Author's Note:Hey here's another chapter. Sorry it's taken so long to update. I've been busy with helping my parents with moving back to the states and such so we've been stuck in hotels for over a month and the internet has been crappy. Anyways I'll probably be busy with that stuff and getting moved into my parents house for a while so I might not be able to update for a while. I'll try to update again in a month or so but I don't know how likely that is or not. I promise that I'll update again as soon as I can and as often as possible during the summer. Anyways back to this story… Trunks and Maron have just announced that they are engaged. What will Pan and Yamako's reactions be to this news and how will things play out? Read and find out. Anyways hope you like this chapter! Don't forget to review!

"talking"

thinking

dream or something happening within a dream or vision

"talking within a dream or vision"

something written/read like a sign or note

P.S. I'm going to apologize in advance for those people out there that like Marron. This chapter does have a fair amount of 'Marron bashing' but it's necessary for the plot of the story. I personally don't have a problem with Marron. I really don't care either way about her but if you like her then you're warned that harsh words will be said towards her and she will be made out to look like a bitch.

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ.

Chapter 19: Engagement?

Pan's world came crashing down around her as the words registered in her brain. She knew that she was going to lose Trunks to somebody within the next 2 years but that didn't stop her from dreading the moment it happened or that she had lost him to 1 of her closest friends. She didn't blame Marron though. Marron was a good person, if not a little spoiled and self-centered, and had no idea of Pan's feelings for Trunks. No 1 did except Yamako. Even though Pan had not actually told Yamako about her feelings for Trunks the way Yamako spoke about him when attempting to provoke her into ascending to another level of Super Saiyan or Feral Saiyan showed that she knew. Pan's jaw dropped slightly and a look of shock came across her face. She felt her jaw quiver as her vision became blurry with the unshed tears welling up in her eyes. She shook her head while closing her eyes tightly.

No not now… I refuse to cry in front of everyone… I won't ruin this moment for Trunks…

Pan tried to suppress the tears but was quickly beginning to fail miserably. Just as she was about to lose it the silence was broken as everyone let out ecstatic cheers of joy at the news. The only people besides Pan to remain silent aside from the couple themselves were Piccolo, Vegeta, and Yamako. Piccolo just gave a small smile as he watched the couple. Vegeta simply snorted and turned away while mumbling something about pathetic humans and their worthless traditions. Yamako looked at her father and Marron as if they had just sprouted a second head. She had wide, surprised eyes, and a slightly slack jaw. However, Pan was too caught up in her own emotions to notice Yamako's face and Vegeta was turned away from the scene.

"CONGRATULATIONS YOU GUYS!" they all chorused.

The cheering brought Pan back to reality somewhat and she quickly decided to make an escape while nobody would notice in order to avoid making a scene. Carefully stepping backwards Pan turned around and quietly slipped away from the crowd at a run. Tears streamed down her face as she ran. She didn't dare fly because she knew that if she raised her ki then everyone would notice her departure and be able to sense the distress laced with her ki. That would cause them to track her down and ask her what was wrong and she didn't feel like explaining things to them (nor have the ability to so) right now. She ran all the way to the front door where she quickly proceeded inside and up to her room. She threw herself on her bed and buried her face in her arms as she cried. The door to her room slammed shut behind her but she didn't care. She was too heartbroken to worry about her door slamming shut so forcibly behind her. What made her sorrow worse was that she could hear the excited squeals of Bulma, Chichi, and Bra from the backyard. Luckily her room was facing the side of the house nearly opposite the backyard so she could only barely hear the commotion with her sensitive Saiyan hearing (also given that Bulma, Chichi, and Bra were squealing so loudly) but didn't have the energy to get up and close her window. Pan knew that she was going to lose Trunks eventually but she didn't think it would happen on her birthday. This was supposed to be a happy day for her but instead it was the worst day of her life. She had just lost her true love. She just laid there and cried.

SCENE CHANGE

Yamako's attention instantly turned away from her father and Marron and focused on Pan when she took a few steps back. A slightly sorrowful and understanding expression came across her face as she watched Pan turn and race off (turning herself so her back was facing the others in order to watch Pan more easily). Her heart dropped as she saw and sensed the pain Pan was feeling written clearly across her face and in her ki. She wanted nothing more in that moment than to take that pain away from her. She instantly dropped the look from her face when she vaguely caught Vegeta glance at her out of the corner of his eye. Since he had turned away from Trunks and Marron he was able to see Pan's attempted escape and hurt look as plain as day. He knew there was something off about the situation and had known about Pan's feelings for awhile and was looking to Yamako in order to confirm his suspicions about the whole situation. Yamako turned slightly to her left so her front was facing his (he had turned towards her) and locked eyes with him for a moment. Vegeta slightly nodded at her but before Yamako could do anything in response both of their attentions were drawn to Bulma.

"Oh congratulations Son! I'm so happy for you and proud! And now we finally know who Yamako's mother is!" Bulma said excitedly with a grin spread across her face before turning towards Yamako. "Why didn't you just tell us Marron was your mother?" Bulma asked her curiously (this causing Yamako and Vegeta to look towards her).

Yamako's eyes significantly narrowed at her words. She didn't like the implications of the situation at all. She didn't appreciate them all assuming that Marron was her mother without her actually confirming it. Yamako just gave a short snort with her arms crossed over her chest and turned her head forward. Everyone but Marron (she was too oblivious to notice Yamako's disposition) gave each other curious looks wondering why Yamako wouldn't answer Bulma's question when they already knew who her mother was and why she seemed so disgruntled about the news. Yamako slightly turned back to look at them again shortly (specifically Trunks and Marron) and for a brief moment regret and displeasure flickered across her face before she turned her head completely away to look off in the direction Pan had rushed off in. No 1 seemed to notice her absence besides Vegeta and Yamako. Marron, mistaking the regret and displeasure that came across Yamako's face for nervousness and insecurity about approaching and addressing her as Yamako's mother (not to mention letting her guard down to her), walked over with a sweet bright smile on her face.

"It's ok to let your shield down now Yamako…" Marron stated as she placed her right hand on Yamako's shoulder. "Mommy's here…" Marron said as though she were talking to a child.

Nobody but Vegeta saw Yamako's eye twitch when Marron touched her and referred to herself as 'Mommy' because he was the only 1 with a clear enough view to actually see her face. Vegeta instantly knew that Marron had just made a very huge mistake

"Don't touch me…" Yamako stated slowly and firmly; also indicating that she wanted Marron to get away from her.

Marron quickly removed her hand as a shiver ran down her and everyone else's (except Vegeta's) spines at the malice and coldness laced into her voice. Marron didn't back up though so with a growl Yamako turned to look at her. Yamako wore the meanest and most menacing look imaginable plastered on her face and Marron instantly jumped about 2 feet away from her. Yamako growled at her before giving her father a hatful and betrayed look prior to turning and walking away with a disgruntled groan. Everyone watched her go with curiosity. They all looked at each other strangely and then focused on Vegeta who was slightly smirking. Vegeta looked at them.

"What…?" Vegeta asked strictly also informing them that he wouldn't give a reason for his smirk or if he suspected why Yamako acted the way she did so they decided to look to Trunks.

Trunks sighed. "I'll go talk to her and see what's going on…" Trunks said making a move to follow Yamako.

Marron stopped him. "No Trunks… I'm her mother I should be the 1 to talk to her." Marron stated before going to find Yamako after Trunks gave a nod of approval.

Marron smiled and leaned up to give him a kiss on the cheek before taking off after Yamako. Yamako was pacing in the yard on the side of the house almost opposite of the backyard. She stopped and growled when she sensed Marron following her. She crossed her arms over her chest with her back facing in the direction of the backyard and waited for Marron to come around. She knew that she had to talk to Marron (no matter how much she didn't want to) in order to prevent the future from getting extremely screwed up.

Marron came around the house and walked over to her after spotting her; stopping about 5 feet from her. She placed her hands on her hips and gave a disapproving stare at the back of Yamako's head. Marron waited a few minutes before giving an aggravated sigh and breaking the silence.

"Alright what's the deal with the scene earlier Yamako…? You'd think you'd be happy that my identity is out in the open and that Trunks and I are together but instead you act as though we've done something wrong! This is supposed to be the happiest day of my life and I won't let you ruin it with your bad attitude!"

Yamako unnoticeably straightened and let out a tiny growl at Marron's words. Hearing the growl Marron sighed and took a few steps towards Yamako. She placed her hand on Yamako's shoulder blade (right on top of where she was branded) and glared.

"Enough of this attitude of yours! I'm your mother and I expect you to show me some respect!" Marron declared.

Yamako's eyes twitched and she tensed as Marron touched her. She let out a snarl as she whirled around and firmly grabbed Marron's left wrist. She twisted it so it was almost to the point of breaking and Marron let out a cry of pain as she stared at Yamako with scared eyes. Yamako glared and bared her teeth at the blond.

"I will show respect to no 1 that has not earned it and that includes you!" Yamako roared. "You have no right to ask for my respect after what you just did! 'THE HAPPIEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE'?! What about Pan?! This was supposed to be Pan's special day! The first time she has gotten to celebrate her birthday in nearly 5 years and you had to ruin it! All because Pan was getting all the praise and you couldn't stand for anybody but you to be the center of attention! I know my father…he would never have done anything as selfish as ruining Pan's moment by announcing your engagement unless you put him up to it! You're nothing but a bratty, self-absorbed, selfish, attention-whore!" Yamako nearly shouted in fury as Marron visibly cringed in fear and after seeing this Yamako took a breath and calmed slightly but still glared hatefully at Marron. "Know this MARRON…you are not my mother… I could never be related to a spoiled bitch like you…" Yamako seethed as she released Marron's wrist.

Marron quickly brought her hurt wrist to her chest and cradled it in her other hand as she soothingly rubbed it and gave Yamako a hurt and somewhat unbelieving look. Yamako turned and started to walk away but stopped after only taking 2 steps.

"Oh and Marron…" she spoke calmly as she looked at Marron from over her shoulder; Marron's expression added a look of question. "If you ever touch me again without my permission I'll kill you…in the most excruciating way I know…and I'll enjoy it…especially when I rip your head off! …Understand…?" Yamako threatened sincerely.

Marron let out a squeak of fear and jumped back a little from her as she gulped and nodded her head hesitantly in understanding. Yamako snorted before turning away and continued on her way. Marron quickly dashed off to go back to the backyard as Yamako went to the front door of Capsule Corp. and entered. As she entered she walked past Pan who was at the bottom of the stairs and looking at Yamako in confusion.

Pan had sensed Yamako's ki angrily flare a little as she moved to the front-side yard and started pacing (although Pan didn't know the cause) and had come down to see what was going on. Since Yamako was in the front-side yard there was hardly any fear of having to face anybody (she hadn't sensed Marron follow Yamako so she didn't know she was going to be there) so she decided to go downstairs and see what was wrong. However, when she reached the bottom step she heard Yamako's growl and paused when she heard someone else sigh. She reached out with her senses and discovered Marron's ki was present just as Marron once again spoke to Yamako. Pan felt tears welling up in her eyes again and was about to dash back up the stairs when she heard Marron's cry of pain. She stopped and focused her hearing as she heard Yamako menacingly growl her response. Pan was amazed by the harshness in Yamako's voice. True being Vegeta's granddaughter, growing up constantly surrounded by death and fighting for her life in her world, and practically being raised by Vegeta didn't exactly make Yamako the friendliest of people but still Pan had never heard Yamako speak so cruelly before, except that 1 time when she was fighting Rizaado in her dream where Yamako had nearly killed her. She couldn't understand why Yamako would speak like this to her mother especially when Yamako had always seemed to hold her mother in such high regard and (on the few moments she talked about her mother) had spoken so fondly of her. Not able to deny her curiosity Pan listened to the exchange with interest.

Once the exchange was over she stood there in absolute shock and confusion. Pan couldn't believe what Yamako had just (unknowingly) revealed to her. She had revealed that Marron wasn't her mother and that that also meant she wasn't Trunks' life mate since Yamako had stated that her parents were life mates. Saiyans mated for life and once a Saiyan met their life mate they instantly formed a connection with them that was very powerful and distinguishable. But Pan was still confused. According to everybody else Trunks and Marron had been dating for the last 3 years and that out of all the girls Trunks ever dated Marron was the only 1 he had any real feelings or connection with yet she wasn't his life mate and Yamako was supposedly destined to be born in about 2 years so she wondered how Trunks was suppose to meet his life mate and get her pregnant with Yamako in basically a year when he hadn't been successful in doing so yet; especially with the added complication of Trunks not getting out much because of all the training.

What if Yamako changed something and made it so she's not born into this world before Rizaado shows up like she should?! After all…history changed when that 1 Trunks came to the past to warn everybody about the Androids… What if the same thing has happened here…?! What if she's prevented herself from being born all to save me?! Pan thought with a hint of panic.

She gazed at Yamako in confusion and slightly in fear of what consequential changes might have occurred because of Yamako coming back to save her life. Yamako paused for half a second to glance at Pan before passing her. Pan watched her go for a second before snapping back to reality.

"What about your mother Yamako…?"

Yamako stopped and looked over her shoulder at Pan with an emotionless expression but Pan picked up on the hidden message instantly. She wanted Pan to elaborate on her question.

"I mean…will Trunks meet her in time for you to be born…? What if you've changed history?"

Yamako smirked at Pan. She let out a small chuckle while giving Pan a slightly amused look.

"Let me worry about that… You don't need to concern yourself with it…just focus on beating Rizaado… What's meant to be will be… We just have to let destiny run its course…however altered it may have become…after all…my parents are life mates so they'll find their way to each other sooner or later…" Yamako stated before walking off and soon disappearing into the kitchen.

Pan stood there for a moment more processing what Yamako had just told her before shaking her head and snapping back to reality. She walked towards the door to backyard. She decided that since she had effectively dried her tears (as well as removing the remains of her ruined make-up) and that she at least didn't have to worry about Marron being Trunks' life mate that it was safe for her to rejoin the party; especially since they would start to get worried and become suspicious if she was gone for too long. But as she reached the back door she stopped as thought hit her.

What if Marron and Trunks still get married? I know that they're not life mates but what if they get married and then get divorced when Trunks does find his life mate? After all Marron has never been 1 to give up on what she wants and right now she wants to marry Trunks. I'm not sure even Yamako managed to successfully scare her away from this… Pan thought frantically.

Lost in thoughts she failed to notice Yamako come up behind her and take a position in the doorway next to her. Yamako smirked as she looked at Pan out of the corner of her eye. She could just image what was going through Pan's head based on the look upon her face and knew there was nothing to worry about. Things were about to work themselves out. Although Pan still didn't truly notice Yamako's presence but was subconsciously aware of her as she watched Marron pull Trunks aside with a slightly dazed look across her face. She didn't know what was going to happen but she was intent on following the conversation about to take place. Yamako's smirk widened as she saw Marron approach Trunks and pull him off to the side.

And here it comes…

Author's Note: Well it looks like Maron isn't Yamako's mother after all. Yamako sure put Maron in her place huh? But Pan is still a little unsure of Trunks' future and whether or not Maron will actually call off the wedding. How will Maron choice to act in regards to her and Trunks' engagement? And how will Trunks respond to what Maron has to say to him? Anyways hope you all liked it and please remember to review!

P.P.S. I must once again apologize for how Yamako speaks to Marron in this chapter. As I said I don't really care either way about Marron and I don't hate her but I needed to make her look like a bitch and such for the sake of the story. I also needed for Yamako to say those things to her the way she did because 1: Yamako has a short temper and a bad attitude so she would speak to Marron that way and 2: I don't think anything else would've gotten through to her.