Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Time's Folly; A Bittersweet Symphony ❯ An Alteration ( Chapter 27 )

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Chap 27*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

-Next day; morning -

 

A light knock on his door brought Mirai Trunks out of his musings as he sat on his bed.

 

“Autumn?” he said, a little surprised.

 

“I know it's kind of early, but there's something… I need to tell you.”

 

A fretful sensation started to creep into his body. “Tell me,” he prompted softly.

 

“I've had this weird feeling ever since I had this dream… I had it a couple of times already, but this one from night before last… well, it was more vivid than before.”

 

“A dream?” he repeated, his fretfulness now becoming concern. Autumn nodded. “What kind?”

 

“The dream I had,” she began, “took place in a dark room. The only source of light came from this round, stone-looking object which was sitting on top of a table of some kind. I could see two sets of hands resting on top of this table, not quite touching this stone. They were sitting close enough to the stone's light so that certain parts of their bodies were visible, although a little hazy. And what I did see through that haze was beings with small, diamond-shaped stones in the middle of their foreheads. They were also bald, I think, and the color of their skins was some weird tint of maroon. But there was nothing else that I could really see.”

 

Trunks turned his head towards the window to cover his astonishment. Those are definitely features the Augin-jin have... I don't understand. If that is definitely them…why would they pop up in her dreams? “You mentioned a weird feeling; what do you think it is?” Trunks asked.

 

“A foreboding of some kind. And I'm also feeling…that something is going to happen soon. What or when, I don't know.” A couple moments of silence passed before Autumn asked worriedly, “Trunks, is it them? The Augin-jin?”

 

“It seems like it very well could be,” he replied in a somber tone.

 

“Let's say it is them; what would this mean?” she pressed curiously. “It would have something to do with the barrier, wouldn't it?”

 

Trunks thought back to Piccolo's recent discovery that forced the girls into taking a break from their strenuous training routines. The barrier - Shit, this is not good! This could very well mean the girls were intentionally brought to this world, which would also mean they are definitely intended to play a role in the Augin-jins' plans.

 

Trunks looked over at her, his blue eyes serious. “Listen, you have to make sure you let one of us know the second anything changes with you.”

 

Autumn blinked then looked intently at him a moment. Thinking back to Asia's statement from a couple of nights ago about how she should stop being so overly analytical about everything, she only nodded. “Of course; but Trunks, what were you thinking just now?”

 

Trunks studied Autumn for a few seconds. Two nights ago, after Gohan and Piccolo had departed, he happened to overhear her voice her concern and frustration to Asia over what she felt was Piccolo's lack of complete disclosure.

 

“I don't know a whole lot about my situation with this barrier either. What they did to me and what they did to you two are different, and will, no doubt, affect us differently.”

 

Standing up, he walked to Autumn and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I should apologize to you and Asia. I've pretty much foisted you guys onto Gohan when we both were supposed to equally share the responsibility of your training. He is a better teacher than I could ever be, though.”

 

“Don't even worry about it,” Autumn said with a small grin. “We don't mind. It works out well how it is now. Although trying to adapt to two teachers with two different styles turned out to be a little much since we were going back-and forth between the two of you so often.”

 

Trunks gave a chuckle as he removed his hand from her shoulder. “Didn't really think of that aspect before. It's a lot more settled now with Gohan overseeing most of your training. Well, other than Piccolo peeking in, I'd guess.”

 

“Something like that,” she agreed with a light shrug. After a second's pause she asked curiously, “Will you be around later today?”

 

“Probably. I hear Bulma has invited Krillin, Yamcha, 18, and Videl over for a feast-sized lunch. We'll all probably be around at some point,” Trunks replied with a soft smirk and a nod. “Besides, I'm sure you've noticed by now, whenever large amounts of food are around, so is some type of Saiya-jin presence; especially for those engaged in sparring 20 hours out of the day.”

 

Autumn chuckled and nodded as Trunks added, “It's probably easier said than done, but, don't let that dream haunt you.”

 

“I must say that I was bothered at first,” she confessed. “Now, I just hope something can be figured out soon.”

 

Autumn gave him a small wave as she walked out of the door. Trunks looked at the ceiling briefly, then expelled a slightly unsettled sigh before leaving the room himself.

 

<><><><><><>

 

- Noon -

 

“How are you guys feeling today?” Yamcha asked of Asia, who was standing next to him.

 

“Great, actually! And it's such a great day, weather-wise, too. Perfect for this kind of thing,” she commented before taking a sip of her drink. Yamcha only chuckled as Asia continued to gush excitedly. “Oh, you know what would also be great? Visiting a hot springs resort! Now, that's something I haven't seen yet. Any great ones around? Somewhere that's not too close, but not too far? I think we've seen a lot of this city already.”

 

Yamcha gave her request a thought then grinned. “I think I know of a place.”

 

“Where are you tryin' to run off to this time?” asked a curious Autumn as she walked up to them with Krillin by her side.

 

“She wants to go to a hot spring,” Yamcha explained.

 

“A hot spring?” Krillin repeated, perking a suspicious eyebrow. “And this was Asia's idea?”

 

“Hey, I'm innocent here!” Yamcha protested with a chuckle as he put up his hands in a defensive posture. “Honest!”

 

“Sure, sure you are,” Krillin remarked teasingly. Asia just chuckled to herself as she watched the two men begin to lightly banter with each other.

 

Despite the light-hearted exchange, Autumn was the first one of all those currently in attendance to notice Azure's presence within the general area. Nonchalantly, Autumn moved away from the good-natured chitchat of the group and headed towards Azure, who was leaning with her back against the building. As Autumn walked, she made note of another group of people standing a few yards from the first, which included Chi-Chi, 18 and her daughter Marron, and Videl, with Chibi Trunks and Goten milling about in close proximity.

 

Azure gave the other girl a brief, acknowledging look when she reached her, before returning her stare into the distance.

 

“Azure, there's something I've been wondering about for a while,” Autumn began to say.

 

“What is it?” Azure asked without turning her head.

 

“That first day, when you fought with the little Trunks…did you know what you were doing when you released that ki blast?”

 

Azure shot Autumn a hard sideways glance. “The concept of releasing ki energy is not new,” she answered in a bored tone.

 

The other girl frowned slightly. “You're right, it's not. But that doesn't exactly answer my question.”

 

“I merely used the tactics, skills, and knowledge I've always had,” Azure remarked after a long moment of silence.

 

Autumn stared at Azure for several moments. “So you don't think it might have just been a sleeping ability you somehow awakened?”

 

“I'm not the only one that has ki knowledge, nor the ability to manipulate it,” she said, now looking at Autumn with a touch of budding irritation.

 

“I suppose you're right about that, as well,” Autumn said after a moment. “But, there is one more question I need you to answer.”

 

Azure merely gave her a look to continue.

 

“When you're in the middle of a fight, have you ever noticed anything… different from normal in how you use your energy?”

 

Azure raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What?”

 

“Does it seem like you can tap into more than one type of energy?”

 

“Sure,” Azure said quickly, lifting herself from the building wall.

 

“What exactly do you mean by that, `sure'?” Autumn pressed on.

 

“I have no desire to entertain any more of your annoying questions!” Azure said with an irate tone. “Just what the fuck are you getting at? Ask your damn questions directly!”

 

An equally annoyed Autumn glowered back at her. “I am being direct!” she finally snapped. “For fuck's sake, Azure! It is a simple and clear question! It's you who's being evasive, not giving direct replies, which means we are getting nowhere! And the longer you keep dodging me, the longer I'll question you!”

 

Azure's expression changed to one of indifference, while Autumn continued to heatedly stare back. The two stayed like that for several moments until Azure looked away. She took a few steps forward until the two of them stood side-by-side, though facing opposite directions.

 

“Whatever your situation is, I can't help you,” Azure said in a low voice. “Stop fishing for shit from me. I have nothing more to tell you.”

 

Autumn turned her head slightly to look at her. “Whether or not you want to acknowledge it, something is happening to the three of us. And we are all being affected by it. ”

 

“I don't care.”

 

“You should,” warned Autumn. “Considering the fact that if they are watching Asia and me that closely - and I can assure you that they are - then they are watching you even more so.”

 

Azure gave her a sideways glance. “So?” her voice asked indifferently. “That means what to me?” She then turned around to fully face Autumn as the other girl did the same. For several minutes, Azure's eyes bored into Autumn's with almost a challenge.

 

“You really don't care?” Autumn finally asked with sheer exasperation flowing through her voice.

 

This time Azure's response was one of no response, to which Autumn could only shake her head, as she let out soft sigh of incredulity.

 

It was then that a curious Bulma walked up and joined them. She had been watching them from a distance, wondering that the two of them had actually been engaging in a conversation of some kind. “Hey, you two; there's some more food ready,” she said as she motioned to one of the tables set up nearby. “I'm sure you guys must be starving.”

 

Looking at Bulma politely, Azure gave a small nod. Grateful for the temporary distraction, Autumn gave Bulma a little smile as the two of them walked over and took seats on opposite sides of the nearest table. Autumn sat next to Videl and Asia; 18 with her little daughter on the other side next to Azure.

 

“So, we finally get to meet you,” Videl began pleasantly as she looked at Azure. “I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Videl.”

 

Azure gave a slight nod of her head in greeting. 18 slowly turned her head, her ice-blue eyes brushing in silent assessment over Azure, who returned the glance in kind.

 

“She goes by the name `18',” Asia offered, with a friendly nod towards the blond android.

 

“So, you guys have met before?” Yamcha asked curiously of Autumn. “That must had been some kind of encounter,” he added as he stood off the side of the table, Krillin next to him.

 

“And what exactly do you mean by that?” 18 asked coolly, arching a light eyebrow at the scarred fighter.

 

“All I meant by that was that it must had been pretty tough; you know, sparring against you,” Yamcha jumped to clarify.

 

From some feet away, Chibi Trunks and Goten looked up as they heard the group at the table launch into an active conversation. Trunks' gaze zeroed in on Azure, sitting quietly, seemingly detached from the activity at the table. This is the perfect chance.

 

“So, you ready Goten?” Trunks said as he looked over at his friend. “From what I can see, she's so bored, and all the other grownups are gone already.”

 

“Oh yea, Trunks. Let's do it!”

 

Sharing a quick smirk at each other, the two boys hopped over to the table. As Goten dug into a plate of food at the edge of the table, Chibi Trunks leaned in to whisper in Azure's ear. “Me and Goten have something really cool to show you,” he said, flashing her a wink.

 

Azure gave him an amused look. “Show me.”

 

“Awesome!” he whispered back eagerly. “Follow us!” In one swift motion, he pulled Goten away from his food and up into the sky.

 

A few seconds later, she silently stood up and took to the sky.

 

Autumn briefly watched the trio fly away before noticing Chi-Chi and Bulma as they approached the table.

 

“Well, I'd like to do something relaxing,” Asia announced to Yamcha as she leaned back and stretched in her chair. “Can we still go to that hot-spring?”

 

“Hot spring?” Bulma and Chi-Chi both exclaimed, their suspicions aroused as they stared directly at Yamcha..

 

Yamcha rolled his eyes. “It's nothing like that! Geeze, I swear!”

 

“It's not,” Autumn said in his defense to Bulma.

 

“Oooh, I wanna go, too!” Marron squealed excitedly. 18 looked down in amusement at her young daughter, who was practically bouncing in her seat.

 

“Don't worry, Bulma,” Krillin said with assurance. “We'll just take a plane, go for a couple hours, and come back. No problems!”

 

“Well, alright then. But, you better not try and sneak in any type of training whatsoever!”

 

“Nope, purely for enjoyment,” Asia said smiling.

 

Bulma thought for a moment and then nodded. “Fine. Since 18 will be accompanying you then there shouldn't be any problems. Just be back in time for dinner,” she added firmly. Asia laughed.

 

“Yes, mother,” she said playfully, which made everyone chuckle as Krillin was sent inside to fetch a capsule plane.

 

“Wow, Bulma's really has a short leash on you guys, huh?” Yamcha whispered to Autumn.

 

“A little bit, lately,” she whispered back, smiling.

 

They watched as Krillian emerged from the building and walked over to a large, unoccupied spot on the lawn. He quickly depressed the button on the capsule in his hand and tossed it a few yards away from him. Once the smoke cleared, a multi-passenger plane stood at ready for them to use.

 

“C'mon, everyone, lets go!” Yamcha announced as Autumn, Asia, 18, Krillin, and Marron moved up the open ramp and got aboard.

 

“Aren't you two coming?” Krillin popped his head down out of the opened ramp to ask Chi-Chi and Bulma.

 

“No, not this time,” replied Bulma with a small shake of her head. “But don't forget what I told you.”

 

Chi-Chi also declined. “You just be sure to bring them back here safe and sound. Goodness knows we don't need anything bad happening to them!”

 

“Of course! With me and Yamcha and 18 watching over them, they'll be perfectly safe!” he said confidently as he disappeared into the plane. Yamcha, at the controls, started up the engines and they were soon off into the air.

 

<><><><><><>

 

Chibi Trunks held his place in between Azure and Goten as they flew in formation. Azure noticed that the two children kept looking at each other and laughing quietly to themselves.

 

“Where are we going?” she finally asked.

 

“Not too much farther,” Trunks replied back. She shrugged and gave a short nod.

 

“Hey, Trunks,” Goten then asked. “So how far are we going?”

 

”Not too far,” Trunks repeated with a sigh. It was a few more minutes before he saw a good spot and told the others to land. Goten touched down next to Trunks as Azure landed a few paces away from them. She looked around and saw an open plain with a short mountain range not too far off in to the horizon.

 

“This will give us lots of room and no one will bother us,” Trunks said, smiling.

 

Azure gave a small one back and nodded. “Now then, what are you going to show me?”

 

Trunks grinned slyly. “Before we show you, you have to agree to do one thing. And that is to wait until we've finished what were gonna do. After that, we'll show you, and give you our challenge,” he explained.

 

“Challenge?” she asked.

 

The Chibi only smirked in reply. “Trust me, it will be great!”

 

She looked at him with amusement. “Alright.”

 

“Good. Goten, you ready?”

 

“Let's do it, Trunks!” Goten said eagerly.

 

Goten and Trunks both jumped back a couple spaces. Trunks looked at Goten who then nodded at him. A puzzled Azure stood back and watched as the two boys bent their knees and pointed their arms in opposite directions. In what looked like a strange, mirrored ballet, they began to move towards each other with practiced steps.

 

“Fuuuuuuuu…Shiiiooonnnn…HA!!”

 

Azure automatically raised her arms in an effort to shield her eyes from the blinding burst of energy coming from the boys. Once the brightness receded, she blinked and lowered her arms.

 

“Heh-heh,” chuckled the small person now standing before her. He was dressed in white baggy trousers tucked into boots, bare-chested with a sleeveless vest and a sash around his waist. His hair was half-black and half-lavender; the locks pointed toward the sky in a short upsweep reminding her of Vegeta.

 

Surprised and intrigued, Azure quirked an eyebrow. “How…interesting. And what do you call yourself?”

 

Full of self-importance, he answered back with a smirk, “Gotenks.”

 

“Gotenks. Well, Gotenks, I must admit that this is a rather `cool thing' to see. Trunks mentioned some kind of challenge…? ”

 

“It's rather simple, really. Just stay alive long enough to give me some good exercise,” the cocky child said nonchalantly as he began to do a couple of show-off stretches.

 

Azure smirked before sliding into a fighting stance. “Understood.”

 

“Good,” he said still smiling with youthful confidence, pausing only for a moment before starting off the spar.

 

<><><><><><>

 

“Is everyone alright?” Krillin asked worriedly as he looked around the plane. As soon as everyone near him confirmed they were, he quickly moved to the front of the plane and looked out the front windshield.

 

“What was that?” he asked with worry.

 

“I saw a streak of energy - like a meteorite falling out from space,” replied Autumn in a type of daze. She had been sitting up front with Yamcha when, all of a sudden, the ship was tossed by what felt like a large pocket of turbulence.

 

“Yea, that's definitely what it looked like,” Yamcha confirmed, his eyes anxiously scanning the scenery for more signs of trouble.

 

“Did you see where it went, or where it landed?” Krillin questioned.

 

“No, actually I didn't” Autumn said after a moment of silence. A worried look graced everyone's faces and little Marron hugged her mother tightly.

 

“Land the plane,” 18 instructed, her voice low and tense.

 

Yamcha nodded and started his descent towards the ground.

 

“How could a meteorite not touch the ground?” Videl asked in disbelief. “We would've felt the impact if it had.”

 

“Then it wasn't a meteorite?” Autumn replied, shaking her head slightly.

 

“What else - “ Videl was cut off as the plane was violently rocked off its course.

 

“What are you doing?” 18 yelled at Yamcha.

 

“We were being shot at!” he yelled back.

 

“From where?” Asia asked.

 

“Land!” 18 commanded again in a louder voice. “Now!”

 

“I'm on it!” Yamcha growled back, already in the process. Nervousness radiated throughout the group until the plane eventually landed safely on the outskirts of a nearby forest.

 

Yamcha moved around inside to check the interior of the plane. The rest of the group slowly moved down out of the opened ramp and looked around warily at their surroundings, keeping a watchful eye out for anything remotely suspicious.

 

“What damage was done?” Autumn asked coming back to Yamcha's side.

 

“As far as I can tell, nothing that would keep us from flying.”

 

“Good.”

 

At that moment, the distant sound of crunching leaves could be heard coming towards them from within the forest.

 

“Stay close to me,” 18 said in a calm voice to her daughter, who was clutching her mother's leg while trying not to whimper too loudly. Krillin automatically moved closer into a guarding position near his family. The remaining four advanced a few steps towards the forest, their bodies tensing, at the ready to defend themselves.

 

Without warning, Yamcha's and Krillin's attentions were suddenly called upwards as two cloaked beings appeared above them and released twin ki blasts - destroying the plane.

 

Then out of the forest three more cloaked beings quickly came into view, each extending an arm in from of them, releasing a volley of rapid ki beams directly at the three human girls.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*