Again, the usual apologies are inserted here. I was caught up with my finals. And I also know for a fact most of you are squirming for a Veritas update more than P&P. Well, to those that haven't known yet, I uploaded a Veritas chapter 6 teaser (I never got so many 'evil' remarks for a single chapter before). Those that knew immediately were on my newly formed mailing list (go check my profile for details). Anyway, how many pun names can you spot in this chapter? I confess it had gotten out of hand lately... but I just can't help but feel pun names give it a more DBZ-ish quality. Don't you think?

Finally, this is the last chapter of the 'Wedding Saga'. And also the opening chapter to what I like to call the 'Bonding Saga'. Personally, I do not believe the existence of a Saiyan bond in the actual series. Sorry, but it just isn't there. In the manga or anime. Which is probably why I'm only using it for A/Us like P&P. In Veritas or Da Capo or any other 'normal' DBZ universe setting, I would leave it out.

Speaking of DBZ, have any of you just watched "Celebrations with Majin Buu" on CN? Whoa, talk about major cuts. They cut out like 10-15 minutes! Censoring the hilarious naked Gotenks vs naked SSJ Goku too! Well, not surprisingly, I mean, naked Saiyans on TV? I wouldn't mind (man, I wouldn't mind, especially if it's *GOHAN*), but the parents would. And gaaaahhhh, who the hell did they hire to do Videl's adult voice?! Videl certainly did NOT turn British all of a sudden. ::shakes an angry fist at FUNimation:: DEATH TO ALL DUBS~!

Major sap and romantic crap galore in this chapter! ::Munches on some Thai and Mexican food with Tim:::

Disclaimer :You think that Ann own's DBZ???? YEA RIGHT!!! Everyone knows that I, supreme Ruler of the COMOS (also known as TheWraith), own DBZ. *voices in background* "Hey you, it's time for your medicine!" Never!!!!! You Cell clones will never take me alive (is hit by a strait jacket fired from his OWN patened Strait Jacket gun)! "I swear these DBZ writers are all a bunch of wackos." *second voice* "Well, that is the largest minority here you know." *first voice* "Ohh yea forgot that."



Chapter 12 : Countdown Day 1
Beginning of the End










He knows.

How could he know?

How long has he known?

The questions ricocheted around in her mind, calling up a massive headache. Videl eventually got up from the cold tiled floor, dusting off her white dress. She would think about it later; now, she just wanted to get clean.

With a tired sigh, Videl entered her room--then immediately turned around and exited it again. She stood in the hallway, her back to the door, calmly extending her senses to sweep the interior. Yep, there was someone in there alright. It was definitely a hunter. The hunter apparently was surprised by her sudden entrance and let his ki jump. Speaking of ki, the hunter was not one who could manipulate it; evident by how uncontrolled his readings were now.

Homing in on the ki, Videl found it laying low under her bed. Keeping the information in mind Videl swiftly re-entered the room, pretending she didn't notice anything. She went up to her walk-in closet and rummaged around for some clothes and a towel.

"Ah, I'm so going to take a shower..." she muttered, careful to raise her voice enough so the hunter could hear. Smoothly walking into the bathroom, Videl turned on the tap and closed the shower curtains. She stood by until she sensed the ki moving then quickly positioned herself at the dark corner beside the bathroom door. Sure enough, the door creaked open as the hunter tip-toed in, hoping to catch her off-guard.

Surprisingly, the hunter was a young female, younger than herself. Dark brown hair and bright green eyes, the young hunter crept nervously in, a long dagger in her hands. Videl felt a pang of pity for the girl, so young yet already killing for a living. And so inexperienced too. The young girl kept her eyes on the steaming shower, not bothering to look at her surroundings.

"Hello there, young one."

The girl gasped loudly and spun around, her dagger raised in defense. The color in her face visibly drained away upon seeing Videl leaning nonchalantly against the wall with her arms crossed.

"You do realize how out classed you are, right?" Videl slowly drawled, keeping her face blank yet serious. The young hunter flinched back slightly before in a determined cry shot forward with her dagger raised. Videl immediately noted how the girl wasn't aiming for any critical spots, simply slicing her dagger in small arcs. Ah, that meant the dagger was most likely coated with poison. No wonder the girl seemed confident to take on such a high class hunted like herself.

Little did the hunter know, her chances of drawing blood from Videl was practically zero.

Videl lazily kept just out of strike range, not bothering to waste any energy with additional movements. This irritated the young hunter immensely. "So," Videl started conversationally, still dodging the blade, "What's your name?"

"H-huh??" The young hunter was so surprised by Videl's question that she ceased her attack and fell back in to a defensive stance. "What?" She asked back, eyeing Videl warily as if the older woman was a known vector for deadly diseases.

"I asked you what your name is. You do have a name, right?" Videl put her hands on her hips in a relaxed manner, slightly smirking at the girl's utterly confused expression. For what seemed to be an eternity, the only sounds heard in the room was the running of water.

"Penny," The girl slowly said, her eyes still warily regarding Videl, "My name is Penny."

"Well, Penny! Why are you here?"

Penny's wary stare turned into a full-blown perplexed gape complete with jaw hanging. "Wh-wh-....???" She meant to ask 'What the hell does it look like?!' but failed to get beyond the first word. She had heard rumors on how impossible it was to hunt General Videl. The General was said to be the most powerful prey and not only was she alone hard to get; the infamous Predator had claimed her as his. Getting to her meant getting through him first.

However, being the teenager that she was, she had scoffed at the idea of an untouchable prey. She had no real problems in hunting so far. She was young and had brains with the skills to match, thank you very much. How hard could getting to a female prey not much older than herself be? Those other hunters were all males and Penny gathered that General Videl just charmed her way free.

After all, the tales on how General Videl slaughtered groups of hunter must be just exaggerated rumors, right? Right? No prey was that strong. Certainly not even a general of the Satan army.

Penny wasn't so sure now.

Even she could see how effortlessly the general dodged her attacks. Penny had came up with the plan to get the general while she had her guard down. Armed with a highly toxic blade, she just needed to nick the general and wait till the poison took effect. That option was starting to fall far, far, far away. How had the general found out she was in the room?? She considered herself the best in stalking. With her small frame and silent movements.... how how how?!

And now. The general was making small talk with her.

Penny's head hurt.

"Well?" Videl prompted, trying her best not to laugh at the girl's priceless expression. It was fun playing with young hunters. They get confused so easily.

Penny snapped out of her stupor and shouted in anger. "I'm obviously HUNTING YOU!!!"

"Really?" Videl grinned. The girl appeared about to explode. Or implode. Couldn't really tell by the shade of red alone.

"YES!!!!"

"How many other hunters are there?"

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW?!"

"Oh I see. How long have you been under my bed?"

"Since two thi--hey, HEY!!!" Pissed that she got tricked into answering Videl's questions, Penny immediately sprang forward to attack. Like before, it turned out as a waste of energy. Not before long, Penny slumped to the tiled floor, panting heavily. Videl crouched in front of the heaving teen, not the least bit winded.

"How did you know I'm here?" Penny didn't answer and Videl huffed lightly. "Look, just answer, okay? It not like there's anyone else here. And I'm not in the mood to fight anyway."

"I was in the city... heard rumors," Penny grumbled, too tired to argue. The young hunter was starting to realize why General Videl had a four million bounty on her head. She really was that untouchable. Her pounding heart and burning lungs was proof.

"Say, Penny. Why did you become a hunter?" Videl didn't know why she asked that question. Maybe it's because she could imagine the pretty girl becoming much, much more. Her thoughts wandered to Gohan. Why did he become a hunter? He had intelligence and power beyond his age. Why did he turn out as a bounty hunter?

"Why should I answer you?!" Penny snapped her head up to glare at Videl. Blue met green and yet they did not clash. Videl's gaze held no hostility whatsoever and this surprised Penny. She was trying to kill the general! Was she really that weak compared to the general that she was considered not a threat?! It was a terrible insult to her pride but Penny knew when she had lost. And she would have definitely lost more than her pride if the general was serious.

"I just..." Videl's eyes softened and she looked away, almost sad. "I just thought you could be much more than a hunter."

Penny audibly gasped. Videl looked back to see the young girl's eyes widen almost comically. "Y-you.... you're playing with me aren't you?!"

"What? Why would I?" Videl responded, clearly confused.

"B-But.... why do you care anyway?!"

"I just want to know... why. Why do you chose this path?"

Penny could swear she lost her mind the moment she started to reply to the general's questions. She wasn't supposed to have a conversation with prey. It just wasn't written in any hunter manual.

"I guess... because there's nothing else available. I'm sure not going to be a prostitute."

One can find out a multitude of things from words one chooses to speak with. To Videl, the simple matter of saying 'prostitute' rather than 'whore' was a clear clue that the girl had a good head upon her shoulders. And her words were clear and well articulated; signs of having an education. However, Videl inwardly debated if becoming a bounty hunter was more morally correct. Being a prostitute meant selling one's virtue. But at least it didn't meant taking another's life.

"Family?"

The young hunter eyed Videl, as if weighing her options to tell the truth or not. Eventually the girl sighed and slumped her shoulders. When was the last time she shared her problem with anyone else? She sure wouldn't miss the opportunity sharing with someone female close to her age. No matter what the situation was. "I have a few brothers and sisters. Our parents died when our house burned down. We got separated. I don't even know if any of them are alive..."

"My condolences....." Videl whispered softly. The mere thought of 'parents' and 'burn' in the same sentence unnerved her. "I traveled alot and met many people. What were your siblings names? I might have heard of them."

"I have two brothers, Quarter and Nickel. And two sisters, Dime and Cent. Cent is the oldest of us all. I'm the youngest." Penny honestly did not know why she was being so open. Was she really that desperate for comfort?

"Cent? As in Cent Do Llars?" Videl watched as Penny's face lit up with hope, making her look younger than before. Ah, ha! Bingo.

"Have you heard of her?!"

Videl smiled and the young hunter tensed in anticipation. "Better yet, I can take you to her now."

"REALLY?! She's here?!" Penny couldn't believe her ears or eyes. The strongest prey in history helping her find her sister?! And her sister was here?! It really was too much. "Thank you!! I could never repay you!!" And with that she flung her arms around the older woman.

Videl laughed, "Hey, we girls need to look out for each other, ri-" she broke off as her vision suddenly started to tilt.

"Miss Videl?" Penny whispered in confusion as she let go. Videl started to sweat and heave, feeling like she was--oh no. Penny stared, mortified, as the blade in her right hand came up tainted with a drop of blood. She had inadvertently cut the general slightly on the back when they embraced. The general. A young woman who was nice enough to care when no one else did.

Videl slumped forward, her heart starting to beat erratically. "An...an... anti...dote..." she forced out. Penny was in tears, shaking her.

"I'm sorry!! I'm not carrying the antidote! Oh, I'm so sorry!! Forgive me! I-I-I didn't mean too!" Penny never found the need to carry the antidote. Herself, like many other hunters, drink a variety of potions that would combat most hunter poisons.

"Get... Go.... han.... two... two doors down..... get him... now..." Videl could feel the burn starting from her back to spread to her lungs. Penny immediately set her down and sprinted out. It probably was too late already--Videl's vision was blurring rapidly. Was this how she was going to die? By an accidental slice from a amateur hunter? On her best friend's wedding day? Videl would have laughed if it wasn't so painful trying to breathe.

Taking in air took immense effort by now, like trying to breathe with a pillow over your mouth. Suddenly she found herself sitting upright. Closing her eyes and just using her senses, she identified the person with her. Well, dying in his arms was the final insult. She even managed to force out a hacking burst of laughter.

"I... thought.... I would be.... free of you..... before I.... die.... bastard...."

"Save your breath," Gohan commanded as he gently yet quickly flipped her over. "You can mouth off at me later." He took out his own dagger and promptly sliced two long cuts along her back near the puncture of Penny's blade. Penny gasped at Gohan's action, but she did nothing and just watched with worry. If anyone could save the general from a hunter's poison, it would be the Predator himself.

Gohan then picked Videl up and jumped into the walk-in bath, immediately turning on the hot water. He sat down and held Videl in his arms as the bath filled up. He carefully monitored her ki and turned off the tap once the cuts on her back were fully submerged. The blood seeped steadily through, tainting the hot water red.

"Um... can I ask... what are you doing?" Penny timidly stepped forward, concerned yet curious at the same time. Gohan gave her a calculating look.

"Young hunter. I presume it was your blade with the Cunra poison?"

Penny's head lowered in guilt. "Yes... I... it was an accident."

Gohan surprisingly gave her a warm grin. "I hardly count a hunter poisoning a hunted as an accident. I won't ask for details either. Come here, you'll learn something from this." Penny brightened up and scooted nearer to the bath tub, wondering what god blessed her to meet the most powerful hunter and hunted on the same day.

"Cunra poison is very potent, yet slow to spread. You know this right?"

The young hunter nodded. "That's why I was planning to just cut her skin then get away and wait till it does it's job."

"Good strategy." Penny blushed at the compliment from her senior hunter. "Now, fortunately I do have the antidote. But since it wasn't administered immediately, it would do little to help. The poison needs to be drained out first with contaminated blood." Gohan thanked his mother for drilling him about being prepared at all times. He himself never drank any potions to combat poisons; his Saiyan blood did most of it for him. However, he would always carry around the antidotes--because Videl's blood can't.

"Is that what you did? With the cuts?"

"Yes, and with the hot water, it'll keep her wounds open and flowing. Look, she's already breathing better."

"And I... feel.... better too...." Videl wheezed out, keeping her eyes closed. "Don't go... teaching... her.... bad things.... Gohan...."

"Miss Videl!" Penny cried in relief. "You're going to be alright, right? Right??" The last part was aimed at Gohan.

"She'll be fine," Gohan turned his head down to regard Videl. "And I'm not teaching her bad things. It would save someone's life if she accidentally poisons herself or someone else."

"What... ever.... just don't... soak me too long... blood loss... dizzy...." Gohan just grinned.

"What's your name, young hunter?"

"Penny, sir."

"Gohan, please. Hand me that pouch, right there."

Penny looked behind her to spot the black pouch Gohan had took in with him. She picked it up and handed it over to him. He kept Videl in his lap as he opened the pouch and picked out a purple vile. He double checked the label before attaching it to a syringe.

"You know the antidote to Cunra, Penny?"

"Umm... I forgot the name but I know it came from the roots of the Sonpoi tree..."

"Yes, it does come from the Sonpoi tree of the species Sonpoinous punameous. It can be frequently found in virtually every forest on the planet. It is also the antidote for many other poisons. The one mixed for the Cunra poison is called Necidime serum. You can get it-" Gohan's 'lecture' was cut off by a shaking fist that gripped onto his shirt.

"Stop... being a... nerd... and... give me the damn antidote before I bleed to death!!!" Amazingly, Videl managed to yell the last part out, evidence on how pissed off she was. Then, immediately after her outburst, Videl's eyes rolled back and she slumped down in a dead faint with Penny nearly crying out in worry. The blood loss and poison was too much to handle.

"Ah, it took a while to get her knocked out," Gohan muttered as he stood up with Videl. "Necidime works best when the patient is sleeping. Knowing her, she won't listen to a word I say." He would have just knocked her unconscious with a chop or pinch a nerve but he didn't want to risk any more harm. And doing that would give her a heck of a headache when she woke up. Gohan was in no mood to listen to Videl in such a state.

"That's why you stayed in there till the blood loss got to her?" Penny asked weakly. "How do you know she won't die if bled too long?"

Gohan also wasn't in the mood to explain the functions of ki sensing so he just answered, "I know these things." He quickly shot the antidote to the side of Videl's neck, satisfied as the last drop of purple liquid flowed into her blood. Almost immediately, Gohan could sense her ki settling down into a state of deep sleep. "Penny, go into her closet and get the biggest towels you can find. And see if you can find her first aid kit or bandages in her bag."

Penny wasn't comfortable with going through someone's property (let alone General Videl's) but an order from a famous hunter like Gohan was all the justification she needed. He was a legend for crying out loud! Hunter like her strive to be like him!! How in Kami's name would she ever be able to deny an order from him?! The girl sprinted away as Gohan carried Videl out of the tub and quickly powered up. The ki burst got them considerably drier; though the blood stains would need some extra work. Videl's white gown was partially pink by now as was his shirt.

He went into her bedroom and ordered Penny to spread the towels over Videl's bed. She did so and he gently deposited Videl's body face down on the towels, careful to keep her head to the side so she could breath. He swiftly ripped the top half of Videl's gown off (Penny's eyes went wide) to expose her back to him. Taking Videl's medical kit, Gohan started to clean and stitch the wounds. Why waste a Senzu on such small injuries?


"..... ugh, somebody stop that driver...."

"Miss Videl! You're awake!"

Videl slowly sat up and opened her eyes. Beside her was Penny, sitting in the chair pulled from her desk. A quick glance at the clock told her she'd been out for 4 hours. Her back was numb and her dress was in tatters. Her chest was only covered by thick bandages and the blanket.

"Ugh..." Videl muttered as she dragged a hand down her face. "I dreamt I got killed by a truck while saving a kid...." she then turned to Penny. "I see you're still here... I thought you'd be off looking for your sister."

The young hunter bit her lip as a look of guilt surfaced. "I... you almost died.... and it was my fault...."

Videl actually laughed. "A hunter apologizing to a hunted? Don't think about it, Penny. I wasn't careful so it was my fault too. Anyway, you helped me already, so we're even okay?" Videl gave Penny a warm smile to which the girl immediately brightened.

"I didn't really do anything though, Mr. Gohan did all the work."

Videl's smile froze on her face. "Gohan... all the work?"

"Yeah, he even stitched you up."

The smile began to crack. "That bastard..... probably took a peek while he's at it-"

"Oh, that's the thanks I get?"

Videl whipped her head around so fast that she flinched from the whiplash. There in the corner stood Gohan, arms crossed with a aloof look on his face. She really had to get her senses back; she didn't notice him there at all.

"For your information, Videl, Penny there was the one to bandage you. I didn't 'take a peek' as you suggested. Why the hell should I? I seen you undressed frequently enough."

Videl noticed the blush that crept up Penny's face as her eyes became wide. "The-the-the Predator... and General?! Y-you two a-are... ???" Was that why only Predator Gohan could get near General Videl?! Because they're secretly lovers!? Penny had been surprised when Videl told her to get Gohan, weren't they enemies? And a hunter with a hunted.... it's forbidden love!! Penny was a young girl and a sucker for romance; she just couldn't help but find it all so shockingly romantic.

"NO!" Videl hissed, "Nothing like that! Don't even think about it!"

"B-but..."

"Don't listen to a word he says. I have enough of this from Erasa and Sharpener...." Videl menacingly growled . Penny gulped and nodded hastily. The raven haired young woman then turned her eyes to Gohan, narrowing it down to slits. "Thank you. Now get the hell out."

Gohan narrowed his eyes back; she clearly was still pissed at him. Without a word, Gohan swiftly exited, barely keeping himself from slamming the door shut. Videl glared at him the whole way; still keeping her glare on the door once he's out. Penny was so confused with their attitudes that she decided it was best to just not think about it. Videl eventually sighed and got up, making her way to the closets for a change of clothes.

"Penny, help me would you? I don't want to pull the stitches."

Penny immediately complied, hurrying over to help get Videl into a pair of pajamas. When they were done, Videl wrapped a robe around herself and took another look at the clock. It was almost five in the morning.

"Do you want to go now to your sister or wait till in the morning?"

It was clear from Penny's eyes that the girl wanted to go then. However, politeness made Penny decline the offer. "It's okay, I'll wait till the morning... I'm still thinking on what to say to her..."

Videl 'hmph' lightly before taking off her robe and gingerly making her way back into the bed. She scooted to the side and patted the empty space beside her. "Come, I'm sure you're tired. And sleeping on the bed sure beats sleeping under it." Videl smiled.

Penny gaped. "You-You mean--? But, I was going to kill you! You trust me enough to sleep in your bed?!"

Videl laughed lightly before responding in a matter-of-fact tone, "You could have just left me earlier, Penny. I had already put my life in your hands when I laid there dying, and yet you still went and got Gohan. I think I know when to trust someone."

"B-but..." Sleeping with the General. Penny was sure if she ever told anyone she would immediately be labeled clinically insane.

Videl's smile turned into a frown and her blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "Get in. Now."

The young hunter threw off her boots and jumped in. Videl again laughed. "Oh, you young hunters are so easy to intimidate...."

Penny pouted. "Hey! You should know I'm one of the best even though I'm still 16!"

"It's okay, I understand. Hehe."

"Then what are you laughing about?! I'm nervous, you know. You're General Videl!"

"Ah, don't remind me, Penny. Now, sleep. We'll get up early in the morning and reunite you with your sister, okay?"

"Okay.... Miss Videl?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you."

"I was the one dying, Penny. I think I'm the one that should be saying my gratitude."

"But..."

"Shut up. Sleep."

"Yes, Miss Videl."

"Cut with the 'miss'. Just call me Videl."

"But..."

"Don't argue with me."

"Yes, Mi-Videl."

"Good."

And the two eventually nodded off. Videl's sleep wasn't a comfortable one. She would keep on waking up between the hours, slightly sweating from nightmares of Gohan hunting her down. She wanted to run now when he least expected it. However, her loyalty to Erasa preceded her own selfish needs (according to her). She would leave as promised; later on at six in the evening. There to send Erasa and Sharpener off on their honeymoon. Videl spent the majority of the night in a meditative state, aiming to just heal her wounds quickly.


Videl woke to a empty bed. Getting up groggily she closed her eyes to find Penny's ki. Ah, she was in the gardens. Yawning, Videl made her way into the bathroom, remembering that she hadn't got her intended bath yesterday. And now with the stitches... guess she still won't be getting her intended bath. She frowned at the blood crusted tub and made a mental note to herself to wash them off later. Stripping, she turned on the shower and very carefully washed herself clean; keeping her back from getting wet.

After getting all clean and freshened up, she put on a simple black long sleeved V-neck shirt and a pair of loose jeans. These clothes were the ones she got while shopping with Erasa. She knew she wouldn't be able to bring them all with her so she would just enjoy them while she could. Opening her door she peeked out, satisfied that Gohan was no where in sight. She trotted off to the back gardens, following Penny's ki.

She still had no idea how to act in front of him. It was beyond awkward what transpired the last two days. They evolved from enemies to become.... well, still enemies. Right? Videl couldn't understand her own feelings. She would be lying if she said she wasn't attracted to Gohan. Was it just lust? If so, why was she so miserable without him around?

But she hated him. He was definitely keeping something big from her. He always hurt her. He was obsessive. He forced himself on her--

but I kissed him back

No! No! No!

admit it
I felt indescribable emotions when he holds me
I felt comfort at his vow to protect me
I felt content when he's around

I....

I... felt my heart hurt when I see the pain in his eyes
When I see the real Gohan underneath

I hate the Gohan who is the Predator. Ruthless hunter.

But

The Gohan inside....

the one I see when the time is right...

Did I really break the balance?

Videl shook the thoughts out of her head as she stepped into the open hallway on the second floor that passed the gardens. The sounds of fighting and Gohan's ki caught her attention. Peeking down from the second floor she froze in her tracks. Gohan and Penny were sparring in the garden. As Penny tried her best to get a hit in, Gohan would keep giving her encouragement and tips with a warm smile on his face. When Penny left too much of her defenses open, Gohan would tap her and then show her the proper way to hold up her arms. Videl's keen eyes caught the slight blush on Penny's face (from the sparring or something else?) whenever Gohan stood right next to her and maneuvered her arms into a correct position.

Gohan seemed so peaceful and kind with Penny. The two of them were laughing and exchanging hunter tips amidst the sparring in the cool garden on that sunny day. Videl felt her heart constrict when Penny slipped and Gohan swiftly caught the younger girl in his arms. He quickly placed the girl on her feet with a chuckle and then continued with his teaching.

Videl didn't know why she felt betrayed. She never really saw Gohan interact with other women before. And now seeing him being so kind to a pretty, young hunter... She couldn't be... jealous could she? She cherished the times when Gohan would act unlike himself and reveal that kind part of him to her. And now.... watching him interact so happily with another girl who he hardly knows....

No. Videl wasn't jealous of the young hunter. She was jealous of the way Gohan treated the young hunter.

"Ah, Miss Videl!"

The cry snapped her out of her stupor and looked down to see a flushed Penny waving at her. Videl's eyes briefly made contact with Gohan's and she noticed his slightly surprised look.

Was sparring with the pretty young hunter really that distracting, Gohan? That you didn't even notice me?

Could we really blame Videl as an irrational wave of anger washed over her? She stomped out the emotion viciously a second later. Why should she be concerned if he got distracted by someone else anyway?

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, Videl calmly jumped off the railing and landed smoothly and silently on the grass. Penny stared in awe at the show of agility and stealth. Videl walked up to Penny, pointedly ignoring Gohan. "I told you to just call me Videl. So, are you ready to find Cent?"

Penny bit her lip and looked back at Gohan who was standing behind idly. "Well, Gohan was teaching me this move and I heard you're both leaving this evening.... I want to get it down before he leaves." Videl noted sourly that Penny called Gohan without the 'Mr.' prefix.

"Well, what move is it? Maybe I can show you later after we meet your sister." Videl hoped that Gohan wouldn't catch on that she was desperate to get away from him. No such luck.

Gohan grinned a similar grin he gave her last night. Videl suppressed the urge to flinch. "I'm sure Penny would want to spend the rest of the time with her sister, Videl. Come here, I can show her better with you."

Videl stood rooted to her spot, not the least bit liking the tone Gohan used to command her. "Why don't you come here and I show her?"

"Do you even know what the move is?"

"I know martial arts as well as you do. I'm pretty qualified, I'd say."

Penny chose the moment to cut in and consequently silence Videl. "Oh! You mean you know the Ekoch strangle holds? It's one of the most difficult hunter techniques!"


"Now, Penny watch closely. I wasn't able to show you because if I tried it on you, you would be able to see what I did behind you."

Penny nodded and stood by with fierce determination, hell bent on catching every move. Gohan turned to Videl and kneeled, earning a raised eyebrow from his 'assistant'. "About time you kneeled before me," Videl drawled, eliciting a giggle from Penny.

"Too bad I didn't buy you a ring, eh?" Gohan grinned in response. "These are techniques to subdue opponents larger or higher than you. Now, attack me with regular kicks and punches. Try to go for my head and don't go too fast. Penny won't be able to catch our movements."

"Wow, how fast can you guys go?" Penny interrupted.

"Let's say I can land twenty blows before you could blink. And I know Gohan could go much faster," Videl added the last part grudgingly as she slipped into a stance. Gohan said nothing and just slipped into one of his own, still on his knees. Penny "Wow"-ed again before falling silent as Videl shot forward.

Videl kept her kicks and punches at a slow pace; first, she honestly wanted Penny to learn useful self-defense, and second, she was aware of her stitches. She had no idea what the Ekoch holds were like and just hoped that Gohan remembered about her back wounds when executing it. Secretly, she wondered if she could leech the technique to use it against him.

Gohan remained surprisingly agile even on his knees as he spun and ducked away for her slow hits. Videl did note, however, that he wouldn't be able to go any faster, knowing how he wasn't used to moving in a such a way. It was the perfect opportunity to get a good solid hit in while claiming she slipped up. After faking a low round-house, Videl raised her right leg to sweep downwards, targeting the top of his head. She upped her speed at the last moment, her leg blurring from Penny's vision.

Her target, Son Gohan, would have smiled if he had the time. He knew the blue eyed girl too well for her own good. It was almost boring waiting till she took advantage of his situation. She fell into his plan perfectly, executing a fast blow to the top his head. She was unguarded, confident that he couldn't move out of the way in time. She was right about that; however, he hadn't intended to move in the first place.

Videl almost smirked but her intention was lost when Gohan's hands came up and cupped her leg at the knee and behind her thigh. His fingers dug in to a few pressure points and she winced, already planning to strike his hold off. Gohan, sensing her move, tightened his hold and Videl went down. "Okay, stop moving Videl or I'll keep on pressing the point."

Gohan ignored Videl's low curses and turn to Penny. "Note that I'm going step by step from here. Remember my hands and the points I'm pressing. The pain will surprise your opponent and keeping a good hold on the points would give you time if you're not fast enough to move on. Videl, try and hit me."

Videl swung a fist towards his face but her hand stopped halfway there as she crumpled with a small cry when Gohan pressed in. He let go slightly and she tried again, to only end up with the same results. "See? Now, look closely on what I'm going to do next." Videl was more than surprised when all of a sudden she found herself in impossible to break locks. She would struggle to no avail, the holds were flawless.

Suddenly, she found herself face down on the grass, Gohan's weight on top of her. It wasn't the humiliating position that made her face suddenly flush in anger. It was the slight bulge that was poking into her as Gohan straddled her. Sure the holds were too close for comfort, mostly full-body locks. But the bastard shouldn't be getting all excited about it!! Videl growled lowly, waiting till Gohan finished explaining.

When he finally let her go, she immediately shot up and gave him a glare. He brushed it off as usual and turned to Penny. "Understand? Now you try it."

"Umm, can you show me again? You're much larger than Mi-Videl so it hard to really see how it works."

"Yes, Gohan. I think we should show her again." Videl did not like the idea of an aroused Gohan touching the young Penny. She felt it was her duty to 'protect' the young girl from Gohan's perverted-ness. Or maybe she did not like Gohan touching Penny, period. "Attack me. I can show her better than you."

Gohan scoffed a bit, but slid into a stance nevertheless. "You think you got it all down already? Well, it'll be amusing to see you try."

"We'll see," was all Videl said as she slightly powered up to give herself an edge. Gohan came at her, attacking at the pace she used earlier. Let's just say Gohan was impressed to suddenly find himself in the first hold. He forgot how fast a learner Videl was. Videl then flawlessly cycled through each hold, making sure Penny completely understood on what to do. It was a wonderful feeling to learn new techniques. Although it miffed Videl that it was clear Gohan could easily break out of them from strength alone.

Soon, Penny tried the techniques on Gohan (to Videl's slight disappointment) and got it down perfectly. Saying her good-byes and thanks to Gohan, Penny left the gardens, following after Videl. The teen and the young woman walked leisurely towards the maid chambers, chatting about nothing in particular. Videl did, however, noticed how the young girl kept on trying to get away and change the topic when it's about her sister.

"Penny..." Videl started.

"Yes?"

Videl stopped their pace, waiting till Penny was face to face before continuing. "Don't think I don't notice you're stalling. Is there... something I need to know?"

The younger girl bit her lip and looked away. "I... I just..." she then sighed heavily before looking back at Videl. "What if she doesn't like me? What if she... she... I killed, Videl. I never really thought about it because it's what a bounty hunter does. But... I killed. I might not be a murderer but I'm definitely a killer. What would she say when she finds out her baby sister is a killer??"

"She wouldn't care, Penny."

"I--what?"

Videl gripped the brown haired girl's shoulders firmly, slightly shaking her for emphasis. "She's you sister, Penny. I'm sure she wouldn't care if you sold your body or even if you killed. All that matters is that you're alive. Believe me."

Penny nodded slowly, "Do you have a sister, Videl?" The question caught Videl off-guard and she released her grip. Penny could only wonder what the far-away look in the older woman's eyes meant.

"Sort of. Once."

Videl said no more after that; not until they reached the maid chambers and went in.


The reunion was heart breaking as the two sisters immediately embraced the moment they set eyes on each other. The other maids and servants were confused but discreetly slipped out with Videl to give the sisters their privacy. Videl could only smile, genuinely happy that Penny found her sister.

She would give anything to see Amie again. Even if she and Amie were not related in blood.

A quick ki scan showed that Erasa and Sharpener were still in the north wing. And judging from that weird link between her and Gohan, he was somewhere near but out of sight, thank you Kami. What should she do now? Maybe she'll just go to the kitchens and grab something to eat. Probably some leftovers from yeste-

"Boy!!"

Videl nearly slipped in mid-stride as Madame Yin appeared out of nowhere, her arms full with bags. Ah, the older woman was leaving already. "Madame Yin," greeted Videl politely after getting her bearings back.

A well trimmed eyebrow rose, "Oh? That's all you have to say to the one that made you remotely resemble your true gender?"

"I guess good-bye and thank you then. Even though you're still calling me 'boy'. Guess that means failure on your part, eh?" Videl added the last phrase in a light tone, clearly joking. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she had grown fond of Madame Yin.

Madame Yin gave her a mysterious smile before leaning in close. "I never failed, boy. Not considering the ease I got you to use the lotions I prescribed to you. And how easy it was to get you into a dress. No, not at all considering the difficulty I had to face when you were just a child."

Videl's jaw dropped and her eyes went wide.

Madame Yin winked at her and stepped back slightly, giving her a light bow while whispering, "I eagerly await the day to serve your blood again. Long live the Satan Royalty, Princess Videl." She then straightened up and gave her a warm smile. "I'll be seeing you again, boy."

Videl was still gaping when Madame Yin strutted out the entrance doors to the awaiting hover car. It wasn't till one of the passing maids asked her what was wrong that she snapped out of her shock. Madame Yin--she... but how--wha? Exasperated, Videl then just smiled privately to herself and shook her head. She really needed some time to sort everything out. It evolved from only Erasa knowing her secret to now two people. Was it that everyone actually knew she was the princess and only just recently had it slip out??

A loud growl interrupted her thoughts and Videl blushed before looking around. Good thing no one was near to hear her stomach grumble in such a manner that it put Gohan's to shame. She quickly made a stop by the kitchens to get a bite to eat. The fried noodles were still as tasty as it was the day before, so Videl found herself finishing off two large plates before washing it all down with a cup of warm green tea. Her hunger satisfied, she made her way out for a walk, intending to sort out her jumbled thoughts.


The main road leading to the mansion was bordered by the dense forest that covered the entire mountain area. Videl walked slowly down the path she frequently took, enjoying the cool breeze and the serene rustling of leaves. It was so peaceful; if she ever settled down, she would definitely pick a similar location for her house or mansion. Preferably mansion.

It was probably a bad idea to go out alone when there might be hunters around, but Videl kept going anyway. She wasn't a weak, sheltered, princess that needed someone to protect her 24/7. No, she was a powerful, experienced, fighter. Let the hunters try their best, she would simply blast them to oblivion. A small voice reminded her of the the many times she needed Gohan to protect her the day before--it was promptly silenced.

Videl Satan's stubbornness included being stubborn against her own better judgment.

"Videeeel!"

The princess turned general turned hunted whipped around to spot Penny skipping down the path while waving. But more importantly, Videl noticed the sudden ki spike to the trees on her right and the bullet that whizzed by her ear when she turned around to regard Penny. A hunter was aiming at her.

"Penny! Get away from here!" Videl shouted as she crouched down only to sprint away immediately after to dodge another bullet that nearly grazed her shoulder. Videl clenched her teeth and focused her ki in the palm of her hand. As soon as her feet touched ground, she immediately pitched the ball of ki to the general direct of the hunter. Her ki ball exploded on impact with a large tree, making it burst into flames and causing the hunter to jump out of hiding.

"Wha-?" Penny froze, surprised by the sudden burst of activity. She was initially taken aback by the ball of light that came out from Videl's hand to cause so much damage to a large tree. Then a tall yet stocky looking hunter landed with a customized hand gun in his hands. For a split second, they all just stared at each other before the hunter opened fire once again on Videl.

Videl instinctively rolled away, forgetting one crucial point. Her stitches. There was a sick ripping sensation on her back but she had no time to think about it before crouching low and absently flinging another ki ball at the hunter. The hunter avoided it easily to Videl's surprise and opened fire once again. The hunter was a pro. Darn. She might have to actually put some effort in.

Penny gasped as she spotted red starting to taint the top of Videl's jeans. And her worry made her do a very stupid thing. "Videl!!" She cried and darted forward to join in and help out. Videl snapped her head towards Penny as did the hunter. Right before doing so, Videl caught the look in the hunter's eyes.

"Penny, don't-!!" Videl gave out a burst of ki just as the hunter raised his gun at Penny, bent on finishing off distractions first like any professional would. Videl landed right in the path of the hunter, blocking Penny fully just as the bullets spewed forth. She wasn't fast enough to get them both out of the way and nearly cried out as pain exploded in her stomach, shoulder and leg.

"VIDEL!!" Penny screamed yet again as Videl collapsed while pressing her hands to wound in her stomach. The hunter was a bit taken aback by Videl's act and unfortunately for him, left an opening. Videl squinted through the pain to see Penny shoot towards the hunter, her dagger poised by her side.

"Pe-nny... do... don't..." Videl tried to warn, but it turned out Penny didn't need a warning at all. Videl watched in awe as Penny swiftly darted behind the professional hunter before he could blink and sank her dagger in between his shoulder blades. The hunter attempted to grasp behind him before falling down dead.

What the? Was it really that easy for Penny to defeat the professional hunter? But then...

Videl cut off her train out thought as she gritted her teeth and pulled herself up. Penny was beside her in a flash, worry etched into her young features. "Vi-Videl! Are you all right? This is all my fault! What should I do??"

"Just... get me back to the mansion...." Penny nodded and hooked Videl's uninjured arm around her shoulders before the two made their way back. Videl knew for a fact she would need a Senzu bean, yet the thought of getting herself indebted yet again to Gohan was an unpleasant thought. She briefly glanced down at the amount of blood soaking her clothes and spilling onto the dusty path. Just great.

"Wait... Penny, stop." Penny halted and turned to Videl. "Set me down by those trees, okay? Now get back to the mansion as fast as you can and tell them to get a doctor. I'll bleed to death at this rate... Do you understand?"

Penny bit her lip, not liking one bit the idea of leaving Videl alone. But she quickly nodded and set Videl down before sprinting back to the mansion, knowing well that time was crucial. Videl watched Penny disappear off into the distance before closing her eyes and settling into meditation to slow her heartbeat and thus cutting the rate of blood loss.

When was the last time she got shot? She either couldn't remember or never did. It hurt more than she imagined. As her adrenaline thinned out, the pain was getting more prominent. Yet, at the same time, Videl was aware that her mind was drifting off, her body going into shock from the blood loss and trauma. At least her blood wasn't gushing out as fast as before.

Videl gave herself at least 15 minutes before she bled to death.

"You could have just called."

".... Did it ever occur to you that I didn't want to?"

"So you're not denying that you need to?"

Videl tiredly opened her eyes to black ones. She managed a glare at Gohan who crouched before her, a disapproving look on his face as he inspected her injuries. "Shut up."

Gohan ignored her completely before pulling her closer to him. Videl flinched as Gohan fingered her wounds, assessing their damage. "Can you push your heartbeat lower?" he asked as he pulled the back of her shirt up to frown at her torn stitches.

Videl copied his frown, "Maybe, not much though, it's hard to concentrate with the pain."

Gohan nodded understandably, "Just push it down as far as you can go. I would have to get some of the bullets and the ripped stitches out before giving you a Senzu. I'm worried that the extra bleeding would be too much."

"Worried... heh...." she snorted weakly before closing her eyes and slightly slumped forward, resting her head on his shoulders. Gohan made sure her ki was steady before deftly picking out the torn stitches, obvious that Videl didn't flinch as she forced her full consciousness into a meditative state.

The wound in her stomach was clean; the bullet having gone straight through, barely missing her backbone. The one in her shoulder and leg, however, needed work on. Especially the one in her shoulder to which he could guess was buried deeply in her bone. He shifted Videl slightly so that she was laid sideways in his lap, her head resting on his right shoulder.

"Brace yourself, Videl," Gohan warned as he positioned his finger above the hole in her leg. He felt Videl tense up before he shot a tightly controlled ki beam in, blasting the bullet right out the other side. Videl buried her face in his shoulder, a muffled scream accompanying his action. She kept her face buried as Gohan quickly moved on to her shoulder, repeating the act.

She was whimpering and shaking by the time he was done, the pain almost too much to bear. Gohan quickly dug out a Senzu and fed it to her, watching intently as she chewed and swallowed. The wounds faded away and soon Videl was as good as new. She blinked a few times before hastily scrambling out of Gohan's lap with as much grace she could muster.

"Thank you, now I need to get back to Penny before she-"

"No need, I met her along the way and told her to just wait at the mansion."

"Oh."

The two then fell silent, staring at each other. Neither could deny the extremely awkward atmosphere. Surprisingly, it was Gohan who broke the silence this time. "Who finished off the hunter?"

"Penny." Videl suddenly looked off into space, as if recalling something important. Gohan noticed this and kept silent, waiting for her to continue if she chose to do so. She did after turning her gaze back to him. "She's good. She took care of that professional hunter really quick."

Gohan nodded. "She might be an amateur experience-wise, but in skill... she's as good as any pro. The girl has talent."

"I see...." Videl trailed off before wordlessly taking off into the sky and back to the mansion. Gohan followed a second after.

Videl was pondering about this newly acquired information. Penny was the first hunter she really faced directly in the last year. Not counting the close call of her attempted rape a few months ago, of course. So far, all she had to fight was Gohan; him being the only one chasing her that she couldn't shake off her trail. So, Penny actually had the fighting skill of a professional hunter?

But then... Videl had evaded her attacks with such ease she was convinced Penny was an amateur. Just how strong was Videl now? She only had Gohan to compare to for so long that she hardly felt her abilities increase at all. Was Gohan secretly increasing his pace against her? Secretly training her? Why? So that she could provide him with a decent fight?

Videl would admit deep down that she believe she would never match his power.

So.... why? Why everything? Why the trouble?

He knew she was the Princess. For how long? From where?

The answer seemed just out of reach, grazing her outstretched fingers. Something... something with him knowing her identity and the possibility that he's training her....

Videl landed a distance away from the mansion and stood there, waiting till Gohan lined up beside her. She turned her head to regard him, noticing the questioning look in his eyes. She swallowed.

"How do you know?"

Gohan was silent, staring straight into her eyes, clearly thinking his answer out. "You will know in time," was his answer as he started walking past her. Videl wouldn't let it slip so easily and darted in front of him, blocking his path daringly.

"I want answers.... now."

"I don't have any to give."

Videl was frustrated beyond words. Her hands fisted by her side, shaking; in fact her whole body was shaking as she glared at Gohan. She felt the prick of angry tears well up in her eyes but didn't feel like holding them back. Gohan's featured softened just a bit at the sight of her tears. He raised his right hand to cup the side of her face, wiping away a tear with a thumb before pulling her up and bending down in a gentle kiss.

Videl kissed back, brushing her lips against his ever so slowly, barely moving. Then she roughly shoved him away. "St-stop!" She backed away a few steps, fisting a hand through her hair as she angrily glared at him. "Why are you doing this, Gohan!? WHY ARE YOU DOING THESE THINGS?!" she yelled, her voice taking on a rough edge.

Gohan moved forward, raising a hand towards her but she screamed at him. "DON'T TOUCH ME!" Videl jerked her fists down, holding them ridged by her sides. "Why are you- I don't understand you! I don't understand ANYTHING!"

"Videl-" Gohan started but was cut off.

"STOP PLAYING WITH ME!" Videl screamed, heaving heavily as tears continued to fall. "Just stop. Just STOP! I don't know what your problems is. I don't know what your secret plan is. Hell, I don't even know who you really are!!! But just STOP whatever sick game you're playing!!"

Gohan had enough and before she could react, swiftly caught her in his arms. Videl gave out an enraged howl, fighting back. Her hits were deliberate and powerful, enough to fatally wound a lesser man. Gohan was definitely not a lesser man. He raised his ki and the blows felt like light taps to him.

"LET ME GO!" She commanded, pulling back her right hand and formed a blue ki ball. Videl shot her arm forward, the ki ball impacting Gohan point blank in the face. When the smoke cleared his face was unblemished save for a few burnt marks. Gohan's expression didn't change from his concerned one all through her whole tirade. Videl scowled and continued hitting him with her fists, unable to get him to release her waist. He did release her a moment later, but only to catch her arms and lock them by her sides in a firm embrace.

She screamed. Yelled. Shouted. Cursed. Cried. Boy, did she cry. She could hardly understand her own words as her voice grew hoarse and heavy. Dimly she realized she had ending up sobbing; and that Gohan had started rocking her slowly, whispering soothing words in her ear.

"Shhh, calm down, Videl. Calm down..."

"Why...." she continued to sob, "Why are you doing these things?! Why are you doing this to me...."

"Shhh...." Gohan whispered, pulling back to kiss her temple softly. Videl stopped talking almost immediately but she still cried, tears rolling down her cheeks freely. He kissed both her closed eyelids, tasting the salty tang of her tears before going back to whisper in her ear. Videl's sobbing slowly died down, exhausted from her emotional outburst. If she had the strength, she would notice that Gohan was now sitting on the ground with her curled up in his lap, him still rocking her gently.

He nudged her chin up before kissing her once again. It was a soft kiss, done to comfort her. Strangely it did; making her feel safe and cared for.

Loved.

Videl had avoided that single word ever since something between them changed. The word was frightening; it scared her. As a woman she did yearn to be loved, to fall in love, but not--not like this. Not in this predicament. Not between them. It was too absurd. Too risky. Too forbidden.

Videl feared with all her heart that she would fall in love with her enemy. With Gohan.

How could she live if she fell in love with the man that wanted her life?

At first it was pure hatred. Lined with lust, yes, but mainly contempt and hate none-the-less. He was just another hunter. Another person after her life for their own purposes. Then that first full moon truce. The first glimpse of a another Gohan. The small things he did that made her think twice about him. About them.

Now that the doubt that he really was after her life set in.... it opened new opportunities.

If he wasn't out to kill her. Doesn't that mean he really wasn't an enemy?

If he wasn't an enemy....

Then what was he?

What could he be?

The implication scared her. She would be exposing too much of herself, become too vulnerable. Too... weak. Her carefully built walls would come crashing down if she let her heart out. If she fell in love.

In love.

If she did... she would have something to lose.

Having something to lose was a weakness..... it's only when you have lost everything that you're free to do anything.

It scared her even more that she might fall in love--with him.

What made her sure she hadn't already?

Now, that was a frightening thought.

What if there's the slightest, most remote possibility that he... that he....

Why would he care? Why would he kiss her and touch her? Why would he do things to make it seem there was something deeper than obsession?

"Why?"

Gohan barely caught the question that was whispered against his lips. He pulled back to find her staring intently at him. Her eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks flushed, even so she was breathtakingly beautiful. Gohan gave her a sad smile, putting all his reasons and excuses into that single gesture. It seemed Videl understood that he wanted the answers out as much as she did. But he couldn't. That it hurt him more than her since he was the one bearing the burden of whatever secret that was.

This time, it was Videl who leaned forward to softly kiss him; returning his gesture of comfort earnestly. They broke apart and Videl settled back down to rest her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes. Gohan continued to rock her gently, as if rocking to a lullaby only they could hear.


She opened her eyes to stare up at the familiar contours of her room. She blinked a couple more times before turning her head to the side, expecting to find him there. He was. Gohan was above the blankets, half lying half propped up against the head board. His long legs were crossed and his arms folded across his broad chest. His head was tilted uncomfortably to the side in slumber. Videl could actually spot a hint of drool in the corner of his mouth.

He appeared so peaceful whenever he slept. But not always--sometimes she could tell when his nightmares surfaced. Not that she frequently studied him in this state.... but the few times that she did, it was enough. Videl glanced at the clock to find it was one in the afternoon. She had fell asleep for an hour. Glancing back at Gohan in his uncomfortable position she sighed loudly before slightly nudging him awake.

"Gohan? Gohan, you're going to cramp your neck like that..." Videl whispered, pulling herself up to a sitting position against the headboard.. He grumbled incomprehensibly before staying awake just long enough for Videl to guide him into a more comfortable position. He now scooted down and was on his side, his head resting on Videl's stomach. She figured she would let him sleep for another hour. Afterwards, it would give her, them, enough time to tie things up before sending Erasa and Sharpener off.

As she sat there absently running her fingers (which were still slightly encrusted with blood) through his soft locks, she took the time to muse about her current position. Amidst the secrets, lies, seduction and confusion, one thing was clear.

Everything was screwed.

Whacked.

Out of balance.

Utterly way off track.

Nothing was as it used to be anymore. It used to be simple.

She hated Gohan.

Gohan hated her.

She would run from him.

He would chase after her.

She would try to kill him.

He would try to kill her.

That was it. Day in and day out. A daily, constant, unchanging routine for the last 3 years.

But now... it wasn't like that anymore. Nor could it go back to what it was.

How could they possibly go back to what they were after all that happened the last 2 days? How could she still harbor the same hatred she had as she sat there stroking his hair while he slept curled up beside her? It was an impossible feat for her. But then.... was it impossible for him? Would Gohan go back to the way he was easily without hesitation? If so--she smiled wryly to herself--he would be severely disappointed to find his 'prey' not as challenging as before. Would he kill her or leave--

Oh, that was a new thought.

She had thought up the many scenarios of him killing her, but never him leaving her. Would he leave her to find a more suitable prey? Simply getting tried of her and deserting her for another?

Videl couldn't understand why the thought was more unbearable than the thought of him killing her.

It implied that she would rather die by his hands than being left by him.

Her stroking stopped and she could feel Gohan shift ever so slightly as if missing the soothing ministrations. Videl shook her head slowly and started to tenderly scratch his head. He let out a deep rumbling sound from his chest; like a mix between a growl and sigh. Videl stared at the top of his head curiously before leaning in gradually to find out just what sound he was making. She continued to rake her fingers through his hair and eventually down the back of his neck and even under the collar of his long sleeved shirt to scratch the ridges between his shoulder blades.

There, the sound was getting louder. A growl but not quite... more like a snore? Not really.... a... a... what is it that cats do?

"Gohan.... you're purring...." Videl whispered under her breath in awe. The guy actually purred like a cat! She could feel it clearly now, every time he exhaled his chest would vibrate, tickling her stomach. She never, ever, heard of such a thing before... a person's chest vibrating like a cat's purr? She experimentally dragged her nails up his back, smirking as Gohan's 'purring' became louder. Curious indeed.

Wonder if she could use it against him in combat.

She scratched the back of his head and neck a bit longer before stopping a bit to rest. His purring disappeared and the following low moan startled her to say the least. "Videl... don't stop...."

She inwardly wondered why she started to blush. "Gohan! You're... you're awake?"

Gohan didn't answer her directly, only pushing himself a few more inches higher, resting his head on her bosom. Videl's blush intensified. "Scratch...." came his sleepy command. Not really knowing what else to do, she pulled the back of his shirt up and started scratching his back. Almost immediately the vibrations returned. She felt it even more as Gohan's top half practically laid completely over her.

"Gohan... do you know you're purring?" His answer was a quick mumble that she took as a 'yes'. "Care telling me how?"

"No." This time, his answer was clearly audible amidst the purring.

"I'll stop if you don't."

Videl tilted her head a bit to catch his brows furrowing in annoyance. Obviously the sleepy man young man only wanted to enjoy the scratching without any interruptions whatsoever. Too bad, Videl clearly was in control.

His purring stopped momentarily as he quickly mumbled, "Do that when I'm content. Don't stop."

Videl smirked as she boldly moved inward to scratch the side of his chest and stomach. Gohan's purring became louder when she did so. "That answers why, not how, Gohan." He pointedly ignored her and she stopped her hands.

He made a annoyed sound, like a 'tch' before answering grumpily without even bothering to move or open his eyes. "My vocal chords draw together then apart at a rate of 25 times per second. This causes a vibrating column of air that eventually goes at a right frequency to make my whole chest vibrate. Now scratch."

Videl snorted at his somewhat textbook explanation and started to scratch his chest again. It completely escaped her that human vocal chords do not posses the muscle ability to purr. Nor can they imitate a perfectly animalistic growl like how Gohan could do when severely pissed. Little did she know, Gohan wasn't exactly human, or animal for that matter. Just a half of something completely out of this world.

Videl silently marveled at how Gohan's muscles rippled under touch. And even more importantly, how he shivered when she brushed over his nipple. She only accidentally brushed it once and now pointedly avoided it. However, the sensation was anything but lost to her. As she scratched him with him purring loudly on her chest, she hadn't found any of it sexual. Somewhat platonic even. But the way he had shivered... she couldn't help but feel awfully aware of what their positions were then.

She was virtually touching him intimately as he laid there on top of her . Deciding that the best route was the safe one, Videl meticulously made her way back to his head. His purring leveled off a bit but was still constant, buzzing against her chest. Eventually her ministrations slowed down and she noticed Gohan's purring kept its pace. Her hands stopped completely to find him continuing his purr, sound asleep.

Videl sighed, glad to take a break from all the scratching and closed her eyes. Maybe she could use another thirty minutes of shut-eye. It obviously became more than that when she woke up to find it was already three in the afternoon. She tried to get up but found Gohan had latched his arms around her, his head resting underneath her breasts as he used her as a breathing dutch pillow.

Personally, she didn't really mind his comfortable weight and warmth. But the inner Videl Satan that still held her pride and ego protested loudly. She, a crowned Princess of royal blood, youngest general of a powerful army, most wanted hunted in history... letting a guy use her as a pillow and do as he pleased?!

It was worse enough she had indebted herself to him time and time again, not to mention broken down sobbing in his arms and the whole not fighting back when he kisses her. Gah, where had her spunk gone? Her spirit? Her take-no-crap and kick ass attitude? Just because of lov-

NO! NO!

She was NOT in love!!

She does NOT love Gohan!

No!

But as Videl laid there listening to Gohan's warm breath on her stomach and his strong arms protectively around her--she wasn't so sure anymore. Just what is love? Are you in love when you rather die than being left without the other? That you find yourself perfectly content and happy to lay in his arms forever? That you suffer from emptiness and loss whenever he's away from you? That you acknowledge and know all his faults and yet still accept him? That you could so suddenly come from hating to loving him because you realize, and admit to yourself, that there's much more behind the hate and lust?

Damn. Guilty as charged.

Videl was in love with Gohan.

The self admission was staggering and strangely surreal to her. Her logical mind did put up a fight though, not wanting to give up to emotion and heart that easily. What if she loved him instead of being in love with him? That it was pity and maybe even lust that she felt? Not to mention that she would most likely ruin herself because of the this one sided 'love'. However, her heart kept its constant 'I don't care' and stood firm and unwavering that she did indeed love him. As in she fell in love with him.

Something deeper, more shrouded than any other emotion was there too. Something like that ever present essence of him that lingered in her consciousness. Something that whispered to her that she was indeed his. Videl didn't like being treated like an object, but now, somehow she felt this 'possession' that Gohan claimed exceeded any petty materialistic want.

And suddenly she realized he never said he wasn't hers.

You're just comforting yourself. But... it's true isn't it?

Speaking of presence though, Videl decided to kill some time on that little anomaly. She had accredited it to some unconscious ki sensing or a sort of heightened sensitivity from years of being constantly aware. However, why did she suffer 'drawbacks' from it? Was it just something like homesickness? That she had gotten so used it, it became a necessity in her life?

Pondering on the matter, Videl closed her eyes and opened her mind to him. She never tried it before, and it surprised her when his presence overwhelmed her a bit. It was like he powered up with her in his arms, washing her with his ki. Gohan's mind and heart was relaxed in slumber, unguarded, and with his physical body so close it wasn't a mystery why Videl could feel him so strongly and easily.

After she got her mind under control, she zoned in a bit on his consciousness, curious as hell to how she could do this. He was there. Like fine threads or a burning candle--it was hard to explain or pin point the exact sensation but he was there. She mentally reached out inquisitively, brushing phantom fingers against this presence of him in her. When she made contact, it was like nothing she ever felt. The closest to describe it was like brushing against violin strings, feeling it quiver under your touch.

Gohan's eyes shot open and he immediately snapped his head up to her as his frame became rigid. Videl gaped at him in shock, more stunned by the sudden mental break than his physical reaction. He was breathing heavily, staring at her with bewildered eyes as he slowly rose to cage her in with his large frame.

His voice was low and flat. "What did you do?" Gohan knew exactly what she did. She touched him. Touched him.

Videl actually felt a sudden rush of fear. Did she do something wrong? Violate him? What? "You... you felt that didn't you?"

"You... You...." Gohan stopped to lower his forehead against hers, closing his eyes in concentration. He needed to make sure for himself. If it was true, then some plans were going to have to change. A lot.

Videl gasped lightly as his presence filled her, igniting a bright flame in her mind's eye. Her acceptance of his intrusion laid herself bare to him, inadvertently strengthening the connection between them two. And like how Videl did earlier, Gohan tested the strings.

Twang. It actually felt like a twang. It was like her soul was a string and he plucked it boldly, listening to the pitch. Was this how he felt when she did it to him? Being pulled away from existence only to be released back into her consciousness to vibrate in-between the two planes.

"Gohan!" she gasped out his name. He pulled away from her, the flame fading out. "What-wh-what was that?"

His expression was not one she expected. Grim, almost disapproving somewhat. He stared at her a few moments before sighing heavily and rolling off her to swing his legs to the floor. He sat there for a while before getting up and regarding her coldly as if everything never happened. "Get cleaned up and say your good-byes. We're leaving when Erasa and Sharpener do."

Before she could say anything, Gohan strode out and closed the door behind him. Videl bit her lip on the bed, beyond confused on what happened. She gotten herself even more questions than answers. Not knowing what to do, she tried reaching out to him again, but found her efforts to waste. He closed it off, she could only manage the usual non-ki 'sensing' they shared.

Videl looked at the clock and got up. She would get her answers later; Gohan had said 'we' were leaving, not 'you' or 'me'. 'We'. Together.


A frustrated demi-Saiyan paced in his room. He had already gathered whatever possession he had and pack them all up. He was now waiting for the bath to fill so he could soak and try to ease the tension in his body somewhat.

"... This wasn't supposed to happen yet!" he spat under his breath. "It's too soon.... we need more time... time... we have to get it completed... at least started formally... ritual... get the ritual done...." Gohan muttered the broken sentences, his mind calculating the cause and effect on what he might have to do.

Videl wasn't supposed to open up to him yet. No, at least a few years further--if she was still alive then. It was his fault, his weakness. HER weakness. His facade cracked too many times, he made her soften up. He made her lose her hate.

That wasn't supposed to happen.

She was supposed to hate, him go all out against him. Exercise every fatal move she had on him. It was the only was she could truly train effectively without having to worry about emotions getting in-between. No student could really go all out against his teacher. Nor could a son against his father. Gohan knew it too well when he trained with Goku in the Room of Spirit and Time.

They both of them trained intensively, but still, it was limited because they couldn't bring their heart and mind into killing their opponent. Exchanging every blow with the intent to destroy. Unrestrained fury and power behind every punch.

But now... with Videl. She didn't hate him anymore... and he knew he wouldn't be able to bring himself to his previous training standards knowing how she felt. She was human, only by training her as an enemy could he so quickly get her this strong in 3 years. Now that he lost that edge.... how much could she improve?

He could immediately train her personally now. But with hunters and Frieza's androids around it was too risky. They had no more time. But he needed to get immense amount of training done in a year or less... somewhere they could train in isolation without worries or interruptions... somewhere-

Gohan knew what he had to do.


Videl and Erasa embraced each other firmly for a long time, knowing well it could be the last time they would ever meet. Videl spent the last 2 hours talking with Erasa, explaining everything that happened. Needless to say, Erasa was speechless that Gohan was a hunter. From what Sharpener told her about the guy, she was convinced he was anything but. And then... Videl's frustrated confession that she most likely fell in love with him.... Erasa honestly didn't know whether to rejoice or worry. Maybe both.

The two best friends broke apart, tears in their eyes as they parted to stand facing each other. Gohan and Sharpener watched from a little bit back, giving the two women their privacy.

"There is never a 'good-bye'...." Videl started.

"Never a 'so long'..." Erasa continued, choking on her words.

"Only a 'see you soon'..."

"And a sweet 'take care'..."

"Because when it comes to us..."

"Friendship isn't about parting..."

"It is about meeting again," Videl finished. "Best friends forever, Erasa."

"Best friends forever, Videl."

They both grinned before high-fiving each other just like how they always finished their personal good-bye. Laughing and wiping the tears away, the two women nodded to their respective men. Gohan hefted his bag to stand by Videl and waved along as Erasa and Sharpener entered their 'Just Married! And Not Stopping Anytime Soon!" hover car. At the last moment, Erasa rolled down her window and shouted loud enough for all to hear--even the gathered servants and maids around the main door.

"Gohan! She likes her men aggressive!"

"E-ERASA!!" Videl squawked, her face immediately flushing a bright red. Her blush deepened when Gohan had the gall to chuckle loudly.

"I know," was his smug reply.

Sharpener then poked his head out to whispered just loud enough for the two in front to hear. "Videl, give the guy some time. Trust me on this." Videl's brow furrowed at Sharpener's serious tone.

"What do you mean?" She whispered back. Sharpener didn't answer her but turned to Gohan instead.

"You better tell her soon, Son. Good luck and take care." He and Erasa gave a final wave before their car sped out the gates.

Son? That sure was uncharacteristic of Sharpener to call Gohan 'son'. Videl turned her head towards Gohan to find him already looking at her. "He knows all about this big thing you're keeping from me, doesn't he?" Videl couldn't keep her usual scowl from her face.

Gohan merely shrugged before guiding her away from the mansion. He had been unusually quiet and occupied the last hours. Videl wondered if it was because of the incident in her room. Well, she had no more worries except on what was ahead of them now. Penny had surprisingly decided to continue her occupation as a hunter. She would visit Cent from time to time and try to find the rest of her brothers and sister. Erasa and Sharpener had offered Gohan and herself to use the mansion whenever they want. They declined of course, knowing that it was no longer 'safe' once the news of Videl's whereabouts spread.

Away from the mansion, Gohan took off into the sky, motioning her to follow him. She had considered running, but knew it was a waste of both their times. In silence, they flew together until the sun set completely and night fell. Gohan eventually stopped above a vast mountain range with thick forests carpeting the landscape. He landed and she followed, curious to why he chose a spot so far from, well, anywhere.

"What are we doing here?" She asked once she mirrored Gohan and set her bags down. He took a deep breath and turned to her.

"I advise you not to fly, but use your evading skills to the max."

"Wh-?"

"Speed, stealth and strategy are your weapons of choice."

"What are you talking about?"

"If you succeed to elude me till sun rise, the ritual is forfeited and you go free."

"Ritual?? Gohan what in Dende's name are you blabbering ab-"

"Videl." The sudden fierceness in his tone stopped all protest from her mouth. She stared at him with narrowed eyes, trying to find out just what he's up to. A sick feeling started to form in her stomach, her woman's intuition? Whatever, she was convinced something was going to get ugly.

"In simple terms, Gohan. What. Are. We. Doing. Here?"

"You are going to run, Videl. Hide to your best of ability in the darkness and forest. If you manage to evade my attempts till sun rise then I'll let you go. You'll be free."

"Attempts? Free??" His words weren't making any sense to her, was this some kind of training exercise? Wait... he said something about a ritual didn't he?

"Yes...." He took an intimidating step forward and she felt her body automatically taking a step back. The look in his eyes were anything but what she was used to coming from him. He gave her his share of glares and stares, everything ranging from hate to lust and even concern. But now, the look in his eyes were inhuman. Thirsty. Hungry. Excited. Primal.

The eyes of a predator.

He then grinned somewhat and Videl could swear his canines have elongated.

"If I catch you before sun rise..." He suddenly tore off his top, leaving his chest bare. "I'm going to take you as mine. Forcefully."

Her jaw dropped and the blood drained out from her face. No way she could misinterpret his meaning. Not with the look in his eyes and the suppressed hunger in his voice.

"You have 5 minutes. Run."



Ann's Notes : Finally we can get this plot going! Hehe, can any of you spot a 'This Is Your Life' of Fight Club phrase? Anyway, as usual, romantic stuff isn't my forte (just what is? Evil cliffhangers? ::grins::) so forgive me if any of it is awkward where it shouldn't be. Thank you all for the support and reviews... wow, I'm overwhelmed! And the next chapter might be rated R.... I'm not sure. 'Cunra' is taken from 'racun', Indonesian word for poison. The rest of the puns are in english. Ah, and here was a part I intended to put in but wisely left out since it was too cheap a laugh. Enjoy anyway :

Videl's eyes widened in horror as Gohan's fist buried itself into Penny's gut, having slipped by the younger girl's defenses. Gohan himself seemed stunned, immediately withdrawing his fist and laying the now still Penny on the grass. Videl took a flying leap and landed next to a deathly pale Penny, obvious to the trickle of blood coming from her mouth to dribble down her chin.

"You killed, Penny!" Videl cried. "You bastard!"

See? Cheap laugh, lol.

Tim's Notes : *Passes Ann a Fried Banana and Coconut Ice-cream Sundae (it's a real dish, the Thai restaurant I go to has it) while eating his own* I thought this was pretty good, the retrospect part with Videl was something Ann and I worked on over spring break, (also did reference for the history of Vegeta-sei for the AU that P&P is based in :D ) and I happen to know the answer to the Pun quiz :D But I'm not Saiyan (Bad joke hehe) what it is so nahh *sticks tongue out*.

Anyway the preview of my work in progress, TLWK, is coming soon to a computer screen near you, if you're at all interested that is. It'ss purpose is to gauge you, the Readers of this near Epic AU story line we call Predator & Prey, reactions to the idea and to help me figure what I need to work on as a writer. There are some rather unique *or so Ann tells me* ideas we'll be working on to flesh out the story's background. I'll give you a hint: the history of the Kingdom of Vegeta and Chi-Chi's brand new method of making Arrogant Saiyans behave (And no, it does not include any shiny metal disk like objects) interested???? And believe it or not but Penny wasn't originally going to be around after this chapter (you want it plainer then e-mail me that's if Ann doesn't mind).

Ann : Nope, don't mind :D Visit Tim at userid=329430 ^^ And really, half of P&P's plot is cooked up by Tim including the details on Gohan's rank in Vegeta's Kin- did I say that out loud? Oops. Anyway, Tim here is more of a co-writer than beta reader actually, so be sure to check out The Lies We Know.