Chapter Seven
Makoto felt tired; in her dreams all she had done was run away and managed to fall into the trap of being captured. The thought of the families she was with being saijins and having the same plans as the enemy still had her worried. Most of all, she was disappointed in herself. Now she was having thoughts that maybe she wouldn't be able to escape either family and would have to choose. If she did need to choose, Makoto knew she would have to come up with a plan until after Crystal Tokyo was finished or else give her powers to Usagi. Letting out a long sigh, Makoto awoke in a daze and swung her feet over the side of the bed. She felt dirty and gross but was glad in the room Bulma assigned to her had a private bath. Removing her arm from its nestled carrier, Makoto started the slow process of undressing. Keeping to her undergarments, Makoto walked across the cold tile floor to the bath tub. Turning on some cool water, Makoto took a moment to stop what she was doing and take an actual look around.
If she remembered correctly, there was no tile flooring in her bedroom and there definitely was a door between the bedroom and bathroom. Taking a good look around, Makoto felt like she was in a small hotel room. All that surrounded her in this semi-big room was the large bath and the large bed. There were only three walls, and the farthest wall with nothing attached to it looked like a curtain. Fear ran through her as she slowly started to walk toward the curtain that gave a sway. Nervously, she swallowed before her shaky hand finally grabbed at the dark velvet fabric and pulled it open. A bright light almost blinded her as she adjusted her eyes to see. Before her lay tiles leading to a step down where glowing tiles seemed to float. In this large semi-circular area was nothing but columns surrounding the perimeter. Walking the perimeter, Makoto gazed around to see there was a large clock decoratively above a golden door with a red carpet leading from it. Small plants decorated that area as it ended next to the opening. Turning around, she saw that next to the curtained chamber were two more openings. One was a kitchen and the other looked like a study with books neatly stacked on shelves. Where was this place? How did she get here? Peering out curiously to the large opening, Makoto noticed against the wall read 10,000 X's Grav. in large letters. Touching the column, she decided to venture out into the opening. Just as she was about to take a step out, within a blink of an eye her path was blocked by a shirtless sweaty Trunks.
Freezing, she wondered how he got here and what he was doing appearing so suddenly. Speechless, she felt his hot callused hands pick her up by her waist and move her a few feet away from the opening.
"That is the only area off limits, until the gravity level is changed," he said coolly, quickly removing his touch and taking a few steps back. Makoto was in awe, getting a hint at how they trained.
"What is this place?" she asked, gazing around once more.
"A hyperbolic time chamber; it allows us to train for one year without actually aging. To the normal world, it feels like we have been gone for 24-hours," replied Trunks, seeing her shocked face. "No one can enter or leave once the timer has started to count down the year."
"Who all is here?" asked Makoto, trying to see other occupants since she noticed only one bed with a small frown. A shiver moved through her from asking the question and feeling she knew the answer.
"Just us; you're behind on your training and I volunteered to help," replied Trunks. Makoto felt everything freeze around her; technically speaking she would be 'trapped' in here against her will for one year to train alone with this man. He didn't even know how her powers worked or where they came from. Would she be able to bring lightning in here? Letting out a sigh, all of Makoto's senses were on edge while she thought it through but soon she felt her body react to block what felt like hitting a brick wall. Was he serious? Gazing into his hardened face, Makoto moved through blocking a series of punches. "Come on, pick it up. I'm an enemy trying to attack you. This is a life or death situation."
Feeling reality hit her, Makoto's mind moved into overdrive as she continued to block the speeding up attacks and let out a small growl. His attacks were closing in on her, and she felt her body couldn't take much of this abuse. Looking for an opening to his attacks, Makoto used both of her arms to push aside a double punch and swing around to hook the arms before sliding along the tile on one hip going between his legs. Trunks was surprised by her thought process but knew these tricks were meant for normal people, not those he fought against. Maybe to start, he would have to learn about her enemies before moving into intense training. Makoto was able to do a flip to her feet and then a one legged sideways kick. To her surprise, her ankle was encompassed in his warm hands. Never had someone been able to catch her swift kick as she felt him release her leg gently. His expression softened as he gave a sideways smile.
"Let's talk about the enemies we've gone against; it seems like we are on two levels of fighting styles," he said simply. Makoto couldn't agree anymore. She had tried to watch them fight but they were too powerful and moved so fast. Was this also how their enemies were? Never before had she encountered someone like that for all these years but from the stories she heard from Bulma's idle chatter that they have been fighting these things since she was a young girl. Moving to follow him, Makoto winced in pain and looked at the source. Letting out a sigh, she inspected her thigh to see it wasn't too deep but enough to draw blood starting to move down her leg. Now she knew that sliding on the tiles were out of the question from the way her skin had clung and ripped against it.
"I'll take care of it," replied Trunks as Makoto followed him into the room and turned off the water Makoto had forgotten about. There was enough water Trunks managed to catch with the drain. Makoto positioned herself balancing across the tub to keep the blood in one area as it switched to drip slowly sideways into the water. Taking a cloth, Makoto watched Trunks dab it against the area softly. It was strange having someone else take care of her, but Makoto felt like this was something she could get used to. She was sick of being the one to take care of everything herself and the pressure was starting to get too much. Everyone in her group of friends looked up to her as being the dependable one, the one to always go to, and to ask for help. Never had she asked them for something in return since it wasn't part of her character. Sucking in a sudden breath at the sting of rubbing alcohol, Makoto saw his eyes glance up at her for a moment before resuming his work.
"Although we both grew up on Earth, it feels obvious we're from different worlds," commented Makoto, now staring down at him. Her fingers helped to hold the strips of gauze in place as he started to wrap it.
"How so?" he asked, wanting an elaboration on the subject.
"Everything we do is different; you're able to know what you need to do when an enemy comes by being able to prepare for the fight before it happens and have the ability to test their powers to go off of. I'm sure it's not always a correct estimation of how much stronger they too can grow and it will still be a surprise, but it's better than being blind through the process. All the enemies we've gone against have come for two things: destroying us Senshi and taking over the power of the Silver Crystal. The only options we have are to fight our hardest to protect the princess and if not, to at least die trying so she may have our powers in order to succeed," stated Makoto, actually wishing she could trade places for once. Trunks was silent for a moment, pulling the plug to drain the water and then suddenly gazing up at her.
"What makes us the same is we both would die to protect our home and the people we care for," replied Trunks, hitting a hard cord in Makoto as she looked away from his gaze. That's where they were the most different; she had no one in mind to think about so she could try harder to fight. No family, no boyfriends…just a planet to protect. Everyone in her group had someone to think of while they fought, someone who they would sacrifice themselves for. It made her feel more and more like an outcast. She couldn't break the truth to him and just simply nodded. "You might want to get into something comfortable; I'll meet you in the kitchen."
Makoto felt a blush creep over her as she realized this whole time she was in front of him in her undergarments. Trunks closed the curtains behind him as Makoto ran a little bit of cool water with some soap to get a bit more of a fresh feeling. Sliding into a pair of sweat pants and a tank top, Makoto brushed through her hair before pulling it into a pony tail. In the kitchen, Makoto found Trunks looking through the cupboards for something to prepare but then she took over. Banishing him to a chair at the table, Trunks watched the tall, slender woman move around gracefully as she chopped, mixed, strained, and warmed with ease. Multitasking was her thing and he hated to admit this, but she looked so peaceful and at home cooking. He had watched her shine making the cake before she moved into a delusion.
"Do you not trust us anymore?" asked Trunks, hearing her pause in the rhythmic chopping and then slowly continue.
"If you believe the same as them, then I don't trust you," she replied softly, almost too coolly it slipped from her tongue. Trunks felt his anger start to rise; he hated the idea that this woman would think after all this they would be on the same page as those enemies. But then again, he was still trying to figure out what it was they were after. Did she know something he didn't? It was hard for him to stay calm thinking about what was going on in her mind. Was she that confused? Did she have that many problems to make it hard to trust anyone although both he and Goten put their lives on the line for her? Even now, she didn't sound appreciative. "Look, I'm still startled after everything that has happened. I left Tokyo to get away from the fighting, to take a break, and make an important decision for my future. Now, I'm trapped in the middle of life and death once again like a bad omen. I just…want to be free. To not have to think about whether I'm going to die every living second. Is that too much to ask for?"
Trunks couldn't agree more. He lived in a constant state of worry wondering if there was going to be a new enemy on the horizon or if he was going to be alive to see his future. She dealt with the same issues of life and death, worrying the same amount and maybe this was their time. Maybe, he needed to use this year together as a vacation instead of worrying about training every waking moment; to take life as it came, and to live each day to the fullest. This was their chance at a worry free life, within this protective shell. It would also help him with the plan to get to know her and break that protective coating. Once that was broken, he would be able to figure out what it was the enemy really wanted.
"I couldn't agree more," replied Trunks, leaning into a relaxing position as his white tank top hugged his muscular curves. Makoto continued her movements over a large pot, putting items in of various colors and sizes before closing the lid to let it simmer. Turning, she leaned lazily against the counter staring over at him, cocking her head to the side curiously. "Goten and I hid a bunch of DVDs last time we were here so hopefully I can find them again until they got cleared out. There isn't much to do around here unless you like reading or the movies. We do have a year after all to do nothing."
"That's a good start," replied Makoto softly, Trunks seeing her serene face as a smile softly spread. Turning back around, Makoto knew that she would still be on edge for this year together to see what it was he was after. It would take her time, but she was sure if he played his cards right then she might trust him for the benefit of the doubt.
This conversation helped to change their mood over the next few months of getting to know each other beside idle chatter or comments during a movie. Soon they were joking, laughing, and spending every waking moment used to each other in the same room. Their daily schedule included teaching each other new stretching techniques, him bathing while she cooked breakfast, switching to her bathing while he cleaned up, meeting in the living room to watch a movie, read a little, play a random game they found, and then when dusk came (due to the lighting systems changing like real life), they would lay on the floor in the center with zero gravity and look at the stars sparkling above learning some astrology. This steady pace was great for starting a new friendship and slowly learning about each other.
Makoto learned about all the battles Trunks had went through in detail, starting from a child and even hearing the stories about his futuristic jumps. It was interesting to learn about the fighting styles, bulking up, funny stories of random adventures, and coming out victorious. Makoto found herself not so willing to talk about her past much besides every once in a while during their nightly views of the starry sky comment of how she remembered it looking on Jupiter. It was mainly about the far past, the other lifetime she had. Still, she missed it and the idea that then she had a mother and father that cared for her. Closed up, and barely budding, Trunks wondered how long exactly it would take him to crack her. For a moment while they were camping he found that it was easy to be a comforting pillar. Testing his theory, due to always being awoken from her new found nightly terror, Trunks had taken it upon himself to fix the situation. At first, Makoto had been stubborn and resisted his efforts of help by talking about it. Finally, he succeeded one night in catching her off guard and pulling her into a warm hug.
From that moment on, a silent bond began as Trunks found they were in a routine of sharing the bed together. He would hold her all night and find in the morning a happier woman. During the day, there was still a line that seemed to be drawn thicker of never coming in contact with each other. He was happy to have made some progress but started to find it harder for himself to look at her as just a new found friend. Increasingly, the problems were starting to get worse by noticing everything she did. They were already eight months in and Trunks didn't know how much longer of this he could last. One night, they lay gazing up at the stars in the middle of the room like any other night silently. Trunks was about to call it an early night but her soft voice broke his thoughts.
"I am going to be royalty again," spoke Makoto softly, feeling herself dazed as her long curls lay sprawled out around her having grown long in these past few months. Deciding it was time to resort back to her former look, Makoto had barely trimmed them to keep the growth healthy. The silence seemed to swirled around, growing impatient. "This time, I'm actually scared."
Trunks was happy for the break-through but wondered how she was going to exactly become royalty. In his mind, that meant marrying someone in order to obtain the title. Mentally, he frowned and felt his hand subconsciously reacting on its own as it found hers and held it softly.
"I know you can do it," replied Trunks, keeping his gaze into the galaxy and mentally kicking himself. Her fingers clasped softly around his sending a shiver through him as she let out a soft giggle.
"I know I can too, but I don't want to," said Makoto, sending a sudden electric feeling through him. Trunks was curious, wondering what she was getting at. Why didn't she want to do this? "I know as soon as I go back I'm going to have to give up everyone I've met in Satan City due to my new obligations. Building Crystal Tokyo before the new heir is born is the top priority, getting the citizens used to the new changes and dealing with the waves of riots will be the second issue. Finally, taking my spot as the ruler of Emerald Tower will consume the rest of my time as I build my own city. It's not like I will live and rule for 80 years and then die of old age. In 80 years I will still look the same due to the powers of the Silver Crystal practically granting me immortality and giving me a longer life span by 10,000 folds. I will never be my own person; I will always have one duty above all to serve her royal highness and family."
Trunks listened patiently, taking in all the information gradually while she paused as if in some sort of trance. He dared not stir from his spot hoping she would continue. Closing his eyes for a moment, he peered up through the veil of auburn waves surrounding him as the bright stars lit up her pale complexion and brought out the bright, gleaming emerald color of her eyes. Feeling his breath hold, he watched her rosy lips part.
"Spending this break getting to know you and enjoying your company has given me time to think. Hearing your epic tales of giving it your all fighting and keeping your family in the back of your mind helped with my decision. At first on that camping trip, I thought for sure all hope was gone; I constantly compare myself to the others and find I have nothing to fuel my will to keep fighting. I'm only following orders given to me by destiny. But now, I know how selfish I am to think I should choose my future, live my dreams, and want a family of my own. These were all my reasons to give me something to hold on through high school to continue fighting," started Makoto, pausing to pull the long curls back over one shoulder as she gazed into the endless universe in front of her that seemed to slowly swirl. "You gave me that will to keep going, to keep fighting for a peaceful, positive change for our whole world. I will continue on so others may live in peace, so you and your friends and family will no longer need to worry. This battle we are going into as comrades will be the last obstacle."
Trunks was speechless; he never expected any of those words to come from this woman that always bottled her feelings. All this time they were getting to know each other she had been analyzing him and found a reason to go on. It was flattering she was doing this all because of the concerns he shared. A feeling of pride swooned over him and he knew he couldn't let her do this; no matter how much he hated to admit it but he couldn't agree. It ran through his blood, this urge to fight and destroy. This was his destiny and who he was; living on the edge of life and being put into dangerous situations gave him a fulfillment. Without feeling he was doing something, he would be nothing.
"I can't let you do this," replied Trunks, watching her bright orbs suddenly come in contact with his calmly. The glow pulsing through them sent a chill down his spine as he sat up, watching her lean back to give him space. "I can't let someone else fight my battles for me."
"It is decided," replied Makoto, making a move to stand but suddenly her wrist was grabbed in an iron grip startling her. Bright eyed, she gazed at him while she tried to pull her wrist away but found herself locked in.
"When I'm gone, what then? What will happen to your will? Will you still have the heart to want to continue, alone, dreamless, and being played like a pawn? To stand by and watch the others be happy while you force yourself into this punishful misery as a 'good deed' like you will be forgiven for your past selfishness?" asked Trunks, finding the passion in his voice. He had no idea where those feelings came from, but knew he spoke the truth. Her calm was breaking and he could see the corners of her mouth starting to pull. The glow was gone as her eyes darkened and she tilted her head down shamefully. Trunks loosened his locked fingers as he tried to take her hands in his only to feel them be pushed away. The truth always hurt and he knew he crushed her entire contemplation by seeing through her plans. He wasn't going to let this conversation end like this with her pushing away. This time, he would continue to take control and have it end when he was ready. Pulling her into his arms, he felt Makoto trying to pull away from his strong grip as he tried to calm her.
"Let me be," she pleaded, obviously hurt. Trunks felt her surrender, trying not to crush her in his warm embrace. He felt her snuggle closer to his chest, leaning in with her arms against her body and letting him support her whole.
"I know you want to give this your all, I can see how proud you are thinking you can do this on your own but you can't. A choice like this should be not for just other's happiness but yours also; this is your future you're talking about and I'm not going to stand idle as you continuously destroy yourself for the sake of other's expectations," spoke Trunks softly, feeling her nod softly.
"I'm back at square one, still undecided then," muttered Makoto, twisting her mouth from smashed in his chest. Her body heaved out a long sigh as it slowly relaxed. "Thank you for being a good person helping me to realize my faults."
Trunks pressed his lips against the top of her head, almost regretting it at how she suddenly stiffened. Makoto's mind was already racing and then put into a state of shock at the sudden gesture. There was nothing negative she could find against Trunks' character and found she needed to pull her mind to other thoughts to stay away from it. All those thoughts bubbled up at once, almost over whelming as she pulled away from his lose grip. He seemed to be in the same state of thought as Makoto gazed at him, finding her fingers moving by themselves. Reaching, she timidly caressed his cheek as she pushed back his lavender strands behind his ear. His hand softly touched hers, surprising her at the gentle touch and feeling the swell of her heart. Trunks felt like he was moving slowly as he decided to move in, surprised to see her eyes starting to close as she leaned forward. Instead of their lips touching, Trunks opened his eyes in surprise once he felt their foreheads touch; her eyes were still closed and bent down a bit.
"I can't…" The soft whisper of those words made the silence around them sickening. He had never been turned down before and knew what it felt like to be heartbroken. All this time and effort he put in only to be denied the prize hurt. He could feel the shaking in her fingers against his cheek; she was holding back and forcing herself to keep everything bottled up once more. Finally, her hand dropped as she moved to pull back but Trunks held her wrists gently. Surprised emeralds peered at his curiously, hurt, and clouded with grief.
"Keep telling yourself that, then you will soon forget how to breathe," replied Trunks softly, tilting his chin up to softly press his lips against hers. He was surprised by the sudden passion he felt as she pressed back. Taking a breath from the kiss, Makoto leaned her head against his shoulder with a long sign to follow. How was it she was going to explain this?
"I can't, you can't. Once we leave this room, it will no longer be just us and our feelings to be considered. I know you understand; I can tell both of you have dealt with this situation before and I would rather not being a willing participant to the effects," said Makoto sternly. Trunks knew who she was talking of, his friend Goten. He had never considered him in this moment and did just feel like there were only them in the world. He almost wished it was true but he had a family and friends to go back to after this drama involving Makoto was over.
That was the last time they spoke for the remainder of the four months; Trunks knew it was hurting them both to break all the ties they had just started. It was for the best to not get emotionally involved especially since Makoto made it clear she would be forced to give up everyone from this area. Focusing on training, they would then spend the rest of their days waiting until the door opened to finally escape this hurt.