Ch.5
They arrived in the back of Capsule Corp. The z-senshi were training in the backyard while Chichi and Bulma were relaxing on the porch. Everything seemed to stop when Serena and Rubius were seen floating above them after emerged from a black portal. Out of the blue Rubius started to laugh insanely at "how pathetic they looked." Serena just didn't say a word. She searched out the coal black eyes she was so familiar with. Their eyes locked as they attempted to read each other's thoughts.
Rubius' voice slowly faded in the background as it was just the two of them. Serena slowly floated to the ground and made her way to her true prince. When they were a foot away from each other they had gained everyone's attention. Only the birds chirping in the distance broke the uneasy silence that blanketed the group of warriors.
"I remember."
Those two words were enough to send everyone into mass confusion. Vegeta's eyes widened before he got that little smirk on his face. It quickly disappeared as he thought that this could be a trap. "As much as I want to believe that, this could be the perfect trap. Why should I believe you? After all, you did come with the enemy."
Serena sighed in frustration and he saw for the first time since she arrived that she seemed...tired. She seemed mortally tired, almost weak. The stress that bore down on her soul made her look as though she would snap in two under the weight of a feather. Through all of her pains she found the strength to lean forward and whisper, "Because I still owe you an ice skating lesson."
"My Queen? What are you doing?"
Serena winked at Vegeta and whispered, "Watch this." She turned on her heel and looked Rubius in the eye.
"I am doing whatever I please, and who are you to question me?"
"I...It's just that Prince Diamond gave me orders to watch your back."
"Prince? I am a Queen am I not? Tell me, is a Queen not more powerful then a Prince?" after a small pause she spoke as he was opening his mouth.
"But... why am I even asking *you*? You are just a humble servant that *should* do as they are told. Believe me Diamond will hear about this, and you will be shipped off with a first class ticket to hell. There you will learn a new definition of pain...Now leave me, before I start to get angry."
Rubius bowed hurriedly and said, "Yes my Queen. Please forgive my civil tongue." She watched with a smirk as he practically ran into the portal. The silence that rained over the group was broken when Krillen started laughing like a maniac, "D...did you guys s...see him r...run? She chewed him out! Good one Serena!" Serena turned around and gave them a tired smile.
Everyone looked at her in worry when they saw how weak she looked. She smiled at them tiredly and said, "Why don't we go inside and I can explain everything."
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After everyone was situated Serena began, "Well I met up with Rubius, the red-haired guy, and traded myself in for Chichi-"
"Yeah, she kind of told us that....baka woman," Vegeta's smart comment earned him two fierce death glares and a glimpse of the magical frying pan.
"Anyway, traveling through the negative energy portal knocked me out and when I woke up I was in a room. I escaped from the room and ran into Diamond-"
"Who is Diamond?" Goku asked.
"Diamond is, was, one of my past enemies. He's kind of obsessed with me, but he was defeated and died. Chaos, another one of my enemies and by far the most powerful, resurrected Diamond and is currently residing inside of him. Another evil person, the Doom Phantom, is also there. With these three combined they are practically invincible. Diamond has the ambition, Chaos has the power, and the Doom Phantom has the army."
"Yep...we're screwed," Krillen said with comical finality.
"I'm not done yet. There is something very important that you guys must know." When she was sure that she had everyone's attention she continued, "While I was there they attempted to brainwash me. They basically pumped me full of negative energy and expected it to mold my mind into one of them. The overload of energy instead broke down the mental barriers that were blocking my past life, and gave me back my memories. Now I remember all of my attacks and hidden powers-"
"That's great! Now we can kick their evil ass...umm, I mean butts!"
"There's just one catch...Although I am fine right now, I will eventually be one of them. Only time will tell, I'm not sure when it will happen. As for how I got here, they think that it worked and let's just say that I'm a good actress." Silence, again. Everyone was shocked, she...she was going to be fighting against them?
"Isn't there anything that we can do?"
"I might be able to help find out when you will change, but I can't prevent it," Bulma suggested from the couch. She collected Serena and headed for the lab to run a few tests. It left the guys a chance to think of what to do. Unfortunately their minds were drawing to a blank. After a few minutes the women returned and Bulma's face had paled a few shades.
"She is very weak, I'm surprised that she hasn't passed out yet. Since she is so weak the energy is working faster...at this pace she has a few hours; a day tops. If she somehow gets stronger, she might have a few days."
"Hey! Dad! What about the Dragonballs?"
"Yeah, that's a great idea! We could wish her back to health! Come on guys let's go!"
"That wont work."
"Why not Krillen?"
"Didn't we already wish on them? We have to wait a whole year before we can wish on them again."
"Oh...yeah."
"But what could a couple of balls do?" Serena asked in confusion.
"Well the balls don't do anything but summon the Eternal Dragon."
"Dragon? Tell me about how you summon it."
Goku took a deep breath and said, "Well you get all of the balls in a circle and say "Arise Eternal Dragon!" Then the sky gets pitch black and lightning streaks across the sky. One huge lightning bolt takes the shape of Shenlong, the dragon, and he just appears."
"There is a lot of lightning and thunder?" When Goku just eagerly shook his head she began to think.
"What are you thinking about woman?" Vegeta asked what was on everyone's mind.
"I have an idea...I might be able to summon his form another way. I'll need a friend of mine's help though."
"What?!" they all asked.
"You'll see, but I need a lift to my friend's house."
"Well, I'm going."
"Same here."
"Count me in."
"Hnn." Vegeta walked up to her and picked her up with one hand under her knees and the other behind her back.
"No sense in wasting time, and you certainly can't fly," Vegeta answered everyone's curious stares. The Z-senshi just nodded and flew off into the sun. Vegeta and Serena were lagging behind so they could catch up on lost times.
After talking for a few minutes Serena just buried her head into his shoulder. She wanted to hide her tears of joy and sorrow. She was glad that they were finally together again, but sad because they would be torn apart again in a few days. Why can't we just be left alone? Why won't Destiny just leave us alone with all of our memories, in a time of peace? Is that too much to ask for?
The masculine scent that only Vegeta could give off clouded her senses. "I missed you, Vegeta. You have no idea how much I've wanted to see you again." The words of her heart spilled from her lips as she continued to cry. God she had missed him. He held her body closer in response. She looked up at him and into his eyes. For once they held no mask, but showed love, longing, joy, and sorrow. The barest of smiles graced his lips before he willed it away.
They neared the Juuban district and everyone waited for her instructions. "Head for the shrine atop that hill." When they touched down on the steps Vegeta went to let her down. She just whimpered in response and clung onto his neck for dear life.
"Your not that weak woman," Vegeta stated in a whisper. He could feel her grin again his skin.
"No, but I just want you to carry me."
He just rolled him eyes and started up the steps with a grinning princess in his arms. Rei was sweeping the porch when she spotted a group of men and a boy making their way up the steps. She went to great them and waited until they were a few feet away before speaking, "Hello. Welcome to the shrine. If you need any help then don't hesitate to ask." She was about to turn around when a voice froze her in her tracks.
"Rei, that had to be the nicest thing you have ever said to me."
Spinning around she pushed her way through the men and found Serena comfortably lying in the arms of a man with spiky hair.
"Serena!....."
"That was my name the last time I checked. Don't tell me you've forgotten me already!"
"Oh my God! Your back!" Rei stopped in mid sentence as she noticed the condition her princess was in.
"Who are they? They didn't hurt you did they? Cause if they did..." A red aura started to glow around her.
"No Rei! That's not it. They're friends." Rei seemed to calm down a little, but still remained on edge just in case something happened.
"Don't tell me she is one of your guardians? Please, she would be lucky if she could defend herself against a fly much less an enemy. You should be grateful that you have me, because you probably would be dead already." You could practically see the steam coming from Rei's ears.
Serena just rolled her eyes at Vegeta and said, "Oh yes, mighty Prince of Saiyajins. Where would we be if your giant ego wasn't there to stir up trouble? I'd slap you right now if I didn't have the fear of being dropped." Krillen started to snicker but soon stopped when Vegeta shot him a you-better-shut-up-or-I'm-going-to-pound-you-into-a-bloody-pulp look.
"Rei can we come in?"
"Sure. Grandpa took Chad (don't know his Jap. name sorry.) out on a camping trip, so that they can further his "training"."
Goku, Gohan, and Krillen took the couch with Goku in the middle. Rei took a chair and with only the love seat left Vegeta and Serena sat in that. After everyone was situated Serena spoke, "I need you to call an emergency scout meeting."
Rei pressed her all call button on her communicator. Eight voices answered her in unison. "Emergency meeting. Everyone get over here on the double. Don't transform."
While Rei was talking Vegeta turned to Serena who was resting on his shoulder. "How long is this going to take? I'm interested in what you have planned for the Dragon."
She grinned tiredly and said, "Your going to have to wait for the fireworks like everyone else."
"Huph."
A few seconds later Minako and Makoto barged into the room out of breath. Looking around the room they blinked a few times in shock.
"They look just like my old boyfriend," Minako said with a glazed over look in her eyes. Everyone looked at Minako in shock. Makoto glared at her blonde friend, "Hey! That's my line!" She turned and looked at Rei a little confused and said, "Rei...You do know that there are fine guys in your room right? Or am I just imagining them?"
Laughing brought their to the love seat. "Is that all you two ever think about?"
They gasped and screeched simultaneously, "Serena!" They ran over to her and hugged her at the same time. Vegeta began to choke for air. How can she stand that? When they finally backed off they began jumping around the room suddenly very *very* hyper.
"Where were you Sere?"
"I'll tell you when everyone gets here-"
As if on cue Ami calmly walking into the room. "It's nice to see you again Serena." Serena started to pout, "You didn't miss me?"
Ami looked at her with amusement and knowledge twinkling in her eyes' depths. "I used my computer to locate you and knew that you weren't too far away. When I was scanning I found quite a few high power readings. I knew you would be save. The power levels must belong to you, gentlemen. Thank you for keeping the Princess safe."
"What?! Ami you didn't tell us you knew where she was!"
"Well we weren't to interfere with her journey, so it wouldn't have helped much anyway. *Besides* I couldn't take *all* of Serena's fun away now could I?"
The other inner scouts just groaned in response making the intelligent woman chuckle at their distress. Before another word could be spoken Haruka and Michiru barged into the already crowded room.
"What is it? Is it an enemy? Have you found kenko-chan yet? Tell me!" Haruka shouted at the stunned scouts. Then she noticed the other occupants in the room. "Who are you?" She spat with venom as she got into a fighting stance. Michiru just sighed with frustration and was about to get her companion to relax a little when she froze at a voice.
"Kami, Haruka. I'm fine. You don't have to go around tearing peoples heads off or anything," a smirking blond said as she poked her head behind a mass of spiky black hair.
"Pri...Princess?"
"The one and only."
"Thank Kami your alright! Do you know how worried we've been? Haruka almost tore Setsuna's head off of her shoulders when she told us where you had gone!" Michiru said with her finger in the poor blondes face. The normally quiet and calm sea goddess surprised everyone with her loud voice and worried tone.
"Heh heh...gomen?" This time it was Haruka that calmed her worried friend. Before another breath was taken Setsuna appeared out of thin air. Looking at the almost comical scene (Rei calmly sitting in a chair drinking tea, Makoto and Minako practically bouncing off of the walls, Haruka comforting a worried Michiru, the Z-senshi lost in complete confusion, and her princess leaning tiredly on her true prince) she concluded that she was glad she wasn't here any earlier.
"It's good to see you, Princess. I'm glad that you regained your memories as well as your prince."
"Thank you Setsuna, for sending me. I'm eternally grateful."
Setsuna smiled before frowning. She slipped into mother mode and demanded, "Where's Hotaru?"
"Oh she went shoppi-"
"Sorry I'm late! Did I miss anything?" the eight year old dark angel said as she slipped into the room. She stopped and examined the crowd before her. After a few blinks of surprise she turned to Minako and Makoto, "I didn't know that you had this many boyfriends."
Goku burst out laughing while Krillen just blushed. Vegeta slipped his arm around Serena's shoulders and said, "They wish."
Hotaru turned at Vegeta's comment and was about to retort when she noticed a familiar hairstyle.
"Princess!" she ran over to her friend and hugged her frantically. "When did you get here?" When she noticed how drained she looked she became worried. "What's wrong? Did they hurt you?" She stood up and was about to pull out her glaive when Serena shook her head.
"It's ok Hotaru they're friends."
Her small friend relaxed for a minute but then asked, "You look weak. Let me heal you."
"I'm sorry Hotaru, but you can't heal this." A look of confusion crossed the small girls face.
"Since all of you are here I have some important news to share with you..." she said and continued to recount the past couple of days events for the scouts. (I don't really feel like typing all of that again, and I don't think that you want to read it so..)
"...and we can't use the Dragon Balls to summon the Dragon. I have an idea about that but I'll need the powers of Jupiter behind me. Makoto you're the only one that can help me out in this."
"Sure. I'm behind you all the way Sere."
"Good. Now we have to get going."
"What?!" the rest of the scouts shouted.
"I came here to ease your worries. Like I said before I may only have a few hours until I change so we have to hurry."
"Hai," they said a little defeated.
"Serena? Where are you going?"
"We need to get to Kami's Lookout. That's the best place to summon the Dragon. That way there will be no distractions and Kami can help me get a better idea of what I'm trying to summon."
"Ummm....how exactly are we going to get there? You guys didn't bring any cars or anything," Makoto asked confused.
Serena just leaned on Vegeta again and said, "We fly."
"But even with your wings you can't lift *all* of us."
Wings? all the Z-warriors thought at the same time.
Serena laughed, "No not like that. You'll see." Everyone headed outside to see them off. Krillen took hold of Makoto and she more then willingly began to snuggle with the noseless wonder. Vegeta wrapped his arms around Serena's waist and lifted off of the ground. When the rest of the men did the same gasped chorused through the group. Ami pulled out her mini computer and started to analyze the retreating figures.
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In all of everyone's excitement they failed to notice that there was a red convertible parked in front of the shrine. No one noticed a furious prince stalking into a black portal after ease-dropping on the meeting. He had to inform his master of the new obstacles.
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"That was a complete waste of time," Vegeta mumbled more to himself then to the angel in his arms. Serena just rolled her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. "Makoto is more powerful than she looks. You might be surprised. You shouldn't underestimate any of my senshi."
"And why's that?"
"They all have valuable virtues that contribute to our team. For example Ami, the dark blue-haired girl, is the most intelligent person I have ever met. She can find any weakness on any enemy. She can even understand my math homework! Which by the way is *very* amazing." Vegeta chuckled a little bit as they continued their flight.
"What about that little girl. She can't be one of your senshi, she looks to weak and sickly."
Serena smirked and said, "That is one of her most valuable weapons. Most people underestimate her because of her size, but she is the second most powerful senshi. Second only to me."
"Well then if she's so powerful why isn't she here instead?"
"Since your practically 'begging' me to tell you I guess I will. The powers of Jupiter consists of thunder and lightning, which just happen to be the same powers that the Dragon uses to appear."
Vegeta smirked and looked down at her, "When did you get smart? But I still think that it has a slim chance of working."
"It's worth a try."
They were already halfway up the spiral of steps and they past a small platform. They continued to fly up until they came to a huge platform above the clouds. The air was thin and hard to breathe. When they landed a short chubby man greeted them.
"Hi Goku! It's nice to see you again. I'll go and get Kami. It's been a long time he'll be glad to see you." They watched the little maid waddle off and return a few minutes later with an older looking green man.
"Goku! It's nice to see you again."
"Like wise Kami."
"What do we have here? You brought friends? Goku you know that that is forbidden."
"I know Kami, but this is kind of an emergency."
"Oh?"
"Namek. He's from Namek."
Kami turned his gaze to a blond girl that was leaning on Vegeta. When he looked at her his eyes got huge and he bowed as low as his staff would allow.
"Your Highness. It is an honor that you have come to my home."
"You know me?"
"Who doesn't? Countless Legends of you have been past through countless civilizations. If I remember my history you once stopped at Namek on your great quest."
"I did."
"Besides am I not the Guardian of Earth? I see all, know all, and hear all."
"Well that's just it. I always thought that Kami would be you know...human?" He just smiled politely at her confusion.
"No I'm Namek. So what can I do for you? Goku said that it was urgent."
"Yes, I was wondering if I could ask your help. I'm sure you already know the situation. I was going to summon the Eternal Dragon and make a wish."
"I cannot help you. You will have to wait a year before the Dragonballs are active again."
"I'm not going to use the Dragonballs. I was wondering if you had a picture of the Dragon?"
Kami nodded and turned to Mr. Popo, "Mr. Popo, do you still have that statue of the Eternal Dragon you made a few years ago?" (you guys know the statue that Dende used to create the new dragon) The small man just nodded and scurried off. He returned later with the statue and handed it to Serena. She studied it for a little bit and handed it back to the small man. "Thank you." Turning to her friend that was in a daze at how shocking it was to see a green man.
"Makoto I need you to henshin."
Krillen winced when he heard the word 'transform'. The last thing that they needed was another Freeza on their hands. He shuddered at the thought of the hideous creature. I don't think I can handle someone transforming again.
Makoto jerked out of her stupor and nodded, "Right."
"Jupiter Star Power!"
"You guys might want to stand back." They jumped back when lightning streaked from the sky and landed on the brunette. Everyone, except Serena, watched in amazement at the bright lights. They were floored when her power level started to rise.
The lightning bolts surrounded her and blinded everyone from seeing her naked body. As Makoto's clothes melted away they were replaced with the ones of Super Sailor Jupiter (I'm not sure if that's right. Serena is in her Eternal stage, so I'm not sure if the senshi are like that to or not, so just bare with me). The Z-warriors stared at her in complete shock when the lights faded. They looked at her and started blushing when they saw the low neck line, tight body suit, and short skirt.
"Wow," Krillen said in amazement.
Makoto just looked at them weird and turned to Serena. "It's like they never saw someone transform before."
"Well, not like that. When people we know transform they usually get uglier," Krillen spoke up from behind her.
"So your saying I'm ugly?"
"No! I mean your the exception."
As her friends were arguing Serena looked out in the distance. The lookout was above the clouds, so high that you could see the sun set on one side of you and see it rise on the other. It was breath taking. An assortment of colors lingered in the sky. The colors almost seemed to be trapped, eternally banished to follow the sun on it's path across the Earth.
She closed her eyes and felt the rays of light dance across her face. It was so peaceful, so serene. Even then she could feel her strength slipping away. It was being sucked away by the dark forces inside of her. She could almost feel it lurking through her very presence. When she opened her eyes she looked around at her friends. She was so lucky to have such good friends.
Everyone soon stopped and turned to Serena. "Let's do this. Juptier do you remember your Thunder Dragon attack?"
"Yeah, I haven't done it in a while. Why? We're not fighting anyone. Where am I supposed to aim it?"
"Just shoot it at the sky." Jupiter looked at her skeptically.
"Just trust me."
Jupiter sighed and powered up. Serena placed a hand on her friend's shoulder and concentrated on the power in her. Jupiter started to glow forest green and Serena glowed silver and green. The sky darkened and thunder shook the ground. Lightning jumped from cloud to cloud above them, but the women paid it no mind. Jupiter cried out, "I call upon the powers of Jupiter..." The light around them came to life at these words. "Jupiter Thunder DRAGON!!" A dragon made completely of lightning encircled the two girls. Makoto's eyes snapped open and she pointed her hand toward the sky. The dragon followed her finger towards the pitch black sky.
Serena lifted her hand to the sky and forced a lightning bolt to collide with the attack. She closed her eyes and envisioned the Eternal Dragon in her head. The lightning bolt burst with power and it grew and grew. Flickering the beam of light began to take shape, the shape of Shenlong the Eternal Dragon. When he reached his final shape the girls seemed to relax a little. They still glowed and concentrated to keep him together.
"In all my years of existence I have never been summoned without the sacred Dragon Balls. Who dares to awaken me from my eternal rest?"
Serena stepped forward and said, "I do."
"And who are you?"
"I go by many names; the Moon Princess, Serena Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon."
The Dragon gasped, "Your the Queen of Stars?"
"What? What are you talking about?"
Shenlong's big red eyes widened slightly before it nervous coughs shook the ground below them. "Umm... What is your wish?"
Serena looked at it confused. "I wish for you banish the negative energy inside of me." The Dragon's eyes grew larger and began to glow. A few seconds later Shenlong said, "I cannot grant this wish."
An angry Vegeta stepped forward and shouted, "What?! You better heal her you oversized lizard or you are going to feel the wrath of the Saiyajin Prince."
Sereba put her hand on his shoulder to calm him. Looking up at Shenlong she asked, "Why can't you grant my wish?"
"I'm sorry Empress. I cannot grant a wish that exceeds Kami's power. The negative power is very ancient and it's powers and origin cannot be controlled by me or even Kami himself."
"I understand. Can you instead return my strength to me?" A dull red light engulfed them. When the light disappeared Serena felt her strength replenishing.
The Dragon bowed it's head and said, "It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Empress. The many legends that surround you are known even in the afterlife. Farewell." The Dragon disappeared into the clouds and Jupiter collapsed from the strain. Running to her friend's side she helped her up.
"What happened? Did it work?" She had been too caught up in maintaining Shelong's presence that she couldn't pay attention to the conversation.
Serena looked in her hopeful friend's eyes and decided that the senshi didn't need to worry about her. "Yeah Makoto. It worked. Look. I'm feeling great!" She did a back handspring to prove her point. Serena hated lying to her friend, but it was best that she could do. "That's great! Minna will be so happy!"
"Hey Makoto? Why don't you go back and tell minna the good news. I still have some work to do here. Tell them not to worry, and that I'll be home in about a week."
"Ok! Sure Sere-chan!" Makoto was jumping up and down clapping her hands because she was so hyper. Her new found strength shocked everyone. It didn't last long though. Her exertion soon caught up with her and her moaned while holding her head. "What a headache." Shaking her head as if to clear it she got a determined look in her eyes.
"If I teleport then I can get there faster!" She waved goodbye to everyone before vanishing in a whirl of leaves and electricity.
"You lied," Goku said knowing that she regretted it, "Why?"
She bowed her head in shame while saying, "The scouts would only worry. Sadly they can't help in this battle."
"Bull shit. You just don't want them to get hurt," came Vegeta's *helpful* comment.
"If I had my way none of you would fight. But knowing you, Vegeta, and just how stubborn you are, that just isn't going to happen."
"They're your protectors. They're supposed to protect you."
"They're my friends, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect them. Even if it means lying to them, at least they're safe." Serena powered up and blasted off of the platform. Everyone followed feeling a little sorry for the young girl.
Serena was a few hundred feet in front of them and landed first. She went straight to the Gravity Room to train and clear her head.
When the guys landed Goku headed inside to update his wife and Bulma on what happened. Vegeta went in search for Serena while Gohan just followed him. They found her in the Gravity Room pounding the hell out of an imaginary opponent. Vegeta walked up to her, "Want to spar?"
Serena stopped and sighed. She looked at Vegeta and started walking toward the center of the room. Vegeta went to the Gravity Machine and turned up the gravity. Serena was surprised, So this is why they call it the Gravity Room. She felt kind of stupid after thinking that. She adjusted to the high gravity rather quickly and crouched into a fighting stance. Vegeta did the same.
After a minute they disappeared and were on the other side of the room. They still remembered each other's moves. Starting off kind off slow they began to remember each other's technique. Gohan just took a spot on the sidelines and watched as the spar continued.
Kick. Punch. Dodge. Punch. Kick. When they broke apart they were both covered with various scrapes and bruises. They ignored the pain, just as they were taught. Their hands started to glow before they released small ki blasts at each other. When the two blasts met in the middle smoke engulfed the room. Using the smoke as cover they flew at each other and started throwing punches.
When Gohan could see again he was amazed at the speed that they were moving at. He couldn't see them and could barely follow their ki. A loud bang could be heard and the next thing he knew both Vegeta and Serena went flying into a near bye wall. They were wrestling now, both trying to take the advantage. In a giant burst of strength they both went flying from each other and landed in opposite walls. Now there were four body prints in the walls. When the two fighters climbed to their feet they found the room in ruins. Bulma is going to be pissed. All three of the occupants thought at the same time.
Shrugging Vegeta walked up to Serena, grabbed her shoulders from behind, and pushed her out the door. "We can spar outside." Gohan followed the retreating figures to the outside. The young hybrid sat himself against a wall and leaned forward in anticipation. The two fighters lunged at each other with their fists raised when... "VEGETA WHAT IN THE HELL DID YOU DO TO THE GRAVITY ROOM?!?!?!?!!!!!!" They both stopped in midair and sweatdropped. He started grumbling as he floated back to the ground. "WHAT WOMAN?!"
"DON'T YOU GIVE ME ANY OF THAT CRAP! GET YOUR *ASS* IN HERE *NOW* AND CLEAN THIS UP!!"
The almighty Prince of the Saiyajins just crossed his arms over his chest and stood his ground. Bulma came charging out of the house and stormed right up to the scowling prince. Seeing that he wasn't going to move an inch she grabbed his ear and dragged him in the house. Gohan and Serena tried to suppress the urge to laugh. When they heard Bulma mutter something like, "...Your going to clean that room 'til I can see reflection in the floor. Do you hear me you inconsiderate bastard! I worked long and hard to build that and you go and mess it up." When she flung open the door they heard her scream in triumph, "And so the torture begins!"
They couldn't take it anymore, Serena and Gohan collapsed in a heap rolling around in insane laughter. "Oh, I'm going to have fun teasing him about this!" Soon the tears rolling down their faces was all that was left of their laughter. Serena and Gohan were both lying on the ground gazing at the clouds. "Say Serena?"
"Yeah."
"Want to spar?"
She seemed to think about it for a second, "Ok." They both hauled themselves up and got into fighting stances. They flew at each other and right before anything could happen Chichi came barging out of the house.
"Oh no you don't little missy. You are marching right back inside and taking a nap! I will not stand for any more of this fighting! You must conserve your strength! Now both of you, inside NOW!"
Both warriors practically ran inside fearing the rage of the woman. Serena did feel a little tired so she headed towards her temporary room. She got dressed in an oversized T-shirt and climbed into the bed. She soon drifted off to sleep...(guess what's going to happen next?)
~*~*~*Serena's Dream~*~*~* (you guys knew it was coming)
It was pitch black...and yet it wasn't... It's like when you close your eyes, there's no light so there is no color, only a dark feeling. Serena saw deep inside herself, she saw her pure heart and her soul. It was so peaceful and relaxing that you could almost get lost in the bliss that surrounded you. As she was about to drift into oblivion she heard the agonizing screams of tortured souls. They cried out to her, begging her to stop and listen, to spare their lives. Looking around frantically she ran towards the moans and shrills of the dying. What she found horrified her to no end.
Serena saw herself, in the outfit of the Dark Moon Queen, slaughtering children. Weeping tears she watched in horror as the queen slit every one of their throats, laughing all the while. She cried as she placed one of the children's head in her lap. The blood gushed out in pools. Gallons after gallons of the red sticky liquid dripped from her fingers. The cold pale boy that she cradled helplessly was lost forever. His life was taken from him...by her hands. How could she ever forgive herself?
New screams tore her away from her thoughts. They were the screams of her friends. Her surroundings flashed and she found herself on a battlefield. All of her senshi and the Z gang's body's were scattered around her, nothing but bloody heaps littering the ground. Their charred corpses were bent and broke in almost every place possible. Serena watched in horror as the evil queen walked up to Gohan, poor little Gohan. She saw herself continue to torture his already lifeless body.
A scream of pure rage brought both women's attention to an enraged Saiyajin Prince. She watched in helplessness as he too was added to the body heap with his friends. Serena walked up to her prince and wept. Her hand caressed his bruised and bloody cheek, "No, my prince. No. You shouldn't die because of me." She started to sob against his chest. It can't end like this! Her evil counterpart walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Serena whipped her head around and glared at herself. "Why?" she asked in helplessness.
"Because Diamond wishes it. Don't you see? I am you and I am Diamond's now and forever," the dark queen started to laugh uncontrollably. Diamond appeared out of nowhere and passionately kissed her evil self. "My Queen, you have done well. Now we can rule the universe together, forever!" They both started laughing and Serena shut her ears to the sound. She heard the echoed screams of the dying and the slow dripping of blood. She started to drown in the blood of her victims.
~*~*~*End Dream~*~*~*
Serena shot up in her bed drenched in sweat. She was so shaken and scared. The visions and sounds still rung in her ears. Kami, she had to leave, she couldn't let that happen. Searching herself she found the dark power within, slowly consuming her.
Slowly she climbed out of bed and grabbed a blanket that was now on the floor. Stepping out of her room she went down the hall and entered through a door. It was Vegeta's room. The bed was black as well as the sheets. She walked up to it and pulled back the covers practically falling on it. She snuggled up and breathed in her prince's sent. Yes, she would be safe here. She couldn't go back to sleep and she didn't wish to. As the visions kept flashing before her eyes she started to weep again. The sobs shook her form and the tears dripped from her hands.
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"Vegeta why don't you go and wake up Serena. Dinner's almost ready," Chichi called from the kitchen while stirring a pot.
As Vegeta walked down the hall that her room was on, his sensitive ears picked up something. He heard someone in his room. Opening the door her found Serena lying in his bed crying into the pillow. He walked up to her and sat down on his bed. Placing a hand on her shoulders he lifted her up and pulled her to his chest.
Serena continued to cry even though she was in her prince's arms. Vegeta just slowly rocked back and forth while making soothing noises (Vegeta? Yeah right). She eventually calmed down and stopped crying. Her head was still buried in his chest as she felt all of her frustration and agony leave her. Feeling that she was still tense he ran a hand through her hair and squeezed her in reassurance.
Taking a deep breath she opened her mouth to say something. Before a sound could be spoken Bulma's shrill of a dinner call shattered the moment. Vegeta pulled her up to her feet and smirked when he saw that she was only wearing a long T-shirt. "Come on let's get you dressed." He took her by her shoulders and pushed her back to her room. Sitting her down on her bed he went over to her dresser. Pulling out a hot pink shirt and a puke green scarf. He looked at her in mock horror, "Just what do you women wear?" She giggled weakly, "Well not spandex."
"Now there's something I wouldn't mind you wearing," he said while trying to imagine her in his fighting armor. She saw his dreamy look and threw a pillow at him, "Pervert."
"Hey, I'm an honest pervert." She just shook her head sadly and got up to help him with choosing an outfit.
They walked down the stairs and into the kitchen about five minutes later. Everyone was completely shocked that a Saiyajin and Serena of all people would be five minutes late to dinner. They just smirked identically and sat down next to each other. Vegeta dug in the second his butt hit the seat. Everyone went back to there normal business when they saw that everything seemed to be normal.
Goku looked worried though. Vegeta wasn't eating half as fast as he normally did, something seemed to be on his mind, but that wasn't what bothered him the most. Serena wasn't eating at all and that in itself was enough to send the third-class Saiyajin into a fit of confusion. When Serena came down the stairs her eyes looked a little puffy and she looked almost scared. He noticed that Vegeta kept glancing worriedly at her.
She stared at her plate for a few more minutes before looking at Bulma, "Please excuse me. I don't seem to be very hungry right now." Bulma just nodded sympathetically at her friend and watched as she grabbed her coat and walked out into the night.
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Serena didn't pay any mind to where she was going. She kept thinking of her dream and what it could mean. The last time she had a dream that dramatic it ended up coming true. No, she couldn't let that happen. Her friends nor those kids deserved that gruesome death, no one did. As her mind kept buzzing she kept walking. Soon she found herself in the local park. A dark feeling descended over her, she had a feeling that someone was following her. Just what I need.
Her pace quickened as she half ran down the path. Cutting through some bushes she was going to spin around and plant her fist in her stalker's jaw, but something captivated her. The moonlight shined on the lake before her while the gentle night seemed to wrap around her. The stars were winking at her and the last streaks of pinks, purples, and oranges were fading in the distance. The smell of cherry blossoms tickled her nose and the mist washed over her skin. The stalker was forgotten as she continued to cherish the moment.
Masculine arms wrapped around her waist startling her. She twisted and arched her back to take a glance at her captor. Finding that it was just the smirking Vegeta she relaxed and leaned tiredly against his solid form.
"Are you feeling all right? You look tired."
Sighing they sat down at the base of a tree. Serena rested her head on his shoulder and found solitude in his presence. This moment was perfect. Being alone with Vegeta, her prince, looking at a breath-taking scene, it was just perfect.
"You know when you disappeared and went to go and save Chichi? When she woke me up I was..was scared when you weren't next to me."
"Sorry, but there wasn't any other way. If I told you then you wouldn't have let me go."
"Of course I wouldn't have! I would have strapped you down to a chair until you promised not to go. I swear, I turn my back for one night and you run away and get yourself in so much trouble. What am I going to do with you?"
"Well it is better that I change and not Chichi," she said while giggling. Vegeta just shuddered as he imagined an evil Chichi running after him with her magical frying pan.
"You and your self-righteousness, it gets you in almost as much trouble as...as-"
"As much as your pride and arrogance gets you in trouble?" He just glared at her, which in turn made her laugh. Her smile soon disappeared as she lowered her head.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to come in your room earlier. I had a bad dream, and well...um... Yeah I know that it sound's corny but it was so real. I..I was just so scared."
"What did you dream about?"
She told him about her dream in such detail that she was crying by the time she was finished. "I'm scared that I'll do something like that after I change into Diamond's slut." She smiled sadly when Vegeta tensed in anger. He really does care.
"Don't be silly. It was just a dream, they don't come true."
"All of the dreams that I have had like this end up becoming reality. I dreamed the destruction of both of our homes before they happened, the coming of Diamond, and now this. I just want to stay here with you and forget about this entire thing. I...I'm so scared of Diamond. I don't know what will happen when I change, or what he will do to me," she ended in a whisper. The tears that were streaming down her face were rivers of sorrow leading straight to Vegeta's heart. Vegeta knew exactly what that bastard would do to her. She was staring out into space, no doubt imagining what her soul would be put through once she became the evil queen.
He couldn't think of anyway to help her. She looked so helpless and vulnerable in his arms. He couldn't let that bastard take his princess. He couldn't let her suffer for all eternity because of what a perverted, greedy, pathetic excuse for a man fantasized doing with her. Scooping his princess up in his arms he flew back to CC. She just rested her head against his shoulder trying to banish the evil that roamed within her.
Vegeta slowly walked down the hall and opened the door to his room. He deposited her onto his bed and leaned down so that they were only a few inches from each other's faces. His hands were on either side of her head, holding him up, and one of his legs was hanging off of the bed. He breathed slowly as to inhale as much of her as he could. God she was beautiful.
Serena looked at him with great anticipation. Dark shadows flickered across her face as the clouds began to cover the moon. It was so warm...Vegeta made her feel so safe and so warm inside. With him she could lose her troubles and break free from the restraints of worry. She inwardly chuckled as she realized something...Vegeta was dark and handsome but wasn't all that tall.
Vegeta's tanned face was etched, it seemed like, in stone. His features reminded her of the statues that the ancient Greeks built of their gods. Vegeta would make a perfect God of War. She realized that her thoughts were straying and that the minutes were as well. She resisted the urge to reach up and caress his cheek. By the Gods he was handsome.
She looked into his eyes and saw her reflection in them. For once she saw past every barrier that was there and looked right into his soul. A lost soul, an arrogant one, but one that she would share her life with. When she saw that, she knew what he was planning to do, and why. She knew that it was the only way that she could live with herself after this small war passed. Vegeta lowered himself so that his forearms were all that were holding him up. Their lips were just millimeters from touching. They stayed like that for a few minutes just waiting for the what the other one will do; the calm before the storm.
Vegeta couldn't take the suspense any longer, he couldn't control his heart like he used to. With speed that surprised Serena he bent down and kissed her. They shared a kiss that would shame the gods. He kissed her with all the grief and longing that had built up over the years. His kissed told her of years of pain, love, anger, grief, and yearning.
Serena's mind began to drift as both Vegeta and Serena descended into a place where air was not needed to survive, only passion. Her thoughts drifted to her Senshi and how much they were probably worried about her. Then to a certain Prince of Earth. Darien *NEVER* kissed like this. she absently thought. He was at the other end of her mind at the moment, but destiny must have forced him forward. Sere WHAT *ARE* YOU DOING?!?! What about Darien and your destiny? Isn't he supposed to be your soul mate? a voice sounding strangely like Luna questioned. If Darien *is* my soul mate then why does being with Vegeta feel so 'right'? And plus Vegeta is *sssooo* much better then Darien. I mean look at him! Look at '*him*'! AND he doesn't tease me, AND he kisses *sssoo* much better then *that* jerk!
She savored every last minute of that kiss, never wanting it to end. Serena prepared herself for what was sure to follow next. God she loved him and tonight she would show him just how much...It must have been a good five minutes before they surfaced from complete bliss.
Their souls bonded in a way that was ageless in itself. They both knew that no one else could ever break what they had. Ever. When they were left basking in the after glow they remained silent. No words were needed right now, because they were one soul, and they knew what the other was thinking.
Vegeta closed his eyes and seemed to let the exhaustion consume him. Serena stayed awake despite how tired she was. She thought that she was murmuring to deaf ears.
"Thank you Vegeta, for everything. I'll never love anyone as much as I love you. You are my prince, and no matter if they force me to forget that, my heart will remember and I'll find a way back to you." She slowly pulled back the sheets and started to get out of bed. Before she could even stand up Vegeta reached out and grabbed her arm, "And just where are you going megami?"
"Vegeta , I could change any moment and kill everyone. If I leave then that won't happen. I'm sorry but I have to go."
"Stay."
He pulled her down next to him. She was tired and sighed, "Vegeta let me go."
He shook his head and said, "No. You're staying. I'm going to spend every moment with you, whether you like it or not."
She just gave in to his stubbornness knowing that he wasn't going to let her go. Feeling her beside him he pulled the covers over both of them and pulled her closer. Serena rested her head on Vegeta's bare chest and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. As his warmth consumed her she drifted off to sleep. Tonight she would remember for her years to come. Diamond would *never* be able to rip this from her memory. Never.
Vegeta stayed up a little longer running his fingers through her endless sea of hair. "I don't want to lose you again, megami. Not after you finally remember what we shared. Not to that bastard. Please don't leave me." But no, his megami didn't hear him.
He could never say that to her. He was to afraid to say that he loved her. How hard can it be? Just three words, I. Love. You. That was it. For him it was the hardest thing he could ever do. It was true, he did love her, but his pride stopped him from saying it to her. As his thoughts drifted he soon did also. Sleep finally came to the disturbed prince, and one could only hope that the next morning wouldn't be a disaster.
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Ok I was nice this time. It wasn't a cliff hanger...I don't think.
This chapter was 17 computer pages long! That's my longest yet...I think. It might have been a little boring, gomen. I HAVE A FAVOR TO ASK OF ANYONE THAT IS READING THIS.....TELL ME IF I SHOULD DO A SEQUEL! I need to know if you guys want me to continue with this series or just slap on an ending. I think that I have a pretty good idea for a sequel to this but I need your say so. Please tell me in your review or email me at animemegami_kgrace@hotmail.com I *REALLY* need to know! Every vote or opinion counts! So please tell me what I should do. Thank you for voting! Ja! ~Kaltin Grace
