Hehe finally figured out chapter 8... More flashbacks and Bulma is in one of them. I seem to do well with her character. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 8 A Heavy Burden

Throughout the rest of the morning, Setsei stayed quiet. She didn't even question the large amounts of food sitting on the breakfast table and counters, or how much food Goku was inhaling at inhuman speeds, even after Chichi hit him repeatedly with a frying pan. The whole breakfast scenario would have made any human consider the entire family crazy and send the person run screaming, but somehow Setsei was able to ignore everything surround her. All she could focus on was how selfish Pan was being about the whole situation. It angered Setsei that she could not convince Pan what terrible consequences could occur. She may not know much about those dragon balls, but she did know about human feelings.

Setsei still refused to speak much to Pan, even when Pan was flying her home. She stared out the window instead. The day was peaceful, clouds floating slowly by. The breeze was light and airy. If only Setsei felt the same way; she sighed and tried not to think too much about the decision she had to make.

"Setsei, we're almost back to the city. I've got to land the chopper on the school's roof. There's no room nearby your home," said Pan as she stared ahead, concentrating on her piloting.

"It's okay," replied Setsei, not even turn to look at Pan. Really Pan was lying and there was someplace closer to land, but she wasn't feeling the best toward Setsei. She had hoped the girl would agree instantly to her plan, no matter if she had just met her. Pan knew what she was doing and she had a plan, but why couldn't Setsei see that? She had everything under control. Her plan would go without a hitch. It wouldn't be hard to find where the dragon balls were located; Pan could easily get a dragon radar from Capsule Corp. All she had to do was ask her Uncle Goten to get it for her; he gave her whatever she liked as long as she didn't ask for too much. And unlike Bulma, he wouldn't ask too many questions. All she had to do was say that her father wanted her to learn how it worked, and Goten would be lured, hook, line, and sinker.

Pan tried not to focus on Setsei and the dilemma and instead tried to focus on exactly what she needed to accomplish her mission. Everything had to be carefully planned if everything were to be ready by Thursday evening. Nothing could go wrong… if she started everything on Monday, then she'd have to gather two dragon balls a day some days and who knew how far apart on the Earth they'd be? She knew the location of only one dragon ball—the four-star one. She saw it every time she passed the mantle in the living room. There it sat, placed on top of a velvet red pillow. Behind it sat a picture of Gohan and Videl on their wedding day. Gohan held his new bride close to him, his arm wrapped around her waist; Videl laid her head against his chest, her hand gently placed on his shoulder. The light and promise shown in their eyes as brightly as the dawning of a new day. Neither of the two could ever have known that barely more than a year later, their marriage and future life together would be cut short by the acts of a drunken maniac.

Her mom had requested the dragon radar from Bulma back when she and Gohan were still engaged. Pan didn't know much about the entire story, but she did know it was her mother's gift to her husband. Videl had found out the history of the four-star dragon ball in the Son family and how it had originally been part of the hat Gohan had worn as a child. A picture of Gohan with his hat on sat underneath the dragon ball on the pillow. Videl had had it painted by one of her father's artists; she had taken old photographs that Chichi had given her and allowed the artist to construct a new image from these. Videl had saved her gift for Gohan until just the right time…

Flashback

It was late evening when the newly-wed couple finally arrived at their hotel room. It had been a very long trip; instead of flying themselves to their honeymoon destination, they had borrowed one of Capsule Corp.'s planes. Gohan set the luggage down by the door as Videl walked over to the balcony window. She was dressed in pale blue jeans with a pink t-shirt. She reached out to pull back the maroon curtains; as she did brilliant shades of oranges, reds, and purples burst through the window, throwing the light across the bedroom suite. Videl gasped at the beauty of the landscape before her. "Oh Gohan… it's so… so beautiful." And indeed it was. In front of them was a lush island landscape, with a dormant volcano lying in the background. To the right was the clear blue ocean, complete with a white sandy beach. She turned to face Gohan.

"When Bulma said this was the best spot for a honeymoon, Videl, she wasn't going to kid you," answered Gohan softly.

Videl looked her husband up and down. He was so handsome to her, even though he was simply in jeans and a t-shirt. She smiled and placed her arms around his shoulders. "Just think of all the fun we could have exploring down there."

"We have the whole week ahead of us to do that. Tonight, let's just stay in and enjoy being together…" whispered Gohan.

Videl smiled. "That reminds me… I still have your gift to give you. I think it's perfect for you." She walked over to where Gohan had set their luggage and grabbed the smallest bag. Unzipping it, she pulled out a pale blue box wrapped with white ribbon. She sat on the bed and motioned for Gohan to sit next to her. Gohan smiled at her and sat across from her.

"If what's inside is as nice as the box is, I know I'll love it," remarked Gohan as Videl handed him her package.

"It's not the most expensive or elaborate thing in the world, but I guarantee that it will hold some cherished memories," commented Videl mysteriously.

Gohan untied the ribbon from around the package and set it aside. As he opened the box, he could see the slight glimmer of orange peeking back at him. Upon fully removing the lid he saw the four-star dragon ball sitting on a plush pillow. Underneath the dragon ball, Gohan could see the corner of a picture frame. He lifted the dragon ball from the pillow and picked the picture frame up. He smiled at his child self, so happy and young and naïve. The little boy in the photo wore the icon outfit and hat, his tail waving happily in the air. Gohan smiled and pulled his wife to him. "How did you know this would be the perfect gift?"

"It took a little bit, but I talked to Chichi and Gohan, and they showed me some old photographs. There were also some interesting bath ones of you as well…." Videl grinned wickedly.

Gohan turned bright red and rubbed the back of his head. "Oh really now… ehehehehe…. Well you know my mom…."

"Gohan it wasn't that bad! It's not like I've never seen those pictures before," replied Videl.

"Youuuu... haven't?" Gohan's face was a fire-engine red now.

"Nope. Your mom made it a habit to show me all of the family photos while we were engaged. It just so happened that she had a full album of you in the bath."

"Oh dear… that's… that's my mom for you…" mumbled Gohan, embarrassed.

Videl kissed his lips. "That's a nice shade of red on you, dear."

Gohan's goofy grin only got bigger. I'm gonna kill my mom later… "Thanks for the wedding gift Videl. It's the most wonderful thing anyone has ever given me. I know the perfect place to put it when we move into our new home too."

"Where would that be?" asked Videl.

"Right on the mantle in the living room where everyone can see it. That way, they'll know how much we cherish each other, no matter what troubles are thrown our way."

Unfortunately, troubles came sooner than Gohan would have wished and his faith to his wife would be tested beyond anything he could ever have imagined. After Videl died, Gohan's only strength was drawn from her gift upon the mantle. Every time he thought of how Videl had come about getting his gift together, he smiled sadly, hanging his head. There were times when all he could do was stare at the dragon ball, baby Pan in his arms. He treasured that four-star dragon ball more than anything else he owned. It was the only material possession that he really cared about. Exactly one year after Videl had passed on, he placed their wedding picture behind the dragon ball. The mantle had become a tribute to his wife.

End Flashback

Pan sighed. She really hated taking her father's wedding gift from right under his nose. He'd be sure to know something was up. She'd have to save taking it until the very last minute, right before she summoned Shenron. If she took it first thing, her father would be bound to know something was up, and Pan knew that he'd try to stop her. However, she also knew there'd be hell to pay because after she summoned Shenron, the dragon balls would disappear and be inactive for a year; Pan would have to wait until the dragon balls were active again before searching for the four-star dragon ball. Unfortunately, she knew her father's wrath would not wait that long; she only hoped that he was more understanding than she thought.

As they came upon the outskirts of Satan City, Pan began to focus on maneuvering her helicopter through the city and to the roof of the high school. She thought about prolonging Setsei's going home, but she knew that wouldn't help the position she'd put Setsei in, which was already touchy as is. However, Pan got an idea at the last minute and swerved the helicopter to the right. She wanted to show Setsei something; That something may persuade Setsei to agree with Pan and right now, Pan needed every bit of positive hope she could get.

Setsei looked up and to Pan as she noticed the sudden jerk in the helicopter's path. "Pan, where are we going? I thought we were going to the school?" ask Setsei, confused.

"We are, but we need to make a side stop first. I want to show you something," answered Pan as she gazed straight ahead, eyes focused on getting to her new destination. Setsei noticed the new look of determination and sighed. She had no idea what Pan was up to, but whatever it was wasn't meant for just kicks.

The grass swirled, flattened, and blew as the wind created by the helicopter roared at an incredible speed, finally slowing to a stop. As the swirled slowly, the two doors on the helicopter opened, Setsei and Pan stepping onto the grass. Setsei glanced around at her settings. There was an oak tree in the middle of the area. Around it was a high grayish-white wall. Near the oak tree were a few tombstones. Something clicked in Setsei's mind.

"Follow me, Setsei." Pan's simple command echoed across the yard. Setsei followed, but her eyes were still trying to glimpse at everything around her. It was then that she noticed a two story house in the distance.

"Pan, where are we?" asked Setsei in a quiet whisper. She sensed the serene calm about this area; it felt as though she was inside a church, except the church was all around her. There was a higher presence here; Setsei could feel it deep inside her.

"This is my grandpa's family burial plot. My mother is buried here," whispered Pan.

"Why is she here and not somewhere nearer to your home?"

"Grandpa said it was best because it would keep the media goons away from his baby. This area is very well protected by the security crew in that house back there."

"How come no one's questioned your presence then?"

"There's a special device attached to my helicopter that lets them know ahead of time that it's me, and not some person trying to sneak in. Bulma created them after grandpa got overworked about invaders. They transmit back and forth each time I fly here. I have to turn on a special switch every time I start my helicopter to activate it though. It's one of those precaution deals."

Flashback

Today was the day that any rich teenager (or one related to Capsule Corp head of operations) looked forward to more than anything else. Becoming a teenager brought about the ability to earn your pilot's license. Any thirteen year old with money began taking piloting lessons for one entire year; if successful at the end, the teenager would be awarded the coveted plastic card—his or her own official piloting license. Usually they'd head off to a Capsule Corp. dealership to buy only the best helicopters. Being able to pilot was a big deal to this group of fourteen year-olds, especially when none of them could drive yet. That privilege was two years away still; so of course these rich "snobs" held it over their peers' heads every chance they got. It was just another way of saying "I've got more money than you bunch of losers."

Son Pan was not one of the rich snobs, yet she found herself surrounded by them the day that piloting lessons began. Bulma had paid for her lessons as a birthday gift; she knew Pan could greatly use the transport if she wanted to look inconspicuous when she went to visit her grandparents out in the mountains. Bulma also had her own reasons; she wanted to show these brats that came to her piloting school that "poor losers" could take lessons too, among other things.

As the year dragged on, Pan watched as about half the piloting candidates either flunked out of school or simply just dropped out. The ones who flunked simply thought that they didn't have to do the assigned homework; the rest simply figured out that piloting wasn't as easy as it looked. About halfway through the year, the group of teenagers had begun flying helicopters with instructors. Before this they'd only worked in the virtual reality simulator; how different the real thing was. Pan discovered that she wasn't too bad when it came to the real thing. Her flight instructor was pleased; the student who drove before Pan was a ditzy tall girl who always had the knack to decide that putting makeup on while piloting a helicopter was a good idea. The entire school was surprised she had crashed yet; she'd had so many near misses that Pan had lost count. Her instructor was always frazzled every time Pan took the controls and was glad he was dealing with a tomboy who disgusted makeup. At least, that's what he hoped.

The day had finally come for the graduation ceremony. Out of a hundred and twenty original students, only one third of them finished piloting school and were present at the graduation ceremony. Son Pan was one of those students. She was in the top of her class. As Pan took her graduation certificate and brand-new piloting license from Bulma, she couldn't help but grin. Then she heard a voice whisper softly to her. "Meet me out back after the ceremony with your father." Pan nodded absently and returned to her seat. She could hear her father cheering for her from the third row. He'd been so proud that she'd finally earned her license.

After the ceremony, Pan told her father what Bulma had whispered to her. They both walked to the back of Capsule Corp., where all of the vehicles were stored that were to be shipped off to various dealerships. There, they saw Bulma waiting for them, dressed in a crimson red business suit. "Pan it's so great that you finally graduated piloting school! I knew you could beat out those out kids!"

"Thanks Bulma. I'm glad I can finally pilot too," smiled Pan warmly.

"Well I have a small gift for you! It's your birthday present for this year."

"Bulma no… you really don't have to do that for her…" Gohan knew he was fighting a losing battle, but he figured he'd try anyway. He'd already figured out Bulma's "gift". Her very, very, expensive gift.

"Nonsense Gohan! She deserves it! Come here, Pan. She all those helicopters over there?" Pan nodded. "Those are the brand-new models that are going to be shipped off to our dealers this Monday. You can choose any one of them that you like. Personally, I'd go for the XF 5690. The best model this year. Trust me. Go on over and check them out and see which you like best." Bulma gave the girl a small push and Pan was off to look at the new helicopters, starry-eyed. She'd thought that her father was going to give her her mother's old helicopter, which was very outdated, but still very much runable.

Gohan groaned. "Bulma, was that really necessary? You're going to spoil the girl rotten. Her grandfather already does that; she doesn't need more."

"Gohan you know she'd be driving an outdated copter that wasn't fit to fly. This way she'll be safer. Besides, a girl's got to have some style in her ride, right?"

"Did you have to point out the best and most expensive model to her?"

"It was only a subtle hint. I was helping her choose wisely and you know it." By now Bulma had crossed her arms and was smirked at Gohan. She'd won, just like she always had.

Pan came running over to the two, keeping Gohan from saying what he really wanted to tell Bulma. If he didn't let Bulma give Pan a helicopter though, her grandfather would make sure she had one; after all he'd done the same for his own daughter when she earned her license. Between the owner of Capsule Corp. and the "Champion of the World", Gohan always fought losing battles.

"Bulma, Bulma! I want the one you told me about! It's the best!" yelled an excited Pan as she jumped up and down like a little child at Christmas. At this moment she forgot she was supposed to play the part of rebellious, angsty teenager.

"Exactly which one is the best, Bulma?" asked Gohan.

"That one over there." Bulma's manicured finger pointed to a sleek yellow helicopter, streaked with black tiger stripes. "Top of the line in speed, manueveability, and safety. It's passed all it's tests with five star ratings. Built just for teenagers like Pan who have overprotective parents and want the safest model available.

"Bulma…" warned Gohan. He really didn't want her bringing that topic up in front of Pan. Luckily the girl was too excited to notice.

"Hey, I'm only telling the truth. Anyway, it's already been signed and paid for. I had a feeling she'd go for that one, so everything's already been taken care of." Bulma produced a manila folder and presented it to Gohan. "Everything you'll need is in here. The title is in Pan's name, insurance as well. Insurance has already been paid for until Pan turns eighteen, when she'll take over with the payments from there. Here's the keys to your new helicopter, Pan." She tossed the silver keys to Pan who gladly caught them.

"I'll wait for you in the helicopter, daddy!" Pan was about to take off when Bulma put a hand on her shoulder.

"Just a second Pan. There's something I have to tell you and your father about your new helicopter." Pan and Gohan just looked at Bulma, wondering what was so important.

"Hercule and I have been discussing this topic pretty heavily for the past few weeks, but I think we've solved any potential future problems. Gohan, you know how your wife's burial site is heavily guarded?" Gohan nodded. "Well, Hercule and I discussed the possibility of Pan wanting to visit and doing so in her helicopter. Instead of making her check in with security and then go to the site, I've had a transmitter installed inside of the helicopter that will automatically send a signal to the security crew any time Pan lands near the site. All she has to do is flip green switch with the label TR below it. That will activate the signal for every trip. We both agreed it was the simplest solution for your family's unique scenario. My crew designed it especially for Pan's helicopter, and we've kept the designs in storage should you ever need more created. Pan, please take this switch seriously. It's for your best interest and safety." Bulma's face lightened up after giving her serious speech. "Well enjoy the 'copter, Pan! I know you'll absolutely love it!"

End Flashback

The device was very handy, but Pan had had those near misses of security fire. Those were the days she'd forgotten to activate the transmitter signal, usually because her mind was firing a ton of other things at her. One look at the armed security rushing at her made her instantly remember, however. Luckily she'd been able to convince security to never tell her father. He wouldn't have been too happy about his daughter almost being shot, even if she could avoid it.

Pan's feet led her directly to her mother's tombstone and she knelt to the side of it. Setsei did the same, noticing the solemn look that had come over Pan's face. "Setsei…this is my mom…." A tear slipped down her cheek.

Setsei bowed her head. "Rest in peace Mrs. Son…" she whispered.

"My mom used to lay her life on the line to save the city, every day. Then her and dad teamed up… if mom ever got in a tight spot, dad was there to save her. But dad couldn't save her from something more common than a criminal… I know he wishes he could have. Mom had plans… but that driver cut them all short… just like that." More tears flowed down Pan's face.

Setsei placed an arm on her shoulder. They stayed like that for awhile—Pan sobbing silently with Setsei's arm on her shoulder. Setsei realized she had a lot more to think about than just the basics of this situation. It was going to take every bit of brain power to make her final decision. She only hoped that the decision she made was the right one.

Will Setsei be able to decide and stay true to herself? Find out... in a future chapter!