Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Hello, all! I went a couple weeks without posting anything, and now I'm about to return to work this week. I'm both excited and reluctant to return to some normalcy, but it will definitely still be abnormal as not everyone is returning to work and so many measures will be taken to keep everyone safe and healthy. In any case, updates will become slower again, but I'll do my best. My heart goes out to all those out there experiencing the turmoil and hardships of the world. I hope that this chapter will serve as a much-needed distraction. Be well, everyone.

Bulma listened to Vegeta and met Tarble in a suburban home that Vegeta set up for them. Vegeta thought of everything the two might need and even stocked it with food. Bulma's clothes and important items were all there, something that surprised her. Vegeta made sure she was settled before she ever arrived. That at least gave her time to prepare for her interview at the magazine, a chance she took. She knocked them dead, just as Vegeta predicted.

The two communicated through letters during the course of Bulma's pregnancy, and both were thankful it had been fairly easy on Bulma. Vegeta did not communicate with Bulma the happenings in the city. He focused on learning more about her job and how she liked the suburb. The last thing he wanted was to make her fear for his life with the growing war with the Cold family.

When Bulma had the baby, she named the child, hers and Vegeta's son, after her grandfather, Trunks. Trunks looked so much like a blend between her and Vegeta, although he seemed to have her father's lavender hair and her blue eyes. He was a gorgeous baby, and Bulma was happy to inform Vegeta that he was born without complication. Vegeta was over the moon to hear of his son. Bulma asked him if he wanted a picture of the boy, but Vegeta denied it. In case someone ever snooped around, he didn't want them to see the child. It was best if no one other than those who already knew found out. Vegeta needed his son to be safe and free instead of trapped in a life he hated.

Trunks grew up to be a very kind-hearted and brave boy who liked to befriend everyone. Bulma decided to enroll him in a private school. She normally wasn't one for those types of schools, but she knew that they lived near a really decent district. The curriculum was fantastic, and Bulma believed it would be in Trunks's best interest. Trunks really liked his school. His teacher was always nice to him, and he was friends with all of his classmates. Well, almost all of them.

There was one boy, Kuriza Cold, who always sat off to the side alone; no one ever tried to play with him.

Trunks frowned when he saw the boy look around at their classmates at recess. They all seemed to ignore Kuriza's presence, and the auburn-haired boy looked rather sad. Trunks grinned with determination. He made the decision that he was going to befriend the other boy.

Kuriza jumped when he saw Trunks come towards him. The lavender-haired boy waved at him with a friendly smile plastered on his face. Kuriza was wary. Why was Trunks coming to him? There was no way that he actually wanted to talk to him, right?

"Hi, Kuriza," Trunks greeted. Trunks's acknowledgment made his classmate's heart race. "Why aren't you playing with anyone?"

"What?" Kuriza dumbly replied, not certain what to say. He swallowed nervously and said, "You do know who I am, right?"

Trunks's brow quirked. "You're Kuriza," he said plainly. "So?"

"I'm a Cold," Kuriza informed the boy. "I may not see my father often, but I'm Frieza Cold's son. You know, the alleged mobster?"

Again, Trunks was surprised, but then his lips curved into a smile once again. "Hey, me too."

"What?" Kuriza hissed in exasperation.

The other boy laughed and waved him off as he shook his head. "No, not that I'm a Cold. My mom told me my father is a crime boss too. Well…tell is a loose term. I heard her talking to my uncle about it, but they didn't say who, and I've never been told. Mom said it was because my dad is trying to keep us safe."

"It's probably better you don't know," Kuriza said sadly. He looked down at the ground. "I don't want to find out that you're an enemy. My father visits often and says he wants to start training me in the business."

"Why?" Trunks asked, brow furrowed. "Shouldn't he want to keep you out of it? I've seen mob movies on T.V. on those late-night dramas. It's not the best job."

Kuriza released a hopeless, sardonic laugh. "My father doesn't care about that. He cares about power and money. But I…I don't want to be a part of it. I honestly want to be like one of those detectives so I can bring down my father when I older. I tried to convince my father to let me follow my own path, but when he heard I wanted to be an officer, he said he didn't trust me and wouldn't support that decision. He can see I don't have the stomach for his business."

"Hm," Trunks murmured. He crossed his arms over his chest and drew his hand to his chin. An idea struck him, and Trunks, once again, felt jubilant. "I know! I'll do it for you."

Kuriza paled. "Wh-what?"

"I'll become a police officer," Trunks explained. "Then, I can help you stop your father and you won't be forced into it anymore."

"Trunks, what in the world are you talking about?" Kuriza hissed in a whisper. "If you did that, you'd be as good as dead. My father would destroy you."

Trunks answered with a cocky shrug. "I just won't get caught," he replied with confidence. "Anyway, Kuriza, I don't want you to be forced to do something you don't want to do like I heard my dad was. I promise you, one day I'll take down your father and you will be free."

For the first time in his life, Kuriza had been filled with hope.

The day that promise was made marked the start of a wonderful friendship between Kuriza and Trunks. There would be times where Trunks would invite Kuriza to meet him out, the two having a 'secret' friendship. People at school thought Trunks strange to be hanging out with the kid of a mob boss, but they were still kind to Trunks. By extension, they grew to be nicer to Kuriza too, even as they grew up.

Trunks was one of the kids that got himself involved in everything. He enjoyed sports and debate, and he even liked acting in the school theater. It helped him solidify his resolve for the future. He was an excellent actor. As he aged, he read more books, fiction and nonfiction, about the mob and murder mysteries. His mother was concerned by his reading choices, but all Trunks would say is that he found it all interesting. It was then that he admitted to his mother that he wanted to become an officer of the law.

Bulma was supportive and proud, but she was also insanely overwhelmed. As much as she believed in her son, he had a careless streak like his father, and she knew he would be the one to run into the line of fire to protect others. She also knew he had an overdeveloped sense of right and wrong. The chance that Trunks would ever unknowingly go up against his own father filled Bulma with so much stress.

After Trunks made his admittance to his mother, Bulma wrote Vegeta. She told him everything, including her fears that father and son would meet in such horrible way. She had seen enough dramas on television to know what could happen. Vegeta told her to let Trunks follow his dream. Honestly, he was proud of his son. Yes, the boy was young. It was possible he'd change his mind as he got older and he lost his fearlessness due to experience. Even though Trunks could one day have a run in with the Ouji family, Vegeta wanted Trunks to follow his dreams. He assured Bulma that no one in the organization would ever hurt Trunks, that he would make sure of it. When Bulma tried to point out his faulty logic, namely that no one in the organization knew he had a son and Vegeta had never even seen the boy, Vegeta promised her that he would know. He already had a picture in his head based on Bulma's descriptions. No, he would never let his son fall victim to the blasted business. He'd rather burn it all to the ground himself.

Trunks graduated top of his class with Kuriza following behind him. The two became close through all their years of schooling together. Kuriza was thankful that Trunks wanted to befriend him all those years ago. Honestly, his friendship saved him from a lonely life. His father tried to instruct him over the years in ways that left Kuriza with a heavy heart. After some time, his mother left the boy on his own, and his father had sent a ward over to watch Kuriza and get him through his schooling. For college, he would attend a university in the city with his father hovering over him. Trunks, thankfully, would be far away at the police academy. Luckily for them both, Kuriza's father and those in his organization never crossed paths with Trunks. Trunks kept to his promise, and on the day of graduation Trunks confided his acceptance into the academy to train to be an undercover cop. The kind smile Trunks flashed his way before he left was something Kuriza would never forget.

The unspoken plan became this. Kuriza would move to the city and allow his father to train him. As much as he hated it, he would follow his father's every command. Hopefully, Frieza would then trust his son when it came to making decisions. Trunks would train in that time and contact Kuriza when he was in the position to start an investigation. Once a precinct hired him, Trunks would take all the necessary precautions before launching an operation where he would infiltrate the Cold family and remain alongside Kuriza. He would gather all the evidence he could against Frieza and bring the man down. That was how the Cold family would end, from within.

Trunks waited a little while before he applied to the academy to spend some time with his mother and uncle. He knew his mother was nervous about his future plans, though of course he never told her the full extent. He wanted to give her some peace of mind. Getting her used to the idea of him being an undercover officer was a challenge; the woman always worried about her baby boy getting hurt. Of course, it didn't stop Trunks, especially not after he met her.

One day, he was out with some friends from high school when they visited during fall break, and one of them brought a friend with her to visit. A raven-haired woman with piercing dark eyes stole Trunks's breath away the moment he saw her. Mai was her name, and she, like him, was aspiring to be an officer of the law. The two hit it off instantly, not only sharing a similar career goal but also having a lot in common. Mai gave Trunks her number, and the two texted back and forth for a few months before Trunks finally decided to ask Mai out.

The next time Mai visited, she and Trunks were inseparable. The two would go out to eat, see some movies, and watch the stars in the park. Trunks fell head over heels in love with the spitfire woman. During their whirlwind romance, Trunks confided in Mai the complexities of his life, the secrets he wasn't supposed to know, his friendship with Kuriza Cold, and the promise he made all those years ago. Instead of being turned away by the danger and uncertainty, it only enticed and excited Mai more. She made her own promise to stand by Trunks's side and help him bring down the Cold Empire.

On their one-year anniversary, they applied to the academy together and were both accepted. It was only the beginning, the first step towards the biggest takedown in history.

Today was the day, and Trunks was insanely eager. He left the precinct early after saying 'goodbye' to Mai. The heated kiss they shared before he left caused the others in the office to egg them on, but no one could blame the lovers. Trunks was going on assignment. It would be a long time before he and Mai would be able to see each other again.

Trunks was thankful to his boss and coworkers. Over the years, they trained him well for this mission. It, of course, wasn't Trunks's first undercover rodeo, and he'd never been caught once by the perpetrators. They all were in prison thanks to Trunks, but none were the wiser. They just thought Trunks to be some poor kid from the boonies with nothing but his first name and the shirt on his back. They'd all be appalled if they ever learned he was related to one of the wealthiest families in the world, not that he ever knew of or met his mother's father or sister.

With a bag thrown over his shoulder, Trunks started to walk to his destination. It was time to put his plan into motion. On this day, Trunks was going to meet none other than Frieza Cold face to face. He would infiltrate his organization. First, he had to play the part. As much as Trunks wanted to, he couldn't just walk up to Cold's mansion. No, he had to play this wisely and take his time. His patience would be rewarded.

Trunks found himself waiting on the docks, a scowl on his face. Then, he heard someone approach, and he couldn't help but listen in through a com he was wearing. He smirked when he heard the familiar voice of a friend.

"He should be waiting for us at the edge of the dock," Kuriza stated. The sound of a gun being cocked could be heard. "M-Mr. Zarbon, what are you doing?"

"Kid, you're far too trusting for this business," another voice spoke. That had to be the guy, Zarbon, Kuriza's father's right-hand man. Trunks quickly committed that sickening voice to memory. "Just because some guy expressed interest in your father's line of work doesn't mean he doesn't have an agenda. He could be a cop or someone from a rival gang. He may even try to kill you just to take a jab at your father."

"But he seemed fine," Kuriza added with a huff. "You and father are going to have to learn to trust my judgement someday."

"That won't be any time soon, brat," Zarbon hissed. "The only reason any of us put up with you is because you are Frieza's only living heir. If you weren't, I'd have already put a bullet in you."

Trunks grimaced again; his heart ached for his friend. This was what Kuriza had endured all the years he was preparing to take that bastard, Cold, down? Trunks didn't like it, but he supposed it was better than everyone trying to take a shot at his friend, too terrified of Frieza's power and influence.

"Thanks," Kuriza sarcastically said. Trunks was relieved that his friend didn't let the creep get away completely with talking to him like that. "I feel so loved."

"Fuck off, Kuriza," Zarbon breathed out. "Okay, freeze. There he is."

In keeping with the plan, Trunks remained still while looking out to the water with an angry look on his face, his hand on his unmarked gun. He drew it when he heard footsteps behind him. He snickered and stated, "You didn't tell me you were bringing company."

Trunks quickly turned and held his gun up against Zarbon. Kuriza looked taken aback, but then he narrowed his eyes at his cocky friend. "Sorry, but I wanted to have some insurance that I'd be safe." Zarbon gave Kuriza incredulous scrutiny over his claim. "This is Zarbon, my father's top business associate."

At the introduction, Trunks pulled his gun back and held up his hands before he returned it to his holster. Then, he held out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, sir," Trunks murmured. His voice held a bit of arrogance. "I'm eager to get started."

"Are you now?" Zarbon asked, eyes narrowed. He took note of the scrawny satchel the boy held. "Not from around here, are you? What do you know of Mr. Cold's business?"

"In all honesty?" Trunks challenged, brow quirked. Zarbon saw Kuriza nod to the other youth. "To tell you the truth, your boss's name is everywhere, and so are the rumors of his type of…interests. I'm going to be quite frank, so forgive me for blurting it out, but I know the man is in the mob. Your business is death."

"And that doesn't bother you?" Zarbon interrogated. "You'll have to forgive me if I don't believe you. I'd like to search you, all parts of you, to make sure you're not hiding a badge or a wire."

"Whoa, dude, I don't roll that way," Trunks joked with a tinge of horror to his voice. He outright laughed when he saw Zarbon's brow twitch, and Kuriza joined in his mirth. "But seriously, if you want to check me out, I have no qualms about it."

"That's a big word for someone living off the streets," Zarbon scoffed. Trunks froze as he started to take off his shirt. His eyes grew distant and angered. "Isn't that what you told Kuriza?"

"Yeah," Trunks responded, his voice distant while he was mentally commended himself for the performance ahead. "I'm an educated kid, but after high school, I don't know. My dad was a no show, and my mom and I never really saw anything eye to eye. I ran away shortly after I graduated. I wanted to see where life would take me. I ended up here in the city a week ago, and I think this is the place I need to be."

Zarbon saw that Trunks had no wires or rival tattoos, and he barely had much besides clothes and a toothbrush in his pack. Trunks pulled up the legs of his pants, but Zarbon still held him firm with a glare. Trunks awkwardly laughed again. "Look, dude, you're just going to have to take my word. I'm not dropping trou just so you can sneak a peek. Need I remind you I don't run that way?"

Frieza's henchman growled, not amused by the jokes. Still, this kid's story seemed to check out. "One question," Zarbon's demanding voice declared. "Why the Cold family? You don't peg me for a murderer."

"I'm a decent shot," Trunks admitted. "I've never taken someone's life before, but the thought doesn't bother me as it would most. I'm just looking for work and to set up roots far away from my mother. I want nothing to do with that woman." Trunks glared at the ground, his eyes filled with fire. "I don't want to go back."

That actually caused Zarbon to chuckle, and both Trunks and Kuriza were surprised by the change in his demeanor. "You do realize that once you sign up with us, you won't be getting out of it until death, right?"

"I know," Trunks stated firmly. "I'm just asking you to take a chance with me. Whatever it is, I'll get the job done."

Zarbon's eyes twinkled with amusement. So, the boy was committing himself to a loyalty test, was he? Well, Zarbon did have something for Trunks to do if he wanted to prove himself to Frieza. "If you're that eager to get involved," the man started smoothly, "then I do have a job for you. You see, there's an officer who is getting a little too close for comfort." Trunks knew who Zarbon was talking about. The officer in question was one of his coworkers who was gathering evidence against Cold. It was nothing that would stick, but he was sticking his nose into places where it didn't belong. It was all part of the plan. Trunks knew Zarbon would give him the man as a target since he publicly declared he'd be taking his 'evidence' to the DA the following morning. "We received an address for him. Actually, I have it right here."

The man took a piece of paper from the inside of his suit jacket pocket and handed it to Trunks. The youth gaped at the paper and appeared stunned. Zarbon smirked. "Having second thoughts, kid?"

"No," Trunks firmly said as he took the paper from his hand. He looked at the address in his hand. Sure enough, the mark was the predicted officer. "Tonight?"

"Tonight," Zarbon ordered. He then looked to Kuriza. "And since you want to recruit this newbie so badly, you're responsible for him. If he fucks up, it's on you, capiche?"

"Capiche," Kuriza returned, and then Zarbon left them with one last order.

"You're both responsible for the cleanup, too."

Trunks glared at Zarbon's retreating form. The man never looked back at them. When he was finally gone, Trunks smirked at Kuriza. "And yet he says you're the one who's too trusting." Kuriza smiled at Trunks, happy to have his friend onboard. He wasn't even nervous anymore. Trunks was in.

That night, Trunks and Kuriza staked out Trunks's coworker's apartment. The undercover officer kept looking at his watch, something Kuriza gave him to keep time. "So," his friend spoke, "what's the plan?"

"The plan?" Trunks shot back. "The plan is to fulfill the conditions of the job and then clean up the body."

"Trunks…" Kuriza gasped out, shocked. "H-how are you? He's from your precinct."

"I know that," Trunks replied. "Trust me, Kuriza. You've done good so this far. Pilaf will be fine. It's all part of the plan. He's wearing a vest. He'll go into hiding just until this is over. Once Frieza's caught, he'll come back again."

"Won't his family miss him?" Kuriza questioned. His stomach churned at the thought.

Trunks shook his head. "He has no family. That's why he volunteered for this. He's got a dog named Shu who Mai will take care of."

"Mai?" Kuriza repeated. "Your girlfriend?" Trunks smiled and nodded, and Kuriza's expression matched his until Officer Pilaf came out of his apartment. He looked around suspiciously before he met eyes with Trunks. Pilaf seemingly looked passed Trunks, but his gaze became firm as Trunks nodded. There was no one else around. Trunks readied his gun and fired a second later using a silencer. Pilaf dropped down to the ground.

"Shit, Trunks," Kuriza spoke. He quickly ran across the road to take the man's pulse knowing full well he was alive. "He's dead," he declared. "Now, we've gotta handle the body."

"Alright," Trunks said as he hauled the body of his coworker on his back. Kuriza stared at him with wide eyes. "Just tell me where we need to toss it and I'll do it."

So, Kuriza led Trunks to the harbor, one where Pilaf would 'remain' until the cops found him. They went down a few different alleyways in case Zarbon was following. Kuriza had no doubt that the man was watching from somewhere in the distance to make sure Trunks fulfilled his orders. "Pilaf, I hope you're ready," Trunks whispered quietly. "It's going to be fucking frigid."

"Just throw," Pilaf ordered in Trunks's ear. "I'll swim myself to safety. You're one hell of an actor, I'll give you that. Both of you. Thanks, Kuriza."

"Don't thank me yet," Kuriza hesitated. "Just get the heck out of here."

Trunks gave one last warning, a soft yell, before he tossed his coworker's body in the cold water below.

Once the job was done, Trunks turned and faced Kuriza. He wiped his hands clean and said, "Alright, Kuriza. Take me to your leader."

Trunks could hardly believe the welcome he received when Kuriza brought him to his father's mansion. The place was massive, definitely befitting of a kingpin. Frieza waited alongside Zarbon. Both men looked somewhat pleased. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Trunks," Frieza greeted, his voice so nauseatingly saccharine that it grated on Trunks's eardrums. "Is there a last name?"

"No," Trunks bit out. Frieza's eyes narrowed into slits. "Sorry," Trunks replied. "I just don't want to affiliate myself with my past or family. I consider myself someone who doesn't come from anywhere."

"Hm," Frieza pondered before he laughed in amusement. "Well, Trunks from nowhere, I must say that I am pleased with the results of this evening."

Trunks looked over to Zarbon who admitted, "I saw everything. Color me impressed, kid. But don't get cocky. You're just a beginner. Just know that the job was nothing short of perfect. Keep firing like that and you'll go far. Fuck up, and you're done. Got it?"

"I think so," Trunks replied curtly, his fists clenched. "Um…thanks for hiring me, I guess."

"Oh, I'm going to do much more than that," Frieza stated. "I hear you're a drifter, boy. I much prefer my employees where I can keep an eye on them. Kuriza will show you to one of the guest rooms."

"What?" Trunks asked, completely astonished. This wasn't part of the plan, not that it mattered. If anything, it gave Trunks a different kind of in. Frieza would watch Trunks closely, but Trunks would appear as if he had nothing to hide. "I…don't know what to say. Thank you, Mr. Cold."

Frieza smirked at the youth and then nodded to his son. "You can go, now."

Kuriza turned to Trunks and said, "Follow me. I'll show you where you'll be staying."

After they left the room, Frieza kept his gaze on the boys. "What do you think of him, Zarbon?"

"He's young and impulsive," Zarbon observed. "There's really no way to check out his story. Either way, he handled the first job well tonight. There is just something about that boy that I don't trust."

"Well," Frieza remarked, "I'll be keeping my eye on him. Keep your friends close, as they say."

Zarbon nodded in agreement, though he would definitely keep a close eye on their new 'friend'.

A/N: And there you have it, a glimpse through Trunks's life and the start of his dangerous mission. He's already proved himself to Frieza, at least for now. Will he be able to keep up the ruse while living with the enemy? Stay tuned to find out!

Thank you to all those who read, reviewed, followed, or favorited the story. It's all much appreciated. Time for review responses!

nancy103: No problem. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing ^_^ Glad you enjoyed it!

Efri14: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. The chapter will take as long as it takes. :) I'm updating at least one story every week, and it's whatever I prepare first. That being said, I'll do my best to update it. It's just all my stories take time to plan and write. I appreciate the enthusiasm :) You stay safe, too. ^_^

BV4ever: This is going to be a different take on their relationship. As you can see, the predominant storyline involves Trunks as an undercover cop. That doesn't mean there won't be any BxV at all, but it's not as heavy as most of my other stories. It's not that I don't want Vegeta to be happy, but the mob is NOT something anyone wants to be a part of, with constant threats. Bulma and Vegeta made their promises, and they're both stubborn as hell on this. And technically, she wasn't a part of the lifestyle, and as much as Vegeta wants to keep her close, he also doesn't want what happened to his mother to happen to her, which is why he let her go. It's not a life you can meet halfway in, only because it's all or nothing. Unfortunately…lol. I promise, it'll be worth it :)

daughterofrisingsun: Maaaaabye, maybe not ^_^' Can't give anything away. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Glad you liked the chapter. :)

AnotherFan101: Glad you're enjoying the story so far. Yes, there will be a lot of heartstring pulling in this fic ^_^' I'm just hoping everyone will be willing to bear with me. lol