Three Days till the End, Three Days of Terror: Part I – Master Roshi Island
After Piccolo, Gohan, Goku, Krillin, and Vegeta depart for the future, everybody stayed for the picnic. Capsule Corporation didn't witness such gathering since the birth of Bura. Everyone was there from Tenshinhan to Choazu, passing by Lunch, Oolong, and Puar. Even Mister Satan came (the truth was, nobody invited him, but he came with Videl and the other didn't have the heart to tell him to leave, so he stayed. Far away from Vegeta family and Piccolo, but he stayed). This was, after all, an important day: The first voyage to the future. The traveler were expected to come back in the afternoon with an 'unexpected' visitor, so that was still leaving a few hours until they return and there was nothing like a picnic to make the waiting more interesting. Yes, this was a very special day; even if it was shadowed by the absence of Android 18 and Marron (nobody really missed Android 17). It was only a few months until they were able to bring them back, so that they were trying to be happy, even if it was only for the sake of the children and their guess from the future.
Everybody was enjoying themselves: Choazu was in the kitchen with Chichi making diner for all the invited. Pan and Bura were in the garden, talking very seriously about the way they could force they respective father to teach them the art of fighting. Oolong and Puar were engage in a competition to decide which one was the best shift shaper for Mrs. Brief great amusement. Yamcha and Tenshinhan were discussing about Mirai-Trunks world and the people attending the voyage (more specifically Vegeta). Videl and Lunch were trying to make acquaintance since it was the first time they saw each other, 'trying' been the operative word since it seemed that Lunch had the flu. King Ox and Dr. Briefs were listening religiously to Master Roshi reliving old battles memories for the growing annoyance of Mr. Satan. As for Bulma, she was going from group to group to see if everyone was okay.
Happiness was in the air, except for two half-saiyins, more particularly a lavender haired half-saiyin who was barely able to keep his ki down. To say that they were upset would be an understatement. Neither one of them could understand why they were left behind as if they were still small kids (Goten) or with the weakling (Trunks). So that both saiyin found themselves in front of the food table firmly decided to drown they sorrow in food.
In Bulma mind, the picnic was a success. In fact, she already knew it was and not only because she was the one who organized it: she just had to see the look on the two full-blooded saiyins at the sight of the food displayed to know that it was a success. When a saiyin has difficulty to choose between food and battle, you could rest assured that the food is very good. In fact, because of this picnic, the travel had nearly been cancelled, since Vegeta and Goku had stated that they preferred to stay and eat then to go to the future. But finally, after much persuasion (and 25 capsules full of food), they had taken off.
Perfect! This party is just perfect, well almost perfect; I could have sworn I told them to dress casually. You could have sworn they were all preparing for battle. Even Videl had taken this nasty habit! You know, I never knew one day I would say this, but I'm really starting to hate the color orange…
"Let me see:" making a mental list in her head, Bulma checked to see if everyone was accounted for, talking aloud to herself not minding the curious (and worried) glance the other people next to her were giving her. "King Ox, Master Roshi, and Mr. Satan are with dad discussing past tournament." Must remind them to be careful around the kids, the last thing I want is the repeat of the last incident. I mean really, telling the kids about Daemon Piccolo and the mafuba! "Next to them is Lunch and Videl…. in fact, they are exactly on Master Roshi line of sight…" The pervert, note to one self, must give something to Lunch for her flu "Yamcha and Tenshinhan are discussing something." And I bet 1 hundred zeny it about Vegeta "And… where is Oolong and Puar? I see mother, and she's with…a horse and crocodiles…Oolong and Puar are with mother. Goten and Trunks are at the food table, glaring at it with murder intend." Note to one self, encourage them to go camping today, will keep the living room intact, I just redecorated "so that just leave the girls, and the other who are in the kitchen" First of all let see what these two are up to.
Going through the yard, she walked toward the food table where her son and his best friend were eating the food faster then it was put on the table. When she walked behind them, she could see that Trunks was not in a good mood.
"Trunks? Goten? Are you guys all right?" She put her hand on Goten head and received the big smile she was waiting for, but didn't touch Trunks head; she did it only once, and she learned her lesson.
"Yes Bulma, the food his really good" Goten was grinning at her. Eating always cheers him up, but at the growl he heard next to him, he knew that today he was the only one the food had this effect. Guess he will need something more to cheer him up, and I have a good idea what. Too bad we can't use the Gravity Room.
"Trunks? Are you still mad because Vegeta didn't want you to come? Look, I told you…" but Bulma was interrupted by another growl. Looking at Trunks hands she could she the broken glass incrusted in it. She sighted "Trunks, stop acting like a little boy, you are in adult now, behave like one! You act like a spoiled kid!" she was slowly beginning to be frustrated.
"In whose fault it is?" muted Trunks.
"What did you say?" she looked darkly at Trunks.
"Nothing" he was calmly retrieving the piece of glass stuck in his hand.
"Look, the only thing I ask from you his that you be nice to Mirai-Trunks when his going to be here, okay" I swear! He sure didn't get this attitude on my side of the family!
"Of course! What do you expect me to do, ignore him and trait him like a plague? Don't worry about it mother" then Trunks smiled, the kind of smile that would have made Debura himself run in fear. "I will be an angel with him; I'm going to give him a nice welcome, he will feel like part of our little family in no time." Goten just stay away from the conversation. After all this years with the Briefs family, there his one thing you learn: Never take part in any family fight.
"Well that the only thing I ask from you, so guys bye, and remember don't go to the Gravity Room!" she ruffle Goten head and just before leaving the boys, she put her hand on Trunks head and as she expected he just give her a deadly look. So like his father…down to the miserable attitude. That my sweet little boy.
After leaving the two boys and seeing the two little girls in deep conversation, she decided to see what was the big new. As she was approaching, she heard part of the conversation.
"…Princess! He always battle with your Kakarrotto and Trunks, and he didn't even let me go into the Gravity Room," Bura was practically shrieking with rage.
"Bura, Pan what are you girls talking?" She knew for well what Bura was talking about; after all, she must have heard this kind of conversation at least five times just yesterday.
"Nothing" both girls say at the same time. Looking for all the world like two little angels talking about tea party and doll.
"If you say so girls, but stay out of trouble and out of the Gravity Room, okay" she give them a pointed look.
"Yes" both girls say at the same time, but this time a little more annoyed (in a little more sheepishly) but she didn't care, as long as they didn't do anything to the GR while Vegeta was gone, she was happy.
Well that settles. If the children do anything to that stupid GR, it will be impossible to make Vegeta get out of the house again. I do not believe he make me put a GR in the ship for a few hours trips. Gee, can someone say obsess? I really have to talk to Goku about it when he came back. Now let see how the people in the kitchen are doing. After a last glance to the people outside, she went to find the two people responsible of feeding all those people
@~~~~@~~~~@
When she went in the kitchen, Choazu was at the oven and Chichi was sitting at the table looking by the window. Since he was so small, Choazu was actually floating over the oven. Standing at the door, she took a little time to look at him It must be very difficult to be so short. You know I wonder how much of his ki he's using to levitate likes that. He's the only one of all the people I know that I see flying so much, that could be a very interesting research to do… Coming over to Choazu, she looked at what he was cooking.
"It's my speciality. Don't you worry, its good, I even heard Goku was licking the plate" like each time she was hearing him speak, she had the impression of a talking porcelain clown-doll: Weird feeling.
"I'm not worried. Keep going" Damn that look good, but it's probably nothing I can't do myself, anyway let see what Chichi his doing.
When she came toward Chichi, she saw that she had a blue shirt in her lap; it seemed that she was sowing one of Goku workouts shirt.
"Hey, what's up girl" she seated herself next to her. From Chichi point of view, she could see the two girls talking and the boys eating they anger away. By looking at the amount of food left on the table, they must be really angry and hungry! If that continue, I would have to go shopping tonight so that the other will be able to eat tomorrow.
"Bulma, can I talk to you about something" Chichi was still looking at the window. Bulma was surprise; this was not like Chichi at all. She was not arrogant, but habitually, when she wanted to know something, she just asked.
"Of course what it is" she was curious now. What must be that important?
Looking around, Chichi got up and made Bulma follow her, they went to the adjacent room so that they could have a private conversation but still be able to see the oven where Chichi had something cooking. As soon as they were seated, she asked her question.
"Tell me the truth, how his Vegeta? And be honest. How he is with Trunks, I mean when they are together" feeling suddenly nervous she took again her sowing work. Bulma didn't know what to think.
"How is he with Trunks? Chichi what is the problem?" Damn, I know this day was too good to be true, Trunks, Vegeta what did you do again!
"The problem his Goku and Goten" Chichi was still not looking at Bulma.
The problem was Goku and Goten? Okay now I' m worried. I swear Vegeta if you got Goku into some problem, the GR is gone for a week!
"Goku had been on earth for several years now, but Goten still pass almost of his time with Trunks, at your house." Bulma looked at Chichi but she was still sowing the shirt, having nothing to say (even if the comment about her house ticks her off a little bit), she waited until she begins speaking again "In the beginning, I understand that he could have been shy, but now…" she stopped pretending she was sowing but now.
Damn it must be really serious, but I still don't get what she saying "Chichi what are you saying"
Chichi sighted "Goten and Goku don't have a relationship. Goku pass his entire time with Vegeta, Goten pass all his time with Trunks and that it. The only time they do talk together is when they are battling some evil enemy or they happen to bump into each other. And then there is Vegeta…"
What is Vegeta doing into this matter? "Chichi, I really don't know what Vegeta is doing in all that. Vegeta don't do anything to Goten, he rarely trained with him, and if he does it, it's only together with Trunks." But the only thing that answers her was the noise of Chichi who had taking back the sowing. "Look I know you hate Vegeta…"
"I don't have Vegeta" yeah right
"Chichi…" She looked hard at her. Chichi had the grace to blush a little bit.
"Let just say that the time when I was praying Kami that Goku would accidentally kill him is over. The problem is Goten and Vegeta relationship."
Bulma shook her head "Relationship? Chichi, Vegeta and Goten don't have a relationship. They have nothing. Vegeta do not have relationship." He just has worshiper and enemy, and his family,
"If they have nothing like you said why do Goten think more about Vegeta reaction to him them me, then his own father" now Chichi was looking strait at Bulma and she could see that it was not just some idea that pop up in her mind. She must have been thinking about it for some time.
"Chichi, I think you are mistaking"
"No! I can yell at him every day and he wouldn't even listened, Goku would tell him something, and he would listen but just for awhile. However, Vegeta just had to look at him one time, only one time and that that."
"Chichi…"
But she didn't let her speak "Do you know how many time I yell at him not do jump from the cliff, nears the rivers? Vegeta didn't say I word, he just looked at him and now the boy doesn't even want to come close to it!"
She tried again to speak but it was no use "Chichi, look…"
"I think Goten consider Vegeta more like a father then Goku" now she say it. Finally, what have been bothering her for a long time was now out in the air.
"Chichi! Now you will listen to me. Vegeta told me once that in Vegeta-sai, it the responsibility of the other warrior to look after the wife and children of the warriors dead in battle. He told me that since he was the only saiyin alive, it was his duty to see that Gohan and Goten were safe. That why he trained Goten and why he always keep track of Gohan study" he also added that he didn't want Kakarotto brats to embarrasses him and didn't want the saiyin name to be tarnish by third class but she didn't say it.
"Bulma you don't understand, that not it, Goku had always been closer to Gohan then Goten and I want that to change, but it not going to change if he consider Vegeta like his father. And don't say a thing, you still didn't answer my question, I worry about Vegeta comportment in front of Goten"
"Vegeta comportment?" What the hell?
But Chichi continue as if Bulma didn't speak "and since this incident Vegeta have changed. Vegeta have a strong influence on him and Goten value is opinion"
"First of all, you may be sure that Vegeta don't do anything to Goten, I think he appreciates Vegeta in that it, you have to remember that Goten is a half saiyin in that Vegeta is the only saiyin alive! As for his change, yes he has changed but nothing that would make any impact on Goten. Vegeta had just been more withdraw that all." For a few second she looked at Chichi. She not saying everything "Chichi tells me the truth" she took Chichi hands in her own "what ups girl?"
"I'm scared that Vegeta will hurt Goten, each time he came from here, he always come bruised, I don't know if it Vegeta that did this to him or Trunks while they were playing and…"
"Are your insinuating that Vegeta will beat up Goten!" Bulma was now standing, hovering over Chichi. However, the daughter of King Ox didn't flinch and wife of Goku didn't flinch.
"That why I have asked you how Vegeta was treating Trunks, Vegeta is not the ultimate parental model" her tone had turned cold, she was worried for her children and nothing would stand between her and her children well being.
"Oh and Goku is maybe? Vegeta never hit Trunks unless they are sparing, but never to punish or anything else!" How dare she!
"I want to know why Goten still go to Vegeta for anything. I mean it beginning to be a little to much: One day he even told me, that he asked Vegeta for homework! The only reason he came to me is that Vegeta was training. My own son listen more to him then his own mother!" this time she was standing as well, looking strait into Bulma eyes, but Vegeta wife, Trunks mother, friend of Goku, and president of CC didn't flinch either. She has faced worst in her life and she was talking about her domestic life! She was not going to stand her and let anyone insult her family!
"Maybe it because he knew you could never help him!" after yelling the last part she turned to leave but before she could go very far she was stopped by Chichi.
"Bulma, look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound like that." Yet again, Bulma was looking at Chichi, What the hell his wrong with her, well am going to figurate out.
"Chichi, sit down and tell me what wrong, it doesn't seem like you, now sit down and let's talk"
"Bulma, before anything, you have to be honest with me, and before you even begin, I don't hate Vegeta, even if I am a little weary of him." Bulma looked at Chichi with a pointed look "okay, more then a little, I don't know what to thinks about him, but I want to you to be sure then I don't fear for the life of my children. Not since….well any way, I want a good future for my children and I want to give them a good example, and I know that Goku is not the ultimate example but he his they father. If it was just that it would be okay, but now Vegeta…" for a second she stopped, how to continue? Bulma hold her hand in hers to encourage her to speak, even if it was hard, this time she would listen until she was finish.
"For a good part of his childhood, Vegeta was the only example Goten got for a father, and even then I was a little bit worried, that is why I restricted his visit to your home, I know far well the influence that Vegeta could have and have on Goten. Since Goku returned, they both seemed, I don't know, friend? They were battling evil together, training together, and eating together. However, as soon as normal life begins, they didn't try to get a relationship, they just returned to what they were use to do, namely training with your son and your husband. Now don't take it the wrong way, but Goku and Goten basically live here."
For a second Bulma didn't say anything. To say the truth she never taught about that, but now, all that was making sense. Vegeta was the kind of man who could attract devotion even if he didn't care. And Goten was very credible.
"I think what you need to do is take some time, try to make them do some father and son bonding. And I promise you Vegeta will not hurt Goten, he changed" and he don't usually beat up people weaker them him.
"Maybe not intentionally…" Yamcha voice startles them all.
"Yamcha!"
Walking toward the two women he took the chair next to Bulma, He had many things he wanted to say to her and he was determined to say it all.
"I'm not saying this because I hate Vegeta." Bulma just give him a look why do everyone start by saying that, yeah right, I don't hate him "The guy may be the best strategist around, but he his totally clueless when it came to relationship of any short."
"Yamcha…" Bulma looked at him warningly.
Seeing the look he received from her, he scouted away a little bit but didn't stop, he was going to speak his mind, and she was not going to stop him!
"You know I'm telling the truth, everybody can see that Goten totally like him except him! And…" but two Ki interrupted him when he sense them raising and living. "Hey Trunks and Goten just took off"
Bulma sighted and shook her head. "Damn! He was so mad that Vegeta didn't take him with him. I swear, this child his going to be the end of me one day"
Although Bulma seemed to take the new well, Chichi looked less then happy "And Goten is beginning to take some nasty habit from Vegeta and Trunks" at the same time Yamcha spoke "and Vegeta don't care what he do to both boys, they where looking forward to come with him but he just ignore him"
Frustrated Bulma raised her hand in the air "Why are you all against Vegeta suddenly? I know Vegeta is not the most compassionate people around, but his not the monster you all seemed to make him"
"Why do you defend him, you know damn well he don't even love you" as soon as he say it, he regretted it, and not only because he had hurt Bulma feeling. Bulma was so enraged, she punched Yamcha right in the face and begin to insulted him with all the swear word she could come up with, showing once and for all that Trunks extended if peculiar vocabulary didn't all come from Vegeta. After insulting everything from his lineage to his descendant passing by his intelligence, his sex life, his physical appearance, and his belief, she left them.
On the ground, Yamcha was looked blown away. I don't even understand haft of it.
"That was a cruel thing to say Yamcha, Bulma really love Vegeta" if she could she would have gone after her, but she didn't have the force.
"I know that hadn't come right." Passing his hand over his jaw, he took the seat Bulma had left. "What I'm saying, is that Vegeta may love Bulma, but I just wonder the definition Vegeta give to the word love." Damn, she sure hit hard, thank got she never was interested in fighting, no use to had power to her attitude.
"What do you mean?" in fact she really didn't care, she just say it to be polite.
Before answering, he went to get some ice for his jaw (making sure that Chaozu didn't notice anything). When he came back, he saw Chichi in the same position as he left her. He hesitates a little bit to talk to Chichi about what he taught, but decided that he just couldn't. At least, if he told Chichi, there was a good chance she was going to tell Bulma about it.
Shifting from one foot to the other, he tried explaining it to her "One time, by pure hazard, a saw something, and after that, I stopped hating the guy…well…let just say I'm okay with him been there, but now I more worried about what he really think about the others" Gee, that sure have come out nice!
"What do you mean?" now she was interested.
Sitting in Bulma place, Yamcha looked at the window for a few minute, thinking about the story to make her understand what he was saying. "Well one day, I was visiting Bulma for a couple of day. Okay?" Chichi just nodded "So that we were the Kitchen when Trunks came pale as a ghost. So now Vegeta, as usual, don't even look at the boy and Bulma his like 'Trunks what going on' and he told them. Now Trunks end up telling them that he dreamed of being attacked my Majin Buu and that Goten was not here to fuse with him, etc. by the time he was finish he was practically crying"
"Poor thing! That must be terrible" I just knew that this all Majin Buu thing will come back to hunt them, it just a moment until Goten end up with this kind of dream!
"No kidding! It must have been one hell of a dream because, as for myself, I never saw the little kid cry over something like that. Now Vegeta after hearing that, just looked at the boy for a few seconds, then he started telling that trash stuff, you know 'a saiyin don't cry.' Etc. Then, he takes the boy arms and drags him to the GR."
Chichi just raised her eyebrows The Gravity Room, It just live Vegeta to think that training will solve all his problems!
Seeing her expression, he nodded, "Yep, The GR. Well, when he came up, I swear to Kami, I never saw the kid so hurt in all my live"
"He hurt him!" The creep!
"Yeah, the kid so damaged Vegeta had to give him a sensu been, Bulma was so freaking mad."
"The monster!" And there I was, feeling sorry for him!
"I know but wait a second, I'm not finish. When they were eating, Vegeta was saying stuff like 'at least you are going to get stronger because you nearly died.'" She just shook her head. "Of course the kid first question was how strong, then he said that right now he must be a little bit stronger then Majin Buu" Yamcha was looking expectantly at Chichi but she just frowned.
"I don't get it"
"The next morning, the boy came literally screaming, saying that in his dream he had defeating Majin Buu." Yet again Yamcha was looked at her as if he was trying to gauge her reaction.
"I still don't get it." Then she looked perplexes at him "You mean that Vegeta did that purposely?"
"Vegeta is a strange man, but I think that it a little bit too much of a coincidence for my liking. But whatever the case, Trunks nightmare were totally forgetting and each time he got something bothering him, he goes to the GR."
Chichi just looked blankly at Yamcha, Not knowing what to do he keep on talking.
"I know that Vegeta love the kids, Vegeta is not the type of guy to die for people he hate or don't know. So Vegeta know about the scarifying kind of love, you know, 'I will die for you' and all that stuff. But, I wonder if he knows about the 'day- to-day' kind of love." Chichi still looked as if she was very far away "you know, the one that say, 'I'm going to live with you' kind. I don't want to say that what Vegeta did was nothing, but…"
"You are right"
"I am?" he looked confuses at her.
" Vegeta is a strange man…once, something happened and until now, I only thought that he did it to be mean but now….I don't know."
"What he did?"
"…Hum? Oh, yes. Well, One day, Goten was sleeping here with Trunks and he had brought his teddy bears. You know the one I am talking about?"
"Yeah, I know, keep going" Damn this stuff always give me the creep, wonder what happened to it?
" I was sitting in the room in front of they're, sewing something, when Goten turned and the teddy bear fall on the floor along with the cover and then he totally fall off the bed." Hearing that Yamcha couldn't help but smile, he could perfectly pictured in his mind "Then it happen that Vegeta was walking in the corridor, he didn't notice me, but he looked at the boys rooms. For a while hr just look at them, looked at both if them, then he came inside the room and stood next to Goten, he didn't leave his eyes of him"
Talk about weird "And what happened? He didn't wake him up. No?"
"No, he did something strange, he picked Goten and the cover of the floor and put them on the bed, then he took the teddy bear, he looked at his for a few minute before blasted it to piece."
"The creep!, damn talk about low, how could…Chichi" when Yamcha looked at the woman in from of him, he saw her far away look, as if she was trying to remember something.
"When I saw that I was so mad, but I didn't say anything, part of that was because I didn't want to upset Goten. In the morning, I went home and then in the evening Goten came home, bleeding, with bruised all over. It seems that in the evening, when they saw the teddy bear, Vegeta told them that it was Trunks doing."
"He told Goten that?" Yamcha was horrified "Those guy are best friend, and Goten just loved that teddy bears. Shit I bet they were not in speaking term after that, was Vegeta trying to break them up?"
"No, well I don't thinks so, not after what you told me, because you see the next day, who his at my door, looking miserable was Trunks, and I swear to you he apologize, it must be the first time I heard him apologize and he mean it!"
"Trunks? Apologize, are we talking of the same boy" Trunks was by no mean a cruel boy, in fact he was really sweet, in a Vegeta and Bulma manner (thank god he was practically raise by his grand-parent).
"Yes, he looked so sad, it just break my heart to see him like that"
Yamcha just keep thinking about what she had said. At first, he thought that Vegeta wanted to break them, but now he really didn't think so. What did Vegeta wanted? "Vegeta probably wanted to teach Trunks something and kami know he always despises the teddy bear" of course just talk to the boy would be impossible.
"I don't hate Vegeta either, well not that much, I hate to say this, but Krillin and Bulma had made wonderful job" Chichi look at the window, seeing everybody packing they stuff. Guess Goku will not be coming back today, probably having too much fun over there!
"Krillin and Bulma?"
"Yes, every one of Goku's friends may have been enemy, but 18 and Vegeta came from far. They have made a good job"
"Yeah you right! They sure have made on hell of a job" although I think that Bulma had been slaking off on the job a little bit lately
"But Goten and Trunks are children, they are more sensible to some thing" where is that boy anyway, I hope is not getting into trouble!
"Did you discuss it with Goku?" I wonder what Goku think about it.
"No…and Gohan seem to like Vegeta al lot. And now he just left with Gohan…as soon as he came back, I'm going to talk to him for certain!" I'm not going to stand there while my family his falling apart in front of my very eye!
"Just try to make Goten stay far away form Vegeta, nice or not, he probably not helping with his relationship with Goku. Kami know that Vegeta probably not saying anything nice about Goku to either boy, in fact I'm even surprise that both boy even respect Goku a little bit, with all the Clown, and third class comment" Well in the case of Goten, as for Trunks, I thinks it's a little bit to late.
"You are right, I have to tell him what his father is really about, he had saved many life and the only reason Vegeta is there, its because Goku at been merciful and spared him!"
"Just talk to him about all the fight his been to, I'm sure…"
@~~~~@~~~~@
Choazu returned to the kitchen, he hadn't wanted to listen to the conversation, but seeing Bulma in rage, asking everybody to leave and come back another day he new something was up. He guesses that they were talking again about Vegeta. Vegeta seem to be a very popular subject lately. While he was floating over the oven, Choazu felt something. A presence. For a while, he didn't know what to make of it. Then it hit him, he was not sensing a power level, but he was sensing this presence with his mind. It was a dark presence; he never felt something like that in his life, it was so evil. Then it disappears…What. Was. That. Tenshinhan did you felt it. It gone now but it was very powerful.
Yes, but it didn't seem powerful to me.
It is powerful, there is no way someone could emit so much dark energy!
What do you think it is?
No idea, but I'm worried, it was very evil and strong.
Keep in eye on it and I will try to find his power level.
Okay.
And what's up with Bulma?
Vegeta, Yamcha, and Chichi.
Two against one, you know I'm going to have to talk to Yamcha about it, so leave with the other; I'm staying with the bandit!
Yeah… Tenshinhan?
Yes?
Be careful, something have changed in the world and the spirit can't find what
I will.
@~~~~@~~~~@
In the middle of the wood, near a small lake two young boy were together, one was seated with a picture in his hand and the other was watching him.
The photograph was taken in the second visit of Mirai-Trunks on Kami lookout. Mirai-Trunks, Vegeta, Goku, baby Trunks, Bulma, Piccolo, and Dende were in the picture; Gohan wasn't because he was the one taking it. The two main subject of this picture was Goku and Vegeta: The later was yelling at the former for some unknown raison, all the other peoples been at the background. However, what was really interesting Trunks was Mirai-Trunks.
He was on the floor, his clothes in shreds; blood was on his face and body. He was holding his left arm, sign that it was probably broken. His right eye was partly closed and his lip was bleeding. Of course, this was not the only picture that they had of Mirai-Trunks, but most of them where of him standing, or seated, posing all the time. In all the photos, he looked noble and strong, in all his photos, he was always serious, always guarded.
This one was the only one were he was not posing, he was totally unguarded: in this one, you could see a genuine smile on his face. When you looked closely at the picture you could see what he was watching, as Vegeta was pacing and walking around Kami lookout, you could see a little boy following him everywhere, trying to catch him, walking hesitantly around, walking after his father, a look of concentration on his face. The only one who seemed to notice the little boy efforts, the only one who seemed to watch the little boy first step was the boy from the future.
Since Trunks discover this photo, he keeps it with him all the time, looking at himself, trying to follow his father under the tender look of the older boy.
While Trunks was watching the picture, Goten just looked at Trunks. Trunks was Goten best friend and for a little more then 2 years now his lover, Secret lover. Only Vegeta knew about it and that was an accident. Goten just stared at the other boy next to him. Friend since they were toddler, then lover afterward, It had not been easy relationship. No relationship could be easy with a member of the Briefs family, but he didn't regret any of it. Well maybe two or three things he did regret, but never to have falling in love with him. Of course, Trunks was not the most romantic lover around and not the most understanding one either. Trunks was jealous, possessive, could be a spoiled Brat when he wanted, was sometime cold and insensible, and always combative. Overall, he could be a regular bastard when he wanted. But Goten knew better then that, he was the one that saw him when he was hiding in his room to be sure no one will see him cry. He was the one who saw him sneaking at 2 hour in the morning to train to become stronger. He was the one who saw his fear when they faced they first major enemy, Majin Buu. He knew Trunks, and he loved him like no other. And even if one day they were separated, he will always love him. Living with Trunks was not easy, but living without him was impossible.
Watching him staring at the photo, he knew what he was thinking. Trunks was always trying to get his father attention, and it's was not an easy task, but Trunks, after many years of hard work actually succeed in having a place in his father heart. Both he and Trunks had passed hours in training just for a little attention from him and it paid off. Things were perfect until they learn about the boy from the future. Trunks was persuaded that his father liked the other one better, so he tried to be better then him and that mean learning about strategy and battles tactics. How many nights did Trunks stay awake to study? He didn't know, but finally they knew that Vegeta was happy with them. Then Bura came…
Actually, Trunks was not very preoccupied by the little girl. Since he passes most of his time fighting and playing, he didn't really matter. All was prefect until it became painfully obvious that the little girl had achieved in less then a month after her birth what Trunks and he had tried to do almost all their life: Vegeta was totally in love with the little girl. Although in front of everybody, they seemed fine, only Goten knew how much Trunks was hurt by it. In fact, when Bulma and Vegeta were not there it was an all out war between these two. Because as much as Vegeta loved Bura, she was not a fighter like her big brother, and as much as Vegeta had changed, fighting was still a big part in his life and Bura knew it. Goten had never witness battle more violent then the one these two could get into. No punches were thrown, but that didn't mean nobody was bleeding. And since both of them had inherited they parent personality…
The only thing that was good was that they were very protective of each other, they could insult each other for more then one hour, but beware if anyone so much as look at one of them strangely!
Even now, after all this years, there were tensions between the two. The only thing Goten could hope was that Vegeta and Bulma don't decide to have another kid, because he was sure that Bura and Trunks would kill it.
And now, Mirai-Trunks was coming…something was bound to happen. Both Bura and Trunks were possessive like hell!
The only major competition they have was coming to visit them. I had better see if Korin has any sensu bean.
"I don't believe she asked him to come to my here for my birthday" Goten wanted to say that it was Mirai-Trunks birthday too but prefer to let Trunks speak. "This was supposed to be my day, father and I were supposed to spar and then we were supposed to pass the rest of the time together but because of him, our entire plan is out. The little…" after a while Trunks voice just faded. That was not the first time they had this conversation, each time it was the same thing.
Suddenly he felt something, as if someone just power up in the distance, but when he concentrated on it, he didn't fell anything. When he looked at his lover, Trunks didn't seem to notice anything so he decided to let it fall. After a while, he begins sensing two ki approaching them, after a few second he saw that it was Pan and Bura.
There is Bura; this is not going to be good. When Trunks saw his sister, he put away the picture. When Bura came, Trunks get up from the ground and both of them went a little away to discuss the 'Mirai issue'. Pan sit down next to Goten and both of them looked at the Brief children putting them brilliant mind together to deal with the 'problem'.
"We have to do something with him" Trunks eye were hard and serious. The entire universe could have been in danger and he couldn't have been more serious.
"Why should I help you, I will not have too much problem." she was looking at her nail and looking bored as if she had been dragging here. However, everybody knew it was fake. Everything that concerned Vegeta was of the utmost importance for her. I wonder what she will do if she married one day. Duh, stupid question, I wonder if one day she would be able to married! Both Goten and Pan looked at each other and smiled a little.
"You really think that? You think that when he will be there, father will have time for you? Dear sister, you are greatly mistaken" Trunks was studying his sister carefully.
"What can we do? The only thing we can do is that he never comes, but that will never happen, we know he will be there" shit why the hell did mother invite him there, all was perfect for me. And now, that.
What he saw probably please him because now he had this little smile of his that, in truth, only Goten and Bulma could like. "No, I have another solution, even if he comes, if there his some…let say 'tension' between father and him he will be bound to go back…"
Bura slowly smiled at that, showing that under her beautiful feature, lay the mind of a Briefs "You have a pretty interesting idea. When he will come we will give him a … 'welcome' worthy of our 'savior'" Bura give him a smirk that was a copy of Vegeta.
"We will give him a welcome he will never forget" Trunks smirked at his sister
Both Goten and Pan looked at each other and both nodded they head. Both of them were a little bit sad for the boy from the future, the SRH 'Saiyin Royal House' were in business. They logo? 'We come in peace, shoot to kill', they motto? 'If you can't beat 'em....shoot 'em.'. The SRH was known for been able to redefining the word suffering each day. Bura and Trunks, the evil duo had a new target. Both Pan and Goten was feeling a little bad for him. "Trunks do you thinks that it going a little bit far."
"Goten you don't understand, you are use to be humiliated, compared, and looking down because people are stronger then you, but I will not tolerated it." For I while Goten looked so sad that Trunks was mentally hitting himself. How could have been so damn insensible! He was thinking about apologize but decided to wait a little while after. Trunks new that the relation between Goku and Goten was difficult, Goten had grown up in the shadow of every saiyin around, Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta, even him, even the blasted one from the future! And he knew that Goten was almost has hurt by the fact that they went without them even if he didn't show it. This was the only reason why he tolerated the fact that his father liked the young saiyin. Trunks didn't share well with other. After we got home, I'm going to apologize to him, just after I take care of this business. Then after I'm going to make Goten happy…in fact I think I have the perfect plan to make the other regret hurting Goten, I have to talk to father about that…
Pan was going to say something when Trunks cell phone ring, rolling his eye he took up the phone and listened to his mother since she was the only one who could have call him.
"Mother want us to come back, everybody his gone, it's seem that dad and the other will not come back today"
"Well that good. That left us enough time for our little 'operation'"
"Operation 'welcome in our little family' is officially in session!"
@~~~~@~~~~@
In the car, that will bring them all to the island, Master Rohsi felt a tugging in his chest, as if someone was looking him. The old master didn't feel like that for a long time. When he looked around him no one seemed to have felt it. He was in the car with Chaozu, Lunch, Oolong, Puar. But when he looked closely at Choazu, he saw that the small warrior seemed deep in thought. He must have sense something too, that mean that it probably more psychic in origin.
@~~~~@~~~~@
In the yard after saying goodbye to Puar and telling her to keep safe (and away from Oolong), he turned toward Tenshinhan. The two of them had been talking the all time, and he was just telling Tenshinhan why Bulma just decided to kick everyone out when Tenshinhan proposed the idea that they go see Yajirobe.
"I think you have a good idea, it's been a long time since we saw Yajirobe, we may as well visit him, but you should have invited Chaozu with us" I wonder why he didn't come at all?
"No, he had something else to do" in the same time a may as well check what he told me about his feeling. The Vegeta Thing must end. Yamcha just looked at him strangely. Chaozu had something else to do? Who he thinks his fooling anyway!
But Yamcha finally decided to drop it, so after a good bye to the other people still remaining they took off. "By the way Yamcha, can I talk to you about something?" They missed the four half-saiyins that were coming back.
@~~~~@~~~~@
Now where are those kids now? I hope they didn't end up in trouble. Looking around her, everyone was packing and leaving but no sign of her missing girl. In fact, she was the only one there with her father; even Chichi had left, leaving Goten Behind. I know someone who will go to sleep without diner today. In if a young lady don't appear right now, there are going to be two of them.
Looking at the star, she looked automatically for the small red dot that identified the remains of Vegeta-sai. Since she was so curious about the saiyins (having to live with one and raise another), Gohan had made some research. So after some time and with the help of Bulma they have finally situated Vegeta home planet. Although they never told that to him, since no one new what Vegeta reaction would have been.
I hope you are all right were ever you are Gohan, return to me, to us safely.
It while she was looking at the sky that' she saw the four kids come her way. I don't believe that, Trunks is the oldest and he had already reached what, 23 years old? And his still act like a little kid. Well I suppose I can't really blame them, Vegeta is the oldest, and he still act like a kids. I guess the saiyins all like eternal kids: Growing stronger, faster, fiercer, but never older…
"Young girl, we are going back" yelled Videl looking at the four half-saiyins landing, Bura and Trunks went strait home and Goten just linger a little bit to talk with Pan. Mr. Satan, who have watched they arrival was a little nervous when he saw his little granddaughter talking to Goten. At least it's not the other one! Even trough he acted as if everything was all right, he was anxious about them. Children shouldn't have so much power, more so when they have the attitude of they father. Walking toward his daughter who was packing they stuff and was decapsuling the car, he decided to talk again to her about her daughter 'friends'.
"Videl, are you not nervous to let Pan with the boy" Mr. Satan was looking suspiciously at the young boy, who was grinning madly at his grand-daughter, never mind that it was her uncle.
"Don't worry dad, I don't think she is in any danger" she just smiled when she saw the two talks. But now was time to go. "Pan, it time to go!"
"Bye Bura, bye Trunks," but when she looked around she didn't see them anywhere "probably inside preparing they plan, man, I wonder how they going to do when they will get married!" she said to Goten who just laugh.
"I have the suspicious that the royal line is going to end there!" and they were not even talking about Vegeta! It seems that the Prince of all saiyins had a slightly different definition of the word worthy…
"No kidding!" hearing her mother call her again she turned to leave. "Are you coming with us uncle Goten" she was hovering just shy of the earth since she knew it piss of her grandpa when she didn't that.
"Is mama and grandpa there?" Goten had been looking for them since he came back but didn't finds them, laughing lightly, he put his hand behind his head.
"No they left," said Bulma smiling; she knew exactly why he was asking. Tomorrow morning I will have to go shopping.
"So I'm staying here for the night if that okay with you" he was looking at her with such a hopeful expression that she couldn't have had the heart to say no, so she just nodded, the jump of joy he made make her laugh.
"See you!" wavering her hand, Pan went flying in the air after the car who had already left.
"Bye" yelled Goten, making Bulma wince slightly at the yell.
When Videl, her father and Pan left, Bulma went to talk to Goten, because she couldn't stop thinking about what Chichi have said. She just had to have to know for sure. And if it's the truth, well she will have to take care of that.
"Goten, can I talk to you a little bit"
"Yes, of course" Goten looked at her with his usual smile and bright expression. Damn his sure not going to make it easy.
"I wanted to ask you, heu…" shit what do I say
"…" Goten looked at her with his clueless expression. Shit! Well I suppose the strait way is the best.
"Do Vegeta give you any problem?" That will have to do.
"Problem? No, in fact he promise Trunks and me that he will teach us some new trick, he told us that with this trick even father is not going to make it" now the sky was black but she could easily imagine his big smile
"That so sweet of him" Vegeta! "And how are thing between Goku and you"
"Oh fine" Goten give a grin that only Trunks and Vegeta would see has fake but Bulma didn't see anything. Or she could have if she was paying attention but as everyone else she thought that Goku and Goten were the best friend ever and just needed some time alone.
"Well, I just wanted to ask, you can go find Trunks, and don't worry, if Chichi call, I'm going to tell her you asked before" she patted Goten head, but already her mind was somewhere else. If she just had concentrated a little, she could have seen that his smile was a little bit strained
"Thanks Bulma" I wish thing were as good as you think.
Running inside the house, he went strait to Trunks bedroom leaving her in the yard alone, looking at the sky.
"Trunks!" when he saw Trunks he was seating on the bed, looking deep in thought with his head down, hiding his eye with his hair and his hand on his lap. He looked so sad that Goten couldn't help but smile. I love him so much.
"Goten, sorry about the comment earlier that was very mean of me" Trunks keep his back at him.
Goten just smiled, Trunks looked so miserable, he came next to him and take him in his arm, passing his hand in his hair.
"It all right" he put his head on his back. I know that you will never hurt me willingly…well unless we are in battle.
But Trunks shook his head "No it not, it's my fault, you know how the 'as been saiyin' always make me mad, then the little Brat hat to come and bother me, and, Goten? Are you laughing at me?"
Goten could only laugh. Trunks you are only the I know who could look miserable, apologize for something, all the while putting the blame on someone else and succeed in dishing insult to people in the process, I true skill!
Trunks turned fully so that he could keep looking at him" well I suppose since you are smiling, you are no longer mad" he put a small kiss on Goten lips "I know! Are you hungry?"
"Trunks it's all right! Just stay there" Goten was trying to put back Trunks in is earlier position but it was no use, Trunks was already on motion.
"Nonsense! I'm going to feed you, wait here" then next thing he knew, he was alone in the room, and watching Trunks back retreating from the room. Goten sighted and fall down on the bed. What Trunks say shouldn't have bothered me. Turning on his side, he thought about the conversation they had in the forest I think that Bura and Trunks went a little too far, of course Mirai-Trunks is the only big competition they have. Just thinking about Bura and Trunks using they old trick on Mirai-Trunks make him chuckle softly Poor him, hes not going to…
"Don't worry; I'm going to bring you food, I'm sure I can bribe someone to make you lunch" Trunks was looking at him with mischief in his eye.
"Trunks!" but he was long gone. Talk about romantic dinner for two! Then he was back on his back, looking at the ceiling and wondering about Mirai-Trunks arrival. Then he heard some yelling downstairs.
"What do you mean I can't cook? You are the one who never come close to the kitchen!"
"I can cook, but you still didn't answers my question so that mean you can't!"
"I can too, so let do a contest, the one who make the biggest lunch win!"
"What! It's going to be soooo easy! I bet 100 zeny I'm done before you and mine his bigger and mine taste better"
"The deal is on, but we need someone who tastes the food, so that he will decide who won."
"I have it covered. Goten! Go~ten! Can you do us a small favor?"
But I'm sure not complaining about it! "Coming" two minute after he was in the kitchen, watching as his lover and his sister destroyed the entire kitchen to make the biggest lunch ever so he could eat it all. He may not be the most romantic but he sure knows how to make me happy! "In 3, 2, 1, go!"
@~~~~@~~~~@
The trip back to Master Roshi Island was the most nerve-wrecking thing he never did for the small warrior. Because of the noise and the yelling (Lunch kick Oolong out of the car, while it was still flying), he couldn't concentrate enough to locate the presence he felt earlier. But between Lunch sneezing and Puar and Oolong battle, it was almost impossible to sense anything. He was waiting impatiently to arrive at destination. He was kind of relieved because the presence didn't seem to vanish even if they were in the middle of nowhere. But something was bothering him with that.
Lunch was at the command of the ship. Oolong and puar were seated just behind her, so that Choazu and Master Roshi were on the last row, but by listening to the noise and the yelling you could never had tough that they were only five 'people' in the car. Chaozu was deep in thought when Master Roshi voice startle him to death.
"I know you feel it too" Master Roshi was speaking very low so that Choazu was the only one who could hear but with the noise, he shouldn't have taking the pain. He could have been yelling in no one would have notice!
"I don't know what you mean" he was looking nervously everywhere to make sure that no one was looking at him.
"Yes" he nodded his head, looking strait at him with a look that remind him of what was Master Roshi before he become a pervert and before everyone were stronger then him: A warrior, A master of the martial art. "I know what you feel"
Choazu looked at him for a few second and saw that it was not in empty statement. He knew what he was speaking. "It just that it's like something his watching us, but it not precise, probably nothing" he added not wanting him to put to much in he affirmation.
For a little while Master Roshi listened to his surrounding, using the skills he had acquired in all those years and he came up yet again with the same feeling. Seated next to him, the small warrior was trying to look as if the feeling he had was not torturing him "For some reason, I don't agree with you."
Choazu keep is eye on his hand "Well if you must know the truth" he turn his face toward the window "I don't believe me either"
"hn"
In that was the last thing they will say to each other in this dimension.
When they landed on the island, the night had almost come. But as soon as they landed, a darkness creep over them. Chaozu had just the time to send a warning to Tenshinhan before he too succumbed to the darkness.
Tenshinhan! Watch out! They are here! The black…
Tenshinhan halted in his flight, nearly making Yamcha collide with him
When the crepuscule came back, no one was there, except Lunch. Standing in front of the water, her hair in the air, her red eye was scanning the horizon…
I will do as you whish
They shall perish
@~~~~@~~~~@
Goku looked at the saiyin in his arm. For a while, he didn't say anything, waiting for him to say something. However, the prince did nothing then to look in front of him, as if he expected The Medusa to come any minute. The way Vegeta was, with is back against his chest he couldn't really distinguee his face, so that he had his arm around him. The position remind him the way, sometime, he would hold Gohan when he was a baby. The thought brought I smile to his face but he didn't share it with Vegeta, he really didn't think that he would appreciate the comparison but right now he was feeling nervous, he just didn't know what to do. Having Vegeta in his arm was making him uneasy for some reason. And the silence was unnerving, finally, since the prince didn't seem inclined to talk about it he decided to take the plunge.
"Vegeta" he keeps his voice slow in case he had fallen asleep. The first thing that you learn when dealing with the prince, well the second, when you find him asleep is to never startle him. He did it only one and Krillin had to flew all the way to Korin Tower to get some sensu bean.
However, Vegeta was not asleep "Later, Kakarotto" his voice was distant as if that was not what he wanted to say "later."
With nothing to say, he had only to think about what happened before.
Why did I blast her? I don't believe myself! He just had to look at me this way to make me tried to kill her he looked down at the smaller saiyin in his arm, the thought came to him that Vegeta must have been really out of it to be leaning against him in the first place. He looked at the spike of hair that brushed against his face and tickle his nose, but he didn't move she must have done something to me. I don't believe I hold Vegeta against the Medusa; I was so sure he was going to hurt her. I hurt Chichi because of Vegeta. Vegeta moved against his arm, as if he was going to leave but then rested, his eye were closed now and his breathing had become regular Vegeta looked so hurt…do he really value my opinion that much? He never seemed to care of what a thought before. But what does this mean for me? I always care about his opinion, I always care about Chichi opinion, but which opinion I value the most? Guess my question his answered! While he was thinking he begin slowly holding Vegeta tighter until he heard a growl, looked down he saw Vegeta eye looking at him.
"You. Are. Strangling. Me" he voice was flat and even, but yet again it seemed as if he was thinking about something else.
"Sorry Vegeta." Immediately he let go of him, but he just keep leaning against him. He waited for a little while to see if he was going to say something but he just closed his eyes again. I have to talk to him, I have to make him understand that I don't hold nothing against him he waited for a few second to see if Vegeta would say something but he just keep quiet, too quiet. Wanting to speak to him while he seemed relax, before he sleep and wake up, he spoke to him, rushing the word to make sure he would not be interrupted.
"Vegeta, I wanted to tell you something, it not a mistake" he make sure that in his haste he didn't imprisons Vegeta in his arm although right now he just wanted to hold him close to be sure that he wouldn't fly away before he got the chance to talk to him. Vegeta didn't say anything right away, although he knew that he had heard him because he had tense a little bit.
"Not a mistake?" Vegeta opened his eye but didn't look at him, relaxing his muscle once more.
"I don't know what it means, I don't know why, but I don't regret any of it" Vegeta turned his black eyes at him. He stared strait at him without wavering his glance; the look was so intense that Goku was beginning to squirm under the stare. Then he lower his head.
"If you must know, me neither." Goku was so happy that he tightens his hold on Vegeta but he didn't struggle, the prince was allowing him. "Now hush, we have thing to do besides talking, we have an enemy to destroy" he gaze returned to the horizon as if the an army was just waiting for him to lower his guard to attack.
Goku couldn't help but smile and he slowly and carefully lower his head on the smaller man hair "And people to save."
Vegeta shrugged his shoulder "If you insist, I suppose we can spar some time" he stated indifferently.
"Vegeta" he said warningly.
"After we kill this monster" then added as in afterthought "…and save the earth, not now Kakarotto" Vegeta moved a little bit so that Goku head don't lean on is. He had a headache and Goku`s head was not the lighter thing around.
"Do you think we will be able to save the earth" slowly he put his hand on Vegeta hair. He was softer then he believed.
"No"
"Vegeta!" he looked at Vegeta face, but he had his eye closed and seemed asleep. Before he could say anything a gasp was heard behind them, when Goku looked he saw Gohan watching them, for a while he didn't know why until he remembers in what position they were. It would have been nothing is it was anybody else; he wouldn't even have notice if it was Yamcha, but Vegeta?
Shit, I really need some sleep! I don't believe I was leaning on the baka. Vegeta begin to detach himself from Goku when he decided against it. I am the Prince of all saiyins dammit and I can lean on one of my subject if as a see fit! I am the most powerful being in all the universe from two different timeline, if I want to lean against the baka I will, and no watered half-bred saiyin will make me change my mind!
Vegeta turned slightly toward Gohan and looked strait in his eye "Gohan go to sleep, we have a hard day tomorrow"
"Hard day?" Gohan couldn't detach his eye from Vegeta and his father and the position they were in. What. Is. Going. On. Here.
"Of course" when he looked at the tallest saiyin, he could see the confusions in his eye too "you really didn't think you will all stay all three days hanging around, now didn't you? We will use this day to rest, so that first thing tomorrow we will train"
"Each day!" Gohan couldn't help looking at Vegeta who had once again close is eye and rested against his father.
"Of course, I think 72 hours of training will be enough to regain our strength, and be into shape"
Both Son looked at each other.
Brother…