Timeless
Rose
Adjustments
The early morning sun shown through the gauze curtains, drenching the entire room in early morning splendor as Trunks opened an eye and yawned. He gazed at her sleeping figure and smiled. She was so childlike and so innocent. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. She opened her eyes and gazed up at him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing. You just looked so beautiful sleeping there,” he said as she sat up.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“The sun did.”
Trunks watched her stand up, her golden hair falling enticingly over her bare shoulders. He took her hand and she turned towards him.
“What kind of bird is that? It’s so small,” she said and pointed to the window. He smiled and stood up. After placing his arm around her waist, he led her to the window.
“That’s a humming bird Loren,” Trunks said and kissed her neck. She pushed back the curtains and opened the window.
“You are so tiny but you fly so fast.”
The hummingbird perched on her index finger and gazed up at her with its tiny black eyes.
“That’s a boy.”
“How do you know?”
“You can tell by his colors.”
“You are very beautiful. I bet you have a lot of friends,” Loren said and the bird chirped a reply.
“Ask him if he has a mate,” Trunks said and she stared at him in confusion.
“A what?”
“Never mind. Looks like he’s leaving.”
“Goodbye. Come back if you can.”
“Loren…”
“What?”
“Turn around hon.”
She did as she was told and he placed his mouth over hers. He pushed her back and ran his hands over her breasts. He stiffened when he felt her hands on his rump. Trunks pulled away from her and smiled.
“You’re getting better at this,” he said.
“It’s just like any other game. Practice makes perfect,” she replied and he opened his mouth to explain it to her but thought better of it.
“Right. What time is it? Gohan’s coming by later today.”
“Um…I don’t know. That’s the clock, right?”
“I forgot. Time means nothing to you. Well, we’d better get dressed. I need something to eat.”
“I’m still confused. Where are we again?” she asked as their clothing materialized.
“The future,” Trunks replied.
“Future?”
“Remember when I had told you that I had gone back in time to destroy a monster? Well that was Cell. Now that he’s gone, this is where I belong. This is my present.”
“So does that mean that everyone’s changed?”
“To you maybe. The way you see everyone now is how they’re supposed to be. It’s ten years later.”
“Ten years?”
“Yes. Now come on, let’s get something to eat.”
He took her hand and led her out of the bedroom. She followed him, still confused by what he had told her. He glanced at her and smiled.
“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we visit Mom and Dad? Maybe then you’ll understand,” Trunks said.
“Okay,” she said and he squeezed her hand.
“It’s the only way I can keep up with you.”
She smiled as they took off. He stroked her fingers as they streaked towards Bulma’s. She glanced at him for a second, and then gazed off into the distance.
“Who’s that?” she asked.
“Where?” Trunks inquired as he strained to see what she was pointing at.
“I know who it is. It’s Goku.”
“Are you sure?”
“Who else has hair like that?”
“You’ve got a point there. How far away is he?”
“How far? Um…ten miles I guess. He’s closer to Bulma’s than we are. Do you want to go faster?”
“Only if I don’t get left behind.”
She stopped and looked at him. He smiled and kissed her. She gazed into his blue eyes as he ran a hand over her rump.
“Hey guys,” Goku said as he appeared in front of them. Trunks pulled away from her in shock and gazed at Goku.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked and Goku grinned.
“I just want to thank you for saving my life all those years ago. I wondered what happened to you.”
“I told you guys that I was taking her back.”
“You should go to Kami’s and pay Piccolo a visit. He’ll never admit it, but I think he’s missed her.”
“Kami’s?” Loren asked.
“You’ll see it. Let’s get back home first,” Trunks said and Loren nodded her head.
“Bulma is looking forward to seeing you,” Goku said.
“Let’s go hon. I’d really like to see them again.”
“Then why are we wasting our time flying?” she asked and he looked at her.
“Huh?” he asked.
“Come on Goku.”
The three disappeared from the sky and shortly reappeared standing in front of Bulma’s house. Trunks let go of her hand and ran into the house. Loren followed him and stopped when Vegeta walked into the room.
“Look who’s back,” Goku said and Vegeta glared at her.
“Are you still around?” he asked as he sat on the couch.
“She’s in here,” Trunks said as he walked into the living room.
“There you are, dear. How’s he treating you?” Bulma asked as she hugged Loren.
“He can’t be treating her any worse than his schoolwork,” Vegeta said.
“She’s doing fine, Mother,” Trunks said.
“You look just like you did ten years ago.”
“She looks just like she did when I first met her,” Vegeta muttered.
“Where’s Bra?” Trunks asked and Loren looked at him.
“Who?” she inquired.
“My sister.”
“At least she doesn’t eat as much as you,” Bulma said.
“Speaking of food…” Goku and Trunks said together and Bulma sighed.
“Vegeta, are you hungry?”
“What are you making?” he asked.
“During my travels, I learned how to cook. It’s a useless skill to me but maybe I can help satisfy your hunger,” Loren said.
“Let’s go into the kitchen dear and see what we have to work with,” Bulma said and led Loren into the kitchen.
“Incidentally Father, when did you meet Loren?” Trunks inquired and Vegeta looked at him.
“When? About twenty-five years ago I guess,” he replied.
“How old do you think she is?”
“Piccolo’s father knew her,” Goku said.
“So how old is Piccolo?”
“Why does it matter? Time does not apply to her. You know that,” Vegeta said as Bulma walked out of the kitchen.
“It’s ready guys,” she said.
“Wow. That was fast,” Goku said.
“It even smells edible,” Vegeta said as he stood up.
“What she made is delicious and if you don’t start eating, I’ll feed it to all the strays that have been coning around the house,” Bulma said and moved out of the way of the stampede to the kitchen.
“I don’t think I’ll ever understand their desire for food,” Loren said as she appeared next to Bulma.
“I’m glad I had some before I let the herd in. Those three could cause a food shortage. Would you like to see a picture of my daughter?”
“Sure. She looks just like you.”
“Unfortunately, she also has some of Vegeta’s stubbornness. She can be quite difficult at times.”
“Hey Bulma. Is my dad here?” Gohan asked as he walked into the house.
“He’s in the kitchen,” Bulma replied.
“Thanks. Have we…met?”
“I’m not sure. Did you meet Gohan, Loren?”
“Weren’t you the little boy who was swimming with Goku?” she asked and he grinned.
“I remember you now. You could talk to lizards. Man! I’ve got to check out that smell. It smells so good,” Gohan said and walked into the kitchen.
“There goes another heavy eater,” Bulma sighed. “You know, when I first met Goku, I didn’t realize that he’d have a following of human garbage disposals. Where did you learn that dish dear? I wish I could cook like that.”
“I learned it during one of my visits to the southern part of this galaxy. The planet I saved was called Meade. The people were little furry things that looked a little like your rabbits here on earth,” Loren said.
“The best thing about this meal is that I don’t have a lot of dishes to wash. So what have you been doing with yourself dear? It’s been three days since you first got here.”
“Doing? I haven’t been doing a lot. I was still confused about the whole time travel thing.”
“Well I never thought that he’d bring a visitor back with him when he went back to save Goku. How is the apartment? I know it’s kind of small. I never thought that he’d have a roommate.”
“The apartment is fine. I’m used to living in whatever space I’m given. Usually, my living space is my ship.”
“Well you won’t be there much longer. Trunks plans on coming back to the country once he’s done with school. Well it looks like I’ll be doing the dishes soon,” Bulma said as Trunks walked out of the kitchen.
“I don’t think I could eat another bite,” Trunks said as he sat next to Loren.
“It looks like someone is satisfied.”
“That was wonderful Loren.”
“It was nothing,” Loren said and Bulma smiled.
“Take whatever compliment you can get dear. They don’t give them out often,” she said.
“Man that was great! I wish I could eat like that all the time,” Goku said as he walked out of the kitchen.
“Are you ready Dad?” Gohan asked and Goku looked at him.
“Ready for what?”
“Master Roshi’s party. Don’t tell me you forgot.”
“I didn’t forget. It just slipped my mind. We’re picking up Piccolo right?”
“Right. We’ll see you guys later.”
“Oh man! I forgot all about the party,” Trunks said as he stood up.
“Her presence there will be enough for him,” Vegeta said as he walked out of the kitchen.
“Be nice!” Bulma hissed.
“She could even wear one of those rabbit costumes.”
“Well, we’d better get on our way. We’ll see you there. Come on Loren,” Trunks said and took her hand. Vegeta watched as Loren tripped on the scatter rug and averted his gaze from her legs. Trunks helped her up and led her out of the house.
“I’m sorry,” she said and he grinned.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Now, can you take us to an island halfway to Master Roshi’s?”
“Of course I can, but why?”
“I want to practice our game.”
“Oh. Okay.”
They soon appeared on a small island about fifty miles from Master Roshi’s island. Trunks passionately kissed her lips and his eyes glinted in excitement as he felt their clothing dissolve. He pressed his body into hers and ran his hands down her back. Loren ran her fingers through his hair, intrigued by how the shade of purple changed in the sunlight. He pulled away from her and stared deeply into her eyes.
“God you’re beautiful,” he said and transformed. He kissed her again as he ran his hands down her legs. He forced her to recline as he began to kiss her neck. Loren gazed up into the sky and watched a bird fly overhead.
“How do you feel?”
“Feel?” she asked.
“Yes. Do you…like it?” he grunted.
“Uh-huh. What are you doing?”
“Just enjoy the feeling.”
“Don’t tickle me.”
“Come on. I know you like it.”
“Not there. I get the shivers when you do it there.”
“Are you feeling warm yet?”
“Warm? Piccolo!”
“Piccolo? Wait a minute,” Trunks said as she took to the air. He sighed as his clothing appeared on him and stood up. He wished that for once he could have a truly intimate moment with her without worrying about being interrupted by friends or animals.
“It is you!” she cried and squeezed his neck. Piccolo blushed as he gently pushed her away.
“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” he asked and she looked at him.
“It has?”
“You look exactly the same Loren.”
“You’re still taller than me.”
“Where’s Trunks?”
“Trunks? I don’t know. I think he’s down there somewhere.”
“Why?”
“I’m right here,” Trunks replied as he joined the two. “You have perfect timing.”
“What?” Piccolo asked.
“Never mind.”
“Does that blue animal still live there?” Loren asked.
“Yes, Puar’s still there,” Trunks said and sighed when she disappeared.
“How are you coping?” Piccolo asked.
“I’d be doing better if I could get some quality time alone with her.”
“She’s never going to understand that.”
“Father said he saw you two together. Why? I mean, don’t Nameks…?”
“If you want a family, she’s not the one.”
“Huh?”
“She has no need for offspring. She can’t die.”
“I know that but why did you try to get involved with her?”
“I don’t think of her as a…human. She lived on Namek for seven years before she disappeared. Seven years is enough time to…grow fond of someone. Even though it would never work biologically, I still feel drawn to her.”
“She sees you as a friend.”
“She sees me as the small child that I once was. Time is an impossible concept for her to understand. Besides, she also sees you as a friend.”
“So honey, would you like to take a walk with me?” Master Roshi asked Loren as Trunks and Piccolo landed.
“Is that you, Krillin? You have hair,” Loren said and Krillin blushed.
“This is my wife, Eighteen,” Krillin said as Eighteen walked up to him.
“Hello,” Eighteen said as Master Roshi walked up behind Loren.
“Watch out for him,” Trunks said and Master Roshi slunk back.
“What’s wrong?” Loren asked as she turned around.
“You’re back!” a high-pitched voice said and Loren looked up.
“Hi Puar. How are you?”
“Hey, doesn’t anyone care about me?” Oolong asked and Loren bent over to look at him.
“You’re the piggy,” she said and Oolong groaned.
“Don’t say that.”
“You are a kind of cute little piggy. Oops. I’m sorry.”
“Do you really think I’m cute?”
“Oolong is blushing,” Puar giggled.
“Don’t you dare,” Trunks said to Master Roshi, who was trying to get a better look at her posterior.
“What’s her problem?” Eighteen asked and Krillin grinned.
“That’s just the way she is. She’s so innocent,” Krillin replied as Loren stood up.
“Look! It’s the rock,” Loren said and Puar giggled.
“Turtle,” Piccolo corrected.
“That’s right. I called you a rock last time, didn’t I?”
“It’s all right,” the turtle said.
“So honey, would you like to be added to my collection?” Master Roshi asked and Loren looked at him.
“Collection?” she asked and Piccolo pushed her away from him.
“Leave her alone!” he growled.
“Sounds like you guys are having fun,” Goku said as he walked out of the house.
“Where are the kids?” Krillin asked.
“Gohan’s with them on the other side of the island. Chi-chi and Bulma are getting the food ready.”
“Where’s Dad?” Trunks asked.
“I’m right here, watching the rest of you fawn over that girl,” Vegeta said.
“Loren, do you want to play?” Puar asked and Loren looked at her.
“What do you want to play?” she asked.
“Can I play too?” Oolong asked.
“You’d better behave,” Trunks said.
“Why wouldn’t I behave?”
“There they go. Who’s going to keep watch on the old man?” Krillin asked.
“I heard that Krillin!” Master Roshi cried.
“Do you guys want to play cards?”
“Sure! That sounds like fun. Come on, Vegeta,” Goku said as he walked into the house.
“We’re not playing one of his games, are we?” Piccolo asked as he looked at Master Roshi.
“Do you have something to hide, Piccolo?” Krillin asked.
“I still want to know about that game,” Master Roshi said.
“What are you doing in here? It’s not ready yet,” Bulma said as she stepped out of the kitchen.
“Don’t get upset Bulma. We’re just going into the parlor to play a friendly game of cards.”
“I hope she’s not playing with you. You’d probably make her play strip poker.”
“Don’t give him any ideas Mom,” Trunks said.
“Hmmm…strip poker. I can see her playing that game,” Master Roshi muttered.
“So Trunks…how is she?” Krillin asked and Trunks looked at him.
“What do you mean?”
“Come on. You can’t have a girl like that in your place without…you know.”
“I’m going into the kitchen,” Eighteen said and stood up.
“I haven’t done anything.”
“Then why are you blushing? Come on, Trunks, go into detail.”
“Cut it out, Krillin.”
“Don’t worry. With this game, we’ll know the truth about everyone in this room,” Master Roshi said.
“Not that game again,” Vegeta grumbled.
“Someone’s got something to hide,” Krillin said as Puar zoomed into the room. She changed into a lamp and stood still.
“What’s going on?”
“Shh. You’ll give my hiding spot away,” Puar whispered.
“Puar? Are you in here?” Loren asked as she walked into the house. She walked into the living room and looked underneath the furniture. All the men turned around and watched her enticing movements as she looked underneath the coffee table. She gazed underneath the couch and Master Roshi looked on in excitement. Trunks prodded her with his foot and she looked up.
“Try the lamp,” he said and flushed when she placed a hand on his leg for support. She stood up and walked over to the lamp, unaware that her movements were being intently watched. She touched the lamp and smoke filled the entire room as Puar changed into her normal form. When the smoke cleared, Loren found herself sitting on Master Roshi’s lap and Master Roshi grinning widely.
“You really like me, don’t you?” he asked and she looked at him.
“I’m sorry. I guess I tripped. I couldn’t see,” Loren said as Master Roshi placed his arm around her waist.
“Go play outside you two,” Piccolo said to Loren and Puar.
“Come on Loren. We still have to find Oolong,” Puar said and Loren ran after her. Master Roshi watched her run off and sighed.
“It was and accident,” Vegeta said as he crossed his arms.
“That girl belongs on my lap,” Master Roshi said.
“She didn’t mean anything by it,” Trunks said.
“Someone’s embarrassed,” Krillin said.
“Give her bunny ears and a bathing suit and I could make her dance,” Master Roshi said.
“She is not someone from your magazines,” Piccolo said.
“Goku, would you round up the kids? It’s ready,” Bulma said and Goku stood up.
“Sure,” Goku said.
“I hope there’s enough food for everyone,” Krillin said.
“Oolong get out of here you little piggy!” Chi-chi cried as Oolong ran out of the kitchen.
“I just wanted to get something before Goku starts eating,” Oolong protested as the door closed behind him.
“There you are,” Puar said and Oolong looked at her.
“What do you want?”
“We were playing hide and seek.”
“Sorry. I forgot.”
“Where is she?” Trunks asked Puar.
“She’s outside somewhere,” Puar replied.
“I hope she’s not in the water,” Piccolo said and Trunks looked at him.
“You’re right. She has a thing for water,” he said.
“I’ll look for her. If you go, the food may be gone by the time you get back.”
Piccolo walked out of the house and walked up to Loren, who stood staring at the ocean. He lay a hand on her shoulders and she looked up at him. He smiled as she leaned against him.
“Do you remember the forest?” he asked.
“Forest?” she inquired.
“On Namek. We washed off in the stream. We were playing in the mud.”
“The mud was red, wasn’t it?”
“Yes. We were both young.”
“Whatever happened to Rion?”
“He left with the planet.”
“Bulma said there was another Namek. She said a…dragon replaced it.”
“She’s right but it’s different than the planet you knew.”
“Is that where you live now?”
“No. I live at Kami’s.”
“Kami’s?”
“You’ve never been there, have you?”
“No I haven’t. What are you doing?”
“I’m getting used to the feel of your skin. I’ve missed you.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t understand what he meant when he asked me to go with him. I still don’t understand this time thing,” Loren said and Piccolo smiled.
“It’s all right. Turn around, Loren,” Piccolo said and she looked at him. He bent over and kissed her. She lay a hand on his arm and he pulled away from her.
“Why am I the only one to get treated like this?” she asked as he ran his fingers through her hair.
“Because you’re special.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You’re the rose that never dies.”
“Are you worried about death?” she asked and Piccolo looked at her.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Is that what time is? A measurement of beginning to end?”
“I guess so.”
“Why?”
“What?”
“Why would you want to measure an end? Why would you want to spend your existence counting down to the end?”
“You know, you have a point,” he said as he sat next to her.
“There’s a lot that I don’t understand,” Loren said as she leaned against him.
“There’s a lot that can’t be explained.”
“Rion said that I would understand one day, but I don’t.”
“It’s okay, Loren.”
She sighed as she gazed up at the sky. So much of her memories were vague as if she were a canvas that an artist was still deciding what to paint on it. Piccolo placed an arm around her and began to stroke her neck. He wished that he could answer her questions.
“It’s all like a dream,” she sighed. “A dream that I never awake from. There’s nothing I can do to end the dream.”
“Do you want to end it?” Trunks asked and she looked up.
“Did I make you upset? I’m sorry. I just get so confused at times. Funny, isn’t it? I don’t understand time and yet I use the word,” Loren said as she watched the clouds float by.
“What are you guys doing out here?” Goku asked as he walked up to them.
“Get up,” Piccolo said to Loren. “We were talking. I don’t want to watch you eat if I don’t have to.”
“You know, you really don’t know how small you are until you travel up there,” Loren said as she continued to watch the sky.
“Sometimes ignorance is a good thing,” Trunks said as he held her close to him.
“Hey dad!” a teenager cried as he ran up to Goku.
“Hey Goten. What is it?” Goku asked.
“Mom wants you.”
“All right I’m coming.”
“His hair is like Goku’s,” Loren said.
“There’s something to be said about family resemblance,” Piccolo said as he watched Trunks kiss her neck. He still felt that Trunks was moving too fast for her but it was not his place to say anything.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. We’d better go back inside. The old man may come looking for you.”
“Trunks!” she giggled and tried to push him away. Trunks smiled as he took her hand and led her back into the house.
“I was wondering what had happened to you guys. Two on one isn’t very fair,” Krillin said.
“It wasn’t like that Krillin!” Piccolo snapped.
“Whoa. Calm down. I wasn’t serious.”
“We could always play my game and find out for sure,” Master Roshi said and Loren looked at him.
“Game?” she asked and Vegeta groaned.
“Do you like games?”
“Yes I do.”
“Have I got a game for you.”
“Let’s go back outside,” Trunks said and pulled on her hand.
“But…” Loren protested.
“Come on.”
“Hello dear,” Bulma said as Trunks and Loren walked up to her.
“But he wanted to play,” Loren said and Trunks sighed.
“You don’t want to play with him,” Trunks said.
“Why not?”
“Is he making advances again?” Eighteen asked and Loren looked at her.
“I remember you. You’re…” she started to say when Trunks stopped her.
“Yes,” he said.
“Goten stop that!” Chi-chi cried and Eighteen sighed.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say he had a crush on Maron,” she said.
“Bra will set him straight,” Bulma said. “Have a seat dear.”
Trunks stiffened slightly when she sat on his lap then wrapped his arms around her waist. She looked at him and attempted to stand up. Trunks held her back and smiled.
“It’s okay. Relax,” he said and ran his fingers through her hair. She lay her head on his shoulder and sighed.
“Mommy…” Maron said and ran up to Eighteen.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Will you play ball with us?”
“Of course dear.”
“Do you want to play, Trunks?”
“Don’t move, honey. She’s asleep,” Bulma said and Trunks gazed down at Loren’s face.
“She’s beautiful,” Trunks said.
“How did you get her so worn out?”
“Isn’t that sweet?” Chi-chi asked as she walked up to the others.
“Aren’t they adorable together?” Bulma asked and Trunks blushed.
“Were you two like this when Gohan got involved with someone?” Trunks asked.
“Shh. You’ll wake her dear. Where’s your camera, Chi-chi?”
“In the house,” Chi-chi replied.
“Mom…” Trunks protested.
“Quiet honey. I’ll be right back,” Bulma said and Trunks sighed.
“Hey Trunks. Who’s the cute girl?” Goten asked as he walked up to where Trunks sat. Loren yawned and sat up. Trunks kissed her cheek and she smiled.
“What happened?” she asked.
“You fell asleep,” Trunks replied.
“Is that your girlfriend?” Goten asked and Trunks blushed.
“Here we go,” Bulma said as she walked up to them. “Darn it. She’s awake.”
“Mom…” Goten asked and Chi-chi looked at him.
“What is it, honey?” she asked.
“Is that Trunks’ girlfriend?”
“Go keep the girls company dear.”
“But you didn’t answer my question.”
Loren ran her hand through Trunks hair and Trunks smiled.
“It looks different in the light. Where did the purple come from?” she asked and Bulma smiled.
“My father had purple hair when he was younger dear,” she said.
“It’s really soft. It reminds me of a rabbit’s fur. You can run your hands through a rabbit’s fur and watch it layer just like his hair.”
“Don’t you two look comfortable,” Krillin said as he walked up to the group.
“She just woke up,” Trunks said and gently pushed her off of his lap.
“What have you guys been up to?” Bulma asked.
“We’ve been playing cards,” Krillin replied.
“Not that card game again.”
“We learned a lot about Piccolo this time.”
“What about Piccolo?” Loren asked and Krillin looked at her.
“Apparently he’s been fascinated by you for quite some time now,” he said.
“Fascinated?”
“Shouldn’t you be leaving dear? You’ve got school tomorrow,” Bulma said and Trunks nodded his head.
“You’re right. Come on Loren. It’s time to say goodbye,” Trunks said as Bulma hugged her son.
“Get some sleep tonight,” Krillin said to Trunks and his face grew extremely red.
“Are you okay?” Loren asked and Trunks looked at her.
“I’m fine. Let’s say goodbye to Father,” Trunks said.
“Don’t neglect Piccolo,” Krillin said.
“Don’t tease them,” Bulma said.
“I just think it’s interesting to know that Piccolo is capable of loving someone.”
***
“She’d better not be keeping you from your studies,” Vegeta said as he watched Loren hug Puar.
“She’s not. Besides, who could ask for a better training partner?” Trunks asked.
“He’s got a point there,” Goku said.
“Loren, come say goodbye to Father.”
Loren looked at Vegeta and Vegeta smiled.
“Come on over here girl,” he said and Loren hesitantly took a step towards him.
“It’s all right hon,” Trunks said as she stopped in front of Vegeta.
“I never planned to invade your life like this,” she said.
“A rose never invades. It spreads its beauty wherever it goes,” Vegeta said and Trunks and Goku stared at him.
“Wow Dad. That was…poetic,” Trunks said in awe.
“Don’t tell your mother. She might grow to expect that sort of thing.”
“Where’s Piccolo?” Loren asked as she looked around the house.
“I guess he went home,” Goku said.
“That’s where we need to go. See you guys later,” Trunks said and took Loren’s hand.
“They look so perfect together.”
“That could have been me,” Vegeta muttered as he watched the two walk out of the house.
“You never knew her.”
“I wish I could have.”
***
“Piccolo what are you doing here? I thought you had left,” Trunks said as he and Loren stopped in mid-air.
“Do you mind if I talk to her alone?” Piccolo asked.
“Uh…no. Go right ahead.”
“What is it Piccolo?” Loren asked after Trunks had left.
“I want you to try hard to understand,” Piccolo said and she looked at him.
“Understand what?”
“Just listen Loren.”
“Okay.”
“I am extremely fond of you. I have been ever since I first met you. I want you to know that I will always be here for you. I…love you Loren.”
“Love?”
“Yes. That feeling is much stronger than friendship.”
“It is?”
“It is,” Piccolo said and passionately kissed her. She ran her hands over his ears as she gazed deeply into his eyes. She flinched as his fingernails dug into her skin as she looked trustingly at him. She squinted as she saw something in his eyes that she had never seen before. Something else was there. No, not something, someone else was there. There was another mind, another entity in his eyes and she squirmed in his arms.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” he said as he ran a hand down her legs.
“Piccolo…”
“The timeless rose will never lose its beauty.”
“Stop.”
He dropped his hands and stared at her in confusion. She looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned away, not being able to look him straight in the eye. He moved towards her and she waved her hand. He gasped as he felt his muscles become confined.
“Loren…” he said and she shook her head.
“You’ve lied to me all this time, haven’t you?” she sobbed and disappeared.
“What…what did I do?”
***
“What’s wrong?” Trunks asked as she appeared next to him.
“He lied,” she said as he placed his arm around her.
“Take us back to the apartment.”
“All right.”
“Now what happened?” Trunks inquired as she sat on the bed.
“That’s not him. He lied,” she sobbed as Trunks sat next to her.
“What do you mean? That was Piccolo.”
“No it isn’t. I saw something that I had never seen before. That isn’t the same person I knew on Namek.”
“Calm down Loren.”
“Trunks he lied. The friend I had is gone. He’s been replaced by something that I don’t understand.”
“What did you see?”
“Instead of the clearness that I saw in his eyes when I first met him, there was a cloud obstructing his sight. It was like I was looking into three different minds that shared one body.”
“During the course of his life, he assimilated with other Nameks.”
“A…ssimilated?”
“Yes. It’s like a fusion,” Trunks said as she lay her head on his chest.
“That’s not all I saw. I also saw the destruction that he caused. All the pain he inflicted on others. I can’t help feeling responsible for it. I left so suddenly that I never said goodbye,” Loren said as Trunks held her close.
“It’s not your fault Loren. Besides, he’s not like that anymore. He’s a much better person now. Trust me. Don’t cry, Loren.”
“I’m sorry for everything Trunks,” Loren said as Trunks kissed her neck.
“It’s okay hon. Come on, would you like to take a bath?”
“With the bubbles?”
“Sure.”
“Okay. That sounds fun.”
Trunks smiled as she stood up. He followed into the bathroom and turned on the tap. Loren looked out the bathroom window at a bluebird that was busily building its nest. She watched it poke and prod the sticks as it worked on perfecting its design.
“Take off your clothes,” Trunks said as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Huh?” she asked as she turned her attention from the window.
“Get undressed.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Trunks took her hand and led her to the bathtub. He watched her get in and sighed. He wondered how he had ever lived without her. He climbed in after her and smiled as she picked up a handful of bubbles. She watched the bubbles float off of her hand as Trunks pulled her close to him.
“Why do you have such a thing for water?” he asked as he ran a bar of soap over her back.
“Shin and I swam a lot back home. Don’t do that,” Loren giggled as Trunks kissed her ear.
“Shin?”
“He was my friend and then it took him away with everyone else.”
“What was he like?”
“He was really nice. His ears were big like Piccolo’s and his white hair always stood on end just like Vegeta’s. He’s the only person I’ve seen with purple skin. Everything happened so suddenly. I never saw him again.”
She lay her head on his chest and sighed. He gazed down at her and smiled. She accidentally placed a hand on his crotch and he jumped. She looked at him in confusion as his face grew red. Loren moved away from him as the memory of what happened with Vegeta flooded her mind. She reached for the edge of the tub and he grabbed her hand.
“Loren, it’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting it,” he said.
“I…I didn’t mean to,” she said nervously.
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Now calm down.”
“Trunks…”
“Don’t say anything. You’re perfectly fine. You trust me, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“It’s getting late and the water is cold. Why don’t we get out? Be careful hon,” Trunks said as he watched her stand up. Loren glanced at the window and watched a moth tap the glass in an attempt to get at the light. She disappeared from the bath and reappeared in front of the window.
“Why is it doing that?” she asked as Trunks came up behind her.
“Come away from the window,” he said and she looked at him.
“Why?”
“Someone might see you.”
“Is that bad?”
“Come on. I’ve got school tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot.”
“It’s all right.”
She sat on the bed and he kissed her. He forced her to lie back on the bed as he spread her legs apart. She watched him with interest as he transformed.
“Why does your hair change when you do that?” she asked and he looked at her.
“Don’t talk. Just feel,” he said and kissed her stomach. She cried out in shock when she felt his mouth elsewhere on her body. He placed a hand over her mouth and smiled warmly.
“It’s all right. I’m not going to hurt you I swear. Now, doesn’t it feel good?”
She nodded her head as she watched his movements. He removed his hand and she gazed into his warm eyes. There was something about him that brought comfort to her soul in a way she had only felt once before.
“What is it?” Trunks asked and she blinked her eyes.
“Huh?” she inquired as he stood up.
“You were lost in a daze.”
“What?”
“Never mind. That was really fun. I’m getting a drink.”
She watched him leave and sat up. She gazed at her legs, which were covered with a white liquid and then out the window. She stood up and walked towards the window. After pushing back the curtains, she gazed out into the night sky.
“No matter where you are, the stars always look the same. They always look like tiny gems woven into pitch-black fabric. There’s so many of them that you barely notice when a star dies. It’s sad, when a star dies. They look like tears when they fall,” Loren said as she stared at Trunks’ faint reflection in the window.
“Life is like that. Come on,” Trunks said and drew her away from the window. He switched off the light and crawled into bed. Loren watched him for a second then sat on the corner of the bed. She gazed out at the moon and sighed.
“This place reminds me a lot of what I remember of my home.”
“Lie down. I’ve got to get up early tomorrow.”
He pushed back the blanket and she lay next to him. She placed her head on his chest and he smiled. Trunks ran a hand through her hair for a few minutes then closed his eyes.
***
When Trunks awoke the next morning, he noticed that half the bed was empty. He sat up and gazed out the window, its pane streaked with thousands of raindrops. He smiled and stood up, guessing that Loren was somewhere outside. He quickly got dressed and walked outside to look for her. He heard her laughter and glanced underneath a weeping willow. She sat on the ground, watching a tiny frog jump in the puddles. He smiled at her, remembering Goten’s fascination with animals.
“Good morning,” he said and she looked at him.
“Hi,” she said as she stood up.
“Aren’t you cold?”
“No.”
“I’m running late. Why don’t you spend the day with Mother?”
“Are you sure he wants me there?”
“That’s just the way Father is. I’ve got to go.”
He quickly kissed her then ran off. She gazed after him for a second then sighed. She closed her eyes and transported herself to Bulma’s. She knocked on the front door and Bulma opened it.
“Hello dear. I wasn’t expecting you. Come in,” Bulma said.
“When are you expecting her?” Vegeta asked.
“Trunks suggested I come here but I can go somewhere else,” Loren said.
“Vegeta didn’t mean it, did you?” Bulma asked as she glared at him.
“I…I don’t mean to impose. I’ve been like a sickness to you Vegeta. I’ve completely invaded your life and I’m sorry. I wish I could go home.”
“Well you’ve done it again. Why do you have to be so cold to her? Is it because she saw a value in your life that no one else did?” Bulma asked, once Loren had left.
“What?” Vegeta asked.
“Or is your pride still suffering because a woman beat you?”
“I’m only concerned about the boy.”
“I’m not buying that Vegeta. There’s something more to that attitude than her relationship to Trunks.”
“Look, do you want me to get her?”
“Do you expect her to listen to you? I know I wouldn’t if I was constantly treated like a microscopic being. I’m calling Goku.”
“Fine. Let Kakarot deal with it. I’m tired of putting up with her ignorance.”
“She is not ignorant. Would you rather have her acting like you? Hello dear, can I borrow Goku? Mr. Friendly scared her off again. Thanks Chi-chi.”
“He’ll probably make it worse,” Vegeta muttered.
“Vegeta…did you…like her at one time?” Bulma asked and he stared at her.
“Are you serious?!”
“Are you jealous of them. Where are you going?”
“I’m going out.”
“You’ll be lucky to find her.”
“I’m not going to look for her.”
***
Loren sat high in a tree and watched Trunks inside his school. She wondered if she had made a mistake in granting Vegeta life as Trunks glanced out the window. She was now more confused than ever and sincerely wished that she could return to the simple days of her past. She felt alienated again and longed for someone who was capable of understanding her feelings. She sadly smiled at a squirrel that looked inquisitively at her and sighed.
“I try to stop the pain but now I see that I’ve increased it. Vegeta and Piccolo are different because of me. Do I bring the pain? Am I like some plague that inflicts sickness on everyone I come in contact with? Am I a demon like Vegeta said? If only I could change the past…it’s interesting, isn’t it? My past is dead and the future is non-existent. It’s like a never-ending dream. Or maybe it’s a never-ending nightmare. Perhaps one day I’ll wake up from this sleep.”
“What are you doing up here?” Trunks asked and she looked at him.
“I don’t ask for gratitude or respect. Why does he see me as a plague? He has nobility and his heart is capable of feeling yet why does it harden when I’m around?” Loren asked as Trunks sat next to her.
“Did he do it again?”
“Why am I seen as the dirt he walks on?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s not you. Maybe it’s him.”
“What?”
“Father has a humility problem. Also, when someone is cold for the majority of his life, it’s hard to adjust. I think he really likes you which is why he’s so abrasive.”
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“Yes it does. Not everyone shows affection in the same way. Sometimes a person doesn’t know how to express it and they hide it in harshness. I guess it’s kind of like cooking. The spice is sometimes hard to taste but it’s there. Do you understand?”
“Sort of. You’re not missing…school because of me, are you?”
“No, no, no, no. It’s okay. It let out early. Come on let’s go home. Father’s probably worried sick about you.”
“He has a strange way of showing his feelings.”
“It just takes awhile to get used to. If you two would just be patient with each other, I’m sure it would all work out. Let’s go. Not like that, you’ll scare everyone. Do the instant transmission or whatever it is,” Trunks said as he took her hand.
“You’re so different from him,” she said and he smiled.
“I don’t think Mother could stand having two of us in the house. What is it? You’re looking at me the same way you did last night.”
“I see something in you that I haven’t seen in a very long time.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a…sanctuary in your eyes. Shin had it too. When I looked deep into his eyes it was like being somewhere else. It was a place where nothing could hurt you. It seemed…magical. Nothing could touch you there. He had a warmness that no one else had. I felt safe…I’m sorry. I don’t know how to explain it but you have it…just like he did,” Loren said and blinked her eyes. Trunks stared at her for a second in awe then shook his head.
“I’m sorry Trunks. I-I never thought I’d see it again. It’s so easy to get lost in there. I-I really don’t know how to explain it.”
“It’s all right,” he said softly as she turned away from him. She was shocked at finding it again and wondered about the significance behind it. Why did he have it? Why did she feel so safe with him? Why Trunks?
“I’m more confused than ever,” she said as he held her close.
“Perhaps you were never meant to understand.”
“There you are. Bulma’s been worried sick about you,” Goku said as he appeared next to them.
“Father’s personality takes some explaining,” Trunks sighed.
“What’s wrong with her?”
“She found something she lost a long time ago.”
“Huh?”
“It’s hard to explain but there’s a sanctuary in his eyes,” Loren said slowly.
“We’d better get home and put Mother’s mind at ease,” Trunks said.
“Piccolo’s worried about her too,” Goku said and Loren looked at him.
“Why is Piccolo upset?” she asked.
“Don’t you remember yesterday?” Trunks asked.
“Yesterday?”
“Yes. You saw Piccolo’s multiple memory. You were extremely upset about it.”
“You didn’t know that Nameks could fuse together?” Goku asked and Loren shook her head.
“Apparently she lived during times of peace so there was no need for it,” Trunks said.
“That makes sense.”
“Look, if you take her back, I’ll go explain what happened to Piccolo.”
“Okay. Come on, Loren.”
“How do you get your hair to stay like that?” she asked after Trunks had gone.
“I really don’t know,” Goku replied.
“Can you…change like Trunks?”
“Change? Oh, do you mean can I go super? Of course.”
“Why do you…change?”
“We’re stronger that way. You’re stronger when you transform.”
“Me?”
“You didn’t know you could?”
“I change shape all the time. It’s a game.”
“Hey can we stop somewhere and eat? I’m hungry.”
“I wish I could have known you when you were younger. You must have been a lot of fun. Piccolo was and then he grew up.”
“How about we eat there?”
“That’s right. You need food. Okay, we’ll stop.”
“Trunks really picked a wonderful girl,” Goku said and Loren looked at him/
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well you’re pretty and you don’t eat much which means there’s more food for him. I bet Vegeta wishes that he knew you better.”
“Vegeta?”
“Yeah. He thinks you’re really pretty too.”
“Is that why he’s so mean?”
“Yeah but don’t let him scare you. That’s just the way he is. So has Trunks taught you anything?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been with him for awhile. Haven’t you learned anything?”
“I know he doesn’t like me standing in front of the bathroom window.”
“What?”
“He’s also really sensitive there. I’m sorry…I guess you are too. You’re turning red like he does. I’m sorry. I-I thought it was just him. Why do you do that?”
“Um…you really don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
“Wow. Piccolo was right. I do see a similarity between us.”
“Huh?”
“Does he play with you?”
“Who?”
“Trunks.”
“Uh-huh. He likes to play. He gets really worn out sometimes.”
Goku stared at her, suddenly realizing that she had no idea what she was talking about. She looked at him in confusion, not sure what she had said wrong. He gazed at her for a moment, wondering if her innocence was a good or bad thing.
“What does he do?” Goku asked.
“Do? Well he really likes holding me. He likes kissing me too but he doesn’t do it like Mommy and Daddy did. He does it like this,” Loren said and kissed Goku. Goku’s eyes grew wide when he felt her mouth on his own. He gazed at her, not understanding how someone so innocent could be so sensual. He pushed her away and shook his head.
“Like I said, he picked a wonderful girl.”
“You changed.”
“I did?”
“Uh-huh. I like how your hair looks normal though. It’s kind of cute.”
“Well…we’d better get going.”
***
“What happened to you guys?” Trunks asked when Goku and Loren arrived at Bulma’s.
“I got hungry,” Goku said.
“It figures.”
“But…you never got to eat,” Loren said.
“So what happened?” Trunks asked.
“He wanted to know how we were doing.”
“Good. You’re back,” Bulma said as she stepped into the doorway.
“Maybe you should see Father,” Trunks suggested and Bulma took her into the house.
“Now I know why Vegeta was complaining about her,” Goku said.
“What happened?” Trunks asked.
“She gave me a physical demonstration of how you kiss her.”
“How did that happen?”
“I asked her if she played with you.”
“Goku…”
“I wasn’t aware of how much she didn’t understand.”
“You must have enjoyed it. You completely forgot about your stomach.”
“That’s right. What’s in your kitchen?”
“I don’t know. Mom’s been guarding the fridge.”
“It’s in the kitchen guys. I’m not sure what she made but it tasted wonderful,” Bulma said as they walked into the house.
“Where is she?” Trunks asked.
“I left her with Vegeta. I think that it’s time that he explained his attitude towards her.”
***
“I still don’t understand,” Vegeta said as she leaned against the wall. “How could you see good where it didn’t exist?”
“It did exist. It was just well hidden,” Loren said and touched his face. He flinched and she looked at him.
“Do you regret not dying that day Vegeta?”
“I regret not knowing you. There’s so much you could have given me.”
“Is that why you get so upset? Do you see what could have been? I don’t think time was made for regrets Vegeta. Besides, doesn’t time always change?”
“You never change. Is it possible…I mean…can you show me what it would have been like?”
“That sounds fun.”
“I’m sure it will be fun.”
***
“You didn’t leave Vegeta any, did you?” Bulma asked as she walked back into the kitchen.
“Gee, I guess not,” Goku said as he looked at the empty dishes.
“She’s been there with Father for quite some time now,” Trunks commented.
“Apparently he has a lot to say,” Bulma said as Vegeta walked into the kitchen.
“Sorry Vegeta. It’s all gone,” Goku said.
“You changed your shirt.”
“The girl spilled water on the other one. She should watch where she’s going,” Vegeta said as he opened the refrigerator door.
“Where’s Loren?” Trunks asked.
“Cleaning up.”
“I’m going to see if she needs any help,” Bulma said and walked out of the kitchen.
“Do you see something that you don’t approve of Kakarot?” Vegeta asked.
“Why?” Goku asked as Vegeta sat at the table.
“I had to know what could have been. If you lose her boy, I’ll never forgive you.”
“Vegeta…”
“She can see things in others that no one else can see Kakarot. That’s why she spared me. I had to see for myself.”
“Does it bother you to see me so…attached to her Father?” Trunks asked and Vegeta grinned.
“I’d rather her be in your company than Piccolo’s or the old man’s,” Vegeta said and walked out of the kitchen.
“I got in trouble for being so close to her not that long ago and now he’s telling me that it’s okay? I’m confused.”
“Don’t worry about the perfume dear. It wasn’t that expensive,” Bulma said as she and Loren walked out into the kitchen,
“It smelled just like flowers. I can get you some more. There were some beautiful flowers on Namek,” Loren said.
“We’d better get going. I was running late this morning. Goodbye Mother,” Trunks said.
“Goodbye dear,” Bulma said and kissed her son.
“’Bye Goku.”
“See you later,” Goku said as Trunks and Loren walked out of the kitchen.
Vegeta watched them walk out of the house with folded arms. He had accepted the bond between the two and wondered if her past would ever come completely into focus. And if it did, what would she find? There was definitely a lot more to the timeless rose than met the eye.
