The usual disclaimer. JIC. I don't own Dragonball Z or anything related.

A little explanation if you want it:

Since Future Trunks is the character I most relate to, I'm trying to write an AU from his point of view. The first few chapters don't diverge from the original version and later on there are parts that still are canon, since I am gradually bringing in the deviations.

All alone.

He looked around, perched upon the crumbling remnants of a shattered building.

Sometimes, when he was a kid, there were times that being alone was all he had wished for. Back when he had dreamed of having adventures all on his own. Rescuing people, being needed, becoming the hero who always saved the day…

Trunks clenched his fists a little tighter, listening to the night for any signs of movement, any sign that there was anything left on this earth other than himself. No sign of anything. Just one lone hero, surveying the lands he had failed to keep safe.

All those lives lost without reason. Yes, he had gotten his chance to be the hero that everyone had depended on, the hero that was supposed to save the day. His eyes narrowed from self pity as he thought, "How utterly naïve I was as a child. Well, I sure got my wish."

The stars reflected in Trunks' pale eyes as he turned to face the skies. A slight breeze ruffled thin lilac strands of hair across his furrowed forehead.

Yet, nothing could be done about the events that had taken place. This was his world, as bad as it was. And while there was not much left, he was still needed.

Trunks nimbly leapt off the crumbling concrete, feeling the wind whip his jacket as he let his body free fall. How tempting it was to simply not use his Ki. To not fly. To just fall and not have to fight anymore.

At the last second, Trunks slowed his progress, landing silently on the broken pavement. He looked up at the sky again, thinking, "But as long as there is still even one person's life that I can save, I will continue to fight."

Trunks began the slow walk back to the old Capsule Corporation building, allowing himself time to think, a luxury he did not allow himself often enough. He glanced from side to side, trying to imagine colors in this dreary world, trying to see what had been there once upon a time. It was so close, that image of a better life.

He shook his head violently. "No. You've got to stop thinking like that, Trunks," he whispered to himself. "Some desires are too dangerous to entertain."

The soft sound of Trunks' sneakers sped up slightly, only to slow back down after a few moments of silence.

That was one of the things he missed the most… Another sound. The sound of another voice, one that was not his own. One that listened as much as he talked… Gohan…

The footsteps died away entirely, creating an all consuming void of silence where no living thing moved. A knot moved up his throat, as the tide of guilt rose to devour Trunks whole. It was always his fault. No matter how hard he tried, he was always too late.

Even in the time that had mattered most. If only he had been able to transform into a Super Saiyan, even just those few hours sooner. If only he had dodged Gohan's crippling blow. If only he could have been there.

Trunks was close enough to see the CC building now. He had to go in and see his mother. He knew she worried about him every time he left the house and Trunks couldn't really blame her.

If only there was someone else to help. Another Super Saiyan or someone who could fight. If only Gohan and him could have beat the androids together. But now, once again, no matter how Trunks tried he could not gain any ground in improving his future.

Gohan had always been there to tell Trunks that he was strong…

Now, three years after Gohan's death, Trunks finally knew what the word really meant. Funny, as soon as someone stopped reminding him of his strength, he had truly become strong.

Trunks gave a little smile and continued walking. It wasn't amusing, really, just ironic. And anything that made Trunks even think of smiling, he indulged; otherwise, he would have long forgotten what a smile was. Just as he had forgotten laughter. Any laughter besides the loud mirth of the androids as they destroyed and taunted their victims.

Yes, that was the only laughter left to this world. The glee of those destroyers.

Trunks felt his hair rising, the rocks around him floating with unseen power. Lightning crackled from his worn down sneakers across the yard, cracking through the air like hundreds of whips.

"No," Trunks growled, feeling the call to fight rise within him. "Not yet. Not while there is still something to fight for."

It took every ounce of self-control Trunks possessed to calm the fury within his heart, but nothing could calm the fire in his mind. "I have to change this. I have to make this better," he whispered fiercely unto the night. "I won't be weak any more. I will save this world."

And with the will power to change the world blazing from his blue eyes, Trunks approached his scarcely lit home. With one last glace at the stars, Trunks sent out into the night one last call. "I won't let anyone else down. I will save them as I couldn't save you. I promise you this, Gohan…"