Chapter Two: Unholy Day


Oh unholy day,

If I leave now I might get away,

Oh but this weighs on me, as heavy as stone and as blue as I go.

I was just wondering if you’d come along?

Hold up my head when my head won’t hold on.

I’ll do the same if the same’s what you want,

If not I’ll go, I will go alone...

“How is reconstruction going Trunks?” Videl asked, as she smiled sweetly. Trunks was zoned out; he had been staring at the wood floor for the last ten minutes. “Trunks?” Videl questioned, wondering why the young warrior hadn’t answered her. Trunks managed to snap out of his self-imposed trace and looked blankly at Videl. “What?” He said, confused. Videl glanced at Gohan and continued, “Is everything alright Trunks?” Trunks smiled sheepishly and gently rubbed the back of his head, “Gomen ne Videl. I sort of checked out for a minute there.” Gohan looked at him with concern, “That’s not like you. What’s bothering you?” Trunks looked up at his sensei and sighed, “I can’t shake this ominous feeling.” Trunks shook his fists with frustration. “Ever since this morning I’ve been up tight. I just can’t seem to relax.” Trunks let his fists fall to his sides, “I just don’t know why my senses are acting up like this.” Trunks looked up at Gohan’s understanding face. Gohan watched Trunks for a second and replied, “You are a warrior, Trunks. If your senses are telling something is wrong, maybe you should trust them.” Goten turned to Trunks, “I’ve never seen you like this. What ever it is that is bothering you, don’t dismiss it. Who knows what it is.” Trunks sighed, shaking his head. Suddenly an alarming thought entered his mind, /Where is Elsa? I haven’t seen her for a good ten minutes or so. / Trunks’ eyes widened with impending fear. “Where is Elsa?” he calmly asked Gohan. Gohan’s eyes seemed to read his pupils thoughts and his gaze swung to the back of the store. “Elsa?” Trunks yelled down the cereal aisle. Nothing. “Elsa?” Trunks called again, walking to the back of the store to search for her himself. “Elsa?” Gohan called, looking in the broom closet. Trunks’ eyes flashed back to the group, as dawning crossed their faces. “Elsa?” cried Bulma, frantic to find her daughter. “Elsa?” Goten and Goku yelled following Gohan down an aisle. “Elsa, Where are you?” yelled Videl as she stole a worried glance at Bulma. Within five minutes of ransacking the shop it became clear to them, Elsa was gone.
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/Just shoot her in the chest/ Mink thought as she practiced aiming on a nearby wall. She managed to glance down at her watch in time to notice she was running late. /Lion said to leave at eight, it’s already eight twenty five! / Mink quickly ran toward the Main Centaur building hallway. /I better get there in time to show that deceiving little mutt whose boss. / Mink’s eyes narrowed as she checked her gun. /And this time I’ll take the safety off. / She hit the safety button and heard her gun satisfyingly click. As she rushed towards the front door, she stopped to watch her reflection in a dirty old mirror. As she began to fix her hair, she smiled wickedly /Got to look good when you’re killing dirty little dogs. / With a last flip of her over-gelled hair, she headed once again toward the front door. As she reached to push the door open, a ridiculing voice resounded from the hallway behind her. “Aren’t we late?” Lion growled at her. Mink stared at her feet and said nothing. “Let’s not have this happen again. Now you better hurry before your time to kill her has past.” Wordless, Mink pushed the door open, and ran down the road to Hope City Market. /In the chest. Just shoot her in the chest. / Mink thought as she ran as fast as her designer heels could take her. Lion watched her run, a malevolent smile curling his lips, “I’m going to enjoy breaking your neck, Mink. I wonder if the ‘snap’ will sound like your brothers did.” Lion laughed hard, grabbing his stomach, as he watched Mink’s form disappear over the horizon.
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“How much longer, Mea?” Elsa asked, as she turned her face up to the young woman’s. “Not much.” Mea responded, still watching the road ahead. “Mea?” the girl questioned again. “Yes Elsa.” Mea said eyeing a passing car...Sarah wondered as she watched the pair out her rear view mirror, /I know I’ve seen that girl before. /......“Why didn’t you think nii-san could help us?” The girl watched her carefully. “I...I don’t know Trunks. I didn’t want to bother him.” Mea’s voice was deadpan. “He wouldn’t have cared. He likes helping people. He would have helped you.” Elsa said as she walked faster, trying to keep up with Mea’s stride. “Is that so?” Mea said, turning her head slightly to watch the receding car. “He always helps people. He helped me.” Elsa chattered, happy to speak of her brother. Mea looked down at the girl, “How did he help you?” She said, interested. “He saved me from the androids. Then he destroyed them, and brought me to Kaasan.” The small girl began to skip, swinging from Mea’s arm. Mea felt the wind knock out of her, “He...He destroyed them?” she tried desperately to catch her breath. “Yup. He blew them up.” The girl smiled faintly at the thought. “How...How did he do that?” Mea said, trying not to let the fears racing in her mind come through in her voice. Then Elsa smiled and said with a child’s innocence, “He turned Super Saiyajin.” Mea pulled the girl to a stop, “Super Saiyajin?” Elsa grinned, happy she had caught Mea’s interest. “Hai, Super Saiyajin. Nii-san can do it. So can Papa, and Goten...” as the girl continued listing, Mea’s face changed to paler and paler. /Super Saiyajin? What ever it is it destroyed the androids. But wait, should I trust her? Maybe this is just a small child’s imagination. / “What is ‘Super Saiyajin’ Elsa.” Mea said, starting to walk again. “It’s when their hair turns all spiky and blonde and stands up.” Elsa let go of Mea’s hand to demonstrate. “Their eyes turn green and this barrier thing surrounds them.” Elsa pulled her hair up in spiky pieces, “And they can beat anything up. Nii-san blew up the androids easy as pie.” The girl let her hair go and made a stomping motion on the ground. Mea took several deep breaths, “When do they turn ‘Super Saiyajin’?” Elsa kicked a pebble and reached for Mea’s hand again, “When they get really mad.” Mea put her hand on her temple and massaged gently, /Oh shit. OH Shit! What I am doing is going to make them really angry. I have to get this girl out of here before they noticed she’s missing. / With that she tossed Elsa on her back and started running at a breakneck speed toward the arboretum twelve blocks ahead.
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Trunks was seething with rage. A faint gold aura surrounded his face and body. His deep blue eyes shifted occasionally to an aquamarine and back again. This was what he had been dreading all day, the omen had come true. Someone had taken Elsa, he knew she hadn’t wandered off. Something inside told him that. It was the same voice that had told him how to find the androids. What ever it was, his fighter instinct, human intuition, it was always right never faltering. Now it told him someone had taken Elsa, and they would pay for it. Now to find her, and the one who took her. Trunks clenched his fists, trying to keep control of the power welling inside him. He almost snapped into Super Saiyajin when a car screeched on to the street in front of him. “Trunks!” yelled a woman about his mother’s age as she leapt from the car. He contained his power and turned to her. “Sarah?” called Bulma from the opposite lawn. “Trunks! I saw Elsa!” Trunks’ face snapped to her’s. “Where.” He voice stayed monotone, as his eyes shifted again. “Suri Grove Street, a strange girl was walking with her.” The woman panted, holding her chest. Sarah fell hard to the ground as a power surge erupted through Trunks. Trunks, now in Super Saiyajin, launched off the ground without a single glance behind him. /I am going to catch the Bakayarou who took her. And she is going to pay. / Trunks thought, his severe green eyes narrowing.
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/Almost there. / Mea thought as she rounded the corner. Elsa clasped tighter to Mea’s neck as they skidded around the turn. Just as Mea ran for the main gate, she stopped in her tracks. Something was coming, fast. She realized suddenly, /Oh Kami, is this what a Super Saiyajin feels like? / She shook her head, hoisted Elsa up higher on her back and continued to sprint to the dark maples before her......../Shoot her in the chest. Just in the chest. / Mink thought as she hid behind the tall tree near the entry road. /In the chest and the little bitch will be dead. / Mink smiled wickedly through her bright fuchsia lipstick and carefully took aim at the road in front of her.......... Trunks scowled as he knelt, inspecting the ground of Suri Grove Street. “Where was she taking her?” he asked no one in particular. Just then his gaze followed the road to the swinging gate of the arboretum. He could feel that Goku and the others were not far behind him. Trunks calmly rose, his golden aura scorching the pavement with every step..............Elsa grasped the back of Mea’s tank top and laughed, “Again! Again!” she called as Mea stopped her run. “Time to get off.” Mea said as she felt tears misting her eyes. She delicately took Elsa’s hand as they walked toward the entry to the Arboretum.......... Mink heard the sound of footsteps echoing in the utter silence of the trees. She smiled savagely and aimed her sight.......... Mea held Elsa’s hand loosely, knowing that in a few minutes the girl would hate her. /It doesn’t seem like she would hate anyone. I guess I’ll be the first. / Mea felt her eyes mist again. “What’s wrong, ne-san?” Mea looked at the girl, stunned. “Ne-san?” She said, her cheeks wet with tears. “I have a brother, now you can be my sister.” Elsa smiled broadly, then she felt Mea sob gently. “You don’t want me as a sister.” Mea said pulling her sunglasses of her eyes. Tears moved in streams down her shaking face. “Ne-san?” the girl questioned, reaching for Mea’s face. Just then a shrill laugh echoed from in front of them. Mea’s eyes narrowed as she protectively pushed Elsa behind her. Then the shot rang out through the silent trees............ Trunks heard the single gun shot and clenched his teeth, “If you have hurt her, I will rip you to shreds.” He bellowed as he raced forward. The ground shook with the force of his take off, leaving cracks in the asphalt......... Mea’s teeth gritted as she felt the hole in her now useless shoulder. Blood oozed from the wound staining her white tank top brick red. “Ne-san!” screamed Elsa as she tugged on her good shoulder. “How the mighty have fallen.” Echoed the shrill voice from a nearby tree. Mea struggled to get to her feet, as tormentor showed herself. Mink smiled smugly toward her fallen adversary, “Told you I’d take you out one day, you deserved it after what you did to my brother.” Mink stalked closer to Mea. “I didn’t do anything to your brother you stupid bimbo. Now what is Lion going to think when he finds out you botched this mission.” Mea smiled, despite the pain it caused her. Mink laughed again, Mea could feel Elsa cringe, “Lion ordered me to come kill you. As for my brother, you took the only thing that was stable in my life. And you are going to pay for it.” Mink smiled viciously as she aimed her Mea’s vulnerable head. Or what she thought was her vulnerable head. Before Mink could even utter a cry of dismay, Mea had knocked her flat on her back with a low spin kick to her ankles. The gun had slid feet away from her hand leaving her defenseless. “He ordered you did he? Well he’ll get his just desserts.” Mea said with smoldering eyes, as she stalked toward Mink. Just as Mea reached for Mink’s shirtfront, Elsa screamed with delight, “Nii-san!” As she ran to the glowing figure. “Stay there, Elsa.” Trunks growled as the waves of pure golden energy surrounding him intensified. “Help Mea, nii-san.” Elsa cried, pointing at Mea, clasping her hands tightly together. Trunks’ seething green eyes fell upon the two women. Mink choked out, “By Kami.” as the glowing stranger approached. Mea watched as the young man steadily walked up and wham! Mea felt the incredible impact in her chest as she slid across the gravel ground. She barely had time to regain her senses when her shirt, into the air hoisted her, feet above the ground. Trunks held her shirt in a white-knuckle fist, as he calmly addressed her, “Why did you take my sister?” He emphasized his point with a shake. Mea stared directly in to his green eyes, and speechless. “Why did you take my sister?” He growled, throwing Mea sharply to the ground. “No nii-san! Don’t hurt Mea!” Screamed Elsa as she ran for Mea’s limp body. “Elsa stay out of this.” He hissed darkly, as he reached for the broken woman again...... Mink watched with utter terror at the glowing man’s interrogation of the wounded Wolf, then she remembered her gun........“Why did you take my sister! Answer me if you want a life to beg for.” Trunks howled as he held Mea inches away from his face. His enraged eyes sparkled with the power he with held from view. “Tell me!” He yelled tossing the girl again to the floor. “No nii-san!” screamed Elsa crying, as she tugged on Mea’s bruising arm. “Pissed off the wrong people didn’t ya?” remarked Mink as she rose from the ground, gun hidden behind her back. “Don’t worry Wolfie, it will all end soon.” Mea glared at Mink, as she wiped the blood from her split lip with the back of her bruising hand. Then a great gale of wind entered the arboretum and advanced toward the group. In a whirl of wind and debris three men floated in midair, a woman was held by one, her frantic arms reaching toward Elsa’s frightened form. “Elsa!” screamed Bulma as she was still being held afloat by Goku’s strong hands. Trunks immediately dropped out of Super Saiyajin and held his position, ten feet from the fallen Mea. “Kaasan!” Elsa cried as she turned to run to her mother’s arms. “I don’t think so.” Mocked Mink as she leveled the gun at Elsa’s small back. Then, Mink pulled the trigger. The bullet flew true but was blocked from its original target by Mea, who bodily pushed Elsa out of its path. Mea felt the familiar sting and rush of blood as she began to fall to the ground. Elsa spun at the sound of the shot, and changed direction. The girl ran, tripping and falling toward Mea as she grasped the air in an effort to stop her fall. The world turned an eerie washed out gray as Mea waited to hit the sharp gravel. Just as the ground came painfully close, a pair of strong hands stopped her descent. She felt herself turned over as Mink yelled; “Don’t touch me!” as a pair of powered up Super Saiyajins leapt on her, the sound of their crackling energy filling the thickening air. Mea’s shallow breaths became slower and slower as the world began to dim. The aching pressure of the bullet in her stomach caused an upsurge in the seeping of the blood into her chest and throat. The pain made her muscles convulse and she vainly tried to cough up the rising blood from her throat. “ Goku, I need a senzu!” Yelled Trucks as he held Mea carefully with one hand and futilely tried to stop the flowing blood with the other. Mea watched as Trucks pushed Elsa’s sobbing form toward Bulma. The taller man in the red-orange gi, the one with the cheerful eyes, looked hopeful as he handed Trunks something from a small leather pouch on his belt. Trucks gently opened her mouth and force-fed her half of a small bean. Mea could only hear her heart’s slowing beat, as the world’s light turned to a void of onyx black.
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The abysmal black faded away from Mea’s eyes, as a watercolor like image became a sharper defined picture. Mea’s eyes fluttered open, as she smelled the scent of warm, fresh bread permeating her bedrooms air. She yawned and smiled, /Kaasan must be at it early. I hope Otousan hasn’t left with Red yet. / Mea spun under her covers and hung her small feet off the edge of her bed. She wiggled her toes experimentally, and pushed down to the smooth, cold wood floor below. She walked carefully to her closet, after several pulls the door came loose. Stepping inside she grabbed her light cotton gi, and training shoes. After changing, she tied her typical purple ribbon in her long, dark raven hair. Satisfied with her appearance, she opened her door and slowly walked down the spiraling, chestnut staircase. Mea always held the handrail coming down; her small feet often slipped on the polished steps. As she reached the bottom, sounds of conversation and laughing rolled from the kitchen. Mea giggled as she recognized the three voices, and she began running toward the sounds of people, and the smell of fresh bread. When she entered the room, her mother was standing behind her father still in her cooking apron. Both were smiling at their guest who sat at the kitchen table, opposite of them. Without hesitation Mea ran up behind the guest’s chair, and wrapped her small arms around the front. “Good morning, Oji-san!” she sing-songed to the furry figure in the chair. A gruff chuckle erupted from the figure as he turned his only eye to her. “Good morning Mea.” Red responded, his lips curling over his razor sharp teeth into a smile. Mea released her hug, and ran to her father’s side. “Are you going to Nibelheim Mountain to day, Otousan?” Mea said, as she smiled into her father’s handsome face. “Hai, Mea.” Her father replied, tousling her hair slightly. “Are you hungry Mea?” her mother asked, wiping her hands on her apron. “Oh yes, Kaasan!” Mea replied moving to her mother, taking hold of her soft hand. “I’ll fix you up some waffles just how you like them.” Tifa’s bright smile directed toward Mea’s small face. “Oh sankyuu Kaasan!” Mea giggled, she turned to her father again. “Can I go with you and Oji-san?” Mea said hopefully. “Iie, I think not. We’re going to the peak today, it is a dangerous place.” Cloud answered glancing at the large cat across from him. Mea pouted steadily in their direction, “I’ve been training everyday Otousan. I’ll be really quiet, really!” Mea pleaded to her father. Cloud’s glowing sea blue eyes sparkled a little at her plea. “I know you’ve been training.” Cloud soothed, “I’m very proud of you for the improvement you have made in your hand-to-hand skills, but the mountain top is very dangerous Mea. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He rubbed her back gently as she hunched over in defeat. Mea sniffled a little, and wiped her hand quickly across her eyes. “Now none of that.” Cloud consoled her gently, “I promise you can come with me next week when I go to Midgar.” Mea’s face cheered at his words, “Really Otousan? I’ll be really good, I promise!” Tifa brought a full plate of waffles, strawberries, and syrup to Mea. Mea sat down happily between Red and Cloud, and dug in. “Why are you going to the peak?” Tifa inquired to her husband, as she pulled out a nearby oak chair to sit in. “Cid investigated with the Highwind II a rumor yesterday that there is an anomaly on the peak. Bugenhagen believes it may have been caused by the Meteor’s gravitational pull.” Cloud motioned to Red, as the beast continued the explanation, “I believe what Bugenhagen says is true, I also think it could be a compiled 'wormhole' type portal, leading to a location outside of our system.” Mea chewed thoughtfully and asked, “If it is a portal could we go to the other place?” Red gave her a surprised blink, “Why yes Mea. If it is stable, an organic being could pass between the two locations.” Cloud’s normally pleasant voice turned solemn as he gazed at Mea, “And something could pass to our world.” Tifa bit her lip gently, and also glanced at Mea, who still was finishing her waffles. After Mea finished her breakfast and had put her plate away, she turned to her father and ‘uncle’. “Will you tell me what you find?” she questioned. Cloud turned to his five-year-old daughter and smiled. Her midnight blue eyes glowed just like his. The reason why had never been explained. Her eyes had the same intensity, just a shade darker. “If that’s what you want, Musume-san.” He grinned lovingly as he replied. She skipped quickly to him and climbed into his accepting lap. She smiled softly and lay her head on his broad chest. “Please Otousan, tell me.” Cloud smiled and leaned down, kissing her carefully on the forehead. “Alright.” Cloud responded, his voice echoing away from her. Mea’s eyes snapped open. She was no longer on her father’s loving lap. She lay in a stark black, with no light in sight. The loving images all had slipped away like a fading dream. She grasped for them, but they recoiled back into the depths of her mind. Truth was, she had been dreaming. The shock of the bullet wound had forced her mind deep into her unconscious. Her mind was clear now. /Who was that? Was I remembering my real parents? / Then her mind began to stir back to the present. /Where am I? / She fought to open her eyes, but her lids would not obey. The sounds and smells of a busy infirmary awoke her sleeping senses. Though she couldn’t see them, it was obvious her room was filled with arguing people. “I’m going to rip her arms off and feed them to her...slowly.” threatened a gruff male voice. “Iie Vegeta, We should find out why she was taking Elsa first.” Soothed a concerned male voice. “Don’t tell me what to do Kakarott you brainless low-class scum! This little wench tried to kidnap my daughter.” There was a short pause as the man’s footsteps stalked closer to her bed, “ and she’s going to pay for it.” snarled the rough voice, now feet from her. She could feel the power of anger swelling the room as Vegeta powered up. As the power grew overwhelming Mea’s fighter instincts finally awoke her sleeping mind. With absolute self-preservation in mind, Mea’s eyes snapped open and she rolled clumsily from the infirmary bed to the cold floor. The man howled at her, “Don’t think a that is going to stop me girl!” With that, now Super Saiyajin Vegeta leapt toward her, fist rocked back to strike her dead. Mea thought as she hastily closed her eyes, /Well here it is, the end. Hope he finishes it quick. / With that Mea set her jaw, waiting for the final punch to fall. It didn’t. Mea carefully opened one eye, and let out the breath she had kept contained. A form stood between her and Vegeta, calmly speaking to him. The figure held it’s ground as Vegeta snarled, “Get out of my way boy. I have brat to dismember.” Trunks sighed gently, trying to control his father’s temper, “Don’t forget she saved Imoto-san’s life, Otousan. We need to know why she was taking her anyway.” Mea carefully peeked around Trunks’ broad form, to peer at Vegeta. Vegeta had dropped out of Super Saiyajin and was standing, arms crossed, listening half amused to Trunks’ argument. Trunks then smiled viciously, “Anyway I have first dibs.” Vegeta laughed sharply, “I don’t think so boy.” Trunks turned to her abruptly, eyes narrowing, “Get back in the bed.” He grumbled his tone thick with hostility. Mea scowled at him and crossed her arms in defiance. Trunks’ fists shook with rage as he leaned toward her. Just then a shrill voice screeched, “What are you doing out of bed. You have twenty-two stitches you’ll pull them out!” A flustered woman in a dainty nurse uniform ran toward her ‘patient’. She tugged tightly on Mea’s forearm, dragging her bodily toward the hospital bed. After hastily tossing her under the covers, she poked furiously at Mea’s injured shoulder. “Look what you did. Pulled three of them out.” The nurse reached toward the broken stitches. Mea’s arm flashed up and snatched the woman’s wrist in a savage grip. She had learned a long time ago not to let people poke and prod. “I need to fix these.” The nurse stammered. Mea’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Let her go.” Trunks growled as he took a menacing step toward the bed. Mea watched him carefully and released the anxious woman’s hand. The nurse reached again, paused, and continued her work. “Mea!” beamed Elsa from the doorway. Bulma held her hand cautiously watched the young woman in the bed. Mea managed to smile weakly at the girl’s exclamation. /She doesn’t hate me? I guess she’s the only one. / Elsa released her mother’s hand and ran head long in Mea’s direction. Vegeta stopped her with a snap. “Elsa stop now.” He reprimanded. She stared wide-eyed at his rough face. He took her arm rather gently and pulled her aside. “You are not to talk to her understand?” He tilted her chin upwards. Small tears formed in her large green eyes as she sniffled softly. “No crying.” Vegeta responded curtly. The little girl took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and settled with wrapping her small arms around her father’s strong leg. The nurse finished the new stitches and promptly walked toward the door, “I don’t want to see you out of bed again.” She said shaking her finger accusingly. Mea glowered in the woman’s direction, causing her to spin and leave the room in a huff. Bulma calmly entered the room, her eyes tracing the grout on the immaculate tile floor. “So you had been following us all day?” Bulma asked, still focusing on the ground. Mea shuffled uncomfortably under the heavily starched sheets. “My wife asked you a question. You better answer it.” Hissed Vegeta. Mea watched the pale grout also and shifted again under the sheets. “Yes.” She muttered, unable to meet Bulma’s gaze. “You had the intention the whole time to steal Elsa didn’t you?” Bulma’s voice bordered on rage. Mea still focussed on the tiled floor, “Yes.” She whispered. Bulma’s eyes burned with tears as she pressed on, “Why? Why did you want Elsa? For what possible reason could you need a little girl?” Then Bulma dissolved into tears, as she hastily left the room. Vegeta growled something inaudible and followed Bulma, leaving Elsa with Trunks. Mea felt a lump growing in her throat as she felt the remaining eyes upon her. /I didn’t want to hurt her. She was so nice to me. So nice. If she had only known. / Her gaze traveled upward, to the two figures closest to her. They were the two men who had joined Trunks earlier. One was filled with anger, obliviously directed towards her. The other looked at her with his normally bright happy eyes, which were now filled with pity. He sighed gently, and leaned toward her whispering. “Why did you do it?” his dark eyes boring into hers. Mea quickly shifted her gaze to the sheets, and pushed her loose tresses behind her ears. Surprisingly the man smiled gleefully and replied, “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to know why you did it.” Mea gaze changed from the sheets to his eyes again. He seemed to be pleading with her. The man rose from his leaning position and turned to Trunks, Elsa, and Goten. “Will you three wait outside for Gohan and Videl? They should be here soon.” Goten snapped his attention from Mea to his father. “Please Goten.” Goku appealed to his youngest son. Goten nodded his head, still clenching his fists he walked toward the door. Trunks turned to Mea on the bed, scowled, and lead Elsa from the room, shutting the heavy door behind him. Goku sighed softly, and turned back to Mea. She had the covers in her balled up fists in an effort to contain her impending fear. Goku smiled, “No need for that.” He remarked as he sat in the only chair. She lifted her head and watched the man’s movements. He sat causally in the chair, openly smiling in her direction. She gulped and continued to gaze at him. The man leaned forward and grinned, “My name is Son Goku. What’s yours?” Mea’s eyes bulged at his words, /This is Son Goku? Oh crap. Oh crap. / The man smiled sincerely again. “My...my name is Mea.” She responded her voice wavering. “Well Mea...” Goku relaxed back into his plastic chair, “I just want to know why you were taking Elsa.” He seemed to ponder her face a minute and continued, “I know you’re not a bad person. I saw you push her away from that bullet.” He turned to the large window, “ I’m just wondering why you took her.” His normal smile lay upon his features when he turned back to her. She was still watching her sheets, contemplating her choice of actions. Then his voice lowered, “No one is going to hurt you, Mea. I’ll make sure of that.” She looked at him with utter confusion. “Why would you go out of your way for me?” Mea choked out, bewildered by his words. He grinned again, a playful glint in his ebon eyes, “ Everyone deserves a second chance.” He rose from the uncomfortable chair and walked to the edge of the medical bed. Mea’s mouth was literally agape as he stood by her. He chuckled lightly, “If I didn’t believe in second chances, I wouldn’t have many friends.” His voice dropped again to that encouraging whisper, “So tell me Mea, why were you taking her?” He sat on the edge of her bed, watching her. “Um...” Mea stuttered. Then that chiding voice echoed in her, /He deserves the truth. Give it to him. / She balled her hands in tight fists, trying to prevent herself from sobbing, “I was ordered to. It...it was my mission to take her.” She pushed the stray strands of dark hair back again. “I didn’t...didn’t want to do it.” She felt the tears burning her eyes, “ But if I didn’t, someone else would of.” Her chest shook with ragged sobs, as she pushed her fists to her eyes in an effort to stop the tears. /Why am I crying. I never cry! What is it about him? / Then she heard him lean forward, “It’s okay. It’s alright.” He slowly wrapped his strong arms around her, carefully patting her shaking back in large circles. Mea, on instinct, buried her face in his gi and wept. She had never been hugged or consoled for as long as she could remember. She had grown up with bitterness surrounding her, Goku’s act of kindness had shook her to the core. She felt the sobs lift, as she calmed herself. She sputtered, “Gomen ne, I’m sorry.” As she wiped the tears from her eyes. Goku smiled, leaning back slightly, “That’s alright. Sometimes everyone needs to cry.” He patted her back again encouragingly. She smiled weakly, brushing the last tear from her tired eyes. Goku took in a deep breath and continued, “Who ordered you to take her?” Mea bit her lip and smiled sourly, “Lion. He leads a rebel group named Centaur. I am...was a member. They were planning on using Elsa for a ransom from the Briefs’ family.” Goku shook his head, “Why were you with them Mea?” his voice laced with concern. Mea closed her eyes, “Lion... he found me when I was seven, a dirty little orphan. I don’t remember anything from before, he was all I knew.” When she opened her eyes, Goku was staring blankly at the starchy sheets. “Well, you’re not with them anymore.” He responded with resolve, “And if you want, you can start over now. You deserve a new life.” He beamed as he turned to her. She smiled again; tears once again threatened to show themselves. The moment was shattered as a furious pounding erupted on the locked door, “Kakarott! Let me in! There is no time to play nicey nice!” Vegeta howled from the hallway. Mea’s smile fell to a look of despair. She turned to the door, and muttered, “Hard to start a new life, if people want to rip you limb from limb.” Goku laughed briefly, “Don’t worry about Vegeta. If anyone should understand second chances it’s him.” Vegeta’s fist along with screams from the nurses entered the quiet room. Vegeta’s form easily pulled through the remaining shards of wood, and faster then Mea could blink, he was standing inches from her bed. He stood with a smirk, his powerful arms crossed tightly in front of him. “You ready to die brat?” His eyes narrowing, as he laughed maliciously. Mea’s dark blue eyes glowed slightly as she spoke, “Iie.” She responded firmly. Vegeta laughed again, “Not like you had a choice in the matter.” His paused fist was in her face before she could think; she blinked nervously at his instant movement. After she had gained control of her shaking breath, she narrowed her eyes, “If you’re going to mop the floor with me, do it. If not back off!” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. Vegeta gained a half-amused look on his smirking face he growled gently then, leaning dangerously toward her, “Got a fire in your belly, huh? Easy to put out you know. Just rip your disrespectful little stomach open and spit a few times.” She winced at his imagery, but otherwise remained unaffected. He chuckled softly, and returned his arms to their folded position. Another form entered the room through the crippled door, his blue eyes shined as he stalked closer. Trunks stopped near his father, adopting the same crossed arm pose. “Why isn’t she screaming yet, Otousan?” he laughed darkly. “Thought I’d leave the honors to you boy. She’s got an insolent little mouth on her.” Trunks cracked his knuckles maniacally, “A broken jaw might change her attitude.” Goku’s hand slowly rose, “Yamero Trunks. She doesn’t deserve that.” Trunks turned, fuming to Goku, “ Nani? What do you mean she doesn’t deserve it? She tried to kidnap Elsa. She deserves a lot more then a slap on the wrist!” A pained look in Goku’s eyes made Trunks pause, “There is more to her story then you know, Trunks. You are a good boy, I know that you will listen before you pass judgement.” Trunks watched Goku carefully, “Alright, but this better be good.” Vegeta leaned toward her again, “You’re lucky I don’t feel like staining my new gloves today, brat.” With that Vegeta turned to Goku, “Don’t think you’re gullible little opinion is going to keep me from using her head as a soccer ball. I’ll make my own decisions about this bakayarou.” Trunks sneered at her one last time, before he left through the ‘door’. Vegeta sighed mock sympathetically as he turned to her, “You’re only putting off the inevitable. When I’m done with you, your own mother won’t recognize you.” An injured ache set in Mea’s blazing eyes at his words. Vegeta, content with her response, turned and stepped causally out of the destroyed door. “Mother.” Murmured Mea, still watching his departure. Goku sighed gently, “I’ll tell them what you told me. If that’s alright?” Mea absently nodded her head. Goku placed his warm hand on her slender shoulders, “I’ll come to see you tomorrow afternoon. You need some rest.” She turned to him wide-eyed, “It will be alright.” He chuckled, “Trunks can be a very forgiving person. Things should calm down.” She looked again to the hallway, “I don’t know if he will forgive me. He was calling for my blood.” Goku became solemn, “You tried to take Elsa, his little sister, from him. I would expect nothing less than him wanting to pop your head off. He’s very protective.” Goku smiled wistfully then, “I’ll fix it.” He turned toward the battered door and called over his shoulder, “I don’t want to hear about you beating up any nurses, ne?” With that Goku left her. Mea leaned back against the feather pillow behind her. /Wow, he was so accepting. I wonder if that is what a father is like. /She paused suddenly, mid thought, /I’ll start over now, no more lies. / Mea smiled wearily, after a few punches in her crumpled pillow, she drifted comfortably into unconsciousness.
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The main kitchen of Capsule Corporation was silent of its normal bustles of cooking and conversation. Everyone stood near the middle of the room, surrounding Goku. All were listening intently to Goku’s quick paraphrasing of his conversation with Mea. Bulma gazed at him when he finished and carefully chose her words, “Do you believe her Son-kun?” Goku nodded his head thoughtfully, “Yes, I do. I think you should too.” Bulma glanced over at her husband. Vegeta like usual, had his arms crossed. For once though they were crossed in thought, not bravado. Goten sighed gently, looking up from the floor to his father, “ So there’s some rebel group snooping around? This could be a problem.” Goku nodded his head again. Gohan spoke next, “What could they have wanted so much money for? They’re up to something.” Gohan searched his father’s face, “We need to ask her if she knows.” Goku glanced briefly out the picture window to his right, “I think she'd tell us if she knows. I’ll ask her tomorrow.” Gohan nodded at his father’s words, and turned a worried look to Trunks, “What do you think Trunks? Do you believe her?” Trunks’ face was unreadable, for his face was still focused on the floor. “She did push Elsa out of the way.” He sighed, obviously troubled, “But, I don’t want to be tricked. What if this is just a modified version of her original plan? Make us trust her, then snatch Elsa again.” It was Vegeta who answered his worries, “I don’t think she feels great allegiance to this Centaur group. She’s caught, I don’t think she’ll continue to help them.” Trunks turned to his father, watching his face. “She gave me the impression of unwavering respect for knuckle head here.” Vegeta gestured vaguely at Goku, “ She also seemed saddened by the pain she had caused Bulma.” Vegeta pondered a moment, and met his son’s gaze, “She won’t try anything.” Trunks nodded in affirmation at his father’s logic. “If you trust her Otousan, I will.” Trunks said with confidence. Vegeta smiled mischievously, “Who said anything about ‘trust’. I’m still going to keep a close eye on her.” Trunks shared his father’s wary smile. Bulma interrupted them abruptly, “Well I guess it’s settled. We’ll trust her to an extent.” Vegeta growled at her, “Damn it woman. I don’t need your big mouth to state the obvious.” Bulma spun at him, “Big mouth? Big mouth! I’ll show you a big mouth you infuriatingly hardheaded infantile...” Goku’s eyes widened in wonder as Bulma continued to fling insults at Vegeta’s smirking face. When she finished her verbal assault she spun on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen, still muttering. “I’ve never seen her so mad.” Babbled Goku, still gaping. “She really does try desperately in our little arguments.” Vegeta was grinning from ear to ear, “But I always win.”
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“Mea.” Beckoned an echoing, soothing voice. Mea mumbled gently, trying to turn away from the voice’s call. “Mea.” Urged the voice again, only louder. “What?” Mea murmured, pulling the pillow clumsily over her head. “Mea!” demanded the voice, as it took on a hissing tone. Mea’s eyes opened slowly, /Where have I heard that voice before? / She questioned herself. She laggardly pulled the small pillow off her head. “Nani? Where are you?” she called loudly. “All around child.” Came the voice, seeming to rebound from every corner. Mea promptly sat up and scanned her room. Besides the pale milky drapes, which fluttered in a morning breeze, there was no other movement. Rapid breaths escaped her lips, as she continued to search every corner of the room with her eyes. Mea pulled the pillow tightly to her chest and scolded herself,/I was just dreaming. Getting shot does muttle your mind a little. / Mea laughed nervously, still scanning the barren room. “Are you dreaming?” mocked the voice, seemingly coming from feet away. Mea gasped, shaking slightly. “Who...who are you?” she stuttered, pulling her legs up closer to her carefully. “I knew you before you were born.” Claimed the voice, now floating from the ceiling. “What do you mean?” Mea inquired, visibly shaking, as she stared at the ceiling. Then the entity laughed, causing the dry wall to quake and tremble. Mea’s eyes widened with terror as her mind remembered the laugh. /That laugh... The laugh from my dream...No, it can’t be it...the pressure...the pressure wrapping around my neck...Oh Kami...Oh Kami. / Mea started to hyperventilate as she rocked back and forth in the bed. “No! No! You are not real! Not real!” she screamed still rocking, only more rapidly. The voice chuckled darkly, “Oh I’m real, dearest Mea.” Then the voice changed, its villainous intent filing every inch of the room, “You can never escape me. You are mine.” Tears streamed down Mea face, stopped only by the top of her now soaking wet hospital gown. She rocked violently back and forth, causing the wheels of the bed to squeak across the waxed floor. Mea breathed hastily, uttering only four words every few breaths. “You are not real.” She wished continuing to rock, as the voice cackled around her....... /I’m almost done with this horrible A.M. shift. / Grumbled Emily as she checked another patient’s chart. As she turned to leave the west wing, she heard a distinct squeaking coming from the last room in the hallway. /That’s where that violent girl is. Almost broke my wrist yesterday. / Emily sighed and walked toward the door, “I should still check on her.” Emily remarked to no one. With that Emily reached for the doorknob... The grotesque presence suddenly winked out, leaving Mea still rocking feverishly in her bed. Emily opened the door and gasped. Mea was rocking quickly to and fro, her head buried in her knees. The tears and sobs were still audible, along with the occasional muttering of, “You are not real.” Emily instantly forgot the earlier incident and rushed to Mea’s aid. “What’s wrong!” Emily tried in vain to shake Mea out of her self-induced fit. “Please what is it? Stop rocking, come on.” Emily shook Mea harder, but couldn’t reach the young woman’s mind. Emily scanned the room, looking for what had set the girl off. A small piece of purple ribbon lay in the back corner; it was horribly stained. Emily brushed the loose dirt of it and shook her head gently, “This isn’t what set you off was it?” She questioned. Emily examined the ribbon more closely; she choked in horror as she realized what had dirtied the cloth. Blood covered the ribbon at certain parts, the dark red color mixing with the bright purple in a nauseating combination. Emily hastily dropped the ribbon, and stared at the still rocking girl. She walked calmly to Mea; placing her hand delicately on her shaking shoulders. “It’s alright.” Emily said, watching the girl’s terror filled eyes. Then, as quickly as it had started, Mea collapsed back to the bed, unconsciousness. Emily leapt to her feet, but sighed with relief when she realized Mea was once again sleeping. “I better tell Mr. Son about this.” Emily said quietly, stealing a glance at the bloody ribbon. Emily carefully walked to the brand new wood door, and went through shutting it silently. Emily gazed a minute at the large hospital clock which read ten minutes to twelve, /He said he would be here at noon or so. I’ll speak to him then. / ......... “I think I should talk to her alone.” Pleaded Goku. Vegeta smiled, “You are too naive Kakarott. She could dope you like that.” He snapped is fingers for effect. Trunks spoke gently at his father’s harsh words, “You can go in alone Son-san. We’ll just wait outside the room.” Vegeta scowled, one eyebrow raising with amusement, “Since when do you speak for your superiors, boy?” Trunks beamed, “Since when is my father my superior?” Vegeta smirked dangerously, “I’m going to beat the living crap out of you boy.” Trunks looked at the ground, “I know...I know.” He grumbled. Goku laughed gently, “Come on, we better get going.” Vegeta pointed a finger in his direction, “You don’t make decisions Kakarott. You’re a brainless grunt.” Vegeta immediately took the lead, spinning around to face the two warriors, “Now it is time to go.” He proclaimed. He then turned and burnt the grass black with his departure. Goku shook his head gently as Trunks and he rose to follow Vegeta. “He’ll never learn to be humble will he?” Goku asked Trunks as he watched the rapidly moving ground from their aerial position. Trunks laughed sweetly, “I doubt Papa even knows what ‘humble’ means.” Goku smiled gently at him, as they reached their destination. Vegeta looked slightly distracted as the nurse, from the day before, was hastily trying to explain something important to him. Vegeta sighed loudly, “Kakarott, come listen to this woman’s babble.” Vegeta waved Goku toward the woman, as he walked briskly toward Trunks. “Mr. Son” the nurse huffed. “Hai, what is it?” He said politely. The woman smiled, grateful to have someone listen to her, “About ten minutes ago I found the girl in your charge, rocking back and forth violently, she was crying and uttering, ‘You are not real.’ I tired to reach her but couldn’t. After a few minutes she simply collapsed from exhaustion and fell back asleep. A few moments later I checked on her, she was awake with no memory of the incident.” Goku pondered a minute, as he opened his mouth to say something, the woman cut him off, “Also I found a bloody purple ribbon in the back corner of her room.” Goku looked at her concerned, “No” responded the woman, “She had no cuts on her. The blood looked old.” Goku scratched the back of his head thoughtfully, “I can’t explain it. But I’ll ask her about it.” The nurse nodded happily, and returned to her rounds. Goku walked back to Vegeta and Trunks and shook his head. “Otousan already told me most of it, Son-san. What do you think this means?” Questioned Trunks. Goku sighed and shook his head again, “I have no idea Trunks. But I think Mea’s past just got a whole lot messier.”... Mea sat up in her medical bed wearing a new gown, which the nurse had forced her to change into. /This one isn’t any different then the other one. Why did she have me change? What a screwball! / She scratched absently at the rough fabric. Just as she began to scowl at the window, the sound of a door creaking grabbed her attention, /If it’s that wacky nurse again, I’m going to scare the crap out of her. / Mea turned from the window to the doorway. Goku stood smiling gently. Mea couldn’t help but smile back as he shut the door behind him. “How are you feeling?’ he asked as he rested his hip on the corner of the bed. “Better, if I could get away from these baka nurses.” He leaned towards her, concerns apparent on his face, “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked watching her confused expression. “I’m fine. You sound just like that nurse this morning.” He sighed gently, “Did she tell you what happened this morning?” He asked. Mea frowned, “Happened this morning? Iie, what happened this morning?” Goku turned to her and gave her a short synopsis of the morning’s events. Mea looked positively shocked, “Who ‘isn’t real’?” she questioned. He smiled gravely, “I was hoping you could tell me.” Mea turned to the window, “Are you sure this even happened? That nurse is pretty flaky.” Goku, in response, strolled to the back corner of the room. He gingerly picked up a small item there, and walked slowly back. She looked at his sorrowful expression, then peered into his hand. She gasped in shock as the events of that morning broke through the defenses of her mind. She started to rock again, uncontrollably. Goku dropped the ribbon and grasped her shoulders, “Mea? What is it?” he shook her gently but it didn’t rose her frightened mind. Trunks and Vegeta had heard his yells, and entered the room quickly. “What the hell?” questioned Vegeta as he watched the rocking girl. Trunks joined Goku, as the two tried to control the convulsing girl. Her rapid breaths turned to moans as she rocked faster, against their combined efforts. “What the hell happened Kakarott?” shouted Vegeta as he leapt to help with the struggle. “I showed her the ribbon, this is what happened.” Goku said, still trying to hold Mea still. “No! No! She’s not real! Not real!” Mea screamed suddenly, surprising everyone. “We have to get her out of this.” Uttered Trunks through clenched teeth. Goku nodded his head seriously, as Mea tried to pull away from his grasp. “Mea.” Goku cooed softly, “No one is here except us.” She seemed to calm down considerably. “I’m here, it’s alright.” Goku touched her head gently. Mea was still rocking, but not as fast. Her eyes stared blankly ahead, as her teeth chattered sharply. Goku sent a worried look to Trunks. “Calm down, it’s alright Mea. Alright.” With a sudden thump, Mea fainted back to the bed. Trunks checked her pulse carefully, and nodded his head, “She’s just sleeping.” Vegeta chimed in, “How much you want to bet, she won’t remember any of this when she wakes up.” Trunks nodded again at his father’s words. Goku knelt down and picked up the discarded ribbon from the floor. He turned it over, his eyes stopping on the ribbon front. His mouth opened but he didn’t speak, just handed the ribbon to Trunks. Trunks, confused, took the ribbon in his hand and started as he read Mea’s name in delicate silver letters on the worn surface. “Someone was here then.” He said, still staring at the letters. “Whoever it was is probably responsible for making that ribbon bloody.” Added Vegeta, who stared from the faded ribbon to the unconscious Mea. Goku watched her sleep and wondered what this all meant. Trunks knelt down beside her and sighed, “I think we should wait for her to wake up.” He looked to Goku, who nodded in agreement, “ What do you think Otousan?” Vegeta smiled as he sat in the only chair, “For once, you have a good idea boy.”.......Mea tumbled down the rocky hillside, “Hurry get up! We don’t have much time!” yelled her mother over the sounds of battle. “If we get separated, you need to get to the peak Mea, understand?” hobbled Tifa on her badly injured leg. Mea’s eyes filled with tears, as she questioned, “Kaasan, Separated?” Tifa painfully looked at her daughter as the sounds of battle ceased. Tifa’s eyes widened with terror as she grasped her daughter’s hand, “ Hurry Mea! Run! She’s coming!”........ Mea’s eyes snapped open her heart racing. Trunks motioned to his father, and the three stood around the bed. “Mea?” Goku asked, touching her shoulder gently. Mea’s eyes narrowed as she saw Trunks and Vegeta, “What are they doing here?” she growled. Vegeta laughed, “She’s back to herself alright.” He smirked at her with his usual charm. Mea ripped her attention away from the unwelcome guests and turned to Goku, “What happened? I was talking to you, and now I’m waking up?” She shook her head, confused. Trunks was the one to answer, “You had another fit. We came in to help Son-san to calm you down.” She looked puzzled again at Trunks, “Fit?” she said softly. Trunks nodded his head ‘yes’. “Why don’t I remember this?” she scowled at him. “I don’t think your mind can deal with it, so it blanks out to protect you.” Trunks watched her face change to an almost child-like fragileness, “Protect me from what?” she said staring, imploringly into his eyes. He took a deep breath and thought to himself, /Should I tell her someone is leaving disturbing little gifts for her? Not a good idea, considering her recent reaction. Strange though, her eyes seem to glow a sea blue. Is that just a trick of the lighting? / He shook his head of thoughts and spoke, “We don’t know for sure.” She looked down, “Did I say anything this time?” she asked, still watching below her. “Hai” Goku responded, “You screamed ‘No! No! She’s not real! Not real!’ Then you collapsed again.” Mea frowned thoughtfully, “She...” she muttered. “What set me off?” she asked. Trunks gave Goku a warning glance, and Goku nodded. “We shouldn’t show it to you. But it’s a ribbon...a ribbon with your name on it.” Mea’s mouth gaped, “My name?” she questioned. Trunks nodded his head gently, “Your name.” He affirmed. Suddenly her face lost all hue, her jaw shook slightly as he spoke, “What color is it?” she sputtered. “Purple.” Trunks answered, glancing briefly at Goku. Mea’s memories flew back to the day before, the hallucination in the Town Hall. She shook a little and pulled her arms up around her shoulders. Goku was alarmed, “Mea? Mea, What is it? Do you know the ribbon?” He knelt near her and held her shoulders again, as he stared at her bleak face. “Come on girl, don’t faint again.” Grumbled Vegeta as he moved closer to her. She smiled wickedly through her chattering teeth; “I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction.” Vegeta smirked at her blatant disrespect, “She’s still sane enough to be a smart ass.” He chuckled as he crossed his arms again. “Then what is it?” asked Trunks as he too knelt beside her. “I...I think I saw the ribbon in a daydream I had yesterday. A little girl had it in her hair.” Trunks scowled, “What happened to the girl?” he asked. Her gaze then dropped to the floor, “Considering the girl started out as a corpse...” Trunks took in a startled breath. “That doesn’t bode well does it.” Vegeta responded, mildly surprised by her response. “Iie, it doesn’t.” Answered Trunks, still watching her shaking form. She suddenly turned to Trunks and whispered, “Why do you care? I thought you wanted to break my jaw and spill my blood down the halls?” She hadn’t said it with malice, just in a matter-a-fact kind sort of way. Trunks smiled gently and playfully responded, “Maybe just dislocate your jaw. But I want you to be sane when I do it.” She stopped shaking and gazed at him, completely confused to why he had changed his mind. He smiled again, and this time she shakily returned it. Goku grinned as he let go of Mea’s slim shoulders, “Told you I’d fix it.” He said gently, rising from his kneeling position. She looked up at him, and smiled hopefully. “Mr. Son?” called a voice as the nurse peered into the room. “Hai?” Goku responded as he turned from Mea and Trunks. “There’s a phone call for you. Please come take it at the desk.” Goku nodded as he walked to the new wood door. “Hey Vegeta, looks like they fixed the door this time. Pretty quick compared to last time, ne?” Goku shut the door before Vegeta could retort. “Last time?” Mea echoed her dark eyes hazing. Trunks laughed gently, “Kaasan had broke her wrist and the doctor said she needed some rest...from Otousan. So Otousan ripped the door down, grabbed her and flew home.” Vegeta growled at the memory, “Guy was a quack. What she needed was a firm beating.” Mea’s elegant eyebrows rose at his words, “I don’t know how the hell she puts up with you.” Vegeta turned to her, “I’m the only one who will put up with her.” Goku returned to the room, smiling cheerily, like always, “Gohan and everyone else will be here in a few minutes.” Goku crossed the space between them easily with his long stride, “I almost forgot. We were wondering if you knew why Centaur would need so much money?” Mea nodded sternly, “Money’s been short since the androids rampage, but Lion needed funds specially for plan ‘Reclaim’.” Goku listened to her, bewildered, as he rubbed the back of his head absently. Trunks turned to her; his arms crossed like his father, “What is plan ‘Reclaim’?” Mea leaned back till she felt the edge of the bed hit her knees, she sank down taking her seat there. “Plan ‘Reclaim’ is Lion’s little baby. The two of us always had a rivalry, so I don’t know the exact details. What I gathered of it was it is Lion’s big attempt at global domination.” Trunks growled firmly, “He thinks he can just pull freedom out from under humanity? I don’t think so.” Vegeta smirked and curtly responded, “I didn’t come back to this mudball, just to have some baka think he can rule it.” He gestured in Trunks’ direction, “Lucky for you, boy, I’m back. Least someone will be here to show him whose king.” Trunks just shook his head at Vegeta’s ‘humble’ opinion. “Umm, Trunks?” Mea hesitated slightly, having never used his name, “Is it true that you destroyed the androids?” She bit her lip gently, as she watched his sincere face, “Hai, I did.” He remarked softly, he gaze turning to her as he said it. Her reaction was surprising to him. Abandoning her normal uncouth attitude, she nervously played with a loose raven lock like a child. A frightened look set deep in her eyes. Trunks tilted his head in wonder, /Why does that scare her? I thought I already made it known that I don’t want to hurt her now. Why is she still frightened? / Mea looked at him now, that strange hollow fear still resting in her eyes. She still played with the strand, almost unaware she was. She smiled again, differently, and fuller this time. He watched her, fascinated by the change. She had seemed so cold and distant before, uncaring unfeeling. She had made it so easy for him to despise her, but now she was different. She resembled an unsure child smiling now, truly innocent for the first time. Trunks smiled back in wonderment, as her beautiful dark blue eyes glowed brightly at him. Goten’s tentative knock rocked both of them back to the their surroundings. He politely knocked again, Goku finally noticed, and crossed the room to let him in. Goten, leading Elsa by the hand, entered the room. Elsa broke free from his grasp and ran to her father, stopping directly in front of his scrutinizing gaze. She donned a schooled appearance, and politely spoke, “Is it alright to speak to Mea now Otousan?” Though her voice was calm, her green eyes betrayed her hope. Vegeta sighed, “You can talk to her now. But do not pester understand?” Elsa jumped up and down smiling happily, “Hai Otousan!” she answered, running toward Mea’s location on the bed. The little girl leapt bodily to jump into Mea’s lap, when Trunks grabbed her in mid-air. “Mea isn’t completely healed Elsa. Be careful, okay?” Trunks told the small girl. Elsa made a repentant sob, “Gomen ne Mea. I was just so happy to see you!” The girl grinned sweetly to validate her apology. Mea grinned, “That’s alright Elsa. I’m happy to see you too.” Mea reached out her arms to take the smiling Elsa from Trunks’ grasp. Trunks carefully placed Elsa in Mea’s arms and turned to speak to Goten. Elsa wrapped her small arms around Mea’s uninjured shoulder and embraced her tightly. Mea gasped at the petite girl’s show of affection. Elsa turned her small face to Mea’s and giggled uncontrollably, “You act just like Otousan did when I first hugged him.” Mea smiled shakily, carefully brushing stray red hairs behind Elsa’s tiny ears. “Don’t worry” Elsa said while hugging Mea again, “You’ll get use to it.” Mea relaxed in the child’s grip, looking over to the boys as she sighed. Goten was listening eagerly to Trunks, occasionally glancing in Mea’s direction in response to Trunks’ words. “A ribbon?” questioned Goten, as he turned again to Mea’s direction. “Hai, a ribbon. Someone must have left it here to taunt her.” Trunks followed Goten’s eyes to the pair on the bed. He sighed gently, still watching Mea toss Elsa carefully in the air. Goten turned back to him, “This person...”Goten started, “This person who is torturing her. She could be from a past mission. You know, revenge.” Trunks nodded gravely, “Or from before Mea remembers.” The two nodded together as Bulma entered the room silently through the large wood door. Mea stopped tossing the girl at the sight of her, and placed Elsa cautiously on the floor. Bulma stared, from the doorway, at the woman on the bed then swiftly crossed the tiled space between them. Mea hung her head as she fiddled her fingertips anxiously. The older woman took a deep controlled breath before she began, “What is your real name?” Bulma inquired as she watched the young woman’s face. Mea stopped wiggling her fingers and sighed repentantly, “Mea...Mea is my real name.” She answered turning her face toward Bulma’s. Bulma shook her head, paused, then placed her hand on the girl’s sagging shoulders, “Nice to meet you Mea.” Bulma whispered softly as she released a detained breath from her lungs. Mea smiled promisingly as the older woman sat near her on the uncomfortable bed. Elsa watched the two, then crawled happily into her mother’s lap, “Are you friends now, Kaasan?” Elsa inquired, as she leaned around her mother to look at Mea. “I’d like to think so.” Bulma nodded her head, then turned to Mea’s position beside her. “Gomen ne Mrs. Briefs.” Mea’s eyes glistened with moisture, “I’m...I’m sorry I lied to you.” Her damp eyes turned down to the gray grout. Bulma hugged her daughter tighter, “I understand, and I forgive you.” She pivoted so she had a perfect view of Trunks and Goten, “Trunks and his father aren’t always the most forgiving people, but for them to accept you makes me believe your story.” Mea also turned to watch Trunks talk. Then two figures opened the wood door, and greeted the group warmly. Gohan shut the door with a swift turn of the brass knob behind his wife. The girl, who he had only seen bleeding in his pupil’s arms, was now comfortably seated next to Bulma and Elsa on the hard medical bed. Trunks and his younger brother stood feet away from them, discussing something softly. Vegeta and his father remained in the back corner, Vegeta occupying the only chair in the room. Both watched Mea’s location on the bed, and Gohan swore they both watched with concern, /Vegeta concerned? That’s a new one. / Gohan chuckled to himself as he approached Goten. His younger brother’s thoughtful scowl faded as he saw his older brother, “Nii-san, where’s Pan?” Gohan’s bright eyes crinkled with a smile, “She’s at home with Ojii-san.” Goten grinned at his older sibling, “Ojii-san was always good at babysitting.” The boys shared a laugh as the remembered their past obnoxious behavior toward their grandfather. Trunks greeted his sensei quietly and proceeded to inform him of the day’s earlier events. Gohan listened to Trunks fully, occasionally asking his pupil detail clarifying questions. Unfortunately, by the time they were finished, they had created more questions then had answered about the puzzling situation. Gohan stole a glance at the young woman seated on the bed, “ So she had a seizure of sorts.” He repeated softly, still watching the mysterious girl smile playfully at Elsa. “Hai sensei, she was terrified of something.” Trunks answered as he watched his teacher’s worried expression. Gohan’s forehead furrowed with thought, “Hmm she doesn’t seem like the type to cower.” Goten chuckled then, his eyes sparkling with mischief, “She’s pretty fearless I’d say. She managed to stay alive after Trunks and Vegeta’s onslaught.” Trunks grunted at Goten, glaring at him from the corner of his eye. Gohan turned toward Trunks and grinned, “Your onslaught?” Trunks sighed as he explained the day before in the hospital room. Gohan said nothing, his dark eyebrows just rose. Then he murmured inaudibly and tilted his face up to Trunks. “That’s not like you Trunks.” A trace of confusion echoed in Gohan’s usually steady voice. Trunks closed his eyes tightly and sighed. The last thing he needed was his sensei doubting him. “She had took Elsa, of course I was mad...but I’ve made it clear to her now that I mean her no harm.” Gohan slowly nodded at Trunks’ words, though he still looked troubled. Goten turned his attention from the two men to Mea for a second, then spoke, “The real question is what are we going to do with her now?” Gohan raised his face and watched Mea also. Elsa was clinging on the young woman’s arm as she listened to Bulma and Videl discuss the reconstruction plans. “Well, I know my father is quite taken by her.” Gohan seemed to ponder a moment before continuing, “I agree with any decision he makes.” Goten looked toward his father’s position. Goku was watching all in the room with great interest. His bright eyes shining as they always did, while he listened to Bulma and Videl’s conversation. Goten smiled too, and nodded, “I believe in Otousan’s judgement.” Gohan watched his father for a moment, then finally turned to Trunks, “What do you think should be done with her Trunks?” Trunks’ eyes traced back to Mea’s place on the bed. She smiled at Elsa as the young girl sat in the middle of Bulma’s lap. /She doesn’t seem like the same person anymore. It doesn’t seem fair not to give her another chance. / “I think she deserves another chance.” He answered softly as he still watched Mea. Gohan looked from his younger brother to Trunks, he paused then spoke rather loudly, “Okay another chance then.” Vegeta’s criticizing voice rose up behind him, “Have you gone deaf? What pray tell are you giving another chance to?” Gohan gulped visibly and turned to face him, “We were just... just discussing where Mea should stay now. She is going to be released today remember?” Vegeta’s dark eyes landed on Mea’s form. He squinted slightly as he spoke, “Make no mistake. She’s coming to Capsule Corporation.” Elsa squealed with glee as she dropped off her mother’s lap and ran to her father, “She is! Oh thank you Otousan! Thank you!” She squeezed his leg tightly while jumping up and down. Mea donned a rather surprised look as she remained on the bed. Vegeta growled toward Elsa, “I’m not doing this for you. I’m going to keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn’t try anything.” Bulma rose from the firm hospital bed and shook a finger at him and Trunks, “If she is going to be our guest I expect you two to be polite.” Vegeta merely grunted noncommittally. Trunks blushed slightly as all eyes fell on him, he then spoke to his mother softly, “I’ll be polite Kaasan.” Elsa released her father’s leg and ran to Trunks, stopping directly in front of him. She then mimicked her mother by shaking her little finger at him, “You’ll be polite young man if I have anything to do with it.” Trunks growled and leapt at her, catching her around the waist. Elsa giggled uncontrollably and tried to wiggle out of his grasp. Goku chuckled as Elsa flailed in Trunks’ arms. Videl laughed sweetly and called to Elsa, “Maybe you shouldn’t have messed with him Elsa.” Elsa giggled again as she hung from his arms. Mea sat on the bed still, quietly watching all around her. /What an interesting group they are. I do find it surprising that they have forgiven me to an extent. / She watched as Trunks tickled Elsa while Goku smiled at the two of them. /But maybe that’s the way they are...forgiving./ Mea finally raised her voice above Elsa’s giggles, “Umm... Goku?” His kind face turned to her. “I was wondering. What happened to the girl who shot me?” The room’s conversations fell quiet at her question. Goku sighed sadly, “She’s in the local jail.” Goten crossed his arms in thought, “Was she from Centaur too?” Mea nodded her head solemnly, “Hai, she was... my rival.” The quiet returned to the room as everyone analyzed their own thoughts. Just as the silence became almost unbearable a soft knock sounded on the door. Everyone turned to the door as Dr. Thochi entered the room. He smiled warmly as he approached Mea’s place on the bed. “I’d like to have one last look at those stitches.” Mea’s shoulder tensed when his worn hand rested on it. A kind smile crinkled his well-wrinkled face, “There’s no need for that my dear. I just want to make they are all intact before you leave today.” Despite all his assurances, she still felt extreme discomfort. She had never felt comfortable with a touch. Maybe it was the fact that the life that she had had at Centaur had forced her, in her childhood, to hate others and not trust them. She quickly learned to rely on herself above all. Before Elsa no one she knew had ever hugged her. No one had ever gave her feelings or dreams the time of day. So she had grown up bitter. The people around her in this impressionable time were vile and back–stabbing so she always had believed all others were that way as well. Dr. Tochi leaned back from her and smiled again, “Looks like you are ready to head home.” Bulma reached for his hand as he rose and shook it, “Thank you so much Doctor for the care you have shown her.” The small glasses he wore began to slide down his nose, “Anything for you Mrs. Briefs. Your donation to the children hospital was a god send.” Bulma sighed as she led the doctor to the door, “It was the least I could do.” Dr. Tochi turned again to regard Mea, “Be careful with that shoulder. Give it time to heal.” With that finally advice, he stepped out the door. Bulma grinned and turned to Mea, “Well I think it’s time to go home.” /Home? / Mea thought as she watched Bulma’s grinning face. Goku stretched his back and rubbed his stomach absently, “Ahh home sounds good, eh Goten?” Goten smiled mischievously as he raced through the doorway, “Home and food!” he cried as his blurring form disappeared from their view. Goku’s eyes widened, “Food? Hai, I’m so hungry.” He followed Goten at the same breakneck speed. Vegeta grumbled as he tossed Elsa onto his shoulders, “You’d think that bottomless pit hasn’t eaten in weeks.” Bulma joined him, ‘Your table manners aren’t any better.” She retorted. Vegeta just growled at her as Elsa sat content on his shoulders. Mea stood a few feet behind them, in the center of the room. She watched them quarrel as Elsa hummed her lullaby again. To her surprise, Vegeta turned back to her and grumbled, “Come on brat, I’m hungry and you’re dawdling.” Trunks came up from behind her and smiled, “Don’t take it personally. He’s like this to everyone.” Mea turned and smiled fully at Trunks. Vegeta smirked as he watched them and called out to his son, “Hey boy, maybe she can bunk in your room.” Trunks’ cheeks flushed a deep scarlet as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. Mea’s mind raced, /Oh geez... all I need now is Vegeta on my tail all the time. / She also blushed deeply, /and he shouldn’t bring Trunks into it. / Bulma smacked Vegeta across the chest with the back of her hand and scowled, “Stop embarrassing them.” Elsa giggled a top Vegeta’s shoulder, “Why would they be embarrassed?” Trunks glared at her, as she giggled some more. Vegeta finally began to lead them out of the room down the hall. Mea internally wondered as she followed the strange little family, /This, at least, should make for an interesting experience. / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note from the author:
Chapter Three: Forever Pay
Mea pays for her past actions and good old Lion shows up again to ruin the fun!
Adios for now,
Shashunk