The entire crew sat silently within Honto's bar. Their quiet personas illuminated by questioning expressions. Vegeta had recently entered with a happy Trunks and all had listened to the boy's story.
What had only taken the young man a few minutes to summarize seemed an eternity in the hearts of those witness to the scene. Goku upon hearing the news of Vegeta's sudden forgiveness closed his weary eyes and smiled. The story that Trunks told clarified the far more grotesque tale that Vegeta had presented. As he spoke, the committee of warriors soon became aware of the vast oppression which Bulma had undertaken in the past two years. Every now and then their anticipatory eyes cast quick, furtive glances to Vegeta.
The dark Saiyan stood away from the group, leaning against the wall. His crossed arms portrayed his perpetual stern personality, but it also presented a shield of sorts against their somewhat accusing stares. Trunks however, cleared his father's name along with his mother's, stating that both had been trapped within a state of shame and perhaps, blindness.
Trunks didn't forget to reaccount the recent horror of the Blood Rage, or the fact that Vegeta and Chimera had partially exchanged bodies. Although surprising, the news didn't seem to shake his audience. Their battle hardened bodies had seen much in a lifetime of mystical content. This sudden discovery was just one more stepping stone in their daily scenarios.
And so, they all awaited for in silence, the one being on which the story centered. Honto stood off to the side, absently cleaning a glass. Long ago all possible dirt and water had been cleared off it, yet he continued on with the familiar motion. Possibly he was not aware of what he was doing.
Time hung in every heart, every second a moment too long. It continued on like this for a good while, until finally the ring of footsteps resonated through the bar. There was a distant snort made by no other than Chimera and the footsteps progressed nearer to the bar. It was then that they all beheld a sound that seemed foreign to their ears, and indeed it was.
A high, clear laugh entered the air. Its origin was certain, and yet it seemed the sound did not belong. It's sweet notes played off each ear and caused every man to look up in astonishment.
Without proper warning, the bar doors swung open. Side by side the duo entered. At first one could not help but countenance the great beast that strode forth aggressively, each movement of his paw a massive penetration of fear. However, this time, his image was obscured by one that was more stunning, more radiant, than the flaming orange tiger possessed. Bulma entered the bar with the same sure stride as always. However, this time her very appearance demanded ultimate attention.
Her eyes had never been so brilliant, their blue pupils emitting that of life and energy. Her once pale skin now contained a luster of rose and cream that could have inspired Michelangelo. Upon entrance, she paused at the door. It was then that she grinned. With her dazzling smile, the bewildered warriors saw her eyes match it. Never had they beheld such utter magnificence.
After some time she frowned and, raising an eyebrow, stepped forth. Removing her billowing black cloak, she took a seat at the bar. Chimera followed softly and lay himself at her feet.
"You all look like you've seen a ghost!" She exclaimed. Turning to Honto she nodded for him to come forward. He came quickly, nearly dropping his well-cleaned glass. "You know what I want, now hurry it up!" She turned to the onlookers and growled. "Will you all stop staring at me!" The others grimaced and cleared their throats. Chimera growled from underneath and Bulma looked down at him, smiling. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to forget!" She looked back to Honto. "A bowl of water with that!" Honto muttered an "I know," and then went back to getting her drink.
"Bulma?" It was Goku who spoke up. She swivelled around on her stool and smiled at him, beaming with life. He grinned and sighed, realizing it was time to tell his story.
"Are you ready to tell us what happened, Goku?" Bulma asked. His eyes widened at her knowledge but then he nodded his answer.
"Yes, well you see. There's a new problem." Everyone adjusted their attention to Goku. Goten groaned and dropped his head on the counter. "It's this woman who wants to take over Chikyuu…"
"Well that's new," Gohan asserted.
"Yeah!" Goku replied. "Except she's not an Effian, she's a Nem! And her name's…"
"STOP!" Bulma stood up swiftly, and in her rush startled Honto who dropped both Kryo and water on himself. With her eyes ablaze and fists clenched, it was very clear Goku had struck a nerve. Goku looked up in surprise as well as everyone else. Even Vegeta raised an eyebrow.
Bulma strode forward with purpose.
"Come with me!" She commanded. With that she grabbed Goku's ear and pulled the astonished Saiyan out the door.
Chimera, who had been seated on the floor looked around in a dazed fashion and then contented himself to lying back down and closing his eyes.
"Geesh, Trunks!" Goten proclaimed. "I forgot just how scary your mom can be some times!" Trunks returned his friend's statement with a lop-sided smirk.
"You have no idea," he replied.
****
"Goku, I'm sorry I reacted so violently, but there's something you should know."
The good-hearted warrior rubbed his ear warily and smiled.
"It's okay Bulma, just tell me what you're talking about."
"You can't mention Arwen's name in front of Chimera." Goku fell back in bewilderment, only to stand up again and grab the back of his head.
"How'd you know?" Bulma sighed and looked down.
"I have sensed many things about Chimera, and I can read his thoughts and memories more clearly sometimes, than he can. His mind refuses to acknowledge things that I see plain as day. Arwen is one of them."
"But what does she have to do with Chimera?"
"She was once bonded with him," Bulma replied. "But when Galvan came and extracted Chimera from his native home, their bond was broken and his mind forgot her… He forgot her because he couldn't bare the pain of their separation."
"And Arwen?" Goku asked.
"Arwen probably feels much the same way. I can sense a great love in his past. True I'm a creature of perfection, but she was a Nem. Her connection with Chimera ran much deeper than my own. After all, she had no other ties than to himself… I had Vegeta."
At that Goku smiled.
"So I've heard!" Bulma grinned back.
"Yes well…" She replied, looking into space for a moment. Her attention returned quickly however, and she added, "Just don't mention Arwen's name in front of Chimera. Brief everyone about her at my house. When Chimera's out hunting. He'll do that tonight I'm guessing, to give me and Ve…" She looked up, cheeks flushed.
"Don't worry Bulma," Goku said. "I'll do just that!"
"How's ChiChi?" Goku was dumbstruck yet again.
"How'd you…"
"I know a lot of things, how is she?" Goku sighed and crossed his arms. Closing his eyes, he came very close to resembling Vegeta.
"She'll be all right, but she was unconscious when I found her." Bulma stepped forward and embraced him. Wrapping sympathizing arms around him, she felt his pain.
"ChiChi's a strong woman, Goku. She's been through much worse. And you know that you love her, so don't worry." Goku put his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes. Suddenly he returned her hug, squeezing her quite hard. If she hadn't been so strong, it might have killed her. However, she smiled and cradled his head. He was still so young.
"I love you, Goku," she said.
"Thank you Bulma."
The night began to fade as they stood out there. Holding each other in such a friendly, compassionate way, they let the minutes go by.
Unbeknownst to them, a storm had begun to brew, and Remina was directly in its path of destruction.
****
Author's Note: Well… sorry this has taken so long. It won't happen again I promise! Action is on its way, I PROMISE!! Much luv, that is all ~JZero