Loren opened her eyes and sat up. She gazed around as she tried to remember where she was. Had the whole childbirth thing been just a dream? She sat up and gazed around. Trunks took her hand and pulled her up. He embraced her and flushed as he pushed her hands away. "I'm glad you're awake. How are you doing honey?" he asked as she ran her back down his chest. "I'm fine. Why?" Loren asked as he kissed her neck. "Do you remember?" "Remember what?" "We have a son." "Ridel?" "No. We have a real son. Don't you remember?" "Sort of. I thought it was a dream. So much of my memories are messed up that I can't tell what's real any more." "I understand. What are we going to call him?" "Who?" "Our son." "I don't know." "Bra suggested Jockey." "I don't know anything about human names. I only know Namek names." "Well what would you suggest?" "Rion. He was the one that took care of me on Namek." "All right. Gohan and Videl didn't stay with tradition when they named their daughter." "Where is he?" "Bra's got him upstairs. She stayed behind to help out. Come on, I'll take you to her. Bra needs to make dinner anyway." "I can do that." "I know but she wants to. Now, does he need to eat?" "I don't think so. Why?" "We weren't sure whtat to do about him. We didn't want to feed him if he didn't eat." "Why? Will Piccolo be able to spend time with him?" "If he wants." "I feel sorry for him." "Why?" "He doesn't have anyone. He lives by himself. I know how that feels." "It's difficult for him. He loves you but you don't see him as anything but a friend. Also, you've been committed to someone else." "What?" "Would you stop honey?" "What?" "First off, you're committed to me. Second, stop running your body over mine." "You don't like it?" "I do but I'm hungry." "All right," she said and stepped away from him. He watched sa her clothes changed into what looked like blue playsuit and shook his head. He was glad that he was so far from civilization. He trusted her even less now that he knew she could have children. She still could not understand intimacy and there were plenty of men other than himself that would jump at the chance to take advantage of her. He watched her stretch and Bra walked out of her room. "He's asleep. I 'm glad you're awake. I have a name suggestion," she said. "Loren wants to name him after the Namek that rescued her. I think she's got a point. Without him, she wouldn't be here now and we wouldn't have a child," Trunks said. "So what's his name?" "Rion," Loren said. "That's an interesting name." "It's not human, that's for sure." "You don't like it?" Loren asked. "I didn't say that." "What did you mean then?" "I didn't mean anything." "Looks like she's going to keep you occupied until I get dinner ready," Bra said as she walked past them. "Well?" Loren asked and Trunks looked at her. "Well what?" he inquired. "Why did you say it if you didn't mean anything?" "Loren please." "Well I want to know why." "Be quiet Loren." She stepped back at his sharpness and Trunks sighed. He took her hand and drew her close to him. He brought his other hand to Loren's chest and gently squeezed her skin. She ran her fingers through his hair and he smiled. "I'm never going to get truly angry with you, all right?" he said and she glanced at him. "What?" she asked and he grinned. "I may get forceful but I'll never get really angry with you. Now, don't you think you should be with him?" "Who?" "Our son." "Huh?" "Loren..." "What?" "Would you stop being yourself?" "How can I do that? That makes no sense." "Dear..." "Explain it to me." "Loren..." "Please?" He heaved an exasperated sigh and Loren pulled away from him. She phased through the wall and Trunks stared at the robe that lay on the floor and wondered if she had dissolved her clothing like she was in a habit of doing. He heard movememnt in his room and opened the bedroom door. Loren stood by the window with Rion in her arms and both were completely in the nude. She gazed silently into the child's blue eyes as Trunks walked up to her. He watched her for a moment then embraced her. "Did you look like this when you were little?" Loren asked as Trunks ran his hands down her hips. "Somewhat. Your genetic structure dominates his body." "What?" "I'll explain later. I think Bra's finished cooking." ***************** Loren watched him walk out of the room then ran her hand over Rion's stomach. She was fascinated with his small body. She wondered if she had ever been that small as she laid him on the bed. She slowly felt his entire body as she tried to remember her childhood. She massaged his legs as she gazed at him. He remided her so much of Trunks that she wanted to treat him the same way. She wished that she was bigger so that his muscles were more defined and she had more to explore. "Man that was good! What are you doing?!" Trunks demanded as he walked back into the room. Loren shrank back as Trunks reached for her hand. Tears filled her eyes as she continued to move away from him. "I...I only wanted to touch him like I touch you," she sobbed and Trunks sighed. "Honey, you can't be doing that." "Why? He reminds me of you. I just want to treat him like I do you. I really like you and I really like him." "No dear." "Why?" "Because it isn't right." "Why?" "Because. Now come here honey." "You're mad at me." "I was shocked, that's all." "No, you were mad at me." "I wasn't." "Yes you were." "No." "You still are." "No I'm not." He tightly embraced her and kissed her neck. "You're hurting me." "I'm sorry. Here, I'm going to let go of you. You need your rest baby. Also, we need to watch Rion." "Who?" "Loren..." "What?" "We've had this discussion before." "We have?" "Yes. Do you like that?" "Uh-huh. What?" "Lie down." "On the floor?" "Yes. I think you can figure out what I want to do." ************************ "How long will he be small?" Trunks asked and Loren shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Can I touch him like this when he gets bigger?" Loren asked. "No." "Why?" "You don't do it with Ridel, do you?" "Ridel's different. He's my pet. Rion isn't a pet. He's...he's..." Trunks stopped his movements when he noticed the look of concentration on Loren's face. she was thinking of a word again. He smiled slightly as he stood up and picked Rion up from the bed. He gently kissed Rion's mouth as he sat with the child on the bed. Loren frowned as she yawned. Trunks watched her and smiled. She had such intense concentration when she had a question. "Dear, come on up to bed. You're thinking too hard." "I never finished my sentence." "It's all right. Now come on and lie down. You need your sleep." Loren sighed as she stood up. There was a scratching at the door and Loren looked at Trunks. "Let the dog in, honey." "Oops. I forgot about Ridel. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shut you out. You don't have to get upset with me. Come on, Trunk wants us to go to bed," Loren said as she picked up Ridel. Trunks watched her bend over and licked his lips. She stood up, holding Ridel tightly to her chest. He wriggled in her arms and she flushed as she walked towards the bed. "Is he rubbing you too much?" Trunks asked as she sat on the bed. "What?" "Nothing." "What?" "I was just wondering if you're wanting to play some more." "Can we?" "A little bit. Put Ridel down." "The bed's getting full." "Now do you see why we have such a big bed? Lie down honey. You need your sleep. Loren yawned as she lay down. Trunks placed Rion beside her and kissed her legs. "I thought we have such a big bed because we move around so much. Stop licking me. It tickles." "I love how you move." "Stop Trunks." "Look at me then." She looked at him and he leaned forward to kiss her. He forced her body deep into the matress as he probed her mouth with his tongue. She stroked his hair as tears sprang from her eyes. His light blue eyes were deep with compassion as he continued to kiss her. He finally drew away from her and gazed at her peaceful face. He smiled as he lay beside the two, pulled up the blanket, and closed his eyes. ************************* Loren awoke in better spirits than before. She glanced at Rion, who had grown during the night and then looked for Trunks. She heard Ridel yawn and pated his head. He licked her hand and she smiled. "How are you?" she asked as he stretched. He barked a reply and Rion stirred. She glanced at him, sensing an increase in mobility and frowned. "You're awake," Trunks commented as he walked into the room. "He's gotten bigger." "Where do you go when I'm still asleep?" Loren asked as she stood up. Ridel jumped to the floor and ran out the door as Trunks closed it. "Downstairs." "What do you do downstairs?" "Actually, I go outside and run. I have to keep my body in shape." "I guess that's true. I like how you look." "Thanks, honey. You look really good too." She smiled at his compliment as she stretched. Trunks watched her with interest as he walked over to the bed and glanced at Rion. His eyes were open and he gazed up at Trunks with interest. Trunks gently picked him up, remembering when he had held himself in the past. Rion latched onto his hair and pulled it. Trunks winced as he pried his hair from the child's grasp and smiled. "He sure is strong," he commented. "You should have your hair pulled back so he can't grab it," Loren said. "You'll need to do that too. Your hair is longer than mine. Here, let me do it. I'd like to see you in a ponytail." He handed Rion to her and picked up one of his ribbons. He pulled her hair back and securely tied the ribbon around her bunched up hair. He kissed her ear as he ran his hands over her bare shoulders. Rion pulled on her chest and Loren winced. "He thinks like you," she said as Trunks forced the child's hand open. "That wasn't fair," Trunks said smiling. "I don't pull that hard." "Are you saying he's stronger than you?" "He has to be. He also has your strength." "I'm not as strong as you." "True. You're stronger." "You're just saying that." "No honey. It's true. You may not remember it but you're a lot stronger than me. I think he likes the softness of your chest." "It hurts." "Get dressed then. I'll hold him." He took Rion from her arms and carried him to the window. The child gazed at the forest in wonder. There was a knock at the door and Loren opened it. "I'm supposed to give a report to Mom. How is everyone?" Bra asked as she walked into the bedroom. "Fine. You can go back home if you want," Trunks said. "And leave you with your hands full? I don't think so. Where'd Loren go?" "Yeah, I guess I do need your help. I hate when she thinks spontaneously. I think I know where she's gone, too." ************************ "Loren, what's gotten into you?" Piccolo asked as she ran her fingers over his lower arm. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. We got really close one time, didn't we? It was near a waterfall and I had taken my clothes off because they needed to dry. You stared at me for a bit then took my hand. Then you began to touch me in a way that I'd never felt before and haven't felt since then. I really liked it. If you remember, would you do it again?" Loren asked and the Namek stared at her. "Does he know you're here?" "No." "You know he's going to come after you." "Can we? We haven't played together in awhile and I've missed it." "There's no time. He'll be coming shortly." "Please?" The Namek stared at her, remembering when his emotions had dictated his actions. He had never gotten over the juvenile desire to have her but had learned to accept it. He dealt with her frequent visits with a bit of bitterness because he knew that she came only when something had happened on Earth. But here she was now, wanting to be explored like she had been as a young teen and was he going to turn her away? He knew he couldn't and tightly embraced her. "All right. It's nice to know I haven't been forgotten." "What does that mean?" "Nothing." "You meant something by it." "No I didn't." "Yes you did. I know how you get. That feels good. Thank you." "You're welcome. I'm assuming that you've had the child?" "Uh-huh. His name is Rion." "He would be honored by that." "I only thought it fitting." "I'm glad you haven't forgotten him." "He saved me. I couldn't forget him. I'm very grateful to him." "You should be." There was a knock at the door and the Namek glanced at her. Her concentration was so intense that he knew he couldn't get her to stop. She was back on Namek in her mind and she saw him as a boy entering his teenage years. There was something different in her actions this time and he found it difficult to concentrate. "Loren..." he said as she took off his robe. "I can't hear the water," she said as she moved closer to him. She gazed directly at him but her eyes were seeing a distant time. "Loren, you can't run off like that," Trunks said as he stepped into the room. "Don't question what she's doing. Her mind is in the past. I can't get through to her. She sees me as I once was," Piccolo said as Trunks opened his mouth to say something. "You don't look like you're complaining." "Contesting Loren would accomplish nothing." "True. So what did you do to her when you were younger?" "We were just swimming in a lake with a waterfall. Loren..." "I've never seen you pushed back before." "It's easier to let her do it than have her get forceful. She still has a high power level, she's just unsure as to how she can use it. I don't want to...provoke her." "She is accting differently with you. It's weird. I need to take her back, though. I left Bra with Rion." "If you can get through to her, you can go." "Loren, honey, we ned to get back to Rion." "Who?" Loren asked as Piccolo tried to ignore her. "Rion." "Rion left with Namek." "The other Rion," Piccolo said and Loren stopped. "Other?" she asked as she sat in Piccolo's lap. "Yes." "What other?" "We have a son, honey," Trunks said. She glanced at him and smiled. He returned the smile and held out his hand. "How did you get here?" she asked as Piccolo tried to push her off of his lap. "I flew. I think Piccolo wants to stand up." "Well he can say it." "He's been trying to tell you." "Loren please..." Piccolo said as she brought a hand to his ear. She traced the outline of his ear and he flushed. "Leave him alone," Trunks said. "I'm sorry. Are you upset with me?" "No. I'm not upset." "Okay." She took Trunks hand and stood up. The Namek watched her stand up with interest and smiled. Even though he wished that things had gone on longer than they had gone, he was not complaining. "Come on, Loren. Rion needs you." "Huh?" "Loren, please." "What's wrong?" "You have a responsibility now. You have a son. You can't be running off like that." "I'm sorry. I felt guilty for Piccolo. He's done so much for me." "Yes, I understand but would you tell me when you're leaving? Don't just disappear like you did." "I'm sorry." "You weren't thinking. It's all right. Just tell me next time." "Okay." "Come on." "Bye Piccolo." The Namek smiled as she and Trunks walked out of the room. Her affection for him had grown and he could deal with that. ****************************** "Hey Trunks. What's with the ponytails?" Gohan asked as he let the trio walk into his house. "Rion likes hair," Trunks explained. "Oh. I see. So who's going to train the little guy when he gets bigger? Vegeta?" "Loren wants Piccolo to work with him but Dad will work with him too. It's only fair. Although, I don't know how Dad's going to train him. He can already go super." "Are you serious?!" "Yeah. He did it in his sleep last night. It really scared me." "Man, I can imagine how hard it's going to be keeping track of him once he learns how to walk. Go ahead and sit down, Loren." "Where's Videl?" "She and Pan are visiting Mom. At least things went better with your mom than they did with mine." "Yeah well Mother's always been motherly with her. Dad on the other hand..." "I know. Those two really go well together." "I think Father's still mildly jealous." "Of her beating him?" "Well there's that but I also think he's jealous of me." "I see. Hey, would you like a drink?" "Sure. You can take the blanket off of him, Loren." "So how is fatherhood?" Gohan asked as Trunks followed him into the kitchen. "Okay, I guess. It takes awhile to get used to," Trunks replied as he sat down at the table. "I'm still getting used to it." "He sure likes grabing things." "I hope he doesn't get Vegeta's temper." "Yeah, I know." "Of course, I hope he isn't exactly like Loren either." "Yeah. Let's talk about something else. Her hearing is as good as a Namek's." "I see. So has he helped settle her down?" "To human standards? No." "That's expecting too much, isn't it?" "Yes." "Where's the dog?" "With Mother and Father." "That means that Vegeta is monopolizing him." "That's all right. What is it, Loren?" "He wants to see you," Loren said as she held Rion out to Trunks. Rion grabbed onto her shirt and pulled it. Loren began coughing as Trunks came to her aide. "Come on, let go. You're choking her," Trunks said as he tried to pry Loren's shirt out of Rion's grasp. "He's got an iron grip," Gohan said. "Come on, Rion. Let go." "Need help?" "Yes, please." Gohan pried Loren's shirt from Rion's grasp. He took the child into his arms as Trunks embraced Loren. She gasped for air as Trunks took her hand. "Are you all right dear?" Trunks asked as she got her breathing back to a regular rate. "I think so," she replied. "Are you sure?" "I'm sure." "Why didn't you wear your own clothes? He can't pull on those." "You told me that I couldn't look like someone going to a club, whatever that is." "You're right. I did. I'll be glad when he can control his muscles better." "Does he eat?" Gohan asked. "He hasn't so far and he's still alive," Trunks said. "Well that pretty well answers my question. Here he is." "Thanks. I guess he doesn't understand that women are different. I mean, he doesn't even TRY to pull on my clothes." "Loren has more things to pull," Gohan said and Loren stared at him in confusion. "And I get made fun of for my remarks," Trunks said and Gohan blushed. "I didn't mean it like THAT," he protested as Rion yawned. "What did he say?" Loren asked. "Nothing. So, how have you been doing?" "Me?" "Yes you." "Okay. Why?" "Well, he wasn't born that long ago. I was just wondering if you were doing okay." "I'm fine. Why? Shouldn't I be fine?" "It's okay, Loren. Stop that, Rion," Trunks said as Rion reached for his hair. "His hair is just like yours," Gohan said. "Yeah I know. Bra's been teasing me about it." "I think it looks cute." "Loren likes it, don't you?" "What?" Loren asked. "His hair," Trunks explained. "Oh. It's just like yours." "I know. That's why you like it. What? You want to hold him?" "Hey, I just thought of something. Why don't I bring some of Pan's toys out into the living room?" Gohan asked. "For Loren or Rion?" Trunks asked and Gohan smiled. "For the baby, of course." ************************ "You have you work cut out for you, Daddy," Bra said as she walked into the kitchen. "What are you talking about?" Vegeta asked. "Trunks told me that Rion can go super." "WHAT?! The elite status of the Super Saiyen has been lowered to BABIES?! I had to work to acquire what was rightfully mine and now the honor is being handed out like it's some cheap gift. It's insulting!" "Calm down will you? Otherwise, you're going to the training room," Bulma said as Vegeta gritted his teeth. "Even that boy had it before I did. It's all Kakarot's fault!" "Goku needed it before you." "I was supposed to take care of Frieza not that lowly monkey!! I was the one that was promised Super Saiyen status not Kakarot!!" "That's it! You know where to go, mister!" "You're just asking to get blasted." "You do all your blasting in the training room. Now go." "How do you do it Mom?" Bra asked as Vegeta stormed out of the house. "I'm just as stubborn as he is and he knows it," Bulma said. ********************* "So have you told Vegeta about Rion's transformation?" Gohan asked as he and Trunks watched Loren and Rion on the floor. They were playing with the toys that Gohan had laid on the floor and it was highly amusing to watch. "No. You know how Dad gets with that," Trunks said. "Yeah. I wouldn't want to be around when he DOES find out." "Even after he finds out I'm still going to get blamed for it. He can't live with like he can with your ability to transform. You're not his son. No matter what I do, he expects ten times more from me because I'm his son." "Is he trying to crawl?" "Yeah. He develops really fast. He can sit already." "I can see that. I was going to ask you about that." "Well, we've also got to keep in mind that Loren isn't human." "I tend to forget about that." "There he goes again. I KNEW he was going to be stronger than me." "He hardly has enough hair for that." "It's frightenine when a BABY can transform like that." "Yeah." "Well I'd better get down there. I don't want him breaking Pan's toys." "Yeah, she wouldn't like that." "Hey there. Are you having fun?" Trunks asked as Rion attempted to come closer to him. He leaned forward and tried to support his body with his arms. "Hmm. I know where he gets his stubborness from," Gohan said as the front door opened. "Hey Gohan! We came to see you since you couldn't see us. Gosh! Where's that energy coming from?" Goku asked as he and Goten walked into the room. "Him," Gohan said, pointing to Rion. ******************* "No way! That's am amazing. Man, they just keep getting younger, don't they?" Goku asked. "What's he doing, Trunks?" Goten asked. "He's trying to crawl," Trunks said as Rion pulled himself forward. "How old is he?" Gohan asked. "Almost two months." "Are you serious?!" "Yes." "Man, he's shooting up like a weed." "No he isn't," Loren said and Trunks smiled as Rion moved closer to him. "It's all right dear. You're working really hard, aren't you little guy?" Trunks asked as he put his hand out. Rion grinned as he pushed himself forward. "Looks like he's getting tired. His hair is going back to normal," Goku said as Rion latched onto Trunks' finger. He pulled Rion close to him and set him on his lap. Rion yawned and loosened his grip on Trunks finger. "He's fallen asleep. I'd better put the toys back before Pan and Videl come home," Gohan said. "Help him, Loren," Trunks said and Loren looked at him. "Okay," she said and began picking up toys. "She seems to have matured," Goku commented. "I wish I could find a girl like that," Goten said. "You've already got some girls interested in you. Thanks Loren," Gohan said as Loren picked up the last toy. "Man, I wish he hadn't fallen asleep. I'm hungry," Trunks said. "Since he's part Saiyen, does he eat?" Goku asked. "No." "That's unheard of. A Saiyen with no appetite?" "He does drink. He doesn't eat because he's half of whatever Loren is." "Where's that old hat of yours? Put that on him and he looks just like you." "What hat are you talking about Dad?" Goten asked and Trunks flushed. "I didn't do anything," Loren said as she walked back into the room. "You remember his hat, don't you Gohan?" Goku asked. "It was blue, wasn't it?" Gohan asked. "Yes," Trunks replied. "can you take him, honey?" "That'll wake him up," Loren said. "But I'm hungry." "But he's asleep." "Loren, I'm REALLY hungry. I haven't eaten since we left Mom's." "I don't want to wake him." ********************** "Guys, can you help me out?" Trunks asked. "What do you expect us to do?" Goku asked. "This is one of the things that you have to get used to," Gohan said and Trunks sighed. "But he sleeps so long." "If you're that hungry, I suppose I can feed you," Loren said. "No, honey." "It's the only way you're going to eat," Gohan said. "I want to see her spoonfeed you," Goten said and Trunks glared at him. "Sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do," Goku said. "What do you feel like?" Loren asked. "Huh?" "Okay don't go simple on us, man. What do you want to eat?" Gohan asked. "I don't know. Whatever," Trunks said. "Here," Loren said and held out a bowl of food in front of his face. "That smells good," Goku said. "Is it hot?" Trunks asked. "Do you want it hot?" Loren inquired. "No. Rion might get hurt if you spilled any. It's fine the way it is. Can't you guys do something else instead of watching me?" "Probably but this is more interesting," Goten said. "What is that stuff?" Gohan asked as Loren placed the spoon into Trunks' mouth. "It's something I learned how to make with Shin a long time ago," she replied. "That's a really old recipie then," Goku said as Loren gave Trunks another spoonful. "What do you mean?" "Dad..." Gohan said as Loren continued to feed Trunks. "You sure look funny," Goten said and Trunks glared at him. "What do you mean by close to his age?" Loren asked as Rion yawned. "you are," Goku said. "Are what?" "Close to his age." "Whose age?" "The Supreme Kai." "Shin?" "That's enough Loren. Will you just take him? I need to stand," Trunks said and Loren shook her head. "I don't want to wake him up," she said. "He has to wake up sooner or later." "Why can't it be later?" "Why can't it be now?" "Look what you did. You made him upset." "What I did?! You wouldn't take him." "Why do we get blamed for it when a kid cries, Dad?" Gohan asked and Goku shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, Gohan," he replied. "I KNEW women were trouble," Goten said. "And you're old enough to HAVE girl troubles," Gohan said. "At least you won't have to get blackmailed like Gohan," Trunks said as he stood up. "That wasn't my fault," Gohan protested as Rion pulled on Loren's shirt. "We've got to get something that you can pull on." "I don't think Pan has anything that she's willing to give up," Gohan said as Trunks pulled Rion's hand away from Loren's shirt. "You need to put mittens on him," Goku said. "Huh?" Loren asked and Trunks smiled. "It's all right, dear. We need to get back and get Ridel. It's getting late. Come here, little guy," he said and took him from Loren's arms. "How did you two get here?" Goku asked. "We flew. He really likes flying," Trunks said. "Well I'll see you two later. Are you and Goten staying, Dad?" Gohan asked. "Yeah, we'll stay here. See you two later," Goku said as Trunks and Loren walked out of the house. ****************** "So where's that hair I've been told about?" Vegeta asked as Trunks set Rion on the floor. Ridel walked up to Rion and gazed inquisitively at him. "He does it when he wants to," Trunks said as Ridel yelped in pain. He growled at Rion and Rion drew back in shock and began crying. "You were hurting him," Trunks said as he picked Rion up. "Are you okay, Ridel?" Loren asked as she picked the dog up. He whimpered as she ran her fingers through his fur. "Calm down, Rion. It's all right. See, Dad? He's doing it again." "That boy hardly has enough hair to do that," Vegeta said. "So, do you think that you'll be able to train him?" "If he works harder then you, yes." "Thanks Dad." "Don't get sarcastic with me boy." "I'm sorry Father. I just get a little tired of you belittling me." "It's the way your father is, dear," Bulma said and Trunks sighed. "I know, Mother. It's just...well gee, he does it all the time." "Deal with it honey." "You want Dad? All right." Loren set Ridel on the floor and Ridel glared at Rion for a moment then scampered off. "I hope he doesn't begrudge Rion for this," Trunks said as he handed Rion to Vegeta. "He sure likes you for some reason," Loren said and Vegeta glared at her. "Shut up woman!" Vegeta snapped. "I don't think she meant it the way you took it," Bulma said. "I just hope this boy doesn't take after his mother." "Would you be nice?" "What I'm saying is true." "Don't be so loud. He's sleeping. You know what would look cute on him? That blue hat of yours." "Aw Mom..." Trunks protested as Bulma walked out of the room. Ridel walked back into the room, cast a haughty glance at Rion, and sat at Loren's feet. She picked him up and held him close. "Are you still mad at him? He didn't mean it. You made messes and caused trouble when you were little too. He doesn't know how strong he is," Loren said as she petted the dog's head. "Look at Daddy, Maron," Bra said as the two walked out of her room. "He's so cute," Maron said and Bra looked at her. "Who? Daddy or Rion?" "Aren't you supposed to be going somewhere?" Vegeta asked. "Come on, Maron. Daddy's getting upset," Bra said and she and Maron walked giggling out of the room. "Women." "What's your problem now? Remember this honey?" Bulma asked as she held up the hat. "You wore that?" Loren asked Trunks. "Yes he did." "Really? I find it hard to picture." "Here, let me put it on Rion. There. That's how Trunks looked." Rion yawned and stretched for a moment then closed his eyes again. He moved closer to Vegeta's chest and Vegeta scowled. "Would you take him, woman? I've got things to do," Vegeta said and Bulma sighed. "Oh all right. Come on, dear. You can come with me into the kitchen," Bulma said as she took Rion into her arms. *************** "What now?" Piccolo asked as Loren embraced him. She gazed up at him and smiled. "I thought you'd like to see your new student," she said as she ran her fingers over his ear. "What?" "She wants you to train Rion," Trunks said as he set Rion on the ground. "I thought Vegeta would demand training rights." "You both will." "Strong isn't he? It hasn't been all that long since he was born. He should be able to walk soon." "He's been trying. He can be quite stubborn." "Sounds like Vegeta." "Yeah, I can see some of Father's traits in him. Don't pull the grass up Rion," Trunks said as Dende pulled Rion's hand away from the grass. "He's very inquisitive," Dende said and Trunks nodded his head. "He gets that from Loren." "What?" Loren asked. "He also has her healing capabilities," Dende said. "Would you not phase out like that?" Piccolo asked as Loren appeared next to him. She took his hand as she watched Rion pull on Dende's antennae. "There he goes again. Sorry Dende. Let go, Rion," Trunks said as Dende winced in pain. He picked the child up fron the ground. He embraced Rion as Piccolo tried to push Loren away. "It's okay, Trunks. I'm good at healing," Dende said and smiled. "He sure likes you." "Let Piccolo see him," Loren said. "Let go of me then," Piccolo said as Loren drew away from him. "I'm sorry." "It's all right." "Hang on, little guy. I'll take you to him. He must feel your closeness to him, Loren," Trunks said. "I don't know if that's a good thing," Piccolo said as Rion reached for him. The Namek took the child into his arms. Rion gazed into his big, black eyes and smiled. The Namek forced a smile on his face as Rion grabbed onto his shirt. "That looks so cute," Loren said and the Namek glared at her. "I can't be holding him a lot if I'm expected to train him," Piccolo said. "When do you want him to begin?" Trunks asked. "When he can walk or does Vegeta want to be first?" "Father hasn't even set a training time up." "All right. Bring him back when he can walk completely on his own. Loren, take him." "He doesn't want to let go of you," Loren said as she reached for Rion. "Let go Rion. He's too much like you, Loren." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Just take him," Trunks said and Loren slowly pulled rion away from the Namek. Rion gazed at Loren with tears glistening in his eyes. He sniffed as he began to cry. "What's wrong?" "He wasn't ready to let go of Piccolo. He IS so smooth and strong, isn't he?" Loren asked. "What about me?" "Well...I thought you...knew that. Did I make you mad?" "No. I wasn't serious Loren. You know that, don't you?" "I guess I did." "Come on. We need to get going. We're wearing him out with all this traveling." "I could just take us home." "Yeah, you'd better. He's tired. Are you sure you'll be okay, Dende?" "I'll be fine, Trunks. Please bring him again. I would like to teach him a few things when he gets older," Dende said. "Boy, you're going to be busy little guy," Trunks said as he took Loren's hand. They disappeared and Piccolo folded his arms. He was going to be busy but he was going to need all that extensive training to harness his power.