***Chapter 29***
The newlyweds came back from their honeymoon and life continued its course. Akira had started training with Beerus and Whis again. Broly would drop by from time to time and train her with Vegeta. Her strength was mostly back but taking control of a Ki still required a lot of effort on her part.
They were all gathered on the big terrace at Capsule Corps' living quarters to celebrate Goku Jr's first birthday. Akira was sitting on the floor, rolling a toy car between the baby and Arula. The sound effects coming out of her mouth made the two younger kids giggle uncontrollably. ''Ok you little stinkers, I have to go help Bulma, Videl and ChiChi! Play nice without me!'' She rose to her feet but her balance faltered a little. She quickly regained her composure, avoiding a fall. She shook her head a little at the incident trying to shake it off. Gohan and Trunks had seen her.
''Bud… is Aki ok?''
''I'm not sure anymore. It's the second time something like this has happened. She was supposed to ask Whis.''
''I did ask and he said I was fine, he couldn't sense anything wrong with me.'' She said as she joined them, bumping into their conversation. ''I'm ok! You need to stop worrying so much!'' She kissed her husband as she continued her way towards the kitchen.
Trunks made his way to where Broly was standing as he listened to one of Goku's stories. Vegeta was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed on his chest.
''Tsh! That's hardly what happened Kakarot!'' Contended Vegeta.
''Oh hey Trunks! How's married life treating you?''
''Hey Goku. Are you trying to get me in trouble by asking me this right in front of Broly?'' The younger man joked, making the other two Saiyans chuckle.
''Kiks seems happy so I'll let you live to see another day.''
''Actually Broly..'' The demi-Saiyan started, surprising the other three men standing around him. ''Could you.. hmm try and talk to Ki? Something isn't right…''
''Not right… how?'' Broly's voice came out a little stern, making Goku and Vegeta tense up.
''She's lost balance twice in the last week… today she was able to catch her footing on her own but the first time it happened, I caught her before she hit the ground. She keeps saying she's fine but…'' He saw worry fall over Broly's face. ''She keeps saying I worry too much but clearly something isn't ok and I thought maybe she would tell you?''
The big legendary Super Saiyan nodded, a frown on his face. Akira had always been honest and truthful, except once… the one time she had lied, she had done so to protect them but she had also died. He could understand his bother-in-law's concern. ''I'll try to talk to her.''
Moments later, Akira came back out holding a pitcher of lemonade. Broly met her before she reached the table and noticed her hand shaking a little from the weight of the container. She had to place her other hand under it to make sure not to drop it.
''Kiks….'' Akira could hear the anxiety in his voice and feel it all over his Ki.
''Broly.. please.. don't.. I'm fine..''
''Clearly not…'' He motioned to her shaking hand. ''Kiki, what's going on? Talk to me. Are you hurt?... Did.. something happen?''
She could tell he was trying to ask her if something had happened with Trunks… whether physically or emotionally. It made her chuckle. ''Trunks worries too much. That's his only flaw when it comes to me.'' She said seriously and then added ''And our sex life is great if that's what you were referring to.'' She laughed at her big brother's embarrassment. ''What are you asking Broly?''
''It's just.. you know you're still recovering and your body is different… more.. fragile… so maybe if things get a little rough.. it.. hmm.. could hurt you?''
''Are you asking me… if Trunks is too rough with me… in bed?'' Her confusion was taking over her discomfort about this whole conversation.
Broly passed his big hand on his face. This was harder than he had imagined. ''He's worried about you… and frankly so am I.'' She scoffed. ''And don't tell me we worry too much for nothing.''
''Look.. I asked Whis two days ago and he said everything seems ok at first glance. My Ki is a little off lately but Whis said it could be because my powers are almost all back to what they were so my body is trying to adjust. My strength is back and I've been training. I haven't been sick, I've been eating and sleeping ok. I'm me again Broly. The only difference is that now I'm mortal and I got rid of that anger inside. I just got up too fast… maybe it's a mortal thing you know how the blood drops or hikes.'' She shrugged. ''And for the record… I can handle Trunks in all of his forms just fine.'' She said before walking to the table, leaving Broly stunned.
He followed her quickly and hissed ''He.. turns.. with you.. while..'' He couldn't get a full sentence out both out of anger and out of awkwardness.
''Really?'' She crossed her arms in front of her and she eyed her big brother. ''You're going to tell me that Kale and you have the most tame and vanilla sex ever right?''
''Euh!.. Hmm..'' This conversation had taken a horribly embarrassing turn. ''Kale is a Saiyan..''
''Yeah? and I have God Ki. Broly I'm mortal.. like you and everyone here, it doesn't mean I'm an Earthling or human or fragile. Why is my mortality a weakness when none of you have ever questioned your own?''
''Because you mean so much to us Kiks.''
''And all of you mean everything to me too Broly.'' She relaxed a little. ''Now are we done talking about my wild sex life?'' She grinned watching him cringe at her words.
''Ugh I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Trunks the same way ever again…'' Broly said with a stunned look on his face. She giggled wrapping her arms around him as he kissed the top of her head.
Later that night, Akira laid in bed, her head on Trunks' chest as he brushed his hand through her hair down her back.
''You told Broly WHAT?!'' Trunks couldn't believe what his wife had just told him. ''Now he'll definitely want to kill me the first opportunity he gets!'' He shook his head while smiling.
She giggled, reaching her lips to his cheek. ''Naw I wouldn't let him. I rather enjoy your blonde spiky alter-ego Mr. Briefs. Just wish he wasn't so shy and would come out to play more often…'' She felt the growl in his chest before it escaped his lips making her giggle. ''Don't get me wrong though… My lavender-haired husband can totally pull his own weight in that department too. I'm definitely not complaining.''
''We live to serve you, my Goddess.''
''Have you gotten any more dizzy spells?'' Asked Videl.
''Nothing worth worrying about.'' Replied Akira. She kept her head down, focusing on the drawing her and Pan were coloring together at the dining room table.
''Are you sick Aki?'' Innocently asked Pan.
Turning her face towards the child, Akira rubbed her nose on Pan's. ''No Squishy. I'm ok! Look at me! Do I look sick?'' She winked at the little girl.
''Ok, bedtime Pan! Let's get you washed up and ready missy!'' Said Videl to her daughter, slowly getting up. Goku Jr was downing his second milk bottle in her arms. She handed him over to her friend who gladly took over.
Akira held the baby in her arms as the baby boy held his bottle. She was so focused talking to the bundle in her arms that she didn't see or feel Gohan and Trunks walking back in. ''You already have your Saiyan appetite huh? Have you been giving mommy a tough time? No no! You're a sweet boy.'' Gohan silently retreated to go help his wife as Trunks stood in the kitchen doorway. ''Ow! Little stinker! Not so hard! I take back the sweet boy comment! You're a strong one!'' She said when Goku Jr pulled a lock of her hair. Trunks chuckled, making her jerk her head up.
''Hi.'' He said, still leaning against the doorframe. A smile plastered on his face.
''Hi.'' She replied. ''Uncle Trunks likes to snoop on Auntie Aki.. Mhmm..but snooping is so rude!'' She continued while diverting her focus back on the baby.
Trunks walked up to his wife. When he reached her, he bent down and kissed the lips she was offering him. He pulled the chair next to hers and sat down, gently rubbing the sleeping baby's head. Videl and Gohan walked in a few minutes later, witnessing the sweet moment. The Earthling's eyes filled with tears but she held them back.
''Stop that.'' Trunks and Akira said in unison.
''It's.. just.. our kids are really lucky to have you in their lives. Both of you.'' Justified Gohan, a hand around his wife's shoulders.
A few days later, Piccolo landed on the big balcony, clearly looking for Vegeta.
''Hey Piccolo! Vegeta isn't here. Goku and him are training with Whis.'' Cheerfully said Bulma.
''Can you call them?''
''Hmm.. sure but I can't guarantee they'll pick up! Everything ok?''
''I'm not sure.'' The green man replied with a serious tone.
For once, Whis answered the device and when Bulma said Piccolo was there requesting to talk to them, they knew something wasn't right.
Within moments, Goku and Vegeta were standing in front of their friend.
''What is it, Piccolo? Did you sense something? Did something happen?'' Goku questioned without missing a beat.
''Not yet… but.. I was at the Lookout earlier and Dende told me we have a new visitor..''
''Who?'' Threw Vegeta.
''Hit.''
''WHAT? Like.. Hit Hit? From Universe 6? The one who tried to assassinate Goku?'' Bulma's voice came out with a small tremble. The fact the hitman was here and hadn't made his presence known to the Z fighters was not a good sign.
''He's here for business.''
''Yes, that's my guess also, Vegeta.''
''Tsh! Did you put a hit on yourself again Kakarot?''
''No.. not this time Vegeta. I'm truly as confused as you by this situation. Who could he be after? And why now?''
''Woman! Call Trunks and tell him to bring Akira here.''
Bulma's face paled. ''You think he's after her?! But why? Why now?''
''Uh Bulma.. it's ok don't worry.. it's just as a precaution. We can't feel her Ki at all so if she's ever in danger we wouldn't know.'' Reassured her Goku. ''Let's go check if she's home Vegeta.''
When the two full blooded Saiyans appeared right in front of Trunks and Akira's home, they noticed she was outside, planting some flowers and tending to others.
''Akira.''
''Hi Vegeta. Hello Goku.'' She said slowly getting up from the ground. Her dizzy spells had been happening more often but she didn't want them to know. ''Is everything ok?'' She could tell by their Ki they were worried about something.
As they made their way towards her, the air in front of her frizzled a little but before the hand that was coming out of it could land on Akira, the hybrid grabbed it and pulled out the rest of the person. Swinging the attacker, she landed a straight kick. Her attacker easily found his footing and launched himself at her again. His movements seemed erratic until Akira realized he was vanishing and reappearing within seconds. Even his Ki signature is disappearing. But how? She focused her own Ki but he was too fast and his signature was never detectable long enough for her to lock onto it. When Goku and Vegeta tried getting closer to her, they were sent flying in the opposite direction. The speed at which the events were unfolding was not helping her head or her eyes. She could barely hold up straight. The shadow didn't lose a second before attacking again, his punch landing in Akira's chest sending her flying through the air and crashing hard on the ground. She stayed down for a moment, willing her head to stop spinning.
''HIT! STOP!'' Yelled Vegeta.
The assassin disappeared and reappeared almost instantly in front of Akira's body, still laying on the ground. Goku materialized in front of the man, blocking him from the girl. ''STOP HIT! What are you doing?''
''Goku. Vegeta. This does not concern you.''
''LIKE HELL IT DOESN'T!'' Barked Vegeta as he landed next to his fellow Saiyan.
''Step aside Saiyans and let me do my job. I will soon be gone and you won't have to worry about me. I just have to finish this assignment.''
''This ASSIGNMENT is married to my son.''
Hit's face twisted in confusion. ''Last time I saw your son he was a boy.''
''Not that one… The one from a different timeline… so technically the same one… but…'' Explained Goku scratching the back of his head.
''WHO PUT THE HIT ON HER HEAD?'' Vegeta had turned Super Saiyan Blue.
Akira was now sitting on the ground, holding her head, her eyes shut. She could feel three pairs of eyes staring at her.
''I don't question my assignments, you know that. I have to kill her and bring back proof of her demise.''
''We won't let you do that Hit. We can't.''
''You can try stopping me, Goku..'' The assassin's lips lifted slightly at the corner.
''Champa attended her wedding. As did Grand Minister. Beerus considers her his own.'' Spat Vegeta, the warning clear in his voice and words. His complexion was back to normal. ''You will not touch her as long as I'm alive.''
''We know how important your strike is…We… we need time to figure out who's behind all this… give us some time to dig into this. She's family, Hit. What if you took a lock of her hair and…''
''My cuff.'' The girl cut Goku off. ''Whoever is after me knows me, meaning it's someone from my past. They'll recognize the bracelet as mine.'' Akira stood up to face her attacker with much effort. .
''I agree to buy you some time but I will not sacrifice my strike for her, despite any possible repercussion.''
Goku proceeded to instant transmission all four of them back to Capsule Corp where Bulma and Piccolo were waiting. As soon as they reappeared, Akira ran to the closest washroom.
''WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HER?'' Bulma said walking up to Hit's face but being pulled away by her husband at the last minute.
The girl came back out a few minutes later, her face paler than snow.
''Aki are you ok? Did he hurt you?'' Bulma rushed to her daughter-in-law.
''I'm ok Bulma… I think the hit that landed on my chest and sent me flying, mixed with the instant transmission did something to my stomach.''
''Woman! Fetch Akira's cuff from your laboratory… and a pair of scissors.'' Ordered Vegeta.
''Fine! But I want an explanation!'' Yelled the woman as she made her way into the house.
When she reappeared, Akira cut a lock of her hair and handed it to Hit who held the cuff in his other hand.
''This will not buy you much time.'' The hired assassin said right before disappearing.
Akira had to run back to the washroom. When she walked back out, Goku and Vegeta had explained what had just happened to Bulma and Piccolo.
''Trunks can't know about any of this.'' She said, startling them.
''Akira… I don't think it's a good idea.. for your safety.. to not let all the others know.. including Trunks.''
''He cannot know about any of this Bulma. Please. He'll worry himself sick and act recklessly. It won't help any of us. It won't help me. Please… let's focus on figuring out who it could be ok?''
''Last time you held something from him, you died Aki.'' Gently said Goku.
''But he lived. You all did. Please.. there's no point alarming everyone before we get some answers.'' They reluctantly nodded. Trunks had been over protective of his wife since she had been back, he would not swallow this news well.
''Promise us you will not go and face whoever or whatever this is on your own. We're a family. We do this together.'' Vegeta's request was surprisingly gentle. She nodded.
''Now.. let's get you a Senzu bean… before you throw up all of your insides.'' Said Piccolo. The girl had already had to run to the washroom twice.
''Yo! Aki! Happy birthday!''
''Thanks Goten!''
Trunks pulled a chair for his wife, willing her to sit. ''Ki. Please sit down. You were sick RIGHT before we got here…'' She had in fact been vomiting since Hit's visit and the beating he had served her a few days prior.
''Trunks, please stop… everyone will wonder what the hell is wrong with me. I'm fine… it's just something I ate probably. I promise I'll have Whis check it out when he arrives.. ok?'' He kissed the top of her head and nodded. If she was going to be honest with herself… she in fact felt like shit and her ability to heal herself hadn't proven useful in this situation. ''Now.. it's MY birthday and you can't upset the birthday girl so please.. have fun?'' She hugged his neck and whispered ''I better have what I asked for ready for me to unwrap when we get home.''
Trunks' furrowed his eyebrows. ''I got you something… but how would you know…''
She cut him off. ''I'm not talking about that gift…'' She nibbled his earlobe and neck, her hand tugging slightly at his lavender hair, smiling when she felt him getting hard against her. ''Hmm.. yes that's a good start…''
''Ki…''
''Hey Kiks!'' Shit it's Broly. ''Trunks.'' The bigger man nodded at his Prince.
Akira grinned against Trunks' mouth and swiftly turned around. ''Broly! I'm happy to see you. Where's my Arula? And Kale?'' She hugged him before making her way in the direction he had pointed, leaving him alone with Trunks.
''She… been ok?'' asked the older man.
''Hmm yeah… her dizzy spells seem to have disappeared.''
''Oh. Good.'' Both men were avoiding each other's eyes.
''Hey Broly!'' Trunks released the breath he had been holding at this whole awkward situation, upon Gohan joining them.
''Hello Gohan.''
''Broly! Over here!'' Goku summoned his friend towards where he was standing next to Vegeta. He excused himself.
''Welp.. that.. was awkward… I could sense the twitchiness all over your Ki.'' Trunks had never been more grateful for the bond the two now shared. ''I thought Broly and you were cool now… what's going on?''
''Ugh.. I.. well.. Ki.. told..'' He was trying to find the right way to explain the issue. As he was trying to avoid Gohan's questioning expression, Trunks' eyes landed on his wife. She was carrying an empty platter towards the BBQ, for his father to place the cooked steaks on. She smiled at him.
She was halfway there when Trunks' world stopped. The platter fell from her hands and shattered on the ground, making everyone stop and look at her. She was looking down at her hands as they shook.
''Ki?'' Trunks called for her as he nudged Gohan out of his way to get to her. He made it in time to catch her limp body before it hit the ground over the shattered pieces of the porcelain. He picked her up in his arms.
''Trunks! bring her inside now!''
''Do you think this has anything to do with.. you know.. Hit's.. hit?'' Whispered Piccolo to Vegeta and Goku.
''The blast hit her straight in the chest so it's possible… but unlikely. The Senzu bean would have taken care of any internal damage caused by the hit.'' Goku replied. Vegeta was quiet and still.
The party was clearly over but no one had the heart to leave. They all needed to know that Akira would be ok.
''Oh my! why the long faces?'' Giggled Whis as he appeared with Beerus, Cheelai and Lemo.
''Akira. Where is she?''
''She passed out. Bulma and Trunks took her inside.'' Answered Broly, his voice full of angst.
The Destroyer and his attendant swiftly made their way to the laboratory. ''She's running a bit warm… her vitals seem ok though. I've hooked her up to an IV. She's had a stomach bug for the past two days so maybe it made her dehydrated.''
''Hmm a stomach bug?'' Beerus raised an eyebrow. He knew the girl had a sensitive stomach and barely ate anything. He sighed.
Trunks was by her side, holding her hand in his, gently brushing her hair away from her face. They left them alone and returned to the terrasse to give everyone an update.
''Will she be ok?'' Videl asked as soon as Bulma stepped outside.
''She's resting but her vitals are good.'' Bulma's eyes shifted to her husband's and then Goku's and Piccolo. The four of them exchanged looks. The situation did not go unnoticed to Beerus.
''What aren't you telling us Bulma?'' The God's tail flicked in annoyance. ''Vegeta. Goku. Speak now.''
''My Lord, let's not get ahead of ourselves.''
''WHAT ARE YOU NOT TELLING US?'' The question came out as an order to speak.
''Hit…'' Started Goku earning him a glare from Vegeta and Bulma. ''Look guys, we can't keep this to ourselves if we want to get to the root of it.''
''SPEAK! NOW!''
''Remember Hit.. from Universe 6? Yeah he was here a couple of days ago… He.. hmm.. was looking for Akira.'' Goku paused at all the sharp intakes of air around him. ''Dende informed Piccolo who in turn informed us. Vegeta and I barely made it in time to stop him but one of his blasts hit her and sent her flying.. she seemed rattled after…''
''And she was sick a few times..'' Added Bulma.
''Could the blast have caused internal or organ damages?'' Asked Gohan.
''The Senzu Bean would have taken care of that after she took one.'' Replied Piccolo.
''Well she's mortal but not Saiyan or human.. maybe the Senzu Bean doesn't work as effectively on her?'' Tried Squirt.
''Does the boy know about this?'' Beerus' question surprised them all. Bulma shook her head, no.
''He told me she hadn't been feeling good for a few days but her dizzy spells were gone. She had promised him to ask you, Whis, about it.'' Offered Gohan.
''Dizzy spells? She did ask about those but at first glance, nothing seemed alarming. Oh my my. My Lady hasn't been in perfect health as I can see. Perhaps her training has been too extensive and debilitating for her unrecovered body?''
''Whis. Can you heal her if it's internal? Go check on her.''
It was clear in Beerus' tone that everyone else had to stay exactly where they were, to give his Attendant all the peace and space required to fully heal Akira.
When Whis finally stepped back out, he seemed content.
''Is she ok?'' Asked Vegeta, finally speaking.
''Now you worry?'' Scoffed Beerus. ''How could you let her get hit like that by some hitman. She was under YOUR WATCH. Apparently all the training you and Goku have been doing with Whis is completely useless.''
A loud grunt came out of Vegeta's throat. ''We went to her as soon as we found out Hit was here. To protect her. Do not question my attachment to her. I will go down fighting to keep her safe and you know it Beerus!''
''Come on guys.. this isn't doing any good.. we all care about her and she'd be upset to see us behaving like this.'' Goku's voice broke the awkward silence that had fallen.
''Whis! You've been awfully quiet since you stepped out. Will Akira be ok?'' Asked Bulma.
''Yes Bulma, she will be fine I believe. She does not display any signs of internal or unhealed injuries.''
''SO WHAT IS IT?'' Beerus and Vegeta yelled at the same time.
Whis giggled, his hand in front of his mouth. ''You will both need to start behaving better than this My Lord and King Vegeta.''
''What are you talking about Whis?'' Gohan pushed.
''My Lord and the King… are going to be grandfathers.''
Silence fell for long minutes. No one dared to speak.
Broly finally asked the question on everyone's mind. ''How?'' They were all aware Akira couldn't bear children.
''Though I am not certain, I believe Grand Priest has something to do with it. Perhaps the fire inside was too strong to carry life… perhaps it was the price for her immortality. She is mortal now and does not have the beast inside… There are many theories possible here…''
''Will she be ok?'' Videl's small voice cut the Angel's train of thought.
''My Lady is perfectly fine. Despite some..minor side effects.''
''Like what? What kind of side effects? Will her body be able to handle the pregnancy?'' Asked Broly.
''Hard to say Broly. There isn't much knowledge on the offsprings of a God and Kai hybrid with a Saiyan and Earthling hybrid…''
Bulma's tears were streaming down her cheeks. ''Vegeta…'' He was beside her in an instant.
''It's good news right?'' Goten finally asked, a little confused by everyone's long faces.
''Yes Goten. It's tremendous news. It's a miracle.'' Replied Kale, holding a sleeping Arula.
The news had slowly started to sink in everyone's head. Videl ran and hugged her husband. ''Oh Gohan! This is amazing.'' She giggled, making him chuckle, as smiles and laughter started making the rounds amongst the others. All except Vegeta and Beerus, who were both worried about the girl's health and the toll of carrying a baby would take on her still fragile body… a baby with Saiyan blood. There was also the issue about a hitman being after her.
When she woke up, Akira was alone with Trunks in his mother's lab. He was sitting next to her, his eyes never leaving her, full of love.
''It's rude to snoop.'' She said, her voice a little raspy. He got up and gently sat next to her on the bed. He looked at her with love, adoration and gratefulness. ''Hmm.. are you letting me unwrap my gift early? Is this why we're in here alone?'' She wiggled her eyebrows making him chuckle. She tried lifting herself to a sitting position. His silence was starting to make her nervous. ''I love when you look at me but.. I can sense something strange about this whole situation. I'm fine Trunks. I was just dehydrated.. I promise I'll drink more water from now on. You don't have to worry about me…''
''Yes… yes I do.'' She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. ''I have to worry about both of you.''
''You worry too much.. I'm fine..'' Then his words sank in. She frowned. He let the words register in her brain. ''Trunks?''
''Hmm?'' He softly replied, helping her sit down, his hands holding her on each side above the elbow. He looked deep into her eyes. He could see the confusion.
''What… what did you say?''
He gently caressed her cheek and brushed her locks away from her face. ''I said.. now I have to worry about BOTH of you.'' Sensing the confusion was starting to upset her, he added ''You and.. our baby.''
The look that crossed her face bordered panic. ''Trunks.. I can't.. You know I can't.. we can't… How?''
''Whis isn't sure. He thinks maybe his Father had something to do with it.'' He kissed her forehead. She was still stunned.
''I've been feeling something was off with my own Ki. But I never thought it could be possible so I chucked it as something else.''
''You can feel the baby inside? The Ki?'' She nodded.
''Kind of? It's hard to explain…I just didn't know… I didn't think it could be..'' Her eyes filled with water. ''Are you… upset?''
''Upset?! Why in the world would I be upset? Life is giving us a miracle Ki. You are holding this miracle.'' He softly placed his hand on her abdomen. ''I'm not upset. Are you upset?''
She shook her head. ''No.. I don't think so… a little worried maybe… I.. just never thought… Is Whis sure?''
''Undoubtedly, my Lady.'' The Angel walked in towards them. ''If your gestation is along the same lines as that of Earthlings, I would estimate you are around 6 weeks in.''
''Is everything ok? Can you tell if there are any issues?'' Asked Akira.
''They are developing perfectly.''
''Wait.. THEY?'' Trunks couldn't hide his surprise.
''Oh my, did I not mention it? There are two of them. I suppose My Lord and Vegeta will not have to share after all.'' Whis giggled at his own joke.
''They know?''
''Yes My Lady, I have announced the good news at the same time as your mate was sharing it with you. My apologies if I trespassed, the tension out there needed to be diffused.''
''Whis.. I… a few days ago.. I..''
''I am aware about the attack and assassin. Your body protected your babies. They are ok.''
''Attack?! Assassin? WHAT?''
''Calm down, boy! She can't stress! It's not good for…'' Vegeta's voice echoed from the door.
''The babies.'' Said Akira smiling at Vegeta's eyes widening. ''Two.'' She gestured with her fingers.
''TWO!?'' Beerus pushed his way in.
Bulma, ChiChi and Videl followed within seconds. ''Ok, everyone out! She needs rest!'' Shouted Bulma.
Akira's hand reached for Trunks' arm and squeezed a little. When he looked at her, he could tell she was anxious. ''I'm not going anywhere. But you do need to rest. I just need to step out for two minutes with Father. Anyway I need to move before I get stumped by these ladies.'' He said pointing to the women with his thumb. He smiled as he got to his feet and gently kissed her forehead before walking towards the door. ''Vegeta a word please?''
''How are you feeling darling?'' Bulma stepped up first. ''Akira.. I know I can never replace your own mother… and I'm… technically not even Trunks' mom but…''
''Bulma, you are the only mother I've ever known… and in a weird way.. you kinda are Trunks' mom.'' She smiled.
''Thank you.'' Seeing the confused look on her daughter-in-law's face, she added ''for saying this, for being you, for letting us be your family, for giving Trunks a new life, for… this..'' She gestured to her body and then hugged her delicately.
''AAAH! A new baby to cuddle! I'm so delighted!'' Said ChiChi with glee.
''Actually…'' Started Akira and paused.
''What is it? Is everything ok? Are you ok? Is the baby ok?'' Videl threw one question after the other.
''We're fine Videl…. all three of us.''
''Yeah I know Trunks is ok but…'' Started the young woman.
''With Trunks it makes four….'' Akira looked down at the bed sheets over her legs.
''One.. two.. three..'' ChiChi's eyes widened. ''Four? So.. two..''
''Yup… two babies… according to Whis.'' Videl frowned. The woman knew how hard carrying one Saiyan baby was on a body but now her friend was carrying two at the same time. ''It's ok Videl. I feel ok I promise. I'm just worried about.. Trunks… He worried so much about me before and now with.. this and the situation that occurred a few days ago… He might lose his mind.'' She chuckled a little.
''Oh Honey, he'll be fine! He's a strong man and we're all here for the both of you… for this.. and for any other situation life will throw your way.'' Bulma said as she stroked Akira's hair. Videl was sitting at the foot of the bed while the two older ladies flanked Akira's side. ''I'm afraid the one we should all worry about now is Vegeta…'' She finished while shaking her head and laughing, making the three other girls giggle too.
Right outside the door, Gohan and Piccolo had joined the other men.
''Why didn't you tell me about what happened a few days ago, Vegeta?''
The King knew his son normally referred to him by his first name when he was angry. ''We handled the situation. There was nothing to tell.''
''WHAT? Who was it? And what's this thing about an assassin?''
''Trunks..'' Goku started but quickly shut up seeing Vegeta's glare.
''Don't make me walk in there and ask HER, Vegeta.''
The full blooded Saiyan knew his son would never willingly cause his wife to stress, especially not right now, but he also knew he wouldn't let this go. He didn't want to call his bluff and be proven wrong.
''It was Hit.'' Gohan inhaled. He had met Hit at the Tournament of Power.
''Who hired him?'' Trunks was trying to keep his anger in check.
''We.. don't know yet…'' Answered Goku. ''We convinced him to give us some time. He left with a lock of her hair and her cuff to bring back as proof.''
''To bring back to WHO?'' The lavender-haired man was growing angrier by the second. Someone had hired an assassin to kill his wife… his now pregnant wife. Akira was carrying his children and as long as he was breathing, no harm would ever come to any of the three.
''We.. haven't figured it out yet. I tried to lock in on his Ki to try and follow him but everytime I sense him his signature disappears. He knows we'd be tracking him… Hit never drops a job Trunks. We need to figure something out and fast.'' Goku explained.
Trunks pinched the bridge of his nose and passed a hand through his hair. ''Broly. Has anything out of the ordinary happened in Universe 6?''
''Cabba and Caulifla came over a few weeks ago… They had been tipped that a warlord or something had entered Universe 6 but had left almost right away.. King Sadala's advisers convinced him not to send any fighters, whether it was a trap or just a navigation mistake, it was not Universe 6's problem anymore.''
''They had come for Hit.''
''That's what I'm thinking too now, Goku.''
''Does Cabba or anyone have any intel on the ship? Any description? Anything?'' Asked Trunks.
''He would not say. Cabba is a great fighter and a good man, but he is also loyal to his King.''
''He would tell me.'' Sternly said Vegeta. Cabba had become somewhat his protégé from the first time he had met him. The young Saiyan even referred to him as Master.
''Whis, with me. Let's go get the boy.''
''Beerus, that might not be the best idea. Your brother might be extremely fond of Akira but he wouldn't appreciate you barging into his territory to question one of his people.'' Reasoned Gohan.
''Now would be a really bad time for us to up and leave for Sadala though.'' Said Goku.
''The girl will come back with me then.''
A possessive growl escaped Trunks mouth. ''She will go nowhere.''
''Vegeta, deal with your spawn. We have no time to waste on his jealousy and possessiveness.''
''Trunks… Beerus isn't wrong… she would be safer there. Hit will not dare show up on Beerus' planet. And if he does, Beerus will have every right to terminate him. Here on Earth, he cannot intervene.'' Gohan tried reasoning with his best friend. He could tell his friend was struggling with the idea and he understood. Had it been Videl, he would have wanted her to be safe but he also would have wanted her close to him so he could protect her.
''If she stays here, you know, as well as me, she will not sit on the sideline and wait, Trunks. She will risk everything to protect us… to protect you.'' Broly's words did not have the intended effect.
''SHE WOULDN'T RISK OUR BABIES' LIVES!''
''Wait… babies? Plural?'' Gohan couldn't hold the question in.
''Oh yes, my Lady is growing two little.. hmm.. hybrid offsprings..'' Whis explained.
''TWO!?'' Broly was losing his mind a little more with every development.
''Even if it was just one, we can't let anything happen to her. To them. If anything was to happen, Akira…'' Vegeta's worry was obvious.
''She would die. If anything was to happen to these babies, she wouldn't survive it. We all know it.'' Replied Gohan.
''I can't lose her again….''
''We will not let it happen, Trunks.'' Said Goku, tapping the younger Saiyan on the back. ''We just need to be smart about it. Beerus is right… she'll be safe there. They will be safe there.''
''Why won't you just come with me?'' Akira asked for the fourth time.
''Ki.. I can't just sit on the sideline, knowing you are in danger. I need to make sure you are safe. All of you.'' He said, gently touching her still flat and toned belly.
''But you're asking ME to sit on the sideline….''
''You are carrying our children. The fact you are pregnant is a miracle on its own, let's not test our luck.'' Trunks knew his wife was upset at having to go into hiding… again. The first time she had landed on Earth she had been running away and hiding from Dolion. He also knew the warrior and God of Destruction in her craved for the action. He just hoped the Shin-jin part of her would overtake that need for adrenaline with her need to protect life.
''I… want to protect you Trunks. I don't want anything to happen to you.''
''If anything was to happen to you or them, it would kill me. I would not survive losing you again.'' He leaned his forehead against hers. ''I need to know you are safe, to be able to focus on whatever we might face. Please.'' She pouted her lip a little. It made him chuckle. ''I love you so much.'' He hugged her tight.
''Trunks.''
''Hmm?''
''Don't die. I need you to come back to me. WE need you.'' Her eyes filled with water as he stepped away from her and made his way back to stand next to his father. She slowly stepped back to stand between Whis and Beerus. ''Trunks?'' He turned to look at her. ''Forever.''
He understood. ''In this lifetime and the next.''
