A/N: This chapter starts out in Athea's P.O.V. It changes throughout the chapter, so watch for that. I'm sure you guys will know when! I wanted to progress the story a little, but not by much. Hope you all are happy with the way this chapter turned out!

Happy reading!

Life as We Know It

Phase XXXVII: Accidents Happen

A few weeks went by without me and Vegeta repeating our...time together. I felt my face heat thinking about it, glancing over at the man in question. I quickly looked away as he lifted his head, feeling his gaze on me for several minutes before I got up from the table, excusing myself.

I went outside, hoping the man didn't follow me. Vegeta seemed to take it upon himself to become my shadow these past few days, hovering around me and making me highly uncomfortable. I didn't know what to say to him, didn't really know what to think about the whole situation. What do you say to a guy that you slept with? I bit my lip, watching Trunks and Goten shoot into the sky. I blasted off after them, hearing the sliding door open. I knew it was Vegeta without looking. I just wanted some space...was that too much to ask for!?

I looked behind me, the wind blowing my hair in my face. I tucked it behind my ear, letting out a relieved sigh when I didn't see the prince following me. I felt a sliver of guilt, but quickly dismissed it. I shouldn't feel any guilt, I had a right to have time to myself dammit! I felt overwhelmed, having this incident happening a second time did not help the anxiety hovering over me these past couple weeks.

Trunks and Goten finally stopped in a clearing, and I hovered in the air for a moment before following. They both looked over as I landed, shooting me grins.

"You wanna spar with us Aunti 'Thea?" Goten asked, powering up.

My brows raised for a second before I silently shook my head. What was he talking about anyway? I didn't know how to fight.

"No," I said quietly, "I just wanted to watch."

Trunks shrugged. "Suite yourself," he said, before they both launched themselves at each other.

My eyes widened as I watched, my gaze moving between the two young men as they threw punches and kicks, every now and then separating and throwing ki blasts at each other. My mouth was dry the whole time, watching the two boys go at each other, wandering if it was at all possible for me to actually do something like that.

They sparred until lunchtime, stopping when Goten started complaining that he was hungry. I let out a chuckle, shaking my head. He was just like his father. The young man shot me a grin, waving and saying goodbye to his friend before blasting off, heading towards home for something to eat.

It was quiet in the clearing for several minutes, until Trunks turned towards me sitting on the ground, clearing his throat. I quirked a brow in question.

"Come on Auntie, let's spar some," Trunks said lightly, a slow smile appearing on his lips as my eyes widened.

"Uh, Trunks..." I swallowed, licking my suddenly dry lips. "I don't know how to fight."

A snort came out of the young man, causing my eyes to narrow. I glared at him, ignoring him shaking his head. He muttered something.

"What?" I asked, crossing my arms.

He eyed me for a moment before strolling over, crossing his own arms. His eyes looked troubled.

"I said," Trunks stated softly, at odds with the hardening of his features, "that my father really did a number on you, didn't he?"

I stayed silent, dropping my gaze to the ground. I swallowed, not sure what to say. I looked back up at Trunks as he sighed.

"Come on," he said softly, holding his hand out, "I'll show you some techniques. And maybe you'll realize you're not completely dependent on my father," Trunks muttered the last sentence, curling his fingers around my hand when I laid it in his. He jerked me to a standing position, studying me for a moment before moving back into the middle of the clearing. He looked over at me, waiting.

I swallowed with difficulty, hesitating only for a moment before walking over to stand opposite him. I fidgeted, rubbing my arm as I waited to see what he would show me first.

Trunks suddenly shot towards me, his fist raised. I gasped, jumping back as he swung, his clenched hand missing me by mere inches. I felt my face harden, glaring at the boy.

"What the hell Trunks!?" I stated loudly, feeling my hands clench into fists. "I told you-"

I cut off as he advanced once more, lifting his leg to slam into my gut. I shot my had out, halting the hit, listening to my instincts and swinging before I could even think about it. My fist slammed into Trunks' chest, a yell coming out of him as he flew back. He stopped himself, a whisper of a smile appearing on his lips seconds before he launched himself at me once more.

"Trunks!" I said loudly, trying to talk some sense into the young man, but he wasn't listening to me, attacking me once again.

"Dammit Trunks! Why are you doing this! I thought you were my friend!" I shouted as he flew a few feet away from me, a swirl of light appearing in his palm as he lifted his arm to his waist. My eyes widened.

"Don't!" I shouted, my eyes on that bright light of energy. But it was too late, he had already released it, the ball hurdling at me as I stared at it. I felt my breath hitch, lifting my arms to cover my face as it got closer.

The ball burst on impact, and I flinched at the searing against my skin. I squeezed my eyes closed, certain this was the end.

My breath came in gasps, and I stayed still for several long minutes. It was silent, and I cracked my eyes open. I jerked to attention when I saw the clearing, slowly lifting my head and lowering my arms. My eyes darted to the young man a few feet away, my surprised gaze meeting his.

Trunks had a satisfied smile on his face, watching me. I glanced at my arms, surprised that the only damage was slight reddening, lifting my gaze to his once more. My mouth opened and closed, not exactly sure what to think.

"Auntie 'Thea," Trunks said softly, floating over to me. He put an arm around my shoulders, squeezing. "You can do a lot more than you think you can," he whispered, pulling me into a hug before moving away.

There was silence between us for a few moments before he playfully clipped my chin, his teeth flashing as he smiled.

"So," Trunks said lightly, "You gonna see what you can do?"

I looked down at my arms again, studying them before slowly raising my head to meet the young man's eyes. I nodded.

X

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Another punch flew towards my head, and I quickly ducked. I shot backward, avoiding the kick that Trunks sent towards my ribs. He pushed, coming at me once more with a flurry of moves that I was doing my best to dodge. One of his punches got passed, connecting with my jaw and making my head snap to the side. I gasped a moment later, bent over as his knee dug into my stomach. Trunks moved away, staying quiet.

I took a deep breath, straightening. I raised my hands, curling them into fists as I took another deep breath. Trunks smirked, which sort of irked me. I clenched my jaw, watching him like a hawk. He came at me again, not relenting as he pushed me back.

We sparred for a few more minutes before I heard someone approaching.

"Auntie 'Thea's sparring!"

The shouted words distracted me, causing me to lose focus. I grunted as a fist smacked into my chest, making me fly back and slam into the ground. I coughed as I heard the sound of feet running towards me, groaning as I slowly sat up.

"Great going Goten," Trunks muttered, holding out a hand and helping me to my feet. I blinked for a moment, before letting a breath out.

"Sorry Athea," Goten said softly, putting his hands in his pockets as his shoulders drooped.

I shook my head a little. "It's okay Goten," I whispered, another cough coming out of me as I let another sigh out.

We were quiet for a moment until one of the boys cleared their throat. I studied them, raising a brow.

"Um," Goten hesitated before shrugging a little, "does this mean you won't spar with me Auntie 'Thea?"

A smile quirked at the side of my mouth at the disappointment I could read on his face, biting my lip.

I swallowed before answering. "Well, as long as you don't do like Trunks, and attack me," I stated, biting back a chuckle at the glare Goten sent his friend.

Goten finally looked over at me, shooting Trunks another disapproving look before speaking. "I promise," he stated, turning and jogging towards the middle of the clearing.

I watched him for a moment before following, leaving Trunks on the sidelines.

"At least now you know you can fight."

I stopped at the words, looking over my shoulder. Trunks had his arms crossed, his brows narrowed somewhat. He looked just like his father, causing me to swallow with difficulty.

"Yes," I finally said, my voice quiet. "I can."

Neither of us spoke as I turned away, biting my lip. "Thanks Trunks," I said before making my way over to where Goten was waiting.

We both took our stance, Goten's eyes dancing as he shot me a smile. He shot forward, engaging me in a fight that lasted for hours.

X

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X

Trunks was sitting on the sidelines, absently pulling grass out of the ground as he watched. He reached down without really noticing, his fingers curling. He looked down when all he felt was dirt. He had pulled all the grass out without noticing, now it was just a barren patch of dirt. He scowled, scooting over to a fresh spot on the ground.

He lifted his head, watching as Goten shot a blast at Athea, the woman raising her arms to protect herself. She had yet to produce any blasts herself. Trunks eyebrows scrunched together. Does she know she can? He watched as they sparred, his friend pushing Athea further and further across the clearing. Trunks stood, crossing his arms as his eyes narrowed on Goten. What was he doing? Trunks studied his best friend, trying to figure out just what the man was trying to accomplish. His gaze went to his aunt, noticing her irregular breathing, her tired demeanor. His eyes narrowed even more. She shouldn't be pushed too far just yet.

"Goten," he said loudly, "that's enough. Let's call it a day."

The man ignored him, producing another flurry of punches and kicks towards their aunt. Trunks felt his jaw clench. He heard the small cry that came out of Athea as Goten's fist connected with her side. Trunks let his arms fall as he stalked across the clearing. What the hell was Goten thinking?

"Goten," he shouted, feeling anger swirl in his gut. "Stop!"

His eyes widened as Goten fazed out, appearing beside Athea and sending a strong kick to the back of her neck. Trunks mouth fell open at the slightly vicious impact, watching in shocked silence as his aunt screamed, falling like a rock towards the ground. She landed with a loud thud, not moving.

Trunks came out of his stupor, running over to her and gently laying a hand on her back. He whipped his head up when Goten landed, feeling rage burn in his gut.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?," he shouted, jumping up and punching his friend in the jaw. Goten stumbled back, seeming surprised by his anger.

"Hey man!" Goten righted himself, rubbing his face. "We were sparring! What's the prob-"

"You hurt Aunt Athea!" Trunks shouted, "I told you to stop dammit! You're as thick headed as your fucking father!"

Goten's eyes narrowed dangerously low, his teeth flashing as he growled at his longtime friend. "I-"

He cut off as Athea groaned, both boys looking down at her. Trunks bent down, laying a hand on her shoulder. Goten went around to the other side, swallowing with difficulty.

"Aunt Athea," Trunks whispered, a sliver of fear sliding down his spine when she didn't automatically respond. He gently tightened his grip on her shoulder, listening to her breath hard for a moment before she moved, lifting on an elbow.

Goten's eyes were wide as he watched his aunt, his mouth dry. "Aunt Athea," he whispered in a small voice, regret burning his chest.

They watched her blink, both looking at each other before focusing their attention back on the woman. Her head fell forward, a groan coming out of her as her forehead touched the ground.

Goten suddenly stood, licking his lips nervously.

"I'm gonna go get help Trunks...I...I'm sorry," Goten swallowed as he stared down at his aunt, who hadn't moved. "I didn't mean...it wasn't..." he stopped, swallowing again before blasting off.

Trunks didn't lift his head to watch his friend leave, keeping his attention on the woman laying on the ground.

"Auntie 'Thea," he whispered, hoping she would respond to the nickname him and Goten had given her when they were kids.

She didn't say anything.

Trunks let out a shuddered breath, closing his eyes for a moment before putting his arm around her waist.

"Come on," he said softly, "you need to try to stand." Trunks tightened his hold as he slowly stood, choking back a sob as Athea stayed unresponsive, her upper body laying over his arm.

"Aunt Athea," Trunks said, almost desperately. He shifted her, wrapping his other arm around her and hugging her to him. Her head lolled on his shoulder, and he felt his chest clench.

A sob broke passed his lips, and Trunks gritted his teeth, feeling tears rise as Athea stayed quiet. She didn't move, didn't open her eyes. He kept his arms wrapped protectively around his aunt, not moving, not even when he felt his fathers' ki coming towards them.

He looked over as several people landed, his eyes going to his father. His breath hitched, and his hand clenched against his aunt's back.

"Dad," he said weakly, a tear sliding down his cheek. "I...I tried to help her...but," Trunks stopped, feeling his throat close. "She won't answer me dad!"

Trunks held his fathers' gaze as Vegeta slowly walked over, the older man's eyes moving from his to the woman in his arms. Trunks swallowed hard as his father wrapped his arms around Athea, gently extracting her from his hold. He sucked in an unsteady breath as Athea stayed silent, her eyes still closed. Vegeta studied the woman's features for a long moment before speaking.

"What happened?" the prince asked quietly, his arms tightening around Athea.

No one spoke for several minutes, and Vegeta raised his head, meeting his sons' eyes before turning, looking over his shoulder at Goten. He narrowed his eyes.

Goten avoided his gaze, resisting the urge to move behind his father, who was standing beside him. His head came up when Goku moved, watching his father walk up to Vegeta and Athea, gazing down at their aunt before slowly turning and looking at him. Goten swallowed hard, fighting a shiver. His father's face was grim, a deep frown marring his lips.

"What happened Goten?" Goku asked, his voice quiet.

Goten took a step back, resisting the urge to bolt. "It...It was an accident," he stated quietly.

"Tell us son," Goku said, when Goten remained silent.

Goten swallowed, looking away. "We were sparring, and I guess I got too caught up in it. I didn't think...I got carried away, and momentarily forgot that she didn't remember how to fight as well as she did before..." he paused, licking his lips. "I didn't mean to hurt her dad," he whispered. Goten sucked in a breath, avoiding looking at the men in front of him.

There was silence for a long moment before anyone spoke.

"I know you didn't son," Goku said softly, looking back down at Athea cradled in Vegeta's arms.

Goten's head shot up when he saw the prince walking towards him, taking a step back.

Vegeta met his eye, the prince's slowly narrowing to slits. His jaw clenched as he studied Kakkarot's youngest.

"I'll deal with you later," the prince promised, ignoring the fear sliding across the boys' face. He blasted off, leaving the others standing in the clearing.

Goten watched Vegeta's trail disappear, finally looking over at his father and best friend.

"Dad?"

"You'll have to deal with it Goten," Goku softly said, his gaze steady. "You made the mistake, you'll have to deal with the consequences."

Goten's eyes widened, his mouth parting slightly. "Dad...but, I said I was sorry! I didn't mean-"

"Goten," Goku said quietly, a sigh leaving him. "There's always consequences to your actions. And although you made the wrong choice," Goku paused, slowly shaking his head, "you'll have to live with it."

Goku slowly rose in the air, his gaze on his son. Goten stared at his father, resignation settling in his chest. He barely nodded his head, averting his gaze.

His father flew off, leaving him to stew on his words. Goten raised his head, meeting Trunks' eyes. His friend studied him for a moment before turning his head away, not saying a word as he blasted off.

Goten closed his eyes, listening to the silence that descended on the clearing.

"I said I was sorry..."

X

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I groaned as I opened my eyes, slowly rolling onto my side. I quickly squeezed them shut as sunlight from the window hit my features, and I buried my face into the pillow, letting out another groan. I let out a breath, blinking for a few minutes as I stared at the whiteness of the pillow pressed against my skin. The faint sounds of shouting outside had me raising my head, my brows furrowing.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes as I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling. My brows scrunched together. How did I get in my bed anyways? The last thing I remember was me and Goten sparring...

I gasped, sitting up. Dizziness assaulted me at the sudden movement, but I ignored it as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I stood, swaying a little as I made my way towards the bathroom. I slammed the door shut, leaning heavily against it as I gasped in a breath. I stared down at the floor for a moment before looking over, studying my reflection in the mirror as I laied my hands on the counter. I don't know how long I stared at myself in the glass, my heart pounding.

I remember. I choked back a sob, feeling tears clog my throat as a low whine pushed passed my lips. My legs gave out, and I slumped to the floor, gasping sobs coming out of me as I wrapped my arms around myself. Oh God! I remember!

The day I was kidnapped. The beatings...the rape. What happened afterward. Vegeta...Goku. The baby that was never born. Vegeta...claiming me. My death. Meeting my father. Super saiyan. Me and Vegeta. Our connection being severed. Everything my so called friends had been keeping from me this whole time.

I remember everything!

XXX

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