***Chapter 30***
''Cabba… are you sure?'' Questioned Broly.
''Yes Broly. The intel on the ship described it as circular, mainly white with yellow, orange and blue and had crab-like legs… It was very stealthy and quiet.. no jet propulsion. It moved as if only using gravity.''
Vegeta's face was stoic. He furrowed his eyebrows. ''That's a Frieza force ship…''
''But how? Akira pretty much exterminated all of them on her own… including Frieza..'' Said Goku.
''Wouldn't be the first time he'd be back from Hell.'' Spat Trunks.
''But guys, why would he come for Hit? Why not go after her himself?'' Asked Cabba.
''Cause he's a fucking coward.'' Trunks' anger was rising.
''So he'd be back… for revenge? To get back at her? At us? To get her back to take some of her Ki?'' Goku was talking mainly to himself.
''She would never survive the tank! She's mortal now!'' Growled Broly. ''And.. the..'' Color drained from his face at the thought of the unborn babies' Ki being sucked right out of his sister.
Vegeta was eyeing his son… thinking that bringing him had perhaps not been a good idea. The boy looked like he was struggling to keep his rage in check.
''I killed him once and I will kill him again.'' Barked Trunks.
''Calm down Trunks. Getting worked up will make you impulsive.. and last time you were impulsive when Akira and Frieza were involved, it's you who ended up dead…'' Vegeta knew his words were harsh but he needed his son to calm his temper and use his head. He knew so much more was at stake now, he wanted to protect her, them, even if his own life depended on it too, but going in blind with rage would not do anyone any good. If they all wound up dead, Frieza would go for Akira.
''Broly..'' Cabba's voice came out low. ''King Sadala will not appreciate the… hmm.. involvement in an issue he clearly wanted dismissed…''
''I know you are taking a big risk Cabba and I really appreciate it…'' The big Saiyan replied.
''It goes for you as well… If you get mixed up between Universe 6 and Universe 7 issues…''
Everyone looked down. This was definitely putting Broly in a precarious position with the King.
''He's not my King. My loyalty lies with MY King. My Prince. My sister.'' His answer came out loud and clear, surprising everyone. Vegeta's eyes fixated on the Super Saiyan. Trunks' eyes shot up in surprise.
''Broly.. your wife and daughter…'' Trunks started.
''Can move to Universe 7. If King Sadala does not understand that I have to do this then Kale will not hesitate a second. She loves Akira just as much as any of us.''
''But.. Why is King Sadala so… adamant.. Why does he not want anyone to question or.. look into it any further. With all due respect Cabba.. don't you find it a little strange?'' Gohan couldn't wrap his head around why the King feels so strongly about letting this slide.
''It's not so much him as his advisers… He will not risk upsetting the higher ranked. His title has been questioned lately as he doesn't have a heir… officially…'' Everyone's questioning looks made him develop more. ''He has a son.. but not with his wife…. Everyone is aware including the Queen.. but no one really talks about it.''
''So by doing as his consul requests he insures they will not bring his extra.. marital relationship back on the table to hinder or question his reign?'' Gohan continued. Cabba nodded.
''It's clear one of the king's advisors is involved in all this… the question is… which one.. and why?'' Asked Goku.
''Money? Power? I don't think any have actually met Trunks or Akira for it to be personal…'' Theorized Gohan. ''Any one of those advisors gives you traitor vibes Cabba?''
''The one I've never really trusted was Russels. He just… seems to dislike Master.''
''Me?!'' Vegeta's eyebrow shot up in surprise. ''Hmph!''
''The fact you were able to turn Super Saiyan and beyond… before we even knew it was possible, irks him. He is a proud man… sometimes too proud… and he does not seem keen on the fact.. you've been training some of us or that Universe 7, even with the Saiyan race almost extinct still gathers the strongest Saiyan warriors.'' Explained the youngest full blooded Saiyan. ''He has also heard of… hmm Aki's past and powers… he's always been a black or white type of man and therefore believes she's a threat to any and all planets and galaxies.''
Hearing the jab at his wife, Trunks' anger flared up making his Ki shimmer around him for a moment. ''Ki would never hurt innocent people… not willingly. She was forced into all this by the same people Russels seems to be working for now!'' He tried to regain control of his temper.
''I know she's your wife Trunks, believe me I know she is good… I tried making him see the truth but.. to him she is a threat and should be terminated.''
''She's my wife, my mate and she's carrying MY children, Cabba.''
''What?! Caulifla.. had said..''
''Yeah, trust me… we were all surprised.. Ki the first one… I will not let ANYONE harm her.'' It sounded like a threat. Trunks wouldn't just let this go.
''Trunks. We're not here to declare war on Universe 6. If you go after Russels now… it wouldn't end well for anyone.'' Goku tried reasoning with the demi-Saiyan. ''Aki wouldn't want this outcome.. too many innocent people would be harmed and we all know it would break her heart.''
Vegeta had been completely silent. He felt responsible for the situation Akira and all of them were now in. He was also angry. Angry at King Sadala for his poor choices and lack of self restraint, for his cowardice and weakness. The King and Queen had attended his son's wedding. They were very fond of Akira… ''Does the King know all this?'' Cabba nodded.
''The King tried to reason with Russels too but the consul… happens to be the brother of…''
''The mistress?'' Finished Broly earning him another nod. ''Fucking bastard! He probably set it up from the beginning to have the King at his mercy.''
Vegeta cursed his counterpart for falling in that trap. He would never cheat on Bulma. A true King values his word, vows and promises.
''We'll deal with Russels and this whole mess after… right now we have to figure out WHO hired Hit… and the whole Frieza force situation.'' Vegeta's voice came out strong and proud. He might not have a Saiyan planet like King Sadala had but at least he had his pride and honor. Objectively he knew starting a feud with another Universe was not the wisest thing but a big part of him wanted to protect his family. Akira had been part of his family for much longer than her marriage to Trunks… and now… she was carrying his grandchildren, his lineage.
Akira had been on Beerus' planet for three weeks now. ''Child, you need to sit down and get some rest!'' Beerus scolded her. She was doing her kata's.
''I can't just sit still Beerus… it's been weeks now… are they ok? I need to know.''
''Everyone is fine. You're the one we're worried about, my Lady.'' Added Whis. ''Would visiting Grand Minister perhaps appease your worries? Or at the very least, answer all the questions you have.''
''Whis.. before you whisk her there… are you sure it is safe for.. them?'' Asked Cheelai. She wasn't questioning Whis' loyalty to the Destroyer or even to Akira herself. ''The more people know about these.. special offsprings..''
''A Saiyan-Human hybrid has shown to have a higher potential of power than a full blooded-Saiyan. We saw in Akira, the power of a God of Destruction and a Supreme Kai hybrid… Now.. all this combined… could very well be a force to be reckoned with. Cheelai is right… we must be very careful.''
''I trust the Grand Priest.'' Akira's voice echoed in the oddly shaped palace. She was standing still, a sword in each hand. ''I need answers.''
''Very well, but I'm going too then.'' Concluded the Destroyer.
A few moments later, they stood in front of the gate. Grand Minister had been waiting for them. Akira bowed in respect before hugging the Angel, startling everyone.
''My dearest one, I am glad to see you are well.'' He smiled at her. ''And you have news.''
Akira instinctively brought her hands to her stomach. ''Grand Minister… I..'' She was struggling to find the right words.
''You are with child. Yes. Children I see.'' He smiled again.
''I know this was your doing and I can never thank you enough. Trunks and I… we thought we'd never..'' She looked down, blushing.
He cupped her cheek making her look at him. ''You are special Akira. Through the first part of your life, we witnessed your ability for destruction and chaos.'' She flinched at the affirmation. ''Despite being thrown on the dark path, whenever the choice was yours, you chose light. You have impressed me and proved every theory accusing you of evil, wrong. You had great power and every reason to fall to the darkness and yet you chose the path of light and goodness every time. Trunks has sacrificed everything to save his own world. Your young ones will have great power but I am certain you will raise them in the right path. I believe it is time we see what you can do with your creation ability and what better way than creating life yourself?''
Her eyes were quickly filling up with water. ''This is more than I deserve. I am forever grateful.''
''I must warn you though. The potential of power will also put them at great risk. The world is not a fair and safe place and if anyone would know this well, it is you. Trunks and yourself have chosen one another and I do not question your love. It is important to acknowledge the risks of this union. Protect them Akira, for they will be able to do great things but like any immense power, when it falls in the wrong hands, can be devastating.''
''She won't have to do it alone. Ever.'' Replied Beerus.
''Destroyer, your fondness of Akira could be misinterpreted as weakness….'' Beerus swallowed a little lump in his throat. ''But it cannot be held against you as I am guilty as well and I know a few of my own children have fallen under her charm.'' His eyes shifted to Whis. ''I believe they will reside in Universe 7?'' Beerus had never considered Trunks and Akira might leave his Universe for another. He looked at the girl who nodded. ''Very well, then they will also be your responsibility.''
They all understood what the Grand Priest was implying. Beerus could never allow his attachment to Akira or even her kids to interfere with his role. Should he fail to do his duty, he would be replaced and they would be dealt with by his replacement. Or worse… the whole Universe might see its demise.
''Will.. will they be ok?'' Akira needed to know if they would live, if she would be able to carry them to term. Her body was never made to bear children for all she knew.
''Dearest one. Do not doubt the ability of your own body to create and carry life. The danger they face will be external, always.'' She released a breath she realized she had been holding since finding out she was pregnant. She fiddled with the bangles on her wrist, the same ones the Angel had gifted her on her wedding day. ''Do you wish to know the gender?''
''No.. Thank you. It doesn't matter to me nor to Trunks. I am content to know they will be healthy. The rest is trivial…. and eventually… I will know through their Ki…''
He smiled and nodded. The girl was genuinely happy. ''Very well, my Child. I'm looking forward to meeting these special creatures in due time.''
The men had been back on Universe 7's Earth for two weeks when Hit showed up at Bulma and Vegeta's.
''She's not here.'' Was Vegeta's welcoming words.
''Vegeta… The time has come.''
''Like Hell it did.'' Trunks' voice came out loud and strong. ''You will not get anywhere near her and my children, as long as I'm breathing.''
''Children?'' Hit didn't know she had children.
''Hit.. she's pregnant. Killing her would result in three deaths.'' Goku tried reasoning with the hitman. ''We can't let you harm her, nor now or after. She is part of our family.''
''What does Frieza want? He normally goes for his own kills.'' Asked Vegeta.
''Frieza? The Frost of your Universe?''
''Yes, is he not the one who hired you?'' Asked Gohan.
''No. His men were only the messengers.''
''Then who?!'' Pushed Goku.
Hit considered his options. He hadn't known his target was pregnant. His strike was flawless but this complicated things. He never killed children. ''I don't know who calls the shots. I know Frieza is working with a man named Kelian.''
Trunks felt his blood boiling in his veins. ''KELIAN? Son of a bitch!''
''How is everyone back from the dead? Sheesh!'' Goku was trying to figure out who had brought them all back. Every new information they were uncovering was making this whole story even more complicated.
''Hit. You cannot tell any of them of… her predisposition.'' Said Piccolo.
''I don't owe anyone anything.'' The assassin said before adding ''My job is executing not spying and reporting.'' Making it clear he did not intend on sharing any information with whoever was behind all this.
They needed to come up with a game plan. Whether it was the son or most probably the father did not matter, they were both a threat to Akira. She had killed them both.
''Hit, will you get in any trouble for.. not following through?'' Asked Gohan.
Hit's stoic face displayed an insulted look for a fraction of a second. ''I can take care of myself, Gohan.''
''Russels is wrapped up in this.'' Said Piccolo.
''Russels? King Sadala's consul?'' The big green man nodded.
''It explains his frequent trips across the Universe.''
''Do you know where he goes on these trips?'' Broly finally broke his silence. He had been staying in Universe 7 for the past weeks, with Kale and Arula. Bulma had been more than happy to house them, giving her a well needed distraction. She missed Akira.
''The Dark Planet.''
Before anyone could add anything, Whis and Beerus appeared. Trunks' eyes automatically shifted to the empty spot next to them. Beerus rolled his eyes and scoffed. He nodded towards Whis who took a step sideways. Akira had been standing behind the Angel. His eyes focused on her. Instinctively he did a once-over as if to make sure she was ok. When his eyes finally met hers, she smiled. For the first time in weeks, Trunks felt like he could breathe properly. Akira's eyes shifted towards Hit and then back to her husband. She wanted to make sure he was safe.
''Boy, you have a weird habit of just staring at her when you've missed her. It's a little unsettling.'' Barked Beerus. It made Akira giggle.
Trunks' gaze lowered to her midsection. He was worried about the babies. She still looked the same, no physical differences despite the weeks that had passed. Sensing his worry, Akira turned to give him a glimpse of her profile. The tiniest of bumps was covering her once flat stomach. She smiled again, putting her hands on the rounded part. A smile spread across her husband's face. He took a few steps towards her, as she closed the space, running towards him and jumping in his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. He nuzzled her neck and hair, her own face buried in the crook of his neck. They stayed like that for a few minutes.
''Hi.'' He said, his face still next to hers.
''Hi.'' She replied without lifting hers from his skin, the feeling sending shivers down his spine.
He put her down and took her face in both hands. He wanted to look at her. Brushing some rogue locks away from her face he said ''I've missed you so much.'' He bent down and kissed her lips gently.
''We did too.''
We. She was there, they were safe, they were growing.
''Hey weirdo.'' Broly felt bad for breaking their moment but he had missed her too.
Turning around to face him, she grinned at her big brother as he made his way and hugged her tight.
''Not so tight! Be careful!'' Scolded Vegeta and Beerus, earning them raised eyebrows all around. Broly immediately released her. She giggled.
Hit approached her. She tensed a little. Trunks protectively stepped in front of her though he knew the assassin wasn't planning on moving forward with his assignment… for the moment.
''I.. wasn't aware.. last time..'' She nodded. No one had been aware the last time they had met and he had tried to kill her.
''Aki! We got some new intel on who's behind all this…'' Started Goku before getting elbowed by Vegeta.
''Quiet you imbecile!'' The King hissed.
''Ow! But Vegeta… she should know!''
''What is it, Goku?'' She sweetly asked. Her brows furrowed when she saw them all looking down, avoiding her gaze. ''Trunks? What's going on?''
''Kelian. He's back. He's the one who…'' He didn't want to lie to her. Finding out from him, like this, was still safer for her and the babies than most other ways. He felt her tense behind him. When she reached for his hand, he turned to face her. ''Ki. I won't let him touch you. I won't let him get anywhere near you.''
''The senior or the son?'' She asked, surprising everyone. They hadn't considered the options more than for a second, their mind going straight to the only Kelian they had met with Frieza… the father.
''Does it make a difference?'' Asked Hit, unaware of the history.
''I've killed both. But one was considerably stronger than the other. Just trying to assess the risks.''
''The risk will not be yours Child. You will not be the one to face either one this time around.'' Beerus' words sounded like an order.
''I defeated both before. Whichever one it is, he's after ME. I will not just sit around like a duck waiting to be hunted down.'' She snarled as she spat the words.
''You have two choices, Brat. You either stay here and let us handle it, or you go back with Beerus and Whis and let us handle it.'' Vegeta's tone was authoritative. No matter the option she was not going to be part of this battle.
''I'm a fighter Vegeta. I can't just sit and watch you put your lives at risk without doing anything.''
''Your role has become much more important than any fighter. You are growing life.. lives. For once in your life, focus on the creation and leave the destruction to us.'' He knew his words hurt her, he saw it in her eyes. ''Akira. Trust us.. please.'' He added. Her features calmed down a little.
''OH MY! SHE'S BACK! KALE! COME QUICK!'' Bulma's voice echoed, covering all the tension. The blue-haired woman made her way to her daughter-in-law and hugged her before holding her at arm's length, inspecting her body. ''How are you so tiny? I was triple your size when I was pregnant with Bulla. Have you not been eating?''
''Are you insinuating we did not take good care of her Bulma?'' Beerus took offense at the woman's question. She brushed him off.
''Erm… I'm fine Bulma… they are fine… Whis said everything was ok and normal.'' She made a hand gesture towards the Angel who nodded and smiled.
''My Lady and the fledglings she bears are in perfect health.''
''Babies… they are babies Whis!'' Bulma rolled her eyes.
Akira felt little hands tugging at her, looking down expecting Bulla, her eyes widened realizing it was Arula. The baby was now a toddler but Akira had seen her so little since she had been back that she hadn't noticed how much bigger the girl was now. Kneeling down to her level, holding her little hand, the hybrid smiled at her niece. ''Hi babygirl. You've grown so much..'' Her eyes sparkled with tears. ''Looking more like mommy than daddy I see…''
''Thank Kami for that!'' Kale's voice echoed from the door, making everyone laugh and Broly scoff a little. ''Don't jynx her Bulma… Saiyan babies tend to give you false hope before exponentially growing overnight.'' The thought seemed to freak out the expecting woman for a moment. She was carrying not one but two quarter Saiyan babies..
Akira picked up Arula, making Trunks and Vegeta tense up a little. ''Stop that.'' She ordered. ''I'm fine. If you're both going to be like that, I will leave right this instant with Beerus and Whis.'' She threatened. She will not tolerate being overly protected and coddled. She had never taken well to smothering and with the pregnancy hormones, her temper seemed even more explosive than ever. She hated being treated like a fragile little thing and if anyone knew this, it was Trunks.
Gohan chuckled. ''Oh the memories… good luck bud.'' He said tapping Trunks' on the back as he passed him. ''Hey Aki! So good to see you! Videl and Pan will be so happy to know you're back!'' He hugged the girl. ''You are… back.. right?''
''Yeah.. I think that's the plan…'' She said while glancing towards Beerus. He did not seem too happy. ''Hit.'' She called, making everyone turn to look at her. ''Thanks.'' He nodded and vanished.
''Child, we will be back in a few days. If you need anything, have Bulma call Whis.''
''I'll be ok Beerus, I'm home, remember?'' She giggled at his mumbling as he and Whis vanished back to their planet. ''So, Kelian… what's the plan?''
''We can't just bust up on Dark Planet in Universe 6…'' Said Gohan.
''Why not?'' Akira asked.
''Because… there's this whole thing with King Sadala….'' Broly explained everything they had found out from Cabba.
''Broly… you and Kale could get in a lot of trouble… because of me..'' She slowly put Arula down.
''Nonsense! Broly and I wouldn't want to stay there if anyone has a problem with us wanting to protect you.''
''But Caulifla… and Cabba.. everyone you know Kale..''
''I spoke to Caulifla… she wouldn't mind moving here… she'd get to train with Goku more often and Cabba well he'll follow wherever she goes…'' She grinned.
''Wait.. WHAAAAAAT? Cabba and Caulifla…'' Said Goku. Kale nodded. ''Wow…''
''Ok we're going to set some things straight Akira.'' Vegeta approached her. ''First. We are all here and in this together because we want to be. So no more feeling guilty about everything.'' She looked down. ''Second and most importantly.'' She raised her eyes to meet his. ''You are NOT coming wherever we go. You stay here.'' He pointed his finger down.
''So much for ''all together''!'' She shot back.
''Tsh! You know very well what I meant!'' He scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. She really did not want to sit around and wait. As if reading her expression, the King continued. ''I will personally tie you down if I have to.'' He looked at his son. ''Talk some sense into your woman!''
A small Ki ball hit the King's foot. ''WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY VEGETA?''
''Oooooh kay… everyone calm down…'' Gohan started.
''Don't tell me what to do!'' Akira shot the line first before Vegeta had time to utter the words himself. A light pink wave started to cover her body. Well.. Videl's temper might have been bad during her pregnancies… but she was human… Akira on the other hand… things could get out of control very fast.
''Ki…'' Trunks said gently as he placed his arms around her. ''I know you're upset. I know you're worried.. we'll figure it out, ok? The most important thing is for you to be safe.'' She wasn't calming down. ''Ki.. please.. look at me.'' Her eyes met his and she instantly unclenched her fists. ''If it's the father, I'm sure Vegeta and Goku will want a second chance at fighting him.'' He glanced at his father and Goku. ''If it's the son… then please, I beg you… let ME kill the son of a bitch.'' He rubbed her cheek with his knuckles. ''I just really need you to focus on this right now.'' He placed one of his hands on her belly. ''Let the people who love you, take care of you for once.''
''I… don't know how…'' She whispered.
''I know… I don't have all the answers either. We need to do this together. We'll figure things out together like always, ok?'' He kissed the inside of her wrist. She nodded gently, leaning her forehead on his shoulder.
Akira opened the door to the Gravity Room. She hadn't had to sense his Ki. She knew he would be there. He finished doing his set of push-ups and got up, wiping his face with a small towel. He was silent but that wasn't unusual of him. He turned his back to her as he twisted the cap of a water bottle and took a sip.
''Vegeta.'' No reply. ''I'm sorry Vegeta. I… I let my anger guide my actions and it was wrong. I don't want you to be upset with me.''
''Akira'' He started as he turned to face her. ''I do not care for the Ki blast. I don't need your apology.'' Her breath caught in her throat. Her apology wasn't good enough after what she had done. Her face dropped as her eyes now fixated the ground. She was trying to hold back the tears. ''What I care about is you.'' Her head shot up in surprise. ''Because you are my son's wife, my future grandchildren's mother, but mostly because you are… you. I see so much of myself in you. It is my duty to protect you. To protect them. I can imagine how hard it is to have to sit on the sideline for a warrior like you. The reason we don't want you there is not because we do not think you are good enough. On the contrary, Akira, it's because you mean so much to all of us.''
''I've never… meant anything to anyone until I came here. I still struggle with it… there's so much to take in. It's overwhelming… I feel responsible for the situation we are in… I… you'd be facing danger because of me and you won't let me protect you… you are asking me to give up on the only thing I know. The only thing I've ever done or been good at. I don't know how to be a wife or a mother, Vegeta. I only know how to fight.''
''I didn't know either.'' He took a step forward. ''You have to let people in Akira. You need to accept that you mean so much to Trunks.. so much to all of us. No one expects you to be perfect… stop putting that kind of pressure on yourself. We love you… all of you. The good, the bad, the past, the present and the future. You are not only useful Akira, you are wanted and appreciated. Accept it. The sooner you will, the easier navigating through this life will be. Heck they put up with me and my grumpy ass.'' She chuckled. ''Hungry?'' Her nod surprised the Saiyan. They silently made their way back inside the house.
