Jakuten

Disclaimer: Once again! I don't own DBZ. Really! I mean, would I be writing this *crap* if I did?

By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)

Chapter Five: Son-kun Awakens!

They still hadn't returned. Buruma paced the living room. She was worried about Vejiita. How long could it be until they found the Lab? Or the androids? Vejiita still hadn't contacted her. And he didn't answer her mind calls either. She could still feel him, but that was all that let her know he was alive. ::Vejiita... Please, answer me,:: she called out once more to his mind. Receiving no answer, she kneeled on the carpet. A tear made its way down her face. Maybe... she was wrong. Maybe he did die and she just hasn't felt it yet. 'Or maybe... he's dying right now-'

::Stop it, Onna,:: his voice commanded in her mind. ::I'm fine.::

::What's going on? Why wouldn't you answer me? Is everyone okay?:: she asked frantically in his mind.

::Slow down, Onna. We found Seventeen and Eighteen. We are fighting them at this very moment. Piccolo is at it now. I didn't answer you because I didn't want to. Only Yamucha, the idiot, is even remotely hurt right now.:: His mind voice was strangely dull.

::What's wrong?::

::Is Kakarotto awake yet?::

::No, why?::

::We need him, Onna. These androids are extremely strong... And we have bigger problems. Another android is coming... a more biologically perfect being called Cell. We need Kakarotto.::

::Are you guys going to be okay?:: she asked her mate extremely worried.

::Onna, I don't know. If Piccolo is having this much problems with the androids...::

::But, you are stronger than him, right?::

::Piccolo fused with Kami. He may be stronger than all of us at this point.::

::HE FUSED WITH KAMI?!:: Buruma yelled out into his mind.

::ONNA! Don't yell, it hurts,:: he said painfully.

::Sorry, Vejiita. He fused with Kami? I never thought *that* would *ever* happen. Wow, it must be serious. How about the boy from the future? He is a Supersaiyajin, right? If you two teamed up-::

::Yes,:: he snarled into her mind angrily. ::But I don't know if both of us could do it or not. We might be able to defeat Seventeen and Eighteen, but Cell... I don't know. I have to concentrate on the battle now, Onna.::

::Okay, Vejiita. Take care, please. I don't want to lose you. Besides, you told me I could touch your tail.:: She could feel his grimace as she said that and smiled to herself.

::Yes, I remember. Tell me when Kakarotto wakes up.:: With that, he was gone from her mind.

~~~

After he finished talking to his stupid mate, Vejiita focused on his surroundings. He caught the lavender-haired boy from the future staring at him, a look of confusion on his face. Vejiita glared at the boy before grunting ruefully. Talking to the Onna had distracted him enough for that mysterious boy to notice. Vejiita scowled. 'Damn her!'

"Boy," Vejiita called over to him, startling the boy from the future. He gulped before approaching the Saiyajin no Ouji cautiously, yet determined to not show weakness. Vejiita grudgingly admitted to himself, he was impressed. Not many have the guts to approach him.

"Vejiita-san," the boy addressed him as he stopped at Vejiita's right side, looking out over the battle still being waged by Piccolo and the androids.

"Who are you?" Vejiita asked in his harsh voice.

"I can't-"

Vejiita glared at the boy, cutting him off. "We need to know exactly what forces we have on our side, boy. I ask you again, who are you?"

The boy sighed in defeat. "My name is Trunks."

"You are Saiyajin? I seem to find that hard to believe with that hideous hair of yours."

"Well, I'm half-Saiyajin."

"Who did you get your Saiyajin blood from then?"

Trunks sighed again and looked down at his feet. "You."

"What?!" Vejiita yelped in surprise.

"You are my father," he said quietly.

"Humph," Vejiita grunted in an attempt to get over his shock. "Your mother is the Onna." It wasn't a question.

"Yes. How did you-?"

"She's my mate. When?"

"I was supposed to be conceived a year ago... I don't know why it hasn't happened. I should be a couple months old now." Trunks looked extremely disturbed.

"Well, we didn't mate then," Vejiita pointed out.

"I can't figure out... it should have happened. From what my mother told me, it was a passion sort of thing. It happened in her workroom only once to conceive me. I don't know why it didn't happen," Trunks rambled on, disturbed.

"It didn't happen. Who trained you?" Vejiita demanded changing the subject.

"Gohan."

"The brat? Hn," Vejiita said thoughtfully. "When were you able to become a Supersaiyajin?"

"At five-years-old."

Vejiita growled in shock. 'FIVE? Is that even possible?' "Five?" Now a mere child had beaten him! Here at 27, he couldn't become a Supersaiyajin yet his half-breed brat did at five!

"Yes, Gohan was training me for that. He needed my help to fight off the androids after all of the others were gone," Trunks said sadly.

"Humph," Vejiita grunted and turned back to watching the battle. He didn't admit it, but he was proud to have sired such a powerful young man. The Saiyajin/Human breed tends to be very powerful indeed. At least he knew his first-born wouldn't be a weakling. He was surprisingly proud that his son with the Onna would be as powerful as that. His son... He didn't know if he liked the name Trunks, though.

"Father?" Taking his father's grunt as a sign to continue, Trunks braced himself. This was his chance to talk to his father. The father he had idolized throughout his life, even if he never knew him. "Are you going to stay with Mother?"

Vejiita grunted. "I have to, brat. The Onna is my bonded mate."

Trunks frowned. "Do you even feel anything for her?" He didn't like the idea of his father staying because he had no choice.

"Brat, I suggest you stop pushing. I can't leave her. That's all you need to know."

"No! I need to know you'll be there for Mom! She's all alone in the future!"

"She's strong."

"I know that! But this one has bonded to you. My mother never did!"

"We never bonded in your time?" Vejiita raised an eyebrow in curiosity, his scowl still on his face. "Stupid question. If she's alive after my death, we never bonded."

"You and my mother happened once. Only once and it conceived me."

"That's interesting," he began, thoughtfully. "What happened to cause my bonding her now?"

"I don't know. I only know my mother mentioned bonding once. Said you left her to avoid it. You said you would never touch her again. Because if you did, you'd bond her. She still doesn't fully understand what that means, but that's what she told me."

Vejiita scowled. "Great."

"Do you care for her?"

"Brat," Vejiita began warningly. "Do not push me. I may have bonded a weak human Onna, but that does not change who I am."

Trunks laughed. "Yes it does, Father. You may not have changed that much, but in the important ways you have. You may hate everyone, me included. Yet you will not do anything to cause Mom pain."

Vejiita snorted. "The only person I do not hate is that blasted Onna I've saddled myself with. Because of her, this damned planet will be safe from me. Kakarotto will not be killed even after I surpass him. Her friends will survive. I care nothing for them and I will never care for anyone else. The Onna has effectively saved everything. By bonding with a monster." Vejiita looked up to see Piccolo land a punch in Eighteen's stomach. "Go away, brat."

Trunks left his father's side, a small smile on his perfectly sculpted face. His father may not be an angel, yet he just learned the one thing he had always wanted to know. His father did care for his mother. And Trunks didn't care about anything else.

~~~

Buruma walked slowly up the stairs, dread present in each step. She didn't want to watch her best friend writhe in pain any more. She didn't want to hear his screams. She couldn't bear to see him like that. He was the strongest person she knew... And to be confined to bed, unconscious and in so much pain, broke her heart. So many years she looked up to him, even though he was younger than she. He never knew that he had limits. He continually battled opponents stronger than he himself and won. All because he believed in himself. Now, he was dying. All hope rested in an antidote from the future that mysterious boy brought.

Buruma paused outside his door, and sighed heavily before opening it slowly. Wincing in anticipation of the painful sight, she moved into the room. Only to gasp in shock.

"Son-kun! You're awake!" she shouted in surprise.

Goku turned towards the blue-haired woman, his characteristic quirky grin plastered on his very healthy face. "Hey, Buruma-san! Yeah, I feel much better."

Buruma ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck, tears running down her cheeks. "Son-kun, I was so worried I would lose my best friend!" she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Goku patted her back awkwardly as she continued to cry into his shoulder. "Hush, Buruma, it's okay. I'm fine, see? You didn't seriously think I would lose to a virus, did you?"

"No, but seeing you lying there in so much pain... It broke my heart. I don't think I could bear to lose you!" Buruma cried into his shoulder letting out all the fear she felt since he had taken sick.

Goku hugged her back, glad to offer her some comfort, yet at the same time feeling a little guilty for causing her such distress.

"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Her," a *very* angry voice said quietly but clearly threatening from the door. Buruma snapped her head up and looked towards the voice, shock evident in her face.

"Vejiita," she began.

He stalked over to the two friends and violently snatched Buruma away from his fellow Saiyajin, yet it was surprisingly gentle considering his anger. "Keep. Your. Hands. Off. Her." Vejiita bit out through clenched teeth, his ki flaring dangerously.

"Vejiita," Goku said. "What are you doing? She was just upset-"

"Shut up, Kakarotto. You will keep your hands off of my mate!" he growled out.

Goku shot up off the bed and stood in front of the insanely angry warrior. "What?!"

"Vejiita," Buruma said, a little bit frightened, from behind him where he kept her there by a super strong grip on her wrist.

"Onna, shut up. Why are you here with this low-class warrior?" Vejiita spat back at her. "Kakarotto, you will stay away from her. Or I will kill you." He swung around, attempting to leave with Buruma still within his grip.

::VEJIITA!:: she screamed at him in his mind.

He winced and stopped.

::What the *hell* were you doing in his arms, Onna!?:: he demanded of her.

::I was *happy* that he was awake, you idiot! Why are you so pissed? And let go of my arm, it hurts!::

He immediately released her arm, feeling suddenly very guilty. He forgot how fragile she was. ::I don't like you with him! You are MINE, Onna! Mine, do you hear me?! My mate! I don't want you near another man.::

Goku, confused, looked between his friend and Vejiita, who seemed to be locked in a battle of wills as they stared at each other.

::Vejiita,:: Buruma said calmly, strangely flattered. ::He is my best friend, nothing more. I was upset and relieved and was extremely happy he was okay. I hugged him and cried into his shoulder. That is it. He and Chichi are mates. Son-kun and I are only friends.::

Vejiita sighed and looked away from her eyes. ::I know. I can't help it. You are my mate, whether I like it or not. My mate is my territory. And when I saw him in my territory, I lost control. I can't *help* it, Onna. Saiyajin are animals. Nothing more. I am an animal-::

"Stop it, Vejiita!" Buruma shouted at him aloud.

Goku started confused.

"Onna," Vejiita began.

::Don't 'Onna' me! You are who you are. I knew what I was getting into.:: At his incredulous look, she amended herself. ::Okay, I had a vague idea. You are my mate, correct?::

He nodded.

::Is there a way to break the mate-bond?::

He shook his head, suddenly worried.

::So, you'll be my mate until death, correct?::

He nodded again.

::Therefore, Son-kun is of no consequence. Not to you. However, I do understand. Somehow, the way you seem to lose control of yourself and go feral almost-:: she paused when he winced. ::Stop it! I like it. It's exhilarating. It makes me feel important.::

::What?::

She looked down at her feet. ::Vejiita?::

::What?::

::Does being mates automatically mean you love your mate?::

He paused as he thought back through the stories his mother used to tell him back on Vejiita-sei. ::No. Some mate-pairs have been known to despise their mates. Besides, love has no place in a Saiyajin's world. To us, there is no such thing. Only those you hate and those you don't.::

::Do you hate me?:: she asked slightly disappointed. He could never love her and he just admitted it.

::Onna,:: he thought at her warningly. ::I don't hate you.::

::Good. Now, no more attacking my friends. And I'll continue to be understanding of the territory stuff, deal?::

::Yes, deal.::

::Good, now apologize to Son-kun.::

Vejiita glared at his mate. ::No, I have *never* apologized for anyone and I won't do it now.::

::Fine, but at least say something a little apologetic.::

::Humph. Fine.:: Vejiita, cleared his throat and looked over at the Saiyajin. "Kakarotto," Vejiita addressed him.

"Yes?" Goku responded nervously. He didn't really want to get into a fight with the Saiyajin right then. He still wasn't up to par yet.

Vejiita stuck out his hand. Goku looked down at the offering and blinked. Twice. Slowly he took it and shook it once in acceptance before releasing it. Goku smiled slightly. "So, what brings you here, Vejiita?"

"Cell."

"Huh?" Goku asked perplexed.

"Didn't the Onna tell you, yet?"

"Uh, no."

"Onna, explain to him, the group is downstairs. Come down when he's caught up. Strategy." Vejiita then turned towards the door.

Pausing when he reached it, he turned back and looked his mate in the eyes. ::I'm sorry, Buruma,:: he said softly into her mind, quickly leaving the room.

She smiled. The mighty Saiyajin had apologized. To her. After just stating he'd never apologized to anyone. And called her by name. For the first time. Buruma turned towards her best friend. "I'm sorry, Son-kun."

"Don't worry about it, it's a Saiyajin thing."

"You do it too?"

"Yeah, only not so violently. Vejiita is more Saiyajin than I am."

"Thanks, Son-kun. For being so understanding."

"No problem. Now, what is this I hear about a Cell?"

~~~

Son-kun looked at Buruma in complete shock. He was floored. "You mean that you and Vejiita are...bonded mates? Telepathic?"

Laughing inwardly, Buruma rolled her eyes. He still wasn't over the shock. "Yeah, Son-kun. We are mates, we speak telepathically, and we are going to be stuck together for a long time-"

::I don't know about that, Onna.::

::What do you mean?:: She was suddenly very worried.

::Only that if we don't beat Cell, there won't be a world for us to be stuck together in. So get Kakarotto's ass down here. And stop gossiping.::

Buruma giggled. "Son-kun, Vejiita says we should stop gossiping and to get your ass down there."

Goku sighed ruefully. "Just when it was getting good, too. But he's right. Cell is more important right now. Let's go downstairs, Buruma-san."

"Alright." She followed her best friend out of his bedroom and down into the dining area. Taking in the semi-large group seated around the table, she quickly focused on the lone warrior standing against the wall. His arms folded over his chest and he was scowling. His tail twitched irritably.

::Jiita?:: She asked timidly.

::Why do you call me that, Onna?:: He looked over at her. She could feel his confusion. She could also feel the left over jealousy and rage.

::Jiita. Shortened your name. I could call you Jiita-chan...:: she threatened.

::Don't even think about it.::

::You don't mind the Jiita, though?::

He looked at her pointedly.

::Sorry. I didn't mean-::

::Hush, Onna. Jiita isn't all that bad.:: She could feel his amusement and pleasure at her name, despite his word-thoughts.

Buruma looked at Son-kun beside her who seemed to know something. And she didn't like the little smug look he had on his face. "What, Son-kun? You look like a cat who is extremely pleased with himself."

"Ah, nothing, Buruma-san."

"Sure. Where is the boy from the future, anyway? He isn't here."

"He said he wanted to take a walk. Time to think or something," Kuririn told her.

"I'll go see if he's okay. Since I'm not quite needed for the Cell talk," Buruma said. Heading out of the room, she felt something akin to amusement coming from her mate. ::What, Jiita?::

::You'll find out.::

She threw up her hands as she stalked out of the house and nearly crashing into the lavender haired boy himself. "Ah, I was just going to go look for you. I wanted to see if you were all right."

"I'm fine." The boy looked down nervously.

"What is your name?" Buruma asked kindly.

"Trunks."

"What's the matter, Trunks? You look disturbed."

The youth sighed in defeat. "Did Vejiita say anything to you?"

"About what?"

"Guess not." He paused dramatically. "Vejiita is my father."

"What?!" She was shocked and a little infuriated at the quiet laughing coming from her soon-to-be dead mate. ::You *knew*?::

::Yes, I did. Shocked me too.::

::You didn't tell me,:: she said accusingly.

::No. I didn't.::

::Infuriating Saiyajin.::

::Thank you.::

"Am I your mother?"

::Of course you are, idiot.::

::Shut up, Jiita. I wanted to make sure.::

::You are the only person I can mate with.::

"Yes, you are my mother."

"Then what's wrong, Trunks?"

"I should have been born a couple months ago, Mama. What happened in this time to change that? I'm scared I might have endangered my existence."

"A couple months ago?" ::Jiita?::

::What?::

::You know about this? Know why possibly?::

::No clue, Onna. He said that it happened one night, a year ago, in your workshop and bang he was conceived.::

::OOOH!:: "Trunks? I think I might know why it didn't happen then."

"Really?" He looked up at her eagerly.

::You do?::

"Yes. I think that maybe because Vejiita left Earth about fourteen months before the androids arrival."

::I had forgotten about that.::

::Jiita?::

::Hn?::

::Are you even paying attention to the Cell discussion?::

::Of course I am, idiot.::

::Because you seem to be awfully attentive to what *I* am talking about...::

::Fine!:: Then he was gone.

Smiling, she put her hand on Trunks shoulder and looked up at her future son. "Trunks, I'm sure it will turn out fine. I was attacked and shortly afterwards Vejiita left the planet to train."

"You were attacked?" Trunks looked at his young mother confused. "Mom never mentioned being attacked."

"Well, it isn't something I exactly like to talk about. I'm sure things will turn out fine, Trunks. You just watch."

The young man still looked worried but not quite as devastated as before. "Thanks, Mama."

~~~

Buruma looked out of her window. She was a little disturbed that Trunks might not be born, even if she didn't let him know that. She was also a little worried about Vejiita. She hadn't seen or heard anything from him since that little conversation with Trunks she had. After he left her mind, he left. He left the Son-kun house and her mind. She could feel he was alive but nothing more. He was blocking her. Her pride wouldn't allow her to call out to him, not when he was being so... difficult. It was almost as if he was distancing himself.

She felt the tears start again. She was always crying these days it seemed. She was scared. Something happened and she didn't know what. All she knew was that Vejiita has left her. And it hurt so much. Careful to keep her thoughts hidden from him, she prayed. To Kami to give her strength. And to bring him back to her. She turned and collapsed on her bed, reaching out to cradle a pillow in her arms. And she wept.

~~~

AN: Here's chapter five! *Giggles* I just LOVE to make Vejiita jealous! It's fun!

Lovies!