Chapter 8

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Kooler looked around the vastness of the atmosphere. It was indeed quite strange for a sky to be a light blue... considering that space is nothing but black. He had been directed here to this planet... Earth. Such a beautiful planet with such a suiting name... it was a shame though, that it had housed some of the most deadliest warriors.

The ice-jin was walking around on the sands of a beach. His ship so happened to land in the middle of the great ocean. A few fish had ended up dying... but at least it was fish, and not any of the main inhabitants. If that were the case, then there would have been hell to pay; the emperor (who Kooler knew was on the planet) would have been able to travel here in a snap ruining all chances of getting back Pan.

He walked closer to the lands and he pressed the button on the side of a scouter. He wasn't too skilled at reading energy levels as the saiyans were; it was ability only a saiyan could truly pick up... and rumors that humans could also possess that power.

But not ice-jins.

Quite ironic of you ask him.

The power levels began to display as he turned to the south. Before he could turn his scouter off, it exploded- about ten strong power levels in the area. Just wonderful... He would come face to face with the emperor and his henchmen.

Bringing his fingers to his forehead, he began searching for energy levels. He needed to find one close to the location... but not exactly where they would be alarmed by his presents. He wanted to remain as hidden as possible until he was able to grab Pan and LEAVE. He had another safe house located in the Far East part of the universe.

He smirked.

Finally, he found a human energy level not far from where the saiyans were. It was low... but it would work for now.

He concentrated, and his body fizzled from existence teleporting to the deep woods.

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Pan smiled when she noticed Trunks claim victory over the spar. His muscular arm was holding his father's head in a strangle hold while pinning him to the grass with his full body weight. It was a wonder how they could have such intense battles! She couldn't help but shake her head in disapproval noticing all the bloodied cuts and dashes across his once perfect tanned skin. His shirt was non-existent, and his pants were bloodied and burned from a few stray ki beams, in which were shot earlier.

She lightly smiled when she walked over to the two. She folded her arms before her chest while smirking down to both men.

Trunks raised his head up and grinned triumphantly looking up to the girl. "I won..."

She nodded her head. "It seems that way."

In releasing his father, Trunks stood back up looking into her eyes. "You know... that was the first time I have been able to defeat my father."

The female saiyan looked over the bloodied torso of the man before her; "I wouldn't doubt your statement for a second." Her eyes traveled back up to his and her smirk widened. "You seem to be slacking a bit?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Slacking?"

She shrugged her shoulders before taking a step or two back. "Yeah, slacking."

He took a step foreword. "Why do you say that?"

Pan pointed to something behind Trunks, as her smirk grew wider.

The saiyan prince turned his head around curiously, only to have his face smashed in with an oncoming fist.

The father of the hybrid smirked as he walked up to his son planting his foot on his boys' stomach now pinning him down. "Not so cleaver, eh?"

Trunks just glared. "Meanie. Both of you!"

Vegeta just laughed; "Is that the best you can come up with?" He shook his head, "Pathetic."

Pan looked back to him, and she glared back, "Did you call me a name?"

He looked to her, and he nodded his head. "You were also in the plot, weren't you? There fore, you're also a mean- OWWW! OW OW OW!" Trunks covered his head with his arms trying to avoid the painful kicks Pan attacked him with.

"Who's the meanie now?" she shouted turning around, in a huff, and storming back into the house.

Still, pinned under the foot of his father, the hybrid saiyan watched as she disappeared from sight while going into the home once again. He began rubbing his head, "You can tell that she's the daughter of both Gohan and Videl... damn, that hurt! I only meant that as a joke!"

Vegeta laughed as he took his foot off of the stomach of his son. "Serves you right; keep on your guard Trunks. You never know what could be thrown at you at any given moment. Especially when you are handed the kingdom."

Both saiyans turned their head up, hearing the quietest of sounds. They looked into the sky, noticing two forms flying towards them at super speeds.

Their feet landed softly on the grass, their eyes staring at both advisor and to-be-emperor.

The man smirked. "Good to see you again," stated his monotone voice.

Trunks smiled, "I'm glad to see that both of you are doing well."

The female brushed a blonde lock of silky hair behind her ear. "Yeah, it's been a while."

"But we're not here for a nice chat," added the male in a monotone voice. His light blue eyes were full of seriousness.

"Oh?" questioned Vegeta as his posture became straight, "Care to elaborate Seventeen?"

The androids pointed into the home. "I'd be better if we discussed it with everyone else in the home," explained Eighteen.

"Everyone?" questioned Trunks. His thought trailed to Pan; if this talk was serious, shouldn't she be kept out of it? Yeah... she was a bit more trusting now, but she DID live with Kooler for all of her life.

Seventeen nodded his head, "Even that girl."

It seemed as if he read the two saiyan's minds.

Trunks turned his vision to the androids. If it was something, for even Pan to hear, it must have been important. Usually when these two were sent down to give information, it was something completely urgent. Everyone who was considered in the highest ranking in power needed to listen to the two ki-less beings. Because they had no ki's it made these two the most deadly of all the warriors- even though their powers didn't come too close to a Super Saiyan Level 3.

The prince began walking into the home, crossing his arms not exactly caring for the well being of his son. The saiyan prince very well knew that Trunks was old enough to tolerate wounds from battles as this. "Then we should not be wasting any time," stated Vegeta as he continued to near the house.

The androids and soon-to-be-emperor followed along remaining silent. The hybrid saiyan was more curious than ever to see what was bringing his father and the two androids to be so serious.

Something was definitely up.

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After the drinks were dispersed among the saiyans and humans, Eighteen paused for a moment, her cold eyes gazing upon everyone around. She knew the saiyans might not take this information very well... nor will the women in the room... it was only a matter of time they now had... only seconds could seem like hours.

"We've lost communication with the mother ship."

There was silence... stillness... it was the least expected from the two androids... till the emperor's power raged to limitless power.

The form of SSJ 3 appeared and everyone with enough sense scooted away from his or her ruler. His pupil turquoise eyes and long jagged hair appeared with the blink of an eye. His eyebrow-less forehead scrunched in at his formed anger, and his muscles stiffened as they bulged and surged with power unknown.

Videl took a small step forward, and she placed a hand over her husbands' shoulder. "Gohan…?"

His eyes glanced down to her. She immediately felt fear as he stared down at her. Such anger he possessed in them!

Pan was also scared to be around this (who she started to dub as) 'Gentle Giant'. This was not a good sign... She visibly backed away from the emperor... still unknown to his true identity.

Seventeen stood, and he passed his sister, his eyes were as cold as ever. "Kooler was spotted on the planet just moments ago. He landed close to the Kame Shack, and he started on his way towards the shore to find her."

His finger was pointed out, and it landed on Pan.

Everyone stared at her; she was the one, which needed to be protected... but at what costs now? The mother ship, which carried thousands, was gone! GONE! What about the protectors of the ship? The high security? Where were they? What about Zarbon...?

"How sure are you that the ship is gone?" questioned Vegeta as he glared at the androids.

The two looked amongst each other before turning back, "Ever heard of the SOS code? Apparently some of the ones who escaped in pods sent messages to Capsule Corps. That was... till their ships vanished from the radar."

Gohan was seething with anger. This was defiantly not good for his blood pressure... Videl was also there as she tried to sooth his nerves and calm him down. She knew he wouldn't think right if he were this troubled. He desperately needed a clear head! Possibly… that was what the enemy wanted...

"You know... if Kooler is here... we must spilt up," muttered Trunks. He bit his lip in a way his mother did many, many times. He might have been the only one to think logically... Gohan was far gone now... he fell into his rage and frustrations. The saiyans... they just seemed to shocked to do anything about it. This information was... indeed, very numbing to this set of warriors...

Possibly... this was Trunks time to pick up the lead, and prove that he was the correct candidate for ruling the kingdom of space.

Trunks paused as he looked around the room. He was the only one not listening to the information of lost souls in this tragic event... and how the enemy was coming closer. He couldn't deal with that! The needed to think of a plan! They needed to make sure everyone was correctly protected and scattered so Kooler WOULDN'T have the upper hand! And at this moment... it seemed that the ice-jin did...

Trunks slammed his fist on the table awaking everyone from their zombie like modes, and the androids silenced themselves warily eyeing the hybrid saiyan prince. Trunks' cold blue eyes searched everyone's orbs before he began to speak.

"What are we all doing here? We are like a target... a magnet telling the enemy to attack us!" exclaimed the adult. "The only way we can make sure our chances of getting out of this situation ALIVE is to split up."

Gohan's cold eyes stared into the young princes'. "What are you suggesting? Is it going to question the life of my daughter? The one who we have been searching eighteen years for and have finally found?"

Trunks shook his head. "This could save her life more than anything. Remember Gohan we're on the defensive side now... we can't predict what the enemy will do in a situation as this! For all we know, he could very well turn his situation around for his favor, not ours." Trunks paused as he glanced over to the other warriors, "We must remember to look out for the enemy and warn about any sightings of where he could be. I know many of us can hold our own against Kooler... I know Goten and I could easily take that ice-jin down. But we can't risk everything we have at this time just because we were caught off guard for a moment! We still have time! Not much of it... but we have time."

The hybrid saiyan turned over to Goku. He pointed to the saiyan, "You have the ability for instant transmission... right?"

Goku nodded his head as he stood up. "Is there somewhere you need to go?"

Trunks shook his head, "Not at this moment... but that technique will help us, no doubt about it. We all need to spread out in different parts of the world."

"Well, I don't know about you," started Chichi as she crossed her arms, "but I'd rather say here in the comfort at home."

"And I'll stay here with Chichi," inserted Goku.

Videl turned to Gohan, and she lightly touched his hand. He looked to her, his anger slowing down. "Maybe we should go to my father's home."

His eyes narrowed. "But the people there-"

"You can easily protect them." She smiled as she flicked the single block of hair that fell into his face, "I think, with this transformation, you could protect a city no problem."

The saiyan prince nodded. "How about North City?" questioned Trunks.

Raditz smirked, "I'll take that territory."

Hizashi, standing in the dark corner, stood up. "WE both will take the North City," corrected the ice-jin as he glanced to his great uncle. Raditz eyed him for a second before nodding in approval.

"West City?" asked Trunks.

"I think Vegeta and I should go to the city," commented Bulma as she nodded to her son. The husband of the scientist stared at her strangely.

"There's no way you will be in this battle! You know that!" snapped back the prince. Now, he knew at times like this, his wife could be very crazy... almost suicidal if you allowed her. But she did usually put the care of others in mind... even if she knew she had no chance at all... that was unless...

"I have an invention that I think we should all consider having. At a time like this, we need to use all the advantages that we can," she explained while smiling in a triumphant manner.

"Stop the blabbering and explain what it is!" snapped the saiyan prince. His patience was very limited... very much so as Pan's.

The scientist glared at him for a moment before she continued, "A ki suppressor." She looked over to the saiyans, who eyed her in a mocking manner. Yeah... they did know how to suppress their ki... they just didn't understand WHY she was suggesting it. She sighed. "What I mean is... since Kooler knows how to use Instant Transmission, and because he's on the planet, we need to make sure that he can not get to us by the little energies we may store!" It was silent as she glanced to every one of them, "We need to make sure that we recognize that our energies give off a certain aura, and with that Kooler might be able to pin point us where ever we are! But by my invention, it should hide all ki and make it as if we never existed! Well... speaking in terms of ki..."

Trunks nodded his head in agreement. "How many ki suppressors have you created?"

Bulma lightly frowned, "Only five. I made only a few. I didn't think a situation, as this, would come up. I can create them in no time at all; it's just getting the parts for it."

"I'll come with you and help with the project," stated Bra as she grabbed Goten hand also, "I think our help will be greatly needed."

Bulma crossed her arms and smirked, "Bra, you've never taken the time to observe me work in my lab. You're always with grandma as she bakes cookies and gardens."

"But I can help! I know I can! I have it in my blood!" Bra balled a fist and hit it across the top of her chest, "And I am ready for such a challenge!"

Bulma lightly smiled, and stifled a chuckle, before she turned to Goten. He usually DID stay in the labs to observe. He also helped her when he had the time. "Then I guess you two will be expected then."

Trunks smiled. Well... at least that was taken care of. His mom and sister would be better protected with both his father and Goten around. "Now, onto the East City-"

"My brother and I will take care of that," commented Eighteen. And that was all that needed to be stated.

"Last but not least, South City?" questioned the prince.

Nappa stood as he glanced to the prince, "I guess I'll be assigned there." Trunks noticed a tugging of the shirt for Nappa as his young son looked up to him. The boy did act like his father at times... but he was very much like his mother also. His emerald tinted hair and soft eyes backed that theory. Nappa smiled lightly as he patted his son's shoulder, "And I'll take my son with me."

The women snapped their eyes to the saiyan gawking at him. "How could you let a young child out on a battlefield? You must be crazy!" exclaimed Raditz wife.

The wife of Nappa, however, had fire in her eyes as she glared daggers at her husband. "There is no way that MY SON will be going into battle! He's too inexperienced to fight!" she shouted.

The saiyan looked up at her, and winced at her screeching. If she would only understand WHY their only son was being taken to battle... possibly she would be more accepting. Crazy harpy...

"My son is going to be trained in such battle. If there's a small fight, he will be assisting me. If it's more than he can handle, he'll just watch and learn," reasoned the saiyan as he sat there with crossed arms.

"But... but...my son..." the woman broke into tears, and she began sobbing on Chichi's shoulder. This was just going great...

Chichi patted the woman's back and she nodded her head. "I agree with you... we can't have the children running while on a battle field. He isn't going with Nappa."

The saiyan glared at the woman, who obviously was as thick headed as a wall of lead. "No you listen here!"

Pan watched silently as the grownups began getting into an uproar. She stood up and took a few steps to Trunks. In setting her hand beside his ear she whispered, "What about me?"

He glanced to her, and he smirked. "You'll be protected by me."

The moment almost seemed as if Trunks was filled with dangerous electricity as she backed away as quickly as she could. Her eyes were wide as she slammed up against a wall. Pan was the furthest she could be away from that... that saiyan prince who she was starting to get use to... but this... this was just too far!

"There is no way... in the millions of galaxies of this universe, that I can go out and... and be PROTECTED by you!" exclaimed Pan. "I can barely stand you being in the same room as I!"

Trunks lightly smiled, "I am the only person that can keep you from becoming electrocuted. That's why you were able to fly out to the restaurant earlier-"

"JERK!" shouted Pan as she glared, "How dare you twist my life in such... in such ways to benefit your... sick pleasures!"

Trunks blinked. "But... but I-"

Pan's hatred flared, "You are one of the lowest beings that I know on this planet! I despise you! Loathe you with my entire being! How is it that-"

"Pan."

"-when ever you start opening your big fat-"

"Pan?"

"-mouth you always seem to dig yourself into some deeper shi-"

"PAN!" It was Trunks turn to glare. Using only one finger he pointed to where the others stood. Her head turned, and she noticed everyone staring at her. Every single eye was turned to her.

Needless to say, this saiyan female's face became as red as a tomato. She glared as she stormed out of the house.

"Hold on Pan!" shouted Trunks as he dashed after.

A pin could be heard dropping when the two left the room. There was a cough... but the voice of Goku had to break through the silence. "I bet the two would be married and have a child on the way this time next year."

That comment... needless to say... wasn't good for Gohan's blood pressure or for the health of Goku.

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Trunks clipped on the strap to his scabbard over his blue Capsule Corporations jacket. His blade was tilted enough so he could reach it without bringing harm to his shoulder or arm. The blade... it was well crafted and one that he treasured. It was a gift from Gohan, and it was a gift that he would keep till death... which he hoped to be far in the future. His attention was brought over to Pan, who sat in the middle of the room (on his bed) wearing a comfortable fitting gi. It was a muted green with hints of black. She needed to help blend in with the environment. Trunks' choice of clothing was very, very similar to one who we like to call Mirai Trunks. Sound familiar?

"We should get going," muttered Trunks as he stepped over to the female. She looked up to him, her hair tied back in a rubber band. Her dark eyes, now more innocent and willing to obey, showed a hint of excite... but also fear for what was to come.

"What about the ki suppressors?" she questioned. "I know my fath- um... Kooler will want to lock onto my energy first. I think he might be able to sense it most out of everyone else..."

Trunks, yet again, smiled at her as he walked over to one of his many desk drawers. "I think he might have some trouble trying to find where you are. That ki suppressing system in you has altered your DNA and ki. I seriously doubt that he would have an easy time trying to locate you."

Pan rolled her eyes. "Yeah...thanks for reminding me."

"But just in case," added Trunks as he stepped over towards her, "clip this on your hair," muttered the prince as he handed her... to what looked very much as a normal hairclip. "My mother explained about her invention for ki suppression... but I took her idea and plans... and modified them so even the smallest movement you might make will bring up no detection. It's very much as if you don't exist. A very lethal weapon if it gets into the hands of a serial killer. That's why I keep my inventions silent. Not even my mother knows I possess them." One of the items Trunks had in his hand was a rubber band. He used it to pull back his long locks of lavender hair. There were those few stubborn pieces that wouldn't be held back though. He didn't bother them. They weren't in the way.

He tossed the other hair tie to the side and stood before Pan. "Ready to go?"

She looked up to him. "I guess..." She stood and began stepping in line beside the prince. What ever he stated... it was to be done. She already was accepting that fact... He was just as stubborn as her father was! Maybe that was...

Her eyes widened. Okay... maybe not so wide. She could feel the tugging of the wind across her face.

Wait a second...

We're they already flying in the air?

Damn.

She didn't even remember stepping out of the house!

Oh well...

But what was that thing her papa's friend would state back in the south quadrant? Was it... you marry someone like your own father?

Pan frowned. Well... if that were true... then she would most definitely be dead by the end of this year! If that quote had ANY truth behind it... then that would mean... she would marry Trunks!

Oh! Gross!

Pan cringed at the thought. Her... and HIM?

Why were such thoughts entering her mind?

She growled. This was so not her day... she felt like she was being held hostage by some lunatic...

Trunks turned her head to Pan, and he raised an eyebrow, "Are you feeling okay?" he asked her. She didn't seem to be feeling okay... something strange must be going on in her head now.

Pan glared at Trunks, as she snapped out of her mental state of thinking. "Of course I'm fine!" she shouted back. "I just wish we didn't have to do all this moving around-"

Her words were caught in her throat when a light beam almost grazed her face. She barely missed the energy wave as it began to enter the atmosphere. She turned back to Trunks now aware of what dangers lurked behind the corners. The saiyan prince used his super speed to grab Pan.

That energy was most definitely of someone he didn't recognize... he needed to use his energy to get both him and Pan OUT of there!

Wrapping his muscled arms around Pan, he powered to SSJ2. His muscles became larger, and his hair longer as the raw energy crackled around his body. There was no time to waste! So gathering all the energy his body possessed he blasted off to another part of the world... a part where a game of hide-and-seek could be played... and the hiders would stump the seekers...

Pan couldn't bear to look as she closed her eyes shut. The wind was hitting her eyes at dangerous speeds. This was the fastest that she had ever gone! She did try to sneak glimpses of where they were headed... but she still couldn't figure it out! All she knew... was the land was becoming more and more filled with trees, plants, rocks, and snow... lost of snow.

Possibly Kooler wouldn't find them there... or did she want to be found by the ice-jin she called father?

It didn't matter now... all that seemed to matter was the fact that she was now in a new place... the colder climate began to nip at her bare arms... it was new, and it was foreign... but safe for the time being.

That place... was the mountains.

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That took FOREVER to finish! I really want to finish this fic soon. I know what kind of a direction I'm going... or at least... I think. –coughs- well... please send your comments. I really hope to hear from you guys! I'm sorry it took so long to update! But I'm really gonna try to update faster! Thanks for reading!

Takuma