Chapter 3: The Return Of Trunks O.o?
After Trunks's death, Bulma and Vegeta never returned to the Son household. Bulma would spend her day locked in her room, crying, while Vegeta would stare out the window for hours. They did not speak at all. Well, what could they say? They had lost their only son and they were at a loss of words. Even Bura missed her big brother. She didn't touch her dollhouse that Trunks would usually destroy, and she only passed by it when she absolutely had to. One day, Vegeta watched as Bura ran into the room and yelled, "Gotcha, Trunks! I told you to stay away from my doll-". She broke off and began screaming and crying on the floor. Vegeta was about to march up to her, but Bulma's hand held him back.
Krillin, 18, and Marron had got word of Trunks's demise, as well. Krillin sat on the bed with his head in his hand and 18's arm around him in sympathy. **A/N** 18? Sympathy? Ha! Yeah right…Back to the story** Marron, however, was absurd. She flooded her delicate face with tears for her beloved. When her mother or father approached her, she just ran away.
"Marron, dear, please listen!" called 18 to Marron, who had locked herself in the pantry. "Marron, we know you are very sad, and so are we, but – "
"I am not just SAD! My heart has been crushed and torn apart and stomped on! SAD? Yeah, right! Words could not explain my fury of the loss of…oh, I dare not even speak of his name!" Marron screeched, bursting into tears. Krillin sighed and said,
"Marron, honey? Sweetheart, we have been invited to Gohan's trial for the murder of – "
"DON'T SAY HIS NAME!"
"Right, well, uh, do you want to go? 'Cause, I mean, if you don't want to go – "
"I DO want to go! And I hope Gohan is locked up for the rest of his days – and THEN some!" So it was settled and Krillin knocked down the pantry door, picked up Marron, and carried her on his back as they flew to the courthouse.
The Briefses weren't the only ones upset. Chi Chi and Goku just sat at the kitchen table all day, hiding their faces in their arms. Goten was unspeakably devastated. He walked around with his eyes wide and petrified and jumped at everything that came around the corner. He didn't speak, even when Chi Chi ordered him to answer her.
"Give it up, Chi," said Goku, resting an arm on her shoulder. "You can't make him talk. Please, just leave him alone." Gohan didn't know what to do. He ran around his room, throwing himself at his door and walls. Because of him, his brother had lost his best friend in the world. And he, himself, was being charged for murder. I didn't mean to KILL him, Gohan thought, I just wanted him out of my way so I could get at Goten. I MUST find a way out of all this.
He ran downstairs, only to find a squad of policemen at the foot of the staircase.
"Come with us, kid," they ordered. Gohan had no choice. He followed. Chi Chi was crying, "My son's going to jail!" and Goku was dragging Goten after the cops. He tried to convince his wife that Gohan was not going to jail, but she wouldn't listen. Goku sighed and carried on, Goten at his heels. The policemen lead Gohan to their car and offered the rest of the family a ride.
"No thank you," said Goku politely. "We'll fly and I'll carry my wife on my back. But thanks anyway. Oh, and, don't hurt him, ok?" Bewildered, the cops nodded.
"All right, Jim, take 'em away!" hollered a cop. And, with that, Gohan was driven dolefully to the courthouse. He didn't have the strength to even look out the window. So he sat and thought about how terrible jail might be. He knew he had no chance. He would have to reincarnate Trunks, or something to – Gohan smiled a giant, trademark Son smile. Reincarnation? Sure, why not? How hard could it be? He'd just have to ask Korin for some of his 'magic bean' mumbo-jumbo and POOF! No more going to jail! What a great plan. Gohan put his finger to his forehead and transported himself to Korin's house.
"Gohan!" said Korin, amazed. "Konnichi wa! What brings you here?" Gohan smiled.
"Hey, K.! What's up?" Then he explained all about the death of Trunks (found in chapter two) and about his trial.
"So…you killed a kid, huh? Well, why are you HERE, of all places? Not that I don't WANT you here, but – "
"Listen, Korin, it was an accident. Now, I need a way to reincarnate him, so I won't go to jail! Got any 'reincarnation beans' or something? I need them fast; before the police find out I left the car. They could get to the courthouse any second now!" Korin thought for awhile, then said,
"Sure, I have something you could use. But I am plum out of them! Sorry, Son Gohan."
"No, wait! You HAVE to help me! PLEASE! I NEED you, Korin! When do you restock?"
"Hmm…in about an hour, I should – "
"AN HOUR? NO WAY! I NEED THEM NOW!!!"
"Sorry, Gohan, but that's the soonest I can get another batch. Maybe I could transport them to you at the court place, whatever you called it, when I get them in. Would you be able to stall until then, Gohan? GOHAN?" Gohan was already at the door.
"Yeah, sure! Great! Thank you soooo much, Korin! I gotta split! See ya later!" And he was off.
Gohan landed quietly back in the stuffy car just before it came to a screeching halt. He made it just in time. When a cop escorted him out of the car, he was immediately greeted by his family, well, at least Chi Chi and Goku (Goten was still speechless). He smiled at the three of them proudly as he pondered his malevolently glorious plan.
It's not like Gohan is EVIL or anything, it's just that he always tries the easy way out. Thinking about this, Gohan frowned. Am I being just a bit naughty, he thought to himself, because, I mean, this whole thing sounds too easy to be possible. Oh well! And he marched happily to the building with a smile on his face and a grin in his heart.
"I-is h-h-he s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-smiling?" Chi Chi stuttered, cluelessly.
"Uh…I dunno. Perhaps he's maniacal, or something," suggested Goku. Truthfully, neither of them had any idea as to why their son, who was charged of murdering Trunks, should be smiling at a time like this. Goku had practiced his speech against Gohan's punishment about 10 times that morning and 5 the day before. Chi Chi had rounded up some friends to help her fight by her side. Goten just brought a stuffed animal to squeeze when he hears that Gohan is sentenced to death.
But the Briefses had done better than that. Vegeta had gotten all his servants and maids and butlers together and gave them all speeches to say against Gohan. Bulma hired 13 lawyers and paid them each 100 zeni to do whatever they can to win. Smirking joyfully, each lawyer clenched the note in their hands and walked away with their briefcases. Bura rounded all her friends together with pins and hats and banners taped all over them, protesting wildly. The whole family and the gang of defense people marched in, single filed, to the courtroom. Then the Sons, including a handcuffed Gohan, walked in sloppily, side by side. Why Gohan was handcuffed, I don't really know. X_x;;;
"Let the Trial begin!" And so it did. First, Vegeta explained his theory of the happening, while Bulma nodded and shook her head vigorously in the background.
"No! No! It was an accident!"
"'Twas no ACCIDENT! 'Twas REAL!"
"You're lying!"
"No, you're lying!"
"No, you!"
"No, you!"
"No, - "
"SILENCE!" roared the judge again. "This is not a ZOO! This is a courthouse! Now, Gohan," he added quietly, "Please explain YOUR side of the story." Then he folded his arms and waited as Gohan stood up bravely from his chair and gulped.
"Uh, hello, everybody!" he said smiling weakly. No answer. "Yeah, ok, well, um, you see, sir, it really was an accident. And, with all due respect, sir, my little brother Goten and I were the only that witnessed the event. Um, you can even ask him."
"All right, then – " started the judge.
"No, wait! Please do not put such pressure on him! He is only but a child, your honor," said a tough, but gentle and familiar voice. Videl stood up from the audience and smiled at Gohan. Gohan returned the smile gauntly. "Trunks was little Goten's ultimate best friend in this universe. How could you put such a burden on him as to ask him to retell those painful events?" Gohan's smile broadened.
"Oh, fine," said the judge, grumpily. "Gohan, finish your story already!"
"Most certainly, your honor!" The judge rolled his eyes. "Well, I was sent out to return Goten and Trunks to their parents and I finally caught up to Trunks. I knew with a small ki blast I could surely secure him out of my way to get Goten. I figured that when I captured Goten, I would go back and fetch Trunks. When I blew the ki blast, I apologetically said, 'Nothing personal, kid! I'll come back for you!' Unfortunately, I watched as Trunks tried to dodge the blast, and instead it hit him straight in his head…uh, the pituitary gland, I believe; a most sensitive gland in the skull." Gohan bowed his head. The way this was going, he might not need the beans!
"Hmm. This changes things, young man. It seems that Trunks is actually responsible for his own death. It may have been just an – " started the judge again.
"WHAT? ARE YOU SAYING MY BRILLIANT SON KILLED himself? YEAH, RIGHT! I HAVE TRIANED THAT BOY FORS YEARS! HE KNOWS WHEN TO MOVE AND WHEN NOT TO MOVE!" hollered none other than Vegeta, standing up and on the verge of Super Saiyan.
"Well, I – "
"OH, CAN IT, MISTER!" screeched Bura, jumping up as well. The jury gasped at her use of language towards the judge.
"I beg your pardon!"
"YOU HEARD ME, YOU BIG OAF! THAT GOHAN KID IS LYING FOR SURE! JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, I SAW IT HAPPEN, TOO! I WAS THERE WHEN GOHAN KILLED MY BROTHER!"
"Bura?" inquired Bulma, quizzically. "You couldn't have been there, sweetie, unless you can – " She suddenly broke off and screamed. Bura was levitating 5 feet off the ground, smirking. Bulma fainted. Vegeta caught her. People around them gasped. Vegeta stared at his daughter, his mouth agape and his eyes shivering.
"Exactly, mum. I can fly, just like daddy," she said, smiling. "Now listen here, you!" she pointed her finger at the judge. "I'm a gonna explain to you with excruciating details just what REALLY happened. So listen up, 'cause I'm only sayin' it ONCE, ya here?"
"But, I-I-I – "
"CAN IT! This man, Gohan, murdered my big brother and almost killed his own brother. He's a madman, I tell ya! Lock him up now! Unless he can, I dunno, 'magically' bring my brudder back, I never wanna see his ugly face again!" Everyone stared at the little girl, arms folding, and her head down, frown across her face, and malevolently cruel eyes.
The judge's eyes shook vulnerably with fear written all over his face. "B-b- bring him b-b-back to l-l-life? Why that's impossible!" Just then, Gohan felt a clunk in his pocket and felt a lump on his lap. Korin had come through!
"Hmm," said Gohan. "Funny you should mention reincarnation." Everybody turned to look at him. By now, he was tossing the bag of beans in his hands and grinning wildly. "You see I just so happen to have something that could do Trunks some good." He smiled.
"Need I remind you, young man, that little Trunks has met his demise?" ask the judge.
"Oh, I know. Lemme see him and I will fix him up for ya. How's that, Bura?" he said turning to the little girl who was now hovering a nervous 10 feet above the marble tiles. She didn't know what to say.
"Most certainly not!" said the judge, furious.
"Why not? What has everyone got to lose? The boy is already dead, isn't he? What else could Gohan possibly do to him?" Marron stood up among the group bravely. She had found her voice in her heart and was willing to do anything to get her beloved Trunks back. Goten smiled.
"Well I guess it's worth a try. What do you say, Briefses?" The family nodded quietly. The judge led them to a room with an open coffin. In it lied the peaceful Trunks, tranquilly sleeping his eternal sleep. Or was is not as perpetual as anyone thought? Gohan approached the body cautiously as a guard freed him of his handcuffs. He took the bag from his pocket and placed one in his open palm. How is he going to eat this if he's dead? Gohan wondered. He shrugged and carefully opened the little mouth.
"No, wait!" cried Bura, rushing forward. "Let ME!" And she tore the bean out of Gohan's hand. Gohan backed off wisely and watched as Bura stepped forward to her dead brother and inserted the bean carefully on his dry tongue and closed his mouth. She pushed his head backward and the bean fell down his throat. She waited quietly but nervously as her quivering eyes traveled back and forth across his face. She bowed her head and turned to walk away when something caught her eye.
"Bura! Turn your head! Look!" said Goten weakly. She turned around quickly. A bright blue light illuminated Trunks's body and soon the whole room. Slowly, Trunks's body floated above the coffin and froze in mid air. Then he began to spin clockwise above the tile floor. Gradually, the speed hastened until he was turning so fast it was hard to keep their eyes open. All of a sudden, the spinning stopped abruptly and Trunks remained still dead, hovering in the blue light. Then a powerful wind picked up, blowing his elegant hair and a blinding light so bright, nobody knew its true color, burst in front of their eyes. A gust of wind looked like it blew his body apart, but it didn't. His body shook crazily from the gust and he fell to the coffin in what looked like a most uncomfortable position. Nobody moved. Neither did Trunks.
Trunks coughed. He coughed again and swallowed the bean painfully and coughed again. Bura ran over to him.
"TRUNKS! OH, TRUNKS!" she cried and burst into tears. Bulma and Vegeta rushed over to Bura's left side and gaped at their son. Next came Gohan, followed by Chi Chi and Goku, and soon the whole crowd. Only Marron and Goten remained. People were crying and others were screaming and some too confused to speak. A beautiful blue eye opened and winced at all the commotion. Trunks looked around and grunted sharply for everyone to move. Obediently, they all stepped aside. Goten looked at Marron and nodded. Marron nodded back.
Two tiny, pink dress shoes carried ten elegant toes and two miniature feet across the room and past all the people: the reporters, the jury, the families, the cops, and the judge. With her hands knotted tightly together in front of her, Marron approached the spot where Trunks lay. She took off her hat and lowered her head politely. She noticed a weak and painful smile from the young boy and she smiled back. A small, muscular hand arose from Trunks's lap and reached over to Marron's chin, lifting it up. Marron bit her lip and gave him a huge hug.
"O-o-w!" he said quietly. Marron withdrew immediately.
"Ooh, sorry!" she cried, biting her lip again. "Welcome back, Trunks."
"Uh, thanks." Marron nodded and stepped aside with the others with her head still bowed down. She looked up at Goten with those big, beautiful eyes and nodded to him. Goten didn't say anything. He straightened up his back and stuck out his chest. Then he toughened his eyes until his gaze was stone cold. He frowned slightly, but not a sad frown - a triumphant one. Then he picked up his legs, moving them one by one slowly towards the young saiyan. His feet made no sound on the hard floor.
In at least a minute, he was a Trunks's side. Goten's expression had not changed in the slightest. The same deep black eyes scrutinized the old friend as Trunks sat up to face him. His face was identical. Now two boys, one 7 and the other 8, were face to face, staring each other out. All of a sudden, Goten's face softened. Trunks's face was confused. Out of nowhere, without any warning whatsoever, Goten burst into great tears the size of large blueberries. Then he fell into Trunks's arms crying, as Trunks patted him on the back, comfortingly. Bulma and Chi Chi were crying silently while Vegeta and Goku watched, amazed, at how puny and emotional their sons were.
"T-T-T-Trunks! Oh, I'm so s-s-sorry, Trunks! We should have never left the house at all! It's all my fault!" shrieked Goten, still burying his face in Trunks's hands. Trunks rolled his eyes.
"P-pull it t-t-together, G-G-Goten," stuttered Trunks weakly again. Goten looked up and stopped crying. He sniffled.
"B-b-b-but what about my b-b-brother, Trunks? Is he gonna be killed?" Goten wept. Trunks rolled his eyes again and looked at Gohan, who was rocking around on the balls of his feet nervously. Trunks stared hard at him and smiled. Gohan noticed him and rocked back and forth faster. Then he went so fast he fell over his own feet and smacked the floor. He jumped up, rubbed his head twice, and put his hands in his pockets.
**A/N: x_x Gohan is such a dork! (Sorry Chris and Kris) Back to the story!**
"Get over here, ya big sissy!" Trunks laughed. Gohan smiled frantically and he shuffled over obediently.
"Um, uh, Trunks, if you only heard my story I really didn't mean to – I mean I shouldn't have – well, what I meant to say was –!" said Gohan.
"Oh, save your breath, Fried Rice!" Trunks said a bit angrily (*Gohan means Fried Rice in Japanese*). Gohan flinched and Trunks sighed. "Um, sorry, Gohan, I guess I kind of got a bit carried away – "
"Don't blame yourself, Trunks! It's my fault! I KILLED you…remember? I should have been aware that you guys are smaller and therefore naturally less stronger -." Trunks laughed. "W-what's so funny?"
"You are, Fried Rice!" cackled Trunks. Gohan wondered whether to smile or laugh or D: None of the above. Definitely D: None of the Above. "I'm not here to sit around and listen to your excuse! Guards!" Gohan flinched. He knew what was coming. The guards marched forward.
"Uh, Master Trunks, should we, uh, take him away?" asked a very deep-voiced and beefy person. Trunks opened his mouth to reply, but held his breath when he saw the Son family: Chi Chi and Goku were holding each other tightly, not knowing what to do; Goten was shaking all over and was squeezing the blankets inside Trunks's coffin until the seems popped; and lastly, Gohan held his head low and Trunks could have sworn he saw a long, shimmering water droplet escape from Gohan's eye and explode softly on the cold marble floor.
Then Trunks switched his gaze towards his family: Bulma bit her lip while Vegeta folded his arms unemotional. Bura's tears caught Trunks's eye and he turned away, not able to stare at a little girl crying. He knew what he had to do. He knew what his father wanted him to do. He knew what his sister wanted him to do. He knew what the Sons wanted him to do. He knew what…his self wanted him to do.
Trunks breathed in deeply and closed his eyes tight. He saw everyone before him behind his eyelids.
"Well…? What'll it be, cap'n? Arrest or nay?" asked another man in uniform.
"Leave him," Trunks said sternly, crossing his arms just as his father.
"W-w-what'd ya say, cap'n? Could 'o sworn yer said 'Leave 'em'! Is this true, cap'n? After what he's dun to y'all!"
"You heard me! I said leave him! Now get out!"
"Well flyin' fish sticks, cap'n! Ya sure yerself dun need no wheelchair or 'freshments 'efore yer get goin'?" Trunks shook his head no. "Well, alrighty, then! C'mon, boys, let's give the cap'n some room to breath, eh?" Everyone watched as the guards left. Then they turned to Trunks in awe. They all fell over anime style. Trunks smirked, pleased with himself.
"Well, are you all gonna just stand there or are you gonna take me home?"
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~Hope you enjoyed! Chapter Four coming soon~
After Trunks's death, Bulma and Vegeta never returned to the Son household. Bulma would spend her day locked in her room, crying, while Vegeta would stare out the window for hours. They did not speak at all. Well, what could they say? They had lost their only son and they were at a loss of words. Even Bura missed her big brother. She didn't touch her dollhouse that Trunks would usually destroy, and she only passed by it when she absolutely had to. One day, Vegeta watched as Bura ran into the room and yelled, "Gotcha, Trunks! I told you to stay away from my doll-". She broke off and began screaming and crying on the floor. Vegeta was about to march up to her, but Bulma's hand held him back.
Krillin, 18, and Marron had got word of Trunks's demise, as well. Krillin sat on the bed with his head in his hand and 18's arm around him in sympathy. **A/N** 18? Sympathy? Ha! Yeah right…Back to the story** Marron, however, was absurd. She flooded her delicate face with tears for her beloved. When her mother or father approached her, she just ran away.
"Marron, dear, please listen!" called 18 to Marron, who had locked herself in the pantry. "Marron, we know you are very sad, and so are we, but – "
"I am not just SAD! My heart has been crushed and torn apart and stomped on! SAD? Yeah, right! Words could not explain my fury of the loss of…oh, I dare not even speak of his name!" Marron screeched, bursting into tears. Krillin sighed and said,
"Marron, honey? Sweetheart, we have been invited to Gohan's trial for the murder of – "
"DON'T SAY HIS NAME!"
"Right, well, uh, do you want to go? 'Cause, I mean, if you don't want to go – "
"I DO want to go! And I hope Gohan is locked up for the rest of his days – and THEN some!" So it was settled and Krillin knocked down the pantry door, picked up Marron, and carried her on his back as they flew to the courthouse.
The Briefses weren't the only ones upset. Chi Chi and Goku just sat at the kitchen table all day, hiding their faces in their arms. Goten was unspeakably devastated. He walked around with his eyes wide and petrified and jumped at everything that came around the corner. He didn't speak, even when Chi Chi ordered him to answer her.
"Give it up, Chi," said Goku, resting an arm on her shoulder. "You can't make him talk. Please, just leave him alone." Gohan didn't know what to do. He ran around his room, throwing himself at his door and walls. Because of him, his brother had lost his best friend in the world. And he, himself, was being charged for murder. I didn't mean to KILL him, Gohan thought, I just wanted him out of my way so I could get at Goten. I MUST find a way out of all this.
He ran downstairs, only to find a squad of policemen at the foot of the staircase.
"Come with us, kid," they ordered. Gohan had no choice. He followed. Chi Chi was crying, "My son's going to jail!" and Goku was dragging Goten after the cops. He tried to convince his wife that Gohan was not going to jail, but she wouldn't listen. Goku sighed and carried on, Goten at his heels. The policemen lead Gohan to their car and offered the rest of the family a ride.
"No thank you," said Goku politely. "We'll fly and I'll carry my wife on my back. But thanks anyway. Oh, and, don't hurt him, ok?" Bewildered, the cops nodded.
"All right, Jim, take 'em away!" hollered a cop. And, with that, Gohan was driven dolefully to the courthouse. He didn't have the strength to even look out the window. So he sat and thought about how terrible jail might be. He knew he had no chance. He would have to reincarnate Trunks, or something to – Gohan smiled a giant, trademark Son smile. Reincarnation? Sure, why not? How hard could it be? He'd just have to ask Korin for some of his 'magic bean' mumbo-jumbo and POOF! No more going to jail! What a great plan. Gohan put his finger to his forehead and transported himself to Korin's house.
"Gohan!" said Korin, amazed. "Konnichi wa! What brings you here?" Gohan smiled.
"Hey, K.! What's up?" Then he explained all about the death of Trunks (found in chapter two) and about his trial.
"So…you killed a kid, huh? Well, why are you HERE, of all places? Not that I don't WANT you here, but – "
"Listen, Korin, it was an accident. Now, I need a way to reincarnate him, so I won't go to jail! Got any 'reincarnation beans' or something? I need them fast; before the police find out I left the car. They could get to the courthouse any second now!" Korin thought for awhile, then said,
"Sure, I have something you could use. But I am plum out of them! Sorry, Son Gohan."
"No, wait! You HAVE to help me! PLEASE! I NEED you, Korin! When do you restock?"
"Hmm…in about an hour, I should – "
"AN HOUR? NO WAY! I NEED THEM NOW!!!"
"Sorry, Gohan, but that's the soonest I can get another batch. Maybe I could transport them to you at the court place, whatever you called it, when I get them in. Would you be able to stall until then, Gohan? GOHAN?" Gohan was already at the door.
"Yeah, sure! Great! Thank you soooo much, Korin! I gotta split! See ya later!" And he was off.
Gohan landed quietly back in the stuffy car just before it came to a screeching halt. He made it just in time. When a cop escorted him out of the car, he was immediately greeted by his family, well, at least Chi Chi and Goku (Goten was still speechless). He smiled at the three of them proudly as he pondered his malevolently glorious plan.
It's not like Gohan is EVIL or anything, it's just that he always tries the easy way out. Thinking about this, Gohan frowned. Am I being just a bit naughty, he thought to himself, because, I mean, this whole thing sounds too easy to be possible. Oh well! And he marched happily to the building with a smile on his face and a grin in his heart.
"I-is h-h-he s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-smiling?" Chi Chi stuttered, cluelessly.
"Uh…I dunno. Perhaps he's maniacal, or something," suggested Goku. Truthfully, neither of them had any idea as to why their son, who was charged of murdering Trunks, should be smiling at a time like this. Goku had practiced his speech against Gohan's punishment about 10 times that morning and 5 the day before. Chi Chi had rounded up some friends to help her fight by her side. Goten just brought a stuffed animal to squeeze when he hears that Gohan is sentenced to death.
But the Briefses had done better than that. Vegeta had gotten all his servants and maids and butlers together and gave them all speeches to say against Gohan. Bulma hired 13 lawyers and paid them each 100 zeni to do whatever they can to win. Smirking joyfully, each lawyer clenched the note in their hands and walked away with their briefcases. Bura rounded all her friends together with pins and hats and banners taped all over them, protesting wildly. The whole family and the gang of defense people marched in, single filed, to the courtroom. Then the Sons, including a handcuffed Gohan, walked in sloppily, side by side. Why Gohan was handcuffed, I don't really know. X_x;;;
"Let the Trial begin!" And so it did. First, Vegeta explained his theory of the happening, while Bulma nodded and shook her head vigorously in the background.
"No! No! It was an accident!"
"'Twas no ACCIDENT! 'Twas REAL!"
"You're lying!"
"No, you're lying!"
"No, you!"
"No, you!"
"No, - "
"SILENCE!" roared the judge again. "This is not a ZOO! This is a courthouse! Now, Gohan," he added quietly, "Please explain YOUR side of the story." Then he folded his arms and waited as Gohan stood up bravely from his chair and gulped.
"Uh, hello, everybody!" he said smiling weakly. No answer. "Yeah, ok, well, um, you see, sir, it really was an accident. And, with all due respect, sir, my little brother Goten and I were the only that witnessed the event. Um, you can even ask him."
"All right, then – " started the judge.
"No, wait! Please do not put such pressure on him! He is only but a child, your honor," said a tough, but gentle and familiar voice. Videl stood up from the audience and smiled at Gohan. Gohan returned the smile gauntly. "Trunks was little Goten's ultimate best friend in this universe. How could you put such a burden on him as to ask him to retell those painful events?" Gohan's smile broadened.
"Oh, fine," said the judge, grumpily. "Gohan, finish your story already!"
"Most certainly, your honor!" The judge rolled his eyes. "Well, I was sent out to return Goten and Trunks to their parents and I finally caught up to Trunks. I knew with a small ki blast I could surely secure him out of my way to get Goten. I figured that when I captured Goten, I would go back and fetch Trunks. When I blew the ki blast, I apologetically said, 'Nothing personal, kid! I'll come back for you!' Unfortunately, I watched as Trunks tried to dodge the blast, and instead it hit him straight in his head…uh, the pituitary gland, I believe; a most sensitive gland in the skull." Gohan bowed his head. The way this was going, he might not need the beans!
"Hmm. This changes things, young man. It seems that Trunks is actually responsible for his own death. It may have been just an – " started the judge again.
"WHAT? ARE YOU SAYING MY BRILLIANT SON KILLED himself? YEAH, RIGHT! I HAVE TRIANED THAT BOY FORS YEARS! HE KNOWS WHEN TO MOVE AND WHEN NOT TO MOVE!" hollered none other than Vegeta, standing up and on the verge of Super Saiyan.
"Well, I – "
"OH, CAN IT, MISTER!" screeched Bura, jumping up as well. The jury gasped at her use of language towards the judge.
"I beg your pardon!"
"YOU HEARD ME, YOU BIG OAF! THAT GOHAN KID IS LYING FOR SURE! JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, I SAW IT HAPPEN, TOO! I WAS THERE WHEN GOHAN KILLED MY BROTHER!"
"Bura?" inquired Bulma, quizzically. "You couldn't have been there, sweetie, unless you can – " She suddenly broke off and screamed. Bura was levitating 5 feet off the ground, smirking. Bulma fainted. Vegeta caught her. People around them gasped. Vegeta stared at his daughter, his mouth agape and his eyes shivering.
"Exactly, mum. I can fly, just like daddy," she said, smiling. "Now listen here, you!" she pointed her finger at the judge. "I'm a gonna explain to you with excruciating details just what REALLY happened. So listen up, 'cause I'm only sayin' it ONCE, ya here?"
"But, I-I-I – "
"CAN IT! This man, Gohan, murdered my big brother and almost killed his own brother. He's a madman, I tell ya! Lock him up now! Unless he can, I dunno, 'magically' bring my brudder back, I never wanna see his ugly face again!" Everyone stared at the little girl, arms folding, and her head down, frown across her face, and malevolently cruel eyes.
The judge's eyes shook vulnerably with fear written all over his face. "B-b- bring him b-b-back to l-l-life? Why that's impossible!" Just then, Gohan felt a clunk in his pocket and felt a lump on his lap. Korin had come through!
"Hmm," said Gohan. "Funny you should mention reincarnation." Everybody turned to look at him. By now, he was tossing the bag of beans in his hands and grinning wildly. "You see I just so happen to have something that could do Trunks some good." He smiled.
"Need I remind you, young man, that little Trunks has met his demise?" ask the judge.
"Oh, I know. Lemme see him and I will fix him up for ya. How's that, Bura?" he said turning to the little girl who was now hovering a nervous 10 feet above the marble tiles. She didn't know what to say.
"Most certainly not!" said the judge, furious.
"Why not? What has everyone got to lose? The boy is already dead, isn't he? What else could Gohan possibly do to him?" Marron stood up among the group bravely. She had found her voice in her heart and was willing to do anything to get her beloved Trunks back. Goten smiled.
"Well I guess it's worth a try. What do you say, Briefses?" The family nodded quietly. The judge led them to a room with an open coffin. In it lied the peaceful Trunks, tranquilly sleeping his eternal sleep. Or was is not as perpetual as anyone thought? Gohan approached the body cautiously as a guard freed him of his handcuffs. He took the bag from his pocket and placed one in his open palm. How is he going to eat this if he's dead? Gohan wondered. He shrugged and carefully opened the little mouth.
"No, wait!" cried Bura, rushing forward. "Let ME!" And she tore the bean out of Gohan's hand. Gohan backed off wisely and watched as Bura stepped forward to her dead brother and inserted the bean carefully on his dry tongue and closed his mouth. She pushed his head backward and the bean fell down his throat. She waited quietly but nervously as her quivering eyes traveled back and forth across his face. She bowed her head and turned to walk away when something caught her eye.
"Bura! Turn your head! Look!" said Goten weakly. She turned around quickly. A bright blue light illuminated Trunks's body and soon the whole room. Slowly, Trunks's body floated above the coffin and froze in mid air. Then he began to spin clockwise above the tile floor. Gradually, the speed hastened until he was turning so fast it was hard to keep their eyes open. All of a sudden, the spinning stopped abruptly and Trunks remained still dead, hovering in the blue light. Then a powerful wind picked up, blowing his elegant hair and a blinding light so bright, nobody knew its true color, burst in front of their eyes. A gust of wind looked like it blew his body apart, but it didn't. His body shook crazily from the gust and he fell to the coffin in what looked like a most uncomfortable position. Nobody moved. Neither did Trunks.
Trunks coughed. He coughed again and swallowed the bean painfully and coughed again. Bura ran over to him.
"TRUNKS! OH, TRUNKS!" she cried and burst into tears. Bulma and Vegeta rushed over to Bura's left side and gaped at their son. Next came Gohan, followed by Chi Chi and Goku, and soon the whole crowd. Only Marron and Goten remained. People were crying and others were screaming and some too confused to speak. A beautiful blue eye opened and winced at all the commotion. Trunks looked around and grunted sharply for everyone to move. Obediently, they all stepped aside. Goten looked at Marron and nodded. Marron nodded back.
Two tiny, pink dress shoes carried ten elegant toes and two miniature feet across the room and past all the people: the reporters, the jury, the families, the cops, and the judge. With her hands knotted tightly together in front of her, Marron approached the spot where Trunks lay. She took off her hat and lowered her head politely. She noticed a weak and painful smile from the young boy and she smiled back. A small, muscular hand arose from Trunks's lap and reached over to Marron's chin, lifting it up. Marron bit her lip and gave him a huge hug.
"O-o-w!" he said quietly. Marron withdrew immediately.
"Ooh, sorry!" she cried, biting her lip again. "Welcome back, Trunks."
"Uh, thanks." Marron nodded and stepped aside with the others with her head still bowed down. She looked up at Goten with those big, beautiful eyes and nodded to him. Goten didn't say anything. He straightened up his back and stuck out his chest. Then he toughened his eyes until his gaze was stone cold. He frowned slightly, but not a sad frown - a triumphant one. Then he picked up his legs, moving them one by one slowly towards the young saiyan. His feet made no sound on the hard floor.
In at least a minute, he was a Trunks's side. Goten's expression had not changed in the slightest. The same deep black eyes scrutinized the old friend as Trunks sat up to face him. His face was identical. Now two boys, one 7 and the other 8, were face to face, staring each other out. All of a sudden, Goten's face softened. Trunks's face was confused. Out of nowhere, without any warning whatsoever, Goten burst into great tears the size of large blueberries. Then he fell into Trunks's arms crying, as Trunks patted him on the back, comfortingly. Bulma and Chi Chi were crying silently while Vegeta and Goku watched, amazed, at how puny and emotional their sons were.
"T-T-T-Trunks! Oh, I'm so s-s-sorry, Trunks! We should have never left the house at all! It's all my fault!" shrieked Goten, still burying his face in Trunks's hands. Trunks rolled his eyes.
"P-pull it t-t-together, G-G-Goten," stuttered Trunks weakly again. Goten looked up and stopped crying. He sniffled.
"B-b-b-but what about my b-b-brother, Trunks? Is he gonna be killed?" Goten wept. Trunks rolled his eyes again and looked at Gohan, who was rocking around on the balls of his feet nervously. Trunks stared hard at him and smiled. Gohan noticed him and rocked back and forth faster. Then he went so fast he fell over his own feet and smacked the floor. He jumped up, rubbed his head twice, and put his hands in his pockets.
**A/N: x_x Gohan is such a dork! (Sorry Chris and Kris) Back to the story!**
"Get over here, ya big sissy!" Trunks laughed. Gohan smiled frantically and he shuffled over obediently.
"Um, uh, Trunks, if you only heard my story I really didn't mean to – I mean I shouldn't have – well, what I meant to say was –!" said Gohan.
"Oh, save your breath, Fried Rice!" Trunks said a bit angrily (*Gohan means Fried Rice in Japanese*). Gohan flinched and Trunks sighed. "Um, sorry, Gohan, I guess I kind of got a bit carried away – "
"Don't blame yourself, Trunks! It's my fault! I KILLED you…remember? I should have been aware that you guys are smaller and therefore naturally less stronger -." Trunks laughed. "W-what's so funny?"
"You are, Fried Rice!" cackled Trunks. Gohan wondered whether to smile or laugh or D: None of the above. Definitely D: None of the Above. "I'm not here to sit around and listen to your excuse! Guards!" Gohan flinched. He knew what was coming. The guards marched forward.
"Uh, Master Trunks, should we, uh, take him away?" asked a very deep-voiced and beefy person. Trunks opened his mouth to reply, but held his breath when he saw the Son family: Chi Chi and Goku were holding each other tightly, not knowing what to do; Goten was shaking all over and was squeezing the blankets inside Trunks's coffin until the seems popped; and lastly, Gohan held his head low and Trunks could have sworn he saw a long, shimmering water droplet escape from Gohan's eye and explode softly on the cold marble floor.
Then Trunks switched his gaze towards his family: Bulma bit her lip while Vegeta folded his arms unemotional. Bura's tears caught Trunks's eye and he turned away, not able to stare at a little girl crying. He knew what he had to do. He knew what his father wanted him to do. He knew what his sister wanted him to do. He knew what the Sons wanted him to do. He knew what…his self wanted him to do.
Trunks breathed in deeply and closed his eyes tight. He saw everyone before him behind his eyelids.
"Well…? What'll it be, cap'n? Arrest or nay?" asked another man in uniform.
"Leave him," Trunks said sternly, crossing his arms just as his father.
"W-w-what'd ya say, cap'n? Could 'o sworn yer said 'Leave 'em'! Is this true, cap'n? After what he's dun to y'all!"
"You heard me! I said leave him! Now get out!"
"Well flyin' fish sticks, cap'n! Ya sure yerself dun need no wheelchair or 'freshments 'efore yer get goin'?" Trunks shook his head no. "Well, alrighty, then! C'mon, boys, let's give the cap'n some room to breath, eh?" Everyone watched as the guards left. Then they turned to Trunks in awe. They all fell over anime style. Trunks smirked, pleased with himself.
"Well, are you all gonna just stand there or are you gonna take me home?"
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~Hope you enjoyed! Chapter Four coming soon~