Chapter Three

"And that's the story," Goku said, shrugging innocently at them all, like it was just that simple. He decided it was best to leave out the details about who Trunks's mother was and where Vegeta was living in the future.

Chi Chi walked slowly over to Goku and looked him straight in the eyes. She knew Goku wasn't a liar. "Well, I for one believe him," Chi Chi said firmly.

"So do I," Krillin said.

Gohan gave a firm nod.

"That settles that," Master Roshi said.

Bulma looked at all of her friends, she was very upset about the loss of Yamcha, and Vegeta had a big part in his death. Now there was this future Vegeta who was supposed to be some kind of friend, and he was also going to help Goku save the earth from some bug? "I'm not saying I don't believe you Goku, it's just how can you possible let Vegeta live on earth in the future, after all he did?"

"Bulma," Goku said, "Vegeta has changed. He has helped me save the planet a couple of times. He is no longer evil."

Trunks gave a snort. "That depends on what side of the bed he wakes up on," Trunks mumbled, then he froze, realizing he spoke a little too loud.

Vegeta glared at his son, until Trunks shrunk away, looking sufficiently sorry. Then he turned to Goku "If you are finished blabbing, Kakarot, I have other thing I want explained." He turned back to Trunks. "Now tell us why you and Goten are here. And I know it may be hard, but try to tell the truth."

Trunks glanced at his dad, and then to Goten, then back to Vegeta. "We...are...here...because…," at every word Trunks backed up. He quickly signaled to Goten, who nodded back at him..

Goten slowly moved away from Goku and moving toward Trunks.

Goku followed Goten with his eyes, raising his brows curiously.

"RUN!" Trunks yelled, and with that, the two shot up to the sky like cannon balls. All they had to do was get to the clouds and then hide their energy. They were almost there, just a bit farther. But they weren't fast enough. Both demi saiyans were immediately stopped by strong hands holding them by the scruffs of their necks.

Goten's and Trunks's legs were still moving like they were running in the air, but they were not going anywhere.

"Nice try," Vegeta told them with a smug smile. "But I am not playing anymore."

Goku came to join, followed closely by Gohan and Krillin, leaving two very angry banshees on the ground.

"That was some escape plan," Goku said mockingly. "RUN!" Goku yelled imitating Trunks. "Hee hee hee."

Trunks did not like being mocked. "It's worked before," he told Goku, crossing his arms in front. But Goku was still snickering.

"Only because I was too angry," Vegeta growled. "I was afraid of what I might do when I caught you." He roughly released the two pint-sized saiyans and cracked his knuckles threatenly. "No more games."

Looking around, Trunks sighed. They were surrounded.

"Trunks, let's just tell them," Goten said. "We don't have a choice."

Vegeta gave a short, arrogant, "Hmph!"

"Fine," Trunks dramatically rolled his eyes. "We too were sent to capture this bug. But not by Baba, by some weird dude named...Mr. Talulah?"

Everyone raised an eyebrow.

"That's not how you say it," Goten said. "It's Tralloosa." He frowned. "Trylasa?"

"That's not any closer," Trunks snapped. "How about Tralulah."

"Tra la la la la?" Goten giggled.

"La la la la!" Trunks finished the melody, laughing too.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Vegeta yelled. "If you were sent here for the same reason Kakarot and I were, you can go right back on home. This is not a job for two little kids."

"WHAT!" Trunks yelled.

"We can catch The Bug," Goten yelled.

They both glared at Vegeta with their nostrils flaring and steam coming out.

"Ha," Vegeta scoffed. "You two can hardly managed not to wet yourselves at the candy store. Let alone trying to capture a convict."

"That's not true Dad! Take it back," Trunks yelled.

"No," Vegeta said.

"I think they stand a chance," Goku said, looking at the two kids. "They both are very creative, and they are incredibly strong for their ages. They have been able to accomplish a whole lot in their short lives."

"Ha! See, Vegeta. My dad believes in us," Goten said proudly.

Vegeta raised a brow. "Kakarot's not that much brighter than you two."

"TAKE THAT BACK!" Gohan and Goten yelled in unison.

"I don't know about that," Goku said thoughtfully. "The homework Chi Chi gives Goten is way past my understanding."

Everyone sweat dropped.

Vegeta shook his head. He turned back to Goten and Trunks. "My point exactly."

"No way!" Trunks said. "I'll bet you that Goten and I will capture The Bug before you do," he challenged.

"Well, who am I to decline a challenge from my own son? "Vegeta asked with a wicked smile.

All conversation was stopped by a large growl coming from Goku's stomach.

"Uh? Can we get something to eat before we start this competition?" Goku asked, sheepishly. "I'm starving!"

"Goku, it doesn't matter how old you are, you will never change," Krillin said lowering his head.

Vegeta at first looked angry at Goku's request until his stomach growled loudly too. He turned away and cleared his throat. That was a good enough yes for Goku.

"Chi Chi can cook us some food," Goku declared excitedly. Then he flew down to talk to his wife.

Everyone followed.

On the ground Bulma and Chi Chi were fuming. After ranting about being left out, and how unfair this was, they ended up just glaring at the sky, until they saw them flying back down. A moment later Goku landed right next to Chi Chi.

"Hey, Chi Chi, we're all kind of hungry, can you cook us something to eat?" Goku asked with a pleading smile.

Chi Chi looked at everyone, she did love to cook and now she was going to be able to cook for her second son Goten. "I suppose but we will have to go home."

"Great, let's go!" Goku said.

Bulma took out her plane capsule and Poof! it was a plane again. "Alright, everyone get on."

Goku was first on the plane, looking forward to eating his wife's cooking. Bulma took the pilot seat and, to her surprise, Vegeta was in the copilot seat next to her. "What exactly do you think you are doing in that seat?" Bulma asked through gritted teeth.

Vegeta appeared confused, until he realized what he'd done. He sat in the copilot seat out of habit, but this Bulma in the past did not know that. Recovering with his usual, "Hmph," he asked, "What does it look like I am doing?"

"Do you have to sit there?" Bulma shot back. "Couldn't you sit by your son? Or Goku? Or outside the plane?" If Vegeta thought that because in the future every one forgave him, and that she should too, he could forget it.

"Still fuming about that weakling's death, I see," Vegeta said with derision.

"Nothing gets past you," Bulma responded sarcastically. "And Yamcha was not a weakling. You're just a monster."

Vegeta didn't respond. Instead, he crossed his arms and looked out the window.

"Uh, can we go now," Goku asked, sticking his head in between them, completely oblivious to the tension.

Bulma shot him with a heated scowl, and Goku pulled his head back. Then in her anger she took off at full speed, causing everyone to fly into the back of the plane, except Vegeta who sat comfortably in the front seat.

"Aah!" Everyone screamed as they plane increased in altitude. Goku had quickly grabbed Chi Chi to protect her, but everyone else was in a massive heap. When the plane finally righted itself, Trunks shove Master Roshi off him and said, "Mom's sure in a foul mood."

Vegeta's head whipped around toward his son.

"Oops," Trunks said, wincing.

The plane lurched to a sudden stop. Everyone, including Vegeta went flying forward this time.

"Aah!" Everyone screamed again.

"Mm...m...m...mom?" Bulma stuttered as they plane dove to the ground.

"Woman! Get a hold of yourself and fly the plane," Vegeta demanded. But it was no use, Bulma was gone. Vegeta realizing this, quickly reached over Bulma and grabbed the controls and pulled the plane up before it hit a mountain. He then pushed the autopilot button.

Everyone gave a sigh in relief. They all were very still for a moment but Vegeta broke the silence.

"Trunks, what were you thinking?" Vegeta yelled.

"Sorry dad, I forgot," Trunks deeply apologized.

"Are you saying that Trunks is Vegeta and Bulma's kid, no way," Krillin said.

"It's true," Goku told them. "Vegeta and Bulma got together when Vegeta came to live on earth."

"That is enough of my personal life Kakarot," Vegeta said quite annoyed.

It was a quiet journey all the way to Master Roshi's island, where Oolong, Puar, and Master Roshi were dropped off. (I also don't want them in my fanfic.)

Bulma still sat in the pilot seat in a complete daze. Vegeta would glance at her here and there. Trunks was worried that his mother might have gone into a coma and it was his fault. A half hour later they landed in Chi Chi's yard. Everyone started to get off the plane except Bulma.

"Dad, shouldn't we do something about mom?" Trunks asked in a worried tone.

"No, leave her be. She will be alright as soon as she gets over the shock," Vegeta told his son.

They all sat around a table outside, while Chi Chi prepared the meal.

"You know, I have never seen Bulma like that," Goku said.

"Yeah. Normally she just yells when she isn't happy about something," Krillin added.

"I don't think she likes the idea of her and Vegeta having a son," Gohan said.

Then all three of them nodded in agreement.

"Shut up!" Vegeta roared.

Goten and Trunks sat in the plane staring at Bulma.

"Wow, she hasn't blinked for an hour," Goten said.

"Man, I wish I would have kept my mouth shut." Trunks leaned his head back against the copilot seat. He felts so bad.

Goten got a little closer to Bulma. "Hey, Trunks, maybe we should poke her. Ya'know, to see if she's still alive."

Trunks growled, "She not dead, Goten! My mom's just in shock because she is married to Vegeta in the future."

That did it!

"WHAAAAAT?!" Bulma cried out. She got out of the plane and walked as fast as she could to Vegeta.

"Oh no," Trunks said, realizing that he just opened his big mouth again.

Vegeta heard the loud yell and saw Bulma storming towards him, he stiffened.

Bulma no longer had any logic in her, when she reached Vegeta she grabbed the front of his training armor with both hands and pulled him toward her. "How the heck is it possible that we have a kid?"

Vegeta grabbed hold of her wrists and easily yanked her hands off his armor. "It is nothing you need to be concerned about now, Woman," he told her.

"Shut it! I have a good reason to be concerned," Bulma said in Vegeta's face. She was too angry and surprised to be scared of him. She then stopped as she thought of something horrible, then looked at Vegeta desperately, "Did you force yourself on me?" she asked in horror. "Because I can understand if you did, I am very beautiful." Bulma placed the back of her delicate hand against her forehead like a damsel in distress.

Vegeta took a step back in shock. "No I did not!" he yelled.

"Then what happened?" Bulma demanded.

Vegeta could see that she wasn't going to forget about it and he wasn't about to explain anything in front of Kakarot and the others. They were all staring intently at the two of them, even Chi Chi came out of the house to watch. Vegeta growled and then stepped toward Bulma.

Bulma turned to run but she didn't even take one step before Vegeta had her around the waist and took off towards the sky.

"Bulma!" Krillin called, readying himself to go after her.

"Don't worry Krillin. Vegeta just wants to explain in private about what happened," Goku said. "Hey Cheech, is the food ready yet?"

In the air, Bulma was screaming bloody murder, "Aah! I'm sorry Vegeta! Aah! I don't want to die! GOKU!"

"Bulma, stop it," Vegeta commanded, scooping up her legs and holding on more tightly so she couldn't squirm. "I'm not going to harm you."

Bulma did stop trying to thrash about, but she could help how her body shook nervously. Vegeta flew on for a minute more and when he was satisfied that they were far enough away, landed and then set Bulma down next to a cliff wall. Bulma leaned against the wall to steady herself.

"Now you can ask about what happened," Vegeta said calmly.

Bulma stared at Vegeta for a moment, trying to regain her courage. Then she asked, "Why am I not with Yamcha? Is he still dead? How did I end up with you?"

Vegeta gave a deep sigh. "Yamcha is alive. You wish everyone back with the dragon balls. Later, you break up with him. We learn about some powerful creatures that threaten the earth. So, for three years, we all were training. I was staying with you because you had built a gravity room that I was able to increase my strength faster. During those three years you and I got together."

"Did we fall in love?" Bulma asked, blushing.

"Bulma, I will not tell you anymore, so drop it now. In time, you will find out for yourself," Vegeta said. Then he reached his hand out to Bulma.

Bulma looked at the gloved white hand, biting her lip. She lifted her hand and slowly placed it in his. He pulled her toward him and lifted her back up in his arms and they flew back toward the house.

When they got there, everyone stopped eating to stare at them as they landed. Vegeta ignored them, walked over to the table, and started scarfing down food. Shortly followed by everyone else. All five saiyans were stuffing food into their mouths, while everyone else watched in horror.

A little while later, Gohan was enjoying eating his mother's cooking, when a hand clasped over his mouth and three other little hands grabbed him by both shoulders and around his waist. He was quickly pulled under the table where Goten and Trunks were. He didn't like being dragged away from his food and was about to ask what was going on, but Trunks signaled him to be quiet and follow. So Gohan followed in ignorance, not knowing Goten's and Trunks's mischievous reputation. All three of the boys crawled quietly under the table. Once out from under the table, the scrambled on their bellies until they made it behind a boulder.

"What is it?" Gohan asked.

Trunks smiled innocently, placing an arm around Gohan's shoulder. "We need a little favor from you."

Gohan frowned uncertainly at them, which they countered with pleading eyes. "What do I have to do?" he asked nervously, glancing back and forth between the two older saiyans.

Trunks explained his plan, when he was finished Gohan exclaimed, "I can't do that! My mom doesn't like me to lie."

Trunks shook his head and sighed, "Gohan, Gohan, Gohan. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Do you really want to be a momma's boy?"

"No, but this doesn't seem right," Gohan replied.

Trunks stood right in front of Gohan and put his hands on each of Gohan's shoulders. "Is it right to let my dad win this little competition? I mean how high are you willing to let the Prince of Saiyan's pride soar? If Goten and I don't win this, we will be shamed."

"But," Gohan interrupted.

"Listen, Gohan. My dad needs to learn to respect us kids. We three are the only half saiyans and we need to stick together." Trunks said as solemnly as he could manage. He hoped that Gohan was buying it. Goten always did.

Gohan looked down at his feet. It was true, from the little that Gohan actually saw of Vegeta, he did seem to have a lot of pride.

"Please, Gohan," Goten whined. "Trunks and I need a head start if we are going to capture The Bug. Besides, this is a good way for us to get back at Vegeta for being mean to dad."

Gohan scrunched his face. Then said, "Okay."

Gohan returned to the table. He slumped back in his chair.

The table of food was completely gone. Goku leaned back and patted his stomach. "That was a great meal Chi Chi." He got to his feet and stretched for a while.

Chi Chi looked quite proud, that was her first time cooking for so many saiyans. It was also her first time cooking for her second son, Goten. She couldn't wait to get to know the boy. "Goten, did you like the meal?" There was no answer, in fact Goten wasn't at the table. "Gohan, do you know where Goten went?"

Here it goes, thought Gohan, "Um, he and Trunks are sitting over there." Everyone looked at where Gohan was pointing.

A little ways away, you could see the back of Trunks and Goten. They looked as if they were sitting down with their backs to everyone.

Chi Chi started to walk over to the boys, "Well, then I'll just go ask..."

But Gohan quickly got in front of her, "NO...I mean they obviously look like they are doing something important." Gohan felt so guilty about all of this.

"What can be more important than telling me about my cooking." Chi Chi said, sweeping past Gohan.

Gohan again got in front of her, "They are talking about...uh...YOU!"

Gohan new that he was in for it now.

Chi Chi stopped and looked at Gohan with a surprised look. "Me? What about me?"

"They want to do something nice for you...because you fed them."

Chi Chi was radiated with joy, making Gohan feel about the size of a slug. "Well, aren't they thoughtful. They obviously don't take after their fathers." Chi Chi turned around and glared at Goku and Vegeta.

Goku wasn't paying attention. He was enjoying the bliss of a full belly.

Chi Chi walked back over to the table.

"What are Trunks and Goten up to?" Bulma asked Chi Chi.

Chi Chi was about to answer when Vegeta stood up abruptly. Everyone watched as he raised his right hand towards Goten and Trunks. Then he started to power up a blast.

"Vegeta what are you doing?" Bulma asked in alarm.

But Vegeta didn't answer. A blue energy ball came out of his hand and headed straight toward Goten and Trunks. There was a large explosion and all that was left of the boys was ash.

"GOTEN!" Chi Chi screamed at the same time Bulma screamed for Trunks. They ran as fast as they could to where the boys once were. As they looked at nothing but the ashes, tears welled up in both of the mother's eyes.

Krillin couldn't believe what he just saw, Vegeta was Trunks's father and he just killed him. He looked at Vegeta, there was no remorse on his face. If anything, his face said he was satisfied. Goku stood up but he wasn't upset about what just happened either. Gohan only looked nervous. This didn't make sense.

Bulma walked slowly over to Vegeta. How could he? What kind of man did she marry in the future? She was almost there when Chi Chi past her like lightning.

Chi Chi ran up to Goku, "How could you let him do that?" she yelled in rage.

Goku looked down at his wife with nothing but compassion on his face. "It's okay, Chi Chi."

"It's seems those two brats wanted a head start." Vegeta said while looking at the spot he had just blasted.

Goku nodded in agreement.

"What do you mean?" Bulma asked.

"I'm...uh...going to help wash the dishes," Gohan said and he quickly grabbed some of the dishes. He had to get out of here.

"Hold it brat," Vegeta told Gohan.

Gohan froze.

Goku looked at Gohan, "Come here, Gohan."

Gohan walked over to his dad, he hung his head low. He never was in trouble with his father, that Trunks was a bad influence. "Yes, Dad?"

"Did Goten and Trunks ask you to cover for them while they went to find The Bug?"

"Yes."

Chi Chi watched as her son told Goku what he was supposed to do while Goten and Trunks were gone. Her son for the first time ever, lied to her. Well he was in trouble. "Gohan, get inside, I want to talk to you," Chi Chi said firmly.

"Yes, Mom." Gohan walked very slowly into the house.

Goku felt bad for his son. "Chi Chi, go easy on him, Trunks can be very influencing."

Even though Bulma was relieved to realize that Vegeta didn't really blast her son, she still had to ask, "How were you so sure that wasn't them? If you made a mistake then they would be dead."

"Do you think I raised a wimp?" Vegeta asked.

"Bulma," Goku said, "Goten and Trunks are both incredibly strong. That blast wouldn't have scratched them."

"Let's go, Kakarot," Vegeta growled taking to the sky.

"Bye," Goku waved following.

Check out my first published novel, A GRIM AWAKENING: THE FOREST OF HOLLOW. It is now up for sale. If you are interested, search it up on Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. Also, there is a book trailer on Youtube!

Here is a synopsis -

Awaken to a grim world once hidden before your eyes.

There must be something wrong with 13-year-old, Ian Grim. Why else would Mitchel Trent, who everyone believes to be the nicest guy in school, bully him? Why did everyone at school give him nasty looks and whisper about him in spiteful gossip? Even teachers didn't like him. They always made him sit in the far corner of their classrooms where it was easy to ignore him. Even more hurtful, was the fact that Ian's own father blatantly ignored him. If it wasn't for his loving mother; his fun, yet psycho, younger brother; and his own sparkling sarcastic personality; Ian might think his life was a bit difficult. That is, until his mother goes missing one night.

In a twist of cruel irony, his father finally pays Ian's some attention only to threaten his life and force him on the run. Desperate for answers, Ian is compelled to accept help from Mitchel, the "nice" bully from school. That's when Ian learns that his mother was taken by the Reaper.

If Ian wishes to save his mother, he must first survive his father. And in order to do that, he will need to learn of the spirit world, discover his own power, and embrace his role in an ongoing shadow war, before the Reaper tears his world apart.