Genre: DBZ *Android Saga* Rating: PG Disclaimer: All characters and instances in this story and subsequent postings are copyrighted their respected authors not to exclude multimedia, franchising, and licensing organizations
She was found on a field by a couple on a planet that was slated for destruction. She had been just an infant then and they took her into their home. They had even given her a name. Loren. A name that when loosely translated, meant beauty. She had one friend on that planet, aside from her pet dragon Ridel. He was a lavender skinned boy with soft white hair that stood up in spikes. Her friend, not the dragon, she reflected as she gazed out the portal.
His name had been Shin and he had been a Kai just like her foster parents. But when some evil threatened the safety of the entire planet, her foster father had contacted some Namek friends of his and had sent her off on their ship. She had never seen him after that.
But, with the new planet came a new guardian and a new friend. A warrior by the name of Rion had been given the charge of caring for her and it had been in his village that she had met a small child by the name of Piccolo. They had become good friends and then one day, destiny called. She sensed people being oppressed and went off to save them, leaving her friends and Namek behind.
When she returned many years later, Piccolo and the entire planet that she had known as home was gone. She felt that somehow the destruction of Namek was a form of punishment for something she had done and she sent herself into exile searching for a place where she could cause no harm. The ship shuddered and she glanced at the helm.
"Hold on please," she whispered as the ship sputtered and coughed. She glanced at her navigational map and set a course for a planet called earth. Then she sighed and closed her eyes, hoping for the best.
"So he's in there again? Why is he working so hard? Thanks for the tea, Mrs. Briefs," Yamcha said as he picked up the cup.
"Father wants to be the best. I don't see you training, Yamcha," Trunks said as he walked past them.
"Can you guys sense it? I've got you all coming at me in different directions," Bulma said. "Are you going to have some, Piccolo?"
"Please. I don't eat. You know that. Besides what makes you think I'd want to watch this disgusting group eat?" Piccolo said as he brushed past her.
"What's with him, Goku?" Krillin asked and Goku shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess he's just worried about the tournament," Goku replied. A loud crash shook the house and Bulma stormed out of the kitchen.
"If he's broken it again, I'll..." she fumed and Goku held up his hand.
"That wasn't Vegeta, Bulma," he said as Bulma looked at him.
"Well if it wasn't Vegeta, then what was it?"
"Why don't we go and find out?"
"You think we should, bro? I mean, it might be dangerous," Krillin said.
"We'll be fine," Goku replied.
"So this place has inhabitants. I should have known," she said as she opened the hatch that held the engine within.
"Why are you here?" Piccolo asked.
"Because my ship broke down."
"THIS is your ship?"
"Yes. Why? Does it look stolen?"
"It looks...it looks familiar. It looks like something I saw as a child."
"Really? Your friends are coming. It must be nice to have someone worry about you. I lost those people a long time ago."
"Hey! Were you in that thing when it crashed?" Bulma asked and the girl turned around. Piccolo stared at her for a moment, memories of the past surfacing. The ship...he knew why it looked so familiar. It had once belonged to Rion, one of the few warriors that stood on the same plane as Nail and his father. But what was this girl doing with it?
"I didn't land on your property, did I? I'm really sorry. I didn't know this place was inhabited. If you allow me some time, I'll fix it. Let me get out of this flight suit."
A glowing light surrounded her clothes and the material rearranged itself to form a pair of shorts and a close-fitting sleeveless shirt.
Bulma, who had taken the initiative to approach her, looked her over.
"How long have you been in that thing? Are you on your way home?" she asked and Loren looked at the ship.
"That is my home," she replied.
"Where did you come from? Before the ship?"
"That planet was destroyed a long time ago."
"So you're telling me you've been alone all this time?"
"Yes."
"That's not right. Come on back to the house. We were just getting ready to eat," Trunks said and took her hand.
"She's getting a bath first," Bulma said.
"Bath?" Loren asked.
"Come on, we'll get you straightened out. Are you guys coming of are you going to eat off the land?"
"I'm right behind you Bulma. Man, I sure am hungry," Goku said and Piccolo stepped in front of him.
"A moment before you eat anything," he said and Goku looked at him.
"What's up, Piccolo?"
"Did you sense anything strange about her?"
"Strange? Aside from that weird thing with clothes, no."
"Goku, even I can do that. Did you sense her ki?"
"Not really. Why?"
"There's something about her that I don't like. I think we should keep an eye on her."
"Trunks is already keeping a close eye on her. I wonder how smooth his moves are. If he needs help, he can always ask a pro," Krillin said and Bulma turned around.
"Too bad we don't have a pro. What's wrong, Mom?" she asked once they had reached her house.
"Well, I didn't know you'd be back so soon and Vegeta looked so hungry that I told him he could go ahead..." she said and Yamcha folded his arms.
"You'd think a prince would have some manners. I patiently waited for your return before I got anything to eat. Hello. Who's the cute chick?" Yamcha asked.
"A stranger and she's heading for the bath," Bulma said.
"I'll take her."
"You most certainly will not! Where do you think you are, Yamcha? Come on, dear. Let's leave those pigs alone."
"Even that one?" Loren asked as she pointed to Trunks.
"Even that one. Come on, you'll see all of them later. Be glad you don't live with any of them."
"Ouch," Krillin said as the women walked out of the room.
"I wish I could have given her a bath," Trunks muttered.
"Pervert," Yamcha said and Trunks stared at him.
"What? No. I wasn’t thinking anything."
"You should talk. You're just as bad as he is," Krillin said.
"Hello Father," Trunks said and Vegeta ignored him.
"What's going on out here, Kakarrot? I figured if anyone was in a hurry to eat, it would be you," he said.
"We've had a strange turn of events, Vegeta," Piccolo said.
"Why should that concern me?"
"A ship crashed near here, Vegeta. Didn't you hear it?" Goku asked and Vegeta snorted.
"Anyone with the capability of hearing could. Some of us merely chose to ignore it," Vegeta replied.
"That ship was built on my home," Piccolo said and Krillin looked at him.
"You mean it was built before Frieza destroyed everything? But when was a human...?" Krillin asked.
"She's not human," Vegeta said and Yamcha looked at him.
"Don't tell me she's a secret lover of yours," he said.
"Don't even start with your pathetic attempts to annoy me. If it is who I think it is, our paths crossed once when I was much younger."
"Don't tell me that blonde bombshell beat you," Yamcha said and Vegeta angrily took a step forward.
"What are you insinuating?!"
"All right. Look, you two. We've got more important things to worry about. The Cell games are almost at hand," Piccolo said. "Let the females deal with the stranger. The rest of us have more important things to worry about."
"Can you tell me what you're running from?" Bulma asked as Loren stepped out of the bath. She ignored the towel that Bulma held out for her and walked over to the window. She opened it and gazed out at the trees. She climbed up on the windowsill and sat down, her mind lost in a different time.
"Perhaps you should get dressed. There's a lot of men around here."
"I'm not running from anything," Loren replied as clothing appeared on her, censoring the most prominent areas of femininity.
"Then why are you alone?"
"It's better this way."
She jumped down from the window and ran off for the woods.
"Where are you going?" Bulma cried.
"I want to feel this world before it gets taken away from me!" she called over her shoulder. Bulma was about to reply when she saw Trunks running after her. There was nothing to worry about now.
"I want to see things before this place gets taken from me! Oops!"
She tripped on a rock and fell to the ground. Within seconds, Trunks was helping her up, He flushed slightly at the sensation of his skin touching hers and she gazed for a moment into his eyes.
"I don't know why you live alone. You're very beautiful. Haven't you had a lot of boyfriends?"
"No. People shouldn't come close to me. Bad things happen."
"What sort of things?"
"Please. It's bad enough to live with the memories. I can't talk about them."
"Talking sometimes helps. You're all dirty. If I take you back like this, I'll never hear the end of it. Come on. There's a pond near here. You can wash off there."
"Have some tea, Bulma," Mrs. Briefs said and Bulma looked at her.
"Thanks Mom. I wish she'd talk though. She says things happen if she stays in one place for too long," Bulma said as Dr. Briefs walked into the room.
"Well the ship is old," Dr. Briefs walked into the room.
"How old Dad?"
"Well, at an estimate, at least fifty years. She's kept it in fine condition, though."
"She couldn't have had it for very long. She can't be more than seventeen years old. Yamcha, why aren't you with the others? The fate of the world rests with you guys."
"Actually Bulma, I'm taking a break from all my rigorous training," Yamcha said. "Besides, I don't see Trunks anywhere around. Did he run off into the woods with that girl?"
"Yes but it's not what you think."
"Of course not."
"I don't know what the fuss is about. They make such a nice couple. When are they going to announce the engagement?" Mrs. Briefs asked.
"Mother she just showed up today! We don't know who she is and we certainly don't know what she is and we certainly don't know what she's doing here. You can't be planning their future when they don't have one!" Bulma cried.
"Aren't you coming?" she asked and he looked at her.
"What?"
"You're dirty too. It's probably from all your training. The pond is big enough for both of us. Come on."
"Don't you feel embarrassed?"
"Should I be? It's not like you're any different than me. If you don't want to, it's okay."
"If I do, you won't tell anyone, will you?"
"Not if you don't want me to."
"All right. I'll get cleaned."
"Well did you get enough to eat? I don't even want to see the damage to our kitchen," Bulma said and Goku laughed.
"Come on, Bulma. We're not that destructive," he said.
"No Goku. You somehow manage to keep the plates and bowls intact," Piccolo said. "Where's Trunks and that girl? it's getting dark."
"Man, he is a smooth operator," Krillin said and Yamcha nodded his head.
"Yeah. She hasn't even been here a full day," he said and Bulma glanced at them.
"Would you shut up? Trunks is not like that," Bulma said.
"He wants you dear," Mrs. Briefs said and Bulma took her infant son from her mother.
"Isn't that right, dear? You won't let these perverted men affect you."
"Hey when the need arises, you've got to do what's natural," Yamcha said and drew back at the look that Bulma gave him.
"Why?" she asked as he began to run.
"Because it's late and what I did....I'm really, really sorry. I don't usually act like that."
"Why are you apologizing? I told you that we're no different."
"But we are different. Your body is a lot more graceful than mine and..."
"You both seem out of breath. What have you been doing? Come on Trunks, I want all the details," Yamcha said and Trunks stared at him.
"There aren't any details. I was just in a hurry to get back," Trunks said.
"Why were you in a hurry to get back?"
"Because it's late and I've got to get some sleep because I need to get my mind back on training tomorrow. There's not that much time before the tournament."
"I'm not going to argue with you there. Where's she going to stay? In your room?"
"Man, I didn't know it was so late! I bet you're glad you're not married, Piccolo," Goku said and Piccolo looked at him
"I'm going to ignore that," he said and glanced at Loren, who stood looking him over.
"So where is she going to stay?" Yamcha asked.
"Dad provided me with the perfect solution. This small but comfortable house. Let's put it somewhere out of the way of prying eyes. Come with me to the car," Bulma said and Loren looked at her.
"Can't we just fly?" she asked.
"Oh sure, if the men would teach us how."
"I already know how."
"What?"
"I already know how."
"Man if I had known that we could have gotten here a lot faster," Trunks said and Piccolo glanced at him.
"Since you've been with her for the longest, maybe you can answer some of my questions," he said.
"No, we'll fly MY way. In style," Bulma said and threw a capsule on the ground. When the smoke cleared, Loren clung tightly to Trunks in fright. Trunks glanced at her and pushed her sharply away.
"Let's go before it's too late."
"Is that thing safe?" Loren and Bulma nodded her head.
"Extremely safe. Come on."
"Nothing happened," he replied.
"You didn't sense anything?"
"Absolutely nothing. Why? Should I have?"
"I don't know. There are some things that don't add up. Her ship is definitely from my home but what connection is there between her and Vegeta?"
"Maybe Yamcha was right. Maybe she is a former lover," Krillin said and Piccolo looked at him.
"I seriously doubt that. Vegeta's personality doesn’t' seem like it would be overly attractive to a woman like that. What did she say her name was?"
"Loren," Trunks replied.
"An uncommon name and yet...it seems somewhat familiar," Piccolo said.
"I personally like it."
"Well, I think she's taken to you. I'd like you to try to get any information out of her that you can. She's obviously unwilling to talk about her past. Find out all that you can."
"Do you think she's an enemy?" Krillin asked.
"I don't know," Piccolo replied.
"You know, you remind me of someone. He acted a lot like you when he was younger."
"Really? I bet he hasn't had as many problems as I have," she said and Bulma wryly smiled.
"You'd be surprised. But, he has a good heard and he never does anything for himself."
"And I suppose he still does things for others?"
"Yes he does."
"I bet he doesn't have to atone for things, does he?"
"What sort of things?"
She didn't answer and Bulma sighed.
"All right dear. I won't pry. I'll leave you alone for the night and we'll see what wrong with your ship in the morning."
She gazed around in shock as she tried to place her surroundings. She was not in the confined space of her ship, the place she had come to know as home; she was somewhere new and it frightened her. She huddled herself in a corner as reality slowly set in. She was on a planet and there was an unwelcomed air about it. She had come to know that air for wherever she traveled, it seemed to follow her. The door opened and in her unnerved state, she screamed.
A glowing light engulfed the house then sharply died down. She shivered nervously as she realized the damage she had done.
"What the heck was that?" Trunks asked in shock and Loren stared at him. She drew back even further and Trunks watched in amazement as she disappeared through the wall.
"What did you do?" Piccolo asked and Trunks picked himself up off the floor.
"I was sent to get her. I knocked first but I guess she didn't hear me so I opened the door," he said as he brushed himself off.
"So that light came from her."
"Yeah. Then she saw what she had done and left."
"Left in what way?"
"She went through the wall."
"Someone's ready to die," he said as he narrowed his eyes. The figure appeared on the stone arena and looked around. She had no idea where she was, she just knew she had to get away from him. She hadn't meant to hurt him; she had just been frightened when he opened the door.
"Don't tell me you're here to challenge me," Cell said and Loren looked at him.
"I don't even know who you are," she replied.
"Really? How is it possible that you missed the transmission? No matter. You have two choices. Fight to the death or just death."
"Are you the one that's going to destroy this world?"
"If you want to call it that, yes."
"It figures that I'd meet death himself. No matter where I go, death always follows."
"I see you've made your decision. I'll make your death quick."
"You can't," Piccolo said and Cell glanced up. "She's a contestant. You can destroy her at the end of this week. Let's go."
"I'm looking forward to this match, Piccolo. But why are you protecting her? I thought Nameks were incapable of feeling love," Cell said and Piccolo turned away from him, ignoring the baited remark.
"Let's go," he said and took Loren's hand.
"Why did you do that?" she asked after they had flown a good distance off.
"I don't think death was an option that you wanted to use. I don't know much about you but I know you're not stupid. Also, Bulma demanded that one of us look for you and I got volunteered," he said.
"Why are you all so concerned about me? I haven't been here a full day and you're being nice. That thing back there is going to destroy this planet. I'm sure I had something to do with this."
"You remind me of someone."
"I'm sorry."
"THERE you are. Let me tell you something. Running off and scaring everyone is NOT a custom on this planet," Bulma said and Piccolo let go of Loren's hand. Even her scent was familiar, but why? He tried searching his memory for an answer but found none. He watched Bulma lead Loren off and frowned. Why did he feel like he knew her?
"What do you want?" he demanded.
"Well you had said that you may have run into her when you were younger."
"My past is none of your concern."
"But..."
"If you want to spend your training time practicing mating rituals, I don't care. Just don't expect me to catch you when Cell beats you down."
"Did she actually beat you?"
Vegeta said nothing as he turned his attention back to lifting weights. Trunks sighed and turned to leave when Vegeta set the weight set down.
"I don't remember that point in my life. Satisfied?" he asked.
"How...?" Trunks asked and Vegeta glared at him.
"I came here to train and I'm wasting my time talking to you. If you're not going to do anything constructive here then leave!"
Trunks slammed the door behind him and Mrs. Briefs looked at him.
"What's wrong, dear?" she asked.
"Nothing, Grandma. I just wish I could do something to help. She has the same pain in her eyes that I had when I came across Gohan lying dead in the street. I guess that helped. That reality was what I needed to make me go super but I don't think she can use those feelings as a tool. That and the fact Father may have a connection to her that he's unwilling to mention."
"Please, can't I just fix my ship so I can go? I don't want this place to end like the others," Loren said as Bulma ushered her into the room.
"What others?" Bulma asked as Trunks took his infantile self from his grandmother.
"You two look a lot alike."
"That's because this is me in the past. I'm from the future," Trunks replied and she looked at him blankly. "Um...did you run into father once?"
"Father?"
"Yes. His name is Vegeta."
She gave no signs of recognition but Trunks saw an odd flicker to her eyes. He took her hand and for a moment, Bulma thought they looked like an actual family. Trunks handed his infantile self to his mother then drew Loren off in a different direction.
"Where are we going?" she asked and Trunks glanced at her.
"I'm taking you to see Father," he replied.
"What in the Kai's name do you want now boy?" he demanded.
"Kai..." Loren said, her voice faltering at the single syllabled word. She stood behind Trunks, obviously not wanting to see the Saiyen prince.
"Did you know one?" Trunks asked but she didn't respond.
"Get out of the way. I want to see this terrified creature," Vegeta said and Trunks stepped away from Loren. Vegeta's eyes pulsed in recognition as he formed a ball of ki in his hand.
"You! You shape shifting demon! You took advantage of me and made me return to my home as a failure. How DARE you show up on this world? Do you plan to take the glory away from the righteous victor yet a second time? This is for putting me to shame in front of my father!"
He released the ball and Trunks stepped into the line of fire. His muscles tensed as he tried to direct the ball to a window.
"Get out of the way boy and let her die the way she should have gone when we first ran into each other."
"No Father! I won't allow this unjust attack!" Trunks cried. "What are you doing?"
Loren walked around him and laid a hand on his. The ki dispersed evenly throughout the room and disappeared.
"Please. All I want to do is fix my ship and leave," she said and walked out of the room.
"Where did you get this? Tell me the truth," Piccolo said as he walked up to her.
"It belonged to someone close to me."
"Where did you get it from?"
"The place that you're from."
"When have you been to Namek? You had to have gone before it was destroyed."
"I was there when I was younger."
"The only person I know of that was there besides my people was..."
His voice trailed off as he stared at her. His memory had become clear. He knew where he had seen her before. She was the child that Rion had been given charge of.
"Why didn't you come back?" Piccolo asked and she looked at him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied as she opened what appeared to be a toolbox.
"You know who I am, Loren. Don't tell me you've forgotten everything. Don't tell me you've forgotten those days."
"The only friend I had on that planet was destroyed with it just like the time before."
"Perhaps, but perhaps not."
"What are you talking about?"
"I am not the same person that you first met. His memories are within me as well as his abilities but that's it. Nameks have the ability to fuse with another if you remember, and that's something I've done twice."
"Why should I believe you?"
"It's the truth."
"Excuse me. That's NOT how you enter a room," Bulma said.
"Woman I want that creature out of here!" he yelled and Bulma folded her arms.
"This is MY parents' house and you have no say in who I allow to stay in it."
"Get that creature off this planet. Isn't it enough that your pathetic little world has Cell to deal with? Now you want to have this treacherous creature stay?"
"Just WHAT did she do to you Vegeta? You're carrying on like she's done something immoral with you."
"Bite your tongue woman! I would NOT sink so low as to commit some immoral act with a demon."
"Then what happened? She won't tell me and you seem to be scared to death of it."
"I am NOT afraid."
"Whatever you say Vegeta."
"Father, I think you're overreacting," Trunks said as he entered the room and Vegeta glared at him.
"What makes YOU such an expert, boy? Simply because that demon has touched your so-called heart?"
"Father..."
"No. I am NOT going to listen to your one-sided logic. You don't know what that...that things is capable of."
"We all should find out at the Cell Games," Piccolo said and Vegeta snorted.
"That's got to be the height of arrogance to name a tournament after himself," he said.
"Well, my dear. I can't fix it. I've never seen anything like it before," Dr. Briefs said as he walked past with Loren behind him.
"But can't you try?" she asked.
"Not if I don't understand the language of those who made it."
"I can't be stuck here. I don't want this destroyed like my other homes."
"But if you can't leave, don't you think you should try and make the best of things?"
"Not here. I'm already hated here."
Bulma folded her arms and gazed accusingly at Vegeta. Vegeta returned the glare and Trunks sighed.
"Don't you feel a little sorry for her?" Bulma asked.
"No. Why should I feel sorry for someone capable of mass destruction if she chooses it? All you see is a poor creature. You have no idea what that creature is capable of."
"I'm also aware that you have a tendency to exaggerate," Bulma said.
"He may have some truth in what he says about her power. Her ki was above normal when she was younger," Piccolo said and Vegeta grinned in satisfaction.
"So another person is aware of what this creature can do," he said.
"However, I don't agree with your destructive slant on her. From my father's memory, I see nothing to speak of as destructive."
"But aren't Nameks...?" Trunks asked and Piccolo held up his hand.
"Let's not get into that now," he said and Bulma looked at him.
"How far back does your memory go?" she asked and Piccolo smiled.
"It's much longer than yours, I can assure you."
"I'm sorry," Trunks said as he sat beside her. "Father is very opinionated."
"He has every right to be that way. I don't belong here."
"I don't mind you being here."
"You're just being nice."
Trunks smiled and she turned away from him. He took her hand and she looked at him.
"You know, talking about the past helps. My own past was a nightmare."
"It couldn't have been as bad as mine."
"How do you know? Tell me what happened between you and Father and I'll tell you about my past."
"All I wanted to do was stop a planet's destruction. Your father was the one chosen for that destruction. The people of that world were peaceful. They had done nothing to justify destruction. He attempted to kill me and I guess I...I hit him pretty hard. I didn't mean to..."
"I see. Father doesn't do well with defeat, does he? So he's been carrying these feelings for a long time now. I bet being a girl didn't help his view of you, either."
"I...I thought I had killed him. Then I got home and saw the destruction of Namek...well, that didn't happen at the same time but still..."
"So you thought everything was connected and you tried to distance yourself from others. Now you're here..."
"I'm here and the people that I thought were gone forever are here too. They came back and things are worse than ever."
"You need to calm down. It's not as bad as you think."
"How can it not be as bad as I think? This world is going to be destroyed just like the others."
"Not if we don't allow it."
She looked thoughtful for a moment then leaned back against a tree.
"I suppose..."
"Let me tell you something. From the future I cane from, everything was destroyed. My family, the heroes you see now...even my best friend. I was forced to live my life, each day a survival game. It wasn't until I got severely injured that I listened to my mother and came to the past to change things. You can always change the outcome of things."
"I don't understand the emotions of these people. Why do they have compassion for a complete stranger?"
"Because we've seen a lot of things and we can see more than what you see of yourself. The door was unlocked," Trunks explained as he stepped into the room. She stared at him for a moment and Trunks gazed unblinkingly back. His face reddened as he gazed at her exposed top. "Um...I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that you'd be..."
"I've told you, we're no different," she said as Trunks took a few steps back.
"We ARE different. I'll go and wait for you to get dressed."
She watched him leave then stood up. That display of emotions confused her. Why did he claim that they weren't the same? They were both bipeds, weren't they? They were both the same. She saw no reason for his strange actions. She materialized clothing on her body then walked towards the door. She was still trying to figure out the logic in his actions as she walked through the door.
"What are you exactly?" Trunks asked and Loren looked at him.
"I don't know. I don't remember anything before the Kais," she replied.
"You lived with the Kais? I didn't know anyone could do that."
"I was found by some Kais when I was very young. If they had known what trouble I'd be, I'm sure they would have just left me there."
"How long ago was that?"
"How long? I don't know..."
"Do you know how old you are?"
"How old?"
"Your age."
She looked at him blankly and he sighed. How was it possible that she had no concept of age?
"Okay. Let's forget the whole thing," Trunks said. "Are you ready to go?"
"Go where?" Loren inquired.
"My home. I'm sure Mom is wondering about you."
"I'm not going there."
"Why not?"
"He's there."
"Father won't hurt you."
"I'm not going."
"I'll make sure he doesn't do anything."
He took her hand and she looked at him. There was the same shine to his eyes that her friend Shin had had. She was calmed by it, even though she didn't want to be.
"Are you all right?" Trunks asked and she looked at him.
"I'm fine," she replied, drawing away from him.
"You don't look all right."
"I'm fine."
He embraced her and she started in shock.
"I'm sorry but you remind me of what I went through to get where I am now. I don't think anyone should experience that much pain. I want you to know that you can talk to me," Trunks said.
"I can't," Loren replied.
"I won't hurt you, if that's what you're afraid of."
"You had no right in trying to destroy that world," she said.
"What right had you in saving it? It wasn't your home so why were you protecting it?"
"I..."
"Why would a demon want to protect anything anyway?"
"I didn't want the same thing to happen there as what I've seen before."
"I insist that you finish the fight that was started. You had the greatest of arrogance to send me home in the condition I was in."
"I didn't want to leave you there. I felt bad for injuring you."
"Do you realize?" Vegeta hissed. "Do you realize that because of your compassion the ridicule I was forced to live through? By not allowing me to die you gave me a fate worse than death. I want this score settled and I want it done now!"
"Father..." Trunks said and Vegeta glared at him.
"Shut up boy! This does not concern you whatsoever. This is none of your damned business!"
Trunks opened his mouth to say something then thought better of it. He had learned that the best way to deal with his father was to let him have his way and hope that eventually he would see his mistake. However, that was always a risky undertaking because once Vegeta's mind was set, that was it. Trunks glanced at Loren in pity then blinked his eyes. He realized that she looked different. The timidness was gone and she had a spark of determination in her eyes. Perhaps his father was right. Perhaps there was more to her.
"All right. If you want it settled, then we'll settle it. But we'll do it outside away from the helpless and unprotected," she said and Vegeta shrugged.
"Fine, but I'm a lot stronger than when we met the last time," he said.
"Fight me as what you really are. I want this boy to see there's more to you than what he accepts," Vegeta said and Loren sighed.
"How can I fight you as I really am when I don't know that myself?" she asked as her casual clothes changed to close-fitting armor.
"Fine! But you will not pity me this time. You will not pity the Saiyen prince!"
"Very well then. I will not administer any finishing moves."
"Don't EVEN try to tell me that you're better than me. Just shut your mouth and fight!"
Trunks watched his father attack her with full force. He expected a scream when the first blow was landed but instead he heard his father's cry of frustration.
"Stay still! This does not amuse me in the least!" he shouted.
"I have yet to see anything different," Loren said as she blocked Vegeta's punches. She stared straight into his eyes as if focusing on the core of his ki. And with those eyes, she could very well be focusing on his ki, Trunks noted as he heard his father's unmistakable scream of ascension.
"I am now much stronger than when our paths first crossed. Let's see if you can block this attack!"
"VEGETA! That is ENOUGH! Do you want to blow the chance we have at the tournament? Even you can put aside your arrogance for once," Piccolo said and Vegeta smirked.
"I see. Even you want to protect her," he said and Piccolo gave him a hard stare.
"No. I just don't want whatever advantage we have to be destroyed by your stupidity. We still have Cell to deal with, if you have not forgotten."
"I need you Shin. I need your...wisdom? Is it possible for one to have wisdom at so young an age?"
"Meow," Dr. Briefs cat said as Loren looked at it.
"What are you doing here?" she asked as the cat jumped up onto the table.
"Meow."
"You're so happy, aren't you? That's because you belong somewhere. Me, I don't belong anywhere."
"Have you given yourself a chance to belong somewhere?" Trunks asked and Loren looked up.
"When is this tournament?" she asked and the young Saiyen thought for a moment.
"In two days."
She fell silent and Trunks watched her. What was going through her mind? The cat rubbed against her hand and she petted it, tears falling from her eyes.
"Listen, I'll tell you something. If in two days, the tournament goes in our favor, I'll take you back to the future with me. You can belong in my world."
She opened her mouth to say something, then caught the shine deep within his eyes. She could stare into that shrine and become lost in a state of nirvana. Why did he have it? She had been all set in destroying herself when that small glint in his eyes had caught her attention.
"THERE you are. You just can't go to sleep without your bowl of milk, can you? Hello Trunks, dear," Mrs. Briefs said as she came into the room wearing a pink pajama shorts set and carrying a bowl of milk.
"Hi Grandma," Trunks said as he watched his grandmother set the bowl of milk down on the floor.
"Oh I forgot to ask you. When's the wedding? Bulma refuses to give me a straight answer. That girl is so stubborn at times."
"Wedding? Grandma, what are you talking about?"
"Oh you know, Trunks dear. I'm sure that's what the two of you were talking about."
"Um...Grandma maybe you'd better go back to bed."
"I guess I'd better so that you two can plan things out. Come on, let's leave these two alone," Mrs. Briefs said as she picked the cat up.
"I'm sorry. My grandmother is just...just like that," Trunks apologized and Loren blinked her eyes as if she were coming out of a daze.
"What?" she asked and Trunks stared at her.
"You didn't hear anything that was said?" he asked.
"No, I didn't. I'm sorry. Your eyes..."
"What about them?"
"Nothing. Forget I said anything."
He watched her for a moment then walked towards the door.
"I'm serious about what I said to you. I want to take you back with me," he said then walked out of the room.
"Good morning dear. How's Trunks this morning?" Dr. Briefs asked as he approached the two.
"He's just fine. Oh, are you going to the lab?"
"Yes I am. Why? Has Vegeta broken something again?"
"No. It's just that Trunks and his girlfriend were there talking last night and..."
"Mother! Trunks does NOT have a girlfriend!!" Bulma exclaimed as Goku and Krillin landed.
"Boy, things are getting pretty lively here," Goku commented.
"What's Vegeta done now? Never mind," Krillin said then drew back when he saw the Saiyen Prince.
"It's not Vegeta. It's my mother with her strange idea that Trunks and that sweet girl are going to be married," Bulma replied and Vegeta snorted.
"She's as sweet as a nuclear explosion if you insist on labeling that creature as a female," he said.
"Well if she isn't, then what is she?"
"That I don't know."
"Then how do you know she isn't female?"
"Where is she anyway? With Trunks?" Krillin asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bulma inquired.
"Nothing. Forget I said anything."
"Actually Krillin is right. They went off early this morning. They're talking about the wedding, I'm sure," Mrs. Briefs said in a confidential voice to Goku.
"Mother would you stop that?!" Bulma demanded in exasperation.
It had been a shocking revelation as a child and he had been despondent for days. But here in front of him, seemed to be the exception to the rule.
"Explain it to me," he said slowly as if he were trying to think of the correct words. "Why I see you as one thing and Father sees you as another. Do you change forms the way he claims you to?"
"Why do you want to know so much about me?" she asked as she glanced away from the injured creature.
"I just want to know. I'm interested."
"There you go. You're fine now. Try to walk," she said softly and the dinosaur slowly got to its feet. It then lumbered off and Loren brushed dirt off of her clothes. She watched the animal disappear into the brush then sighed.
"Perhaps we should go back," Trunks suggested.
"You can go back. I'm not going to," Loren replied.
"Well I'm sure Mother is worried about you."
"I'm not going back. Why should I? I belong no more here than I do out here."
"All right then. I'll stay too."
"Why? How do you know that he's not right? How do you know that I won't destroy everything?"
"After watching you heal that animal, I find that hard to believe. Like I've said, there's a lot of pain in your eyes and I want to stop it. I really do."
It was true that she had learned a lot from the Kais and the Nameks but their knowledge still left her unable to deal with the present situation.
"Well this is a nice place but I wouldn't keep house in it. I'm sure Trunks is working hard to get you an acceptable house," Mrs. Briefs said as she entered the ship. Loren glanced at her and sighed.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied.
"Why do you look so sad? He didn't call it off, did he?"
"I just wish I knew what to do."
"Well dear, life is like a bowl of cherries. Depending on how big the bowl is, you can get so many pies from it."
Loren tried to unscramble the logic, if there was any, in Mrs. Briefs statements.
"Of course if you want to make a different pie, that's a horse of another color."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Little Trunks likes you. He must if he wants to marry you."
"Who said anything about marriage?" Trunks asked as Loren pulled her body in tight. There was entirely too many people in her ship.
"Well you don't have to hide it. I've seen how you act around her."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Loren tightly shut her eyes as she felt threatened by the enclosure. Trunks glanced at her, sensing the influx in her ki. His mind flashed back to when he had startled her by entering her room and took his grandmother's hand.
"Grandma, do you think you could make some breakfast? I'm hungry."
"Of course I could. I bet your girlfriend is hungry too. Don't worry, it won't take long," she said and walked out of the ship.
Trunks glanced at Loren again, her was now rising sharply and approached her in the same way one would approach a frightened animal.
"Calm down. No one is threatening you," he said softly as he held out his hand. There was a brilliant flash of light and Vegeta folded his arms in satisfaction.
"NOW do you believe me?" he asked and Goku scratched his head.
"Believe you about what, Vegeta?" he asked.
"I wasn't talking to you Kakarrot!"
"Vegeta, are you trying to tell me that she caused that explosion?" Bulma asked.
"I'm not trying to tell you anything woman! Just look out the window and tell me what you see."
Bulma glanced out the window and saw smoke billowing up from the spot where the Namekian ship had crashed.
"Oh I hope they didn't have an argument," Mrs. Briefs said and Vegeta folded his arms in satisfaction.
"I told you that there was more to that creature than what you saw. You just chose not to believe me."
"Well maybe we should see how bad the damage is," Goku said and Krillin stood up.
"I'm with you, Bro. We don't need anything major to happen right before the Cell Games," he said.
"That's right. When Cell defeats these other wimps, I will step in to protect the people for I am Mr. Satan, defender of the world!" he cried.
"Who allowed that human idiot to enter?" Vegeta demanded then narrowed his eyes. "And why did you allow that thing to come here?"
"She's here because I told Cell she was a contestant," Piccolo said.
"Why did you do a thing like that?"
"Because I thought she might be an asset. I can speak from my father's memories and she's not as terrible as you see her."
"Guys let's not get into this now. The fate of the world depends on us," Goku said. Loren walked forward and jumped down to where the playing field down to where the playing field had been installed. Trunks grabbed her arm and held her fast.
"Stop. Don't do the same thing my best friend did in my time," he said.
"Who are you really?" she asked and Trunks stared at her.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You can tell things no one else can. Who are you?"
"I'm who I say I am."
"You can't be because if you were, your eyes..."
"What about them?"
She again shook her head and Trunks paled when he saw Mr. Satan approaching them.
"Don't worry, little lady. There's always time for my fans. I bet your boyfriend is jealous isn't he? Well, I don't blame him. I mean look at my strength. Look at my muscles. Of course, I'll have a contest with him if he thinks he's a tough guy. Don't worry. I'll take it easy on him. But after you get your autograph, of course," he said as he took out a glossy eight by ten photograph of himself. Loren watched him in confusion while Trunks tried to hide his embarrassment. With a flourish, Mr. Satan signed his name then turned to Trunks. "So you wanta try to beat the Champ? Don't worry kid. I'll take it easy on you," he said and Trunks politely shook his head.
"No thanks," he said and Mr. Satan grinned triumphantly.
"I see. Afraid of losing in front of your girl. Well, if you ever need some pointers, you know where to go. I've got to get back to warming up. I can't let the world down."
"Good job," Piccolo said and Trunks glanced beside him. The Namek waited until Mr. Satan was out of earshot before he continued. "I'm sure it was difficult to keep your temper after what he said."
"What would I have gained from punching him out?" Trunks asked.
"True. Let's get to safe ground before the tournament officially begins. A premature death would not help our cause."
Cell gazed at the challengers. There weren't many but he had suspected as much from a backwards mud ball. His gaze rested on Loren as he tried to figure out why the Namek had spared her life.
"What's so special about that one that you came out of hiding to spare her life? What is it, Piccolo? Well I shall soon find out. She will be my first opponent," Cell said and Vegeta snorted.
"Well there goes your home, Kakarrot," he said.
"What is your problem with her, Vegeta?" Goku inquired.
"Let's see why the Namek wanted to protect you, shall we?" Cell inquired as Loren looked at him.
"I refuse to do anything destructive," she replied.
"As long as you keep up with me, I won't do anything destructive."
He laughed threateningly and Loren blinked her eyes. What a conceited creature, she thought as she glanced at Trunks and then at Vegeta. She didn't want him to see the side that Vegeta had come to know. She didn't want to cause destruction another time. She spread her legs shoulder length apart and bent her knees slightly as she waited for the first strike.
"Nothing is stopping you," he said and Piccolo watched Loren fall sharply to the arena floor.
"So, Vegeta you must have been pretty weak for that girl to beat you," Yamcha said.
"I have never been weak! That creature just isn't using its full power," Vegeta retorted as Loren pulled himself up off the ground. She stretched and narrowed her eyes.
"That can't be all that you've got," she said softly, her voice filled with challenge.
"Give me something to fight against then. Perhaps then you'll get a challenge."
"Very well then but I want you to hold nothing back when you attack me again."
"If you give me a reason not to, then I won't. You do however, have a lot of talk within you. You aren't related to Vegeta, are you?"
"Just fight. I don't like opponents with venomous mouths."
"I don't know if enraging him is a smart idea," Piccolo muttered as he watched the match take place.
Loren stared deep into the android's eyes and saw the emotions within. Cell faltered slightly under the steady gaze then released a strong blast of ki.
"Is that all you've got?" Cell asked, mocking the voice that Loren had used earlier.
"I told you, I refuse to do anything destructive," Loren replied.
"I knew I should have killed you when you asked for it."
Kicks were blocked and the spectators watched with growing interest. Vegeta folded his arms in contempt as he watched the match progress. He watched her take numerous blows with little complaint and shifted his weight nosily.
"I think things are coming to an end," Piccolo commented.
"Good. I still have a few things I'd like to try on that arrogant..." Vegeta said then watched at Loren's body sharply hit the rocks on the outside of the arena. Trunks watched her body slide to the ground, the rocks cruelly etching a design on her back. He feared the worst. Death. Which by the standards of the World Martial Arts Tournament, the party member would have been disqualified but in the Cell games, he had no idea how things would turn out.
"That failure can't be the best you've got to offer, can it planet Earth?" Cell asked. "Which one of you is next? Piccolo? Vegeta? Goku? Goku. I was going to save you for last but I need something uplifting after that disappointing match."
"Are you trying to insinuate that I'm not important?!" Vegeta demanded.
"I know you could have been a contender but I respect what you did. I've got to go and help. I feel responsible for this mess," he said and took off.
She saw the planet explode sending particles of the planet flying and almost striking the Namek ship she stood on. She remembered running to the closest thing to her and grabbing tightly to his lower leg and sighed. A few other Nameks on the bridge watched him as he knelt on the floor, his large training robe making a dull thud as the weights hit the floor. He placed his hands on the frightened child's arms and she looked at him.
"Everything will be all right you'll see. Everything will be fine," he said.
"You were wrong, Rion and I've lost you as well," she said softly as she sat up. She could feel the ki emanating from the arena.
Loren turned away from the fight and gazed at the other side where a gecko scuttled about, searching for food. She sat and watched her knees. She wished that her life could be that simplistic as ground not far from her exploded.
She sat motionless in the rain of shrapnel not noticing or not caring about the jagged edges that pierced her skin. When the dust had settled, she glanced around for the gecko, only to find a spot of blood where the creature had been standing. She ran her hands over her arms for a moment then brought them away and looked at them. There was no blood on them. There was nothing. She had learned entirely too well the healing arts from the Nameks and the Kais.
She could feel pain, both mentally and physically but it wasn't long lasting. At least not the physical. She felt a life dwindle down to extinction and turned her attention to the arena. Goku was gone. Her heart fell at reality for she had come to know that Goku was perhaps even more formidable than Vegeta. She wished she could do something but she shook her head. She wasn't going to get involved in another world's affairs. Not again.
"Your father would have been proud of you," he said and Gohan sighed.
"I know. I just wish it hadn't ended the way it did," Gohan said and Krillin shook his hand.
"Good going, bro. You blew that android away," he said.
"Thanks. You know it may sound strange but I could almost feel my dad's arms guiding mine," Gohan said.
"I think it would be a good idea to collect the dragonballs and summon Shenraun," Piccolo said.
"You're right. A lot of innocent people died because of this," Krillin said.
"Where else could I go? I destroyed my ship. I can't leave this planet and I don't know where anything is," she replied and Trunks comfortingly took her hand.
"Don't worry. I'll show you around when we get back to my time."
"Why are you being so nice?"
"I feel like I understand you, even though I don't know you very well."
"Whatever. Let's go back to that woman's house so she doesn't worry about you," Vegeta said and Trunks spun around in shock.
"Dad?! How long were you standing there?" he asked and Vegeta sniffed.
"Long enough to hear your stupid drivel."
"Take him then. I've survived on my own for this long," Loren said.
"I'm sure you have. Let's go boy. The nerve of Kakarrot. Letting that android kill him when I'm supposed to."
"Come on, you can't mean that. I really meant what I told you. Besides, I'm sure Mother is worried about you as well," Trunks said and grabbed her hand.
Vegeta, who had already taken off glanced down at them and sighed.
"That boy has had too much interaction with Kakarrot's child. I swear, why does he keep bringing that stray home?"
"Who dares awake me from my slumber?" Shenraun asked and the young Namek bowed low.
"Many apologies, Great Shenraun but we are in great need of your assistance," he said.
"Very well then. What is your first wish?"
"Please, Great Shenraun, could you bring everyone that Cell killed back to life?"
"But that would bring the androids back!" Trunks protested.
"Your wish has been granted," Shenraun said. "And now, your second wish."
"Can you bring Goku back?" Krillin asked and the dragon considered this for a moment.
"I cannot grant that wish."
"I forgot. Shenraun isn't the original dragon that brought Goku back to life. Well, does anyone have a wish?"
Everyone considered their options for awhile as Shenraun gazed down at them and impatiently waited.
"Can he make the androids human?" Krillin asked.
"Are you insane?!" Trunks demanded.
"I cannot grant that wish," Shenraun replied.
"Then can you at least make them harmless? At least then they won't hurt anyone. That is, if it's all right with you guys," Krillin said.
"Go ahead Krillin. It's your wish," Yamcha said.
"Go Krillin!" Gohan cried.
"Your wish has been granted," Shenraun said.
"Well I guess I'd better go back to my time and see what's changed. I've got to take care of some things first," Trunks said as he walked towards the edge of the lookout. He stopped and glanced at Loren.
"Come on. You're coming with me, remember?" he asked.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Loren asked and Trunks nodded his head.
"I'm sure. Now come on. I think we should say goodbye to Mother."
"Well Father, I think she's got more of a place with me than she has with you," Trunks said.
"What a romantic way to spend your honeymoon," Mrs. Briefs said and Bulma sighed in exasperation.
"Mother, they are not getting married! Trunks is just giving her a home," Bulma said.
"He'd be better off giving her a grave," Vegeta said.
"Father please," Trunks said and Vegeta looked at him.
"Just wait. You'll see that creature's true nature."
"Come on," Trunks said as he turned to Loren. "Let's go to my time. I'm curious to see how it turned out."
He lead her to the time machine and looked at it. After a few moments he looked at Loren and grinned awkwardly.
"Oh yeah...I forgot that Mom made it a one seater."
"I guess I can't go then," Loren said and Trunks shook his head.
"No. I made a promise to you. There must be something we can do. Can you really change forms like Father says. Tell me the truth."
"Why?"
"Because if you can change your form, we can make this work."
"To what?"
"I don't know. A cat, maybe."
Loren sighed and very reluctantly closed his eyes. Trunks blinked his eyes and stared down at the Siamese that sat on the grass looking at him.
"You CAN do it. What did you look like when you met Father?"
Loren didn't answer and Trunks picked her up. He climbed into the time machine and sat down. Loren placed her feet on his lap and lay comfortably on it. He flushed for a moment then programmed the machine for his return trip home.
"Can you talk or are you just refusing to?" Trunks asked. Loren yawned and closed her eyes. Trunks sighed as he pressed the final button. He wondered what the future had in store for him.