Chapter Thirteen

Trunks was just as amazed as Makoto when they arrived to Crystal Tokyo. The beautiful, bright lights, and the separate bright colored towers surrounding the glowing white center. He knew the green tower, dubbed Emerald Tower, belonged to Makoto. The farm lands surrounded the tower, looking as if it was the focal point for food for the entire populous. As they entered into the cobble stoned city, they both gazed at the beautiful rustic looking shops and homes. Child played in the streets, families looked as if they were enjoying themselves, and finally they gazed on the large tower. Exploring, Trunks found Makoto in tears when she entered the main level seeing a restaurant on the bottom level waiting to be opened. The interior was set up with two different themes. In what looked like a morning, afternoon dining area sat glass tables with white lilies as a center piece surrounded by soft pink and green cushioned chairing all on a decorative sealed stone flooring. In the center of this room was a large water fountain with a statue of Makoto in the middle decorated as a senshi in her usually pose showing off her elegance, grace, and fierce aura. Around the base of the statue were the water came pouring from.

Taking a look into the formal dining room, the atmosphere changed as they moved into the glass globed ceiling room with a white chandelier hanging high in the center glowing white with small glass butterflies hanging from it sending sparkles of light. In the center, directly under the chandelier was a dark auburn wooden dance floor with a stage set up to the left against the wall for a live band. Looking at the booth seats, Makoto found each wooden table depicted a battle of all the senshi as if telling their story. Dark green silk clothes covered the tabled seating with dark black cushioned chairs. The centerpieces were different in this room consisting of small glowing candles to give a private, romantic feeling. At the end of the room Makoto found large French doors that opened outside to a balcony closed off for a dining view looking over the large, vast array of a private royal gardens. There was so much more she wished she could see but knew it could wait for another time.

As the map suggested, she lived near the top of the tower while her office was located at the very tip to give her a view of the skies and cities all around. As they moved up through the some other levels, Makoto found she had a vast library of books, rooms for guests, her own private cook, kitchen, private dining area, a communications room with: a floating digital map that showed the city, other cities and the world, a camera system to the universe, detection process for energy sources, and urgent news update feeds; plenty of bathrooms, and each area decorated unique and differently. Using the glass encased elevator, Trunks and Makoto let it take them up to the top where maids were awaiting them.

"Your majesty," said the three maids in unison while bowing respectively dressed in dark green calf lengthened dresses holding a white apron over the top neatly tied, and hair pulled back into low buns. The first young woman, who seemed to be hired as the head, lifted her head slightly to gaze up at the trio especially surprised by Trunks carrying a removable car seat that doubled as a carrier with the bundle of joy snuggled in blankets napping. "I will prepare the room to make it more suitable."

"There is no need, you are all dismissed," said Makoto. She didn't like the idea of there being maids, but she knew it was needed due to how large the palace was and how it could get busy at times. For now, she just wanted to enjoy it in peace without worrying if anyone was sneaking around.

"Yes, your majesty," they said in unison once more, bowing, and then leaving. Makoto led the way toward her chambers, pushing open the large cherry wood doors to enter into the cool fragranced room. It was just as she expected it, holding white roman columns, deep green granite flooring, a white carpeted area around the large canopy bed holding long rolling white silk sheets, a large closet, and personal breakfast nook near a set of glass doors leading out onto the balcony. This was what made her feel at home and made her glad to be here. Her body was tired, her mind was finally at ease, and she felt like she could sleep forever. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, and there was a lot of explaining to do by bringing Augustus here. Still, she was unsure how to explain it but decided to go with the flow. Mainly, she was hoping Trunks would be her 'wing-man' and take over the situation before she got too confused or drawn up in details.

Fingers brushing her cheek brought her back to reality, staring into the deep blue eyes that gazed curiously. Makoto gave a broad smile, wrapped her arms around him and let out a thoroughly happy giggle. Trunks was thrilled to see her shining personality coming out as he had hoped.

"Can you believe it? This is…this is home!" said Makoto, feeling Trunks lift her as she wrapped her legs around his waist happily.

"Yes, your majesty," grunted Trunks trying to pull off a high-pitched mocking voice of the maids. Makoto let out a loud laugh only to quickly quiet it down when she heard Augustus give a sleepy grumble to not be disturbed. Trunks fell onto the bed with Makoto, hearing her try to stop giggling at his impression and then finally start to settle down. He had no doubt that he could do this, to be with her, but now he was wondering what exactly the obligations were going to be. That was, if, they were to have a serious relationship. Deciding not to worry, he pushed her straggling strands from her face while she beamed up at him. In this moment, she looked so breath taking. Trunks moved in for the kiss, feeling Makoto accept. After the long drive and journey they had started together, this was the best way for a new beginning.

...

Trunks was surprised by the squealing woman hugging in a joyful reunion that he stayed back, keeping his distance until introductions were made. All the women in Tokyo were beautiful in their own way, but still Trunks believed Makoto was the best to have by his side. Holding the wide eyed Augustus that was taking in the nice weather with curious eyes, Trunks found how quickly the eyes of the women preyed on him. Makoto came at the head of the pack, giving Trunks a wink and bright smile to try and sooth his uneasiness.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet the reasons for me being gone so long," started Makoto, the women gasping in almost disbelief. Makoto just gave a lopsided grin as she touched her warm fingers against Trunks' large bicep. "This is Trunks Briefs from Satan City. Ami, I'm sure you've heard of Bulma Briefs before?"

Trunks watched as the one mentioned 'Ami' gave a nod, pushing up her soft blue glasses as she looked at him with dark blue gems. She wasn't bad to look at, her short blue hair styled in a bob while she donned a doctor's lab coat, stethoscope hanging around her neck, casual blue button up blouse, and black form fitting slacks.

"This is Ami Muzino, a doctor and ruler over Sapphire Tower," introduced Makoto and then motioned her hand over to a slender, athletic blonde in what seemed like a flashy outfit. Her hands were gloved in wrist length white lace, a curve fitting yellow gown moving over her to stop almost above her knees where at the waist a white belt was buckled to give the length of the skirt a bit of 'poof'. Flirtatiously, she sent Trunks a bright blue eyed wink with a giggle to follow. "This is Minako Aino, our pop singing sensation and ruler over Topaz Tower."

A flick of Makoto's wrist brought his attention over to a slender, delicate ebony haired woman dressed in red silky gown moving around her curves to the ground. Amethyst eyes cautiously gazed at him for a moment while she scanned him nonchalantly before giving him a small half smile.

"Our local priestess and ruler of Ruby Tower, Rei Hino," continued Makoto, moving her fingers toward a close couple. The first on the right held aquamarine waves moving over her shoulders, the same matching eyes that sparkled, and a welcoming smile. She was dressed modestly while holding onto the arm of a gentleman to her left that dressed rather roughly. They both complimented each other, the first on the right with her black and white laced dress, and him with his tight fitting black jeans, pointed dress shoes, white button up blouse loose, shirt styled sandy brown hair, and challenging dark blue gems. "This is Michiru and Haruka Tenoh, two members of the personal guard to the main palace with their adoptive daughter Hotaru Tenoh."

Trunks gazed at a small girl moving out from behind the couple, looking almost all leg that he was sure she would grow into as an adult while her dark violet eyes gazed at him and her black shoulder length A-frame hair moved around her face before she wrinkled out a shy smile. Lastly, Makoto gestured to the man and woman in the center of the group. The woman gave a large smile, her soft blue eyes making it seem brighter while her arm was wrapped around that of the gentleman next to her. Long blonde hair swept down past both sides held up in perfectly round circular buns. A strapless white mermaid gown moved over her figure, the top held up with gold and pearl designs. Next to her, the gentleman stood proud and tall, beaming the same as the woman with dark blue eyes and neatly styled short ebony hair. Strangely enough, Trunks found him to be standing in what looked like a tuxedo.

"Lastly, I would like to introduce you to Neo-Queen Serenity and Neo-King Endyiom, the rulers of Crystal Tokyo," finished Makoto. Trunks was amazed by the large amounts of introductions but he made sure to keep his manners as he gave a broad smile, and nod of his head.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," his deep voice rumbled. Shifting his grip, he felt Makoto move her hands to slid around Augustus; a proud smile gracing her lips as she stared at the dark haired child with forest green eyes. Turning to the group, she produced that same smile holding him carefully.

"This is Augustus," simply said Makoto as Trunks watched the women crowd around to get a closer look at the child. Within moments, they were all caught up with watching the precious little thing they moved inside the large Crystal Palace. Trunks followed near the back until he felt fingers grab his hand and pulled him close. A smile pushed to his mouth, glad that Makoto was recognizing them as a couple in public which was another step towards progress. Makoto let her voice quickly go low as she pressed her cheek against his shoulder. "I hope you won't mind the chaos it will be like today."

"Not at all," said Trunks giving a reassuring smile. Makoto intertwined her fingers and pushed another smile up for just him.

"Let me know if anything gets uncomfortable, especially when the disappointment comes about…" Makoto stopped short and Trunks knew what she meant. She was referring to Augustus and how it was going to look very strange to all her friends that she had a child with another man but was with Trunks. It felt odd, but if the story was all out about the details behind the genetics, and the altering then it would give some insight. He gave a warm squeeze and leaned down to give a soft kiss in her lavender scented hair.

"This is something that is considered your private issue Makoto, and if you're not comfortable speaking about it, then don't push it. I am fine with the assumptions, so tell them when you are ready. I wouldn't have come with you unless I was ready to step up to the responsibility with Augustus as an equal partner role," assured Trunks. He saw how stunned she was at his encouraging words and then felt her pull him along to catch up to the group.

The time with the other woman went well and Trunks was proud to be seen as a father figure to Augustus in their eyes. He could sense the approval as the happy couple showed how they worked together as a team. The day was very long as the women served lunch together and giggled while catching up over a year. Ami was an official doctor and decided that she would be using her area to expand the medical result and school facilities for those that wanted to broaden their education. Rei expressed how she would teach the ancient arts of monk hood in her temples where she would train a peaceful force in the old ways. Minako seemed pleased to producing music, movies, and show business. Together, all these forces would make up a great city and Trunks wondered if it would be best if everyone moved away from Satan City and into Crystal Tokyo.

Casually, the large group lounged about in parlor where they started breaking off into groups. Ami was having a round with Rei at chess for the moment while Makoto lounged on the floor next to Michiru, Hotaru, and Usagi with Augustus, Minako playing soft background music on the piano, and Trunks found himself sitting in a small area near the fireplace where Endyiom and Haruka took seats.

"How did you and Makoto meet?" asked Endyiom, making friendly conversation while Haruka kept eying Trunks curiously. It was an innocent chapter of their lives, and Trunks felt that it was now or never to get into this group of friends. He needed to show who he was to make Makoto happy.

"On a camping trip sponsored by my college in Satan City," said Trunks, a soft grin pushed to his mouth as he thought of when they have first met. "My friend, Goten, and I never thought anyone would be interested to go camping from Tokyo but we sure were wrong. Makoto sure was a surprise."

Endyiom nodded with a smile, switching his legs to cross them once more.

"I can see that look, and I always feel happy remembering how I met Usa," replied Endyiom only for Haruka to give a grunt while the real drilling was going to begin now that she wanted to get down to how Makoto fell for this hunk of muscle and managed to start a family; she knew Makoto as being a strong woman and never thought she would give up so quickly or rush into things especially before marriage.

"How was it you two become close enough to conceive within three months?" asked Haruka, raising her slender brow. Trunks knew this question was going to come sooner or later but decided he would wing it, although he hadn't expected the aggression with the question.

"That part of our relationship is private; but as for our connection, there isn't really any certain way to explain it besides a magnetic attraction," started Trunks, but felt that since he knew all their secrets he should let his out as well. "We found out about each other's secrets, and a bonding started to happen. I am from a race known as Saijin who are from the Planet Vegeta that was destroyed, and one of the last living heirs."

Haruka seemed intrigued and wondered what sort of powers this man held, hoping for a way to get a show later.

"You could say you seduced one of our princesses to expand your bloodline?" asked Haruka, playing the devil's advocate as a silence hushed over the room. Makoto felt her nose wrinkle as embarrassment washed over her at the sudden question. Trunks just laughed it off, giving a hearty chuckle as Makoto held Augustus and moved to stand behind his seat.

"Please Haruka," started Makoto only to see her tense as she eyed Makoto curiously.

"This is very much unlike you Makoto," retorted Haruka defensively, starting to bring out the battling inside her. Makoto was a dear friend and she didn't want Makoto to think she was stuck with this man just because they had a child. "For a year you disappear, cutting all connections and then suddenly come back like this."

"Haruka, that's enough," said Michiru softly as she moved toward the circle starting. Her calm demeanor was starting to crack as she slated her eyes towards her lover. There was a moment of silence as the two stared for a moment, giving a silent nod as Haruka let out a sigh.

"I am sorry Makoto," started Haruka, moving up to her feet from the chair as she started out of the room. Makoto knew she had to clear the situation now before it escalated any further; the others had to know what she had been through and the truth behind their relationship. Just as Haruka was about move out the door, Makoto took a step forward.

"Haruka!" Pausing, Haruka pivoted at the door to peek over her shoulder at the tall brunette while her hand angrily gripped the door frame. The fear pushed through her at the thought of revealing such bad news so soon but she knew it was all because everyone cared about it. Although Haruka had a pushy way of showing it, deep down she knew how the woman was. Looking down at Augustus, Makoto felt the courage move through her as she looked back up to her curious eyes waiting. "Take a seat, I was going to tell everyone sooner or later."

Haruka took a seat as everyone gathered around to the large spacious area to listen to Makoto's tale of her year adventure. Settling down next to Trunks, Makoto felt his arm move securely around her shoulders. This is the support she needed as she gave him a positive smile while making sure Augustus was comfortable for the long talk and discussion. Would they change their views of Trunks? Makoto wasn't certain, but she knew he would gain the respect by his parts played. In this moment, getting ready to tell her story and feeling his support beside her, Makoto felt she truly loved him.

AN: Thank so very much for the reviews and I hope to work on the next installment. Although I know this is going longer than I had anticipated, beware of more action/adventures to come!