Trunks cursed himself for using so much energy during his sparring with Goku. I should have been ready for something to happen. I should have been prepared to go back at any time.

He had at least thought far enough ahead to have his sword and fighting clothes capsulized and in his pocket for safe keeping, but other than that, he was flying to the most important trial of his life unprepared.

Goku kept pace with his friend and Trunks felt the lightening of his heart happen again as he looked over at the dark haired man. I'm going to miss that feeling… Trunks thought to himself sadly.

He hadn't even gotten to say goodbye to Chi Chi or Gohan before he left. Then again, he wasn't sure how he would have been able to… It would have been like saying goodbye to all of his dreams…

Trunks frowned at himself and Goku called over, "It's okay, Trunks. Bulma's a fighter. She'll make it until we get there."

The lilac strands were whipped into his eyes as trunks turned his head to look at his friend. "We?" He had never stopped to consider someone being there with him. He was back in "Future Trunks" mode as he called it. Always fighting, always alone…

"Well, yeah," Goku called over the wind. "You don't think I'd let you face those monsters alone, right?" he shrugged as if stating the obvious. "I mean, you're part of the family. And besides, I want to see how I do against those androids. You're not the only one who they owe a debt to."

Trunks' heart received a jolt that had nothing to do with premonitions and he smiled even as it hurt. Part of the family… It was hard for Trunks to believe, and yet… He really had become a part of the family. It was true. He really had had a complete family here.

Still, he thought fiercely. I have family there, in the future, too. And I will not abandon her.

He sped up as much as he could with his returning strength and Goku matched speed. Logic caught up to Trunks and he said, "Goku. How can you come back with me? That would leave no you here. And we can't both leave the Z-fighters to die or history would repeat itself. We just can't let that happen."

Goku nodded, eyebrows creating a thoughtful frown upon his features. "I thought you said that there were two trips left on that machine. Remember? Because the original plan was to go home the day you got here and return in three years to help us with the androids. I figured you could just drop me off when you come back."

Trunks still didn't like risking it. "But what if you die there?"

Goku laughed. "Not likely. Not with the levels we're at. But even if I did not return, history would not repeat itself," Goku said firmly. "This time, I've prepared Gohan to take my place. And I really think he can do it, you know."

Trunks thought about that and realized the little Gohan he knew now was already almost as strong as his mentor had been. All he needed to do now was turn into a Super Saiyan and he'd be stronger. But not only that, but with Chi Chi there, Trunks was sure Gohan would continue to train at least for these next two years. He really probably could beat the androids in this timeline.

Trunks nodded and said, "Thank you, Goku. It means more than you could know to have you there with me."

Goku smiled. "Not a problem. I owe you anyway."

The light purple eyebrows raised in an unasked question.

"I'm not blind to what you've done for my family, Trunks." The ebony eyes twinkled. "You staying with us was the best thing that could have ever happened to Chi Chi, Gohan or me. I know this sounds strange, but I've never gotten to know my wife before. I was almost always training in the woods and she always was at home, forcing Gohan to study… I just didn't understand her."

Trunks nodded for Goku to continue.

He sighed. "But then you came. Chi Chi would talk to you and sometimes I would overhear. I began to understand who she was and what she felt in a way I never could before. It was like falling in love, but less painful than the first time," Goku chuckled, remembering how he had gotten his 'bride' at such a young age. "I came to love who she was and she came to understand my love of fighting through you. And not only that, but seeing her cheer on our son when he spars against you…"

Trunks watched the gentle smile that formed on his friend's face at these words and felt the glow of happiness emanating from Goku warm his own heart.

"And then Gohan himself. I never trusted him as much as you did. It took me a lot to not hold back and trust that he would rise to the challenge. Before you came along, I would push him, but not like an adult. Not like the person he is. Without you, I couldn't leave earth without fearing for it, but now, I've seen my son's strength," he smiled as only a proud father could. "And I've seen his potential to become even more powerful than I am. And so, now I don't feel I have to stand on my own." The dark eyes glittered with hope. "And it's all because of you."

Trunks blushed. All he had meant to do was bring their family together as much as possible…probably just out of guilt for his own. He had no idea… He didn't realize how much he had done… And Goku had not helped him with most of that.

Maybe he hadn't needed to come to the future to find hope and love… Maybe it had been inside him the whole time…

He looked at the sky and for the first time, he believed that he could bring back everything his mother had wanted so badly. Until now, he had half-heartedly wished, but now he knew.

He knew that the same feeling he got around Goku, was the feeling he himself gave others, including his friend. He knew now that he had always had hope inside of him. Without it, he could have never fought for those he loved.

And with that thought in mind, he raced to the future to change the world, his best friend at his side and hope in their hearts.