Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Raditz was set up in a dark car with heavily tinted windows across the street from Frieza's mansion. The place had a gothic theme for the outer gates which gave the fortress a strange sense of foreboding. The second had no idea what Vegeta was worried about, but he followed his orders anyway. The protectiveness Vegeta felt towards Trunks and those around him made sense after all his friend suffered. Vegeta loved his son. It was why Raditz tried to warn Zorn who Trunks was. It probably would have backfired had it not been for Frieza's kid. Raditz pondered the irony of that. Two rival families, yet the next generation both wanted peace. They wanted to take down the worst of the two families.

When Raditz took the job as Vegeta's second-in-command, it was out of loyalty to his friend. Vegeta had no one at the time. He sent Bulma away for her protection and Vegeta would have never dragged Kakarot into the fray. The whole reason Raditz was even involved was because of his and Kakarot's late father. Bardock, Nappa, and Vegeta Sr. were high school buddies. Vegeta Sr. went down a dark path. Fearful for their friend, Nappa and Bardock did everything in their power to pull him back. Raditz, seeing what that life did to his father and to his friend, willingly involved himself to keep Vegeta from meeting the same fate as their fathers. Nappa and Raditz were the only two truly on Vegeta's side.

Raditz took a large sip of coffee and continued his nighttime vigil. Hope everything goes well, kid, he prayed. Be careful.

Goten sat across from Vegeta and let the silence sit between them. The youth just expressed to Vegeta why he was there, and he had to admit he was a little nervous, especially since Vegeta had yet to react. "Well?" he questioned hesitantly.

"I think I need to hear it again," Vegeta stated firmly. "Are you absolutely certain?"

"Yeah," Goten breathed out sadly. "I…I want out."

At that, Vegeta relaxed and looked like five years had been restored to his lifespan. "Thank God." His reply shocked Goten, and the boy looked at his boss as if he had several heads. "Don't get me wrong, you did fine," Vegeta assured him, "but Raditz and I never wanted you in the business to begin with. You wanted that. I hoped your near-death experience would scare you straight. Just know, you're still welcome to work here at the gym."

Goten's taut shoulders loosened, and he leaned forward on his legs and laughed. "I don't know what I was expecting in telling you. I know how the movies portray it, but I knew you wouldn't be like that. Still, I didn't think I could just walk."

"You're not a big name," Vegeta reminded him, "and I never gave you anything more than grunt work. If you disappeared for all eternity, no one would come looking for a random kid. You're free and clear, no negative repercussions."

"Thanks, Vegeta." Goten then looked away guiltily. "So…I guess you're going to tell my dad, huh?"

Vegeta's sober gaze fell on the youth. "Not necessarily, if you can promise me you won't go running to some other family like you threatened back when I tried to turn you away."

Goten sighed. "Guess I deserve that one." His coal eyes returned to Vegeta's. He needed to face everything. "It's just…I was mad. I wanted to be involved, and you and Uncle Raditz wouldn't let me. I knew what the mafia was, but I guess it never really hit me—what I was doing—until my life was on the line."

"If we're being honest," Vegeta cut in, "I hoped you'd come to your senses before something like that happened, but at least you're safe, and I no longer need to lie to your father to cover for you."

Goten paled, his expression a mixture of remorse and bashfulness. He hunched over in the chair. "I'm really sorry about all that. I know it wasn't fair to you or Uncle Raditz."

"What's done is done," Vegeta declared. "Now, moving forward, all we'll be discussing is promotions, new clients, and workout products and routines, capiche?"

A snicker escaped Goten. "Yeah, yeah, okay."

All of a sudden, Vegeta's mirth left him. Goten turned his head and followed Vegeta's gaze to the clock on the wall. The young man faced his father's friend again, his eyes filled with concern. "Everything okay?"

"Hope so," Vegeta muttered before he caught himself and cleared his throat. "You should get home, kid. And I mean home home, not that cruddy apartment you call a home. Your parents have been worried about you."

Goten nodded in acknowledgement. He was certain if Vegeta said it, it was true. He didn't mean to worry his parents. "I owe them an apology for going AWOL for more than a month. I just…needed time."

"That's what I told your father a month ago. Now, seriously kid, go home, and stay there for a couple of days." Goten was about to protest when Vegeta added, "The work week is more than halfway over. Come in on Monday read to work. I'll have stuff for you to do then."

Goten closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hands rested palm down on his legs as he centered himself. "Fine, fine. Monday," he relented. "Happy now?"

"Yes."

The youth stood up to leave. Once he was gone, Vegeta let his worry shine through. As relieved as Vegeta was that Goten wanted out of the mafia world, it just reminded him that his son was in it right now. Vegeta looked to the clock. It was 9:10 already, and Vegeta had yet to hear anything regarding Trunks and his meeting with Frieza. Part of him wanted to believe that no news was good news, but the concerned father felt a heavy pit form in his gut. It was just like the night his father took Bulma captive. Unfortunately for Vegeta, his instincts were usually correct.

The grudging mafia runner pulled out his Colt M1911 pistol and loaded it with the intention of going to Frieza's. Vegeta knew this was reckless, and he already had Raditz on standby, but deep down he knew something was wrong. This battle was unwanted by so many, himself included. It was going to end tonight, one way or another. Vegeta would not let his son pay the price of this war, no matter what.

Trunks made sure the wire was set and hidden by his shirt. In fact, he wore a couple of layers of clothing to make sure there would be no suspicion. He put on his white t-shirt, and then a button up shirt. Then, he put on his denim jacket. He looked completely casual, yet formal enough for a meeting with Frieza. The officer took in his appearance, and once satisfied moved to leave his room.

With a confident stride, Trunks moved through the halls and reached Frieza's study. He took a deep yet quiet, centering breath to make sure he appeared cool and calm. He then knocked on the door, ready to start this meeting. If all went well, this would be it. They would have him.

"Come in," Trunks heard from the inside. He took the invitation and turned the knob.

Inside, Frieza sat at his desk. He was reading some papers. Trunks didn't wait to be asked to enter deeper into the kingpin's lair. He crossed the room and took a seat across from Frieza's desk. Frieza finally put the papers down and looked at Trunks with his usual glint of humor.

"Good evening, Trunks. I trust you are well."

"Yes, Mr. Cold," Trunks replied dutifully. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, yes, your assignment," Frieza pondered. "All good things come to those who wait, however. Besides, there are some other things we must discuss."

Mai waited with bated breath as she tried to understand what might be happening. Frieza seemed very, very off. Normally, the man seemed incredibly matter of fact, straight to the point, even from what Trunks reported. Everything he said had a purpose, whether it was to mislead or give a firm order. Trunks and the those of the precinct involved with the case expected that the undercover officer to get straight orders. With how his assignments went lately, Trunks was highly likely to have gotten back on Frieza's good side.

So, why was Frieza playing a game?

"Like what?" Trunks asked. "Is there a problem with my performance?"

A laugh escaped their target. "Oh no, nothing like that." There was a shuffling of a paper over the speaker. "Have you read about the diner on fourth? I've never been to the place myself, but it seems the employment staff has been cutting their employees wages and keeping them in poor working conditions. Have you seen this article?"

Mai's brow furrowed. What? What does that have to do with a meeting?

"Um, no, Mr. Cold," Trunks replied, his voice a little uncertain. The paper crackling grew louder, so Mai assumed Frieza must have given Trunks the paper to read.

What's going on?

Back with Trunks, he did take the paper as Frieza said, "Here, see for yourself."

Trunks's eyes roved over the contents. When he saw the name of the author, the officer paled. He swallowed thickly, thankful for the paper as a cover. He kept his expression as stoic as possible, steeled himself, before he put the paper down.

"Tights Brief," he said out loud so that his coworkers at the station could hear him and get a better sense of what just occurred. It didn't take a rocket scientist for figure out that Frieza had inklings as to who Trunks was. The officer knew what Frieza wanted him to see. He handed the paper back to his 'boss' and sternly said, "That's terrible. Seems that reporter really knows her stuff."

Frieza simpered and took the paper back. "Yes, undercover operations are so risky, you know," the criminal remarked conversationally. "They never end well, but it seems like this Brief person knew what she was doing. A pity that trait didn't pass to her nephew."

As Frieza's name indicated, Trunks felt his blood turn to ice then. Now, it was all out in the open, or at least the part of him being an undercover cop. Deep down, though, Trunks suspected that Frieza most likely determined his entire identity. At this point, Trunks knew he just needed to keep Frieza talking as everyone in the precinct were most likely reeling and scrambling from the revelation that their officer's cover was blown.

"How did you figure it out?" Trunks asked, genuinely curious. He'd done so well to keep his cover intact.

"A happy accident," Frieza conveyed. "It seems a certain father had a meeting with his 'unknown' younger brother, and a concerned aunt ran to a friend of hers for help to try and protect this undercover agent. An operative of mine overheard, and the message was passed along to me earlier today. What do you have to say, Trunks from nowhere?" Frieza snickered again. "Oh, I'm sorry. Officer Trunks Brief-Ouji."

Shit…Trunks thought, completely unsure of what to do in this situation. His cover had only been blown one other time, and that situation was bad enough without Trunks being the son of a long-time rival and enemy. Trunks had no idea if he should speak, if it would trigger Frieza to act and gun him down. Clearly, Frieza didn't suspect the wire, or else he wouldn't have revealed so much.

All of a sudden, Trunks heard a voice. Even though the slightly ajar door blocked Trunks's view, Trunks knew Kuriza was about to enter the room. Trunks felt his jaw go slack, and he wanted so much to warn his friend and stop him from entering. His voice failed him. His gaze met Frieza's cruel, pleasure-filled eyes.

Kuriza entered. "You wanted to see me, Fa—Trunks? What are you doing here?"

Trunks looked to his friend with a silent apology. He opened his mouth to say something—anything—but Frieza cut in before he could say anything. "Officer Brief and I were just discussing his current case."

Kuriza looked completely shocked and horrified as his eyes shifted to his friend. Trunks looked like he'd turned a few shades of green when Frieza brought his son in. This meant it wasn't just Trunks's cover that was blown. Frieza knew everything. Both Trunks and Kuriza were in danger.

"You wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you, son?"

"I…I…" Kuriza tried to speak, but that was the only word that could come out.

"You what?" the angry father snapped.

Trunks turned to Frieza and a bit too hurriedly said, "Cold, Kuriza had nothing to do with any of this."

"Oh, really?" Frieza looked to Kuriza. "Is that true? Did you not once say that you wanted to become an officer one day? Were you not planning on dismantling my organization since your 'elementary school days'?"

"Stop," Trunks growled out through gritted teeth. "I'm serious. I took this job. This is on me and no one else."

"Now, why don't I believe you?" Frieza countered.

As if from nowhere, a gun practically materialized in Frieza's hand, and he casually fired a shot at his son. Trunks sprang into action and jumped from the chair into the air to block Kuriza from the bullet. The bullet struck Trunks in his left pectoral and the force sent his body careening by Kuriza.

"Trunks!" Kuriza shrieked in horror. He got down on the ground to try to help his friend. Trunks gripped his chest, and blood poured from the bullet hole. Trunks tried to say something, but Kuriza couldn't understand him. Kuriza removed his own jacket and pressed it against Trunks's wound to try to slow the bleeding.

"Hm, how disappointing," Frieza griped. "I was hoping to kill the traitor and then use the officer as a bargaining chip with Ouji. I guess now I'll just have to give Vegeta the bad news."

"You shot an officer," Kuriza snarled. "My friend! How could you be so heartless?"

"I was aiming for you," Frieza unsympathetically stated. "Let this be a lesson to you, boy. Don't ever cross me. You seem to be a lucky one as of late. Without you police friend, you're nothing. Now, get out of my sight."

Kuriza looked around the room like a caged animal hoping to find something that could help both him and Trunks. He sees the light reflect off something, and then he finally realized what Trunks tried to say to him moments ago.

"Gun."

Trunks brought his weapon with him, and it was hidden inside his jacket pocket. Even better, at this close range, Kuriza could see the outline of a wire through Trunks's clothes. Not all hope was lost. Kuriza pulled the gun and took off the safety. He held the gun on his father, only mildly shaky in his stance.

"Put the weapon down," Kuriza ordered. Frieza made no move, and Kuriza's grip on the weapon tightened and grew firmer. "Now!"

Frieza rolled his eyes but finally complied. After all, he didn't have to worry about Kuriza long, not with Zarbon on standby.

"You're going to let us go," Kuriza murmured as calmly as possible. "I have to take Trunks to the hospital, and you're going to let. us. go."

Frieza chuckled sardonically. "What is this? Your Star Wars programs you were always obsessed with? You're no magician. You can't convince me to let you leave, at least not outside of a body bag."

"You don't scare me," Kuriza said with honesty. For the first time in his life, he wasn't afraid. Not when his best friend could die. No, Kuriza wasn't afraid of his father. He hated him.

Slowly, Kuriza leaned down, although his gun remained focused on Frieza. "Hey, Trunks, can you move?"

Trunks breathed raggedly, but he choked out, "A…a little."

"Okay, push yourself up a bit and grab on. I'm getting you out of here."

"N-no," Trunks protested. "Kuriza, go. You…you have to get o-out of here. One of us…has to. Please, please go."

"I'm not leaving you behind."

"Please…don't be like…like my…"

"Trunks, quiet. Use your energy to hold onto me. We either both leave or both stay."

"Kur…iza. I'm not gonna ma—"

"Don't talk like that!" Kuriza snapped. "You're all I have."

"Well, isn't this sweet," a new voice jeered. The sound of a gun's safety clicked, and Kuriza flinched. It was like the gun focused on him had eyes and Kuriza could feel its cruel gaze on him.

"Put the gun down, Kuriza," Zarbon ordered, "and do what Officer Ouji says. He's not leaving here alive."

Trunks chuckled ironically. "Should have…known it…was you," the officer rasped between breaths as he felt his body weakening and his eyes growing heavy. "Your…obsession…is flattering…but… Don't. Swing. That. Way."

Zarbon growled and fired a shot next to Trunks's head to frighten him. The shock did startle Trunks, and he cried out in agony as his body flinched in response to the warning shot. Likewise, Kuriza wasn't expecting the action and nearly stumbled forward. Zarbon took advantage of his stupor and kicked him down so that Kuriza was in no position to fire a gun.

"A jokester 'til the very end. I'll be sure to tell your father when I deliver you to him in pieces."

"Dark," Trunks mocked in deliria. Kuriza managed to catch his friend's eyes, his own amber eyes warning Trunks to stay quiet. At this point, Trunks was rambling. "Got under his skin, huh? Kind of funny when you think. Under skin under cover…"

"Trunks," Kuriza practically sobbed. "Hold on, keep talking."

"Neither of you will be talking in a second." Zarbon cocked the gun and aimed it at Trunks. Kuriza looked at his father's second as tears poured down his face. Trunks forced his eyes to see past his own body and looked Zarbon directly in the eye. The officer was fading fast and resigned himself to his fate. His mind filled with only apologies to Kuriza, his mother and uncle, and Mai, and also his father whom he barely got a chance to know.

You're a great man, Dad. Hopefully you can succeed where I failed.

A gun fired, and a bullet hit its target. Four shocked expressions and Frieza's enraged cry was the response.

"No!"

Trunks was pulled up by a strong arm and Kuriza quickly scrambled. The officer felt like he was tossed to another pair of arms.

"Get him out of here, now! Car, outside."

"R-right!" Kuriza hurriedly replied in the chaos. He carefully positioned Trunks so he could get his friend out of the line of fire.

Awkwardly, Kuriza began to descend the stairs while Trunks bled out. The officer twitched and attempted to open his bleary eyes. "Kuri…what…what hap…?"

"Sh, sh Trunks. It's okay. You're going to be okay, just hang on."

In Frieza's study, Vegeta stood holding a gun on Frieza. His eyes were aflame with hate and rage, and even Zarbon's dead body couldn't satisfy him.

"How dare you?!" Frieza hissed, his voice as demonic as Vegeta remembered it. "My house? You dare to come into my home!"

"You dare to shoot my son?!" Vegeta fired back. "Niceties flew out the window the second you laid a hand on him."

Frieza glared at his opponent. "So, this is your doing? You send the law to do your dirty work?"

"I had no fucking clue," Vegeta spat. "I just knew he was an officer. Never met him. Never knew him until after he was already on this case. If I'd known, I'd have fucking ended you before he ever got the chance to say your name."

The irony of the situation amused Frieza. He threw his head back and laughed. "Well, Ouji. End this, then. Fire. See if your son can protect you, if he lives that is."

"No," Vegeta replied. "Death is too good for you. For all your crimes, you're going to rot."

"There's no evidence. Just everyone's words against mine. For all I know, a crazed employee who lived here broke into my study and tried to attack me. There was no other way."

Vegeta smirked. "We'll see," he challenged. "You're going to stay right here, Frieza. I have a man outside just waiting to end your miserable like if you decide to set foot out of this place." It was a bluff, but Vegeta knew the officers from Trunks's precinct would arrive within minutes. "I'm leaving. You and I…we will never meet again, you bastard."

"Oh, but you're wrong, Vegeta. I'll see you in Hell."

Vegeta glared at Frieza as he backed out the door with the gun still on his sadistic opponent. Once outside the study, Vegeta closed the door and tied a long wire around the knob. He attached it to the coat rack outside the door. Satisfied that Frieza was trapped, Vegeta quickly raced down the stairs and fled the mansion. He signaled to Nappa who gave him and A-OK signal. Vegeta looked across the street and was relieved to see that Raditz's car was gone.

His next destination—the hospital. Nothing was more important that getting to his son, not even his vengeance.

A/N: Well that was probably the most chaotic chapter I ever wrote. Now, we just have to make sure our favorite officer is okay. Stay tuned for the aftermath!

Yulina: Muchas Gracias Por Leer. Sé lo difícil que es leer una historia en otro idioma. De hecho, estoy usando el traductor de Google para responder a tu reseña. Espero que este nuevo capítulo haya sido suficiente acción para ti. ¡Con suerte, también estáis al día! Espero que sigas disfrutando de la historia y espero volver a tener noticias tuyas en capítulos futuros.