Author's notes: If there are spacing problems please let me know where they are. I can't seem to find them. Also please let me know if the paragraphs are too long. Thanks for the reviews so far. Please keep leaving them and pointing out the problems where they appear.
Disclaimer: DB/DBZ/DBGT belong to Toriyama and other rich Japanese guys, not me.
A Brief Moment in Time
Chapter 10: Encountering the Past
Capsule Corporation…
On the next day the sun shone brightly down on Capsule Compound. The large bubble like building was awash in activity. Caterers and workers were frantically making last minute fixes in preparation for the arrival of all the dignitaries that would be attending. Bulma, as always, had meticulously planned out everything. She even had a table set aside where Goku could eat all that he wanted by himself, away from the rest of the VIP's. She had thought about not inviting Goku and Chichi because of potential problems but then that would have offended Videl. As a member of the planetary parliament and the daughter of the hero Mr. Satan, Videl was incredibly influential. Bulma was not about to jeopardize her contacts over an invitation.
At exactly six o' clock people started arriving en masse. The Prime Minister of Chikyuu, himself, was the first to greet Bulma at the gates of the compound and enter. Cabinet Ministers, Industrialists, Parliamentary Members, and other influential people followed him into the compound. Everyone was immaculately dressed. The men all wore tuxedos of the finest thread. The women wore the latest, most expensive fashions. It was, after all, a who's who party. However, most of all everyone wanted to impress the Duke de Sirrus. He was, after all, one of the most powerful men in the northern half of the Galaxy. His good favor could break or make a man and his status as a bachelor also made every eligible female in attendance, and some non-eligible ones, fantasize about the possibility of ensnaring him in their charms.
Within a few minutes people were already mingling with each other. Introductions were being made, and connections as well. The food that was placed around was being dabbled in, but, most of all, people were wondering where the Duke was. Only a few people knew what he looked like, and even fewer had ever spoken to him in person.
"Mom!" Trunks' voice came through the crowd. He was tall and extremely well dressed. His shoulders were broad, and his eyes were the color of charcoal. His fine black hair was combed back. "Has Videl arrived? I need to speak to her about some business matters."
"I don't know Trunks. I've been kind of busy," breathed Bulma in an exasperated tone. Her son, just like his father, never helped around with anything. She had seen them having a grand ol' time with the boys while she ran around making sure everything was perfect-the food, the lighting, the atmosphere, and even the conversations.
"Oh… well if you see her tell her I'm looking for her," he smiled completely missing his mother's dilemma. "Talk to you later."
Bulma just watched her son rejoin his polo buddies for more drinks. Boys will be boys, she thought ruefully.
At about 6:40, as the dinner was already getting underway, a black limo pulled up at the gates of Capsule Compound. The driver stopped the car and walked around and opened the door. The first person to get out was Videl. The rest of the Sons followed her. All of them were dressed accordingly, although it was very bizarre to see Goku in a Tuxedo. Both Chichi and Videl were dressed for their parts, as well as Gohan. Goten on the other hand wore something completely different. He was wearing a black cloak around his body that completely concealed what was underneath. The cloak itself was not completely conspicuous, for the most part it looked like an overly large black shirt.
They walked over to the two guards that were checking identification at the gate. Videl passed along their identification cards and waited patiently for them to be cleared. She hated being late but apparently Goten had been caught up doing something or another. The outfit he was wearing was absolutely ridiculous as well. She was caught between mild irritation and amusement. She was sure that he would embarrass her one way or the other. Oh well… Goku and Goten, what can you do? she thought affectionately and couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"What's so funny?" asked Goten as he walked up.
"I was just thinking about your absurd outfit. What do you have on under that cloak?" she asked.
"Nothing," winked Goten at her playfully.
Videl just laughed. "Oh Goten, you and your father are going to embarrass the hell out of me tonight." She walked up to him and gave him a hug. "But its great to have you back you know. There's nothing like having our family together."
Goten looked around at the other members of his family who were all smiling at him. He had always loved coming home incognito. His family loved him just for him. He wasn't the Duke, a confidant of the Emperor, one of the most powerful or wealthiest men in the empire. He was just Son Goten and that was enough for them. For a man who had to deal with flattering syncopates every day, that love was priceless.
"Minister Satan, your passes are clear, but there are only four of them," said the Guard to Videl nervously. He didn't really want to offend Videl, but his orders came directly from his employer.
"Videl… go on ahead. I have my pass and I have to meet someone," said Goten as he patted down his non-existent pockets.
"You sure Goten? And who?" asked Videl in both concern and curiosity.
"Definitely and I'll introduce him the moment he gets here."
"Ok…" Videl's quizzical look made Goten shiver. She was too smart for her own good. He remembered that, while is brother was a clueless intellectual genius, his sister-in-law's keen mind was nothing to take for granted either. In fact, she was one of the craftiest people he knew.
Goten waited until they were a few meters down and almost out of earshot. He pulled out his card and handed it to the guard. He stood there patiently watching the guard run the card through the machine again and again with amusement.
"Uhhh… Llllordship?"
"Yes?" said, Goten with a bemused look.
"Please go through, Lordship."
Goten nodded. As he stepped through the entranceway he noticed that someone was waiting for him.
"Hideyoshi," he greeted with a nod.
"M'lord… I felt your ki and came out to warn you that it's not pretty in there. Lots of scheming politicians and the like. I'd rather face down one of Cooler's elite purge squads."
Goten laughed. "Thanks Hashiba," he told his right hand man, "I already figured on that. It's a Briefs party after all."
"I thought your family were friends with them," said Vice Admiral Hashiba Hideyoshi, as he walked with the Duke towards the main building where the party was being held.
"My family is. I detest them," said Goten flatly.
Hideyoshi nodded. He could understand why. He hated pretentious families with airs as well, especially those who lorded it over others.
"Who put me on this damn list for the party anyway?" asked Goten as they entered the main hall. He looked around and saw hundreds of people standing and talking. Everyone was dressed to the nines and blabbing about some sort of matter that they thought was important, or would impress the people who they were speaking too.
"You did m'lord. Something along the lines of 'I'll do only one social visit, don't tell me anything about it, just when and where'. I think those were your exact words to Joffrey."
"He knew about the Briefs though… I'll skin him alive when I get back," muttered Goten. "Alive I tell you!"
The Admiral just laughed. The two walked into the main reception hall together. Goten was about to make another comment, when he noticed a familiar face approach them.
"Admiral Hideyoshi," greeted Bulma as she walked up to him. Goten specifically noted that she greeted the Admiral first. It caused him a bit of amusement. "How do you do?"
"I am well… Mrs. Briefs. I must say that you look wonderful tonight," lied the Admiral in the most flattering terms possible. Bulma was fifty plus years old and still attempted to flirt with everyone. Not only that, but anyone could tell that she had had cosmetic surgery. If that weren't enough, she had at least a bucket of makeup on.
"Thank you Admiral… It's the dress. I bought it specifically for the Duke. I hope to make a good impression."
Hideyoshi didn't say anything for a minute as his eyes went to Goten waiting for him to say something. The unrecognized Duke just stood patiently in silence with a little amused smile on his face.
"Uhhh… I'm sure he'll be stunned Mrs. Briefs. I'm sure he will," he said, trying to play off the silence as a moment of reflection. "Mrs. Briefs may I introduce you to my D…"
"Bulma," cut in Goten. "It's been a long time."
"Admiral… I've known Goten since he's been a little boy. He's a fine young man and I think it's marvelous that you've taken him under your wing."
Hideyoshi stared at Bulma dumbfounded. "Uhhh… Madame Briefs-"
"Bulma," said Goten as he took her arm, gently but forcibly leading her away from the Admiral. He gave Hideyoshi a pointed look that said, 'Go about your business, and report to me later.' The Admiral took the hint and wandered off.
"Goten… that was very rude. That was an Imperial Admiral for Dende's sake," she chided in a quiet, miffed tone, as they walked arm in arm out of the Admiral's hearing range. "Well… at least you seem to know him pretty well."
"I know the Admiral very well, Bulma."
"At least you are moving in the right direction. Do you think you can introduce Trunks to him later this evening?"
"Sure Bulma… I'll do that for you."
"Thanks Goten… now…"
"Don't worry about me Bulma, I know you have more important people to talk to."
"Well… you are important too Goten. We'll catch up later, ok?" she said in a tone that Goten could tell was insincere.
"Oh, no problem, Bulma. Go make your rounds." Goten snagged a class of wine from a passing waiter and took a sip. He couldn't help chuckle behind Bulma's back as she walked away to talk to other guests. Of course he was important because of his relation to Videl. He had hoped that she might have changed slightly in five years, but it didn't seem so. Shrugging, he walked in and out of a few other circles of people, exchanging pleasantries but not introductions. Just a hello here and a remark there.
Soon Goten was assaulted by the rich aromas of the large quantities of food around him and for him to resist eating was like Master Roshi getting laid. Impossible.
Spotting his father at a huge table at the very edge of the room, he moved to join him. Bulma obviously had put that table there so his father would be out of the way and wouldn't embarrass her. He walked over and sat next to his father and started to eat as well. While doing so he took the time to assess the situation. He only knew the Prime minister, Videl and the Briefs by sight. He watched the various people mingle and talk about the latest fashions, and politics. They didn't realize they were months or even years behind the current trends. He found that really amusing.
"Goten!" came a voice that caused him to cringe.
"Goten… It's great to see you, old friend," said Trunks as he came up. He stopped and looked disparagingly at Goten's outfit, a frown forming on his handsome face. "What are you wearing Goten? That's really not appropriate for a party like this. If you want I have a few tuxes that will fit you, I'm sure."
"No thanks, Trunks," replied Goten as politely as he could, "How have you been?"
"Well… I'm about to get married, you know. I must introduce you to her… after all you've known her for a long time."
"I heard… And just who is the lucky lady?" asked Goten curiously.
Trunks looked around him for a moment, and then his face twisted in anger. "That ungrateful bitch," he seethed, "She knows how important this party is and I specifically told her not to be beyond my line of sight just in case I needed to introduce her to people. How she infuriates me sometimes!"
"Trunks, relax," said Goten. He wasn't sure why anyone would want to marry Trunks except for the money and, in that case, the woman got exactly what she deserved. "I'm sure she just went to the bathroom or something."
Trunks just looked at Goten as if he had no idea what he was talking about. "You'll learn one day Goten, that image is very important. Understand that a man's woman is part of his image. Look at your brother and Videl. Then again politics is not really for the Sons, is it?"
Goten just put on the Son grin. "Heh, that's why we have Videl," he remarked wryly. It was as if he were 10 years old again. It never failed to amuse him that because he had been so naïve as a child that people would automatically assume that he was still clueless in the ways of the world.
"Let me introduce you to some people, Goten. Try not to embarrass me, ok?" Trunks put extra emphasis on the word try and embarrass.
"Sure. I could use a few introductions," he replied, as he followed Trunks through the crowd expecting Trunks to lead him to the biggest, most unimportant flops in the place. He chuckled to himself when Trunks led him to a group of twenty-year olds and teenagers who gathered together because no one else wanted to talk to them. Most of them were invited as a token gesture or were dragged along by parents or husbands of minor dignitaries.
"Gentlemen, Ladies…" Trunks dwelt on the word ladies, and basked from the admiration he saw in the young ladies' eyes and jealousy in the men's. After all, he was an elite member of Chikyuu society and these were just kids of nobodies. Of course they should swoon in his presence. "This is my friend Goten, I leave him in your care."
Goten chuckled inwardly again as he watched Trunks scurry away from the kids as quickly as he could, obviously not wanting to be seen associating with such low figures. He sat down and allowed his other persona to come forth. He looked at the people around him and they all seemed to be bored. No one was talking, and there seemed to be resentment that they were even here. When he sat down with them, he saw several people glancing his way. Finally a young man asked him, "You're friends with Trunks Briefs?"
"We were friends when we were kids. Our families are acquainted," he said.
The young man laughed. "So he pawned you off here. Social responsibilities done and that's that? Huh? What a prick." The youngster shook his head and fell silent again.
"What is your name," asked Goten to the young twenty something man. He was young, but well built. Goten could tell that he had been through some military training and that's why he chose to start off with him. His voice expected answer and the boy who was just expecting another flop was taken aback.
"Ummm… Hamilton."
"You serve?" asked Goten .
"Yah?"
"What's your rank in the military, Hamilton?"
Again, the boy was taken aback. This was the first time anyone had shown any interest in him at all. "I'm a Captain of the Chikyuu Defense Force."
"That's a pretty great accomplishment for someone your age," Goten complimented.
"The CDF is just a bunch of lazy kids whose parents put them in through political influence," snickered a pretty girl of about the same age.
"It is for most people, but I worked hard for my rank," Hamilton shot back.
"Explain, your comment," Goten directed the young girl. Again his voice was one to be obeyed. It was a noble's voice and soon the young people around him found themselves in a heated debate about the status of the Chikyuu armed forces. Goten found it quite enlightening to hear several of the young officers bemoan the current state of affairs. It seemed that the young girl that had snickered originally also had served but had left because she couldn't ever advance since her parents weren't rich enough. After about twenty minutes of listening to their arguments and counter-arguments, he was pretty impressed with all of them.
"Have you served in the military?" came the question from another young man.
"Yes, I've served in the Imperial military for quite some time now. Almost fifteen years."
"No way! You don't look to be any older than us."
"I'm a wee bit over thirty," smiled Goten.
"Really? Where are you stationed?" asked the young girl.
"I serve at Sirrus Four."
"With the Duke?"
"Yes. A lot of you seem to be a bit discontent here. Why don't you enlist in the Imperial Services?" said Goten seemingly brushing off that fact, "Many from Chikyuu do."
"You need a noble sponsor from the Imperium to do so and not many have a noble sponsor. It's also why I'm here tonight. If I'm lucky I'll be able to speak to the Duke and maybe I can get a sponsorship. I hear his people are mostly human and it takes real talent to be someone, not just who your parents are," said Hamilton.
"Yeah… but it doesn't look like the Duke is showing," grumbled the girl that had spoken first in a somewhat irritated voice.
"The Duke is already here. Admiral Hideyoshi is here as well and I'll have him come speak to you younglings," smiled Goten, as he rose and bade them farewell leaving behind several bewildered men and women. He quickly found Hideyoshi's ki and moved towards him. Hopefully, his conversation with these potential recruits would make his time here at this party worthwhile.
"Do you think that was the Duke?" whispered the young woman in awe as she watched him walk away.
Hamilton just shook his head as he watched Goten walk over to who he knew to be an Admiral. He saw Goten gesture and the Admiral immediately walk to him. They spoke briefly and then he saw the Admiral walk in their direction. "I… I'm not sure… maybe though," he said somewhere between being mortified at giving his opinions so openly and being awe stricken at the once in a life time opportunity to join Imperial Fleet due to such a chance encounter.
After Goten had sent Hideyoshi to send invitations for all the aspiring officers he went to mingle a bit. It would at least be entertaining for him, but more importantly there were hors d'oeurves to be eaten. Bulma did know how to get the best caterers; sometimes it made these atrocious parties worth going to. He looked over to where his father was and saw that he was still eating. Some of the guests were just staring at him with shock on their faces.
Chuckling, Goten walked into a circle of guests who were laughing at the way Goku was eating. "Quite a sight to behold, wouldn't you say?" he remarked cheerfully.
"Oh indeed," replied a balding man of middle age next to him, "I've never quite seen anything like it. Where does all the food go?" he addressed the question out to the five people standing next to him.
"That is one of the greatest mysteries in the universe," chuckled Goten.
"Excuse me sir… but is that cloak real?" asked a middle aged blonde standing next to the man who Goten had just spoken to.
"I would hope so," replied Goten. She was the first person to notice that there was something symbolic to what he was wearing.
"That's Darken Wool… I've seen it once several years ago when we visited Imperia-sei," exclaimed the woman in awe. "Pardon my rudeness but may I please touch it?"
"Go right ahead," answered Goten in amusement. Darken Wool was perhaps the most expensive material in the universe. It was only found on a distant planet where the gravity was fifty times that of earth. Worse, the wool had to be shaved from gigantic blood sucking llamas that attacked anything that came near them. They were almost impossible to see and were incredibly fast despite the fact that they were llamas. To say the least, acquiring the fabric was a dangerous task. The fabric was virtually impenetrable, but had the touch and feel of cashmere. In the capitol worlds of the Imperium, owning the material was a sign of enormous wealth. Here on Chikyuu, a planet in the boonies, it was doubtful that anyone even owned a single strand of it.
The woman slowly reached out her hand and felt the fabric of Goten's cloak. "It is real… this cloak must be worth half of Capsule Corporation itself. A fortune…"
"A gift from a friend," replied Goten nonchalantly.
"I'm Merideth Littleton, my husband Gregory," she gestured to the man who was still watching Goku eat.
"Count Baldwin of Flanders, and his wife Matilda." She concluded the introductions with the other two people standing with them.
"Lord Sirrus," responded Goten as he extended his hand to shake theirs. He decided he liked these people. It was time to make his debut.
"Well Sirru… excuse me did you just say LORD Sirrus?" responded Baldwin of Flanders.
"Forgive us my lord we didn't… recognize you," gasped an appalled Merideth, "I hope you don't take any offense… we…"
"Think nothing of it Merideth," smiled Goten, "You aren't the only ones who didn't notice. I've been here for an hour or so."
"So, Duke Sirrus. What brings you here to remote Chikyuu?" asked the Count.
"Officially, you will find out soon enough. Unofficially, I'm here to visit my family."
"Oh… nothing quite as important as family, m'lord. As for officially… I'm sure I'll find out soon enough why a large portion of Sixth Fleet is now orbiting the moon," smirked the Count.
"Perceptive Count, you will know in time. Speaking of family." Goten smiled at Videl as she walked up to him with a plate of some sort of wrap.
"Count Baldwin, Countess Flanders," greeted Videl.
"Minister Satan," replied the Count formally.
"Here, try these," said Videl to Goten as she handed the plate to him. She didn't quite notice the look of surprise from the faces of the other guests as she interacted in such a familiar manner with Goten.
"I see you all know my sister in law," he smiled as he took a bite out of the little wrap. The secret was about to be spilled but Goten was at least going to have the surprise of watching Videl's face when she found out.
"Excuse me gentleman, but if I could just borrow my brother here," said Videl gently as she pulled Goten away. She did notice the people whisper furiously to each other as they walked away.
"What did you say to them Goten?" she said to him quietly. She wanted to know so she could do damage control. She loved Goten to death, but she still was a politician.
"Nothing Videl… don't worry about it," he grinned the Son grin at her. "Now where is Yamcha?"
"He's around… I've already spoken to him and Trunks."
"It was very nice of him to say hello to an old friend, don't you think?"
"He's very busy, Goten. Please don't be too hard on him." Videl knew Goten was right but she didn't want his feelings hurt. The Briefs had changed over the years and she had to admit that she had muddled feelings about them. She didn't quite trust them as she had gotten to know them better, despite the fact that they were supposed to be great friends with the Sons.
"It would have taken him less than a minute, he could have spared that. Trunks at least stopped by… even introduced me around."
"Trunks introduced you around?" Videl was shocked. That was not something she would expect from Trunks Briefs at all. He was the quintessential ME man. "Who'd he introduce you to?"
"Those young CDF officers."
"Figures, the bastard wouldn't actually introduce you to someone worthwhile," sneered Videl. "You know, no one knows where the Duke is but rumor has it that he's here. I just haven't seen him. What the hell does he look like, Goten?"
"You already know Videl," smirked Goten. He looked over to where the Prime Minister and the other 'head honchos' were. They were all standing in a circle talking with Admiral Hideyoshi discussing something or another. It was time to get it over with.
"Come on Videl, introduce me to the Prime Minister."
"What Goten?" said Videl as her eyes widened in shock from the request. Unfortunately Goten had already begun walking towards the group. She watched as he unpinned his cloak and flung it over one shoulder before repining it again. At his approach she could see the Prime Minister's eyes lock onto Goten. So did everyone else's in the vicinity. A collective gasp filled the room. Shit Goten. I'm going to kick your ass. The things I put up for you.
Videl walked into the circle quickly ahead of Goten. She noticed that everyone was still looking at Goten and winced. She didn't really want to know what he was wearing under that cloak. He had always been such a jokester.
"Prime Minister Whittlesby, Ministers. May I introduce you to you my brother-in-law, Son Goten," she said. Videl turned as her words came forth and she didn't actually finish her sentence because her mouth stopped moving when she saw what Goten was wearing. Goten's black shirt was made out of the same fabric as his cloak but it was a shade lighter. It was a button up shirt, but each button was pure silver. Gold V's extended from the button upwards to the collar. He had several medals pinned to the shirt on his right breast and the entire outfit glittered in the light. It was the uniform of an Imperial Duke. She was completely flabbergasted and it took her a moment to realize that her mouth was hanging open.
"M'lord Duke," came the chorused greetings from around the circle along with curtseys and bows. Goten was quick enough to realize that Videl was feeling very embarrassed even though no one else had caught on that she had no idea who he was. Not having a death wish, he quickly took her arm in his own and politely greeted everyone.
"Thank you for the introduction, Videl," he said smoothly, "Gentlemen, Videl has told me quite a bit about you all. I'd like to propose a toast. To Chikyuu!"
"To Chikyuu," chorused everyone else.
"Yer going to get it Goten…" he heard Videl threaten as the toast was given.
"You were expecting to be embarrassed so I figured I'd have to do it or you'd be disappointed," he said slyly, putting on a little of that Goten charm. In fact, he was a little jealous of his brother at the moment. He knew that Videl thought that he was about to pull some stunt, but he had seen her, without hesitation, introduce him and claim him as family outright. She hadn't cared that, had he really done something stupid, it could have potentially even caused her to lose her new cabinet position. This was an incredible woman, a worthy one. She was someone he could trust implicitly. Gohan doesn't even realize what he has, he thought ruefully to himself, but at least he appreciates it.
Videl shook her head and let out a little chuckle at Goten's words. How could anyone stay mad at the innocent faced Goten? "We are going to talk later… You and I… got it?"
Goten nodded, held his breath, and then dove into the realm of politics. For the next thirty minutes he sat there, in essence, holding court as all the people in the party began to line up to have simply have the pleasure of shaking his hand.
"M'lord…" came a hesitant voice, which Goten knew to be his brother's. He finished his conversation with some parliament member and then turned to face his family. There stood his brother with anger and hurt in his eyes while his mother looked confused but hurt as well. His father was cheerful as always, for him Goten being a great fighter was much more important than some ridiculous title anyway. As his family began to make the formal greetings, he stepped up and stopped them. "Parents never need to genuflect to their children," he explained as he caught their arms. "Nor should an elder brother."
His brother just looked at him with little change in his expression until Videl whispered something in his ear. "We'll talk about this later Lord… Brother."
Goten's face was made out of marble. He showed no emotion, but simply nodded. It was an enormous piece of self-control because he really was very anxious on the inside. He didn't want to widen the rift between him and his brother more. Gohan took Videl's arm and led her away.
"Son, We're proud of you and most of all welcome home," said his mother.
Goten nodded and took his mother's hand and touched it to his forehead. "It's good to be home," he replied.
The line of people continued to flow and he continued to play the role of the guest of honor. "Goten!" he heard a cry.
"What's this I hear about you bbeeing a Dook. What kind of joke is this?" asked Yamcha Briefs loudly as he walked up, albeit a bit wobbly, to stand in front of Goten.
There was a collective silence. Every conversation in earshot simply died and from there it was like the domino affect. A pin drop could have been heard in the room.
Goten's face was, again, impassive. Not a hint of emotion showed. Had he not been on Chikyuu, he would have turned Yamcha to ash for his impudence on the spot. He couldn't exactly do that here since his father was watching. It would have upset the elder Son greatly to see his son murder someone
Luckily, for Yamcha, Goten held his temper and decided that he didn't need to do anything besides wait for Bulma, who would surely be coming to salvage the situation any second now.
Sure enough she came slicing through the crowd to head off any misadventures. Seeing Goten for the first time since their brief meeting at the entrance her eyes widened slightly. However, Bulma wasn't Yamcha or even Trunks. She was intelligent and crafty. She instantly knew that the situation was loaded and was smart enough to also realize that she needed to humble herself.
"Milord Duke… Forgive my husband. It seems that drink has overcome his senses," she said as she walked up and grabbed Yamcha's arm. She tugged at him only to have him grudgingly move.
Goten didn't say anything. He merely nodded at Bulma in approval and then he simply began to speak to another guest as if she or Yamcha didn't exist. The incident would tarnish the man's reputation greatly, but for Bulma it would probably pan out as even. She would be the poor victim, saddled by an idiotic husband. No one would have guessed that she had sown her own oats.
Another part of the party…
She moved from guest to guest and spoke to each of them like the proper young fiancé that she was suppose to. Trunks had already given her the third degree about not seeing his 'signal' for her to join him. What he didn't realize was that she had purposely avoided his signal. She didn't want HIM to know that she was here. She had her ki suppressed completely and she knew he wouldn't be able to sense her.
While everyone else had been shocked at Goten's exalted rank she had not been. After all, she had gone with him into space when he first left Chikyuu. She had done it against her parents' will and stowed away on his ship. They had spent almost a decade together in space. They had shared everything together, the thrill of battle, the grievous loss of friends, the chilling maniacal maneuvers of politics and even each other's beds. In fact, even as he had been the Emperor's right hand during the wars, she had been his left. In the end, however, when the Imperium had been established she had returned to Chikyuu. She had enough of bloodshed, enough of the power struggles. Oh yes, a part of her still craved it. Still craved the excitement that playing the 'game' gave her. A part of her of her lusted after the power she could have wielded. Yet, those were over shadowed with memories that still haunted her, and would haunt her forever. The purge of Yadrat, the genocide of the Ice-jins, the massacre of Orion's Belt, all of these things she had participated in, even arranged. She was tired of children looking up at her with terror in their eyes; tired of the silence that fell whenever she walked into a room. When she had returned home, she could barely live with herself.
It had taken years for her to finally come out of her shell. Trunks had then swept her off her feet; so to speak. He had been charming in a naïve sort of way. He was handsome, and he could provide for her. Her parents approved of the match, despite the Briefs' condescending manners. The social parties of the Briefs were nothing like those of the Imperium. The latter was a hundred times more Byzantine, and she knew she could easily handle the Briefs relatively amusing style of political maneuvering. They also satisfied her own cravings, even if her opponents were third rate.
One thing she was sure of, though, was that she would never love Trunks. He would be a good enough husband and father, but he had been spoiled by his mother and was too much like his father. He was witty enough though, but most importantly, he didn't remind her of Goten in anyway. In a month, she would be wed and settled down. Her past forever closed to her.
Now all she had to do was avoid the one man that could screw things up for her. She had to avoid Son Goten, Duke de Sirrus.
Goten was speaking with several other guests when Trunks came up to him again.
"Uhhh… Milord Goten," said Trunks a bit nervously. He had always treated Goten as an inferior; as someone that should obey him; someone who should have been honored to be friends with Trunks Briefs, heir of the Capsule Empire. However, now the tables were reversed. Trunks was nothing but an insect compared to Goten. He wasn't sure how to cope with it. Had it not been for his Mother's stern warning he would probably have continued to treat Goten as he had always done, despite the fact that he was a Duke.
"Yes, Trunks?" responded Goten. He really despised Trunks. He couldn't understand how anyone could even stomach the fawning syncopate, even his own mother. Trunks was a player, a liar, and a coward.
"I'd like you to meet my fiancé," he said as he turned around to introduce her. The problem was that she wasn't there.
Trunks flushed in embarrassment but quickly recovered himself. "Would your lordship be willing to permit me to introduce her? She is, after all, a commoner."
"That means nothing to me Trunks. Fetch her and introduce me." Goten waved his hand nonchalantly in dismissal.
Trunks was furious. She had embarrassed him again and in front of Goten no less. If Goten was REALLY the Duke de Sirrus, which seemed to be what the common consensus was, then Trunks' little mishap would be known by all of high society. They would all snicker behind his back, and no one snickered behind Trunks Yamcha Briefs back. He also needed to know how Goten really felt about him and his fiancé was an expert in digging out information from people. He didn't know how she did it, but she always did and the information always benefited him. Yet, she dared defy him for a second time even after he had so politely explained to her his position. He was going to beat her until she was black and blue.
Seeing his mother, he stalked over to her. "Have. You. Seen. My. Wife. To. Be?" He pronounced each word with explicit care and with each syllable he came closer to losing his temper.
"Trunks what's wrong?" asked Bulma. "Don't you dare lose your temper. Your father already embarrassed me enough today. If YOU embarrass me, YOU will regret it."
"Tell me where she is…" he said through gritted teeth.
"I think YOUR fiancé went out the back to take a breath of fresh air. Now go and calm yourself."
Trunks just nodded and stalked off in search of his fiancé. He didn't notice Goten shadowing him.
Trunks' fiancé intrigued Goten. He wanted to know why the woman didn't want to meet him. So when Trunks had stalked off, he had politely disengaged himself. He then followed Trunk easily without him knowing.
Trunks walked outside and spotted his fiancé. She stood alone looking up at the stairs pondering something. Her blonde hair held up in place by a silver pin, exposing her white swanlike neck. She wore a dress that he had bought for her the previous day. It was a blue evening gown designed specifically for her by the most prestigious fashion designer on the planet. Seeing her just sitting out there gazing at the stars and doing nothing infuriated him even more.
"BITCH!" screamed Trunks as he ran towards her.
"Trunks… what?"
She didn't get a chance to finish as his fist connected to her face. Her head rocked back, but she didn't lose her feet. It took all her control not to lose her own temper. Not knowing what had set him off, she tried to reason with him.
"Trunks… honey what are you-"
"I damn well told you to stay nearby. I told you to do this twice, bitch! You purposely disobeyed me." He backhanded her and this time she did hit the ground.
"I'm sorry Trunks… I didn't mean to…" she whimpered. In response, he kicked her again, and again, and again.
"Listen to me bitch, if you ever disobey me again. You will regret it. NEVER embarrass me again. GOT THAT?"
She nodded. Her dress was ripped in several places and there was dirt in her hair. A little blood trickled from her lip.
"Good," breathed Trunks. He felt much better. "You know… why do you make me do this to you? Is it that hard to do what I ask?"
She just shook her head, but didn't lift it to meet his eyes. A sniffle could be heard.
"Well then… clean yourself up and go meet the Duke." He saw her stiffen visibly. "You will do what I say." Not waiting for an answer he turned and walked back into the party.
She, on the other hand, stood up and began adjusting her dress. She examined it and noticed that the back had been ripped. Her entire back was exposed to the night air. Sighing, she ran her hand through her blonde her frowning.
Suddenly, she felt a hand touch her. It was a gentle touch and sent shivers up and down her spine as it traced a small pattern. Shock and fear filled her when she realized exactly what was traced. "Trrrunks?" she said already knowing the answer.
"Has he ever touched you like this?" said a voice she recognized instantly.
"Goten," she whispered. She turned around and looked at him for the first time in eight years. She could feel the emotions flooding back, the memories of the camaraderie, the passion, and the love.
"That was quite a performance just now. It almost caused me to blast Trunks into the next dimension until I realized it was an act. I must say that biting your own lip to cause it to bleed was brilliant… Why would you possibly allow that weakling to do that to you?"
"I…" she didn't get a chance to speak as Goten brought his lips to hers. She tried to push him away but he just latched on tighter until she finally melted against him. She let her emotions take control and she kissed back as passionately as she ever did. His tongue darted in and circled hers softly driving her mad with desire. After what seemed like an eternity he finally broke the kiss.
"Goten… please… I'm about to get married," she said. Her breath was heavy and she knew she couldn't resist him.
"We need to speak," he said as he took her hand and lifted off into the air. She followed suit and within seconds they were off. They flew silently for about five minutes until they landed in a meadow some fifty miles away. It was one that they had once played in when they were children. A spot forever etched in both of their memories.
"Tell me," he said to her slowly. His voice was thick with emotion. "Tell me why?"
She closed her eyes. "Goten… I can't go back out there, and you will never settle here. There is no hope for us."
"What? What do you mean? What do you mean that you can't go back out there?"
"Goten… Please… just leave me be…"
"I can't do that Marron. I want to know why… why you left and why you are about to marry tha..that… thing," sputtered Goten. His temper was rising. He had loved her; loved her still. Yet, to think of her in the arms of Trunks Yamcha Briefs was intolerable for him.
"I can't go back out there Goten… Every face I see, every time I dock on a ship I see their faces… I hear the screams of the people of Ragaat, of the Ice-jins. I see the faces of their children and the children of so many others. I can't face them."
"I see…" said Goten, "You aren't the only one, I, too, face the same kind of memories…"
"YOU DO NOT GOTEN," she shouted as she whirled on him. "Have you ever done a PURGE?"
"No…" he admitted.
"Then you know nothing about what I see… what I dream," she hissed. "You battle against our enemies, those who would kill us if we did not kill them. You have put down rebellions, but our master never once sent you on a purge… I was there at Ragaat. I killed billions… billions with my own hands. And for nothing… NOTHING you hear me?"
"Mar…"
Marron took a deep breath and steadied her breathing. She calmed herself down to the point where she could speak coherently. There were still tears in her eyes. "No Goten… do not try to console me… I know what I have done. I know what, and who I am. I am a killer on the scale of Freiza, and worse… I liked it. I love the feel of power, Goten. So you understand… that is why I left Goten… that is why I came back home. I am an evil threat to the universe."
"Marron… you are wrong. You did what you had to do and you did your job. I like my job as well… and killing is part of it. It is a necessary part. Because I like my job doesn't mean I like killing. I would not give my position up to anyone else, simply because there are few who would could do what I do and not become Freiza. I am not Freiza, and nor are you. The fact that you gave it up should be evidence enough."
Marron simply shrugged. "The Imperium needs you, it doesn't need me anymore. You found a suitable replacement for me."
"It's not just the Imperium that needs you Marron. I need you."
"You don't Goten. You have done fine for yourself… you are the second most powerful man in the Empire. You don't need me."
"I do… and not just for myself but the Imperium as well. You avoided me tonight as much as you could, but I would have hunted you down. I need your help Marron."
"Why would you possibly need my help? Our Master can provide you with everything."
"There has been a coup. General Bojack has overthrown the Emperor. He styles himself Emperor Bojack. "
Marron looked hard at Goten. He knew that she was assessing his own possible complicity in this and that she would check all the facts. Lying to her was a very bad idea.
"Our master is not dead, I would have felt his passing. What can defeat a Super Saiya-jin, Goten? Except another Super Saiya-jin."
"I do not know. Something… Buu could."
"Buu going against Vegeta is ridiculous to contemplate. Where is our master now?"
"I don't know but I'm sure our Master will come here. It's the only place that is truly safe for him."
"And why aren't you advancing on Imperial Capitol?"
"We were ambushed at Sirrus 4. The ships that are in orbit right now are all that remain of Sixth, and Third fleet. Well… Emma will be here in 10 days, so that will be about 20 more or so. So, as you can see, I do need your help."
"I…I can't help you Goten… I can't do it anymore," she said softy. "I'm not who I once was. I'm sorry."
"You must find yourself then. Do you wish to live here with Trunks bearing his children? Be nothing more than a housewife, and a backwater socialite at most? Or will you leave your shell and return to your rightful place as a leading lady of the Empire. In one, you will do nothing but let the lives of billions perish. In the other, you will have to take lives, but you will save them as well. And…" Goten's voice had begun strong, but as he came to the close of his speech it began to fill with anguish. "And…"
"You don't need to say it, Goten… I know."
"And you choose to throw it away?" He took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her. He slowly pulled her towards him. She could feel her blood quicken, but firmly shoved her primal instincts away.
"Stop, Goten," her voice cracked out like a whip. There was no quiver in her voice. It was one of command, almost an exact replica of the one that Goten used. It stopped Goten in his tracks, and he stepped back.
"Goten, I am Trunks' fiancé. To have an affair would be shameful," she said as she took a few steps away from him and then turned to face him. Her eyes held his locked. "I… I need time to think about what you've told me… Leave me alone until then."
"Marron…"
She didn't answer him. Her ki aura exploded around her and she flew off. Goten took a deep breath. That, of all things, was quite unexpected. Marron, being Trunks' fiancé, was the last thing he ever expected. He would not let her go through with it without, at least, making sure that she was sure of her decision. He was sure her mind was not made up, and that she wanted to marry Trunks only to escape her past. As he was part of her past, he was not about to let that happen.
Big Thanks Goes out to Tanyaneko, who helped me Beta most of this Chapter.
Next time on A -Brief- Moment in Time:
Vegeta and Bulma make a quick stop on Mersis and have a heart to heart. They depart and then arrive on Chikyuu. Who do they meet? What will Bulma have to say about Vegeta? What will Mirai Bulma have to say about Bulma? What about Yamcha?