Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Dragonball V: A World Both Familiar and Foreign ❯ Reaching From Nowhere ( Chapter 29 )

DragonBall V: A World Both Familiar and Foreign

Author's Note: Haha… someone threatening me with a frying pan to make Gohan train? That's funny. Bring it on. ;) Gohan will train when he either A) Is forced to or B) Realizes that the reason his power is so unpredictable is because of lack of training, not because he can't control it. But, he's 10 years old, cut him some slack. ;) His loss of control affected his confidence pretty deeply. You don't just get over something like that easily. Anyway… I think the end result will be satisfactory. I'm not keeping him from training because I'm a sadistic bitch, it's just an integral part of the plot. Deal with it. Heh And so chapter 29 begins…

Required Disclaimer: I don't own the DB franchise, I've never worked for them, I'm not making any money off this, and I'm dead sexxy baby! Read and enjoy.

Chapter 29: Reaching From Nowhere

"Look, I don't like the idea of fusing with you any more than you do, but I think it's our only chance to help." Piccolo stated in a gruff tone, scowling at the guardian of earth.

"This stems from your defeat at the hands of those androids, I presume?" Kami asked, glancing down at the earth at the approximate location of the cyborgs.

Piccolo's eyes went that way as well, though he couldn't sense the androids. "Partly. It's just the best solution, overall. I know the incredible power I can gain from fusing with another Namek, as I had done it before with Nail. But I think it would be even more so with you, since we were once one, however revolting that thought it."

Kami nodded, deep in thought. "I see. So a year in the Room of Spirit and Time won't be enough, in your estimation?"

"Would I ask of you such a repulsive thing as fusing together if I thought it would be enough?!" The younger Namek shouted, on edge already just from talking to Kami. No matter how 'good' he was now, his former self had hated Kami with a burning passion for hundreds of years and those feelings still remained in his younger incarnation. No amount of caring for the Earth and especially about a young demi-Saiyan boy could change that.

"The androids aren't our biggest problem. I sense a much greater evil on the Earth. That should be our primary concern." The guardian commented, reaching out with his senses and trying to pinpoint the source of the foreboding he felt.

Piccolo scowled. "You mentioned that before. If it's true, then it's even more of a reason to fuse. Do you not agree?"

The wizened old Namek frowned and paced slowly, his cane tapping against the floor of the Lookout rhythmically. "If we fuse, it's irreversible. You realize this, of course?"

"Unfortunately, yes." The other Namek replied, distaste evident in his tone.

Kami nodded. "Mr. Popo would like to say his farewells to me, I am sure. Though I will live on in you, it won't be quite the same, I imagine. Perhaps fused together we'll be able to sense where this new threat is before it is too late."

"Hmph. We should hurry then. Get a move on, you geezer. Try not to die or go senile on me before we fuse. And we will be using my body. I don't want to end up looking like a green raison." Piccolo declared.

"Of course." Kami replied offhandedly, moving towards Mr. Popo to tell him the news and to say goodbye.

**********************

Mr. Satan touched down inside the walls of Fort Niji, quickly identifying himself before he found himself suddenly in an inhabitant of Otherworld. "That soldier said I could help with transporting supplies for relief of the citizens of Gingertown?" The world champion asked.

"Hmm, yes. You can take supplies to General Murasaki, who is fairly close to Gingertown. Any evacuated citizens will be there." Lieutenant Enshoku replied. It was a lie, of course.

"Right. Well feel free to load what supplies you can onto the plane. It's not much but it should help out." Hercule stated, obvious arrogance in his voice.

"Yes, of course." The soldier agreed, motioning to some enlisted men to start loading supplies.

"Hey, uh, I'm not an expert on the army or anything, but aren't those red scarves you all are wearing against the military dress code or something?" Mr. Satan asked, scratching his head in confusion.

"Oh no, our platoon always wear these red scarves. We're a kind of special forces, you could say." The soldier quickly stated, not wanting their cover to be blown.

The martial artist nodded. "Oh, yes of course. Oh… looks like they're about done. I'll be on my way then. Where is this Murasaki guy?"

"General Murasaki. And here's a map. Thank you again for providing this valuable service, good citizen." Lt. Enshoku watched Mr. Satan take off into the air again and he grinned. "The revived Red Ribbon Army thanks you for your valuable support, chump." The officer laughed as Hercule was taking mostly weapons and some equipment to the young general, child of the third Murasaki ninja brother and General Red's daughter.

**********************

Vegeta stared off into the white expanse of the Room of Spirit and Time, deep in thought. It had been nearly ten months inside the chamber already, and he had reached a plateau in his strength level. No matter how hard he trained and pushed himself, he could feel what seemed to be a barrier inside him that prevented him from going further. And this disturbed him. Two possibilities occurred to him. Either he had reached the limit of his abilities, or there was a level beyond a Super Saiyan. "Hmph. Beyond a Super Saiyan? The most coveted state of being that has ever existed to the Saiyan peoples. It seems preposterous." Vegeta grimaced and spat onto the featureless ground. "There must be an answer. To never get stronger? Such a thing is unthinkable. I would rather die than reach my limits and stagnate."

The prince flexed the arm that the android had shattered, and though no physical pain remained, the ghost sensation of the injury remained when he remembered it. It was a constant reminder that no matter how strong he became there might be someone who was stronger out there, and it was the inspiration to exceed his limitations by any means necessary.

Pondering limitations reminded him of Krillin, who had seemed to reach his own limitations months before. The monk was driving himself, possibly even harder than Vegeta himself, but the confines of his power remained. The human was now not just fighting against his own limitations, but the depression that reaching them created. It was something that the Saiyan could offer no console on, because he was beginning to fall into those depths himself.

"You're up early." Krillin commented, approaching the prince.

Vegeta grunted in acknowledgment and turned to look at the other man who was in little more than rags. Their clothes had seen better days, being stained with blood and sweat, and bearing scorch marks and tears that made them appear even worse. "I've been thinking about our situation. Perhaps we should exit the room early. We seem to have done all we can already."

Krillin was shocked. The proud and arrogant Vegeta seemed to be admitting defeat. It was too much to comprehend. "But… we can't! We're not ready!"

"And what would you have us do!? Stay in here and struggle to increase our strengths by such a marginally small amount that we can barely tell the difference!?" Vegeta demanded, losing his temper. "You're barely stronger now than you were four months ago! What will two more months get us!?"

Krillin looked down, his fist clenched in frustration. The Saiyan's words stung, because they rang true. But leaving before the year was up just seemed… wrong. "We just have to. The fate of the planet could depend on it. There must be something more we can do."

Vegeta sighed and turned away from the monk. "The only thing I can think of is going deeper into the room, where the conditions are even more extreme and unpredictable. Perhaps that will help."

The monk rubbed at his head, which now sported thick black hair since he had not bothered to shave it while training. There didn't seem to be much point in it anymore, as it was a practice he had begun back when he was a monk in Orin Temple. That life had been left behind over half a lifetime ago. "It's worth a try. Anything is better than giving up and accepting our limitations."

Vegeta smirked.

Krillin blinked. "What is that look for?"

"I knew you'd say that. Let's get to it then, runt. I'll be fighting you at the pinnacle of my powers today, so prepare yourself!" A golden aura burst into existence around the Saiyan warrior and a primal war cry screamed forth from the man's lips.

"Aw shit… he tricked me!" Krillin couldn't help but smile and powered up to his own maximum level and followed his partner out into the depths of the Time Chamber, where they would both seek to surpass their limitations, even if it killed them.

*****************************

Goku looked up at the clock outside of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and sighed. "Just four more hours. Man, I hate waiting!" He grinned at his wife, a twinkle in his eye.

Chichi's eyes widened and she shook her head quickly. "Oh no, mister! We've already done it twelve times since you came back! I am already sore in every place that could be sore. Are you insatiable?!"

Gohan blinked. "Done what twelve times, mom?"

The woman's face turned so red that she looked like a lobster. "Nothing for you to worry about, son!" She said quickly, before Goku could respond as she knew he would. She frowned however when Peasa leaned over and whispered into the boy's ear, who in turn blushed.

Peasa looked up and grinned when she saw Chichi's scowl. "What?"

"Stop corrupting my son!" She cried, reaching for a handy frying pan that she always kept nearby.

"Bah, please. Like telling him that you guys like to be alone to get all kissy kissy is going to corrupt him? If you really want me to corrupt him though, I'll tell him that you were mat-" Peasa began.

"Diligence! Eh… that we were being diligent about preparing for those androids." Chichi scowled at the girl, who was chuckling at the older woman's embarrassment. [AN: Mating in Japanese is tanetsuke, and diligence is tannen, so the transition makes sense that way. Heh]

"Sis, leave Ms. Chichi alone." Trunks grumbled, walking up behind her and scowling down at her.

"You're no fun." She grumped, elbowing the boy in his ribs.

Goku was laughing at their antics but stopped suddenly and gazed off with an intense look on his face. "Daddy? What's wrong?" Gohan asked. "Is it… the androids?"

The Saiyan shook his head. "No. I'm just sensing someone I shouldn't be sensing. Master Roshi is still dead, right?" At Gohan's nod, Goku continued. "Well, I'm sensing him. I think he's on his island, too. I should check it out, just in case."

The demi-Saiyan boy grinned. "Oh, could I go as well, father? He did give his life for mine, after all. I want to thank him."

Goku glanced up at the time then nodded. "We'll be back soon. Does anyone else want to go?"

"Roshi? Krillin has mentioned him a few times. I wouldn't mind meeting him. I'll go too." Peasa answered, approaching the older Saiyan.

"Tien? Yamcha? Chaotzu?" Goku asked, looking over at the warriors that were playing a game of cards but was met with negative replies.

"If it is him, I'll catch him later. If it isn't… well… then I'd really rather not find out, ya know?" Yamcha stated with a grin.

"Oh, don't even ask me, Goku. Your longest and dearest friend in the whole wide world, who has been there through thick and thin!" Bulma exclaimed.

Goku laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Do you wanna go, Bulma?"

"To see Roshi? I'll pass. That old pervert would probably try to get me to show him my breasts or underwear again, knowing him. And I don't want to be away from my baby, who just went to sleep. But thank you for asking (after I prompted you too!)" The blue-haired lady replied. She smirked at Peasa. "Oh, he is going to like you, Peasa. Especially since you are so immodest."

Goku blinked a few times then looked at Peasa and Gohan. "Ok then, are we all ready?"

"Yeah!" Gohan exclaimed.

Peasa nodded, wondering just how perverted Roshi could really be. "Ok then, hold on!" Goku put his fingers up to his forehead and concentrated on Roshi's ki. A moment later, they vanished. [AN: This brings up an interesting question. I could have sworn that they say in DBZ that the androids didn't have ki that the Z warriors could sense, so how did Piccolo find the androids so quickly? I know that Vegeta and Trunks basically found Cell and Piccolo so that explains it for them, and Cell found them because Piccolo was fighting them, but how did Piccolo sense them? Hmm... Perhaps his superior mental abilities helped or something? Heh]

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Videl groaned and leaned against a tree, scowling at the old turtle hermit. "Look, you've timed my running speed, you've seen how high I can jump, you've seen me stand on my hands, as well as the dozen or so other tests you've had me do. When are you going to spar me to see my fighting skills, or show me some moves, or something! We've been at it all night and half the day already! I'd like to actually learn something before I go home and sleep."

Roshi frowned, one hand resting behind his back and the other holding his walking stick, in his customary manor. "Young lady, I've been training fighters since before you were born. In fact, I've been training fighters since before your grandfather was born. I know a thing or two about the process. Now, so far you haven't shown me anywhere near your maximum abilities. Power up your ki to its maximum level and let's see what you can do. No need to hide it."

The girl stared at the old man, confusion evident on her face. "What are you talking about? The only references to ki I've come across talk about focusing it like to break boards and such. And descriptions on the proper way to breath, and what not. Is that what you're talking about?"

Roshi readjusted his sunglasses and looked the girl over again. <I can sense a great power within her. Could she not realize how to access her power at will? Oh, I have my work cut out for me!> "I'll show you what I mean. Then I'll show you how to do the same." The old man tossed his walking stick to the side and flexed his muscles. After a few moments, trails of ki flowed over his body as he powered up and his muscles bulged out. "Do you see?" The hermit asked, facing the girl.

Videl blinked. "Steroids?"

"Nani?! No, you silly girl! This is all natural! I'm so handsome, aren't I?" Roshi posed, but the girl was obviously unimpressed. With a nervous cough, the hermit powered down. "Now you try. Focus your power and increase it as much as you can."

Mr. Satan's daughter sighed and flexed her muscles and took deep breaths, but her ki level remained the same. "Ok, I think I did it."

"You haven't done a darn thing!" The old master shouted. He took a few breaths and rested his arms behind his back and pondered how to teach her to manipulate her ki level. "All right then, we'll try some breathing exercises. Perhaps some meditation. To tell you the truth, this is something that most fighters instinctively learn how to do. I've met fighters who always remained at their maximum power without knowing how to power down and mask their energy, even completely hide it, but I have never met someone who was at a low power level which was obviously not anywhere near their maximum and not know how to raise it! My gosh, girl. Who has been teaching you?!"

The girl coughed nervously and glanced towards the sea. "Actually, I've uh… been teaching myself."

Roshi was so shocked he lost his balance and fell to the ground. Had he not fallen, his jaw likely would have. He stood back up and dusted himself off with a sheepish grin. "I'm both impressed and disappointed, then. You've become remarkably strong on your own, but you've failed to learn some of the basics. Why, you probably don't even think you're that much stronger than the average fighter, I presume?" The blue-eyed girl shrugged in reply. "My gosh. Have you ever even been in a real fight?"

"I was in the Tenkaichi Budoukai." Videl proclaimed proudly. "I placed second. I lost to one of your former pupil's sons, actually. Son Gohan."

The hermit chuckled. "I imagine he beat you into the ground, am I right? Did you even land a single blow?"

Satan's daughter narrowed her eyes in anger as resentment flowed through her tone. "Actually we fought at a stalemate for a long time, until we were both exhausted. He ended up being just slightly better than me in the end."

This time it was his jaw that hit the ground. "But… that's impossible! Gohan is one of the most powerful fighters I've ever known! He could crush me with a flick of his little finger!"

"Gohan is?" Videl asked, blinking in confusion.

"How could you have nearly beaten Gohan if you didn't manipulate your ki level?! Did he use any energy attacks?" She gave him a blank look, so he had his answer. "Ok then, did he fly at least?"

"Like in a plane?" The girl's large blue eyes were blinking at a rather rapid rate as she stared at the elderly hermit.

"Hmm. Sounds like he went easy on you, then." The turtle elder observed.

Videl growled in annoyance. "You nasty feeble little twit! How dare you!? We both fought with everything we had! If he didn't, then he has dishonored me!"

Roshi shook his head. "No, no. He likely didn't want to hurt you. That, or he enjoyed the fight and wanted to make it last as long as possible. Perhaps he was smitten with you?" A leer spread across his face. "Or perhaps he just didn't want to be seen using energy attacks and flying at such a public place. You should have seen how many people were chasing after poor Goku after those tournaments. I always fought in disguise, of course."

Videl frowned, then realization dawned on her. "You fought as Jackie Chun! I saw you in the old tapes of the 21st and 22nd Budoukai!"

<Damn she sure did figure that out fast. She's got quite a head on those shoulders.> Roshi blushed in embarrassment as his deception was uncovered. "Well, eh… so anyway, let's see you try to power up again. If you like, I'll show you the kamehameha wave attack, to show you what you can do with energy like that?"

The girl nodded eagerly. "Please! My father has been telling me that such attacks are tricks, so I must see it for myself! I want to know the truth."

The hermit frowned. "A trick? Only the foolish and simple-minded would write off such fighting techniques as tricks. I feel sorry for you, young lady. Now, stand back." Roshi powered back up, shaking from the sheer amount of power that his skinny little body generated. "Ka….. me…. ha… me… ha!!!! Oh crap!"

Just as he blasted off his attack, Goku appeared out of thin air with Peasa and Gohan in tow, the wave flying straight at them. "AAAH!!" Goku cried, ducking as the wave singed his hair. Peasa had tripped and fallen on her butt and Gohan had simply stepped sideways.

"What the hell are you just appearing out of nowhere like that for, Goku!? Are you crazy! I'm training a pretty girl here, and you just… hey… how did you appear out of nowhere like that?" Roshi ranted, then stopped as he became confused.

The Saiyan laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Oh, it's a trick I picked up." He blinked as he saw the little girl staring up at him in awe. "Who is the new student? And isn't she a little young for you, you sly dog you?"

"Gohan?" Videl asked.

"Videl?" Gohan asked simultaneously. They laughed and approached each other shyly.

"My… he seems… smitten." Peasa remarked, glancing at the older Saiyan.

"That's my boy!" Goku exclaimed.

Roshi noticed Peasa finally and his pupils transformed into large red hearts. "Whoa baby! Who is the hot chick! If I had known a cute girl like that was coming, I would have put on some cologne!"

The Saiyan girl frowned. "Is he always like that?"

"Only when females are around." Goku whispered behind his hand.

Roshi rushed forward and grinned at the girl, letting out his most perverted and annoying laugh. "Say, what's your name, beautiful? I'm Roshi, the turtle hermit! The great and powerful warrior, trainer of Goku and Krillin! Originator of the kamehameha wave! And handsome ladies man! Wanna go for a romantic stroll around my island?!"

Peasa's eyes widened. "So, you're a great fighter, huh? All right, if you can beat me in a spar you can do whatever you want to me. Deal?"

Roshi coughed. "Well, I'm not in the habit of hitting ladies, especially lovely and voluptuous ones like you." He leaned over suddenly and whispered to Goku, "Is she strong?" Goku shrugged. Roshi, thinking that meant no, grinned. "All right! But… not that it will happen, but what if you win?"

The Saiyan girl grinned in a very evil manner. "Then I get to do whatever I want to you, of course."

The hermit danced from foot to foot and spun around. "Oh, lucky day, lucky day! I think I'm a winner either way! Woohoo!" He assumed a fighting posture. "Let's get to it then!"

The warrior-scientist chuckled and crossed her arms across her chest, not bothering to assume a stance. "Go for it."

Roshi rushed forward at his top speed, which to a normal human was faster than the eye could follow, but to a warrior of a Saiyan that was just shy of becoming a Super Saiyan, it was nothing. The old man threw a punch but before it could land the girl's tail lashed out and swatted him, lightly for her, across his face. He was thrown into the air, across the island, and about 10 meters out into the sea. "AAH! Help!" Roshi thrashed around, shocked at finding himself, dazed and disoriented, in the ocean's water.

"How unimpressive. That's about as much effort as I use to flick a fly away." The girl commented.

"Poor fly!" Goku observed with a grin. He frowned at the old hermit who was still flailing about. "I wonder if he ever learned how to swim? I had better rescue him." Goku floated into the air and over to pick the hermit up out of the water and carried him back to land.

Videl stared with her mouth hanging down past her knees. "He…. He's flying!"

Gohan chuckled. "I can teach you how to fly, you know."

She turned to regard the boy with her large expressive eyes. "Really? That would be great! Hey… it's nice to see you again, by the way." With a playful grin she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a sweet hug.

The boy blushed and shuffled his foot nervously. "Aw… thanks. Same here. Sorry I haven't emailed recently, just been busy, you know? Some major stuff is happening."

"Like what?" She asked.

The Saiyan boy shrugged and glanced at his father. "Probably nothing we can't take care of. Hey, I want you to meet my dad. And this is my Aunt Peasa. I guess you already know Master Roshi since you were here…"

"Aunt? Hmph." Peasa smirked at the boy and reached out with her tail and brought him towards her, chuckling as he cried out in surprise. "I'm not old enough to be your aunt, kiddo. Cousin maybe." She ruffled his hair and released him, then looked at Videl and bowed slightly out of politeness. "Nice to meet you, Videl. Gohan talks about you all the time. It's nice to finally meet his little girlfriend."

Videl blinked and looked at the boy who had turned a bright shade of red. "Girlfriend?" She grinned playfully, thinking of ways to tease and torment the boy now.

"She means that like female friend, of course." He threw a dirty look towards the girl and blushed when she blew a kiss at him. "She just enjoys teasing me, that's all."

Videl nodded and looked at Goku, who was staring off in the distance. "Hello sir. Um… I thought Gohan said you were dead?"

Goku blinked and looked at her. "Oh, I wasn't really dead. I was just lost in space. I wound up on this planet where I learned the Instantaneous Movement technique which I used to get here, which is…" He caught the horrified look on Gohan's face so decided a change of subject was necessary. "So, anyway I just got back yesterday so I haven't heard anything about you yet. Which frankly surprises me, seeing how pretty you are. Don't you like her, Gohan?"

The boy vainly wished he could disappear. "Dad! She's my friend! Things have been a bit intense, I'm sorry I hadn't gotten around to telling you about the new friends in my life in the whole hour I've seen you since you got back, what with you spending all that time in that bedroom with mom. How long can she massage your back to help you prepare for the androids, anyway?! My gosh."

"Actually, your mother and father were…" Peasa began.

"So this girl is Gohan's girlfriend? My, he starts young. I'm so proud of him! So Peasa, I'm ready to accept my punishment. I've been a naughty little hermit…" Roshi grinned lecherously at the Saiyan girl, changing the subject immediately.

"Good. Walk around on all fours and bark like a dog. If you're lucky, I might even let you kiss my feet." She smirked, thinking the man would back out, but instead he eagerly dropped down and started hobbling around on his bony little knees and hands, barking and carrying on. Peasa scowled and leaned over to whisper in Goku's ear. "This isn't a punishment for him, is it?"

"Doesn't look that way. I don't think anything you could have him do would bother him, to tell the truth." He whispered back.

The Saiyan girl sighed and began to ignore the old man, despite his best efforts at getting her attention. Videl took that opportunity to ask Gohan a question about the other girl. "Is that a tail on her? Didn't your dad have one when he was younger? How strange."

Gohan nodded. "I use to have one too, but it got cut off." <Several times…> "Long story, I'll tell you about it sometime."

"So, what is going on with you and your dad? It sounded like something big." She asked, backing away when Roshi began to sniff at her feet. "By the way, I saw you on the news footage at Gingertown when it was under attack."

Gohan's eyes widened in shock. "I was on the TV?! Man, I was only there for a few minutes. Well, to sum it up those guys that attacked weren't the worst of the bunch, there's two more that are so powerful they beat up Mr. Piccolo, Krillin, and some of the other most powerful fighters on the planet. They're in training now to fight them again, so we're hoping for a better outcome. These guys will be kind of destroying things until they're taken care of."

The blue-eyed girl blinked several times. "You say that with such a straight face, too."

The boy shrugged. "Excuse me a minute. Master Roshi?" He waited until the hermit stood back up and brushed himself off, looking appropriately embarrassed by his shenanigans. "I wanted to thank you for saving my life by sacrificing your own a few years ago. It's a debt I could never repay. Domo arigato."

The old hermit blushed in embarrassment. "Oh, it was nothing. I was glad to help. No need to be so formal."

Videl scratched her head, unsure of what was going on now. The day had gone from weird to bizarre.

"Oh! I know a way you can help me out. Show Ms. Videl here how to power up! I've been trying but not doing a very good job of it." Roshi pleaded.

Gohan nodded, glancing at his father who was busy talking with Peasa. Both looked quite serious so he didn't want to disturb them. "Sure. I have a little time. I already taught you how to access your ki at the Budoukai. Remember that meditation I showed you? Let's spar a bit, I'll bet you raise your energy unconsciously while we fight. Once you realize you're doing it, you can figure out what you're doing and do it consciously, ok?"

The girl shrugged and nodded. "If you say so." <Finally I'm going to actually learn something! And test my skills against Gohan at the same time!>

They assumed fighting stances, and Gohan attacked first, coming at her with a furious series of blows that had her backing up and taking more shots than she could believe. <Kami-sama, he seems a hundred times better than the last time we fought! He's… OW!> She gasped and fell to her knees, clutching at her aching stomach.

"Come on Videl, you were stronger than that two years ago! Get up." The Saiyan frowned, backing up. He felt his father's eyes on him and figured Peasa was watching as well. Satan's daughter shook her pain off and ran forward, dropping at the last moment and kicking upwards to land a blow against the boy. She immediately twisted and brought her fist around, but the boy blocked it and head-butted her, knocking her silly. "You're still barely doing it. Come on, concentrate!"

She growled and rushed forward and punched and kicked as fast as she could, becoming frustrated as Gohan easily blocked and dodged the blows, the whole time telling her that she was barely accessing her power. The admonishments were wearing on her nerves and she was becoming more frustrated by the moment.

"Whoa! Stop, you two." Goku shouted suddenly, shocking them both into stillness. "Videl, you're getting frustrated. Take a 5 minute break and meditate. Calm yourself down, find your focus. You're relying on your muscles to try to win and that just won't cut it. Find the source of the energy that flows into your muscles, and you'll have found your ki. Concentrate on it, build it up, spread it throughout your body. It shouldn't be hard once you can sense your own power."

Gohan blushed, realizing how much more experienced at this that his father was. He smiled sheepishly at the man in gratitude, but Goku's eyes were fixed on the girl so he missed it. The boy sighed and sat down against a palm tree.

"Do you always drop your guard on your left side when you fight, Gohan?" Peasa asked, breaking his reverie as she sat down next to him and looped her tail around the tree and his midsection.

"Do I? I'm not very experienced. I'll have to try to work on that." The boy admitted.

The older girl smirked and poked him in the ribs. "That requires training, silly boy."

Falling silent for a few moments, he watched Videl meditate and could sense her power level rising at a rapid rate. "I see your point. But, I have to be careful. I don't want to lose control again."

"Five years is a long time, kiddo. Control comes with experience." She smiled at him and saw the look on his face. He almost seemed in awe of her. She broke the moment by ticking his nose with the tip of her tail, making him sneeze violently. "I think she's ready for you, short stuff."

The boy rubbed at his nose and looked at Videl, who had just stood up and resumed her fighting stance. "Right." He stood and approached the human girl carefully, watching for when she would attack. He didn't have to wait long, as she disappeared for a moment and appeared in front of him, with her fist buried in his gut. "Holy crap!" He shouted, backing away and staring at the girl in shock.

"Good one, Videl!" Goku shouted encouragingly.

The girl smirked and gestured with her fingers for the Saiyan boy to attack, which he did after a moment of consideration. Blows were exchanged at a rate that was nearly mind-boggling. Gohan swept the girl's legs out from under her suddenly and drove a fist into her gut as she was falling. He paused a moment, thinking he had hit her too hard when her foot came lashing upwards and he started stepping back too late and got caught in the nose by her heel. Blood dripped down and his eyes teared up as he backed away. "Ow!" He cried.

Goku knelt down and checked the nose for damage and glanced over at Videl who seemed ashamed about hurting the boy. "Videl?" She stiffened, expecting a scolding. "That was a good move. Be careful though, you left yourself wide open to have your ankle grabbed and a knee driven into your spine. You're lucky Gohan was too slow to catch that."

It was Gohan's turn to blush in embarrassment now. "You did good too, son. But your inexperience is showing. If you two continue, she'll wipe the floor with you. Do you understand why?"

The Saiyan boy scowled and looked away. <I don't even want to be a fighter and you're making me ashamed because I'm not a good one?>

The elder Saiyan sighed and looked over at Videl. "You'll learn a lot from Master Roshi. Don't let him talk you into showing him your underwear or kissing him or anything like that though. If he tries, just whack him upside the head."

"Hey! What do you think you're doing, young man!?" The hermit exclaimed.

Goku glanced up at the sky. "It's about time to go. Vegeta and Krillin will be done soon. You guys ready?"

Gohan shook his head. "One minute, dad." He approached Videl and smiled, glad that his nose wasn't bleeding anymore. It was mostly just a scratch from the heel of her shoe, after all. "It was great to see you again, Videl. I hope to meet you in the next Budoukai. I'll have to train hard, now that I've seen your potential."

Videl grinned and shrugged modestly. "It's no big deal. I was impressed by your skills. We'll both have to train hard." She scuffed her foot against the ground and noticed Goku was looking a bit impatient, though he seemed interested in how this chat was turning out. Peasa was giving her a knowing grin, which she tried to ignore, and Roshi was drooling over the Saiyan girl. "I can't wait for the Budoukai. Maybe you can visit again soon? I'm staying at a beach house over in Basiltown. And I'll be training here afternoons and evenings."

The boy grinned and nodded. "I'd like that." He noticed she seemed to be waiting for something. <Oh… how embarrassing. Everyone is staring at me!> He glanced back and corrected that thought. <Ok, Master Roshi seems more interested in Peasa's tail.> He looked back at Videl. <She has such pretty blue eyes… She still looks like she's waiting for something.> "Um… well… see you soon, I hope."

Videl scuffed her foot against the ground some more, shifting a bit on her feet.

Gohan scratched the back of his head nervously.

Videl bit her lip and swayed gently, still waiting for something.

"Oh for Kami-sama's sake, just kiss the girl!" Goku cried in exasperation.

"Nani!? But Dad, I… MMPH!" Gohan froze as Videl leaned forward and fastened her lips on his, tired of waiting.

She backed away and grinned. "See ya." <I would have settled for a hug, but when opportunity knocks… oh his cheeks are so red! So kawaii!!!>

"Uh… yeah…" Gohan tripped and got up, laughing in embarrassment. He waved then winced and dropped his arm back to his side, then gave her a goofy smile and stumbled again before he felt his father catch him. "Bye!"

"That's my boy!" Goku announced, bringing his fingers up to his forehead. He felt Peasa put a hand on his shoulder then felt her stiffen. A moment later Roshi was flying through the air again and the girl was readjusting her shirt. Goku chuckled, knowing the old man had taken the opportunity to grab the girl's breast, something he always seemed to do when a girl was distracted. <Some people never change…> They vanished a moment later.

Videl blinked and looked around. "Wow!" She smirked at Roshi and settled back down on the ground and relaxed, despite the pathetic cries coming from the man that he was drowning. <Please… a man can't live on an island in the middle of nowhere for all these years and not know how to swim…>

Five minutes later, she started to sweat as the man had dipped under the water and not resurfaced. Beneath the water, Roshi was trudging back towards land beneath the water. <Good thing that dragon hasn't wished me back yet. Damn girl let me drown! What gratitude… hmph!>

Videl grinned, thinking about Gohan again. "It was so great seeing him again. He's so cute! I wonder if he thought I looked cute. Oh, my hair is all messed up and I'm all sweaty! He probably thought I was a slob. Ah well, if he doesn't like me for who I am then he can take a hike! It was fun kissing him though!" She paused for a few moments and sighed when she saw Roshi's bald head break the surface of the water. <Oh good, he's not dead. I would have hated to have that on my conscience. Well… relatively not dead…> She chuckled at the halo. Before the man's nose and mouth rose above the water though, the halo suddenly vanished and the old hermit started coughing and sputtering and hurrying forward.

"Oh what bad timing! Darn you Uranai, I bet you did that on purpose!" He shouted after he collapsed onto the beach.

Videl raised an eyebrow. "Well, I guess I'll see you for tomorrow's lesson. I should get home and get some sleep. I've been up for a long time now."

The turtle elder grumbled for a few moments about his sister then realized what the girl had said. "Oh! All right then, rest well. I'll expect great things out of you tomorrow, after seeing your performance here today. Expect to be pushed to your limits!"

Videl nodded then bowed. "Arigato, sensei." She headed for her plane and asked the pilot to take her to the beach house and leaned back in her seat and dozed off.

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Here we are at the end of another chapter. Heh. Except for the androids I pretty much touched on everyone, I think. I had originally intended a small scene with the androids as well, but it just didn't fit with this chapter so it'll have to wait till the next one. And speaking of the next one… landmark #30! Here's what you can expect: He's mean, he's green, and he's got a really big… tail! Yep, the appearance of Cell! And another lean green fighting machine, Piccolo! The androids of course, and Vegeta and Krillin will make their presence known as well. Get ready for a number of action packed chapters! It'll be great. Teehee. Reviews are as always greatly appreciated. You guys keep me going with those. Otherwise I probably would have gotten frustrated and quit by now. Heh. Byebye!