Hello everyone! Wow 125 followers! Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story. Sorry I havent updated in a while, Ive been very busy with university and have had a bereavement in the family :'( so most of my time has been taken up trying to get by and support my family who live in a different city. So here is the next chapter of Gohan's story, I really hope you enjoy it as much as the other chapters. The tournament begins and there a a few shifty characters about! I must warn you though, there is mega cheesyness in this chapter - I'm sorry! I couldnt resist! Hopefully you'll forgive me! - Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Two

Meet the Competition

xxxx

To say he was bored was an understatement.

Gohan yawned loudly, watching as the next challenger stepped up to the punch machine. It was rather amusing at first, he had to admit, as the first few fighter's strutted up to the podium, sealing scores barely meeting a hundred.

The first of their group to be called was Eighteen, who's light tapping of the mechanism scored a jaw-dropping '774'. The young saiyan had thought it was hilarious, especially when Krillin had practically pulled his hair out in exasperation of his wife.

From then on, the Z-fighter's had toned it down a little, but were still racking up scores somewhere around the two-hundreds. This had all gotten too much for one prince of all saiyan's, and now Gohan was stood waiting around for a new punch machine to be set up, whilst said prince went in search of something to eat.

The teenager sighed in annoyance, reminding himself to have a firm word with Vegeta about restraint the next time he saw him.

"Next up is Videl," the official stated.

Gohan froze.

Of course he should have known she would have been competing, but he was more pre-occupied with meeting his dead father again rather than wondering what he would do if he bumped into Videl at the tournament.

A collection of murmurs escaped the crowd, as the teenage girl made her way up to the punch machine. It seemed all eyes were upon her, and Gohan couldn't blame them; she was gorgeous.

It seemed she had grown into a strong young woman within the past half a year or so. She wore those familiar spandex shorts that left nothing to the imagination, along with a white tank top with light pink undershirt. She wore her training gloves and boots as usual, her ivory skin a stark contrast to her dazzling sapphire eyes that bore a fierce determination as she stepped up to the platform.

He gulped, as butterflies exploded in his stomach. He didn't know what was wrong with him, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Of course, he had always found her to be pretty, and what had happened that night when they were both vulnerable had done nothing but confuse things between them even more. But seeing her now…

"Gohan, are you alright?" asked Piccolo.

The teenager jumped, tearing his eyes away from the girl who had just dropped into a flawless fighting stance, sizing up the machine.

"Of course I am Mister Piccolo," he replied cooly.

"You're sweating," he stated.

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"You're blushing," the Namekian smirked.

"I do not blush," he fumed, turning away from his irritating mentor who all but snorted at his display.

Videl growled, letting out a sharp cry as she struck the machine with all her might. The numbers on the dial flashed '139', just over Mister Satan's score.

Damn girl.

The blue eyed girl stretched, walking away seemingly indifferent of the cheers that followed her as the official wrote down her score.

Gohan's gaze followed her, his mind going into overdrive until Krillin suddenly waved his palms in front of his face.

"Hello! Earth to Gohan! They just called your name mate!"

"Oh right," he blinked, mentally shaking himself as he walked up to the platform.

"Tch look at that kid, he doesn't even look like a fighter!" One competitor scoffed at the sight of the tattooed teenager.

"Doesn't he have any respect? Looks like some kind of punk to me!" another chortled.

The young saiyan rolled his eyes, his gaze suddenly finding Videl's in the crowd. Her sapphire stare was piercing, and Gohan couldn't help but think that she could see right through him.

Still, he couldn't miss an opportune moment to show off.

Dipping low in his stance, the teenager smirked, tapping the cushion a little harder than he had originally planned.

"T-three hundred and forty one…a-a new w-world record!" the official announced weakly, as the every jaw in the arena dropped to the floor.

Gohan sauntered off the stage, winking at the fighters that had previously mocked him before attempting to avoid Videl and his father at all costs and ducking out to go and buy some more cigarettes.

Kami knows he'll be needing them.

xxxx

Le Satane Hotel was nothing short of spectacular. It was by far the largest hotel on Papaya Island, and even had a pool; outdoor jacuzzi, open bar, games room, spa and gym. The foyer was completely made of marble, the only thing that ruined such a dazzling spectacle were the large golden plated statuettes of Mister Satan that lined it's many walls and hallways.

Gohan was confused, when Mister Alonso had only given them one key, but quickly found that the entire Z-gang had more than enough room. Their suite housed a large shared kitchen and living area, with double and family rooms veering off in all directions.

When the young saiyan finally made it back, he found that everyone was already settled. Goten and Trunks were still running around the place, jumping on every bed they could find, despite being scolded by their mothers.

Roshi, Oolong, Yamcha, Chaiotzu and his grandfather were busy playing a game of cards, whilst Launch was making some sandwiches in the kitchen. Vegeta stood awaiting his batch of food, whilst Piccolo meditated in the corner of one of the bedrooms. Eighteen, Bulma and Marron were inspecting more rooms and Krillin and Tien were chatting on the sofa with a cold beer in hand. Gokuto was running madly around the living room with Bulla, the toddler's laughter echoing pleasantly around the apartment.

Gohan gave everyone a wave of acknowledgement as he stalked through the kitchen, aiming to change into something a little more comfortable. The teenager was amused to find that he had been assigned the bedroom with the stripper pole, much to Master Roshi's displeasure.

Gohan's room was huge, with a large queen sized bed and goose feather pillows. The sheets were made of soft Egyptian cotton, the wardrobe and bedside table filled with plush towels and toiletries. The young saiyan even found the mini fridge, which he gladly emptied of its whiskey and sweet treats before dumping his duffle bag on the bed and changing into some loose gi bottoms.

Making his way onto the large balcony, he sighed. He could practically see the whole island, the warm summer breeze tickled his spikey mane and brushed through the hair of his tail, which he stretched out behind him gratefully.

It had already been a testing day for the halfling, and he was grateful for the current solitude he found himself in. Seeing his father again only caused the old feelings he had pushed away for so long to resurface, and it was only now did he realise his hands were shaking.

Come to think of it, he hadn't seen his father since the preliminaries, and with a quick Ki check, he realised his father's and mother's energies were hovering in the hallway.

He sighed again, resting his arms on the balcony edge, he guessed they needed some alone time.

Checking his mother was safely preoccupied, Gohan took out a cigarette and lit it, inhaling deeply and watching the wisps of smoke float across the air. The sun was slowly creeping over the sky, streaks of amber and gold illuminated the horizon, and he finally started to relax a little, allowing his mind to wander.

"Smoking's very bad for you son."

The young saiyan nearly jumped out of his skin, as his father suddenly appeared next to him.

Great Kami, he forgot he could do that.

"Dad! You scared the shit out of me!"

"I thought I taught you that you should always be aware of what's around you," said Goku, whose frown only deepened at his use of language.

"Are you seriously going to lecture me right now?" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

There was silence for a few seconds as the teen took another puff of his cigarette, avoiding his father's stare. It was…uncomfortable.

Gohan didn't know how to act, he had played this day over and over again in his mind over the past two years but with each outcome there was never…

"Does your mother know you smoke?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

This. His father had seemed pretty normal in front of the others, and the young saiyan was stupid enough to think he would get away with not talking to him one on one. The gang was still well occupied, he noticed, from the chatter coming from the next balcony over.

His father had chosen his opportunity well.

Gohan sighed, "She knows, but she doesn't like me doing it."

"Oh."

There it was again! What did his father want from him? To tell him everything that had happened over the past seven years, about all the feelings and obvious guilt he struggled with, only for him to leave as soon as the tournament was over?

"Why are you avoiding me Gohan?"

He snapped his eyes to his father, feeling so vulnerable under his stare.

"I'm not," he lied, averting his eyes to the ground and taking another drag.

"Then why are you out here?"

"Fresh air."

Goku snorted, eyeing the cigarette in his right hand.

The teenager coughed, flicking the stub off the balcony. His avoidance obviously wasn't working.

"I can't believe how much you've grown, how much you've… changed," Goku mustered after a few seconds.

"Your tail even grew back!" he added, gesturing to Gohan's extra limb poking out of the hole in his gi trousers.

"Yeah, it did when I was fifteen, Vegeta said it could grow back during puberty," shrugged the halfling.

"And Gokuto has one too," The older saiyan said thoughtfully, before breaking out into a smile, "He's really something Gohan."

He couldn't help but smile a little at his son's mention, "Yeah he's great."

His father nodded, "He looks so much like you, you know."

"Everyone says that, except the eyes. But we don't know where he got those from, though his freckles are like his mum's," he explained.

Goku offered a sad smile, "Yeah, your mum and Piccolo told me about Lime-"

"What did they tell you?" he interrupted, feeling defensive all of a sudden. His eyes snapped to his father who looked a little perplexed at his reaction.

"About what happened," said Goku carefully, "I'm sorry Gohan I didn't-"

The young saiyan sighed, "It's alright," although it certainly wasn't, "I just don't like talking about it."

"Alright," said Goku, before the uncomfortable silence engulfed them once again.

The teenager glanced at his father, he too was staring out at the street below them, an odd expression on his face. He felt bad, he didn't mean to act this way towards the man that had once taught him so much, but he thought keeping his distance might ease the pain of losing him all over again.

Gohan sighed once more, opening his mouth to speak-

"Gohan! Goku!" Chi-Chi called from the hallway, "Where have you boys got to?"

"Coming Chi!" shouted Goku, his features suddenly brightening.

The teenager frowned, before his mother offended his ears again, "Gohan! You had better not be smoking out there!"

"He's not Chi-Chi he's with me!" called Goku, winking at the confused teen before hurrying inside.

Sighing to himself, the young saiyan reluctantly followed his father into the kitchen, where his mother was waiting for them.

"Son Gohan, what do you think you're wearing?" Chi-Chi frowned, eyeing him up and down.

"Er, clothes?" he said rudely, looking down at his bare chest and gi trousers.

"Well get changed mister," she ordered, ignoring his tone, "I want the whole family to dress smartly for the welcome party. It's going to be very fancy according to the receptionist downstairs- now don't give me that look Gohan, you'll wear something nice and you'll like it- Bulma, what time are we headed down?"

The blue-haired heiress looked up from where she was dusting off Bulla's polkadot dress, "Oh in about an hour. You'd better hurry up and get Gokuto ready Gohan, we don't want to be late for the banquet."

"Banquet?!" his father exclaimed, practically drooling, "Is it all you can eat?"

The young saiyan rolled his eyes, this whole tournament was turning into a joke.

"I think it's nice to be involved you know," quipped Launch from the sofa, "It makes a nice change from just being sat in the stands all day."

"I agree," said Chi-Chi, before rounding on the teenager, "Now hurry along and give the baby a bath Gohan."

"A bath?" He frowned, "But I gave him one this morn-" he stopped short, when he caught sight of the toddler streaking through the kitchen, completely naked and covered bits of food, his ebony hair matted with yogurt and jam.

Gohan groaned, "Just how long was I outside for?"

"Long enough for him to find the fridge," the ox-princess informed him, "Just get him before he makes anymore mess please, he's already ruined Bulla's dress."

The teenager sighed, before swiftly grabbing the child as he ran past, "'Kuto, what are you doing?"

Gokuto grinned up at him, chocolate smudged around his mouth, "Playing."

The halfling attempted to hold back a laugh, picking him up and holding him at arms length, "Where are all your clothes?"

The little saiyan merely giggled in response, causing Gohan to snort.

"Well come on then, lets go and have a bath before you destroy anything else."

Gohan was glad to escape to one of the five bathrooms that lined the hallway of the hotel suite. Warm and inviting, the young saiyan sank below the bubbles, his long hair fanned out around him as he watched Gokuto play.

"Roar!" Gokuto yelled, splashing around in the water so that it spilled out onto the tiled floor. It had taken a while for the teen to scrub the sticky residue of jam from his hair, but now the little boy was fully clean, his emerald eyes glinting in delight as he grabbed at the floating bubbles.

"Roar?" Gohan quirked in amusement, "Lions don't swim kiddo, thats ducks, remember? They say 'quack' not 'roar'."

"ROAR!" he bellowed again, his chubby hands creating a huge splash, hitting Gohan in the face.

"Oi, you little bugger!" the teen laughed, proceeding to splash him back.

Gokuto squealed as the water washed over his hair, "Daddy, stop it! Nooo!"

"You started it kiddo," smirked the halfling, "Don't dish it out if you can't take it back."

"Ahh!" he cried, kicking his legs frantically, slopping water over the sides of the bath.

Gohan grabbed him, tickling him in between the ribs, their laughter reverberating off the tiles.

"Sounds like you're having fun in here!" came his father's chuckle from the doorway.

He turned, as his father and brother grinned at him, both wearing matching towels.

"Mind if we join?" asked Goku.

But before the young saiyan could protest, Goten leaped into the enormous tub, sending water everywhere as he tackled Gokuto.

"Goten be careful," Gohan scolded, as the toddler nearly inhaled a mouthful of water.

"Oh he's fine Gohan," his father mused, throwing down his towel and sliding in next to him.

The teenager averted his eyes as he climbed in, that was something he did not want to see.

"Ah this is the life!" said Goku, sinking deeper into the water, his strong arms encompassing the edge of the bath.

"Er Dad?" Gohan pressed, "Aren't there like, four other bathrooms in this place?"

"Yeah, why?" he replied innocently, tilting his head at him.

The teenager fought the urge to glare at him. Now, Gohan wasn't a prude by any means, but it was something about sharing a bath with his father now he was fully grown that irked him, especially since the older saiyan was staring at him with an odd look in his eye.

"What?" he asked in annoyance, the sound of Goten and Gokuto's laughter echoing off the tiles as they wrestled each other.

"I didn't realise before," Goku started, his eyes tracing over his left arm, "T-that scar, is it-?"

"Yes," Gohan confirmed, grasping the part of his shoulder where his tattoos didn't quite cover the thin tissue.

He wished his father would stop looking at him like that.

"How did-?" he asked, but quickly cut himself short, averting his gaze away from the teen.

"Dende couldn't heal it," the teen explained somewhat robotically, "It was too deep, we just had to stitch the rest, it was the only way my arm could be saved."

Goku's lips made a distinct 'o' shape, and to his relief the saiyan didn't press any further, although the halfling saw him steal a few glances.

"Haha! Goten you looks like Papa Ox!" Gokuto's raucous giggles broke through the awkward silence.

Gohan bit his lip out of laughter, as his brother sported a soapy beard.

Goten pouted, grabbing a mound of bubbles and placing them on the toddler's head.

"Well you've got a wizard's hat now 'Kuto!" Goten laughed, making the bubbles go up in a point.

"A lizard?" asked the toddler, cutely.

"A wizard 'Kuto," Gohan chuckled.

Gokuto looked confused, "What's a wizard Goten?"

"Uhhh…" the boy pondered, looking towards his elder brother.

The teenager snorted, "They wear pointy hats on their heads, and can do lots of cool magic."

"Wow!" beamed the boys.

"I wanna do magic!" yelled Gokuto, jumping up and down in the tub.

"Look Goten, look-it! Zooooom!" he squeaked, spinning around rapidly in a circle and splashing water on him.

"Maybe another day kiddo," Gohan chuckled, "But we need to get out now, or else we'll start looking like prunes."

"What's a pwune?" asked the ever inquisitive boy.

"A prune is a sticky, shrivelled up fruit," Gohan replied impatiently, as his father started to giggle.

"Ew! Icky!" said Gokuto, bobbing out his tongue in distaste.

The teen saiyan sighed, "Yes it's very icky, so come on, lets get to it so we can get ready for the party."

Gohan quickly whipped them both out of the tub, deliberately not looking at his father as he did so. Hugging Gokuto in a fluffy white towel, the young saiyan grabbed his own, feeling his father's eyes still on him.

The young saiyan sighed, Son Goku was a very preceptive man when he wanted to be, and always knew when something was bothering the his eldest son. He really didn't want his father to confront him again, but something told him that he wasn't going to get his wish.

xxxx

"'Kuto, hold on to Daddy's tail please."

"Why?"

"So I can keep an eye on you."

Gohan sighed, as the toddler gently grasped his tail with his own once more. The stars shone brightly overhead as they walked underneath the velvet sky towards the banquet hall.

The teenager had successfully managed to avoid his father's questioning so far, as the older saiyan had been fully preoccupied with trying to force Goten into a horrid maroon suit his mother had picked out.

The teenager had dodged that bullet, and after a full hours screaming match between him and his mother, subsequently making the entire gang late and the teens ears to be ringing, he was able to wear a suit that he had saved up for with his wages. They had been previously informed to bring formal attire by the advertisements for the tournament, so Gohan wasted no time in picking something for himself - his mother's tastes were far too old fashioned for his liking. His suit was the darkest shade of grey that he wore with a crisp white shirt and his doc martins that he had shined up a little just to appease his mother.

His father had not been so lucky, and was currently sporting a suede version of the maroon monstrosity. Gohan was glad that he had full reign on picking out clothes for Gokuto, the little saiyan was dressed in a cute pair of green dungarees that matched his emerald eyes.

Although it was actually rather nice to dress up, the young saiyan really couldn't see the point of attending a fancy party when they were supposed to be fighting in a tournament.

"They're really pulling out all the stops eh?" his father pondered, as they passed under the marble archway leading to a domed building.

It had a glass roof with sparkling golden rungs running over it, neatly trimmed rose bushes lined a long red carpet that was grandly laid out in front of them, leading up to the entrance.

"This is boring!" huffed Trunks, pulling at his own stuffy black suit, "When do we get to fight?"

"Be quiet Trunks," scolded Bulma, her elegant gown trailing behind her, "It's not often we all get together, and I hate to admit it, but Mister Satan is certainly hitting the nail on the head with this tournament. I think it's very classy."

"I'll say," swooned a perverted Master Roshi, his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose as a gaggle of well dressed girls wiggled past.

"I have to agree with Trunks," Vegeta spat, even he had been forced into a tux, "These earthling tournaments are preposterous. On planet Vegeta, our tournaments would be nothing but one ring, where the strongest warrior's would engage in a fight to the death. The winner would get to disembowel their opponent, and have the honour in bathing in their blood."

"Eek," Krillin squeaked, tugging on his collar uncomfortably, "Well eh, the tournament certainly has changed, but it never used to be like that Vegeta."

"Talk about brutal," Yamcha muttered in Gohan's ear.

"Hurry up you lot, we're late enough as it is!" Chi-Chi called from her husbands arm.

"Come on kiddo," said Gohan, grabbing Gokuto under the armpits and hoisting him onto his shoulders.

The young saiyan followed her through the large doorway that lead to a magnificently decorated hall. There must have been over three-hundred people dressed in their finery, the family and friends of tournament participants and sponsors seated at large rounded tables.

They didn't have to go too far to find their enormous table at the back of the room, which was surprisingly big enough to seat the large group. The glass ceiling allowed the starlight to pour in through the panes, illuminating the room with a pale glow, although candlelit chandelier's lined the walls to give more light.

There was a speech going on at the front of the hall, as who Gohan guessed was the Mayor of Papaya Island was stood behind a stone podium, droning on in a monotone voice, his ceremonial chains glittering on his suit.

Gohan quickly found a highchair for Gokuto, causing a few heads to turn stiffly in his direction as the toddler made a shout of protest as he was forcibly stuffed into it. After a mini scuffle with his son, the teenager finally managed to take his place, making full use of the free wine in front of him.

As he took a grateful sip from his glass, a polite applause broke out.

His eyes scanned the main stage, where the Mayor took his place next to a beaming Mister Satan, who was fit to bursting out of his tuxedo. He extended an enormous fist out towards the Mayor, and shook his hand so roughly that the poor man nearly toppled out of his seat.

"A great speech from our Mayor!" the man Gohan recognised from earlier; Mr Alonso called, taking his place behind the podium. He was dressed more formally, although he still sported his dark sunglasses.

"But now, we have a special treat for you all before you all tuck in to your meals!"

The halfling inwardly groaned, he really hoped he didn't have to suffer through another hour of Mister Satan smashing up roof tilings again.

"Aw, how much longer Chi-Chi?" his father whined.

"Hush Goku," his mother scolded, "You'll have to wait!"

"But I'm starving!"

"How can you be hungry if you're dead?" asked Tien sceptically.

"You know, that's exactly what King Kai asks me…"

"As I'm sure most have you have read in your welcome packs, the person that scores the highest on the punch machine in the preliminaries get's the first ceremonial dance with the Champ!" Alonso continued, causing Gohan to snort with laughter.

"But as this year the winner of the prelim's is male, the lucky young man gets to dance with the world Champ's daughter!" Alonso announced, his eyes squinting at the cue cards in his hand, "And that person is… Son Gohan! Who scored a whopping three-hundred and forty-one points! A new world record! Son Gohan will you make your way to the dance floor please!"

The teenager's laughter cut short as a feeling of dread over come him.

Oh no.

Oh hell no.

"Lucky you mate! Go on!" Yamcha called.

"Er, Son Gohan to the dance floor please? Where is he?" Alonso bellowed over the microphone.

"No! I'm not going! I didn't sign up for this!" he protested as the gang tried to coax him out of his seat. Damn it, he was really starting to regret showing off in front of those martial arts wannabes.

"Ah, there he is!" Alonso shouted as a spotlight found it's way to the table, landing on him in a sudden, dazzling glow.

The young saiyan swore under his breath as Krillin, Roshi and Yamcha began to cat call.

"Yeah go Gohan!" His father yelled, Gohan felt like slapping him.

A polite applause broke out as the teen blinked the harsh light out of his eyes and reluctantly made his way onto the dance floor, where Videl was already waiting for him.

He nearly stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of her, she was wearing a floor length midnight blue gown that matched her eyes brilliantly. It had a long slit up the side the dress that showed off her toned legs. A tight heart shaped bodice extenuated her figure, and nearly caused the poor halfling to have a heart attack. Her hair was free of it's usual pigtails, allowing her raven locks to flow freely down her back in elegant waves.

It was a stark contrast to the ballgown he had previously seen her wear.

"Are you ready to begin?" Alonso asked them, though the teenager didn't know if he was.

All Gohan knew was that if he were sat on Nimbus, he would fall through so hard right now.

"Hullo, I'm Videl," she spoke suddenly, reaching out a hand for him to shake, an air of professionalism about her.

"Gohan," he smiled nervously back, returning the handshake as he heard the Z-Fighter's wolf whistle's from the back of the room.

"I don't usually dance," Videl whispered, as she positioned one hand on his shoulder and the other in his palm ready to start.

He could feel his palms already beginning to sweat as he placed his other hand gently on her hip. A sudden spark ignited within him, flashbacks of him holding onto her hips in much more scandalous ways flooded his mind.

"Don't worry," he whispered back, "I do, just follow my lead."

The Satan girl gave him a heart stopping smile in response.

Oh, he was so screwed.

As the music started, the teenager's stared at each other, the beat slow yet rhythmic. Gohan caught a tinge of a blush on Videl's cheeks, as the steady beat of the drum echoed around the room, and the band began to sing; the deep, soul voice of the vocalist filling the hall.

The young saiyan couldn't believe this was happening, it was like someone was punishing him.

Ah well, he may as well make the most of it.

"When your baby leaves you all alone

And nobody calls you on the phone

Don't ya feel like cryin', don't ya feel like cryin'

Well, here I am honey, c'mon, you cry to me"

Gohan couldn't help but smile at the look on her face as he started to sway them side to side, it seemed as though she was just as reluctant to dance in front of all these people as he was. He could hear her heart pounding as he drew her close to him, yet her breath remained steady.

"When you're all alone in your lonely room

And there's nothing but the smell of her perfume"

Slowly, the young saiyan began to pick up pace, twirling her around so that her dress spun about her. She gasped in surprise as he caught her, and then, matching her steps with his they began to waltz around the dance floor to the beat.

"Don't ya feel like cryin', don't ya feel like cryin'

Don't ya feel like cryin', c'mon, c'mon, you cry to me"

Gohan spun her out again, grabbing her hand before spinning her back into him. The intensity in her eyes grew as their hips connected with force. The young saiyan wrapped both arms around her waist, before dipping her low, her long raven hair sweeping the floor as he brought her round in a circle.

His fingertips brushed against the soft fabric of her waistline, causing her to gasp ever so slightly, he could hear her heart pounding more rapidly now, her lips parted as her back arched - it was driving him insane.

"Nothin' can be sadder than a glass of wine alone

Loneliness, loneliness, such a waste of time, oh yeah

You don't ever have to walk alone, oh you see, oh c'mon

Take my hand, baby won't ya walk with me? Oh yeah

His breathing intensified, as they began to sway again, so close that their noses where almost touching. He couldn't help but relish in the way she was pressed against him, her hips moving slightly against his. At that moment, there was no one else in the room but them. The music blared loudly in Gohan's ears as he focused all his attention on the girl in front of him.

"When you're waitin' for a voice to come

In the night but there is no one

Don't ya feel like cryin'

(Cry to me)

Don't ya feel like cryin'"

As the music began to fade, did he smooth his hand up her leg, bringing her thigh up to wrap around his waist. Their eyes locked together, her breath tickling his lips as the band come to a sudden stop.

Gohan jumped, the lights abruptly illuminating the dance floor as the waiting staff brought out trays upon trays of delicious smelling food. It was if the small bubble he had been in had burst and it was then did the young saiyan realise that he was indeed standing in the middle of around three-hundred people, who were staring with their jaws open at the sight of the intertwined young couple.

He had to admit he did get a little carried away, that kind of dancing was not exactly family friendly by any means. He may as well have taken her then and there in the middle of the dance floor.

Hercule's face was red with anger, and Gohan hurriedly bid Videl a quick thanks before releasing her and headed for the bar, attempting to cover his crimson face.

Unfortunately for him, Yamcha was already waiting for him.

"Whiskey please," Gohan ordered, ignoring his friends goofish grin.

"Well that was… new," the scarred man teased.

"Bugger off Yamcha," the teen spat, downing his drink in one.

Yamcha chuckled, "I'm just saying that you looked pretty smitten out there, your dad seemed to think so."

"Do I have to tell you again-?!"

"Hem hem."

The teenager jumped, as did none other than Videl Satan appear in front of him.

"I just wanted to say thanks for the dance, you kind of rushed off there," she smiled, a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks.

"I'll just leave you two kids alone…" Yamcha winked, hurrying off back to his place at the table, but not before giving the young saiyan a thumbs up behind the girl's back.

"You're welcome," Gohan replied, shooting a glare at his friend.

"Sorry, it was all a bit of a last minute thing," said Videl, "It was a bit embarrassing, I'm surprised my dad put me up to it actually. I suppose he thought that it would have turned into some kind of sickening father-daughter dance seen as he thought no one would be able to match his score, let alone beat it."

"Heh," the young saiyan chuckled nervously, "Well you know, beginners luck I suppose."

"I thought you were a beginner, I've not seen you in the tournaments before," she said, eyeing him, "Your score was only a little higher than that new group that showed up…"

Ah, the ever perceptive Miss Satan. She hadn't changed one bit.

"Well that group's my family and friends, we all train together," said Gohan, sort of hoping she would drop the subject.

"So where do you train?" Videl asked, calling the bartender over and ordering a glass of wine.

"All over really," he replied, swirling the ice around in his glass.

"I see," she said, taking a small sip of her drink, "You know, I recognise you from somewhere…"

Shit.

"Hey Videl!"

Oh thank Kami.

The young saiyan breathed a sigh of relief as Videl's friends bounded over to them. Yet his relief was short lived as her blonde friend approached, a familiar looking red head in tow.

"Hey Gohan, I thought I recognised those moves," said Angela, giving him a wink.

"Hi Angela," the halfling grinned politely, "How are you?"

"Fine thanks," she smiled.

"Good."

"Um, you two know each other?" asked the blonde.

"Oh yeah!" exclaimed Angela, causing the teenager to sweat, "We met Gohan here at Capsule Corp. charity ball a couple of years back, you know the one that the red shark gang raided? Gohan you remember Erasa and Videl don't you?"

Gohan let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding.

"That's where I know you from!" said Videl, giving him an apologetic smile, "Blimey, sorry about my dad that night."

"It's fine, no harm done," the halfling grinned back.

"So, what do you say girls, shall we have a cocktail?" asked Erasa.

"I've already got a drink thanks," said Videl, gesturing to her wine.

"Boring," the blonde teased, calling the bartender over, "I'll have a porn star martini please, Angela?"

"Sex on the beach for me," The red head said seductively, staring longingly at the young saiyan.

Well, this was getting increasingly awkward.

"Gohan, cocktail?"

"Actually, I'd better be getting back to my family, they'll be wondering where I've got to," he said, offering them an apologetic smile.

"Oh well alright, perhaps we'll see you later then?" asked Erasa.

With a small nod and wave, the young saiyan made his way back to his seat.

"There he is the man of the hour!" Roshi chortled, clapping him on the back as he passed.

The teenager rolled his eyes, attempting to concentrate on the mountain of delicious food in front of him.

"Well, it looks like those dancing lessons paid off!" his father laughed, causing the halfling to shoot him a glare.

"I told you so!" his mother smirked, inclining her head towards Goku and Piccolo, "and you two thought I was crazy for even suggesting it. I think it makes him look like a proper gentlemen."

"If that's what you want to call it," Krillin snorted into his meal, but Chi-Chi didn't hear him.

"Those girls certainly seem to think so eh son?" Goku continued with a twinkle in his eye, "That red head keeps looking over here."

"Yeah Goku's right Gohan," said Yamcha, "she's looking over here a lot, do you know her or something?"

"Shagged her," the teenager shrugged offhandedly, getting increasingly fed up with the gang's constant cooing.

His father suddenly began to choke on his food, his mouth hanging open once he had successfully swallowed. His mother shot him a murderous glare, that Gohan ignored as he leaned over to cut up Gokuto's food for him.

Yet the sudden family tension was short-lived, as an eerie presence suddenly filled their senses.

The hairs on the end of his tail began to stand up as an odd feeling that he couldn't place washed over him.

"Greetings."

Gohan gave a start at the voice, spinning around in his chair and coming face to face with the two beings standing directly behind him.

The young saiyan couldn't comprehend how he had not noticed them before, as they most definitely stood out from the crowd. They were dressed in similar garbs, that were wrapped in a kimono-like fashion around their middle.

One, was tall with long white hair and blood red skin. He stood a ways behind the other man, who was much shorter. Like his comrade, he had large pointed ears with earrings dangling from each lobe, whereas his counterpart had light purple skin and his white hair was styled into a mohawk atop his head.

As much as the taller being towered over them, the teenager couldn't help but feel a particularly odd vibe emitting from the shorter male, as his eyes scanned the table and a small smile graced his lips.

"Um, hi!" his father said pleasantly.

The purple-skinned man grinned slowly as his gaze settled on his father, the silence was unnerving and it took Gohan all but a second to realise that he was floating a few inches off the ground.

"Good evening," he said, his voice as smooth as silk, "You wouldn't happen to be Son Goku by any chance?"

The young saiyan exchanged a nervous glance with Piccolo. He had come to realise now that a fair few people here recognised his father from previous tournaments, but it was as if this new arrival knew something, something more.

"Yeah, that's me," Goku smiled.

"My name is Shin," he stated, before gesturing to the stoic man behind him, "and this is my associate Kibito."

"Good to meet you," said the deceased warrior, giving them a curt nod.

"Your reputation of a being a great fighter proceeds you Goku," Shin stated, his grin unwavering, "I was hoping for a chance to fight you in the finals."

Further down the table, he heard Vegeta scoff. Both Goten and Trunks looked on curiously, whilst Gohan noticed Gokuto was transfixed, sitting still for possibly the first time that day as he stared at them.

Gohan subconsciously moved his shoulders to the side in order to shield him, something didn't feel right.

"It's not that I'm being over confident," he continued with a light chuckle, "No, not at all. I've travelled very far to be here, and I'm just looking for the best challenge I can get. And I know that your a man that understands that, isn't that right, Saiyan?"

Goku's eyes widened slightly, "How did yo-"

"Ah, and you must be Goku's son, Son Gohan I believe?"

The teenager gaped, as the man suddenly addressed him. His stare was penetrating, and he could immediately feel goosebumps start to appear on his forearms.

"I must applaud you," Shin continued, without waiting for him to answer, "Your battle with the android Cell could be felt across the cosmos. Such incredible power."

The halfling's eyebrows shot to his hairline, just how did he know about that?

"Well," Shin smiled widely, turning his attention back to his father, "I must say it is an honour to meet you and your son Goku. I'm very much looking forward to the competition."

"Wow, er thanks," his father said with an uncertain chuckle.

"Not at all," said Shin, giving the table another sweeping glance, "I'll leave you and your friends be, my sincerest apologies for interrupting your meal."

With a small bow, Shin landed gracefully on the floor, before turning away from them and exiting through the main doors, Kibito following silently in his wake.