A New Threat
"Man," Trunks said as he went through his clothes. "I'm hungry, but I can't just walk out the front door. I need some kind of disguise." Trunks put on black pants, a white shirt, a black jacket, and finally a blue bandanna to cover his head. Trunks hoped that that would work, but just in case, he put on a pair of shades as well and left the back way. It was early and hardly anyone was around. He wouldn't be spotted leaving.
Trunks walked down the strip of restaurants as they opened for business. Nobody seemed to notice him. He smiled, thinking he could finally get some peace and quiet. Trunks decided to stop at one of the restaurants to have breakfast. As Trunks waited for waited for his food to be prepared looked around the area, taking in the sights. There were couples walking down the beach, kids playing in the water, girls playing volleyball, the chief cooking his food, a wave of girls rushing him. When Trunks noticed that they were calling out his name and pointing at him, he realized that he had taken off his shades, which was apparently enough to be recognized. Trunks left the table and ran. There was no way he would be able to have a moment's peace and eat if he was constantly surrounded by adoring fans. After turning a corner, he took to the air and stayed there, watching the crowd pass. He was guessing each one was single, but chasing him like he was the last man on the planet wouldn't help them get close to him at all, so why bother?
Determined, Trunks left to find a quieter spot. Trunks eventually found a place that was quiet. Most of the people here were couples, so Trunks figured he wouldn't be bothered by anyone, at least not to the extent as he has been so far. He landed out of sight and entered a restaurant. Unfortunately, the restaurant was rather full, except for one table. A lone girl sat there, not really being bothered by anyone and really just keeping to herself. Knowing she might react as all the other girls had, Trunks was reluctant to sit with her, but if it was only her, maybe he could handle it. If he was lucky, maybe she would just act normal, like everyone at home. Trunks decided to take a chance. He approached her and asked,
"Is it okay if I sit down?"
She looked at him for a second and then looked away and said, "I-I guess...If you want."
This surprised Trunks. Apparently, she couldn't tell who he was and was a little nervous about him sitting with her. Since there was nowhere else to sit, he sat and decided not to say much. He didn't want his voice to give him away anyway. Being early afternoon now, Trunks decided on lunch instead of breakfast. He ordered the fish special and the girl giggled.
"What?" Trunks asked confused.
"Nothing," she said, still avoiding.
"Then why did you laugh?"
"It's just you ordered exactly what I did."
"I did?" Trunks chuckled. "I guess that is pretty funny."
They laughed a bit and then fell quiet again. Neither one looked at the other for reasons unknown to them.
"Um..." the girl started, "When did you get here?"
"Yesterday," Trunks answered.
"How did you hear of Trunks' Resort?"
"Oh, I, uh, just stumbled across it."
"Oh. I got a flyer in the mail."
"What's the story behind this place?"
"The story? Well, it was built in dedication to Trunks. I heard that he cut the ribbon opening day."
"Really?" Trunks knew that was bull. He just found out about this place.
Once their food came they ate but continued to talk, each becoming more comfortable with the other's presence. They talked mostly about the resort, briefly talking about the problems of the past. It was something Trunks didn't like to think or talk about and the girl caught that quickly and changed the subject, ensuring that it didn't get brought up again. Eventually they neared the end of their meal.
"Well, I guess I should get going," Trunks said as he stood to leave.
"All right," the girl said. "By the way, my name is Andrea. What's yours?"
Trunks stumbled over his words. The girl came off as so shy that Trunks not only didn't expect her to introduce herself, he became so comfortable talking to her that he didn't realize she hadn't. What could he do? How would she react if he told her who he really was? Would she become like every other psycho girl at the resort?
As Trunks stumbled with a name a voice shouted, "Hey, isn't that Trunks?" Trunks looked in the direction of the voice.
"It is Trunks!" another voice called out.
A sweat drop appears behind Trunks head as he swallows nervously. Somehow someone has managed to recognize him. In an instant a wave of vacationers rushed towards Trunks in an attempt to get close to and see in person the one that saved the world.
Andrea stared up at him. "Trunks?" she asked astonished. "You're Trunks?"
"Sorry Andrea!" Trunks said as he lifted himself into the air using the bukujutsu technique. "It was nice talking to you, but I gotta go!"
Trunks took off with the roar of a jet. Andrea stared after him as the wave of mad fans rushed passed her. Trunks? she thought. I don't believe it. What a fluke. That's probably the only time I'll ever see him, too. She smiled. Well, at least he's nice.
Trunks looked back towards the strip he has fled from. "Great," he says. "If I ever see her again she'll probably attack me like everyone else. She was nice too." A small smiled crossed Trunks lips. "It was nice talking to her."
Unbeknown to the sole remaining defender of the Earth, a new danger was approaching. A planet of steel approaches the Earth. Aboard it harbors a threat that was thought to have been dealt with almost twenty years ago. Somehow, that threat survived. Now it comes to Earth with but one intention. Vengeance.
The following day Trunks decided on a different outfit; swimming trunks, sleeveless shirt, bandanna, shades, and sandals. Hopefully, this would draw less attention on the beach than yesterday. He left early, hoping to miss the first swimmers of the day as he left the cabin. He was in luck. No one was even near his cabin yet, so no one would even know that he was gone.
Trunks walked about the beach for awhile, no one really noticing him. It looked like he would finally be able to relax. Choosing a restaurant, he sat down at a table that was empty except for a menu. He watched the waves crash on the beach, thinking about how peaceful life had become. He was growing to enjoy it.
"Oh, I'm sorry," a familiar voice. "Do you want to sit..."
Trunks turned and when he saw who it was he said, "Andrea?"
"Trunks?" she whispered. "I—I'm sorry. I'll go."
"No, no! Y-you don't have to."
"Are—Are you sure? I don't want to bother you if you want to be left alone."
"No, it's okay, really." He looked away. "I've had enough of being alone."
"What do you mean?" She sat down, but keeping her voice low so not to attract attention to them.
Trunks sighed. It was not a story he told often. "Everyone I know, except my mother, was killed by the Androids. My mentor, Gohan, who had fought the Androids for years alone, was killed before I was strong enough to join the fight with him. With Gohan gone I was the only one left to fight the Androids. Just like Gohan, I fought alone."
"I never knew that."
"I doubt anyone does. Those times were so hard. Living from day to day was such a struggle. I hated how I couldn't do anything!" Trunks clenched his fists as he thought about his losses to the Androids and all the people he had let down.
"But you finally won. None of it was in vane."
"I know," Trunks said. "I know."
"We're all really grateful for what you've done for us, Trunks."
"Yeah, no kidding," Trunks laughs as he looks out at the resort.
Andrea giggled. "It's not everyday you get to save the world."
"Well actually—"
Trunks is interrupted when the ground starts to shake violently. Tables and chairs tip over as people start to go into a panic.
"What's going on?!" Andrea exclaimed as she tried to keep her balance on the shaking ground.
"I don't know!" Trunks shouts.
The force finally knocks them both over and the shacking suddenly stops, as quickly as it had begun.
"Was that an earthquake?" Andrea asked as she stood up.
Trunks eyes were locked on to something in the distance. "I don't think so," he said.
Andrea looked to where Trunks gaze was locked. In the distance a silver sphere hugged the planet itself, reaching out with long tendrils to grip the ground.
"What is that?" Andrea asked.
From the sphere, dozens of silver creatures flew out in all directions. Trunks clenched his teeth as dozens headed towards the resort. The creatures landed in a straight line, forming a wall before Trunks and the panicking tourists. The creatures were made of metal. Trunks tightened his fists and growled, "Androids."
"Trunks?" Andrea called as she back away from the metal wall.
Trunks stepped in front of her. "Stay behind me Andrea!" she shouts. "Everyone, stay back!" Trunks looks at the wall of enemies before him and shouts, "Who are you?! What do you want?!"
The machines take aim at Trunks with their grappler-like hands and fire, loosing them from their arms in a huff of smoke.
What are these robotic creatures? Are they more of Dr. Gero's evil? If so, can Trunks stand up to them? Find out the answer to these questions and more next time on Dragon Ball TA!