Everyone deserves a second chance

by AdAstra03

When a mysterious woman on the verge of death arrives at Bulma's doorstep, everyone is intrigued and on full alert as they can't sense her Ki but something rings of familiarity and danger. The Z fighters will need all the help they can get to clear this enigma. A story of troubled pasts, new beginnings and a future that may never come.

32. Chapter 32

***Chapter 32***

A month passed and there was no sign of Kelian or Frieza. Despite their efforts, they were not able to close in on their location in Universe 7. Beerus had made sure of it, though technically he was not supposed to get involved. It was stronger than him.. he had to make sure the girl was safe.

Akira was back at their house in the outskirts. Broly had been hesitant to let her go alone with Bulma, Videl and ChiChi, but she needed to finish the babies' room before they got there. Vegeta had argued that they already had a room ready for them at their house but Akira really wanted one in their own home. Trunks knew it was important to her. They weren't going to stay at the Briefs' forever. She needed a sense of normalcy, of hope that this nightmare would end soon and they'd all be safe again.

Though she still felt good and was able to go around normally through the day, Akira was starting to feel the fatigue of carrying two babies for 8 months. Two quarter Saiyan babies. Their strength was already evident, from the kicks, punches and stretches they'd put Akira through on a daily basis. Her previous body, the immortal one, would have handled it all without a blink; but her previous body wouldn't have been able to carry life so she didn't complain about being tired. She was still doing her katas though the training with Vegeta had significantly slowed down. Trunks had been right; Vegeta was more of a nerve ball about this then Bulma was. Perhaps because Bulma had been there herself a few years prior, with Bulla.

''Is Trunks nervous?'' Asked Videl as she finished setting the bedding on one of the cribs. ''Gohan was a complete mess before I gave birth to Pan.''

''He says he's alright but I can sense it on his Ki that he's nervous… excited too but mostly nervous.''

''What about you, honey?'' Asked ChiChi.

''I'm alright… lately I've been a little tired… it's becoming a little heavy. I still have my super strength just like the rest but this feels different.'' Answered Akira while setting one of Janice's blankets on each crib side.

''Well all the stress you've been put through doesn't help either, you poor soul.'' Added ChiChi.

''Hmm Bulma… don't you think they have enough clothes?'' Akira shot towards the blue haired woman. She was folding and hanging more baby clothes.

''Nonsense! Two babies, double the clothes! Also… you haven't told us the gender sooooo we have to go neutral.'' Akira pointed at the tiny dress the woman was holding with a raised eyebrow. ''Mostly neutral! With a few pieces covering all possibilities!''

''You must know the gender of the babies, no?'' Pushed ChiChi.

''No… I tried… numbing that part of their Ki from my own? I want to find out with Trunks.''

''Tried?'' Pushed the older woman.

''Aki! You hung Pan's drawing on the wall?!'' Videl cut her mother-in-law's prying. She knew Akira did not want to discuss the gender topic. Her friend had tried blocking it out as she said but she hadn't succeeded completely. The babies' Ki was extremely strong and they were two against her. She had an idea of the gender, but she refused to dig down or even just open the door to validating the information. So technically she wasn't lying when she said she didn't know. Videl hadn't pushed to know what her friend thought the babies' gender was. They would all know in due time. Plus she wasn't really lying to divert the topic, Akira and Trunks really had framed one of Pan's drawings and hung it on the wall. It was the drawing Pan had made for Akira; of them together holding hands surrounded by flowers and a rainbow. The diversion worked beautifully, ChiChi could never resist gushing over her granddaughter.

Akira mouthed ''Thank you'' to her best friend who grinned mischievously.

''Oops! I left one bag in the hover car!'' Bulma giggled at Akira's exasperated sigh as she made her way down the stairs. Akira suddenly felt a shudder go through her whole body and the babies started moving around more than usual.

''Aki.. are you ok? You look really pale all of a sudden…'' ChiChi made her way to the hybrid.

Whis and Beerus appeared on the Capsule Corp balcony, realizing there was no one near. Broly and Vegeta were in the Gravity Room training. Kale and Arula had asked Goku to take them to Sadala to visit Caulifla.

''My Lord… as your attendant I must advise you against your present course of action.''

''Whis… She's in danger! I understand I can't protect her myself but I can warn the ones who can!''

Before the Angel could counter the statement, the door to the Gravity Room opened and the two Saiyans stepped out.

''Where is she? Where is Akira?''

''At their house in the countryside, with ChiChi, Videl and Bulma…'' Replied Broly. ''What's going on?''

''YOU LET THEM GO ALONE?'' Screamed Beerus, anger shooting through his body till the tip of his tail.

''He's here, isn't he?'' Vegeta's calm voice came out strong.

''My Lord and I cannot intervene, Vegeta… but… let's say our visit isn't for leisure… you must hurry.''

Broly's face paled at the warning, as he promptly took off following the lead of his King. He was trying to get his Ki under control. He had succeeded at keeping it in check and only flaring up when he wanted to, but at that moment, it seemed like his anxiety was taking over his willpower.

Goku suddenly appeared in the air next to Vegeta and Broly. ''What's going on guys?'' He had felt the Ki spike. ''Are the babies on the way?!''

''No Kakarot! He's here!''

''He who? Broly you don't look so good…''

''Kelian.'' Replied Broly through his green shimmer.

''I'll instant transmission us there!'' Said Goku.

''No! We're almost there! Get Gohan and Trunks!'' Ordered Vegeta.

Within a second he was standing in front of his son. ''Gohan we have to go! We'll get Trunks on our way.''

''Huh?! Trunks? How do you plan on doing that? You can't exactly instant transmission in the middle of Capsule Corp and abduct the CEO, dad! Let me call him first!''

Trunks didn't answer, the call went straight to his secretary who informed Gohan Trunks was in a meeting.

GET ON THE ROOF NOW. DAD AND I ON THE WAY.

Gohan knew his friend would see the message and wouldn't question the order.

The two dark haired Saiyans appeared on the rooftop of the tall building and only a minute later, the door opened letting Trunks out. He made his way towards them as he was taking his suit jacket and tie off. The look on their faces told him it wasn't good news.

''Oh no.. BULMA!'' Akira suddenly yelled, snapping out of her stupor.

''What about Bulma? Aki?''

The hybrid couldn't waste time to explain. She zoomed down the stairs in hopes of getting to Bulma first.

''BULMA!'' The blue haired woman's head was in the hover car. When she heard Akira call her, she straightened and turned to look at her daughter-in-law. She did not have time to utter a word, Akira appeared next to her, grabbed her and made them reappear next to the small forest, avoiding the Ki blast by milliseconds. The energy ball hit the car, sending shreds and smoke everywhere.

''OH MY KAMI!''

''Shh Bulma please… go between the trees. Please!''

''What about you?!''

''I have to get Videl and ChiChi.'' Just as she finished her sentence, both women stepped outside after hearing the explosion. Another Ki ball zoomed through the air. Akira appeared next to Videl and ChiChi but the blast was too fast. She wasn't going to be able to avoid it. She sent one of her own Ki blast to divert it. She pushed the women out of the way. ''GO!'' She pointed towards the direction she had left Bulma.

''Aki..''

''GO NOW!''

Blasts started hitting the ground close to the two women who expertly averted them. Videl jumped up, a Ki blast landing right where her feet had been a second ago. The power of the blast threw ChiChi a few feet away. She managed to twist her body and land on her feet. ''VIDEL! GO!''

''NO CHI! YOU GO! I HAVE TO HELP AKI!''

Light green energy balls were raining down on the hybrid, who was avoiding them with her speed or with instant transmission. ''VIDEL! ChiChi! PLEASE GO! I'LL COME TO YOU AS SOON AS I CAN!'' She knew the promise would encourage them to seek shelter in the forest. The ground around her was charred and smoke was clouding her view, but she sensed Videl and ChiChi running towards Bulma's Ki. Videl stopped for a moment, considering running back to help her friend. Akira sensed her best friend's hesitation. The slight distraction caused Akira to lose focus, a Ki blast skimming her arm, cutting through the first layer of her skin. ''VIDEL PLEASE! GO!'' She was trapped in a circle of blasts that kept dropping. She couldn't see the source but she didn't need to. She recognized the Ki signature and color. She pressed two fingers to her forehead and instant transmission herself out of her Ki cage. She appeared on the opposite side of the forest, in hopes of furthering the attacks from the three Earthlings.

''I know what you're doing, Kira!'' The voice sent chills down her spine. She still couldn't see him. ''Always trying to defend the weak! It's so pathetic.''

''Says the coward who won't show his face!'' She shifted to her right, easily dodging a Ki ball.

''Oh I knew you missed me and long to see my face!''

''Your ego did not deflate as I can see… you always liked to flatter yourself Kelian.''

''You always had a smart mouth, but it never served you well.''

Shifting her eyes around, trying to find the source the Ki balls were coming from, she realized he had been charging a huge ball of energy while diverting her attention. She still couldn't see him. ''Oh come on Kelian, you're overcompensating.'' She readied herself for the blast. The Ki seemed to leave its source straight at her but diverted in mid-air. Akira's heart stopped. He had planned to hit the forest all along. The hybrid placed two fingers to her forehead without thinking of the consequences and instantly appeared in the blast's trajectory.

''AKIRA NOOOOOOO!'' Yelled Videl from a little further back.

Akira braced herself, knowing she did not have the time to safely absorb the energy, she planted her feet hard in the ground and shot her own Ki towards the incoming torpedo. Light pink energy shot up towards the green ball, hitting it dead center. She hadn't had time to charge her attack so her pink defense was much smaller than the enormous green ball. The force of the impact almost knocked her over. Kelian appeared in the air at a distance, his Ki still coming out of his hands, pushing against her. She was slowly losing ground, she pushed some more of her life force into the beam. She couldn't let his laser reach the trees. A blast like that would kill the women hiding, if not from the force of impact then from the fire it would cause. Akira felt her babies going completely wild inside her bump. She was using too much of her energy to counter the attack and the babies could feel it. If the projectile hit her, she would likely be seriously injured. The dread of harming her babies waved into her. Her energy was slowly being pushed back towards her as her strength was starting to falter, almost pushing her to her knees.

''Galick gun!'' She barely heard the words before a sharp purple beam shot out towards the green one that had been pushing against her. Her pink Ki snapped back into her as she fell to her knees, out of breath. Lifting her head towards the source of the new Ki, she felt a wave of comfort wash over her. ''Vegeta..'' Before she could get herself back on her feet, she felt big strong arms lifting her off the ground. Her vision was starting to be blurry. Kelian seemed to have vanished.

''I got you Kiks. I'm right here.''

''Hmm Bro.. Broly.. it's him.. you.. have.. get.. Vid..el… B.. ma… Chi…safe..'' She was slowly passing out from exhaustion.

''It's ok Kiks… shhh… they'll be ok.. everyone is ok…'' She heard him say as if he was miles away instead of right next to her. She could faintly hear Trunks' voice but she couldn't be sure she wasn't just imagining it.

Goku appeared next to his wife and quickly grabbed her making sure all three women were connected somehow and vanished, reappearing seconds later. When he got close to Broly, trying to get to a passed out Akira in his arms, to get her someplace safe, a Ki blast hit him, sending him flying, colliding with a tree. A second ball was coming at Broly, fast, he turned his back to it, bracing himself for the impact, holding Akira a little tighter to his body. The hit never came. Trunks and Gohan were standing in front of him. They had deflected the attack. Up until that moment, Kelian had seemed to be alone.

''Oh! What do we have here? Trunks, isn't it? The new man in Kira's miserable life!'' They heard from up above. ''Hmm.. how does it feel to come in second? It is said that a girl never forgets her first love…. I wonder if it applies to Kira…''

''Except she never loved you.'' Trunks spat out.

Kelian's laugh echoed loudly on the nearby mountains. ''Perhaps… but I took her first. Whatever she gave you, I've had before you. I had the pure, untouched version, all for my own satisfaction to take as I pleased.''

Trunks' anger was rising with every word. His eyes scanned his surroundings. Vegeta, Gohan and Goku were up against three fighters each. ''Broly, get her out of here!''

''No! Broly don't leave him…please.. they need you..'' The full blooded Saiyan heard his sister's low voice as she slowly regained consciousness before passing out again. She was too out of it to be able to use her instant transmission and Goku was nowhere in sight.

''BROLY! GET HER OUT OF HERE!'' Vegeta's authoritative voice echoed Trunks' words. Broly was fast and strong and though they could definitely need his beast mode in this situation, they also needed to make sure Akira got out safely and he was the best suited one for the task. Should he get attacked on the way he'd be able to counter the offensive more effectively than any of them, he'd be the best bodyguard Akira could have. Without hesitating a second more, he took off towards West City.

The Ki blast whistled next to Goku's ear. He had yet to see his opponent with his eyes. Whoever it was, was extremely fast and effective, landing blow after blow. He felt the heat of a Ki ball close to his body and shifted to the right to avoid it. His opponent had anticipated the move and had appeared in the same spot instantly landing a gut punch on the experienced fighter. Before he could straighten himself up, the attacker appeared above him, put both hands together and swung down, hitting Goku in the middle of the back sending him crashing down on the ground, creating a huge crater at the point of impact. Not giving the Z fighter an opportunity to get back up, the soldier shot a Ki blast right at him, driving him deeper into the ground.

''DAD!'' Gohan yelled. The slight distraction gave his own opponent an advantage he did not miss. Gohan was now surrounded by six identical soldiers. It oddly resembled Tien's Multi-form cloning technique. The hybrid had seen it done a few times. He had to figure out which one was the original. He shot a blast at one of the replicas, making it turn to smoke. Before he had the time to shoot a second projectile, he felt arms come up behind him and hold his arms back, as a third replica took a jab directly to his kidney. Gohan doubled over in pain as his captive let go of him. He hit the ground with a ''thud.''

''Father! Gohan and Goku!''

''I know Trunks! I'm a little busy at the moment though.'' The King replied annoyingly to his son. His own opponent had managed to shoot a single blast but instead of landing on Vegeta, it had deviated up at the last second. It had suddenly stopped ascending and separated in multiple smaller Ki shots that surrounded him before diving back to hit their center target. As he tumbled down towards the ground, another Ki beam hit him, accelerating his descent and shoving him deeper into the ground.

''Would you look at that! It's just Kira's men left standing.''

''Why don't you show yourself and fight me like a man?'' Trunks couldn't pinpoint the location of his adversary.

''I was man enough to fuck your wife.'' Kelian appeared floating right above the house. ''Does she still feel as good? Breaking her in was a delight.''

Akira had told them how ruthless and savage Kelian was. Trunks could feel his blood boil through his veins. This was beyond what any of them had imagined. ''Are you going to fight or will you keep insulting Akira because she cut your head off?'' Trunks slowly started floating up to Kelian's height.

''I see you've got some spunk in you, Trunks, Son of Vegeta. Does Kira still have her insufferable smart mouth?'' The man whistled when Trunks was finally facing him. ''Hmm.. lavender hair… quite unusual for a Saiyan. I'm questioning how much Saiyan blood you have in you now… if you're even worth my time…''

''You just couldn't handle her feistiness, it bruised your little ego too much?''

Another burst of laughter echoed. ''I'll be nice and give you a tip… If you place your hands around her throat and squeeze a little, she won't be able to say much.'' The comment made Trunks flinch in horror. What had this Son of a bitch put Akira through? ''Now be fair and share something with me… how did you manage to get her pregnant? Very smart and impressive move I must say. Saiyan-Earthling mixed with whatever the fuck she is and her God Ki… I'm very curious what those mutts would be like… Too bad they won't live long enough to make it out into this world.''

Hearing the threat against his children and wife, Trunks couldn't hold it anymore and launched himself at Kelian. He was welcomed with a Ki blast that missed him as he shifted left. But before he could land a punch on Kelian, he hit an invisible barrier that sent shocks through his body and shoved him back further. Trying to catch his breath, he unfolded his body just as a strong hand gripped his throat. ''Look at your little home, Trunks.'' Kelian shot a light green blast towards their house setting it on fire. ''This is a preview of how your whole life will come crumbling down. I'll burn down every place close to her heart, kill everyone she cares about… and right before killing you, I will make you watch as I rip your spawns out of her with my bare hands. But don't you worry. I will make sure she stays alive long enough to watch me kill you before taking her life. She is MINE and I will do as I please with her.''

The others had managed to get their footing back and had been fighting their opponents when they heard the threat.

''TRUNKS!'' Yelled Gohan seeing his friend hanging from Kelian's hand.

Without any warning the fighting stopped. Kelian and his men had disappeared through thin air. Trunks dropped to the ground, on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

''Trunks… are you ok?'' Gohan was in shock at the horrific and sinister words their main opponent had hissed at his friend. Akira had warned them but they didn't expect it to be so harsh and vulgar.

He wasn't ok. Hearing all those horrible things said towards his wife and the threats to his kids infuriated him. They had underestimated Kelian and his men despite Akira's warning. She had told them he was barbaric and had no honor. The things he said… the way his men attacked… The way he tried and somehow succeeded in getting into Trunks' head and under his skin.

''FUCK!'' Spat Trunks, he was furious with himself. He also realized the extent of Kelian's cruelty and savagery. He felt a pinch to his heart when he thought of a young Akira facing a monster like Kelian alone.

''Kakarot! Get us to Bulma's lab now!'' Ordered Vegeta secretly hoping his wife was unharmed and already taking care of Akira.

The four men appeared on the big terrace at Capsule Corp. Without wasting a single second, Trunks darted toward the lab, quickly followed by the others. Right outside the door, Videl was facing the wall, leaning her forehead on the cold surface, trying to will her mind to slow down. Goku's eyes landed on his wife. ChiChi was crouching down, her back against the same wall, her face resting in her hands.

''Chi! Are you ok? Are any of you hurt?'' Asked Goku. When she lifted her head to face him, he saw the worry in her eyes.

''Videl..'' Gohan approached his wife and put his hand on her back. ''Videl… are you ok?''

''I… I shouldn't have left her… She told me to go but she needed my help… I…''

''Shhh.. it's ok Videl.. you did the right thing… if you would have stayed, you both would have been hurt… she needed you to be safe to be able to focus…'' Gohan took his wife in his arms and gently stroked her hair, as she broke down crying, her face pressed against his chest.

Trunks had gone straight in. He heard his wife whimper a little. ''Ki!'' She was in a bed in the infirmary section of the lab. Broly was further away trying to get the device Bulma used to call Whis to work. His big Saiyan hands mixed with his anxiety were making the task hard. Akira was conscious, though he could tell she could pass out at any moment. Sweat was running down her face. ''KI! Mother! What…'' His question never came out as he heard Akira's labored breathing. His eyes widened. He went straight to her side, holding her hand in one of his, while the other brushed her onyx locks away from her wet face.

''Trunks… I'm… not sure she can go through this right now. She has lost so much energy, protecting us… and her water broke a few minutes after getting here. I… I can't perform a cesarean… Whis is not picking up.. I'm so scared! She barely has any strength and having to deliver those babies might take everything out of her…'' He had never seen his mom so worried. He could tell she had no idea what to do.

He turned his attention back to his wife. ''Ki.. look at me.. baby look at me. I'm right here, ok? I know you can do this. I need you to be ok. Please… breathe…'' He looked directly into her ebony eyes, as she was trying to control her breathing. He could tell she was in pain. ''I'm here, we're together. You and me, Ki. I just need you to stay strong for a bit longer baby… hold on ok?'' She replied with the smallest nod. Her face suddenly contorted in pain. Her contractions were getting closer together. He could tell that every contraction was draining a bit more of her energy. He placed his hand on her bump, rubbing delicately, his eyes leaving her face for a moment. ''I need you to help your mom out my little fighters.'' He whispered almost to himself. He noticed the green haze around Broly starting to shimmer from the corner of his eyes. ''Broly. Get out. Tell Goku to find Whis and Beerus.'' The big Saiyan had been there for Arula's birth but the circumstances were different. He was well aware Akira had barely any energy left to deliver one baby, let alone two.

''Trunks…'' Her voice came out strained. ''Save…. them.. make.. su…re they… they…a..re'' Another contraction ''a..re.. safffff..fe.''

''Ki, don't say that. I need you to focus on being alright. All three of you need to be alright. Please Ki…'' His plea tugged at Bulma's heart.

The tiniest grunt escaped Akira's mouth as her breathing quickened and her eyes shut from the pain. He instinctively knew it was time, his heart rate had skyrocketed. ''MOTHER!'' He snapped Bulma out of her head. The door opened and ChiChi came in followed by Videl. Neither had ever delivered someone else's baby but at that moment, they were the only ones who remotely knew what to do.

''Trunks, we need you to move so we can help her.'' Said ChiChi.

''I'm not going anywhere…''

The women had no time to reply. Trunks felt his wife's hand tighten around his. It was time.

''Goku! Find Whis and Beerus! The… babies… they are coming!''

Vegeta's face went completely white. ''The.. attack… it drained her Ki…'' He said before turning to his friend. ''Kakarot please hurry.'' The softness of his request surprised Goku. ''NOW KAKAROT!'' The barked order snapped Goku out of his head and he swiftly vanished.

''Broly.. is.. is she going to be ok?'' Gohan was afraid of the answer. He had a feeling if something happened to his best friend's wife, the man wouldn't survive it this time.

''Akira is strong. She will be ok.'' Replied Vegeta. ''She… has to be…''

''Dad! What's going on?!'' Younger Trunks had heard the commotion and had zoomed directly to where they were standing, Goten on his heel.

''Gohan! Is it Akira? Are… they coming NOW?'' The youngest hybrid asked his older brother. Gohan nodded, his face serious. Goten frowned.

''That's… a good thing right?'' Asked Trunks, facing his dad. The look on both Vegeta and Gohan's faces was not reassuring. ''Broly? Gohan?... DAD? It's a good thing right?'' The two youngest men were starting to panic.

Before the King could answer, Goku, Whis and Beerus appeared in front of them.

''WHERE IS SHE?!'' Beerus seemed overwhelmed with anxiety. They heard the faintest grunts and groans from the other side of the door. Flinging it open, they both hurried inside.

''KI!'' Trunks rubbed his wife's cheek and kissed her forehead. ''You did it Ki.. stay with me… don't close your eyes please.. AKIRA!''

Beerus saw both Bulma and ChiChi wiping down tiny crying bodies and counting fingers and toes.

Whis had gone straight to Akira's bedside. The hybrid was in bad shape. ''Whis.. save her.. she HAS to live… I can't lose her again!'' The man looked like he was about to be ill or completely pass out.

The Angel felt the tiny power level emanating from the passed out woman's body. She had used almost all her leftover Ki to safely bring the babies into the world.

Trunks and Beerus were by Akira's bedside, while Whis looked over the babies. With a swift motion of his staff, he lifted the newborns. When they came back down, they were clean, sleeping and bundled up in two white blankets. He then turned his attention to the passed out woman.

''EVERYONE OUT!'' Yelled Beerus, surprising everyone.

''Hmm.. no Beerus we can't just leave her and them right now.'' Countered Bulma.

''You want her to live?'' She nodded. ''THEN LEAVE!''

''Woman! Speak! Is everyone ok?''

''Oh Vegeta, her pulse is barely detectable.. I'm so worried!''

''Videl.. the babies…'' Asked Gohan.

''Bulma and ChiChi held them… '' She didn't know what else to say. She was stunned. Gohan turned his eyes towards his mother. ''Aki…'' Gohan hugged his wife. ''She… Aki.. she's.. in bad shape… I..''

''The babies… seemed ok…. Oh Goku!'' She ran into her husband's arms, all the emotions flooded her body at once.. ''Whis bundled them up and made sure they were ok… but.. Aki…''

''Whis… when.. she saved me by sharing her own Ki with me… can we do this for her?''

''Hmm Trunks.. that could perhaps work to save her… though I believe she needs God Ki to fully recover…''

''Take mine. Do it..''

''I cannot. She was immortal when she saved you Prince. You would likely not survive it.''

''I'm willing to take the risk.'' Trunks answered.

''Nonsense Boy! She would never agree to this and we all know it!'' Countered Beerus.

''But she'd live!'' The God of Destruction pursed his lips. The Saiyan was desperate but he couldn't blame him.

''Move, Trunks.'' Beerus was well aware his intervention in this situation might not go down well with the rest of the deity world, but he would figure everything out later. He just needed her to be safe right now.

''What? Beerus, what are you going to do?''

''We don't agree on much, but we both want her to live because she means everything. Move.''

Trunks hesitantly stepped back, giving his spot to Beerus. Whis was standing on the other side. ''My Lord.. as your Attendant… I must advise you'' Seeing the look on the other two standing people's faces, Whis redirected his statement ''not to sneeze too close to my Lady. It is a little dusty here. One of your sneezes releases Ki, it could be unfortunate.'' It sounded like a warning but Beerus understood what the Angel was trying to say. A single sneeze from Beerus would release enough of his God Ki to save Akira and technically no one could hold it against him if he merely sneezed close to the girl.

''WHAT?'' Trunks wasn't sure he understood correctly.

''Trunks.. get out.'' The order startled the demi-Saiyan.

''No. I am not leaving her.''

''Trunks… I suggest taking a look at your infants for a moment then?'' Suggested Whis. Whatever they were planning was not really dangerous but the less people witnessing it, the better chances of it gliding seamlessly. The Prince nodded hesitantly and took a few steps back towards the bed the two bundles were resting on. He had been so worried about his wife, he hadn't even glanced at his own children yet. They were ok, she was not. When his eyes landed on the two sleeping babies, his heart automatically softened. They were beautiful just like her. He got closer and gently touched each of their cheeks. They were bundled up, only their faces visible, sleeping peacefully. Nothing else seemed to matter at that moment, beside Akira and them. He heard shuffling behind him and a loud sneeze. The outburst of air caused the ground to slightly rumble, making the babies wiggle a little before resettling in their calm slumber. His eyes were fixated on them. They were his but they were hers too. They were the living proof of their love. He had never thought of having kids in his old timeline. The grim reality of that world made it hard to plan for a future that might never exist. When he came back here, he was too absorbed by his grief and self-pity; none of his distractions ever made him even think of the possibility. Until her. Akira had made him want to consider a future, to think of one, to plan for one. Knowing she couldn't have children had crushed his heart, to his own surprise. But he hadn't lied to Gohan; he wanted her no matter the price.

''Trunks.'' The new father turned to look at Whis. He noticed Beerus gently brushing Akira's hair. ''We can only wait now and let her rest. Akira is strong.''

The Angel was implying there were no guarantees but he had faith in the hybrid's strength and willpower. He nodded, making his way back to his wife's bedside. He noticed Beerus walk up to the other bed. Without moving his head, he lowered his eyes towards the babies. Once his eyes landed on their sleeping features, he lowered his head and took a step closer. They really did look like his adoptive daughter. He gently grunted, knowing very well his heart would grow soft yet again for mortals. Without another word, the deity vanished with his attendant.

In the hallway, Broly was slowly going insane. He couldn't hold it any longer. He opened the door to the lab and slowly walked in. He needed to see Akira. For a moment, he had completely forgotten about the babies. Vegeta rushed behind the super Saiyan, quickly followed by Bulma, ChiChi, Videl, Goku and Gohan. Before the door closed, Squirt and Goten joined them.

''Trunks?'' Gohan called his friend.

''She'll be ok… She has to…'' He said without turning around. He was holding Akira's hand, rubbing the top with his thumb.

Vegeta was unable to approach the bed where Akira lay. He could barely stand looking at her. She looked so fragile, so unlike herself. Guilt was gnawing at him. For not protecting her better. For letting her go alone. He should have gone with them or sent Broly. Instead he had decided to stay to train. What was the point in all his training if not to protect his family? Bulma felt her husband's angst and gently put her arms around him, leaning her head on his shoulder. She lifted her head to look at him and shifted her eyes to the other bed. Vegeta's breath caught in his throat. He hadn't seen his grandchildren yet. Bulma sweetly smiled and nodded, encouraging him to approach. Taking slow, careful steps, he made his way and looked down at the two new additions. It was impossible to tell their gender, both wrapped up in white blankets. Nothing was visible except their face and big cheeks. They looked a lot like their mother.

''Vegeta…'' Goku made his way to stand next to his friend. ''The babies… their.. Ki…'' He couldn't sense their Ki, just like Akira's.

''What about their Ki?'' Trunks suddenly worried he had omitted to notice something.

''We can't sense it..'' Gohan replied from where he was standing next to his wife.

The lavender-haired hybrid hadn't even realized. He had refrained from sensing their Ki altogether, not wanting to know the gender without Akira. She had waited for him and he wanted to wait for her.

''Hey Kiks…'' They heard Broly whisper. Trunks' head jerked back towards his wife.

She was slowly waking up. ''Hey baby.'' Trunks said, kissing the inside of her wrist. She blinked a few times, slowly, trying to push the sleep out of her body. Realization hit her almost instantly. Her eyes widened and she sat upright.

''Tr..Trunks..'' She looked down at her own body, a slight look of panic on her face.

''They are ok, Ki. You did great.''

She scanned the room with both her eyes and her mind, sensing for their Ki. She instantly relaxed, releasing a breath, when her eyes landed on the two tiny shapes on the other bed. She blinked again then looked at Trunks. He hadn't held them yet. One of the bundles started squirming a little and she heard the tiniest sounds coming from her child. As if calculated, the second baby started stirring too. Her heart fluttered and her eyes filled with water. They were ok. She swiftly pushed the blankets off her body wanting to get to them as soon as possible. ''Ki.. you have to rest.'' She shook her head, no.

''I… I need to see them Trunks.'' He nodded. Her cheeks flushed a dark pink color, as she pulled the blankets back over her legs before it was too late.

''I'll get you some clothes honey.'' Said Bulma softly. Akira nodded. ''Let's give them a moment, guys.''

''Thank you Mother.'' He waited for everyone to exit the room. Broly had hesitated at the door a little before walking out and closing the door. ''I love you, Ki.'' He said, kissing her forehead. ''Want to see our miracles?'' She smiled gently, her eyes locking with his before he turned around to get the babies.

''Trunks?''

''Hmm?''

''Are they… ok? Like.. Ok ok..?''

''They are healthy. They are perfect like you.'' He saw her frown and understood the question she didn't speak. ''I don't know yet. I wanted to wait for you the same way you waited for me.'' He picked one baby and brought it over to her. He gently shifted the bundle in her arms. She was looking at her husband. He picked up the second bundle and slowly sat on the bed next to her so she could see them both.

''Who… wrapped them like this?'' Her face scrunched up in confusion.

''Whis…'' He watched her gently pull a tiny hand out from under the blanket. The baby was wearing gray pajamas. ''Hm.. I guess we're going to have to unroll them to find out, huh?'' He chuckled at her disappointed look at having to wait a second longer.

They put the babies down on the bed in front of them and looked at one another. They slowly started unwrapping the babies like fragile gifts. Akira's eyes filled with water as Trunks' smile grew wider at the sight. The baby that had been in her arms a second prior, had a single blue line on his pajama leg. His head was covered by short lavender hair. A boy. A boy that looked like Trunks. She gently caressed his head. He was so calm, his blue eyes wide open. The second baby cooed softly and squirmed, getting both the parents' attention. Trunks opened the white blanket, softly. A full head of ebony locks garnered the head of the beautiful baby girl in front of him. Just like her brother, a single line circled the pajama leg, though this one was a light shade of pink. Trunks chuckled at the tiniest pink bow in her hair. Whis had thought of everything. The baby was the spitting image of Akira except for her big cerulean eyes. Akira looked at her husband. He was mesmerized by his kids, his eyes shifting from one to the other. ''Trunks'' she whispered.

''Hmm?'' He replied, bringing his eyes to meet hers.

''I.. think they.. need names?'' He hadn't thought about names.

''She's beautiful like her mother so what about Rei?'' He said after a moment, looking at the baby girl. Akira smiled. ''I think she looks like a Rei.. What do you think?''

''I agree. What about the mini-you?'' She grinned as she passed her fingers through Trunks' hair with one hand while the other gently caressed the top of the lavender-haired baby boy.

He kissed her forehead. ''You pick.''

''I like Kenji. I have no doubt he'll grow up to be strong like his father.'' She suggested. He smiled and nodded.

''And his mother…'' He kissed her forehead again. ''Ki, you should rest..'' He passed his thumb across her pouty lower lip resting his hand on her cheek. She knew he was right. She was exhausted. ''We'll be right here when you wake up, mommy.''

''Will you be ok? With them?''

He chuckled. ''Are you kidding me? Bulma and ChiChi are outside that door waiting to snatch them up for cuddles.'' He passed his hand through her dark hair. ''They all want to see you too. Especially a certain huge Saiyan.'' She nodded. He gently picked up Kenji and laid him in Akira's right arm before laying Rei in her left arm, then went to open the door.

Hearing the door open, they all turned to look at Trunks. ''How is she?'' Broly asked right away.

''She needs to rest.'' He noticed the disappointed look on everyone's face. ''But she wants to see you all before.'' Broly's face broke into a smile. He rushed into the room as soon as Trunks moved out of the way. Everyone else came piling in within seconds.

They were standing around her within seconds. ''Oh my! How adorable are they?'' Said Bulma, her eyes on the newborns.

''Oh sweet Kami. A boy and a girl!'' Videl couldn't hold in her excitement. Her eyes filled with water. ''Aki… I'm.. I should have..'' She took a deep breath in.

Shaking her head gently, Akira offered her friend a gentle smile. ''No Videl. You did the right thing. I'm just glad you're ok.''

''Everyone, meet Kenji and Rei.'' Said Trunks, breaking the silence after a few moments. They all congratulated the couple and stepped closer one at a time to look at the sweet bundles still in Akira's arms.

''Broly?'' Akira called, making the big man step back closer. ''Would you like to hold Kenji?'' She grinned.

''Making me hold Trunks' mini-version? Why don't you rub it in more?'' He said while laughing. He gently picked up the boy who looked even smaller in his arms.

Akira touched Trunks' arm with her free hand, getting his attention. He followed her gaze which landed on Vegeta. The King was against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. ''This man is always brooding, I swear!'' Said Bulma. Trunks understood what his wife was asking him to do.

''Father?'' The Prince said as he made his way to where his father was standing. Vegeta's eyes went straight to the baby in his son's arms, then he looked up towards Akira who gently smiled at him and gave him a head nod of encouragement. The King carefully picked up the tiny baby Trunks was handing over to him. He was mesmerized by the little girl. Before Bulla, the Vegeta lineage had mainly been one of male descendants. Bulla and Rei would carry on the Royal lineage just as strongly as their brothers, he was sure of it.