Gohan distanced himself from the group for a moment,he felt like he was getting sick and didn't want to burden the others with his heart ace.
he couldn't believe that she's gone,a part of him didn't want to believe it,
why did this happened to her?
How many hardhsips must he go throught to finally ascend,?
"No,"Gohan said as tears fell down automatically, it's not worth losing the only family he has left to transform,ther ehas to be another way.
he has to protect them from harm but how? He failed to save Erasa no matter what he did,
What If she could still be alive today if they waited until the shutting down device ? If only he could question that wretched cyborg to know why they decided to hunt her down, it was Goku and him they are mostly after.
why her? Gohan thought, he felt heartless for telling himself that there is no time to mourn her but he has to,the sooner android 18 is defeated the better,continiue to mourn is a wasted chance to get stronger,and he knows that this is what Erasa wants.
to not waste time mourning her but instead protect the ones who are still alive so that her death will be avenged.
Gohan collected himself as he made his way back to the others,and tried to focus on the good times ahead,
If he stays alive long enough he could see everyone again in the past, It won't be the same but his love for his friends is.
Mother..Piccolo,krillin..all of my friends my heart longs to see all of you again,"
"And you too Erasa,I'm not sure If I can stop myself from hugging you tight.."nor certain that I can let you go from my embrace"
Gohan reminiced about the short but great time he spend with her saddened but also happy.
"T..there were times where we were alone,we looked at eachother and I just froze in place"
"gosh.."
"I'm brave enough to battle androids and put my life on the line for my friends but not brave enough to admit that I'm in love"
Gohan looked up at the stars that were still present as day time already came, a star passed by and wasn't sad anymore that their short time has ended,but now he's happy that it happened,she will live on in those memories and hopefully she feels the same about him.
"Erasa.." Your death won't be invain" Gohan said, and tried not to cry anymore as his eyes produced more tears.
Gohan scowled clenching his fists, electricity sparked up, he felt that fire again after thinking about Erasa,and it's now or never.
he tried to picture that scenario of her last moments eventhough it will make his heart break more,
exhaustion kicked in and crumbled to his knees,
trunks was having a night stroll near the hideout,he didn't feel liek waking Goku up and If he stays close then it's ok.
he felt Gohans energy perk up in the distance and has been observing the semi transformation to the next level,Trunks felt discouraged acending from the regular supersaiyan and If Gohan can barely do it then how can he?
Trunks decided it was time to leave for bed and went without making a sound,Gohan noticed a glimpse of Trunks disappearing in the woods wanted to go after him but his body won't budge
"Trunks.."Gohan said reaching his hand to him, "Wait, I..can't walk" Gohan said through the mind link and came back for him,
"Gohan? I'm sorry I thought...
" No,I don't want to be alone.." Gohan said finishing the sentence, his eyelids were swimming in tears but to Trunks it didn't matter.
he helped him up,placing his arm around his shoulder and together they flied back to the hideout,
"I almost did it Trunks-kun" Gohan said recovering a bit from the fatique. Gohan felt weightless in the mid air,and the crisp air gave relief from the drowsiness.
"did what?" Trunks asked carefully turning around to look at him over his shoulder.
"I almost transformed but this time I transitioned further but it drained too much energy" Gohan said,
"I was so close,If only I had a second longer" Gohan said defeated but yet calm,knowing that It won't be long until it happens and nobody has to die for it.
Trunks remained quiet, he was happy ofcourse but he hasn't transformed and didn't even come close to it, he could be the first one to die since 18s power keeps rising.
he didn't want that to happen,he has been waiting so long to see a free world,there has to be a way to transform too,he has dealt with the pain of loss and has seen so many people die,why hasn't that power unlocked inside him yet?
he flinched when he heard his name was called out harder, and looked at Gohan a bit wide eyed.
gentle but conserned eyes studied Trunks a bit, he knew what Gohan wanted to ask,
Trunks smiled in response, "I'm okay, I just wonder when my will come..It's been way too long and..I don't know if I can survive in the HBTC for a year without it"
"If you stay out of the blank area then the atmosphere won't be as hostile" Gohan said,"give your body the time to adapt and stay in our sight from the moment we get in." Gohan said.
"Can you promise me on that?" Gohan asked, Trunks nodded after letting it sink in,
"Yes,and this time I mean it,because doing dumb things will put you in danger as well" Trunks said,
-/-
Gohan attended his Father's injuries a needle was desinfected in a candle fire,Trunks didn't want to see the needle digged into Goku's skin,seeing the skin sewed together is something he might never get used to.
he hates seeing people in pain but still banaged some minor injuries and treated bruises where Gohan isn't sewing.
Goku looked like a mummy but atleast every limb is intact,when Gohan was done Trunks drapped a towel over him,
"Thank you," Goku said grabbing onto it,his injuries stung like he's set on fire
Tomorrow morning they will give the HBTC another try,hopefully they'll come out alive,stronger than ever.
But Android 18 is getting stronger too,so they can't afford leaving the HBTC until one day has passed,
they either die inside or by the hands of android 18 but until that day comes they spended time with eachother treating it like they have only one day to live.
-/-
Android 18 arrived to dr Gero's former lab,the other one got destroyed by her but there is another lab nearby that all of his blue prints,and unfinished androids
maybe there is a way to take the blue print and spare a few filthy humans lives to create the activate device for her.
18 felt sick by just thinking about it,her sparing humans...It's a short term promise,she'll spare their lives for a short while but after 's something she'll worry about later,now she needs to get her hands on those paper,she won't be holding that vermin Goku and his little bastards off for long without the help of her brother.
through the trees she was supposed to see the old lab but something was wrong,her eyes grew big defeated when she feasted her eyes upon the burned down lab.
she carefully placed 17 down and felt her anger boil,everything is gone,including her hope to revive 17. Goku has been one step ahead of her,she didn't care how he found this lab but that Saiyan Neanderthal has a few more brain cells than he thought.
mournfully she teared up,breaking down into sobs as she sinked to her knees.
"17!" 18 shrieked as she pounded her fist on the ground.
"You filthy saiyans!" 18 hollers.
"I'll every life form on the dirt ball suffer,If We cross paths again I've rip your skulls out"
She wiped her eyes dry and couldn't contain her rage and sped away from the burned down lab to find the first intact city.
-/-
Back in the hideout the Saiyan seeked comfort from each other,they didn't go to a separate room,they remained among eachother. The hbtc is dangerous and pretty much treated this moment like a last supper.
Its challenging,and there is a 75% that they'll die if they spend a year but maybe if they ascend before it reaches the 1 year mark they'll be strong enough.
Goku spoke with Gohan until it was time to rest,he poured out his heart to him,and told That he saw Erasa more than a friend, Goku knew that's pain all too well and could relate to him so much,Trunks was with them too but didnt say anything when they were talked,but did brushed a tear away for him when he recalled that moment where he found Erasa in the puddle. From sad he went to furious,cursing the androids for what they did to her,and then expressed his fear about losing his two most amazing people that keeps him strong, But Trunks and Goku reassured him that they won't be going anywhere,
Before bed Gohan offered everyone the antidote,
Trunks had trouble sleeping,the others were outcold but slumber couldn't find him,he increased the wind power of the fan,hoping that will help him rest but he pretty much kept staring at the ceiling. Trunks looked over to his elders, Goku laid on his stomach using his arms as a pillow,sleeping soundless like a log nonchalantly.
Gohan laid on his back with the covers to his waist,his face looked troubled like he's having a restless night,Trunks didn't fall asleep when he clenches his eyes shut and didn't understand what was going on. He kept thinking about the time machine,why must they risk their lives in the HBTC? Why not find fuel and wait until it's ready to take them to the past?
Android 18 must be out there looking for them instead of destroying cities and could picture those red glowing eyes in his mind,that bloodthirsty grin,malicious giggle echoeing, He had to keep his friends safe from her,and carefully tiptoed out of bed to the living room,he looked behind before he went behind the door and his elders haven't moved, he might be away for some hours but is certain that he'll be back before they know he's missing,
Trunks kept his ki low before he took off into the air, he kept his guard up making sure he's not followed, he flied low flying through a destroyed city, some buildings were still intact but so far no gas station for fuel,
Then Trunks had an idea,why not get oil from the oil fields? It's the last place he would find 18 there,it's close to the destroyed lab she and 17 was held in a hope his gut feelings are right.
There was only a half tank he could fill up for the machine but Atleast it's enough to make one trip and back.
He carefully placed the cylinder full of fuel inside the bag he brought along and made sure it won't drop as he hovered above the ground,he wished he could fly faster but then his ki has to go up and the last thing he needs is being followed.
He reached towards the cities and made sure android 18 wasn't there,she never sleeps and could be anywhere,he peered around every corner he hid.
But then he heard screams coming from a distance,he was startled by that,he promised himself not to challenge 18 alone but he coupdnt ignore civilians in need now that they aren't very far away from him.
He gulped and went there to see if he can aid them undetected,his elders will kill him if they find out he's ignoring a simple order but he had to.
It was dark and underneath him a strange creature was sucking the life force out of its victims,some tried to kill it but got strangled by its large tentacle.
the creature turned to the others but then Trunks decided to step in, the strongest finish buster he even created got send to that vile humanoid creature but accidentally killed the humans who were in its grip but Atleast that thing can no longer cause harm to other survivors.
It bled and after twitching it stopped moving,the buster canon did the trick and Trunks hurried away after ordering the mourning civilians to seek shelter.
As trunks flied away he heard an annoyed grunt all the way to here he was.
"who dares attacking me from behind?" the strange figure said as it started to regenerate.
Trunks could hear the being speak,adrenaline and chills over his spine sky rocked,that spooky voice alone striked fear in his heart and wished he never went outside alone.
he didn't look back once and flied away faster but not right away to the hideout to make sure nothing was on it's tail. He didn't want to give away the hideouts location even though his heart craves for protection,he kept Goku and Gohan in mind,he won't go anywhere without them.
he will keep his ki down again,in a safer area and hopefully whatever that thing was will die from its injuries soon,Trunks would have passed out if he fired another one but will report back to the others what he saw,maybe another trip to the HBTC is indeed a good option.
The being was fully regenerated, it looked at Trunks direction, it could catch up with Trunks in a heartbeat but Goku is still stronger.
he needs to be patient until he finds the androids. And slithered away into the shadows.
-/-
Gohan woke up in the middle of the night as he pribed his eyes open he felt sick and laid in cold sweats,
he dreamed about something strange.
his head throbbed restlessly as he got up, he eyed the clock it was over 2 am,his father was there next to him but Trunsk bed was empty, it didn't feel right and had to go see him.
he only grabbed his shorts and blue shirt as he left to detect his ki,
Trunks wasn't in the living room or playing games in his former bedroom, His stomach turned into a knot and couldn't sense his Ki anywhere in the hideout,he quickened his pace and went outside,
" Trunks!" Gohan shouted but could only hear his voice echoe.
he tried not to panick and went to the outdoor gravity chamber,he wasn't inside there either, at a final desperate attempt he tried to get through to him with the mind link,
Not a word back, "Trunks please...say something" Gohan tried again..
"Where are you?" Gohan spoke,but he couldn't sense anything,he couldn't make contact with his mind,something is terribly wrong.
Gohan raced back to the hideout as his heart beats radipdly in despair.
"Dad..dad" Goku could hear Gohan call out to him through the link, Goku groaned tired and turned on his side sinking in the covers.
"Dad!" Gohan whailed. "What is it Gohan?" Goku said visibly agitated but his breath stalled hearing that Trunks is nowhere to be found,
His hand darted towards his Gi and jumped out of bed to find Gohan,
This can't be,Goku thought he has to be here somewhere,Goku refuses to believe Trunks is this foolish to go against their wishes.
"Where is Trunks?" Gohan called out, appearing from the hall staring at Goku wide eyed and terrified.
Goku became chalk white realizing that Trunks Ki isn't anywhere,not even miles away.
"Android 18!" Goku spoke and grabbed Gohan by the collar teleporting them to a city nearby,
"He must have gone after her" Goku said turning into a Super Saiyan,
Gohan agreed, without a word further They rushed towards the cities waiting for android 18 to attack,minutes seems dreadful and long,why doesn't that wretched machine have a ki to track her down? Goku hated androids more than ever,and not knowing where she is Nor if Trunks is still among the living increased the despair, Goku could feel the anxiety putting strains on his sick heart but he can't rest.
They flied over doomed cities there was no trail of Trunks,everytime they searched through the rubble finding his body they were left with no answers,
There is nothing that can be done for him,all they need to do now is wait for 18 to find them.
"Father..I feel so lost,I don't know what to do anymore" Gohan said,keeping blinking to a minimum to avoid tearing up.
"We can't do anything right now," Goku forced him to look up,
As they waited Goku kept his thoughts with Trunks,maybe he's seeking shelter but why can't they pick up his ki? Goku kept that small spark of hope up that he's alive and maybe he's oppressing his that's so he'll do everything in his power to bring him home with them.
Gohan driften in thoughts one last time before focusing on tracking down 18, and gazed at the sky as the sun shined over his shivering frame, "Trunks if you can hear me, hang on..for us,I can't afford to lose you little guy"
Gohan was deeply saddened,
If he could have done something to have prevented this then he's not sure If he can live with himself If Trunks gets taken away too.
a few orphaned children snug close shivering,they shook their heads terified when android 18s footsteps could be heard and seen as the ligthing cleared the path.
they kept themselves small as possible but the a hand went under the car they were hiding underneath, she lifted the car and threw it to the side.
"Peek a boo, "
I'll give you a headstart" 18 said monotonious.
they went on their feet grabbing the smaller children to get away.
"Or maybe not" 18 thought,mercy is the last thing they deserve,everyone will feel her vengeance for losing her twin forgood.
She felt an attack incoming and flied up,she deflected it and eyes eyes lit up when she found out from who the attack came from.
"Stay away from them" Goku warned he couldn't believe that she would kill off small children like that.
"Your fight is with us!" Goku said distracting 18 long enough to let the civilians escape.
"Indeed," 18 sneered "Now it's time to make you pay for what you did to my brother!"
She lunged towards them ready to fire, Gohan and Goku unleashed a powerfull attack of their own there was a power struggle that and the shaky ground could be felt in the distance, the suvivors that has just been saved watched the beam struggle wary,
they never seen anything like this but had a feeling that whoever those guardian angels are,they are here to stop that wretched machine monster.
they decided to go and hide,there is nothing they can do for them except hope that al the forces are with them.
During the beam struggle,Goku felt sick,he fought the urge not to clutch his heart and kept pushing,They increased their aura,creating another push to blast her back,
When the beam struggle was over Goku's knees became mellow,he could barely stand.
"Dad, what's going on?" Gohan grabbed his shoulder,he blames it on the injuries that hasn't been healed yet and was stunned in place like ice cold water was dumped on him when he heard a feminine giggle,like a black widow eying her victims stuck in her web.
"She obsorbed our attack" Goku said stepping back.
her eyes flowed a bit and her face lit up grim when she could feel her power increasing,
she disppeared and came in front of them,they didn't had the chance to respond and got send flying into a building,
Goku laid on his back on a floor of a darkened office building and pribed himself up, "Gohan" Goku said worrying about his safety,
He breathed in and out,his body didn't hurt anymore and did a kick up to land on his feet, he heard a noise and knew android 18 is coming after him instead,a second later he saw her silhouette of her blond scruff hair,
Goku braced himself and when she charged towards him he avoided her strike,even without her brother she's a handful,
18 noticed that Goku is not the same,he's no longer resilient like the last time they fought,it no longer felt like a challenge and is literally breaking no sweat dominating the fight.
Goku put up a fight but he's getting slow,there is no way he can be tired this easily,
Goku was knocked to the ground but didn't get up quick enough for 18 so she kicked him in the gut,it felt like it was almost lights out for him,
"Weakling, you used to be a challenge" 18 said hovering over him,his face was curled in pain,and didn't get up,
"Ah.." 18 said, finding the culprit of Goku's rapidly decreasing stamina, she placed a hand on his heart feeling it thump, "Weird, the heart virus is active and you still won't die"
"Maybe I should give a helping hand " her fingers traveled lower while digging her nails into him,ready to dig his heart out,
Goku watched on as he managed to open his eyes,he chocked when her finger tips went into his flesh.
"Leave him be!" Gohan yelled charging for a kamehameha, " Little pest" android 18 thought she ended him and reached Gohan before he could fire.
She grabbed him by the throat,and blasting him through the gut,Gohan laid in his own blood as he heard footsteps coming closer, with a gasp he looked up with 18 hovering over him, "Killing you off is way too easy, I'll make you suffer so bad that you want to do it yourself" 18 said.
"Where is Trunks?" Gohan asked 18 just snickered and raised her hand to blast him.
"Answer me!..what have you done?" Gohan demanded as he got up.
"Gee I don't know" and lowered her arm", I thought I saw him walking around" 18 lied in spite and that made Gohans heart beat faster in sorrow,
"He could be laying dead on that corpse pile over there" 18 pointer and Gohan and followed her she was pointing with his eyes and then looked back at her to avoid any surprised attacks.
There were all dead children that haven't passed the age of 5 and some were Trunks age,their eyes were blank,some still had terror on their faces and what if Trunks has suffered the same fate?
Gohan assumed Trunks is dead,18 just told him that she saw him here, and his Ki is absent,Gohan trembled as waves of prickly heat was present in his chakra.
"How dare you.." Gohan said through gritted teeth,he clenched his eye sight shut seeing images of Trunks as a baby,helping him take his first steps,
"Gohan!" Toddler Trunks said happily reaching his tiny hands out to him in that memory,that was his first word.
"He's only a boy" Gohan said mournful,
"That thing you care so much about is just another cockroach I exterminated," 18 said while mocking Gohan,
"But rest assured,You'll be reunited with little Trunks right now.." 18 sneered.
Gohans eyes shut open as something inside him finally snapped.
"You useless scrap of metal!" Gohan said increasing his aura. His power increased and his hair started to straightened up with a body of electricity adorned,
His pupils decreased as he could feel a massive power unleash out of him,with an echoing roar His Aura aggressively spreadded through the doomed city,litting up every dark corner,his muscled puffed up as Gohan turned into a super Saiyan 2.
When the Aura faded Gohans new form was in clear sight.,Gohan gave 18 a bone chilling menacing glare as he took his first footsteps towards her,18 knew by that look alone her time is up.
"You monster! You say away from me!" Android 18 shrieked as a frightened damsel in distress and with that Gohans rage escalated more,like a shark seeing red he hunted 18 down and teleported in front of her.
"You have the vile nerve to call me a monster?" Gohan thought but no words escaped,instead he snarled at her as his eyes started to ignite in rage.
18 tried to defend herself by striking Gohan but he caught her fist,he reached his hand towards her chest where the self destructive bombs are,he thrust his hand through her with a punch and grabbed the bombs in one hand.
Gohan saw fear in her but that didn't satisfy him seeing her afraid for the first time, It only fed the fury.
18 squirmed,in pain trying to get Gohans arm away from the inbuilt bombs,Gohan charged up and the bombs slightly visible from his position started to become red like Gohan activated them. 18 almost didn't dare to look up as tears flushed down but she managed to look up seeing death staring at her face to face.
"This is for Trunks!" Gohan yelled and blasted her with a maskenko she exploded in pieces and the triggered bombs left a huge explosion eliminating every last piece.
"Gohan," Goku said,
The aura faded as Gohan turned around, his voice made him calm down coming to his senses,he rushed
"Dad," Are you alright ?" Gohan asked,his iris appeared again and noticed Goku clutching his heart as he could barely breath.
"Here have this" Gohan said as the antidote bottle shaked in his hand. Goku tried to dismiss it, "No I'm fine"
"You are not just fine! You either take it or I'll shove it in for you" Gohan said more harsh than he intended,Goku knew he wasn't the same anymore,
Goku did wat he was told,when he swallowed Gohans face soften in an apologetic way, It wasn't his intention to shout.
When Goku seems to recover a bit,Gohan got on his feet,he scanned the area,there wasn't a sound or a sign of life, he concentrated harder but that didn't make anything better.
Just dark clouds and broken city lights were flashing red were the only thing that remains,dead arms poking out of the rubble consumed Gohan with despair and hopelessness.
Gohan trembled,he felt his anger boil,he still cant pick up his ki. The smoke cleared and only some remains of android 18 was left,Gohan didn't feel victorious at all.
He failed to look after him and now he's gone. Gohan went from enraged to broken as he couldn't control the flow of tears flushing down,
He took a flight towards an another city 18 recently destroyed but not even there was a clue about Trunks whereabouts.
"Trunks..please 18 has been destroyed wherever you are hiding please come out,'" Gohan spoke through the mindlink but once again,there is no access to his thought stream due to the absent ki.
"TRUNKS!"Gohan whailed. It echoed around the doomed city and unleashed another nuclear bomb of a ferocious aura.
"Where are you?" Gohan said as he cried collapsing to his knees in sorrow,he blamed himself for this somehow.
"Why did you leave the hideout?" Gohan mourned, "why did you?"
Goku despite being devastated that Trunks is still missing managed to still keep his composure intact.
He carefully walked up to Gohan,
"Dad.."Gohan said defeated, "She killed him" Gohan said as his flushed face mixed with rain water fell down.
"No Gohan, He's alive I know he is" Goku said seeing Gohan cry makes it hard for him to keep his emotions at bay but he had to be strong for Trunks.
"I can't sense his Ki anywhere near" Gohan said as his voice started to break.
"Gohan don't give up"...Unless I've seen it myself I refuse to believe he's dead" Goku said serious blinking tears away.
But that didn't calm Gohan down,he still feared the worst for him.
"I..never told him how valuable he is to me,..I love him like my own flesh and blood" Gohan said slowly getting up to his feet.
"And I love him like a son" Goku said grabbing Gohan by the shoulder. "Our relationship may have been formal but we share a close bond"
"Trunks is still alive Gohan,I give you my word" Goku said,
Gohan breathed out,and nodded insecure,he's still terrified that Trunks is gravely injured,the thought alone makes him close to losing his mind.
"let's keep searching" Goku said.
They looked for hours and Gohan kept trying to go through the mindlink so often that his skull started to hurt,
the chuge chunks of hail hit their injuries,it made it hard for them to focus or even stay on their legs and had no choice but to cease the search and try again maybe tomorrow.
but the longer Trunks remain unfound the more angry Gohan became with himself,his mind raced with worry and kept blaming himself for all of this.
When they arrived at the hideout,Goku wanted to look at Gohans injuries first,for a moment he allowed treatment but felt like his Father wasn't sewing quick enough and felt that anything that has nothing to do with finding Trunks is not important.
Gohan couldn't remain calm anymore, when Goku tried to attend to his bruises,
"ow!.no Dad I can't stay" Gohan said rising to his feet.
"Gohan stand still I'm almost done," Goku said while he was doing stitching.
"I can't wait any longer!" Gohan said reaching out to his Gi," Trunks is still out there alone,I won't rest until he's back with us"
Goku seized his attempt to stop Gohan,trying to talk him out of it will only make things worse,he's about to lose it but Goku won't let him go anywhere alone.
"wait.." Goku said.
Gohan stopped in his tracks when he felt it too,
a Ki was nearing the hideout.
Trunk leaped inside making his way to where the time machine was,he has to think of a plan to get rid of his drenched coat so that nobody can figure out that he has been away.
but first he had to put the fuel in the time machine,it puffed as the fuel reached to the top and Trunks placed it in the tank,on the screen it could be seen that it needs 4 months to charge, he was a bit suprised,and noticed on the otherside of the machine that there was another tank,it was half full and maybe If he gets fuel for that then maybe more months will be knocked off.
He left the room,nobody seems to be there and increased his ki back up to sense If his elders were anywhere close,a cold chill went through his spine when he sensed their Ki is active which means they are wide awake.
They must have been aware that he's been missing,
He knew his time is up,and had no choice but to confront them,running away isn't an option since there could be more of that strange thing lurking somewhere.
A door flung open Trunks backed away in response,he mentally prepared himself to get yelled at.
Goku was the first one to step out,he was injured and there was nothing left of his welcoming demeanor,and Gohan was right behind him.
There was a chilling silence as four disappointed eyes watched him strict.
"Why did you go outside?" Goku asked with an authoritative tone and Trunks could tell it was just the calm that before the storm.
"Explain yourself" Goku barked,when Trunks only gulped as a response.
Trunks felt goosebumps run over his back,this cold demeanor made him feel small and fragile.
"I thought you were asleep," Trunks fringes his hands finding it hard to look up.
"So that makes sneaking out okay"? Goku asked, he hates seeing Trunks with his tail between his legs like that but doesn't he realize how foolish this was?
"No it's not" Trunks said finally looking up,his face oozed sincere regret and Goku's features softened. He started to feel a bit for him.
I went to get fuel and other things needed for the time machine..to fulfill Erasa's dream"..
"I feared that if I wait any longer then there will be nothing left to save"Trunks said softly.
Goku wanted to get trunks off the hook he no longer seemed angry and it rubbed Gohan the wrong way, Gohan sure is enraged and no puppy dog eyes will save Trunks from being taught a lesson,he stopped Goku from coming closer
"Then why the hell didn't you tell us?" Gohan snapped.
"We thought android 18 got a hold of you"
"And worst of we risked our lives back there for nothing". Gohan said.
"Do you have any idea how terrified we were?" Gohan strict tone went from disappointed, he could still feel the despair mixed with adrenaline of not knowing where to look for him,part of him is happy that Trunks is alive but it's obscured by a throbbing rage.
"I uh.." Trunks muttered and said incomprehensible things,that resembles an apology.
Trunks could feel that Gohan was different,that anger must have been the result of battling 18,it feels like being face to face with a mother polar bear searching for her cubs. It felt intimidating and imagine how 18 must have felt.
"I don't know what else I can say,I just did this for all of us,including the ones who died and didn't mean to be deliberately disobedient" Trunks said.
Goku noticed that Gohan was ready to scold him more but Goku stepped in.
he piped down,when Goku shot him a disapproved glare, "Gohan that's enough,"
"We had our say,and now I'll discuss the consequences of his actions with him" Goku ordered, Trunks mentally thanked Goku for having his back a little.
Gohan wanted to get away,to make sure nothing will slip out that he might regret later on,he felt prickly heat all over him,from the stinging wounds and the effect of his ascension,
Trunks wanted to go after him,but now it's not the time,doing so will only make things worse.
Goku came closer to Trunks,he tenses up when Goku touched his shoulder,"
"come with me" Goku said.
Trunks sighed he knew that this would happen,
They reached the living room,Goku could be heard exhaling,Like he said having a mental burnout of this and turned his back to face him.
"Trunks..to be perfectly honest I can't think of a suitable punishment for you,You've deliberately disobeyed a simple order and nothing seems to get through to you" Goku said growing tired of scolding Trunks. It all seems like a waste of efforts.
"You and Gohan being upset with me is already punishing enough and I'm not saying this to save myself if to make you pity me,but no punishment can be worse than what I'm feeling right now" Trunks said and gulped painfully.
His throat tightened,and didn't feel very well.
"But if I disobey an order again both of you can disown me" Trunks said.
Goku looked at him shocked, he could never find it in his heart to get rid of family and shook his head in disbelief.
"Trunks how can you say that?" Goku asked.
"You said that you don't know what else you can do to make me listen so this will be the way to do so." If I make one more slip up then disown me on the spot"
"All right," Goku agreed with pain in his soul "But promise me that you will listen" I don't want to lose you" Goku said gripping his shoulders and light tears appeared from his eyes,he doesn't want to leave Trunks behind not ever.
"I will" Trunks said with a nod,
Goku noticed that Trunks had a hard time focusing,making eye contact alone seemed difficult. His eyes kept darting to adifferent direction everytime he tried to look Goku in the eye.
It worried Goku.
"Trunks I'll grab the antidote," Goku said it was near the desk where all the bandages are stored and Trunks grabbed only one,
"You're supposed to take 3" Goku said, and Trunks nodded he went to the sink of some water and swallowed only 1 and placed the other who back without Goku noticing.
"You feel better?" Goku asked.
"Yes I think so," Trunks said.
"Don't be saddened Boy,I'm no longer angry and it won't take long until Gohan is out of his foul mood either.
"I'm sorry,I was only trying to help" Trunks said.
"I know,but let's not talk about that anymore,"
"You're unharmed and back with us," Goku said "Thats all that interests me"
"And food" Trunks chirped trying to lighten up.
Goku chuckled at Trunks comment, "Yeah that too..But you guys are more important"
Trunks bloomed inside,Goku rarely expressed how he feels about people but Trunks feels great when he does.
"I'm glad you are no longer angry," Trunks said, It feel like every time there is a dispute our bond repairs stronger than ever"
"I never stay mad long" Goku smiled.."but you did let me down Trunks," Goku said and his face turned slightly in a frown.
"I understand but I want to be brave as you.." Trunks said, "You aren't scared of anything"
"Bravery doesn't mean you should be out there digging your own grave, there is nothing brave about being reckless" Goku scolded a bit.
"And I was terrified today to say the least" Goku said dropping his authoritative tone,
"I thought I might lose you," Goku said,with his voice deep but fatherly.
"Eventhough I never lost hope that you were alive, I was plagued with nerve wrecking fear that maybe for once in my life that I could be wrong" Goku said holding his face up to make good eye contact with him.
Those words were so sincere and it touched Trunkses heart right in the core.
"Once again, deeply Sorry and ashamed for ignoring your and Gohans feelings completely,.. Can we be friends again?" Trunks said ready to leave everything in the past If Goku says the "I forgive you" magical word.
"You more than just a comrade I always viewed you as my son" Goku said,
Trunks felt his heart leap,it throbbed but this time it didn't hurt,he always knew Goku felt that way but never flat out said it,
"same here"
-/-
Trunks wanted to see Gohan but it's not the time to do so,when he felt slightly better he killed some time by taking care of Goku but mainly out of guilt,he's injured because of him and silently tried to make amends.
Goku hanged his upper clothing over a chair and tried to remain calm,he really hated anything that looks similar to any medical needle.
Trunks started to Cut his bandages open and looked at the recent critical injuries.
"Uh you know how to do this?" Goku looked over his shoulder at Trunks who's busy disinfect a needle.
"I've been doing stitches since I could walk,you'll be fine" Trunks said moving beside him, he and sewed the largest ones first,.
Trunks stitched his wounds remaining quiet for a while,he was in thoughts and wondered how they can bring back the ones who died back,The death of the heart virus in considered natural,but his Father could come back and Gohans friends.
Trunks placed the thread down and placed another one in the eye of the needle to continiue,Goku barely feel anything when Trunks is stitching,Trunks dipped some Cotten with disinfect strum in the stitched up wound where a little bit of blood came out and then payed attention to the smaller ones.
"Goku-san I uh," Trunks said a bit unsure.
"hmm?" Goku responded.
"What's wrong?" Goku asked looking over his shoulder kindly.
"Can't we find a way to go to Namek? Their Dragonballs aren't gone" Trunks said.
"If I knew how to master instant transmission completely then maybe I could when given the exact location.." Goku said guilty.
"But I got wished back to Earth way too soon, all I can do now is figure it out myself,and remember the things the people of yardrat taught me" Goku said.
"Can't you try to go back to yardrat" Trunks asked,carefully pressing a disinfect Cotton on the last bleeding stitch.
"I wished I knew where their planet was " Goku said, "But listen do not be disheartened, we will find a way to revive the others, I will train in the hyperbolic time chamber alone.
"Maybe I'll master it and with that I can bring a visit to king Kai" Goku said wondering why he hasn't spoken to him for so many years.
"Tomorrow Gohan and I will still be heading to the HBTCH, Android 18 has been destroyed but the heart virus is still active,maybe If We reach the 1 year mark well be immunte to that but also stronger if the Earth will be in danger once more,"
"I cant let this catastrophe happen again" Goku said and leaned forward so that Trunks could treat his lower back but he stopped sewing.
"What? Wait.. She's...she's gone?" Trunks said in disbelief but then perked"Goku you did it!" Trunks said and hugging him from behind around his neck,
"Ouch HaHa!" Goku laughed when Trunks glomps him.
"Finlly that bitch from hell is gone" Trunks said,not even caring that he Used foul slang and neither did Goku for once.
"But it wasn't me this time" Goku corrected him.
"Oh?" Trunks said suprised,
"It was Gohan, he thought he lost you and went bezerk,even I couldn't recognize him" Goku said.
"He transformed because of me..." Trunks said wondering if he still should feel guilty for sneaking out.
"Yeah, If he hadn't then 18 would have killed us both," Goku said.
"I couldn't live with myself if that happened..." Trunks said,
Oh and the hbtc..
"I want to come too," Trunks said coming from behind him.
"No, Its too dangerous to Be in there for a year,I already lost too many people and I can't afford seeing you getting hurt" Goku said.
"But its ok for me to be burdened by nerve wrecking worry?Trunks asked.
"I don't want you to die or get hurt in there" Trunks said.
"You're our leader,friend,..teacher,life wont Be the same without you and thinking about the possibility of losing you alone makes me feel bad" Trunks said lowering his head.
That hit Goku right in the gut,and he made Trunks look up.
"I'm not going to leave this Earth behind, my time is not up,"
"And I never lied to any of you have I? I always kept my promise" Goku said.
Trunks nodded with light tears in his eyes that started to build up leaving his eyes reddish.
"Then trust me," Goku said wiping rolling tears with his thumbs.
Trunks calmed down a bit and wanted to be picked up,Goku did so and both remained close to the open fire in an Inbuild pit,
Trunks leaned against Goku's bare shoulder as his gut pain full of tension wouldn't cease,
he wanted to tell Goku about that strange creature he saw hours ago..
"Goku-San..there is still something out there"
"When I was outside I saw a strange creature,I couldn't identify it but it attacked a couple of survivors but I managed to save them" Trunks said looking up.
That alarmed Goku,what if there is indeed a different android out there?there isn't much he can do in his critical condition but when he has recovered he will search for it with Gohan.
"These beings have no Ki so we don't know where the android you saw is," Goku said,
"Do not go anywhere alone until I say the coast is clear" Goku ordered.
"Remember on what we agreed on"
Trunks wouldn't refuse this time,he always makes his elders worry about him,and couldnt imagine what they went through when he was assumed dead,He didn't want to cause them anymore heartache and gave a nod.
"I will" Trunks quickly said,
Goku gently pushing Trunks head back against his shoulder Fatherly,that's all he needed to hear.
-/-
Warm water poured from the showerhead taming Gohans spikey hair,and felt his anger fading,coming to his senses now that everything is fine, at least for now.
Gohan slipped into comfortable nightwear that can easily be mistaken for casual shorts,
he left his Gi neatly folded on a chair,he eyed it for a moment. That ganji always gave him strength,he loves wearing Gi's similar to his Father.
Hopefully he'll be just as strong as him one day.
He looked at the door,he sensed Trunks close but there was no knock or movement of the door knob,
"Trunks.."
Trunks tensed up when Gohan called him,his voice was in a gentle state and he didn't seem angry,and that made Trunks regain his composure.
"It's all right" Gohan said and Trunks heard footsteps coming.
"Come" Gohan said opening the door,Gohan studied Trunks face,he looks a bit upset and unsure on what to say,
Trunks studied Gohans face too, He seemed happy and sad at the same time but also tired,
Trunks walked in closing the door behind him,he watched Gohan wondering how he should start explaining what he was trying to do and express his shame for luring them to android 18's grip.
Gohan said nothing but patted one hand next to him after he took a seat.
Trunks came next to him, "Trunks-kun..I shouldn't have snapped,I should have welcomed you back with kindness instead of scolding you..
Trunks wanted to speak up about that but Gohan asked for silence.
"Please hear me out first"
"I feared that I might find you in the rubble dead..when i couldn't pick up your Ki that fear only increased" Gohan said.
"But I was keeping my Ki at a low pitch" Trunks said guilty.
"We didn"t know that" Gohan raised his voice a bit, "We didn't know you went outside either,both of us were scared to death thinking that android 18 got you!"
"And Dad got injured invain" Gohan said disappointed.
there was a silence as Trunks let that sink in, It could have ended up alot worse
"Have you forgotten what you said to me?"Gohan spoke."You said that you're aware that If you do dumb things you'll get us in trouble too,"
"Yes but..I haven't forgtten about that, I deliberately avoided 18 to seek fuel for the time machine,"
"You trying to fuel the time machine is the last scenario we thought of when we found you missing,in our panicked state we only thought of the worst" Gohan spoke like he no longer has the strength to be angry or scold him.
"I would never worry you out of spite.."
"I feared that if the time machine won't finish anytime soon I will have to bury both of you one day" Trunks said.
"None of us is going to leave you behind,and I wished you would speak to us for once,we all want to help you," Gohan said,
Trunks nodded,while fighting his tears.
Gohan reached to his face catching a tear falling down and dried his eye with his thumb.
"Don't cry" Gohan gently said,and Trunks looked up,Gohan then cupped his face,"Trunks-kun android 18 has been defeated,
"This nightmare is over and we will rebuild everything together with all the survivors" Gohan said.
Trunks could only respond with a gasp and a light hiccup,
"But we still aren't safe,we still aren't cured from the.." Gohan stopped speaking when Trunks face seemed pale-ish and noticed Trunks is fondling with the fabric of his clothing near his heart.
"Trunks wait here,"Gohan said and hurried to fetch him the antidote," here have this"
"Already took one antidote pill" Trunks said.
"You're supposed to have 3 a day"Gohan said and offered Trunks some water to flush it down.
"I'm no longer in pain,It was only a one time sting" Trunks lied,fighting the urge not to rub his light throbbing heart.
Gohan's gentle features changed into a warning look,a fed up look that clearly says *don't lie to me*
Trunks knew there was no point in being resourceful when his health is at risk,Gohan knows Trunks means well and would rather give the last antidote to Gohan to save his life but he doesn't want to be lied to,
Gohan offered Trunks pills for the heart again,and Trunks accepted them in silence,Trunks had a tough time swallowing so Gohan told him to spit it out.
Trunks hesitantly spit the pill out on Gohan's palm, Gohan crushed it in his fist mincing the antidote into a paste.
a loud gulp was heard when Trunks swallowed it down letting out a struggled hiccup.
Gohan's heart aced and not because of the virus but because of the fear that Trunks might become very Ill and felt heartbroken by that thought alone and Trunks could see in his facial features that Gohan is scared worried but also losing hope.
"W-what's wrong?" Trunks asked carefully,
"I don't want you to die"..I was so worried about Dad that I almost forgot that all of us are infected" Gohan admitted.
" I don't want you to worry about me" Trunks said.
"heh well that's what big brothers do" Gohan said.
"Brother?" Trunks repeated bewildered..You just said big Brother" Trunks said not knowing how to react.
"Trunks" Gohan said coming closer lifitng Trunks feverish face to look him in the eye,"You told me that you regret not telling Erasa that you see her as your Sister,
and I don't want to regret not telling you that in my heart you are my biological brother.I don't ever want you to leave this world without knowing that."
a sob was heard and it alarmed Gohan assuming that the virus is causing him more pain,Trunks teared up but with joy, "Onii-chan" Trunks squeaked and without a word further Trunks dove into Gohan holding him tight like he hasn't seen him in years.
Gohan usually pats you on the back or scalp depending on your heights when he received hugs, but he never really hugs back in return but this time it's different.
Gohan brought his arms around Trunks,cradling him slightly,Trunks notice that and he feels so safe,Gohan's hold was strong like guarding shield but yet gentle and nurturing.
being with him almost made Trunks forget about the throbs his failing heart,he will look after him and those horrible machines no longer frightened him.
Trunks eyes rolled back to his head and his soft breathing signals that he dosed off.
Gohan looked down at the child,Trunks moved a bit but remained silent the fever seems stable eventhough Trunks still felt warm,atleast the antidote have put some relief on the preasure of his breathing.
his frame was kept close to Gohans bare shoulder,sleeping peacefully no wheezing or any sign of pain with every exhale and inhale.
. Gohan could rest assured that Trunks is safe.
It felt good having Trunks back with his Father and him,it's like finding a rare treasure,
Gohan watched over Trunks while keeping him by his side until it became difficult to remain awake himself.
Trunks woke up slightly when he was pulled on top of him but his eyes rolled back dosing off right away,Gohan adjusted his embrace around Trunks,occasionally he moved in his sleep but remained with his face nestled against Gohans chest.
-/-
Trunks woke up the next morning,he felt well rested and held his hand infront of him clenching it in a light fist and opened his hand to confirm that he's alive. He thought he was a goner but life granted him another day,
and noticed that Gohan didn't brought him to his own bed,he kept him close during the whole night,He felt tremendously better,he slept like a log and breathed in and out to see if he feels any pain and there wasn't any,he could breathe without any pain hindering his air way
happy Trunks kicked the covers away,
"Onii-chan"Trunks said in high spirits and hurried towards the livingroom, Goku was already up and was fianlly able to fry a good egg after a couple of failed attempts.
"Sensei have you seen Gohan"? Trunks asked.
"uh yeah he's outside" Goku said.
"Oh I'll go see him,"Trunks said.
"Wait! first you need to take your antidote" Goku said.
"Okay" Trunks said fetching a glass of water " But Goku-san I've never seen you take the antidote yourself."
"Don't worry I take them when my heart starts to hurt" Goku said.
"No no Gohan said that the virus will adapt to the antidote" Trunks said not tolerating skipping it.
"Please take it" Trunks said handing him a glass of water.
"Thanks," Goku said closing the antidote pills in his hand, "Gohan is outside near the Canyons" Goku said, Trunks focused his gaze outside and looked back at Goku he was drinking from the glass assuming he took the antidote.
They shared a smile and with that Trunks moved towards the exit.
"Trunks don't stay away too long, your training starts in the afternoon" Goku gave him a heads up.
"I'll be there,don't wanna miss out any opportunities to become stronger" Trunks assured him and tracked Gohans Ki down.
-/-
Gohan was not far away from the hideout,he seems to be coming back from meditating alone,he noticed Trunks coming his way and Trunks could see that he's over about what happened last night.
Trunks came to Gohans side
"Hey.." Gohan said rubbing his scalp.
"Morning, I hope you slept well" Trunks said in response.
"Not really..I was looking after you most of the time" Gohan said.
"Oh well you can rest a bit, it's still early and I'll be remaining inside with Goku and.."
"No, I can't..."
"Father mentioned that you saw a creature attacking humans,"
"Why didn't you tell me as well?" Gohan asked.
"I couldn't get any words out,"
"I was in pain and I thought I would die so I didn't want my last action to create worry for you" Trunks said.
Gohan was stunned for a moment,this poor boy,Gohan thought, it should finally be over but there is another creature lurking somewhere.
"Trunks-kun" Gohan said kneeling down cupping his cheek, "Remember what I said to you last night,I care dearly about you but right now my responsibility is to keep everyone from harm"
"If there's is another android I need to be ready" Gohan said,Trunks felt fear for some reason,androids don't have any ki's and what if that being is on its way to attack them too?.
"I'm scared Gohan, for the both of you, you and Goku are the only ones I have and only with you I feel safe"
"And I need to make sure that I can indeed keep you from harm,in a peaceful world I would be the best brother that I can be for you but now I have to invest time for a better future for everyone" Gohan said.
Trunks nodded, "Just be careful"
"I will" Gohan said, "Please..you be careful too,don't go anywhere alone"
"Listen to me just this once" Gohan said, and it didn't sound like an order,or even a warning but more like a desperate plea,
"I won't but what will I do? Goku will head off to Gravity training and will be sitting here doing nothing,"
"All right, just stay away from the cities,and only go where I can sense your ki,and not a step further...
"All right?" Gohan said,and the last sentence sounded a bit authoritative.
"Right" Trunks. "But how will I know I went too far?"
"You can check that yourself by trying to locate our ki,If you have to concentrate to find us then you're getting too far away." Gohan said.
"Okay" Trunks perked up, "Thanks"
Gohan could see his eyes lit up happy,Trunks has always been an outdoor person and he'll let him travel the whole world in the past,and show him everything he has been missing out on,to play,relax and sit back to look around what a life to the fullest has to offer.
"I'll come back for you" Gohan said, "I'll try not to stay away too long" and with that Gohan took off in the air on its way to the gravity chamber,and hopefully soon his body will be able to withstand the pressure of staying in the hbtc for a year.
Gohan regretted choosing for his training instead of being there for Trunks for a moment
I'm sorry Trunks-Kun"
"I've failed to protect Erasa but I won't fail to protect you kiddo" Gohan thought.
Gohan looked back at the direction where he left Trunks." If only you knew how frightened I am to lose you,"
"Which is why a I have to put my training before everything I hold dear,even you brother" Gohan said and ignored his guilt for flying off like that.
"One day you will understand that the future is set in stone,but what you do in the present will be the result of that future"
