Homicides and Heartbreaks

Disclaimers: I do not own DBZ/GT but my several OC's

Authors Note: Thanks for all the hits everyone! It's nice to see so many of you think this story is worth checking out. I know the whole Pan/Uub thing might have turned some people off, but I promise it'll be a good read regardless of the couple chosen. Special thanks to avery, ladybugg and SonChan!

I'm excited to see what's going to happen!

Chapter 1: The Return

Pan's Apartment 9:01 am

Pan awoke in the same position she fell in the previous night. Her head was hurting her and she suspected it was from all of the crying. Just the thought of tears made Pan's eyes water once more.

"It just can't be true…" she murmured to herself. Pan clutched her knees. Her only uncle…one of her greatest mentors, was gone. She clenched her teeth tightly together. Goten had already been returned to life by the dragon balls before, meaning that there was no way to get him back. He was gone for good.

Her eyes remained glossy as she tried to reason how something like this could happen. No human, no matter how strong, would be able to kill a Saiyan. It just wasn't plausible. The entire detective inside Pan knew that there was more to Goten's murder than met the eye.

Wearily, she got up to look at the clock. She should have been at work by now. Pan had to smile slightly. For being late two days in a row, her job had been pretty laid back about it. Pan had to smile knowing it was most likely due to the efforts of Kane and Sorano looking out for her. "Those two," she whispered.

As Pan made her way to her room to change, her eyes darted to the variety of pictures in her apartment. Her heart sank as most of them included her family and friends, both groups of which Pan considered Goten to be in. She actually came to a halt at one of the pictures. It had been the picture Bra and Goten sent for their engagement. Pan bit her lip as she observed the photo. Bra had wrapped her arms around Goten's neck and his famous Son smile was sprawled across his beaming face. She held the portrait in her shaking hands.

She had missed the wedding, and without a good reason. It wasn't just because it meant seeing her family. Pan recalled the phone call where she declined the invite. It hadn't gone so well…

"Pan, what do you mean you can't come?"

Bra's shock was apparent as her so called best friend tried to explain her answer.

"Oh Bra," Pan began, "You know how I've told you time and time again how my job is just to complicated to simply leave for a short period…"

"That's bullshit and you know it Pan."

"Damn it, why are you acting like this?"

Bra grunted. "I want you to be my maid of HONOR Pan. Doesn't that mean something to you? Doesn't our friendship seem a bit more important than that stupid job of yours?" She asked growing angry.

"Who are you to talk about my job like that? I don't berate you for being just like the rest of your family by you going into Capsule Corps. and whatnot." Pan replied harshly. She didn't mean what she said, because how could Bra know the extent of her wish to not come home?

The next sounds she heard were Bra's yells and a man's voice, presumably Goten's. Pan was able to make out "I can't talk to her like this, I just can't…" before the phone was handed over to someone else.

"Panny," Her uncle's tone was sweet yet stern. Exactly how it was whenever she got in trouble with him when she was younger. Pan frowned. They still treated her like a child.

"Ojisan, I'm not four anymore if you haven't noticed." The younger woman answered.

"No but you are acting like it," Goten nearly snapped. Pan was taken aback at the loss of his saccharine tone. She could hear him sigh. "I'm sorry," he continued. "But Pan, what the hell could your job be keeping you for that you can't manage to get away to see our wedding?" Goten wondered.

Pan gritted her teeth. "I'm just busy…ok!?"

"I'm serious Pan." Goten answered. There was a pause before he spoke again. "Is…is this because I am marrying Bra?" he questioned.

"Why would I have a problem with my UNCLE marrying my best friend?"

"So it is because of that!"

"Not more so than for other reasons as well."

"Shit, Pan…" Goten whispered. "You know that when you had your stupid crush on Trunks, who happens to have a bigger age difference between you two than Bra and myself, I was supportive of you."

"Because you knew he would never fall for me."

"No, because you are my niece and I love and support you in all that you do." Goten said. "Why is it you can't do the same?" he wondered.

Pan was breathing steadily. So many emotions were being felt at that moment. Every reason why she left home in the first place came to mind. It had been more than Goten starting to date Bra. It was more than Uub and her reaching a point in their relationship in which they couldn't tell friendship and lust apart. It was more than Gohan and Videl treating her like a child. Pan did not know herself, and to this day realized she still didn't. Before she could go back, she knew she would have to figure it out.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world Ojisan," Pan managed to say softly. "But I can't come…I'm sorry." And with that she hung up.

Her heart ached at that moment; it was like there was a premonition that the phone call would be the last time she'd talk to her uncle ever again.

--

Tokyo Police Station 9:38 am

"What? You're leaving?"

Pan lowered her head as Sorano asked her that question rather loudly. Kane just remained silent, but looked just as stunned.

"I-I have to go back home," Pan murmured.

"You didn't even go back to your uncle's wedding last month, so why the change all of a sudden?" Sorano wondered.

A sigh emitted from Pan's lips. "Uncle Goten…was murdered." She whispered. Kane gasped along with Sorano, who placed a hand over her mouth. "I need to find out what happened." Pan continued.

"Oh Panny," Sorano said softly. She pulled her into a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry," Kane stated, finally putting together some words. "Take as much time as you need. Your family comes first." He added touchingly.

Pan nodded at the two. "Thank you for understanding. Both of you are the best," she told to them.

Sorano, ever the cheerer, replied, "Well I'd better be after all I've done for you…"

"Isn't Pan the one who's always saving your ass?"

The dark eyed girl laughed as Sorano glared at Kane. Sorano stuck her tongue out at him. "No one asked you, mister." She retorted. Her gaze turned back to Pan. "Are you going to be ok?" she wondered. "Do you need me or Kane to go with you?"

Kane looked at Pan intensely, as if he was hoping she'd say yes. And really, deep inside, Pan wished for it herself, but she knew that the complications of her family's history would prove to be too much for her two human friends. What would Kane think of her knowing she was part alien?

"I'll be fine, Sorano." Pan assured her, but kept her eyes on Kane. "This is something I have to do myself." She barely managed to roll off her tongue.

Sorano nodded. "I understand completely," She stated. "But if you need us at all, we'll be in Satan City faster than Tokyo minute!"

"After you've flirted your way through the airline…"

"KANE!"

Pan smiled as Sorano walked off to her desk, fuming at the comment made by Kane. Her face, though, grew demure once her attentions turned towards her other friend.

"Pan," Kane murmured in a low voice.

Her eyes had become a bit glossy as he spoke her name so sweetly. "I have the worst timing, don't I?" she said lightly.

"Are you sure you are ok?"

"Hai, I am."

He leaned in closer to her. "You don't have to pretend to be so brave." Kane whispered.

The comment left Pan emitting a small gasp. Uub had said something of the likes before they became a couple. "Why the hell am I thinking of Uub all of a sudden?!" she thought to herself.

With a tiny grin, Pan assured Kane once more. "I'll call you the moment I need you." She promised.

"Hopefully, that call will come soon."

She could feel her knees weaken at his voice. Kane smiled and embraced her quickly before returning to his duties. "Take care of yourself Son," he stated, trying to sound professional lest the rest of their colleagues suspect some interoffice romance. His touch had been so warm and inviting, Pan wished he didn't have to let go.

Taking one last look at her office, Pan bade it goodbye and hoped to see it soon. Depending on how long Goten's case would remain a mystery, she wouldn't be returning in the near future. She glanced at Kane as he worked once more and wished him well.

"So much for this," Pan whispered, finally turning to leave.

--

Field near the Son Household 2:50 pm

Goku had been training almost the entire morning. It was his way of dealing with his grief. Last night he was more concentrated on consoling his wife and family more so than taking care of himself. He was always like that though. Always putting others before him was one of the qualities that made Goku so special.

He wanted to be angry, and deep down his fury grew silently. But Goku knew the price of staying out of this fight. Typically, throughout all of his escapades, there had never been any interruptions by humans, let alone the police. If there were, it was usually the Z senshi being targeted for a misunderstanding. Goku knew little about law enforcement other than blasting an injustice into the next dimension. Uub had tried to explain it to his mentor once, but the details seemed to fly over his head.

Pan had been flying for several hours straight. Despite her avian ways, she had slowed the journey down just to delay it even a bit. To ease her uneasiness, Pan knew the first person she needed to see was her grandfather. He was always the best at these types of things.

Wiping the sweat off of his brow, Goku's eyes perked up as he felt a familiar ki approaching him. A slight smile appeared on his weary face as he turned to see Pan arrive with a suitcase in hand. She had grown up quite a bit since the last time he saw her, which was at least a good two years ago. Her raven hair extended past her shoulders and her body developed from a young fighter to a woman. Goku's heart seemed to soar at the image of his little granddaughter all grown up.

She tucked some stray wisps of hair behind her ear. "He-hey grandpa." Pan said.

The older man's smile grew wider. "Well now, who do we have here?" he joshed. Goku stepped a bit closer to Pan. "This couldn't be my one and only granddaughter, now could it?"

"Nice to see you too,"

Goku pulled her into a tight hug. "I've missed you, Pan." He said softly.

Pan closed her eyes and cherished the embrace. His tone was warm and happy but Pan knew better. He was simply masking his sorrow. Still, Pan inhaled the scent of the warrior that she knew so well.

"I was a bit worried you wouldn't come…"

The girl's eyes lifted up in shame. "Were you?" She wondered.

Goku had pulled apart and sighed. "Listen Pan," he started to say, "I know that for some reason you've chosen to distance yourself from everyone, and that's ok. I'm sure you have a good explanation as to why. But it doesn't change the fact that a lot of people who care about you were unable to understand your motives."

Weakly, she let out a bitter grin. "But you did…" Pan whispered.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "That I did," Goku replied with a grin. With his spare hand he took her suitcase. "Well let's get you situated." Goku said to her nodding towards the row of houses.

"So hospitable," Pan remarked with amusement.

"Eh, you know your grandmother would have my head otherwise!"

Pan had to giggle. Her grandfather hadn't changed a bit. But, could she be so sure about the rest of her family? About…him?

--

"Pan-Chan..."

Gohan had to inhale at the sight of his daughter. He had been working on funeral arrangments at his table when Pan and his father entered through his doors. Gohan felt like he was dreaming. It was true, he pleaded for her to return, but somewhere inside he felt as if she wouldn't.

The girl released a small smile. "Hi Papa," she murmured.

He immediately got out of his seat to hold her. Pan could hear him trying desperately not to show his emotions. That was always her father; the strong one. The one who held everything together. But the fact was that it was all too much with Goten's death and Pan's return.

"I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to get back." she didn't mean to say it, it just came out.

Her father matched her wry smile. "That's ok," Gohan spoke softly, "I'm just glad you are here."

"Gohan who's there...PAN!" Videl gasped as she entered the room. She immediately followed her husband's move and hugged her daughter. "Oh, my baby," she breathed.

"It's nice to know I've been missed."

Videl looked intently at her. "Did you really think that none of us had missed you?" she inquired almost bitterly.

Pan opened her mouth to answer but was unable to.

The mother of the girl frowned. "No matter, you are here now." Videl said taking Pan's suitcase from a silent Goku. "Just know that we have been thinking of you every day since you left." she stated, taking the object to Pan's room.

Pan's eyes darkened as she turned to face her father. He simply shrugged.

"We'll have a discussion about that later," Gohan said returning to the table. "There are more important things to think about." he had to whisper.

Goku placed a hand on Pan's shoulder. "I'll let your grandmother know you are home; she'll want to cook up something for you." he commented.

A flush of red appeared on Pan's cheeks as her stomach growled. "Heh, that might be a good idea Grandpa...

--

Satan City Cafe-4:26

"That was Videl who just called." Marron informed her friend. The girl closed her pink cell phone and turned to face the younger man. She and Uub were out getting coffee while Trunks was finishing up at Capsule Corps. The three of them had spent the day in Capsule Corps' hospital wing where Bra was situated. When Trunks had to take care of an emergency at work, the two other friends decided to grab a drink to boost their spirits and energy.

"About what?" Uub asked sipping his coffee.

"Pan came back,"

His cup stopped being raised as those brown eyes lifted in wonder. "Nani!?" Uub asked.

Marron smiled sweetly. "I'm so glad she did," she murmured. Her head sank though soon afterwards. "Part of me was nervous that she wouldn't come." She confessed.

"Goten was her uncle," was all that Uub could say.

"He was her uncle last month though, too."

Uub sighed. Marron hated to say such things—her tender heart could barely take it—but the truth as they knew it was that for some reason, Pan had decided to leave them all out of her life. Uub had found that out the hard way.

"I heard she's in the same line of work as you." Marron commented trying to change the subject.

"You don't say…" Uub said trailing off. He was losing interest. The man found it ironic that they ended up being so similar, and yet, Pan had once mentioned that it was their differences that forced them apart.

"You and I want different things, Uub…please understand that."

"I understood it alright," Uub gritted against his teeth. He blushed slightly as a confused Marron looked on at him. "Err, sorry Marron. I was thinking of something."

"Undoubtedly," Marron stated.

Uub was about to respond but their attention diverted to Trunks running up to them, out of breath. "Gu-guys…did…did you hear that…Pan is back?" Trunks panted.

"Just the got the news." Uub replied.

"Videl had called me right after we got out of your office." Marron pointed out.

Trunks nodded. "Yeah, she called kaasan as well who left a message for me." He said. "I guess she's coming over to see Bra." Trunks mentioned. Bra was still in a coma, but the gang felt better knowing she make it out physically ok.

"Oh, I'd like to see both of them." Marron commented.

"Let's get back to the hospital wing then," Trunks suggested.

Uub had barely moved by the time Marron and Trunks were walking out of the café. Marron tilted her head towards him. "Aren't you coming Uub?" she asked. Marron was interested to see the meeting between Pan and Uub, especially knowing their history together.

"I'm pretty busy with the case." Uub said.

Trunks nodded. "I understand, buddy. I'll let her know you said hi."

As he waved his hand, a small smirk had come across Uub's lips. "That'll be interesting." He remarked to himself.

--

"They say that she can still hear us," Bulma had whispered to her younger, crestfallen companion. They looked on as the sounds of monitors beeped in the background.

Pan's heart skipped a beat.

"I'll let you two catch up…" Bulma said turning around.

"Bulma-san?"

"Yes dea-"

Pan squeezed her hand tightly. No words were needed for her feelings to be read. Bulma gave a half smile. "Welcome back." She said in reply to the silent thanks. Her body left the room, leaving just Pan and a comatose Bra alone.

"Oh God," Pan barely managed to say. She was hardly prepared to hear about Goten's death, but the unexpected addition of Bra's injury was just too much of a shock. "I'm such a horrible friend," Pan muttered. She situated herself next to the bed and gazed on.

The two friends couldn't be anymore different from each other. Bra had always been the girly girl and Pan the reckless tomboy. Yet somehow, their differences (and minor similarities) brought them closer than any compatible traits ever could. Pan was so torn when she denied the wedding invitation. Saying no to Bra was like slapping her in the face. They had always been able to in the past work things out, but once Pan had left home, she truly cut off any and every tie…including her friendship with Bra.

She bit her lip. "I'm so sorry, Bra." Pan whispered.

Seeing Bra as she was reminded Pan of her motivation to her job and to this new case of her uncle's. Pan vowed to break the neck of the bastard who touched Bra in such an unfit way. She knew that now more than ever, it was needed for her to turn this whole situation around and make amends for the hurt she had caused everyone.

"Geeze Pan, if I had known you were going to turn out this good looking…"

Trunks and Marron were in the doorway smiling at their younger friend. Pan had to snicker.

"Geeze Trunks, if I had realized just how OLD you were going to end up looking…"

"Hey!"

Marron let out a laugh and approached Pan. "Oh my," she began. "It's so good to see you, Pan."

Pan rose and embraced her. "You haven't changed a bit." She murmured.

"Can't say the same for you," Marron stated. Her blue eyes analyzed Pan and her lips formed a grin. "You're more gorgeous than ever!"

The quarter saiyan blushed. "Eh, I'm alright." She said. Trunks had made his way over to her and also gave her a quick squeeze.

"Welcome home," he whispered.

Pan gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Mr. President." She retorted. The slightly cheery atmosphere faded. Her eyes made their way over to the silent woman in the room. "I feel so guilty." She confessed.

Marron gently placed her hand over the darker haired girl's shoulder. "We all do," she began, "You're no more responsible than any of us." Marron assured.

Pan was choking a bit on air. "Still…" she whispered.

"Nothing we can do about it now," Trunks said sullenly. "All we can do is wait for Uub to get a lead." He continued.

Ebony eyes met blue as their expression grew bewildered. "…did you say…Uub?" Pan wondered.

Trunks blinked. "I thought you knew he was an SVU detective. Aren't you one as well?" he inquired.

"I guess I was unaware that it was the same department as me. I knew he was involved with police enforcement but…wow."

"He wants us all to stay out of the case." Trunks commented.

"Why?"

"Since the police are involved."

"That's crazy…"

Trunks snorted. "Tell me about it."

Marron glared. "Trunks, Uub explained exactly why we have to!" she exclaimed. "This isn't like the typical battles you've all fought before. It's a totally different circumstance that unfortunately we have to abide by." She finished logically.

Pan thought for a moment. "…but, do you suppose I can technically be excluded?"

"That's a good point," Trunks declared.

"Well…" Marron fumbled on words to say. "I mean, you are in the exact same line of work…" she reasoned.

Pan smirked. "I guess it's time to pay Uub an overdue visit." She muttered. Pan touched Bra's hand. "Hang in there," she whispered. Pan quickly acknowledge her other friends and bade them adieu. "I'll catch up with you guys later!" she exclaimed running out of the room.

"Erm…" Marron blinked.

Trunks sighed. "I'm not even going to bother justifying it." He muttered shaking his head.

--

Satan City Police Station – 5:40 pm

Uub was focused on the papers in front of him. His task force had drawn up several possibilities to the case but he knew better that they were futile. These humans had no idea the power behind someone capable of murdering a saiyan. The man exhaled noisily.

"This is ridiculous…" he murmured.

"You always let these types of things get to you."

Startled by the voice behind him, Uub turned around immediately taking a swipe at the person. His eyes widened as not only his attack was dodged, but it had been Pan who entered through the window at the back. She smirked.

"Someone hasn't been training," Pan said in amusement.

"…Pan," he breathed.

Her smirk turned into a genuine grin. "Have I grown a wart or something?" she asked in noticing his fixed gaze upon her.

"I'm just…stunned to see you here." Uub confessed.

"As much as I wish this was a personal visit, I'm here to ask you about my uncle's case."

Uub sighed. "I don't know if anyone's told you, but I am not allowing the Z senshi to get involved."

Pan wrinkled her nose. "I know, silly." She admitted. "That wasn't the angle I was going for." Pan reiterated.

"This isn't your jurisdiction, Pan."

"Oh, so you ARE aware of my career choice."

Uub frowned. She was being much too crafty for his likes. He should be yelling and throwing items across the room; screaming at how she broke his heart and how she hurt everyone around them. He contained himself though.

"Again, you are not apart of this squad and I cannot let you in on this investigation." Uub said.

"So even if I was a major help to you, you wouldn't allow me to help solve my own uncle's murder and my best friend's rape!?" Pan replied harshly.

The dark skinned man clenched his teeth. "Pan, you know how these things work. It's beyond what I want, and more about what has to be done." He argued back.

"You don't seem so sure,"

"Damn, you're awfully irritating tonight."

"Excuse me?"

Pan's eyes flared with defiance.

Uub's own pair met hers with amusement. "You've changed." He remarked.

The girl scowled. "You're one to talk."

Uub shrugged and returned to his seat. "It happens." He muttered.

"Wait a minute," Pan began shaking her head. "Are you still mad at me for…?"

"For ripping my heart in two? Yeah, you could say that." Uub spat out in anger.

For a moment, Pan lost her confident air and became the vulnerable woman she had been for the past 24 hours.

His features softened. "I'm sorry Pan-Chan." Uub whispered. He felt uncomfortable calling her that, but it felt so normal to say that.

She turned around, disregarding his actions. "If you won't let me on the normal way, I can do this investigation myself and get much farther." Pan remarked leaning out of the window.

"Tough luck." Uub replied, nearly ignoring his reserved state beforehand. "You're without Bra's semen evidence as well as particles we found on Goten." He added. "What will you do to make up for that?"

Pan closed her eyes and gritted her teeth together. She knew he was right.

Uub had to smirk. He folded his arms as he spoke. "Alright, Pan. I'll humor you." Uub stated in a cynical tone. "Transfer to the Satan City Police and this case is yours to assist with." He finished with his leer growing all the while.

She turned around in surprise. "What the HELL Uub?!" Pan screamed.

"It's the only way…" he said in a sing song tone. His palms were placed behind his head as he eyed her flustered expression.

Pan snorted. "Like that'll happen." She responded. "This visit is temporary and besides, who'd want to work with you anyways?!" Pan yelled.

The sneer only grew upon Uub's face.

He saw her scoff in disgust. "Asshole," she muttered.

"Think about it tonight Pan and we'll talk tomorrow." Uub said finally turning around and returning to his previous task.

The girl was about to open her mouth in protest but decided to let it go. "Well then Majin, tomorrow we will have much to discuss." Pan replied exiting the window.

"I'll be looking forward to it," was the riposte she didn't hear.

And so ends chapter 2! I'm sorry this took a bit longer than I had anticipated but hopefully the next one will be up sooner.

Next Chapter: The investigation begins, and the playful banter continues between Pan and Uub. Interesting meetings will occur between the ex girlfriend and the current squeeze. More on the lovebirds past :)

Thanks again!