Timeless Rose
School’s End
“Why did I have to be dragged along?” Vegeta asked as he watched Loren run down the path.
“Do you realize how long it’s been since we’ve been out together?” Bulma asked and Vegeta frowned.
“Then why is she here? Three’s a crowd.”
“You know very well that she couldn’t be left on her own. Trunks has finals and he can’t have her distracting him.”
“Then why does she have to distract us? Why couldn’t we have left her with Kakarot or even Piccolo?”
“Because she needs to see more of this world. If she’s going to live here, she has to see everything she can.”
“Why did we have to come to a zoo then?”
“You know how she likes animals. I thought it might be a good experience.”
“So why am I here?”
“Would you quit complaining? I know you like her so you can stop with the act. Besides, you want to make sure she’s all right.”
“What?”
“Well don’t you?”
“You’re just lucky that I had nothing else to do today. I didn’t come because I like her. I can barely tolerate her.”
“She’s just like a child. Isn’t she sweet?”
“She’s a walking disaster area.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look. Why does she have to look good in whatever she wears?”
“That’s just the way she is and if those men can’t keep their minds on their jobs, then they shouldn’t be working.”
“You’re a woman. You don’t understand how dangerous she is.”
“Quit exaggerating. Come on back this way dear. We don’t want you to get lost.”
“Why are the animals caged up?” Loren asked as she ran up to the two. Vegeta averted his gaze from her chest as she stopped in front of him.
“A lot of these animals are close to dying out. These animals are kept here so that people can learn about them and hopefully save them,” Bulma replied.
“Those striped cats over there don’t remember their original home in…Bengal? Is that what the sign said?”
“Those tigers have learned to depend on us since their home is being destroyed.”
“That’s how Ixan was destroyed. The people on that planet destroyed all forms of wildlife and then they died out from a terrible plague.”
“This planet’s not going to die so don’t worry about it girl,” Vegeta said and she looked at him.
“This planet is not going to die any time soon you mean,” she said and he looked at her.
“What?”
“This planet will die eventually.”
“That’s true dear, but that won’t happen for a long time,” Bulma said and took her hand. “Why don’t we look at the gift shop?”
“Okay,” Loren said and Vegeta flinched as she brushed past him. He knew that he could never have any intimate relationship with her but he was still slightly turned on by her presence. Part of the reason why he was so cold to her was the fact that if he wasn’t, he might do something that he would regret later. His coldness towards her was the only defense he had against himself.
“Are you coming Vegeta?” Bulma asked.
“I’m not wasting my time in some gift shop. This entire day has been a waste of my time,” Vegeta said.
“Fine. Just stay put so that we can find you.”
“I’m not a child. I won’t get lost. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
“Remember this dear. Grown men are like small children,” Bulma said as she and Loren headed for the gift shop.
“If grown men are like small children then why do they look so different?” Loren asked and Bulma smiled.
“It was just an expression dear.”
“Look at this. Do you think Puar would like it?”
“I think she’d love it. It’s too bad they don’t have anything here for the stubborn mule outside.”
“Vegeta? I think he’d like something special. Maybe that’s why he’s so cold. He just doesn’t know how to explain what he wants. Or maybe he’s afraid to say what he really wants.”
“I believe you’re right dear. Do you see anything that our boy might like? Oh here’s something.”
“I can’t see him wearing that.”
“Not for him, for you dear. Trunks would be more than happy just to see you looking as radiant than ever. Try the hat on.”
“Like this?”
“Tilt it up a bit dear. There. Now let me look at you. You look so cute in that.”
“Will he like it?”
“I know he will dear. He likes everything that has to do with you. You’ve certainly taken his heart.”
“I haven’t…”
“I didn’t mean it literally dear. It was just another expression.”
“Oh. Why do you have so many different meanings for one word?”
“I really don’t know dear. Come on, let’s pay for this and go back outside before Vegeta gets impatient and leaves.”
“Would he do that?”
“I know Vegeta. Patience is not his strong point.”
“I thought he was more afraid of angering you than waiting.”
Bulma smiled as she paid for the items then led Loren out of the shop. Vegeta sat waiting for them with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. Loren sat next to him and smiled. Vegeta glared at her for a second then turned away. He glanced at Bulma and frowned.
“You didn’t spend a fortune in there did you?” he asked Bulma.
“She just got a little bracelet for Puar,” Bulma replied.
“That’s an awfully big bag for a bracelet.”
“I got her a hat.”
“You should get her a trench coat. She’d cause a lot less trouble in one of those.”
“You’re very friendly today aren’t you?” Loren asked.
“Well it seems that you’ve taught her sarcasm quite well. Come on, why don’t we go get something to keep him quiet?” Bulma suggested and Vegeta stood up.
“I hope you have enough for lunch,” he said.
“If we go somewhere inexpensive I do. Come on dear. Here, put your hat on.”
“Why do you have to make her look so cute?”
“Because she is. Now stop complaining.”
Vegeta stiffened when Loren took his hand. He glanced at her, realizing that she was unaware of what she was doing and pulled his hand out of her grasp. She looked at him in confusion and took a step backwards. Bulma looked at her and then glared at Vegeta, who seemed to be trying to keep his distance from her.
“What did you do now?” Bulma asked as he placed his hands behind his back.
“She was holding my hand,” he replied, glaring at Loren. Loren looked at him with a frightened expression on her face.
“You are paranoid Vegeta. It was an accident. You didn’t mean anything by it, did you dear?”
“Mean anything by what?” Loren asked as she watched Vegeta. What had she done wrong now?
“I told you,” Bulma said and Loren looked at her.
“What did I do?” she asked.
“Nothing. There’s a nice place across the street. Why don’t we eat there?”
“Would you like me to wait for you outside?”
“Why would you do that? Oh that’s right. You don’t eat. You can still come in with us. I’m sure you’ll find something to keep yourself occupied while we eat.”
“I don’t want to be in your way. I probably should go back and wait for him to come back to the apartment.”
“You won’t be in our way dear. Don’t even start Vegeta,” Bulma said, noticing the look on Vegeta’s face. He glanced at Loren and frowned. He watched her a second then looked at the restaurant. He folded his arms and glanced at Bulma. He wondered if she had figured out the real reason for his coldness towards Loren.
“I really should get back. You Saiyens tend to take forever to eat. I don’t want to make Trunks worry,” Loren said and Bulma laughed.
“You’re right dear. I told you that you had to keep them fed if you wanted to keep them. At least you don’t have to worry about shopping for food. You can just make it appear. Shopping for him is a nightmare.”
“Just buy the store. What’s so hard about that?” Vegeta asked and she glared at him.
“If you are going back dear, do you have bus fare?” Bulma asked and Loren nodded her head.
“Yes. I believe I can handle the bus without any problem. I know where to get off,” Loren said.
“No one’s making you leave girl,” Vegeta said and she smiled.
“I know, but I really think I should go.”
“Be careful dear,” Bulma said and Loren nodded her head.
“I will.”
She walked down the street to the bus stop and sat on the bench. A lot of men stopped what they were doing to watch her as she crossed her legs. She watched the traffic light change and waited for the bus to arrive. She smiled politely at the men who were waving at her from the sanctity of their cars and sighed. She wished that she could take the easy way out and just disappear. Why were humans so limited in their ways?
“Loren, is that you?” Gohan asked and Loren looked up.
“What are you doing here Gohan?” she asked.
“I’m looking for a gift for Mom. Would you like a ride back to Trunks’ place?”
“Thank you.”
“I thought you were with Bulma today.”
“Vegeta got hungry. I didn’t want to watch him eat so I thought that I’d better head back. How do you stand not being able to fly?”
“You get used to it. It’s not as bad as it seems.”
“I’d rather fly. You get where you’re going faster.”
“You’ll be out of the city soon. Trunks is going to go back to the country for the summer.”
“He wants to show me more of this planet over the summer.”
“There’s a lot to see. You haven’t even been to America yet.”
“America?”
“Yeah. It’s a country on the other side of the world. There’s an awful lot to do there.”
“What’s it like?”
“You just have to see it. America is like looking at an entire world squeezed into one country. It’s amazing. There’s so much to see, hear, and do. Here you go. Tell him I said hi,” Gohan said as he stopped the car. Loren got out and watched the car drive off.
She opened the front door and stepped inside. A small ruby cocker spaniel ran up to her and she picked it up. She laughed as the dog licked her cheek and patted it on the head. She gently set it on the floor and took off her hat. She lay the bag containing Puar’s bracelet in the hat and set them both on the couch. Loren opened the front door and the dog followed her outside.
“Come on Ridel,” she said and the dog followed her. When Trunks had first given the dog to her, she felt that it was only fair to name him after her first animal friend. The joyful dog reminded her a lot of her childhood companion. She wondered if Ridel thought of her wherever her was. She wasn’t sure if somehow he had gotten away before the demon came and destroyed her home or if he had perished with everything else. She didn’t want to ask Shin because she was afraid of the truth. The dog ran ahead of her and she smiled. He reminded her a lot of her dragon like friend.
“Wait Ridel. We’re going this way. We’re going to see if he’s done yet. Come on.”
The dog ran after her as she ran towards Trunks school. She stopped at the intersection and waited for the light to change. She picked Ridel up and walked across the street, not hearing the noises that followed her. She had grown accustomed to the human male’s tendency to create chaos whenever she passed though she did not understand the reasons for it. She sighed as she set Ridel on the grass and leaned against a tree and gazed at the entrance to Trunks school. Ridel ran off in search of a caterpillar and she watched him with interest.
“I thought you were spending the day with Mother,” Trunks said as he walked up behind her.
“Vegeta got hungry and I didn’t want to watch him eat so I came back,” she said as Ridel ran up to him.
“He seems very happy.”
“He’s glad to see you. He gets lonely when you’re gone.”
“What about you?”
“Me?”
“Do you…get lonely?”
“Not really. There’s so much to do out there. Did I say the wrong thing?”
“It’s all right. Come on. We’d better get going.”
“Why?”
“The athletic team will be coming out soon. They may give us some trouble.”
“Why?”
“Just come on. You wouldn’t understand if I were to explain it to you,” he said as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
“But Ridel isn’t ready to leave,” Loren protested.
“Loren let’s go. I haven’t seen you all day.”
“All right but if he’s in a bad mood it’s your fault.”
“I’ll deal with it. Come on Ridel.”
Ridel whimpered as he ran up to the two. He gazed sadly at Trunks and Trunks sighed. Loren picked the dog up and Trunks took her hand. She glanced at him and he smiled. They walked off just as the baseball team burst out of the school.
“Hey Trunks! Why don’t you introduce your girl to the team?” Midel asked and Trunks sighed.
“I haven’t got time,” he replied.
“Heading back to your apartment huh? I bet you’re gonna get it on, aren’t you?”
Loren stepped away from him, sensing his anger. She wasn’t sure if she had done something to make him upset or not but she thought it best that she put some distance between them. Trunks gazed at her, the anger melting from his eyes and sighed. She looked nervously at him, not sure whether his anger had been diffused or not.
“Let’s go Loren,” he said softly and took her hand.
“Are you all right?” she asked as they walked away from the school.
“I’m fine. Believe me, I’m fine.”
“Did I do something?”
“No, of course not. You did nothing wrong, okay?”
“Okay. I thought Midel was your friend.”
“Midel tends to talk about things that should not be talked about in public.”
“What?”
“It’s okay love.”
***
Trunks closed the bedroom door behind him and gazed at her. He removed his shirt and took a step towards her. She watched him for a moment then sighed as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck and gently licked her ear. She closed her eyes as he took off her shirt.
“Loren…” he said and she looked at him
“What is it?” she asked.
“Can you take us there?”
“Of course.”
***
“They’re not answering the phone,” Bulma said and Vegeta grinned.
“Does that surprise you?” he asked.
“I just want to know if she got back okay.”
“If she didn’t, I’m sure you will have heard from him by now.”
“You’re right. I guess I’m worrying over nothing.”
“You know he’ll take care of her. In more ways than one.”
“I know. You know you could stand being a little nicer to her.”
“I’m trying. Why does she have to be so damned innocent?”
“I know you have but could you try a little harder?”
“I’m not like Kakarot.”
“I know you aren’t but you could still try to be nicer.”
“There’s the phone. Now quit worrying.”
“Hello? Good, it’s you. How was your test? When do you get your results? Is she all right? That was nice of him. Why don’t you two come over for the weekend dear? Right. We’ll see you later. Goodbye dear,” Bulma said and hung up the telephone.
“I told you everything would work out,” Vegeta said.
“Gohan gave her a ride back. Wasn’t that sweet of him?”
“Yeah. Were you serious about them coming over for the weekend?”
“Of course I was. Do you have some objections to them coming over?”
“No.”
“Then quit complaining about it.”
***
“Hello Krillin. Is Puar here?” Loren asked as she walked into Master Roshi’s house.
“What brings you way out here?” Krillin asked and she held out a small paper bag.
“I have a present for Puar.”
“Fore me?” Puar asked as she flew up to Loren. Loren handed her the small bag and Puar opened it.
“What do you think of it?” Loren asked.
“It’s beautiful! Thank you!”
“So where’s your keeper?” Krillin asked and Loren looked at him.
“What?” she asked.
“Where’s Trunks?”
“Um…he’s studying.”
“Another test huh? Did he kick you out or something?”
“No…I had to give this to Puar. I didn’t get thrown out.”
“I was only kidding anyway.”
“Don’t take him seriously,” Eighteen said as she walked past them.
“Was I supposed to be?” Loren inquired and Krillin laughed.
“It’s all right Loren. Would you like to stay for a bit or are you in a hurry to get back?” he asked.
“No, I’m not in a hurry. I suppose I can stay for awhile.”
“You’d better behave Krillin,” Eighteen said and Krillin laughed nervously.
“I’ll behave. I don’t want to get into trouble with a Super Saiyen,” he said.
“Why would you get into trouble?” Loren asked.
“Would you like to watch the sunset?” Puar asked and Loren looked at her.
“Sure. That sounds like fun.”
“Let’s go!”
“Where’s Oolong? I haven’t seen him recently,” Krillin asked.
“I believe he’s outside waiting for a glimpse just like Roshi,” Eighteen said.
“I am not! I dropped a pen!” Master Roshi cried and Krillin laughed.
“For an old guy, he sure has good ears,” Krillin muttered.
“Have you been reading his magazines?” Eighteen inquired and Krillin looked at her.
“What are you talking about?”
“I found one of his magazines in the living room today. Either you’ve been reading his junk or he’s been sneaking it.”
“Why would I be reading his magazines?”
“You have a dirty mind Krillin.”
“Where’s Maron?”
“Out with the others. They went to see a movie.”
“I never thought that I’d be happy to have a quiet house for once.”
“The sunset was beautiful.” Loren said as she and Puar walked into the room. “Thank you for allowing me to stay Krillin. I’d better get back before it gets too dark. I don’t want him to worry.”
“You can see in the dark, can’t you?” Krillin inquired.
“Of course I can, but I don’t want to make him worry. He worries about me a lot.”
“He has good reason to.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just go. Krillin’s just talking again,” Eighteen said and Loren nodded her head.
“Goodnight Puar. I’ll see you later,” she said and walked out of the house. She ran into Master Roshi and he grinned widely.
“You just can’t help running into me, can you?” he asked and she looked at him.
“I didn’t know you were there. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You didn’t cause any harm. Do you like pictures?”
“Pictures?”
“Do you like having your picture taken?”
“Are you talking about that little box that flashes when you press a button?”
“Yes.”
“It’s kind of fun.”
“Would you like to pose for me? I’ve got a camera.”
“I suppose I could.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Take off your clothes and I’ll be back.”
“What are you doing?” Eighteen asked as she walked outside just as Loren was pulling off her shirt.
“He wanted a picture,” Loren replied.
“Go on home. Trunks is probably wondering about you.”
“But what about…?”
“I’ll explain it to Roshi. Go on.”
Eighteen watched Loren fly off and sighed. She now had a good idea of what Krillin meant when he said that Trunks worried about her a lot. Her innocence was indeed dangerous. She wondered how he put up with it on a daily basis as she watched Loren disappear into the sky above.
“Here we are. I hope you’re ready,” Master Roshi said as he walked out of the house.
“Forget about it. She’s gone,” Eighteen said and Master Roshi sighed.
“Why did you have to say something to her? I could have had a wonderful picture.”
“She didn’t understand what you were doing.”
“I know.”
“Leave her alone Roshi. I don’t think you want to deal with an angry Saiyen.”
***
“There you are. I was wondering what happened,” Trunks said as she walked into the apartment.
“He wanted a picture,” Loren said as he walked towards her.
“Who?”
“The old man.”
“Try to avoid him okay?”
“Why?”
“Because.”
“Because why?”
“Just try to avoid him.”
“All right but he seems nice enough.”
“It would make me worry less if you avoided him,” Trunks said as he took off her shirt.
“I don’t mean to make you worry so much,” she said as he kissed her.
“Loren I love you. Worrying is part of that emotion.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever understand your feelings.”
“It’s all right. We’ve got an eternity to get you all sorted out.”
“You are very patient with me. I know that must be a hard to do.”
“Do you know what I found out today?”
“What? Don’t do that.”
“It’s not my fault you’re ticklish. They’re starting to take entry forms for the world martial arts contest. I’m thinking about entering.”
“Contest…do you mean a game?”
“Yeah it’s like a game.”
“Can I try?”
“You?”
“Why did you say it like that? Don’t you think I could do it?”
“I know you could do it. I just don’t know if you should try.”
“Trunks, I know how to fight. I may not understand a lot about your world but I understand the general rules of a match.”
“All right. We’ll get you an entry form tomorrow.”
“Thank you Trunks!”
He grinned as she hugged him and wondered what the expression on the other entrants faces would be when she completely blew the away in the preliminary rounds. He led her to the bedroom and transformed. She might not understand a lot about life but she was one hell of a fighter.
***
“Where’s Piccolo, Dende?” Loren asked as she walked around Kami’s place the next day.
“He’s training for the tournament,” Dende replied.
“Is he in it too? I haven’t had a match with him for a long time. I he over here?”
“I wouldn’t go in there. He might get mad.”
“Piccolo won’t get mad.”
“What are you doing here?” Piccolo grunted as she ducked an energy blast.
“I came to see you,” she replied as she took his hand. “You look so much better without the robes.
“I’m training.”
“Can’t you stop for a moment?”
“What do you want?”
“I just want to be with the Namek I know. I’m sorry but I just can’t see you in the robes.”
“I’m a warrior.”
“I know. Please? You were the only close friend I had.”
He gazed at her and sighed. He removed his robes and touched her hand. She smiled as she embraced him. He ran his fingers though her hair, sincerely wishing that he had realized his fondness for her a long time ago. He knew that she would never see him as a lover but she had come to understand just how deep his feelings for her was and he had come to accept the mutual plain that they stood on.
“Do you know about the tournament?” he asked as she ran her fingers over his antennae. She gazed at him, still amazed that the small child she had known had grown up so much.
“Uh-huh. Trunks says I can be in it. We can have a match just like when we were younger,” she said as he ran a hand down her leg.
“I’ve seen what you can do. I’m nowhere close to your level. No one is close to your level.”
“I never thought that you’d be afraid to fight. You were always trying to beat me.”
“That was before I was aware of your power. I’m not afraid.”
“Don’t you want to do anything with me? You won’t play the games we used to play and now you don’t want to have a match with me. Do you not like me any more?”
“Loren I told you that I would always be here for you didn’t I?”
“Yes but…”
“There are no buts. I strongly care for you. You know that.”
She gazed into his eyes and he smiled as he bent to kiss her. He pushed her against the wall as she looked at him trustingly. He placed a hand on her waist as a knock came at the door. He sighed and pulled away from her. She watched him for a moment then picked up his robe. She wrapped it around her and looked at her reflection in the window. Loren gazed at the sky outside and wondered just how far up they were. She had never flown the distance, she had always transported herself directly to Kami’s.
“Let me have that,” Piccolo said as he lay a hand on her shoulder.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“Out.”
“Have I made you mad?”
“You haven’t done anything. I need to take care of something. Let go, Loren.”
“Why do you wear them all the time?”
“I prefer to have my true power hidden, just like you.”
“Oh. How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know. You can stay if you wish.”
“Thank you.”
He smiled at her as she handed his robe to him. He put it on and walked out of the room. Loren watched him leave then sat on the floor, wondering what had happened to make Piccolo leave so suddenly. She gazed around his room, his decorations reminded her of the room she had slept in at Rion’s. She wished that she had thanked him before she left. She never thought that the planet would be destroyed when she had returned. She still felt a little guilty for the destruction of Old Namek but knew that there was nothing that she could have done about it. Old Namek was meant to be destroyed. She gazed up at the ceiling and wondered why her people only observed. She knew very little of her origins and could not understand the concept that there was another plain above the Kais. The Kais controlled the workings of the universe that she was in and yet her people oversaw the whole operation, though they seldom got involved.
“How can you keep track of everything Shin?” she asked aloud as she walked around the room. “I can barely understand the people here on Earth. How do you keep track of this entire section of your universe?”
It seemed amazing to her that something so seemingly infinite was divided up into a series of layered grids. She had traveled the extent of this universe and now understood the seriousness and complexness of Shin’s job. This universe was divided into four quadrants with a Supreme Kai overseeing his or her respected section. Below them was a Grand Kai, who oversaw a specific galaxy. Below that were the four Kais who watched over a designated section of the galaxy. And overseeing them all was a Master Kai. Then overseeing the Master Kai was her people and below everything was the Ultimate Dark, a place where demons with untold powers resided. She wondered if a Kai or one of her people was a guardian of the Ultimate Dark because something had to keep the demons in their place. And higher still, was her sanctuary…her nirvana, a paradise that was entrusted to her for eternity. She shook her head and gazed out the window, the complexness of her existence being too much for her mind to handle.
“You look confused,” Piccolo said as he walked back into the room.
“I am. The entire structure of my existence is confusing,” she said as he dragged her towards him.
“It’s the way it is. Accept it. You can do nothing to change it.”
“I know that. It’s just amazing at how complex everything is. No wonder I don’t understand a lot.”
“Humans are lucky. All they have to worry about is their own little world. They could never see the hierarchy of life.”
“Humans can’t see the beauty of this universe.”
“No they can’t.”
Piccolo set his training clothes on the floor and embraced her. He watched her lean against him and sighed. She gazed up at him and smiled. He bent over and kissed her as she ran a hand up his arm. She jerked slightly as he pushed her legs apart. He looked into her eyes and wondered why he was so drawn to her.
“Why do you stay in your female form?” he asked and she looked at him.
“What do you mean?” she inquired.
“You’re just like I am. Why do you stay the way you are now?”
“I’m more used to this form.”
“Does it bother Trunks that you’re both?”
“He doesn’t think about it. You saw how much it unnerved him when I changed for Vegeta.”
“Do you ever use your other form?”
“I did a lot in the West Quadrant. I encountered a lot less trouble in my male form. Why are you so curious? Do you want me to change?”
“I just want to know if I’d have the same feelings for you in your other form.”
“I’m still the same whether or not my appearance is male or female.”
“When were you aware that you were both? It took you awhile to understand us when you first arrived on Namek.”
“When? I don’t know.”
“I forget that you have no concept of time.”
“Do you want me to change Piccolo?”
“I’d like to see you that way again. I didn’t get a good look at you when you were fighting Vegeta.”
Loren closed her eyes and Piccolo watched as her frame became more muscular. He watched her face lose some of its softness and flinched when her grip on his arm became stronger. He stared as her chest flattened and her shoulders became broader. She opened her eyes and gazed at him, wondering if she had completely shocked him just like she had done with Trunks.
“I don’t have the same agility in this form,” she said, her voice sounding softer and much lower than before.
“You’re beautiful both ways,” Piccolo said and kissed her.
“What are you doing?”
“I’ve found that this area is a pleasure zone for human males. I was wondering if you would have the same reaction.”
“When have you been involved with humans?”
“Don’t question me.”
“Is that why you’re so close to Goku?”
Piccolo stepped back and glared at Loren. He realized that some of her innocence was gone in her current form. Perhaps it was the fact that as a male, the words had a different tone to them. He watched Loren walk towards him and placed a hand on her bare chest. She ran a masculine but gentle hand over his antenna and he sighed. He kissed her as he ran his hand over her chest. He finally knew why he was so drawn to her. They were both androgynous and it made Loren beautiful. Nameks were the only androgynous species that he knew of and here Loren was, an entity much more superior than he could ever be. He respected her and loved her beauty.
“Piccolo, are you in there?” Goku asked and Piccolo let go of her.
“Come in Goku,” he said and Goku opened the door.
“I didn’t know you had a visitor. Who is that?”
“That’s right. You were unconscious when she fought Vegeta. This is Loren.”
“Are you serious?”
“Does it surprise you Goku? Her people have no need for gender differentiation. They are eternal and have no need for reproduction.”
“Does Trunks know about this?”
“He prefers not to think about it,” Loren replied.
“Then does that mean that he’s bisexual?” Goku asked.
“No. Goku, just refer to Loren as a female. That’s the form she uses the most,” Piccolo said.
“Does Vegeta know about this?”
“I don’t think he was ever aware of the significance of her change.”
“Do you seriously think that if Vegeta knew about this he would have let me live with Trunks?” Loren inquired.
“She’s got a point there,” Piccolo said.
“You’re confusing me. Stop using she. I’m looking at a man, not a woman,” Goku said and Piccolo sighed.
“Just accept it. It’s no different than when I joined with Nail and Kami. It’s the way it is Goku, accept it. It’s within your capabilities of understanding.”
“This is just going to take a while to get used to.”
“I understand. This is the first planet that I have been on the longest so most people were not aware of my true being,” Loren said as Goku shook his head.
“So are you still as fond of…her as you were?” Goku asked Piccolo.
“Why shouldn’t I be? She is just like me. You know Nameks are androgynous,” Piccolo said.
“I know but…”
“Why did you come here, Goku?”
“Huh?”
“Why did you come here? You must have had a reason to come all this way.”
“Oh. I was wondering if you were going to enter the tournament.”
“Of course. It gives me a chance to use some of my techniques.”
“Trunks said I can be in it,” Loren said and Goku looked at her.
“As what?” he asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think Trunks would let her go out the way she is now?” Piccolo inquired.
“Gee, I guess not.”
“Where is she Kakarot?” Vegeta asked as he walked into the room.
“Where’s who?” Goku asked.
“If we’re going to discuss this, let’s go outside,” Piccolo said as he ushered everyone out of his training room.
“Who would I be looking for Kakarot? That girl that my boy has become smitten with,” Vegeta said. “She’s all he thinks about.”
“She’s right there,” Goku said and pointed to Loren.
“Don’t play games with me. I was told that she was up here so where is she?”
“Vegeta, that’s Loren,” Piccolo said and Vegeta stared at him.
“You’re kidding.”
“I don’t kid.”
“Are you trying to tell me that this is what my boy has fallen for?”
“Yes.”
“Trunks has fallen for some genderless thing?! You’ve been putting us on, haven’t you?”
“She has been putting no one on.”
“She? You dare call that…that thing she? That is not a person. That is something that should be with its own kind…you damned demon.”
“She’s just the same as Dende and me Vegeta.”
“Neither of you charmed my boy. I don’t care where you go you miserable cretin but stay away from my boy. I do not accept this relationship any longer.”
“Trunks had to help me Vegeta. Life as you now know it would not have existed if he had not helped me,” Loren said.
“He helped you and we’re all grateful to you but you have overstayed your welcome. Get out of my life and leave him alone!” Vegeta snapped.
“You only see things by your own means. I pity you.”
“I was right when I said that you were a demon now leave you treacherous snake!”
“That’s enough!” Piccolo cried. “Vegeta you have got to be more accepting of the way things work.”
“You expect me to accept this? I regret not killing this thing when I first met it,” Vegeta said. “But of course I can kill you now.”
“Does everything have to revolve around your level of understanding Dark Prince? Do you realize that without my compassion you would be dead? You would not have learned how to love or how to think of others besides yourself. You would have been sent to the dark where all the other selfish conceited creatures reside. I gave you that second chance Vegeta. You should be grateful for it,” Loren said coldly.
“You were right in seeing yourself as a plague. You’ve filled my life with a sickness that I wish I could cure. You’re a damned parasite.”
“I would have thought that after all this time, you would be able to see the universe from outside your meager plain of view. However, you are still as full of yourself as when I first met you. Your conceitedness will be your destruction Dark Prince.”
“My life has nothing to do with you.”
“Your pride has blinded you again. Do you not think that since I granted you life that I cannot also take it away?”
“You wouldn’t do that, would you?” Goku asked and Loren looked at him.
“All I ask for is understanding. He has to decide for himself what is most important to him. If his pride is more important to him than the happiness and well being of others than he will be destroyed by his own means. If, however, he can see above his pride then he will be spared. It is your decision, Dark Prince. Just realize this. I am the same whether or not my outside appearance is male or female. Trunks loves the soul, not the body,” Loren said and walked away from him.
“So about the tournament…” Goku said and Piccolo looked at him.
“Maybe you’d like something to eat,” Piccolo said.
“That sounds good. Is the kitchen well stocked?”
“Go see for yourself.”
“I’ll be back guys. Do you want anything Vegeta?”
“No,” Vegeta said as he gazed at her. There was a similarity between the two forms and Trunks seemed to be happy with her despite the fact that she was neither male nor female. He just couldn’t envision how Trunks could be so intimate with such a creature. How could he love such a thing? How could she have fascinated him? He shook his head as the memory of the bath incident lingered in his mind. How could he have been drawn to something that had no gender? How could he have fallen for her? How could he have wanted a relationship with her? How could he have been charmed by her?
“It’s the way the universe is. There is a reason for such people to exist Vegeta,” Piccolo said. “Besides, I’m surprised that you hadn’t figured it out. Since her world is above this universe, her people have no need for gender. They are eternal. They have no use for offspring.”
“Trunks is not eternal,” Vegeta replied.
“Trunks is in love with someone extremely special. This is the way the world should be. Accept it. There’s nothing you can do about it. You’re not going to change his feelings towards her. You should be grateful for his relationship with her.”
Vegeta glanced at Loren and sighed. He turned away from her and glared at the sky. It was supposed to happen and he now liked the relationship between the two less than ever. He turned around and grinned. He folded his arms and glared at her, trying to look as annoyed as he could.
“I’d better see if Kakarot has left anything,” he said and walked past her.
“He actually can see more than his existence,” Loren commented as she watched him disappear down the hall.
“You’d better change so that he feels more at ease,” Piccolo said and she nodded her head.
“You’ve been so understanding. Thank you.”
She kissed him and Piccolo smiled as he watched her features become more feminine. He ran his hand through her hair as her frame became more graceful. She took his hand and smiled up at him. He lay his free hand on her gently sloping shoulders and stroked her slender neck with his fingers.
“I’m glad that I have someone that I can identify with.”
“I’d better be going. Trunks tends to worry about me.”
“I’ll tell them that you’ve gone. Goodbye Loren.”
***
“So how was Piccolo?” Trunks asked as she walked into the apartment.
“Fine. Vegeta just learned a little more about me than what he wanted to know,” she said as he kissed her.
“What do you mean?”
“He realizes that I’m not like you.”
“He knows that you’re neutral?”
“That’s a nice way to put it. Is that why my presence upsets you sometimes?”
“What? No, of course not.”
“Are you sure? I understand that it’s a difficult concept for lesser beings to understand.”
“I don’t care what you are. I love you.”
“Thank you.”
He smiled and kissed her. He ran his hands over her breasts as he pressed his legs into her slender legs. She gazed into his eyes, grateful that she had found someone so understanding. He took of her shirt and kissed her chest, running his hands down her slender gently curving waist as he transformed. He gently kissed her stomach as he pushed her onto the couch. She ran a hand through his hair wondering if her people would understand the relationship between the two.
“Loren…” he said and she looked at him.
“What?” she asked.
“In the tournament, do you think you could use your other form?”
“I didn’t think you liked it.”
“I’m afraid that you’ll get taken advantage of if you participated the way you are now. It wouldn’t be fair to you if your opponents took it easy on you because you’re a woman.”
“Can you deal with seeing me the other way?”
“I’m going to have to get used to the fact that you’re both. Like you said, it’s a hard concept to understand but I’m willing to make the effort.”
“You are so kind.”
“I want you safe, that’s all.”
“Don’t do that.”
“You enjoy it.”
“You’re going to get the couch dirty.”
“I don’t care.”
“Trunks!”
He smiled as he watched her movements. For someone androgynous she was certainly capable of feeling the right emotions during intimate moments. He wondered what such a life would be like as she whimpered in pain. He kissed her lips as he pressed his body onto hers. She sank down into the couch as he smiled warmly at her.
“I don’t see you like others do. I see you as someone that I want to share an eternity with regardless of what you are,” he said and she smiled.
“I’m glad that you’re not like him,” she said.
“Father isn’t all bad.”
“He tends to bury his good qualities for some reason. What are you doing now?”
“Don’t talk. Just feel love.”
“Are you wanting to go there?”
“If you’re willing to transport us.”
She disappeared and reappeared behind him. She ran her slender hands down his back and smiled. He watched her from the corner of his eye and reached out to touch her. She laughed as she avoided his touch and took his head into her hands. He watched as the room disappeared and an endless sea of flower petals appeared as he leaned back into her arms. She ran her fingers through his hair as he gazed up at her beautiful frame.
“You’re the only one that can see this,” she said as he raised a hand to touch her chest.
“I’m extremely lucky,” he said as he watched petals fall onto her hair.
“I never thought that I’d be able to come here.”
“Sit down Loren.”
“Here?”
“No. There. Come on, I know you can do this. I explained it to you a few days ago. Haven’t you had it done to you in your other form?”
“The only reason I use my other form is for combat. I don’t use it for…what do you call it?”
“Don’t worry about it hon. Just do it. I know you can.”
“I feel strange when I do it.”
“It’s a natural feeling. Please?”
“All right. I don’t want to make you upset.”
“You won’t make me upset. You are so wonderful.”
“Are you sure you like this?”
“I do hon. I do.”
***
When Trunks awoke the next morning, he found that Loren was already up. He stood up and stretched and jumped slightly when Loren entered the room in her male form. He gazed at her, amazed that she was just as beautiful in her other form. She gazed at him and took his hand, watching him slightly flinch at her touch. He gazed into her eyes as he tried to keep the fact that she was androgynous fresh in his mind. He closed his eyes as she kissed him, his mind vainly trying to forget the fact that he was holding a male. She was neither but his mind still rejected her male form even though his heart had come to accept the way she was.
“I know it’s difficult to adjust to but I’m going to have to get used to the affects of this planet on this form before the tournament,” she said as she stepped away from him.
“I know that you’re both but my mind doesn’t want to accept it,” Trunks said as he gazed at her bare chest.
“Do you have some extra clothes? I’m afraid I can’t wear the ones I have been wearing.”
“Yeah, you can’t wear those dresses of yours. People wouldn’t understand. Um…how am I supposed to address you now?”
“You can always use my name or hey you. You can also use whatever pronoun you feel comfortable with using. It doesn’t make any difference to me.”
“I’m sorry. I feel like an idiot.”
“It’s all right.”
“Let’s get you some clothes. We were supposed to visit Mother today but I’ll call and tell her that we can’t make it. I don’t think she’s up to seeing you the way you are now.”
“Surely Vegeta has explained it to her.”
Trunks sighed as he took her hand. He led her into the bedroom and gazed at her masculine but sensual body. He shook his head and walked over to the closet and opened it. Loren watched him, sensing his apprehension to her current state. She walked up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. He glanced at her as she ran a hand through his hair and took a blue shirt off of its hangar.
“Here. This should fit,” he said and turned to face her.
“Thank you,” Loren said and took the shirt from his outstretched hand.
“Loren…”
“What?”
He kissed her and sighed as he pressed his body into hers. She was the same, even though her outside appearance was different. He probed her mouth with his tongue as he held her tightly. She flinched as his body pressed harder on her waist as she leaned against the wall for support. He transformed as he ran his hands down her muscular arms. She gazed at him as he pushed her hair away from her face. He continued to kiss her as he let his hands wander to her waist. She felt him squeeze her body and jerked back.
“It’s sensitive, isn’t it?” he asked as he looked at her. “Now you know why I get so red when you touch me there.”
“You’re just playing aren’t you?” she asked and he smiled.
“There’s a lot about you that I have to get used to now. Put on the shirt hon.”
“I don’t want to be treated differently just because my appearance is different.”
“I’m not treating you differently. I’d better get you some pants as well.”
“Bulma is going to have to find out sooner or later,” Loren said as she watched Trunks rummage through some drawers for a pair of pants.
“I know. I just don’t know how to put it to Mother gently.”
“There is no way to put this concept in a way that you humans can understand. The best way is to come right out and say it. I apologize if I sound cold but that’s the best way to do it.”
“Here. I don’t wear these much.”
Loren took the pants from his hand and put them on. She pulled the shirt over her head and shook her head. Trunks watched her stretch her slender frame for a moment then stood up. He put on a pair of shoes and watched Loren walk to the mirror. She gazed at her reflection for a moment then smiled as she turned to face Trunks.
“We’d better get going. You’re usually complaining about how hungry you are by now,” she said as she slipped on a pair of shoes.
“I still need to say something to Mother,” Trunks said as he stood up.
“We’ll go there later. Seeing the way I am now is the only way to explain it to her.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“It will work out Trunks.”
He nodded his head as he followed her out of the room. He knew that it would work out he just hoped that Bulma wasn’t completely shocked by Loren’s true nature. He didn’t want to alienate his parents because of who he loved but he couldn’t deny Loren either. As the Supreme Kai had said, there was a special bond between the two and he could not nor did he want to break it. He loved Loren and he wanted to be with the entity not the body forever.
***
“Let me get this straight dear. If you are asexual, then why do you have the capability to love him?” Bulma asked Loren as they sat in the study.
“Isn’t there more to your love with Vegeta than the physical desire to regenerate?” Loren inquired. “Besides, the only reason that I’m this way is to get a fair chance at the tournament. Trunks felt that I would be taken advantage of in my preferred form.”
“But doesn’t he object to you being this way?”
“He doesn’t see me as the rest of you do. He sees me as a whole, not split like everyone else does.”
“I’m surprised that Vegeta didn’t attempt to kill you after he found out.”
“I explained it to him in terms that he could understand.”
“So what do we call you now dear?”
“Dear is fine Bulma. You can also use whatever pronoun you wish. Generally I’ll know if you are speaking to me or not.”
“This is going to take awhile to adjust to.”
“I understand. I don’t use this form much however so you won’t be seeing it a lot.”
“I don’t know if this is appropriate to say or not but you’re cute both ways. Even as you are now, you look slightly feminine.”
“That’s because I’m still the same, no matter what I look like. My body may be different but my mind has not changed.”
“I can see that dear. It’s just going to take awhile to get used to. You know, you look really sweet wearing his clothes.”
“Thank you.”
“I was just checking to see how Mother was coping. You’re more understanding than Dad was,” Trunks said as he walked into the study.
“That’s because I can see that it’s the same sweet, innocent person. Vegeta tends to base his opinions off of appearance. That’s a fault of his,” Bulma said.
“It’s been a fault of his for quite some time now,” Loren said and Trunks sat next to her.
“Honey, you are prepared to get teased by Krillin and possibly Gohan, aren’t you?”
“At least in this form, Roshi won’t make passes at her,” Trunks said as Loren lay her head on his chest.
“I expect you two to behave not matter what she looks like.”
“Mom we’re perfectly safe.”
“I don’t care what you do at your apartment honey, but you’d better behave while you’re here. Do you understand?”
“Of course Mother.”
“That means no straying hands dear.”
“What?” Loren asked and looked at Bulma. Trunks pushed her hand away from his crotch and blushed.
“She didn’t mean anything by it,” he said.
“You’ve got to keep a better watch on her then. Vegeta won’t be as forgiving as I am if he sees it. Especially if she does it the way she is now,” Bulma said.
“What did I do wrong this time?” Loren asked.
“Nothing love,” Trunks said and kissed her. Vegeta walked into the room, looked at the couple on the couch, scowled, and walked back out of the room. He did not want to get involved.
“That’s as far as you’re going to go,” Bulma said and Trunks pulled away from Loren. He sighed and wiped his mouth, glancing at a spot of blood that lingered on his hand. Loren’s eyes grew wide as she moved away from him.
“I’ve…I’ve hurt you. I never meant to. I’m really, really sorry Trunks,” she said and tried to put as much couch between them as she could.
“Loren love, it’s okay. I’m not upset, am I?” he asked and she looked at him. He smiled and she slowly returned the smile. She allowed Trunks to pull her back into his arms and sighed.
“You don’t need to be so skittish dear. Well, I’d better get downstairs and cook something for the men. Two of them anyway,” Bulma said as she looked at Loren.
“Lock the door love,” Trunks said after Bulma had gone.
“But Bulma said…” Loren protested.
“It’ll be all right. You just can’t make any noise. Understand?”
Loren stood up and locked the study door. Trunks put his hands on her waist and unzipped her pants. He watched as an unreadable expression covered her face as he pulled down the boxers that he had gotten for her male form. She gasped when she felt him kiss her flesh and he gazed up at her.
“You promised,” he said.
“I’m sorry. It doesn’t feel like this in my other form,” she said.
“Quiet love.”
She closed her eyes and bit her lip, not understanding the heat that Trunks was making her feel in her current form. She felt her emotions build towards a climax, then after a few moments, sighed and opened her eyes. Trunks gazed up at her, a white liquid dripping from his mouth. She shrank back, sure that she had done something wrong and he smiled.
“This is normal. I would really like you to do it to me sometime,” he said and pulled her boxers up.
“I thought I was going to melt,” she said as he stood up.
“That’s how men get excited. I’m still surprised that you didn’t know about it.”
“I have no use for those feelings.”
“Then how can you get so turned on when we’re alone together?”
“I don’t know.”
“You are so special Loren. Unlock the door, will you? They might suspect something if they found the door locked.”
“Why would they suspect something?”
“Because we did something that we weren’t supposed to do.”
“You told me that it was okay.”
“As long as we don’t mention it to Mother and Father we’ll be fine.”
“Why can’t I say anything?”
“It’s our secret.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Are you going to eat or has she replaced your desire for food?” Vegeta asked as he opened the study door.
“I’m coming. I wasn’t aware that it was ready,” Trunks said and stood up. Loren watched him leave then gazed out the window. She disappeared and reappeared in the forest. She smiled as a deer walked up to her and patted its head. She ran her fingers over its velvet-like skin and gazed into its deep black eyes.
“Where are your antlers? You’re the same one I saw a long time ago,” she said as she stroked its neck. A bird cried out as it flew overhead and Loren glanced up.
“Do you know who’s coming?” she inquired and the deer shook its head. It glanced behind her and ran off.
“I thought you might be out here,” Piccolo said and she turned towards him.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked and Piccolo gazed at her masculine body.
“I just wanted to talk.”
“That’s not like you, Piccolo.”
“I just couldn’t train today.”
“Piccolo, you’re always training.”
“I know,” Piccolo said as he took her hand.
“What do you want to talk about?” Loren asked as he ran a hand through her hair.
“Be careful at the tournament.”
