Life Revival

Chapter One

By Panny

"Good morning 'kasaan." Trunks said cheerily, placing a chaste kiss on his mothers cheek. She smiled back at him, a hint of confusion in her eyes. He had been this way, happy, for some time now, but Bulma had never dared to ask why, fearing that speaking of it might somehow break the spell it held over him. Still, she knew that that 'something' was there, and she had to find it. That's why she has to ask.

"Trunks dear?" she began, doing her best to sound confident. He looked up at her expectantly from the large bowl of cereal he was eating.

"I've hesitated about bringing this up before, but I really have to know. Just what has made this change in you? I don't mean to say that this isn't something I wanted, I'm more than happy for you. In fact, I'm ecstatic. It's just that it came around so suddenly and I'm afraid that if I don't find out why, my head might explode with possibilities."

Trunks smiled and stood up. He kissed her again, leaving a small ring of milk which she quickly wiped away. "You'll see soon" he promised. "Just wait a little while." With that said, he deposited his dish in the sink and left.

[Several weeks earlier]

Trunks walked down the dark alley with little concern for his surroundings. As a few women walked by, they began waving for him to accompany them. Eager to escape his sorrows, Trunks followed without hesitation.

There were three women. One a tall blonde, with hair that curled out in all directions. The dress she wore was bright red, a color that could only bring pain to Trunks heart. Next to the blonde was a girl dressed completely in leather. Her sharp green hair spiked out in a short, punky style, and her eyes were cold; cold like an androids. Trunks quickly forced the thought from his mind and focused on the third girl. She was shorter than the others, and certainly much younger; probably not even twenty yet. She wore a pair of shorts with a tank-top, and a short jacket that came half-way down her back. In her eyes there was almost an innocence, though her assumed occupation told blatently that she was anything but.

The four of them stopped in front of an old house. Trunks remembered vaguely that it had belonged to a rather important family before the attacks began. Now, he reasoned, it's recked shambles were used as a cheap bordelo. A place for men like him to escape the sorrows of the past.

"So what'll it be?" The tall blonde asked seductively. She gestured towards her companions, and then at the rest of the women behind her who were waiting for clients.

Trunks scanned the room, sizing up each of the women before him. Before he could decide though, a loud rumbling sounded above them as a rush of dust and soot came down through the ceiling. He gazed up with concern but one of the girls, the green haired one, rested a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "Don' woory 'bout it. Jus' an ol' house. Makes noises e'ry now an 'en."

Trunks nodded, but continued to listen above him. There was a small noise, so slight that it was hard for his saiyan ears to pick up on. A small creaking. Looking around he saw no one else seemed to notice. Then his eyes met those of the young girl's and he saw; she knew. Wondering how she could possibly hear the sound, Trunks was too distracted to be ready when the ceiling rafters broke loose and the plaster above them came down. Moving quickly he caught hold of the largest piece, saving most of the girls. A few smaller chunks hit some of them, but there were no serious injuries. Once the area was cleared, Trunks placed the material down and faced the staring women.

"How'ja do dat?" The green haired girl asked. Trunks shook his head, not wanting to explain. Before the girl could press him any further, the blonde ushered her away. "C'mon now Katzy. I don't need you scaring away the buisness."

"Bu' Gladice. I jus' wanna know how he ga' so strong, ya know."

"Yeah, yeah I know. Just leave him alone, okay?"

"Ya, ya."

As Katzy made her way around back, Gladice came back up to Trunks. "Sorry about that. It isn't every day us girls get to see a real man. Why don't you have a seat?"

"Actually…" Trunks began, swallowing in embarrassment. "I think maybe I should just leave."

"Nonsence. Stay for awhile. Besides I owe you for what you did. This ones a freebie, and if I'm in a good mood next time I see ya, then that'll be free too."

Trunks nodded and sat reluctantly. "I guess I was right about this place." He said with some trepidation.

Gladice smiled as she sat next to him and all the girls swarmed around. Asking questions about how he had gotten so strong and other similar questions. Gladice stood and yelled over the crowd.

"Pan! Put a pot on! Let's make the man comfortable." The young girl from earlier nodded and ran from the room.

"You know," Gladice began. "This place isn't as bad as it seems. A lot of the girls aren't in 'the business'. I set this place up to prevent them from having to. I can't tell them how to live their lives, but I do try to give them a choice. I guess you could say we have our own society here. Those who don't work outside work in here, keeping things running. The older woman teach others what they learned before…before…"

Gladice's voice trailed off slightly, but she was able to regain it when Pan returned carrying several cups of coffee on a tray. After passing out a few of the cups, she pushed through to Gladice and Trunks, giving each of them a cup and taking the remaining one for herself before sitting down. Gladice cleared her throat and continued her story.

"Anyway, that's how things work. I run things if you couldn't guess. You met Katzy, one of the girls who kept her old 'job', and Pan here helps keep things comfortable and happy at home. There are other women with jobs unlike Katzy's, but it's hard for a girl to find work after hiding with no education for years. Since things have changed so much, we stuck together like the family we are. A few of us have left to lead normal lives, and we hear from them every once in awhile. It's nice to see that they've made it, and those who don't are welcomed back with open arms. We took care of each other before and we continue to."

As Trunks listened to the older woman he couldn't help glancing at the girl who sat on the old bed beside him. Despite her small size, she still held a great beauty.

The man's admiring glance didn't escape Gladice, and she quickly cleared the crowd. Pan stood to leave as well, but Gladice turned her back. "You stay here dear. I think he might enjoy some time with you."

Before Trunks could argue, Gladice left and he had to face the girl alone.

"So… Your names Pan huh?" The girl nodded, her eyes watching his every move. Noticing, Trunks jokingly moved as if to attack and she jumped back, arms in the air, ready to defend herself. Trunks laughed for the first time he could remember in years. The girl scowled and continued to keep her distance.

"It's okay." He assured her. "I was only joking. You're pretty fast though. I don't meet many people who can avoid me so easily. How did you get so quick?"

"I suppose I could ask you how you became so strong." Pan spat back, ignoring her job duties, now enraged by the man's cockiness. Trunks laughed and sat back down. He watched as the girl warily made her way over. Just as she came in reach, Trunks jumped and grabbed for her wrist playfully.

Instinctively she grabbed his arm, flipping him over her back. Before she could move away though, his foot swept beneath her, making her tumble over. In an instant he had both her arms and legs pinned as he smiled wickedly down at her. She gasped in shock, and struggled to free herself. Finding herself completely defeated, she turned her face away, unwilling to face him. Trunks slowly released the girl and stepped away.

"Who the hell are you?!" Pan demanded, the moment she was standing. "No one has ever beaten me like that before! Tell me, are you one of those damned androids? If you are you better believe I'll fight you to my death if I have to!"

"No! Wait! I swear I'm not going to hurt you! For all I know you could be one."

Pan snorted and turned away. "Fine then. It's obvious there's nothing you want here so I suggest you leave."

"Hold on a minute. I want to talk to you. Not for long, there's just something I need to know."

Pan cast her eyes aside and mumbled her answer. "I can't. I have work to do."

"Fine then, I'll pay for your time. This is important." Pan nodded and followed with a sigh.