And We Shall Be Victorious

Moon Seeker

Chapter 11

Horror

After eating some raspberry, Equarus was sleeping peacefully. Something was in the air and he needed all the rest he could get.  The black shadow will soon come. He had never seen something like that in all the years he had lived. Fluffy white clouds that announce a good day? Yes. Dark clouds that announce a rainy day? Yes. Magic cloud that announce his best friend? Yes. Black cloud that announce dead? Yes. However, a black shadow that eat everything in sight, never. It was as if a big dinosaur was hiding inside of it. Then there was his strange human that held enormous power but act the same way as the black cloud. No, something was not right and he had to be careful to avoid it.

Then he felt it.

The air around him changed.  Worried, he woke up.  He didn't want to be there when the black shadow would appear. Therefore, rising in the air, he flew away.

If he had waited a little while longer, he would have seen that it was not the Black Mist but instead a black ship. Regrettably, he didn't. Wasting the last chance destiny give him to see his old friend.

By flying away, he run far away from his only chance for survival and unfortunately toward what he faired the most.

The Medusa.

This morning, Equarus eat is last raspberry.

This evening, Equarus will sleep forever.

@~~|~~@

The difference between the two earths was huge. They would have never guessed that they were on the same planet, on different timeline, if they didn't see it with they own eyes. Where in Mirai-Trunks time, the air was bleak and without life, here the desert was bursting with life: from the simple plant to the hungriest dinosaurs, passing by the eagles and vultures, because they had actually landed on a desert. Even though they starting point was the CC backyard, Bulma decided to choose another return point, something to do with the energy wave, Gohan was not too sure, but he trusted her. If she say that landing on her backyard would be fatal for her house then he will believe her (and it not as if they had any choice in the matter. She was the one who design the time machine, built it, calculate the coordinate…)

He had never felt happier to land in his entire life, not even when he went to Namek with Bulma and Krillin. And even though he wishes it with all his life, it had nothing to do with what has happened and what was bound to appear here. When Trunks told them that the ride might be rough he should have taking it at face value, even the mighty prince had turned green! Nevertheless, they have finally landed and now it was time to face the true head on.

Looking around, Gohan recognized the desert where they had landed: it was where Vegeta and Goku had battle the first time. He had notice, and not for the first time, that they seemed to favor this place. Each time they went training or when they tried to stir the battle away from the city, they end up here. A warning? Hint of something deeper? Gohan was not sure, but one thing remains, they seemed draw to that place ever since they first battle. Curiously, the concerned saiyins didn't seem to notice, considering that after all these years, they were still asking where to meet when they always choose the same spot.

Looking toward the other, he could see the relief on they face. As for Trunks, he looked confuse and in the same time happy. It must be really strange for him.

Looking around while the other was settling themselves (Goku was trying to stop Vegeta from killing Trunks), he saw in the distance something flying away. Narrowing is eyes, he recognized his old friend Equarus.

I don't believe it, after all this years he is still alive. Smiling, he opened his mouth to yell but remembering the old song he did with him, he begins to whistle.

Shit, it truth Piccolo don't like when I do this!  "Picco…" he stopped mid sentence. Everybody was looking at him we a strange look. Blushing, then paling he give them his back.

The truth was harsh but real. His mentor, his best friend, was dead.

Piccolo is dead.

Lowering his head, he took three good respirations. He didn't want them to see him like this. When he finally regains his wits, he turned toward the other. However, unconscious of the young man dilemma, they were already in the sky, preparing to go to CC. As for Trunks, he was already a dot in the sky.

Rising in the air himself, he followed then in the morning sky. I hope everything will go all right, but I have a bad feeling about it. I hope you are safe guys. I don't want to lose anybody else.

He went full speed until he cut up with his father and Vegeta then he just went to the same pace as them, leaving Trunks flying ahead of them. It only toke him few second for them to loose sight of him. So they decided in common accord too just followed. The flight was made in silence; no one was in the mood for small talk.

While they were flying over the land, they notice something puzzling: they didn't see any living soul all this time. It was kind of strange, considering that they were flying over populated area. As far as Goku and Gohan were concerned it was a good thing, the last thing they wanted was for people to see them fly. Gohan was the happier: less publicity, the better. After all, he had a public life. However, as for the member of the Brief family, they face was grim. There was no way they could be fooled. After witnessing mass murder, mass destruction, and mass slaughter on a regular basis, they knew the sign perfectly: The quiet streets, the silent houses were not a sight of peacefulness, it was a sign of total obliteration.

"Kakarotte, Gohan, stay on your guard, it seem that the Medusa has already begun it handy work"

"Our can you be so sure"

"Personal experience"

@~~|~~@

While he was ahead, Trunks saw something in the forest near a city. Looking behind him and seeing that the others were far behind, he decided to check it out. Coming close to the tree line, he saw what he was looking on the highest branch of a random tree.

He came so close to the thing that his nose was two inch from it. In all the time he passed, it was the first time he witness something like that. What he saw was a testimony of the strong will of the people of the past despite all the problems they have faced.

What he saw was a hand, separated from his body.

A hand that, after it had been cut off, was still holding the branch with a dead grip, literally.

Removing (with a bi of difficulty he may had)  the hand from the branch, he landed on the ground and buried it deep within the earth. Then return to the sky in direction of the city.

They didn't have to know. This will only worried them for no good reason. And it was already dead. Even then…Well next time a found one still alive I'm going to tell them.

Happy with his decision and in peace with his coincidence he decided to walk inside the city where he had heard a noise.

@~~|~~@

He was standing in front of the building. Hearing the sound of someone crying he decided to investigate. Except for the crying and the sound of his step there was no sound, no movement, no light, but it meant nothing to his enhance sense. The trail of cry brought him inside in alley, which was more like a tunnel. In the end, was a door and it was covered in debris and other things.

At the end of the tunnel, he pushed aside diverse body parts, opened the door, and entered. It was an office. Standing up, he looked at the far end of the office. Raising his head, he saw the sky. He could have pass trough the sky but he didn't mind. The journey was not that bad. Except for the smell. Seem the body were there for a while.

Crooking his head, he listened to see if the sound would come back. Hearing it, he went toward the desperate cries.

When he saw what it was, he frowned.

Then he smiled.

Coming toward it, he began purring slowly and passed his hand on it.

After a few seconds, the cry turned to laugh.

Trunks laughed with it.

@~~|~~@

It took them at least one hour to notice that Trunks had vanished. Goku and Gohan were flying around when Vegeta decided that it was enough and did a quick Ki search locating his son in a half-destroyed building. Since Gohan and Goku were nervous about Trunks, (they didn't saw him since he went ahead) they decided to look for him. As for Vegeta, he didn't come with them, as far as he was concerned it was a waste of time.

When they finally reached him, he was in a roofless office, pending over something in the corner farness from the door. By the look of thing, he didn't come from the sky like them. When they landed, the only thing they could see from him was his back that was shaking with laugher. Actually, it was Trunks laughing that lead them here. His and a little girl laugh, probably what his body was hiding. Gohan, watching the young man laughing, smiled. It was good to see him like that, enjoying himself. Given that, it was the first time he saw him in a playful mood.

Both son looked at each other, sharing the same thought, yes it was a good thing to see him like that. Coming closer they tried to see who had succeed in making the young warrior laugh when the laugh changed to whimper.

Whimper of fear.

Trunks leaned closer to the little girl. "Hush, hush, don't you worry one bit, there is nothing to fear. It all right, they may seem dangerous but they are really nice and awfully cute. Trust me on this one"

A little giggle was heard.

Blushing slightly (the little comment meant a lot to him, coming from his childhood hero) he came a little bit closer, but still he couldn't see the little girl.

Raising his head, he saw that the night was on his way and he didn't like the way the building was squeaking. The thing could collapse any second now. "Trunks? Come. We have to go; we have to see if the others are well. Just bring your little friend with you."

"No. My little friend is going no way. She will stay there until he comes for you. Isn't that right?"

"Yes" another giggle.

Gohan shiver a little. Trunks voice…He had the same voice as when Pan and Bra were playing with they doll. As if all this was just a play. Looking at his father he could see is far away look and his little smile. He didn't seem to notice anything wrong.

I'm probably just overreacting. A mean, it just  a little girl, he must be talking like that for her benefit.

"Trunks don't worry, just bring her with us, we will come back from her family. I'm sure Bulma and the other wouldn't mind." Goku looked puzzle. He didn't see any problem. Bulma had a lot of place after all. He couldn't remember how many time he got lost. Strange if you think that he had an excellent sense of direction.

Trunks looked behind him and give them a bright smile then turned toward the little girl, whispering soft word to her ear that could be clearly heard by everyone in here "Don't you think his very nice?"

"Yes, very nice, but I have to wait."

"Yes it sad we can't go, we have to wait for your angel."

"Yes, he will come get me."

Goku came closer to him. The building didn't seem like it was going to stay up very long.

"Trunks, we really have to go, just bring her with you, kay?"

For a few second there was just the sound of Trunks whispering something then a giggle was heard. Finally after looked at each other, Goku and Gohan came closer to see who he was talking with and to see why he couldn't bring her with them. They had to left the building and join the other and Trunks didn't seem incline to leave and seemed unconscious of the danger.

What they saw will hunt them forever.

The little girl Trunks was speaking to was…damage...without repairs.

They had mistaken the age of the little girl or better the young woman, because it was actually a young woman Trunks was speaking to, who by the sound of thing, had lost his mind. She had return in infancy but if it was just that…She had no right arm, no legs, she had a big hole in her right side, she had no hair, and her left eye was gone. And her face, it was a living nightmare. There was absolutely no skin, and it was scarred beyond anything they never saw.

And amidst of all those horror, a single beautiful eye of the purest cerulean gazed at them.

It was like a cry against the world , a testimony of her cruel destiny.

They gasp of horror and pain against such a sight and harsh fate must have been very loud because the giggle stopped and two cold eyes were glaring at them. If they weren't use to Vegeta glare, they would have fled in fear.

Before any of them could offer they apology and ask who had put the girl in this state he put a finger on his lips. He keeps his eye locked on them until they nodded in understanding. Then turning his face toward the little girl, he gives her a little smile. 

"Hush! Now close your eyes, because your angel his coming to get you" Then he put his hand on her face to block her eye and turned into a super saiyin.

This time when they gasped the green eye held much more strength and coldness. Without any word, they backed a little bit wondering what he was going to do. What they will witness will change they view on the warrior from the future forever.

He removes his hand from her face. "Open your eye angel, now, I have come to get you"

When she opened her eye, the joy, relief, admiration and adulation were so intense on her face that it unsettle Goku and Gohan, but it was not the end. Kissing the little girl on the nose, he whispered something in her ears. It must have been something very important for her because she begin crying in joy.

"Bye angel"

"Bye and see you later" he hold her close to his body and raised his ki to warm her cold body, then placing both hand on the side her head, he send a small ki-blast that killed her on the spot.

Sound of rock falling and water dripping accompanied the three warriors out of the building.

When they were out, Vegeta was floating in the air. His eye fixed on his son.

@~~|~~@

When they finally reached Trunks, who had gone ahead of them once more, he was floating in front of Capsule Corp front gate. His ki lowered, he seemed  dazed and his gaze was unfocused. He was staring at the door as if the secret of his very existence lay within. However, as soon has he felt the other, he raised is ki and landed, waiting for something they didn't know until they saw the remaining saiyins and Videl rushed outside. From both sides, stare of shock, surprise and curiosity was seeing but the most interesting reaction was Trunks. Both of them.

Seeing her husband, she ran toward him and went into his arm. It was the first time since she learns about the monster that she was able to smile. She was looking at his black eye but saw that he was distracted by something else. Looking in the direction he was staring she saw something that will stay on her mind until her dead. Two saiyin princes, standing less then 5 feet apart, back strait, icy blue eyes scrutinizing each other. Videl looked at both lavender-haired saiyin and her mind provided her with only one comment: This, is going to be ugly.

Trunks looked at his counterpart with critical eye. Frankly, he didn't look like much. Black cargo pants that looked a little bit to huge for him, black boots that looked worm out, black tank top that looked this time to small, a sleeveless purple jacket with the CC logo that in Trunks humble opinion was down right ugly. Two metal belts placed low on his hips. One of the belt having a metal case containing some capsule on his right hips, the other belt holding a small knife well better yet a butcher knife by the size of it. He had a black spiky shocker on his neck, black wrist band on each of his arm and what looked like a watch on his right one. His long air was hold by a hair band low on his neck although some of it was out and was framing his face.

And to finish the picture, the he had his traditional sword behind his back. All and all, he looked like a punk on the street who happen to have super saiyin strength and power. In other word, a wannabe saiyin.

With his blue jean, black tank top, black boot and his short hair, he looked like a younger and more innocent version of himself.

He hated him, Bura despises him and Goten was amazed.

Mirai-Trunks smiled I'm already enjoying my new family.

For a while, Mirai-Trunks stayed behind looking at everyone. He was so happy to see them like that. It had been a long time since he saw them all. His family, Gohan family and even other family member like Goten and Bura that weren't born in his time. It was kind of refreshing seeing them hug each other and cry in joy. Even Trunks and Vegeta were showing a hint of emotion. Thing must have been very rough for them also. But there were people missing. Like his grandparent.

It seems that the Medusa had taken them also. Even if there were far away I should have felt them. And its seem that there are not the only one missing. It felt too much like home. Strange, it seem that they were destined to be killed, seem that faith a no future for them. He looked at each father, at Goku and Gohan. There had also perished. Do that mean that destiny have decided to kill them? But then since when do I abide by destiny.

The smirk Mirai-Trunks wore raised a few eyebrows. Before any word could be said, the reminder of the other people (Bulma and Chichi) finally notice the return of they loved one and run out outside to great then.

As soon as Chichi saw Goku she run to him, cling to his arm and begin crying. She had tried to be strong for the children, strong for Bulma and Videl, but all her good intention went out the window as she saw his smiling face. Burrowing her face in his chest, she begin telling him what happened and to the shocked traveled the tale of the meaningless destructions was revive before they very eyes.

What they had witness in the future earth has begun in they own home and they knew where it was headed: Toward total obliteration. The silence that followed the appalling tale was earsplitting.

Finally, it was Goten who notice it. The first who spot the error, the first who realize that the horror that they had witness there was nothing to the one the other at meet in the future, the first who asked the dreadful question.

"Gohan? Where is Krillin and Piccolo"

Gohan lowered his head, he didn't want to think about that, but he needed to tell them the truth.

"They're gone, they're dead. The Medusa had taken them"

They didn't have to ask who the Medusa was. They didn't have to ask because they knew. They knew that he was the one responsible for all the death in this world and in the other. They knew he was the one who change this armless vacation to something so perilous that two of they friends didn't return.

It was the Medusa who had killed everybody.

 I will not let them take away anybody anymore. I pledge my life on it

Coming to his mother, he took her hold her tight in his arm "do not worry mother, I will not let him kill anybody else. I will keep your safe from fear and arm. I will protect you, I will save you, I will stand by you" hearing the silent his statement brought he raised his head his eye still closed against the image of her mother laying dead in his arm assaulted hid mind.

"I will destroyed it"

Opening his eye he stared at everybody. His green eyes not wavering one bit.

"I will kill him"

@~~|~~@

Sneaked behind Bulma, Vegeta flew over the roof. All this weeping, wailing and yelling was hurting his ears. Besides, standing there, hollering like a possess man, will serve nothing except annoyed the hell out of everybody who were unfortunate to be close enough to heard.  He was sure he splitted an eardrum when the hyena begin bawling her hearth out.

Standing on the roof, he has a good view of the yard. He could see them hugging and consoling each other. As if. They could all fool themselves but he was realist. 

This is just beginning. The tears had just begun.

"Vegeta?"

Goku walked behind the proud prince. As soon as he left, he knew it. He was always aware of were Vegeta was. It had begun when he first landed on earth and it had increase throughout the years, reaching hi peek with the Majin Buu episode.  Even if he had always denied it, he also knew that it was truth, after all, considering the he was the author of the wildest and amazed rescues in all the Z fighter battle, and that could only come from a deep knowledge of his whereabouts. That the reason why, when Vegeta begin changing in the last years he had noticed it and he had hurt him very deeply that he still didn't trust him enough to tell him what was wrong. Then let's not forget about the way he reacted around Chichi.

"Vegeta? Are you all right"

"Of course, why shouldn't I?"

"Well you kind of left in a hurry?"

Vegeta looked at him; even after all this years he couldn't understand him. Some time he was a true pussy: save the world, the earth, the innocent, the weak, the woman, the children, etc. And other time, he just…he just…. Vegeta shake his head. He couldn't find the word. Nevertheless, he was sure a heartless bastard.

I am all right? What kind of idiot would ask that anyways! Turning toward Goku, he looked at him with scorn on his eye. "Tell me, are you all right"

Goku was confused "of course, I'm okay, well I'm a little hungry, but that it. Are you hungry too?"

Vegeta shake is head. A swears, there is no way that he could be a saiyin.

Seeing that Vegeta was not going to talk he decide to change the subject. After all this years living with him, he knew when he was not in the mood for small talk. Beside he had something more important to discuss even tough he was hungry.

Coming closer to him, he faced Vegeta, but he was still looking at the yard where the others were still talking. "Vegeta, we have some problem, ne?"

Vegeta felt on his ass, growling he is such a brain damage moron. Goku looked surprise at him.

"Vegeta are you hurt?"

"Just… just drop it" Kami, how did he even reach adulthood anyway!

"Oh okay."

For a few second they stayed in silence, and then he seated himself next to him. The way they were seated remind him of when they were in the future. He was dying to ask him about what have happened but he knew that he would not say anything but…

"Vegeta, you know we need to talk"

"hn"

Well, he had tried. Briefly, he looked at him; his face was stern, looking at the distant. Then he looked at Chichi down on the ground. He loved her. He loved his wife, he knew it. They had been married  for heu…heu… well a very long time. And he never regretted it, even if by that time he didn't know what was happening. She was always there for him. She gives him food, shelter, make sure he was safe and sound. In fact she treated him like Gohan and Goten. He was always happy to see her. Like grandpa.

As for Vegeta, he liked him like…well he didn't have any comparison. What he was felt for him was a feeling he never felt before. But all this thinking didn't solve the problem of what have happened before when Chichi- no, not Chichi, the Medusa- was sayings all those awful thing about Vegeta. Even now, he could see the hurt in his eye.

But now he couldn't stop thinking about it. If that happens again, who will he chose?

"Which one I will save"

"I have the feeling this decision will be taken out of your hand"

Goku looked at him, taken aback he didn't think that he had spoken aloud, and then what Vegeta said hit him.

This was the first time he heard something like this out of Vegeta mouth. He looked lost as if he couldn't remember where he was then he felt it. The shift, the sensation, the energy of the earth itself was fading away. The earth was dying like in Mirai-Trunks world. The earth was dying and, in time, he will explode.

"Yes Kakarotte, the battle is not won yet, there is something we missing and because of that we are losing" No once didn't he look at him. Not once did his gaze left his sons and his daughter.

"Vegeta, I can't believe we are going to die"

"No we are not going to die, but other yes" he raised his head toward him "we better enjoyed the view, it may be the last time we see them"

Goku looked down at Chichi his small family when he saw them slowly fades away. When he quickly got up everything was normal.

"Vegeta! There way…" He was about to fly away when Vegeta hand hold him and drag him down next to him.

"Focus on the real thing Kakarotte, time to grow up and stop looking at the world as if he was your personnel playground. And not only because it happens to be my, this is real life, better deal with it or all will be lost" His face was so close he could see the fine line in his eye. Then Vegeta, to Goku astonishment, leaned on him, resting his head on his shoulder.

Without a word he hold him closer to him.

I'm losing control fast but I can no longer buried it deep inside like I use too. Even tough I hate this I need him to make sure I don't do something foolish like destroying the earth while I'm still on it. I need the fool, and nobody will prevent me from having it. I will not be denied. He frowned, seeing his Mirai-Trunks hold Chichi and his arm. By no one

In a far away country scream and sobbing could be heard, the Black Mist was extending it shadow, eating, destroying everything in its path for a greater purpose then it own, imitating what it saw to better devastate.

It has no wish, no dream, no ambition, no fear, and only one desire: to do his master wishes and posses only the most basic function to attain it.

Eat.

And as they will know soon enough the Medusa hunger held no limit.

@~~|~~@~~|~~@