Author's Note: Well, here it is, the eighth chapter of Twilight's Kingdom. Sadly this will be the last chapter, well next to the last if you count the epilogue that is coming out after this one. I wanna just say that I had fun writing this chapter. Psylocke and Fluffy, I love you both! You have reviewed every single story that I have posted on Fan Fic.net. It means a lot to me. I kept my part of the bargain Psylocke! Now get the next chapter of your story out. And Vegeta's lil' Princess, here is a new chapter like you wanted, hope you enjoy it. Also I don't own Dragonball or its characters. I am just borrowing them for a short while. I will give them back eventually. Well, I might not give Trunks back, but that's another story. Anyway, on with the next to the last chapter of my wonderful story!
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The sound of boots pounding the ground filled the air around Twilight's Kingdom. It had been four days since Queen Bulma had arrived at Twilight's Kingdom, and her prediction of a legion of the King's men coming there had been true. Pan stood in one of the towers watching and waiting for any sings of the men that she had sent Bren to get. Pan cursed under her breath as she spotted the first of the King's men coming out of the forest around Twilight's Kingdom.
"So what do we do?" a voice asked, startling Pan.
Pan turned to see her Uncle Goten standing behind her. Neither had spoken in the four days that had passed. Pan shrugged. "For once I don't have a clue. I expected Bren to be here by now, but as you can see. He's not."
"Don't give up on the boy yet. I am sure that he is going to come soon." Goten replied. He then looked at his niece and sighed. "Panny, I'm sorry for what I said to you. I didn't mean to say those things."
Pan nodded. "I know you didn't. But you are right. I have held a grudge too long. It's not Bra's or Trunks' fault that they have a baka for a father. Where are they anyway? I haven't seen them since Queen Bulma arrived."
"They have been held up in Trunks' room for the past four days. They only come out for food and to wash up. I haven't seen Bra in four days." Goten complained and made a cute little kid pouting face.
Pan couldn't help but laugh at his face. "Poor Uncle. You must be going through withdraws."
Goten stuck his tongue out at Pan and returned his attention to the soldiers that were now almost completely out of the forest and into the large meadow directly in front of Twilight's Kingdom. "There had go to be some way to stop them, until Bren can get back with your men!"
"Leave that to us Master Goten and Mistress Pan." Mel said as she climbed off of the ladder to the top of the tower. "Me and the children have come up with a few little traps that will cause these soldiers to think twice about attacking the manor."
Pan gave her one time nanny a look. "What are you planning Mel?"
Mel smiled sweetly at her. "If I told you that Mistress Pan, then it wouldn't be as fun for me now would it?"
Pan shook her head. "Put your plan into motion whenever you wish Mel. The quicker we can defeat the King and his men. The faster we will all be safe here."
Mel nodded. She leaned out of one of the tower windows and looked down at the crowd of children that were waiting at the base of the tower. "It's time children. Remember what I taught you. Stay low and make sure that no one see you."
The children nodded and scurried off to do their part of Mel's plan.
***
"Company Halt!" came the cry through the ranks of the legion as they stooped in archery range of Twilight's Kingdom. (A/N: I'm not good with military terms, so if I say something wrong. Please forgive me.)
Vegeta, atop his copper colored stallion, smirked as he scanned the manor for any signs of defense. Good, they have no idea that we are here! Vegeta thought to himself. "Sire, the men are in range. They await you order to fire." One of the commanders in Vegeta's army said, snapping Vegeta out of his thoughts.
"Fire when ready commander. Let's see just what these outlaws can do." Vegeta replied.
The Commander nodded. "Fire when ready!"
A few seconds later, the air was filled with a downpour of arrows. Both Pan and Goten had to duck to get out of the way. Meanwhile inside the bedroom of Trunks, Bra listened to the hail of arrows. "Mother, the attack has begun. Do you think that you can hurry things up a bit before Daddy storms the castle and kills those we are trying to save!"
Bulma looked up from the roll of parchment that she was signing. "Bra, we are almost finished. All we need to do is copy these papers and then all of us have to sign them."
"I still don't understand why these papers are so important." Trunks muttered as a stray arrow flew into the window of his room and embedded itself into the back of Trunks' chair.
Bulma glanced at her son. "All will be reviled in time, that I can promise you. Christian, copy this twice and hurry. We don't have much time before my pig headed husband, decides to storm the manor."
Christian nodded and sat down beside Bulma. He began busily copying down exactly what Bulma had written.
***
Vegeta smirked to himself as he watched the arrows fly through the air. They don't even have a way to defend their selves! It shall be a glorious day when I burn this manor to the ground. Vegeta then turned to his commander who had ordered the archers to begin firing. "Tell the men to storm the manor. It is time to end this pathetic battle and claim my victory."
The commander nodded. "Infantry, forward march!"
Instantly the infantry of the legion began marching forward. Pan who was watching from her tower glanced nervously at Mel. "It would be a good time for your plan to fight back, to begin Mel. Otherwise we will all be dead in a few minutes."
Mel smiled at Pan. "Oh, it will begin shortly. Just you wait and see Mistress Pan."
Pan nodded, still unsure. She then leaned over to Goten. "If this doesn't work. I want you to get the children out of here. Go to Gisha if you have to. Just get out of here and keep the children safe."
Goten shook his head. "Sorry Pan, but that would mean letting you have all the glory and I can't let that happen now can I? I stay by your side no matter what."
Pan nodded sadly. "Thank you."
"The plan is about to work Mistress Pan." Mel said suddenly.
Pan looked up. She could see that the infantry was about half way to the manor. Pan looked back at Mel. "What is supposed to happen?"
"Watch."
Pan shook her head and turned her attention back to the men. Suddenly the first row of men disappeared from site. Followed by the second row. "What the…"
***
As Pan and Mel were talking the infantry began to close in on the manor. The men in the first row were oblivious to anything but the fact that soon they would be finished with this mission and be able to go home. When suddenly the ground beneath them gave way. They instantly fell to the bottom of a large hole. The men in the second row soon fell in after them and right on top of the men.
Vegeta cursed as soon as he saw his men fall. This was not supposed to be happening. Oh, well. There are always losses in battle. Maybe this one won't be such a terrible waste. Vegeta though to himself as the men of the legion began making their way around the hole.
A few seconds later more and more began to disappear as the men discover more and more holes that had been dug by Mel and the children.
***
Pan looked at Mel. "As I told you. Our plan will be put into action very soon." Mel said before Pan could say anything. Mel then turned and walked over to the ladder that led up to the tower. "I'm leaving to go help the children with the other parts of the plan."
Pan shook her head and looked at Goten. "Remind me never to make Mel mad. Knowing her, she will booby trap the food."
Goten nodded. It was then that Mel's voice could be heard from down below in the courtyard. "Ready children! Aim! Fire!" Mel shouted.
Instantly the sound of objects flying through the air could be heard. Both Pan and Goten looked over the side of the tower. They watched as rocks that she children had thrown from slings sail over the wall of the manor and strike the men who were in range. Causing them to fall to the ground and into many of the undiscovered holes.
Vegeta by this time was in rage. How could a manor that was supposed to be abandoned be able to fight back? He pulled his monocular off of his belt and glanced along the top of the wall of Twilight's Kingdom. He snarled as he spotted Pan and Goten standing at the top of one of the towers. "Archer!" Vegeta shouted as he climbed down from his horse.
"Yes sire?" one archer said stepping forward.
Vegeta snatched the archers' bow and a few arrows from his quiver. He notched an arrow on the bow and took careful aim. He then released the arrow.
The arrow sailed through the air. Heading strait for Pan. Before Pan had time to react, Goten shoved her to the ground and cried out in pain. Pan looked up to see an arrow tip sticking out of her Uncle's right shoulder. "Uncle!" Pan called out as Goten fell to his knees.
Goten looked down at the arrow and smiled weakly. "I'm fine Panny. I've had worse."
Pan helped Goten to his feet and down the ladder. Meanwhile Vegeta was cursing the fact that he missed.
***
The battle went on like this for almost an hour. Vegeta's men attempted to attack the manor while Mel and the children did their best to keep the manor safe. Pan had brought Goten to his room and made sure that he was well taken care of by Ariana and her sister Rachel. Pan then walked slowly into the kitchen for food. Outside the hail of arrows could still be heard. Pan pulled a knife out from a drawer and cut herself a chunk of cheese off of the wheel that was in the kitchen. She took a bite and sighed. Where is that blasted boy Bren! He should be here by now! Pan thought bitterly.
"Mistress Pan! Mistress Pan! You have to come see this!" Janie, one of the children said as she rushed into the kitchen.
"What's so important?" Pan asked as Janie grabbed her hand and began dragging her to the courtyard.
"You just have to come and see!" Janie replied as she pulled Pan up the ladder to the top of the tower that Pan had been in an hour ago.
Once Pan was at the top of the tower, she could hear a familiar trumpeting sound. Pan's eyes got large as she began looking around to find where the sound was coming from. From the right side of the field, a hail of arrows came suddenly. "See! Bren's back with my father and your men!" Janie said happily.
"Bren, I am going to kiss you the next time that I see you!" Pan said, never in her life so happy to see her men.
***
Vegeta on the other hand was not so happy to see the arrival of Pan's men. "How can this be happening?" he hissed as his men began to fall. He snarled and turned to look at his men, who were wondering just what to do. "Attack the manor in a full assault. I don't care how many men die. I want that manor torn down stone by stone!"
His commander looked at him. "Sire? Is that wise. Shouldn't we retreat?"
Vegeta looked at him. "Retreat because a bunch of Outlaws are attacking us? Never. Sound my order, or you will be relived of command."
The commander nodded and turned to the men. "Attack!" he shouted.
Instantly the men of Vegeta began a full frontal assault on the manor.
***
"Finished!" Bulma said happily as Christian copied the last word.
"So now what?" Bra asked.
"We sign these and go stop whatever is happening outside." Bulma replied.
Bra nodded and took the quill from her mother. She quickly signed her name on all of the papers. She then handed it to Trunks, who in turn signed his name to the paper. Bulma then took the quill and signed her own name. "Are you sure that this is going to work?" Trunks asked as he followed his mother and sister out of his room.
Bulma nodded and tucked the three parchments under her arm. "Yes it will. This is something that ever your pigheaded father can't ignore."
As the three of them made their way down the hall to the courtyard, Uub rushed by followed by two of Pan's men. "Whoa! Uub, what's the rush?" Trunks called worried about his friend's troubled face.
Uub turned and looked at him. "Your father is attacking the manor with everything that he has. Pretty soon his men will be inside. I highly suggest that you, the Princess, the Queen and Lady Marron all get out of here. I was on my way to retrieve Lady Marron to bring her to you."
Bulma sighed. "It appears that we finished these papers in the nick of time. Uub bring Marron to the courtyard. We will be there shortly."
Uub nodded and bowed to the Queen. He then turned to the two men that were with him. "Stay with them. Make sure that nothing happens to them."
The two men nodded. "Yes sir."
With that Uub turned and left. Bulma, Trunks and Bra continued down the hall followed by the two men. As they reached the end of the hall a loud shout coming from a young girl could be heard in the hall. "Goten! Pan said that you are supposed to stay in bed! I'm the one left in charge of you. If Pan finds out that you got out of bed, then I am going to be in big trouble." Ariana shouted.
Goten walked out of his room and into the hall. He held his right arm, which was held up in a sling, close to his chest. "I'm fine! You aren't going to get into trouble Ariana. I promise. If it makes you feel any better than I will tell Pan that you tried everything in your power to stop me from getting up. But right now, I have to go help my niece."
Goten turned and began heading down the hall towards Trunks, Bulma and Bra. Bra smiled when she saw Goten walking down the hall towards her, but her smile faded when she spotted his right shoulder wrapped up in a bandage and his arm in the sling. "Goten? What happened?" Bra asked rushing to his side.
"I got in the way of an arrow that was aimed at Pan. Don't worry my love. I'm fine." Goten replied as he leaned down to kiss Bra on the cheek. As he did, he hissed in pain from his shoulder.
Bra gave Goten a look. "You are not fine. You should be in bed resting! Now come on."
Goten shook his head and took Bra's right hand into his own. "You know that I can't do that. I have to stay with Pan. She's all the family I have let. I have to be with her helping out as much as I can."
Bra turned and looked at Ariana. "I'll take care of him, don't worry Ariana. Pan won't mind."
Ariana gave Goten a look and then hurried off to go help the children defend the castle. Bra turned and looked at Goten. "I know that I am going to regret this, but come on. I'll let you go help Pan."
Goten's face lit up. He bent down kissing Bra full on the lips and ignoring the pain in his shoulder. "Thank you."
"Bra! If you are going to play nursemaid to Goten, I suggest that you hurry up and get outside. We don't have much time before Father tires to kill us all!" Trunks shouted from the end of the hall.
"Go on without me. I'll be there shortly." Bra replied giving Goten another kiss.
"Bra! We all have to be there for this plan to work. So move it!" Bulma shouted at her daughter.
Bra sighed. "Okay fine! Come on Goten, these two are being mean."
"What plan are they talking about?" Goten asked Bra as she took his hand and began leading him to the courtyard.
"You will see shortly." Bra replied.
***
"When we get outside, I want you to go the furthest corner of the courtyard." Uub told Marron as he drug her out of her room.
"Why afraid that I will attack you while you are trying to fight off King Vegeta's men?" Marron hissed trying to break free of Uub's iron grip.
"No, I am trying to keep you safe till Queen Bulma, Prince Trunks and Princess Bra do whatever plan they have come up with." Uub replied.
Marron gave Uub an odd look. "Why?"
Uub sighed. "Because, I don't want Duke Krillian chasing after me because I got his only daughter killed."
Before Marron could reply Uub drug her into the courtyard of Twilight's Kingdom. Marron gasped at the sight before her. The courtyard was filled with men fighting and the bodies of those who had lost their battles. As Marron gazed at the sight before her, Uub shoved her to the ground and drew his sword. Marron was about to start screaming at him when she saw that he was fighting two soldiers in the King's Army.
Uub threw Marron to the ground and quickly drew his sword. He knew that she was going to be furious with him, but he would have to deal with that later. Right now he had to deal with the two soldiers that were trying to attack him. Uub ducked one blow from one soldier and lashed out with his sword at the other. Slicing through the second soldier's tunic. While the second soldier was distracted, Uub swung back at the first soldier and stabbed him hard in the gut.
As Uub pulled the sword out he heard a loud thunking sound. Uub turned to see the second soldier holding his sword, ready to stab Uub in the back. Uub watched at the soldier blinked a few times and then dropped his sword. The soldier then collapsed to the ground unconscious. Behind him stood Marron holding a large frying pan (A/N: Chichi style) with a huge dent in it. Marron smiled weakly at Uub. "I couldn't let anyone take away the one thing that I am looking forward to doing!"
Uub smiled back. "I thank you Lady Marron."
***
Pan climbed back up the ladder to the top of the wall of Twilight's Kingdom. Her Uncle, Bra, Trunks, Christian and Bulma followed her. "This plan of yours better work good Prince. Otherwise we are all dead." Pan told Trunks.
"It will, I promise you that." Trunks replied.
Pan scoffed at his comment. "You have promised me many things Prince. And you have yet to deliver any of the things that you have promised me."
Trunks bit his tongue. He knew that there was no point in arguing with Pan. She would not listen to reason. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a high pitched whistle. Trunks looked up to see his mother trying to get the attention of the Outlaws and the soldiers. As soon as they all heard the whistle, everyone froze.
Christian unrolled one of the scrolls. "Here yea here yea! By royal proclamation of her royal highness Queen Bulma, her royal highness Princess Bra and his royal highness Crown Prince Trunks. The outlaws know as Uub (A/N: Does Uub even have a last name?), Son Goten and the Green Dragon also known as Son Pan, are here by pardoned of any and all crimes against the crown."
"What?" Pan and Vegeta shouted at the same time.
"Also, the title of Duchess and the lands of Twilight's Kingdom are here by restored to Son Pan. The title of Baron is besotted upon Son Goten and he is awarded the lands at the border of Twilight's Kingdom. The title of Knight is granted to Uub. Also, any and all men who served under Duchess Son are now pardoned also of any and all crimes against the crown. In exchange for these pardons and regranting of nobility. Princess Bra, Lady Marron and Prince Trunks have agreed to return to the palace and never again associate with the Sons."
Goten looked at Bra. "What? Why? You can't do this! Tell me that your brother forced you to sign this."
Bra shook her head sadly. "No. I signed it willingly. It was my idea."
"Why?"
Bra did not answer his question. She turned her back to him and faced her father who had ridden closer to Twilight's Kingdom so he could hear the proclamation better and who was watching them. "Never again are they to associate with the Sons?" Vegeta asked, happy that finally the Sons would be out of his life forever.
"You heard what the proclamation said father. You can either take it or leave it." Trunks replied.
"What makes you so sure that I will honor this proclamation? I have not signed this into law, so it is completely invalid." Vegeta replied with a smirk.
"Wrong father. According to law 15 section 1.56. Any law that is signed by the Queen, Princes or Princesses and Crown Princes is automatically passed into law. You have to honor this, or you would be going against the very laws of the country that you hold so dear." Bra replied to her father.
Instantly Vegeta's face lost the smirk. He knew that he was caught. He had no choice but to honor his family's request. Vegeta growled. "Fine! Have it your way. The Sons are free and they have their land back. I expect all of you outside of the gate in one hour. Otherwise, I will attack Twilight's Kingdom again."
***
Uub knocked softly on the door to Marron's room. Hearing no response, he pushed the door open and walked in. He found Marron standing beside her bed, packing the things she had been given while she was at Twilight's Kingdom. "Come to make sure that I am not stealing anything?" Marron asked not looking up from her work.
Uub shook his head. "No. I came here to say goodbye."
Marron looked up at him. "Why?"
"Despite what you think Lady Marron. I do not hate you. In fact for a noble you aren't half bad."
Marron glared at Uub. "I didn't mean that as a bad thing." Uub quickly back peddled.
"I suggest that you leave before I start throwing things at you. You have said good bye so everything that you have to say is said."
Uub looked down at the ground and then looked back up. "No, I haven't said everything that I have to say."
"What else is there for you to say?" Marron asked.
Uub walked towards her and grabbed her wrist. He pulled Marron to him and pressed his lips against hers. Marron froze. She had no clue how to react. She had been kissed before but nothing compared to the kiss that Uub was now giving her. Slowly Marron began kissing Uub back, much to his delight. "Why did you do that?" Marron asked as the kiss ended.
"Because I think that I am in love with you." Uub replied giving Marron another kiss.
Marron broke the kiss and pulled away from Uub. Her eyes filled with fear, and curiosity. "I…I don't know what to say."
Uub sighed and nodded sadly. "I know that you don't have feelings for me but I had to tell you that. I'm sorry for bothering you."
Before Marron could reply, Uub let go of her. He bowed politely to her and quickly left the room.
***
Bra glared at Goten as she shoved her things into her riding pouch. "You can at least say something to me." Bra told Goten as he watched her pack her things.
"What's there to say? You are leaving and I am never to see you again. Nothing that I can do about it." Goten replied, with no emotion in his voice.
Bra sighed and tied the top of her pouch shut. "Fine, have it your way. React to this like a spoiled little brat who didn't get its way!"
"How am I supposed to react dear Princess?" Goten hissed at her. "Am I supposed to weep and tell you not to leave me because I am going to die without you? Am I supposed to get angry and force you to stay here? Tell me Princess! Since you are so go at decided exactly what I can or can't do!"
Bra looked up at Goten, her eyes filled with tears. "Do you think that I wanted to do this? No Goten! I want nothing more than to stay here forever with you, to live happily ever after with you. But my brother, my mother and I knew that this would be the only way that my father would agree to this proclamation would be for us to agree to never see you or Pan again.
"And I am sorry if this has hurt you, but to me. Never seeing you again is worth knowing that you are safe and alive. I love you Goten. I truly do. Now if you will excuse me. I have to go. Other wise my father will try to storm this manor again."
Bra picked up her pouch and slung it over her shoulder. She turned and headed out of her room. Before she could make it to the door. Goten grabbed Bra by the arm, with his good arm and pulled her to him. He quickly captured her lips with his own. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." he whispered as the kiss ended. "I don't want you to go Bra. I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you. When I heard that I was forbidden to see you. It felt as if my world had fallen apart."
Bra smiled weakly and wiped the tears from her eyes. She leaned up and kissed Goten again. "I have to go. I love you Goten."
Goten nodded sadly. He extended his good arm and Bra accepted it. Together they walked out to the courtyard.
***
Trunks walked into the main courtyard where, Marron, his mother and sister were waiting for him. He walked with his head hung down, Pan hadn't even bothered to come by and yell at him. He at least wanted to see her one last time before he left, but he knew that would never happen. Pan was too angry with him, to even speak to him.
It was then that Trunks felt a sharp pull at the sleeve of his tunic. Trunks looked up to see Ariana and Bren standing in front of him. Ariana looked as if she were about to burst into tears. "What's wrong Lady Ariana?" Trunks asked kneeling down to Ariana's height.
Ariana smiled slightly at Trunk's nickname for her. "I don't want you to go." she whispered as her tears began to fall from her eyes. "I'm never gonna see you again."
Trunks smiled at her and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Yes you will. Tell you what. I will make you a promise right here. But you have to agree to keep your end of the bargain okay?"
Ariana nodded slowly and looked up at Trunks. "Good," Trunks said with a smile. "When you grow up and become a lady of the court. You have to promise that you will attend all of the balls and festivals held in the palace. That way, you will always get to see me. Okay?" Ariana nodded again. Trunks smiled. "No more tears. Okay?"
"Okay."
Trunks gave Ariana a hug and then stood up. "You are going to make a good King some day Prince Trunks." Bren said sticking out his hand in friendship.
Trunks smiled at the young man and shook his hand. "Take care of them all. Especially Pan. Could you tell her that I am sorry for all the pain I have caused her?"
Bren nodded. "I will."
Trunks smiled again and began walking again towards Marron, his mother and sister. "Ready to go?" Bulma asked.
Trunks and Bra both nodded sadly, while Marron said nothing. Bra turned to Goten and gave him one last kiss. "I love you." she whispered to him.
"I love you too." Goten replied.
With that Bra turned to the others. "Let's go before I change my mind and decide to stay here."
A few moments later, the four Royals headed out of Twilight's Kingdom and towards Vegeta. According to those who were asked about the incident years later. Not one of the soldiers or Outlaws would forget the sad looks on the faces of those leaving Twilight's Kingdom or the look of victory on Vegeta's face.
***
The days passed by slowly for those who had returned form Twilight's Kingdom. Soon it was the day that Trunks had been dreading since he found out that he was engaged to Marron. It was his wedding day. Trunks stood before his full-length mirror and sighed. He was dressed in a dark blue tunic with his family's coat of arms stitched in gold embroidery on his chest. Under the tunic, he wore a fresh while linen shirt. For pants he wore light tan breeches and his black boots were so polished that he could almost see his reflection. On his head he wore the crown that he was forced to ware for all formal ceremonies. Trunks took one last look at himself and then walked over to his bed. He pulled the long cape that his mother had picked out and attached it to his shoulders.
He then turned and walked to his bedroom door. He quickly opened it and walked out into the main hall of the palace. Before Trunks could go to the Chapel where the marriage was to take place. He was ordered by his father to bring Bra along with him. Ever since they had returned from Twilight's Kingdom. Bra had locked herself in her room. The only person that she would even think about talking to was Trunks.
Before Trunks could head to his sister's room. He was shoved back into his room. "What the…" Trunks shouted angrily.
The person who shoved him was dressed in a long flowing monk's robe that completely covered their face and body. Making it impossible to tell whom the person was. "You will take care of her, for the rest of your life. If I ever find out, even once that you broke her heart. I will personally hunt you down and kill you." The figure rasped in a voice that Trunks could not recognize.
"Who are you talking about?" Trunks asked while scanning the room for a weapon to attack the figure with.
"Marron. Don't think about trying to find a weapon to attack me with. You won't stand a chance Prince."
Trunks looked at the figure. "Uub? Is that you?"
The figure slowly nodded and pulled the hood of the robe back. "Yes."
"Since when do you care about Marron? I though that you hated her."
Uub shrugged. "I don't know. I didn't even figure out that I was in love with her until I realized that she was leaving. Then it hit me that I might never see her again. It felt as if my entire world was falling apart."
Trunks stared at Uub, his eyes as large as saucers. "I can't believe it. You must hate me because I am being forced to marry her."
Uub shook his head. "No, I am glad that you are going to marry her. I know that you will take care of her better than I ever could. You can offer her a future. I can't."
Trunks walked over to Uub and put a hand on his shoulder. "I promise that I will protect her. Maybe one day even love her. You have my word as a Prince."
"Thank you." Uub said with a sad smile. "I better go. I am supposed to be a friar who came to celebrate the wedding of the Prince. Just remember what I said Trunks. I meant every word of it."
Before Trunks could reply. Uub hurried out of the room. Trunks sigh to himself. He walked back out of his room and into the hall. This time he was able to reach his sister's room without any trouble. Trunks knocked on the door. "Bra? Are you in there? It is almost time for the wedding. The king wants me to bring you with me." Trunks called through the door unable to say his father's name.
There was no reply. "Bra? Bra? Open the door. Now."
Still no reply. Trunks growled and slammed hard into the door, forcing it open. Trunks stumped into the room, looking everywhere for his sister. She was no where to be found. Trunks looked around the room confused. "Bra?" he asked.
Instantly there was a dagger at his throat. "One sound and I will kill you." a voice whispered in his ear.
"Goten, let him go you idiot. It's my brother." Bra said suddenly.
Instantly the dagger was removed from Trunks' throat. Trunks spun around to see Goten standing behind him wearing the guard outfit that he had used earlier to get into the palace. "Sorry about that Trunks." Goten said giving Trunks a nervous smile and scratching the back of his head in a move similar to his fathers. "I thought that you were one of the others coming to get Bra."
"What are you doing here? If the guards catch you here then you will be killed." Trunks told his sister and Goten.
"That is a fate that I am willing to face, if it means that I get to be with your sister Trunks." Goten replied as he wrapped an arm around Bra's waist.
"We were planning to leave during the ceremony. That way no one would miss us until it's too late." Bra added.
Trunks gave his sister a look. You two are planning to run away together?"
Bra and Goten nodded slowly. Trunks sighed. "You do have a plan on hiding from the king at least don't you?"
"We are going to meet Pan in a village near the border of Milma. I sent word to the Emperor of Milma and he agreed to give us refuge from father." Bra replied.
"Pan's going with you? But I thought that she would stay here. She has everything that she ever wanted."
Goten shook his head. "Not everything Trunks."
Trunks looked at Goten funny. "What do you mean?"
"If you don't know it by now. I am not going to be the one to tell you."
"Goten, tell me what you are talking about before I get angry and call the guards on you."
Goten looked at Bra. "He is going to make a good King someday. Pan doesn't have everything that she wants because she doesn't have you."
"What do you mean?"
Bra let out a frustrated sigh. "You are an idiot Trunks. Pan is in love with you. She won't be happy until she is with you."
Trunks froze. "You are kidding right. There is no way that Pan is in love with me."
"She is, Trunks. No matter how hard she tries to fight it. She is."
Trunks shook his head. No, there was no way that what they were saying was true. "No, she's not. Every time that I am around her all she wants to do is try to kill me."
"That's because she feels like you betrayed her when you didn't keep your promise of protecting her." Goten replied.
Trunks suddenly felt as if his entire world was spinning round and round. He walked slowly over to Bra's bed and sat down on the edge of it. "Trunks? Are you okay?" Bra asked rushing to her brother's side.
Trunks didn't hear what Bra asked him. All he could think about what that Pan loved him. He didn't understand why this effected him so much. Hundreds of girls told him everyday that they were in love with him. Why was Pan any different? Because she is Pan. A little voice in the back of Trunks' head thought. And because you love her. No! I don't love Pan. I can't. She is too stubborn, and arrogant. If we ever did marry all we would do would be fight like mother and father. A small smile came to his lips at the thought of fighting with Pan and then getting to spend the night making up with her.
Trunks shook his head to clear the thought. He was getting married. He had no time to think of what his life would be like if he was to marry Pan. "Trunks? Answer me please. Are you okay?" Bra's voice asked snapping Trunks out of his thoughts.
Trunks looked up at his sister. "I have to go. It's almost time for the wedding." He stood up and looked at Goten. "Take care of my sister, or you will have to answer to me. I will send for you both when I become King. You will be safe then."
Bra nodded and gave her brother a hug. "I love you Trunks. Take care."
Trunks smiled sadly and returned his sister's hug. "I love you too Bra."
Trunks gave his sister a kiss on the cheek and shook Goten's hand. He then turned and left the room. "Do you have any idea what is wrong with my brother?" Bra asked Goten.
"The only thing that I can think of is that he is beginning to realize that he is in love with Pan."
***
The main thrown room was filled with people as Trunks walked into the room and took his place at the foot of the thrown of his parents. As he did, Trunks spotted Uub standing near the edge of the crowd. It was hard to tell what Uub's expression meant but Trunks was sure that Uub felt about the same way the he felt at that moment. "Smile boy. Today is your wedding day." The Bishop Piccolo told Trunks as he noticed the Prince's sad look. (A/N: I had to find a way to drag Piccolo into this story. And I think I did it quiet nicely by making Piccolo a Priest. I mean come on. Namek's are asexual and priests are supposed to be celibate. So I figured that it would fit. Okay, I'll shut up and go back to the story.)
"That's easy for you to say. You never have to worry about getting married." Trunks replied.
Piccolo did not reply but Trunks could see the laughter in his eyes. A few moments later the hall was filled with the sound of trumpets signaling the arrival of Marron. Trunks turned and watched as Marron began her march to his side. With every step that Marron took. The dread in Trunks grew. He began to wish that he were anywhere but here. If it was Pan that I was marrying. I would be eager to get married. Trunks thought to himself. What? What am I talking about? Getting married to Pan? Oh my God. I'm in love with Pan.
Panic filled Trunks. He had to get out of here. There was no way on earth he could even think about being married to Marron, not when it was Pan he loved. Trunks blinked and realized that Marron was standing beside him and already he had taken her arm and faced Piccolo. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today for the marriage of Prince Trunks and Lady Marron of Esha. If there be anyone who knows why these two people should not be joined in marriage. Speak now or forever hold you peace." Piccolo began.
"I do." Marron said suddenly.
Trunks looked at Marron shocked. "Huh?"
Marron sighed. "Trunks, I'm sorry. I don't love you and I don't want to be stuck in a loveless marriage. I hope that you will understand…"
Trunks' face lit up in a huge smile. "I understand how you feel completely. Might I ask who you are in love with."
"Uub." Marron whispered.
Trunks' smile grew even larger. Before anyone had a chance to react. Trunks raced over to Uub and pulled her out of the crowd. "What are you doing?" Uub shouted, as he was drug to Marron's side.
"Trying to make sure that you are going to get a happy ending my friend." Trunks replied as he pulled back the hood of Uub's robe. "Marron tell him what you just told me."
"I love you Uub."
Uub's mouth fell open. "But I thought that you hated me."
Marron shook her head. "No, you didn't give me a chance to reply before you left. I do love you Uub."
Uub grabbed Marron and began spinning her around. "I love you so much. You don't know how long I have waited to hear you say that you love me back." Uub told Marron as he placed her down and kissed her deeply.
"Ahem!" Duke Krillian said loudly.
The two stopped kissing and looked at Marron's father. "Daddy, I can explain. If you just give me a chance…"
Krillian held up his hand for silence. "There is no need for you to explain. I am not one to stop love. I wanted only to ask if there was still to be a wedding. Because if there is…"
"Oh just get to the point Krillian. They don't have all day for you to babble on and on." 18 shouted at her husband.
"I was getting there. If you two want to marry, you have mine and your mother's blessing to."
Marron smiled. "Thank you Daddy."
"Wait. We can't get married." Uub told her.
"Why not?" Krillian and 18 asked at the same time, angry that this young man who claimed to love their daughter was now refusing her hand in marriage.
"Forgive me you Lordship. I did not mean that I did not want to marry Marron. It's just that I have nothing to offer Marron. She deserves someone better than me." Uub replied sadly.
"That can easily be take care of." Trunks replied. "I need a sword. So one get me a sword."
Instantly one of the knights who came to the wedding handed Trunks a sword. "Here you are sire."
Trunks nodded his thanks and motioned for Uub to kneel before him. Uub did as he was told and Trunks gently tapped him on both of his shoulders. "You have already been made of Knight of this land. Now Uub you are made the head of the Princes' guard. It is now your job to protect myself and my future children from anything that might arise. You are hereby given a place in the palace for you to stay as long as you like. Now arise and marry Marron before she changes her mind!"
Uub smiled at his friend and stood up. "But what about you? Aren't you going to be alone now?"
Trunks shook his head. "No. I just have to go off and find the one that I am in love with."
"Are you two ready now?" Piccolo asked.
Marron and Uub looked at each other. "Ready?" Uub asked.
Marron nodded. "As I will ever be."
Trunks took this as his cue to exit. "Brat, where do you think that you are going?" Vegeta shouted as Trunks began to leave.
"To find Pan and tell her that I can't live without her." Trunks replied.
"We had a deal that you won't see her again."
"I'm breaking the deal father. And this time you can't stop me."
Before Vegeta could reply, Trunks stormed out of the room. Vegeta sat back down on his thrown. "Are you going to stop him?" Bulma asked.
Vegeta shook his head. "Why should I when the brat is finally acting the way that a Prince should act?"
Bulma smiled and kissed Vegeta on the cheek. She knew that that was his way of saying that he was proud of his son. She turned to Piccolo and nodded. "You may continue where you were."
***
Pan bit back tears as she tightened the straps of her saddle on her horse. She was sure that Trunks and Marron were now enjoying themselves on their honeymoon. Pan felt the sting of jealously at the thought to Trunks being with Marron. Pan shook her head and went back to work. The faster she got her horse saddled the faster she could leave and get away from Trunks. Pan knew that she had herself to blame for this. Maybe if she had not tried to seek revenge against the king. The she could be happy in her little forest. Stealing from the rich to annoy the king.
But no, she just had to go through with her plan of kidnapping the Prince. Of course if she had never went through with her plan, then her uncle and Bra would have never met and fallen in love. Pan smiled at that fact. Goten and Bra made such a cute couple. She was glad that they had found each other. She also felt sad because she knew that she would never feel the love that those two shared. Pan knew that she was in love with Trunks and would never find happiness without him.
It was then that Pan heard the sound of someone entering into the stable where she was. "I told you boy. Tell the innkeeper that I am not hungry and I will be leaving soon." Pan said thinking that the person was the annoying stable boy who would not leave her alone.
"I am afraid that I am not a boy, but I do hope that I can convince you not to leave." a voice said.
Pan turned to see Trunks standing at the entrance to the stable. His cloths were filthy and dusty from his travels but to Pan he looked as handsome as ever. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your wife Marron?" Pan asked as she picked up and brush and began brushing her horse. Trying to ignore the fact that she was thrilled Trunks was here.
Trunks shook his head. "No. That's Uub's job."
Pan gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean by that?"
"I didn't marry Marron, Pan. Uub did."
Pan dropped the brush. "What…what did you just say?"
"I didn't marry Marron." Trunks said walking towards Pan.
"Why are you here then? I thought that you made deal with your father never to see me again." Pan asked as she picked up the brush and returned to her work.
"I came here to tell you something. As for the deal I broke it."
"Well, you are here. So what is so important that you just had to tell me?"
"I love you." Trunks said as he walked up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
Again Pan dropped the brush, but this time she didn't make a move to pick it up. She just stood there as Trunks slowly turned her around. When Trunks had Pan facing him, he was shocked to find that she was crying. "Please don't cry. I'm sorry. I thought that you felt the same way. I was wrong."
With that he let Pan go. Trunks turned and felt as if his heart was breaking. Bra and Goten had been wrong. Pan didn't love him. Otherwise why would she be crying? Before Trunks could go anywhere, he felt a hand grab his wrist and turn him around. Then he felt a pair of warm lips press against his own. Instantly Trunks' heart began to race. He was positive that Pan could hear it. So this is what heaven feels like? Trunks thought to himself as he deepened the kiss. I think that I could get used to this.
"I love you too Trunks." Pan told him after the kiss had ended and they both had caught their breath.
"Marry me." Trunks said kissing Pan again.
"We will fight all the time and I will probably make a terrible Queen." Pan replied.
Trunks smiled at her. "Half the fun of fighting is to get to make up. And as for the queen part, you care about the people of this land as much as I do. You will make a wonderful queen."
Pan smiled and kissed Trunks again. "You aren't going to take no for an answer are you?"
Trunks shook his head. "Nope."
"Then my handsome Prince, my answer will have to be yes."
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Wow! This is my longest chapter ever. I never thought that I would ever finish it. I hope that you enjoy it and don't worry. There will be one more chapter after this. To tell what happens to the couples of this story in the future. Just don't forget to review. It makes me feel loved if you do.