9:00 AM:
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Keiichiro, what brings you by?" Ryou asked, shocked to see Keiichiro standing in front of his door.
"How is Mai?" Keiichiro hurriedly asked, concerned, getting Vegeta and Bulma's attention.
"Mai's fine. I just checked on her half an hour ago; she's still asleep. I know it's late for her, but she was up late. She doesn't have a fever and isn't in any pain. And she's still breathing normally. Why? What's going on?" Ryou asked, confused.
"I got a text saying Mai was on her way to the hospital." Keiichiro replied, trying to calm down.
"From who?" Ryou asked, confused.
"You." Keiichiro answered, getting his phone.
"Well, I didn't text you other than to say good morning and that I loved you." Ryou replied, getting his phone as well.
"Yeah, nothing." Ryou informed Keiichiro, showing him his phone.
"Well, this is the text I got. I didn't get any of the other texts you say you sent." Keiichiro told Ryou, handing him his phone.
Ryou - Keiichiro:
I'm sorry 2 text u so early
I wanted 2 let u know that Mai's in an ambulance on the way 2 the ER.
She's breathing but isn't waking up.
"I didn't send you this. This is what I sent you." Ryou replied, handing Keiichiro his phone.
Ryou - Keiichiro:
Good morning, Love.
Mai's still asleep, but I'm sure she'll want to see you when she gets up.
Love you.
See you soon
"What's going on?" Vegeta was the first to ask as Goku, Chi-Chi, Gohan, Videl, and Goten walked downstairs, looking for food.
At the same time, Trunks and Bulla walked out of their rooms.
"I don't know. But I don't like it." Ryou replied, rushing to Mai's room.
"What's going on?" Gohan asked, concerned.
"Is something going on with Mai?" Goten asked, watching Keiichiro follow Ryou.
"Is she ok?" Videl and Bulla asked, concerned.
Trunks couldn't say anything; he was in shock.
"We don't kn—" "Hey! Who the hell are you?! Get back here! Keiichiro!" Bulma started to answer every one, only to stop in mid-sentence after hearing Ryou angrily yelling at someone.
"Daddy?" They next heard Mai groggily ask.
"I've got you. We're going to go down to the lab." Keiichiro gently told Mai.
"Where Daddy?" Mai groggily asked.
"He had to do something; he'll be back in a bit." Keiichiro answered Mai, rushing her to the basement.
"Gampa get me water." Mai told Keiichiro once he reached the door.
"What do you mean Grandpa gave you water?" Keiichiro asked, confused.
"Lass nigh. I had go potty. He get me water an put me back seep." Mai answered, rubbing her face on his shoulder.
"Ok… Umm… You like Mrs. Bulma, right?" Keiichiro asked, walking back to the living area where everyone else was.
"Tunks mommy?" Mai asked.
"Yes, Trunks's mommy." Keiichiro answered, walking over to Bulma.
"Yes." Mai mumbled, barely awake.
"Can you take her for a few minutes?" Keiichiro asked Bulma.
"Of course. What's going on?" Bulma replied before asking, taking Mai.
"I'm not sure. But I don't think it's as horrible as Ryou and I thought. I'll be right back." Keiichiro replied, walking into Mai's room and over to her bed.
When he came back, Keiichiro was holding a cup. Not one of Mai's standard sippy cups, but a regular plastic cup.
"Mai, Sweetie. I know you're sleepy, but is the cup Grandpa gave you?" Keiichiro gently asked Mai, trying to get her to look at him.
"Dat cup, yes. He try make me dink it all up." Mai answered, clinging to Bulma.
"Was there a lot in the cup?" Keiichiro asked.
"Yeah. He gets mad an dump out window. An den he go bye-bye. He comed back an try wass my face wit smelly little towel. I do good? I seep now?" Mai answered before asking with tired hope in her eyes.
"You did very well. I'm sure if you ask Mrs. Bulma really nice, she'll put you in your chair, so you can sleep a little more." Keiichiro gently told Mai.
"Otay. Where Daddy?" Mai replied before asking.
"He'll be back after a bit. Don't you worry." Keiichiro told Mai before going back to her room. Sure enough, he found a rag stuck next to her pillows.
"Is everything ok?" Bulma asked when Keiichiro walked back out.
"What's going on?" Vegeta and Goku asked, watching Keiichiro.
"I think Jin attempted to kidnap Mai. I think this is drink is some kind of cocktail to knock her out. However, when it didn't work, Jin had to resort to a different method." Keiichiro explained, holding up the cup.
"Which is?" Bulma and Chi-Chi asked, concerned.
"Chloroform." Keiichiro answered with a sigh after smelling the rag.
"Chloroform?" Bulma asked, confused.
"It's a type of sedative…" "No. Sorry. I know what chloroform is. Back home, if needed, it's used for surgeries. Though, I'm not sure why because the side effects are horrible—especially for a child her size." Bulma interrupted Keiichiro.
"Way back in the day, chloroform was used as an anesthetic to knock patients out. But as you stated, it had horrid side effects. It hasn't been used for that purpose in hundreds of years. Now, the only real use for chloroform is for when someone is attacking and kidnapping or abducting someone. A little bit on a rag, placed over the victim's mouth and nose, and the victim goes down. Some people may struggle a little. But if the attacker has a good enough grip—they won't struggle long. And when you involve children—especially little, little children like Mai; they go down faster than you can blink. That's why Mai's so sleepy; enough got in her system to affect her. I just thank God that Mai's a struggler and tends to squirm around when something is placed over her face." Keiichiro explained, holding the cup and rag.
"But you smelt the rag. Why aren't you unconscious?" Bulla asked, confused.
"Jin doesn't want to kill or overly harm Mai; he just put a small amount of chloroform on the rag. There's not enough to have any effect on an adult." Keiichiro explained just before Ryou walked through the front door.
"Did you catch him?" Everybody asked Ryou.
"No. Almost, but Yuko got him first; she turned him in or whatever with evidence." Ryou answered, walking to Mai.
"Do you want to test the contents of this cup—if possible?" Keiichiro asked, concerned.
"No need to. Yuko explained that he used water mixed with whiskey and cough syrup. He should've used juice or something because she could taste the whiskey and cough syrup. So, he had to go get chloroform." Ryou replied, lifting Mai into his arms.
"Why didn't she come get any of us?" Trunks asked, watching Ryou.
"*Sigh…* She most likely didn't understand what was going on. She probably thought he was just trying to give her medication like I do when I give her cough syrup for coughs she may have. However, I mix it with Kool-Aid of some sort. Or I give her milk right after. She was also already tired and just went back to sleep. I'm just glad Jin didn't realize that." Ryou answered, shifting Mai a little.
"Daddy…" Mai whined, making biscuits with her hands.
"She doesn't have claws, does she?" Goten asked, watching Mai's hand work.
"Yes. But they only come out when she gets frustrated—or overly fussy." Ryou answered, calming down.
"Has she ever used them on you?" Bulla asked, interested.
"A few times. But her claws are still so small and can't penetrate clothing. But if they do hit bare skin, yes, they hurt. Like real kittens, Mai's fangs and claws are sharper than an adult's." Ryou explained as Mai continued to make her biscuits.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" Bulla asked, watching Ryou.
"If I told you no, would it stop you?" Ryou asked, watching Bulla.
"No." Everyone who knew Bulla answered, making Ryou chuckle a little.
"It hasn't stopped you yet. And it's fine, really. If it becomes to personal or something, I just won't answer." Ryou responded as Mai finally stopped moving.
"If we were to never show up—if there were no prophecy or whatever, and Trunks was never meant to be with Mai, what would happen to Mai as she grew older?" Bulla asked, hoping she didn't offend anyone.
"Do you mean if she were to never find someone to love her?" Ryou asked with a small sigh.
"Yes. I know you said you were all immortal… Or were you not before we got here?" Bulla started before asking, confused.
"No, we were. Something to do with the Mew Mew Project. And to answer your question: if none of you were to show up. If Mai were to never find someone to love her for her, Keiichiro and I will always be here for her. I know I shouldn't speak for Keiichiro, but I feel he'd always be here for us. Either way, I'd always be here to take care of Mai, no matter how old she gets. As long as she needs me; she'll have me—even if she thinks she doesn't need me. I've heard that's a phase kids go through at some point in life." Ryou answered, holding Mai close.
"Oh, you have no idea." Bulma, Chi-Chi, Vegeta, and Goku responded, watching their kids.
"Point is: Mai will always have Keiichiro and me." Ryou replied with a smile.
"Yes. Always." Keiichiro replied with a smile, making Ryou smile.
"But anyway: I suppose I should start making a grocery list." Ryou sighed, looking at Mai.
"Cuppy cakes." Mai mumbled in her sleep.
"You get enough cake and other sweets from Daddy." Ryou told Mai, standing up.
"Are you sure she's asleep?" Goten asked, stunned.
"Oh, yeah. She talks in her sleep—more than when she's awake. Which is—different. Most people who talk in their sleep are that clear." Ryou replied, placing Mai on her stomach, on her chair. He covered her with a blanket and managed to get a pillow under her head. And then Tobi jumped next to her and plopped down.
"Where are you going?" Keiichiro asked Ryou when he walked into the kitchen.
"I'm going to make a grocery list, wait for Mai to wake up, and then head to the grocery store." Ryou answered.
"Oh, no you don't." Keiichiro stopped Ryou.
"And why not?" Ryou asked, turning to face Keiichiro.
"You're a horrible grocery shopper—especially when you take Mai with you." Keiichiro told Ryou as nicely as possible.
"What does that mean?" Ryou asked, staring at Keiichiro.
"You buy Mai whatever she wants for food. And most of the time it's instant meals, sweets, or other types of junk food." Keiichiro stated.
"What am I supposed to do? As much as I like our new family members; they do not know their way around Tokyo yet." Ryou replied, annoyed.
"Aww! He thinks of us as family." Bulma happily cooed.
"Stop spying on them." Vegeta instructed, pulling Bulma back to the living room.
"Tell you what. I will take you grocery shopping later tonight, after Mai's awake. We'll go—just the two of us and talk—about me moving in with you." Keiichiro calmly told Ryou, shocking him.
"I thought you needed time." Ryou replied, stunned.
"Yeah… That's what I said. And then this morning with those texts and Mai… I don't know. We need to talk about it—just you and me. If we do it right, we can get lunch beforehand." Keiichiro insisted.
"I can agree to that. However, I don't know so much about Mai. I love her more than anything, but you know her: I can't risk her waking up to me not here; she'll panic. And then leaving is impossible; I can't get out the door without her." Ryou told Keiichiro, starting with a smile before becoming serious.
"Yeah. I remember the last time that happened; she had to be admitted to a hospital and sedated because she couldn't breathe." Keiichiro replied with a sigh.
"Make your list, wait a few hours or whatever for Mai to wake up, go out, have a nice time, grocery shopping, and then come home. We can watch her for you." Bulma offered—more like insisted, watching Ryou.
"Ummm…" Ryou started, unsure.
"Oh, come on, Ryou; you and Keiichiro need this. We know what we're doing, and I know you know that. Just let us know rules, what she can and can't do. What she can or will eat or won't or can't eat. I know you love Mai more than life itself, but you can't let her run your life completely. If you do, you'll never be able to leave your house without her—and I'm almost sure there are places that you'd like to go without her. Trust me: do this now, while you still have time. No, it won't be easy, but after some time, she'll see that you're not abandoning her." Bulma sincerely yet firmly told Ryou.
"Says the woman who used to take Trunks everywhere she went." Vegeta mocked Bulma.
"Shut it. And I didn't take him everywhere I went; sometimes I'd leave him with Mom and Dad or Chi-Chi and Goku." Bulma retorted, embarrassed.
"All joking aside; we do know how to take care of children. And Bulma is right; you need to get out of the house without the child from time to time." Vegeta seriously spoke.
"Fine. I'll get a grocery list around and then I'll get Mai's allergy list written up and stick it to the fridge. Keiichiro, show them how to use their cell phones so that they can contact Mom or us. Though, knowing Mom, I'm sure she'll show up at some point." Ryou instructed before heading into the kitchen.
"He's going to have an aneurysm." Vegeta grumbled, watching Ryou pace back and forth.
"Big time." Gohan, Goten, and Trunks replied.
"But this will be good for him." Chi-Chi insisted, getting her phone.
"Yes, it will. Thanks for convincing him." Keiichiro replied before thanking Bulma.
"Oh, it was no problem. He needs this bad—way more than he thinks he does." Bulma replied, opening her phone.
"He needs to relax and be a little less uptight." Bulla mumbled, messing around on her tablet.
"Bulla…" Bulma sighed, watching her daughter.
"No, she's right. But that's a lot easier said than done—especially with Mai's history. Every time she's out of his sight, something bad usually happens. This last time, her mother left God knows where, and she ended up four hours away. More than a few times, she ended up in the hospital. That's why I'm so thankful for Yuko—and all of you. All we want is for Mai to be safe. She is his world." Keiichiro explained.
"What about you?" Bulma asked, watching Keiichiro.
"Hmmm? What do you mean?" Keiichiro asked; it seemed they all understood how to use a phone. Everyone already had everyone's numbers and everything.
"Is she your world as well?" Bulma asked.
"Or is Ryou your world?" Bulla asked, interested.
"No. Neither Mai nor Ryou are my worlds; they're both my world." Keiichiro answered with a small smile, looking from Mai to the kitchen where Ryou was.
"Good way to look at it." Bulma and Chi-Chi replied with smiles.
Two Hours Later:
A Little After Noon:
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Hi, Mom." Ryou greeted after opening the door.
"Are you sure you're all ok? Mai?" Ami asked, panicking.
"She's been like this since you texted her earlier." Tomohiro informed Ryou.
"That doesn't surprise me. We're all fine. Mai's just fine. She's still asleep, but she's just fine, nonetheless. We've all been keeping an eye on her—and Tobi's kept her from rolling all over the place. Even Renji is keeping an eye on her. Her breathing is even; she's just tired. Between yesterday and this morning—she just can't handle it like you, or I could. Now, we're just waiting on her to wake up." Ryou calmly told his mother.
"That man… I can't believe he would sink so low." Ami grumbled.
"Well, he did fake all of your deaths for whatever reasons." Tomohiro stated, watching Ami.
"Do you have something planned?" Ami asked, watching Ryou and Keiichiro.
"Bulma, Vegeta, Chi-Chi, and Goku are going to watch Mai while Keiichiro and I go out—and grocery shopping." Ryou answered.
"Out? Like on a date? Without Mai?" Tomohiro asked, watching Ryou and Keiichiro.
"Yes." Ryou answered.
"Wow. Who would've seen this day coming? This can't be easy." Tomohiro spoke, stunned.
"It isn't." Ryou replied.
"But Mai will be just fine. You're welcome to stay if you'd like." Bulma insisted before offering Ami after seeing a look run across her face.
"Mom, don't. It's nothing personal. This is going to be a major adjustment for Mai. Normally, I can't get out of the house without her; she always clings to my leg and cries. She's afraid of being abandoned. That much I know. I know there's more, but I don't know what. Anyway: Mom, I love you, I do. And if Mai were what people consider a normal child, I'd let you just take off with her once or twice a week or even for a weekend. I love and trust you that much. And as much as I know Mai loves you; she's just not comfortable being in a strange house without me or Keiichiro. Mai's only been to your house a few times. Knowing all that and Mai—she won't last at your house without have a major meltdown that could send her to the hospital. Leaving her home—without me—that's going to be hard enough for her. Please, understand; I'm not doing this to spite you or anything. I have nothing to be spiteful against you for. You and Tomohiro are welcome to stay here if you'd like." Ryou pleaded with Ami, trying to get her to understand.
"Ok. But I'd like to do something with just her and you some day." Ami told Ryou, narrowing her eyes.
"That's fine. And if we can ever get her used to being able to leave the house without me, you may take her for a few hours on your own." Ryou sincerely replied.
"Eeee! Really?" Ami excitedly squealed.
"If we can get her used to leaving the house with me." Ryou replied, picking his ear with his pinky.
"Ohhh… Come on, Tomohiro; we have stuff we need to do. Call me when you get done with your date! I'll meet you at the grocery store and help you!" Ami excitedly demanded before dragging Tomohiro elsewhere.
"Mom, this isn't going to happen in a week!" Ryou called Ami. But it was too late; she was out the door and in her car.
"I highly doubt it's going to happen in a month. I shouldn't have said that. Why did I say that? What did I just do to Mai?" Ryou started asking himself, pacing again.
"Everything will be just fine, Ryou. Relax. Your mother just wants to be able to spend time with and connect with her granddaughter." Keiichiro spoke to Ryou in a soothing tone, trying to rub his shoulders. Ryou just wouldn't stop pacing.
"I know. But still… Wait. Why does she want to help with groceries? I've done just fine these last three and a half years. What? What is that look for?" Ryou asked before noticing Keiichiro blankly staring at him.
"With taking care of Mai, yes. With cooking and taking care of everything around the house and the café before here, yes. With grocery shopping—not so much." Keiichiro honestly told Ryou.
"What does that mean; I go grocery shopping." Ryou argued.
"Oh, Ryou… I love you. And for as smart as you are; you suck at grocery shopping—most shopping in general. Unless it's for Mai, you are utterly lost at shopping—especially for groceries. Before Jin faked everyone's deaths, your mother did all the grocery shopping. After that, until—well, now, Ichigo or I have done all your grocery shopping. You'd go grocery shopping with Kai or Mai, and you would get them whatever they wanted—especially Kai. Mai doesn't ask for a whole lot of things at the grocery store. Half the time, you call me, frustrated because you either lost your list or your lost in the store. And that's fine: you can't do everything." Keiichiro told Ryou, shocking him.
Ryou didn't say anything; he couldn't because he knew Keiichiro was right.
"Mmmm…" Ryou was going to say something when Mai started waking up.
"Did you leave the grocery list on the table?" Keiichiro asked Ryou.
"Yeah. Why?" Ryou asked, confused—and a little suspicious.
"I'm going to look it over." Keiichiro replied, walking to the kitchen.
"Daddy?" Mai asked, stretching a little.
"Well, good morning. Did you sleep well? What's wrong?" Ryou asked, walking over to Mai. He then asked her when her face scrunched up, looking guilty before she started crying.
"Come here. What's wrong? Oh. Is that all? Don't you worry about that; it's not your fault. Mr. Jin did a bad thing; you just couldn't get up. Tobi…" Ryou questioned, lifting Mai into his arms. And then it dawned on him.
"What's going on? Did we sleep too long?" Keiichiro asked, walking in.
"That could be part of it. The other part of it—and Tobi's going to be severely P-I-S-S-E-D off later." Ryou replied and then spelled out a naughty word so Mai wouldn't understand.
"Why? What happened?" Keiichiro asked, confused.
"Because of the chloroform and the cocktail Jin gave Mai; she wasn't able to get up in time. Nothing bad; Mai had an accident in her sleep—and Tobi's rolling around in it. So, he's going to need a bath. And there he goes." Ryou explained, rocking Mai a little, trying to soothe her. As soon as bath was mentioned, Tobi took off like a bat out of Hell.
"So, she wet herself in her sleep. She's only three, right? I heard it's common." Bulla spoke up.
"Well—there's a few different reasons: Anya being one of the main ones. She just got out of diapers and pull-ups a few weeks ago. Mai has it in her head that if she has accidents in her sleep, she'll have to go back to wearing them—more than when we have long car trips. Now, I'm going to change Mai—and then change my shirt. And then I suppose I should clean her chair before we leave." Ryou answered Bulla before telling everyone.
"Don't worry about Mai's chair; I'll get that." Keiichiro told Ryou.
"K." Ryou replied before shutting Mai's door behind them.
"Anya?" Videl asked, confused.
"Mai's biological mother. She was abusive and neglectful. On her last unsupervised weekend with Mai, she was arrested for a lot of different things, including child neglect and child endangerment. And somehow, Mai ended up four hours away. That's where your group landed and found Mai." Keiichiro explained when he walked back with cleaning supplies for the chair.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have asked." Videl apologized.
"No need to apologize. Ryou and I don't mind answering questions. However, certain questions can't be answered around Mai. Because, despite what others and doctors say—and what we know so far, Mai's not stupid; she does understand certain words and things. For instance, when you say, "Anya," Mai will run to Ryou and hide her face in his leg or shoulder. If he's not around for whatever reason, she'll come to me. Certain words, things, smells, or textures will trigger something, and she'll just drop and have panic attacks. But you don't ever have to be sorry about asking questions. If something gets too personal; we'll let you know." Keiichiro thoughtfully explained.
"Textures? What do you mean by textures? How can a texture cause a panic attack?" Goten asked, confused.
"Mai likes soft things: pajamas, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals. The softness of something is a texture. She likes the feel of smoothed out wood with no grooves in the wood. She doesn't like the feel of wood on—say a tree. She once ran hand over a one and got a splinter, so she associates it as bad. In her mind, if she touches a tree again, she'll get another splinter. She likes marble—like marble counters. She doesn't like granite or anything grainy that's not food. Though, her not liking grainy textures has something to do with her autism—same with her liking soft things. Or that's where our research led us. And we don't know what she did, but Anya—or someone she knew, did something to Mai to make it so she doesn't like the feel of concrete on her feet. She has a sandbox out back: it has a special type of sand because she doesn't like certain types of sands. Depending on the time or day, she likes the feel of grass—and sometimes she doesn't." Keiichiro explained as he finished scrubbing the chair.
"Going to the playground must be difficult." Chi-Chi spoke, stunned.
"That's one of the reasons Ryou bought this house. There is a park a few miles down the road to the west. If there aren't a lot of kids or people in general there, Mai likes to play there. Otherwise, out back, she has her own playground, specially designed for her and her needs." Keiichiro replied before putting the cleaning supplies away and brought out a towel.
"Ryou designed her a playground?" Goku asked, stunned.
"No. He paid for it, but I designed it with all the materials she preferred." Keiichiro answered.
"She's not much of a people person, is she?" Chi-Chi asked, watching Keiichiro.
"My kind of child." Vegeta spoke.
"I heard children—or people with autism have a hard time socializing with others. Is that it with her?" Bulma asked.
"No, she's not. Yes and no. Ryou's somewhat the same way. He's come along way since we started the Mew Mew Project, but he's not a people person. Before the project, he was content to sit in his room, reading a book, or working on the project. Once Ichigo, Mint, Lettuce, Pudding, and Zakuro were brought in, he became a little more sociable. And then when Ichigo had their son, Kai; he tried being more social for Kai's sake. It didn't quite work; he didn't handle being around too many people at once well. While he can go wherever no matter how many people are there, he can't seem to socialize at a party—especially one meant for him. And with Mai, I know he tries because he knows she picks up on him. Unlike Ryou, Mai can't be around large crowds unless she's with Ryou without having a panic attack. As long as either he or I has hold of her, she's ok. Or if she's in the front seat of the cart and can see Ryou. And that is her autism. But also like Ryou, Mai is bullied by other kids. Ryou was growing up for being smart. Mai is the opposite; she's bullied because she's slower. But with how she's not screaming and running from any of you; I don't think you have to worry about her not liking you. It may take time, but she'll come around. Honestly, I think it's a good thing you're all living here with them; it'll help her adjust faster. She won't become confused, frustrated or upset because you're not coming and going." Keiichiro answered and went on to explain.
"That's just sad." Bulma and Chi-Chi sadly replied.
"Wait. How do you get away with coming and going every day? You come and go, don't you?" Bulla asked, giving Keiichiro the third degree.
"I may not have been living here with them, but I have been a constant in Mai's life. I was there when she was brought home. I visited her every day while she was in the NICU. And I've always seen her every day. With Kai: he'd come over every other weekend and then she wouldn't see him again until the next time he'd come over. She didn't see him every day like she does me." Keiichiro calmly answered.
"Can I ask something?" Trunks asked, speaking up.
"Sure. What is it?" Keiichiro asked, looking directly at Trunks.
"Going back to textures—liking certain ones and not liking others. Is that why she doesn't like the couch?" Trunks asked, looking directly at Keiichiro.
"What did Ryou tell you?" Keiichiro asked, seeing something in Trunks's eyes.
"That first morning we woke up here, Mai was staring at me like I offended her or something because I was sleeping in her chair. Ryou explained it was her chair and while he didn't say it directly; I got that she's not used to sharing it. Bulla mentioned being up and Mom asked why she didn't let Mai have that chair—or share it. Ryou responded with that was his chair and she won't sit in it unless she's on his lap. And then Mom and Dad said they were up, so she could have the couch, but he said he didn't know why, but she didn't like the couch. He said she panics when placed on it. But hearing about Anya—I wonder if there's a reason why." Trunks explained, watching Keiichiro.
"I can definitely tell you were older at one point. How old were you before?" Keiichiro asked, watching Trunks.
"Eighteen." Trunks answered.
"And the rest of you?" Keiichiro asked, looking at Bulla, Goten, Gohan, and Videl.
"Twelve." Bulla answered.
"Seventeen." Goten answered.
"Twenty-seven." Gohan answered.
"Twenty-eight." Videl answered.
"Ok… Umm… Honestly, we don't know what Anya did to Mai, but we do know she did something that made her afraid of couches. And yes, it's all couches. Ryou just bought this one right after they moved in here; he had a different one before. I think he gave it to Ichigo and Kish, but I'm not sure. But each new couch he tried setting her on, Mai did more than panic. We'll just leave that at that. But because I can read it in your eyes, yes; we believe that Anya did—or let someone hurt Mai in that way. Occasionally, she'll have accidents, but she does her best to make it to the bathroom when she needs to go. We suspect Anya did or let someone else do that because Mai is not the same little girl she was before. She, as long as she were in her home, was happy and let Ryou change her no problems. One day, Ryou got her back, and everything was different. She'd scream every time he'd try to change her diaper. I have a feeling that's the true reason she no longer wants diapers or pull-ups. But he does help her. Usually, when she's so tired that she can't tell what's what anymore, she'll completely panic when Ryou changes her clothes." Keiichiro sadly explained.
"Ahh! Mai, no; we don't bite." They heard Ryou.
"Sowee!" Mai was heard next, crying.
"If you know, why did the courts allow her to have her once a month?" Bulma asked, confused.
"No proof. Ryou went to the police and took her to the doctors and had exams done and everything. She had a few bruises on her back, stomach, arms, and inner thighs. But when questioned, Anya explained it away as she kept falling off this trike toy—or falling over. She blamed her arthritis. Every time, she'd come back, Mai was sullen and unapproachable for about—I wanna say five days or so. She was always a happy baby. It really doesn't take much to break someone's spirit. But I do hope now that you're all here, that we'll get to see that happy little girl again." Keiichiro answered.
"How the hell did she get away with all that?! No proof? If she's covered in bruises, I'd say that's proof enough. What more do those stupid fuckers want?!" Vegeta snapped. No matter how evil he was, he never once laid a single finger on a child. Trunks and Goten were the one exception when he committed suicide against Buu to save everyone.
"Mai doesn't talk about it." Ryou answered, walking out of Mai's room, holding his arm. He also had Mai's dirty clothes.
"Ryou?" Keiichiro asked, concerned.
With Ryou & Mai:
"Where go?" Mai asked with her finger in her mouth after Ryou set her down.
"Well—Daddy and I are going out on a date. And then we're going to go grocery shopping." Ryou explained, getting Mai a new clean pair of undies.
"Date?" Mai asked, confused.
"Daddy and I are going to go out for lunch just for us. Then after that—I don't know. But after all that, we're going to meet Grandma at the grocery store and get groceries. Let's see—it's supposed to be hot today. So, shorts and—do you want to wear a regular shirt today, or a tank top?" Ryou asked, pulling out two different tops.
"Dat one." Mai pointed to the tank top with the cat and rainbow on the front.
"Ok. You really need to stop biting your finger. I'll get you a pudding cup to eat before I have to go." Ryou told Mai with a sigh, watching her as he went to remove her pajama shirt.
"I go date." Mai told Ryou as he removed her pajama shorts.
"Not this time, Baby. This is just for me and Daddy. And you're not allowed to date until you're much, much—much older. Now, just hold still; we need to get you out of your wet undies, cleaned, and put in clean, dry undies." Ryou calmly told Mai, getting the baby wipes.
"Mmm…" Mai moaned, stepping away from Ryou.
"Baby, I'm not going to hurt you in any way; you know this. We just need to get you cleaned and changed. Come on, please." Ryou calmly and gently told Mai.
"Noo… No wan pay game no moe." Mai whined, backing away.
"Now, Mai…" Ryou started but stopped when he saw the look in her eyes. She wasn't all there; she went somewhere deep inside her subconscious.
"One… Two… Three… Four… Five. Mai, it's time to wake up now. It's Daddy, and I promise you I will never ever hurt you like your mom and whoever else hurt you, ok? This isn't a game; I just need to get you dressed—or at least in clean undies. Please." Ryou slowly counted to five to keep himself calm because he knew perfectly well where her mind was. Once he was done counting, Ryou slowly approached Mai, pleading with her.
"No moe." Mai mumbled.
"No more." Ryou repeated, going to lift her in his arms.
"No!" Mai cried, struggling against him.
Ryou was almost to her bed when Mai bit him—deep.
"Ahh! Mai, no; we don't bite." Ryou exclaimed, hissing a little. He didn't mean to, but with where and how she bit him—it hurt.
"Sowee!" Mai cried, coming back to reality.
"I sowee. I sowee. I sowee." Mai continued to cry when she saw what she had done.
"I know you are, Baby; I know you are. And I'm sorry for yelling like that, but that one hurt. Also, you have nothing to be sorry for; I have a feeling I know why. And when you're ready, we'll be here to listen to what you have to say. Now, will you please let me change your undies at least?" Ryou gently replied before once again asking.
Mai didn't reply; she just sat on a potty pad for cats and laid back.
"Thank you. Ready? Off come the old undies. Now, I'm going to use the wipe to clean you down there, so you don't get rashes, ok? Let me know if it hurts or anything." Ryou instructed, letting Mai know every move he made before he made it.
Mai just lay there with her eyes closed as she waited, but she nodded her head. That's what Ryou was waiting for.
"There we go. All done. Now, slip this leg into this hole. Good. Now the other. Now, we stand up, and what do you do?" Ryou asked, watching Mai's face.
"Up." Mai replied, slowly pulling her undies up.
"Good girl. Now, I have to put your dirty clothes in the laundry and put a bandaid on my new owie. But I will be back to finish dressing you. Until then, I need you to sit on your bed, on a little timeout. Because even though I know you didn't mean it, you still bit me. Do you understand? You have to stay in this spot. Here. When this beeps, you can get out of bed, but you have to stay in your room until I come in to finish dressing you. Ok?" Ryou told Mai just before setting a timer.
Mai just nodded her head with her finger in her mouth.
Ryou's P.O.V.:
"How the hell did she get away with all that?! No proof? If she's covered in bruises, I'd say that's proof enough. What more do those stupid fuckers want?!" I heard Vegeta yelling, pissed off. Just by what he was saying, I knew Keiichiro had told them what we suspected.
"Mai doesn't talk about it." I answered, walking past with the potty pad and Mai's clothes.
"Ryou?" Keiichiro asked, concerned.
"Don't worry about me; I'm fine!" I called, throwing the pad away and then the laundry down the chute. I then went to my room and changed my shirt.
"Did Mai bite you again?" Keiichiro asked as I walked back out.
"It's fine; it wasn't her fault. But even so; I put her on a small timeout." I explained, walking to the bathroom.
"Ryou. Ryou, stop. Let me see." Keiichiro put his foot down and walked over to me.
"Oh, my Go—Ryou. What happened? This is—this isn't good. She got you good this time. Go. Sit. Go." Keiichiro ordered, horrified.
"That's from Mai?" Gohan asked, stunned.
"Yes." I answered, waiting in my chair.
"What happened that made her do that?" Trunks asked, concerned as Keiichiro walked over.
"I'd like to know that as well." Keiichiro spoke, kneeling next to my chair to start cleaning the bite.
"What do you think happened? I was changing her. I got her out of her pajamas and was about to get to her undies when she started backing away. After a minute or two, I realized she wasn't all there; she went to—wherever in her mind she goes when memories surface. I counted to five, calmly spoke to her, and lifted her into my arms. She started spazzing and she bit me. I explained to her that I wasn't mad at her and that I understood. Whenever she was ready to talk, we'd be here to listen. I apologized for yelling and explained that it just hurt a little more this time. She apologized." I explained, annoyed as Keiichiro took care of my arm, wrapping it in a bandage.
"Calm down, Ryou. Mai feeds off your energy; you know this." Keiichiro firmly told me.
"I know, but right now, I can't help it." I replied, bouncing my knee.
"Ryou—Mai said something, didn't she?" Keiichiro asked, watching me.
"Speaking of which. What did you mean by "Mai doesn't talk?" What does that mean?" Vegeta demanded.
"Like I said the other night, Mai doesn't talk to anybody except Keiichiro and me. I took her to the doctors and the police, and she sat there, still as a board, not saying a single thing. Not to them. Not to me. Not to anyone. The police said that unless she told them what Anya or whoever, assuming there is someone else, did to her, there was nothing they could do. A year and two months later, Anya put Mai in the hospital—and I met Yuko. I made that deal that I would help you no matter what, so long as Mai and I stayed together. I take her to therapy twice a month—every two weeks. It used to be every week, but her therapist said she didn't think she needed to see her every week. We know it's confidential, but because of the reasons Mai's there, Dr. Gretta informs me of anything of importance—which, there hasn't been anything sexual popping up. So, I really don't know what to do. I can't just make Mai tell me anything because I know if I do; she'll shut down." I explained, leaning back.
"What did she say?" Keiichiro asked, watching me and holding my hand.
"She didn't want to play the game anymore." I answered, not knowing what to do with that information.
"Daddy? I come out yet?" Mai asked, peeking her head through her door.
"Hold on just a second. I'll be there to finish getting you dressed." I called back, getting up.
"I dwess all my sef." Mai softly told me when I opened her door.
"Yes, you sure did." I replied, watching Mai. She managed to get her rainbow princess dress on—backward, and half zipped up by herself. She was wearing her rainbow gloves on her feet—which she shoved into her plastic translucent purple princess shoes.
Despite knowing how this was going to end, I couldn't help but laugh a little at her.
"What's going on?" Keiichiro asked, trying to see what was going on.
"Why—don't you ask our little princess?" I replied, lifting Mai and carried her over to him.
"Why, don't you look absolutely adorable? What's the special occasion?" Keiichiro asked Mai, lifting her onto his lap.
"I go date." I heard Mai whisper to Keiichiro.
"You're going on a date? With who?" Keiichiro asked, watching me.
"Wit you an Daddy. He say go lun-lun an ghosty shoppy. I go wit." Mai whispered to Keiichiro again.
"I'll talk to her—once I get everything situated." I told Keiichiro, sighing a little.
"Did you get dressed all by yourself?" Keiichiro asked Mai; she nodded in response.
"Ok… Umm… Bulma, Chi-Chi, Vegeta, and Goku: please follow me." I instructed, leading them to Mai's room.
"This is definitely a little girl's room." Vegeta noted, looking at all the bright colors, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, toys, etc.
"She really likes those cats." Goku noted, looking at all the stuffed cats, cat figurines, cat posters, etc.
"I think it's adorable." Bulma and Chi-Chi cooed.
"Yes, she loves cats; she always has. Yes, part of that's because of her DNA, but she's also been around cats her entire life. But anyway: these are the clothes we picked out before she decided to dress herself. Trust me when I say that dress will come off once she realizes Keiichiro and I aren't coming back right away; she's going to become mad. When she becomes mad, she will kick her shoes off, and the dress will end up somewhere—not on her. Don't try to get these on right away: let her wear herself down or you will get bit. I would prefer you not go to the park, but if you think you can figure your way back, you can try taking her. Otherwise, she has her own setup out back. And yes, the others can use the equipment as well if they'd like. Follow me to the kitchen." I explained before moving on.
"I know with everything that's already gone on this morning, it's going to be a late lunch, but please get her to eat if you can. Soups: open the can, pour in a bowl, add water, and stick it in the microwave for two and a half minutes. The microwave is relatively simple: press the numbers and push start. For instance: for two and a half minutes you hit 2 3 0 and then the start button. Let it go until it beeps. The bowl will be hot, so either let it sit for a minute or two or be very careful taking it out. Or, if you making the same type of soup for everyone and need more than one can, you can do it in a pan on the stove top. If she or they don't want soup, Mai has chicken nuggets, mini corndogs, or quick instant meals that are only meant for lunch—or if we have a long day and I don't feel like cooking something. But with those, just follow the instructions on the back. You know how to use the oven. There is instant rice and mac and cheese in the pantry. Those are done on the stove top. Well, the instant rice can be done on the stove or in the microwave. Or if you don't want to cook, there's stuff to make sandwiches or there's cereal." I went over lunch options.
"Numbers and allergy list are on the fridge. Ummm… It's nearly one. Who do you think will be around Mai more? Or are you wanting to take shifts watching her and the others?" I asked, watching them.
"You don't care if we don't all watch them at the same time?" Chi-Chi asked, stunned.
"No. As long as someone is watching her, I don't care how you do things—as long as you're not throwing huge parties or anything." I replied, trying to make a joke.
"I'll always be around Mai unless I need to use the bathroom or something." Bulma answered, clearly sensing my nervousness.
"Well, then I'll leave her inhaler with you. Did you have these in your world?" I replied, handing her Mai's inhaler.
"I know we have something like this, but I've never had to use them." Bulma answered, looking at the inhaler.
"Ok. It's relatively simple. Shake it before she takes it. You have to put in her mouth, make sure she closes her mouth without biting down. Once it's firmly in there, push this part down and have her suck the medicine in and hold it for three seconds before swallowing in breathing. Depending how her breathing is, wait between thirty seconds to a minute and repeat. If her breathing is really bad, only have her take it twice. Three puffs are meant for emergency only. As long as she's good, you should only need to give this to her every few hours. If not, it should be every two hours. And if for some reason it's so bad, call the number with a red mark next to it. Tell them you're watching Mai for me and just give them her and my name; they should come right out. I'm hoping it won't come to that, but you never know with her."
"I have all of Mai's medications set up already, so if we're not home by three, she needs to take half of this pill. And you kind of have to watch her. She can't chew the pill; she has to swallow it. Sometimes she has troubles doing that, so you may have to use your fingers and gently rub her throat to get it to go down all the way. I usually give her milk with it. And if by some chance for whatever reason, we're not home by five, she needs to take these liquids. The orange liquid: she gets a cap full. The pink liquid: she gets a spoon full. The orange liquid, she has an easy time taking. The pink liquid—you kind of have to watch her with because she doesn't like it; she will take it, but she has a habit of trying to puke it up or something. I usually have her plug her nose because that's what the doctor recommends. It rarely helps because she can't grip her nose hard enough, and I don't want to hurt her. But it goes down and I give her milk to help with the taste. If she does well enough, and the liquid stays in instead of ending up all over her shirt and the floor, she gets a piece of special chocolate. Please, don't let any of the others have this: this chocolate is her reward for taking her medication. If a little liquid dribbles down her chin, don't worry about." I thoroughly explained Mai's medication, writing it all down as well.
"Umm… Oh. I have to change my pants yet. So, while I'm doing that, talk to Keiichiro about the grocery list. I know we may have different things, but if you can explain to him what something you had was—we may have something similar. You're all living here as well, so you should have a say in what we get for food. Then one of these days, when I take Mai, I'll take some of you, and you can see for yourself what we have as well." I added after that thought came to mind.
"Ok. Is there anything you don't want her doing if we take her to the park or out back?" Bulma asked me.
"Uhh… Well—if you take her to the park… She likes the money bars, but she can't do them by herself because of the height. Monkey bars are something kids can go from one end to another. Once you see them, you should know what they are. And if not, Mai will point to them. She knows better than to try to climb on certain things by herself, but with the things she can, she usually needs help with the first step or two. Uhh… Here. This is Lettuce's number. If you decide she's calm enough and you want to try the park, call her and ask for Pie. Ask him to teleport to the park; he'll be able to tell you how many people are there and if Mai will be able to handle going. And then if he says it's all good, he and Lettuce know what Mai can and cannot do." I tried explaining before giving up and just giving them contact info for Lettuce.
"Ok. And our kids can all take their baths or showers?" Bulma asked, watching me.
"Yeah, that's fine. And if she'll allow you, you may give Mai a bath as well. And—if it makes it easier; you can give her a bath with Trunks and or Goten. It really depends on what's easier for you—and if Mai will let you." I answered.
"Cool. Anything else we should know? Anything you want for dinner should it become late enough?" Bulma asked, watching me.
"Well—I suppose if you think you can figure something out what our foods are, you could make stew or something. Otherwise, I can just bring home pizzas or something quick." I answered, thinking a little.
"Ok." Bulma replied with a smile.
"Well, I'm going to get ready. You all go talk to Keiichiro." I insisted before heading to my room.
Normal P.O.V.:
"He's going to have such a hard time with this." Chi-Chi whispered to Bulma and the guys.
"Yeah, but he'll be ok." Bulma insisted.
"I don't know. I bet he breaks the moment Mai starts crying for him." Vegeta replied.
"I think he'll be fine; Keiichiro will be with him, keeping him strong." Bulma once again insisted before walking to the living room to find Mai still sitting on Keiichiro's bouncing knee.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
Ryou came out, ready to go. However, he gave Mai a vanilla pudding cup just to make sure she ate something.
"Well—are you ready to head out?" Keiichiro asked Ryou.
"As I'll ever be." Ryou replied, watching Mai waddle to the door, also ready to go.
"Mai, can you come here, please? Daddy and I need talk to you." Keiichiro called Mai; she waddled back over with her finger in her mouth.
"How are we supposed to do this?" Ryou asked, watching Mai look up at them with big blue eyes.
"Mai, Baby: you know how much I love spending time with you—and taking you shopping for food with me. But sometimes—I need to go out on my own—or with just Daddy. That means you have to stay home with a sitter. In this case it will be Mrs. Bulma and Mr. Vegeta and Mrs. Chi-Chi and Mr. Goku. Sometimes it may be Grandma or someone capable." Ryou calmly explained to Mai; she just stared at him—and her finger came out of her mouth.
Mai had the habit of putting her index right finger in her mouth. Sometimes she'd suck on or bite it, and sometimes she'd just hold it in there. Ryou always stopped her from biting her finger, but at the moment, he didn't care if she held it in her mouth or sucked on it; he'd put a stop to that when she was a little older. Now, if she just suddenly pulled her finger out of her mouth, it meant she was about to have a tantrum.
"No." Mai protested, immediately clinging onto Ryou's leg.
"I'm sorry, Baby. But we have to do this. It's time for you to be a somewhat big girl." Ryou calmly told Mai, trying to pry her off his leg.
"No!" Mai cried, trying to keep hold of Ryou.
"Don't worry, Mai; we'll be back in a few hours. Daddy and I just need to have an adult discussion. We'll be back; I promise." Keiichiro gently told Mai, pulling her off Ryou and setting her down after Ryou kissed her head and started walking to the door.
Cautiously, Keiichiro walked over to the door.
"NO!" Mai screamed, running over to them.
"Mai…" Ryou and Keiichiro started, sighing.
"Go. We have her." Vegeta insisted, lifting Mai into his hands, momentarily shocking her. However, that only lasted a few seconds before she started screaming and crying again, desperately reaching for Ryou and Keiichiro as they left…