Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon ball z, or any of its characters. If you sue me, you'll get nothing.

A/N: Hope you enjoy it, sincerely it took me this long because I was sooo lazy haha, and besides I had little time for myself so when I got some I decided to relax, but still your reviews made me sit down and write this… so you see they really do make me write faster :D and I just have to mention that I was disappointed a little because so much of you guys added me to your alert list, which means you like this fic and you want to be alerted as soon as a new chapter is up, but still so little of you reviewed….if I take few hours of my time to write a chapter it would be nice if you would take a minute from yours to review One more thing- I am looking for a beta reader! So if any of you is interested to help me I would appreciate it :D

Chapter 4 Lažna nada (False hope)

How would you describe feeling of nothingness? Would you say it hurts, or that it blinds you? Maybe you would say it finally makes you see everything clearly? Would you think that if you feel nothing it is almost the same as your brain and soul being nonexistent? None of those assumptions are correct. Her brain was not dead, and her soul was here in its rightful place. Only problem was, she found herself unable to find them, to feel them, they were here she knew it, but they were lost somewhere between pain and desperation. At first when she finally woke up, she felt pain, desperation, sadness, grief for her parents and for herself. But shortly those feelings disappeared, and now she could feel nothing. Her eyes were almost closed, only thing that hold them open was sight of tiny snowflakes that fluttered in front of her. Now and then she would see familiar faces appear in front of her, but they meant nothing to her. A strange woman smiled lovingly at her but Pan did not recognize her mother, she gazed at another snowflake, which this time fell on a black lock of her hair.

White and black. Everything and nothing.

Her whole existence seemed as a mistake, one life conceived in vain, and with disappearance of two most important figures in her life it almost appeared as she disappeared as well. Life has been cruel to her, and it has always troubled her why was that so. Was it a mere game of destiny, testing her strength and will? Or was it all just a strange fortuitousness, ill luck? As to today, when her misery finally reached its pinnacle, she had no answers to such life substantially queries. Her mind was blank, giving her sore and tormented body and soul much needed pause; but in those very moments what she did not know was that her body and broken spirit were not taking just a mere pause; what seemed as a sheen, mind resting dream, was in fact nothing more an nothing less than death itself.

…..

Anger has drained from his already exhausted body, though he was sure of his need for anger absolution, and destructive fury ejection, surprisingly it had drained as soon as he left his so cold home, which lately felt more like stockade than a utopia what he considered home to present. What added to his anger absolution was stunning scenery outside; it appeared to be a vista of nothing than freedom. Freedom which only nature possessed, and whom he longed so much to possess himself.

Prince of all sayians.

He felt everything but a true prince in this instant; he felt more as a coward, whom is too feeble to fight for his life, for his destiny. At the moment he felt cornered by his obligations as a Prince and as a rightful heir to the throne, but what troubled him was the fact he did not see himself as an worthy enough to take the throne. Damn it! He was even too infirm to oppose his own father, how would it be possible for him to wrestle with much stronger and more dangerous invaders which his father so successfully struggled with for so many years?

That specific question remained unanswered as something else captured his attention, he noted something lying under the growing cluster of snow, and it seemed to be an injured animal. In any other occasion he would have moved on without thinking it over, but it was an unfamiliar force that drove him into landing and observing the situation closely. Later on, many years after this event he will be sure that the same destiny which failed him countless times was on his side that day.

His body was still protected by his worm ki, Trunks slowly landed on soft, covered with fresh cover of white snowflakes ground, and made his way over to the poor animal that was surely frozen for hours now. He growled at his weaknesses wondering what would his father, the king comment on such weakling actions. But as he was getting closer, Trunks could feel his heart racing, and his breath stuck in his throat, struggling its way out, but due to his shock it was unable to do so. It was not an animal, it was a person. He started running, his mind was blank and his heart was racing unbelievably fast. He finally reached to his target; he knelled next to the most horrifying sight he has ever laid his eyes upon.

Her skin was transparent; her lips were almost as white as the rest of her body, only a little spark of blue gave him hope that perhaps it was not too late. His eyes rapidly examined the rest of her body. There were several severe injuries, lots of cuts and bruises but nothing but that. He also noticed how underweighted she was. Though he did not know this girl or what has happened to her, he felt pity and remorse. How could someone let this happen to such a young and innocent girl? Then he began a serious and important inspection, he trailed his fingers over her delicate neck, which was at this point to cold he even flinched at the mere contact. Nothing. He felt nothing. Trunks closed his eyes so he would be able to concentrate more successfully. Then he tried it once more, this time he succeeded. It was so weak, so frail, but it was there, a heartbeat. Trunks wasted no more time as he gently lifted her in his warm and secure arms. He was well aware that he had little time to waste; girl's life was hanging on a thread. He was her only chance, and damn it, Trunks did not plan to be another person who will fail her.

…..

It was so warm, so serene. There was no pain, her limbs felt alive and rested. She could hear the distant sound of a worm fireplace, she heard the fire crackling, and it has produced in her a warm and relaxed sensation. In addition to it, silent snowflakes were fluttering in the air, producing a lovely and relaxing melody for her tormented mind and soul. Pan slowly raised her heavy eyelids, and after a few brief moments of a sense of relaxation, fear and shock took place. Pan moaned, ignoring her thumping head as she opened her eyes and tried to sit up. The room spun dizzily and the pain intensified as her entire body ached and throbbed and a wave of nausea swept over her. She put a hand to her head to steady herself and felt regret for her awareness interrupting wonderful sensations just a few moment earlier. She frowned as she tried to remember where she was and what she had been doing…but try as she might her memory was a blank.

Once again she was startled, but on this occasion it was not her mind surprising her, it was a most gentle, warm and nicest voice she ever heard.

"Please. Do not fear me; I am merely here to aid you." Pan for the first time glanced at the mysterious girl , she was sitting on a luxurious and what looked to Pan, very comfortable chair, its gilt only adding to Pans confusion. Where was she? This suite seemed to be worthy a royalty. But what gained her attention much rather than her previous question and confusion was appearance of the mysterious girl, now heading in her direction. She was far by most beautiful, breath taking beauty. Her azure curls that fascinated Pan, were raised in a sophisticated bun on top of her head; her eyes were matching her hair locks, which seemed almost impossible to rather confused girl who was still trying to sit straight up without falling back into unbelievably soft sheets. She was wearing what seemed to be royal dress, its dark blue coloring raising even more questions to Pans already confused mind. Her silhouette was undoubtedly very feminine and elegant, even delicate. She was incredibly reminiscent of someone….but currently further thinking and stress caused nothing but pain. She winced as she felt pulsating pain in her head; Pan noticed that her whole being screamed in pain, what the fuck happened here and where is she?

Once again nicest melody hit her senses, "You must be in severe pain. Here take this, the pain will subside." She offered her hand to confused Pan, holding some kind unusual pills, they were little too large-scaled to be just ordinary pills but on the second hand Pan did not have the slightest idea what else could it be. In any other scenario she would refuse to take unknown medicine or drug form unknown person, but in this specific situation pain was too great to ignore. She did not even care if they were some drugs if they will give her a chance at soothing the pain she would take them. Pan adopted a straightforward solution to her torment and swallowed a pill. After doing so she spoke for the first time since she woke up.

"Where am I? And who are u?" She realized just how much her voice was husky and low, but it seemed her companion did no heed to it. She gracefully approached Pans bed and lowered herself on the bedside. She even took liberty of taking hold of Pans hand, as much as Pans mind flinched at this contact, her body reacted differently, warm and soft skin of this girl and her gentle hold of her hand did unexpected reactions, prime of them being relaxation. She was unsure was it the gentle touch or the pills she was given earlier, but it seemed as unbearable pain she felt just moments ago have faded away.

"You are currently located in one of the royal suites. I am not sure if you can recall what happened, but you have been found in very poor condition" her soft eyes drifted, as just for a second remorse reflected in them, "and you were brought here, by my brother, who found you and did not doubt a moment that you are in great danger, which led you here." She finished as a graceful smile touched her pink lips. But before Pan was able to question any further, she continued with her explanation, apparently corresponding to the second question Pan asked.

"As for who am I, it confuses me that you cannot recognize me. My name is Bra, I am the daughter of King Vegeta and Queen Bulma, sister of Prince Trunks, thus told you can assume I am the Princess of Vegeta-sei." She slowly concluded obviously concerned of young girls' mental state. Everyone on this planet knew just who she was. By the appearance and scent this young girl before her was surely a sayian, how was it possible she did not recognize her if nothing more only by her coloring which was very unusual on this planet, only her mother and herself were colored in such way.

Pan mentally slapped her for being so stupid. Of course she knew who the girl in front of her was; Pan damned her idiotic self for not realizing it sooner and could feel her cheeks flame in shame.

"I'm so sorry your highness. It won't happen again. I had a bad headache so it was very hard for me to think, and I am so tired." Her eyelids all of a sudden felt so heavy, as her last part of a sentence appeared to be more of a question than a statement she intended it to be. She did not feel this fatigue minute ago, she quickly recalled tablet which Bra gave her just a few minutes ago.

"Would you be able to find enough strength in you to explain to me just how did you get so hurt? Can you recall what has happened to you?" Princess Bra asked warily, not being sure how this stranger react to her question would. It was obvious that whatever happened it was hell itself, and though Bra knew that out of courtesy she should wait for this poor girl's health to recover, her curiosity got better of her.

Hurt.

Pans mind drifted miles away, princesses question shocked her, mostly because it caused actual pain, her heart raced as her body started to sweat. Memories blocked themselves from Pans tortured mind, shielding her in this already bad condition.

Bra immediately noticed the reaction she caused in this poor girl, regretting her curiosity. She was detriment not to cause any more pain to this unfortunate being.

"I am sorry; you do not need to answer that question. But could you at least tell me your given name?" Bra tried to reveal at least her name; after all she needed it so she can call her somehow. Her eyes still seemed to be in another place miles away, but if there was not for Bra's sayian hearing she would miss frail sound this now very mysterious creature produced.

"Pan. That's my name." her distant voice made Bra shiver with unease. As soon as that was said, Pans eyes shut, and she drifted in another long needed sleep. Bra glanced at her with regret consuming her. For some unknown reason she felt the need to protect this girl, she seemed to be so hurt and so fragile; Bra felt her blood boil with anger as she tried to imagine who had gotten her in this state - physically and psychologically.

She turned her gaze towards the large-scaled window, wondering what was taking so long. Her brother should have returned by now. Bra concluded that after the previous 'disagreement' Trunks had with their father did not help in this situation. She narrowed her azure eyes, crossing her arms; it was obvious that Trunks will need her aid with this matter. She glanced for the last time towards the sleeping form in their royal bed, noticing she really wanted to help her; she could not let this poor creature be thrown out in this conditions. She gracefully strode out of the room, making sure not to wake Pan.

…..

It was preposterous! Even after he has explained the situation to his father it seemed as he still did not understand.

"Father, we can not let his poor creature be thrown out, she is in a very poor condition. It is our duty…" he was soon cut off by his merciless father.

"Our duty?" he asked with dropping sarcasm, "accepting this girl will send out a very wrong influence on our people. We simply can not let ill and unfortunate peasants knocking on the palace doors looking for the place to live. We are not a damn shelter!" His sharp and stern voice echoed through the royal meeting room.

Trunks was aware that his chances of presenting the situation to his father successfully were slim. But he was decisive not to withdraw until he achieves his goal. Slowly he began to go crazy, not knowing how to convince his father that the correct solution in a given situation was very obvious, of course, it seemed so far it was only obvious to him, he could not feel any understanding from his father. Somehow this situation seemed familiar to Trunks.

Before he was able to utter another word, which he planned on not being too polite, he heard his sister voice for behind. He was not sure how long she was listening to their discussion, but he was glad she was here. Maybe his sister will have more luck than him.

"King Vegeta, father." She quite formally addressed their father, bowing in process; she would behave this way only when she was eager to get something she was not too sure she would get that easily. Trunks put all of his effort so a smile would not cross his features, it could still ruin everything; if he had known his sister at all, he was pretty convinced that she will get her way, or in this situation, their way.

"If I may state my mind." Being careful not to appear too polite she continued without her father's permission, "I do think that I have a solution which could resolve your quarrel."

Vegeta eyed her suspiciously, wondering what kind of resolution she had to offer, curious to hear more, he stirred her, "Continue, say more of this matter." He felt his right brow arch up, from his point of view there was not a chance he will allow that some poor peasant girl remains under the walls of his home, the thought of it was irritating.

"If I am well informed it is a costume that next queen to the throne chooses princesses wardens, or should I say, three of fortunate ladies, whom I will guide and teach of proper behavior and manners, so one day they would be fit to find a worthy mate." After not getting any response but nodding from her father she decided to continue, "Future queen Lea will be the one choosing my wardens, as much as I find it unfair that the privilege is taken from my hands I will offer you an agreement." She heard her brother wince at mention of Lea's name but she did what was necessary and by the looks of it she did gain her father's attention; by so far he did not oppose, which was a very positive sign, Vegeta was not really a person who would listen to a proposal he found boring or unfit. "I will accept lady Lea choosing for me if only you give me freedom to choose one of my wardens." As she stated her mind, she waited for her father's reaction. She could tell he was weighing his options, Vegeta knew that when the moment comes, brat will cause a hurricane rumble through Vegeta-sei mansion; Bra loathed someone other than her making this kind of decisions. He himself did not understand this need that every royal female in his family wanted to choose her own wardens, but as once Bulma suggested - it was a girl's thing.

After considering his options, he concluded that he will grant his daughters wish; after all it did seem fair enough. "Fine. You can choose one of yours wardens." At this words Bra exchanged a hopeful glance with her brother, both of them feeling that Bras plan will work out after all.

"I wish that first of my three wardens will be Pan." Wide smile crossed her lips; she did not doubt her plan one second.

A rough shake woke her up, her tired eyes tried to focus on who had woken her at such manner; her body stiffened, her eyes winded, as she felt fear take place where shock was just seconds ago.

"Radditz."

End of chapter 4

So, I know I promised it will be extra long, but oh well no one is perfect… please review and let me know what you think of story so far. I accept suggestions, comments…

Sincerely, DBZ Angel