A/N: Thanks for all my reviews (although I'm not sure what Khaos meant...)!
26 reviews... I feel special. ^_^
Chapter 10: "Encouragement"
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Pan forced herself onto her feet after about an hour of shock and flung open her window. She rummaged through the top drawer of her dresser and pulled out a bracelet with a glowing jewel on it (Bulma had created several bracelets which had the power to completely cloak your ki, no matter what you were doing. One of her many defences against the Androids. I just happened to hang on to one, knowing it would come in handy.). She slipped it on and sighed deeply.
Not having to worry about Trunks detecting her ki, she put one foot on the ledge of the window and quickly glanced back. She made a face and flew off out the window.
-It's not like I'm leaving forever... I just have to see Obaa-chan.-
She landed about a five-minute's walk away from the hospital and leaned against a nearby tree, breathing deeply. After she had regained some strength, she walked to the hospital. Perfectly hiding the fact that she was about to collapse, she walked up to the front desk.
"Son ChiChi, please?"
"May I ask who you are?"
Pan sighed, irritated, "Her only living family member. ...Son Pan... her grand-daughter."
"Ahh, yes. She's in room 231. Down that hall you'll come to an elevator. She's on the second floor. When you get out of the elevator, take a left and follow the numbers until you get there."
Pan nodded, "Okay, thanks."
She followed the receptionist's directions and took a deep breath when she reached room 231. She slowly opened the door and walked in. ChiChi was lying on her bed, watching TV. Surprisingly, she looked very healthy.
-Hasn't kicked in yet...-
ChiChi looked up in shock when Pan walked in, "Pan-chan!! What are you doing here? Where's Bulma and Trunks?!"
Pan sighed and held up her hand to show the bracelet to ChiChi. The older woman narrowed her eyes, immediately recognizing the device.
"Son Pan, you're in no condition to be up and around! Go home NOW. You need more rest! After everything you've been through, I can't believe you're here!" By now, she was sitting up. Pan looked away with a pained look and dropped her hand to her side. ChiChi recognized the look of angst and held out her hand.
"C'mere... What's wrong?"
Pan numbly took her hand and looked up in shock when she felt how cold ChiChi's skin was. The shock wore off and she stared down at the ground as the tears welled up.
"Obaa-chan... What I've been through is nothing compared to what you're gonna go through..."
"...When did they tell you?"
"...Technically, they didn't. I overheard them arguing over when they were going to tell me and I kinda flipped out... but I feel better... a little. Um...Obaa-chan?"
"Yes?"
"...What exactly do you have? They didn't say..."
"...It's called ALS. Your body systems slowly start to shut down until...", the older woman dropped it and got a worried look when Pan glanced away and took a deep breath, "Pan-chan... Don't tell me that's all that's bothering you. I know that look."
"It's Trunks..."
"I thought as much. What's wrong?"
"He... he's snapped. I don't even know him anymore! He's a stone statue, Obaa-chan... He's done stuff to make me sure that he cares about me, but then he acts like he couldn't care less."
"Pan-chan... you weren't the only one who dramatically changed when you were sick. It sounds to me like he realized he might lose you, so he decided to alienate himself so he wouldn't get hurt."
"Sounds pretty selfish to me..."
"Not really. He's also probably afraid that if he gets close to you and something happens to him, you'll get hurt. Vejeta did the same kind of thing."
"Vejeta...?" Pan got a doubting look on her face. ChiChi smirked and leaned back against her pillow for support.
"Yes, Vejeta... He never knew what it was like to love someone or be loved, so when it happened, the only way he could think of to handle it was to... act like a jerk. He really cared for both Bulma and Trunks, he just didn't know how to show it."
"Yah, but that's different... Trunks always had Bulma loving him..."
"Yes, but after all, Trunks is Vejeta's son. He inherited his father's habit of withdrawing into himself when he gets scared."
"I guess..."
"Pan-chan, the only way you're gonna solve this is by talking to him. I can't help you on this one."
"...You already have," A slow smile spread across Pan's face and she hugged her grandmother gently, "Thanks, Obaa-chan."
"Anytime, Pan-chan."
Pan gave the older woman a peck on the cheek and hugged her gently again, then left the room. She found the nearest open, lonely window and jumped out, flying as fast as she could to Capsule Corporation.
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Pan stood in front of the doors to Capsule Corporation and froze when she realized Bulma would be furious with her for leaving. She shrugged it off and opened the door, making a face when she was bombarded with very strange smells coming from the kitchen. She went to the source and frowned when she saw Bulma hunched over a pot of... something that may have at one time resembled macaroni and cheese.
Pan coughed quietly to let Bulma know she was there. Bulma still jumped and turned around, making a face.
"Pan-chan! Where have you been?"
"...I just went to go see Obaa-chan..."
"...How is she?"
"Looking as good as ever. I feel kinda bad for the docters, though..."
"Hmm?"
"I'm sure they've met the Magical Frying Pan by now."
"Oh, that... probably. Maybe we'll all go see her in a couple of days. So, what did you talk about...?"
Pan silently looked away, looking for the right words to say, "...Where's Trunks?"
She looked up and had that look on her face which Bulma recognized all too well, immediately knowing what they talked about. Bulma gave her a reassuring smile and turned back to her...abomination.
"He went to the gravity room about an hour ago. I'm sure he's still there."
"Thanks," Pan was about to leave when she stopped and turned back to Bulma, unable to resist, "...What ARE you cooking?"
"Um... It's... I have no idea. I'll call for pizza."
"I...see. Well, I'm gonna go talk to Trunks..."
"'Kay. Good luck."
Pan shot a strange look at the pot which contained the mystery glob, "...You, too."
Bulma rolled her eyes and went to the phone. As Pan left, she could hear Bulma say that she wanted the usual order, then try to get the guy to stop blabbing about how thankful he was with various comments like, "Yah, yah, I know I'm putting your kids through college..."
Pan smirked then turned her attention to the gravity room doors in front of her, her expression turning serious. She walked up and pushed a button, which opened a comlink between the inside and outside.
"Trunks? Um... we need to talk."
"...Leave me alone."
"Trunks! Either you power down the gravity machine and let me come in, or I'm going to just come in."
"The gravity's at 900. You'd never survive."
"So be it."
"...Fine."
Pan was a little surprised when she heard the slightest hint of pain in his voice when he finally gave in. She heard the gravity machine power down and opened the doors as soon as she was sure it was safe. He was facing his back to her with his arms folded. She looked at the floor, trying to figure out how to word what she was going to say.
"Speak up or leave."
She frowned and instinctively skipped the wording, just saying what she was thinking, "Trunks, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing."
"Don't EVEN say that. You've completely changed."
"Really... I didn't notice anything."
"Trunks! Quit acting like you don't know what's wrong!"
"Pan!" He spun around, clenching his fists, "Just... go away!"
"No! I wanna know why is it that when I got sick, you completely changed!"
"Because I don't need anyone. Your disease made me realize that. Depending on other people makes you weak. I'm the only person I can count on."
"Is that's what's really wrong, or are you afraid?"
(Trunks narrowed his eyes with the same look on his face that he had all those years ago when I insulted his honor... But this time, there was something else in his eyes...)
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Aww, what a horrible place to leave off, I know. ^_^ Stay tuned to find out! Yah, yah, weird cliffhanger, right? ^_~ Review!!
Chapter 10: "Encouragement"
--------------------------------------
Pan forced herself onto her feet after about an hour of shock and flung open her window. She rummaged through the top drawer of her dresser and pulled out a bracelet with a glowing jewel on it (Bulma had created several bracelets which had the power to completely cloak your ki, no matter what you were doing. One of her many defences against the Androids. I just happened to hang on to one, knowing it would come in handy.). She slipped it on and sighed deeply.
Not having to worry about Trunks detecting her ki, she put one foot on the ledge of the window and quickly glanced back. She made a face and flew off out the window.
-It's not like I'm leaving forever... I just have to see Obaa-chan.-
She landed about a five-minute's walk away from the hospital and leaned against a nearby tree, breathing deeply. After she had regained some strength, she walked to the hospital. Perfectly hiding the fact that she was about to collapse, she walked up to the front desk.
"Son ChiChi, please?"
"May I ask who you are?"
Pan sighed, irritated, "Her only living family member. ...Son Pan... her grand-daughter."
"Ahh, yes. She's in room 231. Down that hall you'll come to an elevator. She's on the second floor. When you get out of the elevator, take a left and follow the numbers until you get there."
Pan nodded, "Okay, thanks."
She followed the receptionist's directions and took a deep breath when she reached room 231. She slowly opened the door and walked in. ChiChi was lying on her bed, watching TV. Surprisingly, she looked very healthy.
-Hasn't kicked in yet...-
ChiChi looked up in shock when Pan walked in, "Pan-chan!! What are you doing here? Where's Bulma and Trunks?!"
Pan sighed and held up her hand to show the bracelet to ChiChi. The older woman narrowed her eyes, immediately recognizing the device.
"Son Pan, you're in no condition to be up and around! Go home NOW. You need more rest! After everything you've been through, I can't believe you're here!" By now, she was sitting up. Pan looked away with a pained look and dropped her hand to her side. ChiChi recognized the look of angst and held out her hand.
"C'mere... What's wrong?"
Pan numbly took her hand and looked up in shock when she felt how cold ChiChi's skin was. The shock wore off and she stared down at the ground as the tears welled up.
"Obaa-chan... What I've been through is nothing compared to what you're gonna go through..."
"...When did they tell you?"
"...Technically, they didn't. I overheard them arguing over when they were going to tell me and I kinda flipped out... but I feel better... a little. Um...Obaa-chan?"
"Yes?"
"...What exactly do you have? They didn't say..."
"...It's called ALS. Your body systems slowly start to shut down until...", the older woman dropped it and got a worried look when Pan glanced away and took a deep breath, "Pan-chan... Don't tell me that's all that's bothering you. I know that look."
"It's Trunks..."
"I thought as much. What's wrong?"
"He... he's snapped. I don't even know him anymore! He's a stone statue, Obaa-chan... He's done stuff to make me sure that he cares about me, but then he acts like he couldn't care less."
"Pan-chan... you weren't the only one who dramatically changed when you were sick. It sounds to me like he realized he might lose you, so he decided to alienate himself so he wouldn't get hurt."
"Sounds pretty selfish to me..."
"Not really. He's also probably afraid that if he gets close to you and something happens to him, you'll get hurt. Vejeta did the same kind of thing."
"Vejeta...?" Pan got a doubting look on her face. ChiChi smirked and leaned back against her pillow for support.
"Yes, Vejeta... He never knew what it was like to love someone or be loved, so when it happened, the only way he could think of to handle it was to... act like a jerk. He really cared for both Bulma and Trunks, he just didn't know how to show it."
"Yah, but that's different... Trunks always had Bulma loving him..."
"Yes, but after all, Trunks is Vejeta's son. He inherited his father's habit of withdrawing into himself when he gets scared."
"I guess..."
"Pan-chan, the only way you're gonna solve this is by talking to him. I can't help you on this one."
"...You already have," A slow smile spread across Pan's face and she hugged her grandmother gently, "Thanks, Obaa-chan."
"Anytime, Pan-chan."
Pan gave the older woman a peck on the cheek and hugged her gently again, then left the room. She found the nearest open, lonely window and jumped out, flying as fast as she could to Capsule Corporation.
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Pan stood in front of the doors to Capsule Corporation and froze when she realized Bulma would be furious with her for leaving. She shrugged it off and opened the door, making a face when she was bombarded with very strange smells coming from the kitchen. She went to the source and frowned when she saw Bulma hunched over a pot of... something that may have at one time resembled macaroni and cheese.
Pan coughed quietly to let Bulma know she was there. Bulma still jumped and turned around, making a face.
"Pan-chan! Where have you been?"
"...I just went to go see Obaa-chan..."
"...How is she?"
"Looking as good as ever. I feel kinda bad for the docters, though..."
"Hmm?"
"I'm sure they've met the Magical Frying Pan by now."
"Oh, that... probably. Maybe we'll all go see her in a couple of days. So, what did you talk about...?"
Pan silently looked away, looking for the right words to say, "...Where's Trunks?"
She looked up and had that look on her face which Bulma recognized all too well, immediately knowing what they talked about. Bulma gave her a reassuring smile and turned back to her...abomination.
"He went to the gravity room about an hour ago. I'm sure he's still there."
"Thanks," Pan was about to leave when she stopped and turned back to Bulma, unable to resist, "...What ARE you cooking?"
"Um... It's... I have no idea. I'll call for pizza."
"I...see. Well, I'm gonna go talk to Trunks..."
"'Kay. Good luck."
Pan shot a strange look at the pot which contained the mystery glob, "...You, too."
Bulma rolled her eyes and went to the phone. As Pan left, she could hear Bulma say that she wanted the usual order, then try to get the guy to stop blabbing about how thankful he was with various comments like, "Yah, yah, I know I'm putting your kids through college..."
Pan smirked then turned her attention to the gravity room doors in front of her, her expression turning serious. She walked up and pushed a button, which opened a comlink between the inside and outside.
"Trunks? Um... we need to talk."
"...Leave me alone."
"Trunks! Either you power down the gravity machine and let me come in, or I'm going to just come in."
"The gravity's at 900. You'd never survive."
"So be it."
"...Fine."
Pan was a little surprised when she heard the slightest hint of pain in his voice when he finally gave in. She heard the gravity machine power down and opened the doors as soon as she was sure it was safe. He was facing his back to her with his arms folded. She looked at the floor, trying to figure out how to word what she was going to say.
"Speak up or leave."
She frowned and instinctively skipped the wording, just saying what she was thinking, "Trunks, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing."
"Don't EVEN say that. You've completely changed."
"Really... I didn't notice anything."
"Trunks! Quit acting like you don't know what's wrong!"
"Pan!" He spun around, clenching his fists, "Just... go away!"
"No! I wanna know why is it that when I got sick, you completely changed!"
"Because I don't need anyone. Your disease made me realize that. Depending on other people makes you weak. I'm the only person I can count on."
"Is that's what's really wrong, or are you afraid?"
(Trunks narrowed his eyes with the same look on his face that he had all those years ago when I insulted his honor... But this time, there was something else in his eyes...)
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Aww, what a horrible place to leave off, I know. ^_^ Stay tuned to find out! Yah, yah, weird cliffhanger, right? ^_~ Review!!