:-:Heir:-:

I realize this chapter comes out quite late. I apologize for the delay. I must warn that this chapter might bring some resentment to me. I appreciate all reviews and would really like your feedback on this chapter. Thank you all for the reviews from the previous chapters. We are now up to 583 hits. Thank you for all your support.

X-xChapter 2: Slavex-X

They always smelled so bad.

Sanguine liquid being sipped by the thirsty soil reeked metallic, the stench of decay ensuing coupled with it made anyone wish to vomit.

The sky above was a clear purple, the wavelength overtaking the others in dominance. Odd, the last place had had a blue sky What an oddity...

Stepping through the mess called a battlefield, various sounds reached to the sky, many groans, others cries welcoming death. But one sound stood out from all the pitiful whimpering.

- Doushite? -

It wasn't like she could answer. Eyes downcast, she followed the leader, taking care to remain apart from the others on the squad. Not that it really mattered – they had already labeled her an outcast.

- Doushite? -

Really, how to explain the actions taken? How was she supposed to tell the star why the acts had been committed? Not even she knew – so...so how did the star expect an answer from her?!

She clenched her eyes shut, in pain. 'I'm sorry...I'm so sorry!'

Nothing else to do but eat it.

Despite the odd coloring, she had learned that nothing else would be served to her and as such should be eaten. Serenity masked a bitter smile. It was not long ago that she had eaten nothing but the very best. How the mighty fall...

Whispers gently poured in, nudging at her thoughts. She tried to push them away, not wanting to pay attention to things she had heard too much lately. Regardless, those annoying pests never leave. Would they begin with the same taunts, the same looks?

What did it matter?

Serenity picked up her utensil, forcing the strange food into her system. Strength was necessary if she wished to survive into the next day. Despite the looks she was receiving, she kept to herself, allowing for no one to see her flinch when a being neared her.

She tensed now, feeling that new aura. 'No, it's called ki. That's what they called it...'

Her fists clenched up, tightening around the metal in her hand. A peculiar aura had entered the room. Oh, she knew this aura, all right. How could she not. Scrapes of chairs moving against the floor suddenly filled her ears and soon her own chair joined the chorus.

She kept her head bowed as the others did. A sign of respect for when their leader marched through the room. Her bitterness remained hidden.

“What news of the new brat?”

“Sir! Behaviour has been excellent; power readings continue to increase; however, they are still quite low compared to the others.”

“That's not good enough,” growled he. Serenity bit her bottom lip, knowing they talked about her. They had picked no other stranger in the last few weeks. She gasped softly as the boots stopped in front of her.

'No! Go away!'

Regulus titled her face up, examining her. “Well, little brat, you certainly are a handful.”

She chose not to answer. This made him smirk darkly. “I like your attitude, brat. Come. Follow me.”

Silently, Serenity walked after the massive commander and inwardly bathed in the soothing voices of the near stars. How she loathed this, being watched by so many people. More of the hushed murmurs reached her sensitive ears, but she paid no mind – the stars talked to her.

Doors closed behind them with a soft purr, fellow soldiers stopping to show respect for the passing commander, gazing with interest at the small child following him.

“In here,” commanded Regulus. Serenity walked in quickly, standing before the desk that towered over her petite body. She had only been here once before.

“State your name, brat.”

“Serenity Noctilva,” answered the child. Regulus sat down in his chair, peering over the side to see the newest member of his legion. The brat was timid, silent, but deadly. More often than not, he wondered how it was possible for this chit of a girl to fight so well.

'What father bred this brat? What mother made her so?'

“I am perplexed on the information I have been given regarding your progress. It is unsatisfactory. Most new recruits are showing much more promise than you are by this time. What is different?”

Serenity wondered this as well. She had done the exact same training that most new recruits went through and they had all leveled up quickly. She was the exception it seemed. Her fists clenched.

“There is no doubt power in you, brat. Oh, yes, I can tell,” Regulus smirked, clasping his fingertips together. “Perhaps your training is simply not enough to tap into the well you hide inside...”

Her stomach suddenly disappeared.

Painfully, flesh met with steel. A grunt left her lips, sanguine liquid following soon after. Whispered sneers and taunts hummed into the room. She struggled up, body quivering. How long had she been placed under this hell?

'Too long by far,' she mentally answered. The stars tried to soothe her, but in this forsaken place, their voices were diluted, coming only as a faint hiss and merging with the other low sounds. She whimpered as she stood, waiting for the next wave that would surely come.

Her eyes met a bright sphere. A small smile tugged at her lips.

'Maybe...I'll be free of this now...'

“Which one do you prefer?”

The stars giggled alongside her, the older ones cautioning against poor decisions. With a happy little laugh, she pointed to a pretty necklace, a pendant shaped like a silver crescent moon hanging from it. Regulus reached for it and promptly dislocated it from the hook from which it hung. He bent down to place it over the child's neck.

“It's so beautiful!” squealed she. Regulus smiled to her, patting the top of her locks.

“It suits you, brat. Come, we must not keep our hosts waiting.”

“Hey, you have to pay for that!” cried the merchant. Serenity stopped in her tracks and looked back to the old man. She looked to the pendant and the back to the merchant. Regulus, however, pulled her along.

“The man wants payment,” Serenity said softly. Regulus grunted in response.

“You! Thieves! Someone stop them!”

Regulus now turned, face into a scowl: “Just you try.”

Soldiers materialized quickly, wielding spears and shields. “You there! Stop and we won't hurt you!”

Regulus began to laugh. “Hurt me? You've got to be kidding!” In response to such arrogance, the soldiers began to attack. Regulus easily blocked them, raising a shield. “We shall have to inform the royals that their army is miserably weak.”

Serenity kept her mouth closed, eyes losing the childish light they had held merely moments before. Regulus backhanded a soldier that neared them, cleanly snapping the neck in two. “See how easy it is to dispose of one's enemies, little brat? You, too, shall one day posses such a strength. For now, you must continue to train and fight against pathetic soldiers before you are able to pass to the next level.”

She only nodded, hand clutching the pendant.

Massacre.

She watched as the purity of the lake merged with sanguine liquid. Farther up ahead, near the backs, a mountain of carcasses was being built. Some of the other recruits noticed her looking at them and promptly sent a scowl her way.

They were knocked over with a simple returned gaze. Regulus saw this exchange, smirked. This young recruit, the little female brat, was a strange one, yes, but powerful, a perfect tool.

One of the top scientists of the vagabond army neared Regulus, report in hand.

“What have you discovered of our little brat?” asked the commander, sensing his presence. The doctor gave a slight start and cleared his throat.

“Commander, it is as you said. She lacks physical powers, but hosts strong mental abilities. Scouts have seen her using what we would call magic. Speculations exist that she might be able to control elements after she shaped a funnel from water in a bowl.”

“How strong are these abilities”

“The child is still growing, Commander. We estimate, with proper training, that she will easily become quite useful within two weeks.”

“Short amount of time,” whistled Regulus.

“Yes, well, the training will not be...easy, if I may.”

Regulus turned his gaze back to the child building a pyramid of stones. “Do it.”

“A gift from the commander.”

The door shut, leaving her alone in the massive, opulent room. Small steps echoed in the room, eyes peering cautiously at a wrapped box. Delicate, diaphanous hands unwrapped the gift and opened the box.

'I'm a doll...'

An outfit lay at the bottom of the box. Black, it consisted of a mini-skirt, tights, and a top. Below it lay a cloak, long. She had recently acquired combat boots and deemed this was to match them.

'I'm a doll in black...'

“My name is Serenity.”

“What a lovely child,” chuckled the man. Serenity offered a timid smile, shifting her weight. Regulus stood a few feet away, conversing with a king. Within moments, Regulus shouted and demanded his payment.

“I have none to give,” the kind coolly said. Regulus glared with murder in his eyes. His group had lost a solid fourth of its number in completing a mission handed from this man. Now they would receive no payment?

“You will be sorry you ever double crossed us, majesty,” Regulus spat. Serenity was violently taken hold off, crushed against a hard chest. She inhaled sharply, trying to gather air into her lungs.

“Tonight, little brat, you shall show these pathetic nobles what real power is. Is that understood?” Regulus growled in her ear. Serenity breathed, sweet oxygen coursing through her blood.

“Yes, sir.”

“You...”

Her eyes were glazed over as she commanded the towering fire to envelop the majestic palace in its loving fury. The man without legs struggled to reach her, leaving behind a bloody residue. Silver hair fluttered wildly around her face, the tresses, reaching her mid back in normal conditions, lighting up red against the glare of the fire.

“But...you are a child. Such an innocent face...”

Eyes of molten silver turned to the one talking. Her hand slowly rose to touch the man's forehead.

“How did you change?” he asked. She did nothing in response, merely staring. Her eyes suddenly narrowed and the man's head was no more.

Regulus watched, disturbed but oddly satisfied from afar.

'This transformation of yours will be most useful...'

“...frightful...”

“...dangerous...”

“Kill...”

“Monster...”

She ran away from their prying eyes, palms against her ears in an attempt to block out their comments as she passed by. Eyes full of mistrust, they flinched away, jealously afraid.

Blond locks danced before her eyes, her sky-blue eyes beginning to produce pearls. She reached a small stream and fell to her knees. A low, pitiful cry escaped her lips as she slammed fists against the pebbles.

“You are doing very well, little brat.”

“She turns eight by her time in only three weeks.”

“Hear that, brat? A birthday. Well, you have certainly brought this band much reputation. What would you like?”

Serenity tilted her apathetic gaze to meet Regulus. He was sitting atop a throne of corpses, drinking wine from a goblet of gold. His top scientist was by his side, making calculations. By her side were littered body parts, her black outfit stained red.

“Well, speak up, brat. I don't offer this to just anyone.”

Serenity slowly smiled.

“I want...a cat.”

“They say that planet hosts beings that may turn into cats.”

“Planet Mau, eh?” Regulus smirked, biting into an apple. The doors opened. He turned his gaze to the intruder and smiled. Serenity walked in, dragging a bloody toy cat.

“Leave that thing in the fire, brat,” Regulus called. Serenity immediately looked up to him, panic in her eyes. Leave her companion? In the fire?

“Come. See that planet up ahead?”

Serenity turned her attention to the screen of the spaceship. The planet was luscious, tranquil. Its voice called out to her, inviting her to come. She reached out to the image.

“That's right, brat. That's our next stop. There, we will get the present you want.”

“You cannot!”

“Watch me.”

The female screamed in agony as Regulus applied pressure to her wrists. “Let me go!”

“If you do not quiet down, I will kill you. Believe me, wench, I have no qualms with slitting your throat here and now.”

The long haired beauty whimpered in response, crying at her misfortune. She looked back, another whimper rising as she once again saw the ashes of the place she once called home. The ashes of her husband...her daughter...

“You beast!!”

Regulus stood still as her sharp nails dug into his cheek and drew blood. The female glared up at him hatefully, finding some primal satisfaction in seeing her damage. Regulus promptly smacked that joy into death.

“You wish to die,” he snarled into her ear, the female bleeding from a cut lip. He raised his hand to once again attack.

“Commander...”

Regulus growled. “Stay back, brat.” Serenity turned her gaze to the female he had in front of her.

“Who is she?” she demanded, the royalty in her voice popping up. Regulus turned to her, scowling. The child was in her 'state'. It would not be wise to provoke her.

“Return to the ship. You have done a splendid job here. I will be there shortly. Clean up and meet me in my office. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What have you done to that child?” the female cried as Serenity disappeared. Regulus smirked down to her.

“I've done nothing but made her one of the most powerful fighters in the universe.” He leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “She is the tool that guarantees me supreme rule!”

Serenity walked to the office, twisting her hands. Ever since Regulus had told her to get rid of her companion, she had acquired the habit. Her nervousness had risen as well, her guard up more than usual. Though most of the other members of the group kept their distance, she was still wary of them.

'But I get a kitty...'

A smile grew on her face as she recalled what Regulus had said. Anything she wanted for her birthday and she wanted a cat. Ever since she had acquired more of a hold on her powers, Regulus had allowed her to have whatever she wanted, whether it be silly like a ribbon or precious like a gem. Serenity giggled, thinking of the cat she would receive. The child in her awoke and she skipped the remainder of the way, the stars laughing along with her.

A scientist was waiting for her. She glanced up to him curiously. Was another training session scheduled? 'I thought I blew up the materials.'

“Little princess, the commander is waiting for you. Come this way,” he said, using the nickname she had been given when Regulus began to dote on her.

“What does he want me for?” she demanded in a childish tone, taking hold of the scientist's hand. He smiled down to her.

“The commander has gotten you a birthday present. As a growing lady, it is imperative that you have a caretaker that is able to groom you into a proper young woman. As such, you will be truly invaluable to our operations. You are an investment.”

Serenity tilted her head, a bit confused. The scientist merely shook his head, turning a corner. Regulus was sitting behind his desk. Serenity shivered a little.

“There you are, little brat,” Regulus grinned. Serenity have a slight curtsy, her dark outfit ruffling. Regulus banished the scientist and motioned for serenity to near the him. She sat down on a chair before him, waiting for him to speak.

“You said you would like a cat as a present. Do I recall correctly?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, then, consider your present fulfilled.”

Serenity's face lit up in hopeful expectation, clapping her hands, smiling. Regulus almost scowled before remembering what he had been told. She was still just a child.

“What kind of kitty did you get?” the child asked.

Regulus motioned for a servant to come near. Serenity looked to him, anxious, the basket holding her attention. Adorned with a red ribbon, she guessed that was where the cat was.

“Meet Luna,” Regulus said as Serenity was given the gift. A cat of dark purple color with blue eyes looked up to her. Serenity squealed with joy, picking up the feline.

“She has a crescent moon!”

“Luna will be with you at all times. She is from planet Mau.”

Serenity stilled, her eyes locked on the cat's. 'From...Mau...'

Did that star not call out its goodbye only moments ago?

Had she not personally seen to the destruction of the royal family?

Was it not she who had helped exterminate that voice?

Serenity dropped Luna, taking a step back. This cat was a being from an annihilated planet.

So why did it look so gentle?

Regulus growled in annoyance. Did he not acquire the thing she wanted? What was the point if the brat was just going to drop the stupid animal and run away?

“What have you done to her?” Luna again asked, looking at the direction which Serenity had taken. Regulus ignored her, standing and preparing his next conquest. “She...she's not a child. She's...she's something else. It is as if, deep down, some shard has entered her pure soul and slowly corrupted her.”

“She is a tool,” Regulus coldly stated. “A tool to be used and controlled. I took that brat in when we destroyed the planet she lived in. Can you believe such a pitiful thing was the only survivor of the massacre?”

“You spared her like you did me? Are you then going to transform me into another tool?” Luna hotly demanded, tears forming once more in her cat eyes. Regulus smirked to her.

“You will become a tool, yes, but,” he intercepted her coming remark, “you will not be my tool.”

Luna made a face, unsure of what he made. A thought drifted in and she took on her human form, aghast. “I will not be the one who pleases your men! I'd rather die!”

“You will do no such thing,” Regulus scoffed. “My men have better females to do so.” He walked over to her slowly, Luna taking steps back in an attempt to distance herself from the murderer.

“I need you here, Luna, to complete the experiment.” He tilted her chin upwards.

“Your mistress will be that little brat that just ran out of here. You are in charge of her well-being and up keeping. If I find even a single scratch, a single dent in her training as a warrior, any negative things to keep her from being the warrior I created, I will kill you.”

That planet certainly had a lot of water. She giggled, reaching out to trace patterns on the top with her finger. Her smiling reflection smiled up at her, highlighted by the consuming fire behind her.

Luna's form soon appeared by her. She was in her adult form, long hair blowing in the wind. Luna knelt down, watching her charge. Serenity smiled up to her.

“Luna, look at the water! It's so beautiful.”

Luna tried to smile, to match the naive behavior of the child. She found she could not. An entire city was being destroyed behind the two, simply because a man had taken an interest in the prodigious child. Luna shivered, trying her best to hide her fears from the child.

“What is it, Luna?” Serenity nevertheless asked. The child was too mature for her years. Her eyes, which had changed back to their sky-blue color, looked up at her in a cold way despite the gentle face. What had happened to this child? How was she so easily molded into the tool she was now?

“Are you remembering the destruction of your planet?” the hushed voice asked. Luna inhaled sharply, looking straight ahead, away from the child. Serenity continued in her serious, yet child voice. “Are you remembering how the screams sounded? How your heart ached when it found out...you could not save those you love?”

“Stop it,” Luna whispered.

“Are you recalling the pain of losing those close to you?”

“Please, Serenity, stop!”

Small arms wrapped around her neck, bringing her down to rest against the small shoulder of the child. Serenity made soothing noises, gently patting Luna's hair as the older woman cried. “It's ok, Luna. It's ok. You don't ever have to be scared again. I'm here to protect you.”

Luna cried out, hugging the child close. Serenity smiled into the locks.

“You don't need anyone else, Luna. I'm strong enough to make sure you don't hurt.”

'This time, I promise I won't let you leave me.'

Serenity's eight birthday passed. She received some gifts which she happily placed in a special pouch.

“What is that?” Luna asked, brushing the child's hair that night. Serenity smiled up to her in the mirror.

“It's from Bur. She gave it to me this morning.”

“Who is this 'Bur'? I do not recall anyone having that name.”

“Silly Luna,” Serenity giggled, jumping from the chair and heading to her bed. She dragged herself up, going to the middle and moving over so Luna could also climb in. Luna slept with her charge to ensure nothing bad happened during the night. Serenity was prone to having vivid nightmares and Regulus had long since tired of hearing the child's wrenching screams.

“Bur is not in the group.”

“Then where is this being?”

“In the sky!”

“Does she fly?” Luna continued, smiling at the childish antics of Serenity. Said girl shook her head fiercely, taking hold of one of her new dolls.

“Nope! Bur lives in the sky, surrounded by planets.”

“A goddess?” Luna guessed in shock.

“No!” Serenity laughed. “Bur's a star!”

“A star? A star gave you that pouch? Impossible!”

“Bur is a star,” serenity stated firmly. “Bur has been talking to me for a long time now.”

“Is Bur female?”

“I don't know. Bur's a star. I can ask if you want, though.”

“You...can speak to stars?”

“Yes, can't you?”

“Of course not. Such a thing...I cannot believe it to be dreamed of, let alone possible.”

“You don't believe me either.” Luna looked to Serenity. She seemed depressed with that notion, playing with the doll's hair.

“I cannot come to grips with your assertion, child,” Luna tried to explain. “I have heard of magic and many other theories, but communicating with stars?”

“Do you not think they are alive? Stars, who are the providers of life to planets?”

“I do not say that, Serenity. I just fail to believe – no, imagine! - that stars might have a...a voice of their own to use. If that is the case, why do they not speak up?”

“Why do we not listen?” countered the child. “What use is screaming out for help if those that can provide the help fail to listen?”

Luna gaped at her. Serenity looked out the window to the velvet night. With a soft little sigh, she made herself comfortable and tucked the covers around her. “Good night, Luna. Please don't wake me up too early tomorrow, ok?”

Luna could have laughed.

“Our goal is to acquire this planet's resources quickly. The strategy has already been laid out. As mentioned before, we shall be taken pods to reach the planet in an effort to minimize our presence. After landing on the planet, you are expected at the rendezvous point. Is that understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“Move out, soldiers!”

Luna watched shakily as the burly men and lethal women filed out of the room. Serenity was by her side, holding her hand. The child seemed a bit bored, holding on to a doll. Barely a week had passed since her eight birthday. Regulus finished talking with his chief tactician and walked over to the two. “How are you, brat?” he growled. Serenity beamed up at him.

“I'm fine! Luna gave me candy for being good.”

“Did she now?” Luna fidgeted nervously. Although Serenity had stepped in to protect her from Regulus in the few weeks she had spent in the company, Regulus still scared her.

“Uh, huh! It was a strange flavor, though,” continued the girl. Regulus nodded and motioned for htem to follow him out of the room. Serenity skipped along.

“This is a big mission, brat. You will be the last to land. Luna will accompany you in the pod. With you being so small there's enough room for her. You remember what you have to do when you get to the planet?”

“Find you and wait for further instructions,” replied the child, all notion of innocence suddenly evaporating. Luna still reeled from this change.

“Exactly. Luna will be given a scanner in order for you to find me quickly. You are to not talk to any other being. Do not stop for anything. You must not wander off, brat. Do you understand?”

“Perfectly. When shall we leave?”

“Now.”

Luna clutched Serenity to her chest, dodging the fire that was all around. Serenity's grip was tight despite her barely breathing. Luna tripped over a corpse and gave a yell. She turned to save Serenity from the impact with the ground. Breathing heavily, tears leaking forth, Luna remained sprawled on the ground, looking up at the red sky.

'How fitting...the sky bleeds...'

They had been betrayed and discovered. Regulus was dead, cut into pieces. While Luna detested the man, she had not wanted to be present at the scene when he was slain. Shouts warned her of impending death – that and the gushing wound at her side. She struggled up as she felt Serenity's heart pump against her own. She herself would not live, but this child...this broken child certainly had a chance. Luna dashed to shorten the distance from the pod. She gave a strangled groan as a blast pierced her chest, barely missing Serenity, who had woken up in time to have blood splatter over her face. Despite the new and fatal injury, Luna closed the distance and immediately strapped in the the struggling, desperate child. Serenity cried out in agony, wanting to stay behind and protect Luna.

“I promised you!”shrieked the child. “I promised!”

“You are destined for more.” Luna gave a little smile, kissing the child's forehead. Serenity tried to hug her, the one who had temporarily showed her motherly love, but Luna pried her away. “You are a child of the stars. Go, fly with them. May they protect you always.”

The pod closed as Serenity wailed inside, trying to break free. The stars inside, however, where suddenly holding her back, trying to soothe the hysterical child.

“Luna!!”

The pod rose, gaining the speed it needed to reach a new destination. Miles away, Serenity was able to see the planet bleed red...

The tremor from something slamming against the hard ground sent shock waves all throughout Mt. Pao. A family sitting down for lunch was startled as the appliances and the whole house shook. The little boy, who had been in the process of seeing how much rice he could fit into his mouth, was covered in the white food. His older brother tried to hold down the shaking table while the father stood, grabbing his wife.

“What was that?” cried the little boy in excitement, forgetting his face was coated with rice. His mother shook his head. The elder son looked to his dad.

“I didn't feel anything, did you dad?”

“No, son, but we can't be too careful. Let's go check it out.”

The son nodded and followed his father out the door, mother and younger brother close behind.

“Be careful, Gohan! Goku, be back by dinner!”

The famous family is now included and the story will finally be worthy of calling it a crossover. I hope this chapter was up to par to the other two, though I'm doubting it. I promise to do my best to keep the quality at the same level if not higher. I would like some opinions; I do answer reviews. Until next time.

Remember, we are all made of stars...

CosmosAngel1