A/N: Hey people, thanx so much for the reviews!

*Chapter Eight*

When Bulma saw Nemie lying limp in Trunks's arms, she instantly handed the baby to Anai and directed Trunks into one of the spare bedrooms.

Once Nemie was flat on the bed, Bulma pushed Trunks out.

"I'll do what I can. Keep yourselves busy until I come find you." Then, she slammed the door and immediately went to work on Nemie's injuries.

Trunks stood there staring at the closed door for a moment. He was oblivious to everything, even Chibi Trunks's cries.

Anai struggled with the child, trying to calm him down while she talked to Mirai Trunks.

"It'll be okay, Trunks. Nemie's strong. She always bounces back. Shhh baby, be quiet." Anai bounced the infant, and the cries subsided as long as she didn't stand still. "Don't worry."

Trunks acted as if he didn't hear. He just kept staring at the door, a lost look in his eyes.

Gohan appeared at Anai's side. "What's going on?"

Anai shrugged. "Bulma told us to keep busy. She's working on Nemie right now."

Gohan took Chibi Trunks from her and the little one was quiet. "So what do we do?"

Anai's answered quietly so Trunks couldn't hear. "I think we need to go outside and leave him be."

"Wait. I'm coming with you." Trunks said, turning to face them.

Outside, the mood was just as grim. Even Vegeta seemed to be concerned.

Anai sat down on the ground and tucked her knees close to her chest. Sighing, she rested her chin on her knees and closed her eyes.

Gohan handed Chibi Trunks to Goku and sat down next to her.

"Hey, she'll be fine. You said so yourself." He whispered comfortingly.

Anai shook her head, but never opened her eyes. "She's been hurt before, but she's never been knocked out by anyone other than me. And she lost a lot of blood just now, so it's serious. Oh, Kami, what if she doesn't wake up?"

"She will, Anai. You two didn't travel this far back in time just for her to die now."

"Gohan, I'm so scared..." Anai finally opened her eyes, and tears began to well up.

Gohan slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. She buried her face in his shoulder and started to cry. It was quiet, unnoticeable crying, but Gohan felt her lurching sobs.

"Shhh..." He said softly, "It'll be alright."

Anai looked up at his face and almost cracked a smile. "Thank you." She said breathlessly before the tears flowed again.

Time passed, no one could really tell how long it was, and Bulma finally came out of the house. Instantly, everyone stood up. Anai hastily dried her eyes and cheeks with her shirtsleeve.

"So how is she?" Trunks asked.

Bulma answered slowly. "Well, Nemie's pretty badly hurt. She's got multiple cuts, puncture wounds and bites, not to mention a gash on her head. But once she finally wakes up, I think she'll be fine."

There was a collective sigh of relief from the group.

"Can we see her?" Anai asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now." Bulma replied. "Maybe in an hour or two."

"In the meantime," Vegeta said, "we should get back to training. Who knows when we'll have to fight Ryukin again."
* * *

"What's the matter with you, Trunks?" Vegeta asked harshly. "You could have evaded that easily. You're just not paying attention!"

Trunks wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand and got up off the ground. "Sorry, Father. I can't seem to think straight."

"You'd better start thinking straight or you'll be a pile of ashes beneath Ryukin's foot!"

Trunks looked at Vegeta, then shook his head. "Train with Goku some more; I'm going to take a break." Before Vegeta could argue with him, he turned away and walked into the house.

Bulma was no where to be found; probably putting the baby to sleep. On his way down the hall, Trunks spotted the door to Nemie's room wide open. He approached it quietly, leaned against the door frame and peered in.

Nemie looked to be sleeping peacefully, except for all the bandages on her. Her breathing appeared to be back to normal.

"She's doing better." Bulma's voice said softly.

Trunks turned to look at his mother. "You really think she'll be alright?"

Bulma nodded. "She should be." She was silent for a moment, then she said, "What are you doing to do when she goes home?"

Trunks blinked in surprise. "Um...I'll probably go back to my home."

"That's not what I meant."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Bulma gave him a sideways look. "You know Trunks, you may not be from this time, but you're still my son. And no one can hide anything from a mother."

Trunks could feel himself blushing. "Mother, you're way off base."

"Am I?"

"Yes, you are."

Bulma smiled knowingly. "Hmm, well...can I just say one more thing?"

"Sure."

"I'd like to think of you as taking after me. And Nemie reminds me of Vegeta. That's a powerful combination." With that, Bulma patted Trunks's arm and walked away.

Trunks went into the room and pulled up a chair next to Nemie's bed. He just sat there, thinking about what Bulma had said.

'She only thinks she knows what she's talking about.'

Sighing, Trunks took Nemie's hand in his own. He was surprised at how fragile it felt. None of the female Saiyan's usual strength was there.

Trunks ducked his head and ran his fingers through his hair. What now? What if Ryukin or Pichu attacks again? We need her help.

"...Trunks?" A weak voice murmured suddenly.

Trunks looked up quickly and saw Nemie's eyes open, gazing at him.

"Hey! How do you feel?" Trunks asked.

Nemie groaned. "Like somebody dropped a planet on me."

Trunks smiled. "Welcome back Nemie."

Nemie managed a smile, then her eyes widened. "Oh, Kami, how long have I been unconscious?"

"No more than three hours. Why?"

She relaxed a little, but she squeezed Trunks's hand. "Get everybody in here. I need to tell them something."