Togiretogire Kokoro (Broken Heart)

<author's note: this fic was thought up and written by me. I claim NO ownership to any characters or related events except for those I myself created for the sake of this story. This does NOT follow any part of Akira Toriyama's series. It takes place in the future where most everyone is destroyed by the androids. I also used the more Japanese-style names for the characters. Buruma= Bulma, Beji-ta= Vegeta, etc...>

**IIE! No, don't hurt me! Please, don't touch me, no!!! Stop it, go away!
Mommy, help! Daddy, save me... Daddy... Mommy...**

Naiya loved Trunks from the beginning. He had rescued her from sure death making her the only survivor of her family in this destroyed world. She had wondered why she didn't die, why the cyborg hadn't killed her when given the chance. But she knew once her eyes met Trunks' for the first time that she was spared for one reason: him. However, she was in debt to him for saving her life and never showed how she felt. He was also a prince, even if the race was dead, and hardened. Never had someone been so bitter and cold on the outside. His theory was to love no one; that way, if he lost them, it wouldn't hurt. She treated him as she would a king: respectful, obedient and silent unless called upon. Trunks' mother, though, was a different story. She was like the daughter Buruma never had.

�Buruma-san, you mustn't overdo it," Naiya soothed as she gently shook the older woman from her sleep. Buruma rose instantly and rubbed her eyes. The pale haze from her computer screen projected a soft light in the pitch-black room. Buruma smiled up at the young girl and clasped a hand on her shoulder.

"Arigatou, Nai-chan, I'm fine." Naiya nodded and placed a tarnished silver tray on the small table beside Buruma's station. On it sat a teapot, cup and saucer.
The tea was fresh and it warmed Buruma as she took a swallow.

"Ah, kusshi*! What a wonderful cook we have in our midst." Naiya blushed slightly at the compliment. Buruma wasn't much for cooking and the woman appreciated all the girl did for her and her son Trunks. Turning her attention back to her work, Buruma tapped away at her computer keys and Naiya bowed and made her exit. Her petite, taut body swayed in all the right places as she tiptoed her way across the carpeted floor back to her bedroom. In the dark, a hand brushed her thigh and she emitted a tiny cry. (*excellent)

"Gomen," a deep tenor voice said flatly to her in the night. Naiya's heart slowed to a skip and she maintained her calm. She instantly turned humble.

"Nani mo*, Trunks-ouji," Naiya replied and bowed low. "It was my fault entirely. Forgive me, please." Trunks admired her secretly as her long, silky, navy blue hair flowed over her shoulders. Her pale skin glowed in the moonlight and her nightgown revealed curves and a perfectly sculpted body. (*never mind)

"How is Kaa-san?" Naiya straightened and looked into a pair of icy sapphire eyes. Her gray ones were wide and curious.

"She's fine, sire, I just checked on her."

"You don't have to call me that, Naiya," he whispered, suddenly feeling at ease. Naiya yearned for him inside but masked her longing.

"If you wish it so, I shall not. But you are our leader now. You and Buruma-san. I owe you my life," she added, chin trembling a bit. Trunks straightened his shoulders and resumed his proud stance.

"It was our duty. Sadly we are not out of danger yet." Trunks' tone turned brittle as the two twin cyborgs cut into his thoughts. ::I will get you both,:: he swore. He nodded curtly and absently to Naiya and she stepped back. Bowing once more, she said goodnight and stepped past him to her room. Trunks remained still as her door quietly shut. The memory of her face, her cherry lips, seal gray eyes, loose strands of hair that hung at her neck, all ignited a fire within his heart.

"Oyasumi*," Trunks sighed. He looked down the hall at the soft glow coming from the lab. A small chuckle escaped him and he turned back to train. The cyborgs had only given him four months to build himself up. They were hidden somewhere, resting. Trunks could not track them for they showed no Ki level. Jinzouningen 17 had laughed and told Trunks of he and his sister's plan to rest up and allow their boredom to drive them to near insanity. That way, when they awoke, they'd be a hundred times more vicious and ruthless from inactivity. Trunks clenched a tight fist and his knuckles went white. (*Goodnight)

"Well, I won't let you kill anyone else," he rasped and stormed off down the dark hallway.

* * * * *

Naiya was grateful that Buruma had taken a liking to her. Ever since she had been brought to Capsule Corps, Naiya had been treated with the utmost hospitality. And because of a bitter son and his mother, she was alive.

Buruma politely declined breakfast, too caught up in her late night advance on perfecting her new machine. It was a time traveling device that Trunks would use to go back in the past and check on someone named Gokuu. Naiya didn't really understand the reason behind it, just that Gokuu was the Earth's only hope for survival, but left the older scientist to her work and began to make a meal for two. She didn't eat much, but Trunks certainly did. It was almost hard to keep up with his appetite.

The rousing smell of food pulled Trunks from his sleep and he shuffled his way to the kitchen. He smiled mischievously to himself as he entered and caught a glimpse of Naiya bending over the sink. His gaze shifted to her rear and then quickly to her eyes as she realized his presence and turned to greet him.

"Trunks-ouj... Trunks," she smiled as she corrected herself. "Breakfast is ready, if you'll give me a moment I'll prepare a place for you." Naiya shuddered inwardly at his lack of emotion. Only when he talked of Buruma or the past did he loosen up. Trunks stood by as she set the table and pulled a chair back for him to sit. He sat and began to eat silently. Naiya stood off to the side, waiting for him to finish or make a request. She noticed a small, curious medallion on a chain around his neck. It was elaborately designed yet subtle. She hadn't really noticed it before. Trunks paused and looked over at her.

"Have a seat," he half demanded, half requested, remembering her upbringing. Her parents had been very strict with her and her younger brother, always making sure they were proper and followed old tradition. Naiya bowed and took her place next to him. She said nothing and stared down at her folded hands. Trunks took a deep breath.

"Sugureta*," he forced a compliment and wiped his mouth with a napkin. Naiya beamed. ::Well, at least he's trying. It's a start!:: (*Wonderful)

"I'm so pleased you think so, Trunks-sama," she replied. Trunks smirked and sighed. She was so formal, giving him honor he didn't deserve. But he took comfort in knowing she was relaxing. For the longest time she wouldn't dare look him in the eyes.

"Good morning, Trunks," Buruma said and kissed him on top of his hair. She bustled in from the lab and washed her hands. Naiya immediately stood and offered her seat.

"That's not necessary, thank you," Buruma patted her on the back and grabbed a piece of dry toast. She ate it quickly and downed a glass of water, then waved and headed back to her lab. Trunks cleared his throat loudly in the tension.

"Kaa-san takes no breaks, neh?" Naiya nodded.

"She must be careful," the girl worried. Trunks excused himself and retreated to Buruma's lab. He found his mother sprawled motionless on the floor amidst a pile of paper. Her eyes were closed and Trunks began to panic.

"Kaa-san!" he cried and flew to her side. Her eyes snapped open in surprise as her son scooped her into his arms and shook her.

"Trunks! Ano, Trunks! I'm okay!" she struggled against him and sat up. She saw the glint of concern in his eyes and softened. "I was just taking a rest. Turns out my calculations were off," she smiled sadly and swept a hand over the papers. Trunks exhaled in relief and sat back on his heels.

"What's with Naiya?" he asked. Buruma brushed the hair back from her eyes and rubbed the wrinkles on her face. Trunks had been waiting to ask Naiya herself, maybe get her to open up a bit, but she always seemed terrified of him and he wasn't exactly the outgoing type. The only one she shared anything with was his mother. He didn't blame her.

"She's as sweet as can be, very kind and witty. She holds deep respect for us, Trunks-chan, and she'd be perfect for you," Buruma said as she lovingly fluffed her son's short purple hair and winked. He playfully scowled at her and smoothed the strands back into place.

"You mean to tell me she's totally different than how she acts in front of me? Why is that?"

"You are a prince," Buruma grunted as she stood and kicked a foot in annoyance at the debris. "You saved her life and she is in debt to you. She fears you because you hold power over her. That and you're not exactly Mr. Sunshine..." Buruma trailed off. Trunks thought about this silently.

"I want to see her," he said finally as he turned the necklace over in his hand. His fingers ran over the etchings. "I want to see her for her. But where is she? Where is that part of her?" Buruma winked and turned away to resume her work.

"Hitoshirezu*," she shrugged and pushed all other thoughts away. "You have to find it for yourself. And find yourself as well," she added. Trunks sighed, defeated, and rose. He walked slowly back to the main house, head down and mind searching. He wanted to spend time with Naiya, but how? His pride always got in the way. (*Hidden)

::Show her the past,:: his mother's voice danced in his head. Taking her advice, Trunks found Naiya as she emerged from the kitchen, cleaning completed. He invited her to go out with him in an hour and she, feeling great honor, accepted.

* * * * *

"Trunks-sama, it's so high!" Naiya whispered frantically. She squeezed her eyes shut and wrapped her arms tighter around Trunks' neck.

"Would you prefer to walk?" he asked. Behind them and before them lay nothing but the open vastness of the oceanic sky, cerulean and full of lush billowing clouds.

"I-Iie," she trembled. "So sorry to be trouble."

"I won't drop you," Trunks snorted in what sounded like annoyance, and she looked away. They flew along in silence for a while. Trunks planned on taking Naiya to Gokuu's house to hear all the old stories Chi-Chi had told him. He figured she'd want to know about the glories of the past like most everyone in the broken world did. It was sad to leave it, but it gave them a new sense of hope that they could re-establish life and a memory to hold on to.

"We're here," Trunks announced and descended slowly to the ground. He steadied Naiya and allowed her to hold onto him as they stepped across the uneven terrain. Her eyes rested on an old house. A weak, thin trail of greasy smoke curled its way out of the chimney and the wind howled through the trees, dancing on the branches and sending a chill through the young girl.

"What is this?" Naiya shivered.

"Son Gokuu's house. His widow, Chi-Chi, still lives there." Naiya studied Trunks' stone face. A hint of pain was in his blue eyes as he stared into the distance almost longingly. Naiya dared a touch on his face. She ran her slender fingers down his cheek and looked at him with sympathy. Without looking at her, Trunks rubbed his thumb against her hip and savored the touch, an outward act of fondness that had shone through his facade. Instantly angry with himself for showing affection, he scowled and led her to the door. He knocked loudly; within seconds the door had opened and an old, frail woman stood poised and ready.

"Trunks!" Chi-Chi cried and launched herself onto him. Naiya stepped back as Chi-Chi hugged Trunks and cried. The purple-haired warrior hugged her too, rubbing her back and shushing her soothingly. Chi-Chi broke him of their embrace to wipe her eyes and invite the couple in.

"Chi-Chi-san, this is a friend of mine. Her name is Naiya," Trunks introduced them. Naiya stepped forward and bowed low, a demonstration of immense respect.

"How do you do, katai* Chi-Chi-san?" Her honeyed voice pleased Chi-Chi and she bowed back. (*honorable)

"It's so nice to have visitors," she babbled as she invited the two for a snack. Neither was hungry but neither was about to reject the poor woman. "Usually it's just me and Papa." A loud, booming cough sounded as if on cue. Chi-Chi paused and cocked an ear.

"Hai, hai, that's him now. Poor thing, always sick now a days. He just went down for a nap, I hope you're not disappointed, Trunks." Chi-Chi's sad, tired eyes reminded Naiya of coal: shimmerless, joyless, hardened over time.

"It's no problem, Chi-Chi-san," Trunks said as he took a seat. "Perhaps I'll see him next visit, neh?" He motioned silently for Naiya to sit and she obeyed.

"Well what brings you out here then?" Chi-Chi asked as she banged around in the kitchen. A pot of tea was already warming on the stove and the smell of bread deep-frying in a pan filled the small house in no time.

"I was hoping you'd share some stories with Naiya, Chi-Chi-san." Chi-Chi nodded and wiped her hands on her apron. She sat across from the two, one eye on the food.

"You mean about my Gokuu?"

"Hai, Chi-Chi-san," Naiya piped up. "I don't know much about the past."

"What a pretty girl you are!" Chi-Chi marveled. "Such fine hair, what features!" Naiya emitted a laugh and bowed her head in slight embarrassment. "Now let's see... Well, you know, my Gokuu was the strongest fighter in the whole universe. That's him there, along with my boy Gohan." Chi-Chi pointed to a framed photograph that sat on a small shelf on the wall. Naiya picked it up carefully and ran a finger over the still faces. There were eleven people in the picture, twelve counting a baby Trunks. From the picture Naiya judged he was barely one. Chi-Chi rose to serve the tea and sprinkle the fried bread with sugar.

"Who are the rest of these people?" Naiya asked, eyes never leaving the photo.
Trunks pointed out Chi-Chi, Gokuu and his teacher Gohan first, then Kuririn, Piccolo, Tenshinhan, Chao-su, Yamucha and lastly his parents, Buruma and Beji-ta. His baby image was captured as he slept in his father's arms with Buruma resting a hand on his shoulder. A usual scowl was set onto Beji-ta's face as he held his infant son, but Trunks didn't mind this as he looked. He never knew his father, just what his mother told him, and he was quite surprised that the proud prince would even claim ownership to him.

"How young Buruma-san looks!" Naiya exclaimed. "How happy everyone was back then. Now we live in despair." She put the picture back and sighed sadly. "I wish I could've lived back then too."

"Don't we all," Trunks sighed. Naiya sat patiently as Chi-Chi and Trunks told her of all the feats of the past, starting with Gokuu's first meeting with Buruma. It had been a humorous introduction that launched a lifelong friendship. Chi-Chi continued with the early stuff, when she and Gokuu met, when Gokuu defeated Emperor Pilaf, when Gokuu trained with Kame-sen�nin... It went on and on. Gokuu defeated his evil brother Raditsu and died, trained with Kaio-sama, defeated Nappa, Beji-ta, Furiza, reached the Super Saiyajin level when his best friend Kuririn was killed by Furiza... Naiya had a newfound respect for those before her. Tears ran down her face when told of Gokuu's untimely death and intensified upon hearing of Gohan's recent death. She felt as if she knew them all her life.

"Here, Nai-chan," Chi-Chi sobbed and handed her a handkerchief. The old woman hugged Naiya and wiped her nose. "These things just get harder to talk about. I miss them all so much." ::Oh Gokuu... Gohan...::

"Arigatou, Chi-Chi-san," Trunks kissed Chi-Chi goodbye. "I'll be back later before I go, okay?" Chi-Chi nodded, reminded of Trunks' coming mission to the past, and wished them well. Another loud cough reverberated through the house and she hurried off to check on her elderly father. Trunks and Naiya left for Capsule Corps late in the afternoon just as the sun was beginning to set. Trunks said nothing and left Naiya to wonder and imagine what the past had been like. He didn't tear her from her thoughts; he remembered feeling the same way as she. ::It gives us a dream...::

* * * * *

"Trunks tells me you went to see Chi-Chi-san today," Buruma said as she sat in front of the blank TV. There wasn't much on then, just a news channel and that was all. Yet she couldn't bring herself to remove it; she wanted as many memories from the better times as she could get her hands on. The TV had been one of Beji-ta's curiosities. She used to catch him watching it on occasions.

"Hai," Naiya replied, softly breaking Buruma away from her thoughts. Buruma's thin blue eyebrows narrowed in concern at the girl's somber tone. Naiya hadn't said much through dinner either; cooking and cleaning in almost silence save for the noise from the dishes. She hoped everything was okay.

"What do you think of Trunks, Nai-chan?" Buruma asked slyly, trying to cheer her up. Naiya's head snapped up and her cheeks flushed a light pink.

"Trunks-ouji," she hesitated. ::Well, what about him, Naiya? Tell Buruma. After all, she's like a mother to you. What can she say?:: Her face returned to normal color and a smile crept up on her mouth. "Trunks-ouji is utsukushii*," Naiya finished dreamily. Buruma chuckled. (*beautiful)

"Hai, he's quite the looker. He's really great once you get to know him. Unfortunately he finds it difficult to let himself care for anyone but Chi-Chi-san and me. Well, and Gohan up until the poor soul died... He doesn't want to get attached. I guess he's afraid of losing even more. But anyway, you'd be a fine mate for him," the older woman caught herself saying. ::Oi, I just sounded like Beji-ta-san!:: "Ah, a fine wife for him," she said quickly. The blush returned to Naiya's face but her smile increased.

"Hontou*? You really think so? Me and Trunks...� Naiya's giggle was like the sound of pure crystal echoing in perfect tone. Inside Buruma ached. Naiya's youth reminded her of herself and of the times she shared with Yamucha and Beji-ta in that youth. (*Honest?)

"But they're gone, long gone," Buruma moaned quietly. Naiya was too wrapped up in her thoughts of Trunks to hear. A hot, salty tear ran down her cheek and she quickly rubbed it away. "Gomen, Nai-chan, I'm feeling a little tired. Would you walk me to my room?" Naiya broke away and nodded, helping Buruma to her feet and steadying her as they walked slowly to the chambers. Buruma muttered something about a headache and retired early, hugging Naiya stiffly before disappearing into the darkness of her room.

"Oh, Beji-ta," Buruma wailed as she collapsed face down on the bed she once
shared with her love. "Beji-ta, I miss you so. When will you come back to me?"