Hi there... here it is, and it only took me 4 months, not bad for me eh?!

This was not beta'ed, so feel free to correct me.

Please let me know what you think of it, enjoy!

"Come on Pan... focus." Gohan lost the count of how many times he repeated the same instruction. "You have to make it tiny, just like this." Once again he demonstrated to his daughter the desired size of the ki ball.

Both father and daughter were sitting down on the green grass on the back of their house. It wasn't Gohan's preferred location to train his daughter in the arts of ki controlling, but today as it was already later than their usual practice time, and soon would be dinner time, he decided that there was no point in passing cross the river to a quiet area without any distractions... even if simply little things as a funny shaped cloud or a buzzing bug could be a diversion for the child.

Pan concentrated on her little palms and on her ki ball... the turquoise-bluish colour glowed on her face, reflecting on her eyes, her eyebrows furrowing with the effort. Hesitantly, the ball did reduce its size for a mere second, returning back to its normal size... which was still relatively bigger than the ki ball Gohan presented on top of his hands.

"Dad... this is boring, I can't do it!" Pan crossed her arms in front of her chest. Now that was unusual, Pan was not the quitter type... but this wasn't the first time since they started training that she said that she couldn't do it.

"Of course you can do it! You just have to try really really hard! Concentrate and instead of letting your energy go naturally, you have to think that there is only this bit that you can let go." Gohan explained, even if sometimes he found hard to do it himself.

"But dad, I don't understand... I want to be stronger, not weaker! Why do I have to make my ki ball tiny? I want to make it bigger!" Pan unglued her arms from her chest and clenched her little fists on her sides standing up. She had such an eager expression... full of willpower.

Gohan's ki ball vanished and he put his hands on his knees; he was sitting with his legs crossed, in the exactly same manner as he was in the days where he trained Videl. "But Pan, this isn't making you weaker. Remember what grandpa thought you, he said that it was important to concentrate and control your powers, right? Well, this... this is the same as every time you fly, don't you have to concentrate a bit and tell your ki to fly?"

The girl nodded, despite Gohan thinking that his explanation wasn't the best.

"But daddy, this is sooo boring!" Gohan understod his daughter's complain and Videl was entirely right, the girl found this kind of training boring to bits. The night he told her they were going to start training every day for a little bit after daddy got back from work, oh boy, was she ecstatic... of course her eyes stopped shining when he explained that it wouldn't be the 'sparing' type of training.

"But it needs to be done sweetheart."

"Why does it need to be done?" Gohan wondered if he ever questioned his parents this much when he was her age. He knew she'd gotten this from Videl... often he wondered why Dende didn't spare him of having another stubborn person in his life, he already had plenty...

"Because you are a lot stronger than the other boys and girls at school. You don't want to hurt them while you're playing tag, do you?"

"But I don't want to be weaker! I want to be stronger! I want to be stronger so grandpa Goku comes back to train me instead of Uub!"

Then it all made sense to Gohan... He already had his suspicions for her quitter attitude and it wasn't definitely the first time she expressed her dislike for this kind of torture, er... boring training her dad was making her go through; but now, now it all matched up, and the girl actually said it.

"Come here..."Gohan's expression softened as he opened his arms and welcomed Pan into his embrace. The girl hid her face on Gohan's chest, he could fell her hot respiration passing through his dark blue gi. He kissed Pan's head and combed her wild hair with his fingers... her hair was getting long, long enough to put it up in a little ponytail.

"Pan, grandpa didn't go away to train Uub because you weren't strong enough."

"Then why? Why did he go?" The girl looked up, still hugging her dad. She was flushed, but wasn't crying.

"You should ask him that next time he visits... but I promise he didn't go because you were weak Pan." Gohan kissed her forehead... grandpa left because he is selfish.

The girl nodded, her face returning to Gohan's chest. He had a slight idea of what could cheer her up, he held her torso with both hands and raised her with ease, both father and daughter are at the same eye level.

"You know what? Not tomorrow because tomorrow you're going to play with Bra. But the day after tomorrow, we'll have a proper sparing training."

"Really?!!" Pan's eyes gleamed as much as if dinner was cake. "Will mommy come as well?"

"We have to ask her, but I'm sure she will!" He loved to see his baby girl happy and smiling... that was the good thing with kids, his brother used to be the same. Sad one minute, happy the next one.

Gohan looked at his house not surprised to find his wife observing them from their bedroom window. He saw her opening the window and calling them out.

"Come inside and have a bath! Dinner is almost ready."

"Okay!" both answered at the same time.

Gohan raised himself from the floor still holding Pan, he lifted her high so he could sit her on top of his shoulders.

"Humm... dinner. I'm hungry, are you hungry?" He asked holding the girl's hands, while walking towards their house.

"I'm starving!"

He thought that was a stupid question.

Videl sat on the toilet, looking at the plastic white stick; not long after, one vertical line appeared... two vertical lines appeared... Videl once again grabbed the outside packaging of the contraption and re-read it for the third time. Taking another glance at her watch, she checked how many minutes had passed since she first started counting.

The required time was way over, but she decided to keep staring at the apparatus just to make sure. The horizontal line never came... and again, she re-read the instructions.

'Not Pregnant'.

Videl didn't know if she felt disappointment or relief... it's been months since they stopped taking precautions, and although it is normal to take longer to get pregnant after years of using a contraceptive pill... she still couldn't get over the fact that even though both her and Gohan were very careful, a tiny slip and Pan came along. Now that they were actually not being careful at all... nothing happened.

It was the second time since she stopped taking the pill that she was late... Last month, she was late one week. Gohan said it could've been stress... which wasn't unlikely at all. This month, she was already over two weeks late... so she decided to do the test.

She felt a slight déjà vu while following the instructions, but a few years ago the result was completely the opposite... and so was her reaction.

Not worrying too much about it, she put the plastic stick back inside its package and disposed it in the small pedal bin next to the toilet. She raised herself, went to the sink to wash her hands and paid attention to her reflection on the mirror.

'I shouldn't worry too much, it's probably stress.' Videl thought to herself. Work was being hectic and tomorrow she'd have to go to court and testify in one of the cases she'd been working on. It wouldn't be the first time she'd have to do something like this... but still, she hated the whole situation, and perhaps the nerves/anxiety were messing up with her cycles.

Videl moved her head closer so she could get a better look at herself, stretching her skin around her cheeks... she was still young to have wrinkles, but her features have matured indeed. She tried to dominate a wild strand of hair, but after straightening it with her fingers for quite a few times with no results, she just let it be.

Videl was confused about the feelings this negative test brought her... she understood the disappointment, but why the relief? Didn't she want to have another baby? Was she having doubts? Was she going along this only to please Gohan?

'Noo...' Videl shook her head in an attempt to keep such thoughts away. She did want a baby... otherwise she wouldn't feel disappointed right? So she thought. Perhaps this feeling of relief was brought by how worried she has been with Pan... how afraid of Pan's reaction to the new baby, would she feel jealous, would she rebel... would she feel like they didn't love her anymore, or loved the baby more than her? Thoughts emerged in Videl's head, and once again she forced them all out.

The rice cooker was on, and according to her calculations it was about time to call her husband and daughter inside, rice wouldn't take much longer and while they cleaned up it gave her time to finish dinner.

Videl dried her hands on the towel, and applied some moisturising cream on her hands... she walked out of the ensuite bathroom, rubbing both hands. She walked through her and Gohan's room towards the window. Outside she could see Gohan and Pan... Pan was hugging Gohan, and he was petting her head.

Videl though that even if this 'ki-controlling' sessions that she came up with, weren't working... or even if they wouldn't make any difference to Pan's behaviour, at least it definitely would bring father and daughter together. Not that they weren't close before... but Gohan used to work a lot more hours, and Pan... well, they'd do stuff with Pan, but it is common sense that anything related to martial arts is what really makes the girl tick.

Gohan was holding the girl now raising her from his lap. Both parents loved the girl to pieces, Videl wanted nothing more than make her little girl happy... to raise her properly... to make her feel loved... she was sure Gohan wants the same just as much.

She opened the window and called them:

"Come inside and have a bath! Dinner is almost ready."

"Okay!" both answered at the same time.

Videl smiled seeing they promptly changing positions, Gohan putting Pan on his shoulders and walking home.

Although life had its issues... she couldn't help but think that it was hard for their family to be any happier.

Videl had definitely a hair problem today, that unlike other days, needed to be sorted. It is not in her nature to be vain, but after all the lectures and guidelines on how to act in court something stuck... and one of the rules is mind your appearance. Wear clean shoes and don't look like a slob, dress smartly but don't overdo it... put a bit of make up enough to hide the bags under the eyes, usual results of overworking, in order to look sharp and aware. Don't go bananas on the colours and make it look natural, after all it is not a fashion show...

Videl tried to remember all those hints that she was taught, she had taken care of all the make up business that she hated, and now was just struggling to get that stubborn strand in place... needless to say that despite the efforts nothing was working.

She'd give anything to stay in bed for a couple of more hours, but due to the circumstances she was forced out of bed earlier than her body was used to. Luckily Gohan slept through the alarm and she managed to reprogram the alarm clock so it would ring at the right time for him.
She had a shower not bothering with washing her hair, as it would be even wilder and she didn't want to wake up the entire house with the blow air drier... still, she was running out of options and even grabbing a pair of scissors crossed her mind.

She dressed up as quietly as possible, being extra careful when opening the dresser drawers and wardrobe... Gohan wasn't the lightest of sleepers, but it was only fair to repay all the times he's the one who practically flies, in order not to wake her up.

She suddenly reminded that she had some hair clips on the bottom draw of the dresser, as this wasn't the first time she was with 'growing hair issues'; the first crisis took place few years after Boo, while they were both at university. She decided it was time for a change of visual and decided to let it grow a bit... Gohan didn't mind change and was actually quite pleased.

Lowering herself, she carefully opened the bottom drawer of the dresser... the one usually reserved for all the junk that most of the time was useless but occasionally was used. She rummaged through the mess, finding accessories that she had completely forgotten about... at last she stumbled on the pouch where all 'hair related stuff' was stored. As she tried to open it, she discovered that the zip was stuck... not being very patient, she held the zip and forcefully moved it. However, she applied too much force and her arm ended up hitting the wooden dresser.

She yelped as all the impact was on her funny bone, she was impressed she found enough willpower not to curse out loud. Her attention was then diverted when she heard bed sheets rubbing against each other... Gohan stirred but didn't look awake. She sighed in relief and raised herself, still rubbing her elbow, carrying the infamous hair clip with her mouth.

A click and it was fixed... there, she felt comfortable with her appearance which boosted her confidence. Giving some final touches to the collar of her burgundy button up, straightening the knee length black skirt, she felt ready. Grabbing the matching business suit jacket, her badge and cellphone... she tiptoed out of the room, only to be stopped by her husband's rusty voice.

"You look nice..." Gohan informed with his eyes semi-closed.

"Sorry for waking you up." Videl replied and started moving towards the bed. "Go back to sleep, it's still early." She told him, while lowering herself on the bed to peck his lips.

"Let me know how it goes, okay?"

"Will do. Don't forget Pan's lunch box!"

Gohan mumbled low, in a manner that Videl translated as 'I won't'.

Giving him another peck, and looking at how Gohan was going back to his slumber, she stood away from the bed and walked towards the door.

"You should wear skirts more often..." Gohan rolled the sentence out of his mouth. Videl smiled and decided that she should ignore the comment.

"... and now, the moment everyone was waiting for! Please welcome the Martial Arts World Champion, !!" the TV presenter raised himself from the sofa and applauded. The audience in the studio followed suit as the lights and strobes moved wildly on the stage.

The champion made his appearance, vigorously showing the characteristic 'V' sign and waving to the public. As he approached the presenter he was greeted with a handshake and a charismatic toothy smile, indicating the sofa, both men took their seats on the morning show stage.

"First of all, it's a pleasure to have you in ZTV's Morning!"

"Thank you, thank you, you're all too kind!" Mr. Satan said, looking at the camera and audience who was calming down from the hysteria of the hero's appearance.

"So please tell us, what brings you here to West City?" the presenter asked, taking a sip on his mug.

"As you may all know my Hotel is commemorating its 10th anniversary, in order to commemorate its success I'm inaugurating the hotel's new wing and also, the prices would be reduced for the entire month as a show of appreciation for all the support."

The audience went wild with the information, whistling and clapping, obviously pleased and excited with the news.

"Thank you, thank you!"

"That is very kind of you Mr. Satan, congratulations on your hotel's success. How is your training going, will you be competing in the next World Tournament?"

"AHAHAH!" the champ gave a loud and nervous but confusing laugh. "Well, we still have a few years to think about that... but I'm sure I'll be present, if not competing I'll be there supporting my family."

"Oh yes, your granddaughter is very talented, she had quite an appearance in the last tournament... it definitely runs in the family."

"My Pan is a very strong little girl, I'm very proud of her... but hey, it shouldn't be a surprise, after all she's my Videl's little girl and fighter blood runs in my in-laws side as well. But please, let's change the topic as I respect my daughter's wish for privacy." Mr. Satan stated, recalling Videl's death glare whenever the subject was exposure to the media.

"Of course, of course. We are running low on time, will you give us the honour of assisting to one of your demonstrations?"

"My pleasure." The public went nuts once again, and the champ stood up, adjusting his cape, flexing his muscles getting ready for his routine.

The lights and strobes accompanied by a gallant tune announcing something big was going to happen. Mr. Satan raised his arms, gesturing 'Vs' and waving to his adorers, moving towards a dedicated area, where a large pile of cement brick was located.

The celebrity martial artist performed his routine, allowing the others to observe how well in shape he was for his age. With his ego boosted once again, he started moving away from the spotlight, heading to the backstage, blowing kisses to the audience and biding goodbye to his fans.

He absolutely adored being adored... he loved being famous and his exhibitionist nature was suitable for the role. Proud and full of himself, unaware of the path he was walking... the champ's attention dedicated to everything but where his feet were walking...

... the champ missed the first step, and fell flat on his face on the backstage steps.

Gohan had his hands on his forehead, looking attentively to the papers on top of his desk. Something didn't add up and he was sure someone must have made a mistake on the calculations. There was no way the momentum of this system was correct, so he just ignored the results given and started all over again.

As he grabbed a new piece of paper, moving aside the one he'd been looking for the last quarter of an hour, he jumped as he realised his cellphone was vibrating... making his papers, mug of coffee and himself shake.

Grabbing the device, he looked suspiciously at the screen which showed 'withheld number' and wondered who that would be, he gave his usual greeting.

"Hello Mr. Son, I'm calling from West City Central Hospital. I apologise for the intrusion but all the other phone numbers in Mr. Satan's emergency call list are unavailable. I believe you're his son-in-law."

"Yes... is everything alright?" Gohan didn't like how this conversation was going, the word hospital made him weary and he started to worry.

"Mr. Satan had a little accident this morning and he's hospitalised in one of our orthopaedic wings. He requested his daughter's presence, but I cannot reach her." The polite lady informed over the telephone. The lady's manner somehow tranquilised Gohan, although the words accident and hospitalised outbalanced the situation on his logical brain.

"Thanks for letting me know, I'll tell my wife and we'll be there as soon as we can."

Gohan and the hospital lady exchanged well-mannered goodbyes and thanks, Gohan then speed-dialled Videl's number.

"Please state your full name, address and profession."

"My name is Videl Satan-Son, my business address is Satan City Police Department, SN666PD, Satan City and I'm employed as a Detective Inspector at Satan City's Criminal Investigation Department." Videl answered from the witness stand. Other usual questions about educational background, occupation and experience followed.

She hated this part of the job... sometimes, it felt like she was being interviewed by a cheesy magazine... other times it just felt like they tried to dig all her dirties and imply that she was not reliable enough to give credible evidence... in a nutshell, she hated lawyers, and the fact that no matter how hard they tried to crack a case, often the bad guys ended up free simply because their lawyer presented the case better to the court.

"On whose behalf do you appear today?" the suited man asked in an argumentative way, adjusting his tiny glasses.

"I appear in this case on behalf of the state."

"What is the purpose of your testimony in this proceeding?"

"The purpose of my testimony is to present evidence and present my statement regarding the case." Videl answered establishing eye contact with the man and jury.

"Please proceed."

"May I refer to my notes?" she asked directly to the judge, whom allowed the request. "At 14:37 on the Orange Holiday year 785, together with Detective Investigator Mussel and Detective Sergeant Trout, I arrived at 13 Purgatory Lane, Café Infernus..."

Gohan hung up. Videl's number didn't ring and passed immediately to her personal voicemail.

'She's probably still in court' He thought. Logging off his workstation, he rose himself from his office chair and put his worksheets aside, storing some more important ones inside the desk drawer.

Taking his belongings and the empty coffee mug with him, he walked towards the staff area where he laid it down the sink and bid 'see you later' to some of his co-workers who were having a break.

Going down the lift and passing by a labyrinth of corridors he entered Bulma's workshop. He found her wearing a welding helmet, coalescing what looked like a tangle of metal tubes. Gohan approached Bulma without calling her, it would be useless with the noise that was being emitted by the welding gun. Without wanting to startle her, he just waved at her from a safe distance, and waited until the abnormal movement on the background diverted the woman's attention. The plan worked, as Bulma stopped and raised her helmet to the top of her head.

"Hi, sorry didn't see you." Bulma said, wiping her brow with her forearm.

"It's okay." Gohan showed a small smile. "Bulma, Videl's father is in the hospital, apparently he had an accident this morning."

Bulma widened her eyes with the news.

"I tried to call Videl but she's probably still in court and isn't answering the phone. I'm ¾ of finishing the development plans for model CC-370XZ, is it okay for me to go and come back later?" Gohan asked, after all, friends or no friends, he still felt cheeky to ask her to leave work earlier with a task unfinished.

"Oh dear, I hope it wasn't anything serious! Don't worry Gohan, you go and sort Videl's old man out... poor champ." Bulma giggled, she knew it was evil to laugh of other people's misfortune... but she couldn't help herself and wonder what did the old man get into to end up in hospital.

"Oh, by the way do you want me to ask Trunks to pick Pan from school? He's supposed to take Bra for an ice-cream."

"Really? Oh that would be great! You sure he won't mind?" Gohan felt as he was pushing his luck... he knew how handful Pan could be, and although it was common practice Trunks and/or Goten to watch over the girls, it didn't necessarily mean the teens had an easy time.

"Yeah, I'm sure... afterall the girls have a play date anyway."

"Thanks a lot Bulma, I really appreciate it!" Gohan thanked her and gave her a sincere smile.

"Now off you go, have fun!"

Fortunately, Gohan learned to understand Bulma's sense of humor some years ago. With a wave, he skipped out of the workshop.

That's it for now, please review!

Cheers,

~Nor