The Next Day:
"What are you up to?" Bulma asked, watching Trunks and Skya.
"I am taking Skya out for a few hours before I train with Dad, Goku, Goten, Gohan, and the others. The First of Summer Fair started today: I figured I'd take her every day before training so she can see what it's like." Trunks answered as he and Skya got their shoes on.
"That sounds so much fun. What is today's theme again?" Bulma asked, watching Trunks.
"Hold on." Trunks calmly instructed, pulling an itinerary from his pocket.
Monday: Join us Opening Day for our annual Circus/Petting Zoo:
The Circus:
· Horses (non-abused)
· Elephants (non-abused)
· Clowns
· Trapeze Artists
· Unicyclists
· Cannons
· Aerialists
· Etc.
The Petting Zoo (all non-abused):
· Goats
· Miniature Horses
· Ponies
· Pot-Bellied Pigs
· Donkeys
· Rabbits
· Ducklings
· Ducks
Circus/Animal Trivia at:
· 9:00 AM
· 11:00 PM
· 1:00 PM
· 3:00 PM
· 5:00 PM
"Every day will have all the same rides, games, and food, but different themes—just like every day." Trunks explained, showing Bulma the 7-Day Information packet.
"Oh, wow; they've added a Science fair this year: that replaced the car show. I wonder why. Either way, I think I'm going to go to the fair that day for sure." Bulma stated, looking through the pages.
"The car show was replaced because some kids were messing around last year and got hurt; their parents tried suing. So, instead of bringing that back to the fair, the car show gets its own show at the end of summer for three days." Trunks explained, watching Bulma.
"That makes sense. Well, science is always better for people than cars anyway. You two go have fun; I'll see you after a few hours." Bulma happily told Trunks and Skya.
"What are you going to do today?" Skya softly asked, watching Bulma.
"It's a surprise—for now. I'll talk to you both when you get home." Bulma calmly told Trunks and Skya.
"Wait for me!" Bulla yelled, running down the hall.
"What do you think you're doing?" Bulma asked, watching her daughter.
"I'm going to the fair." Bulla happily answered.
"You leave your brother and Skya alone." Bulma firmly told Bulla.
"It's fine, Mom: we're meeting Goten, Gohan, Videl, and Pan at the fair as well. Goten and Gohan have the same idea as me. Dad and Goku, on the other hand are only going to the fair on Saturday for the Martial Arts Tournament." Trunks calmly told Bulma.
"Oh. Ok. Well, maybe we'll make Saturday a family day: the fireworks are that day." Bulma cheerfully suggested.
"Oh, yes; that'd be so fun. And you said there was a parade on Sunday. Do I have to be in that?" Skya happily agreed with Bulma before nervously asking.
"No, you don't have to be. We don't even have to go to that if you don't wish." Trunks told Skya, pulling her into a hug.
"But I want to. Yeah, I can just sit and watch a parade instead of being in one." Skya happily told Trunks.
"You go have fun. Bulla, behave, leave Trunks and Skya alone, and do as they or Gohan and Videl tell you." Bulma firmly told the three.
"Yes," "Mom." "Mrs. Bulma." Trunks, Bulla, and Skya, replied before they started heading out.
"Wait. Before you go. Skya, you don't have to call my husband and I Mr. and Mrs. Just our names is fine." Bulma stopped the three before they could walk out the door and calmly told Skya.
"She means you can call Mom and Dad just "Bulma" and "Vegeta." She doesn't want you to put Mrs. in front of her name. And as for Dad—well, he doesn't care either way." Bulla explained, seeing confusion written all over Skya's face.
"Oh. Ok. I'll do my best." Skya promised.
"Go have fun." Bulma repeated what she told them with a smile.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
"There you three are! Over here!" Goten called, getting Trunks and Bulla's attention.
"Can I go ahead?" Bulla asked, looking at Trunks.
"Go 'head." Trunks replied, not caring. He could see Goten, Gohan, Videl, and Pan; he knew where she was going.
Bulla took off, running into Goten's arms.
"She seems so happy." Skya stated, watching Bulla.
"She is. This is one of the times I've seen her the happiest—when she's with Goten and shopping." Trunks explained.
"They've been together for long?" Skya asked, watching Goten and Bulla.
"We've known each other forever, but they only connected the other night—the same night you and I connected." Trunks replied.
"Oh. You won't leave me alone here, will you?" Skya nervously asked, looking around; there were a lot of people.
"No, of course not. And if there's something I want to do but you don't want to, I'll leave you with Videl—or I'll wait until Thursday when Mom's here. You will never be left alone." Trunks promised, pulling Skya into an embrace.
"Hey, how are you feeling today?" Gohan asked, walking over with Videl and the others.
"Yeah, I vaguely heard what happened. I'm sorry." Goten apologized, watching Trunks and Skya.
"Thank you. I feel better, yes." Skya answered with a small smile.
"It's just going to take some time, but we'll get there." Trunks added, watching everyone.
"Uhh… Skya, I need you to stay with Videl, Bulla, and Pan; I need to talk to Gohan and Goten for a minute." Trunks calmly told Skya when he noticed a look on Goten's face.
"Ok." Skya replied, confused.
"We'll be right back." Trunks promised, watching Skya.
"Why don't you take them to the petting zoo? That way you're not just standing there doing nothing, and we'll know where to find you when we're done having a guy meeting." Gohan suggested, watching his wife, daughter, Skya, and Bulla.
"Ok. Don't be too terribly long though; the next circus show starts in forty minutes. Come on, girls." Videl told the guys before heading out with the girls.
With Trunks, Gohan, & Goten:
"What's up? And I don't mean to rush you or anything, but I promised Skya, I wouldn't leave her alone for too long." Trunks told Gohan and Goten.
"Gohan told me you said that a candle is what set Skya off last night." Goten started, watching Trunks.
"Yes, that's correct. Why?" Trunks asked, watching Goten.
"It's brown and called "Rustic Woods." Do you know what it smelt like?" Goten stated and then asked.
"How do you know that? No, I don't know what it smelt like; my only concern at the time was Skya. What's going on?" Trunks asked, demanding an answer.
"Rustic Woods smells just of that: rustic woods. Wet trees, grass, leaves, and musk. Not many places sell that scent anymore. In fact, stores in West City stopped selling them about ten years ago." Goten calmly told Trunks, getting a look from him.
"How the hell do you know all that?" Trunks demanded as quietly as possible.
"Dad likes that scent. Mom has to go all the way to South City to buy them—and she buys in bulk. I knew it sounded familiar when you told Videl and I what the candle was, but I couldn't place it until we visited Mom and Dad this morning. It reminds Dad of Grandpa Gohan and how he used to live before meeting everyone." Gohan calmly explained, watching Trunks now.
"Ok…" "Trunks, there is someone on Earth who knows Skya. And not only her; they have to know Cassius as well. To know that specific smell would trigger her; it has to be someone who knows both of them. I don't know what this person wants, but whoever he or she is, it's clear they want to torment Skya in some way, shape, or form." Gohan interrupted Trunks.
"Well, that makes me feel better." Trunks replied, starting to walk away.
"Trunks, wait!" Gohan and Goten called.
"What?" Trunks asked, annoyed.
"Torment her, yes. But I don't think whoever this person is, wants to hurt her. I think if they wanted to physically do harm to her, they would've already. They would've done physical arm to her in the store. Do you know what I'm saying? Don't just rush off and freak people out." Gohan firmly told Trunks.
"Right. Sorry." Trunks apologized, taking a deep breath.
"It's ok; we understand—especially with her history. But the last thing we need right now—with all these people, is for panic to arise. Now, let's go see the girls. The circus show now starts in less than half an hour." Goten told Trunks with a goofy smile.
"Right. Thanks guys." Trunks replied, calming down.
"I'll get the tickets; you two find the girls." Gohan told Trunks and Goten.
"Right." Trunks and Goten replied before going their separate ways.
Five Minutes Later:
"Hey. Did you get everything figured out?" Videl asked when Trunks and Goten arrived at the petting zoo.
"Yep. How are things here?" Trunks asked, looking into the petting zoo.
"I'm sorry this is happening. Things here are fine. Pan's petting the goats. Bulla's petting the miniature horses and ponies. And Skya's petting the rabbits and ducklings; she seems very relaxed." Videl explained after apologizing.
"Thanks but it's not your fault. And that's good. The only times I've seen her this relaxed is when she's sleeping." Trunks replied, smiling as he watched Skya.
"Where's Gohan?" Videl asked, finally noticing he wasn't with them.
"He went to get the tickets to get into the circus show." Goten answered, watching Bulla.
"Ok. Pan, Bulla, Skya; time to go to our next destination!" Videl called to the girls.
"Where's Dad?" Pan asked, confused.
"At our next destination." Videl answered, watching the girls.
"Is everything ok?" Skya asked, watching Trunks.
"Yeah, everything's fine. We'll talk about it later. For now, we're not going to worry about anything, and just have fun." Trunks told Skya, holding her shoulders.
"Ok." Skya replied, letting Trunks lead her to the next area.
Five Minutes Later:
"Oooh! The circus!" Pan excitedly exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"There you are. I was starting to wonder if you got lost." Gohan joked around.
"No matter where you are in this place, it's impossible to get lost coming to the circus. All you have to do is look up and see the tent and you'll know where you have to go." Bulla stated, watching the tent.
"She has a point." Videl agreed with Bulla.
"I thought it was a good joke, Dad." Pan told Gohan, making him smile a little.
"Thank you, Pan." Gohan replied, hugging his daughter.
"Let's head in." Goten insisted, leading the way after Gohan handed everyone their ticket.
"I've got you." Trunks promised Skya, taking her hand.
"Thank you." Skya replied, letting Trunks lead her in.
"Where do we want to sit?" Videl and Gohan asked, looking around: people were just starting to crowd in.
"As close as we can get! If you get close, sometimes they ask you to be part of their act!" Pan excitedly answered.
"I don't wanna be part of the show." Skya whispered to Trunks.
"I don't about you, but I'm going to take Skya to the middle somewhere." Trunks told everyone before leading Skya to a spot.
"We'll go with and sit next to them." Goten insisted, giving Bulla a look.
"Works for me." Bulla willingly went with Goten.
"Come on, Pan; we're going this way." Gohan and Videl firmly told their daughter, not giving her a choice.
"Aww man!" Pan complained; they sat behind Skya and Trunks so that nobody else could.
"What is this place again?" Skya asked, looking at Trunks.
"The circus. It's a place where people and animals perform for people." Trunks explained, holding Skya's hand.
"And if you're younger than seventeen, you don't get called on for legal purposes." Videl clearly stated, making sure Pan understood as well.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Circus Extraordinaire where you'll experience wonder and excitement!" The circus's ringmaster proudly and loudly announced, getting everyone's attention—as did screams when Trunks and the others recognized Android 17; he was taking the animals.
"Is that part of the show?" Skya asked, confused.
"No. But he's a friend-ish. You may or may not remember Krillin and his wife, 18. That's her twin brother, Lapis—or just 17. He works on Monster Island, protecting all the species there; he usually stays there and only comes out to visit his sister ever once and a great while. The only other reasons he leaves the island is to rescue abused animals or if Goku goes to ask him for help." Trunks explained, watching 17; he was just taking the animals. This was just before police raided the place.
"Was that the show?" Skya asked, confused once everyone was evacuated from the tent.
"No. Something happened. Hey, what's going on?!" Trunks told Skya before calling to 17 when he saw him walking by.
"Poachers. They were using this circus as a disguise to steal endangered animals and then later sell them on the Black Market. We've been tracking them for months trying to get the proof we needed. They abducted the actual circus ringleader and kept him locked up and drugged up." 17 explained, watching Trunks, Gohan, and Goten.
"Lapis, you can't be providing information with people outside of our work; you know this." A woman spoke, walking over, slightly annoyed.
"It's fine, Mira. These are some friends—who without them, I would've never changed and would've wiped out all of Earth. Vegeta's children: Trunks and Bulla. Goku's children: Goku and Goten. Gohan's wife and daughter: Videl and Pan. And this is—well, her I don't know; she's new. I heard you and that Mai broke up some time ago; I'm guessing this is your new girlfriend. Everyone, this is my wife, Mira." 17 calmly but firmly told the woman, his wife, before asking Trunks.
"This is Skya; she's my mate. So, she's stuck with me and my crazy family." Trunks replied as Skya held onto him.
"Skya? As in Princess Skya from Venus?" Mira asked, watching Skya.
"Yes." Skya softly answered.
"Hmm… You don't look like you're being held against your will. Stockholm Syndrome, maybe?" Mira asked, confused.
"I'm not being held against my will. What's Stockholm Syndrome?" Skya immediately spoke up before asking, confused.
"She's only been with me two days. Because I'm half Saiyan and she's Venarian, we have a tradition called "connecting." That means we know the person we're meant to be together no matter what. How do you know who she is?" Trunks became defensive, holding Skya close to him.
"Trunks is the last person to hold a person against their will. Yes, I've heard about Saiyans and their proper mates. He didn't kidnap this girl. Mira probably got information from someone who thought otherwise." 17 defended both Trunks and Mira.
"I don't actually know her. I only heard she was kidnapped and brought to Earth. Yesterday when we were in space, searching for our runaway circus. We ran into some guys named Goro and Cassius. Goro said something about him and his daughter getting into some argument, and she ran away. Cassius said he talked to her and convinced her to come home, but she was kidnapped on the way or something. He said he was her mate and that he planned on marking her as soon as he saw her again." Mira explained, watching Trunks.
"Trunks…" "Don't worry, Skya; they're not going to get you. First: Goro's not Skya's biological father or anything; he killed her father when she was just a baby. Second: Cassius isn't her mate; I'm her mate. Cassius is a Juptarian man that Goro set her up with for whatever reason. Skya is the princess of Venus and the Moon—so, that's probably why they want her kept locked away in their grasps. Here. This is a picture Mom took of Skya when she first arrived—before she was given a Senzu Beat. This is what Cassius—and possibly Goro did to her." Trunks interrupted a very scared Skya to firmly tell Mira and 17 before showing them a picture.
"Jeez…" 17 mumbled while Mira stared in shock.
"They did all that to her?" Mira asked, ready to cry.
"Yeah." Trunks replied as Skya clung to him.
"I'm so sorry. I have to tell the others, so they don't come looking for you. Can I show them this picture?" Mira asked, watching Trunks.
"Please do." Trunks replied before Mira ran back to her partners.
"Now what?" Bulla asked, watching Trunks.
"We'll figure something out." Gohan answered.
"What are you going to do about those two: Goro and Cassius?" 17 asked, watching Trunks.
To 17, Skya didn't look that old. He didn't care if she was a teenager or whatever; she was still a child. And he could tell just by looking at the photo—and Skya herself, that she was abused long before Trunks met her—quite possibly as a small child.
Child abusers were on the top of things 17 hated most:
· People who came after any of his family
· People who hurt or go after children
· People who hurt or go after animals
Those three things tie for number one.
And despite what he says, 17 has friends and cares for them just as much. But his "friends" come far behind his family, children, and animals.
"We fight. They're coming with an army within a year. They want to eliminate all Saiyans—and probably all of Earth as well. They want a fight; we'll give them a fight. A year, right Girl?" Vegeta answered 17 before anyone could answer before asking the girl.
"That's what Da-Goro said. Their means of transportation was slow enough that it would take a little over a year." Skya softly answered.
"I think they lied to you. Here's your picture back." Mira spoke, walking back over; she handed Trunks the picture.
"What do you mean you think Goro lied to the girl?" Vegeta demanded, watching Mira.
"I married and live with Lapis: you don't scare me. But to answer your question: those ships weren't moving fast, but they weren't slow either. If you ask me, I'd say they'll be here within a year—maybe a two or three months sooner. So, I think when this Goro or Cassius told Skya it'd be longer, they lied to her." Mira calmly told Vegeta before explaining what she meant.
"They didn't tell me; I overheard them talking with Credo." Skya softly spoke.
"Credo's with them as well, huh? Well, bring it on. Damn traitor." Vegeta challenged no one in particular.
"Is it possible they knew you were listening?" 17 asked, watching Skya.
"I don't think so. And even if they did: who would I tell? I had nobody who would listen to me—or could do anything. I wasn't allowed to leave home or talk to anyone and everyone else either respected or feared Goro and Cassius. And honestly, who would listen to me? Aside from being Princess of Venus, I'm nobody. I only just found out I'm also Princess of the Moon. I'm really nothing special or anything." "Stop that already." Skya went on and on until Trunks had enough.
"I'm sorry." Skya and Trunks apologized to each other.
"Let's go play games. Come on." Bulla persistently insisted, pulling Skya one way, making Trunks and Goten follow along.
"She's not nothing, is she? She's something." 17 asked, watching as Bulla dragged Skya away until Trunks stopped her, and they walked on their own.
"Yes, she's something alright. She's not a fighter, but she does have powers." Piccolo answered, appearing along with Goku.
"Why are you three here?" Gohan asked, confused.
"I sensed something." Vegeta answered, watching the kids until he couldn't see them anymore.
"I saw Vegeta and decided to see what he was up to; he looked so serious. And then I saw 17." Goku answered with a big stupid grin.
"I'm keeping an eye on the girl." Piccolo stoically answered.
"That's why I felt your presence." 17 mumbled.
"Mira, Lapis; we're taking the animals back to the sanctuary now! Are you coming?!" A man called, waving his arm.
"Coming! It was so nice to meet some of Lapis's friends. I hope to see you again." Mira called before bidding farewell.
"Grreaaat… I'm sure I'll see you around." 17 mumbled his version of a farewell before following his wife.
"Oh, yay. It'll be so good to have him around more." Goku happily stated.
"We've got bigger problems, Dumbass." Vegeta grumbled.
"I know, Vegeta. It would be a good idea to have 17 help us with Goro and Cassius." Goku sternly retorted, watching Vegeta.
"I agree with Goku. No matter what you think; I have a feeling we're going to need all he help we can get." Piccolo firmly agreed with Goku.
"Fine. But Kakarot's the one recruiting him." Vegeta grumbled.
"Hmm?" "Mom's," "Dad's," "calling." Gohan and Videl spoke, looking at their phones before heading somewhere private-ish.
Five Minutes Later:
"What's going on, guys?" Goku asked, looking at Gohan and Videl.
"We have to go. Grandpa's in the hospital." Gohan answered first.
"So, is my dad. What happened? Do you know?" Videl replied before asking.
"Mom said he was trying to do something again and fell. What about Hercule?" Gohan answered before asking.
"He left Buu home, went out, got "a little" drunk, and then proceeded to get into a fight with the wrong guy." Videl answered, slightly annoyed.
"Let's go. Dad, Mom wants you there as well. I have to find Goten and let him know." Gohan told Goku before taking off to find Goten.
With Trunks & Skya & Goten & Bulla:
"What do you wanna play?" Goten asked, watching Bulla.
"Come on, Skya; let's play the Duckpond game. It's easy and you're always guaranteed a prize. Just pick up a duck and the bottom will show you what prize you get." Bulla excitedly told Skya, dragging her over to a tent.
"How many ducks?" The game master asked, looking at the group.
"Four, please." Bulla answered with a smile.
"That'll be $8.00. Out of $10.00? Let me get your change." The gamer master calmly replied, putting the money in a box, ready to get two dollar bills out.
"Why four?" Trunks and Goten asked as the game master handed Bulla her change.
"One for each of us. You didn't think you two were getting out of everything, did you? Oh, no; you each get a duck too." Bulla informed Trunks and Goten.
"Ok. Here are the rules: whatever color is on the bottom of the duck you pick decides the prize you get. Most of the ducks have colorful bottoms, but there are two with black bottoms and one with a gold bottom."
Red: gets you a beaded necklace
Orange: gets you a beaded bracelet
Yellow: gets you a spinning top
Green: gets you a stuffed animal
Blue: gets you a balloon
Purple: gets you a bouncy ball
Pink: gets you a maze game
Gold: gets you a fuzzy animal hat
Black: gets you nothing
"Yes, the black and gold bottoms are new: it's my boss's idea." The game master explained after seeing Bulla's confused face.
"Anyway: the pool is full of ducks. Please pick your ducks." The game master instructed, watching the group.
"Ok. Everyone pick a duck, but don't look until everyone has there." Bulla replied and then instructed, going to pick a duck first.
"Ok." Trunks and Goten sighed, walking over to the pool with Skya slowly behind them.
Trunks and Goten quickly picked their ducks at the same time, followed shortly by Bulla. Skya, on the other hand, took a little bit—a little over a minute.
"Let's so those ducks." The game master instructed, looking at the group.
"You, young lady, got green: your prize is any stuffed animal." The game master told Bulla. She picked out a small purple stuffed mouse.
"You, young sir, got blue: you may pick any balloon." The game master told Trunks. He chose one of those sword-shaped balloons.
"You, young sir, also got blue: you also get a balloon." The game master told Goten. He chose one of those mallet-shaped balloons.
"And you, young miss: may I see what color duck you got?" The game master politely asked a very shy Skya.
"Umm… I think this is that gold color." Skya softly spoke, handing the game master the duck.
"Well, looky-there. You most certainly did get the gold duck: the first gold duck of the fair. You get to choose any of these animal hats." The game master told Skya with a smile.
"They're not real animals. Sorry; she's not from here—and has never been to these kinds of things." Trunks explained to Skya after seeing her face. He then explained to the game master after seeing his face.
"She was kidnapped as a little girl and raised by her kidnapper, who killed both her parents." Bulla added.
"Bulla." Trunks growled, watching his sister.
In the end, Skya chose a blue and white-striped fuzzy hat with bear ears and long straps on the side.
"Have a fun rest of your day." The game master bid farewell as the group left for the next event.
"Could you two be even less mature?" Bulla asked, annoyed as Trunks and Goten hit each other with their balloons.
"What is that game?" Skya asked, pointing to a tent.
"It goes by a few different names, but most people just call it the Balloon 'N' Dart game. Are you interested in playing?" Trunks answered before asking.
"Yes, please." Skya softly replied.
"Hello. $5.00 for five darts or $10.00 for ten." The game master told Trunks and Skya.
"Can I have just five?" Skya softly asked Trunks.
"That's fine. Five for her and ten for me, please." Trunks asked the game master.
"Of course. Are you two playing as well?" The game master replied before asking Goten and Bulla.
"No, thank you." Bulla and Goten replied, watching.
"There you are." Gohan called, walking over with Videl and Pan.
"Hey, what's going on?" Goten asked, noticing Gohan's face.
"We need to go. Grandpa and Hercule are in the hospital. Come on, we'll explain on the way." Gohan urgently told Goten.
"See you later." Goten told Bulla, quickly kissing her on her cheek.
"I hope your family feels better." Skya told Gohan and Videl.
"Send our regards." Trunks and Bull added.
"Thank you. See you around." Gohan, Videl, Goten, and Pan replied before heading out.
"Well, if you're going to play, you'd better do so before Dad comes looking—because you know he will." Bulla told Trunks and Skya.
"Right. Ok. All you have to do is throw the dart at a balloon. If the balloon pops, you get the number of points behind it. The higher your points, the bigger the prize you get. Ok?" Trunks explained to Skya.
"Uh-huh." Skya replied, looking at the balloons.
"Can we rack our points together?" Trunks asked, looking at the game master. He saw what prize Skya was looking at. However, he knew with only five darts, her chances of getting what she wanted were slim.
Hell, even with their points together, it was slim. These games were rigged in that way; you never know where the high points are.
· The large stuffed animal prizes were fifty points.
· The medium stuffed animal prizes were thirty points.
· The small stuffed animal prizes were ten points.
· The knick-knacks were five points.
· The tacky beaded necklaces were free for trying your best.
Skya was looking at the black and white husky dog and a white tiger with a crown. However, the husky dog was probably more of what she was aiming for because it looked softer than the tiger.
"You paid for the darts; you can do whatever you please." The game master replied.
"Thirty points." The game master stated, impressed.
Skya popped four out of five balloons: two tens and two fives. She got the tens first, then the fives. Her arm became too tired, and she missed the last one completely. She was only twenty points from the husky dog.
"Ok. Tell you what: I'll throw my first five darts where I want. But after that, I'll let you choose where I throw the last five. Sound fair?" Trunks asked, watching Skya.
"Ok." Skya replied with a small smile.
He didn't know how—or even if she knew how, but Trunks knew she wasn't just lucky.
"Thirty-two points. That brings you up to sixty-two points." The game master informed Trunks after his first five shots.
Trunks hits went:
· Six
· Ten
· Five
· Six
· Five
"Just tell me where you want me to throw. We just need thirty-eight points to get two large stuffed animals." Trunks calmly told Skya, standing next to her.
· Eight
· Nine
· Ten
· Ten
· Six
"One-hundred-five points." The game master told Trunks and Skya, shocked.
Nobody has ever gotten that high of a score on his game—not even when two teams teamed up with ten darts.
"What does she get for a prize?" Bulla impatiently asked; she saw Vegeta.
"Anything she wants pretty much—so long as it costs one-hundred-five points." The game master answered—still in shock.
"There you three are. Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" Vegeta asked, landing behind Trunks and Skya and next to Bulla.
"Not now, Dad. What do you want, Skya? You can pick two of the really big prizes and one knick-knack." Trunks explained, ignoring his now shocked father.
"What about you? Don't you want something? You did get most of the points." Skya replied.
"Don't worry about me; I'm happy when you're happy—with this kind of stuff." Trunks answered, watching Skya.
"Ok. Can I have that black and white dog and that white and black-stripped cat?" Skya softly asked, looking up and pointing to what she wanted.
"Of course. And then you can have any one of these little knick-knacks." The game master informed Skya, pointing to the wall of knick-knacks after setting the large stuffed animals in front of Skya.
"Umm… What is that?" Skya asked when she saw that caught her interest.
"This?" The game master asked, pulling what she wanted to see off the wall.
"Yes, Sir." Skya politely replied.
"I don't see many like you anymore. Sorry. What I mean is how polite you are. This is a dreamcatcher. Though I don't know why it's here. This is a prize from the gun game on the other side of the park." The game master calmly replied, looking at the item.
"So, that's not an option?" Skya softly asked, watching the dreamcatcher.
"Not from my booth, sorry." The game master replied, apologizing.
"That's ok. Can I have that duck?" Skya asked, pointing to a duck designed like a pirate with a red and black-striped shirt, pirate hat, and an eyepatch.
"Of course." The game master gave Skya the duck.
"Thank you." Skya replied, trying to get everything.
"Hold on; I'll take the tiger." Trunks insisted, taking one of the stuffed animals for Skya as they started walking away.
Suddenly, everything turned dark.
"Trunks?" Skya asked, scared.
"Stay close." Trunks instructed, pulling Skya close.
"Wait! Wait. Sorry." The game master caught up to them.
"Who are you?" Vegeta demanded as Trunks stood in front of Skya.
"Calm down, Vegeta—Prince of Saiyans. It's me: Chi-Tsuki. I'm just borrowing this man's body. The dreamcatcher: I picked that out for Skya; they're supposed to help with nightmares—especially native made ones. I was never able to give Skya anything before for the obvious reasons. I know—and I don't mean to embarrass you, but I know you have nightmares; this should help. I know you like blues, right?" Chi-Tsuki explained who he was and why he was there.
"Yes. Thank you." Skya softly replied, taking the dreamcatcher from her father.
"As much as I'd love to stay and talk with you; I have to go back to your mother. I know I promised to come talk to you, but I've recently been told I can't—some rule. But I wanted to at least give you one gift. Oh, please don't cry. I may not physically be here, but like your mother; I will always be with you in spirit, and in your heart and mind. You'll always have memories of you mother—and at least two memories of me." Chi-Tsuki explained, watching Skya start to cry.
"I'm sorry." Skya tearfully apologized.
"Now, I feel even worse than before. Baby, you have nothing to apologize for. None of this is your fault. I will always be with you one way or another—even if not physically. I do love you more than anything or anybody—even your mother. But that's ok because your mother loves you more than she ever loved me. Trust me: it's a parent thing. I'm sure you'll understand one day. But I have to go. You take care—of yourself, Trunks, and your new family. And Baby, don't be afraid to let them in. I know that's a scary process for you—or maybe it isn't, now? But you have to let more than Trunks in; you have to let the others in as well. Vegeta, tell your wife thank you from me. Thank you to you, Bulma, and Bulla for accepting Skya as your family as well. Trunks, I'm counting on you to take care of her. Bye." Chi-Tsuki calmly told Skya, whispering the last part in her ear before telling the others. He then left for good to be with Stella.
"Skya?" Trunks asked, concerned, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry." Skya apologized, rubbing tears away.
"No need to apologize." Trunks calmly replied, pulling Skya into a hug.
"Do you want to go home for now? We can always play more games and go on rides tomorrow when we come back for Day 2." Trunks suggested, holding Skya.
"Trunks?" Skya softly asked.
"Mmmhmm?" Trunks asked, rubbing her back.
"Will you mark me as yours tonight?" Skya softly asked into Trunks's shoulder, shocking him.
"Is that what you want?" Trunks seriously asked.
He wanted that; he wanted it badly. But this was a big decision, and Skya had to absolutely want it as well; she couldn't have any regrets.
"I'm sure. I want it to be you. I don't know if I want to have sex yet, but I know I want to be marked by you." Skya replied, looking into Trunks's eyes to make sure she meant what she was saying.
"I will gladly mark you as mine." Trunks replied, pulling Skya into another tight embrace.
"Ok. Ok. Ok. Come on; let's go home. Your mother wants to talk to you about something as well." Vegeta impatiently told Trunks and Skya.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Come on." Trunks replied before telling Skya.
"Make sure you have all your things; I'm taking you home." Piccolo informed, teleporting in.
Five Minutes Later:
"Hey, how are you? I heard about what happened; Videl called me." Bulma asked and then stated when Trunks, Skya, Bulla, Vegeta, and Piccolo walked in.
"I liked all the animals and playing the dart game—even if I wasn't that good." Skya answered, holding her husky dog.
"You must've been good to get that prize." Bulma noted, looking at the husky.
"I only got thirty points; Trunks got the rest." Skya replied with a smile.
"Well, that's still good." Bulma replied with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah… Chi-Tsuki says hi and thank you for accepting Skya into the family and all that good stuff. Let's get this done and over with." Vegeta impatiently butted in, informing his wife.
"You talked to your father?" Bulma asked, watching Skya.
"For a few minutes, but that's it. He gave me this dreamcatcher." Skya answered, holding up the dreamcatcher.
"That's so beautiful. But I'm so sorry about everything." Bulma marveled at the dreamcatcher before apologizing to Skya, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Thank you, but it's ok. He promised he'd always be with me—even if he's not here physically." Skya softly replied, trying to breathe.
"Ok, Mom; that's enough. Skya can't breathe." Trunks firmly told Bulma.
"Sorry, Dear." Bulma apologized again.
"What did you want to talk to the kids about? You couldn't contain your excitement earlier." Vegeta asked, watching Bulma.
"What crawled up your butt? But your father is right: I do want to talk to you two." Bulma asked Vegeta before calmly telling Trunks and Skya.
"What about?" Trunks asked, watching Bulma?
"Well, Trunks you're no longer a child—let alone a child. And now you have such a beautiful, kind, and caring mate. Your father and I aren't pushing you; that's the last thing we'd ever want to do. But I do believe it's time for you to move out on your own—just the two of you. With that said, I, like your grandparents helped me, want to help you. The house down the road came up for sale: I purchased it for you—and after a year or two, it will be put under your name. The house itself still needs a little work done on the inside and out, but when that's all done—and you two are ready; you may move in." Bulma calmly told Trunks and Skya.
Trunks just stared at Bulma for a few minutes before getting up and hugged her.
"Thank you. You didn't have to but thank you. And I promise I'll pay you back." Trunks thanked his mom, hugging her.
"Don't you worry about it. Just take care of Skya—and any children you two may have." Bulma happily replied.
"And just like that: I'm done." Trunks stated, pulling away.
"I don't understand what's going on." Skya softly spoke.
"Mom bought us a house down the road. There are some issues, so we can't move in right now. But when it's all done, we're going to move out of here and into there. It will be just the two of us." Trunks explained, watching Skya.
"What about Solar, Eclipse, Saturn, and Twilight?" Skya asked, confused.
"Of course, they'll be coming with. What I mean is: you, me, and the cats will move out and live elsewhere while Mom, Dad, and Bulla live here. Does that make more sense?" Trunks explained and then asked.
"I think so. You and I are going to live somewhere else. Will I still get to live with you?" Skya asked, confused.
"Yes. And we'll still see Mom, Dad, and Bulla—and all our friends." Trunks answered.
"Ok. For now—for a little bit, we'll live here; then we're going to live somewhere else." Skya replied, finally getting the concept.
"Yes, that's correct." Trunks replied with a smile.
"In situations where people got their mates, what did they do on Venus?" Bulla asked.
"What do you mean?" Skya asked, confused.
"Say if you and Trunks met and were living on Venus: where would you live? Would you live at your home? Or would you move out?" Bulla asked, watching Skya.
"We would live wherever Trunks would want to live. Royal or not; it's the man's decision where to live." Skya answered, understanding what Bulla was asking.
"Oh, I see." Bulla replied, turning around and made a face.
"Well, that's all I wanted. I'm going to start on dinner. Oh, and I won't be home in the morning; I have a work meeting to be at by eight." Bulma told everyone.
"Ok. What do you want to do now?" Trunks asked, watching Skya.
"Will you mark me like you said you would?" Skya softly asked.
"If that's what my princess wants." Trunks calmly replied with a smile.
"Yes, please." Skya replied before they headed to their room.
"I'm not trying to upset you or anything, but has Cassius ever tried marking you? He doesn't seem to be the type to leave something unfinished." Trunks asked, moving her hair to one side once they were sitting in bed.
"He tried—several times. But he was never able to get fangs to come out to get his essence into me. I know some races can force their mark on anyone they want—and Juptarians are supposed to be one of them. Maybe Mom did something to make it so that nobody could do that to me." Skya answered, trying to remember.
"Well, that just proves that Cassius isn't your proper mate. Like I said yesterday: Fate works in mysterious ways and is what it is. No matter who or what you are; you can't change what Fate has planned." Trunks stated, watching Skya.
"Hopefully you'll be able to." Skya nervously spoke, watching Trunks.
"Don't worry; we've connected, so I'll be able to. I'm going to start. Ok?" Trunks assured Skya, watching her.
"Right. Huh!" Skya replied before gasping when she felt him kiss the spot that connected her neck to her right shoulder.
"You're so sensitive." Trunks told Skya with a smile, continuing to kiss the spot before lightly nipping.
"Wait! Please..." Trunks was about to mark her when Skya suddenly asked him to stop, pleading a little.
"What's wrong?" Trunks asked, concerned, looking into Skya's eyes, taking their breath away.
"When you mark me, it'll hurt badly, right?" Skya asked, a little scared.
"I've never marked anyone before, so I'm honestly not sure how much it hurts. I mean, yes, I know it hurts for at least a little bit. But I don't how badly or for how long." Trunks admitted.
"Oh… Ok. Would it be ok if I lay down for this? I still want to—I still want to be yours and only yours." Skya nervously asked, looking at Trunks before sincerely and seriously telling him.
"Whatever makes you comfortable, my Skya. But keep in mind, I'll have to sit on you to keep you from moving too much." Trunks replied, helping her to lie back, letting her head hit the pillow.
"Yes, I understand." Skya softly replied before he got situated.
Trunks wasn't directly sitting on her; he was just hovering over her hips. He would only put pressure on her if she thrashed around too much—enough to hurt herself.
"Are you ready, Love?" Trunks asked, watching Skya; she was a little flushed as she nodded her head.
"Yes, I'm ready; please mark me as yours." Skya softly answered, making Trunks smile a little.
"Trunks…" Skya sighed when she felt him kiss the spot between her shoulder and neck again.
"I'm sorry." Trunks apologized in advance.
Before he dug his fangs into her soft flesh, Trunks took hold of Skya's left shoulder and right hand and held onto her. He was going to try to give Skya as much comfort as possible.
Trunks lied earlier; he knew exactly how painful this was because he had heard stories from Vegeta.
"Mmmm! Ahhhh! Ahhhh! Trunks!" Skya made a noise and tried to hold back her screams, tightly shutting her eyes. But the pain: it burned so much. Skya couldn't take it anymore and started screaming and crying in pain. Her eyes snapped wide open, and she began to arch her body. That's where Trunks had to put pressure on her and keep Skya down.
"Trunks? What's going on?! Is everything ok?!" Bulma yelled, running into Trunks's room, only to stop in shock at the sight before her.
"Woman, where the heck are you?" Vegeta called, walked into the house with something Bulma wanted him to get from the garage.
He instantly heard Skya's screams followed by Bulma yelling at Trunks
"Bulma get out here!" Vegeta exclaimed, pulling her away from Trunks and Skya's room before shutting the door.
"Vegeta you have to stop him; he's hurting her!" Bulma yelled, not understanding the situation.
"He's not hurting her: he's making sure she'll always be safe. Trunks is doing his job and marking the girl as his. She is now, officially his mate. No man will ever be able to touch her sexually without his permission." Vegeta explained to a frantic Bulma, making her calm down after a few seconds.
"Why didn't you mark me?" Bulma asked, confused.
"I tried, but you told me, "don't you even dare!" Remember? You just wanted to get married." Vegeta huffed, rolling his eyes.
"Oh, right… I must've forgotten that detail." Bulma muttered, causing Vegeta to smack his head.
"Now what?" Bulma asked, watching her husband.
"What do you mean, "Now what?" Now, we let them be and do our own things. It won't be long now, and it'll be over." Vegeta asked, annoyed before telling Bulma as calmly as he could.
"I guess I'll continue with dinner." Bulma sighed, looking at Trunks and Skya's door once more before walking to the kitchen.
Back in the room, Trunks just removed his fangs from Skya and started licking the excess blood away before gently kissing her shoulder over and over.
"Tr-Trunks?" Skya softly asked, taking deep breaths.
"Yes, it worked: I was able to mark you; you're mine now. Cassius and Goro will not hurt you again. And if for some reason, they do get a hold of you; they'll regret it. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe." Trunks answered and explained, knowing what she was going to ask.
Skya softly smiled at Trunks as he removed hair from her eyes.
"Yo-you're heavy." Skya told Trunks; he was still putting pressure on her hips.
"Sorry." Trunks apologized, immediately pulling away.
"Rest. You've had a long day; I can tell you're exhausted." Trunks told Skya, covering her with one of her thin blankets.
She did have a long day, but her pain tolerance wasn't very high; Trunks knew Skya would pass out any minute now.
"Trunks?" Skya softly asked, yawning a little.
"Yes?" Trunks asked, watching her.
"Lay with me for a little while?" Skya barely pleaded with Trunks.
Trunks didn't reply; he just laid next to her, held her in his arms, and rubbed her forehead until she fell asleep against him…
