I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 1: The Dog Days of Summer
"Oh Verto, I have a surprise for you!" Bulma said gleefully as she knocked on my door. I instantly rolled my eyes at this, Great, whatever this is, its bound to turn ugly!
"Dare I ask what this one is?" I asked carefully as she poked her head in.
"Why the long face, don't you want to know what it is?" she asked with a smile that totally admitted guilt about something. It had been only three days since I had returned to Earth and saved it from Frost's mercenary Viro, and I hadn't exactly been allowed to relax very much. I expected it a bit with the usual reunion parties she liked to throw, but I was honestly hoping that she would throw them more in Videl's honor than mine. I didn't really care that she wanted to celebrate my saving the world, I just wanted to get away from it all for a little while. Only being able to save eighty five percent of it wasn't the only reason I wanted to be left alone, but it sure didn't help. I had even mentioned how much it bothered me a few times before and after those little celebration events, but it didn't stop her from doing it anyway. Oh well, I guess it couldn't be as bad as the blown up news conference.
"Well, I could have Vegeta beat you to a pulp so I can get another blood sample, mine are a little outdated you know. And you never know what you could pick up in the land of dead warriors!" she suggested, casting that evil grin my way. Well, she might be wrong about the Vegeta part, but I might as well get it over with.
"All right, what is it then? Just don't tell me its another press conference! Or even a tournament, I just want to rest and relax right now. And it better not be another babysitting issue, we all know how well the last one went!" I said.
"What makes you think I would stick you with the boys in that situation again?" she asked with that blasted feigning innocence look again.
"Gee, that's a tough one. But even so, you can't tell me that Vegeta was away from the house that much after he got back. Surely you two had time for the extracurricular activities," I said with a grin of my own. She blushed slightly at that one, and seemed to give in for the moment.
"Well, we signed you boys up for summer camp this year," she said timidly, almost as if she was expecting an explosion.
"What?" I asked as I gave her a blank stare.
"Oh come now, you boys will have all sorts of fun I'm sure, its only for a few weeks! Besides, Bulla will be teething soon, and I'm sure you don't want to listen to that!" she suggested with a finger straight up in the air. Okay, not sure which one of those is worse come to think of it. I had already been around Bulla enough to know how loud she could get when she was unhappy or wanted something. It could honestly be compared to nails on a chalkboard, times ten. "And besides, Vegeta said you can skip out on your training for some more rest and relaxation if you go," she pointed out.
"Oh that sounds just brilliant," I muttered, knowing Vegeta would probably not give that up and she was mostly likely saying that so I would give in.
"Doesn't it though?" she asked, satisfied that she seemed to have me cornered.
"In other words, Vegeta gave in to sending me along so he wouldn't have to watch them the whole time," I answered. I sensed her bad attempt at deception leak out, and the tables were momentarily turned.
"More or less, will you go?" she asked.
"Won't you just threaten me with no food or something if I didn't agree?" I asked, unsure of her attitude.
"Well, I would prefer not to do that. Vegeta told me how proud of you he was on planet Auir, when you took charge as a leader. And whether I like it or not, you are one of the strongest beings around and could easily do what you wanted at all times. Lastly, despite your appearance, you are an adult on the inside. You've even grown a bit since you've been gone, and here I thought your appearance doesn't change in Other World. You're even a little taller than Trunks now! I figure you should at least have a say in the matter since you are a bit more mature," she admitted. I blinked sharply, it was one of the few times that she actually referred to me as an adult, and that she gave me an option. Granted it wasn't much of an option - neither putting up with the twin terrors nor a screaming baby was exactly high on my list of recreational activities.
"I suppose I could put up with them for a few weeks, I wouldn't want to have to change a diaper or something," I muttered.
"That's my boy," she said happily as I frowned slightly.
"Well, have you paid extra insurance money for the camp counselors?" I asked as we headed down the stairs.
"Already covered, though the boys have been warned that if there is any injury at all, the consequences would be severe!" she claimed. I shook my head slightly as I sensed another presence heading towards us, a very tired presence by the feel of it.
"Let me guess, you got Final Flashed this time?" I asked as Lenz met us at the bottom step.
"How did you know that?" she asked as she caught her breath. Her clothes were pretty torn up, never mind her battered body, but seeing as it was Vegeta she was training with, that wasn't a surprise.
"I may not be able to sense past the walls of the Gravity chamber, but I know what his attacks end up doing to a person, assuming they can withstand it," I explained with a slight smirk.
"When are you two going to face off and go all out? I want to see a match like that!" Lenz asked.
I glanced at Bulma for a moment, "Maybe when the chamber can handle it," I said, snickering slightly. I felt her tap the side of my head in response, though she had likely smacked it judging by the sound that echoed.
"And what is that supposed to mean? That chamber is bigger and stronger than ever! I wasn't exactly taking it easy while you were gone. I could have used YOUR help rebuilding this place, but noooo! You guys had to go off playing hero!" she said angrily.
"Yeah, and believe me, I would have preferred staying here," I said with a slight scowl, I didn't want reminded of what the past year had been like. I also hadn't really told them all of the details either, most of my experience was maddening enough without having my friends and family worried all the time.
"How so, you were never really that interested in my work, despite that semi-useful brain underneath your skull!" Bulma pointed out.
"She's got a point little bro, you seem more like the type to loaf around if you're not training. You did that a lot at King Kai's place," Lenz said, jumping in where she didn't need to be.
"I'm not your brother, I'm your teacher. And it's called meditation, not that I could concentrate with all of your squawking. Sometimes I wonder whether I took it too easy on you or not, I guess we'll see soon enough," I fired back with a smirk.
"Why you little…" she growled.
"As for your question, Bulma, spending four months with the Zerg wasn't exactly fun either. When do we leave?" I asked, trying to get back to the point before the conversation went somewhere that I didn't want it to go.
She eyed me wearily, but relaxed, "In a few hours, I already have your bags packed, complete with several dozen special sandwiches," she said in a calmer tone, tossing me a capsule.
"Thanks, I'll probably need them at some point," I said as I sensed another presence approaching.
"Boy! I need to speak with you!" Vegeta roared as he stomped my way, looking unhappy.
Lenz snickered slightly, "Time to face the music!" I cocked an eyebrow as the muscular prince walked up, the usual death glare bearing down on me.
"Now just how much free time did you have to yourself in the afterlife? Spying on me from another dimension I'll bet! I never pegged you for a coward of that magnitude!" he growled.
"What is it now? Trust me I had better things to do than spy on anyone up there. Funny hearing that from someone I just rescued the other day," I replied calmly.
"So then boy, tell me how she knew my Final Shine finishing move, I haven't even shown it to anyone yet! I was saving it for Kakarot the next time we have a real fight!" Vegeta admitted. Oh, that.
"Let's just say that you weren't exactly subtle when developing it on our way to Planet Auir, and while I was dancing with the shadows, I picked it up. I even used it once or twice up there. Awesome attack I might add since it allows me to keep the opponent guessing. She picked it up because she liked it too I imagine," I said smugly.
"Argh, copycat!" he growled.
"Hey you taught me the moves. I think I should declare that one my move though because I mastered it several months ago, so I call dibs on the exclusive rights. I'd be willing to bet you haven't mastered it if you've been saving it!" I reasoned.
"He's got a point, yours did look a bit sloppy. I could show you a few - pointers," Lenz attempted to stop herself, unsuccessfully. Vegeta only glared at Lenz for the moment, but then turned his wrath back to me before grunting and walking off.
"And here I thought I was the only one who could ever shut him up at times," Bulma sighed slightly.
"It's just fun proving him wrong when there's nothing he can do about it," I replied. Lenz looked at us like we were crazy, but shook it off. She had been around both Vegeta and I enough to know that I could talk directly through one of his death glares without causing a violent eruption.
"Well, I'm going to prepare myself for the horror of summer camp for the next few hours by drowning myself in loud music, let me know when its time for the fun to begin," I muttered as I headed back towards my room. Now that there's no villain to deal with, I'm gonna end up being bored again, I thought as I re-entered my room. I glanced at the golden medal hanging from the wall, the one I had won from the Afterlife Tournament. Its gleaming emblem reminded me of one thing, the future is always in motion. I had won it despite having to plow through the fusion of Cell and Frieza, and then had to immediately fight the monster Janemba. I had made the mistake of believing there was nothing to defend against during the early parts of that tournament, and I was quite mistaken. Yeah, you're right, I must always train so I'm always prepared. We still have to deal with the possibility of Frost and his goons showing up eventually. And who knows what else is out there, just waiting in the darkness.
"Are we there yet?" Goten asked for the twelfth time in as many minutes. He had started off a little excited when the mothers broke the news to them, though he was saddened when Trunks wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about our little trip. Trunks hadn't been much better with his irritated and impatient stare, but at least he had been quiet.
"Not yet Goten, pretty soon though," Bulma said from the driver's seat. She had demanded that she and Chichi drive us there in her airboat, even though we could have been there much sooner by flight. Whatever, it's going to be the same amount of agony either way. I guess the only question now is how many ugly surprises did Trunks have time to pack into a capsule, I'd bet at least two dozen.
"Now I expect you three to be on your best behavior!" Chichi said sternly from the front passenger seat.
"We will!" Goten said, though Trunks stayed silent.
"Trunks, what about you?" Bulma said with a slight change of tone.
"Yeah, whatever!" Trunks quickly said, prompting an ugly response when a skillet came flying backwards, barely missing the side of his head. He gasped slightly as he glanced back at it in fear.
"Yeah, whatever? That had better mean that you swear to behave. If we find out that you two are causing trouble, argh!" Chichi growled slightly as Bulma attempted to calm her down.
"And you Verto?" she asked with a slight grin as her blue hair was caught in the subtle breeze from Chichi's sudden outburst.
"Humph, it was your idea to hook me into this. You don't have to worry about me since I don't really want to be stuck in another situation as a result," I grumbled as I continued to stare at the driver's sidewall in the back of the airboat.
"I'll take that as a yes," she chuckled. Judging by the sudden angry surge from Chichi's tiny ki signal, she didn't like my statement, but said nothing to it.
"So what exactly is the scoop on this place we're going to be staying anyway?" I asked.
"It was an abandoned camp ground a few years ago, then Mr. Cochteau decided to revitalize it. I trust you remember him. It used to be haunted or something. I guess a lot of people died there some thirty years ago and it's been run down ever since," Bulma explained.
"Sounds like a real winner," I grumbled.
"Well, you can get the whole story soon enough. We're here!" Bulma announced as the plane suddenly dropped towards the ground.
"Welcome Miss Bulma, I'm so glad you could make it!" the large Mr. Cochteau announced as we emerged from the airboat. He sported a plain white shirt with blue shorts. I took note that nearly everyone nearby had the same outfit on, and every shirt had the words "Camp Crystal Lake" embroidered across the chest. Crystal Lake, now where have I heard that one before?
"Well, I had to have somewhere to put these three for a few weeks, they are a handful," Bulma said glancing down at us with a grin.
"Understandable. Wow, I do say! Young Verto, have you grown a bit since I last saw you?" he asked, stepping up and comparing the top of my head to his abdomen. I only grunted slightly and rolled my eyes while Trunks and Goten gave him their own scowls. Yeah genius, I'm a kid, it happens. Then again, it's another reason for those two to be jealous, even if it's only a few inches.
"Now if they get out of hand, just beat them over the head with a kitchen utensil and they should behave," Chichi suggested.
"That, ahem, won't be necessary," Cochteau explained, paling slightly at Chichi's demeanor, "But we will need to do something about your clothes, we do have a dress code after all. Just because you three are stronger than anyone else out here, does not make you any more special than anyone else!" he said, crossing his arms slightly.
"Man, I don't wanna wear those crumby outfits," Trunks whined slightly.
"Why not, are they that bad?" Goten asked, unsure himself.
"Yeah they're not my style either. But unless you want the brand of her skillet implanted on your head, I suggest you comply," I suggested as the Trunks groaned. As Cochteau jogged over to a large array of boxes filled with clothes, Chichi went through the expected rulebook.
"Now let me make this clear you three. No misbehaving. No mischief. No foul mouths. Listen to your camp counselors. And above all else: NO FIGHTING!" Chichi ordered in a moderately raised voice while onlookers plugged their ears.
"Do what you have to so they out of trouble kid," Bulma winked slightly as she and Chichi loaded back into the airboat and lifted off. Yeah, right.
"Now then, here are your camp uniforms. Your bunks are in Cabin F, right over there next to the tree line. There are signs all along the paths to where everything is, come to the shoreline by the boat dock after you change. We'll be fishing today!" Cochteau suggested as he glanced up to see another car arriving.
"Ugh, summer camp. I've heard horrible stories about it, but now I see that it really is this bad," Trunks whined as we walked towards our cabin. I took note that there was a large cluster of older teenagers around Cabin F, and a small crying kid between them.
"What's got that baby going?" Trunks asked.
"I don't know, as long as it's a one time thing. Going to be stressful enough around here without any late night disturbances," I said. Apparently the teens were also some of the camp counselors, likely the kind that didn't mind a summer job that included babysitting.
"Why did you have to say that Trey?" one girl said.
"What Lori, its not like that really happened. And even if it did, it was what, thirty years ago?" the teen known as Trey.
"Yeah, but you were telling a kid that previous occupants were gutted like fish by a crazy dude that lives in the woods. That hardly helps you know! The poor kid is only seven years old!" Lori shouted back.
"Hey, I thought a scary story would keep them out of trouble, they are supposed to stay out of the woods!" Trey replied. Moron, I'd bet on at least a few more blockhead teens that know nothing when it comes to handling children. Good thing I don't need to worry about it. The counselor Lori was busy consoling the tiny kid, who was bawling his eyes out, while another girl leaned down and smiled at us.
"You two must be the Briefs boys, and you are Son Goten I'll bet!" she said.
"Wow, how did you know that lady?" Goten asked right off as Trunks smacked his head slightly.
"I have all of the World Tournaments on disc and I went to the last one. I can't forget a few of the exceptional children that put all the adults to shame! Well, before that crazy dude with the golden hair started blowing everything up! My name is Gibb, I'm one of your counselors. That is Lori, that's Trey and Blake. The corky looking one is Linderman. And she is Kia," Gibb pointed out a darker skinned girl towards the back of the group. Trunks snickered slightly, which drew a slight scowl from Gibb.
"Wow, are you all as dumb as your names are?" he asked with a thick grin.
Gibb's reaction clearly read that she was expecting it, "And I suppose being named after underwear is a grand honor?" Ouch. I felt Trunks power up just slightly, and knew that my duty of keeping them out of trouble was about to begin.
"Trunks, don't even think about it," I whispered quiet enough for only him and Goten to hear. He suddenly stopped in slight panic as he caught my glare before settling down and pushing the Cabin door open and heading inside with Goten.
"Wow, your brother sure is temperamental," the black girl Kia suddenly said. Lori glared at her for a moment before taking the crying kid off.
"Yeah he takes after the old man. If anything strange happens, just let me know and I'll deal with it. Just ask your friend, he is pretty strong for his age," I suggested as I headed in myself. Trunks was right inside, glancing over a paper attached to the wall. On it was a map to the whole campground as well as a listing of all the counselors and which cabins they were assigned to. The ignorant Trey was assigned to our cabin, but I took note that Gibb was assigned to Cabin B. Trunks spotted this and grinned slightly before arguing with Goten over who got top bunk a moment later. Great, prank target number one has a location to go with her. Ugh, long summer ahead.
A/n: For those who noticed, I have officially stopped from referring to Bulma as "mother" in the first person POV starting in this saga. It isn't for any other reason other than I'm starting to leave most of the "childhood" aspects of this story behind. I will still occasionally mention it in the dialogue from time to time.
And no, I don't own the rights to anything regarding the horror movies I have just referred to.