Trunks and Halley woke up at nearly ten in the morning to yelling in the kitchen—or living room.
Trunks wasn't exactly one hundred percent sure because he had a late night and was too tired to concentrate on what was going on in his house.
The only thing he knew was that whoever was yelling (aside from his mom and dad) didn't pose a threat.
"I guess I'd better see what's going on. You can go back to sleep if you wish." Trunks mumbled and then offered, looking at Halley.
"I don't know who you think you are, but you need to leave—now!" Trunks and Halley heard Bulma yell, pissed off.
"Not without my daughter! She's here; I know she is!" They heard an unknown male yell back.
"What the hell is going on out here?!" Vegeta was the next voice to be heard.
"Huh! Lord Vegeta! You're alive! It's so good to see you again! This woman is keeping me from my daughter!" The unknown man exclaimed, causing something to click inside Trunks's head.
"This woman is my wife." Vegeta stated as calmly as he could.
"You married a human? I never pictured that. But nevertheless, she refuses to tell me where my daughter is!" The man yelled, furious.
"And I told you: I don't know you or your daughter!" Bulma yelled back.
"Enough!" Trunks yelled, annoyed, walking out.
"Now, who the hell are you?" The man asked, looking at Trunks.
This man was obviously a Saiyan; he had spiky, shoulder-length, dark crimson red, almost black hair all over the place, and black eyes. He was tall, muscular, and seemed to have the temper most Saiyans had.
The only thing missing was his tail.
"Is your name Kebury?" Trunks asked, looking at the man.
"Yeah. Who are you?" The man, Kebury, asked, looking at Trunks.
"My name is Trunks Briefs; Bulma and Vegeta are my parents. You're Halley's father, correct?" Trunks asked, looking at Kebury.
"Yes, Halley is my daughter. Where is she? Is she hurt? Did you do something to her?!" Kebury asked, becoming enraged.
"Calm down; Halley's fine. Well, she's sick, but other than that, she's fine. Just hold on for a second." Trunks explained, before sternly instructing, walking back to his room.
After about a minute or two, Trunks walked back out—with Halley right behind him.
"Halley, this is Kebury—your father. Kebury, this is Halley." Trunks introduced the two.
"Wow… Just look at you. Aside from the ears, you look just like your mother. You have no clue who I am, do you? That's ok… I understand why. That was my price to pay. Oh, but never mind that. Look at you. Come here." Kebury blabbered on and on before pulling Halley into a tight embrace.
"Mom—don't. He's her dad; I highly doubt he'd intentionally hurt her." Trunks stopped his mom before she could say something.
"Speaking of moms. Where is your mother anyway? Is she here? No? Let's go see if we can find her." Kebury excitedly exclaimed before using instant transmission and teleported somewhere—with Halley.
"Well, that's just great…" Vegeta grumbled while Bulma just stood there.
"I'll call the others." Bulma stated, looking at Trunks.
"I'll call Kolby; he's probably our best bet." Trunks sighed, running his hand through his hair.
"Why aren't you taking this seriously?!" Vegeta snapped.
"She's with her dad. I'm sure she's fine." Trunks replied, walking to his room.
With Halley & Kebury:
"Ok… Don't worry; I'll take you back to your mate after a bit. I want to get to know you. So—you're not much of a talker? Kolby told me a little about you. He said you don't really talk and that your mate was an older boy named Trunks, who happens to be the sister of Kolby's mate, and the son of Vegeta. Who would've thought? Who would've thought Vegeta would ever mate with a human? But I guess the same could be said about me? No one expected me to fall for a Venarian. How is your mother? What is she up to? Where is she?" Kebury babbled on and on.
"Sh-she died." Halley softly answered—despite not wanting to; she didn't know why she did.
Kebury has an interrogation ability called "Tell;" it makes people (hostages, prisoners, whoever) talk and tell all their secrets just by asking questions.
"What?! How?! When?! Why?! Who? Where?! Where were you?!" Kebury yelled, freaking out, pissed that his only love was dead.
"She died when I was five. We were living on Mars. Mr. Zizzlo came after me, but Mom shielded and protected—after she removed a mark, he forced on me. He used some kind of blast attack. I'm sorry." Halley explained and then apologized when she saw and sensed his anger rising.
"What about that uncle of yours? Where was he?" Kebury asked, demanding answers.
"Uncle Venus and Aunt Raye were sleeping." Halley softly answered.
"Aunt Raye? Who the hell is Aunt Raye?!" Kebury screamed.
"Uncle Venus's wife. She was a relative of Ares. She and Mom helped put his blood in my veins." Halley answered, looking up at Kebury.
"Why didn't she do anything?!" Kebury yelled.
"S-she wa-was sleeping next to Uncle Venus." Halley answered, stuttering a little; she was starting to become scared.
"Venarians… Useless. All, but your mother. Your mother. Where the hell were you?! What were you doing?! You're supposed to be some kind of special person, right?! You're the one who received Ares's blood; you said so yourself! Why didn't you do anything?!" Kebury screamed at Halley.
"I-I-I'm sor-sorry. I-I-I was only five." Halley apologized, trying to get him to understand.
"Your mother is dead and it's your fault! Because of you, your mother was killed! I can't even look at you. There's no way you can be part of my lineage. I don't want anything to do with you; you are nothing to me. You are officially disowned. Get out of my sight!" Kebury snapped but quickly realized she couldn't teleport.
He grabbed her and sent her to an area unknown to her. He just left her there, crying in the rain.
"You're pathetic." Were Kebury's last harsh words to Halley.
"Hey! Get away from her!" Gohan and Goten yelled, running over.
"Gladly." Kebury replied, backing away from Halley as Gohan stood in front of her and Goten stood next to her.
"What is your problem?!" Goten asked, annoyed, looking from Halley to Kebury; she was his best friend's mate. He would do his best to protect her—as will Gohan.
"None of your concern." Kebury answered before using his instant transmission.
"Who was that?" Goten asked, looking at the spot Kebury was standing.
"I don't know. But now's not the time. Halley? Hey. No, it's ok; we're not going to hurt you. Do you remember us? We're friends of Trunks. I'm Gohan. And this is my younger brother, Goten. Do you know that man?" Gohan calmly spoke, placing his jacket over the distressed girl in front of him.
After a few minutes of just sitting there, crying, Halley slowly looked up.
"Trunks? I w-wan-want Trunks." Halley stuttered.
"Ok. Come on; I'll take you to Trunks. Goten, let Mom, Dad, and Videl know what's going on." Gohan told her, carefully picking her up, bridal style because it was the easiest way to hold onto her before telling Goten.
"Right." Goten agreed.
Gohan was about to use instant transmission to teleport her home when…
"There you boys are. We've been looking all over for you. Why'd you just take off like that? And in this weather of all times?" Chi-Chi and Videl asked, walking over with Goku, getting Gohan and Goten to turn around.
"Hey, isn't that Halley?" Goku asked, looking at the distressed girl.
"What happened?" Chi-Chi asked, concerned.
"We're not sure. We saw some man teleport in and just toss her to the ground and call her pathetic. We asked him what his problem was, but he just took off after saying it wasn't any of our business." Goten explained.
"I don't know if she knows him or not because she doesn't really talk, but I do know he's Saiyan; that much I can tell. The one thing I know for sure is that Halley wants Trunks. So I was going have Goten explain to you what's going on while I take her to Trunks." Gohan explained, looking at his parents and wife.
"I'd love to stay and talk more, but I have to get her back; she starting to shiver." Gohan quickly spoke, feeling Halley start shivering; he then left without another word.
At Trunks's Home:
"How could he just take her like that? We don't even know the man." Bulma frustratedly paced around Trunks's kitchen.
"He's her dad, Mom. They both seemed like they were happy to meet each other and hopefully get to know one another better. The only thing that worries me is the fact that he didn't seem to know her mom was no longer living." Trunks calmly spoke to his mother.
"What bothers me is that just let him take her like that." Vegeta asserted himself into the conversation.
"He's her dad. And according to her mother, Kebury is a loving father, who love his family—like you and Mom. What do you want me to do? Say he can't see his daughter?" Trunks asked, annoyed.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Vegeta was going to say something when someone started knocking on the front door.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Saved by the door… I'm coming!" Trunks sighed and then called when the knocking continued.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
When he opened the door, Trunks got a huge shock when he saw Gohan, soaking wet, holding onto an equally soaked Halley.
"Come in. What the hell happened?! Where's her dad?!" Trunks asked, slightly panicked, getting his parents' attention.
"What happened?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"Where's Kebury?" Vegeta asked, annoyed.
"Kebury? Her dad? Is he a man with dark red hair and black eyes?" Gohan asked, handing Trunks Halley.
"That's him." Trunks answered, taking a shivering Halley.
"He left her in Old China Town—after calling her pathetic. She was confused, scared, hurt; she wanted you, so I brought her here." Gohan replied, shocked.
"That's odd." Bulma spoke, genuinely perplexed.
"I just don't get it. I didn't get that vibe from him; I got he really wanted to see and to get to know his daughter more than anything—more than life itself. Thanks for bringing her back. I'll get your jacket washed and sent back to you." Trunks sighed, turning to walk to his room with Halley.
"You're welcome. Don't worry about it; I'll just take it and hang it in my bathroom before I go back to Mom, Dad, Videl, and Goten. I have to go home and get a new jacket anyway." Gohan responded, walking to Trunks and grabbed his jacket.
"Ok. Well, I'll figure out a way to pay you back for this." Trunks replied, walking away.
"Really—don't worry about it. I'm fine. But I really do have to go. I'll see you 'round." Gohan replied and then urgently said before teleporting away.
"Ok… Let's get you dry. Just wait here." Trunks told Halley, setting her on the toilet; she looked so defeated.
Trunks went back to his room to grab on his shirts for her—something warmer than anything he figured she had.
Knock. Knock.
"Trunks, can I come in?" Bulma asked, cracking the door.
"If you want." Trunks replied, digging through his drawers, looking for something for Halley.
"How is she?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"Not good. I don't know what happened." Trunks answered.
"You didn't stop him from taking her when you should've!" Vegeta yelled from outside the door.
"Yes, Dad, I know! I was wrong, ok?! I thought he just wanted to make a connection with his daughter, so I didn't even bother to try to stop him! And now she's been hurt, and I don't know why! You were right; I was wrong! Are you happy now?!" Trunks snapped.
"Ok, that's enough! Not right now! She's alive; that's all that matters! Trunks made a mistake; it happens! Trunks, you check on Halley; I'll be right in to help if you need. Vegeta, you stay out there; I'll be out in a little bit." Bulma snapped before calmly instructing.
"Fine…" Vegeta grumbled, walking away while Trunks went back to his bathroom.
When Bulma got to Trunks and Halley, Halley was staring into space; she just wasn't all there.
"How are we doing?" Bulma asked, kneeling next to Trunks, in front of Halley.
"Not great…" Trunks sighed.
"Maybe a bath might help her. You know—to help her relax a little? You can sit and watch over her to make sure she doesn't go under. I can make lunch—and do the laundry seeing as there is a lot now. I don't think your dad plans to let us leave until she's marked, so I'll run into town later and pick up some groceries. I don't know what happened with Kebury, but it's obviously not good. With how badly he wanted to see her—I never pictured something like this would happen. I didn't see him just leaving her somewhere. He could've at least brought her home." Bulma offered, suggested, and then spoke her mind.
"Home?" Halley softly asked, looking up.
"Yeah; you're home. This is your home now. Remember?" Trunks asked, looking at Halley.
"Mom… My fault… Died because of me…" Halley babbled like a zombie.
"No. Who told you that?" Trunks and Bulma asked, looking at Halley, shocked.
After a few seconds of silence and tears, something clicked in Trunks's head.
"Did your dad tell you that?" Trunks asked, looking at Halley.
He had his answer when all Halley could do is look down, shake, and cry.
"H-h-he h-h-hates me. H-h-he said h-h-he disowned me." Halley managed to get out.
"Halley…" Trunks started, only to be interrupted.
"That's his loss then, now isn't it?" Vegeta asked, walking in.
"Vegeta?" Bulma asked, looking at her husband.
"It's his loss. It's his fault he can't see that she's clearly a good kid with a lot of potential. I don't know what his problem is, but I don't really give a flying rat's ass either. She had a mother, uncle, and aunt who loved her more than anything and did everything in their power to protect her. Now, she has Trunks and us; we'll keep her safe—and she will learn how to control and perfect her abilities. She has us." Vegeta explained, speaking his mean; it was one of his rare sentimental moments.
"We're not going to replace her family…" Bulma started, only to be interrupted by Vegeta's huff.
"I didn't say that. I said she has us now. We will never replace what she had; we're here to add on as you say. She has Trunks as her mate. She has your as a third mother because apparently Raye was like a mother to her. She has me as a second father seeing as Uncle Venus was more like a father. Obviously for reasons, he was more of a father than Kebury ever was. Maybe she won't view us as her new mom and dad, but that's what we'll be to her—as best as we can." Vegeta explained.
"Aww! You really are a sensitive teddy bear! But he's right. You don't have to call us "Mom" and "Dad," but we're here for you. After a few months or a year, we'll be right next door. It just depends on how long it takes us to get a house built. Until then, all you have to do is ask Trunks, and you can call us anytime you want. And Vegeta's right; it's his loss because you are such a sweet, beautiful young lady. I know I told you this yesterday, but welcome to the family." Bulma calmly told Halley—after embarrassing her husband.
"Yeah—welcome to the family." Vegeta mumbled, embarrassed, before walking away.
"We really do love you. Take a bath; it'll help you relax." Bulma told Halley before hugging her.
Bulma didn't care if she got wet; she had to change out of her pajamas and into day clothes.
"Ok. I'm going to start laundry—after you get done running water for a bath." Bulma told Trunks and Halley before grabbing all of yesterday's clothes and walking out.
"I guess you're taking a bath." Trunks told Halley in disbelief.
He would've told Halley she didn't have to take a bath if she didn't want to, but he knew his mother.
"Halley?" Trunks asked, looking at the girl sitting on the toilet.
"He's not right, and you know it. Your mother loved you more than anything, remember? She told you this last night. I don't know what his issue is, and I don't care. Your mother died doing what most mothers do; she died protecting you. From what I understand, that's what parents do. I know and understand that it's not easy, but don't listen to him. My family and I love you. And trust me when I say, that's not easy to do. My dad pretty much hates everyone. You're the only girl I've liked that Mom loves—let alone even likes. I know I love you—and I don't even know you. Yes, I've dated and had relations with other girls before… And hell, I've probably told them I loved them. But I never loved any of them like I know I love you." Trunks explained, looking at Halley.
"How?" Halley asked, confused, looking at Trunks; he had her full attention.
"So, I'll answer any question you have about my ex's; I won't hide anything from you. Ok? Do you understand?" Trunks told her before asking; she nodded her head in response.
"Also, I'd like it if you talked a little more—even if it's just the two of us. I want to hear your voice more." Trunks sincerely told Halley, causing her to blush.
"O-ok…" Halley softly spoke, voice cracking from crying.
"Ok. We'll start with I had to date Nani, Mai, and Cora for a little bit before I told any of them, I loved them."
"Nani and I only dated for a month when I was thirteen. I've been told that she didn't count because I was only thirteen and we only lasted a month. I never told her I loved her."
"Mai was next. She was a little more serious; we dated for five years—sixteen to twenty-one for me. I didn't tell her I loved her until about six months in. We were going strong, but she started to become insanely jealous and possessive, I guess you could say. It started out small with her getting mad at me talking to other girls. And then it escalated to her getting angry because I spending time with Goten and Gohan, or training. It became to much when she started freaking out and having panic attacks because I wanted to spend time with my family—to which she didn't want to do anymore. I don't know why—but I knew I couldn't take it anymore, so we broke up. And then she went to the other side. Umm… What I mean by that is that she joined an enemy."
"When I was twenty-three, I met Cora. We dated until about—I wanna say ten, almost eleven months ago—around the end of November. I remember that because it was a few weeks after my birthday—and because I had told her I loved her about a week before. But anyway, we dated seven months before I told her. A week after I told her I loved her we broke up because she cheated on me with Goten. It's no excuse, but he got drunk and she took advantage of him. She then cheated on him with Yamcha—who you met yesterday. And I guess, she just wanted to be with me because of my family's money."
"As for Goten: I have forgiven him, but I'll never forget what he did. And because he did what he did, I will have trust issues with him. But he's one of my best friends—and Cora really was a slut. I guess I couldn't stay mad at and hate him forever."
"What's a slut?" Halley asked, confused.
"You've never heard that term before? I suppose Mars has different terminology. A "slut" is a girl who goes around having sex with a lot of different men." Trunks explained, looking at Halley.
"Oh… You mean a cow." Halley announced, a lightbulb clicking above her head; Trunks just stared at her before laughing a little.
"I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you. It's just—here, a "cow" is a large animal used to get milk to drink and beef for food." Trunks explained after calming down.
"Oh." Halley softly responded.
"But moving on. Then there's you. With you, it's different. I suppose that's what connecting does. I look at you and I can see me having a future with you. With you, I can see having kids with, if that's what you want as well. I know I don't know you, and you don't know me, but I can sit here and honestly say that I love you. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know I want to protect and keep you safe. I know my mother is eavesdropping from just around the corner of our bedroom door… Go do the laundry or make something to eat!" Trunks started explaining to Halley before catching Bulma listening in.
"Hold on…" Trunks sighed, standing up; he then walked to the door, shut, and locked it.
When he turned to go back to Halley, she was looking down, trying not to cry.
"Halley let's get you in the tub before you become even sicker than you already are. I believe I have bubble bath from Bulla as a gag gift." Trunks said as he started digging under the sink.
"Gag gift?" Halley asked, confused.
"Bulla, my sister—she gave me bubble bath for a birthday present last year. She gave it to me as a joke because I don't use bubble bath. Ahh, here it is. Honey scented. Do you want to smell?" Trunks explained and then asked, pulling out a bottle of honey-scented bubble bath.
"Ok." Halley softly replied.
"Is something wrong?" Trunks asked, watching Halley's eyes become watery.
"It smells like the gel that…" Halley answered, stopping when she thought of Venus.
"That your uncle brought you… I can put this away." Trunks offered.
"No. I want to use it." Halley stopped him, grabbing Trunks's sleeve.
"Ok. You like warm water." Trunks spoke, remembering their shower last night.
"Between hot and cold." Halley mumbled.
Five Minutes Later:
Trunks's tub was six feet in length, four feet in width, and two and a half feet in height. It's a tub for two, but it's been working for Trunks—especially when he gets home from training.
"Now, you just carefully climb in, sit down, and just relax. It helps to hold onto the sides. I forgot to grab you a towel, so I go grab one for you while you get undressed and get in. I'll be right back." Trunks explained and then assured her before leaving the bathroom.
Trunks's P.O.V.:
I left the bathroom to head to the guest bathroom to get a towel to give her privacy to undress.
That may have been a mistake.
"How is she?" Mom asked as soon as she saw me.
"She's getting in the tub." I answered.
"Why aren't you with her?" Mom and Dad asked, looking at me like I was crazy.
"I forgot a towel; I'm going to get one." I answered again.
"You have towels in that bathroom." Mom immediately stated.
"Yes, Mom; I know. I'm going to the guest bathroom to get a towel so she can undress and not worry about me seeing her naked. I don't think she's ready for that." I explained, annoyed.
"She's your mate. What's the problem?" Dad asked; he sounded just as annoyed.
"She's shy and isn't ready for me to see her naked." I answered as calmly as I could.
"Yet, you took a shower with her last night." Dad stated.
"Yes, Dad; we did. However, I had my boxers on, and she had her bra and panties on." I stated, grabbing a towel; I could hear dad snorting in disapproval.
Whatever. I really don't care.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Gooood afternoon!" Bulla happily exclaimed, walking through the door with Kolby.
At least she knocked.
"You're awfully chipper today." Mom noticed, looking at Bulla.
"It's a wonderful day!" Bulla cheerfully announced.
Wonderful?
It's dark, gray, cold, and raining.
Halley's sick, and her dad is a—
"Before you get to whatever your news is, I need to ask Kolby something." I spoke up right away.
"What is it?" Kolby asked, looking at me.
"Did you talk to your uncle—Halley's father at last night or this morning?" I asked.
"Yeah, I talked to him around nine thirty. I told you I would." Kolby responded.
"Did you, by any chance, tell him that Vera, Halley's mother, was dead?" I asked.
"No. I really didn't get a chance; he left before I could say anything. I was going to say something when I saw him about ten-fifteen minutes ago, but he was pissed off. Why do you ask?" Kolby explained before asking.
Now pieces were starting to come together.
"He stopped by around ten, demanding to see Halley. She came out and he was elated to see her; he pulled her into a massive hug and then teleported elsewhere. About an hour later, Gohan showed up with Halley, soaked all the way through her clothes from the rain. Gohan explained that Kebury just dropped her off in Old China Town, called her pathetic and left her there. Now I'm starting to get some kind of a picture here. I did hear him right before he took off with Halley. He had asked where her mother was; he didn't know she was dead. And when he found out from Halley, he snapped and blamed her." I explained, shocking Kolby and Mom.
"That doesn't sound like Uncle Kebury. But—he has been waiting to see Vera again for years now. I'll talk to him later and get to the bottom of everything." Kolby replied.
"Ok. So why are you all happy?" I asked, looking at my sister.
"We're moving in together!" Bulla happily announced.
"Excuse me?" Mom and Dad asked at the same time.
Oh, boy…
"Yeah, we found a cute, little house and we bought together." Bulla explained.
Oh, boy…
"How can you buy a house? You're only seventeen." Mom pointed out.
"Right. But Kolby's nineteen; we bought it together." Bulla pointed out.
"How did you buy a house together?" Mom asked, becoming agitated.
"Well, we got married last week. We officially bought the house four days ago. And he marked me last night." Bulla explained.
Again… Oh, boy… This is not going to end well.
"Excuse us!" Mom and Dad exclaimed, beyond pissed off.
"Well, it is my life. And I am seventeen; there's really nothing you can do. I'm an adult." Bulla stated, standing her ground.
I'll give her credit for standing her ground and all. But—she really doesn't know when to shut up.
"You can't just run off and get married, buy a house, get marked, and move out and in with your boyfriend." Mom sternly told Bulla as calmly as she could.
Oh, no. I think I know where this is going.
"I can, and I am, and we're starting a family." Bulla argued.
Yep.
"Excuse me! What does that mean?" Dad snapped, glaring at Bulla.
"I'm pregnant." Bulla slowly answered.
Now, she's scared.
"Excuse me!" Dad yelled, blowing a gasket.
"Now that's enough. Try to remain calm. Bulla, are you sure?" Mom spoke up, stopping Dad before anything could happen.
"Yes, I'm sure; I'm two months." Bulla answered.
"Ok. I know you're not a country girl—so, where in the city are you moving? I'll help you move." Mom calmly told Bulla.
"Ummm… About that…" Bulla started.
"What?" Mom asked, looking at Bulla.
"We already got everything moved out. We've been slowly and carefully moving things out after we bought it. We finished moving today. The person who sold us the house said it was move-in ready. It's very nice." Bulla started explaining.
"But?" Mom, Dad, and I asked.
"It's in Motoro City." Bulla quietly answered, backing away.
Yeah—I'd probably be backing away as well.
"Motoro City?" Mom asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Yes." Bulla answered.
"That's two hours away!" Mom screamed, freaking out.
"I'm sorry. But I really liked the house—and the city. It's so nice there. It's small, but still has a lot to do." Bulla responded, trying to reason with Mom.
'You might want to run.' I mouthed to Kolby and Bulla.
"Tell Halley I'm sorry for Uncle Kebury." Kolby told me.
"Well, we'd hate to just leave, but we have to go. Tell Halley we say hi and we hope she feels better soon." Bulla told us before Kolby teleported him and her elsewhere.
"I'm going to check on Halley. I'm sorry." I apologized before heading to the bathroom.
I heard Dad open and slam the back door—and Mom's in shock or something.
She'll bounce back—she always does. I'll just let her do what she wishes for the next day or two.
…
As long as she stays out of my room.
"Is everything ok?" Halley softly asked when she saw me walk in.
"Are you ok?" I asked, concerned; she was leaning against the side of the tub, arms and head leaning over.
"I'm ok. This hard, smooth, white rock feels nice." Halley told me.
"The tub. I think it's porcelain. This part of the tub is cold, and you have a fever. That's probably why it feels nice." I explained, setting the towel on the sink next to my shirt and her clean panties.
Well, she certainly does pay attention; she hung her wet clothes over the side of the tub.
"I'll be right back; I'm going to throw these in the laundry." I told her.
"Ok." She softly replied.
"Mom?" I asked, walking into the laundry room.
"Oh, Trunks. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in with Halley?" Mom asked, trying to divert my attention; she had been crying.
"It's not my business, but I'm sure everything will be fine. At least you know Bulla is with who she's meant to be, and he doesn't hurt her. As for why I'm here, I'm just bringing Halley's pajamas in to be washed; I'm going back in a minute." I told Mom, trying to give her some comfort.
"I know… Ok. Well, you head back to Halley. Where are her underwear?" Mom sighed and then asked.
"They're not there?" I asked, confused.
"No. Just her pajamas." Mom replied.
"Well, I didn't see them on the floor or side of the tub. … I suppose she could still be wearing them. That's how we showered last night; she wore her bra and panties." I started talking to myself before something clicked in my head.
"Ah. Ok. Well, I'm just going to hang anything wet up. Just get me those panties whenever you can." Mom told me.
"Ok. And Mom… As long as you don't extremely rearrange things and stay out of my room, you can do what you need around the house for today—and maybe tomorrow. You can rearrange a little—not how you rearrange your house." I calmly told her.
"Really?" She asked, shocked.
"Yeah… Go ahead." I sighed.
I'm going to regret this decision…
"Oh, Trunks!" Mom happily cried, reaching to hug me.
"Ok. But now I'm really going to go to Halley. You do what you need to do." I told Mom, escaping her hug.
"Will do!" Mom said with that can-do attitude—and fiery aura.
Yep. Definitely going to regret this decision.
"Is everything ok?" Halley asked again, making me realize I never answered her earlier.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Just some family drama. Bulla and Kolby say hi and they hope you feel better soon. Bulla and Kolby bought a house in Motoro City—two hours away from Mom and Dad—two and half hours from here. Bulla and Kolby also got married, he marked her, and she's pregnant." I explained to Halley.
"Oh, congratulations." Halley replied with a soft smile.
"I'll let them know next time I talk to them. Oh, and Kolby says he's sorry." I let Halley know.
"Why?" She asked, confused.
"He told Kebury about you and you being here. He tried to tell him your mother had died, but Kebury left before Kolby could say anything more. I must apologize to you for that as well. I honestly thought he just wanted a relationship with you." I explained and then apologized.
"It's not your fault. He did want to get to know me—until he found out I'm the reason Mom died." Halley sadly spoke.
"Halley, it's not your fault. Your mom was just protecting you." I told her.
"I know that's what you say. But I didn't do anything. I couldn't—and still can't fight back. It's doubly my fault because I have Ares's blood running through my body. I should've been able to do something." Halley sadly spoke, pushing away from the edge of the tub.
"Halley, it's not your fault. You were only five. I could barely defend myself at five. I didn't start learning until I was seven or eight—when Mom kind of finally allowed me. Halley, to put all that pressure on you—it's not fair. You were five. And yes, I'm aware there are different races out there who learn to fight and defend themselves at a young age. You're just not one of them. You were born of two different peaceful races—that's what you grew up learning and believing. You didn't know you were any part Saiyan until yesterday. It's not your fault." I sincerely but firmly explained, looking at her.
"Not anymore." A female voice spoke out of nowhere.
"Ahhh!" Halley screamed, hiding in the water and bubbles; only her head was visible.
"What's going on?! Is everything ok?" Mom asked, running in, panicked—followed by Dad; Halley sank into the water even more.
"Who the hell are you?" Dad asked, looking at an older-looking lady.
"My name isn't of importance. All you need to know is that I'm a witch—and that I'm here to remove any and all Saiyan and Kebury's DNA from the girl." This lady, this witch, explained like it was nothing.
"What?" Mom asked, shocked.
"That's not possible!" Dad yelled, pissed.
"Oh, but it is. Kebury came to me and asked that I remove his DNA from her so that she'll no longer be biologically related to him in any way. And because she biologically has three sets of parents—one mom and two dads—it's one hundred percent possible. It's also possible because Kebury paid the price already; he paid in advance. Don't worry; this won't hurt the girl. She won't even notice. However, it won't take any affect until after she goes back to sleep. That's my call. Once she goes to sleep, the Saiyan in her will evaporate and the Nekodian in her will take over. The girl will be what she grew up know herself to be: half-Venarian and half-Nekodian—with Arien blood running through her veins." The witch explained.
"Why did you say with Arien blood the way you said it?" Dad asked, annoyed.
"Kebury doesn't believe she's worthy of it, so he also asked that Ares's blood be removed. However, I both respect and fear both Ares and Aphrodite. If this is what they've decided, it shall be. I'm sure if I were to remove the blood from her, they'd find a way to put it back. Also on my call, none of you will remember this after she falls asleep. Once she falls asleep, you'll all forget about Kebury and her ever being part Saiyan. The only one who know anything about her being any part Saiyan is her mother—who by now is probably screaming at Kebury. He said he'd do and pay anything for this—and to see Vera again. So, I gave him the ability to talk to Vera for about an hour or so, one last time. When she wakes, her ears may be softer than they are currently. She will not have a tail because she was born with an ape tail; that was removed the day after she was born by Venus. If the tail hadn't been removed it would've been replaced with a cat's tail. However, that isn't the case. After she wakes up, it'll be how it was before she or any of you found any of this out. Don't worry; she won't forget any of you—and you won't forget her. Conversations may change a little, but for the most part, aside the Saiyan being gone, everything will be the same. Oh, and you'll also forget about me." The witch explained, looking at all of us.
"Doesn't she get a say in this?" I asked, looking at Halley—who looked confused and devastated.
"No, she does not; Kebury paid in advance. Most of the time, I don't require payment until after I take care of the wish or whatever in case someone changes their mind. However, if a customer is willing to pay in advance, I must comply, and it can't be changed or undone. And no, you wouldn't be able to try to bargain and change anything." The witch explained.
"What about that box Kebury made for Halley?" Mom asked, looking from Halley to the witch.
"It'll be a gift from her Nekodian dad. And Kebury is in for a nasty surprise. The truth is about to come out." The witch said with a smile.
"Now what does that mean?" I asked, annoyed, catching something in her voice.
"Eh, what the hell? You're going to forget after she falls asleep anyway. Ryu, who is her Nekodian father never raped Vera; Kebury did. He wanted a child with a Venarian because it could be great power—especially with the pendants Halley wears. He had this feeling that Halley would receive Ares's blood. The Venarian in Halley would make her very compliant with Kebury and she would do whatever he wished. He could take over whatever planet he wanted. However, Vere was in love with Ryu; that was a problem. The story Vera told you was mostly true—only backwards. And that's because again, Kebury made a request—but this was to my cousin. My sisters and I don't condone rape and is the one request, that no matter how much someone is willing to pay, we won't take. I'm the only one in business, so he had no choice but to come to me. So I'll grant him his request, but Vera will remember everything and what Kebury did as well. One thing about a mother's instinct is that no matter what, it can't be changed. Kebury didn't want you to have cat ears; Vera did. That's why she loved Halley's ears so much; she wanted that. But now I must do what I came here for. And then I must take my leave. I've got others to see. Now, just hold still and this'll be over in just a few seconds." The witch explained before instructing Halley as she walked over to her.
After just a second, the witch waved her hand in front of Halley's face, and a bright flash happened. Then, just like that, the witch was gone.
"Halley, are you ok?" I asked, immediately by her side; she was rubbing her eyes.
"Yeah…" Halley softly replied.
"The nerve of some people." Mom said, annoyed.
"That bitch…" Dad growled, leaving the bathroom.
"Do you need anything?" Mom asked, looking at Halley.
"No…" Halley softly replied.
"Ok. Well, I'll be in the kitchen." Mom told us with a soft smile before leaving.
"Halley?" I asked, looking at her.
"I can't seem to sit up." She told me.
"Do you want to get out?" I asked.
"No…" She replied.
"By any chance, are you still wearing you panties?" I asked, looking at her.
"Yes. I know you said I was supposed to take everything off to take a bath, but I was hoping you'd get in too—like last night. But you said two people wear underwear. I know I don't have a bra…" Halley answered, shocking me. But I could tell she was serious; I had to stop her.
"Generally, you don't wear anything when you take showers or baths—even with two people. I told you to wear your panties and bra while I wore my boxers because I didn't want you to be uncomfortable." I explained.
"Oh." She softly spoke, staring at me.
"Do you really want me to sit in there with you?" I sternly asked, looking at her.
"Yes." She quickly answered.
"Do you want me to leave my boxers on?" I asked again.
"Yes." She answered just as fast.
I just sighed as I started removing my clothes; I noticed she never took her eyes off me.
I got in and sat in front of her, knees up, so she had room.
Slowly, hesitantly, she inched closer until she was right in front of me.
Looking into her eyes, I knew what she wanted; I then immediately saw the confusion and hurt in her eyes when I got up and moved.
"Shhh… Relax; I'm not going anywhere. I don't want the faucet pushing into my neck or shoulders." I told her as I got seated behind her.
Once I was situated, I gently grabbed her shoulders and carefully back to me.
"I'm going to move my hands down to your waist. Ok?" I told her, holding her shoulders.
She nodded her head in response just before I pulled her to sit between my knees, her back against my stomach as her head laid on my chest.
Once I knew she was situated, I wrapped my arms around her stomach while she rested against me.
"Hey Trunks, I just wanted to kn— I'll just ask later." I heard Mom walk in and start to say something but stopped when she saw Halley and me; she quickly turned around to leave.
Halley didn't seem to notice as she stared at the ceiling; I could tell she was relaxed—and was going to fall asleep.
After a few minutes, I was going to say something, but she started moving; she turned to face me. However, instead of looking me in the face, she leaned against me.
Kneeling between my knees, she laid her head on my shoulder, and her arms were clinging to my sides.
I couldn't help it, pulled her to me, and held her like I held her last night in the shower. The only difference—aside from we're in the tub this time, was that she wasn't wearing a bra, and I could get to more of her back. I could also feel her breasts against me; they didn't feel large or small. But I couldn't be sure of their actual size until I see them. And until she's ready for that, I won't look.
"Mmmm…" She softly moaned as I rubbed her back.
Normal P.O.V.:
Ten Minutes Later:
Minutes ticked by, and Trunks started feeling Halley's breath on his shoulder.
"Halley?" Trunks asked, rubbing her shoulders.
"Hmm?" Halley asked, barely awake.
"Maybe we should get out; you're falling asleep. That's not good in a tub; you could drown." Trunks told her.
"You won't let that happen." Halley stated, rubbing her face against his shoulder.
She had a point; he wouldn't let her drown.
"No—I won't let you drown, but still… You should sleep in bed." Trunks told her.
"Ok." Halley responded, sitting up.
Trunks got out first, pulled the plug, grabbed her towel, helped Halley up, had her wrap up, and then lifted her out.
"Ok… Clean, dry clothes are next to you, on the sink. Dry off, get changed and just come to the room." Trunks calmly told Halley.
"Ok." Halley softly responded.
"Oh… And I need the panties that you're wearing now; they need to be put in the wash." Trunks hesitantly told Halley.
"Ok…" Halley responded, slowly removing her panties and handed them to Trunks.
Ten Minutes Later:
Halley finally emerged from the bathroom (half-asleep) in one of Trunks's blue shirts, holding her towel.
"Ok. Come on." Trunks sighed, meeting Halley halfway; he took the towel and just dropped it on the floor before getting her to bed.
Once in bed, Trunks covered Halley with the blanket, tucked some hair behind her ear, took her hand in his, and waited.
"Good night." Halley softly spoke, lightly squeezing Trunks's hand.
"Good night." Trunks repeated, using his other hand to feel her forehead; she was still feverish but didn't feel nearly as warm as last night.
It wasn't intended, but Trunks fell asleep after about ten minutes of just watching Halley.
And that's how Bulma found them—facing each other, holding hands while they slept; she smiled as she covered Trunks with the blanket…