A steady drip drip came from the leaky faucet in the cramped jail cell. In the darkest corner of this small space Mink lay huddled. After she had shot Mea by mistake, Gohan and Goten had ripped her gun from her hands and sent her barreling into a nearby tree. Needless to say she was still feeling the impact. /I was so close. So close to killing her. / She sneered as a small cockroach investigated her toes. /I know they saved her though. Idiots. / Her foot came down on the annoying insect. /Now that brat is in some posh hospital while I rot in here. / She sighed as the remnants of the cockroach now covered her designer heels. She then absently rubbed her still sore shoulder. /I’ll get back at her. Oh yes, I will. She’s not going to get away with this. I’m going to get out of here / Almost by magic, her prayers were answered. An unconscious guard suddenly landed a few feet from her cell. /What’s going on? / She wondered as another unfortunate guard came flying into view. Then, their assailant entered through the doorway. Hyena wore a rather pleased grin as he deposited yet another injured guard near her door. She had never been so happy to see the sumo in her life. “Hyena!” She screeched as she scrambled to stand up. He kept his dumb grin as he easily pulled the cell door of its hinges. “You’ve come to get me?” she asked as he threw the door in the back corner. A smooth voice from the doorway answered her. “No, I did.” Lion stood, leaning confidently against the wall, with a rather displeased look on his face. Mink spun from the sumo to greet him, “Oh I knew you would! I knew you would save me from this place!” She ran out of her cell, and stopped a few steps in front of him. Lion in return growled, his dark eyes twinkling, “You didn’t get the job done.” Mink began to shift her weight nervously from foot to foot. He growled again but louder, “A simple little assassination and you didn’t get it done. Wolf is still alive and the girl is not in my possession.” Large tears began to roll down her made-up face at his words. Mink managed to whimper under his strict gaze, “Mrs. Briefs’ son...he ruined it.” Lion’s voice became a dangerously low hiss, “No excuses.” Her eyes finally met his as she moved closer to him, pleading, “I’ll fix it. I can still get rid of her and get the girl.” Lion sighed heavily and began to massage his temple, “I don’t think you can handle that responsibility. I’ve come to finish what needs to be done.” He took another step closer to her, his voice dropping to a comforting whisper, “Don’t worry Mink my dear. I’m not mad at you.” As he took another step, his steps seemed to echo ominously off the cement walls. He now stood mer inches away from her shaking figure. He slowly brought his hands up from his sides and rested them on her shoulders, “I know now that you weren’t ready for this mission.” She sniffled and lowered her head. “But all will be fixed.” Lion’s hands quickly flashed to her neck. With a quick twist her sniffling stopped forever. “Nighty, night.” He smiled viciously as he let Mink’s now lifeless form fall to the dank floor. She landed with tears still resting in her overly made-up eyes. Hyena watched her corpse with vague interest. “Come on Hyena, I have a plans to make.” Lion called to his dumbstruck bodyguard as he stepped over her corpse to the doorway. Hyena took a few lumbering strides forward and paused before he left the darkened cell room. His wide face turned to Mink’s crumpled form. “Nighty night.” His thick voice whispered as the insect residents of the cell began to swarm upon their next meal.
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Trunks yawned widely as he emerged from his bedroom in his comfortable shirt and jeans. He rubbed his eyes sleepily as he made his way toward the kitchen. Elsa sat at the table eating a bowl of her favorite cereal. She caught sight of him, jumped off her chair, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her toward him. Trunks instinctively caught her as she leapt into his arms, “You’re up!” she giggled. Trunks smiled playfully as he placed her back in her chair. He suddenly noticed how empty the table before him was. “Where’s Otousan...and Mea?” he questioned the little girl. She giggled then answered him innocently, “They’re off sparring outside.” As if by cue, the sound of blow on blow fighting filtered in through the open door. Trunks dashed through the doorway to the front lawn. What he found when he got there was not a pretty sight. Large pools of blood lay freshly smeared on the dark green grass. /Oh this is great. / He thought as the blood glistened in the morning rays. A series of grunts brought his attention to the fighters’ current position. A few yards away from him, Vegeta was hammering blows down on Mea’s prone form. She blocked them the best she could in her current condition. Mea’s left eye was painfully swollen shut. A trail of blood traced down her lips. She was favoring her right arm and it was obvious a few of her ribs were broken. The white gi she wore was stained brick red at certain parts. Vegeta, on the other hand, seemed in perfect health except for a small cut above his eye. He smirked as he easily sideswiped Mea to the ground, “You’ll have to do better then that brat.” He called as he stalked closer to her. Just as he raised his foot to drop kick her, she spun and blasted him in the face. Vegeta growled as he brought his hands up to protect his eyes. Mea then spun low, knocking him off his feet. Just as she launched her good arm into a punch he gained his composure, leapt, and twisted her arm behind her back. He held her that way, then began to push up on his hold on the arm. Her jaw stiffened from the pain but she did not scream. Vegeta smirked and let her arm free, “I’ve had enough fun with you today.” Mea dropped to the ground, blood slipped from her lips as she tried to wheeze a breath. Vegeta turned to Trunks, “Take care of her. The last thing I need is your mother harping at me.” With that Vegeta turned and causally flew back to the house. Trunks took a few steps forward and knelt next to her. /She must have a collapsed lung. / He thought as she struggled to breathe again. Her good eye turned to him as she took another painful breath, “Your dad...packs a punch.” She wheezed as more blood flowed from her throat. He watched her, concerned then spoke, “Don’t talk. I have to get you to the Son house for some senzu beans.” She waved a dismissing bloody hand at him, “I...don’t need...a senzu.” Trunks spoke with a critical edge, “Yeah...right.” His voice became concerned again, “Can you fly?” Mea tried to take a breath, failed, and shook her head ‘no’. She was on her hands and knees now, still trying to catch her breath. Trunks sighed, then pulled himself to his feet. With barely a movement, he held Mea carefully in his arms. She fought weakly to escape the grasp. After a few minor struggles she growled again, “I...don’t need...senzu.” She flailed her legs a little in a one last, vain attempt to pull free as he took off. Within mer seconds the Capsule Corporation was nothing more than a shinning speck. “No matter what you think, you need some.” His face turned down from the wind to watch her reaction. She coughed up some more blood and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, “I know what I... need and....don’t need.” Trunks shook his head and went faster. Within a minutes the Son household was below them. Trunks made a quick decent, and trotted to the door. He knocked politely on the front door and waited, with bated breath, for an answer, /I hope they’re here. She’s really messed up...come on. / A few mumbled voices and footsteps came, then finally the turning of the doorknob. It was Chichi’s smiling face that greeted him. “Oh Trunks how are...What happened?!” She pointed at the injured woman in his arms. Trunks entered the quaint dome quickly, “Where are the senzu beans?” His eyes searched the surrounding area. Chichi gained her composure, “I think Goku has them. Goku!” She called into the next room. Goku’s head popped out, with a perplexed look on his face, “Chichi? What is...” He spied Mea and raced into the kitchen. He knew better then to ask what had happened now, instead he dug in the leather pouch on his belt and handed Trunks half a senzu. Trunks forced the bean down Mea’s throat and waited for the healing powers to begin. Mea took a deep, full breath and opened her restored left eye. She groaned a little as she climbed out of Trunks’ arms. She tested her arm again, winced, and grumbled to both of them, “Thanks.” Goku watched her for a minute, then turned to Trunks, “What happened?” Mea was the one to answer him, “Vegeta happened.” Goku’s eyebrows raised as he now noticed her blood stained gi. Mea tested her elbow, and in turn stretched it, “He asked me if I wanted to spar this morning.” She grimaced as the elbow proved to not be fully healed. Goku looked rather surprised, “He...asked you?” Mea smiled weakly, “I mean he told me I was sparring with him this morning.” She sighed heavily, then regretted it on account of her still aching ribs. It was now Goku’s turn to sigh. Trunks finally stopped watching Mea test her joints and inquired quietly, “Is there something wrong Son-san?” Goku nodded his head with thought, as he peered at the floor. After a few minutes of silence he turned his attention to Mea, “The girl who shot you is dead.” Mea couldn’t suppress the shock she felt. “Dead?” she asked, her voice now taking on a confused tone, “How?” Goku took a deep breath and began, “They found her body this morning. Someone broke into the jail, injured several guards, and broke her neck.” Goku took another deep breath then turned to face her. She took a controlled breath as she tightly closed her eyes. Her small hands balled into tight fists. “Lion” she started, “He did this. I know it.” Her voice wavered a little with anger. “Lion? You mean the leader of Centaur?” Goku questioned as he leaned closer to her. Mea nodded solemnly, “She failed...so he. So he killed her.” Goku’s normally cheerful face converted to a sharp frown, “We need to find this man and stop him.” Goku voice held a rubble of fury that was usually hidden. Trunks noticed the change in Goku as his own anger boiled. Mea massaged her elbow absently as she gazed at Trunks and Goku. For a spilt second the two Saiyajins’ eyes seemed to phase green. Mea remembered now, the golden figure at the arboretum. She breathed quickly through her mouth as the two men stood in furious silence. / I think we do stand a chance against Lion with Super Saiyajins. / It was Chichi who broke the quiet, “You must be Mea. Goku told me all about you.” She carried several glasses of tea, a clean shirt, and pair of pants. Chichi handed the glasses of tea to all present. Mea flashed a warm smile and gladly accepted the drink. Chichi glanced at Mea’s stained gi and handed her the clean clothes, “I figured you would need these.” Mea smiled again and for the first time really looked at herself. Most of the blood was dried now in large patches on her arms, chest, and legs. Blood still stained her lips and a similar rust surrounded her left eye. Mea finally realized how disastrous she looked. Trunks revealed a small smile, “And you thought you didn’t need a senzu.” Goku chuckled at her with his sparkling ebony eyes, all the power that dwelled inside them carefully hidden now. Mea placed her hands on her hips and glared at the two of them. Chichi laughed a little herself then pointed Mea to a place where she could change. As Mea began to leave, she whacked Trunks lightly across the shoulder with the back of her hand, “I didn’t need a senzu. I’ve gone through worse.” Trunks cocked his head to the side and laughed knowingly, “Maybe you have. But Otousan was holding back on you.” Mea stopped mid-step and turned back to him. Her face was full of barely contained surprise, “If that’s the case, then... then one of you needs to train me so I stand a chance when he isn’t holding back.” Goku smiled broadly, “I’ll train you.” Mea half bowed to Goku before flashing a smug smile at Trunks, “We’ll see who needs the senzu next time.” Trunks shook his head slowly and laughed at her insolence. With those words, Mea left to change out of her blood-encrusted gi. Trunks turned to Goku, a smile still resting on his lips, “She sure has confidence doesn’t she.” Goku nodded his head slowly as he returned the smile with a low laugh, “She could give you a bit of trouble.” Trunks watched the older man, puzzled. Goku laughed a little louder and tried to explain himself, “She not the type who wants to be told what to do...like yourself. I can see a few conflicts coming from that.” Trunks forced his hands into his pockets and shrugged, “Who knows how long she’ll be staying with us. She seems really independent.” Goku closed his eyes for a moment then spoke in a serious whisper, “I think she’ll stay around us for a while, Trunks.” Trunks watched the door where Mea was changing, “Why do you think that?” He finally turned away from the door to face Goku. That normal, joyful expression wasn’t on Goku’s face. Instead a slightly contemplative look rested there, “I think...we are the only people who have ever been truly nice to her.” Trunks remembered now, she had said she was an orphan. /How sad... to live your whole life without anyone you could trust./ He shut his eyes for a moment till he heard the door open. He couldn’t help but smile though, Mea had been forced to wear Goten’s old clothes. She yawned then made her way back to them. “Well sensei, when do we start?” Goku blinked blankly a few times then grinned, “Tomorrow at six.” Trunks grinned also, “That is if Otousan doesn’t beat the life out of you again.” Mea sighed as she covered her eyes with her hand, “Is that what I’m eternally going to be known for? The girl that Vegeta pounded?” Trunks smiled mischievously as he carefully inched away, “Well, it is the truth.” Mea growled and leapt at him. Lucky for Trunks the few inches gave him a head start. He raced through the door and bolted into the air. He flew over the trees nearby then noticed no one was following him. He made a small circle then headed back to the Son house. Mea sat annoyed on the front stoop, waiting for his return. His came down and hovered just out of reach, “I was sure you were going to whack me that time." She growled at him, ‘It’s not fair when you fly.” He moved closer to her, “What do you mean” Mea scowled up at him as he as remained airborne, “I told you I can’t fly.” Trunks’ mouth opened in surprise as he descended, “I thought you couldn’t because of your injures.” She shook her head quickly as she shifted uncomfortably on the stoop. “I can teach you if you want.” He began as he took a few more steps closer to her. “That’s alright, I’ve lived this long without it.” She rose from her seat and tested her elbow again. As she tested the joint, the late afternoon sun began to warm their faces for a few brief minutes. Trunks smiled unconsciously while the rays curled around the large treetops. “Well, we should head home.” He called to her as he took a few steps down the road nearby. Mea watched him warily, “Aren’t you going to fly?” she watched for his feet to rise. Trunks’ head shook a solid ‘no’ as he kicked a small pebble near his boot, “I think I’m going to walk. It being such a nice day and all.” Mea took a deep breath of the crisp air then joined him, “Well let’s get going then.” The two waved a quick goodbye to Goku who was watching through the window, before they headed off. He grinned and waved back just as Chichi came up behind him, “She seems like a nice girl.” Goku nodded his head absently as the pair rounded the hill. Chichi giggled a little as she put a few glasses away, “Trunks seems to like her.” Goku donned his normal confused expression as he turned to face her, “What do you mean?” Chichi sighed at her husband’s oblivious comment, “ I mean you’d never know that yesterday he was threatening her.” Goku turned back to the window just to see their shadows creep along the horizon. His brow furrowed as he thought, / I think it’s good Trunks is being nice to her. The last thing she needs is more bitterness. / The warm sun shone down on the mountain path below. Goku smiled as he watched their receding forms, /And if they like each other... I think that is good as well. Maybe then she can finally have a normal life. / The bright, burning sun lit the dirt road as any bitterness between Trunks and Mea ended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lion relaxed in his imported leather chair and contemplated. Ever since Mink had failed to do the simplest of jobs, his plans had been steered off course. / I need that money. / He thought, /There must still be a way to get it. / Then his sharp mind once again recalled the photos lying on his desk. He swiveled and picked up the first glossy picture; it showed Mea being led into Capsule Corporation the night before. His severe eyes narrowed as he noticed the pleasant smile on her face. /I need that money and I must get rid of her. / A sudden predator gleam shined in his eyes, /Why not exchange one orphan for another? / He brought his feet up to rest on the desk’s oak top, /We will take her in place of the little girl and ransom her instead. / He smiled viciously, /And when they have paid up, we will dispose of her properly. / He placed the photo back on his desk and smiled, /Then both problems will be solved. / He swiveled in the chair to face the window behind him. A large armory under the supervision of Jackal lay behind the glass. Lion smiled wickedly as his plan came into focus, /Then, plan ‘reclaim’ can take effect and control of this world will be easily within my grasp. / He cackled maniacally as the mer thought of Mea’s demise brought him wicked satisfaction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mea and Trunks had walked for thirty minutes when they finally came upon the outskirts of Fry-Pan town. Nestled in the valley between the Fry-Pan mountain range, the town had grown quite large in the last year. After the androids were destroyed, the people in hiding had converged on this peaceful spot and constructed a haven for all. As the two rounded the hill and faced the entrance of the town, the happy nature Mea had experienced dissolved. She grew quiet as they took their first steps into the bustling stream of people. Trunks was puzzled to why she was suddenly silent. After a quick mental debate, he decided to question her, “What’s wrong?” Mea’s eyes traced the dusty ground, “I don’t have happy memories of this place.” She whispered, as she never lifted her gaze from the gravel. The road continued to steer them toward the market in the back of the town. After a few silent minutes of walking, Trunks spoke again, “What happened to you here?” his eyes flashed over to her. Mea sighed deeply then looked down the road before her. The next intersection was labeled ‘North Clark Street.’ Her eyes closed as she finally answered, “This is where Lion found me.” He watched her closely. She paused to gaze down North Clark Street as they came up to it, her eyes resting on a decrepit building two blocks down. /That’s it. / She thought as a frown dotted her face. Trunks followed her gaze, /That old building.... That must be where he found her. / They were both silent despite the hustle and bustle surrounding them. /I have to say something. / Trunks thought as he watched the mournful girl. He took a brave step closer to her, “Do you want to go down there?” he asked as he peered at her sadden face. She sighed again, “What would it prove?” her eyes once again focusing on the ground. Trunks leaned closer to her, “It would prove you aren’t the same person anymore.” He whispered. Mea turned to face him. She searched his face for a moment, then slowly nodded. Trunks smiled warmly as the two of them started down the street of her past. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bulma’s lab was silent except for the constant clanging of metal on metal in the back corner. Bulma lay on her back working steadily on the bottom section of a large tarped shape. She paused to wipe the sweat from her brow and reach for another tool. Elsa sat crossed-legged nearby manning the toolbox. “Here it is!” Elsa giggled as she handed her mother the desired instrument. Bulma smiled, and took the small screwdriver from Elsa’s tiny hand. Bulma began to tighten the loose screw in her experiment before she spoke, “So Elsa, do you like Mea?” Elsa’s petite face lit up with joy, “Hai Kaasan! I like Mea tons!” The little girl bounced up and down as she beamed. Bulma laughed then gave the screw another sharp turn, “I’m happy you like her, Elsa.” Elsa stopped bouncing and developed a child’s questioning look in her dark green eyes, “Do you think she will stay here with us, Kaasan?” The little girl’s sweet voice dropped to a whisper with the words. Bulma thought for a moment, /Hmm how to handle this. /She turned to watch the young girl’s face. Bulma smiled warmly at the hope in the little one’s eyes, “I can’t say Elsa. That’s for her to decide.” Elsa’s cheery smile converted to a pout, “I don’t want her to go...she should stay here with us.” Elsa sagged her slim shoulders, then struggled on, “Otousan, Kaasan, Nii-san, Ne-san, and me. That’s how it should be. Bulma twisted to face her, “Ne-san? You want Mea to be your older sister, dear?” Elsa nodded her head quickly. Bulma sighed deeply and leaned closer to her daughter, “You do know that Mea could leave anytime?” Elsa blinked heavily, then smiled and nodded again. Bulma ruffled her dark red hair, /I hope she isn’t getting her hopes up for nothing. / Bulma smiled again at the child’s bright eyes and spoke in a controlled whisper, “Do you want to go strawberry picking Elsa?” The little girl leapt into her mother’s waiting arms and pulled her small arms tightly around her neck, “Really Kaasan? Oh yes, please!” Bulma patted the girl on the back softly as she raised herself from her seated position. Elsa pondered a minute then spoke to her mother again, “Can Mea come with?’ Bulma placed the screwdriver in the toolbox near her. She hoisted the child up higher on her hip and answered, “Sure Elsa, Mea can come.” Elsa squeezed her mother’s neck tighter as she smiled gleefully, “Maybe Nii-san can come too.” Bulma paused and looked at the young girl’s playfully green eyes, “Maybe, but I’m sure your father has other plans for him.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Clark Street was dark for that time of day. The sun’s golden rays reached through the town to the market, but not down the forgotten street. Trunks watched the surroundings carefully, /This place looks like it may collapse at anytime. We better be careful. / He watched Mea, as her eyes remained steadily located on the large building in the distance. She drudged on through the dirt and debris with a certain sad determination. He sighed as he stepped over a large chunk of soiled drywall, /No wonder she doesn’t happy memories, look at this place. / Trunks paused and looked over the crumbled buildings to stare at the natural backdrop. The Fry-Pan mountain range was closer to this street then any other part of the town. The trees that dotted the rocky slopes were visible even from where they stood. Trunks focused his attention on the closest mountain to them. His fighter instinct flashed for a second as he stared. /What was that? / He wondered as the cautionary sense flashed again. He continued to stare at the distant top, waiting and watching for something to make itself known. He finally shook the feeling off, /I’m getting paranoid again. There’s nothing up there. / He nodded solemnly as he stepped over a piece of corroded metal in his path. He looked forward to the person before him. Mea had made it to the front of the old building and was standing a few feet from its doorway. He caught up to her in a few strides and approached the doorway as well. The cracked, dusty wood above them read, in faded letters: ‘Osburne Half-way House’. The once pale yellow paint that coated the outer walls was faded. The building looked as if it may had been important at sometime. It still contained fine wood under the weakened finish. Over the years though, the poor building had fallen into disrepair and been forgotten. Mea stared at the structure calmly. Trunks watched her out of the corner of his eye, as they both stood for some silent moments watching the leaves stir around the porch. After gazing for those few minutes, Mea finally took a tentative step toward the creaking steps. Trunks followed her cue and stepped forward as well. The old, moldy door groaned on its hinges as they forced it open. The house was relatively dark, though narrow strips of light still peaked through the boarded windows. A tall, spiraling staircase rose from the middle of the wood floor. Trunks took a step toward the somber steps, then stopped cold. Spread across the floor a few feet before the first step lay a large ancient stain. Though barely a memory now, it was obvious what had caused the immense smear. Trunks turned, confused to Mea. Her dark blue eyes where forced shut in an effort to block out the image. She took rapid breaths through her mouth, her arms were stiff at her sides. Trunks took a quick glance at the gigantic bloodstain and moved to her. He watched her for a second then spoke, “Where you here...when this happened?” Mea took a controlled breath and opened her eyes. She nodded swiftly, then set her jaw against any emotion. He watched her with concern and pressed on, “I can...understand if you don’t want to tell me. Do you want to leave?” Mea spoke in a monotone whisper, “Lion killed them...Lion and Tiger did. They wanted a dragon ball.” He blinked heavily as she continued, “The people here took care of me...after my accident. Then Lion and Tiger killed them all.” Trunks took a step closer, “Your accident?” Mea’s eyes remained focused on the smear, “I woke near the top of the mountain...I didn’t...I didn’t remember anything...I had a lot of blood on me.” She gulped, then closed her eyes tight again, “I stumbled down to here, and these people took care of me till they were killed.” Trunks took a deep breath, then spoke carefully, “How old were you...when you came down the mountain?” Her eyes opened and gazed upward at his face, “I was...I was seven.” She stuttered. Trunks spoke as he exhaled, “And Lion took you...” Mea nodded her head as she carefully kept the stain from her gaze, “Lion and Tiger took me with them...and trained me.” Trunks looked back at the smear as a rubble of rage filled his thoughts, /How many people...the size of that stain. They must have killed hundreds. / A snarl crossed his lips for a spilt second, /Then they took a little girl and used her for their own gain. / He clenched his hands into fists in an effort to control his anger. Mea forced her eyelids closed again. The screams and yells of those dying people still haunted her ears. She took a quick breath and reminded herself, /They are gone now. I am not hearing them. / She kept chanting this phrase to herself. A distinct cry separated from the other calls. She tried to ignore the call but it insisted. Mea, it called to her, Mea run now. I won’t let her hurt you. The other cries were silenced as the voice took on a ghastly echo. She’s coming, you must go now, the voice urged her. Mea forced the chant through her mind again, /They are gone now... / The voice echoed from above, Run now before it’s too late. Mea clenched her teeth as she continued to chant, /THEY ARE GONE NOW. I AM NOT HEARING THEM. / Trunks finally gained control of the anger inside him and looked toward Mea. Her fists were clenched how his had been, a few scattered tears ran down her soft cheeks. Her appearance reminded him of her fit at the hospital. He took quick strides forward and placed his hands on her shoulders, “Mea? Are you alright?” The young woman didn’t answer him. He heard her mumbling so he tilted his ear closer. /I AM NOT HEARING THEM. / She forced her mind to chant again. Then, the voice gained substance outside of her mind. Mea, it called from the top of the murky staircase. “NO!” she yelled as the distant voice persisted. It seemed to be edging closer to her as it still emulated from the stairs. Trunks was puzzled by her words, “No? Mea what are you talking about?” Suddenly, Mea heard Trunks’ voice above all others. She turned her wide eyes to his, her lip quivering from the fear she still felt. He could tell that she was terrified. He paused for a second then turned her toward the door and began to lead her outside. Just as the sunlight could be seen the voice called again, I’ll do whatever it takes to stop her Mea...I promise. Mea carefully twisted her face in the stairway’s direction. Trunks watched her again and grew concerned. Her eyes were wide with tears barely repressed; her shocked mouth was covered by both her hands. He followed her gaze to the staircase, nothing but dust and various insects circled its shadows. /She sees something. / His mind answered. He put his hands delicately on her shoulders again and spoke softly, “What is it that you see?” Her mouth opened to speak, but large, clear tears rolled down her cheeks instead. He glanced quickly at the stairs again then spoke to her again, “You can tell me. What do you see?” Her eyes ached at the carnage she witnessed before her. Every person that had been killed on that day twelve years ago lay slain before her now in a mighty heap. The blood from their fresh wounds oozed down the pile to the smear on the floor. They all moaned and grasped toward her, their dead eyes rolling back in their sockets. Standing in front of the pile was a man; a man she knew all too well. His blood-soaked blond hair remained spiked about his head. His glowing blue eyes were deader now, all life having been sucked from their depths. The large wound she had seen him with earlier was present in his stomach. The mortal wound created a steady stream of fresh blood and guts to the smear on the floor. He took a step closer, I won’t let her hurt you, his haunting voice echoed, though his lips did not move. Mea blinked hard at the man’s words as Trunks tried to shake some sense into her. “What is it?” Trunks questioned as he tried to break her gaze at the staircase. Then he felt her slim shoulders sagging forward in a sob as new tears spilled from her eyes. He glanced one more time at the empty staircase and made up his mind, /I have to get her out of here. Now. / The man from her nightmare’s called to her again, Mea run now. His ghostly hand reached toward her weeping form. Mea whimpered as his bloody fingers inched closer to her. Trunks’ mind raced as he reached down carefully and picked Mea up. He glanced for a second at the eerie staircase, then sprinted toward the open door. The warm sunshine greeted them as they left the cursed place. Mea remained huddled close to his shoulder, weeping uncontrollably. Trunks took a few steady breaths then addressed her, “Are...are you alright?” Mea sniffled a little but still did not raise her eyes from his shoulder. Trunks’ eyes turned back to the building, /What was that? I did feel something in there. / He watched Mea as she continued to cry, /She saw something...when the time is right I need to ask what it was./ Mea’s tear filled eyes finally raised from their resting place as she slowly climbed out of Trunks’ arms. She stood shakily as she tried to stop the tear flow down her cheeks. A few uneasy minutes later, when Mea had gained control of her emotions, she turned to face Trunks, “It was the man again.” Her eyes followed a path back to the house’s doorway. Trunks gazed at her then whispered comfortingly, “What man, Mea?” Her eyes moved from the doorway to his understanding face, “The...the man from my nightmares.” Trunks turned back to the doorway briefly, then took several steps closer to her, “You saw something in there that you have seen before?” She shakily nodded her head as a cold breeze surrounded them. Trunks watched the house again half expecting something to burst out of its darkened doorway. As he watched Mea stand frightened in the wind his memory snapped back to the hospital, /She...she looks like a scared child, just like she did at the hospital./ The frosty breeze picked up, swirling Mea’s raven black hair around her shoulders. He spoke finally, “I think you should tell me about this man.” Mea still stared at the pavement and didn’t answer him. Trunks gazed at her again. She seemed not to have heard him at all, instead she remained staring at the pebbled ground. Trunks took a deep breath then tried to catch her attention, “Mea? Are you alright?” She blinked hard then looked up at him, “What?” Trunks repeated himself, “Are you alright?” She took in a heavy breath then shifted her feet nervously, “I’m fine...just fine.” /Why isn’t she telling me the truth? / Trunks thought as he watched the nearby tree boughs bend in the wind. He ran his fingers quickly through his lavender hair, “Mea, you need to tell me about this man...this man you saw.” Mea sighed and forced her eyes closed, “I’ve the man in my nightmare’s since I was little.” Trunks concentrated on her as she continued, “I’ve...I’ve seen him wounded lately.” She gulped, “A large hole through his stomach.” Trunks’ mouth gaped slightly with surprise but he said nothing. She opened her eyes carefully as she continued, “When I was going to...to kidnap Elsa...I had a daydream at Duster town.” She took in another deep breath, held it for a moment, then released it, “ He...he was there. So was the girl with the ribbon I told you about.” Trunks thought quickly, /The girl with the ribbon...hmmm I wonder. / “Mea what did the girl look like?” Mea bit her lip lightly as she struggled to remember, “She had black hair like I told you before...and the purple ribbon in her hair.” Trunks nodded slightly in thought, /Just like I thought. I bet Mea knew this man somehow in the past...the girl she saw...it must have been a memory of herself./ The sun began to sink deeper in the ocean blue sky. Trunks watched the dwindling day and sighed to himself, /We better get back to the house... I think I should talk about the meaning of these dreams with Kaasan first, then bring it up with Mea. / He noticed then that Mea had been intently watching him. A rosy blush brushed his cheeks for a moment before he spoke, “We should probably keep going.” Her face couldn’t help but turn to the morbid doorway again. Trunks turned too as he continued, “I want to help you find out who this man is... and why he haunts your mind.” For the first time since the two had met, Mea gently reached out with her hand and grasped his. He blushed again, but didn’t turn from her as his shy nature pressed him too. Mea’s head hung low as she whispered, “Thank you Trunks...thank you for everything.” He nodded as he steadied his breath. When Mea’s eyes finally rose they shined vaguely with tears. She ignored them as she pulled Trunks a few feet back toward the main street. “Didn’t Bulma need a part for something?” Trunks cocked his head to the side with mild surprise, “How...how did you know about that?” Mea looked embarrassed as she elaborated, “I remember seeing you digging through a bin at the hardware store...I figured that was what it was for.” Trunks smiled lightly as he nodded again, “Hai, there is a part she’s missing.” Mea grinned as she pulled him even closer to the main street, “Let’s go get it before the market closes.” Trunks took a deep breath then began walking with her willingly. As the pair made their way toward the intersection, a echoing man’s voice whispered from the halfway house’s darkened front steps, “Soon my little, Mea.” The bloodied blond man stood leaning against a nearby porch pillar. He took a step back and was immediately enveloped in an umbra shadow. His figure dissolved and twisted into a new form, the entity’s true form. “Soon my little Mea, I will watch the life drain from your broken body.” The mysterious voice hissed as its shadowy features flowed into a maniacal grin. Soon... the cold wind carried the whispered words as the unearthly form melted from view. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So how are we going to take her, sir?” Jackal asked, his thick accent making the words almost sound civil. Lion stood silent at the front of the heavy oak conference table. As his silence continued, the two occupants of the table nervously waited for a response. The leader suddenly sighed deeply and finally began to speak, “We don’t want to make a scene when we take her.” Lion placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. He nodded gently in Hyena’s direction and continued, “Hyena will pull her away” He then nodded toward Jackal, “You will help him accomplish this task.” Lion finally sat in the posh leather chair that rested behind him and watched the two operatives carefully. “If anyone fails this mission” his menacing voice growled, “I will personally take care of them.” Jackal and Hyena simultaneously gulped as Lion narrowed his eyes in their general direction. They both knew that Lion always kept his word. Hyena shifted his bulk a little in the rather small chair he sat in. Lion smiled devilishly as he watched the nervous man, “Is there something you wish to say?” Hyena kept his gaze from Lion’s face but still spoke, “So...I take Wolf... make her leave?” He blinked heavily a few times before finally meeting Lion’s gaze. “Yes Hyena, you make her come quietly back here.” Lion overly accentuated the word ‘quietly’. Hyena blinked once again forcefully, “Make her come quietly...okay boss.” Lion tapped his fingertips together gently, then turned his attention to Jackal. “Do you understand the plan Jackal?” he sneered. Jackal fiddled with his fingers then answered, “Yes sir...I understand.” Lion smiled darkly then, “Jackal, hook up your best surveillance equipment near the Capsule Corporation. We need to find out the next time Wolfie will be going on an outing.’ Jackal nodded his head quickly, “Yes sir. I’ll...I’ll get right on it.” Jackal rose fast enough from his chair to leave to spinning and left the room. A vicious smile curled Lion’s lips, “If you think you can start a new life Wolfie, you’re dead wrong." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mea and Goku sized each other up in the early morning sun. Goku continued to hold a small smile on his bright face as he stood ready for anything his student could try. He had promptly arrived at six to start their first training session. To his surprise Mea had been sitting on the Capsule Corporation’s front steps waiting for her new sensei to arrive. He smiled again now at the look of fierce determination on her face. Mea growled internally as they circled each other, /There is no way I can beat Son Goku. What is he...the greatest fighter ever? Ugh / She bit her lip gently as she struggled to keep an eye on Goku’s swift movements, /If I could block one hit...I would be happy./ Suddenly, Goku stopped and seemed to consider something for a second. Mea blinked a few times and watched him think. Goku finally looked up at her, smiled delicately, then disappeared from view. Mea breathed raggedly through her mouth, /Okay...he’s still around here somewhere. He must want me to find him. / Mea carefully edged toward the area where the Saiyajin had been recently standing. /Nothing.../ she muttered as she spun carefully to face the other direction. Her eyes darted from side to side as she kept her guard up. Tense moments continued as she struggled to locate the elusive warrior. She shook her head a little as she continued to search, /Where IS he?/ Mea carefully moved a few feet to her left. With a saddened sigh, Mea finally slumped her shoulders forward in defeat. Suddenly a cheery voice whispered from inches away from her, “Did you give up all ready?” Mea leapt backward, “Where... where are you Son-san?” A joyfully laugh echoed feet away, “Right here Mea.” Mea made up her mind in a flash and sprung in the voice’s direction. As she expected when she landed the Saiyajin was no longer there. The bright voice called again from a different location, “Try to feel it, Mea. Try to feel the ki.” Mea stopped and looked toward the voice, “But...but how Son-san? How do I?” A playful sigh flowed to her ears, “You know I’m here somewhere, just try to see me without your eyes.” Mea looked down at the green grass below her feet, /See him without my eyes? Hmmm / Mea closed her eyes then in an effort to shut out their use, /I need to see him without eyes...without eyes...but how?/ She bit her lip again as she tried to concentrate, /Where is he?.../ Suddenly a flash of brilliant light crossed her senses, she paused, /What?...Was that him?/ She saw in her mind’s eye Goku’s bright figure standing in front of her, /Is this it?/ Mea carefully raised her arm, and pushed forward with her fingertips. To her shock she felt the fabric of his gi. He laughed again brightly, “I knew you could do it.” Mea opened her eyes, nothing stood before her but thin air. Mea shut her eyelids again, the figure still burned brightly before her. Goku laughed again as he materialized before her. “How...how did you do that?” Mea questioned as Goku crossed his arms. “I was going faster than you could see.” He answered politely. Mea’s jaw dropped, “You were standing still...and you were moving faster than I could see?!” Goku turned a confused face to her, “I wasn’t standing still...just came back to the same spot.” Mea shook her head quickly in utter disbelief. The two started to walk the few yards back to the Capsule Corporation compound. Suddenly the sound of a few screeched insults ushered from the Corporation’s doorway. The two paused, rather surprised, a few feet from the front steps. Goku smiled knowingly as he spoke, “Sounds like Vegeta has done something again.” Mea stared at the vacant doorway with a concerned frown, “I don’t understand why they stay together if they always fight.” A loud crash came from inside the Compound, followed by Bulma screaming yet more insults. Goku sighed happily and winked, “No matter how they act…they still love each other.” Mea sighed deeply as yet more obscenities flowed from the entrance. Vegeta’s smirking form suddenly exited the compound to the fresh green grass before him. The Saiyajin prince was about to comment to the pair when Bulma’s furious voice echoed from feet behind him. “And if you think you can just leave, you cocky bastard, you have another thing coming to you!” Vegeta looked at the pair before him, shrugged, and shot off into the morning sky. Bulma growled as she stomped her foot and clenched her fists. Mea stepped forward with concern, “Are...are you alright, Bulma?” Bulma took a very controlled breath then answered her, “I’m fine Mea, sankyuu...He just gets to me sometimes.” Goku laughed loudly from where he stood. Bulma set her jaw and flashed a thoroughly unnerving look his way. He gulped a little at her look, then promptly changed subjects, “So...I think I’ll go for now Mea.” Bulma sighed and spoke to him, “We are going to the market tomorrow...do you want to come?” Goku thought a moment, then nodded enthusiastically, “Sure.” Bulma smiled slightly, “Meet us here at eight.” Goku nodded once, then said his good-byes and flew back toward his home. After watching Goku’s form disappear, Bulma joined Mea as she walked into the house, “Are you going to go with us to the market tomorrow?” Mea nodded her head gently. Bulma spoke again, “I was also wondering if you would want to go strawberry picking with Elsa and I?” Mea nearly tripped, “You want me to go with you?” Bulma laughed sweetly at the girl’s confusion, “Yes I want you to come with.” Mea smiled with amazement then, /They actually want me here.../ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackal smiled as the conversation flowed into the headphones he wore, /So you’re going to the market tomorrow Wolfie. / Jackal began to gather the surveillance equipment around him and pull out of the brush he lay in. “I’ll see you there.” He whispered as he stealthily crept away.