***Chapter 34***

''Kakarot! Behind you!'' Yelled Vegeta as Akira appeared behind his friend. She shot a Ki blast at him, pushing him a few meters back. ''Broly?!''

''Broly can't come to the phone right now..'' She joked. Her control over Broly's Ki was crushing him to the ground.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Piccolo extend his arms, in hopes of tying her down and suppressing her hold for a few precious seconds. As they circled behind her, she launched herself up like a bullet. She vanished for an instant and reappeared right in front of their green friend, making her presence known with a punch to the stomach, making the big guy fold in two, lowering his head. Without hesitation, she brought her knee up as she placed her hands behind the Namekian's head and pushed down, amplifying the force of the hit. Not giving him a second to recover, she kicked Piccolo, sending him crashing on the ground a few meters away, creating a trench as his body slid across.

''Kame…ha…me…haaaaa!'' Gohan shot at her.

''Too predictable Gohan!'' She easily took control of the fast blast coming at her and diverted it towards Goku.

''Shit! Dad!''

''Solaaaar Flare!'' Krillin had shielded his own eyes but succeeded in blinding everyone else.

''That won't work either! I can sense your Ki just as easily as I can see you with my eyes.'' She materialized right next to the small bald man. ''Booh!'' Before Akira's punch hit the target, something shot at her from below, dragging her up as if she had been hit by a huge force. ''Ugh!'' 18 punched her in the stomach after stopping their ascension. The Android landed a kick on Akira's side making her flinch but before the second hit touched her, the hybrid grabbed the blonde woman's leg, spinning her effortlessly and releasing her towards the ground, the force of the impact creating a crater.

''Super Ghost Kamikaze!'' Akira was suddenly surrounded by little ghosts that oddly resembled Gotenks. ''Our turn!'' They laughed and some of them pulled their tongues at her. The hybrid had never seen the younger Saiyan hybrids do this trick so she wasn't sure what to expect. When one of them exploded right next to her, she was stunned for a moment. Taking advantage of the surprise, all the other ghosts went straight for her, causing multiple explosions as they hit the target. ''Oh shit! Aki are you ok?'' Gotenks yelled, suddenly worried about having hurt the woman. He slowly started floating towards the big smoke cloud. ''Aki?''

''Ki! Shit! This was a bad idea! AKIRA!'' Trunks' voice came out from the top of a nearby cliff.

As Goku, Vegeta, Gohan and Gotenks started flying towards where Akira had been floating moments earlier, Piccolo's eyes landed on Broly. He was still being pinned down, barely able to move. ''NO! IT'S A TRAAA…''

He didn't have time to finish his warning, the smoke cloud was clearing up and a shadow, enveloped by a thin layer of pink Ki like a shield, pierced through, before quickly disappearing. She was floating behind Gotenks, who was still shaken by what had happened, but before her kick landed on the fused boys' side, Gohan had grabbed her from behind, trapping her in his hold. She was tiny compared to him. ''Hmm I wonder how Videl would feel about this… You shouldn't put your hands like that on your best friend's wife Gohan.'' The comment made her sick but she had to play the game and it worked. Gohan became flustered for a moment, slightly untightening his hold on her upper body. She brought her elbow back violently, hitting the hybrid in the stomach, loosening his grasp on her a little more, she then grabbed one of his arms and swung him above her and bringing him down in front of her as she released his arm and kicked him in the chest, sending him into a cliff side. She then shot multiple Ki blasts at Gotenks, in rapid fire. The force of the hits eventually caused the boys to defuse.

Before 18 could launch herself again at Akira, she was trapped in a pink bubble. The task required a mere glance from the deity hybrid but that single moment was enough for Vegeta to shoot a Ki blast at his daughter-in-law. It hit Akira's chest straight on, but as it pushed her back a few meters, she regained control on her body, straightening herself. Vegeta then saw his purple blast slowly, effortlessly get absorbed into her petite frame. She reached her hand out as if calling for someone, a separate entity towards her, and slowly locked her mind on Vegeta's Ki as he turned Super Saiyan blue in anticipation.

''Higher the power, the easier you make this.'' She lifted her hand and twisted her hand as it closed in a fist as if grabbing something. Vegeta was suddenly jerked forward. ''Rushing into power-ups will only get you in trouble with someone like Kelian.'' She tightened her grip on the King's Ki and dragged him closer to her. When he was within arm's reach, he dropped back to his regular form making her hold on him falter, he powered up instantly and punched her straight in the stomach in an uppercut motion. The surprise attack worked perfectly as her body was sent flying upwards where Goku appeared right above. He put his hands together and brought them down, the hit landed between Akira's shoulders sending her crashing down towards the ground. Before she crashed, she managed to twist in the air allowing her to land crouched on her feet, already in a fighting stance. She felt Trunks' Ki behind coming at her fast. She pulled her Katana, swiftly turned and blocked the blow of his sword. Though his blade was exponentially bigger than hers, she was able to expertly counter all his attacks. ''Brute force will get you nowhere guys! You need to think!'' She said as she pulled her second blade out, crossing it with her Katana, trapping the Brave sword between them, twisting the grip, sending Trunks' sword flying to the right as she landed a kick on her husband's breast plate. The blow pushed him a few meters away.

Vegeta was floating above the scene and started shooting rapid fire attacks towards the hybrid. She swiped a few Ki blasts with her blades before dropping the smaller sword to free her hand. Lifting it, she created a sort of barrier between her and the blasts as if forcing them to stop at a distance, just floating there. Instead of firing them back at her attacker, Akira walked right in the middle of the floating orbs, unlocking her hold, she absorbed all the energy within her body. ''Wrong move Vegeta!'' She was getting angry. Kelian could come back at any time and they didn't seem to take any of her warnings seriously. For what she knew, her former lover had most of her abilities from having been gifted much of her own Ki. They still didn't know the extent of his powers and which of her abilities he now had. They could not afford any mistakes or lapse of judgment. Most of the fighters around her were physically stronger than her and possibly Kelian too but the Ki absorbing and control powers she possessed gave her a great advantage and it would be the same in the real fight coming their way.

She let go of her grip on Broly, releasing him and shot up through the sky. Before Trunks could follow her, Broly said ''Give her a minute, Trunks.. she's more worried than upset.''

''Woah I had never truly witnessed the full extent of her powers… That was… impressive.'' Said Goten.

''We're going about this the wrong way. We are fighting the way we always do, except normally our power levels and skills work to our advantage… she cancels out the power level leaving us with only our fighting skills when she still has her special abilities…'' Analyzed Gohan.

''So how do we fight someone like that?'' Asked Squirt. ''She even managed to completely floor Broly. He was unable to move.'' Broly's feelings were a little hurt. He had never felt useless in a fight.

''It's much worse than that. She merely took Broly out of the equation. Kelian could use him to his advantage.'' Reasoned Vegeta.

''He could and probably will drain Broly's Ki and use it against us.'' Continued Piccolo. Krillin's face paled.

''What if we brought Kale along? Two Legendary Super Saiyans could help, no?'' Tried Krillin.

''You'd only be giving him more fuel to power up by giving him two mega sources of Ki to tap into.'' Replied Vegeta.

''Only.. if he has that ability too. We don't know the extent of his powers. He might not have gotten all of Aki's powers… she doesn't even know herself.'' Said Goku as he landed next to his fellow fighters.

''That's a huge gamble though, Dad. Kelian Sr had that ability if I remember correctly. He had been able to lock in on Gogeta's Ki and if it hadn't been for Akira, he would have drained both you and Vegeta.''

''She will NOT be part of this fight.'' Growled Trunks.

''Bud.. I know you want her safe and we all do.. but…'' Started Gohan.

''NO! I will not let him anywhere near her!''

''Then you'll all die… because of me.'' Akira's voice surprised them all. ''Trunks.. this is suicide. I can even things out… higher your odds. You are better fighters and Broly, Goku and Vegeta's advantages are clear but ONLY if Kelian's ability to take over that power is canceled out. So unless you plan on taking Kenji or Rei with you to test that theory, I'm your best chance.'' She reached for his hand but he took a step back.

''I don't understand why you want to be part of this so badly… It's almost as if you WANT to see him again.'' Everyone's eyes widened at the accusation but no one dared to speak.

Akira's heart stopped for a moment before falling in her stomach completely crushed. Her husband thought she had an ulterior motive. He didn't trust her. Her eyes filled with water and her breathing became a little labored. ''Is this… what you really think?'' He knew he had fucked up the moment the words had crossed his lips. He hadn't wanted to hurt her, he was just scared.

It was his turn to take a step forward, reaching for her but she backed up. He could see the pain in her eyes. ''Ki.. I..''

''Didn't mean it? The mere fact the thought has crossed your mind is bad enough Trunks. You SAW what he was like. You HEARD… You're the only one I have ever told about everything he's done to me and THAT thought actually crossed your mind? After everything we've been through…'' He tried reaching for her again. ''DON'T TOUCH ME!'' She was having a hard time breathing, the tears had started rolling down her cheeks.

She saw Broly take a step towards her but she raised her hands in front of her telling him to stop. Before anyone else could move, she had vanished.

''WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!?'' Broly growled at Trunks. ''She gave up everything! She even gave her life to protect us.. TO PROTECT YOU! And you dare question her motives?'' He was losing his cool.

The Saiyan King stepped in front of his son. Turning his head back he ordered ''Kakarot, take everyone else back home.'' Goku complied.

Trunks couldn't face his father's gaze. He was so ashamed of his behavior but he was also very angry. Vegeta stood silently, his eyes drilling holes into Trunks.

''Father… I..''

''Shut up.'' The order surprised the lavender-haired man. ''How dare you?'' Disappointment was lacing every one of his words. ''HOW… fucking dare you talk to your wife like that? Talk to Akira like THAT? She gave up everything… more than once… She's the mother of your children. How can you lay down next to her every night, if this is what you truly think?''

''It's… not.'' He said. ''It's not what I truly think, I was just angry. She is set on being part of this despite the risks. She won't let me protect her!''

''Akira is a warrior, a strong one at that. She doesn't need you to PROTECT her. She needed you to love her, understand her, respect her and you miserably failed to do so. If you wanted someone to protect, then you should have chosen one of those pathetic Earthling women you used to distract yourself with as your mate. You are acting like a spoiled brat that needs things to go his way. Do you not think she wants to protect you? Protect Rei and Kenji from the monster who put her through so much? If anyone knows the pain Kelian can cause, it's her. You still don't understand that she NEEDS to protect everyone from him? You were present when she shared her guilt for having fallen for him at a younger age and the regret she felt for not killing him sooner, allowing him to hurt other people. You were there but did you listen to any of it? Or were you too lost in your own selfish need to mark your territory? Your anger is rooted in jealousy, when she gave you no reason to ever doubt her love for you. When will you ever stop holding her past against her to justify your weakness? This is not the way a Prince should behave.. not the way a husband should treat his wife… not the man I want my son to be. I might not have been present in that other life of yours, but I know damn well Bulma, in any timeline, would be ashamed of you right now. Your behavior shows clearly that you do not deserve her. You've hurt her far worse than anything the son of a bitch has ever put her through because she loves you when she felt nothing but hate towards him.'' Unable to stand looking at his son a minute more, Vegeta darted towards the clouds.

Akira gently combed the soft lavender locks with her fingers, careful not to wake the sleeping baby. She couldn't run away this time. She'd never leave them and she wasn't cruel or selfish enough to take them away from Trunks. She felt all the Ki's appearing on the big terrace. Goku had brought them back.. all except Vegeta and Trunks. She could tell they were sad, upset and surprised. Broly was down right furious and was trying really hard to temper himself. She hadn't had to calm him down in months. She made her way to the outdoor space where they were all trying to defuse Broly as best as they could. When his eyes landed on his sister, his Ki flared even more. ''Broly.. breathe… please.. look at me.. I need you to breathe…'' She started walking towards him as everyone moved out of her way. Her words did not have the intended effect on the big Saiyan.

''You want me to calm down?'' He said through shallow breaths. ''AFTER WHAT HE'S DONE TO YOU?'' Her resolve did not falter. His temper wasn't scaring her. She knew he was hurt for her.

''Broly.. please.. listen to me.. only to me… look at me… I know you're upset for me… but losing your cool won't do any good…'' She slowly got close enough to put her hand on his arm. ''Kenji and Rei are inside, sleeping… I need you to calm down.'' His eyes finally locked on hers as if he was in a trance. She had come to hate using her powers on her brother. It felt like manipulation, forcing him into something he did not want, but right now blowing a gasket wasn't going to help anything or anyone. When he was completely calmed down, she took a step back, dropping her hand back to her side.

''Kiks, you should go to Beerus' for a while.. with Kenji and Rei.''

''I can't do that, Broly. It wouldn't be fair to Trunks.'' He scoffed. ''Or to Kenji and Rei. They need their father. Kale went away with Arula for a couple of weeks and you were moping the whole time.'' She teased him, trying to lighten his mood.

''You're worried… Kelian will show up while you're away… aren't you?'' Asked Goku.

''I..'' She furrowed her brow as if something caught her attention. ''Excuse me a minute, the twins woke up.'' She had sensed their Ki. A few seconds after she walked in, Trunks landed on the outdoor gathering area. He was welcomed by Broly's strong, loud growl. Ignoring it he went straight inside. Akira wasn't outside, it could only mean she was with their babies. He rushed to their bedroom and flung the door open.

''Ki..'' She wasn't looking at him. ''I'm.. so so sorry.''

''Not this time Trunks.'' His heart sank. She wasn't going to let him explain. There really wasn't any explanation to what he had said. He had said it out of anger. He had intended it to be poison because of his anger and once he had thrown that poison out of his mouth, he regretted it greatly. Her head was down, as she gently stroked Rei's cheek. The baby was just waking up. He stepped inside the nursery and a little closer to her. He realized she was crying. His heart constricted on itself. He hated seeing her cry and now he was the one making her cry. Both babies stood up in the crib, reaching for him.

''Daadddaaa…daa.'' They both babbled. It made her tears come down a little faster. As if feeling their mother's sadness and pain, they stopped babbling and turned their attention to her.

''Akira. Look at me please.'' He didn't expect her to do it. When she turned around and faced him, looking straight into his eyes, he was unable to hold her gaze. ''I.. fucked up…''

''Tell me.. when he told you all those things about me… did you feel angry for me or for yourself? Or perhaps at me?'' The question had the same effect as if she would have punched him in the gut. ''I never hid my past from you….''

''You hadn't told me the extent of…''

''Of what? The pain? The guilt? You never listened, too blinded by your own anger.'' She hadn't even raised her voice. ''Are you angry for me, Trunks? Or is it that you can't stand that someone else put their hands on me? Before you?''

Realization set in. ''Ki.. I.. would never even think anything of the sort.'' Kelian's mind games had been all about his time with Akira. Trunks had thought Kelian was insulting her, but now he realized he was setting doubt in him. He was tapping into his jealousy and Trunks let him in. Kelian wanted to destroy her ''happy ever after''. Trunks had been so focused on the fighting, the power, the violence that he never considered the emotional and psychological side of it all. Kelian had told him he wanted her to suffer greatly, he had laid out that trap and he stupidly walked right into it.

''So look at me and tell me you don't care about my past.''

''But..''

''I told you he plays mind games… and you let him get under your skin. He made you doubt me. Were you just waiting for an opportunity or some kind of proof? Did I do anything to make you doubt my love for you?''

''No… I don't know what got into me… You mean everything to me and I'm scared. Nothing justifies what I said to you and I can't apologize enough to even start making up for it.'' He passed his hand through his lavender hair.

Rei started whining, feeling the tension between her parents' Ki. Akira didn't move, her hands were resting on the crib's front panel, her head down. Trunks walked up to them and gently picked his daughter up. He was standing right next to his wife. ''I screwed up real good… I don't even know what to say.'' He looked at Rei, she was almost the exact copy of her mother.

''None of what Kelian said to you mattered to me, because I… didn't think it mattered to you.''

''It doesn't… none of it matters. Only you. I won't lie to you and tell you I wasn't jealous… Part of me was jealous that he had ever been so important to you.. so close to you. I was jealous that his hands touched you… touched you first but also at all. I know I have no right to be angry about any of that.''

''Why?'' The question surprised him. ''Why does it matter? Why did you focus on that and not on everything else I have shared only with you?''

''Because I'm an idiot. Ki.. I don't want to lose you. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness… Everyone thinks I don't deserve you and my actions pretty much proved them right but… when I look at what we created together, when I look at them, they are proof that we are meant to be. That our love made this miracle happen and that if I really didn't deserve you then none of it would have been possible…''

''Ignoring my past because it suits you is not fair to me or to yourself. You hold on to this vision of me being so perfect and so unreachable that you cling to every little thing that would validate it. I'm not perfect. I have a past and I won't… I can't ignore it but I try to look forward… at the present and the future and for me.. that is you. Stop putting me on a pedestal, Trunks. I can't live up to your expectations. I can't live in the shadow of the woman you think I am… of the woman you want me to be. I am just.. me and if you can't trust me…''

He put Rei back down in the crib and turned to face his wife. ''Akira… I…'' He reached for her arm. She didn't move away. ''Ki.. I want you. I've only ever wanted you. You mean so much to me. You made me want to live again, to think of the future. You gave me everything. I was nothing before you. Nothing that mattered. You gave me the privilege of loving you, of touching you. You gave me what I never thought I would find, what I did not think I deserved. You gave me the most precious gift of all. You made me the honor to create a life with you. The love you gave me from the start was my lifeline… is my lifeline. How can I not put you on a pedestal?''

''All those things… you just named… I shared none of those with Kelian. Only with you.''

''I realize that now… I was too stupid and I focused on the things that didn't matter and completely ignored the things that do… the only things that matter. I'm scared of losing you again Ki but right now I realize that my own insecurities and stupidity are the things pushing you away.'' He slid his hand down her arm. She was still leaning on the crib. He put his hand over hers. ''Can you ever forgive me?'' She wasn't looking at him.

''Daadaa!'' Kenji moved sideways, standing in the crib holding the rail. He tapped his little hand on his father's. ''Dadaaa'' and continued babbling, getting answers from his sister. Akira gently brushed his lavender hair with her free hand.

''He looks so much like you.'' Kenji pulled at Trunks' finger and held on to it. Rei scooted over in front of her mother and reached her tiny hand to grab one of Akira's long locks. Her eyes weren't blue like her brother's anymore, or Trunks', they had turned a blue-ish shade of light gray, contrasting even more with her ebony hair and long lashes.

''Can you ever forgive me?'' He whispered. She still wasn't looking at him and didn't answer. ''Ki..'' He raised the hand that was covering hers to her cheek, gently brushing it with his knuckles. Her skin was warm and a little damp from her tears. ''I can't live without you three.''

''I'd never take them away from you, Trunks. It would be just as unfair to them as it would be to you. I.. just..''

He was scared of what he might hear next so he quickly added ''I need YOU most of all.'' She felt his hand tremble a little against her cheek. She knew he was afraid, it was all over his Ki. He was scared he had pushed his luck too far. She could feel the sadness, the worry, the anxiety, the longing and the guilt covering his aura. There was some anger intertwined in the mix of emotions but it wasn't directed at her… it felt like it was directed only at himself. She looked a little deeper, under the surface, there was hope… and so much love. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. She felt his heartbeat skip. He hadn't expected her to do that. ''I love you so much.'' His face was serious.

A tiny smile pulled at the corner of her lips. ''You're still not off the hook, Trunks Vegeta Briefs.'' The hope she felt all over his Ki suddenly emerged to the surface of all the other feelings. ''Ow! Not so hard Rei..'' The little girl was tugging at the lock in her hand.

''I don't deserve to be off the hook, Ki. I'm grateful you're even willing to still talk to me.''

''I don't think you've ever had an issue with women not wanting to talk to you.''

''You're not any woman though. You're the mother of my beautiful children. You're my wife, my mate. The love of my life.'' He lifted her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. ''I can't say it enough but I'm really sorry Ki.''

''Hmmm-ma!'' The sound came out of Kenji. Akira wasn't sure she had heard right. Her own Ki fluttered all over her body in excitement. The twins felt it and echoed one another. ''Hmm-a…ma…! Akira's heart melted at the sound.

Trunks smiled. ''Yeah.. your mama is amazing.''

''Still not off the hook.'' She said jokingly. ''I'm surprised Broly didn't rip you to shreds. I guess we should go back outside to figure out what to do next.''

Akira walked out first, Kenji in her arms. Broly knew it meant Trunks wasn't far behind and he was holding Rei. Smart move Kiks. He couldn't murder the man while he was holding his niece. He still couldn't contain his grunt when the man in question stepped outside. He noticed Akira didn't look sad, or angry, and THAT made him angry.

''Kiks…'' He took a step towards her. ''You can't seriously…'' She met his angry questioning eyes with her big onyx orbs.

''Broly, can I talk to you for a minute?'' The request surprised everyone, especially Trunks and Broly himself. The big Saiyan nodded. ''Squirt, do you mind holding Kenji for me please?''

''Gladly, Aki. Come here little dude.'' The young man still found it a little weird holding a mini version of himself. Even the babies had seemed to confuse him for their father until recently. But he loved his niece and nephew. Since their birth, he had been spending more time at home, with them and the rest of his family. Amaya gladly joined in whenever she could.

Akira and Broly took off towards the little island in the middle of the pond. When they landed, she stood silently in front of her adoptive brother. She could feel his worry and his anger. He was upset at her.

''Please don't be mad at me, Broly.''

''Kiks… he doesn't deserve the pass you're giving him. I can't just stand there and watch him hurt you and not do anything. You can't ask me that.''

''Yes I can… and that's exactly what I'm asking you to do. I love him and I know he loves me. I know what it looks like from the outside but he's not a bad man. His intentions aren't bad… he just sucks with words and emotions.'' Broly grumbled. ''Do you trust me?'' The question took him by surprise.

''Of course I do… but Trunks.. hurt you badly and you're just going to forgive him. It's him I don't trust.''

''But you trust ME. You know I can read and sense Ki, Broly. Do you honestly think I'd forgive him if his intentions were bad? If he was truly trying to hurt me?''

''I'm not sure anymore Kiks! Everything he put you through from the beginning, it's like he's not even trying!''

''He is. He really is. You and I struggled with emotions and relationships with people but we had the excuse that we were never given the chance to feel anything. We were used as weapons and our humanity was never taken into consideration. Trunks had to willingly become a weapon to try and save his world. And when he lost everything, the only way he was able to cope with the pain is by desensitizing himself to emotions and building walls around him to keep everyone out. Our fuck ups were always considered as a learning curve by everyone. His mistakes were a constant reminder of his past failures.''

''How do you know what he's telling you is true!?'' His question seemed to insult her a little.

''Because he didn't have to tell me any of this. He doesn't try to justify his mistakes by playing the victim. He apologizes and tries to correct his wrongs. He's not perfect, but neither are we. I've hurt him too in the past. You can't always pound on whatever hurts me, Broly.''

''Why not? Seems like a win-win for you and I.'' His body relaxed a little. ''Kiks, I love you and seeing you sad or hurt grips at my core and twists something inside of me. I can't stand it.''

''I know and I feel the same about you. You don't think I sense it when Kale and you have had an argument?'' His eyebrows shot up in surprise. ''I do. And most of the time I can tell who's at fault by the guilt carried through your Ki. Trunks and I… we haven't had the chance to really live together, alone. The short time we had before Kelian arrived, we were so good.'' Broly knew she was right. For that short period of time, he had never seen her so relaxed and happy. ''We're both a little hot tempered so more often than not we end up blowing up in front of everyone else because we're so rarely alone. Tell me… have you noticed what our fights are always about?''

It dawned on him at that exact moment. ''Your need to protect one another.'' She nodded.

''If you and Kale were constantly in danger, don't you think you'd want to protect one another? You'd do everything you could to stop her from getting hurt and I know for a fact she would too. So now imagine the explosions THAT would cause. I know it looks completely one sided from the outside and that Trunks seems like just a jerk. None of the others are married or in love with someone who doesn't need to be protected. None except you. And.. Krillin sorta… but that's a whole different game. But you.. you know how it feels to have the urge to protect your family though you know she could handle herself, and vice versa. Would you let Kale fight in the upcoming fight? Willingly?''

He hadn't even considered the option. ''No.. I wouldn't be happy about it and knowing Kale she'd be upset I felt that way.'' Akira nodded.

''Come on, he's not all bad… look at the beautiful niece and nephew he gave you.'' She grinned, his ''hmph'' making her laugh. He hugged her tight for a long moment and kissed the top of her head.

''I love you weirdo!''

Landing back on the big balcony, Akira noticed someone was missing. ''Goku, where's Vegeta?''

''Euh… hmmm.. He..'' The tall full blooded Saiyan was scratching the back of his head, trying to find a way to explain. ''He.. hmm.. He had stayed behind… with Trunks… but then… he hasn't come back yet..'' Akira did a quick Ki scan of their surroundings. She was able to close in on the King's Ki. He was ok… beyond angry… but ok. She winced at the source of his anger. He was angry with Trunks. She hated being the reason behind conflicts, especially ones between Trunks and Vegeta. Her husband had never really met his father in his timeline. This Vegeta was the only father he has ever known and though their relationship had started a little…a lot… rocky on his first few visits, things were slowly falling into place since his definite move here… until.. she came into their life and their relationship.

Trunks sensed her internal guilt trip. He could see it on her face. She could read Ki, but anyone could read her facial expressions. ''Ki. This isn't on you. This is my fault.'' Rei reached for her mother.

''Hmm-mamm.'' Broly's eyes lit up. Akira picked up her daughter.

''I'm going to get some food ready for Kenji and Rei… you guys hungry?'' She really didn't need to wait for the answer… Most of the people present had at least a drop of Saiyan blood, meaning they were ALWAYS hungry. She had two little endless pits in the making.

''I can hold her for you, Akira.'' Piccolo's offer surprised the hybrid a little. The big green man had one soft spot and it was for Pan, as far as everyone else knew. Akira smiled and nodded, handing her daughter over to the Namekian. Rei didn't seem too sure at first but quickly settled down in his arms and right before disappearing inside, Akira saw her pulling on one of his antennas playfully. Having Ki sensing babies allowed her to safely entrust them to her friends and family without worrying about tears and screams. They were normally very sociable.

''He's an idiot.'' Akira had felt Gohan's Ki approach. She didn't turn to face him right away. ''He could be a hot headed idiot sometimes… but he's a good man… just gotta dig a little deep.. heh!'' He stopped when he reached the kitchen island. ''He really does love you, Akira. I can feel it through our bond. I'm not sure what causes him to act so stupidly sometimes…'' Trunks had told her about what the fusion bond felt like. She could see the bond through their Ki but didn't understand it much, she had never fused with anyone and chances were she would never. ''You know.. when something seems too good to be true?'' She nodded, her whole life since coming here seemed too good to be true. ''I think that's how Trunks feels about you. He doesn't think he deserves you and sometimes his insecurities surface and make him doubt the realness of it all.''

''Did I ever do something to… make him feel like he doesn't deserve me? Half of the time I don't know if what I'm doing is normal or right…''

The question made him wince a little. ''You.. haven't… but since the beginning.. every time he messed up someone or something would make him perhaps feel like he didn't deserve you.'' She turned to face him, pinning him with her big black eyes. She seemed confused. ''He had a reputation when you got here.'' She nodded, she was aware. ''But that side of him was relatively new to us… the Trunks from before was completely different.''

''What was the old Trunks like? The one you first met?''

''He.. was plagued by pain and guilt. His whole life had been one of war and destruction but he still cared about everyone. He was a good boy… a good man. He was righteous and kind. He was nothing like the Trunks you first met. After his timeline was… destroyed.. part of him felt guilty for still being alive. For having escaped. All his life had been about trying to defend his world. Every trip he took here was always in hopes to change something so others, us, wouldn't have THAT bleak future.. so that Squirt wouldn't live life through the same eyes as he had. He lost everyone close to his heart, one after the other. He watched every single one of us die, unable to protect us.'' Akira understood her husband's need to protect her probably stemmed from his guilt at having failed before.

''Does… does it have to do with Mai?'' The question took Gohan by surprise. He had figured Trunks had probably told her about her but he wasn't sure how much she knew.

''Euh.. Mai.. was part of his past life…''

''He lost her too… she died, he told me… is this why he's so worried about losing me too?''

''Aki… he's worried about losing you because he DID lose you once… and he was completely crushed.. this has nothing to do with Mai… she.. their story was… done.''

''What do you mean ''done''? Like before she died?'' Gohan figured out Trunks had been a little vague.

''She… left him.. right before dying…''

Akira's heart sank. Part of her felt bad for her husband but she also felt insecure all of a sudden.. Had she not left him.. he'd still be with her? Is there a Mai in this timeline? Could he have made a mistake in choosing his mate?

''Akira. I can read it all over your face.. the insecurity… She wasn't the one for him. She was leaving because she couldn't handle their reality anymore… and she asked him to go with her…''

The statement surprised Akira. She didn't understand how someone could just leave innocent people to fend for themselves… She didn't really have any rights to judge the girl with her own past record… but it still surprised her. ''Trunks… he wouldn't.. he couldn't…'' She knew her husband and he would have never run from his responsibilities. ''He must have been crushed at having to make that choice…'' She looked down.

''No.'' Her head jerked up to look at Gohan. ''He.. couldn't go with her… but he also figured out he didn't want to…'' He saw the look of total confusion on his friend's face. ''Aki… he was sad, don't get me wrong… but he also realized he didn't love her… not the way he loves you. Pleading with him had cost her time and Black had caught up to their plans… he blew up the time capsule before they had time to go… and Trunks wasn't able to stop him. He felt guilty. So no, the fear of losing you has nothing to do with Mai. That story was done long before you. And in case you are wondering… there is a Mai in this timeline and he's met her..'' A flash of jealousy shot through Akira. ''She's different here…'' Akira bit the inside of her cheek. ''She means nothing… she's part of his past. You… you are his future.''

''He puts me on his pedestal, Gohan.. I already have a hard time accepting my own place amongst you and… he expects me to be…''

He cut her off. ''He doesn't… expect you to be anything you're not Aki. You brought him back to life, you're basically what makes his heart beat. To him you are a miracle. His failures make him question how he could ever deserve you… but..'' He paused.

''What is it, Gohan?''

''I think we all sorta contributed to his feeling that he doesn't deserve you.'' He admitted. She furrowed her brows. ''He had become someone we didn't recognize and his behavior was surprising to anyone who had met him before. Most of us questioned his decisions and his intentions. We knew he was struggling and he was suffering but none of us really knew how to help him… he didn't really let anyone in… except me from time to time… then you came into our life… into his life… and you carried so much pain and guilt but you dealt with it so differently that I guess it made us want to protect you even more? You have this way to get into everyone's heart, Aki. I hate to admit it but his behavior made us doubt him and his intentions… so when he messed up a few times… even I doubted he deserved you at some point.'' He admitted. She could feel all the guilt emanating from his Ki. ''I know that Vegeta was also very hard on him… Broly and Beerus made it very clear they thought he didn't deserve you. And time after time you looked past his mistakes and forgave him, you gave everything for him… it's hard to not feel inadequate when faced with your selflessness and kindness.''

Akira didn't really know what to say. ''I'm… sorry I didn't mean to make people uncomfortable..'' He laughed, surprising her.

''See? You do it without even realizing it. There's nothing to apologize for Aki. You're just… you and we love you for it. You and Trunks just need to realize you are both amazing people and that your past doesn't define you… either of you. I'm not an expert in relationships by all means… but I know you are the one for him… and I'm pretty sure if you didn't love him you wouldn't have put up with his idiocy until now.'' He chuckled, making her smile.

''I know he doesn't mean to hurt me… I.. can sense his intentions… but sometimes my insecurities make me doubt my perception of things…'' He nodded. ''I love him too, Gohan.'' He nodded again before hugging her.

''Whatever he told you… it's false! I'm innocent.'' They heard from the door. Trunks had walked in and was genuinely joking. He had heard the last bit of their conversation despite trying not to snoop. ''Thanks for calling me an idiot, bud! Can't say I don't deserve it though.'' He chuckled.

Gohan smiled and stepped back outside to give them some privacy. ''It's rude to snoop.'' She said while plating the feast she put together for them. He made his way and stood beside her, his back leaning against the counter, his eyes on her.

He reached his hand to the cheek furthest from him, gently turning her face to his. ''Forever.''

''In this lifetime and the next.'' She answered as he gently kissed her lips.

They all sat around the table, eating and discussing strategies. Rei was comfortably sitting on Piccolo's lap. The big green man did not eat food and had been more than happy to help the little girl with her meal. Kenji was now on Krillin's lap. The human had finished eating a while ago while all the others, Saiyans, were STILL shoveling food in their mouths. Akira had eaten a little and was filling a huge plate. Trunks raised an eyebrow at her. ''It's… not for me..'' She simply said. He understood she was going to see Vegeta.

''I think I should come with you.'' He simply said as he got up. They both looked at Broly. He nodded, he'd watch over the babies while they were gone. They trusted every single one of the people present but Broly was her go-to person.

Trunks appeared behind his father. The King was just standing on top of a cliff, deep in thought. ''Trunks. Why are you here?'' He said without turning around.

''Even a King and a mighty warrior gets hungry.'' Hearing Akira's voice, he turned around to face them. He was so angry and seeing Trunks next to Akira was only adding to his anger. ''Vegeta…''

''Stop. I do not want nor accept whatever excuse you found to forgive him.''

''Vegeta. Listen to me… please.'' He scoffed and turned back around. ''Vegeta… please..'' She pleaded, taking a few steps forward, touching his gloved hand. He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers. Trunks hadn't dared even look at his father. ''We..'' She felt him stiffen a little. ''I'm ok Vegeta. It's ok.''

''No. It isn't, Akira.'' He turned to face her. He saw Trunks looking down at the ground.

''Vegeta… What Trunks said hurt me. He knows…''

Trunks didn't want Akira to fight his battles for him nor defend his actions that had hurt her. ''Father. There's no excuse for what I said and I am aware I do not deserve her forgiveness. I was wrong and when it comes to us'' He gestured between Akira and him ''it is usually the case. I let my insecurities take over my common sense. But even that does not mean I am any less to blame. I know you repudiate weakness and I will not lie, I showed a lot of it. I will not deny it. The fact I am half Earthling does not justify it either. I came with Akira to talk to you because though my strength might sometimes falter, I am not a coward. I have disappointed you and that is not something I take lightly. I do not deserve Akira's forgiveness and even less her love. Despite all this, she was willing to pardon my huge misstep and has never shown me anything but love and devotion. I was afraid. I am afraid… of losing her again, I am afraid she will wake up one day and realize I am unworthy of her affection.'' Vegeta flinched again. He had the same fear when he and Bulma had first gotten together. For a very long time he had felt that his wife might wake up and figure out all the bad he had done was just too much to bear… that he wasn't worth it. He saw Akira looking at her husband with nothing but love. ''I let something insignificant get under my skin and it could have cost me everything. I let my jealousy hurt her. My words hurt her, my actions hurt her. She had no reason to forgive me, but she did and I can only count my blessings. She was the biggest person.. she always is. She trusted me though my trust in her had faltered. I am grateful for her, for the children she honored me with.'' Akira saw Vegeta's face change for a moment at the mention of Rei and Kenji. ''Vegeta, you are the only version of my father I have ever known. Your respect and trust mean a lot to me. I have failed miserably at earning either since I returned to this timeline for good. I cannot undo what I've done, I can only vow to do better.''

The King wasn't moving. He did not answer. He simply stared at his son. He saw Akira shuffle a little from the corner of his eye. The hybrid felt the slight fissure in his resolve to stay angry and did not hesitate. ''He's not off the hook, Vegeta. He knows you and I will both beat him to a pulp.. I just haven't decided yet if I'll let Broly get a turn too.'' Her face was so serious. Trunks swallowed hard but stood still and tall. He would die for her and a beating from the Legendary Super Saiyan was a trifling price to pay for what he had done, if it meant he'd get to be with her. She saw Vegeta's lips pull up, barely noticeable, at the corner of his mouth.

''Feisty.'' He let her hug him, circling her with his arms for a moment too. ''So you riled me with mention of food and I have seen nothing yet..'' Trunks smirked… Vegeta was joking, which wasn't often the case. He pulled a capsule from his pocket and threw it towards the full-blooded Saiyan.