Disclaimer: I, Goku's Daughter, do not own Dragonball/Z/GT.

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Special thanks to my brilliant beta-reader, Folken's Daughter. Also, very special thanks to ShaggyDiz for re-formatting and going over it. This applies to chapters one and two as well.

Edit: January 7, 2007: An Extra paragraph was in place it shouldn't have. Thanks Diggy for pointing it out. )

Sinful

Written by the somewhat infamous Goku's Daughter

Chapter Three: Suspicious

Suspicious:
1 tending to arouse suspicion : QUESTIONABLE
2 disposed to suspect : DISTRUSTFUL suspicious of strangers
3 expressing or indicative of suspicion a suspicious glance
--Merriam-Webster OnLine

A little nose twitched. There was a pleasant aroma filling the room and at the same time it filled those tiny nostrils, causing a boy to slowly escape his slumber. With his little hand, he wiped the sleep out of his eyes and then turned to his night table. With each passing second, the aroma that swept in the room had made the little boy excited, for he knew where that delicious scent had come from… it was the kitchen! It was past time to eat breakfast because he had slept in a little late due to late-night training. Still, the boy considered it to be breakfast—food—time!

Eager, the little boy changed into an orange gi, which resembled his father's. He flitted straight down to the kitchen after brushing his teeth and doing his business on the toilet. The young male had to wipe his wet mouth several times because he did not want his mother to see that he was drooling, again. She had always scolded him and his father that it wasn't very well mannered to drool at the table. The little boy tried very much to please his mother, but sometimes, he couldn't help it. Sometimes his stomach and mouth had a conspiracy against him—and sometimes they were out of control. Everyone in the household could agree that the boy's stomach had a life of its own. The same went for his father.

It was, supposedly, a Saiyan thing. Or that was what Uncle Vegeta informed the young boy.

Speaking of that boy, he managed to make it to the kitchen and sit down peacefully without getting his small hands on any grub. However, his father did not have such luck.

"Goku!" came a sharp cry. "Didn't I tell you that you have to wait?!"

"Aw Chi! Goten is here! Can't we start eating?"

It was like this almost every meal. Goten would meet his father at the table, and his father would always try to take bits of food, disobeying Goten's mother's wishes. Goten, for some reason, liked it. He liked the way they acted. It made him feel warm inside. It made him feel like they were happy. And if they were happy, then he was too.

"Oh my KAMI! You broke all the China plates!?!" came Chichi's sudden scream.

"Oops. That was an accident! I'm sorry!"

However there were times when his mother was freakishly unusual. Goten (or his father) would never ever confess, but there were times when they just wanted to run (no, fly) away…

The little boy, Goten, was an exact replica of his father. They had the same features, same eyes, same nose, mouth, hair…everything. Goku supposed that he could escape punishment from his wife since he did look innocent…and since Goten could escape with anything. Goku made a small smile.

"Chi," he started softly, "I'm really sorry…" He then let his innocent, black, warm eyes do the rest of the work. Goku allowed them give the infamous puppy eyes.

Chichi's heart almost melted.

Goten wasn't sure what was going to happen next. With Chichi's capricious moods, anything could transpire.

"Ahhhhh! You're not getting away with it that easily!" Chichi yelled. A comically bulged vein pulsated on her forehead.

"Damn it…" Goku mentally cursed. Despite his first failure, Goku was a man who never gave up at whatever he tried. So, he continued to act cute (not like he wasn't when he isn't trying…). Goku let his lower lip tremble, and hoped it'd break down Chichi's defenses.

Goten, with those big guiltless eyes, looked back and forth at his mother and father.

Chichi's eye twitched and she was about to yell some more but held herself back when she remembered that Goten was in the room. Switching moods faster than Goku can execute the "Instant Transmission technique", Chichi plastered a smile on her face, even though it looked quite… abnormal. She even attempted to use a soft, nice voice to coax her young son. "Goten, hunny, can you do mommy a favour?"

Goten nodded slowly, becoming more attentive.

"Can you go to the attic and get the box of plates. It's marked 'China plates #40'."

"Sure thing!" Goten exclaimed as he turned around. He did notice how quickly her mother had changed moods, but he did not worry or thought much about it. According to Krillin, women were an enigma. Plus, Goten too was naïve and innocent when it came to this sex, so it was no big deal to him. That's probably why he was never afraid of his mother's tantrums. The eight-year-old half-Saiyan was so modest about his cuteness that he did not know how adorable he was, especially when he did not make a special effort. To be frank, Goten underestimated his charm.

Goku's left eye twitched once at his son's behaviour. The kid acted like nothing was wrong…

"Goten!" Chichi hollered out, before Goten would be out of hearing range. "When you enter the attic, it's on the left side, by a lamp on a night table. Be careful up there!" To be out of Chichi's hearing range would mean you got to be out in the woods. She was not fully aware of how deafening she really was.

As soon as Goten was out of sight, Chichi's full attention went on her husband, who was trying to escape. "Goku!" she snapped quickly. This time, there was a playful smirk on her face.

Goku slowly turned with a bewildered expression. One would think that he wouldn't notice the look on his wife's face, but no, he does know. Goku has lived with this woman for a very long time. He and his wife had depended on each other in the darkest time of their lives. His wife needed his strength to move on with each day. Goku too depended on her. The hardships that occurred in their lives only made their relationship stronger—like when their first son was abducted. Kami forbid, Goku initially thought that his wife would run away or do something more drastic, but Chichi knew Goku needed her. Losing a son was hard to deal with—let alone get over. Sometimes, Goku doubted that they passed that part—the grieving stage. Only now, because they have another son, Chichi has become mellower and cheerful, but there were still times where Goku found his wife crying on the bed. She still missed her son. Goku understood that. He understood her feelings well. The Saiyan too still missed his son. They both ached to have Gohan back.

And to this day, Goku still hoped.

On the night that Piccolo broke the news to his wife, Goku was watching in Otherworld. He vowed that he'd find his son one day, and told her one night when he returned home. Goku wasn't a person to break promises either; even Chichi knew that. Having this knowledge, it helped them a bit, but it didn't make them forget what Goku guaranteed.

Making vows and promises to someone also keeps you bound to that person. This helped Goku become a better husband and father. He knew the many faces of his wife. He knew her natural scent to her distinct ki. Even many miles away he could read her expressions and mood. He never knew losing a son caused him to be more observant to his wife—and younger son.

"Like I said, I'm sorry."

Chichi planted her puckered lips on his right cheek, softly kissing him. "You know too well that I can't stay mad at you for long."

Goku softly smiled and embraced his wife. They stood silent and still for more than five minutes before Goku just had to ruin the moment. "Can we eat now?"

Chichi pulled away and pretended to look hurt. She failed miserably and instead of yelling, she was silenced with lips pressed to her own. Now, she couldn't say 'no' to him anymore. It would be too painful and cruel to do that, especially when his pleading, affectionate eyes stared at her. Those eyes made her feel warm all over.

Defeated, Chichi began to set bowls of food on the table and was surprised that Goku never touched anything. "Goku, are you sick?"

Goku looked at his wife with an open mouth and confused expression. When he realized what his wife said, he slowly shook his head. Almost immediately, the Saiyan turned his head to the side, looking for something. "Goten isn't back yet. I don't want to start eating until he's here."

Chichi warmly smiled at Goku's consideration. It was really sweet of him, especially when she knew how Goku adored food. "Why don't you get Goten if you're really hungry? He's probably having trouble picking up the box—"

At her words, Goku snorted and then laughed. "My son? Having trouble picking up a box full of plates?" Goku snickered again and smiled playfully at his wife. "He can transform to a Super Saiyan," Goku boasted proudly, grinning at his son's accomplishment.

Chichi eyed her husband. "You never let me finished. I was going to say; maybe he needs help bringing the box without breaking the plates inside!"

Goku mildly flinched at her words. Next, before more damage could be done, the Saiyan raised his hands up in defense and got out of his chair. "Fine. I'll go and get Goten." Giving his wife another innocent look, he walked out of the room, never putting his back towards her.

When the Saiyan was gone, a small smile crept on her face. "That Goku…" she whispered and then turned around, continuing to cook food for her family.

"Goten! Hey Goten! Are you here?" Goku hollered as he emerged into the attic. He opened his mouth to call his son again, but delayed his action when he saw a bright light on the left side of the room. Goku approached it and as he neared the light, he saw a little silhouette. Beside the little figure that was sitting down by a lamp, there was an old cardboard box. Goku realized that the little figure was Goten by his clothing. What he couldn't figure out was why Goten would choose to sit by a dusty lamp and not bring the plates that were needed. Goku smiled when he was finally behind his son. He rested his large hand on Goten's shoulder. "Hey little guy, why are you—"

Goku immediately closed his mouth when he realized that Goten was staring at something… oddly. The man sat down and imitated his son by crossing his legs. "What are you looking at?" the Saiyan asked his son softly.

The boy just stared at the picture in the book that he was holding. It seemed that Goten was in deep contemplation—and confusion, which caused Goku to worry. This was rare that Goten would chose to ignore his father, or was just too zoned out to acknowledge his father's presence.

"Goten?"

This time, Goten made a little 'hmm' response, but the little amiable boy still did not fully reply. Slowly the boy turned the page, and continued to stare at the contents. He continued going through that same cycle—turning the page, looking at the pictures carefully, and ignoring Goku, his father.

The full-blooded Saiyan frowned. What was so interesting that Goten was looking at? Goku opened his mouth to say something, but Goten beat him to it.

"Daddy… who is Gohan?"

Goku blinked. Five times. Now his mouth was left opened and he was suddenly...surprised, baffled, anything down those lines. He never expected Goten to find out. Especially not like this. The way Goten said it too. His voice haunted Goku's ears. The chilling words ran through Goku's head as it stung the very depths of his soul. His mind raced with thoughts and memories of his abducted son. Nothing could mar more than this.

Both Chichi and Goku intended to keep Gohan a secret to their youngest son. It seemed unfair, but at the time Goten was born, they though it was best. They didn't want to tear open anymore mended wounds and they did not want Goten to feel confused—or different. It wasn't like Goten would never know either. Goten would know, eventually, but not until he was old enough to understand the cruel circumstances that Goku faced. Chichi was sure that Goten wasn't ready for that at the tender age of seven years old.

"Daddy," the little voice pleaded. A minute passed. "Daddy," he called out again. The boy was indeed curious with what he found in old photo albums—and he was certainly interested with this boy called 'Gohan'. That was the name scribbled under the photograph and many others that Goten concluded Gohan had to be someone important. Truthfully, Goten had no idea just who he could be. Was he, perhaps, a cousin? Relative? Or even a friend's son? Yes, he must be of some significance if there were so many pictures of him.

"Daddy?" Goten asked again, never peeling his eyes off the page.

Goku looked down at Goten with a strange face. "Yes?" he finally answered, a bit breathlessly.

"I said… who is this?" This time Goten took out the picture of a little boy, no more than four. It was a picture taken a few months before Raditz came to Earth. "On the bottom of the page it says that this boy Gohan, right? So, who's Gohan?" Goten handed his father the picture, pushing it near his face.

At that moment, Goku forgot how to breathe.

It was almost twelve when Gohan walked outside. He wore his regular attire, which consisted of a black buttoned-up shirt with a black semi-formal pants. Gohan also wore dark boots that had weights inside the soles. To top the look (and because of the chilly weather), he wore a black, leather-like coat. It wasn't a biker's jacket since it did not have any elastic on any particular place. It was simple, long, loose, and made Gohan look more mysterious, dangerous, and certainly dauntless. Add in his dark, rectangular shaped shades, and voila! You got a guy that you do not want to mess with.

Now factor in that poise, confident walk, Gohan looked more invincible. However, he was not a big attention grabber, like Hercule or a really hot, famous female model, which was perfectly fine. He was completely satisfied that if he walked through a crowd, somehow, someway, there would be no need for him to slant his body to avoid contact with any other person. Now that means that any person heading towards him would move out of his way slightly. It was easy as that. The look and confidence does pay off.

His scar also helped him cross the line between a thug and a delinquent to someone more respected. Gohan couldn't argue with that. The again, he was also one who did not really care how his look affected others.

Today, at the moment, Gohan was in one of those "I-don't-give-a-shit" moods. Lazily, the half Saiyan raised his left arm up and looked at his watch. It was finally twelve and somehow it served some significance if it made Gohan slightly smirk. The young adult cracked his knuckles and licks his lips.

"Hercule, I hope you do have body guards. It'll make this more fun for me." He paused, narrowing his eyes. "But then again, if there were none, it'll make my job easier."

Gohan made his way down the block and turned a couple of times before finding his victim. There was Hercule surrounded by many, many news reporters. Apparently the "Champ" was grieving over the loss of his daughter. Gohan stood a safe distance away and frowned at the man's weakness. He snorted and leaned against the wall, listening to the Hercule's words.

"My poor baby! Videl is missing!" Hercule said, trying to be brave in front of the camera. "She wouldn't leave without telling me or one of the housekeepers!"

Gohan broke a smirk when he heard that. "No, of course she wouldn't," he muttered.

"Is there a reward if Videl is found?" one of the news reporters inquired.

At that question, Gohan's eyebrow rose, his face almost glowing with some sort of excitement and interest. Now this is what he was waiting for.

Hercule nodded in front of the camera. "Yeah! Seven million zeni to the person who finds Videl, my baby!" Many cameras flashed as an outpour of questions were asked to the "Champ".

Gohan didn't have the patience to listen to Hercule's responses. "Seven million only?" Gohan asked loudly. His voice rolled in the area like soft thunder, silencing all the reporters, and even the World Martial Arts Champion, Hercule.

"What do you mean 'seven million only'?" Hercule asked, glaring at this stranger.

"Is that how little you want your daughter back?" Gohan asked with a smirk.

Hercule opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, but nothing came out. He looked at this new arrival with a baffled expression and before he could respond, the video cameras mildly and mysteriously exploded. Hercule flinched but never left his eyes on this stranger dressed in black. There was something familiar and strange about him, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Gohan had a lazy, uninterested look on his face as he glided in Hercule's direction. His eyes were locked straight ahead, but he knew that Hercule was staring at him. Even those damn reporters were staring at Gohan's face, as if he was some kind of alien. Well he was…ahhh…never mind…

Gohan almost laughed at their foolishness. What? They never seen an attractive man before? Ha. It was more like they never seen a man oppose Hercule…ever! Gohan could literally feel their heated glares on them, before they turned and whispered insults about this rude man. Gohan was not bothered him, though. He was too smart to let it get to him. It was actually good that they were so…zombie-like. It certainly gave Gohan a chance for one of his men to slip a note into Hercule's pocket. Of course his action went unnoticed since the android was too fast for them. Gohan almost smirked wickedly at his work. However, he soon frowned at the cause for his behaviour.

"Hi Chichi. Is Goten around?" A boy, no older than nine, entered the kitchen where Chichi was sitting. He had purple hair and bright blue eyes that reminded Chichi of the blue, peaceful sky. If only Trunks could be as peaceful as his eyes could deceive.

"He's somewhere in the attic with his father. I have no idea why they are taking so long…" In no time, Chichi had managed to begin ranting about dirty children and naïve husbands. Trunks ignored her and let his bright eyes wander over the food set at the table. Quickly he took a handful of sausages and stuffed into his mouth when Chichi wasn't looking. When the woman looked back at the young boy, he smiled innocently, and mumbled something about "going to find Goten".

Chichi just blinked twice at Trunks, and poof, he was gone. Her left eye twitched two times. "Saiyans," she mumbled. Soon she realized that the food was getting cold. "Trunks! Tell them to come and eat!" she hollered. When there was no response, Chichi figured that Trunks never heard her. She sighed and rolled up her sleeve, heading to the attic. Chichi couldn't foretell what would be shoved in her face once she walked into that door.

It took her five minutes. When she entered the room the atmosphere was so thick and heavy that Chichi wondered what happened.

"Goku, Goten, why are you guys taking so long?" Chichi allowed her dark eyes to wander on the surroundings. More than twice, she noted to clean up the place. Despite the mess that Goten had created when looking for the box, Chichi had a feeling that there was more to be fixed.

Chichi took a couple of steps and found the box that she needed. Then she looked down at Goten, then Goku, who was sitting across Goten. There was also Trunks who stood by her son, peering down at something that Goten was holding. Chichi noticed the confused look on Goten's face. Trunks appeared to be really curious. And Goku…. Well it looked like Goku was spooked. It was like he just saw a ghost.

It was a bit scary, but Chichi was more curious and interested with the situation to just let her fear get in her way. Once she cleared her throat, the staring contest that Goten had going on with his father had somehow shifted onto her. There were dark, innocent eyes starring at her and when his lips began to move, Trunks looked up at Chichi. Between all this, Goku still sat there, almost emotionless and petrified.

"Mom, who's this?" Goten asked, handing her the picture.

When Chichi grasped and turned the photograph to identify the person, she almost fainted. Her knees gave up while her throat and chest became tight, making it harder for her to breathe. Luckily Goku had snapped out of his own guilt and caught his wife before she touched the ground harshly.

Trunks crossed his arms over his chest and made a demanding look. "Well? Who is it? We don't have all day you know!"

As monkey see, monkey do. Goten had a similar, encouraging smile on his face. "Yeah! Who. Is. It?" Goten made sure to punctuate each word slowly and loudly so his parents wouldn't mistake what he was asking for.

Goku turned to Chichi with a defeated look. Chichi was still in a state of shock but she was able to return a gaze to her husband.

"I think we should tell Goten," Goku started, sounding reasonably uncertain. He definitely had time to weigh the pros and cons.

Chichi kept silent as her eyes fixed onto the picture again. Her baby was in it. Her baby… Gohan. Tears stung her eyes and soon she began to choke on sobs. She sniffed a couple of times to make herself stop, but when she looked back at the picture and then to Goten… she couldn't help herself. "Do whatever you want to do," she whispered hoarsely after a minute or so.

Goten and Trunks blinked with surprised at Chichi's sudden mood change and show of sorrowful emotion.

Goku's lashes lowered while the end of his tongue licked his lips. He couldn't hide the truth from his son, besides Goten deserved to know that he wasn't an only child. Slowly, cautiously, and mostly hesitantly, Goku whispered, "This," he paused and pointed to the boy's face, "is Gohan, your older brother."

Trunks eyes widened in absolute shock and for once his big mouth was left open, speechless.

Goten almost looked traumatized—and felt painfully robbed. Confusion flashed into his eyes, but worry soon crept in. "Brother?" Goten whispered softly. "My brother?"

Goku nodded and looked down at Chichi, who started to calm down.

Goten approached his parents and looked down at the picture. "What happened to my brother? What happened to Gohan?" Goten's voice cracked with worry and fear. He still couldn't believe that he had a brother… and was beginning to feel heart-broken that Gohan wasn't here—with him. "Why doesn't he live with us?" Goten asked again. His eyebrows slanted upwards with concern. His eyes shone with a mix of confusion and disquietude.

Goku looked down at the picture and then back at Chichi. She opened her mouth twice, but she couldn't say anything. It was as if something that tasted rancid like rotten milk prevented her from speaking. Goku was not too sure if she wanted Goten to know why he had no brother.

"Gohan, he was kidnapped by Raditz… my brother." It was blunt. It was direct. It was the truth.

Goten sat there stiff just as Trunks was. They saw the expression on Goku and Chichi's faces and they could tell that it was hard for them to deal with it, even to this day. Honestly, it was a mature observation done by the demi-Saiyans. They were also mature enough to know and trust their scrutiny. Goten and Trunks knew it was true.

"When was he kidnapped?"

"Before you were born."

"How much older is he?"

"Thirteen years…"

Damn, Goten was missing a big brother. He yearned for the company of people living in the country, and now, since he knew that he had a brother…somewhere… Goten wanted a brother now. It's not just any brother—Gohan. Goten wanted someone to look up to and admire. Sure Goku was an excellent idol, but brothers were different. Older brothers were cool. They were someone to always look after you and played with you. Brothers were people who could be your best friend… It wasn't like Trunks was not a good best friend, but brothers… brothers were different.

Maybe it was unwise for Goku to tell Goten about Gohan in the first place.

"Is he alive?" Trunks soon asked, bluntly.

If Chichi weren't upset she would have scowled at the boy's rudeness. Goten just nodded to Trunks's question while Goku fought hard not to show too much emotion. He didn't want to come close to crying. The last thing he wanted was to make Chichi start bawling her eyes.

"Yes," Goku whispered. "He's alive."

Chichi looked up at Goku with a little hint of love radiating in her eyes. "How do you know?"

Immediately he answered, "Because Gohan lives in my heart, that's why." Goku never ever lost faith whether his son was alive or not. He just had a feeling, like a bond It was unexplainable. It was indescribable. He couldn't justify it. It was just a feeling.

Nothing else was said. Not for a while at least. Sometimes it was good if some things were left unspoken.

A little over an hour passed by since Gohan had his last encounter with Hercule. For some reason he felt it was necessary to retreat to his home and see what his future mate was up to. As Gohan flown, there was smirk tingling on his face. The air felt good on his face and especially when it wisped through his dark locks. Gohan was almost certain that he would feel better once he had a little chat with Miss Videl.

It was almost two in the afternoon when Gohan reached a castle-like building, which was his home. He always thought of the building to be his castle at least. The exterior was constructed of huge, gray brick blocks, which reached up to three stories. The grassy, almost divine landscape around the house made him felt more like a prince welcomed back to his fortress. The androids, serving as guards, made a small nod to Gohan as he reached the first gate. This metal gate was attached to a great giant brick wall, which surrounded his massive property. Gohan could have easily flown over the two-story wall but he wanted to see what type of guards was out here today. Surprisingly, there were two stronger androids by their type of attire. Gohan dismissively nodded to them and made his way down a narrow pathway.

There was still a grassy, green landscape surrounding Gohan and it seemed neater and more trimmed. The lawn was a bit more shaved and tamed then what was outside of the wall. As for lawn ornaments, statues, flowers, trees…anything of that kind, Gohan didn't care for. Green, healthy grass was fine enough.

In ten minutes Gohan reached his bedroom. Slowly he turned the knob and pushed the door open with ease. Immediately he dropped off his coat and threw it off to this side, heading straight to his bed. Right in the center of dark sheets was Videl, huddled in a ball. Her hair covered her arms and her head was hidden near her thighs. Gohan instantly knew she had been crying. She wasn't too dramatic with it though. Her body did not tremble with great shakes. The young man could only hear her soft sniffing and attempts to make herself stop crying.

Gohan waited.

The half Saiyan stood there for five minutes and she had not acknowledged his presence. Gohan didn't care. He knew that she knew he was there.

He rolled up his sleeves as he approached the bed. By the time he reached the edge there was a passive look on his face. When Videl finally looked up at him, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

She beat him to it. "You can't just kidnap me and expect me to oblige to your every command! I'm a human being, not your filthy pet!" Videl screamed, preventing him from saying anything. Her blue eyes lost its shimmer, but it was still glass-like. Dull, and glossy… it was almost unbarring to look at. They were also relentless as they stared mercilessly at him.

Gohan's left eye twitched for a second. "What's your point?" he asked with an uninterested tone.

"Argh! Did you just hear what I said?"

Gohan nodded slowly at her. "I don't care. Escape is not an option. With the way things are going, you'll never return to Satan city."

The arrogant tone he used made her angrier. She wanted to get up and strangle him, but she knew physically fighting him isn't going to get her anywhere. Videl wanted to get up but she couldn't. Her limbs were still too…fatigued. They still seemed worn-out and too stiff for her to use effectively.

Instead Videl reached out to scratch his face. She was not completely surprised when he caught her wrist.

"What was the point of that?"

She closed to her eyes. Maybe things will just disappear. Maybe this is just a dream. Maybe if she fell asleep again she'll vanish from this…from him…

"Don't touch me," she coolly replied, opening her eyes slowly. There was no use. She was still in this strange house. And he was still here.

Slowly he let go and smirked. "I expected more out of you," he said plainly, sounding slightly disappointed.

"Well you're sadly mistaken. Do you have any sharp objects lying around?" she asked rudely.

"And why would you need something like that?"

"To poke my eyes out so I won't have to see your see your hideous face. Maybe I could stab myself until the point to where my body will get soo deformed that you would loathe me. If I'm lucky I can strike a vein that will end me li—"

"Don't be foolish," he cut her off. There was a serious look in his eyes as his face hardened.

She ran her hand through her opened hair and looked around. The littlest objects somehow reminded her of what she was deprived of. The windows especially reminded her of freedom. Videl began to panic with jitters. "No. No. No! You can't do this to me!" she screamed standing on her knees. She looked at his unconcerned face and her eyes sparkled with a thought. Slowly she reached closer and closer, directing her lips to his. She looked at his eyes and he knew what she was trying to do. When she pretended to insinuate a kiss, he almost fell for it by waiting. And the clever vixen took the chance and slapped him hard out of anger and fury.

Pssssshh!

Knowing this was her chance, Videl began to run to the door but two strong hands gripped her waist. They violently pulled her back into a hard chest. Her body was pushed up against the bed. When she opened her eyes she saw herself facing the door and she felt Gohan behind her, who had her locked in his grasp. He did not show any signs of letting go and even if he did, she still couldn't move. She was too angry and exasperated emotionally.

"Why?" she asked softly, choking on sobs. The young woman then felt him shift his body. "Why?" Videl did not have to turn to know that he was sitting up and looking down at her keenly, ignoring her questions. "Why?"

"Whatever you want, I'll give you," he began suddenly, starting another subject. "You're going to be staying here for awhile, and you're going to want to do something to keep you occupied while I'm out."

"Can you grant me freedom?" she whispered hopefully.

"It must be within reason."

"Would a Pentium 4 computer be within reason?"

"Yeah. Anything."

"Even if I ask for a whole new wardrobe of clothes?"

"Yes."

"What if I want a collection of CDs to different type of clothes…and…magazines?" She paused. "And anything that you would find in a teen magazine?"

He didn't hesitate to respond. "I'll buy it for you."

"Anything for me?"

"Anything that can be bought, I'll get it to you." Notice the 'to you' and not 'for you'.

Something troubled her. How could he afford all this? He must have been doing something that made a lot of money but she didn't think he owned an executive job.

"You can't buy me happiness. I know what you're trying to do. It's not going to work."

"I can try."

"You can give me anything but you can never bring me happiness. You do realize that. Why won't you just let me go?" she whined, willing to beg.

"How many times do I have to remind you that the strongest man needs the strongest woman? Letting you go would be foolish."

"If you do I'm not going to the cops or anything. I'll pretend nothing happened." Videl desperately tried to compromise. "I'll lie. I'll make up elaborate stories!"

At that Gohan almost snorted. "The police are the least of my worries. They're not a threat but being in trouble with the law will only complicate my father's plan for him and me. If worse comes to worse, I might have to destroy the Earth."

Her eyes grew wider and wider. Destroy the world? What was he talking about? Videl stayed silent for a moment as he shifted his weight on the bed again. She waited until he was still. Slowly, she asked, "How strong are you? What the hell makes you so powerful that seems to make you so confident and so arrogant? Why do you act like you're invulnerable?"

He looked down at her and almost laughed. Gohan raked his fingers through his spiky hair before responding. "Because I am untouchable, that's why."

That wasn't the answer that Videl was looking for. By the scowl on her pale face, she seemed more irritated now than ever. "Have you ever defeated my father?" She was expecting him to say, "No", since her face looked proud.

Gohan didn't say anything until she turned her body to give him a nasty look. When he received it, he only gave her another arrogant smirk, which made her seethe.

"I was there when he was attacked," Gohan confessed bluntly.

Videl didn't blink at Gohan for a while. She was still trying hard to take in what was happening; and learning what Gohan did wasn't helping.

Soon she realized that it was he—he who attacked and almost killed, her father! "Was it fun Gohan? Was it fun to fight an old man and to see him writhe in pain?" Videl asked with tears forming in her eyes.

Ouch. The attitude that she was giving Gohan was a bite in the ass. But Gohan didn't grow furious over it. He just simply gave a cold stare. "I didn't touch him, but yes, it was…fun…too see him desperate, scared, and…helpless."

'Just like I am,' Videl thought mentally. "You sadistic bastard." It came out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

At that moment, Gohan's eyes became icier than usual. Videl ignored it—she didn't care if he was angry now. Should he decided to dispose of her now, it was totally fine with her.

"I don't think I'm that sadistic," came Gohan's distant reply.

There was an almost shocked look playing on Videl's face. "Bullshit. I'm in pain right now and you love it. That's being sadistic," she stated hoarsely, bitterly.

"No. If I was sadistic I would have strapped you down onto the bed or floor and take advantage of you. I'd lock you up in a dark cold room without food, warmth and any commodity that you like. I'd be doing that only because I want to see you in pain and suffering. Right now, you're choosing to feel that way." He made a small pause. "You're just lucky that I'm not sadistic."

She couldn't really argue with that. Not until she found out more of what he knew about Hercule. "Why did you attack my dad?"

"Too see if I stronger than him."

"And?"

Gohan snorted. "Of course I am."

"And you said that you didn't fight him—"

"I had one of my men do it for me. If he could do it, I can."

"Spoken like a true ass."

"You know, for a prisoner you're pushing your luck. You should be thankful that that I did not blast your pathetic father today."

"You saw him today?"

He nodded. "There's this big search going on for you. To help eliminate it, I gave him something that'll make him call off the search for you." Then, as if he was aside, he continued to speak. "I'd expect gratification for sparing his life…"

She fell silent for once. Speechless, she didn't know what to believe, or what to think? She didn't know if she should fight now or wait until the right time. She was mystified and she didn't know what to do.

"How strong are you?" she asked again, sounding more demanding.

Gohan was a little taken back by her question, but he was expecting her to pry. After all, she was a curious girl.

"Open your hand," came Gohan's first commanded.

Slowly Videl sat up and raised her right hand. In one fluid motion she revealed her palm to him. She gave him a cruel stare as he only sat up straight with an amused expression touching his striking face. Steadily he placed his right hand five inches above her small right palm. They both stayed silent as they watched something illuminate from Gohan's hand. It was a tiny blue ball, no bigger than a baseball, no smaller than a golf ball. Gohan made sure not to drop the ki ball on to Videl's hand, but he did let it come in contact with her so it could help her understand.

Videl was definitely interested in this ability of his. The confident look on her face suggested that she was surely curious and intrigued by it. However, the frown on her lips implied that she wasn't pleased with her interest. Her blue eyes grew wider and wider when she felt a slight warm tingle on her palm when the ball came closer to her. She jumped back a little but still advanced to her original place and posture.

"This is ki—energy—from my body. With this tiny ball I can destroy your hover-cars. Imagine if I multiplied this into a giant ball—more or less a quarter of your old home—I can probably destroy the Earth. And make no mistake I am able to grow and produce my energy past than what I need to destroy the Earth. By far." Gohan explained this very carefully, never leaving his eyes off of Videl. He watched her unsettling emotions—confusion, anger, resentment, and a mix of fear and worry.

"What's the point of keeping me here then? I know you want me as your mate so I give a strong heir. But really, what's the point if you're going to destroy the Earth?" Videl asked, shaking a bit.

"I'm not going to annihilate an object without taking advantage of it first," he confessed candidly. Slowly, he pulled his hand away, slipping it into his pants pocket.

Videl looked up at him and saw the chilling look in his eyes. This time it made her shiver with disgust. The way he said that…it was so wicked… so sinful. Truly, it sickened her. Why did she have a feeling that he was referring to her?

"Do you want to learn how to use her ki effectively?" Gohan suddenly asked.

"You mean learn how to do what you just did?"

"Yeah, that. And maybe the art of flight perhaps."

Well this was certainly a change of events. "Why?" Videl asked cautiously. 'And flying?' she mentally questioned.

"Don't you want to become stronger?" he simply explained with a question.

She nodded slowly.

"Well, I can help you with that. Besides you already hate me, it'll make it easier for the both of us."

Gohan did get one thing right. She hated him. Despite that and her desire to be strong, she was still hesitant. Was Gohan that stupid? If she got stronger, it'll increase her chances to get out; it'll give her an advantage to escape.

Gohan was sagacious to that idea. There were guards all around and he knew that Videl couldn't sufficiently harm them. And if, by chance, she was a good student, and was able to surpass the potential of the androids (which was highly doubtful), it'll just make things more fun and interesting for Gohan. It was simple as that.

Videl did not seem to notice the tinniest hint of a smirk on Gohan's face when she nodded and agreed to Gohan's proposal. She was beginning to think this place wasn't as bad as she thought it was.

"Fine, I want to learn."

Gohan suddenly frowned. "Before we begin anything else, I think it's time for me to show you around the house. If you're going to be living here, I don't want you to get conveniently lost." Gohan waited. He waited until he had her full attention. "What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't show the damsel her castle?" Anger flashed into her eyes, and Gohan specifically waited for that.

She snorted. "You're more like the terrible beast who locked the damsel in the castle. That's what you are," she accused him.

Gohan didn't say anything. By the look on his face, it almost suggested that he agreed to what she was saying.

Humph. Beast?

Fair enough…


Goku's Daughter Note:

Note Goten's age is 7, and if he's 13 years younger than Gohan, that'd make Gohan 20 years old.

As for chocolate cake…! hands everyone a slice No one fight over the piece with the scar, that's mine!

Yeah, two weeks have come and gone. I still didn't finish the chapter that I hoped to finish. I'm so slow. .

Next week I'll be serving ice cream cake! Yeah, I know it's winter and all, but who doesn't like ice cream cake? On the top will be…oh, Gohan's estate! It's very pretty!

Anything else? I thank everyone for their last reviews. Made me a happy camper.

You know the next line: be a responsible reader and review please.
'-Goku's Daughter-'

Kiss kiss