I'm working through a pretty bad headache; that's how much I love my 'job'. I have something really special planned for this chapter. It's been twenty odd years since Pan was diagnosed, and slowly but surely, she's been getting worse. By now you have guessed that by the end of this chapter, she'll be gone, but it's not going to be just utterly sad. I'm going to make it as special as possible for her and for you guys. Enjoy the chapter.

Pan's POV

My fingers twiddled with the blanket spread across my lap, and I forced myself not to look up, knowing that there were numerous gazes on me. This is sad. I'm 48 years old, and I'm being babysat by my 26 year old son, 23 year old daughter, and my 19 year old twins. I breathed a sigh and went back to my book; I've never felt more like an old woman than I do now. My mother's approaching her 68th birthday and she's more active than me...

I was being watched daily. They thought I wouldn't notice, but I did. I wasn't stupid enough to think that I wouldn't be, what with my disease raging war on my immune, muscular, and respiratory systems. The watching got worse when I made 45 and I could barely muster the energy to get out of bed. That was three years ago.

My children grew up and the rosy tinge that their childish innocence had on their view on life dissolved. By the time they reached their preteens, they knew that something wasn't quite right with their mother. Once they were old enough to fully understand, I sat Kālu, Tika, Tora, and Mazi down and told them about the stage IV melanoma. Kālu, my sweet, not-so-little, protective boy wasn't happy with me because I'd kept it from them for so long, but my precious girls were upset...

... Four inquisitive, suspicious eyes followed my slow, slightly stumbling gait as I made my way across the room to a chair. I lowered myself into the chair and took in my-our beautiful children.

Kālu was twenty three now, and the spitting image of his father. I sincerely hoped I didn't mistake him for one of my hallucinations one of these days, but I could never tell what time would bring. Kālu was soon to graduate from med school, early like me, and I couldn't be more proud of him.

Tika was nineteen, fresh out of her first year of college, and still my spitting image. She'd inherited her grandfather's love of learning, though she planned to pursue a career in law as soon as she was able. We could almost pass for twins, with our long, hip length hair and large, round midnight eyes. Her eyes had a subtle slant that screamed Trunks, though I was the only one who could see it.

Mazi and Tora were just barely sixteen, both on the verge of graduating early, with the rate they were going. Even I hadn't been as engrossed in my studies when I was younger. Mazi's lavender hair had darkened to a deep violet, and her eye color changed from light sapphire to the periwinkle of my mother's eyes. Tora, on the other hand, was essentially me with her father's coloring and her Aunt's figure. Both of them took after Bra and Bulma in that aspect. Kālu was going to have to keep a sharp eye on them both.

"So, you're probably wondering why I wanted you all here, tonight." I said softly, looking around our vacation home, now full time home.

I never managed to bring myself to return to West City. The memories were too much for me to bear. Bra and Marron made sure that the kids got to school on time each and every day. I ended up having to quit my job as a neurosurgeon because of my hallucinations.

"Mama, what is it?" Mazi asked softly, her eyes full of worried tears. She was always very sensitive, and it was easy for her to just cry for no apparent reason. It made for a troublesome childhood that was for sure.

"I know you've noticed that I haven't been myself at all, and I wanted to tell you when I thought you were old enough to handle it." I smiled sadly, "Mama's been very sick lately, and I'm not going to get better anytime soon."

Kālu's eyes widened in realization, and he immediately came to me and grasped my hands, "Mom, why didn't you tell us sooner?" I looked down, fighting off the tears that welled up at the agonized tone in his voice, "I didn't want you to worry about me. You don't deserve to be burdened by me."

"Mama, you're- you could never be a burden." Tika cried, coming to my side, "we love you." I sighed and cupped her cheek, "I know you do-"

"It's a form of cancer, isn't it?" Kālu asked at once, surprising me. I blushed and nodded once, "I've had stage IV melanoma since before the twins were born."

He released my hands to clench his fists in frustration and anger, and I ran a hand through his hair. I could hear Mazi's soft sobs, and longed to comfort her, but they had to know that I probably wouldn't make the next five years. Or even three.

"The tumor's in a dangerous spot in my brain, and it's starting to spread to different areas, now, like my motor skills, and my muscles. I chose not to undergo chemo because I didn't want you to see me so sick and weak when you were so young. That and it wouldn't have done much for me."

"Mama, a little goes a long way. You could've done some treatments." Tora told me softly, but I shook my head, "if I had done the treatments, you probably would've lost me before you made it to elementary school, and I wasn't going to do that to you. You already lost your father, and I wasn't going to make you orphans."

Mazemi rushed into my arms and burrowed her head in neck, sobbing softly. Tears trickled down my own cheeks as I ran my fingers through her soft, violet locks. My eyes drifted across the room, where my personal reminder; that my days were numbered, stood in the dark corner, watching me.

Our eyes met, and he whispered, "They had to know sometime." I buried my face in Mazi's hair and continued to cry with her...

I came out of my reverie when Bra came into the room, grabbed Kālu, and dragged him from the room. My face creased with a suspicious frown, "What on earth..."

Mazi emerged from the kitchen with my peppermint tea, wrapped in a towel to protect my hands from the heat. I took the mug, cursing my hands as they continuously shook and trembled.

A new tumor had emerged in my brain, right near the area that controlled my motor skills, and I was suffering for it. My brain might as well look like Swiss cheese by now. I had a slight speech impediment because of a mass, and my memory was growing misty with each passing day.

I had to try incredibly hard to recall most of my days as a teenager, and everything beyond that was just... nothing. Mama and Bra gave me photo albums and told me stories to try and keep as many of the memories with me. The day I couldn't recall the Grand Tour was a sad one, because there was no one around to tell me any stories and show me pictures. Grampa and Trunks were gone.

(A/N: Bulma, Chichi, Goku, and Vegeta are gone. Krillin is too, of course, so it's just Gohan, Videl, Pan, Goten, Bra, Marron, Uub, Juuhachi, and the third and fourth generations of Z-Senshi.)

Again, my attention was drawn to Tika and Tora. They stood in the corner, whispering furiously about Kami knows what. My demon wasn't present today, and I thanked Kami for that, because I knew it worried everyone when my eyes would wander in the middle of a conversation or during dinner. They knew what it was, yes, but they took as a sign that things weren't going to get any better.

I took a sip of tea and flipped to the next page of my book, when my niece, Koia, emerged from the backyard, smiling like she'd won the lottery. She walked over to me and touched my hand, "Auntie Pan, come outside for a second. We have a surprise for you."

My brow rose, and I grasped her hand and Mazi's to get to my feet. Tika placed my tea and my book on the table, and Tora grabbed my robe from the back of the sofa and helped me get into it. I slid my feet into my fuzzy blue house boots and shuffled outside.

Koia and Mazi kept a hand at my back in case my legs gave out; which will happen if I'm up too long, and Tora opened the door. Bra, Kālu, Goten, Goku Junior, Vegeta Junior, and Kaida stood in a pyramid formation, with Goten at the point.

Uub and Marron stood off to the side with Kaila, Mari, Juu, Talen, and Aunt Juuhachi. My parents stood not too far from them. The strangest thing was that all of them were smiling at me. My face pursed into a frown, "what is this, an intervention? What have I done that I shouldn't be doing this time?"

Bra laughed, "No, Pan, this is a birthday present." I frowned, "I'm 49, now? I don't... I can't even remember what day my birthday's on." some of the friendly, smiling faces began to crease with worry, and I instantly felt bad for raining on their enthusiasm. Jeez, Panny, way to go...

"Your birthday was two days ago, but this present took quite a while to organize because we had to pull a few strings with the higher ups. We were supposed to have it a long time ago, but... yeah." Goten smiled his wonderful Son grin, and I walked up to him, peering around him, "there's nothing behind y-"

"Panny?"

I heard the back down swing open, and everyone's eyes went from me to... to him. I slowly turned, fighting off tears. If the others were looking, then it wasn't a hallucination. He was really here.

My husband; my real, flesh and bone husband, stood in the doorway to our vacation home, dressed in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. The halo over his head was the only thing that kept me from thinking he'd come home to stay.

Baba floated on her crystal ball beside him, and she smiled at him, "Since I'm feeling generous, Trunks, and you and your family have been hounding me for the past few years, I'll give you a week. Just remember that if you do stay for that long, you won't be able to come back again."

"I'll take it, Baba. Thanks, so much." Baba nodded, gave me a soft, almost grandmotherly smile, and flew off on her ball. My eyes immediately whipped back to Trunks, and tears began to fall down my cheeks, "You're... you're real... you're here..."

He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, "Shh," then pressed his lips to mine for one long, passionate kiss. I gasped into his mouth, he tastes exactly the same... I could hear tittering and very quiet cat calls as our kiss began to stretch in length.

Far too soon, he pulled away so our foreheads were touching, "You have me for the whole week." My stupid weakness kicked in at the worst moment possible, and I practically crumpled in his hold. He caught me and scooped me up, cradling me against his chest, "I forgot about that. How are you feeling?"

"Better. So much better." I babbled, burrowing my face in his neck. The phone had rung during our kiss, and someone had gone to answer it. Suddenly, the door opened again, revealing my mother. Her face was pinched with worry, and she held the phone in her hand, "Pan, it's for you."

I reached out and took the phone, not knowing that the simple conversation would such a large impact on me and my family.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Mrs. Briefs, this is Dr. Stevens-Moreno. I just went over the scan we took of your brain two days ago, and we have some disturbing news." My smile melted off of my face, "What is it?"

(A/N: Like a Band-Aid.)

"Mrs. Briefs... if this scan is correct... then you only have a week left to live." My hand seemed to go numb and the phone fell from my hand in what felt like slow-motion.

This can't be happening. I haven't even seen one of my kids walk down the aisle... or met my first grandbaby. Oh kami, my parents. They can't bury their own child... everything went black, and the last thing I registered was Trunks shouting my name as I lolled in his arms.

*later*

I woke up in my bed, bundled under the covers like a feverish child. I slowly sat up and looked around. Trunks lay next to me, playing with a lock of my hair, and our eyes met when I began to move. My teeth sank into my bottom lip, and tears pricked at my eyes.

"You're going to die soon, aren't you?" He asked softly, "I knew you were sick; I've been watching over you since I got to Otherworld, but it... it doesn't feel real." I nodded, "They say I have a week. Funny, you have a week to come spend time with me and the family, and I have a week left until I leave to join you. I guess we'll be leaving together, then."

Trunks sighed heavily, "I hate seeing you like this. It's not like you to be so dependent." I sighed and nodded, "it's an unavoidable part of my life, I'm afraid. I don't like it, but I don't have a choice. I'm lucky to be able to use the bathroom on my own."

"Could you tell me a story? From the Grand Tour?" I inquired, snuggling under his chin, "my memory's going fuzzy, and I can't really recall much of anything that came before med school." His lips met the top of my head, "alright, from beginning to end?" I nodded, "if you'd like." He took a deep breath and started talking, and I relaxed in his arms, listening to the thrum of his heart.

*that night*

"I have something I need to tell you all." I said softly, looking at each face at the dinner table. A hand that I knew very well grasped my hand under the table, and squeezed. I gave Trunks a grateful look and began to tell them about the call.

"The doctors were examining my scan from Wednesday, and they found that the cancer spread a bit more than they'd anticipated. If it keeps spreading at this rate... I'll be gone in a week, possibly less."

Jaws dropped. Glasses fell. Drinks spilled. Forks clattered onto plates. Bra choked on her lemonade and spat it into Uub's face. Mazi immediately stood from the table and left the room, with Tora, Kaida, and Koia trailing behind her. Everyone began to talk, all at once, and I left the table in the middle of the din. Or tried to. I was barely strong enough to get out of the room before my legs started to give up on me.

I collapsed against a side table and plopped on the floor, beyond angered and frustrated at my own weakness and helplessness. Trunks came out of the room after me, and knelt down beside me, running his fingers through my hair as frustrated tears flooded down my cheeks.

"I used to be able to throw fucking planets and now I can't even leave a room without collapsing. Why the hell did this have to happen to me?" I asked bitterly, my fingers shaking violently, "There's a tumor to keep me from walking straight, or at all, apparently. There's tumor to keep me from talking correctly, and there's one that's slowly atrophying my muscles and shortening my breathing. There's a fucking tumor for everything-"

"Panny, shh... No one had any control over this." Trunks told me softly, cupping my face, "you've been dealt a bad hand in life, just like I was." I leaned in and kissed him softly, "I can't- all this anger. It wasn't there when I got diagnosed; it wasn't there when I had to come in every other week for a scan. Why now?"

"Because you're starting to realize how final this is. You've come to the end of the road, and you're not ready to leave."

"I want to be here for their weddings, for our grandkids... I knew I was going to die, but why now?" I asked him softly, "They still need me, Trunks." My husband cradled me in his arms, "I know they do." I laid my head against his collar bone and wept silently.

*Saturday*

I stayed in bed the next morning, ensconced in my husband's arms. I had spoken to anyone since the other night, and I still didn't feel like I could handle it without breaking down into tears. I was fully aware of the fact that I had barely a week left with them, but I couldn't bring myself to face my family. Instead, I locked myself in my room like the coward I was, and hid in Trunks' arms.

"I can smell it, you know?" Trunks asked as the sun rose over the mountain peaks. I frowned and tilted my head to look up at him, "smell what?"

"The tumors. They screw around with your natural scent, and make you smell all weird." Despite myself, I began to giggle, and he smiled and kissed my temple. A shiver ran through me, courtesy of my slight fever, and he bundled me up a bit tighter and pulled me into his chest. Overprotective moron...

There was a quiet knock at the door, and our eyes met, silently asking if we should let the person in. "Who is it?" I asked Trunks softly, "I can't exactly sense people anymore." He frowned for a second, "it's my sister and Maz."

"Come in." I said at last. The door slowly swung open, and Bra and Marron walked in slowly, worried looks on their faces. Worried looks that evaporated into humor when they saw how Trunks had cocooned me in blankets to break my fever. I looked like a burrito with a face.

"Haha," I snipped, "laugh at my pain, why don't you." Trunks snorted at me, "You were the one who said you were cold. Excuse me for going overboard." I rolled my eyes, "where are the kids?"

Marron placed a hot mug of peppermint tea on the bedside table, "Mazi is still in her room, Tora went to go spar with Kālu, Talen, Goku, and Vegeta, and Tika's downstairs in the kitchen, making some baked potato soup for your lunch. I think Koia, Kaida, Mari, Juu, and Kaila are in Mazi's room."

"I kind of wanted to spend the day with them, as a family, but if they've got their own things to do, then never mind. I don't want them to drop everything for me-"

"Mama, don't be like that." Tika sniffed as she carried my lunch tray into the room, "if you want to spend time with us, then I'll go drag everyone back here. They won't mind."

"Tika, you can't just..." too late, she was already headed down the hall to Mazi's room. I breathed a sigh and leaned my forehead against Trunks' chest, "she has too much of your mother in her. It's frightening." Trunks' chest vibrated with his soft chuckle, "I've noticed."

Tika had wrangled up all of the children, and now, all them were sprawled over the bed, and on us. Tika was curled up against her father's side; the same way she used to when she was younger, Kālu was lying across the foot of the bed, and the twins were, somehow, snuggled between me and Trunks. I smiled and kissed the top of Tora's head, caressing her soft curls.

"Alright, we have a week." Trunks began softly, "what do you guys want to do?" Mazi looked up at him with large eyes, "take Mama to the beach. She hasn't been out of the house lately, much less out in the sun, because it's not good for her, but we could get one of those tents and then she'd be fine."

I nodded, "we could do that tomorrow. Anything else?" Tika spoke up, "how about... on Thursday, if time hasn't run out, you and Papa go have a date night?" My heart fluttered at the thought of going on a date with my husband, but then I frowned, "by then I'd be too sick to go out."

"Well, then, you could have the date here. We'll set everything up, cook all the food, and then you guys could have some privacy. You deserve it, Mama." Four pairs of hopeful eyes turned on me, and I sighed as Trunks joined in, "Fine. Thursday night. What about the rest of today, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday?"

"How about a movie night tonight?" Kālu asked, "and then Monday, we'll have a family fun day outside?" I nodded, "I like that."

"Well, then, Tuesday is makeover/spa day for you, Mama." Tora winked, "you're looking worse for wear these days." I hit her on the arm, "Oh, hush you." the bed shook gently with the girls' giggling. I rolled my eyes; this is why I love them... even though they make it hard not to...

*that night*

Trunks and I were cuddled up on the couch as Mari and Koia set up the surround sound and the DVD for Lady and the Tramp. I sighed softly and snuggled deeper into his embrace, "I love you." His warm, sweet breath caressed my cheeks, "I love you, too." I smiled and pulled my blanket tighter around as a shiver ran through my body. It was so hard for me to keep warm these days because my internal temperature was so out of whack.

The opening credits rolled, and my eyes focused on the screen, ready to enjoy one of my favorite love stories...

*Sunday: Beach Day*

"This is so unnecessary." I mumbled as Trunks helped me out of the car, carefully holding an umbrella over me. I wasn't allowed to be in direct sunlight, though it had never been explained to me in full. I just knew it wasn't good for the melanoma, and... All that medical mumbo-jumbo that I couldn't remember.

"Why is it so unnecessary that we want your last days on this planet to be fun and stress free?" Bra demanded as she looped an arm around my waist to help me along.

She and Marron had dressed me in a pair of shorts and a tube top this morning; for Trunks' sake I guess. I didn't feel comfortable in the revealing clothing, at least not like I used to. Back then, I could flaunt what I had, no problem, but now... I'm dreadfully sick, and my skin looks pasty and gross. The natural tan I'd developed from spending so much time outdoors had faded, and I was paler than the moon.

Kālu and the boys had finished putting the veranda up and there was a nice, cushioned spot on a thick blanket just for me, complete with blankets in case my temperature started acting up. There was even tea. Bra helped me get down onto the cushions, and I smiled gleefully as I finally got off of my feet. I grabbed a blanket and spread it across my lap, enjoying the view of the water.

Trunks had to stay in the veranda with me, because it wouldn't do for him to be seen in public, what with everyone thinking he was dead. It was bad enough that some people thought Kālu was his ghost, returned to reap vengeance on his killer. My mind drifted to Elian, and a small smirk formed on my face. I hope you're enjoying prison, bitch.

I let my head loll on the pillows, letting the ocean breeze caress my face and neck. It felt so wonderful to be outside after all that time I spent in the house. It became less like a stress free getaway, and more like a prison as my illness persisted.

"I haven't been to the beach since before you... died." I said softly, looking over at my husband. He smiled at me, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. I immediately started to apologize for bringing it up, but he shook his head.

"I felt horrible. When I woke up in Otherworld, I started to beg Yemma to let me go back, but there was nothing he could do. I went to find King Kai so I could see what was happening on earth, and then I found out you were pregnant again. I wanted to come back so badly." His eyes sparkled with unshed tears, "I was worried that you would miscarry when you found me, but you were too strong for that. I'm glad you didn't lose the twins."

I nodded, "Trunks, can you tell me what happened that day?" I know this is going to hurt me... hurt us, so why am I asking? I'm such a glutton for punishment...

"When I got to the office, something felt off. Elian was already waiting at my office door, with my coffee in her hand. She'd seemed a bit too happy for a normal work day, but I thought nothing of it, and took my coffee from her before letting myself into my office. She followed me in, and every time I tried to strike up a conversion, she'd subtly suggest that I try my coffee, that it was a new brew. When she didn't let up, I just drank the coffee." He breathed a weary sigh, "it tasted off, but I just assumed it was a different brew. Elian told me she was going to the copier, and that she'd be back with some invoices for me to sign in about twenty five minutes. While she was gone, my throat started to feel tingly, and my stomach just felt horrible. So I left early. That's when I called you." I nodded, remembering the conversation easily...

... 'Mine' by Taylor Swift began to blare through the room, causing me to jump, but I quickly pulled out my phone and answered it, "Trunks-kun?" A raspy chuckle greeted me, "Hey, Pan-chan." I frowned, "Trunks, are you alright?"

"We closed the huge deal today, and I'm going to head home early. I think my secretary gave me a bad cup of coffee, because I feel kind of weird." Trunks replied, and I heard papers rustling as he moved around in his office.

"Alright, well, we're almost done, so I'll be home soon." I told him, "I've got a surprise for you, too." Trunks chuckled again, "I can't wait to see. Panny?"

"Yes, Trunks?"

"I love you." I laughed gently, "I love you, too-"

"No, Panny, I love you so much. You and our wonderful children. You make me feel like the luckiest man in the world, and I just want to thank you for giving me your heart, and our angels. It's been a wonderful seven years, hasn't it?"

"Well, yes, it has, and I believe it takes two to make one, love." I stood up, fixed my clothes, and drifted from the room to have privacy, "Baby, what brought this on?"

"I really don't know, actually. I woke up this morning with this strange feeling... like I was going to leave and never come back." I gasped, "Baby, you're not going anywhere." He coughed suddenly, and I realized he was about to start crying, "I don't know what the hell brought this on, but Pan... I don't want to leave you. I want to stay in our home with you and the kids and never leave. Panny, please, don't let me leave."

Tears began to trickle down my face as I listened to Trunks' heartbroken plea. "I won't let you. I promise I won't." I vowed, mentally urging Marron to hurry up with the pictures and the prescription so I could meet my husband at home.

"Thank you, Pan-chan. I'm about to start driving, and you know I can't multitask." Trunks gave a watery chuckle, and I heard him throw his briefcase into the back of his hover car. He always carried it in his capsule case when he didn't feel like waiting on the limo to take him back home.

"I beg to differ." I murmured saucily, and he chuckled again. "I'll see you when you get done with your mom and everyone else. Bye, Panny."

"Bye, Trunks." I said softly, and then hung up. Why did that feel so... so final? I had to get home now...

"If you want to stop, you can, you don't have to-" Trunks shook his head, "I haven't told anyone, because my wife should be the first to hear it." He sighed and began to talk again, "as I started driving, my throat started to feel tight, like I my tie was too tight, so I loosened it and took it off. The feeling got worse, and then my face started to feel puffy. I unbuttoned the top few buttons of my shirt, trying to get some air, but it just came shallower and shallower. By the time I got to the house, I could barely breathe, and I realized that I was having a severe allergic reaction and I was going to... to die." He choked a bit, "I tried to get out of the car, but I just... I started to panic, and I couldn't focus. My stomach turned on me, and I threw up all over my favorite shirt. I managed to get my wallet out of my pocket, and I pulled the photo out. If I was going to die, then the last thing I wanted to see was my family."

Tears ran eagerly down his face as he spoke, his voice choked and full of emotion, "My breathing was all but non-existent, but I kept my eyes on that picture. Black spots started dancing around in front of me as the asphyxiation and lack of oxygen went to my head, and I whispered your name before everything went black."

I lunged, as much as I could, towards him and pulled him into my arms as he broke down, sobbing like a child. My own voice was choked with tears and I whispered comforts, ignoring the worried, tearful eyes around us. I kissed the top of his head and ruffled his hair gently, trying to calm him down, even though my own emotions were wreaking havoc on my self-control.

"Pan."

I looked up at Bra, "I know exactly what you're thinking. And you're absolutely right."

I should've just killed the bitch when I had the chance...

*later*

I sat in Trunks' lap as we watched the sunset over the ocean. The rays of light reflecting off of the water were just stunning; no matter how many times I'd seen it. Mazi's head was resting on my lap, and, if I was correct, I think she'd gone to sleep. She definitely felt a bit heavier than she did than when she'd first laid her head in my lap. I sighed, "I love spending time with my family. Even though I can't do much, it's still worth it."

"I know you do, Princess." Trunks whispered, "and it's always worth the effort." I smiled and laid my head against his shoulder, watching as the last ray of light disappeared beyond the horizon.

*Wednesday*

So far, my last week has been enthralling and exciting. I got to watch Trunks spar with Kālu for the first time, I got to see the twins connecting with their Papa so well; for this I felt sad because they'd only gotten to know him for just a week, and Tika was ecstatic to have him back.

Wednesday was family day, as in just me, Trunks, and the children. Bra and Marron were off, picking an outfit for me to wear to dinner tomorrow.

No one wanted to talk about this coming Friday, and that I understood. I wasn't ready for these last few days to end. They'd been so warm and full of love, affection, and comfort.

Of course, I was getting noticeably weaker, and now had to have a breathing tube in to keep my lungs from giving out. My speech issue was becoming cumbersome, and it was hard for me to grasp things and walk, because my entire body tended to tremble and shake.

My memory was becoming more fog than memory. Our wedding day was barely hanging on, as was the honeymoon, and the day I told Trunks I was pregnant with Kālu. He told me about it as often as possible, but I just... it wouldn't stay with me, no matter how much he told me.

I glanced down at my nails, polished with a sparkly clear coat and tipped in red. My makeover and spa day had gone wonderfully.

Bra and Marron had buffed, polished, trimmed, and waxed me until their hearts content, and gave me a new haircut. My hair was now hanging around my shoulders, cut in layers ad streaked with a deep, midnight blue. I loved it. My skin glowed with vitality, and no longer had a pasty look; more like porcelain.

"... and then Koia and Tora fell out of the tree house. Mama and Auntie Bra were pissed. Kālu, Goku, and Veggie were grounded for three months straight." Mazi finished her story with a flourish, and I laughed. Now that, I could remember.

Kālu, Goku and Vegeta left both sets of twins; Koia and Kaida, Mazemi and Tora, unattended in the tree house in the backyard. The girls were only six at the time, and Koia and Tora fell out. They came out unscathed; thank goodness for saiyan genes, but Bra and I were still upset, and we grounded them for it.

"I saw that." Trunks said with a laugh, "Champ, I thought you knew better than to incur your mother's wrath." Kālu shrugged, "I'm used to her wrath." I huffed, "O-oh, shut u-up, Kālu." The children laughed at my indignant move, and I groaned, suddenly nauseous.

"Tika, grab the trash can." Trunks ordered, and I assumed my face had gone a not so pretty green. My lunch was about to make a reappearance. Tika passed me the trash can just as the bile exploded up my throat, and out of my mouth. Why can't this just be a peaceful, sickness-free family afternoon?

Someone replaced the trashcan with a glass of cool water, and Trunks carried me to the bathroom so I could wash my mouth out. Despite myself, tears of frustration began to flood from my eyes. My husband set me down by the sink, and I rinsed my mouth out, still crying bitterly. Tora tried to clean my face with a warm towel, but I turned away, shaking my head.

"I-I can d-do it m-mysel-lf." I took the towel with shaking hands and tried to wipe my face, but hand shook too badly, and the towel fell to the floor. Trunks helped me sit on the toilet and knelt in front of me, holding my hands. Tora and Tika took the hint and left us alone.

"Tru-Trunks, I ca-can't... I j-just... I can-can't de-deal with th-this weak, help-helpless bo-body anymore." I managed to spit out, amongst plenty of stutters and stammers, "it's s-so hard, ha-having to ha-have so-some-o-one waiting on m-my hand and fo-foot because sim-simple tasks are t-too h-hard for me. I can-can't even e-eat o-on my own, or e-even read!" the tears became torrential, and Trunks just soaked it all in.

"M-my body's be-betraying m-me. I-I feel li-like a pri-prisoner in here." I knew he understood that I didn't mean the house, "I di-didn't want th-this to ha-happen. My o-own children a-are taking c-care of me, and I-I'm not e-even up i-in age!"

Trunks covered my mouth before I could rant and rave anymore, and I just broke apart; shattered. The tears came even harder than before, and I buried my face in his chest, sobbing for all I was worth. He said nothing; there was nothing he could say, just held me and rubbed my back. He couldn't tell me it was going to be okay; like he did when I had that horrendous bout of morning sickness when I was pregnant with Tika, because then he would be lying. Nothing was okay. Not anymore.

*Thursday morning*

I was numb.

Deadened to all the chaos and fear I felt. Today was to be my last day on this planet, and, if not today, then tomorrow for sure. I could feel it coming; my death. The others could, too, if the melancholy tone of the house was any indication.

Trunks was the one who would get to have me after all of this was said and done, and even he wasn't happy. He didn't want the children to lose their last parent, but fate had other things in place for us.

Tika was graduating from law school soon, and the twins were soon to enter med school to become OB/GYNs like their Auntie Marron. I was going to miss it all, but acceptance was starting to set in. I would be able to watch from the heavens, but that was nothing compared to experiencing it for myself.

It wasn't the same as being there as my son was named Valedictorian of his graduating class; both high school and med school.

It wasn't the same as being there when the twins' high school dance team won Regionals, and then being there to comfort them both when they didn't place at Nationals.

It wasn't the same thing to be able to squeal and jump around with Tika when she got the acceptance letter to the college she'd dreamed of attending, and then crying with her at the airport, when it was time for her to go.

My kids were going to continue life without me, and I was coming to accept that; no matter how hard it seemed to be.

*that evening*

Bra artfully curled my hair and tucked a sparkling diamond pin into each side to give it a sort of mock-ponytail look. My bangs curled over my left eye, though. I was dressed in a sparkling lavender strapless dress with a flowy skirt, and my feet were in a pair of silver sandals. There was a thick silver ribbon around my waist, tied in a bow with the ends dangling to the backs of my knees.

My breathing tube was in place; the respirator clipped to the sash of my dress. My make-up was done beautifully, and the jewelry wasn't overwhelming me. For this, I was thankful. As I looked in the mirror, I could almost pass for the old, healthy me. The only thing that ruined the image was the breathing tube, and the IV port on my right hand.

"Panny, you look stunning." Mama told me softly, tucking a white blossom into my curls. I smiled softly, "Th-thanks, Mama." She smiled and kissed my cheek, helping me walk out of the bathroom. Bra and Marron were just outside, and Marron held up my four star ball necklace, "it wouldn't be complete without this, clashing or not."

I laughed softly and raised my curls so she could clasp it around my neck. The cold amber orb settled on chest, where it rightfully belonged. Bra wrapped me in a silver stole and kissed my forehead, "knock 'im dead- erm, deader, Panny."

I laughed and hugged her, "th-thank you, s-so much. You h-have no idea h-how gr-grateful I am f-for you guys br-bringing him b-back for me." Bra kissed my cheek, "we know exactly how grateful you are. You deserve a little piece of happiness before you... go." Tears began to brim in her eyes as she said this, and I smiled sadly, "p-please... not to-tonight." She nodded and grasped my arm so we could go down the stairs.

Apparently, she wasn't going to be my escort. Papa stood at the head of the stairs, waiting on us. I smiled, "a-are we re-recreating m-my wed-wedding day?" He chuckled and shrugged, "I guess so. You look absolutely gorgeous, Pan-chan."

A warm blush coated my cheeks, "th-thank you." He offered me his arm, and I looped mine through his. We slowly made our way down the stairs. I was pleasantly surprised that my legs weren't giving out on me. Let's not jinx it.

"Take good care of her, Trunks."

I came out of my thoughts as Papa spoke again, like it was my first date. I smiled and looked up at my husband. He looked dashing, in a lavender button down and gray jeans, and he smiled at me, "The girls thought it would be nice if I brought you this."

To my surprise, he pulled out a corsage box with two lavender roses, surrounded by Baby's Breath and silver decoration, complete with a few stretchy white bracelets to attach the beautiful flower piece to my wrist.

(A/N: The corsage I described is exactly the one I wore to prom.)

"Trunks, it's b-beautiful." I breathed as he took my left wrist and slipped the corsage onto it. He pressed a soft kiss to my wedding band and engagement rings. I gasped and raised a hand to my necklace. His wedding band still hung from the chain, right next to the mini four star ball. Mama helped me remove the band, and placed it in my palm.

"N-now," I took his left hand in my shaky right one and slid the band onto his left ring finger, "w-we match." A smile brighter than the sun lit up his face, and he clasped my necklace back around my neck, "your dinner awaits, Mademoiselle." With that, he grasped my hand and led me outside.

There were tea lights strung through the trees, and a small stereo was set up, along with a dance floor. Beyond that, up a small hill, was a table, set up under a small veranda, overflowing with all kinds of food. We headed up the hill, which was a bit of a challenge, but my legs stayed strong, something that surprised me.

"It s-smells wonderful." I breathed, taking the seat he'd offered me, "You had something to do with the menu, didn't you? These are all my favorites." I took a shrimp from a plate and popped it in my mouth, savoring the tangy taste. Trunks shrugged, and settled down at the table, "let's eat."

*after dinner*

I couldn't understand why, but after the wonderful dinner, I felt strangely stronger than I'd felt in days, like I'd been sent back in time to when I didn't need people to do things for me. I reveled in this new strength, for I didn't know when it would be taken from me.

"L-let's dance." Trunks, who'd been wiping his mouth, smiled and took my hand to lead me down the hill to the dance floor. Leaving me at the middle of the floor, he went to the stereo and pressed a button. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri and Steve Kazee started to play, and I gasped, "our first dance."

Trunks' eyes widened, "you remember?" I nodded, "When I heard this song, I made sure that Bra put it on the playlist under first dance. I didn't stop hounding her until she did it." He chuckled, "I'm glad you did. I loved dancing to this with you." His hands fell on my hips, and I wrapped my arms around his neck as the music carried us down memory lane...

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone?
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

... Trunks led me out onto the dance floor and brought me into his arms. All the faces in the crowd faded away, and all I knew was that he and I existed, and that we were one. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, and we began to waltz smoothly across the floor...

One step closer

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

... My hand gripped his with almost all of my strength as I cried out in pain, trying to relieve myself of our precious little boy. Trunks' voice was all I could hear in my mind as my muscles contracted, until at last, a strong wail broke through the haze of pain. Our little Kālu. He was finally here...

One step closer

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

... Kālu's little hand pressed against my rounded belly, and I laughed as Tika kicked furiously, as if trying to get his hand off of her home. Trunks smiled at us as we stood in the living room and handed me a cup of tea before pressing his lips to mine. I faintly heard Kālu groan that we were 'gross' and run off to go play with his toys...

One step closer
One step closer

... I came in from work late and hung my jacket on the coat hanger by the door before coming into the living room. Someone must've left the TV on before bed, or perhaps Trunks had waited up for me. What I saw on the sofa took my breath away. The end credits of Lady and the Tramp were rolling, and my husband was fast asleep on the sofa. Tika was cuddled under his chin, and Kālu's head rested on his chest. I smiled and snapped a picture with my phone before going to wake them up...

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more...

I stepped out of his arms as the song came to a close, feeling oddly light-headed. I passed it off as a result of so much time on my feet and started to make my way to the hill so I could take a sip of some water and, perhaps, dance another song with my husband.

Half way up the hill, my mysterious reserve of strength left me, and I stumbled for a moment, and then fell to my hands and knees. The light headedness set in, and I groaned weakly, trying to get back to my feet.

Trunks came to my side, and I looked up at him through half-lidded eyes, "T-Trunks... I th-think it's time." Realization set in and he scooped me up before making his way back to the house. I silently thanked Dende for letting me share this romantic evening with my husband before I had to go.

No POV

The large bedroom was full of people, all trying to crowd around the bed to see the small, frail woman inhabiting it. Trunks lay beside her, holding her as she rested on her pillows. The situation just seemed wrong. For someone so young to seem to fragile, like a single touch would cause her to break.

After Trunks had gotten Pan into the house, he'd explained that her time had come, and that it was nearing her time to depart from this world. Everyone shot into action, well aware that it was going to come soon. Bra and Marron got her out of her dress and into some light, comfy clothing, washed the makeup from her face, and got her into bed.

All four of her distraught children sat on the bed. Mazemi was closest to her, and holding her other hand as tears silently slid down her cheeks. Pan reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear, "D-don't be sad, b-baby. Y-you'll see-ee me again."

Mazi shook her head and laid her head on Pan's chest, still crying. Pan sighed and ran her fingers through her daughter's hair. Her eyes landed on her first born, and they narrowed slightly, "I w-want you to pr-protect y-your sisters. If they e-end up married to some sc-scum b-bags, I will c-come back and h-haunt you. and girls," she eyed all three of her daughters, "the sa-same go-goes for you. D-don't you let K-Kālu marry some m-money grubbing who-ore, or else."

Tika, Tora, and Mazi nodded solemnly from their various positions around their slowly dying mother. Trunks spoke up, "the world isn't going to end because your mother's gone. I don't want you to completely fall apart because of her death. You guys are strong, and I know you can make it through this."

"Bra, Maz," Pan gestured her two closest friends to her side of the bed. They rushed over immediately, and Pan whispered "I w-want you to l-look out for my b-babies. My p-parents aren't g-going to be around m-much longer than me, and I kn-know I can tr-trust you, G-Goten, and Uub to make sure th-they don't l-lose it."

Bra nodded, slow tears streaking down her face, "I swear I'll look out for them, Panny." Marron nodded solemnly, unable to speak. They moved aside so Pan's parents could see her next. Videl, her strong mother, were breaking apart at the seams.

"Mama, d-don't c-cry." Pan begged, reaching out to hug her mother. "I can't help it." Videl breathed, "you're supposed to bury me, but the other way around." Pan nodded, "I kn-know, but th-there's no-nothing we c-can do n-now." The mother and daughter hugged again, the former unwilling to let go. Gohan had to pull her away, and Juuhachi led the distraught woman from the room.

"Panny, Kami... I don't even know what to say..." Gohan said softly, running a hand through her hair. Pan smiled helplessly at him, "Y-you and I b-both kn-know th-this was coming. B-but if it w-was the o-other way around, I wouldn't kn-know what t-to say either." Gohan kissed her forehead tenderly, and then shot Trunks a stern look, "I want you to take good care of her. I mean it." Trunks nodded once, fully aware of the consequences if he failed his task.

"Papa, t-take care of M-Mama." Pan said softly, "d-don't let th-this break h-her, and d-don't let it b-break you." Gohan nodded once and left the room to check on Videl. He was fully aware that it would be the last time he saw his daughter alive.

Pan got to hug her Uncle, Uub, and her nieces and nephews one last time, and then they all trickled out, until it was just her, Trunks, and their children. She grew weaker still, but she fought off her impending death. She'd vowed to see the light of the sun coming over the horizon just one last time.

"I don't w-want you t-to see me l-leaving." Pan told her children softly, "so I wa-want you to go. C-come back in th-the morning."

Tika and Kālu hugged their parents for what would be the last time for a very long time. "I'll miss you, Papa." Tika said softly, ensconced in her Papa's arms, "make sure Mama makes it Otherworld alright." Trunks kissed the top of her head, "I'll miss you, too, Princess." Both of them fought off tears as the separated.

Mazi and Tora wanted to stay with Pan, but she wouldn't allow it. "This is my l-last wish. I do-don't want you to w-watch me d-die." She told them quietly, "that's n-not a memory of m-me that I w-want you to have." The twins reluctantly acquiesced and went to say their goodbyes to their father.

"I'm glad I finally got to meet the both of you." Trunks whispered, "I want both of you to be strong." Mazi nodded, still crying. Tora kissed Trunks on the cheek, "I love you, Papa." Mazi nodded, "I love you, too." Trunks pulled both of his baby girls in for a hug and kissed them both on their foreheads, "I love you, both, too. So much. Take care fo yourselves." They nodded and left the room with their older siblings...

*early Friday morning*

It was approaching sunrise, and Pan was just barely hanging onto life. Trunks was wrapped around her, holding her like his arms alone would stop her soul from evacuating her body. His face was pressed into her hair, taking in as much of her scent as he could. As tainted as it was by her illness and oncoming death, he still couldn't get enough of it.

"T-Trunks, l-look, isn't it b-beautiful?" Pan asked weakly, and Trunks gasped as his skin began to dematerialize as the sunlight entered the room from the window. "One last t-time." Pan whispered, "tell me about the first time we met." The stutter left her voice as she used her final vestiges of strength to make her final request clear.

"You were a little devil, that was for sure," Trunks began softly, tears streaming from his eyes as he felt her ki begin to evaporate, "all you wanted to do was follow me and Goten to the GR to train with us. We just thought you were a weak little girl... how wrong we were..."

His voice began to fade into nothingness as his time on Earth expired, and the two souls were whisked away to Otherworld, leaving only the shell of an integral, extraordinary piece of the legendary Z-Senshi behind...

Tika and Tora gently pulled a sheet over their mother's body, and, for a second, everyone in the room could've sworn that they faintly heard her jubilant, tinkling laughter, intermingled with Trunks' deep chuckle. It was then that they knew everything would be alright.

And that marks the end of Fumetsu Mai. There's an Epi and then that's it. Oh my god, there are tears running down my cheeks right now. This was so hard to write. It's even more emotional for me than the first chapter. So, Pan and Trunks are together now, and we're going to do a little time skipping again, because I have a great idea for the Epi. Much Love, SukiChan12^-^

One last thing, credit for the lyrics goes to Christina Perri, and the producers of the song.