Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z.


Chapter 51: Omen

'Trunks! No!' Bulma screamed at him but he ignored her and went straight for the foreigner that was attacking his friends and his family.

Vegeta could easily dodge his ki-attack, giving him somewhat of a surprised look when the boy immediately threw his fist at him. He smirked at the thought of fighting his own son, excited of the prospect of fighting what could be the next super Saiyan. The boy was a little drastic and careless, a style that wasn't completely unfamiliar to him. He fought like that too one day, it appeared his son was just his younger version self. Only more talented and stronger. That surprised him in a way. He didn't think he'd become that strong with his mother's heritage but it seemed to be quite the opposite. Even if he had been growing up with this peaceful race, it could not seem to suppress his true fierce nature.

'Vegeta!'

Bulma's voice snapped him back to reality, making him realize she did not approve of the idea of them fighting. But in a way, it was a little inevitable. Besides, he thought, this might be his last chance. He wasn't sure about returning to her just yet. She brought out things in him he resented very much and a part of him wanted to bury those feelings. Staying away from her would be his only option in that case.

'Fight me!' Trunks yelled, 'I don't care what my mom says! I'm not letting you getting away with this!'

Vegeta nodded, giving him appreciative nod. He didn't lack courage, that was for sure. He gave Bulma a glance, catching her worried expression for both him and their son. She cared deeply for the both of them and it made him… feel something inside that he didn't quite know where to place. How could he still be so confused after all this time? A decade spend in space and yet he was no closer to answering his own questions.

He was still torn between being himself and being her with her.

Trunks didn't wait any longer, creating another ki-ball while aiming at his father. Who was still holding back, though he was great warrior already, he was nowhere near his level. However the help of the Namekians made it hard for Vegeta to not give away that fact. He had to keep his guard up in order not get hit by one of them.

'Why don't you fight me like a man, kid? One on one?' Vegeta then asked, realizing he wouldn't be able to hold up this front if truly wanted to have a real battle with him. Trunks immediately halted when hearing the words, holding up his hand to stop the others.

'Why?'

'You…' Vegeta started but halted when seeing Bulma's expression, which was somewhere between horrified and terrified of where this would end up leading should they carry on. She shook her head at him, pleadingly looking at him to stop this. Vegeta closed his eyes for a second to think it over. It was his right to fight him. He decided to ignore her from now on.

'You are the only worthy fighter on this planet.'

'I am?' He asked confused, knitting his eyebrows together at the words. Clearly he didn't realize his own strength and potential. Trunks looked around him and noted that the Namekians weren't necessarily disagreeing on that fact. It made him curious why they behaved like that, it was very unlike them. They always were a union, one front against all the danger that threatened their planet. What made this guy different?

'Of course.' Vegeta snickered at his naïve attitude. He himself had never been that insecure or honest in his battles but he guessed that, giving his sons environment, in their opinion those weren't the worse traits to have in battle. But to him, it was unlikely that it would make him a better fighter.
'What do you say? Not a life or death match but more of a… sparring-session. You beat me, I leave. I beat you, I get to make one wish.'

Trunks stared at him for a long time before looking at his friends for help and an answer to Vegeta's suggestion. Dende simply nodded at the others, it wasn't likely that they would allow that to happen but they understood the need they felt to fight each other. Bulma kept yelling at them to stop but Vegeta flew so high up, her screams became silent echoes. Trunks followed his example, ignoring his mother's protest.

Bulma immediately ran towards Dende, pleading him to stop them. 'Why? Dende! Please, I know you are mad at me but don't let Trunks be the victim in this!'
'Bulma, it's just to buy us some time!' he retorted, 'you don't thinks I'm allowing him to make any wishes, are you?'
Bulma didn't know what to say and simply gaped at him for a moment. 'Have you gone mad?' he asked her when she gave such a slow reaction, as if she was actually considering letting him make a wish.
'You're letting my son be a distraction to him—' her scream was interrupted by him again, not wavered by her explosive temper.
'Vegeta can kill him and us in an instance, he just wants to fight his son. Trunks feel the same way. I don't care personally, whatever buys us more time.' Dende explained.
'Dende, I… I'm sorry.' She whispered, falling to her knees.
'Why, Bulma?' He then asked her, more calm. His eyes pleaded her to speak the truth. To clear the air and make him somewhat understand. Her lips trembled but she decided to put her pride aside and be honest with him. About Cabba. About the wishes. About Vegeta.

'Who are you?' Trunks asked him. The small boy looked at him from head to toe. Vegeta could tell he wasn't fooled easily. His mother might try to keep him in the dark but this boy was far too clever to believe such empty meaningless words. Vague explanations wouldn't be sufficient to keep him from getting to know the truth. A part of him was curious to know too, how exactly this person would view him.

'I am King Vegeta of Planet Vegeta, home of the mighty Saiyan race.' He answered.

'Oh.' He dumbly answered, giving him an expression between confusion and awe. 'I'm Trunks Briefs!' he then said resolutely. 'This is my home-planet!'

Vegeta winced inwardly at that, those words didn't sit well with him. But not wanting to dwell on the thoughts, he let it slide. Readying himself for battle, finding that their conversation shouldn't be stretched any further. However, his son thought otherwise.

'How do you know my mom?'

The blunt question caught him off guard. 'From the past.' He simply answered, 'Now enough of this nonsense—'
'Are you him?' he asked. Vegeta stared at the boy for a moment, wondering what he could be talking about. He didn't know what Bulma had been telling him exactly.

'She talks to you, you know. Every night.' He told him. 'She thinks I don't know but I got really great hearing. She even says so herself but from time to time she seems to forget about that.'

'Whatever, kid.' He shrugged, not wanting to hear more. The brat wasn't as clever as he thought because he didn't catch the cue apparently. He let out an annoyed growl when he continued talking.

'Leave her alone! She's kind and caring and she doesn't need the likes of you to make her sad and cry,' he yelled. Vegeta didn't say anything back, taking a glance at Bulma, who was apparently talking to Dende now. There lay four Dragonballs next to him, only a few more and he'd summon the dragon. He didn't have much time left. Not letting Trunks talk further, he moved towards him, wanting to find out if his son was truly as talented as he thought.

'Bulma…' Dende gaped at her. 'Why didn't you tell me? Why? What made you think you'd have to carry that burden alone?'
'I just… I didn't want anyone to know. I wanted never be reminded of it again but…' Her voice broke and she had to hold in a sob when she looked back up to him. 'I'm sorry, Dende.'
'I would've been there for you.' Dende reminded her. 'I still am.' He then clarified, placing his hand on her shoulder for reassurance, he wasn't letting go of her just yet.
'I guess I'm just a fool… A silly girl.' She shrugged at her own naiveté. 'Vegeta isn't here for me, is he?'
'I think he is.' Dende answered, looking back up at father and son, who were now engaged in an intense fight.
'I don't think he knows what he wants either. He just came here out of… instinct. Out of hate and thought of revenge.' Bulma muttered, looking away from the fight. It ached her heart too much, it made her a tremble nervous mess to see them like that.
'I don't believe that.' Dende said again, noting she hadn't heard his first answer. 'I think he came here out of curiosity. To see his son.'
'Is that why they are fighting?' Bulma asked him sullenly.
'Probably.'

'Saiyans will always be Saiyans.' Moori interfered, he had calmed bit down and seemed to be finally thinking the situation through. 'Even Trunks, Bulma.'
Bulma gasped a little at the realization that those words were true, she hadn't ever thought about Trunks needs. His natural needs, that came with being half a Saiyan.
'I'm starting to think, Bulma,' Moori continued, looking at her. 'Perhaps you should consider what is best for Trunks, staying here or going with him?' Nodding at Vegeta.
'Moori!' Dende gasped in surprise. 'What are you talking about?'
Bulma understood where he was coming from and a part of her couldn't deny that Trunks was who he was and perhaps it was wise to consider what was best for him.
'I'm not being mean or cruel.' He pointed out to his younger friend and the Earthling woman. 'I'm just honest with you, Bulma.'

Bulma stayed quiet for a moment while Dende asked Moori why he thought that could be the answer. Bulma had made a mistake in Dende's opinion, but she and Trunks belonged here, on Namek. But for the moment, Bulma wasn't so sure of that. That they belonged here. But to go with Vegeta… 'I don't know if he even wants that.' She whispered to herself.

The planet trembled a little when suddenly the three space-pods landed on plain green grass fields of Namek. Bulma warily stared at the three things in the distance. A few Namekians flew to them, to see if they were indeed another threat to their planet. Vegeta and Trunks halted for a moment to see who had just arrived, taking a much needed moment to take breath of fresh air and letting their thought run free.

A flash appeared in the distance, blinding them. Followed by a strangled cry from the Namekians that had went to greet the strangers on their planet. Moori and Dende screamed out their despair and sadness of losing them.

Bulma felt a pang go through her heart, feeling that this was the ultimate omen to where the future would lead to. She put her hand on her mouth to stop herself from screaming.

Vegeta halted Trunks when he decided their break was over, 'We are going to have to fight some other time, kid.'
'W-what!?' Trunks screamed in disbelieve.
'There is a more urgent matter at hand. You want to protect your mother and this planet, right?' he asked, keeping his eyes on the figures in the distance that he could not make out. 'Then first you need to take care of those three. They are out to truly destroy us, or so it seems.'

'Who are you?' Trunks then repeated, this time not letting himself get ignored. 'You come here, talk to my mother and then fight us! Are you the enemy or not!?'

'Not really.' He simply answered, letting himself lower to the ground. He stood straight and proud, patiently awaiting the newcomers. Trunks followed him down and stared at his proud stance. A part of him, envied his cool persona. He had something… Trunks didn't quite know what it was, but he wanted kind of… to be like him. This man intrigued him in some way.

'…are you my dad?'

The question made him stir but the man before him stubbornly kept his back to him and ignored his question. Or refused to answer him. Which made Trunks conclude he was right. It made his world spin out of control and it was as if everything made sense suddenly. The anger the Namekians felt, his mother's fragile condition, his strange appeal to the man. 'You are, aren't you?'

'Shut up, kid.'

Trunks didn't get the chance to ask further, nor could he form more questions. His brain was working so fast, already asking him so many questions. Why was he here? Where had he been? Why had it taken him so long to get here?

'Greetings.' A cold voice stated.

Bulma's eyebrows shot up at the sight of the three strange beings. They looked human. But they had such cold and blank expression on their face. And their strength… it was so massive and by the frightened looks on the Namekians faces, she assumed they were far stronger than anyone else they had ever encountered. They were trembling like leaves.
'Dende?'
'I-I don't know, Bulma.' He answered, not knowing who they could possibly be.

'We have come to destroy you.' The boy continued. He looked quite young, in size nothing frightening. Actually, he kind of looked plain. Not particular bulky in muscles either. Bulma wondered where they came from.

'How, odd…' she noted. As if picking up on their confusion, the only woman of the group started to talk and explain their visit, coldly and without any sense of conscience to what the words meant or where there actions would lead to.

'We have come to destroy you, King Vegeta.' She clarified, smirking. 'We are here to avenge the Earthlings. Send to kill the King of Saiyans.'
' created us…' a larger, more soft spoken man spoke up. He hadn't been paying much attention to it all, looking more at the view of the planet than the people in front of him.

'You are androids.' Bulma suddenly understood.

They didn't reply but their colds stare explained everything.

'Ah,' the woman noted, 'You have a legacy?' staring at Trunks, who took a startled step back when they started to pay attention to him.

'You are here for me.' Vegeta coldly answered. 'Kill me and solely me.'

'No,' the boy with the jet-black hair answered, 'We are to kill you and anything involving around you.'
'That includes this wasteful planet too.'

'How did you get here?' Bulma asked, walking forward, pass her son but staying behind Vegeta. 'How did Gero know?'

'About you and your son?' One asked. 'Or about the King of Saiyans revival?' the woman snickered.

Obviously Bulma meant both, everything! How did they get so strong? Gero really took it to the next level, she couldn't help but think. It made her worry, it made her worry a lot.

'A bit foolish to come to planet Earth first. You power level was what triggered our system on.' The woman answered, giving Vegeta vain look. The Saiyan stayed unimpressed by her behavior and listened intently to her. 'So we followed you here. Kind of sad to know that if you never entered Earth we would never be activated and then you could've lived a happy life with your kid and wife. But I guess we own you a thank you.' Another false smile followed and Vegeta let out a growl at her words.

Bulma herself wondered what annoyed him, her words or the suggestion of them being able to live together in peace. Suddenly she realized what the woman had said and turn to look at Trunks, who to her surprise did not seem to be startled by the news of Vegeta being his father.

However he did give her a bit of harsh look, 'We'll talk later.' He then said while giving her a reassuring smile. She smiled back to him.

'You don't think it is going to be that easy?' Vegeta asked. 'To kill an immortal being?'

'We live forever just like you.' The boy answered. It seemed the larger one of the three wasn't the talkative type. It scared her how much personality they had and how much fear they lacked. They seemed to be excited to fight one of the strongest men in the universe.

'Except,' Vegeta snickered at them, 'You don't grow stronger after every fight. I do.'

Their smirk fell. Bulma laughed at their reaction and Vegeta's quick thinking. She figured Gero hadn't thought of that either since they seemed to be quite surprised at hearing that. Or at least she hoped he hadn't thought of it.

'We'll see about that.' The woman simply answered.

'Your son isn't immortal, is he?' the boy then pointed out, smirking again. 'Let's kill him first then.'

'No!' Bulma screamed. The two of them became a blur and if it weren't for the wind of their tremendous speed passing her by she wouldn't have noticed they had actually passed her. Trunks let out a startle cry but managed to avoid a hit by the first one, but the blonde woman was too fast. He flew several meters back. Consecutively they both attacked, with Trunks barely being able to avoid their fatal blows. Bulma looked for Vegeta but found him nowhere to be seen. It wasn't until above golden aura on her shone, she realized he had flew up and turned himself into a super-Saiyan.

'I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that. I'm your target. You take out me before anyone else!' he hissed, 'I will not be ignored!'
The two were clearly startled by Vegeta's change in demeanor, his angry expression only looked more menacing. They gaped at him for a moment before realizing he wasn't going to give them much time to react. He was going to destroy them first. Fleeing, they let Trunks be, who was staring in complete awe at the man.

'T-that's my father!?' he stuttered, looking at his mother questionably. She gave him a small nod and when he started grinning, she couldn't help but smile at him. It occurred to her suddenly how her son perhaps needed him too. It wasn't just her who wanted Vegeta around.

Though Vegeta's speech had been full of confidence and pride it seemed that the two weren't easily defeated. They had been able to land some nasty blows on him and she was already becoming to doubt if he could win from them. He seemed less capable of fighting them. Were they so superior in strength to him? Or was he struggling because he hadn't fought for over a decade? Perhaps he hadn't fully recovered yet?

Seeing Vegeta fly several meters behind, only to get hit in the back by the other, he fell down to the ground. Heaving a little before turning into a blur and trying to counter their attacks.

What if they really were invincible?

'Oh kami… Vegeta!' Bulma whispered to herself, afraid he wouldn't be able to save them.

'Dende!' Trunks shouted enraged. He was behind her, he had run off to the Namekians apparently. Bulma suddenly realized she alone was still standing there and as quick as her feet could take her she ran back to Dende and her son.

'You can't do that!' Trunks shouted again. 'I mean, is he really.. Is he really that awful?'
'He destroyed Namek ten years ago. He killed your mother's family and her entire planet! He is immortal, meaning he can torture is for all eternity!' Moori started. Angered Bulma told him to shut up and stop telling him such things, 'He's just a young boy!'
'Bulma, though a small part can only understand why you did what you did, I'm afraid that doesn't mean I follow your opinion. Vegeta needs to go!' Dende said sternly to her, clearly not willing to go into an argument over this. He had clearly already decided.

'What are blabbering about?' Bulma asked, suddenly aware that all seven dragonballs lay at his feet.

'We wish Vegeta to be mortal and after that we wish the androids to shut back down. That way we are safe and so is Trunks. Who is the most important person to you in this universe, is he not?'

Bulma glared at him, upset he had played that card against her. She let out a sigh, 'Isn't that a bit drastic?'

'Makes up for you mistake.' Moori interrupted. His voice was accusing and his expression furious, not understanding how she still dared to justify her decision. To defy their suggestion and keep everyone in the danger they found themselves in this very moment, was beyond him.

'You're planning on making the second wish after they kill Vegeta… You know who their next target is?' She yelled, angered that they were taking such huge risks.
'It only takes a minute to summon the dragon and make a wish!' Dende answered.
'It only takes one minute to kill someone!' Bulma hissed.

'Exactly.' Dende answered coldly, obviously talking about Vegeta.
'What if Trunks—'
'I would never let that happen.' He yelled back at her, enraged by her behavior.

Bulma stayed quiet. She felt torn. This wasn't what she wanted. Nor did she truly know what she did want. But this… To end his life like this… But then how was this supposed to end? What had she expected?

'Mom, you can't let them do that!' Trunks argued back. His reaction to this strange turn of event, startled her. She had thought he'd be angry or hurt by whom Vegeta was. Then again, there was a lot he just didn't know.

'I… I don't know, Trunks.' She muttered back. Her knees gave in and she let herself fall on the ground. Looking up at the fight in the sky. The three of them could hardly be seen and it seemed none of them cared of the damage they created around them.

'Porunga.'

Bulma embraced Trunks, holding on to him for dear life. A part of her was hoping that Vegeta didn't need his immortality anymore. That he would win either way. That he wouldn't be weakened so much that even the Namekians could end his life. That he would stand up like the proud warrior he was. 'Don't let them kill you, Vegeta.' She whispered icily, not only referring to the androids but her dear friends too.

Trunks said nothing not believing what was going on around him. Not completely understanding what this all meant.

'We wish for Vegeta, King of Saiyans, to be mortal again.'

Dende's voice was a faraway echo and she stubbornly tried to ignore him. Tightly holding on to Trunks, who's heart was beating so fast in her, that it made her tremble. She pitied her poor son, who was the true victim of their situation.

I guess… We both end up hurting what we loved the most, Vegeta…

'I'm sorry, mom.' Trunks whispered to her. 'It's okay. Don't blame yourself.' She told him, looking into his innocent eyes and giving him a small smile. She was proud of him for being so brave. He didn't deserve all this. All this trauma, all this pain. She had always wanted protect him of that.

'But I'm not letting it happen.' He then said and his eyes turned fiercer. Unwrapping her arms again from himself, he flew up again. This time, to fight with his father, instead of against him.

'No, Trunks!' She screamed, cursing his speed and her late reaction to what he was saying. Scrambling up, she followed him by foot but fell. Realizing it was foolish to think she could compete with his Saiyan speed.

'Bulma, stop him!' Dende desperately shouted, only now taking notice of what had happened.

'I can't!' She screamed at him.

'Vegeta!' Trunks yelled, standing flying next to him.
'Kid, get the hell out of here!' He yelled at him, angered that he had taken such high risk to come and talk to him, what was this child thinking? He looked at Bulma, who apparently wasn't capable of handling the situation either. He realized the boy was acting on his own accord, without permission of his mother.

'Trunks, go to your mother.'

'Ah, father and son.' The boy mused, giving his blond comrade a smirk. 'How interesting,' she noted.

'You are my father.' Trunks stated, giving him a harsh expression. 'I have some things I want to ask you and if you're dead, I can't ask them can I?'

'What are you blabbering about, you little brat?' Vegeta spat angrily, 'Get away!'
'Your wounds aren't healing.' Trunks pointed out.

Vegeta's breath got stuck in his throat and saw how the wound in his shoulder hadn't ceased bleeding on how the pain was only increased. Seeing the Dragon in the distance, he only now understood what had occurred. He had been so into the fight, he hadn't even taken notice of that. He normally wouldn't have let that pass him by, what was wrong with him? His head was hurting again. Painful stabs could be felt in the back of his head, blinding him. He still wasn't able to remember everything, to function properly. He let out an aggravated growl.

Somehow the idea of not having to live forever didn't bother him anymore. And then somewhere inside of him… it did. He was just feeling confused by this whole thing. The only thing he could think of was to stop the Namekians from making a second wish.

'I'm fighting with you.' Trunks stated, giving him a confident nod.

Vegeta stared at him for a moment, only now getting what this boy was telling him. What he was doing. It wasn't just for his mother's sake. 'Don't get yourself killed.' He harshly answered, trying to mask his feeling with his usual cold persona.

'Same goes for you.' Trunks answered, smirking at him. 'Don't end up dead!'

'Enough of this! Fight!' The blond woman interrupted. It was far fairer match, two against two. Though Trunks was struggling, it seemed this new revelation had given him more strength. As if he had grown stronger in just a matter of minutes.


Mortal Vegeta… Uh-oh…

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