Seven Spanish Angels

Salero Ranch

The warm wind brushed across her chapped face. Brown eyes squinted as she berated herself for not wearing any sunglasses. However, when she awoke this morning the last thing she remembered where the tinted lenses. She was too excited to get to the archaeological site. Then again, she thought she had an extra pair in the truck. The sky was cloudless and very blue. It reminded her of the bright blue eyes of her godmother. But blue eyes communicated many things to her. The sun was so bright now that the blue was whiter than any other color. She cursed herself again for forgetting her glasses. Thankfully, the tents surrounding the restoration of the Adobe settlement in Salero Arizona; a ghost town to be sure, made it bearable. Pan arrived two months ago; she had branched, was doing something out from the shadow of her family and friends.

Ironically, it was her godmother who set up the excursion for her. Bulma Briefs knew the holders of the Salero Ranch. Which was in the Santa Rita Mountains of Santa Cruz County. What remains of Salero is on private property belonging to the Salero Ranch. Pan was taking part in helping to stabilize and preserving the deteriorating adobe buildings.

Pan tried not to think about how many times this place was destroyed along with the earth. But she refused to go down that dark path. Everyone she knew had the powers of the gods, the god of destruction could end her world by sneezing. Pan doubted that they could keep having do-overs and wishes.

The best thing that could happen is that they would all just leave. The edge the world seems to hover was perilous. There were times when even she could feel the unimaginable pull to continue to grow as strong as her father and grandfather. It was an addictive thing. However, she had an urge to hold precious life in her hands and make something rather than to destroy. They were all blind to how much their power achievements lead more to destruction than creation. Hence her escape to Arizona. It was the furthest place on earth from her home. Her family would freak if she left earth. Pan had an aptitude for the tedious manual work of this caliber. She was not afraid of menial labor. Nor was Pan fearful of research. She wanted to restore the ghost town in a way that reflected that original component that were used the 1800's.

Suddenly not having her sunglasses was less critical. She would make do but remember them the next day. Pan took some of the mortar mud and began to form the bricks needed to restore the wall she had been working on. It was not as though she could throw in cement. The adobe structures couldn't be reshaped by using different materials, their expansion and solidifying temperatures were not the same. She could, however, enhance their drying time. Her bricks were heated by her Ki. It could generate heat hotter than the sun, thus acted as a kiln. Her restorations would last longer than some of the others structures here. Though she wasn't creating homes for people to live, it gave her a chance to learn how to make something. This was very satisfying.

Because she did not want to appear too weird, most of her contemporaries who were helping here, took off at 3 PM. The sun was too hot, and they were also far from civilization. The fact that the border to Mexico was not far off, there was an ever-present danger. The crew packed up and took the hike back to where other vehicles were parked. They traveled together, as to not have anyone left behind, safety in numbers. Pan felt like if any danger came their way she would not allow harm to come to those there. Another factor she was thankful for. They were students and teachers and ordinary folk, natives of the area who wanted to restore their history. They all had strong urges that brought them here. She took this very sincerely. With her power, even more, good would come of it all.

They made it back to the parking area, Aidan, Julian and Jose, were all about Pan's age. They were commenting on Pan and her crazy dance moves.

"Hey, hermanita?! Wanna dance tonight?" Jose hollered at Pan.

Pan could only smile. Thankful he could not see her cheeks flush. Jose was always flirting with Pan after work.

Julian hit her brother, "Aye, Jose you stop bothering Pan."

"Hey, Pan-Chan you coming tonight?" Jose asked again.

"Only if you're paying Jose" Pan yelled back.

"Ah! You break his heart, Miss Pan, Jose has no money. But I do!" Aidan rejoiced.

Julian only laughed. It was right Jose was a working student. He was as broke as most of them all. Aidan however, came from a well to do family with long connections Arizona real estate. Like Pan, he had a calling to be here to make use of his skills.

Pan jumped in her truck, a typical 4x4, H2 Hummer. Bulma had supplied the Salero Ranch a few of them for the usage of the restoration. Pan didn't want to know what other reasons Bulma had in the area. Most all of it was for Capsule Corporation, Pan hadn't wanted to be here for the Company, she tried to be here for the work. Bulma would probably get her more involved later. Pan was sure of it. Somehow they all ended up working for her in the end.

Pan was just happy, being part of something else. And though she had no romantic feeling toward Jose, she really did not mind the attention. She was accepted by them and felt the power of being a woman. Here she was not known as Hercules granddaughter. Nor was her Capsule Corporation connections well known. No one even asked. She hadn't told any lies. It was a relief on so many levels.

They all rode back to the Spirit Tree Inn, near Patagonia. It was a 40-minute drive after a five-mile walk. Pan had much time to contemplate her night. All the trucks had radios in them, the chatter was amusing. They continued to joke about Pan's dancing and her singing. Most people shared rides. Pan was one of the few who had her own vehicles, upon Bulma's insistent. Capsule Corporation was also paying for everyone stay and given a per diem for food. The joke was that no one was using their own monies. Capsule Corporation supported everything. For some, this was a pleasant change. The people surrounding the areas did not look at gift horse in the mouth. The Capsule Corp was making an impact in Arizona, bringing back commerce to the southwest cities.

The Dancing for the night was to take place at the Wheel Wagon Saloon. All the workers on the site had taken to the place as their own party house. The locals were more accommodating. Jose and Julian were a part of the local scene. The only time Pan cringed was Karaoke night. This week was her turn to wow the guests. She wondered if she could not just take a hike and say that she had a date… then frowned. What she would give to eat some of Chef Todd's quiet dinners at the Inn. But the gang would not hear of it. They were not into the high quality of food that the B&B offered. They loved the breakfast though. Most every night was at the Saloon. Outside of Karaoke, she also admired some of the motorcycles that parked out front. She dreamed of asking Bulma to send her one of the hoverbikes so she could go explore the area more. She did not want to fly too much. Someone might notice her. The city also had many watchers of the sky here.

She hauled her cooler to the back of the H2 and let the water drain. This lodge was a higher elevation than the Ranch. So, the temperature was colder. She wanted to let the water run down her face, but the heat was dropping. She recycled the water into a jug and pushed the cooler back into the truck. That's when she saw the black plastic. Her extra pair of sunglasses had been smooshed behind the cooler. Jumping into the back, she retrieved them. However, she noticed that they had been cracked. "Ah well guess I need to go replace them." She smiled maybe a trip to the store would get her out of singing. She would act as though she couldn't find her other ones sitting in the room at the Inn.

Throwing her gear over her shoulder and grabbing the jug Pan proceeded to go into her room. Some of the workers shared a part of the bunkhouses. Bulma had spread the guests throughout the Inn, as to not take over all of the cheaper rooms at the B&B. Jose and Julian were the only two that drove home, for they lived nearby at another ranch. Bulma gave them the per diem for bunking and eating anyway.

As Pan opened the door to her room, she stiffened. She dropped her gear and jug of water, it splashed all over the entrance. Pan would need to replace it now. But she was not alone. Someone was in her room.

"Pan!" the loud voice greeted her.

"What's up Bulma?" Pan asked picking up the gear and broken plastic jug. Then she went to the closet to grab a towel, she jumped when another figure moved into the sitting room of her little home.

"Hai! Whis!" Pan then realized that she had been startled by a strong force. Whis had an eerie signature. She was not always prepared for him. "Is Lord Beerus here too?" she asked afraid for real this time.

Bulma laughed, "No, he's too busy arguing with Goku and probably asleep by now."

Whis only laughed his melodic laugh. Pan eyed both wearily. He seemed so benign. But Pan still feared him and what he represented.

"So what do I owe the pleasure of you two?" she asked, knowing she might not have to sing tonight. Thankful for something.

"I promised Whis that we would try other types of food. Tonight we are going to have a greasy burgers and fries." Bulma was back to her mission of filling up Whis again.

"Bulma is there something going on?" Pan asked fear creeping up. When Bulma was on a mission to get on the good side of Whis, something terrible always loomed nearby.

"No, nothing like that, just two friends having something to eat. Right, Whis?" Bulma interjected.

"Nothing going on like you say Bulma." Whis played back.

"Really Pan, nothing at all going on, I just can't wait to see some real cowboys!"

"Real cowboys, huh, you know we aren't in the old west." Pan reminded them.

"Haha, But we can be. I just love the movies and history lessons about this place." Whis peeled delightfully.

"Ah, Dende," Pan shook her head.

"Relax Pan, we won't crimp the style, and plus I get to wear my new boots. I bought a pair for you too!" Bulma exclaimed.

Then Whis had a cowboy hat on his head. "We went all out on attire, I can fit right in. No need to worry about us!"

Pan looked at the light blue cowboy hat on Whis head. And shook her own. What had she done to deserve this?

"Okay, we can go eat some greasy burger, but I have to get a new jug, and I broke my sunglasses today. I'm going to jump in the shower and clean up."

"Don't worry Pan, Whis and I will go and talk to Marcy and Todd ( the owners of the Inn). Tomorrow we promised Todd to try some of his food and the wine…."

Pan closed her mind to the intrusion. She just wanted to wash the day away. She couldn't believe she had to entertain them tonight. Thankful though Bulma hadn't brought the whole gang over. Though Bra might be a worthwhile distraction. But she was busy studying for midterms. Who wants to go to school in the summer? Pan was not that eager, then she remembered that she was getting credits for her job here. She shook her head. This seemed too easy, except for the company…..

The memory of Whis explaining that they could be in the old west chimed inside Pan's head. What would that entail? And there it was, the feeling that too much power brought on impossible being made possible. She promised herself to go and just have a good time. The workers were going to get a kick out of having Bulma and a guy like Whis around. She then added tums to her list of items. Greasy food was not always kind to newbies.

Pan wished she had brought her camera, her phone would have to do. Whis, had to get himself up in some rather fancy duds. Aidan, who was intoxicated, took his turn hitting on the slightly androgynous blue cowboy. "You remind me of those rhinestone cowboys." Aidan drawled out.

It was not expected, but Bulma and Pan nearly peed themselves over the change.

"Oh, I just love those wonderful shirts. Thank you for the compliment." Whis replied exuberantly.

Pan's hand was on Bulma's shoulder, "Oh dear, if I hadn't heard this. My god Bulma, do you know if What's people even partake in …" But Pan could even say the words.

Under her breath, Bulma said, "I never even asked. He seemed to like food like sex though."

Whis turned his eye to the girls. He had heard them perfectly, and he wasn't a bit bothered by the alcohol. "Aidan ill be right back." He told the wonderful man he had been talking to.

"You two are so obnoxious. It must be a Saiyan thing..." but Bulma interrupted, "Hey I am not a Saiyan!"

Whis shook his head, "for not want of the DNA, you are very much one."

But nothing deterred Bulma once she was started, "so Whis, you like Aidan?"

"We like everyone or not. You could say I am not always just an angel, or that I am. Either way, I am always the best."

Pan did a double take, "He told us."

Whis only gave that patient smile of his and went back to talk to Aidan.

Pan and Bluma decided to take a couple of shots of Tequila to blow off that conversation.

A familiar lilt called out to Pan a moment later, "Panny! Oh, so hermanita! You going to sign to for me now?"

Bulma asked. "who the hell is that?"

"Oh my god, get me the fuck out of here." She pleaded with Bulma.

"NO, whoohoo wants your name?" asked a drunk Bulma.

"Jose." He called back.

"You want Panny to sing?"

"Si, Miss Bulma."

"Ah, you know me. Well, I think we should hear Miss Panny sing."

"What are you doing I almost got out of this?" Pan argued under her breath.

"Ah damn, Pan live a little," Bulma suggested.

So encouraged by the group they all began to chant "Panny Panny."

Pan felt the heat rise on her cheeks, she slowly walked over to the stage area, held up her hand and cheers roared. She hadn't wanted to do this, but she would never back down from a challenge. Now Pan just had to find the right song. A traditional favorite was what she needed. She saw it. Joan Baez wrote it and sang it. Pan had felt a great connection.

Well I'll be damned
Here comes your ghost again
But that is not unusual
It's just that the moon is full
And you happened to call
And here I sit
Hand on the telephone
Hearing a voice, I'd known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall

As I remember your eyes
Were bluer than robin's eggs
My poetry was lousy you said
Where are you calling from?
A booth in the midwest
Ten years ago
I bought you some cufflinks
You brought me something
We both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust

Well you burst on the scene
Already a legend
The unwashed phenomenon
The original vagabond
You strayed into my arms
And there you stayed
Temporarily lost at sea
The Madonna was yours for free
Yes the girl on the half-shell
Could keep you unharmed

Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling all around
And snow in your hair
Now you're smiling out the window
Of that crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes out white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could have died then and there

Now you're telling me
You're not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You who are so good with words
And at keeping things vague
'Cause I need some of that vagueness now
It's all come back too clearly
Yes I loved you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid

(A/N check out the song)

The crowd was silent for a moment after Pan finished the song. Then the place erupted into a huge cheer.

Bulma wiped tears from her eyes, Pan came back to the bar where they had been sitting.

"Oh, Pan I had no idea you had a voice of an angel."

Pan hunkered her shoulder down, "it's so embarrassing."

That was when she was touched on her shoulder, Pan turned to see who was there.

Whis stood behind her his scepter in his hand, the cowboy hat no longer on his head, but on Aidan's.

"Thank you, Pan, that was wonderful. I might ask to hear you sing again."

"But…" Pan stuttered.

Whis winked, and they comically added, "Just not in this kind of place."

"Oh Whis…" Pan gushed. A compliment from him was such an honor, Pan forgot to fear the being.

Jose, appeared once again and grabbed Pan's hand and kissed it. "Miss Pan, you touch my heart as always." Then he turned and left.

She guessed it was not such a bad night after all.