Hello again everyone here is chapter 6. On January 19th I lost my grandfather and am still coping with the loss. I am so grateful for CelestialMageLucy and this story that has been helping me get back into the swing of things. Thank you all again for reviewing, favoriting and subscribing to updates for our story. I am so glad you all like it as much as we do, so thank again and enjoy.
Chapter Six: Family Matters
~Bulma~
Her head was pounding, which was never a good sign when waking up. She hated to admit, but she was used to having this type of headache after being knocked out; which is one time too many in her opinion. How did it get this bad again? How did her life fall down another rabbit hole when she just happened to get her feet on the ground? She shifted in the new bed they had placed her in. She didn't have to open her eyes to understand what had happened as her memories flooded into her mind without slowing down for her to process any of the unnerving information. She felt like she was going to be sick as she recalled hearing that flatline. It was as if her own heart had stopped as well. Her little boy floating in that tank helpless while she was fighting with the man she desperately loved. This was supposed to be their reunion and it was nothing as she had practiced all these years. She should have known they would fight; after all, it is what they were good at.
But what was disheartening was for all she knew her son could be dead. Just the thought of it stilled her. She didn't want to breathe just the thought of it. That was her child, the only force that kept her going all these years. To watch him float almost lifeless in that tank, and to remember it so vividly, made her body clenched involuntarily. She could only muster putting herself into a fetal position and felt the hot tears fall down her cheeks as she buried into herself. Gods don't take him! Take her! But please…don't take her only reason for breathing in this universe. Living her life without Trunks, would be the stars with no sky. Please, god, someone, whomever was up there, please not him. Don't take away her boy; don't take away the last person she had left. She doubted she would live much longer. She had lived her life, where as he barely begun. She wasn't ever supposed to outlive him. A wretched sob ripped through her chest that made an ungodly sound. She hadn't realized what she was doing until she was sitting up and clawing herself in grief. This might have been what 'losing one's mind' is like. She didn't care. All that was predominate was the pain of loss. She couldn't see through her vision nor hear her screams anymore. Everything felt so far away, and she wasn't even in her body anymore. Maybe she was numb, or maybe she really was dying. All she knew was the two women from before rushing into the room and pinner her arms away from doing anymore damage.
Sure, she struggled and attempted to fight them off; but it proved useless. What chance does a Human have to fight against pure blooded Saiyans? They were easily able to restrain her and all she could do was sob so brokenly. The pain, gods this pain, it was worse than all she had endured so far. She would take the rapes; take them all gladly 100-fold, if it meant her boy could live. Her world was a fire searing in her blood and the tears wouldn't stop falling down her cheeks. Such torment ripped through her as she could only lie there just desperately in her hysteria. Who was she? Who was this person being pinned to the bed and clawing to harm herself? Before she could even begin to question her existence as a sharp pain hit her thigh before everything became dizzy and she was lost to the tide of darkness.
How much time had passed this time? All she had remembered was the darkness and the stillness of the room. The soft sounds of the machine beeping next to her and her vision blurry from whatever substance they had injected her with before. She about lost her mind she was sure. That did little to numb the pain in her heart. Cry as she would, if her son was gone, there was nothing she could do except get the damn dragon balls to wish him back to life…but fat chance of that happening. She had no resources and no connections besides the man that was livid at her.
"Why is it all you Humans are always so emotional?" a feminine, but foreign voice spoke up beside her bed. The azure haired scientist shifted her eyesight to the female Saiyans resting her head on her hand as she looked at her with bright curiosity in her eyes. She was wearing the same armor that the prince had on, so could this mean…
"Do I know you?" Bulma sniffled.
"Not personally, but what I want to know is why you were rescued and had a half-breed with you?" The strange girl questioned. From what the young mother could gather this girl was younger than her, but not by much, maybe four or five years? She also looks so familiar to Vegeta, maybe a sister or relative? That would explain why they had similar outfits, but if that was the case, why was she here? Did Vegeta know that this person was visiting her? Did he even know where she was?
"Why aren't you talking? You made quite the ruckus earlier, so I know you can speak. Which, by the way, how did you know our language?" The younger Saiyan inquired.
It had taken all but a few moments of confusion, and then processing, for the scientist to realize what was not only being said to her, but also how invasive her questions were. "Who are you?" Was all she could manage to get out in her dumbstruck manner. Her voice was harsh from all her screaming, and she begun to realize just how drained she really was. But she needed to soldier on considering this person might know her son's fate, and could possibly take her to him.
"Not until you start taking blue." The girl smirked just the same way Vegeta had many times before.
"I don't want to get anyone in trouble."
"Well too late for that. So, start talking, and depending on who you are and what you were doing, there might be mercy for you and your brat."
"Please," the young mother spoke so brokenly, "…tell me he lives."
"My brother is with him right now. But it's only a matter of time before that idiot reveals that he is the daddy. So, start talking."
"You're . . . his sister?" But a glare from the sibling stopped Bulma short from continuing her analysis. She cleared her throat best that she could, "I'm Bulma, Bulma Briefs. I am the one who brought back your planet and people, I housed Vegeta and helped him to get him back home."
"Hmm, so basically, you are the one responsible. Sounds like we owe you a debt."
"Please, don't let them kill my son."
"It won't be us. It will be the virus, if it does claim his life."
"Virus…"
"Okay, so I answered your questions now answer mine, how did you seduce him?"
At this, Bulma swore her face must have changed up to three shades of red at the intimacy of the question. She attempted to open her mouth to even begin to clarify what she had meant. "Oh, don't act like a prude. Saiyans don't sleep with anyone but our own; save for Kakarot."
"Goku is here?" The scientist cried out.
"Goku? Is that what you Humans call him?"
"He is my best friend. I've known him since we were little kids…he is how I met Vegeta. He fought when Vegeta came to destroy Earth the first time while he was in Frieza's army." She found herself explaining.
"Brother never told me about any of this." The sibling pouted and folded her arms.
"Maybe not, but I feel I have said too much."
"Still avoiding the question." The girl teased. "So basically, you forced him?"
"What! NO! Look, it was a mutual decision!"
"Likely story. Either way, this puts us all in a bind, you know? Word gets out that he has a bastard hybrid, it is going to-"
"Shut your mouth." Bulma found herself sitting up and a rage filling every inch of her body. Her eyes narrowed and tone cold.
"Whoa! Hey, calm down there little Human. I meant no offense, but just calling what-"
"You have no right to talk about my son that way. He and I have been through hell, and I won't let some Saiyan come and tell me that my son is a problem. He didn't ask to have Vegeta or I as parents, and he doesn't deserve to be called any names. Shut your mouth, or leave."
"Whoa, feisty. Look, little Human, didn't mean to piss you off, but I am the least of your problems. When my Dad finds out, he is going to blow a fuse, and in the worst way. Sure, Vegeta is a Super Saiyan, but he can't fight his way out of the political shit storm that will be heading our way."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know that Vegeta is the Prince of all Saiyans, and next in line for the throne after our Father decides to step down or if something makes him step down." Taking the look of confusion, the young sister of the prince sighed as she found that she would have to give information for her to understand. "Okay, there is only a couple ways for Vegeta to ascend to the throne. The first being that the King decides to step down for reasons not limited to illness, death, dying, etc. A second, and more popular method, is to sire a proper heir and kill the king."
Bulma felt herself grimace at how brutal the race was, but she wasn't foolish as these were the Saiyans; and their race had their own rough ways of handling themselves. Still, she couldn't imagine her own child killing Vegeta to take over the throne. She didn't care about any of that. She wanted to have them live and to live their lives in peace. Sure, it would be nice to have Vegeta be a part of that, but this was his life here. She couldn't ask him to get rid of it, when they had gone over so many battles and obstacles to have him achieve what he had wanted all along. "How awful…"
"Not really it is just how things are done." The girl shrugged her shoulders. "Honestly, no one seems to mind. It is our way of honoring and ascending powers, but enough about that, there are strict rules around the royal lineage. A worthy heir must be created to prove the best chance for our people to honor our lineage and pure bloodlines. Your brat's existence not only insults that tradition, but is an example of what is wrong with mixing our pure race with outsiders. Vegeta should have never coupled enough to produce an heir. Our people favor our traditional ideologies, and having the Human's here has already put a political strain on the future of our house. Vegeta has been questioned more than once by different, prestigious old houses, and his responses to those accusing questions have not put him in the best of lights. Our Father is almost fed up with it, but knows he is a Super Saiyan and will not question it. However, to find that he is the grandfather of a hybrid, might just put him over the edge and then some."
"Why are you telling me this…what do you even want from me?"
"I want to know what you are planning to do."
"I…I just want my son."
"I am afraid it isn't as simple as that."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean just that, it isn't going to be a simple solution. My brother is wrapped around that brat's little pinky. He won't like to admit it, but he is smitten with that little boy."
"That is funny, because he could have fooled me when he yelled at me."
"Give him a break. The poor sap probably was overwhelmed." The female Saiyan defended. "He just found out he was a Dad not that long ago."
"And how do you think I felt when I found out? I had no one!" Bulma snapped without thinking. Suddenly her cheeks flushed from embarrassment and she averted her gaze from the surprised look on the girl's face. Clearly, she hadn't expected that answer out of her. The dark-haired beauty narrowed her eyes as she begun to get a little deeper than the surface of this strange Human, what exactly had her and her nephew been through.
"Alright Blue, start talking." She ordered.
"I want to see my son." Was the only meek reply.
"Listen, I don't have time for your self-pity. Answer the question."
"Why should I even tell you! I don't even know your name!" Bulma snapped again. This was twice now that she disrespected Saiyan royalty.
"It's Kalei by the way. And you will do as ordered."
"You aren't my princess Kalei, and I won't say anything more until I am taken to my son." She steeled her resolve and forced her harden eyes back on the girl. There must have been something within them as she watched the Saiyan princess squirm a little under the iciness of it.
"Look, the brat is with his father-"
"Then you better take me to him, or I will go to him. One way or another I am going to my son."
"Please, with what strength? I saw those two nurses put you down. They aren't even near the power level I am. I could easily snap you in half with my gaze alone."
"Take me to my boy. I am not asking." The determined mother threatened as she threw the blankets off her and pulled against the restraints.
"Again, you are not in the position to order me around Blue. So maybe you should ask, instead of demanding. I asked you a question."
"We are done talking."
"No, we are not. You and I are going to chat about what you have gone through because I may have a way to safeguard your lives, but I need you to talk to me."
"Why should I?"
"Because, besides Vegeta, I am the best chance you got at not getting killed by the whole planet. So, take a breath, and tell me your story." The princess said gripping one of the restraints and looking into Bulma's eyes. She needed the information, she needed the human to see reason.
"I don't want him telling Vegeta anything life changing unless I am there to help with the aftermath." She grumbled.
"You are a strange Human, you know, that right?"
"I am the strange one? Please, you are the one coming in here and acting the weirdest of all."
"Now, now don't get off track Human. The sooner you tell me your story, the sooner you get to see your precious boy. Isn't he worth a story?"
"How can I even trust you? His life is precious to me, and I won't risk it for anyone, especially a word of a Saiyan I don't know or trust."
"So, you want insurance? I can respect that. Okay Blue, I swear on my brother's life that if he is harmed I will personally kill the Saiyan prince destined to be king."
Looking into her eyes, which were strikingly the same kind as the man in her dream, she couldn't help but be swayed by her determination. She was certain this woman was of her word, and sure she would kill Vegeta if any harm would come to her boy; but she didn't want to get to that point.
"Blue, we gotta trust each other here. What choice do you have? And my deal is the best one you get since we are talking pure treason here. Tell me your story. Tell me how my brother has wronged you? What life did you leave? We owe you a debt, I know that is for certain, but you need to let me know the extent, please?" The Saiyan reached out and gently placed a hand atop of Bulma's fisted ones on her sides. The scientist's gaze was already turned down, and inwardly was fighting her own demons. To trust, or not to? Her options are limited at this point, but if she trusts her, that could mean her son's harm-or even death. Gods, what a mess she found themselves in.
"What do you want to know?"
"Start from the beginning." The Saiyan princess named Kalei sighed in relief. She returned her hand and relaxed in the chair as she waited for the woman to begin her tale. After several moments of silence that settled between them both, Bulma let out a heavy sigh and begun to tell everything. From the moment that Vegeta and Nappa had come to Earth. The battle between Goku. Finding out the loss of the dragonballs and heading to Namek. The fight with Frieza that met them there. The epic battle between Goku and Frieza, with all of Vegeta's part to play in it. She even spilled the part about when Vegeta was killed, but then brought back to life. The princess had to stop her as she was beyond shocked. It appeared she didn't know that information.
"MY BROTHER WAS KILLED BY THAT BEAST?!" She practically cried out.
"Shhh! Gods, don't let him hear you" Bulma scolded.
"Sorry, sorry, but I am just shocked. I mean my brother is the strongest on the planet and you know…"
"Either way, once it was all settled down, and we had returned home, I couldn't help but notice him…"
"Notice him? As in-"
"Don't say it out loud!" Frantically the scientist waved her hands frantically with a deep crimson dusting her cheeks.
"Aww, so you had a crush on him?"
"It wasn't like that!"
"Oh, I think it was exactly like that!" The younger woman teased.
"Could we focus on the story?" Lamented the blue haired woman as she attempted to not let them dwell on this embarrassing topic any further than needed.
"Okay, okay, so what happened?"
By now, Bulma had returned to explaining her tale, and informing the girl of the Namekians waiting for the Dragonballs to come in effect and to be able to return to their new planet. She also told her about the time they were waiting for Goku, after having that fight with Frieza, and because of the dragon they knew he was alive and would be returning to Earth eventually. So that is when she had gotten the idea that maybe the Saiyans might be back considering that Frieza was the one that had destroyed their planet in the first place.
"So that is when you decided to come look for us? How do you know how to speak our language?"
"Well I taught myself, but once I had to get Vegeta involved with helping to search for his home, he started to give me proper lessons."
"You really do care for him?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Why not?"
"He is Saiyan and the crown prince Kalei, but I…I am a Human of a dead planet. Unless the laws changed?"
"Unfortunately, not really. It is really frowned upon, and especially if the royal bloodline. There would be a revolt if such a thing had gotten out."
"You mean when."
"Well…that remains to be seen. Considering that my brother's position is at stake. It is important we keep this quiet by any means necessary."
"If you so much as touch a hair on my boy's head I swear I will destroy this whole godforsaken race!"
"Whoa, calm down there Momma girl. From what I can understand, it was you that helped to bring our race back in the first place and then you are the reason our prince was returned to us. We owe you quite a debt. I can spin that in a way that not even Father could touch you."
"But Trunks-"
"Should be fine…should is the key word here. Regardless, I will do my best to make sure you and your boy are safe. I think that is the least we can do to pay back the favor you gave us."
"I just want my little boy. I am so scared he might-"
"Hey, he has royal blood in his veins! No way would he even kick the bucket yet. It would be a shame to our race and his heritage."
"Well as long as your precious heritage doesn't stain from my son's death." Bulma bitter spat back.
"That isn't what I meant."
"That is exactly what you meant!"
"Well someone's feeling hostile."
"Take me to see my son. I have answered your questions."
"I don't think that is a good idea right now. Vegeta is with him and I think they deserve a few moments to maybe make up for lost time."
"And that is my fault!"
"No, but they deserve a moment nonetheless. I think you owe it to them." Kalei narrowed her eyes and didn't miss the guilt that flashed in the Human's eyes.
"How about you let me check on them, and see the temperature of the room before you go in there and start trouble. Your son is in a delicate condition, right? Let's not add more stress than necessary. Wouldn't you agree that this is important?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Let me find out. Can you give me that?"
"How do I trust you?"
"You can't. But then again, what choice do you have?" At this, the young mother couldn't find an excuse to argue. Kalei stood up and straightened her clothing. She reached out and put a hand on the other woman's shoulder, "Please believe me when I tell you that everything is going to be alright. Things will pan out. I know it is scary right now, but you need to trust that we are doing all we can for your son."
"Please, promise me that no one will kill my boy…Not even Vegeta."
"I promise." The girl vowed. With that she took her leave.
~Child Intensive Care Unit~
After his brief chat with his sister, the royal prince turned towards the intensive care unit door to take one last look at his child. By the gods what a cruel joke! Him! A father! Of anyone out there in this universe, he was relatively sure that him being a father of anyone would be the biggest cosmic joke of all eternity. He was not parent material, he was the ruling type. He was a leader. He didn't have time to coddle an incessant sniveling child, much less a fucking hybrid! He ran a hand through his hair. Of all the people he had to knock up, it had to be the damn woman. This was not the reunion he had in mind. Yes he had fantasized about what their child would look like, but this was out of his realm of fantasy. The damn brat was dying which meant he was weak like his mother; and that coloring! Fucking purple hair! "Goddamn it!" He growled angrily. So suddenly his fist ended up impacting a wall and leaving a small crater in its wake. He had to take several deep breaths before composing himself. What was wrong with him today?
There were so many suppressed emotions coursing through his mind today. What was he thinking really? He would be reunited with the woman and he would do everything in his power to keep her by his side? How foolish he had been thinking. She was saddled with a bastard brat and she had to drop this in the most sensitive time of his life. He was on the cusp of becoming king and being able to do something about these damn laws, but now she may have sealed their fates. He would be lucky if his father doesn't just kill the boy, or them both. He clenched his teeth. He couldn't, no, he would never touch that boy. He could still see red at the mere thought of any harm coming to that child. Which, didn't do shit for him considering that this could seal their death warrants. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. What was he going to do? What should he do? He was torn between duty and his wants at the moment; but he knew what would win in the end.
Sighing, he walked passed the damn room and headed out of the medical area and towards where he could feel his parent's Ki signatures. He would need to come clean to them and let them decide how they would deal with this. He would do his best safeguard their lives, that is what he had set his mind to do. The Prince of Saiyans walked quickly towards his parents. As he got closer, he suddenly felt three familiar Ki signatures. 'Just what in the hell is she doing now!' He internally cursed as he picked up the pace and disregarded the strange, yet worried looks of those he passed. Apparently, he was just a great ball of friendly today. He stomped his feet and raised his own Ki significantly higher to signal that he was coming with a purpose. As he approached the king's study where his family were in discussion, he used just enough force to burst open the doors to come to the sight of his sister glaring their father down, and his mother's gentle hand on her mate's shaking form. Striking, familiar eyes snapped to the intruder. His father's Ki only rising as he bares his fangs. Tensions were so high that the room begun to crackle from the electricity in the air.
"Brat!" The king barked out lividly. It was uncanny how the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Comparing looks the pair were identical with the exception that the king had a beard fit for his regal look. His clothes matched that of his son, but more metal plates covered him with even more engraved carvings in the metal. The ruler of all the Saiyans was a good foot or so above his son. The slight difference of appearance did little to mask the difference of power. With his son achieving Super Saiyan status, it was clear whom was the stronger of the males were.
"Now hold on a moment, let's talk this out." Warned his mother the queen. If father and son were uncanny, same could be said about the daughter and mother. Much like Kalei, the queen was a more mature version of her daughter and well endowed in all areas. Surprisingly, she was more covered than her youthful child. Her hair, much longer than Kalei's, was twisted and braided in intricate designs befitting of royalty. Unlike her king, the queen mother, Kaliflora, was calm and a serene amidst in the storm of emotions from her small family.
"Talk this out! Kali have you lost your mind!" The King roared as he shook in his rage.
Prince Vegeta stood still with his arms crossed and showed no fear; because there was nothing to fear. His father would not do a damn thing. He was, after all, all bark but no bite. He snorted unamused, "Good going Kalei, anything else you want to stick your nose in?"
"Hey! I was cleaning up your mess before someone got hurt!"
"Leave your sister out of this! She did not have the fucking balls to inform me of your weak mistake! I had to be told by my head doctor just what you were up to! How could you be so fucking ignorant! How dare you even try and cover it up! Did you think I would not find out!"
"Oh, shut up Father! Not like you haven't had a bastard or two!" Vegeta gruffly spoke out annoyed. He of course regretted it the moment he spoke as his mother struck him across his face. He was not the least bit fazed, but it didn't mean he didn't deserve the action.
"Both of you! I will not have you going at each other like this! Now I told you to calm down! And Vegeta, if you ever speak like that in front of me again, I don't care how strong you are. I will put you on garbage duty for a year, so help me!" His mother threatened. Her dark eyes narrowed and the promise of death in her tone.
The room suddenly became eerily quiet as the princess cleared her throat, "Okay, well now that, that is out of the way? Can I at least speak and bring some logic into this conversation?"
"You have no right to speak! It is your fault that this is happening!" Vegeta snapped.
"Correction idiot brother; first I didn't say shit, it was the old doc. Second, I have just as much right as you, thank you very much!"
"Your sister is right. So why don't we all calmly go to the balcony and discuss this."
"There is nothing to discuss Kali, we are getting rid of this mess right now." The king interjected.
"You will do no such thing."
"I can. I will. And you have no say in the matter; Super Saiyan or not, I am the king. I make the laws, and you must obey! Our people have enough problems to deal with without some unsightly hybrid moving about" The upset father threatened.
"That is funny, because now I have an heir, so that-"
"Vegeta!" His mother turned her icy stare to him. Abruptly that stopped the threats once more. "No one is killing anyone today; unless you wish to be the first to volunteer as tribute!" Queen Kaliflora's own Ki had risen to add more weight to her promise she made earlier.
"Well said Mom."
"Don't think you are off the hook young lady. You are just as easily responsible for stirring the pot today!"
"What?! How am I at fault!"
"Could we please stop arguing. I have come here to inform you that no harm will come to the woman or brat. They are my responsibly to see as I do fit." The Prince of Saiyans spoke with conviction.
"Our family can't take that kind of embarrassment. Are you out of your mind!"
"Test me and we will find out just who is out of their mind!"
"Considering that we are in a political crisis from your detrimental pet project! Not only that I've gotten word that the Kold's have taken a young saiyan hostage." The ruler spat out blaming his heir. "This would be plenty to strip your rights and disown you!"
"All my men came back safely I was not informed of the Kold's capturing anyone," Vegeta yells back angry unsure of the topic change. Clearly his father was stressed for multiple reasons and his hybrid brat was just the spark to ignite the fire.
"There will be no disowning today! I already told you it was not one of our sons men but a young girl," the queen sighs, irritated she had to repeat herself. "We should focus on the matter at hand and handle the potential hostage situation later. You both are banned from the medical wing till further notice, I will get to the bottom of this and hopefully clean it up cleanly."
"A young girl?" Kali asks concerned looking between her two parents. The king receives a death glare from the queen who clearly didn't want her daugher aware of the situation.
"This arguing is not getting us anywhere! Kali you've met the human and know where the child is, take me to them. I shall meet them myself and find a clear path," she avoids the subject.
"I will explain on the way there." The princess bows while walking to her mother's side while they make their way towards the medical wing in the palace. As the women took their leave, they leave behind infuriated men in the study to have their own conversation; which will more than likely include their fists.
"What do you mean the Kolds have a hostage?" Vegeta asks curious at this new information and eager to get of the topic of the woman and brat.
"They haven't sent us any real threats but intel says that Cooler got ahold of a young saiyan girl. The council is furious blaming your little pet project since a few of your unauthorized missions went into enemy territory," The king says a glare and irritation on his features. Vegeta thinks back to the Kold territories he invaded with his men, he never took a large enough force that would be noticed. He certainly didn't bring any children along.
"Is this intel confirmed?" The prince glances away worried about his brat and the woman. The king stands and shuffles some papers around the desk until he comes across the one he was looking for.
"No but if this information gets out to the public it could cause a war. This is the team I am sending to confirm the rumors. Word is they are your best men," he smirks as Vegeta's face falters.
"Stealing away my men again huh? Not like I care," Vegeta says slamming the paper back down. Anytime Vegeta assembled a halfway decent squad the King would re-assign them to some duty far away or find some way to get them killed. Vegeta knew it was all part of his fear of losing power. "Take whoever you want but I am protecting the woman and brat no matter what!"
"You best learn soon Brat I am the KING here not you! It doesn't matter how powerful you are, especially if you bring that hybrid up as your heir," he smirks, "you'll be a disgrace, the laughing stock of the saiyan nobility." Vegeta feels his anger boil up again, he knew it might be true but he wasn't going to let it come from his hypocrite father. Just like that, the two begin fighting fist against angry fist.