OK, winding down now folks. I really appreciate all your support for this
fanfic! I know it has not been easy waiting on me all these times, and I
am sorry and grateful for your patience. We are almost done now, only a
little left to go! READING AND REVIEWING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, SO
PLEASE DO SO!!!!
Once more, a big thanks to all my reviewers and friends, I owe you guys tons, even the dense one I modeled Darien after, the one I referenced in my last opening in chapter ten. I don't know what I would do without you guys, especially now. Thanks so much, guys!
OK, standard disclaimer!!!! I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON OR HAVE PERMISSION TO USE THESE CHARACTERS! So, once again, please don't sue me, I am broke anyways.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: TIME TO STOP THE FUTURE'S CRISIS
Serena was at Pluto's side instantly, gently holding the bigger woman in a semi-upright position. "Pluto! What happened? Are you ok??" She was frantically gesturing for a senzu bean as she asked, not wanting to lose her friend, not after they had been through all this already.
Pluto's eyes were glassy, she looked barely conscious. Blood still trickled from what looked like a nasty head would, a long laceration across her forehead and into her hairline. She swallowed hard, trying to breathe past broken ribs, and the pain of a torn shoulder. "Wiseman, got through our lines..." Pluto coughed, a little blood coming up before she accepted the senzu bean from Piccolo, painfully chewing and swallowing the life- saving morsel. For a few moments, she seemed unchanged, then her color returned, wounds closed and disappeared. The broken ribs mended, she heaved a great breath, clearing her lungs suddenly. As soon as the pain stopped, she was sitting on her own, turning to face Serena. Almost instantly, she was kneeling, head bowed in deference to her. "Serenity, we, the Outers, have failed you."
Eyes softening, Serena grabbed Pluto in a hug, raising her from her kneeling position. "Pluto, you and the Outers could never fail me. Tell me what happened, Sets!"
Head still bowed, Sets began relating her story slowly. "The Inners are in the palace, using their energy to create a shield to protect the inner city, the heart of it, from the Negamoon forces. Outers were to take position at the edges, hold the enemy back until we could get enough energy to find a way to defeat them for good. I held position at the Time Gate, as my duty ordained. Suddenly, about an hour ago, the enemy made a major push, and Wiseman appeared for the second time, at the forefront. I joined the others to try and hold them back while the inners reinforced the shield, but we were not strong enough." Pluto's voice was laced with shame and guilt, enough to make Serena feel a burning behind her eyes, pain for her friend and guard burning in her. "One by one, we fell, I escaped here to get help, just as N and U fell together, protecting each other, as always, whether they live or not...." Her voice trailed off in silence, pain for her friends draining her, even as she tried to keep enough presence of mind to refer to Neptune and Uranus by the easy code she and Serenity had agreed upon if they even need speak of them in front of the scouts. "S went first, she lives, barely, in a coma. No one could bring her out of it before I fled." 'Fled. Ran like a coward, admit it, Pluto.' She mentally chastised herself as she waited, knowing how this must happen.
Eyes closed for a moment, Serena seemed caught in a debate. 'In the future, they need help, Pluto has made no mention of me, and I know that means I am out of the game, at least for the time being. We leave here, the past is vulnerable. We stay, the future is destroyed. Reenie comes with us if we go, she is in terrible danger, but here, without us, this "wiseman" could double back and take her too easily.we need a solution....' Serena raised her head and looked at Pluto. We will go to the future to help, but we must have someone here to provide an alert if something were to happen, and to hold off Wiseman until we can return..." Looking Pluto in the eye, she had made her decision. "All of us will go, including Reenie, but our time's U and N will remain here, they can alert us in the future of trouble should Wiseman try to come back here, we will return instantly."
Taking her communicator, she again sent out a signal to her two back ups of this time, the ones the scouts would not meet yet. "U, N, I need you."
A sardonic voice replied, clearly annoyed but amused. "Princess, keep this up and we might as well move there early."
"U, this is no laughing matter. We are going to aid in the future, you and N have watch duty."
Silence reigned for a moment before the voice replied again, much more seriously. "Yes, your highness. Nothing will happen that we won't take care of."
"You are not to take on ANY enemy alone, but alert us immediately if more than a single droid shows at any time, am I clear?"
"But Princes-."
"NO BUTS, U! That is a direct order from Princess Serenity, it that clear?" Anyone looking at Serena could see her clear anger, the crescent moon on her forehead glowing like a small nova, voice harsh and clipped. Worry and anger had truly made her into the Princess she could be.
"Yes, your Highness." U was apparently angry, but was under orders, and would not disobey. "We will be there in twenty minutes, we are very close to town already."
"Good, we are leaving immediately, out."
Serena looked around at her family and friends, seeing the worry and even surprise written on several faces. 'Good, it's starting to sink in.'
Finally, Rei could not take the silence anymore. "Serena, who in the name of Mars is U and N?"
There was a deep sigh from Serena. "I told you, Rei, they are friends, no more or less. Eventually, you will meet them, but until then, I will not tell you, it would damage the time stream, maybe beyond repair."
Vegeta snorted, rising and walking towards his daughter, Bulma just a step behind him. "I am going with you."
"Didn't think otherwise, Father."
"So am I."
Serena and Vegeta both swiveled their gaze to Bulma, who stood unflinchingly before them. "Mom, I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"I do know, Rena, and I'm going, final word." Serena knew from long years of experience that the words "final word" from Bulma meant just that for her, no more said on it. She had made up her mind and Dende help you if you tried to stop her. Backing off, she briefly outlined the entire situation for the Scouts, nothing they didn't already know. It was more just an exercise of privacy for the ensuing argument that would inevitable erupt between Vegeta and Bulma.
"Woman, you are not going."
"Yes I am, Vegeta."
They had an obvious stare off, neither giving an inch. From a discrete distance, Darien watched, Reenie still snoring quietly away in his arms. 'Dear God, and THIS is the family I will eventually be marrying into? God, I hope that that King transformation I heard about comes with a shield, I am going to need it.'
Vegeta was frustrated, and it showed. "Woman, do you have a death wish? Am I so terrible that you wish to die to escape me?" He was pushing buttons, he knew it, but by damn, she was not endangering herself.
"Damn you, Vegeta, you know that isn't it!! I am not going to be left behind to wait again, it kills me inside when that happens, waiting, wondering if I will ever see you again! And now, not only you, but my son, daughter, granddaughter, and everyone else as well? No, I won't stay here like some helpless civilian!" By the end of her statement, she was shouting, her eyes boring into his, begging for understanding.
"You are helpless!" Silence fell over the entire assemblage at this, shouted comment. Bulma's face looked as if it were carved in stone, while Vegeta's was somewhat stunned, as if he did not quite understand what he just said.
Bulma's voice was icy, glacier when she responded, if she had had the power, it might have literally sliced with its sharpness. "Have a care, Vegeta. I am smarter, and none of you are invincible. I can help you, and I saved your ass several times. I am going, whether you approve or not. Afterwards, if you really hold such an opinion of me, you can leave." A silent gasp went through the room at that.
Vegeta could not look more stunned if someone had taken a Kamehameha blast to his head. 'Leave?' He looked at her closely, and saw the signs of her own emotions at the thought. He was in turmoil, but didn't show it. She, on the other hand, had tears shining in her eyes. Her face was firm, but her eyes gave her away before she turned and walked out of the room. After a few moments, another door slammed in the temple, one to a spare guest bedroom Rei had allowed Bra to have. Glancing around, the looks varied on each face. Trunks looked stunned, as if he could not believe how stupid his father had been. Most of the scouts looked disgusted, and Serena had a cross of shock, disbelief, and a little fear, as if he might actually do it. It was that tinge of fear that sent him after her.
She was only four rooms away, and wasn't hard to hear. Vegeta picked up on her quiet sobbing almost immediately. He silently entered the room, like a panther, and shut the door behind him, leaving them alone. She was kneeling beside the bed, head cradled in her arms as she cried. Her back was to him, head and arms resting on the bed as her shoulders shook with quiet shudders. Walking to her, Vegeta took Bulma into his arms, letting her cry onto his broad chest, feeling like a part of him died with each tear. 'Dende, she is the only one who can hurt me like this, and she doesn't even know it, not really. Leave? How could I leave my soul?'
Bulma sobbed for a few more minutes, not knowing what went through his mind as Vegeta held her. She finally could speak again, and did so, between sobs and gasps for air. "I won't just sit here and wait to know if you are coming back again, Vegeta, I can't! I'd die if something happened to you, I can't do this again. Leave if you must, but I won't wait for you to just die on me again, not if I could try and help." She was no longer crying, but her face remained pressed against Vegeta's firm chest. Mentally, she berated herself. 'If her thought you were helpless before, what must he think now?' She didn't move, afraid to look up and see the disgust and pity she dreaded in his eyes.
In the end, he gave in before she did. Gently, Vegeta raised her head so he could look into her eyes. Incredible things they were, windows to every thought in her mind. In them he could see fear, sadness, and love, all rolled up into her. Bulma, in return, saw his stormy dark eyes, usually cold, aloof, and they came alive, as if a curtain was drawn away, revealing what he felt in those dark eyes of his. She gasped in wonder. A genuine fear of her shone, but behind it was something more, a love that she had always known was there, but its sheer strength in his gaze stunned her. In that instant, both knew that there would be no leaving, no waiting for the other's return, none of it. They were in it together, better or worse, from now on in this. She would not bear the pain of waiting, not knowing, and he would never leave her, for their souls were joined, and nothing could beat them, together. For a moment, they just stared at each other, as if for the first time truly seeing the other, then they kissed, in both apology and admission. Some minutes later, they were ready to return.
Serena looked up in relief as her parents entered the room, evidentially all fears and arguments solved. As of one mind, the scouts and z fighters all moved into a group surrounding the rejuvenated Pluto. Gesturing with her time staff, Pluto opened a dark portal which engulfed the group. Within moments they were standing before the legendary Gates of Time.
The group had almost subconsciously paired off, Serena and Darien leading, Reenie still safely cradled in her father's arms. The others were close together, but not quite such a unified front, Rei and Goten seemingly most eager while Ami and Gohan wanted to plan ahead more, the others ranging between the two extremes. Finally, a glare from Pluto silenced the group, making even Vegeta bite back his opinion. The Gates slowly opened and revealed a mist covered plain, clearly a battlefield, destroyed buildings and droids everywhere. It was time.
They advanced through the gates, towards the gates of the palace, passing through the shield like it was not even there. Once inside, they had an unexpected greeting.
A tall man advanced purposely through the mist. His hair was mussed, and a sword dangled from his side. Just a few steps behind him, a shorter figure became slightly visible as well, this one supporting a far too familiar hair style, his hair sticking straight up on his head. Finally, the mist parted before the two incoming men, and a gasp arose from the group, excepting Vegeta and Darien.
Before them stood a slightly taller, more muscular version of Darien. He looked older, somewhere in his mid to late twenties, his hair a deep violet color, his eyes seemed to hold a kind of sorrow and pain that was unknown in the Darien who currently held a sleeping Reenie. He was clad in a more elegant version of the tux that Tuxedo Mask wore, but it was violet where Tuxedo Mask's was black. His tread was light, but purposeful, determined. Two steps behind him, an older, wiser looking Vegeta clearly appeared. He was almost unchanged, a few tinges of gray in his otherwise black hair, a few more defined frown lines, but other than that, he was identical to the one currently standing beside Bulma. The two of them sized each other up, and the older allowed a small, sardonic smile to surface. Definitely the same Vegeta.
The older version of Darien stepped forward, standing right before the group. "I am King Endymion of Crystal Tokyo, and you have no idea how relieved I am to see you." He smiled then, but that sad twinge held in his eyes.
In Darien's arms, Reenie stirred and looked around, taking in her surroundings. Almost instantly she spotted King Endymion. "DADDY!" Leaping from Darien's arms, she nearly tackled her father, causing a ripple of laughter in the group, a slight smile from Vegeta, both older and younger versions, and a deep, resonant chuckle from Endymion.
"Small Lady, you scared me half to death! Running off like that! Sometimes I wish you weren't so much like your mother, charging headlong into danger at the drop of a hat!"
Almost in synch, both Vegeta grumbled under their breath. "Must run in the family." The younger one earned an elbow in the ribs for the comment, while the older one showed a smug half smile at his current immunity.
The comment, however, had gotten Reenie's attention, and she hastily looked over her father's shoulder. "GRANDPA!" Again she launched herself, slipping from her father's grasp like a bar of soap and throwing herself into the arms of the future Vegeta, who actually chuckled at her as he caught her gently, almost as if he was afraid she would vanish before him.
"Welcome back, Little Warrior."
Satisfied now that Reenie was safe, Endymion turned his attention back to the group of scouts and z fighters, his expression becoming grim. "Come my friends, we have much to discuss." With that, he and the older Vegeta, Reenie still in hand, turned and headed back into the palace, the larger group in tow. Once inside the fortified walls, he led them up stairs, up into a tower of the palace. On the way, they passed several workers who acknowledged them with a bow of respect before moving on.
Finally, they entered a huge, domed room, and in the center were four beds side by side. On the first lay a small girl, possibly in her mid teens, with black hair to her shoulders and a slight build, her frame tinier than even Bulma's. To her left lay another, taller and older woman, this one looking to be in her mid to late twenties, her teal hair down to mid back length, one fist clenched, even in unconsciousness. The next bed held a male wearing a teal shirt whit short blonde hair, easily taller than either previous figure and one hand extended, as if reaching for the teal haired woman, in either reassurance or protection.
The last bed held the worst sight, one that sent Darien instantly to Serena's side, one arm wrapping around her shoulder and pulling her against him, even as Endymion walked slowly, almost painfully to this bed, laying a hand on the hand of its occupant. It was obviously Serenity, the resemblance to Serena was unmistakable. Her hair was longer and silver, but the same style as always, and even in sleep she seemed at peace, her taller figure looked like a more mature version of Serena's. However, just as obviously, something was wrong. There were no visible injuries, but something felt..sick, hurt about the entire scene, with Ami, Serena, Rei, and Bulma on the verge of tears after only a moment.
Endymion stayed beside Serenity's bed, holding her chilled, limp hand in his large, warm one. "This was their first strike. They came under a flag of truce, supposedly an envoy of peace. We welcomed them, opened to them, and our thanks was this."
Serena walked towards Endymion, Darien still with her, as Bulma and Ami stepped onto the other side of the bed, examining the four unconscious bodies. Lightly placing a hand on his arm, Serena quietly questioned him. "What happened.?"
He tensed under her hand before relaxing, his back firmly towards her. "At a banquet, Diamond, their prince, was seated beside us, the biggest mistake of my life. After the feast, their envoy left suddenly, something that set us all on guard. We were looking for an outward attack. How foolish we were." A tear formed and rolled down Endymion's cheek unnoticed by him. "After about three hours, Serenity and I were bed, she suddenly gasped, and had trouble breathing. I called for help, and Ami and Bulma were there in seconds, but not even senzu beans helped." His eyes closed, his body tense like a wire, shaking in repressed anger and sadness. The older Vegeta was eyeing him warily, placing Reenie down on a small couch against the wall as she settled back to sleep, a tiny tear running down her own face as her father continued his tale. "She was in pain for two days, trying to fight it off...then she lapsed into this coma. We found the chemical in her body, a toxin, draining her life-force slowly. Only the crystal has sustained her for this long." Beside Queen Serenity, a small jewel glowed, obviously sending her energy to survive.
Darien asked the question he dreaded, mentally begging for an answer that would not crush himself and his future self. "Will she live?"
"Not unless we can cure her. Reenie is not strong enough to use the crystal to do it, and this crystal is almost drained now." Endymion turned, looking pleadingly at the group of warriors, especially at Serena. "We thought that if you could...I was going to be the one to come back and ask for your help, but Reenie ran through the portal, and I could not leave after that, the palace was attacked. The outers went to defend the outer edges of the city, and you inners formed a shield around the palace, but the energy needed even drew on your mates, and the second thing the Negamoon did was seal the gateway we had to the Z Fighters' universe. Bra, Goku, Krillun, 18, Pan, Yamcha and Tien and Choutzu, anyone we would have called for help, trapped on the other side. We were hoping, Serena, that with your crystal, maybe you could try........" He left the rest unsaid, trying to control his emotions even as Serena opening had tears running down her face.
The older Vegeta stepped up to finish the narrative. "I was the only fighter not affected by the drain. Rena drew energy from the scouts to try and fight his...poison, but in vain, and they were weakened, even the outers. I went out to help, to defeat this Diamond and take revenge, but Wiseman appeared and overwhelmed me." His power level was suddenly revealed, almost choking the room as high as it was, and the younger Vegeta realized how much stronger his future self was. 'And if he is that strong...how strong is this Wiseman?'
The slightly grayed Vegeta continued. "Bulma is working constantly to find a cure, but while she has an antidote for the poison, without energy, Rena will still die." He looked directly at Serena as he finished. "None of us had the energy, and it may be dangerous to say the least."
Serena frowned, wrapping a hand tightly around her own crystal, transforming into Princess Serenity. "Father, no need to bait me with a challenge, you know I will try." Beside her, Darien, now Prince Endymion, still had a hand on her shoulder, protectively, but not holding her back, more like offering support.
Ami was busy scanning Queen Serenity. "Hold it, Serenity, he is not baiting, it would drain you, possibly too far." Looking, ands seeing Princess Serenity glowing, she realized that she was too late. "NO!" A beam a light swept from the crystal in Serenity's hand and impacted Queen Serenity, like a beam of intense light onto her chest. After only moments, Princess Serenity started to weaken, even with the extra energy provided by Prince Endymion.
Raising her pen to the sky, Ami transformed. "MERCURY STAR POWER!!" Before her transformation had even fully finished, she was on the other side of the bed, placing a hand on Serenity's shoulder, sending her best friend more power. An instant later, Gohan's power joined hers. The Silver Crystal strengthened and held strong for some seconds, then began to weaken again, they needed more energy. A rougher hand than Gohan's was placed on her right shoulder, and turning her head, Ami saw Vegeta, donating his energy as well, even as his fully black hair went gold and then back to black, transforming to a super Saiyan and giving all that energy before dropping back to normal. Bulma was holding his hand, donating the little energy she could. Neo-Queen Serenity heaved a deep breath of air, but it was not enough, not over yet.
"MARS STAR POWER!"
"VENUS STAR POWER!"
"JUPITER STAR POWER!"
Ami felt the other three scouts join the circle, more energy pouring into the healing light of the Crystal, even as Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo also poured their energy into it.
The Silver Crystal fired one more intense second of healing energy into Neo- Queen Serenity before they stopped, all of them drained, but still standing, if unsteady. At first, no one moved, and for just a moment, despair fell over the assemblage, thinking they had failed.
Then, a quiet moan echoed in the chamber. King Endymion raised his head from his hands, a incredulous hope shining in his eyes. Queen Serenity stirred, finally sitting up slowly, shaking her head as is awakening from a long sleep. Instantly King Endymion enveloped her in his arms, holding her close as if she might vanish from him in an instant. There were few dry eyes in the room, even as the scouts detransformed to their normal street clothes again, lacking the power to keep the uniforms.
"Well," an obviously tired but cured Neo-Queen Serenity said as she looked over the assembled heroes, most of whom looked as if they were about to pass out, "I think we better get you some rooms and you should get some much needed rest befor--." She was cut off as Serena and Ami passed out from exhaustion, both caught, but barely by their respective men. Serenity continued with a sigh. "Before one of you pass out."
Minutes later, each pair was assigned a room and was sleeping peacefully while Serenity and Endymion distributed three much needed senzu beans to the other three unconscious scouts. When they woke up, there was going to be a LONG discussion.
Once more, a big thanks to all my reviewers and friends, I owe you guys tons, even the dense one I modeled Darien after, the one I referenced in my last opening in chapter ten. I don't know what I would do without you guys, especially now. Thanks so much, guys!
OK, standard disclaimer!!!! I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON OR HAVE PERMISSION TO USE THESE CHARACTERS! So, once again, please don't sue me, I am broke anyways.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: TIME TO STOP THE FUTURE'S CRISIS
Serena was at Pluto's side instantly, gently holding the bigger woman in a semi-upright position. "Pluto! What happened? Are you ok??" She was frantically gesturing for a senzu bean as she asked, not wanting to lose her friend, not after they had been through all this already.
Pluto's eyes were glassy, she looked barely conscious. Blood still trickled from what looked like a nasty head would, a long laceration across her forehead and into her hairline. She swallowed hard, trying to breathe past broken ribs, and the pain of a torn shoulder. "Wiseman, got through our lines..." Pluto coughed, a little blood coming up before she accepted the senzu bean from Piccolo, painfully chewing and swallowing the life- saving morsel. For a few moments, she seemed unchanged, then her color returned, wounds closed and disappeared. The broken ribs mended, she heaved a great breath, clearing her lungs suddenly. As soon as the pain stopped, she was sitting on her own, turning to face Serena. Almost instantly, she was kneeling, head bowed in deference to her. "Serenity, we, the Outers, have failed you."
Eyes softening, Serena grabbed Pluto in a hug, raising her from her kneeling position. "Pluto, you and the Outers could never fail me. Tell me what happened, Sets!"
Head still bowed, Sets began relating her story slowly. "The Inners are in the palace, using their energy to create a shield to protect the inner city, the heart of it, from the Negamoon forces. Outers were to take position at the edges, hold the enemy back until we could get enough energy to find a way to defeat them for good. I held position at the Time Gate, as my duty ordained. Suddenly, about an hour ago, the enemy made a major push, and Wiseman appeared for the second time, at the forefront. I joined the others to try and hold them back while the inners reinforced the shield, but we were not strong enough." Pluto's voice was laced with shame and guilt, enough to make Serena feel a burning behind her eyes, pain for her friend and guard burning in her. "One by one, we fell, I escaped here to get help, just as N and U fell together, protecting each other, as always, whether they live or not...." Her voice trailed off in silence, pain for her friends draining her, even as she tried to keep enough presence of mind to refer to Neptune and Uranus by the easy code she and Serenity had agreed upon if they even need speak of them in front of the scouts. "S went first, she lives, barely, in a coma. No one could bring her out of it before I fled." 'Fled. Ran like a coward, admit it, Pluto.' She mentally chastised herself as she waited, knowing how this must happen.
Eyes closed for a moment, Serena seemed caught in a debate. 'In the future, they need help, Pluto has made no mention of me, and I know that means I am out of the game, at least for the time being. We leave here, the past is vulnerable. We stay, the future is destroyed. Reenie comes with us if we go, she is in terrible danger, but here, without us, this "wiseman" could double back and take her too easily.we need a solution....' Serena raised her head and looked at Pluto. We will go to the future to help, but we must have someone here to provide an alert if something were to happen, and to hold off Wiseman until we can return..." Looking Pluto in the eye, she had made her decision. "All of us will go, including Reenie, but our time's U and N will remain here, they can alert us in the future of trouble should Wiseman try to come back here, we will return instantly."
Taking her communicator, she again sent out a signal to her two back ups of this time, the ones the scouts would not meet yet. "U, N, I need you."
A sardonic voice replied, clearly annoyed but amused. "Princess, keep this up and we might as well move there early."
"U, this is no laughing matter. We are going to aid in the future, you and N have watch duty."
Silence reigned for a moment before the voice replied again, much more seriously. "Yes, your highness. Nothing will happen that we won't take care of."
"You are not to take on ANY enemy alone, but alert us immediately if more than a single droid shows at any time, am I clear?"
"But Princes-."
"NO BUTS, U! That is a direct order from Princess Serenity, it that clear?" Anyone looking at Serena could see her clear anger, the crescent moon on her forehead glowing like a small nova, voice harsh and clipped. Worry and anger had truly made her into the Princess she could be.
"Yes, your Highness." U was apparently angry, but was under orders, and would not disobey. "We will be there in twenty minutes, we are very close to town already."
"Good, we are leaving immediately, out."
Serena looked around at her family and friends, seeing the worry and even surprise written on several faces. 'Good, it's starting to sink in.'
Finally, Rei could not take the silence anymore. "Serena, who in the name of Mars is U and N?"
There was a deep sigh from Serena. "I told you, Rei, they are friends, no more or less. Eventually, you will meet them, but until then, I will not tell you, it would damage the time stream, maybe beyond repair."
Vegeta snorted, rising and walking towards his daughter, Bulma just a step behind him. "I am going with you."
"Didn't think otherwise, Father."
"So am I."
Serena and Vegeta both swiveled their gaze to Bulma, who stood unflinchingly before them. "Mom, I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"I do know, Rena, and I'm going, final word." Serena knew from long years of experience that the words "final word" from Bulma meant just that for her, no more said on it. She had made up her mind and Dende help you if you tried to stop her. Backing off, she briefly outlined the entire situation for the Scouts, nothing they didn't already know. It was more just an exercise of privacy for the ensuing argument that would inevitable erupt between Vegeta and Bulma.
"Woman, you are not going."
"Yes I am, Vegeta."
They had an obvious stare off, neither giving an inch. From a discrete distance, Darien watched, Reenie still snoring quietly away in his arms. 'Dear God, and THIS is the family I will eventually be marrying into? God, I hope that that King transformation I heard about comes with a shield, I am going to need it.'
Vegeta was frustrated, and it showed. "Woman, do you have a death wish? Am I so terrible that you wish to die to escape me?" He was pushing buttons, he knew it, but by damn, she was not endangering herself.
"Damn you, Vegeta, you know that isn't it!! I am not going to be left behind to wait again, it kills me inside when that happens, waiting, wondering if I will ever see you again! And now, not only you, but my son, daughter, granddaughter, and everyone else as well? No, I won't stay here like some helpless civilian!" By the end of her statement, she was shouting, her eyes boring into his, begging for understanding.
"You are helpless!" Silence fell over the entire assemblage at this, shouted comment. Bulma's face looked as if it were carved in stone, while Vegeta's was somewhat stunned, as if he did not quite understand what he just said.
Bulma's voice was icy, glacier when she responded, if she had had the power, it might have literally sliced with its sharpness. "Have a care, Vegeta. I am smarter, and none of you are invincible. I can help you, and I saved your ass several times. I am going, whether you approve or not. Afterwards, if you really hold such an opinion of me, you can leave." A silent gasp went through the room at that.
Vegeta could not look more stunned if someone had taken a Kamehameha blast to his head. 'Leave?' He looked at her closely, and saw the signs of her own emotions at the thought. He was in turmoil, but didn't show it. She, on the other hand, had tears shining in her eyes. Her face was firm, but her eyes gave her away before she turned and walked out of the room. After a few moments, another door slammed in the temple, one to a spare guest bedroom Rei had allowed Bra to have. Glancing around, the looks varied on each face. Trunks looked stunned, as if he could not believe how stupid his father had been. Most of the scouts looked disgusted, and Serena had a cross of shock, disbelief, and a little fear, as if he might actually do it. It was that tinge of fear that sent him after her.
She was only four rooms away, and wasn't hard to hear. Vegeta picked up on her quiet sobbing almost immediately. He silently entered the room, like a panther, and shut the door behind him, leaving them alone. She was kneeling beside the bed, head cradled in her arms as she cried. Her back was to him, head and arms resting on the bed as her shoulders shook with quiet shudders. Walking to her, Vegeta took Bulma into his arms, letting her cry onto his broad chest, feeling like a part of him died with each tear. 'Dende, she is the only one who can hurt me like this, and she doesn't even know it, not really. Leave? How could I leave my soul?'
Bulma sobbed for a few more minutes, not knowing what went through his mind as Vegeta held her. She finally could speak again, and did so, between sobs and gasps for air. "I won't just sit here and wait to know if you are coming back again, Vegeta, I can't! I'd die if something happened to you, I can't do this again. Leave if you must, but I won't wait for you to just die on me again, not if I could try and help." She was no longer crying, but her face remained pressed against Vegeta's firm chest. Mentally, she berated herself. 'If her thought you were helpless before, what must he think now?' She didn't move, afraid to look up and see the disgust and pity she dreaded in his eyes.
In the end, he gave in before she did. Gently, Vegeta raised her head so he could look into her eyes. Incredible things they were, windows to every thought in her mind. In them he could see fear, sadness, and love, all rolled up into her. Bulma, in return, saw his stormy dark eyes, usually cold, aloof, and they came alive, as if a curtain was drawn away, revealing what he felt in those dark eyes of his. She gasped in wonder. A genuine fear of her shone, but behind it was something more, a love that she had always known was there, but its sheer strength in his gaze stunned her. In that instant, both knew that there would be no leaving, no waiting for the other's return, none of it. They were in it together, better or worse, from now on in this. She would not bear the pain of waiting, not knowing, and he would never leave her, for their souls were joined, and nothing could beat them, together. For a moment, they just stared at each other, as if for the first time truly seeing the other, then they kissed, in both apology and admission. Some minutes later, they were ready to return.
Serena looked up in relief as her parents entered the room, evidentially all fears and arguments solved. As of one mind, the scouts and z fighters all moved into a group surrounding the rejuvenated Pluto. Gesturing with her time staff, Pluto opened a dark portal which engulfed the group. Within moments they were standing before the legendary Gates of Time.
The group had almost subconsciously paired off, Serena and Darien leading, Reenie still safely cradled in her father's arms. The others were close together, but not quite such a unified front, Rei and Goten seemingly most eager while Ami and Gohan wanted to plan ahead more, the others ranging between the two extremes. Finally, a glare from Pluto silenced the group, making even Vegeta bite back his opinion. The Gates slowly opened and revealed a mist covered plain, clearly a battlefield, destroyed buildings and droids everywhere. It was time.
They advanced through the gates, towards the gates of the palace, passing through the shield like it was not even there. Once inside, they had an unexpected greeting.
A tall man advanced purposely through the mist. His hair was mussed, and a sword dangled from his side. Just a few steps behind him, a shorter figure became slightly visible as well, this one supporting a far too familiar hair style, his hair sticking straight up on his head. Finally, the mist parted before the two incoming men, and a gasp arose from the group, excepting Vegeta and Darien.
Before them stood a slightly taller, more muscular version of Darien. He looked older, somewhere in his mid to late twenties, his hair a deep violet color, his eyes seemed to hold a kind of sorrow and pain that was unknown in the Darien who currently held a sleeping Reenie. He was clad in a more elegant version of the tux that Tuxedo Mask wore, but it was violet where Tuxedo Mask's was black. His tread was light, but purposeful, determined. Two steps behind him, an older, wiser looking Vegeta clearly appeared. He was almost unchanged, a few tinges of gray in his otherwise black hair, a few more defined frown lines, but other than that, he was identical to the one currently standing beside Bulma. The two of them sized each other up, and the older allowed a small, sardonic smile to surface. Definitely the same Vegeta.
The older version of Darien stepped forward, standing right before the group. "I am King Endymion of Crystal Tokyo, and you have no idea how relieved I am to see you." He smiled then, but that sad twinge held in his eyes.
In Darien's arms, Reenie stirred and looked around, taking in her surroundings. Almost instantly she spotted King Endymion. "DADDY!" Leaping from Darien's arms, she nearly tackled her father, causing a ripple of laughter in the group, a slight smile from Vegeta, both older and younger versions, and a deep, resonant chuckle from Endymion.
"Small Lady, you scared me half to death! Running off like that! Sometimes I wish you weren't so much like your mother, charging headlong into danger at the drop of a hat!"
Almost in synch, both Vegeta grumbled under their breath. "Must run in the family." The younger one earned an elbow in the ribs for the comment, while the older one showed a smug half smile at his current immunity.
The comment, however, had gotten Reenie's attention, and she hastily looked over her father's shoulder. "GRANDPA!" Again she launched herself, slipping from her father's grasp like a bar of soap and throwing herself into the arms of the future Vegeta, who actually chuckled at her as he caught her gently, almost as if he was afraid she would vanish before him.
"Welcome back, Little Warrior."
Satisfied now that Reenie was safe, Endymion turned his attention back to the group of scouts and z fighters, his expression becoming grim. "Come my friends, we have much to discuss." With that, he and the older Vegeta, Reenie still in hand, turned and headed back into the palace, the larger group in tow. Once inside the fortified walls, he led them up stairs, up into a tower of the palace. On the way, they passed several workers who acknowledged them with a bow of respect before moving on.
Finally, they entered a huge, domed room, and in the center were four beds side by side. On the first lay a small girl, possibly in her mid teens, with black hair to her shoulders and a slight build, her frame tinier than even Bulma's. To her left lay another, taller and older woman, this one looking to be in her mid to late twenties, her teal hair down to mid back length, one fist clenched, even in unconsciousness. The next bed held a male wearing a teal shirt whit short blonde hair, easily taller than either previous figure and one hand extended, as if reaching for the teal haired woman, in either reassurance or protection.
The last bed held the worst sight, one that sent Darien instantly to Serena's side, one arm wrapping around her shoulder and pulling her against him, even as Endymion walked slowly, almost painfully to this bed, laying a hand on the hand of its occupant. It was obviously Serenity, the resemblance to Serena was unmistakable. Her hair was longer and silver, but the same style as always, and even in sleep she seemed at peace, her taller figure looked like a more mature version of Serena's. However, just as obviously, something was wrong. There were no visible injuries, but something felt..sick, hurt about the entire scene, with Ami, Serena, Rei, and Bulma on the verge of tears after only a moment.
Endymion stayed beside Serenity's bed, holding her chilled, limp hand in his large, warm one. "This was their first strike. They came under a flag of truce, supposedly an envoy of peace. We welcomed them, opened to them, and our thanks was this."
Serena walked towards Endymion, Darien still with her, as Bulma and Ami stepped onto the other side of the bed, examining the four unconscious bodies. Lightly placing a hand on his arm, Serena quietly questioned him. "What happened.?"
He tensed under her hand before relaxing, his back firmly towards her. "At a banquet, Diamond, their prince, was seated beside us, the biggest mistake of my life. After the feast, their envoy left suddenly, something that set us all on guard. We were looking for an outward attack. How foolish we were." A tear formed and rolled down Endymion's cheek unnoticed by him. "After about three hours, Serenity and I were bed, she suddenly gasped, and had trouble breathing. I called for help, and Ami and Bulma were there in seconds, but not even senzu beans helped." His eyes closed, his body tense like a wire, shaking in repressed anger and sadness. The older Vegeta was eyeing him warily, placing Reenie down on a small couch against the wall as she settled back to sleep, a tiny tear running down her own face as her father continued his tale. "She was in pain for two days, trying to fight it off...then she lapsed into this coma. We found the chemical in her body, a toxin, draining her life-force slowly. Only the crystal has sustained her for this long." Beside Queen Serenity, a small jewel glowed, obviously sending her energy to survive.
Darien asked the question he dreaded, mentally begging for an answer that would not crush himself and his future self. "Will she live?"
"Not unless we can cure her. Reenie is not strong enough to use the crystal to do it, and this crystal is almost drained now." Endymion turned, looking pleadingly at the group of warriors, especially at Serena. "We thought that if you could...I was going to be the one to come back and ask for your help, but Reenie ran through the portal, and I could not leave after that, the palace was attacked. The outers went to defend the outer edges of the city, and you inners formed a shield around the palace, but the energy needed even drew on your mates, and the second thing the Negamoon did was seal the gateway we had to the Z Fighters' universe. Bra, Goku, Krillun, 18, Pan, Yamcha and Tien and Choutzu, anyone we would have called for help, trapped on the other side. We were hoping, Serena, that with your crystal, maybe you could try........" He left the rest unsaid, trying to control his emotions even as Serena opening had tears running down her face.
The older Vegeta stepped up to finish the narrative. "I was the only fighter not affected by the drain. Rena drew energy from the scouts to try and fight his...poison, but in vain, and they were weakened, even the outers. I went out to help, to defeat this Diamond and take revenge, but Wiseman appeared and overwhelmed me." His power level was suddenly revealed, almost choking the room as high as it was, and the younger Vegeta realized how much stronger his future self was. 'And if he is that strong...how strong is this Wiseman?'
The slightly grayed Vegeta continued. "Bulma is working constantly to find a cure, but while she has an antidote for the poison, without energy, Rena will still die." He looked directly at Serena as he finished. "None of us had the energy, and it may be dangerous to say the least."
Serena frowned, wrapping a hand tightly around her own crystal, transforming into Princess Serenity. "Father, no need to bait me with a challenge, you know I will try." Beside her, Darien, now Prince Endymion, still had a hand on her shoulder, protectively, but not holding her back, more like offering support.
Ami was busy scanning Queen Serenity. "Hold it, Serenity, he is not baiting, it would drain you, possibly too far." Looking, ands seeing Princess Serenity glowing, she realized that she was too late. "NO!" A beam a light swept from the crystal in Serenity's hand and impacted Queen Serenity, like a beam of intense light onto her chest. After only moments, Princess Serenity started to weaken, even with the extra energy provided by Prince Endymion.
Raising her pen to the sky, Ami transformed. "MERCURY STAR POWER!!" Before her transformation had even fully finished, she was on the other side of the bed, placing a hand on Serenity's shoulder, sending her best friend more power. An instant later, Gohan's power joined hers. The Silver Crystal strengthened and held strong for some seconds, then began to weaken again, they needed more energy. A rougher hand than Gohan's was placed on her right shoulder, and turning her head, Ami saw Vegeta, donating his energy as well, even as his fully black hair went gold and then back to black, transforming to a super Saiyan and giving all that energy before dropping back to normal. Bulma was holding his hand, donating the little energy she could. Neo-Queen Serenity heaved a deep breath of air, but it was not enough, not over yet.
"MARS STAR POWER!"
"VENUS STAR POWER!"
"JUPITER STAR POWER!"
Ami felt the other three scouts join the circle, more energy pouring into the healing light of the Crystal, even as Goten, Trunks, and Piccolo also poured their energy into it.
The Silver Crystal fired one more intense second of healing energy into Neo- Queen Serenity before they stopped, all of them drained, but still standing, if unsteady. At first, no one moved, and for just a moment, despair fell over the assemblage, thinking they had failed.
Then, a quiet moan echoed in the chamber. King Endymion raised his head from his hands, a incredulous hope shining in his eyes. Queen Serenity stirred, finally sitting up slowly, shaking her head as is awakening from a long sleep. Instantly King Endymion enveloped her in his arms, holding her close as if she might vanish from him in an instant. There were few dry eyes in the room, even as the scouts detransformed to their normal street clothes again, lacking the power to keep the uniforms.
"Well," an obviously tired but cured Neo-Queen Serenity said as she looked over the assembled heroes, most of whom looked as if they were about to pass out, "I think we better get you some rooms and you should get some much needed rest befor--." She was cut off as Serena and Ami passed out from exhaustion, both caught, but barely by their respective men. Serenity continued with a sigh. "Before one of you pass out."
Minutes later, each pair was assigned a room and was sleeping peacefully while Serenity and Endymion distributed three much needed senzu beans to the other three unconscious scouts. When they woke up, there was going to be a LONG discussion.