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Trunks landed face-first onto the puddle of murky rainwater, feeling the acidic taste of it entering his mouth.

Great, he thought grimly as he struggled to his feet, spatting out the disgusting water. It's going to take me days to get this odor out of my mouth.

That if, of course, he could survive his current predicament against one of the android. To be precise, No. 17. As Trunks tried to steady his wobbling legs, he couldn't help but thought of what Gohan always cautioned him about dealing with those mechanized menaces:

Flashback, many years ago…

"Gohan! Please! Please train me! I want to help you fight those androids! I can't bear to be a spectator and watch them kill all those innocent lives!" A 10 years old Trunks was practically on his knees begging his longtime friend, who was training under an oak tree.

Gohan stopped his fighting with an imaginary foe when he heard his young friend's desperate plea. He looked into Trunks eyes, seeing the determination and passion burning inside them. He sighed deeply. He knew how risky it was to bring Trunks to fight against the androids; one wrong move, one hasty decision would earn them a one-way ticket to King Yemma. Although now he thought about it, if he was to die by the androids' hands ( Urgh, such repulsive thoughts!), it would be great if Trunks was to stand in place for him.

"Alright," He gave in, earning him a jubilant cry from Trunks. "But we have to seek permission from Bulma first." This caused Trunks emotion to take a 180 turn. He gulped when he realized what a long day it will become…

Of course, trying to convince Bulma was an up-hill battle for the demi Saiyans a run for their money. She acted like how Chi Chi once did back when Goku wanted to train Gohan: First screaming hysterically, then crying rivers of tears while telling a sob story about how Trunks was the only one she had left after Vegeta's death, then defeat. For many years then, the 2 of them had been training vigorously, stopping between intervals when the twin terrors attacked a city and Gohan having to 'stop' them, almost resulting in him returning home bleeding profusely and half dead. Trunks never participated in any. But none of the injuries he suffered can be compared to the ones he had a week ago, at the amusement park. He lost his arm when the androids blew the place up to kingdom come, and he hadn't been the same every since, being depressed and all. Trunks, finding out his mentor had lost a limb, felt his blood boiled and for a moment, a golden aura surrounded him before quickly disappearing.

Deciding to take matters in his own hands, he sneaked out of Capsule Corp when the radio announced another attack by the androids on Ginger Town. Leaving before his mother could notice his absence, Trunks sped off to the town, one word in his mind: Retribution.

He found only 17 shooting down some buildings with ki blasts. By now the town was a devastated wasteland devoid of any sign of life save for the bored android. Trunks arrogantly challenged the raven-haired teenager, swearing to defeat him for all the pain he had caused. To be honest, he was hoping that 18 was still around so that he could kill 2 birds with one stone, but beggars can't be choosers. 17 just smirked in response before suddenly appearing in front of Trunks and thrusting a knee into his gut. Trunks was so shocked that before he knew it, the ass-kicking began.

It started raining sometime before Trunks was unceremoniously thrown into the puddle of rainwater. As he stood up, he felt a powerful hand gripped his throat, the owner of the hand lifting him effortlessly. Trunks struggled to pry lose the fingers but to no avail, he felt his oxygen supply slowly being cut off. He glared at the android, who was drenched by the pouring rain from head to toe, his black shirt and white sleeves cringed on his body like a second skin. And he looked amused.

" Here I am thinking that you will be more of a challenge than Blondie. On the contrary, you are a pathetic step down." 17 sighed with a tinge of disappointment. " It's really too bad 18 got bored when there are no more humans to kill and left. I'm sure she would like to see your face carved in."

Trunks spat out some blood onto 17's sleeves, staining it, much to the android's chagrin. "Great, at least I don't have to see her bitchy face, though your face looks kinda the same…" With a roar of anger, 17 launched Trunks high up into the air with an uppercut.

It took nearly all his strength to halt. Although his jaw felt like its broken, 17's face was pure gold. Heh, it's worth it" Trunks smirked before seeing 17 rising up to meet him. Out of instinct, Trunks pulled out his sword from the scabbard and lifted it over his head as he flew to meet 17. With a cry, he swung the sword down, only for it's blade to be caught in between 17's fingers. The android moaned " Seriously, the sword? Why do you even bother?" Sweat began to drip down Trunks' forehead, mixing with the rainwater. This is bad, real bad, he is going to kill me, oh fuck I don't have a chance to say farewell to Gohan and mom…

Just as the smirking android was about to fire a deadly ki blast, it happened. Out of the blue, a lighting, attracted by the metal sword, snaked down from the heavens and struck the 2 foes. Immediately, Trunks felt the current painfully coursed through his body, causing him to spasm uncontrollably. It felt as though every cell in his body was soaked in boiling water. With his blurred vision, he could make out 17 also shaking vigorously, his jet-black standing on the end like a mad scientist and his mouth formed to let out a silent scream.

Just when Trunks wondered how long more did he had to endure this torture ( the lightning didn't disperse after the initial strike) he noticed something weird. Instead of seeing 17, he was now seeing…himself?! Before Trunks could think anymore, a bright flash of light engulfed him, sending him to oblivion.