(AN: Eep! *ducks the tomato that Jevana threw, and yelps as the computer screen is covered in tomato
juice* Crap! My mother's going to kill me, and I HATE tomatoes! *glares accusingly at Jevana* Why you-
*searches frantically for something to throw, and finds a package of strawberries* Such a waste of good
strawberries....... *shrugs* Oh well... *begins throwing them at anything that moves* Heh heh heh! I have
pleased the leprechaun! Thanks, Jevana! Dance, Jevana, dance! *throws dozens of strawberries at her
without wondering why the supply of strawberries is impossibly endless* Enjoy the story, and sorry about
the mess! ~AC
PS: Use Arial font when you read the chapter please. Otherwises errors occur. Thanks! ~AC)
Chapter Fourteen: How Can I Keep From Singing?
Rayne smiled brightly as Mirai released her hand.
"Welcome Mirai," she said, and looked past him towards Goku. "Do you need something? Or do
you need to talk to Mister Goten or Miss Pan?"
"Do you have to call us like that?" Goten asked, then groaned as Rayne once more glared at him.
"Did you wish to say something, Mister Goten?" she asked, once the half Saiya-jinn had raised
his hand.
"Do you have to call us Miss and Mister all the time? It makes me feel old!" Goten whined. Rayne
gave him another look, raising an eyebrow.
"Mister Goten, I am your teacher," she said, a hint of a smile dancing across her face.
Mischievously she added, "Plus, you are old. You're forty-five, remember?"
"Ha! Goten, you're old!" Pan declared, giving her uncle a playful shove. He made a face at her.
"Look who's talking, Miss Thirty-Six-Year-Old," he teased. Pan looked suddenly horrified,
clamping her hands to her cheeks.
"Good Kami!" she said in exaggerated horror. "I'm old!"
"Yeah, you are," Goten said, not noticing her sarcasm. He yelped as Bra swatted him across the
back of the head.
"And what does that make me? I'm older than Pan, remember," she said dangerously, bright
eyes flashing. Goten stared at her, then to a giggling Pan, then to a sympathetic but silent Trunks, then
back to Bra. He carefully weighed his options, then he opened his mouth to speak.
And bolted for the door.
"Oi!" Bra yelled, leaping after him. "Come back here!"
"Son Goten!" Rayne yelled, also bolting after the fleeing man. "School hasn't been dismissed
yet!" Her roar become even louder, and rose an octave. "Princess Bra! Lord Goten! Get back into your
seats RIGHT NOW!" Goten ducked around his father, ignoring Rayne, and raced down the hallway. With a
growl, Bra followed. Rayne stopped in front of Goku, glaring after the two defenders.
"WHEN YOU TWO GET BACK HERE, YOU BOTH ARE GOING TO THE DUNCE CHAIRS!" she
bellowed.
"Why bother? Goten is already a dunce!" Bra yelled over her shoulder, followed by Goten's faint,
indignant, "Hey!" Rayne sighed, shaking her head as the little children giggled. She returned to her desk,
sitting on it. Returning her attention to Goku and Mirai, who looked amused, she smiled, her eyes
twinkling with mirth.
"As I was saying, do you need anything, or anyone?" she asked, then added with a quiet laugh,
"Or did two of them just go tearing out of the room?"
Goku grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I need to talk to you, actually." Rayne blinked,
looking surprised.
"Oh," she said after a moment. "Can it wait until after class? We have to sing two more songs
before I'm supposed dismiss them."
Goku grinned once more. "Sure. Do you mind if we stay?" Rayne shrugged.
"Go ahead," she said, then turned to the class, whose giggling silenced quickly. "Now, what song
shall we sing?" Ideas rang out from all corners of the room, and a couple of the names made Goku raise
his eyes at Rayne for letting such young children learn them. Rayne grinned sheepishly, shrugging
helplessly.
Quickly she muttered under the children's suggestions, "It was Terry!" When Goku gave her a
suspicious look, she widened her eyes in innocence.
"To The Moon and Back!"
"Echoes!"
"We Are The Champions!"
"How Can I Keep From Singing!"
Rayne clapped her hands to silence them.
"How Can I Keep From Singing," she said, smiling. "That's a pleasant Quaker song. And a one......
and a two......." The song began, the children singing so happily and exuberant that no one could keep
from smiling.
"My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real though distant song that hails a new creation.
Through all the turmult and strife I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest loudly roars.
I hear the truth, it's living!
What though the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night it's giving!
No storm can shake my in-most calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since I believe that love abides, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep from singing? How can I keep from singing?
La la la la la la la la la la la la how can I keep, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep?
When tyrants tremble when they hear the bells of freedom ringing.
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell, in dungeon dark, our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends hold courage in their heart.
How can I keep, how can I can I can I keep from singing?
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can break my in-most calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since I believe in that love abides.
How can I keep, how can I can I can I keep
How can I can I can I keep from singing?
La la la la la la la la la la la la how can I keep, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep from singing!"
The song ended, and everyone grinned as the last echoes faded away. Once more Goku clapped, after a
second or so, Mirai added his claps to the Saiya-jinn's. Rayne grinned proudly.
"Very good, children," she said, and the kids looked ready to burst with happiness. "Now, let's
show our friends how well we can sing, 'We Are the Champions'." The children cheered happily. They
loved that song. Rayne raised her good arm, and began once more.
"And a one..... and a two....."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Come back here!" Bra yelled at the fleeing half Saiya-jinn.
"Not if you're going to hurt me!" Goten called back, turning his head to frown at her-
And ran into a wall.
"Ow!" he yelped, falling to the ground and holding his head. Suddenly he remembered his chaser,
and looked up to see Bra looming over him, an unpleasant smile on her face. Goten gulped, and tried to
scramble backwards. His back pressed against the cold iron of the wall, and he stared wide-eyed as Bra's
smile widened.
"Uh-oh......."
****************************************************************************************************************
The children filed out one by one, giving cheerful good-byes to Goku and Mirai before disappearing down
the corridors to their various homes or chores. Rayne's 'family' were the last to go.
"See you later, Mum," Storm chirped, smiling up at her sister. Rayne grinned back, ruffling her
sister's hair fondly. Storm jerked away, giggling.
"Be good for Mrs. Raretoma, oh sister of mine," she warned. "I don't want a repetition of what
happened last week. Did you ever apologize to Ikara for showering her with saucy meatballs?" Storm hung
her head.
"No, Mum," she said glumly. "I'll go do that now."
"I'll make sure of it," Tristan said, grinning wickedly at the younger girl. Storm glared at him, her
face mirroring Bra Briefs' only moments before.
"Shut UP, Tris," she said, curling her lip at him. Tristan stuck his tongue out at her, and she
growled menacingly. Still grinning, Tristan bolted for the exit.
"Tris, Storm-" Rayne began, then gave up with a sigh as the two chased each other from the
room. What was it, Chase People Out Of The Classroom Day?
"Bye Mum!" Cloud, Rebeus, and Aurora chorused, and bolted after Tristan and Storm.
"Were they all your siblings?" Mirai questioned, looking interested. Rayne grinned.
"Nope. Only two of them. The eight-year-old girl who was chasing the other boy from the room,
and the seven-year-old boy. The other three are the siblings of my best friend, but now I take care of
them." She faltered slightly, and looked down, realization striking her. How was she going to pay the
doctor back for all five of them? She was behind in the debts WITH Terry helping her. Rayne frowned.
She'd find a way to pay Doctor Bulma back. A Sirec did have her pride.
"Rayne?" The girl looked up to smile at Goku, putting her worries away for the moment.
"Yes, sir?" she asked.
"I have two things to ask of you," Goku said, sounding serious. "The first is, would you sing at the
funeral?" Rayne's smile quickly faded.
"Of course," she said. "When is it?" Goku sighed, his forehead knotting as he frowned, biting his
lip anxiously. Finally he spoke.
"Tomorrow, at dawn."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Bra..........." Trunks sighed, staring at the scene before him.
Goten lay at Bra's feet, his shirt covering his face, pinned to the floor by Bra's foot. Bra was wearing a very
satisfied smirk on her face.
"Hey, I would've bound and gagged him, but I didn't have any rope," she said, shrugging and
looking mildly annoyed. Quickly the satisfied look was back in full force as Goten attempted to move, and
groaned pitifully. Trunks shook his head.
"Get off," he ordered. Bra's eyes glinted evilly.
"Make me." Trunks slowly smirked, the look identical to the one on Bra's face, and Pan groaned
as he strolled casually towards his sister.
"Am I the only sane person here?" she grumbled as Trunks tackled Bra.
"Probably," Goten's muffled voice said from beneath the shirt. Pan sighed, and knelt to help her
uncle to his feet as the two siblings rolled on the floor, laughing and punching wildly.
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne stared into space for a long moment, her dark eyes blank and unreadable. She shook her head
from side to side, slowly, then blinked.
"Okay," she said quietly, eyes still distant. "What's the second thing?" Goku shifted
uncomfortably from one foot to the other.
"I was wondering if you could show Mirai around," he said. "Everyone else is busy." Rayne
blinked again, and raised an eyebrow, her eyes clearing.
"Sure," she said, "no problem." Rayne grinned at Mirai. "I must warn you, sir, that insanity is a
minutely occurrence around here."
Mirai smiled. "I think I can handle it." He looked towards Goku. "Do you need me for anything?"
Goku shook his head. "I'll call when I need you. If you need me, I'm at the Lookout." He pressed his
fingers to his forehead, then paused, frowning as if he was sure he had forgotten something, but wasn't
quite sure what. Suddenly he brightened.
"I almost forgot!" he said, grinning sheepishly. "Here you go, Rayne. Eat it." Reaching into his
pocket, the Saiya-jinn pulled out a small object. He tossed it to her, and Rayne caught it. She held it up
curiously, and raised an eyebrow.
"A bean?" she said skeptically. "How's a single bean going to help me?" Goku grinned
mischievously.
"You'll see," he said, then, quite suddenly, he was gone. Rayne stared at the spot where he had
been standing only seconds before in disbelief, then slowly grinned.
"Wish I could do that," she commented wistfully. "Wish I could fly, too." With a shrug, she
popped the bean into her mouth and chewed. After a moment, her eyes grew wide. Mirai watched her with
a smile.
"A single bean can do wonders," he informed her. Rayne turned to grin at him.
"Nifty."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Enough!" Pan bellowed, throwing up her hands. Bra and Trunks paused in their pummeling of
each other to stare at her.
"What?" Trunks asked innocently, rubbing at a red mark that Bra's fist had caused.
"You, Trunks Briefs-" Pan began, but was cut off by Goten's taunt.
"Oho! Busted! Last name!" the half Saiya-jinn teased, laughing.
Trunks glared at his best friend, and took a step towards him, raising a fist threateningly. With a terrified
yelp, Goten bolted away from the group, and disappeared around a corner. Laughing, Trunks gave chase,
and Bra quickly followed. Pan sighed, slapping her forehead wearily.
"You all are such dorks," she sighed, before jogging after the trio.
****************************************************************************************************************
Bulma had just finished cleaning the room that had held Goku's comatose body for five years when a
figure appeared in the doorway. The aging doctor looked up with a smile.
"Yes?" she questioned, brushing her hair out of her face.
"Doctor Briefs?" Richard O'Dell said with a smile, though his smile didn't meet his slightly worried
eyes. "General Gohan wishes to see you." Bulma's smile faded. What had happened now?
"Where is he?" she asked, straightening to her full height. Richard O'Dell pursed his lips, and
grimaced.
"In the Situation Room," he said. The Situation Room was for war emergencies.
"Aw, hell."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Let's see, that's the hospital wing, that's where General Goku was for the five years he lay in a
coma," Rayne said, pointing towards one set of corridors.
"Five years?" Mirai exclaimed, looking startled, then thoughtful. "Goku never told me about
that....." Rayne raised an eyebrow.
"You're on first name basis with General Goku?" she questioned. Mirai's blue eyes twinkled
merrily.
"We go way back," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. A faint smile touched his lips, and his
eyes grew far away. "Way, way back........"
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan was pacing when Bulma finally arrived at the Situation Room. She briefly glanced around the large
room, filled with a large table that reminded her of the Round Table, and dozens of chairs. The surviving
members of Kare's squad was there, along with Chance O'Malley's squadron, Krillin, Marron, and two men
Bulma recognized as spies. The spies looked exhausted, dirty, and shaken.
Gohan looked infuriated, she noted.
"What happened now?" the scientist questioned wearily, already feeling a headache coming on.
She collapsed into a chair, and saw a blurred shape move out of the corner of her eyes as O'Dell took a
seat also.
"Well.........." Gohan said, scowling. "Perhaps we should wait until the others are here." The
others? Bulma raised an eyebrow, but nodded.
"They'd better hurry," muttered Marron, and Kare shushed her.
Ah. One of the 'others' must be Rayne, Bulma thought, recognizing the tone. When would those
two ever get along?
****************************************************************************************************************
"Ha ha! Can't catch me, Trunk- Ouf!" Goten grunted and fell backwards as he turned a corner and
slammed into someone.
"Sorry," a heavily accented voice purred, and a slender white hand pulled the half Saiya-jinn to his
feet.
"Thanks..........." Goten looked up, and his words trailed off. In front of him was the most beautiful
woman he had ever seen.
The woman had wisps of shimmering gold for hair, which curled into ringlets, framing her lovely,
unmarred face. Her sky-blue eyes were half-hidden by long golden lashes as she smiled down at him,
even taller than the tall man. Her full, blood-red lips were curved in a heavenly smile, showing off a cute
dimple in her left cheek. She was fitted in a tight-fitting blue blouse, with a slit skirt of black, showing off
her..... er, rather large endowments and slender legs. She gave the impression of once having been rather
large, but had lost the large part of her body and perfectly fit with her luxurious form.
"Hello, I'm Heidi Adler," she said with a faint, purring German accent, lifting an elegant eyebrow.
"And you are?"
"G-Goten," he said, still staring at her. By now Trunks and the other two had caught up, and
Trunks was gazing wide-eyed at the German woman.
"Hello, Heidi," Bra said, smiling sweetly as she viciously elbowed her stupefied brother. "I'm Bra
Briefs, this is my idiotic brother Trunks, that's Son Goten, and this is Son Pan." She pointed to each
person as she named them. Heidi's eyes widened, and she clapped her hands in delight.
"The Sleepers?" she gushed, beaming. "Hardy told me ALL about you!" The four exchanged
puzzled looks. How would someone named Hardy know about them?
"Hardy?" Pan repeated cautiously.
"Er, me," and the four turned to see Lieutenant Spyri grinning sheepishly at them.
"My real name is Leonhard Spyri," he continued, shrugging, "but Heidi insists on calling me
Hardy." Pan watched as Heidi began to giggle like a school girl, batting her eyes at Spyri.
"But of course, Hardy dear!" Heidi simpered. "Hardy and Heidi sound so much cuter together than
Leonhard and Heidi!"
"Airhead," Bra muttered so only Pan could hear her. Pan couldn't help but agree, watching Heidi
toss her blond mane and giggle.
****************************************************************************************************************
"So, you two know each other?" Goten asked, once Heidi had finally stopped giggling.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that? Hardy and I have been married for six years!" the German
woman said, beaming. Goten's eyes widened and he and Trunks eyed Spyri with some respect, while
Pan and Bra looked disgusted. Suddenly Spyri's radio began to crackle.
"Spyri! Get the hell over t' the Situation Room!" an Australian voice cried. "The general's goin' t'kill
us all if you an' the Dreamers don't get over here soon!" Spyri frowned.
"Something wrong, O'Malley?" he questioned.
"I dunno, mate, but the general's foaming at the mouth........ er, and I said that a bit too loud,
'cause the general's glarin' at me........ Uh-oh-" O'Malley's words were abruptly cut off, replaced by
another person's roar.
"SPYRI! Do you know where Goten, Bra, Pan, and Trunks are?" It was Gohan.
"Yes, sir! They're here with me and my wife," Spyri answered quickly.
"Then get them over here!" Gohan yelled, and the radio went silent. Spyri shrugged, and turned
off his radio. He looked up at the others.
"Well, Heidi love, I think I'm going to be late to dinner," he said, going over and giving her a hug
and a kiss, which she willingly returned.
"Come home soon, Hardy," the German said with a pout. Spyri flashed her a grin.
"As soon as I can," he said with sincerity, his eyes gleaming.
"I'll bet," Bra muttered, and this time it was Trunks's turn to elbow her.
****************************************************************************************************************
"And this is the Dining Hall," Rayne said, grabbing Mirai by the arm and dragging him into a large
room bustling with people of all ethnicity. "This is my favorite place to go, most of the time, at least-"
"Ojousan Rayne!" a voice yelled, and the girl turned to wave at a breathless Ikara.
"Yes, dear?" she questioned, then in an undertone to Mirai, "Ikara, granddaughter of Krillin."
"Okaa and Otou have been looking all over for you!" the little girl chirped. "There's a meeting at
the Situation Room." Rayne's blood ran cold.
"Kuso," she muttered, and Mirai scowled at her, while Ikara laughed with delight.
"Only cool adults curse," the little girl said with a laugh, and skipped off.
"The ears of an innocent is tainted, Ojousan Rayne," said Mirai, frowning at her. Rayne managed
a weak grin, and tightened her grip on the lavender-haired man's arm.
"Ikara was never innocent," she commented, then proceeded to drag him off. "C'mon, something
bad's happened."
****************************************************************************************************************
"So, how long have you and Heidi known each other?" Goten casually asked as they neared the
door marked Situation Room. Spyri smirked.
"Seven years," he said, and shuddered. "I hate the nickname though."
"It isn't as bad as B-chan," Goten informed him, followed by a yelp of pain as Bra and Pan both
smacked him.
"What does she do to help the rebel cause?" Pan asked, ignoring her uncle's pitiful looks as he
rubbed the places where he had been smacked.
Spyri blinked. "Er........ takes care of the leading rebels' kids for them. She's good with kids."
"Didn't she go to school?" Bra questioned curiously. Spyri glanced at her, and laughed.
"She dropped out at age fourteen," he said, chuckling. "She doesn't need school, she says. But
we all know she dropped out because of her grades."
"But you didn't marry her because of her brains, ne?" Goten said knowingly, and this time instead
of the girls smacking him, Spyri punched him, sending him flying through the door of the Situation Room.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Something bad?" Mirai repeated as he was dragged along. "What sort of bad?"
"Very bad," Rayne informed him grimly. "The last time there was a meeting in the Situation Room
was during the..... during the Sirec Massacre." Her voice faltered slightly. "That was five years ago. I had
hoped we wouldn't have to use it again." She sighed. "Oh well."
Mirai raised an eyebrow at the name Sirec and the word Massacre, but said nothing as he continued to
trail after the girl.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Well, one of the Dreamers is here. That's a start," O'Malley commented cheerfully, staring at the
groaning body at his feet. Everyone in the room glared at him, and the Australian winced. "Never
mind......."
"Ow!" the body whined, sitting up and nursing his aching jaw. "Why'd you do that, Spyri?"
"Sorry," the Swiss apologized, opening the store and ushering the other three Dreamers inside.
"Too many people have hit on my wife."
"But I didn't hit on her!" Goten complained, cowering from Gohan's glare. "I was merely stating
that you didn't marry her for her brains......... I'll shut up now."
"I think that's a good idea. Be quiet, and no one can say you're annoying," O'Malley advised,
grinning. Goten smiled back. Marron laughed, enjoying the hidden joke O'Malley had made.
"And you're always silent!" she questioned sarcastically. "Follow your own advice, O'Malley!" The
Australian frowned at her, but stayed silent.
"Ahem!" Gohan growled, and everyone went silent as Goten quickly found a seat. The oldest son
of Goku rose to his feet, his face grim. No one noticed as Mirai and Rayne silently slipped into the room,
finding seats at the back.
"It has come to my attention," he began, his eyes wandering to the two Bulma had identified as
spies, "that the androids have discovered the sanctuary in Australia. Even as we speak, hundreds of
civilians are being massacred."
Thud! Everyone turned to view O'Malley where he lay, unconscious.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Tell Heidi that I'll make dinner tomorrow," Spyri said to Trunks, and then glared at Goten,
who hovered close by. "And don't let that one come with you."
"Oi!" Goten said indignantly, but everyone ignored him.
All of the troops Gohan could survive giving up were launching an attack on a major android base,
filled with important provisions and weapons, to retaliate against the Australian Massacre, as
everyone was beginning to call it. All remaining forces in Australia, New Zealand, and
neighboring countries were attacking the androids armies in Australia, and Gohan and Krillin
flew to join them in battle after attacking the major base. Gohan had refused to let the Four
Last come with him, saying that he and Goku would begin training them after the battles. Goku
was nowhere to be found.
"Good luck, Spyri. Try not to get yourself killed," Rayne said with a smile, giving her
friend a slap on the back. "Heidi would drown in her own tears if you did."
"I won't die," the Swiss promised with a grin, shouldering his gun. "Wish me luck."
"Luck!" they all chorused, as Spyri melted into the lines of exactly 468 soldiers.
O'Malley was in that group, along with Kare.
****************************************************************************************************************
Bra watched the soldiers as they began to march away from Capsule Corporation. Softly,
the marching men began to sing.
"Rise and fall
We march onward
Standing tall
We march onward
Cock our guns to fight a fight
We march onward
Through rain and snow, day and night
We march onward."
Their song continued as their ranks faded off into the distance. Bra sighed, resting
her head against her brother's shoulder.
"Do you think they'll be all right?" she asked quietly. Trunks nodded.
"Gohan won't let any of them die," he said forcefully, almost as if he was
trying to convince himself.
And he was.
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan stared straight ahead, hands at his side as he led the head of the army. This
wasn't going to be fun. He noticed O'Malley nearby from the corner of his eyes, and
moved to stand beside the Australian.
"O'Malley." The Australian looked up dully, his face splotched and his eyes
rimmed red from tears. His entire family at been at the Australian sanctuary.
"Yes, sir?" he asked hoarsely, his voice gruff from weeping.
"No private heroics today, all right, soldier?" the general said, patting
him on the shoulder. At O'Malley's dubious look, he added kindly, "Your family
needs at least one to survive, son. Don't let their legacy die out." The
Australian's eyes widened; apparently he had never considered that.
"Yes, sir," he said, and slowed his pace to melt back into the crowd.
Before he had completely disappeared, the Australian mouthed, 'thank you'. Gohan
smiled, and turned back to lead the soldiers to the base, and for some of them,
their final battle.
(AN: Hehehe. Mirai Trunks is so COOL! *swoons* Sorry, but he's my fave character.
Also, I have a question that I need answered. After the Watashi series is over,
do you all want me to continue the story? You can either answer now or at the end
of the story. Which is going to be a long while from now. I'm not even half-way
through the story. Oh, and don't worry people, in the next chapter, there will
actually be fighting! Fun fun! Oh, I feel so bad to O'Malley. He's cool. Poor
Australian. Well, I'm off! Ja ne! ~AC
Quick peek into Chapter Fifteen:
Gohan, Krillin, O'Malley, Kare, Spyri, and others attack the base, and chaos
ensumes. Rayne, Pan, Bra, and Trunks go to visit Heidi, and have a surprise.
Goten is miserable until he gets into some mischief with Marron's children.
Marron and Bulma work on a secret project.
That's all I have as of this moment. Thanks! ~AC)
juice* Crap! My mother's going to kill me, and I HATE tomatoes! *glares accusingly at Jevana* Why you-
*searches frantically for something to throw, and finds a package of strawberries* Such a waste of good
strawberries....... *shrugs* Oh well... *begins throwing them at anything that moves* Heh heh heh! I have
pleased the leprechaun! Thanks, Jevana! Dance, Jevana, dance! *throws dozens of strawberries at her
without wondering why the supply of strawberries is impossibly endless* Enjoy the story, and sorry about
the mess! ~AC
PS: Use Arial font when you read the chapter please. Otherwises errors occur. Thanks! ~AC)
Chapter Fourteen: How Can I Keep From Singing?
Rayne smiled brightly as Mirai released her hand.
"Welcome Mirai," she said, and looked past him towards Goku. "Do you need something? Or do
you need to talk to Mister Goten or Miss Pan?"
"Do you have to call us like that?" Goten asked, then groaned as Rayne once more glared at him.
"Did you wish to say something, Mister Goten?" she asked, once the half Saiya-jinn had raised
his hand.
"Do you have to call us Miss and Mister all the time? It makes me feel old!" Goten whined. Rayne
gave him another look, raising an eyebrow.
"Mister Goten, I am your teacher," she said, a hint of a smile dancing across her face.
Mischievously she added, "Plus, you are old. You're forty-five, remember?"
"Ha! Goten, you're old!" Pan declared, giving her uncle a playful shove. He made a face at her.
"Look who's talking, Miss Thirty-Six-Year-Old," he teased. Pan looked suddenly horrified,
clamping her hands to her cheeks.
"Good Kami!" she said in exaggerated horror. "I'm old!"
"Yeah, you are," Goten said, not noticing her sarcasm. He yelped as Bra swatted him across the
back of the head.
"And what does that make me? I'm older than Pan, remember," she said dangerously, bright
eyes flashing. Goten stared at her, then to a giggling Pan, then to a sympathetic but silent Trunks, then
back to Bra. He carefully weighed his options, then he opened his mouth to speak.
And bolted for the door.
"Oi!" Bra yelled, leaping after him. "Come back here!"
"Son Goten!" Rayne yelled, also bolting after the fleeing man. "School hasn't been dismissed
yet!" Her roar become even louder, and rose an octave. "Princess Bra! Lord Goten! Get back into your
seats RIGHT NOW!" Goten ducked around his father, ignoring Rayne, and raced down the hallway. With a
growl, Bra followed. Rayne stopped in front of Goku, glaring after the two defenders.
"WHEN YOU TWO GET BACK HERE, YOU BOTH ARE GOING TO THE DUNCE CHAIRS!" she
bellowed.
"Why bother? Goten is already a dunce!" Bra yelled over her shoulder, followed by Goten's faint,
indignant, "Hey!" Rayne sighed, shaking her head as the little children giggled. She returned to her desk,
sitting on it. Returning her attention to Goku and Mirai, who looked amused, she smiled, her eyes
twinkling with mirth.
"As I was saying, do you need anything, or anyone?" she asked, then added with a quiet laugh,
"Or did two of them just go tearing out of the room?"
Goku grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I need to talk to you, actually." Rayne blinked,
looking surprised.
"Oh," she said after a moment. "Can it wait until after class? We have to sing two more songs
before I'm supposed dismiss them."
Goku grinned once more. "Sure. Do you mind if we stay?" Rayne shrugged.
"Go ahead," she said, then turned to the class, whose giggling silenced quickly. "Now, what song
shall we sing?" Ideas rang out from all corners of the room, and a couple of the names made Goku raise
his eyes at Rayne for letting such young children learn them. Rayne grinned sheepishly, shrugging
helplessly.
Quickly she muttered under the children's suggestions, "It was Terry!" When Goku gave her a
suspicious look, she widened her eyes in innocence.
"To The Moon and Back!"
"Echoes!"
"We Are The Champions!"
"How Can I Keep From Singing!"
Rayne clapped her hands to silence them.
"How Can I Keep From Singing," she said, smiling. "That's a pleasant Quaker song. And a one......
and a two......." The song began, the children singing so happily and exuberant that no one could keep
from smiling.
"My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real though distant song that hails a new creation.
Through all the turmult and strife I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest loudly roars.
I hear the truth, it's living!
What though the darkness 'round me close, songs in the night it's giving!
No storm can shake my in-most calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since I believe that love abides, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep from singing? How can I keep from singing?
La la la la la la la la la la la la how can I keep, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep?
When tyrants tremble when they hear the bells of freedom ringing.
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell, in dungeon dark, our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends hold courage in their heart.
How can I keep, how can I can I can I keep from singing?
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can break my in-most calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since I believe in that love abides.
How can I keep, how can I can I can I keep
How can I can I can I keep from singing?
La la la la la la la la la la la la how can I keep, how can I keep,
How can I can I can I keep from singing!"
The song ended, and everyone grinned as the last echoes faded away. Once more Goku clapped, after a
second or so, Mirai added his claps to the Saiya-jinn's. Rayne grinned proudly.
"Very good, children," she said, and the kids looked ready to burst with happiness. "Now, let's
show our friends how well we can sing, 'We Are the Champions'." The children cheered happily. They
loved that song. Rayne raised her good arm, and began once more.
"And a one..... and a two....."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Come back here!" Bra yelled at the fleeing half Saiya-jinn.
"Not if you're going to hurt me!" Goten called back, turning his head to frown at her-
And ran into a wall.
"Ow!" he yelped, falling to the ground and holding his head. Suddenly he remembered his chaser,
and looked up to see Bra looming over him, an unpleasant smile on her face. Goten gulped, and tried to
scramble backwards. His back pressed against the cold iron of the wall, and he stared wide-eyed as Bra's
smile widened.
"Uh-oh......."
****************************************************************************************************************
The children filed out one by one, giving cheerful good-byes to Goku and Mirai before disappearing down
the corridors to their various homes or chores. Rayne's 'family' were the last to go.
"See you later, Mum," Storm chirped, smiling up at her sister. Rayne grinned back, ruffling her
sister's hair fondly. Storm jerked away, giggling.
"Be good for Mrs. Raretoma, oh sister of mine," she warned. "I don't want a repetition of what
happened last week. Did you ever apologize to Ikara for showering her with saucy meatballs?" Storm hung
her head.
"No, Mum," she said glumly. "I'll go do that now."
"I'll make sure of it," Tristan said, grinning wickedly at the younger girl. Storm glared at him, her
face mirroring Bra Briefs' only moments before.
"Shut UP, Tris," she said, curling her lip at him. Tristan stuck his tongue out at her, and she
growled menacingly. Still grinning, Tristan bolted for the exit.
"Tris, Storm-" Rayne began, then gave up with a sigh as the two chased each other from the
room. What was it, Chase People Out Of The Classroom Day?
"Bye Mum!" Cloud, Rebeus, and Aurora chorused, and bolted after Tristan and Storm.
"Were they all your siblings?" Mirai questioned, looking interested. Rayne grinned.
"Nope. Only two of them. The eight-year-old girl who was chasing the other boy from the room,
and the seven-year-old boy. The other three are the siblings of my best friend, but now I take care of
them." She faltered slightly, and looked down, realization striking her. How was she going to pay the
doctor back for all five of them? She was behind in the debts WITH Terry helping her. Rayne frowned.
She'd find a way to pay Doctor Bulma back. A Sirec did have her pride.
"Rayne?" The girl looked up to smile at Goku, putting her worries away for the moment.
"Yes, sir?" she asked.
"I have two things to ask of you," Goku said, sounding serious. "The first is, would you sing at the
funeral?" Rayne's smile quickly faded.
"Of course," she said. "When is it?" Goku sighed, his forehead knotting as he frowned, biting his
lip anxiously. Finally he spoke.
"Tomorrow, at dawn."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Bra..........." Trunks sighed, staring at the scene before him.
Goten lay at Bra's feet, his shirt covering his face, pinned to the floor by Bra's foot. Bra was wearing a very
satisfied smirk on her face.
"Hey, I would've bound and gagged him, but I didn't have any rope," she said, shrugging and
looking mildly annoyed. Quickly the satisfied look was back in full force as Goten attempted to move, and
groaned pitifully. Trunks shook his head.
"Get off," he ordered. Bra's eyes glinted evilly.
"Make me." Trunks slowly smirked, the look identical to the one on Bra's face, and Pan groaned
as he strolled casually towards his sister.
"Am I the only sane person here?" she grumbled as Trunks tackled Bra.
"Probably," Goten's muffled voice said from beneath the shirt. Pan sighed, and knelt to help her
uncle to his feet as the two siblings rolled on the floor, laughing and punching wildly.
****************************************************************************************************************
Rayne stared into space for a long moment, her dark eyes blank and unreadable. She shook her head
from side to side, slowly, then blinked.
"Okay," she said quietly, eyes still distant. "What's the second thing?" Goku shifted
uncomfortably from one foot to the other.
"I was wondering if you could show Mirai around," he said. "Everyone else is busy." Rayne
blinked again, and raised an eyebrow, her eyes clearing.
"Sure," she said, "no problem." Rayne grinned at Mirai. "I must warn you, sir, that insanity is a
minutely occurrence around here."
Mirai smiled. "I think I can handle it." He looked towards Goku. "Do you need me for anything?"
Goku shook his head. "I'll call when I need you. If you need me, I'm at the Lookout." He pressed his
fingers to his forehead, then paused, frowning as if he was sure he had forgotten something, but wasn't
quite sure what. Suddenly he brightened.
"I almost forgot!" he said, grinning sheepishly. "Here you go, Rayne. Eat it." Reaching into his
pocket, the Saiya-jinn pulled out a small object. He tossed it to her, and Rayne caught it. She held it up
curiously, and raised an eyebrow.
"A bean?" she said skeptically. "How's a single bean going to help me?" Goku grinned
mischievously.
"You'll see," he said, then, quite suddenly, he was gone. Rayne stared at the spot where he had
been standing only seconds before in disbelief, then slowly grinned.
"Wish I could do that," she commented wistfully. "Wish I could fly, too." With a shrug, she
popped the bean into her mouth and chewed. After a moment, her eyes grew wide. Mirai watched her with
a smile.
"A single bean can do wonders," he informed her. Rayne turned to grin at him.
"Nifty."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Enough!" Pan bellowed, throwing up her hands. Bra and Trunks paused in their pummeling of
each other to stare at her.
"What?" Trunks asked innocently, rubbing at a red mark that Bra's fist had caused.
"You, Trunks Briefs-" Pan began, but was cut off by Goten's taunt.
"Oho! Busted! Last name!" the half Saiya-jinn teased, laughing.
Trunks glared at his best friend, and took a step towards him, raising a fist threateningly. With a terrified
yelp, Goten bolted away from the group, and disappeared around a corner. Laughing, Trunks gave chase,
and Bra quickly followed. Pan sighed, slapping her forehead wearily.
"You all are such dorks," she sighed, before jogging after the trio.
****************************************************************************************************************
Bulma had just finished cleaning the room that had held Goku's comatose body for five years when a
figure appeared in the doorway. The aging doctor looked up with a smile.
"Yes?" she questioned, brushing her hair out of her face.
"Doctor Briefs?" Richard O'Dell said with a smile, though his smile didn't meet his slightly worried
eyes. "General Gohan wishes to see you." Bulma's smile faded. What had happened now?
"Where is he?" she asked, straightening to her full height. Richard O'Dell pursed his lips, and
grimaced.
"In the Situation Room," he said. The Situation Room was for war emergencies.
"Aw, hell."
****************************************************************************************************************
"Let's see, that's the hospital wing, that's where General Goku was for the five years he lay in a
coma," Rayne said, pointing towards one set of corridors.
"Five years?" Mirai exclaimed, looking startled, then thoughtful. "Goku never told me about
that....." Rayne raised an eyebrow.
"You're on first name basis with General Goku?" she questioned. Mirai's blue eyes twinkled
merrily.
"We go way back," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. A faint smile touched his lips, and his
eyes grew far away. "Way, way back........"
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan was pacing when Bulma finally arrived at the Situation Room. She briefly glanced around the large
room, filled with a large table that reminded her of the Round Table, and dozens of chairs. The surviving
members of Kare's squad was there, along with Chance O'Malley's squadron, Krillin, Marron, and two men
Bulma recognized as spies. The spies looked exhausted, dirty, and shaken.
Gohan looked infuriated, she noted.
"What happened now?" the scientist questioned wearily, already feeling a headache coming on.
She collapsed into a chair, and saw a blurred shape move out of the corner of her eyes as O'Dell took a
seat also.
"Well.........." Gohan said, scowling. "Perhaps we should wait until the others are here." The
others? Bulma raised an eyebrow, but nodded.
"They'd better hurry," muttered Marron, and Kare shushed her.
Ah. One of the 'others' must be Rayne, Bulma thought, recognizing the tone. When would those
two ever get along?
****************************************************************************************************************
"Ha ha! Can't catch me, Trunk- Ouf!" Goten grunted and fell backwards as he turned a corner and
slammed into someone.
"Sorry," a heavily accented voice purred, and a slender white hand pulled the half Saiya-jinn to his
feet.
"Thanks..........." Goten looked up, and his words trailed off. In front of him was the most beautiful
woman he had ever seen.
The woman had wisps of shimmering gold for hair, which curled into ringlets, framing her lovely,
unmarred face. Her sky-blue eyes were half-hidden by long golden lashes as she smiled down at him,
even taller than the tall man. Her full, blood-red lips were curved in a heavenly smile, showing off a cute
dimple in her left cheek. She was fitted in a tight-fitting blue blouse, with a slit skirt of black, showing off
her..... er, rather large endowments and slender legs. She gave the impression of once having been rather
large, but had lost the large part of her body and perfectly fit with her luxurious form.
"Hello, I'm Heidi Adler," she said with a faint, purring German accent, lifting an elegant eyebrow.
"And you are?"
"G-Goten," he said, still staring at her. By now Trunks and the other two had caught up, and
Trunks was gazing wide-eyed at the German woman.
"Hello, Heidi," Bra said, smiling sweetly as she viciously elbowed her stupefied brother. "I'm Bra
Briefs, this is my idiotic brother Trunks, that's Son Goten, and this is Son Pan." She pointed to each
person as she named them. Heidi's eyes widened, and she clapped her hands in delight.
"The Sleepers?" she gushed, beaming. "Hardy told me ALL about you!" The four exchanged
puzzled looks. How would someone named Hardy know about them?
"Hardy?" Pan repeated cautiously.
"Er, me," and the four turned to see Lieutenant Spyri grinning sheepishly at them.
"My real name is Leonhard Spyri," he continued, shrugging, "but Heidi insists on calling me
Hardy." Pan watched as Heidi began to giggle like a school girl, batting her eyes at Spyri.
"But of course, Hardy dear!" Heidi simpered. "Hardy and Heidi sound so much cuter together than
Leonhard and Heidi!"
"Airhead," Bra muttered so only Pan could hear her. Pan couldn't help but agree, watching Heidi
toss her blond mane and giggle.
****************************************************************************************************************
"So, you two know each other?" Goten asked, once Heidi had finally stopped giggling.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that? Hardy and I have been married for six years!" the German
woman said, beaming. Goten's eyes widened and he and Trunks eyed Spyri with some respect, while
Pan and Bra looked disgusted. Suddenly Spyri's radio began to crackle.
"Spyri! Get the hell over t' the Situation Room!" an Australian voice cried. "The general's goin' t'kill
us all if you an' the Dreamers don't get over here soon!" Spyri frowned.
"Something wrong, O'Malley?" he questioned.
"I dunno, mate, but the general's foaming at the mouth........ er, and I said that a bit too loud,
'cause the general's glarin' at me........ Uh-oh-" O'Malley's words were abruptly cut off, replaced by
another person's roar.
"SPYRI! Do you know where Goten, Bra, Pan, and Trunks are?" It was Gohan.
"Yes, sir! They're here with me and my wife," Spyri answered quickly.
"Then get them over here!" Gohan yelled, and the radio went silent. Spyri shrugged, and turned
off his radio. He looked up at the others.
"Well, Heidi love, I think I'm going to be late to dinner," he said, going over and giving her a hug
and a kiss, which she willingly returned.
"Come home soon, Hardy," the German said with a pout. Spyri flashed her a grin.
"As soon as I can," he said with sincerity, his eyes gleaming.
"I'll bet," Bra muttered, and this time it was Trunks's turn to elbow her.
****************************************************************************************************************
"And this is the Dining Hall," Rayne said, grabbing Mirai by the arm and dragging him into a large
room bustling with people of all ethnicity. "This is my favorite place to go, most of the time, at least-"
"Ojousan Rayne!" a voice yelled, and the girl turned to wave at a breathless Ikara.
"Yes, dear?" she questioned, then in an undertone to Mirai, "Ikara, granddaughter of Krillin."
"Okaa and Otou have been looking all over for you!" the little girl chirped. "There's a meeting at
the Situation Room." Rayne's blood ran cold.
"Kuso," she muttered, and Mirai scowled at her, while Ikara laughed with delight.
"Only cool adults curse," the little girl said with a laugh, and skipped off.
"The ears of an innocent is tainted, Ojousan Rayne," said Mirai, frowning at her. Rayne managed
a weak grin, and tightened her grip on the lavender-haired man's arm.
"Ikara was never innocent," she commented, then proceeded to drag him off. "C'mon, something
bad's happened."
****************************************************************************************************************
"So, how long have you and Heidi known each other?" Goten casually asked as they neared the
door marked Situation Room. Spyri smirked.
"Seven years," he said, and shuddered. "I hate the nickname though."
"It isn't as bad as B-chan," Goten informed him, followed by a yelp of pain as Bra and Pan both
smacked him.
"What does she do to help the rebel cause?" Pan asked, ignoring her uncle's pitiful looks as he
rubbed the places where he had been smacked.
Spyri blinked. "Er........ takes care of the leading rebels' kids for them. She's good with kids."
"Didn't she go to school?" Bra questioned curiously. Spyri glanced at her, and laughed.
"She dropped out at age fourteen," he said, chuckling. "She doesn't need school, she says. But
we all know she dropped out because of her grades."
"But you didn't marry her because of her brains, ne?" Goten said knowingly, and this time instead
of the girls smacking him, Spyri punched him, sending him flying through the door of the Situation Room.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Something bad?" Mirai repeated as he was dragged along. "What sort of bad?"
"Very bad," Rayne informed him grimly. "The last time there was a meeting in the Situation Room
was during the..... during the Sirec Massacre." Her voice faltered slightly. "That was five years ago. I had
hoped we wouldn't have to use it again." She sighed. "Oh well."
Mirai raised an eyebrow at the name Sirec and the word Massacre, but said nothing as he continued to
trail after the girl.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Well, one of the Dreamers is here. That's a start," O'Malley commented cheerfully, staring at the
groaning body at his feet. Everyone in the room glared at him, and the Australian winced. "Never
mind......."
"Ow!" the body whined, sitting up and nursing his aching jaw. "Why'd you do that, Spyri?"
"Sorry," the Swiss apologized, opening the store and ushering the other three Dreamers inside.
"Too many people have hit on my wife."
"But I didn't hit on her!" Goten complained, cowering from Gohan's glare. "I was merely stating
that you didn't marry her for her brains......... I'll shut up now."
"I think that's a good idea. Be quiet, and no one can say you're annoying," O'Malley advised,
grinning. Goten smiled back. Marron laughed, enjoying the hidden joke O'Malley had made.
"And you're always silent!" she questioned sarcastically. "Follow your own advice, O'Malley!" The
Australian frowned at her, but stayed silent.
"Ahem!" Gohan growled, and everyone went silent as Goten quickly found a seat. The oldest son
of Goku rose to his feet, his face grim. No one noticed as Mirai and Rayne silently slipped into the room,
finding seats at the back.
"It has come to my attention," he began, his eyes wandering to the two Bulma had identified as
spies, "that the androids have discovered the sanctuary in Australia. Even as we speak, hundreds of
civilians are being massacred."
Thud! Everyone turned to view O'Malley where he lay, unconscious.
****************************************************************************************************************
"Tell Heidi that I'll make dinner tomorrow," Spyri said to Trunks, and then glared at Goten,
who hovered close by. "And don't let that one come with you."
"Oi!" Goten said indignantly, but everyone ignored him.
All of the troops Gohan could survive giving up were launching an attack on a major android base,
filled with important provisions and weapons, to retaliate against the Australian Massacre, as
everyone was beginning to call it. All remaining forces in Australia, New Zealand, and
neighboring countries were attacking the androids armies in Australia, and Gohan and Krillin
flew to join them in battle after attacking the major base. Gohan had refused to let the Four
Last come with him, saying that he and Goku would begin training them after the battles. Goku
was nowhere to be found.
"Good luck, Spyri. Try not to get yourself killed," Rayne said with a smile, giving her
friend a slap on the back. "Heidi would drown in her own tears if you did."
"I won't die," the Swiss promised with a grin, shouldering his gun. "Wish me luck."
"Luck!" they all chorused, as Spyri melted into the lines of exactly 468 soldiers.
O'Malley was in that group, along with Kare.
****************************************************************************************************************
Bra watched the soldiers as they began to march away from Capsule Corporation. Softly,
the marching men began to sing.
"Rise and fall
We march onward
Standing tall
We march onward
Cock our guns to fight a fight
We march onward
Through rain and snow, day and night
We march onward."
Their song continued as their ranks faded off into the distance. Bra sighed, resting
her head against her brother's shoulder.
"Do you think they'll be all right?" she asked quietly. Trunks nodded.
"Gohan won't let any of them die," he said forcefully, almost as if he was
trying to convince himself.
And he was.
****************************************************************************************************************
Gohan stared straight ahead, hands at his side as he led the head of the army. This
wasn't going to be fun. He noticed O'Malley nearby from the corner of his eyes, and
moved to stand beside the Australian.
"O'Malley." The Australian looked up dully, his face splotched and his eyes
rimmed red from tears. His entire family at been at the Australian sanctuary.
"Yes, sir?" he asked hoarsely, his voice gruff from weeping.
"No private heroics today, all right, soldier?" the general said, patting
him on the shoulder. At O'Malley's dubious look, he added kindly, "Your family
needs at least one to survive, son. Don't let their legacy die out." The
Australian's eyes widened; apparently he had never considered that.
"Yes, sir," he said, and slowed his pace to melt back into the crowd.
Before he had completely disappeared, the Australian mouthed, 'thank you'. Gohan
smiled, and turned back to lead the soldiers to the base, and for some of them,
their final battle.
(AN: Hehehe. Mirai Trunks is so COOL! *swoons* Sorry, but he's my fave character.
Also, I have a question that I need answered. After the Watashi series is over,
do you all want me to continue the story? You can either answer now or at the end
of the story. Which is going to be a long while from now. I'm not even half-way
through the story. Oh, and don't worry people, in the next chapter, there will
actually be fighting! Fun fun! Oh, I feel so bad to O'Malley. He's cool. Poor
Australian. Well, I'm off! Ja ne! ~AC
Quick peek into Chapter Fifteen:
Gohan, Krillin, O'Malley, Kare, Spyri, and others attack the base, and chaos
ensumes. Rayne, Pan, Bra, and Trunks go to visit Heidi, and have a surprise.
Goten is miserable until he gets into some mischief with Marron's children.
Marron and Bulma work on a secret project.
That's all I have as of this moment. Thanks! ~AC)