Hey everyone! so sorry this took so darn long to get out, I never truly understood "writers block" until now! My god that is no joke. Anyway this is the like fifth version of this chapter. but I am finally happy with how the chapter overall was. Would have liked to made a bit more in a few spots but i finally got a final draft going and didn't want to waste time and keep you all waiting anymore. so without further ado, the next chapter in Gohana's adventure!
So i usually edit this on a phone and it shows up how it does on my phone once posted, but once i email this to myself to finalize the spacing and everything changed dramatically. So laster this weekend after i speed some chapters on an actually laptop and not my phone, ill go back and check to make sure the spacing is correct. if not ill reupload one that is spaced from my phone as I'm used to that.
Disclaimer: dont own anything except Raina.
Videl sat at the juice bar sipping her smoothie. Some of the press had made their way into the museum for the tour given by Hercule and King Furry. Of course the moment that they saw her upon entering they made a bee line straight towards her. But true to his word Hercule had come over as well and asked that they let her be for today. Continuing to sit there in though, Videl kept trying to remember anything she could about the King Piccolo incident years ago.
"Hey Videl, you ever gonna say something?"Sharpner finally asked as the silence got to him. He and Erasa even stayed quiet for her but he was at his limit.
"Huh?" Videl glanced over at her friends and it seemed to snap her out of her trance. "Oh, sorry guys. Um how long was I spaced out?"
"Oh only about half an hour I would guess. Still what's gotten into that thick head of yours girl?" Erasa asked glad she was talking now.
"Oh sorry well King Furry and I..." she started before stopping herself. She had not thought about starting, but she quickly caught herself. He had specifically said not to share with anyone, and it was a request indirectly from the delivery girl. But she told them almost everything, or at least Erasa almost everything. Sharpner most stuff, she did had some girl bonding with Erasa and therefore couldn't tell Sharpner everything. Erasa and Sharpner were slightly leaned forward curious what Videl was going to say.
"Sorry, but he asked me to keep it to myself." she said with a sigh.
"Ah come on Videl, you can tell us. You already trust us with a lot, what makes this one different?" Sharpner asked.
Videl wasn't fully sure how to react to that. Maybe she should tell them. If not the whole thing just a small portion perhaps? Should she even mention the delivery girl and leave it at that? She would definitely leave out that the delivery girl was the one that beat Cell, and that the new girl Saiyako was most likely linked with the Gold fighters from the Cell games. But what else could she say? She finally had some proof and a lead that her father was lying, but she couldn't share that with her closest friends.
"Well, because its not my secret to tell, its someone else." she said. 'If my suspicion is correct that someone is Gohana.' she thought to herself.
"Oh, I see." Sharpner said a little disappointed. Leaning back against his chair he sulked a little bit. "But fine, I'll respect that then." he said in a slightly upset tone. In truth he was dying to know, but having been friends with Videl and her family even before they were famous, he understood that want for secrecy.
"What was that part about your father having something to do with it? Those body guards of his looked like they were ready to full on attack you when you screamed!" Erasa said a little more out of worry than curiosity.
"Um, well that's also in the lines of I can't say." she said a little sheepishly.
"Well whatever it is, it's fine. I'm just glad your out of that funk you have been in for a while." Erasa responded.
Videl took another sip from her smoothie but it was thinner than she expected and it hit the roof of her mouth causing her to hold her head in sudden pain and make a light squealing noise.
"Videl are you alright?" Erasa asked suddenly while Sharpner just let out a light chuckle knowingly. Videl just rubbed her head a little bit as she nodded. After a few moments she felt a little bit better.
"Yeah, just a brain freeze is all." she said with one of her hands still pressed against her forehead Erasa just giggled softly and Sharpner just had a smile on his face. They were glad Videl seemed more cheery.
Hercule was standing in the new exhibit wing surrounded by people eager to see it. The quick tour to the media had gone pretty quickly, and it was now completely open. Everyone was trying to get in a word with him, although not many were actually succeeding in that regard. Too many people were shooting out questions, and Hercule tried his best to answer what questions he could actually make out from the crowd. A couple of them were from a few newspapers so he tried to focus on those for the moment.
With a quick glance at his watched he realized how lost for time he had become. He had to hurry to his interview. Apologizing to everyone he took one of the back doors. It was a easier way to get away for the moment and collect himself. After a few moments of taking deep breaths, he went back out and started looking for Videl. He had not seen them once since leaving the Limo earlier and wanted to check in on her.
Walking around the museum, while greeting a few people here and there that wanted to say hi, he kept looking out for Videl. She didn't seem to feel well earlier, and he could tell something was bothering her. Just like himself, she was horrible hiding when something was wrong. And just like him, she was to stubborn to admit it when something was wrong.
Walking around took a while, and it made it difficult for him to keep a eye out for her, but after wandering for a little while he finally caught sight of Sharpner at a food court area and headed that way. Moving past the people looking all around he eventually made it just a few peoples distance from Sharpner.
"Hey, Sharpner!" Hercule called causing Sharpner to turn at his name.
"Oh hey Hercule. How did that interview go?" he casually asked.
Noticing suddenly that the people around him seemed so shocked with how casually he was talking to Hercule, he wasn't really sure what to say. Hercule made his way next to him though and noticed as well the odd looks he was getting. He knew what they were thinking as well and put a hand up softly.
"Don't worry folks, he's a friend. " he casually said to help keep them off his back.
"Uh, thanks for that sir." Sharpner said.
"Oh don't think anything of it son. Anyway, do you know where Videl is at?" he asked standing on his toes now looking around trying to find Videl. It didn't help that Videl was somewhat short of in crowds it made her somewhat difficult to find.
"Oh her and Erasa are relaxing at a souvenir shop. We all got hungry so I thought I would get us some food. I'll lead the way once we get that food. "
While Sharpner stood in line, many passing groups of people would come up to Hercule and want to meet him up close in person. Sharpner just smiled and softly chuckled, he was so used to this with being around Videl so much. Ordering the food for them all, Sharpner waited for the group that was surrounding Hercule to vanish before heading out.
It took about another 10 minutes before Sharpner found an opportune moment to sneak in and get Hercules attention. Tapping Hercule on the shoulder he already knew what to do in a situation like this.
"Mr. Satan sir, we have to get going or you'll miss your appointment. " he stated as professionally as he could sound, even standing straighter than usual.
" Oh, you're right." he said getting the hint. Clearing his throat to the crowd he looked at the small group in front of him.
"I am truly sorry everyone, but I must be going now. Don't forget to check out my interview later this evening! It was a pleasure to meet you all." he said as he slowly started walking away with Sharpner close behind him.
"Oh, thanks for that one." Hercule said as they got a little bit away from the group.
"Hey no problem. Unless people already know about me and Erasa being Videl's friends, we usually pull that stunt if need be." he said.
"Wait, you mean you've had to do that before?"
"Mmm, yeah. Not too often but often enough that we know how to act." he said getting more into his relaxed stance as they proceeded to walk.
It didn't take Hercule long to notice that they were just walking and that he was supposed to be following Sharpner, when it looked like it was the opposite.
"Hey, so where is Videl and Erasa anyway?" he asked.
"Oddly enough, you picked the right direction. We're meeting them in that souvenir shop at the end of the hall there." he said pointing. "It was somewhat out of the way, and Videl needed a little space so we choose there."
" Wait, is Videl sick?" Hercule asked worried about her. She was already acting weird, but not feeling well would be a good reason be be acting differently.
Sharpner was not exactly too sure what to say. He didn't think he would run into him until later that afternoon when they left the museum. Add to the fact neither he or Erasa knew what happened between her and King Furry. He didn't really have a clue himself but Hercule did give him an opening.
"Probably, at least that's what I think." he lied.
"Well why didn't she say anything?" he asked.
"No offense but she's as stubborn as you are." he said while laughing slightly.
"Hey, you little... Well, yeah you have a point." Hercule said at first acting on impulse.
Walking the few stores distance to the shop, Hercule instantly spotted Videl and Erasa and he walked over to check up on her. He saw Erasa let her know he was coming this way and Videl turned around. The moment she saw him, she couldn't help but feel anger towards him and without realizing it she scowled at him. Hercule shivered a little bit as he recognized that look. He didn't know what he had done though but walked up to them. In that time Videl had enough time to realize what she was doing so tried to soften her face a bit.
"Hey sweet heart, Erasa. How are you two enjoying the exhibit? " he asked making an open for conversation.
" Fine. " Videl lied and just sighed. Hercule could still tell something was wrong and remembered what Sharpner said earlier.
" Sweetie, are you feeling alight? You seem really out of it today?" he asked worried.
Videl looked over to him not sure where he got the idea she wasn't feeling well. Noticing sudden movement from Sharpner, she quickly glanced over to him and saw him nodding his face.
'He must have tried covering by saying that. That numskull.' she thought looking back at her dad.
"Just not feeling to well today is all." she lied somewhat. True she was disgusted at learning what her father did, and it did make her feel sick to her stomach how he could do something like that. But she wouldn't do anything about it.
"Well why didn't you say something this morning? I would have told you to stay home. " he said a little worried.
Videl looked back at her dad with a softer look this time. She was still furious at him but the one thing he was always true about was his concern for her well being.
" Because, it's your big day. I can't not be there for it. " she lied.
"Well what does that mean if your sick? You know I worry about you!"
"I know dad, I just didn't think today would be a good day to be out. Besides we have dinner with the mayor later, I can't skip that either." she tried to reason.
Hercule just looked a little worried at her but wasn't sure what to say anyway. So he just scratched the back of his neck a little.
Erasa just sat there watching the two of then interact and could tell Videl was upset, but she had not the slightest clue why. Still she knew the two of them well enough, Hercule would push, then Videl would snap. They didn't need that, either of them, today especially.
"Hey don't worry Hercule, were taking care of Videl for you." she smiled, to which Hercule smiled and nodded back.
"I know you two are." Hercule said with a smile. Erasa and Sharpner were two of the few people that he completely trusted because he had known them both since they meet Videl in preschool. And even after becoming the hero of the planet they didn't treat them any different.
Looking back over to Videl, he saw her slumped over a little as she sat on a kittle seating bench, and he wanted to go over and comfort her but he wasn't too sure how
"Hey sweetie, if you are not feeling well, why don't you and your friends head on back home then?" he offered her.
Videl looked over to him again, but she didn't glare at him this time.
"But we have lunch with the Mayor later. I can't bail out. She even asked that both of us be there." she said. It wasn't her being asked through her father, but she had personally asked them both at separate occasions.
"Oh stop being stubborn Videl, I'm sure they Mayor would understand." he tried reasoning with her.
"I would understand what now?" came a soft voice behind them and they all turned to see mayor Serena standing there.
"I'm so sorry, I was coming in to by something for my daughter when I heard you mentioning me." she said with a soft smile.
"Oh, it's good to see you ma'am. Um well, you see," Hercule started and glanced back a bit at Videl before turning back. "I'm so sorry to make this such a short notice, but could we possibly reschedule our lunch meeting?" he said with his hands together.
Serena looked a little shocked at Hercules suddenness about that, but it didn't really bother her. She was more interested as to the why.
"We planned this about a month ago, may I ask what suddenly came up?"
"See dad, I told you." Videl tried to interject.
"Well, honestly Mrs. Serena, Videl is a little under the weather and I would like to get her home right after my interview in a little bit."
Serena glanced over at Videl and could tell easily that she looked distressed. Looking back over to Hercule she smiled lightly and nodded.
"You make sure your little city savior feels well! You both have done so much, a little time off to feel better is more than well deserved I would say."
Hercule had a big smile on his face upon hearing this. He was expecting to not have this happen so easily but he was grateful none the less.
"Thank you so much." he said with a slight bow to her.
Looking back over to Videl, Serena walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You make sure you relax and feel better Videl! Your still human after all." she said which got a small smile from Videl as she nodded.
With a last smile Serena walked off with a slight wave to them all. Hercule couldn't believe his luck as he looked back at Videl with a smile.
"My thing should start soon. Why don't you three relax here and will head on home afterwards. Hopefully it shouldn't take too long."
"Don't worry Hercule, will make sure no one bothers her." Erasa said with a smile.
"Alright, well I'm going to head out so we can get home soon." he said as he turned around.
"Hey dad?"
"Yes sweetie?" he asked turning back to her.
"Thank you." she said with a small smile.
Moving his way through the museum, Hercule tried his best to get to the boxed off press area. There wasn't a hard start to the interview as they knew it might take him a bit to get around. Trying his best to at least say hello to everyone that wanted to shake hands with the Champ so he didn't seem rude, he slowly made his way to where he was supposed to give his exclusive world first interview about the Cell games. He had spent a lot of time preparing for this, to explain all of those "tricks" to everyone. But he had many years to do so, and new technologies gave him a way out and he planned to use that to every advantage.
It took Hercule a lot longer than he though to simply walk down a corridor, turn the corner and walk down another hall. What would normally be a four minute walk turned into almost a twenty minute meet and greet along the way. Finally getting there he noticed one of his publicists there, as well as a flurry of the press. Luckily they had not noticed him yet. Glancing at his watch he was glad they had set the interview to a soft two in the afternoon as it was almost twenty minutes past that mark. Adjusting his tie, Hercule strode over to his publicist so he can get a few words in with him before facing the entire press,. Or more accurately the entire world. It was going to be broadcasted to the entire world live and he was still getting used to live things outside his usual boasting.
"There you are Mr. Satan. I was beginning to worry it would take longer for you to get here. I hope nothing else will stall us? " he asked adjusting the bridge of his glasses.
"Nothing at all. Just didn't want to pass everyone that wanted to say hi at least." he said smiling.
"Always trying to please people, aren't you?" he asked.
"Hey, Videl and I have an easy life now because of everyone I saved. At the very least I owe them that much don't I?"
He raised his eyebrow and just shrugged Hercule off a little. He never was the biggest fan of how Hercule spent his time and money. He thought Hercule didn't take enough and should have more. He saved the entire world after all right?
"Well what are you waiting for Mr. Satan? Everyone is waiting for you!" he said gesturing towards the stage her would be at.
Heading up the small step, Hercule now noticed that the interview was a little more 'higher class' than he had thought. He expected to stand with someone talking to him like all the interviews during tournaments or special events usually. But there was two comfy looking chairs, one of which was occupied by the lady that was going to be interviewing him. Noticing him, she stood up and headed right over to him.
"Mr. Satan! It is such an honor to be able to meet you in person. Your even bigger in person." she softly toyed with him.
"Oh, please the pleasure is mine. Um, Mrs. Yuko Yakoto, right?" he asked.
"Oh, did they tell you I would be interviewing you?" she asked surprised as she didn't even know about her interviewing him until the night before.
"Oh, no. No one told me who would be doing the interview with me. I just recognize you because you've done a few with Videl recently so I'm familiar with your work." he said.
"Oh yes, Videl. Such a kind hearted girl. If you don't mind me saying though a little high strung in a way. Always putting herself in danger. Still what can we expect from our favorite hero family, huh?" she said with a soft laugh but then stopped and looked back at Hercule to see how he acted having not really meant for it to sound the way she had said so.
"Trust me, you have no idea how stubborn that girl of mine is. The only reason im fine with her helping the police out is because she would just help without their permission anyway. At least this way I know they will do everything they can to help. Plus she has mentioned before she enjoys it. So I can't very well forbid her from doing what she likes while helping others can I? " he said with a soft laugh.
" I guess not, like father like daughter they say. You did fight the monster Cell, so would make sense your daughter like you as well. Now shall we begin?" She said gesturing back to the two seats.
With a nod, Yuko lead Hercule to the interview spot. Sitting down, Hercule got a good look at the crowd. He could tell that they all were press, which wasn't surprising. But he didn't mind either. Behind him he noticed that they had a good look towards the center of the museum . It was a pretty shot to say the least. He was just taking in the audience before him and relaxed back into the chair with a large smile on his face.
'Today is about me, and boy does it feel nice! Still I should make this as quick as I can so we can get Videl home.' he was going over in his head the events from the Cell games to prepare to fully disclose what happened, not just the vagueness he had given over the years. After all, no one else knew what actually happened.
"Hello world, this is Yuko Yakoto here at the grand reveal of the new Satan wing at the World Museum, here in Satan City. It is today a great hero arose and saved us all, and here with me is that great man."
Hercule was suddenly brought from his though process almost instantly the moment he noticed Yuko had suddenly started, and he sat in a slightly more professional sitting position with his hands on the arm rest. He smiled at the cameras and looked completely calm.
"As you all know, Mr. Satan saved us all from the tyrannical creature known as Cell. But until today we never have had a full clear story, other than what the story said. Well here today with me to fully tell you all is none other than Mr. Satan himself."
The camera now focused a bit more on Hercule for a little bit as Yuko continued
"Now I know you all are tuning in to hear the man himself, so I will now give the spot light straight to him. But stay tuned once we finished, as we have even some questions from other sources unable to make it, as well as from the fans. Mr, Satan, the floor is yours." she said looking over at him as the camera was a little bit pulled back.
"First off, before I begin, I would like to thank the people of Earth, because of you and all your generous donations, I am able to help far more than ever. And more importantly care for my lovely Videl." he started out as he leaned forward ever so slightly.
"But back to what you are all here to hear. Im sure you have plenty of questions about a variety of things. But today first we shall go over what happened, before I reveal how those tricks where accomplished." this caught a lot of murmuring among the crowd which Hercule took a moment of pause for effect.
"As the cameras were up and running for the beginning of the Cell games, I will slightly breeze over that so we can get to the part without cameras. "
Hercule took a deep breath to allow him to remain calm, a little habit he always had done since becoming famous. Everyone in the crowd suddenly became quiet, and Hercule was suddenly surrounded among a silence. Everyone had stopped talking even those not in the crowd. Every tv had him on within the museum as everyone held their breath for what he would say next.
"You all know, as I can guess, know about my little trip and upon me getting out of the ring the first of those fakes decided to step up. At this point I decided to just let them have their way for now. It would allow me a bit more time to figure out the tricks Cell was pulling on everyone. Mini bombs all over the field were just one of them which is where the explosions came from. " he started.
Crossing his right leg to rest on his left knee, he placed his fingertips together in thought as he kept tapping them in sequence.
"Eventually that first fighter gave up and sent the young girl to fight. Well as you all know shortly afterwards was when the cameras were broken from a stray bomb going off. Luckily I barely saw it blinking in time to get them away from the blast. I was unable to save the cameras, as you all well k know."
"Oh, this is so exciting! Finally finding out what happened that day in detail!" Yuko interjected without realizing it, until she caught herself and tried to regain her composure.
"My apologies Mr. Satan, it is just so exciting to finally hear the story!" she said.
"Don't be sorry for anything Mrs. Yakoto. Im sure everyone js thinking the exact same thing." he said with a small chuckle. Taking yet another deep breath, Hercule continued.
"Anyway, just after the cameras went dark the young girl tried to use Cells own tricks against him. I guess she saw through his tricks just like I did. I will say it was impressive to see someone else figure out Cells tricks like that without the time to really pay attention to how they work. But unlike her, I studied every move to find out how he was doing them. Those light tricks, the explosions, all a simple science trick. And with trickery cameras to use camouflage it looked like he could vanish. I'll go a little more into detail in just a bit after finishing up what happened, so don't worry. "
Hercule noticed that everyone was at the edge of their seat, literally, as they were leaning in like little kids getting excited over their favorite bedtime story.
" As you can imagine, I didn't want the poor girl to have to stoop to Cell's level, or get hurt, so I focused all my attention I could to figuring out how to counter them. My stomach bug wasn't helping much im afraid, bit I pulled through. I had to, not only for my own daughter, but everyone else. "
Hercule remained in his relaxed position but let his arms fold over his chest as he looked like he was in thought over something.
" I'm not exactly sure about what, but the girl and Cell had a number of times they were just talking to one another. I couldn't hear a thing they said, so unfortunately I am unable to give you that part of the story. But it wasn't long after that Cell started to not even be able to hurt her, I can only imagine they were discussing their next ploy. Nothing else makes sense other than that. I have spent the last 7 years thinking it over about what could have gone between their conversation. I truly believe they all knew each other. " be said which got a few gasps from the crowd.
" Wait if you feel they knew each other, why were they fighting do you think?" Yuko said to him curiously.
"Well, honestly I can not say. I never really talked to them to ask. This is just what I think is all." he answered getting a nod from her.
"As I was saying though, I paid attention to every thing they did, and I soon started noticing Cell would shift his foot and it almost looked like he was pressing something in the ground. The young girl seemed to be doing the same. So many of those light shows were obviously just machinery blasts, although specifically what I can not say as they were all broken at the end due to all the explosions around them destroying them. I wish I could have gotten a hold of some of them."
"After a while of both Cell and the young girl trading punches and trying to catch one another I the blast range, I had enough. Having finally learned enough to avoid everything I went right up to Cell just as he was about kill the young girl. They were in some sorts of power struggle, and I must say the little girl was holding her own well enough. Anyway, right before he he threw his fist into her face I introduced him once again to my fist! " he said enthusiastically throwing a punch.
Most of the crowd was talking again a little bit amongst themselves as Hercule continued, to explain what happened. Up until now all they ever really knew was the delivery girl was losing and Hercule saved her and then killed Cell. He was always really vague about everything but here they were getting far more than ever. Many had questions to specifically ask once the Q and A started, but this brought more questions to everyone's mind they had to know.
"Anyway, Cell just tried to use his little tricks on me again, but this time I knew his tricks. That allowed me to avoid those cheap tricks and finally get him to surrender. Doesn't surprise me at all knowing him, he knew he was outclassed and didn't want to face me! Not that I don't blame him."
"So what did happen to him after that?" Yuko asked.
"You mean where Cell went? Unfortunately after my final punch he fell onto one of his own mines. There was nothing I could do at that point. But at least it was quick. After that the group of people thanks me for helping them out and left. I have never seen them since then even after attempts to find them."
"But, why haven't they shown themselves? You said because they fought you learned how Cell tricked us, so why don't they come to these events? "
Mentally Hercule started to panic because he wasn't sure where she was going with this. He had a few conspiracy theorists over the years say he was lying. Was she doing that now? But he just remained outwardly calm.
" Well, uhh, honestly I cant say. I have openly invited them before to come to the celebrations, as they did help me see through Cells tricks." He lied trying to cover for himself.
"Oh, I wonder why they never decided to come celebrate with us." Yuko said.
"Well either way, it's time for the Q and A. I know you all have wanted to see this part. So why don't we start with some from the press?" Yuko offered which got responded with a lot of questions being shouted at once. She just had a blank look on her face trying to make sense of anything that she heard. She looked over to Hercule who just pointed to someone.
"Mr. Satan, can we ask why you never decided to do a Q and A until now?"
"Well to be honest I never knew a good time to do it. If I did it some random day it would have been pretty hard for media sources around the world to show up last minute. But a day like today, where many already would be, seemed like a good time. I was first contacted about this new wing about two years ago and that's when I decided I would hold it today. Everyone would already be here, and wouldn't be a burden on anyone." He calmly stated as if he had rehearsed it many times.
Hercule looked over the large group of people and s as that getting in simple questions would be a mad house so he came up with an idea.
"Why don't we make this a little more civil, shall we? We are in a museum after all. Can you all please just get into one line that way I'm not having to try to make out questions, will go one by one." he smiled.
A little confused at first, the group of reporters just did as they had been requested. Still that in itself was hectic to begin with. It looked like it would have taken a while as well.
"Well, Mr. Satan, why they get situated may we start with some of the questions sent in?" Yuko asked.
Glancing over Hercule gave a nod as she gestured to the sheet of paper she was holding.
"Of course Mrs. Yakoto." He nodded smiling.
"Now, ma y people have asked this same question, and was the most common so will start with it! What did it feel like when you killed Cell? A little harsh but true." She added at the end.
"Well for starters I have to say I felt proud! I had stopped Cell and saved everyone! Not only that I was able to see my family at the end of the day and see the look on their faces."
"Videl must be very proud of you, and I'm sure your late wife would love how you help everyone out still." Yuko said with a smile.
Hercule smiled and nodded back with just a soft sigh.
"Not a day goes by where I don't think of her. I'm sure she would be proud of our little Videl as well." he said with a sad look for a moment.
For the next two hours, Hercule sat with Yuko and answered many different questions. Most were about the Cell game, or even Hercule in general. He was more than happy to either tell a tall tale or answer them straight out if it looked good for him. Many times he even got to get a good laugh in there as well. He did want to make sure his interview was entertaining as well. Many people did like his humor after all.
Glancing down at his watch Hercule noticed that they had been going on for almost two hours at this point. I had not felt so long to him and it surprised him he had lost track of time so much, especially with Videl not feeling well.
"I do apologize now, as I know many of you still have questions. But I unfortunately must be heading off now." he said with a slight tone of apology.
This caught Yuko off guard a little bit. They never did have a time frame for the interview, if it took half hour or all day it didn't really matter. And it was going so well that she was a little sad it had tk end.
"Oh, of course Mr. Satan. You must want to spend a little time with your daughter after all." she said to be polite even though she was a little disappointed she could get some of her own personal questions asked.
"Of course. As much as I love being able to talk with everyone and answer questions everyone has, my little girl is my world, and I do believe that I deserve a little time with my own family today as well, don't you agree?" he said with a smile.
"Oh, of course Mr. Satan. I want to thank you again for being here with us today to answer some of our questions! To finally hear how all those tricks were accomplished was amazing! And hopefully it doesn't take another six years to get an interview like this with you again!" Yuko said smiling.
Standing up and stretching slightly, Hercule looked out to the crowd and gave a victory sign with his fingers and smiled to the cameras that were rolling.
"Make sure you all have a great day, if you're here or elsewhere." he said, then with a slight bow slowly walked off the stage.
Looking around he didn't see his publicist, or his daughter. He didn't expect her to be there but she usually was close by after interviews similar to this.
'She must feel pretty bad to not be here. Maybe they are close to where they were earlier.' he thought to himself.
Hercule began the track back to where he was earlier, but his way back looked like it would take even longer than it did getting here. Many people wanted to say hello to him in person, but now everyone knew where he would be. Being polite as he could, he tried his best to at least say hello to everyone that did so to him. He had to get back to Videl as fast as he could so he could get her home. Still, he knew she was safe with Erasa and Sharpner.
Videl sat at a small table in the food court staring at her phone. Erasa was helping Sharpner out with a few things from class earlier that week as he had not understood. They knew to just let Videl to her thoughts and so they had spent a while just relaxing.
Staring at her phone, she just kept looking at the two words she had typed earlier king Piccolo. It was something that had happened long before she was born, but she couldn't really remember much about it. She had learned it a few years ago in history class but she paid it no mind. All of a single day was spent on it as it was a rather short event. Having only lasted about a few days at most, depending on how you had looked at it, there was not much to happen. Still, Videl kept trying to remember anything she could.
"Hey Erasa, can ask you something?" Videl looked up and asked, interrupting them.
"Oh of course. What's on your mind? " she asked.
Videl was so preoccupied trying to remember anything she could about the King Piccolo incident that she nearly forgot her promise not to even tell her friends. Still, she had to now quickly think of something so she didn't look like an idiot in front of them.
"Do... You think this museum thing is a bit overboard?" she asked as it was the first thing that popped into her head.
"Uh, well honestly I cant say that it surprises me the city would want it. It does seem like a bit much though. But then again, I've known you and your dad since we were like five years old. So he's always been a big goofball to me, still kinda throws me off trying ti treat him like everyone else. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, it's nothing. " she lied.
" Videl?" Erasa raised her eyebrow and gave her a tone of question.
"Sorry just a little weird my father has an entire part of a museum just about him." Videl said with a sigh, which wasn't a lie to begin with. She did find it sorta weird. Even before her conversation with King Furry earlier she found it just to weird. But after hearing the truth, or at least confirmation from a highly reliable source, that went with what she had always thought, she felt a little disgusted.
'This should be that delivery girls day.' she thought to herself.
She just rested her head in her hands as she leaned against the table some more deep in thought. Erasa wanted to say something but she kept her tongue. She would bring it up later as she knew it would be difficult even getting Videl's attention now.
'So the delivery girl beat Cell. And then she and the rest of the golden fighters left and were never seen again. And now we have Saiyako, that golden fighter, and im sure Gohana is them. I mean the guys in the footage were able to change their hair color. So why is it to much of a stretch that the golden fighter cant.'
Videl went over in her mind every encounter she had had with both Saiyako and the Golden Fighter that first day. The resemblance between the Golden fighter and Gohana was almost too perfect. With the exception of Gohana's hair being black instead of golden blond, and Gohana wasn't as toned or muscular, they looked like identical twins. They both had scars all over them, although not too many were very noticeable, with the exception of the giant scar on their shoulders. They were almost identical according to her memory. The golden fighter was a lot more aggressive than Gohana though.
But Saiyako, she was highly aggressive and violent. More than the Golden Fighter by a wide margin, but they both had almost the same abilities. Minus Saiyako's hair being nearly impossible looking, and her voice was always very harsh, and those eyes. She had seen Saiyako glaring at some of the criminals before her and it even sent chills down her spine staring into them. They were cold and violent, and she could only compare them to at of someone who has faced death many times and seen horrible things.
'Wait a minute, the Golden Fighters eyes sort of have that same hint, but its not as harsh. So maybe the Golden fighter is Saiyako.' she though.
But that wouldn't make sense, if the Golden Fighter was Saiyako, then that would mean Gohana is Saiyako. And Videl couldn't see Gohana being so ruthless towards anyone. Her eyes had life to them, and an innate innocence to them. Heck the first day they meet Gohana had a break down over her father, she couldn't be a killer like Saiyako.
The more she thought about it, the less it seemed to her that Gohana was related to Saiyako, they were too different,. And she couldn't believe anyone could be that different within themselves. Pure innocence on one hand, but brutally efficient, murderer? No, Saiyako never did flat out kill any of the thugs, except for that first day at the bank. And it was still only the man that had killed any one else. Nobody else was killed, so did that make her a murderer?
'of course it does, but...'
Videl was such at a loss in her own mind and fir the entire time Sharpner and Erasa just sat there, quiet. They didn't want to bother her at all, and they tried their best to deter others from bothering her. Luckily everyone understood, 'she's not feeling to well so we ask if you could let her have a little privacy for today.'
Being the champs daughter, they happily nodded in understanding and headed off.
"This is so confusing."Videl exclaimed out loud holding her head.
"Hey V, your feeling alright?" Sharpner asked with worry in his voice.
"Oh, sorry. Did I say that out loud?" she asked with a nod from them both as a response. "Gaah, I'm sorry guys. I just, it's... Complicated." she settled with.
"Oh please Videl, complicated doesn't bother us. Your just a little more, spacey than usual is all. You don't have to tell us, but can you please tell us if you're ok?" Erasa asked sitting next to her.
"Yeah, I am fine, and nothing to worry about. Just a lot on my mind. Doesn't help I don't enjoy today much. Sorry to bring you guys down as well. "
" More like worried, but if you say you'll be alright, then that's god. Sharpner said. "Besides, it looks like that interview your dad has is over. I'd imagine he's headed on over this way." he said rather blankly.
"Wait what? How long have I been spacing out!?" Videl asked shocked.
"Um, well ever since your conversation with King Furry. Well since this morning as usual, but big time since then." Erasa stated with a slight shrug.
"You mean the whole day?"
"Well pretty much, yup!" Erasa just smiled.
Videl looked a little shocked that the entire day had past her by, although a part of her was glad.
"Hey, look at it this way Videl, you hate the attention today of all days and you didn't have to deal with any of it." Sharpner tried to cheer her up, which did get a slight smile out of Videl so it worked in his mind.
"Yeah, I guess that's true." Videl said." So you think my dad will find us here?"
"We only moved a few stores down, but were in the sane spot. And besides I'm sure it would be easy for your dad to find us. He's so tall and we sort of stand out to him." Erasa giggled a little.
Erasa had been right on the nose with her guess. It was a while later, which didn't surprise them really,. But eventually they saw Hercule heading their direction,. Of course he was being stopped a lot on the way. There wasn't too many people in this corridor so they couldn't imagine how often he was stopped on the way over.
Videl got up and headed on over towards him tk meet him halfway, Erasa and Sharpner followed close behind. Videl wasn't too sure what to say to him, should she co front him later? Should she just play along like she usually does? Whatever she did, she just hoped she wouldn't do something stupid.
"Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry that took so long! Are you feeling better?" Hercule blurted out the moment Videl was in earshot.
"Oh, um, a bit better." she lied.
"I'm glad to hear that sweetie. Now why don't we head on home now so you can relax. Maybe we can get some ice cream and watch your favorite movie?" he said with a smile.
Videl smiled softly and nodded, "yeah that sounds like fun."
"Erasa, Sharpner. Shall we drop you both off at home?" Hercule asked.
"Yeah, my family should be home soon." Erasa smiled.
"Mine too." Sharpner
The four of them slowly made their way towards the front, Videl sticking a little close to Erasa. She was still very upset with her dad and disgusted with what she had learned, and she didn't want to be too close to him right now. He knew that would be inevitable later on but for now she could. Hercule did take notice of this but he didn't think much of it though. E was more concerned about getting her home.
It took a little bit to finally get to the limo at the front. Being stopped a lot didn't help the time, but Hercule did his best to get them moving as fast as possible while staying polite to those that did stop them. Opening the door for them, the three teens got into the car and sat down to relax into the seat.
Videl however didn't relax too much. She had a lot on her mind and it was now racing a million miles a minute.
'How can he lie like that? All those people believe every word. What has he said that's true? How can I trust him, he basically stole from a little girl!?' Videl just stared down at the ground during the ride and didn't even notice the uneasy silence in the vehicle.
"Hey, uh sweetie... " Hercule started before he was shushed by Erasa. Putting her finger to her lips and shaking her head, Hercule just looked at his daughter worried.
For the entire ride to Sharpner and Erasa's area, nothing was said at all. Even Erasa and Sharpner felt a bit uncomfortable and they even knew this was better. Stopping right in front of Erasa's apartment building, Sharpner's being a block away, he got out of the car and then gave Erasa his hand to help her out.
"Thanks Sharpy." she said with a smile, then turned back with a worried look towards Videl,.
"Hercule, I think it would be best if you just stay silent, Videl has had a pretty intense,... Week." she slightly lied, not wanting him to feel bad about bringing her along. "Just let her know you care ok?"
"Thanks Erasa." Hercule nodded in response. Erasa knew Videl better than anyone else ever since her mother had passed away, and he had learned to just listen to Erasa when it came to Videl whenever she was upset with something.
"You two have a good night, ok? Tell your family I said hi when they get back from work for me."
"We will, thanks Mr. S." Sharpner said and Erasa just smiled and nodded in response.
The ride the rest of the way to their mansion was very tense, and the rain that started had not helped much. Still Hercule was glad for some type of noise. Resting his face against the window to relax, he just stared at the scenery they passed. He so wanted to ask Videl what was wrong, but he knew he wouldn't get much of an answer anyway. So he just sat there with his eyes closed trying to think out what could be on her mind. He was more worried about her feeling sick, and wanted to get her better.
It didn't take long to get to their place, and the driver came around and opened the door, with an umbrella for each of them at the ready. Stepping out, Hercule took the umbrella for himself and then turned and saw Videl about to get out. He knew he should stay silent as Erasa had told him to so he offered his hand to help her out.
Now noticing the rain as she was about to get out, it brought her back to reality and out of her brain. Seeing her fathers hand, she took it as she got out and then grabbed her own umbrella and headed on tk the front door.
"Is everything alright sir?" the driver asked.
"Oh, yeah. She's just a little under the weather." Hercule reassured her.
"Well seeing as how heavy this rain has picked up, I would say we are all under it." he said at an attempt of humor which got a chuckle out of Hercule.
"That's a pretty good one, I have to say. And anyway, why don't you head home and relax. And thanks again." Hercule said as he headed kn after Videl slowly.
Once inside, Videl looked around at the house from the main entryway. It was all a lie, it shouldn't have been theirs. With a sigh, Videl put the umbrella into a little bin for it next to the door. Hercule was right behind her and after closing the door, he out his umbrella away as well.
"Hey honey, why don't you get changed and we can watch something to relax?" Hercule said softly.
"Huh, oh yeah. That sounds nice." Videl answered automatically and headed off to her room.
Heading up the stairs, Videl ran her fingers along the hand rail and was very aware of the vine texture all along it. It was subtly raised so seeing it was somewhat tricky, but it could be felt well. Just feeling it brought back memories of her mother before she died. It didn't help her current mood but she had grown used to it by now having lived almost half her life without her.
Entering her room, she glanced around at all the luxurious things she had, mostly due to her father trying to he nice, or gifts from others. She never really minded them, although she usually preferred more simple things. But after today she couldn't help but feel a little guilty herself now.
"I just need to relax or something." she said with her hand covering her face, not wanting to stress over this anymore tonight.
Taking her dress off, she gently placed it on a hanger so it didn't get mixed with her usual cloths or workout gear and hung it near the door for the maid to get. Removing her bra and panties, she tossed those into the hamper and just grabbed the large grey sweatpants she usually wore to bed. Putting them on and grabbing the first shirt she felt from her dresser, she sighed and sat down at her mirror. She was tempted to undo her hair, even though it wasn't styled exactly. It was just a lot neater than usual, so Videl just decided to leave it.
Standing up she accidentally bumped the side table causing a picture she had on it to fall.
'NO!' she screamed in her head trying to catch it before it hit the ground, but all she managed to do was fall over the table causing it to topple over and throw the contents on top across the room. Videl barely managed to touch the side of the frame, but she failed to actually catch it. Luckily for her, that little nudge was all that was needed as it instead hit her forearm as she landed, saving the expensive frame from breaking as it landed on the floor.
Noticing the picture was alright, Videl sighed with relief. Getting up, she set the table right again and then picked up the frame. It was holding the most important picture to her. It was a picture when she was either years old with her mother and father. Her dad was wearing just basic jeans with a white t shirt, but he still had that goofy grin and puff of hair, although his mustache s not as intense as it was now a days. She was sitting on his shoulders laughing and smiling into the camera as Hercule held onto her leg with one arm and the other arm was wrapped around his wife, her mother. She had worn a soft yellow sundress as it was the middle of summer and a simple necklace. It was so important to Videl because it was the last picture ever taken of her mother.
"Oh mom, what to I do?" Videl asked looking up at the ceiling as she sat on the floor. I know daddy loves me, but j don't know if I can trust him after today." she said, hoping she would hear something back. She knew she wouldn't but it never hurt to try.
Placing the picture back on the desk, Videl went over and picked up the booklet that had flung off when she flipped the table. Turning it as she picked it up to see where it fell, she was a little surprised the first picture was also the first picture of her and her dad after her mothers passing.
"Kami, do you hate me or something?' she thought to herself but decided to flip through anyway.
Sitting on her bed, she flipped through a few pages, and each one was usually her with her friends, or her and her dad. The one thing that started to stand out to her was that most of them they were still smiling, and it caused her to smile back at them like she was looking at a mirror.
She kept flipping through a few more pages when she went wide eyed at one. It was her father embracing her as she nearly l crushing her do death tearing, right after the Cell games. She clearly remembered the event because she had been so terrified she would have lost the rest of her family. Flipping through a few more they started to become more populated with Erasa and Sharpner. One that she couldn't help but smile about was at a play they had been in just a few years ago. Videl of course refused to be in it but ended up regardless.
For another half hour Videl just kept flipping through her picture book, and couldn't help but smile. Hercule wasn't in very many because she remembered almost every event, he was the one taking the pictures. Most of the time he was in them was at a fund raiser they had gone to together and Hercule sponsored.
Putting the book back on the table, Videl slowly walked out into the hallway and started taking a good look around as she headed downstairs. Hercule always had gone out of his way to make sure Videl was happy, and did a lot of good stuff for the city as well. Running her hand back along the railing as she descended the stairs she could feel again the texture of the raised pattern on the metal. It was cold to the touch but Videl didn't mind. She remembered he mother always trying ti design her ideal mansion as a wishful dream, and after the Cell games he was offered a random one but refused and asked that this one be made. He had kept the blueprints and design ideas as a reminder, and her moms dream mansion was built.
'Maybe I am being too hard and over thinking this.' she thought for a moment as she made her way to the kitchen.
Videl opened up the kitchen door and saw her father in stripped pjs, sitting there playing with his fingers. When he heard the door open he looked up and nearly flew out of his chair.
"Sweetie, are you feeling better?" he asked worried.
"Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better I guess." she said.
Going over to the stove, Hercule opened up the lid on a pot and poured something into two mugs he had sitting next to it. Taking them both he walked over to her and offered her one.
"I made us some hot cocoa, just the way you like it."
Videl smiled and took the hot beverage and couldn't help but smell it before she tasted it. Taking a soft sip of it, Videl could feel the warmth spreading through her. It was the same recipe that her father made when he first took care of her when she was sick as a child, and he refused to let anyone else ever make it. It was their special beverage, even though Videl did know how to make it.
"I thought maybe we could relax a little bit? I put on your favorite movie." he said kindly.
"Dad, you hate that movie. Why would you want to watch it?" she asked while blowing on her drink to cool it down a little bit.
"Because you like it?" He said with a tone of question.
Videl realized what he was doing and then just smiled a little bit and nodded.
Walking into the living room, Videl sipped on her drink enjoying the flavor. She did feel bad about lying to her dad, but she couldn't really confront him either at the same time. But right now, in this moment, she was enjoying it because he was worried for her and she knew that it was genuine. No games, no lies, just truly how he was.
It didn't take too long for Videl to fall asleep though. After today she was too tired to do much of anything. Within just a few minutes of the movie really starting she was already leaning against her fathers shoulder. Not wanting to disturb her, Hercule just sat there the entire movie. He didn't want to ruin this bonding moment either so he just sucked it up. He truly did not enjoy this movie, it was her mothers favorite as well so he had sat through it many times now.
Once the movie was finally over, Hercule sighed with relief. Slowly getting up so that he could pick her up without waking her, he took her in his arms and it caused her to stir a little bit. With just a small shift she was soon still again and softly breathing. It was always nice to Hercule to see her so relaxed, as she didn't feel very comfortable in others arms very much. Even if Sharpner carried her when she slept she caused a fuss a little bit. But with him she was always content.
Taking her to her room, Hercule slowly opened the door and walked right in. Going over to her bed, he used a free foot to pull the covers back a little bit, moving slowly so that he could keep his balance. With a little bit of success, he finally managed to get the covers back and placed her onto her mattress. Pulling the covers back over her he softly kissed her forehead and smiled as he saw it caused her to softly breath and curl up holding onto the blankets. Walking over to the door, Hercule set the air conditioner onto high as he knew she preferred to sleep that way and looked back to his daughter once more and smiled.
"Good night Sweet Pea." As he softly closed the door
—-
So again i apologize for being gone for so long! Would have liked to go into a bit more at the end but was starting to get a little stuck on specifics, but i had the next few chapters already in my head.
On a side of good news!
I am at my mothers for the weekend and I can use her computer to type instead of my phone. I can type a LOT faster on an actual key pad, and plus editing the chapter is easier as well, so I am hoping to post at least one more chapter this weekend, as well as at least getting a few more at least on paper so when i head out all i have to do is edit on my phone.
anyway i hope you all enjoyed all this! and i will NEVER underestimate writers again! That writers block is no joke and i am actually so glad i could just set this aside for a while until it hit me again. next time Ill just wait though instead of forcing a chapter. Thats part of the reason this took so long, kept forcing a chapter and hating it. once i had the flow again it happened in about 2 hours. anyway look forward to the next chapter hopefully this weekend!