A/N Early upload due to prewritten chapter. I typically add chapter summaries on AO3, so I will add them to the top of the chapter, but only when they are scriptures. Chapters with a scripture helps indicate that the religious theme is more implied in the chapter than others. I've enjoyed writing this chapter, and having everyone come together to support a friend. Everyone does their part in comforting Dende, which is the most important part of this chapter. I love this scripture, and the translation of it (TPT translation if you wanted to know) It is so gentle and sweet in reminding you of what it means to have a good friend.

I also flushed out the relationship between Gohan and Sahir as well. They have a conversation that is more telling of how they interact with each other when others are not around. My head cannon is that they are good kids in public, but troublesome together. They give Yachty & Kyle vibes (rap duo reference) They're just a couple of goofy bois, they're not always serious and book smart. They swear and talk about their girlfriend's measurements all the time.

Note: Do not PM me for commission work. It will be ignored.

Happy Reading! :)

"Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God's presence."

-Proverbs 27:9

Due to the incident that occurred Monday night, and the death of second year student Angela Bennett, Midterms will be rescheduled and Midterm break will be extended. Central City University will be closed beginning Tuesday. Students are advised to vacate campus as soon as possible, per investigation. We thank you for your understanding on this delicate matter.

Educationally yours,

Dr. Edward Parsnip

Chancellor of Central City University

The light blue notice was posted everywhere around campus. On the dining hall, the student center, the library, on the doors of department buildings. In between students vacating, students gossiped as well, wondering what happened on Monday night. Mournful students left flowers and cards by the greenhouse and the Worship Center, in condolences for Angela.

Campus felt so strange, and solemn.

Gohan escorted Dende around to the places he was needed. First to the University Office to file an incident report. Then to the University Campus Police to file a police report. Thankfully the report would be sent to Central City Police, so they could save the trip and Dende wouldn't have to recant his story yet again. Lastly, Dende had to follow up with the University's psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation.

"Have you slept at all since the incident?" Dr. Runswick asked.

Dende answered as flatly as the blank expression on his face. "I'm afraid to sleep. Everytime I close my eyes I…" He trailed off. Dende didn't want to cry again.

"I can prescribe you something to help you sleep. Would you like that? Or perhaps something for the anxiety? Depression will surely kick in if it hasn't already. It's apart of the stages of grief—"

"I know the stages of grief, and I don't need anything prescribed to me." Dende spoke suddenly. He already didn't want to be here, and asking to prescribe medication wasn't helping either.

"Refusing medication can be a sign of depression." She paused for a moment. "The last thing Angela did was discontinue her medication. Dr. Lasswell claimed she was feeling better—"

"If I'm scribbling entities, hearing voices, or trying to immolate someone, then perhaps we could consider some medication options. Until then, I don't want them."

Dr. Runswick sat back in her chair. The sudden irritation was better than him stonewalling the last 45 minutes. She needed him to express more. "I can tell this is not your usual demeanor. You're burdening yourself with the things you're not saying. It's making you tense, and agitated."

Dende's irritation grew. "Well excuse me for not wanting to share a traumatic experience like it's a funny childhood story. I don't want to relive the fact that I was accused as a witch and nearly burned at the stake. I don't want to keep thinking about how continuously giving her the benefit of the doubt didn't make a good person, but a stupid one. My lack of discernment is troubling, and puts me in situations that can nearly get me killed. My anger and fear got the best of me and I said things I didn't mean. Now I have to live with the fact that I told her I would never forgive her. The chance to fix anything was taken away when Angela killed herself in front of me. Every time I close my eyes I see her sliding that blade across her throat. The world I once knew is shattered, my faith is hanging on by a thread, and the only thing that rekindled my spirit is gone!" The tears had returned, and he grabbed a few tissues on the table to wipe them away. "It's more than agitation, and tension. It's anger, regret, confusion, and helplessness."

Dr. Runswick nodded in understanding, writing in her notes. "What you're feeling is completely natural considering the situation you've been in. I'm going to recommend withdrawing for this semester, and returning in the spring. You won't be penalized for withdrawing, and will be granted passing grades for your current classes. You won't be behind at all."

Dende shook his head. "I don't want to withdraw. The extended break should be enough time for me to recover."

"Well I can't allow you to continue in the unstable state that you're in. Your psych eval won't permit it."

"Is there any other option? Something that doesn't involve withdrawing from class or taking medicine?"

"We could continue sessions together, but it would take actual communication, and commitment to attend. We will likely have to continue them for the rest of the semester, or until I clear you for your psych eval."

"I'd rather continue the sessions." Talking and counseling has always been a bigger help than anything else.

"Very well. I'll schedule more sessions for us once you return for break. In the meantime, please take care of yourself Dende. Give yourself the grace you need to heal. You'll never move forward if you don't."

With a nod, Dende stood from the couch, quietly thanking Dr. Runswick before leaving the room.

Gohan sat out in the waiting room for Dende. It had nearly been an hour, he was hoping everything was okay. He thought he heard Dende yelling earlier. As much as he wanted to knock and to make sure he was alright, he knew that would be too inappropriate of a gesture. Counseling was meant to be private, and confidential.

Moments later, Dende came out of the room, and Gohan stood to meet him. "Hey, everything okay?"

"It's fine. I'll be continuing my sessions with Dr. Runswick after the break." He said before wrapping an arm around Gohan's.

Gohan led him out of the building. "Is there anywhere else you have to go?"

Dende shook his head. "I just have to notify my family about campus closing, but I don't think I want to go home."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want to leave your side." He spoke quietly. "I feel better knowing you're next to me, and that you're close. Two weeks is too long for me to be without you."

Gohan felt a strange and almost excited feeling grow inside of him, but he composed the feeling by lacing his hand with Dende's. "I won't leave you. If we have to spend every moment together until you feel better, then we'll do it."

Once back in the dorm, Gohan opened the door back to his dorm, finding it empty. "Sahir must have stepped out for a moment. You can lay in my bed if you're feeling tired. I know you haven't had rest since yesterday."

"I'm not ready to sleep yet. I want to see Chiaotzu. I don't want to miss him before he leaves." Dende said, briefly thinking about his roommate.

"I understand. Do you need anything? I'm going to start packing now so I can help you pack later." Gohan spoke shuffling through his wardrobe.

Dende took a seat at Gohan's desk. "I don't need anything. The conversation floor has been full with students calling their parents for pickup and letting them know of campus closure. I was waiting for the crowd to thin before I made my call to my family."

"Fair enough. When you go, I'll call my family as well to let them know."

A knock came from the door, and Gohan pulled it open. "Hi Chiaotzu, here for Dende?"

Chiaotzu nodded as he entered the room. "I was on his mind, and wanted to see him before I left."

Dende stood up from his seat. "Tien is here to pick you up already?" He asked.

"He came this morning. I think he knew I was stressed about something so he came without knowing about campus closing. I got you something. I wanted to give it to you before I left." He said handing him a small, cold container.

Dende observed the small container, and pulled off the top, smiling at its contents. "Watermelon and cucumber." It was even diced and mixed, just the way he liked it.

"We weren't having our farmer's market on Friday, and I know how much you've been craving it, so I cut it fresh this morning. I know it's not much, but I thought it would be something to make you smile."

"It's perfect, thank you." He kneeled to give his friend a hug. "I'll see you after the break Chiaotzu, I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too Dende. Try and get some rest. Think about that cloud palace you dreamed of, then think about me so we can vacation together in your dreams." He said with a grin.

Dende smiled softly. "I'll try."

Chiaotzu pulled away from Dende before waving goodbye to the both of them and exiting the room.

"He gave you watermelon and cucumber together? Isn't that a bit strange?" Gohan asked, pulling out clothes to put in his suitcase.

"It's my favorite snack. He diced and mixed it just the way I like it too." He said sitting down to start on his snack. "Do you have a spoon?"

"Plastic or metal?"

"Plastic please."

Gohan shuffled in his wardrobe a moment longer before handing him a plastic spoon.

Dende gave a nod of thanks before scooping out his snack. The harvest moon had done its job. The watermelon was so sweet it tasted like candy, and the cucumbers were so fresh and crispy they crunched like an apple. Dende was feeling better already.

Another knock came from the door.

Gohan pulled it open.

"Sorry for the sudden visit, I was hoping Dende was here. I think his dorm was empty."

"Yeah he's here, come in."

Erasa came inside, smiling at Dende with a few gifts in her hand. "Hi Dende, Videl told me about what happened last night. I'm so glad you're okay." She said, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle hug.

Erasa's hug was warm and inviting, but she let go too soon. "Thank you Erasa. I appreciate you stopping by to visit."

"Of course. I wanted to drop some things off for you as well. Sharpner left this morning, but he wanted me to give you this." She said and handed him a small sealed package. "It's a tea blend his family drinks. He said it's good for relaxation, clarity, and sleep."

Dende read the contents of the package. "Lavender, lemon, chamomile, and hyssop." He read allowed.

Erasa nodded. "Yeah, Sharpner uses hyssop for his smoking but spiritually—"

"It's good for protection. Yes, thank you."

She grinned. "Of course you'd know that. But, speaking of protection, I made you this." She said and handed him a small woven sack.

Dende opened the sack and out came two beaded bracelets with various charms.

"They're evil eye bracelets. Good for spiritual protection. Sahir asked me to make him one last night, but I just gave him mine, made some for everyone else, and made a new one for me. The other bracelet was for Chiaotzu, but I think he left already. Gohan can have it though, and Chiaotzu can have the one in my room when we come back."

Dende slid on the bracelet. "It was very thoughtful of you to make everyone bracelets Erasa." He said and slid Gohan's bracelet on his wrist when he offered it to him.

"It's not much, but my friends are the most important people to me. I want to make sure they're all protected physically and spiritually." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm really glad you're okay Dende. Burn some sage, meditate, and try your best to recharge okay? I'll see you after the break."

"Thank you again Erasa. See you after the break."

After that, Erasa took her leave, giving Gohan a gentle pat on the arm before she left out the door.

Dende subconsciously turned the bracelet on his wrist. Erasa was very sweet for making everyone a bracelet, and hopefully Sharpner's tea blend would help him get some rest as well. The gifts were thoughtful in general, and were both small measures in making Dende better.

A short amount of time had passed, and instead of someone knocking, the door came open.

Sahir slid back into the room, greeting the pair.

"Erasa just left, did you catch her?" Gohan asked as he continued packing.

Sahir nodded. "I walked her out. I was glad I was able to see her before she left. I spent all morning upstairs trying to get in a conversation room, but I finally got in touch with my father. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Is your dad coming to get you?"

"No, Baba is."

"Who's Baba?" Dende and Gohan asked together.

"Baba's a fortune teller that helps us get goods and certain materials from the city to our village. Water, medical supplies, fabrics, anything really. We let her know what we want and she brings it to us." Sahir explained.

"Oh that's convenient. Does it cost money to use her services? Or do you pay her for the things you need?" Gohan asked curiously.

"Well it used to cost, but now she just does it for free. She said a man of judgment came to her in her dreams and threatened her to help us free of charge or he would remove her bodyguards? I don't know, I always thought she was a little…batty."

"Well at least she's nice enough to pick you up from campus." He commented.

"I'm going to be stuck in a car for six hours with a woman that pinches my cheeks and smells like Cherry Bomb cigarettes. She's nice, but I'm not excited."

Gohan chuckled. "Sounds like Master Roshi." He thought aloud. "My dad's master smokes those too. He said the woman that used to live with him smoked them too. Now he just smokes them because he thinks they attract women."

Sahir shrugged. "Well Baba has mentioned a 'bastard of a brother' from time to time. Perhaps they're related."

Gohan shook his head. "I doubt it. I mean, he's mentioned a sister, and to refer to Roshi as a 'bastard' isn't far off, but the world's too big for it to be the same person."

"True, but 'bastard' is just one of the nicer words. I've heard Dogshit, Jackie-Chun-Wannabe-Bitch, Hermit Whore—"

"Now that is specific. I could argue that Roshi is both of those things."

"A 'Jackie-Chun-Wannabe-Bitch'?"

"No, a Hermit Whore. A Hermit? Yes. A whore? Absolutely. But to refer to him as a 'Hermit Whore' is not only accurate, but specific to no one else but Master Roshi."

Sahir snickered as he sat at his desk. "I could imagine Roshi's mentioned Baba in a similar fashion."

Gohan scoffed. "Of course. An uptight winch, a prudish whore, a stuck-up cu—"

"Surely this can't be a normal conversation between the two of you. It's so unbelievably vulgar I couldn't imagine you two talking like this."

Gohan and Sahir glanced at each other in embarrassment before apologizing profusely.

"We're sorry Dende we got a bit beside ourselves."

"Yes, the room was so quiet we forgot you were in here. It won't happen again."

Dende was even more disgusted in the apology. "So this is a normal conversation? What in Kami's name are you all doing talking like that?"

"No no it's not a normal conversation, more of a private conversation." Gohan explained.

"Right, like a 2am conversation, or a conversation between brothers."

Dende still wasn't convinced. He had a brother and their private conversations had never been so vulgar. He briefly wondered what else they talked about in the late hours of the night or between the two of them. Perhaps boys just had a certain way of conversing. Granted he was a boy himself, but there were plenty of standards and stigmas that he didn't betray that most boys did. "I have no qualms with your conversation if I'm not here, but if I am, do work on censoring yourselves. Maybe nicer words even?" He advised.

"Oh, that reminds me." Sahir reached back on his desk and handed Dende a card. "This is for you. I overheard people saying that they were going to leave Angela flowers and condolences, but you deserve something too Dende. It's not much, but I wanted to give you something."

With a smile Dende accepted the card and gently opened the envelope. To his surprise, it was a handwritten sympathy note. He began reading the words quietly.

Dende,

Words are not enough to comfort you at this time, but they are always needed. When we lose someone, we tend to forget those that are still alive. While the loss is great, your friends and loved ones are relieved that you are still here. Do not let the pain and sorrow lead you to the temptation of blame. We cannot control the actions of others, only the actions we do unto others. I know you are blinded by the veil of grief, but in due time, it will lift. One day you will see the light the earth gives, and know that you were the one that gave it its gentle glow.

Dende had been more than surprised during his reading. He had no idea Sahir was so eloquent with his words. To even consider giving him a letter of condolence was beyond generous. The words were encouraging, comforting, and unforgettable. "Thank you Sahir, you are truly a man of benevolence."

Sahir nodded at the flattering compliment. "It was the least I could do, honestly. If anyone deserves comfort at this time it's you."

Dende rubbed at his eyes, trying not to cry again. He thanked him again and stood. "I'm going to put this with my things upstairs."

"Would you like me to go with you?"

Dende paused at Gohan's words before shaking his head. "I'll be quick." With that, he left out of the room, leaving the boys alone.

"When are you leaving?" Sahir asked.

"Don't know yet. I haven't called my parents. I'd think by tomorrow though." Gohan replied.

"Is Dende going with you?"

"He told me he didn't want to go home, and didn't want to leave my side…I don't want to leave his side either. I'm sure he'd want to sleep down here as well, so he can take my bed. I'll sleep on the floor. Just don't step on me tonight."

Sahir shook his head. "If you're going to be a fool…" he trailed off.

Gohan waved him off as he closed his suitcase. "I never got a chance to tell you, since we haven't had a chance to be alone."

"Tell me what?"

Gohan went over to his roommate and held his hand out. "Thanks for last night. You were a bigger help than I thought. If you didn't save me I wouldn't have been able to save Dende. Thank you."

Sahir looked up at his roommate, and dapped his hand. "You don't have to thank me for that." He pulled himself up from his seat, and pulled Gohan into a strong hug clasping his back. "It's what brothers are for."

Gohan patted his back. He had a good brother. They were closer than anyone would ever know. When he pulled away from him, he nodded as he spoke. "I'm gonna go check on Dende, and make sure we call home."

Sahir nodded as well. "I'll be here."

Gohan went to the door, finding Dende standing on the other side.

He smiled. "I was just getting ready to check on you."

Dende stepped back into the room. "I told you I'd be quick. Sorry if I worried you."

Gohan started to close the door, but the door wouldn't close. Gohan looked on the other side, finding his hall assistant keeping it open.

"Oh hey Pigero, I didn't see you. What's up?"

"Just a couple of things. I'm doing a hall check to make sure who's still here and when everyone's leaving. And also," He turned to his friend, "you're Dende right?"

Dende nodded in surprise. "Yes. Do you need something?"

"You've got a call at the front desk."

…

Dende and Gohan went to the front desk in the dorm lobby.

"Can we have the lobby cleared?" Pigero announced walking back with the pair.

Students still continued to chatter and glance in confusion.

Pigero grimaced. "Now." He demanded.

The few students began to scatter and vacate the lobby.

With a sigh, Pigero sat back behind the desk and handed Dende the phone. "Thought you wanted some privacy."

Dende nodded in thanks and hesitantly held the phone up to his ear. "Hello?"

"We'll be coming to pick you up from campus tomorrow. When we come we'll be withdrawing you from school."

Dende gripped the phone in anger. The low commanding voice hadn't scared him at all, and he began to speak vitrolly. "I haven't spoken to you in months. Now all of a sudden you have the time to reach out? Am I only worth your time when my life is at stake? You only care to talk when you want to withdraw me from school? How dare you. If you think I'm going to listen to anything you have to say you're sorely mistaken. I'm not withdrawing from school, and I'm not coming home."

"You've got a lot of nerve disrespecting me you spoiled brat—!"

"What respect do I owe you? I owe you nothing!"

"Well I'm the one talking and you're going to listen to what I have to say!"

"I don't want to speak to you! I want to speak to my father, Mr. Popo, anyone but you!"

"Dende, you're yelling—"

"Your father and Mr. Popo both agreed that you should come home. Your safety has been compromised and we won't allow it to happen again! You're coming home, that is the end of the discussion!"

"You can't make me." Dende spoke through gritted teeth. He was done with the conversation, and wanted no part in his uncle's demanding request. He began to slam the phone down on the receiver, but Gohan caught his hand. His head snapped to his friend in offense, but Gohan seemed irritated by his anger.

"Calm down. Give me the phone, I will talk."

Wordlessly, Dende released the phone and Gohan sighed before holding the phone to his ear. "Hello, ah, Mr. Piccolo? My name is Gohan, and I saved Dende from yesterday's incident. He's emotionally raw right now, so I apologize for his disrespect on his behalf."

"...I appreciate you speaking on his behalf. He needs to come home. He cannot stay in such a hostile environment. Dende needs the support and comfort of his family."

"I completely understand that, but Dende has decided he doesn't want to come home because he doesn't want to leave me. I haven't left his side since yesterday and I don't plan to any time soon. Is it possible he can spend the break with me? Or maybe we can have something arranged to keep us together?"

"I cannot allow that. It was already bad enough allowing him to go off to University on his own, but I refuse to let him spend time with a group of strangers—" The phone shuffled on the other end, and another calming voice answered the phone. "Hello? Is this Gohan?"

"Yes, who am I speaking with?"

"This is Popo, another guardian of Dende's. It's nice to finally meet your acquaintance. I've heard many great things about you."

Gohan smiled at the flattering response. "It's nice to hear from you as well Mr. Popo. Dende talks about you all the time."

"I hear that Dende would rather stay with you for the time being? Is that true?"

"Yes, and I'm happy to stay with Dende. I know Mr. Piccolo isn't comfortable with it, but I'll take great care of him. My folks are very good people, they'll be happy to have him as well."

"I know your family is good, Son Gohan, you have my blessing to keep him."

"Thank you Mr. Popo, I appreciate your understanding of the situation."

"Of course. Some time in Mount Paozu will do him some good. You're allowed to keep him for the week. By Monday, I ask that you return him to Yunzabit Heights to be with his family. You're welcome to stay for the week once you return him as well."

The smile hadn't left Gohan's face. Mr. Popo was way more calming and understanding than Mr. Piccolo. He enjoyed talking to him. "That sounds like a perfect arrangement. Thank you so much."

"My pleasure. I'll see you both next week."

Gohan hung up the phone and gave a nod of thanks to Pigero before beckoning Dende to follow him.

Dende followed after him. "What happened? What did Mr. Popo say?"

"You can stay with me for the first week of break, then the following week I'll stay with you in Yunzabit Heights."

Dende smiled almost smugly. If being bratty allowed him to get his way with his Uncle he would have been bratty a long time ago. Perhaps he was a bit spoiled, as he had a bit too much joy from the outcome. Dende grabbed his hand, lacing them together and swinging them joyously. "Thank you Gohan." He spoke coyly.

Gohan looked over at the sound of Dende's flirtatious voice. It wasn't helping that he was batting his eyes sweetly either. It was a bit too adorable for him to look at, and he could feel his face heating up at the embarrassing thought. "No problem, I'm just glad you're feeling better at least."

Dende giggled at his flushed face. "I'm surprised it was so easy for you. Usually my Uncle is rather stubborn in situations like this."

"Well I talked to Mr. Popo about you staying, and he said he was okay with it." He said opening his dorm door for him. "Did you tell Mr. Popo that I lived in Mount Paozu?"

"I don't think so." Dende replied, going back into the room.

Strange that he knew, and the way he talked almost made him feel like he knew him, or his family.

Later on in the evening, Pigero came back to visit Gohan and Sahir's room.

"Come in!"

He pushed the door open, and poked his head inside. "Hey guys I know everything's closed but the dining hall just dropped off some bento boxes if you're hungry. Feel free to grab one at the front."

"Thanks Pigero. You're a lifesaver." Gohan said, hopping off of his bed.

"No problem. See you soon." After that he closed the door.

Sahir stood up from his desk. "Talk about perfect timing, my stomach was growling."

"Tell me about it. Dende, do you want a bento box too?" Gohan asked, opening the door.

Dende looked up from his journal. "No thank you."

"Well, we'll grab you one anyways."

Gohan looked back at his roommate. "Dude, he's not gonna eat it."

"Yeah, but we will."

Gohan's confusion turned into a knowing nod. "I like the way you think brother."

Sahir nodded as well, tapping his head. "Yeah I thought you'd like that idea."

"We'll be right back, Dende." Gohan called over his shoulder.

Gohan and Sahir approached the stack of bento boxes on the desk, taking one for each of them and grabbing an extra to take back to the room. Before they could return to their room, Gohan noticed the student walking into the lobby and he smiled. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you all day."

Videl greeted Sahir with a wave and Gohan with a kiss. "Asleep mostly, but I did some packing, cleaning, and other errand junk. I'm leaving tonight, so I wanted to see you before I left."

"Why so late?" Sahir asked curiously.

"Traffic mostly, but I prefer night travel anyways." Videl explained. "Is Dende around? I wanted to see him."

"Yeah he's in our room." Gohan said next.

"Perfect. Eat in the lobby, we'll need the room, thank you." With that she walked off to find Dende.

Sahir raised an eyebrow. "Did we just get kicked out of our own room?" He asked, though Gohan had been more concerned with watching her walk away. He looked over at his roommate, snapping his fingers. "Hello? Pay attention please."

Gohan blinked and looked over at Sahir. "Sorry, I didn't hear you. Videl has on those spandex shorts I like."

Sahir shook his head. "You're hopeless."

"Like no one notices you staring at Erasa when she wears tube tops."

Meanwhile, Dende waited for the pair to come back, but it seemed like they were taking longer than he thought. Then a knock came from the door. He didn't expect them to knock when they came back either. "Come in."

The door pushed open and Videl came in. "Hey Dende, are you busy?"

He shook his head. "I'm just journaling. How are you?"

Videl pulled Sahir's desk chair over so she could sit close to him. "I'm good. I'm getting ready to head home soon. I just wanted to check on you first."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm doing okay. I still haven't slept yet but Sharpner was nice enough to leave me some tea to help."

"Yeah I heard. I see you're wearing the latest fashion trend too." She said raising her wrist to show off her bracelet similar to his.

Dende smiled as he touched his own bracelet. "Yes, the bracelet from Erasa was very sweet as well. I also received condolences from Sahir, and Chiaotzu made my favorite snack."

Videl nodded at her words. She was glad everyone did their part in supporting Dende and making sure he was okay. She hoped that what she had to offer could follow up well with what he was given. "Well I don't have anything to give; just something to say: My life has been so much better with you in it. You've single-handedly restored my faith and rekindled my spirit. I've never felt closer to a higher power because of you. My relationship with Gohan is good, I'm singing again, and remembering scriptures my mother used to quote. I'm in a better place physically, mentally, and spiritually because of you. Thank you."

Dende had been speechless. Videl's words were more than comforting, they were rejuvenating. After having his faith dwindle down to almost nothing, Videl, of all people, came to lift his spirits. "I'm happy I could help you in your time of need." He said quietly.

"And I'd like to help you in yours." She held her hands out to him. "Let me pray for you Dende."

He never thought he would come to this. To see the fruits of his help in rekindling someone's spirit. To see the process of leading someone to salvation. This is what he desired. This is what he went to school for. His place in the ministry was his calling, and Videl was his confirmation. He put his hands into hers, and squeezed them gently.

"I'd be honored."

With a nod, she bowed her head, and closed her eyes. Dende followed suit.

"To the higher beings above, and leaders of the Otherworld: We thank you for another day on Earth. We thank you for your protection, and your guidance. We ask that you let our bodies rest peacefully in the night, and allow us to see the morning light. Should we die before we wake, let it be you for our souls to take. One of your greatest messengers is in need of your grace once again. Please touch him with your gentle hand, and replenish his faith. Keep his heart humble, and remove any guilt, grief, or pain that he feels. Please protect him during his time of peace, and let your presence be known in his time of meditation. Thank you for keeping Dende on this earth for the sake of his friends and family. Thank you for allowing him to continue to seek his purpose and continue his journey through life. And thank you for using him as a vessel to give your message. He is a prophet in his own right. We know that we are nothing without you, and something because of you. May blessings be bestowed on us at the base of your thrones. Amen."

"Amen." He repeated before sniffling and pulling away his hands to wipe at his tears.

Videl smiled and placed a hand on his leg, still feeling the need to be close to him. "Thank you for letting me do this for you. I know it wasn't much but—"

"Please, you all have said the same things and presented me with more than what I expected." He spoke through tears. "My friends have given me the strength and support to move on from such a difficult trial. You're all the reason that I'll be able to take another step in my life again. My healing process won't be difficult with you all being a part of it." Dende stood from his seat. "Thank you for everything."

Videl stood as well, and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. "A friend nearby is better than a relative far away. We're all here for you Dende, and we're glad you're okay."

Dende hugged her back tightly. "Please be safe on your way home, it can be dangerous traveling at night."

Videl pulled away smiling. "I'll be fine. Have a good break, and take care of yourself. And let me know if Gohan mistreats you during the break, I'll kill him." She spoke with a wink.

Dende giggled at her response. "I will. Have a good break Videl."

With a wave she dismissed herself from the room. When she came back to the lobby, she found her two friends sharing a bento plate. "Thanks for the privacy, the room is yours. Could you walk me out?" She asked, looking over at Gohan.

"Yeah of course. Don't eat everything Sahir." Gohan said standing up to walk Videl out.

Videl grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the door. "You're going to want to finish that plate, he'll be gone for a while."

Gohan looked back at Sahir with a smirk, and Sahir shook his head to continue to eat their shared box.

"What a lucky man."

A/N I love the duality of a woman, Videl specifically. To be able to pray for a friend, and still get buss down by her boyfriend is *chefs kiss*

On a more serious note, Videl praying for Dende at the end of the chapter is apart of Videl's personal growth and development. She even quotes the next verse of the chapter summary, Proverbs 27:10. In my own experience, I've had a friend pray for me as well. It happened in the 6th grade, she sat me down and prayed for my wellbeing and self-worth, it was unforgettable. To this day I still think about her, and hope she's doing well. Later on in the 9th grade, I received a hand written card by a friend with scriptures and reminding me of my self-worth and of God's love. I always LOVED her handwriting, and was honored to have something written by her permanently. I still have that card to this day. I think praying for a friend is the highest form of love for someone. I love praying for my friends, and letting them know that they are always in my prayers.

You don't always have to pray for your friends, but let them know that you're here for them, and thinking about them in the least! Reviews are appreciated. Until next chapter!