This is finally the completion of this fanfiction. It is a milestone for me, for this will mark the end of a series of several successful DBZ fics. My love for the anime faded as my obsession for Rurouni Kenshin rose, along with my drive for this particular story. But, a few faithful reviewers have stayed with me throughout the years. This chapter is for you, Klara, my rival, inspiration and friend. Thank you to all the reviewers who supported me and believed in me. This fic was a challenge and a blessing. So, please enjoy the last of a legacy, the final chapter of my final DBZ fanfiction.
Warning: There is a lemon in this chapter.
Chapter 22
Final Waltz
The clock on the wall ticked as the heat of the day loomed inside of Pan's room. Being pregnant was hard enough without the weather being so miserable. The air conditioning had stopped working the night before and repairs would not be made until later in the evening. Pan moaned and rolled from her back to her left side, holding her swollen belly. She sighed and looked blankly at her wall where there were once posters of rock groups and the like. In fact, a poster of Linkin Park used to be there. Pan recalled the concert when she tried desperately to get Goten and Bra back together. She finally revealed to MT her true feelings that very night, right after she and Bra had that fight. That night changed everything.
Tears began to roll down her face as she sobbed. The memories were still too painful. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Goten was supposed to be with Bra. She was supposed to be with MT. Instead, everything was all crazy. Their respective families were now torn apart, long-lasting loyalties tested by the nature of the incestuous relationship between Mirai and Bra and Pan's pregnancy.
Pan found an unlikely ally in Vegeta. He had become her friend and sparring partner during her pregnancy. He was responsible for being her so far out of her depression, helping her eat and become stronger. It was he who made her feel worthy and loved. Vegeta shared an affection for the Demi-Sayian, especially since she went Super Sayian. Still, her fire and passion were unrivaled, as well as her beauty when she chose to show it. And hovering at that window with her back facing him and long hair flowing behind her, Vegeta admired that very beauty.
"You know I can read your energy, right?" Pan said, wiping the tears from her face.
Vegeta smirked as he entered the room, touching down before her bed.
"How would I know, brat, with all that damn crying," he teased.
Pan couldn't help but to smiled and roll over to the other side, exposing her beautiful face, slightly rounded by her advanced pregnancy and improved health.
"You know I hate being called that," she said devilishly.
Knowing her tone was an invitation; Vegeta sat on the bed and pulled the female Sayian to him. He first kissed her forehead, then her soft lips. Running his fingers through her long, raven hair, he looked at Pan with uncharacteristic fondness and affection.
"Is this better, WOMAN?" he purred before capturing Pan's lips again.
The kiss was passionate, yet tender. Pan's hand roved the older Sayian's body as her hunger for him grew. To say their relationship changed was an understatement. He had been attracted to her on a primal level, but ignored it. He did love his wife, but their relationship had changed the past few years. Bulma was content with being head of the most powerful corporation on earth…and being a good wife just wasn't high on her priority list. Vegeta wasn't the model husband, either. He craved battle and in this peaceful time, he grew restless. The only thing he came to Bulma for was a new compression chamber when he destroyed one. Intimacy rarely happened.
It was odd. There was a time he'd kill for the human woman, but that time had pass. They had simply become friends in their years of marriage, but that did not prevent Bulma from becoming jealous of her husband spending time with Pan. He tried to explain the details to her, but the discussion always ended in her screaming at him. It didn't take long for Vegeta to realize the reason for his wife's outrage; for she could see what he had blinded himself to…he loved Pan.
Another rift divided the families. How could Pan and Vegeta do this? Did Pan even care that she was hurting the woman that loved her like a daughter? Was she only doing it to retaliate against Bra and MT? Questions and rumors circulated but only two people knew the truth.
Vegeta had yet to bond with Pan. Her doctor had cleared the activity, but Pan did not feel comfortable. On this hot and muggy day with no AC, she felt different. She needed to be released from her mental torture by the only man who understood her.
"Hmmm, that is much better," Pan replied, her voice heavy with lust.
"Don't test me, woman," Vegeta said, kissing her forehead. "Gohan doesn't want me here."
"Who would have ever thought the Prince of All Sayians would be sneaking into the bedroom of his mate, running from her father," Pan mused.
"You need to come with me," he said.
"Live on that dysfunctional campus of a home called Capsule Corp? No, thanks. Bra and MT living there is hard enough to swallow. Bulma wouldn't let me set foot there," Pan replied.
"Bulma is strong for a human. She will survive," Vegeta said matter-of-factly.
"I would not feel right living under her roof. I'll get my own place for me and my baby," Pan whispered, almost to herself.
She had begun to drift away, thinking of how different life had become. There was a time where she basically did live at CC. Those times were long gone.
"There will be time to discus the details," Vegeta proclaimed, already tired of the conversation.
Vegeta placed a hand on her swollen stomach and rubbed it gently, feeling the energy of the life inside of his mate. He smirked. The child was very strong and kicking. It would not be long before he or she made their grand entrance. Vegeta then gazed at Pan, who was looking down at her belly with quiet tears. Try as she might to forget, the situation still hurt. This baby was a daily reminder that would never go away. Yet, she loved her child. It was so oxymoronic.
"Don't cry, woman," Vegeta said softly, kissing away the salty tears.
The pair embraced tighter, Vegeta getting his arm about Pan. He kissed her in a way he had never kissed anyone in his long life. He wanted her to move on and grow stronger from the pain, not live in misery with it. He knew he was the only one who understood her body and her mind.
Pan, lost in her feelings, moaned under Vegeta's sweet assault. It was almost as if all the pain she had endured was worth this moment in time. In the recesses of her mind, she recalled the terror for her first encounter with MT, how she was left confused by his veracity. Those feelings were absent with Vegeta, for she knew he loved her and wanted her.
And she wanted him.
But, she thought as she broke from their passion, she could not have him completely…not yet. With the child so close and his marriage still legal, she could not proceed. Pan rolled onto her side, her back to Vegeta and sighed.
"What are you doing to me, Vegeta?" Pan whispered.
"We were destined…I do nothing, Woman," he said, capturing her body, holding her close.
Though the day was still hot, feeling the warmth of his body against her backside was not repelling, in fact, it sent a shiver down her spine that left her longing for him. Pan's mind was suddenly racing, her heart pound and body aching.
"Would I be a horrible person if I told you I wanted you to make love to me right now?" she asked with childlike innocence.
Vegeta's hands began to roam Pan's body. He took one of her full breasts and teased it as his hot lips ravished the flesh of her neck. Pan moaned and instinctively bucked against him. Her mind was no longer in control as she felt his length grow behind her. Pan gasped as her own hands struggled to find Vegeta's body. She wanted to feel his touch, all of him. Quick work was made of her thin cotton nightshirt and before long, there was nothing between them.
Knowing her last experience had been many months prior; Vegeta did not rush the moment. He played with her jewel, making her passage ready to receive him. Pan whimpered under his sweet assault, wanting for nothing more than her torture to be over. Yet, she didn't want it to end.
Pan pulled away slightly from Vegeta and rolled over to face him. His silent gaze penetrated her ebony eyes, and his kissed her deeply. How he loved his Sayain female!
"Vegeta?" Pan whispered, her lips trembling.
"Yes?"
"It's time…"
"I cannot take you with you facing me," he whispered back to her, amusement in his tone.
"No," she grimaced, "The baby! It's time…my water just broke!"
Without another word, Vegeta lifted Pan out of the bed and into the bathroom for her to clean up. Feeling the influx of energy, Videl ran to her daughter's room. The door was locked, she noted. That meant Vegeta was with her. Too concerned to be angry, she pounded on the door, although she could have broken it down if she chose to.
"Open the damn door, Vegeta!"
A second later, the door was open and Videl clamored her way in with Gohan not far behind.
"We have to get her to the hospital," Vegeta said as he carried her out of the room.
Gohan and Videl followed the full-blooded Sayian as he took to the air with their child. It took them but a few moments to reach Satan City hospital, where the ER staff quickly admitted Pan, who was very close to giving birth. The older Sayians and strong human female stood in the lobby, in a bit of shock. She was showing no sign of being close to labor earlier. Gohan thought Vegeta must have had something to do with it, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Right now, Pan was all that mattered.
"Perhaps we should call Bulma. This is her grandchild, too," Videl said to Gohan, but of course Vegeta could hear her.
"I do not think so. Bulma is wildly jealous of the brat," Vegeta said, folding his arms in a manner unique to him and him alone.
"I wouldn't say it's so wild, Vegeta. What's wild is you seducing my innocent daughter at her time of need," Gohan spat, standing toe-to-toe to the Prince of All Sayians.
"Pan is an adult. While my spawn from the alternate time line may have scorned her, I would not. All this time, I thought the blue-haired vixen was my mate…but it seems Kakorot did have a purpose, for his granddaughter was my destined mate. Our lives make sense now," Vegeta said, daring the younger man to challenge him.
"Are you saying it is destiny for your brats to be humping each other like animals," Gohan gritted through his teeth.
"ENOUGH!" Videl yelled, knowing if this battle continued, it would be an all out war. "Now is not the time for any justifications of why who loves who. My baby is about to have her baby and we are sitting down here acting like…well…babies. Now, I'm going to find out what room she is being taken to and I'll call Bulma. You two can either continue your pissing contest or follow me."
Vegeta tightened his jaw, knowing the woman was correct. He could easily see where Pan's fire came from. It was more from her human side.
"Alright, let's go," Vegeta said.
Defeated for the moment, Gohan followed the pair to where his daughter was being taken. It was still too much for him all to take in. All that needed to happen was for MT and Bra to show up to complete this disaster of a day.
"Come on! Push, Brat!" Vegeta yelled at the demi-Sayian, holding her hand.
Sweat dripped from her furrowed brow. Though she had a high tolerance for pain due to her heritage, she determined that childbirth paled in comparison to anything she had experienced before. At that moment, only she, Vegeta and the pain existed. Six hours of active labor and the child inside of her did not want to budge.
"Don't yell at me! It's the little bugger that's being difficult," she snapped back.
"Just a couple more pushes should do it," said the doctor, whom was positioned between Pan's legs, which were hiked up by stirrups. "The baby is crowning."
"You're going to be a Grandpa, Vegeta," Pan whispered to him before giving one, final push.
Pan's body went limp as a distinct crying filled the hospital room. The nurses worked quickly to clear the airway and clean the newborn. The doctor announced the gender. It was a girl. Pan mustered enough energy to smile as the swaddled baby was placed on her chest. She looked down onto her daughter and noticed that sparse, lavender hair atop her tiny little head. Pan bit her lip the hold back the tears, but the combination of the memories and the hormones was too much. Videl and Gohan, who had been quiet witnesses in the corner, ran past the staff and to their daughter's side to console her.
"Oh, the happy mother can barely hold back her tears," the nurse said, misunderstanding. The woman then picked up the baby and handed her to Vegeta. "I'm sure the father wants to hold his darling girl."
"He is the GRANDfather, I am the father," MT said, pulling the mask from his face.
Pan's jaw dropped, for she did not feel his energy through the intensity of labor, and neither did Pan's parents or Vegeta. He was wearing the same green scrubs of the hospital staff. This time, Pan made an effort to feel his Ki. It wasn't that she was distracted, he was suppressing his energy.
"How dare you!" Pan yelled, clawing at MT.
Videl held her down, as Gohan took the little girl from MT's arms gently. He gazed at his granddaughter and smiled a bit before turning his attention back to the unwanted party.
"You have no right to be here," Gohan said more calmly than anyone would have thought possible.
"That is my daughter," MT protested.
"Get him out of here before I kill him," Pan hissed, meaning every single syllable.
The door to Pan's room opened and Bra ran in. She heard the trouble from outside and decided to chime in. Pan eyed her with loath. Bra looked perfect, as usual, her soft green hair in soft curls somehow unaffected by the heat and humidity. The white cotton pant suit she wore, however, did not make it through the weather unscathed and was slightly wrinkled.
"Don't be mad, Pan. I thought MT should be here," Bra tried to explain.
The OB-GYN stopped Bra from coming any further. He may not have understood a lick of what was going on, but he had to bring some kind of order to the situation.
"You can't come in here without being scrubbed down, miss. The woman just gave birth and you're putting her in danger," he said firmly. He then turned to MT and grabbed him by the arm. "You, too, young man. I think it is best you leave."
"But that's my child," MT complained, but refused to fight the doctor.
"If you want a child so bad, make one with her," Pan screamed.
"STOP IT!" a woman's voice yelled.
Everyone in the room stopped. Whatever they were saying or doing and moved their attention to the tall, elegant woman in the doorway. Bulma, though beautiful, was beginning to show her age. The crow's feet around her eyes were more defined by the scowl she wore, her thin lips turned down. The doctor, even more confused, walked up to Bulma and put an arm on her shoulder.
"Mrs. Briefs, I don't know what's going on here, and I know you own this hospital, but I need you and the others to leave this woman," he expressed to her most respectfully.
"I know, Carver. It's a long story, but that beautiful girl just bore my grandson. She and my son, however, are not on good terms. Thank you for trying to neutralize the situation," she said, giving MT and Bra a menacing look which told them to comply without question.
The still-stunned room watched as the pair left with their mother. Pan, still being held down by Videl, fought back more tears. She would not cry over him anymore. She couldn't. He had chosen his fate, as did she. But to see the child which had been created, her heart ached. To see him want to be a part of the experience, it was too much to comprehend.
"Why would he do this to me…of all days," she whispered.
Videl soothed her daughter's hair down, trying to provide as much comfort as possible.
"I think he doesn't understand how his selfishness hurts others. When I knew Trunks, he was a very selfless boy. But, his way of life was hard, much harder than we could imagine. It's possible he never developed as he should have, socially, even though he spent time with us. I'm not making excuses for him, but I know you and Bra came to some sort of truce. I don't think it would be a bad idea to extend it to the father of your first born," Videl said.
Again, Vegeta felt admiration for the human. She and Chi-Chi has more common sense than most of the other earthlings combined.
"I just want to go home," Pan said, groggy from the extreme emotions her body had just endured.
"Yes, of course," Videl said to her daughter, stroking her hair until she fell asleep.
Pan recovered almost immediately while her child grew stronger every day. To her mother's great relief, Pie's lavender baby hair fell out quickly and was replaced with raven curls. Though the locks did have a hint of purple shimmer, Pan found it most becoming on the hungry little girl, who was suckling vigorously at the moment. Her little hands kneaded her mother' bosom, encouraging the milk to flow freely. Pan smiled and played with a silken lock upon her child's head while Vegeta watched with adoration.
"Were you this attentive with your children, Vegeta?" Pan asked mockingly.
"Maybe with Bra," he replied honestly.
"Speaking of, neither she nor MT has come around," Pan noted, placing Pie on her shoulder, patting her little back to prompt a belch.
"I think they are still afraid to come around after the drama they caused in the delivery room," Vegeta chuckled as he walked over to Pan and his grandchild, giving her a finger to play with. Pie eyed the digit momentarily, then clasped it with her gums. "She will be very strong."
"I hope so. Most of all, I want her to be happy," Pan said as Pie finally released the gas in her belly.
"You deserve to be happy," Vegeta said, taking Pie from her and placing her in her crib.
Warm and belly full, Pie fell fast asleep, caring not what the two big people were discussing. A contented sound passed her lips as she dreamed whatever little babies dreamed of. Pan smiled, and thought she was happy despite all that had happened. Though dealing with MT had brought her the greatest pain, she was given the greatest joy. Not only that, she found her true mate.
"I am happy," she whispered to Vegeta, throwing her arms about his neck.
Vegeta looked into Pan's eyes and a smile crossed his weathered face. He, too, was finally happy and contented. His hands played in his mate's raven hair, which had been cropped to shoulder length. Vegeta had always thought the limp hair, a human trait, to be quite odd, but he had to admit he loved playing in Pan's hair…which was the texture of heavy silk. Slowly, the pair closed the small distance between them, their lips joined in a very sweet, yet passionate, kiss. Unfortunately, their bliss was disturbed by a knock on the door. Pan wanted to ignore it, but she reasoned it could be more packages she ordered for her new apartment. She went to open the door and was surprised by who was there.
"MT…what…why?" was all she was able to get out.
"Pan…I am sorry about the last time I saw you. I'm sorry about everything. I know I can't make everything ok, but please, please let me in so I can see Pie," MT blurted out.
Speechless, Pan stumbled back, unsure of how to react. She knew everything was going too well. And then here he comes to ruin everything. Within a few seconds of feeling his mate's distress, Vegeta was at Pan's side.
"Hello, Father," MT said tartly.
"Son," Vegeta replied with equal spite.
"I don't know, MT. I don't know if I can do this," Pan said, finally regaining her voice.
"But she's my daughter!" MT whined.
"Yes, she is. A daughter you created with me while you lusted after another woman…your sister. Though, I do understand better than I did before. I do understand what it's like to fall for someone you aren't supposed to. But, MT, you'll never know how deeply you scarred me."
"If you let me come inside, I will try to explain as best I can," MT pleaded.
Pan stood still for a moment, but finally moved to the side with a mocking arm gesture, allowing the father of her child to pass. MT looked about the apartment, committing it to his memory. It was a nice size with a spacious living and dining area. Pan sat at the stool on the center island, Vegeta next to her. They did make a handsome pair, MT had to admit.
"I am waiting," Pan said.
MT sat across from his father, but looked Pan directly in the eye. He needed closure, and he was certain she needed it as well.
"When I first came here, I came looking for the love I let die. Dominican was all I lived for. She was killed by the Androids while I was protecting this timeline. I drove my mother into a state of depression with my own. She made me leave. My machine malfunctioned and I ended up further in this timeline than I was supposed to. I wanted Dominican…but here…she's married and has a child. For some reason, I took my anger out on Bra, but she understood me."
"I don't see what this has to do with how you used me," Pan growled, but Vegeta put a firm hand over hers, quieting her so MT could continue.
"I wasn't prepared for my attraction to Bra. I fought it with everything I had, but my mind wasn't right. That night I…I took you, I wasn't myself. I was so full of confusion and anger and I didn't know how to deal. And after that night, I thought I would be a horrible person to leave you then. I stayed for all the wrong reasons and I used you. You deserved so much more than I gave and I wish I could give you back what I took from you. I know you'll never forgive me, nor should you, but I am sorry for all the pain I caused you."
Pan turned pale listening to MT's speech. She didn't know if she were hurt or angry. For some reason, his excuses just were not enough. Nothing he said would ever suffice, she figured. The tears began to sting her eyes and she couldn't contain them any longer. A flood of emotion came over her and Pan began to sob.
"I loved you, MT. You are right…you could have just let me be. I would have been ok. Instead…you…damn it!"
Pie began to wail, sensing her mother's discontent. Pan looked towards the bedroom, but Vegeta rose to get the child. He knew he would have to intervene. After a few short moments, Vegeta returned with the baby in his arms. A few coos let him know Pie wanted her Mother. Two stubby arms reached out to Pan, who took the baby up and smiled. Pie, knowing something was amiss, instinctively looked at her father. MT was almost dumbstruck by the child's gaze. Pie was a beautiful baby with brilliant turquoise eyes, the same color of a Super-Sayian. MT noticed the light hair she was born with was now dark, much like Pan's. His daughter gave him what he thought looked like a "You Stink" face, and he laughed.
"She is…amazing," he found himself saying.
"The only good thing to come out of this fray," Pan added.
"The only good thing?" Vegeta chimed.
"You know what I mean," Pan laughed. She then turned to MT, her face serious. "You are right, MT, I will never forgive you. I'll never understand why you did what you did, but I think I can accept that you did not do it intentionally…"
Pan kissed the forehead of her beautiful daughter and took in her sweet scent. How she loved her baby! Suddenly, Pan noticed that Pie was no longer paying her any mind. Her brilliant eyes were focused on MT. Taking in a deep breath; Pan swallowed down the butterflies in the belly and walked over to the tall man with the long lavender hair. With a slight smile, she gently placed the child into her father's arms. Pie decided liked the feel of the man's cotton shirt and quickly began gumming it. When MT tried to correct her, his index finger was next to find her jaws.
"She's going to be strong," MT commented.
"Yeah…your father said the same thing," Pan said quietly.
"Thank you, Pan," MT said, kissing his daughter's cheek.
MT stayed for a couple of hours and played with Pie, fed her and finally, put her to sleep. Pan watched intently, noting that Pie already seemed to love her father. It was obvious MT doted upon her, as did everyone else who came in contact with the darling girl. After an uneasy farewell, MT left for Capsule Corp. He was thankful he got a chance to see Pie. More than anything, he was glad he got up the courage to face Pan and apologize. He had taken more than enough time.
"How are they?" Bra asked as MT walked into the door.
"Fine," He replied.
"Did she forgive you?"
"No."
"Will she let you see the baby?"
"Yes."
"Do you forgive yourself?"
MT looked into Bra's eyes, the eyes of the person who understood him the most. If only his mind and heart weren't so muddled before, things would be so much better. He only brought pain to those he loved, or who loved him.
Recognizing the agony in his expression, Bra placed a gentle hand on MT's cheek, bringing his eyes and thoughts back to her. She, too, had matured a great deal, learning from her mistakes. She and Goten had forgiven each other, finally. The rift between she and her mother would take more work…but she was willing. As long as they all were willing, there was a chance.
"How do you forgive what I did? How do you forgive what we did? I think…we're lucky. Mother…though hurt, has tried to understand. Gohan, Videl…they'll never forgive us, but they want to move forward. I just wish…I wish we would have done it differently," MT confessed.
"Yeah," Bra agreed. "But, we didn't. I think Pan will eventually forgive you, though."
"You do, eh" MT questioned.
"I do," was the reply
"Why?"
"She forgave me," Bra reasoned. "Come, let's talk about this later."
With a mischievous grin, Bra began to bite MT's neck, making him groan.
"You little witch," he said, playfully pushing her away. "Later, you say?"
"Hai. It seems all will be well, eventually. Let's not dwell on it for the moment," Bra reasoned.
Reluctantly, MT walked over to the couch and sat down. Bra followed, snuggling herself beside him. MT knew he was fortunate. He had his love. He had his daughter. He had begun to rebuild bridges horribly burnt. Yes, there was hope, he thought as he kissed Bra passionately, pulling her shirt over her head, showering her perfect body with butterfly kisses. And I'll forgive myself the day I don't have to justify my love.