This chapter was a BEAST to write. And not for the reason you probably all think.

For some reason, I decided that for the first time since I have started writing fan fiction, that I would write an entire chapter with zero dialogue. Just emotions. Through one POV.

And well, here it is. I'm quite proud of it.

51- A New King

Mid-Summer

Pan woke up feeling weird. Her stomach felt hollow. It was the anxious feeling that happened to your stomach whenever you missed a step or leaned too far back in a chair. It was like an omen, stating that something bad was coming.

Trunks had noticed something was bothering her, so she confided in him. He gave her a gentle smile, one that eased the unsettling feeling just a little. He said it was too pretty of a day for anything terrible to happen, but if it did, they would face it together.

It was the start of a new week. Which meant Trunks went into town to check on things and make sure the local businesses were doing good. Pan went with him sometimes, but she decided not to this time.

Pan kept herself busy throughout the morning so she wouldn't have to worry about the gnawing feeling in her stomach. She tidied up her and Trunks' suite, even though there wasn't much to clean since they kept it neat for the most part. So Pan distracted herself with the twins.

The love and adoration that filled Takehiko and Takara's eyes whenever they looked at her and Trunks was enough to melt Pan's heart. She loved her children and her mate more than anything else in the world.

Everyone was busy with their morning activities, and it didn't bother Pan to stay in her and Trunks' room all morning. Her and the twins would wait for him to return. However, as midday drew close, the hollow anxious feeling grew in Pan's stomach. Her mouth was going dry, and her hands started to shake.

Pan laid the twins down for a nap before finding a trusted maid to watch over them while she went to find Trunks. She didn't think- she just moved. Her shaky legs pumped quickly, and just as she neared the entrance hall, she heard it.

An echo of an explosion.

Pan swallowed down some vomit. The castle was in frantic whispers as she ran outside. Smoke was coming from the town square where Trunks was!

She ran, frantic and crazy, not carrying who she shoved out of her way. Pan had to find Trunks. She had to make sure he was okay.

She came upon the scene just in time to see her Papa and Uncle Radtiz lift Vegeta from a pile of rubble. The king didn't even look recognizable. His face was covered with dirt and blood. His eyes swelled shut. Burns covered him. Pan's eyes were wide as Vegeta was rushed to the castle for treatment.

Trunks stood in the middle of the rubble. His blue eyes were wide and filled with anxiety. His complexion was pale and clammy. Both of his hands were covered with blood from him digging to find his Appa. His eyes found Pan's, and in a broken whisper, he said what would haunt her for days to come.

It should have been me.

The first day was nothing but frazzled nerves for the entire castle. Bulma and Bulla had been in hysterics. Both Chi-Chi and Goten tried their best to calm them down. Trunks was silent and emotionless due to shock. Pan cried for him.

The doctors worked diligently on Vegeta, and after several hours, they came to deliver the news.

He was alive! But it wasn't good. His head had taken a massive hit, and his brain had swelled up. His leg had been torn from the socket, and so if ever woke up (he had to wake up), he would most likely have a limp. And scars. He would have scars everywhere. The doctors had put him in a healing pod; now they could do nothing but wait.

The second day was just as stressful as the first. Vegeta was out of the healing pod, but he was still unconscious. He hadn't gotten worse, but he hadn't gotten better.

Bulma and Bulla had taken refuge in the medical suite Vegeta was in. No one could get them to leave, but no one really tried either.

Trunks had turned zombie-like. He didn't eat. Didn't sleep. Didn't even talk. Most of the time, he stood against the wall across Vegeta's door. Sometimes he paced in front of the door, almost going in before stopping himself.

Pan could see the guilt in Trunks' eyes, but it wasn't his fault. She knew that. Everyone, even Trunks, knew that, but now wasn't the time to try to reason with him.

Pan put herself in Trunks' place where the 'what if's' and 'why's' haunted him. He was already under so much stress. Pan didn't speak much either. She just stayed by his side, silently supporting him.

Most of the third day went by like the second. Vegeta hadn't made any progress. Tarble had managed to force Bulma and Bulla out of Vegeta's room- just long enough for them to take showers and rest up a bit. With Pan by his side, Trunks had managed to visit his Appa for the first time.

It was later that night, in a dark and secluded corner of the palace, that everything caught up to Trunks. Pan didn't say anything. She just held him close, and it was there in her arms when Trunks finally broke down in sobs.

On the fourth day, Trunks didn't leave their room. Pan had managed to get him to eat. A little. And to even sleep. A little.

The twins were young, but they could sense that something was wrong. They were fussier than usual and clingy too. It worked out well since Trunks spent most of the day holding Pan, Takehiko, and Takara in his arms protectively. He only let them go when he had to.

They spent the day in their own private world, just the four of them.

On day five, Trunks felt sane enough to visit the one who had caused the explosion. An Android from Saibogu, sent there to kill Trunks. It had been Kage's orders. Pan had wanted to rip that android to shreds for the pain he had caused Trunks and everyone else. She didn't, though, because it was Trunks' battle. However, she was pleased when Trunks blasted the Android with such force that his parts shattered against the prison cell.

Trunks was in a bad mood. Kage had all but declared war, and Vegeta was still in a coma. When Radtiz had advised Trunks to take the throne, the castle walls shook in the Prince's anger. He felt that doing that would be betraying his Appa and making it seem as if they didn't think he would make it. Radtiz had reasoned logically that Vegeta-Sei was on the brink of war. If Kage caught wind that their king was down, what would stop him from attacking? They needed a strong King and leader.

Trunks had still wanted to refuse, but it was Bulma's quiet voice that made him accept his fate. Vegeta would have wanted it, and Trunks couldn't argue because he knew it was true.

That was the night the hollow feeling inside Pan's stomach grew into a dull, pulsing pain.

The sixth day was filled with preparations. It was decided that the day after, on Midsummer, just after sunset, Trunks would be crowned King. Midsummer was the longest day of the year. It was a time of celebration, and for many, it would be. Vegeta-Sei would be getting a new King.

Trunks spent most of the day pacing back and forth in his and Pan's bedroom. Pan could see his worries without him telling her. He was worried about his planet. His home. His people. His Appa. His family. Her. The twins. And he worried most of all if he would be good enough.

Pan got up and wrapped her arms around Trunks tightly. He was more than enough. She caressed his face and kissed him. He would be a great king.

The seventh day came. It had been one week since Vegeta's accident. One week of wondering if or when he would wake up.

Exhaustion flowed through Pan. It had been a hellish week as she tried to keep her mate from withering away and her children content.

The day had gone by in a quiet blur. Trunks was restless with nerves and anxiety. His coronation day was not supposed to be this way. It was supposed to be a day years from now and a momentous happy day.

There was a foreboding feeling in the air. One that made the dull ache in Pan's stomach grow sharp with piercing, burning pain. It took everything in her to keep her knees from buckling. Sweat gathered in her hairline and rolled down her back. At least that she could blame the weather for that.

Pan held the twins as she sat on Trunks' lap. For the last hour, the four of them had been nestled together in the rocking chair. One of Trunks' hands ran up and down Pan's side, soothing her stomach a little. The other hand ran up and down her bare leg, making her shiver with anticipation.

Takehiko and Takara hadn't taken long to fall asleep. They usually went to bed early. Pan kissed their chubby cheeks and swooned at the way it made their lips pout. Trunks held her close, and they enjoyed the peaceful moment together.

An intense fear was consuming Pan, like this would be the last time for her to enjoy a moment like this. Like this would be the last time she would ever see her children.

Gentle knocks sounded on the doors as the maids arrived to watch over the twins. Trunks and Pan needed to get ready for the ceremony. Pan felt herself holding on longer to Takehiko and Takara. If this was her last moment with them, then she wanted to treasure it for as long as she could. She engraved their peaceful faces into her mind. They were perfect.

When Trunks had asked her what was wrong, what else could she say other than she would miss them? He smiled at her softly and kissed away her tears. Gently, he took her hand and led her to the bathroom, where a floral-scented bath waited for them to soak in.

Pan sensed it too that this might be her last moment alone like this with Trunks. She prayed that this horrible feeling was nothing but nonsense. A fake ruse her mind was setting up to get her worried for nothing.

The warm scented water did little to ease Pan's stomach or anxiety, but Trunks' touch made her forget all about them. They held each other tighter and kissed slowly. It was just him. It was just her. At that moment, it was just them, moving together as one.

They got out of the bath smelling of flowers and each other. He was Pan's favorite scent, so she was content.

Trunks looked so handsome in his Royal attire. His suit was a soft black with golden trimming. He wore his Saiyan crest necklace proudly as he always had. His lavender hair was styled short, just as it had been when they first met.

Pan wore black as well. Her dress was tight-fitting and slightly uncomfortable since her stomach was swollen and on fire. She could push through the pain, though. Beautiful golden designs spread across Pan's chest and near the end of her skirt. A matching train trailed behind her. It was beautiful, and it made Pan miss making her dresses, something she hadn't been able to do in a while. It was hard when not one, but two babies demanded attention. Not that she would ever complain. Her son and daughter were worth every attention given, plus some.

Her dark and usually messy hair was pulled back and twisted up elegantly. It was when the maids gently placed a golden crown with red rubies on Pan's head that the realization hit her. Trunks wasn't just becoming the King; she would be his queen.

Pan held onto Trunks' arm as they walked towards the Grand Hall, where he would be crowned. She was shaking because the pain in her stomach was becoming almost unbearable. She was able to play it off as nerves to Trunks. With each step they took, her heart grew frantic.

They reached the Grand Hall, where servants opened up two large golden doors. The room was packed with Saiyans. Most from the Capital, and everyone was dressed for the occasion. Closer to the front of the hall, their families greeted them.

Radtiz stood tall. His wild hair that fell past his knees was pushed behind him. He wore his best battle armored suit. It was the one that he had worn many times while fighting with Vegeta. Standing next to Radtiz was Endou, with Kimi on his other side. They had been going strong as a couple for months, and Pan was happy for them. Both of them wore their best suits as well. All three of them gave a bow to Trunks and Pan as they passed.

Yamcha and Tarble had dressed up in their best as well. Yamcha was wearing a grey uniform from the earth, and Tarble's uniform was a rich royal blue. They suited and matched each other well. They bowed as Trunks and Pan walked by.

Gohan was dressed like a King, and he wore a royal pendant pinned to his chest that proclaimed him as Earth's ruler. Beside him, Marron looked beautiful in her pale pink dress that flowed to the floor. They bowed their heads in respect and acceptance.

Goten was dressed in his army general's outfit. He was Trunks' right-hand man, and soon both of them would be in the royal squadron. Beside Goten, Bulla stood looking gorgeous. The red dress she wore was tight and showed off her figure. There was a sad look in her eyes, and Pan knew her friend was worried about her Appa. Like Gohan and Marron, they bowed their heads in respect and acceptance.

Chi-Chi was wearing a beautiful purple dress. She had a proud look on her face as she looked at Pan. Goku was dressed in his best armor, the one that wasn't ripped from training. He looked at Pan with a sad, knowing look. Somehow she knew her Papa knew exactly what she had been feeling all day. Her parents bowed to her and Trunks as they passed.

Lastly was Bulma. She stood alone as sad, but proud tears filled her eyes. Bulma was dressed in a golden dress made out of the finest silk. The only time she wore a crown was when there were special events, but today she did not have one on.

Bulma bowed deep and low. Her way of saying, it's your turn now. I support you. He would be proud.

Trunks let out a shaky breath, and Pan tightened her grip on him. Together, they walked onto the stage where the official stood, waiting to read Trunks his oath. Trunks' hands were shaking as he grabbed Pan's. He kissed them, a gentle but determined look in his eyes before he stepped the rest of the way up to the official.

Pan was shaking as her knees buckled. Without Trunks' support, she could feel the world shifting underneath her. Her hands gripped into tight fists as she straightened her back. She would not ruin Trunks' moment.

Trunks kneeled and recited the coronation oath, a declaration to do his best for his people. To live up to the promise, always. To be the best king in times of trouble and in times of peace.

Pan's stomach roared on the inside. A soft whimper barely escaped her clamped mouth. She was shaking in sweat. The room was too hot.

The official placed the golden crown with red rubies on Trunks' head. Pan watched proudly as her mate stood up and turned to face his people as their new king.

A new king.

A jolt ran through the air. Pan gasped loudly as the breath sucked out of her.

Her king. She had been waiting for so long.

A searing pain ran across Pan's stomach. A soundless scream escaped her as she hunched over. Her crown fell to the floor. Her vision was growing blurry with pain. Her family and friends were surrounding her. She could see Trunks' worried face in her vision, but she couldn't speak.

All Pan could do was scream as she clutched her stomach. She was on fire. Her whole body was on fire, from the inside out. The pain in her stomach was sharp like razors.

Something with claws was digging its way out of her.

"I am not a creature that was born. I am a fire that was set."

-Unknown