"Hey, what's going on?" Trunks asked, watching Vegeta and Knickers.
"How'd your meeting go?" Vegeta asked, narrowing his eyes.
"You first. What brings you to town—besides ice cream?" Trunks asked, watching Vegeta.
"Your children wanted to see you and how you were doing. They wanted to know how your meeting went and couldn't wait. I'm not going to stand here and say I don't want to know because I do, but I could've waited. Your mother wants to know as well because she keeps texting me or whatever you call it. Anyway: Momo really wanted to see you; she desperately wanted to know if her stuffed animal helped you. Now, it's your turn. How was your meeting? And what about ice cream?" Vegeta answered Trunks before asking.
"Momo wants to go to the ice cream parlor and get ice cream and ice cream cake—after seeing how your meeting went. She found $5.00. Grandpa said we'd go see you, but it was up to you about the ice cream." Knickers clarified the ice cream situation.
"Daddy see Emi brudder." Momo spoke.
"Do you want to go to the park for a little bit?" Trunks asked Momo and Knickers.
"Yeah! Den ice cream!" Momo happily exclaimed.
"We'll see. We'll go to the park and then I have to stop by the library and get a library card. If you do well in the library, we'll discuss the ice cream." Trunks firmly told Momo.
"Yes, Daddy." Momo happily replied as Trunks started walking to the park with Vegeta and Knickers behind him.
"Can I get a library card?" Knickers asked, interested.
"I don't see why not: you're old enough to have your own. However, you get one. I'm not paying for another one if you lose the first one." Trunks calmly told Knickers.
"Awesome. Thank you. And I promise to do my best not to lose it." Knickers replied.
"Can I has a lying card too?" Momo asked, looking at Trunks.
"Not yet. You're too little to have your own library card." Trunks told Momo.
"Ohh." Momo replied, upset.
"You'll get one when you're older, I'm sure. Now, we're at the park. Go play." Trunks told Momo, kissing her on the top of her head before setting her down.
"Ok." Momo replied, waddling to the playground, completely forgetting about a library card.
"No wandering off! And watch your sister!" Trunks called to Knickers and Momo.
"Yes," "Dad!" "Daddy!" Knickers and Momo called back, letting him know they understood.
"Ok. Let me get ahold of Mom, so I only have to explain everything once." Trunks told Vegeta before pulling out his phone; he dialed his mother via Facetime.
"How did your meeting go?" Bulma asked, answering her phone in a snappy tone.
"Fine. Are you really still mad at me?" Trunks asked, hearing the snap and seeing the frustrated look on Bulma's face.
"Never mind how I feel: I only raised you and your sister." Bulma retorted.
"Mom, if you're going to be like this; I'm going to hang up." Trunks firmly told his mother after realizing she hadn't done a lot of thinking about what he told her.
"Sorry. So, what's going on?" Bulma apologized and then asked again.
"Well, I met with Amethyst. I met someone else she screwed over. Amethyst was dating this woman's brother a few years before I met her. They had triplets and she used them to get money and that pocket watch she gave me to give to Leo/Aries. I gave the lady the pocket watch because it wasn't Amethyst's to give away in the first place."
"I finally got to Amethyst and that was great. She has several children out there—with several men. Most of them are daughters, but she does have a few sons. She said her having my son was perfect. Something about gaining ultimate power—despite not knowing I was not only a Saiyan, but also the son of Vegeta: king of all Saiyans. She explained to me that she killed Leo the day he was born by snapping his neck; she then carelessly threw him in a cremation machine. She said she killed Leo because a living baby sacrifice in order for everything to work. Yeah. Great, isn't it?" Trunks explained before asking, annoyed.
"Not what I would exactly call great." Bulma replied, rolling her eyes.
"That bitch is lucky she's in jail." Vegeta grumbled, watching Knickers and Momo.
"Did she say anything else?" Bulma asked, waiting.
"She threatened to send someone after Knickers and Momo. That's when I told her about us being Saiyans. I also told her I'd send Dad to talk to her if that happened. She had a conniption but quieted down after that. And then Emiko showed up. That was a surprise—to see her there." Trunks answered and went on to explain.
"What was she doing there?" Bulma asked in a tone that bothered Trunks.
"Amethyst called her in. From what I gathered, Amethyst's mother is married to Emiko's father—making them stepsisters. And just by listening to them talk to each other: they hate each other. Jasper showed up, and that's when all hell broke loose. He tried talking to Emiko, but she wasn't having it, and snapped back at him. Then she left and Jasper scolded Amethyst. He told her that having Leo in order to have Aries was pointless because that's not the way to get ultimate power. The true way to get ultimate power isn't a way; it's Emiko herself. Both Jasper and Amethyst believe that Emiko and I are meant to be together as well, and Jasper asked that I keep an eye on his sister for him. And then Momo came running over because Dad brought her and Knickers to see how everything went." Trunks answered, further explaining things.
"Well, at least you have things figured out." Bulma condescendingly spoke.
"Jesus, Mom! What is going on with you as of late?" Trunks asked, stunned and annoyed.
"I told you: you should have moved home and let me help you with your children." Bulma snapped back.
"Help or completely take over? Mom, I know you. Stop trying to take over my life, my kids, and how I raise them. And honestly: what do you think would've been different? Leo was Leo—and he still would've left how he left—with those people regardless of where we lived. I love you, and I will always love you. But please don't come over or contact me or Knickers and Momo until you have your priorities straight. Or rather until you realize and understand that I am NOT moving back home and you can't control our lives." Trunks firmly told Bulma before hanging up—before she could start blubbering.
"Well, that was fun." Vegeta grumbled.
"Yeah. I wouldn't have a problem if Mom would just understand that she can't control everything. She can ask me to move back home all she wants: I'll just keep telling her "no." It's her trying to control how I raise my kids. Mom will always be one of the most important people in my life: Knickers, Momo, her, you, and Bulla. Maybe in time, Emiko will also be important to me, but only time will tell." Trunks sighed, watching the sky.
"Leave her alone!" Trunks and Vegeta heard a boy yelling.
"Who's going to make me?" A different boy asked in a cocky tone.
"Leave my sister alone or it will be one of the last things you do. Honestly, you're older than her by five or so years. What reason do you have to bully somebody that much younger than you?" Knickers was heard defending Momo.
"What is going on over here?" Trunks, two women, and a man asked, walking over to the kids.
"He was picking on her hair and eye colors." A boy with shoulder-length honey-brown hair and brownish-orange eyes answered, watching the bully.
"What person bullies someone's hair, eyes, who is several years younger than themselves?" Knickers asked, annoyed.
"Who has pink hair and yellow eyes?" The bully retaliated.
"That's enough, Jinx. Not everyone looks the same. And what have we told you about bullying? Look what it did to your sister." The bully's mother firmly scolded her son.
"Come on; we're going home—where we're going to have a nice long talk. And don't even think about asking about going to the ice cream parlor because that's out of the question. Bullying someone for how they look. Don't you remember how your sisters reacted to it. Now, let's go. I'm sorry for our son." The bully's father firmly told his son before apologizing to Trunks.
"No, thank you." Trunks replied before watching the family walk away.
"And thank you for helping my daughter." Trunks told the boy with honey-brown hair.
"You're welcome." The boy replied.
"Oh. You're the man who moved into that house last week. The one on the hill about ten-fifteen minutes outside of town." The boy's mother stated, watching Trunks.
"Yeah, that's us. Do you live nearby?" Trunks replied before asking.
"By foot, we live ten minutes away from you to the west; we just moved in a few months ago from North City. We saw you moving in. Oh, I'm Tanya and this is my youngest, Ryo. He has three older brothers and two older sisters, but they're all at camp. Sorry. I tend to blab. Umm… Sorry. Didn't you have another child as well?" The woman, Tanya, answered before babbling.
"It's perfectly ok. I'm Trunks and these are my two children: Knickers and Momo. There was a third child named Leo, but he wasn't actually my son; he was an imposter. He left with some other people—of the Arien race. This is my dad, Vegeta; he's living with us for personal reasons." Trunks introduced himself, his kids, and Vegeta.
"Vegeta? The Vegeta? King of all Saiyans?" Tanya asked, shocked.
"You're not Saiyan. How do you know of me?" Vegeta immediately asked.
"Sorry. Ryo's half Saiyan; his father, Broly is a Saiyan. Broly mentioned you and a Kakarot a lot. He mentioned he used to be evil, but thanks to Kakarot and Vegeta; he was able to change. Thank you for that; it means a lot to me. I finally found a guy who loves me for me and is a fantastic father—to all my kids." Tanya tearfully explained.
"Wow. He's really settled down." Trunks spoke, too stunned to say anything else.
"Right? I never expected him to fall for a human earthling." Vegeta added.
"You never expected to be with Mom." Trunks stated.
"Right. But look where we're at now." Vegeta stated.
"I'm not a human earthling." Tanya interrupted Trunks and Vegeta.
"What are you then?" Vegeta asked, looking up.
"I'm a star child who fell to Earth when I was a baby. I was taken in and raised by some very nice humans. If I have biological parents, I don't know who they are. But honestly, I don't care because I have some of the best parents a girl could ask for. They live three houses down from you: that's how we saw you moving in. But anyway: Ryo is half Saiyan and half Star Child. All my other children are half Star Children and something else—except for three." Tanya explained with a sad smile.
"Don't feel bad: none of my kids have the same mothers. My supposed son and Momo's mothers were one-night stands. Knickers's mother: she's an entirely different story. Uhh… Knickers, take Momo and go play for a little while longer; we'll get to the library in about half an hour." Trunks told Tanya before telling Knickers.
"Yes, Dad. Come on, Momo." Knickers replied before leading Momo back to the playground.
"And Momo: no running." Trunks firmly told Momo.
"Yes, Daddy." Momo replied before climbing steps so she could play on the slides.
"Go play." Tanya told Ryo.
"Yes, Mom." Ryo replied, walking to the playground.
"He doesn't seem like he likes the playground." Vegeta noted, watching Ryo.
"No. He'd rather be home reading or something; he's smart." Tanya replied.
"Sounds like Knickers. So, what's going on with your children? We won't judge." Trunks stated before asking, sensing something up.
"Well, I have for boys and two girls: Hatori and Hiei, Vera, Tatsu, Kaya, and Ryo. Hatori and Hiei are fifteen-year-old twin Star Children. Their father was the only other Star Child I knew—and he wanted children, so I was sixteen when I had them. He was killed by an Arien: a friend knows someone who is trying to help with that. He was kind of abusive toward me, but he didn't deserve to be killed."
"Vera is twelve and is half Star Child and half Juptarian. I met her father at a store, and we started dating. I thought he really loved me, but he ended up cheating on me—with several women. She goes with her dad every other weekend—despite not wanting to."
"Tatsu is nine and is half Star Child and half Solsun. His father told me he was of a dying race and that he needed to bear a child to continue the race—even if it's only half. I found out several months later that he used that line on several other women and has at least twelve other children—and the Solsun race isn't dying out. There may not be a lot of Solsun people left, but they're still thriving well enough."
Kaya is six and is half Star Child and half Saiyan. Her father repeatedly raped me until I became pregnant. That's how I met Broly; he saved me from Raditz. I love my Kaya; she's mine, and nothing will ever change that. She's also Broly's; he adopted her the day she was born and has helped raise her since. He's adopted all the kids except Vera because her father won't give up rights, despite never spending time with her."
"Then there's Ryo. He's three but will be four in three months. I swear he's three going on sixteen or something with how smart he is. But he's so kind."
"Umm… But what about your children? You must think I'm crazy with how many kids I have—and being a teen parent. I suppose that's a taboo here." Tanya slowly told Trunks and Vegeta about her kids.
"He has no room to talk about being a teen parent." Vegeta plainly stated.
"Thank you, Dad. But he's right; I don't have a right because I was only fifteen when Knickers was born. His mother, Mai was human, but he's full Saiyan because of a wish that was made. But he's nine now. My second son was supposed to Leo, but I just found out his mother killed him after he was born and replaced him with Aries or someone along those lines. If Leo were alive, he should've been six. His mother was a one-night stand that definitely should not have happened. Either way: he would've been half Saiyan and half Arien. Momo, my youngest: her mother was also a one-night stand, Miki, who is a Venarian. Momo is half Saiyan and half Venarian and is three. She doesn't see her mother because her mother wants nothing to do with her. Miki's parents and two of her brothers have disowned Momo—and one went so far as to try to kill her." Trunks calmly explained, watching Tanya.
"I'm sorry. And I'm sorry to ask, but why isn't Momo allowed to be running? Isn't the point of coming to a playground to run and play?" Tanya apologized and asked, confused.
"Back in April, Momo had a routine appointment where we found that she had appendicitis. During the surgery, the surgeon found an unidentified object in her heart, so they had to do heart surgery as well. The unidentified object turned out to be tiny arrow from a Venarian—who happened to be one of Miki's brothers. He hated that Momo was half Saiyan that much he tried to kill her. Needless to say, we got lucky. But she can still play and have fun; she just needs to take it easy. Right now, we're just at no running." Trunks explained, watching Knickers and Momo.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm glad she's doing better. I'm sorry about Miki's brother." Tanya apologized.
"You sound like you know her." Vegeta stated, watching Tanya.
"Yes, I do; I've met her a few times. Like I said before: I was taken in by a couple when I fell to Earth as a baby. But they had a four sons as well: Sapphire, Kota, Phoenix, and Nero. Phoenix is their third son; he's married to Miki's older sister, Persephone, and they have five kids together. They often help me with my children. Thanks to them, all my kids got into Summer Camps. And I'm sure once Ryo's old enough; he'll go into camp as well. And then, our cousin, Orpheus is dating Nelly: Miki's other older sister and Persephone's younger sister. He's just legally adopted all her daughters and they have one on the way. Then I know Miki has three brothers: Apollo, Roxis, and Neil. From what I understand, now, Roxis and Neil are the only ones to have anything to do with their parents. Apollo and Persephone cut them out twelve to fifteen years ago while Nelly only just cut them out four years ago. They're all good people—very family oriented. Wait. You said Momo is Miki's daughter." Tanya explained before slowly coming to a realization.
"Yes, Momo is their niece. No, we don't know them. To be honest: I really didn't know much about Miki until April—when Momo was in the hospital longer than she should've been because of Neil. And as it would turn out, they didn't know about Momo until some time ago. Apollo just sent me a letter and the kids a box of presents; they would like to meet her some time. I just don't know yet. So, I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything to any of them about knowing who we are and where we live just yet." Trunks replied, watching Tanya.
"Of course. It's not any of my business. But if I may: they really are good people. The only ones that aren't good are Roxis and Neil. And I suppose I shouldn't say that: Roxis is decent; he's just very opinionated—and mean. But physically, he does no harm." Tanya told Trunks and Vegeta.
"Thanks for letting me know. I just need some time to think about it all. It was nice meeting you—and I hope we see each other again: Momo seems to enjoy Ryo's company. But I have to get to the library—and maybe get some ICE CREAM!" Trunks told Tanya before saying "ice cream" loud enough that Momo and Knickers heard.
"Daddy, ice cream?" Momo asked, waddling over.
"We've got to go to the library first. I need to get some things there." Trunks calmly told Momo as Knickers walked over.
"A lying card?" Momo innocently asked.
"Yes, some library cards: one for me and one for Knickers. And as long as you behave and stay quiet in the library, we'll get you ice cream." Trunks told Momo.
"Yay! What 'bout ice cream cake?" Momo happily exclaimed before asking.
"We will see." Trunks told Momo with a sigh.
"K. Bye-bye Ryo." Momo replied before waving to Ryo.
"Oh. Before you go. If you're interested, the library has a summer reading program for kids ages three through twelve. It's completely anonymous to other members. All you have to do is sign your child up with the librarian. Last names are optional: only first names are required. Yes, it already started, but a child can join in whenever. It's Tuesdays and Thursdays if you're interested." Tanya stopped Trunks to explain.
"Thank you." Trunks replied with a genuine smile before heading to the library.
"Welcome; is there anything I can help you with?" A librarian politely greeted Trunks, Knickers, Momo, and Vegeta when they walked in.
"Yes, actually. I'm here for some library cards. I need one for me and then one for my son as well." Trunks replied, walking up to the desk.
"Yes, of course. I just need your first and last names." The librarian happily obliged, getting ready.
"How much are the cards?" Knickers asked, interested.
"Is this your first card with us?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks.
"Yes, and it's his first card in general." Trunks answered.
"Here, your first card is free and renews every ten years for a dollar. If you lose, or your card is somehow destroyed, replacement cards are $1.50." The librarian explained.
"Well, I'm Trunks Briefs. And he's Knickers Briefs." Trunks answered, holding a wiggly Momo.
"Mr. Briefs: it says here you have a library card already. Did something happen to it?" The librarian asked, looking at his computer.
"No, I still have it. I'm from West City: I was told I'd need a new library card." Trunks replied, watching the librarian.
"Nope. As long as you stay within two hours of West City, you can use your library card at any library. It's if you go further than two hours that you can't." The librarian explained.
"Well, I guess only Knickers needs a card then." Trunks replied, watching Knickers.
"Awesome. I will get that done in just a minute. Now, just so you're aware: your card does expire within a year." The librarian informed Knickers and Trunks.
"Thank you." Trunks and Knickers replied.
"Ok. Here you go, young man. Enjoy and take care of it." The librarian told Knickers, handing him his new card.
"Thank you so much: I will." Knickers promised, taking the card.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks.
"Can I go look at the books?" Knickers asked, looking at Trunks.
"Just wait a minute." Trunks calmly told Knickers.
"I'll take him if you want me to." Vegeta told Trunks; he really didn't want to be standing at the front desk.
"Sure. Go 'head." Trunks replied.
"Do you want me to take Momo?" Vegeta asked, watching Trunks.
"No, I stay wit Daddy, pease." Momo softly spoke, leaning against Trunks.
"She's fine. I think it's about time for a nap." Trunks replied, rubbing Momo's back.
"No… I be good girl so I's get ice cream." Momo mumbled against Trunks's shoulder.
"Ok. We'll be in the books I guess." Vegeta told Trunks as Knickers stood there like he had ants in his pants.
"I don't see many kids who like to—or even want to read like that." The librarian told Trunks after Knickers took off.
"Yeah, he loves to read. He also loves puzzles and model sets." Trunks replied, shifting Momo a little.
"Anyway: you had a question." The librarian changed the subject.
"Yeah. I was told about some summer reading program you have here." Trunks replied.
"Oh. Yes. Is it something you'd be interested in?" The librarian eagerly asked.
"Maybe. I'd like to have a little more information before I make an definitive choice." Trunks replied.
"Of course. Of course. Hold on. Are you looking just for your son or both children?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks.
"Both, I suppose." Trunks replied, shifting Momo again.
"Ok. I just need their first names and ages. Well, actually, until you decide; I just need ages." The librarian calmly stated before correcting himself.
"Nine and three." Trunks replied.
"Ok. Now, the program is very simple. Maybe she's reading. Maybe she's not. I don't want to just assume. The youngest group: children ages three through five sit in an area set up for them, and someone reads a story or two. After story time, there's some type of activity. It only lasts an hour: Noon to One, Tuesdays and Thursdays."
"The middle group: children ages six through nine also have reading time with someone. However, in those groups, the children take turns reading a book before they do an activity. They're also here for an hour: Noon to One, Tuesdays and Thursdays."
"The oldest group: children ages ten through twelve are here on Mondays and Wednesdays from Noon to Three. They each take turns reading a short story book and then discuss it afterwards. Depending on how many kids we get, they're usually divided into groups of three or four in order for everyone to have time to read their books and then discuss it. And then, after all that, they're welcome to do whatever activity is set up for them."
"Then comes the prize part of it all. We have weekly sheets with the child's name on it. It counts how many hours a day the child reads. Your children are in the youngest and middle groups, so their week would end Thursdays. Or, well, that's when we'd give them some sort of prize. Sunday is the only day that doesn't count because it's a day of rest. But Fridays through Thursdays, depending how much your child reads will determine what the prize is. Hold on. We understand you're new, but we can't cut back hours to have a gain at prizes; that just wouldn't be fair. But if you decide to finish off this summer and go again next summer, the prizes are always the same." The librarian explained, pulling out a board with hours and prizes listed on it.
Weekly Reading Prizes:
6 Hours: a toy/stuffed animal.
7-12 Hours: coupons for ice cream cones at Kori's Ice Cream Parlor.
13-20 Hours: coupons for a hot-fudge sundae at the Kori's Ice Cream Parlor.
Monthly Reading Prizes:
20-50 Hours: $10.00 for any ice cream item at the Kori's Ice Cream Parlor.
50-80 Hours: a $20.00 gift certificate to any Book Mart between West City & East City.
80+ Hours: $50.00 gift card to Children's Toys Toy Store.
End of the Summer Reading Prizes:
90-160 Hours: 4 day passes to any Super~Bounce Land.
160-200 Hours: A family pass up to six members to the Maple's National Park's pool.
200+ Hours: 10 tickets to South City's Beachside Waterpark.
"Ten tickets for how many kids?" Trunks asked, confused.
"It's incentive to get kids to read. Usually, by the end of June—or the middle of July, we know who's going to read the allotted amount. Most kids just read the bare minimum. Some read the middle amount. And very little read the highest amount or more. Nobody loses any money; they just print out tickets or coupons and send them our way." The librarian answered, explaining to Trunks.
"I wan go waterpark." Momo softly spoke, looking at the board.
"You would have to talk to Knickers. We'll find them in a little bit." Trunks told Momo, rubbing her back.
"And you'd have to wait until next year." The librarian gently told Momo.
"Oh, trust me: if I were to let him be, Knickers would read almost all day if he could. The longest he's read consecutively was eight hours." Trunks calmly told the librarian, shocking him a little.
"We're back. I found some books." Knickers informed everyone, plopping four large novels on the desk.
"What's going on here?" Vegeta asked, looking between Trunks and the librarian.
"I wan go waterpark." Momo repeated what she said earlier.
"It's a prize for that Summer reading program." Trunks told Vegeta and Knickers, noticing their confused looks.
"Stephen King, huh?" The librarian asked, looking at Knickers's selection.
"Yep. I'm an advanced reader. However, I have trouble spelling words when it comes to writing them down on paper." Knickers admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
"I understand that. My sister has that same dilemma. Well—as long as it's ok with your father, you can check these out. However, because you're under twelve, you can't check them out on your own." The librarian explained, watching Knickers.
"IT, The Stand, The Shining, and Doctor Sleep. Are you sure?" Trunks asked, watching Knickers.
"Yes. Please. I've seen Pet Sematary and was just fine." Knickers pleaded with Trunks.
"Yeah, he can read them—during the day, not the night." Trunks first told the librarian before firmly telling Knickers.
"Yes, Dad. What about a Summer reading program? Can I join next year?" Knickers replied before asking.
"You can still join this year, if you and your father want." The librarian informed, handing Knickers his books in a bag.
"Thank you. Can I?" Knickers asked, watching Trunks.
"It's every Tuesday and Thursday starting at noon and goes until one. You can't miss any days or skip out early if I allow this." Trunks firmly told Knickers.
"I promise." Knickers eagerly replied.
This is the most excited Trunks has seen Knickers about anything except for being an older brother.
"I guess Knickers is signing up." Trunks told the librarian.
"Great. All you have to do is sign the sign-up sheet, saying you'll be joining. I understand you're more of an advanced reader, but you have to participate with other children in your age group of six through nine. Please understand." The librarian calmly told Knickers.
"That's fine." Knickers eagerly replied, signing his name on the sign-up sheet before Trunks signed, confirming it.
"Will your daughter also be joining?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks.
"Uhh… I don't think so. We don't know how to read just yet." Trunks replied.
"That's ok: most children her age don't know—or are just learning how to read. Does she like being read to?" The librarian explained before asking.
"Yes, but only certain books." Trunks replied.
"That's just fine. It still counts if you read to your child as long as they're in the three to five age group." The librarian explained.
"We'll try. I suppose that's all we can do." Trunks sighed, signing Momo into the program. In a way, he thought it would be good for her; she needed to learn how to read. However, he wasn't sure how Momo would like it; she's not for being around a lot of people she doesn't know at one time.
Hell, Momo only ever talks to him, Knickers, and sometimes their grandparents.
"All set up. Is there anything else I can do for you?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks.
"Nope: I think that's it. Thank you." Trunks calmly replied.
"Yucky." Momo softly spoke, looking in the direction Knickers and Vegeta went and came from.
"Yucky? What's Yucky?" Trunks asked, watching Momo.
"No. Yucky." Momo replied, now pointing, causing the others to look where she was pointing.
"That's Emiko's cat—Yuki? I think its name is Yuki." Knickers stated, looking at the gray cat.
"You know Emiko, huh?" The librarian asked, watching Trunks, Vegeta, and the kids.
"Sort of. We just met the other day; she's Knickers buddy for school." Trunks calmly replied.
"Oh, yes; she mentioned something about a school program, helping kids. Though, I thought she was working with some other family. Yugi and Yami, I think." The librarian spoke before thinking out loud.
"You don't say?" Trunks asked, watching Yuki.
"Oh, Mr. Briefs. What are you doing here?" Emiko asked, popping around a corner.
"Knickers wanted a library card. Well, so did I—but as it would turn out; I didn't need a new one. And Momo wants ice cream—and an ice cream cake. And now, they're both signed up for the Summer reading program—what's left of it anyway." Trunks answered, watching Emiko; she looked drained.
"Did you find what you needed?" The librarian asked, watching Emiko.
"Yes, thank you." Emiko replied, setting two books on the counter.
"Yuki's having kittens, huh?" The librarian asked, checking Emiko's books out for her.
"Yes." Emiko calmly answered.
"That one tom that keeps coming around?" The librarian asked with a smile.
"Yes." Emiko answered with a sigh.
"Well, from what you've mentioned about him; he belongs to Mr. Karston. He owns a farm with all sorts of animals. He doesn't normally have cats, but when he does—well, it's not something I want to bring up around children. Short story: cats don't last long around him." The librarian told Emiko, causing all the color to drain from her face.
Basically, what the librarian was saying was that Mr. Karston butchers any cat on his property.
"If I were you: if you see that tom cat, take him in, get him fixed, and then find him a good home." The librarian calmly told Emiko.
"Thank you." Emiko replied before heading out.
"Emi?" Momo asked, confused.
"Come on; let's get you some ice cream. Have a nice rest of your day." Trunks told Momo before telling the librarian before heading out.
"You as well." The librarian politely replied with a sigh.
"Hey, Girly." Trunks heard a man's voice before seeing a burly man with short dark brown hair, standing a few feet away from Emiko, who was walking to who knows where.
"Yes?" Emiko softly asked.
"You're the girl always carrying around a slutty cat?" The man asked, watching Emiko.
"Yes, I always have my cat, but she's not a slut." Emiko replied.
"Dad, take Momo. Knickers, stay here. This is not going to end well." Trunks told Vegeta, handing him Momo. He firmly instructed Knickers when it looked like he wanted to help.
"Well, she's pregnant isn't she—with my cat's kittens?" The man asked, demanding an answer.
"Uhhh… I'm sorry, but I don't know you or your cats." Emiko replied, watching the man.
"My name is Carter Karston. I was told my black and white tom cat tends to show up around your cat. I never had any problems until you and your cat showed up. Now, Cat 284 was my last and only cat I had left. You tell me why you would come onto my property and sabotage my fences and such." The man, Carter Karston, firmly demanded.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know you. I'd never heard of you until today—and I rather wish I'd never heard of or met you at all. I don't know where you live other than on a farm, so therefore, I've never been on your property. And if what I've heard is true, you don't deserve your cat." Emiko firmly replied, standing her ground.
"Why you…" Carter Karston was so flustered; he didn't know what to say. However, he did raise his hand to Emiko, causing her to flinch a little.
"Don't touch her. Emiko didn't do anything to you to give you any right to raise your hand and smack her. In fact, a man has no right to ever lay a hand on a woman unless she strikes first." Trunks dangerously told the man after grabbing his wrist and twisting his arm behind his back.
"This is harassment! Officer Nami, Officer Jasper; you two saw! Arrest this man!" Carter yelled, trying to break free of Trunks.
"Ok. Let him go, Trunks. Carter Karston, there's no harassment here—except from you. We saw the entire thing. You confronted Emiko first—and she only defended herself using her words. You raised your hand to her. And the traffic cams will verify that. Now, I'll be taking you in. We don't condone violence in the city. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand your rights as I have explained them to you?" Nami explained and asked after cuffing Carter.
"Why are you taking me in? Have him do it." Carter demanded.
"Conflict of interest. Come on." Nami told Carter a bit more forcible more time.
"Thank you." Emiko mumbled before walking away.
"Half of those kittens are mine when they're born!" Carter yelled as he was being put into a patrol car.
"Over my dead body!" Emiko yelled back.
"Hey! Do you want to be arrested as well?" Jasper snapped, grabbing Emiko's wrist, pulling her back.
"Let go!" Emiko yelled, pulling away from Jasper.
"Enough! Enough. Sorry, but you two need to talk or something. I know it's not any of my business, but I'm making it so now. You made it my business the moment you started yelling at each other on the beach. You're going to be my son's buddy thing for school, so you're going to be part of his life. My daughter doesn't like new people or really anyone except me, Knickers, and few select others—and yet, she talks about you often. So, you're part of her life as well. Clearly, you have unresolved issues with your brother. So, like it or not: you two are going to sit down and talk like civilized siblings. Now, I'm taking my kids to the ice cream parlor—with my dad. You two will be coming with and will not be allowed to leave until you've talked. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Trunks had enough and firmly scolded and ordered Emiko and Jasper: his dad side was showing.
"Yes." Jasper and Emiko replied, not knowing what else to say.
"Good. Now, come along." Trunks instructed, having them go ahead of him but staying behind Vegeta so he could keep an eye on them…