The sun was barely up when he awoke. He stood up and got dressed.
He gazed in the mirror and stared into his eyes that were just like
his mother's and smiled. He phased out of his room and into his
parents' bedroom. His father was already awake, which didn't
surprise him, as he walked over to where his mother lay and kissed
her. Even though she had grown more human like in the recent years
her physical appearance had not changed and he found himself
attracted to her.
He forced himself away, knowing that his father would not
accept such an intimate display of affection and turned his
attention to Ridel. The dog was obviously showing his age as Rion
gently patted his head. The dog growled softly as Rion phased
through the floor.
He walked over to where Fife slept and gently shook him.
The Namek opened hi eyes and Rion smiled.
"Hey. You coming today? It's getting late," he said as Fife
sat up.
"I'm coming. How come we have to be separated?" Fife asked
as he stood. Rion took his hand and kissed him. He gently licked
the Namek's antennae and Fife slightly closed his eyes.
"We have to do this, 'cause Grandpa doesn't like it. You
want me to wait outside for you?"
"Yeah. I know how you get in the morning."
"I've learned a lot from you. Whish I could show Mom what I
know. She'd like it."
"I've grown used to the way you look at her. That lust in
your eyes..."
"She can sense it, I know. She's waiting for the perfect
time."
"You're just looking for trouble."
"not really. She's just so sexy. So are you."
"Now get out so I can get dressed."
Rion grinned and phased through the wall. He sat down on
the couch as Loren walked into the room carrying Ridel.
"Hey Mom," Rion said as he watched her set Ridel on the
floor.
"Hello," she said and ran her hands down her legs.
"Where's Dad?"
"Outside. I guess. Are you going out too?"
"Yeah. Sit down Mom. Fife's getting dressed."
"Trunks will be back soon. You know what he'll say."
"Can it be quick? I know you want to. You say I look a lot
like him. What's the difference?"
Loren sat beside her son and he moved closer to her. He
placed his arms around her and she glanced away.
"I don't think..."
"Look at me, Mom."
She did as he requested and he kissed her. He kissed her
the way she wanted to be kissed. He knew that her desire to treat
him like his father had been long standing and he had patiently
waited until he was old enough to do something about it.
He forced her back onto the couch, his hands disappearing
through her clothes to feel the skin underneath. He felt his
father's energy nearby and sharply drew back as Fife walked out of
his room. Loren gasped as she gazed at her son. Rion wiped his
mouth and took Fife's hand.
"You're terrible," Fife said.
"I know. How are you Mom?"
"Loren, are you okay?" Trunks asked as he walked into the
room.
"Come on, we'd better go," Rion said to Fife.
"Did you do anything?"
"Who me? No, Dad. I was just waiting for Fife to get
dressed."
"Sure, blame it all on me," Fife said as Rion picked up his
jacket.
"Come on. Let's go say hi to Grandma before we start. We'll
be back," Rion said and walked out of the room with Fife behind him.
"What happened?" Trunks asked as he sat next to
Loren. "You're crying. Did he do something?"
"I think I did...it," Loren sniffed as Trunks pulled her
back into his arms.
"What do you mean?"
"Why did I have to have him in the first place?"

"Hey, you all right?" Fife asked as Rion stopped in mid-air. He
had heard his mother's question. Perhaps he had been a little too
forceful but that's where true power lay. Aggressiveness was the only
thing that would get anything done.
"Rion..."
"What?" Rion asked as he gazed at the Namek.
"Are you all right? You've been acting differently ever
since you had that dream."
It had been six months since he had the dream in question.
Before he had been the innocent, hard-working, slightly mischievous
child that everyone had loved and now...The dream had offered him
the strength he wanted so badly. It had told him to do what he
wanted no matter what.
With freedom, there was power. He had started small,
testing where the limitations were with his relatives and
friends...especially Pan who seemed to be quickly switching from
friend to something more...concrete. He had pushed his limitations
with her a few weeks ago, which had resulted in some favorable
activity for him.
"Are you even listening to me?"
"Hmm? Oh. I was just thinking."
"I can tell. About what?"
"The future. You gonna stay with me through all this?"
"Yes. Somebody needs to keep you grounded. We're going past
Vegeta's."
"Yeah. I know. I wanna stop by Pan's."
He materialized a package in his hand and Fife watched him.
"Do you ever wonder why you have two extremely strong
desires?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you've gotten into the same relationship that your
mother had. She was asexual at one time. Would it be possible that
you are as well?"
"I guess. How can you tell something like that?"
"I don't know. It's natural for me. What exactly happened
with her a few nights ago?"
"Pan? Nothing much. Hope she's in."
They landed at Gohan's and Rion knocked on the door.
"Hey guys. Pan's not in," Gohan said and Rion's face fell.
"All right. Can you give her this and tell her to call and
leave a message?" Rion asked.
"Sure. Where are you guys going?"
"Up to Shin's to train."
"You're always training. You're as bad as Vegeta."
"Thanks. He's taught me a lot just like Piccolo."
"They're good teacher, huh?"
"Extremely good teachers. We need to get going."
"See you guys later."
"I didn't like the way you said that last statement," Fife
said and Rion looked at him.
"Are you getting paranoid on me?" Rion asked.
"No. It's just the way you've gotten worries me."
"How does it worry you?"
"It just does. You're not the way you were before that
night. You're different."
"Let's just say I know what I want."
"I hope what you want is the right decision."

________________________________________________

"You don't mean that," Trunks said as he embraced Loren.
"He's different and I don't know why," Loren said as he ran
his hands over Loren's shoulders.
"I've noticed that. Fife has been acting quieter around him.
I wonder what's wrong."
"It's my fault."
"Why?"
"I can't say no."
"I can't either. You know I'm no match for my dad but
something else is wrong, isn't it?"
"No..."
"Yes. What is it?"
She said nothing as he moved his hand to her front. She
pushed herself farther down on the couch, allowing herself to
recline more fully in his arms.
"You're not sick, are you? You're not eating as much as you
have been. Of course...you don't eat as much on a normal basis."
"No...I'm not sick..."
"That's good."
"Don't touch there..."
"Loren..."
"What?"
"Not again, is it?"
"Um...."

_________________________________________________________

"You don't want me to go in?" Fife asked and Rion stroked his ear.
"Sorry. I want to do this on my own," Rion said and walked
into the training room.
"A bad seed is growing in his heart," the Supreme Kai said
and Fife looked at him.
"My uncle tried to teach him to control his emotions but I'm
afraid he's too much like his mother."
"Piccolo has done an exceptional job of training him. He was
a well-behaved child. I wonder what happened?"
"He fell asleep in my room and had an extremely vivid dream
about six months ago."
"What was it about?"
"He wouldn't say but he's been slowly pushing through the
rules and regulations."
"I see a veil of darkness descending on him and others.
However, I don't believe that he is the cause of this veil. I think
it's someone that Goku has forgotten about..."
_____________________________________________________________________
"No way! That's wonderful honey. I'm so happy for you. What? No...he
didn't come by. Vegeta!" Bulma cried and Vegeta walked into the
room, holding a half eaten sandwich.
"What do you want woman?" Vegeta asked.
"Did Rion come by?"
"No."
"Trunks said he was coming by...I wonder what happened. All right
dear, we'll call you if we see him."
"What was that scream about? What's she done now?"
"It's happened again."
"What's happened again?"
"She's expecting."
"I thought she was over that."
"Apparently not."
"How's he taking it?"
"Okay. She's worried about Rion, though. I think those stories you
told him as a child really influenced him..."

______________________________________________________

Rion's eyes darkened as he closed his eyes. He felt the power
within him increase as his muscles enlarged. His shoulder length
hair became painted yellow as the follicles stood up on end, defying
gravity. Energy radiated out from the source as his body became
lightly covered in armor.
A glove appeared in his hand, the blade adorned with purple
jewels and navy rope tied around the hilt. Wings sprouted from his
back, the makeup looking like a marriage between feathers and scales
and Rion opened his eyes. He glanced up and smiled, his face taking
on the appearance of a demon. The weaver of the dark veil was
coming and he would arrive soon.
Rion swung the glaive at the wall, watching in amazement as
the blade slashed through the stone as if it were made of paper. He
smiled at the destruction and turned his attention to his mother.
"Come on Mom, you should have expected this. I'm mostly like
you so I represent all that you once were. My sibling will
represent all that you've been. A mere shell of your former self. I
have your ability to switch forms when it suits you. I also have
your power and Dad's power as well. Plus the skill of others. I have
what I need and now the ability to telepathically communicate will
be shut down. I don't want you hearing my thoughts. I don't want you
to know what I'm going to do. You'll find out soon enough. I am
willingly locking you out."

_________________________________________________________

"Loren what's wrong?!" Trunks exclaimed as she suddenly fell to her
knees. She began crying hysterically as Bulma ran into the room.
"What's wrong? What happened?" she asked as Trunks embraced
Loren. She clung to him, her tears falling rapidly as she tried to
fit her body in the space in-between his arms.
"I don't know Mom."
"What's going on in here? Can't a man have some peace to
read?" Vegeta demanded as he stepped into the doorway.
"What is it Loren? Talk to me," Trunks said as he shook
her. Her crying increased as Trunks' frustration grew.
"What's he done? Tell me!"
"I...I...I can't!" she managed to get out.
"Tell me, damn it!"
"Well that was smart," Vegeta said after Loren had
disappeared.
"Does anyone know where he was going?" Trunks asked.
"Whoa...boy, I just stopped by for a visit and I see things
falling apart," Bra said as she walked into the room.
"Calm down honey," Bulma said.
"To get her that upset..." Trunks said as he tried to keep
his anger suppressed.
"You should have disciplined him a long time ago," Vegeta
said.
"You aren't helping anything," Bulma said. "Bra, honey, get
the phone, will you dear?"
"I swear, when I find him I'll..." Trunks said as his hair
color fluctuated.
"Daddy, Goku wants to talk to you. He says it's important!"
Bra cried.
"All right. Don't go anywhere boy," Vegeta said as he walked
out of the room. Trunks brought his arms up close to his chest as
his muscles stiffened. His hair turned completely yellow and he
lowered his arms and walked out of the room.
"Where are you going? Didn't you hear your father?" Bulma
asked as she ran after him.
"I heard but I don't need Dad's help in dealing with my own
son," Trunks said and took off.

_____________________________________________________

The Supreme Kai stared in shock at the damage that Rion had
wreaked. Rion opened the door and walked out. He gazed at Fife,
who seemed to be quite taken aback by his appearance, and grinned.
"You ready?" he asked and Fife nodded his head.
"Wait!" the Supreme Kai cried and Fife looked at him.
"Please, I wouldn't be a true friend if I didn't go. He
needs me. If I don't go, he's going to be worse off than he is now.
My father, who is a very wise man, explained things to me when I was
younger. I am his anchor. I am what keeps him tied to reality. I am
what helps keep the dark side suppressed. I stabilize him. I must
go," Fife said.
"All right. I trust you. You have a good head on your
shoulders. Keep him safe. I know Loren must be extremely upset with
his...change. Bring the son that she loves back to her."
"Let's go," Rion said and took Fife's hand. "Don't be so
paranoid, Shin. I'm making my own decision. Let's go. I want to see
him when he arrives."
"Who?" Shin asked but got no answer. He sighed as he
thoughtfully ran his fingers over his ear. It looked as though this
was another matter that he would need to personally attend to.

 

"No, I have no idea where he is but I'm sensing a lot of dark
energy from him. He's heading for Goku's!" Piccolo said and took
off.
"Yeah I can feel it. What's his problem?!" Trunks asked as
his eyes darkened.
"Don't get consumed with rage. You need to be focused.
Great. I've lost him. Fife is there but I don't know where Rion is."
_____________________________________________________________________
Loren sat on the bed crying. Why was he this way? Why? What
had she done wrong? Why did it seem like she was always being
punished for something? She glanced up when she felt that she
wasn't alone. Hands were touching her. Soft, familiar hands. She
felt them underneath her clothes and closed her eyes. Not him. She
couldn't deal with him now. Why had he come? He watched her for a
moment then smiled.
"Sorry I was so short earlier, Mother. It was the
overwhelming power. Now come on, let me do what I did to Pan. It's
about time to let you treat me like you do Dad," Rion said and took
her clothes off. He dissolved his clothing and sat next to her.
"No..." Loren said as he pushed her back.
"No excuses Mom. I know you want it. I know your thoughts
and desires. You've wanted this for a long time. That's why Dad got
so worried about you. You didn't treat me like a child. You had a
tendency to treat me as something more."
"But..."
He began touching her and she submitted, overwhelmed by the
shock of what was going on and his striking resemblance to Trunks.
He kissed her, spending more time on her chest, a part of her body
that he had been fixated with since infancy.
"Rion please..."
"Don't protest. I want to see what Dad gets so enraptured
with. I want to know why the two of you have so much fun together.
Just pretend I'm him and let me come inside."
"Please don't do this..."
_____________________________________________________________________
Trunks descended and Piccolo followed him. He sensed the
energy increase in the younger man and wondered what happened.
Trunks mind was consumed entirely with rage and the rocks submitted
to his force.
"What is it?" the Namek inquired.
"I...know...where...he...is," Trunks said through clenched
teeth.
"Where?"
"I SWEAR I'LL KILL HIM!!”
"Where is he?
"HE'S TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HIS MOTHER!!!"

________________________________________________________

"Hey Fife. Where's Rion?" Goten asked as soon as the Namek landed.
"He'll be here. I'm supposed to wait for him."
"Does he want to see my dad?"
"No. He's waiting for someone."
"Who?"
"I don't know. He just said that the newcomer was related to
Goku."
"Hey I heard my name. Hey Fife. Where's Rion?" Goku asked.
"He's coming. Dad, do you have any relatives?" Goten asked.
"Aside from you guys, I don't think so. Why?"
"Fife said one of your relatives will be landing."
"Really? Gee, I don't know much about my family. Someone
COULD be coming to pay me a visit. It would be nice for Pan to see
other relatives from my family. Especially since she's gotten so
serious with Rion. Sorry Fife."
"It's all right. The relationship is different. I'm more of
a friend than anything else," Rion said.
"Hey, I just thought of something. I Rion...?" Goten asked.
"Am I what?" Rion asked as he appeared next to Fife.
"Geez, what happened to you, man?"

_____________________________________________________

Loren wept profusely as she materialized a knife in her hand. She
couldn't bear it anymore. Her son, the evil, and now the new
child...she pressed the blade into her neck as Trunks walked into
the room. All of his anger disappeared at the sight that greeted
him. He blasted the weapon out of her hand and ran up to her.
"No matter how bad things are, that's never an option, all
right?" he asked as she collapsed into his arms.
"I...I can't BEAR another one. This is where my staying has
gotten us. I can't do it. I CAN'T! Please Trunks. Let me go. Let me
and the new one go. PLEASE Trunks. Let me go. I don't want to put
you through any more misery!" she cried.
"STOP that!"
"It's true! He's like what I was only darker. He's doing
this to toy with you because I can't do anything about it. I created
him and now look at what's happened!! I refuse to torment you any
longer."
She pushed away from him and waved her hand. He tried to
move forward but found he couldn't. He watched her in shock as she
prepared to execute the self-destructive move that had stopped her
from using so long ago.
"Don't do it Loren!!" he cried. "Let me go and I'll take
care of him!"
"No. I don't want another child hurt by my existence. I also
don't want another one existing inside me. This is what needs to be
done."

__________________________________________________________

"Please calm down Loren. Now, does only one person from your plane
oversee everything?" Trunks asked after he had broken free of his
bonds. There had been a brief struggle between the two and Loren
had completely broken down in his arms. She had come extremely
close to hurting him and she didn't want to do that.
"But all that's happened...Rion...the way he is now..."
"This isn't your fault honey. None of this is your fault
honey. None of this is your fault. Now I'm going after him. Promise
me you won't go anywhere."
"Piccolo is here."
"I thought he'd show up. I left him behind when I felt what
he was doing to you. I was going to kill him and then I saw you with
that blade pointed at your throat...you don't know how much that
hurt me."
"How is she?" the Namek asked as he walked into the room.
"Please stay here and watch her. Keep her company."
"How?"
"Do what you do best. Right now all I care about is taking
care of him."
"Don't be too hard on him. He's being used."
"I'm still going to make him pay for the way he treated
Loren."

_____________________________________________________

The familiar shape of a Saiyen spaceship entered the atmosphere.
Rion stood silently waiting for the ship to touch down and Fife
stood beside him with his arms folded. He watched Rion's actions
then glanced away. He felt the darkness around them grow as Rion
looked up.
"Damn!" he swore and Fife glanced at him.
"What is it?" he asked as he felt Rion's anger grew.
"My dad's coming. Damn! I thought Mom would keep him busy
longer."
"What did you do to her?"
"What I did to Pan. Mmm. Didn't think he'd figure it out so
soon. Damn! Oh well, what am I worried about? I'm stronger than he
is."
"Here he comes."
"The other Saiyen. I hope I can take care of him."
"Who?"
"Dad. Our visitor is landing. My father will have to wait."
Trunks landed and he was about to run up to his son when
Goku grabbed his shoulder. Trunks glared at Goku and Goku returned
the glare.
"Let me go Goku," Trunks said as his gaze set on his son.
"Let's see who's coming first."
"I need to do this. You have no idea what he did to her. You
have no idea!"
Rion sighed as he handed his glaive to Fife.
"Greet him when he arrives. I'll go take care of my dad.
Didn't want to do this yet but it's time to put him in his place. I
am the strongest after all," Rion said and walked away from Fife.

______________________________________________________

Piccolo stood there, taken aback by Loren's actions. She wept
profusely and he felt her tears seep through his blue shirt and onto
his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair, his heart saddened
by the state of hysteria that she was in.
"Loren, please tell me. What did he do to get you so
upset?" the Namek asked.
"He...he...treated me like...he..."
She gazed up at him and took a deep breath. The Namek's
gaze was always so warm and friendly, just like it had been the
first day she had seen him as a young child. His gaze brought
comfort to her and she began to speak again.
"He...treated me the...way Trunks...treats me. And now...and
now...this n-new one. I can't go through with it. I just CAN'T. I
can't do it to him. I can't have another one like Rion. Look at what
he's become. It's because of me. It's because I came here. I never
should have left Piccolo! I-I never should have gone. You and I
would be happy together an I-I wouldn't h-have to...to d-deal
with...this."
"Loren, it's not his fault. Can't you sense that? There's no
way all of this darkness is his fault. He's extremely gullible.
He's so willing to trust people. Somehow, something or someone has
called him and he believes what that voice said. That's why he's
turned. It's not your fault. Please believe me. You know I care for
you. Don't be this way, all right? You're only hurting the people
closest to you."
Her cries stopped and he ran his hand down her back. She
drew away from him and sniffed, her nasal passages still feeling the
effects of her hysteria. She sat down and he sat beside her. She
gazed at him for a moment and then out the window.
"Thank you. You really helped. I guess that's why he wanted
you to stay with me. You've always helped. I really don't deserve
someone like you," she said and the Namek blushed.
"Loren please. I'm the one that doesn't deserve someone like
you. You have given me so much that I wouldn't have otherwise. I'm
the one that should be thanking you. What is it Loren?" Piccolo
asked as she suddenly froze in terror.
"We've got to go," she said and grabbed his hand. He
protested as she pulled him up, not sure what she had sensed to get
her so anxious.
"What's going on?"
"I heard his thought. He wants to kill Trunks."
"Are you serious?"
"Do you think I would lie about something like this? Now
come on, we need to go. Someone needs to stop him. I'm not letting
Trunks get sacrificed to this new Saiyen."
"What?"
"What do you mean, what?"
"You said Saiyen. What new Saiyen?"
"If we go, we'll find out. I will NOT let Trunks die. Not
again."

______________________________________________________

Rion appeared next to his father and smiled sweetly, an expression
that looked like the grin of a cobra ready to strike. Goku looked
at him and frowned.
"Stop it Rion," he said and Rion waved a hand.
"I think this is a private discussion, Kakarrot," he said as he
gauged his father's anger level.
"My god, you sound like Vegeta," Goten said and Rion glanced snidely
at him.
"I learned a lot from Grandpa. More than you'll ever know. He was a
strong prince. I'm gonna be even stronger soon. Now, why don't we go
somewhere and...talk? It seems as though you have problems with my
current state, Dad. Of course, you should be happy. I've gained all
this power with my current state. Oh wait...I'm talking about
Grandpa. He appreciates hard work, not you."
Goku angrily watched then disappear than reappear further into the
forest. He wished there was something he could do for Rion but it
wasn't his son.
"What's going on out here Kakarrot?! My stupid boy won't answer the
phone and nobody knows where his kid is," Vegeta said as he landed.
"They're right there," Goku said, pointing to where Trunks and Rion
stood.
"What are they doing?"
"Trunks is trying to talk to Rion. Rion is...trying to destroy him."
"WHAT?!"
"It's true," Piccolo said as he appeared. "Now, shouldn't we turn
our attention to the ship that's almost landed? Vegeta, take her.
I'm going to speak to Fife."
"How DARE you give me orders you insect!" Vegeta protested and
Piccolo's gaze darkened.
"Just DO it! I don't have time to argue mindlessly with you."
He shoved Loren to Vegeta and ran up to where Fife stood.
"What's going on?"
"I don't know uncle. I only came because I'm his friend. Something's
changed him but I don't know what," Fife said.
"Do you know who's coming?" Piccolo asked.
"No but I can sense a name..."
"What name?"
"Name? Uh...Radditz."

______________________________________________________

The sound of the spaceship hitting the earth was enormous. Both
Nameks winced at the effects of the loud noise on their sensitive
ears. For a few seconds, there was almost complete silence. The
only thing disturbing the silence was the hissing of the hydraulic
mechanism that opened the hatch of the spherical spaceship.
Someone stepped out and the others strained to see in amongst the
dust and smoke who it was. Loren clung tightly to Vegeta in fear
and Vegeta glared at her. He pushed her away from him and she gazed
at him with tears in her eyes. He opened his mouth to say something
but stopped when the sketchy outline of a person emerged from the
still falling dust.
It was a figure that seemed familiar but Vegeta could not recall the
name. Goku stood with his mouth wide open in shock and Piccolo
mimicked his shock. It was as if the dead were walking. It was
him, yet it wasn't. The hair, the gaze, the height...even the
outfit was exactly the same as when he had arrived to ask Goku why
the Earth had not been destroyed yet.
Loren sank to her knees and continued to cry and Goten watched her.
He glanced at Vegeta, who seemed more interested in the newcomer and
sighed. He walked over to Loren and laid a hand on her shoulder.
She glanced up at him and he smiled.
"It's gonna be okay. We'll take care of Rion. You can go to the
house if you want. Mom's not in but I'm sure it'll be a lot safer in
there," he said and helped her up.
"I-I don't want...any of...them hurt," she sniffed as Goten put his
arm around her.
"I'll look out for them. I'm not gonna leave Trunks in a spot like
this, okay? Everything will be fine."
Piccolo watched Goten take Loren out of danger and sighed. He hoped
she would stay safe at the house. The newcomer glanced in his
direction and Piccolo stared at him in horror. It was an exact
resemblance except the newcomer was definitely younger. He stepped
back in shock as he figured out the significance of his discovery.
It had to be. There was no other way. It had to be...Radditz's son.

________________________________________________________

"What's the matter, Piccolo? Does my existence put you in a state of
shock?" he asked as the sky lit up with an energy blast.
"You...you're..." Piccolo stuttered and the newcomer sneered.
"Tiraddz. How could you destroy your own brother, Uncle
Kakarrot?"
There was venom in the way he said "Kakarrot" and Goku
cringed. Tiraddz walked past the Namek and up to Vegeta. The
Saiyen Prince's gaze darkened as Tiraddz mockingly looked him over.
"Vegeta, the Saiyen prince. Of what? This pathetic little
mud ball? The prince that couldn't ascend to Super Saiyen status. The
prince that couldn't defeat Frieza. The prince or whatever you call
yourself has a family here. Isn't that sweet? He's grown soft and
settled down."
"Don't toy with me you insolent brat!" Vegeta snapped and
Tiraddz's eyes grew hard.
"Don't even try," he hissed. "You're not as strong as you
once were. Your grandson has more power than you."
"What did you do to him?" Piccolo demanded.
"Rion? I simply offered him what he wanted. Strength."
"And what does he have to do to acquire that strength?"
"It's very simple. Destroy the only ones that together are
strongest. That shouldn't be too difficult, considering the
emotional state his mother is in."
"You mean...?"
"Exactly. Your beloved son is about to die soon, your
highness," Tiraddz said and Vegeta's gaze darkened further.
"Not without a struggle you lowly monkey. My boy is not
about to let his son defeat him. Not in the state that he's in. My
boy isn't that stupid," Vegeta growled and Tiraddz raised an eyebrow.
"Really? From Rion's description, I would have thought
otherwise. Oh well, my money isn't on your son anyway."

___________________________________________________________

Trunks gazed angrily at his son as he wiped away the sweat from his
face. Rion watched him in amusement as he moved one foot directly
behind the other as he prepared himself for another attack.
"Pretty good, Dad. You know the only reason you can keep up with me
is because Mom's agelessness spills over to you. That's something
she can't get rid of. She can age, just not physically and she
didn't want to stay the same while your body lost some of
it's...attractiveness. But, I'm afraid, to get what I want. I have
to get rid of the only things standing in my way," Rion said as he
watched his father's gaze darken.
"That's why you did that to her, isn't it?" Trunks demanded.
"Of course. To bring her completely down to an emotional wreck. I
don't need her to satisfy my desires. Pan covers that quite nicely.
And besides, I need to start thinking of the future since I have
another being to worry about."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, that's right. I didn't tell you. Pan will be having my child."
"What?!"
"Shocking Dad? Well then, let me give you something else that's
shocking."
He released an energy blast directly at Trunks. The sky lit up with
a blinding flash and Rion awaited the scream he so longed to hear.
When none came, he frowned, wondering what he had done wrong. His
eyes grew wide as he heard a thought inside his head and glanced
behind him.
"Mom?! What...?" he began to ask as Loren, despite her physical and
emotional fatigue, rapped him sharply across the back of his head.
His eyes rolled up into his head as he fell to the ground. She
winced slightly as she knelt beside him and placed her hands on his
forehead.
Trunks recognized the fusion that she was about to undertake. He
had witnessed it on the fateful day of the world martial arts
tournament when she had split into two forms to save him. Her
female form had knelt beside her male form in the exact same
manner. He watched her body disappear and waited for his son to
regain consciousness. He didn't know what she was doing, but he
knew that it was the right decision. He shook his head as he
thought about how she had blamed herself for not taking action with
Rion. She had taken action and she was going to deal with the
problem that had now presented itself...

_________________________________________________________

When Rion awoke, he found himself looking outside in. He could see
himself yet it wasn't himself. He could see his mother, or it at
least appeared to be his mother. The figure in question had his
mother's eyes and her hair color but the body was not female. It
wasn't male either and Rion wondered if it was like a Namek's body.
"Elder..." the voice said and Rion recognized it as his mother's.
He had never heard his mother's voice like that before and it
bothered him although he did not know why.
"Yes Kalina?" the other figure asked.
"Please. Cleanse him. He's one of us."
"That's not true. His blood is mixed with the blood of mortals."
"I see. Then I would like to reclaim my status."
"I can't allow you to do that."
"Why not?"
"The female inside of you is not ready for death."
What are they talking about? Rion thought as he watched them. He
saw his mother's distress and tried to sense her thoughts. He drew
back in shock when he found he couldn't.
"Then can I transfer my status to him?" Loren asked and the Elder
looked at her.
"The mortal with the link?" he asked.
"Yes."
"This is not going by the book..."
"When have I gone by the book? Come on, I virtually have more
responsibility than the others..."
"I heard that Kalina. What's with this sudden burst of conceit?"
Demar asked as he stepped out of the shadows.
"What do YOU want?" Loren asked and Demar grinned widely.
"You're going to lose someone in this fight. It will be up to you to
decide which gets life and which gets death."
"Why does anyone have to die? Why?"
"Poor Kalina. Through all that's happened, you remain the same.
Well, who is this?"
"Leave him alone!"
"Those eyes...is he the dark that compliments your light? He's just
like you are. Can he switch forms as well?"
"He isn't in a state of alertness. He can't hear you."
"Well then, why don't I wake him up? I want to meet this darkling."
"Demar leave him alone!"
Rion fell to the floor and stood up. His body felt different yet
similar. Loren appeared next to him and he gazed at her.
"Mother..." he said, his voice sounding oddly different. He drew
back as Demar prodded him.
"Stop it!" Loren commanded.
"Kalina you get so easily upset. Mmm. I thought that young...Saiyen
would serve my purposes but it seems as though he was able to locate
someone better. I've seen what he's done to you. The incest of a
god. Highly entertaining Kalina."
"Demar..." the Elder said and Demar looked at him.
"You know this is going to go on until I have the key and it looks
as though I'm going to get a beautiful key holder. Even as a female
you look good."
"Mother what...?" Rion began to ask then drew back at the sound of
his voice. It was definitely female and Demar watched his actions
with interest.
"Don't believe it, do you? Would you like something that reflects
the change?" Demar asked as he produced a mirror. Rion stared at
his reflection in shock. As a woman, he resembled his mother except
that his hair was purple instead of blonde.
"And now would you like to see your true form?"
"Demar let him be!" Loren cried and Demar glanced at her.
"You're very abrasive Kalina. Is it my appearance?" he asked and
smoothly changed into a beautiful tall human with long black hair
and deep yellow eyes. He smiled, showing off his sharp fangs.
"You! You were the first demon I fought."
"Now, now, now Kalina. Do you seriously think I would have wasted my
time with such a pathetic attempt? He came from my realm but I did
not order him to go."
"How can I believe that?"
"I have no need for truth or lies. Now my boy. I think we have some
things to discuss..."

 

Trunks glanced up at the sound of his father's attack. He ran back
to where the action was and watched as Tiraddz released an energy
wave of his own.
No, Dad. You're too old for this, Trunks thought as he watched his
father take the full brunt of the attack with his chest. Vegeta
wavered for a moment then fell to his knees.
"Father!" Trunks cried as he ran to Vegeta's side. Vegeta pushed
him away and winced in pain.
"Get away from me boy! I can...I can DO this," Vegeta said as he
struggled to stand.
"My how the mighty have fallen. Are you going to step in for him or
are you going to watch him die?" Tiraddz asked.
"I WILL fight you, you insolent fool," Vegeta grunted as he stood up.
"Dad no. I won't let you get hurt again," Trunks said.
"I AM a Super Saiyen. I can DO this. Now get out of my way."
"Father, I'm not going to let your stubbornness kill you."
"Family discussions bore me. What about you, Uncle Kakarrot?"
Tiraddz asked and Goku frowned.
"Don't call me that!" he cried.
"Well it seems as though WE need to talk. All right, let me just
dispose of the royalty."
He pulled his hand back and was about to release a second energy
attack when Piccolo released a blast of his own. Tiraddz screamed
in surprise as he was pushed back into the crater that he had made
with his spaceship.
"All right! Nice shot Piccolo!" Goku cried and the Namek looked at
him.
"It's not over yet," the Namek replied. "Can you tell what's
happening to Rion?"
The younger Namek shook his head as he watched the dust that had
been made by Tiraddz's fall clear and Piccolo smirked.
"It's just as well. We need you focus here."

____________________________________________________

"Well things are getting interesting down there Kalina," Demar
said. "Come on boy, let's go."
"You're not taking him anywhere," Loren said and Demar raised an
eyebrow.
"Really? And what are you going to do Kalina? You're in a spot here.
Save him and your friends die. Save your friends and he comes with
me."
"Why do you do this Demar?"
"Because you're in control of what I want."
"You're never going to get it."
"Perhaps but the manifestation of the key is just as good for my
purposes."
"NO!"
"Either way you lose Kalina."
"There's got to be another way."
"The boy is old enough to make his own decisions. What do you
decide, boy?"
"Rion..." Loren said, her eyes filled with tears. "Rion please
forgive what I'm going to do. Elder..."
"Are you sure, young one?" the Elder asked.
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Very well then."

___________________________________________________________

"PICCOLO!!" Goku screamed as Tiraddz's blast vaporized the Namek.
His eyes darkened as he harnessed his rage and transformed into a
Super Saiyen. Trunks came from Goku's house where he had tended to
his unconscious father and fell to his knees in shock.
"No. Not Piccolo. Poor Loren. He means so much to her. He was her
best friend. Why? Why did he have to go? Where did that guy get his
power? He has the blood of a Saiyen but he's something more," he
said.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Goten asked as he walked up to him.
"Piccolo..."
"Yeah I know. Come on, Dad and Gohan think if we all work together,
we can beat that guy."
"I really don't know what Fife can do. He and Rion would train
alone. It was intense, but it was alone."
"Well the five of us are all we have since Vegeta is out."
"Can Goku handle this? I mean, he's not young either. You'd think
with grandchildren in their teens..."
"Dad's gonna try. Sure they aren't as young as us but they've got
experience."
"Gohan's kinda settled down too. You think we can do this?"
"I think you, me, and Fife can cover for them if something happens."
"Hey, you ready?" Trunks asked as he walked up to the Namek and
Fife looked at him.
"Please don't underestimate me," Fife said as he took off his
training robes.
"I like that look. Things are gonna get serious now," Goten said as
he transformed.
"Loren's not here to see my hair like this," Trunks said as he
transformed.
"What is it with her and your hair? You look better with it short."
"She likes to run her fingers through my hair. I think I'm gonna
have to go one up on you though."
"Huh? Oh the wings. Do those help you at all? To me, they look like
they'd just get in the way."
"You two ready?" Fife asked and Goten's attitude rapidly changed.
"Yeah. Let's do this."

_______________________________________________________

"Thank you for destroying the rubbish. His usefulness ran out when
I met this lavender darkling," Demar said as he appeared in front of
Tiraddz's body. The young Saiyen moved slightly and Demar looked at
him. His human-like for smiled as he flexed his enormous dragon-
like wings.
"Still alive? What a pity."
Rion watched Demar smash the dying Saiyen's head in and felt
overwhelmed with sickness. Demar reverted to his natural state and
picked the corpse up with his reptilian hand. He waved his other
hand over the body instantly igniting the corpse. The Saiyens
grimaced at the smell of burning flesh and blood stained clothes and
Demar held the flame engulfed body in front of Rion.
"Exhilarating, isn't it? He's not going to need his body where he's
going. Now, who should you destroy? Daddy or your friend or....I
know. The perfect thing to take the life of. An unborn child. I
don't think you can take care of a child of your own anyway."
"Stop it Demar. That is not why we're here," the Elder said as he
appeared.
"Loren!" Trunks cried as she appeared beside him. "Piccolo is..."
"I know. Trunks..." she said and he looked at her.
"Please forgive me. Please forgive us. Please. This is the only way
to save..."
"What are you talking about?"
"Forgive me for what I'm going to do."

_______________________________________________________

Demar grinned as Loren turned and faced the Elder. Trunks reached
for her and she drew away.
"Vegeta said I had no discipline. He was right. However, I'm not
about to let Demar take him away. Rion may be old enough to make his
own decisions but he's not going to make this one. I don't want to
take the girl with me but there's no other way," Loren said to
Trunks.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"You will see soon enough. Come, young one. It's time."
Rion watched his mother kneel in front of the Elder and Demar stepped
forward. He threw the burned corpse onto the ground and stood
directly in front of the Elder. He laid a hand on Loren's head as
Trunks walked forward as the realizations of what she was about to
do fell on his mind.
"Loren don't. Please," Trunks pleaded and Rion glanced at his
father. What was she going to do? He watched in shock as Demar
grabbed her neck and lifted her off the ground. He grimaced at the
crack of his mother's neck breaking, the sound almost as unbearable
as his father's scream. He felt Fife's presence next to him and
glanced at him.
"She's given herself and your unborn sister to the demon. She knew
what the consequences were but she still did it. She did it to
protect you," Fife said softly and watched a tear run down Rion's
cheek.
"Do you know what I've done?" he asked softly.
"Yes I do."
"I drove her to this decision. Treating her like I do Pan drove her
here. I have unconsciously killed Piccolo and my sister whom I will
never know. Look at what I've done to Dad. The pain he's in..."
"Rion I will stand by you no matter what your decision is."
"Thank you. I'm really gonna need you. I've made up my mind."
"Is it right?"
"Yes."

_______________________________________________________

"Damn! Your offspring is as determined as his predecessor," Demar
said as he strapped Loren onto an old weathered cross.
"The blood of a god. Allow me to...cleanse you Kalina."
He switched to his humanoid form and kissed her mouth.
Loren felt a snake-like tongue in her throat and tried to draw
back. Demar waved a hand and the shackles on her hands and feet
tightened. Tears filled her eyes as the guardian probed deeper and
deeper, searching for what he knew was encased in her body.
Loren unwillingly dissolved her clothing as the "human"
Demar continued to search her body for the key that was hidden there.
"Mother!" Rion cried as he and Fife appeared behind the
gates of Demar's realm. Demar drew away from Loren and turned
around, smoothly changing back to his natural form. He sharply ran
his claws across her stomach and she screamed in pain. For a
second, Rion though he heard two screams. The scream of his mother
and the inhuman cry of his still developing sister. Rion's gaze
darkened as he transformed and Demar grinned widely showing off his
enormous fangs.
"Something's got your blood up, doesn't it?" Demar asked.
"Leave her alone!"
"I'm afraid I don't understand you. You mate with her and
think about killing her and now when you see me strike her, you
become upset."
"He realizes that he has been wrong and wishes to make
amends," Fife said as Demar's tail slashed through the skin on her
upper leg.
Rion's gaze grew colder as his mother cried out in pain. He
unfolded his wings, which were now completely comprised of amber
feathers and materialized a sword in his hand.
"Ah yes. You've taken on so many of Kalina's traits. Having
a...Namek lover. I should have seen that long before now," Demar
said and snapped his fingers. Rion watched in horror as tiny spears
pierced through the cross and skewered her flesh and Rion released
an energy blast.
"Keep your head. You have a tendency to go to extremes,"
Fife said as the blast hit Demar.

_________________________________________________

"Trunks! Snap out of it!" Goten cried as Trunks' hysteria
continued. Vegeta sharply smacked his son across the neck and
Trunks fell forward. Gohan picked Trunks up and carried him into
his father's house.
"What happened Kakarrot?" Vegeta demanded.
"Demar's back. He killed Loren," Goku said.
"WHAT?! Where's his boy?"
"Rion and Fife went after Demar," Goten said.
"How long was I out?" Vegeta asked.
"Pretty long. We've also lost Piccolo."
"Are you telling me I missed the fight because I was
unconscious?"
"Hey, it would have been a lot easier with you here but
Trunks didn't want to wake you up," Goku said.
"I see. That boy of mine thought I was too old to fight."
"He was concerned about you," Goten said and Vegeta glared
at him.
"He was concerned about all of you. Let's face it. You both
have grandchildren in their teens. Don't you think it's time to step
down?"
"I REFUSE to be put out to pasture like some sickly animal,"
Vegeta growled.
"Look Vegeta. Dad. You've both some so much but we're
worried that you're gonna get killed in a fight because of your age."
"You know Goten..." Goku began to say when Vegeta stopped
him.
"Don't drag me into this Kakarrot. I'd rather die in a fight
than at home. I don't care if that boy of mine thinks I'm too old to
fight. I WILL continue to fight until I can fight no more," Vegeta
said and Goten sighed.
"All right. I was just expressing a concern, that's all," he
said.

__________________________________________________________

Loren closed her eyes as she felt her awareness slipping. Her mind
and body had been numbed by the intense pain and she profusely
apologized for bringing death upon her second child. She winced once
again as Demar plunged his hand into her chest and withdrew a small,
golden key. He grinned in triumph and turned to face Rion and Fife.
"It's over," he said as he switched to his human form. "You
both have lost. Prepare to die."
"MOTHER!!" Rion screamed as Fife watched his hair
lengthen. Ever since he had been a small child, he had been in
training and that training was about to pay off. Rion glanced at
Fife and grinned. Fife nodded his head and began to form a blue
ball of energy in his hand
"Are you challenging me? You're as bad as your mother,"
Demar said as he watched Rion's muscles enlarge.
"My mother could have defeated you if I hadn't screwed
things up. I'm going to put things right for everyone's sake."
"And your friend is going to help you. How touching. Then
let me give you this. You are now living the dream you had six
months ago. Overcome that and I MAY give up some of my time to deal
with you," Demar said and disappeared.

______________________________________________________

Trunks sat up and looked around for Loren. Gohan sat next to him
and patted his shoulder.
"It's gonna be okay man," he said and Trunks took a deep breath.
"I can't believe she did that. Where's Rion? Is he all right?"
"He went after Loren."
"WHAT?!"
"Calm down Trunks. I'm glad Pan didn't see any of this. It would
ruin her."
"Both of my children gone and Loren...DAMN!! I wish I could DO
something!!"
"Am I going to smack you across the head again boy?" Vegeta asked
and Trunks looked at him.
"Father, not now."
"Where are you going?" Gohan asked as Trunks stood up.
"Come on, Gohan. What would your dad do?" Trunks asked and Goku
looked up.
"What? Man, Chi-chi is going to kill me. Look at this mess," he said
as he stared at the enormous crater in his front yard.
"You're not going," Vegeta said and Trunks looked at him.
"Father please. I HAVE to go. I've already lost her and my second
child. I'm NOT losing my son. I know you wouldn't stand and watch
while I was being killed. I can't neglect him. I'm going. Loren gave
her life for Rion. Another death isn't going to justify the first."

______________________________________________________

Darkness surrounded Rion and Fife and Rion's eyes pulsated in
shock. He recognized this environment with the dying skeletal like
trees and browned parched grass. It was a graveyard they stood in
and Rion could see his mother lashed to a cross. She was now
definitely dead, Rion noted as he and Fife walked past the
gravestones. Vegeta, Piccolo, Goku, Gohan, Trunks, Goten, and
others. There were names of people that he didn't recognize as he
switched his sword to the glaive that he had been carrying.
"Where are we going?" Fife asked and Rion glanced behind
him.
"I forgot you were here," he said and Fife lowered his
antennae.
"I see how it is. First you push me aside for Pan and then
you forget about me."
"Hey I didn't mean it like that. I was curious with Pan,
that's all."
"What are you gonna do now that you know you're asexual? Are
you gonna tell her?"
"I'll worry about that later. Right now, we've got to live
through my dream."
"And make the right decisions."
"Of course. Thanks for coming."
"I've formally expressed my feelings for you. That's why I
came."
"I'm glad I followed my mother's example when it came to
Nameks."
Fife flushed as Rion stopped and kissed the Namek's neck.
He pushed Rion away and Rion grinned, his perfect blue eyes gleaming
mischievously.
"I'm sure that didn't happen in your dream," Fife said.
"No, but I wish it had," Rion said and Fife shook his head.
"We need to concentrate."
"I know. We should be coming to the gates soon."

_________________________________________________________

Trunks gazed around the darkened room. He saw Loren walking to him
and almost wept for joy. She was alive! She was alive! He ran
towards her and tightly embraced her. Their lips met and Trunks
kissed her passionately. But...something felt different. Her body
didn't feel quite right...
"You are amusing to watch," Demar said and Trunks drew away from
him.
"Where is she?" he demanded.
"She's here, although I don't think you'd care for her present
appearance."
"Give her back!!"
"I can't give her back. She's dead. She belongs to my world now.
However, I can allow you to look at her. That is, if you really want
to."
He moved away and Trunks stared at Loren's derelict body. What she
looked like was too unspeakable to describe. He didn't even want
his mind to comprehend the decrepit state that she was in.
"Speechless, aren't you? I wouldn't have had to go to all that
trouble if she had just given he location of the key to me. But,
that's besides the point? How would you like to join her, her MORTAL
lover?"
"What kind of creature are you?!"
"Creature? I am no creature. How can I fall under your mortal
definitions? I never understood how you mortals think. Bringing
Kalina down to your level was extremely low for a mortal."
"Rion...What have you done to my son??"
"He is merely living a dream. Nothing more, I assure you as you
mortals have a way of saying."
"I don't believe that."
"See for yourself."

______________________________________________________

"Look at them. All of them are so strong. I want that strength. I
want to be stronger," Rion said.
"There's a right way and a wrong way," Fife said.
"I know. There's to paths to where Mom is. One looks
straight but the other one has numerous curves."
"The straight one appears to be shorter."
"Yeah but that's the one I chose the last time."
"Then take the other one."
"But what if he switched roads to confuse us?"
"But what if he didn't?"
"There's got to be another way."

______________________________________________________

"Father..." Rion said as he and Fife appeared next to Trunks.
"I'm SO glad that you're safe," Trunks said as he embraced
his son. Rion wept in his father's arms and Trunks ran his fingers
through Rion's hair. In his current condition, he reminded Trunks
so much of Loren.
"Look at what I've done! I'm so sorry! Mother, my sister,
Pan, Piccolo, you....I've caused all this!"
"Don't start acting like your mother. Now is not the time."
"Can't I do something about it?"
"Right now, I believe we should worry about the demon," Fife
said.
"Guardian but I suppose your terminology is close enough.
This is a nice display for my prize, isn't it? And if I wanted it, I
could turn Kalina and the unborn child into demons. Do you think
she'd like witnessing the beginning of a new era?" Demar asked as
he ran his hand over Loren's face.
"You've killed her. What more do you want?" Trunks demanded.
"I told her falling in love with a mortal was stupid."
"It wasn't stupid! She should be an inspir..."
"Inspiration," Fife prompted.
"Inspiration to all of us. You don't have to love a mortal
like my mother does but you can exist in harmony. Isn't that what me
and my sister would have shown? A perfect balance between
existences. Not one person or guardian or whatever can control
everything. That's why each one of you has a job. Couldn't it also
be said that your personalities are interwoven? My mother had a dark
side to her. A side that was rarely shown but it was there. Is it
possible that you have a light side? A compassionated side?" Rion
asked and Demar stared at him.
"What are you going on about?"
"I think you know. Do what you want no matter what. With
freedom, there is power. That applied to emotions and expressing
them. You have little power if all you can do is control death.
Controlling life is much more challenging. That's why you want the
key that was placed in my mother's care. You wanted power because
you don't HAVE any!"
"ENOUGH! Demar, I have made my decision. You will no longer
oversee death on Earth. I will leave that up to the Kais," the Elder
said and Demar's eyes grew wide.
"The Kais?! But..." Demar protested.
"No. I refuse to let you have anything to do with that
planet from now on. Release her Demar."
The shackles and cross disappeared and Loren fell to the
ground. Trunks caught her, his tears staining her lifeless face.
"Hold her close, Father. I'm going to do my best to bring
her back. I know you two share a link and I'm going to use that to
bring her back. Please trust me, Father," Rion said as he walked up
to Trunks.
"I've always trusted you," Trunks replied.

_______________________________________________________

Loren's awareness was increasing as the black velvet veil over her
senses was slowly being lifted. She could hear voices, but she
couldn't tell where they were coming from. She sensed Trunks'
presence and sighed. That knowledge comforted her even though her
mind was functioning at a bare minimum. She felt stronger as Trunks
ran his fingers over her face. She tried to speak to him but found
that her mind could not remember how to work her muscles and vocal
chords. She wanted to open her eyes but found that she couldn't.
It was if her mind had gone on vacation and her body had hired a
temporary brain in its absence. She couldn't remember how to do
anything and she wanted so much to tell him that she was alive,
which she knew she was. She fought to gain a foothold on life but
found that her mind was slipping once again into the dark and
infinite void. Trunks clutched her even tighter and she thought she
could hear his heartbeat, but she wasn't sure.
"Can you bring them both back?" Trunks asked.
"I'm going to try. I want to see my sister when she's born.
This is really draining my energy. I'm going to do my best Dad. I
hope she wakes up soon. This is really hard on me," Rion said as
Trunks held Loren tightly to his chest.
"Don't overwork yourself. She wouldn't want that."
"I'm the only one that can do this, Father."
"Come back to me Loren. I know you can."
"I'm trying. She's responding, but it's very slow."
"You can do it honey. You can't break your promise to me
Loren. You just can't."
"Here," Fife said and handed the key that Demar had dropped
in his fit of rage to Rion.
"Thank you. This should help. Without this, there's no point
for her existence. Thanks, Fife. Thanks all of you. I was blinded by
my feelings. That's why she did this, isn't it Dad? She saw what I
was becoming and didn't want me to hurt others. I was such an
idiot," he said and Trunks took his hand.
"It's all right. Everyone makes mistakes. Things will go
back to normal, eventually," Trunks said softly as Loren's mouth
moved slightly.
Work with me, Mother. I want to see you again. I want to see
my sister. Don't leave us like this. Can't I still be your little
boy even though I've done so many things wrong? I am really sorry
for what I've done to you and Dad. Please come back, Mommy. Tell me
it's all right. Tell me everything's going to be fine, Rion thought
as he laid one hand on his father's hand and the other on his
mother's forehead. He was thankful that Dende had taught him how to
channel his healing powers as he closed his eyes and concentrated.

______________________________________________________

Consciousness gripped her like an iron hand and her throat
contracted at the memory of Demar breaking her neck. She opened her
eyes in shock as she felt a weight upon her body and gazed in front
of her. Rion lay unconsciously on her lap. She smiled as she
reached out to touch him. His recent actions had erased any regrets
she had about having him. He had spent, she knew, hours
concentrating, valiantly trying to bring her back to life. Her
and...she glanced down at her stomach and smiled. His sister. He
had worked so hard to bring them both back. He had wanted
forgiveness and she had given it to him.
"He reminds me of you," Trunks said and she gazed up at him.
"How long? How long did he...?" she asked and Trunks sighed.
"Days. How many, I don't know. Fife says his energy is weak
but he's still alive."
"Yes. He's still alive. I can sense that. I guess that's
what finally got to me. I know I kept slipping into darkness but he
called to me. I could hear him. He wanted me to forgive him for
everything."
"Did you?"
"Yes..."
"That's good."
"Why wouldn't I have forgiven him? It's because of what I am
that he's like this."
"Don't start that. You just woke up. Don't blame yourself
for anything. It's not your fault."
"How long has he been out?"
"Ten hours," Fife said and Loren glanced up. She hadn't
even known he was there. He had been sitting so silently and
quiet...just like Piccolo.
"What's wrong?" Trunks asked as he felt her body shake in
shock.
"Piccolo. Piccolo is...gone," she replied and lowered her
head. Trunks brought a hand up to her face and wiped her tears away.
"I'm sorry. I wish I could do something."
"Your hand is dirty."
"Yeah I know. I wasn't able to wash it. I'm also stiff. I've
been holding you the entire time."
"I'm sorry. You didn't have to..."
"I know. I wanted to. I was worried about you."
"I'm sorry."
"No, honey. Don't apologize. You get so upset when you do.
Just let it go. I was worried because I care so much for you. I
wanted to come. That necklace still means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
"The necklace? Oh...yes. Yes it still means a lot. I'm sorry
I'm being so slow. I'm still weak."
"I know. It's okay honey. Think you can let me up?"
"Without waking him?"
"Think you can try? I'm REALLY sore."
"I am too. You don't know what he did to me."
"I saw what he did to you. I still can see what he did to
you. That was really shocking. You don't want to know how he treated
you. I was so upset that I couldn't do anything."
She smiled as she painfully raised a hand up to his face.
He opened his mouth and gently kissed her fingers. She flushed
slightly as he licked her wounds. He gazed at her and smiled, the
fatigue showing clearly in his eyes. He sighed and shut his eyes
for a moment. Loren laid her head on his chest and shut her eyes.
"Thank you for coming. I'm glad things are working out," she
said and he smiled as he ran his other hand down her arm.
"Like I said, I wanted to come. They usually do. Work out, I
mean. Let me up baby," he said and watched as she slowly phased out
so that he could stand. He gently pushed Rion off of his legs and
stood, his joints cracking in relief at being freed from their
stationary position. He stretched and glanced at the Namek, who
seemed deep in meditation and shrugged his aching shoulders. He
watched Loren slowly stand and walked over to her and took her hand.
"You're still in pain, aren't you?"
"It's going to take awhile for me to completely heal. At
least I'm alive. I owe Rion for that."
"You don't owe him for anything. You died to save him and he
saved you. You both are even. Think his sister will be like that?"
"What sister?"
"Loren..."
"What?"
"Don't get that way. What are you doing?"
"We've got to go back. Everyone must be worried. I'm sure
Piccolo is..."
"Loren?"
"Oh, I forgot. Piccolo isn't here any more. There must be
something that I can do."
"Young one..." the Elder said as he walked up to her. "Here.
Take this."
"What is it?" Loren asked as he handed her a small bag.
"Take it with you. You'll be able to bring your friend back.
Now, Yorin..."
"Yes Elder?" Yorin asked as she stepped into the room.
"Yorin! It's been so long since I've seen you. How are
you?" Loren asked as she ran up to the cat-like humanoid. Trunks
stared at her, knowing full well that Loren did not have the
strength to run, let alone stand. Yorin met her half-way and fondly
embraced her.
"I'm fine. I've missed you. I keep watch on you, though. You
have done so much down there. It makes me a little jealous. Now, how
about we get you well enough to travel? Going against Demar like
that takes some courage. You did it again, Kalina," Yorin said and
Loren smiled.
"It doesn't sound bad when you say it but I really don't
think I can get everyone home in the state I'm in."
"No wonder. Have you seen yourself? He really destroyed you."
"I don't feel as bad as I should."
"Your body has been numbed to the pain. If you hadn't been
numbed, the pain would be unbearable. I didn't think he'd want to
hear your screams of extreme pain. Especially not since he was
already suffering from sleep deprivation."
"Who?"
"The other half."
"Trunks?"
"Yes. Now, sit back down Kalina. I've got to get you back to
Earth. In a bed preferably. Close your eyes and hold onto him. I
don't want you two separated. You! Get over here if you want to go
back."
Fife stood up and took Rion's hand. He gazed fondly down at
his friend and smiled. Through dangers untold, he had fought his
way to where his mother was being held and faced Demar. He had
acted on his own and had made the right decision. Fife had kept him
grounded and Rion had overcome his fears and saved his mother.

___________________________________________________

"Well I know they're definitely related to us. They're both very
determined," Bulma said as she tucked Rion in bed.
"I don't want you doing anything to him," Vegeta said as
Fife sat down. He glanced at Vegeta but said nothing. The young
Namek folded his arms and began to meditate.
"Those two withstood a lot," Trunks said as he ran his hands
over Loren's leg.
"Dear, is the baby?" Bulma asked and Trunks nodded his head.
"She's alive. Rion brought them both back. Too bad Piccolo
isn't here..."
Loren's eyes snapped open. Piccolo. She had forgotten
about him. She sat up, her entire body screaming in pain. She felt
a hand on her shoulder and glanced up.
Trunks gazed down at her, her eyes clearly showing that she
was on the boundary of unconsciousness. He tried to gently force
her to recline but she wouldn't budge. She gazed up at him and
blinked her eyes.
"Lie down honey. You're barely conscious as it is," he said
softly and tried pushing her down again.
"I can't. I've got to get Piccolo back," she said as she
struggled to keep her mind alert.
"He can wait a bit. Rest and regain your strength."
"I'm fine. I have to get him back."
"Loren please. Give yourself time to heal, then leave."
"But..."
"She sounds like you," Bulma said and Vegeta frowned.
"At least that boy of hers has more sense than she does,"
Vegeta said.
"Look if you really want to go, I'll go with you. You're not
going anywhere without me," Trunks said and Loren looked at him.
"But Rion..." she said and Trunks took her hand.
"Mom and Dad are watching him. So is Fife. I'm sure Pan will
be over when she hears about all this. He'll be fine."