Reprogrammed

Finally Under Control

Struggling to remain conscious, Trunks lifted his face out of the dirt and looked up at Bojack and his followers. They were looking at him with victorious smirks on their faces. Growling, Trunks dug his fingers into the ground, grabbing a handful of dirt and then punching the ground.

"It's no use." He muttered to himself. "I can't beat them on my own. 18's already been killed, and it looks like I'm about to join her."

"What kind of talk is that? Are you a saiyan, or aren't you?"

Trunks blinked at hearing a voice in his head that wasn't Goku's. "Huh? Was that…? Father, is that you?"

"Of course it's me, you imbecile! Don't you recognize my voice? You did meet me when you went to the past, didn't you?"

Trunks flinched at his father's harsh tone. "Where are you?"

"In Other World! Where do you think? But never mind that now! I will not allow any son of mine to be defeated by these buffoons! Rise and fight! Become a Super Saiyan Three and defeat them."

Trunks looked down shamefully. "I can't. I've tried, but I can't maintain the transformation. And I wasted so much energy trying."

Bojack chuckled. "What are you mumbling about now? Did I hit you so hard that I knocked some screws loose?"

"Perhaps he's saying a prayer before he dies." Bujin suggested.

Trunks ignored them as he was scolded by his father again. "What kind of nonsense is that? That fool, Kakarot, managed to do it, so you can do it too. You are my son, the son of the prince of saiyans. Royal blood flows through your veins. If anyone else is capable of achieving and maintaining Super Saiyan Three, it will be one of us. And as my son, you will be the first!"

Goku's voice joined him. "Aw, come on, Vegeta. Don't be so hard on him. Try some positive reinforcement."

"Shut up, clown! I didn't ask for your advice! I will discipline my son the way I see fit!"

"But you won't accomplish anything if you put him down like that. Why don't you try encouraging him instead?"

"Kakarot, one more word out of you and I'll blast you!"

King Kai cleared his throat. "Um, fellas, you're still holding onto me. That means he can hear every word you're saying."

Trunks forced himself to his feet. "I'm sorry, I just can't do it."

"Where's your saiyan pride?" Vegeta demanded."Don't you dare shame me by losing this fight. You are going to win, and you are going to do it as a Super Saiyan Three."

"Vegeta." Goku said in a sing-song voice."Positive reinforcement."

Trunks heard his father groan before taking a deep calming breath. "Trunks, listen to me, I don't find it easy to express myself as Kakarot does, but I do have faith in you. Not only have you avenged your father by destroying 17 and enslaving 18-"

'Enslaving?' Trunks thought.

"-but you have also defeated many powerful enemies, including Frieza's brother and the legendary Super Saiyan. So don't disgrace yourself by failing now."

"Hey!" Goku scolded. "You were doing good there. Don't get nasty again."

Vegeta ignored him. "I know I haven't been there for you, my son, but I'm here with you right now. I just know you're going to make me proud."

Trunks gasped, touched by his father's words. "Father…"

"SO QUIT FOOLING AROUND AND TRANSFORM ALREADY!"