Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ.
Warning: I don't use certain language so I underline words that might be stronger language. I foresee sap in this story. Consider yourself warned. The characters (particularly Vegeta) might be a little OOC, but not anymore (in fact, probably less) than most of the other stories I've read on fanfiction. Trunks is 11 in this story. Oh yes, and I use the name Bulla instead of Bra because I go by the pronunciation in the English shows. Sorry for whomever that bothers. I also welcome flames as long as you don't flame anything you've already been warned about.
To Make You Proud
The sun was out and the Brief family was having an afternoon picnic on their lawn. Vegeta, as usual, was standing against a tree on the far side of the yard looking off into the distance while the rest of the family ate. Mrs. Briefs was serving lemonade and Professor Briefs and Bulma were discussing their latest theories for new inventions. Trunks was playing with his 16 month old sister.
"Where's the ducky, Bulla?" Trunks teased, hiding the small stuffed animal under the blanket.
"Thea!" Bulla pointed her chubby little finger with excitement.
"You better come and get it," Trunks smiled.
Bulla jumped on top of him, reaching for the duck as she giggled with delight.
Suddenly Vegeta's eyes widened and he let out a surprised breath. What was that power he'd just sensed? Without turning his head he called orders to the family. "Everyone, get inside!"
"Oh dear, what's that?" Professor Briefs looked toward his son-in-law.
"What is it, Vegeta?" Bulma asked.
"I don't know. Something with a lot of power. Just do as I say," Vegeta answered, staring intently into the sky. It was coming closer.
"Come on, Bulla, honey," Bulma lifted her youngest child. "You too Trunks," she called as she quickly moved inside.
Trunks took a few paces toward the house, but then turned, lingering.
"What are you waiting for, son?" Vegeta never turned his attention. His apprehension was growing.
"I sense it too, Dad."
"Get inside with your mother."
"But I can help."
"Not this time."
"But…"
"Now, Trunks! I'm not going to say it again!" Vegeta raised his voice, urgency in his tone.
Trunks sighed with disappointment and walked into the house. His father never said he couldn't watch from the window. Quickly the curious eleven-year old went to the front room and peeked out the blinds to see what would happen. He watched as a large burly man with blue hair and purple skin landed a few feet off from Vegeta. The two talked for a short while and then the burly man flew away with a smirk. Finally Vegeta turned back toward the house, staring straight at the spot Trunks was watching from with an angry scowl. Trunks' eyes widened and he quickly jumped away from the window, moving to the chair on the other side of the living room before Vegeta entered through the front door.
Vegeta focused immediately on his son. "The next time I tell you to get inside the house, I mean all the way inside, Trunks, not glued to the front window, do you understand me?"
"Yes," Trunks answered.
"Where's your mother," Vegeta looked away.
"I don't know," Trunks replied.
Vegeta started out of the room and Trunks hopped out of the chair to follow. He tried not to show how much he wanted to know what was going on.
"What was it, honey, is everything ok?" Bulma was highly alert as Vegeta walked into the room. She still clutched her little girl to her chest.
"I want all of you to stay here and don't leave the house. I must go to meet this guy in the wilderness in one hour."
"One hour?" Bulma was surprised. "What if it's a trap?"
"I'm sure it is a trap, but he'll get what's coming to him, you can be sure of that," Vegeta smirked. It had been awhile since he'd had a challenge and he could sense from this brute's strength this would be a good one. He was looking forward to it.
"He sure will," Trunks smirked too. "We'll pulverize him, right dad?"
Vegeta's smirked turned to an angry glare at his son. "I will pulverize him, yes. You will stay right here."
Trunks let out a breath of indignance. "But I can help, dad! You never give me a chance to show you what I can do!"
"This one is too dangerous for you, Trunks," Vegeta turned away.
"Listen to your father, dear" Bulma added.
"I fought Majin Buu, didn't I?" Trunks protested, ignoring his mother completely.
Vegeta growled, growing impatient. His son had been far too bold about his strength since he and Goten had fought that monster when he was eight. He'd grown in strength since then, yes, but he was still a foolish child; unaware of the dangers some enemies possessed. He was cocky and Vegeta had seen it get him into trouble before. The kid was constantly trying to be a hero, and all the more so since he'd been given that silly sword by that guy… what was his name? Oh yes, Tapian. Perhaps a new strategy was in order.
"Come here," Vegeta walked across the room, knowing Trunks would follow. He didn't want anyone to hear what he would tell him.
Trunks was a little bit nervous as he followed, wondering if he was going to get in trouble for arguing. Once they were on the other side of the room, out of ear-shot, Vegeta looked down at his son and began speaking. Trunks looked up. His father's eyes were getting closer and closer. Trunks eyes were at the same level as his father's shoulders now. One day they'd be even. The thought of that was very exciting to him now.
"You are a strong boy, Trunks, and that's why I need you to stay here. I need you to protect your mother and sister from harm. Do you understand?" Vegeta wondered how this would go over.
Trunks blinked. His father wanted him to protect his family? Hmm… that was pretty noble, right? It was being part of the team… But Trunks really wanted to go with his father and be a part of the action. How could he ever show his father how proud he could be of him if Vegeta never let him come along?
A few more seconds went by while Trunks contemplated and finally he frowned, looking down. It wasn't the job he wanted, but at least it was a job. "Yes."
"Good," Vegeta smirked once again.
"But Dad, I could help, right? If my job wasn't to protect mom and Bulla?" Trunks was looking for reassurance that his father knew his strength.
Vegeta scowled. How thick was this kid's skull? "Someday, son, but not now. You're still a boy. You'll grow stronger with time, but until then stop arguing and accept your responsibility as is," Vegeta walked back to the others.
Trunks watched him, mouth open for a few seconds, then he clenched his fists and growled, angrily. He'd show his father just how strong he really was! One way or another.
