Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Half Brother ❯ Chapter 3

Half Brother

By: Bulmafox

Chapter 3

Bra and her guests woke up late that morning and scurried downstairs for a big breakfast. She raced down to the table and saw Marron and Trunks sitting at one end holding hands. She huffed and made her company sit with her at the farthest end of the table, not caring to look at her brother. Trey stared at his younger brother for breaking poor Pan's heart. Trunks glared back, as if to say, "You're one to talk."

Vegeta and Bulma were the next to arrive; they came in from the gravity room. Bulma took out the huge breakfast and sat it at the table, staring coldly at Trey, the forbidden child.

After everyone sat down and got their food, the conversation flowed in small groups, with Trunks whispering sweet nothings into Marron's ear, Bra and her group making plans for the day, and Vegeta griping to Bulma about how it was too crowded. A while later, Seripa made her appearance at the breakfast table, and all noise stopped. Everyone except Trey and Marron glared at Seripa.

"What're you staring at?" Seripa asked the bunch. "You'd think you'd never seen a woman before." She helped herself to a heaping portion of food and wedged herself right in between Vegeta and Bulma. "So, Vegeta, what'cha doin' today?"

"Nothing. Why?"

Seripa gave Vegeta a playful smile. "Oh, just curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat, you know."

"Well I still have eight more lives left." Seripa started wolfing down her breakfast.

Everyone resumed their meal, though no one uttered a word for fear of setting someone off. After Seripa finished her food, she got up and left for her room.

"Whew, the homewrecker's gone," Trunks said aloud.

"There will be no degrading Seripa at the table," Vegeta scolded his son.

"Of course, Dad. Anything for the mistress," Trunks grumbled.

"I heard that. Meet me in the gravity room at eight o'clock for special training."

Trunks gulped.

"Special training?" Trey whispered to his sister.

"Yeah. It means Trunks is gonna have the stuffing beat out of him."

"Isn't that…a little…painful?"

"Don't worry. He'll be fine."

After everyone finished their meals, Bulma started loading the dishes in the dishwasher. Everyone else but Trey got up and went their separate ways, leaving him alone with his new step-mother.

Trey grabbed a few plates from the table. "Here, let me help you, Miss Bulma-"

Bulma whipped around and glared ice at the forbidden child. "Look, Vegeta may have let you and your mother live here, but that does not mean I have to like it. Stay out of my way if you know what's good for you." Bulma snatched the plates away and turned around. "And don't call me Bulma."

"Y-yes ma'am," Trey stuttered.

"Good. I'm glad we understand each other. Now get lost…or something."

"Y-yes ma'am." Trey scurried out of the kitchen without another word.

Trey sat down on the couch and learned how to use the remote. A few minutes later, Vegeta sat down beside him. "Hey Dad, what's up with Bul-I mean ma'am?" he corrected, fearful Bulma might hear him use her name.

Vegeta sat back. "I'm not sure she wants me to tell you. Let's just say she has no tolerance for party crashers."

"But I'm not trying to break you two up."

"In her eyes you are. You'd do well to stay out of her way. You do not want to make her angry."

Trey chuckled weakly. "Yeah, don't I know it," he said, remembering when Bulma shot his mother in the chest.

Vegeta sighed. "So...what do you like to do, son?"

"Huh?"

"Your hobbies. What are your hobbies?"

"Well, I like dealing with finances, and I am a bit knowledgeable about computers."

"What about fighting?"

"Well, Mom taught me some basic stuff, but I don't really like to fight. I try to work things out if I can."

"A pacifist, eh? Meet me in the gravity room at nine, after I finish disciplining Trunks. It's a big yellow dome in the backyard. You can't miss it."

"What are we gonna do?"

"I want to find out exactly what your mother taught you; how strong you are, how proficient you are at the martial arts. I may train you myself if I see fit."

Trey looked at him. "Really?" Though he'd never heard of this man before two nights ago, he had to be pretty strong, from the looks of it. "That's great!"

"Yes, you may become the greatest fighter I have ever known."

"You're kidding!"

"The half Saiyan known as Gohan Son-Goten's brother-is a pacifist at heart. But enrage him enough and you have a walking keg on your hands. Also, my own daughter shows no interest in fighting, but who knows what untold powers lay dormant, if only she would tap into them."

"Cool! Mom would be so proud."

"So…what do you want to do in the meantime?"

"Uh…I don't know."

"Look, I am trying to bond with my son here, so the least you can do is find something to occupy us both."

"Uh, how about movies?"

"You've heard of such a thing?"

"Well, most people call them 'motion pictures' or 'screen plays', but I learned they call them 'movies' on Earth."

"All right, as long as it isn't some weeping emoti-drama."

"Fine with me. Let's go."

Just as Trey and Vegeta reached the door, Seripa conveniently skipped into the living room. "Hey boys, what'cha doing?"

Trey said, "Going to the movies. Would you like to come with us?"

"Sure. If it's alright with your father, that is."

"Oh, it's alright. But there is a fine line between friend and lover, and I don't want you crossing it. So no groping." Vegeta warned her.

"Who, me? If this is about last night, I was just a little overexcited to see you alive, and I just didn't know what to do, that's all."

"…Let's hope so," Vegeta said as he walked out the door with Seripa and Trey.

*************************************************************** ****

Trunks flew at top speed to Gohan's house. He had been late to work, so he was forced to work overtime, which meant some serious bribing of his assistant to cover for him. Normally, Fawn would be happy to fill in for Trunks, or at least, did not demand money. But this afternoon, after Trunks arrived an hour late, she told him in no uncertain terms that she wasn't getting paid enough to baby-sit him and next time she would let him fry. Trunks gave her a fifty- percent raise and an immediate 10,000 zeni to cover for him. He figured that would at least buy him five good hours, enough time for him to achieve his goal. He shouted his thanks when he finally reached his destination; he just couldn't get there fast enough. He landed and rang the doorbell

"Oh, hi Trunks," Gohan greeted, "What brings you out at this hour? Shouldn't you be at work?"

"Shouldn't you?"

"School holiday. I'm off for the week."

"Is Pan home?"

"Yes…but I'd tread lightly if I were you. When she came in she looked like her best friend died."

"Uh, do you know why?" Trunks asked, knowing perfectly well why Pan was so distraught.

"No, she never told me. I think she's been hanging out at Bulma's too much. She likes to put on this tough face, but I know something's wrong. So, just be careful, okay?"

"Sure." Trunks ran upstairs to Pan's room. He knocked lightly on the door.

"Go away!" Pan yelled.

Trunks knocked more loudly this time.

"I said go away before I break your neck!"

Trunks knocked again.

"What part of 'go away' don't you understand?!" Pan flung the door open, ready to give the unlucky intruder a piece of her mind. "Oh, Trunks, it's you." Pan slammed the door in his face.

Trunks pried the door open and came in anyway. "Look Pan, I'm sorry you had to hear Marron and me-"

"Don't say it, Trunks! I don't want to hear it. Just leave before I tell Dad what you did."

"No no, please don't do that. I came over here to apologize."

"But?"

"But nothing. What Marron and I had was just a one night stand. She insisted that we have one more night together before we parted, you know, to get us out of each other's systems."

"That's the biggest load of garbage I've ever heard. Even Yamcha can do better than that."

"Pan, I mean it. Look, why don't I make it up to you? What's say we go for a movie?"

Pan pouted. "No."

"I'll throw in a free dinner. All you can eat."

"I still hate you."

"And you can beat me up, too. As much as you like. Deal?"

Pan smiled. "Deal. Let's watch something ultra violent. I feel like smashing something today." She cracked her knuckles.

Trunks smiled. "As long as it isn't me."

"No, that's after the date."

Trunks took Pan's arm and they both made their way to the theater.

*************************************************************** ****

Pan and Trunks made it to the movies in only a few short minutes. They encountered a long line, but Trunks used his connections to break in front. He ordered two tickets to the most violent feature of the day, and bought Pan a big tub of popcorn. When he reached the room the movie played in, he almost dropped Pan's popcorn at the sight in front of him.

Vegeta, Trey, and Seripa were watching the exact same movie, with Vegeta wedged in between the two intruders. Worse yet, they were all sharing popcorn. Trunks said with disgust, "I changed my mind," and left the theater, followed by a steaming mad Pan.

"Hey Trunks, did you get hit on the head? We're supposed to be watching a movie right now. I know you just didn't break your deal!"

"They were in there," Trunks said bluntly.

"Who?"

"My father and his secret family. I wish they would just disappear."

"You don't mean that, at least not about Trey. Trey's nice."

"Well then why don't you go out with him?"

"Fine. Maybe I will." Pan walked away.

Trunks panicked. "Wait, no no no! I didn't mean that! I take it back!"

"Why? What's wrong with Trey? Like I said, he's nice."

"But he's bad news."

"You're jealous, aren't you?"

Trunks laughed nervously. "Me, jealous? No way! Why would I be?"

"I know you hate Trey, so you're gonna do everything you can to keep me from him, aren't you?"

"N-no. I just don't wanna see you get hurt."

Pan glared at Trunks.

"Again."

Pan turned around and walked off again.

"Look, Pan, what can I do to make it up to you?"

Pan turned around and gave an evil grin. "Oh, I know."

*************************************************************** ****

"Did you see that terminator, Dad?" Trey raved as he and his parents walked home. "It was so cool. It turned into liquid metal! And that other one looked like you."

"I could turn that cyborg into a toaster," Vegeta boasted.

"And when he sacrificed himself for those two, that was so noble. I loved it."

"Yeah, but did you hear that screechy man's voice? He sounded like he was being torn apart by felines. What kind of person names himself after a flower?" Seripa griped.

Vegeta laughed at that joke.

"Spesking of which," Seripa added, "Who names their kids after underwear? I mean Trunks and Bra? They sound like they're in a nudity pageant."

"I told you my kids are off limits," Vegeta warned Seripa.

"Oops, sorry, out of line there."

"Good."

"So, what'cha wanna do tomorrow night, Dad?" Trey asked.

"Oh, I don't know. I'll have to think about it."

"C'mon, Vegeta, let's go bowling or something tomorrow night," Seripa begged.

"The Saiyan Prince does not bowl."

Trey stopped and gaped at his father. "You mean you're the great Prince Vegeta?"

Vegeta crossed his arms and smirked. "What, you're mother never tell you that? How many Vegetas could you possibly know?"

"Uh…I just thought Vegeta was a common name by now, you know, 'cause there's not a Vegetasei anymore."

"You should feel honored. Not everyone happens to be the son of such an illustrious prince."

Trey walked the rest of the way home behind his parents still in awe about his father being a bona-fide prince.

*************************************************************** ****

Vegeta and his two guests waltzed in the front door some time later and Vegeta yelled up the stairs for Trunks.

Trunks staggered down the stairs. "Can we do this tomorrow, Dad? I really don't feel like standing."

Vegeta looked over his son. He was covered with cuts and bruises and blood; it looked like someone did quite a number on him. "Who did this, boy?"

Trunks grimaced. "You will not believe this. Pan did."

Vegeta mouth hung open. To think a mere sixteen-year-old quarter-Saiyan girl could do so much damage to Trunks was awe-inspiring. "I see. I'm impressed. It's not every day a teenage girl can beat up the Saiyan Prince's son."

"Only 'cause I let her."

"Whatever. It looks like she punished you for me. You're dismissed." Vegeta waved his son off. Trunks staggered back to his room and Vegeta heard him plop on his bed.

Vegeta turned to Trey. "Well, it looks like we'll start an hour early. I'll be back." Vegeta went to Bulma's lab to grab a scouter.

When Vegeta made it back to the living room, Seripa asked, "Can I watch?"

"Oh I doubt you can handle the immense power Trey is going to unleash."

"I've handled you and your baboons before. I can handle my own son."

"Whatever you say. I warned you," Vegeta said as he walked to the gravity room, followed by Seripa and Trey.

Inside the gravity room, Vegeta put on his scouter and told Trey, "Power up as much as you can. Show me your maximum."

Trey got into a fighting stance. "Sure thing, Dad." After a couple minutes of screaming, Trey finally stopped. "So, how strong am I, Dad?" he asked, feeling big and bad.

"…Krillin's power level is higher than yours."

Trey blinked twice and asked, "Is that bad?"

"Yes, very bad. Krillin is a Human. Saiyans are naturally stronger than Humans. At least you're stronger than that worm Yamcha."

"Is he weak?"

"Yes, pathetically so, in body and spirit."

Trey felt his big balloon burst.

Vegeta told Seripa, "You should've trained this boy when you had the chance."

"I was busy. I had more important things to do than turn him into a killing machine."

"I am not a killing machine," Trey complained.

"Oh, like what?" Vegeta asked.

"Like trying to give our son a good life."

"Like I'm to blame for his emotional deprivation."

Trey said quietly, "Uh, I think I'm gonna…" He sneaked out to the safety of Bra's room.

"Yes you are. Had you been here for your son…"

"What? He might not be so stunted? He might not be so dependent on you? Don't try using paternal guilt to get close to me. I know I've missed out on forty years of my oldest son's life, and I fully intend to make up for it. I don't need you pouring salt on that wound." Vegeta stormed out of the gravity room in a huff.

"Well I never…" Seripa told herself, shocked that Vegeta would accuse her of such a thing.

*************************************************************** ************

Trunks groaned in the back seat of his father's car. To say the past week and a half had been bad was the understatement of the century. Not only did Fawn turn Trunks in for skipping out, despite her handsome pay increase, but two of Trunks' top investors walked out on him because of it. Shortly afterwards, Fawn was fired. She packed up her stuff and threw Trunks his money and told him where he could stick it. On top of that, his love life hadn't been going too well. His 'Operation Woo Pan' was failing miserably. He had called Pan the morning after the movie debacle only to find out that while she felt a lot better by beating Trunks senseless, she still wouldn't forgive him for bailing out on her. She'd had way too many guys bail out on her and she wasn't about to let Trunks do the same to her. To rub salt on the wound, Pan had told Trunks that she was going with Trey somewhere-it didn't matter where-and he was not invited. Which brought him to the new bane of his existence: the forbidden child sitting right beside him in the back seat. In the space of two short weeks, Trey had managed to charm his way into his sister's life, take over his father, and steal his would-be girlfriend. The only ones who weren't taken in by Trey's act were Marron, because she really didn't care; Goten, and his beloved mother, Bulma. Trunks groaned again and wondered what he had done that was so evil that Dende had to curse his life.

"Stop your moaning, Trunks," Vegeta ordered from the front seat, "You're the one griping and whining about Trey stealing me away from you, so you're the one who has to live with this outing."

"I said I wanted you and me to do something, not you, me, and It."

"Well too bad, Trunks. I am not going to abandon my oldest just to placate you."

"No, you're just going to abandon your second oldest."

"If I wanted to do that, I wouldn't have brought you along. Think of this as an opportunity to bond with your brother. I do not wish to see my sons warring with each other endlessly."

"Dad, you didn't have to bring him along! Don't you know I hate him? He's the scum of the Earth!"

"First you moan and gripe when I don't take you places, then you moan and gripe when I do. There's just no pleasing you."

"You know what? Maybe not, but vaporizing It would go a long way."

Vegeta had to take in a deep breath and chant to himself, "Do not let him bait you. Do not let him bait you. Do not let him bait you," before he finally calmed down. He knew exactly what Trunks wanted: some alone time with his father. But he could not just leave Trey in the dust, so he did the next best thing: he took them both to the amusement park. Vegeta hoped that this trip would make Trunks realize that he didn't want to spend time with just Trey, he wanted time with Trunks as well. At the same time he hoped Trunks would see Trey was not the enemy and patch things up with him.

After an hour of tense driving, the trio finally made it to the amusement park. For the next hour or so, Trunks quietly tolerated Trey's presence, if only because his father was there and it was as close to one-on-one time as they would get, and Trunks didn't feel like antagonizing his father just yet. However, as soon as Vegeta was out of sight, Trunks let his jealousy flare once again.

Trey and Trunks walked to the next ride alone. Vegeta had to make an emergency pit stop and told the boys to go on without him. Trey felt Trunks' eyes bore into him and asked, "Why do you hate me so much?"

Trunks made a flat face. "Why do you think?"

"I told you a thousand times I am not here to break up your family."

"Oh? Then why are you here, your Royal Saintliness?"

"I'm here to get to know my father, and to have a real family."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. A real family. That has 'breakup' written all over it."

"What is your problem, Trunks? Are you deaf or something? Because the words 'I don't want to break up your family' are not registering."

"Don't talk back to me! I know all about your kind. They storm into your life pretending to be all pious, then they pounce when you least expect it."

"How many times do I have to tell you I'm not that kind of person?! I am not here to ruin your family! A family doesn't have to be just 'mother, father, and child'! God, what is with you, Trunks? Do you honestly believe I'm such an evil person? Or is it you have so little faith in your father? Is that it?"

"Don't change the subject! We're talking about you, not Dad!"

"What about me?" Vegeta asked as he caught up to his feuding sons.

"Trunks thinks I'm the Devil personified," Trey said.

Vegeta glared at his youngest son.

"I knew so. You're in it too, aren't you, Dad?" Trunks accused Vegeta, "You're just waiting for that perfect moment to leave Mom and me again, aren't you? Only this time you're running off with your one true love."

"I am not the bad guy here Trunks. You are."

"Don't even try to play saint with me, Dad! I know what you were before! I know you wouldn't hesitate to leave Mom first chance you got."

"If you hate me so much then leave! I don't want you around anyway!"

"Fine, I will! I won't be home tonight. Good riddance, Father." Trunks flew off in a huff.

"That's…kinda harsh," Trey said.

"If Trunks wants to be sour, let him be sour. Maybe some time away is what he needs."

*************************************************************** ****

Bra sat in the living room gossiping away on the phone when she saw the door slam open and her brother stomp in. "Trunks, what's the matter? You look angry-"

"Save it, Bra. I won't be here long. I'm just packing my things and leaving."

"Leaving? But where? And why?"

"To Goten's, to get away from this house. I hate Dad and his secret family."

"But Trunks, Trey's not a bad guy."

"I don't care. I'm leaving." Trunks stomped upstairs to pack. When he was done he stomped back downstairs, just in time to see his mother walk in.

"Trunks, where are you going?" Bulma asked.

"I'm moving out."

Bulma made a flat face. "Oh, them," she said, referring to Seripa and Trey. "Just be careful sweetie."

"I will. Bye." Trunks stomped out of the door.