*Disclaimer: The characters mentioned in this story are not my property. Akira Toriyama created them, not me.


Summary: Pan receives some more troubling news about Trunks...


Chapter 2: Sunday


Taking what little solace I could from a steamy shower, I forced myself to assess this morning's situation. Things had gone well despite that nagging feeling I had when I woke up. I managed to train a bit, something that always seemed to cheer me up. Then Bulma mysteriously appeared at my front door, asking for a favor.

That damn favor.

I must admit, I was a bit taken aback by Bulma's mention of Trunks' behavior. He had always admired a pretty face and a nice body, especially his own. I chuckled in recollection. But I was truly curious as to his sudden change in personality. Well perhaps not sudden, it has been several years since we last saw each other. People do change, I just never imagined it happening to people that I knew so closely. He hasn't been holding up well, that much was obvious from Bulma. Maybe the stress of such a high-profile job got to him? Maybe all those women were really harpies after his wallet? Maybe... I stopped myself. Enough speculation, I would have plenty of time to figure it out by Friday. But for now I needed to get out of the shower before I become permanently wrinkled.

Tracking water across the hardwood floor, I headed back into the bedroom and begin anew my search for appropriate attire. Tried and true t-shirt and jeans would be perfect for today.

I glanced over at the clock on my night table, it was only eleven. As if right on cue, my stomach growled. I toweled my hair on the way to the kitchen, and dropped the damp thing on a chair as I began to scour the pantry and fridge for suitable nourishment.

I missed living at home, having piping hot meals all ready to devour on the table. But such is the price we pay for independence. Ten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with four glasses of milk would have to satisfy me for now. Chuckling softly, I gave a bit of thanks to whatever powers that be for my job. Otherwise I'd never be able to keep myself fed. I could only imagine what the grocery bills were like for my grandmother with Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Goten to feed.

I grabbed my stacked plate and glasses and headed over to the living room, planting myself in front of the television. With sandwich in one hand and remote control in the other, I channel surfed searching for something remotely interesting. Settling for the news, I sat back and gulped down a glass of milk. I nearly sprayed my coffee table again when I saw what the next segment was about.

"Last night, a near riot was started at the West Capital Convention Center during the Annual Technologies Business Awards. It is believed to have started when the president of Capsule Corporation, Trunks Briefs, in an apparent fit of rage doused his date, the daughter of the chairman of the Technologies Business Council, and the chairman himself with wine. Not standing for the outrage, other Council members struck back at Mr. Briefs. Luckily security managed to stop the conflict before it got out of control. We have some footage from last night."

There I saw him. He looked absolutely awful, his hair in disarray with dark circles underneath his eyes. He looked so much like his father, especially with that annoyed yet angry look on his face. The news anchor spoke again, "Mr. Briefs declined to comment about the events that occurred at the Convention Center. But the Technologies Council released this statement: The behavior of Mr. Briefs is unacceptable and unbefitting our organization. While such actions would normally demand the exclusion of Capsule Corporation from our membership, the company's exemplary history with us has allowed Mr. Briefs one last chance. Any further negative actions on his part will result in the immediate expulsion of his company."

I was utterly aghast. No wonder Bulma was here. Expulsion of Capsule Corp. from the Tech. Council would be utterly disastrous. I should have recognized that desperate look her eyes. I sank back into the sofa, now more deeply troubled than ever. I never realized how serious the problem with Trunks was.

That dead look in his eyes that he gave to the camera, made me shudder. He was far cry from the man I spent that time in space with.

I forced myself to take a deep breath and sighed deeply, attempting to let the troubles wracking my mind leave with my breath. Needless to say it didn't work. I shut off the television and went to wash the dishes.

As my hands worked automatically to rinse and wipe my glasses to a sparkling shine, I stared mindlessly out the window. What was I going to do? There was no way I could back out of this thing now. I had agreed and I always keep my word. But this was hardly a simple favor. This was a very dire situation.

I needed to get my mind off of things. A nice walk in the park or a good book would help ease my mind, yes. I opted for both, ran into my bedroom to grab my sneakers and the latest best seller.

It was really lovely that day, the leaves were just starting to turn those vivid colors so typical of autumn. A light breeze tickled the back of my neck as I quickened my pace towards the park. I smiled as I saw several small children giggling with their new pet. Suddenly in a flash of brown fur, I found myself staring at the most adorable puppy eyes ever. Its young owner ran after it while I attempted to shield myself from an onslaught of licking and slobbering.

"Sorry about that lady, he can get kinda hyper." the young boy apologized.

I just smiled at him and handed the over exuberant puppy over. I wave good-bye to the children and continued on my way.

A dog would be nice, it's lonely living in that house. I've thought about buying a pet before, but I would always come up with some excuse or another. Maybe this time I won't put it off... or maybe I'm merely looking for a distraction from my current problem. It wouldn't be fair to the dog to make such a decision without careful thinking.

Before I knew it, the wrought iron park gates were in sight. At last some peace and quiet. I could find a cozy spot on the green and read the afternoon away.



After three hours of intense reading, only interrupted by a light snack from a nearby street vendor, I found myself feeling less negative about my decision. Things will turn out well, they always had before.

In my reverie, I was oblivious to the storm clouds that suddenly appeared overhead. A clap of thunder in the distance brought me back to reality and the harsh realization that I was going to get wet if I didn't get inside fast.

Clutching my book to my breast, I made a mad dash to the storefronts on the opposite side of the park. I could have gone faster, but that would have aroused more suspicion than I would have liked. Luckily, I got underneath the canopy without getting too drenched, score one for Pan today.

I now had several options before me. I could power up to my greatest, letting the rain vaporize upon hitting my energized aura while I fly home, probably alarming the people on the streets and possibly any fighters nearby. Or I could simply call myself a cab and be done with it. But then again, did I really want to go home? Being stuck inside with nary a thing to do did not seem to appeal to me very much. I figured a walk around the city and a bit of window-shopping would be good use of my time.

But first and foremost, I should buy myself an umbrella.

I scanned the nearby stores for one that would suit my needs, lo and behold there was one just across the street. Mentally patting myself on the back, I browsed through the selection. I was never a fan of those horribly dull black umbrellas. When it rains, it's dark and dull as it is, no need to have an umbrella bring down an already dour mood. A splash of color never hurt anyone and I found the perfect floral printed umbrella to suit my taste.

I strolled about in the nearly empty streets, musing about any important purchases I needed to make. I knew I had forgotten something but I merely shrugged it off. Letting myself get lost in the lulling rhythm of falling raindrops, I managed to make my way into the heart of the city.

It was there that I saw that which had eluded me earlier. Stemming back to the favor, I nearly slapped myself. I needed to buy something to wear on Friday, since my current wardrobe contains nothing appropriate for an upscale business dinner.

Feeling horridly out of place in my casual clothing amidst the mannequins bedecked in the latest fashions, I began to search for something tasteful yet understated. After an hour-long fruitless search, I was about to give up all hope when sparkle caught the corner of my eye. Obscured by one of the dressing room curtains was the dress I was looking for. Sleek black satin with ruby beading along the neckline, I knew this was the one.

As I approached the register, feeling impossibly proud at my good fortune, I noticed it had stopped raining. The cashier stared oddly at me, probably wondering why I had such a wide grin plastered on my face. She said nothing though and handed me my purchase.

Slipping into a side alley, I blasted off for home, keeping high enough so pedestrians would believe the flying object to be a bird instead of me. I landed softly in the backyard, making sure no one saw my lofty approach. Feeling certain that I made it home unseen, I fumbled for my keys and went inside.

The sun was setting and I could hear my stomach growling at me to feed it. Shaking my head, I pulled out all the leftovers from the fridge and into the living room I went.

I was nearly done with my dinner when I finally found a quality movie to watch. Kicking back, I sprawled out on the sofa and let myself be consumed by the riveting plot line.



Credits rolled by and I stood up and stretched. I never expected the movie to end that way, but I can safely say it kept me well entertained. Finding myself much more tired than I had expected, I left my dishes on the table and made my way to the bedroom.

Things didn't turn out as bad as I thought they would, I chuckled softly. Things may work out after all.

And with that, I turned out the light and fell into a dreamless slumber.