Two & A Half Hours Later:
Roughly 8:35 PM:
Trunks returned with Momo, sleeping in his arms with tears stains on her cheeks.
"How is Momo? What was wrong?" Knickers asked as soon as Trunks walked in.
"Shh… Have you eaten yet?" Trunks asked, looking at Knickers.
"No." Knickers answered.
"What's going on?" Bulma asked, walking over with Vegeta.
"Take Momo; we'll talk later. I have to get food." Trunks told Knickers and his parents, handing Momo to Vegeta.
"Is Momo going to be ok?" Knickers asked, concerned.
"Of course, she'll be fine. She's your younger sister, your father's daughter, and our granddaughter; she has some of the best people to protect her." Vegeta declared.
"Vegeta—you're so…" "And she's part of my bloodline." Bulma started praising—until Vegeta opened his mouth again.
"Nope, there it is." Bulma mumbled.
"Mmmm…" "Where what is?" Trunks asked as Momo started waking up.
"Your father." Bulma answered, rubbing her temples.
"Ok; we're here. What was so important that it couldn't wait? Uhh… What's going on here?" Bulla asked, walking through the front door with Gin.
"Your guess is as good as mine. Thanks for knocking, by the way." Trunks replied, causing Bulla to stick her tongue out at him.
"What'd I do this time?" Vegeta asked, annoyed as Trunks set the food on the table.
"Momo is not a fighter." Bulma started.
"Yes, I know. And I know she most likely never will be." Vegeta stated.
"Why do you always have to bring your bloodline up? Why does that matter if she's not going to be a fighter? She's part of my bloodline as well, but I don't always bring that up. And I am proud of who I am—and who our children turned out to be. I get you're proud of your Saiyan pride/heritage or whatever, but is it really necessary to bring it up all the damn time?!" Bulma snapped.
"Ok. We're not doing this here—especially not only with children in the room, but in someone's arms. If you're going to do this now, leave. It's already a crap night figuring out "Leo" was/isn't Leo, but someone entirely different—that the real Leo is in fact dead. What I found out about Momo. I do not want or need other stress right now. Now, Bulla and Gin are here, so I'm assuming one of you called her over. Why? Not that I don't love my sister and all, but why did you call her over?" Trunks scolded his parents before asking, shocking Bulla.
"Go to your dad." Vegeta told Momo, setting her down.
"Daddy." Momo softly spoke—which sounded more like her crying as she lifted her arms to be picked up.
"Now, what's going on?" Bulla demanded, leaning against a wall.
"We'll only tell you if you tell us what happened to Momo." Bulma spoke up before Vegeta could say anything.
"That's enough. This isn't up for debate. I don't know what's going on with you—either of you as of late, but what it is; it's starting to piss me off. How low do you have to sink to involve a three-year-old in whatever's going on with you?" Bulla scolded, watching her parents.
"You know—I don't normally agree with Bulla, but I do with this. Do not involve your grandchildren in your problems. Honestly, do you really think I won't tell you what I found out about Momo? When have I never come to you about something negative going on with any of my kids? Of course, I was going to tell you. But honestly—with all your meddling as of late, I don't know. So, if you want to know what's going on with Momo, you need to tell us what's going on with you two. Clearly, we can see something's been going on with you. We're your kids; we can tell. We, Gin, Knickers, and even Momo can feel how tense it's been when you two are in the same area together for more than half an hour. Momo asked me the other day why Grandpa was sleeping on the couch. I told her he was just taking a nap; he had been up late the night before—only because you've done that before. What is going on?" Trunks demanded, watching his guilty-looking parents. And trust me: that's no easy task with Vegeta.
"Sorry. Please don't cut me from the kids' lives." Bulma apologized, begging Trunks.
"Why is that the first place your mind goes? I don't care how angry I am at you; I will NEVER take the kids away from you. The only way I'd ever take either of them away from you, is if you lost or left them somewhere—or something along those lines. Can we please just know what's going on so Knickers and Momo can eat, maybe have time for a movie, and then bed?" Trunks asked, annoyed.
"Right. Of course. First and foremost: we want you to know we're not getting a divorce. But as you know; we haven't been getting along lately. So—we've decided to separate for a while—to give us some time." Bulma explained, watching Trunks, Bulla, Knickers, and Momo. Well, ok: not so much Momo.
"Are either of you seeing anybody else now?" Bulla asked, watching her parents.
"No." Bulma and Vegeta honestly answered.
"Ok… So the only question I have is, where is everyone staying?" Trunks asked, watching his parents.
"Well, Bulla and I will be staying at the house—and Vegeta will be getting a hotel or something." Bulma answered.
"Ok… I don't want any type of drama brought here. Any drama here will get you kicked out. I don't care who you are, drama's not allowed or happening here. With that said: Mom, you can't get mad or throw any kind of fit. Dad if you need a place to stay; you can always stay here. Mom, you may still come over, but you need to be civil when Dad's around. That goes for Dad as well; you have to be just as civil when Mom comes over. Bulla—please just try to keep your opinions to yourself. It's already effecting the kids enough as is: they don't need to be effected anymore than they already are—Momo especially. Knickers is old enough to where he understands what's going on. Momo, on the other hand, is confused—and she gets upset trying to figure it out. If you can't agree to these terms, you can see the kids at a park for an hour or so." Trunks firmly told his parents—and Bulla, putting his foot down.
Gin was just sitting quietly in the background; he felt this wasn't his place.
"I suppose I don't mind staying here for the time being. Yes, I can abide by those rules." Vegeta agreed after taking Trunks's offer to live with them for a while.
"I can agree and be civil." Bulma agreed with a frustrated sigh.
"Well, are you ready to go home?" Gin asked, looking at Bulla.
"I suppose. I really don't want to be on Mom's bad side tonight. See you all later. Oh, but before we go." Bulla answered, walking over to Knickers.
"Yes?" Knickers asked, looking at Bulla.
"For my favorite nephew: as promised, I picked you up some scented candles from my school trip a few weeks ago. I just haven't seen you too much to give you it." Bulla told Knickers, handing him a bag with three different scented candles from the islands her class took a trip to.
"Thank you." Knickers thanked Bulla, looking at the candles:
· Orange-Kiwi with coconut
· Island Breeze: a mixture of roses, seawater, oranges, & lilac
· Cinnamon mixed with lavender and lemon
"I'm sorry, Trunks. I know Momo's allergic to coconut, but they didn't have a lot of options left. I figured he could keep it in his room with the door closed." Bulla apologized and explained to Trunks.
"It's fine. Yes, Momo's allergic to coconut, but that's only if she eats it; she loves the smell." Trunks replied.
"Oh. Cool. Don't think I didn't forget about my favorite niece." Bulla replied and then spoke, walking over to Momo—and Trunks.
"Umm… Before I get to Momo; I did get something for Leo. But I guess he's no longer here. I apologize for that; that's just not right. So, I guess you can have what I got him along with what I got you." Bulla told Trunks, pulling out a hat, a water globe, a poster and a map of the islands, and a model rocket kit.
"Thanks—for everything." Trunks thanked his sister.
"Now, we saved the best for last. Please set her down." Bulla happily declared before telling Trunks.
"Me?" Momo softly asked, looking at Bulla.
"But of course; you are my one and only favorite niece." Bulla told Momo, pulling out a few things.
"How much did you spend?" Vegeta asked, narrowing his eyes.
"It's not my fault that place is a tourist trap. And I got everyone something. Now, Momo. I thought this would just be so cute on you—and it's soft." Bulla told Momo, pulling out a pink and yellow dress complete with pink mini shorts for underneath, a pink and yellow tie-dyed hat, and pink heart sunglasses.
"Emi!" Momo happily squealed, pointing to the dress.
"Hmm? Emi?" Bulla asked, confused.
"Your brother's future proper mate." Vegeta stated, smirking.
"Dad… Emiko Tsukihana; she's Knickers's buddy for school. She's like a tutor and someone outside of the family he can talk to. Momo seemed to really like her." Trunks moaned before explaining.
"Red hair? Purple eyes? Kind of finicky? Has a gray cat with her?" Bulla asked.
"Yeah. You know her?" Trunks asked, stunned.
"Kind of. I met her on the islands. She said she needed to get away for a while. She was wearing a similar dress to this one; hers was just a little lower-cut than this. Otherwise, it was pretty much the same. I asked her where she got it; she told me she designed and made it herself. I didn't believe her until she explained how not many places made summer clothes using the fabrics she likes. So she started creating her own. She does buy some clothes, but certain things she makes herself. I asked her if she ever had time if she could make this one. I could give her my address. I never gave her any details about Momo other than she liked that kind of softness as well. And that we too had difficulties finding summer dresses for her. She said sure, but she didn't need my address. She was cutting it close, but she got this to me just before class left to go home. I asked her how much she wanted for it; she said nothing. She understood the troubles in finding certain things like this. There's a second and third dress as well. I don't know how she had time to make all these, but it was nice of her." Bulla explained, pulling out a purple and blue summer dress, followed by a red, pink, and white dress with flower designs on it.
"She's a witch." Trunks stated.
"That's not very nice. She was so nice." Bulla argued, glaring at Trunks.
"No. We know she's nice, but she's an actual witch. She's half Lunarian, half Venarian like Momo, and a full witch." Trunks clarified.
"Oh. That's pretty cool. She said they should fit her. If anything, they may be a little big, but she'll be able to grow into them. But anyway: onto what I bought for Momo. Now, we can add color to your hair." Bulla happy announced.
"Bulla, we're not dying her hair." Trunks sternly told his sister, panicking a little.
"Tell Daddy he's no fun, and to relax a little. Of course, I'm not going to dye her hair. I'm just going to clip some different color hair extensions into to her hair. See? We have pink, purple, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, white, and even black." Bulla grumbled at Trunks before excitedly clipped different colored strands of hair into Momo's hair.
"Hmm… They're a little longer than her hair. Oh, well; her hair will grow. However, you may not want to put them all in your hair at once." Bulla stated, taking a picture of Momo.
"Now I's has rainbow hair. Tank you, Aunty Bulla." Momo happily stated—after pulling out the black and white hair clips. She then gave Bulla a nice, big hug—something she's never done before.
"Don't you want the black and white hairclips?" Bulma asked, watching Momo give Bulla back the two hairclip extensions.
"No, tank you. Jus wan rainbow hair." Momo politely replied before going to her room. She came back, wearing a tiara and her rainbow princess dress-up dress—backward.
"Now I's really a rainbow pincess." Momo happily stated, waving around her silver heart wand with fake pink crystals.
"Yes, you are. But you're always my little princess. Did you put your dress on and zip it all by yourself?" Trunks asked, picking Momo up, noticing her zipper zipped halfway up her dress.
"Uh-huh. But it gots stuck." Momo answered, nodding her head.
"I see this. But you still did this all by yourself; I'm so proud of you." Trunks praised Momo, smiling at her.
"Well, we're going to head out now. I guess I'll you when you get home." Bulla told Trunks, Knickers, and Momo before telling Bulma.
"Ok. I'll see you at home." Bulma told Bulla with a smile.
"See you later." Trunks and Knickers bid farewell.
"Bye-bye." Momo softly told Bulla and Gin.
"Ok. Are you two hungry?" Trunks asked, looking at Knickers and Momo.
"Yes." "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah." Knickers and Momo answered right away.
"Ok. Knickers, please go change into a pair of your pajamas; I'll change Momo. It's going to be a late night—and it's already been a long night, so how would you like to get your sleeping bags, blankets, and you can "camp out" in the living room and fall asleep watching movies?" Trunks suggested, looking from Momo to Knickers.
"Berry and Benny?" Momo innocently asked.
"Yes, Berry and Benny can join you." Trunks replied.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Momo excitedly answered, bouncing around in Trunks's arms.
"That sounds fun." Knickers answered.
"Go on. We'll be back out." Trunks told Knickers and then his parents before taking Momo to her room.
Five Minutes Later:
When Knickers came out, he was wearing red and black striped shorts and a red shirt with a dragon holding a teddy bear on the front and black sleeves.
Trunks brought Momo out; she was wearing a pink pajama short-sleeved shirt with red hearts and matching frilly shorts.
"Those are cute. Where did you find those?" Bulma asked, watching Trunks set Momo down by the table.
"She picked these out by herself at some store we went to. We had gone a few days before we moved here. The kids were all well behaved at the library in the little town five minutes by car from here. It's a small town east of here. It has a library, three fast food restaurants, two sit down restaurants, an ice cream parlor, a decent-sized grocery store, a small shopping center, a museum, and several bars. I think the museum, grocery store, and shopping center are the biggest buildings there. But anyway: as a reward for being so well-behaved in the library, I took the kids to that ice cream parlor and then the shopping center to get a small reward. Knickers got a new puzzle pack. Leo got some volcano kit—that was never used. Momo got these pajamas and a pillow." Trunks explained, opening all the pizza boxes.
"Why'd the boys only get one thing and Momo got two? She didn't want a toy?" Bulma asked, shocked.
"I gave them each $10.00 to spend. The puzzle pack cost $8.75. And the pack contained three five-hundred-piece puzzles. The volcano kit cost $9.90. The pajamas originally were $10.54 but were discounted at $4.50 and the pillow was originally $10.00 but were half-off at $5.00. There were surprisingly a lot of toys, but she didn't want any; she wanted what she wanted. So, I didn't question her. $1.50 went into Knickers's piggy bank and $0.35 went into Leo's piggy bank—because Momo gave them both one of her remaining quarters." Trunks explained, answering Bulma, making plates of food for Knickers and Momo.
"That's weird. When I was her age, all I wanted was toys and money." Bulma stated.
"Well—to state the obvious: Momo's not you; she's her own, individual, unique little girl. I think she's content with what she has. If she gets a gift or whatever, she's happy and will except it. But I don't believe she really cares about money. Knickers is kind of the same way—except he likes having money. However, for the most part, unless it's holiday or birthday money, Knickers genuinely likes to earn his. Yes, I know my kids are strange, but I wouldn't trade them for any amount of anything. Momo, I want you to eat this piece of pizza before I give you any breadsticks with cheese sauce?" Trunks explained before firmly telling Momo. She tended only to eat breadsticks and cheese sauce if given them with her pizza.
"Yes, Daddy." Momo softly replied with a smile, following Trunks to the living room area; Knickers had set everything up for them.
"What do you two want to watch tonight?" Trunks asked, setting Momo on her sleeping bag behind a TV Tray.
"Muppets Twesure Iwand?" Momo asked, looking at Trunks.
"That's fine by me. I haven't seen it in a long time." Knickers told Trunks before he could ask him.
"Ok… … When you're done with your food and you want more, just come to the kitchen, ok?" Trunks told Knickers and Momo.
"Yes," "Daddy." "Dad." Momo and Knickers replied with smiles.
"So…" "Are you two hungry?" Bulma started, only for Trunks to stop her, making a plate for himself.
"No, I'm good. I had some of that leftover Chinese food you had in the fridge." Bulma replied, annoyed; she had questions.
"I could eat. What kind do you have?" Vegeta asked, looking at Trunks.
"Knickers wanted Five meat with, mushrooms, extra cheese, and black and green olives. Momo wanted Taco without onions. I ordered Supreme with extra meat and cheese. Then for apatizers, we have breadsticks with cheese sauce, cheesy-garlic bread with marinara sauce, chicken poppers, and mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce." Trunks answered.
"Daddy?" Momo softly asked, walking over.
"What is it, Baby?" Trunks asked, kneeling in front of her.
"Can I has or-or?" Momo softly asked, looking up, holding her hands in front of her.
"Oh, shoot! I completely forgot about that. Hold on. Go sit down and I'll bring you and Knickers your drinks." Trunks told Momo.
Three Minutes Later:
"Ok… So—I got Momo to the ER, checked in, and they sent us to the children's ward. We waited about twenty minutes before a nurse came to get us. She asked us the basic questions and checked all Momo's vitals and such. Everything except her BP were fine; her BP was a little high due to stress and being upset. The doctor: she was nice—and showed up only five or ten minutes after the nurse left. She apologized for the long wait; because we didn't call before we came in, they had to call in one of their child therapists who deal with kind of case. I explained that she's autistic and doesn't normally talk to strangers—that I was really the only person she talked to. Me and her older brother, Knickers. Yes, Baby? Are you ready for a few breadsticks?" Trunks started explaining to Bulma and Vegeta until Momo walked over with an empty plate.
"No yet. Can I's has nother pizza?" Momo asked, looking at the table.
"Of course, you can. Do you want sour cream as well?" Trunks told Momo, getting her another piece of Taco Pizza before asking.
"Yes, pease." Momo answered.
"Can I's has nother?" Momo softly asked when Trunks brought the plate to her.
"It's right here." Trunks told Mai, showing her her plate.
"No. Nother piece wit dat one." Momo softly clarified, looking at the table.
Trunks was going to say something when her stomach started gurgling.
"Sure." Trunks told her before getting her another piece and taking her back to her spot.
"Ok. Where was I? Right. I let them know about Momo, and the doctor said she understood.
They ran a lot of tests: urine sample, x-rays of her stomach and pelvis, and some bloodwork. They wanted to take pictures of her—naked. That's when Momo flipped out; she refused to have nude photos. She just started kicking and screaming, momentarily transforming into a Super Saiyan. I got her settled down after about five minutes, and the doctor was able to press down and rub Momo's stomach—all over. They ended up giving her a blanket so that she could stand on my knees while I held her up. After about forty minutes or so, the therapist showed up; she was friendly and did well with Momo. I heard all the questions but could not see her as she was on the other side of a curtain. I told her to pretend like I wasn't there." Trunks continued to explain but stopped when Knickers came in for more food.
"What happened to Momo?" Knickers asked, watching Trunks and his grandparents.
"Knickers, for now; all you need to know is she was hurt very badly. Right now, you're too young for details. Ok? Once you get older, I'll give you all the details." Trunks told Knickers.
"Ok." Knickers kind of mumbled, grabbing food, and headed back to the living room.
"What did happen to her?" Bulma immediately asked.
"Well—next time I see Emiko, I'm going to ask her if she knows more about the Leo imposter. I'm thinking he's older than Leo—or something along those lines. I don't care what he's seen on TV, in movies, or heard in songs; he's only six and shouldn't know what certain thing are—or what they mean. But umm… Anyway: the doctor told me that Momo's hymen is still intact; she's still a virgin. However, she also stated that there was bruising on the inside. And Momo told the therapist that her big brother, Leo, played the choking game with her—and that he did other naughty things to her. Now, a lot of things are starting to make sense. Both the doctor and therapist assured me it wasn't my fault. It's normal for six-year-old boys to have tantrums, be glued to their technology, and lash out at any younger siblings or cousins they may have. Not to mention: what parent wants to see their child as a monster or whatever? I feel God-awful that happened to her. I feel like a horrible father who failed her." Trunks explained, sitting at the table with his face in his hands; he didn't realize Momo walked over, looking for more food.
"I sowee, Daddy; I's wuv you." Momo softly apologized, standing next to Trunks with her plate.
"Oh, Baby—no. You have nothing to be sorry for; I'm the one who should be sorry for not seeing what Leo was doing to you. I'm sorry to both you and Knickers for not seeing that Leo wasn't good." Trunks apologized to Momo, hugging her after lifting her into his arms.
"I didn't see it either; I just feel a brother connection to him." Knickers spoke up, hearing the conversation.
"But—not your farts. I no say notin." Momo softly spoke.
"It's not your fault either. But why didn't you say anything to anybody?" Trunks asked, trying not to laugh at her saying "farts" instead of "faults."
"He say dat if I say anyting, he kill any kitty I get." Momo softly answered.
"Ok… From now on, it's just us. And if someone is hurting or even just bothering you—either of you, you both tell me right away. Ok?" Trunks firmly told Momo and Knickers.
"Yes," "Daddy." Knickers and Momo replied, understanding.
"An Emi." Momo added with a smile, causing Trunks to just stare blankly into space.
"Daddy?" Momo asked, confused, looking up.
"And if she wishes to be part of the family, Emiko too." Trunks replied, defeated on everything to do with Emiko.
"I talk Emi like Ms. Haya say?" Momo softly asked, confused.
"Hmm?" Bulma asked right away, on edge.
"We'll see. That's between, Emiko, Knickers, and you; she's supposed to be coming to help Knickers." Trunks answered Momo.
"What's going on?" Bulma demanded.
"Jeez, Mom—relax. The therapist recommend that Momo talk to someone about what happened to her; she gave me some numbers of local therapists." Trunks answered.
"That's what she has us for." Bulma argued, going on the defense.
"Yes, she does have us. The therapist who saw her tonight said let Momo come to whoever she wants in the family—but she has to want to talk to us; we can't force her. Not that works—with her or Knickers. She also recommended she talk to someone outside of the family, like a therapist or family friend. Momo seems to want Emiko." Trunks stated, bouncing Momo on his knee.
"Daddy?" Momo softly asked, looking at the pizza.
"What is it?" Trunks asked, holding Momo still.
"Can I has moe pizza?" Momo asked.
"Pizza or breadsticks with cheese sauce?" Trunks asked, watching Momo.
"Both?" Momo asked, leaning into Trunks.
"Both?" Trunks asked, kind of shocked; she never ate this much.
"Both?" Momo repeated, holding the table.
"Are you really that hungry tonight?" Trunks asked, watching Momo eyeing up the food in front of her.
"Always hungy." Momo replied.
"Always hungry? Did Leo say something to you to make you not want to eat?" Trunks sternly asked.
"He say I's fat piggy an don't need eat muss. Need get skinny." Momo replied, causing Trunks's heart to break.
"Baby… First: you're not fat; you're far from it. Second: don't ever worry about how you look; you'll always be perfect the way you are. And we will always love you no matter how you look. Finally: you can eat whenever you want—so long as you're not always eating sweets." Trunks firmly told Momo.
"Yes, Daddy. But I's sweet. I has moe pizza wit breadsticks an cheese swoss now?" Momo replied, looking at the pizza.
"Yes, you are sweet. You're so sweet; I could just eat you right up." Trunks told Momo before tickling her sides and kissing her head and cheeks, making her giggle.
"Daddy!" Momo squealed, struggling in Trunks's hold until he stopped, pulled her up, and set her on the ground.
"Of course, you can have more. Just don't overeat." Trunks told Momo, getting her one more piece of pizza and four breadsticks with cheese sauce.
"Yes, Daddy." Momo happily agreed before walking back to her spot.
"What is it, Knickers? You can get more food if you want." Trunks told Knickers, walking back to the kitchen.
"If Emiko says it's ok; Momo can talk to her." Knickers seriously told Trunks.
"Well, that's up to Emiko. And you can't force or beg her to; it's her decision. Plus, this is for your schoolwork; that's why Emiko's coming over in the first place." Trunks told Knickers.
"I know—but still…" Knickers started, unsure of what to say.
"I know. Right now, all you have to concern yourself with is making sure you have a good relationship with your sister, yourself, school, family, and just being a kid." Trunks firmly told Knickers.
"I understand." Knickers replied with a smile.
"Daddy?" Momo asked, standing next to Knickers, holding onto Trunks's knee.
"Yes?" Trunks asked, looking at Momo.
"Will you has a baby wit Emi?" Momo asked, causing Trunks to choke on his soda.
"Baby—I would have to love Emiko, and she'd have to love me back. Then we'd have to talk about having a baby later on—after we get to know each other." Trunks told Momo, unsure how to explain it to her.
"Ok. But you do wuv Emiko. Pop-Pop say so." Momo stated, looking at Trunks.
"Sometimes Pop-Pop is full of hot air." Trunks told Momo.
"Oh. Daddy, where do babies come fum? Leo say day come out of a Mommy's potty part." Momo asked and then explained, shocking Trunks.
"Where do you think babies come from?" Bulma asked while Trunks tried to regain his cool.
"A mommy's tummy. Mommies get berry fat an den da baby comes out of Mommy's tummy. But I don't has a mommy. No one wans be my mommy." Momo answered and then continued, becoming upset.
"Momo, Baby—maybe one day you'll have a mommy. I'm not making promises because it's not something I can absolutely promise you, but I'm sure lots of girls would want to be your mommy. Leo was lying when he told you that. True, not everyone wants to be a mommy, but I'm sure there's someone special out there for you—if I ever get lucky enough to find her. But hey: you have lots of people love you here and now. You have me, Knickers, Nana, Pop-Pop, Aunty Bulla, and Uncle Gin, plus so many others. Ok? And yes, babies live and grow in a mommy's tummy for quite some time." Trunks answered, holding Momo close as she yawned and rubbed her eyes.
"Daddy—how are babies made? Leo said he was going to make me a baby and put it in my tummy." Momo asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Well, he was lying; Leo is not going to put a baby in you. As for how a baby is made: you'll learn about all that when you're older—a lot older. You're not allowed to have a baby in your tummy for a long, long time. Now, that's enough of all that. I think it's time for bed. You can have more pizza and breadsticks with cheese sauce tomorrow." Trunks told Momo, standing up with her.
"You safe dem for me?" Momo asked, barely awake.
"Yes, I'll save you your pizza and breadsticks with cheese sauce." Trunks promised, laying Momo on her sleeping bag and covered her with her blanket. He also stuck Berry and Benny under her blanket for her.
"Otay. Nigh-nigh, Daddy. Nigh-nigh, Knick-Knick. Nigh-Nigh, Pop-Pop. Nigh-nigh, Nana." Momo told everyone before falling to sleep.
"What are you doing?" Bulma asked as Trunks got some zip-lock baggies.
"I'm putting her breadsticks away, so they don't go stale. Knickers, are you still eating?" Trunks answered and then asked, looking at Knickers.
"No, I'm done. Night everyone." Knickers answered, bringing his food back to the table before climbing into his sleeping bag.
"So, a therapist?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Maybe. I'll talk to Emiko and see what she says. If she can't, I think I'll ask Tien or Piccolo; they're both good listeners—and won't say anything to anybody." Trunks replied.
"Right. Just us." Bulma stated with a smile.
"No. Nobody. Unless Momo wants us to know—or it's something severely horrible, whoever she talks to, won't tell anybody—including me. And to whoever Momo does talk to, you're not to go begging for information. Momo needs someone outside of us to talk to. And so does Knickers, I believe. If either of them want to come to any of us, they'll come to us." Trunks strictly told his mother.
"You and Bulla always came to me or your father." Bulma argued right away.
"Yes, we did—most of the time. There were times I went to my friends or others because I either didn't want you to know something or wasn't ready for you to know something. And ninety percent of the time, I told you everything." Trunks stood his ground.
"What about that bad man Momo mentioned before you left—the one Leo knows?" Vegeta asked, watching Trunks.
"I don't know: Momo never brought him up again other than he was a friend of Leo's. For all I know, it could be that Arien man Leo went with. It could be an entirely different man." Trunks answered, looking over at the living room.
"Where are you going?" Bulma demanded, watching Vegeta walk away.
"I'm going to pack my stuff to bring here tomorrow. For tonight, I'm going to sleep on the couch. I'm not going to stand here and listen to arguing." Vegeta answered before using his instant transmission to go back to Bulma's.
"If you would've just stayed home, we wouldn't be having this issue." Bulma huffed.
"What issue?" Trunks asked, annoyed.
"If they were raised how I raised you…" "But you're not raising them; I am. Again, they are my kids; I will raise them how I see fit. Yes, I've always come to you for help, but maybe that was a mistake because you're trying to take over. Mom, I love you—more than you'll ever know. If there were ever a time I needed to move in with you, I would've asked, but I haven't needed that except for when Knickers was Momo's age. Thanks to you and Dad, I've been able to do well with my life and kids. But I can't live at home forever; I do enjoy my independence with my kids. And yes, once they reach legal age, I will let them go out and do as they please—so long as it's legal. Mom, please; go home and think about all this. Yes, you had Grandma and Grandpa's help with me, but you didn't want them overstepping anything. That's exactly what you're doing to me. Please, just go home and think." Bulma started only to be interrupted by Trunks. She was beyond shocked as she left to go home; she concluded that she indeed needed to think things over.
Monday:
Trunks's P.O.V.:
Saturday was just crazy with everything I learned—especially about Leo—even though it wasn't a whole lot of information.
Mom hasn't talked to me since that night—which is fine for the time being. I just don't need any drama right now. If she doesn't contact me by the end of August, I'll call her.
Yesterday wasn't horrible; a little hectic, but not horrific.
I woke up first, followed by Knickers. Like always, Momo was the last one up. I couldn't believe the difference in her apatite:
When Leo was here, she ate a small breakfast.
Yesterday, she had four slices of her Taco Pizza, five breadsticks with cheese sauce, four mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce. And Knickers let her have one of his last two pieces of cheesy-garlic bread.
However, because she was shoveling food down and hadn't eaten a whole hell of a lot in the past few days, she ended up sitting on a toilet off and on throughout the day. It all ran through her. So she had soup for lunch and mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner.
I need to remember to pick up orange juice because she sucked the rest of that last half a gallon this morning.
According to Dad, Mom refused to come over yesterday to help move things around. So, thanks to Bulla, Gin, Goku, Gohan, Goten, Tien, and Piccolo, we got rooms around.
First, we boxed up all of Leo's things and put them in the attic. Then we moved Knickers's things down to Leo's old room, so he was downstairs with Momo and me—which he seemed to be elated. After that, for an undisclosed amount of time, Dad moved into Knickers's old room. It's almost like an apartment up there. You know—minus the kitchen and living room. And finally, we divided the basement into four different areas:
· The largest/main area is a small gym with all sorts of exercise equipment and weights.
· The second largest area is a storm shelter with eight cots: one for each family member, plus a few extra.
· The third and fourth areas are medium-sized rooms for Knickers and Momo to do whatever they want in there.
Thank God for Gin's ability to convince Bulla to come help; she took care of Momo's needs while everyone else rearranged and moved things.
Momo nearly had a panic attack because things were changing—again. All the rooms had been placed and set up.
I remember thinking, we should've put Dad in Leo's room. However, I knew he'd need his own space.
The only reason I even thought that was because Momo was just settling into this house—and calling it home.
It took a few minutes of me repeatedly explaining to Momo that Knickers was moving into his old room because Leo was gone. And Pop-Pop was moving upstairs for a while. She nor I would be moving; we were staying in our same rooms.
She calmed down and took a nap; she woke up in a much better, understanding mood.
Now, I'm here:
Monday.
At a penitentiary to see Amethyst—Leo's mother.
"How may I be of assistance today?" A police receptionist asked when I walked in. There weren't a lot of people here.
"Yes, I called earlier about taking to one of the inmates here: Amethyst Sun." I informed the receptionist.
"Just a second, please. Trunks Briefs?" The receptionist told me before looking everything up in the system. She then asked when she found what she needed.
"Yes." I replied.
"Can I see some ID?" She asked me.
"Yes, of course." I replied, handing her my ID and other identification.
"Ok. Head over to that door and our guard will escort you to Ms. Sun. He will also give you instructions on what you need to do. Your compliance is a must if you wish to see any inmates here." She informed me.
"Thank you." I replied before heading to the door; I was greeted right away by a big, burly security guard.
"You need to surrender any sharp objects, or anything considered a weapon." He strictly told me.
I complied and gave him my:
· Pocket knife
· 2 pens
· Belt
· Sunglasses
· Cross necklace
"Young daughter?" The officer asked as I removed anything considered dangerous; he noticed Momo's favorite stuffed bear: Berry.
Though she doesn't understand what's going on, Momo asked me to take Berry with me for good luck.
Knickers let me borrow his favorite leather cuff bracelet for luck as well.
"Yes. I also have an older son." I answered.
"Going to see their mother?" The officer asked with a slight smile.
"No. Up until a few days ago, I had two sons and a daughter. Turns out my middle child was not my middle child; he was an imposter. I haven't had very good luck with women. My oldest son's mother cheated on me and then went and got herself killed. My supposed middle son's mother and my daughter's mother were one-night stands. My supposed middle son's mother is who I'm going to see. I need to find out if she knew about him or not—especially since he very badly hurt my daughter—who is already special needs." I explained as calmly as I could.
It looked as if he understood.
"I hope you figure out what you need." The officer told me.
"Large family?" I asked after he let me in and led the way.
"Five kids—all with different mothers. It's not that I had issues with women; I seemed to find crazy chicks—or I couldn't commit. But I love all five of my children. I have two daughters and three sons. Well, here's your stop. As per regulations—and safety precautions, she is handcuffed to the table. I will be in the room, but I'll be by the door for when you want to leave—or if she tries anything." The officer explained once we stopped by a door.
"Fine by me." I replied, not really caring; I just wanted answers.
"Wait! I'm coming! I'm here! Is it too late?!" A tall, spaztic-looking woman with dark red hair and blue eyes yelled, running over. She was holding stacks of notebooks and a recorder of some sort.
"Oh, Mira; what are you doing here?" The officer asked, cringing a little.
"Oh, hush up, Kobe. I heard Amethyst was having an interview today; she hasn't had one of those in five years. Just who are you? Who are you to Ms. Amethyst? Do you know what she did to get in here? Ignore that last question: of course, you know what she did; everyone does." This woman, Mira, snapped at the officer before demanding me.
"Sorry, Kobe; she just snuck in somehow." A different, half-naked, disheveled woman breathed, hobbling over.
"Who are you?" I asked, watching the women.
"This is Mira; she's obsessed with Amethyst for whatever God forsaken reason. This is Ms. Faye; she's a court-appointed therapist/shrink for Amethyst. This was her last day with Amethyst as they are both being transferred to different places." Officer Kobe.
"Well, I wasn't aware she had a therapist, but I did know of the transfer; that's why I scheduled this for today. Well—it was one of the reasons." I stated, huffing a little.
"What?! Why wasn't I informed of this?! Wait. Why does he get this information?! Just who the hell are you?! Hey! Let me go!" Mira freaked out—especially when two other officers came to apprehend her.
"Simple answers: I had a kid with her—or at least I thought I did. I need answers." I answered, annoyed; I just wanted this done with.
"Oh, my God! You're him! You're the one who's baby she had six years ago! Who are you?! What's your name?! Wait! Let me go! You can let me in with you! He can let me in! All you have to do is say you give me permission to listen in and record everything! Come on, let me in!" Mira yelled, begging and pleading with me.
"Nope." I answered, opening the door.
"WHY NOT?! I DESERVE TO BE IN THERE!" She angrily, desperately screamed, getting my attention.
"Why? Why do you deserve to be in there? And it better be good because this involves my kids. Not just the child we had together, but all of my children. No, you will not know anything about them. If I don't know you or whoever; you or whoever will NOT know anything about my children. And the only reason I know why she's in here, is because she was on and selling drugs. So, why do you need to see her so badly?" I demanded, looking at her.
"I'm a reporter for the daily news. I know that's not good enough, but she was once my sister-in-law—or she was going to be. This was at least twelve years ago; she was dating my younger brother. He got her pregnant with triplets—and then she left with the babies. She told him she'd give him the kids if he gave her so much money. He gave her what she wanted: his money, car, and a gold watch that was handed down from our dad. And then she left. He fell on some hard times, lost the kids for a year or so—to me. I made sure he wouldn't actually lose them. But he attempted suicide three times. He's in the hospital now, recovering. And my boss: he needs the story because she ruined him as well. Because of her, he lost his wife and kids. But it's on him for sleeping with another woman while he was married. But I honestly don't care about him. And I promise, I'm not doing this for me; I'm doing it for his kids. They need more closure than I do." Mira desperately told me.
Just looking at her, I could tell she wasn't lying; she was telling the truth. I also know this because:
"Golden pocket watch? Solid gold with an eagle carved on the front? "To my one & only loving Oak" etched on the inside?" I asked, looking at her.
"How do you know all that?" Mira asked, looking at me, shocked.
"Because she gave me that pocket watch, saying it was from her grandfather or something like that. She wanted our child to have it once they reached a certain age. Actually—hold on." I told her, digging through my pockets.
After a few seconds, I pulled out the pocket watch she was talking about.
"So, this never belonged to Amethyst in any way, shape, or form?" I asked, holding the watch up; all she could do was cry.
"No. My great, great, great grandmother came from a rich family; she had it made for our great, great, great grandfather, who was just a minor." She answered in tears.
"Ok… Listen to me. I don't want you to take this as offensive or anything, but I don't know you—so I really don't want you in there with us. I believe you; I believe you're not lying. But I don't want you knowing anything about my kids. Your brother had kids: I highly doubt he or any of your family would want a stranger knowing anything about them. Am I correct?" I started, looking at her.
"No, you're right." Mira replied, defeated.
"Ok. If you promise to leave and go home, I'll give you back your family watch." I told her; she just looked shocked.
"Really? You'd give me the watch? But you said she gave it to you to give to your child when that child reached a certain age. Won't that anger them?" Mira asked, shocked.
"Honestly, I don't give a crap what Mira thinks; it wasn't even her watch to give away in the first place. And our child is dead—and has been since birth; I was raising an imposter. So, if you want this watch back in your family; you can have it. But you have to promise to go home." I sternly told her.
"Yes, of course. But only because it's for your kids. I'll be back; I swear it." She agreed before determinedly declared.
"I wouldn't doubt it." I told her, handing her the watch; she took off right after that—but not before giving me a note.
BE CAREFUL:
She's crazy.
& seems to know things she shouldn't.
She knew things about my brother our parents didn't even know.
She knew things about my boss that he didn't want people to know.
If you had sex with you, she finds out whatever she needs to know to bring you down—in any way she possibly can.
Be careful & keep your young ones safe.
"Whenever you're ready, head on in." Officer Kobe told me with a huff.
"Thank you." I replied before walking into the room.
"Hmm? Trunks Briefs. What a pleasant surprise? I certainly wasn't expecting you today." Amethyst spoke as soon as she saw me.
"Behave and answer his questions, Amethyst." Officer Kobe strictly told Amethyst, not in the mood; he did not like her. She just wickedly smiled at him.
Oh, I get it now; he's the father of one of Amethyst's children.
"Just how many children do you have out there?" I asked, looking at her.
"Oops. I forget: you're perspective. You never fell for any of my stuff; you NEVER gave me anything I wanted. I can't believe I didn't realize who your mother was: Bulma Briefs. She gave you an amazing lawyer." Amethyst taunted me.
"Yes, I am perspective; I have to be—especially for people like you. Unfortunately, on our one-night stand I was incredibly drunk and stupid. That one-night stand with you was nothing but a mistake. And no: my mother did not get me a lawyer; I got my own lawyer. Sure, he was a family lawyer, but I didn't ask my parents for any help. And if it pleases Officer Kobe and others you've screwed over, I'll help them with lawyers if they need. I don't take no one's bull." I firmly told Amethyst.
"Well, you certainly didn't come to play. Well, seeing as you actually came to visit me, I'm assuming you know about Leo?" Amethyst smugly stated and then asked just as smug.
"Yeah. I just found out a few days ago on Saturday. When the hell did you switch them out? And where's my actual son?" I asked, watching, demanding answers. She actually looked scared for a second as I narrowed my eyes at her.
"The day Leo was born. He was just so small and innocent. It was so easy: I just snapped his little neck. After that, I replaced him with Aries and threw him into the cremation machine. I never wanted kids. However, I knew I would have to produce a boy just right to swap with Aries. It was always girl after girl after girl—or weak, pathetic boys. Your child was just right—perfect." Amethyst explained to me.
"Why kill Leo?" I demanded, watching her.
"A living baby sacrifice had to be made for anything to work. I figure I'd just sacrifice my child. I mean—you already had one child already: a boy—Knickers. You cherished him greatly. I mean, you had his name and birthday tattooed on your chest—above your heart. Did you get Leo's name and birthday tattooed as well?" Amethyst asked after stating, watching me; she was trying to get under my skin.
"Right under Knickers." I replied, staying calm and not taking her bait.
"Hmm…" She hummed, watching me, thinking.
"He's already warned he would be coming back. What is being planned?" I asked, watching her.
"I'm not sure, other than he wants something. Revenge maybe. I don't know. I was just told to be the bearer of a child for them. I just do what I'm told." She told me like it was nothing; I just stared at her.
"Ok. I'm done here. I think I have what I need. Bye." I told Amethyst, standing up. However, I had to bend to pick up Berry; he fell out of my jacket.
"Oh. A daughter, huh? Autistic? I recognize my retarded third cousin's husband's work." Amethyst told me, trying to bring me back in; I just ignored her.
"I have friends on the outside, you know. I know things." She kept going, but so did I.
"Momo. Three years of age? Am I right?" She spoke my daughter's name just as I placed my hand on the door handle.
"Mr. Briefs, please stay calm." Officer Kobe told me.
"I'm not going to ask how you know my daughter's name or any of that. But I will ask: do you know what I am? Do you know what race I am?" I asked, looking at her.
Just by her sincere, puzzled look, she failed to hide from me; she didn't know anything about what I am and what my kids are half of.
"What kind of trick is this? You're human. I know for a fact you're not Arien, Venarian, Lunarian, or from Mars." She told me, frustrated.
I leaned over the table, my face close enough to hers that we could feel each other's breath.
"I'm not human. I used to be half human, but a wish or something granted made it, so my family and family friends were full, non-humans. To answer your puzzling face: my family, some family friends, and I are Full Saiyans. My son, Knickers, is full Saiyan as well. Momo is half Saiyan and half Venarian. We also have friends who aren't human. Some of our friends are Namekians. Some are androids. Some are other types of non-humans. So, I do not care how much or how little about me and my family. If you have friends who come after my children or anyone else in my family or friends in any way, shape, or form; I will personally bring them here so you can talk or something. You're extremely lucky you're in prison because when my dad finds all this out, prison is going to be the safest place for you." I warned her, not taking my eyes off hers.
For a second, she looked scared. But that quickly turned into fake arrogance. Boy, isn't my dad king of that as well as Saiyans?
"Well, bring Daddy on in and we'll talk." Amethyst challenged.
I stood up before replying, "Oh, trust me when I say you don't want to meet him. My dad, Vegeta, (and he'll let you know) right now, is king of all Saiyans."
"What?! No fucking way! No one told me Saiyans would be involved—let alone the royal family! Fuck! This throws everything off!" Amethyst snapped, freaking out; she was downright panicking.
"Your next visitor is here as you requested." A female officer spoke, peeking her head in.
"Yes… Send her in. I need to speak to her—NOW!" Amethyst ordered.
"Come in; the other visitor is just leaving." The officer told someone—a girl.
The girl who walked in, I was not expecting: Emiko Tsukihana. Although, she looked a little different. Her hair that is. It wasn't down: instead, it was braided in low-hanging pigtails. And I could clearly see a crescent moon in the center of her forehead.
"Oh, Mr. Briefs. I didn't realize you'd be here today. I mean, I believe I knew you'd come see Amethyst, but I didn't know today. I'm sorry. I'll shut up." Emiko blabbered on, turning red.
"Wait. You two know each other? Oh, I get it… You two fucked and Momo is hers." Amethyst concluded with a wicked smile, causing Emiko to stammer even more.
"N-no. No. I don't have any kids. I've never done anything or even had a guy friend to do anything with. I just met Mr. Briefs the other day; we had a meeting." Emiko panicked.
"Uh-huh… What was the meeting for?" Amethyst asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I'm not allowed to disclose that information." Emiko replied, slowly calming down as her cat, Yuki ( I think that's what the cat's name was), rubbed against her face.
"Fine. You're really no fun…" Amethyst grumbled.
"Why did you call for me?" Emiko softly asked.
"Well, come sit and we'll speak. Oh, come on. We'll talk like we used to. I'll even do your hair and give you clothing advice." Amethyst told Emiko.
"MmmMmm. I'd rather not." Emiko spoke, watching Amethyst.
"That's right. Don't you still have that pillow you carry around for situations like this? You set them on the seats so you can be—whatever it is your issues are with seats." Amethyst told Emiko.
"No, I don't have it on me. Why am I here?" Emiko asked, demanding an answer.
"You've become feisty since the last saw you. How's your mother?" Amethyst noted and then asked, causing Emiko to freeze momentarily.
"I'm going home." Emiko spoke, turning around.
"Oh, come on. I heard you saw Jasper and his human hussy." Amethyst kept going.
"Still not on talking terms with any of them, I see. Hmm… Well, I know you don't talk to Mom or dad… So, how's Uncle Nash?" Amethyst asked, watching Emiko; she was desperately trying to get her to stay.
"Ask him yourself. He comes to visit enough, does he not? I'm sure he's here somewhere. I'm sure he'll try to kill me like always. But I learned a new trick. Once I leave this place, that trick will end, and I'll be gone. I'm not a stupid little girl anymore; I know your tricks. How are Halley and Dad? She still have him tangled in her web or whatever?" Emiko harshly told Amethyst before asking.
"As far as I know, Mom and Dad are just fine. Still trying to get me out of here. In fact, you just missed them." Amethyst replied.
"I suppose you see them often enough through whatever telepathic means they have." Emiko sighed.
"Normally, yes. But they recently visited in person—yesterday." Amethyst stated, causing Emiko to freeze.
"They're on Earth now?" Emiko asked, not looking back.
"Hahaha! No. But you fell for it. You're still that same child that needs to be led one way or another. I only wish I could've seen your face. Mom and Dad on Earth? Yeah, right? Mom won't set even a toe on Earth. And Dad: well, you know if he leaves the Moon, he gives up his title. Tell me, Baby sister; aren't you sick of being alone all the time? Wouldn't you like to have a good dick—at least once?" Amethyst mocked Emiko before asking.
"That's enough! Hi, Kobe. Did you let Emiko in here?" Emiko's brother, Jasper, walked in.
"What? No Nami today?" Amethyst asked, watching Jasper.
"No. Officer Noel let her in. Why?" Officer Kobe replied before asking.
"Damnit. I keep telling her and everyone else here that they're not to let Emiko in here with Amethyst without me in here. All Amethyst does is antagonize Emiko." "Stop!" Jasper told Kobe before Emiko stopped him.
"Emiko, don't even start." Jasper started.
"Stop! I don't need your help! I haven't needed in years. The day that man took me from the Moon and brought me to Earth, I needed you—and you weren't there. You made it very clear your friends and activities were more important than me. Get me out of that place for a few hours. Take me with you. That's all I wanted. I begged you. I promised you I'd behave. You told me you couldn't have me in the way. In the way of what? You were just going to the pool and game room. "Stay home; you'll be fine." That's what you told me. "I don't want you in my way or around my friends." You also said that. Well, guess what; I clearly wasn't ok. When I begged you to take me with you, I felt something was wrong; I knew something bad was going to happen—just not what. And I was right. Do you know or even care how scared I was? No, I doubt it—for any of you. Don't! It took you six years to come looking for me. Don't tell me Dad or whoever told you to stay back. You never listened to him before when he told you to do something. Clover was probably thrilled that I was gone too. She's gone. Praise the universe the problem child is gone! That's all I was to any of you: a problem child. Don't! I heard you all say it: Clover. Halley. Even you and Dad. That's all I ever was. Yes, I was terrified; I had no one here; I was all alone. Six-years-old and all alone. But I adapted and became comfortable here. None of you cared, so don't pretend like you do now! No! Don't touch me! I'm fine without any of you. Go back to Moon or don't; I don't care. But I don't want anything to do with any of you. You never wanted anything to do with me—never. So I do not want or need your help. And I don't want anything to do with you. Go live your happy life with your fiancé or whatever she is to you. Have kids and a happy family. I'm just fine. And I'm not alone; I have Yuki. And soon, she'll have kittens; so I'll have them as well. And if I ever meet the right guy—whoever I'm meant to be with, great. But no, I don't want to be a cum-guzzling slut like you." Ouch. Emiko snapped.
Just like at the beach, she let everything out, and tears were just pouring down her cheeks. However, what was different was I could tell that not everything she was saying was true.
"Excuse me?!" Amethyst exclaimed, offended.
"She's not wrong; you are a slut." I mumbled.
"Wait. Yuki's pregnant? Emiko, you can't keep those kittens, and you know it. Yuki's kittens have to be sent back to the Moon. A new adviser will be picked. You know the rules just as well as I do." Jasper told Emiko, blocking her way out.
"I'm not sending them back there for them to be killed! Yuki already lost enough of her family and sacrificed so much; she doesn't need anymore. I know the rules; I also know the loophole. I don't want to separate them, but I know it's the only way to keep them safe and alive. After they're born, and once they're old enough, I will find them all homes. Yuki and I will keep one, and the rest will find good homes. Now, goodbye." Emiko firmly told Jasper, but he didn't move. So instead, she walked through the wall like it wasn't even there.
And then she was gone.
"Damnit, Amethyst. Why do you have to do that? I'm not sure why she does every time, but she always come when you call her. Stop that. All you do is torment her. Why can't you just leave her alone? Oh, I know you. Well, I don't know you, but I've seen you before; you were at the beach a few days ago." Jasper snapped at Amethyst before noticing me.
"Because she's easy to fuck with—and I don't like her. Just as Mother doesn't like her. And what about you? You're no saint; you hated her just as much as I did. That's Trunks; he my baby daddy. To be more specific: he was the right one. And by the way he was staring at our dear, darling Emiko; he's her true mate." Amethyst replied before explaining.
"The right one? Oh, my God, Amethyst! Aries? Really? I know he was born, but what you did was just killed your mom, my dad, and yourself. For what? Ultimate power?" Jasper snapped; he was pissed.
"What are you babbling on about now?" Amethyst demanded.
"Damnit, Amethyst; think! The ultimate power you're looking for is Emiko herself! Unfortunately, she doesn't know that. Or if she does; she's locked it all away deep within her so it can't be used. The ultimate power you seek cannot be absorbed like that; it has to be earned. And I never claimed to be a saint, but don't you dare ever say I hated Emiko. I never hated her. I'm permanently twenty-one. And now Nami is also immortal. But I am a good thirteen years older than Emiko; she's stuck at nineteen—granted, I think she goes by twenty-one or something like that. The time she was talking about, I was nineteen. I didn't hate her; I just didn't want to hang out with my six-year-old sister. I didn't want to hang out with my twelve-year-old sister either. No, I wasn't the greatest older brother; I always wanted to do my own thing. And no, I certainly didn't want to hang out with you; you were fifteen and having sex already. I always thought were a slut—and I was right. You were a slut then. You're a slut now. You'll always be a slut. My dad was always with different women; I hated him for that. I was really surprised when he stuck with your mother. I thought, "Hey, she's great—and will be great for Emiko." But I guess I was wrong. And as for Mr. Briefs. I saw that as well. Now, all Emiko has to do is realize it as well." Jasper explained, snapping a little before getting to me.
"That girl will never realize that. She wouldn't know what love was if it bit her in her ass. As smart as she is, she's dumber than a bag of rocks." Amethyst insulted Emiko again.
"I'm going home. I have a nine-year-old and a three-year-old to look after." I sighed; I couldn't take the insults anymore. Emiko seemed like a sweet girl.
"Is she a cute little thing? Momo that is." Amethyst asked.
"You'll never know. And if you have someone come after her, I'll send my dad to meet you." I warned before leaving. That shut her right up.
"Hey, Trunks! Wait up!" Jasper yelled, catching up to me in the parking lot.
"Yes?" I asked, watching him.
"I'm not going to ask for any information. I just want to tell you, if you see Emiko again, please keep an eye on her. She's—well you know all she has; you were at the beach when she exploded. But there's more. She is smart—until it comes to science and algebra—and anything outside of academics, arts, and stuff along those lines. A lot of things do go over her head. I'm just glad she doesn't trust people and can tell if they're good or not. But she tries to put on a brave front when the truth is: a lot of things scare her. She really is afraid of being alone. Yuki's old: we don't know how long she'll be around. She came around with Emiko's mother—and I guess she got her from her mother. She officially became an adviser of the Moon when Emiko's mother married our dad—on the Moon. On the Moon, cat advisers who give birth are forced to either choose which kitten to keep—or someone else will choose for them. Either way: the remaining kittens are killed. Just keep an eye on her, please." Jasper begged me.
"I can do that. I'll see her often." I replied.
"How did you meet her anyway? What do you mean you'll see her often? Just the way you said that." Jasper asked me.
"My son picked her out of a stack of files his principal gave him; he's in some buddy program. From what I understand, it's a program where a student it paired with someone who helps them with schoolwork and is just there for someone to talk to outside of the family. He said he chose Emiko right away; he didn't even look at any of the others. That day at the beach—we only kind of met. We were supposed to have a meeting with Knickers to see if he liked her and her him—and if I trusted her. My parents, daughter, and fake son were also there. Of course, I didn't find out Leo wasn't really Leo until several later when he willingly went with Ariens. Emiko showed up, saying she was to make sure Ariens were good or not. They were not good, and I found everything out—to certain points of what she could explain to us. We talked for a little bit, and she left, saying she'd see us later. And yes, I know exactly how to deal with all the issues your sister has; my daughter, Momo has autism as well. She doesn't like anyone she doesn't know, but she really likes your sister. Also like Momo, Emiko is half Venarian." I explained.
"Of course. Thank you." Jasper replied, taking a deep breath, and exhaled.
"Daddy!" I heard Momo.
"Hey, what are you doing here? And why are you running? You know you're not supposed to be running yet." I asked and then lightly scolded, picking Momo up when she came running.
"Sowee. I jus see you an wan see you. You finis meet wit ol fwend? Did Berry hep you?" Momo asked, wheezing a little with a sped-up heart.
"Emi's Brudder." Momo noticed Jasper.
"Yes, I finished with an old—now not a friend. Yes, Berry helped me very much; thank you. This is Jasper. Where are Pop-Pop and Knickers?" I replied and then asked.
"Dare." Momo pointed behind her, not taking her eyes off Jasper.
"Why did Pop-Pop bring you to town?" I asked as we waited for Dad and Knickers to get over here.
"Ice cream." Momo happily answered.
"Ice cream?" I asked, humoring her.
"Yes. Can we has ice cream cake tonigh?" Momo asked, looking at me.
"Ice cream cake? I don't know. Come on, you little ice cream spaz; let's get Pop-Pop and Knickers. Tell Jasper bye-bye." I told Momo.
"Bye-bye. Pop-Pop! Knick-Knick!" Momo happily cried, leaning forward…