Chapter 10: The Dark Planet

It was almost unbearable now. The discussions that Goku and Vegeta carried out were sometimes so crazy that one could hardly believe it. The current theme was Goku´s shining halo, which was, like a small lamp, a source of permanent light.

Vegeta growled: »That´s the tenth night that I cannot sleep because of that gloom. Slowly I am getting really nervous; the lack of darkness makes me go crazy. Can´t you put it down for a while and pack it away or something? Put it into a cupboard or your sock-drawer, Or wear a hat to cover it! But make it dark.«

Goku answered with a calm voice: »But this is why it is called shiny halo. If it was not shining, it would be called dark halo or something like that. And I cannot put it away. It´s stuck over my head.« He tried to take the halo down, but it jumped right back at its place.

»Put your head under a pillow.« Vegeta growled.

Goku replied: »Then I will suffocate.«

Vegeta´s voice was like liquid poison: »May I point out, that you are already dead? A dead man can´t suffocate! I told you that once before. Make it dark now.«

Son Goku laughed: »And may I tell you that you once also had a halo? I said no word because of it. I was happy that you had a halo… that meant that you have a good heart.«

»Grrr….« Vegeta growled. »Don´t tease me with that, that´s been long ago. A good heart… well, I´d say it´s the heart of a Saiyan prince. And this Saiyan prince wants to have darkness now.«

»But I already told you…« Goku started a protest.

Trunks sighed and asked with weary voice: »Uhm… would you please stop it, I know you haven´t seen each other for ten years but… why do you have to fight over every detail. We are on a mission, we need to get to those Dark Heart Dragon Balls, and we need to find Pan. Try to concentrate your strength on that.«

Goku was his opinion: »He is right. And we need sleep. I´ll try to get my light out, but please wake me up, if I do not breathe anymore…« He covered his head with a pile of pillows, in addition to that he closed the little curtain that shed his bed-bunk. But he could not sleep. He was thinking again. He had left the hereafter a few weeks ago… and he had no clue if Pan was there now… his heart ached. NO! Pan was alive, she must be alive. They must keep their hope… and the faith that everything would have a good ending. He smiled and finally felt the sleepiness come to him. But ere he could close his eyes, he heard some strange noises, so he opened his bed-curtains again and had a look around.

Also Vegeta was sitting upright in his bed. »Trunks talks in his dreams.« he explained. »He did it sometimes when we were at the way to Namek, and I think it was not much better when we were still at home. I do not know how we can help him.«

»I know.« Goku replied.

»How?« This was one of the rare moments when Vegeta really was interested in Gokus opinion. »Do you have an idea?«

Son Goku nodded: »Yes. We need to find Pan.«

Vegeta sighed: »Well, I agree.« he stood up. »I can´t sleep now. I´ll go to the cockpit and fly a few hours, to replace the automatic pilot. So we will be faster.«

:-:

Pan sat next to the bed, when the mutant woke up. They were back in Adan and Tomam´s house and she had been awake and on guard here, since the healer had left. Now Furyon blinked and it seemed, as if he could not believe, that he was alive.

»Where am I?« he asked and tried to move his head to get a look around.

Pan answered: »You are safe, nothing else matters. The body of your host is very hurt, many bones are broken and you have severe wounds; but don´t even think of leaving this body, and to enter another one. Because then I won´t hesitate to fight against you.«

The mutant Furyon replied: »I cannot leave this body. I am too weak to undergo that transformation…« He sighed. »I can feel the damages of this body and it´s weakness. This is… strange. I never felt like that before…«

Pan´s voice was hard: »Now you see what you do to others, do you? You also hurt living creatures; lots of them. You ate their energy, you killed them, and you caused much pain to them and to their families. But… I do not understand why the "Tribe"- people did that to you. Why did they lock you up and torture you? Have you tried to attack them? «

Furyon tried to shake his head: »No. The people who held me prisoner and tortured me found me after an emergency landing, maybe four nights ago. I was a stranger to them… and that is how they treat strangers. They had fun when they mangled this body, but when they noticed that I was so weak that I would die soon, they locked me up to… forget me.«

Pan was shocked: »You were tortured almost to death only because you are a stranger? You really did nothing to enrage them?«

»No.« he said. »I was already too weak to do anything when I landed here.«

»But why?« the young woman asked. »When I last met you, your powers were superior… I was no match to you. Were you severely hurt because of the crash?«

Furyon took a deep breath and answered: »I did something very bad, Pan, the worst thing I could ever do. I was blinded by hatred and the wish for vengeance... and I made a big mistake. My own creation, my heir, attacked me and sucked up almost all of my energy. He tried to… take it all. He did not really need my life-energy; he did it only because he was able to do it. I could flee, and saw that he destroyed the planet where I made him; just for fun; there was no reason to do it. He did not come after me, because I was not interesting enough – he searched for another place to play… and I somehow landed here.«

Pan yelled: »Good gracious heavens, have you lost your mind? How could you ever construct an artificial life form that is so strong! Only because you… want revenge?«

Furyon whispered: »He is not an artificial life form; no android or cyborg. But I thought… I thought that I can safe time if I do not… wait until he´s old enough to understand what I wished to teach him. I wanted to have him ready to fight with me against you.«

»What are you trying to explain me?« Pan asked, trying to make her voice sound calm; but her heartbeat was much faster now. Somehow she knew it…

He replied: »I increased his ageing-rate as much as I could and let my heir out of the incubator as an almost "ten" years old boy; while he was growing I fed his brain with everything I thought he might need; the whole lexicon and how to fly space-ships and etcetera. I wanted to have him ready to be trained and ready to fight at my side against you… because I…« he shook his head. »I understood too late that an intelligent creature needs more than only a perfect body and the knowledge out of books. He is as strong as no other child has ever been before, but he lacks everything every other child has… a life. He never learnt what life forms learn when they grow up slowly... He has no conscience and does not care for bad and good, because he does not know what they mean. He only wanted to amuse himself by using his powers… no matter if he did good or evil.«

Pan felt so shocked that she was close to cry. This was incredible, there was a creature on the loose which did not care for anything… and this child was more than powerful. How could one stop such a thing; and… how could a life form exist without any emotions? No greed, or sympathy, no hatred, no love, no conscience, not even a sense for good and evil, or maybe yes and no; and all that in the body of a boy.

She took a deep breath and said: »We must try to stop this creature. But at first you have to get well again. Therefore you must take a rest now. Try to sleep… I know it is hard to calm down; especially after all that you have done – because at least you have some kind of conscience.« She stood up to leave the room.

He whispered: »Why did you decide to help me? You could have let me die there.«

The young woman said: »Because I am not like you, or like those "Tribe"- people. I cannot leave creature that needs my help behind. Even if it is you.« She smiled a little bit. »My grandfather once told me, that hatred is not the reason that changes evil minds. Hate always responds with hate. It´s love that makes people change. Therefore I will look after you. And maybe someday you will understand what my grandfather meant.«

:-:

»Well, this is really an unpleasant place.« Goku said. The two others could only look around in silence. »It remembers me of… uhm, no place I´ve ever been before. Even hell was a nicer place to be. Really.«

They were all in the cockpit and had the automatic pilot on. The space-ship hovered without being steered. Absolute darkness surrounded them, but… that was not the real thing. Words could hardly explain it, because the outside was so spine-chilling weird. It was as if everything; star, moon, or planet; was blinded and totally dark; but an eerie, silvery light came from somewhere – although there was no point from where the light could really come from.

A few moments ago there had been the small glittering stars all around them, and Trunks had announced, that they were almost in the center of the galaxy now. »The computer has calculated this position, only a little bit southwest now, but the machines cannot tell me what will be waiting for us. All the small probes I shot there stopped the transmission when they passed exactly the same point. Although there seems to be nothing.«

»But Trunks.« Vegeta had asked. »We can´t see any difference between here and the space that surrounded us when we were at the way to Namek, nor anything what could have ruined the probes. I´ve read in a science book that there might be a black hole in the center of our galaxy, or something like that, but… our instruments must notice that. Here is… nothing. It is like looking into the night skies.«

Trunks had proposed: »Let´s try to fly on. If we do not try, we´ll never find out.«

And this was how they had come here. It was as if a big, dark veil covered everything from the outside, but this veil was invisible and undetectable, and they had felt nothing when they entered… although it was thick enough to let no light through.

»What is this?« Vegeta asked in that silent moment. Suddenly in front of them a small black planet was visible. It was silvery-dark and covered with holes, like a Swiss cheese. There was no atmosphere and the temperature was only a few degrees over the absolute Zero. No life was possible there… but it was a planet, something to land… some end for their journey… Trunks, who seemed to have nothing more to lose, steered the ship into the orbit of this dark planet. Then something very strange happened; and this was even more intimidating than anything before. Out of nothing the planet beneath them developed an atmosphere that was good for them, and the temperature started to increase a lot – it was still cold, but had something around the freezing point of water; which was much hotter than all the space around. Especially inside the holes the temperature seemed to be even warmer.

Someone or something was waiting for them – and this "whoever" seemed to know exactly what kind of life-forms were inside the space ship.

»Well, let´s do it.« Trunks decided to go down. The planet below them moved faster under them, as if it wished that they would land on a special point. When this landing place, a flat area next to a great cave, was exactly underneath the space ship, the rotation of the planet stopped again.

For safety reasons and to have it a little bit warmer, they dressed up in their orange space suits, also Goku who would not have needed it; and they all wore their helmets, when Trunks opened the door. But the instruments were right; there was a good atmosphere out there, so they left the helmets at the entrance of the cave. The gravity was ok, almost as it would be on earth, although that planet was not much bigger than a medium sized moon. Maybe this was also artificially made. There was no doubt that they were invited to come in, because far in the distance there was the shimmer of a light. It seemed to be a long way, as if they had to go almost to the center of that dark planet.

Cautious but at a fast pace they went through the cave; sometimes the small path widened to caverns and sometimes the surrounding walls were so low that they had to crawl on hands and knees to pass through. Behind them everything was black, one could hardly see the person that was following, and they lost the sight of the entrance of the cave long ago. But there was always a weird, greenish light in front of them. The light did come from some kind of fog, maybe it was glowing gas, and it floated slowly towards the center of the planet. It seemed to guide – or to lure – them to that place.

Suddenly something touched Vegeta´s left leg, and he fired a Ki-Shot at that thing… no one was allowed to grab him. The splinters of a bleached skeleton rained down on them.

»Urgh…« Goku said. »Maybe this was the last one who wanted to visit the Dragon of the Dark Chaos.« He bowed down and took the half skull in his hands. »I don´t want to end like this guy. He´s so… bleached.«

Vegeta sighed: »You are the only one of us three, who definitely won´t end up like this. But if you are afraid, Goku… We still have time to go back.«

Trunks shook his head: »I don´t think so.«

A deep, rolling sound, not much different from thunder, echoed through the cave, and all for a sudden, without having moved one foot, the three of them stood in a big cavern. A soft, greenish light that was produced by thick gas clouds illuminated the surroundings, but still there were many deep shadows around them.

»What the…« Vegeta cursed. »How did we get here!«

In the middle of this big cavern there was a black throne. This majestic chair had been carved out of the solid rocks. Somehow it looked like as if the stone had been melted and tortured to build up those ornamentations. In front of the throne was a table with one foot, also made of stone, and on this table there were seven greenish spheres; each of them had an own light glowing inside it. Without a trace of doubt that were the Dark Heart Dragon Balls.

Trunks was the first one who arrived next to the table, but his father and Goku were at his side only an instant later. They looked at the seven Dragon Balls. And no one liked them.

They had no stars in them, but other spheres, like "the box in the box in the box" one in another. The darkest one was the innermost, so even the „One"-sphere Dragon Ball looked scary. But the others were very hard to describe. Every sphere, that was not much thicker than a soap-bubble, seemed to have an own life, it rotated and moved in a total other way than the next one. There was a constant whirling in the Dragon Balls – it looked like pure chaos.

Without waiting for any more discussions, Trunks said with a loud voice: »Dragon of the Dark Chaos, show yourself!«

Vegeta growled: »Hey! We were not sure that we really want to do this!« He was not fast enough to stop Trunks from talking, but he bumped his elbow into his son´s ribs.

Goku shrugged his shoulders: »We are here. It´s been a long journey and I am afraid, that we are not allowed to go again… at least not so easy.«

»Your dead friend is right.« a snarling voice said. At first it seemed to come from nowhere, but then with a faint hiss a creature was visible on the throne. »I am here.«

The figure had an almost human body, but was covered with greenish scales all over. Fingers and toes carried claws and it had a long tail with a spiky ending. The eyes of the creature were of a poisonous yellow with a slit-like pupil, the pointed teeth of the dragon also had this yellowish color. It had no visible ears and on the top of his head a few sharp horns were pointing out.

The dragon had an evil smirk on his face: »You came to visit me, and you called me? Be welcomed, then… I already started to get bored. What do you want from me?«

All three of them were very cautious, and it needed no words to decide that they should hold back their real wish for a while. Every important person in the universe had warned them that this dragon was very dangerous. They tried to watch him a little bit longer, maybe it was possible to judge him a little bit better when he said something more… but the dragon seemed to know what they wanted to do, and did not talk, nor move. He only waited, with no expression except that evil smile on his face.

So Goku stepped forward and said: »It is me. I have the wish.«

»Fine.« The Dragon of the Dark Chaos said. »I can grant you every wish, how big it may be. I am more powerful than those minor Dragons, that the Namekians made.« He grinned. »Do you want to live again and forever, do you want to have the planet of the Saiyans back? Do you want to be the ruler of the galaxy or should I kill someone for you?« Now his grin really got dirty and appalling: »But as I said before, I am bored. I am eager to get the price… I want something for your wish.«

»I know.« Goku responded. »I was told that you need a sacrifice. Tell me the conditions of your contract.«

»Conditions? There are no conditions, only one rule. You tell me your wish. I take what I want. Then your wish will be granted. That is all.«

Vegeta asked: »So… if we do not tell you a wish, we might go, and leave this planet, and nothing happens.«

»I never said that.« the Dragon of the Dark Chaos answered. »You are here.«

Goku growled: »I understand. You won´t let us go. And I do not know what you will take, until I told you my wish. And as soon as I told you the wish, you take something, and we have no choice to change your mind… whatever we do, we are trapped.«

The dragon smiled: »I must say, you guessed right. So… tell me the wish now.«

Pan was worth it. They had no chance to find her in time without the help of this creature. Goku cast one look at Trunks, and he could see that Vegeta´s son could hardly keep silent. He seemed to be lost in thoughts that were moving in "fast forward" speed… and that were no nice thoughts. Goku noticed once again how much Trunks loved Pan, and that made the next step very easy. He smiled.

Son Goku turned to the Dragon of the Dark Chaos: »So you won´t tell me what you will take as a sacrifice?«

»No.« The dragon shook his head and scratched himself at the neck: »You are the guest, you are the first.« He slowly crossed his arms in front of his chest. »I am waiting.«

Goku returned a sharp nod: »Okay. I wish…«

»Oh, excuse me, please!« Trunks had entered the conversation so unforeseen, that Goku and Vegeta startled. Trunks´ voice was friendly, almost relaxed, as if he was talking to a taxi-driver or the postman, and not to the Dragon of the Dark Chaos. »May I ask something, ere you hear the wish, dragon? Please, I need to know it, because it really fascinated me… and as soon as Goku had told you his wish, there won´t be time, I assume.«

Vegeta and Goku could not believe it. Was this another one of Trunks´ strange ideas? Lately he had some tendency to act a little bit – odd. They both had tried to keep Trunks out of bounds here, like as if he was only their pilot or something, to keep him safe; but now he had put his head in the snare, and the snare was ready to close.

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos clearly faked his friendliness, but he said: »Yes, of course you can ask. But hurry up. I want to have my price. And when I have my price, I can go to sleep again… it also been a long time that I´ve been dreaming. Ask. Now.«

Trunks answered: »It won´t take long, I promise.« He sat down on a rock, and leaned back, as if he was in a smart living room and not at the probably worst place in the whole galaxy. »But see, it is a miracle. When we entered that dark space, where there was only a planet made of rocks and extreme coldness. I scanned twice, there was nothing… but as soon as we were in the orbit, the planet got so warm that we can live here, and it got an atmosphere that we can breathe. And the planet turned itself, so that we could land exactly at the entrance. Was it you? Did you do all these wonders? Did you know that we will come, and that we are Humans and Saiyans and that we breathe that kind of atmosphere? Do you see everyone that comes? This is brilliant!« He underlined his explanations with movements of his hands, as if he had started a scientific discussion. »Cause you must know which kind of species will come to visit you, to prepare your planet.«

Vegeta felt like knocked down with an immense hammer. His only son had gone crazy. How the heck could anyone admire this filthy dragon? No one knew what sacrifice this creature would take, and it was still not sure that he really would help them… and Trunks seemed to be the greatest fan of this dragon! The prince of the Saiyans was so shocked that he could not speak… and it was getting worse. Much worse…

The dragon was really amused and answered: »No one ever before asked me about that, and now, as I come to think about it, that was a real brazenness! Everyone only wanted to tell me the wish, but no one ever paid attention to my outstanding abilities. But of course I will tell you. You guessed right, I did all the changes to my planet. As soon as a space-ship enters the outer sphere of my kingdom, I know that someone is coming. It is like ringing a doorbell. And of course I know what species they are and I can start to prepare my planet. I do want to hear the wishes and want to take the price… If my guests die, ere they come to me, I have no fun. Some of my visitors are so eager to get their wish fulfilled, that I can sense what wish it will be. And I can think of a good price to take. I admit, I do not know what you want from me, but… sometimes it is real fun.« He laughed.

Then the dragon continued: »For example: Once there was a man who wanted to have back his youth, and he was so eager that I knew it before. So I decided… to take his life as a sacrifice. That was funny, really…When he realized that I betrayed him! I never will forget that last look in his eyes.« He laughed out loud and the walls of the cave seemed to shudder under that evil laugh. But then the dragon explained: »If I´d like to, I could make it even nicer here. I show you a little bit of it, just for fun. I am a great, no, a magnificent wizard.«

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos made a move with his hands and the cave around them changed. Within a few moments they found themselves in the big atrium of a luxury villa, with white stone pillars and nice, white furniture. Outside of some big windows the sea was rolling on a white beach. It was warm and the sun was shining.

»You see?« the dragon said with a superior smile. »But my visitors shall have some respect from me. Therefore I usually greet them in my cavern. I like to suck up their fear.« With a wave of his hand the nice surrounding was gone again.

»Wow!« Trunks gazed at the dragon with pure admiration. »That is so great! I´ve never seen anything like that before! I fully understand now why you are called the mightiest of the Holy Dragons. So… you are able to predict the wishes of some of your visitors and you can foresee who will come to visit you as soon as they are in the orbit of your planet. You are brilliant! Can you sense the people who want to visit you throughout the universe? And how exactly do you differ from the other dragons?«

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos shook his head: »No, no, you never can compare me with Shenron or Polunga; those "Holy Dragons" who were created by the Namekians. They are nothing but the tools, the servants of the Namekians; and they die, if their creator dies. I live alone. Don´t dare to compare me with those losers. I am totally different.«

Trunks smiled widely and leaned forward: »Can you explain it to me? Where do you come from? I never before met such an amazing creature like you.«

Now the dragon seemed to be flattered: »Of course, my young admirer. I am not like the other "great" dragons. I have real might, because no one dominates over me. The other dragons only come, if one collects all their Dragon Balls – otherwise they are locked up like left-alone-puppies; waiting to be released. I am always free, my Dragon Balls are usually together and I can awake or go to sleep whenever I want. I am my own master. The other dragons, like old Polunga or Shenron; like it to seem "powerful" when they arise. Yes, they can see in every corner of the universe, but they exist only for a few minutes. I do not see every place in the universe, and to be honest, it does not interest me. I am here, in my dark center, as mighty as maybe only a Kaioshin is … but even mightier, because if I would ever run out of life energy, there won´t be no successor. I take the whole galaxy with me, if I die. You see, I am the real ruler of this galaxy, and I am free to dwell in the paradise I make for me. I remember every sacrifice I have ever taken; and the fear and the pain of the one who came here to get his wish granted, but I remember also the sacrifice itself… like how life was on that planet I took one hundred years ago, or the car I let explode to eradicate the family of the one who came to me. I dream about it and I do not have to wait until someone has collected my Dragon Balls. They conserve every sacrifice for me and are my partners and my life. I am not interested in those billions of creatures out there. If someone wants something from me, they will come to see me. And I have my fun with them. You see, I am much better than those other "mighty Holy Dragons". And be aware, that was not all, my young friend.«

»What? Really? There is more?« Trunks was so eager to hear the answer, that he trembled like a man who had already five right numbers in the lottery and was only waiting for the last number to be announced. He could hardly keep his feet still.

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos was happy with self-admiration now: »When I heard the wish, I immediately absorb the price for the wish, and this is the most beautiful moment in my existence, because I can see the terror and the surprise in the faces of my clients. And after that I grant my wish, and at that point something happens. My Dragon Balls do…«

»Excuse me.« Goku said at low voice. »This has been enough conversation, I think.«

Trunks, as well as the dragon, looked at him in surprise. It seemed as if they had almost forgotten that the other two were there. And Trunks was the one of them who made a face as if Goku had insulted him by this interruption.

Vegeta went to his son and hissed at low voice: »Have you lost your mind? You can´t talk to this dragon like this. He´s surely going to take a crucial sacrifice… and you admire him? I can´t believe it.«

»But father…« Trunks tried to respond. He was interrupted by the dragon´s words.

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos got up from his throne and hovered next to Goku. »Well, if you cannot wait, until I am finished, then I also won´t wait anymore. Tell me your wish, immediately, or I will wipe away the atmosphere that allows your friends to breathe.«

»So we´re back to nice-talking, are we?« Goku said sarcastic. »Okay, then.« He turned to Trunks: »You haven´t got any more questions, have you?«

»No, thank you.« the younger man replied. He stood up and made a short bow to the dragon. »I won´t disturb you anymore.« He stepped back a few steps, and came to stop at a place where he was half covered by the long shadows.

But of what kind of use was that now! Vegeta stared at his son. If it was for him, he would have knocked Trunks out a long time ago and kept him out of this, back in the ship or even on Namek. How could anyone be so credulous? Trunks must know that it was dangerous to get noticed by this dragon. After such a long talk, the dragon had surely taken attention of Trunks. But there was another thing: Vegeta did not like the expression in his son´s eyes. It made him feel uneasy. That talk with the dragon had definitely not been all… Slowly he went closer to Trunks and if it was needed, he would intervene.

Next to the Dragon Balls it was time. The dragon was waiting. Goku turned to his friends and both nodded. Then Goku said: »Dragon of the Dark Chaos. I wish to know where I can find granddaughter Pan.«

Vegeta asked bewildered: »Why did you not say, that you wish her to be here? Then all would be over and we could go home!«

Goku answered: »Because I want to lay my hands on that person who kidnapped Pan. He might be still with her when we find her, and I promise that he will feel my wrath.«

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos nodded: »Fine. Your wish is spoken. And now for my price…« he looked at the others. Then he said to Son Goku: »I do not want anything from you, because you are dead.« he turned to Vegeta: »I do not want anything from you, because you are old… I already took the life of an old man; and to do this again would be boring.«

Vegeta started to protest: »You call me old, damn it! I will show you how much power I still have, come over and fight, I will kick you…«

Goku grinned, because his old friend was so enraged, but then he and Vegeta stopped dead in their movements and fell silent. The worst thing, that could ever happen, happened.

The dragon smiled: »But you, my young friend, you seem to have something very interesting for me.« He pointed at Trunks. »Come here.«

Goku protested: »Hey, what do you want from him, dragon? He is only our pilot, and has nothing to do with my wish, so leave him alone! That is not fair!«

»Who said, that I am fair?« the dragon answered. »Well then, I am waiting.«

Trunks agreed: »Yes.« Somehow he had sensed that it would end this way. He started to walk towards the Dragon of the Dark Chaos.

»No!« Vegeta said and stepped in his way. »I won´t let this happen!«

»Father.« Trunks smiled. »We can´t change it. Please promise me that you will take care of everything, no matter what will come now. I am sorry if I ever disappointed you.« He walked on and was soon next to the dragon and asked him with stone-cold voice: »I am here. What do you want from me?«

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos stretched out one finger and placed the pointed claw under Trunks´ chin. With a slow move he pushed his head so far up that it looked unpleasant. The sharp claw cut Trunks´ skin and he started to bleed, but that was not important now.

»Keep your hands off my son!« Vegeta yelled, but it was no use.

Gokus fists were trembling, but he remained quiet.

Trunks said again: »Dad, it´s okay. Dragon, what do you want?«

»I want something that is easy to take but hard to give. I want to take your greatest love. I want to take you every memory and every feeling for that, what you love most of all.«

Goku could not believe it: »He wants what? This can´t be true.«

Vegeta was so furious now that he turned into a Super-Saiyan, and prepared a Ki-Shot in his right hand: »Dragon! Let him go! I warn you one last time!«

»Never, old man, never; but now, as I see your reaction, I know, that I chose the right sacrifice. I like your pain, and now… I will try to make your pain worse.« With his other hand he touched Trunks at the upper chest, it was a short hit, not strong, not long, but something very bad seemed to happen when he took his hand away again.

The Dragon of the Dark Chaos removed his claw from under Trunk´s head and stepped back with an amused smile: »So this is it? Your greatest love! How good it feels, really…« he sat on his throne and closed his eyes. »I never felt anything like that before… this is great. Thank you. The price is paid. And now… I will fulfill your wish.«

Whilst the dragon still sat on his throne, being happy with his new sacrifice, the Dark Heart Dragon Balls started to glow like little stars, and they began to fly. Blinding light filled the cavern; everyone had to shield the eyes because of that shine. A silent explosion followed, and then it was dark again. The Dragon Balls were gone.

»What was that!« Vegeta growled. »What did you do?«

»I granted your wish.« the Dragon of the Dark Chaos laughed. »My Dragon Balls scatter themselves to somewhere – somewhere even I do not know. I promise that one of the Dragon Balls will be with the person you wish to find; wherever she may be.« Now the dragon laughed even louder. The evil sound echoed through the cave. »But I also promise you; no matter where you may start your search… you will find your missing person with the very last Dragon Ball. And don´t lose too much time. If the Dragon Balls are not here within five years, or one of them is damaged, my Dark Sphere will turn into an immense Black Hole, which will suck up the whole galaxy.« The Dragon of the Dark Chaos smiled at them. »I need the energy of the Dragon Balls, and if I have to die, I´ll take all of you with me.«

»How can you do such a thing!« Goku yelled. »You are a Holy Dragon after all!«

It was no use to shout. The Dragon of the Dark Chaos had disappeared, and it was dark and quiet in the cave, as before. Only Goku´s halo made a little bit of light now, even the glowing gas was gone. This could be an evil sign, so they decided to go immediately.

»Trunks, are you all right? Can you walk?« Goku asked.

»Yes, I am rather fine.« Trunks answered with a very calm voice. It did absolutely not fit the situation. He switched his flashlight on and started to walk towards the exit. »What are you waiting for, we know what we have to do, to find Goku´s granddaughter.« he said when he noticed, that the other two did not move.

Vegeta was puzzled: »Kakarott´s granddaughter? Her name is Pan, for all sakes! You… Trunks, wait! You are not all right!« He hurried after him, and for the first time in his life he felt real concern about someone – there was nothing else but deep anxiety in his heart. »Kakarott, come on... We need to find out what happened to him.«

»Yes. Lets hurry.« Goku agreed, and they followed Trunks at a fast pace.

When they reached the space-ship, they could hardly breathe and the temperature had fallen rapidly again. They were all happy when the ship´s door was closed behind them. Without any delay or further explanations Trunks took place at the pilot´s seat and started the engines. He launched the space ship, and sped up. The whole time he said no word and his eyes had an empty expression. His father and Goku had to accept that something very, very bad had happened.