Chapter 043 - Little Brother

The news had been a big shock to everyone who knew. No doubt it would be a big shock to everyone who was not aware of it yet but for now as few people as possible would know about it.

Bulma was pregnant.

Corset's first reaction had been one of joy, eager to tell someone about her soon going to be a big sister. In fact she'd been so eager she'd left her mother and rushed off to find her grandparents only to find out after telling them they already knew. At least the urge of telling someone had been allowed to get out of her system. Her mother had specifically instructed her daughter not to tell anyone she was expecting, which was easier said than done since she was constantly visiting Goku, Piccolo and Gohan every day for training! Somehow she managed to muster enough restraint not to say a word to any of them about it, not realising that Goku and Piccolo already knew that Bulma would fall pregnant with Vegeta's child.

Vegeta had ventured off into space once more. By the time Bulma'd found out she was pregnant the Saiyan Prince was long gone, so he was not aware of the news. It was instead to be a big surprise for him when he returned – and he would return. No doubt he'd want a crack at these seemingly powerful androids who were supposedly going to kill him. The timing of his trip could not have been worse according to Dr and Mrs Brief, neither of whom were impressed with the Saiyan's track record of knocking their daughter up and vanishing into space.

Corset hadn't been that impressed either. She was resentful towards her father for leaving, even if at the time he wouldn't have been aware he'd managed to impregnate her mother. Still what was new? Surely she knew better; of course her dad would vanish regardless of her mother's wellbeing. He'd done it before so what would stop him from doing it again? Then again just because he'd done it before didn't mean it was ok to do it at all! Corset held her judgement to herself and continued as normal. She couldn't exactly say she was doing much better. Her mother was needing more help around the house (and thankfully Mrs Brief was helping her out to the best of her ability) and Corset felt guilty she was constantly going out to train. She'd help her mother if she could but the prospect of being killed by two powerful androids and letting the world fall to ruin was far stronger and in one respect (though she'd never say this out loud to anyone) more important. She felt awful saying it in her own head but if she could focus on getting stronger and helping to beat these androids, surely that would build a better world for her younger sibling? The man from the future had said how awful his own time was; she didn't want her younger sibling to have to live in a world such as his.

Bulma's body slowly changed shape as the weeks went by, and her ability to do things around the house and at work slowly changed, though not for the better. Still she insisted on continuing her work in the labs until her body would not let her.

Corset arrived home one winter's evening after training, eager to see her mother. Today her mother had gone in for another routine check-up to see how she and the baby were doing. Today she was also going to ask what the child's sex was. Corset hoped it would be a girl.

"It's a boy," Bulma answered her daughter.

Judging by the look on her daughter's face Bulma guessed that was not the news she wanted, though quickly the look of disappointment was replaced with one of thought.

Corset was indeed pondering over the news. So it wasn't a girl, it was a boy? Surely that wasn't so bad? Corset wasn't so sure, she'd had her heart set on having a little sister and not a little brother.

"... Can we ask the doctors to change it?" Corset asked. "I want a little sister!"

Bulma scoffed a small outburst of laughter and shook her head, "Sorry sweetie, you can't change it. Cheer up, having a little brother will be better than you think."

Corset sighed and crossed her arms, tilting her head up. Maybe she was right... No, having a little brother would be as annoying as she thought! Then again from the limited experience she'd had at Elementary School, Corset knew that boys were more inclined to fight and play sports, so surely that would mean her brother would be as energetic as them? Maybe she could train him? Then again she also knew some girls who were just as inclined to fight and who were sporty... Having a little sister would have been fine too as far as training went. Corset was a girl after all and she enjoyed it! Indeed having a little sister would have been better.

"Before you go running off, grandma and grandpa already know the news," Bulma added, returning to reading her magazine. A small smirk tugged at her lip when she noticed the face her daughter was pulling; one of desperation no doubt because now she had no one to tell!

"So how long now until he's gonna be here?" The eight-year-old asked once the disappointment and urgency to tell someone had left her system. "I wanna see what he looks like..."

"Wanna see him?" Bulma smiled. The hint of teasing did not go unnoticed by her daughter and Corset watched her as she dove into her handbag, retrieving out a small picture. Corset realised what could be on it and shuffled closer to her mother to see her unborn baby brother. Her eyes studied the small picture carefully. Quickly she became a little confused as to what it was she was looking for! Most of the picture was black, some lighter lines were outlining a bizarre shape in the middle of the photo.

"... What's that?" She asked.

"This is an ultrasound scan of your little brother," Bulma knew that question was coming, one finger pointed to the photo. "See, this is his head, these are his arms and these are his legs."

"... What's that long thing?"

"That's the umbilical cord; it's how mama manages to feed him whilst he's inside of me."

"Oh..." Corset kept her eyes eagerly on the picture of the supposedly growing child. He didn't look very human. His head looked gigantic compared to the rest of him and even his arms and legs looked strange. She noticed something was missing. "Where's his tail, Mama?"

"He doesn't have one," Bulma replied. She'd wondered this herself when she'd first seen the image. Corset's tail had appeared when she was at the same stage as her younger brother; the tail's absence initially had Bulma worried until she'd reminded herself it meant no transforming into giant monkeys and no awkward questions from the doctors or the neighbours! She'd already had to accept that the doctors were convinced Corset'd had a bizarre mutation of some sort and were questioning any possibility of radiation secretly held within Capsule Corp.

It would have to wait until Vegeta returned before Bulma could question him about Saiyan tails...

"He looks weird," Corset mused to herself. How was this bizarre-looking thing going to look when it was time for him to be born?

The nine months soon came to an end. Soon it was time for Bulma to give birth to her son.

Age 776

The contractions had started around half nine in the morning; thankfully she'd been in the kitchen with her parents when her waters broke. Conveniently Corset was also meant to have been studying at home which meant all the family were there for the journey to the hospital. At least she wouldn't have to find some lie to tell Goku for not showing up for training, Corset thought.

The truth was she was both excited and scared. She had been aware that women giving birth would scream a lot but she hadn't realised just how much hearing her mother cry out in agony would upset her. In the end Dr Brief had taken Corset out of the room seeing the distress it was causing her, despite his granddaughter protesting she wanted to be with her mother. Dr Brief had managed to distract her by mentioning they could call the hospital to let them know they'd be coming in. Bulma had chosen to have a hospital birth after all just in case.

By the time the ambulance jet had arrived her mother's contractions had become more frequent. Dr Brief continued to distract his granddaughter through conversation and the two ended up travelling in their own hovercar as the ambulance jet could only fit Bulma and one other person in amongst the machines and professionals.

Once they'd arrived at the busy hospital, Dr Brief and Corset were informed by Mrs Brief about the journey there and how Bulma was doing. She'd been whisked away into one of the delivery rooms since she'd started crowning on the way to the hospital.

"Why can't I go see Mama?" Corset asked frustrated.

"We have to wait for the doctors to say it's ok," Dr Brief answered his impatient granddaughter.

"You're a doctor though, Grandpa, you can say it's ok so we can visit!" Corset insisted.

Dr Brief chuckled as he shook his head, "I'm not that sort of doctor!"

"Yeah well they don't know that!" Corset pointed out eagerly. "Come on, Grandpa!"

"Sorry dear but we've gotta wait here," Mrs Brief stroked her granddaughter's hair. "Why don't you get yourself a drink from the vending machine? There's lots of different flavours you can choose from."

"I'm not thirsty," Corset lied. She was in need of a drink but she was far more interested in finding out if her mother was alright. She couldn't hear her anymore because the delivery room she'd been taken into was around the corner down the corridor.

"Here, I brought something along for the ride," Dr Brief foldled around in one of his pockets before pulling out a small packet of cards. "I had a feeling we'd be needing these!"

"Cards?" Corset frowned saddned, "Grandpa I don't wanna play. I wanna make sure Mama's-"

"Right now all we can do for your mother is wait patiently until she has given birth to your little brother," Dr Brief interrupted. "The doctors and midwife are doing all they can to make sure your mother has a safe and easy birth and are giving her all the help and attention she needs. The least we can do is let them do their job. If your mother needs help from any one of us then she'll let us know."

Corset stayed quiet and slumped into a seat, staring down at her lap in disappointment. She didn't like not being able to do anything; she'd had enough of feeling that way on the battlefield let alone here in a hospital.

Footsteps came from down the hallway. They were quick and heavy; someone was running. Corset was surprised to see who it was when she locked onto his ki.

"I came as fast as I could," Yamcha had appeared looking slightly out of breath. It had almost been a whole year since Corset'd seen the fighter. He was indeed looking a lot stronger since last time and his ki was larger than before. That was beside the point though; what was he doing here?

"How is she?" The scar-faced man asked.

"She's doing fine as far as we know," Mrs Brief answered, "she's been here for a couple of hours now and started going into labour when we were in the ambulance. It shouldn't be too much longer."

"Any signs of Vegeta?" Yamcha's voice was filled with a little hint of bitterness when the Saiyan's name came out. His brow creased when both Bulma's parents answered with a shake of the head. Corset noticed this and grew a little cross at Yamcha for being disrespectful towards her father. Then again the man wasn't even on the planet right now so who could blame them all for their resentment towards him? Even Corset was a little cross with him for not being more helpful and staying on Earth!

A couple more hours passed. Mrs Brief ended up being called into the delivery room to give her daughter some emotional and moral support, leaving Dr Brief, Yamcha and Corset to wait impatiently in the waiting area still.

Corset found herself being dragged into a game of cards along with her grandfather and Yamcha, much to her annoyance. She felt so restless sitting around waiting for her mother and brother to finish their ordeal. If only she'd been called in instead of her nana for some support. She may not know much about giving birth but surely she could let her mother squeeze her hand? (She knew that was supposed to happen a lot when someone was giving birth thanks to cartoons!)

"Anyone besides me thinking it might be time to grab a snack?" Dr Brief asked as he placed one card down on top of the pile centred between the three of them.

"That might be a good idea," Yamcha nodded, picking another card up and trading one of his own back to the pile.

"Feeling hungry yet, Corset?" Dr Brief glanced to his granddaughter; she'd been quiet for a while now, seemingly concentrating on something.

"Mm," was all he could get out of her. Indeed Corset was concentrating half on the card game but also on her mother's energy. If she couldn't be with her in person then she'd just have to keep an eye on her ki instead!

"You two stay here in case anything else comes up about Bulma. I'll go see if I can find us something in the cafeteria," Dr Brief rose off the floor and stretched before making his way down the hallway back to the entrance and cafe area, leaving Corset and Yamcha to continue playing.

Corset said very little to Yamcha as they continued their game. Why was he here? She wanted to know why it was he'd taken the time of day to visit his mother whilst she was here. It wasn't like she was giving birth to his baby or anything. He shouldn't have to be here; Bulma already had Corset and her parents to look after her, she didn't need Yamcha's help. Corset hadn't forgotten the things the scar-faced man had said to her mother on the night they'd broken up; she'd been kept awake because of their arguing. She may only be nine-years-old but Corset knew how relationships were supposed to work and that included how cheating was not allowed.

"I wonder how she's doing in there..." Yamcha tried to start up a conversation. "Knowing Bulma she's probably demanding more painkillers and giving the doctors a run for their money! Guess she's entitled to."

Corset shrugged her shoulders, not really wanting to strike up a conversation with him. She picked up a card from the pile and traded it with her own.

Yamcha tried again. "... So how's your training going?"

"Fine," Corset answered. "Your turn."

Yamcha took a card and placed it back down on top of the pile of unneeded cards.

Why was he here? He didn't need to be here; she, her grandpa and her nana were more than enough support for her mama. Corset wasn't fully aware of the jealousy she felt towards the man opposite her, though she recognised it more as annoyance and dislike. What was he trying to do? Was he trying to muscle his way back into a relationship whilst her father was away in space? Was he trying to get back together with Bulma? Corset knew she couldn't dictate her mother and Yamcha's relationship but she didn't like the idea of this chance for her family to become a proper family being thrown away thanks to this man!

"Only a year left until the androids get here, huh?" Yamcha mumbled more to himself than anyone else. It was a very sobering thought, one that reminded both of how fragile life could be. Supposedly in a year's time, Yamcha was supposed to be killed along with all the other fighters except for Gohan and Corset...

"... I don't mean to be rude..." Corset cut in, "... but why are you here?"

Yamcha seemed a little surprised by her question. "What do you mean?"

"Why did you come here to the hospital?" Corset echoed her question.

"... To give your mother some support," Yamcha answered sounding a little defensive. "What's wrong with that?"

"Mama already has me, Nana and Grandpa here." Corset responded growing more and more irked with every second. "Me, Grandpa and Nana will take care of her."

"Hey she's my friend kid, I'll come visit her whenever I want to!" Yamcha growled.

"No you won't!" Corset's temper exploded, she rose off the floor and onto her feet, fists clenched and trembling by her sides. "It's not even your baby – it's my dad's! You don't need to be here! Mama doesn't need your support!"

"Hey! He may not be my kid your mother is in there giving birth to but that's not going to stop me from supporting her in any way I can!" Yamcha did not raise his voice unlike Corset, though there was more conviction and firmness in his voice than before. He stayed seated; Corset's full height was practically the same as his sitting down! "Your mother and I have been friends long before you even came along and even when you did, I was there supporting her and helping her! I've done more than I can say your father has."

"Dad doesn't know!" Corset cried back. "Even if he did know and still went off into space, it wouldn't matter! Mama doesn't need Dad's support or yours – she's got Grandpa and Nana and me to help her! We don't need any more help!"

Yamcha glared at the child for the briefest of moments before rising to his feet. Without a word he wandered off down the corridor in the same direction as Dr Brief had.

Corset kept her eyes on him as she watched him leave. Had she gone too far? Now she felt bad. She hadn't meant to have said something to hurt him, just to get him to leave. She believed what she'd said; he really didn't need to be here. Her mother was doing just fine with her grandparents and Corset to help her. What was that saying... something to do with too many cooks being in the same room? It felt like that situation to her. Too many people looking after her could make her mother go crazy... couldn't it? Her thoughts continued to race as her emotions continued to swirl around. Her mother's ki was still fluctuating. Her nana was with her mama and her grandpa was getting her food... There was no one there for her to comfort her.

She slumped herself against the wall and slid down to the floor, drawing her knees to her chin and wrapping her arms around her legs.

Her father's was nowhere to be felt. Why did he have to go and disappear on them at a time like this? It was so frustrating having to listen to someone say things about him that despite her knowing them to be true, were hurtful and disrespectful. Yes he was selfish and did as he pleased but he was still her dad! It almost felt as if she were the one being insulted for standing up for him or even being related to him.

A couple of footsteps caught her ear. Corset glanced out of the corner of her eye, surprised to see Yamcha returning with a couple of cans from a vending machine, still looking as if he was fuming inside. Corset did not make any eye contact with him, feeling a little ashamed of what she'd said to him. She didn't want to apologise to him but knew she'd have to at some point if and when someone else found out about her outburst.

Without saying anything the warrior placed one can next to the young girl and sat down beside her, opening his own can and taking a swig of drink.

There was an awkward silence as both fighters were left to their own thoughts. It started eating at Corset along with her already emotional state and she gave into her morals.

"... Sorry," She mumbled gloomily, taking the can he'd left for her and opening it.

"You're forgiven," Yamcha mumbled. "Must be frustrating," He took another swig of his drink before continuing. "... not knowing where your dad is."

Corset's brows crossed slightly at this remark. There was truth in it. Just where the hell was that man?

"You realise how tough it's going to be to support your mama, right?" Yamcha asked. "It won't be easy, take it from someone who's done it before."

Corset frowned. There was something else she knew she needed to say to him. "... Thank you for helping my mama."

"You're welcome," Yamcha muttered. "If I find out you haven't been doing a good enough job looking after her, I'll be stepping in."

The two sat in silence for a couple more minutes, both again left to their thoughts until Dr Brief returned.

It was a further seven hours before the birth happened.

Dr Brief had fallen asleep on one of the chairs whilst Yamcha had gone to find the toilets.

Corset'd been keeping an eye on her mother's incredibly agitated ki signal, confused as to why it would rise and fall so much. She'd sensed the moment her brother had separated from her mama; his tiny ki becoming properly noticeable for the first time.

"She gave birth!" She cheered jumping to her feet and startling her grandpa from his sleep!

"What? Did a nurse come out?" Dr Brief demanded.

"No, I can sense him," Corset smiled eagerly rushing to the doors separating her mother from the rest of them. "I wanna go see Mama."

"Wait Corset, we need to be patient," Dr Brief was quick off the mark. "We have to wait until one of the nurses tells us it's ok to visit."

"Aww..." Corset frowned disappointed, making her way back to her seat. She wanted to see her mother now!

Luckily they weren't kept waiting for long; as soon as the nurse said it was ok Corset bounded into the room and rushed up to her mother.

"Mama!" She called relieved to see her mother again. "Are you alright? Where's my brother? Is he here? Did it hurt?"

"I could be better... Mama's on some strong painkillers," Bulma answered sounding tired and looking just as awake as she sounded! "I think your baby brother's been taken to the baby ward."

Corset looked up at her grandpa who knew what she was about to ask. "Alright, we'll go find him."

She pressed her face against the cold glass, eyes flittering over all the new-borns in their cribs on the other side of the panel. One of them was her brother...

"There he is," Dr Brief pointed, "the blue and white crib in the second row..."

Corset spotted it and took a deep breath in. He was near the back of the room but she could still see him pretty well. He looked so tiny and frail. She was left speechless.

"So, that's your little brother," Dr Brief mumbled, pulling her from her trance. "Quite the handsome baby, isn't he?"

"... I guess... he looks fat," Corset nodded. "Do you think Mama's thought of a name for him?"

"I'm not sure," Dr Brief answered.

Silence fell once again as the two continued to watch the newest member of their family. Corset felt her grandfather's hand rest on her shoulder and continued to watch, wondering if her little brother was asleep or not. She wondered if he would be a noisy baby or quiet. Would her mama be ok looking after him? Would she be able to look after her mother and baby brother just as she'd said she would? If her father returned, what would his reaction be – would he be angry? What about when he was a little older - would he be in danger at all when the androids came?

The last question made her feel uneasy. There was no way she could let any harm come to him or anyone else. She'd just gained a sibling now so it was all the more important for her to train so she could protect him.

"... Come on, let's go and spend some time with your mama," Dr Brief ushered Corset away from the glass panel.