Disclaimer: I own the character Tren. I do not own Dragonball Z or any of its characters blah blah blah…

Chapter Nine – Regroup

West City : Present 12:50pm

Lita approached the front desk, "Excuse me, I'm checking out now." The secretary looked up, "Yes ma'am. Name please?" "It's Lita Annatto." The lady at the desk typed in a few commands in the computer, "Ah, Ms. Annatto there you are. A bill should be sent to your address that you supplied. And you should be free to go Miss." "Thank you." "Oh Miss?" "Yes," Lita said turning back to the lady. "You did have some visitors that just went up to see you literally two minutes ago. Did you see them?" Lita thought to herself, Who would know I was here? "Did they leave a name ma'am?" "Uh, actually they didn't. They did have a picture of you asking if you were here." A sudden realization came to Lita, "Umm, can you tell them that you were mistaken and I was never here?" "Uhh, Ok Miss, I can do that." "Thanks ma'am." Lita turned and walked briskly towards the door. She pulled out her capsulated vehicle and jumped in. She looked around quickly and drove off. They found me. Hopefully they won't find out that I'm here. I'll go home, pack quickly, and leave the city. Lita noticed that she missed a call on her cell phone. She fidgeted with the phone while driving to listen to the message in her voice-mail. Once she finished listening to the message, an idea began to form. This could throw them off... I'll have to be quick about things though.

Kami's Lookout : Present 3:42pm

Everyone just stared at Seventeen for a minute trying to figure out if he was a foe or friend. Eighteen came to her senses and ran over to Seventeen. Krillin followed suit and soon the rest of the Z-gang was nearing Seventeen. "Seventeen, I can't believe it. You're alive!" Seventeen glanced at the others warily, "I saw you on TV at the World Martial Arts Tournament."

Goku came forward, "Hey, you're alive. How long were you here?" Seventeen only stared at Goku daring him to attack. "It's ok Seventeen, these are my friends." Seventeen's attention shot to Eighteen, "What do you mean 'friends'?" "After the cell incident these guys tried to wish us back as normal humans. But since the dragon couldn't do it, they removed the explosive devices in our bodies instead." Seventeen looked around and relaxed in his stance. "Don't get any ideas Seventeen, cause I will kick your ass if you do." "What do you mean by that?" "If you fight any of them especially Krillin, I will intervene." "Why are you so concerned with 'him'?" Seventeen asked. Eighteen glanced at Krillin for a minute then turned back to Seventeen, "Cause he's my husband," Eighteen informed. "What!" Seventeen responded. "Not only that," Krillin interrupted, "But you're an uncle." Seventeen looked at Krillin as if he grew another head. Seventeen came to his senses again, "You forget baldy, we're androids. Eighteen can't have kids." "I have a daughter," Eighteen informed him. Seventeen could only stare blankly at Eighteen, "But how?" "I don't know, it just happened." Seventeen stood there taking in everything.

"So, uhh, how did you come back?" Krillin asked. Seventeen looked at Krillin a little annoyed, "I just appeared in a forest somewhere seven years ago; been staying there until I saw Eighteen at the Tournament. "So, you were brought back after we defeated Cell?" Gohan questioned. "Oh hey," Goku thought, "Maybe he was brought back along with Cell's victims." Everyone looked at Goku questioningly. "Well just think about it. When Cell was about to self destruct and I teleported to King Kais', Seventeen would have been killed then too." Seventeen thought of his words, "Well I did encounter this giant guy who sent me to Hell without question. Bastard." Goku chuckled, "Yep, that has to be King Yemma. And when ya'll wished all of Cell's victims to be brought back to life, I'm sure Seventeen was one of them." "Hmm, that makes sense," Bulma confirmed. "This is great, we can use your help to fight this new enemy," Goku invited. "'Me' work along side 'you'? No thanks."

We're wasting time here Goku," Piccolo reminded him. "Oh right. Uhh, I'm sure you guys can persuade him some how…Oh and I think it should be safe for everyone to leave. Ready Gohan?" "Yep, I'm ready." Goku concentrated and was gone in the blink of an eye.

Videl appeared with the children at her side. "Did dad leave already?" Goten asked. "Yeah, I told him to," Piccolo responded. Goten frowned but was glad that they were looking for Chi-Chi. "Well Goten, I guess you'll be staying at Capsule Corp a little longer." "Ok…" "Marron," Eighteen called. Marron came to her mother's call. "Come and meet your Uncle, Seventeen." Marron grabbed onto Eighteen's leg shyly. Seventeen kneeled down and stared at the little girl looking her over. "How old is she?" he asked Eighteen. "Sigh, you're supposed to ask her and get to know her," Eighteen pointed out. "You mean it can talk?" Seventeen asked. Eighteen only glared her eyes at Seventeen. He looked at the little girl ignoring Eighteen's glare, "How old are you?" "Thwee," she said all too cutely. Seventeen stood up again, "Seventeen, we have a lot of catching up to do." "Apparently…" Seventeen remarked as he looked at Marron then Krillin and finally Eighteen. Eighteen lead Seventeen and Marron towards the building, to explain everything that's been going on. Krillin remained a short distance away respecting their privacy.

Trunks walked up to Mirai Trunks with Goten following. "Hey, so you're me huh?" Mirai Trunks directed his attention to his counterpart. "Uhh, yeah I guess I am." "Hey, how do I look now in your time?" Goten wondered. "Oh, sorry Goten but you don't exist in my time." "Why not?" "Because, everyone else died trying to fight the androids a while back. And your dad died of a heart disease. And since Piccolo was gone, so were the Dragonballs." "Wow bummer," Trunks said. "Do you mean those androids?" Goten motioned pointing to Seventeen and Eighteen. "Yes Goten, them. But the androids here are nice. The ones in my time just wanted to kill people." "Oh…" Goten said sadly. "Wait, do you mean my dad and my mom too?" Trunks asked. Mirai Trunks looked at him, "Yes, Father was killed too, but mom's fine and so is Chi-Chi." Goten couldn't help but smile at the last comment. "So you're staying here for a while. How long?" "I don't know Trunks, I guess I'm looking for someone." "Who?" Goten asked. Mirai Trunks blushed slightly at a thought, "Uhh, I'll tell you later." Trunks being older and smarter then Goten caught on, "Ah, so you're here to find a girlfriend." Mirai Trunks looked at Trunks in surprise, "No, I'm just here to live a little." "Sure…" Trunks teased. Feeling a little embarrassed Mirai Trunks distanced himself from them.

"Listen up everyone, I'm taking Bulma and leaving. The rest of ya'll, stay on alert for that power." Tien thought for a little bit, "I'm going home to get some supplies. Then I'm coming back here to train." Chao-tzu nodded in agreement. "I think I might do the same," Yamcha added. "I think I'm going to wait on Krillin and Eighteen so I can return home. Might come back here as well," Roshi informed. "I think we all should gather some supplies," Hercule spoke for the first time. "Me go too," Buu commented. Everyone decided on gathering supplies and returning to the Lookout.

Capsule Corporation : Present 4:30pm

Lita entered the front of Capsule Corp carrying a rather large suitcase. Anise noticed Lita's return, "Ah Ms. Annatto, Mrs. Briefs left me instructions to show you about the place, and to show you where you'll be staying. This way if you please." Anise began walking towards the elevator, "If you didn't know there are three levels to Capsule Corp. The first level consists of Mrs. Brief's lab, the lobby and the garden. This huge door to the back of the lobby is the entry to the garden. The two elevators on either side of this door go to the various floors. To the left is a stairwell in case of a fire. To your right is Mrs. Brief's lab."

The two got on the elevator and Anise hit the second floor button. Exiting the elevator to the second floor Anise continued the tour, "The second floor is the living quarters to Capsule Corp. There are seven bedrooms on this level, you will be staying in one of the four guest rooms. To the left of the elevator are the two Master bedrooms. These are occupied by Mrs. Briefs and her husband Prince Vegeta on the right side of the hall and Dr. Briefs and his wife on the left side if you're coming from the elevators. The entry way between the elevators is the common room which is the living room. On the opposite side of the hallway from the common area is the dining room which is connected to the kitchen. To the right of the elevators are the other five rooms." Anise leads Lita to the right hallway, "This first room on the left is young Trunk's room. On either side of the hallway are the four guest rooms, two of each share a bathroom. On the left side of the hallway, the same side as Trunk's room, are the two smaller rooms. In between those rooms is a shared bathroom. On the right side of the hallway are the two larger guest rooms with a shared bathroom between them. This first bedroom on the right is occupied by a guest." Walking to the end of the hall Anise motioned, "This will be your bedroom on the right of the hall." Lita opened the bedroom door and entered, she placed her luggage in the middle of the floor. "Please note that there are wall coms so you can get in contact with people throughout Capsule Corp. If you would please Miss, there is one more floor to go." Lita nodded and followed Anise back to the elevators.

The two reached the third floor and stepped out into the long hallway. Anise faced the elevators, "To the left of the elevators is a computer lab which the employees of Capsule Corp use. The room between the elevators is the library which everyone uses including the employees of Capsule Corp." They walked in to survey the room; Lita was astounded by the panoramic glass room. There were various plant life about making the room a serene place to read. Anise made her way back to the main entrance which Lita was reluctant to leave. "And finally to the right are the project room for the employees and the security room. The security room is only accessible to a select few people and is maintained by a security guard at all times. A security guard is also posted in the basement to the Capsule storage room. All of the various types of capsules that are used by the entire planet are stored there. And this concludes the tour of Capsule Corp." "That's a lot to remember," Lita noted. "It'll come to you the longer you're here. Well Miss if there's nothing else you need, I will be at the front desk." Lita shook her head no and followed Anise in the elevator.

"I will see you around Ms. Annatto," Anise called as Lita exited the elevator. "Thank you for the tour," Lita responded. The elevator doors closed shut and Lita made her way back to her room to unpack. She passed the first room on the right; I wonder who's going to be staying there, and who I'll be sharing a bathroom with. Making her way to her room, she pushed open the door and closed it behind her. She grabbed her luggage and began removing her clothes from her bags to the dresser drawers. I know Mrs. Briefs wants me to start in the morning, but I'm sure she and everyone else will be hungry. Better make haste if I'm to make dinner in time.

Capsule Corporation : Present 5:10pm

Vegeta carrying Bulma, Trunks, Goten and Mirai Trunks touched down in front of Bulma's lab. "Boys, get plenty of sleep cause we're going to do some extensive training tomorrow." "Aww," Trunks wined. "Hey Trunks, lets finish playing that game." "Ok Goten." Both boys ran inside to disconnect their game system and go to Trunks' room to play. Mirai Trunks also began walking inside, "Hey Mirai Trunks," Bulma called, "Do you have any clothes with you?" Mirai Trunks turned a little, "Yeah mom, everything's in my capsule pack." "Ok." Mirai Trunks continued walking feeling the need for a long shower and a nap. Vegeta and Bulma also went inside, the weather seemed like it was going to storm soon.

Bulma sat at her computer, "I'd better update these files." Ever since Bulma knew of the Saiyan race, she felt it her responsibility to keep a biography of their race. She would also create biographies of other alien species.

Mirai Trunks made his way to his room; I wonder what Goku and Gohan will find in the Otherworld. I sure hope that woman doesn't appear any time soon. Mirai Trunks looked at the bathroom door; I'll take a shower after I sleep for a couple of hours. Mirai Trunks took off his jacket and shirt and plopped down on the bed.

Lita saw that both the elevators were being used, so she headed to the stair case and descended a level. On the first floor she made her way to Bulma's lab. She wasn't exactly sure if Mrs. Briefs was there, but she wanted to let her know that she had already moved in and was going to prepare dinner for the evening. She reached Bulma's lab and knocked on the door. A voice on the other side beckoned her to enter the lab. Bulma looked up to see her new assistant entering the room. She greeted Lita with a small smile, "Hey, I hope you were able to settle in ok?" "Yes ma'am I have. I was wondering if you would like for me to prepare dinner for everyone? I mean I know you said to start tomorrow, but I don't mind." Bulma raised an eyebrow, she would mind if she knew how much she had to cook for a Saiyan's appetite. "I do have to warn you that my family eats a lot. So each meal would have to be a huge banquet." "Umm, ok…" "Oh, and if you ever grow short on food supplies or anything, just leave a list of the stuff you need with Anise. She will take care of everything and restock it within the hour." "Ok. So…?" "Oh, if you feel like preparing food then be my guest. I know of a few individuals who would be pleased." Lita smiled, "Ok ma'am." Bulma sighed, "Around here you can call me Bulma." Lita laughed nervously, "I'm sorry, I'm just so used to doing that." "I usually start working at 9 or 10 in the mornings, so I'll see you at 9:30 tomorrow ok?" "Ok Bulma. I'll call everyone once dinner finishes." Bulma nodded and Lita left to begin her task.

Lita entered the kitchen and was greeted by a man with black spiky hair. "Hello," Lita greeted. Vegeta looked at her briefly and scowled, "Workers aren't supposed to be in here." Realizing what he was referring to Lita corrected him, "Oh yes sir I know, but I'm the newly hired maid here. I'm also here to assist Bulma with her work in the lab. And if you can wait for a couple of hours I should have dinner ready." Vegeta just stared at her for a moment, "Hmph, hurry it up." He let her have the kitchen by leaving the room. Lita sighed and looked for stuff to cook. That must be Bulma's husband…kinda reminds me of dad.

Capsule Corporation : Present 7:20pm

Finishing the rolls completed the banquet; Lita was very tired after making dinner. Geez, I hope she's sure that they'll eat everything, I'd hate to make it all go to waste. Taking off the apron Lita made her way to the wall com, "Hey everyone, dinner's ready."

Goten and Trunks stopped playing their game, "Who was that?" Trunks asked to Goten. "I don't know, but they mentioned food and I'm starving." Goten dropped what he was doing and rushed to the kitchen, Trunks feeling the same followed him. In the hallway both boys stopped and sniffed the air, whatever it was it was making their mouths water. Being that Trunks' room is very close to the kitchen the two arrived rather quickly. "Wow!" came from Goten. Trunks also stared in awe at all of the food that was prepared. Both boys looked to Lita who was smiling at their expressions, "Did you make all of this?" "That's right umm?" "It's Trunks." "And I'm Goten," they informed. "Yeah he's staying for a little while until his dad gets back," Trunks explained. "Ok, well as soon as everyone arrives we can start eating." "Ok," they answered in unison. Not long afterwards Vegeta came in followed by Bulma, "Wow," Bulma remarked. "Lita you've out done yourself." "Thanks Bulma, I hope it's enough for everyone." "I hope so too," Bulma said. "Oh, can you go and get Mirai Tru…, I mean our guest. He should be in one of the guest rooms." "Ok, ma'am." Lita left the kitchen as the others began sitting down.

I'm guessing this person is the one who's sharing a bathroom with me. Opening the guest bedroom door quietly she realized that her guess had been right. She glanced around the dark room and saw someone sleeping on the bed. Walking quietly towards the bed, Lita began shaking the sleeping form. Wow, whoever this guy is is very well built. Unsuccessful at first, Lita continues to shake the person. Abruptly, Lita felt the edge of a blade at her throat. Mirai Trunks stared at Lita at the other end of his blade waiting on her to explain herself. Lita stood there for a minute still a bit stunned, she was trying to cope with the fact that he could have taken her head off. How did he move so fast… It was hard for Lita to find her voice at first. She stood there for a few more seconds, "Umm, uhh…my name…is umm Lita," she finally was able to say. "I'm the new maid here…and Mrs. Briefs umm Bulma asked me to come and get you for dinner." Deciding that she was no threat, Mirai Trunks lowered his blade, "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to being woken." Lita stared at him biting her lower lip, 'This' is how he reacts to someone waking him? Mirai Trunks sheathed his sword and grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head.

Lita unconsciously placed her hand over the spot where the sword met her neck, checking for blood. Mirai Trunks looked at her again and saw that she had a look of terror in her eyes still. "I'm very sorry, I had a rough past…" Mirai Trunks tried to persuade. Lita turned slightly and eyed him from the corner of her eyes, "Dinner's getting cold." With that, she walked out of the room and back towards the kitchen. Mirai Trunks stood in his room for a minute staring at the opened door, Idiot! How could you 'do' something like that? I have to apologize again or appeal to her better side. Mirai Trunks sighed and continued in the direction of the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen, Mirai Trunks was greeted by everyone and a table full of food. There was a turkey with an additional tray of turkey legs, a ham, a tray of beef ribs, lots of rice and mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked sweet potatoes, a bowl of cut beans, and to top it off multiple bowls of dinner rolls. "Sit down already so we can eat," Trunks wined. Mirai Trunks did just that, and everyone began digging in. Bulma grabbed what she could before everything was taken and ate her small meal. Bulma looked around and noticed that Lita was leaving, "Hey Lita, come sit and enjoy. I mean you did cook everything." Lita stopped at the door and turned to face her.

Mirai Trunks was finally able to see her features in the light of the room. She had long black hair that stopped a little below her waist. He took in her curvy yet petite shape and emerald green eyes. Her mouth was small and in a pout at the moment. God, how could I have attacked her! Mirai Trunks made a mental note to not be so aggressive when woken up. He slowly ate while watching her intently.

"I'm not that hungry ma'am. Besides I'm not quite sure if I'm wanted here," she said directing her question to Mirai Trunks. Mirai Trunks looked down for a moment, "We would be glad to have you join us." Lita glanced at him and noted the sincerity in his statement. "Ok," she decided. Lita took a seat across from Mirai Trunks and began picking various food items. I didn't realize how much the older guy looks like Bulma's son, she thought looking between the two. Mirai Trunks caught Lita staring. She turned her head away quickly trying not to seem so obvious. She did her best to avoid his gaze while eating, which wasn't hard given that the two younger boys were piling food in their mouths and swallowing. Wow, did they ever hear of chewing…

"Watch it boy! If you touch this tray you have a death wish!" Trunks backed away from the ribs and continued eating his three turkey legs. "So woman, what's your name?" "Father…" Mirai Trunks said quietly. Bulma glared at Vegeta as if saying be nice or else. Not wanting to be rude Lita responded, "My name is Lita Annatto." "So Lita, are you with anyone? Cause this boy needs a mate," Vegeta said nodding in Mirai Trunks direction. Mirai Trunks coughed while trying to swallow some food and grabbed his glass and gulped down some of the liquid. Bulma chuckled a bit. Mirai Trunks was slightly red from embarrassment. Lita stole a glance at Mirai Trunks, "Umm, no sir. I'm not dating anyone." "Good. You can date him. And please keep the noise down if ya'll are in the same room." Mirai Trunks' expression grew beet red, I can't believe Father! Lita too grew very red from Vegeta's statement. "Lita, please ignore Vegeta's comments." To emphasize her statement she threw a dinner roll at Vegeta's head. Vegeta caught it easily, "Thanks woman, was running low." Bulma gave Vegeta a murderous glare. Dinner went on quietly as the food disappeared rather quickly to Lita's surprise.

With the table now cleared of food, Vegeta left without word. "Wow Lita, that was great! Are you gonna do all of the cooking from now on?" Lita smiled at Goten, "I suppose so." Goten smiled at her response, "Awesome, I can't wait to see what's for breakfast." Lita could only respond by opening her mouth, Wow, this kid's already thinking of breakfast…where does all that food go. Bulma stood, "That was very good Lita." "Thank you ma'am." "I agree," Trunks added. Bulma turned and left the room with Trunks and Goten soon after. Mirai Trunks and Lita still sat at the table looking at all of the emptied dishes. Wow, I didn't know being a maid could be so much work. Lita stood and began clearing the dishes from the table. Mirai Trunks also stood and aided her in her chore. "What are you doing?" "Well you cooked everything, so it's only fair that someone helps to clean up." "If you forgot, I'm a hired maid. It's my job to do all of this." "I know, but I'm still going to help," Mirai Trunks informed her. Lita began to protest again, but decided against it, she could really use the help. Once the table was cleared all that remained was to wash everything.

The two worked silently to put the dishes in the dish washer. "I'm sorry." Lita stopped what she was doing and glanced at him, she then returned to her task. "Sorry for what?" she asked, knowing the answer. "I'm sorry for scaring you, and for my Father's comments." Lita couldn't help but blush and gazed at him. God he looks so good. It's a wonder that he's still single. Lita looked over Mirai Trunks and was swooned by his muscular build, handsome face and wonderful hair. Mira Trunks could feel her staring and glanced in her direction. Lita turned her head quickly, Omg! I'm staring. Mirai Trunks smirked when he saw Lita become flush. "So umm, I didn't catch your name." Mirai Trunks was hoping to avoid that question, "My name's…Tren" "Tren huh? So why do you look so much like Mrs. Brief's son?" Mirai Trunks had to think quickly, "Cause we both have the same father." Lita wasn't entirely sure if she believed him but didn't press it any further.

"So, you're good with the sword huh?" "Uhh…yes I am," Mirai Trunks said gravely. Lita smiled, "Well I know a thing or two about weaponry." "Oh really, like what?" "I don't know," Lita shrugged, "whatever I can get my hands on." "Interesting, I'd like to see that some time." "Maybe, if I'm not too busy with cleaning or helping Mrs. Briefs." "Help Mrs. Briefs do what?" Mirai Trunks asked carefully, not wanting to call her mom in front of Lita. "Oh, I'm also Bulma's lab assistant." "Oh," Mirai Trunks said disappointingly. "Hey, I'm sure I'll get a day off or something." Mirai Trunks nodded in agreement placing the last of the dishes away.

"There." Lita announced triumphantly. "Now time for bed…" Outside a very loud thunder clap was heard, making Lita jump a little. Mirai Trunks saw her reaction, "You're not scared of thunder are you?" "Oh, no. It just caught me off guard is all. Well see you in the morning." "See ya," Mirai Trunks replied. Mirai Trunks watched as Lita was leaving the room, she seems very nice, and good looking at that. I'd better let everyone know to call me Tren and not Mirai Trunks. Mirai Trunks left the kitchen and headed down the hall.

Reaching her room Lita decided to get a shower in before it started storming. As if responding to her thoughts another thunder clap roared. Lita entered the bathroom and turned the shower on to warm up. She undressed completely and got into the steamy shower. Aside from him almost killing me, Tren's not that bad a guy. She tried to wash quickly being a little cautious about being in water while it was storming. After about nine minutes of showering, there was another loud boom beckoning Lita to get out of the shower, and she did just that. As she stepped out of the shower she grabbed a towel and began drying her hair. She was too occupied with her task to notice another figure in the room. She removed the towel from her hair and saw something out of the corner of her eye. She turned and was greeted by a gaping Mirai Trunks. Both stood for a minute too shocked to think or move. Coming to her senses, Lita pressed the towel against herself only managing to somewhat cover the front of her. Mirai Trunks still stood there staring at her. "Umm, Tren," she tried. Finally snapping out of his gaze he turned around quickly feeling embarrassed. Lita too grew red with embarrassment, "I'm umm, I'm very sorry. I didn't know anyone was in here." Mirai Trunks left through the door to his bedroom and closed it behind him. Lita stumbled a bit feeling a little feint, He saw me naked! she screamed to herself. She hastily wrapped the towel around herself and left the bathroom to her room. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it still feeling very flushed. How long was he standing there? Omg! Don't know how much more embarrassment I can take. The pounding rain and loud thunder brought her back to reality. She looked around and moved to the dresser to put on her night gown. She sat on her bed combing her wet hair, Hmph, that's two he has on me now. I need to make him feel embarrassed for once. She finished combing her hair and braided it in a ponytail. She sighed to herself and laid down smiling. I wonder what's going through his head?

Mirai Trunks stood by the bathroom door until he heard another door close. He released the breath he was holding, Oh God! I hope she doesn't kill me for walking in on her. Dammit, that's twice I messed up today! I swear I didn't hear any water running or anything. Mirai Trunks walked to his bed and lie down. And I just stood there like an idiot staring. Mirai Trunks sighed to himself, Great, just when I thought we got over all of the awkwardness. But although… Mirai Trunks smiled to himself, what a wonderful view. Damn she has a perfect body. Was wondering how she looked… Mirai Trunks shook his head, Get a grip Mirai Trunks! Mirai Trunks pulled off his shirt and pants and was left wearing just boxers. He decided to sleep for now and wake up in the morning to shower.