Vegeta, in a rare pose, leaned against his wife, his eyes half-closed as he awaited the arrival of his son. Bulma gently ran her fingers through his coarse black hair as he kept a watchful eye on the sky.
"Well he did it. I knew he would," Bulma commented.
"I wish my Goku was still around!" Chi-chi cried and Gohan patted her shoulders.
"Dad did what was best for all of us, Mom," Gohan said.
"I like the way things turned out. It's a lot better than being dead," Krillin said and Eighteen looked at him.
"Idiot," she said.
"I'm serious, honey."
Vegeta sat up and gazed up into the sky. The others following his lead, those with the longest vision soon sighting the time machine.
"It's coming!" Krillin exclaimed and Bulma immediately took charge of the situation.
"Let's clear the landing space! Oh I'm so proud of him! That means you're going to have to move, Vegeta," she said and Vegeta glared at her.
"I AM moving woman!" he snapped as he stood up.
"Where's the camera? We should have a photograph of this," Bulma said.
"We've got ours," Krillin said and held his camera up.
"Krillin you're wonderful!"
"Not so tight. Eighteen can get jealous."
"And I've known you for how long? I've known you longer than your wife."
"Hey kids. I see you're all waiting for the big touchdown," Master Roshi said and Vegeta looked at him.
"It always amazes me to see the lifespan of the ancients," he said.
"You're not young yourself, Vegeta."
"WHAT was that?!"
"SHUT UP! He's landing," Bulma said as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"Women. They get so emotional. What brings you here?"
"I wish to congratulate Trunks on his success as well," Piccolo said as the time machine touched down. Bulma waited for the hatch to open then ran over to hug her son. She was greeted unexpectedly by a cat, who jumped out of the time machine, ran past Vegeta, and came to rest near Piccolo's feet.
"Is it an Earth custom to bring mangy animals back from the past?" Vegeta asked and the cat hissed at him. Trunks watched Loren as he climbed out of the time machine into his mother's fond embrace.
"I'm so proud of you Trunks!" she cried as Krillin snapped a picture and Chi-chi turned and cried in Gohan's arms.
"Thanks Mom," Trunks said and gazed at his father, who seemed to be hiding a smile in the smirk that he held on his lips. "Can I get the cat now?"
"Why did you bring a cat back? Is there a reason for it? We have Siamese cats nowadays just like they had in the past," Bulma said as Trunks walked over to Piccolo and picked Loren up.
"She's not exactly a cat," Trunks said. "Come on. Change into your normal form."
"Change? Do you mean that this cat is a shape shifter like Oolong?"
"Yeah."
"Looks like a normal cat to me," Oolong said. "I don't think that thing could change into anything."
Loren glared at him then jumped out of Trunks arms. She landed on the grass softly and everyone watched as her body began to change.
"What kind of demon did you drag back from the past boy?" Vegeta demanded and Trunks looked at him.
"I didn't bring a demon back, Father," he said as he watched Loren. "I brought...her."
He pointed to the spot where the cat had been sitting. Loren stood in the animal's place, wearing a black top and brown pants, the only remembrance of the cat that sat there moments before. Vegeta's eyes grew wide in recognition.
"YOU!!" he sputtered. "You shape shifting demon! You took advantage of me and made me return to my home as a failure. How DARE you show up on this world?"
"I think I've heard this already," Loren commented. "Look when he brought me here, I wasn't aware that you'd be here as well."
"Well he IS my father," Trunks explaned lamely.
"Well how is it possible for me to be here with him?"
"I'm more than willing to destroy you, woman!" Vegeta cried and Bulma smacked him on the head.
"HEY!! DON'T YOU HAVE ANY MANNERS?! TRUNKS IS HOME! DON'T YOU CARE?!" she cried and Loren lowered her head.
"I'm sorry. I caused so much trouble in coming with you. I should have just let him destroy me," she said and turned away.
"Stop that. I wanted you to come with me. I couldn't leave you. Not with as much pain as you were feeling. The two of you are just going to have to learn to get along."
"Well, if my Trunks brought you here, I'm sure he had a good reason. Come on, why don't we go inside and have something to eat? I'm sure you're hungry, aren't you Trunks?" Bulma asked and Trunks nodded his head.
"Yes I am, Mom. Hey Gohan! Nice to see you again," Trunks said as he walked up to his friend. Gohan smiled and patted the younger Saiyen across the back.
"It's nice to be here. Hey, why don't we go in and hear about your journey?" Gohan suggested.
"I'd watch Master Roshi around your friend, Trunks. You know how he gets with women," Krillin whispered and Trunks nodded his head.
"Yeah...I had forgotten about that," he replied as he followed his mother into the house.
Piccolo watched them sit at the table and left the room. Disgusting, he noted then glanced behind him.
"Why aren't you in there?" he asked and Loren shrugged her shoulders.
"Because I don't eat or can you not remember that? What memories do you have of his and why?" she asked.
"That is...hard to explain. How about you explain to me about yourself first?"
"Explain what?"
"Why you and Vegeta don't get along. You obviously can change forms so what were you when the two of you met?"
"He refused to fight me as a girl so I just changed..."
"Genders?"
"If that's what you call it."
"Let me see if I understand. When you fought him, you were a boy?"
"Yes. He wouldn't fight me the way I look now and I didn't want the planet destroyed."
"I see. Obviously he's never gotten over that defeat."
"I'm sorry for it all happening. Perhaps Cell should have taken me with him to the depths of oblivion."
"I'd be more than willing to take you somewhere," Master Roshi said as he approached her and Loren looked at him.
"Where?" she asked.
"My place. I can show you my...techniques."
"Oh. Sounds like it could be fun. I think Rion was the last person I learned techniques from. I shouldn't have left him like I did. He gave me so much and the only thing I gave him was death..."
"We're not talking about the same thing, are we?"
"You know, since I had lived there for so long, I could sort of...feel when it was destroyed. I feel so bad for not being there to help the people that so willingly gave me a home. I failed those people twice. The Kais were forced to lose their home and then the Nameks. I really don't want the same fate to fall this place, wherever this place is."
"Don't worry honey," Master Roshi said as he grabbed onto her arm. "I'm here for you. I'll protect you."
"You never give up, do you?" Oolong asked as Master Roshi pulled Loren closer to him.
"Be quiet Oolong. I'm merely trying to show her some of my great martial arts techniques. See now put your hands here and then..."
"What does this benifit?"
"It benifits...Ow! Why'd you do that? I was merely trying to give her some pointers," Master Roshi said as he rubbed his sore cheek.
"Just be glad I wasn't angry or else I would have thrown you against the house," Eighteen said as she walked over to Loren. "Are you all right? You've got to watch out for him."
"I'm okay, although I don't sense anything evil about him," Loren said.
"You know, Piccolo, you could have very easily helped too. She is YOUR friend, isn't she?"
"Why did you say it like that?! Besides, she knew my father. Not me. At least not technically," he replied as Eighteen brushed Loren's clothing off.
"Let me tell you something. Vegeta is hard to accept, but he's not all that bad. I know. I hated him for a long time. I think a lot of people did. He's just abrasive to people but you've got to accept that. Plus, you've got someone willing to fight for your acceptance here," Eighteen said.
"But who would that be?" Loren inquired as she turned her attention from a butterfly.
"I think you already know."
"It's me! I want you baby! Come on back to my place and I'll get you some real clothes to wear," Master Roshi said and Eighteen gave him a frigid glare.
"Again, ignore him. I'm not talking about that idiot over there. I'm talking about the only person that's made an effort to keep you here. You must remind him of the past. At least what it used to be..."
"That was really good, Mom. I'll help you clear the table," Trunks said and stood up.
"That reminds me, Trunks. Where is she going to stay? Now that things have settled down a bit, you'll be starting school, won't you?" Bulma asked and Trunks looked at her.
"Yeah I guess I will. I sorta forgot what with trying to save everyone," he said and Bulma smiled.
"I understand. I'd have her stay here but I don't think they'd stand living under the same roof with each other."
"I know what you mean. Well, I suppose I could take her with me. I kinda promised her I would..."
"We could see if Chi-chi is willing to have her. I don't think she'd have any problems over there. Chi-chi doesn't have to put up with an angry bear," Bulma said and Trunks smiled slightly.
"Well, I suppose I could ask. But, do you think Gohan's mom has the patience to put up with her? I mean she can get pretty emotional."
"We could always have Piccolo watch over her."
"Would Piccolo want to, though?"
"If I could just kill that thing, there wouldn't be a problem," Vegeta said as he came into the kitchen.
"Be quiet Vegeta! It's been enough having to hear you go on about how Goku cheated you by letting someone else kill him. I don't want to put up with this lamentation," Bulma said and Vegeta stared at her.
"I am not lamenting over that creature! Lamenting is what you do when you lose the life of a loved one or family member and I most certainly do NOT love that creature!"
"I'LL take her with me. She'd be in very good hands," Master Roshi said as he opened the kitchen door. Trunks looked at him and then thought of how Loren viewed the body. He got a sick look on his face and turned to his mother.
"Mom you CAN'T let her go to Kame's House," he pleaded and Bulma looked at him.
"Well I suppose that IS an option. Krillin and Eighteen live there too and you know Eighteen watches Master Roshi pretty closely," she said.
"Yeah, but..."
"I think it's a good idea."
"But Mom, you don't know what she's really like."
Trunks folded his arms in anger as he watched his mother explain the proposition to Krillin.
"I don't know, Bulma. Don't you think she's better off with someone she somewhat knows?" Krillin asked.
"Krillin, I'm not having a woman stay with Trunks while he's trying to go to school," Bulma said firmly and Krillin sighed.
"But what about Master Roshi?"
"Eighteen can deal with him."
"We can give it a try but I don't think this is the best decision," Eighteen said.
"I'd have her stay with me, but I can't. Not with the way they act around each other," Bulma said.
"Let go of me," Loren said but Trunks held her tightly.
"Stop taking everything so personally and I will. No one's trying to get rid of you," he said.
"How can I believe that after I've been through so much?"
"You know full well I don't want you around. Trying to be compassionate instead of allowing me to die," Vegeta said and Bulma glared at him.
"Are you telling me that you don't like how your life is?!" she asked, her voice low and accusing. Vegeta's eyes grew wide momentarily as he took a few steps away from her.
"I wasn't saying that at all! I just resent what that creature did."
"Well without her you wouldn't be around right now. Do you realize that?"
"Without her I could have successfully completed my mission and I wouldn't have had to live with the sting of defeat."
"How do you know that? How do you know that you wouldn't have died when that planet exploaded?"
There was a silence as Vegeta reluctantly came to a decision.
"Fine. Let the boy take care of her. He wanted to bring that woman along. It's his problem."
"That's not what I meant, Vegeta."
"Look. That woman, if we're going to call it that, is his responsability. He wanted to bring her with him so he's going to have to deal with her. I don't want any part of it."
"Are you all right?" Trunks asked as she walked over to the window. They had moved to his apartment near the school, with Bulma's rather reluctant help, and he had been showing her how to work simple machines when she had gotten a look on her face and lapsed into what seemed like a trance.
"I'm fine, although I don't understand," Loren replied as Trunks watched her.
"Don't understand what?"
"Why you have it. Why you, of all beings in this universe, have it. I thought it was gone with Shin. I thought it had left me forever."
"What are you talking about?"
She shook her head and sat down. Trunks sighed for a moment then sat across from her.
"You know, this isn't going to work if you refuse to talk."
"Well West City inhabitents, it's going to be another schorcher so dress lightly, drink plenty of fluids and most importantly, keep cool," the radio said and Loren stared at it. She had sat on the edge of a coffee table most of the night after Trunks had tried once again to get her to talk. He had failed and he had become irritated. He had locked himself in his room and Loren sat where she had been sitting hours before.
She heard movement in the bedroom and sighed. She so much wanted to leave him and to put him out of his frustration. Unfortunately, she had nowhere to go. She didn't know the layout of the land so she couldn't very well find a hiding place. It was then that she remembered her transformation ability. She closed her eyes just as Trunks emerged from the bedroom.
"Don't tell me you stayed there all night," he said as the telephone rang. "Hello? Hey Mom. What? No. She wasn't there with me last night. Yes, Mom. I won't all right. Bye. Where are you going?"
"She's mad at you because of me. I'm going to find my own place to live."
"First off, you need to stop being so emotional. Second, no one said you have to leave."
"But you get upset with me."
"I'm afraid I'm not very patient. A trait from my father...unfortunately."
"Yes, I know where it comes from. That time machine...will it work again?"
"I don't know. Hey, do you want to go outside and look around?"
"I guess."
"You look tired. You didn't sleep any, did you?"
"I couldn't because I had made you mad."
Trunks knelt before her and placed his hands over hers. He gazed sincerely into her eyes and she glanced away. He placed a hand underneath her chin and brought her gaze back to his face.
"What do you see in them?" Trunks asked.
"Why do you want to know?" Loren asked.
"I'm just trying to understand you. I really want to help you."
"Why?"
"I think you're special. You're like a family member I never had."
She stared at him for a moment and he laughed awkwardly.
"Yeah...that DID sound stupid, didn't it?"
"I don't understand why you care. I don't know you and you certainly don't know me."
"I want to know you. I'll get the door."
She watched him stand up and walk towards the front door, which wasn't very far, for the apartment was small. Trunks opened the door and invited his visitor in. Gohan stepped into the apartment and looked around.
"Nice and compact," he commented and Trunks nodded his head.
"Yeah well, it was supposed to be just for me," Trunks replied.
"Yeah. I bet the only reason your dad let her come with you was because he didn't want to deal with her."
"Well he had a point. I'm the one that brought her back. She is my responsibility."
"I don't want to be anyone's burdan," Loren said and Trunks stared at the nothingness he held in his hand.
"Well my friend, it looks like you've got your work cut out for you," Gohan said and Trunks nodded his head.
"Yeah, but at least I've got time for this kind of work. At least until school starts. Your mom doesn't need anyone around, does she? I know she's still upset with her loss but..." Trunks said and Gohan smiled.
"Ah, you know how Mom is. She's fine. She's managed to get along this long but she still makes a fuss. I guess what I'm saying is that you can bring her over if you want."
"I've got to find her first."
"Why DID you bring her back? I'm a little curious."
"This may sound stupid but she reminds me of what I felt when everything around me had been destroyed. My friends, my family...I know how she feels. I couldn't leave her in that time, alone with no one."
"Why is this time any better for her?"
"I want to help her. I don't know why, but I do. You know, I also think she could have defeated Cell if she chose to."
"What? Come on, Trunks. My dad had to pay the ultimate sacrifice for Cell's destruction. Are you trying to tell me that if that stranger had come forth, Dad wouldn't have died?"
"I don't know. There's a lot about her that I don't know. About her and Father as well and the last part I am most anxious to know about. You knew your father very well. I'm lucky to stand on the same ground as my father. I'd like to know more about his past, if I can, but I'm not going to hear it from him."
"I see. So you brought her back in hopes of filling a personal need as well."
"If I can get past the wall she's built up. I think there's a powerful ally within her."
"Or a powerful enemy as Vegeta has said."
"I can't believe Father's claims on that. I don't know what she was like back then, but from what I've seen of her, she can't be an enemy."
Dende walked up to where Loren stood in a daze and greeted her.
"You're the one that Trunks brought back, aren't you? I've heard about you," Dende said.
"You know of the Kais, don't you?" Loren asked and Dende nodded his head.
"I'd have to to be guardian."
"Can you tell me if one is still alive?"
"I...I don't know if I can do that. You see, I haven't been guardian for all that long and..."
"What are you doing here?" Piccolo asked as he walked up to them. Loren looked at him critically.
"What do you remember?" she asked. "Do you remember the Kais?"
"The Kais? Which Kais?"
"The ones that sent me to live on your world."
"You're asking me to go to early childhood."
"Do you remember?"
"Parts of that time, yes."
Loren turned to Dende and placed her hands together.
"Is there a way that I can get to the Kais? Is there a way that I can see if they're still alive?"
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
"Then please. I know what you once were. Take me down so that none of you has to put up with me," she said and Piccolo looked at her.
"I can't do that. I am no longer like that. I choose to protect worlds instead of destroy them," he said.
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"You're more than welcome to train here," Dende suggested and Loren looked at him.
"Train...it's been awhile since I've done that. Is there a place away from everything? I wouldn't want to destroy everything," she said.
"Yes there is. It's..."
"Why don't you go back to earth and think this over rationally? I know Rion taught you how to act rational," Piccolo said.
"You're right...I've forgotten that. I've just been so worried about not causing destruction that I guess I've forgotten some things," she replied as she sat on the ground. She closed her eyes and began to meditate the way her teacher had shown her. She let go of everything and sought out the power within her soul. She had been running for so long that she had forgotten the true teachings of her master. She had to regain what she lost and make her decision with a clear mind instead of one clouded with guilt and other dark emotions.
"I didn't think she'd sit down right there," Dende commented.
"Leave her alone. She's in a state of supreme concentration," Piccolo said.
"But shouldn't we tell someone she's here?"
"I will. I'm sort of unsure how she found this place, though."
Trunks knocked on the door to his parent's house then opened it. He looked around for his mother, already knowing where his father was.
"He's training as usual. Father, don't you ever give it a rest? Is your pride that important? Goku is dead and you're still trying to be better than him. Will your pride ever be satisfied? MOM! Where are you?" Trunks asked and Bulma's face appeared on a monitor screen.
"What are you doing here?" Bulma asked.
"Well, I was wondering if you've seen her. She sorta...disappeared. I'd ask Father but, I don't want to get into an argument with him."
"I haven't seen her. Do you think you're up to putting up with someone like that? You will be starting school soon, you know."
"Yes, I know but if I don't put up with her, who will?"
"You have a point there. I'd like to help you look, Trunks but I've got a lot of work to do. Maybe after I get done, I'll look all right?"
"All right. Thanks, Mom. Guess I'll look somewhere else."
He left the house and almost ran into Piccolo.
"Hey. What are you doing here?"
"We have who you're looking for at the lookout," Piccolo replied.
"How did she get there?" Trunks asked.
"I don't know. I don't know how she found the place, but you can take her back. You're the one that chose to let her live in this world."
"I know. I'm constantly being told that. What choice did I have?"
"Let's just hope that your efforts aren't in vain. Perhaps your father is correct. Perhaps she IS an enemy. We just haven't seen her true form yet."
"I can't believe that, Piccolo. I just can't. I mean, I've seen the other side of her and I can't beieve she's evil."
"All right. Let's go. I'll let you make your own judgement. It's just that I'm seeing the whole. I can see truth in Vegeta's statements and I can see the truth in yours. I think only time will tell when her true nature comes forth. My memories don't state her as evil, but those memories are from a long time ago. A lot has changed since when my father knew her."
Loren sat still her mind focused on her past. Through the clouds of deception and pain that she brought upon herself, she returned to the time when she had lived on Namek. She saw Rion as he once was. He stood tall, a formidible Namek in his own right. His skin was of emerald green, his muscles a bright red. His upper arms bore sparse spots, she remembered as he gazed down at her with his dark eyes. She was at least fifteen at that time and she had entered into a rigerous training period with her instructor. Rion had seen the strength within her ever since she had been a small child but now, he sensed that she was ready.
"Sit down," he said, his voice echoing in her mind. "And let go of your thoughts and fears. Focus on the strength within you. Focus on the force that makes you what you are. Focus on the core of your ki. Once you are in tune with that, you will become stronger. You must believe in the power within you before you can become strong on the outside," he said and Loren repeated the words, as a strange light encircled her body. Dende and Mr. Popo stood and watched in awe as Trunks and Piccolo touched down. Piccolo folded his arms and glanced at Trunks.
"I don't believe talking to her would do any good right now. She seems lost in a faraway time," he said and Trunks nodded his head.
"I understand. I'd like to stay here though. I want to be around when she comes out of her trance," he said.
"One body. One mind. Through pain and suffering you must endure to bring justice back to the weak. You have seen your friends die and although, you can do nothing to help them, you can help others from suffering the same fate. You can always change the outcome of things," Loren said, her voice a soft whisper as she continued to stare at the memories of her past. The time that she spent on Namek was the time she most cherished. She had learned so much from the Nameks that she felt badly for not paying them proper respect for all that they had done. Perhaps she had been wrong in letting her own emotions consume her. She had been blinded by her own logic and she had failed to live up to Rion's expectations of her.
She saw it all clearly, now. Why she had condemned herself to a life of solitude, away from the mass population of the universe. She had lost sight of what her master had once instructed her and she had fallen into the death grip of confusion and self-pity.
"Is that why he wants to help?" Loren asked herself. "Can he see all that in my eyes, just like I can see that special place within his?"
Vegeta stopped eating and gazed up at the ceiling. He watched it for a few moments as he confirmed his senses. He stood up abruptly and slammed his fork on the table.
"What's with you?" Bulma asked as Vegeta walked out of the room.
"What has that idiot gone and done now?" he asked as he walked out of the house. Bulma ran after him and shielded her eyes as he prepared to take off.
"Vegeta who are you talking about? Vegeta!"
"Very good, young one. I don't know anything about your people but I do know that you have great potential. Why else would the Kais favor you?" Rion asked as he circled around Loren. She sat on a small stone wearing the training robes common to Namek warriors. Her legs were crossed and her palms were together facing the sky. "Stay focused. I am keeping track of the time. I will let you know when your time is up."
Loren closed her eyes tighter as she tried to keep focused on her goal. She could feel life all around her, the untapped ki of existance, as she tried to channel into it. It seemed to yield, if not recognize her as she continued to press forward.
Even now, she could feel the presence of life around her as she became the core. Then, another presence appeared. A presence that brought her faults and past mistakes back into the light. A presence that she would forever be at odds with. Vegeta. She focused on him, seeing him without ever opening her eyes. She could see his pride and his desire for power, but there was something more. She saw his desire to be the best. The desire to prove himself to everyone. Perhaps it stemmed from a deep insecurity. Her mind flashed back to when she had first met him, full of confidence.
"Woman I have been given the task of destroying this pathetic world. Run on back to your home and prepare to die with all the other inhabitents of this planet," he said, once he had emerged from the ball like spaceship that had fallen to the surface not that long ago. Loren had run over to the crash site in curiosity then watched in awe as the Saiyen Prince emerged. Even then, she could feel his potential. He stood and stretched then gazed directly at her.
"Curiosity brought you out of hiding, didn't it? I'm afraid I'm going to have to deliver you a shock. You see, I have come to destroy this planet."
"I know. I can't allow you to do that," Loren said and Vegeta smirked.
"Woman, I don't think you understand what is about to happen."
"I understand perfectly and I'm going to stop you. The people on this planet are peaceful. They have done nothing to deserve destruction."
"Are you offering me a challenge woman?! Your ki is no more than normal. Run on home to your mate before you make a fool of yourself."
"I see. You won't fight me the way I look now. I am more than willing to change if that would make things easier."
"What are you talking about?!"
Vegeta watched in shock as Loren's form changed from a woman to a man. She stretched her new body and gazed seriously at Vegeta.
"I'm ready," she said, her voice softer and lower. Vegeta stepped back in shock as the change registered fully in his mind.
"Wh...what are you? What kind of demon are you that changes from male to female and back again? Destroying this world is a favor to the universe. Take this!"
"Father! What was your reasoning behind that attack?!" Trunks demanded.
"Vegeta even you should know better than to do something like that here," Dende said and Vegeta folded his arms. He glanced around as if he were just coming back from a faraway time.
"She saw it coming. She can see deep into a person's essence. She saw it coming and she's around here somewhere, waiting to strike back, just like then," Vegeta said then gasped for breath.
"Perhaps you have been right. Perhaps we should have finished this once and for all so many years ago but do you want to know another reason why I didn't kill you? I also saw in you what your family sees. I saw it all those years ago. That emotion that you cling to is familiar to me. If I was wrong in that assumption, then allow me to die by my own hand," Loren whispered as Vegeta grabbed onto her hands and attempted to pry them off of his neck.
"Let go of me, demon!" Vegeta gasped as he ascended to the second level. His neck muscles enlarged, forcing Loren's grip to slip. He pried her hands off of his body and wrenched her arm backwards up towards her neck. Loren's eyes changed shades as she slumped into Vegeta's arms unconscious. Vegeta stared at her and pushed her onto the floor.
"Hold on!" Dende cried as he ran up to where Loren lay. He knelt before her and placed a hand on her body. "I'll do what I can, since I don't know her makeup. I do not believe that she knew what she was doing, though. It seems as though her mind was lost in another time."
"I'm still unsure as to whether she is a foe or ally," Piccolo commented as Trunks knelt beside Dende.
"I think if we can get through all the pain that she's held inside for so long, she'd be an ally. Piccolo, please tell me, how long ago was it that she lived on your planet?" Trunks asked and the older Namek thought for a moment.
"How long? At least two centuries since my father's childhood."
Rion gazed down at Loren's figure and folded his arms.
"You have a raw power flowing throughout your cells. You need to learn to control that power, otherwise you will have no guidance over your actions. Now, whenever you get out of control, you must find a way to punish yourself. You have to trust yourself completely, otherwise you will deceive yourself," he said and removed his foot from her back. She stood up and shook the dirt from her robes.
"I must always stop myself from doing something harmful. I don't know who I am or where I come from but I don't want another world to befall the same fate as the Kais. I will exile myself from the universe if I have to," Loren said.
And that was exactly what she had been doing when a strange turn of events had forced her to land on a planet called Earth, changing the lives of some of its inhabitents forever. The ship she came in was non-repairable and she had complicated matters by accidentally blowing her ship up. If only she could gain permanent access to her world, then perhaps things would be better off for everyone.
She could feel the calmness of her world, even now, as she saw petals gently rain down in her mind. She reached out to touch one, then opened her eyes in shock as feeling came back into her fingers. She gazed up into Trunks' eyes, now realizing why she had felt so calm. He held her hand as she glanced away.
"I went too far. Even though he's not here, I can still sense his anger," she said softly and drew away from him.
"I think it's time you started talking. My friends are already unsure as to whether or not they can trust you. Perhaps even I have complicated things by bringing you back with me," Trunks said.
"Everything is as I have explained it. It was by my own will that I became unconscious. Seeing my first home explode is something I will never forget. Coming back to find Namek in pieces is a pain that will never go away. I neglected my friends because I was saving some place else. What kind of student was I to neglect my master? He taught me so much and I did nothing for him. I was not able to save him because I put the safety of strangers first."
She brought her hands up to her face as Trunks watched her entire body shake. He knew she was crying and he wished he could do something to help her, but he didn't know what he could do.
"I had forgotten how emotional she can get. I think Rion was the most respected person she had and she must have felt the planet explode when Frieza destroyed it," Piccolo said.
"He did give us a lot. He is still remembered and respected," Dende said.
"Yes. He gave us a lot."
"Calm down, please. You need to calm down. I really want to help you," Trunks said.
"Piccolo, please. If there is anything left of what you used to be within you, please tell me what I should do. You and Rion were the only ones that made sense. Well, the only ones after Shin left..." Loren said as she wiped her eyes.
"Who is Shin?" Trunks whispered to Dende and Dende shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. I've never heard of him," he replied.
Vegeta leaned back on the bed, his legs crossed and his eyes fixed on the television screen. The incomperable Mr. Satan appeared and Vegeta growled in disgust.
"What's that idiot got to say now?" he asked as he removed the damp cloth that was draped around his neck.
His neck muscles were still sore as he watched Mr. Satan's outlandish poses.
"In honor of the day when I defeated Cell..." Mr. Satan said and Vegeta sat up in rage.
"When you defeated Cell?! You couldn't defeat a punching bag you pompous..."
"Someone's out of their sulky mood I see. Oh. What's he got to say now?" Bulma asked as she came into the room.
"I don't know, nor do I care. Imagine him taking the credit that should have rightfully been mine."
"...A tournament will be held. Anyone wishing to take on the champ, which is me, just come down to city hall and fill out an entry form. But you have been warned that I will show no mercy to my opponents, just like I did with Cell."
"So, are you going to do it, Vegeta?" Bulma asked as she rubbed Vegeta's shoulders.
"There are only two people I will fight against. Unfortunately, I have to wait for my match with Kakarrot," Vegeta said.
"And your other opponent?"
"The other opponent is the one my son has taken a liking to."
"I'm not going to have you antagonize that poor girl."
"There are some things that need to be cleared up with that poor girl. She was the reason why I could barely breathe when I came back."
"Well if you had just left things alone instead of doing what you did..."
"I never asked for your criticism, woman!"
"I know, but you got it anyway."
Vegeta galnced at her for a moment then drew away.
"I see a challenge in her. There is a power that is carefully regulated. I want to see that power."
He stood up and walked out of the room. Bulma watched him and sighed. She knew where he was going. Once he started talking about power and being the best, she knew it would be awhile before she saw him again.
"...when I realized the damage that I caused him, I was extremely upset. I took it upon myself to heal him. You know, his body is a lot like yours. Well, you're taller than him, though," Loren said as she gripped the edge of a white sheet. They were back at the apartment and Trunks was doing his best to keep her calm.
"You mean you took his clothes off of him?" Trunks asked.
"I had to. They kind of got ripped on a lot of jagged rocks. To heal him completely, I had to get rid of his clothes."
"You thought nothing of the implications, did you?"
"There were no implications. I had to heal his body and I had to touch all of it to heal him. I don't know why you're looking at me like that. There is no difference between our bodies. I can show you my point if you want."
Trunks considered this for a moment, knowing exactly what he must say but he was also interested in seeing her full body again. Typical male urges, Yamcha would call it, Trunks mused as Loren watched him. She must have sensed something in his eyes because when Trunks blinked his eyes, her clothing had disappeared. She walked up to him and framed his head with her hands.
"Two eyes, ears and one mouth. Same as me. A neck, shoulders, although yours are wider than mine. Arms and hands. A chest..."
"That's enough!" Trunks cried as he pulled away from her. "What the heck did you do with my clothes anyway?"
"They're over there. I don't know why you're so upset. There is no difference," Loren said as Trunks tried to uphold his dignity and retrieve his clothes.
"Yes there is and I don't know how to explain it to you."
"I understand if you're shy..."
"Who said I was shy?"
"I can even show you my other form if that will help you understand. But, I don't like that form very much...."
"What?"
"See?" Loren asked as her voice lowered. Trunks stared at her in shock. The person standing before him must have been the same person that his father had fought. She...or would it be he? stood tall, her muscles much larger than before. There was definitely strength within her body.
"How...how do you do that? What are you really?" Trunks asked as Loren changed back into her preferred form. She lowered her head yet again and turned away from Trunks.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. You don't get upset with the Nameks, but I guess that's because Nameks can't physically change like I do. Why did I have to go and blow my ship up?" Loren asked. "If only there was a way to build a new one with the capabilities of the Namek ship...."
"It's all right. It was just a shock...that's all."
"I was never looked at that way on Namek. It was hard, to understand their physical makeup and then I realized that I was just like them. I wish I could be just one, but I can't. I'm sorry. If there was a world that would accept me, I would gladly go there."
"It's just as strange for me to see you this way. I mean, the only ones I know of that are like that are Nameks but they don't look like we do. You, you resemble a human but I know you're not."
"I'm sorry for all this. I'll switch back. I just thought it would be easier to show you than to tell you."
"What's your final form then?"
"What?"
"Well wouldn't your true form be a mixture of both? What do you look like then?"
"I don't know...I guess I never really thought about it."
Gohan gazed up at the setting sun and sighed. There were times that he wished that he was still in school like Trunks. He didn't mind working. At least sub-contracting paid good money and he was able to support himself and his mother. But he missed being around people his own age. Outside of his work, he didn't really have anyone. He stood up and walked into the kitchen where his mother was busy preparing the evening meal.
"I'll be back, Mom," he said as he grabbed a piece of fruit on his way out. "I'm going to see Trunks."
"Gohan, put that apple back! I'm going to need it!" Chi-chi scolded as Gohan bit into the apple.
"Sorry Mom. I'm a little hungry. I won't be long and I'll get some more apples for you at the store, all right?"
"Well I suppose that will have to do. Don't eat anything else on the way there or else you won't have room for dinner. I still have a hard time adjusting to cooking for only one Saiyen. Oh Goku..."
Gohan walked out of the house and took off. He could understand his mother's loss, but her lamenting was getting repetitive. Goku had been dead for five years now and she was still in mourning. He wished that she would take up a hobby or something, but he knew that it was impossible to approach her with something like that.
"Gohan!" Yamcha cried and Gohan slowed down.
"Hey, Yamcha. What's up?" Gohan asked.
"Not much. It's been awhile since I've seen you, bro. How's your mother?"
"Same as usual. I wish she'd get over it."
"She will one of these days. Hey, where you headed?"
"Trunks' place. I wanna see how he's handling things."
"I'll gladly take over his job. I'm not as bad as Master Roshi."
"No, but I don't think he'd be wiling to hand her over to you. There's something in her that he can identify with. Living through the pain of the androids really affected him and I guess she's got the same kind of pain..."
"I think there's something more to it. I think there's something he's not willing to tell us. He was pretty embarrassed back then when I ran into him after they came back from the woods."
"What would he have been embarrassed about? It's a perfectly natural thing, isn't it?"
"Well, yeah. I know that, but as upset as Vegeta's been with her being here, do you think he would have liked it if he had known Trunks had done something...immoral with her?"
"But they share an apartment now. That must mean something."
"The only reason they stay together is because no one else is willing to look after her. Of course, I'm more than happy to watch over her and teach her some of the...finer things. I'm sure Trunks doesn't have the experience in that department. I bet he just got an overview of nature from Vegeta. Vegeta doesn't seem to be the kind of guy that would just sit down and talk to you about intimate things."
"Vegeta is extremely self-oriented but he does have some soft points. I mean, he's stayed with Bulma, hasn't he?"
"She should have chosen me. I'm a lot more even-tempered than Vegeta."
"Yeah. Well, I hope they're here. It would be a shame to come all this way for nothing."
"What's wrong?" Loren asked, the voice sounding soft, whispy, and compelling.
"You look amazing. This is the first time I've seen a body like yours. It's..."
There was a knock on the door and Trunks hastily put his clothing on. He glanced at Loren who stood watching him and pointed to her...his body.
"Put some clothes on please," he said and Loren looked at him.
"All right," she replied and Trunks watched as the lines of her body blurred then sharpened as clothing appeared on her now single gendered body.
"I like you better that way."
"I didn't want to show you the other, but you asked. I'm sorry that it...disturbed you. Maybe..."
"Hey Gohan, Yamcha. What brings you two here?" Trunks asked.
"Just wanted to see how you were doing," Gohan said as he and Yamcha came into the room.
"So do the two of you get down and dirty at night?" Yamcha asked and Trunks looked at him.
"I have no clue what you're talking about. We don't even share that room," Trunks said.
"Why not?"
"Nothing would come from it."
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind."
"So how are you adjusting to things?" Gohan asked Loren in an attempt to change the subject.
"I think things would have been a lot better if I wasn't here," Loren said.
Vegeta stood in line, his hand tapping impatiently on his arm. So many idiots in line for a stupid contest. He gazed at the clock and watched the seconds tick by. One second. He moved one foot half an inch forward. Two seconds. Vegeta's brow began to twitch as he tried to see what was holding up the line. Three seconds.
"ARGH! What in the Kais name is the hold up up there?!" he demanded as a little man in a yellow robe and red hat walked up to him.
"Be patient, sir. Due to the overwhelming response for potential contestents, we have to have a pre-screening round," he said and pushed up his glasses. Vegeta stared at him in disbelief. What was more ludicrist than a tiny weakling of a man being an official for the World Martial Arts Tournament?
"Why don't you just make this pre-screening thing go faster?"
"Someone thinks he's a tough guy, huh old man?" a voice asked and Vegeta spun around. His ebony eyes darkened as he searched the people behind him for the source of the insulting remark.
"WHAT was that?! Come right up to my face and say that. I dare you."
The people behind him spread out and an enourmous six foot tall man full of muscles stepped forward. He gazed threateningly down at Vegeta and cracked an irregular smile.
"So you think you're a tough guy, huh old man?" the man asked, emphasizing on the "old man" line. Vegeta gritted his teeth in anger as the little man in the yellow robes walked in between them.
"Please! Just hold on you two! If you will just follow me, I'll take you to the pre-screening room straight away," he said.
"I'll go but you might want to hold up for the old man. He doesn't look as agile as he used to be," the tall man said and Vegeta's hands clenched tighter. He felt blood running down the palm of his hand as he vainly tried to keep what little patience he had left intact.
"Just you wait, you insolent brat. If I hadn't come here to enter that woman into this thing, I never would have met you. You will PAY for insulting me, human," Vegeta swore under his breath as he was lead to the pre-screening room.
"Now, all you have to do is hit the target. I'm going to give you each a three hundred pound ball. All you have to do is hit the target with the ball," the little man said as he thre a capsule in front of each of them.
"Oh is that all? I thought this was going to be difficult. Some pre-screening test," Vegeta said and his opponent looked at him.
"Stop spouting off, old man. It's time to see how weak you really are."
Vegeta picked up the ball and tossed it into the air. He caught it and looked at the little man then spun it around on his index finger.
"This...this has got to be a trick. These can't be as heavy as you say they are," Vegeta's opponent said as he picked up his ball with some effort.
"You want me to throw it, right?" Vegeta asked and hurled the ball directly at the target. The target was pushed back against the wall and the little man stared at the cracks spreading out from where the dilapidated target stood. "Oh dear...was that a little too hard? I'm SO sorry. But, I do believe this means I qualify. Not bad for an OLD man. At least I've got more brains in my head than you do."
"He----he broke it," the little man said in a small voice. "Now what do we do? How am I going to screen out the weaklings now?"
Soft music played as Trunks gazed at Loren, who was trying to avoid eye contact.
"Doesn't it sound nice?" Trunks asked and Loren nodded her head. "You're not going to look at me, are you?"
"No," Loren replied.
"Am I that bad?"
"I just don't want to see it."
"That look?"
"You shouldn't have it."
"I don't even know what I'm not supposed to have."
She turned to him and sighed.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" she asked and Trunks smiled.
"Perhaps. I really do want to know what you're talking about, though," he said.
"There's a place deep in your eyes. The only other time I saw it was in Shin's eyes."
"Shin?"
"He was a Kai and he was my best friend until the monster came and destroyed the planet. He had access to the place I belonged. At least I think it's where I belonged. I feel calm when I see it."
"Then why won't you look at me like that?"
"Because you shouldn't have it."
"Why not?"
Loren didn't answer and Trunks took her hand.
"Why is it bad for me to have it?" he asked again.
"I...I don't want to lose it again," Loren stammered as she blinked her eyes in an attempt not to cry.
"I won't let you lose it. I'm part Saiyen."
"What does that mean? Shin was a Kai and he's gone."
"I see what you mean. But I'm not going to leave you. I'm stubborn just like my father."
"I know. I do affect your patience, don't I?"
"No. You just make me have to practice it more. That's not a bad thing. Look at me, I know you can."
"What are you doing?"
"You know, when I saw you the first time the way that you actually are, I was amazed. Shocked even. But you know, there's something about you..."
"There's nothing about me of any worth."
She phased out from underneath his arms and appeared close to the window. She looked out at the sky and sighed.
"I wish they would explain this to me," she said to herself as Trunks came up behind her.
"Who?"
"The Kais."
"You know, sometimes the unexplained is better left that way. Oh man...."
"What?"
"I know who's coming. Don't get upset or anything."
"Vegeta. I could tell just as soon as you. What's he going to say now? If he wants to kill me, I'll gladly give him the chance."
"Stop that. I really don't think Father hates you."
Trunks opened the door and gazed out at his father.
"What brings you here?" Trunks asked.
"The woman you've chosen to keep company with is a contestant in the tournament," Vegeta replied.
"What tournament?"
"I see you were lucky enough to miss that sorry excuse for a human's announcement. In honor of when he defeated Cell, he is holding a tournament. This is an entry voucher. I had to go through ridicule to get it. Make sure she doesn't lose it. I want to see her in the ring with nothing held back."
"But why?"
"Since I can't fight Kakarrot, she's the only one here worth challenging. I want to see her true power."
"I have no true power," Loren said and Vegeta looked at her.
"You've got something that's carefully locked up. I know you do because of how you tried to kill me."
"I'm sorry. I should have never gone that far."
"You should have gone further. I think you'd be a challenge if you were using your full potential."
"Father, obviously there's a reason why she doesn't want to use that power," Trunks said and Vegeta looked at him.
"Aren't you just a little curious to see that power?" Vegeta asked.
"No, Father because I believe that power would be worse than Cell."
"Really? So your true nature would be that devastating, would it? Well then, I am most anxious for the tournament. I suppose you can participate too. In fact I expect you to. A decendent from royal blood should always participate in feats of strength. Until the tournament."
Trunks watched his father leave the room then turned to Loren, who stood in a state of shock. He embraced her then kissed her. Loren drew back in shock and Trunks watched her.
"Hey it sometimes helps relieve shock," Trunks explained.
"I...I can't go through with this," she stammered.
"Relax. It can't be as bad as you make it."
"From the warnings Rion gave me, it has to be as bad as I make it."
"I think you're over-exaggerating."
"Good Morning, Bulma," she said as Bulma sat across from her. "I wonder how Trunks and his wife are doing. You should go visit, them Bulma. You're not a good mother-in-law if you don't go visiting. Of course, I never had to worry about that with you. You and Vegeta tend to stay close by," she said and Bulma sighed.
"Mother, will you stop this? Trunks is NOT married, and he's NOT getting married. He's just giving that girl a place to stay," Bulma said.
"That may be true, dear, but you know how men get. Why your father was just the same way when he was Trunks age. He may be giving the girl a place to stay, but I'm sure there's more to it. It's an awfully small place and there's only one bedroom and as pretty as she is...."
"Mother! I don't want to hear it."
"Good Morning you two," Dr. Briefs said as he stepped onto the balcony. "What's with Bulma?"
"Oh she's just upset that Trunks and that girl are sharing the bedroom," Mrs. Briefs said and Bulma folded her arms in anger.
"Well of course they are. They're engaged aren't they?" Dr. Briefs asked.
"No dear, they're married."
"They are neither and they will not be!" Bulma cried.
"Well he'd better do his proposing soon then. How long do you think a young man can hold out living with a beautiful woman in a two room apartment?"
Bulma stood up and walked into the house in a huff. Why wouldn't her parents take the situation at face value instead of reading too much into it?
"Where are you going, Bulma dear?" Mrs. Briefs called as Bulma picked up a capsule and walked out of the room.
"I'm going to see my son!" Bulma cried as she stormed out of the house.
"I hope she doesn't do anything to break up their marriage."
"I thought it was engagement. Wonderful tea, dear," Dr. Briefs said and Mrs. Briefs smiled.
"There's plenty more where that came from. Here's something for Kitty as well."
"Good," Loren said as she stared at the blank television screen. She relaxed only slightly when Trunks placed his arm around her shoulders.
"You're awfully tense."
"You don't know what he wants me to do. Even I don't know what I am truly capable, but I certainly don't want to find out."
"Look at me. I want you to see what you want to see."
"Why?"
"Because I think it would help calm you down."
"How can I believe that?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
She sighed and turned to face him, reluctant to look him straight in the eye. She soon became transfixed on a world that lay deep within his eyes. It was if she could almost touch it this time as she leaned closer in an attempt to acess the only sanctuary she knew. Trunks watched her, intrigued by her trance-like actions. She placed her arms around his shoulders and drew herself up to his face. Trunks' face began to sweat and he knew that Yamcha's definition of "male urges" was coming into play. He knew that she wasn't interested in him for love, but the way she was moving towards him....
The knock on the door came as a shock to Trunks. He had been so intent on subduing his desires that he hadn't even felt a third presence. He gently shook Loren and she blinked her eyes.
"What are you doing?" she asked and Trunks gazed at the placement of his hands.
"Ah!" he cried and drew them away in shock.
"What was that for?" she asked as she stood up and walked towards the window. There was another knock and Trunks ran to open the door.
"H-hey Mom," he stuttered and Bulma looked at him suspiciously.
"Don't tell me Mom and Dad were right," she said as she came into the room. She looked him over and frowned.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You're not letting your hair grow out again, are you? School will be starting soon and I don't want you running around looking like some thug. Especially not with your reputation. Now, where is she? If she's in the bedroom..."
"She's right there, Mom."
Bulma turned around.
"There you are. What's all this about Vegeta fighting you?" she asked.
"Wow. I didn't think Father would tell you that," he said.
"He didn't. I had to find it out from Yamcha. What's wrong, dear?"
"I don't mean to make you upset with him," Loren replied.
"I'm just making sure my son isn't taking advantage of you," Bulma said and Trunks looked at her.
"Mom, you've got nothing to worry about," he said.
"What do you mean I've got nothing to worry about? She's a beautiful young woman and you're a young man with a one bedroom apartment..."
"Mom, she doesn't even sleep in the bedroom."
"Then where does she sleep? Don't tell me you make her sleep out here."
"This is his home. I don't want to...impose at all," Loren said and Bulma looked at her.
"You must mean something to him otherwise he wouldn't have brought you back to this time period. You could at least give her a blanket."
"Mom, she can make whatever she needs," Trunks protested.
"You can be nice to her, can't you?"
"I HAVE been nice to her."
"Well as long as you're not too nice. I don't want you to do anything indecent."
"Mom, I'm not going to do anything indecent."
"Not while I'm around you won't but there's no telling what you'll do once I leave."
"Actually, I was going to take her with me to get school supplies," Trunks said.
"That's a good idea. At least she'll get to know the town. Well, I'd better go. I've got a lot to do. I've got to make sure your father doesn't go overboard. Why don't you get her some nice clothes, Trunks? I'm sure she'll need them."
Trunks watched his mother leave the apartment then turned to Loren. She glanced away from him and he smiled. He took her hand and gently pulled it.
"Come on. We'll walk. On the way there, you can tell me about Father."
She looked at him for a moment, then turned away.
"What do you want to know about him?" she asked.
"Was he really that bad?"
"Back then, yes. The blood of others still stains his hands."
"No matter what he's done in the past, he is my father and I hold him in the highest respect. Please, tell me about him."
"I've told you all that I know. That was the only time I saw him. Before now."
He opened the door and lead her out of the apartment. She stopped and glanced at a bird that flew her way. She held out her hand and the bird landed neatly in her palm. She stroked the small head for a moment then gently coaxed it to fly.
"It must be hard for you to keep yourself as calm as you are," Trunks commented and Loren sighed.
"I suppose I shouldn't fault Vegeta so much. I'm no better than he once was," she replied.
"Come on, let's start walking. There's a lot of things in this world that you haven't seen yet."
"Lots of work today," he commented as he gazed at a sheet of paper in front of him. A door slammed and Dr. Briefs sighed. So much for schedules. "Why hello there Vegeta. What do you need today?"
"I need the most difficult training module in the universe!" Vegeta declared.
"Hmm. I see. Well, could you provide me some specifications?"
"Certainly."
He laid a sheet of paper on Dr. Brief's desk. Dr. Briefs looked at it and then at Vegeta.
"This is very well planned out," he said and Vegeta looked smug.
"I did some tactical and weapons planning in my day," he said.
"Yes...I can see that. You must have been very successful."
"I was. You can do this, can't you?"
"I'll certainly try."
Loren gazed at Trunks who had stopped to point at a store window. She followed his hand and gazed through the glass. She stared at the display of clothing then glanced at him.
"There's an outfit in there I was wondering if you can duplicate," he said softly.
"I can try but somehow I don't think this is the kind of shopping your mother thinks you're doing," she said and Trunks smiled slightly.
"This isn't all we're doing. This won't take long."
He led her into the shop where numerous eyes gazed in her direction. She glanecd around for a moment then drew back.
"It's all right," Trunks said softly. "No one's going to hurt you. I'd like her to try on the outfit you had in your window display a few days ago."
The salesclerk left but soon returned with a red garment on a hanger. She handed it to Loren and Loren gazed at Trunks.
"Go ahead and put it on," he said and she shrugged her shoulders. Trunks watched in shock as she phased out from where she had been standing into the dress that the salesclerk had been holding. The salesclerk gave a sharp gasp then removed the hanger from the dress. Trunks looked Loren over appreciatively. The dress fit like he hoped it would. She looked like one of those women one would find in spy action films.
"It's a perfect fit. We've had lots of girls try it on but its never fit as perfectly as it does on you," the salesclerk said.
"Can we see how it looks in the light?" Trunks asked.
"I don't see why not. It'll be good publicity for the store."
"Come on," Trunks said and took her hand.
"What now?" Loren asked.
"I want to see how this looks in the light outside," he said. He lead her outside and nodded his head appreciatively. "Everything is as I hoped it would be."
"I don't need this. I make my own clothing," she said and Trunks nodded his head.
"I know. You can make it, can't you?"
"Yes...but I don't know if I want to make it."
"Then I'll just have to buy it. Let's go inside."
She followed him, along with some of the men that had taken an interest in Loren's attire.
"I'll buy it," Trunks said and the salesclerk nodded her head.
"Of course. Should I wrap it up or is she wearing it out?"
"I think we'll put it in a box. I wouldn't want to cause a commotion."
"I'm confused," Loren said as they continued walking. "If I can make my own clothes then why do I have to wear these?"
"I wanted to see how they looked on you," Trunks replied. "Look it's Gohan! This must be his day off. Hey Gohan!"
Gohan waved as he approached him.
"Hey, what are you doing down here? Are you showing her off?" Gohan asked and Trunks shook his head.
"Nah. Nothing like that. More like showing the town off to her. I've gotta get stuff for school. My mom came today."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. She heard about Father's desire to fight her in the tournament. She also came to check up on me. She thought I was doing something I shouldn't be doing."
"Did Yamcha start that ball rolling?"
"No. My grandmother. She still thinks we're married."
"I don't want to sound mean, but your grandmother is weird sometimes."
"No, I understand. You're right, though. She IS strange sometimes."
"Oh. Hey, I'll walk with you. I need to pick up some supplies myself. I'll start night classes soon."
"What brought this up?"
"Well I thought it might help Mom get out of the depression she's in. You know the android crisis sorta got me away from school."
"I know. Well, there really wasn't a school you could go to. They destroyed them all."
"True. So who's going to keep an eye on her when you're at school?"
"I haven't gotten that far. Right now, I want to get past the tournament."
"Yeah. Let's start moving. I'm sure we're boring her."
"Just a minute! I swear, I need to build myself a butler," Bulma said as she ran to the front door. "Hello, Piccolo. What brings you here?"
"I came to speak with Vegeta," the Namek replied and Bulma sighed.
"Good luck. He's been ignoring me for the past few days. I don't know how you're going to get through his thick head."
"Where is he?"
"Come on, I'll show you. Dad and I had to construct a new building for him since he messed up the other one."
"Destroyed would be more fitting."
"We just hadn't counted on his determination, that's all. So, how are things up at the lookout?"
"Um...fine."
"I'm just trying to make conversation. You can try, too, Piccolo. It won't kill you. What do you want Vegeta for, anyway?"
"I've heard what he plans to do at the tournement."
"Are you going to try to talk some sense into him? Good luck."
"I am a little concerned about the tournament. It has come to my attention that he's challenged her."
"Who told you that? Yamcha?"
"Krillin. I don't believe what he's attempting is smart. I've sensed an unstable ki from her. Perhaps not unstable but extreme. I wish to try and talk him out of this fight."
"You can try telling him that but getting him to listen...Well that's another thing. Here it is. What do you think?"
The building was enormous and dome shaped in design. It actually looked more like an arena than a training center. There were no windows and Bulma lead Piccolo to the door and pointed to a device on it.
"This lock has a timer on it. Once opened, you have two minutes to explain what you want then get escorted out. Well, unless he overrides the system. You see, this building was designed according to his specifications."
"He's very serious about this."
"Extremely. I've got to get back to work but let me know how things turn out."
Piccolo laid his hand on the handle and turned it. Vegeta's scream of intense concentration greeted his ears as he stepped into the building. The room was searing with heat, he realized as he drew his breath in sharply as he became aware of the gravity change.
"VEGETA!!" he cried and the screaming stopped.
"Piccolo. What brings you here? Be quick in your explanation. You've only got two minutes," Vegeta said and Piccolo blinked his eyes. Even now, the increase in his ki was apparent.
"I want you to stop this foolishness."
"Foolishness? If it's as bad as everyone keeps telling me it is, then this will be my ultimate challenge."
"Vegeta, I fear that what you might unleash may destroy us."
"Not if I overcome the demon. You Nameks are so foolish at times."
"At least we don't dive into areas we know nothing about."
"Your time is up. I hope you will be available to witness by my victory at the tournament."
Piccolo stared at the locked door for a moment then took to the air.
"Vegeta will you pride be the end of us all?" he asked aloud as he headed back to the lookout.
Inside the bookstore, Loren found a place to sit down and watched Gohan and Trunks continue walking. She sighed as she thought about the situation she was in with Vegeta.
"In only a few days I have to participate in this tournament. I don't want to but I see no way out of this," she said to herself then glanced around to see if anyone had heard her. To her relief, no one was around. She closed her eyes and fought back tears as she tried to envision master and what he would say.
"The desire to fight flows deep within our blood. It will always surface when a challenge arises but by no means must you let the desire--or even a better term, lust--consume us. Balance is the key, child and that is all that should matter."
I have not kept myself in balance, Loren thought. And now he's aware of what I can do. Even his son is aware of what I can become. At least my "true" nature. My true physical form shocks him. It took a lot of concentration to be able to change forms at will. I don't know why, but I feel more at peace in this form than in the other two. I don't know what I am capable of, but I know that I've struggled to keep myself the way I am now. I'm not completely unbalanced but I do get over emotional and that's a problem.
She drew back in shock when she felt something touch her arm. She wanted to cry out but felt a hand tighten around her wrist. The ki coming from the owner of the hand was familiar but the knowledge didn't comfort her.
"Calm down. I'm sorry if we ignored you. I know I didn't mean it and I don't think Gohan did either," Trunks said in his soft, polite voice.
"It's not that..." Loren said, her voice shaking slightly.
"What is it, then?"
"Nothing."
"I'm gonna go ahead and go. I've got to get used to going to school again," Gohan said and Trunks nodded his head. He watched Gohan leave then knelt in front of Loren.
"Talk to me please," he said.
"Hmph. Although you've chosen to elude me by death, Kakarrot, I will prove to the world that I am the strongest!" Vegeta declared then glared at Bulma who had entered the room. "What do you want, woman?"
"Well unless you've turned into a Namek, I'm sure you're hungry," Bulma said and kissed him.
"All of these interruptions are distracting me," he mumbled and Bulma took his hand and lead him out of the building.
"I still don't agree with you fighting her, but I know I can't change your mind. Just take it easy on her."
"Woman there's another side to her that you haven't seen. I've seen a glimpse of the other side and there is absolutely no way of taking it easy on her."
"So do you think she's more powerful than Goku?"
"In what means?"
"Is she stronger than him?"
"I don't know. At least not yet."
"Vegeta, I don't know if I want to see that other side. I mean she's so sweet and innocent just like Goku. I don't know if I could handle the reality."
"I see you got him out," Dr. Briefs commented as Bulma walked past him.
"Hello Vegeta. I bet he's been working hard, hasn't he Bulma dear? Well I just hope he makes it up to you. A girl doesn't like to be ignored by her husband, you know," Mrs. Briefs said as Vegeta sat at the table.
"Well he's not spending all night in there," Bulma said and Vegeta glanced at her.
"When was this decided?!" he demanded.
"I wouldn't argue with her. Bulma's in one of her moods," Dr. Briefs said as he lit his pipe.
Vegeta said nothing as he picked up his fork and began eating. He wanted to get through the meal as quickly as he could so that he could get back to training before Bulma made him go to bed. He wouldn't mind sleep. At least not with her. He wondered if it had gotten close to the time when she desired more than sleep. He wouldn't mind, if she was, for even a Saiyen had natural urges.
"What?" Bulma asked and Vegeta shook his head.
"I've got nothing to say," he replied as he picked up a serving spoon.
"I wonder how Trunks and his wife are doing. I hope this fight thing hasn't frightened her," Mrs. Briefs said and Dr. Briefs took his pipe out of his mouth.
"I thought they were engaged," he said and Bulma sighed loudly. When would her parents realize that Trunks was neither married nor engaged?
"Of course, Mister Satan," a thin man wearing a yellow robe said and bowed to show his respect.
"Very good. Have the actors been hired to recreate my defeat of Cell?"
"Hired and waiting for curtain time, if you pardon the expression."
"All right. My fans are looking to a good match so I can't let them down."
"You are always so caring about your fans, Mister Satan."
"Hahahaha! Of course I am! Why without my loyal fans, what's the point in doing what I do? If I can't provide the children with something good and wholesome to look up to, then what's the point in being alive?"
The man in the yellow robe sniffed loudly and took out a tissue from somewhere on his person. He dabbed at his eyes then blew into the tissue.
"You are SO right, Mr. Satan! If only we had more people like you. The world would be a better place," he said and Mr. Satan grinned widely.
"Hah!" he exclaimed as he walked over to the yellow robed man. "Let me tell you something. When they made me, they broke the mold."
"You are so right, Mr. Satan. You're one in a million."
"I know. I'm priceless. Is it time for me to do my commercial?"
"Yes sir. That's why I'm here. I was sent to get you."
"All right then. Let's get going. I can't let my fans down."
"It's a shame that Goku had to go," he commented as he tapped his cane on the floor. "But it's certainly a lot quieter."
"Oh I didn't know more people lived here," Loren said as she hovered outside the window while Korin recovered from his shock.
"Listen, miss. You don't go running around scaring old cats!" he chastized.
"I'm sorry. I was going to Dende's when I saw your window."
"Well now you've seen it so go bug someone else!"
She left and continued the ascent to the lookout. She hoped he was in, because she had been doing a lot of thinking. Trunks trying to force her to talk hadn't helped anything. She was still unsure as to why he was so interested in her. Why couldn't he see what she saw and why couldn't she see what he saw? Why was he so determined to help her? What did he want from her? She sighed as she landed on the floor of the lookout. Dende slowly approached her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Do you see me as a threat?" Loren asked and Dende looked at her in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Well since you're a gaurdian, aren't you supposed to be able to tell if things are threats?"
"Yes, but..."
"Am I a threat? If I am, then why did you let me land?"
"I...I don't know. We were all concerned about Cell when you showed up."
"I didn't see you back then."
"No but I heard a lot about you from Piccolo."
"What are you doing here?" Piccolo asked as he approached the two.
"You sound like you don't want me here," Loren said as she glanced away from him. "You've changed so much since I knew you last."
"Don't fight Vegeta."
"I have to, otherwise he's never going to leave me alone. If I'm stuck here then I'd like to feel somewhat welcome on this world."
"If you fight him, I'm afraid we're going to be stuck with worse."
"You mean, you know what I can do?"
"No I don't but I fear that what you can do is something that none of us expected. Vegeta especially."
"You're extremely too tense to sleep by yourself," he had said as he watched her struggle to keep her self-control. Fear was driving her in the direction that Vegeta wanted, but Trunks wasn't about to let fear take its hold. "Come on. You can sleep with me."
"But..." Loren said and Trunks took her hand.
"You said that something within me comforts you. Wouldn't you rather have that the night before the tournament instead of nightmares brought on by fear of the unknown?"
"You act strange when you see my body, though. I don't want to make you uncomforatble."
"You don't make me uncomfortable."
"Then why does your face change color so much?"
Trunks struggled to find an answer but could not. There was no way in the world that he could explain his male tendencies around her.
"You didn't answer me. I am a problem, aren't I?"
"No, no, no. No you're not. I just can't explain these feelings very well to you. That's all. Come on. Since you've got to do this, the least you could do is get a good night's sleep."
And so, he had taken her into the bedroom. There had not been any underlying motives in his offer. Well, not many. He was a male and she was currently in her female form, which he found most beautiful and enticing.
"What?" she asked as Trunks closed the door behind her.
"Nothing. You look really beautiful right now," Trunks said.
"I don't want to make you go to all this trouble."
"It isn't any trouble. Like I said, wouldn't you rather be calm tonight than paranoid about the match with Father tomorrow?"
"Yes..."
"It's big enough for both of us."
He switched off the light and took off his shirt. He watched her dissolve her clothing and sighed. With someone that had no concept of the implications, he would gladly show her some...finer things. But now was not the time for him to be overcome with his desires. He watched her lie down on the bed and lay beside her. She glanced at him and smiled, almost sadly.
"Even if I knew nothing of your father, I could tell that you're related to him. The way you lie now...reminds me of what I did to heal him and what I did to make him hate me. If I had not seen the worth within him, I would have surely fallen and destroyed him," Loren said as she watched him. Trunks tried to think of something else as she sat beside him with absolutely nothing on. If only the circumstances had been different...
And so, the night had been played out in a similar fashion. He wondered if it was because of his presence that she had slept so soundly the previous night. Well, after she had settled down, he noted as he gazed at her. She opened her eyes and looked back at him for a moment, then turned away, obviously not wanting to see the place of peace that he held in his soul.
"We should probably get dressed. I need to eat anyway. I'm a little hungry," Trunks said as he sat up.
"Why were you holding me so close? It was almost like you wanted to...save me," Loren said and he glanced at her.
"I do."
"But why? You don't know what I really am. You don't know what I'm really like..."
"I know what you are now and that's what makes me want to help you. You remind me of Father sometimes. Wait, wait, wait. I don't mean that as a bad thing. Honest. He's gone through so many struggles and so many battles alone and he doesn't really have to. You're the same way. This tournament will be a big struggle but you don't have to do it alone. A wall is stronger if other stones are around to support it. If it is made of just one stone, the wall will fall."
"Piccolo didn't train you at one time, did he? You have a lot of Namek logic for one who isn't one."
"No. Piccolo never trained me but I'm going to take what you said as a compliment."
She watched him stand up and lay a hand on his shorts. He stopped and looked at her.
"Could you wait in the other room?" he asked and she looked at him.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because I need to change."
"Go ahead."
"It would make it easier on me if you left the room."
"I'll help you, if you want."
"No! No, that's not necessary. Please, I'm just trying to be polite."
"I think I understand. You're embarassed because of the way I look now. I can change if you want."
"No that's all right. Um...how are you going to fight at the tournament?" he asked as he got his change of clothes and walked to the closet and opened the door.
"What do you mean?" Loren asked as she watched him. What was he doing, anyway?
"Well, are you going to fight as you are now or as you really are?"
"You're ashamed of you're body, aren't you? It's a very nice one, and it's similar than Vegeta's. I'm just saying that because his was the first Saiyen body I saw. Well, his was the only Saiyen body that I saw..." Loren said, as her voice trailed off. Trunks watched her for a moment then pulled on his shirt.
"You never answered my question," he said.
"You asked a question?"
"Which form will you use today?"
"Oh...do you think he'll fight like I am now?"
"I don't know. Eventually he'll force you to become what you really are. But I don't know if you want to go into that so early."
"I don't. I don't want to get into it at all. I LIKE this form. I mean, look at it. It's so..."
"Curvy. Please, put something on."
"Wouldn't it be nice if we could go around like this all day?"
"For you, yes."
"You don't like your body?"
"It's not that...."
"What is it, then?"
Trunks struggled for an answer when he heard a knock at the door. Thank the Kais, he thought as he looked at her.
"Um...I'm gonna go get the door."
Gohan smiled at Trunks as Trunks allowed him in. He took Trunks hand and firmly held it.
"So how are things?" he asked.
"I'm really hungry," Trunks said and Gohan smiled.
"So what else is new? How has she been? She's been pretty on edge lately."
"She's been pretty on edge the whole time. I'm glad you're not Mom, though."
"What tipped you off? My hair color or my height? Seriously, why are you glad I'm not your mother?"
"Because I just got dressed."
"So? Hey, where is she anyway?"
"In there."
"Oooh. I SEE why you're glad I'm not your mother. So what did you two do?"
"Don't look at me like that. I swear, you're just as bad as Yamcha."
"So is she dressed?"
There was a pause as Trunks tried to come up with an evasive answer. He sighed in relief when the bedroom door opened and Loren stepped out.
"Hey there. So what did he do to you?" Gohan asked and Loren looked at him.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"He won't tell me about it. You were in there with him last night, right?"
"Yes..."
"So what happened?"
"He only let me sleep with him because he didn't think I could go through the night on my own. This tournament is really going to be difficult for me," she said and sat down. "I really wish that I didn't have to go through with it."
Trunks came back into the room eating a bowl of leftovers. He sat down and glanced at Gohan.
"Want any?" he asked and Gohan shook his head.
"Mom made me something before I left. You don't have much time, though. You've got to be at the opening ceremony and that starts at nine," Gohan said.
"What time is it now?"
"A little after eight. She looks pretty rested for someone who's terrified of this tournament. Yamcha hasn't been right in what he's been saying, is he?"
"What? No. I haven't done anything wrong."
"Hey, don't get so upset. I wasn't serious."
"The day has arrived," he said and Trunks nodded his head. "I hope that creature is prepared for when the final match comes."
Loren said nothing as she kept her eyes closed and continued to concentrate. She tried to keep her sensei, Rion in her thoughts. She knew that she had to keep conscious of his wisdom otherwise, something terrible would happen. She did not know what had been searching for her when the Kais planet was destroyed, but if it wanted her power...If it wanted her power, then she would have to make sure that she didn't lose her self-control.
"Welcome!!!" Mr. Satan cried and the crowd cheered a response. "In honor of when I defeated Cell..."
"HAH! That idiotic..." Vegeta scoffed and Trunks glanced at him.
"Father, I think it's a lot better that they think Mr. Satan did it. I mean, you don't have to put up with reporters or anything," he said.
"....In honor of when I defeated Cell, I have chosen to entertain you with a reenactment of that fateful day. Let me introduce the Blueview Acting Company!!"
"ACTORS?! Is it not bad enough that we've got to put up with that poor excuse for a human and now we've got to witness a second hand retelling of the damned Cell Games with actors?!" Vegeta demanded.
"Let him have his fun," Piccolo said and Vegeta glanced at him.
"Fun?! You call what he's doing fun?"
"He's giving the humans out there confidence. I don't think we would want to do that."
"Haha!! I am the eeevill Cell and I have come to destroy this planet!" an actor declared and Vegeta slammed his head into the wall in agony.
"Father!" Trunks cried in shock as he went to the aid of his father.
"Let me be, boy! This thing was painful enough the first time. Who wrote this stupid script anyway?" Vegeta asked as another actor wearing a very poor mask of Vegeta stepped up to the actor portraying Cell.
"I the great...Vegetable will defeat you, you evil moster!" he cried then did a double take as Cell raised a hand and pointed it at him. He clutched his chest and fell to the ground moaning in agony.
"AHA!! That fighter was too weak to defeat me. Don't you have any that are stronger? The powerful Cell grows tired of these amatures," the actor playing Cell said and even Piccolo turned away from the arena.
"This is pretty bad," he said as he halfway watched Cell defeat Goku and Gohan.
"Ow!! Is there no one that can save the Earth?" the Gohan actor cried as he fell to the arena.
"Fear not for I the great Mr. Satan will defeat this evil being that dares destroy the world," Mr Satan said and stepped into the arena. He landed a few blows and punches on the Cell actor and the actor cried in pain.
"Oh no! You are too powerful for me! I have been defeated," the actor said and fell limp to the arena floor to thunderous applause. Mr. Satan turned around and bowed to his fans, who were wildly chanting his name.
"You're welcome! Earth just couldn't get given to some android, now could it?" Mr. Satan asked and the crowd screamed its response. "All right! Let's get this match underway! Here's the announcer that's going to be with you for the entire tournament. Don't worry. I'll be back soon to defeat the final contestant," Mr. Satan said and the crowd cheered once again.
"Is that pathetic thing over?" Vegeta asked and Piccolo glanced at the arena.
"I believe so," he replied.
"Can you remember anything about the past?" he asked and the Namek glanced at him.
"I don't remember much about my father's past. Don't disturb her when she's meditating," he said.
"I wasn't going to but according to the schedule she's first."
"May we have our first contestants to the arena please?" the announcer asked and Trunks looked at Loren.
"All right. Who's the first to lose?" a tall muscular male asked and Loren stood up.
"Forgive me for anything I might do to you in the arena," Loren said as she walked past Vegeta. The Saiyen watched her with his arms folded then glanced at his son.
"It will only be a matter of time before her true nature is revealed," he said and Piccolo watched him.
"I still firmly believe that you're making a big mistake," the Namek said.
"Aren't you the least bit intrigued by the possibility of someone stronger than Cell?"
"No. I think some things should not be answered."
Trunks stood in the doorway and watched the match commence. The man who had been chosen to oppose Loren looked at her in shock.
"THIS is my challenge? This is the great Thor's challenge? This is not a challenge. This is someone that needs to be in a pinup calendar, not in a tournament."
"Do you not think I'm capable of defeating you?"
"Thor refuses to fight a curvy girl. Thor demands that you give up."
"I cannot do that."
"Well Thor will not give up."
"Then you'll have to fight me."
"Is there no other way?"
"I don't think so."
Thor sighed then got into an attack position.
"I will try not to hurt you then."
Loren smiled slightly as she got ready to block his attack. It was herself that she was most concerned about.
"This must be extremely frustrating for her. Not one of these contestants are even close to what she is capable of," he said.
"Father, please. She didn't want to do this in the first place," Trunks said and Vegeta looked at him.
"She does want to do it, she's just afraid of unleashing her true power. I don't see what the problem is. It can't be as bad as everyone thinks it is. And if it is, I will destroy the evil."
"Vegeta, can't you see past your ego for a moment and see the potential problem?" Piccolo asked.
"There isn't a potential problem if something is around to solve it."
"And what happens when the cure doesn't stop the disease?"
"And Loren gets to advance to the next round! She's got everything. Looks and she knows how to fight!" the announcer cried and the crowd cheered.
"You go, girl!" a woman in the stands cried.
"Yeah! Show those men that you're no wimp!"
Trunks offered his hand to her as she made her way back to the designated waiting spot. She took it, her mind obviously on other things to think clearly.
"You did fine," he said as she sat down in a chair.
"It's my turn now," Vegeta said and Trunks looked at him.
"Try to hold back, Father," he said and Vegeta glanced at him.
"Hold back? Who do you think I am? Kakarrot? I never pretend to be weak."
"I'm sure you're right," he said and folded his arms. "I'm MORE than a match for you. I'll even be merciful. I'll allow you to take the first hit on me."
"WHAT?! You are so full of yourself, little man."
"Just try and hit me. I'll tell you what. I won't move quickly so you're sure to land a blow."
"You're starting to tick me off, Tiny Tim."
He tried to land a kick but Vegeta dodged it. Vegeta sneered and the prizefighter growled in frustration.
"I'm afraid you're too slow. Can't you speed up a bit? I'm going to fall asleep soon."
"Would you just shut up?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Am I making it difficult for you to concentrate? But wait, that would infer that you had a brain and from what I gather from you, you don't."
"I'm gonna kill you!!"
"Well you can certainly try. Come on. I'm standing right here. Oh. Too late."
The crowd watched in amazement as Vegeta grabbed his opponent by the neck and threw him out of the ring. He brushed his hands off and nonchalantly walked back to the waiting area.
"You're just toying with them, aren't you?" Piccolo asked.
"And what if I am? You know there's no one stronger than me out there," Vegeta replied.
"Perhaps it is not wise to make it all look so easy."
"Come on. Would YOU hold back if you knew there was no challenge for you?"
"I would most likely not."
"All right then. And that isn't even half of what I can do. That information should spark your fighting spirit," Vegeta said as he watched Loren.
Loren tightly held onto Trunks hand and Trunks winced in pain. She must have sensed his discomfort, for she drew away and walked over to the corner she had chosen before the opening ceremonies. Trunks followed her, sincerely wishing he could do something to stop the pain that she felt. It was like veiwing himself during the androids crises on a ten times multiplyer. He knew that in actuality, he knew very little of her but he felt a connection. He couldn't explain it, but it was there.
"Don't even ask me boy. There's no way in hell that I'm backing out of this," Vegeta said and Trunks glanced at his father and then at her.
"I know Father," he replied and looked again at Loren. "I told you this once but I also said it to someone else. However, they wouldn't listen. Perhaps you will. All the pain you've gone through and are going through...you don't have to go through it alone."
"If you're here to challenge, I'm afraid you're late. Besides, I wouldn't have fought someone as short as you anyway," Vegeta said and the Kai looked at him. In reality, there was very little difference between the two. Vegeta was slightly taller, but it wasn't enough to brag about.
"That's all right," he said quietly. "I'm not here to challenge. I'm merely here to observe. There's a lot of tension here and something's going to break soon."
"So who are you and why are you concerned with her?" Trunks asked.
"I am concerned because it's my place to be concerned," the Kai replied as the match ended. Trunks went to aid Loren back to the waiting area but stopped when Vegeta stepped in front of him.
"Leave her alone. She's finally starting to show her true self," Vegeta said.
Loren walked into the waiting area and ignored the inhabitents as she tried to keep Rion's words alive in her mind. Self-control. That's what she needed. But self-control was becoming increasingly difficult to keep a handle on. She sat on the floor, trying to ignore the desires that Vegeta had unleashed.
"Well, it looks as though it's my turn. Don't worry. I'll be back soon," Vegeta said as he stepped out of the waiting area.
"Tell me something," Piccolo said and the Kai looked at him. "Are you the Grand Kai?"
"No, I'm afraid I'm not," the Kai replied. "I'm the Supreme Kai. Well, one of them."
"What?! How is that...possible?"
"It's quite possible, I assure you. But I am just here to observe unless things get out of hand, of course."
"Do you think things will get out of hand?" Trunks asked as Vegeta walked back into the room.
"There went the competition. Now it's just you and me," he said as he looked at Loren. "Can you hear me woman or whatever you are? The time has come for you to show this world just what you really are."
"They're probably going to outlaw this tournament again after this," Piccolo commented.
"Again? What happened the first time?" Trunks asked.
"Goku and I destroyed the arena during our match. There was a lot of damage to everything so they outlawed the tournament."
"Wow. You two must have really gotten into it."
"We did."
The Namek turned his attention back to the arena. Changes were definitely happening.
"Have you prepared enough? Is this your true form?" Vegeta asked as Loren watched him, her body switching to her true form little by little. She raised a hand, then reconsidered and dropped it.
"Why don't you make the first strike?" Loren asked and Vegeta raised an eyebrow.
"Intimidated by me, are you?" Vegeta asked and Loren said nothing. Vegeta smirked and delivered a blow to the side. Loren moved slightly and Vegeta lost his sense of balance. He regained it just as Loren's foot came towards his head. He grabbed her andle and sharply brought it down. She flowed with the impact, using his move to her advantage. Vegeta watched her flip over his arm and unconsiously let go of her foot to protect his face. She watched his reaction as she landed on the ground like a cat.
"Where's this power you keep talking about?" she asked and Vegeta looked at her.
"Where's yours? Don't tell me you're still trying to hold back. You're not going to last long once I use my TRUE power so you'd better just stop playing games and take this seriously."
Loren glanced at him, the fire in her eyes flashing slightly and Vegeta nodded his head in satisfaction.
"Yes," he said as he watched her. "That's what I want to see but I want to see more."
He attacked again, barely even noticing the change that Loren had undergone. The people in the waiting area noticed it, however and Trunks shook his head. It was like witnessing Cell's transformation all over again. He had felt just as powerless then as he felt now. He didn't want to see her digress any further but he didn't know what he could do.
"Piccolo, isn't there something we can do?" Trunks asked and the Namek looked at him.
"What is your suggestion? Reasoning with your father doesn't work," he said.
"I know. I just hate seeing her change like this. I wish I could get her to look at me."
"Why?"
"She said there's something in my eyes that calms her. I know it sounds stupid but that's what she said. I wish that Kai she keeps talking about was around too. But that's not going to happen."
"What good would that do?" the Eastern Kai asked and Trunks shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. I just felt like his presence would help."
"It's been too long."
"What was that?" the Namek asked.
"Memories, that's all," the Kai replied as he watched the movements in the arena.
"Are those memories connected to the problem here?"
"Perhaps. I can't be entirely sure."
"Maybe you should tell us these memories. I believe your knowledge would help this situation immensely."
Rion's voice sounded like it was underwater. The tone of his voice strangulated by the being that had begun to awaken in Loren's soul. Her true form was now fully apparent but it was not the body that Trunks had seen. This body grew increasingly dark and alien as the spectators cried out in fear.
"I don't know what we can do if she turns on those people," Piccolo commented and Trunks shook his head.
"No. She's only concerned with Father," he said.
"I was perhaps five," the Eastern Kai said and Piccolo looked at him. "...when this started. The Kais that took her in were good friends of my parents. I think Shao sensed something about her. I mean, there was no explanation as to how she got there or where she came from. There has been some speculation on my part on something above the Kais."
"W-what?!" Piccolo sputtered.
"Of course, that's only speculation."
"It makes sense, though. So how can we get her back to normal?" Trunks asked.
"I don't know. She's never gone this far when I was younger."
"You weren't expecting that, were you?" he asked and Loren allowed herself to fall to the ground. Vegeta watched her for a second, trying to find a potential weakness. "What's wrong? Don't tell me you've been injured. I am SO sorry. I'd help you up but I don't feel THAT merciful. Tell you what, since you liked that attack so much, I'll do it again."
"If only I hadn't waited so long to look for her but I was so sure that she had died in the explosion," the Eastern Kai said.
"I could say the same thing for my father."
"But how can...?" Trunks asked and the Namek looked at him.
"I would prefer it if we did not discuss that," he said and the Eastern Kai stepped out of the waiting area.
"Wait!" Trunks cried and the Eastern Kai stopped.
"What is it?" he inquired.
"Please. Before you do anything, make sure my father is out of danger."
"Of course."
"Now where is that nice young girl? I thought she was going to this competition with Trunks. I'm sure he'll use the prize money to move out of that apartment into a nice house. It's impossible to be married in a tiny apartment like that," Mrs. Briefs said.
"Boy am I glad I'm not there. Can you imagine having that thing to deal with back when Cell was around?" Krillin asked.
"Vegeta should have just left things alone," Yamcha said and Bulma glared at him.
"Would you be quiet?!" she demanded then lowered her eyes. "But you're right. This is a result of him wanting a challenge. I just hope she'll be able to get back to normal."
"Now would be a good time to have Goku around," Krillin said.
"I think we've had enough publicity for awhile," he commented.
"This is just terrible standing here watching this. I wish I could DO something!" Trunks growled as his father's hair turned back to normal.
"Let's just hope he's unconscious."
"You need to regain your balance," he said and Loren looked at him. "Do you remember the past? Do you remember what you had before the destruction? You've had that same life elsewhere, haven't you? Have you forgotten everything you learned with my people and the Nameks?"
"Why should I try to hold on to something I don't have. Why should I hold on to something I've never had? My happiness was taken away from me when your world was destroyed," Loren said.
"Do you really believe that all this is solely your fault? Why would anyone want to blame the fate of the universe on themselves?"
"Can you come up with a better answer?"
"No," the Supreme Kai said and sighed. "I cannot. But I do know that one person is never the cause of a problem. One atom can not destroy a planet. It has to have other things added on top of it before it becomes destructive."
"This is not about an atom though."
"Can't you see the analogy?"
Loren turned away and gazed down at the remnants of the arena. She thought about her past and thought about her mentor. She had failed yet again. She had failed to keep that self control and it was quickly consuming her identity. The Supreme Kai watched her for a moment then stepped forward. He held his gaze steady as he approached her.
"What are you afraid of? Why have you spent your life running away? If you're running away from yourself, that is impossible. You will always be with you wherever you go."
"I'm afraid it's too late," Loren replied and the Supreme Kai stared at her.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Whatever that thing was that destroyed your home was looking for me. It'll eventually have me so why fight it?"
"Destiny is not something that is assigned to you. Destiny is something you choose. You can stop what you believe is going to happen only if you choose to."
"Stop sounding like Rion."
"Then regain your self-control."
"He'll be fine. He's just unconscious. He'll probably be sore for awhile, but that's about it. He can deal with the pain. It's his own fault that he got her so upset," Bulma replied.
"So she didn't cause any life-threatening injuries," Piccolo said. "Perhaps she still has some control over her actions."
"That means we can still reach her. We can still bring her back to the way she should be. I feel so awful for all of this. I wanted to bring her back to a place where she could belong and look at what's happened," Trunks said and Bulma patted him on the shoulder.
"I think things will work out all right as long as we all have patience. That's going to be difficult for your father, though. I don't know if he can deal with defeat twice," she said.
"I believe we should get back to the arena. Or at least, what's left of it," Piccolo said. "It seems to me that if the Supreme Kai has made any progress, he would have done it by now."
"The Supreme Kai! I forgot we left him there alone. I was so concerned about Father that I didn't think of anything else. You're right. We'd better go. Take care of him, Mom," Trunks said and took off.
"Don't worry, Trunks. I will. Vegeta isn't going to go this easily," Bulma said as she put ointment on his wounds.
"So Piccolo, are the Supreme Kais over everything?" Trunks asked.
"I really don't know," Piccolo replied. "I'm not all that versed in the ways of the Kais. I only know what I know from Kame."
"I sure hope she's okay. I really would like to help her. I don't exactly know how to explain it but I feel safe around her. Wait...that's not what I mean..."
"I believe, for some reason, you feel the need to protect her. I am not all that versed in the ways of human mating and relationships so I cannot give you any advice or applicable comments."
"Mating? But, I don't know her all that well. I just want to help her."
"There's the arena."
"Geez. This place is a mess. I see why you said they'd probably outlaw the tournament again."
"It looks worse than when Goku and I fought."
"It looks like things have settled down. I'm glad. I wonder if she's turned back to normal," Trunks said.
"We can go see."
"Is...is it over yet?" Mr. Satan asked as he shakily stood up and gazed out the window.
"Mr. Satan, don't you think you need to stop what's going on out there?" a tournament official asked and Mr. Satan spun around and struck a heroic pose.
"Yes! You're absolutely right! I, the great Mr. Satan will go and put this to a stop."
He boldly walked out of the room and shut the door. He slunk down the hall and hid in the restroom.
"I just KNOW these are the same people that were at the Cell Games," he whispered. "I never thought I'd see them again. Oh no...could they...could they have come for me?" he asked aloud. "I sure hope not. I ain't done anything wrong. Well, except for telling the world I defeated Cell....Is that what they're upset about? Man, I'm going to be so dead...."
"Mr. Satan..." the official said and Mr. Satan looked up.
"Well what do you want?"
"The arena is that way."
"Ah hah hah hah hah! I knew that. I was just washing my hands before I went and cleaned up. Cleanliness keeps disease away, you know."
"That's brilliant Mr. Satan. It's so unusual to have a fighter with a college education."
"...Yes! You're SO right!"
"I'm right behind you, Mr. Satan. We will pick up the pieces of the tournament. I hope, Mr. Satan, that you do the right thing and outlaw the tournament for everyone's safety. Technically, you're still the World Champion."
"Let's go take care of these wild deadbeats first."
Loren sat on the remnants of the arena and began crying. The Supreme Kai knelt beside her and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry. Perhaps if I had actually gone looking for you instead of getting wrapped up in the affairs of the universe, this wouldn't have happened," he said and she shook her head.
"This is all my fault. Again," she sobbed. "I've failed Rion so much. I can't do anything to change the mistakes I've made."
"Please. Don't blame yourself. I don't know what's happened during the time between when we played with each other and now but as Trunks has said, none of these problems that have happened are a direct result of you. I see a lot of things from my office and I know that what goes on in this universe has many different factors."
"What?"
"What I'm trying to say is don't feel sorry for yourself."
"All right! Where's the person that made such a mess of things out here?! I'm gonna give you a good talking to!" Mr. Satan cried as he rounded the corner. The Supreme Kai held out his hand to Loren and helped her up. She brushed off her clothing as Mr. Satan and the tournament official came into view.
"Are you all right?" the Supreme Kai asked.
"I guess so," Loren replied as Trunks and Piccolo landed.
"You there! Were you here the entire time this carnage was going on?" Mr. Satan asked as he walked up to Loren.
"Um...yes..." she said.
"Then perhaps you can tell me who made this beautiful arena a disaster area?"
"I guess...I did..."
"YOU?! Oh come on, you can't expect me to believe that."
"I can fix it. I'm really sorry for everything. I...couldn't control it..."
"I'm sorry Father got you to that point," Trunks said as he walked up to her.
"That was part of my fault. I shouldn't have let him get to me. I'm really sorry. Is he..is he all right?" she asked.
"You didn't injure him sereverly, which surprised me, considering how far gone you were," Piccolo said and Loren turned away.
"I'm sorry. I'm not really sure what I did. I just know that I did something really wrong. I'll fix everything and then I should leave because I can't live here. I will not be forgiven for what I did this time. It was...nice to see you two again and it was nice to see you for the first time, Trunks but I can't stay here. I just can't, even if this place holds a sanctuary for me."
"No! It can't end like this!" Vegeta cried and sat up. He began to breathe heavily and looked at Bulma, who stood putting ointment on his bruises.
"I'm glad you're awake. I was getting worried," she said.
"WHERE IS SHE?! I WILL MAKE HER PAY!"
"Calm down, will you? Be glad that you're alive. I just hope Trunks is all right."
"That boy is still around. His ki hasn't gone down yet. I can still sense it. He's not trying to take away the glory that should be mine again, is he? I can't believe that he dared to stop me when Cell was about to absorbe Eighteen."
"Hold on there. Where do YOU think you're going?"
Vegeta stood up and brushed Bulma's hand away from him. He brought a towel to his face and wiped away the dried blood and ointment that Bulma had put on him. He walked towards the door, limping slightly. Bulma followed him and grabbed onto his hand.
"You get back in bed. I'm not letting you go the way you are."
"Let go of me woman! I must see what that boy of ours is doing. I didn't think he had the guts to go against her, considering he's taken quite a....fancy...to her."
"Is Trunks in here? I wanted to see how he and his wife were doing," Mrs. Briefs said as she came into the room.
"Mother! Trunks is NOT married!!" Bulma cried.
"Well, Bulma dear, he needs to do it soon, before he gets too intimate with her," Dr. Briefs said as he stepped into the hall. "I see you're doing better, Vegeta."
"Mom! Dad! Trunks has NOT done anything with her!" Bulma cried.
"You don't know that, dear," Dr. Briefs said and Vegeta snorted.
"I'm leaving!" he declared and walked out of the room.
"I hope he's not too hard on poor Trunks. It can't be his fault. I mean, she IS beautiful," Mrs. Briefs said and Bulma sat on the bed in defeat. Sometimes it was pointless to try and talk sense to her parents.
Mr. Satan stared in amazement at the repaired arena. Everything was back to normal. The concrete, the grass, the building, the stands...
"How in the world did you do that?" Mr. Satan inquired.
"I'm afraid I couldn't make it look exactly the way it did before," Loren said. "I'm afraid I didn't pay that much attention to the arena's structure while I was standing on it."
"I don't think anyone notices that," Trunks said as her face paled.
"He's up? Already? What am I going to do? I didn't want to fight him. I didn't want any of this to happen. I..."
"You're going to have to come to terms with yourself and Vegeta. Unfortunately, you will never have life as you remember it being whether that be on my world or Namek. But you have another chance here on this world, if you're willing to be patient with yourself and others," the Supreme Kai said and Loren looked at him.
"Why do you sound so much like him?" she asked.
"Perhaps we thought on the same plane. I am glad to know that you are all right. It was frightening for all of us when that thing came and destroyed our home."
"Did it come for me?"
"I don't...know."
"I don't want to be here when he gets here. I should have just stayed in the past and been destroyed with that other evil thing. Will your time machine work again?"
"Even if it was working, which I'm not sure whether it is or not, I wouldn't let you have it," Trunks said and she looked at him.
"Why not?" she asked.
"What would that gain you? What would you get from running away? Haven't you spent most of your life running away? I don't know much about the teachings of Nameks and Kais, but I know what my father taught me. It is more noble to face your fears or problems straight away instead of running away and letting the problem grow until you can do nothing to resolve it."
Vegeta winced in pain as the arena became more in focus. How could he? How could he let such a creature beat him like that?
"How could I? How could I let my guard down like that? How could I let that thing beat me a second time? And why the hell did that creature not destroy me when it had the chance? Perhaps...she saw a reason to spare me. Perhaps I'm no longer like what I once was."
He landed, wincing slightly at the pain in his legs. He stared at the arena in amazement. Where was the crater that his body had made when he had landed? Why wasn't the arena in debris? Who had fixed it? Mr. Satan gazed at him for a moment then pointed his finger at Vegeta in an accusing manner.
"What are you doing back here, you short haired freak? Aren't you the reason why this place was in such a mess to begin with? Why that nice young girl fixed everything. It's even better than it was before! I think you should apologize to her. The World Champion insists on it!" Mr. Satan declared and Vegeta glared at him.
"World Champion, huh? All right then, do you think you can take me down? That shouldn't be TOO difficult for you, considering I'm already injured," Vegeta said. What kind of person would fix the mistakes that they themselves had made?
"Now would be a good time to talk to Father," Trunks said then glanced behind him. She was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is she?" the Supreme Kai inquired.
"I...I don't know. Wait a minute," Trunks said as he picked up a small mouse. "We've told you running away isn't going to help anything."
"That boy needs help. I wonder if his parents are aware of that," Mr. Satan said. "Course, I bet they're a couple of nuts too. Good thing I didn't have to fight that weirdo in the competition. I would have blown him away!" Mr. Satan cried.
"What?! You will pay for that! Galick Gun!"
"Father stop! Look, would you change back to normal? You don't want him hurt, do you?" Trunks asked and the mouse looked at him. The mouse sighed and right before Mr. Satan's terrified eyes, became larger.
"What...what is that thing?" he asked in a shaky voice. "How did you do that?"
"Look, I'm sorry, all right? I know that doesn't mean anything to you but I'm not really sure what I did. I don't remember what I did. Again, I don't really remember what I did the last time I fought you," Loren said and lowered her head.
"Wait a second will you? I want you to know that I do have more qualifications than what people make it seem like I have," Vegeta said.
"Look if you want to kill me, just get it over with. I don't care any more. Just promise me that no one will interfere."
This was it. His chance to make things even. She wanted death and could he give it to her? ....No. If she had come around again in his past, he would have surely done it but now...He couldn't.
"Then will you listen woman?! I've had many battles but you are one of the strongest opponents I've faced. Don't worry. I WILL beat you. Since Kakarrot isn't around to defeat, I suppose I'll have to settle for you. Keep track of her boy. I WILL become stronger than that power that she holds inside."
"What? You want to kill me, don't you?"
"I NEVER SAID THAT!!"
"Don't start arguing, please. Loren, I think Father's trying to be peacable with you," Trunks said and Loren looked at him.
"If that's so, then why can't he just say it?"
"I DID say it if you had the capability of listening, woman!" Vegeta cried and the tournament official pulled on Mr. Satan's shirt.
"Shall I have them thrown out?" the official asked and Mr. Satan looked at him.
"For what? How can we even outlaw the tournament since everything is back to normal?" Mr. Satan asked.
"How do we determine who won, then? We have no witnesses."
"These two were the finalists and technically this young woman would be the one who fights me."
"I don't...really want to fight anyone. I've already messed a lot of things up. I think it would be best if I went back to the...apartment? Is that what you call it?" Loren asked.
"Well, you may not be in the best company but I'm sure they can teach you just as much as Rion taught you. You do have a couple of Nameks on this world. They may not be the same as Rion, but I know one of them has been around for quite awhile," the Supreme Kai said.
"I don't know if I have the patience to put up with that. I'm not a trainer," Piccolo said.
"You trained Gohan, didn't you?" Trunks asked.
"Rion taught you a bit, didn't he? Well, I guess he technically didn't since you're not the original," Loren said.
"I do remember part of his teachings," Piccolo replied. "I may not remember all that happened to my father, but I do remember parts of his life."
"Then it seems to me that everything will work out for you here. I oversee this section of the universe so who knows? Perhaps when I've got time, I can come down and see you. There's been so much that's gone on in my life since the Nameks took you. Perhaps there will be time to discuss it."
"Will you all tell me about one thing?" Loren asked and Trunks looked at her.
"What?" he asked.
"Well since it look like I'm stuck here, can you tell me about Goku? I...admire what he did. I wish I could have done the same to save the worlds I lived on. I'd like to know more about him. Perhaps just hearing about him would help with my own inner struggles."
"Why would you want to hear about Kakarrot? I could give you an account of my glorious exploits," Vegeta said and Loren looked at him.
"I'm afraid I can see all too well the exploits you've been involved in and when I told your son I was no better than you, I believe I was right," she said quietly.
"OF COURSE you're not better than me. No one is better than the great Vegeta!"
"Great Vegetable huh? Look people, it's getting late and the arena has to be closed down now. If any of you are interested, I suppose the Champ could do an exhibition match with one of you but only if it's for a good cause. Like helping starving children," Mr. Satan said as the tournament official began to unceremoniously shove the fighters towards the exit.
"I don't NEED to be pushed! I'm capable of leaving on my own accord!" Vegeta protested as the gate was shut behind them. Loren watched him limp away from the others and knelt on the ground.
"Please, your lordship. Let me take care of you injuries for I'm the one who inflicted them on you. This whole thing was my fault. Your desire for a challenge merely poured fuel onto the unstable fire that was already within me," she whispered as she tried to keep her body still.
Vegeta glanced at her for a moment and then at the others. They silently watched the two as Vegeta hesitently took a step forward.
"I'm only doing this because you showed respect. I do not forgive you in the least for what you did to me but since you saw fit to fix everything you damaged, I don't see why I should be left out."
She stepped forward and glanced at Trunks, remembering what he had said about his own body. She knelt on the ground before Vegeta and placed her hands before his feet. She closed her eyes and concentrated, willing herself to give not only Vegeta but everything else around her, ki. She felt so terrible for everything. She wanted to give back to life the power that she held. She had no idea what she was or where she came from, but she felt a deep connection with everything around her and she wanted to make everything right.
"You cannot make yourself normal," the Eastern Kai said and she glanced beside her. "Normal is something that has no real meaning. Normalcy only comes from a personal definition of the word. To be normal is to accept what you believe is true and going on with that knowledge."
"But..." Loren protested as Vegeta tested his body, which has just been healed.
"I suppose I can deal with how I look. I don't think your mother will be too disappointed, will she boy?" he asked.
"She won't complain, Father. I think you're a little stronger, too," Trunks said and Piccolo glanced at everyone.
"I'm going back to the lookout," he said. "I seriously doubt I'm needed here any longer."
"You will come back, won't you?" Loren asked.
"When I need to."
"I need to get back to my duties myself. However, now I know to keep an eye on this little world. I'm glad that you made it out all right," the Eastern Kai said.
"Okay. I'm glad that you're all right too. I was worried about you," Loren said.
"I think you've got some good friends here. Perhaps one that will even become closer but he will need some lessons in patience before that happens."
"Why are you looking at me?" Trunks asked.
"You're the one that has taken it upon himself to look out for her. Farewell all and good luck. I'll return as soon as I can."
Trunks watched the Supreme Kai and the Namek leave then turned to Loren.
"Come on, let’s go see Mother before we go home. I’m sure she’s worried about you," he said.
"All right," she said and followed him and Vegeta. Perhaps where she was wasn’t a particularly good life but it was definitely a better one then she had previously lived.
