Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Princess of the Saiyans ❯ Dangerous Dreams ( Chapter 4 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Nate Grey 
A sinister plot emerges...and so do Pan's new powers.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.14.2001 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 661 | Status: Completed
A sinister plot emerges...and so do Pan's new powers.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.14.2001 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 661 | Status: Completed
Princess of the Saiyans
Chapter 4: Dangerous Dreams
Note: Please keep in mind that this isn't in normal continuity. It turns into a bit of a romance here (no, NOT between Vegeta & Pan, that's just weird). Also, the final (and shortest) scene of this chapter occurs in Vegeta's mind. The next chapter will explain it further.
<...> are thoughts.
Though Gohan's eyes were on the air space in front of him, every now and then they would flicker over to the passenger's seat, where Pan was gazing at the scenery. She'd hit a major growth spurt in the last few years, and it was hard to call her his little girl anymore. She was a young woman now, and a very beautiful one, at that. And it wasn't just a father's love talking, either. Any boy with red blood in his veins would notice her.
<Especially Trunks,> he reminded himself with a slight smile. The two had had a friendly rivalry going since childhood. Since fighting came so naturally to Trunks, Pan worked even harder to improve, as it was Vegeta's wish that she match his son in power. However, Trunks wasn't looking forward to that day, and kept improving so that Pan would have to work harder. Gohan suspected if Pan ever did best Trunks, he'd be forced to go out with her...at least, that was how Goten had explained it to him.
Pan suddenly looked over at him. "What are you thinking about, Dad?"
Gohan shook his head. "Nothing, dear. Just wondering what your mother's cooking for dinner."
Pan smirked. "You're getting more like Grampa every day."
Gohan threw her a lopsided grin. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I am."
Pan leaned forward, then smiled. "We've got a guest." She reached up to adjust her orange headwrap.
Gohan leaned forward as well, squinting. His eyesight wasn't what it used to be, but he could still make out the long, violet hair and the green Capsule Corp. jacket the visitor on their front porch wore.
Trunks looked up as the hovercar landed, and slowly stood up.
Pan hopped out of the car and quickly walked up to her oldest friend. "Hey, Trunks! What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Pan." Trunks' greeting lacked his usual enthusiasm...especially when it was directed at Pan. "I've got some...bad news."
Pan's face turned serious as Gohan came to stand behind her. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Trunks sighed and lowered his head. "Goten thought I should be the one to tell you, but that doesn't make this any easier." He sighed. "It's my father. He's...sick."
Pan blinked, understandably worried. The last time a Saiyan had gotten sick, it was Goku and his devastating heart disease. It was a known fact that if an illness could affect a Saiyan, it was serious business.
Trunks continued before she could ask. "It's pretty bad. They think...it's his heart."
"No..." Pan whispered, her eyes widening. She turned to Gohan. "Dad, I have-"
Gohan pressed a finger to her lips. "Go," he said simply.
She nodded her thanks, then turned back to Trunks. "Where is he?"
"Hang on," Trunks said, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pressed two fingers to his forehead, and in an instant, they were gone.
Gohan frowned and went into the house to wait for Videl. Vegeta's appetite wasn't that different from Goku's, so it was possible that they could both catch the same disease. However, there was no medicine from the future this time. Gohan had never really been fond of the man, but he was important to Pan, and so he was important to Gohan. Aside from that, Goku had actually LIKED Vegeta. It was impossible to hate anyone Goku liked, for some reason.
* * * * *
"Genius," Cell said, nodding. "Pure genius, Dr. Gero. And here I thought your best work was myself, but this...is just...extraordinary!"
"I agree," Dr. Willow added. "A machine that manifests as a heart disease, when all it really attacks is the mind."
"There's more," Dr. Gero replied. "Any heart medicine they gave a Saiyan would have to be incredibly strong to do anything. But since there's nothing wrong with Vegeta's heart, it's likely to kill him slowly."
"Which makes our job easier," Frieza pointed out. "Excellent."
"Now," Dr. Gero said, "all Vegeta has to do is fall asleep, and then he's ours. It's too bad we can only use it on one person at a time, or they'd all be ours within the day."
"I wouldn't worry about that," Cell replied with a grim smile. "In fact, I'd say the mighty Vegeta will be dead by nightfall."
* * * * *
"Father?" Trunks asked quietly. "You have a guest."
Vegeta didn't open his eyes. Instead, he felt for a ki, and found a familiar one. Strong, but not as strong as himself. Most likely Trunks. He was shocked when a gentle hand came to rest on his forehead.
"Sensei?" a voice whispered.
Vegeta pried his eyes open. Yes, it was Pan. <But how could I mistake her for my son? Could she be that strong?> Beyond her, he could see Trunks, looking grim but otherwise fine. He compared their ki, and found it wasn't that different at all. Almost as if they were two parts of a greater whole...but that was impossible.
"How do you feel?" Pan asked.
"Like Frieza's killing me again," Vegeta muttered. "Just slowly this time."
Trunks frowned at the name, but remained silent.
"Don't you dare die on me, Sensei," Pan hissed, her usual smile fading quickly.
Vegeta's eyes flickered over to Trunks. "Leave us."
Trunks hesitated for a second, then nodded and left the room.
Vegeta settled his gaze on Pan's face. "So you think I'm going to die, do you?"
"No, you're not. I won't LET you."
He chuckled softly, the irony becoming clear to him. "I spend my entire life fighting, only to waste away on my back...without honor." His eyes closed.
Pan gripped his hand. "That's not true. You've always had honor, Sensei." She paused and lowered her voice. "Besides, you have my honor now...and then some."
Vegeta's eyes snapped open as he felt the energy pouring in through his palms. He began to force it back, but his own body betrayed him, absorbing the needed strength.
"Just take it. Please." Pan squeezed his hand. "I know you think you don't need it-"
"I don't," he growled. "I've never needed pity."
Pan's eyes narrowed. "It's not pity, Sensei. It's love, my gift to you. You're like a second father to me, and I won't let you die if I can help it."
Vegeta grunted and settled down. "Fine. But don't do it again."
"Of course not." Pan gave his hand another affectionate squeeze, then silently left the room.
* * * * *
"Why won't he SLEEP already?!" Dr. Willow moaned in frustration.
Cell didn't look at the older man. "He's a Saiyan. Strong to the last and all that pleasant stuff. We'll have to wait some."
"I can wait," Frieza said. "As long as we get them in the end, I could wait another eternity."
"It shouldn't take THAT long," Dr. Gero added. "By my readings, fatigue is just starting to settle in to the point where he can't fight it. They'll make him sleep, sooner or later."
* * * * *
Pan hovered high above the Capsule Corporation, a frown on her face. She sighed and hugged herself as an unexpected breeze came in. It'd been almost six hours now, and there was no change in Vegeta's condition, save that it was slowly getting worse.
"You can't die, Sensei," she whispered absently. "I won't let you."
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and three moves that could snap them both instantly flashed in Pan's mind. But before she could execute any of them, she sensed the familiar ki and relaxed. "Trunks."
"You okay?" he asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Pan leaned back against his chest, slightly surprised by how muscular it was. "I guess so. Any change?"
"Only bad ones." Trunks sighed heavily. "I know this might sound weird, but I'm in a state of disbelief over this. I mean, Father's one of the strongest people I know. It's hard for me to accept that he could die like this."
"I feel the same way. I always thought he was invincible...but then, I never saw him fight Cell."
"Depends on which Cell you mean. Fighting Imperfect Cell, Father tossed him around like a rag doll. Perfect Cell...well...only Gohan stood a chance against his true power. Or so I've heard from Gohan."
"Trunks," Pan said slowly. "What if he dies?"
"He won't," he replied sharply, then sighed. "Sorry."
"We can't keep pretending he's invincible. What if he DOES die? How will we get through this?"
Trunks pulled her closer and pressed his cheek against hers. "Together, Pan. Together."
* * * * *
Vegeta scowled as best he could. The heart medicine left a nasty aftertaste, not to mention the horrible way it actually tasted going down. Bulma had asked-no, pleaded-for him to sleep and get some rest. He didn't like her worrying about him, as it implied he was in a situation he couldn't control. And, of course, he was.
So Vegeta finally decided to sleep...but only for her sake. His eyes closed, and his breathing slowed. And, as soon as he was asleep, the black vortex opened directly above his head, and the living nightmare began.
* * * * *
"YES!" Dr. Gero shrieked. "It's time! He's asleep!"
He was shoved aside as Frieza and Dr. Willow charged past him. Fortunately, Cell grabbed the doctor's arm as he flew into the vortex.
"They're eager, Dr. Gero," he said simply, by way of apology. "We all are."
Dr. Gero was glad to see that at least one of his creations still respected his genius. Not like the murderous duo that had betrayed and killed him. Cell was actually loyal, to a certain extent. And when it came time to destroy Vegeta, he would delight in seeing Cell do it.
After all, Frieza wasn't as strong as Cell, and Dr. Willow depended solely on the strange gun he'd been carrying. Neither of them could possibly defeat Cell.
The doctor forced the thoughts from his head as they caught up with Frieza and Willow. "Look for the psychic avatar!" he shouted. "It's the target we must destroy! It will look just like him!"
"The body cannot live without the mind," Dr. Willow summarized.
Frieza smirked. "Although it's fitting that Vegeta couldn't live without his ego." He suddenly frowned and spat. "Damn monkeys."
Cell pulled his creator closer. "Tell me, doctor," he whispered. "Have you an accurate reading on Vegeta's power level? How do they measure up?"
Dr. Gero frowned. "Yes. Willow doesn't stand a chance in that mechanical suit, and his gun would barely annoy a Super Saiyan. Frieza is strong, but Vegeta could destroy him with a few blasts."
Cell's eyes narrowed with anticipation. "Then I must make the first strike..."
"...or these fools will be destroyed before we can corner him," Dr. Gero finished. "I think a Kamehameha Wave would confuse and damage Vegeta enough to allow us to get the drop on him."
"Yes," Cell agreed with a nod. "He'll think his old friend Goku is back...and then get a blast to the face that he's never been able to forget. It's perfect...like me."
* * * * *
Pan stared into the darkness, silently trying to convince herself that she was strong. Strong enough to match Trunks, strong enough to make Vegeta proud, and strong enough to be a member of the Son family.
"You ready?" Trunks asked suddenly.
She jumped, having forgotten that he was there. "I think so."
Trunks shook his head. "Don't think. Either you're ready, or you're not."
"I'm ready," she answered after a moment's hesitation.
"Good." He stood up and walked over to her. "Clear your mind of everything, and listen only to the sound of my voice. Picture what I describe, and only that."
Pan nodded.
"Oh, and close your eyes," he said from behind her.
Pan closed her eyes. "Ready."
"First, I need you to picture the person you love most. Don't tell me who it is, just picture them."
Pan thought for a long moment. Who did she love the most? Vegeta? No, but awfully close. Trunks? Not exactly, but still closer. Her mother and father? Not quite, but even closer.
The face suddenly appeared in her mind: the golden hair, the emerald eyes, and the ever-present smile that was his calling card.
A memory suddenly sprang into her head, vivid and clear.
"Pan, there's someone here to see you," her father said, picking her up.
She could feel herself being moved and given to someone else. The hands were strong, like her father's, but careful to be gentle with her. Still, they were unfamiliar, and she wriggled and reached for Gohan, starting to fuss.
"Hey, hey!" a voice gently protested. "Don't I even get a glance?"
Pan slowly turned her head to see the man smiling down at her.
"Hi, Pan!" he said quietly, cupping her little face with his big hand. "I'm your Grampa Goku! Can you say 'Grampa' for me?"
Pan's little hands gripped one of his large fingers, and she smiled. "Gwampa!"
Somewhere behind her, Videl gasped. "Gohan! She talked! Pan talked! GET THE CAMCORDER!!!"
"Good girl!" Goku tickled her chin with a finger.
Pan giggled and began to chant. "Gwampa! Gwampa! Gwampa!"
"I've got it!" Gohan cried. "Wait! HOW DO YOU TURN THIS THING ON?!"
"GIVE IT TO ME!" Videl shouted, pushing him away.
Goku held Pan up and lifted her shirt, blowing a raspberry on her tummy.
Pan squealed happily and kicked her legs.
"It's on!" Videl pointed the video camera at them. "Goku, make her say something else!"
"Something else? Um...like what?"
"ANYTHING!" Videl cried in exasperation.
Goku looked down at his granddaughter. "Well, what do you want to say, Pan?"
Pan looked at the camera, then scrunched up her little face with great effort. "Doo-doo," she said quietly.
There was complete silence for a long moment before Gohan had the good sense to find a clean diaper.
Trunks' voice suddenly broke into her thoughts. "Now imagine that person being taken away from you."
In the memory, Goku's face suddenly twisted in pain as something white burst from his chest. It was a hand, and it was holding his heart in its iron grip. Goku made a gagging sound as blood pooled up in his throat.
The hand slowly withdrew, and Pan could know see that it belonged to a green monster standing behind Goku. The monster smiled cruelly at her, just before it crushed Goku's heart.
The thought that anyone would murder someone like her grandfather in cold blood forced rational thought from Pan's mind, and replaced it with white-hot rage.
The monster continued to grin at her. "Sorry, Pan," he said, "but you're next."
Love for her grandfather, anger at his death, and a sudden refusal to be next combined into one enormous wail of bloodlust. It cried out for vengeance, destruction, and utter chaos.
Pan's power level skyrocketed as her ki surrounded her in an orange, flamelike ball. The earth cracked and split beneath her feet, large pieces of it flying up and breaking apart in the wake of her power.
"Now let go," Trunks' voice ordered. "Let it all go, Pan. Don't hold back because you're afraid. Let go because you're angry...NOW!"
The monster's face returned. "You're next," he repeated, reaching for her. His fingers still dripped with Goku's blood. "Now be a good girl and die quickly for Uncle Cell. He still has to kill your parents, you know."
Her power lashed out like a flaming talon, ripping through the monster's face. There was fire all around now, and heat from it both harmed and healed her at once. And from out of the flames, something rose. Something huge, strong, and merciless. Something she needed to be, wanted to be, WOULD be...if she could just last a little longer.
Her ki soared like a bird, flying higher and higher, racing toward her peak...and then it crashed.
The power left her in the space it took her to gasp, and she fell, suddenly realizing that she'd been floating.
Trunks was instantly there, catching her in his powerful arms. He sat and lowered her into his lap. "Pan?" he whispered. "Can you hear me?"
Her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped, either from shock or envy. Trunks had turned into a Super Saiyan, and she...hadn't.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his green eyes staring down at her face, concerned.
"You don't have to rub it in," she muttered, turning away from him.
He frowned and turned her face back to him. "I'm not. This is YOUR fault."
"What are you talking about?"
"Pan, look around you."
She looked...and froze.
The ground around them was scorched pure black, some of it still burning here and there.
"Pan, I've seen people go Super Saiyan before: Goku, my father, your father, Goten, and I have to tell you something. I've seen the ground crack, I've seen the sky turn black, and I've even seen whole mountains destroyed by the transformation. But I have never seen...this," he said, gesturing at the damage.
"Well...how did it look?" she asked. "Did you see any golden hair?"
He nodded. "For about five seconds, yes. And then...the flames came."
"But isn't that normal?" she asked.
"No," he replied, his gaze hardening. "Pan, normal is ki that looks, feels, and burns like flames in every way that truly matters. Normal is NOT actual fire that burns everything it touches. Pan, YOU were on fire, and it wasn't just that. You WERE the fire. Whatever you were turning into, it was no Super Saiyan I've ever seen."
He paused, then sighed. "As for me transforming...if I hadn't, I would have been seriously burned. I wasn't trying to upset you, I was trying to protect myself from you."
Pan blushed. "Oh." Then a cool breeze came through, and she realized with a start that most of her clothing had been burned away. "OH!"
Trunks noticed, too, because he turned bright red and closed his eyes. He felt her weight quickly leave him, and stood up, taking off his jacket and holding it out. It was pulled roughly from him, and after a few seconds, he heard a mumbled, "Thanks."
Trunks slowly opened his eyes. "That was...different."
"Shut up!" she cried, her cheeks glowing red.
"I didn't MEAN to look, Pan. You just...startled me when you looked, and I wanted to know what was so...startling..."
"And was it?!" she asked heatedly.
"Was it what?" he asked, confused.
She smirked at him. "Startling."
He turned red again and looked away. Then he turned back to her and smiled wolfishly. "It was all a blur. Further research is required. Can I see it again?"
"TRUNKS!" she shouted, feeling even more exposed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" he laughed. "I couldn't help it!"
She glared at him. "Just take me home, you pervert!"
"Hey, YOU burned off all your clothes, you exhibitionist!"
Pan blushed again. "Just do it! I can't fly right now!"
"Okay, okay." He started towards her, then stopped. "Uh...how should I carry you? If I do it like before, the jacket might ride up and...well...heh."
Pan glared at him. "Just stand there, you jerk." She walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Go."
Wordlessly, Trunks wrapped his arms around her waist and took off. A few minutes into the flight, he looked down at her. "Pan?"
"What?" she asked.
"I'm sorry."
She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. "I know, Trunks."
"Forgive me?"
"Yeah," she muttered.
A few minutes more passed, and he could no longer contain himself. "So...can I see it?"
"Shut UP!" she shouted through his laughter.
* * * * *
The psychic avatar turned as it felt two familiar kis racing toward it. Cell, Frieza, and Dr. Gero stepped from the shadows, all with angry looks in their eyes. They were followed by, for lack of a better description, a brain in a metal suit. But as traditional of its owner, the avatar smirked, stepped forward, and blazed into Super Saiyan. Then it grinned and said, "Let's go."
Continued in Chapter 5: The Brightest Star
Chapter 4: Dangerous Dreams
Note: Please keep in mind that this isn't in normal continuity. It turns into a bit of a romance here (no, NOT between Vegeta & Pan, that's just weird). Also, the final (and shortest) scene of this chapter occurs in Vegeta's mind. The next chapter will explain it further.
<...> are thoughts.
Though Gohan's eyes were on the air space in front of him, every now and then they would flicker over to the passenger's seat, where Pan was gazing at the scenery. She'd hit a major growth spurt in the last few years, and it was hard to call her his little girl anymore. She was a young woman now, and a very beautiful one, at that. And it wasn't just a father's love talking, either. Any boy with red blood in his veins would notice her.
<Especially Trunks,> he reminded himself with a slight smile. The two had had a friendly rivalry going since childhood. Since fighting came so naturally to Trunks, Pan worked even harder to improve, as it was Vegeta's wish that she match his son in power. However, Trunks wasn't looking forward to that day, and kept improving so that Pan would have to work harder. Gohan suspected if Pan ever did best Trunks, he'd be forced to go out with her...at least, that was how Goten had explained it to him.
Pan suddenly looked over at him. "What are you thinking about, Dad?"
Gohan shook his head. "Nothing, dear. Just wondering what your mother's cooking for dinner."
Pan smirked. "You're getting more like Grampa every day."
Gohan threw her a lopsided grin. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I am."
Pan leaned forward, then smiled. "We've got a guest." She reached up to adjust her orange headwrap.
Gohan leaned forward as well, squinting. His eyesight wasn't what it used to be, but he could still make out the long, violet hair and the green Capsule Corp. jacket the visitor on their front porch wore.
Trunks looked up as the hovercar landed, and slowly stood up.
Pan hopped out of the car and quickly walked up to her oldest friend. "Hey, Trunks! What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Pan." Trunks' greeting lacked his usual enthusiasm...especially when it was directed at Pan. "I've got some...bad news."
Pan's face turned serious as Gohan came to stand behind her. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Trunks sighed and lowered his head. "Goten thought I should be the one to tell you, but that doesn't make this any easier." He sighed. "It's my father. He's...sick."
Pan blinked, understandably worried. The last time a Saiyan had gotten sick, it was Goku and his devastating heart disease. It was a known fact that if an illness could affect a Saiyan, it was serious business.
Trunks continued before she could ask. "It's pretty bad. They think...it's his heart."
"No..." Pan whispered, her eyes widening. She turned to Gohan. "Dad, I have-"
Gohan pressed a finger to her lips. "Go," he said simply.
She nodded her thanks, then turned back to Trunks. "Where is he?"
"Hang on," Trunks said, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pressed two fingers to his forehead, and in an instant, they were gone.
Gohan frowned and went into the house to wait for Videl. Vegeta's appetite wasn't that different from Goku's, so it was possible that they could both catch the same disease. However, there was no medicine from the future this time. Gohan had never really been fond of the man, but he was important to Pan, and so he was important to Gohan. Aside from that, Goku had actually LIKED Vegeta. It was impossible to hate anyone Goku liked, for some reason.
* * * * *
"Genius," Cell said, nodding. "Pure genius, Dr. Gero. And here I thought your best work was myself, but this...is just...extraordinary!"
"I agree," Dr. Willow added. "A machine that manifests as a heart disease, when all it really attacks is the mind."
"There's more," Dr. Gero replied. "Any heart medicine they gave a Saiyan would have to be incredibly strong to do anything. But since there's nothing wrong with Vegeta's heart, it's likely to kill him slowly."
"Which makes our job easier," Frieza pointed out. "Excellent."
"Now," Dr. Gero said, "all Vegeta has to do is fall asleep, and then he's ours. It's too bad we can only use it on one person at a time, or they'd all be ours within the day."
"I wouldn't worry about that," Cell replied with a grim smile. "In fact, I'd say the mighty Vegeta will be dead by nightfall."
* * * * *
"Father?" Trunks asked quietly. "You have a guest."
Vegeta didn't open his eyes. Instead, he felt for a ki, and found a familiar one. Strong, but not as strong as himself. Most likely Trunks. He was shocked when a gentle hand came to rest on his forehead.
"Sensei?" a voice whispered.
Vegeta pried his eyes open. Yes, it was Pan. <But how could I mistake her for my son? Could she be that strong?> Beyond her, he could see Trunks, looking grim but otherwise fine. He compared their ki, and found it wasn't that different at all. Almost as if they were two parts of a greater whole...but that was impossible.
"How do you feel?" Pan asked.
"Like Frieza's killing me again," Vegeta muttered. "Just slowly this time."
Trunks frowned at the name, but remained silent.
"Don't you dare die on me, Sensei," Pan hissed, her usual smile fading quickly.
Vegeta's eyes flickered over to Trunks. "Leave us."
Trunks hesitated for a second, then nodded and left the room.
Vegeta settled his gaze on Pan's face. "So you think I'm going to die, do you?"
"No, you're not. I won't LET you."
He chuckled softly, the irony becoming clear to him. "I spend my entire life fighting, only to waste away on my back...without honor." His eyes closed.
Pan gripped his hand. "That's not true. You've always had honor, Sensei." She paused and lowered her voice. "Besides, you have my honor now...and then some."
Vegeta's eyes snapped open as he felt the energy pouring in through his palms. He began to force it back, but his own body betrayed him, absorbing the needed strength.
"Just take it. Please." Pan squeezed his hand. "I know you think you don't need it-"
"I don't," he growled. "I've never needed pity."
Pan's eyes narrowed. "It's not pity, Sensei. It's love, my gift to you. You're like a second father to me, and I won't let you die if I can help it."
Vegeta grunted and settled down. "Fine. But don't do it again."
"Of course not." Pan gave his hand another affectionate squeeze, then silently left the room.
* * * * *
"Why won't he SLEEP already?!" Dr. Willow moaned in frustration.
Cell didn't look at the older man. "He's a Saiyan. Strong to the last and all that pleasant stuff. We'll have to wait some."
"I can wait," Frieza said. "As long as we get them in the end, I could wait another eternity."
"It shouldn't take THAT long," Dr. Gero added. "By my readings, fatigue is just starting to settle in to the point where he can't fight it. They'll make him sleep, sooner or later."
* * * * *
Pan hovered high above the Capsule Corporation, a frown on her face. She sighed and hugged herself as an unexpected breeze came in. It'd been almost six hours now, and there was no change in Vegeta's condition, save that it was slowly getting worse.
"You can't die, Sensei," she whispered absently. "I won't let you."
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and three moves that could snap them both instantly flashed in Pan's mind. But before she could execute any of them, she sensed the familiar ki and relaxed. "Trunks."
"You okay?" he asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Pan leaned back against his chest, slightly surprised by how muscular it was. "I guess so. Any change?"
"Only bad ones." Trunks sighed heavily. "I know this might sound weird, but I'm in a state of disbelief over this. I mean, Father's one of the strongest people I know. It's hard for me to accept that he could die like this."
"I feel the same way. I always thought he was invincible...but then, I never saw him fight Cell."
"Depends on which Cell you mean. Fighting Imperfect Cell, Father tossed him around like a rag doll. Perfect Cell...well...only Gohan stood a chance against his true power. Or so I've heard from Gohan."
"Trunks," Pan said slowly. "What if he dies?"
"He won't," he replied sharply, then sighed. "Sorry."
"We can't keep pretending he's invincible. What if he DOES die? How will we get through this?"
Trunks pulled her closer and pressed his cheek against hers. "Together, Pan. Together."
* * * * *
Vegeta scowled as best he could. The heart medicine left a nasty aftertaste, not to mention the horrible way it actually tasted going down. Bulma had asked-no, pleaded-for him to sleep and get some rest. He didn't like her worrying about him, as it implied he was in a situation he couldn't control. And, of course, he was.
So Vegeta finally decided to sleep...but only for her sake. His eyes closed, and his breathing slowed. And, as soon as he was asleep, the black vortex opened directly above his head, and the living nightmare began.
* * * * *
"YES!" Dr. Gero shrieked. "It's time! He's asleep!"
He was shoved aside as Frieza and Dr. Willow charged past him. Fortunately, Cell grabbed the doctor's arm as he flew into the vortex.
"They're eager, Dr. Gero," he said simply, by way of apology. "We all are."
Dr. Gero was glad to see that at least one of his creations still respected his genius. Not like the murderous duo that had betrayed and killed him. Cell was actually loyal, to a certain extent. And when it came time to destroy Vegeta, he would delight in seeing Cell do it.
After all, Frieza wasn't as strong as Cell, and Dr. Willow depended solely on the strange gun he'd been carrying. Neither of them could possibly defeat Cell.
The doctor forced the thoughts from his head as they caught up with Frieza and Willow. "Look for the psychic avatar!" he shouted. "It's the target we must destroy! It will look just like him!"
"The body cannot live without the mind," Dr. Willow summarized.
Frieza smirked. "Although it's fitting that Vegeta couldn't live without his ego." He suddenly frowned and spat. "Damn monkeys."
Cell pulled his creator closer. "Tell me, doctor," he whispered. "Have you an accurate reading on Vegeta's power level? How do they measure up?"
Dr. Gero frowned. "Yes. Willow doesn't stand a chance in that mechanical suit, and his gun would barely annoy a Super Saiyan. Frieza is strong, but Vegeta could destroy him with a few blasts."
Cell's eyes narrowed with anticipation. "Then I must make the first strike..."
"...or these fools will be destroyed before we can corner him," Dr. Gero finished. "I think a Kamehameha Wave would confuse and damage Vegeta enough to allow us to get the drop on him."
"Yes," Cell agreed with a nod. "He'll think his old friend Goku is back...and then get a blast to the face that he's never been able to forget. It's perfect...like me."
* * * * *
Pan stared into the darkness, silently trying to convince herself that she was strong. Strong enough to match Trunks, strong enough to make Vegeta proud, and strong enough to be a member of the Son family.
"You ready?" Trunks asked suddenly.
She jumped, having forgotten that he was there. "I think so."
Trunks shook his head. "Don't think. Either you're ready, or you're not."
"I'm ready," she answered after a moment's hesitation.
"Good." He stood up and walked over to her. "Clear your mind of everything, and listen only to the sound of my voice. Picture what I describe, and only that."
Pan nodded.
"Oh, and close your eyes," he said from behind her.
Pan closed her eyes. "Ready."
"First, I need you to picture the person you love most. Don't tell me who it is, just picture them."
Pan thought for a long moment. Who did she love the most? Vegeta? No, but awfully close. Trunks? Not exactly, but still closer. Her mother and father? Not quite, but even closer.
The face suddenly appeared in her mind: the golden hair, the emerald eyes, and the ever-present smile that was his calling card.
A memory suddenly sprang into her head, vivid and clear.
"Pan, there's someone here to see you," her father said, picking her up.
She could feel herself being moved and given to someone else. The hands were strong, like her father's, but careful to be gentle with her. Still, they were unfamiliar, and she wriggled and reached for Gohan, starting to fuss.
"Hey, hey!" a voice gently protested. "Don't I even get a glance?"
Pan slowly turned her head to see the man smiling down at her.
"Hi, Pan!" he said quietly, cupping her little face with his big hand. "I'm your Grampa Goku! Can you say 'Grampa' for me?"
Pan's little hands gripped one of his large fingers, and she smiled. "Gwampa!"
Somewhere behind her, Videl gasped. "Gohan! She talked! Pan talked! GET THE CAMCORDER!!!"
"Good girl!" Goku tickled her chin with a finger.
Pan giggled and began to chant. "Gwampa! Gwampa! Gwampa!"
"I've got it!" Gohan cried. "Wait! HOW DO YOU TURN THIS THING ON?!"
"GIVE IT TO ME!" Videl shouted, pushing him away.
Goku held Pan up and lifted her shirt, blowing a raspberry on her tummy.
Pan squealed happily and kicked her legs.
"It's on!" Videl pointed the video camera at them. "Goku, make her say something else!"
"Something else? Um...like what?"
"ANYTHING!" Videl cried in exasperation.
Goku looked down at his granddaughter. "Well, what do you want to say, Pan?"
Pan looked at the camera, then scrunched up her little face with great effort. "Doo-doo," she said quietly.
There was complete silence for a long moment before Gohan had the good sense to find a clean diaper.
Trunks' voice suddenly broke into her thoughts. "Now imagine that person being taken away from you."
In the memory, Goku's face suddenly twisted in pain as something white burst from his chest. It was a hand, and it was holding his heart in its iron grip. Goku made a gagging sound as blood pooled up in his throat.
The hand slowly withdrew, and Pan could know see that it belonged to a green monster standing behind Goku. The monster smiled cruelly at her, just before it crushed Goku's heart.
The thought that anyone would murder someone like her grandfather in cold blood forced rational thought from Pan's mind, and replaced it with white-hot rage.
The monster continued to grin at her. "Sorry, Pan," he said, "but you're next."
Love for her grandfather, anger at his death, and a sudden refusal to be next combined into one enormous wail of bloodlust. It cried out for vengeance, destruction, and utter chaos.
Pan's power level skyrocketed as her ki surrounded her in an orange, flamelike ball. The earth cracked and split beneath her feet, large pieces of it flying up and breaking apart in the wake of her power.
"Now let go," Trunks' voice ordered. "Let it all go, Pan. Don't hold back because you're afraid. Let go because you're angry...NOW!"
The monster's face returned. "You're next," he repeated, reaching for her. His fingers still dripped with Goku's blood. "Now be a good girl and die quickly for Uncle Cell. He still has to kill your parents, you know."
Her power lashed out like a flaming talon, ripping through the monster's face. There was fire all around now, and heat from it both harmed and healed her at once. And from out of the flames, something rose. Something huge, strong, and merciless. Something she needed to be, wanted to be, WOULD be...if she could just last a little longer.
Her ki soared like a bird, flying higher and higher, racing toward her peak...and then it crashed.
The power left her in the space it took her to gasp, and she fell, suddenly realizing that she'd been floating.
Trunks was instantly there, catching her in his powerful arms. He sat and lowered her into his lap. "Pan?" he whispered. "Can you hear me?"
Her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped, either from shock or envy. Trunks had turned into a Super Saiyan, and she...hadn't.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his green eyes staring down at her face, concerned.
"You don't have to rub it in," she muttered, turning away from him.
He frowned and turned her face back to him. "I'm not. This is YOUR fault."
"What are you talking about?"
"Pan, look around you."
She looked...and froze.
The ground around them was scorched pure black, some of it still burning here and there.
"Pan, I've seen people go Super Saiyan before: Goku, my father, your father, Goten, and I have to tell you something. I've seen the ground crack, I've seen the sky turn black, and I've even seen whole mountains destroyed by the transformation. But I have never seen...this," he said, gesturing at the damage.
"Well...how did it look?" she asked. "Did you see any golden hair?"
He nodded. "For about five seconds, yes. And then...the flames came."
"But isn't that normal?" she asked.
"No," he replied, his gaze hardening. "Pan, normal is ki that looks, feels, and burns like flames in every way that truly matters. Normal is NOT actual fire that burns everything it touches. Pan, YOU were on fire, and it wasn't just that. You WERE the fire. Whatever you were turning into, it was no Super Saiyan I've ever seen."
He paused, then sighed. "As for me transforming...if I hadn't, I would have been seriously burned. I wasn't trying to upset you, I was trying to protect myself from you."
Pan blushed. "Oh." Then a cool breeze came through, and she realized with a start that most of her clothing had been burned away. "OH!"
Trunks noticed, too, because he turned bright red and closed his eyes. He felt her weight quickly leave him, and stood up, taking off his jacket and holding it out. It was pulled roughly from him, and after a few seconds, he heard a mumbled, "Thanks."
Trunks slowly opened his eyes. "That was...different."
"Shut up!" she cried, her cheeks glowing red.
"I didn't MEAN to look, Pan. You just...startled me when you looked, and I wanted to know what was so...startling..."
"And was it?!" she asked heatedly.
"Was it what?" he asked, confused.
She smirked at him. "Startling."
He turned red again and looked away. Then he turned back to her and smiled wolfishly. "It was all a blur. Further research is required. Can I see it again?"
"TRUNKS!" she shouted, feeling even more exposed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" he laughed. "I couldn't help it!"
She glared at him. "Just take me home, you pervert!"
"Hey, YOU burned off all your clothes, you exhibitionist!"
Pan blushed again. "Just do it! I can't fly right now!"
"Okay, okay." He started towards her, then stopped. "Uh...how should I carry you? If I do it like before, the jacket might ride up and...well...heh."
Pan glared at him. "Just stand there, you jerk." She walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Go."
Wordlessly, Trunks wrapped his arms around her waist and took off. A few minutes into the flight, he looked down at her. "Pan?"
"What?" she asked.
"I'm sorry."
She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. "I know, Trunks."
"Forgive me?"
"Yeah," she muttered.
A few minutes more passed, and he could no longer contain himself. "So...can I see it?"
"Shut UP!" she shouted through his laughter.
* * * * *
The psychic avatar turned as it felt two familiar kis racing toward it. Cell, Frieza, and Dr. Gero stepped from the shadows, all with angry looks in their eyes. They were followed by, for lack of a better description, a brain in a metal suit. But as traditional of its owner, the avatar smirked, stepped forward, and blazed into Super Saiyan. Then it grinned and said, "Let's go."
Continued in Chapter 5: The Brightest Star