A/N: Hi, here is chapter. 3! Hope you guys enjoy….
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ, all characters go rightfully to Akira Toriyama.
Chapter. 3
"E-Excuse me." Was the ghost of an response?
Goku had stood on his feet as soon as the news was broken to them, his expression a mixture of fear and shock. He stared at Bulma like she was lying. His gaze wavering when Bulma just stood there with a blank stare, lips pulled back in a thin line, she was more than upset. His eyes flickered to his companion, his Prince. Vegeta's relaxed face, pale complexation and dark circles made the younger Saiyan question what could have caused it.
"Exactly what I said Goku, it was just as shocking to hear a second time." Goku calmed down slightly, knowing he wasn't the real one that was hurting right now, it was the brave women in front of him that was. She knew this question was going to come about, even though she, herself was recovering from it had the strength to come back and say it herself. Proving that the words that were said by the doctor that it wasn't an illusion, tricking her. Since she clearly was trying to deny it still and it was making her set back in the recovery of the shock, Goku avoided that stare. He couldn't make himself see her cry again, not after that day. (FlashStepX: By the way it's been 2 days since the party... yeahhh... hope you guys followed that).
"Of course, Sorry." Sitting back down, Goku stared at Vegeta's face for a long measure of time before he decided to tune in on the conversation with Chichi and Bulma who seemed reluctant to answer for unknown reasons. Suddenly the door to the room opened and in walked a brunette with black rimmed glasses, wearing a white over coat that concealed most of her before cutting off at the knees. Leaving bare legs, on her feet were brown slip ons. She held a clipboard to her chest as she walked over to Bulma, leaning over she whispered something in the anxious women's ear before straightening and walked away without another glance.
"I'm sorry Guys, but something has called for my immediate attention elsewhere. Also visiting hours had been over a few minutes ago, so I'll call you guys tomorrow when the others arrive for visiting." Chichi and Goku gave their understanding nodded, Bulma smiled before turning to leave but just before she did she turned back around.
"Oh and Trunks, Homework must be done by six and bed by ten." Trunks groaned as he slumped in his chair, Bulma laughed as she walked out and shut the door; leaving the others to think for a few moments. Goku blew out air, getting onto his legs he began to stretch before looking at Chichi who also had stood with a grim face.
"I really hope she snaps out of whatever made her like this. She's so hollow in the eyes, when I talk to her they get duller and duller." Chichi said as she patted down her dress before turning to look at Trunks, who looked down at his hands that gripped his pants in shame. Shame for his mother's stupidity, he was cured from such darkened thoughts by the truth in Chichi's words.
"Trunks please bring her to her senses. Make her realise what an idiot she's being. Drowning yourself in self pity is just ridiculous." Trunks nodded, looking up at her and the others, he spoke.
"Dads going to be angry when he finds out, about the stupid nonsense she's been pulling while he was out. I guaranteed it." The others stared in mild- shock at the transformation Trunks went through in just a few short hours, and Chichi's words because the teen gave them one of his largest smiles as he turned to look out the window chuckling. They gave Vegeta a soften smile, before redirecting their gaze on the teen before them. Hopefully everything was going to be alright, for Bulma and Trunks from now on at least.
"See you around Trunks, we'll call you daily." Goten said to his best friend, a nod was giving and before long they were gone. Trunk's smile dropped for only a moment as he thought of his mother, there would be a talk later, he just had to go about it the right way and get it across.
Bulma's lip trembled as she gripped the phone that was pressed to her ear harder as she continued to listen to her friends one by one apologize for their absent. Trunks stood nearby watching the heart breaking scene take its round as his mother slammed the phone on its base before walking back to her room to calm down. It meant everything to them that their friends make an appearance; they failed them when Krillin was the first to call saying Piccolo and Goku were away on an important mission sent out by Dende. Then Chichi called after that saying that Goten's fifteenth birthday party was coming up and planning it was tight so she apologized with a promise that they would all come after. Bulma was ripped between not excepting those apologizes to ignoring the phone whenever it rang, they were Vegeta's friends, but they still neglected their promises to the comatose Prince.
"Idiots..." She whispered as she opened her and Vegeta's shared bedroom door, looking around the dark room. Her thoughts directing away from her idiot friends, to the thought of a nice bath. She didn't want other depressing thoughts to dampen her already horrendous mood.
"I promised Trunks and myself that I will not go there, not while Vegeta is still in the medical bay." She spoke to herself as she reached the other side of the room, remembering what they talked about the day when the Son family visited, she was in the kitchen reading another magazine while Trunks was in his room finishing his homework liked she ask. It was just turning eight o'clock when Trunks came strolling out with a serious face that she had ever seen him use, he walked and sat across from her as he spoke to her in a firm voice.
"We must talk about what you're doing, this stupid behaviour your pulling. You have no secrets to hide because from day one, I have uncovered all of them so you can't lie to me now." Bulma didn't know where this was coming from and frankly it was pissing her off, she wasn't going to let her son talk to her like this. Getting up she slammed her hands on the table before saying sternly and deadly.
"Trunks Anthony Vegeta! I may be in a fragile state but I will not be spoken down to by my own Son!" Trunks expression didn't even twitch in the slightest telling Bulma that whatever it took he was going to make her hear him out. He too stood from his chair a little winded after his mother used his full name, knowing that he had made her severally angry at him. Sighing he knew that the peaceful route that he wanted to take was out the window and now making his voice heard was now in play.
"I don't care, Mom. For some time I watched you wallow yourself in self pity. Putting on this fake attitude for others when really all you want to do is scream and cry. I'm sick of it! I wondered what dad would have said if he ever saw you." The firm way he said it shut down her come back as she stood rooted to the floor with an impassive expression on her face while her eyes looked harden and cold. Trunks steeled himself, he was so grounded after this, but he needed to get through to her.
"Yes, Dad is in a coma. Its real and you need to face that, because once that's out of the way all that built up sorrow and depression will disappear and you can start recovering." By now she was looking at him with a steady stare, a sure sign that he was being heard.
"I want my mother back, the one that took challenges head on with confidence! I want that person in my life, not this one that stands before me!" Trunks had begun to feel the sting of tears but he pressed on with a glare, she just stared at him.
"I know dad is the center of this house and without him our life has been thrown off balance, but you're an adult with a child than needs their mother's strength. I've been doing it all by myself, reassuring myself that everything was going to okay. While you blamed yourself constantly and then lied to me and the others face's telling them your fine when reality that was half the truth. I watch from the shadows." By now those tears were falling freely down his face, Bulma was shell shocked as she stared at her first born with regret and remorse. How could she be so blinded, she was the reason for those tears and, yet she couldn't will herself to move from her spot. After what seemed like hours, Trunks wiped the last of his tears with the sleeve of his shirt before looking at her again.
"Promise me from here on that you will replay on others for support, because you aren't entirely alone." Bulma snapped to attention with a warily expression as she trembled in her spot.
"I-I..." Trunks stomped his foot silencing her before she could reply.
"PROMISE ME!" He said sternly as he stared at her, and for some reason she flinched back. That look in his eyes was so similar to Vegeta's that it scared her.
"I P-Promise..." Trunks searched her face before nodding slowly, turning sharply from her, he walked away. Leaving her alone in the kitchen, her legs buckled from underneath her as she fell to the floor with tears.
"I'm sorry... Forgive me Trunks."
What he said that day really helped her, and she couldn't have been more grateful, now some days seemed easier to get by without one daunting thought shoving her down and she couldn't have been happier. A thin smile crossed her pale face as she stared at the bed; she wished her friends were with her.
It had been some startling three weeks and Vegeta remained motionless in this time and Bulma could only hope for an improvement soon. The breathing mask having been removed a while before, which only accentuated his improvement in his breathing. Her friends had not contacted her at all; the only one that seemed to visit every now and again was Goten. The boy felt sorry for his family absences in such an important time for the Briefs, but Trunks soothed him and said he understood. Goten was going to turn fifteen in a few days and Chichi was spending her time planning it since the fourteen year old had made so many friends at the high school it has hard for her to keep track.
But other than that, Capsule Corp was guest free for days after and Bulma was pissed. Walking around the bed Vegeta lay in she was looking out the window as the wind casually brushed through, letting a breather in that had Bulma refreshed. Vegeta was getting better in the looks department, his skin tone was healthier and the dark underlines under his eyes had finally faded. She smoothed her hand over his peaceful face once she had walked back over, she cracked a smile.
"He looks much better today, mom." Startled and not expecting the intruding from her son, the heiress spun around with a shriek that echoed loudly in the small room. Trunks cringed backwards, looking up he watched his mother uncurl from her defensive position that she had flung herself into. She held one of the needles that were on a tray beside Vegeta's bed with a death grip, one leg kicked up by her stomach ready to kick if needed. She looked angry for moment as she placed the needle back and relaxed slightly as she sank down in her seat.
"Don't scare me like that, I could have stabbed you." Trunks laughed nervously as he also took a seat beside her; she was holding her left side of her head with one hand that was leaning on the arm rest of her chair as she stared at him with a smile.
"Sorry about that, thought you were present in the mind and body." Bulma narrowed her eyes before raising a single blue brow at the teen who shrugged shyly. Before either could converse any further the door to the room opened and in walked a different nurse, she looked nervous as she approached Bulma.
"Mrs. Bulma, there is an entire group at the front door of your house. They requested to see you." Bulma stopped short before several tick marks appeared on her forehead, she gave a low growl.
"Tell those idiots I'll be present in a second. Before you leave though slam the door in their faces and fix them with a glare before you walk away. That will get the message across." The nurse squeaked at the noise and language that was being use to the guest that seemed to be so innocent, maybe they were her friends.
"Should I word and do exactly like that, Mrs. Briefs?" Bulma turned to stare at the nurse before giving a sharp nod towards her.
"Exactly." The nurse nodded as she scampered off to retrieve the answers to the people that were waiting at the door. Once the door was closed Bulma fumed, what were they doing here...
Goku and the others nervously shifted as the nurse disappeared into the house leaving them alone to think.
"Oh boy, when I talk to her on the phone the day we were supposed to visit she sounded angry... I hope it's not that bad this time around." Krillin said as he shuddered, when Bulma wanted she was the scariest person out there. But she could never beat Vegeta when he was angry, maybe in the death glare but never above that.
They went silent when the same nurse appeared again with a much firmer stare then when she left the last time, and they paled. She opened the door with force before looking up at Goku.
"Your Idiots, Bulma will be present in a second. Please wait." Before they could come inside the house, the nurse slammed the door in their faces with a glare before walking away. Goku grabbed his hair as he turned to them with a panicked look.
"She's pissed! What are we going to do?" Krillin looked nervous as he looked at the door that was closed, any moment she was going to come out and when that time came they were in for an ear full.
"Just pray and hope." Yamacha gulped out as they waited for their fate.
Bulma stormed through the medical doors of her home, her eyes the coldest they will ever get as she walked to her front door, the occupants on the other side tensed and pale as her rage transformed her face into a snarl.
"What the hell do you think you're doing here?" She screamed as she threw open the door with so much force that they actually heard a crack; they backed up a step or two before cringing. Goku threw up his hands as he spoke while Bulma breathed down his neck with rage.
"Please, we can explain!" Bulma's face melted into one of bemusement as she leaned against the door with her hand on her hip.
"Right, please, enlighten me." She said bitterly, Goku flinched and he hung his head in shame. Piccolo stepped forward with a stern face, the others backed away.
"Things got in our way, and you must now that Goten's birthday is in just a few days. We didn't keep our promise, and for that we all are deeply sorry." Bulma stared at them for a half- a- minute longer before she snapped to attention.
"Apology accepted... follow me. Oh, one more thing, welcome back Tien and Chiaotzu." Tien nodded hesitantly while Chiaotzu remained silent. They followed as commanded and they all made their way through the maze that was Bulma's home. Once they were in a familiar area they started to relax as they entered the medical facility with caution. Tien and Chiaotzu weren't at Trunks party; since they have a habit of traveling without a word to the others they didn't get their invitations which upset the teen greatly.
"Vegeta's been getting better with each passing day." Bulma said in a soft tone as she stopped at the door, Goku perked up with hope.
"Does this mean that he might wake up?" Bulma shrugged before opening the room, the others close behind her with anxious expressions. The last time they all saw the Prince he wasn't looking so great, they wondered if now would be different. By now Tien was confused now and slightly concerned.
Bulma opened the door with swiftness, what first came into view was Trunks. The boy was dressed in a navy blue sweater that had the capsule corp emblem sewn on the shoulder, his light lavender hair stood out as did his blue orbs. Below his waist was a black belt that held up his sepia colored jeans that were baggy but fitting. On his wrist were several beaded bracelets that went well with his outfit and on his feet to finish the look was black boots with a white trim.
"Oh, hey everyone." Bulma smiled thinly which made Trunks' look faultier before he too turned around and walked off and around a white curtain leaving everybody to dip their heads in shame. Bulma smiled from under her hand as she walked over to the curtains that her son had disappeared into before turning to them with her index finger to her nude lips in a hush motion.
"I know some of you don't have all the information in like the Son family does. But Vegeta is in a coma and has been for these long three weeks since the birthday party." Everybody –excluding the Son family- all went completely silent, Krillin looked shocked while Piccolo looked deep in thought which wasn't a surprise to her.
"With all do in respect for why you came, lets visit and catch up." Trunks came back out with a small smiled before pulling the curtains backwards to the walls that held hooks to put the curtains behind them. Krillin and most of the others deflated while Goku looked even brighter if that was possible.
"He does look better." He commented excitedly as they all stepped up to sit in the chairs that were offered to them. Dende that hadn't made a comment or noise since they were told and present to Vegeta's condition, he just stared at the face of the Prince. He immediately moved over to stand beside the bed, everybody went silent. Dende looked up after some time to give Bulma his attention, she looked startled.
"May I scan his body?" Bulma held her chest before she gave her nod, Dende sighed in relief as he stretch his hands out over Vegeta's prone form before a mint green glow covered Dende's palms. Closing his eyes, he focused on the heart and organs.
"He has healed well, considering what Piccolo has told me back at the Lookout." Dende whispered, before he switched, placing his glowing right hand to Vegeta's chest and his left- with his index and middle pressed together- he placed that to the forehead of the Prince.
"What are you doing?" Bulma said with a startled tone, before Dende looked up with a smile.
"I heard that he had a seizure, and that mostly happens if he had a health problem or something in his mind forced him into it. So I'm going to probe his mind for anything that's off and could have caused it. Bear with me, alright." Bulma bit her lip before nodding; Dende went back to work as soon as he got the green light as he closed his eyes and began to concentrate.
Before long he felt the strange physical pull of his being as he entered the mind scape of the Prince. It was hazy and had fog floating low to the ground. Searching around, he tensed when movement passed him from behind, turning around slowly he came face to face with a living entity. Covering his mouth with shaky hands he stared at this being, the thing that startled him was that this person looked exactly like Vegeta. But maybe slightly taller and leaner. But a few things were off with him, he had light blue dying his bangs that blended beautifully with the black of his hair that flamed upwards just like Vegeta's. The being wore a sheet of baby blue silk that went over one shoulder and the other was covered with fine leather with black straps. Around his waist to secure the baggy material were belts of beading and feathers, jewels and other shiny things that rattled when he moved. He wore on his legs appeared to be black bear skin sewn carefully to fit nicely and just above his hip was a ragged sash that fell slightly by his outer thigh. His feet were bare and dirty just like his pale skinned face.
Dende was taken aback at such a savage looking being with Vegeta's face, but he knew if he was fixed up and cleaned he would look no doubtingly handsome just like the Prince. But before Dende could get a word out the being put his finger to his seemly on existing lips and whispered out a hush. The fog got even thicker and the being was replaced with an empty space where he once was, Dende turned around but didn't find him.
Suddenly voices could be heard amongst the darkness, a conversation, they were eerie and harsh to Dende's ears, but he heard what they were saying, and he didn't like it.
"You shouldn't be here, get out!" "Get out!" "It's wrong!" "Get out."
Dende cringed as he covered his ears but the voices just seemed to get louder and louder and louder before everything went silent again, it was like the namkian had ear muffs on. Reopening the eyes, he had closed he was present with something horrifying, the being from before had opened his once closed eyes from before and those eyes sent a chill crawling through his body. They were sharp and harden like ice, and before he could do anything the being thrust out his hands out quickly from his side and shoved Dende harshly before screaming.
"GET OUT!"
Dende came out of his meditation with a yelp as his eyes flew open; Piccolo was by his side in minutes.
"Easy Dende, what did you see?" Piccolo soothed, the smaller Namek was short of breath, catching it he spoke hastily.
"There's a strong entity residing in Vegeta's mind... He looked exactly like Vegeta but also different. I was about to search more through his mind but that same being shut me out. I can't get back in." Bulma felt sweat rolling down the side of her face before she stood getting Dende's attention.
"But what does that mean for Vegeta... can't you do something? Whatever this thing is it's stopping him from waking up." Dende shared a stare with Piccolo and before long Piccolo nodded. He then trained his eyes on Bulma with reassurance.
"Since the being had shut Dende out, doesn't mean he'll shut me out. I've done this before and sometimes you just need to probe the right area... if this entity is something of a shield for people like us than we need to counter that with force." Goku nodded seeing where his old friend was going with this, Piccolo leaned himself over Vegeta just like Dende and before long he was gone.
Piccolo stared at the hazy mind scape as frog clung to his being, walking around for a bit he heard the sound of running. Turning sharply he got down low to the ground just in time as a swinging sword passed inches over his head, he then flipped backwards away a few feet before coming to eye level with the being that Dende encountered. Azure eyes hard as stone stared back at him, the rattle of beadings and jewels clashed before going silent. Rising from the ground the identical looking persona let go of the sword as it materialized into orbs of light before narrowing those ruthless eyes.
"Why are you here? That other Namek was enough as it was." Piccolo was surprised when the being talked to him in a light smooth voice, it then crossed its arms.
"Are you the 'thing' keeping Vegeta in a coma?" Piccolo said as he to stood straighter before taking a relaxed stance as he spoke, the other scoffed at being insulted.
"I'm not a 'thing'." Piccolo growled before calming his nerves, this persona was an illusion created to protect Vegeta's mind, getting mad at it wouldn't be professional.
"Answer my question." The individual pouted as he uncrossed his arms before taking a single step before appearing incredibly close to the stunned Namek. The being's eyes curling into an unsettling eye smile.
"Run along, Alec should be waking up soon." Before Piccolo could question what that meant, the male slammed his palm against the Namekin's chest sending out a pulse wave into the darkness and poof just like that Piccolo was sucking in air in the real world and everybody was swarming him.
"What happened now?" They asked all at the same time, Piccolo blinked before his eyes turned to Vegeta's face.
"Piccolo?" Gohan said, worried for his mentor as he kept quite.
"I-It said Vegeta should wake up... soon." Was the breathless whisper. However, he kept quiet of the being calling Vegeta 'Alec' deciding to question the older Saiyan later about it. Bulma lost air while Trunks leaned over his father watching the still form, before anybody could have acted Vegeta's heart monitor went wild.
Icy blue eyes snapped open.
