Lady Melanie : I would have gone with you suggestion regarding Gohan, but I didn't want to give away his reasons just yet! Don't worry, he'll do what you suggested ^^ (hush hush on this okay? XD)
THIS CHAPTER IS RATED R!! Should I change the whole fic to a R rating? Or should I just mark the R chapters? Let me know!!
Disclaimer :Alright seeing as some of you actually NEED to read this *mutters curse in alien language* keep reading for those with enough brains to know what the expression Pi R square means :D skip and enjoy the chapter........... okay dictionary terms here FAN: a person who enjoys a certain fictional or real life, movie book, or idea with abnormal happiness. FICTION: usually a story created using original characters and based in a alternate universe often times one in which earth does not exist. FANFIC: a short story or novella written by a FAN of a GAME, FICTIONAL series, or real life event or happening. in short a FANFIC by the very definition of the name means it is written(or typed) by someone who DOES NOT own the thing there are a FAN of nuff said.
Last Revised : 6/17/03
Predator and Prey
Chapter 10 : Countdown - Day 1
Wedding Day! Part 1
"Gohaaaaannnn....." Videl hissed, her eyes glued to Clip, "What are you doiiiinnggg.....??"
"What's going on, Gohan?" Sharpener asked. Gohan had greeted them at the door with Clip and then told them to go in and wait while he went to get Delilah. Peculiarly, when Gohan strode over to Delilah's room, Clip got all nervous and sweaty.
"First of all," Gohan went over to the mini bar and pulled out some glasses and a bottle of white wine, "Why don't we all have a drink?"
No one protested so Gohan swiftly poured out the drinks and passed them out. Videl absently sipped hers as she scooted away from Clip as far as she could naturally go. She had a pretty good idea what Gohan was up too but with Clip there to argue with?? Oh well, guess it all falls into Sharpener's hands. Oh, Erasa.... Videl prayed to Dende that the wedding would still go smoothly.
"All right, what is this about? It's late and the wedding's tomorrow," Clip directed to Gohan after gulping down his wine. Gohan merely gave him a playful smirk.
"Anyone ever heard of K'Juju powder?"
Everyone stared at him blankly before Videl spoke up.
"Isn't that a kind of powder that forces people to tell the truth? A sort of truth potion but why--" Videl immediately shot her eyes to her glass. Oh great, who did Gohan give it to? The demi-Saiyan kept his smirk on Clip and Videl understood. Without a second thought she went across the room to pick up a metal trash bin and set it in front of Clip. Sharpener and Erasa gave her looks.
"What's that for, Del?" Erasa asked.
"You'll see..." was all Videl said as she sat down next to Erasa on the couch. Things were either going to get interesting or disgusting--whichever came first.
"So, your name is...?" Gohan prompted and Clip scowled at him.
"What the hell is this about?? If you're done with these silly games, unlock the door and let me have my sleep!"
"Now, now, you aren't really that sleepy to answer some questions, right? Knowing how you were planning--other things for tonight."
Clip immediately tensed up and Sharpener noticed it. "What is Gohan talking about, Clip?"
Gohan ignored Sharpener and asked Clip again, "Your name?"
"Why are you even--argh, my name's Clip Mehtal."
"Your age?"
"22."
"Occupation?"
"Vice-president of Wrighting Inc."
"Do you hate Sharpener?"
"Yes, I--" Clip slapped his hand over his mouth as Sharpener and Erasa gasped. "What the hell, I didn't me--"
"Did you blackmail Delilah to get her in bed?"
"Yes--WHAT THE?? What did you put in my drink, you bastard?!"
"Did you hired hunters to back up on your threat to ruin the wedding?"
"Y-y-ye-NO!!" As soon as Clip forced the lie out, he immediately paled and fell to his knees, vomiting that night's dinner into the trash bin. Videl had a satisfied look on her face as Sharpener and Erasa looked on in shock.
"Now you know that the powder lowers your senses enough to not think twice before answering a question. But when you do manage to lie, it will trigger a reaction causing you to vomit every time you do so. Eventually one might even die of dehydration. Interesting, eh?"
"Yes..." Clip answered unwillingly after he finished heaving. Videl almost laughed out then. She should have known Gohan would carry around such a powder, he was a hunter after all; the K'Juju powder could be purchased exclusively at bounty hunter auctions. It was a nice tool for gathering information about the whereabouts of wanted. If you didn't mind the mess.
"So, were you friends with Sharpener just because of his money and status?"
"Y-yes."
Sharpener was furious but said nothing.
"Do you love Delilah?"
"No."
"You just wanted to sleep with her?"
"Yes."
"What do you think of Erasa?" Gohan wanted to get Sharpener pissed off enough to kick Clip out. After that all he needed to do was get rid of the hunters.
Clip glanced fearfully at Sharpener as his mouth started to run on it's own. He would have clamped his hands over his mouth if it wasn't for the fact that he forgot they were still gripping on the edges of the trash bin. "I-I-I li-like her." he promptly vomited. Erasa was sporting a crossed look by now.
"What do you really think of me?" Erasa asked.
"I wanted to f--- you too. You blondes are good for that." Clip nearly swallowed his tongue when his answer came rolling out. Sharpener shot straight up and went for Clip with murder in his eyes. He would have throttled the man good if it wasn't for Erasa and Videl holding him back. Erasa really didn't have the strength to restrain him but Videl was more than enough.
"Where are the hunters?" Gohan went on. "How do you contact them?"
"Under my balcony. I call to them with a password." Clip tried to cover his mouth but Gohan was suddenly in front of him and held his wrists down.
"What is the password?"
"General Videl."
"Videl?" Sharpener stilled. Clip suddenly got a glint in his eyes and quickly blurted out.
"Delilah! She's General Videl! The one wanted for the murders!!!"
Sharpener shot his head behind to Videl who had released him. "You... ?" Videl nodded solemnly. He then turned to his fiancee, "But then--you know?"
Erasa gave him an anguished look, "Oh Sharpie, she didn't kill them! I would have told you everything but there was so much at stake! The less people that know the better! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! Don't hate me!" Sharpener seemed perplexed a moment before engulfing Erasa in a hug.
"Don't worry, Erasa. I believe you and I'd never ever hate you. I love you and I would stop at nothing to have you as my bride tomorrow," he whispered in her ear to which the other occupants of the room could hear. Videl let out a relieved sigh. Gohan and Clip rolled their eyes at the mushy scene.
"Clip..." Sharpener growled as he gently let go of Erasa, "You're confined to your room until dawn. Then you'll leave and if I ever see you or hear of you again, I'll have my lawyers hunt you down like the dog you are."
Clip glared at the man before standing up and turning his rage filled eyes at Gohan. "You done?"
Gohan didn't answer but went over to the door and opened it, gesturing to Videl to leave with them. Videl entered Clip's room with Gohan and watched as Clip grudgingly lead them to the balcony where he called out into the darkness. Videl glanced at Gohan to see if he sensed any ki at because she sure couldn't. There were four possibilities to why.
First, her ki sensing abilities were way out of practice.
Second, the hunters weren't in the area at the moment.
Third, the hunters were androids.
Fourth, the hunters knew how to use ki.
When three figured rose out of the darkness below to landed silently in front of them, Videl knew it was reason number four. The first of them was immensely tall and lanky, slouching a lot with a mean looking claymore strapped to his back. The second one was short but large, muscles bulging out from everywhere, clearly visible in a jumpsuit. The third had an aura of danger around him even though he appeared the least harmful with his casual stance and gentle smile. From experience, Videl knew just how much looks can be deceiving.
"Well, well... You decided to deliver us the girl already?" the second hunter asked.
Clip didn't answer but instead dashed over to the hunters and spun around, glaring at Gohan and Videl. "I'll double my price, kill them!!"
The hunters didn't hesitate and blasted forward. Videl's eyes widened at their speed and barely had time to avoid the first hunter's deadly swing. She didn't need to prepare her second move though as the hunters suddenly retreated while looking behind her in fear. Videl glanced behind to see only Gohan, a grin on his face.
"Took you long enough to recognize me, Bone Edge Brothers."
"Y-you!! Gohan the Predator!! You're the hunter that no one talks about but everyone knows!" the third hunter squeaked out, backing up with his brothers. Videl glanced at Gohan in confusion. She didn't know he had a reputation among the hunters.
"What? He's a hunter?!" Clip gasped in surprise. Whoever could frighten the brothers like that must be someone extremely powerful. The Bone Edge Brothers were the best in the Satan Capital.
"Now that we seem to know each other, would you mind leaving here?" Gohan asked the cowering hunters nicely.
"NO! Don't! I'll triple my price!!" Clip called out to the hunters that were preparing to take off.
"Are ya insane, man?!" The first hunter yelled back, "He took down all da most powerful hunted single handily! And he'll take down any hunter dat gets in his way!! No price can buy mah life!!"
"Yeah! We should have known! He had his sights on the General--only the insane would attempt her when he's around!!" with that the three took of in to the sky and disappeared, leaving Clip sweating profusely.
"Wow, Gohan, I never knew...." Videl whispered. He smiled cockily down at her.
"What? You think all my money falls from the sky? I only go after the ones that would remotely give me a challenge."
She snorted. "Yeah, well I think I'll go and get my sleep..." She turned to Clip, "By the way, you better stay away, I won't hesitant to hurt you badly now. And if the word on who I am gets out, I'll kill you. As simple as that." Videl then briskly strolled away, leaving the two men standing there.
Clip gave Gohan a furious glare before crossing his arms. "Get out of here."
Gohan nonchalantly leaned against the balcony railing, grinning the whole time. "I admire you for not pissing your pants."
"Oh, why? Should I?"
"You must know how easy it is for me to kill you. In fact, Videl too. And yet so attempted to have your way with her."
Clip gave out a low chuckle, "In my business I deal with those much more powerful than me. I know when to play my cards."
"Under any other circumstance, I would have enjoyed you being a friend. I like your attitude."
"Oh?" Clip raised an eyebrow. "I supposed you would make a good friend too. You're not bad yourself."
The two men grew silent but Clip soon broke it, walking up to Gohan. "I know you have your eye on the General. How about I give you an offer."
"I'm listening."
"I can tell you're stronger than her--why don't we--'share'? We both can leave as soon as we're done."
Gohan stood up straight and gave Clip a smirk. "That's why I said 'under any other circumstances'. I don't share what's mine."
And with that said, Clip didn't even have time to scream as Gohan held out a glowing hand and blasted him clear out of the dimension. The ashes soon were gone as the night breeze carried them off. Gohan then went in and gathered Clip's possessions and carried them back out. He found Videl standing there in her robe, a bewildered expression on her face.
"I felt the blast--you killed him?" She asked watching curiously as he threw the items on the balcony floor.
"Isn't it obvious?" He replied as he again raised his hand blasted any trace of Clip clean from the balcony. Videl gaped at him her jaw hanging open.
"Wh-wh-you didn't need to! He was leaving anyway!" Videl sputtered out.
"He wouldn't have gave up so easily, I merely--tied up loose ends."
"B-but!"
"What? You're going to do something about it?"
Videl snapped her mouth shout and glared at the smirking man before her. After a moment or so, Videl suddenly remembered something that was nagging her for the last hour.
"Hey, Gohan.... Clip said he hired the hunters after he met me--but then Sharpener...."
Gohan frowned. "He sent me the message saying that he was worried for weeks--that means there are other people than just the hunters..."
"The area is so large, it's easy to hide among the hundred of ki--you think there's still a major threat?"
"Of course, they might be planning to get Sharpener at the wedding, most mercenaries get a kick out of making a show."
Videl cupped her chin in thought, "I could try and find them out tomorrow--or should we just wait till they make a move?"
"We'll wait, I can handle when things go bad."
"But I would rather not have the wedding disrupted at all. And now Sharpener is short of a best man! What would we tell the guests?"
"Sharpener can find another, that's not the problem. We'll just say Clip disappeared on his own without a trace. No one would know."
"You...." Videl massaged her temples, "So easy for you to kill now, eh?"
When Gohan didn't say anything, Videl looked up to see him looking out into the moonlit gardens, a faraway look on his face.
"Yes..." he finally whispered. "So easy for me to kill now...."
Videl couldn't help as a tiny bit of concern blossomed in her chest at the lost look in his dark orbs. He seemed so much like a small little boy--a boy who lost something he could never regain. She could only wonder what. It was times like these that Videl wondered about the man behind the hunter. Sharpener was a well respected man and he seemed to be close to Gohan. Surely he knew Gohan aside from his life as a hunter....
The silence between them was comfortable but a breeze blew and Videl shivered slightly at the cold. Giving Gohan one last look, she floated over to her balcony and entered without another word. Gohan watched her go and narrowed his eyes. He opened his fist where a single bullet glistened in the darkness. He held it between his thumb and index finger before flicking it into one of the large hedges that make up the garden maze. A thump was heard as a sniper fell to the ground, a hole in his temple.
Gohan floated down and inspected the body, furious at Videl who did not notice anything earlier. He had felt the slight jump of ki after Videl asked him the question and saw the silent bullet make it's way to her head. She had her eyes closed, massaging her temples, oblivious to the incoming death. The bullet was painfully slow for both of them but still Videl didn't feel it. She would have if she was in her previous level a month ago. Gohan had caught the bullet in his fist an inch from her face before turning his eyes into the garden. Her question still echoed in his mind as he located the sniper who he was about to kill.
To kill.
Not beat up, not defeat. But kill.
How many humans had he killed in these past three years? Sure they were all bastards but still--he didn't need to resort to such lengths.
He had enjoyed some of them. His kills brought him satisfaction--a rush of power. To be able to snuff out a life so easily....
No.
What had he become?
When all of this was over.... could he still look Goten in the eye without fearing that his sins... his darkness... might taint his brother's innocence?
Gohan snarled silently before hefting the body up and throwing it as far as he could into the mountains. The body flew off until it disappeared beyond the towering rocks. It was nearing winter and the fallen leaves could easily hide the blood that was spilled. Scanning the area for any other ki, Gohan made his way back to his room. So, the men Sharpener saw were hunters after Videl. That meant the news of her whereabouts were going to attract more hunters. She might have to leave earlier than planned.
It was clear she didn't know that the bounty on her head was changed few months ago. Frieza had gotten tired and merely raised her bounty to 4 million... dead. She wasn't worth anything alive now. She had gotten good in running though and had avoided any other hunter expect for him. Well, it seems she would find out the hard way soon.
He would take care of them all when the time comes. Take care. Dispose. Kill.
Murderer.
Monster.
Killer.
Hunter.
Predator.
He was Son Gohan--Saiyan. His blood would always thirst for the fight--but for the kill?
Gohan glanced up at Videl's balcony, another kind of thirst making its way out. He would wait though--but soon. Soon she won't be able to run again. It was time to end this all before he became too tainted to go home.
Home.
Another one of her dreams.
He was there on top of her, his warmth and weight almost too real. She instinctively arched her body up into his, pressing every part of her up against him, desperate to feel him, all of him. She felt him respond, in more ways than one, his arms tightening around her slightly before running his hands down her body and resting on her thighs, sending waves of heat into her core. She moaned as he trailed hot, wet trails down her exposed neck, his lips tasting her in an almost desperate manner, hard and demanding. Her eyes were closed but she tangled her hands in his unruly hair which she knew was as black as night--same with his eyes.
His calloused hands pushed her silk nightgown up, slowly inching their way up her thigh, making her shiver. His mouth kept its torturing slow pace, making his way down to nudge the right spaghetti strap off her shoulder. His hands have bunched the gown at her waist, resting possessively on her hips. Soon she felt the cool air on her feverish hot skin of her chest and found herself arching up to meet his lips. He moved downward but stopped right on her upper breast. She whimpered, pushing on his head to go lower, to continue. He didn't budge though and instead slowly sucked the delicate skin there. She gasped his name when he slightly bit down and gave a particularly hard suck. He then blew on the mark to cool it, making goose bumps rise on her skin.
It was torture--the pace. She slightly moved her hips against his, a rush of heat going through her when she felt the evident arousal he had. Why wasn't he moving? She would have frowned but then he whispered in her ear.
"Good morning, Videl."
"Good morning, Gohan." Videl replied automatically before opening her heavy eyes. "Gohan?"
"Unnghhh, Sharpie....?"
"........."
"Sharpie?"
".... What...?"
".... Did you hear that?"
"Hear what, honey? It's..... 3 a.m."
"I think I heard something....."
"It's too early.... Go back to sleep, Erasa...."
"... Mmmm.... You're, right...."
Videl was pressed up against the far wall next to the balcony doors after she shot straight out of the bed. Some of the plaster had gave in when she literally plowed into them, making a nice Videl sized dent. She blinked rapidly, trying to get the sleepiness and lust out from her eyes. Her breath was still heavy and coming in gasps. After a minute she realized the Gohan sitting on her bed didn't go away.
Gohan watched as Videl stared at him, blinking. Probably wondering if he was a dream or not. Her eyes suddenly focused and he knew she was now fully awake. Too bad.
"You!! What the hell are you doing here!?" She hissed, glancing a the digital clock on the desk, "And at such an hour!?"
Gohan didn't budge but kept a serious look on his face. "You didn't even sense me coming in, didn't you?"
"I--!" Videl wanted to say something but didn't find the words.
"I know you have been slacking off, Videl--but not to what extent. Now I know." Gohan stood up and approached her. His black tank top and black draw string pants hid his arousal nicely in the dark room.
"D-Don't come any closer!!" She whispered, feeling a familiar rush of fear whenever he gets her in a vulnerable position. She slid into a stance as he stopped a few steps in front of her. The darkness, only lighted by the moon rays from the balcony doors, made him look even more menacing.
"Why.... You didn't seem to mind earlier." he gave her a cocky smirk.
"What are you talking ab--" Videl then took the time to look down. Her silk nightgown was still half bunched up at her waist and the right strap was hanging precariously low. She could see and feel the red mark exposed to the cool air. Gohan watched as horror flashed on her face to be replaced by embarrassment and anger.
"Y-you--you!!" she wasn't sure who she was more angry at. Him or herself. All she knew was he caught her dreaming of him and took advantage of her. And to think she thought he would never go so far. Videl shot forward, aiming a kick at him. It was evident how much she was out of practice when she found herself pressed on the bed with her arms pinned above her before she could blink. Gohan's form loomed above her and she felt incredibly small. He pressed down on he and her eyes went wide at the hardness that poked into her thigh.
He had been feeling playful when he came in, watching her lay there in her thin nightgown. His Saiyan eyesight made everything clear in the dark room; he could see every curve, every dip.... he couldn't help but reach out to touch her. He cupped a hand on her cheek and she sighed loudly, not knowing how the sound affected him. She then turned over to lay flat on her back, so open. So inviting.
He reasoned it was her own fault she had lost her edge. He was going to merely--teach her a lesson.
He lowered himself on her slowly, immensely pleased when she pressed herself up against him. He now felt everything. Even her hardening nipples through the thin fabric they both wore. A rush of heat immediately went through him and he couldn't help but run his hands down, wanting to feel her at his finger tips. Her neck was open to him so he took the advantage to finally get a taste of her. Sweet, there was no other word to describe it. He felt her run her hands through his hair, urging him on. He obliged.
He stopped abruptly. What was he doing?
He.... Son Gohan. Son of Goku and Chi-Chi. Brother to Goten.
The most powerful living being on the planet, possibly the universe.
Protector of the Earth.
Here. Now. Taking advantage of a woman.
He had become a killer, a cold blooded murderer.... But now.....
Videl whimpered slightly and urged him further but Gohan held his ground. Her eyes were closed--she was still asleep and dreaming. No matter how much he wanted her, hated her, loved her, he would never take advantage of her. Not like this.
He kept his ministrations though, and soon made up his mind to at least 'prove' his efforts. He bit her slightly, not quite enough to break the skin but enough to form a red welt, and sucked hard. She gasped his name and Gohan managed to blow on the mark before turning his wide eyes towards her. His name. She called out his name. She was--dreaming of him? That itself was more of a turn on than the sudden thrust of her hips against his. He hissed silently at the sensation.... The little devil--she had no idea what she was doing to him. Deciding to end this before he really lost all semblance of control, he whispered in her ear. She had answered again with his name. How interesting.
"Videl..." he whispered huskily then and she couldn't help but tremble slightly at how he said her name, the effect of her dream still fresh in her mind. Gohan noticed how her eyes darkened by lust and couldn't keep the arrogant smirk off from his face.
"To think all this time...." he continued, dipping his head down to nuzzle her neck, enjoying the sound of her sharp intake of breath. "...all I needed to do was ask, eh?" Gohan then trailed kisses along her jaw to her ear, tasting every inch of her skin along the way. Videl unconsciously tilted her head to give him more access, barely hearing his words through the haze of desire that clouded her common sense. This was wrong--very very wrong. But her body obviously thought otherwise. He paused at her ear, breathing heavily into it before asking in a low voice.
"Would you spread your legs for me, Videl?"
It was like being splashed with ice water.
"...... Did you hear that?"
"..... Ugh come on, Erasa.... What is it now?"
"I though I heard... A--bang...."
"........."
"........"
".... There's nothing....."
"But I swear--I heard--something...."
"Too early..... Way too early....."
"I--I guess......"
"Sleep......"
".........."
"........."
Gohan was chuckling even though he was still sizzling in the new dent in the wall where Videl blasted him to. She stood facing him, breathing heavily her eyes ablaze, her hands still raised and glowing.
"Get--out." She growled, more angry than ever. How dare he? How dare he?
Gohan merely stepped out of the wall, dusting himself off, continuing to chuckle. "Glad to see you still know how to fire a decent blast."
"Get out." Videl repeated, her hair and nightgown starting to slightly ruffle as a dim glow covered her form.
"Make me." Gohan smirked, tilting his head back in an obvious challenge.
Videl shot forward the silver glow of her aura in full blaze, twisting in mid-air to land a solid kick that Gohan blocked with his fore arm. She immediately followed up with the other leg as she twisted again to get him in the chest. Gohan side-stepped the kick and unlocked the balcony doors, dodging outside. Videl in her rage didn't notice they were out in the open and darted after him, firing a ki blast that he swatted into the sky. He came after her then, aiming a punch that she barely avoided by taking off into the air.
He went after her and the two engaged in a deadly aerial tango. Trading blow for blow and ki blasts that they consciously kept from impacting on the ground. Soon they found themselves on the nearby rocky mountains, dashing around to get an upper hand on the other. Videl cut in front of Gohan and sent an upper cut, he titled his head out of the way and sent a powerful fist into her stomach in reply. Videl got the wind knocked out of her and she slumped to the ground, the pain shooting deep into her bones.
"That wasn't such a bad spar--though you would have done better and lasted longer if you continued training for the month."
Spar. Yes, of course. If it wasn't a spar Videl would had surely no chance at all.
Videl wouldn't have said anything even if she could. The punch Gohan gave her hurt immensely and it was difficult to even breath, the muscles in her stomach contracting painfully with every shudder. In fact she felt quite sick and before she knew it her body gave out a spasm. Gohan suddenly kneeled besides her and held her short hair away as she hurled onto the rocky ground.
Ah, here she was. Dirty and beat up in a ripped night gown while vomiting on some dusty mountain while her would-be killer held her hair back. Great. Just great.
Somebody wake me up now.
Her body gave out a final shudder as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Gohan stood up and kept his cool gaze on her as she struggled to get up. She did succeed after much difficulty, gripping her stomach as she gasped for breath. Even through the sharp pains in her stomach she managed to send Gohan her patented death glare.
"I see you're fine after all," he drawled at her glare. Videl said nothing, honestly not being able to think up any words adequate enough to convey her feelings of him at the moment. She chose to just ignore him and attempt to fly back. She hadn't gone up a few feet in the air when she winced and went right back to the ground. He caused more damage than it seemed.
"Happy you, bastard?" She growled through her clenched teeth, "You killed the best man and now you've put the maid of honor out too!!"
"Don't be such a spoiled brat, that punch was nothing, you've taken worse."
"I used to! You said yourself I weaken considerably! It--hur-hurts..." before she could finish she vomited again, this time the dark shine of blood mixed along with bile. For a split second Gohan was actually worried that he went too far.
"Damn it, girl. About two hours of meditation will fix it. Internal bleeding isn't something new to you." Gohan grumbled as he watched her features contort in pain.
"I-I know... But--something's--wrong--hurt...." she was unbelievably pale now as she spat up more blood. Cold fear gripped Gohan's heart when he found her ki fluctuating wildly. Then she suddenly curled in on herself, whimpering loudly before turning her large, pain filled eyes up at him.
"Go-Gohan--it hurts--too much...." fear was in her eyes and he knew it was in his too. Something was very wrong. Without another thought Gohan hastily scooped her up in his arms, obvious to the cry of pain she let out when he did so. Blasting back to the mansion as fast as he could without jostling her too much he found her almost in tears, gripping his tank top and her stomach.
"Pain--can't...."
"You can take it, Videl. You been through worse..."
"Like--the time with the--androids--it hurts...."
Gohan knew what happened the first night of the murders. Piccolo had nicely informed him the extent of her injuries, he wouldn't be surprise if she had extensive mental scars for it. The mansion was in sight and Gohan smoothly landed on his balcony, nearly kicking the balcony doors off its hinges. He set her down as gently as he could on his bed, frowning when she cried out and curled up. He went to his bag and fished out the worn pouch, picking out a Senzu been from the remaining six.
He went over to Videl, her face was scrunched up in pain, trying valiantly to keep the tears at bay. Pride flashed through him a moment before he cupped her face up to him.
"Videl, you need to eat this...." he held up the bean and she blinked her blue eyes at it.
"Sen--zu...." haha, deja vu.
Gohan nodded and popped it into her mouth, watching as she chewed the hard bean and swallowed. There was a moment where it seemed it wouldn't work before she blinked any trace of pain from her eyes. She then pushed herself up and rubbed her hand absently on her belly.
"Never ceased to amaze me--that little bean...." she whispered in awe. She almost seemed to forget Gohan was kneeling right there beside her. But soon she slowly turned her he head to look up at him, an unreadable expression in her eyes.
Should she thank him?
What for?
It was his fault she got injured in the first place.
But--he had seemed genuinely worried hadn't he?
No, he was just afraid that he would lose his precious 'prey' so soon before he got his so called 'challenging fight'.
He had unintentionally pulverized her insides. As the bleeding continued, the pressure built up in her abdominal cavity. The increasing pressure would have squeezed the life out of her lungs and heart if it wasn't for the Senzu. Gohan understood this and couldn't help but feel a tiny pang of guilt. He should have been more alert to her condition. Should have regulated his strength better. Should have--should have a lot of things.
He didn't know what came over him but he floated to the empty space beside her and laid down, closing his eyes. Videl watched him breath slowly, her mind a jumble of incoherent thoughts. Then, for the life of her, couldn't understand why she flopped down next to him. She was too tired, too confused, too--messed up. The two laid there, trying to make sense of the new and old emotions that sparked between them.
They didn't even noticed when they both drifted off to sleep, their pondering to be continued off in dreamland.
"Sharpie!"
Sharpener paused his hand from Gohan's doorknob at the call of his soon to be wife. Erasa came down the hall from Videl's room and stopped in front of him, worry in her eyes.
"Videl isn't in her room! And the bed doesn't seem to be slept in the whole night!" She fortunately did not notice the large crater in the wall next to the balcony doors.
"Hmm...." Sharpener murmured, "You don't think that..." he trailed off, nodded his head towards Gohan's door suggestively. Erasa blinked at him blankly before her blue eyes widened. Giving Sharpener a quick nudge, Sharpener knocked loudly and the two blondes quickly put their ears to the door.
Muffled exclamations and speech along with the sounds of scuffling came from within. Soon a clearly disheveled Gohan opened the door a crack and peered sleepily at them. Sharpener took the opportunity to shove the doors wide open, giving him and Erasa a clear view of the room. Videl froze by the balcony doors, clearly on her way to sneak out.
"Um...." both Gohan and Videl started, "It's not what you think."
Sharpener and Erasa stood there in shock. What were they supposed to think?! Both Gohan and Videl were in their sleeping attire to which Videl's was torn up and dirty. Gohan's tank top was also a bit torn around the edges and--burnt? One look at the soft bed proved they've been sleeping together from the two visible dents on the pillow and mattress. Then the husband and wife to be remembered the weird banging sounds Erasa claimed to have heard.
Sharpener pointed at Videl's clothes to which Gohan unconsciously moved in front of her to shield her scantily clad body. "So what's with the torn clothes?! Gohan, my man, really there's nothing to be embarrassed about!!"
"Sharpener...." Gohan growled, "Nothing happened last night..." At least nothing that the two blondes thought happened.
"Really! Erasa, you believe me right?" Videl turned to her best friend as she looked from behind Gohan's large frame. The blond blinked at her before pouting heavily.
"Viiiii-del!! First I couldn't believe you never told me about your--your--lover!"
"L-lover?!" Videl sputtered. Erasa ignored her and continued.
"And now you aren't even TRYING to be honest with me when we so obviously caught you two!!"
"We didn't do anything!!" Gohan and Videl yelled. Well, except Gohan killed two people and nearly killed Videl too. And Videl attacked Gohan after unintentionally--uh--er--'seducing' him. Gohan sighed loudly and shrugged at Videl. What's the point of telling the truth anyway? They would never believe them after catching them in such a--compromising situation. It was too early for arguments and Gohan wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep.
"Oh, well. What's the use of hiding anymore, Videl?" Videl dropped her jaw at Gohan.
"What are you talking about?!? Nothing happened!! We just slept!!"
"Then what's with the torn clothes! And, and I heard weird banging noises last night!!" Erasa countered her friend.
"Banging noises?" Videl questioned, her face a mask of confusion.
"Yeah, I woke up twice!!"
Videl flushed when she remember just what the two banging noises were caused by. She then gave Gohan an evil glare when he gave her a large, arrogant smirk. Of course Sharpener and Erasa misinterpreted their reactions.
"See! I knew it!" Erasa exclaimed. Videl groaned and slapped her hand over her face.
"So--what are you two doing here at..." Gohan shot a look at the clock, "Six o' clock, geeze the wedding's at two right?"
"Yep, there are some things I want to talk to you about. You look like crap, man. What time did you sleep?"
"We fell asleep around four." Videl kicked Gohan in the leg. "What? Are you saying I'm lying?"
"You didn't have to say it that way!" she hissed.
Sharpener ignored the supposed lovers, "Well, first thing's first. Gohan, you're my new best man."
Videl stared at the long-hair blond man. "What?!"
"Oh?" came Gohan's calm voice after stifling a yawn. "Sure, why not? I'll be happy to be your best man."
"That's great!" Erasa exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Well, be sure to be at Peach Room at ten sharp! Videl, we'll be having a final rehearsal and you should teach Gohan what he has to do!"
"What!?" Videl yelled again.
"All right, that settles it! You guys can come down for breakfast or you can just--catch up on your sleep," Sharpener winked suggestively at the pair before pulling Erasa out with him. The doors closed before Videl could curse at Sharpener.
The two young adults looked at each other before Gohan tiredly made his way back to the bed and curled up under the covers. Videl blinked at him, noticing that Gohan left 'her' part of the bed empty. Was it an invitation? Grumbling tiredly under her breath, Videl slumped down on the still warm bed and pulled the covers over her shivering form. Her brain clearly wasn't functioning normally at the time.
She wasn't as surprised as she should be when Gohan's arm circled around her and pulled her back up against his chest. He had done the same sometime last night and she wasn't about to protest. It was quite chilly after all.
"Remember--after today--all this never happened," Gohan murmured sleepily in her hair.
"Yes..." Videl murmured too, closing her eyes, "Never happened...."
"Okay--you really don't have to do anything since we're not having a bachelor party."
"Why not?"
"Erasa thinks it would cause trouble."
"That sucks."
"Shut up, Gohan."
"Yes, my Little Dominatrix."
Sharpener, Erasa, the bridesmaids, and groomsmen stifled their laughter at the interesting exchange. Videl shot them all a glare and they immediately coughed and turned their attention to anywhere but her and Gohan. Huffing and redirecting her glare to a smirking Gohan she ignored his comment and continued.
"You'll be in charge of getting Sharpener and the groomsmen ready. You'll also be in charge to show the guests to their seats, I'll highlight this later. Then when the ceremony starts, you'll be holding Sharpener's ring while I hold Erasa's. You'll be standing with Sharpener at the altar while I come in before Erasa."
"Got it."
"Then at the reception you'll be doing the toasting."
"All right, I'll get the details later."
They hastily rehearsed and soon the clock was nearing two. It was time.
Videl went into hyper drive for the last hours, making final arrangements with the decorators and photographers. She then double checked with the reception task force, making sure everything would be ready. But then, a problem arose.
"Miss Delilah, come quick!!" Videl followed the panicking flower girl to the Peach Room where the wedding ceremony would take place. Upon reaching there, Videl eyed the backdrop of the altar laying on the floor. The hinges that it was attached to the ceiling were broken. As if someone pulled it off--but who would? Videl didn't notice Inka, Erasa's cousin, smile secretly from outside of the room.
"What would we do??" The flower girl asked. Videl bit her lip before thinking out loud.
"We can't call the decorators, it'll take too much time to get a high ladder here and replace the hinges...."
But flying up and welding the hinges together with ki might do....
"Um, I think I have a way, can you please get everyone out? Oh, and when the best man gets here let him in, but other than that, stay out until I come out, got it?" It was a weird request but the flower girl complied, quickly shoo-ing everyone out. Videl waited till the heavy doors were closed until she spiked her ki twice. Sure enough, a few minutes later Gohan came in, a questioning look on his face.
"You called?"
Videl went over and picked up the right side of the heavy white drape. "Yes, come over here and help me get this back up there."
Gohan went over and picked up the other end before floating up with Videl. He then followed her lead as she used her ki to wield the hinges back together. Soon, the backdrop was as good as new and Videl sighed in relief.
"Someone pulled it off obviously--I wonder who would want to sabotage the wedding..." Videl thought out loud as she floated back on the ground.
Gohan was silent before speaking in a serious tone, "Hunters know you're here. The people Sharpener was worried about were them."
"What?" she gasped, spinning around to face him. "Hunters? Here??"
"I took care of one of them yesterday, you didn't sense him because you slacked off."
"What? That--how??" She was still stuck at swallowing the fact that hunters knew where she was.
"Frieza changed your bounty a month ago. You're worth nothing alive and 4 million dead."
"WHAT?!?" Videl shrieked, the blood draining from her face. "It's an hour before the wedding and now you choose to tell me?!"
Gohan shrugged nonchalantly, "Only now has the opportunity presented itself."
Videl gaped at him before stomping her way out. "Erasa and Sharpener will know nothing of this..." she hissed.
"Naturally." Gohan answered as he followed the furious young woman out.
He didn't fail to notice how Videl's stride tensed up considerably and how she kept darting her eyes in every direction. Her ki was raised too, heightening her sensitivity to her surroundings. Of course, that would also be a disadvantage to her if the hunters knew how to sense ki. She was raising it higher than any the others in the mansion, making herself a walking beacon. Gohan didn't need to resort to such manner thanks to his Saiyan instincts and his more honed battle sense.
Gohan, however, was forced to give up his his guard on her as they both separated for make-up. Giving Videl's back one last glance, Gohan entered the large room where Sharpener and the groomsmen awaited him. Videl went three doors down and was bombarded by a fury of activity. Madame Yin was furiously barking orders in the corner while the flower girls and bridesmaids were busy by the multiple mirrors checking out their dresses and make-up. In the middle of the room stood Erasa.
She was dressed in the pure white wedding gown that she had chosen the moment she laid her eyes on. The look on Erasa's face was that of pure bliss, radiating with the beauty a bride could only posses. Erasa spotted Videl and gave her a little wave, Videl could only stand awestruck by the glow her friend gave out. Erasa was so beautiful!! Thinking just how happy her friend looked gave Videl a warm feeling, although, somewhere inside, a spark of jealousy was there.
After all, Videl would never be able to be as beautiful.
To have the privilege of walking down the aisle in the pure white garments.
She would never get married and live happily ever after.
Videl shook the thoughts out of her head. She was supposed to be happy!! Not depressed!! Her attempt to shake the thoughts were cut short by a strong well manicured hand gripping her arm.
"Where have you been, BOY?" Madame Yin whispered in a tone too much like Gohan's threatening voice. Videl gulped audibly.
"I--I--I had to take care of th--"
"NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THIS!!" Madame Yin roared, "YOU'RE THE MAID OF HONOR!! YOU MUST GET DRESSED THE FIRST AFTER THE BRIDE!! YOUR TARDINESS WILL RUIN EVERYTHING, BOY!!!"
"If you could stop yelling and get on with it maybe we can save even more time..." Videl grumbled under her breath. Lady luck seemed to be out for a drink with Dende so Videl's comment did not go unnoticed. A vein twitched in Madame Yin's temple and Videl found herself plastered to the floor by Madame Yin's glare alone.
"Get. Your. Dress. On. Boy."
"Yes, of course, right away," Videl scrambled to her feet and sprinted to the corner where the helpers were. Kami, that woman could probably scare the excretions out of Frieza with one look! Her oversized shoulder pads added to the effect too, making her seem a whole lot bigger and menacing.
Thanks to the full attention of the helpers (Videl was the only one left yet to be dressed), she finished much quicker than the others. Her wild hair was curled down to frame her face not unlike last night. A white dress hugged her body; clearly matching with Erasa's wedding gown. The bridesmaids wore similar outfits but Videl's was more detailed, symbolizing her 'higher' status. Slipping into the also white high heels, Videl took a quick glance at the clock.
Half an hour till the ceremony. All the hard work the past month--it all came down to this.
Videl silently prayed that nothing else would go wrong. But then, she had no idea of four more hunters, not counting Gohan, that were in the mansion; waiting, planning. These hunters knew there were others also after her so they kept their low profile to avoid each other. However when it comes down to it, it doesn't really matter who kills her first, it's the one that gets her head that wins.
She had no chance against them at her current state. No way she could dodge a silent bullet like she used to.
Videl could only hope that a particular Predator would be enough to let her survive the day.
Ann's Notes : Uh, the wedding day had to be divided into two chapters, it's just too long for one chapter (for P&P, Veritas is another matter). I hope that little lime scene isn't too shabby, I'm not good at those kind of things and again I'M NOT MAKING A LEMON!!! I have my reasons for not making one ^^ Honestly I hope to make a great fic without heavily relying on the sex and stuff >_;;. The idea of Clip barfing all over goes to Wraith/Tim for credit! Hehe, K'Juju powder is a name I came up from the Indonesian word 'kejujuran' which means 'honesty'.
Tim's Notes: :D Hehe I thought it made sense, Gohan isn't all brawn so he had to have some other way of "persuading" people to give him the info he wants when on the hunt.(and no hunts like Videl don't merit K'Juju powder there more fun then business :evil smirk:) and if some of you are wondering why I ever said "we"(or more specifically ANN) were going to change your perceptions of reality I was referring to reality as it applies to what you thought you knew about Gohan with special regards to what you thought you knew about his strength........ not strength of muscle mind you but of the heart and soul ....and mind, I won't say much but if Ann and I pull off what I hope to your going to wonder if Gohan isn't slightly cracked on the inside
