"Zandre. Zandre, where are you?" Bulma's calling pulled her awake.
"Over here Bulma. Not so loud, he's still asleep," she replied, her hand moving from her slowly expanding stomach to little brother's sleeping head pillowed on her knee.
Bulma walked around the bushes to find Zandre leaning against a tree, "Why is he so tired anyway?" she asked as she sat on Zandre's other side.
"He's trying too hard to learn everything as fast as he can. It doesn't help that your son is trying to train him so he can do everything I can," Zandre replied, reaching for the sketchpad between them.
Bulma picked it up, about to hand it over when she realized part of the picture looked familiar, "This one looks like... Is this..?"
"Yes, it's these two," she replied, stroking her stomach, "Or at least how they looked in the dream. I can't shake this feeling that it means something. I thought that maybe if I drew them I could shake it, but it still there."
Both women sat in silence, trying to reason an answer when Zandre suddenly started giggling. She blushed furiously as Bulma asked, "What's so funny?"
"I... I just remembered... the night we..." she paused, "I probably shouldn't."
"Aahh, you can't build me up then stop. Come on, tell," Bulma joked, prodding.
"Well, not all the details. Anyway, as we... we started hovering."
"That's fun."
"As it hit, he turned Super Saiyajin."
"Oh, that's even better!"
"So it does happen a lot. Anyway, as soon as it was done, he reverted back and we flopped on the couch, laughing," Zandre finished.
Bulma seemed lost, remembering, "He always had something new to try. I still wonder though..."
"About what?"
She shook herself back to the present, "Vegeta always tried to convince me into flying and..."
"Oh you should have, you should have Bulma! It's like a whole night rolled into one time!" Zandre exclaimed, almost waking little brother.
Bulma fought her way out of her memories, her fantasies and said, "You sure know how to torture a person."
"Hey you brought it up! You had to know!" Zandre joked, suddenly getting serious as little brother sat up, worried.
"What is it Zandre? What's going on?" Bulma asked, concerned as she helped Zandre up.
"I thought they were just sparring," she mumbled, catching herself at Bulma's gasp, "I'm not sure Bulma, but Trunks is barely conscious and Gohan's slipping. You take Aiko and bring the airvan. I'll go on ahead and see what I can do," Zandre replied as she started flying away.
"Please be careful, I don't want to explain to Gohan why you got hurt too," Bulma called to her retreating form, knowing nothing she could say or do would stop Zandre.
(Present/Normal Timeline)
"Sure you guys can use the gravity chamber, but Vegeta gets furious when he's interrupted, so be careful," Bulma said as she lead Goku and Gohan to the room.
"Thanks for the use and the warning Bulma," Goku said, father and son both stopping and scanning the sky.
"Tien, Chaotzu, nice to see you guys," Goku said as they landed a few feet away.
"Why did you guys come here? You want to use the gravity chamber too," Bulma asked.
They looked at each other briefly before Tien turned to them, "No, but we were..." was cut off by a loud boom and a flash of light across the Capsule Corps. Compound. They ran toward the source, amazed to find Vegeta standing there stunned in front of a giant spider-like vehicle. The dome on the top suddenly lifted, turning to the back and a being stood, trying to see through the settling dust cloud.
Vegeta, ready to attack, started hovering to the top of the vehicle as Goku called out, "Vegeta get back here. We have no idea what this is."
"Kakarotto, I was going to attack before it had a chance to respond," Vegeta yelled.
"Vegeta, Goku. I made it, thank Kami! We don't have much time. We have to get back," a voice called out from the vehicle.
A sudden breeze cleared the area, showing everyone who was there. "Zandre," Goku called.
"Yes, I came again. We don't have much time, an alien has shown up and says he's gonna take the halflings alive or dead. Gohan and Trunks both fought him off for a while, but they need help."
"Why?" Goku asked, concerned for that son.
"Gohan's barely alive and Trunks is barely awake. I did what was needed and came to get help. So who's coming?" Zandre said, her chair lifting to reveal the extra seats.
"I'm going," Goku called.
"Me too," Tien said as Chaotzu nodded at him.
"I'm going," Gohan added.
"NO!" three voices said in unison. Piccolo slowly lowered into view, "You're staying here Gohan. You'd just be another target for him."
"He's right Gohan. This maniac said he wants the halflings so he can rebuild Frieza's empire. He'd go after you too, or use you against your father," Zandre said, turning to the others.
"Let's go," Goku said, hovering up to Zandre and Piccolo, followed by Tien.
Zandre turning to Vegeta, "There's room for one more."
Vegeta sent a cursory glance to Bulma before saying, "There's no way I'm letting you get this one Kakarotto!"
Zandre smiled, winking at Bulma as Vegeta joined them.
(Back in Mirai/usual storyline)
Another boom and flash of light and the dome and Zandre's seat were moving. She stood and slowly lowered herself out, saying, "So how are they Bulma?"
"The same as they were. They can't heal completely in the five minutes you were gone," she replied, making three of them jump.
As they got out, Bulma stood in the doorway with her back to them, calling down the hall, "So who did you bring back?"
"Bulma?!?" Goku uttered, amazed.
She slowly turned, her hands going for the doorframe, shocked to find four long dead friends standing there, almost as old as the last time she saw each. As the shock wore off and her mind kicked in, she chuckled briefly and called down the hall, "So you brought the fathers with you."
Tien got a little nervous as she started down the hall, waving for them to follow. They entered a room to find Trunks sitting up in a bed; Zandre bent over Gohan in another, her hands and his chest glowing green.
Gohan slowly groaned and tried to sit up, being stopped by Zandre. He took one of her hands in his and said, "Just stop the bleeding Zandre. We don't have the time and you don't have the strength."
She was about to protest, when she realized its truth and the true extent of his injuries. As she finished, he sat up, his hand absently stroking her stomach. Gohan got up and stood beside Zandre, her back still to the others and looked at them, "Zandre, why did you bring them here?"
"Gohan, you need the help. If this maniac can do everything Trunks said, you two won't last long," she replied, stroking his cheek.
Gohan sighed loudly, "You're right. I'd hate to find out what he'd do if he found out about the rest of you," he replied, pulling her close.
Zandre turned around, Gohan's arm still around her as Goku asked, "What do you mean Gohan?"
Zandre turned to Gohan, smiling as his hand slid from her shoulder to her waist, revealing her condition and said, "You guys are gonna be grandpas, sort of."
Zandre turned to her father, her smile turning to confusion as Goku said, "Guys?"
Her eyes never left her father's as she said, "I told you where... you still haven't Papa?"
Tien stared at her as the others tried to understand what they'd just been told, Gohan answering what he could. Tien's face stayed stern and unreadable, but Zandre could sense all the pain, fear, and doubt he still carried about their situation. She turned away and left the room, Gohan, Bulma, Trunks, and the others following.
Tien slowly followed the others, overhearing Gohan ask, "Where is..?"
"With your grandfather," she replied, glancing at Piccolo.
Piccolo's brow furrowed at their words as he asked, "Okay kid, what's up here?"
Gohan turned into the living room, sitting on the arm of the couch, Zandre staying at his side as he replied, "I'm not exactly sure Piccolo. Trunks and I were helping with some rebuilding across town when some of the kids came running to us. They said this monster suddenly appeared asking where are the halflings."
"They lead us to him and he said he was taking the halflings, alive or dead. We fought him off, but all those trick attacks he did overpowered us. He pulled back and set a pack of robots on us, thinking he had us and left. We got rid of half of them when Zandre showed up and helped," Trunks finished.
"If you want to call taking care of two helping, but you guys really needed us afterward. I just wonder if he knows..." Zandre said, turning to Bulma.
"That they're still alive, that should be obvious," Goku questioned.
Vegeta slapped him upside the head, "No you idiot! That he's found out about her, what she can do!!!"
Gohan's face fell as that sunk in, his arm going around her waist as the next thought bobbed up, coming out in a whisper, "About the twins!"
An alarm system suddenly going off stopped all questions as Trunks and Bulma went to a computer within the far wall. "There's about two dozen of those robots coming this way," Bulma stated.
"From the north, and it looks like he's with them," Trunks added.
Gohan stood, turning to Zandre as she said, "Go, stop them, I'll stay here where it's safe."
"But if he knows... he'll try..."
"Then keep that in mind, use it," Zandre said, walking him to the door.
Piccolo turned to Goku, "She really does know him."
She smiled at them as Gohan hugged her and said, "Don't forget, I'll let you know if he's getting to close. Now go."
He pulled away, seeing only belief, trust, and faith in her eyes. Steeling himself on that alone, Gohan turned and ran outside, the others quickly following. Once all were out, they took off as one.
"Be careful of those claws, they shoot a power web that's twice your own," Gohan sent the thought to the others.
"So you can't escape on your own," Piccolo said over the rushing wind.
"Yeah, and watch it so you..." Trunks started, getting sucker punched as the crab-like robots started appearing all around them.
A gravelly, echo-like laughter started about thirty yards above them, causing both half-Saiyajins to go Super. "So you got some help? I didn't sense any of them until a few minutes ago," he paused, pushing buttons on his claw, "Oh, I see, time travel! I'll have to get the machine when I retrieve the green-haired female. It was wise of her to stay behind, having little fighting experience and that useful healing ability. As for your help, they're not exactly what I want, but they can still be used."
"What do you mean?" Tien asked.
"Well, Saiyajin blood is very scarce in the universe. And as your companions prove, halflings tend to be stronger. The same hold true for your race Xanthan. That's why the female is so important to my plans, a half-Xanthan carrying quarter Saiyajin children. What power!!!" he replied, patiently explaining.
"Raktho, if you even mention her again. I'll ripe your heart out!!!" Gohan yelled, his anger causing the power to surge around them.
"Then come willingly," he replied.
"No"
"My droids will change your mind," Raktho replied, motioning them to attack.
The droids all took a battle stance, a strange black aura surrounding each. Goku and the others were about to power up, surprised when Gohan and Trunks powered down out of Super Saiyajin.
"They determine your power level and absorb some, especially blasts, when they glow like that. Trunks tried to warn you," Gohan stated before they could ask.
"Very observant," Raktho said as the droids attacked, "Something I'll have to instill in those children."
"That's IT!" Gohan screamed, slipping back into Super Saiyajin, suddenly attacking the large crab-man from behind.
"NO!!" both Trunks and Goku yelled as the droids used their shock, overwhelming both temporarily.
Soon droid parts were everywhere, as each of the fighters powered up, avoiding the power webs. Energy was flying in every direction; avoided, blocked, or destroying a droid. A rage-filled yell caused the remaining six to jet straight up. "Now prepare to join me halfling, while I go get your mate," Raktho said, kicking Gohan to the droids.
"NOOOO!!!!!" he screamed as the six encircled him, firing their power webs. His heart-wrenching, pain-filled scream filled the sky as the webs hit their mark.
"Gohan, NO!!!!" Goku yelled as he headed for the two above him. As he brought his hands together, motion caught out of the corner of his eye told Goku he had help.
"Kame-hame-ha!"
"Beam Cannon Fire!"
All six were obliterated in a flash of light, Goku teleporting to barely stop Gohan from hitting the ground, "Daa... Goku. The teleport. Go save Zandre," Gohan groaned as he was sat on the ground.
He didn't even respond, Goku was gone and suddenly back with Zandre in the space of a heartbeat. Her face fell as she saw the state he was in, "No arguments Gohan. Just stay still so I can make it so you can at least stand," she said, her hands glowing green as she forced him to lay down.
Gohan reluctantly agreed, allowing her healing glow to encompass most of his upper body. She closed her eyes halfway through, opening them slowly as they both rose. Taking a deep breath, Zandre suddenly stopped as Gohan and Trunks turned from each other to her.
"He's realized she's here," Tien guessed.
"He seems surprised by the teleport," Piccolo said as the others honed in on Raktho's position.
"What are you waiting for Kakarotto, get her out of here," Vegeta almost yelled.
"What about your place Zandre? That's just as far in the other direction, it'll keep us between you and him," Trunks suggested, offering the obvious safe haven.
"Okay, just picture it in your mind," Goku said, taking Zandre's hand, his other going to his forehead.
As they suddenly disappeared, Gohan called out, "No wait!!!" then abruptly took off.
The others all followed, Trunks and Piccolo trying to overcome Gohan, "Slow down Gohan. What's wrong?"
"Think about it, if he was asking for the halflings, somebody's bound to have told him about her," Gohan yelled over the wind.
Trunks was suddenly running even with Gohan, "So he's probably got some of those droids at her place. Let's just hope Zandre's realized as much," Trunks said, using his guilt and anger as fuel.
"What the..? Where are we?" Goku said as they reappeared within a circle of trees.
"We remembered that he was asking for the halflings, so I had us come out in the forest behind the house, just in case," Zandre replied, pulling Goku through the trees.
They came upon the small clearing that she used as a back yard, finding two droids guarding the back door and two more flying over the house. Zandre stayed within the forest as Goku stepped into the clearing, all becoming one big blur as the fighting started. Forms suddenly became clear as Goku shot into the air, avoiding two power webs that entangled, destroying their droids. Unfortunately, Goku wasn't watching his back, the two remaining shot their webs, both ensnaring him. Zandre formed a ki shield around the twins as she blasted at the droids, forcing them to drop Goku.
"Zandre... Zandre NOOO!!!" Gohan called, his whole body glowing like a ki blast before he disappeared, stopping everyone.
"So he can teleport too," Vegeta grumbled as he started off, kicking into high gear, pulling everyone back to the situation.
Gohan reappeared to find his fear come true. Two droids forty yards above him with Zandre in their webs being shocked.
"Stop my minions, we don't want to harm them," Raktho's gravelly echo suddenly filled the sky.
"Let them go," Goku called as he tried to stop Gohan. Before he could, Gohan shot up to the droids, ready to tear Zandre free with his bare hands.
"I wouldn't, the webs will adjust to yours, hurting her," Raktho called, stopping Gohan. Two more droids approached, flanking him as the others left with her. "I know you can find her. If you can rescue her within two hours, I will leave all of you and your planet alone. If you cannot, I will take all of you with me, alive or dead. You have two hours to decide their fate and yours," the others heard as they approached.
Goku slowly hovered up to join them, the group hovering behind Gohan, still flanked by the droids.
"You know it's a trap," Vegeta stated the obvious.
"But we've got to save her," Trunks said, staring at Gohan, "Too many people need her."
Goku turned to his 'son', seeing all his pain and said, "Piccolo, Vegeta; you two in front. Trunks, we'll stick with Gohan, hopefully to keep him focused. Tien, you watch our backs. As soon as we free Zandre, you get her out of there. Got it?"
A power surge made everyone turn. The energy formed around his 'arms', his left only a silhouette of energy. It suddenly bursts forth from his 'fists', disintegrating the droids at his sides. "Got it!!" he replied, flying to the north.
"So you're awake already Zandre, is that it? It's earlier than I expected, but then you're proficient in many unusual aspects of ki usage," that gravelly voice pulled Zandre awake.
She sat up slowly, only to find herself in a protected cell, "Growing up in a chaotic world, you train yourself for anything," she calmly replied as she approached him, stopping a couple of feet from the shield wall.
Zandre received what she could only guess was a smirk as the flesh on the left side of his face moved up, revealing more of the dark orange shell that should be his mouth, "Too true. And learning to absorb some of any energy attack is an extremely useful ability. I'll have plenty of time to determine any others. Your friends have less than two hours, if they don't manage to free you, you're all coming with me," Raktho agreed, turning to leave.
"You'll find I'm full of surprises," Zandre called to his back, carefully revealing her true power level.
"What the hell?!?" Vegeta called as everyone but Gohan jumped as a high power suddenly became apparent.
Trunks turned to Gohan, seeing a small amount of relief come to him, "Is it...?"
"It's her. She's trying to help," Gohan said, pulling them along.
He turned to find Tien beside him, barely understanding his mumble, "It's familiar, but so much stronger."
"A lot can change in twenty-four years," Gohan tartly replied, trying to control his anger.
Everyone turned to him, amazed at his complete focus as they followed the mountain range. The claw-like ship was at the end of the range; the claw open with two parallel lines of droids pouring out of the hatch between the pinchers.
Gohan turned his power and pain inward; landing a few hundred feet from the first droids, the others slowly joining him. Fighting to maintain control, Gohan started down the row, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him, "They would have attacked already. Raktho's doing this to test me, to try and get me willingly," Gohan stated, shaking the grip.
"So he's arrived. You'll have to excuse me as I go and retrieve me prize," Raktho's echo called out, waking Zandre.
"No, I've got to get out there. Gohan hang on," she pleaded.
They were almost at the hatch, when that gravelly echoing laughter started behind them. All turned to find Raktho hovering behind them, "Why do we have to fight? I am offering you so much, why do you refuse?"
"I have all I could ever want here," Gohan replied, barely noticing the others circling him, prepared to watch his back.
"No, you DID! I have her and them now. If you don't want them hurt anymore, you'll give up and join me," Raktho calmly replied.
That was it, the energy suddenly burst around him, taking Gohan into Super Saiyajin, "Enough Raktho! WHERE IS SHE?"
"You have to defeat me first boy," he replied.
"Oh Gohan, hold on!! Don't let the anger take control!" she tried to call as she pulled herself down the corridor, hopefully outside.
Raktho caught him off-guard, Gohan swore he heard her trying to call him. He pulled back to regroup, taking a brief glance below to see his 'father' and the others finish the last of the droids. They soon circled Raktho and he realized all had some injury, even Piccolo and Vegeta. "Let them go Raktho. This is between you and me," Gohan called to the crab-man, the others surprised by his words.
"Gohan no, I'm not leaving!" Trunks called from his position between Goku and Vegeta.
That gravelly echoing chuckle returned, "You are right, you are the one I really want. But the others, especially your mate and those children can be as useful to me, so why would I let them leave? Besides I doubt they would even if I offered," Raktho replied.
"Damn right!" Piccolo called as he, Vegeta and Tien all attacked.
Gohan hovered there, observing the fighting; Raktho's movements and the different moves this other group of friends had. A mental touch made him jump, hoping against hope, 'Zandre?'
'No, it's me son. Do you see anything we could use?' Goku mind-stated, hoping to keep him focused.
'Not that' Gohan stated as a small blast bounced off Raktho's shell, wizing past Goku.
'I see. But look at that,' Goku replied as Vegeta let his ki manifest around his leg and started kicking between shell plates and a point it was cracked. Raktho stopped momentarily in pain, before throwing Tien into Vegeta, making him stop.
'Trunks did you...' Gohan started.
'I saw it Gohan,' Trunks interrupted, both of them suddenly jumped.
'What?' Goku tried to get it out of either.
'Pull back now!!' both half-Saiyajins mind-yelled, causing the three to jump and pull back.
Raktho suddenly opened his claw, thrusting it forward, the web suddenly extending, capturing Goku.
"No Goku!!! Hold on guys, I'm coming."
The others all crowded around Raktho, keeping their ki's manifested around their arms and legs, hitting his weak spots. Gohan stopped his attack on Raktho's mid-section as he felt the crab-man react to Trunks punch on his claw arm. Gohan raised his combined 'fists' above his head, pouring all his power into it.
"NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!" Raktho yelled in agony as the claw shell cracked, the web retracting.
Gohan turned quickly, expecting to find Goku on the ground, only to find Piccolo supporting him. 'I'll be okay in a few minutes son,' Goku's mind-voice whispered in his head.
Gohan turned to Piccolo, who nodded in agreement and understanding, "That's the last straw Raktho! This ends now!!!"
"If you insist."
She finally got outside, slipping from the ship to one of the many piles of broken droids. She stopped as she saw the fight ahead and above her. They were both attacking physically; she sensed Gohan didn't have enough left, Raktho fighting so he could keep Gohan alive. She moved out in the open, about the call out when that power web shot out, capturing Gohan.
"I grow tired of this. You will not come willingly, so you will come with me dead," Raktho said as he sent the power into the web, everyone jumping back as the immense power manifested, it's crackling drowning out Gohan's screams.
"NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed, and remembering what she 'saw' as they freed Goku, sent her most powerful blast directly into the cracks in the claw.
Raktho screamed in agony as the web opened, dropping Gohan to the ground. Raktho turned to her, the web flailing out of control and still increasing in power, calling out, "YOU!" flinging the webbing at her.
As soon as it contacted, Zandre screamed in pain as the webbing wrapped around her, flinging her into the destroyed droids behind her. Tien, Trunks, and Vegeta were about to attack Raktho from behind when Goku and Piccolo both said, "Don't" not taking their eyes off Gohan.
He was looking in her direction as soon as the blast hit, eyes still on her as he fell. Knowing his love, his children were being hurt pushed his anger over the edge and he started tapping into a power he hadn't for years. The first outburst was almost always the same, a giant push at anything and everything around him, this time pushing him onto his feet. Gohan cupped his 'hands' in front of him, pulling all that extra power into them, yelling, "Here's my answer Raktho!"
The crab-man turned just in time to take the beam in the stomach, the power filling him up, pouring out his other wounds. Gohan balled up all his anger into the rest of the energy, throwing it all at Raktho with no sign of regret.
He fell to his knees, a small part of him happy to send Raktho to the next dimension, a much larger part happy to know his family was safe again. That thought alone made him rush to where she landed, taking off at top speed to Capsule Corp. with her in his 'arms', that strange green glow covering her.
"I though his training would..." Goku muttered.
"It didn't," Piccolo stated, equally dumbfounded as they followed Gohan.
They found him in the infirmary, leaning his head on the narrow strip of wall between the door and observation window, trying hard to control his emotions. They looked through the window to find her lying in bed, Bulma checking her over, her strange green healing glow encompassing her whole body.
"Something's wrong," Tien jumped as the words came out.
"Why, her healing's working. What's wrong?" Trunks asked, turning to Gohan.
He raised his fist, about to pound the wall but stopped, knowing it would only bring the building down on her. "I don't know. It doesn't work like that. She hasn't woken up yet. I can't feel her..." it dangled as he turned to the window, a few stray tears rolling down his cheeks as he stared.
Bulma gently covered her up and joined them. "I don't know what's happened to her. She's covered with minor burns, her body's acting like it's been electrocuted. She's got a slight fracture in her right leg, I'm not sure what happened to her left hand. Most of her ribs and back are bruised and she's got a slight concussion."
"Did she wake up Mom, did she say anything?"
"No, but the twins are just perfect," she replied, placing a caring hand on Gohan's empty shoulder.
"Poor Zandre-san," a new voice added.
Everyone turned to find a grayed version of the large man. "Grandpa, if you're.. then where's...?" Ox just tried to smile as a small hand took Gohan's.
"She will be alright Gohan. You shall see," his soft voice said as everyone turned to him.
Grabbing onto the tiny piece of hope Aiko gave him, Gohan led him to Zandre's bedside, putting him down beside her. "Help her little one, please," his voice wavered.
"No, I can't. She told me never to help her if hers was working this way," Aiko replied as he crawled up to sit by her left shoulder, placing her bad hand in his lap, holding on.
"Why did she say that?" Goku asked as Gohan turned away in anger.
"'cause this just means my healing's weakened," her low whisper made everyone jump.
Gohan spun around to see half-open blue-green eyes smiling at him through her healing glow. He leaned over Aiko and kissed her deeply. As they pulled apart, he rested his forehead on hers, both whispering, "Promised."
Gohan sat in the chair, everyone, even Vegeta staring in shock at the two on the bed. Trunks broke through the silence, "Why's it still...?"
"Cause it's still working, a little. It's also fixin' itself so it keeps goin'" she replied slowly, her whisper slowly getting stronger. "It's happened before, probably take til tomorrow afternoon to finish."
"Why don't you let him help Zandre-san?" Ox asked.
"I don't need it. And we don't know what combining the two would do," she said, taking her hand out of his lap, "'sides he's got others to help," she added, turning to Gohan and Goku, then Aiko, smiling her approval.
The little Namek stood, went to Gohan and asked, "Do you want me to help you?"
Gohan placed his hand on Aiko's shoulder and smiled, "I'd be honored if you would little brother."
Aiko smiled at the show of affection as he placed both hands on Gohan's arm. A golden glow slowly encompassed them, small balls of that light flowing from Aiko to Gohan, concentrating around his injuries. The balls slowly faded as his injuries healed, and as the last one died out, the glow slowly left. "Thank you little one," Gohan said as his hand slid down Aiko's arm.
"You're welcome brother," Aiko replied, bowing before going to Goku. "Do you want me to help you?" he repeated.
Goku stood shocked, "Why do you ask?"
"Zandre asks when she can. And some people aren't used to me yet," he replied with that innocent child-like knowledge, "Can I help?"
"Sure," Goku replied, still uneasy about it. Aiko bowed in respect then placed his hands on Goku's left shoulder he was favoring. The glow and balls reappeared, making Goku better and a little stronger than before. He suddenly felt those two little hands leave his shoulder. "Wow, I feel great! Thank you little one," Goku exclaimed, hugging him.
Zandre looked at both Gohan and Piccolo, seeing a tiny bit of regret and longing peeking through. She smiled and said, "Anyone else?"
The others all declined, not as injured as the Son clan. Aiko innocently shrugged at them and was about to go back to the head of the bed, only to witness Zandre yawn. She smiled at him and said to the others, "If there's no more questions for now, I'll go back to sleep." She shifted so she was on her side, facing Gohan.
"Can I sleep with you Zandre?"
"Sure little one, be careful though," she replied, watching him curl up behind her knees, head resting on her thigh. She reached out, gently stoking his head as he mumbled, half-asleep, "I love you Zandre-chan."
"I love you too, my little love," she replied, stroking him to sleep.
"Are the Nameks still here?" Vegeta asked the only rational explanation coming to him.
Zandre turned her gaze from Aiko to Gohan, who was smiling softly, then Piccolo, "No. He's actually yours."
Everyone stood by in shock, watching as the knowledge slowly sunk into Piccolo. He 'humph'ed lowly, trying to hide his feelings and said, "Makes sense, I guess."
"I've got him 'cause..." she stopped, trying to stifle a yawn.
Gohan gently stroked her cheek, "Go to sleep love. I'll explain it," he said, stroking Aiko's head as she closed her eyes.
She slowly woke up to find Gohan's head pillowed on the bed, his hand lying next to her stomach. She slowly turned to the foot of the bed to find Goku there, smiling at the picture they made. "He's a lucky man," he replied, nodding toward his sleeping 'son', "He found you."
Zandre smiled, turning to run her hand through his hair, "Technically, I found him, but he'd probably agree completely. He's had such a hard life."
"Without his father," Goku said, coming to stand behind Gohan's chair.
"He lost his father, but he always knows how his father feels about him. He knows 'you' love him and are proud of him."
Goku smiled at her words of encouragement, "I hope so."
"I know so," Gohan mumbled as he slowly sat up, turning to his 'father'.
They sat there for a while, all the unspoken feelings passing between the two. Goku broke the connection with a soft chuckle, nodding toward the bed. Gohan spun around to find Zandre asleep again with Aiko asleep in her arms. He smiled softly, "She's helped me with so much...Goku. She's helped me with my guilt, my anger, getting me adjusted to this," his hand floated to his left shoulder, "But the greatest thing she's done is give me a better understanding of you."
"What do you mean 'son'?" Goku asked, trying to instill the connection.
"Well.. 'dad', having someone that special, someone that I know I've got to fight for, survive for, that loves me that completely has made me realize why you always fought so hard, with more than you had. The least I could do is love her as deeply," Gohan replied, rolling his chair up so he could lay his head next to hers.
Goku could only smile, overjoyed to find out this 'son' had found such love, such happiness in such a chaotic world. "Soon, you'll have two more."
He almost laughed, watching Gohan yawn, replying, "I can hardly wait."
His grumbling stomach woke him up, a slight giggle showing he wasn't the only one. He sat up a little to find her eyes barely open, smiling at him. "Bring me back something too," she mumbled.
Realizing she'd be okay if he left, Gohan leaned over Aiko, giving her a short yet meaningful kiss. She smiled at him, those blue-green eyes slowly sliding shut as he rose, turning to go. He was mildly surprised to find Tien staring at her through the observation window. Gohan quietly opened the door, standing beside Tien, watching the triclops, 'Xanthan' as Raktho called him, stare at his mate.
Gohan turned his gaze to her, saying, "She never gave up. She always believed you'd come for them. She kept going after losing all of you on your advice alone. She's never lost faith in us. Kept rebuilding mine. She's the reason I'm still alive, she wouldn't let me die," he paused, catching Tien's head falling out of the corner of his eye.
"She lives her whole life by one rule, 'I have to make Papa proud of me'. Believe me, you'd be extremely proud of her," Gohan finished, leaving.
When he returned, Tien was gone.
Her healing concentrating in her hand brought her to that half-sleep state, someone drawing the curtains pulling her out. Zandre smiled at Bulma as she turned from the window, "Good morning."
"Oh sorry Zandre. You should still be asleep, your hand is still..." Bulma let it hang as Zandre raised her left hand to her face, noticing the wrist brace.
"It should be okay if I leave this on. The actual healing's done, it's just stiff and sore," she replied as Bulma wheeled her breakfast over, "So where is everyone, they take them back?"
Bulma gave her a bemused smile, "No it's become father-son day."
"Even Aiko?"
"Yes, they went to Kami's Lookout. That's got to be the weird one, considering he's got Piccolo's memories," Bulma mused, going back to the window, a concerned look crossing her face.
"He'll be alright, you'll see," Zandre stated, trying to quell Bulma's worry.
The older woman just smiled, turning away and leaving her alone with her meal and her own worries.
After breakfast, Zandre went to her quarters to shower and change. As she came out of the bathroom to brush her hair, she found her 'father' standing in the doorway. She quickly got started brushing, conscious of her 'father's' ever-watchful gaze. She had just finished the braid, about to go for the tie, when she stopped. He was right behind her, holding it out to her. She quickly put it on as she went to the window, watching her love amaze his 'father'.
"What's this?" she heard his gruff voice behind her.
She turned to find him sitting on the bed, her sketchpad in his hands. Her hand absently floated to her stomach, "These two. Or at least how I saw them in a dream I had when I was healing."
His head suddenly snapped up, a concerned look in his eyes, "A healing dream, tell me about it."
She stared at him in confusion, "It was their fourth birthday and we came to your time because they wanted to meet their grandparents. You were all meeting at Goku's for Gohan's set's third. I found out 'I' died after having them from some complications and being too weak to heal 'myself' because 'I'd' been healing everyone from battling something called Majin Buu. Why?"
He looked up at her, surprised, "You don't remember the other time, do you? You were four and you fell down the stairs. We got worried when you slept through all of your healing. When it was finished, you woke up screaming 'Papa No!' You told us about a dream you had that a tiger got within the walls and attacked us, killing me. Three days later one did, you started ordering people to do things and we got it out. You ran to me saying 'You didn't die Papa! You didn't die!'"
She slowly sat beside him, the memories resurfacing, "So if I dream when I'm healing, it'll come true."
He just nodded, handing her the pad.
"So... you'll tell her... if you..." she started to ask, stopping as he went to the window.
Minutes passed as they tried to figure out how to word their feelings, their worries.
"She really did love you. No one could ever take your place, for either of us," Zandre stated, breaking the silence.
He barely nodded, adding, "Gohan said you never gave up."
She chuckled slightly, "Tried running away twice. I even set it so I'd know the second you came to town."
She slowly rose, taking his left hand and leaning her head tentatively on his shoulder, "Even though I barely knew you, I'll always love you. You're last words run through my mind every time I doubt myself."
His right hand slowly went to her face, stroking her cheek as he repeated them, with more emotion than before, "I love you Zandre."
She closed her eyes, feeling a few tears run away, her voice choked with emotion, "I love you too Papa."
They stayed that way for a long time until his soft chuckle made her open her eyes. "Gohan's giving Goku a hard lesson."
Zandre looked out the window to find everyone returned, watching the Son men spar. She smiled fondly at the father of her children, "He's had much to re-learn, but adapting has only made him stronger, as a man and a warrior."
Tien turned to his 'daughter', trying to gauge her true feelings, "He means much to you."
"More than you know. Ever since we met, I knew we'd always be there for each other. Our lives are so similar, we've helped each other through so much. What else can I do but love him?" she said, pulling away and going outside, pulling him along.
They joined the group, finding Goku trying to get a punch through Gohan's defenses, both of them looking so serious. Aiko's little hand found her bad one again, holding as tight as he should as the Son men jumped apart, Gohan laughing at his father. "Surprised?" he asked between chuckles.
Goku stood tall, aware their momentum was gone and replied, "More like amazed. You've completely adjusted, probably even improved in how many months?"
"About seven," he replied solemnly as they approached each other.
Goku's hand went to Gohan's left shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze, "It's just made me more proud of you, if that's possible," he said, pulling him into a hug.
"I hope you didn't get hurt too bad, because I'm not healing you," Zandre called, trying to lighten the mood.
"Me neither!" Aiko added, causing everyone to laugh as the 'father' and 'son' pulled apart.
Gohan went over to her, taking her left hand in his, "Zandre if it's still... you should be..." got stopped by her fingers pressing to his lips.
"If it was that bad, I still would be."
Aiko tugged on Gohan's pant leg, "It's healed, it's just weak and stiff. Don't you trust her?"
"Of course I do, I worry because I love her," Gohan replied, his eyes locked on hers.
Zandre just smiled at him as she picked up Aiko, holding him on her right, catching a strange glance from Piccolo. A feeling of loss overcame her as the whole group feel silent, the eminent hanging over them. Seeing Gohan take her hand in his brought up the confusion of last night, "So how did you do that?" Bulma asked, trying to postpone the good-byes.
Zandre turned her gaze to her hand, "He had me in a shielded cell, and I ran through, trying to absorb some of the energy. But getting out, I fell down a flight of stairs and that's how I cracked my leg. When I figured the way out, some of those droids had just passed through a locked door. I put my hand out, expecting it to reopen. It did, after it crushed my hand. Everything else happened cause I'd gotten zapped by Raktho," she replied as Gohan pulled her close.
There was a moment of silence as everyone realized what she went through yesterday, broken by Zandre's attempt to laugh it off, "So which one of you's taking them back?"
Trunks and Gohan turned to each other, something unspoken passing between them before Trunks responded, "I will." As everyone headed to the garage the time machine was in.
They all stop as they approached the machine, the earlier uneasiness returning. Goku decided to break it. He approached Gohan and Zandre, smiling, "Just remember your love and mine for you and these two," he placed a hand on her stomach, and any others will grow happy and strong," he finished, hugging Zandre and Aiko.
He turned to his 'son' again, "Take care of him Zandre."
"I will Goku-san, I will," she replied as 'father' and 'son' hugged one last time.
As Goku stepped back, Tien stepped up. 'Father' and 'daughter' stared into each other's eyes, suddenly hugging fiercely, both saying, "Remember." When they pulled apart, Tien turned to Gohan, smiling, "I didn't expect this, but I know you'll love and protect her and them," Tien replied, his hand going to her stomach.
"With more than I've got, Tien-san," Gohan replied, taking her hand again.
Surprisingly Piccolo approached Zandre, who was still holding Aiko. Not a word passed between them until Aiko broke the silence, "He wants to thank you."
She turned to Aiko, "We should be thanking him Aiko, after all, he's the one that left you with me," she then turned to Piccolo, catching a genuine smile of appreciation and happiness on his face, "But you're welcome anyway," she replied.
Aiko then suddenly jumped out of her arms, wrapping his around Piccolo's neck saying, "Thanks Papa."
Piccolo, to the surprise of everyone, returned the hug.
As Piccolo placed his 'son' down beside Zandre, she noticed Trunks had the machine ready to go, Vegeta already getting inside. She turned to find Goku, Piccolo, and Gohan in their own silent form of good-bye. A hand on her shoulder caused her to turn into her 'father's' hug one last time, almost afraid to let go.
"Good-bye my dear one," he choked out, using her almost forgotten pet name. He slowly pulled back, showing her the tears in his eyes. "Raise your dear ones with love."
"I will Papa, I will," she replied as he wiped her tears, leaning in to kiss her forehead, "Good-bye Papa-san."
They pulled apart and never lost eye contact until he lowered himself into the machine. The boom and flash of light occurred and the fathers were back where they should be. Gohan joined Bulma and beaconed Aiko to join them. As the little Namek approached them he whispered, "She's crying."
"I know little brother, I know," he replied taking Aiko's hand.
Bulma looked like she was about to go to Zandre, when Aiko took her hand, stopping her, "Don't Bulma-san," he stated.
She turned to Gohan, seeing concern and acceptance cross his face, "But why?"
He turned back to Zandre, "She finally got to say good-bye," he replied.