Well, this will be the final Saga-as far as I know-and hopefully a short one too. It picks up where Renie finally turned. Yes, it opens on a depressing note, but hey, with the good times we'd never appreciate the bad times, right?
Title: A Light in Darkness
Rated: R
Genre: Romance
Saga Summery: So far, Serena and Vegeta had survived the demon's of their past and have conquered forward, but this battle may prove to be one not soon forgotten. With so many lives and vulnerable hearts at stake, it's going to be the most heart-racking battle they've ever had to face; especially when the feelings of the people around them begin to change. Can Serena handle such a large shock to her system? Will Vegeta be able to pick up the mess?
Saga Five: A Heart of Insurrection
Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Ties that Bond
The moonlight shined down bitterly into her bedroom. Renie had been awake for hours, but had chosen to stay in bed. Everyone downstairs was in a panic, for the lady Mina, or Sailor Venus, had used the children's life energy to go to find Jinsei. Renie's negative pathway between the two worlds had still been open then, but now they were closed, and the Senshi had no way of knowing where to even start looking.
Renie felt a chill run down her spine. Someone had entered the room. Who was it? They were shielding their life force. She remained perfectly still. What if it was Gohan? What would she say? What would she do?
She'd heard that Hercule had come to pick up Videl, and that Videl had told Gohan that she wished to be left alone for awhile. All of this was too much excitement for Videl. Renie didn't know of Gohan's reaction. He must have been a wreck. After all, he did declare his love for her not but a few hours ago. That must not only be heartbreaking but embarrassing as well.
A gentle hand touched her face. Renie abruptly jerked and sat up. She calmed as she stared into the soft blue eyes of the woman she once called mother. Serena didn't smile. She was too worried to even try. She simply reached out to hold Renie's hand.
"How are you feeling?" She asked, in a quiet, polite voice. Renie choked on her words. The only people she'd seen since she'd waken up were Serena and Vegeta. Serena had visited her every-so-often to check on her. Vegeta came in only once. She'd been pretending to be asleep, afraid of what he had to say.
He hadn't said anything though; he just left some soup and a sandwich in the room for her. She wasn't sure how to take that. Vegeta was a confusing man in her eyes. He'd always had been. It seemed that only Serena truly understood what he felt and why, and could accept it.
"I'm alright." She lied. She felt her mother squeeze her hand. She was frightened, and confused. It seemed to her that all of a sudden, the hatred that Freeza and Prince Endymion had driven into her head for the past few years was just fading away.
It wasn't just her disposition though; it was also what the people downstairs might be thinking of her. She didn't want to be judged for what she'd done, but she knew that was unavoidable; especially since it was her fault that Videl had left Gohan.
Downstairs, she could hear the Senshi arguing amongst themselves. Renie searched for comfort in her mother's eyes as the argument reached her ears.
"Why not make her talk? Renie would know the way to Freeza!" Piccolo hollered.
"Because," Chi-Chi growled, "We can't trust the trader! She'd lead us to our deaths!"
"We know we can't trust her but MY wife and son are out there!" Krillin argued. Tears pricked Renie's eyes. No one had anything nice to say about her, or held up any defense for her. Why would they? Soon, footsteps could be heard coming upstairs, and Krillin swung the door open, and reached up, breaking Serena's hold on Renie, and grabbing the girl by her collar.
"Where is she? Where can I find Mina?" He yelled as tear ran down his reddened angry face, "Where damn it! Where is she-"
"That's enough!" Serena's voice boomed throughout the room. She snagged Krillin's hand away from Renie's wrist in a painful hold. Krillin gasped, struggling for his hand back, but that only happened when Serena flung his arm back and finally let go. "That's enough." She repeated. Guilt flooded over Renie,
"It's okay," She said, sitting up straight, "I can take you to NegaVerse. I can help you find her." She looked up at her mother, and was shocked when she saw an almost angered look. Her eyes were narrowing, and lips curved down. She looked away in a hurry.
"And why should we trust you?" Chi-Chi growled. It was then Renie noticed that everyone was either entering the room or on their way up. She looked around at them. They looked tired and upset. Renie's blood went cold when her eyes met with Gohan's. He glanced at her briefly as he entered the room. He looked mellow. He looked like he was off in his own world, or state of mind. He looked away a second later, as if he'd seen a stranger.
"Because," Renie began, "I'm the only way you have there." This made Chi-Chi mad and she growled deeply,
"We could find a way you little spore."
"You will be quite woman." Vegeta growled, appearing behind the furious female. Chi-Chi gritted her teeth, and bolted around.
"And what are you going to do about it?" She snapped, "It's her fault all this damage has been caused! The whore deserves no less-"
"That whore is my daughter and one day might be your future queen, should Earth meet such peril." He said, "So if I were you I'd mind what I say." Chi-Chi's face when red and she opened her mouth wider to holler, until a hand firmly gripped her shoulder,
"What do we do?" Goku said, turning to face Renie. Renie looked up at him with wide eyes. He was trusting her?
It broke her heart to see this man who she once considered like an uncle, or a second father to her, acting as though he were doing her a favor by trusting her, as if she were a stranger, a traitor. It was then she remembered: she was.
"You'll have to use Senshi Teleport. I'll have to lead you to the NegaVerse myself." Renie said quietly.
"It's a trap! She's leading us into a trap!" Chi-Chi yelped, struggling under Goku's strong hand.
"It's a chance we'll have to take." Piccolo said solemnly. They all looked around at each other, as if silently agreeing.
"I'll go get Bulma and Yamcha." Gohan said, "I guess I'll be the one to stay here with the kids too?" he asked, his question directed at Vegeta.
"No," Vegeta said, "We'll have to find a babysitter or something. We'll need you there." Gohan sighed to himself. It was obvious he wasn't up to going.
"Why not let him stay Vegeta," Serena said, placing a hand on his shoulder,
"Because he's fine; He can go." Vegeta said sternly.
"You can't decide that! He's not you're child!" Chi-Chi snapped, completely offended,
"Tell them to suit up Gohan." Goku interrupted, "And you better have your war face on by then." He stated, not bothering to address Chi-Chi's obvious disagreement. She huffed, and marched off as Gohan exited the room. "Come on, we better get suited up too." Goku said, pulling Vegeta toward him, and leaving the room. Serena watched quietly as they exited, followed by Krillin, and eventually Piccolo.
She sighed to herself. She knew Vegeta was right, and it was a good thing in general that Goku and Vegeta were so close, but it seemed like it was pulling Goku and Chi-Chi apart. That worried Serena a lot.
Her attention was quickly drawn away from her thoughts by the sounds of Renie's sniffles.
Serena turned to look at her daughter, curled in a little ball on the bed, the sheets huddled close to her body. Serena felt the tears pricking at her eyes again, as she had many times lately. She fell to the bed, and wrapped her arms around her daughter with warm comforting arms. Renie curled up against her, clutching her shirt tightly as it soon would be damped with her tears.
"I'm sorry…" Renie's muffled voice whimpered, "I'm sorry…"
Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Connection Is Made
Panting
He could hear the panting, but what confused him was that he was the one wore out and tired, but he was not making any noise. He wasn't even sure if he was breathing. What if he wasn't breathing? What he dying? He looked around; his bedroom. He was lying in his bed; Alone. Where was Serena?
"Serena?" He called out. No one answered. The panting was becoming louder. He looked around, and up on the ceiling. Who was it? It was himself. Why was he on the ceiling? His eyes met with his look-alike, and the demoniac look glared back at him. He felt himself choking. He was really panting now. He was choking.
Vegeta shot up in bed, abruptly waking the woman next to him.
"Honey, are you okay?" Serena asked quietly, placing a hand on her husband's back and rubbing it softly. He brought a hand to his throat, as the bed sheets fell victim to his clutch. Perspiration fell from his forehead to the bridge of his nose as he hunched over; regaining is composer. "Vegeta" Serena whispered softly. Vegeta lifted his dizzy head up to look at Serena, his tired eyes meeting Serena's groggy, worry-filled ones. "Honey" She whispered again.
"I'm alright," Vegeta snapped lightly, still breathing hard. Serena's rhythmic coos, and the rubbing and soothing work of her hands, were calming his nerves. His tense muscles began to relax, and he leaned over, resting his head on her chest, and then falling to her lap. Serena's fingers lingered over his skin, working the strain from his ripped arms and back.
He pushed the sheets away from their bodies with his feet, the heat of the room overwhelming him. Serena shuffled back to the headboard, so Vegeta could spread out on the bed. He stretched out his legs, lying comfortably on his stomach. He rested his head comfortably in her lap. Gripping her waist lightly, his breathing calmed, and his body began to cool down. Serena put a hand on his forehead, noticing he had a fever.
Vegeta's tail whipped widely, before wrapping around Serena's leg affectionately. She sighed deeply, and then cradled his head in her hands, using her powers to lower the fever and hopefully diminish any signs of it by morning. His fever was lowered, and hopefully, it would stay that way.
Vegeta lay peacefully in her lap, not quite asleep, but not awake either.
"Thank you." He mumbled lightly, propping himself up on one arm, and pulling Serena down to lay beside him. She slid down the sheets, and her head plopped on the pillow just as Vegeta's rested beside her, his nose nuzzling into her neck.
The beeps of the machines outside reached Serena's ears. Since Renie's little incident, Bulma's androids had been working night and day to repair Capsule Corps, and were doing a wonderful job. It would be done by morning, but that didn't mean it didn't get irritating now.
Serena giggled lightly, running her fingers through his hair, and still massaging him. "Make love to me?" she heard him mumble. Serena huffed a little, then smiled,
"No. It's too late, and you're much too worn out." She said, matter-of-factly. Vegeta snorted.
"Since when is it too late for love?" he said, and then looked up and smirked, "'specially for that kind." Serena blushed softly, pressing her forehead against his and rolling her eyes.
"Honey, just because you're fever is gone now, doesn't mean it will be in the morning. I don't want you to get all tired and make it worse." Vegeta snorted at that as well.
"You're worried about making love and yet we're going into battle in less than a day's time." He said. Serena didn't say anything, just giggled as he rolled on his back, and pulled her on top of him. Their entwined legs made an uncomfortable position, but they ignored it.
"Someone's a little aroused now aren't you?" Serena teased, grinning at her daisy-eyed husband. Vegeta grunted an unpleasant sound, and then chuckled softly.
"Serena…" He whined, pulling his legs together so she straddled him. He pulled her down so their noses pressed together. Serena cringed hers nose, forcing Vegeta to turn his head. "Don't." he snapped gently, "Tickles..." he murmured as Serena shook her head.
Hentai Warning: If you don't like, move ahead to the next line, you won't be missing anything
"Honey, do you really think it's wise to do this now? What if you're tired tomorrow-" she was abruptly cut off as he began to ravish her mouth, his tongue seeping depths to not only get her in the mood, but keep her quite as well.
When their kiss broke, Serena giggled, biting down on her lower lip. Vegeta rested a finger on her lips, lifting his chin as he stared down at his finger tracing them. His own lips were parted slightly, begging for her warmth. Serena couldn't resist as she leaned forward, once again enjoying the feel of his tongue grazing her own.
Vegeta lowered his hand to the small of her back, and then rested lightly on her hip as his other hand followed in tow. His hands circled around her bottom, then gripped softly, forcing her hips into a motion following his own. Serena reached a hand down from the grip she had on his shoulders. She traced his pant line, and then reached under his boxers.
Vegeta momentarily sucked in a breath, his hands quickly and swiftly moving. One hand traced her back, moving her shirt around, before slipping under and cupping her cool bare breast. The other slid under the back of her shorts, lightly ticking her bottom, before gripping her thigh, then cradling her pelvis in the palm of his hand and his fingers inched their way lower.
Serena's breathing began to get heavier, as she sucked lightly on his lip, grazing her tongue over his neck, and then spoiling it with kisses, and she sucked lightly on the nape of his neck. Her hand moved lightly under his shorts, reaching over his fully prepared manly-ness, and lightly fumbled with his sac. She reached back up, and gripped his manhood.
Vegeta quivered, placing two fingers over her clit, moving back and fourth, first slowly, but he quickly moved faster. His hands grazed over her breast, and as he sat up, he gently removed her shirt, not missing a beat of what he had been doing.
Vegeta's hand fell from her breast and to the small of her back, pressing lightly as he nuzzled into her breast, applying kisses to her tender areas. His tongue grazed over her body, as a hand cradled the back of his neck; her other hand still worked her genius under his shorts, steadily quickening as her grip lightly became more forceful. Serena's legs tightened over Vegeta's hips, and the heat of her body became obvious.
Vegeta could easily see her become more and more aroused as her body mechanically moved more to match his present state. Her hand gripped him tightly and he groaned into her breasts. His fingers left her love button, and slipped into her womanhood. The movement of Serena's body caused her to fall upon Vegeta's awaiting hand, and she moaned forcefully into his hair.
That was as much as Vegeta could take. He nearly tore off her pants as his easily fell. His hands gripped her ribs lightly and he boldly whirled her onto the bed, laying on her dominantly. Serena's hands rummaged through his hair and over his ripped abs. And Serena readily lifted her body as Vegeta lowered himself to her.
"Sing to me?" She heard him mumble. Serena smiled a little. Sing? It was 2-o-clock in the morning, they would be doing to battle at dusk, and she wanted him to sing? She was so tired. He'd worn her out, and all the events lately, and those to come, were wearing at her mind. She smiled though. She felt so much better as long as she was in his arms.
Serena then quietly found the correct key, and sung softly and harmonically.
Far Away, Long Ago
Wandering Lost, So Alone
Passing eyes, parting sighs
Some pains come through
Where time flows no one know
Passing dreams, barely seen
In the sky thoughts of love go by
Ah So far the moon's reach
Gathering us up
Over and over
Ah deep within our dreams
All on there own
Some smiles win free
Vegeta listened in complete silence as she sung, and as she fell asleep. The song was unfamiliar; yet, it stirred something inside of him. Not necessarily a memory, but something of importance. What was it? What was so chilling about that song? He fell asleep in the mist of his thoughts, but the eerie tune plagued him.
Morning came quickly as little Vegita bounded into her parent's room, jumping up and down on the bed.
"Mommy! Daddy! It's time to get up!" She shouted, still in her pajamas covered with bunnies and moons. Her mother groaned into the sheets, turning out of her husband's arms and sinking into the comfort of her bed. Her father simply ignored her, but made a point to grip the comforter possessively. Vegita frowned at this. "Mommy!" She squealed, "Get up!" she yelped, jumping on the mattress in between in mother and father. They didn't budge.
"Go back to bed!" She heard her father murmur into his pillow.
"But it's eight thirty!" the demi-sayian screeched at the top of her little lungs. Her pale little face turned red with anger as she jumped into the air, and fell plop on her butt in between them. With a huff, her father turned to look at her. Her legs and arms were crossed with annoyance, and her little face was puffed. He laughed lightly.
"You, my little hybrid, are too much like your mother." He said, sitting up, and messing up her hair. She abruptly dropped her arms and tried to fix the mess he'd made.
"And what exactly is that suppose to mean?" His wife asked, sitting up as well, and peering at her husband over her daughter's shoulder. He said nothing, just laughed as he began to get up. Serena rolled her eyes, and got up as well, pulling some clothes out of her dresser. Vegita smiled brightly, bounding up from the bed.
"Daddy" She yelped, "Daddy can I go see Renie?" she asked, hopping up and down on the bed excitedly. Vegeta looked over at Serena, leaving the decision to her.
"Of coarse you can!" She said with a smile. The half Lunarian hybrid giggled, and then practically flew out of the door and down the hall. Vegeta shook his head as he headed over to the shower,
"You think she honestly remembers Renie?" He asked, removing his sleeping attire as he turned the water on. Serena nodded, matter-of-factly.
"I do," she said, taking her hair down and beginning to brush it of its tangles. "I think she knows that they have something in common." Vegeta mused to himself at the thought.
"And what of Rhayne and ChibiChibi?" he asked. That question had been looming in the air for a while now. Serena sighed, putting down her brush.
"I don't know. What if they have also been affected by the NegaVerse like Renie was?" She asked, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He sighed,
"Weather or not they have, we'll get them back." He stated firmly. The mirror was fogging up, as was the rest of the bathroom. Serena looked down at the sink, a few tears leaving her eyes.
"I just hope they're alive." She whispered quietly. So quiet, she wasn't even sure if she had said it. Vegeta's Saiyan hearing easily picked it up though. Serena was surprised when his arms wrapped around her chest in a powerful hold. He pressed his forehead to the top of her head, kissing it softly, and then rested his lips by her ear.
"They're alive." He assured, "And we'll get them back; No matter what." He promised. Serena wrapped her arms around his, returning his hug as she leaned against him.
"I love you," she whispered. To no surprise, he didn't respond, just nuzzled into her hair. She smiled softly.
Vegita tiptoed quietly down the hall, pushing her wild ebony hair out of her face. Renie's room wasn't far away. Vegita sensed something about her. It was something she just couldn't seem to avoid. What was it about this girl that called her attention?
As Vegita peeked in the open door, she noted that Renie was already up, showered, and dressed. This surprised Vegita. She was usually the first up in Capsule Corps. As Vegita began to tiptoe inside, she heard Renie laugh lightly,
"Hello Vegita." Vegita froze in place. How had she'd known she was there? Did she have eyes in the back of her head? Was she really evil? Renie turned too look at her, "I sensed your presence." She stated simply. Vegita sighed. 'Oh, yea, we all can do that.' She thought to herself, and then stood straight and grinned.
"Hi!" she beamed eyes narrowed with determination, and then extended her hand to Renie, "I'm Vegita!" she said. Renie smiled, and shook her small hand.
"I know." Renie said, "We met when you were just a baby." Vegita queered her eyebrow, and placed her hands on her hips.
"Met?" she repeated, "Well I'd hope so. You are my half-sister after all!" She exclaimed. Renie was taken aback as the high-and-mighty little girl paraded around her room, finger in the air, "And I'm not afraid to admit it either!" She said, and then crossed her arms defensively. "I don't think you're evil and neither does mommy." She said, "And It'd be wise not to prove us wrong either," she paused for a moment, and then fisted her hand, "Cuz I can pack quite a punch." Renie stared at the little girl, confused.
Vegita's thoughtful look eerily resembled her fathers. "So, do we have a deal?" she asked, holding out a hand." Now Renie understood. This was just her way of assuring that Renie wasn't like what everyone was saying. Renie sighed to herself, relieved to know that her mother wasn't the only soul who believed in her.
"We got a deal," she said, gripping Vegita's hand. Renie was surprised to notice Vegita's strong grip. Vegita smirked widely, then grinned,
"Well, I have to go. Goten and Tammy are probably up by now." She stated, and then ran out of the room, waving a goodbye as she disappeared around the corner. Renie smiled to herself, but it soon faded. She'd always had these memories of Vegita, her mother, and Vegeta: the man she'd felt comfortable calling her dad.
She remembered the day they met Vegeta, when her sister and herself had gotten lost in the space of time. He'd saved Rhayne, found they're mother, and from there on out, was the man that protected each and every one of them. At first, Renie had found him to be mean and cold, but it didn't take any time at all for her to see that he wasn't.
Her mother must have seen that too; seen that something different that everyone else missed that is. No, Renie couldn't understand him fully, but she could see that he wasn't what some people made him out to be. He was honorable.
And now, he probably wouldn't ever see her the way he had before. Of course her mother would forgive her actions. Her mother understood her like no other. She was shocked that Vegita had forgiven her. Vegita had shown much maturity, but was still just a child. Vegeta wouldn't forgive her. And neither would Gohan.
Gohan
Just his name made her quiver. She hadn't felt that way about anyone. Not even Helios or Perriru. Everything about him made Renie excited, and yet uneasy. She couldn't decipher her feelings. All of these memories of all of these people. She'd remembered all of them, but over the past few years, thought nothing of them.
But as of the last couple days, emotions were catching up with her, and it was unbearable. It had led her to do a lot of stupid things. Was she doing the right thing now?
Her thoughts wandered back to the place she had been living the past couple years. All of her sisters and the would-be Queen of Vegeta-sei were under the same spell she had been under. At that moment a thought struck her.
Vegeta
The would-be king of Vegeta-sei
She's always suspected he wasn't on their side. That maybe he hadn't been fully manipulated. Renie ran out of her room, slipping on the carpet as she ran and slamming into the wall. She paid no heed though, and practically flew down the stairs, her hair whipping widely. She whirled around all the familiar corners, and entered the kitchen, where everyone looked at her, startled. Renie panted heavily,
"We have a contact." She blurted. Everyone looked at each other confused, so she continued, "His highness, Vegeta. Queen Serenity of Vegeta-sei's husband." She panted. She heard Chi-Chi growl low in her throat,
"Do you think we're stupid? He's probably on their side too!" The woman bellowed. Renie shook her head hastily, coming over to lean on the table.
"No. I've always sensed disloyalty to us in him, and now I know why." She said, "He was never on Freeza's side. He couldn't have been. He just wasn't like the rest of us! He was too aware, too gone." She insisted. Yamcha laughed,
"Hear that Vegeta? Maybe he's just really like that, I mean, come on, he's pretty 'gone' now." Vegeta's unpleased growl made it know that he didn't appreciate Yamaha's little joke.
"What do you suppose we do with this 'contact'?" Piccolo asked. Renie bit down on her lip,
"Well," She began, "if we can get in contact with him before we infiltrate the fortress, then maybe we can get more of an advantage. If they don't know we're there, we can get in; get Mina-san and her son and go." She stated, somewhat shyly.
"Go?" Chi-Chi spat. "Go? Idiot! We're going to stay and fight-!"
"No, we're not." Goku interrupted. "Our main goal is to get Mina and Jensei. That's all." He said. Chi-Chi growled.
"You guys." Krillin interrupted. Everyone got quiet. Krillin hadn't spoken much since Mina was discovered gone. "If we're going to do this, we're going to do it right." He stated. "We're getting ChibiChibi and Rhayne too, and if we can, we'll save the royal Vegeta-sei family too." No one said anything. They just kept their silent agreement to themselves.
Serena watched Krillin as he continued to eat. He obviously wasn't his normal self, and for good reason, but Serena had a very uneasy feeling. One she did not like.
Vegeta glanced up at the window of his and Serena's bedroom; where Serena's shadow loomed over the window. Everyone was outside, stretching or talking before they would soon be leaving. Videl had accepted to baby-sit Vegita, Tammy, Pantsey, Goten and Trouser.
Vegeta knew something was on Serena's mind. She wouldn't talk to him though. He hated that. She'd just smile, saying everything was fine, and wave it off. Serena would be the last to be out on the Capsule Corps lawn as they prepared to leave. Before anyone noticed, Vegeta slipped back into the building, catching Serena just as she was coming down.
"Oh, honey, is something wrong?" Serena asked, questioning the reason he was returning to the house.
"Serena?" He inquired, gripping her forearm tightly, but gently. Serena had hoped she would get by him without having to explain, but she knew he wouldn't allow that.
"Yes?" She said. She could hear Vegeta's heavy breathing over her head as she gazed down at the floor, suddenly finding her feet very interesting. She knew he wasn't going to ask any sort of question, because she already knew it what he wanted to know. "I'm just worried." She said. She heard Vegeta huff.
"About what?" he asked. Serena finally got the courage to look up at him, and wish she hadn't.
"Things are just getting so complicated; for everyone. I just don't want to loose you again…" That took Vegeta aback. When had she lost him? He gripped her arm a little tighter, stepping closer.
"I don't understand." He admitted. Serena sighed heavily.
"Like when you let that crystal pierce you just to save me. When Pluto took me to the other world; and you almost killed yourself. …When you went to war; and almost died." Tears were streaming down her face freely. "It was torture watching Piccolo's grief over Lita. I can't imagine that kind of pain." Serena flung herself into Vegeta's willing arms. "I haven't had any sort of premonitions," she confessed, "But I just have a gut feeling that something's wrong; something that we're all just missing." She felt Vegeta's arms embrace her warmly, which shocked her. He held her so tightly against him; she could begin to lose air at any moment. "Vegeta?" she hushed.
"You're so stupid Serena." He muttered. Serena blinked for a moment, and then giggled.
"Well gee, thanks." She spat, though amused.
"I worry about that too." His confession took Serena aback slightly. She felt his bent neck lean up, and as he held her, he stared up at the ceiling, as if he were looking right through it. "It's like panic overwhelms me the moment I think that one day you might just disappear out of my arms. That I'd wake up, and I wouldn't have you beside me."
He bent back down again, nuzzling into a spot behind her ear. "But a relationship like ours involves risks, and if you never risk anything, you're risking even more. You taught me that. When I didn't tell you straight off how I felt about you, I almost lost you." He shuttered slightly, "And though things have changed, and this is a different circumstance, I still live by what you taught me."
He felt Serena's forehead resting peacefully on his shoulder and he smiled slightly. "We have two other daughters in the Negaverse." He stated, "And we have to get them back." He felt Serena nod, and after a moment, pulled away to look at her. "Are you ready?" he asked. Again, she nodded. He squeezed her hand tightly as they left the building hand-in-hand.
The other Senshi were just beginning to prepare for the teleportation. Serena and Vegeta quickly joined them. Renie had not yet managed to make contact with King Vegeta of Vegeta-Sei, even as they entered the different laps of time and space. Serena, Renie, Mina and Vegeta were the only ones to have ever experienced the pain of time and space travel through the familiar portals.
"So where are they located?" Vegeta called up to Renie. Renie didn't answer at first, glancing at Serena guiltily. Serena caught this, and her eyes queered in inquiry.
"Renie" Serena called, "Where are they located?" she repeated. Renie sighed, as the continuum of space began to shrink, and a light came into view. As the light bathed them, Renie stopped to turn and look at her mother,
"Planet Vegeta" She stated as the mists of the planet they emerged on began to thicken, and then finally formed viewable shapes. Serena didn't look at Vegeta. She couldn't she couldn't bare to see the look on his face.
"It's not…it's…" she heard him stumbling with his words. Her heart was quickening. She didn't even want to know what was running through his head. Goku must have sensed Vegeta's alarm, as he observed the scene of they planet he'd left in glory back in there time, reduced to ruins in this world; for he asked Vegeta's unasked question.
"What happened here Renie?" the tall Saiyan demanded sternly. Renie again glanced at them guiltily, before staring back at the rumble.
"It's a strange twist of fate actually." She said.
"How so" Krillin dared to ask.
"Because, this entire universe and the contents of it, including the planet Vegeta and its people back in your world, is all the result of my little sister Rhayne." The fuchsia haired Lunarian said. The Senshi listened intently as Renie explained, all the while, staring out at to what she referred to as 'New Vegeta-sei'.
"You should know that Rhayne is the product of Prince Endymion and Queen Serenity of Vegeta-sei." Renie began. Serena stared at her strangely,
"Queen Serenity of Vegeta-sei cheated on King Vegeta of Vegeta-sei?" Serena asked skeptically. Renie shook her head.
"Okay, let me re-explain." She began, "In this world, Rhayne never resurrected the Saiyans. Instead, when Serena returned from her world after regaining her memories, she married Vegeta. Earth was attacked not long after, and in an act of desperation, Serena and Vegeta began King and Queen. Earth was renamed Chikyuu-Vegeta-sei. Chikyuu meaning Earth in Lunarian." She added. "Then they gave birth to my half sister Vegita.
During that time, Endymion had deserted his own world where Serena and the rest of us Sailor Senshi were born. He crossed through time, and attacked Serena and Vegeta.
He managed to kid-nap Serena. During the years he had her, he impregnated her with Rhayne. Darien had expected it to be me, Renie, but the blue eyes proved that the alteration in their live meant I wouldn't be produced.
Three years after giving birth to Rhayne, she managed to escape, but Endymion caught up with them. Serena cast Rhayne into space and time where she would wander aimlessly. That's when her revival tears brought you're dimension's 'Saiyans' and 'Freeza' back to life.
Rhayne then managed to make it back to the world Serena was born in, and found me and the rest of the Senshi. Now, not long after Rhayne and I followed Serena to you're guys' world, Endymion ran into a man named Freeza, and with his help, destroyed the world Serena and us Sailor Senshi were born in. He used the power he stole from the dead Sailor Senshi to captured Vegita and Vegeta.
Vegita was easily manipulated because of her tender age-but no matter what, Vegeta couldn't be controlled. But something else happened. Vegita's mind was not only manipulated, but her body as well. In case you didn't notice, Vegita has aged a day-at all. Her body will forever remain at the perfect age to withstand her powers."
Renie stopped to take a few breaths, but hurriedly continued, "Now, Endymion missed something when he destroyed his own planet. Setsuna had cast ChibiChibi into time to find Serena, Rhayne and I, because she knew how powerful ChibiChibi would grow to be, and if Endymion got his hands on her, he'd manipulate her.
As time passed, you all fought Freeza, Vegita and Endymion. They had a trick though. Queen Serenity of Chikyuu-Vegeta-sei had been recaptured and manipulated. That day Vegita attacked you was planned. Mirai Serena needed you're trust." She said, looking at the real Serena. "She took me Rhayne and ChibiChibi, and manipulated us through the years. Until we became what we are today."
Renie sighed deeply, "I think that's about covers it." She said.
"So what do we do from here?" Goku asked as his hand gripped Vegeta's shoulder tightly. Renie looked back out into the distance, balling her hands into fists as she concentrated,
"I'm going to try to contact King Vegeta." She stated.
"Move faster!" The princess's bellow could be heard as it boomed through the catacombs of the Negaverse. The lower bronze class was being forced to move the dead carcasses of the drones away, and KoChiba was in charge of its progress. KoChiba, or better known as Rhayne, had grown accustom to the smell down here. Her once beautiful lavender hair was matted down against her face from days upon days of laboring with the bronzes.
Though many of those in the Bronze elite had assistants to take care of their work for them, there was a furry of bronze uniforms cluttering about the stairs and burners. Rhayne was one among the Gold; the elite forces for Frezia and Prince Endymion. So was her sister ChibiChiba, or ChibiChibi. Along with them were Vegita, daughter of another elite forcer, King Vegeta. Her mother, Queen Serenity of Vegeta-sei, was also among the elite force. The last among them was her other sister, Chiba who presence was currently at an absence. They were the only ones in the Gold Elite Force, whom protected and serves Frezia and Prince Endymion.
Rhayne didn't concern herself with the Drones or the Assistants. Renie was in charge of accepting assistants and ChibiChibi was in charge of the production of drones. Vegeta, father to Vegita, was in charge of the Silver Force. He trained them, prepared them for battle, etc. Vegita didn't really have much of a job in the Negaverse besides aiding her father. Neither did Serenity. Serenity's only purpose was manipulation, and for Prince Endymion's amusement.
From her spot perched against the high ceiling, Rhayne watched with little interest as everyone flocked around. None of them had shown any improvement in the past few months, so she had nothing to present to Vegeta for training. Not that Rhayne cared too much.
With a bored sign, she left her little troops in their mess, and went to observe how the Silver Elite was progressing. As she made her way down the hall though, she caught Vegeta's life force, but not with the Silver Elite. As she peeked into the room, he didn't seem to take any notice to her as his head leaned back to stare at the ceiling with his eyes closed in deep concentration.
Vegeta had been in training with his select favorite trainees when a familiar voice entered him mind.
'Vegeta' Renie had called to him. It was then he'd chosen to find that isolated area, where he could communicate with the alarmed voice better.
"What is it Chiba?" he asked quietly.
'Don't call me that.' She replied to him, 'You know my real name I know you do Vegeta.' Vegeta's eyes went wide. He brought a hand to his scratchy, unshaved chin.
"Alright Renie" He said, a little reluctantly, "What is it you need?"
'I need you to get me and the Senshi into the fortress. We're getting my sisters back, as well as Mina and Jensei. Do you know what has happened to them?' Vegeta paused.
"You mean, Goku?" he asked, "Goku is with you?" he questioned.
'That is correct.' She responded. 'You're past self, and my mother is with me as well. We need your help Vegeta.' Vegeta paused for a moment, contemplating weather to trust her or not. In the end, he chose to take that change. She wouldn't dare go by Renie is she was still poisoned by dark energy.
"Meet me on the starboard side. I'll be waiting for you." As Vegeta sped out of the room and down the halls, Rhayne made it a point that he didn't know she had overheard it all.
"Traitor" She spat, "The rotten traitor." As Rhayne turned to go reveal what she'd overheard, she paused. Something wanted her to stop, to just, forget about it for now. Rhayne shook her head of the thought, but did commence in taking her time to see those that would punish him for his digressions.
Chapter Forty: Forsaken
"This is all too confusing," Krillin spat as he trudged through some debris. As a clearing came into view, Renie sighed with relief.
"We're here. This is where he said to meet him." She stopped on the dirty brick road, and then turned to look around.
"I don't see anyone." Chi-Chi snapped with crossed arms.
"I don't see anything," Goku continued, not amused.
"You'll get use to it after awhile." The husky voice cut through the fog like a butcher knife. Not long after, a figure appeared in the powered substance, and before them was a man, who though held his head high, his eyes were cast low.
"Vegeta," Renie broke through the silence. As she spoke with him of the events on Earth, Serena felt Vegeta's hand tighten over hers. She had yet to look at him this entire time. She was horribly afraid to. As she returned the grip, she finally took a glance up at him. He stared at the man that would have been his future self with dismay.
"Vegeta" Serena whispered in a hushed tone. Vegeta didn't look at her, he didn't respond in the slightest, so she looked away, but continued, "I'm scared," she admitted, "And I'm worried, but I know we can do this…I…." she trailed. She really didn't know what to say. She wasn't even confident herself.
Vegeta still didn't respond, even as Renie beckoned them to continue. The too look-alikes never met eyes, and no one dared speak anything of it.
The Mirai Vegeta led them through the debris, and into a large fortress.
"It's a trap." Chi-Chi cursed at the back of the group. Goku immediately responded an opposition to her comment, and a whispered argument began between the two. Serena almost couldn't bare it. She glanced back, twice. They were always fighting now-a-days, and Serena somehow knew it linked to Vegeta. She could just sense it; but why all of a sudden? Serena looked up at Vegeta. His eyes were darting in between the floor, and the back of Mirai Vegeta. It was like if he stared enough at him, he would explode or disappear or something!
"I know where they have Jensei." Mirai Vegeta said in a whispered tone and they proceeded to sneaky around a corner, "but I didn't even know Sailor Venus was here." He stated, and then turned to look at the group, along with Renie.
"We'll split up." He said, and looked at Krillin, "you join me in retrieving you're son. It shouldn't take that much effort." He said, "As for the rest of you, work out your own groups, but search the back halls. Don't go through any of the many corridors."
"Wait!" Chi-Chi snapped hastily. "Krillin you're not going alone!" she said.
"I'll go with" Serena interjected. She felt Vegeta's hand squeeze hers tightly. She looked up and him, and he slowly looked at her, as if pleading her not to leave his side. This perplexed her. He showed no emotion in his face, as usual, but this was so very strange.
"No." Piccolo said, "I'll go." Serena smiled up at him as he stepped out of the shadows next to her. Thank the gods for Piccolo. He always seemed to know when to take things into his own hands, especially when it was needed the most. Serena nodded gratefully, and stepped back into Vegeta's protective personal space.
"Alright" Mirai Vegeta mused, he led on, past everyone, Piccolo and Krillin close behind. He stopped though, right next to Vegeta. Slowly, Vegeta turned too looked at him. His eyes almost went wide as they met with his future self's. Mirai Vegeta lifted a hand, placing it gently on Vegeta's in a reassuring manor, before continuing on.
Vegeta looked at the floor as they walked away. Serena stared at him, eyes soft. He sighed deeply. He was so troubled. They all were, but lately, it had really been getting to Vegeta, and Serena could see it. It was devastating.
"So, how do you want to do this?" Bulma inquired hands-on-hips.
"Easy." Yamcha said, "we'll spilt into couples, make this easy." He said. Bulma shook her head,
"No. That'd leave Gohan with Renie, and Chi-Chi will never agree to that-"
"Right I won't," Chi-Chi blurted. "And I don't like the idea of couples anyways." She snapped, shooting Goku a displeasing look. She folded her arms in front of once more
"If we don't do this in two's than it will be uneven." Goku spat, "and only 2 groups won't cover much ground.
"Alright" Serena interjected. "I'll go with Renie," she said, "Chi-Chi, why don't you go with Gohan. Goku, go with Yamcha. And Bulma, you can go with Vegeta." She said with a defeated look on her face. Serena's decision was based on strategy. Serena and Vegeta were the only ones comfortable with Renie right now-and she knew Renie needed her mother. Chi-Chi obviously wanted to keep a close eye on Gohan, and that kept her away from Goku, so that was safe. Putting Goku and Vegeta together would be silly-because lord knows they can handle any enemy's themselves. And leaving Yamcha with Vegeta would have meant Yamcha's death in no time. Lord only knows why those two couldn't get along-but that wasn't what was important.
Again, Vegeta squeezed her hand, but it was too late this time, for everyone agreed. Serena smiled as they turned to split up. "I'll be with you." She said, reassuringly. He huffed displeased, but squeezed her hands one last time, and kissed her forehead.
"Be careful." He whispered, so only she could here, and they separated. Serena felt a tiny put in her head as her and Renie took off down a hall. She felt like she was being dragged from Vegeta, instead of a simple brief parting.
Brief Parting
Irony; Foreshadowing
Chi-Chi and Gohan sped down the halls, depending on only their intuition. Thoughts plagued Gohan though, and he was ready to burst.
"Mom," Gohan began, "What's going on with you and dad?" he asked. Chi-Chi almost snarled!
"We're considering divorce." Gohan's eyes went wide, but not enough for him to see the wall he mistakenly took for an open space as he ran head-first into it. Chi-Chi sighed, shaking her head as she aided her son to stand.
"Divorce" Gohan repeated, hesitantly. Chi-Chi sighed.
"Things aren't the same." She admitted. "You're father is acting more and more like Vegeta. He's spent so much time with him that he's answering more to 'Kakarot' than Goku. His Saiyan side is blooming again, and he's even more obsessed with fighting." She paused, looking up at him. "I'm so scared; for you and for Goten. I know with Goku's Saiyan blood, and my new strength, you will never grow up like normal children." She said. Gohan sighed heavily, leaning up against a wall as he staring into the darkness.
"Mom," he mused, "Did you honestly think we would ever?" he said. "No, it's not fair that we have to grow up like this, but what can you do about it?" he said. He heard Chi-Chi's growl of unapproved,
"Then why do any of this? Why not just forget its all happened and let you grow up normal!" her screech echoed through the halls. For a moment, Gohan became nervous, but he was put at ease after Chi-Chi's statement kicked in.
"Then go home," Gohan said, "if you can honestly turn away now. If you can forget all of this ever happened, and don't want to help us, then go home Mom." He said. Chi-Chi's eyes went wide, though Gohan couldn't see that. There was a long pause between the two.
"I," Chi-Chi's voice cracked. "I know I can't." Gohan could hear the tears in his mother's voice, "I just get so scared, that one day, I might never see one of you again." She took a large breath, "and I couldn't bare that." Gohan felt her eyes water, and he reached out to embrace his mother. Chi-Chi's seldom tears fell wet on Gohan's shoulder as she cried softly. Gohan could feel his heart break for his mother.
Rhayne tapped her foot nervously on the floor as she waited outside of Freeza's quarters. She's taken her time with approaching him, and offered to wait as well, though she wouldn't mention that when she got inside. For some reason, her head was all fizzled lately. Like some sort of frequency was messing with her normal state of mind. It was driving her crazy.
As she was beckoned inside, she held her breath. Freeza was turned away from her, waiting for her to speak.
"Sire" She said, almost wearily, "Sir Vegeta-sama. I'm afraid he," she paused, "I'm afraid he's committed treason." She said, in one forced, quick blurt. "He's brought the Sailor and Z Senshi from the alternate dimension." She stated. Freeza chair turned slowly, and he glared at the girl. She almost back away, but thought again, and bowed her head in respect. He sneered lightly, before he spoke,
"KoChiba, you and ChibiChiba aide her highness" He said, beckoning Mirai Serenity, or Neo Queen Serenity of Vegeta-sei, out of the darkness. "She will know how to handle this." He finish, as the dark moon on her forehead flashed, and she changed into an exact replica of Serena, with the exception of her disposition.
"You have got to be kidding me." Bulma snapped as she noticed another little cult of Freeza's peons conjugating on the hall.
"Anyway around them" Vegeta whispered, peering over the corner. Bulma shook her head.
"No, we'll have to…" but she trailed as Vegeta ran out into the hall, swiftly, and extremely easily knocking the soldiers unconscious. Bulma raised a brow, obviously intrigued. "Not too bad." She cooed softly. Vegeta smirk, his pride shining as they continued on. "You Know." Bulma said with a slight slyness in her voice, "It's nice to actually be hooked up with someone who can hold his own weight." She stated, shaking her head at the thought of Yamcha, "sometimes I wonder if he even realizes there's someone in this world besides himself."
Vegeta looked away. He wasn't so certain about the phrase 'hooked up'. In fact, he was very uncomfortable with it. As they turned another corner, a flash of purple and red escaped their vision. In front of them, stood Serena, who appeared to be beaten to a bloody pulp.
"Serena!" Vegeta called in a hushed tone and he hurried to her as she fell to her knees. Bulma stood in place, observing with a less than excited look. Something was wrong about this, she could sense it. As if on cue four disembodied hands reached out, and took hold of the unaware Bulma.
"Vegeta" She screeched as they attempted to cover her lips. Vegeta's head snapped up, eyes going wide. He was barely on one foot when he heard as small laugh bellow him. Unaware, he almost missed the ice-crystal in Serena's hand. He darted away, but it sliced into his shoulder. Serena stood mockingly, laughing in a low voice.
"What a fool." She slurred, "You really believe I'd choose you over my own daughters?" she said, as Rhayne and ChibiChibi appeared with the nearly strangled Bulma on the opposite side of Vegeta. Vegeta's head was spinning around. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he think straight lately?
"So, do you want to play?" Serena cooed softly. Vegeta covered his face before Serena even had a chance to make contact with him. He pushed her away, but she was right back up with an onslaught of attacks. It was whirling around Vegeta's head. He couldn't handle this. Was this even Serena; For real? Or was he imagining it?
He blocked Serena's next attack, once again, and forced her away roughly. He turned, heading over to snatch Bulma from the two demonic girl's clutches.
"Could you be a little more quite?" Mirai Vegeta snapped, glaring down at Krillin as they rounded another corner. He looked both ways, then deciding the coast was clear, and moved on. "He's just down here." Mirai Vegeta said. Krillin's eyes shot open as the familiar Ki reached his senses; yet, another caught his attention as well. Krillin ran forward, ahead of Mirai Vegeta.
"Is that safe?" Piccolo asked in his usual monotone. Mirai Vegeta nodded with a soft muse. Krillin stopped at a cell, wrapping his fingers around the bars,
"Jensei; Mina!" he cried out, as Mina's weak blonde head lifted up, revealing her beaten body, which shielded Jensei. She smiled weakly at him. "Oh Mina…" he trailed. Vegeta and Piccolo appeared behind him.
"This is Mina?" Mirai Inquired. "I thought she seemed familiar." He reached up, typing in a code to the side of the cell as the door opened. Krillin ran inside, wrapping his arms around his tattered wife.
"Oh Mina…" he cooed softly.
"I don't mean to break the pleasantries." Vegeta began, "But we should get moving." Krillin nodded, helping his wife up, and carrying Jensei on his hip.
"I'll carry her." Piccolo offered as Krillin helped her on his back. Her blood quickly stained the heavenly white of his cape, though he did not mind in this situation. They hurried down the corridors, Mirai Vegeta's nerves working up. As they turned a corner, they ran into no other than Chi-Chi and Gohan, who had been joined by Renie and Serena not long ago.
"Mina!" Serena cried out, running over to her friend, but careful not to harm her.
"Serena? Is that you?" Yamcha called out, hearing her yelp as he and Goku appeared. Chi-Chi's heart weakened on site of Goku. There eyes met, but Goku looked away. Chi-Chi released a shuttered breath, before leaping into his arms, and holding on tight. Though, shocked, Goku accepted it, most willingly.
"Where is Bulma?" Yamcha asked, looking around.
"Yea," Krillin continued, "And Vegeta. Where are they?"
"We better start looking." Mirai Vegeta said, almost nervously. They all nodded, heading out in the same direction, together.
Serena had managed to force Vegeta into the open area of the center of the catacomb halls. She gave him her all, attacking for all she was worth. Vegeta was in horrible shape, but how could he possible fight her? As he looked at her, he couldn't help but feel like it wasn't real. But how could it not be? She was right there. It was her. It had her ki and everything.
"Stop it." Vegeta slurred. Serena didn't, she continued. Vegeta grew upset, thrusting his energy outward in a bright flash of light. "Stop it!" he bellowed. Serena was thrown backward at his outburst, and though wasn't hurt, beckoned Rhayne and ChibiChibi that it was time to leave. Vegeta hadn't even noticed it when they left. His energy depleted from his troubled thoughts, he plummeted to the ground, his body beaten and tired.
"Vegeta" Bulma squeaked, running to his side, and helping him up. "Are you okay? Talk to me!" she demanded. Vegeta looked up at the blue-eyes beauty wearily. He wanted to see Serena's eyes. The ones he was use to, that not an hour ago had promised to be with him, always.
Bulma felt blush creep to her cheeks as she stared down at him, his mind so astray he seemed helpless. He was so different from Yamcha in every way. Without a second thought, Bulma leaned down, pressing her lips to his.
"Hey! Did you see that?" Gohan called, a light catching his eye from down a corridor.
"Yea I did!" Goku agreed, and the group quickly hurried down the hall, eyes casting on Vegeta and Bulma. Serena's eyes lit up.
"Vegeta!" she whispered softly, pushing past everyone. She hadn't taken a few steps away from the group when she stopped.
Her heart froze
There was Bulma, leaned over, lip locked with Vegeta. Behind her, she could hear Yamcha inhale an unsteady breath. Serena brought her hand to her mouth, but not in enough time to hide the gasp. Bulma's head shot up, and the heat ran up her cheeks. Vegeta, still groggy, wasn't sure what had happened. Bulma had kissed him. Why? Was that Bulma? It sure wasn't Serena. Vegeta blinked, his vision blurred. Where was he again? What had happened? Serena. He saw Serena, hands covering her mouth and tears in her eyes.
It then struck Vegeta. Bulma had kissed him! But more importantly, Serena had seen it. 'Oh God' His mind began to scream at him. What would she think? He didn't want the kiss! He had barely even realized it was happening!
Vegeta reached up, struggling out of Bulma's supportive arms, hand extended to Serena, but she didn't move. She was upset. Vegeta gulped the lump that had formed in his throat, before he was covered in a blanket of darkness. He fell against Bulma, and she looked away; Away from Yamcha, away from Serena, away from Vegeta, Away from everyone.
"Serena?" Chi-Chi's voice called from behind her.
"Serena?" Goku repeated after her. Tears welled in Serena's eyes, and she fell to her knees, biting down on her lip.
"We have to find Rhayne and Renie." She said, barely hearable.
"Serena…" Chi-Chi said again.
"I want to go home!" Serena screeched, as loud as she could before trailing as tears fell from her narrowing eyes, "I want to go home…." She held her body tightly as Chi-Chi leaned down, holding her tightly, and the Goku and Gohan headed over to collect the unconscious Vegeta.
Chapter Forty-One: Sacrifice
Bulma hadn't looked at Serena for the past hour. She just couldn't. What would she say? How could she explain herself? They had been wandering around this place aimlessly since they'd discovered Bulma and Vegeta. Vegeta was still unconscious, leaving Gohan and Goku to carry him along. The group had been fairly silent.
No one dared say anything to Serena, who was wrapped tenderly in the arms of Chi-Chi, and not surprisingly, Yamcha, though he was more so there for the comfort as well. They headed down the narrow halls, Piccolo still carrying the wounded Mina, with Krillin and Jensei close by.
"We've searched everywhere they've been assigned." Mirai Vegeta said, "There is something wrong. They should be at their posts." He continued, gritting his teeth.
"You think they've caught on?" Chi-Chi inquired. Mirai Vegeta didn't answer; Silent confirmation. "Damn it!" Chi-Chi cursed. "Well what do we do now?" Her eyes flamed with rage, but Mirai Vegeta didn't falter as he turned to face her.
"We have to go straight to Freeza's lair. That's where they'll be." He said.
"Are you crazy?" Yamcha snapped, "That's where they want us to go! It's a trap!" Mirai Vegeta glared at the taller man.
"You catch on so quickly." He mocked.
"If that's our only option" Goku broke in from behind them, "then let's get going." He said. He looked directly at Serena, hopping that his encouraging words would do her some good. She smile; a fake smile.
"This is insane." Yamcha blurted as they continued on, but his words went ignored to the rest of the group.
"How will we fight them?" Krillin asked with worry obvious in his shaking voice.
"We won't." Renie began, "I will go and get Rhayne and ChibiChibi." She said.
"And if they know you're back to normal? If they catch on, what will you do then?" Serena asked, saying something for the first time in quite awhile.
"Then I hope you'll pray for me." She said.
"I don't know." Goku interjected, his eyes darting to the floor in thought, "It seems too risky."
"As if being here isn't in the first place" Mirai Vegeta snapped bitterly. Goku shrugged with his typical Son Smile.
"That's beside the point though!" He insisted joyfully. They didn't argue anymore after that. They traveled quietly through the hallways. Once they approached the main entrance to Freeza's throne, they stopped. Everyone watched as Renie entered, head held high. The door swung open as she waltzed in, full of pride.
"Sire," she began. As usual, Freeza and Endymion had their backs turned to everyone, but her sisters and her mother looked at her.
"Yes Chiba?" Freeza seethed quietly.
"May I excuse my sisters for a moment? I wish to speak with them about the arrangement of our Bronze and Silver standards." She lied, but what seemed to be a successful lie.
"Of course Chiba, after all, you are one of my most valued warriors." Renie smirked softly to herself, nodding. She glanced at her sisters, and they exchanged glances before following her outside. "Oh, and my dear" Freeza began again. Renie didn't have time to turn as he continued, "Traitors aren't tolerated." Before she knew it, her two sisters quickly ambushed her, pushing her right out of the door and into the hall, where the others were waiting just around the corner.
At the sound of the commotion, they circled around into the hall as Renie returned her sisters attack in double. There might have been two of them, but Renie was still older and the superior. As she made her assault, she spotted Mirai Serena coming toward her. She held out her arm, in hopes of halting her attack for a moment, but that never came.
"I've had just about enough of you." Goku spat as he snatched the Queen's wrist and fist, then spun her around, and tossed her back into the room. Chi-Chi, Serena, and Yamcha were the ones to go after Rhayne and ChibiChibi, as they rendered them unconscious.
"Goku, hurry up!" Chi-Chi squealed, as she practically tossed Rhayne onto his shoulders, and they sped off down the halls. 13 warriors, 3 unconscious and one seriously injured, and another carrying a child.
They sped down the halls as fast as their feet would lead them.
"We have to get out of here in order to teleport!" Mirai Vegeta exclaimed as they darted through the halls, not bothering to be sneaky anymore, but ready to bust out the front door. Behind them, explosions of an enraged Queen and King could be heard.
"We're not going to make it!" Piccolo growled as the front entrance came into view.
"Just keep going." Goku snapped. Soon, they were outside, but time wasn't on their side.
"Group together." Serena ordered, as the functional Senshi held hands, while the injured and carrying darted in the center of them. Krillin was the first to look back, seeing Mirai Serena and Endymion heading their way. They wouldn't make it, and a battle would be fatal now. With Mina at his side, and his son in his hands, this thought struck him hard. Setting Jensei to the ground, he made a decision.
"Senshi, ready" Serena spoke again, being fully powered, and ready to fill in for anyone else who wasn't prepared yet.
"Damn you." Endymion scowled, preparing an attack. Out of the corner of her eye, Serena saw, and prayed.
"KAMEHAMEHA" Eyes went wide as the teleport almost completed itself. Who had done that? Serena bit down on her bottom lift, powerless now to stop it, but praying Mina wouldn't catch on in time; but she did.
Krillin's attack held them back, but in the end, he had fallen victim to their unstoppable power as the others escaped, and as Krillin died at Endymion's hands. Mina's scream pierced into their ears as she held her hand out, begging for Piccolo to release her.
Krillin could only smile. 'Thank you Piccolo.'
Mina's scream had died into time as they reappeared back into the present. The weakened solider reached for her son, holding the confused child to her beaten body. Serena fell to her knees, holding her best friend's body close to her as she wept.
'How more will you take?' the thought was almost humorous to Serena. He'd take as many as it took to be sure that Serena and the people she loved suffered for the rest of eternity.
Chapter Forty-Two: Slow Spinning Redemption
Mina wept for hours after their return, neglecting Jinsei's questioning. Serena did her best to comfort her cousin, and best friend, but in the end, Mina simply pushed everyone away as she cried, locking herself in her bedroom in Capsule Corps.
"How is she?" Chi-Chi asked as Serena trudged defeated down the carpeted stairs. Serena sighed, looking away.
"What do you think?" she said. She tried to make it sound snappy, but it came out in a sad tone. The team was quiet and gloomy, despite the warm sun blazing outside. It was hard to be happy these days. Even the children had simply chosen to fall asleep, in order to escape the tragedy felt through the room.
Serena glanced over her friends. Chi-Chi was obviously upset, but as always, holding up her warrior exterior, unlike her husband. Not long after Mina, he broke down as well. Krillin had been his best friend for a long time, and he'd known him since childhood. It was the strangest thing seeing Goku cry like that. He was the strongest of them all, next to Vegeta. Though no one knew who was stronger after all this time.
Piccolo had been uneasily quiet. As usual, no emotions crossed those green features, but Serena sensed something was going on with him. Gohan was just as upset as Goku, just without the choking sobs. Serena couldn't tell if Yamcha was more upset over Krillin's death or what Bulma did. His sad stare would occasionally cast to the stairs then to Bulma. Bulma, on the other had, hadn't said a word. Few tears fell. Serena knew she wanted to cry, and she knew that Bulma was feeling low. It would be best to just talk to her, but right now, she just couldn't bring herself too.
Then there was Vegeta. He had awoken a few hours ago, groggy and weary. It took him a long time to finally snap to reality. Word was that he really had given Bulma a lecture. Chi-Chi said that he'd pulled Bulma into the kitchen to speak with her.
Chi-Chi had surprised Serena though. Apparently, all the Senshi were surprised by Vegeta's harsh words and actions. After taking the trouble to pull her away from the group-he'd merely screamed at her. He'd completely lost his composer and lashed at her, even threatened her. He'd left her cowering in the kitchen corner in tears. Yes, Vegeta was known for that cold-heartedness, but like Chi-Chi had said: "To be honest, he'd changed. He just doesn't seem like the type to lash out like that now-a-days."
Serena had been with Mina at the time, and though she sensed the distress, chose to let it pass. Vegeta had yet to speak to Serena. They hadn't even shared a glance yet. In a way, it was comforting. Now certainly wasn't the time.
ChibiChibi and Rhayne had come to not long ago, and after a lot of help from Goku and Vegeta, Serena was able to use her crystal to rid their systems of the dark energy. They were out cold right after it though, and had yet to wake again.
"Mom" Renie's sugarcane voice cut into her thoughts. Serena turned, smiling once she laid eyes on her daughter. Renie had tossed that horrible dress she's received from Endymion, and adorned normal human clothes. Pink no-less.
It made Serena's heart flutter with joy.
"Renie" She whispered softly, embracing her daughter tightly. After a few moments, Renie said,
"Mom, how's Mina-chan?" Serena deep sigh hinted that it wasn't good.
"She'll hardly talk." Serena said, "If she's not sobbing, it's mostly mute."
"Has she said anything?" Piccolo's voice startled the two girls. His Namek hearing must have picked up on their conversation. It made Serena wonder how many times Piccolo had listening in to her conversations before.
"Not a word." Serena confirmed, "She just wants to be left alone." Piccolo stared up at the stairs, seemingly in deep thoughts. "Piccolo" Serena questioned.
"I'm going to go talk to her." He stated in a low, husky voice, as he began to head up the stairs. Serena opened her mouth to object, but sustained herself.
"Are you sure he should? I mean, if Mina wasn't willing to even talk to you, there's hardly a chance for anyone else." Renie said with her worried eyes now cast at Serena. Serena shook her head, brows furrowed with thought.
"You never know." The Lunarian Queen mused, "He just might know something we don't."
Upstairs, Piccolo could hear Mina's cries from down the hall. He approached the door, somewhat uncertain about himself. Out of everyone downstairs, he was the only one who could possibly relate to this. After Lita had left, I had taken Piccolo a long time to recover. All that time he wasted, when he should have been taking care of his daughter. Lucky for Piccolo, Mr. Popo and Dende had been there, and Tammy had been an enfant then. Jinsei on the other had, was 4 years old. He couldn't be neglected like that now, especially with his father gone. He just wouldn't understand.
With a large breath, Piccolo opened the door, making his way inside. And there sat Mina, lying on the bed, her back turned towards him.
"What do you want?" she spat, though her voice muffled into her pillow.
"Just to talk" Piccolo answered, closing the door behind him.
"Well I don't want to!" Mina snapped. Piccolo ignored that, walking softly to the edge of her bed, not asking to sit down, but simply proceeded to anyways. He heard her grow softly, "I said go away!" she hissed, turning and wiping her pillow at him. It hit Piccolo directly in the head, pulling his purple bandana lose. As the pillow fell, so did the bandana. He pushed the pillow aside lightly, and then removed the fabric once wrapped around his head off all the way.
"That didn't hurt you know." He said. Was he making a mockery of her? Mina growled.
"If you're hear to antagonize me, then as God as my witness I will-"
"Would you just shut up?" He snapped, completely cutting her off. She turned bright red. Weather it was a red embarrassment or a red anger, he wasn't sure.
"Damn you!" she snapped, reaching out to slap him across the face. Piccolo caught her wrist a second before it made contact. Mina gasped in surprised that he could manage that. Mina was known to be a very fast and swift warrior. With a slightly growl, Piccolo yanked her over the bed, holding her wrist back as she looked up at him from her uncomfortable position.
"If you haven't realized, you have a very lonely son out there." He said, surprisingly calmly. "What makes it fair for you to sit in here in self pity while your son is out there confused?" he asked. Mina gritted her teeth.
"How can you say that?" She screeched. "He died! Piccolo, he was everything to me. Do I not have the right to hurt; to be in pain?" She said, fighting her sobs. Piccolo mused,
"You have the right to die if that is your wish." He began, "But I can't say I wouldn't look down on you for it after that. War is upon us Sailor Venus, and most unfortunately for you, now isn't a time for mourning." And with that, he stood to leave. Her soft cries were suppressed for a moment as she spoke.
"How are the girls?" she asked, staring at the sheet, so he couldn't see her eyes.
"Serena managed to heal them," he said, "But they haven't woken up yet." He paused again, "Serena has yet to speak to their Bulma or Vegeta." He added. He could hear Mina sigh softly.
"When do you think Endymion will come after us?" she asked. He could almost sense Piccolo's snicker.
"At any second; He'll bring Freeza of course, along with Mirai Vegita and Mirai Serena." He confirmed.
"And what of Mirai Vegeta; what happened to him?" she asked.
"When we crossed dimentions," Piccolo began, "He let go." Mina's eyes went wide.
"Why?" She asked. She heard Piccolo sigh heavily, and he headed for the door,
"He said he wanted to be the beginning of the end for that horrible world Endymion and Freeza created." And with that, he left, mind reeling back to the moments that Mirai Vegeta had released his hold on his other self, Vegeta. With those words, he'd just let go of his life and fell into the abyss that was his death. Vegeta had reached out-tried to save him-but Goku pulled him back-for fear they'd loose him too.
Piccolo closed the door behind him. Mina knew he was still outside, waiting for her. Those words were running through her head, reeling and turning: the beginning of the end. What if he was wrong though? What if it was the beginning of the end for them instead of Endymion? Could she sit here and allow that to happen? Krillin had died in order for them to live. She couldn't just allow the world to be destroyed and her friends killed. She couldn't, and she wouldn't. As she stood and dressed, she smiled softly to herself through tears.
"Arigato Krillin."
Downstairs, though commotion had risen, Serena smiled, knowing Piccolo had somehow gotten through to Mina. She probably couldn't be more thankful then at that moment, for it was enough having ChibiChibi and Rhayne awoken now, eyes full of tears for their wrongs and for their losses.
Serena stepped back, surveying the scene. She could sense Mina and Piccolo heading downstairs, a newfound hope rising in her best friend. Her four daughters were finally reunited. Vegita, being the straight forward girl she was, having no problem insisting they have to spend time with her. For a few moments, everyone was happy. Everyone expect Serena that is. Vegeta's cool hand rested lightly on her warm shoulder, his skin gently brushed soothingly to hers.
"Sere-chan?" he said softly, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" With a soft sigh, Serena nodded, smiling slightly as she turned to face him. They headed out to the back deck, where the sun was shining softly over the meadow and trees.
"Just beautiful isn't it?" Serena said, though it was more of a statement then a question. She stared out at the light green and golden grass, leaning on the rail of the deck. Her mind traced back to when her and Vegeta would spend hours out here, training, and getting to know one another. This was also were Serena punched him, right in the jaw, for the first time. A soft giggle escaped her lips at the thought.
"Something funny" Vegeta asked, with a small smirk on his face as his brows furrowed. He jumped up on the rail, sitting to face her. Serena smiled a little wider, but shook her head no. Vegeta mused, nodding slightly. After a short silence, Vegeta chose he would have to be the one to bring it up, "Serena." He began. How would he put this? "I didn't know Bulma would do that." He said. She said nothing for a long while, so he continued, "I was fighting ChibiChibi and Rhayne. They wore me out. I had no idea what she was even doing." He said. "Not to mention that 'Queen of Chikyuu-Vegeta-sei' attacked me as well." Still, she didn't speak.
Vegeta felt a sting in his chest, a painful one. What else could he say? "I know I can't make excuses." He managed, "But…" his words left him, getting caught through his tongue. "I'm sorry." He said in a low, defeated voice.
"I'm not sure what was worse." Serena began, and then looked up at him, "Bulma kissing you, or knowing that Bulma would do that to me." Her eyes hard and deep with thought and frustration. Vegeta looked away for but a moment but then returned the lock of her eyes.
"I know it hurts to think of it." He said, "But Serena, I promise I didn't want that." He hopped off the rail, letting a hand fall softly on her arm. "I know it can't just apologize for something like that, and I know it can't just get rid of it, but I'll do anything to make up for it." He said. Serena's eyes were cast down. The sun warmed her skin, thought most was hidden in the shadows of the leaves.
She stared at the wooden floor, finding Vegeta's shoe's somehow very interesting all of a sudden. "Serena." She heard him say, "Please, can I at least know if you're listening?" he asked. Serena sighed deeply, so that her shoulder rose and fell. Vegeta's hand didn't move. She looked up at him with eyes partly water, but still clear.
"I just wish things like this didn't have to happen. Not to us." She admitted. Vegeta's cool arms embraced her softly, as he drew her close to him.
"I know." He said, "If I could, I'd do whatever it took to make that possible for you." He pulled away for a moment, leaning down so he was eye level with her, "And even though I can't, I swear I'm doing my best." He said. She new he couldn't cry. She knew his eyes wouldn't even water, but the sincerity was always there; the strong tone and the soft grip. Serena smiled, wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"We can do this right?" she asked, "We can get through this, me and you?" Vegeta nodded, fingers fumbling through her hair as the other held her waist tenderly.
"You know I suck with words," he blurted, biting tongue, "I mean it's a miracle I've managed what I have," He continued with a small laugh, "But." He paused. He really did suck with words. He didn't know what to say or how to say it. "You made me into more, you made me better. You are the better part of me…" he slurred, his voice trailing as though to continue, but Serena cut him short,
"Funny," she said "That I feel that way about you." Her eyes were fresh with tears that Vegeta wouldn't cry. "You're the better part of me Vegeta." She said. Vegeta smirked, that same old smirk that Serena loved so much. He pressed his forehead to hers, brushing a few hairs from her face, as he leaned down to press his lips to hers ever so softly.
"Ewe! Mushy Stuff!" Vegita's ear-piercing screech broke their kiss. They laughed lightly, noting the 3 Lunarian girls blushing nervously as Vegita made a sour face.
Chapter Forty-Three: Vegita's Wishes
The warm heat of the sun shined down upon them as if it were simply reassuring them that this darkness could not last if they just believed. Serena smiled happily, for finally, the mourning was over, and they were finally rid of the angst.
She bathed herself in the sun's rays as she lay sprawled out the front lawn of Capsule Corps, keeping an eye on the children and ignoring the stares of passer-bys. Her cerulean eyes studied the scene before her as she rolled on her belly, peering through the grass at the youngsters.
Vegita: her beautiful, spirited, and somewhat arrogant little angel. Serena wondered if her eyes were that wide and beautiful when she was young. Vegita's strangely colored hair gave her quite a little style to look forward to. Serena would simply scream if Vegita ever chose to dye her hair-though she couldn't stop her if she did. She was so much like her father it was scary; that devious smirk, the glint of adventure in her eyes, and, of course, that less than lady-like attitude of hers.
Vegita gritted her teeth together, avoiding a wide grin as she snuck up behind Goten, and then pounced on him, tagging him 'it', then running off. But not before blowing a raspberry, oh no, couldn't just tag him it, she had to mock him too. Goten didn't take any offense in this though. The sweet little boy was not only the splitting image of Goku's childhood self, but carried not only the same innocence, but sense of power and duty.
Some screaming reached her ears, tearing her out of her thoughts. Pantsey was chasing after Jinsei, insisting that if he kept moping around, he'd turn himself into just another lawn gnome. Serena laughed softly. She wasn't sure what Jensei was more afraid of: becoming a lawn gnome, or Pantsey.
Once they had gotten back home and settled down, Dende and Popo had come down for a visit, condolences, and offering whatever help they could provide. It seemed the only thing they really helped with was pleasing the small Tammy. Tammy had a remarkable fondness for Dende, something her father obvious didn't notice, and that Dende obviously didn't mind. In fact, if Serena didn't know better-in which she didn't-she'd say that he might return that affection.
Once again she was shaken out of her thoughts, though she wasn't upset at all. Vegeta had stepped outside, immediately gaining the children's attention and Vegita practically tackled him, begging him to play. As usual, he declined, though Vegita, being Vegeta's daughter, wasn't one to take no for an answer, as usual. She snickered at him, hands on her hips,
"Aw come on Daddy!" she snapped, blue eyes blazing at him, "Or are you afraid of me now?" She said with a smirk. Vegeta looked down at her, unimpressed, though questioning.
"And what exactly am I fearing?" he asked, dropping the towel that was hung over his neck from training and taking a sip of his drink. Vegita grinned in a prideful way, running up beside Goten.
"Because," She began in a taunting tone. She spun on her heal to face him again, nudging Goten at the same time, "We're Super Saiyans!" she exclaimed. And with that, the little Saiyan half-breeds powered up to their fullest. Goten's ebony hair stood just like his father's as it turned blonde, eyes bright and blue. Vegita's eyes lightened to that solid blue color, though her hair was a different story.
Vegeta gaped for a moment at his daughter. That color was just a shade lighter than Serena's honey gold. The golden and silver streaks blended in with the gold as if they weren't even there. If Vegita were to manage the Ascended Super Saiyan form, she'd look exactly like her mother right to a tee-though small. It almost chilled him.
Goten and Vegita stood proudly, and before Vegeta knew it, Jensei was behind them, firing up his love hearts, and Pantsey was working up some Aqua beams. Vegeta wondered if Tammy would have been out here, she would have joined, but she was still clinging to the Namekian boy.
Vegeta huffed as they charged, taking a few steps and letting off a little power as they approached them. Jensei and Pantsey did a few backward summer-salts while Goten and Vegita fell flat on their bums. Vegeta smirked down at his daughter as he passed her, but like usual, the Demi-Saiyan used it to fire herself up, and she and Goten once again flew at the Saiyan Prince. As Goten and Vegita approached him, he managed to side-step them. Dropping his drink, he first caught Vegita by the bow of her dress and then caught Goten by the rope of his gi. He then forced Vegita to face him,
"A Saiyan Princess wouldn't dare challenge her sensei." He said, almost warningly. That was when Serena laughed softly,
"No, but a Lunarian Warrior would." She said with a wink. Vegeta huffed, dropping the two children. They scrambled then darted off, feeling more comfortable training on their own. Once they were gone, Vegeta approached Serena, helping her up as she stood,
"A Lunarian warrior?" he repeated, a little mockery in his voice, "We have it backward," he stated, "A Lunarian Princess and A Saiyan Warrior." Serena huffed, her nose crinkling as she shook her head,
"No," She sighed, "A Saiyan Princess and A Lunarian Warrior." Her eyes gazed lovely at her daughter, running about and picking on Goten whenever she could. Vegeta grunted next to her,
"Stubborn," He sneered at Serena, "Such a silly concept." Serena rose a brow, arms crossing as she faced him,
"Is that so, Mister Prince of All Saiyans?" she asked. Vegeta took a glance at her, and then turned to face her fully, a smirk crossing over his lips,
"Yea, that's so. Miss Lunarian Warrior." He hissed in a mocking tone. Serena growled softly as she pointed at him, her finger practically digging into his chest,
"Correction, MRS. Lunarian Warrior." She stated, and then flashed her wedding band at him. Vegeta huffed, snatching her wrist and pulling her bolding against him, an arm threading protectively around her waist as he glanced out at Vegita, who was still picking on poor Goten. Vegeta sighed heavily,
"It's bad enough that Renie and Gohan have that little thing between them," he started, "But if those two get something going…", Vegeta trailed, unable to finish his statement, but an eavesdropping Son Goku did.
"Then you and I would be related!" Goku exclaimed cheerily, tearing Serena and Vegeta apart as he pounced on Vegeta, hugging the life out of him. The Saiyan prince snarled and snapped, reaching to kick and pound on him, though movement would prove to be uneasy because of his "vertical handicap"-at least compared to Goku.
Serena laughed whole-heartedly. The boys clawed and punched at each other through the lawn, breaking chairs and falling over picnic tables. The children cheered, the boys rooting for Goku and the girls rooting for Vegeta.
"They'll never grow up," Chi-Chi mused, sighing heavily having been abandoned by her husband. Serena could only laugh.
A week passed them by, during which they trained for all they were worth. The children's power levels increased quickly with every day, but as amazing as it was, it wasn't as extraordinary as what Goku and Vegeta had accomplished. Of course, they were the only two that knew about what they had done. Much to Goku's dismay, they had agreed to keep it a secret until the time came when they would be forced to use the power they'd tapped into.
"1, 2, 3, HA"
A pause
"1, 2, 3 HA"
Another pause
"1, 2, 3, HA"
Serena couldn't believe it. There stood Vegita, Pantsey, Tammy, Goten and Jinsei, One hand extend firmly as the other fisted at their sides. One leg bent to hold their weight while the other extended forward to balance them: all in perfect unison.
Finally, they understood how to be aware of the people around them, and in turn move in sync. She stared down at Vegita. She was a born leader-not wavering one bit. Jinsei had the spirit, but not the determination, and Pantsey had the determination, but lacked the ability. Goten could give Vegita a run for her money. 'Watch, out of nowhere Tammy will flip a wig and rule all.' Serena laughed at the thought, watching the meek Tammy smile at her friends as they snatched something to drink before going off and training.
The smile soon left Serena's lips though. A fog had risen over the mountains tonight. It was deep and thick. If it crossed over the city it would easily blind all those lost in it-and Vegeta and Goku still hadn't returned from their training.
"Serena!" a familiar voice called. Serena whirled around, facing a panting Chi-Chi. "Oh Serena I'm worried out of my mind! What do we do?" The ravenous beauty asked, gripping Serena's shoulder and shaking her out of desperation. Serena could only sigh,
"There's nothing we can do but wait for them." Serena admitted, though the worry plagued her as well, "Besides," She said, looking up with reassuring eyes, "It's Goku and Vegeta, they'll be fine." She assured. Chi-Chi didn't respond, knowing that if she did, she'd probably be going into a frenzy.
"Ouch! Damn it Kakarot!" Vegeta snapped, hissing violently at the taller Saiyan and rubbed his booted toe, as if that would help.
"Sorry Vegeta." Goku said with a goofy grin, taking a step away so he wouldn't step on his foot again. As Vegeta mumbled some colorful words under his breath, Goku looked out into the fog. They had given up flying, for they ran straight into a farm house, headfirst. Not their best moment-let me tell you. "Where did all this fog come from?" Goku asked allowed. He could still hear Vegeta cursing behind him.
"Come on Kakarot." The Saiyan Prince snapped, nudging Goku with his shoulder as he passed him, "Better get a move on. Knowing that wife of yours she's already cooking up a speech for when you walk through the door." Goku laughed at this, nodding with agreement and hurrying after him.
"Hey wait up!" Goku called, picking up the pace. Vegeta sneered,
"You know Kakarot I don't really have the time to waste while you're off in la-la land-" But as Vegeta turned to face Goku he stopped. Goku wasn't anywhere to be seen. "Kakarot?" he called softly, looking around in confusion, "Come on you idiot, I don't have time for this!" The Saiyan prince snarled.
But as he circled around, searching for his Saiyan companion, he discovered he was no where to be seen, or sensed.
Not only that, Vegeta had circled around so many time he'd lost his way now. The fog was thick, and for the life of his he didn't know which was he had been walked. "Kakarot!" He called out, much louder. Vegeta would repeat calling him many times before he finally realized that Goku wasn't out there. He felt his heart thump. "Shit." He slurred.
Just then a sound caught his ear. He whirled around to find whatever it was that moved in the grass, but the fog hid any signs of life. He grit his teeth together, "Kakarot." He repeated again, eyes darting around. "This isn't funny." He snarled in a low threatening voice, "I have things to do than play hide and seek with you-" But Vegeta was abruptly cut short. A sharp pain in the back of his neck caused him to stumble forward. His half-lidded eyes wearily looked around, and in a brief moment, he caught a glimpse of an unconscious Goku lying limp in the hands of Mirai Serena. And then, Darkness enveloped him.
The clicks of her heels could be heard through Capsule Corps if it weren't for the booming voice that drowned them out.
"You can't go out there!" Bulma screamed, side-stepping as she followed Chi-Chi down the hall. Chi-Chi sneered violently.
"Just because you're an unfaithful wife doesn't make me one." She said in a cold tone. It only persisted Bulma more,
"Not going out in that death trap isn't unfaithful Chi-Chi, its common sense!" The blue-eyed beauty hollered, still chasing her as she headed down the stairs, meeting up with Serena at the door, who was giving Mina her orders,
"You're to stay here, and no one, I repeat, no one is to come after us." The Lunarian Princess said. She stopped for a moment, standing straight and looking Mina straight in the eye. Mina's disapproval was clear. And deep down, Serena knew that when it came down to it, Mina would come after them. But for how, Serena and Chi-Chi were going on their own.
"All set?" The ebony haired woman asked. Serena nodded. In the back of her mind, she heard Vegita's voice calling to her, begging to go with her-but Serena's could never put her precious daughter's life at risk. With a sigh, she held Chi-Chi's hand tightly as they disappeared into the fog.
"Can you see anything?" Chi-Chi asked, clinging to Serena's arm and Serena gripped hers. Chi-Chi's voice was sturdy, but her death gripped proved her fear. In the back of her mind, Serena wondered if she was gripping Chi-Chi that rough as well, but pushed it aside, narrowing her eyes to see.
"I can't sense them anywhere." Serena said worriedly.
"That's because they're dead." The woman's deep voice caused them to whirl around immediately. A sudden rush of energy pushed the two girls backward into the ground, but as they looked up, the fog was clearing. Not much, but enough so they could see Mirai Serena, and wide smirk over her glazed features.
"Liar" Serena accused, struggling back to her feet. Mirai Serena smirked softly,
"Oh am I?" She inquired, lifting her long fingers to graze her lips. She narrowed her eyes, and flicked her wrist before tossing a small ornament in from of them. Serena stared at the small band in confusion, but Chi-Chi gasped next to her. Chi-Chi's gloved hands rose to her lips as she muffled a whimper,
"Goku" She breathed. Serena stared at the ring again. It must have been their wedding band. Serena reached down, picking it up, and clasping it in her grip.
"You're lying, I'm sure of it." She said. She peered at Chi-Chi over her shoulder, "She's trying to fool us; they aren't dead." Serena assured. Chi-Chi nodded, though her doubt was obvious in her eyes. Serena stood again, glaring daggers at her look-alike. Mirai Serena cooed softly,
"Oh, are you upset with me?" she asked, finger still to her lips as her other hand crossed her body, resting on her waist. The dress she wore was the one Serena recognized on Neo Queen Serenity. Serena growled softly.
"STAR SILVER ILLUSION" She cried, holding out her hands a hurling a silver energy ball at her. Chi-Chi then extended out her arm, gripping her wrist tightly with her other hand so she didn't mess up.
"CHAMA" She yelped. Mirai Serena chuckled low in her throat, and tossed her arms to her sides, willing there powers away from her. "Damn it." Chi-Chi spat, hands fisted.
"Chi-Chi, try getting a hold of everyone else on our communicators" She said, her eyes never wavering from her look alike. "I'll take care of this wench." Chi-Chi wouldn't have time to answer as Serena sprung of the balls of her feet, racing toward Mirai Serena.
The woman only laughed, holding out her hand when Serena prepared to make contact. It stopped Serena, but she pushed on, giving all she had into breaking that barrier.
"You're attempts are futile, you can never defeat me!" Mirai Serena ranted on and on. Serena was persistent. She drew back, and clasped her hands together.
"MOON TIARA MAGIC" She yelled, and the small disc released from her finger-tips. It fought against the barrier, pushing it in on Mirai Serena.
"You pest!" the woman snapped, and quickly dodged the tiara as it shattered her barrier into moon dust. With a heated cry, Mirai hurled herself at Serena. Wide-eyed, Serena held up an arm to block her, but the queen wasn't happy. She attacked savagely, taking Serena by surprise. Another hit, and Serena was on the ground, barely managing to get to her feet as an attack came her way. She held up her hands, and held it back as long as she could, but she was over-powered and sent into the depths of the fog.
"Serena!" Chi-Chi cried, tossing her communicator to the ground and running after her friend.
"Hold it!" A raspy voice called. Chi-Chi gaped up at Mirai Serena as the woman panted heavily. She held up her arm, a ball of energy forming, "You'll be going nowhere," Mirai said. After the initial shock, Chi-Chi quickly gathered her senses. She wondered how in heaven's name she could defeat this woman if not only Serena couldn't, but neither Goku nor Vegeta.
But, it wasn't in Chi-Chi nature to just give up, and she still had a lot of fight in her.
"Oh, why don't you shut you're trap!" The Hell's Angel shouted, a fiery sphere forming her hands as she hurled it at Mirai Serena. It took the queen off guard and though didn't harm her-destroyed her energy ball. Chi-Chi took her chance then, running up and striking the woman square in the chest; but it was to no avail. Mirai Serena wasn't affected in the least, and she reached down, gripping Chi-Chi's wrist in a powerful hold.
"You'll regret that." Mirai seethed. Chi-Chi screamed out in pain as Mirai Serena twisted her arms around, and slowly pinned her face in the dirt. Something interesting caught Chi-Chi's eye though. No, she couldn't reach high enough to hit Mirai, and striking her legs would be useless. So, with her free arm, she reached for the furry object hanging limply from the queen's tailbone, and squeezed.
The Queen released Chi-Chi's arm, and buckled at the knees. Chi-Chi pulled herself up. The queen fell on her back as Chi-chi held her tail firmly, her other arm hanging lifeless at her side. The symbol on Chi-Chi's head glowed brightly as she spoke,
"Where is my husband?" She demanded. When Mirai Serena didn't speak, she squeezed hard, receiving a yell from the woman, "Where is he?" she screamed again.
Chi-Chi was taken by surprise though as purple and red beams whished past her shoulders, piercing into the queen's chest. Chi-Chi dropped the now lifeless tail, heading jolting around, and staring into two sets of blue crystalline eyes.
"You idiots" She bellowed, scaring Rhayne and ChibiChibi slightly, but Renie didn't faze. Chi-Chi marched toward the small group, gritting her teeth as she cradled her arm. "We don't know where Vegeta and Goku are! She was our only clue!" The ebony haired beauty bellowed.
"Correction, we DO know where they are." Renie snapped. Before she could lash out on Chi-Chi, Gohan stepped forward,
"We've located them with Bulma's radars." He explained. "Bulma, Yamcha, Mina and Piccolo went after them. And we came to get you and Serena." He said with arms crossed as a thoughtful expression crossed his face.
"And the children" Chi-Chi asked, "Who is with them?"
"Dende" Rhayne offered the answer, but darted once again behind Renie. Chi-Chi huffed slightly, but nodded.
"Where is Serena?" Gohan asked, eyes searching the fog that was slowly beginning to migrate. Chi-Chi sighed heavily,
"I'm not sure. I think she got hurt though." The dark Senshi said, looking in the directly Serena had been tossed in. She turned to look past her son at the 3 moon children. "We better find your mother." She began, "We didn't go through all the trouble of getting you guys back just to lose the reason you're here in the first place."
In a way, her words were like a peace offering – the best that Chi-Chi couldn't possibly manage. It was time to let go of the fear and hatred-and though she wouldn't admit her acceptance or express her thoughts-she just wouldn't persist on making things more difficult than they already were.
"Are you getting anything?" Mina yelled up to Bulma.
"North" The blue beauty responded, hinting to the man holding her as they flew through the sky. Yamcha held his wife princess style as they flew, and Mina was clinging to Piccolo for dear life as she stared down at the trees that looked like mere dots.
"Oh boy…" she mused, burying her face in the nape of his neck and squinting her eyes shut, horribly petrified. Bulma's eyes were fixated on her radar, and soon, two dots were directly below them,
"Down there!" She cried, pointing. The boys stopped, and floated to the ground. They set the girls down, and looked around skeptically.
"Are you sure Bulma?" Yamcha asked, rubbing his head as he looked around the eerie, dark and deserted meadow. Bulma shot him a warning look, but ignored his question. She reached out her hands, eyes on the radar as she stepped forward. And within moment, her hands landed on something rough. She slid her hand over the invisible object, and then knocked on it lightly.
"Found it!" She exclaimed, turning to look at everyone. Mina bounced up next to her, reaching out at pressing her finger against it.
"Well that's weird." She stared, blinking, "Now, how do we get in?" she asked. Eyes fixated on the ship she couldn't even see.
"No need." A familiar voice cooed above them, "We'd be glad to come to you." Mina's head shot up, staring into familiar deep blue eyes.
"Mamoru" She spat, as her and Bulma stepped back. It was be an easy win for him-but that wasn't a surprise.
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY SHOT!" The goddess of beauty shouted, tossing an energy heart at Endymion, but he simply side-stepped the attack. Mina cursed under her breath as Endymion rose his hands above his head, creating a large energy ball and releasing it on them.
From inside the fortress, Freeza watched as Endymion pulverized the Four Earth Senshi. His hands were folded over his trademark glass of wine, leaning closer to the monitors, not very pleased with Endymion's work.
"Useless." He spat. The once Prince of Earth was now no more than a vessel led by jealously. His power over the Golden Crystal was phenomenal, but his thirst for the Moon Princess was blinding any sort of judgment. "He'll have to be eliminated." The Icer seethed to himself. Vegita huffed a little, leaving Freeza to himself.
She roamed the halls of the fortress. They had abandoned their minions, swiping there powers, and burnt the remains. Such weak demons were no use to them at this point-for mere demons these Earth Senshi could defeat. And if they weren't careful, they might be defeated as well.
Vegita wasn't planning on going down anytime soon though. Freeza had requested that Vegita find him seven tiny 'Dragonballs'. She had, and only when she returned did she discover that they could grant wishes. Vegita had been more than intrigued by this.
She circled a corner, making her way into Freeza's corridor. In a small containment orb, there they were: the Dragonballs. Vegita made her way over, not bothering with a code as she smashed the container. She knew Freeza would be on to her once the alarm on it was broken, so she had to act fast.
She placed the seven balls together, and stood back.
"Arise Dragon." She whispered. Light illuminated from the balls and skyrocketed above her, but she didn't flinch. Her eyes followed the light until they formed a dragon. Vegita rose an eyebrow, stepping back, and then frowned deeply at the rather large hole he created, destroying their ship's stealth, and barrier. Yet, she paid no heed.
"What is it you wish?" The monsters of a lizard asked, voice awkwardly low, and booming through her ears. Vegita crossed her arms over her chest,
"I wish to have Freeza and Endymion stripped of their powers for me to harvest." She said, not pleased with it, but confident that it would not only keep her 'partners' off her back, but give her enough power to defeat the Senshi.
"And your other wish?" Vegita didn't falter as she thought for a moment. The dragon huffed at her angrily, "Make your wish now." It snarled. Vegita bit her inner lip, looking at the dragon in disgust, before standing straight again.
"I'd like that Saiyan, Goku, to be under my full control." She said, a soft smile curving on her lips. The dragon's eyes turned a bright red for a moment,
"Granted" He spoke, before disappearing back into the seven balls, and in a flash, they were gone.
Chapter Fourty-Four: A Moment's Memory
Endymion held up a hand, pausing before he swung it back down. The energy admitted from his palm wasn't easily dodged by the Senshi, but they did manage.
"I can't keep this up for long." Yamcha complained as his human body begun to give in on him. His wife hissed a bit at the comment, but protected him from Endymion's next attack none-the-less.
"This is insane." Mina snapped as her love hearts bounced right off of him. Piccolo snatched her by the forearm, pulling her out of the way of another blast.
"Don't waste your energy." He said. Mina had to wonder why he would bother with such a statement. If they didn't figure something out, NOW, then they were going to be chopped liver!
Mina drew back, taking a peek at Bulma from the corner of her eye, then back at the situation at hand. Bulma was beating away at her brain, looking for some solution. None on them were strong enough to defeat him-even put together. They were in for it.
"We're going to have to retreat until Gohan and Renie get here." She stated. Yamcha huffed a bit, doubtful they could escape this man. Mina frowned deeply, her brow creasing. As Bulma and Yamcha turned to run, Mina stayed in place.
"Are you coming?" Piccolo asked quietly. Mina smiled a bit, shaking her head.
"I want one more shot." She said, kissing her finger, and then holding out her hand like a gun. Piccolo smirked at his, forming an energy blast in his hand. Bulma could be heard screaming insanities behind them-but it went ignored. Mina just had a feeling…
"VENUS LOVE AND BEAUTY KISS!" she shouted, at her orange light extended from her finger, synchronized with Piccolo's attack. Endymion laughed whole-heartedly, preparing to leap out of the way.
But he didn't in time! Endymion was sent flying into the ship just as its barrier fell. Endymion plopped into a bloody heap on the ground dead. Piccolo sneered as Bulma fussed over what had just happened, and questioned Mina; though she hadn't the faintest idea how they did it.
"The Dragonballs" Piccolo snapped as he turned to give everyone an irritated look. "They were used. That probably had something to do with it."
Moments of silence passed until Piccolo suggested they invite themselves inside.
Serena gave up trying to sneak around as she ran frantically through the open plain, her feet splashing against the watery ground as mud rose to cool the back of her legs. She trudged onward, eyes narrowed on a familiar form in the distance. She could see it clearly now, but what surprised her was that he hadn't taken any notice to her whatsoever. She didn't like that one bit.
She hollered out, surprising Freeza as she rocketed off her feet, striking him with her heal and landing swiftly on the balls of her feet, one supporting hand holding the weight of her leg-which had caved in when she landed.
Her head snapped up, eyes fiery and ready for a battle, but the site before her left her in shock. Freeza crumpled up, holding his head, which was throbbing in pain. Serena brow creased with thought. Why had he left his fortress? Alone no less
She stepped closer. His power level was low, and he seemed so weak now. What was going on?
Serena wanted to stop and demand her answers, but she could hear the Senshi entering from the other side of the ship. She just didn't have time for this. She held out a hand-firing up an energy ball.
This would be her first time just killing someone weaker than her without even trying to give them redemption. It stung at her conscience, but she knew that Freeza would never have a change of heart. And besides: Serena sneered, firing her energy blast.
"He deserves it."
With that she entered through the space that Freeza had exited from. She could sense Freeza's and Endymion's souls as they departed to hell. The pain clung at her heart again because next was Vegita.
With this thought, it slowly became harder for Serena to continue on. Her legs were heavy and soaked with mud and midnight dew. The moisture in the air had saturated into her already sweat-drenched uniform. The air was stale in here, but she smelt of freshly cut grass from her run through the field. It was her only comfort.
She darted through the halls-not worried in the slightest about being caught, and finding each corridor chillingly familiar. Her teeth gritted at her memories of her last time her, but she put it behind her. All she wanted was to see Vegeta. She had to reach him.
She had no idea where he might be, she just followed her instinct, which lead her deeper and deeper into the depths of the ship. Finally, the winding halls led her to a set of stairs. She paused before them, her breath heavy with exhaustion. Inhaling deeply, she took her first step on the old cement stairs. Many followed after that before she was running again.
She hated this. She had enough trouble walking on stairs, much less running on them. She watched her feet intently; scared to death of the fall that would, in all likelihood, come the moment her gaze wavered. And she was right. The sound of chains rattling snapped her to attention and she tripped.
She fell straight forward, tumbling over the stairs and slamming her arm hard against the rim of one as she fell over the side. Her undamaged arm reached up, grasping the edge. She didn't dare look down, for she knew she was still quite a ways from the bottom.
She cringed, pulling herself up, forcing her hurt arm to function. And she was off again. She soon found herself at the bottom of the catacombs. It smelt of death and decor. Serena's skin shivered off her bones. The only light were a few stakes of fire. Her eyes wandered over the piles of bodies and bones. So much death lurking in the room, it almost made her vomit. But she'd seen death before-and if she didn't come to her senses, it would be her family's deaths on her shoulders this time.
Whatever had led her down here was right on the dot. Ahead of her was none other than Vegeta!
She called out his name, and he immediately woke. His eyes were sore and groggy, and he was suffering from deep wounds. As Serena approached with, something familiar lurked into her heart. This scene…those scares and the look in his weary eyes….
Her mind floated back to a dream she'd had many years ago, before any of this had ever happened.
FLASHBACK
This scene Serena didn't recognize. Of course, she did recognize another form of herself. Her hair was up in buns and pigtails though, and she was in some uniform, very similar to 6 girls around her. She also recognized the Z-fighters as well. Serena watched in horror as the Z-warriors and the 6 girls fell one by one at the hands of creature-like-demons; one demon leading them all.
"Princess Give yourself up!" it called. "Or you can say goodbye to your little prince here." Serena gasped, as did her other self, at the site of the Vegeta. Was it possible? Who could be strong enough to get him in chains? Why didn't he go super? What? He's awake, he didn't look externally hurt so, what was wrong? Tears streamed down Serena's face as a whip went across Vegeta's back, and he howled in pain. A whip? What was going on? He could stand a thousand whips! This wasn't right. Something was wrong here. What did this mean? Shaking her head, Serena closed her eyes. It wasn't right.
END FLASHBACK
Serena's mind reeled. That same eerie feeling she had back then was here now. No – it wasn't precisely in tune with her dream, but it all must have mustered together to get the point across.
The demons were gone, and all that was left was Vegita.
Serena knelt down, breaking the chains and Vegeta's arms hurriedly wrapped around her. Despite his weak state, he refused to use her for support. That didn't mean he'd refuse her healing powers though.
The wounds were gone and his energy restored, but that feeling hung in the air.
"Serena?" Vegeta questioned as she stood. He smiled a bit, her scent reaching his nose. She knew it would comfort him the way it did her. Serena smiled in response, eyes watery with tears, but sincere. She flung herself into his welcoming arms as the rivers of agony leaked from her eyes.
Vegeta regretfully pulled her away, knowing that she'd stay that way forever. They didn't have forever right now though – and they wouldn't until Vegita was put to rest.
Serena led him back up the stairs, leaving the catacombs behind in search of their friends.
Renie and the others had given up looking for her mother. If her body couldn't be found, chances were she wasn't dead. Deep in her heart, she was worried, but God knows her mother would find away to save their rears at the end of the day. Hopefully this wouldn't be the last time though.
The group had found their way to Freeza's fortress, after stumbling upon his dead body charred by Serena's powers. Chibi-Chibi and Rhayne were visibly scared, which gave Renie no choice but to be completely secure – for their sake. Gohan hadn't said much. He seemed to be entrapped in his own thoughts. And Chi-Chi; she was blabbing on and on about how ticked she was now, and how good it felt to finally have had a piece of that wench Mirai Serena.
"Hey, you guys!" Renie snapped back to reality at the sound of Bulma's voice and the pitter-patter of her and other's approaching feet.
"Have you seen my mother?" Renie asked almost immediately. Mina blinked with surprise at the question.
"Why? Isn't she with you?" She asked, though as her eyes scanned over them, it was obvious she wasn't. The warrior of love and beauty sighed with a heavy heart.
"No, but you know Serena." Yamcha said with a laugh, smiling as he nudged Bulma forward so she could show them her radar. Bulma quickly took the hit,
"Even if their power levels are low, or suppressed, I can still get Goku and Vegeta on my radar." She stated, beeping a few things into it. She gasped a bit in surprise though, eyes wide at the small screen.
"What is it Bulma?" Gohan asked, stepping forward to peer at the two little dots on the screen.
"Well," Bulma began, "They're both moving."
"And they're both heading this way." Gohan pointed out. As everyone else rejoiced, Bulma's brows creased thoughtfully.
"Something wrong Bulma?" Rhayne asked, being first to notice her disposition appose to everyone else. Bulma quickly shook her head, dismissing the worried look with a confident smile.
Not moments later, the soft clicking of footsteps was heard. The group froze a bit with anticipation as out from the darkness, a tall dark figure, clad in orange, appeared.
"Goku" Chi-Chi lunged forward with tearful eyes. Everyone smiled softly, but as Gohan took his first step forward, he stopped. As his mother reached to encircle her husband in a hug, Goku's strong arm tossed her to the side. Chi-Chi was taken by such surprise, that the strong woman's body slammed forcefully into the steal wall, and she fell limp to the floor, clutching her now very broken arm.
"Goku what are you doing?" Yamcha screamed, but Goku swiftly fired an energy attack at them before Yamcha had even taken a step. Yamcha, Piccolo, Mina had taken the brunt of attack, Piccolo stumbling back, Yamcha falling forcefully into the wall then to the ground, and Mina hurled against the three moon sisters.
"Dad?" Gohan called out as he once again went to step forward. Piccolo snatched his shoulder firmly, pulling the boy back.
"No Gohan." He said. Gohan looked up with pleading eyes, but knew that his sensei was right. Renie, on the other hand, didn't, and before she'd even spoken a word to the tall Saiyan, he struck her down, and then lifted her to face the Z Senshi, an arm firm around her neck.
"Kill her." A voice sneered, and from out of the shadows, Mirai Vegita immerged, arms crossed and a profound frown over her pale features. Without another thought, Goku looked down at the pink haired teenager wriggling in his grasp, and with his free hand, held her neck, preparing to snap it.
He paused though as he sensed a life energy blast approaching him. He dropped the eldest moon daughter, and waited as the attack flew past the Z-Senshi and right into Goku's awaiting hands. With little effort, it was diminished.
At his feet, Renie panted for air, even as Gohan and Piccolo quickly drug her and Chi-Chi as far away from Goku as they could.
"Well may the Gods be praised, you've finally rid yourself of that harpy you call a wife, have you Kakarot?" From the darkness, Vegeta's taunting voice resided to a menacing laugh as Serena scurried to Chi-Chi and Renie.
"Shove it, bastard." Chi-Chi snarled as Vegeta passed her. He stopped for a moment, tipping his head to glance at the hell bent woman with a smirk. She returned it, then winked, "Bring him back to me." She said. Vegeta huffed as he continued his stride past his fellow warriors,
"Sure," he mused, "But I can't guarantee he'll be in one piece." With a careless wave of the hand, he approached Goku, whose challenging stare only made this all the more worth while. "So, how'd you manage this?" Vegeta asked after he was mere feet away from Goku; though, his question was directed at Mirai Vegita.
The girl didn't say anything at all, just stared with that stony cold glare, so, Vegeta smirked, and smirked at the girl with a mocking tone, "Poison?" he guessed, "Hypnosis maybe?"
"The Dragon balls" Piccolo's voice said gruffly behind him. With a smirk still plastered on his face, Vegeta nodded to himself.
"So, it's permanent then?" and though it was a question, he said it more like a statement, for he really knew that answer. He averted his gaze from the brooding teenager and back at Goku, "Well this should prove to be fun." He taunted, and with that, disappeared from Goku's site, reappearing behind him seconds later, only to have Goku's elbow greet his chest. Vegeta paid no heed to the pain as he snagged Goku's arm, tossing him past Mirai Vegita, and firing an energy blast. Goku immerged from the explosion quickly, and as the ship began to blow into bits, the two Saiyan warriors went into battle.
From the sidelines, Serena had healed Chi-Chi's arm, and any other injuries her fellow Senshi had managed to get. Her daughter had finally finished coughing and found her voice again after having such strain to her throat.
Serena cast cerulean eyes to the skies, where Goku and Vegeta fought recklessly – like Saiyans should really.
The noise and commotion around her was positively insane, but somehow, she'd managed to tune them all out as she watched her husband and his best friend beat the life out of one another. Vegeta wasn't smirking or saying anything cocky. He wasn't arguing over who was superior or even taunting Goku in some hopes of making him stop all this. Vegeta wasn't fighting to win.
He was fighting to save them. Vegeta was the only one powerful enough to hold Goku at bay. Serena was powerful, but her martial arts sucked compared to that of Goku and Vegeta.
"It'd be fun to let him kill you all one by one." Mirai Vegita's voice woke Serena from her observations. She held Renie close to her as she stared up at the girl that could have been her very own daughter. "But I really don't want to waste so much time." She finished, holding her hand out in an imitation of Vegeta's 'Big Bang Blast'.
"Run!" Mina's voice directed in the last few seconds before the attack destroyed the corridor. Everyone was tossed about in the explosion, which ruptured through many more halls of the already crumbling ship. Serena, still gripping Renie for dear life, was tossed into the grass with a thud. She loomed protectively over her daughter's body for a moment as she looked around.
Her eyes were blurry from the smoke, but she could still make out Rhayne's, ChibiChibi's, Mina's and Bulma's bright hair to her right, and too her left, she was pretty certain it was Gohan and Chi-Chi that Piccolo's green form was protecting.
She rubbed her eyes further as Renie groggily raised her head from the ground, eyes watery from the pain of impact.
"Yamcha!" Bulma's cry forced Serena to focus, and with aching limbs, she stood. Renie rose steadily behind her as Chi-Chi, Gohan and Piccolo ran over to join them, Gohan offering Renie a helping hand.
"I remember you." Mirai Vegita sneered as she planted a firm heal against Yamcha's back, slamming the injured man to the ground once more. "Such a weak little human; you were the first killed in my timeline." She stated, matter-of-factly.
"Well that won't be happening here." Mina stated with fisted hands. She cast a glance at Serena, looking for some sort of sign as to what to do now, but to be honest, Serena hadn't a clue. Mirai Vegita was strong in the first place, now it seemed as though her powers had been multiplied!
"Damn it Goten, pipe down!" Chibi Vegita whispered roughly, giving Goten a good look at her fangs. The Goku-look-alike didn't back down though as he glared back at her.
"Maybe you should be the one shutting your mouth Vegita." Pantsey snapped, pushing past her brother and Tammy to glare at the Saiyan Princess.
"Oh is that so? Well what if I don't?" She snarled back, fisting a hand as she took a small stance. Pantsey took one as well, opposite of Vegita, and they glared at one another, just waiting for one to make the first move.
"That's enough now!" Trouser snapped, gripping a few ebony locks of hair from each girl. "If you two keep this up we'll never get out of here!" The command was forceful, but quiet, for he knew good and well of Dende's Namekian hearing. Tammy's ears twitched a bit, which didn't go noticed to everyone else. The little tiff between Vegita and Pantsey was forgotten for a moment as they all turned to look at the alien hybrid.
"Something wrong Tammy?" Jinsei asked, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. Tammy snapped her head up, eyes darting between the floor and the Chibi Senshi.
"I have a bad feeling…" She admitted quietly. The faces of the other children fell with dismay, but agreement. Goten, face still cheery, unlike the others, placed his tiny hand comfortingly on the shoulder Jinsei's hand had once been.
"Don't worry." He said, flashing a brilliant smile, "Let's just get going before we get caught." He said. After a moment, Tammy sniffled away silent tears, and finally smiled. The children exchanged knowing glances, and they set off through Capsule Corps once more, and eventually, into the darkness of the morning.
"How are we going to find them?" Pantsey suddenly asked. Vegita huffed ahead of her, fully prepared with a witty remark, but Goten spoke before she even opened her mouth,
"They're this way!" he said, pointing as they went straight forward, "Vegita, Tammy and I can sense their life energy." He explained. Pantsey huffed with annoyance.
"Well why can't Trouser, Jinsei and I do that?" she snapped, obviously not pleased that she didn't know this little trick.
"You can." Tammy interjected with her meek little voice, "You just need to learn how!"
Another blow to the head left Vegeta seeing red. Half lidded eyes blinked away the blood trickling down from the wound over his brow. The second form of Saiyan ascension was only getting him so far. Vegeta caught Goku's ankle inches before his foot would have made contact to Vegeta's head. He gripped the navy blue boot tightly, pulling Goku in closer and with a roundhouse kick, stuck the taller Saiyan's side.
That was when it happened. Vegeta knew it would come to this eventually, but he hadn't wanted to be the first to initiate it.
Goku's threatening glare was the last thing he saw before the younger man was enveloped in a light Vegeta had only seen once prior to this. The ground below them pummeled lower into the Earth, shocking even Mirai Vegita.
All eyes were cast to Goku as the wind began to blow. The clouds began to move in his direction, and the sky darkened. Trees and smaller plants leaned closer to the man glowing with pure energy. Vegeta knowingly backed away, not wanting to be caught in the same situation he was last time. He made a large amount of distance between them, though movement had been difficult with the change in winds.
And there it was. In a blinding flash of light, Goku's scream echoed through their ears. Vegeta was quick to recover, for he knew by the time that Goku's battle cry died away, he'd be ready to wage war once again.
An energy wave shot through the air in a puff as the light diminished. Without another thought, Goku flew at Vegeta head on. Vegeta had barely rose his arms to block it in time, and it didn't take long after that for Goku to embark in an onslaught of furious kicks and punches on Vegeta's now seemingly helpless body.
"Goku…" Chi-Chi's voice trailed as she stared up at her husband with wide eyes. He was glowing, literally. His radiant blonde hair was long, and layered, with only one piece falling in front of his face.
"…the hell?" Serena slurred, and incredulous look on her face as her cobalt eyes reflected worry and disbelief.
"Is it a new Saiyan ascension?" Chibi-Chibi asked, her and her sister nearing their mother.
"If it is, it's awful!" Mina exclaimed as loud as she could, whilst her fingertips grazed her cheek bones to cup her face, "He looks awful with long hair!" She said, utterly disgusted by the style. After the initial embarrassment, everyone quickly chose to tune out Mina's rants.
Goku whirled around after a failed kicked, springing off of Vegeta's body and then brining an elbow down to strike the back of his neck. Vegeta's howled in pain, kneeling over as Goku struck him in the back once more, and he went head first into the ground.
"Vegeta" Serena cried out, releasing her death grip on her daughter and rocketing off the balls of her feet toward her husband. Mirai Vegita twirled around abruptly, and pointed a finger at the blonde beauty.
"Hold it right there." She sneered as she fired her attack. Serena didn't even see it coming, and she was enveloped in the energy as its painful shock waves surged through her body. By the time the energy's presence was gone, Serena was kneeling on the ground, gripping tightly to her shoulders, eyes squinted shut. She cursed under her breath at her weakness, or more so, Mirai Vegita's power.
It had waved Goku's attention though, and gave Vegeta the time to power up so he'd actually be able to fight. He lifted himself from the ground, hands fisted and teeth gritted as he stared into the sky.
"My turn…" He murmured, though to himself rather than anyone else. In mock position to Goku, Vegeta closed his eyes as an angered cry escaped his lips. Energy came in swirls around his body, and the ground began to shake. The Senshi screeched,
"Hit the deck!" Bulma called out, and the Senshi fell to the ground, covering their heads as the land rose to the surging power. Serena didn't move though, for this was something she wanted to see. Her eyes remained wide as the light caused the sky to darken and the ground to crack due to the force. Seconds before his scream died out, the light burst out of context, and Serena was forced to shield her eyes.
The glowing from above her lids seemed to taken forever to die out, but when she finally opened burning orbs, she realized Goku and Vegeta had already begun to fight again. Vegeta's normal ebony hair was long and layered in the same fashion as Goku, save the loose strands that feel over his eyes.
Serena didn't spend much time observing their progress, for Mirai Vegita's angered growl awoke her from her thoughts.
"Damn it, stop dilly-dallying and kill him!" She bellowed, obviously irritated in his need for a good fight.
"Kakarot-jisan! Stop that!"
"That voice…" The moment the little hybrid spoke, all heads turned to the 6 Chibi Senshi glaring daggers at Mirai Vegita. Chibi Vegita stood in front, side by side with a less-than-pleased Goten, who stared indifferently at his father.
"Dad?" The little look-alike questioned. "What are you doing?" The boy asked, eyes watering at the idea that he might be working for the bad side. Goku stared down at the children, face a stony expression, but eyes curious. Vegeta took note to this, and, unlike his first initial idea, chose not to take advantage of Goku.
"You clown! We don't have time for this!" Chibi Vegita sneered. Serena would have normally scolded her youngest daughter for, well, being so much like her father, but it seemed that Goku was listening to her!
"He's under Vegita's control." Bulma concluded. Serena's ears perked and she stared over her shoulder at the blue beauty, brain storming with answers. "That's why he only reacts to those two. Mirai Vegita must have wished to control him."
"But in turn that gave Chibi Vegita control over him too." Piccolo finished her last sentence. Bulma nodded, though didn't bother to look at him, and instead, raised her hands to yell out,
"Vegita" She cried, gaining the little warrior's attention, "Keep yelling at him!" She commanded. The little girl queered a brow, but as she stared up at her best friend's father, smirked.
"No problem." She said quietly before she began to holler again, "Kakarot! You idiot, I said that's enough!" Still, he only stared at her, so she pressed on, "I said get your ass in gear! Kick some bad guy booty!" The tiny girl screeched. Still, nothing! Chibi Vegita grew angry, and she snarled deep in her throat, though it didn't surprise her friends. "Kakarot" she threatened again.
"Kaka…rot?" Goku slurred. Vegita's yelling ceased after that, and they watched intently as Goku's eyes darted around. "I'm. I am…" He chewed on his lips, his hands rising slowly. When he noticed he was about to grip his hair, he stared at his hands, as if they weren't his own. "But they are…" he blurted then frantically ran shaking fingers through his hair and over his eyes, soon gripping his temples. Hs breathing became ragged, and his shaking form began to radiate energy. Vegeta backed away as spurts of the taller Saiyan's chi began to come too close for comfort.
"Kakarot" he questioned softly. He was almost certain Goku wouldn't have heard it, but then reconsidered that as he tossed his head back, screaming insanity.
"I am…I am!" he slurred. The same power that allowed him to power to the 3rd Saiyan ascension surrounded him again, and his clothes began to singe. It was then Serena sensed an unfamiliar energy. She turned around from her crouched position, staring with questioning eyes at the Dragonballs, which one by one were beginning to glow.
"Uh, um" she blurted out, hand waving frantically to get anyone's attention. "What are they doing?" she inquired, eyes never leaving the balls. A few of the Senshi turned to follow Serena's gaze with furrowed brows.
"Is Shenron coming?" Gohan asked, looking up at his sensei. Piccolo mused for a moment, but then shook his head. Gohan flinched a bit, weary of the results this might have, "Then what?" He asked.
"What do you mean it's not Shenron?" Chi-Chi asked, eyes blazing as she stood, hands fisted and muscles tensed, "Who else could it be?" The ravenous woman demanded. Piccolo sneered at her temper, but chose to ignore her once all seven balls were glowing, and joining together.
"Um, you guys…" Yamcha said wearily, noting the smoke admitting from the balls, "I think they're gonna blow!" He announced. As if on cue, intense energy began to radiate from the balls. Serena leapt to her feet with wide eyes, and made a dash for the children. Her wings dispersed from her back as she neared them, and taking holding of Tammy and Goten, she forced the Chibi Senshi close to her as her wings protected them.
The other Senshi fell to the ground, and the balls were surrounded by the same light that surrounded Goku. The Earth shook and the vibrations of the explosion ricocheted through the air. The balls had still been in the ship during the explosion, causing pieces of debris to fly in all directions. Blood ran down Serena's backside from letting her wings out so abruptly, but she paid no mind, casting a somewhat pathetic barrier to protect herself and the children.
Vegeta remained in the air, from shock or interest wasn't certain. Goku had stopped the stuttering and screaming awhile ago, but it was just now that the light was dimming, revealing Goku back in his normal state. Vegeta rushed forward as Goku began to fall mid-air, grasping the taller Saiyan by the waist and shoulder. His reaction timing was either really off, or he was horribly distracted, because a piece of the ship's haul came soaring at them, striking him square in the back. In the instants that the contact was made, a light ran over Vegeta's body, and he lost his Super Saiyan 3 form.
Goku and Vegeta went face first into the ground, though Vegeta loomed over the weaker Saiyan's body in some attempt to protect him. As the winds began to die, he lifted his head, hand rubbing his sore neck, only to find a rather large gash gushing with blood. He cringed the moment his fingertips brushed it, and immediately withdrew his hand, still attempting to stand.
"What the hell happened?" He hollered out, turning to glare daggers at his fellow Senshi. Those that bothered to listen gave him helpless looks. Not far away from him, Serena stood, though still gripping Goten and Tammy, the two who'd been unfortunate enough to be closest to her at the time.
"Miss Serena?" Tammy squeaked, long nails preparing to dig into the woman's arms if she didn't let go soon. Serena released the breath she'd been holding and well as her hold on Goten and Tammy.
"Sorry…" She whispered, ever-so-low. "Are you kids okay?" She asked, reaching out to check each and everyone of them for any bruises, scars or ever fevers.
"We're fine mom." Chibi Vegita drug out the sentence with an annoyed tone, though Serena paid no mind.
"Goku!" Chi-Chi's cry reached Serena's ears, and she turned to see the hell's angel making a mad dash for her husband.
"Careful woman, you're going to strangle him!" Vegeta growled, prying her loose from him only to receive a hateful remark. Serena tuned out their argument, noting that Goku had come to, and was laughing softly at Vegeta and Chi-Chi.
"Dad!" Gohan exclaimed, grinning as her let his father put his weight on him as he attempted to sit up, quiet successfully.
"Sorry about all that Gohan," He managed through a dry, hoarse throat, "Don't know what I was thinking."
"You weren't thinking, you moron." Chibi Vegita snapped, though a soft smirk played over her lips. Vegeta grinned proudly at his daughter, but Serena sweat-dropped, and the nudged her daughter a bit,
"Stop that squirt." She teased. Vegita pouted.
Above them, stripped of the powers granted by the Eternal Dragon, Mirai Vegita hurriedly moved to make a get-away, only to be encircled in a chain of hearts.
"And where are you going?" The goddess of love and beauty asked, brows raised. Bulma stood besides her, pulling out her arrow, and firing. Mirai Vegita wailed once the arrow hit her, struggling free of Mina's chain only to fall with a thud on the ground. She rose to her feet, seemingly undamaged.
"Hey Serena!" Mina called out, though not bothering to looking back at her friend, "Why don't you lend us a hand here?" Serena grinned at her friend as everyone took it upon themselves to aide as well. Mirai Vegita snickered as they surrounded her.
Colors erupted, filling the slightly pink tinted sky. A series of cries filled the air, and though most of the spells were summoned at the same time, Mirai Vegita somehow distinguished every one. The first few… "Melodie Ange…Wolf Fang Fist…Belle Stelle…Special Beam Canon…" followed by the round of the three moon sisters, "Pink Sugar Heart Attack…Rouge Hope…Lavender Lust Illusion…" Mirai Vegita closed her eyes, listening to the voices around her, and the enchantment of the spells. Two Camehamaha's being called by the Son men, followed by a Demonio Chama. Finally, the voices of her mother and father "Big Bang Blast…Moon Crystal Power."
Mirai Vegita could have dodged; she might have even made it in fact. But she didn't try. The energy engulfed her entirely, piercing against her body. The Senshi stood strong as she fought it, each and everyone holding their own.
'Damn it,' Vegeta cursed to himself, extending his other hand out in hopes of putting more power into his attack, but it didn't seem to help at all. 'Serena…' His mind inadvertently called out.
'Well if you'd open your eyes…' Vegeta's brows cringed and then rose, and slowly, he peered one eye open, then eventually the other as well. Vegeta dropped his stance, realizing he wasn't casting his attack, then observed his surroundings questioning until his eyes fell on his amused wife.
'Glad to see you find this funny' He thought. She giggled at the statement.
That was when something dawned on him. He couldn't actually feel anything physically. And it seemed that any voice he heard, Serena or his own, were in his head.
'Took you long enough' Serena mocked. Vegeta huffed at her.
'So what is going on exactly-' He cut himself off though, as an image of Mirai Vegita appeared beside Serena. Vegeta immediately growled, pulling Serena into his protecting arms as he prepared for battle.
'And what am I going to do to you? The only thing preserving my in the Silver Crystal' Mirai Vegita stated mockingly, raising her brow at the man. Vegeta sneered at her, though weather it was from her statement or that she looked so much like him with that simple gesture, they weren't sure.
'Evil or not your still of my kin' Serena said, first attempting to reach out to the girl, though Vegeta's iron grip didn't let her go far. She sighed at her husband, but let him win, and turned to Vegita again, 'Why is it you called us here?'
Mirai Vegita's stony features made a shrill shiver run down Serena's spine. She looked so much like her father…
'I'm not evil…' Vegita managed, and dark eyes once cast to the floor gazed up at them, 'I just wanted to say…'
Vegeta and Serena watched with wide eyes as the woman before them began to change. Those sharp dark eyes turned to an open blue, wide with sorrow and regret. The vile and deceptive woman, was no longer a woman. Clear tears fell down youthful cheeks, and though she looked exactly like Chibi Vegita, those sorrowful eyes would forever be the difference between them. 'I just wanted to say I'm I love you…'
Serena and Vegeta remained speechless for a moment, unconsciously clinging to one another. They exchanged questioning glances, until Serena finally asked what was now prying at her, 'Vegita, were you ever being controlled by Endymion or Freeza?' She asked, so obviously reluctantly. Vegita shook her head,
'No, I wasn't. I acted on my own free will,' she stated, and her voice lowered, 'I killed because I chose to.' The words made Serena shiver. Vegeta wrapped once battle-ready arms around his wife in some sort of comfort. 'I can't explain it really-'
'You don't have to' Vegeta cut her short, his sturdy voice cold, but for Vegita, his words were a comfort, 'I understand' he opened his mouth to say more, but found that he couldn't. What else could he say that would really mean anything? Vegita seemed to be more than pleased though, and with a sad smile, similar to her mothers, which was strange on her face, nodded.
"Jupiter Oak Evolution…" Serena and Vegeta's ears perked at the voice, and they looked around frantically. 'Was that Lita?' Serena asked. Vegita shook her head, as two 'Wolf Fang Fists' were heard, both male and female.
'Tammy has adopted her mother's powers. And it seems the Briefs children have taken to their fathers…' Vegeta listened intently again as Jinsei called out a 'Venus Crescent Beam Smash' and Goten used the famous 'Camehameha'. Serena and Vegeta looked to Vegita with questioning eyes.
'You have all the power you need.' She said, and the small girl's body began to become translucent.
"Big Bang Blast…" Chibi Vegita's voice cried out. What seemed like white walls around them began to glow almost blindingly.
'Wait, what's happening?' Serena cried out, hand reaching out for Mirai Vegita. But she only smiled,
'We will all…be reunited in heaven…'
White
All Vegeta saw was white. He clamped his eyes shut, holding a death grip on Serena. He'd be damned if he'd loose her in whatever this was. But as the bright light behind his lids faded, he dared himself to open his eyes.
And he did just in time. He withdrew extended arms as his attack released, and Serena recalled the Silver Crystal, collapsing against him from exhaustion. Around them, Goku, Chi-Chi and the others did the same as the light before them enveloped Mirai Vegita, and after a bright flash a white, the diminished light revealed no signs of her.
She was dead
Their friends breathed sighs of relief, as they rejoiced quietly. Serena chanced a glance at Vegeta only to rip it away at the sounds of her tired daughter's moan. Serena fell to her knees, catching Vegita as she fell limp in her mother's arms. Serena smiled,
"You were so brave sweetie." She said with a smile. Cuddling against her mother, Vegita smirked.
"Hi mummy, hi daddy." She said. Vegeta knelt down beside them, one hand rested on Serena's shoulder, the other allowing his daughter to grasp.
"Not too bad." He said, flashing his own trademark smirk. Vegita would have argued, insisting she deserved more than that, hadn't she been so tired.
Around them, the Earth's Senshi collected; Jinsei safe in his mother's arms as she collapsed next to Serena. Piccolo served as Mina's rest as he held Tammy, who curled up, already half asleep. Bulma and Yamcha fell to the ground as well, huddled together with their children. Serena peered over her shoulder to smile at the blue haired genius right behind her.
Rhayne and ChibiChibi wasted no time coming to their mother's side, though Rhayne quickly found contentment in using her sister as a pillow. Gohan and Renie stood hand-in-hand behind Vegeta, Renie laughing at her little sister, and Gohan offering Vegeta the trademark Son smile as Goku plopped down at Vegeta's side, Goten cradled against him and Chi-Chi leaning against her husband.
"Back to normal then are you Kakarot?" Vegeta asked, though it was more or a statement than a real question. Goku grinned, tipping his head a bit, for his arms were too preoccupied to put one behind his head.
"Guess so…" He laughed.
"Mummy?" Vegita questioned lightly, "will you sing me my lullaby?" she asked. Serena sighed softly, eyes casting up to the rising sun for a moment, and she smiled. The rays of the sun's reflection covered the brightening sky, and the sun rose quickly to greet the victorious heroes. Serena inhaled softly.
Far away, long ago
Wand'ring lost; so alone
Passing eyes, parting sighs
Some pains come th'ru,
Where time flows, no one knows
Pulsing dreams, barely seen,
In the skies, thoughts of love...Go by.
Ahh...so wide the moon's reach
Gath'ring us up, over an' over
Ahh...Deep within our dreams
All on their own, some smiles win free
Searching for voices, chasing echos of long ago days
Spreading clear wings of things not yet seen our nights become flight
In our dreams...we'll come 'round, And we'll know...what we've found
Lost no more, let our hearts agree,
Ahh...bright as our new day
Gentle and sweet songs of an old sea
Ahh...as they fade away
Let go the waves, of moment's mem'ry.
End
WHEW…FINALLY…they won…all happiness…
Don't think it's over yet though. Once more chapter left. This will be the closing chapter, though it's not going to be the whole 'Saga' thing. It's my Epilogue
It promises to be moving :-P
Also, I'm going to have my thanks and closing credits, plus a few extra goodies
So hold in the for a final short closing
Much love! R&R!