Soɴ Pαɴ

     “Pan…”

Bulla thought that the worst had been seeing everyone suffering for so long, that she would never feel a deeper sadness than she had when seeing Goku break down time after time. But to see the one they had all missed for so long not reciprocate…ANY emotion. It wasn’t her fault, it was the result of a decade removed from everything Pan knew…and yet it stabbed deeper than Bulla could ever say.

Burying her face in her hands, the girl’s small frame shook with sobs. It was too much, TOO MUCH, all of it. She just wanted to go back home, to her family…and to bring Pan with her. But you can’t go home that easily, whispered a small voice inside her. Not a taunt, but a stern reminder…that she was still here to help Pan, no matter how painful it was. Sniffling, she wiped her eyes and forced her gaze back to the other.

     “I can’t help it, I’m sorry…everyone’s just been so worried. It was really       hard, not knowing where you were…please just tell me that…we can be       friends here. Would that be okay, Pan?”

A seemingly small request, maybe even silly considering the circumstances, but in this situation it could end up meaning everything.

[ @scnpan​ ]

She could not understand it, why her heart felt unmoving even when something so definitely sad was right in front of her. This was her friend, and all she could do was stare and tell her to stop being this way? Why aren’t I in the same position? Shouldn’t I be upset? She could feel the other’s pain, radiating off of her like the sun’s light, and still it did nothing but keep her solid as steel.    “...Of course we can, Bulla... We are friends!” Pan had no idea on what to say about her family, because what could she say? It’s hard to even remember their voice... Has it been that long? It hurt her to think about it, and to try and remember... So, she did what she has always done since she was small... Bottle it away, under lock and key. This was not the time or place to divulge in hurtful thoughts... She needed to be a source of strength... and now to her friend...

     “Ah, that’s true, isn’t it…That must have been so exciting,       Pan. Traveling to all of those different worlds.”

There was likely more to say on the matter, but Bulla couldn’t find the words. They were swimming deep under the tears she was trying so hard not to shed, and right now she was thankful for Pan’s iron grip on her hand (even if it worried her, too).

“We just…I mean, um,” She had been trying to avoid broaching any touchy subjects, but who knew when they would get the chance to speak again. Even now, Zamasu could be on his way to make sure they they didn’t get to spend time alone too long. Around here, Bulla had no idea what to expect anymore. “Surely…you must have missed us? We really missed you, for so long.”

And no longer could she keep her voice from breaking, as years and years of memories broke through the floodgate. Of Pan’s parents grieving, Gohan in constant distress, blaming himself…and GOKU…his grief might have been the hardest to witness, like seeing the sun itself grow dim.

[ @scnpan​ ]

     “Is that so…?”

To hear her talk this way of her captor made Bulla all the more uncomfortable. You would think that he had saved her, rather than stolen her away. Was it all an act, in case the Kai was nearby and listening in? Something in Pan’s expression said that there certainly was at least a degree of truth present. Worry didn’t begin to describe what Bulla felt at that observation.

“Well, It wasn’t exactly a happy trip, Pan…” She started, before taking a deep breath. “Um…maybe we should go back to your room, to talk and eat this fruit. We can catch up…you can tell me all of the things you’ve been learning!” Bulla hoped that she was managing to feign interest somewhat convincingly. It was hard not to shout, to shake Pan by the shoulders and ask her to snap out of it…but that could very well do more harm than good.

[ @scnpan ]

     “Ah….yes. They are.”

It was a lie, obviously. Black had shown her kindness…in that he hadn’t harmed her. But he had ripped her from her life with a smile on his face and blood on his hands. And Zamasu…she hadn’t met the Kai yet, which she had a feeling was nothing but fortunate for now.

“Ah, I’m so glad to hear that, Pan! I remember how much you loved to train as a little girl. I was sure you’d be strong now, too. I wish that I could say the same…” Something troubled entered her expression, but she pushed it away. “They—ah, have they been training with you?”

Now that was a surprise to her. Just what purpose does Zamasu have, making her stronger? It was troubling, and yet at the same time it gave her hope. If we can become stronger…stronger than them…we just might have a chance. Of course, she couldn’t say any of this to Pan. As much as the thought stung, she had no idea where Pan’s loyalties stood. Was she under Zamasu’s spell, or waiting for the opportunity to shatter it?

[ @scnpan ]

Pan did not want to think of any of that, right now. There was something about it that hurt her deeply, and she was not wanting to delve too much in as to why… Instead, she was glad for the change in conversation, and smiled a little softer.

     “Yes, actually! I don't know if you know this, but Zamasu is a Kai…       He's like a God, I'm pretty sure! It's been something living here…       I've seen other planets, as well! Fought so many different creatures       to test my strength. It's been really good for me here, Bulla. If only       you had arrived sooner… The things I've seen!”

She simply nodded, starting towards a hall that would take them outside. Bulla wanted to comfort her more, to embrace her, but still didn’t want to overwhelm Pan anymore than she already had. Instead, she maintained the firm grip on her hand, continuing to smile. Now isn’t the time to make her confront things she’s been burying for years. Help her focus, keep it mundane…

     “It seems like spring here, so the fruit should be nice and ripe.”

Finally, Bulla stepped through a passage that put them in the warmth of the sun. They wandered over to the nearest tree, one hanging with large peaches. She hardly had to reach far to pluck one from the branches, handing it to Pan with an encouraging expression. Black said that the fruit was safe. Why lie, why poison us after all of the trouble to steal us away.

“Here, eat up…” She paused, finally venturing forth with one simple question. After all, maintaining such flimsy conversation wasn’t going to help for long. It was only making the elephant in the room grow all the larger. “So…are you alright, Pan?”

[ @scnpan ]

Pan took the fruit, staring at it for a few seconds to try and gather her thoughts. All this time of needing to be calm, collected, and utterly in control of herself was slowly crumbling with each little touch of her fingers to Bulla’s. It was almost as if she were back to herself… That small part that she had locked away all this time, it was making a small comeback… To only quickly be sealed again.

     “Yes, it’s me, Bulla! I’m so glad, Pan, to see you again.”

She could see the emotion on the other’s face, and was trying her hardest to hold herself together. To be strong for Pan, who certainly had needed to be strong these past long years. But her grip still shook, and she loosened it, moving down to take the other’s hand.

     “W-we were all so worried, but you grew up to be so pretty!” 

So strong, too. But Bulla wasn’t sure what she should and shouldn’t say. What she couldn’t say without possibly getting Pan into trouble. Biting her lip, the girl pushed forward, not able to bear thinking about how much everyone had missed her. How she wished that she could just take her back right now.

     “Have you eaten? Maybe we can get something together. I saw fruit trees outside…”

[ @scnpan ]

Pan felt her relent, and she almost wished she hadn't with her grip. It was as if she were the anchor to keep her steady and straight, like she had been clouded with darkness all this time. Bulla was the first light she had seen in years, and hearing of the others… Though vague and brief, possibly to shield her, it didn't help the tears from now falling down her cheeks.

Turns so sharply away, and tries to wipe them away with her sleeve. Mutters out her response with a nod, and holds on tighter to her hand.

    “Yes, I would like that…”

     “H-hey, wait!”

Bulla took a few steps forward, as she saw Pan’s dark eyes turn from her to the hallway. She’s totally different than I anticipated. It should have been expected, though. Ten years, an entire decade under Zamasu’s control. It was no wonder she would be distant, and the thought broke her heart.

     “Pan, it’s me…Bulla! You remember, we used to play at       your house. You surely remember my father, Vegeta….”

She had a feeling that Pan knew all of this, and yet somehow hoped that saying the names might trigger something in her. A reaction, a feeling…She dared not speak Goku’s just yet, however. It might be too painful. Little Pan had loved him so, after all.

     “Please, tell me that you remember. I’m just so happy to see you.”

She urged, forcing a smile and a calm tone as best as she could, despite the pounding of her heart.

[ @scnpan​ ]

Pan turned to her when she was forced to, and her expression was fighting to remain calm. To think about the teachings, but that was crumbling too fast when she saw the others face this close. It was apparent that it was definitely her friend, and she could see the stern eyes of Bulma in hers… That potential of power of Vegeta in the grip on her arm…

Not realizing it, but there were tears in her eyes then. Overwhelmed by this revelation that she wasn't alone, anymore… A shaky breath, and Pan forced herself to look downward.

    “I know… Bulla… The Princess.”

Having been here for a few days, Bulla had finally felt as though she was regaining her energy…and some semblance of calm. She had cried all of her tears, then sat as an empty shell, and now her feet were moving her towards life. The life that she wanted to hold onto, no matter what. It was simple exploration at first, something to turn a scary new world into familiar territory. 

She hadn’t expected to see anyone, had prayed not to run into Zamasu at the very least. And yet when she sensed someone drawing near—I know that ki, I know it…Black had mentioned it, but now Bulla fully understood. It was the Kai who had stolen the Son family’s light from them all of those years ago. And now…She must be fourteen…

     “Pan….?”

Glancing towards her, eyes going wide as the shock of it hit her all at once. She smiled with quivering lips, feeling her eyes tear up. And I didn’t think that I had any left to give. 

      “Pan, it’s really you! Do you know who I am?”

[ @scnpan ]

The wall she had built herself up, since she could remember being brought here, was slightly cracking when she heard her name called by this person. It wasn't Zamasu, and it wasn't Black… There was a strange sense of recognition, but she couldn't… she couldn't let herself believe it was real.

Turns to the side and glares at the counter with all its various bowls of fruit and assorted snacks.

    “Yes, that's my name…”

The door to her room finally opened, and out came the girl from the Son family…. Yet, it was a family she could vaguely remember now. The only ones she called something similar were the great Kai, and the other…… The other, in which she always had a worse vibe from him than with Zamasu… Though today that was pushed aside, as she was able to finally get out of this dredge she had been in. For training with Zamasu was getting more difficult. He had been pressuring her, and pushing her harder than she had been in for at least three years.

The answer as to why was made apparent just the other month when she felt someone new had arrived. It was only now that she felt like mustering the energy to face this new person….. But something told her heart that this being wasn't new at all…

The door sliding open caught his attention, and the moment that he turned to her, Zamasu’s eyes were filled with a careful concern. Memorized lines of kindness, a mask of empathy; these were things that the Kai could slip on like a garment when it suited him. Tiring though it may have been, it was a small cross to bear for the girl’s continued complacency.

     “What is it, Pan? Has something troubled your sleep?”

Gently, he set a hand on the tiny curve of her shoulder, trying to catch her expression of distress with an encouraging smile. Children were not a group he was well versed in dealing with, but thus far it hadn’t been too difficult. That was the thing about them. They trusted authority so easily, even modeling their own behavior on those they regarded highly. it was why mortals had such a flawed society in the first place. They can justify the most heinous of acts to themselves with approval from the right person.

[ @scnpan ]

    “Y...yes! I’m sorry, but I had a bad dream!” Now she felt a little stupid for coming in here with all of that, but it had been bothering her too much! She couldn’t go to sleep like this, and already she felt like she was about to cry because of how frightening a dream it was. There hadn’t ever been something so scary in her sleep, before??     “...There was a monster, and it grabbed me! I couldn’t get      back to my Papa and Mama! I was so scared, Mister Zamasu!”

Now I can’t stop thinking about what if Zamasu’s furniture came to life and started to sing and dance and that’s what REALLY sent him over the edge. It’s hard to make tea for the old man when it keeps singing and dancing.

(Agree 100% with this anon! I get so anxious reading both of your replies, just how sinister Zamasu is and how Pan doesn’t realize what’s going on, it’s heartstopping and exciting but goodness, is it full of suspense too!)

     “Of course, come now, let’s get you to a nice warm bed.”

And off he went, leading the little one to a large, empty room. In one corner sat the bedding, made up for the rare guests that graced their planet in the past. It wasn’t much, but it seemed to be good enough for the girl, who fell asleep almost immediately upon pulling up the covers. Once he saw those eyes close, Zamasu slid the door shut and his smile faded with the hall’s light. Turning from the room, he stalked down the hall with a grim cast to his face.

The child was easier to sway than I imagined, but there’s also the fact that those Saiyans will look for her. They think me dead now,, but no one can tell how my actions will affect the timeline…troubling, perhaps, but I will be ready.

[ @scnpan ]

It hadn’t been long into her sleep, but Pan found herself troubled. There were her parents in the distance of her dream’s eye, and she went out to run to them, but something had snagged a hold of her leg. A simple glance back, and her heart was thundering in her chest at the sight she saw gripping her. It was some sort of violently purple monster, with skin that seemed to be bubbling, and she couldn’t kick it away! The monster’s grotesque, elongated hand reached up to grab at her throat, and she couldn’t breathe! Pan woke with a start, this tiny gasp from her, and widened eyes were looking around in a small sense of panic. There wasn’t anyone in the room but herself, and she wondered for a few moments at where she was. This isn’t my room... Oh, wait!! It came back, and she remembered that she was still on that beautiful world from before.  The wooden floors were smooth, and she was thankful for her small size that she didn’t make much noise darting across. Once she found the other’s room, she waited before slowly pushing the door open. That small bit of hesitation was there, but she couldn’t help to feel a little unnerved at her dream, and it forced her to let herself in! Too upset to care if this was rude!

“Ugh, Pan, you’re a hopeless liar. It’s written all over your face…and honestly I don’t know what you see in Trunks. I mean…sometimes he sits there and cleans his ears right in the living room!! And you don’t even want to go on his closet…”

[ @scnpan ]

“Then why aren’t you taking notes?! I’ve been explaining this problem for the past few minutes…and I look up to see you lost in Trunks-land!”

[ @scnpan​ ]