Seven Years Later
Seven years was a long time. Seven long years of the same actions over and over again. The Eastern Quadrant, never the most exciting of places was deadly dull for an officer of her Majesty's Army. Of course, it had not always been that way, seven years previously; the Quadrant had been rife with anti-Government activity with banditry and smuggling being rife. All that had changed however with the arrival of Captain Cosmos and his quick motions to take over affairs. Despite being a mere Captain, subordinate to various other officers in the Quadrant, his own prestige due to his actions of previous Wars making him hugely respected despite his disgrace and exile.
Within two years of arrival, the Eastern Quadrant had largely been pacified and his own rank (Despite Queen Serenity's extreme reluctance) brought back up to a Lieutenant-Colonel and third in the chain of command in the Eastern Quadrant, on paper at least. For nearly every day since, Cosmos had sat in his office and given out orders, written reports and tried his best to fill the time. His faced lined more with age but although his body was gradually betraying him with attacks of arthritis and the like, Cosmos's wits were still about him, ever alert for a threat.
It was one such threat that he was investigating right now. Despite managing to wipe out most bandits and smugglers within the Moon Kingdom's area of influence, one group had avoided all attempts to bring them in. They were the Wolf Fang Gang, a group of four smugglers and bandits who had proven themselves to be just one step ahead of anything Cosmos was able to come up with. They had been out of Cosmos's reach for just over three years now and were the only major disturbance in the region, something he was sure he was going to rectify.
In his bare little office, with only a flag of the Moon Kingdom as any sort of decoration, Cosmos stared down at the papers which listed the locations that the Wolf Fang Gang had previously been seen in. Worlds throughout the Eastern Quadrant had been that they had been spotted on with a distinct pattern being shown. The route they had followed was amongst the poorer colonies of the Moon Kingdom, with only one left, the World of Sulu Four. It was one of the most poorly maintained colonies with few, if any colonists from the Moon Kingdom on it.
At the same time however, Sulu Four was very rich in food supplies, the farming there being highly lucrative despite the lack of numbers. For food supplies, the Wolf Gang Four would definitely be there. Cosmos smiled evilly, and he would be there to greet them…
XxX
A deadline was not something Washu associated with her work as a rule. She worked how she wanted, when she wanted for whatever she wanted. This had come to change with the commission with Sasami and her stating the project would be finished within a week. Her time was now up and the suit was completed, but her doubt remained. Sasami had arrived and was in the middle of suiting up behind a wooden screen (The skin tight metal having no room for clothes underneath it) and caused her to once more reconsider what she had done.
With a sudden clink and a low whirring sound, Washu became aware that the suit was now on and being powered up. The screen was pushed aside by Sasami and Washu looked over, allowing herself to smile in a craftsman's pride at the result. Sasami herself had a slight blush on her face, she had realised while putting on the suit that it revealed her feminine figure rather more than she actually liked. Despite that failure of modesty however, Sasami felt overjoyed at the suit. It covered her from throat to toe, glimmering in the light as Sasami twisted around to look at it over her body.
"So, what d'ya think Sammy?" Washu asked as the Princess checked the suit out.
In response to the question, Sasami grinned at the older woman before holding out a hand, feeling energy course through her body as she concentrated it into a ball in her palm. Her lessons in manipulating energy from Gohan had never been forgotten and only built upon with secret studies. She could attack with such energy and was preparing to with all the force of justice. The ball in her hand grew incredibly considering the effort she was putting into it, the size growing to almost half her body. Sasami grinned evilly as she felt the energy course in front of her, the power being beyond her expectations.
Washu looked on nervously at the girl's face as she let the energy disappear, the glow fading into the very air. The scientist had done wok for more than a fair share of power hungry warlords and bandits over the years but none of them had ever matched what Sasami had looked like when she saw the affects of her suit on her power. Feeling one of her rare cases of professional responsibility, Washu spoke up "Sammy, what is that suit for? Five years I've been building that, I think I've earned the right to know."
No answer was forthcoming at first as Sasami instead leapt backwards and did half a dozen back flips before landing perfectly on her feet. Confident that the suit didn't impede any of her movements, Sasami spoke "It's… personal Washu. But you'll find out in two weeks anyway. Now, what do you want as payment?"
The tantalising question of payment ran through Washu's mind before being reluctantly cast aside. She had grown too really like Sasami, she didn't want to see her hurt herself, especially by her own hand "Look Sammy, I don't care about the payment, I want to know what that suit's going to be used for. No deflections, no lies, I just want the plain truth."
A long look came from Sasami, eyeing in friend as she considered her next move. After several tense moments, she relented "I'm going to use the suit to kill Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom."
Before she could stop herself, Washu burst into laughter at that statement. Maybe it was because of the serious tone of voice Sasami had used but the absolute insanity of what the Princess said made Washu think she was joking. And considering it was Sasami who was saying it, it only made things funnier. It took some time before she finally calmed down enough to look at Sasami clearly and then stopped instantly. The expression the Princess was giving her showed that she was deadly serious "Y-You mean it?" Washu asked, barely able to believe her.
Sasami nodded as she flexed her fingers, that smile never leaving her face "Because of her, someone I deeply cared about died. I'm going to return the favour." With a swift punch to the side, Sasami struck the wall beside her, knocking a large hole the size of her fist into it. As the dust from the crushed stone fell to the floor, Sasami felt a large amount of satisfaction grow within her "Name your price Washu, I'm willing to pay whatever you ask."
The hope that Sasami had been pulling a highly out of character joke came crashing down on Washu's head as she realised just how serious she was "Damn Sammy… What do you think you're doing? You're just gonna waltz onto the Moon and kill her? And then what?"
Truth be told, Sasami hadn't thought that far ahead. Her only plan was to avenge Gohan; anything beyond that goal hadn't really sprung to mind. Such a detail was unimportant however, justice was her one and only concern "Look Washu, I'm not looking for your approval. You asked a question, you got the answer. Now, what do you want in return? I can pay you anything you wish for. Ask, and it's yours."
Temptation of monetary wealth made Washu blink but she knew that this was a lot more important "What I want is you to stop this Sammy. You're talking about ruining your life and probably starting a War. I'm not going to let you do that."
Slowly, Sasami's face turned dark and she outright glared at Washu, a look the older woman only returned. Slowly and deliberately, Sasami said "Look, this has nothing to do with you. Because of Serena, Gohan died, she has to be punished!"
"For crying out… Gohan? That Saiyan kid? That's who this is all about?" Washu had heard of the boy, the year after the Battle in the Moon Kingdom's Palace, everywhere under Saiyan and Moon Kingdom influence had honoured the boy in some fashion, everyone knew who he was. But Washu had never realised there had been any connection between the two.
"Yes, it's about 'that Saiyan kid'." Sasami's voice was laced with venom at this point. For seven years she had been forced to repress her hatred and grief in front of now, only now venting it "I loved him Washu! And Serena got him killed! She's going to get what she deserves; I don't care what the price is!"
For the first time on a long while, Washu actually felt sorry for someone. Sasami, her employer and even her friend could only have been a child when that had happened, to go through all of this, just for a pre-adolescent crush? Washu could be qualified as mad but this was damn well livid in comparison. Washu stepped forward, going for whatever authority she could muster "I'm not going to let you do this Sammy, you're better than this. I won't let you ruin your life."
A sneer, something so alien to Sasami grew across her face "You're hardly one to talk Washu. Do I need to bring up the bounties on your head?"
"So I'm a hypocrite, sue me. Fact is Sammy, you're not me, I'm not going to just let you mess yourself up like this." Washu stood defiantly in front of the Princess, knowing that if Sasami was truly serious then she could quite easily silence Washu, one way or another.
For a moment, it seemed that Sasami would do just that as she stood in front of Washu, sizing up the woman "Seven years I've waited for this Washu, seven years Gohan has needed to be avenged. You will not stop me, not now."
Gritting her teeth, Washu stood her ground and refused to move. She knew that there was only one option in order to get Sasami to stop, hopefully, it was the right one. Taking a breath, Washu went on "You want to kill Serena? All right, but you have to kill me first."
The hope Washu had that she was calling Sasami's bluff rose a little as Sasami physically blanched at the words "Kill you? Why? Don't be an idiot Washu, I'm offering you anything you can hope for, don't turn it down!"
Despite the offer, Washu knew that money was unimportant at this point, Sasami's fate was at stake and she had to stay firm "All I want at this point is for you to take of the suit and think about what you're planning to do. If not, I'll make sure everyone knows about it. Think you'll get to the Moon Kingdom when everyone knows what you're planning?"
Sasami balled her hands into fists as she felt anger like never before "No one would believe you! And they'll throw you into prison the moment you're seen! How far do you think you'll get?"
A roguish grin appeared on Washu's face for a split second "Please Sammy, there's no prison they've built that can hold me." Returning to her serious demeanour, Washu turned her back on Sammy, towards the exit of the hidden lab "You think they won't believe me? Fine. Let's go see if that's true. I'll talk with the Empress see how she feels about it. Stop me, if you can."
Five seconds was all it took for Washu to feel a rise of energy in the room behind her. She twisted around to see Sasami had raised her hand, the palm pointing towards her as a ball of energy had been summoned. A shiver of dread went down Washu's spine as she realised what Sasami was threatening her with. Her hope that it was all a bluff was shaken, but not destroyed completely as she saw the young girl try to blink back tears to little avail "Please Washu…" Sasami said in a small voice "Just… Just take the money. We can keep this a secret, all you have to do is keep quiet, just this once. Please Washu, don't make me do this."
"Make you do what?!" Washu snapped, her patience done with "Kill me? Well guess what, that's what you're going to have to do. Either call off your damn vendetta or kill me before it goes any further!" Washu practically barked out those words, hoping beyond hope that Sasami would not fulfil her threat.
Unable to blink them away, genuine tears began to fall down Sasami's face as Washu refused to budge. Her hand wavered slightly but she tried hard to rally "I don't want to hurt you Washu. Step aside, keep quiet and let me avenge Gohan. I… I'm begging you. Don't make me do this."
Washu took several steps forward, her arms stretched out as she all but dared Sasami to strike "I'm not." Washu's voice was quiet now, trying to bring Sasami down gently "I'm not going to let you do this. You want to kill someone? Start with me. Then you'll know if you're ready to kill Serena. Kill me now if you can."
After a long, long moment, where Washu was still unsure which way things would turn, Sasami finally gave up. Unable to do it, Sasami let the energy in her hand vanish into thin air as the tears began to fall freely down her face. Sasami began to sob freely as the realisation that she had failed in her mission, even before she had really begun. She couldn't bring herself to perform the action needed. Even after seven years of seething, acute hatred, she could not kill someone. Sasami sank to her knees as the tears came freely, her hatred of her supposed weakness overwhelming all else.
Washu walked over to the crying girl and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, trying to comfort her although her lack of experience filled her with nervousness. Sasami cried as seven years of hope for justice came crashing right down upon her head with no idea of what to do. Washu guided the girl onto her feet and over to a nearby chair, steadying her throughout. As Sasami sat down and continued to weep, Washu was honestly at a loss, only hoping that she could bring whatever comfort possible to her friend.
It took some time before Sasami finally calmed down long enough to speak, tears still going down her cheeks as she whispered "Why am I so weak?"
"Killing people hardly makes you strong." Washu commented wryly, the memory of Sasami staring down at her with a ball of energy close to letting fly would haunt her for some time to come.
Looking up at Washu, Sasami clearly showed the conflict that had raged beneath her, looking to all intents and purposes as if she had aged ten years in less then five minutes "But I can't avenge Gohan." She muttered numbly "What good am I if I can't do that?"
A scathing look from Washu caught Sasami by surprise, as did the elder woman's reply "Sammy, if he would have wanted you to kill people, I honestly think you need a better definition of a good man."
Sasami looked to Washu, preparing to snap at her, and then found herself thinking about her words. For seven years she had waited, her patience culminating in the completion of the suit and her seeming realisation of revenge. The memories she had of Gohan, looking past her own feelings of grief and pain made her realise that she had betrayed everything Gohan had stood for. Feeling tears once more sprang to her eyes as she hoarsely whispered "No… What have I done?"
"Nothing that can't be repaired." Washu said quickly, hoping it was true. Slowly and hesitantly, she pulled Sasami in for a hug, hoping she could comfort the young girl, for the sake of both of them.
XxX
For many years, the forces of Galaxia had seeped their way throughout the Galaxy, silently gathering power and influence wherever they went. All for the ultimate goal of total domination of the Universe, an ambition Galaxia was just now starting to act on with her myriad plans. Efforts long hidden were now coming to the fore and there was not even the slightest suspicion as to what was truly happening. The utmost secrecy had long been preserved and now, everything was coming to fruition.
The operations which Galaxia's forces had undertaken were largely under the domain of her five Generals. Two of whom were currently waiting outside the Queen's Throne Room for an audience. They were the diminutive General Nezu and the forceful General Akane, both loyal soldiers of the Queen and both absolutely terrified of her, although General Akane was far more reluctant to admit it.
They had been waiting for nearly an hour now, the way in which Galaxia ruled over her subordinates was with the utmost arrogance. It would have rankled, had not they been absolutely terrified of the Queen. After standing to attention for so long, General Akane finally gave up and slumped to the floor, leaning against the wall "What's she doing in there?" She asked sullenly.
To her right, General Nezu blanched in fear, fearing Galaxia much more than her comrade did "Maybe Her Majesty is busy briefing with another General?" She said, not wanting to bad mouth her Queen in any way.
A noise of pure contempt was uttered from Akane's mouth "Briefing? Debriefing more like. You know how she is with that 'bodyguard'." The sarcasm around the title was noted as both knew what the young man's true purpose really was.
Before she could stop herself, Nezu felt the faintest of blushes cross her face "Well, he is rather handsome I have to say." Nezu said wistfully, the blush creeping across her face.
To Nezu's thoughts on the man's looks, Akane merely gave her a look of disgust "After what Galaxia does to him on a daily basis, you still want him? That's… ugh. He's a damn Saiyan anyway."
Nezu looked up in surprise at those words, finding them hard to believe "What? You're serious?"
"It's what I heard. Got his tail removed by surgery and was dumped here for Galaxia's pleasure. Was meant to be really powerful before we got a hold of him." Such gossip was old, but Akane dispensed with it anyway, wanting to do anything to break the boredom.
"A powerful Saiyan…" Nezu mused quietly before suddenly getting an idea "Hey, you don't think that it's the same Saiyan that killed Queen-?"
The question was quickly cut short as above the two Generals, a familiar voice rang out "Well, well. It looks as if my Generals have something better to do than give reports."
Both Nezu and Akane bolted to attention at the all too familiar voice, looking up to see Queen Galaxia floating in mid-air, looking down upon them with almost savage glee at their fear. Nezu bowed deeply towards the Queen and said "Y-Your Majesty, we have come to make our report. Please forgive us for making you wait." Her begging disgusted Akane, knowing that saying so would leave her dead on the floor however.
Queen Galaxia waved her hand, as if it, and they, didn't matter "Do not worry about such trivial matters… for now at least. What have you come to report?"
Taking a breath to steady her nerves, Nezu went on "Things are going on as planned your Majesty. Our agents are set up in the Moon Kingdom, ready to strike at the Royal Family upon the night of the Celestial Gala at your command your Majesty."
A pause took place where the Queen considered this information. The Celestial Gala, the one event which would guarantee the head of every Planet being at one place at one time. A once in a lifetime opportunity, the plans for a complete strike upon the gathered Royalty and leaders had long been forthcoming, one that could easily assure complete victory, if it could be seized "And as for our wild card?" Galaxia asked.
This was Akane's responsibility and she quickly jumped at the chance to get into Galaxia's good books if possible "Princess Sasami seems to be going through with her ambitions. Our magic was able to detect the darkness within her still exists and if she goes through with her plan, we'll be able to bring further chaos into the powers of the Galaxy. I'll keep an eye on her, just in case."
"You shouldn't have to do that, if you were doing your job properly." Came Galaxia's barb that caused Akane to blanch badly, as if she'd been struck. Then going on to ignore the second General, Galaxia went back to Nezu "I shall be sending another soldier of ours to the Gala, he should be able to secure our needs and bring the Moon Kingdom crashing down."
Thinking about the strength she had heard about the species, Nezu said before she could stop herself "You mean the Saiyan?"
A deathly silence descended upon the corridor as Nezu feared she had said too much. Her fear was slightly diminished as Galaxia smiled and said "Oh yes, we'll send the Saiyan. Who knows, he might even enjoy it…"
To be continued…
Brutal2003 – Glad you're enjoying the story. Don't worry about me dropping Sasami's revenge too soon, there's still a few cards left in play…
Vegeta002 – Worf System, Sulu-Four… You know, I have no idea… :p
Lord Edric – Princess Rini is Chibiusa, same girl, just using her less common name.
Shiva the Sarcastic – Glad you like Washu, she'll be featuring a fair bit in the story.
LanceXstorm5 – Ryoko? Well, definitely a chance, watch this space.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, just laying the ground for later. Please, read and review!
