Cosmos picked her way through the rubble that was the town, her eyes staring around at the barren city. Or, at least, what was left of it. She took another step and chewed on her bottom lip. This place was depressing. She sighed and leaned forward on her knees. She was unsure for how long she had been walking but the sun was now setting. Sweat dripped down her face and she straightened, taking a deep breath. She was bored and her muscles were starting to ache. She was horribly out of shape. Hell, no one could blame her though. She'd been asleep for a whole millennia, damn it!

"Ugh! Where are all the people?" 'Or any life for that matter.'

She started to walk again, her eyes watching the sky as the sun set. Her brows suddenly drew together and she frantically searched the sky. Where was the moon? Of course, not watching where she was going, she tripped and fell, hard. She let out a string of soft curses, glaring at her foot, which was now captured between two rocks. Hey, some habits die hard.

"Damn it! What the hell? I'm here for Kami only knows how long and I hurt myself. Brilliant. Just fucking brilliant. And now, here I am, stuck here, with not a god damned person around to help me!"

"Mmm...Such strong words for such a beautiful lady."

Cosmos jerked her head up and glared firmly at the male who had spoke. His voice was smooth and silky. His black hair fell to his shoulders and he wore a pair of jeans, a black shirt and a blue, long sleeved shirt beneath. His dark blue eyes held no emotion as he stared at her. She felt a chill race down her spine.

"Who the hell are you?"

He gave a light chuckle and took a step toward her, his hand out.

"That's not going to matter very soon. My name won't do you any good when you're dead."

Cosmos gave a snort and laughed. He stared at her curiously and glared. His voice was slightly angry when he spoke next.

"I don't think you're in a position to be laughing."

She raised a delicate silver brow at him.

"I don't give a damn what you think. I'd like to see you kill me. No one has before. And I highly doubt that you can now. So why don't you save yourself the trouble and get lost."

She turned back to her ankle and glared at the offending appendage. Stupid rocks. Stupid gravity. She grabbed her leg and tugged, completely ignoring the man as he stared incredulously at her. The man's face contorted with anger and he formed a small ball of energy and fired it at her. Before the ki blast could reach her the locket on her chest glowed and a shield erected. The black shield easily absorbed the ki blast and she looked up at, blinking stupidly. She thought he had left. How stupid of him to still be stand there, staring at her. She smirked at the surprise in his eyes. They were all the same. Every last one of them. They all thought they were so good. So tough and strong. That since she was a 'small, helpless little girl' they would easily dispose of her. But, they all ended up in the same way. Dead. However, she still had a slight problem. Her ankle throbbed and her foot was still caught. At that thought her eyes narrowed at her leg once again. Why wouldn't those stupid rocks budge? She didn't even bother to look up as the shield detracted and another set of footsteps were heard approaching. She didn't care.

"Juu-kun, whatcha got here? Oh, a female. Pathetic toy. What are you waiting for, kill her. I have our magnificent toy following me. We don't have time to play with anyone else."

The black haired man glared at a blond woman. Cosmos turned to her as well and stared at the woman. Oh how original. Her hair was in the same style as the mans only a pale blond. Her eyes were an icy blue, once again she mirrored the man in that aspect as well, and she wore jeans and a tee-shirt with a pair of tennis shoes. Well, wasn't she a fashion statement? Cosmos clenched her jaw and jerked her leg again, smiling when the rocks finally gave way. She was just starting to remove her foot when a person landed in front of her. Oh joy, another person to grate on her nerves. She rolled her eyes and glanced up; staring at the back of what was obviously a male. He wore a dark blue jacket that had a logo on it of two white c's in a white circle. His lavender hair was pulled into a low pony tail and had a few strands that were loose. He wore a pair of black jeans and matching boots with yellow buckles on them. Her attention then turned to the large sword that he had strapped to his back.

"Ah, too late. He's here. Hmm, I have an idea, Juuhachigo, why don't you make your lover boy here watch you kill her."

The man's voice was sly and the girl snorted. Cosmos smirked. So, the boy had a sense of humor. Of course he knew what would happen. She opted for a look of defenselessness and turned her attention back to the lavender-haired guy.

"Hey, pretty boy, why don't you help me out of here so that I can at least escape, eh?"

The lavender haired boy turned and silvery blue clashed with a deep dark blue. Cosmos sucked in a breath. Pretty boy had been an understatement. This guy was gorgeous. His features were perfectly proportioned and his lips were full. His lavender hair framed his face perfectly and he was amazingly built. His black tank top made that obvious. He gave her a slight look of surprise but did as he was told, easily freeing her from the rocks. She smirked and stood, doing the exact opposite of what she had told gorgeous as she walked over to join him. She glared at the girl, trying to look scared. And, of course, she failed. She never really was well at hiding her true emotions. The other blonde in the group of four smiled wickedly.

"Hmm, sounds like a good idea."

The lavender haired boy's eyes widened and he yelled at Cosmos as yet another ki blast came racing toward her. He turned and yelled at her as if she were a complete idiot.

"Are you nuts? Run!"

Once again a silver glow emitted from the locket and the shield erected itself, easily absorbing the attack. Afterwards the locket emitted that silvery light again and the shield dissipated. The two newer arrivals stared in shock.

"What the-"

Juuhachigo's words were cut short by both her brother's and Cosmos' laugh.

"As I told your friend here, it's not going to be that easy to kill me."

The black haired man stared at the girl, his eyes narrowing. Despite the innocent look that seemed to easily surround her, there was something quite different about her. He noticed a look of power inside the girl and he took a slight step back. It was odd how he couldn't sense her ki, but an aura seemed to float around her. One that he knew would mean their death. He suddenly snatched up his sister and took off, the girl protesting furiously the whole time. Gorgeous made to take off and Cosmos' hand reached out and she grasped the boy's wrist. The boy was an idiot. Did he have a death wish?

"Let them go. They won't last long. They should enjoy their last few moments here."

The lavender haired boy turned to Cosmos and gave her an odd look. Her lips were curved into a smirk, a look that promised pain in her eyes. Odd, she appeared as if she was going to enjoy the chase. He snatched his hand away.

"Gee, thanks for your help. You just let them go, damn it!"

Cosmos glared at him, her eyes flashing. So, she just saved his life and this was the thanks she got? Gee, Gorgeous was so nice!

"Don't you dare talk to me that way, boy!"

His eyes flashed as well and he fell into a fighting stance. She rolled her eyes heavenward. Goddess help her. Give her patience and the strength to deal with people once again.

"My name is Trunks, not boy! And I don't know what gives you the right to call me boy, you look younger than me! And who the hell are you, anyway?"

Her eyes flashed in anger and she growled, crossing her arms across her chest and stopping her throbbing ankle in annoyance. She winced in pain and knelt down, placing her hands on the offending extremity. They gently stated to glow silver, the light instantly healing whatever it came into contact with. Trunks stared at the small spurts of green that appeared around her foot where the light touched. What the in Kami-sama's name? She straightened her body and cleared her throat, an air of confidence surrounding her small body.

"My name's none of your business. And stop pretending like you're going to fight me, 'cause I'm not going to fight you."

She was annoyed at his unsure look, but his defense seemed to drop slightly. Did she look like his enemy? Like she was going to destroy this already battered world? Ugh! Puh-lease! She noticed his guarded look and sighed. How long had it been since she had human contact again? Right, time to take a different approach to this.

"Cosmos."

"Nani?"

"What are you deaf? My name, its Cosmos. Look, I need somewhere to go. I can't just sit here and wait for them to come back. It'd be nice if I could prepare for their next attack. So is there a hotel or something around here? Maybe an abandoned shack or something?"

Why was he staring at her like that? She snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"Hey! Did you hear what I said, boy? Are you going to answer me or just stand there looking dumb?"

Trunks blinked and relaxed. He was still a bit irked at her tone of voice, but he couldn't leave her out here. He wouldn't feel right about it. Walking over to her he gently picked her up. She started to protest, so he quickly spoke up.

"My place isn't far from here. If you fly, and I doubt you know how to. Besides, you're not going to find anywhere that'll take you after dark. The people around here are kind of guarded. You know, scared."

She frowned, but chose not to comment on what he said. Let him doubt her talents. It simply meant that the two that were most likely pissed at her right at the moment doubted her as well. Good for them. All three of them. When they reached his house she stared at the almost destroyed area and a bit of her coldness seemed to melt from her. This place brought back memories. Too many memories. Painful memories. Ones she didn't want to remember. She stared at the rubble with a deep sadness in her eyes, one that she quickly masked. The look didn't escape Trunks' attention as they walked further in. 'What's with this girl?'

"'Kaa-san! I'm home!"

"Oi, Trunks, thank Kami-sama! I was so worried, and-OH! Hello there. I didn't know Trunks brought someone with him. I'm Bulma."

Cosmos stared at the woman and the hand that was extended to her. What was she supposed to do with her hand? Oh, that's right, these people shook hands. She took it stiffly and Trunks rolled his eyes at the look his mother gave him. One that was full of slyness. Great, his mother was going to try and play matchmaker. Just what he needed at the moment. NOT!

"I'm going to get a shower."

Trunks turned and walked out, leaving the two women behind.

"So, where are you from?"

Cosmos turned to Bulma and stared at her blankly.

"Not from here."

Bulma blinked and frowned, surprised at the girl's rudeness. Well, what was she supposed to say? That she was a princess that was more than a million years old and was currently the guardian that protected the hundreds of galaxies and dimensions? Uh, I think not.

"Right, I'm gonna go find something to eat."

With that Bulma disappeared in the same direction as her son and left Cosmos alone. She glared at the ceiling, clenching her hands into fists at her side. She clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes before growling.

"Damn you, Fait. I know that was you that made me fall. Wait until I get up there!"

: Sorry mistress. I had to allow you to meet the boy :

Cosmos growled again. Why did those girls feel as if they had to interfere with everything? Of course, she would never escape them. They were bound to duty, just as she was. A slight pang twisted her heart.

"You didn't have to do a damn thing! Forget it. Leave me alone."

: Yes mistress :

With that Cosmos stared at her surroundings. Now what the hell was she supposed to do? Might as well make use of the time she currently had to her self. She was restless since her overly long sleep. She walked back outside and sat Indian style on the top of a piece of flat rubble. Her eyes scanned the sky once again, a slight emptiness filling her heart at the lack of a moon. She leaned back, her arms going above her head. She stared at the thousands of twinkling stars overhead. Her breathing slowed and she retreated into herself, then expanded outward, trying to get the feel of this planet she currently resided on. A soft gasp escaped her lips. There was so much pain. So much destruction and suffering. How had things gotten this bad? Why hadn't she gotten woken sooner? Memories assaulted her mind once again and she swallowed roughly. A tear slowly dripped down her cheek. Trunks felt the sudden wave of power pulse through him and inadvertently closed his eyes, his body and mind suddenly filled with peace. He leaned against the wall of the shower. It was odd how this woman appeared out of nowhere and was suddenly able to irritate him so easily. But, even odder, was her power. It was immense, yet nonexistent. It filled his soul, yet he was left feeling empty all at the same time. He would have to bring her back with him when he left to go back in time again next week. Maybe Piccolo or Kami could tell him something about the mysterious girl. Trunks wasn't the only one that felt the sudden surge of power. Everyone did. Every living creature felt it. Only, they didn't sense the high ki signature with the power, all they felt was the sudden calm that filled them. A sudden hope rekindled within them. Yet it seemed to infuriate two people. The two androids narrowed their eyes in fury. They felt personally insulted that the girl would expose herself so easily and openly. Yet, at the same time, they knew that they could not take the invitation that she mockingly gave them. They knew that it would not be wise to attack at the time. These facts simply fed their new found hatred to the new found enemy. Cosmos only smirked as she felt their anger, but frowned as she felt so much more, So much anger, so much pain, so much suffering and sadness. These two would pay for their sins, and there were plenty of them that would keep them tortured for millenniums to come. She felt pity for the people of this planet. No, pity wasn't the right word. Sympathy. She felt a deep sympathy for them. She could relate to them. Only, at least they still had their humanity. Hers had died that day that it had happened. Her mind was slowly going in a direction she desperately tried to pull away from. Yet still it dragged her along, forcing her to remember. Forcing her to face what had stole everything from her, including her innocence, her humanity, and her soul. She quickly withdrew her power into herself once again, leaving a warm trail in its wake. But, for one, the power stayed. Trunks fell to his knees as he felt the power change. He could feel the sadness and anger lashing out wildly, the power changing from pure to one tinged with hatred and death. Images were suddenly filling his mind. Images of a past that he could not imagine. A past that was not his. A past that he felt that he should not currently be seeing.

AN: Well, I thought this would be as good a place as any to stop. I'll have the next chapter out at the same time as this one. So you won't have to wait long!