[DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1]

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 1:01 am

Trunks had to admit that he didn’t like the idea of someone reckless out meddling with time but what was done was done now. He had to put faith in Monica’s abilities. Perhaps with him guiding her from the Time Nest things might be stymied a bit. Trunks could only hope for the best now.

“For now we’ll sit back and communicate as necessary,” Trunks said, nodding to himself. It was the most they could do.

As he’d turned the display on Celia had spoken again, naming herself for his benefit. He spared a small smile over his shoulder at that. He’d caught her name from her friend awhile ago but it was nice to have proper introductions anyways. When her friend was back they could complete it for politeness’s sake.

For the time being they would focus on the situation at hand and perhaps he could ease some of Celia’s worries a bit.

“For now? Yes,” Trunks said with a nod.

His attention was focused more fully on the screen now as the fight began. So far there was nothing out of the ordinary but soon enough he knew that would change. That dark power would arise in the opponent and force Monica to have to make sure things went as they should.

----[x]----

Piccolo had been the first to rush Raditz, being blocked off easily. Monica didn’t let this deter her as she fell into step beside Goku, her stamina much greater than what it used to be just hours before. She didn’t question this change, merely grew thankful for it.

Perhaps her strange voice ability wasn’t the only thing that had changed.

”Leave it to us, Piccolo!” Goku shouted as the Namekian was pushed away from Raditz.

Monica’s eyes grew wide as she watched Raditz throw his hand out, several ki blasts expelled from the palm of his hand effortlessly. ’If I did it once—!!’ Monica pushed her legs harder, ignoring the throbbing of her bare feet on the hard ground, to get in front of Goku. The guy very nearly barreled into her, a startled cry escaping him.

Not in the least deterred, Monica had only a second to brace herself and to let loose a scream (“STOP!”), one that did not end so much as it lingered, pulling from her that thrumming and warm power from before. She’d squeezed her eyes shut as she’d initially shouted, but she opened them in time to see the ki blasts deflect effortlessly off the shield she’d raised.

”Hey! Pretty nifty power!” Goku complimented. Monica could just hear the grin in his voice. “Looks like our chances improved now!”

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 1:53 am

She only caught a brief flash of what might have been discomfort on his face. In time, he might see how Monica was. Celia just hoped she wouldn't do anything too reckless. Time could be a delicate thing, after all.

"Mmm, well, if that's the only thing we can do," she replied.

It wasn't much. If anything, she would be only a spectator for most of this. In time, she hoped that would change. She wouldn't fight but there had to be something that she could do to help.

Celia offered a small smile in return to him. It wasn't much, likewise the introduction wasn't necessary, but it all only seemed polite. A little bit of politeness could leave a good impression in the end of things.

She lifted her head to the screen, her heart picking up pace a little at the words that the saiyan she knew as Raditz offered. Monica wouldn't take such an offer, would she? She'd always had a soft spot for the man, after all.

Celia swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. Raditz seemed to put the fight at a stand still until Monica answered, favorably or not.

"So these...saiyans? It's that important to him to make that offer?" she inquired, only tearing her gaze from the screen briefly.

---- | x | ----

Raditz hadn't expected what had come next. As he shot the ki blasts toward the three of them, the woman shouted. In front of her, something of a barrier had formed. It was formed with her voice, red in color. Just what was it? He'd never seen anything like it.

He took a long moment to study it and her. Her power level was rather high compared to the two next to her. Where it stemmed from, Raditz could only assume.

"You're quite interesting, girl," he pointed out, "Ever think you might be fighting on the wrong side?"

If anything, he could make her an offer she couldn't refuse. Power, unlimited ability, and control to anything she wanted. Most would have done anything for such things. This woman looked like she considered it for a moment though, mockingly so.

"Trying to even things out? So much for all of the boasting," the green man mocked.

Raditz snorted in answer, barely paying the comment any mind. She was a saiyan and possibly the last female one. It wasn't hard to put two and two together.

"Come now. Fighting for your own kind and with so much to offer? You'd be a fool not to take it," he bargained, hoping for good results.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 9:12 am

She didn’t sound too happy about just waiting but at least didn’t argue about it. She was no fighter and that had been made more than clear by both of the women’s claims to it. Trunks would not needlessly go and sacrifice someone. He only hoped that this would not backfire on him later because of it.

His thoughts were pulled from that at the new development on the screen they watched from. Trunks frowned, the expression deepening with each word Raditz said to Monica. The fight had halted, but why? Just so this guy could try to bribe Monica over to his side?

Trunks glanced Celia’s way as she spoke up, wondering about the situation. For a second Trunks could only find it in him to shake his head, gaze straying back to the screen. Worry had begun to worm its way into his chest, recalling Celia’s previous wariness about this whole thing.

Had there been some kind of a mistake?

“Yeah, to him it would be,” Trunks answered after a handful of seconds had passed. Monica had yet to answer—why was she taking her time? The thought was worrying him all the more, his hands clenching tightly for something to try to distract him from it. “Until now, there’s only been male saiyans found alive through the universe…”

Trunks trailed off then, unable to really bring himself to elaborate further. Celia seemed smart after all; she could put the pieces together with what he’d said already.

----[x]----

Monica only let the barrier fade when she was sure that Raditz had not planned a follow-up attack. The dust had settled by that time, allowing Monica to catch a glimpse of Raditz appraising her. Her brow furrowed briefly, curious as to why the battle had halted. It didn’t take long to find out why.

”You keep pitching those offers; don’t you know when to quit?” Goku added in with Piccolo.

Monica heaved a gusty sigh at this new development. Why was this hinging on her now? Piccolo and Goku could be attacking, trying to catch Raditz off guard. So, why weren’t they, did this really all hinge on her decision to help them or defect to Raditz’s side? The thought was a little daunting.

Things should have been easy. The fight should have just continued and Monica wouldn’t even have to deal with an offer like this or the way she felt so conflicted about it. In a way, she supposed that last part was what bothered her most.

Her silence might have been damning, leaving it obvious about her conflicted feelings and thoughts on the matter. She could practically feel the eyes on her as it was.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:50 pm

In truth, Celia already knew the reason. The fact that it was being offered to Monica is what made her so nervous. Monica had a soft spot for Raditz. Would she take it just to be at his side? She could feel her tail twitching as if in anticipation or maybe even nervousness.

"Oh, you mean sex," she finally stated after he explained things. Of course, she knew this but she wanted to make an attempt to lighten the mood, "Why didn't you just say so?"

If he was shaken by the comment, she didn't notice it. Her eyes were focused on that of the screen. The fight had been at a stand still for a fair few seconds before Piccolo rushed Raditz again. Monica's hesitant worried Celia still.

"You said there was a way to talk to her?" Celia asked, "Maybe I should. It might get her moving again."

It wasn't as if Monica was afraid of Celia. That was far from it. Celia just held out some hope that her friend would listen to her. There was a lot to risk here apart from personal gains. Monica had to be careful.

"It'll only be a moment. I'll say what I have to and hope for the best," she urged a little more. If anything, it would be a try for something.

---- | x | ----

There was a moments hesitation there. It was only a moment but he'd seen it. She was thinking the offer through. That was all he really needed to understand what she might want. A little push here and there could produce good results.

He didn't get to think on it much more. The green man rushed at him again, charging up a ki blast to hit Raditz directly. Raditz countered with his own, a flash of light blinding the area.

It was then he took the chance to move forward, throwing a good punch. It made contact with the mans stomach, sending him flying back several feet. He collapsed on his knees, breathless for a moment.

"Now, now, that was a little rude, wasn't it?" Raditz taunted, "Think it over girl. You might be fighting on the wrong side. And if that's the case, I'll just kill you along with these two."

There was no more time for idle chatter. He rushed at his brother, a ki blast well prepared beforehand. Whatever power he had now, it left him feeling stronger and better than before. He was a true saiyan elite and he would take all of them down if he must.

"Now die!" he shouted, shooting another ki blast, far more blood lust in it than was needed. He wasn't here to play around anymore.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 9:34 pm

Trunks felt his face warm considerably as Celia declared what he’d hinted at so boldly. He heaved a sigh, hanging his head while he answered; “yeah, that.”

Shaking his head, he turned back to the monitor, his worry still very prevalent. Monica hadn’t moved, hadn’t made even an attempt to defend Goku again this time. Was she seriously considering? Trunks’s fists clenched and unclenched in worry, unable to do much about it.

Would she even list to him if he contacted her?

He blinked, glancing up at Celia. It took a moment to realize what he was asked. A breath of relief escaped him as he reached over for the little device Celia would need to use. If she talked to her friend then it might be for the best! Things might be salvaged after all.

“Just push the button down and talk into that, she’ll be able to hear you,” Trunks explained briefly, hastily even. “Do what you can!”

----[x]----

Her hesitation was noticeable to more than just Raditz it seemed. Perhaps it was to stop him from trying to influence her decision further or maybe he’d just grown impatient but Piccolo rushed the saiyan. Monica hardly paid much mind, still daunted by this small offer and the confliction it had brought about in her.

She didn’t seem to really notice as Raditz rushed passed her next to get to Goku, shouting as he did so. Was she to be considered a neutral party until she attacked or defended against one party or another? It certainly seemed that way as the battle began to rage once more.

’What am I supposed to do?’ The question was a stupid one, she was aware. She was supposed to help defeat Raditz and return to Trunks and Celia, to correct this timeline. The fight waging behind her was testament to that and yet her earlier excitement for battle, the one that sang in her veins, was now gone for the moment.

She wished it hadn’t gone. Maybe if she still had that she wouldn’t have to deal with these conflicting feelings and would be able to just act.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 10:09 pm

It was hard to imagine someone so innocent. Then again, Celia was much the same way before she met Monica. In that vein, they were somewhat alike. It was a little cute honestly. For the moment, she brushed it off. There were more important things to take care of.

Trunks seemed startled, as if he'd just realized that he had told her they could keep in contact with Monica. He moved over for Celia, instructing her on what to do. The stress and worry was obvious on his expression, much less the tone of his voice.

"It'll be fine," she assured as she stepped in his place, "Trust me."

If anything, she had an idea that might bring Monica back. They'd known each other for a long time. Celia didn't believe her friend to be so reckless to abandoned her here, alone.

With that, she pressed the button and started to speak; "Monica, I can see you and I know what you're thinking. I really hope you won't leave me here alone. You know you're the one who can talk me out of my panic attacks, right? I don't think Trunks would be able to handle that. It'd get pretty lonely without you too, you know. I'd be pretty sad."

She didn't like the thought of manipulating Monica's decisions. Still, Celia would have felt crushed if she went on with Raditz too; abandoned even. She didn't want to face that, especially if it happened so quickly.

---- | x | ----

Raditz kept attacked his brother. The green man had finally risen to his feet as well, throwing a multitude of punches as if that would change anything. Eventually, the two leapt back, seeming to whisper a plan. Raditz's tail flicked, a little, impatient about all of this.

"We can't rely on the girl. We'll have to finish this ourselves!" the man shouted. Raditz snorted in amusement, rushing forward again.

"Please, as if either of you could take me out! Come on, brother! Shall we finish this!" he egged on.

Like before, it seemed the main focus would be on his brother. He wanted to see him dead for failing the saiyans. How could one so great become so soft? Raditz didn't understand it and never would.

The green man notably stayed off to the side as did the woman. She looked perplexed as to what to do. If she wasn't joining the fight, then he wouldn't attack her. There was still a chance she might cave to his offer, after all.

"Well, is this all you have?! Pathetic! You are nothing but a shame to your kind!" Raditz shouted, "So I'll make your death quick and painless!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 10:36 pm

Trunks waited to the side, anxious as to what Celia might say to Monica to convince her to come back. All he could do was trust her, as she’d requested. With that he stepped back to give her space watching the monitor carefully.

Unsettled by what he’d already seen, Trunks could only wait and wait while Celia spoke to Monica. If he pitched in with his two zeni he feared that Monica might defect to Raditz’s side anyways. He couldn’t allow that to happen and so he remained silent, watching the screen intently.

For a long moment there was nothing from Monica but the clenching of her hands for several seconds. Was she just going to stay locked up like that? Trunks had to swallow the lump in his throat at that possibility as well. It wasn’t until he was about to ask Celia if she thought her words had pierced through to Monica or not did anything change.

He watched as she finally turned and—of all things—expelled a ki blast from her mouth, and a rather large one at that. It glowed briefly with the same red aura as her shield and heading straight for Raditz’s back. No doubt the scouter would tip him off but at least Monica was acting again, and on the correct side.

Trunks released a breath. “Thank you, Celia. That couldn’t have been easy for you.”

----[x]----

Monica couldn’t bring herself to focus on the fight, not yet. Her hands hung uselessly at her sides, gaze having drifted to the ground at some point. The sounds of the scuffle behind her could be heard, Piccolo commenting on her unreliability in this fight. Monica could hardly work up the nerve to be irritated at that—it was truth, after all, wasn’t it? Why else would she be hesitating so badly?

Her thoughts ground to a halt as a familiar voice reached her ears, causing her to stiffen, the fur on her new tail bristling. An odd feeling, that, but one she dismissed quickly.

As Celia spoke, Monica felt the weight on her shoulders grow heavier, almost unbearable. Clenching her fists tightly, nails digging into her palm, Monica kept her gaze on the ground even as Raditz boasted about killing Piccolo and Goku quickly.

’I know that!’ she argued silently, a useless feat if Celia could not hear. ’But doesn’t what I want matter too… sometimes?’

Knuckles white from clenching her fists so hard, Monica turned to face the trio in combat. Piccolo and Goku were still worse off for wear, Raditz with the obvious upper hand even as the two whispered to one another. Monica had a feeling that she knew what they might be going for.

She spun on her heel to face the trio. Raditz’s back was to her, his arms crossed as he waited for the pair to attack him again. She wasn’t sure how to use her ki through her hands, but maybe… As if the thought alone was all she needed to summon it to do her bidding, she felt a rise in power from her throat, one that demanded it be let out. With a cry, Monica let it loose, the ki blast heading straight for Raditz’s undefended back.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 10:54 pm

Celia waited with baited breath for several seconds. Monica didn't answer her. No doubt she wouldn't. There was no point in tipping the others around her off. Still, the wait left Celia's heart pounding hard against her ribs.

Eventually, Monica turned and used that strange power of hers again. Celia shook her head, glad that it had worked out. She didn't like using those words but she felt they were true too. It wasn't a moment later did Trunks thank her.

"It's not like I want to do things like that. We both know that there's a hefty fear of abandonment on my shoulders. I don't like using anything like that as a crutch," she explained, "And I can't imagine she'll be too happy with me when she comes back so...at least be prepared for that."

The dragon had made a mistake, Celia just knew it. Maybe Trunks was having his doubts about it as well. She didn't want to ask, didn't want to deal with a possible sore spot. She was already feeling pretty lousy as it was.

"She'll be mad at me, at least," she finally continued, "So at least you won't have to deal with the brunt of that."

---- | x | ----

Raditz was just about to hit his brother once more when a surge of energy was detected on his scouter. He managed to dodge out of the way, if only to be grazed by a fiery ball of energy. The brunt of it landed harmlessly elsewhere, erupting into a fury of flames.

He glared at the woman who had unleashed it. So she had made her decision, was that it? She would fight against him now?

"That was your only chance, girl," he told her, "and you've just wasted it."

With that, he surged forward again. There was no holding back now. Whatever plan his brother and the green man had mattered not. As long as he took them all out here, he would lay waste to this planet as it should have happened.

"Just hold him off for a little longer!" he heard the green man shout.

"Do you really think that whatever you have planned will stop me! You're all pathetic!" Raditz shouted as he punched and kicked furiously at the girl. She might have been able to block and dodge but she still looked torn. Raditz could always dig into that.

"Looking sorry for yourself?" he taunted, "What's the problem? Sticking to morals on that decision? Such a waste!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:08 pm

Celia still held the communication device in her hands. Perhaps she was prepared to speak to Monica again, if she had to. If that was the case then Trunks would urge her to but it seemed like things were on course again, at least for the time being. He hoped that remained to be the case.

They watched as Raditz bore down on Monica, keeping the fight close and leaving her without an opening to attack back. For the most part, things could have been worse. Piccolo was off to the side, preparing his attack that would soon kill both Raditz and Goku while the latter waited for an opening to lunge in and keep Raditz still.

In that time Celia spoke, explaining things. Trunks only briefly glanced away from the screen, catching the look on Celia’s face. She certainly looked as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders now. He shook his head at that.

“Hey, one thing at a time, all right?” he pointed out softly. Hesitantly, he reached out to clasp a hand over her shoulder gently, unsure if she was the type who disliked being touched or not. When she didn’t shrug his hand away Trunks gave a reassuring squeeze. “Without you here things might have been worse.”

After a moment or two he allowed his hand to fall back to his side.

----[x]----

Whatever Piccolo and Goku had been talking about didn’t seem to matter now. She wasn’t even aware of what the pair were doing now that Raditz was focusing in on her. Perhaps she registered as the bigger threat now that she’d made her choice and that she could erect a shield.

”Looks like we had nothing to worry about!” Goku chuckled weakly after Piccolo’s demand to keep Raditz busy and still for just a moment or two.

’So, it is going to come to that,’ Monica managed to brood, briefly. She had no time to dwell on it further before she was doing her best to dodge around several punches thrown her way. Raditz was quite a bit taller than her and possibly even three times her weight, easily backing her up and leaving her with no openings to try to erect that shield again.

Why was Goku not attacking? No, he was waiting for an opportunity to grab at Raditz, wasn’t he?

Her throat felt constricted, her body tense for reasons other than the fight. She must have still looked as conflicted as she felt, perhaps even hurt. If Raditz was picking up on that and using it against her, it must have been obvious to everyone.

“There’s more to it then that!” Monica shouted back, even though she was well aware that Raditz wouldn’t care about that.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:31 pm

Monica seemed to be back on track but she didn't look happy about it either. There was still conflict there, Celia could see it. She shouldn't have pushed so hard about her coming back. Celia didn't want to see the trouble that would come out of this either, however.

She was already stressed enough. Worrying about Monica's disposition when she got back only left the feeling of a stone sitting in the pit of her stomach. She never had any intention of hurting anyone but she had to do something.

Celia flinched, brought out of her thoughts as Trunks grasped her shoulder. It was only a brief thing as he spoke, allowing enough time for what he had to say to sink in. Only after did his hand fall back to his own side.

"Yea, I know," she replied, "I just hope it won't get worse in the future."

Ordinarily laid back, Monica wasn't too much to deal with. Still, she had a temper and didn't like not having her own decisions. Celia might have just done something worse by stopping her friend.

"How much longer do you think it'll go on?" she asked, if only to change the subject.

---- | x | ----

As he picked and prodded at her, she simply seemed to grow angrier. Her own attacks were more blunt and harder, as if she were taking it out on a moving target. That kind of anger could make someone reckless however. He just needed an opening.

"Is that right?" he taunted once more, "So what is it then? What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

As he said this, he shot another wave of ki at her, making her leap back. She was breathless for only a moment, trying to keep up with someone who was more or less superior to her. It was almost as if she was inexperienced as well.

"It couldn't be that important, could it?" he asked, rushing her again.

Why his brother or the green man hadn't rushed him again, he didn't bother asking. His brother was beaten and battered. There was no way that he could pull anything else in his state. That just left his girl now. He had to take her out quickly.

"What a shame that you'll have to die before you can fulfill whatever is so important to you!" he said, raising his hand to shoot another large blast a of ki, "I told you, you would only regret it later!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:48 pm

She’d flinched. Trunks could only suppose that that was to expected. It wasn’t like she was as adjusted to all of this as her friend had been from the get go. Trunks would try to make it up to Celia later, if he was able to. How he would do that he had yet to figure out however. For now, it didn’t matter.

He shook his head at her question. Piccolo was charging still, and Raditz still distracted by Monica had yet to notice. This was good, so long as Goku was able to get in close enough and get Raditz to still long enough for the beam cannon to blast through the two of them.

Still, Monica was taking a beating as it was. ’Just hold on for another few seconds…’ he urged silently.

“It shouldn’t be longer than a minute or so now,” Trunks assessed, recalling what he could of what he’d been told of this situation.

He glanced again at Celia as Monica hit the ground hard, looking as if she was out of her league now. Perhaps Raditz’s offer and Celia’s attempt to keep her from going with him had left her distracted, unable to battle as competently as she might otherwise have. Trunks could only assume right now.

----[x]----

She couldn’t get an opening in, reacting as best she could to everything Raditz threw at her. Blocking was painful as it was, and dodging was the most she could do without that moment to shriek and erect another barrier to hide behind. Raditz seemed aware of this plan, keeping her from being able to do so.

He was shouting at her again, demanding an answer, or perhaps trying to make her more conflicted on the matter by drudging it up. Monica gritted her teeth, her arms trembling from the effort of blocking another punch from him. She couldn’t keep this up forever, not against someone so much more experienced in combat than her! Her ki blasts weren’t even planned more so as they were reactionary to her brief moments of need.

“You’re talking too much, damnit!” Monica shouted back, attempting to steel herself against the onslaught of these questions. He was just trying to rattle her further and she knew it.

But it was working.

She blinked, eyes widening briefly as Raditz launched a rather large ki blast at her from point blank range. Her breath caught in her throat as she was thrown back, head colliding with the ground hard and causing her vision to blacken briefly. She could swear he might be laughing but it was hard to concentrate for a long moment, disoriented.

Carefully, she pushed herself up onto her elbow, reaching up to where the pain was worse. Something wet was on her fingers and even before she pulled them away to see the blood on them it had begun to drip from her temple to the ground. The coppery scent was strong in her nose. Swallowing hard, she pushed her battered body back to her feet, facing Raditz again even as one eye was forced closed to avoid blood dripping into it.

“I’m not… done yet,” she gasped. Behind Raditz she could see Goku preparing to move in, perhaps to grab his brother from behind. If that was the case then she just needed to last a little longer…

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:16 am

Celia swallowed hard at the sight of it all. She couldn't stomach things like this, never could. She would have left if she had the option but wasn't that like abandoning Monica as well? At least this way, Celia could still talk to her.

Seeing the blood running down her friends face however left her stomach doing flip flops. She hated the sight, hated knowing that Monica was in pain. It made her feel physically ill.

Celia glanced away from the screen, swallowing a lump in her throat. She was never meant for this thing. That dragon had to have made a mistake. It was either that or Celia had just got caught up when Monica was pulled here.

"I hope that's the case," she finally answered Trunks, "I can't watch much more of this."

---- | x | ----

She took the hit hard, her head hitting the ground. She looked like she was struggling just to stay conscious. Blood dripped from the wound, painting her face crimson. Despite this, she worked to get to her feet once again. She was a stubborn sort. That was something of a saiyan, however.

She stumbled to her feet, looking worse for ware. He had given her a chance to be spared of this. She hadn't taken it. Now look where it got her. If there was any shame as to what he was doing, Raditz didn't let it bother him.

"Still on your feet?" he inquired, folding his arms over his chest, "Just how many times do I have to knock you back down?"

He was ready to step forward again, take her out while he had the chance, when something grabbed onto his tail. A surge of pain ran up his spine, causing him to freeze. Raditz barely managed to glance behind him. His brother had grabbed onto his tail as tightly as he could.

"W-what?" he started, surprised by what had happened, "Fool, is this really your last resort?!"

Clearly that was the case. Raditz was paralyzed, unable to force himself to move. He would have to think of something quickly before one or the other launched an attack.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:27 am

It was difficult to watch and be unable to help more. With that in mind Trunks could only imagine how Celia might feel. She had wanted a purpose here, something to help with. Now that she could only sit and watch her friend get beaten around, it had to be difficult.

Trunks resisted reaching out to squeeze her shoulder reassuringly again. It might do more harm then good. He thought this more so when she turned from the monitor as Monica had taken the blow to her head, still struggling to get up anyways.

“If you have to step out…”

Was there a point in finishing that? Celia didn’t look like she was going to do any of that, perhaps not wanting to abandon her friend. Trunks shook his head at that.

“There are great medics here. When Monica gets back we’ll have her looked at right away,” Trunks promised.

----[x]----

It was strange, Monica decided. He wasn’t taunting or egging her on again. He almost sounded curious, or maybe it was the ringing in her head that made her think that. It was a strange change of pace from the way he’d had her on the ropes until now.

“Still…” Monica squeezed her eyes shut. Was she swaying on her feet? She couldn’t tell if it was that or that her head was spinning from the blow to the ground a few seconds before. It was with a great gasp of breath did she manage to finish her statement. “Not done.”

For a long moment Monica grew confused as to why she wasn’t being attacked again. It wasn’t until Raditz shouted and Goku laughed in relief did Monica realized what had happened. ’No… just the tail?’ If that was the case then there was still another part of this yet to go.

Monica wasn’t sure if she’d be able to handle much more.

”I remember what it was like when people grabbed my tail when I was little. It was the worst feeling ever!” Goku was explaining. “Piccolo, you ready?”

Monica squeezed her eyes shut again. Why did it hurt to see Raditz useless like that? Why was this heavy weight still crushing down on her shoulders and heart? She hated the feeling and the one of feeling so torn. She had yet to hear anything more from Celia or even Trunks now.

“Just… a little longer,” she whispered to herself.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:43 am

Celia's stomach still churned. She couldn't imagine how she would feel when Monica returned. On top of that, ill sought feelings might be in the air was well. It was going to be a mess, she just knew it. Celia wasn't sure what to do.

Trunks was urging her to leave the room if she had to. She wasn't at too much risk of being sick but still, all of this made her feel dizzy. The sight of blood just left her light headed.

"I'll be fine," she finally waved off, "Just...give me a moment."

The mention of medics at least was something of a comfort. They were well off here, it seemed. For a brief moment, that left Celia wondering. If she couldn't help by fighting, could she help others by healing. She did recall one character with that ability.

"At least there's that," she mused after a moments thought, "She'll be okay, I know she will."

Over time, she'd just grow stronger. Celia was convinced of that much.

---- | x | ----

So this was their plan. To make sure he was still? Whatever the green man had been doing all of this time, it was clear he was getting ready to unleash it. The pain in his tail left him frozen and gritting his teeth. Just how was he going to get out of this one now?

"Blast you," he said, trying to move a little. Even then, pain ran up his body with ever little movement, "Is this really all you can muster up now?"

He glanced at the girl again. There was that conflicted expression. Something in her didn't quite care to see this. Why that was, Raditz couldn't say. He could always use it to his advantage however.

"Can't stomach it, can you?" he asked with a smirk, "Can't take the kill? Could you do it yourself if you had to?"

In the distance, he heard the green man shout, "Just keep him still! If this doesn't work, it's a shot wasted!"

Raditz thought as quickly as he could, glancing down at his feet. He could still get out of this. He just had to play on that soft hearted spot. It would be far too easy.

"I-I'm sorry..." he muttered, "If you let me go, I'll leave this place quietly. I'll never return."

"Don't listen to him Goku! He's trying to trick you!" the man in the distance shouted.

Despite the warning, he felt the grip on his tail loosen and eventually fall from his brothers hands. Raditz immediately took the opportunity to strike his brother, sending him flying several feet across the field.

"I can't believe you actually fell for that," he taunted, giving a swift kick to his brothers ribs, "What a soft hearted fool you are!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:58 am

Trunks watched Celia carefully as she tried to steady herself. Maybe having her here and watching wasn’t the best idea. Even still something told him that she would have insisted otherwise if she’d found out later. Perhaps she’d have even grown resentful if he hadn’t allowed her to be here right now.

“If you’re sure,” he relented quietly. He felt useless, unable to comfort Celia further.

He nodded, turning back to the monitor. They had to have faith in Monica now. Maybe that was all that they could do right now, talking to her might only distract her further, make her more conflicted. ’This is all going so wrong,’ he thought briefly, before shaking the thought away. He shouldn’t be thinking that. With any luck this was just a one-time thing.

“When she gets back we’ll find a way to fix everything,” Trunks promised. He didn’t point out that he wasn’t sure how they were even going to be able to do that.

His stomach turned a little as Raditz took to beating on Goku again, the latter forced to the ground. ’Just a little longer,’ Trunks reminded himself. It was the only solace he had right now.

----[x]----

”If this is what it takes!” Goku called out, squeezing Raditz’s tail tighter for a brief moment.

Raditz was clearly worried, forced to the ground from the paralyzing pain, perhaps even frightened. Even so he didn’t stop talking, not yet. Monica tried to steady herself and steel her feelings on all of this. It seemed like that wasn’t to be the case, however, as Raditz’s gaze met hers.

The smirk on his face was a weakened one from before and yet he still goaded her further. Monica’s heart skipped a beat the thought of having to kill Raditz directly herself. Just this alone was hard to bear, the torn feeling growing all the more. ’The dragon had to have made a mistake…’

She turned her head away, forcing the lump in her throat away. This seemed to be all Raditz needed to swap tactics, concentrating on getting Goku to let him go. Monica couldn’t find it in her to help Piccolo warn the good-natured saiyan. This was the way it was supposed to happen anyways. In a way, that made her silence now right… didn’t it?

A cry from Goku and a sinister chuckle from Raditz was all Monica needed to hear to know that it was all going as it should have. Even when Piccolo loosed the blast of ki he’d been charging for several minutes it missed, braking off Raditz’s pauldron and leaving him only singed at the shoulder beneath. Seconds later he was over Goku, stomping on the younger man’s ribs quite cheerfully.

Steeling herself as best she could, heart racing, Monica pushed herself to move, the ground feeling as if it swayed beneath her feet. She just didn’t have the energy in her now to do much more but she couldn’t just stand by. As she neared the two brothers, Monica threw her weight into Raditz’s side, as little good it would do. The least she could do was try to distract him from Goku, to allow the younger one to get up and make another grab at Raditz like he was supposed to.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 1:13 am

Celia only raised her gaze when it was necessary. Things like that, pain and blood and the lot of it was hard for her to deal with. That's just how she had always been. Squeamish and far too kind of her own good.

"I'm sure," she replied after a few moments.

Finally, history was playing out as it should have. This was something she recalled now, more than glad to see it happening the way the story had played out. Regardless, she worried about Monica's feelings when she got back.

"As long as we take care of her quick," she finally replied, "She probably will be in a foul mood."

Something told her Monica would be on her own for a while. That meant Celia probably would too. Apart from Trunks, it wasn't like she knew anyone here. They'd barely been here a day. The thought left her a little down.

"But at least she'll come back," she mused out loud. Celia really had been afraid her friend would decide to side with Raditz, change the story that they knew. It was more than just a little tempting, after all.

---- | x | ----

Raditz took his time punishing his brother. Kicking at his rib cage and crushing his bones. He took great pleasure in this. His brother was a saiyan no more. Not one would have been this pathetic.

He was only momentarily brought out of this beating when the girl threw herself into him. He barely stumbled, turning his attention on her for but a moment. In the blink of an eye, another power level emerged. The pod nearby began to crack, the boy inside breaking out.

Raditz didn't have a moment to react as the boy slammed right into his stomach, leaving Raditz breathless for a long moment. He stumbled backward, well aware that his armor had been cracked and broken. Gritting his teeth, he walked over to the boy, ignoring his brothers pleas to spare his son.

"I won't allow him to live!" he shouted, ki beginning to form in his hand.

It was at that moment did his brother somehow rise to his feet and grip Raditz once again. Raditz struggled as his brothers grip only seemed to tighten further. His brother shouted for the green man to attack.

"No! I refuse to die here!" Raditz shouted in protest.

Even so, a beam of ki was shot in his direction. Unable to struggle or move out of the way, it blew a hole through his chest. His brother met the same fate as Raditz hit the ground, quickly losing consciousness.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 1:29 am

Trunks’s attention diverted to Celia as she spoke, sounding as if she was doing her best to reassure herself. She’d done the right thing but it had to have been hard. Trunks could only hope that her friend would not take it out on her. Going with Raditz, well, Trunks couldn’t guarantee that Monica would have been safe and taken care of there.

He reached out again, his hand on her shoulder for a moment. Celia needed the support now more than she had minutes ago. None of this had gone how it was supposed to, or at least not as Trunks had envisioned it would. Things would need to be talked about when Monica returned and was tended to…

“Come on,” he urged after the monitor showed Gohan erupted from the saiyan pod. “Let’s go meet her in the Time Vault.”

The least they could do was make sure that Monica had medical attention as quickly as possible. The rest could be dealt with later, after all. At least, Trunks hoped that would be the case. He was doing a lot of hoping today, now that he thought about it.

In minutes, Trunks was leading them from the smaller Time Nest to the Time Vault, his pace quick. Sparing a glance at Celia he noted the way her ears laid flat against her head, her tail drooping behind her. ’This is a mess…’

----[x]----

If Raditz was going to hit her away he didn’t get the chance to. The scouter he wore beeped erratically, drawing his attention to the crater the pod he’d arrived in lay. From there she could hear the cry of Gohan, the rending of the metal pod grating and earsplitting.

Monica dropped to her knees; gasping heavily as Goku took the advantage he was given and locked Raditz into a full nelson. She couldn’t bear to glance up and witness Piccolo’s attack blast through the brothers, the cries and the smell of cauterized flesh filling her nose. For a long moment the silence was deafening, the ringing in her ears still there though faded a little.

Closing her eyes, she stiffly reached for the scroll that had brought her here. Her body was sore all over, head pounding and her chest aching in a way she couldn’t quite put to words. The sooner she was out of this place the better. It was only moments after was she enveloped in light and brought back to the Time Vault.

The swooshing sensation that swept her away to the Time Vault again only made her aches worse, her stomach rolling. Perhaps it was this and the way she felt so drained that kept Monica where she was, sitting on her knees on the hard, tile floor. Her breathing was slowed, careful even, to try to mitigate the pain each breath seemed to shoot through her.

It would be here that Trunks and Celia would find her, staring down at the floor before her, scroll clutched loosely in her hand. Monica couldn’t quite get it in her to move again just yet or to even wipe the blood from her face.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 2:42 pm

The act of simply reaching out was appreciated. Even if what he said might not be true enough, she was glad that someone cared enough to worry, despite not knowing each other well. It made her feel better.

"Thanks," she finally said, sparing him a short glance, "I really do appreciate it."

With that said, she followed after Trunks. She didn't exactly feel happy. She hadn't been happy before but at least she could have cracked a joke or two. Now, things just felt very strained. She was nervous, more so than she needed to be.

His pace was quick and Celia did her best to keep up with him. She still found it hard to walk what with this tail trailing behind her. Celia did her best to ignore it however. In time, it would be fine.

Eventually, they wound up at the Time Nest, waiting on Monica's return. Celia shuffled her weight nervously. A lot remained on her shoulders and her heart pounded too quickly for her comfort.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:03 pm

They were waiting by the time she’d returned, stomach lurching and in knots. The white tiles greeted her, someone’s shadow splayed over it. Monica couldn’t bring herself to lift her head, gaze still firmly rooted to the floor. She’d been tempted by Raditz’s offer, a selfish desire rising in her to go with him. How could she have even entertained the idea to leave Celia behind, forgotten even?

Guilt ate at her as she saw someone shift closer, the fact that boots reached her vision telling her that it was Trunks who’d neared.

”Hey, can you stand? We need to get you medical attention…” His words were quiet, cautious even. Did he expect her to lash out?

Monica couldn’t bring herself to say anything or to even move. She felt drained and heavy. She didn’t deserve to be here, to have this power in her. Would there be any way to get this heaviness to lift from her chest and shoulders?

”You can hear me… right?” Trunks prodded.

She could feel his hands hovering near her, perhaps unsure if he should help her up or leave her where she was. Monica merely turned her head, hiding behind her long bangs. It was bad enough that she’d hesitated in battle, had seriously considered the offer but now she just felt torn as to what she wanted and needed to do. Had she always been this selfish?

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:17 pm

Monica was there, looking worse for wear. Celia's stomach twisted in knots. The sight of blood left her feeling sick. On top of everything else, she wasn't even sure how she was still conscious. The last time she felt this amount of stress, she freaked out and then promptly slept for a day and a half.

Trunks was very careful with Monica, as if to test the waters. Celia felt awkward just standing by so she took a few steps forward.

"Monica," she called out softly, carefully, "Do you need help up?"

They couldn't just sit around here all day. Monica needed medical attention, especially after smacking her head so hard off the ground. Celia worried about the damage that could have been done.

"Trunks said there are medics here," she continued, "We can get you patched up and then maybe a warm bath might help you a little more."

At least, that's the remedy Celia always took to when she was down. A hot bath always somehow did wonders in clearing the head. She didn't know why but it worked out well.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:34 pm

Celia’s voice called out quietly, just as careful as Trunks was being. Her bare feet soon entered Monica’s vision alongside Trunks’s boots. Still, Monica could not bring herself to say anything, Worn down and exhausted, aching all over and her head ringing—Monica was worse for wear and it had to be obvious, especially so with the blood caked to her face.

”If you need help we can do that,” Trunks pointed out. “It’s no problem. Really!”

’No. I’m the problem here…’

In Monica’s refusal to answer Celia again spoke up, coaxing her to take the medical attention and maybe a warm bath. Monica made no move to actually answer though she summoned the last remaining strength she had to push herself back up to her feet, gritting her teeth with the effort it took. The scroll fell from her hand, abandoned on the floor for the time being.

Without a word, Monica turned and headed for the door, trying to ignore the ringing in her ears and the way she was stumbling.

”H-Hey! You don’t even know where the medics are at, do you?” cried Trunks after her.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:15 pm

Monica wasn't moving. Celia swallowed hard at that, uncertain of what to do or say. If she forced Monica to get up, that might very well cause some strained feelings. She had known Monica long enough to know what not to do.

She didn't say anything either, which further worried Celia. Was she so far gone within herself that she'd remain like this? Both she and Monica had a bad habit of withdrawing when they were upset.

Monica started struggling to her feet, even after Trunks spoke up about it, sounding started. In truth, Celia was too. She took a step forward, hands raised in case Monica stumbled or fell.

"Monica, are you sure you should be getting up like that?" she asked, "You barely look like you can walk as it is. And you hit your head pretty hard. You could have a concussion. Just let Trunks take you to the medics."

She notably left herself out of that. If Monica was feeling strained because of what she had said to get her back here, Celia figured space would be the best thing.

"Please?" she begged, "This could be serious..."

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:28 pm

She had to get up, to get away to somewhere quiet. She wasn’t meant to be here, that much was obvious to her now. Even as her aches seem to deepen as she pushed herself to her feet Monica did not stop. She had a lot to sort out, to try to come to terms to and fix within herself…

”That’s right, I can get you to the medics quickly,” Trunks was saying, urging Monica to let them help. Celia was distant, perhaps out of concern or something but Monica couldn’t say for certain.

Monica stubbornly continued for the door, letting herself out even as Trunks followed after her. Perhaps he’d continue to do so until she was in the care of a medic. That possibility only caused her irritation—no, her anger—to grow further. Anger at herself, at Raditz and at Celia and Trunks and the dragon itself.

”Come on, we can leave you alone after—“

Monica didn’t let him continue further. “SHUT UP!” The last of her energy emitted from her with that, erecting a very brief barrier that pushed Trunks back a step or two. Her vision blurred, heart racing momentarily and then it went dark.

Trunks cried out, shocked as Monica began to collapse after the sudden shout. He reached out in time to catch the battered woman before she hit the hard ground, glancing back worriedly at Celia. “C’mon! Let’s get her to a medic now!”

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:04 pm

It had been bad, even worse than Celia had original anticipated. Monica had been unconscious for quite a few days, leaving Celia strained and Trunks uncertain.

Celia still believed that the dragon had made a mistake. She didn't bring it up to Trunks however. He was stressed enough as it was.

The days passed slowly. Celia was in a fog half of the time. Trying to figure out what to do with herself all the while worrying about Monica and where they stood left her nerves more than shot. She had trouble sleeping over night as well, both unfamiliar with this place and her worries catching up to her.

When Monica woke, she wasn't boastful or cheerful. She often stayed on her own, barely speaking with Celia. It all made Celia feel unwanted at that point. She regressed into her own broody self, often finding it hard to even simply wander about.

It was another one of these days did she catch Monica sat down only briefly. She remained there for some time before getting up and leaving. Celia wandered over, as if that would make any difference. What she found still shook her drastically.

A journal remained near the spot Monica had been sitting. Celia started flipping through it with much hesitation at first. It was the only clear way she'd be getting answers, however. They were some that she just didn't want.

Page upon page of self loathing words, about how she felt the dragon had made a mistake as well, about how could she have even thought of leaving Celia here alone. All of it directed toward Monica herself.

Celia swallowed hard before closing the journal. Her heart pounded, her hands shook. She curled up, resting her forehead on her knees, trying to calm herself down. Still, she found herself crying despite it all.

"I didn't mean it to end up like this," she muttered to herself in between sobs, "I just wanted you to come back safe..."

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:52 pm

Trunks wasn’t sure how to go about fixing things between Celia and Monica much less how to get Monica to want to take up duties as a Time Patroller again. While there was no serious problem to fix just yet there were tons of fragmented spots that needed tending to before they got out of hand. Monica seemed to be avoiding him however and finding Celia was growing difficult as well in this city.

That day was no different, working to find one or the other. It was an increasingly worrying situation and one that Trunks was getting stressed over. How could things be solved if there was no solution in sight?

He blinked, catching sight of Celia, her ears pinned down to her head and tail curled around herself. For a second he could only stare, unsure of what to do as he caught the way her shoulders shook, her face buried in her knees. Trunks bit at his lip. He was no good at things like but he couldn’t just leave her there while she cried.

Carefully, he made his way to her side, crouching down next to her. For several seconds he hesitated. Should he say something, or would that only make things worse? He hadn’t had much time to get to know her over the days that had passed. They’d both been stressed and distracted as it had been.

“H… hey,” Trunks murmured softly, placing a hand on her back carefully. When she didn’t shrug it off he rubbed what he hoped were soothing circles along her back awkwardly. “Just breath, okay?”

----[x]----

Monica was worn, tired. Sleep had become difficult for her, mostly she laid awake at night until she managed any, plagued by her thoughts. It was difficult to want to do much in the past few days since waking back up even as the aches had slowly faded away while she healed.

Toki Toki City was lively for a place where time was rather strange. All sorts ended up here, some stayed and some left for other places. She’d seen so many faces that it didn’t surprise her when someone new or someone vaguely familiar arrived. It seemed this place linked many parallel universes.

Perhaps that’s why the dragon had been able to summon she and Celia here in the first place…

She wasn’t sure what possessed her to glance up, having been deep in thought with her gaze firmly on the ground. Meeting another’s gaze too often prompted them to approach and try to talk to her. Monica didn’t want any of that, didn’t have the motivation for it. Yet, here she had, glancing up at the throng of people in this section of the city.

Monica froze, her heart thumping hard against her ribs.

The bushy hair had caught her attention first, coming to a standstill as she really registered who was there in the distance. It had to be another Raditz, one from some parallel universe than the one she’d visited to correct the timeline of. He looked bored, perhaps even irritated as he glanced around, arms folded over his chest.

She turned her head away, ready to walk off elsewhere, unsure if he’d seen her yet or not. It wasn’t like she hid her tail ‘round her waist like other saiyans liked to, after all. If he spotted that it might cause him to want to enlist her to his side. Monica didn’t want to deal with that selfish temptation again.