Lone Survivor:
A.N.27/11/04. Yay! Chapter 10 at long last. I was finally able to write it now that my drama mock exams are over. Woo ^_^ I just typed this up without any thought so that explains why it might be a little crap. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Chapter 10: Changes
Gohan watched Bulma from the lounge. She was in one heck of a state. She stood there holding the phone receiver, pondering over what to tell ChiChi. Either she told her the truth, OR, she lied, and the prospect of the latter didn't seem to promising, since ChiChi ALWAYS discovered the truth sooner or later. Bulma turned to glance at the eldest son of Goku, who merely shyly glanced at her using the adorable puppy dog eyes from his childhood days. How could she refuse them? Especially when they were begging her to do what he thought was right.
'Well, if Gohan can lie to his own mother, then I guess it's okay to lie to a friend.'
ChiChi literally ran to the phone as soon as she heard it ring. After finding both Gohan's and Videl's rooms empty, she'd gone through a fit of emotions; rage, sadness, and worry in particular. The cherry on the cake was the fact that Goku couldn't trace either of their Ki's. Although Gohan may have learnt to hide his, there was no evidence that Videl had learnt to too. ChiChi quickly picked up the phone and brought it to her ear.
"YES!?"
Bulma flinched at ChiChi's voice, just how was she to reason with her when her tone was to, well, enraged!
"Erm, hi ChiChi, it's me."
"BULMA? Oh Kame, please tell me you know where Gohan and Videl are?"
"I know where they are ChiChi, but erm, they have a few 'problems' at the moment, so I can't tell you where."
"WHATTAYA MEAN YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHERE!? I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW BULMA!!!"
"That's why, because in your state you'll just go racing over there and believe me, that won't help them."
ChiChi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Deep down, she knew Bulma was right, but still, she wanted, needed even, to know that her son was safe.
"What do you mean they have 'problems?' What are you talking about Bulma? They were fine earlier!"
"Well, I don't even know that myself. All I know is that Gohan's safe."
ChiChi sighed with relief. If Bulma said that Gohan was safe, then she believed her. But, the problem was, Bulma only mentioned Gohan.
"But what about Videl?"
There was quite a long pause as Bulma decided on what to say.
"She's erm, she's okay. Look, I've gotta go ChiChi. I'll call you tomorrow. Bye."
"WAIT!! BULMA I."
Bulma put the phone down before ChiChi had time to finish, and sulked back into the lounge where Gohan was sitting. He looked up, his eyes demanding to know what his mother said, so there was no need for words. Bulma sit next to him, placing a reassuring hand on his broad shoulder.
"Your mother's very worried Gohan, I feel so bad about lying to her. But, I told her that you're safe, and that Videl's okay too."
"Thanks Bulma, and if it's any consolation, it was only a half lie."
Bulma smiled, looking down at the floor as she removed her hand from his shoulder. She still felt pretty bad, but al least she was telling the truth when she said that Gohan was safe. But it wasn't him she was worried about.
"How's Videl doing?"
Gohan sighed, shaking his head.
"Sleeping last time I checked. I don't think she's got any vomit left in her."
"It's normal, her system was clearing out all the crap she put in it. But why would she do all that in the first place? I know she's very curious, but that was just ridiculace. Drinking such high amounts of alcohol, then smoking weed? What would possess her to do such a stupid thing?"
Gohan looked away as Bulma rambled on. How could he tell her that it was all his fault? It was the first time that he's left her side that night, after helping her through throwing up, hallucinations, and sickness. Now, he had time to think about what to do next. 'No doubt she'll never want to see me again. Maybe that's for the best.'
"Gohan!"
The voice of Bulma brought him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see a worried expression on her face.
"You okay hun? I mean, you haven't been yourself in a long time. Has anyone told you that?"
He shook his head in response, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
"You do know that you can always talk to me. I'm not one to judge, I'll just listen as a friend."
Still, he remained quite however.
"Is it schoolwork that's getting you down? I know how hard ChiChi pushes you to do your very best and more. But listen, you..."
"It's nothing to do with school," he cut in, in a quiet voice. Bulma frowned as she wondered what else it could be.
"Is everything ok at home then? ChiChi's being telling me you haven't been eating right lately."
She was right, he hadn't, and when a Saiyan wasn't eating properly, it was too obvious, and also, quite dangerous for their health. The result had been a lack in strength and energy, and an obvious change in his stamina. As Bulma waited for a response, Gohan pondered over what to do. He wanted to tell her everything was ok and to stop worrying. But he couldn't, because the truth was, he wasn't ok at all, and deep down, he NEEDED to tell at least someone. It was then that Bulma spotted the first tear, a small twinkling droplet that drifted down Gohan's check and slipped off his well-chiselled jaw line.
"I, I've caused so many problems Bulma, and, it's all my fault."
From then on, he explained everything to her eager and listening ears. He told her about his raging emotions, the advice from Vegeta, his initial plans to stop Videl getting into Orange Star High, Videl's first day at school, and finally, the event before Videl left. It all just spilled out, little by little, until he was speaking at a faster pace, as a stream of fresh tears trailed down his cheeks.
"And then I found her in the arms of a total stranger. I was so angry that this other guy was fondling her, holding her so close to him. I guess I was jealous, why should she let him get so close to her, but not me? How could she choose a complete stranger over, well, a friend? I was so close to losing it again Bulma, I."
It was then that she embraced him, and he began to choke of more tears, the tears that his Saiyan pride had forced him to hold back. Vegeta's words were drumming through his head:
'Emotions make you weak. Only the strong survive! The weak, perish.'
But letting go of the tears was like an inner renewal. He felt like most of his worries were being washed away, and a huge weight had been lifted off his heart. As the last tear fell, he started to ask himself if everything really was entirely his fault. Was he the only one to blame when it takes two people to tango?
When Gohan had begun to calm down, Bulma released him from her mothering embrace, wiping a few tearstains from his flushed cheeks.
"You now, I'm proud of you Gohan. It takes a lot for a guy to express his emotions, especially a Saiyan. Telling me your problems and fears is the first step to amending them you know. I think you've already discovered that keeping them to yourself only makes the situation worse."
He nodded in response, sniffing and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Bulma was completely right, and telling her had been one of the best decisions he'd made.
"It's not entirely your fault, but then, neither is it Videls. You both have to take the blame here, and that means you both need to be willing to patch up your friendship. Of course, right now, she's not in a state to do anything, but perhaps you both needed this to strengthen your relationship. Maybe she'll realise what a bitch she's been to you. It sounds to me like she had you on her beck and call, so maybe you need to change a little just as much as she needs to."
Gohan frowned at Bulma in slight confusion. "Meaning?"
"Meaning, I think you need to change the way you act towards her. Distance yourself a little if you have to. Just realise that maybe she's not used to being crowded around, and needs her space just as much as you do. I know that's not gonna be easy with your rampaging hormones, and your mom trying to push you two together, but I'll have words with her, so long as you promise me that you'll go home, and work things out with her yourself first."
Bulma didn't know what she was demanding! The thought of trying to explain things to his mom made Gohan shudder. She'd question and analyse his every word, until he'd tell half-lies just to please her and shut her up.
"Can't I stay here the night? Please Bulma?"
She sighed and stood up, rolling her eyes slightly. "Of course you can, but I want you to go home when you're ready. I won't force you, but I'll suggest it. Now, I'm gonna go check on Videl. Why don't you go order a take- out? From now on I want to see you eating properly again."
He nodded with a smile as she left the room. Somehow, he knew that the bad times where nearly over. The things he feared now were facing Videl, and then, facing his mom.
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Videl tossed and turned, the bitter taste of her own vomit still on her tongue. Her head pounded, and although her eyes were closed, she couldn't sleep anymore. The nightmare she'd awoken from had convinced her not to dream anymore in fear that it would return. She sat up in the soft bed and learnt against the headboard, her hair a tangled and wet mess from her perspiration. She hadn't had such a bad nightmare since her childhood, but they were never that bad. Just thinking about it made her shudder; the death, the darkness, her mother's dead body, the bodies of other Saiyans. It was all too much.
'I'm here for a purpose,' she told herself as she once again closed her eyes. 'But what is my purpose? Was my father lying just to see the back of me? So that he wouldn't be reminded of his mate again?'
The tears stung her eyes as she recalled her father's words.
"Every time I look at you Videl, I see your mother, and as you get older, I see her even more. I think it would be best if you left. You always wanted to find more like yourself, didn't you? Well, now's your chance, so go while you're still young. I can't look after you forever; you've got to find your own way in the world at some point. And I think that time is now. You're here for a purpose, and I think you already know what it is."
Hercule always had been a weak man, and a terrible father too. Being in his presence just reminded him of his cowardice, and it shamed her so much that she was glad he let her go.
'Wait, what was I thinking? I actually wanted to go back there, go back to HIM!? When, the reason I left was to get as far away as possible, and leave the memories behind too. But still, you manage to plague my mind father. What will it take to rid you from my thoughts? From my memories? Will I have to rid you from existence altogether?'
The thought sickened her. Although a part of her hated him, he was still her father, and she could never bring herself to destroy the very thing that created her. Just then, the door creaked open, and Videl turned her head to see Bulma walk into the room.
"You're up I see. Feeling better?" She spoke in the same caring and mothering vice as before, and sat down on the bed next to Videl.
"Hardly. At least I don't feel sick anymore." She'd lost count of the times she'd thrown up and desperately wanted to wash away the tasty reminder from her mouth. Bulma placed her palm over Videl's forehead, and frowned slightly.
"Well, you're temperature seems to have fallen a little, so that's good news. I'm sorry Videl, but I can't help wondering anymore and need to get this off my mind. Why in Kame's name did you do this to yourself!?"
Her tone became sterner as she asked the number one question, and Videl sighed, slumping against the headrest once again.
"I don't know, why don't you tell me?"
"I was hoping you'd have the answers," Bulma replied in a harsh and serious tone. She was in a mood where she wasn't going to take any shit off nobody.
"I just.did, okay? I was offered the chance, and I took it. Geez, I didn't even know what I was doing! But I did it, end of story."
"No Videl, it's not the end of the story, not yet. Do you have any idea how worried Gohan and I have been? Gohan more than me even! Even ChiChi's demanded to know if you're okay."
"I'm shocked," Videl answered monotonously and sarcastically. "I really am."
"Can't you just be normal for once? Instead of rebelling against anyone and everyone! People care about you Videl, they genuinely do. You know, Gohan didn't have to go looking for you, and I didn't have to help you. We could've just left you in the ditch, or more likely, in the bed of that stranger! But no, because you assume that the whole world evolves around you and only you! That everyone else in on your beck and call for whenever you have a problem!!"
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PROBLEMS!? HUH? YOU JUST JUDGE ME WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING THE FULL DAMN STORY!"
The rise in voice encouraged Bulma to raise hers; she wouldn't be over- powered by anyone after all.
"WELL MAYBE IF YOU TOLD US THEN WE'D KNOW!!!! GEEZ! NO ONE CAN HELP YOU UNLESS YOU WANT THE HELP VIDEL! And I can tell you right now, that plenty of people are willing to help YOU."
Silence followed as Videl turned her head. All the shouting didn't help her migraine, nor did the fact that deep down, she knew Bulma was completely right.
"But I don't know how to ask for help." The mutter was barely audible, but Bulma strained her ears to hear, and sighed, trying to regain her composure.
"You don't need to ask Videl, I'm here right now, and I'm waiting for you to talk."
Videl brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them for comfort. She'd never had anyone who cared about her before. Her dad never wanted to know her problems, so she's grown up a little reserved and had learnt to keep things to herself. Now she had the option to talk, she didn't have a clue where to begin.
"But I'm not sure how to start. Besides, you wouldn't understand."
Bulma reached out and caringly tucked Videl's stray hair behind her ear so that she could see her face. "You don't know that. You've never tried talking to me about things before. Just start where you want to, from the beginning maybe."
There was another pause as Videl contemplated on the idea. 'If I tell her, will that make me weak? Will I be betrayed myself by talking about my problems to a human? She's right, I'll never know unless I try.' And so, she took a deep breath.
"I've lied right from the start. The only truth in my words was the story before my birth. But after that, I only told you half the truth."
Bulma nodded, urging Videl to continue as she listened carefully, giving her Videl full and undivided attention.
"Sure, Frieza attacked our Sanctuary, and many people perished as they tried to defend our home. But what happened to my parents is another story. My mother did die, that I'm sure of. But my father, well, he'd betrayed us all long ago. Indeed he was a very strong warrior, but, not one of the best. However, he had the job as a scout, and would hardly ever be home since he was always on the lookout for news or word of Frieza's whereabouts. It was the perfect cover-up for him though. In his absence, he'd offered his services to Frieza, becoming one of his 'henchmen.' He always told me that he only did it to protect our kind, and to keep Frieza away for as long as possible. But Frieza wasn't stupid, and my father was. He didn't realise that he'd been bugged, until it was too late. Frieza tracked us down in no time at all, and my father didn't realise until it was too late to amend his mistake.
Frieza thought it was amusing that the destruction of the last Saiyan survivors had been my father's fault, but death would've been a prize. No, instead, he allowed him to live with the fact it was all his fault. Not only that, but the battle had permanently injured my father's legs, making him wheelchair bound for the rest of his life. From his temporarily paralysed position on the floor however, he witnessed my mother's death as she tried to escape with me. My pod escaped, and he shortly followed two days behind me to Planet Lochloan. It was there that he raised me, but he could never forget his mistake, and never fully recovered from the loss of his mate. Although he taught me the basics of martial arts, as I grew older, he began to resent my existence. I took after my mother so much, and so he couldn't even look at me anymore without being reminded of the painful memories. And so, when I reached my teen years, he persuaded me to do what I'd always dreamed of doing; to find others like myself. His words, well, they pulled at my heart, and still do to this day. He told me what I've just told you, that, and more. The truth brought hate into my heart, and so, I left."
Videl looked up into Bulma's eyes, wondering what the mate of Vegeta was thinking, and what she would say. She couldn't bring herself to say anymore; it had taken a lot to reveal the truth about her father after all, but it did feel good to share her past with someone else, even if the consequences of it would prove to be bad.
"Videl, why didn't you tell anyone about this before." Bulma was still frowning, but with sympathy.
"I dunno, would you tell someone something like that?" She had a point, and so Bulma shook her head.
"But don't you feel better now that you have?"
"Not really, I've just pushed my worries onto someone else. And before you ask, no, I don't want anyone else to know, not even Gohan." Bulma raised an eyebrow and a smile crept onto her face.
"You know, Gohan spoke to me today, about everything that been happening between you two."
"No surprise there. Did he cry too?"
"He's not as soft as you think Videl, I had to pry it out of him just like I did for you. I think you two really need to patch things up, you can't go on arguing like this like to immature kids." Videl rolled her eyes and looked straight at Bulma.
"I can't believe this! I just spilled out my heart, and I all I get in return is," she imitates Bulma's voice. " 'You can't go on arguing like an immature kid Videl.' Aren't you sposed to talk to me about MY problem? I don't give a shit about Gohan!"
"Don't you? Or are you lying to yourself again Videl? I don't mean to be harsh, and I do sympathise with you. Of course, I wouldn't know what it's like to be betrayed by my own father, but you've come a long way since then. But can you really hate him when he was only looking out for you? We all make mistakes, but we have to learn from them. From the sound of it, he dwelled on his past, and it seems you may be too. I think you need to take a good look at yourself. Try to stop being ashamed of yourself maybe, and realise that it's your father's burden to bear, not yours."
There was truth in Bulma's words, however harsh they may have seemed, and although Videl wanted to cry, she couldn't. If she cried, she would've been feeling sorry for herself again, and that was something she didn't want to do.
"I don't know if I can do that on my own though. I came here to go home again, to return to my past. But I've realised that doing so would've been the greatest mistake I could've made." Bulma smiled warmly, holding onto Videl's hand.
"Then you've taken the first step already. It seems everything happens for a reason Videl, and I think this all happened to make you stronger. Now, there's someone waiting downstairs who wants to make amends. Are you ready to do that too?"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Bulma began to giggle.
"They'll be pizza." Videl smiled, wiping her eyes to stop the tears from escaping.
"Okay." Bulma nodded and stood up, turning to go.
"You can cry Videl, it's okay to feel sorry for yourself once in awhile. I'll be downstairs."
As Bulma finally left the room, Videl began to do something very strange. She laughed, not loudly, but more to herself. And as she did, the tears began to fall in a flood of emotions. From now on, she'd have to welcome the changes as they came. This, was just the beginning.
A.N.27/11/04. Yay! Chapter 10 at long last. I was finally able to write it now that my drama mock exams are over. Woo ^_^ I just typed this up without any thought so that explains why it might be a little crap. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Chapter 10: Changes
Gohan watched Bulma from the lounge. She was in one heck of a state. She stood there holding the phone receiver, pondering over what to tell ChiChi. Either she told her the truth, OR, she lied, and the prospect of the latter didn't seem to promising, since ChiChi ALWAYS discovered the truth sooner or later. Bulma turned to glance at the eldest son of Goku, who merely shyly glanced at her using the adorable puppy dog eyes from his childhood days. How could she refuse them? Especially when they were begging her to do what he thought was right.
'Well, if Gohan can lie to his own mother, then I guess it's okay to lie to a friend.'
ChiChi literally ran to the phone as soon as she heard it ring. After finding both Gohan's and Videl's rooms empty, she'd gone through a fit of emotions; rage, sadness, and worry in particular. The cherry on the cake was the fact that Goku couldn't trace either of their Ki's. Although Gohan may have learnt to hide his, there was no evidence that Videl had learnt to too. ChiChi quickly picked up the phone and brought it to her ear.
"YES!?"
Bulma flinched at ChiChi's voice, just how was she to reason with her when her tone was to, well, enraged!
"Erm, hi ChiChi, it's me."
"BULMA? Oh Kame, please tell me you know where Gohan and Videl are?"
"I know where they are ChiChi, but erm, they have a few 'problems' at the moment, so I can't tell you where."
"WHATTAYA MEAN YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHERE!? I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW BULMA!!!"
"That's why, because in your state you'll just go racing over there and believe me, that won't help them."
ChiChi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Deep down, she knew Bulma was right, but still, she wanted, needed even, to know that her son was safe.
"What do you mean they have 'problems?' What are you talking about Bulma? They were fine earlier!"
"Well, I don't even know that myself. All I know is that Gohan's safe."
ChiChi sighed with relief. If Bulma said that Gohan was safe, then she believed her. But, the problem was, Bulma only mentioned Gohan.
"But what about Videl?"
There was quite a long pause as Bulma decided on what to say.
"She's erm, she's okay. Look, I've gotta go ChiChi. I'll call you tomorrow. Bye."
"WAIT!! BULMA I."
Bulma put the phone down before ChiChi had time to finish, and sulked back into the lounge where Gohan was sitting. He looked up, his eyes demanding to know what his mother said, so there was no need for words. Bulma sit next to him, placing a reassuring hand on his broad shoulder.
"Your mother's very worried Gohan, I feel so bad about lying to her. But, I told her that you're safe, and that Videl's okay too."
"Thanks Bulma, and if it's any consolation, it was only a half lie."
Bulma smiled, looking down at the floor as she removed her hand from his shoulder. She still felt pretty bad, but al least she was telling the truth when she said that Gohan was safe. But it wasn't him she was worried about.
"How's Videl doing?"
Gohan sighed, shaking his head.
"Sleeping last time I checked. I don't think she's got any vomit left in her."
"It's normal, her system was clearing out all the crap she put in it. But why would she do all that in the first place? I know she's very curious, but that was just ridiculace. Drinking such high amounts of alcohol, then smoking weed? What would possess her to do such a stupid thing?"
Gohan looked away as Bulma rambled on. How could he tell her that it was all his fault? It was the first time that he's left her side that night, after helping her through throwing up, hallucinations, and sickness. Now, he had time to think about what to do next. 'No doubt she'll never want to see me again. Maybe that's for the best.'
"Gohan!"
The voice of Bulma brought him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see a worried expression on her face.
"You okay hun? I mean, you haven't been yourself in a long time. Has anyone told you that?"
He shook his head in response, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
"You do know that you can always talk to me. I'm not one to judge, I'll just listen as a friend."
Still, he remained quite however.
"Is it schoolwork that's getting you down? I know how hard ChiChi pushes you to do your very best and more. But listen, you..."
"It's nothing to do with school," he cut in, in a quiet voice. Bulma frowned as she wondered what else it could be.
"Is everything ok at home then? ChiChi's being telling me you haven't been eating right lately."
She was right, he hadn't, and when a Saiyan wasn't eating properly, it was too obvious, and also, quite dangerous for their health. The result had been a lack in strength and energy, and an obvious change in his stamina. As Bulma waited for a response, Gohan pondered over what to do. He wanted to tell her everything was ok and to stop worrying. But he couldn't, because the truth was, he wasn't ok at all, and deep down, he NEEDED to tell at least someone. It was then that Bulma spotted the first tear, a small twinkling droplet that drifted down Gohan's check and slipped off his well-chiselled jaw line.
"I, I've caused so many problems Bulma, and, it's all my fault."
From then on, he explained everything to her eager and listening ears. He told her about his raging emotions, the advice from Vegeta, his initial plans to stop Videl getting into Orange Star High, Videl's first day at school, and finally, the event before Videl left. It all just spilled out, little by little, until he was speaking at a faster pace, as a stream of fresh tears trailed down his cheeks.
"And then I found her in the arms of a total stranger. I was so angry that this other guy was fondling her, holding her so close to him. I guess I was jealous, why should she let him get so close to her, but not me? How could she choose a complete stranger over, well, a friend? I was so close to losing it again Bulma, I."
It was then that she embraced him, and he began to choke of more tears, the tears that his Saiyan pride had forced him to hold back. Vegeta's words were drumming through his head:
'Emotions make you weak. Only the strong survive! The weak, perish.'
But letting go of the tears was like an inner renewal. He felt like most of his worries were being washed away, and a huge weight had been lifted off his heart. As the last tear fell, he started to ask himself if everything really was entirely his fault. Was he the only one to blame when it takes two people to tango?
When Gohan had begun to calm down, Bulma released him from her mothering embrace, wiping a few tearstains from his flushed cheeks.
"You now, I'm proud of you Gohan. It takes a lot for a guy to express his emotions, especially a Saiyan. Telling me your problems and fears is the first step to amending them you know. I think you've already discovered that keeping them to yourself only makes the situation worse."
He nodded in response, sniffing and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Bulma was completely right, and telling her had been one of the best decisions he'd made.
"It's not entirely your fault, but then, neither is it Videls. You both have to take the blame here, and that means you both need to be willing to patch up your friendship. Of course, right now, she's not in a state to do anything, but perhaps you both needed this to strengthen your relationship. Maybe she'll realise what a bitch she's been to you. It sounds to me like she had you on her beck and call, so maybe you need to change a little just as much as she needs to."
Gohan frowned at Bulma in slight confusion. "Meaning?"
"Meaning, I think you need to change the way you act towards her. Distance yourself a little if you have to. Just realise that maybe she's not used to being crowded around, and needs her space just as much as you do. I know that's not gonna be easy with your rampaging hormones, and your mom trying to push you two together, but I'll have words with her, so long as you promise me that you'll go home, and work things out with her yourself first."
Bulma didn't know what she was demanding! The thought of trying to explain things to his mom made Gohan shudder. She'd question and analyse his every word, until he'd tell half-lies just to please her and shut her up.
"Can't I stay here the night? Please Bulma?"
She sighed and stood up, rolling her eyes slightly. "Of course you can, but I want you to go home when you're ready. I won't force you, but I'll suggest it. Now, I'm gonna go check on Videl. Why don't you go order a take- out? From now on I want to see you eating properly again."
He nodded with a smile as she left the room. Somehow, he knew that the bad times where nearly over. The things he feared now were facing Videl, and then, facing his mom.
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Videl tossed and turned, the bitter taste of her own vomit still on her tongue. Her head pounded, and although her eyes were closed, she couldn't sleep anymore. The nightmare she'd awoken from had convinced her not to dream anymore in fear that it would return. She sat up in the soft bed and learnt against the headboard, her hair a tangled and wet mess from her perspiration. She hadn't had such a bad nightmare since her childhood, but they were never that bad. Just thinking about it made her shudder; the death, the darkness, her mother's dead body, the bodies of other Saiyans. It was all too much.
'I'm here for a purpose,' she told herself as she once again closed her eyes. 'But what is my purpose? Was my father lying just to see the back of me? So that he wouldn't be reminded of his mate again?'
The tears stung her eyes as she recalled her father's words.
"Every time I look at you Videl, I see your mother, and as you get older, I see her even more. I think it would be best if you left. You always wanted to find more like yourself, didn't you? Well, now's your chance, so go while you're still young. I can't look after you forever; you've got to find your own way in the world at some point. And I think that time is now. You're here for a purpose, and I think you already know what it is."
Hercule always had been a weak man, and a terrible father too. Being in his presence just reminded him of his cowardice, and it shamed her so much that she was glad he let her go.
'Wait, what was I thinking? I actually wanted to go back there, go back to HIM!? When, the reason I left was to get as far away as possible, and leave the memories behind too. But still, you manage to plague my mind father. What will it take to rid you from my thoughts? From my memories? Will I have to rid you from existence altogether?'
The thought sickened her. Although a part of her hated him, he was still her father, and she could never bring herself to destroy the very thing that created her. Just then, the door creaked open, and Videl turned her head to see Bulma walk into the room.
"You're up I see. Feeling better?" She spoke in the same caring and mothering vice as before, and sat down on the bed next to Videl.
"Hardly. At least I don't feel sick anymore." She'd lost count of the times she'd thrown up and desperately wanted to wash away the tasty reminder from her mouth. Bulma placed her palm over Videl's forehead, and frowned slightly.
"Well, you're temperature seems to have fallen a little, so that's good news. I'm sorry Videl, but I can't help wondering anymore and need to get this off my mind. Why in Kame's name did you do this to yourself!?"
Her tone became sterner as she asked the number one question, and Videl sighed, slumping against the headrest once again.
"I don't know, why don't you tell me?"
"I was hoping you'd have the answers," Bulma replied in a harsh and serious tone. She was in a mood where she wasn't going to take any shit off nobody.
"I just.did, okay? I was offered the chance, and I took it. Geez, I didn't even know what I was doing! But I did it, end of story."
"No Videl, it's not the end of the story, not yet. Do you have any idea how worried Gohan and I have been? Gohan more than me even! Even ChiChi's demanded to know if you're okay."
"I'm shocked," Videl answered monotonously and sarcastically. "I really am."
"Can't you just be normal for once? Instead of rebelling against anyone and everyone! People care about you Videl, they genuinely do. You know, Gohan didn't have to go looking for you, and I didn't have to help you. We could've just left you in the ditch, or more likely, in the bed of that stranger! But no, because you assume that the whole world evolves around you and only you! That everyone else in on your beck and call for whenever you have a problem!!"
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PROBLEMS!? HUH? YOU JUST JUDGE ME WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING THE FULL DAMN STORY!"
The rise in voice encouraged Bulma to raise hers; she wouldn't be over- powered by anyone after all.
"WELL MAYBE IF YOU TOLD US THEN WE'D KNOW!!!! GEEZ! NO ONE CAN HELP YOU UNLESS YOU WANT THE HELP VIDEL! And I can tell you right now, that plenty of people are willing to help YOU."
Silence followed as Videl turned her head. All the shouting didn't help her migraine, nor did the fact that deep down, she knew Bulma was completely right.
"But I don't know how to ask for help." The mutter was barely audible, but Bulma strained her ears to hear, and sighed, trying to regain her composure.
"You don't need to ask Videl, I'm here right now, and I'm waiting for you to talk."
Videl brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them for comfort. She'd never had anyone who cared about her before. Her dad never wanted to know her problems, so she's grown up a little reserved and had learnt to keep things to herself. Now she had the option to talk, she didn't have a clue where to begin.
"But I'm not sure how to start. Besides, you wouldn't understand."
Bulma reached out and caringly tucked Videl's stray hair behind her ear so that she could see her face. "You don't know that. You've never tried talking to me about things before. Just start where you want to, from the beginning maybe."
There was another pause as Videl contemplated on the idea. 'If I tell her, will that make me weak? Will I be betrayed myself by talking about my problems to a human? She's right, I'll never know unless I try.' And so, she took a deep breath.
"I've lied right from the start. The only truth in my words was the story before my birth. But after that, I only told you half the truth."
Bulma nodded, urging Videl to continue as she listened carefully, giving her Videl full and undivided attention.
"Sure, Frieza attacked our Sanctuary, and many people perished as they tried to defend our home. But what happened to my parents is another story. My mother did die, that I'm sure of. But my father, well, he'd betrayed us all long ago. Indeed he was a very strong warrior, but, not one of the best. However, he had the job as a scout, and would hardly ever be home since he was always on the lookout for news or word of Frieza's whereabouts. It was the perfect cover-up for him though. In his absence, he'd offered his services to Frieza, becoming one of his 'henchmen.' He always told me that he only did it to protect our kind, and to keep Frieza away for as long as possible. But Frieza wasn't stupid, and my father was. He didn't realise that he'd been bugged, until it was too late. Frieza tracked us down in no time at all, and my father didn't realise until it was too late to amend his mistake.
Frieza thought it was amusing that the destruction of the last Saiyan survivors had been my father's fault, but death would've been a prize. No, instead, he allowed him to live with the fact it was all his fault. Not only that, but the battle had permanently injured my father's legs, making him wheelchair bound for the rest of his life. From his temporarily paralysed position on the floor however, he witnessed my mother's death as she tried to escape with me. My pod escaped, and he shortly followed two days behind me to Planet Lochloan. It was there that he raised me, but he could never forget his mistake, and never fully recovered from the loss of his mate. Although he taught me the basics of martial arts, as I grew older, he began to resent my existence. I took after my mother so much, and so he couldn't even look at me anymore without being reminded of the painful memories. And so, when I reached my teen years, he persuaded me to do what I'd always dreamed of doing; to find others like myself. His words, well, they pulled at my heart, and still do to this day. He told me what I've just told you, that, and more. The truth brought hate into my heart, and so, I left."
Videl looked up into Bulma's eyes, wondering what the mate of Vegeta was thinking, and what she would say. She couldn't bring herself to say anymore; it had taken a lot to reveal the truth about her father after all, but it did feel good to share her past with someone else, even if the consequences of it would prove to be bad.
"Videl, why didn't you tell anyone about this before." Bulma was still frowning, but with sympathy.
"I dunno, would you tell someone something like that?" She had a point, and so Bulma shook her head.
"But don't you feel better now that you have?"
"Not really, I've just pushed my worries onto someone else. And before you ask, no, I don't want anyone else to know, not even Gohan." Bulma raised an eyebrow and a smile crept onto her face.
"You know, Gohan spoke to me today, about everything that been happening between you two."
"No surprise there. Did he cry too?"
"He's not as soft as you think Videl, I had to pry it out of him just like I did for you. I think you two really need to patch things up, you can't go on arguing like this like to immature kids." Videl rolled her eyes and looked straight at Bulma.
"I can't believe this! I just spilled out my heart, and I all I get in return is," she imitates Bulma's voice. " 'You can't go on arguing like an immature kid Videl.' Aren't you sposed to talk to me about MY problem? I don't give a shit about Gohan!"
"Don't you? Or are you lying to yourself again Videl? I don't mean to be harsh, and I do sympathise with you. Of course, I wouldn't know what it's like to be betrayed by my own father, but you've come a long way since then. But can you really hate him when he was only looking out for you? We all make mistakes, but we have to learn from them. From the sound of it, he dwelled on his past, and it seems you may be too. I think you need to take a good look at yourself. Try to stop being ashamed of yourself maybe, and realise that it's your father's burden to bear, not yours."
There was truth in Bulma's words, however harsh they may have seemed, and although Videl wanted to cry, she couldn't. If she cried, she would've been feeling sorry for herself again, and that was something she didn't want to do.
"I don't know if I can do that on my own though. I came here to go home again, to return to my past. But I've realised that doing so would've been the greatest mistake I could've made." Bulma smiled warmly, holding onto Videl's hand.
"Then you've taken the first step already. It seems everything happens for a reason Videl, and I think this all happened to make you stronger. Now, there's someone waiting downstairs who wants to make amends. Are you ready to do that too?"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Bulma began to giggle.
"They'll be pizza." Videl smiled, wiping her eyes to stop the tears from escaping.
"Okay." Bulma nodded and stood up, turning to go.
"You can cry Videl, it's okay to feel sorry for yourself once in awhile. I'll be downstairs."
As Bulma finally left the room, Videl began to do something very strange. She laughed, not loudly, but more to herself. And as she did, the tears began to fall in a flood of emotions. From now on, she'd have to welcome the changes as they came. This, was just the beginning.