"Bulma, honey, perhaps you should talk to Goku before you go," Mrs. Briefs suggested.
"And waste even MORE time? I don't think so," Bulma climbed into the small space craft she'd finished stocking with food.
This ship was faster than the one Vegeta had stolen and with the tracking device she should be able to catch them in just over a week. Of course, there was still the issue of getting Trunks back once she caught Vegeta, but she wasn't going to think about that right now. The only thing she had on her mind was retrieving her son. NOBODY took Trunks from her! ESPECIALLY not Vegeta! Quickly she entered in the coordinates and the ship shot into the air.
* * * * *
Trunks bounded ahead of Vegeta, smiling ear to ear. "Wow! Blue sky!" He had missed seeing blue sky and open spaces. This planet was a lot like Earth, only things were different colors. There was a lot of stuff that looked like grass, except it was yellow instead of green, and a little softer than real grass. There were a lot of roads too, but they were a deep purple color, instead of grey or black. And the vehicles he saw were hovering over the roads rather than driving across them with wheels.
"Slow down, son," Vegeta called from behind him, walking with his usual poised and dignified speed and posture.
Trunks had stopped to observe the things around him. He was DYING to run! "Hey Dad, do they have parks here?"
"Yes."
"Can we go to one?" Trunks was excited.
"No."
"Why?"
"We are here to pick up some books, a radio, and a cat. Nothing else."
"But Dad, I've just GOTTA run! There's no room to run on the ship and I'm gonna go crazy if I don't get some time in a wide open space!" Trunks argued.
Vegeta thought about it a moment. He knew that was true and Trunks was liable to demolish something on board otherwise. "Fine, have it your way. After we get your books, we'll stop at the park."
"All right!" Trunks jumped three feet in the air, then scurried to catch up with his father. "Can I get some candy?"
"Absolutely not!" Vegeta was disgusted at the mention.
"But I only want a little bit..."
"NO!"
"Well...how about some ice cream? After lunch? We can eat lunch here right?"
Vegeta scowled. This was going to be a LONG day. He was sure Trunks would be badgering him the entire time they were here. All that pent up energy he'd been holding in on the ship was going to come out and Vegeta wasn't sure he'd survive it. It
was a rare circumstance where he would have prefered Bulma have to deal with it. Vegeta growled, rather than answering, clenching his fists a little as he walked.
Trunks watched him but didn't say anything. 'hmm. That means no ice cream.' He walked next to him, strugling just a little to keep up. There was so much to see around here. After spending a whole week on a tiny little ship with hardly any room to turn around--at least compared with the mansion he lived in at home--ANYTHING was exciting!
They walked first into a large store filled with text books. Vegeta went straight to the section on Vegeta-sei. Good. There were still many books about it, even though it had been destroyed. Trunks looked around as his father pulled the books he wanted for his child off the shelf. There was nothing in here that was particularly interesting to him, except the few pieces of candy up at the counter.
"Excuse me, mister," Trunks head was barely above the counter. "Is that candy free?"
"To our paying customers yes. Are you buying some books, son?" the man asked.
"My father is buying school books for me," Trunks narrowed his eyes a little at the thought.
"Then go ahead and have one piece, if it is all right with him."
"Thanks!" Trunks quickly grabbed a piece of candy, stuffing it in his pocket before running off so the man couldn't say anything about him not asking his father first. He KNEW Vegeta would say no if he asked. Heck, he'd ALREADY said no not ten
minutes ago. He looked down the aisles so he would know where his Dad was, then he snuck to the far corner of the store and pulled the candy out of his pocket, unwrapping it quickly and shoving it in his mouth.
"What are you doing over here?" Trunks jumped at his father's voice, turning to see his irritated face staring from a few feet off.
"...Nothing."
"Come on, we're leaving."
Trunks noticed the bag of books and frown, still concealing the candy he hadn't yet swallowed. "Ok, I'm coming, he followed after his father, staying a few feet behind until he had finished his candy.
"Hey kid, want another candy?" the owner of the store called as the two were leaving.
Trunks stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide as he looked at the guy, then his father, who stood, glaring at him angrily. "Uh...no thanks," he scurried out of the store. Suddenly he was smacked across the head. "Ow!" Trunks quickly rubbed the sore spot on his head.
"Does your feeble little brain not understand the meaning of NO?" Vegeta spat.
"I...forgot?" Trunks smiled weakly.
"You did NOTHING of the sort. What YOU did was disobey me AGAIN! I can't believe you would even have the nerve for that after yesterday! Well, we'll just have to do something about that. I'll show you why I never even THOUGHT to disobey MY father. Now how would you like THAT?"
Trunks stared up at him, afraid of what that might mean. "...uh..."
Vegeta grabbed his arm gruffly and pulled him along. "You are REALLY going to regret that poor choice you made."
'It would have been fine if that stupid guy had kept his big mouth shut,' Trunks glared. Then he made yet another stupid move of his own, regreting his words the second they exited his mouth; "You know, Dad, if you would just lighten up a little about candy there wouldn't be any problem. It's not like I want mountains of it...just a little bit every now and then...," he stopped, realising what he was saying. His face went pale as he looked up. 'Trunks, you IDIOT!!' he thought to himself. 'You could have at LEAST waited until he didn't have hold of your arm, STUPID!'
Vegeta glared at him with deadly eyes. "Consider yourself blessed to be in public right now. But as soon as we're back on that ship, I'm knocking every ounce of that smart mouth right out of you, do you hear me?" Vegeta's voice was low. "Do you?"
"Yes, sir," Trunks looked away, voice small.
"And you can forget about the park too," Vegeta pulled him into the music store.
Trunks sighed.
"I shouldn't even be allowing THIS to such a disobediant, in grateful brat, but go pick out 20 CDs and wait for me over there," Vegeta insturucted, releasing his son from his grip.
Trunks scurried off, glad to be away from his father. As afraid of his punishment as he was, he was also mad at Vegeta. Why did he have to make such a big deal out of candy? Afterall, almost all kids loved candy and Trunks couldn't help that he was a kid. It was VEGETA's fault he was so young. HE'S the one that didn't have him earlier... Soon, however, his mind wandered off his pending fate and onto the music he was choosing.
Vegeta was waiting for him in the designated spot, already having bought a radio that played both tapes and CDs and a small set of headphones. Trunks handed him the CDs, avoiding eyes contact and followed behind him to the counter. once they were outside the store Vegeta spoke again.
"All right, I'll let you pick your punishment. And next time I guarantee I won't be half as forgiving. Either you can have a spanking--and I mean a REAL one--and go to bed without dinner tonight, after we have a hard training session," Vegeta started. Trunks felt a lump forming in his stomach. That sounded like a REALLY bad choice. "Or, you can forget about getting Trusei."
Trunks eyes widened and his face paled. Not get his kitten??? But he was going to be his father and he was going to teach him to fly and he would be the best father there ever was...no, that wasn't an option! He COULDN'T give up Trusei! He really hated the other option too though.
"Can't I just be grounded or something? Maybe you could take away the radio and make me do school ALL the time?" Trunks tried to suggest something else.
"Would you prefer I did both punishments?"
"No, I HAVE to have Trusei, Dad, you don't understand...," Trunks pleaded.
"Fine, then you get punishment package A."
Trunks moaned.
"You may get away with these things where your mother is concerned, but I am NOT her and I will NOT tollerate it. You WILL do as I say, is that clear?"
"Yes."
"Fine. Let's get the kitten."
Trunks trailed behind, sulking. He conceded the the idea that no piece of candy was worth all this. Back to square one. Now he'd have to work up respect from his father again. and that was so difficult to do, he didn't know if it would even be possible. At least he would still have his cat.
"All right, go pick one," Vegeta instructed.
"Which one do you like?" Trunks looked up at him with small questioning eyes.
"I hate them all, now pick one."
Trunks sighed and looked at each of the kittens. He immediately ruled out all the ones that were sleeping. He knew he wanted a playful one. There were three he considered possibilities. One was an orange tabby, one was a black and white tabby, and the other was grey. He watched them for a little while. The black and white tabby was especially mischievous. Then it turned and made eye contact with Trunks. Immediately he was caught by the look in the kitten's eyes. THAT was the one.
"THAT'S Trusei," Trunks pointed.
Vegeta had known. He'd seen the instant connection. He nodded and waited for the saleman to put the kitten in a carrier for them. Vegeta carried the box and Trunks followed, continually peering into in and watching the kitten play with the complimentary ball they'd been given. The two sat down at an outdoor cafe. Vegeta gave his son strict orders not to move from his spot while he went inside and ordered some food. Trunks was too pre-occupied with the kitten to care.
"Enjoy your food. You won't be getting any more until tomorrow," Vegeta glared.
Trunks looked up momentarily, then looked back to the kitten. Why did his father have to rub it in? He ate most of the food, but gave a number of scraps to the kitten.
"Stop feeding that cat and feed yourself," Vegeta ordered.
"But he has to eat, Dad, and I'm his father, so I have to give it to him."
"We'll get him some cat food as soon as we're through here, now leave it be," Vegeta was getting agitated again.
Trunks sighed, taking another big bite of his hot dog. the kitten sat in the box meowing up at him for more food. Trunks lganced at him a few times, then looked pleadingly at his father.
"No!"
Trunks looked back at the meowing kitten for awhile. "I know, I know, but I can't. My Dad's already gonna kill me. I don't want him to resurrect me and kill me AGAIN. You wouldn't want that to happen to your old man now would you?" Trunks talked to the kitten.
Vegeta practically choked on his food. This coming from an eight year old?!
The kitten let out a long cry.
"Oh, Dad, Pleeease?" Trunks begged.
Vegeta only glared at him.
"I'm not a mean Daddy, Trusei, I promise," Trunks stared helplessly at the little cat. He almost wanted to cry at the look in the cat's eyes.
"Would you stop talking to that cat and eat your food?!" Vegeta interupted quite loudly.
Trunks shoved a few more bites of food into his mouth, trying to ignore the wailing kitten.
"Oh for heaven's sake, shut up!" Vegeta spat, glaring at the cat, then noticing the angered look on his son's face.
"Hey! That's MY kitten! Leave him alone!"
"Excuse me?" Vegeta raised his eye brows, glaring at his son.
"You can't tell him to shut up! He's MINE!"
"You had better watch it, boy, or he'll be going right back to the store!" Vegeta shot.
Trunks mouth widened and he looked down at the table, scowling. He was almost at the end of his rope. Right now he hated his father. Why did he always have to be like this? He wanted to yell at his father, but he knew that would only make things ten times worse. He felt like running away, but that wouldn't work either. the only thing he COULD do was cry, and he absolutely would NOT do THAT in public, though he really felt like it. Everything that had happened this entire day was incredibly frustrating.
"Now finish your food!" Vegeta ordered.
* * * * *
Bulma stared intently out the window as if doing so would somehow make her travel faster. Vegeta's ship had stopped on planet Heiron. For how long, she didn't know, but it hadn't moved all day. Her hopes were high that Heiron was his final destination. She hadn't eaten all day and she still wasn't hungry. Her mission was the only thing on her mind. By the time she reached them Vegeta should have been more than willing to get rid of Trunks. But if he'd hurt just one hair on his head she would kill him!
* * * * *
"What the heck is this?!" Vegeta noticed something on the side of the ship as Trunks climbed back aboard, carrying the kitten in his arms. He snatched the thing up and looked at it. 'A tracking device! That no good idiot woman!' Quickly he crumpled it in his hands, letting the shards fall to the ground. "Forget it, you are NOT getting him back," he muttered to himself, climbing on the ship and promptly taking off.
* * * * *
Bulma looked at the screen where the blipp had been. It was gone! What had happened? Perhaps it was just the part of space she was going through. She knew that was possible, but she doubted it to be true. Her equiptment could have broken also, but she didn't see why it would have. The only other option was if Vegeta had found the tracker and ruined it. Somehow she knew that was the case, but refused to believe it. She couldn't give up hope now! Instead she chose to try and convince herself that he equiptment was malfunctioning and she continued in her course toward Heiron, hoping behind all her instincts that they were still there. But now the worry inside her had tripled. She wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight.
"And waste even MORE time? I don't think so," Bulma climbed into the small space craft she'd finished stocking with food.
This ship was faster than the one Vegeta had stolen and with the tracking device she should be able to catch them in just over a week. Of course, there was still the issue of getting Trunks back once she caught Vegeta, but she wasn't going to think about that right now. The only thing she had on her mind was retrieving her son. NOBODY took Trunks from her! ESPECIALLY not Vegeta! Quickly she entered in the coordinates and the ship shot into the air.
* * * * *
Trunks bounded ahead of Vegeta, smiling ear to ear. "Wow! Blue sky!" He had missed seeing blue sky and open spaces. This planet was a lot like Earth, only things were different colors. There was a lot of stuff that looked like grass, except it was yellow instead of green, and a little softer than real grass. There were a lot of roads too, but they were a deep purple color, instead of grey or black. And the vehicles he saw were hovering over the roads rather than driving across them with wheels.
"Slow down, son," Vegeta called from behind him, walking with his usual poised and dignified speed and posture.
Trunks had stopped to observe the things around him. He was DYING to run! "Hey Dad, do they have parks here?"
"Yes."
"Can we go to one?" Trunks was excited.
"No."
"Why?"
"We are here to pick up some books, a radio, and a cat. Nothing else."
"But Dad, I've just GOTTA run! There's no room to run on the ship and I'm gonna go crazy if I don't get some time in a wide open space!" Trunks argued.
Vegeta thought about it a moment. He knew that was true and Trunks was liable to demolish something on board otherwise. "Fine, have it your way. After we get your books, we'll stop at the park."
"All right!" Trunks jumped three feet in the air, then scurried to catch up with his father. "Can I get some candy?"
"Absolutely not!" Vegeta was disgusted at the mention.
"But I only want a little bit..."
"NO!"
"Well...how about some ice cream? After lunch? We can eat lunch here right?"
Vegeta scowled. This was going to be a LONG day. He was sure Trunks would be badgering him the entire time they were here. All that pent up energy he'd been holding in on the ship was going to come out and Vegeta wasn't sure he'd survive it. It
was a rare circumstance where he would have prefered Bulma have to deal with it. Vegeta growled, rather than answering, clenching his fists a little as he walked.
Trunks watched him but didn't say anything. 'hmm. That means no ice cream.' He walked next to him, strugling just a little to keep up. There was so much to see around here. After spending a whole week on a tiny little ship with hardly any room to turn around--at least compared with the mansion he lived in at home--ANYTHING was exciting!
They walked first into a large store filled with text books. Vegeta went straight to the section on Vegeta-sei. Good. There were still many books about it, even though it had been destroyed. Trunks looked around as his father pulled the books he wanted for his child off the shelf. There was nothing in here that was particularly interesting to him, except the few pieces of candy up at the counter.
"Excuse me, mister," Trunks head was barely above the counter. "Is that candy free?"
"To our paying customers yes. Are you buying some books, son?" the man asked.
"My father is buying school books for me," Trunks narrowed his eyes a little at the thought.
"Then go ahead and have one piece, if it is all right with him."
"Thanks!" Trunks quickly grabbed a piece of candy, stuffing it in his pocket before running off so the man couldn't say anything about him not asking his father first. He KNEW Vegeta would say no if he asked. Heck, he'd ALREADY said no not ten
minutes ago. He looked down the aisles so he would know where his Dad was, then he snuck to the far corner of the store and pulled the candy out of his pocket, unwrapping it quickly and shoving it in his mouth.
"What are you doing over here?" Trunks jumped at his father's voice, turning to see his irritated face staring from a few feet off.
"...Nothing."
"Come on, we're leaving."
Trunks noticed the bag of books and frown, still concealing the candy he hadn't yet swallowed. "Ok, I'm coming, he followed after his father, staying a few feet behind until he had finished his candy.
"Hey kid, want another candy?" the owner of the store called as the two were leaving.
Trunks stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide as he looked at the guy, then his father, who stood, glaring at him angrily. "Uh...no thanks," he scurried out of the store. Suddenly he was smacked across the head. "Ow!" Trunks quickly rubbed the sore spot on his head.
"Does your feeble little brain not understand the meaning of NO?" Vegeta spat.
"I...forgot?" Trunks smiled weakly.
"You did NOTHING of the sort. What YOU did was disobey me AGAIN! I can't believe you would even have the nerve for that after yesterday! Well, we'll just have to do something about that. I'll show you why I never even THOUGHT to disobey MY father. Now how would you like THAT?"
Trunks stared up at him, afraid of what that might mean. "...uh..."
Vegeta grabbed his arm gruffly and pulled him along. "You are REALLY going to regret that poor choice you made."
'It would have been fine if that stupid guy had kept his big mouth shut,' Trunks glared. Then he made yet another stupid move of his own, regreting his words the second they exited his mouth; "You know, Dad, if you would just lighten up a little about candy there wouldn't be any problem. It's not like I want mountains of it...just a little bit every now and then...," he stopped, realising what he was saying. His face went pale as he looked up. 'Trunks, you IDIOT!!' he thought to himself. 'You could have at LEAST waited until he didn't have hold of your arm, STUPID!'
Vegeta glared at him with deadly eyes. "Consider yourself blessed to be in public right now. But as soon as we're back on that ship, I'm knocking every ounce of that smart mouth right out of you, do you hear me?" Vegeta's voice was low. "Do you?"
"Yes, sir," Trunks looked away, voice small.
"And you can forget about the park too," Vegeta pulled him into the music store.
Trunks sighed.
"I shouldn't even be allowing THIS to such a disobediant, in grateful brat, but go pick out 20 CDs and wait for me over there," Vegeta insturucted, releasing his son from his grip.
Trunks scurried off, glad to be away from his father. As afraid of his punishment as he was, he was also mad at Vegeta. Why did he have to make such a big deal out of candy? Afterall, almost all kids loved candy and Trunks couldn't help that he was a kid. It was VEGETA's fault he was so young. HE'S the one that didn't have him earlier... Soon, however, his mind wandered off his pending fate and onto the music he was choosing.
Vegeta was waiting for him in the designated spot, already having bought a radio that played both tapes and CDs and a small set of headphones. Trunks handed him the CDs, avoiding eyes contact and followed behind him to the counter. once they were outside the store Vegeta spoke again.
"All right, I'll let you pick your punishment. And next time I guarantee I won't be half as forgiving. Either you can have a spanking--and I mean a REAL one--and go to bed without dinner tonight, after we have a hard training session," Vegeta started. Trunks felt a lump forming in his stomach. That sounded like a REALLY bad choice. "Or, you can forget about getting Trusei."
Trunks eyes widened and his face paled. Not get his kitten??? But he was going to be his father and he was going to teach him to fly and he would be the best father there ever was...no, that wasn't an option! He COULDN'T give up Trusei! He really hated the other option too though.
"Can't I just be grounded or something? Maybe you could take away the radio and make me do school ALL the time?" Trunks tried to suggest something else.
"Would you prefer I did both punishments?"
"No, I HAVE to have Trusei, Dad, you don't understand...," Trunks pleaded.
"Fine, then you get punishment package A."
Trunks moaned.
"You may get away with these things where your mother is concerned, but I am NOT her and I will NOT tollerate it. You WILL do as I say, is that clear?"
"Yes."
"Fine. Let's get the kitten."
Trunks trailed behind, sulking. He conceded the the idea that no piece of candy was worth all this. Back to square one. Now he'd have to work up respect from his father again. and that was so difficult to do, he didn't know if it would even be possible. At least he would still have his cat.
"All right, go pick one," Vegeta instructed.
"Which one do you like?" Trunks looked up at him with small questioning eyes.
"I hate them all, now pick one."
Trunks sighed and looked at each of the kittens. He immediately ruled out all the ones that were sleeping. He knew he wanted a playful one. There were three he considered possibilities. One was an orange tabby, one was a black and white tabby, and the other was grey. He watched them for a little while. The black and white tabby was especially mischievous. Then it turned and made eye contact with Trunks. Immediately he was caught by the look in the kitten's eyes. THAT was the one.
"THAT'S Trusei," Trunks pointed.
Vegeta had known. He'd seen the instant connection. He nodded and waited for the saleman to put the kitten in a carrier for them. Vegeta carried the box and Trunks followed, continually peering into in and watching the kitten play with the complimentary ball they'd been given. The two sat down at an outdoor cafe. Vegeta gave his son strict orders not to move from his spot while he went inside and ordered some food. Trunks was too pre-occupied with the kitten to care.
"Enjoy your food. You won't be getting any more until tomorrow," Vegeta glared.
Trunks looked up momentarily, then looked back to the kitten. Why did his father have to rub it in? He ate most of the food, but gave a number of scraps to the kitten.
"Stop feeding that cat and feed yourself," Vegeta ordered.
"But he has to eat, Dad, and I'm his father, so I have to give it to him."
"We'll get him some cat food as soon as we're through here, now leave it be," Vegeta was getting agitated again.
Trunks sighed, taking another big bite of his hot dog. the kitten sat in the box meowing up at him for more food. Trunks lganced at him a few times, then looked pleadingly at his father.
"No!"
Trunks looked back at the meowing kitten for awhile. "I know, I know, but I can't. My Dad's already gonna kill me. I don't want him to resurrect me and kill me AGAIN. You wouldn't want that to happen to your old man now would you?" Trunks talked to the kitten.
Vegeta practically choked on his food. This coming from an eight year old?!
The kitten let out a long cry.
"Oh, Dad, Pleeease?" Trunks begged.
Vegeta only glared at him.
"I'm not a mean Daddy, Trusei, I promise," Trunks stared helplessly at the little cat. He almost wanted to cry at the look in the cat's eyes.
"Would you stop talking to that cat and eat your food?!" Vegeta interupted quite loudly.
Trunks shoved a few more bites of food into his mouth, trying to ignore the wailing kitten.
"Oh for heaven's sake, shut up!" Vegeta spat, glaring at the cat, then noticing the angered look on his son's face.
"Hey! That's MY kitten! Leave him alone!"
"Excuse me?" Vegeta raised his eye brows, glaring at his son.
"You can't tell him to shut up! He's MINE!"
"You had better watch it, boy, or he'll be going right back to the store!" Vegeta shot.
Trunks mouth widened and he looked down at the table, scowling. He was almost at the end of his rope. Right now he hated his father. Why did he always have to be like this? He wanted to yell at his father, but he knew that would only make things ten times worse. He felt like running away, but that wouldn't work either. the only thing he COULD do was cry, and he absolutely would NOT do THAT in public, though he really felt like it. Everything that had happened this entire day was incredibly frustrating.
"Now finish your food!" Vegeta ordered.
* * * * *
Bulma stared intently out the window as if doing so would somehow make her travel faster. Vegeta's ship had stopped on planet Heiron. For how long, she didn't know, but it hadn't moved all day. Her hopes were high that Heiron was his final destination. She hadn't eaten all day and she still wasn't hungry. Her mission was the only thing on her mind. By the time she reached them Vegeta should have been more than willing to get rid of Trunks. But if he'd hurt just one hair on his head she would kill him!
* * * * *
"What the heck is this?!" Vegeta noticed something on the side of the ship as Trunks climbed back aboard, carrying the kitten in his arms. He snatched the thing up and looked at it. 'A tracking device! That no good idiot woman!' Quickly he crumpled it in his hands, letting the shards fall to the ground. "Forget it, you are NOT getting him back," he muttered to himself, climbing on the ship and promptly taking off.
* * * * *
Bulma looked at the screen where the blipp had been. It was gone! What had happened? Perhaps it was just the part of space she was going through. She knew that was possible, but she doubted it to be true. Her equiptment could have broken also, but she didn't see why it would have. The only other option was if Vegeta had found the tracker and ruined it. Somehow she knew that was the case, but refused to believe it. She couldn't give up hope now! Instead she chose to try and convince herself that he equiptment was malfunctioning and she continued in her course toward Heiron, hoping behind all her instincts that they were still there. But now the worry inside her had tripled. She wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight.