A Story To Remember
Chapter 19: Food Fight, Future, and Fashion (Part B)
Serena sat in the sill of her window, the warm breeze calling to her, grasping and tickling her with its long fingers. Her long, blonde hair shone silvery strong in the purple night sky, her skin pallid and creamy in the hazy light.
Everything was slow, dragging, quiet. But tomorrow would be different, Serena knew. Tomorrow would be frightening...unsure... Everyone will pack quickly...silently, breathlessly...last minute training and then......
Home?
********************************************
Mina gently traced a finger over the edge of her pillow. Already she could hear that Rei's breathing had gotten lighter. It seemed like the first time in weeks that they were all able to go to sleep...and just...sleep.
Yawning, Mina rolled over underneath her covers and settled more into the thick, soft mattress. She could feel the emotions of the group running hard and fast, Thoughts and decisions being made minute after minute. But in the darkest corner of the emotions...was a strong, pulsing feeling...something so thick and pure but swathed in so much illusion that Mina could barely recognize it as...
Love...
*********************************************
THE NEXT DAY
The soft velvet dresses were silent as they made their way through the threads of time. Twisting and weaving, they found their way to their destination. Their kind eyes settled on the sleeping form in the bed, the short, brown strands gently brushing the tips of her eyelashes. Moving as one, they strode silently closer until they were merely a hand's width away from the sleeping woman.
Reaching out, the three women settled their hands on the girl's body, the velvet sleeves pulled back for the moment, revealing gray, shadowy skin.
"We are the..."
"Fates. We speak as..."
"One. We move as.."
"One... Where one begins..."
"The other will..."
"End...and the..."
"Next, shall begin..."
"Again...We gift..."
"Thee, Daughter, with..."
"The powers you.."
"Will need to..."
"Fight. Your visions..."
"Will be more..."
"Powerful than before..."
"Do not despair..."
"We give you..."
"Strength...We give..."
"You power to..."
"Be. We give you..."
"Mindfulness...Watch carefully..."
"Daughter...it is you..."
"Who will shape..."
"The future now..."
As one, they removed their hands. The echoes of the different tones of voices lingered long after the women disappeared back into Time.
The sun shone brighter as it climbed higher and already the birds chirped as sunlight streamed into Mirai and Madison's room. A small bluebird, perched just outside their window, eyed the sleeping, brown-haired girl carefully...In it's small black eye...it saw the flicker of magenta around the woman...... After some thought, the bird flew away, trusting it to be just a trick of the bright morning sunlight............
**************************************
Hotaru ran her hand through her short hair. She gazed into her bleary reflection in her glass of water. Pulling at the ends of her short hair, she contemplated deeply. Tonight....in just a couple of hours really, they would be home.
Resting her elbows on the kitchen table, Hotaru peered deeply into her water. Of course, she didn't need to do anything to prepare really. Like the other senshi, they didn't have any clothes here to pack, but Hotaru had still gotten up early to meet with Pluto at the Time Gates and also to converse for the first time with Sensou, Queen, or formally queen, of Vegeta-Sei.
Of course as the Senshi of Death and Rebirth she was under as strict laws and Pluto. It was true that now and again she was tempted to tell Amara or Michelle about the work she did, but she doubted they'd believe her anyway. Smiling secretly, Hotaru stood and walked over to the sink, carefully pouring the rest of the water out and setting the glass face down.
She could practically see the threads of life in her minds eye, feeling the life that burned through the strands.
The Soldiers
The Princess
The Guardian
The Seer
The Lover
The Child
The Brother
The Queen
Hotaru smiled and all but danced into the living room. She saw that Rei was stoking the flames of the fireplace. Plopping down on the couch between Mina and Michelle, Hotaru laid her head on Michelle's shoulder, smiling when she put her arm around her.
"So, are you ready to go home Hotaru?" Michelle whispered.
"Yes." Hotaru said, leaning a little so her black hair swept across her eyes.
Mina stretched, yawning, "I don't know about you guys, but I could barely close my eyes last night, I'm so excited."
"No wonder you're so tired." Lita muttered from her position, which was currently sprawled on the floor, on her back, eating Sour Patch Kids.
"Oh Lita, it's way to early for those." Chi-Chi said, scolding absently.
"Oh come on, it's nearly 12." Lita said laughing, gasping a little as she choked on the sour juice of a Kid gone down the wrong way.
Ami grinned, balancing a bowl of fruit in one hand and a sandwich in the other, "Well, I'm very happy to be returning home, even if it is to fight."
Rini clenched her fists tightly, punching at an imaginary foe, "Well, I'm TOTALLY ready to go! I can't wait to see what Tokyo looks like in the past. Of course it'll be very different, but that's ok."
I can't wait to go home either..." Mina sighed happily.
Rei turned from the fire, wiping flecks of ash from her black jeans, "We can't forget why we're going, though. I know we'll all be happy to return, but the cold truth is that there is something very strong and very powerful in our dimension, and this Dark Lord wants our princess...and we don't know why. I'd say we have our work cut out for us."
Amara nodded, "Right. When we go back we should definitely be on our guard."
The young women thought about this for a while, their faces taut with concern. It was this atmosphere that Bulma walked into.
"Hey ladies, why all the gloom?" Bulma smiled, shrugging off her lab coat and setting it down. "You know, I was thinking......that since, tonight, we'll, hopefully, be going to your dimension...maybe we should all go out, relax for a while before we go?"
Rini perked up at the idea, "That would be great. DO you think the guys would agree? I bet they would, Trunks will persuade them."
The others readily agreed and Bulma smiled proudly.
"I was thinking maybe around, oh...how about five? Evening." Bulma asked.
"Sounds good." Michelle smiled.
"Hey, it's not like we're doing anything else." Lita replied, smiling brightly.
"Great! It's settled. I'll go hunt out the guys and ask them too."
"I'll come with you too, Bulma, with my help and Trunks' too they can't say no!" Rini said enthusiastically.
"I'll ask Vegeta." Hotaru suddenly spoke.
Amara looked the young girl, shocked, "Now Hota-chan..."
"I'm not a child, I can take care of myself." Hotaru said smiling.
"Still, Hotaru..." Rei said softly.
"Papa, please, I am telling you that I am fine. Besides, Vegeta knows the dark, like I know the dark..." Hotaru said, pleading quietly to Amara.
Amara sighed and nodded, "Be careful."
Hotaru grinned happily and half ran to Amara, kissing her lightly on the corner of her mouth. "I will, I will."
'Besides, Vegeta wouldn't hurt me, he's family......'
****************************************
Gently, Serena traced her nails along the soft blankets of Vegeta's bed. For a moment she wondered whether she was ready to do this......whether she was strong enough to face the truth, good or bad. She mentally dismissed this idea, however. Looking to her watch, she saw that it was nearing 1 PM now, and, though she had missed lunch, no one had come looking for her, not that she was hungry now anyway.
'I wonder if Hotaru had anything to do with that...'
Needless to say, Serena was becoming more and more aware of just how unusual Hotaru had been acting. She seemed so sure of herself, less pale and yet, still deeply serious and wise. Serena wondered just how much Hotaru REALLY knew. I mean, she trusted Hotaru completely. The young woman was practically her exact opposite in power and in personality, and yet...sometimes Hotaru would look from Vegeta to herself and smile a secret sort of smile......
Serena shook her head, laughing quietly. 'I must be going crazy. I mean look at me, sitting here in Vegeta's room, waiting for him. Suspecting Hotaru...ANYWAY Vegeta may just spend the day training... Wondering about Hotaru, my FRIEND...AND even if Vegeta does come...what will I say...'
Serena went on like this, sitting in the soft gray of Vegeta's room, debating with herself on a good many topics. The quiet sound of the door creaking open brought her out of her reverie, however.
"Serena? What are you doing in here?" Trunks stared at his future mother, utterly confused.
Blushing, Serena got off the bed the edge of the bed and stood fidgeting, "I umm...ummm...I'm waiting for...for..."
Trunks looked at her incredulously, "You're waiting for Vegeta aren't you, Mother." Trunks couldn't help but smile as he said this, watching the blush creep over her cheeks.
Trunks grinned and sighed, shaking his head. He motioned for Serena to sit back down and he sat down on the edge of the bed with her too.
"You hardly change at all in the future Serena, you still blush whenever Father comes around......or maybe it's because Father's such an ecchi?"
Serena looked at his, stunned, "You're kidding?!"
Trunks flushed, startled by Serena's intense gaze, "Well, yeah."
Serena laughed long and hard, wiping tears. She smiled brightly at Trunks and got up to turn on the lamp near the bed, despite its harsh glow. Sitting back down she reached a hand out and placed it against Trunks' cheek.
"You look so much like him...and yet, you remind me of..."
"Queen Serenity? I know, you always told me so." Trunks blushed, and looked down at the soft comforters underneath him.
"Do you miss your mother like Rini does?" Serena asked quietly, keeping her hand on Trunks' cheek.
"Of course I do," Trunks murmured, "I miss her all the time...even when I'm with her......"
Serena stared at Trunks' sad face, his soft eyes were tearing, she could tell. Without warning she pulled her future son to her and hugged him tightly. She could feel his muscles tighten dangerously and then relax, as she softly rocked him.
"I promise, I will do my best to be a good mother to you in the future, Trunks." Serna whispered so quietly she doubted that he heard her...But she suddenly felt him returning her hug, carefully.
'He's just a kid, a young teen like I was. But he must have seen so much destruction and death already...' She thought as she rocked him.
"Ahem..."
Serena looked up in astonishment, suddenly finding herself clutching Trunks tightly, "Vegeta!"
At the sound of his father's name, Trunks pushed Serena away, nearly shoving her off the bed. He scrambled to his feet.
"F-father..."
Crossing his arms, Vegeta glared contemptuously, first at Serena and then settling his gaze on Trunks, "Leave boy."
"Vegeta! Please!" Serena said angrily, rising to her feet.
"Stay out of this Woman." Vegeta growled dangerously.
"I will not!" Serena said incredulously.
"Hey...what's going on...Oh..." Rini stared from the doorway. "Trunks?"
However, Trunks stood in between Serena and Vegeta, unmoving and unable to speak. He was totally unused to this sort of thing. Rini watched her brother from the doorway, behind Vegeta, unsure of what to do. Her dark, dark eyes pleaded helplessly to Serena.
Catching the look, Serena walked forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with her future son, glaring at Vegeta, "We were talking."
"In my bedroom?"
"Aren't you sharing it with Trunks anyway? It shouldn't matter in my opinion." Serena retorted.
All of a sudden Trunks cleared his throat loudly, "I'll......just......go."
Serena sighed, "No Trunks, don't."
Trunks shrugged his shoulders, "It's alright." He smiled at Serena and then set his face calmly and strode past Vegeta.
Rini glared angrily at first Vegeta then at Serena, looking even more like her father than ever, "I hate it whenever my parents fight...but seeing you two, just makes it worse!" She growled and then ran out, slamming the door with slight half-Saiya-Jin force.
"Why must you always do that?" Serena said, shocked.
Vegeta mumbled something under his breath and stomped past her, pulling off his gloves in the process.
"Vegeta! Stop ignoring me please." Serena said, no longer able to yell. Turning to face him she clenched her fists and took three quick breathes.
"Hurry up and say what you have to say then leave Woman." Vegeta growled cruelly, hard eyes standing emotionless. He moved onto his bed and lay propped up against the headboard on the pillow, legs crossed, smug.
"Vegeta, I came here to see you, you know. I wanted to know the truth, the absolute truth before we returned, hopefully, to my world."
Vegeta watched her from the bed, noting how she walked forward to rest her fingertips on the side of his bed, sitting. He almost smiled at the way she looked at him from the edge of his bed, her long blonde hair in a long braid, strands floating across her face with an unseen breeze.
"Vegeta, in the future......you and I...I mean, you and I......we get married. Vegeta, we have children, two children and yet..."
Watching her, Vegeta uncrossed his legs and sat up straighter, "Why are you worrying?" He asked sounding honestly confused.
"Vegeta do you love me?" Serena asked. It was more of a statement than a question. She was tired of waiting and wondering whether Vegeta would hold her or break her into one million pieces. She just wanted to know.
"Is that why you're in here? Who do you think you are, interrogating the prince of the Saiya-Jins?" Vegeta asked, but he didn't sound the least bit angry.
"Vegeta, I want to be sure. If you do not honestly and truly love me than tell me now, the future isn't set in stone." Serena said finally, but in a whisper.
The silence in the room was deafening. Vegeta couldn't say it, but he knew that by the look on Serena's face she was serious... But all he could do was stare at her, so beautiful and still, waiting for an answer he could not force out.
Vegeta watched, as if in a dream, as the tears welled in her crystal blue eyes and her jaw began to quiver and heard as she pleaded with him to tell her, not to push her away anymore. And then slowly she stood; wiping her eyes with the back of her hand and slowly approached him, kneeling right next to the bed, resting her elbows on the smooth covers.
"Just tell me you care......" She whispered, letting her salty tears run down her cheeks.
And still Vegeta watched her, unable to look away and yet unable to speak, mesmerized. Now her sobs were heavy and deep, racking her body, he could hear her hear heart breaking.
'Vegeta! Wake up this instant! DO NOT let her go!'
"W-what..." He murmured, so quietly, Serena couldn't possibly hear him through her sobs.
'My son, do lot let her go. You must stop lying to her and to yourself.'
As though watching his own actions from outside his body, Vegeta was suddenly pulling Serena onto the bed, holding her closely, yet bewilderedly, he had never done this before...willingly......
Feeling his warmth around her, Serena responded immediately, wrapping her arms around his neck. She sighed against his neck and looked up to softly kiss him just below his lip.
"I can't say it, Serena..." Vegeta whispered hotly into her ear.
Flushing Serena nodded her head slowly, "It's alright. I know now, everything is ok."
Pressing her mouth to his she lavished in his taste, feeling her heart quicken and her skin grow hot.
*******************************
4:30 PM
Bulma dropped four capsules on the ground and waited as the smoke cleared, revealing four very stylish AND EXPENSIVE cars of the newest models.
"Hey you guys HURRY UP!" She shouted so loudly that sound reverberated through the house, shaking it to its foundation.
Running a hand through her soft, blue hair, Bulma opened a compact mirror and checked her appearance. She wore a black knee-length skirt and a blue vest that said Capsule Princess on the upper right in silver lettering.
It wasn't long before the others emerged from the now dark house, none willing to risk Bulma's wrath.
All the guys wore suits, even Gohan wore a miniature tux, his hair slicked back after hours of Chi-Chi's work. Amara wore one as well and she walked next to Gohan, mussing his hair quietly at his plea. Even Luna and Artemis were dressed up. Artemis wore a large black bow tied around his color while Luna's was a lavender color.
Of course Bulma had insisted that this party should be the biggest, and most expensive one ever conceived. Even though this meant buying new dresses and suits for everyone and setting a reservation at one of the most expensive restaurants (The fact that she was linked to the Capsule Corp. name helped her get a reservation ^.~)
Bulma growled at the guys as they approached her, "Pick your cars, and hurry it up too. I didn't spend this much money to have it ruined."
"I think she's forgotten the whole reason why we're even having this party......" Gohan mumbled.
Amara laughed and reached into her pocket and squeezed her henshin.
Rei sighed heavily and moved to match her step with Serena's, "So, tonight's the night."
Serena nodded and smiled sadly.
Mina hitched up her skirt and ran after the others to keep up, "Hey what's with all the long faces I see?! We're going home AND we get to party before that." The goddess of Love declared.
The others laughed at the young girls jubilation, the tension diminishing. Even Madison and Mirai cracked smiles.
"And besides, Vegeta looks so cute in a suit...don't you agree Serena?!" Mina said all too loudly.
Lita laughed and nudged Serena in the ribs, "Yeah Serena, what do you think?"
Serena flushed brightly as they neared the guys (AN: And Amara ^^*). She smiled shyly as her friends laughed all around her.
'Home to Tokyo......to Naru and Gurio......to everyone and everything......and to the Dark Lord...'
She looked around at Madison, her beautiful navy blue hair brushed sparklingly soft. She wore a black miniskirt and a white long-sleeved shirt, decorated carefully with flowers. Holding her hand was Mirai, a thoughtful expression on her face. Her dark brown hair had gotten longer and now swept across her shoulders, giving her a sort of oracle look. She wore black dress pants and a dark, dark blue sleeveless.
When Mirai caught Serena looking at her, she smiled, her sad brown eyes brightening a bit.
Trunks smiled as his future mother draw nearer, along with the others, "You look really nice Serena." He said shyly.
"Why thank you Trunks." Serena replied gently, "So do you."
Rini laughed and shook her head at her brother's awkwardness. She herself wore a claret-colored halter-top and black dress pants, totally comfortable and sure.
Rei smiled to herself. Reaching into the pocket of her black jeans, she felt for her henshin, reveling in its familiar warmth. Feeling a cool breeze, she zipped her red leather jacket up a bit more.
"Hey Rei, which car are you going in?" Ami asked, smoothing her long, light blue skirt.
Rei shrugged.
"Ride with us, you guys. We're gonna hit it with Chi-Chi and Bulma's group." Lita called out.
Rei and Ami nodded and made their way over to the sleek, red car and got in. Bulma was hurriedly giving instructions and directions to Mirai, Amara, and Yamucha, who were to drive the three remaining cars.
"We're gonna go on ahead, don't fall behind. We only have so much time until...well...you know." Bulma smiled and hopped in the car.
Serena didn't watch them drive away but instead watched Hotaru. Her soft, pale face glowed in the darkness, except for her dark, black eyes. She wore a thin leather coat and a knee length skirt, both black. And suddenly, Hotaru was staring back at her, her eyes becoming large abysses that stopped time.
Serena closed and rubbed her eyes, leaning against the car to steady herself. When she opened them, Hotaru was holding her other hand.
"Are you ready? We are the only ones left. We'll be taking the black car." Hotaru said softly, indicating Trunks, Vegeta, Mirai, and Madison.
Serena shook her head a bit, "W-what? Oh, alright. Yes. I sort of blanked out there for a second. Sorry."
Vegeta rolled his eyes and got into the car first, followed by Serena, then Trunks.
"Can we fit?" Serena asked.
"I'm small." Hotaru responded and slid in next to Trunks, forcing Serena to slide even closer to Vegeta.
Mirai took her place behind the driver's seat and Madison sat next to her. "So I guess we're all ready now, right?"
Serena unconsciously rested her head on Vegeta's shoulder and nodded. Trunks blushed and looked away from his future mother and father until he found himself staring into two dark orbs.
"Are you alright, Trunks?" Hotaru asked, placing a small, cool hand on his shoulder.
Trunks blinked and smoothed the wrinkles from his suit, "Yeah. I'm alright. Say, where are we going anyway?"
"According to Bulma," Mirai answered, "the Blue Star restaurant. It's very close to Suta-raito Park..."
****************************
TIME GATES
"They are progressing quite well."
"I have done little to aid them." Pluto said, being careful not to raise her eyes to his level.
"Yet Death watches over them."
"She does." Pluto softly, keeping her eyes on the ground of the Time Gates.
"No matter." He said softly.
"We still want..."
"Our daughter returned..."
"To us. You..."
"Have promised us..."
"This."
Pluto glared to the ground at the sound of the Fates.
Morpheus laughed a deep resonant laugh, "She is mine as well. She will be returned in good time. Thank your father for me, Child."
Pluto nodded, clutching her staff until she could no longer sense their energy. Slowly she raised her eyes. She held out her hand and stared deeply into the current future line.
'Are you worried, Pluto?'
'Not in the least' Pluto responded to Hotaru's mental question. 'Just make sure everything goes according to plan.'
'When have I ever let you down.........'
R/R LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY
Chapter 19: Food Fight, Future, and Fashion (Part B)
Serena sat in the sill of her window, the warm breeze calling to her, grasping and tickling her with its long fingers. Her long, blonde hair shone silvery strong in the purple night sky, her skin pallid and creamy in the hazy light.
Everything was slow, dragging, quiet. But tomorrow would be different, Serena knew. Tomorrow would be frightening...unsure... Everyone will pack quickly...silently, breathlessly...last minute training and then......
Home?
********************************************
Mina gently traced a finger over the edge of her pillow. Already she could hear that Rei's breathing had gotten lighter. It seemed like the first time in weeks that they were all able to go to sleep...and just...sleep.
Yawning, Mina rolled over underneath her covers and settled more into the thick, soft mattress. She could feel the emotions of the group running hard and fast, Thoughts and decisions being made minute after minute. But in the darkest corner of the emotions...was a strong, pulsing feeling...something so thick and pure but swathed in so much illusion that Mina could barely recognize it as...
Love...
*********************************************
THE NEXT DAY
The soft velvet dresses were silent as they made their way through the threads of time. Twisting and weaving, they found their way to their destination. Their kind eyes settled on the sleeping form in the bed, the short, brown strands gently brushing the tips of her eyelashes. Moving as one, they strode silently closer until they were merely a hand's width away from the sleeping woman.
Reaching out, the three women settled their hands on the girl's body, the velvet sleeves pulled back for the moment, revealing gray, shadowy skin.
"We are the..."
"Fates. We speak as..."
"One. We move as.."
"One... Where one begins..."
"The other will..."
"End...and the..."
"Next, shall begin..."
"Again...We gift..."
"Thee, Daughter, with..."
"The powers you.."
"Will need to..."
"Fight. Your visions..."
"Will be more..."
"Powerful than before..."
"Do not despair..."
"We give you..."
"Strength...We give..."
"You power to..."
"Be. We give you..."
"Mindfulness...Watch carefully..."
"Daughter...it is you..."
"Who will shape..."
"The future now..."
As one, they removed their hands. The echoes of the different tones of voices lingered long after the women disappeared back into Time.
The sun shone brighter as it climbed higher and already the birds chirped as sunlight streamed into Mirai and Madison's room. A small bluebird, perched just outside their window, eyed the sleeping, brown-haired girl carefully...In it's small black eye...it saw the flicker of magenta around the woman...... After some thought, the bird flew away, trusting it to be just a trick of the bright morning sunlight............
**************************************
Hotaru ran her hand through her short hair. She gazed into her bleary reflection in her glass of water. Pulling at the ends of her short hair, she contemplated deeply. Tonight....in just a couple of hours really, they would be home.
Resting her elbows on the kitchen table, Hotaru peered deeply into her water. Of course, she didn't need to do anything to prepare really. Like the other senshi, they didn't have any clothes here to pack, but Hotaru had still gotten up early to meet with Pluto at the Time Gates and also to converse for the first time with Sensou, Queen, or formally queen, of Vegeta-Sei.
Of course as the Senshi of Death and Rebirth she was under as strict laws and Pluto. It was true that now and again she was tempted to tell Amara or Michelle about the work she did, but she doubted they'd believe her anyway. Smiling secretly, Hotaru stood and walked over to the sink, carefully pouring the rest of the water out and setting the glass face down.
She could practically see the threads of life in her minds eye, feeling the life that burned through the strands.
The Soldiers
The Princess
The Guardian
The Seer
The Lover
The Child
The Brother
The Queen
Hotaru smiled and all but danced into the living room. She saw that Rei was stoking the flames of the fireplace. Plopping down on the couch between Mina and Michelle, Hotaru laid her head on Michelle's shoulder, smiling when she put her arm around her.
"So, are you ready to go home Hotaru?" Michelle whispered.
"Yes." Hotaru said, leaning a little so her black hair swept across her eyes.
Mina stretched, yawning, "I don't know about you guys, but I could barely close my eyes last night, I'm so excited."
"No wonder you're so tired." Lita muttered from her position, which was currently sprawled on the floor, on her back, eating Sour Patch Kids.
"Oh Lita, it's way to early for those." Chi-Chi said, scolding absently.
"Oh come on, it's nearly 12." Lita said laughing, gasping a little as she choked on the sour juice of a Kid gone down the wrong way.
Ami grinned, balancing a bowl of fruit in one hand and a sandwich in the other, "Well, I'm very happy to be returning home, even if it is to fight."
Rini clenched her fists tightly, punching at an imaginary foe, "Well, I'm TOTALLY ready to go! I can't wait to see what Tokyo looks like in the past. Of course it'll be very different, but that's ok."
I can't wait to go home either..." Mina sighed happily.
Rei turned from the fire, wiping flecks of ash from her black jeans, "We can't forget why we're going, though. I know we'll all be happy to return, but the cold truth is that there is something very strong and very powerful in our dimension, and this Dark Lord wants our princess...and we don't know why. I'd say we have our work cut out for us."
Amara nodded, "Right. When we go back we should definitely be on our guard."
The young women thought about this for a while, their faces taut with concern. It was this atmosphere that Bulma walked into.
"Hey ladies, why all the gloom?" Bulma smiled, shrugging off her lab coat and setting it down. "You know, I was thinking......that since, tonight, we'll, hopefully, be going to your dimension...maybe we should all go out, relax for a while before we go?"
Rini perked up at the idea, "That would be great. DO you think the guys would agree? I bet they would, Trunks will persuade them."
The others readily agreed and Bulma smiled proudly.
"I was thinking maybe around, oh...how about five? Evening." Bulma asked.
"Sounds good." Michelle smiled.
"Hey, it's not like we're doing anything else." Lita replied, smiling brightly.
"Great! It's settled. I'll go hunt out the guys and ask them too."
"I'll come with you too, Bulma, with my help and Trunks' too they can't say no!" Rini said enthusiastically.
"I'll ask Vegeta." Hotaru suddenly spoke.
Amara looked the young girl, shocked, "Now Hota-chan..."
"I'm not a child, I can take care of myself." Hotaru said smiling.
"Still, Hotaru..." Rei said softly.
"Papa, please, I am telling you that I am fine. Besides, Vegeta knows the dark, like I know the dark..." Hotaru said, pleading quietly to Amara.
Amara sighed and nodded, "Be careful."
Hotaru grinned happily and half ran to Amara, kissing her lightly on the corner of her mouth. "I will, I will."
'Besides, Vegeta wouldn't hurt me, he's family......'
****************************************
Gently, Serena traced her nails along the soft blankets of Vegeta's bed. For a moment she wondered whether she was ready to do this......whether she was strong enough to face the truth, good or bad. She mentally dismissed this idea, however. Looking to her watch, she saw that it was nearing 1 PM now, and, though she had missed lunch, no one had come looking for her, not that she was hungry now anyway.
'I wonder if Hotaru had anything to do with that...'
Needless to say, Serena was becoming more and more aware of just how unusual Hotaru had been acting. She seemed so sure of herself, less pale and yet, still deeply serious and wise. Serena wondered just how much Hotaru REALLY knew. I mean, she trusted Hotaru completely. The young woman was practically her exact opposite in power and in personality, and yet...sometimes Hotaru would look from Vegeta to herself and smile a secret sort of smile......
Serena shook her head, laughing quietly. 'I must be going crazy. I mean look at me, sitting here in Vegeta's room, waiting for him. Suspecting Hotaru...ANYWAY Vegeta may just spend the day training... Wondering about Hotaru, my FRIEND...AND even if Vegeta does come...what will I say...'
Serena went on like this, sitting in the soft gray of Vegeta's room, debating with herself on a good many topics. The quiet sound of the door creaking open brought her out of her reverie, however.
"Serena? What are you doing in here?" Trunks stared at his future mother, utterly confused.
Blushing, Serena got off the bed the edge of the bed and stood fidgeting, "I umm...ummm...I'm waiting for...for..."
Trunks looked at her incredulously, "You're waiting for Vegeta aren't you, Mother." Trunks couldn't help but smile as he said this, watching the blush creep over her cheeks.
Trunks grinned and sighed, shaking his head. He motioned for Serena to sit back down and he sat down on the edge of the bed with her too.
"You hardly change at all in the future Serena, you still blush whenever Father comes around......or maybe it's because Father's such an ecchi?"
Serena looked at his, stunned, "You're kidding?!"
Trunks flushed, startled by Serena's intense gaze, "Well, yeah."
Serena laughed long and hard, wiping tears. She smiled brightly at Trunks and got up to turn on the lamp near the bed, despite its harsh glow. Sitting back down she reached a hand out and placed it against Trunks' cheek.
"You look so much like him...and yet, you remind me of..."
"Queen Serenity? I know, you always told me so." Trunks blushed, and looked down at the soft comforters underneath him.
"Do you miss your mother like Rini does?" Serena asked quietly, keeping her hand on Trunks' cheek.
"Of course I do," Trunks murmured, "I miss her all the time...even when I'm with her......"
Serena stared at Trunks' sad face, his soft eyes were tearing, she could tell. Without warning she pulled her future son to her and hugged him tightly. She could feel his muscles tighten dangerously and then relax, as she softly rocked him.
"I promise, I will do my best to be a good mother to you in the future, Trunks." Serna whispered so quietly she doubted that he heard her...But she suddenly felt him returning her hug, carefully.
'He's just a kid, a young teen like I was. But he must have seen so much destruction and death already...' She thought as she rocked him.
"Ahem..."
Serena looked up in astonishment, suddenly finding herself clutching Trunks tightly, "Vegeta!"
At the sound of his father's name, Trunks pushed Serena away, nearly shoving her off the bed. He scrambled to his feet.
"F-father..."
Crossing his arms, Vegeta glared contemptuously, first at Serena and then settling his gaze on Trunks, "Leave boy."
"Vegeta! Please!" Serena said angrily, rising to her feet.
"Stay out of this Woman." Vegeta growled dangerously.
"I will not!" Serena said incredulously.
"Hey...what's going on...Oh..." Rini stared from the doorway. "Trunks?"
However, Trunks stood in between Serena and Vegeta, unmoving and unable to speak. He was totally unused to this sort of thing. Rini watched her brother from the doorway, behind Vegeta, unsure of what to do. Her dark, dark eyes pleaded helplessly to Serena.
Catching the look, Serena walked forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with her future son, glaring at Vegeta, "We were talking."
"In my bedroom?"
"Aren't you sharing it with Trunks anyway? It shouldn't matter in my opinion." Serena retorted.
All of a sudden Trunks cleared his throat loudly, "I'll......just......go."
Serena sighed, "No Trunks, don't."
Trunks shrugged his shoulders, "It's alright." He smiled at Serena and then set his face calmly and strode past Vegeta.
Rini glared angrily at first Vegeta then at Serena, looking even more like her father than ever, "I hate it whenever my parents fight...but seeing you two, just makes it worse!" She growled and then ran out, slamming the door with slight half-Saiya-Jin force.
"Why must you always do that?" Serena said, shocked.
Vegeta mumbled something under his breath and stomped past her, pulling off his gloves in the process.
"Vegeta! Stop ignoring me please." Serena said, no longer able to yell. Turning to face him she clenched her fists and took three quick breathes.
"Hurry up and say what you have to say then leave Woman." Vegeta growled cruelly, hard eyes standing emotionless. He moved onto his bed and lay propped up against the headboard on the pillow, legs crossed, smug.
"Vegeta, I came here to see you, you know. I wanted to know the truth, the absolute truth before we returned, hopefully, to my world."
Vegeta watched her from the bed, noting how she walked forward to rest her fingertips on the side of his bed, sitting. He almost smiled at the way she looked at him from the edge of his bed, her long blonde hair in a long braid, strands floating across her face with an unseen breeze.
"Vegeta, in the future......you and I...I mean, you and I......we get married. Vegeta, we have children, two children and yet..."
Watching her, Vegeta uncrossed his legs and sat up straighter, "Why are you worrying?" He asked sounding honestly confused.
"Vegeta do you love me?" Serena asked. It was more of a statement than a question. She was tired of waiting and wondering whether Vegeta would hold her or break her into one million pieces. She just wanted to know.
"Is that why you're in here? Who do you think you are, interrogating the prince of the Saiya-Jins?" Vegeta asked, but he didn't sound the least bit angry.
"Vegeta, I want to be sure. If you do not honestly and truly love me than tell me now, the future isn't set in stone." Serena said finally, but in a whisper.
The silence in the room was deafening. Vegeta couldn't say it, but he knew that by the look on Serena's face she was serious... But all he could do was stare at her, so beautiful and still, waiting for an answer he could not force out.
Vegeta watched, as if in a dream, as the tears welled in her crystal blue eyes and her jaw began to quiver and heard as she pleaded with him to tell her, not to push her away anymore. And then slowly she stood; wiping her eyes with the back of her hand and slowly approached him, kneeling right next to the bed, resting her elbows on the smooth covers.
"Just tell me you care......" She whispered, letting her salty tears run down her cheeks.
And still Vegeta watched her, unable to look away and yet unable to speak, mesmerized. Now her sobs were heavy and deep, racking her body, he could hear her hear heart breaking.
'Vegeta! Wake up this instant! DO NOT let her go!'
"W-what..." He murmured, so quietly, Serena couldn't possibly hear him through her sobs.
'My son, do lot let her go. You must stop lying to her and to yourself.'
As though watching his own actions from outside his body, Vegeta was suddenly pulling Serena onto the bed, holding her closely, yet bewilderedly, he had never done this before...willingly......
Feeling his warmth around her, Serena responded immediately, wrapping her arms around his neck. She sighed against his neck and looked up to softly kiss him just below his lip.
"I can't say it, Serena..." Vegeta whispered hotly into her ear.
Flushing Serena nodded her head slowly, "It's alright. I know now, everything is ok."
Pressing her mouth to his she lavished in his taste, feeling her heart quicken and her skin grow hot.
*******************************
4:30 PM
Bulma dropped four capsules on the ground and waited as the smoke cleared, revealing four very stylish AND EXPENSIVE cars of the newest models.
"Hey you guys HURRY UP!" She shouted so loudly that sound reverberated through the house, shaking it to its foundation.
Running a hand through her soft, blue hair, Bulma opened a compact mirror and checked her appearance. She wore a black knee-length skirt and a blue vest that said Capsule Princess on the upper right in silver lettering.
It wasn't long before the others emerged from the now dark house, none willing to risk Bulma's wrath.
All the guys wore suits, even Gohan wore a miniature tux, his hair slicked back after hours of Chi-Chi's work. Amara wore one as well and she walked next to Gohan, mussing his hair quietly at his plea. Even Luna and Artemis were dressed up. Artemis wore a large black bow tied around his color while Luna's was a lavender color.
Of course Bulma had insisted that this party should be the biggest, and most expensive one ever conceived. Even though this meant buying new dresses and suits for everyone and setting a reservation at one of the most expensive restaurants (The fact that she was linked to the Capsule Corp. name helped her get a reservation ^.~)
Bulma growled at the guys as they approached her, "Pick your cars, and hurry it up too. I didn't spend this much money to have it ruined."
"I think she's forgotten the whole reason why we're even having this party......" Gohan mumbled.
Amara laughed and reached into her pocket and squeezed her henshin.
Rei sighed heavily and moved to match her step with Serena's, "So, tonight's the night."
Serena nodded and smiled sadly.
Mina hitched up her skirt and ran after the others to keep up, "Hey what's with all the long faces I see?! We're going home AND we get to party before that." The goddess of Love declared.
The others laughed at the young girls jubilation, the tension diminishing. Even Madison and Mirai cracked smiles.
"And besides, Vegeta looks so cute in a suit...don't you agree Serena?!" Mina said all too loudly.
Lita laughed and nudged Serena in the ribs, "Yeah Serena, what do you think?"
Serena flushed brightly as they neared the guys (AN: And Amara ^^*). She smiled shyly as her friends laughed all around her.
'Home to Tokyo......to Naru and Gurio......to everyone and everything......and to the Dark Lord...'
She looked around at Madison, her beautiful navy blue hair brushed sparklingly soft. She wore a black miniskirt and a white long-sleeved shirt, decorated carefully with flowers. Holding her hand was Mirai, a thoughtful expression on her face. Her dark brown hair had gotten longer and now swept across her shoulders, giving her a sort of oracle look. She wore black dress pants and a dark, dark blue sleeveless.
When Mirai caught Serena looking at her, she smiled, her sad brown eyes brightening a bit.
Trunks smiled as his future mother draw nearer, along with the others, "You look really nice Serena." He said shyly.
"Why thank you Trunks." Serena replied gently, "So do you."
Rini laughed and shook her head at her brother's awkwardness. She herself wore a claret-colored halter-top and black dress pants, totally comfortable and sure.
Rei smiled to herself. Reaching into the pocket of her black jeans, she felt for her henshin, reveling in its familiar warmth. Feeling a cool breeze, she zipped her red leather jacket up a bit more.
"Hey Rei, which car are you going in?" Ami asked, smoothing her long, light blue skirt.
Rei shrugged.
"Ride with us, you guys. We're gonna hit it with Chi-Chi and Bulma's group." Lita called out.
Rei and Ami nodded and made their way over to the sleek, red car and got in. Bulma was hurriedly giving instructions and directions to Mirai, Amara, and Yamucha, who were to drive the three remaining cars.
"We're gonna go on ahead, don't fall behind. We only have so much time until...well...you know." Bulma smiled and hopped in the car.
Serena didn't watch them drive away but instead watched Hotaru. Her soft, pale face glowed in the darkness, except for her dark, black eyes. She wore a thin leather coat and a knee length skirt, both black. And suddenly, Hotaru was staring back at her, her eyes becoming large abysses that stopped time.
Serena closed and rubbed her eyes, leaning against the car to steady herself. When she opened them, Hotaru was holding her other hand.
"Are you ready? We are the only ones left. We'll be taking the black car." Hotaru said softly, indicating Trunks, Vegeta, Mirai, and Madison.
Serena shook her head a bit, "W-what? Oh, alright. Yes. I sort of blanked out there for a second. Sorry."
Vegeta rolled his eyes and got into the car first, followed by Serena, then Trunks.
"Can we fit?" Serena asked.
"I'm small." Hotaru responded and slid in next to Trunks, forcing Serena to slide even closer to Vegeta.
Mirai took her place behind the driver's seat and Madison sat next to her. "So I guess we're all ready now, right?"
Serena unconsciously rested her head on Vegeta's shoulder and nodded. Trunks blushed and looked away from his future mother and father until he found himself staring into two dark orbs.
"Are you alright, Trunks?" Hotaru asked, placing a small, cool hand on his shoulder.
Trunks blinked and smoothed the wrinkles from his suit, "Yeah. I'm alright. Say, where are we going anyway?"
"According to Bulma," Mirai answered, "the Blue Star restaurant. It's very close to Suta-raito Park..."
****************************
TIME GATES
"They are progressing quite well."
"I have done little to aid them." Pluto said, being careful not to raise her eyes to his level.
"Yet Death watches over them."
"She does." Pluto softly, keeping her eyes on the ground of the Time Gates.
"No matter." He said softly.
"We still want..."
"Our daughter returned..."
"To us. You..."
"Have promised us..."
"This."
Pluto glared to the ground at the sound of the Fates.
Morpheus laughed a deep resonant laugh, "She is mine as well. She will be returned in good time. Thank your father for me, Child."
Pluto nodded, clutching her staff until she could no longer sense their energy. Slowly she raised her eyes. She held out her hand and stared deeply into the current future line.
'Are you worried, Pluto?'
'Not in the least' Pluto responded to Hotaru's mental question. 'Just make sure everything goes according to plan.'
'When have I ever let you down.........'
R/R LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY