Sorry about the long wait. Had a death in the family, and finals week, and started a new job last week. Was beat most of last week. Got a good nights sleep last night, and finally knew what I wanted to do with this chapter. So here it is.

Protector

Gohan was uncomfortable with the idea of his wife, who was now eight months pregnant, going into the city by herself. In the last two months, crime had skyrocketed. Gangs were again running rampant, and the police were barely holding their own. Gohan had shown up on more than one occasion in an effort to help to police with the more disastrous events that occurred inside of Satan City. Gohan had again donned his little watch that transformed him into The Great Saiyaman whenever help was needed. A few times the police asked where Videl was, but her pregnancy was being kept low profile, so Gohan would simply shrug. Even though she was pregnant, Videl felt useless. She wanted to help, but her ability to fight was now greatly hindered by the large belly she was now sporting. Even simple tasks like bending over to pick up something off the floor made sharp pains shoot through her lower back. Still Videl needed her exercise, and running some errands in town was a good way to do it.

"Gohan, I'll be fine, go train. You know you need it," Videl said, her hands now on her hips. She was right. In the last seven months, Gohan had yet to succeed in his ascension to Super Saiyan Three. After his dad first explained where the power came from, Gohan was able to locate it, or he thought he had. There was a well of power where his dad said, but it seemed different from the way he described it. It felt vastly stronger, and almost barbaric. Yet at the same time it did not feel as though it was dangerous. He felt that if he could pull it out, he could control it. But this would be a vastly different transformation than Super Saiyan Three, of that he was certain. This power was scary though, he was starting to think that it was something that should be avoided unless the need arose. It felt as though if he were to pull it out successfully, the planet might not take too kindly to it. When Goku first ascended to Super Saiyan Three on Earth, the very foundations of the planet were shaking. Gohan was beginning to wonder if he could even attain the odd looking form of Super Saiyan that both his father and Vegeta had acquired. None the less, he decided he needed to search else ware inside of himself, maybe the power he needed to bring out was there beside this other power he felt within him. All he needed to do was find it.

After seven months of trying unsuccessfully, Gohan decided to limit how much time he spent trying to ascend. Being in top fighting form was important too, and time was quickly running out. Almost as though he could feel it, he knew they now only had barely four years left.

"Alright, just please don't try anything heroic," Gohan said pleading."

"Hey, you know me," Videl said smiling.

"Yeah that's what I'm worried about," Gohan said frowning. Videl simply continued to smile back as she finished her breakfast. Gohan finished his and went to place his dishes in the washer. He headed back toward his wife and kissed her on the forehead.

"Alright," Gohan said softly, "I'll go train, but if something happens this is the last time you go alone."

"Fair enough, now go," Videl commanded. Gohan kissed her on the lips and headed for the door. "Sometimes, you are far too paranoid Gohan," Videl thought to herself. Videl smiled and realized that his concern just proved how much he loved her. Videl finished her food and went back upstairs to get dressed. She didn't much care for maternity ware, but what is a girl to do. Videl chuckled slightly and proceeded to pick out what she felt was the nicest piece of ware she had that she would be seen in. She decided on a light blue sundress-esque piece of clothing. It suited the day, it was very nice outside. The sun was shining in a cloudless sky, making the day serene and peaceful. Videl took her plait of hair and wrapped it up into a sun hat, which to that she added sunglasses. She wanted to remain incognito as to avoid paparazzi photos of her pregnant figure. The grandchild of Mr. Satan would be the story of the century. Videl headed back downstairs grabbed her purse and hopped into her copter. It was a half 

hour journey into the city, but Videl missed flying in her old copter. She usually flew without it to her destination if it was too far to walk, but current circumstances did not allow her to do that for the time being. Oh well, she thought as she buckled in, rubbed her tummy and lifted off.

DBSS

Gohan thought flying sounded like a good idea instead of simply transmitting to his destination. He was only a few minutes late anyway. As he approached, he recognized the ki signatures of his father, as well as his mentor, but there was also a third. He was immediately able to recognize it, as it belonged to his brother. Gohan wondered why he would be there, but the best answer would be that Goten was going to train and help when Teralos arrived.

"Goten overheard ChiChi and I talking last night and he wants to train too," Goku explained when Gohan questioned his brothers presence.

"I figured that's what it was, but I'm surprised mom is willing to let him train," Gohan noted.

"Yeah, I was surprised, she wasn't excepting of training like this except back when we trained for Cell," Goku said as he scratched his head thinking back to those 10 years ago. That trial proved his son was the strongest fighter in the world, probably even the universe. That hidden power finally released and controlled, allowed the 11 year old half saiyan to ascend to the second Super Saiyan level. Now hopefully Gohan could join him and Vegeta and ascend to Super Saiyan Three. "Gohan, I want you to try one more time to ascend before we get started training," Goku requested of his eldest son.

"Dad, I just don't think that I can do it, something doesn't seem right," Gohan pleaded to his father.

"Son, I think that you are looking in the wrong place. Try looking elsewhere inside of you, I know it's there inside you," Goku said placing his hand on Gohan's shoulder. Gohan turned to look his father in the eye and saw the hope they contained. They would need every advantage they could, and ascending to and mastering Super Saiyan Three would be an immense help.

"All right dad, I'll give it my best," Gohan said smiling back and giving his father thumbs up. Gohan began his ascension to the first level followed immediately to the second. His lengthened and spiky hair blazing the golden color swayed in his aura. Gohan lowered the intensity of his surrounding aura, and breathed slowly. Closing his eyes he again began to search inside of himself for the well of power. Gohan was immediately able to locate the power he had found all that time ago, but this was not the time for that. Concentrating harder, Gohan let his senses take control. After a moment he could feel something warm, calming, yet powerful and full of energy. He had found it, finally. Keeping his excitement down and his mind calm he began to pull it out.

DBSS

Videl continued to fly her copter toward the city which had recently come into view. Videl remembered how she and Gohan had first met at Orange Star High School. He was the nerd, and she, well she was Videl, daughter of a hero, known by all, but only friendly with a few. Sharpner and Erasa, how would she have gotten through school without them? Then when Gohan entered her life, everything was turned upside down. How many times had he saved her from almost certain doom? How infuriating it was at the time, she felt so weak compared to him. Yet no matter how hard she tried to unmask him, he would still show up the next day and save her again. She didn't like playing the damsel in distress, but she did owe him her life. And now he had it, and she had his, and soon they would share the life of a child. Videl looked down at her rather large belly and smiled. Removing a hand from the steering wheel, Videl placed it on her tummy. Videl looked up again and realized her landing area was coming up. Checking her altitude and flipping some switches Videl prepared for her descent. She slowly piloted the craft down landing on a helipad. She climbed out and put the copter in its capsule. Taking in a deep 

breath, Videl made sure everything was good to go on her disguise and headed for the stairs. After a few flights, she ended up on the ground, and decided to head for the bank first. Videl received a few odd stares as she walked down the sidewalk. She figured it had to do with the fact that she was pregnant and what appeared to be alone. Whatever, Videl thought. She continued toward the bank, noting how peaceful it was outside. Maybe the police have finally gotten a grip on things here," Videl guessed to herself. Upon entering the bank, she noticed there was a small line. At least I'm not in a hurry, she thought as she took her place behind a couple of older women. Catching bits and pieces of the conversation taking place in front of her, Videl's attention was taken when one of the women said 'Saiyaman'.

"He's so strong that Saiyaman is. He picked up a car with one hand, tipped it to the side, and everyone fell out. The police swooped in to arrest those that fell out, and Saiyaman waved and flew off. That Videl is one lucky girl to get such a man," Videl let loose a small smile as the lady finished. She truly couldn't agree more. Videl became lost in thought, causing time to quickly slip by. Next thing she knew the teller was exclaiming,

"Next please."

"Oh, sorry," Videl said as she approached the window. After making her way to the teller, Videl bid the woman a good morning and gave her the withdrawal slip. The teller took it and type away on a computer. Going into her drawer, the lady took out the money requested, and began to count it out for Videl. Placing the receipt on top of the money, the teller slid it towards Videl. As she placed her hand on the money, the front doors flew open and a barrage of gunfire was let loose into the ceiling.

"All right now, down on the ground now and no one gets hurt," one of the men exclaimed in his dark gravelly voice. Videl turned to see that five men had entered the bank, all wearing suits, and black ski masks, how cliché, Videl thought. Videl obeyed their commands, lying down on the ground, but not on her stomach like everyone else was. Another man, short, but built very well approached the tellers and tossed bags at all of them ordering them to fill them. Two more walked back to the safe and began to steal out of deposit boxes. The remaining two men watched over the hostages, and made sure the tellers did not press the silent alarm. Little did they know, this had already happened. Videl was wishing she could do something. These guys were nothing compared to her. Not being able to help was infuriating. Videl heard screeching outside, and soon after someone on a megaphone.

"We have you surrounded, please release the hostages and come out with your hands up. There is no need for anyone to get hurt." Videl immediately recognized the voice as belonging to the police chief himself.

The response to the chief's request was something less than appealing. A tall and evidently strong man, opened one of the doors, smiled and tossed a hand grenade toward the string of cop cars. It rolled under one, causing cops to dive away for cover. The grenade blew up toward the front of the car causing it to rise up several inches and land back down. Smoke billowed from underneath, and the lights were no longer flashing. The tall man smirked and let out a small chuckle as he closed the door. The tall man returned to the group of people laying on the ground and spoke.

"Okay, which one of you hit the alarm?" When the man received no answer he walked over to a mother and child laying by a table for writing out papers before heading to the teller. He picked up the child and smiled before placing his gun to the temple of the little girl. Videl looked on in fear. She would not let that child die by this loser's hands. She was not far from where he was standing and he had his back to her. This gave her the advantage. Videl was about to leap to her feat when one of the tellers raised his hand and claimed he did it. Videl was never sure if it was the truth or not, but the tall man turned the gun away from the child and aimed it at the young man. Pulling the trigger the gun spit the bullet in the young man's direction. The bullet made a connection to the man's forehead. He was dead before he hit the ground right next to Videl. The fire inside of her exploded into a dangerous rage. Leaping up, she flew toward the murderer and punched him hard at the base of his skull. He flew 

forward and landed hard on the ground. Dead or unconscious, either way the man was not getting up. Videl stared at the man and saw as his gun scraped across the ground away from him. Videl began to turn around and received a hit to the head from the butt of a machine gun. Her hat and sun glasses were torn from her face as she herself made her way to the ground. Trying her best to avoid falling on her stomach, she was able to drift to the side and land partially on her arm, but her belly took a good chunk of force.

"You will pay for that missy," said the short man as he aimed his pistol at her face after shouldering his machine gun. "Just who in the hell do you think you are?" he asked. Videl stared back at her assailant but did not answer. Another one of the men came over. This one was skinny, and taller than the short man who had given her the smack to the head, but not as tall as the one who was laying next to her.

"Well I'll be…We got us a right fine celebrity today boys. This hear is Videl, the one who put us away all those years ago." The man was smiling, and Videl's anger was immediately taken over by fear. The man removed a long barreled revolver from his holster and aimed it at Videl. "Since I'm such a nice guy, I'll give you a choice today," the man began. "You can die," he said as he aimed the gun at her head, "Or your baby can die," he said pointing the gun at her tummy. Videl was swimming in fear. In reality, there was only one choice. Her baby could survive if she herself was killed and the baby was removed in time. Slowly Videl opened her mouth and spoke softly,

"Me."

"Okay, your baby it is," the man said as he lowered the gun toward her large belly again.

"No," Videl screamed but it was muffled by the gunshot. Videl's last thought was "Gohan"

DBSS

Light began to engulf the half Siayan as his father, mentor, and little brother looked on as he began to transform. Straining and screaming, Gohan tried his best to keep calm. This new power was incredible. There was no other way to describe it. Slowly but surely, his hair began to grow, first reaching his shoulders, then his back, and ending at his knees. At the same time, his eyebrows disappeared, and his brow proceeded to protrude over his eyes. Still grunting and straining, Gohan continued to take it to the limit, lightning bolts arching across his body. The earth began to shake as his power continued to increase causing looks of shear amazement in both Piccolo and his brother. His father on the other hand looked on and smiled. His son had taken his place in the world as the strongest. Finally overcoming the loss of not training for seven years, Gohan was proving to be his father's superior. Goku though knew that even Gohan would not be a match for what was to come. He was already thinking of how to reach the next level of Super Saiyan. The only problem was, there seemed to be no real way to reach it. There was no pool to tap into once ascended to Super Saiyan Three. There must be some other way to ascend because Vegeta had also sensed it. Goku decided now was not the best time to think about this as his son had let out a final ear splitting scream. Light completely engulfed the warrior as well as his comrades. When it subsided Gohan stood there fully ascended and powered up. Smiling slightly, Gohan looked at the faces of his brother and Piccolo and noted there amazement. His power level was beyond that of anyone they had ever faced in their past.

"I told you, you could do it son. Good work," Goku said as he approached Gohan.

"Thanks dad. Well shall we get back to…"

"Gohan." Gohan heard Videl inside of his head, and it didn't take a genius to figure out she was in trouble. Neither of the three warriors saw Gohan touch his fingers to his head, just the look of anger that appeared on his face a mere instant before he disappeared.

DBSS



Videl shut her eyes tight as she turned her head to the side and prepared for the worst. After a few seconds, Videl realized she felt no pain, slowly opening her eyes she saw what looked like Goku in his thrice ascended form. His arm outstretched and clenched, his head facing toward her attacker. He unclenched his fist and powder fell from it. He had caught the bullet and crushed it into nothing. Videl noticed that this couldn't be Goku, Goku did not have a small piece of hair hanging over his face.

"Gohan," Videl screamed. Gohan turned to her, the anger subsiding upon seeing that she was unharmed. He smiled at her before returning his attention to the man who had pulled the trigger. Millions of thoughts were going through his mind. What should he do? He did not want to kill this man, it was not worth it even though they had killed someone. Gohan hated to kill if he could avoid it. All his thoughts completed in a split second, he landed a punch into the man's stomach rendering him unconscious. In less than five seconds, Gohan had put down every one of the robbers. Letting everyone else know that they could leave they all got up and made their way for the door. Gohan returned to his wife and helped her up as he powered down so he didn't hurt her with all the jumping bolts. Videl wrapped her arms around Gohan and squeezed tightly.

"I thought I was never going to see you again," Videl said into Gohan's chest. Gohan held her tight and kissed the top of her head.

"I told you I would always protect you, until the end and past it," Gohan spoke softly. Videl released Gohan and smiled at him, then out of nowhere bent over and screamed in pain. Her water had just broke.

"Gohan, I think it's time," Videl said after the contraction passed.

"Videl isn't it a bit early?" Gohan asked nervously.

"Yes, but what just happened probably caused this to happen early," Videl said looking scared. Gohan grabbed his wife's arm and placed his fingers to his head. The police walked in just in time to see the two disappear into thin air.

"Uh…what ju-just happened?" one officer asked another.

"I…don't…Know," came the dumbfounded reply.

DBSS

Reappearing just outside the hospital, Gohan picked up Videl and carried her inside. Racing up to the front desk, Gohan said,

"My wife is going into labor." The nurse looked at Gohan then at Videl and realized who it was.

"Oh my," the nurse exclaimed as she raced around from the desk grabbed a wheel chair and headed toward Videl at full speed.

"Quick, set her down," the nurse demanded. Following the orders, Gohan placed Videl into the chair. The nurse then sped off for the maternity ward. Another nurse got Gohan attention and had him fill out some forms. Gohan was a little agitated, but he knew it would only take a few minutes with how fast he could write.

After he got the forms finished the nurse told him the room where his wife was waiting. As he proceeded to the room, he contacted Piccolo.

"Piccolo, Videl has gone into labor, can you let everyone know and bring them to Satan City Hospital?

"Isn't it a little early?"

"Yes, but I'll tell everyone later."

"All right, I'll round everyone up."

"Thanks Piccolo."

Gohan ended his conversation just as he entered the room where his wife was. Stripped down and dressed up into a hospital gown, Videl was positioned to give birth.



"Mr. Son, we will need you to put these on," a nurse told him as she handed him a gown, cap, and booties. Gohan felt ridiculous, but he none the less abided by the nurses request, or better said demand. After everything was on, he went to his wife's side. She looked a little scared. Gohan shared her feelings as well. One month early could be a bad thing, but then again, maybe it was ready to come out. Gohan himself was born three weeks early, what's another week.

"It's going to be alright," Gohan said as he stroked away some hair from Videl's forehead and kissed it.

"I hope you're right Gohan," Videl said, her voice shaky. Gohan smiled his Son smile and he could instantly feel Videl relax. But then another contraction hit and Videl gripped onto Gohan's hand. He was pretty sure were he not part Saiyan, she would have broken it. Doing everything he could to help her through it, Gohan realized it wasn't much. Words of encouragement seem so short in a situation like this.

Out of nowhere he felt a ki rise, and realized it was Piccolo's. They had arrived. Shortly after this, Gohan's mother and father, followed by Hercule entered the room. Gohan tried to relinquish his hand from Videl's death grip so he could let his mother and Hercule see her, but she wouldn't have it.

"Please, don't let go," Videl requested looking scared. Gohan smiled back and sat down next to her.

ChiChi came up to the other side of Videl and sat down as well. A gigantic grin adorned her face.

"How are you doing sweetie?" ChiChi asked.

"I'm okay, just a little scared, it's a month early, there could be complications," Videl said worried.

"Didn't Gohan tell you, he was three weeks early. I'm sure that your baby will be fine. But what happened, why did you go into labor?" ChiChi asked.

"I was at the bank, and it was held up. They figured out who I was and were going to kill me and the baby. Gohan showed up and stopped them, and then I went into labor," Videl explained.

"It must have been the stress," ChiChi surmised.

"Are you all right though sweet pea, they didn't hurt you did they?" Hercule asked concerned.

"They hit me in the head with a gun, but it really just knocked me down more than hurt," Videl said trying to keep her father calm. It was thanks to Gohan training her that she was able to withstand the blow so easily. Gohan could see a small bump on her head where he assumed she had been hit. His anger rose a little, but he knew he had to keep it under control. They were in police custody now and one would most likely serve a lot of time for murder.

Videl screamed and doubled over when another contraction hit. Videl again squeezed Gohan's hand until it passed. After this the doctor came in and spoke to the nurse then came over to Videl and checked her dilation and saw she was almost fully dilated. Nodding to the nurse, she nodded back then began to usher everyone except Gohan out of the room.

"I'll let you know what it is as soon as possible," Gohan said to those leaving.

"Good luck son," Goku said giving a thumbs up. Gohan smiled at his old man, then returned his attention to Videl.

Sometime later.

"Okay Mrs. Son, one more big push," the doctor requested of Videl. Mustering everything she had, Videl pushed one last big push, and squeezed Gohan's hand for dear life. Gohan's eyes began to fill with tears as he heard his baby begin to scream and cry. At least the lungs work, Gohan thought.

"It's a girl Mr. and Mrs. Son," the doctor exclaimed.

"Would you like to cut the cord Mr. Son," the doctor asked Gohan. Gohan looked to Videl who released his hand and smiled. Taking the scissors from the doctor, Gohan snipped the umbilical cord connecting his daughter to his wife. Then the doctor looked at Gohan puzzled.

"Uh, what is that," the doctor asked looking at the furry brown tail connected to the baby girl.

"Oh that, uh…it's hereditary," Gohan said as he scratched the back of his head.



"Do you want it removed?" the doctor asked still looking puzzled.

"No," both Gohan and Videl said at the same time.

"Okay," the doctor said as he handed off the baby to the nurse who proceeded to clean her up. When she was finished she wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to Videl.

"Gohan she's beautiful," Videl said smiling and crying.

"Just like her mom," Gohan said as he looked at them both.

"What should we name her?" Gohan thought for a moment after Videl asked him that question. Truth was he hadn't given it much thought. But there was one name he had in mind.

"Pan," Gohan said quietly. Videl looked at him and smiled.

"Okay, Pan Son it is," Videl said as she smiled at her baby girl. Gohan looked at his daughter and saw she too carried the Son smile, because she was sending it right back to both Videl and himself. It didn't last long however as her tail made its way out from the blanket and into her mouth. Gohan and Videl smiled. Gohan now had a daughter to protect as well, and he'd be damned if he let anything happen to her. Like Vegeta said, Protect your family at all costs, even your own life. If it came to it, Gohan would do just that.

The nurse came over and took the baby to be checked out. Videl turned to her side and drifted off to sleep. She had had a trying day. Gohan smiled and kissed her cheek before leaving. Heading out into the waiting room, he found everyone waiting for him.

"It's a girl, and she appears to be healthy," Gohan said smiling. His mother came up and hugged him hard and his father gave him a stern pat on the back. Piccolo gave his congratulations as well. Bulma, carrying a one year old Bulla gave Gohan a hug as well. After a few minutes, a nurse came out and led them to the nursery. The tail easily gave Pan away amongst all the other babies, thank the heavens Hercule had made sure no one outside of the hospital knew about the birth.

"She looks just like my Videl," Hercule said crying.

"And look, she's got my smile," Goku interjected. ChiChi remained silently crying, she finally had her grandchild.

A few hours later everyone had returned home. Gohan stood in a recovery room where his wife slept, and he was holding his little girl, who was also sleeping. Her tail held firmly in her hand, Gohan couldn't help but smile. He was pretty sure that he held a fighter in his hands. Given who her mother was, and who her father was, she had the potential to be great, and as much as he would like to keep her safe, Gohan knew he would not be able to deny her Saiyan instincts the desire to fight. All he could do was teach her, and do his best to keep her out of harm's way. That's if Videl would let him teach her of course. Mom would have the master say in this.

Kissing her tiny forehead, Gohan placed Pan in a little crib next to Videl's bed. She immediately woke up and started crying. Gohan unsure of what to do picked her back up, and she stopped.

"All right, if you insist," Gohan whispered to Pan. Gohan held her throughout the night, anything to keep her happy.

Well, let me know what you thought. I do have an idea as to how to start my next chapter, but cannot guarantee when it will come out, so bare with me for a while. Till next update lata.