The Silver Sea

             I told myself over and over again that I will not update the Silver Sea again until I have fully completed the Apple Tree, but since I am nowhere near that goal, and since I have this chapter done, and also since so many people asked me to post the next chapter quicker, I have posted this chapter.

             Mind you, although this is a companion of the Apple Tree, it is NOT a sequel, therefore, it is also a much different alternate universe ficcy. And it also isn't in that peculiar timeline where both television sets and wagons exist.

             Oh, by the way, just for the record, I'm eating a pickle at this very moment.

                                                                        Chapter 1: Of Princes and Princesses

"No! Dad! I don't want to!"

"It is not a matter of wanting, if you marry Prince Theseus, our countries will be aligned, and since Zeyi is already married to Prince Vinge, and Seiya is engaged to Prince Trunks, you're the only one of my daughters left, Pan, think of this as for our people." Gohan pleaded.

"Dad! I already said many times, why won't you listen? I've never met the guy, and you want me to marry him? Don't you want the best for your daughter? After all, I'm only 16, isn't that too young to marry?"

Gohan shot his daughter a stern look, "Pan, you're being selfish."

"Me? What about you? Have you ever considered your own daughter's opinion before you make major decisions for her life? Don't you think I get a say in who I want to marry?!"

Gohan sighed, "Listen, Pan, why must you always be so harsh? Can't you just give Prince Theseus a chance? He is very interested in meeting you."

"He's almost 26! He'll be ten years older than me! I don't like older men!"

Videl cleared her throat, "Prince Trunks, I believe you have met my youngest daughter?"

Gohan and Pan both turned around, not aware of the fact that Videl and Trunks had been standing in the room the whole time.

"Oh, hello, Prince Trunks, you have arrived early, haven't you?" Gohan shot Pan a look that said, this isn't over yet, young lady.

"Yes, the sky is acting quite moody, we wanted to arrive before a storm hits." Trunks nodded.

Pan grinned, "Hiya, big bro!"

Gohan shot Pan a look and Pan choked out, "It's a pleasure seeing you again, Prince Trunks."

Trunks nodded and as if for the first time, eyed Pan up and down. She was not wearing what a princess should wear, nor would want to wear, in fact, she was dressed up more as a prince than a princess, heavy silver boots, a blue velvet cloak, and a fancy tunic with gold lining. Her hair wasn't like a princess' either, it was not curled, was not in a bun, and was not in braids, it was tied in a high ponytail, swishing down her back.

But even with her strange outfit, it was evident that she was not unattractive, for her eyes shone brightly and she had a cheerful smile on her lips. Even when she spoke, her voice was bright and sunny, "Would you like to come and see Trunks? The eagle? Mom and dad won't let him in the entrance hall, but he flies around outside all the time."

"Now, Pan." Gohan started, "I think it would be wise to let Seiya see Prince Trunks first, after all, I'm pretty sure that Prince Trunks would not like to be pushed into the lake again."

Pan growled, "I never get to have any fun!" She turned around and stomped out of the room.

Trunks raised his eyebrows and Gohan sighed, "I apologize for my daughter's rude behaviour, I do not believe that she was fit for the palace life. But, as long as she has a single drop of royal blood flowing within her body, she is a noble and must obey the rules of the other royals."

Trunks nodded in agreement with Gohan, "Perhaps she would be more content after she marries, she could be just lonely."

Gohan sighed again, except this time, it was a sigh of emptiness, "She does not want to marry, only to work on those inventions of hers. But a princess needs a husband, and she needs a prince. But never mind that, I shall inform Seiya that you have arrived. Please have a seat while you are waiting, Prince Trunks."

"Thank you." Trunks sat down in a nearby chair and folded his muscular arms across his chest, during the past six years, he had developed a strange sense of independence, if he yearned for a perfect companion back when he was younger, he did not really care now whether he stayed single his whole life or not.

Funny, it all seemed so strange to be back in civilization again, he had seen some horrible sights during the battle with Frieza, and he had also become impatient. Women were always so quiet, never taking thought in their own opinions, and obeying their husband's every command. It was pathetic, actually, he pitied them. And they served for no more than a slave that had the honour of serving as the next heir's mother.

Trunks wondered if his father was like him when he was younger, everyone else says aside for their looks, him and his father were almost like one being. Except his father had become soft with the influence of his mother for the past few years.

He would not make the same mistake. A woman had no part in his life, they often had a pretty face, that was true. But a pretty face alone did not let them survive in this world.

And to Trunks, survival meant everything.

And his wife, would merely be like a statue, a prize trophy, to show off to all the other princes and such.

"Hello, Prince Trunks, how have you been?"
Trunks jerked back to reality and stared blankly at the beauty standing before him, this was not the same Seiya that he had known.

Her silky ebony hair was curled ever so elegantly, piled neatly on her head, the occasional strand or two falling down over her face. Her large eyes were like glittering sapphires. Her rosy cheeks and small, yet full lips gave her gorgeous face a touch of purity. Her pink and white dress hanged loosely around her petite figure. Gold and silver jewelry adorned her hands and long, pale neck. A pair of red slippers was worn on her small, elegant feet. And her long, slender legs were paler than the moonlight.

Ahhh, she would make an excellent trophy. Trunks thought, almost worthy of me.

"I hope that the battle with Frieza wasn't too harsh?" She spoke softly, her voice had a hint of a nightingale's song.

"Oh, it wasn't too bad." Trunks replied, but he laughed roughly in his own head, harsh? She wouldn't know harsh in her whole entire life! Just by looking at her could determine that she has to be handled with care, if she trips over, she might shatter and break into a million pieces.

But then again, that's what wives were like, weren't they? They were like living porcelain figurines.

                                                                         ~*~

After a whole hour of talking with Seiya, Trunks had raised his respect for her just a tad more. She was highly intellectual, but had one problem, when he spoke, and when they both know that he was wrong, she did nothing to correct him. Just merely smile in her beautiful, yet baffling way.

Trunks ran his hand through his hair, and walked slowly into the garden, he wanted to return to his country as soon as possible. But by the looks of it, Prince Gohan had no intentions of letting him go any time soon.

Probably worried that he would treat his daughter with neglect. Trunks laughed harshly, women were meant to be ignored, they were meant to cry with joy at just the sight of their husbands.

But she was a princess, and had her dignity, not that he would treat her with any, that is, he had not met anyone even close to being worthy of his equal yet. And he was losing hope that such a person did not exist.

"Is war fun?"

Trunks spun around, one hand outstretched, right to strike, when he saw it was only Pan, he withdrew his hand. He had to be on heavy guard during the wars with Frieza, who knew which enemy lurked around the corner.

Pan smiled at him, "I said, is war fun?"

Trunks almost choked, sure, women were ignorant, but he didn't think anyone was this ignorant, "Of course not, people die in wars."

"Neat! Did you kill anyone?" Pan asked excitedly.

Trunks almost chocked again, she wanted to know if he killed someone? She thought it was neat? "Yes, of course, thousands of them, in war, it's all a game of survival, you really don't think twice when you make the final blow."

Pan nodded, "I know."

Trunks really did choke, who did she think she was? Trying to make herself superior in his presence, how would a woman know what war was like? And she wasn't even a woman! Merely a girl, a child, a being even more useless than women.

Pan beamed, "It's fascinating, isn't it? You get to be in charge of all those troops! How is it? Having all that power to yourself?"

Actually, for Trunks, too much power went to his head, and now everything and everyone seems inferior to him, but he himself did not know this fact and instead replied, "It's quite exasperating actually, they are like puppies, all begging to be fed, or petted with. But you have to be careful also, not to rub them the wrong way, or else a rebellion might be started."

"Mm-hmm," Pan glanced up at the sky, "You must be pretty strong then, hey?"

"Of course." Trunks smiled, "If I must say so myself, I do consider myself one of the most powerful beings in the universe."

Pan was still staring at the sky, "But can you fly?"

"Fly?" Trunks laughed, "Yes, it is a treasured technique, few can handle in intensity of it, even fewer can master it. But I happen to be one of the few who can."

Pan smiled, almost to herself, "But I highly doubt that you can fly like that." She pointed to a speck in the sky, circling around a few clouds was a mighty predator and noble fighter.

"You think an eagle can challenge me?"

Pan shrugged, "Prove me wrong, then."

Trunks merely laughed, "Fine then, maybe I'll teach you to think before you speak."

And with that, he took off into the air, as easily as if he was born with the unique talent, and easily out flew Trunks, the eagle, outlining the soft clouds with amazing grace, until, finally, he landed.

Pan clapped, "I must admit, that was quite impressive."

Trunks smirked, "Of course, what else is expected of me? So now, you must admit that you were wrong."
"No, I wasn't." Pan countered, "What makes you believe that I was wrong?"

"I easily out flew the bird, therefore, I accomplished your challenge, and also, you were wrong." Trunks said impatiently.

"But I didn't mention a word about speed at all." Pan argued, "The way you flew was like you were trying to race against someone, and you sped around without feeling the joy of flying at all, yet, if you examine Trunks, the eagle, he flies without a care in the world, just simply enjoying, enjoying the cool breeze, enjoying the bright sunshine, and simply, enjoying being alive."

Trunks snorted, "Mere enjoyment does not equal success, and besides, what would you know about flying anyways? You are only a girl"
Pan narrowed her eyes, "What's wrong with girls?"

Trunks waved his hand, "That's too complicated a matter to be discussing at the moment, besides, I wouldn't want to give you my entire opinion on girls, you might be offended, which is what females are often. And besides, I'm sure that my little sister-to-be would enjoying doing something else with her older brother-to-be instead of just talking all day."

Pan beamed, "Sure! What do you want to do then?"

"I thought that we could have a civilized session of-"

"I've got a great idea! I could take you to meet all my friends!" Pan yelled excitedly, "I'm sure that they would adore meeting a real live prince!"

Trunks muttered, "Aside from being very rudely interrupted, I do not think that it would be a good idea for me to meet these so called 'friends' of yours, since I am here to visit your sister."

"Aw, she wouldn't care." Pan pleaded, "Please? It'd be really neat if they met you! After all, you are my older brother, aren't you? And my father wouldn't know at all!"

Trunks sighed, "As much as I am flattered by having you call me an older brother, I couldn't just disappear from your father without announcing, and even if I did, I highly doubt that he would approve of your leaving without noticing him."

"But we'll be back real soon!" Pan whined, "Oh please? Please? Pretty please?"

"Oh all right then, if it would stop your whining, but I cannot leave for that long." Trunks reluctantly agreed.

"Great!" A wide grin appeared on Pan's face, "Wait 'till you meet my friends! You'll love them!"

"Absolutely, a bunch of crazed, screaming teenagers, what fun." Trunks muttered.

Pan slowly rose into the air, "You coming?"

"Y-you can fly?" Asked a surprised Trunks.

"Of course." Pan nodded, "Now come on before you waste more time!"

"Right." Trunks shook his head, maybe it was in her genes, or maybe it was a freak accident, but she was a girl, and she could fly. She didn't want to marry, and thought an eagle was faster than him. Will wonders ever cease?

                                                                         ~*~

"Where are we going?" Trunks asked, brushing his hair out of his face.

"Don't worry, we're almost there." Pan sighed, "Boys are so lucky, I wanted to cut my hair, but my dad wouldn't let me, he said it wasn't 'lady like'."

"How short did you want it?"

"A bit longer than yours, down to my chin."

Trunks frowned, "What's wrong with your hair the way it is now?"

"It gets in my face when I train, even in a ponytail. When I sweat, it sticks to the back of my neck, and it's really gross." Pan explained.

"You train?"

"Sure, so did both of my sisters, and my mother also. But they all stopped once they got engaged. Seiya stopped the day that my dad settled your marriage to her." Pan shrugged.

"Do you still train?" Trunks asked, slightly amazed at the teen.

"Uh-huh, of course. And that's one of the reasons I don't want to get married, I'd have to give up a lot of stuff, I wouldn't be able to see my friends, wouldn't be able to invent, and I definitely wouldn't be able to train." Pan laughed coldly.

"Why not?"

"Oh, come on, what kind of husband want his wife to socialize? To be stronger than him? To be smarter than him? Men are all sexists, and that's a fact. Even my own dad thinks that I'm not capable of many things."

Trunks guessed that her comment was directed at him, he couldn't blame her, she was right. He wouldn't want Seiya to be stronger nor smarter than him. And what kind of husband would want his wife to run around all day, meeting with her so-called friends. "But, are you ever going to marry?"

"I don't know." Pan replied, "If I don't find the right person, I won't."

"The right person?"

"Yup, a easy-going guy that has a sense of humor, and who respects me as an equal. A guy that has a kind heart, and is very, very, romantic." Pan ticked the items off of her fingers.

"You sure have this all planned out, don't you?" Trunks laughed, "And what do you mean by romantic?"

"Well . . . I don't really know how to describe it, but he would write me poems and sing me songs, holding my hand, and giving me hugs." Pan sighed dreamily and giggled, "You probably think that I'm pathetic, but really, that's what I want. How 'bout you? What kind of wife did you want?"

"It's kind of late now." Trunks sighed, "Whatever kind of person your sister is, then that's what my future wife is going to be like." 

Pan smiled, "My sis is great, you won't need to worry! Anyways, we're going to land now."

As soon as those words sprang to her mouth, she dropped to the ground like a rock, flipping once and landed gracefully on both feet.

The violet-haired prince followed suit, just not with the flips and such, he didn't want his hair to be tossed around by the wind, but then again, he had been flying for the past ten minutes, so even without a mirror, he had a vague guess that his usually smooth and silky hair, was probably in a tangled mess now.

He cursed himself for forgetting about his beloved hair, if he knew that they were going to be flying, maybe he could've worn a helmet? Nah, he didn't appreciate the ugly art of helmet hair, either. But surely, he could've brought a brush along, or maybe a comb, or even possibly-

"Trunks!!" Pan screeched, "Come on, you slowpoke!"

As Trunks raised a hand to pat his hair, in hopes of calming it down, he muttered, "Of course, just because you don't care about your hair at all means that I also, can be irresponsible about my appearance."

Unfortunately, his sarcasm was wasted on the hyper teenager, who was already racing towards a small brick house, which was, quite literally, in the middle of nowhere.

"And they say that young ladies are proper." Trunks frowned as Pan pounded on the door, meanwhile, making a lot of strange noises.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming." Came a muffled voice from behind the wooden door.

The door swung open, and a girl with beautiful curly blonde hair screeched, "Pan! I haven't seen you for a long time! What have you been up to lately?"

Pan smiled, "Well, I've been quite busy lately, but guess what? Remember my big brother that I told you about? Well, he's here!"

"Here? As in here?" The girl screamed.

"Yep." Pan beamed proudly and swished her ponytail in the direction of where Trunks was standing, "Look it! He's right there!"

The blonde girl shot one look at Trunks and quickly ran back into the house, all the main while, screaming, "Caron! Caron! Pan's here!"

Pan raised a hand and motioned for Trunks to come to where she was standing, as he hesitantly did, she jumped up and down excitedly, while tugging on his arm, "See? That was my very best friend, Emmie. I've told her sooo much about you!"

"Oh, is that right?"

"Yah! She has an older brother named Caron, he and his best friend, Timmy, have been my friends for a very long time."

"Are they royals?"

"Of course not." Pan stuck out her tongue, "They actually know how to live, instead of being stuck in a castle all day."

Trunks nodded flatly, he really did not want to have anything to do with third-class peasants, what was the meaning of her, bringing him to meet all of them? When he thought about her friends, he thought that she meant other royals or relatives, not a horde of villagers. Oh well, he might just have to put up with this for a while longer yet. After all, she was supposed to his future-bride's younger sister.

The blonde girl by the name of Emmie came racing outside, and leapt on Pan, giving her a huge hug, "Pan! We've all missed you so much! The rock wasn't balanced without you!"

Pan laughed, "Well, then, tell Caron to gain a few pounds."

"Can't." Emmie stuck out her tongue, "He's very proud of his figure, and is convinced that he has more muscles than anyone in the world."

She then switched her baby blue eyes to Trunks and laughed slightly, "Well, I guess I can prove him wrong now, is he your brother?" Emmie geastured to Trunks.

As she spoke, another figure came running out the door, this time, it was a tall, six-foot boy by the name of Caron, "Pan! What are you doing here?"

"Can't I visit my very best friend once in a while?" Pan mock laughed.

"Awww, jeez, I'm so touched." Caron grinned, flashing his pearly white teeth.

"Not you!" Pan gave Caron a shove, "I was talking about Emmie!"

Caron sighed, "Oh well, it was worth a try." He glanced at Trunks for the fraction of a second, "Is he your brother?"

Pan nodded proudly, "The one and only."

Trunks wondered how Pan could've told her 'friends' so much about him when she'd only known him for a week.

Emmie laughed, "Look, Caron, he has way more muscles than you, and you were in the army fighting against Frieza!"

This perked Trunks' interest, he wanted to ask who was his commanding officer, but he had no intention of speaking with a low class citizen.

It was Pan who piped up, "Trunks was fighting against Frieza also, and he killed him too! Right, bro?"

"Right." Muttered Trunks.

Emmie beamed, "How long will you stay, Pan? Maybe you can stay over tonight?"

Pan folded her arms, "Wish I could, but Trunks is here to visit my sister, so, we probably have to leave soon."

Caron glanced down at Trunks, who was a fair bit shorter than him, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Pan frowned, "We probably have to go now before my dad hyperventilate, but we'll be back, really, I just wanted to prove that I wasn't lying about my brother."

Emmie grinned, "Okay, so maybe I didn't believe you for a while. But I eventually ended up and the end, I still don't understand why you want a brother so much, I would've gladly given mine to you."

Caron protested, "Hey! That was harsh, Emmie, but Pan would make a better sister, aside from the fact that she lives in a palace."

"Poor you." Emmie nodded at Pan, "I'd absolutely hate it if I was trapped in a place like that, I don't understand how you survive, Pan."

"Well, I do. But we really should go now, I'll probably be back sometimes this week, kay?" Pan leapt in the air and hovered, motioning for Trunks to do the same.

Emmie waved, "Sure, bye Pan! Don't forget to light three this time!"

Trunks wondered why these kids didn't want to live in a palace, it suited him just fine, what was with this generation? And light three? What did that mean?

As the two royals flew further and further away, Emmie smiled at her brother, "Wow, guess Pan was right, her brother looks so cool."

Caron smiled a mysterious smile, "He probably is, but I know for a fact that he didn't kill Frieza."

                                                                        ~*~

"And the point of that was?" Asked Trunks.

Pan looked behind her and smiled at Trunks, "Well, my friends didn't believe that I really had a brother, but see, you really are my big bro, aren't ya?"

"Not yet." Said Trunks with a hint of superiority in his voice, "Once your sister and I marry, I will officially be your older brother."

"Well, why don't you hurry up and get married then?" Asked Pan, anxious to finally have a brother.

            "It's not that easy." Frowned Trunks, "You father, for one, is insisting my not rushing the wedding process."

"My father ruins everything, doesn't he?" Moaned Pan.

"You couldn't possibly mean everything, it is merely an exaggeration of words." Corrected Trunks.

"Whatever, you know what you should do? You should elope! That would be so incredibly romantic!" Said Pan excitedly.

"Elope?" Trunks laughed, "Would you like to see your only brother slaughtered by his own father?"

Pan laughed, "Oh, now who's exaggerating, like your father will ever kill you for eloping with my sister."

Trunks nodded and Pan shut up, "You're not kidding?"

"Would I lie?"

Pan shrugged, "How should I know, I'm not you."

"Exactly."

Pan shook her head, "You know what? You're really confusing? Are all brothers like that? Or are you just mentally challenged? What, with your perfect grammar and your complete set of manners, you're almost a freak!"

"Thank you." Nodded Trunks.

"That wasn't a compliment, you idiot!" Pan yelled.

Trunks blinked a few times, "How strange, I believe that you are the first female to describe me as mentally challenged, a freak, and an idiot."

Pan smirked at him, the wind rushing behind them, "Well, then, there must be a first for everything, eh, prince? Why, what do other 'females' describe you as? Weirdo? Mutant? Alien?"

"Sarcasm does not become you, my dear." Trunks mocked simpering, "You cannot even imagine some of the things I've been referred to as."

"Oh really?" Pan gasped sarcastically, "You have perked up my interest, explain."

Trunks sighed, "Must I?"

"You must, I insist." Pan mimicked his voice.

"Alright then, here they are, I can only list a few of them, but you know, it's not really necessary for you to-"

"Shut up and start already." Snapped Pan.

"As you wish. Over the years, I've actually received a fairly large amount of compliments, such as admirable, aristocratic, athletic, august, becoming, comely, dapper, fine, impressive, majestic, noble, personable, robust, sharp, smart, smooth, spruce, stately, strong stylish, suave, virile, fitting, adroit, canny, clever, perspicacious, sagacious, savvy, acute, adept, nervy, nimble, arousing, cuddly." He stopped and frowned and tried to recall who had called him that, for had they not been murdered yet, they would certainly die a gruesome death, "Inviting, provoking, libidinous, racy, risqué, seductive, sensual, sensuous, titillating, flourishing, luxurious, extravagant, sybaritic, ripe-"

"Okay, you can stop now." Pan made a face.

"Why? I was getting to the opulent part?" Trunks asked, puzzledly.

"No, that is alright, I'm wondering what sort of person would call you all that? Your mother, perhaps?" Pan pondered.

Trunks almost chocked, "I beg your pardon?"

Pan shook her head, "Never mind, it's just . . . weird, I mean, you're not that good-looking at all, so why would people call you that?"

Trunks almost chocked again, he? Was not good-looking? Was this girl mad? He had known no female who had not fallen for his handsomeness.

"Anyhow,  I figure you need a nickname." Pan  pointed out, "But we're at the castle now, so we better land."

"Where will we descend?" Asked Trunks.

"Near the roof." Pointed Pan, "See? That open window leads to my bedroom, we can sneak in from there, and I certainly hope that my father won't be there, 'cause then I'll get in a ton of trouble for bringing you out."

They both landed on the gleaming roof of the Son Palace, and as Pan climbed in the window, Trunks hesitated, there was something about climbing in a lady's window that disturbed him, it was like he was entering taboo territory. But then he realized that technically, Pan really wasn't a lady yet. So he slowly entered the large bay window.

Pan was waiting for him by the door, "Boy, are all princes this slow? Or is it because you're old?"

Trunks ignored her comment, he did not like to consider himself as old. Even though he was already thirty. Instead, he glanced around the large room, the walls were painted black, gone was the rainbow on the ceiling, gone was the soft green grass-like carpet, instead, almost everything was black, black carpet with golden trim, black bed sheets with a silver trim, black walls with gold and silver sparkles and a clear glass ceiling, revealing the stars overhead.

"Do you like the ceiling?" Asked Pan, "I got it done last summer."

"It's beautiful." Answered Trunks, truthfully.

Pan blushed, "Well, it's actually not that nice, especially on rainy days. I'll probably get it changed with thicker glass, maybe get the ceiling curved." But as she turned away, the pleasure on her face was evident. The once small invention corner had expanded to half of the room's size, there were tools and bottles here and there, various papers scattered around the large black desk.

 Pan pushed Trunks outside of her room, "You can gape at my inventions all you want, but first, I have to change. Wait in the hallway, kay?"

Before he could answer, the door was slammed in his face, he ran a hand through his hair, "She's very peculiar, quite a wayward girl indeed."
"I heard that!"

Trunks wondered why he was waiting for her, then he remembered, he didn't know his way around the castle, and he didn't want to get lost. So he leaned against the wall and waited.

Minutes later, Pan's door swung open, "Okay, let's go."

Trunks raised an eyebrow at her outfit, "You like to be eccentric, don't you?"

Pan looked at her attire also, "What do you mean?"

Trunks almost laughed, did she think all princesses dressed like her? A very plain black satin dress, with a silvery stole wrapped around her neck, a magenta cape that reached the marble floor, and knee length nicely polished golden boots.

Forget about being eccentric, she didn't look like any girl in the country. If the strange outfit was not enough, her hair had been switched from a high ponytail to two buns, at each side of her head, with loose strands flowing about her neck.. A set of bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all with the same tri-pointed star engraved on them adorned her wrists, hands and neck.

"Why-" Trunks started.

"Because the gathering occurs tonight."

"Gathering?" Trunks repeated.

"Yes, and you will help me tonight, since I screwed up last time and got laughed at." Pan kicked the wall angrily, "But if you help me, I won't mess up, and if I do, it'll be blamed on you."

Trunks wondered what was going on in the girl's mind and found that no answers came to him, he shuddered at the thought of the strange girl being his sister for the rest of his life, but then again, she was more interesting then most of the girls he knew, she was obviously different. But whether that was a good or bad thing, he had yet to decide. For now, he had to ponder how to get out

of 'the gathering'.

What could be worse than his fiancée having a psycho little teenaged sister? And thinking of his fiancée, he wondered where she was.

"You'll have dinner first, alright?" It wasn't really a question, more like a statement from Pan, "And then you will meet me in my balcony at exactly one hour to midnight."

"So this is your plan." Laughed Trunks, "Trying to lure me onto your balcony so you can seduce me?"

Pan's glare towards him was like piercing daggers, drenched with vinegar to make the wounds worse, and her voice dripped with dangerous venom, "You're just lucky that you're my big brother, or else I would squash you flat like a bug!"

She turned around and marched down the hallway, and Trunks having realized that he still didn't know the way around the castle, followed her.
She was also the first person that had threatened to squash him like a bug.

What a pleasant girl.

Trunks asked calmly, "Why the sudden perspective change?"

A cackle like laugh erupted from Pan's throat, "Well, you'll see tonight, won't you?"

"Are you a vampyre in disguise? Trying to poison me in order to consume my regal blood?"

Pan snickered, "Nah, wouldn't do that, and besides, blood tastes horrible. Especially if you drink a whole cupful in one gulp."

Trunks decided that he didn't want to ponder about how she knew. She truly was a strange one.

"So, do you have any siblings?" Asked Pan innocently.

Trunks nodded slightly, "Yes, I do have a sibling, Princess Bra, of whom is thirteen years younger than I, and of whom is your elder by one year."

"So . . ." Pan did some mental math quickly, "You're fourteen years older than me?"

"That's correct." Nodded Trunks.

"Wow, you're even older than I thought you were, you're almost my father's age!" Exclaimed Pan.

"Your father's thirty?" Asked Trunks.

"Well, no, but he's around his mid-forties, but still, that's pretty close."

"One would hardly think so." Mutter Trunks, annoyed that Pan had compared him to her own father.

Pan descended the spiral staircase quickly, eager to get to wherever she was going, to follow her sprightly steps, Trunks gaited closer to her, not wanting to find himself lost in the huge castle. Without any warning, Pan turned around and opened her mouth to say something but with Trunks so close behind her, he stumbled into her, causing both of them to tumble to the bottom of the stairs.

"Next time when you decide to suddenly stop while in the process of descending stairs, perhaps a warning to the unfortunate few who are behind you would be kind." Snapped Trunks, dusting dust off of his clothes.

"You bumped into me, so it's not my fault." Pan stood up, re-wrapping her tangled stole around her neck.

"Where are we?" Asked Trunks, taking notice of his surroundings.

Pan rolled her eyes, "I was just about to tell you, but you had to crash into me! And you're suppose to be a prince!"

"And you're a princess." Trunks pointed out, "It wasn't very ladylike of you to do something without notice."

"Oh, what did you suppose I do?" Pan rolled her eyes, "Excuse me, prince, but I'm going to breathe, is that alright with you? Or are you going to make a big deal out of it?"

"Like I said, sarcasm does not become you." Noted Trunks, "And since you did not answer my question, I shall ask it again, where are we?"

"We are in, or rather, heading into the oubliette." Pan opened a hidden latch door on the ground.

"And why, are we going there?" Trunks asked, not wanting to enter a dungeon, for the devious princess might trap him inside.

"Because the only entrance to the secret garden is through there."

"The secret garden?" Asked Trunks.

Pan nodded, "Sure, that's where we go to attend 'the gathering'"

"I recall you mentioning your balcony."

"Well, I've changed my mind, and besides, I wouldn't want my dad to find out about the secret garden." Smiled Pan as she climbed into the small entrance to the oubliette.

Trunks, deciding that he might as well, followed her, "Do you have a lot of secret passageways in this palace?"

Pan stopped and thought for a bit, "Quite a bit, there are escape tunnels built long ago, and there are even more passageways that even I don't know about. But my mother and sisters have no idea that some of them even exists, but as for my father. He knows most of them, so that's why I have to be careful when he's around. But this is one of the few passages that he doesn't know about."

Trunks nodded, back in the Beijita castle, there are numerous hidden routes underground as well, but most of them were for the purpose of assembling troops in case of war. He highly doubt a place called the 'Secret Garden' would be used to train soldiers.

As he followed Pan through the small and quite dirty oubliette, he examined the low ceiling carefully to make sure that cobwebs did not get tangled in his hair. Pan stopped in front of a wall, ran her hand along the dusty grey bricks, until she tapped a particular one three times, a rumbling sound came from behind the wall that made Trunks jump, she slid the brick out of place, reached inside the gap until she pulled out a small box. As she lifted the lid, Trunks half expected some evil monster to pop out of it and devour him live, but all she took out was a key.

Pan tapped on one of the ceiling bricks three times, and the ceiling flipped over, revealing a small, almost invisible latch door, similar to the first one, except this one had a series of locks on it, Pan used the key to open the first one, and tapped various other bricks to reveal the other keys to unlock the door.

"This is an awful lot of trouble that you're going through." Commented Trunks.

 Pan smiled at him, "It's worth it, believe me, I wouldn't want my father to find out."

The door finally opened and Pan placed all the keys back in their places and climbed out of the hole in the ceiling, motioning for Trunks to do the same.

As they both climbed out, they were in another small room, except this one was bright and the wall was gilded gold. Pan reached for her necklace with the tri-pointed star on it, and it turns out that the star was actually a key. She slid the key in a small narrow slot on the edge of the wall.

            Further rumbling came, causing Trunks to jump again, but this time when Pan pushed the wall, it flipped sideways, leading into the secret garden.

Pan grinned at Trunks and stepped into the exquisite garden.

Trunks followed her and wondered what the secret garden would be like, fluffy clouds with unicorns on them? A fiery fire land with dragons roaming about? A watery paradise with countless mermaids surrounding it?

Pan simpered, "Well? How do you like it? It's my little Arcadia"

Trunks said the first thing that came into his mind as he observed the mythical Utopia.

"Wow . . ."

                                                                            End of Chapter 1

            So there you have it, end of chapter one, thank you all for the most wonderful reviews for last chapter. And yes, it is true, almost every chapter in this story will be this length, I hope you guys like this story so far.

            Plot is quite simple right now, it revolves around Pan and Trunks, but as the plot progresses, there will be a twist in this story, but not anytime soon, in the next chapter, both 'the gathering' and the 'secret garden' will be revealed. I will try to update again as soon as I can. Comments and Feedback can speed up the process, so in other words . . . please leave a little review for the anxious author.

            Thank you. And again, for the record, I have finished my pickle.

                                                                              -Juunanagou4ever