Chapter One
Sorrow
Bulma stood quietly in front of the glass doors that led to her patio, tears dried to her face. She wrapped her arms tightly around her waist for reassurance to no avail. The smell of barbeque reached her nostrils and made her stomach lurch. She was supposed to be down there with her friends and family celebrating their reunion, but she didn't feel up to it. She opened the patio door slowly and stepped outside into the night air. Leaning on the balcony, Bulma sighed shakily. The sound of laughter made fresh tears reach Bulma's eyes, blurring the stars. The whoosh of the door opening caused Bulma to close her eyes and lower her head slowly. She had known that someone would eventually come to check on her but she wasn't prepared to face anyone just yet. "Hey, Bulma.." it was Gohan. As if her problems weren't bad enough with the day's previous events, but now she'd have to face her old friend, "Are you okay?" Bulma straightened up, wiped away her tears, and turned with a weak smile on her face, "Of course I am.." she was trying to sound convincing, not at all like the deeply depressed person she currently was, but she sounded terribly unconvincing, even to herself. Gohan nodded slowly and solemnly, "Your son tells me that Vegeta took off this morning." he paused studying the way Bulma's face contorted with the effort of not crying hysterically, "Is this true?" Bulma's mouth grew tight and her brow furrowed as she nodded. "Yes." she wept breaking into loud sobs of remorse and heartbreak. Gohan let out a long sigh as he allowed Bulma to cry in his shoulder. He walked her over to the lounge chairs and sat her down. He then tore off a piece of his shirt and handed it to her for a handkerchief, "Thanks." she sniffled. "No problem. I'm here for you, Bulma. If there's anything you want to tell me just say it. I can stay as long as you need me." Gohan said comfortingly, but they both knew that he felt awkward. "It's okay, Gohan, really." Bulma whispered shakily, "Besides if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not talk to you about it. no offense." "Well, how about me?" a voice asked quietly. They both looked up at a solemn faced Videl, heavy with child. She looked lovingly at her husband and sent him a reassuring glance. They had been married only a year before and Videl was in the most delicate stages of her pregnancy. Gohan had told her not to go to the barbeque, but Videl had refused. "Are you sure?" Gohan asked, silently praying that she would change her mind, although every cell in him knew that she would never do such a thing as back down. "Positive, as long as Bulma doesn't mind telling me." Videl said, once again her voice was as quiet as a whisper. Bulma was silent. Gohan sighed as he stood and flew off the balcony to join the others below with a simple nod to Videl. Bulma dropped her gaze to her feet to hide her tears. The love between them was apparent and it made Bulma's pain all the worse. "Okay, let's start at the beginning. And forgive me if I'm going to quickly for you. We can wait if you'd like.. Kami. I suck at this.." Videl blurted as she sat across from Bulma. Bulma didn't move nor did she make any sign to show that she had heard Videl, "Bulma.. I can see how this must be for you, but look on the bright side. you still have Trunks." Bulma looked into Videl's eyes, shook her head, and resumed looking at her feet, "It isn't only that Vegeta left Videl.. We had an argument this morning about him not being around enough and not helping with the chores. or that's how it started out anyway. Then he said something about my work and said that I was just a crackpot scientist.." she paused looking at the sky choosing her words carefully, but no matter how she looked at it the fact remained that it was her fault, "I said that he had no right to judge me. I told him that he was just a little kid that throws a temper tantrum every time someone proves to be stronger than him. and by the look on his face I knew that I had struck a nerve. but I didn't stop there. I said that he was unfit to be a father if he threw tantrums himself. I said that he had no sense of loyalty or dignity. I said that he was probably cheating on me, that that was where he was on the nights that he stayed out until 3 and 4 o'clock.." Bulma was sobbing uncontrollably by this point but she wasn't finished. She paused to sob into Gohan's soaking shirt, unable to carry on until Videl finally embraced Bulma and whispered reassuring words in her ear. Bulma slowly regained her composure, although now with the hiccups, and continued, "All he seemed to be able to ask was if that was what I really thought of him. I said yes and with that being the case." Bulma faltered. "It's okay. You've come this far.why not finish?" Videl encouraged. Bulma was looking deep into Videl's eyes looking for the strength to carry on. She found it in Videl's nod of encouragement, "I said that with that being the case he should l-leave.. I told him to get out. Out of my face, my house, my life and to never look back.." Bulma broke into another wave of tears, "How could I? It doesn't make any sense! How could I have said that to him?" she hiccupped a few times, "Oh, Videl. I love him so much, so very much.. I was angry, that was all. I didn't mean it but I hurt him and I knew it. I wanted to hurt him! I could feel the anger deep into my very soul! It was an icy hatred mixed with the fire of love! I was so confused! And now he's gone, gone forever, and it's all my fault!" "Bulma it's okay.." Videl sighed hugging her friend as tightly as she could with Gohan's child in her womb, "I know he'll be back. I just know it. But if I'm wrong then I want you to forget him. If he doesn't come back then he's a loser and an idiot!" "You don't understand! I already told you that it's more than that.!" "Well, what else is it?" Bulma froze. How could she tell her? She couldn't even believe it herself but it was true. She took in a slow, shaky breath and let it out just as slowly, "I'm pregnant." "That's gre-!" Videl stopped realizing Bulma's dilemma. She looked at her friend compassionately, "Oh, Bulma. does Vegeta know?" Bulma shook her head slowly, tears flowing freely from her eyes. Videl wrapped her arms tightly around Bulma allowing her to cry into her shoulder. By the time Bulma finished crying she had been out of tears for a long time. Instead she just sat there hiccupping into Videl's shoulder. Finally Gohan came up and said that they were being missed at the party. Videl said thank you and Gohan left. After a moment, Bulma and Videl went to the bathroom to clean up before going to join the others.
* * * * *
The next few days seemed to drag by for Bulma. She went to her office every day but found that she couldn't concentrate on the task at hand until she finally quit going. She trudged through the hallways like a ghost, silent but noticeable. She was simply a presence. The only time that she spoke was when answering questions. The Briefs family seemed to know better than to mention Vegeta. However, unknown to the others, Bulma could always sense Vegeta's presence. Although she knew he wasn't there she could still feel his emotions. At first she figured that maybe it was just how she thought he felt she began to believe that he was really feeling what she knew he was. She was feeling his heartbreak and sorrow. Slowly, however Vegeta's sorrow turned to anger and his heartbreak became blinded by ambition. Bulma knew that edge on his emotion as well as she knew her own emotions. He was training just as he did with every fight that they got into. Every other fight that the couple had ever endured had been dealt with in their own stubborn ways. Although they both refused to be the first to apologize, they both had to beat back their emotions with a stick. Vegeta's stick was his training and Bulma's was her work. Sadly, with her knowledge that she was at fault this time and with the fact that Vegeta could be miles away, Bulma just didn't have the heart to work anymore.
* * * * *
Later that night, Bulma had a terrible dream. A dark sky, starless, and hollow loomed threateningly over a strange three-headed, blue serpent. It was an eternal dragon, Bulma knew, but she had never seen a dragon quite like it. Two small trembling figures stood before the giant snake. They both raised their arms and Bulma could hear a soft chanting coming from the two men. The dragon's eyes began to glow a bright green and another figure began to appear between the dragon and the two men. This figure was tall, even while kneeling, and a terrible power radiated from him. He wore long, dark, shadowy robes and his skin had a sallow tint. As Bulma slept fitfully, she focused on his face. The man's eyes popped open to reveal the cold, fathomless slits. He stood slowly surveying the area in one simple sweep of his eyes. He then focused his cold gaze on the two men. One of them recoiled in fear, but the other bowed to the dark man. "My Lord, welcome back to the Realm of Life. I am Dorei, your humble servant." the bowing man said gracefully, "This is my accomplice, Madori "Ah, Dorei.. I remember you. Your family served me for generations. It is only right that it should be one of your family that brought me back." the dark man nodded. He looked at the quivering figure next to Dorei and added, "You also bring me another servant? Although I am grateful, I am in no need of two servants. Be gone!" Madori nodded and turned to leave, but a cruel smile touched the dark man's lips as he raised a hand. Madori's figure froze and spun on the spot. Terror and pain was etched the smaller man's face. He opened his mouth to scream but nothing came out. Only Bulma could hear the scream as it pulsated through the darkest corners of her mind. Madori toppled onto the ground writhing in apparent agony until he finally stopped moving. His breathing slowed and his eyes became glossy with death.
* * * * *
Bulma awoke in a cold sweat with the sound of an evil laugh still fresh in her mind. She was panting heavily and she knew that something in the world wasn't right. That hadn't just been a nightmare. it had been a premonition. After her breathing slowed and the laughter began to fade, Bulma looked at the digital clock by the guest room bed. She had moved into the guest room a couple days after the barbeque, unable to sleep in her and Vegeta's large bed alone. The clock read 7:00am. Reluctantly Bulma climbed out of bed and got dressed in a tee shirt and jeans. She went downstairs and walked into the kitchen to the surprise of her family. She grabbed a plate of eggs and bacon and sat at the table next to a gawking Trunk. "Oh, hi Bulma!" Mrs. Briefs exclaimed when she walked in from the back deck, "It's so good to see you around! I don't think I've seen you since Vegeta left!" Silence. Bulma was staring at her plate eating, focusing all her will on not crying. She focused on the dream instead. Maybe it had just been a nightmare. She tried to recall the man's face but all she could see was Vegeta. When Bulma looked up, her whole family was staring at her with worried looks on their faces. Bulma shrugged and attempted a smile, but all she could manage was a smirk, and a weak one at that. She went back to eating and the others followed suit. After a while Mrs. Briefs pulled a small envelope out of her pocket. "I almost forgot! Here Trunks, this was in the mail for you." "For me?" Trunks took the letter and opened it. He began to read and Bulma watched the large smile spread across his face, "It's from dad!" He read further as Bulma's heart sank. Vegeta must not plan on coming back if he sent a letter to Trunks instead of coming to visit, "He says hi to you and grandpa. and," he turns to Bulma and shakes his head slowly, "sorry mom." Bulma nods and shrugs once again. She holds out her hand but Trunks refuses to give the letter to her. So, while Trunks is getting dressed and ready to go to Goten's house, Bulma snatches the letter and envelope off of his dresser. Later in the safety and privacy of the guest room, Bulma unfolds Vegeta's letter. It reads:
Trunks- Hey, son. I just wanted to check on how you Were doing. I'm sorry this isn't a very long letter but I'm not very good at this. Maybe your mother is right. maybe I am unfit for parenting.. I'm sorry that I can't come see you, but I'm not sure that your mother would have me back yet. How are you and your mother doing? I miss you both. but don't tell your mother okay? Say hi to your grandparents for me. And please watch over your mother. Dad
Bulma read the letter over and over, memorizing every stroke of pen and curve of letter. She could feel Vegeta's emotions imprinted deep in the paper. Anger, remorse, sorrow, and love were imprinted on it as deeply as the ink. But not only love for Trunks. He still loved Bulma. A tear slid down her cheek and landed softly on the paper. After everything she had said to him, everything she had ever done to him, he still loved her and she had turned him away.. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to him without him hearing her apology. "Mom. It's time to go." "Coming." Bulma said towards the door. She wiped her eyes and shoved the letter in her pocket. Downstairs she and Trunks got into the airplane and left for Chichi's.
* * * * *
"So he still hasn't come home?" Chichi asked curiously. She sipped her coffee slowly watching Bulma carefully. Gohan and Videl had told her of Bulma's condition. She felt bad for her friend. Bulma shook her head as she watched the boys spar outside. She stirred her coffee casually and looked at Chichi. She shrugged, "I don't know what to do, Chichi. I'm completely lost without him. I can't work, I'm having trouble sleeping, and even eating seems to be a chore. I feel like an important half of me vanished in the night. Kami. I can't even sleep in our room anymore! I sleep in the guest room!" she shook her head slowly, "I haven't heard from him. He only sent a letter to Trunks today.. I want him to come home so badly and I know that Trunks does to, but he would never admit it. Another trait he got from his father sadly." Chichi simply nodded agreeing completely with Bulma. She remembered what it had been like for her when Goku died, but she also remembered that Bulma had taken it even worse when Vegeta had died the first time, "There must be a curse on the Saiyan's women. We become a part of them. But you and Vegeta seem to have a stronger bond than Goku and I. We rarely show any affection any more. I mean I know he fights for the boys, and me but I honestly think that the old flare is gone. I guess I deserve it though. I was always terrible to Goku, always ordering him around, intimidating him, and yelling.. Your relationship with Vegeta wasn't like that." Bulma fought from wincing. Chichi knew nothing about her relationship. But, unless Bulma was careful, that could happen to her and Vegeta.
* * * * *
Bulma awoke once again panting. She was in a cold sweat, but she knew that it wasn't a nightmare this time. She had felt Vegeta's emotions and they had frightened her. his own fear had fueled hers. Vegeta never feared anything, but now he was afraid. She closed her eyes. He was fighting, fighting for his life, for Trunks's life, for her life. Some new threat was on Earth and it had found Vegeta. She could feel his urgency to defeat this foe, but she could also feel his desperation. He was losing and fast. She climbed out of bed and scrambled to get some clothes on. Another wave of fear slammed through her like a bullet. It pierced her heart and this time she felt the hint of defiance. Without a doubt, Bulma knew that it was Vegeta. She dressed quicker. A sharp pain hit her in her stomach causing Bulma to double over in pain and wheeze. She coughed up blood and prayed that Vegeta wasn't feeling the same agony. He had to live. He had to! She regained her composure and walked to the door. As she opened it, another wave of pain hit her, only this time in her back. She stumbled forward into the hall holding back tears and fighting back her screams. Bulma walked quickly, but quietly, down the hall to the stairs. At the top of them she paused, rubbing her stomach in a gentle caress. If she fell down the stairs she could lose the baby.. She had to try. Something was wrong with Vegeta and she could only think of one person who could help her find him, Goku. Bulma stepped onto the first step and prayed to Kami that Vegeta didn't receive any hits for the next few minutes. She felt Vegeta's blinding rage taking her over. NO, she thought viciously at herself, Control it! You can't afford to lose your head right now! Just take a step, then another. She walked farther down the steps feeling Vegeta's desperation growing again. Suddenly a feeling like a bomb going off in against her body hit her. She lost her balance as she desperately grabbed for the railing. Bulma fell backwards down the stairs landing in an unconscious heap on the floor.
Bulma stood quietly in front of the glass doors that led to her patio, tears dried to her face. She wrapped her arms tightly around her waist for reassurance to no avail. The smell of barbeque reached her nostrils and made her stomach lurch. She was supposed to be down there with her friends and family celebrating their reunion, but she didn't feel up to it. She opened the patio door slowly and stepped outside into the night air. Leaning on the balcony, Bulma sighed shakily. The sound of laughter made fresh tears reach Bulma's eyes, blurring the stars. The whoosh of the door opening caused Bulma to close her eyes and lower her head slowly. She had known that someone would eventually come to check on her but she wasn't prepared to face anyone just yet. "Hey, Bulma.." it was Gohan. As if her problems weren't bad enough with the day's previous events, but now she'd have to face her old friend, "Are you okay?" Bulma straightened up, wiped away her tears, and turned with a weak smile on her face, "Of course I am.." she was trying to sound convincing, not at all like the deeply depressed person she currently was, but she sounded terribly unconvincing, even to herself. Gohan nodded slowly and solemnly, "Your son tells me that Vegeta took off this morning." he paused studying the way Bulma's face contorted with the effort of not crying hysterically, "Is this true?" Bulma's mouth grew tight and her brow furrowed as she nodded. "Yes." she wept breaking into loud sobs of remorse and heartbreak. Gohan let out a long sigh as he allowed Bulma to cry in his shoulder. He walked her over to the lounge chairs and sat her down. He then tore off a piece of his shirt and handed it to her for a handkerchief, "Thanks." she sniffled. "No problem. I'm here for you, Bulma. If there's anything you want to tell me just say it. I can stay as long as you need me." Gohan said comfortingly, but they both knew that he felt awkward. "It's okay, Gohan, really." Bulma whispered shakily, "Besides if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not talk to you about it. no offense." "Well, how about me?" a voice asked quietly. They both looked up at a solemn faced Videl, heavy with child. She looked lovingly at her husband and sent him a reassuring glance. They had been married only a year before and Videl was in the most delicate stages of her pregnancy. Gohan had told her not to go to the barbeque, but Videl had refused. "Are you sure?" Gohan asked, silently praying that she would change her mind, although every cell in him knew that she would never do such a thing as back down. "Positive, as long as Bulma doesn't mind telling me." Videl said, once again her voice was as quiet as a whisper. Bulma was silent. Gohan sighed as he stood and flew off the balcony to join the others below with a simple nod to Videl. Bulma dropped her gaze to her feet to hide her tears. The love between them was apparent and it made Bulma's pain all the worse. "Okay, let's start at the beginning. And forgive me if I'm going to quickly for you. We can wait if you'd like.. Kami. I suck at this.." Videl blurted as she sat across from Bulma. Bulma didn't move nor did she make any sign to show that she had heard Videl, "Bulma.. I can see how this must be for you, but look on the bright side. you still have Trunks." Bulma looked into Videl's eyes, shook her head, and resumed looking at her feet, "It isn't only that Vegeta left Videl.. We had an argument this morning about him not being around enough and not helping with the chores. or that's how it started out anyway. Then he said something about my work and said that I was just a crackpot scientist.." she paused looking at the sky choosing her words carefully, but no matter how she looked at it the fact remained that it was her fault, "I said that he had no right to judge me. I told him that he was just a little kid that throws a temper tantrum every time someone proves to be stronger than him. and by the look on his face I knew that I had struck a nerve. but I didn't stop there. I said that he was unfit to be a father if he threw tantrums himself. I said that he had no sense of loyalty or dignity. I said that he was probably cheating on me, that that was where he was on the nights that he stayed out until 3 and 4 o'clock.." Bulma was sobbing uncontrollably by this point but she wasn't finished. She paused to sob into Gohan's soaking shirt, unable to carry on until Videl finally embraced Bulma and whispered reassuring words in her ear. Bulma slowly regained her composure, although now with the hiccups, and continued, "All he seemed to be able to ask was if that was what I really thought of him. I said yes and with that being the case." Bulma faltered. "It's okay. You've come this far.why not finish?" Videl encouraged. Bulma was looking deep into Videl's eyes looking for the strength to carry on. She found it in Videl's nod of encouragement, "I said that with that being the case he should l-leave.. I told him to get out. Out of my face, my house, my life and to never look back.." Bulma broke into another wave of tears, "How could I? It doesn't make any sense! How could I have said that to him?" she hiccupped a few times, "Oh, Videl. I love him so much, so very much.. I was angry, that was all. I didn't mean it but I hurt him and I knew it. I wanted to hurt him! I could feel the anger deep into my very soul! It was an icy hatred mixed with the fire of love! I was so confused! And now he's gone, gone forever, and it's all my fault!" "Bulma it's okay.." Videl sighed hugging her friend as tightly as she could with Gohan's child in her womb, "I know he'll be back. I just know it. But if I'm wrong then I want you to forget him. If he doesn't come back then he's a loser and an idiot!" "You don't understand! I already told you that it's more than that.!" "Well, what else is it?" Bulma froze. How could she tell her? She couldn't even believe it herself but it was true. She took in a slow, shaky breath and let it out just as slowly, "I'm pregnant." "That's gre-!" Videl stopped realizing Bulma's dilemma. She looked at her friend compassionately, "Oh, Bulma. does Vegeta know?" Bulma shook her head slowly, tears flowing freely from her eyes. Videl wrapped her arms tightly around Bulma allowing her to cry into her shoulder. By the time Bulma finished crying she had been out of tears for a long time. Instead she just sat there hiccupping into Videl's shoulder. Finally Gohan came up and said that they were being missed at the party. Videl said thank you and Gohan left. After a moment, Bulma and Videl went to the bathroom to clean up before going to join the others.
* * * * *
The next few days seemed to drag by for Bulma. She went to her office every day but found that she couldn't concentrate on the task at hand until she finally quit going. She trudged through the hallways like a ghost, silent but noticeable. She was simply a presence. The only time that she spoke was when answering questions. The Briefs family seemed to know better than to mention Vegeta. However, unknown to the others, Bulma could always sense Vegeta's presence. Although she knew he wasn't there she could still feel his emotions. At first she figured that maybe it was just how she thought he felt she began to believe that he was really feeling what she knew he was. She was feeling his heartbreak and sorrow. Slowly, however Vegeta's sorrow turned to anger and his heartbreak became blinded by ambition. Bulma knew that edge on his emotion as well as she knew her own emotions. He was training just as he did with every fight that they got into. Every other fight that the couple had ever endured had been dealt with in their own stubborn ways. Although they both refused to be the first to apologize, they both had to beat back their emotions with a stick. Vegeta's stick was his training and Bulma's was her work. Sadly, with her knowledge that she was at fault this time and with the fact that Vegeta could be miles away, Bulma just didn't have the heart to work anymore.
* * * * *
Later that night, Bulma had a terrible dream. A dark sky, starless, and hollow loomed threateningly over a strange three-headed, blue serpent. It was an eternal dragon, Bulma knew, but she had never seen a dragon quite like it. Two small trembling figures stood before the giant snake. They both raised their arms and Bulma could hear a soft chanting coming from the two men. The dragon's eyes began to glow a bright green and another figure began to appear between the dragon and the two men. This figure was tall, even while kneeling, and a terrible power radiated from him. He wore long, dark, shadowy robes and his skin had a sallow tint. As Bulma slept fitfully, she focused on his face. The man's eyes popped open to reveal the cold, fathomless slits. He stood slowly surveying the area in one simple sweep of his eyes. He then focused his cold gaze on the two men. One of them recoiled in fear, but the other bowed to the dark man. "My Lord, welcome back to the Realm of Life. I am Dorei, your humble servant." the bowing man said gracefully, "This is my accomplice, Madori "Ah, Dorei.. I remember you. Your family served me for generations. It is only right that it should be one of your family that brought me back." the dark man nodded. He looked at the quivering figure next to Dorei and added, "You also bring me another servant? Although I am grateful, I am in no need of two servants. Be gone!" Madori nodded and turned to leave, but a cruel smile touched the dark man's lips as he raised a hand. Madori's figure froze and spun on the spot. Terror and pain was etched the smaller man's face. He opened his mouth to scream but nothing came out. Only Bulma could hear the scream as it pulsated through the darkest corners of her mind. Madori toppled onto the ground writhing in apparent agony until he finally stopped moving. His breathing slowed and his eyes became glossy with death.
* * * * *
Bulma awoke in a cold sweat with the sound of an evil laugh still fresh in her mind. She was panting heavily and she knew that something in the world wasn't right. That hadn't just been a nightmare. it had been a premonition. After her breathing slowed and the laughter began to fade, Bulma looked at the digital clock by the guest room bed. She had moved into the guest room a couple days after the barbeque, unable to sleep in her and Vegeta's large bed alone. The clock read 7:00am. Reluctantly Bulma climbed out of bed and got dressed in a tee shirt and jeans. She went downstairs and walked into the kitchen to the surprise of her family. She grabbed a plate of eggs and bacon and sat at the table next to a gawking Trunk. "Oh, hi Bulma!" Mrs. Briefs exclaimed when she walked in from the back deck, "It's so good to see you around! I don't think I've seen you since Vegeta left!" Silence. Bulma was staring at her plate eating, focusing all her will on not crying. She focused on the dream instead. Maybe it had just been a nightmare. She tried to recall the man's face but all she could see was Vegeta. When Bulma looked up, her whole family was staring at her with worried looks on their faces. Bulma shrugged and attempted a smile, but all she could manage was a smirk, and a weak one at that. She went back to eating and the others followed suit. After a while Mrs. Briefs pulled a small envelope out of her pocket. "I almost forgot! Here Trunks, this was in the mail for you." "For me?" Trunks took the letter and opened it. He began to read and Bulma watched the large smile spread across his face, "It's from dad!" He read further as Bulma's heart sank. Vegeta must not plan on coming back if he sent a letter to Trunks instead of coming to visit, "He says hi to you and grandpa. and," he turns to Bulma and shakes his head slowly, "sorry mom." Bulma nods and shrugs once again. She holds out her hand but Trunks refuses to give the letter to her. So, while Trunks is getting dressed and ready to go to Goten's house, Bulma snatches the letter and envelope off of his dresser. Later in the safety and privacy of the guest room, Bulma unfolds Vegeta's letter. It reads:
Trunks- Hey, son. I just wanted to check on how you Were doing. I'm sorry this isn't a very long letter but I'm not very good at this. Maybe your mother is right. maybe I am unfit for parenting.. I'm sorry that I can't come see you, but I'm not sure that your mother would have me back yet. How are you and your mother doing? I miss you both. but don't tell your mother okay? Say hi to your grandparents for me. And please watch over your mother. Dad
Bulma read the letter over and over, memorizing every stroke of pen and curve of letter. She could feel Vegeta's emotions imprinted deep in the paper. Anger, remorse, sorrow, and love were imprinted on it as deeply as the ink. But not only love for Trunks. He still loved Bulma. A tear slid down her cheek and landed softly on the paper. After everything she had said to him, everything she had ever done to him, he still loved her and she had turned him away.. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to him without him hearing her apology. "Mom. It's time to go." "Coming." Bulma said towards the door. She wiped her eyes and shoved the letter in her pocket. Downstairs she and Trunks got into the airplane and left for Chichi's.
* * * * *
"So he still hasn't come home?" Chichi asked curiously. She sipped her coffee slowly watching Bulma carefully. Gohan and Videl had told her of Bulma's condition. She felt bad for her friend. Bulma shook her head as she watched the boys spar outside. She stirred her coffee casually and looked at Chichi. She shrugged, "I don't know what to do, Chichi. I'm completely lost without him. I can't work, I'm having trouble sleeping, and even eating seems to be a chore. I feel like an important half of me vanished in the night. Kami. I can't even sleep in our room anymore! I sleep in the guest room!" she shook her head slowly, "I haven't heard from him. He only sent a letter to Trunks today.. I want him to come home so badly and I know that Trunks does to, but he would never admit it. Another trait he got from his father sadly." Chichi simply nodded agreeing completely with Bulma. She remembered what it had been like for her when Goku died, but she also remembered that Bulma had taken it even worse when Vegeta had died the first time, "There must be a curse on the Saiyan's women. We become a part of them. But you and Vegeta seem to have a stronger bond than Goku and I. We rarely show any affection any more. I mean I know he fights for the boys, and me but I honestly think that the old flare is gone. I guess I deserve it though. I was always terrible to Goku, always ordering him around, intimidating him, and yelling.. Your relationship with Vegeta wasn't like that." Bulma fought from wincing. Chichi knew nothing about her relationship. But, unless Bulma was careful, that could happen to her and Vegeta.
* * * * *
Bulma awoke once again panting. She was in a cold sweat, but she knew that it wasn't a nightmare this time. She had felt Vegeta's emotions and they had frightened her. his own fear had fueled hers. Vegeta never feared anything, but now he was afraid. She closed her eyes. He was fighting, fighting for his life, for Trunks's life, for her life. Some new threat was on Earth and it had found Vegeta. She could feel his urgency to defeat this foe, but she could also feel his desperation. He was losing and fast. She climbed out of bed and scrambled to get some clothes on. Another wave of fear slammed through her like a bullet. It pierced her heart and this time she felt the hint of defiance. Without a doubt, Bulma knew that it was Vegeta. She dressed quicker. A sharp pain hit her in her stomach causing Bulma to double over in pain and wheeze. She coughed up blood and prayed that Vegeta wasn't feeling the same agony. He had to live. He had to! She regained her composure and walked to the door. As she opened it, another wave of pain hit her, only this time in her back. She stumbled forward into the hall holding back tears and fighting back her screams. Bulma walked quickly, but quietly, down the hall to the stairs. At the top of them she paused, rubbing her stomach in a gentle caress. If she fell down the stairs she could lose the baby.. She had to try. Something was wrong with Vegeta and she could only think of one person who could help her find him, Goku. Bulma stepped onto the first step and prayed to Kami that Vegeta didn't receive any hits for the next few minutes. She felt Vegeta's blinding rage taking her over. NO, she thought viciously at herself, Control it! You can't afford to lose your head right now! Just take a step, then another. She walked farther down the steps feeling Vegeta's desperation growing again. Suddenly a feeling like a bomb going off in against her body hit her. She lost her balance as she desperately grabbed for the railing. Bulma fell backwards down the stairs landing in an unconscious heap on the floor.
