(Author's Thanks: Manda-chan, Stormy1x2, animekid, Leaf Zelindor, Happy,
and bachnelkenwurz for reviewing.
Author's Notes: I hope this chapter begins to clear up some of the mystery that was in The Moon Travelers. For the lyrics to the song Trunks thinks about, just search Google.
Warnings: Since the pairing is T/G, there will be shounen ai, slash, homosexual relationships, what have you. If this is not your preference, I would advise not to read this.
Disclaimers: I own none of Toriyama's characters, although I do own Gure, Aldo, Angelo, and Curtis. They, however, will for the most part only be mentioned by Trunks so don't expect our loveable Curt and Angel will have a star appearance. Also, there will be more original characters. Even if I don't like putting them into fics, these ones will be vital to the story.
Enjoy the second chapter of Soul Meets Soul!
~Cinaed)
// "I sought for Love
But Love ran away from me.
I sought my Soul
But my Soul I couldn't see.
Then I sought You,
And I found all three." ~Unknown Author //
"Damn," I muttered as I glanced at my watch. I'd better not be late. I wasn't in the mood to butter up the boss and do any boot-licking. Seele rumbled beneath me, reminding me that after the meeting, I needed to have her scratch fixed.
I zipped down a forlorn road, kicking up dust behind me even as my mind wandered back to the fateful phone call only a few hours ago. Had it really been only yesterday?
. . .
I had been investigating Goten's study when my secret cell phone had begun to ring at full volume. Rather, the melody of Phil Collins' "Find a Way to My Heart" began to play, gathering in volume as my limbs became lead.
Had it really been seven years since I had slipped into the role of Veilchen Reiter and chosen that song tune for the ringing of my cell phone? The other followers still teased me about the song once in a while.
At last, I stumbled towards the bedroom, my mind in a daze. The boss had said I could have a few weeks off, but I had barely had four days to myself before a call.
The song was halfway through when my nerveless fingers fumbled enough to press the talk button on the cell phone. "Yes—yes, sir?" Even to my own ears, I sounded nervous and surprised.
"What, unhappy to hear from me, Veilchen?" The smooth, tenor inquiry in German sent an unconscious tremble through my frame. It really wasn't just one of his assistants. What was so important that he needed to call me without the pretense of barely acknowledging me? "How long will it take you to get to my laboratory near Rome?"
"Near—near Rome, sir? A couple hours." I had been too shocked by his phrasing to make up a lie. 'How long will it take you to get to my laboratory near Rome?' Not, how long would, but how long /will/. Something was definitely up.
"Be here in twenty-four hours. No more, no less." A quiet click filled my shocked ear as my boss hung up as abruptly as always.
Holding the cell phone in front of me with trembling fingers, I acted on pure instinct, and threw the offending object across the room and yelled in sheer frustration.
"Well, fuck!"
. . .
I sighed, feeling my heart miss a beat. He had promised me a few weeks, and to not track me down! Why the hell had I believed him? Then again, the boss /always/ kept his assurances. Of course, his promises were usually death threats.
My knuckles went white as I clenched Seele's handlebars, a sudden thought striking like a blow to my face. Had the boss bothered to check and see who my lover was? I didn't keep myself blissful with ignorance because I knew the man's style. He'd hopefully just assume that I had gotten bored and decided to sleep with a neglected professor at a nearby college.
How would Veilchen Reiter play off this? Biting my lower lip, I half-closed my eyes, easily slipping into my role. Veilchen had almost become a mental alter ego of sorts over the years. He was still cocky, even after all this time. He'd assume that the boss hadn't bothered to check in on him, and would have gone to shack up with an old friend without thinking of the consequences. He wouldn't have been stupid enough to tell the old friend about his job, but he'd accept any punishment with an indignant air. He was too foolish to realize that the boss had known he was Trunks Briefs since he first stepped into the man's realm, so he would shrug and say it was just a friend he had picked up while traveling the world. He'd get punished again for lying, but it would get the boss away from thinking about Goten.
So two punishments to keep Goten out of trouble. They'd hurt (they always did), but hell, I'm a Saiya-jinn. It will only make me stronger. My gaze refocused on the road, and I wondered what the boss had needed me for. Probably to go over something that had occurred during one of the tests?
With a sigh, I finally remembered that my father would be furious at me for turning off the spy recorder. Well, I'm certain he'll forgive me when I tell him that 'Kakarrot's brat' and I have been sleeping together. Shaking my head, I pulled over, Seele spitting up dust in displeasure. With a graceful hand gesture, my helmet was off. A single finger pressed against the inside of my ear, and I murmured, "Dad?" The keyword was accepted, for immediately a roaring filled my ears.
"Brat! Where the hell have you been?" Vegeta sounded furious.
"My boss gave me some time off. Did you really think I could visit you all?" The sardonic whisper was easily detected as I slipped my helmet back on, and sent Seele 'galloping' down the road. "I went to see Goten instead."
"Kakarrot's brat? Why?" The disgust was evident in my father's voice, but I only rolled my eyes.
"You know why, Father." My cool response seemed to shock him, for the Prince of the Saiya-jinn was silent for a few seconds.
"Yes—well, anything new to report?"
"Well, /he/ promised me a couple weeks, and I had about four days instead, so something is definitely up."
"Any idea what?"
I thought back to the conversation in German. "No clue, but I'm going to his laboratory near Rome, if that helps you any."
"Not really," my father grumbled, "but it'll help us try to rescue you if anything goes wrong."
"You know my cover can't be blown, Father. Unless you really think he's going to kill me, don't bother trying to save my sorry ass," I found myself snapping. I'd been beaten almost to death before—I didn't mind as long as all my sacrifices weren't in vain. "Do you think you could have someone keep a close eye on Goten...just in case? I was told I wouldn't be followed, but there's already been the promise of a few weeks that's been shattered so far...."
"I'll have someone watch his place for a couple days." My father paused, and then added with a warning tone, "Don't let yourself get distracted over 'Kakarot's brat,' boy."
I couldn't help but be a little amused at that. How could Goten not distract me? He'd been like a ghost, lingering at the corner of my ever- waking thoughts ever since I'd knocked him unconscious and run away from college. Still, I had to admit that the Prince of the Saiya-jinn had a point: I could not allow myself to daydream about Goten during a critical moment. "I won't, Dad. Don't worry."
I heard what was probably a disbelieving snort, but chose not to respond to it, instead focusing on a sharp turn I was in the midst of making. Gravel rocketed into the air behind me, propelled by Seele as I surged down the road towards my destination. Why did I get the feeling it was going to be a very long day?
~*~
"You were an hour away from being late," was the first thing he said to me as I entered the laboratory. He continued to speak in the language of the people that were from a country once known as Prussia.
I offered him an apologetic look and a low bow to the floor. "My apologies, sir. The Italians are insane drivers." That was partly true. I'd had to avoid a head-on twice due to the incompetence of two tour bus drivers.
He waved a careless hand as if to shoo away my excuse. "Nevertheless, we have more important things to discuss." He paused, and then actually smiled. The brilliant smile lit up his features and made him something akin to handsome. "We've discovered how to wield the weapon, Veilchen."
For a moment, I stared, certain that I had misheard them. Then an icy dagger of fear began to slip between my ribs towards my pounding heart as I realized what he had said. "R-Really, sir? That's wonderful!" I tried to make my voice as enthusiastic as possible, praying that he wouldn't hear the initial wobble of my words.
"Yes, we've finally discovered the key." This was said proudly. "Now all we need is a test subject."
I swallowed, the invisible knife burrowing deeper into my frame as panic sent tremors through my frame. A test subject? Well, he had Trunks Briefs right in front of him.... It all became clear what he would do now. Stun me with one of his weapons, and then chain me to a chair...and then use The Weapon on me. Then I'd be dead, and Goten would be in danger, and everything would be lost.
"We'll have to find one of the weaker Saiya-jinn to test it on. Perhaps one of the females. They don't seem to be able to harness as much power as the males do," he commented mildly, throwing me back into the present.
The idea of Bra or Pan being captured and murdered made my blood run cold, but at least my father could hear the conversation over the communicator and would make certain that they were both protected.
"That would probably be best, sir," I agreed, attempting to make my tone casual. "Might I be able to see the weapon?"
"Not yet." Now he seemed almost amused, a smirk curving his lips. "Be patient, my precious Veilchen." He motioned me closer, and I obeyed until we were face-to-face. His eyes burned into mine, and he questioned softly, "Are you pleased, Veilchen? Soon all the Saiya-jinn will be dead."
Veilchen Reiter, still struggling to pretend he wasn't Trunks Briefs, opened my mouth and spoke with an indifferent but slightly strained tone, "Yes, sir, I'm quite pleased, and honored that you've given me the chance to be here."
He smiled at that, reaching out a gloved hand to caress the side of my face. As I fought old instincts that screamed that only Goten should be able to touch me, he spoke softly. "Veilchen, this is a momentous occasion. Do you know how long I've waited for this day? Do you realize how many years I've longed for all of Saiya-jinn to be exterminated from the universe?"
"A-a very long time," I whispered before his mouth was pressed hard against mine. For a moment I tensed, remembering Goten's soft, eager kisses, and then I leaned into the man's mouth, giving in as I had for so many years. As his hands drew me closer, I let my body arch into his and fall back into the memory of the first time this vile, hateful creature had touched me.
. . .
I hovered uncertainly before the mahogany door, feeling my heart pound erratically in my chest. My father had explained everything to me of course about this man, well, this alien, who was out to destroy all the Saiya- jinn. He hadn't mentioned why, of course, and had left me to wonder.
So now I was expected to be a spy, one who would risk his life every day for a family who had tried to force me to become Capsule Corp. president. Well, that had been mostly Mother, but I knew she'd die if Father and Bra were ever massacred.
Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and knocked on the door. Two quick raps, a pause, and then three more loud raps. There was a pause, and then a powerful, baritone voice called, "Come in!"
Feeling sweat break out on my brow, I entered, flicking imaginary dust off my brand-new, pale blue suit. A step into the room revealed that I was in a large, spacious area, with long, rectangular table made of the same mahogany as the door. The walls were white but so covered with various paintings that it didn't matter the original color. I dared to glance at the nearest one, and saw the disturbing image of a golden warrior being placed on a pyre while his family wept. Why did I get the feeling that that golden warrior represented a Saiya-jinn warrior?
From the farther end of the table, that powerful baritone voice spoke again. "Close the door behind you and come sit by me."
I obeyed, letting my feet walk me towards the man who wanted to eliminate all the Saiya-jinn in the universe. As I came closer, I studied this hater of my kind. He didn't look dangerous. He looked like a simple, middle-aged human, with strands of white falling down to his shoulders. There seemed to be highlights of saffron in those strands. His eyes were a clear, intelligent gold that seemed to be also molten. There were a few creases on his sharp features, which had been the reason I'd thought him middle-aged. However, even as I gazed at him, my father's voice began drifting back to my ear, "He may seem fairly young, brat, but he is older than you could ever guess. His people just have incredibly long life-spans.... Unfortunately."
His full lips curved into an amused smile during my inspection. "So, you are Veilchen Reiter."
"Yes, sir." I sat down in one of the leather chairs, instinctively relaxing into the softness that seemed to envelop me.
"You no doubt know who I am, but let me introduce myself. I am Fanui, Fanui Laudator." He extended a hand that had carefully trimmed nails and long, graceful fingers.
I accepted the hand, and we shook as our hello. I managed a pleasant enough smile, because he did seem genial, for all my father's warnings. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Laudator."
We stopped shaking hands, but he kept his grip on my wrist, his golden eyes regarding me thoughtfully. "Please, just call me sir. Mr. Laudator is what my servants call me," he said after a moment, an odd smile quirking his lips.
"Yes, sir."
Still not releasing my hand, his gaze continued to roam my face in a pensive manner, even as he spoke cheerfully, "Well, introductions have been made, and I've already looked over your resume. Very impressive, might I add. I think you'll be able to aid us greatly in this experiment."
"I certainly hope I can, sir," I said quietly, fighting back bile at the traitorous words that tripped off my tongue. Why was he still holding my hand? I resisted the urge to yank my hand away from his firm grasp, and instead gazed steadily at him, waiting for whatever was going to happen next.
At that point, he smiled. "You know, you do remind me of someone, Veilchen."
Feigning mild interest, I raised an eyebrow and said, "Really, sir? Who?"
"Trunks Briefs." His molten gold eyes held an odd gleam at that point as they bore into mine.
I swallowed, feeling my heart skip a beat before recalling my father's instructions. At last, I managed a flustered smile. "You mean that heir of Capsule Corp. who vanished? Yeah, people say I look like him."
"You two could be almost twins," Fanui murmured, his grip tightening on my hand. In that moment, I knew that he knew who exactly who I was. Oh well, that was all according to plan. I would be Trunks Briefs, who was stupid enough to think he could fool anyone into thinking he was Veilchen Reiter, and who was desperate enough against revenge upon his family to kill them all.
"People say that a lot," I commented in a slightly aggrieved tone. "Although I think I'd rather not. After all, he got kidnapped, didn't he?"
"Some say he ran away."
I gave a mock-shrug at that. "Why would someone who was heir to a fortune run away?"
"Only Trunks Briefs knows, I'm afraid," Fanui said, lifting my wrist from the table. His molten eyes glimmered with some indefinable emotion, and then his lips brushed my palm. As I stiffened in shock, the man smiled a little and murmured, "Yes, Veilchen, I think you will be able to aid us greatly in this research...."
. . .
His powerful hands shoved me against his desk with enough painful force to bring me back to present, and I opened my eyes to see that molten gaze gleaming with lust and smugness.
"Soon, my lovely Veilchen...." Fanui fairly purred the word as his lean frame pressed against mine. "Soon, all the unworthy Saiya-jinn will dead, and I will be at peace." His lips covered mine before I could respond, and I moved into the kiss, banishing thoughts of Goten's shocked face if he could see me now.
I was doing this to save them all, after all.
(To be continued)
Author's Notes: I hope this chapter begins to clear up some of the mystery that was in The Moon Travelers. For the lyrics to the song Trunks thinks about, just search Google.
Warnings: Since the pairing is T/G, there will be shounen ai, slash, homosexual relationships, what have you. If this is not your preference, I would advise not to read this.
Disclaimers: I own none of Toriyama's characters, although I do own Gure, Aldo, Angelo, and Curtis. They, however, will for the most part only be mentioned by Trunks so don't expect our loveable Curt and Angel will have a star appearance. Also, there will be more original characters. Even if I don't like putting them into fics, these ones will be vital to the story.
Enjoy the second chapter of Soul Meets Soul!
~Cinaed)
// "I sought for Love
But Love ran away from me.
I sought my Soul
But my Soul I couldn't see.
Then I sought You,
And I found all three." ~Unknown Author //
"Damn," I muttered as I glanced at my watch. I'd better not be late. I wasn't in the mood to butter up the boss and do any boot-licking. Seele rumbled beneath me, reminding me that after the meeting, I needed to have her scratch fixed.
I zipped down a forlorn road, kicking up dust behind me even as my mind wandered back to the fateful phone call only a few hours ago. Had it really been only yesterday?
. . .
I had been investigating Goten's study when my secret cell phone had begun to ring at full volume. Rather, the melody of Phil Collins' "Find a Way to My Heart" began to play, gathering in volume as my limbs became lead.
Had it really been seven years since I had slipped into the role of Veilchen Reiter and chosen that song tune for the ringing of my cell phone? The other followers still teased me about the song once in a while.
At last, I stumbled towards the bedroom, my mind in a daze. The boss had said I could have a few weeks off, but I had barely had four days to myself before a call.
The song was halfway through when my nerveless fingers fumbled enough to press the talk button on the cell phone. "Yes—yes, sir?" Even to my own ears, I sounded nervous and surprised.
"What, unhappy to hear from me, Veilchen?" The smooth, tenor inquiry in German sent an unconscious tremble through my frame. It really wasn't just one of his assistants. What was so important that he needed to call me without the pretense of barely acknowledging me? "How long will it take you to get to my laboratory near Rome?"
"Near—near Rome, sir? A couple hours." I had been too shocked by his phrasing to make up a lie. 'How long will it take you to get to my laboratory near Rome?' Not, how long would, but how long /will/. Something was definitely up.
"Be here in twenty-four hours. No more, no less." A quiet click filled my shocked ear as my boss hung up as abruptly as always.
Holding the cell phone in front of me with trembling fingers, I acted on pure instinct, and threw the offending object across the room and yelled in sheer frustration.
"Well, fuck!"
. . .
I sighed, feeling my heart miss a beat. He had promised me a few weeks, and to not track me down! Why the hell had I believed him? Then again, the boss /always/ kept his assurances. Of course, his promises were usually death threats.
My knuckles went white as I clenched Seele's handlebars, a sudden thought striking like a blow to my face. Had the boss bothered to check and see who my lover was? I didn't keep myself blissful with ignorance because I knew the man's style. He'd hopefully just assume that I had gotten bored and decided to sleep with a neglected professor at a nearby college.
How would Veilchen Reiter play off this? Biting my lower lip, I half-closed my eyes, easily slipping into my role. Veilchen had almost become a mental alter ego of sorts over the years. He was still cocky, even after all this time. He'd assume that the boss hadn't bothered to check in on him, and would have gone to shack up with an old friend without thinking of the consequences. He wouldn't have been stupid enough to tell the old friend about his job, but he'd accept any punishment with an indignant air. He was too foolish to realize that the boss had known he was Trunks Briefs since he first stepped into the man's realm, so he would shrug and say it was just a friend he had picked up while traveling the world. He'd get punished again for lying, but it would get the boss away from thinking about Goten.
So two punishments to keep Goten out of trouble. They'd hurt (they always did), but hell, I'm a Saiya-jinn. It will only make me stronger. My gaze refocused on the road, and I wondered what the boss had needed me for. Probably to go over something that had occurred during one of the tests?
With a sigh, I finally remembered that my father would be furious at me for turning off the spy recorder. Well, I'm certain he'll forgive me when I tell him that 'Kakarrot's brat' and I have been sleeping together. Shaking my head, I pulled over, Seele spitting up dust in displeasure. With a graceful hand gesture, my helmet was off. A single finger pressed against the inside of my ear, and I murmured, "Dad?" The keyword was accepted, for immediately a roaring filled my ears.
"Brat! Where the hell have you been?" Vegeta sounded furious.
"My boss gave me some time off. Did you really think I could visit you all?" The sardonic whisper was easily detected as I slipped my helmet back on, and sent Seele 'galloping' down the road. "I went to see Goten instead."
"Kakarrot's brat? Why?" The disgust was evident in my father's voice, but I only rolled my eyes.
"You know why, Father." My cool response seemed to shock him, for the Prince of the Saiya-jinn was silent for a few seconds.
"Yes—well, anything new to report?"
"Well, /he/ promised me a couple weeks, and I had about four days instead, so something is definitely up."
"Any idea what?"
I thought back to the conversation in German. "No clue, but I'm going to his laboratory near Rome, if that helps you any."
"Not really," my father grumbled, "but it'll help us try to rescue you if anything goes wrong."
"You know my cover can't be blown, Father. Unless you really think he's going to kill me, don't bother trying to save my sorry ass," I found myself snapping. I'd been beaten almost to death before—I didn't mind as long as all my sacrifices weren't in vain. "Do you think you could have someone keep a close eye on Goten...just in case? I was told I wouldn't be followed, but there's already been the promise of a few weeks that's been shattered so far...."
"I'll have someone watch his place for a couple days." My father paused, and then added with a warning tone, "Don't let yourself get distracted over 'Kakarot's brat,' boy."
I couldn't help but be a little amused at that. How could Goten not distract me? He'd been like a ghost, lingering at the corner of my ever- waking thoughts ever since I'd knocked him unconscious and run away from college. Still, I had to admit that the Prince of the Saiya-jinn had a point: I could not allow myself to daydream about Goten during a critical moment. "I won't, Dad. Don't worry."
I heard what was probably a disbelieving snort, but chose not to respond to it, instead focusing on a sharp turn I was in the midst of making. Gravel rocketed into the air behind me, propelled by Seele as I surged down the road towards my destination. Why did I get the feeling it was going to be a very long day?
~*~
"You were an hour away from being late," was the first thing he said to me as I entered the laboratory. He continued to speak in the language of the people that were from a country once known as Prussia.
I offered him an apologetic look and a low bow to the floor. "My apologies, sir. The Italians are insane drivers." That was partly true. I'd had to avoid a head-on twice due to the incompetence of two tour bus drivers.
He waved a careless hand as if to shoo away my excuse. "Nevertheless, we have more important things to discuss." He paused, and then actually smiled. The brilliant smile lit up his features and made him something akin to handsome. "We've discovered how to wield the weapon, Veilchen."
For a moment, I stared, certain that I had misheard them. Then an icy dagger of fear began to slip between my ribs towards my pounding heart as I realized what he had said. "R-Really, sir? That's wonderful!" I tried to make my voice as enthusiastic as possible, praying that he wouldn't hear the initial wobble of my words.
"Yes, we've finally discovered the key." This was said proudly. "Now all we need is a test subject."
I swallowed, the invisible knife burrowing deeper into my frame as panic sent tremors through my frame. A test subject? Well, he had Trunks Briefs right in front of him.... It all became clear what he would do now. Stun me with one of his weapons, and then chain me to a chair...and then use The Weapon on me. Then I'd be dead, and Goten would be in danger, and everything would be lost.
"We'll have to find one of the weaker Saiya-jinn to test it on. Perhaps one of the females. They don't seem to be able to harness as much power as the males do," he commented mildly, throwing me back into the present.
The idea of Bra or Pan being captured and murdered made my blood run cold, but at least my father could hear the conversation over the communicator and would make certain that they were both protected.
"That would probably be best, sir," I agreed, attempting to make my tone casual. "Might I be able to see the weapon?"
"Not yet." Now he seemed almost amused, a smirk curving his lips. "Be patient, my precious Veilchen." He motioned me closer, and I obeyed until we were face-to-face. His eyes burned into mine, and he questioned softly, "Are you pleased, Veilchen? Soon all the Saiya-jinn will be dead."
Veilchen Reiter, still struggling to pretend he wasn't Trunks Briefs, opened my mouth and spoke with an indifferent but slightly strained tone, "Yes, sir, I'm quite pleased, and honored that you've given me the chance to be here."
He smiled at that, reaching out a gloved hand to caress the side of my face. As I fought old instincts that screamed that only Goten should be able to touch me, he spoke softly. "Veilchen, this is a momentous occasion. Do you know how long I've waited for this day? Do you realize how many years I've longed for all of Saiya-jinn to be exterminated from the universe?"
"A-a very long time," I whispered before his mouth was pressed hard against mine. For a moment I tensed, remembering Goten's soft, eager kisses, and then I leaned into the man's mouth, giving in as I had for so many years. As his hands drew me closer, I let my body arch into his and fall back into the memory of the first time this vile, hateful creature had touched me.
. . .
I hovered uncertainly before the mahogany door, feeling my heart pound erratically in my chest. My father had explained everything to me of course about this man, well, this alien, who was out to destroy all the Saiya- jinn. He hadn't mentioned why, of course, and had left me to wonder.
So now I was expected to be a spy, one who would risk his life every day for a family who had tried to force me to become Capsule Corp. president. Well, that had been mostly Mother, but I knew she'd die if Father and Bra were ever massacred.
Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and knocked on the door. Two quick raps, a pause, and then three more loud raps. There was a pause, and then a powerful, baritone voice called, "Come in!"
Feeling sweat break out on my brow, I entered, flicking imaginary dust off my brand-new, pale blue suit. A step into the room revealed that I was in a large, spacious area, with long, rectangular table made of the same mahogany as the door. The walls were white but so covered with various paintings that it didn't matter the original color. I dared to glance at the nearest one, and saw the disturbing image of a golden warrior being placed on a pyre while his family wept. Why did I get the feeling that that golden warrior represented a Saiya-jinn warrior?
From the farther end of the table, that powerful baritone voice spoke again. "Close the door behind you and come sit by me."
I obeyed, letting my feet walk me towards the man who wanted to eliminate all the Saiya-jinn in the universe. As I came closer, I studied this hater of my kind. He didn't look dangerous. He looked like a simple, middle-aged human, with strands of white falling down to his shoulders. There seemed to be highlights of saffron in those strands. His eyes were a clear, intelligent gold that seemed to be also molten. There were a few creases on his sharp features, which had been the reason I'd thought him middle-aged. However, even as I gazed at him, my father's voice began drifting back to my ear, "He may seem fairly young, brat, but he is older than you could ever guess. His people just have incredibly long life-spans.... Unfortunately."
His full lips curved into an amused smile during my inspection. "So, you are Veilchen Reiter."
"Yes, sir." I sat down in one of the leather chairs, instinctively relaxing into the softness that seemed to envelop me.
"You no doubt know who I am, but let me introduce myself. I am Fanui, Fanui Laudator." He extended a hand that had carefully trimmed nails and long, graceful fingers.
I accepted the hand, and we shook as our hello. I managed a pleasant enough smile, because he did seem genial, for all my father's warnings. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Laudator."
We stopped shaking hands, but he kept his grip on my wrist, his golden eyes regarding me thoughtfully. "Please, just call me sir. Mr. Laudator is what my servants call me," he said after a moment, an odd smile quirking his lips.
"Yes, sir."
Still not releasing my hand, his gaze continued to roam my face in a pensive manner, even as he spoke cheerfully, "Well, introductions have been made, and I've already looked over your resume. Very impressive, might I add. I think you'll be able to aid us greatly in this experiment."
"I certainly hope I can, sir," I said quietly, fighting back bile at the traitorous words that tripped off my tongue. Why was he still holding my hand? I resisted the urge to yank my hand away from his firm grasp, and instead gazed steadily at him, waiting for whatever was going to happen next.
At that point, he smiled. "You know, you do remind me of someone, Veilchen."
Feigning mild interest, I raised an eyebrow and said, "Really, sir? Who?"
"Trunks Briefs." His molten gold eyes held an odd gleam at that point as they bore into mine.
I swallowed, feeling my heart skip a beat before recalling my father's instructions. At last, I managed a flustered smile. "You mean that heir of Capsule Corp. who vanished? Yeah, people say I look like him."
"You two could be almost twins," Fanui murmured, his grip tightening on my hand. In that moment, I knew that he knew who exactly who I was. Oh well, that was all according to plan. I would be Trunks Briefs, who was stupid enough to think he could fool anyone into thinking he was Veilchen Reiter, and who was desperate enough against revenge upon his family to kill them all.
"People say that a lot," I commented in a slightly aggrieved tone. "Although I think I'd rather not. After all, he got kidnapped, didn't he?"
"Some say he ran away."
I gave a mock-shrug at that. "Why would someone who was heir to a fortune run away?"
"Only Trunks Briefs knows, I'm afraid," Fanui said, lifting my wrist from the table. His molten eyes glimmered with some indefinable emotion, and then his lips brushed my palm. As I stiffened in shock, the man smiled a little and murmured, "Yes, Veilchen, I think you will be able to aid us greatly in this research...."
. . .
His powerful hands shoved me against his desk with enough painful force to bring me back to present, and I opened my eyes to see that molten gaze gleaming with lust and smugness.
"Soon, my lovely Veilchen...." Fanui fairly purred the word as his lean frame pressed against mine. "Soon, all the unworthy Saiya-jinn will dead, and I will be at peace." His lips covered mine before I could respond, and I moved into the kiss, banishing thoughts of Goten's shocked face if he could see me now.
I was doing this to save them all, after all.
(To be continued)
