Chapter 5

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Pan idly ran a slender finger over the hard wood of a desk. Currently sitting on a soft chair in some office, the female saiyan sighed heavily as her finger stopped in mid-place. It soon began to tap on the surface as if becoming in a greater irritation. Pan hated to wait, and that is exactly what she was doing. If this were any other person, than the one she was currently meeting, then she would have killed them the moment they showed their pathetic face. But not this person... they were too important.

The door opened.

Pan lifted her eyes in a lethargic manner as the tapping of her finger ended. She then turned her eyes down. Pan felt relieved that she didn't have to put the whole 'I'm so excited to be here' act.

Bulma was the one to lightly smile as she walked to her desk and sat down in a chair opposite of Pan.

As much as Pan hated to admit it, she enjoyed Bulma's company. This woman was to the point, she was frank, she was bossy, she was very intelligent (maybe more so than Gohan- who was another whom she admired), and she was one who acted like royalty around.

"I'm sorry for making you wait," apologized the scientist as she leaned back in her leather chair. "I know you had over used your patience for the day by waiting for me."

That was indeed true, though the teen as she also leaned back in her chair. She usually only keep her patience to a maximum of ten minutes, and having to wait twenty more than likely was over her limit. It surprised Bulma and Pan more than anything.

Bulma's smile remained on her face. She was aware that this girl, before her, was the emperor's daughter. Pan didn't seem to know the fact that Gohan was indeed the leader of this galaxy; she treated him more as an old reliable friend. From what Bulma learned from a few of her friends, Pan did receive the information that her father was the emperor. She just forgot that important piece of information because her son gave her an alcoholic beverage to keep the saiyan female on the ship.

Pan remembered walking into the ballroom, but seemed to forget everything else that happened that night.

It was a good thing on Gohan's part. This meant he could learn more about her before he revealed the truth about him and her. She might be more accepting.

Bulma noticed the blank stare on the teen's face. The scientist smiled; she knew that look very well. "What are you thinking about?"

Pan blinked her charcoal, color eyes once before focusing into the woman before her. Pan scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest in a protective manner. Her attitude was very rude... but it was nothing Bulma hadn't seen before.

"Just some pig headed, arrogant jerk," Pan replied as she began to grit her teeth. "This guy... he constantly gets on my nerves!" exclaimed the hybrid saiyan as she jumped from her chair slamming her hands on the wooden desktop. Bulma looked up to the teen were her eyes blinking several times. Opening her mouth to state something, she was cut off by the enraged girl. "I swear! He must be stalking me because I see him EVERYWHERE! He never shuts up when ever our paths cross, and he always teases me about the STUPIDEST things! And I swear!"

Bulma could just envision Pan pulling her hair out with her shaking hands.

"If I wasn't so lethargic all the time then I would EASILY kick this sorry guy's ass all the way to the other world!" The saiyan was fuming.

"But wait," started Pan placing a finger on her lips. "Maybe... just maybe I could drag him to the south and get daddy on his case! Then I won't have to worry about this lowlife constantly chasing me around!" That was about the time Pan was cackling. "Perfect plan... it must come into effect. Yes... it must."

'Now, she's talking to herself,' thought the older woman as she shook her head sadly. 'Pan must be having a hard time being trapped in this ship.'

"Pan," started Bulma placing a sympathetic look on her face. "I am aware that it must be difficult to be here, like this, but the emperor has commanded for you to remain, and he has made sure that it is done. He doesn't want any harm to come to you-"

"And for what reasons!" shouted Pan as he energy began to rise. "Just so he could torture me by-"

Electricity engulfed the younger female, and she screamed out in agony as her ki dropped dramatically. She fell to her knees as the electricity went away. Bulma could only wince at these actions.

Remember that piece of technology Gohan placed on Pan's skin? Well... the device fused with other cells in her body; now, if her anger began to rise and her energy increased she would be forced to calm down... for safety of the crew and for her self control.

"What is this... no good emperor thinking!" questioned Pan softly as she slowly began to pick herself from the ground. She was now becoming a weakling... she couldn't attack people anymore to vent her anger out. That alone was torture.

"Don't think of such things about his highness. He's thinking about the good for everyone," stated Bulma as slowly began to calm down. "But, what about this guy that continues to tease you? Care to explain?"

Pan sneered. "And what good will that do?"

"Well..." muttered Bulma as she sat up in her chair, "If he's a very annoying soldier I'm sure we can move him to a different base, then he will stop harassing you. It will be... like a restraining order will be in effect so he wouldn't be able to come near you."

That piece of advice brought a genuine smile to Pan's face.

"Now... I don't think we could throw him out of this space station unless I have a description of what he looks like... I don't think names would help very much; there are many with the same names. But please, tell me. Is this person lizard, humanoid, crisonian, fichinian, etc.?"

"Most defiantly humanoid," replied back Pan crossing her arms once more while leaning back into her soft padded chair.

Bulma lightly smiled. "Good. Well... that narrows the search down. I think the humanoid creatures on the ship (with all other species) is a 1 to 1000 ratio, and there are a little over a 100,000 beings on this base." Bulma cleared her throat, "Now, could you please tell me his features?"

Pan gave a small smirk. "Would you believe me if I stated this guy was tall, dark, and handsome?"

The female scientist paused for a moment grabbing a pen from the side of her desk. "Tall, dark... handsome?" questioned the older woman raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like the perfect man." Pan began to laugh.

"He's anything BUT perfect."

Bulma nodded her head. "Of course. If you wouldn't mind, please define what you consider 'tall', 'dark', and 'handsome'. I know for different species that could mean different things."

Pan brought her palm up holding one finger up, "One. He's a head taller than I... but I'm also considered one of the shorter women in this ship. I've been told many times by Gohan that I'm the height Videl was when she was my age. And Gohan being... Gohan, he rubbed it in explaining how he remembered his wife being very short and how she was never able to reach his shoulders when the two were in high school... what ever that is..."

The older woman lightly chuckled. "Okay... so this guy is tall... very tall for you."

Pan nodded her head in reply. "Yes. He's even rubbed my height in my face." She then raised another finger. "Two. He has darker skin. It's almost like if he tan's in a sun... His skin makes mine look almost snow white."

The scientist nodded. "Interesting."

The teen nodded back before bringing up a third finger, "Three. He has the BLUEST eyes, a cute lil nose, and a killer smile with itty-bitty dimples that accent his cheeks making him just a bit cuter than he actually is. He also has a well-built body, as most men on this ship; he is... like a prince. Most women I have heard called him a knight with shining armor... what ever that is."

Bulma's jaw went slack as she looked to the girl in surprise. "Did... you just say... prince?"

Pan nodded. "He acts like he rules this whole ship! With that look on your face, you must know about him."

The scientist began to lightly laugh at those words. "Prince..." she shook her head again, "Prince..." Then you know what? The next thing Bulma did ANGERED Pan. Bulma laughed loudly. "Prince!" That word, only one word, was making this woman burst into tears as she laughed loudly. "Oh boy... the irony in those words."

Now Pan's scowl turned into confusion. She then rolled her eyes and rested her elbow on the desk. Then she placed her chin on the upraised arm. "Don't tell me... he actually IS a prince."

Bulma wiped away the tears streaming from her eyes. "Yeah, you hit it on the money. But that's not all." Pan remained silent as she looked to the woman before her. "The one who you are describing... will soon become the new emperor of the ship."

Pan's eyes widened greatly as her jaw dropped. And speechless she was. "You have got to be kidding me-"

"Excuse me, Dr. Briefs," stated a woman as she peaked her head from the door. She noticed Pan and lightly bit her lip realizing she already had a meeting, and with (who people on the ship started to call) a little devil. "But your son has come in to speak with you. Should I inform him that you're already speaking to someone else?"

Bulma lightly smiled as she shook her head. "I don't mind him being here. Let him in."

The secretary nodded her head. "Of course, Dr. Briefs. I'll send him right in."

The scientist nodded, "Thank you."

Pan's shock wore off for the briefest moment as she turned her curiosity to the older woman. "You never told me you were a mother, although I wouldn't have doubted it... You never speak of him."

The older woman lightly laughed as she nodded her head. "Yes, my son does live his life on this ship now, as his father. I have been hoping to introduce you two, but I think fate brought you two together."

Pan's face became pale. "What are you-"

"Morning mother!" chirped a cheerful masculine voice.

Pan's face paled even more than before. Her head slowly turned around and her eyes widened. She felt like a deer caught in headlights. Holy... Shit...

She noticed the face of Trunks only feet away from her.

The two locked eyes, and the surprise in the male's face was evident also. It quickly disappeared though when Trunks walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Panny! Surprise seeing you here!"

The female saiyan gritted her teeth. "Burn in hell, Boxer Boy."

He put a pout on his lips as he gently rubbed her arm with his muscular hand. "Why such anger? I think you should be the happiest person to see me! We are such good 'friends'."

Pan's eyes turned to little slits. "Get your hand off my shoulder."

He lifted it up, and raised his hands up in defense. "Sorry... I just thought you would like to see a friendly face."

"Friendly?" questioned Pan as she raised an eyebrow, "FRIENDLY!" She jumped up from her chair standing as tall as she could still staring up at him. "YOU CALL THIS FRIENDLY!"

He shrugged his shoulders. "We always seem to run into each other."

"Seem to?" questioned Pan sarcastically as she laughed mockingly. "How could you call 'running into each other' when you literally STALK me!"

"I don't stalk you," stated Trunks as he stubbornly crossed his arms over his chest. "I just simply follow you when ever I wish to tell you something."

"SEE! STALKER!" exclaimed Pan almost hissing as if he were the most repulsive thing alive.

Light laugher was noticed from the side of the room. The hybrid saiyans turned their heads to the third person in the room. Bulma had a twinkle in her eye. "Pan, why didn't you tell me you and my son has met?"

Pan's eyes darkened even more. "Bulma. Why didn't you TELL ME that this... this... THING was your son!"

"Thing?" questioned the prince with a fake pout, "I'm hurt."

She sneered at him. "Good. Because I'm making sure that the next ship, in which goes out to the south, will send a message to my father! I'm sure he would LOVE to hear about my stalker." More sarcasm was noticed.

"And why am I a stalker again?" he questioned almost childishly crossing his arms. Pan noticed that he stuck his nose in the air just to make himself just a bit taller.

"Do I need to explain once more WHY I want to kill you?" questioned Pan bluntly.

Trunks chuckled. "I hear this almost everyday. Do you think I would consider these threats truths? I haven't seen you act in such a way."

Pan's scowl remained, "It's because your 'precious emperor' has done something to me... and has caused me to be a weakling! Do you wish for me to demonstrai-"

The electricity came back and engulfed her body.

She screamed and fell limply to the ground.

Trunks used his supernatural speeds to catch her in his arms, and she moaned lightly pained as he gently cradled her in his muscular arms. Never before had he seen the effects of this strange device. All he knew was the fact it drains energy. He had noticed Pan more sluggish by the days; that indicated that this new invention was working. He didn't expect for the machine to electrocute her! He mentally made a note to ask Gohan about that.

He noticed her stir once more as she recovered from the shock, and he looked to her.

Pan's face was emotionless for the moment; she might have been too sore to use the muscles in her face to frown. "I told you..." she muttered trying to move from his grasp.

Instead of releasing her as he usually did... he held onto her tighter. "You are in no condition to be moving around, Pan. You are on strict bed rest."

Pan scoffed as she turned her head from him. "First I find you to be on of the high generals of the emperor, you're a saiyan warrior, I find out you're the PRINCE of the saiyans, AND you are next in line to become the emperor of this galaxy... because his highness doesn't have an heir! What else should I know about you? Are you some great doctor... or better yet, a super genius scientist that's known all over the worlds?" she questioned. It was meant to be very sarcastic... but... he turned on her as his lips turned into a smirk.

"I didn't think you needed to know that information."

Pan just glared to him. "You make me sick."

The look in Trunks eye was something Pan couldn't read. What she didn't know was he regretted what she stated. 'Then I'm sorry for being this way.'

The two left the room.

Bulma stood there blinking as she rubbed the side of her head. Didn't the two notice her standing right THERE! Kids were strange now a days... but...

Bulma lightly smiled. Trunks acted the same way in trying to attract a female. And annoying the pour girl to death was the only way Trunks could find to spend time with Pan.

The female scientist shook her head. The day Gohan found out that the hybrid saiyans were flirting was the day the end of the universe would begin... theoretically.

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Speaking of the emperor...

Gohan looked around the dark streets of the South. He was currently on the lowest planet, the dirtiest, and most feared in the galaxy. Those around were criminals who hated the emperor, and did what they could to stay away from him.

Gohan knew this.

What the people didn't know... was of what the emperor actually looked like!

They never realized that Gohan was the head hancho of the galaxy... and it was for safety reasons. He would pose as an advisor; Vegeta would be the one to play the emperor. For one, Gohan did not learn about politics in the way of managing a monarchy. Vegeta was the one who could solve these problems in three seconds flat! But usually the saiyan prince would turn to the true emperor in asking for a 'second opinion'. That action alone brought Gohan out of much hot water. Two; it was suggested by Zarbon- for extra safety measures. It was almost a coward's way out from being killed by a hit man or assassin.

Gohan didn't come alone to this part of the galaxy. Oh no! But he only came with one other person. That person was Videl's first child.

The young ice-jin was never brought out into the galaxy, and it was for good reasons too. Only the one's of the ship knew the story behind the young ice-jin who looked almost exactly like the father. It was a wonder why Gohan cared for the young child with open arms. The emperor treated Hizashi as if her was his only son. But...

He didn't wish to give the throne to the young ice-jin. Gohan feared that Hizashi would bring revolt, surprise, and that the young adult would become power hungry as his true father.

That was why Gohan felt that the throne should be taken over by a saiyan. Vegeta was the prince of the saiyans... he should have been the one to become the ruler... but they needed the person, who defeated the tyrant, to continue the task of what the leader before had begun (but it needed to be done much fairer).

It was a joy when Gohan first found out that he would soon become a father... all those years before. His daughter... his kidnapped and brainwashed daughter... would soon have a birthday being at the fresh young age of eighteen. She should have been the one next in line. That was what was considered when she was conceived. Then fate turned for the worst. Trunks remained the heir being younger and stronger than his father.

Gohan turned his head toward the ice-jin. Hizashi was scanning the area for anything the saiyan might have missed. They were searching for a single individual... a certain person...

The air seemed to become colder, and the light (of what light might have lit the area) seemed to dim just a bit more. They felt the dark presence enter the area, and Gohan gritted his teeth as he felt it coming closer. Being a saiyan, you had more enhanced senses. That means better hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and the sensing of a presence. The darkness in the area, however, didn't allow him to see the person who he was to speak to. That did unnerve the ruler of the universe.

"I see you did not chicken out, emperor."

Gohan felt a small shiver slide down his spine. Oh, how he hated that feeling. He slowly turned his head to the left and lightly glared. Oh how he hated this person...

Walking from the shadows was a figure robed in a black cloak. His whole body was covered excluding his head and part of a shoulder (plus an arm) that held the cape closed.

Gohan so happened to notice Hizashi's shocked and surprised expression from the corner of his eye. Yes, it was true. Gohan did tell Hizashi of what species he was, and the fact that it was nearly extinct. The emperor so happened to not explain the small part... that they were the enemy, the opposing side.

Ironic, right?

Kooler noticed the young ice-jin to the side of the emperor. It was strange! He never saw one of his species ever able to come close to the main base, or the emperor nonetheless! This one... he looked very... very familiar. Sure, Kooler observed that Hizashi's coloring was off just a bit. That blue color was indeed strange... but he was also small... one could easily tell that he was very, very young.

Then that made Kooler think. Was this... possibly his cousin? Was he a nephew from Frieza? Could this young ice-jin be a child of HIS?

No.

It couldn't be...

"What is it that you wished to talk to me about?" questioned the emperor harshly as he gritted his teeth. Oh... this person would pay for what he did to his own flesh and blood! Killing her would be one thing... and brainwashing her is another... both are completely unforgivable! Both thoughts brought knots to his stomach.

The ice-jin's gaze turned dark as the planet they currently stood on. "You obviously have Pan. She should have been home long ago."

"Home?" questioned Gohan as his eyes turned to mere slits. "She is home."

Kooler laughed mockingly. "Has she tried to destroy your base yet? Or has she attempted to kill anyone around?"

Memories flooded back to the emperor, as he remained silent. Only the second day Pan was on the ship, she acted as a wild lion trying its best to escape from the claws of its captors. She succeeded in ripping out a few doors and walls... she also tried to harm a few warriors and servants in the paths she crossed. Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks were constantly on her tail when she was in a rage and after innocent people's blood. She had a very strange way to calm herself. They didn't exactly understand why she needed to kill something, and to see its blood smeared against something clean and pure... Okay... so Vegeta knew what that was like, and Gohan had a small taste of what they was like when he was younger.

Kooler smirked at the silence the emperor had.

"Yes. I would have thought so," started the dark lord as he began to walk up towards Gohan, "You see... when Pan was very young, she had trouble with a few... bandits." That also made Gohan's ki flare, and that was what Kooler was aiming for. "Of course, I so happened to come in time to save her from those perverted men. Pan grew into a beauty as you can see, and I can't have any men hanging around her. She must always remain pure."

Hizashi continued to stare at Kooler, then would turned to his 'father' who was angrier than ever. Yes, the young ice-jin knew who this Pan was... he just never understood WHY Gohan seemed very protective over her. That was... unless she was...

"Those bandits brought her to become more protective of herself. I was able to see how she coped with the trauma she faced at the young age; She still lashes out at people because of it."

If it were possible, Gohan's anger became stronger.

"There is also another reason WHY she began to tear up your ship." Kooler scratched the skin beside his smirking lips. "She also became a bit... claustrophobic when she was but five years old. Ah, I remember that day as if it happened yesterday. She can't stay in an area for more than a few moments... I know she fears, THEY will come."

"They?" The words were barely spoken as they left his lips. He wasn't just mad; he was horrified! What HAD his daughter gone through in her life!

"But it doesn't matter any more," stated the ice-jin off handedly as his smirk grew, " There is no need to worry; I have taken care of her her whole life. I am, after all, her father."

"You LIAR!" shouted Gohan as his power jumped to super saiyan. "You know as well as I do that she's MY daughter! MY flesh and BLOOD!"

A small chuckle was noticed from the ice-jin. "Yes... all of flesh, but," Kooler smirked widely, "Not in mind. I will always be her father mentally."

Those comments also brought another power surge to the emperor as he jumped to super saiyan level two. "How... dare you."

This reaction only pleased the dark lord even more. His face dropped into a frown. "But she does mean the universe to me. I might not always be there to protect her from getting into trouble... but I will do anything to guarantee her safety. She is... my light in this darkness."

Gohan's jaw went slack for a few seconds.

That was the same reaction Hizashi had as he stared at Kooler. Who was this guy, so twisted and evil? 'What did Gohan do to deserve this!' mentally questioned the young ice-jin as his mind began to scream. He then turned his head around in different areas.

There.

And there!

Over there!

And over there!

Hizashi turned his head around to all corners of the darkened ally they were in. This wasn't... good. And taking this as a warning, Hizashi powered up only at ten percent. Hopefully it would give those around a scare. He knew these... things might jump the two and attack them... thinking they are weaklings.

Wonderful.

Gohan turned his eyes to Hizashi for the slightest second, and then turned back to Kooler.

The ice-jin was gone! What the-

"SIR! Watch out!" shouted Hizashi as he leaped shoving his fist into the soft belly of an offender.

Gohan lowered his head immediately falling into a fighting stance. This was just what he needed. This crazy ice-jin just HAD to set them up after he spoke his business... and then he ran off! Gohan gritted his teeth. "Hizashi... we need to make this as quick as possible... Kooler is after Pan."

Hizashi lightly rolled his eyes when turned away from the emperor. He felt the lightest twinge of jealousy... it might have been because he was use to all the attention... and now this mysterious Pan arrives making the emperor convinced that she is his long lost daughter.

"Yes, sir," replied back the young ice-jin as he began to dash towards some of the assassins. No matter what, Hizashi couldn't be angry with Gohan for more than a few seconds; this was the man who raised him from infancy! Not once did work get in the way whenever Hizashi wanted even a few seconds of attention from him.

It was suspicious to why he was different from all the others... he wasn't humanoid... maybe partly... but more of a lizard like creature... And now he finally found someone else who was just like him... but... he had to find out that this... Kooler person was someone Gohan loathed. And the emperor was usually very slow to anger! There must be more behind this character than the emperor revealed.

He did not want to be getting half-truths; he was aware Gohan might be one to use them to try and keep Hizashi from becoming too upset. But the ice-jin didn't care at this moment... he wanted the truth, and he wanted it now! But he was aware... that the only way in which he could get it was if he talked to two people... One, the emperor knew that part of life very well... but was very unlikely to want to touch that part of life, and Kooler, that character, seemed very blunt and to the point when explaining.

The two warriors finished putting down the last of the assassins. Gohan's power remained, as did Hizashi's as they surveyed the area. It was silent, and clear. Instead of the usual comfortable silence the two shared at times after a battle... it was tense.

Not even stating a word to his 'father', Hizashi turned on his heel and headed back to his space ship. The young ice-jin so happened to miss the hurt in Gohan's eyes. But he didn't care at this moment. The only thing he thought about was finding the person who would give him the answers he needed.

He needed to talk to Kooler.

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Okay... I shall stop there. I'm very... tired... but I can't sleep. Very frustrating if you ask me... I only had about 5 hours of sleep last night... and I was WIDE-awake! I was very surprised... but I think my stress level went way up. I can't think that straight. I have the homework from hell this weekend so... I doubt that I will be working on my fanfics... unless I am driven up the wall because of this work (shrugs) I might even write a fanfics about End of the year Exams. Anyways... I apologize for any misspellings or incorrect grammar or bad sentences. I'm too tired to fix it now. I'll go back and work on it later. For now... onto my evil vocabulary.

Takuma