6- Fated Meeting

Early Summer

Trunks rolled his neck as he waited for the ships doors to open. For almost an entire week he had to listen to not only Endou and Radtiz' bickering, but many other soldiers as well. It almost drove Trunks insane, but, he let them carry on with themselves because it seemed to make them better in battles.

When they had first landed on the planet, Hemon, Trunks had caught a glimpse of it. The planet was a grungy, dull, gray color. Vast rock formations and dry land spread far across it. The aliens who inhabited the planet had thick skins and rock-like bodies because they had become adapted to living on the planet.

"Radtiz," Trunks glanced at the man on his right. "What resources does this planet have?" He asked. He couldn't help but wonder why Frieza would want a planet like Hemon unless there was something special about it.

"Diamonds," Radtiz answered with a grunt. "Underneath the ground there's a shit ton of them, and the bastards have been hiding it from Frieza."

Trunks let out a loud huff. No wonder Frieza was so pissy. He hated being lied to. Although he was a cold-blooded monster, he usually spared planets under the condition that they loyally serve under him, but being lied to was such a extreme for him that he called for the death of all aliens who inhabited the planet, which was why Trunks and his army was there.

"This raid is going to be a bitch," Trunks grumbled as he glanced down at his black armor. He had a layered chest plate, sturdy shoulder pads and heavy boots. The thick armor was flexible and durable thanks to his mother inventing them. His red Saiyan crest pendant hung around his neck proudly.

"Ya ready?" Radtiz asked as he looked at Trunks who was standing in front of the group.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Open the doors," he told Endou. "Let's get this shit over with."

Endou chuckled as he pressed the button to open the bay doors. "Someone's pissy."

"You morons put me in this mood," Trunks sighed. "And now look-" he snarled as the doors lowered to reveal hundreds of Hemonians, the aliens that lived on the planet, had surrounded the ship. "We have to deal with this."

There was a loud growl and a Hemonian stomped up to make his way in front of everyone else. His wrinkled face looked sun-worn, and his prodding yellow teeth took up over half of his face. If it hadn't been for the small, yellow crown on the top of his head, Trunks wouldn't have known he was the king.

"You must know why we're here," Trunks deadpanned. His job as the leader of the squadron and prince was to take down the biggest target, which was obviously the king. Once he got the king, all the others would soon go down as well.

The Hemonian king let out a roar. "You Saiyans ain't taken' my planet!"

Radtiz snarled, "They're stupid, aren't they?"

Endou let out a laugh. "You know, most other alien races out there think we're stupid."

"What a sad lie," Radtiz sighed dramatically. "I happen to be quiet smart."

"At what, Appa? Getting your ass kicked?" Endou snickered.

"Listen here, you little shit, I-"

"Enough, you two," Trunks ordered. His voice was calm, but it had an air of authority to it that made both Saiyans stop their bantering for the moment. "We still have a planet to claim," he reminded them.

"I already told ya, you ain't gettin' my planet!" The Hemonian King growled.

"Trust me, I don't want it," Trunks rolled his eyes. "But you lied to Lord Frieza and so, as punishment, he is taking your planet as his own."

"He ain't gettin' it either!"

Trunks stared at the Hemonian for a few silent seconds. He wished he could stand up to Frieza like that, but he had once, and the consequences had been deadly.

"There are no negotiations," Trunks' voice was cold.

"Then we fight for it!" The king roared.

Trunks sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a few seconds. "So, it's going to be this way, hm?" He opened his eyes slowly and slit them into glares.

The Hemonians let out battle cries as they ran towards the ship. Trunks was the first to move as he drew his sword from his back and plunged it right into the king's chest. He was emotionless as he grabbed the crown off the wrinkly head and kicked the chest to remove his sword. The Hemonian King stumbled back with a gasp as he clutched his chest. With a swift movement, Trunks sliced the King's head right off before he turned around.

"You know what to do," he told his men as he walked onto the ship.

The Saiyan squadron let out a yell before they dashed out of the ship with vigor. He wondered if any of them felt as guilty as he did, but even if they did, what could they do? If they didn't kill those who were on Frieza's hit list, then Frieza would kill them.

With an annoyed huff Trunks threw the Hemonian King's crown into a nearby seat on the control deck. It wasn't the first time he had to kill someone and under Frieza's rule, and he doubted that it would be his last.

Trunks caught sight of the bracelet resting on his wrist and sat down in the captain's seat with a sigh. He wished he could see Pan, the earth's princess. He wondered if she could bring him some sort of comfort, but he felt undeserving of seeing her. If she knew what he was- what he did to keep his people alive, what would she think? What if others had been right all along, and Saiyans really were monsters?

Summer

"Princess?"

Pan blinked up at the kind, grey eyes of Dr. Brief and she smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I guess I was deep in thought."

He chuckled, his lavender mustache trembling on his lip. "It's quite alright. I'm sorry these tests are so boring," he told her.

"It's okay," she told him. "I appreciate you always making sure I'm healthy."

"Of course," he told her.

Pan was silent as Dr. Brief looked over her charts. Ever since she was a little girl, she had came to regularly for check-ups. During the warmer months, she only had to go once a month, but when the colder months arrived, she had to go every week. She had a weak immune system, and it didn't take much for her to get sick. When she did get sick, she was usually out for a at least a week at a time, if not more. She knew her health worried her mother and Gohan often, so she always tried her best to stay as healthy as possible.

"Panny, it seems to me that you're as healthy as ever," Dr. Brief smiled at her.

Pan grinned at the good news. Hearing that she was in good health was always the best news.

"Do you still go to that clearing daily?" Dr. Brief asked curiously.

"Well-" Pan began slowly. "Not every day. Just several times a week."

Some thought it was bad for her, since she liked to garden and get her hands in the dirt and she was afraid Dr. Brief might think the same thing. That clearing though, was Pan's sanctuary, he couldn't take that away from her. Plus, her guest would go there. Although they hadn't been back in several weeks, Pan had tried to not let it get to her. Perhaps they were just busy and would be back once things calmed down.

Dr. Brief chuckled. "Good, I was afraid Gohan would try to stop you from going completely. I think the fresh air of the outdoors will do you some good," he told her. "Just take it easy since it's hot, okay?"

"Yes, I will!" Pan promised as she bounced up. "May I go now?"

"Yes," he nodded with another chuckle. "I'll see you at our next check up, okay?"

"Okay!" Pan gave him a wave goodbye as she sipped out of his office. She had a feeling that today was going to be a good day!

Trunks arrived back on Vegeta-Sei close to three weeks after he left. The Hemonians had been an easy feat, just as he suspected, and Frieza had yet another planet under his slimy hands.

"Trunks!" Bulma attacked him in a hug as soon as he opened his parents study.

"Eomma," he patted her back gently. She always got emotional when he came back from raids, and he knew it was just because she worried. "I'm fine."

"I know," Bulma sniffed as she leaned back and wiped her eyes dry.

"How was it?" Vegeta stood up from his desk and slowly walked towards them. His father wasn't nearly as emotional as his mother, but Trunks could still see the worry in his eyes. His father trusted him to get the job done and knew he would do it, but he knew his father's worry lied with someone much stronger than them both- Frieza.

Trunks held up the Hemonian crown wordlessly before he scoffed. "It's the same as always. You can inform Frieza he has another planet to toy with."

Vegeta let out something similar to growl. "So he does."

"Don't start this," Bulma hushed voice ring between the two men.

"Don't worry, Eomma," Trunks said, already knowing that she was worried that his and his father's mouth would get them into trouble. "One of these days we will be free from him." At least, he hoped they would be.

"I don't know," Gohan frowned as he shook his head. "I really don't like the sound of this, Lapis. Panny's too young to be courted by anyone."

"Your Majesty, I agree," Lapis bowed his head respectfully. "But, the people are worried about the royal lineage. You have refused to court any noblewomen, and with the Princess turning sixteen soon, many suitors have already sent requests."

"Requests?" Gohan's eyes widened as he looked at his advisor. "Are you saying there's some already wanting to court Pan?"

"Yes," Lapis nodded.

Gohan sighed and leaned back in his chair as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He didn't even want to think about someone courting Pan! When he saw her, he still saw the little girl who always used to run to him for help when she was scared. The same little girl who had warmed the heart of so many people, but he knew she was no longer a little girl. She was growing more each day, and wanting her own independence as well.

"Your Majesty," Lapis began. "Just because someone would be courting the Princess, does not mean that a wedding will be happening right away," he informed him. "I have several candidates that I've already researched and gone thorough," he sat a few stacks of papers down in front of Gohan. "This fall, when we have the ball to celebrate the Princess' sixteenth birthday, why don't we invite these candidates and the Princess herself can choose two or three she would like to know better?" Lapis suggested.

Gohan sighed as he glanced down at the papers. He still didn't like this idea. "Is there no way around it? I don't want to rush Panny into a relationship just because I won't get into one," he muttered guiltily. "I don't want Panny to marry anyone she doesn't love."

"That's very kind of you, Your Majesty, and of course, no one expects the Princess to marry just anyone. As long as she's seeing suitors, I think the people will be pleased," Lapis said. "And the Princess will have all the time she needs to get to know those suitors. She might actually fall in love with one, but you won't know unless you let her meet them."

"I suppose your right," Gohan agreed. "Go ahead and invite them all to the ball," he glanced at Lapis. "And tell the royal seamstress to begin on Pan's ballgown."

"As you wish," Lapis smiled.

Gohan watched his royal advisor go with a small sigh. He just hoped he was doing the right thing.

Trunks squinted his eyes as he arrived in the clearing. The earth was always so much brighter than Vegeta-Sei and he blinked his eyes a few times before adjusting them. He gasped and took a step back in surprise.

The Princess was already in the clearing. She was laying on the same white blanket she always was sitting on, but she seemed to be sleeping. Her eyes were closed peacefully and her breathing was even. Trunks stared at her for several seconds. Was she really asleep, or just pretending? Quickly, he jumped to his hiding spot in the trees and made himself comfortable.

Minutes past and the Princess was still laying down and so Trunks assumed that she must really be sleeping. He tilted his head as he looked at her. Her hair was just as wild and unkept as he remembered it, but strangely he had grown to like it. It looked soft. Her lashes looked long from where he was seated and her lips were parted slightly as she breathed. She wore a pale yellow dress that came down to her bare feet. It had loose, sheer sleeves that fell down to wrist. Despite the fact that she was laying on the ground, she looked almost comfortable.

Trunks rested his back against the tree and let out a small sigh. If she was taking a nap then maybe he should too. He strangely felt comfortable around her. Before he knew it, his eyes were drifting close.

Pan sat up with a hallow gasp. Her heart pounded against her chest as she thought of her dream. Red, burning eyes were staring straight at her and welcoming her home. Home to what?

With a small yawn Pan stood up and glanced around the clearing. It was a little closer to sunset, letting her know that she had slept longer than she thought. Slowly, she walked over to the bank of the stream and sighed. Off a few feet were several rocks that lead further into the stream. Pan had never been tempted to climb on them, but for some strange reason, she was at the moment. It was like something was telling her she needed to do it.

Pan took the step onto the first rock, and held out her arms to keep herself balanced. Slowly, she stepped to the second and third rock. She leaned into the fourth, fifth and sixth one before she turned around to look at the bank. It was already several feet away and truthfully, she needed to go back but something was pulling her the other direction. It was telling her to jump to that seventh rock, the was there furtherest out there. The water was deep there, but Pan knew how to swim if she fell. Pan closed her eyes before she leaped.

It happened so fast. Pan's foot slipped on the rock and she let out a strangled scream as she started to fall, but she didn't land in the water. Faster than her eyes could move, something- or someone, had grabbed her and picked her up!

Pan gasped as her back was suddenly pressed up against the tree in her shaded area. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the chest in front of her. Her heart was pounding so fast that her chest was hurting and the sound was ringing in her ears. Slowly, she looked up from his chest to his broad and firm shoulders, which the top of her head barely reached. He was wearing some type of black leather armor and the the red necklace hanging around his neck had the strangest symbol on it. His neck looked toned and faintly Pan could see a few veins and his Adam's apple poking out proudly. He had a strong jaw and a tanned complexion that made him look like he was glowing in the sunlight. His lips were parted, but she could see his bottom lip was just slightly fuller than his top lip and behind them, perfect white teeth. His nose was thin and sharp, with a little dent in the middle of it like it had been broken before. He had high cheekbones and his eyes were almond-shaped and they were an arctic blue. The prettiest eyes Pan had ever seen. She glanced up and gasped. His hair was like lavender fire, wild and messy as it fell down around his ears and face.

This man was the man in her dreams. She had dreamed about him countless of times, but why? He also rescued her. Their meeting was like fate.

Pan looked at his eyes and blushed lightly as his eyes jumped to meet hers. He had been looking her over just as she had him. It was strange. He had an other-world feel about him.

"Are you a Saiyan?" She asked curiously.

He took a step back from her and she was scared that maybe she had said something wrong. "Well, you're an earthling," he said, his voice just as deep as Pan imagined it would be. It caused her heart to pound.

"You saved me," she whispered. "You must be extremely fast to have caught me."

"I am fast," he let out a small snort as his lip twitched. He shook his head suddenly and glanced at her. "What were you doing going out on those rocks like that? You could have hurt yourself," he told her.

"I know," Pan frowned. She couldn't tell him that something in her mind made her do it, he would think she was crazy!

"Aren't you scared?" He asked her curiously. "You know I'm a Saiyan, and yet you're not running away."

"I'm not scared," Pan told him honestly. She was curious more than anything. "I was hoping that you would come back," she smiled.

She watched as he let out a disbelieving laugh and slapped a hand to his face. "I can't believe this," he muttered as he removed his hand. "You don't get out much, do you?"

"My brother likes for me to stay near the castle," she told him softly.

He tilted his head as he glanced at her. "You're really the Princess, aren't you?"

"Well, doesn't your planet have a Prince?"

His lips twitched. "It does."

"Do you know him?" She asked. "The first time I felt you was when we were trading with Saiyans and you were here that day, right?"

"I was," he nodded. "And yes, I know the Prince."

Pan smiled happily. He had been her guest all along! "If you don't mind me asking, how did you get to Earth? Don't you live on Vegeta-Sei? Did I say that right?" She asked worriedly.

"You said it right," he told her gently. "And yes, I live on Vegeta-Sei."

"Wow," she whispered with wide eyes. Her guest really was a Saiyan!

He glanced around, his eyes wide. "I must go," he said quickly.

"Wait," Pan said. "Will you come back?" He had to come back!

"Tomorrow," he said. "If I can make it, I'll come to this clearing," he promised.

Before Pan could answer, he was gone. She let out a small sigh as she stared at the spot he had been standing in. A Saiyan had saved her and she didn't even know his name. Hopefully she would find it out when they met again.

"Thinking of you is a poison I drink often."

-Atticus