TITLE: A Dynasty Emerges
AUTHOR: Echo the Nymph
DISCLAIMER: Don't own the shows.
Chapter 9: Chances
Echo quickly walked out of the cave, feeling a little ill. She gazed up at the stars. Something was telling her that the battle tomorrow was important. A gentle hand came to rest on her shoulder, drawing her attention.

"What is bothering you?" Gohan inquired.

"They are at Mars." She shivered violently. "It's so cold."

The young man looked mystified. The night was warm, unusually so. And here, Echo was shivering. Could it be that she was in sync with the stars, that she felt a cold he couldn't? He wrapped his arms about her, in an attempt to warm her. I love you.

She cuddled up to him, happy that he was with her, supported her. I love you too. Her shivering was intensifying, and getting a little out of hand. A blanket wrapped about both of them, effectively locking in their body heat.

~

Lana lay against the cliff. She was concerned about her sister. The amazon was still a little angry at Gohan for taking her sister to a place she couldn't find. Juunana came up to her, startling her out of her thoughts. She met his gaze, but found his ice-blue eyes were unusually soft. "Ai shiteru." he declared. Surprise flashed through her at his statement.

"I love you too." Together we are, and together we stay.

~

Ryo sat alone, looking towards where they'd left Mia. Mia, I don't know if you can hear me, but I love you. The kanji of virtue glowed red in the dark night, comforting the distraught samurai.

~(house)

Mia looked out at the valley she somehow knew they'd gone to. A faint red light hit the wall, forming a kanji marking. Virtue. Then, she heard Ryo's thoughts. A gasp escaped from her. Oh, Ryo. I love you too. It has been a long time since I first realized it. Please come back to me.

~(cliff)

He looked startled as his mark faded into darkness. "I will come back to you." he promised in a whisper.

~

Goku lay awake, unable to sleep. Chichi had expressed her concern about what was going on. I tried to explain the problem to you. Chichi, you and everyone else will be safer if we fight out here. I'll always love you. Nothing can change that.

*(change of persons)

Vegeta lay quietly, wanting sleep to come. But on this night, it wouldn't befriend him. It all started on Namek. My mate, my wife. Bulma. She saw the good in me that I'd hidden, even from myself. That woman tamed the monster that was me. I love her. He stared off towards the city that he'd left her in. If only he knew how to express himself more fully towards her, but the years of brain washing made it difficult to do. Now he was free of that, in complete control of himself.