I will be skipping back in time for the next chapter but don't let that discourage you. After all, you'll get more answers and not to mention the first meeting between Gohan and Videl (not really the FIRST but that's for another time ::grins evily:::). A very special thanks for my insane beta reader Timothy (can I call you Tim? ^^).
Disclaimer: I wish I had a nickel everytime I read a disclaimer....
Last Revised : 6/16/03
Predator and Prey
by: Psycho Ann
Chapter 5 : Wedding Jitters
"Viiiii-DEL!!! WAKE UP!!"
Emitting a small shriek Videl nearly jumped clear off the bed. Rubbing her tired eyes she found Erasa, her usual cheerful self, grinning widely. Gah, she must be getting rusty, she didn't even hear Erasa coming in...
"It's seven already?" Videl muttered, swinging her leg over the queen sized bed.
"Yep! And we're going to get all the measurements done, don't forget to bring the invitations along," Erasa chirped while going over to the closet and pulling out some clothes for Videl. Videl herself stumbled into the bathroom for a quick shower. When she got out she stopped dead in her tracks. Erasa had laid out various outfits for her to wear. And all 20 of them have one thing in common : GIRLY. Everything was tight, light colored, some even lacy....
"ERASAAA-AA-AAAA!!!!" came from Videl after deciding not to blast them all into ashes.
"What?" the blond innocently asked.
"You know me better than that!! I WILL NOT WEAR ANYTHING LIKE--LIKE--THOSE!!"
"Come on Videl, all you wear are T-shirts and we're going out to the city today!!"
"All the more reason not to!! I won't be caught dead in those, let alone IN PUBLIC!!"
'Drat forgot we're going into Satan City--oh well, I'll be safe in the crowds...'
"Videeeelllll, pleaaaaseeee?"
"No."
"Delllllll...."
"Erasa. You are my best friend. I will give my life for you. I personally took care of your wedding plans. I will happily oblige to be your child's god mother. I will do anything in my power to make you happy."
"Yay! So you will--"
"But I am never, ever, going to go out in those. Formal gowns and the occasional dress up is okay. But for this, not even you can convince me to."
The look in Videl's eyes told Erasa that her Maid of Honor made up her mind and nothing short of death would make her change it. Erasa sighed, "Oh all right, but you are so going to make up for it. You are to promise, no, SWEAR that you will put up with whatever the dresser tells you to. Madame Yin is world famous for her make up and fashion abilities."
Videl figured, heck, anything was better than the 5 inch platform shoes Erasa had laid out at the foot of the bed. "I swear on my honor as the protector of the Satan Crown and the royal crest that flows in my veins to agree with whatever this Madame Yin will throw on me. There! Happy?"
Erasa smiled triumphantly before pushing Videl's towel clad body in to the walk in closet. "Now hurry up and get dressed!! I'll wait for you at the front door!" and with that she skipped out, already giddy to see Videl getting dressed up for a change.
Soon the two friends hopped into a capsule-copter and sped off to the large expanse of the city below. Videl felt--well, she wasn't sure what she felt at the moment. The towering silver of the palace loomed in the horizon and Videl felt a peculiar mix of apprehension, guilt, and fear. As they neared the city gates and slowed down to speed along the ground, the scene of people bustling along the city streets sent a wave of homesickness through her. Erasa spared a glance from the controls catching the look on Videl's face.
"It feels weird being home doesn't it?"
Videl just nodded, not trusting her voice.
They stopped at the post office for a moment, dropping off the invitations. It was somehow more satisfying doing all the work themselves instead of sending some servant off to do it. After that they wandered around before finding a nice cozy restaurant to eat. Sitting at the most secluded booth they could find, the two ordered their meals and proceeded to chat about anything. Erasa despite being a bit ditzy at first glance was actually pretty observant. For example, she noticed right away how Videl kept darting her eyes around every few seconds since they entered the city.
"Relax Del, I'm sure they couldn't find you here. You said so yourself!"
Videl sighed. Well, at least Freiza took down all the wanted posters of her. Guess that bastard acctually forgot about her--or was just too confident that she would never set foot in Satan again. Her ki was suppressed and she would be able to detect any hostile ki before they got close anyway.
"I guess you're right Erasa--force of habit. The only place you can see me wanted now are in the hunter files. But I'll be able to avoid any hunters from their elevated ki."
Erasa wasn't even going to pretend that she understood what 'ki' was. Ignoring it she continued. "Besides, you look different now! Those pictures of you are 3 years outdated, not to mention you cut your hair!"
"The androids have the scouters, Erasa. You know, the little devices that had my energy signatures recorded. Well, as long as I keep my ki hidden and not run directly into any of them I'll be fine. It's not like they will be patrolling the city for me or anything."
"Oh yes! You told me once of this hunter that was always getting to you right? What about him?"
Gohan.
Oh, she just had to bring him up didn't she? Videl was already busy trying to deny to herself that she was darting her eyes around looking for him instead of any other danger.
"Um, oh, yes, HIM. Well, like I told you, I think I might have killed him. And besides, I'm pretty confident I can avoid him too. It's not a problem, I done it before, I could do it again. If he is alive that is, which I'm sure he isn't. But even still, he might not even be in the country I mean--"
"You're babbling, Videl. Babbling." Erasa said this like she couldn't believe it herself. Immediately Videl felt her face flush as she tried to form a witty retort or reply--she failed. Miserably. Upon seeing the red blush Erasa's censors went into high alert.
"VIDEL!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! YOU'RE BLUSHING OVER A GUY!?!?" came the not so hushed whisper. Videl immediately shushed her friend, glancing around finding that luckily no one heard her name.
"It's not like that!! And don't shout!!"
"Oh yeah? Well, you used to mention this hunter in every one of your e-mails!!"
"Ah, that, well, that--"
"See?! Now when are you going to tell me his name?? Is he cute??"
"Yes, he-- HEY!!! I'm not continuing this discussion!! He's the person that wants to kill me remember?!"
"Deeeeeelll, I can't believe this!! This is just like those forbidden love novels--"
"I DO NOT LOVE HIM!!!"
The whole restaurant went silent turning to the red faced young woman who was currently up on her feet and breathing heavily. Videl shot them all a chilling glare and the whole restaurant wasted no time in carrying on their own business. Videl huffed and sat back down in her seat shooting Erasa a serious glare.
"I. Do. Not. Love. Him. Please, I don't even want to talk about it."
"I--I'm sorry, Videl, I shouldn't--"
"Yes, you shouldn't."
Erasa's lower lip started trembling as her big blue orbs watered ever so slightly. Videl's anger went away in less than a nanosecond. "Ack!! Erasa, don't worry! I forgive you, hey don't think about it, okay? Hey, hey, come on, Erasaaaa, I'll treat you to a chocolate sundae!!"
"Really? Deal!" Erasa recovered a bit too quickly and Videl knew she had fallen for Erasa's trump card again. That's why Videl never could find the strength to be angry with Erasa for long; even when she knew it was all an act Videl still couldn't stand up to her best friend's teary face.
After breakfast they made their way to the white
building right around the corner. Above the large revolving doors hung
a intricately bordered sign with the words "Madame Yin" written in gold.
Videl felt suddenly apprehensive as they made their way in. Erasa immediately
went up to the secretary and asked for Madame Yin while Videl studied the
various photos in the lobby. Most of them were before-after pictures of
hideously ugly women that have been transformed into super models by the
hands of the world known beauty artist.
Erasa was right, this Madame Yin was good.
Those those beautiful super model like women used to be downright hideous.
It wouldn't surprise Videl that the subjects in the before-afters were
two different people. Maybe she could learn some of this make-up business--it
would be handy in her disguises and maybe she could even get a job in a
beauty parlor. That's one place Gohan might not come in to--STOP THINKING
ABOUT HIM!!
"Videl!!" Videl turned to see Erasa waving to her. Videl then followed Erasa into the elevators and up to the top floor. Once they were out Videl was bombarded with the smells of expensive perfume and hairspray.
"Erasa! Dear! I heard the wonderful news! Come in come in!!"
Madame Yin was a tall woman with sharp features that sent the message she wasn't one to be messed with. Her hair was twisted up in a cone and had on a blazing red outfit with shoulder pads that could take someone's eye out. Videl stood dumbly at the high speed they were talking in. Then Madame Yin took a good look at Videl before turning back to Erasa.
"I didn't know your Maid of Honor is a boy."
"WHAT?!??!"
It took all her control to keep her ki suppressed and her fists to herself. How dare that woman?!? Sure, here she was only in a oversized T-shirt and her black biker shorts, but still!!!
"What did you say?!" Videl spat at the haughty look on the woman's face while being physically restrained by Erasa from behind. Erasa was surprisingly strong for someone her size.
"Calm down, Del!!"
"Yes, calm down boy. You're even more less like a female with your face all scrunched up like that."
"YOU!!!"
"Look at you hair, all messed up," Madame Yin stepped forward and took a lock of Videl's now shoulder length hair, fingering it for a moment, "Never seen a good side of a brush have you? All dry and unconditioned. Split ends. Horribly cut. Where were you living? In the forest?"
Videl bit her tongue from letting out a loud 'YES! I WAS LIVING IN THE FOREST MOST OF THE TIME FOR 3 YEARS, THANK YOU!!'
The tall woman then stepped back and took hold of Videl's arm in her manicured grip. "Hmmm, even your skin is all dry and roughed up. Oh look at these calluses on your hands. What's this? Muscle? You have muscles like a man!! Sleeveless dressed are a no-no for you--hmmm..."
All the while Videl's eyebrows kept twitching as Erasa still kept her arms around Videl, holding her back.
This--this--arrogant bitch!!! She had to spend 3 years fighting to survive and she has to face this--this--face these insults for it?!?
She was about to protest when Erasa spoke up. "Um, Madame, well, Delilah here," they agreed to use a fake name in case Videl got recognized; and Delilah seemed appropriate since Erasa likes to call her Del and also that Videl was 'deceiving' everyone, "she likes martial arts and--"
"Hah! A male past time too!! If it weren't for the breasts and the lack of a certain appendage I would be sure that you're male, boy."
"Then stop calling me BOY!!!!"
"Not until you start resembling a female, boy. Hah, this will be my greatest challenge yet!"
The day was then spent with Erasa restraining Videl as they got their measurements. They even got a quick glance at the gowns before the finishing touches were made. Needless to say, they were beautiful. Even Videl was looking forward to try them on fully with the accessories and make up. Madame Yin took every chance to insult Videl some way or another but Erasa convinced Videl she meant good.
"Arrghhh, free from the clutches of the Shoulder Pad Queen!!!" Videl exclaimed as she slumped into the passenger seat, her arms full with lotions, shampoo, conditioners and other hair/skin treatments Madame Yin ordered her to use. Erasa just giggled.
"You can't fool me Videl, you enjoyed the pampering didn't you?"
Videl grew quiet before turning to Erasa, "I... I guess...it almost feels like I'm a normal teenager..."
"You are Videl!! Until you leave, you will be Delilah Natas, a normal young woman here for her best friend's wedding!!"
Videl smiled widely, "Yeah!!"
Erasa returned the smile before suddenly going silent. Videl frowned, never have she seen the kind of seriousness in Erasa before. "Erasa?"
"You know what Videl?"
"What?"
"I'm afraid."
"..... Of?"
"I don't know... It's like--like--I'm afraid everything will fall apart on me. We were best friends Videl... Then--I couldn't see you anymore since you--decided to become a General. I had to live up to a lie... I still don't understand what happened. Even now I don't know the truth why you did what you did."
"I'm sorry Erasa.... I can't tell you, I couldn't even tell Amie--"
"She died protecting you Videl. She died in your place. She died not knowing the truth did she?"
"I..."
"The murders--father dying--then mother... I was alone Videl. I lost you twice to lies, I lost Amie, my parents.... Now I found Sharpie and--and--I'm afraid of losing him too. Then suddenly you're back.... Oh, Videl--I don't know how long this peace will last. I know you will have to leave, that they would come looking for you!!"
"Erasa..." Videl laid a comforting hand on Erasa's now shaking shoulders.
"This wedding will be the happiest time ever Videl. Since everything!! I'm so afraid that something will come along and ruin it--it--it would be too much for me..."
"Nothing will go wrong, Erasa. I personally would see to that!"
Erasa sniffled lightly before giggling, "Yeah, with you around I bet the wedding would go off as orderly as a soldier's march!" they both laughed at this.
"Sorry about that Del, I guess I'm nervous that's all, " Erasa said before turning on the engine.
Videl just smiled.
'I will see to it that nothing goes wrong Erasa. I swear my life upon it.'
Gohan typed in his password as he retrieved whatever e-mail he had. Some of them were heavily encrypted files from back home, some were hunter information, some were junk mail with porn-ads. He quickly scanned his inbox before settling on one from a familiar address. Opening it he read the contents twice--just to make sure. Thinking about it for a while he muttered a quick, "Aw, hell, why not?"
He had been wandering aimlessly for the last month
deciding whether not to give up and go home saying that Videl had died.
But then if she did choose to resurface from whatever hole she's hiding
from, he would be in so much trouble that no horrors of the whole universe
could compare to. Thinking about her still sent a flash of anger through
him.
After finishing his e-mail he exited the booth and
headed off at a steady pace. The e-mail he got was from a good friend and
he couldn't turn down the offer. After all, he had nothing better to do
at the moment right?
The whole wedding will begin in a week.
Videl and Erasa had painstakingly planned out the event that stretched out for 5 days. The first 2 days will be spent waiting for all the friends and family to come. There were more than enough rooms reserved for twice the crowd. The third day will hold a night feast and dance where everyone would have fun together before the actual wedding. The fourth day was the wedding itself and yet another feast. The last day would be just waiting for the guests to leave. Videl was not sure if she would be leaving with them.
Videl had just got out from one of the various unidentified
herbal bath (for softening and moisturizing the skin Madame Yin had said)
and was now staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Turning
left and right, she did notice how her skin looked more supple and smooth
now. And was she getting a bit chubby?? Yes, the month without training
had softened her looks. Her face was now more filled giving her a younger
appearance and the hard muscles had faded a bit leaving her with a more
feminine body. The unruly mop of what she called hair started to already
shine after using the medicated shampoo once. It was down to her shoulders
now and Videl wondered briefly if she should cut it. Nahhhh, she would
let it grow out for now.
She actually looked better without training!! She
slept and ate more and we all know the good beauty sleep and a balance
diet can do for the body.
You gotten weak though, Videl.
You can't even feel Erasa coming in the morning.
You can be sneaked up on by servants.
You've gotten sloppy. Reflexes dulled by your relaxed state.
When was the last time you meditated? Your ki control will be slipping.
How is your ki now? I bet you can't push it up as fast and efficient as before.
You are letting your guard down, Videl.
It will cost you your life.
And the life of those around you.
Like last time. They died because you let your guard down.
It was all your fault. You could have prevented it.
Prevented it.
But then you just watched. Didn't you?
The mirror shattered violently as Videl sent her fist flying straight through. When Erasa came rushing in she found Videl shaking on the floor clutching her fist. It was only bleeding slightly as Videl had raised her ki at the last moment, protecting her skin.
"Videl!! What--are you okay??" cried Erasa as she gripped Videl's shoulders.
"No..." came the shaky reply, "No. I'm not Erasa--and--I can't tell anyone why..."
Videl then suddenly burst into tears, collapsing into Erasa's arms. Erasa held her while begging for Videl to tell her, that no matter what she would be there to share the burden. Videl had replied in between sobs that she just couldn't, no matter what.
The guilt and pain was just too much.
And that she deserved every last drop of it.
Erasa listened, her heart constricting at the thought
that there was something Videl kept to herself for the sole purpose of
self punishment. What really happened that night 3 years ago? What really
happened 2 years before that? Erasa knew the endings but the beginnings
were a mystery.
Two incidents had changed her friend's life forever.
One, becoming the general; two, the murders. There was something behind
both of them Videl hadn't told anyone. The murders itself was peculiar.
Videl's own troops reported seeing Videl threaten the King and his family,
then on that night they witnessed Videl pulling out her sword from the
King's body. They said she did it out of revenge for something personal
that no one knew of.
Erasa immediately knew it couldn't have been Videl. Since she knew Videl wouldn't have killed her own parents.
After all, Videl was the real Princess of the Satan Royalty.
A.N. I bet you saw that coming chapters away ;P
