By: Beta Genius

Seconds turn to minutes,

Minutes turn to hours,

Hours turn to days,

Days turn to months,

Months turn to years...

Today is the day you

worried about yesterday,

Is it worth it...?

The years passed as the days went by, wondering what was to be. The gang lived a peaceful life, and so far, no one had seen any new evils. This gave them timed to just kick back and relax, think about the little things in life.

But one day, as he had promised before, Trunks had come back from his time. All had been fixed in his time, the Androids destroyed, and he thought he would come back and visit. Of course, mostly everyone was happy to see him, but surprised that he’d changed so much. He was taller, his lavender hair grown to his ears, longer than he usually wore before, but shorter than what it had grown to. His voice had changed too, a bit less raspy, but still with the distinctiveness as before.

He planned on staying there for a few weeks, to see what had changed there. Nothing much, of course, except for the fact that everyone had aged as well. Nothing really surprised him too much, but for the fact the Goku had a halo over his head was quite a shock for him, including seeing his younger self, almost in resemblance.

The days went by, everything was fine. Though, not everything. There was something out there; something none of them could see, but knew was there. A rising power, closing in towards the earth. They didn’t know when it would come, where, or what this new power was, but all they that they had to be ready.

But it came too soon, and hit the earth...coming for them.

The gang, which consisted of Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks, because they were the one’s who sensed this power before any of the others, stood there as this spaceship, whatever it might belong to, began to open. Soon enough, a man stepped from the hatch, wearing a dark blue armor and cape, a helmet adorning his head. His face was a dark gray under the light of the sun and the helmet, cold eyes gazing out at them. Following him were three other men, wearing a more plainly armor and one black glove on the left hand.

Goku was the first to speak. “Who are you and what do you want?” he questioned.

The man continued to stare for another moment, the wind slightly rolling along. That was, just until he sneered.

“It seems we have volunteers!” he shouted to his comrades, and they laughed.

“What? What do you mean volunteers?” Gohan asked.

The man chuckled. “It seems you weaklings will have the honor in fighting in Her Majesties royal games. Pity we should waste a spot on you three, but oh well.”

“What?! Who are you calling weaklings?!” Vegeta questioned in a rage.

The man laughed, and said, “You soon will be.”

In a symmetrical way, all four of the soldiers stepped forwards, soon holding out their left hands. As they began to glow a dull gray, the gang began to feel their bones freeze, unable to even blink as they were somehow lifted into the air. With a drilling force, they each flew into the earth, their heads falling first. The pressure of the ground was even hard for them to handle, and each one quickly passed out.

The man snickered again as the other men went to collect the fallen earthlings, turning back and into the ship, the sun still beating down onto the planet. As the gang was loaded into the ship, it began to take back up into the sky, disappearing that bright afternoon day.

***

She walked through the halls of the palace with her older sister, heading towards the prisoner containment area. They were given the message that there was new prey, possibly able to fight in the battle royal in a few days. Yet, even thought she had a hidden secret that despised these games every year, it was not in her control. Her sister loved them, and since she was the queen it was her decision if they were to exist.

But at least she had some part in it. She was to decide which contestants would go. If they seemed scared, really young to be fighting, she took pity on them, and left them alone. For anyone who was selected was taken to another sort of prison, and the rest were free to leave.

As they reached the entrance hall of the prisons, yet another load of beings was being hauled into the area. There was a bit of shouting going on, but there always was. People being placed with Collars weren’t too happy, even if the person didn’t know what it was.

But in truth, Collars were an essential part of these battles. They had encountered people before with power higher than their own soldiers, and decided to make these games fair, it would keep everyone’s power to a minimum. This also came in handy to keep these people under control. Since they were virtually weak, all they had to do was use their telekinetic power. But also, if the prisoner ever tried to take it off, the Collar would suppress his or her power even more, and to the point when they actually got it off, their power would be so decreased that they wouldn’t be able to walk or worse.

They walked through the dark, damp halls and found about three guards furiously trying to get someone under control. They were chaining him up after barely getting a Collar around his neck, the prisoner yelling angrily.

“And what is the meaning of this?” her sister asked, stepping up to them.

“Oh, Your Majesty, nothing to be concerned about. This one just gave us a bit of trouble,” one of the guards said, nodded towards the other direction. Both she and her sister turned that way, seeing the largely cut hole in the brick wall, and seeing that it was still steaming with smoke and slowly falling apart.

Her Majesty raised an eyebrow with question, and turned back with a smirk. “So, you have energy attacks, do you? Well, sorry to say, you’re not going to use them any longer.”

“And what are you, woman, some sort of freak?” Vegeta spat.

A hard slap came across his face. “I am the queen of this proud race, for your information, worm, and you shall address me as Your Majesty!” She turned back to one of the guards. “I want a blood test on this man, see what his bloodline is. Also, was there anyone else that came with him?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Two others that looked like him, one with black hair spiked up and the other younger, and another boy with lavender hair.”

“Very well. Sister Vadolla, you go look for these three others. I’ll try to get some answers out of this one.”

She nodded at her sister’s request, and left through the hallways once again. There were no guards to escort her, for she really didn’t need any. In fact, the guards were only there to handle things and keep the royals from getting pestered too much.

Soon enough, she found the lavender haired boy, sitting on the ground with the chains loosely falling off his shoulders. The Collar was also around his neck, shinning a cold silver in the dim light.

“Rise,” she said, putting her gloved hand under his chin to lift his head.

He flinched away and turned his head, staring to the side and didn’t reply.

With a slight smile, she looked around to see if anyone was near. Her sister and most of the guards were still dealing with Vegeta. All the others were probably on lunch break, so the coast was clear. This was something she didn’t usually do, because it was no fitting for a princess to go the same level as a prisoner, but did it anyway.

She bent her knees so she wouldn’t have to sit on the ground, but still at the same basic level as him. With a smile still on her face, she whispered, “You’re scared of us, aren’t you?”

“Scared? Why should I be scared?” Trunks inquired, not even bothering to look over at her. “I’ve faced a lot scarier people than you.”

“Then, why do you refuse to look at me when I speak?” she asked.

“Because, frankly, I see no need. At least, if you don’t want to be an enemy.”

“Well, I’m I allowed to see your face?”

He looked over at her with question, and seeing her face gave even more wonder to his mind.

Smiling, she had fair skin with sparkling silver hair. Her eyes were of an ocean blue, soft and most sympathetic for some reason. It was the first time he had ever seen someone like that, or at least with silver hair.

She, oddly, found him the same way. It was strangely that he had lavender hair, for she had never seen anyone with it. Her whole life, all she ever saw was people with normal colored hair or at least silver and dark blue. She stared at him for another moment, Trunks doing the same in wonder. But soon, someone called to her, and she stood up.

“Yes, coming sister,” she shouted, and turned back to him. “Hope to see you in the games.” Turning she left back over to join her sister, who had a wide grin across her face.

“Sister, guess what the tests came back for this man to be,” she stated.

“What, sister?”

“You’ll never believe it, but this man’s blood is Sayajin!”

“Sayajin?!” she gasped. “But weren’t they all destroyed?”

“Yes, by the Freeza. Like they suspected our planet to be.”

“Wait, who are you people?!” Vegeta questioned angrily.

“We, sir, were your kind’s clients,” Her Majesty said with a grin still warn across her face.

“Lemirens!” Vegeta shouted angrily. “But you were all dead! Destroyed by Freeza!”

“That’s what you thought. But I guess it turns out we gave you the wrong address for our home world,” she snickered, and turned to leave.

Vadolla looked up at him for a minute, and thought about the others that were suppose to be like him. Turning, she ran after her sister. When she caught up, she asked about those others, about what they could be.

“Sister Neobli, what about the other three? Do you think they could be Sayajin as well?”

“In possibility, two of them could be because of their black hair. Only Sayajins have that kind of hair, like we have only dark blue and silver. But that other one, the boy with the said to be lavender hair, he couldn’t be one. Unless he dyed his hair or something.”

“But what were Sayajins doing on this Planet Earth in the first place?”

“Well, I think they might have tried to conquer it, and probably failed, seeing how their planet was destroyed and all.”

“But, sister Neobli, we cannot allow Sayajins in the battles. Their physical strength surpasses that of ours.”

“Yes, but always think of a clear mind, little sister. These Collars will suppress them, and their strength will be kept at a minimum. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sister, I understand.”

“Good, then I shall not hear about this any further.”

She nodded, and continued to walk along to the palace in silence.

Later that day, the gang was moved to another area, now placed in jail cells that had the basic structure of the muddy grounds and brick walls as before. But at least there was more light, with the bard rooftop. It would have been easy to pull apart, if only they could reach it. It was about twenty feet up, none of them had the ability to fly, and it seemed virtually impossible to reach.

Since this was true, they had nothing else to do except sit on the ground and ask questions to themselves. Like, ‘How did I get here?’ or ‘Who are these people?’ or ‘What do they want with me?’. Of course, Vegeta knew everything to those questions, and was reciting them over and over again, remembering them from his childhood.

The Lemirens were the Sayajin clients, asking to conquer planets for them. But when the Colds came to pass, they dropped out, not paying for the planets that they had already conquered. With this, the Sayajins gave the Colds the location of the Lemiren home world, thinking that it would do the work for them.

But, to what he had seen this day, they hadn’t been destroyed, but were actually given the wrong world, and the Lemiren’s home still existed.

To what he had heard, they were a peaceful group of people to others, but for their ways for entertainment had nothing to do with peaceful. Once a year they would hold tournaments, battles that were held in games to determine ranks among the armies or for one single wish, in reasonable circumstances. Though, it took everything a person had, and usually the battles were bloody and gruesome.

Vegeta almost laughed at this, thinking that they were definitely twisted people.

But the reason why they captured people from other worlds was because they needed someone to fight against the people of this world, for challenges that wouldn’t affect the status of social life here. With this, it really didn’t matter what happened to the person not from this world, but if they did win, they were allowed their freedom to leave.

Trunks didn’t know this, of course, but wasn’t going to wait either way. He was trying hard to reach the top bars, flipping up on the walls and jumps off the ground. But it was no use, even if he reached only an inch away, it wasn’t enough to get out. If he only had his powers and if he didn’t have that stupid Collar. It would’ve been much easier to escape, but that’s probably why he had it.

He jumped up from the wall again, his fingertips just barely missing. Falling, he landed on his back again, dust flying up as he hit with a loud thud.

“Don’t go killing yourself over there, save it for the fights,” Vegeta stated, crossing his arms as he opened one eye from where he was sitting.

“I’m not going to stay here and do nothing, and I’m certainly not going to die on this world,” he said, getting back up and looking at the bars over head.

Looking around at his surrounding, he found something that might actually get him out of there. Going to one of the corners, he turned himself around so his back faced the wall. Putting his arms out, he thought that if he was able to get his fingers in the right places that he could climb out. Soon enough, he found spaces on each side and in between the bricks, lifting himself off the ground. Looking for another space, he found one with his eyes and quickly put each hand in each one at a time.

For another five minutes he continued on with this until he reached almost the top, just a foot away. With one chance, he leaped over and luckily grabbed the bars, dangling there for a moment or two in disbelief that he did it. But with no more hesitation, he began to pull the bars apart.

It was a definite challenge, seeing how he was weaker than he normally was, but he managed to spread them apart and climbed on out. Looking out among the clustered jail cells spreading to where the eye could see gave a slight sickening feeling to his stomach. But he soon recovered, knowing that he had to get out, had to stay alive, to come back and get them. He soon began to run, run as far away as he could until he could think of what to do.

But there were obstacles that stood in his way before he could reach peace.

Two guards still stood about on the rooftops, watching over the prisoners like vultures. Their back was turned as he silently ran towards them, hitting one off the roof and punching one straight against the jaw as he turned. As the guard stumbled back, Trunks reached for the knife on the guard’s belt, thinking that it would come in handy, and pushed him off as well.

Hearing the shouts of the other guards, he ran as fast as he could in the other direction, the shouts of those still trapped giving him encouragement to continue.

He ran until he reached a large structure, looking like the inner courtyard of a palace. Since he was still high up and the reach of one of the balconies was just a slight jump away, he fell forward, grabbing onto the edge of the balcony floor. He pulled himself up, quietly walking into the open doors and hid behind the corner, thinking that he was out of sight of the guards.

Trunks turned, though, to see where he had stumbled into. The room was pitch black besides for the moonlight falling through the open balcony doors. It looked like a bedroom, with a dresser at one end and a table in the other. There was a large closet on one side next to the entrance door, a few chairs scattered about, and a bed centered in the middle of the room. The curtains of it were tied back to the bedposts, but a few draped over.

With curiosity, he quietly walked over to it, seeing that there was someone sleeping there. Coming right up to it, he saw that it was the girl with silver hair, the one that was named Vadolla. She had changed from her light blue dress she had worn before to a white nightgown, her hair worn down from the ponytail she had before.

For a moment, he just stood there, wondering what to do and what a chance it was to find her here. In an instant, he looked at the knife still in his hand. Maybe if he took her as a prisoner or...

He shook his head and stood back. What was he thinking? He would never do that, not even if it meant for them to be free. He would find another way, there had to be one.

Quickly, he went back to the balcony, finding a way out again and jumped away, trying to head as far away as he could.

***

“Sir, are you all right?” a woman asked, seeing him there.

After he had escaped, he had made his way into the city that surrounded the palace. He had wondered around from hours on end, trying to avoid anyone around. But eventually he stumbled across as tavern, a few guards taking a break from their duties. They had taken off their heavy armor and helmets, trying to relax after a day’s work. Little did they realize, though, that Trunk had slipped by and taken them, passing himself off to be a guard. Indeed, it had worked, because everyone he ran into him thought that he was some sort of Lemiren. Of course, mostly everyone in the city wore helmets and armor, preparing for the games to come.

In the night, he went into one of the back allies and sat on the ground, pulling out the knife to his side. he reached for the clasp behind, cutting it with the knife until it was free. But he was barely able to get it off, for with every cut he made his energy decreased severely. When it had finally fallen off his neck, he fell to his side, barely able to keep awake then. In time he would have his power back, but did he know that very slowly it would gain. He slept there the rest of the night, awaken by the shadow ascending over him to block the morning light.

“Sir, are you all right?” the voice repeated.

He quickly sat up, his head swimming with dizziness, but able to see slightly with blurriness and reply.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? You look pale,” she said.

He didn’t know how she could tell, for all that showed on his face was just his mouth below and his eyes. “No, I assure you I’m fine.”

She looked at him with question for a moment, and asked suddenly, “What’s your name?”

He didn’t reply for a moment, thinking of what to say. He couldn’t tell him his real name, but couldn’t think of anything else. “Umm, I’m sorry but I can’t tell you,” he replied.

“Huh? Why not?” she asked.

“Uh, it’s classified information,” he said, able to get up now.

“Classified?” she questioned. “How can your name be classified? I’m a princess and my name isn’t classified to the public.”

“Well, you must be a people person then. Sorry to say, but I’m not really.”

“Oh,” she said, putting her hands behind her back. “Well then I guess I’m just going to have to call you No-name. How’s that?”

He smiled. “Yeah, okay. Call me whatever you like, Your Highness.”

She smiled back, and heard a voice call from behind. “Little Vadolla, what is the meaning of this?” Her Majesty Neobli said, walking over to her.

“There is a man here, sister, and he didn’t look too well.”

“He probably just had one too many shots at the tavern. Now move along, we have more important matters to attend to.”

As she left again, she smiled at him, waving quickly goodbye.

When the guards to the royals had passed, he sat back on the ground, sighing slightly to himself. With a few more minutes to recuperate over his head, he stood up, and began to walk on his way to the prison areas.

As he approached them, he saw that all of the prisoners had been let out to train in an open field. It was again surrounded by twenty-foot high polls, but the sky was wide open. He could see the other training with wooden polls that were given to them in place of swords, so they knew what technical strength they would need to handle one in the battles.

Since there were even more people standing up next to the bars, he wouldn’t look so suspicious when he stepped to the bars. With one short whisper, he caught Gohan’s attention for being the closest, and he came over to him unnoticed.

“Who are you?” Gohan asked.

He lifted the face of his mask slightly for him to see it, and Gohan went wide-eyed to see him.

“Trunks, you’re alive! We thought for sure you might have been caught.”

“No, I’m still living. Not as much as I’d hoped though. I still don’t know how to get you guys out of here.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll probably find a way, right? Besides,” He pointed to Trunks’s neck, “how did you get the Collar off?”

“Not easily, that’s all I got to say. It almost killed me getting it off, and if I hadn’t been woken up, I probably would’ve. But don’t try it, if you know what I mean.”

“Wasn’t planning on it,” he replied. “We’re all doing okay here, but I’m just worried about this tournament thing. While we have to use these Collars, these people don’t, so it’s going to be ten times harder to beat them.”

“Like I said, I’ll try to find a way to free you guys-” He was cut short by the shouting of a guard questioning why he was talking to a prisoner. With this, he replied, “Just telling this kid train harder if he’s ever going to get passed the first fight!” The guard laughed and moved on, Trunks continuing. “Stay low key for a while, I just got an idea. It seems these people don’t like Sayajins, so it’s not a good idea to rouse attention.”

“That’s not a problem for my dad or me, but for Vegeta...”

“He can take care of himself. Well, I better get going before I get even more suspicious looks from any more people.”

“Yeah, alright. See ya.”

With that, Trunks quickly left the prison area, going back into the city, where he would stay in the back-allies the rest of the day. When nightfall had come, though, he took off his armor and helmet, so that no one would notice him as that person. His normal self was fine, for the dark disguised his face so no one could tell him apart form anyone else.

This was a big risk, but if he could talk to her, one of the royals, then he could possibly save them. He would talk to the princess Vadolla.

He jumped on the balcony again after traveling to the castle, the pathway the same as when he had gone there before. The doors were shut this time, but the princess was asleep. Since the doors weren’t locked he quietly opened them, shutting them quickly after as he stepped in. He was nervous about going in there, because he had never done this before; breaking in someone’s room. But he knew it was the right thing to do, but how she would take it was something he couldn’t guess.

As he approached the bedside, he saw the girl his age sleeping again on her side towards the other wall, wearing the same nightgown as he saw before and her hair down. He didn’t know how to wake her up, but keep her from screaming or flinching away if he put a hand over her mouth. All Trunks could think of was one thing, something that his mom had done to wake him up when he was really little.

He put a hand on her head lightly, stands of hair falling over her face. Her eyes twitched as she sighed, soon, however, opening them because of the feeling on her head. She quickly got up from out of the bed and stood, facing them.

Trunks expected he to scream for sure, but she didn’t. She just stared at him for a minute, shock that he was there.

“It’s you...the boy who escaped from the prisons...” she said, gasping it more so. Her eyes turned angry though as she continued. “How dare you intrude in my quarters!”

“Well it’s not like I can just come in from the front door, you know.”

“I suppose you’re right. But why are you here?”

“You mean you’re not going to scream or something?”

“What?!” she laughed. “Please, I can handle fights myself. Now, answer my question.”

“I, uh...well, I...” His nervousness began to overwhelm him, but soon enough straightened up. “I need to talk with you. It’s about the prisoners.”

“You must find it repulsive, that we imprison people for future entertainment, right?” she said, sitting back on the bed. “Honestly, I don’t blame you.”

“You have to let them go. This is wrong, to keep people like this,” he said.

“Are you saying our judgment is wrong?” she questioned.

“Yeah, I do. And that’s why I’m here, to convince you to let them go.”

“In truth, I would if I could,” she said, looking back to him. “That’s just another reason why I didn’t scream. If I had, you would’ve been taken back, and I hate people being placed like that. If I could, they wouldn’t even be here now, you wouldn’t, but I can’t do anything.”

“Is there any way I can free them?”

“There is,” she replied nodding. “You must fight in the tournament, and only then will you be granted a wish.”

“Wish?” Trunks questioned.

“Yes, the tournament that you were to fight in says that whoever wins gets to have one wish from the empire. Didn’t you know that?”

“No, I didn’t. But exactly where do I sign up for this tournament?”

“In the arena on the other side of the city tomorrow,” she said. Trunks turned and was about to walk back out, but he was topped as she continued. “Wait, what’s your name?”

He paused for a moment, and replied, “It’s Trunks.” He opened the balcony doors a stepped out. As he was about to leap again, her voice caught his attention.

“Will I see you again? I mean, even in the games or not?”

He looked at her with question, and stood on the balcony rail. “Maybe, but I guess that all depends on time.” With a grin, he jumped off the balcony, disappearing soon after into the night.

As morning broke, he had found himself stuck in the longest line along with other Lemiren fighters, waiting to sign up for this tournament. The arena around was humungous, though, and every where he looked he found new things in it, so that kept him busy for a while. As he reached a few spaces before the front of the line, he saw someone pass, heading to the table in front. He could only hear a few words, but didn’t need to hear them to know who this was, because they came up to him right after seeing him.

“No-name, what a surprise,” Vadolla said, stepping to the side of him. “Well good, now I get to see you compete.”

“Nice to see you too, Your Highness,” he replied.

“Not to be rude or anything, but you wouldn’t have happened to see a boy with lavender hair, would you?”

She had no clue it was him. He guessed that he must’ve been completely disguised in this armor and helmet. With a cough from stalling in thought, he said, “Um, I might have this morning, but I’m not quite sure. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, I was just looking for him. I thought he would be here but I guess not,” she said. She though for another minute, and continued. “So why are you entering the tournament, or is that classified too?”

“Actually it is. But really it’s for the fun of it I guess.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “Then why haven’t I ever seen you before?”

“Uh, well...” he stuttered, knowing he was stuck in his tracks. “Well, this is my first tournament. I was too busy with other things to be concerned about it.”

“Oh? Like what, running a tavern and passing out everyday?” she smiled jokingly. “Yeah, that’s always the case.”

“What?! N-no, where would you ever get the idea?!” Trunks exclaimed.

“I’m just kidding! Besides, there’s no water on this planet that could make a person pass out.”

“Water?” he questioned.

“Yes, water. My, you really haven’t been in a tavern, have you? All they sell is water, for it’s the most important thing a person could have.”

“Yeah, right, water. Got it.”

“Sister Vadolla,” a voice came from behind.

Walking up to both of them was a man, about the age of twenty, with very dark blue hair. He was extremely tall for his age, about six foot four, wearing full armor. His eyes were dark and mysterious, but as with every Lemiren he had met, had a glassy cover to them.

“Brother Clef, did you sign up to the tournament?”

“Yes I did, but that’s not why I’m here. Sister Neobli says she would like to speak with you, that it’s urgent.”

“Yes, I’ll be on my way,” She quickly turned back to Trunks. “Well, nice meeting you, No-name.” With a smile, she left back across the arena, disappearing out the entrance door. Clef turned and slowly began to make his way out again, disappearing from sight soon after.

Trunks soon was able to sign up, and now was officially going to be in this tournament. And he would not fail.

Vadolla went to her sister’s apartments in the palace as soon as she could, and found her sitting in one of the cushioned chairs next to the large open window while reading a book. As she stepped through the entranceway, she curtsied as was proper, and soon spoke.

“You called for me, sister?” Vadolla asked.

“Yes, I did,” she said, not taking her eyes off the book. “You should no better than to go out like that.”

“What?” Vadolla said, standing up straight as she didn’t understand to question.

“You heard me. You know better than to go out without a hat, it’s bad for your skin; for any of the royals, not to mention. You’re picking up bad habits from our little brother, and the only reason he gets away with it is because he’s the commander of the armies, and he must have more tanned skin than ours. Well, anyway, sit.”

Vadolla went to sit in one of the other chairs, waiting to listen what her queen sister had to say.

“I just had a few questions I wanted to ask you. One, why do you go amongst the commoners? There is no reason too, and with that prisoner escape, the streets aren’t safe.”

“Still, I can take care of myself. And what’s the use of being a royal of a planet that you aren’t even going to travel?”

“You may have a point...I suppose,” She snapped the book shut and set it to the side. She began to slouch in her chair, lazily putting her arms on the side rests. Smiling and resting her head on the palm of her raised hand, she said, “Tell me, have you found any proper suitors yet?”

“No, sister Neobli, I have not. It seems that no man is very nice in this world, or at least by my standards.”

Neobli laughed. “Well, do not worry, little Vadolla, you’re still young. Which reminds me, how old are you now? Today is your birthday.”

“Yes, it is. I’m twenty-five to this day. Is that all you wanted to inquire?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Then may I be dismissed?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Vadolla stood back up and curtsied, walking back out the door. Neobli picked the book back up and was about to read, but was stopped as Vadolla spoke.

“Oh, and Neobli, I’m not worried,” she said, and then walked out the door.

Neobli paused for a moment, and shrugged, continuing in her reading.

***

He walked along the streets again, mind his business as people mind theirs. He didn’t speak to anyone, and tried to avoid rousing attention. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know where to train, but for that matter was still too weak too, and yet too strong. If he revealed the power he had, knowing that he was unable to control it very well, he would be caught for sure, and there would be no hope. Though, he couldn’t just sit here and do nothing until this tournament was to come, (which was today, but his first match was in three days). So, there was nothing else he could do.

As he walked through another street, lazily walking from his tiredness, he felt someone put a hand on his should. Trunks quickly turned to see who this was, and was greeted with a smile to someone he actually knew.

“Good day to you, No-name. Are you going to any place particular?”

“Uh, no, princess. Why do you ask?”

“Do you mind if I join you in your walking?”

“Um, no, princess.”

With that, he began walking again, Vadolla walking beside him. In a few minutes, she started to speak.

“I’ve been wondering, No-name, why haven’t you been in any of the games?” she asked.

“Like I said I haven’t had time to. Besides, if I want to win, I have to be training a lot too.”

“Well, that may be so. In fact, for the winnings it’s quite a prize, like money or a rank in the armies.”

“Yes, that’s one reason, I suppose.”

He couldn’t believe that he was saying this. What more he couldn’t believe was that she actually believed this. She smiled up at him after he had spoke.

“Well, that may be so, but you have to beat my brother to be able to achieve this.”

“Your brother?” he asked.

“Yes, my brother. You know, captain of the guard, head of the armies, that kind of thing. He would be king if he could, but he’s got two older sisters before him.”

He remembered the man from earlier, the one that wearing the dark armor who had spoke to her before.

“You mean the man from before.”

“Yes, that was my brother, Clef. Didn’t you know the captain of the guard when you seen him?!” she questioned with a bit of exclamation.

“Um, yes of course!” he tried to cover. “Never seen him myself, so I wasn’t quite sure.”

She stepped in front of him to make him stop, and gave him a suspicious eye, looking into his eyes. “You’re a very strange man, you know, No-name?” He swallowed and didn’t replying, thinking that she was catching on to his true person. She just smiled though. “But that’s alright.” She turned around as she heard a loud, echoing cheer coming in the direction of the arena. Clapping her hands together, she turned back. “It seems that the games have started. Would you like to come and watch?”

“Uh, yeah sure.”

“Great! Come on, we have to get there in time for Clef’s fight.” With this, she gathered up her dress in her left hand, running through the streets. Trunks hesitated slightly, and soon began to follow.

When they had both reached the arena, the halls on the outer side empty. Vadolla ran to another entrance, guarded by soldiers. Trunks didn’t know what to do as she began to open the doors, but seeing he wasn’t following, she turned back quickly and suddenly grabbed his wrist.

“Come on, you can come up to the royal view!” she said.

She ran with him up the steps through the door, the guards shutting it after. As they entered up onto the main balcony, he saw two other guards guarding the doorway. To his right, he saw the queen Neobli, sitting on the edge of her throne with enthusiasm to the fight going on. Vadolla showed him to one of the other chairs next to hers, a little lower than her sister’s, but still right next to it.

“And who’s this, Vadolla?” Neobli asked, seeing him.

“Oh, this is my friend, No-name. I met him a few days ago.”

“No-name...?” Neobli suddenly laughed. “Well, that’s quite the strange name. Or should I say... no name?”

He turned the arena below them, overlooking the ground about fifty feet. It was round, as he had seen before, but a lot had changed now that he had seen it from above. There were about twelve entrances around it, spread out equally in the two hundred foot round area. The ground was only made of sand and the natural ground, which stood out among the rest of it all. The regular people sat in stone rows that lead upward, so people would be able to see the fight clearly, kept up from the first row being forty-five feet.

The last fight had just finished up, and they audience was ready for the new fight. As the floor was cleared, the gates opened to the newest competitor. The crowd cheered loudly as he entered. He wore the same armor, but held a sword this time and didn’t wear a helmet, letting his hair glisten from the sunshine above. The next competitor appeared on the other side of the arena, looking completely different. Another species, if anything. Both competitors stepped forward, and the crowd grew silent.

The second competitor did some kind of fighting pose, an awfully amusing thing to the Captain of the Guard, Clef.

Clef stood while his foe did his comedy act, and when it was done, Clef drew his sword. He starred into the competitor’s heart, feeling it’s pathetic weakness. Clef stepped forward, then disappeared. The competitor didn’t know where he went to, searching frantically.

Clef suddenly appeared before the competitor, raised his sword high, and swiped it across his foe, which was doomed from the start. The swipe sent a shockwave, sending the competitor off of the arena, through the coliseum, and into one of the city’s buildings. Soon after, the building collapsed on the poor victim that never had a chance. All was silent.

He turned back to his sisters to his accomplishment, and Neobli smiled, clapping her hands together.

“Oh goody! It seems that little brother has won his first match, and he’ll be moving on to the next competition!” Neobli stated, and a loud cheer went up into the crowd.

Trunks, however, was not so enthused. Actually, he swallowed in disbelief, thinking that this was the person he had to face, probably in the finals. His power had still not yet come back to him, though his first fight was in a few days.

And again, those people he was to fight would be wearing Collars, and he wouldn’t at the time, so he didn’t have to worry about that for a time.

He looked over to Vadolla, who surprisingly was staring at her feet, a depressed look on her face. It was like she wanted to have missed this almost, or something like that.

“Hey, are you all right?” he asked.

“Hmm? Oh, yes, I’m fine,” she said, looking up to him quickly and smiling. “Um, would you like the next few fights? It probably will be a little less interesting, and take a bit longer, but as always, it’s up to the public if we have these fights.” It seemed like she sighed quietly after.

“Well actually, I have to be leaving really,” he said, a glimmer of joy appeared in Vadolla’s eyes.

“Why so soon? You just got here,” Neobli said.

“Oh, well, I have a few errands still to run.”

“If you must,” she stated, turning back to the fight which had already started.

“If you do not mind sister, could I be dismissed?”

Neobli looked at her sister with wonder. “Why? Oh, wait, I understand. You must continue your studies. Yes, you may be dismissed.”

Vadolla stood and walked to the door with Trunks, walking back through the flight of steps. Beginning to walk away from the arena again, Vadolla suddenly spoke.

“Thank you, No-name,” she said almost grimly.

“What? Why do you say that?” he asked.

“Well...” She waited for a moment, and continued. “Plainly, I’m not very fond for those fights.”

“Why not? Isn’t this entertainment?”

“To some, yes. But...I rather not say anything more. Do you like these games?”

“Umm...” He didn’t reply, but remained quiet as he thought. ‘Not a chance.’

“Well? Do you or don’t you? Wait, what am I saying, you’re fighting in one,” she said very dryly.

“Yeah, so? Besides, like you said, the public decides.”

“The public. Yes, that’s it,” She gave a faint smile, and stopped. “I must get to my studies, then, and you must run your errands. Goodbye, No-name, I’ll see you sometime, if not, I’ll be watching you in the games.”

“Yeah, so long, Princess.”

She turned the corner down one of the alleyways, Trunks turning to walk away too. But as she disappeared, he saw a slight glimmer shine on the side of her eye, gone within a blink.

Trunks stood quietly up to the window, trying to stay low cover. His armor and helmet gone, he was now his regular self, going back to the same place he had twice already. But this time something was different. For the person he had seen was not asleep, but was at the dresser, brushing her long, silver hair. A lamp was dimly lit, giving enough light so someone would be able to see. Though, the light of the moon was well enough light.

He really didn’t know why he was back, but just wanted to talk to her again. He wanted to know more about what he was up against. If there were more like this Clef guy, or if he was even stranger than what he had shown before, (and if this was, he was surely dead without even trying).

Trying to get a better look passed the curtains, he tried stepping on his tiptoes. With this, however, his hand accidentally hit the door handle, and it came open slightly. He tried hiding behind the wall, as she snapped her head towards the sound.

Setting the brush on the dresser, she went to the door and slowly began to open it, looking around furiously with her eyes to see what was there. She stepped out onto the balcony and looked over to see if anything had jumped off, but as she did, Trunks came up behind and put his hand over her mouth.

She struggled back and forth as he took her back into the room, tossing her to the side lightly as he shut the door. As he turned back, she finally caught a glimpse of his face, surprised to see him there.

“You...What are you doing here?” she questioned with wide eyes.

“I wanted to talk to you again.”

She smiled, and went to sit in one of the other chairs. “I guess I did see you again, huh? But did you sign up for the tournament?”

“Yes, I did, and that’s why I want to talk to you.”

“Alright, what is it?” she asked.

“The competitors in this match; I’ve seen some of them fight and their powers are tremendous. Now, is that their true power, or just a sliver?”

“In truth...a sliver. And as I can see you have already taken off the Collar, and your battles against them will be extremely hard. But when do you fight?”

“Two days from tomorrow morning. Why?”

“Then you may actually have a chance. If you do not use any of your abnormal power, but fight with bare hands or a sword, your power will still gain. And since you won’t have to fight anyone who doesn’t have a Collar for some time, most of your power will probably be retrieved.”

He stared for a moment, running questions through his own mind. Soon, he said, “Just one quick question. For what reason are you helping me? Aren’t people like me your entertainment?”

She didn’t reply for a moment, and finally said, “I hate it.”

“Hate...what?”

“I hate those games. The purpose of imprisoning a living person is beyond me. The only reason why they exist is because of the people, because, obviously, they love it. It makes my stomach turn every time I think of it. That’s the reason why I wouldn’t have you arrested.”

“But why don’t you just tell people that it’s wrong?”

“Because I can’t. It’s all on the word of my sister, and she loves it just as much as the people, maybe even more.” She stood with an angry look and went to the dresser. “This empire has grown to obsessive with these games. Indeed, people do die, and you can guess who that is. They don’t even have a chance, let alone a gain in fighting. This isn’t entertainment, this is wrong,” She turned back to him. “That’s why I want you to stop it. Please, stop this madness, before anymore people have to get hurt for our stupid shows.”

He was stunned for a moment that she should say this, and said, “I’ll try.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Trunks turned, going to the doors and, after seeing that no one was out there, opened them and quickly went out.

“Hope to see you in the matches. But if I miss you, will you come back and tell me how they went?” she asked.

“Yeah sure, if you want. I’ll be back in a few days.” With that, he jumped up on the balcony and off, running back into the shadows.

She looked after him with hopeful eyes, thinking, ‘Good-luck’. She shut the doors soon after, going back to her dresser and continuing to brush her hair.

***

Another cheer went up from the crowd as the clinging of metal rang yet again throughout the stadium. Most enjoyed the sights, but others did not. one of those was Vadolla, who had said before that she despised them, but would dare not speak out against them to anyone else. The other, surprisingly, was Neobli. It was not because of the games, however, that made her edgy, but the things going on throughout her kingdom.

To her it was falling apart. First a breakout within the prison areas, and now suspicious rumors are circulating throughout the city. She had maintained it this long, five years to be exact, and she had never faced anything like this. It seemed as thought the people were starting to rebel, slowly but surely, for some odd reason. She had heard from one of her sources that it was all because of an anarchist. That unheard of name was trying to overthrow her government, but as long as she reined, there would be no such thing.

“Sister Neobli, you are not enjoying the games as much as you do. How come?” Vadolla asked.

“Sister, troublesome times have fallen upon us. It is my duty to be worried not you. Enjoy the games.”

She swallowed slightly and a twitch appeared on the side of her mouth, finding it quite amusing that she should say that. But turning back to the fight, she still continued.

“What trouble, sister?” she questioned.

“Many things, little Vadolla. But that is the roll of being queen.”

“Like what sort of things?”

“If you must know,” Neobli sighed. She continued in more of a whisper so no one else could hear her. “The people are starting to be controlled by and anarchist. I don’t know why, but it seems that they want to take over the empire for their own gain. It is not evident on who this might be, but it has been said that they might be part of the Friezen army.”

“The Colds?! But I thought they were destroyed,” Vadolla commented.

“Yes, I was told that also. But it seems that some of their empire still lives, and they want this planet, no doubt.”

“But if this is true, how do we stop them?”

“Relax, sister, I said I have everything under control. Now do not worry so much and watch the games.” As she said that and looked back, she saw that the fight before had ended, and a new challenger entered the ring. She grinned, and said, “It looks like your friend is up next, doesn’t it?”

Vadolla moved to the edge of her seat to get a better view, and saw him down in the dirt arena. With no surprise he wore the same armor, with the same dark metal helmet with the three razor fins arching around it. This time he held a sword in his hand for a weapon, though.

As the other competitor entered, wearing a Collar around his neck, Trunks stepped forward. The crowd grew silent, and everything was still. But with one clap of Neobli’s hand, the battle began into a rage, the crowd continuing madly with their cheers.

The prisoner with the Collar didn’t have a sword to bare, and had no other weapon to use, so the prisoner sprinted around to avoid any attacks made by Trunks. But Trunks had no time for this. He knew if he was to fight he would use his energy, and he had to save it for future fights. With his sword skills, he was able to cut the competitor by the ankles, making him fall to the floor in pain, unable to get back up.

Even though this battle was over, the crowd continued to cheer, and almost began to hear a pattern in words. They were chanting something, and it wasn’t until he listened carefully did he know what they said...

Iron Fist! Iron Fist!

It was amazing to him, for some reason. With just this one fight, they gave him a name, a name to his accomplishment. A smile that no one could see came across his face, as he turned to face the royals who were clapping.

“Hmm, it seems he fights for something more than just wealth,” Neobli stated with a smirk.

Vadolla turned to her sister with an agitated look. “Nonsense, sister. Everyone fights for wealth in these games. And I shall not allow my hand to one of these people, not even if they win one if these tournament.”

“Are you sure? Even if the law demands that their wish to be fulfilled?”

“No, I will not.”

She grinned. “I suppose, but with time there’s always change.” She stood up, the crowd growing silent yet again as she did. “Very well done, sir. For your accomplishment, please tell us all your name.”

“Well, some people have come to call me No-name,” he said up them. “But it seems that today I’ve been given a new one. The Iron Fist, they call me.” A loud cheer of agreement went up from the crowd.

As the public calmed down, Neobli continued. “Then your name is, and shall remain, Iron Fist. Please, then with this new name, will you remove your helmet so we can all see the victor for his true self?”

The place was dead slight. Trunks had nothing left to do. It seemed as though his hidden self would have to be revealed or else people would be suspicious. Even with this though, he stood tall, and stared up at the queen.

“If I am to be an anonymous person, I must no reveal my face,” he replied.

Let them be suspicious.

Neobli laughed. “If you wish, Iron Fist, if you wish. I suppose we will see you in two days time, yes?”

“Yes, if that is when I fight, then I will come back.”

Still laughing slightly, she waved her hand and sat back in her chair. “You are dismissed.”

Trunks nodded and turned, walking out of the arena. But even as he disappeared out of the entrance, the cheers remained. They must’ve surely loved these games if they were to shout so much. He grinned at the thought of how they could even have a voice after these fights, let alone cheer at the next one. He was patted on the back by a few of the others waiting for their turns, and was soon released into the streets again.

He thought that for a time he could rest in peace in one of the back allies as done when he took off his armor and helmet for a day, but it never happened. Instead someone met up with him as he was walking, more cheery than she had seemed before.

“Hello, No-name, or should I say Iron Fist?” Vadolla said with a smile.

“Whatever you like to call me, Princess, is fine,” he replied.

“I saw you fight today. You did very well, I must say.”

“Well, thank you, Princess.”

“Say, I must ask, where did you learn to sword fight like that?”

“Uh, well, I suppose I just knew it.” Yet again, another white lie. But she believed it as she had before. He began to feel bad for some odd reason, but no matter how much he wanted to say the truth, he couldn’t allow himself to.

“Is that so? Well you know, my father was one of the greatest fighters that lived, and trained all of our family,” She smiled. “So how about a fight?”

“What? A fight? But Princess, isn’t that a little much?”

“What?! Just because I am royalty doesn’t mean that I’m some fu-fu girl! Now I want to challenge you to a sword fight, to see how you match up with the royal family!” She stepped back and Trunks stopped walking turning to face her. Gathering up her dress of the ground in one arm, she took off her headdress that had been adorning her head and set it on the ground.

He didn’t want to fight anymore than he had to, but he couldn’t go against a royal order, because he really didn’t know what the costs would be if he did. But he smiled with a bit of resolution as he thought of something. “Well, sorry to break it to you, Princess, but it seems that we only have one sword,” he proclaimed.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” she said with a smile. She reached into her left sleeve, taking out a short sword as long as her forearm. It was made of a dark metal with the top of the handle decorated with many jewels that shinned in the sunlight.

Surprised, he blurted out, “Do you always carry that?”

“Of course. It’s required for sudden expectancies, especially with a prison out break like what happened a few weeks ago. Even you must know that.”

“Uh, yeah, of course!” he said. Except the one little difference was that he was the one who broke out.

“Well then, shall we begin then?”

She stepped back as he pulled the sword from behind. She grinned, and flipped the dagger in her hand a few times.

“Okay now?”

“Yeah, you can make the first move.”

She smiled. Pausing a moment more, she lunged forward for the first attack. But she was suddenly stopped by a shouting voice close by.

“Sister! Have you not learned from the last time you got into a fight?!” her brother shouted from behind.

She tripped up running so fast, and waved her arms in the air to regain her balance. She turned around to face him, an angry expression on her face. “If I was taught as a fighter it is my duty to try to be one! I mean, what of some barrage of alien beings come to take over the world, huh? What then?”

“Then the armies of this kingdom will go and take care of them,” he replied, stepping forward. “But you, dear sister, who is none other than a princess to this planet, should not fight with commoners. Yes, both older sister and I know you want to fight in the games, but you know it is forbidden for women to fight in the battles,” He frowned. “You’re cutting it very thin, sister. Though you may want to train, not in open streets, and definitely without the consultancy of sister.”

“But you know very well that she’d say no!” she exclaimed.

He shrugged. “That’s why I’m not going to mention it. She’d torture us both, you for fighting and me for not doing my job and stopping you.”

This sudden change of mood caught Trunks dumbfounded, thinking first that she would be taken away, but now that her brother wouldn’t even say anything.

“Besides, I’ve got another fight to worry about besides hauling your carcass to her. This time it’s one of the stronger prisoners.”

She smiled. “Well aren’t you the nicest brother?”

He laughed, and turned back to the stadium. “Stay out of trouble.”

As he disappeared around the corner, Vadolla turned back to Trunks with a sigh and shrugged. “I swear, he treats me as if I am the younger one.” Trunks laughed at this comment and she smiled.

“Well, maybe at heart,” he said suddenly. She looked at him with question and, realizing his sudden outburst, coughed. “Uh, well I guess if your brother is fighting, don’t you want to go back?”

She stared down at her feet slightly. “Not entirely, but since you wouldn’t be able to find a seat in the stadium to watch, I’ll go back with you so you can sit up in the royal lookout again.”

He smiled. “Sure, that would be nice.”

Looking back up at him, she place the blade back into the sheath on her left arm and quickly took his wrist. She ran back to the stadium with him, Trunks barely able to put the sword back behind his back. They arrived back at the stadium in no time, climbing up the steps and able to get a seat before the next fight started.

“My, finished your studies so soon, Vadolla? And back with a friend I see,” Noebli stated.

“I met him on the streets while I was out, and since brother Clef is fighting today, I thought he could come and watch.”

“Well, seeing what you’re up against, are we, Iron Fist?” she questioned with a grin.

“No, but your sister was kind enough to let me sit up here and watch, because there isn’t a seat left in the stadium.”

“Hmm, I suppose,” she said and smiled as she saw the competitors come out of the gates. “It seems you don’t have to wait very long then.”

Clef walked out into the arena, calm but with no sense of expression. He grinned as he saw who his competitor was, and soon began to laugh. The audience booed him, and the challenger gave a scornful look.

“So, you’re the Sayajin who won’t shut his mouth,” Clef stated with a wide grin still on his face. He turned over to his sisters and continued. “Very good choice of pick, sister. I’ll be sure to shut his voice up,” He turned back to Vegeta with cold eyes, “permanently.” He stepped forwards and with one ring of the echoing bell, the fight began.

He remembered what had happened to the last foe that challenged Clef, and Trunks suddenly went pale. If this kept up, his father would perish like the last, and this time he would have to sit and watch. There was nothing he could do. Absolutely nothing. For one, if he was caught trying to stop the match, he’d probably be discovered. For the second point, Vegeta would probably be the one to beat him up for stopping it, unable to show his Sayajin heritage. So, with this, he sat back in his chair, trying to look like nothing was bothering him.

After a few minutes or so, the fight still continued on, and Vegeta was seriously getting beat. The crowd cheered madly at this point, almost everyone chanting Clef on. That is, except for him. He breathed in the clear, crisp air to try to get things off is mind, and soon turned to Vadolla to see what she was doing. Surprisingly, she was staring at her feet again, probably trying to avoid watching the fight.

He had remembered what she had said before, to his real self, and understood exactly why. No one paid attention to her, so she was aloud to get away with it. He leaned over to her so no one would be able to notice him, and soon spoke.

“Hey, are you all right?” he asked.

“Hmm? Y-yes I’m fine,” she stated, looking up with a somewhat embarrassed expression on her face.

“You sure? You look like you’re not enjoying these fights at all.”

“Uh, n-nonsense! These games play an important role in our cultural habits.”

He paused for a moment, and whispered, “Yes, but do you enjoy these fights?”

She hesitated to answer, and sat up straight, turning to the arena. She began to clap along with the others, and he sat back up as well, turning back to the arena floor.

Clef had a smirk across his face as he gave another swipe to Vegeta, cutting across his chest armor. He stumbled back, an angry shout of rage escaping out of Vegeta’s mouth.

“Heh, heh, and to think the ancestors said your race was strong. You might be, without that Collar, but why waste the energy on something you know you’re going to beat, when you can make them weaker?” Clef laughed, holding the sword up to Vegeta’s throat. “Do you surrender?”

Vegeta gritted his teeth, and gave a menacing smirk. “Never, Lemiren, shall I go so low. If I die, I die with the knowing I was stabbed in the back by a disgraceful creature.”

Clef frowned slightly, but shrugged, turning back up to his sister. He wanted to know what to do now, leaving as he was or carrying on. Neobli grinned, and was about to wave her hand, but Vadolla urgently grabbed it before she made to decision.

“Sister, please, I grow sick of all this harm. Let him live and fight another day.”

Neobli paused and gave an almost annoyed look, shaking her head. Clef raised the sword from Vegeta, allowing the guards nearby to take him away. Clef soon bowed, and Neobli spoke.

“Well, little brother, by winning this fight you shall move on to the finals. Any words before you are dismissed?”

“No, sister, I have nothing more to say,” he replied.

“Well, then, you may go.”

Soon after he left, the stadium began to empty, seeing the battles were done for this day. Vadolla remained for a time as her sister left back for the palace. Trunks stayed as well, and as the guards left he heard her mumble something.

“It’s terrible what we do to people...just for entertainment.” She looked to Trunks and soon got up, walking out of the lookout door.

Trunks thought in a moment to himself, and soon as well got up, heading out back to the allies where he would finally be able to rest.

He saw her standing out on the balcony, presumably waiting for him. Why she would, he didn’t really know, but she probably wanted to know why she hadn’t seen him earlier. With this in mind, he had practiced over and over what he would say, knowing that yet again he would have to lie. In truth, he wasn’t sure anymore if he wanted to, but knew that he had to.

She smiled as she saw him silently climb up to the balcony where she stood. She quickly showed him inside, away from the outside world, shutting the doors behind.

“Good evening to you, Trunks. How did you do in the games?” she asked as she went over to her dresser seat and sat down.

“Well, I can say that I won,” he replied, crossing his arms.

“You did? Well, I’m afraid I missed it. I did wake up late today and I missed a few, so I’m sorry that I didn’t get to see you compete.”

“It’s okay. It would probably best that ya didn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Uh...I don’t know, just because, I guess, with all the violence and such.”

“It must’ve been hard for you,” she said.

“Hmm, what do you mean?”

“Fighting one of your own kind, like a prisoner. It must’ve been hard to fight one of them, especially when that is the reason why you are fighting in this tournament.”

“I suppose. But if it’s to save them, I’m sure they would agree with it.”

“Yes, I believe you on that part.” She smiled slightly, seeing him just stand there, and continued. “You know you can sit down.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” he said, looking for a chair and sitting in one on the far side of the room.

With a moment of pause, Vadolla soon spoke. “If you don’t mind me asking, Trunks, where did you get hair like you have? I mean, I’ve never seen lavender before.”

“I suppose you could say I got it from my mother. She has turquoise hair, and since my father has black hair it kind of matches out.”

“Are you Sayajin?” she asked suddenly.

He looked at her with surprise, not actually quite sure how to respond to that. But trying to avoid the subject of answering, he said, “You people hate the Sayajins, don’t you?”

“Why yes. They, of course, did try to blow up our planet, after all.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Oh, complications, complications,” she sighed. “It’s been said that we once tried to buy uninhabited planets from them, but since the Colds came to take over their empire, we backed out, afraid for our own empire. Of course, my mother was just five around that time, and the history books are so vague that no one’s really sure.”

“But with getting some planets you didn’t pay for them, did you?”

She gave him a questionable look. “Yes. But how could you know that?”

“Uh, well I...I was kind of told a while back. Kind of a fairytale sort of thing.” His conscience began to poke at his heart for this.

“Uh-huh. Alright, if you say so. But say,” she said with a smile, turning to her dresser and picking up something, walking over to him. “Okay, open your hand.”

“Huh...?” he asked with wonder.

“Just open it,” she said with a slight laugh, and he did what he was asked to do. She placed something in his palm, looking to be some sort of small, round pendant. He looked up at her from staring at it for a second, wondering, but she just smiled.

“It brought me luck so far, so I want you to have it. I truly want you to succeed in these games, indeed please keep it safe. Please win this battle.”

He nodded. “I will. If not, I know I’ll die trying.”

Her eyes widened as she shook her head. “Let’s just hope that it won’t come to that, huh?”

“Yeah, really,” he smiled. Walking over to the balcony doors again, he turned back. “Thanks for the pendant. I’ll need the luck.” Soon, he opened the door and quickly jumped out.

She waited for a few minutes or so in thought, sitting at her dresser, when she suddenly heard a rapping at her door. She went to go open it and found that it was the guards. Her mind went blank with wonder for a moment or so until she realized why they were there. She had almost forgotten that she was suppose to go to the council meeting that night, to get further updates on the anarchist problem breaking out in the city.

“Are you ready, Your Highness?” one of the guards asked.

“Yes, let us be going then,” she replied. She walked out of her room passed them and began to walk through the hall, the guards following.

The council meeting was practically half way across the city, and since all transportation had been off duty that day due to the games, they were to walk there. It wasn’t too bad of a night. The sky was clear, the hot daytime air had settled cooler, and the very ground seemed all right to walk on. The sun had already gone down, but it wasn’t too late in the day that she was tired, just not very looking forward to these meetings.

While turning another corner, she yawned slightly, but stopped as she thought she heard some sort of snapping sound. She quickly turned around, seeing that her guards were missing, knowing that something was seriously wrong. She cautiously looked with her eyes around, slowly reaching into her sleeve for the dagger that was concealed. She looked behind her as she thought she heard a whishing sound move, quickly now pulling out the dagger. Again, from behind, the whishing sound.

She glared about for a few more minutes, trying to catch whatever was making that sound until one last move, and then it stopped. Her ears felt numb from unable to hear anything, until suddenly there was a loud shout, something pushing her aside.

She turned back only to have her eyes widen with horror as she saw that a man had been stabbed from above with a spear, ripping right through him on his left side. He was still alive, of course, but it just shocked her to see him like that, then breaking part of it apart so he could get free.

The man looked up sharply, seeing the dark figure that she just noticed was there on one of the buildings’ roof. He jumped up as the figure ran away, and there was nothing left but silence. She just sat there, still with shock for a time, hearing a loud bang coming from the distance. Soon enough, the man came back, coming over to her and kneeling down.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Y-yes. But, sir, the question is are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” he replied. Suddenly, he collapsed onto his other knee and held the wound on his side, rasping for breath.

“Please, let me help you. If you get back at the palace, you can get better help there,” she began to say, but he edged away.

“No, I’d be better off on my own.”

“Sir?” Until then, she had been unable to see who this was and still wasn’t able to tell. But trying to help him up, she tried to move him over into the streetlight so she could see who he was. “Well, at least let me help you to a medic.”

He didn’t reply, but only went along with her helping him.

They were only able to walk a few feet up to the light around the corner before the man began to slouch, unable to walk any more. Vadolla set him down on one of the barrels in the sidewalk, letting him rest his head on he building’s outer wall. She was socked to see who this was, but even more to the wound he had.

“Trunks...? N-no, we have to get you help! The best place is the palace!”

“No, I can’t go there,” he said, still with a raspy voice. “If they find me there, they’ll know that I’m not Lemiren and arrest me for sure. Please, I’ll be better off on my own.”

“No, not with that kind of wound. Now, come on, I’ll get you to my room so no one will notice you.” She tried to help him up again, but he flinched away. She frowned, continuing, “Look, since you saved me, I have nothing else but to help you.”

“Yeah you do, you can just leave me here,” he said jokingly. Trying his best, he stood up, and Vadolla put his arm around her shoulder.

“You’ll be okay,” she reassured, as they began to walk down the street back towards the palace.

Climbing up carefully to the balcony, Vadolla rushed through the doors with Trunks and closed them, setting him in a chair for a moment as she went into her own bathroom to get towels. She placed them so it covered the bed, soon helping him up again and setting him over on it. She pulled a chair up next to him and hesitated for a moment, not really sure what to do.

“Pull...it out...” Trunks said, letting go of the wooden poll still stuck in his wound.

She swallowed, soon rolling back her sleeves. She reached forward and put her hands on the broken poll, trying with all her might to pull it out. She did, and set it aside, soon reaching over to the table to the side where she had placed a needle and thread and more bandages.

Vadolla lifted his shirt partly to see the wound better, and began stitching the best she could. She had taken a medic class when she was little so she knew the basics of doing this. There didn’t seemed to be anything punctured in him, luckily, but had just gone through an open space in his side. It wouldn’t be too hard, it would just take a while. But as they had said in medics class, she would have to try to talk to him. She couldn’t think of anything in conversation except one thing at the time.

“So...Why did you do that? Save me, I mean,” she asked.

He didn’t say anything for a time, but stared blankly up at the ceiling. Soon, though, he found an answer. “I...felt guilty...for lying to you so much. For getting off subject so I wouldn’t have to answer.”

“So really, by saving me you thought you would be forgiven?”

“No...More like redemption. Though, I don’t really feel like I solved it, and won’t until I do say the truth.”

“It is your personal life. I shouldn’t be so nosy in the first place,” she said with a slight laugh.

He turned his head towards her and a slight smile crept on his face. “If I tell you who I really am, do you promise not to be afraid of me?”

“Afraid? Why should I be afraid? I’ve seen scarier people than you,” she said, remembering the words that he spoke when she had first met him, meaning it as a joke.

“No, seriously,” he said.

“Yes, I won’t be afraid.”

He turned his head back up to the ceiling and took a breath, knowing that he would regret this. “You know that man who gave you trouble in the prison?”

“Oh, yes, how can I forget him? The Sayajin with a big mouth, yes, I know him.”

Trunks grinned. “He’s my father.”

Vadolla stopped stitching and froze with thought. She was shocked to here this, but knew from the start that it had to be true. Turning back to her sewing, she blinked a few times in thought, but suddenly smiled.

“Odd. He doesn’t seem a thing like you,” she said.

Trunks almost came out with a laugh, but failed to do so. He was too weak to, surprisingly to him. Either way, Vadolla could find that he found it funny with the smile now on his face.

“So, you really are Sayajin?” she asked.

“Well, partly. The other half is human.”

“Human?” she questioned. “Your father actually married someone not of his own species? Well, that’s the first I’ve ever heard.”

“So...You people do hate the Sayajins, then?” he asked.

She looked up at him. “Yes, my people do hate Sayajins. That, however, only pertains to full-blooded Sayajins.”

“Full-blooded, half-blooded, what’s the difference? They’re all Sayajins.”

“There is a difference. For one, that of a full-blooded Sayajin could only be around during the time of the Colds, yet the half-blooded ones couldn’t have been. It is only the full that we despise.”

“But why at all? It happened so long ago, why bother with it now?” he said softly, thinking that he only thought it, but actually said it out-loud.

Vadolla paused, soon saying, “I don’t know. Same reason why I don’t know why we have these games.” She continued with her stitching as she continued suddenly. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Done what?” he asked.

“...Saved me. I’m not worth so much. The lives of hundreds could depend on you defeating the games, and you have to be well to fight.” He could see, even in the faded light, that her eyes were beginning to water. She thought he didn’t notice and tried to keep it that way, keeping a blank expression on her face.

“Why would you say that? A life is a life, you know?” he said.

“Not like this...Not with hundreds of lives being wasted away in cells, only to be tortured every other day,” she stated. “If risking my life is the price for freedom of others much better than mine, then so be it.” She stopped and looked up with a smile. “Besides, I can take care of myself, right? I could’ve taken care of myself.” She paused, but then said, “But...thank you.”

“No problem,” he replied. “Besides, I can’t let the one person who helped, and is helping me, be hurt. It’s kind of a motto.”

“A good one at that,” she said.

They talked a little while longer, discussing of what would really happen if he did win the games and such. She was able to stitch his other side wound on his back and when she was finished, she told him to stand up and wrap the wound in bandages. She picked up the stained towels, wooden poll, and the extra spools of thread and put them in the bathroom to be cleaned. After placing fresh towels on the bed, she continued to speak.

“You should stay here in case you start bleeding again. You can sleep here, I don’t mind.”

“That’s okay, you’ve helped me well enough already. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”

“Well, then, I’m asking you to stay here. Please, just to see if you’ll be okay. Just a worry sort of thing.”

“But where will you stay?”

“Oh, in one of the chairs is fine with me.”

With a bit of hesitation, he nodded, going to go sit back on the bed. Vadolla went back to her closet and took out a few blankets and pillows, setting them on one of the chairs. She sat down and wrapped herself up, Trunks turning to his side and shutting his eyes.

“Good night, Princess,” he said.

“Good night, Trunks,” she replied.

Soon, they had both fallen asleep, the dark night continuing to creep across the sky.

Vadolla woke up with a shudder all the sudden, realizing that the candle had burnt out. Everyday she did this, though, so she wasn’t really surprised. She thought it must’ve been some internal alarm clock or something, but she didn’t really mind waking up anyway because she knew she would just go back to sleep. She was about to turn back over on her shoulder again, but remembered that there was someone else there, someone she was suppose to check on.

Standing up, she stood over on the bedside and sat in the chair next to him. He was still on his right side, sleeping soundly and didn’t seem like he would wake up even if there was a thunderstorm. He looked okay to her, just like a normal person would sleep.

With this came another thought to her mind...

‘A normal person...’

For a time she had only thought of him being Sayajin. How strange it was, from after hearing so much of them being monsters, to see that he was nothing like that. He was kind and he felt guilty for lying. Lying. Now that was a first. Any person she had met hadn’t felt guilty for lying, not even her own siblings, and they were the prince and queen. It just seemed odd, but she couldn’t help feeling that he might be different then a Sayajin.

Or a Sayajin was different from what she had been told.

It had been evident that with this the Sayajins probably made a rivalry with them, calling them monsters and such as well. Maybe that’s why he had lied. But really, what more could he lie about?

‘Or is there something else he’s hiding?’

With this thought, she became more curious of who he was. Maybe he had another identity, or this was the fake one? She didn’t know. With her power, she thought over and over of maybe looking into his mind. But...she couldn’t do that without asking, could she?

It was then she remembered the words of her father.

“If it is for the well being of one and shall not hurt another, that is only when you may use this power.”

She moved her had forward to put it on his forehead, finally going to see who he really was. But an inch away, she stopped, pulling it away.

‘If I am to know, he will tell me,’ she thought, getting up and walking over to her chair. She quickly curled back up into her blanket, but didn’t go to sleep for a while, thinking. But soon enough, she again fell asleep.

In the morning, the bright light of the sun shined through the balcony windows. She woke up again to find that she hadn’t moved at all in her chair, but noticed that Trunks had. He was gone, the towels missing and a note set in place of him. Quickly getting up, she went over and picked up the note, reading it:

“Thanks again for helping me. I’ll be back to tell you how I do in the games. Sorry I didn’t tell you I was leaving but I didn’t want to disturb you, and I gotta game early today so. I cleaned up the towels and such and put them with the rest. Again, thanks a lot. -Trunks”

She smile, folding up the note and putting it in her dresser drawer. She went over to the bathroom door to see that the towels had been placed in the cleaner she had set the other ones in, and were now looking as though there hadn’t been any thing on them. As she was about to open the doors to the balcony, she head a loud knocking on her door a voice soon following after.

“Sister! Sister are you in there?”

She opened up the door to find her sister Neobli, a most disturbed look on her face. She placed her hands on Vadolla’s shoulders as she began to speak.

“Vadolla, is everything all right? Did anything happen?” she asked.

“What? Sister, what is this you speak? What is wrong?”

“Are you all right?” she repeated.

“Yes, I’m fine. What’s wrong?”

Neobli stepped passed her and went over to the windows, looking out. “I’ve told you before that troublesome times have fallen on us. Well, you do know of the meeting you were suppose to go to, right?”

“Yes, the council meeting. Why do you ask?”

“Sister, the guards who were suppose to escort you were found dead this morning. Blood was also found not too far, either. It has been reported that these assassins were after you, no less, and it has been said that these people are out to get rid of all the royals. A few of our advisors have been reported missing, and it is not quite evident yet on who these people are.” She sighed, putting her hands behind her back and turning towards her. “Sister, I know that you have been traveling throughout the city, but to this extent I have no choice but to restrict you to the palace unless with the consultancy of going to the games.”

“But-”

“It is not exactly my choice, sister. I myself, have also been restricted, do to the commands of the council. We are the only ones who keep this plant stable, you must realize this, and since you are the next in line for the throne you must stay protected.”

“But why do I have to be restricted of just going out into the world?! You know very well that I could take care of myself.”

“Yes, at the expense of your life in the process,” she stated with a cold gaze. “These people are more than what we had expected, sister. Every spy we have sent has not returned, and it is as though they vanished off the face of the planet.” She turned around, heading out the door way, but stopped and spoke before she left. “I trust you’ll make the right choice. Especially to those who you open your mouth to.”

With this, she left with the guards she had brought with her, Vadolla turning with narrow eyes.

“The price to pay for freedom,” she said under her breath, clenching her left hand tight in anger. She belonged outside, and that was where she was going to go, even if she just had to sit and watch the games to be there.

***

She sat there, again, for another lingering fight. It seemed that they were getting worse and worse with violence, but better by growing shorter and shorter. This is the exact same thing she did yesterday, the day before that, and the day before that. In her own mind, she kept asking over and over to how many prisoners could there be? In some fights, there were much stronger competitors than others, but neither her or her siblings were surprised, for they knew who these people were.

Sayajins, of course.

Vadolla had spoken to Trunks briefly a few times from looking out on her balcony, knowing that it was dangerous to be around with the heavy guarded security issued throughout the palace. Even though he told her that he had won all this games, she still hadn’t been able to see him fight. No matter what she did, whether she got there early and saw the games on one day or miss a few for getting up late, she never got the chance to see him. This was making her get deadly suspicious, and was actually thinking about going to the registration to see if he signed up. But then again, he probably won’t enter with his real name. What then?

One person she did get to see, though, was the man now known as Iron Fist. She saw him fight mostly every day, seeming to get better with every fight. It didn’t seem like he was intent on beating the prisoners like so many of the other contestants did, but just looked like he wanted to fight them and win as quickly as possible, without so much gore that the crowd seemed to love. She wanted to speak with him, but wasn’t allowed to, do to being unable to go anywhere. Though, she knew some time she would, and she knew the exact question to ask.

When the matches were over, she had just the time to do that, but surprisingly, she wasn’t the one who spoke first.

“Hello, Princess, how are you today?” he said, coming from the side and walking along with her as soon as she waved her hand to the guards to let him by.

“Hello, No-name. I’m doing fine this day. You?”

“All right, I guess.”

“So, I saw that you won today. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Princess. I’m glad that you watched.” In honesty, that was the truth, though Trunks really didn’t know why he felt that.

“Are you?” she said with a smile. “Say, I have been meaning to ask you something; something that I have noticed in your fights.”

“Huh? Like what?”

She quickly glanced over her shoulder to her sister, who was being carried in her throne on that same usual platform, looking as though she was going to fall asleep. With a smile still on her face, she turned back to one of her guards and told him that she wanted to take another route to get to the palace. Her sister could say on this way, but a few she would go another to walk around a little more. With hesitation, the guard nodded, telling one of the others to go with her.

Soon, she and Trunks walked through the streets for a time after, not actually talking until they couldn’t hear the sound of the queen’s traveling foot soldiers any longer. With this, Vadolla spoke.

“Sorry, but I couldn’t risk my sister overhearing if I talked. What I was meaning to ask was the way you fight. You don’t seem like you enjoy these fights too much, as if you regret it. Is this so?”

“No, no, Your Highness,” he replied, and truly he didn’t regret it, for he was doing it for a purpose.

“Then, do you do this for a purpose, like not for money or part of the kingdom?” she asked with wonder.

She almost took the exact words right out of his mouth, just in the form of a question. Though this was true, he still wasn’t going to allow himself to say the truth.

“Something like that,” he said with a smile.

There was a pause for a moment as they continued on walking. Suddenly, Vadolla stepped in front of him, a strict look on her face. She blocked him from walking as she nodded to her guard, telling her to watch the entrance of the alley, the guard obeying.

“You’re not telling me the truth. I can see it in your eyes. I want to know, what are you hiding?”

“What? What are you-”

“Do not question me when you know well enough what I’m talking about!” she said. “Now tell me, what have you been hiding?”

“Princess, in honesty...” He was finally caught, but he wasn’t going to let his wall fall just yet. “It’s classified.”

“Classified again, huh?” she said, crossing her arms. Biting her lip in thought, she soon turned back to her guard and waved her hand. “Guard, please go and get me something to eat. I’m sort of hungry.”

“Your Highness, are you sure you shall be all right by yourself?”

“Yes, I shall be fine here. You’re dismissed.”

The guard bowed, disappearing down the street. Vadolla looked back to Trunks and sighed, getting out of his way. He didn’t move, though, as she went on stood up against a wall.

“Look, I know you may see me as a royal figure, thinking that I must abide and uphold all laws in this world, but in truth it’s not even close. Unlike my siblings I do not pass judgment onto those I really know are good, and I do not tattle-tail either if they do something wrong, like fib once in a while. However, if they do something seriously wrong then, and only then, must I report them. I have been told to report any suspicious people in the city, even if it’s just a small suspicion. I haven’t known you that long, but long enough that I see that you won’t do anything wrong to hurt anyone that doesn’t attack you first. I really, truly don’t want to have to report you, but if you don’t tell me the truth then I have no choice.”

If it had been anyone else, he would’ve shrugged and just told another lie, but for some reason he couldn’t now. She had helped him, saved him, and shared the same opinion to save the prisoners. Yet he couldn’t say it, for if he did, if he risked anyone overhearing, there would be no way he could help anyone. But his conscience seem to be boiling to the breaking point, and something else inside was beginning to hurt, his throat tightening, though he didn’t know what it was.

“I’m...sorry, I just can’t. Please, you have to understand, there are lives at stake if I do. I swear, as soon as the games are over I’ll tell you, but right now I just can’t.”

“Lives? What do you mean?” she asked.

“...Unless I beat these games, these people I know are going to die,” (And that was the truth. If the gang stayed in there, they’d probably never be given their freedom.) “Please don’t tell anyone this.”

Her eyes went wide with shock, her mouth falling open slightly. Still knowing that this was a completely different from Trunks, she was wondering now how the prisoners were coming to become freed now. If this man was in the games for the reason of saving lives, what was going to happen now? He couldn’t lose, but neither could Trunks, so what?

“I promise I won’t. But why didn’t you tell anyone this before?”

“I couldn’t. A really dangerous time, ya know?”

“Yes, indeed.”

The guard came back around the corner with a bread loaf in her hand, handing it to Vadolla.

“Thanks you, guard,” she said, and looked back over to Trunks. “Well, should we be going?”

“Nah, that’s okay. I have to be going, final qualifications are tomorrow so gotta get ready for that.”

“Oh...yes I almost forgot. Well, hopefully I’ll see you the, huh?”

“Yeah, hope so. Bye, Princess,” he said as she waved goodbye, Trunks taking off down the street and disappearing.

“Come, Your Highness, I have been told that you are to be back at the palace immediately,” the guard said.

“By who’s say?”

“Queen Neobli, Highness.”

“Oh, will she ever leave me alone? I try to get one bit of fresh air and she gets all huffy about it,” Vadolla exclaimed, following the guard as they soon headed back to the palace.

“Now, how many times have I told you this? One, two? Well, either way, I still told you not to go out, and yet you seem to persist on it, even if it’s just outside the gates,” Neobli stated, her eyes not taking one glace up from her book.

“But, sister, I told you that I just-”

“Yes, yes, wanted to get fresh air,” she mused. “Look, sister Vadolla, this is only for your protection. The game finals are coming up soon, and security is as tight as ever. More disappearances have been reported and the city is literally in a chaotic fall and riot. It is even hard to let me sit here and think without having to deal with a troublesome sister.”

“But what is the worth of ruling if you cannot enjoy the land you rule?” she said.

“It is not my choice to stay like this, neither is it yours. The council does. There are no other exceptions. Now, are you through?”

“Yes,” she replied dryly.

“Very well. You are dismissed.”

Vadolla turned, a cold flare still incased in her eyes. She headed back to her room, and stayed there for the rest of the day, the only real place where she was aloud to enjoy the outside without being questioned. She didn’t want to wither and die without sunlight, true sunlight, so she placed a chair outside on the balcony where she read up on her history a bit more.

Her brother had won among many others. Ever since he had entered, he had seemed invincible, and it was beginning to make her a little worried. All the other challengers he had fought seemed like nothing, and it was most likely that he was to be in the finals. To how Trunks could win then was a mystery, but really, she’d never even seen him fight, so how could see tell?

After the fights, the final scores being calculated for the final battle, she returned to the palace with a sunken heart. Over the past six months, she had grown weary of these battles, all the violence, all the blood shed, and she just wanted it to end. She didn’t care if she had to stand out in the middle of the arena during the battle and tell them to halt, she was going to stop it one way or another. Though, she didn’t want to have to do that, but if she had to she would.

She had seen Trunks only from the top of her balcony to tell her that he had won, but only that. Though, she had spoken to No-name after fights, and he was the only one that she had seen that she did not know who it was fighting. He had won all his fights too, which seemed very suspicious. But they couldn’t be the same person...could they? Whatever it was, he had promised that he would tell her who he was, so she knew that sometime she would know.

Vadolla stood up on her balcony again, her back to the railing and a book in her hands. There was quiet mumbles echoing throughout the palace, almost as if the whole world was just fading in itself. With a sigh, she shut her book, walking forwards into her room. But as she took a step up to the doors, something appeared behind her of her. She turned and jumped back slightly with surprise, but was greeted with a familiar smile. She greeted him back the same way.

“Hi, Princess,” Trunks said, still holding out his hand in front of her as he got up onto the balcony.

“Hello, Trunks. Well, I haven’t seen you up here in a long while,” she replied.

“Well, it hasn’t been safe around here, you know? But since the finals are coming up, the security’s probably centered on the stadium.”

“Yes, which reminds me, how did you do?”

“I won again. But you should’ve seen it, it was the first person I faced that wasn’t a prisoner. I mean, it was all Pow and Kaboom and all that,” he stated with a lot of enthusiasm, a wide grin across his face as Vadolla smiled as she laughed slightly.

“Seems like you enjoyed it very much,” she said.

“Yeah, well not the whole concept of hurtin’ ‘em but yeah, it was fun. So, what’s up?”

“What’s...up?” she questioned, not really understanding the notion of the question.

“Oh, yeah, sorry about that. I mean what’s going on? Like with city and such.”

“Oh, well, there are a few minor problems, but nothing too serious.”

“Like what?” he said with a smile still on his face.

“Uh, well...I’m not really suppose to tell anyone.”

“Ah, who am I gonna tell?” he said.

“I suppose you are right,” she said, taking a slight breath afterward. “It seems that the city’s being periled by anarchists, and it doesn’t seem evident who they are. There’s been a lot of people reported missing, and it’s most likely the people who tried to hurt me because it’s been said that these people are also trying, one by one, to get ride of the royals.”

“Well, do you need any help or-” Trunks offered, but she cut him short.

“Oh no, it’s quite all right. Besides, you have a lot bigger matters on your hand, right? You have to plan what you’re going to do in the fight against my brother.”

“Your brother? You mean your brother’s in the finals?!” Trunks questioned.

“Yes, he is. And he, in all the times that he has competed in, has never lost a match.”

“Well this is just great,” Trunks mumbled to himself, crossing his arms with his one hand still clenched tight.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll beat him. I’m not capable of seeing the future, but I’m sure you will.”

“Wait, what do you mean ‘seeing the future’?”

“I can see what is present with my mind. My sister can see the past and my brother, on the other hand, can see the future. Psychic abilities are the main attributes of a Lemiren.”

“O...kay, I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it,” he said.

“So, what do you have in your hand?” she asked, smiling as she put her hands behind her back.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’ve been meaning to give this to you,” he replied, uncrossing his arms and walking up to her. “Turn around and close your eyes.”

“What?” she exclaimed.

“Come on, just do it,” he said with a laugh, and she did what she was asked.

He opened his hand to let a small moon pendant fall slightly, grabbing both ends of the chain. He lifted his hands above her head and put it around her neck, tying it around the back out of the way of her ponytail. He tapped both her shoulders to say that she could open her eyes, but she had already opened them.

Trunks backed away as she turned, looking at her new necklace as she lifted it to see. Her eyes turned almost in wonder yet saddened as she spoke.

“This is S’lain. I’ve never been able to get it because it was so common for royals, but now that I see it...it’s prettier than any necklace I’ve never gotten.” She dropped the pendant to put her hands to her side, her eyes becoming teary.

Noticing this, Trunks wondered what was wrong and asked. “Hey, is something wrong?”

“I...am a soldier’s daughter. I shall not...ever shed a tear. It is a rule that is mine, and I will obey it,” she said, her words choked in her throat.

“...Why?”

“I...” Her hands became tight as she gritted her teeth. “I...I don’t...know.” At that moment, she burst into tears, covering her face with her hands.

Trunks stepped up to her, putting his hands on her shoulders with sympathy. “Hey, it’s okay. I mean, did I say something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not that you said something wrong, but you said something good.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

She took her hands off her face, looking up into his eyes as he smiled back. She quickly shut her eyes as she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him. He was surprised by it, but in a moment, that unexplainable guilt from before disappeared into somewhat warmth kindness, if it be...or something more?

“Thank you, dear Trunks. You are the kindest friend I have ever known. Thank you ever so much.”

“You’re welcome...Vadolla,” he said as he hugged her back, knowing that she was a real friend as well.

It was the first time he had ever said her real name. She had been so used to being ‘Sister Vadolla’ or ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Princess’, but she had not heard anyone say her real name by anyone in a long time. But now that she had heard it, she was happy, and for the long while she hadn’t been, not since her parents had died, not until that day. It was he, the outsider that was suppose to be a prisoner, the Sayajin, who had made her happy, just by being her friend, one of her only friends, and the only one who really cared about life itself and the lives of others.

Trunks backed away again, his sympathetic face turning into a caring smile. He walked back to the railing side, looking off it. Turning back, he gave a thumbs up.

“Glad you like it,” he said.

“I do. I pray for you also to win, and be very careful. My brother is not a man to mess with, I’ve seen many fights where the results didn’t look so good.”

“Don’t worry. I’m part Sayajin, and I got a few tricks up my sleeve that you guys don’t have,” he said with a grin, soon jumping onto the railing and jumping down.

She stood for another moment in silence, just staring up into the sky, but soon dropping to her knees and shutting her eyes tight. Gripping the necklace around her neck, she began to speak in her mind.

‘Please let him succeed...If not, please let him be okay. Please.’

***

The day came. The day finally came. Scores were up; competitors were chosen; all was left was the battle. No one knew to who these fighters were, all but themselves and her highness Neobli. Anyone else was left in the dark, including Vadolla, who sat there waiting anxiously to know who it was.

The prisoners had been released into one of the blank walkway areas just to the gate, where the rest of the gang stood along with many others. Due to the main assistance of Vegeta, they were able to get right up to the gate, looking out into the arena to where the battle was going to commence. They were all wanting to see if Trunks had actually made it, (although Vegeta just knew that his son had to have.) They watched as the opposite gates began to open, waiting for the fighter to emerge.

The crowd went wild, throwing the confetti they had been given onto the field, as Commander of the Armies Prince Clef emerged. He grinned as he waved his hand to the crowed, (both of his sisters rolling their eyes slightly with the expression ‘show-off’ on their faces.) Soon the next challenger came, not giving so much as a glace out to the crowed. Instead, he had a serious expression underneath the helmet that covered most of his face.

Both Goku and Gohan shrugged, as Vegeta laughed slightly at it.

“Seems that he’s not as showy as his competitor, huh?” Gohan question to no one in particular.

“Nope,” Goku acknowledged. “But definitely gives that stiffness like his father. Well, that’s Trunks for you.”

Both competitors walked to the podium of the royals, both bowing their heads. Vadolla was disappointed that Trunks wasn’t the one who was going to fight, but at least No-name would have that chance to save those he had told about earlier in the games. As Neobli waved her hand for the fight to commence, both fighters walked away and to the center, unsheathing the swords that had been behind their backs.

“So, you are my competitor?” Clef questioned with a grin. “Well then, let’s just see how strong you truly are, Iron Fist.” With this, Clef rolled his head back, soon after lunging forward.

A cheer was let loose as Trunks deflected it. The battle continued swiftly, either one of them delivering an attacking blow, and the other defecting it. Clef seemed to outmatch him, however, in almost everything. But with this, he could he could sense that his power was decreasing, though along with his.

“Come on, is that the best you have?” Clef laughed, swiping the sword forward and Trunks just barely able to miss it. “Please, and I should expect more from a Sayajin?”

Trunks stopped with surprise, wondering how he could have known about...

“Sayajin. How did you know?”

“Heh, heh, little do you know about us Lemirens. As siblings, we three share thoughts in a perspective. Though I do believe that Neobli has lost that sense.”

“Then you must know who I am.”

“You would imagine,” he said sarcastically. “And I know why you’re fighting.”

“Then you know it’s wrong?”

“No, that I do not share your idea. For,” He raised his hands up over his head and grinned as a mad cheer again went into the air, “this is a show. What’s a show without entertainment?”

Yet another clang of metal swords went ringing through the stadium, both fighters angrily gritting their teeth as they pushed away.

“But in truth, I know what the future is to bring. What is to be said, everything.” Clef aimed his sword at Trunks horizontally parallel to the ground. “I could kill you now, but you have more to say, don’t you?”

“All I have left is to free these people,” he spat back.

“Oh no, you have much more to speak,” Clef grinned menacingly.

“What do you mean?”

The swords met again, Clef speaking as the swords continued to clash.

“The pain you have been feeling; guilt, is it? It had been your conscience at first, but where does that guilt twinge? Lying to her makes that guilt gain, but for what cause? You’ve lied before, what more is it worth? Well, it’s only one word, you figure it out.”

“Kindness, because she had helped me before by letting me compete,” he replied.

“Wrong!” he answered back.

“Friendship, because she was there to support me.”

“No!”

Trunks thought, gritting his teeth as she swung his sword across Clef, but he did a back-flip and held his sword ready for another attack. With another moment, a word passed his mind, surprise hitting him with the thought that it might be true, his grip on the sword loosening.

Clef grinned, knowing that Trunks finally figured it out. “Bingo.” Clef flipped the sword on his hand a few times, suddenly transporting in front of Trunks and knocking the sword away.

With shock, Trunks’s knees buckled, making him fall back. Clef pointed the sword at Trunks’s throat, Trunks eyeing him angrily.

“I myself knew it, so that must mean that she knew it as well. But the question is, did you know it?”

Trunks didn’t answer, but remained silent as Clef spoke in for him, his voice practically drowned out by all the noise.

“You live day by day, worrying about what will happen tomorrow. What you must realize is that there might not be a tomorrow, so say what you have to say when you have the chance to say it. Unfortunately I cannot win this match, for if I do, the future shall stay on its directed path. You must defeat me, but I cannot just let you win though. I have my honor to keep up. With this, if you can find the strength to beat me, maybe we’ll all survive.” He lifted the sword away, turning his back and raising the sword in the air.

Trunks new only one way. He had used it before, but had seriously injured himself by doing it. The wound he had had was still deep as it had been a while back, and it had drained his energy so much that he didn’t know. But he could sense Clef’s power, and it wasn’t going to be outmatched unless he used the one thing he had...

He had to, and was going to, turn Super-Sayajin.

His energy began to rise, his eyes fading in and out a pale green. His lavender hair began to rise into the air and form spikes, soon turning gold. The arena began to dim, and the crowd around hushed as they began to see him rise in a fury, Queen Neobli standing up on the edge of her see in anxiousness. Vadolla did the same, not quite sure with most of the people around, (besides for three others), what was going on.

Trunks charged the instant that Clef had turned around, infuriating blows hitting Clef in the stomach and face. He felt like he could go on forever, but after a few moments, he had found that he had literally shattered the armor Clef wore into pieces. He decided at once he would end it, and with one hard kick in the back, he sent Clef hurtling into the side wall, dust and dirt flying up into the air and scattering all around.

As it had cleared, Trunks was still standing with his hands clenched, the gold aura of a Super-Sayajin around him. The power of Clef could still be sensed highly, but Clef was planning to just stay there, to allow Trunks to win, without the scene of people thinking that he was weak and thinking that Trunks was just plain strong.

Trunks stood there for a moment, feeling the very little energy he had left seeping out his wound on his side, through his finger tips, and through his eyes. The others could not see him falter, rejoicing in their own small victory to know that they would be going home. Trunks turned his head to the gates that were opening to his side, seeing many guards emerged and align in rows to make a pathway for one person to enter. Her face was stricken with surprise, Trunks seeing that she was probably the one who was suppose to present to award, but smiled either way. With this, however, his face turned plain as his golden aura disappeared, falling to his knees and finally collapsing.

Vadolla didn’t wait for the guards to finish lining, but ran to him and went to his side, looking to see if he was okay. She waved to the guards to go check on her brother and they did what they were told. Turning back to him, she saw that his eyes were slowly coming open, he noticing the block out of the burning afternoon sun. She could see that he was smiling, and she smiled back.

“You have won the national Battle Games for this year. You shall be granted one wish from the kingdom in our gratitude. What will it be?”

“Please, let all...the prisoners go.”

Her eyes widened as she slowly shook her head. “Alright. It shall be done.” She slowly turned back to her sister on the balcony who was patiently waiting for the answer. She said, “He wishes for all the prisoners to be freed.”

The audience gasped a bit, muttering about themselves after. Most the prisoners did the same, (in fact all but three did), seeing as how they didn’t understand how this could be.

“What?! Ask him why he desires this!” Neobli demanded.

“Sister, it is not our will to question the motive of the request, but only to ask it. If he truly wants this, then let it be done.”

In agitation, Neobli’s eyes narrowed, angry that this was a wish. But according to law she had to abide by it, and that was that. She turned to the guards waiting in the arena, and nodded, the guards leaving back out to the prison areas, where they would all be set free.

Vadolla looked back to him, still wonder set in her eyes. Bluntly, for the first time, she asked, “Who are you?”

Trunks smiled even more, but very weakly. “I promised, didn’t I, that I would tell you when I won?” he said, lifting his hands up and onto the side of his helmet. It seemed like time had froze as he began to take it off, everyone wanting to see who this masked winner was.

But as it came off, the stadium exploded into a thousand gasps simultaneously, even Neobli a bit, but she as more outraged than anything.

“Trunks...?” Vadolla questioned.

“Hey Vadolla. What’s up?”

She smiled, her eyes almost looking like glass at this point. But she soon turned as she heard the angry shouts from her sister.

“Sayajin?! Guards, arrest this man at once!” Neobli ordered sharply.

The guards began to run forward, but Vadolla stood up in their path to make them stop. “No, you shall not go a step nearer!” she snapped.

“Get out of the way, sister!” Neobli shouted.

“No,” she answered. It was the first time she had talked back to her older sister, all because she was the queen, but at this point she could not let Trunks be taken away, not after he’d done so much for this world.

“You dare defy my word?” Neobli hissed.

“Yes. I have always thought that these games were pointless, wrong, and now that I have the chance to say it I will. I have always been the underdog, being ordered by everyone, you, the council, but no longer will it be.”

“Dear little sister, he is a Sayajin, a virus among us. He must be arrested.”

“If you want him so much then go ahead, come and get him, but not without a fight.”

“Sister, did you not hear what I said? Sayajin, our sworn enemy.”

“But he’s not the monster that Sayajins are portrayed to be! He’s more like...a Human.”

“So, you know him? That’s probably what gave him the idea to entered these games...You stupid idiot!”

“So be it, sister, that it is by law that anyone, anyone who wins the games is liable to a wish, including him!” Vadolla laughed, knowing that she had tricked her sister.

Neobli’s hair began to rise in anger, her eyes glowing a cold gray in her irises. Vadolla’s did the same, but her eye color was of a glowing blue instead. There was a moment of silence as Vadolla began to speak.

“I will not let you harm him. Are you going to torture me for it then?”

Neobli began to laugh. “Oh, why bother to waste my time.”

‘These people are nuts!’ Trunks thought to himself. As the squabbling continued, he thought he felt the ground begin to shake, finally realizing that it was when he saw pieces of dirt began to flutter around. He stood up in alarm as a siren began to sound, cries of the scared releasing up into the air, people evacuating out of the stadium.

With one last cold gaze, Neobli was finally pulled away by a guard to be taken away from the stadium. The guards of Vadolla insisted that she come with them, but she shook her head.

“No, I will be fine on my own. Please, all of you take shelter.”

With a nodded, they all headed out of the stadium, and all was left was her and Trunks. She waved a hand for him to follow.

“Come on, I know a quick way to go.”

“Wait, I have a better idea. Can you fly?”

“Fly? Trunks, this isn’t a time to be sarcastic.”

“No, seriously, can you fly?”

“No, I can’t fly. Why, can you?”

“Yes, I can. It’ll be a lot faster way than walking too. Come on, I’ll carry you.” He ran over to her but she edged away slightly.

“Uh, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I’m...uh, afraid of really high heights.”

“Don’t worry, just shut your eyes and it’ll be fine.”

“Okay...I’ll take your word for it.” She held out her hand and closed her eyes tight. Apparently, she’d never seen flying either. So, just going behind her, he wrapped his hands around her waste and lifted her up, quickly taking off into the sky as he began to hear crumbling in the wall of the stadium.

Stopping to see what had happened, and saw that the stadium had finally collapsed into rumble. To what cause he couldn’t guess, that was until he looked in sight of his surroundings.

Everything to what he could see was either black or on fire. Everything but the terrible screams coming from below from people scattering to get out of the chaos. The people who did this didn’t seem in sight, but it didn’t matter. They had done enough damage to this city than he had seen in a long time from anything else.

He was struck with horror at the sight, paralyzed for a moment until he snapped out of it with the voice of the person he was carrying.

“Oh...my...” Vadolla whispered, her voice corrupted with fear. “It is worse than I feared.”

“What?”

“The ones controlling the anarchists...They attacked earlier than we had expected,” she said emptily. “Seems there’s no other choice.”

“Choice? Vadolla, what are you talking about?”

“Please, just let us go to the outskirts where it would be safe. Please, away from this,” she said hollowly.

Trunks nodded softly, turning direction and flying off. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay,” he whispered to her.

“No...it won’t,” she answered quietly, and the rest of the way, neither of them spoke.

They walked into a tavern, much outside from the city. In this place, the people here didn’t even seem to know what was going on around them, (but they really didn’t have to worry at all, because no one ever came looking for anything around these parts). Most of the prisoners who had been set free from the stadium, setting down to have a drink or tow that they hadn’t had in along time. They turned their heads as they saw them enter, the chatter form around going still.

They recognized their Princess at once, with her long dress draping across the floor. But they also recognized the man who walked up behind her, stepping in front soon after. With one voice in the back of the room of his given name, the former prisoners cheered in his presence, the mellow chatter continuing soon after.

A shout of his real name came to him, three familiar faces appearing from out of the crowd. He was glad to see them, actually out and what he had been fighting for freedom in the first place.

“Hey, Trunks, you actually made it out in one piece! But, man, you won by a long shot!” Gohan said enthusiastically.

“Well, I won’t put it that way but I guess you could say that,” he joked. “So, how’ve you guys been? Prison areas like that for months have got to be hard, huh?”

“Not unless you’re weak,” Vegeta added.

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly say that, Vegeta. I mean, we were virtually starved!” Goku stated.

“Hey, dad, just because we only got three meals a day doesn’t really mean that we starved.”

“I suppose. But really, up until then I haven’t noticed how important food was.”

Trunks laughed along with Gohan, but Vegeta kept a straight face, (and Goku just looked confused). Soon after, Goku continued.

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask, what was up with that girl trying to protect you in the arena? I mean, it was like she was going against her kind or something.”

“Oh that was Vadolla. She was the one who helped me win in the games,” he was about to turn back to introduce her to them, but as soon as he looked over his shoulder he saw that she was gone.

“Is that her? The princess of this race?” Vegeta question his eyes glaring to his left.

Trunks looked that way to find that some of the prisoners had cleared a stool at the bar line, Vadolla sitting there with a grim look on her face. Saying he would be right back, he went over to her and sat on the stool.

“What’s wrong?”

She turned her head to him and smiled slightly. “Nothing much. Nothing to be worried about.”

“Well, do you mind if I know?”

She didn’t answer, but began to stare at the shot glass that as no set in front of her, filled with water. She picked it up and drank it in one gulp, setting it back on the table. Suddenly, she said, “One of us if going to die.”

“What?” he asked, not understanding what she was saying.

“One of my family is going to die. It is the only way to defeat the ones attacking our city. It has happened before and it shall happen again. Even though I can only see the present, I can see what is being planned and who is doing it, and it is the same thing that happened many years ago.”

“What happened?”

The bartender took away the glass to fill it up again, and she continued, still not looking up a him. “The royal family has the psychic capability of destroying an entire galaxy, but in the process, if one uses it, they would die. Many years ago, we did go up against the Colds, and with it we found that their power was immense, and we had no choice but to use our power. My father was the one who fought, and he whipped them out like they were nothing, but he did not have the strength to live through the transformation out of it. He was the strongest person ever to live on this world, and yet he still died.” She paused for a moment as the shot glass was placed back onto the table, and did not even try to pick it up.

“You’re afraid it would be you, don’t you?”

She slowly turned her head up to him. “I’m terrified of what damage I could do to this world, and horrified of what Neobli or Clef would do to defeat them.”

“Well, maybe you don’t have to change,” Trunks stated, standing up out of his seat. “Maybe we can help.”

“You have done so much that we cannot nearly repay you. Please, you have gained your freedom, you can go home. Besides, it is our problem, you should not be concerned with us.”

“What I’m concerned about...Besides that anyway, how are we suppose to get home without your help? It’s not like we have a ship of our own. So that’s how we can repay you! If we help you, then you can give us a ship to go home.”

“I suppose that may work. But even if you did come, you do not have the army to defeat them. We have scared them so much that they have sent their strongest machines and fighters by the thousands.”

Trunks thought for a moment, scratching the top of his head. But soon getting an idea, he looked around with a grin, and said, “Yeah, we have an army right here.”

“What? But these are-”

“Non-Lemirens? Please, these people wouldn’t be here if they weren’t fighters. If you say that you will give them transport back home, then they’ll probably gladly fight.”

“Yes, I suppose you are right. But how-”

“Just leave it to me,” he said, soon getting onto one stool and climbing up to stand on the bar line.

“Hey, I got a announcement to make,” he shouted over the noise, the room soon quieting down to listen. When it had, he continued, “Look, you’ve been granted your freedom right? Well, wouldn’t you like it better if you could go home?” There was an agreeing mumble in the room. “If this is true, then it can happen. If you help fight what is going on in the city, then you will be granted transport to go home.”

“What’s your word on this?” someone asked in the far back of the room.

“Umm, uh...I have her word! Right?”

“Yes, he does,” she said, standing up and facing the people around. “If you fight, then I promise you will be given transport to go back to your home worlds.”

“What else do we get?” someone else asked.

“Umm...”Vadolla thought for a moment, then smiled, saying, “I promise that you will each be given a Deadthing Pie!”

A wild cheer when up from the room, everyone who did saying that they would fight. Soon enough, they held up their glasses and began to chant: ‘Deadthing Pie! Deadthing Pie!’

“Uh, what’s Deadthing Pie?” Trunks asked, getting off the table.

“Oh, just dead things,” she replied. “It’s a specialty here. It’s made of mostly, oh how can I put this...what you would call ‘chicken’, and other dead things.”

Trunks nodded, still a little confused of the subject. But smiling, he said, “Well, guess you have more of an army.”

“Yes,” she smiled. “Thank you.”

“So, when do we all leave?”

“We should all rest, and in the morning we shall be on our way.”

Trunks nodded. “Right.” He turned back to the crowd and told them this, and they agreed with a joyful tone, (knowing that if they fought, they were going to get a Deadthing Pie!)

They were told by the owner of the tavern that they were allowed to stay there, just as long as they didn’t cause to much of a ruckus. For most of the time Trunks tried to explain to the others why they were doing this, and amazingly they all agreed. (If it had to do with the Colds, they would easily help). However, Vegeta had a slight problem of helping the Lemirens, but agreed anyway.

All that was left was to talk to Vadolla, who was still wide awake and didn’t seem like she would flinch at all. She was still on the stool, getting a few more water shots before she said no more. With that, she just sat there, looking blankly at the table with thought until he spoke.

“You okay?” he asked, taking a stool next to her.

“How can you ask that?” she questioned with a chocked voice. “My home is virtually destroyed, the world around me is in chaos, and I’m afraid for my life. How do you think I feel?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“Never mind,” she sighed deeply. “Just never mind.” She put her arms on the table and rested her head on them, shutting her eyes.

“Hey, if it will make you feel any better, I used to be exactly like you.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I mean, my whole entire world around me was complete chaos for the longest time, but you know what? Eventually it got better.”

“It...did?”

“Yeah. Well, of course I did something about it too, but it was as hard as heck getting through it. But you know what?”

“Hmm?”

He smiled, Vadolla turning her head over to look at him. “I bet yours will too.”

“But...” she began to say with a frown. “I...I don’t want anyone to die! Why does this have to be so?”

“Sometimes, life is just the way it is. You can’t explain it, you can’t predict it, but all you can do is live with it. Make it better than it is, or at least try.”

“You have no idea, do you?” she said grimly. “You just have no idea.”

“Well, help me have an idea then,” he said.

She smiled slightly, soon continuing with a blank expression. “If it truly is so, that one of the royals shall transform, we shall destroy all that is not Lemiren, including you. It does not matter if it is my sister, my brother, or me, if we transform, we literally lose all sense in feeling, and grant no mercy upon those who intrude in our world. That is why I do not want you to fight, or any of the others, for if it so, you will surely...” There was a long pause for a time, the air around growing hollow.

But Trunks reached forward, taking Vadolla’s hand in his, smiling. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of it. We’re Sayajin, and we’ve handled the Colds on earth as well. I, really, was the one who destroyed Freeza and his father on earth.”

“What?” she said, going wide eyed. “If this is so, then who is attacking our planet?”

“Huh?”

“The Colds wouldn’t just attack without some meaning or order from the highest in command, and the armies were controlled by King Cold himself.”

“The Colds would attack with no meaning, and since they’ve been here before they’re probably just coming back for their rounds. Like I said, we’ll take care of it.” There was a brief pause before he said, “You just take care of yourself, ya here?”

“Yes, I will, and you do the same,” She smiled soon after. “But why do you tell me this, so you’ll have the chance to say ‘I told you so’ after?”

Trunks laughed a bit. “No, not quiet,” he said. “Just telling ya it for sakes.” He turned back forward, pausing with thought for a moment. He thought about what Clef had said, and wanted to say it so much, but knew he couldn’t. She was a Lemiren, and Vegeta would go total berserk if he said it. So, he tried to say it in a different way. “Say, I’ve wanted to ask you, umm...have you ever, uh...It’s stupid, but have you ever worried about tomorrow?”

“Sometimes, but mostly not. Life’s too short for that. Why?”

“Uh, just wondering.”

“...Why? What would make you think this?”

“Huh? Oh, n-no reason.” He began to blush slightly, embarrassed a bit.

Vadolla grinned. “You know you aren’t very good at lying, or fibbing for that matter. So, why is it you ask me this?”

“I, uh, well...” He began to blush even more, trying to keep a straight face from smiling.

She smiled. “You like someone, don’t you?” she asked.

“What?! Where would you get that idea?!”

“I’ve seen it before in some of my other friends. They blush like you every time they think of the person their mentioning. Well, who is it?”

“Uh, just a friend I know.”

“Does she have a name or what?”

“Umm, d-does it matter?” he asked.

“No, I suppose not. So, what is this crush you have like?”

“Why are you asking this?”

“Huh? I don’t know, conversation,” she answered.

“Okay, sure then. Well, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on, with a smiling face most of the time and a kind heart. She can sometimes lose her temper, but not by much. But I swear, she’s...everything I can see in a girl.”

“She must be very special to you,” Vadolla stated.

“Yeah, she is.” He kept losing track that the person he was talking to was the person he was talking about. A few times he was going to slip up and say her name, but caught himself before he did. Someday he would tell her, but not today, he couldn’t yet. But there was that one word again, creeping in his mind, plaguing him to say it. It was more than a crush, after more than seven months he’d been around her it was, and that is what he almost lost the match for, realizing that the one word was true.

After he had finished his conversation with her, they had all found that it was dawn, and they were to go.

“Seems the time has come,” Vadolla said, standing up.

“Yeah, looks like it,” Trunks replied. “I’ll wake up the others.”

“Alright, I’ll meet you all outside and lead the way.”

Trunks had done what he was told, and the small militia that they had was soon lead back into the city by Vadolla, where they would meet the battle as it be.

***

It seemed that the battle had already began without them, the opposition seeming to be winning.

The enemy was coming in waves that seemed endless, coming from all sides and attacking wildly. It seemed as if they aimed to win this time, because they weren’t holding anything back. The regular foot soldiers of the Lemiren side didn’t seem very strong, and it was like they hadn’t fought in a long while, costing them dearly. However, as for the two royals, they seemed to be doing just as well.

Clef was taking his leisurely time, taking one opponent at a time as he went. He didn’t seem stressed about it at all, let alone anxious to keep going. Neobli, however, was the exact opposite. She went wild with the blade, taking out several enemy troops at once, and threw her psychic power everywhere. She even laughed as she went, feeling that this battle was merely child’s play. Though this was true, she wanted to fight more, even though she realized for what it could mean.

It seemed that they could take care of all the troops by themselves, but as the higher ranks came in, the more difficult it became for the both of them and their tiredness got them quickly. But either way, they knew they could win without transforming. It would be easy as cake...Right?

The gang and the militia arrived just in time, taking arm to the battle. The took the weapons from the fallen and began to fight, their Collars no longer on and making fighting so much easier. The gang took to arms with their own energy powers, this battle easier than they had expected. Vadolla took two scimitars that she had found and began to fight, doing well considering that she had a dress on. Apparently she had been taught in these arts, and she did extremely well considering the conditions.

The battle seemed to be going well...That was, until the enemy brought out energy attackers. They had the same skills and most attacks as the gang did, and it was difficult for them to handle with a lot of them, let alone for the Lemirens. Sometime in battle, it had been hard for Vadolla to keep up, along with the others. When she had met up with Trunks, she told him something that he didn’t quite understand. It was so brief that he couldn’t at the time, but knew that he had to abide it.

“Don’t let me get into a rage. Please, for the safety of you all please,” she said, soon running off after to continue on fighting.

Something seemed seriously wrong after the next few minutes. The number of warriors were decreasing on their side, whereas with the enemies side it as just gaining more and more with every second it seemed. Neobli was starting to get annoyed, but kept her anger low by knowing what it meant. Clef did the same, but really wasn’t worried about losing his temper. Vadolla’s own energy was running low, and her anger was growing with a rage, but she kept trying to push it down. But one last event, however, just made her snap.

One warrior from the opposition had learned about the royals, and was bent on getting rid of them. He couldn’t touch the Queen or the Commander of the Armies, but one seemed very much like prey. However, with this action he would very much regret. As he came from behind as Vadolla was fighting another, he was about to throw an energy attack at her, but was oddly deflected. It wasn’t by anyone else, but just like it dissipated into thin air. As Vadolla, a few seconds later, scared away the person she was fighting, she slowly turned, an insane-like grin worn across her face and her eyes glowing an eerie pale blue.

With one swift wave of her hand, the soldier went flying into two others that Trunks had been fighting, though she didn’t intend it. She just wanted to get that pest out of her hair. Trunks looked up from where he had been fighting, seeing her empty eyes glowing and now knowing what she had meant by keeping her rage down. He began to run to her, Vadolla fighting still with that same crooked smile on her face.

As the soldiers got scared and began to run away, Vadolla was about to walk after them, but was stopped as someone came up behind and grabbed her from going any further. She kicked and thrashed her arms from him to let her go, but he wouldn’t.

“Vadolla, let them go, just let them go. Calm down, their not worth going after,” Trunks tried to say, but she wouldn’t. It was as if she couldn’t hear him, like she was intent on fighting to the end, and if this was the pre-transform stated then indeed she was. There didn’t seem to be anything to get her to calm down, nothing he could say to stop her. There was nothing else to say was this, and most likely, hopefully, she wouldn’t be able to hear him. “Please, don’t transform. Don’t change...Don’t ever change. I...love you just the way you are.”

For that instant she stopped, her eyes turning out of it’s pale color and back to normal. She wasn’t quite sure of what she had just heard, (or really why Trunks was holding her back). All she wanted to hear was if what she had heard was what she had heard.

“What?” she questioned, and Trunks went wide-eyed that she had heard him.

“I...” he began to say, but was to nervous too. His head was continuing to shout back in forth in a matter of seconds of what to do: ‘Screw nervousness, just tell her!’ ‘But what would she say? I don’t want to lose her as a friend.’ ‘You can’t lose something that you’ve never had...’ ‘I don’t care...I just don’t care anymore! I have to-’ As he was finishing his last thought, though, he heard an energy shot being fired and saw it hurtling towards them. It had been shot five feet from them, and there was absolutely nothing more that he could do except...

He turned with Vadolla still in his arms, the shot hitting him in the back. It was stronger than he had anticipated, and soon he began to feel weak. Her let her go, letting her stand on her own two feet. He thought he was going to fall back, but was caught by Vadolla falling forward. He could still stand for a moment longer, and he was able to speak a bit more.

“Trunks...” Vadolla said, in shock of what had happened to him. “Why did you do that? You shouldn’t have saved me.”

He was able to shed a smile as well, but even his eyes barely able to keep open now. “That’s why; always caring for someone else.”

“Why what?” she asked.

“Why I love you just the way you are,” he whispered. He fell to his knees, soon falling back. Vadolla held his head so it wouldn’t hit, but soon let it rest on the ground.

“Trunks...You tried. At least you tried. It seems that I cannot try anymore. I have lost this will to fight, both the battle here and the one inside my head. It was not your fault, but I have just realized that it has always been like this, since the first time I laid eyes on my home set in flames. I thank you, really, for trying to help me control this anger of mine, but it was doomed from the start.” She tried to smile back the tears streaking down the sides of her face. She put her hands on the sides of his face and kissed his forehead, soon continuing. “Don’t change. Life teaches in its turnings, but don’t change who you are.” She stood up, smiling at him as he smiled back. “When you awake, I’ll be waiting for the day when we’ll meet again, to hear your ‘What’s up’ again.” She laughed slightly, soon turning slowly to the battle unfolding.

Time slowed. She waved her hand across the valley of rumble before her, taking a deep breath as she did. The battle would end here and now, by her hand and no one else’s. She narrowed her eyes slowly, a bright luminescent glow outlining them. Her mind, now slowly growing with hatred, began to grow stronger with psychic energy. Her hair began to spread stand by stand until the ribbon holding her hair up snapped, her silver hair flying up into the sky. A ray of white light began to glow around her, spinning faster and faster around her. The people fighting stopped, seeing her, and both sides terrified at the sight.

It was the exact same thing that happened before, when her father had transformed. Her mother had died at the hands of a soldier on the other side from a stab in the back, and it was too much for the King to compromise. With his rage he had transformed, literally destroying most the kingdom, and all of the enemy lines. Both her parents died the same day, and that was what was so heart wrecking to her for the longest time.

That was until he came into her life. Now that he was hurt, she had nothing left but to avenge him for saving her...again. This time she would finish it. There would be no more tears about it; no more hurt; there would be only happiness if she had to say to it.

The light around her finally grew to where it blasted up into the sky, making the air around still and the fighters hush with silence. There was nothing more to say, and one more tear was shed from her. Neobli cursed as she told her soldiers to get down, they barely able to do so as a shock wave went through the area knocking anyone who was standing off their feet to the ground. Trunks squinted with the bright light, and soon shut them, falling unconscious.

He woke up in a cold sweat, opening his eyes quickly with a shudder. But he quickly closed them as the bright light from the window flooded them, temporarily blinding him until he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He took a look at his alarm clock and saw that it was half past eleven, soon sighing.

‘It was a dream. Just a dream,’ he thought. He soon got out of bed and got dressed, scuffing is feet down the stairs and to the kitchen, where his mother was already awake and making breakfast.

“Good morning,” she said gleefully. “You ready for your jump back to the past today?”

His eyes widened with shock as he turned back to the calendar, seeing that this was the day he was suppose to go back in time. It was exactly what his mother had said before in his dream, and he had done the exact same thing. He pinched his face to make sure he wasn’t still sleeping, and he wasn’t. He smiled with the thought that the dream that he had dreamt might have been what would happen, and he knew what would happen. Maybe if he changed a few things along the way the ending would turn out better and he would be able to tell Vadolla sooner than he had, and she wouldn’t have to transform. He looked up to his mother with a wide smile across his face, soon speaking.

“Yeah,” he replied, soon digging into the cereal bowl that was place in front of him and ready to face the days to come.