Author's Note: Hey Everyone! CML here! Thank you all so much for your reviews for our past chapter. That last chapter was heartbreaking to write, but in order to write amazing work, some hard topics need to be attempted. We discussed a lot how to best approach a delicate topic with respect that it deserved, and I think we did pretty well with that. Anyway, here is our next chapter for you all! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it. To go along with the chapter's theme, lately I have been feeling the experience of loss. One of the best artists that I have loved for years suddenly passed away by his own hand, and I used the pain of this loss to push through with his music in my writing. So that is basically what I have been doing lately to cope with everything is writing and his music. I think being able to do that I am achieving more emotion in my work and I think it has been showing as of late. So I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint and, hey, while you are at it, leave us a review and let us know your thoughts! Thank you so much for your support!

Chapter 13 The Long Road to Recovery

She couldn't run fast enough. Everything was so fast, so terrifying. One moment she was sitting among her family and friends quietly on the vessel that was taking them to their safe haven, and then the ship began to spiral out of control. She could feel the hand of both her and her mother's shake as they were clasped so tightly together that the whites of the knuckles begun to show. What was happening! Her chest was pounding with her racing heart and locked eyes with her best friend, her protector-Goku who was holding onto his son while his wife clung to his side. Then all at once, smoke poured into the room with a loud boom that shook the whole compartment. She felt herself being ripped away from her mother's side. She elbowed the creature that had its hold on her; it must have surprised the unknown kidnapper as she hit the ground running through the chaos that surrounded and assaulted her nerves. There was so much smoke…so much screaming…everything was loud, confusing, and terrifying. She could hear people around her being killed with their bodies falling beside her. She didn't understand anything, but she had to run as she screamed out for her family, for Goku, and yet, no one came.

"Help!" She screamed as she shot up in her bed. The edges of her vision faded from the smoke and pursuit of those around her to the peaceful morning of her bedroom. This wasn't her room; not on earth, and not in her quarters. She could hear the morning rain outside, the sounds of the chirping birds, and the stillness of the wet, damp morning air. A cool breeze picked up again and she shivered under the blankets. She let out a sniffle as her nose felt congested. Shifting in bed, she realized she had been crying. The dream, more like memory, was so vivid. She was back where she was ripped apart from everyone she loved. Why did she dream of this now? She fell back against the soft bedding as her arms covered her eyes. A throbbing headache was beginning to take hold as the memories of yesterday assaulted her.

Her cheeks felt wet as the once proud Capsule Corp. heiress laid in her bed and began to weep once more. She curled up on her side with the pillow and wept into the soft pillowcase. Everything was too much all at once. Her memories, her trauma, and this place. She hated feeling this way, this well of depression. Why was this all happening at once? Why was she turned into tragic victim? Would she ever really smile again? Would anything ever be alright? All she could say for sure is she was finally letting the tears out again, and she couldn't help but feel drained in all this. How was she supposed to keep her head high when all she wanted was to cry? She was so lost. Yesterday she was angry and bitter, but now all she felt was depression. The outside continued to pour which only matched how she felt now. It was only minute one of her day, and already she was a mess. Could she get out of this bed? Dare she pull back the blankets and move forwards? The better question was, did she even have the energy to? She knew she needed to move on with her life, and just put this all behind her like she had done more than enough times, but why was this time any different.

Before Bulma found the will to get out of bed, the door of the room cracked open and a small, familiar head of lavender hair peeked into the room. "Momma…are…are you awake?" His small voice was cautious, but full of wanting need. The little one could smell the salt in the air, and his sensitive hearing could hear her whimper clear in the next room. He hadn't really waited for a response as he closed the door behind him and made his way towards a side of the bed. He came to the pitiful sight of his mother burying her head in the pillow, too ashamed to even look at her little boy. He climbed into bed with her taking her one visible hand into his own.

His mother could feel him gently squeeze her hand three times as if to say he was here with her, and that he loved her unconditionally. "Momma, aren't you going to look at me?" He whispered gently to her. With his other free hand, he reached over her form and gently rubbed her back while he curled into her as he used to do when he was small. He fit perfectly in his spot right near her chest and snuggled into her shoulder. "Momma, please don't cry anymore. I don't like it when you are sad…please tell me what is going on…maybe I can make it all better?" His concerned tone wavered as he had no idea what to do to make everything, anything better. He had never once seen his mother in this sort of state. Usually it was her comforting him, but this time around. He was at a loss, all he did knew was she was hurting…hurting badly.

All he could think to do was squeeze her hand and cuddle close to her much the same way she always done for him. He petted her messy blue locks and leaned up to nuzzle her shoulder. He could feel his own moisture developing in the corners of his eyes as he struggled to find words, any kind that would make his own mother smile again. "M-Momma, don't cry…please don't cry. I am sorry you got hurt. If…if you tell me who hurt you, I can maybe make it better?" She was still for a moment, her soft sobs whimpering into the bedding. He squeezed his eyes as he sent a silent prayer. His own gaze opened again as he felt her shift and sit up. He found himself in her arms and he cuddled to her. He gazed back up at her tear streaked face with the warmest smile he could muster.

"Sweet, little boy this isn't your fault. Momma…Momma is sad, but she is not broken." She brought her thumb to his cheek and wiped a stray tear from his face. She felt him cling to her with such desperation.

"Please don't be sad anymore Momma…please…I will be better. I will protect you more! Whoever hurt you, I will hurt them back. I will give them a knuckle sandwich just like Uncle Goku." He felt that if he let her go, she may be gone to him forever.

A sad, much need laugh escaped her lips at the eager determination of her son. She really began to realize just how much he was her pillar strength. "That means the world to me kid, but let's not use violence. You don't have to use your fists to communicate your needs."

"I will if you are hurt." A cute stubborn look on his face.

"I know you are baby, but violence is never the answer…and I am sad for different reasons. No one hurt me…just thinking of sad things."

"What kind of things?"

"I will tell you when you are older."

"I am older."

She couldn't help but deepen her smile before she leaned down and kiss his forehead. She cradled him closer in her arms. "You really are the best part of me, you know, that right?"

"Momma, tell me."

With a sigh, she repositioned him to clean her face with tissues on the nightstand by the bed. Her son's gaze did not waver from her as she made herself proper and only pulled him tighter to her frame. "I was thinking about all we have endured…and the price of losing our true home"

"Was it that great of a loss?"

"You are too young to understand…I hope you never lose anything like that."

"If I did…I know I would have to lose you Momma…"

"Then you need to make me a promise Trunks, that no matter what, you will live on. You will not give up the life I have given you. That you will be the good in this world. Can you promise me that?" She gently brushed back his messy locks as the sound of the rain was their only background. His wide eyes looking back at her with clarity of what she is asking.

"But-but you will never go away, right? I will protect you."

"Trunks, all things in this world come to an end. One day it will be me, just as it will one day be you. However, that doesn't mean that is a terrible thing. Things have a beginning and things have an end, and it is alright to be sad. I want you to know that it is okay to embrace those feelings. As a parent, there is no greater joy than watching your little one grow to be a person that can carry on after you are gone. One day Trunks, I hope the same for you. I hope that when we get settled down, in a real safe place, that you really begin to grow. I want you to learn and grow, but most of all I want you to laugh. I want you to become a man that I am proud to call my son. You have an entire life to explore without fear, push yourself to great heights, fall in love, and be loved, have children and settle down with a life you can be proud of. Then, when I am old and grey and you have become the man you want to be, I want you to let me go and know that I will be watching over you."

Her little child looked up at her with tears spilling down his eyes as he understood the words his mother was telling him, but in his heart, he never wanted to know a day when him and his mother would be separated. He never wanted to imagine a day when she would be gone. She was his mother! Why was she talking like this? "A-are you going to leave me?" His small tremor of a voice was filled with heartbreaking emotion. He clung to her with great worry on his small face. She gazed back at him with warmth, the same warmth he knew always chased his nightmares away.

"Never, but I want you to know there will come a day where I go away."

"But not now…"

"Not for a very, very long time. Anyway, that is why I am sad. I am mourning over what I have lost…because I lost my own parents."

"Gramps and Gram?" His tiny voice questioned.

"They…they didn't make it to this planet, and I just found out that they died before you were born…I had hoped…" Before she could speak fresh tears assaulted her, and he was suddenly up in her lap hugging her letting her cry into his chest. His tiny arms could barely hold all of her as his own tears mingled with hers. He never knew his grandparents, but he did know that the thought of losing his own mother must be similar to what she was feeling. Just knowing that made him share in her sadness. He let her cry into his body as his hand sought out to comfort her. He could hear her crying as she didn't mask it this time. This was the first time he saw her cry before him.

He had always cried in front of her and she always managed to soothe him. With her warm smile, gentle touches and her seemingly magic words. He was at a loss; what could he do? When he cried, she would always assure him that everything would be fine, but how could he protect her? How could he make her happy? If he were to lose her, he wouldn't know how he could go on…so how was he supposed to make her smile again? It unsettled his stomach as he felt her tremble and sob against him. It was an unnerving feeling to realize that with her tears that things may never be fine again. So, in his own desperation, he did the one thing he could think to do that might get her tears to stop. He sang to her the same lullaby she would sing when he was much smaller than he was now. He murmured words of comfort, the same words that she would tell him to cease his tears. He used his hands to pet her hair from out of her face and kiss her forehead.

"Don't cry anymore. Don't you know that everything's alright?" The child pleaded with her in his simplistic logic. All she could do was cry into him much more. Her depression had finally caught up to her and with it broke the dam she had built to keep her feelings and emotions in check. That delicate balance had finally broken the scale and in that brokenness, left her a shell of her former self. How could she take care of her son when she was just barely hanging on by threads? With no direction to focus herself on, and only a room her friends provided for them, how was she supposed to pick up the pieces and move on with her life?

All he could do was soothe her the same ways she had done for him after every nightmare he had. It had taken a little while, time he paid no mind to knowing, but she calmed down and loosened her hold around him. He threaded his thin fingers through her bedhead and offered her the same smile she always seemed to adorn. "Feel better, Momma?" Daring to ask the same question in her likeness.

"How…how did you know what I needed?" Her watery, sad smile emerged as she peered grateful at her child; that was apparently wise beyond his years.

"Because, you taught me Momma. You're the one who would hold me. Did I do it like you do? Did I make it better?" The eagerness for acceptance was not missed on her as she studied his anxious expression. He was her healing process, it was only then that she truly realized her only reason for living. As much as she mourned her losses of her past, especially in regards of her parents, it would seem not all was lost. Holding her was the future of her line. What had been taken from her forever had been re-birthed in his hope. Trunks was her son, her very future, and taking her own life or sulking in her own despair would be a disservice to her and her parents sacrifices.

In her clarity, the rain outside slowly subsided and disbursed as mid-morning sunlight took the form of bright rays pushing through the damp atmosphere. Her son, her little boy, her prince needed her more than ever. He needed her to survive, and more importantly, to protect him. He was sick, vulnerable, and confused in all this raging mess. She needed to grieve, but he needed her even more. She would need to find some sort of balance to meet both their needs. She was broken out of her thoughts as his little hands wiped away the stray tears and she embraced him. "No more tears, Momma. Everything's alright." He repeated, this time with as much conviction as he could muster.

Letting out a shaky breath, she gave a hearty nod, "No more tears." She confirmed. Relief, and acknowledgement, rippled across his own expression as she returned to her old self. She needed to manage herself better, he was depending on her. She needed to keep being strong, and to find a new plan before she would find herself lying in this bed with no real motivation other than count the days until she would die. No, at this point, she made a resolve to live.. Everything else did not matter.

"Let's clean up Momma. I think Aunt Chi-Chi was waiting for you. She might have something to talk about." He hinted, lifting his arms from her and looking towards the door.

"Might? You mean she has been downstairs waiting for me?" His mother sniffled dryly as she set him aside and grabbed a tissue to clean herself once more.

"She isn't alone. There is a man that looks exactly like Uncle Goku."

"Wait, you sure it isn't Uncle Goku?" She questioned.

Her son shook his head as if to confirm that it wasn't his idol. Confused, Bulma began to ponder what, or who her son had saw. She felt him take her hand as he crawled out of her arms and began to head towards the edge of the bed. "Let's go downstairs Momma. Let's go see Uncle Goku's friends." His voice sounded chipper, as if the past few hours hadn't affected him in the least. His smile was infectious as he turned towards her, but she couldn't mistake the hidden worry in his eyes. Sensing his poor attempt to cover his uneasiness, she let him guide her off the bed, but stopped after catching a glimpse of her own reflection in the mirror. She had puffy red eyes, messy hair, and a forlorn expression. In short, she was a complete mess. As she stared, she was brought back out of her daze by the gentle squeeze of Trunks holding her hand.

"Do you mind if-"

"I'll tell them you'll be down for breakfast." He cut her off with understanding.

"Thanks kid." She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. She felt him let go of her hand and headed towards the door.

He paused just as he opened it and turned to glance back at her, "Don't be too long, okay?"

"Be down in two shakes. You can count on it." She promised. She watched him linger but for a moment as he contemplated if leaving her alone might be the right choice? After shooting him one of her sweet smiles, he closed the door softly behind him with a barely audible click. Seeing that she was back alone once more in their room, she dropped her smile and looked back at the lost woman in her image. She knew she needed to pick back up the pieces of her life, but did it have to be right this second? Couldn't she grant herself some small reprieve- even just briefly? After all, so much more needed to be found out…and then there was the inevitable conversation with the prince, or how she fondly referred to him as, royal pain in her ass.

She sighed deeply, symbolizing just how truly exhausted she was. How could she have slept one of the more comfortable nights in her life, and still be this drained? Perhaps it was this strange place? A foreign planet that had everything and yet nothing to do with her. Dreading the decision to put her feet into motion of moving forward, she gathered her change of clothes that she planned to wear from the capsule she had packed. Then, using what little she had of her willpower she could muster, she set the destination of the hot shower that was awaiting her. Taking her time and letting the hot water soothe her aching body, she wouldn't deny herself this simple pleasure. These showers were a million times better than any she had in years. She would never take another shower for granted again after experiencing this one.

When she had caught her reflection again, she was astounded by how she appeared, it was as if she was looking at her true self before this whole mess. Granted she was a bit older, but she appeared as she should have been before her life had been spiraled into this adventure she didn't ask for. She looked youthful, beautiful, and clean. Gone were the grime and grossness of her skin, now it appeared soft and glowing. Her hair took on its original shine, and a light fragrance that she hadn't smelt in a long time surprised her of her own signature scent. Being back on that base made her truly appreciate what she had now.

Her friend more than surprised her when she looked through the bathroom vanity and discovered various items that she knew were her preference. Everything from hair products to make up. Chi-Chi really outdid herself. Bulma gave a silent thank you with a vow to return the favor with interest, she set to work on dolling herself back up. Studying herself in the mirror she was surprised to find that she was almost impressed with her handy work. Light makeup to enhance some of her natural features, her long hair styled back in a ponytail with the long bangs swept to the sides to frame her face, and her skin looked glowing. Although she had clothing, the clothing hung loose and baggy on her small malnourished frame. Her signature white lab coat was the only article of clothing that truly suited her. She felt like her old self every time she shrugged her shoulders into the sleeves and fixed herself in the mirror. The coat's sentimental fabric made her feel right as rain whenever she wore it. As she did her last once over of herself, she made a mental note to eventually remedy her hair and clothing at some point today. For now though, breakfast and guests were more than likely waiting for her downstairs.

Giving herself that last moment or so to mentally prepare to step out the door, she let out a shaky breath and turned the doorknob handle under her fingers. Sounds of lively conversation drifted up the steps as familiar, as well as similar, voices could be picked up. Ever so quietly, mostly from the years of practice and mastery, she sneakily made her way down to the Son's dining room. The woman kept her back to the wall and strained her ears to continue to make out the various conversations being had to guess how many people were awake. Bulma wasn't really noticed until she was close enough for her son to announce her arrival. All talking had cease and eyes turned towards her entrance.

She took note of the light atmosphere of the room and those that occupied the large table. She had recognized her friend's family, and spied Chi-Chi in the kitchen wiping her hands on a kitchen cloth. The children were at one end of the table while Goku and his guests sat at the other. The raven-haired hostess made her way over to her friend and husband. Bulma paid no mind as she folded her own arms and took a spot next to her best friend.

"Morin' Bulma! Man, you are almost recognizable! Did you sleep better?" The giant goofball cheerfully greeted. Although it was in his good nature, she couldn't help but feel some of it was a bit forced. Not wanting to draw any more attention than already, she decided to play along.

"Best night of sleep in a long time. Speaking of long, how long I was out?"

"A good while actually. We were beginning to worry to think you might never wake up. So, we sent Trunks to let you know that breakfast was about ready."

"Was?"

"Still is! Don't worry, Chi is just teasing."

"We, well I, made sure to save you a plate before the horde of endless garbage disposals saw to that there was even a crumb left after their own fill." Good naturally Chi-Chi produced a plate filled with sweet rolls.

Gratefully, the heiress took them from her, "God that smells amazing. I can't really remember the last time I have had this." She felt her eyes prickle from the tears that began to gather. She had honestly missed her friend's cooking-especially with real ingredients she never had access to for the longest time. It was as if the heavens opened and gave her this miracle of a real meal.

"I remembered you said it was one of your favorites, so I figured you might want something to start your day off right. Anyway Bulma, let me introduce you to my in-laws. These are Goku's parents: Bardock and Gine." Chi-Chi formally introduced their guests.

Bulma had found herself coughing on her second bite of her morning meal as the shock had completely caught her off guard. Her wide eyes looked between the pair of amused Saiyans. Goku was, as gently as he possibly could, pounding on her back to set her right in recovering from the sudden coughing fit.

"S-Sorry! Did I just hallucinate? Did you just say p-parents?! As in your parents?!" She wheezed.

"Heh, yep! Bulma, these are my folks!" Goku beamed at her as she finally improved from not dying.

"My sincerest apologies, Miss. Briefs, but we needed to come and see for ourselves if the rumors were true." A sweet voice spoke up. The scientist turned her attention to the woman that would be her best friend's mother. Now that she was really studying the pair, the resemblance was uncanny. Goku really was the splitting image of his father with what appeared to be the kindness of his mother's heart. One could not deny that they were family.

"-ulma? Bulma, did you hear me?" She found herself snapping out of her inner dialogue as she realized Chi-Chi was talking to her.

"Huh? What?" She confusedly blinked.

"Did you get lost for a second?" The man that resembled Goku chuckled.

"What my mate said was it was nice to meet you. Also, are you feeling well? You seem to be pale, dear." His mate corrected her chuckling partner.

"Sorry, I guess I spaced out for a second. So, wait, you both are Goku's parents? How did you-erm what I mean is-"

"I am sure you know how." The man chuckled, but it died down quickly when his daughter-in-law shot him a very displeased look.

"Dear, you do know we are around children." His mate chuckled lightly.

"I am well aware." He cleared his throat as he refocused on the stunned woman before him. "But yes, we are his parents. Also parents of his brother, Raditz, rest his soul. Anyway, we have heard quite a bit about your ordeal Miss. Briefs. I am rather interested to continue hearing your tale and learning more about your relationship to my son" The identical man asked without beating around the bush.

"What have you heard?"

"Nothing much, that you were the one to find our son after his adoptive grandfather died and have been his friend throughout all his adventures. However, we are curious why you were stationed in one of Cooler's bases and how you ended up with a Saiyan child?" The beautiful Saiyan woman spoke as she leaned on her hand and all attention was on her.

Bulma couldn't help but feel herself under sudden interrogation. Just how much could she reveal? Better question was: should she? They may be Goku's parents, but that didn't mean she trusted them. She looked between the couple as she contemplated her next words. Her mouth felt suddenly dry as she they watched her under friendly, but scrutinizing gazes. Reaching forward, her fingers grasp around the glass that she brought to her lips and drank from it as she decided. Setting the cup down, she squared her shoulders and faced them fully, "I can only tell so much. There are some things that I cannot reveal for my own personal reasons."

"Would that have anything to do with the parentage of your brat?" Bardock folded his arms and stared her down. He was a unique man with a mysterious sense about him. He asked her as if he already knew the answer to her question. She couldn't help but feel that this man could see through her and all her secrets; which unnerved her to no end. Seeing her distressed state, he offered a gentle smile, "You have nothing to worry from me, my dear. I have a gift that is also a curse, so I just wanted to clarify my hunch, but I happen to know much of your life well before we have ever met."

"What is that supposed to mean?" The scientist narrowed her eyes as her guard had shot back up.

"We mean no ill-will Miss. Briefs. However, we wished to discuss maybe a future opportunity if you might be open to it?"

"Well I wanted to know-" Her mate injected in but was quickly silenced by the group with just one look-save for the woman in question.

"What my mate means to say is that whatever information you are willing to share will be greatly appreciative-that is if you can share. Until then we wish to share our hand in possibly getting you set up on this planet properly."

"Depends what this opportunity entails." Bulma gave a weary eye towards the eager looking couple.

"Well stories of your intelligence and previous employment has intrigued me specifically. You were found on the technological base that specializes in weapons, defense, and biohazard materials. I am willing to bet my entire career that you were the brains behind some of the mass weapons that have been used against us, weren't you?" Bardock interjected before his mate could. His eyes took on a curious gleam that held something within them that made the young mother shrink back. Again, there was something about the man that made her feel a bit uneasy; did he really know all her secrets?

"You have been doing some research?"

"In a sense, but not the way you are thinking." He chuckled good naturally much like his son which did little to put her at ease.

"I don't know what game you are playing at, and I am willing to let this all slide because you are Goku's father, but I have no interest in veiled threats. I don't know you or trust you, and the fact that you have been digging around me doesn't give me much to run with in regard to entering any sort of deal with you."

"I told you not to drive too hard, Bardock. You are making the poor girl suspicious." Scolded his mate. Gine squared herself to the defensive woman. "We have no interest in digging through your dirty laundry and using it against you. It is us asking you for help, from what my son and his mate have told us, you are one of the smartest woman on your planet. We could use that technology and weaponry here to fight back against the Kolds and any other race that is at war with us."

"That is fine and all, but how do I know you will use my weapons to help protect instead of attack? I have seen my inventions help and aid as well as destroy and hinder. There is more than blood on my hands, and I have no wish to add onto it."

"what about taking away some of that blood. We are not the Kolds. You would be working directly with me, and I swear to you that your work will be put in good hands and for the benefit of the empire."

"Benefit of the empire, huh? What makes you think Trunks and I will stay here?"

"Because this is where your family is." Goku suddenly interjected. All eyes suddenly shifted to the suddenly serious Saiyan.

"Goku…" His mate whispered.

"I appreciate the offer, Goku, but I don't plan to stay here with Trunks. I plan for us to-"

"To get the Dragonballs right? Well, how can you if there is no dragon radar." He reasoned.

"That…"

"Can be an easy fix if you were to join forces with me in my lab."

Just hearing the word, her head snapped with such force to the newly discovered fellow scientist across from her. Her eyes widen as he folded his own arms with his own proud smile shadowing his once frowning gaze.

"You have a lab?"

"Try labs, Miss Briefs. I am the head scientist for the royal palace. I manage weapons, technology, defense mechanisms, you name it-I oversee all of it." He smugly spoke. He watched realization ripple across her expression and had to stop himself from chuckling at her youthful innocence. He could see the wheels in her head turning at the prospect of using her hands. "I see I have your attention now."

"Doesn't mean I will work with you."

"Think of it this way, you can be busy, but not so far away from your son. You can provide for him, not rely on the planet's mercy. It is independence you seek, isn't it?" He knew all the right spots to hit.

"But-I…that is…"

"How about we give you some time to think it over? We can stop by tomorrow and see if you change your mind?" Gine spoke as she wiped her mouth and stood up with her husband. The young woman across had finally closed her mouth and appeared deep in thought. She excused them as she led her mate towards the exit. "Thank you, Chi-Chi, the meal was delicious as always."

"Of course, you are more than welcome to come back for breakfast tomorrow." She helped them out. Goku had joined the leaving group while leaving his best friend to sit at the table still in thought. The visiting guests began to descend the steps as Gine's mate sighed annoyed.

"I say we are leaving too early. We should have stayed to persuade her."

"Give it a few moments. I know-"

"Wait!" Came the sudden cry from the doorway behind the couple as they sported matching, knowing smiles before turning around with curious looks. They saw the panting scientist as she clung to the doorway out of the breath as she just ran.

"I will do it! I will work with you! Please!"

"Then be ready by tomorrow. We start around 9:00 am." Bardock gave a nod, "Have a good day Miss. Briefs, I look forward to working with you." With that he turned around once more and placed a hand on the small of his woman's back.

"You are terrible." He heard her giggle as they walked away.

"My visions are rarely wrong. She is going to save our race. I have foreseen it."