"Hello! Mom, Dad: Leriac and I come with big news!" Bulla happily exclaimed, not noticing Trunks, Miku, Cora, or any of the boys.
Leriac was a tall Saiyan with dark, blood-red hair and black eyes. Leriac doesn't remember where he's from, only that he's not from Earth. But he doesn't care anymore—not since he met Bulla and the rest of the family.
"Hi, Aunt Bulla, Uncle Leriac." Taiyo and Katsuki greeted.
Cora and Botan resent Bulla because she was the biggest reason they didn't get to see Bulma and Vegeta in the past few years.
Taiyo and Katsuki were too young at the time to remember what happened.
Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, Tatsu, and of course Miku didn't know them.
Instead of just asking or offering to help Trunks when he went spiraling out of control, Bulma and Bulla started telling Trunks how to live his life and raise his kids. He asked for help because he felt he couldn't do it by himself at the time, but it was their way or the highway.
Bulla started questioning everything Trunks did—especially in raising his children. She even had the audacity to tell him he shouldn't have any more children after Taiyo and that Hoshiko should've aborted Katsuki. But because they didn't and kept Katsuki, Bulla started telling Trunks how to raise his children—despite not having any of her own.
There would be times that Trunks would call for help from Bulma or even Vegeta, but Bulla would answer. She'd tell him they weren't home, but she'd tell him she'd tell them whatever he wanted them to know. Trunks later found out she never did—which only caused more fighting.
That was when Trunks decided just to stop asking for help.
It was what Bulla did next that was the straw that broke the camel's back. That's when Trunks cut them out of his and his kids' lives.
He asked for help, not for them to control his life. If they called or came to the door, Trunks and the kids would ignore them. After a few months, Bulma and Vegeta got the point and walked away; they figured they'd let him call when he was ready.
With Bulla, Trunks had to get a restraining order to get it through her head. He recently dropped it, but he would never forgive her.
Up until then, Trunks had never had to deal with CPS or the police regarding his children.
At this time, Trunks just found out about Phoenix. The family knew of but never met Kobe; he had yet to tell them about Phoenix.
But anyway, Bulla asked if she could give Trunks a break and take Botan, Cora, Taiyo, and Katsuki to the park and zoo for a few hours. Trunks agreed; Kobe wasn't feeling well that day, and it was best for the older kids to go out for a while.
Bulla told Trunks she'd bring the kids back in four hours or so.
Well, four hours turned into five. Five turned into seven. Seven slowly turned into twelve. After so long, those four hours turned into twenty-four.
Meanwhile, Trunks is freaking out, thinking of all the worst possibilities. He called Bulma to ask what was going on; she swore she had no clue.
As it turned out, Bulla decided to take it upon herself to take the kids to live with her because she didn't think Trunks was doing a good job.
Botan ended up leaving in the middle of the night after two nights. He just so happened to bump into a police officer; he told him EVERYTHING.
Because of all that, Botan, Cora, Taiyo, Katsuki, and Kobe spent two weeks separated in five different foster homes.
CPS, police, and court were all involved. Bulma offered to take and raise the kids until Trunks could get help. That's why Trunks cut them out.
After two weeks, it was ruled that Trunks could have his kids back. Because even though he was drinking and sleeping around, his kids always came first.
· They never missed school unless sick or they had some kind of appointment.
· They were always well fed.
· They bathed sometime every day.
· It may have been a fight or whatever, but they all brushed their teeth twice a day.
· They all had beds, clothes, toys, and everything else they needed.
· The only bumps or bruises they had were from roughhousing with each other or friends.
· The only cuts or scrapes they received were accidents or whatever they did themselves.
The point is: they were all well taken care of.
Still, Trunks had CPS watching him for roughly another year.
Bulla was given two years in prison for kidnapping and falsifying abuse, neglect, and abandonment allegations against Trunks. She served a year of her prison time and then another year of supervised probation. However, if she went near Trunks with his restraining order, she would be jailed for up to five years.
"Taiyo? Katsuki? Botan? Cora? Where's Kobe? Who are the rest of you? Are you all Trunks's kids? Where is he anyway? Out on another date or something?" Bulla asked, looking around.
"No—I'm right here." Trunks stated, standing behind Bulla, making her jump.
"Jesus, Trunks! Don't sneak up on me like that! What are you doin—huh? Another child?" Bulla exclaimed, freaked out. She was about to ask him what he was doing there when she noticed Miku.
"Yes another child. I have nine children total now. You know Botan, Cora, Taiyo, and Katsuki. You know of Kobe: that's him over there. I have three other sons: Phoenix, and twins, Ryo and Tatsu. And I just got my daughter, Miku. And they're all taken care of." Trunks firmly told Bulla, not willing to take any kind of crap from her.
"They look it. So, I see you're still having one-night stands." Bulla shot back.
"No, I'm not. I haven't had any one-night stands since Ryo and Tatsu's mother. I got everything in my life figured out. I dated Miku's mother for a good while before she ended up pregnant; she only just told me about Miku a week ago. Not that any of that's any of your business." Trunks replied, becoming agitated.
"Could we please not do this?" Bulma pleaded, watching her kids.
"Fine. I actually wanted to apologize for what I did all those years ago. I was wrong." Bulla replied before sincerely apologizing to Trunks—and the kids.
"I don't forgive you right now—and probably won't for a long, long time. And I sure as hell won't forget. But I will move forward. As for Botan and Cora: I don't know about them; they're both pretty hurt by what you did. Hi. You must be Leriac; Mom's told me a little about you. It's nice to meet you." Trunks calmly replied before greeting Leriac.
"Yes. It's nice to meet you as well. Bulla's told me a lot about you. She says despite everything you and she have been through; she loves and respects you a lot. She says she thinks you're a great father." Leriac honestly told Trunks.
"Thanks for that. Well, I don't have a lot of time; I have papers to sign for my and my children's new home. What's your big news? Are you finally pregnant?" Trunks answered before asking Bulla.
"No, I'm not pregnant; Leriac and I don't want children—not right now. Don't give me that look: Mom and Dad have plenty of grandchildren—and we have forever, don't we? Leriac and I have plenty of time to decide if we want kids later in the future. Besides, I'd rather just be the fun aunt—if I'm allowed to be. Clearly, you can't keep it in your pants. However, that being said; I truly am happy for you. And Miku's so adorable; she really is. But that's because she looks a lot like Mom—minus the crescent moon. Just how many more kids are you planning on having?" Bulla answered before babbling and asking.
"Just these nine; I'm getting a vasectomy Friday. Seven boys and two girls: I think I'm good. Why are you here? What's your big news?" Trunks answered and then asked—again.
"Wow… Who would've thought? But it's about damn time. Sorry. What I mean is, you've always said you wanted a huge family. Now, you have that. But anyway: yes, I have big news. I have my own clothing business! I've only been open for a week, but I have two dozen clients! It's a slow start, but I'm getting there. And Leriac's family have recently been brought here; they recognized him right away. And yes, we had their DNA tested against his; they're all a match." Bulla happily announced.
"Congratulations! I knew you could do it! Just keep going with it, and you'll have so much more. And Leriac: double congratulations! Do you have any nieces or nephews on your side of the family?" Bulma happily congratulated them before asking.
"I have a single mother with one older brother and two younger sisters. My older brother is married with two sons: thirteen and nine months and three daughters: nine, five, and two. One of my sisters has been in a relationship for a few years, but as far as I know; they don't want any kids, period. My youngest sister just entered into a relationship; she wants kids—way in the future." Leriac answered.
"Oh. Well, at least you won't be the only ones with no children." Bulma vindictively mumbled.
"Mom!" Bulla exclaimed, shocked and embarrassed.
"Ok. I'm out. Boys, Cora: come on. I think Aunt Bulla and Uncle Leriac are going to be here awhile. I'd rather you not here when I know what's going to happen, happens. Mom, we'll see you later. Love you." Trunks told everyone, standing by the door.
"Bye." "See you later," "Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Bulla, and Uncle Leriac." The boys and Cora bid their grandparents farewell before hugging both of them.
"See you later. Love you too." Bulma, Vegeta, Bulla, and Leriac told the boys, hugging them in return.
As soon as Trunks shut the door behind them, they could hear Bulla screeching at Bulma. Meanwhile, they saw Vegeta and Leriac plop onto the couch and just listen to their women.
"Why are Grandma and Aunt Bulla being crazy?" Taiyo asked, confused as they all got to the van.
"Where is everyone going to sit now?" Phoenix asked after Trunks opened up the van.
"It's nothing for you to worry about; it's adult stuff. As for seating arrangements: everyone will be in their same spot. I'm driving, Botan will be in the passenger's seat, and Miku will be in between us like a few of you were. Phoenix, Ryo and Tatsu will be behind us. Behind Phoenix, Ryo and Tatsu will be the rest of you: Cora and Taiyo will be by the windows with Katsuki and Kobe in the middle. We're going to need a bigger van or something. Everyone in." Trunks explained, hooking Miku into her new spot, facing the back while the others piled in.
"You're all going to behave, correct?" Trunks asked once they were on the road.
"Yes!" Everyone replied.
"Good." Trunks replied, watching the road.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
Trunks had to pull into a gas station to fill up on gas—and the kids were complaining that they were hungry, thirsty, or had to pee. And on top of all that, Miku was starting to fuss.
"Great…" Trunks sighed, looking through Miku's diaper bag.
"What's wrong?" Botan asked, concerned.
"Miku's out of formula. I have to hope they have some in the store. Ok… Cora, Ryo, Tatsu, Phoenix, and Kobe, come with me. Botan, you're in charge; Taiyo and Katsuki, behave. I'm going to leave the van running, so the heat stays on. The doors stay locked until I get back. Do you understand me? DO NOT unlock this door for anyone but me. DO NOT be jumping around or anything. STAY seated and DON'T touch anything. If any of you break those rules, you'll be grounded for a month. Most importantly: watch your sister. If she starts fussing, push this button and gently rock her back and forth. We'll be out as soon as we can." Trunks told his boys, giving instructions.
"Yes, Dad." The boys replied before Trunks shut and locked the van.
"Hello." A store clerk politely greeted.
"Hello. Bathrooms?" Trunks replied and then asked.
"All the way in the back and to the left." The store clerk answered.
"Thank you. Come on." Trunks told Cora and the boys, leading them to the bathroom.
Five Minutes Later:
"Better?" Trunks asked, looking at his boys.
"Yep." The four answered with smiles.
"Are you ok?" Trunks asked Cora when she walked out, shaking.
"No." Cora answered, watching Trunks, ready to cry.
"What's wrong?" Trunks asked, concerned.
"There was a man watching me pee. He was making noises and hitting something. There was a hole in the wall." Cora answered, scared.
"Ok. Calm down. Was he in the bathroom with you? Did you see what he looked like." Trunks asked, watching Cora.
"No; he was outside. I only saw his eye: it was green with black swirls." Cora answered, watching Trunks.
"Ok. We'll get it figured out; I promise. There aren't many people here… I need to figure some things out, so Cora, you're in charge. You five stay together. Under no circumstances do you separate from each other. Find a snack or some kind of sandwich and a drink. If you can't reach, come find me together and I'll get it for you. ONE snack or sandwich, and ONE drink. And no soda. Do you understand me?" Trunks sternly told his kids.
"Yes, Dad." The boys replied with smiles before taking off with Cora slowly.
"You seem busy." A store clerk noted as Trunks walked over.
"You have no idea." Trunks responded with a small smile.
"They must drive their mother crazy." The store clerk noted.
"Uhh… If any of their mothers were around, I'm sure they would. No. Don't apologize; I get all the time. It's fine. Besides, they're not my only children; my oldest three boys are waiting in the van with their new five-month-old sister. I just found out about my daughter roughly a week ago—and her mother just surrendered custody of her to me today. Because I'm often asked this: I have nine kids with six different mothers. While I'd love to chat, I really can't afford to stand here talking." Trunks told the store clerk.
"You needn't explain anything to me. I have twelve kids with eight different men. My first four have the same father—and then after them, I had a difficult time. But what do you need?" The store clerk replied with a polite smile.
"Ok. Sorry about that. First: my oldest daughter said there's a hole in the wall and while she was in the bathroom, a man with green eyes with black swirls watching her." Trunks apologized before starting to tell the clerk what Cora told him.
"Not again… We just filled that hole. We know who you're talking about; the man hits several gas stations in the area. But because he doesn't do anything; he doesn't get kicked out. However—how old is your daughter?" The clerk explained and then asked after huffing.
"Eleven." Trunks answered.
"That may be an entirely different story. All the other victims have been adult women. He's never peeped on little girls. Not that it makes it any better or anything. I will let the manager and police know. I just need your contact (phone number) information for the police. Other than that, what else can I help you with?" The clerk explained before asking.
"As I said before, I just received custody of my daughter. Her mother and her mother's boyfriend dropped her and all her things—minus a crib and toys off earlier. It's all currently in boxes because I was unaware that her formula was mostly gone. There's, I think, another container in a box, but I don't want to dig it out right now. I also don't want to go changing what she's on just like that. So, I was wondering if you carried any of this formula." Trunks asked, showing the clerk the empty formula container.
"Sora, Bud, and a baby with blue hair and blue eyes?" The store clerk asked, her demeanor suddenly changing from polite to stoic.
"Yeah. Do you know them? What's all this? I told you one sandwich each." Trunks asked and then scolded his kids.
"We did only get one each. We also got Botan, Taiyo, Katsuki, and Miku a sandwich and drink too. We even got them what they liked." Phoenix replied, watching Trunks.
"Ok. Sorry. Thank you. Stand here and behave." Trunks told Cora and his boys, taking the food from them.
"You just received custody—and clearly you didn't know what they were feeding the baby." "What's going on?" The store clerk started only to be interrupted by Trunks.
"That formula was recalled and outlawed years ago after making several babies sick—and even killing some. Nobody knows what's in the formula because the manufacturers won't say anything." A manager informed, walking over.
"Excuse me?" Trunks asked, shocked and horrified.
"Nope. He truly didn't know. Can you tell us where Sora and Bud were headed after dropping the girl off with you?" The manager stated and then asked.
"No, they didn't say. Bud told me he wanted to get in contact with his ex, so he could see his children again." Trunks answered.
"Ok. Thank you. Here. These are the baby formulas we sell here. Choose one." The manager told Trunks, placing a few cans of three different types of formula.
Trunks chose the brand he had always used before.
"If you want, we can dispose of the other cans of formula." The store clerk offered.
"No, thank you. My mother is a scientist/doctor; I'm going to have her look into it. Maybe she can figure it out. Thank you. I suppose I should get some new bottles and a pacifier as well." Trunks replied, picking up two bottles and a pacifier behind him before paying for everything.
"Have a nice evening." The store clerk bid Trunks and the kids farewell.
"You as well. Come on." Trunks replied and instructed.
"Dad, is everything ok?" Botan asked, concerned when Trunks ushered Cora the boys into the van, handing everyone either a chicken sandwich or a cheeseburger and whatever it is they drink.
"I'm a little frustrated. Cora help your brothers get buckled in. Everyone please keep quiet; I'm going to call Grandma." Trunks answered, mixing Miku's formula, turning it from a powder into a liquid.
"But before I do. Thank you for thinking of your sister when picking out sandwiches and drinks, but she can't eat or drink any of that yet. Ok?" Trunks calmly told his kids, handing Botan a cheeseburger and an apple juice.
"Yes, Dad." Cora, Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu replied, eating their food.
"Hello? Trunks, is everything ok? You only left roughly twenty minutes ago. Did you make it to your signing?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"No, not yet. We stopped at a gas station to fill up on gas and grab something to eat and drink to tide us over 'til dinner. I also noticed that Miku's formula was running low—and I didn't have time or even feel like digging through the trunk to find more. So, I figured I'd ask someone in the gas station if they sold this brand because I didn't want to have to change what Sora was giving her. Botan, can you hold the phone so I can drive?" Trunks started explaining before asking so he could drive.
"Sure." Botan replied, taking the phone.
"What happened?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"Turns out the formula Sora had been giving Miku was recalled and made illegal several years ago because it was basically poisoning babies. Babies became severely ill—or so sick that they eventually died from whatever's in that formula. Manufacturers won't say what they put in the formula, so there are God only knows how many families out there with no answers." Trunks answered.
"Do you think Sora knew?" Bulma asked, dreading the answer.
"I want to say no, but I don't know. I mean, I didn't know. But I've also never heard of this brand before. But she came to this gas station, looking for this exact brand. Not only that, but the manager and store clerk both knew who I was talking about, and they were going to send the police her way. So—I don't know. Regardless, Miku has been on this formula for two months at least. I think Sora—and the doctors said she was breastfeeding the first two or three months. But I really don't have time for this right now. Would you do me a favor—and a favor to the other victims of this formula? Would you be willing to study the formula and find out its ingredients? There are at least two more containers or whatever in one of the boxes." Trunks explained, pulling to a stop at a stop sign.
"Oh, of course. I actually know exactly what formula you mean. Happy-Sleepy Time Formula?" Bulma replied and then asked just to make sure.
"Yeah, that's the one." Trunks replied.
"Can do. Next time I see you, I'll grab it from you. Are you planning on putting her on that Natural baby formula you've been using since Kobe?" Bulma agreed before asking.
"Yes. I find that that's the best option; it's also the closest brand to the brand I used for Botan, Cora, Taiyo, and Katsuki." Trunks replied.
"Is there something else? I hear something in your voice." Bulma asked.
"Yeah… While we were in the convenient store, Cora, Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu had to use the bathroom. When Cora came out she was upset; she told me some man was watching her pee through a hold in the wall." Trunks answered with a sigh.
"He was making weird noises and hitting the wall." Cora added from the back.
"What the hell?! Did you tell someone?" Bulma asked, shocked.
"What's going on now?" Vegeta asked in the background.
"I'll tell you later." Bulma told Vegeta.
"Yes. We told the clerk, who said she'd tell the manager and the police. I guess this guy has been doing this at many different gas stations, but because he never did anything but watch, he stays. However, because the past victims were all adult women and Cora's only eleven, nobody really knows. I'm sure I'll be talking to police at some point today; I gave them my number for them to reach me." "I'm Sorry." Trunks started only to be interrupted by Cora guiltily apologizing.
"Mom, I'm gonna have to let you go; I'm about to pull into the parking lot." Trunks told Bulma, turning into a business parking lot.
"Ok. Love you—all of you!" Bulma happily told everyone over the phone.
"We love you too!" Everyone (except Miku) replied.
"Before I hang up…" Trunks started, debating as he ran his hand through his hair after pulling into a spot.
"Yes; what is it?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"Due to past issues, I know you haven't been able to be part of the kids' lives—let alone even getting to know the youngest five. And as much as I hate to say this: you have to realize Bulla may never have children. Or if she does; it won't be until way, way down to line. You and Dad helped Mai and me so much with Botan. And then you both helped me with Botan, Cora, Taiyo, and Katsuki. But more so with Botan because I was a new parent and had no clue what I was doing. And while I know what I'm doing now—as long as you promise not to overstep any boundaries and not completely take over; I would appreciate some help with Miku. If you—or you and Dad want to; I will be going to that one store next to that buffet fifteen-twenty minutes from your house. You're welcome to come if you'd like. I'm sorry. I know I'm not a big help, but my mind is a little frazzled right now." Trunks kind of babbled and stumbled over his words, trying to ask his mother for help.
"Oh, no; it's perfectly fine. You don't need to apologize for anything. I'd love to help you. But are you sure?" Bulma replied before asking.
"Yes, Mom; I'm sure. It's the least I can do for keeping you out of our lives for the past four and a half or five years. After all this signing stuff, we can all go to that buffet for dinner." Trunks suggested.
"That sounds great." Bulma happily replied.
"What about Dad?" Trunks asked, feeding Miku.
"She's really sucking it down!" Phoenix exclaimed, shocked and amazed, watching Miku finish her bottle.
"Miku?" Bulma asked.
"Yes. She just downed a full bottle. Thank you, by the way, Botan." Trunks answered and then thanked his oldest because instead of eating his cheeseburger, Botan fed Miku.
"Well—she probably wasn't keeping any of that formula down; she's probably starving. Don't worry about your father; the mention of the buffet and he'll come running. We'll head out in a few minutes and just wait for you in the parking lot. See you soon." Bulma noted before happily informing Trunks before hanging up.
"Ok. First of all: Cora, you don't ever have to be sorry for someone like that creep spying on you. That's not your fault. If the police call, you and I will talk to them and you'll tell them what you told me. Ok? It's not your fault that the police call me if they do; it's that man's." Trunks firmly explained to Cora.
"Ok. But if I hadn't said anything, the police wouldn't have to call you." Cora replied.
"True. But if you hadn't told me, nobody would try to stop this guy from watching other girls. Trust me when I say, because of you, some other girls will be safe." Trunks proudly told Cora.
"Really? So, I'm really like Sailor Moon?" Cora excitedly asked.
"Yes, you're like Sailor Moon. But you're Sailor Briefs, right?" Trunks asked, watching Cora after replying.
"No. I'm Sailor Shooting Star." Cora proudly corrected.
"Oh. Ok. My deepest apologies. The same thing applies to you boys as well. If someone is ever making you feel uncomfortable, you tell me, Grandma, Grandpa, a cop, or trusted adult right away. Are we understood?"
"Yes, Dad." The boys all replied with a smile.
"Ok, come on; let's get this done with so we can get Miku what she needs and then head off to dinner." Trunks told his brood…