Hello everyone Sanshilove here with chapter 8. I recently got to celebrate my birthday which was a lot of fun. The best gift I got though actually goes along with this story quite well, CelestialMageLucy named a star after me! Guess I'll be chasing my own star. Pretty cool right?

CML here! I am really humbled, as well as amazed at how this story has taken off. I know that you all are choosing our story out of all the choices on this site and am grateful that you have continued to support SanshiLove and I with heartfelt reviews. Even if one person reads our work, I can't help but feel grateful. The best part though, is I get to write with my best friend. I have no idea why it had taken us this long to start this adventure, but I hope it never ends! So along with you fans, I wanted to also extend my gratitude to SanshiLove; without her editing and helping me fix my own hot mess of plot points-we wouldn't even have the story we are currently working on today!

Anyway, please continue to give us your support! And to my best friend, Happy Birthday! Honestly, what do you give the friend that has everything? The cosmos! Just kidding! Anyway, Please leave a review and let us know your feedback! As always, we appreciate you all!

Chapter Eight: A Friendly Reunion

~Medical Wing: Unknown Room~

It took all but a matter of a few moments before the azure haired scientist began to work on the restraints she was put in. She wouldn't wait for so called 'Vegeta's younger sister'; she needed to see her son and she wanted to see him now. Sure, she gave her word to apparently Vegeta's 'sister'; but this was her child. All bets are off the table when it came to him. Considering that Vegeta was the worst when he received news that made him less than thrilled with, she wouldn't chance her son's life to those in power that probably wished him death for even existing. First, she needed to escape these restraints and locate her clothing and capsules. That had the serum that would save her son, and hopefully get them to safer ground. She would have to do her best to keep herself calm, and try not to raise any suspicion. Saiyans might not be able to sense without those scouters; but she knew the man that plagued her dreams could. So, this had to be quick.

To bad it would take more than luck to get her out of these restraints. 'If only Goku were here right now' she cursed to herself. The bed's restraint system had been designed to hold a saiyan so how could she, a mear human, possibly break it? She couldn't wait though! Every second she was trapped here, was another second her son could be in even more trouble. She whipped her head around as the handle of the door turns and then opens. Who was it this time? Nervously, she sucked in a breath. Was it another saiyan to tease her and keep her from her child? When the unknown stranger entered, her mind stopped short, for a few precious seconds she didn't know how to react.

"Goku? . . . Is that really you?" Her voices comes out but barely a whisper. Her childhood friend was now standing inches away from her as he takes large strides with purpose towards her bed. He was wearing saiyan armor similar to Vegeta's, but no one could mistake his signature hair and smile. She couldn't register the information until her mind began to work once more, hot tears that ran down her cheeks. How did he always have such amazing timing?

"Hey B, long time no see?" He uses his signature, goofy grin, "I almost didn't believe my senses when I felt your presence on this planet." Her heart fills with such joyous emotions as her best friend reaches over and undoes the restraints. "You get into trouble again?" He jokes, clearly trying to lighten the mood of room. Suddenly she is hugging him; the feeling almost too much to bare. It's really him! His strong shoulders his happy demeanor, this wasn't a dream.

"God, it is so good to see you." Her smile waivered while the tears brimmed her eyes. She wished her voice didn't crack at the sound, but she honestly couldn't help it. For the first time since she had been on Earth, she found herself safe and filled with hope. She honestly felt a complete mess, after all, today had been quite emotional.

"It's good to see you too, Bulma," Goku says finally breaking the hug, and pulling back to look at his friend fully. Slowly, as she felt herself calm down from the heartfelt reunion, she remembers her task at hand.

"Goku, they are going to kill him, I know it." She explained. Worry was evident on her face and in her tone.

"Kill who Bulma?" He asks confused at the sudden subject change.

"My son! We have to get him, and we all need to get out of here!" She finds herself suddenly on her feet and moving to the chair by her bed. Reaching behind Goku, she puts her jacket on, and fishes in her pocket until her hand finds its purchase: her capsules. Without looking up, she fumbles through the pack, "Vegeta will probably go straight there and-"

"Your son? What does Prince Vegeta have to do with . . ." He searches her face and easily finds the answer. The laidback, carefree man's eyes suddenly widen exponentially as realization ripples across his features, "It's his…! Woah . . . what else happened while I was gone?" He made a poor attempt with being humorous; but it unfortunately fell short.

"Goku, now is not the time! I can explain all of this much later, but we need to find him, and get out of here before they do something to him!" She suddenly snapped as she faced him. Her patience was wearing thin, and she found herself hyperfocusing on the ticking of the invisible clock going on in her mind. The fear for her only child's life was plain as day as her tone did little to hide her fears. She felt the tall Saiyan grab her by her shoulders as if to reassure her. She stared back at up at his softened expression. She couldn't help but fall back into old habits. Goku was, and always is, that hopeful beacon; that soft place to land. He had this natural calming effect that seemed to surely put her at ease with his presence alone. She felt the prickle of tears threatening to fall from her eyes once more as so much anxiety was built up in her chest; but at least Goku was here. If he was here, then everything should turn out alright in the end.

"Alright, I will bust you both out, but me and Chi-Chi have been living in his refugee camp for a few years now. If he comes looking for you, I won't be able to hide you for long." He assured her. Not the answer she was hoping for, but at least it was better than her current predicament. At the same time, realization bloomed in her heart; she almost can't believe her ears. Vegeta set up a human refugee camp. The same man who, for years, talked about how useless and pointless humans were. How they were a waste of air, space, and energy. His opinion of her race was nothing short of a borderline hatred; and yet, he gave them hope. She had to remind herself that now was not the time to waste on idle thoughts. She would revisit that topic when she had her son in her arms and they were safely away from this damn prison.

"That's fine, as long as you hide me long enough, so we can escape,"She spoke with gratitude; time was not on her side, but at least she would have some of it to be in the company of a familiar face. With a plan set in place, he nods in agreement at her request, and takes her hand into his own as searches for a similar Ki to hers. "Ah ha! I think I got him! Hang on." He puts two fingers to his temple while he held onto her hand lightly. With a sudden jolt they materialized together in a different hospital room, with none other than her precious son.

"Momma!" He sobbed into her chest as her arms immediately wrapped around him as she held him closely. She had instantly let go of her best friend's hand and embraced her sick little boy. She could feel him trembling in her embrace. She hadn't thought possible, but small, happy tears fell out of the corner of her gaze as she sent a thankful prayer to the gods above. He was alive, and here in her arms. Her little moment was stopped short as she heard him whimper something painfully against her chest as she pried him off her. She really took him in, little Trunks looked so very pale far from his usual healthy glow. All these needles and different types of tubes were sticking out of him, that were connected to various machines. She had never seen him in such poor shape.

"Oh sweetheart…"

"Momma, please save me. There was an angry man, and he knew our password. H-He kept asking all these funny questions- . . . who is that guy?" His worried expression only grew more as he spotted the tall Saiyan behind them. Goku held only a matched expression of concern that mirrored her own.

"This is what we are gonna do Bud; let's get you the medicine, and we can get out of here." She reached into her jacket and popped opened her capsule that contained the special serum she had concocted in order keep his symptoms at bay. Because he looked so worse for ware, the young scientist made the decision to double the dosage. Although a risk, in her medical opinion, it would only increase his chances her little man was so beyond strained, that he didn't put up much fuss as she quickly injected him, and then turned off the machine. He did, however, flinch when she began to take out all the connecting IV's he had in his arms. Other than that, there wasn't much to it, but to wrap him up in her coat to keep him warm, and cradle him to her chest.

"This man is my friend Goku." She softly introduced once she felt he was stabilized and resting better in her arms. What she hadn't expected was that her little boy couldn't hold back his enthusiasm. If anything, he practically idolized her alien best friend; and seeing him in person was quite the shock. Her son attempted to hide behind his mother's chest as he peeked out to just ogling the saiyan behind her shoulder.

Bulma couldn't stop the comforting smile that played on the corners of her mouth as she turned her body around so they faced their rather bashful friend. He wore that same smile while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly as her little guy blinked with wide-eyed amiration."Well, come on Trunks, why don't you come out and greet your hero?"

"Hero? Me?" The Saiyan chuckled while continuing to humbly accept the praise.

Shyly, the boy pulled himself up out from his mother's jacket she lightly set him down letting him stand on his own feet. He held onto her leg taking glances at the tall saiyan introduced as the hero of his stories. It was almost too cute to see the little one so embarrassed to meet his idol. "Come on Trunks, don't be shy. Tell him who you are." His mother gently encouraged.

"M-My name is Trunks, Trunks Briefs Mr-Mr. Goku." He softly mumbled.

"Forgive him Goku, he normally isn't like this."

"That is okay Bulma. Is this your son?"

"Yes, he is." She almost felt awkward to admit, but put on her bravest face.

"He looks so much like you." The Saiyan squatted down to his knees and became eye level with the child. Goku secretly amazed that something really did come from two of the most angriest people he knew. He supposed miracles do happen once in awhile. "Say Trunks, you feelin' better?"

"Momma says I am still sick…" His meek voice was almost hard to hear as his face felt hot.

"Sick? Well that is not good. How about I take you both home, and we get you some food? And maybe you can make a new friend?" He reached out and petted the top of Trunks' head.

"Friend? What is that?" Curiosity filled the youngster at the thought of this new word he had only read about. At this comment, the two adults caught the other's eye. A silent conversation was struck to the oblivion on the young boy.

Then, without missing a beat, the tall Saiyan grinned,"Well, how about you both come home with me and we find out? You can meet my two sons while your Mom catches up with Chi-chi and me."

The little boy looked up towards his own mother for her instruction. As if he silently pleaded for her to agree. It was almost comical to watch the widest smile beam from him with her nodded this, he turned back to his super hero with a shy smile., and a polite tone "We would like that very much."

"That's the spirit! Come on, I will take you both there." He stood up while his mother scooped him up in her arms. The strong man pulled them close as to secure them, and then took off for the skies as they headed back towards the Human reservation designated on the planet.

~Reservation~

It was strange to see a colony that was peaceful; and not under the ice-jin thumb. It was even stranger to see that it was a whole colony of Humans. Bulma could hardly believe her eyes as they flew over the large reservation consisted of forest, desert, water supply, and mountains. It had been such a long time since she felt her friend picked her up, and flew her anywhere for that matter. But, here she was, holding her son, as they flew high above the people on the ground. She felt her son cling to her body as his wideopen and innocent eyes took everything in as just as she had when the duo went on those crazy dragon ball searching adventures. Only difference was, this was the first time in his little life that he had seen such amazing things. She couldn't stifle the warmth of her heart as she watched him gaze around with such a wide grin, and burning curiosity, on his face. Gone were the lines of worry, and the sickness that consumed him these days. Replacing that worry was a little boy who was taking in the wonder of life around him; this should have been his life from the very start-even if it was on the Saiyan planet.

"How much further, Goku?" She asked above the wind that swept past them while they traveled in the endless sky.

"Home is pretty close now! Chi-Chi is going to freak out when she sees you though!" He wore a matching grin to her son. The heiress couldn't stop the feeling relief that spread through her. It seemed as if Goku and his family made it out alright in the end. Once a troubling notion that plagued her in that hell found no merit in the conclusion. He was safe, his family safe, and they were prospering it seemed. If Goku made it this well, she honestly couldn't wait to see the rest of the group and how they fared. Secretly she rejoiced and was glad she was the only one to suffer; that was good enough for her. If her best friend could survive, then so did everyone else. She could be reunited with her family, and best of all, show them their grandson. She looked to the still awe-struck little adventurer as she did her best to prevent the tears from falling from her eyes once again. So much emotions filled her like a roller coaster today, but true happiness was what she really felt. Just to know he was finally going to meet his grandparents; a little boy they never knew existed, that would be the future of this family; it really did warm her heart. He really did have her coloring, which she had gotten from her father's side of the family, but also the sweetness of his grandmother. There wasn't a mean bone in her body, and a part of her was grateful that her little boy shared that same quality-unlike his father at those points.

"Momma! Do you see! Look at the mountains! I never seen them except from your stories!" He cried out.

"You never seen mountains before little guy? Boy, you are missing out! Don't tell me that you have been modeling after Chi's teaching methods, Bulma! Boys need fresh air sometimes!" The large Saiyan chuckled carefree.

"No, we didn't really get a chance to leave our cells. This is his first time ever being outside."

"Really?! No kidding! Man, wait until I take him out for his first training session! I wonder how much he has learned."

"Momma, what is training?" The little boy spoke up interested. Goku caught her eye as before. It seems there was going to be quite the story to explain. But he let the matter go for a conversation they should be having.

"I'll show you after you get some rest. If anything, you probably should get some food in ya! Ya gotta be hungry!"

At this, the boy's stomach grumbled at the mere mention of food. Bulma couldn't help but stifle a giggle and gave him a knowing eye. Saiyan or not, growing children always seemed to want food; especially the boys. Her best friend heartily laughed, "Yeah! I thought so! Looks like we should book it then!" In the horizon, they were quickly coming up to a small village on one of the mountains. It was only a few houses that were in different distances from the other. As the young mother focused on that distance, she could clearly see the wife of Goku out in the breeze hanging up their family's laundry. It was something else to see, yet again, a familiar face after so long from being away. She couldn't resist the urge to cry out, "Chi-Chi! Hey!"

The raven-haired woman suddenly stopped it the middle of her chores, and snapped her head to face where her husband was flying in from. Her jaw practically dropped to the ground at the sight of her long-lost friend carrying a small boy in her arms. "Bulma? BULMA!" She cried out.

"Chi!" Bulma used her one arm to wave happily. Chi-chi, Goku's wife, suddenly was running towards to meet the traveling trio. Outside the house was Gohan dressed in his father's matching Gi being followed by his tumbling toddler of a brother, Goten. The little toddler. also was wearing a matching outfit to his elder brother, and tumbled after him; while he clutched his thumb, and hung onto his security blanket to his chest while he attempted to keep up on his small legs. The goofy Saiyan barely touched the ground before Bulma found herself out of his arms and into the one of her closest friends.

"By the gods Bulma! It is really you!" The younger woman sighed with happy tears. Her frame trembled from crying as she cried out happily.

Her tears were matched by the blue haired scientist as they embraced with the little lavender haired boy between them, "Yeah Chi, it is so great to see you. God, I missed you guys!" They clung to each other tightly; both afraid if either let go that this would all be a good dream to wake up to. They sobbed relief as they realized that this was all too real. So many years have been wasted in vain hope to find the other, but in one stroke of luck, they found each other more. Although the pair have never been too close, it was strangely refreshing to be near someone as familiar as Chi-chi. Bulma could only thank her lucky stars as she had listened to the tougher woman's advice all those years ago. It was that same advice that saved her life when she was preparing for her own child to come into the world.

"You lucky duck! You don't look like you aged a day in your life! Well, except that your hair is super long."

"Heh, yeah, been growing it out. But Chi, you really look good as well. Have you been working out?"

"Well yeah, I have to make up for when I had Goten!"

"Goten?" It hadn't been but a few moments before the two fell back into old habits. The world could be at it's last final moments, but while they were reunited, both fell into gossip.

Hearing his name being stated, the little one tugged on the bottom of his mother's dress and looked up at her with those big puppy dog eyes of his. He tilted his head with a cute, innocent expression. "Mommy? What do?" He managed to speak curiously.

"Nothing Goten. Mommy is just visiting with her friend she hasn't seen in a long time."

"Is this your friend Momma?" Spoke up the little lavender haired boy in her arms. All attention suddenly turned to the half Saiyan in Bulma's protective arms.

"O-Oh my, who is this Bulma?" Chi-chi couldn't mask her surprise as she looked to the boy in her friend's arms. Surprise bloomed in her eyes as she looked between the pair.

"This is Trunks. He is my son." The heiress proudly spoke as she gently squeezed him as reassurance while he suddenly had, yet another case of the shyness. She felt him tuck his head against her shoulder and try to hide in her long hair.

"Y-you have a son? How?" The raven haired woman appeared beyond flabbergasted at the idea that the Bulma Briefs would have a child! Just what was the universe coming to?

"Chi, I think we know how." The goofy Saiyan boasted with a loud laugh. This earned him an annoyed scowl from his serious mate.

"We know how, you goofball! What I am saying-"

"Can we talk about this later, Chi? He needs to lay down somewhere before I have to give him his medicine again." Bulma pounced on the opportunity to change the topic as quickly as she could. She rather not have to discuss this with the young company in eardrop.

Taking the hint, Chi appeared to move onto the direction her friend wanted,"He is sick?" With the switch, the curious mother couldn't ignore her natural mother-like instincts take over and allowed concern to settle in.

"Yeah, something like that. But he needs to rest somewhere safely…it has been an interesting day for all of us."

"Of course, of course, you both can take the spare room. We usually use that for guests. And there is a bathroom connected. Do you need some clothes to wash up?"

"No, I think we will be fine. I have my capsules on me. So we can change after that. Thank you, guys. Seriously, you both are lifesavers right now." She smiled gratefully.

"No worries. Please make yourself at home. I am sure you have quite the story to tell us. Gohan! Make up their room right now!" Chi-chi called over her shoulder.

"Yes Mom!" The obedient boy eagerly replied. The Son family entered their new, but beautiful home that the Saiyan built for his family.

As good as it was to see Goku and his growing family, what Bulma really needed was a moment of peace. Thankfully, the hint was more than taken because shortly after the room was prepared. With the door closed, they both finally got that chance to breathe. She sat her son down by the edge of the bed as she felt she could finally truly relax. They had done it. They made it outside the palace with Goku's help and were safe at his house. There was no way Vegeta would find them all the way out here. She looked at her son who gazed up at her rather tired.

"Today has been a day, huh?"

"Momma…I am confused about a lot of things…what is going on…why was the Prince after us? Why are we on the run? Why are we here?" His questions were valid, and he more than deserved answers. But did she have the energy to answer him properly? Did she have the strength to watch her son's eyes dim at the realization of who exactly his father is, and why they were here? The answer was not surprisingly, no. She needed food, she needed sleep, and she needed to take care of her son.

"Trunks, would it be alright if I talk about all this in the morning, after breakfast?" She practically begged. She didn't miss the glimmer of disappointment, but he nodded his head. "I promise baby, I will tell you everything tomorrow. But I think we need to rest and recuperate. We have been through quite a bit these past few days." She gently kissed his forehead. It wasn't surprisingly that he didn't meet her eyes. "Are you mad?"

"No…just worried. I am confused…"

"That is understandable."

"Why did the prince stay with me?"

"That is complicated…but, I promise everything will make better sense in the morning. Say, did you see Gohan and Goten?"

"Yeah…it is the first time I have seen other kids…"

"Well do you want to play with them after we clean up?"

"Maybe…I am not feeling good."

"Well let's see if we can fix that." Bulma reached back to her capsules and pulled out his medicine. It didn't take long to administer it. Since the double dosage, she made sure to check his vitals before she gave him half a dose. She eyed the remaining vials and felt the tinge of fear that eventually it will run out without access to ingredients, and a lab. But that was a problem for another day. She quickly finished by placing a colorful bandage over his arm, and a kiss to his temple. " You did very well. Do you want me to get the first shower? That way you can rest." She smiled sweetly.

"Thank you, Momma." He weakly yawned and laid back on the large bed. She grabbed a throw blanket that was to the side and proceeded to cover him up. With a gentle kiss, she left him there to lightly snooze while she changed out of the clothes she had on in the restroom.

Her time to really bathed took much longer than she had originally planned. But it felt so nice to have actual endless amount of water; and water that didn't make her skin dry out, nor have adverse effects. Honestly, it was the best damn one compared to the one she had at her home. With fresh clothes and a clear mindset, she stepped out to the bedroom to see if her son wanted a turn, but only came to the sight of him sleeping soundlessly in their bed. She gently approached the frame; and never taking her eyes of her little boy. Her hand reached out and gently brushed the loose strands of hair out of his tired face. Leaning forward she planted a kiss on his temple. The young mother honestly didn't have the heart to wake him. She was pretty sure when dinner would be prepared that the smell could rouse him, but until then she figured she would let him to rest.

Making sure he was secure and safe, she left him tucked into the bedding. The Son's estate was relatively bigger than the one they had on earth. For starters it had at least three stories tall and was designed like those houses in eastern China from Earth. Dark reds and brown wood decorated the floors and walls. Dragon designs throughout the home accented the walls as she made her way downstairs to the main living part of the home. The windows were open, and a cool breeze wafted through the house. It was beautiful, and she almost found it unbelievable that Goku made this home himself. The air here was refreshing. It was so strange to think her life changed so drastically in her lifespan: wealthy heiress, space traveler, one-night stand with a Saiyan prince, slave scientist, and now…on the run? Who was she really? Why couldn't her life stay still; hell go back to where it would be for that matter.

"Bulma?" Chi-Chi's familiar voice called to her as she lightly descended the steps to the main living floor. It was an open floor concept that incorporated a living space with a sunken fire pit, study area with a play corner for the Son's boys, and a large kitchen with eating space. The heiress come to the sight of Goku's wife setting up tea for them to drink along with a few snacks she placed out. It was so surreal to think she had just experience real fear, and trauma, the past few years; but here she found herself to have afternoon tea with an old friend. "Hey, are you going to stand there all day, or do you want to come over here and drink with me?" The woman offered a kind smile.

She knew Chi meant well with the kind gesture, but she couldn't help but eye the spread before her. Old habits die hard. She wasn't going to be poisoned. No one was going to hurt here. She was not going to wake up and find herself back in that cell with her son…At least that is what she kept telling herself. Shaking her head to steady herself. She slowly approached the table and took a seat on the opposite side of her friend.

"Relax Bulma, the food isn't going to bite." She offered a kind smile again.

'Why does she keep smiling so damn much?'

"Sorry…I am a little uneasy…"

"What happened?"

'Boy she didn't seem to waste time, did she?'

"Bulma?"

"Sorry…been a long time since I had some sort of freedom." She lamely excused.

"Don't worry about it. I am just glad you are alive. Tell me, what have you been doing? How did you get here? Did Vegeta find you?" With a grimace smile from her friend, the curious woman suddenly felt she had stepped in something she didn't mean to, "Sorry, sorry, Goku tried to warn me to take it easy with the questions. But Bulma, we all have been so worried about you! We tried looking for you when we got separated…but you know how things went I suppose." She tried to offer an explanation.

Bulma found herself staring at her; unsure if she even knew what she was talking about, or hell, if she saw what happened to her right after they were separated. She suddenly found her irritating. She had a perfect life, she didn't suffer at the hands of cruel men. No, she had Goku to protect her. She had her little, happy family. What could she possibly gain from hearing her trials and tribulations? Suddenly this huge house began to feel suffocating. Why was she here again? Why did she want to come here? She was brought back out of her thoughts again by her name being called.

"Bulma? Are you alright?"

"Not really Chi. I haven't been alright for quite some time."

"What is that supposed to mean." The younger woman crossed her arms at the suddenly attitude shown by her friend.

"Nothing. Just going through some stuff."

"Well you are not on your own anymore. So why don't you let me in? Tell me what you are thinking about."

"Chi, no offense, but I don't think you could even grasp it."

"Wow, again, what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you don't get it. You live in your perfect little bubble with your husband and two kids. You have no idea what is out there. You couldn't even begin to understand what it is like to be a slave."

"Slave? Is that what happened to you?"

'Damnit! Don't look at me with those eyes! I don't want your pity!

Chi-Chi reached out her hand and gently held onto her friend's. "You can tell me anything Bulma. I may not have been through what you have endured, but I want to try. What happened to you when we got separated?"

"You wouldn't get it." Suddenly her friend's hand was yanked out of her grasp as she folded her arms.

"Fine, alright, I am sorry, you are going through a rough time…we are here for whatever you need."

"I appreciate that. But we won't be staying long." Her voice sounded clipped. Why did she have a sudden attitude? Why was she feeling this way? She was among friends, but...everything was pissing her off. Was it Chi's fault? Maybe not, but honestly why was she butting in? "We are probably going to head out in the morning. Do you happen to know where my parents are? I think it is best we stay with them." She attempted to avoid the topic of getting into her business. If anything, maybe being with her parents might be the better place for her to stay.

Her stomach began to sink as she didn't miss the sudden hurt look in her friend's eyes as it flashed across her dark orbs. Nor did she not mistake the change of hurt into sudden sadness. Why was she sad suddenly?

"Bulma…I don't know how to… how to say this exactly… but I can only imagine you are going through something, but, maybe you need to know..." Her host looked away clearly having a hard time thinking of how to best word whatever information she needed to hear.

"Know what? Chi, why are you suddenly acting weird?"

'Don't say it... Please don't say it! God, Kami, whatever powers that be…please don't…don't…"

"Bulma, your parents are gone…they didn't make it…"