A/N: Hi! The support I've received for this story is very encouraging considering it's my very first. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and especially those who have left comments. Anyway, Hope will be reaching its conclusion in about five chapters or so. And for those who wanted some Super Saiyan action this chapter is for you.

Chapter 10: The World's Strongest

Erasa led the way back to the party, her anger at Trunks cooling somewhat after seeing Videl and meeting Trunk's father. As they reentered Capsule Corp.'s private grounds they found the rest of the group socializing amongst themselves and chowing down on some of Mrs. Brief's very best barbecue. As Trunks came into focus Krillin called out "Hey guys! Come join the party!"

Trunks looked sideways at his blonde partner. "Shall we?" he said.

"We might as well" came her response.

The greetings they had shared earlier were nowhere near enough; everyone wanted to meet the newcomers who weren't exactly newcomers at all (Erasa perhaps) and find out all the juicy details of Trunk's battles and adventures in the past. So for the next hour or so Trunks related in detail the important points from the death of most of the Z Fighters some 20 years earlier, through the battles he and Gohan had with the androids, Gohan's death, his trips to the past and the final battle with Cell. When he got to the part about his own death he made note that what he would tell them next he had gotten second hand.

"I actually died during that trip to the past. After Goku had sacrificed himself to defeat Cell we thought that it was over. Cell was nowhere to be found. Then before I knew it there was an energy blast shooting out of nowhere and it hit me square in the heart. It was the worst pain I ever felt…I don't remember anything after that; I died. Apparently Cell was able to regenerate himself using the cell's he received from Piccolo.

"I was told by that timeline's Yamcha that my father attacked Cell like a wild man after I was killed. But it wasn't enough. Eventually Cell fired up the biggest Kamehameha wave ever seen. His intent was to blow up the entire planet. But Gohan was able to counter and with a little help from all of us, including my dad, Gohan's Kamehameha swallowed up Cell's. And that's how Cell died. Oh I almost forgot" he said, turning to Hercule.

"You were there also. You tried to fight Cell on your own but you were severely outclassed; it's a wonder you weren't killed. But you did do something that ultimately led to victory. During the initial fight between Gohan and Cell Gohan was getting the beating of his life. But Android 16 who had already been blown up asked you to toss his head onto the battlefield so that Gohan could see it. When Cell crushed 16's head and smashed it into the ground it provided the spark Gohan needed to break down the barrier and become a Super Saiyan 2; after that, Cell was outclassed. Oh, and then after we all left you stole Gohan's credit for yourself and their whole world thinks you're the one who defeated Cell."

Everyone stared embarrassingly at Hercule while the man himself gulped and scratched his afro nervously. "Uh, well I…hey it wasn't me! It was me from another time right? So this me, I mean the real me had nothing to do with it; I was already dead! Ha ha, huh, ha ha ha! Um…right?"

Piccolo merely rolled his eyes. "So while we're on the subject" he began, "it occurs to me that Trunks here is now the world's strongest, if not the universe's strongest warrior. How about a little demonstration of that power of yours?"

Vegeta, who had been eavesdropping from the sidelines suddenly perked up. Yes, a demonstration of his son's powers would be quite the thrill to see; especially since he too would soon obtain such strength. "Yes boy. Show us your Ascended Saiyan powers. Let's see if you're all talk or if you actually have the goods to back up your story."

Trunks smiled sheepishly but nodded. "Okay. I will but let's wait until after the party's over. We should fly out somewhere remote because the amount of energy I'm going to unleash will be too much for this place to handle." This piqued everyone's interest.

"Unbelievable" said Tien. "Is it really possible to possess so much power?"

Yamcha held his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not surprised at anything these Saiyans can do. And if Trunks was able to defeat a power like the androids then I'm sure his power is something beyond anything we've ever faced."

Just then, the door opened and all eyes wheeled to the man in the orange gi who was holding something small and wrapped in blankets in his arms.

"The baby!" Erasa squealed in delight.

"Alright!" yelled Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien.

"My-my grandbaby?" asked Hercule tremulously.

In seconds nearly everyone surrounded Gohan in order to get a better look at the newest addition to the Son family; only Piccolo and Vegeta remained aloof.

Trunks looked down at the smallest Saiyan and noted that beneath the little hood she wore to keep her head warm there were already tufts of black hair poking out. The baby itself was fast asleep.

"Congratulations Gohan" he said. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"A girl" said Gohan proudly. "Her name is Pan, after Videl's mother."

Hercule sniffed. Pan…his wife was named Pan. And now his little girl had a little Pan of her own. His mustached lips quivered as he struggled to maintain his composure in front of all these freakishly powerful people. "Can I…can I hold her?" he asked.

Gohan smiled and handed Pan gently to her only living grandparent. Hercule reached for his granddaughter and stared in amazement at what this man and his daughter had created. She was so beautiful, just like her mother and grandmother. Pan slept peacefully, oblivious to all the attention being heaped upon her.

"She's so adorable" Erasa moaned. "How's Videl holding up?" she asked.

"Videl's fine" said Gohan. "She's resting now. You can go see her again in a bit." Erasa nodded tearfully.

A large, looming presence cast his shadow upon the sleeping newborn. Gohan smiled. "Would you like to hold her Piccolo?" The Namekian shook his head.

"No, this view is fine, thanks."

Soon Hercule was being pressured to give her up; everybody wanted a chance to hold Gohan's daughter, Goku's granddaughter. It was so bizarre to think that in their minds, though twenty years had passed, their most recent memories of Gohan were as a little boy. That they were now holding his child was a little strange to them.

"Kind of puts it into perspective how long we've been gone huh?" said Krillin.

"You're not kidding man" said Yamcha.

After everyone, including Master Roshi, had an opportunity to hold Pan Mrs. Brief made to give her back to Gohan. But Vegeta stuck out his arm.

Gohan was surprised. "Vegeta?" he asked uncertainly.

The Saiyan prince glared menacingly at Gohan. "There are only four Saiyans left; it is only proper that the child be examined by her prince." Well that was a surprise. Vegeta wanted to hold Pan?

Mrs. Brief smiled obliviously as she handed the small child to that "darling Mr. Vegeta."

The stoic prince held the child delicately, aware of the fragile nature of the young. His hard features remained impassive as he surveyed the second generation offspring of his greatest rival. After a few seconds he handed her off to Gohan with the words "I find no defect."

From an upstairs window Bulma Brief watched the scene play out below and smiled in triumph as she saw Vegeta take the child into his arms. The arrogant jerk could make all the excuses he wanted but there was no denying it: Vegeta was a sucker for babies.

xXx

Hours had passed since Trunk's and Erasa's triumphant arrival. Pan, Videl, Erasa, and Hercule were together with Bulma doing who knows what. Meanwhile, the Z Fighters were assembled on a small uninhabited island a few miles from West City. They all (including Gohan) had assembled for a front row ticket to what they hoped would be the greatest display of Saiyan power of all time…at least in their timeline.

Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin each leaned casually against a palm tree while Gohan, Vegeta, and Piccolo stood attentive as if this was a very interesting lesson that they soon would be expected to demonstrate. Trunks was separate from them all, standing in front of them in preparation for his demonstration.

"Gohan, father, it might be best if the two of you transformed into Super Saiyans right now. That way you'll have an easier time keeping up with my energy. The rest of you…well, I don't know the nicest way to say this but you may actually want to move back a ways...like into the air. Your counterparts in the past were a lot stronger than you since they'd received three years warning about the androids; they were better equipped to handle a power like mine."

Yamcha brushed him off. "No way! It's not like we haven't all been in the presence of a Super Saiyan before. An Ascended Saiyan can't be that much different. We'll be fine!"

"Yamcha show some sense!" yelled Piccolo. "Trunks knows what he's talking about; he's experienced this kind of energy before. And don't forget that his power was great enough to blow those androids to smithereens. The same androids that handed you your carcass on a silver platter! So don't underestimate him or overestimate yourself!"

The scar faced warrior blanched. "Get real Piccolo!"

But it was Vegeta who brought order to the situation. "Be quiet weakling! Your constant jabbering was one thing I didn't miss in the grave; do as the boy says and scram! He is my son after all." Vegeta took special care to place the emphasis on the words 'my son' just to remind Yamcha, who he had never liked in the first place, that Bulma had chosen the Saiyan prince over himself.

"Let's go Yamcha" said Tien.

Finally, after a few more moments of sputtering and anger Yamcha elevated into the air along with Tien and Krillin. Piccolo however, chose merely to raise himself a few inches from the ground; he was the strongest of them all after the Saiyans at least.

Both Vegeta and Gohan powered up to Super Saiyan mode, Vegeta's transformation taking somewhat longer than Gohan's.

"Curse that brat's longevity" thought Vegeta. "Everyone knows I became a Super Saiyan before him. No matter. Once I ascend to the next level I will take my place as the Prince of all Saiyans once again."

"Everyone ready?" called Trunks.

"Ready!" they said. Vegeta grunted.

Trunks inhaled deeply. Then…

"HAAA!"

The wind kicked up mightily. Dust and debris zipped through the air as Trunks made the jump to Super Saiyan in a flash. Next, his muscles began to tremble and the very air around them turned static. Trunk's feet embedded themselves in the ground as rocks began to be pulled up form their place.

Lightning of a brilliant blue zapped in and out of focus, surrounding the young Saiyan as the onlookers stared in awe of a power only Vegeta and Gohan could even come close to comprehending.

"His energy is mindboggling!" shouted Piccolo, more to himself than anyone else.

"Oh man! What power!"

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"Okay I take it back; the air's a good place to be!"

The other two Saiyans were silent but each struggled to get a good feel on just what it would mean to possess all that power. Gohan looked on quietly with a mixture of pride and awe on his face.

"I can't believe how strong Trunks has become. It seems unreal that this is the same boy I had to spend thirteen years protecting. Now if anyone else tries to harm our planet I think it'll be me running to him."

Trunk's features sharpened as he let out a mighty cry. "HAAAA!"

He stood before them glowing brilliantly, his golden hair slightly spikier than they were used to. Each person gazed at Trunks as if they had never seen him properly before. This newfound power, finally witnessed, was beyond anything they had ever dared think possible; no wonder the androids were beaten! Those who were airborne made to return but Trunks called out "No, stay put. This is just the introduction."

"What?!" was the unified cry.

Vegeta stood transfixed. Had he missed something? During all those years he had gone over the Super Saiyan legend in his head he had never known there was something beyond, never dreamed there could be a being more powerful than a Super Saiyan. After learning that Kakkarot had defeated Frieza after breaking the barrier, he had assumed that his earlier assumptions were correct (lesson learned: Never assume anything about assumptions); that there was no greater being than a Super Saiyan. Now he could see for sure that all his assumptions were incorrect. And what was this about an introduction? The boy couldn't possibly have more energy?

Again Trunks let out a fierce cry and this time the whole island shook with his power. Birds took to the heights and coconuts feel off of trees. The water was coming up in waves, sprinkling everyone with a mist. Trunk's muscles began to bulge, the veins in his head showing. Shocks of electricity rent the air surrounding them, sending currents through their flesh. The energy swelled to near inconceivable proportions as Trunks finished his power-up, panting slightly, sweat beading his brow.

The six observers gaped in amazement as a totally different person stood before them. At least it seemed that way. The muscle bound, hulking mass of a Super Saiyan hardly resembled the quiet, slightly shy lavender haired boy who had greeted them today. Intermittent sparks of electricity flashed around his body as he burnished steadily like some Adonis.

Trunks smirked. "Well guys, what do you think?"

Silence. And then…

"Unreal Trunks" was Gohan's reply. "I'm so proud of you. You've taken everything I've taught you and brought it to a whole new level of amazing."

The three humans had been stunned into silence. So Piccolo remarked "Well…I guess I see how the androids were destroyed. Inconceivable."

Vegeta took it all in: The sight, the power, the vibe, the fact that this was his son. But in his sharp, expert analysis he spotted a major deficit in Trunk's form. But he wouldn't expose it just yet.

"So then, is this more muscular form what you called Super Saiyan 2?"

Trunks shook his head. "No. I'm afraid I haven't yet reached that level. No this is what we call a Full Power Ascended Super Saiyan. It 's quite a mouthful but we really didn't know what else to call it."

Vegeta nodded curtly. "Your power is something to be admired. But there is a major weakness in this form, something that could very easily be your undoing against the wrong opponent."

Nearly everyone else looked at Vegeta as if he was nuts but Gohan honed in on Trunks and instantly spotted it as well. Trunks simply smirked.

"Your bulging muscles add to your power…but they will slow you down. I wouldn't swap decreased speed for additional raw power any day of the week. You would be much better off in the initial Ascended form you showed us."

Trunks nodded his assent. "Yes, you're right. That's what you decided in the past as well. You had the ability to reach this level but you purposely declined; you knew it would slow you down. And that was my undoing. It's what got me beaten when I faced Cell one on one."

xXx

"The Androids had come out of nowhere. Everywhere Videl turned there were people running, children screaming, and buildings collapsing. To make matters worse it had started to rain. The only bright spot was that there was really no one left that she cared about, no one left to lose; except herself. Her only solace since her father's death had been Erasa but it had been over a year since they had been separated and she could be anywhere. In a far away city, living underground, or dead. In some ways it seemed that death was preferable.

If Videl died right here then she would no longer have to cope with the constant terror, the daily panic that sets in at a sudden noise, an unfamiliar sight. Anything and everything not absolutely vetted and analyzed completely was a potential threat, a possible hit by the androids. And yet even though her brain told her that a quick death might be preferable to living a life of fear and confusion her body told her with every fiber of its being that she must run away, fast.

A beam of light passed barely a foot from her face and blew up a car packed with a fleeing family. Videl's heart threatened to burst from its cavity for fear and she let out a very un-
Videl-like scream. From above she heard the cool, callous laughing that she had come to associate with the demonic duo. It was unbelievable that the two instruments of terror that would surely bode the end of the human race were created by one of their own.

"Hey 18, I think I recognize that one! Yes, the girl down there in the blue shirt; I think we've met her before." By "met" the android meant that Videl had somehow escaped from them in the past. But somehow he felt that today would be different.

"She doesn't look any more remarkable than any other of these ugly human females. I think you're just getting lonely 17."

"Come on sis. Let's go have some fun."

The two sent blasts all around Videl's vicinity in a circular form. By design they purposely missed Videl but kept her trapped in a circle surrounded by flames that encased her in a wall of heat.

The two androids landed on either side of the young beauty, impervious to the heat of the flames. Well this sucked. Videl was hoping for a quick death. But when the androids isolated a person and singled them out it usually meant that the monsters were going to play awhile with their food. Still, the daughter of the last World Martial Art's Champion was not going to go down without a fight; even if the fight was futile.

"My my, look what we've got here 18. Such a fresh faced little human. I always do like them tender." The male android set his eyes straight on her breasts which were more visible now that her clothes were soaked.

Ugh, what a freak! Videl had faced danger in many ways before, being the youngest member of her Father's famous dojo, but somehow the danger of being raped by a machine had never really crossed her mind. She wondered whether it was worth it to hop into the flames and burn to death rather than endure the pain and humiliation of a sexual assault and then death. The female android had begun to speak.

"Honestly, I don't know what you see in them. They have about as much appeal as a sick pig."

But 17 wasn't listening. He was taking slow steps towards his prey, pulling out a knife and blowing on it. Videl readied herself; her body simply would not let her become a victim even though she had absolutely no control over the situation.

"I'll bet you're probably wondering how I'm going to break you. You see, I'm a very simple guy. I'm very into the straightforward approach."

The android made a sudden thrust for her throat but missed. Why? A flash of gold swept Videl out of the circle of flame and deposited her on the remains of a stone monument. Videl's heart leaped: The Golden Fighter!

Seventeen and Eighteen narrowed their eyes in displeasure; how many more times was he going to stick his nose in their business?

"You know you're getting to be a real pest. And you know what we do to pests? Exterminate them."

The Golden Fighter merely smirked. "Did you come up with that one yourself? Or did your sister pitch that one to you? I get the feeling she's probably the smarter of the two of you."

Eighteen smirked as well. "Maybe he's not as stupid as we thought."

Seventeen however, was not pleased. "I was in the middle of something you rude, rude man. Didn't your mother ever teach you not to interrupt your superiors?"

Gohan's answer was to fire up his aura and launch into an attack against the male android. A furious combo of punches, forearms, and kicks were parried by 17 although not with as much ease as the android had become accustomed to. Gohan continued his barrage, mixing it up expertly as 17's face contorted into a snarl.

"So it looks like you've actually grown some talent since I beat you last!"

"And it looks like you're just as heartless and cruel as you were before" said Gohan. "Why can't you just leave people alone? What did these people ever do to you? Nothing! It's all just a part of your sick game; but no game can last forever. One day someone's going to beat you and I hope with all my soul that it's me!"

"Look out!" came a shout from behind and Gohan turned quickly to avoid a kick from 18. Videl watched the battle fearfully. She was equally astonished that there was anyone who could do that kind of battle with the androids and terrified that the Golden Fighter, whom she had met more than once before, would ultimately lose. He couldn't lose; if he lost that meant that she would lose.

"Thanks for the warning!" the golden man shouted as he struggled to keep up against both androids.

Seventeen fired a red energy blast at Gohan which 18 followed up with a yellow one of her own. Gohan dodged them both and then yelled "Kamehameha!" He knew the Kamehameha wave could only hit one of them but he was counting on that. Seventeen was caught unawares and failed to adequately cover up before he was engulfed in the blue wave.

"Seventeen!" yelled the female.

"Your turn!" shouted Gohan.

The female android turned surprised as Gohan was right in her face with a double handful of energy beams which he unceremoniously fired right into her face.

"Aahh!" she yelled.

The Golden Fighter was at Videl's side in a flash. "Get down and close your eyes tight. I'm going to get us out of here." Videl did as she was told, willing to trust this man she didn't even know. He had a calming air about him and his demeanor was sweet despite the horrific circumstances.

And then his voice was heard from above as he shouted "Solar Flare!" Anguished screams came from the androids and before she knew it Videl was swept up bridal style as they launched into the air. After about ten seconds the golden man said "It's okay to open your eyes now."

Videl's eyes opened tentatively as she took in her surroundings. She was airborne being cradled in the massive arms of this mysterious man who had just saved her life for what might have been the sixth time. She didn't know what to say.

"Thank you" she decided on. "Thank you so much. I can never repay you; you just saved my life again. You always seem to show up at just the right time. You're…you're really special."

Gohan smiled slightly but remained silent. After some minutes Videl felt curious; where was he taking her? She felt at ease with this guy but still, she had just nearly become a rape victim. It wouldn't do for her to be in the dark about where some strange man was taking her.

"Excuse me; where are you taking me?"

For the first time since the battle the golden man spoke. "Somewhere safe. Somewhere out of the reach of the androids. My place isn't necessarily android proof but it's the closest thing I know of." Suddenly Gohan noticed a series of burns on her neck.

"You're hurt" he said.

Videl looked at him and then touched her neck where she saw his eyes were fixed. Yes, there were some very tender marks there; probably embers spit out form the fire. She knew that wasn't all that was wrong with her. About a month ago she had developed a cough that hadn't ever gone away. She could feel the fluid bubbling in her lungs as she laid down every night but she had been unable to seek adequate medical care.

"Yeah, I've felt better. I haven't been the healthiest person the last few weeks. But there hasn't been a doctor I can go see."

Gohan understood. "Don't worry. I know someone who can check you out and make you as good as new."

She was taken aback by this guy's friendliness. There haven't been many people she could trust the last few years. "I…thank you; I mean…you don't have to…"

"Don't worry about it. It'll be nice to have someone my age to talk to for a while; it gets kind of lonely all by myself. My name's Gohan by the way; Son Gohan."

"My name's Videl. You don't have any family?"

Gohan's face darkened for a moment. "I had a number of friends that were like my family but they're all dead; androids. My closest friends now are a woman named Bulma who's a lot older than me and her son Trunks who's still a kid. I don't have anybody else."

Videl felt tremendous compassion for Gohan; she wished there was something she could do for this selfless person who had risked his life on her behalf more times than she could be sure were accurate.

"Well I'll stick around for a while if you want; I'd love to meet your friends and get to know you better. Maybe you could even train me a bit! You're an amazing fighter."

Gohan grinned. "Hmm, we'll see."

xXx

Videl stopped speaking as she stroked the soft face of her newborn. She had just spent the last half an hour explaining to Erasa just how she had come to know Son Gohan, how she had met him properly for the first time.

"Wow" breathed Erasa. "Oh Videl, you're so brave. I don't know what I would have done in that situation. It's so good Gohan was there to save you!"

Videl smiled. Yes it was good. And now that that nightmare was over she could finally enjoy the life with him that she had always wanted. Just him, her, and their daughter alone in their little secluded house in the mountains. Of course people would come over sometimes but more than anything Videl was looking forward to the day when they could move out of Capsule Corp. and start their real life together.

xXx

Vegeta was locked in fierce combat with Trunks. The moment Trunk's demonstration had ended the prince demanded a spar. Trunks didn't think it was the best idea but there was no talking down his father, especially as he was determined to ascend now himself. And Vegeta was not known for subtlety; rather than ease himself into training Vegeta would rather jump in headfirst to the most difficult training imaginable.

The two men of gold clashed, father and son, as the others watched. Vegeta was definitely on the losing end of this spar but he was holding his own reasonably well for a guy who was severely outclassed. Vegeta sent his fist flying towards Trunk's mouth but Trunks quickly flipped out of the way and sent a drilling elbow at his father's chin.

Spitting out blood the cocky prince flared his energy up and launched a barrage of attacks designed to throw Trunks off balance. Perhaps this might have worked on Gohan but Trunks was now so far above their level that his attempt was nearly laughable. Trunks landed two blows on his father's stomach and landed a vicious head butt that Vegeta was sure he'd feel for the next three days.

Stumbling, the older Saiyan fought to keep his balance but was knocked off balance by a chop to his knees. Collapsing on the ground Vegeta snarled with rage. He sent a fist flying in the general direction of his son but he knew from the beginning that it was no good; that head butt had disoriented him. Vegeta was seeing double and this left Trunks an easy advantage. Flaring up, Trunks sent a hard fist into Vegeta's stomach and then slapped him aside so that he landed face first in the dirt. The flame haired Saiyan lost the gold hue in his hair; he descended back into his base form.

Gohan was impressed. "That was remarkable Trunks. I'm looking forward to some one on one training."

Trunks smiled. "No problem. But you might be a little busy changing diapers don't you think?"

Gohan took the comment in stride. "Maybe. But at least I know how to keep my wife happy. Last I heard you were in some serious trouble with your girlfriend."

Krillin and Yamcha could be heard snickering; even Tien was smirking slightly.

"That's what you heard huh? Well you can't blame me entirely; she just went psycho on me."

Gohan grinned cheekily in a manner more reminiscent of Bulma than anyone else. "I told you before Trunks: Sometimes, it's just best to let them win."

For the next fifteen minutes the group flew back to Capsule Corp. with the battered Vegeta bringing up the rear.

When they arrived at the mansion they separated into smaller groups. Krillin and Yamcha went to tap the keg with Master Roshi, Tien and Piccolo engaged in a terse conversation about training, Vegeta stalked off to the showers, leaving Gohan and Trunks together to seek out their respective females.

It was odd how things had changed. Trunks was now just a couple years younger than Gohan and much stronger even though he still felt as though Gohan were the superior fighter. He didn't think he'd ever get used to the idea of being in the driver's seat as far as training was concerned. As far as he was concerned, Gohan was his master and that was that.

Gohan sensed the tangled thoughts of his former pupil and smiled. This was familiar territory: Trunks being confused, Gohan helping him figure it all out.

"How does it feel to be the strongest Trunks?"

Trunks flushed slightly. "Umm, it's really no big deal. If anything it just adds more responsibility to my plate. Should anything come up I'm the one everybody will depend on. It's sort of surreal."

Gohan nodded. "Things will never be the same now that we're all back. There's definitely going to be some competing ego's; I don't envy you for having your dad around here. He's going to be a handful. But I think you'll find it energizing. And besides, if he gets out of line you can always just knock him out." The pair laughed good naturedly at Vegeta's expense.

"Hey Gohan, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

Trunks hesitated. How should he put this? "Well" he began, "Do you think it'll make us stronger? Now that everyone's back, now that you have a daughter, and I have a …a girlfriend" he said that last word a little embarrassed.

"Do you think the need to protect them all will make us better?"

Gohan considered him thoughtfully. "I don't know. That's what I always thought made my dad so good; his absolute obsession with protecting everybody. But I think what we've learned is that you can't protect everybody all the time. There will be some losses in the future. We don't know who, when, or where but it's certain to happen. We shouldn't just use our loved ones as incentives to get stronger. We should use our loved ones for just that: Loving them. Because if we spend all our time worrying about the next threat that might affect them we'll drive ourselves insane with worry.

"Trunks, I don't know what the future holds. But I do know you can't protect everybody. Look at my dad. He tried to protect everybody and he was the best at it; but in the end he couldn't even protect himself. Love your family, love your friends. Fight for them, die for them even. But make sure that when you're with them you recognize that moment for what it is and not just treat it as something fleeting that will pass as soon as the next threat arrives. If you live like that you'll never be happy and you'll end up like exactly one person: Vegeta. Why do you think your father is the way he is?"

Trunks was taken aback at such a question.

"It's because he was scared" continued Gohan. "Scared to lose the one's he loved. Scared because the fate of an entire race was put on his shoulders when he was barely old enough to understand what it meant. Your dad lived nearly his entire childhood worried about what would happen to his father and others he cared for if he didn't do his part to protect them from Frieza's wrath. Well that's no way to live. And what does Vegeta have to show for all that worry? Power? Yes. Pride? Sure. But deep down inside your father is a wounded and fragile man. If he had just been able to enjoy the moment with his loved ones it's possible he could've coped a whole lot better than he did. I'm not blaming him, not saying it's his fault; he was forced to carry burdens no child should have to carry. I know; I carried similar ones when I was that age. And so have you.

"Love everyone Trunks. Love your mother, your father, and your girlfriend. Love your friends, the earth, and life and you'll do okay. I have the utmost confidence in you Trunks. But you've got to live in the moment and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. Yes we'll train and we'll prepare for it; but it can't consume us. That's what happened to your dad; don't let it happen to you too. And remember, everyone's got to love something; even the world's strongest."

With that, Gohan continued the walk to the maternity ward leaving Trunks to ponder his master's words. He certainly hadn't expected Gohan to say all that when he'd asked that question. He'd thought it had been a very simple question. But the more he thought about it the more it seemed to make sense. Here was a guy like Gohan who as far back as Trunks could remember had always lived in the moment, enjoying everything life offered him even during the dark times. And look what happened. The guy was brought back to life, reunited with his wife, had a baby, and was more contentedly happy than any time Trunks had ever seen him.

Meanwhile his father, who, at least as Gohan told it (and he'd heard some similar snippets from his mother), had never learned to just enjoy life for what it was, was in almost the same boat as Gohan: Was back from the dead, had a son to get to know, and a woman who had her age reversed specifically for the occasion and the most important thing on his mind was getting stronger and reaching new levels of power, paranoid that some new threat would rise out of the shadows to consume him one day. Trunks thought about it and knew that Gohan was right; that was no way of living.

So from now on Trunks was resolved to enjoy everything life threw at him to the best of his ability. Every relationship he had he would cherish and they would become his motivation in protecting them; but they would not consume his fears. Yup, there was a reason Gohan would continue to be the master in their relationship. Trunks may be the world's strongest, but as far as he was concerned, Son Gohan was the world's wisest.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I put a lot of effort into this one. It got a little lovey-dovey towards the end but hey that is the point of this fic. I know the whole Full Power Ascended Super Saiyan thing was probably a bunch of crap but I haven't watched the Cell Saga in years so I don't remember the details.

A couple people didn't like that Erasa blew up at Trunks last chapter, thought it was OOC. Maybe. But in her mind she was right and I think she deserves to be a little upset. She'll get over it.

Let me know what ya'll think. Please Read and Review! Oh and if I can get more than five reviews for this chapter I'll tell you the really awful thing I was planning on having Vegeta do that I scrapped last minute. Review if you're interested.