Author's Note: Believe me, I know it's been a while since I've updated. School's been so busy it's not even funny. I'm still busy, but I'm not going to abandon this story, so this is what I've decided:
I will update once a week, EVERY time.
If I don't, then you guys can flame me however much you want ;)
But just remember-I'm not going to abandon this fic, no matter what.
Well, you've waited long enough-on with the fic!
Chapter 27
Problem Solving
Trunks walked down the long corridor, thinking of what he had to do now. He had tons of work to do, he knew, and he wanted to see how Pan was doing.
"Trunks… I never thought I'd ever see you walk again, not after that bitch attacked you," Bulma said to her son.
Trunks winced at her tone. "Mom, you see, Son Pan-"
Vegeta abruptly cut him off hastily. "Bulma, leave. I need to talk to Trunks." He glanced to Trunks, then back at his mate. "Alone."
Bulma seemed angered, but after seeing the serious look in Vegeta's eyes, she turned abruptly and left.
Vegeta then looked to his son. "Follow me," he said gruffly, and walked towards his office, not once looking back to see if Trunks was following.
*******
"What did you want to talk to me about? Why couldn't you just tell me out there?" Trunks said as he walked into his father's office.
"Because I didn't want anyone to hear what I had to say," Vegeta answered. "About Son Pan-you can't tell anyone she's innocent."
"What?! Why not?" Trunks exclaimed.
"Why do you think, boy?" Vegeta growled. "What would everyone do if you told them she wasn't guilty?"
Trunks thought for a moment. "They probably wouldn't believe me…"
"Right. Then what would happen?"
"They… they would kill her."
"That's correct, boy." Vegeta sighed as he sat down at his desk.
"But… But she saved my life! I can't just let her be hated by the whole planet!" Trunks protested.
"Sh-" Vegeta abruptly stopped, eyes widening slightly. If Son Pan was innocent, then that meant that her second 'attack' wasn't an attack at all-it was a rescue. "She saved you twice," he said.
"Twice?" Trunks asked, taking a seat. Vegeta briefly explained what had happened. "Like I said, I can't just let her be hated by everyone," he muttered.
"You're going to lead this planet into ruins," Vegeta muttered. Trunks face fell, and he stared at the floor, saying nothing. "Look boy, I'm looking out for the safety of Son Pan. I made a mistake by sending her to the dungeons, and having her survive all this only to be killed by a loyal saiyan would be hell on her."
Trunks was, to say the least, surprised. His father? Looking out for the safety of a female commoner? Was there something someone forgot to mention to him? Trunks stood and left his father's office, not caring if he wanted him to stay or not.
Too many things to count were running through his head. I'm not a horrible prince! And I won't be a failure as a king. He's wrong. How am I supposed to prove to this whole planet that Son Pan is innocent? How do I explain what she did?
He did not have an answer, and absently, his feet took him to one.
*******
Trunks didn't realize where he was going until he got there. Upon opening Pan's hospital door, he wondered what he was doing here. It's not like she'd be awake he told himself. It's only been a week since she got new blood. He shrugged. He figured that if his feet took the effort to bring him here, he should at least check it out. Maybe he could think of an answer while he was here.
He walked to a seat and sat down heavily, placing his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. How was he to prove her not guilty when all the evidence was against her? How was he to triumph where in his father had failed? His ice blue eyes traveled up to Pan, who lay either asleep or unconscious on the bed. The doctors had cleaned her and bandaged her up, as she was looking better already. He sighed, then looked back down to the tiled floor, thinking that this was somehow his fault.
How do I prove her innocent? How, how, how, how?! The real assassin is out here while she is held under custody… Trunks suddenly snapped his head up. Of course! That's it! He thought. If the real assassin is still out there, then he's guaranteed to attack again… and if Pan's here then it has to be clear that she's innocent! Trunks stood up swiftly, but heavily fell back down in his seat. Apparently, he was still exhausted from the activity today. It looked as though he wouldn't be going anywhere until he rested up.
*******
Gohan was confused. It had been over a week and the King still hadn't announced that Pan was innocent. What was he waiting for? What? He was beginning to get angry. If the King didn't announce that Pan wasn't guiltily soon, he was going to march over there and tell him to.
Well, maybe that was a little extreme, but he'd do something.
What, he wasn't sure of yet.
But what continued to confuse him more were the rumors he had been hearing lately-mainly, the rumor that Prince Trunks had given his blood to keep Pan alive.
…
Just what was going on?
*******
Trunks was finally able to stand and walk about again, and was instantly off to talk to his father.
However, unknown to Trunks, a pair of eyes tracked him as he made his way through the halls. Maybe his plan would be carried out sooner then he thought.
Author's Note: Once again, sorry about the lack of updates-There will be one every week now.
Next chapter: Lights Out
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Hope you enjoyed the chappie! Like the new pen-name? *laughs*
And, as always, THANK YOU!!
(Or 'Grazie,' I believe, in Italian ^.^))
"Slump, and the world slumps with you. Push, and you push alone."
~Laurence J. Peter