Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Timelines Collide ❯ Trouble ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT and all of their characters belong to Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation.

 

 

Chapter 5: Trouble

 

Bulma looked at the shopping cart she was carrying. It was full of different kinds of meat that would make an awesome barbecue. Trunks was now picking the ingredients for the cakes and other pastries, and she was amazed at the amount of jars of the same product he had just added to the group of food.

 

“I didn't know you liked milk jam that much.”

“Yeah, but no cake is good without strawberries. We still have to go for them.”

She smiled widely. “We're so alike,” she told him. She liked the fruit so much she had even considered using the dragon balls to wish for a never-ending supply of strawberries back when she was a teenager.

Trunks returned the smile. “Yes, I guess.”

Bulma arranged the items in the cart to make more space for the remaining ones. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“About what your mother said last night at dinner.” He watched her over his shoulder, not quite getting it. “I don't mean to be nosy, but... are you dating someone? I mean, you actually never answered my question.”

Trunks had been trying to avoid the subject with his mother, but this version of her was a different case. “Well... I am.” Bulma gasped excitedly and was about to say something but he stopped her. “The thing is... I don't want to tell mom about it.”

“Why not? I'd be so happy to know that.”

“I know. She's always asking me when I will introduce her to some girlfriend.”

“Then why?”

“Because subconsciously she also lets me know she doesn't want me to go. You know, grow up and leave.” He looked to the side so he didn't make eye contact with her. “Because... unlike you, I'm all she has, and then she would be alone.”

Bulma's happy expression disappeared. “Oh...” She looked down. “You're right. I've never thought of it.” Trunks stood silent.

 

Her future self will really be alone when Trunks leaves. No parents, no friends, no Vegeta by her side. She wouldn't be that kind of woman who visited her children every two or three days because she had nothing better to do. So how would it feel to be that lonely? She didn't want to know. She had always been surrounded by people and the mere idea of sheer loneliness terrified her to the bone. No one to talk to, no one to run into in the house. How could she survive?

Yes, she was a very, very strong woman, but sometimes life was just so unfair.

Bulma saw Trunks was in the same preoccupied mood as her, so she continued the conversation.

 

“Well, but... that's no reason for you not telling her. You're very considerate, son, I really appreciate that. But I'm sure she'll be just fine. Don't you worry about it.” She flashed him a smile to assure him.

He smiled back. “It's just that...” He didn't finish the sentence, not even knowing what to say.

“Trunks!” She called his attention again, so he didn't get lost in thought. “Tell me about this girl. What's her name? When did you meet her? I want to know everything about it,” she said in a cheerful tone.

Trunks sighed half smiling. “Fine.”

 

--

 

Bulma and little Trunks were done with their to-buy list. She was carrying two big bags in one hand, the other one holding the child. After so many changes of mind on which kinds of confetti, garlands, balloons and other useless trinkets to get, she had made sure she wouldn't let Trunks choose the rest of the stuff, or else they would never get out of there. Souvenirs, candles and all sorts of plastic elements for the main table, like plates and cutlery were picked in minutes. She'd thought three hours were too much to buy just a couple of things, but she had totally forgotten she lost all sense of time when shopping. They only had half an hour left, and she wasn't going to miss the opportunity to spend some quality time with the boy. She took him to an ice cream store and bought a chocolate cone for each of them. They sat next to a window through which they could see the cloudless sky.

 

“How is it?” she asked, as Trunks licked his ice cream.

His eyes shone with enthusiasm. “Great!”

Bulma smiled tenderly and looked at him for a long moment, he seemed to be so in peace, so happy. So unaware of anything except for the sugary treat in his hand. “So... tomorrow you'll be a year older. Aren't you excited?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “Are you coming to my party?”

“Of course I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it for anything.”

“Gohan and Goten are coming too.”

 

At the mention of Gohan's name Bulma felt her stomach flinch. They were not talking about the Gohan she knew, who had died years ago in her timeline. This one was pretty much alive. And she was going to see him again in a matter of hours. She felt something close to guilt when she thought Chi-Chi would not have the same luck. She was going to answer back, but something else called her attention. A name she hadn't heard before.

 

“Who's Goten?”

“You know, the baby.”

“...What baby?”

“Gohan's brother.”

“What?!” She almost screamed in confusion. “You mean... Chi-Chi had an other son? I didn't know this...”

Trunks laughed disbelievingly. “Yes, you did.”

She remained speechless, assimilating the news.

 

So Chi-Chi got pregnant before Goku passed away. Even though the circumstances were others, his death couldn't be avoided here either. But a big change between both timelines did happen, besides the fact that the majority of the human race had been saved. Her friend had been blessed with an other child. Child who had never seen the light of day in the future timeline, and never would, due to his nonexistance.

 

“Your ice cream!”

“What?” She asked, as she vanished her thoughts and brought her attention back to Trunks.

“It's melting.”

“Oh!” Bulma hadn't realized her fingers were getting dirty with the cold substance. She took a napkin and cleaned her hand, hearing the boy laughing heartedly at her, making her smile back. “You think this is funny?”

He grinned. “Yeah.”

She smirked. “Well...” She slided her index finger through Trunks' cone and quickly touched the tip of his nose. He opened his mouth in surprise and his eyes widened. “Now that's funny to me.” The child only laughed some more, and she wondered if the Trunks she had raised had actually been this happy at that age. Sure he'd laughed and had great times, but something told her he had never been this carefree since he grew up in such apocalypse. She watched as the kid rubbed away the ice cream with his fist. “You look so cute.”

“Grandma never did this to me.”

“What do you mean? Does she often buy you ice cream?”

“When we go to the park.”

“Oh? And what about mom? Does she take you to the park too?” He shook his head. “Really?” He nodded.

“Dad takes me sometimes.”

Bulma blinked. “What? Vegeta?”

“Yes,” he said happily.

 

She was shocked. Vegeta never seemed to be a role father, but at least she knew he wanted Trunks. But taking him to the park? Seriously? It sounded so strange to her. As if the little boy was either confused or talking about a very different person.

 

A while later they were in the queue to buy a ticket for the carousel, the last stop before they met Trunks and Bulma again. There was a toy vending machine a few meters from them which called little Trunks' attention. The man selling the tickets had ran out of change, so he asked Bulma if she could pay the exact amount. She let go of the child's hand for a moment and searched in her purse. The transaction was made very fast and she turned to grab him again.

 

“Ok, Trunks...”

 

She stopped in mid sentence. There were many kids running around the place... except for hers. He wasn't there anymore.

 

--

 

Bulma looked at her watch and sighed.

 

“I could be window shopping by now, but no! I had to come here for the food,” she complained.

“Well, somebody had to,” Trunks said.

She smiled. “Yeah, I know. At least we're almost done.”

 

A voice was heard through the loudspeakers throughout the building, calling everyone's attention.

 

“Your attention, please. There's a missing three-year-old boy...”

 

Bulma ignored the rest of the notice. “Oh, poor child. How can someone possibly lose sight of such a little boy.”

Trunks interrupted her by raising his hand in front of her, inciting her to listen.

 

“He has blue eyes and short lavender hair, and is about three feet and three inches tall. He's wearing blue jeans and a white shirt. If anyone sees him, please inform as soon as possible. I repeat...”

 

Bulma froze. “Oh, my God...” was all she could say. “Oh, my God...”

“Hold on, hold on. How many chances are there that this is Trunks they're talking about?” Trunks asked uneasily.

She looked at him worriedly and shook her head in negation. He wouldn't convince her otherwise or even calm her down. This missing child was her son and she knew it.

She was at a loss for words, but did her best to keep composure, and despite feeling suddenly dizzy she was ready to search for Trunks through the whole planet if necessary.

In an attempt to control the situation, Bulma started to think quickly about what to do next.

 

“Ok, you go to look for your mother and ask her what's going on. I'll look for Trunks, he should still be in here.”

Trunks sighed in relief, and smiled. “Mom...”

“Wait, can you find him by feeling his ki? That should be easier.”

“But, mom-”

“Can you?” She wasn't paying attention. Her own thoughts weren't even clear enough.

“There's no need!” he said in a raised tone, pointing his finger at something behind her.

She looked at him confused, but turned around to see little Trunks in a happy mood, holding a coloring book.

“Mommy, can you buy me this?”

Bulma breathed out the air she had been holding and allowed herself to laugh, kneeling before him and embracing him strongly. Here he was, completely oblivious to the situation. “Sure, hon.” He smiled. Where he had found that book she had no idea. But her worries were now long gone, despite the still present shake of her hands. “Trunks, where have you been? Do you know where the other Bulma is?”

“Oh, thank God!” she heard someone say. As if imitating the older Trunks just a moment ago, the boy pointed at something behind her.

The woman from the future was there, walking past the adult Trunks and leaning towards the other one. “Here you are. Are you alright? Nothing happened to you?”

He shook his head. “Look, mom is buying me this,” he said, showing her what he was still holding.

“Oh, how nice...” she said before seeing Bulma's grimace and falling into realization. She was in trouble.

The young Bulma turned to the older Trunks. “Trunks, can you tell the people of customer support that we have found him?”

Trunks knew something might be about to happen, but he looked at his other mother and she nodded to him, agreeing with Bulma. “Ok...”

“And take Trunks with you. You could say he's your brother or something.”

“Fine. Come on, Trunks,” he called. Little Trunks followed him and both women watched them until they disappeared from view. Now it was time for some explanations.

Bulma crossed her arms and looked seriously at her other self, waiting for her to speak. The other woman felt as if she was about to be punished for doing something horribly wrong, and there wasn't much she could say in her favour. At least Trunks was fine.

 

“We were-” she started, but was instantly interrupted.

“You lost my son!” Bulma suddenly accused her, angrier than expected.

“Uh, yeah, but...”

“You do know everything that could have happened to him, right?”

“I know.”

“Someone could have taken him, or hurt him, or what if he left the building and tried to cross the streets alone, or-”

“I get it, Bulma! I know how dangerous it can be.”

“Well, it doesn't seem like you do. He's a child, for God's sake! He knows nothing of the world, and can't be around somewhere on his own.”

“Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. He's also my son, remember? You should know I was as desperate to find him, you're not the only one who almost had a heart attack or fainted in fear. Damn, you didn't even have to go through what I did since you didn't know he was missing. So don't preach to me like that, dear, because I was the one who got the worst part, here!”

Bulma couldn't believe this. So the one to blame was now the victim? Right... “Oh, so now this is a who suffers the most contest? Don't make me laugh.”

“I'm just saying, I understand how you might feel and I still have this awful lump in my throat, so please shut up and let's get going.” She regretted her words immediately but it was already too late.

“Excuse me... you can't take care of your own son, as you say, and I have to shut up? Do you even hear what comes out of your mouth?”

“I can take care of him, but it happened too fast, he was right next to me, and a second later he was gone. Haven't you taught him not to leave your side?”

She blinked astounded. “Are you insinuating this was my fault?”

The older Bulma was the first to realize there were a bunch of people around them, ready to intervene in the discussion if it became some sort of physical fight. She blushed and calmed down a little. “No, but don't worry, it won't happen again...”

Bulma then noticed the scandal they had been creating, worthy of a yellow magazine's article. “Of course it won't. I won't let you in charge of him again.” The other woman was somewhat startled at the reaction but didn't respond to it, she didn't feel like arguing anymore. Bulma sighed. “I can't believe it... This has never happened to me before.”

The older lady smiled with pity. “Well, it has now...”

They saw both future and present Trunks in the distance, the little one waving at them.

She shook her head. “No... I'm not you. I would have paid much more attention,” she said as she started to walk towards them, the older Bulma following behind in silence. “You haven't even apologized...” she told the woman quietly, not bothering to turn around to face her.

 

The woman from the future watched the younger version of her in horror. After all this whole incident was caused by her big mistake of taking her eyes off the child. She made his mother worry as much as she did, or even more, if only for a minute. And then she defended herself in a way that seemed more of an attacking one, as if she wasn't responsible for what had occurred. What was she thinking?

 

She felt ashamed and terribly guilty. Bulma really deserved a sincere apology. “I'm sorry.” Bulma didn't respond, maybe she didn't hear. The older woman accelarated her pace so she could catch up the younger one and see her in the eyes. “I'm really sorry,” she said in a sad tone.

“Forget it,” Bulma said sharply.

 

The older Bulma didn't want to make her any more nervous, so she decided not to utter an other word until they were back home. Bulma had good reasons to be furious, but Trunks was perfectly fine and nothing serious had actually happened. In a matter of hours things might just go back to normal.

 

When they joined the boys, Bulma picked little Trunks up and carried him in her arms, only to show she was capable of taking care and protecting him, unlike other certain person. They paid for the goods and finally got in the car. The adult Trunks felt widely uncomfortable, and the little one had no idea why his mom didn't come up with a random conversation in her happy tone as she usually did with him. Not that he really cared. He was quite entertained by the black and white images of his new book.

 

--

 

Bulma didn't stand it anymore. She hated being angry at anyone for whatever reason. She enjoyed the intellectual fights like those she often had with Vegeta, when both people involved know the argument is no big deal and could never affect their relationship. But the earlier discussion hadn't been like one of those. Maybe she was just overreacting. Yes, so much could have happened. But thinking about it, risk and danger were present everywhere in everyone's daily life and, even giving your best to take care of something, sometimes it's just not enough. And Bulma wasn't one to be paranoid about it, she accepted reality as what it was, and the reality here was that Trunks was now safe and sound, taking a nap in his bed. She left his room and headed for the kitchen.

 

She decided to leave the incident behind and go on, specially after the awkward lunch a moment ago, when the tension in the air made it too evident that something was wrong. But Vegeta treasured the silence, the adult Trunks didn't dare to start a conversation fearing it might make things worse, little Trunks was way too focused on his meal, and her parents weren't even there. Future Bulma had already apologized, it was only up to her to accept it. Besides, how much longer could she be mad at herself? That was certainly not healthy.

 

Her future counterpart had clearly made herself at home. She was doing the dishes without being asked to, managing the china as if it were her own.

 

“Weren't you on vacation?” Bulma asked her, almost making her jump in surprise. The other woman looked at her in confusion. “You're my guest of honour, get out of there,” she ordered, but with a smile of camaraderie.

“Oh, but I don't mind.”

“I do.” The older Bulma rinsed her hands out as the younger one walked to the sink and took the sponge to continue the work. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Sure. Will you let me bring the cups and saucers to the table at least?”

Bulma laughed. “Go ahead. They're on the third shelf at-”

“I know,” she said as she went.

She sighed. “Of course you do.”

 

Vegeta entered the kitchen in the direction of the fridge, probably looking for something to drink before shutting himself in the gravity room.

“Vegeta.” He looked at her. “Coffee?”

“No.” She knew he wouldn't accept her offer, but it would have felt wrong not to ask him.

“Hey, why don't you invite Trunks to train with you?”

“Two people don't fit in there.” He grabbed an energy drink can and opened it as the other blue haired woman set the table.

She wanted them to spend some quality time before Trunks left again, it would be good for both father and son. “Well, you can always train somewhere else and breath some fresh air.” She turned around to find him downing the liquid in one go, and her counterpart at the table observing him with eyes that held both amusement and tenderness, resting her chin on her hand. Bulma flinched at what she saw, but took a deep breath in and decided not to make a comment about it, momentarily at least.

“Hmph, don't you ever drown drinking like that?” the lady at the table asked.

When the can was finally empty he looked curiously at her. Weren't they angry at each other just minutes ago? And now they were going to share a coffee? Who understood these women? One Bulma was crazy enough, now he had two of them to deal with. “Mind your own business,” he responded as he threw the can into the dustbin.

“Wait, who did you say that to?” the younger Bulma asked in confusion.

Vegeta turned to her. “Both... And I train alone.”

Predictable, she thought. But she was not going to insist on it, he wouldn't be able to train for the whole day tomorrow so she just left him alone. She shrugged her shoulders. “Fine,” she said as he walked away.

 

Now that things seemed to have calmed a little between them, and taking the opportunity that no one else was around, future Bulma tried to talk about the earlier incident.

 

“Listen... about today...”

“It's ok... what happened, happened, right? Don't worry about it.”

She raised an eyebrow. “So, you've... forgiven me?”

“Everybody makes mistakes every once in a while. Just forget it, will you? I was also a little harsh on you, so I guess we're even. Let's talk about something else instead, shall we?”

She was taken aback by her words. So that was it? No more quarreling over it? She had certainly expected Bulma to act like this, but not just yet. Anyway, she was happy that everything turned out alright.

“Ok, then... well, how many cakes are you going to bake?”

She turned off the faucet and walked to the coffee machine. “Um... about five, maybe more. There will be many saiyajin stomachs to feed.”

“Well, I'll help you as much as I can. But we should start as soon as possible, there's plenty of other stuff to do.”

“What are you talking about? I won't make them myself.”

“What? Are you letting mom do all the work?”

“Of course not. The robots can do it.”

She looked at her astonished. “So you're not making a single cake for your only son?”

“You make it sound so bad. I really don't see the difference.”

She sighed. “You know... Trunks and I lost most of our possessions during the androids' attack, including all the robots and even things like that pretty coffee machine you have there.” Bulma looked at the machine and then back at the woman talking. She didn't know where this was leading to but she listened carefully. “I had no choice but to learn to cook. Now I bake pies and cakes for every special occasion and brew coffee manually. If I didn't do it, then who would? We were on our own.”

 

Bulma thought about it for a moment and frowned. She knew her cooking skills were generally poor in comparison to her mother's, who was always there to help her make every meal. And if the menu of the day required extra time or some culinary knowledge she didn't have, the problem was easily solved by making the robots work for her. She had never needed to learn and had never cared.

 

She was going to make a comment about it, but future Bulma beat her to it. “Trunks knows and appreciates how hard I work, the love and effort I put into everything I do for him. I'm far from being a chef, but I'd dare say I'm pretty good in the kitchen. He helps me too since he was about the age little Trunks is now.”

Bulma's eyes opened big at the last bit of words. “Really? That young?” The hot beverage was ready and she brought the coffeepot to the table, filling the cups to the top.

“Thanks...” she said and took her cup. “Well, back then I gave him little jobs, like stirring, or kneading. Things he was capable of doing with all that strength he already had but represented no danger to him.”

Bulma sat across from her. “Oh, I see.”

“Whatsmore... sharing an activity with Trunks pulled us closer. Sometimes I wouldn't be able to play with him, so I used to make up for it by asking him for help. I took those opportunities to talk to him and grow our relationship stronger. But I'm sure you already know about this.”

 

Did she? She did play with Trunks to keep him entertained, and she had as much fun as he did while at it. But how much did she actually talk to him? How much did she really know him?

 

Future Bulma smiled. “You might be wondering why I'm telling you all this. The thing is...” she paused to sip from her coffee. “...it's so gratificating to do something by yourself for others, and then being thanked for it. Your child recognizes the good intentions and respects you more. But it's not just about cooking, the same goes for other aspects of life.”

“Yeah, I get the point. It's not like I don't know that, it's, well... I just don't keep it in mind that often and I don't take the time to do anything but lab work. Besides some self-pampering that is.”

She giggled. “Sure, that's important too.”

“Alright, then,” Bulma said energetically. “I'll make the cakes and prepare the rest of the food after I'm done with my coffee, and I'm counting on you to help me.”

“Ok, that's great, but...”

“What?” she asked confused.

“We will need some help from the robots, too. As you said, there will be many saiyajin stomachs to feed.”

 

Both women burst out laughing. They were finally getting along, and Bulma felt that if they weren't two versions of the same person living in separate worlds, they would have been good friends.

It was pretty clear they differed. But that was either due to the age difference, or life experience. Or probably both. The oldest of them knew so much more than the other one, and even made her reconsider some things. She didn't forget this woman had lost sight of Trunks. But nobody's perfect. She watched her in amazement and wondered if she would ever be so mature.