Chapter Nine

It felt like days before the darkness started to part and Makoto felt as if she wasn't alone anymore. Searching, she felt as if she were walking down a long dark tunnel as the soft glow of colors found her eyes. Looking down at her hands, she saw the emerald color surrounding her skin like smoke, swaying with each small movement as she then noticed the dark emerald gown covering her every curve. Pressing forward with a clear mind, Makoto walked to where a circle of woman stood each representing their own colors. Red, Mars, Blue, Mercury, Yellow, Venus, Dark Blue, Uranus, Aquamarine, Neptune, Purple, Saturn, Dark Purple, Pluto, and her, Green, Jupiter. In the center floated a young woman surrounded in white, her gown ruffling with the unseen breeze. Looking at the other women standing in a trance holding hands, Makoto saw her spot open as she looked at the hands belonging to that of the guardian of Uranus and Mars. Slowly the hands lifted and opened as Makoto stepped into her spot and took her place.

A feeling of belonging and comfort came over as happiness almost brought tears; this was her place, this was where she belonged. These were her friends and she was horrible for doubting their ability. This was her family. The multiple colors exploded into beams coming from each member's chest directed straight to the woman in the center. The answer was there in her heart as she stayed standing with her eyes closed. Her choice was made, she would stay with her friends and knew there were so many things she could do for the people she cared about. Emerald Tower and Rose City were going to be where her signature mark was left; she would start the tradition now doing the things she loved with the newly remodeled city. It would take time to get used to things but it would work out smoothly. Already the plans of her Tower were in mind and what she wanted to do first to help out the people. Her dream of owning her own restaurant, and helping others seemed to come clear. For once in her life, she felt as if she was finally awake.

Makoto opened her eyes in the lightly lit room feeling the softness of the bed, pillows, and blankets surrounding her. When did she get here? Looking around at the simple room holding a large stack of books, a desk, chair, and dresser, Makoto knew she had to be at the Son household. She loved ChiChi from the while she met her and knew this woman wanted education for her sons, thus the large stack of books. Pushing the covers, back, Makoto sat up and gave a stretch; she was still tired and weak but her strength was starting to come back. That meant, Crystal Tokyo must be complete. Excitement ran through her as she wondered what it would look like, how everyone was doing, and when Usagi was going to be due. Her mind was clouded with pleasure until something clicked in her mind; was the battle over? If so, why hadn't she been awake?

Lazily pushing to her feet, Makoto moved toward the door and turned the knob only for it to be…locked? Why was she loved in here? Her eyes darted to the window before trying to open it only for it to be locked as well. What the hell was going? She was starting to get angry as she tried to open the door while violently using her force except for nothing to happen. This had to be a dream; there was no other way for the door to go undamaged as she called upon her powers to use the lightning against it. It didn't even singe and her powers felt…unrealistic.

This is only a dream, she thought to herself continuously. A cool feeling came over to body while she felt as if something was controlling her breathing. Bursting her eyes open, the cool water stung while she tried to focus. Blinking continuously, Makoto finally found focus as she looked through the water finding she was floating in a glass tube, nude, like some scientific specimen. Embarrassment moved through her as she tried to look for a way out. Swimming up, she tried to push at the top only to find it unmovable. Angrily she felt her powers moving through her as if they were of a higher degree now that Crystal Tokyo was complete. In her mind she called on the powers, closing her eyes as her body curled into a ball while the green glowed brightly. Makoto's bright emerald gems thrust open as the power exploded, shattering the glass around the entire room holding multiple tubes.

Snatching the oxygen mask with her fingers, Makoto held on as it pulled from her face while the water rushed around her. Whatever this new power was made her feel a rush, excitement, and powerful.

"Jupiter Eternal Crystal Power, Make-Up!" It was a new development, their ultimate form and she didn't even need a transformation pen. It was something inside her that made it possible to transform. Jumping down, the glass crunched loudly under her heeled knee-length white boots as she took in her surrounding; multiple tubes surrounded her but on the ground where the water had rushed lay deformed fetuses from who knows how many experiments. Feeling as if she was going to be sick, Makoto covered her nose and mouth with a white gloved hand. Who in the world could do such a thing? The room was sanitary white, metal counter space held all sorts of strange metal tools and objects; the glass containers and all exploded as she continued peeking through the room. It was disturbing, and to think this was all for the sake of obtaining power.

Hearing an echoing noise, Makoto looked around to find a darkened corner to hide from as the voices continued to get closer. Distinctly she could tell by their voices they were male, by the deepness and it did not sound like they were happy. Crouched, she watched as two overly muscular, disfigured, bald man entered the room. They were towering as their overly large limbs moved about, jaws jutted showing mangled teeth; ironically they seemed to make a strange pair dressed in tight white clothing.

"She made a mess," grumbled one, looking at the glass while they cautiously entered.

"Pretty, very pretty," replied the other, looking down at the ground. Makoto felt pity move through her; these were experiments no doubt and yet these poor men were serving the man that gave them life.

"Find," replied the first as both of them started looking around the room. Makoto knew it was going to be no time until she found. Trying to move silently to another location where they had searched, Makoto felt her knee scrap against something painfully. Looking down, she silently cursed at the gash and then watched them perk.

"Smell," said the second excitedly. What the heck? Both of them were coming for her location quickly as she tried to move; when she moved, they changed course until she saw how angry they were starting to get. Their muscles rippled under the skin as they both tore into the room narrowly missing Makoto as she tried to dodge their hands and the glass. Throwing a ball of electricity, Makoto found instead of harming them, it lit their temper. It was no time before the large, swinging, bulk mass of men managed to ensnarl her in their grasps. Struggling, she watched as the first looked at her through one enlarged, bulging eye curiously before he nodded and lead the way while the second held her tightly. Mainly, she wanted to know how they had managed to capture her. What happened to Gohan, Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks? From the power she was able to see, they were a force to be reckoned with and she didn't see the enemy, with only two men, destroying them. Struggling, she found them leading her into the laboratory, going down an elevator as the air moistened, making her give a cold shiver.

This, creature, tightened his grip with every small movement she gave feeling like a vise tightening slowly. Already it was becoming hard for her to breathe as she stayed as still as possible; her ribs felt so much pressure she was sure they would break with one more tightened grip. Feeling her suddenly dropped to the floor, Makoto looked around at the dimly lit area while she pulled to her feet to get away from the icy cement flooring.

"I didn't think they were telling the truth and had to look into their recordings to be sure you were real," came a surprisingly calming voice from in the dark. Looking around, Makoto noticed the two that brought her quickly retreated as if they were scared. Who was this and how powerful could he be to be in complete control as such? Makoto glared around the darkened space as she thought she heard a sound, crouching a bit and then froze when she felt a cool finger touch the side of her neck. Pushing her elbow backwards, she felt the pain shoot through her as if she jagged into a brick wall and shattered her elbow. There was a clicking of a tongue as she tried to control the pain shivering through her. "I believe you need to learn your place on the food chain; magic doesn't work on those of the sajin race."

She wanted to sputter something lippy but felt the words leave her as he gripped her shoulder, shooting more pain. Letting out a cry, Makoto fell to her knees as she used her free hand to cradle her arm. If he could do this, then did that mean Trunks, Goten, Goku, and Vegeta were also holding that much strength? All this time she hadn't thought how much they could hurt her and didn't think how their strength was out of the ordinary or could fly. It scared her to the bone and made her remember to tread softly around them. Letting out a haggard breath, Makoto focused as the same cool fingers touched her chin in a bruising manner and lifted her teary eyes to stare into the hollow, cold icy depths. Slim dark brows relaxed into slender curves, standing out again the pale, taught, muscular skin just on his face. She didn't want to see the rest of him, scared to what he would look like after the power he exerted. A grin spread over his barely pink hinted lips, showing he had some blow flowing somewhere.

"Did you think I would let you go unpunished for destroying my experiments? All I did was touch your elbow without pulling back my powers," he said, his deep voice echoing around them in this lonesome chamber. She looked away while he felt satisfied by her understanding the point. Makoto watched him out of the corner of her eye, his dark ebony hair falling to his shoulders in silky strands. He looked mystical and beautiful, but Makoto frowned at the thought 'too bad he's evil'. His body looked smaller in muscle mass to that of Goten and Trunks, giving him a more sliming figure as she was sure his blue button up shirt and white doctor's coat was hiding much of his form. Did he have a job in the real world they hadn't known about? He was dressed for the part of working in a hospital. "I would rather things were more simple than the course of action I've been forced to take. Normally when I look for a mate I follow the traditions of society with a date…but you…you're different. I'm sure it would take more than a date to reel you in."

"You're right, flowers and cooking is such a complicated trait to ask for," replied Makoto, staring at his now turned muscular back that seemed to twitch. There was something he was hiding underneath; she was sure he had the same muscles as the sajins she knew. Looking at his head turn to glace at her, Makoto thought she saw the curves of a smile. "Do I have to ask for an introduction since it seems I don't need to introduce myself?"

"My, my, you are impatient and straight to the point," he replied, turning to Makoto with his hands tucked into the front of his pockets. She regretted she asked, seeing his eyes looking over her as she was holding herself together to not show the pain coursing through her. "My name is Dr. Bardock Son, a well-known government scientist who makes weapons. Although that is my underlying source of income, I also have my own agenda to take over this world. Everyone in my family had their eyes laid on this planet and its destruction, but I'm sure Goku knows more about it."

Makoto felt the anger pulse through her, wanting to rip his throat out with the idea that he would think she would tolerate such plans. Struggling, she pushed herself up with shaky legs and a strong will.

"That is not going to happen, not on my watch," she replied, feeling a hiss in the back of her self-righteous voice. Radiz laughed, taking a step forward as she watched her stagger back severely weak from his touch. Appearing in front of her, Bardock grabbed her around the throat but loosened his grip enough to allow her to breath.

"Your self-righteous acts will not save the planet, and I suggest if you value your life you will do what I wish. I believe I was too rough on you, and for now will prepare you for the time when you will create a worthy experiment to my liking," he replied, letting his fingers slowly release her neck only to watch Makoto crumple to the floor gasping for air, pain pushing through her, and fear coursing through her veins.

"What do you want with Goku?" she managed in a rasped, almost quiet tone. Bardock was surprised by her courage and actually proud she asked a question worth his time to answer. Squatting in front of her, his black slacks pressed tightly against his muscled legs as it strained the fabric.

"Goku is my uncle, a being sent here originally by his father, Bardock, to destroy this planet. My father, Raditz, was killed because of my uncle not protecting him. I'm here to finish what should have been done years ago," replied Bardock. Makoto decided to choose her words carefully and play this out as much as she could to be on his affectionate side.

"Then how did you end up here?" asked Makoto, looking around and found herself looking at his cold, stern face as if he was calculating. Would he fall for it, or would she get harmed once more by his inhumane strength?

"You ask too many questions," he said plainly, his brow crinkling into a frown. Makoto act hurt by his comment.

"It's the least you could do since you barbarically dragged me here instead of taking me on a date," she replied, only to be surprised with a chuckle. She knew she must have had him but then looked up into the cold eyes and felt the soft fingers barely brush her cheek.

"I saw what you did to my android, and believe me I'm not going to fall for your trickery seductress," he simply replied, pushing his legs to his full height. Makoto frowned, finding this would be a turn of unlucky events. Seeing a simple movement of his hand, Makoto found herself in the clutches of experiment one and two unsure to what her fate would hold.

AN: Thank you for the reviews, JPandS! Much love coming my way. Your comments for constructive and very helpful especially since I was unsure if this revamp would turn out alright. I apologize for the delay in updates but, its finals and I'm tired. I'll hopefully have this projected for completion this summer if I can since my niece wants to visit 'aunty' in a few weeks.