Seven Years Later
Diplomacy, Princess Serena reflected, was certainly one of the easiest aspects of her duty as heir to the Throne of the Moon Kingdom. She always liked meeting new people and with the peace that had blessed the Galaxy these last few years, this pleasure was only added to. She looked out from the balcony of the front of the Palace, the attack by the Dark Kingdom seven years ago had led to the building being rebuilt on a massive scale.
A chill ran down Serena's mind as she thought that, seven years? Was that all? It seemed more like an eternity. The changes in her life since then had been incredible, not just with the Palace and her taking on full responsibilities of a Princess of the most powerful World in the Central Quadrant, but also on a deeply personal level. From the balcony, Serena could see to Lunos, rebuilt and as proud as it had once been with the new buildings reflecting the old ones much in their style. With a full summer day, Serena could quite clearly see the Gohan Ox Park, the one new landscape project out of the rebuilding efforts. It had been the only thing Serena had supported in giving Gohan's name too, she remembered her friend and husband not one for glory, but one who wanted peace. A place where families could be together was the most fitting tribute she could think of for his memory.
To pull her from her thoughts however, Serena heard a cough behind her, one from a familiar and welcome voice. She turned with a smile as she faced her husband, Prince Darien. He stood in a full formal uniform suited for his position only spoiled by the two year old girl balanced in his arms. Dressed in an immaculate state dress, the girl looked on in wonder at all around her as most children do that age, somewhat spoiling Darien's attempt at dignity. Serena could not help but giggle at the sight, thinking that at least this time the girl's hands weren't covered with chocolate. Serena walked over to them and tapped her daughter's nose gently "Have you been a good girl? I hope you haven't been giving daddy trouble Rini."
The girl smiled brightly and shook her head "Bin good!" She stated happily as Darien pulled a face at the words.
"This is the fourth jacket I've had to put on." Darien said matter-of-factly "I tell you that we shouldn't spoil her with chocolate. It gets everywhere."
"Oh don't be such a stick in the mud Darien." Serena said, straightening out Rini's hair as she spoke "All kids like sweets don't they?" She addressed the last question to Rini, giving the girl a tickle under the chin, causing her to gurgle in delight.
Darien sighed as he heard those words, trying to get through to his wife "I sure they all like having their own teeth not being rotted by sugar by the time they reach thirteen as well." He said in an admonishing tone. Serena had matured considerably these last few years, but when it came to her daughter, several blind spots had developed.
A withering look came from Serena as she stepped back to check over Rini's appearance "We'll talk about it later. For now, we've got to receive visitors." She leant over and spoke directly to Rini "And you know who that is don't you?"
"Goon!" Rini shouted out happily, the nearest she could get to her favourite playmate "Goon! Goon!"
A look was shared between Serena and Darien as they grinned at Rini's mispronunciation "Close enough." Serena said happily before walking past Darien "Come along you two, we don't want to keep them waiting!" Darien quickly followed Serena, taking her hand in his while continuing to carry Rini. The family made their way through the Palace, greeting the servants along the way as they headed towards the public gardens where the meeting was to take place. As they stepped out into the light of the gardens, Serena looked over them, remembering how much had happened seven years ago and the ever present pang of guilt struck once again. She had not forgotten, she never could.
The three made their way to the fountain in the centre of the garden, one that had been built during the reconstruction of the Palace. It was the largest structure in the garden, plenty of room to sit along and rest, which three people were currently doing. As Serena, Darien and Rini got closer; the ambassador from the Saiyan Empire and his own family came into view. The faintest twinge of sadness was felt in Serena's heart as she looked at Kakarott and his family, particularly the small boy laughing in the man's arms. If not for her, there would have been four people standing there.
A look from Kakarott pulled her from her guilt as he called out to her "Serena! Good to see you again." He said, standing up while putting his son on the ground. The young boy looked over and his eyes gleamed as he saw Rini, starting to rush towards her.
The young girl's eyes lit up when she saw the young boy and she held out her hands in front of her "Goon! Goon!" She squealed in delight, holding out her hands towards him.
The boy stopped in his tracks and pouted a little at her "How many times do we have to go through this? My name is Goten. Go-Ten. Can you say that?"
Rini's face looked blank for a moment before brightening up again as she said "Goon!" Much to everyone but Goten's amusement.
"Looks like you'll have to get used to Rini's way of saying things Goten." Darien said as he lowered Rini down to the floor, her small legs slowly going forward as she walked to her favourite playmate. Goten quickly rushed up to her, giving her a hug as the two met causing the girl to giggle happily.
As the two children started their games, Serena gave a small curtsy to Kakarott as befitted his position as ambassador "It's a welcome sight to see you and your family. How have you been?"
In return to the curtsy, Kakarott bowed although the actions were merely habits of formality, their friendship having rendered them largely unnecessary "We've been well thank you Serena. Especially since the cargo of food came in from Earth. I thought we'd have to go without beef for a few days, man I was worried!"
Despite living on the Moon Kingdom for the better part of six years, the different eating habits had yet to sink in properly. Overlooking Kakarott's dense nature for now, Serena turned to Chi-Chi giving a much more formal bow "It is good to see you too Chi-Chi."
The only reply Serena got for that statement was a curt nod. Chi-Chi had been far less forgiving than Kakarott concerning Gohan's fate and had always been hostile towards Serena even if she had not acted upon her hostility in any great way. Chi-Chi walked past the Princess and went over to Goten and Rini, making the excuse that she'd make sure Goten wouldn't play too rough. Kakarott watched his wife go sadly; he understood her pain but had managed to forgive Serena. He could only hope that she would manage to do the same one day. He turned to face Serena once again, noting the glimmer of pain in her eyes but decided to move on as a distraction from it "I have some news from Emperor Vegeta."
Both Darien and Serena's ears pricked up at that. Ever since the Dark Kingdom had collapsed, the Southern Quadrant had been completely up for grabs which had benefitted both the Saiyan Empire and the Moon Kingdom immensely. The two powers had quickly moved to grab as much as they can which was quickly causing tensions to rise between them again. Queen Serenity was away on negotiations with several powers to finally sort out who was to get what with the results being very slow to appear. Any news from Emperor Vegeta was an interesting development.
"The Emperor has told me that he's willing to drop claims on the Worf system in return for allowing greater food supplies from Moon Kingdom trading posts near Saiyan claims." Kakarott kept his face straight through that, having memorised the message clearly. Serena knew more than enough about Saiyan eating habits however to guess that the Empire had overstretched itself in its claims, leaving the supply situation precarious.
"That certainly is a generous offer Kakarott." Serena stated truthfully, the Worf system was a cluster of Planets that had large mineral resources "But why am I being asked and not my mother? She is at the conference with the Emperor after all."
Ever honest Kakarott honestly looked blank at that "Good point. I'll have to ask the Emperor when I see him next. Maybe she was too busy to give an answer?"
Serena gave a nod at that, not entirely believing it herself. Whatever Emperor Vegeta was planning, she'd have to be prepared for it "The decision is ultimately my mother's Kakarott. She is the one to be asked. But if it is my opinion you're after, then I believe it is a good deal."
"I'll be sure to tell the Emperor when I speak to him next Serena." Kakarott said before looking over to where Chi-Chi was playing with Goten and Rini, the little girl trying to take a hold of Goten's tail, grinning at the soft feel of the fur.
A smile crossed Serena's face as she said "Reminds me of me and Gohan…" She realised what she had said and looked embarrassed at her words.
Her doubt was assuaged with a simple smile from Kakarott "I know, Goten reminds me of his brother every day. The two would have got on well." Kakarott shared a glance over to his young son, his mind full of regrets for a moment over the fate of his son and his inability to have helped him. He shook that from his head however as he walked over to his wife, putting a hand on her shoulder and smiling down at the three "Having fun I see." He said cheerfully.
Sadness enveloped Serena's heart once more at the scene before her. She could not stop feeling the guilt of her involvement of Gohan's death. She had promised to honour Gohan's memory to her dying day, something she had never stopped doing. Feeling her thoughts, Darien draped an arm around Serena's shoulders, giving her a smile to comfort her. Serena returned it half heartedly before starting to walk over to the group. Official business was more or less over for now, the time for being together was here.
XxX
Several million miles away, another Princess was deep in thought as she walked through the depths of her own Palace. Like the Moon Kingdom, Jurai had spent the last seven years recovering from its brief Civil War and had emerged stronger than ever. This was highly beneficial for one person in particular. As she walked through the corridors which made up the ancient dungeons of the Palace, Princess Sasami reflected upon what she was about to do. The culmination of seven years planning could very well have her brought before a court on charges of treason or an act of War at the very least.
These facts however, only served to urge Sasami onwards in her determination. She saw herself as being on a mission of justice and would punish the guilty, regardless of the costs. The dungeons stored the tool of her mission, where the only confidant in her mission resided. Actually finding her had been a great task in perseverance by Sasami, the woman in question being a wanted criminal throughout the Galaxy. Her hiding place in the very bottom of the Palace on Jurai being a spectacular piece of irony on Sasami's part.
Despite the fact that she was sure that no one would come down here, several traps had been built into some of the corridors to discourage anyone from going further than the higher levels. Sasami had them all memorised in her mind and how to avoid them, having to hop and skip at times to avoid the trick tiles which would activate the traps. When she finally reached one section of the corridor that seemed no different than the rest, she reached out and touched one section that looked like all other sections. It must have been vastly different however as no other section of the wall would have made the bricks slide open and reveal an opening that the Princess darted through as it quickly closed behind her.
As with every other time she had entered this room, Sasami was left with a sense of awe at the dozens of machines and devices laid scattered around. A large chamber itself, it was almost full with the many inventions of the woman with the creativity of an entire civilisation and roughly 0.000001% of the sanity. Sasami looked around the chamber for her aid in her mission and saw her, or rather, the large shock of jagged pink hair which stood out above a table which obscured the rest of her body.
A series of bangs and smacks were heard as Sasami approached, leading her to wonder what the scientist was up to now. When she reached the work table, Sasami leant over and said "What're you working on now Washu?"
The woman stopped her tinkering and popped her head from under the table, giving Sasami a grin "Hey there squirt." Washu said with her usual lack of formality and respect for Sasami's position. Even though Sasami knew he should be insulted, she found something quite refreshing in her attitude, Jurai being quite stagnant when it came to Court life. Washu straightened up and placed a device on the table, looking like a metallic rugby ball with a series of ominous looking buttons set along the side "The freaking toaster's broken again. Ever since I added that nuclear accelerator, it hasn't worked quite right."
Sasami went to ask the question but stopped herself quickly. When it came to asking about many of Washu's technological innovations, ignorance was definitely bliss "I've come to ask about your progress on the suit."
A sigh came from Washu's lips as she threw her hands up in the air "That again? Honestly Sammy, we need to get you a hobby, or a boy. Look at you; you're eighteen years old, good looking and a Princess. We could have men throwing them before your feet with a bit of time and effort." Sasami blushed at those words, even if she knew them to be true. Over the last seven year, she had a growth spurt and her figure and curved out from a young girl's to a young woman's. The majority of her freckles had disappeared although a few remained along her nose and cheeks. She had grown into quite a beauty but it was not something she was willing to take advantage of.
Despite Washu's words, Sasami overlooked the truth of them and went on "If I wanted compliments, I'd have organised a tea party with my mother and sister. A report on the suit will be fine. Is it any closer to completion?"
A smirk crossed Washu's face as she crossed over to another work table nearby which was covered with a sheet "We really need to get you a boy Sammy. I'm thinking a girl's night out, you and me painting the town red. What d'ya think?"
Despite her attempt to retain a serious countenance, Sasami couldn't help but smile a little. Alone of all other people, Washu could bring a smile to her face to her extrovert nature that bordered on the unbelievable pretty much all the time "I think that the Princess of Jurai and the most wanted criminal scientist in all the Northern Quadrant couldn't go out without attracting some unwanted attention."
"True, but think of all the boys we'll get in doing so." Washu held onto the sheet and pulled it off, revealing the reason behind her current employment. A metallic suit, skin tight with a silver sheen to it lay on the table. It practically gleamed in the light, it being fitted exactly to Sasami's height and body form perfectly. The suit ran from the feet to the neck, stopping just below the throat, leaving the head free. Washu gave a smile as she looked at the suit, it being her pride and joy in her work "Well, it looks as if it'll be complete soon Sammy. The specifications you wanted were hard to get right but they're almost complete now. A week or two is all I need to perfect the process and it'll be up and running."
While Washu would happily admit she was very much a mad scientist, the look in Sasami's eyes as she gazed upon the suit and heard those words put her nerves on edge. Her employment under Sasami had started five years ago, the Princess showing ingenuity not normally associated with her sort in tracking down Washu after a two year search, not with an attempt to capture, but a job offer. For whatever price Washu demanded, she would in turn build a suit able to absorb both magical and physical energy while also amplifying the wearer's ability to fight a hundred fold. Not one to ask too many questions at such an opportunity, Washu had leapt at the offer and had spent the better part of five years in the dungeons of Jurai, working on her project with Sasami waiting impatiently.
Truth was, Washu had come to like the girl in front of her. She had provided stability in a life that very much needed it and been the only constant companion Washu had ever had since most of her pets generally wound up as an experiment somewhere down the line. To see that look on Sasami's face worried Washu for some reason she couldn't quite explain. Deciding she couldn't wait any longer, Washu asked the question she should have done five years ago "So Sammy, what's the suit for? I shouldn't think Jurai needs much defending since your mother took over everything."
There was no answer at first as Sasami ran her fingers across the suit, the strange metal so smooth and cold. When she finally managed to speak, she only gave the briefest of replies "The suit is not for defence, but for justice."
"Justice against who?" Washu asked, wondering if she'd spent the last five years aiding someone in a personal vendetta.
"You'll find out soon enough." Sasami said enigmatically, her fingers finally lifting from the suit as she turned back to Washu "Needless to say, whatever you've been hoping to receive for this job, you'll get it and lots more besides." Sasami paused as she looked back up towards the ceiling, her smile fading a little "I need to be going for now, I'll bring some food and other supplies later tonight. I'll see you then." Not even waiting for a reply, Sasami turned around and exited, not wanting to hear anymore questions. As she left, Washu had to admit the girl was Royalty alright, no one else could assume that level of arrogance and get away with it.
For the first time in a long while, Washu was having second thoughts regarding her project. The reward for it wasn't really a motive, the joy of science itself being the major driving factor in all her work. Leaning over the suit, Washu wondered just what she had helped create and to what end it would serve…
XxX
A brightly lit Palace, covered with splendour and riches, that was had all he had known, all he could remember. For years now he had served in one room, at the side of his Queen, never wavering in his duty as he stood to attention, protecting her from all. He was a young man, handsome with dark hair that fell down to his shoulders and a neutral expression ever on his face. His clothes were of rich and fine quality, the finest and strongest silks making up his outfit. Only one item was on him which looked crude. A metal necklace, thick and bulky that seemed to serve no real purpose other than to be there and to make the young man look like some kind of slave.
Such thoughts were not new to the man however and he was used to keeping them to himself. All he could do was stand by the Throne of his Queen and guard her, that was his duty, even if and when she got other ideas. For now however, the man seemed safe, his Queen busy with business. The small General Nezu was standing to attention, her short stature not detracting from her seriousness manner… too much. The Queen lounged on her Throne, openly enjoying the younger woman's vain attempts to hide her terror "So then General Neru, is everything going according to plan?" The tone of Galaxia's voice easily displayed what she wanted the answer to be.
The small woman trembled slightly at the question and nodded hard "Y-Yes my Queen. All our forces are gathering as planned; only your order is needed before we strike."
A sadistic smile crossed Galaxia's face at the news "Good Neru, we shall soon see ourselves at War with the Moon Kingdom." She leant over to her side where the man stood "A celebration should soon be in order don't you think?" Her finger ran up the man's arm, causing him to inwardly shudder. Every touch she placed upon him felt disgusting; he wanted to break that damn finger. But the Queen had a great influence upon him, one he had not been able to break for seven years. As much as he wished otherwise, he would have to bear it.
"There is another piece of information your Majesty." Neru said nervously "It seems as if the conference between the powers regarding the Southern Quadrant will come to fruition. The Saiyan Empire is compromising on various issues."
"Compromising?" Galaxia asked rhetorically, amused as ever "Emperor Vegeta must be getting old. Ah well, no matter, even united the rest stand no chance against us, particularly with this handsome man with us." Once more, Galaxia traced a finger along the young man's arm, making him flinch in disgust. Overlooking that gesture, Galaxia went on "He's the strongest being under my control. With him and all others, the entire Galaxy will be ours."
General Neru looked at the man for the first time, not without some trace of jealousy towards Galaxia. The young man's good looks and bangs of dark hair certainly made him desirable and the clothes he wore did little to hide the muscles underneath, his firm figure certainly easily seen. A sudden glare from Galaxia brought Neru down to Earth with a hasty bump "You are dismissed General." Came the icy command from Galaxia, causing Neru to gulp in panic and use her magic to vanish completely, leaving Galaxia and the young man alone.
The young man tried to avoid the Queen's eye, every time she looked at him like a dagger in his soul. Only the influence Galaxia enjoyed over him prevented him from striking her down. Despite his better judgement, the young man asked "Is there anything you wish of me my Queen?"
The regret he felt at these words was instant as Galaxia grinned like a cat with a mouse "Oh, there is certainly one or two things we can do together…"
The man felt the bile at the back of his throat rise at those words. As much as it sickened him, he would bow to her will as he had done so many times before. And he would feel another part of him die towards the impotent rage inside him. His will hers to shape, the young man could only murmur "Y-Yes my Queen." Despite his strength, despite being powerful enough to destroy Worlds, this woman owned him and she used it to her full advantage. The disgust and powerlessness he felt was only matched by his fury, unable to find the ability to resist, he could only wait for a chance to rebel. Something he hoped would come before he was completely dead inside.
To be continued…
*Sigh* You know, I really wanted to get at least two other projects out the way before even thinking of starting on this one. But the ideas kept coming and they refused to stop until I started writing. Anyway, Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of this sequel and please, read, enjoy and review!