A Chance of a Lifetime – Chapter 10
She could hear the sound of the door open, but didn't look up. She kept her eyes closed, terrified of what these men wanted. First those imposing figures, one actually holding her, then these guys. What the hell was going on? Where was she? Was she still on earth, or in some weird dream that was too real? She heard the person sit a tray down, pausing beside her bed, staring down at her. She fought a shudder, willing herself to be still until they left. She finally heard footsteps head towards the door, then the bang of it closing behind the person. She flinched, but didn't move for another hour, holding her breath every time she heard someone walk passed. She didn't touch the food. Last time it had tasted funny, like they had put something in it. Her stomach cramped, reminding her that she was starving. But she didn't care. She wasn't eating nothing they gave her. She rose up slowly, standing on the bed and looking out the window located high on the wall. It was barred, or else she would have left a while back. She heard footsteps, and quickly dove under the covers. Let them think she was drugged. Better for her. But if she was here, were her sister and mom here too? Were they being held captive here also? Or was she the only one? Why did they want her? She had caught a glimpse of some weird looking man standing off to the side when she had been led in, slung over one of the creeps' shoulder. He seemed to be in charge, with that hard, granite face and cold eyes. He had weird white hair down his back, and what looked like a doctors coat on. She had caught a glimpse of what looked like a red bow tie emblem on his pocket, though she didn't recognize it from anywhere. Something kept pushing at her to remember, something she should remember, but it wouldn't come. Her last memory was of slamming into her room, pissed at her sister for something. What the hell was it? Her mind kept telling her it was important she remember, but she couldn't. Her mind wasn't working for some reason. And how the hell did she get here? Did those men from before have anything to do with her current predicament? And another thing! Why was that one man holding her? A blush rose on her face. She might be only nineteen, but she knows a handsome man when she sees one. The other, hard one wasn't bad to look at either. But...despite that. She felt like they had a hand in her being here, at this very moment. She took a shuddering breath, glancing at the food tray. She was hungry, but she didn't trust these people. She grabbed the tray, the smell of warm food almost intoxicating, but she refrained from touching one morsel. She stood on the bed, reaching up, dumping the food out the window.
What felt like a week went by, with nothing happening, just the same routine. She pretended to be asleep, a person comes in with a tray, stops at her bed and stares at her for a moment, then leaves. She waits a while, then dumps the food out the window. It was almost on autopilot now, instinctively going through the motions and not having anything really change. Except for one thing. She felt funny. She didn't really know how to explain it, but...she could feel it, in her abdomen at first. Then something was changing in her mind, something that shouldn't be there. She could feel this new presence, as if someone else was trying to take control. She tried, day after day, to push it back, but it just persisted all the more. After a week, she just caved, letting it flood her mind and body.
Something broke the routine. She didn't know how she knew, but she did. They didn't come bring her food. A first in almost two weeks. She felt another flood of...something...creep into her mind. At first she was puzzled, because it was so good and warm. Then she started catching herself remembering certain things that couldn't possibly be her memories. Her and a little boy with long black hair fighting for fun, the man that was holding her before joking with her, the serious one trying to start an argument with her. The last one almost made her laugh. But...were they her memories? She doesn't exactly feel a familiarity with the images. It's like she's watching short clips on a movie screen. Her mind was trying to tell her something, but what?
Then one day, she felt...a shift in the air. It was indescribable, yet a feeling of peace settled over her, as if her body knew she was safe even though her mind questioned it. She was watching out the window, looking at the brilliant sparkles on the water given by the sun, when she heard a thundering of footsteps. She quickly dashed under the covers as soon as the door slammed open. She fought a scream in her throat, trying to be as still as possible. A hand touched her shoulder. She refused to look up, her body shivering, with dread...or something else. It wasn't necessarily fear, because she felt plenty of that. She didn't know what was going on with her. She tensed as she heard more than one person in the room. She held her breath.
"Trista."
At the sound of her name, she jerked her head up. She gasped, flying back, her body smacking the wall. She stared wide eyed at the two men and boy that she saw when she first came to. But there was a new person with them. He was dressed in weirder clothes then the others, a sword strapped to his back. Her eyes widened when he started for her. A scream escaped, and she scrambled to the corner. She watched him stop, watching her with eyes narrowed. She gulped, hoping he didn't kill her with that sword. That would be fucking painful! 'Painful!' her mind screamed at her. 'You'll be dead you idiot!' She sharpened her gaze on him when the boy spoke. And he was a boy, probably no older than her.
"We're not going to hurt you, m-...Trista," the boys face flushed slightly, and she felt a brow raise.
She looked at the others, noticing they weren't making any advancements towards her. She didn't trust them. Hell, she got kidnapped minutes after landing here! She studied the men again, shakily clenching the cover over her. Her gaze shot from one to the other, waiting for them to do something.
They didn't move, just let her study them.
What the hell are they waiting on? For her to make an advance on them!? HA! As if! She wasn't stupid! Trista warily watched them, bringing the cover closer around her. She tensed when one of them sighed.
"Maybe it would help if I talked to her," the little boy beside the tall man said softly. Trista looked him over, noticing he looked just like the man. She almost opened her mouth to ask if they were related, but closed it without uttering a sound. The sooner she could get out of here and back home, the better. She watched the sword guy and tall one study the boy for a moment, before leaving. The intense one studied her for a few more minutes, she could feel his gaze raking over her, but she didn't look at him. He finally strolled out, a small smirk on his face. They quietly shut the door, leaving her alone with the little boy.
Trista studied him. She didn't care that he was just a kid, she could feel...some kind of energy emitting from him. It made her frown, hating the innocent and open look he was shooting her. She narrowed her eyes, waiting for some kind of trick from him. She waited, her brows furrowing in puzzlement when he didn't do anything, just continued to study her. He finally moved, and she tensed. But all the boy did is sit on the bed, at a spot furthest from her. He didn't speak. She started fidgeting, desperate to ask if they found her sister and mother, but stayed silent.
"Why are you so afraid of us, Trista?"
She jumped when he spoke, pushing her back against the wall. She didn't answer his question, just kept him in her line of vision as he got up and started walking around. He finally turned towards her. She watched him warily. There were a few minutes of silence. Her eyes widened when he started walking towards her. She glanced around, but there was no where to go. He had her cornered. Dammit! She heard him repeat his question, his eyes and voice soft. It felt like an eternity for her body to relax, the small room she was in darkening with the dying sun. She finally spoke.
"How do you know who I am?" she whispered, watching the boy like a hawk. She narrowed her eyes when he smiled. It seemed open and happy. She immediately didn't trust it. She glanced around, before settling her gaze back on the boy. He had moved closer. Shit! He sat down, right in front of her. She tried to scramble back more, but her back was already against the wall. She gasped as he started reaching for her. He paused, studying her curiously.
"I'm not gonna hurt you. You're my friend," the boy stated, laying a hand on her arm. She fought the urge to fling it off, in case he retaliated. She cleared her throat softly.
"How do I know that? I don't know you," she whispered, watching as confusion entered his eyes. He let his hands fall, his eyes watery.
"How can you not remember us? You've been my friend here for the past two months! Ever since you crossed over."
Trista jerked to attention. Crossed over!?
"Crossed over? What am I dead?" She started looking around the room again. Her head turned back to his passionate response.
"NO! You're not dead! I meant when you came to our world!" the boy smiled.
"Our...world!" she whispered, a gasp escaping her. She felt a scream bubble up from her chest. She vaguely saw the panicked look on the boys face before the doors were opened again, the men rushing in.
She screamed, a tear running down her face as the boy with the sword grabbed her in a hug. She didn't register this, just started thrashing. She saw the worried look on the other men's faces before she passed out.
She screamed when she opened her eyes. Four pair of eyes stared down at her. She froze, watching the three men quickly lean back, the teenager grabbing the boy by the collar and yanking him gently away from her. They continued to study her. She quickly surveyed the room, her eyes widening when she realized she was in another room. She quickly looked back, not moving as the serious one stepped towards the bed, studying her with a frown. She stared right back, her jaw clenching, waiting to see what he would do. The man smirked, catching the glint in her eye. She slowly narrowed her eyes, watching in surprise as he smiled. It was a small one, but it transformed his whole face. It made him...hot! She felt a blush rise, quickly looking away. She heard him chuckle, the tall man in orange clothing softly scolding him for trying to intimidate her. They all looked back at her, until a blue haired woman came in. She shewed the men out like it was nothing, walking slowly up to her. Trista slowly sat up, watching her warily. The woman had freaking blue hair, after all. AND it looked natural. What the frigg! She stared at it, barely giving the woman a glance. She finally looked down at the sound of the woman chuckling. The woman sat on the bed, right beside her. She fought the feeling to flee.
"Well Trista! Didn't know you liked my hair!"
The woman chuckled again, grabbing her and pulling her into a hug. Trista was stunned, but could feel the safe, happy vibes coming from the woman. She shyly wrapped an arm around her for a second, before pulling away. She looked at the woman's hair again, before voicing the question that's been on her tongue for weeks.
"Are my mom and sister here? Were they captured too?"
She whispered the question, the blue haired woman having to lean in to hear it. As soon as it passed her lips, the woman's features softened. At the gentle look, she felt tears rise. This whole time, a prisoner in that room, waking up here, she never allowed herself to cry. To break down and have someone use that to hurt her, but with this woman she felt like she was safe. A sob escaped her, and she let the woman hug her for a second time. A tear slid down her face.
"They're dead, aren't they," she whispered, feeling the woman tense.
The woman pulled back, studying her face before speaking. "Honey, neither are on this earth. They're most likely still on yours. You came by yourself," she said softly. Trista felt the woman squeeze her hand, before getting up. Her next question stopped the woman at the door.
"Who are you?"
She watched the woman turn in surprise, staring at her. It was a few moments before she spoke.
"Bulma. Bulma Briefs."
"And am I a prisoner here, Mrs. Briefs?"
The woman looked absolutely horrified at the question. "NO!"
Trista flinched a little at her squeal, but relief coursed through her, looking around the room again. She looked back at the slightly offended woman.
"Thanks Blue."
The woman blinked at her, putting a hand on her hip.
"Blue!?"
Her tone almost made Trista smile. She pointed to the woman's hair, a small smile appearing at the scoff that passed the woman's lips.
"What kind of nickname is that? It sounds like a cartoon."
A chuckle did escape her at that, watching the woman huff before opening the door.
"Bye Blue," she said softly, a smirk appearing as the woman tried to look affronted, but was doing a terrible job of it. She didn't say anything though, just disappeared on the other side.
Trista waited a few moments, before getting out of the bed. She looked down at the clothes she had on. A baggy t-shirt and some gray sweats. White socks covered her feet. She grunted, walking slowly towards the door. Peeking out for a moment, she quickly stepped out, looking left to right before pausing. Making a snap decision, she shut her door, heading left.
She ran into the teenager that had the sword. Thankfully he wasn't currently wearing it. He WAS however, staring at her. It was starting to piss her off. She narrowed her eyes, watching him lower his gaze. She grunted, stepping around him. His voice stopped her.
"Mo-...um Trista," he said softly, watching her turn.
He stood there, staring at her. She raised a brow, a sigh escaping. Do they not have many females on this earth!? She started to turn back around at his silence, when he laied a hand on her arm. She acted on instinct. Within seconds he was slammed against the wall, her hand at his throat. She felt a damn snarl come out of her.
"Don't put your hands on me," she said softly, glaring at him. Her mind seemed to clear a moment later, stepping back and looking at the boy with wide eyes. She blinked, looking at him for another second before quickly walking away. Trunks watched her go. He felt Goku and Vegeta come up behind him.
"What the hell is wrong with her?" Vegeta asked, studying the spot the girl was at a moment ago. Goku and Trunks were silent for a moment.
"Do you think," Goku said softly, "That Dr. Gero did something to her? He was planning on turning her into an android."
Both older saiyans watched as Trunks shivered, studying the spot his mother disappeared to. He couldn't imagine his mother as one of those things! He shook his head, anger starting in his chest. His fists clenched, a moment later Goku laid a hand on his shoulder. He knew the man was trying to calm him, but he was too pissed. To have that bastard do anything to his mother infuriated him. He looked back at the two older saiyans, his jaw clenched. They didn't look too happy about it either. Do both of them like my mother!? That made him blink, his anger momentarily forgotten as he thought this over. What the hell are the chances! Should I tell them so they don't get in a rivalry? He thought about it for a moment, before walking away, shaking his head. No. That could still jeopardize him being born at all! He thought about his mother, her age, the slight complication of her being two years younger than she's supposed to be. He glanced back at Goku and Vegeta before rounding the same corner his mother went around. I can't interfere, even if my mother is the same age as me. Both of them know what they're doing. They'll wait until she's older. He paused on the stairs, his brows furrowed. A grimace crossed his features. I hope!
She found the kitchen easily. She just had to follow her nose. The people here were currently cooking what looked like a banquet. She snatched some food when no one was looking, quickly going back to where she had seen stairs that led to the roof, pushing the door open and firmly closing it behind her. She straightened, taking a deep breath. Oh my God! That's an amazing view! She studied the city beyond the perimeter of property, slowly turning in a circle to see just how massive this compound was. Damn! It looks bigger than my school at home! At the thought of home, she sighed, finally sitting and watching the sun move in the sky. The air smelled...more clean here. She breathed deeply, before digging into her food.
She was still up there, hours later, an empty plate beside her. She tightened her arms around her knees, watching the last rays of the sun peak over the horizon before it finally settled behind the mountains, a blanket of indigo blue covering the sky. She leaned her head back, gazing at the stars. There seemed to be a lot more here than at home. She thought about her mother and sister, wandering what they were doing. Wandered what she was missing in school, even though she had only two weeks left until graduation. She sighed, shrugging. There wasn't nothing she could do about it now. She slowly leaned back against the brick chimney, relaxing for the first time since...well she couldn't remember. But it felt like a long time. Just about the time she started feeling drowsy, she felt a presence behind her. She whipped her head around. The man that had smiled at her before, the one with a widow's peak, was standing in the air behind her. Studying her. Trista blinked. Why doesn't the fact of him floating freak me out, but the idea of being in a different world does!? She mentally sighed. She'll never understand her brain!
"You've been up here this whole time."
It wasn't a question, and she wasn't going to acknowledge it. She didn't know what happened to her in that room, when she had felt something coming over her. She just knew that after she finally succumbed to it, she felt...calmer, and free...if that was even possible. She frowned, her brows furrowing. What was going on with her mind? She didn't think like this before, so...mature. She was only nineteen! She shouldn't be thinking about energy and if she needed to keep an eye out for danger! She should be thinking about graduation and dates and boys! So...why wasn't she? Trista pinched her lips. She remembers thinking like that before. Before she woke up on this world, and her whole being shifted. It was weird...but it felt...right. She cocked her head a little, studying her shoes. Was that the correct word for it? Right? Trista thought about it for a few minutes, finally nodding her head. Yeah, it felt right. A sense of belonging had settled in her mind within the last few hours, a sense that she was supposed to be here, even more than in her own world. Making her mind up, Trista stood, stretching to get the kinks out. She sighed, not looking at the man beside her that hadn't moved the whole time she was trying to sort her thoughts out, grabbed her plate, and without a word, lowered back into the house.
-A few days later-
Trunks walked out to the backyard, eying the two men sparring in the sky. He noticed his mom watching from below. That gave him pause. She had a frown on her face, a deep look of concentration settled on her features. He quickly made his way over. He noticed she barely glanced at him, before looking back up at the men. A brow rose. This is how she was before. Before she changed herself. She was always so serious. Is this supposed to happen this way!? He didn't say anything, just leaned beside her, a little amused to see he was slightly taller than her. Trunks resisted the urge to put an arm around his mom's shoulders, just happy she was alive! He watched the two men above them, noticing her eyes were easily following them. How is she following them! She's human! His brows furrowed a little, following both saiyans as they landed. They all looked at Trista. Her expression didn't change. She just straightened and walked away. Both men turned questioning eyes to him, but he just shook his head. Shrugging his shoulders, he unbuckled his sword. Popping his neck and knuckles, he grinned. Trunks watched Goku get into stance, studying his form. With a smile, he launched himself at the man.
She sighed with relief as she entered the kitchen, going straight for the food. A yelp escaped her as Bulma smacked her hand away.
"Alright, Blue!" she said softly, a smirk appearing as the woman narrowed her eyes.
She turned and sat at the table, not looking up as the teenager came in. She wrinkled her nose at the smell of sweat, slightly amused at Bulma chasing him out of the kitchen, stating he better wash behind his ears before returning. She fought a chuckle. She thought it was pretty funny that these three obviously powerful men let that woman push them around. She grunted. Must be a respect thing. The other men came in, their smell a little more intoxicating. She didn't look at them, fighting a blush. She tapped her nails against the table, biting her lip. It was silent. She blinked, looking up.
They were all staring at her. She narrowed her eyes, getting up. Not saying anything, she left the kitchen. She wasn't that hungry after all.
Trunks came down for dinner, slightly surprised to not see his mom there. He sat down, looking around again.
"What's wrong, hon?" Bulma asked, laying a platter of meat on the table.
His brows furrowed. He didn't reach for the food. "Where's my mom?"
Bulma blinked, still a little surprised to have this teenager calling a girl the same age as him his mom. Quickly recovering, she cleared her throat. She noticed Vegeta and Goku glance at her, waiting for her answer. Are they both interested in her? How...weird! She's nineteen! She cleared her throat again.
"I guess she wasn't very hungry. She left a while ago, going upstairs. She hasn't came back down."
She watched the boys brows furrow, a frown on his face. He got up, piling stuff on his plate for a few minutes before grabbing it and heading for the stairs. She listened with half an ear as one of the men grunt, watching Trunks back disappear up the stairs. That was sweet! But then again! He did just lose his mother from his time! She glanced back at the two men at the table. They were both sneaking glances at the door, shoveling food into their mouths. Bulma frowned. You've got to be kidding me! Both of them! They're both like, six or seven years older than the girl! Feeling slightly put out, she sat down, in the same spot Trista had vacated earlier. A little smile appeared as the girls' nickname for her flitted through her mind. Blue! That's sort of cute! No wonder these men are drawn to her! She thought about Trista's attitude. It sure has changed since she went falling from the sky! From what Goku said, she hadn't even recognized them. Is this new, calmer demeanor attracting both of them! She sighed, sliding a little food onto her plate, deciding to just think about it later.
He knocked on her door. After a few moments he heard "come in." Sighing with relief, Trunks cracked the door open. His mom was sitting on her bed, a book in her hand. She lowered it when she saw him. Feeling suddenly shy, Trunks felt a flush rise as he hesitated in the door. She quirked a brow at him. Seeing that familiar look almost had him crying like a baby. He cleared his throat, hoping she didn't see his watery eyes.
"I brought some food, if you were hungry," he said quietly.
She studied him for a moment, before nodding. "Thanks, you can set it on the bed." He watched her go back to her book. He sat the tray down, looking at her bent head. 'This is mom!' his mind shouted excitedly. He stood there, fidgeting a little, a little afraid to ask her. She heard him shuffling his feet, and looked up. Trunks bit his lip, looking at the ground.
"Is there something else," she asked softly, watching his hair move as he lifted his head. He studied her for a moment before speaking.
"Do you wanna...eat together?"
He watched her quirk an eyebrow, tamping down a fresh set of tears at the familiar look. She finally nodded. He felt a grin split his face.
"Okay," he said excitedly. "Let me get my plate!"
Not waiting for an answer, he flew out of there. Happiness filled him. Eating together had been a constant thing they always did, no matter how...heartbreaking or gruesome the day was in his time. She always made time to sit and have meals together, to bring him a sense of normalcy. He truly appreciated it, more so now than ever. Now that she was gone. A feeling of sorrow swooped in, but he quickly tamped it down. He shook his head. No, he wasn't going to let what happened ruin this time that they were given. He rushed into the kitchen, ignoring the surprised looks of Bulma and Goku, quickly making himself a plate and hightailing it back upstairs.
He was gonna spend time with his mom!