed the drink, which was a pretty bad move. The group exchanged glances, and Nate shrugged. "Got anything else?"
"I thought you said one drink?" Nate raised an eyebrow and grinned, but Videl nudged him with her elbow, not realising that she was leaning practically on his shoulder. "Give her another Danny-boy! This girl's on a roll!"
"Speaking of rolls," Ruby cut in, lighting her roll-up and taking a blast. "I think our new friend needs to try some of this." She passed the drug to Videl who mimicked Ruby's way of holding it between two fingers. "You just kinda, breathe it in, then let it out. Trust me, this stuff is dynamite!"
Videl swayed a little, curious as to what the paper thing would do to her. She put it to her lips and breathed in. Bad idea. She began to have a fit of coughs, and Nate immediately whacked her back to help her breath. She gasped for air and passed the drug back to Ruby, who shrugged and took another blast. The strange taste remained in Videl's mouth, and she washed it down with the nearest bottle, a mixture of vodka and coke belonging to Ruby.
"HEY! Gimme back my drink bitch!" Ruby snatched the bottle from Videl's lips, an action that resulted in the liquid pouring down her chin and onto her t-shirt.
"Hey, chill Ruby! She just needed to wash the spliff down, ok?"
"So give her your damn drink! Limited supplies, remember? This shit don't just grow on trees ya know!."
"Hey! Put a cock in it Ruby and pass me the shit dammit! All you two do is argue, just take a chill pill." She frowned at Stan's vulgar language but passed him the spliff after taking another blast herself, still glaring at Nate with her dagger eyes. Videl however, was practically oblivious to it all, and her head swayed to land on Nate's shoulder. The guys cheered like they were at a football match, watching as Nate shrugged with his face and put his arm casually around her shoulders.
"What can I say guys? Chics dig me."
Before the scene could continue however, sirens in the distance could be heard, and the gang quickly sprung to their feet.
"COPS!" They all chorused, and began to gather their things. The cop car could be heard approaching, and the red and blue lights reflected onto the walls of surrounding buildings.
"Some asshole must've snitched on us!" Ruby snuffed out her spliff and picked up her bottle and rucksack, helping Nate get Videl onto her feet. Wil and Danny attempted to lift Kenny, but gave up when he wouldn't budge.
"Damn, I hate this neighbourhood!" Stan spat on the floor, lifting his rucksack onto his shoulder. The cop car lights can closer, and Wil fled, followed by Danny, his rucksack clanging with the bottles inside. The cop car pulled up, lighting Nate, Ruby, and Stan with it's headlights.
"WE GOTTA SCRAM, LIKE, NOW!" Stan led the way, followed by Ruby, and Nate brought up the rear, holding Videl in his arms. The cop siren cut off as 2 of the cops got out the car and pursued the fleeing teens through the winding back alleys. The teens picked up their speed, but Nate slacked behind from the weight of carrying Videl.
"JUST LEAVE THE BITCH NATE!" Ruby called backed to him, wondering why he didn't just leave the girl like they'd left Kenny, but then sighed and sped up to match Stan's fast sprint. Nate continued to run as he contemplated on the thought, knowing that he didn't have much time to make his decision with the cops on his tail. A shadow suddenly passed above him, making Nate look up, only to see the night sky. However, as he looked ahead again, he collided with a muscular stranger, making him stumble backwards.
"What the hell do you think you're-"
"I suggest you hand her over if you don't wanna get caught." The stranger interrupted in a deep and stern voice, but it had a certain kindness about it though.
"Who the heck are you?" Nate took a step back, turning round to see a cop approaching in the not so far distance. His voice was shaky, and he knew he couldn't take on the big dude infront of him.
"A friend. Now, leave Videl with me, and scram while you still can."
The fact that he knew the girl's name clarified everything, and after slight hesitation, Nate carefully passed her into the caring arms of the stranger, who nodded with a grateful smile. "Wise choice. Don't let me see you drugging or influencing her again, you hear?"
Before Nate had chance to reply however, the stranger took to the air, flying upwards and in a western direction. He rubbed his eyes, stumbling backwards with shock and drunkenness.
"What the hell was that!?"