Chapter 6- Question Existing

"You don't know what you're doing Videl, put that away!"

"Shut Up!" she screamed as she pulled the hammer and aimed, "I'm tired of your LIES!" and she pulled the trigger. The first bullet landed in his lower abdomen. She pulled the hammer back again, ready for the next shot.

"Videl, no please. I didn't kill your father!"

"I said shut up!" and she pulled the trigger again. This time the bullet hit him on the upper left shoulder. She pulled the hammer for the third time and fired. This time the bullet landed directly at his chest and Cristov fell to the ground. A pool of blood quickly began forming around his lifeless body. Videl stood frozen in her position, with the gun still aimed, she had one bullet left. In that moment she felt nothing but anger seething through every part of her being, she pulled the hammer again, and fired at Cristov's body but no bullet came out this time, the barrel was empty. She tried to fire again but nothing came out.

Slowly she pulled her hand down to she looked at Cristov's lifeless, blood-soaked body, he was dead. She breathed slowly and walked steadily towards the body, stepping through the growing puddle of blood. The thick red liquid covered her boots, as it's subtle scent made it's way to her nose. Slowly, she knelt down beside the body and put her left hand on his chest. His body was still warm as blood continued to gush out of the three bullet holes. She shook him violently for a few seconds just to make sure he was dead. He was. His eyes were still wide opened, as if they were in shock or disgust. She smiled deviously at her handy work "Burn in hell," she whispered as she stood from the puddle.

She turned around ready to leave when the sudden sound of footsteps came ringing through the halls, sending chills to her bones. That's when it dawned on her what she had really done; she'd just shot a man to death, in his own house, just like what happened to her father. All the anger she felt just moments before was gone, all she felt now was the fear of who approached.

As the footsteps got closer Videl stood up frantically and pushed the gun back into her waistband. In desperation she searched for a window that she could jump out of but the only one in the room was far too small for her to fit through. She was desperate, surely there would be some retaliation against her, the house was filled with known gangsters.

"What in the hell happened here!" Charles shouted as he entered through the office door. Videl just stood there in silent fear. There was nothing she could say, she was covered in Cristov's blood and she was the only one in the room. Videl moved out of his way as Charles approached the body. He knelt down to feel Cristov's pulse.

"What in the hell did you do?" he yelled turning his attention to Videl.

"I didn't do anything he didn't deserve!" she replied, surprising both herself and Charles

"You little bitch; you're going to pay for that!" He said as he pulled out a black automatic handgun, aimed and fired in her direction. Thinking quickly, Videl ran up to him, dodging the first shot and kicked the gun out of his hand.

"Why You!" he yelled as he attempted to punch her in the face, but she easily blocked it and threw another hard kick into his stomach, then a punch to the side of his head causing him to fly into the nearby wall and falling unconscious.

Not wanting to wait for more of Cristov's body guards to show up she ran out the office and tried to find her way out of the house. Frantically, she made twists and turns, ran up and down stairs to find an exit but she was lost. She could not remember how she got to the office in the first place, the entire house seemed like a damn maze as far as she was concerned. She opened random doors hoping they'd lead her to the outside, but no luck. Everywhere she went she left a small trail of Cristov's blood.

Finally after a good five minutes of searching the compound she found a sliding glass door that led to the back yard. Luckily, it wasn't fenced off and beyond it led to an untouched wooded area. Not caring whether it was locked or not, Videl broke through the glass door and started running towards the forest.

9 YEARS LATER

Once again alone in her cell Videl contemplates her next move. She decides to write another entry in her diary.

Tuesday, November 18.

Dear Diary,

I freaking hate this place!

These walls, they're getting to me. I feel like caged animal.

These walls are torture, they fuck with your mind! They're closing in on me. Everyday they seem to draw closer to me, taunting me. Laughing at me. Restricting me!

I'm forced to look at them, day in and day out. If I close my eyes I'm haunted by images of loved ones. Loved ones who are ashamed of me. Loved ones who trusted me; who are now disappointed in me. Loved ones who probably won't shed a tear when the plug is pulled. I've convinced myself to stop thinking about them, it only brings more pain. I'd rather stare at the enclosing walls of my cell.

Wednesday, November 20

Dear Diary,

I want to get the hell out of here! As the days flow by and my final hour approaches I find myself hoping to see Seventeen again. As strange as it sounds the idea of leaving this planet may not be such a bad idea after all. It's a chance to start over, maybe right some wrongs.

Maybe.

Thursday, November 21

Dear Diary,

What the hell was I smoking?

Right some wrongs?

Pfft, not with Seventeen around. He causes trouble no matter where he is. Can I even trust him anymore? He's so unpredictable, one minute he's my best friend and the next he's like my worst enemy.

A bipolar android, can you believe it?

I really don't know what's wrong with me; I just can't stay mad at him for very long. He may be an asshole but he's saved my life more than once, and here he is trying to do it again.

Sure, we've used and abused each other in more ways than one, but we always had this mutual understanding with one another; an unspoken bond. Being with him is like constantly being on the edge, always living for the here and now, taking what you want, when you want it, having fun and never apologizing.

He taught me a new way of life. Living for yourself and no one else. I guess that's what I'm really afraid of. He may be trying to help me now, but in the end he's only really thinking about himself. What's really in this for him? He may be an android, but if his sister can learn to love and be happy as a regular human being, then so can he. He may not admit it, but he loves planet earth, he loves it in his own sick and twisted way, so why would he want to leave? He doesn't care about me that much to risk it all.

If anything, he'll probably just dump me there and leave. Damn it, maybe death is the better choice. Not like anything will change, I've been dead on the inside for years.

What is there to live for anyway? My existence means nothing. Nothing at all.

Elsewhere...

Gohan felt awkward being there, in a room filled with teenagers. He hated being the oldest one at these sorts of things. Bulma and Vegeta cleared out for the night with little Bra so that trunks could have the whole place to himself.

It was Trunks' 17th birthday party, Gohan was only there as a favor to Bulma; he was supposed to supervise the party and make sure no one was drinking, smoking and 'having relations' inside the building. Of course, as a favor to trunks and Goten, Gohan said nothing about the beer that was being served, as long as Trunks and Goten cleaned everything up before Bulma got back.

He sat a table by himself watching the drunken teenagers on the dance floor trying to keep his mind clear, while sipping a beer of his own.

As he started to feel a little tipsy he could not help but feel better about his life. Sure the woman he thought he loved was a liar and a murderer, and sure she was just a few short weeks away from her last breath but as the beer took a hold of him he started looking at the positives in his life. He had great family and friends, a good job and was a productive member of society. As Saiyaman he was idealized throughout the world and he could pretty much get any woman he wanted. His life was sweet, and he didn't need a criminal like Videl mucking it up. He just had to forget about her, that's all.

REWIND 9 YEARS

It had been nearly 2 months since Videl's departure from Satan City. Coincidently, crimes rates had sky rocketed to an all-time high, although it dulled a bit after the murder of Mr. Satan it didn't take long for the thugs and thieves to return to their old habits.

In Videl's absence Gohan became the city's new hero. Every day after school he'd fly around for an hour or two looking for any signs of trouble. He was getting used to his routine and with Videl out of the picture being Saiyaman became a lot easier. The police chief had even given him a police radio watch, one similar to Videl's. The chief had given it to him after he'd successful stop a fire at the ZTV building and saved the lives of a hundred people. He was a little weary about taking it at first, but then quickly realized the benefits of having it. He'd just have to put it on silent during the school day. Students at school were slowly befriending him and accepting him as a member of the group and the last thing he needed was the police calling him in the middle of class.

But even with his new wide spread acceptance at school, he still felt like an outsider looking in. They did not and would not know who he really was; everything about him was a secret. There were times when Erasa, who had been the first one to friendly up to the young saiyan, would reveal personal things about her life and completely open up to him on a very personal level. He wasn't sure why, he didn't ask her for such personal information. In fact he became a sort of therapist for a lot of the girls in his class. They'd talk and he'd listen, a simple equation.

So there he was, on a Thursday evening hanging out with Sharpener, Erasa and a few other friends which included Matt, a jock with black hair and green eyes (a real ladies man) and the slightly spoiled and overweight twins, Jess and Tess. Despite not being able to reveal himself he still enjoyed the company of people his own age. These 'hang out' times were always the same; they'd order an extra-large pepperoni pizza, talk about random happenings around the school, gossip (mostly done by the girls, while the guy contemplated suicide), and of course every conversation led to discussion about Videl and her father. She hadn't contacted anybody since she'd left for Central City months before and any attempt to contact her was useless since she never answered the phone. Gohan didn't understand the fascination with this girl, sure he felt sorry for her, losing her parents and all, but he had to admit, not having her around was a hell of a lot easier.

"I just don't get it, it's almost like she's avoiding us. Why would she want to do that?" Erasa whined

"Just relax; she'll call us when she's ready. Come on, you know Videl; she likes to have her own space sometimes, especially with all that's happened. I wouldn't worry," Sharpener replied.

"Poor thing, she's probably just sad," Tess offered

"I hate to think of her so depressed, and I can't even be there to give her a hug!" Erasa replied

"Yeah, maybe all this was too much for her. I'm actually thinking about traveling to Central city tomorrow after school to give her an unexpected visit. Maybe the two of us should go."

"Really Sharpener! That's a wonderful idea! We should all go to give her some support!" Erasa squealed

"Yeah it would be pretty nice to get out of town for a few days. I heard they have a great night life out there in C.C" Matt said

"In that case, we're in!" The twins said simultaneously

"Hold on guys, this trip is for Videl not for a party,"

"Why can't it be both?" Matt asked

"Because, we don't want to make her feel bad, we're just going there to show her some support. That's it, if you're not into it then don't come."

"Fine, you two go 'support' Videl, while the rest of us have some fun. Besides you're going to need my jumbo jet to get there anyway, so I have to come." Matt said arrogantly

"We don't need you or your Jet Matt, we'll just drive,"

"Driving? Sharpener, I think we should just take Matt's jet, it's a lot faster. Besides, nothing else matters as long as we get to see her right? I say let Matt do whatever he wants." Erasa begged

"Pfft, fine. But we can't let Videl know," Sharpener agreed.

"Awesome, I can't wait… Are you coming with us Gohan?"

"Uh, who me?" Gohan asked

"Of course you."

Gohan, who had been sitting quietly during the entire conversation was caught off guard. He didn't think he'd be included in the trip too.

"Well I guess so. But I don't really know Videl all that well, she probably won't wanna see me."

"It's okay Gohan, come have fun with us. I'm sure Videl won't mind. And even if she does she probably won't say so to your face." Erasa replied

"Do you even know Videl, Erasa?" Sharpener laughed, "But yeah, you should come, I don't want Matt to be the only other guy on this trip. We'll get hotel rooms."

"Well, sure, I guess I could come," Gohan replied,

"Great, then it's settled, we're heading to Central City! Videl is gonna be so excited!" Erasa squealed.

Elsewhere…

Now more than ever she cursed her short legs; they weren't moving nearly as fast as she would have liked. She ran almost blindly; jumping over tree stumps and rain puddles through the woods. Her bloodied pants were now soaked in sweat. Her heart raced, feeling almost like a sledge hammer against her chest, the adrenaline was pumping, as far as she was concerned she was running for her life. She was sure Cristov's goons would be hot on her tail.

She didn't know where she was going or how long she'd keep running, she'd made several turns trying to throw off whoever was chasing her.

Every muscle in her body wanted to stop running after the first hour but her mind wouldn't let her. An intense heat overtook her entire body as her heart continued to pump as hard as it could. She couldn't stop, she just couldn't. She replayed the scene over and over again in her mind; aiming that gun and pulling the trigger. It was wrong of her, so wrong. Even now, she could feel the cold steel on the gun pressed against her body. It made her sick. She'd just taken a man's life! She was going to jail for sure, that's if Cristov's men don't get to her first.

She had to keep running. Unfortunately her body had its limits, it was exhausted, underfed and drenched in sweat. It could not go on any further, it gave out completely, almost instantly, and she collapsed to the muddied ground.

Hours later she woke up slowly to the bitter taste in her mouth. With her eyes still closed she could feel the pain in her back and neck, they were very sore. Not yet remembering what happened she tried to adjust her body on the cold ground.

"You might wanna get off my property before something bad happens," she heard a voice say. She opened her eyes quickly, it was still dark and she was still in the woods lying down in the mud where she fell in. The feel of the cold night air sent the memories rushing back.

"Interesting," she heard the voice say again. She looked up and in front of her stood a tall, black haired man with an orange scarf. He had a sinister smile on his face and held a shot gun in his right hand.

"Who are you!" she screamed, fearing he was one of Cristov's goons.

"You're on my property, who are you?"

"Your property?" she asked as she stood up off the ground

"Yes, I own this land. And for the last time I'm asking you to leave,"

"Leave? I don't even know where I am"

"I'm supposed to care? There are police officers all over this area; the last thing I want is for them to question me again about a teenaged girl on my property,"

"What? The police are here?"

"They're all over the place" the man replied calmly

"Oh god, I'm going to jail. No, no, no, no!" she cried as she sunk back into the ground.

The man smirked, "Well I'll be. You're the one they're looking for aren't you?... Yes, then you must be Videl Satan?"

"Oh god!" She squealed, "I can't breathe… I can't breathe," She said hyperventilating. "Guess I have no other choice. I have to turn myself in."

"Turn yourself in? That's very noble of you,"

"Nobel? I shot a man and want to turn myself in. What's noble about that? And why are you talking to me, don't you work for Cristov?

"I work only for myself. And yes there is plenty noble in such an act. Even though it's a stupid one,"

"Okay, you're starting to creep me out. I gotta get out of here. Being in police custody is a lot safer than being a sitting duck out here," she said to herself

"Do whatever you want, but I wouldn't run to the cops if I were you,"

"What do you know about anything? Who are you anyway?"

"The name's Seventeen" he said proudly.

"Seventeen. That's your name?"

"Granted. It's a little strange. But it's quite unique don't you think?"

"What? I don't care! I have bigger things to worry about than you name" She said as tears began to flow from her eyes

"Awe, don't cry,"

"You don't understand, I killed the man that killed my father and now I'm going to jail for it,"

"He killed your father and you have to go to jail? That's the human justice system for you. So very flawed" He laughed.

"Videl! Videl Satan! Show yourself" said a voice from a short distance

"Oh great! It's the police, they're here for me!

"I see it's time to have some fun," Seventeen said as he approached Videl

"What do you mean have some fun? What the hell are you doing?" She screamed as he, in incredible speed, grabbed her around the waist and fly into the air.

"Oh My God," she yelled as she held on tightly around his neck, "How are you doing this! Put me down!"

"Listen, it's dark. If you'd be quiet and stop fidgeting they won't think to look up."

"I don't know what you're up to or what kind of tricks you're trying to pull here but I'm begging you to just let me go," she said, barely able to speak through the winds of the night air.

"Hey I'm trying to save you , just relax," he said as he flew higher into the clouds.

"Oh my god, why is this happening. Why, why, why! I have to be dreaming, I just have to be!"

"Over dramatic much?"

"Shut up! How are we flying like this? And where are you taking me?"

"I'm taking you somewhere safe. Just relax. If you don't, then I'll just have to drop you to the ground,"

"You wouldn't!"

"Wanna bet," he said as he let go of her waist sending her plunging to the ground. She was in a free fall, diving head first, Screaming her lungs off. She thought she was a goner, until she felt his warm arms wrap around her waist again.

"You see," He said

"Are you trying to kill me you idiot?"

"No, but your death really wouldn't matter to me,"

"Then why are you doing this?"

"I have my reasons, just relax, we're here," he said as they landed

"We're in the same place!"

"Technically we are, but we're about 30 miles from where you woke up. They won't find you all the way out here; they'll never suspect you've gotten this far overnight,"

"No way! that was quick."

"If you continue down that path over there you should reach the town of Grayson in about 15 minutes. Good luck." He said as he turned to leave in the other direction.

"What, you're leaving me here, wait!" she yelled

"What is it?"

"Why did you do this, I wanted to turn myself in!"

"No you didn't… I saw it in your eyes when that cop was calling your name. You didn't want to get caught"

"That's only because his voice caught me by surprise. I kid you not, I'm going to turn myself in"

"Sure…Whatever. But it's not fair for you to be locked in jail just because you took justice."

"So is that why you helped me? For justice?"

"Hardly, let's just say I was being a kind citizen,"

"That doesn't make any sense. A kind citizen would turn me in for killing a man"

"Spoken like a true law enforcer. Tell me something. Do you fear death?"

Dumbfounded, she didn't reply

"Well do you?" he asked again

"That's a stupid question… And no I don't… Not that much anyways"

"Then why did you spend hours running for your life?"

"How did you know that? And Just because I avoid something, doesn't mean I'm scared of it,"

"Good point. But you're still scared"

"So? Most humans fear the unknown, I'm no different. What's with the weird question anyway? Do you fear death?"

"Absolutely not."

"Is that so? And what makes you so special?"

"Unlike regular humans, death is not a factor in my life,"

"Right... I see now, you're completely insane. Thanks for the lift" She said as she headed for the pathway

"To be honest, the thing I fear most, the thing all humans should fear most, is not having anyone or anything to live for," he yelled, catching her attention

"Not having anything to live for" Videl repeated

"There's no point in living if you have no one to live for. Life is pointless"

"I see,"

"Anyway, I should be on my way. Good luck to you, Videl, whatever you decide to do" and with that he disappeared into the night sky before Videl could protest.

Being alone in the dark again sent chills to her bones. Reality began to kick in again. The sun was slowly beginning to peak over the horizon as she started to jog down the path. As she ran she came to a decision that as soon as she got to Grayson she'd head straight to the police station. She had to face the music one way or the other.

Still on the path, she arrived near the outskirts of the town after a 10 minute jog. The land was clear, almost desert like. She was still exhausted from her run earlier in the evening so she started to walk. She estimated that it was around 6 in the morning, which meant she would have enough time to find the police station before the people in the town had a chance to watch the morning news. She wanted to turn herself in a quietly as possible.

As she crossed the border of the town she heard the engines of a car start up. To her right she saw a black limousine gearing closer towards her. 'Great, here we go' she thought. The car pulled up closer to her, stopping at the passenger doors. The window rolled down revealing the smiling face of Lorenzo Alcazar.

"Lorenzo!" Videl said in surprise

"Get in young lady,"

"What's going on?" she asked

"Just get in. You'll be safer with me,"

"I can't, I've done something really bad!"

"I know, just get in and we'll talk about it."

"Wait, how do you know? And how did you know I was here?"

"Enough with the questions, just get into the limo for your own safety!" He said as he opened the door.

"For my safety? oh fabulous" she said as she entered the limo and shut the door. "Are you taking me to the police?

Lorenzo laughed, "not at all, we're going back to my home and I'll tell you what to do from there,"

"What? No! Just take me to the cops or let me out. I don't wanna be on the run, I'd rather be in jail."

"You're welcomed to go to the police if you really want to but if you wanna stay alive you might wanna stick with me."

"Stay alive? I'll be perfectly fine in a jail cell!"

"You'd think so wouldn't you? Do you have any idea who you just killed? Cristov's got prison guards and police officers in almost every major city on his payroll, not to mention the associates he's got behind prison walls. They won't hesitate to take you out. Do you know how many men and women that end up dead every year for crossing him? Your father was one of them, don't you make the same mistake. So trust me, you're safer here,"

"Yeah but he's dead now, he should not be a threat."

"You are so naïve, it actually kind of cute. Just because he's dead doesn't mean his business stops. They don't call it a Family organization for nothing."

"My god, what have I gotten myself into?"

"You gotta ask yourself, do you want to live, or die?"

Take me apart piece by piece, Sorrow decrease, Pressure release. I put in work, did more than called upon, More than deserved

When it was over, Did I wind up hurt (Yes)? But it taught me before a decision ask this question first: Who am I living for?

Is this my limit? Can I endure some more? Chances are given, Question Existing.

-Rihanna, Question existing

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