AN: Added a section to Chapter 22 so make sure you have read the newest version of that before reading this chapter.
Disclaimer: DB/DBZ/DBGT belong to Toriyama and other rich Japanese guys, not me.
A Brief Moment in Time
Chapter 23: A Lady Reborn
Chikyuu…When Goten learned that his father had been incapacitated by Bulma Y, he had gone cold. Some people got angry when they received news that upset them, but not Son Goten. His voice never rose when two of his men came in and told him what had happened. Instead his eyes seemed to harden just a little bit before he rose and made a call to see that the matter was taken care of.
Marron now flew 15,000 feet above Bulma's speeding motorcar watching and wondering where her destination was. Her sources had tracked Bulma all over the globe and the only reason for such sporadic movement was if Bulma was attempting to collect the Dragonballs. She had known one of them was kept at her parent's home on Kame island, so she had went ahead and snagged that one ahead of time insuring that Bulma would not be able to get all seven. Now she just had to wait until Bulma led her to the other ones.
An hour later Marron dropped down onto the roof of the building that she saw Bulma enter. She entered through the roof entrance and began to make her way to the Capsule office that was located in the building where she was sure that Bulma was heading. Marron had hoped to beat Bulma there but she failed. As she turned the corner she saw Bulma unlock the door to the office and then enter. She hadn't wanted to confront Bulma just yet, but it looked as if she would be forced to. Suddenly voices within the office froze Marron in her tracks.
"Mom! What the hell are you doing aliv… here," came the voice of Trunks Yamcha Briefs.
"What do you mean here?" shot back Bulma. "This is my office and where the hell were you when hell broke loose?"
"Uhh…. I went out for a drive. Marron and I got into a fight and I needed to clear my head."
"I see… So what are you doing here? When did you take an interest in this division?" asked Bulma carefully. She knew something wasn't right. This particular office was for Capsule's financial division and Trunks had never had any interest in finance. There was no reason for him to be here.
"I'm actually here looking for the Dragon Ball that you have here," answered Trunks to his mother. "When I saw the explosions from the Capsule Compound I was afraid that you were killed and so I wanted to get them so that I could wish anyone back that died."
"Well… a lot of people were killed Trunks and we're going to wish them back, but I need the second wish. Did you already find the ball here?"
"Yes," he said as he led her towards the back of the office. "Do you have the dragon radar or are we going to have to pick it up from the house?"
"No. I have it here in my bag. I'm not so old that I'd forget something like that Trunks," snorted Bulma in annoyance at her son's comment.
"How many of the balls have you already collected?" asked Trunks. He quickly glanced at the bag that Bulma was carrying and then quirked his head in one direction.
"I have five… the last one should be at Kame house," she answered. She then stopped when she noticed something move. "Trunks… what the hell was that?"
"Oh… well that's a new friend of mine. Mom, I'd like you to meet Dr. Myuu," smiled Trunks as the orange mustached man stepped out from the shadows. "He's promised to make me king of the world as soon as Emperor Bojack conquers it." Still smiling, Trunks moved right next to his mother. "You know mom… you really should have just died at the house like you were suppose to. It would have made things a lot easier."
"Trrruunks? What are you saying?" stammered Bulma. Of all people to betray her she never thought that her son would. She couldn't quite believe that this was happening. "How… son… How can you do this?"
"Quite easily… you've always treated me as if I were a nobody," he said as he reached over and took the dragon balls and radar from his mother. Bulma, too shocked to resist, simply handed them to him. "But now your times up… you aren't needed anymore mother. I've got new friends."
"Yes. He's absolutely right… there is no use for you Mrs. Briefs. In fact there is no use for either of you," he smirked as he raised his blaster and pulled the trigger twice.
Before she even knew what she was doing, Bulma leapt in front of the blast that was headed for Trunks. Perhaps it was her motherly instinct or perhaps she wanted to do one last deed of good. Nevertheless, she took the full brunt of the blast in the midsection leaving a fist-sized cavity there. By the time she hit the floor, Trunks had already bolted for the door not even bothering to collect the radar or dragon balls.
Dr. Myuu never had a chance to fire off a third shot. Marron, realizing who was really behind Trunks, made her move. She crashed through the wall just as Dr. Myuu was aiming to finish off Trunks. She knocked the blaster out of his hand and struck him against the wall. "Times up, Doctor. It's time to pay up for your treason. I believe it'll cost your life."
"Chataigne… You think you can catch me. You flatter yourself," he laughed as he activated a device that made him disappear. However, Marron was no fool and even though she was many years rusty she was a powerful warrior and even better spook. In fact, she was the one who established Imperial Intelligence for the Emperor so she wasn't fooled by Dr. Myuu's amateur theatrics. She fired a ki blast two feet from the place where he had disappeared and blasted an invisible Dr. Myuu, who was trying to sneak away, through the wall and into the air outside. Not wasting anytime, she floated up right next to the Doctor and smirked a very Vegeta-esque smirk.
"Good bye Doctor," she said as she blasted him into the next dimension.
Turning around, she floated back into the office to get the dragonballs and the radar. Trunks was already long gone, but she didn't really care. The man disgusted her and she didn't even want to set eyes on him. She could have some people pick up the insignificant worm later.
"Marron," a voice whispered and she whirled to see who could have been possibly there. It took her a second to realize that the voice was coming from Bulma who had propped herself up on the wall. Her face was pale and she was dieing fast from blood loss. It was miracle that she was still alive at all, let alone talking. There was nothing she could do for Bulma. Not even a sensu bean could heal a wound of that magnitude so Marron began to turn away. "Marron… please… I don't want to die alone…"
Pity stirred in Marron's heart. She didn't hate Bulma like Goten did. During her years with Trunks, Bulma had always treated her very well. She could almost consider her a friend. But more compellingly, there was something so sad in her voice that Marron couldn't turn away. Without a second thought, Marron went and sat next to Bulma. "Don't worry Bulma, it'll be over soon. Then you'll be in a better place."
The dieing woman smiled a soft cynical smile. "I heard the rumors," she said with effort. "I knew you were more than you let on to be… I wanted you to help Trunks… but I really liked you… I really hoped that you would take over for me…" Bulma lifted a hand and touched Marron's cheek and let lose a half of a chuckle. It was all that she could manage. "Not one person to shed a tear for me… How did it end up like this?" She knew her own answer. She had thrown her friendships away and was betrayed by the one person she thought still cared. Her father and mother would be so disappointed in her. And that brought something to mind that she had to take care of before she died. She couldn't face her father if she didn't. "Marron what will happen to Capsule?"
"It'll be seized by the Emperor and then sold off," answered Marron, "Don't talk Bulma… there will be less pain."
"Fuck the pain," snapped Bulma. For a second Marron thought she saw the determination and sheer personality that had sent the woman on a quest for magical dragon balls, to another planet, and to tame a Saiyan Prince. "Marron… please… please see that the company goes to… goes to… my counterpart… the other Bulma. I don't want to see my father's work destroyed… please."
"I'll try…"
"Promise…" hissed Bulma. "Promise me! For… for…"
"I will see to it that the company will pass to the other Bulma," promised Marron. "Don't worry about it. Now rest."
"Yes… rest," whispered Bulma. She was suddenly so tired. Her life was ending but it was probably for the best. She couldn't do any more harm to her friends and for that she was happy. The happiest moments in her life flashed before her. She remembered her times with Goku, and then the trip to Namek. Most of all she recalled the times she spent with a man who she had turned away for a false dream. For some reason her memories of Vegeta were the last things that flashed in her mind. She recalled all their times together, all the nights of passion, and even all their arguments. "Tell him… tell that mo…n…k…y that I still think of him sometimes," she breathed out with her last breath and died with a small laugh.
Marron shook her head as she stood up. Watching Bulma die had been disturbing. She herself had almost walked the same path. What would have happened if Goten had never come back? What would have happened if she had married Trunks? Would she have turned out so bitter and so alone? Marron was glad she would never have to find out. She never wanted to end up like Bulma. It had to be one of the worst things that life could deal a person; to die unloved alone without anyone in the world to care.
…
In a shuttle heading for Chikyuu…
Trunks sat next to his mother fretting nervously. She hadn't said a word since he had taken her aboard the shuttle to go back down to Chikyuu. She had been sobbing before, but once she had gotten off the ship and calmed down a bit, there had been an abrupt change in demeanor. Something seemed to click inside of her, as if her mind was made up. In fact, she handed even looked away from the window. It didn't take psychic abilities for him to feel that anger radiating off of her. He just had to look at how tightly she had her hands were clenched. Damn my idiotic father…he thought to himself. Why did the man have to be so stubborn? Couldn't he understand that he was hurting her far more than anyone else could? He knew his mother would rather be dead then face the years alone again.
Damn that stupid monkey to hell. That phrase kept running through Bulma's mind over and over. She couldn't believe that he was sending her away. Did he not have any consideration for her feelings? Despite what he said, Bulma was sure that he was sending her away to protect her. He was afraid that she was going to get hurt in this world because of him. Did he think she wanted to be coddled or was unaware of the danger? She'd grown up at the center of society as the heiress to Capsule Corp. Perhaps her life was nowhere near as Byzantine as his but it wasn't as if she was stupid. She could god damn well take care of herself. Worse, opening herself up for the first time in over a decade she had taken a step back into the dance of life. She had felt alive for the first time in an eternity. Now she was feeling the numbness threatening to close in again. No…she thought firmly to herself. I don't want to go back to that. I want to live and if Vegeta doesn't want to be a part of my life then so be it. Strong words, she knew. Perhaps they would be futile but at the moment she was determined to live them. She turned to her son.
"Trunks… You want to stay in this world don't you?"
"Wha…" Trunks was taken off guard by his mother's question. She hadn't said anything in half of an hour. It took him a second to digest the question. "To be honest mom… yes I do."
"Is it because of Pan?" asked Bulma. Now that she was resolved to move on she wanted to take her mind off of HIM.
Trunks nodded. "Yeah… I've never quite met someone like her before. I mean… she's part Saiyan being Gohan's daughter and all… She's someone I can do anything my Saiyan side crazes with and at the same time she appeals to my human side. She's quite a lady when she wants to be and I swear that girl is constantly surprising me."
"Have you had sex with her?" asked Bulma.
"MOM! What type of question is that!" exclaimed Trunks as his cheeks flared red in embarrassment. That was not a question he was expecting nor was it one he intended to answer.
"I'll take that as a yes," chuckled Bulma. She was in a better mood already. She almost felt bad that it was at the expense of her son. "Are you in love with her?"
Trunks quieted down and his blush slowly faded along with his smile. "Yes mom. I think I am… I really think I'm in love with Son Pan."
"Trunks… don't worry about me. I'll be just fine. I know you want to spend time with her and tomorrow is going to be the big battle."
"No mom… I won't abandon you. I can't let you go back to our dimension alone… there's no one there for you."
Bulma's eyebrow quirked up and she gave him a small smirk. "Who said I was going back? I don't plan on going back at all. At worst I'll just find myself a small residence here on Chikyuu and live the rest of my life out here. You're here as well as Goku and the others. It'll be a lot better than going back."
"But Dad…" Trunks started.
"Let me tell you something, Trunks. I never let your father dictate to me what to do in our timeline and I don't intend to let him dictate to me in this one either. I have no intention to leave regardless of what he says."
"I understand mom," he said quickly. And indeed he did understand and he was happy that she wanted to stay. He hadn't wanted to leave Pan but he would have for his mother. Now he just needed to get her to talk to him and he would patch things all up. Life would be cozy.
"I'm glad you do… oh look," exclaimed Bulma as she glanced out the window. "I haven't seen Chikyuu from space since Namek." The view was breathtaking. Who couldn't be awe inspired by the beauty of the Earth with its blueness streaked by the white of the clouds.
"It is beautiful mom… I've never seen anything like it," replied Trunks, equally as dumbfounded by the sight.
"There is nothing like looking at your home planet Trunks… Nothing like coming home and that's what I feel like I'm doing. Coming home."
At the Chikyuu Space Dock…
Marron sat quietly waiting for her shuttle to arrive so that she could return to space and make a brief report. For the first time in five years, she knew without a doubt now, that she needed to return to space; return to him. Bulma's death made her realize that she had a choice to make and she was going to make it. Perhaps it would be brazen of her but she intended to stake her claim on Goten as soon as she got back. She wouldn't make the same mistake as Bulma had made.
When the shuttle finally arrived and the gate opened, Marron was a little surprised to see Trunks and Bulma step off. However, she could fulfill her promise to Bulma Yamcha Briefs conveniently if she spoke to Bulma now.
"Hello Bulma," she said approaching the two. "I need to speak to you for a moment if you don't mind."
"Uhh… sure…" Bulma replied not quite recalling the beautiful blonde's name. She glanced at Trunks for support but apparently he was as ignorant as she was in the matter.
"Marron, my name is Marron. I think we met very briefly at the meeting and I know I've met your son at the Brief's party a little before the attack," she smirked. "I'm the daughter of Krillan."
"Oh my god… Your KRILLAN's daughter?" blinked Bulma as she let the fact that this beautiful woman before her was the direct descendant of little nose-less Krillan. She couldn't help but gape at the woman before her. "I'm sorry but… I'm feeling a little faint." She couldn't believe that Krillan could have such a beautiful daughter. Genetics were a very random thing indeed.
Marron chuckled. "Yes I am. I know I know… I get that a lot. Anyone who meets my dad always can't believe that I'm his daughter. Poor papa."
Bulma was silent for a second. "Can you tell me how I can contact him?" she said quietly. "It's been twenty years since I last sat down and had a talk with him."
"Sure, I'll message you with the information as soon as I get back on board… but there's something I have to talk to you about urgently," said Marron. "Your counterpart here… Bulma Yamcha Briefs is dead and one of her last wishes was for Capsule Corporation to pass into your hands."
"What? She tried to kill me and she's giving me Capsule Corp? Shouldn't it go to her son?"
Marron glanced over at Trunks Vegeta Briefs and saw him standing quietly and patiently with no boredom or annoyance in his eyes. She knew her Trunks would have been fidgeting and angry that he was all but left out of the conversation. This Trunks was also quite a bit more of a hunk. What is it about Saiyan men that makes them so god damn attractive? She thought to herself.
Trunks saw her 'checking' him out. He smiled and winked at her eliciting a small chuckle from her. "Well… Trunks… my former fiancé Trunks is not really the type of man capable of running a company. Not to mention that he sold his mother out and was the one who orchestrated the attack on Capsule Compound. If it wasn't for YOUR son, we would all be probably dead now and Chikyuu dust because of his stupidity."
Marron turned to Trunks and gave him a heartfelt smile, "Thank you, by the way. We wouldn't have survived without your intervention. You have mine and the Imperium's profound thanks."
"Your welcome," replied Trunks, but there was little mirth in his eyes. His smile was a little tight. There was no doubt that he referred to his counterpart when he asked, "He planned that thing? You mean he planned to kill all his family and friends?"
"Yup," replied Marron nonchalantly. It was amazing how she was able to snap back into her old self of five years ago so easily. "Trunks always had a bitter streak in him. Though, even I didn't guess that he would so something like that."
"I can't believe that any version of me could ever do something like that."
"Well, he's not really a version of you since his father is not the same as yours. He's not even close to being the hunk you are my young Saiyan prince," smirked Marron. Trunks flashed crimson and Bulma burst out laughing. "Well… I just wanted to let you know that Capsule will be yours as soon as we can get the paperwork done. That is, if you want it."
"Of course… It's my father's company and the only reason I can see her giving it to me is to make sure it was in good hands. I won't let my father's hard work unravel." Unspoken was the fact that she would have something to do to take her mind off of Vegeta. She could pour herself into her work and rebuild her life even if he never came to her senses. She would have Goku, Gohan, Krillan and her other friends there as well. It was something she never had the chance to do in her timeline. This piece of news was a godsend.
"Well then… I have to get back up to the ship. It was a pleasure speaking to both of you," said Marron as she shook hands with Trunks and then Bulma. The moment her skin touched Bulma's her eyes widened in shock. She stopped and just stared at Bulma."
"What is it Marron?"
Slowly the biggest smile crept onto her face. She actually went and embraced Bulma. "Congratulations Bulma… I don't know what to say. The Empire has been waiting for an heir for a decade. I'm ecstatic for you and my master."
As soon as Trunks heard Marron's words he probed his mother with his own ki senses. Sure enough there was another female ki within her. He was going to have a sister.
Bulma didn't understand the reference at first but within a second she realized that Marron was congratulating her on being pregnant. Her improving mood vanished as memories flashed into her mind of the Vegeta of her time leaving her with Trunks alone. Now it seemed that the same scenario was repeating itself. She had wanted to be able to have a fresh start if need be, but now being with child it would be all the more difficult. Worse, she still wanted to be with him and this link would forever remind her of what could have been. Tears began to well in her eyes.
"Bulma?" asked Marron as she realized that those weren't tears of joy but rather of excruciating sorrow. "What's wrong?"
"Not again," she whispered as she sank to her knees. "No… not again. I don't want to do this again alone." Marron glanced at Trunks to gleam a clue. His expression was unreadable.
"My father left my mother to raise me on her own. Now Vegeta wants mom to leave for her own safety… mom's not taking it too well," he explained.
"I see…" Marron turned to Bulma and grasped her by both sides of the head. "Bulma look at me. Look at ME." Her voice was one of command and even in her despondent state Bulma's eyes instinctively swiveled to the speaker.
"Things will be ok Bulma. Just give it time… Believe me… he will see that sending you away isn't the safest course."
"I don't want to be alone again…"
"You won't be… just relax and let Trunks take you somewhere you can sleep. Everything will be fine tomorrow after the battle. This will just have been a bad dream… ok?"
Bulma nodded almost hypnotically. "Just a bad dream…" she laughed bitterly. "I can't hope for that."
Marron smiled and then turned to Trunks. "Take care of her for now… will I see you later?"
"I hope so," he responded. "I'll be there for the fight… if anything my Saiyan side won't let me miss it."
"Well then… Get some sleep. I'll speak to the Emperor."
"Thanks Marron… and if you see Pan… so she isn't going crazy can you just tell her I understand?"
"Sure thing. I will have to have a little chat with you later… about certain matters. It can wait until after the battle; if we survive that is."
"Whenever is convenient for you then," replied Trunks. "Thanks for the help with my mom, I'll see you for the battle."
Marron gave him a parting nod and then boarded the shuttle going back into space.
…
A little bit later, In Orbit above Chikyuu…
Darkness. It surrounded Vegeta as he stood in his quarters looking out into the dark expanse of space. Only the soft silver twinkle of starlight shed any light into the room. For Vegeta, darkness was an old friend. Since the destruction of Vegeta-sei he had thrown all his emotions away. He had discarded or had beaten out of him useless emotions such as love, friendship and loyalty. He kept nothing save his pride. Vegeta, Saiyajin no Ouji became the perfect emotionless warrior Frieza had wanted. Yet, because he kept his pride, Vegeta was still a free thinking being and it was only in the darkness; away from the prying eyes of all others did he ever question himself and his deeds.
'Was it worth it?' was the question that Emperor Vegeta asked himself now. Was it worth sending Bulma Briefs away, was her life worth his happiness and perhaps hers as well. Vegeta took another gulp from the wine that was swilling in a crystal class in his hand. No it wasn't worth it. He wanted to hold her, talk to her, to argue with her and then ravage her, to milk her for the pleasure she gave him. Every second that she spent with him would have been worth it, but he would not give in to his selfish desires. No, he would not betray her trust in him for his own wants. You are alone. You have always been alone and always will be. You aren't worthy of anything. You are worthless. The words that he had heard so often in his youth swept through his mind bringing another wave of depression over him. He was tired. For over fifty years life had battered and bruised him. He had been dealt blows, physically and mentally, that would have crushed a lesser man again and again by the universe. Vegeta took another drink and then sat slowly. He was tired of it all, tired of caring and feeling, tired of playing games. Continuing to drink, he finally began to feel the effects and he slowly dozed off quietly into a dreamless sleep.
An unknown amount of time later he awoke suddenly to the sound of a small clinking of glass. Looking down he became aware that someone had covered him with a light blanket. His grogginess dissipated immediately and his eyes searched the room for the perpetrator. A small shadow slowly moved towards him and in silence poured him some more wine.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to wake you," spoke the female voice.
"Hmmph," was his only reply as he picked up the glass and took a sip. The small nap did him good. At least he wasn't thinking about the woman anymore. Of course that very thought brought her back into his mind. "You've finally turned up, I see. Why are you here?" he asked impatiently while at the same time glad for the company.
"For a talk… for me, as much as for you," she replied and then with a smirk said, "Security has really declined since I've been here hasn't it?"
"Well if you're done with wallowing in your self pity, you might want to consider fixing that problem now wouldn't you?"
"I'll see to it later." He could hear her take a sip of wine and then set the glass on the table. "You know. I fear it too."
"What are you talking about?" snorted Vegeta all the while knowing exactly what she meant.
"You know I betrayed him. I left him without a reason knowing that he wouldn't chase me. And then he returns he finds me about to be married to another man," she said, not answering the question. "Interesting scenario isn't it?"
"You should sell the rights and quit pestering me with the details," he growled. She was up to something. It was dark and he couldn't see her face, but he could picture the smirk on her face.
"Well then, how about another story? It took me a while to figure out and I think it will interest you."
"I don't want to listen to your stupid stories. They always have some type of moral at the end that disgusts me."
"I've titled it, the Prince and the Heiress," she said again ignoring his comment. She was one of two people who could safely do that. "It's quite the tragedy." When there was no response back she continued, "Once upon a time there was a powerful unfeeling prince who served a tyrant emperor. One day he traveled to a distant world seeking immortality. However, once there he was defeated by a group of warriors who fought for 'peace, justice, and equality for all!' In non bullshit terms, they were fighting for their very survival."
Vegeta couldn't help but let out a little chuckle at the sarcasm and utter contempt that her voice had for peace and its friends. "So what's the point of this story, you are wasting my time woman."
"Oh… I think not. I'm just recapping a few things to set the context. A good story needs background. Anyway, this Prince was defeated but he licked his wounds and went to Planet Namek where little green men sang happy songs and played together happily. There he sought another way to gain immortality, but lo and behold his hated emperor was there searching for the same thing. Yet, that's not important. His rival defeats the emperor blah blah blah. What is important is that he meets a certain blue haired heiress and after the final confrontation with the Emperor he goes to Earth and dwells together with her as her guest. Over the years their hearts warm up to each other and then the two have a passionate affair. Am I wrong in this?"
There was no response from Vegeta, so she continued, "I'll take that as a no. Well from what I can make out there was some sort of rift between the two and the Prince left for good. There he dwelt for twenty tears and became a great Emperor. Then one day a woman that reminded him greatly of his former lover appeared. In fact the woman was the same woman but from another dimension. The affair heated up again for the Prince never wholly gave up the love he held for the heiress and this new improved model freed old memories and desires. But people change, and the cold Prince had gained a sense of honor over the years. Believing that he was endangering his beloved's life he sent her away. Does this story sound familiar?"
"This story is none of your business brat," answered Vegeta somewhat dangerously. He did not like to have his private life or his past revealed.
"Would you like to know how I put two and two together?" continued Marron. She knew she was getting him angry and that was always an unhealthy thing. Yet, she knew that if she just flat out told him that he had a child that he would probably not change his decision but even feel more honor bound to send Bulma away. She needed to make him think about what he wanted and what she, Bulma, wanted.
"Yes. Enlighten me."
"Her lasts words to me were 'Tell that monkey I still think of him sometimes," she recalled.
"What? Last words?" The shock was evident on Vegeta's face.
"Yes, the last words of Bulma Briefs. She told me that she still thought about you sometimes and it was then that I realized why you had ended your celibacy. The stories that my parents had told me and other clues all fit together."
"How did she die?" he asked softly. Though she had rejected him, even after all these years Bulma Briefs still did have a place in his heart. The happy times that they shared together were etched in his memory and though he felt no pity for her, he still felt a sense of loss.
"She was betrayed by her son and slain by Dr. Myuu. She died alone without anyone in the world to care. A sad fate, I think."
"Yes, indeed."
"And it is that fate that I fear too. Just as you do Master."
"Perhaps we deserve such a fate no? For the acts we have committed. Have you ever thought about that brat?"
Marron was taken aback a bit. She had not expected him to take such a fatalistic view on things. Yet, she couldn't help but agree, at least somewhat. "Yes, perhaps so," she answered, "But I won't throw away my chances…"
Her point was obvious to Vegeta. "If she remains with me she will die. I have foreseen it. If she remains it changes nothing. At least this way she will live out the rest of her life."
"Master… everything comes to an end. Take the chance in this. You will not have to rule alone."
"I don't rule alone now do I? I have you brats telling me what I should and shouldn't do," smirked Vegeta.
Marron chuckled. "The people need security. They need to know that their Emperor is wed and will have an heir to keep peace."
"The people seek to overthrow me now. What do they care about me or mine?"
"Master, this is simply the after effects of the war. A rebellion tests the strength of your rule. It was bound to happen eventually. You know that as well as I. Crush this one without mercy and another one will not spring up," she said. "No… peace and stability will not be achieved in your lifetime or mine… but perhaps in your daughter's."
"My daughter?" asked Vegeta puzzled. "What do you mean my daughter? I have no chil…" And then Vegeta realized what Marron was saying. He had an unborn daughter that was now being carried within the womb of Mirai no Bulma. His eyes widened in shock and then narrowed. Without warning his hand streaked across the desk and grabbed Marron's hair and Vegeta dragged her across the table. With a jerk he brought her face up to his and his gaze bore into hers looking for any deception within. "You play this game to tell me that I have a daughter, that Bulma is with child?"
"Yes…," hissed Marron in pain. Fear danced in her eyes, but they were resolute.
"I see through your game brat. Do you take me for a fool?"
"No. Never." His face was inches away from hers and she could see the anger that danced in his eyes. So hot did that anger burn that for a moment she thought she had done the wrong thing. That she had ensured Bulma's departure and perhaps her own demise. And then a chime sounded once, then twice, and then a third time.
"What is it?" snapped Vegeta letting Marron go.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Lord Sirrus wished to inform you that we've detected hyper footprints. Thousands of them… Sir the enemy is here and he requests you for conference as soon as possible."
"Tell him to meet me in the conference room."
"Yes, Majesty," came the reply and the com went silent.
Turning to Marron, "Go down to Earth and ask that boy if he wants to fight then he needs to scurry on up here. You will remain down on Chikyuu and watch for any other signs of sabotage or infiltration. Do not contact me. I will find you and the woman when this is over." Vegeta walked passed her. "Understood?"
Marron nodded. With her back turned to him, he didn't see a smile creep on her face as he left. There was one more thing she had to do and this one was going to be far more frightening than a confrontation with her Master. If Son Goten rejected her, she didn't know what she was going to do.
…
For Son Goten, power was no stranger. Yet, unlike many who fell for its seductive song, he shouldered it as a burden. It was on days such as this that he contemplated returning to Chikyuu for good. He longed for the fresh crisp air of Mt. Paotzu, to fish once again in the cold crystal clear streams that flowed down its slopes, and to smell the sweet scents of homemade cooking that wafted through the air near his mother's home. However, fate had other plans for him and he knew it.
Looking out the window he could clearly see the thousands of ship that were speeding through the void of space. Already, he and Vegeta had met and had given orders for his fleet to assume their own defensive positions. The enemy fleet wouldn't arrive for another eight hours and he had sent all of his unnecessary crew to catch a few hours of sleep before the battle. Even as he stood there, the civilians were being evacuated and Earth itself was placed on high alert. In all the major cities citizens were being rushed to shelters. Goten was sure that the enemy would try to bombard the planet from afar and though he knew he couldn't prevent all of them from completely missing, he would make sure that as few of the nuclear tipped warheads would enter Earth's atmosphere.
A chime sounded in his room, jarring him from his thoughts. He stretched out his ki senses and smirked as he realized who it was.
"Enter," he said. The door swooshed open and he could see her framed in the doorway her long blonde hair flowing down her shoulders and her eyes troubled. She did not enter.
"Goten, I don't have much time. Our master has ordered me to the planet and I have to catch the next shuttle out. I just came to tell you something," she said quickly and then fell silent trying to compose her thoughts. Goten didn't rise out of his seat. He simply quirked a questioning eyebrow at her and waited patiently for her to continue.
"You were right," she stated simply still standing in the doorway. "I thought I could leave it all behind, but now I realized that I've been hiding from myself. I think I finally realized this today. Once you've been out there, you are never the same."
Goten simply nodded and stood up. "I've thought about coming back for many years now. In the end, duty and the less altruistic fact that I like what I do keeps me out there. I can never fit back in the Chikyuu mold. I'm quite surprised that you lasted as long as you did," he said as he walked over to her and took her hand in his own. "Come sit for a while. You can leave on the next shuttle."
She smiled at him with a sad smile and nodded her head. He sat her on the couch and then got up and walked to the counter. "Wine?" he asked. Not really waiting for an answer he grabbed two glasses.
"Please," she answered. She looked at him then for the first time in many years. Since he had returned to Chikyuu she hadn't had a real chance to be alone. Their reunion at Trunks' party had been too emotional for her. All the other times had always been on business and there just hadn't been a time or perhaps desire on her part to really look at him as she once did. Now for the first time she looked at Goten, not the Duke, but simply Goten her lifelong friend and former lover. She couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat. He had always been handsome, and he had always had a fabulous body like every other Saiyan. Yet, now he had been tempered by the years and maturity had added a quality he did not once have. His bearing had changed into one that made him seem far more self assured, but not arrogant. He radiated an aura of power, danger, and caring at the same time. It was a difficult phenomenon to describe. However, this was not what Marron saw that made her heart go out to him. No it was his eyes. They had a tired look that cried out for rest, or perhaps simply someone to talk to. It was then she realized that Goten must have been alone for those eight years that she had been gone. There would have been no one to confide to. Who could he have possibly had a heart to heart with? Anyone from the Empire was suspect. He could never trust anyone fully with his position. Of the people who he could trust they weren't quite the people who could understand him. Vegeta was not the most talkative person and she knew he didn't understand them anyway. After all he was raised in an environment where cutthroat politics had been the norm. As for Pan, she was far too young and the rest of his family would never understand why he did what he did. No, when she left she left him alone. The sharp needle like pain of guilt seeped slowly into her chest. For the first time in years she felt tears begin to gather in her eyes. She had betrayed him, someone she loved and truly cared for. The thought truly hit home with its full impact for the first time.
Goten could feel the distress in Marron's eyes. It had been a very long time since he had seen her so un-composed. She, like him, had been forged in the hell of war and its aftermath. Slowly he set the wine classes on the table and sat down next to her, enfolding her in his arms. "What's wrong?" he asked gently.
"Nothing… Nothing at all," she said pulling away and trying to fight back the tears that threatened to fall. "It's nothing… just some old memories and thoughts."
"It has been a long time since I've seen you so distraught," he said slowly. "Share… the burden will always be easier if you share it."
And there it was. Could he make her feel any worse? She laughed bitterly to herself. "It's not a burden Goten. It's guilt… guilt for things done long ago," she said softly. "I guess today has made me realize many things that I'm not proud of."
"The eve of battle always makes us reexamine ourselves. With death just a breath away, I think everyone of us is pondering our past actions. You aren't alone in this Marron."
"I know," she replied. Though the events of the day were the cause of her own soul searching, she knew his words to be true. She knew that there was no guarantee that he would live through the coming battle. In the chaos of war, nothing was assured and this time Goten would be fighting in the front lines against odds that were stacked against him. Marron reached up and touches his face, the first time she had touched him in eight years. Looking deep in his eyes she could see the pain and the hurt there. She could see the loneliness and she finally loss the iron grip she kept on herself. A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.
Goten's eyes widened at the sight. The Marron he had known since she was 17 had never shed a tear. Not at the sight of the most unspeakable atrocities and cruelties. Not even when she herself was put to torture. Yet, here she was sitting before him about to break down. She looked so sad, so vulnerable, and so beautiful. He wouldn't let her go again. She was his… just as he was hers. He couldn't help but lean over and taste the salty tear. He could sense her body's response, her breath catch and the slight shiver that went through her. He pulled back and kissed her as he had always kissed her before, with passion and desire.
Marron stiffened slightly as she felt him mash her lips against hers. She didn't expect him to be so aggressive and feelings of guilt still plagued her. Did she really deserve him? "Goten…" she said as she pushed him away gently, "Now isn't the time..." The look in his eyes silenced her. She felt a shiver down her spine as she saw the scorching flame that burned in his eyes. Her resolve began to falter as he ignored her and gently nipped down her neckline to her breasts. He wasn't going to let her go, and she realized that she didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay in his strong arms and feel his body moving against her. "Goten… I'm sorry…" were her last coherent words before desire to complete the coupling drove all other thoughts from her mind, and the two began the sensuous ritual that would bind them together as one. And on that day, on the eve of battle, the Marchioness de Toulon was born again anew in the flames of desire and passion.
One hour later…
Son Pan stalked through the deck of her Uncle's flagship. He was supposed to meet with the Emperor and his staff thirty minutes ago. It was extremely unlike him to be tardy unless something was seriously wrong. When she had searched for his ki, she had been surprised when she found it closeted next to Marron's. She had been about to go fetch him when Vegeta had stopped her. He simply stated that the current staff that was there would give him an update on everything except the battle. When Goten got there, then they could plan out the battle strategy. Time was abundant, as the fleets couldn't meet for hours yet because of basic physics. However, after thirty minutes had passed Vegeta had become impatient and had sent Pan to fetch Goten regardless of the 'condition' he was in.
As Pan reached her uncle's cabin, she saw the doors slide open and Marron step out. She was dressed as immaculately as ever and her hair was perfect, not a strand out of place. Pan never really understood why women would waste so much time in making everything perfect. Of course there were times when one had to look spectacular, even perfect, but those were rare occasions such as Imperial balls or receptions. The thing about Marron was that she was always like that.
That wasn't the only thing that disturbed Pan about the daughter of Krillan and Android 18. She didn't know why, but she had always thought of Marron as someone fake. Ever since she had met the woman when she had returned from space, Pan had the feeling that Marron was always putting on some sort of persona for show. Also it was the way she looked at people as if she were evaluating their worth. She seemed to size up people with a glance and then consciously choose to decide to associate with them or not depending on who they were. Maneater, that is what she is, thought Pan. It was no wonder why she and Trunks Y. got together. She was sure that Marron had chosen Trunks specifically because he would be useful to her. As she looked over the woman one more time she couldn't help but wonder why the hell Marron was even on the ship in the first place. There was no reason for a civilian to be here even if she was a friend of the Duke. That in itself didn't make any sense since Goten had come back five years ago when he had taken Pan, herself, to the Imperium. During that visit he never even went to say hello to Marron; surely if they were friends then he would have spoken to her.
"Pan," greeted Marron with a bright perfect smile, "The uniform suits you."
"Thank you, Marron. Sorry, I can't chat but I need to fetch my uncle. He's tardy for a meeting with the Emperor," replied Pan. There is no way that smile is real. I need to find out what's going with her.
"No apology needed. It's an unhealthy thing to make the Emperor wait," she said with a slight chuckle. "Oh… your boyfriend Trunks wished me to relay a message to you."
Pan blinked. That was the last thing she needed to think about at the moment. She had been lucky that she had been so busy since she had last spoken to him earlier in the morning. There hadn't been a minute to think about her own problems and she had firmly pushed thoughts of the lavender haired Saiyan to the back of her mind.
"Don't worry, Pan," reassured Marron. "He told me to tell you that he understands. The only reason why he isn't here right now is because his mother is really… in a bad emotional state and he had to take care of her. He'll see you shortly and tell you himself. He just wanted to me to tell you so you didn't have to worry about anything, ok?"
Trunks understands Pan closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It really was a burden lifted off of her shoulders. "Thanks Marron," she said genuinely. "You don't know how good it is to hear that."
"Any time… we're practically family," said Marron before she let out a little light laugh at her own joke. "I'll see you later Pan."
Pan frowned as Marron turned and walked away. There was something to that comment that she couldn't quite place. And the way Marron was walking… she was definitely walking funny.
Deciding that she could ponder Marron later, Pan chimed the door to her Uncle's quarters. Without even a 'who's there?" the door slid open. Somewhat bewildered at her Uncle's lack of caution, Pan stepped in. The first thing she noticed was the lingering scent of passion in the air. THAT SLUT! SHE'S SEDUCING MY UNCLE! The thought flashed through Pan's mind accompanied with a burst of anger. So Trunks isn't good enough for her… only the richest guy on Chikyuu. No… instead she has to go after an Imperial Duke. Maneater indeed.
"Did you forget something?" came Goten's voice from the bath area. "Or did you come back for more?" A moment later he came out. Pan saw that he was in the process of zipping up his uniform pants and that he was still shirtless. Completely dumbfounded and needing to sit down she dropped down onto the couch to try to recover her senses. However, as soon as she started putting things together she realized that the couch was the only place that they could have had sex since the scent was in the living room and not in the bedroom. She leapt up off the couch with a look of horror.
"Oh it's you Pan. I apologize for being late. Let me finish dressing and I'll be there in a second."
"Uncle… Goten?" sputtered Pan. "Did you and Marron?"
"Did Marron and I what?" replied Goten as he began buttoning up his shirt. The realizing what Pan obviously had figured out. "Oh… Yes."
"Uncle… is there a reason why you are sleeping with someone else's fiancé? And if she would cheat on him doesn't that say something about her?"
"Trunks is a sniveling piece of shit… I know you are still friends with him but the truth is the truth. Marron is mine… and if that worm comes within two miles of her I'll kill him."
The possessiveness in his voice was startling. How could Marron have gotten him curled around her finger so quickly? Dende! He's the damn Iron Duke… He's suppose to be immune to feminine wiles. Pan couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Uncle Goten… Is that why she is on the ship?"
"No… she had an errand to run for me."
"So she is one of your agents. For how long as she worked for you?"
"She doesn't work for me. She was doing me a favor…"
"I see…" Pan didn't know exactly what to do. She was sure that Marron was after her uncle for his status and the power that he could give to her. She was sure that the bitch was a power monger. However, she had no idea how to breach the subject with her uncle. Now, on the eve of a battle that would decide whether they would live or not, was not the right time to be arguing whether the girl he was seeing was a conniving whore. She decided it would be best to confront Marron instead. She was sure that she could at least put the fear of God into that girl and maybe keep her away. "I'll see you at the meeting Uncle."
"Alright Pan… Tell our master that I'll be there in five minutes."
AN: Sorry for the Delay… going to Vegas see you when I get back .