(AN: *cowers* I'm sorry about the delay, folks. It's my stupid school and all my stupid homework. And yes, this is an odd name for a chapter. But you'll see why I named it this. The chapter's mostly about Rayne finding out about Willis (from an unlikely source). I promise that the next chapter will have all the touching reunions. I PROMISE. And Vegeta's Bastard Son? Congratulations! You were the 50th person to review my story, but I was too dumb to count until my friend, Angel of Fire, made me. And also, to answer your question, Vegeta is currently MIA. And you guys wanted more description? Well, by golly, here's more description in this chapter! If you like the more description I put into this chapter, please tell me. If you didn't, please tell me, and I'll go back to writing like I usually did. And I worked hard on this chapter. It's much longer than most of my other chapters. And to Jacks: *bows and cowers* Yes, ma'am. You are a girl. Yes, yes, yes, Angel of Fire finally got it through my thick skull. YOU ARE A GIRL. *bows once more* I finally understand now. *looks cheerful* Mirai Rogue? *looks evil* You'll see....... Maybe, maybe not. *laughs* I LIKE annoying people. Well, ja ne. ~AC)
Chapter Ten: What's Done Is Done
Rayne was dreaming. That was the only thing she was aware of as she stared at her surroundings in wonder. She stood in the middle of an endless field of lush bright green grass that tickled the soles of her feet. Rayne peered around. There was nothing to be seen but the green grass that surrounded her.
"Well, this is certainly interesting," she commented out loud.
"It is, isn't it?" a voice replied from behind her. Rayne's face lit up. She KNEW that voice.
"Terry!" she cried, spinning around to grin at the auburn-haired guerrilla. "What are you doing in my dream?" To her surprise, Terry's face looked solemn.
"Well," he began reluctantly. "I've got good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
"Good news!" replied Rayne brightly. "I hate bad news. Do I have to know the bad news?" Terry grinned ruefully.
"Yes, you do," he said, then took a deep breath. "The good news is that you and Krillin are safe and everyone's heading towards the safe house." Rayne brightened.
"That's great!" she said, grinning at her best friend. His emerald green eyes shadowed with an unknown emotion, Terry slowly grinned back.
"Yes," he agreed, "it is." Rayne paused for a second, feeling slightly uneasy.
"What's the bad news?" she questioned. Terry sighed.
"There were casualties in getting you out of Jinzohen Prison," he said sadly as a lock of auburn hair fell in front of his troubled green eyes. "Three soldiers." Rayne's dark eyes widened in horror.
"Oh no!" she said, all merriment gone. "Who?" Terry looked up to meet her eyes, and frowned.
"Claude," he said heavily, and Rayne cursed.
"I liked that fellow. He was nice to me," she said, her dark eyes flashing. "When I get a hold of Morris-"
"-Morris is dead too," Terry said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "I saw him waiting to be judged." Rayne frowned quizzically, but ignored the odd sentence. Terry continued.
"Vincent. Remember? The Italian with black hair and eyes? Tall, and had a scar running down his left cheek?" Rayne nodded slowly.
"I remember him," she said sadly. "He seemed like a nice guy too. Who's the last casualty?" Terry hesitated, and her eyes went round.
"Terry! Don't tell me it's Kare or Gohan!" she said, sounding distressed. As an afterthought, she added, "Or Marron!" Terry smiled to reassure her.
"No, Kare, Marron, and Gohan are all right, and at the moment are chatting with Krillin," he assured her. Rayne calmed slightly, and asked quietly, her dark eyes locking with his, "Who else died, Terry?" Once more Terry hesitated, and began to smile a slightly sheepish smile.
"Well," he said hesitantly, "the last person who died was....... me."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Nani?" exclaimed Pan, her eyes round with horror. "Her shin'yuu?" Bulma nodded gravely, and Bra let out a gasp of horror.
"Terrence was gunned down while providing a distraction for the main force to enter the prison," the doctor said unhappily, brushing back her mane of silvering azure. "So was Vincent and Claude. Lira Trotsky was badly injured during the same fight, but she'll live. All four were standing at the main gate of the prison. They each knew that they probably wouldn't make it back alive. Terrence refused to let anyone other than himself go. I'm sure Gohan will have further information on the three's deaths."
"How awful!" Bra said in dismay. "Rayne's going to think it's all her fault!"
"What's all her fault?" a voice squeaked, and all five turned to face the cat who floated in the doorway. Bulma sighed sadly.
"Puar," she said in a soft, low voice, "Terrence is dead." Puar stared at Bulma in shock.
"T-Terry?" she squeaked, then fainted dead away as Trunks lunged to catch her falling form.
****************************************************************************************************************
O'Dell watched as the general abruptly stopped his marching, trying to pin the thrashing girl's arms to her side. Rayne Sirec seemed to be having a nightmare, the spy noticed, as the girl's face contorted and she began to yell, her words making everyone turn to stare in astonishment.
"TERRY! YOU CAN'T BE! NO NO NO NO NO! TERRY, PLEASE! YOU CAN'T BE DEAD! TTTTEEEERRRRYYYY!! TERRY, OH TERRY, OH TER-" Her words were suddenly cut off as Mrs. Raretoma, who had recently awakened, raced up and jammed a needle into the squirming girl's arm. Immediately Rayne went limp, her screams ending with a soft whimper as she relaxed back into the general's arms. The look on General Gohan's face was frightening to see.
"How did she know that Willis is dead?" he demanded, his words directed at anyone who would answer.
"Perhaps she was simply having a nightmare that has come true," the monk suggested, his face very pale. The general nodded, and bellowed, "March on." O'Dell began to walk again, but couldn't help but wonder about the answer the monk had given. Had it been a nightmare? The spy had no answer, and simply consented to figuring out the puzzle later.
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne screamed the words as she stared in horror at her best friend, who stared back with tear-filled eyes.
"Ray, please," he whispered hoarsely, using his nickname for her. "It'll be okay. Please stop screaming." Rayne stopped her cries with a choked sob.
"B-but Terry, you CAN'T be dead," she whispered hoarsely. "This is just a dream, just a nightmare-"
"It isn't," Terry interrupted, a slight edge in his voice, one that Rayne had never heard before. "I'm actually going to get in big trouble with the King of the Dead when I get up there. Dead souls are supposed to go instantly to the Gates when they die, and I came here to say good-bye instead." Feeling tears well up in her eyes, she reached out pleadingly to him. She managed a weak smile, one that she managed to summon up from the depths of her despairing soul, just for him.
"Good-bye?" she whispered. "No, never good-bye, Terry. It's always see you later, remember?" Terry smiled; a broken smile as tears ran down his freckled face and neck to soak his shirt.
"Yeah," he agreed hoarsely. "See you later." He turned to leave, but Rayne grabbed his hand. They both froze at each other's touch, real and alive.
"What is it, Ray?" Terry asked as Rayne's hands dropped limply to her sides.
"Well," she began hesitantly, "I was wondering one thing." The look in her eyes was one of inner turmoil. "Is it my fault you're dead?" Terry stared at her for a long moment, a look of quiet shock on his face. Then he came to his senses.
"No!" he said, so insistent and almost savage that Rayne took a step backwards. "It's not your fault! And if anyone tells you otherwise, forget them!" Rayne held up her hands to ward off his anger, but he continued, just as fierce and furious as before. "It's not your fault I'm dead, just like it wasn't your fault that your parents died. I made the decision that I knew would end up in my death. Never you! If it's anyone's fault that I died, it's my fault!" He stopped speaking as he noticed that Rayne was silently crying.
"Rayne......"
****************************************************************************************************************
Bulma carefully excepted the limp blue form that Trunks held out to her. She slowly examined the unconscious cat for any injuries, and finally declared, "She just fainted from shock." Everyone visibly relaxed in the small white hospital room.
"Should I call for some water?" Bra questioned, her voice low. Bulma nodded, half-smiling at her daughter, though her blue eyes remained grim. Bra stood, brushing the dirt and dust from her khaki shorts before disappearing into the hallway. Silence filled the room for a long, uneasy moment, until Pan could stand it no longer.
"How long have- had Willis and Rayne been friends?" she asked. Bulma looked down at Puar's senseless body for a few seconds before replying.
"Rayne and Terrence met on the night that her parents died. She woke up in this infirmary, and was uncontrollable until Terrence began to sing a lullaby. When she heard him singing, she quieted down and he sang her to sleep. From then on, they were best friends." Her eyes were distant as she remembered. "Terrence was twenty at the time, but he never complained about having a best friend who was both a girl and eight years younger than him." Her small smile was full of ironic pain. "There'll be no one to sing her to sleep tonight."
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne continued to sob, burying her face in her hands as her best friend hesitantly whispered her name once more. With faltering hands, Terry reached out to grasp her shuddering shoulders.
"Please don't cry," he said softly, cautiously taking a step towards her as she kept weeping. "Please, Ray, stop crying." The tone in his voice was one of deep sorrow as he slowly held his grieving friend in his arms and gently began to rock her back and forth in the endless meadow of green. Then, softly at first, but steadily getting louder, he began to sing.
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan jumped slightly as Rayne abruptly jerked, the look on her unconscious face one of stunned astonishment. He was aware of everyone's eyes on him as he paused, staring down at the girl's now peaceful face. Shaking his head, he quickened his pace. Soon he would be with Pan and Goten. And that was all that mattered to him at the moment.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
Wipe your eyes, that's a dear,
Never weep, I am here
Let your sobs trail into the night
As I gently hold you tight
Let me dry your tears, sweet child
As Fate calls, and the Joker goes wild
I know your heart is broken forever
And I understand your love has been severed
But if you let me I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes, my words are true
If you let me, I'll stand by your side forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Terry's soft, tenor voice filled Rayne's ears as he paused. Rayne slowly brought her head up from his shoulder to stare at his hesitant and rueful smile. Then slowly, she began to sing the next verse, her husky, alto voice blending with Terry's as he joined in.
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
Nothing you can do or say
Can erase this awful day
So close your eyes and listen to me
Let me stop your tears and set you free
Look at me as I speak, my words won't be spurned
Love can soothe what love has burned
Open your eyes and slow your breath
As your loves descend into death
And if you let me I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes, my words are true
If you let me, I'll stand by your side forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Taking a deep breath, they both launched into the final verse.
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
We can make it together
Walk along through stormy weather
Hand in hand, side by side
Finding each other like the beach is found by the tide
We can make it through life
Together, through pain and through strife
Lean on me, and I'll lean on you
We'll both be all right when this journey is through
And if we let each other, you'll heal me and I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes as I wipe mine, our words are true
If we let each other, we'll stand by each other's sides forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Rayne's dark brown eyes found Terry's emerald ones as their song died away. He smiled gently down at her, and for a moment, Rayne felt as peace and smiled back.
"Sleep tight, Rayne," he said, gently releasing her and taking a step backwards. Instantly, Rayne's inner peace was gone.
"Do you have to go?" she asked, her voice plaintive. Terry smiled wistfully.
"Wish I could stay, but the King is already annoyed at me enough," he said, jerking a thumb upward. Rayne managed a weak smile.
"Then I guess this is see you later," she said softly.
"Yeah," agreed Terry, sounding downcast. "See you later, Ray."
"See you later, Terry," Rayne whispered, leaning forward and giving him a soft kiss on his cheek. "Say hello to my family for me, will you?" Terry smiled as she pulled away.
"Of course I will," he said, his eyes bright with an unknown emotion. Then Terrence Willis slowly began to fade away as Rayne watched. He lifted a hand to wave at her as he smiled, then was gone.
"So long, Terry," called Rayne softly, although she knew he could no longer hear her. "See you later, my dear, dear friend." With a heavy sigh, she turned and waited to wake from this dream.
****************************************************************************************************************
They were getting closer to Capsule Corporation. Krillin felt a strange excitement clutch at his chest as he watched Marron and Kare walk hand-in-hand towards their destination. Capsule Corporation had been his home since Juhachigou had been murdered for the eight years before he had been captured. And now he finally coming back after twelve years. He quickly glanced at Gohan, and saw the happiness glowing in the half Saiya-jinn's dark eyes. The monk smiled to himself. He understood Gohan's enthusiasm to get to Capsule Corp. He would see his brother and daughter at last after twenty years. Krillin was just as eager to get to Capsule Corp. to meet the grandchildren he had never met. The monk smiled, quickening his step as he limped along. At last he would be home. Among friends and family.
****************************************************************************************************************
Pan rested her head on Trunks's shoulder, squeezing her eyes shut. She couldn't imagine what Rayne was going through. At least Pan had been unaware and resting in the land of dreams when her grandmother and mother had been murdered. At least Pan hadn't been the cause of her best friend's death. At least Pan had never seen any of her family being murdered in front of her..... Then Pan was aware of two very surprising things. One, that Trunks was stroking her hair. Two, that she was crying.
"It's okay, Pan-chan," she heard Trunks saying. "Your father'll be here soon, and everything will be okay." As Pan tried to stop weeping, and Trunks continued to stroke her hair gently, a single thought echoed through her mind.
'Daddy, please come home. Please, please, please........"
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne woke with a start, finding herself staring upwards into familiar black eyes.
"Hello, General," she whispered weakly, attempting to smile at Son Gohan. He didn't smile back, but the tension in his jaw eased somewhat.
"Can you walk?" he questioned, and when Rayne nodded he set her carefully on her feet. She tested her ankles gingerly, but nothing seemed to be injured.
"Guess it's only my arm that's broken- Ow! And my nose," she added as sudden lightning bolts shot through her face. Gohan nodded.
"We'll get those checked on when we get home," he said, all tension easing from his jaw at the last word. While his eyes lit with joy, Rayne's darkened slightly with sorrow.
"Yes, home," she murmured under her breath. Home without Terry. Now there was only Storm and Cloud to hold her at Capsule Corporation. She slowed her walk slightly, and let Gohan walk on. Rayne watched as some of the other soldiers dragged along the three body bags, and felt the sting of tears rising in her eyes. She furiously blinked them away as her gaze grew blurry. Clearing her throat, she softly sang only a few, heart-hurting lines before continuing in the direction of Capsule Corp.
"Lean on me, and I'll lean on you
We'll both be all right when this journey is through
And if we let each other, you'll heal me and I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes as I wipe mine, our words are true
If we let each other, we'll stand by each other's sides forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
(AN: I tried not to give you guys a horrible cliffhanger, because it'll be a couple days before I get the next chapter out. Why? Because I'm working on a story to publish in a newspaper and I'm only on page three! *smacks forehead* Well, I'll work on WNM, WNN whenever I can, but please be patient. I DO want to be published before my mom kills me........ *sighs* Oh, did you all like my pretty song/poem? I made it up all by myself! *grins proudly* Well, ja ne! ~AC)
Chapter Ten: What's Done Is Done
Rayne was dreaming. That was the only thing she was aware of as she stared at her surroundings in wonder. She stood in the middle of an endless field of lush bright green grass that tickled the soles of her feet. Rayne peered around. There was nothing to be seen but the green grass that surrounded her.
"Well, this is certainly interesting," she commented out loud.
"It is, isn't it?" a voice replied from behind her. Rayne's face lit up. She KNEW that voice.
"Terry!" she cried, spinning around to grin at the auburn-haired guerrilla. "What are you doing in my dream?" To her surprise, Terry's face looked solemn.
"Well," he began reluctantly. "I've got good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"
"Good news!" replied Rayne brightly. "I hate bad news. Do I have to know the bad news?" Terry grinned ruefully.
"Yes, you do," he said, then took a deep breath. "The good news is that you and Krillin are safe and everyone's heading towards the safe house." Rayne brightened.
"That's great!" she said, grinning at her best friend. His emerald green eyes shadowed with an unknown emotion, Terry slowly grinned back.
"Yes," he agreed, "it is." Rayne paused for a second, feeling slightly uneasy.
"What's the bad news?" she questioned. Terry sighed.
"There were casualties in getting you out of Jinzohen Prison," he said sadly as a lock of auburn hair fell in front of his troubled green eyes. "Three soldiers." Rayne's dark eyes widened in horror.
"Oh no!" she said, all merriment gone. "Who?" Terry looked up to meet her eyes, and frowned.
"Claude," he said heavily, and Rayne cursed.
"I liked that fellow. He was nice to me," she said, her dark eyes flashing. "When I get a hold of Morris-"
"-Morris is dead too," Terry said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "I saw him waiting to be judged." Rayne frowned quizzically, but ignored the odd sentence. Terry continued.
"Vincent. Remember? The Italian with black hair and eyes? Tall, and had a scar running down his left cheek?" Rayne nodded slowly.
"I remember him," she said sadly. "He seemed like a nice guy too. Who's the last casualty?" Terry hesitated, and her eyes went round.
"Terry! Don't tell me it's Kare or Gohan!" she said, sounding distressed. As an afterthought, she added, "Or Marron!" Terry smiled to reassure her.
"No, Kare, Marron, and Gohan are all right, and at the moment are chatting with Krillin," he assured her. Rayne calmed slightly, and asked quietly, her dark eyes locking with his, "Who else died, Terry?" Once more Terry hesitated, and began to smile a slightly sheepish smile.
"Well," he said hesitantly, "the last person who died was....... me."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Nani?" exclaimed Pan, her eyes round with horror. "Her shin'yuu?" Bulma nodded gravely, and Bra let out a gasp of horror.
"Terrence was gunned down while providing a distraction for the main force to enter the prison," the doctor said unhappily, brushing back her mane of silvering azure. "So was Vincent and Claude. Lira Trotsky was badly injured during the same fight, but she'll live. All four were standing at the main gate of the prison. They each knew that they probably wouldn't make it back alive. Terrence refused to let anyone other than himself go. I'm sure Gohan will have further information on the three's deaths."
"How awful!" Bra said in dismay. "Rayne's going to think it's all her fault!"
"What's all her fault?" a voice squeaked, and all five turned to face the cat who floated in the doorway. Bulma sighed sadly.
"Puar," she said in a soft, low voice, "Terrence is dead." Puar stared at Bulma in shock.
"T-Terry?" she squeaked, then fainted dead away as Trunks lunged to catch her falling form.
****************************************************************************************************************
O'Dell watched as the general abruptly stopped his marching, trying to pin the thrashing girl's arms to her side. Rayne Sirec seemed to be having a nightmare, the spy noticed, as the girl's face contorted and she began to yell, her words making everyone turn to stare in astonishment.
"TERRY! YOU CAN'T BE! NO NO NO NO NO! TERRY, PLEASE! YOU CAN'T BE DEAD! TTTTEEEERRRRYYYY!! TERRY, OH TERRY, OH TER-" Her words were suddenly cut off as Mrs. Raretoma, who had recently awakened, raced up and jammed a needle into the squirming girl's arm. Immediately Rayne went limp, her screams ending with a soft whimper as she relaxed back into the general's arms. The look on General Gohan's face was frightening to see.
"How did she know that Willis is dead?" he demanded, his words directed at anyone who would answer.
"Perhaps she was simply having a nightmare that has come true," the monk suggested, his face very pale. The general nodded, and bellowed, "March on." O'Dell began to walk again, but couldn't help but wonder about the answer the monk had given. Had it been a nightmare? The spy had no answer, and simply consented to figuring out the puzzle later.
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne screamed the words as she stared in horror at her best friend, who stared back with tear-filled eyes.
"Ray, please," he whispered hoarsely, using his nickname for her. "It'll be okay. Please stop screaming." Rayne stopped her cries with a choked sob.
"B-but Terry, you CAN'T be dead," she whispered hoarsely. "This is just a dream, just a nightmare-"
"It isn't," Terry interrupted, a slight edge in his voice, one that Rayne had never heard before. "I'm actually going to get in big trouble with the King of the Dead when I get up there. Dead souls are supposed to go instantly to the Gates when they die, and I came here to say good-bye instead." Feeling tears well up in her eyes, she reached out pleadingly to him. She managed a weak smile, one that she managed to summon up from the depths of her despairing soul, just for him.
"Good-bye?" she whispered. "No, never good-bye, Terry. It's always see you later, remember?" Terry smiled; a broken smile as tears ran down his freckled face and neck to soak his shirt.
"Yeah," he agreed hoarsely. "See you later." He turned to leave, but Rayne grabbed his hand. They both froze at each other's touch, real and alive.
"What is it, Ray?" Terry asked as Rayne's hands dropped limply to her sides.
"Well," she began hesitantly, "I was wondering one thing." The look in her eyes was one of inner turmoil. "Is it my fault you're dead?" Terry stared at her for a long moment, a look of quiet shock on his face. Then he came to his senses.
"No!" he said, so insistent and almost savage that Rayne took a step backwards. "It's not your fault! And if anyone tells you otherwise, forget them!" Rayne held up her hands to ward off his anger, but he continued, just as fierce and furious as before. "It's not your fault I'm dead, just like it wasn't your fault that your parents died. I made the decision that I knew would end up in my death. Never you! If it's anyone's fault that I died, it's my fault!" He stopped speaking as he noticed that Rayne was silently crying.
"Rayne......"
****************************************************************************************************************
Bulma carefully excepted the limp blue form that Trunks held out to her. She slowly examined the unconscious cat for any injuries, and finally declared, "She just fainted from shock." Everyone visibly relaxed in the small white hospital room.
"Should I call for some water?" Bra questioned, her voice low. Bulma nodded, half-smiling at her daughter, though her blue eyes remained grim. Bra stood, brushing the dirt and dust from her khaki shorts before disappearing into the hallway. Silence filled the room for a long, uneasy moment, until Pan could stand it no longer.
"How long have- had Willis and Rayne been friends?" she asked. Bulma looked down at Puar's senseless body for a few seconds before replying.
"Rayne and Terrence met on the night that her parents died. She woke up in this infirmary, and was uncontrollable until Terrence began to sing a lullaby. When she heard him singing, she quieted down and he sang her to sleep. From then on, they were best friends." Her eyes were distant as she remembered. "Terrence was twenty at the time, but he never complained about having a best friend who was both a girl and eight years younger than him." Her small smile was full of ironic pain. "There'll be no one to sing her to sleep tonight."
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne continued to sob, burying her face in her hands as her best friend hesitantly whispered her name once more. With faltering hands, Terry reached out to grasp her shuddering shoulders.
"Please don't cry," he said softly, cautiously taking a step towards her as she kept weeping. "Please, Ray, stop crying." The tone in his voice was one of deep sorrow as he slowly held his grieving friend in his arms and gently began to rock her back and forth in the endless meadow of green. Then, softly at first, but steadily getting louder, he began to sing.
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan jumped slightly as Rayne abruptly jerked, the look on her unconscious face one of stunned astonishment. He was aware of everyone's eyes on him as he paused, staring down at the girl's now peaceful face. Shaking his head, he quickened his pace. Soon he would be with Pan and Goten. And that was all that mattered to him at the moment.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
Wipe your eyes, that's a dear,
Never weep, I am here
Let your sobs trail into the night
As I gently hold you tight
Let me dry your tears, sweet child
As Fate calls, and the Joker goes wild
I know your heart is broken forever
And I understand your love has been severed
But if you let me I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes, my words are true
If you let me, I'll stand by your side forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Terry's soft, tenor voice filled Rayne's ears as he paused. Rayne slowly brought her head up from his shoulder to stare at his hesitant and rueful smile. Then slowly, she began to sing the next verse, her husky, alto voice blending with Terry's as he joined in.
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
Nothing you can do or say
Can erase this awful day
So close your eyes and listen to me
Let me stop your tears and set you free
Look at me as I speak, my words won't be spurned
Love can soothe what love has burned
Open your eyes and slow your breath
As your loves descend into death
And if you let me I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes, my words are true
If you let me, I'll stand by your side forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Taking a deep breath, they both launched into the final verse.
"Don't cry, little one,
Don't weep, what's done is done
We can make it together
Walk along through stormy weather
Hand in hand, side by side
Finding each other like the beach is found by the tide
We can make it through life
Together, through pain and through strife
Lean on me, and I'll lean on you
We'll both be all right when this journey is through
And if we let each other, you'll heal me and I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes as I wipe mine, our words are true
If we let each other, we'll stand by each other's sides forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
Rayne's dark brown eyes found Terry's emerald ones as their song died away. He smiled gently down at her, and for a moment, Rayne felt as peace and smiled back.
"Sleep tight, Rayne," he said, gently releasing her and taking a step backwards. Instantly, Rayne's inner peace was gone.
"Do you have to go?" she asked, her voice plaintive. Terry smiled wistfully.
"Wish I could stay, but the King is already annoyed at me enough," he said, jerking a thumb upward. Rayne managed a weak smile.
"Then I guess this is see you later," she said softly.
"Yeah," agreed Terry, sounding downcast. "See you later, Ray."
"See you later, Terry," Rayne whispered, leaning forward and giving him a soft kiss on his cheek. "Say hello to my family for me, will you?" Terry smiled as she pulled away.
"Of course I will," he said, his eyes bright with an unknown emotion. Then Terrence Willis slowly began to fade away as Rayne watched. He lifted a hand to wave at her as he smiled, then was gone.
"So long, Terry," called Rayne softly, although she knew he could no longer hear her. "See you later, my dear, dear friend." With a heavy sigh, she turned and waited to wake from this dream.
****************************************************************************************************************
They were getting closer to Capsule Corporation. Krillin felt a strange excitement clutch at his chest as he watched Marron and Kare walk hand-in-hand towards their destination. Capsule Corporation had been his home since Juhachigou had been murdered for the eight years before he had been captured. And now he finally coming back after twelve years. He quickly glanced at Gohan, and saw the happiness glowing in the half Saiya-jinn's dark eyes. The monk smiled to himself. He understood Gohan's enthusiasm to get to Capsule Corp. He would see his brother and daughter at last after twenty years. Krillin was just as eager to get to Capsule Corp. to meet the grandchildren he had never met. The monk smiled, quickening his step as he limped along. At last he would be home. Among friends and family.
****************************************************************************************************************
Pan rested her head on Trunks's shoulder, squeezing her eyes shut. She couldn't imagine what Rayne was going through. At least Pan had been unaware and resting in the land of dreams when her grandmother and mother had been murdered. At least Pan hadn't been the cause of her best friend's death. At least Pan had never seen any of her family being murdered in front of her..... Then Pan was aware of two very surprising things. One, that Trunks was stroking her hair. Two, that she was crying.
"It's okay, Pan-chan," she heard Trunks saying. "Your father'll be here soon, and everything will be okay." As Pan tried to stop weeping, and Trunks continued to stroke her hair gently, a single thought echoed through her mind.
'Daddy, please come home. Please, please, please........"
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne woke with a start, finding herself staring upwards into familiar black eyes.
"Hello, General," she whispered weakly, attempting to smile at Son Gohan. He didn't smile back, but the tension in his jaw eased somewhat.
"Can you walk?" he questioned, and when Rayne nodded he set her carefully on her feet. She tested her ankles gingerly, but nothing seemed to be injured.
"Guess it's only my arm that's broken- Ow! And my nose," she added as sudden lightning bolts shot through her face. Gohan nodded.
"We'll get those checked on when we get home," he said, all tension easing from his jaw at the last word. While his eyes lit with joy, Rayne's darkened slightly with sorrow.
"Yes, home," she murmured under her breath. Home without Terry. Now there was only Storm and Cloud to hold her at Capsule Corporation. She slowed her walk slightly, and let Gohan walk on. Rayne watched as some of the other soldiers dragged along the three body bags, and felt the sting of tears rising in her eyes. She furiously blinked them away as her gaze grew blurry. Clearing her throat, she softly sang only a few, heart-hurting lines before continuing in the direction of Capsule Corp.
"Lean on me, and I'll lean on you
We'll both be all right when this journey is through
And if we let each other, you'll heal me and I'll heal you
Wipe your eyes as I wipe mine, our words are true
If we let each other, we'll stand by each other's sides forever more
As we settle a long-forgotten score....."
(AN: I tried not to give you guys a horrible cliffhanger, because it'll be a couple days before I get the next chapter out. Why? Because I'm working on a story to publish in a newspaper and I'm only on page three! *smacks forehead* Well, I'll work on WNM, WNN whenever I can, but please be patient. I DO want to be published before my mom kills me........ *sighs* Oh, did you all like my pretty song/poem? I made it up all by myself! *grins proudly* Well, ja ne! ~AC)