A sudden yell of fury pulled all attention to the south. A teenage boy and a twenty-some couple just cleared a ridge. The teen drew the sword from his back and charged into Frieza's henchmen, going Super Saiyajin before the first stroke. The one armed man wearing the familiar orange and blue dogi was about to charge after, when the green-haired woman grabbled his elbow, calling, "No Gohan, let him. He's got to prove himself to the others."
The whole Z team turned to them, amazed as her arms went around his waist. The couple just stood there watching the teen kill every henchman, Frieza, and his father King Cold. The Warriors jumped as another ship landed, relieved when Goku stepped out, amazed at everything happening.
As the teen finished, he sheathed his sword and hung his head, catching his breath as he rejoined the couple. They went to stand in front of the others, the two groups staring, amazed at each other. The teen slipped out of Super Saiyajin, his hair going lavender as he turned to Goku, "Goku-san, it's a honor to meet you sir. If you would please join me, there is something I must tell you."
Goku, to the surprise of everyone, just nodded and followed him, about thirty yards away from them. The others just stood there, staring until Piccolo decided to test them, "Gohan," he said in that 'have-to-respond' tone.
"Yes Piccolo-san," both the young boy in Saiyajin body armor and the one armed young man replied.
Everyone jumped, their eyes going from the younger to the older and back. The two stood there, staring, "Are you really me?" the younger asked.
"Yes. We came from the future to hopefully change it. In our time, you're the only one that survives an enemy you haven't fought yet. Hopefully what Trunks is telling Dad..."
"That's Gohan!!!" Goku's exclamation cuts in.
"...will change our lives or at least prevent it from becoming yours," the older Gohan finished.
The younger's eyes went from the elder's face to his left shoulder, Chibi Gohan's hand flexing as a reminder it's still there. Mirai Gohan knelt a few feet from him; smiling slightly, "Go ahead. It's alright."
Chibi Gohan came close enough, looking in his eyes, "Did it hurt much?"
The elder's smile faded as the woman came up behind, placing her hand on that shoulder, "No, but I almost lost something more important," he replied, his hand going to hers.
The younger Gohan looked up at her and she smiled caringly at him. He tried to smile back, pushing back his fear as he reached out, touching the empty shoulder. As soon as he realized that 'his' left arm was really gone, his right hand automatically went to his own left shoulder, confirming it was still there. The elder's hand took the younger's left hand and his attention, "Hopefully it won't happen to you."
Mirai Gohan stood as Trunks returned with Goku looking amazed. Chibi Gohan stepped aside as his father stood in front of his 'future self'. Goku kept looking back and forth between the two, especially the left shoulder. As Goku turned back to him, the older said, "It's like I told him, hopefully what we've done will prevent it from happening to him," he nodded toward his younger self.
Goku's hand went to his left shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze; "In case I never told you in your time, I love you Gohan. And after seeing you like this I'm very proud of you my son," Goku said, hugging him.
"I love you too," he replied as they pulled apart.
Goku smiled then turned to the young woman. "Take good care of them Zandre," he said, hugging her as well.
She looked at Tienshinhan and Chaotzu over his shoulder as she replied, "I will Goku-san, I will."
Goku pulled away, going to Chibi Gohan, placing a hand on his shoulder, "If you grew up this well without me, I wonder how he'll turn out with me."
That of course, made everyone jump, the older Gohan only laughed and turned to his younger self, "Just don't let Mom turn you into a nerd, okay," the younger only smiled.
As Krillin, Bulma, and Yamcha all questioned Gohan about the future, Zandre turned to find Trunks trying to stare-down Vegeta. She turned to Tien and Chaotzu and sent only one thought across, 'East Capital Papa.' A touch of happiness and relief entered his eyes as Chaotzu tried to contain his joy.
Soon everyone pulled back, leaving Piccolo standing in front of Mirai Gohan and Zandre. They just stood there, staring, emotions and memories passing between them. Slowly Piccolo reached out, placing a hand on Gohan's left shoulder, "Too bad you're not the son I take you for kid, or that arm would have come back years ago."
Everyone stood there in shock, especially both Gohans, at Piccolo admitting his feelings. Piccolo then turned his gaze from Gohan to Zandre and said, "Take care of them both for me," and as she nodded, he took off.
The others all came up, saying their good-byes until the only one left was Vegeta, who was still staring at Trunks. As Zandre slowly approached, Vegeta turned to her, barely nodded, and abruptly left. Trunks was about to call out, to follow as Zandre said, "Don't Trunks. Maybe next time, okay?" taking his hand.
He only nodded as all three headed for the time machine.