Thanks to all of you who reviewed for the last chapter. Now to clear up some confusion. This is not a shounen-ai (boy-boy love) story. If I had intended that, I would have said so in the summary. The last scene of chapter four was my attempt at some light-hearted humor. I didn't mean to worry any of you. Besides, Trunks and Goten are little kids. That would just be wierd. Anyway, on with the story. I hope everyone enjoys! ~ladymoonlight
The group was flung forward as the machine lurched to a halt minutes later. Gohan grimaced as his head came into contact with the thick protective glass shield. The teenager whimpered as he rubbed the tender area on his forehead.
"You deserved that, brat," muttered Vegeta, smirking in triumph.
Bulma shook her head and opened the shield. The five Saiyans scrambled to get out of the cramped quarters. Gohan made sure he kept as far away from the Prince as possible; Vegeta was still sending him murderous looks. Making sure everything was in order, Bulma pressed the button to encapsulate the machine. Nothing happened.
"Stupid peice of shit," she hissed, kicking the contraption. The machine made a soft whiring noise, but refused to encapsulate.
Bulma angrily opened the side panel to reveal the complex mess of circuitry. Pulling out one of the capsules, she quickly expanded her luggage. She fumbled through the assorted bags until she found her favorite toolbelt. Strapping it around her waist, Bulma turned her attention once more the wiring.
"You two might want to go on to Capsule Corp and let everyone know you're here," commented the scientist over her shoulder. "If I'm correct, we've arrived in the park that's about two miles south-east of the complex. Vegeta, you, Goku, and Gohan stay here just in case I need help."
Trunks and Goten let out shouts of joy. The two boys quickly set out across through the woods until they came to one of the main streets. Turning left, Trunks led the way towards his alternate home.
***
Bulma sat in the middle of one of the picnic areas in the massive indoor garden. Next to her sat Yamcha. On her other side was Vegeta, along with his ever present shadows, Nappa and Radditz. The other Z warriors were in a loose semi-circle; they had gathered in order to hear the news from Bulma. Needless to say, they were all disappointed that Trunks and Goten had not returned with her. Chichi was sniffling and dabbing at her face with a handkerchief while Goku patted her on the back. Gohan, disappointed that his playmates weren't going to return and bored with the present conversation, had begun to poke holes into the ground with a stick. Tein, Kurilian, and Choatzu bore sad expressions. Piccolo appeared as impassive as ever.
"This is all your fault, woman," growled Vegeta, glaring at her angrily.
"My fault? How on earth is this my fault?" snapped Bulma.
"If you weren't so stupid and overprotective in the future, those brats would have been allowed to return," replied the Prince tartly.
"You have one messed up sense of logic, Vegeta," muttered Bulma, shaking her head.
"It's OK, Bulma-chan. You tried," stated Yamcha, covering her hand with his and smiling.
Bulma smiled slightly in return. Yamcha had come over early that day, saying that he wanted to talk to her. He had asked her to give him another chance. The others had arrived before she could give Yamcha an answer.
Radditz and Nappa were growling viciously at the ex-bandit and glaring at him threateningly. Vegeta only snorted and turned away, apparently disgusted by all of the mushy emotions. Bulma pulled away her hand from Yamcha's touch before Nappa or Radditz decided to permanently remove her ex-boyfriend's arm.
"So, what now?" asked Kurilian. "I mean...has anyone figured anything else out about the attacker the other night?"
"I still say that the being was a Saiyan," commented Piccolo dryly.
"I've already told you! There are no other Saiyans alive other than those present! Are all Nameks as slow as you are?" hissed Vegeta.
Nappa placed a restraining hand on his Prince's shoulder. Piccolo glared at him, daring him to attack. For a moment things were tense. Bulma was afraid that the two former enemies were going to rip each other to shreds. Finally Vegeta broke the heavy silence with a snort. The Prince sullenly crossed his arms over his chest and turned away. Bulma let out a soft sigh of relief and once more focused on the group of assembled warriors.
"Papa is almost a Super Saiyan," spoke up Gohan quietly. "He nearly had it the other day. Gold hair and everything. But then it faded off."
This comment caused Vegeta to murmer obscenities in the Saiyan language under his breath. Goku simply scratched the back of his neck lazily.
"Yeah. I'm getting pretty close," stated Goku jovially. "How about you, Vegeta?"
"I'd rather not talk about it," growled Vegeta, his face become increasingly darker.
"Oh, what's wrong, Vegeta?" drawled Yamcha as he smiled wickedly. "Is becoming a Super Saiyan too hard of a task for the mighty Prince of all Saiyans?"
Vegeta growled and attempted to lunge at the ex-bandit, but Bulma refrained him by placing a hand on the angry Prince's chest.
"Cut it out Yamcha," she ordered, frowning at her ex-boyfriend.
"You're taking his side?" asked Yamcha incredulously.
Vegeta smirked triumphantly and placed his hand over Bulma's. Yamcha began to twitch in response. Bulma sighed and pulled her hand away from Vegeta's. The other fighters simply watched the scene in fascination.
"I can't believe this! You aren't really in love with that Monkey Freak, are you?" shouted Yamcha, his voice becoming shrill.
"Watch what you say, human," warned Vegeta.
"Grow up Yamcha," muttered Bulma.
"You're taking his side again!"
The doorbell rang, interrupting the fight before it could escalate any farther. Bulma silently thanked Kami as she stood to her feet and went to answer the door. She swung open the door and peered outside.
"Konichiwa!" shouted Trunks and Goten simultaneously, throwing their arms up in the air.
Bulma let out a squeal of delight. The two boys laughed in response and wrapped their arms around her.
"How?" asked the amazed scientist. "You two didn't sneak off, did you?"
Bulma looked down at them with a disapproving look on her face. The two boys grinned widely up at her.
"No. We knew that if we snuck off, you would probably send us home," laughed Trunks. "Mom and Dad know where we are."
He and Goten exchanged a cryptic smile. Bulma shook her head, astonished by the appearance of the two boys.
"Come in you two," she stated as she ushered them inside.
She escorted Trunks and Goten to the area where the other fighters were waiting.
"Guess who I found on the doorstep!" she shouted gleefully as she came in sight of her friends.
Chichi let out a squeak when she saw the two boys. Gohan whooped and jumped up, charging at his friends and embracing them in a huge hug. Trunks and Goten laughed and hugged him back. Soon all three were wrestling playfully.
"Welcome back, Prince Trunks," greeted Nappa.
Vegeta shot him a dark look, which the bald Saiyan ignored. Nappa and Radditz rose to their feet and bowed respectfully towards the lavendar haired boy. Trunks bowed in return.
"This is great!" shouted Kurilian gleefully.
"Yeah. Now we stand a chance," muttered Yamcha, not sounding enthusiastic in the least bit.
Chichi held open her arms, silently commanding that she be hugged. Goten obliged her and fell into her arms. Goku leaned over his wife's shoulder and ruffled the small boy's hair.
"It's good to have you back, Goten-kun," stated his father.
Greetings finished, Trunks and Goten took a place in the circle.
"Hey, Trunks," commented Goten as he looked over his shoulder. "I wonder where the others are."
"Yeah," muttered the older boy. "They should be here by now."
"Others?" asked Kurilian.
At that moment, the doorbell rang once more.
"'Bout time," stated Trunks as he got up and scampered off to answer the door.
A few moments later, voices could be heard making their way towards the group in the center of the garden.
"I swear! That thing will never work right!" stated Bulma's distinct voice.
"What do you expect? You made it," cracked what sounded like Vegeta.
"Watch it, Monkey Breath," threatened Bulma. "And Gohan, thanks for the help. I couldn't have done it with out you."
"No problem, Bulma-san," replied a mature voice.
A minute later the party arrived in the clearing. The gathered warriors all gaped at the group before them.
"Konichiwa, minna," greeted the older version of Bulma as she laughed at the surprised looks on their faces.
Behind her stood Vegeta and Goku along with a teenager. The three men were not focusing on the fighters in front of them, however. They were glaring at the two extra Saiyans. Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan all slipped into a fighting stance, they're eyes never leaving the younger Prince's comrades. Nappa and Radditz exchanged a worried look.
"Uh oh," they stated simultaneously.
The group was flung forward as the machine lurched to a halt minutes later. Gohan grimaced as his head came into contact with the thick protective glass shield. The teenager whimpered as he rubbed the tender area on his forehead.
"You deserved that, brat," muttered Vegeta, smirking in triumph.
Bulma shook her head and opened the shield. The five Saiyans scrambled to get out of the cramped quarters. Gohan made sure he kept as far away from the Prince as possible; Vegeta was still sending him murderous looks. Making sure everything was in order, Bulma pressed the button to encapsulate the machine. Nothing happened.
"Stupid peice of shit," she hissed, kicking the contraption. The machine made a soft whiring noise, but refused to encapsulate.
Bulma angrily opened the side panel to reveal the complex mess of circuitry. Pulling out one of the capsules, she quickly expanded her luggage. She fumbled through the assorted bags until she found her favorite toolbelt. Strapping it around her waist, Bulma turned her attention once more the wiring.
"You two might want to go on to Capsule Corp and let everyone know you're here," commented the scientist over her shoulder. "If I'm correct, we've arrived in the park that's about two miles south-east of the complex. Vegeta, you, Goku, and Gohan stay here just in case I need help."
Trunks and Goten let out shouts of joy. The two boys quickly set out across through the woods until they came to one of the main streets. Turning left, Trunks led the way towards his alternate home.
***
Bulma sat in the middle of one of the picnic areas in the massive indoor garden. Next to her sat Yamcha. On her other side was Vegeta, along with his ever present shadows, Nappa and Radditz. The other Z warriors were in a loose semi-circle; they had gathered in order to hear the news from Bulma. Needless to say, they were all disappointed that Trunks and Goten had not returned with her. Chichi was sniffling and dabbing at her face with a handkerchief while Goku patted her on the back. Gohan, disappointed that his playmates weren't going to return and bored with the present conversation, had begun to poke holes into the ground with a stick. Tein, Kurilian, and Choatzu bore sad expressions. Piccolo appeared as impassive as ever.
"This is all your fault, woman," growled Vegeta, glaring at her angrily.
"My fault? How on earth is this my fault?" snapped Bulma.
"If you weren't so stupid and overprotective in the future, those brats would have been allowed to return," replied the Prince tartly.
"You have one messed up sense of logic, Vegeta," muttered Bulma, shaking her head.
"It's OK, Bulma-chan. You tried," stated Yamcha, covering her hand with his and smiling.
Bulma smiled slightly in return. Yamcha had come over early that day, saying that he wanted to talk to her. He had asked her to give him another chance. The others had arrived before she could give Yamcha an answer.
Radditz and Nappa were growling viciously at the ex-bandit and glaring at him threateningly. Vegeta only snorted and turned away, apparently disgusted by all of the mushy emotions. Bulma pulled away her hand from Yamcha's touch before Nappa or Radditz decided to permanently remove her ex-boyfriend's arm.
"So, what now?" asked Kurilian. "I mean...has anyone figured anything else out about the attacker the other night?"
"I still say that the being was a Saiyan," commented Piccolo dryly.
"I've already told you! There are no other Saiyans alive other than those present! Are all Nameks as slow as you are?" hissed Vegeta.
Nappa placed a restraining hand on his Prince's shoulder. Piccolo glared at him, daring him to attack. For a moment things were tense. Bulma was afraid that the two former enemies were going to rip each other to shreds. Finally Vegeta broke the heavy silence with a snort. The Prince sullenly crossed his arms over his chest and turned away. Bulma let out a soft sigh of relief and once more focused on the group of assembled warriors.
"Papa is almost a Super Saiyan," spoke up Gohan quietly. "He nearly had it the other day. Gold hair and everything. But then it faded off."
This comment caused Vegeta to murmer obscenities in the Saiyan language under his breath. Goku simply scratched the back of his neck lazily.
"Yeah. I'm getting pretty close," stated Goku jovially. "How about you, Vegeta?"
"I'd rather not talk about it," growled Vegeta, his face become increasingly darker.
"Oh, what's wrong, Vegeta?" drawled Yamcha as he smiled wickedly. "Is becoming a Super Saiyan too hard of a task for the mighty Prince of all Saiyans?"
Vegeta growled and attempted to lunge at the ex-bandit, but Bulma refrained him by placing a hand on the angry Prince's chest.
"Cut it out Yamcha," she ordered, frowning at her ex-boyfriend.
"You're taking his side?" asked Yamcha incredulously.
Vegeta smirked triumphantly and placed his hand over Bulma's. Yamcha began to twitch in response. Bulma sighed and pulled her hand away from Vegeta's. The other fighters simply watched the scene in fascination.
"I can't believe this! You aren't really in love with that Monkey Freak, are you?" shouted Yamcha, his voice becoming shrill.
"Watch what you say, human," warned Vegeta.
"Grow up Yamcha," muttered Bulma.
"You're taking his side again!"
The doorbell rang, interrupting the fight before it could escalate any farther. Bulma silently thanked Kami as she stood to her feet and went to answer the door. She swung open the door and peered outside.
"Konichiwa!" shouted Trunks and Goten simultaneously, throwing their arms up in the air.
Bulma let out a squeal of delight. The two boys laughed in response and wrapped their arms around her.
"How?" asked the amazed scientist. "You two didn't sneak off, did you?"
Bulma looked down at them with a disapproving look on her face. The two boys grinned widely up at her.
"No. We knew that if we snuck off, you would probably send us home," laughed Trunks. "Mom and Dad know where we are."
He and Goten exchanged a cryptic smile. Bulma shook her head, astonished by the appearance of the two boys.
"Come in you two," she stated as she ushered them inside.
She escorted Trunks and Goten to the area where the other fighters were waiting.
"Guess who I found on the doorstep!" she shouted gleefully as she came in sight of her friends.
Chichi let out a squeak when she saw the two boys. Gohan whooped and jumped up, charging at his friends and embracing them in a huge hug. Trunks and Goten laughed and hugged him back. Soon all three were wrestling playfully.
"Welcome back, Prince Trunks," greeted Nappa.
Vegeta shot him a dark look, which the bald Saiyan ignored. Nappa and Radditz rose to their feet and bowed respectfully towards the lavendar haired boy. Trunks bowed in return.
"This is great!" shouted Kurilian gleefully.
"Yeah. Now we stand a chance," muttered Yamcha, not sounding enthusiastic in the least bit.
Chichi held open her arms, silently commanding that she be hugged. Goten obliged her and fell into her arms. Goku leaned over his wife's shoulder and ruffled the small boy's hair.
"It's good to have you back, Goten-kun," stated his father.
Greetings finished, Trunks and Goten took a place in the circle.
"Hey, Trunks," commented Goten as he looked over his shoulder. "I wonder where the others are."
"Yeah," muttered the older boy. "They should be here by now."
"Others?" asked Kurilian.
At that moment, the doorbell rang once more.
"'Bout time," stated Trunks as he got up and scampered off to answer the door.
A few moments later, voices could be heard making their way towards the group in the center of the garden.
"I swear! That thing will never work right!" stated Bulma's distinct voice.
"What do you expect? You made it," cracked what sounded like Vegeta.
"Watch it, Monkey Breath," threatened Bulma. "And Gohan, thanks for the help. I couldn't have done it with out you."
"No problem, Bulma-san," replied a mature voice.
A minute later the party arrived in the clearing. The gathered warriors all gaped at the group before them.
"Konichiwa, minna," greeted the older version of Bulma as she laughed at the surprised looks on their faces.
Behind her stood Vegeta and Goku along with a teenager. The three men were not focusing on the fighters in front of them, however. They were glaring at the two extra Saiyans. Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan all slipped into a fighting stance, they're eyes never leaving the younger Prince's comrades. Nappa and Radditz exchanged a worried look.
"Uh oh," they stated simultaneously.