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

Subject: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:24 pm

It should have been a normal day like any other. Celia had gotten used to the monotony of most days. Monica had seemed very much the same. While the pair tried to make plans often, work and life simply didn't allow it often. It was very rare that either of them got to sit down and just relax.

One such night left them the chance. They took it without complaint. Monica was playing video games as she always took to while Celia lounged on the couch, flipping through a book. The sounds of whatever Monica was playing filled the silence around them.

"How's it going over there?" Celia asked, briefly breaking up the silence between them. When they were talkative, they could go on for hours. Once in a while, silence was good too.

She waited on her friends reply, flipping onto another page of her book. It was a simple manga, something she'd picked up after years without seeing it. Dragonball Z was something that most people their age knew about well. Now, Celia was trying to delve back into it again. Reading the face paced manga made things rather easier to catch up in the series.

When no reply came, Celia tore her gaze away from her book. She glanced at Monica, finding her friend staring at a brilliant light in front of her. Celia's heart leapt. She practically toppled off of the coach as she reached out for Monica. Her hand grasped her friends shoulder.

As she did this, her stomach flip flopped. In the blink of an eye, the light grew brighter, practically blinding Celia. She forced here eyes shut, trying not to yelp. For only a moment, she felt as if she were floating. It passed as quick as it came, welcomed by a new warmth and many new scents in the air.

Celia became aware of a yelp and opened her eyes. She scrambled to her feet, her eyes widening to see Monica holding a tail. A tail that was attached to her. Monica looked just as bewildered by the fact that it was there.

"What the hell just happened?" she asked as if Monica would have an answer. Neither of them knew what was going on, it seemed. Stranger yet, they didn't know where they'd ended up either.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:43 pm

It was supposed to just be a night meant to sit back and relax and to hang out with one another. It had been several weeks since they’d had the time to after all and Monica enjoyed catching up with the few friends she had when the opportunity arose. Even if it were in silence neither minded, well aware that they needed only to speak up to make things livelier anyways.

At least, that was the case before Monica’s attention diverted from the TV screen before her, the player character being defeated in a matter of moments without Monica’s inputs. What was this light and why was it growing brighter? Monica had to have just fallen asleep while playing, that was all. At any minute Celia would be shaking her and telling her to get up on the couch or something if she wanted to sleep.

There was a strange whooshing feeling and Monica was just barely aware of Celia’s voice and a hand at her shirt, tugging at her before the world seemed to right itself beneath her feet.

A sharp pain shot up throughout Monica’s body like fire and glass shards digging into her, leaving her weak and crying out loudly. The weight of something moved, the pain stopped as soon as it had come and with it left a round of tremors across Monica’s body as she clutched at the offended limb—a tail?

“W-wha…?” Monica stammered, staring down at the brown tail in her hands with tears in her eyes. For a second all she could do was blink at it incomprehensively before glancing down to see that it was indeed a tail of her own, sprouting out from just above her pants line. “Celia, w-what the fuck…?

”So you have wished it, so it is done.”

The deep voice that rumbled through the air drew Monica’s attention and she stared wide-eyed up at the long dragon that leered down at she and Monica for but a moment. In a brilliant flash of light it disappeared, something scattering from the point of light and the darkened sky lightening in just minutes.

’That dragon…’ It was one that Monica knew well.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 12:06 am

For a long moment, Celia's gaze only remained on Monica. Monica seemed to do very much the same, looking flabbergasted. Celia was so detached for a long moment, she didn't even realize the new weight at her back. It was only when fur touched her ankle did she jump, glancing backward and catching a brief sight of a bushy tail.

"What the fuck?" she shouted out loud.

Only when she turned her gaze back on Monica did she realize why her friend was clutching that tail of hers. Celia might have landed on it when they were brought here.

"Did I hurt you? I didn't hurt you, did I?" she asked, alarm rising in her voice.

As she reached out to help Monica to her feet, a booming voice rang out. Celia flinched, glancing upward. There, in the sky was a long and very familiar dragon. Her mouth hung open, unsure of what to think of the situation.

"You've got to be kidding me," she finally mustered out the words, "This can't be real...This has got to be a dream, right? Right?"

It was the realest dream that Celia had ever had if that was the case. She'd been delving too far into an old series and that's why she was having it, right? That happened to her sometimes!

Still it felt so real. Everything felt too real. The land, the air, even this odd new tail felt far too real for her to be comfortable with. She swallowed hard, as if to get rid of a lump in her throat.

"What are we supposed to do?" she asked then, as if anyone could really answer her question.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 12:17 am

Monica found herself stunned into silence for the most part even as Celia all but shrieked in confusion. None of it really seemed to matter much, not when Monica was confused and seeking answers she didn’t have. It could have been a dream but the pain of fire and glass she’d felt when Celia had presumably landed on her new appendage thwarted that idea. The tremors from that weakened and painful state still lingered after all.

The dragon had disappeared and Celia was still talking, probably trying to make sense of things. Carefully, Monica rose to her feet before reaching out to pinch Celia’s cheek and pull a little. It was nowhere near painful but it would be enough for Celia to discern if it was a dream or not.

“Hell if I know,” she answered finally.

”So, you’re the one the dragon brought?” It was an all too familiar voice that had called out, drawing both women’s attention.

There stood none other than who could only be Trunks, his hair white in the sunlight and dressed in an odd long coat. The hilt of a sword stuck out obviously from behind him, clearly at the read whenever he would need it.

Without waiting for either Monica or Celia’s answer, he was speaking again, hand reaching for that sword hilt as he did so. “Sorry about this, but I must test you and see if you’re the real deal.”

”You’re kidding right?” Monica answered, eyebrow raised.

Trunks’s response was to lunge forward, unsheathing the sword as he did so and swiping at her. Monica’s heart leapt into her throat as she jerked back, pushing Celia back as she did so. The blade swung harmlessly through the air even if Celia might have tripped over herself at the sudden push from Monica. Monica herself was trying to regain her balance, the tail throwing her weight off in a way she didn’t quite expect.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 12:32 am

Celia flinched as Monica pinched her cheek. True as it was, a little pain surged there before disappearing. Celia rubbed at the sore spot, no more sure than she had been before. This all just seemed too unbelievable.

Her answer was a simple one. She didn't seem anymore sure than Celia at the moment. Still, Monica was keeping her cool. This was most likely in a bid to keep Celia calm as well. She would have allowed that if it wasn't for the voice that rang out next.

She glanced in the direct of the voices owner only for her eyes to widen once more. She shook her head a little. This was all too strange for her to comprehended.

Trunks was already on about some test. In the blink of an eye, he'd drawn his sword and rushed forward. Celia let out a yelp as she was shoved out of the way. Monica had made sure that she wouldn't be hit. For a moment, she sat there, shell shocked. Celia eventually scrambled to her feet, moving to a safer distance.

Monica had some ability in fighting, Celia was well aware. It was minor at best compared to Trunks. If this really all was real, taking him on would be nearly impossible. So why were they here and why did they need to be tested?

"Look, I think this is all just one big misunderstanding!" she called out, trying to quell the fighting a bit, "We're not fighters!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 12:42 am

Monica could only keep backing away and ducking and moving out of the way of the swung blade, Trunks attempting to close in on her with each swing. Celia was safe—for the moment. That was all that mattered, now all Monica had to do was stay on her feet and try to keep her balance with this damn tail hindering things.

Gritting her teeth, she stumbled back, hunched low as if that would somehow help. It seemed to at least and it made her a smaller target. Her heart beat hard against her ribs, a drum in her ears drowning out any racing thoughts she might have had.

”Why don’t you fight back?!” Trunks shouted, frustration in his voice and his blue eyes glaring at her. ”Show me what you’re capable of!”

Monica swore he’d nicked her shirt with that swipe but had no time to check. There was no telling if Trunks would seriously injure her if she were to stop dodging and moving or not. He looked serious enough as it was.

“Bite me!”

Monica’s shout seemed to have gone unheard compare to Celia’s cry. Trunks’s movements faltered for a brief moment, his eyes flickering to Celia’s position. An icy wave washed through Monica as the an pivoted, turn to lunge towards Celia instead.

”The dragon didn’t bring you two here for nothing!” he was shouting as he lunged towards Celia.

Time seemed to slow as Monica pushed herself like she never had before, her feet pounding hard against the tiled ground and her heart stuck in her throat. In the future, when it was all said and done, Monica would have no clue how she had managed to beat the skilled warrior to Celia, throwing herself in front of the blonde with her arms outstretched.

Eyes screwed tight and prepared for the blade to bite into her Monica stood her ground. “NOOOO!”

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 12:54 am

It was clear that Trunks was frustrated. For some reason, this test was meant to mean something. Hearing that the dragon had brought them here was another shock all together. Celia couldn't believe that they'd be needed for anything grand. Especially not her. She didn't fight. Not like in this world.

She didn't get a moment to answer. Her heart leapt in her throat as he turned his sights on her, lunging with his blade. Panicked, she stood ridged, uncertain of what to do.

Monica had run forward, throwing herself in the way of the attack. A loud cry shouted from her though when Celia listened to it, it sounded distorted, like someone was playing with a voice on audio tune.

When Celia opened her eyes to look, she became aware of something like a shield enveloping the two of them. Trunks' sword gritted against the glowing surface but could not push through.

"What?" she started, glancing this way and that. It was only after did she become aware this was coming from Monica, "Monica...how are you doing that?"

As she shouted, her scream seemed to take on a life of it's own. It had saved her in a split second. Still, it was unbelievable. Could this be what Trunks was on about? This strange power that Monica seemed to bring forward?

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:04 am

The sound, it wasn’t her own voice and yet it was. Monica wasn’t sure how she could tell; it was so distorted, filtered by something. If it wasn’t for the fact that she still shouted, as if compelled to rather than out of reflex for what Trunks had aimed to do, she might have believed it was from something else entirely.

There was a strange thrumming that rang through her, as she continued to shout at length without need of breath. But why was that? Surely she should have stopped by now, there wasn’t any way that Monica had ever been able to hold her breath this long.

Celia’s voice reached her ears. She really was doing something.

Cautiously, Monica peeked her eyes open, the stunned feeling dulled by the odd thrumming that ran through her and seemed to power her voice. A shield was there before her, moving with some sort of energy that was presumably brought to life by the sound of her voice. But how? Why? It mattered not right now as Trunks’s blade ground against the barrier fruitlessly.

With a grunt, Trunks leapt backwards, his stance relaxing slightly. Only then did Monica’s voice die away, a ringing in her ears driving away what was otherwise silence. Monica breathed heavily, watching Trunks carefully as he eyed her appraisingly. She didn’t know how she’d conjured up that kind of a power but if he tried anything else, she’d find a way to do it again. She glared at him to warn him off even as her breath came in great gasps, worn from the power that ran through her moments ago.

”So, that’s what you’re capable of…” Trunks muttered. Briefly, Monica saw him glance at Celia over her shoulder. Monica stood straighter, attempting to calm her breathing, silently warning him not to try a second time. “I think I get it now…”

”Then start explaining,” Monica demanded. She paused only to glance back at Celia and offered a shrug. There was no way she could think to put to words what she’d just done. Even the fact that Celia now had strange foxy ears and a bushy tail didn’t seem to matter as much just yet.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:28 am

The reverberations that echoed from Monica's voice slowly died down as Trunks pulled back. He seemed to realize that he wasn't breaking through this shield with his sword. Whatever test he had just put Monica under, well, Celia assumed she passed. Though, she didn't know what might await her after.

Celia shuffled her weight as Trunks spoke up. Monica seemed to stand a little taller, as if staring him down, daring him to do something again. Celia was well aware that mostly came from protecting her.

The demand for answers came next. Celia wouldn't mind some of that. The drastic change in their appearance, the powers, why they were here. Anything would have been nice at this point, anything to settle her mind.

"You...could have done that all beforehand," she dared to say, "Leave a few of us with our hearts still in the right place and not in our throats."

She was ruffled. Even now, she could feel the fur along this tail of hers trying to lay straight again. It was an odd feeling and one that would take time to get used to. Hell, all of it would.

"At least, I would have appreciated it," she continued sarcastically, her heart still pounding against her rib cage, "I don't know about Monica...what with her going all Hyper Voice on me."

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 2:24 am

Monica swallowed, her throat feeling dry. She watched as Trunks shook his head, sword lowered to his side as he began to walk towards them. At the very least he wasn’t glaring at them though he still looked quite serious. He didn’t seem to be too fazed by Celia’s scathing comment though Monica shot Celia a look over her should.

“Hyper Voice? You better not be calling me a Loudred,” she scoffed.

When she turned back she witnessed Trunks’s sword landing in its sheath effortlessly. It was obvious from the way he’d moved his head and the fact that his hand was down at his side again that he’d thrown it up into the air. Monica resisted shaking her head at that bit of showmanship. That could have very easily ended up badly for him.

”I’m sorry about that but I had to be sure,” Trunks was saying as he neared. “I wished for Shenron to bring help, you see?”

Monica had yet to move from in front of Celia, still wary though Trunks showed no other outward signs of attacking again. Monica’s nerves were already shot and she just wanted some answer as it were. Trunks was only lucky that she wasn’t demanding them more harshly than she already had.

“Get to the point already!” she snapped.

For his part, Trunks spared a nod and gestured to the two. “I had only wished for a warrior, I’m not sure why the both of you are here however… I could use all the help I could get though so I won’t complain. All of us here, we work to preserve history, but we’re low on fighters who can prevent things from going awry in the past.”

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:10 am

Celia spared nothing more than a small smile to Monica's comment. At least it had helped, if only for a moment. The situation was serious, their nerves were shot, and they had a lack of answers. Naturally, they were both on edge and feeling the strain.

She glanced up as Trunks threw the sword into the air. Only a few steps forward and a brief lean to the side would leave the weapon sheathed. A dangerous and flashy way to get things done. Celia's eyebrow rose but she didn't comment on it.

A long pause passed as they waited for an answer. Monica was impatient, snapping at him. Celia couldn't blame her. This wasn't a situation either of them wanted to be in. Still, at least it got them something.

Celia shook her head at that before she spoke, "Then your dragon must have gotten it wrong. I'm no warrior and Monica...apart from the voice thing, she's only human."

The dragon had brought him a pacifist and a person with a little combat experience. Nothing more than that. While there was still the oddness about Monica's voice and why they had suddenly sprouted tails but that seemed like minor details when it came to fighting for time itself. There was no way either of them could do what he was expecting.

"Sorry to disappoint you," she finished, offering a shrug. She shoved her hands in her pockets after, trying to ignore how badly they still shook.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:51 pm

The snappish comments from both Monica and Celia didn’t seem to bother Trunks too much. Perhaps he expected it. Whatever it was Monica didn’t dwell on it long. He was explaining things, however slowly he was doing so.

Trunks shook his head in answer to Celia’s assessment. “The dragon doesn’t make mistakes. You were brought here for a reason,” he explained simply.

Monica blinked at Celia’s comment at being human. Arriving here, well, whatever magic was used to do it seemed to change them from humans into something more. Why else would they have tails, and in Celia’s case, fox ears? Maybe Celia hoped to forget that fact, to pretend everything was as normal elsewise as it possibly could be in this situation.

”Human? From the looks of it, your friend is a saiyan,” Trunks explained, looking a little surprised at Celia’s comment. A second later he shook his head, perhaps dismissing that topic. He was clearly on an agenda and wanted to get a move on it as quickly as possible. “Look, history is changing and I need a warrior capable of making sure things head on the right path. There’s not a lot of time and Monica is capable of at least defense.”

A scowl tugged at Monica’s lips as she stepped forward, shrugging with her hands briefly before allowing them to slap against her sides. “Are we all just going to stand here and ignore me then? Shouldn’t I get a say if I’m the one doing all the work here?”

Silence followed briefly at that, as if Celia and Trunks had no idea what to say to that. Perhaps they’d gotten into their debate and all else had slipped away for the time being.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 2:45 pm

For a moment, Celia was taken aback by what he claimed. It wasn't until she glanced at Monica's tail again did she put the pieces together. That was such a simple detail and yet, she'd forgotten about it.

"If Monica is a Saiyan now, then what in the hell did I end up becoming?" she wondered. She didn't recall any characters in the series like her.

In that brief thought, she felt something pin back along her head. When she reached up, she become aware of two ears sprouting off of the top of her head.

"Jesus..." she muttered to herself, "What's next?"

At least now she knew why the sounds around her seemed far more prominent than before. The sense in and of itself was a little overwhelming.

It seemed their conversation was grinding to a halt was Monica stepped forward, declaring she had a choice in this. Celia shuffled her weight a little, feeling bad for leaving her so far out. Instead, she motioned to Trunks and said, "She has a point, you know."

Celia wasn't sure how she felt about Monica running off to fight for god knows what, especially knowing that the series entailed. Of course, her feelings and Monica's choice weer two entirely different things. In the end, it was all up to Monica on what she wanted to do.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 3:39 pm

Behind her, Celia muttered something, sounding dejected. Monica wasn’t sure how she felt about all of this. In one sense it gave her the adventure and adrenaline rush she’d always wanted out of life and on the other Monica wasn’t exactly experienced in combat. The sorts of things that happened in this series, or world rather, could be rather crazy…

Trunks blinked, looking a little startled. Had they both forgotten she was right there? No matter the answer, he spoke; “Well, all right… What do you say to helping me, to making sure history goes as it’s supposed to?”

Monica shook her head, holding out her hands again as she answered. The odd feeling of her tail flicking in agitation was prevalent, new muscles being used for the first time in her life. “Might as well kick some ass while I’m here.”

’It’s not like Shenron’s still here to wish us back home anyways,’ Monica thought to herself. In truth, a small part of her wasn’t sure if she would have wished to go back to that life before. Was that because of what she was now, or something else? In the end it didn’t matter and she shook the thought away.

Trunks looked relieved, a sigh escaping him as he smiled soon after. He must have a lot of hopes riding on Monica right now. She didn’t let that deter her much, the most she could do was her best and to improvise along the way.

”Well, follow me? There’s something urgent we need to fix before you can explore Toki Toki City,” Trunks informed, gesturing for the two to follow.

Monica spared a moment to glance at Celia and offer a shrug, a flick of her tail following this, before she started off after Trunks. Might as well get things settled and find out exactly what she was supposed to be doing.

’Funny, I don’t recall any of this in the actual series…’

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 4:07 pm

Celia shuffled her weight awkwardly, a little anxiousness settling in her. Even before Monica answered, she had an idea of what she would do. This chance was something that happened once in a lifetime, even less so all things considered. Of course she'd take it.

So where would that leave Celia in the end of it all? She doubted she was brought here for any combat skills. Likewise, she didn't feel any different a part from the tail and ears.

It was all very perplexing to her.

Celia's thoughts were broken when Trunks spoke up again, urging them to follow after. Only when Monica did so did Celia do the same. She wasn't sure what all of this would entail but at least they were getting some answers now.

"So apart from Monica going off to fight," she finally dared to ask, "Where does that leave me in all of this?"

Celia certainly wasn't going to fight. She'd be more of a hindrance to her friend than anything else. A purpose would have been nice, however. All things considered, she'd just lost quite a bit being pulled into this place.

Somewhere, that left her feeling a little hollow.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:54 pm

Celia caught up to Monica’s side quickly, the two listening to Trunks as he explained. Monica still had no idea what he meant by helping correct history or any of that. Monica figured it would make more sense when she experienced it firsthand and tried not get too agitated about it.

When Celia asked what she would be doing there was a brief moment where Trunks glanced over his shoulder at them. There was a perplexed look to the way his eyebrow was raised.

”You could always go out and—“

”She isn’t to fight,” Monica interrupted. She merely stared back at Trunks as he glanced back at her in confusion. “Dummy doesn’t know a crescent kick from a back kick.”

For a second, Trunks said nothing, giving Celia ample time to scold or snap at Monica for her statement. It might as well have been true given Celia’s pacifistic way of life. If this mission of Trunks was to entail fighting then Celia would need another purpose here.

It seemed as if Trunks thought the same.

”All right, we’ll think of something together then, when there’s time,” he conceded. Monica assumed he aimed that sentiment towards Celia more so than to Monica. “For now we need to fix a disturbance—a change, before it gets too out of hand!”

It was increasingly clear as they walked that Trunks was leading the pair to a nearby building. It didn’t look all that impressive on the outside thought Monica wasn’t sure it was even supposed to. It was gray and rather boring to look at. In just a few yards more Trunks opened the door, swiftly making his way towards a nearby counter, grabbing something up in his haste while Monica took the time to eye the sparse furniture inside.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:11 am

The suggestion that slipped passed was something she would have objected to. Instead, Monica beat her to the punch and not so subtly explain her lack of skill in the first place. Celia felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She felt those odd ears pin against her head again, as she looked elsewhere.

"Yea, sure," she muttered, "Whatever. It's not like I had any reason to learn before this."

It hurt a little to admit but it was the truth and she accepted it. What she didn't quite care to feel was being useless. If she couldn't do something to aid anyone here, then what was the point? Maybe the dragon had made a mistake.

For that moment, she fell silent. At least they would try to find something that she could do. Apart from the ears and tail, she felt more or less unaffected by what had happened. Whatever change Monica underwent might not have affected Celia at all.

It seemed like a thought to shake as they entered the building. Much like the outside, even here was a little strange. She spared a glance around, not sure what to make of what littered about the room.

"This is all elaborate," she finally commented, wondering just what everything here did.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:38 am

Celia didn’t seem very impressed with the situation or their new surroundings judging by her comment. Perhaps she was sore over Monica’s comment or maybe just about what was happening. Either way it was best to let her sort it out over time. She could be quite moody sometimes, just as Monica was.

Trunks didn’t seem to her her or maybe he just ignored the comment. Either possibility seemed like it could be the correct one. Monica didn’t dwell on it further when he turned around, some kind of a purple scroll in his hand. There was a strange, blackened aura radiating from it in wisps.

”This is the Scroll of Eternity. All of time… all of history. Everything, it’s all listed here. But…” Trunks paused as he came to a halt next to the large table at the center of the room. He moved, shaking his head, to instead place it upon the table for both women to see. “Just take a look at this.”

Curious now, Monica inched closer to peer at what appeared to be a static filled square upon the scroll. In seconds an image flickered into appearance, an all too familiar scene playing out before her.

Monica blinked, surprise flitting across her face. ’That’s…’ The Namekian and the two Saiyans, Monica knew them well from her childhood. But it wasn’t going like she knew it was, like it must have supposed to. What was happening here?

”As you can see, if history is any way altered or distorted it could change the world as we know it. We have no choice… we have to stop it.” As he spoke again, Trunks had busied himself with rolling the scroll up, the wisps of dark aura still radiating off of it, before holding it out to Monica to take. “We can’t let history change.”

”I don’t know, maybe it’s just some other world or parallel universe you’re peeking into,” Monica shrugged, hand on her hip. “But whatever, no one asked me about any of that shit.”

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:48 am

Celia was more or less silent as she listened and observed the room around her. It was all rather hard to take in. The information made her dizzy. If it kept on like this, her nerves would be shot and then some. She'd rather not deal with a panic attack when she had no medication for it.

She wandered over to this odd screen, glancing at it. Like Trunks had claimed, the story or rather history was being altered in some way. The Saiyan they knew as Raditz did not die here as he was meant to. That in and of itself was concerning.

"Wouldn't putting Monica there just create some kind of butterfly effect, though?" she inquired after a moment, "People who end up in a situation they were never meant to throws things off, doesn't it?"

That was the logical answer, after all. Celia was well aware that time travel in and of itself was never tested. The butterfly effect as well as many other theories were just that. They couldn't be proven. For all they knew, nothing wrong would happen at all.

She offered a brief shrug in agreement with Monica's answer. Truth be told, in the situation they were in now, why question it? There was a lot going on and too much to take in.

"So you want to send Monica back to fix things?" she guessed after a moment. Celia glanced at Monica then. Both knew the risks here even if Trunks wasn't aware of some of their knowledge, "Are you sure about this?"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:55 am

Monica was glad that Celia also wondered about the effects of someone going back to meddle and correct things. It just added more to what shouldn’t be there after all, so how was it really fixing it? Perhaps there was something Trunks had not mentioned yet, pressed for time as he was.

”Don’t worry about that. The great Kai of Time can handle those things easily enough,” Trunks explained.

“Whatever,” Monica scoffed, not caring in the least. It was strange really how little she didn’t mind about all of this. Sure, she was wary, and was possibly walking to her death but at least it was exciting—something her life had sorely lacked for far too long.

Her tail twitched at that thought.

“Huh?” Monica blinked, turning to survey Celia. Hand on her hip, Monica offered another shrug. “Sure, why not?”

Monica thought about it for a moment, catching the look that crossed Celia’s face as she glanced between the scroll and Monica again. ’What? She’s not thinking about me dyin’ or anything is she?’ she wondered. Or maybe it was something else entirely. Celia sometimes worried about weird things after all.

“I’m not gonna just croak, you know, dummy?” Monica argued, perhaps to save herself from hearing about some strange worry. Now wasn’t the time for it if Trunks’s growing antsiness was any indication. “I’ll be back in no time.”

With that, Monica turned, taking the scroll from Trunks and glancing down at it. Was she supposed to do something with it now? Before she could open her mouth and ask a bright light enveloped her and the odd sensation of being lifted off her feet by nothing followed suit.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Fri Mar 06, 2015 1:09 am

Celia wasn't sure what to make of the answer. Ordinarily, Monica was confident but this seemed too reckless for her own good. Celia would have thought about it a little more. It was a large risk to take. Maybe that's why she wasn't the one going.

Eventually, she gave a half hearted shrug. If that's what she wanted, there was no arguing on it. Monica would go back and fight. Celia still worried whether or not she'd be able to tap into that ability again in the first place.

"If that's what you think it the right decision," she finally answered, "I can only pray that's the case."

She didn't get to say much more than that. As Monica took the scroll, a bright light enveloped Monica and she was gone. Would she be able to fight someone like Raditz and fix things? Celia didn't know. She wanted to have faith in her friend but at the same time, she was still concerned.

"Where to now?" she asked after a long beat of silence. She didn't feel comfortable with the whole situation but if there was something more to be done, she would rather get to it.

---- | x | ----

Raditz could feel power coursing through him unlike his own. In fact, he was sure it wasn't his own. He wasn't complaining about it however. Any extra power to defeat these fools was welcome. He had a mission to take care of and he would see it through.

"Well Kakarot? Is this really all you have?" he taunted his brother, well aware that both and he and ally were breathless.

Why not enjoy the moment? It had been a long time since Raditz had had any real fun. This was just the easiest way to go about it now. He would take care of the rest of this planet afterward.

As he opened his mouth to speak again, a bright light blinded him. A power level flashed on his scooter for a brief moment, indicating a strong force coming from the light. When it faded, a young woman stood nearby, appearing a little lazy as she glanced about.

"What's this? Another friend of yours? How many more of you am I going to have to squash?" he inquired as he caught the girls attention. The green man nearby seemed to study her as well before he spoke;

"Never seen her in my life. I'm not going to complain about a little help. That is if that's what you're here for, kid."

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sat Mar 07, 2015 9:50 am

It was silent only for a second or two when the saiyan woman disappeared into time. The other woman—Celia, from what the saiyan had called her—was the one to break the silence, looking worried already. Trunks couldn’t blame her for that but he’d believe in her friend’s abilities and hope for the best. The Supreme Kai of Time had told him it was best if he did not go back to interact with people he knew and who knew him.

Trunks gestured for Celia to follow him as he headed out of the Time Vault. “We’ll head over to the Time Nest, where we can observe and communicate with your friend,” he said as he started off.

If it made her feel better to watch and to be able to talk to her friend during the ordeal then Trunks would freely allow it. She seemed to want something to do here anyways, some kind of a purpose.

“If we hurry we won’t miss too much,” he pointed out.

His strides were long and quick, easily trekking over the short distance between the Time Vault and the Time Nest. In there it would only be a matter of a few seconds to pull up what he needed for he and Celia to keep tabs on Monica’s progress. Perhaps seeing her friend in action might be enough to quell Celia’s worries.

----[x]----

Seconds passed before the whooshing feeling was gone, solid ground beneath Monica’s feet once again. Large expanses of green and rolling hills greeted her, an occasional rocky plateau jutting up from the ground. Monica only had a moment to take the sight in before her attention was diverted to three very familiar faces and an all too equally familiar battle.

”If anyone offers their help, I won’t turn it down,” Goku called out after Piccolo, carefully rolling onto his hands and feet. He looked worse for wear, his gi torn and many bruises and cuts covering what Monica could see of his body.

Monica tipped her head to one side, a smirk tugging at her lips. She should have been frightened, uncertain of how she was even going to handle keeping up with Raditz—a saiyan who was trained and experienced in combat. Instead adrenaline already rushed through her, an eagerness for the fight rising with each second that passed.

“Dunno. Haven’t decided yet,” she teased, her tail flicking briefly.

Goku chuckled as he picked up his fighting stance again. ”I dunno, I think you’re trustworthy!” A pause followed. “You might’ve attacked us otherwise!”

“You talk too much,” Monica concluded.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sat Mar 07, 2015 7:51 pm

Now that Monica was gone, the silence return. Celia wasn't sure where to start or what to say. More or less, Monica had buffered that. She was confident, more so here than Celia had seen in a long while. Maybe it was to be expected. She wasn't really sure.

Trunks finally answered her question, informing that they could keep in contact with Monica while she fought. Celia wasn't sure how she would handle that. She tried not to worry about it but her stomach twisted in knots anyways.

She followed after him, trying to ignore the new weight at her back. The tail made it hard for her to walk with a good balance. How was she going to get used to this now?

"So you're pretty well confident about all of this?" she inquired, if only to break the silence for a moment, "It's all a lot to take in, you know."

It made her dizzy. Monica might have been dealing with it well but Celia still had her troubles. She would for a long time, no doubt. When something was lodged into her head, it was hard to get rid of.

"You never actually gave me your name," she pointed out, "Unless you just greet all your guests the way you did us."

---- | x | ----

Raditz studied the woman who had joined his brother and the green man. She looked confident despite the situation she had seemingly just stumbled into. It shouldn't have mattered to him. She was just another obstacle. It wasn't until he noticed her tail did he put any other significance in her.

"What? So there's another Saiyan still alive?" he stated, the shock apparent in his tone, "How is that possible?"

The woman only seemed to glance at him and nothing more. Her focus was elsewhere, to her new allies it seemed.

"A shame. Finding another Saiyan is rare. But if you're planning on getting in my way, I'll crush you along with these two fools," he said.

The comment seemed to go unnoticed once more. He didn't quite care to be ignored. For the time being, he'd remain patient, analyze the situation. He could take all three of them if need be.

The green man scoffed after a moment and spoke once more; "My sentiments exactly. All of you talk too much. We're here to fight, now lets get on with it."

Raditz snorted at those words. If they wanted to rush to their death, so be it. He wouldn't wait around any longer than he had to. He spread his arms a little then, as if to invite them to attack.

"If that's the case, then come at me!" he shouted, "Show me what you can do!"

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sat Mar 07, 2015 11:12 pm

Celia seemed to be having some amount of trouble keeping up with him. From the brief things she’d said earlier it sounded as if she’d never had a tail before like she did now. That thought was almost ridiculous and Trunks didn’t bother to bring it up, just in case it was a sensitive subject to her.

“Of course I am. The Eternal Dragon summoned you both here, so there’s little to worry about right now,” Trunks answered confidently. “Why would he bring me someone who couldn’t handle something like this?”

He swung open the door to the Time Nest, allowing Celia inside first before he went in. It was darker inside though it didn’t bother him too much. If it was something that made Celia uncomfortable she didn’t comment on it. As such he hurried over to what he needed to keep in communication with Monica, setting it up.

It was only when Celia asked for his name did he glance up, blinking at her. “Huh? O-Oh! I’m sorry, my name is Trunks. I’ve been pressed for time, so I guess I kind of forgot my manners there…”

Turning back to the monitor before him, he input a few new commands. If he hurried they might get to see what was happening right at the beginning, without having to worry about backtracking a little to make sure that happened. Trunks hoped that wouldn’t be the case.

“Here we go!” The display had gone alight, showing the battle field as Goku took up a fighting stance alongside Piccolo and speaking to Monica.

----[x]----

Piccolo had already been in a fighting stance when Monica had arrived on the scene and Goku soon followed suit. Raditz had proclaimed something or other, most likely about her being a saiyan. Monica’s gaze had flickered to the wild-haired man briefly at that though she had no time to respond before Goku and Piccolo had started talking again.

She shook her head, tail flicking again—perhaps in anticipation for the upcoming fight. There was a strange kind of giddiness rising in her even when she knew she was most likely in over her head. There was something exhilarating about that fact.

”Either way, it looks like it’s time to fight!” Goku cried, tensed and ready.

Monica readied herself, aware that Raditz was far more experienced and tougher by far than she ever could be. It didn’t help all that much that Raditz had been a strange favorite of hers since childhood. For the moment she tried not to dwell on any of that. She had to try at least.

“Well, if you insist,” she called, addressing Raditz for the first time. “Feel lucky. I don’t listen to just anyone, you know!”

”Let’s go!”Goku shouted, lunging forward.

Subject: Re: [DBZ] Clockwork's Lullaby [1-on-1] Sun Mar 08, 2015 12:45 am

He had a point but at the same time, he didn't know Monica either. That's where her worries seemed to stem from. While Monica was her best friend, she still had flaws. Everyone did and she was no different. Part of her wondered if she should mention that to Trunks. He had a lot of hopes riding on this wish, it seemed.

"I know her a lot better than you do," she finally said, shaking her head a little, "I've got faith in her but...well, sometimes she's a little more than reckless."

Reckless and a little irresponsible. She could act like such a kid sometimes. Not to say Celia couldn't do the same. When the two were together and in a good mood, they were often very childish. Now that she had this power and the ability to traverse time? Who knew what would happen.

He offered her to walk into this new building first and she did, careful about where she stepped. It was still dark in the room. Eventually, he introduced himself, sounding awkward about it.

"It's alright," she answered him, placing her hands behind her back. Her knuckles brushed against the fur of her tail, startling her briefly, "It's good to meet you, Trunks. I'm Celia, though you know that already."

Celia glanced around the darkened room, waiting on Trunks to do whatever he needed to. A bright flash caught her attention. Monica appeared on screen along with a few other people Celia had known simply as characters. That however, wasn't the case anymore.

"So we just...wait?" she asked, sparing a glance his way.

---- | x | ----

Raditz waited quietly, his tail flicking this way and that impatiently. Only when battle stances were taken did he let it wrap around his waist. Best keep it out of the way during the fight. No need to allow that small weakness to get out.

"Oh, finally ready, are we?" he taunted finally.

His patience could only extend so far. He had no intention to make the first move if he could help it. After beating these fools down, it wasn't worth his time. Even if the three of him took him on at once, he could take them down.

It wasn't the girl or his brother who rushed him first but rather the green man. Raditz braced for the impact, easily blocking each punch and kick thrown at him. The man was already weak as it was. Fighting a saiyan at near full strength was suicide.

"What, is this all you've got?" he shouted, taunting the green man, "Pathetic! You would never stand a chance against me!"

The man's face was still rather stoic despite his taunts. Raditz didn't allow it to bother him. He instead threw a hard punch at the strange man instead.

"Big talk for someone so slow," the man taunted in turn, "And none too smart either."

Rushing for him was his brother and the woman. He snorted, jumping back to grab some distance. With that, he shot several ki blasts in their direction, waiting on the debris and dirt to clear.