Chapter 6: Return to the Past
After a few minutes flying Trunks finally set Galina carefully down near Capsule Corp. Galina gently rubbed her ankle which was still in pain and then looked angrily up at Trunks almost in tears.
"Trunks…. you stabbed Sai! How could you do that?!" she snapped. "He may be a ruthless killer android here, but I STILL consider him to be my best friend you know!"
"Galina you don't have to worry," Trunks said calmly explaining everything to her. "I've stabbed 21 numerous times before. All it ever does is irritate him which just makes him angrier and more dangerous," he suddenly looked down. "However I don't blame you for being angry with me, but please understand I had to think of something to save us both from being killed. I'm sorry...I know how much Sai means to you."
Hearing Trunks' explanation Galina's angry expression slowly softened into a more understanding, but saddened expression. "But why does he have to hurt us Trunks?" she asked him on the brink of tears. "He's my best friend…..Not a monster….."
Trunks looked up and stared at Galina with great pity as she tried not to cry, then he gently put his arm around her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. "I know that Galina, but don't you worry. One day we'll find a way to help Sai, I promise."
Galina couldn't help but smile sadly at Trunks' promise then nodded her head. "Yeah you're right," she said with a sigh. "It's just that I hate having to fight my best friend, but I guess I really don't have a choice."
"We better go inside now and face my mom's wrath," said Trunks as he helped Galina to her feet. "She'll be pretty angry at you for sneaking out," he added.
Galina gulped at this. "I sure hope she's not like my mom," she said nervously. "The last time I snuck out with Gohan and Sai to train she grounded us all for a year!"
"Don't worry," Trunks said with a light chuckle. "Mom's not like Chichi, but I admit she CAN be scary at times."
Galina gulped again. "Just great…."
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When Trunks and Galina headed inside Capsule Corp they found Bulma waiting for them, she had her hands on her hips and a VERY angry look on her face. The look Bulma was giving them was so angry that it caused Trunks and Galina to freeze in their tracks at the sight of it.
"So here you are at last!" she yelled.
"Bulma I can explain….." Galina began.
"Well?" Bulma asked impatiently. "Let's hear it!"
"Trunks needed my help to fight the androids," Galina explained. "If I hadn't have helped him he'd probably be dead by now. I'm real sorry I snuck out like that Bulma, but it was for a noble cause."
Hearing this explanation Bulma's angry expression slowly softened. "It's alright Galina I'll let you off this time. But I DID tell you to stay off that ankle for the rest of the day…..you were just lucky that Trunks managed to bring you back when he did."
"Yeah I was," Galina said smiling at Trunks.
"Oh? Playing the hero again was he?" Bulma asked.
Trunks blushed red at this statement. "Mom…." he said all embarrassed.
Galina couldn't help but giggle as she watched Bulma embarrass her teenage son so easily.
"Well how about that Galina? A birthday boy and a hero too, and all in the same day!" She turned back to Trunks. "I think its time I give you your present now son."
Hearing this a smile quickly developed on Trunks' face. "You got me a present? Where is it mom?" He asked excitedly.
"Follow me." Bulma answered.
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Trunks and Galina followed Bulma through the ruined corridors of Capsule Corp. She hadn't said where they were going; she just kept on walking with the two demi-sayians following closely behind her.
"Mom, where are you taking us?" Trunks asked.
"You'll see…." Bulma answered mysteriously.
At last they all stopped by a large door marked 'GRAVITY ROOM' "Here it is," Bulma said grandly.
"A gravity room?" Galina asked.
"Oh yea!" Bulma answered proudly. "After all this time I finally managed to fix it!"
"Alright!" Trunks said happily. "Now Galina and I can get some serious training at last! Thanks mom!"
"It's the least I could do," Bulma said with a smile. "Now you two won't have to get beaten up by those androids anymore."
"Well I can guarantee that, that won't happen anymore once we're done training!" Trunks replied confidently.
"Yeah," said Galina who was now equally as confident. "Once my ankle heals up and we finish our training, we'll show those androids whose boss!"
"Great!" Bulma said happily.
"With that said I better get back to bed and recover," Galina said suddenly feeling a little tired from all of today's events.
"Yes you should," said Bulma sternly. "That means no more sneaking out young lady!"
"Yes ma'am…" Galina obeyed.
"C'mon Galina I'll help you to your room," Trunks said to her.
Galina couldn't help but smile at Trunks as he helped to her back to her room. As the two demi-saiyans walked away, Bulma just smiled quietly to herself. They were perfect for each other.
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Galina sat gratefully down on her on her bed and rubbed her cast with her hands. "Ow….. you know, maybe I shouldn't have snuck out.
"If you hadn't I might not be alive to see the rest of the day," Trunks told her. "Being saved is about the best present I could ask for," he added.
Hearing this Galina smiled at him.
"Well I'd better get to bed," Trunks said with a stifled yawn. "I want to be up bright and early to use my present."
"Oh yeah you're defiantly Vegeta's son alright!" Galina said with a giggle. Then she smiled a warm gentle smile that was so much like her father.
"Well you're definitely Goku's daughter," Trunks said with a matching smile of his own. "Especially with that bright smile of yours," he added.
"Thanks," she said with a bright red blush.
Trunks gently learned over Galina and kissed her forehead. "Good night Galina."
"Good night my handsome hero," she said with a sweet smile.
Trunks returned his smile and left for his own room. Galina happily sighed to herself and rested her head on her pillow, her heart was pounding from that kiss. She happily smiled thinking of Trunks and as she drifted off to sleep she held her pillow closer to her, imagining it was Trunks himself. She was quickly dreaming sweet happy dreams well into the night.
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The next morning Galina woke with a start to hearing Bulma screaming in terror. "Bulma?" she called. Galina quickly got out of her bed and took off her cast; to her surprise her ankle was healed. (Well what do you know it DID work! I'm all better!) She thought to herself.
"Stay away from my son or you'll regret it!" she suddenly heard Bulma yell.
Galina gasped. "Oh no…..it can't be…" she said out loud.
"Oh please!" said 21's voice echoing throughout the halls. "Like that puny boy of yours is going to scare us!"
The moment Galina heard 21's voice she ran out of her room and headed down the stairs. When she ran into the kitchen she saw that Trunks was standing in front of a terrified Bulma while 17, 18, and 21 were ready to fight him.
"You know you could've woken me up Trunks," said Galina getting into a fighting stance next to him. "I would've helped you."
"I'm sorry Galina but I just didn't want to see you get hurt again," Trunks said not taking his eyes off his enemies.
"That's sweet of you Trunks. Now what do you say we get rid of the morning trash?" she asked him while looking at the androids.
"Good idea!" said Trunks in agreement.
Galina then looked at Bulma and saw how scared she looked. "Uh… on second thought Trunks, maybe you should lead them all out of here. We don't want to bust this place up any more than it is, I'll stay here and watch over Bulma for you."
"Good idea! Follow me you freaks!" Trunks called out to the androids and flew through the hole in the roof where they had come in.
"Okay that's it!" said 18 sternly. "He's asking for it!"
"But what about them?" asked 17 pointing a thumb at Bulma and Galina who was glaring at them still ready to fight.
"You two get outside and take care of that fool Trunks once and for all," ordered 21. "I'll handle her!"
17 and 18 nodded in acknowledgement and flew off after Trunks.
Galina looked sadly at her former best friend. "Sai……Please……Don't make me hurt you," she said sadly.
21 just looked at Galina with an emotionless annoyed look. "There you go with this Sai person again! He doesn't register in my memory bank, therefore he doesn't exist!" So saying he drew his wrist blades. "Now prepare to die!" he said threateningly.
Galina quickly moved away from Bulma so she didn't get hurt and got ready to fight as 21 charged at her. Bulma herself ran from the room to take cover, from experience she knew that sayian battles could be quite messy. In the battle that followed, which damaged Capsule Corp up even further, Galina was able to block most of 21's deadly attacks. Suddenly during a pause in his constant attacks Galina saw her chance at last and kicked 21 as hard as she could in the stomach. 21 however was quite unfazed by this and made a swing at Galina with his blades which she JUST managed to dodge, causing the blades to miss her by the merest of inches.
"You'll have to do better than that!" she said to him.
"Then how about this!" replied 21 as he started firing energy blasts at her at lightening speed.
Galina desperately tried to block most of the blasts being thrown at her, but she wasn't able to keep it up for long and soon one of them hit her and she was smashed to the ground.
"That didn't hurt….." she said weakly and got back up on her feet.
"Give up!" said 21. "I'm programmed to be better than you saiyans will ever be!"
"That doesn't mean I'll give up trying to stop you!" Galina stated defiantly.
"I think you should do as he says!" 18's voice suddenly called out.
Galina turned around and saw Trunks badly beaten up and the mercy of 17 and 18. "Trunks!!" she cried out in horror.
"Wow," 21 said quite impressed with his comrade's work. "My complements. You two didn't take very long dealing with that punk Trunks at all, good work."
Galina glared furiously at 17 and 18 wanting desperately to attack them, but she didn't dare move even a muscle. She was afraid that they would kill Trunks before she had a chance to save him.
"Well," said 21 in triumph. "You two managed to get away from us once before, but not this time!"
"Please," Galina begged. "Spare his life…."
"Aww how cute! I love it when they beg!" 17 said mockingly.
Galina tried her best to stop herself from crying and falling to her knees, but she wasn't able to. She had never felt this helpless before in her entire life. "Don't hurt him or his mother! Please! If you want to kill someone, kill me instead!" she pleaded hoping the androids would show at least some kind of mercy.
"I think not," replied 21.
Trunks weakly glared angrily at the menacing androids. "I swear to you….if you monsters hurt my mother or Galina, I will destroy you ALL!" he threatened.
"SHUT UP!!" yelled 18 and knocked Trunks out with one casual blow.
"TRUNKS!" Galina screamed. She angrily clenched her fists wanting desperately to transform into a super saiyan, but she knew that was impossible, she lowered her head in defeat. "Daddy….Why aren't you here to help…." she said as tears fell from her eyes.
The androids just smirked at this enjoying their opponents suffering, without the smallest bit of pity.
"Well 17," said 21. "You wanted your fun with young Galina, now's your chance. But try and make it quick, as we don't have all day!" he added.
17 smirked. "No problem 21. This won't take too long at all," he replied and walked over to Galina who was now frozen in shock. She just couldn't believe the words that were coming from her former best friend's mouth. (I don't believe this…..He's going to actually let someone hurt me…..How could he….Sai….what's happened to you?) Galina wanted desperately to fight back, but she knew it was a waste of her time and energy. (I know I should fight back) she thought to herself. (But these androids are just too powerful!) She suddenly felt 17 cupping her chin and forcing her to stare into his cold lifeless eyes. "You know something?" he said to her with a wink. "It's such a shame I have to kill you; you're such a pretty little thing."
"Would you just hurry up and kill her already!" 18 yelled getting annoyed at the delay. "We haven't got all day! Just kill her already! Then we can kill her boyfriend!" So saying she dropped Trunks onto the ground and Bulma, who had watched everything from a safe distance still seized with fear, ran to his side to be with him.
"You're such a party pooper 18," 17 sighed and then powered up an energy blast aiming it right at Galina. "Oh well," he said smirking. "Like the old saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end'. Sadly that includes you too sweetie," and he fired off his attack. However as the attack left 17's hand, Trunks suddenly woke up. He took the situation in at a glance and as quick as lightening, overpowered the oncoming energy blast with his own burning attack which sent 17 and 18 crashing to the floor.
"What the heck?! How did that happen?!" 21 asked in astonishment as Trunks transformed into a super saiyan with what was left of his strength.
"You can do whatever you want with me, but I won't let you hurt my mother or Galina!" Trunks yelled defiantly glaring at 21. He powered up a massive energy attack with the remaining energy he had and aimed it right at the stunned android.
"Trunks! NO!!" Galina shouted as Trunks fired the blast. Even if Sai WAS a merciless killer and DID put her and her friends through so much torture, he was still her best friend and she couldn't bear to see him get hurt. So she deliberately got in front of the blast taking the hit instead of Sai and crashed to the floor.
"GALINA!" Trunks yelled out with a horrified look on his face. Quickly forgetting everything else, he powered down returning to his regular state and ran to Galina and held her in his arms. "Galina! Galina! Wake up! PLEASE wake up!" he said cradling her body and gently shaking her desperately trying to revive her. However Galina just lay in his arms unconscious, not moving a muscle…
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When Galina finally woke up again in the medical bay, she saw a very worried Trunks and Bulma looking down at her. "Bulma…..Trunks……" she said weakly.
"Shhh…." Bulma said quietly to her. "You took quite a blast there…."
Trunks however was looking at Galina with tears in his eyes, he was deeply ashamed of what he had done. "Galina," he said in a voice broken with emotion. "I'm….sorry…so…so sorry…."
Galina looked up at Trunks and saw how emotionally torn up he looked. "It's alright Trunks" she said to him. "You don't have to apologize….You did what you had to….I know I shouldn't have taken that hit….but I had to save Sai….even if he is an android here…..I still consider him as my best friend no matter what….."
"Oh Galina," Trunks said quietly still upset with what he. "I thought I might've lost you again…."
"No way," she said with a smile. "It's going to take more than an energy blast to get rid of me!"
"Well you just take it easy and rest," said Bulma.
"Right…" Galina replied and then looked at Trunks. "You know Trunks," she said quietly. "I've been thinking…….maybe we should go back to the past….Back there we might find a way to beat the androids and help Sai at the same time….plus I'm really starting to miss my family…."
"Yeah," Trunks said thoughtfully. "Maybe we SHOULD go back to the past. It'd be easier to defeat the androids with everybody else helping us and hopefully Pan stopped Sai from being converted."
"Yeah, let's hope…" Galina said weakly suddenly feeling dead tired.
"I think we'd better let you heal up," Trunks said. "We'll have a big day tomorrow." Galina nodded her head in agreement and closed her eyes falling asleep instantly, while Bulma ushered Trunks out of the room.
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A couple of hours later Galina woke up but she still felt sleepy. She felt an alien sensation around her shoulders as well as a warm feeling all along her left side and a strange, but very pleasant smell of lavender. (Lavender?) Galina turned to her left side to see Trunks asleep next to her holding her protectively in his arms, the smell of lavender was coming from him. Galina couldn't help but smile at how peaceful he looked. That was when Trunks opened his eyes and saw Galina smiling up at him.
"Your up. How are you feeling?" he asked her.
"Much better now," Galina answered quietly.
It was then Trunks suddenly realized that he had been holding Galina in his arms the entire time she was asleep AND while they had been talking. "I was just…." he stammered nervously and blushing like mad.
"You were just what?" Galina asked with a warm smile on her face.
"I was just…… making sure no one would hurt you anymore," Trunks answered quickly.
"Aww Trunks," Galina said happily. "Thanks for being so caring."
Trunks smiled and got up from the bed. "Well now that you're your old self again," he said determinedly "We'd better head back to the past and help the others beat the androids, hopefully BEFORE they're activated."
Galina happily smiled and almost jumped out of bed after him. "I can't wait to see my friends and family again!" she said joyfully.
"And I can't wait to see my father again." Trunks added.
At the mention of Vegeta's name Galina suddenly frowned. "Hmm? I wonder what Vegeta would say if he found about us?" she thought out loud. "Knowing him he'd probably flip right out, he would NEVER approve of his son being together with his rival's daughter."
"Yeah dad definitely WOULDN'T like that," Trunks said in agreement. "But I'm sure mom can convince him to think otherwise."
"Knowing Bulma I bet she can," Galina replied with a smile.
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After breakfast Trunks, Galina and Bulma headed outside. They had told Bulma of their plan to go back to the past and she wanted to see them off.
"Be careful you two," she said warningly.
"Don't worry mom we will." Trunks said.
Bulma hugged Galina good-bye and then her son. "Oh Trunks," she said in mock concern. "Make sure you and Galina stay out of 'trouble' in the past," and she winked at him.
"MOM!" yelled Trunks blushing with embarrassment.
Galina giggled at this. "Don't worry Bulma, I'll make sure Trunks doesn't get into any 'trouble'."
"I'm sure you will!" Bulma replied with another wink.
Galina lightly blushed at this while Trunks took out his time machine from its capsule. He opened up the hatch and sat in the seat setting the controls. "Uh……I'm afraid you'll have to sit on my lap again," Trunks said blushing.
Haring this Galina smiled. "I think I'll be ok with that this time around," she replied and sat on Trunks' lap. As the time machine started up Trunks and Galina waved good-bye to Bulma one last time just as they both disappeared in a blink of an eye.
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Some where in the present day world three years after it left, the time machine blinked into existence with its two occupants. Trunks looked down at the controls to find out where and when they landed. The date on the time machine screen read: "May 12th 11:00 A. M." Trunks looked at the screen in horror. "Oh my Kami! It's already been an hour since the androids arrived!" he exclaimed.
Trunks and Galina quickly got out of the time machine and while Trunks was busy storing the machine away, Galina looked around to get her bearings. It was then that she noticed they had landed not too far away from a small city not much bigger than South City. What got her attention was that the city was on fire and burning.
"We may be too late to help everyone," Galina said worried to Trunks. But as she finished speaking they then sensed various power levels coming from mountain range on the far side of the city. "Or maybe not," she said excitedly. "Our friends are alive! They're probably fighting the androids right now!"
"Then let's go!" Trunks replied drawing his sword and pocketing his capsuled time machine. They headed towards the mountain area at top speed, suddenly Galina stopped flying and noticed something strange nearby. Trunks noticed her stop and stopped too. "What is it?" he asked.
To answer Trunks' question Galina simply pointed to the ground. Trunks followed Galina's finger and was shocked to see a dismantled android head lying smoking in a crater that had just been freshly made, but when he examined it closer the android's head didn't resemble 17, 18, or 21. "This is not one of the androids in my world!" he said. "But it IS one of Dr. Gero's creations that's for sure."
"So then where did this other android come from?" Galina asked.
"I don't know," Trunks answered. "But we'd better hurry and find the others quick!"
Galina nodded and they continued to fly towards the mountains.
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When they finally arrived at the mountains they saw Gohan, Vegeta as a super saiyan, Piccolo, Tien, Krillin, and Pan all standing around discussing their next move. "Hey guys!" Galina called out as she got closer.
Gohan was the first to react when he heard his older sister's voice. "Huh? I know that voice!" he said and looked over to where Galina and Trunks were. "IT'S GALINA!" he cheered happily.
"Yeah and Trunks is with her too!" said Pan. "About time you guys came back!" she added.
As Pan spoke Vegeta looked confused for a moment. (Trunks? How strange that boy has the same name as MY son!) He thought to himself, then suddenly the truth dawned on him like a shot. (Of course! What a fool I've been! A super saiyan from the future with the same name?! He's IS MY SON!)
"It's nice to see you too Pan." Trunks said landing and hugging her.
Galina landed beside him and smiled at Gohan. "Hey there little bro, did you miss me?" she asked.
"You bet I did!" Gohan said happily hugging his older sister. "I was so bored, I had no one to tease for the passed three years!"
Galina gave a slight giggle and hugged her little brother back, then she realized that her father Goku wasn't with them. "Where's Dad?" she asked. "It's not like him not to be here."
"Goku came down with his heart virus a few minutes ago just like Trunks said he would," answered Piccolo.
"Don't worry though!" said Krillin. "Yamcha took him back home to get the medicine he needs."
Galina sighed in great relief when she heard that. "Thank Kami for that…" she said. It was then she was aware of another familiar presence that was lacking and looked around again. "Wait a minute….Where's Sai?" she asked getting worried all over again. "How come he's not here?"
Suddenly all the others, especially Pan had sad looks on their faces. "Oh Galina…." Pan said on the verge of tears.
Galina looked at Pan already knowing what she was going to say. "No….no….Don't tell me…." she said.
"It was all MY fault!" Pan cried between sobs. "We were both training in the woods together 3 years ago and there was a huge thunderstorm! Sai….he…he got struck by lightning…..I didn't have any senzu beans and I was afraid to move him. So…so I went off to get some help….and when I got back….he was gone!"
"Oh Pan….." Galina said softly and then hugged the sobbing girl hard.
"Never mind that now you guys," Krillin said gently. "We've got bigger things to worry about, like finding Dr Gero before he reaches his lab and activating those other androids he was talking about."
Galina and Trunks looked at Krillin in shock and horror as his words slowly sank in. "WHAT?!" exclaimed Galina. "I thought Gero was supposed to be dead!"
"Nope I'm afraid that Dr. Gero is very much alive," Tien said grimly explaining the situation. "It turns out Gero transplanted his brain into an android body, he WAS going by the name of Android 20 to throw us off the scent. There was even an Android 19, but Vegeta took care of him."
"Yeah we found what was left of him earlier," said Trunks. "But for now we MUST find Gero's lab before it's too late. But WHERE to look is the problem?"
"Well," said Gohan suddenly. "I remember Bulma telling me that Gero's lab is somewhere near the North City mountains. She wanted to come of course, but Yamcha insisted on her to help him get dad to our house."
"Never mind that," said Galina "Let's get to those mountains!"
Piccolo looked at Trunks. "But before we do, I think it might be a good idea if you tell us what these other androids look like. We've made that mistake once today and we don't want to make the same mistake twice," he said
Trunks looked at everyone. "Alright," he said.
"Well I'm not going to just sit here and wait for Dr. Gero to activate his androids!" Galina stated impatiently. With that said flew towards the North City Mountains at top speed.
"Galina! Wait!" Trunks called out.
"Why is she in such a hurry?" Gohan asked Trunks.
Trunks looked back at Gohan. "Trust me Gohan you REALLY don't want to know…." he answered.
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After a few hours flying and searching Galina had FINALLY arrived at Dr. Gero's lab, but as she landed she saw that Gero had reached the lab first and was already inside it. "Oh no I'm too late…." she said in horror.
Dr. Gero turned away from his lab instruments and noticed Galina standing outside. He just gave her a cold glare and then walked up to the metal coffins that contained his android creations and activated them. At the same time he closed the heavy metal doors that led into his lab. The moment Gero did this, the other Z-Fighters caught up with Galina.
"Galina, are you ok?" Gohan asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Galina. "But Gero is already in his lab!"
Everyone entered the small tiny cave and walked up to the doors which protected Gero's lab. "So what do we do now?" Krillin asked.
"Step aside! I'm taking control of this operation now!" Vegeta said as he aimed his hand towards the doors.
"No! Don't do that!" Trunks warned his father. "Those androids are merciless, if they find out we're all here they'll kill us all!"
"So what?" Vegeta sneered carelessly. "I'll just kill them!" As he was about to blast the door down, everyone could suddenly hear Gero yelling something to his creations.
"Oh no!" Krillin said scared. "It sounds like he activated the androids!"
"Like that's going to stop me!" said Vegeta.
"Vegeta PLEASE listen to me!" Galina said in her most pleading voice. "DON'T, blast down that door! The androids are too powerful! Trust me on this!
"HMPH!" Vegeta sneered coldly. "Like I'm really going to listen to one of Kakarott's kids!" So saying he blasted down the door with a huge energy blast.
For a moment smoke and dust filled the air but gradually everyone's vision became clearer and to their horror they saw Android 17 and 18 standing near their creator. They were dressed exactly as Trunks and Galina had seen them in the future.
"So these are the big scary androids I've heard so much about?" Vegeta said unimpressed.
"What about me? Don't I get a mention?" A cold voice suddenly asked.
Everyone noticed a very familiar figure standing in the shadows.
"No…no…it can't be!" Galina said in shock. "Sai…..?"
Sai stepped out from the shadows also wearing the exact same outfit Galina and Trunks had seen him wear in the future.
"Sai?" he said with an evil smirk. "That name is not in my memory bank. I am and always will be known as Android 21."
Authors's Notes: Here's chapter 6. Hope everyone enjoys and remember to review!